Asian Voice

SEE INSIDE ....

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

Health & Healing Vinegar as a readymade measure to cure toenail fungus See Page - 30

BollyCat Deepika doesn’t believe in size zero See Page -21

VOICE

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

VOL 38. ISSUE 45

'79,>1,- ,1:+7<6;-, )9-: 0)3) <*)1 -401 7) $91=)6,9<5

A A A A A

)9)+01 )6/373 #16/)879++9) )/7:

A A A A A

#$ " # #!

"

# "#

80p

#8-+1)4 8)+3)/-: ;7

( !

?8-91-6+- ;0- *-)<;@ 7. *)+3>);-9: 7.

B 7,C: 7>6 +7<6;9@C

88716;-, /-6; .79 )44 5)279 )19416-:

&)&04 1 '#!0 0, 2 &)

Kapil Sibal

While the foreign universities would follow the

national laws, they will not have to give reservation in admission to SC/ST/OBC students.

The bill treats them as private universities. Even Indian private universities are free of quota-based admissions.

Similarly, foreign universities will have freedom to fix fees and decide their admission process.

The foreign universities will not be allowed to repatriate profit made from Indian campus through education.

Continued on page 23

. 2#) #$$#!0&2# $.,* 0% -.&)

/1 '#!0 0, 2 &)

&)&04

-#+ " 4/ 3##(

See Page - 10

20th March to 26th March 2010

$" &

$ %"#

"75.79, "7), )679 !)93 76,76

Labour MP Ashok Kumar found dead

No profit repatriation, no quota for admissions to students would lead to a ‘‘larger revolution than even in the telecom sector’’.

Once it is cleared, some of the top foreign universities, said to be waiting in the wings, are expected to set up campuses in India. The Atlantabased Georgia Tech University has already bought 250 acres in Hyderabad. Although Yale University is interested in having a presence in India, and welcomed the cabinet clearance, it said that there were no plans as of now to set up a campus here.

Lib Dem MP speaks to IJA members

#

Now, India to have Foreign Universities

India has taken another step forward in allowing foreign universities to set up their campuses in India. The Union Cabinet has okayed the Foreign Educational Institutions (regulation of entry and operation) Bill. It is likely to be introduced in the current session of the parliament itself.

The bill is expected to not only shake up the market but also throw up exciting possibilities for top Indian teachers. An excited HRD minister Kapil Sibal said the bill

See Page -11

5)14 :)4-: :)5;9)=-4 +7 <3 >>> :)5;9)=-4 +75

#

%" #$ "

Face to Face with Gunveena Chadha

-9)4)

7) <*)1 )9-):; 5-91+) <978-

#!

SEE INSIDE ....

.

5

Labour MP Ashok Kumar was found dead on Monday morning at his home in Middlesbrough.

A spokesman said, it was being treated as a 'sudden accidental death'. Dr Kumar, who was 53, represented Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.

Worried staff had sent a workman to his home when they were unable to reach him by phone. The police were called when the man was unable to get inside Dr Kumar’s home.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: 'Police were called to an address in Marton, Middlesbrough, at 12.30pm on Monday

Ashok Kumar, MP

15th March. Officers entered the property and found the body of a man in his 50s. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.' He added that it was too early to rule out the possibility of foul play.

Continued on page 23

&.#!0

333 0. 2)&+/04)# !,*

2

www.abplgroup.com

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

one to one Keith Vaz MP with

Dr Roger Gadsby BSc MB ChB DCH DRCOG FRCGP Warwick Medical School

I am the first person in our family to train as a doctor. At school I was interested in sciences, and wanted to work with people. Choosing medicine enabled me to combine these.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

The first has to be receiving an MBE from the Queen for services to medicine and diabetes care in November 2009.

The second is developing courses in diabetes for healthcare professionals.

Nearly 10,000 have taken the Warwick certificate

I would like to name two.

Professor Harry Keen who is one of the most well known senior figures in diabetes in the world has been hugely supportive. Professor Sir Muir Gray the NHS Chief Knowledge Officer is an inspirational thinker. He has given me opportunities to serve the NHS and has always been very encouraging and supportive.

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

programme, enabling them to improve the care of the increasing numbers of people with diabetes in the community.

I am now able to combine diabetes education development and teaching with research.

8) And the worst?

3) What do you think is the biggest issue facing the profession today?

Trying

I am about to retire from normal general practice to spent more time on research. I hope to spend part of each week for the next 5 years researching diabetes and other issues in people living in Care homes, with the aim to try and improve their quality of life. I would like to get a PhD at the end.

4) What are your long

Would you like help and advice with making a claim or are you unhappy with the way your claim is being handled by your current solicitors? Our team of personal injury specialists successfully concludes thousands of cases every year.

No Win, No Fee! Receive your compensation in full with No deductions for lawyers or insurance Lawyers based in all areas of London, the South East and Midlands

If you have suffered an injury or had an accident which wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation!

Passenger / driver in a Road traffic accident Accident at work Slipping / tripping Criminal Injuries Injuries to children

For further information or to make a claim call Shashi Patel or Mitesh Patel from our Gujarati Speaking Personal Injury team FREE on

0800 118899 Website: www.levenes.co.uk Email: info@levenes.co.uk

SOLICITORS

Offices throughout the UK

to

get

income and ethical approval to do research in Care homes . Research to improve the quality of life for older frail people isn’t seen as a priority by funders, and getting ethical approval can be hard.

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

I would make the NHS more independent of parliamentary politics. Let the government set the NHS budget and let an independent committee decide how the money should be used following evidenced based strategy and long term plans.

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

As a follower of Jesus Christ it would be wonderful to be able spend time with him on a desert island. It also be good to be able to talk with Mahatma Gandi to learn more about how he was able to harness the power of non violent protest..

grant

UK NEWS

term goals?

For me today it is the trend I see towards the “over medicalisation” of many aspects of life in the developed world. One example would be the many people who go to the doctor for treatment of “depression” when they are actually responding perfectly normally to difficult situation in their lives.

Have you had an accident in the last 3 years?

I have been very fortunate not to have many obstacles! I guess an academic obstacle has been not having time to have studied for a research degree early in my career 6) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?

Dr Roger Gadsby qualified in medicine at Birmingham University in 1974. After postgraduate training in Birmingham and Stoke on Trent he joined the Redroofs practice in Nuneaton in 1979 and has been Senior Partner in this 9 doctor teaching practice since 1999. He began a practice diabetes clinic in 1984 and has been speaking and writing about diabetes ever since. He has written four diabetes textbooks, 10 textbook chapters and over 200 articles and papers.

He is now an Associate Clinical Professor at Warwick Medical School. He developed, with others, Warwick Diabetes Care. He is Clinical Lead for the Diabetes specialist library for the National Library For Health (NLH). He was a founder member of the Primary Care Diabetes Society (PCDS) in the UK. He was awarded an MBE for “services to diabetes and the NHS” in the Queens birthday honours list in June 2009.

1) What inspired you to begin a medical career?

5) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

Lords to be elected ''Senate'' Labour this week was looking seriously at replacing the House of Lords with a fully elected chamber and will put plans in its general election manifesto, according to Transport Secretary Lord Andrew Adonis.

Also, rather than the current 740 members, the new chamber – which could be called The Senate – would contain around 300.

"The time has now come to make it legitimate in the only way that a legislative assembly can be legitimate in the modern world, which is to be elected," Adonis said. "We can

do it in this country as most democracies do it: we'd have two chambers, both of which are elected but with the government accountable to the first chamber."

Jack Straw would be setting out full proposals "very shortly", Adonis told the BBC, adding: "There will be firm proposals in our manifesto for an elected House of Lords."

Although Adonis didn't elaborate further, reports in The Sunday Telegraph suggested that a proportional representation system would be used to select members of the altered chamber, with voting taking place at the same time as general elections and one third of members being elected to serve three terms, with a maximum of 15 years.

MPs criticise Trevor Phillips Embattled equalities watchdog chairman Trevor Phillips has been criticised by an influential group of MPs and peers.

The Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) voiced concerns over Mr Phillips' leadership and questioned Cabinet minister Harriet Harman's decision to push through his reappointment.

The findings follow the resignation of six commissioners from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) last year in protest at Mr Phillips' chairmanship.

They had complained that the body's board was dysfunctional, with members feeling intimidated by Mr Phillips and warned that his links to a consultancy

firm were a potential conflict of interest.

In its report, the JCHR conceded that establishing the Commission by merging other watchdogs in 2007 and developing a "strong corporate board" had been a challenging task, but added: "We conclude that in the early years of the EHRC's existence this was not done successfully, for which the chair must bear responsibility."

The committee also took issue with the way Mrs Harman, the equalities minister, reappointed Mr Phillips to his £112,000 post for another three years. "In our view, the reappointment of the chair and deputy chair of the EHRC should on this

occasion have been subject to open competition, to help restore confidence in the organisation and its leadership following the well-publicised difficulties the EHRC faced in 2009.

The Minister's decision simply to reappoint Mr Phillips without any parliamentary involvement could undermine the perceived independence of the Commission and put its accreditation as a national human rights institution at risk."

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

COMMENT

Putin visit strengthens Indo-Russian ties The India-Russian relationship is among the most enduring and significant in the post-war era. It started way back in 1947 when India emerged as an independent state following almost two centuries British imperial rule.

Europe and Asia were in the early stages of their recovery from the ravages of World War II. The breakdown of trust between the wartime allies, the US, USSR and UK marked the beginning of the Cold War between the emergent superpowers, the US and USSR, whose political differences were compounded by a vast ideological gulf: capitalist democracy versus communist dictatorship. India and other newly independent states in Asia initially, and subsequently Africa, were caught between a rock and a hard place.

However, between the two monolithic power blocs there were myriad national disputes and rivalries, some of which meshed in with those dividing the US and USSR. So much for the larger picture. The new Indian leaders were committed to a democratic India wedded to the rule of law and determined to stay clear of the global power blocs. There was much to be done in a country traumatised by a bloody partition. Not only would it have to be restored to health, but its transformation into a modern, industrialised state from a poor, socially backward and economically underdeveloped polity also required urgent and sustained attention. It was a daunting task, and, warts and all, India's achievements have been impressive by any yardstick.

But the journey has not been easy.

Primordial cleavages with neighbouring Pakistan were compounded by its prescriptive place as a US Cold War ally. Islamabad used this as a tool against India, while for Washington, Pakistan was a means to leverage India. To this duo was later added Communist China, ferociously xenophobic and irredentist.

Against this unpromising background India and the Soviet Union commenced a cautious dialogue whose pace quickened with the years as their national interests converged. Moscow helped India set the platform for industrialisation and went on to supply it with much needed arms in an increasingly volatile neighbourhood.

The West was mostly tardy with economic aid and frequently in total denial on technology. The

trust deficit is especially clear over their respective goals in Afghanistan. Prime Ministers Singh and Putin “agreed to intensify [our] consultations on Afghanistan and the challenges posed by terrorism and extremism in [our] region.”

Before his talks with the Indian prime minister, in an unprecedented video conference with businessmen from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore, Mr Putin said terror groups operating from Pakistan were a cause for concern for both India and Russia. Emphasising the proximity of India and Russia to the Afghan border, Mr Putin warned that the situation in Afghanistan would impact the security of both countries.

India and Russia are mistrustful of Nato plans to separate the good from the bad Taliban, offering the former sweeteners to change sides preparatory to handing Afghanistan over to them and their Pakistani overlords. The US military permitted some 700 members of Pakistan's InterServices Intelligence (ISI) to slip away at Kunduz in 2001 during operations against the Afghan Taliban. They lived to fight again, as the horrors of 26/11 in Mumbai remind us. To ignore such lessons is to invite future failure.

At the conclusion of his talks with his Russian counterpart, Dr Singh said: “In the runup to and during Mr Putin's visit, we finalised several important and long pending defence cooperation projects which will deepen our longstanding partnership in this vital sector. We have signed the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Co-operation in Atomic Energy and agreed upon a road map for construction of nuclear power plants. An MoU for bilateral co-operation in Russia's satellite system [Glonas] has been agreed upon.” The India-Russia is attuned to the requirements of the 21st century. It can only go forward.

To an Indian official belongs the last word.

“We should not see this visit as a one-off affair. Rather, the discussions today [March 12] are a continuation of the dialogue that has been taking place nearly every month between specialised delegations. We have several military agreements that have been in the pipeline for a long time. We also have another MoU in energy that takes this subject forward. Space and nuclear co-operation are the other areas where, like energy, there has been steady progress.”

Empowering its women empowers India The decision to reserve one-third of the seats in India's parliament and state assemblies is surely a landmark in the country's democratic governance. Women today play a more significant part in India's social, economic, political and cultural life - especially in towns and cities than they have in its modern history. However, there is little reason for complacency. There is still a long way to go before the country's gender divide is narrowed to acceptable levels and then bridged. For a start, women still lag behind in education, particularly in the populous northern states of Bihar and Uttar

Pradesh.

Taking direct responsibility for their sisters all over India will surely take the implementation of legislative measures beyond the cold print of the statute book. It will tone up the administration bottom up and possibly contribute to the sanity of legislative deliberations, which certain male MPs are in the habit of reducing to the demented babble of a mad house.

There are wonderful women role models in the country. There should now be more space for emulation.

Virus of extremism is spreading The genie of Islamist extremism is abroad. Those that once sought to manipulate it for reasons of realpolitk must be regretting their folly. A Sunday Times story of two bored American housewives joining the ranks of jehadis for kicks makes dismal reading. Tired of marriage and its mundane chores, they surfed the internet and fell in with people whose line of business is mass murder in the name of religion. Clearly the women in question are sick in mind and spirit and will get their just deserts in the corrective institutions of the US penal system.

Terrorism everywhere - not just in America or Britain - is a crime against humanity. To cast an indulgent eye on its depredations in, say, Kashmir or Chechnya is not terribly clever, it is myopic.

The terrorist will strike when he (or she) believes the moment is right. There is no profit in the discomfiture of a rival state laid low in its tracks by

a bomb or an assassin's bullets.

The threat faced by humankind is one that seeks the extinction of civilisation as we have known it for centuries. Through trial and error we have evolved socially and politically to respect diversity and the freedom to think differently without wishing harm to those around us or to others far away. Our enemies reject every way of life based on democratic norms and the rule of law. Gender equality is an anathema to them, as is the spirit of inquiry and all its manifestations in the written and spoken word. Without these blessings the life of the mind would wither and crumble to dust.

It is too awful even to contemplate.

The international community must stand shoulder to shoulder in combating this menace.

This way lies our glory and salvation. Even the Holy Prophet would have said so.

www.abplgroup.com

3

Thought for the Week Winning doesn't always mean being first, winning means you're doing better than you've done before - Bonnie Blair

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

LONDON MAYOR’S ATTACK ON VITAL SERVICES Up and down the Country Local Authorities, have been busy considering their budgets which at the best of the times raise considerable controversies but this year the recession has throw major challenges to the Councils to get a good ‘balance’ between savings and the ability of authorities to continue to provide key services . The Greater London Authority is no exception to the challenges we face in this area.

Mayor proposes a budget and Assembly Members have various opportunities to scrutinise but we are unable to alter it unless there’s two third majority.

The Mayor’s £14 billion budget underwent robust examination and we made attempts to influence it but this year too our pleas to the Mayor were ignored.

Like the last year, I welcome in principle the Mayor’s approach to keep the precept increase to zero to keep increase of Council Tax low for all Londoners. In the current Global economic climate we currently live in it is critical for the politicians to keep tax burden as low as practically possible and in the way that they don’t adversely impact upon the services people receive. The Mayor’s final budget most regrettably does not achieve the fine balance of keeping the taxation low and not attacking vital services. By far the biggest problems with the Mayor’s budget are in the areas like policing of London and public transport fares increase.

During various budget debates I believe we made a strong case to defend and reverse the Mayor’s unwise cuts and through our budget put forward well argued alternatives as to how some of the main cuts proposed by the Mayor could be salvaged without increasing the GLA’s Tax. The main theme of the Labour’s alternative budget was to deliver a budget without increasing the tax level and proposing some key initiatives to save services such as the following: l Reversing cuts of 455 police officers planned over the next three years. l Reversing of increase in public transport fares. l Additional funding for rape crisis centres – an issue about which there has been majoir national debate across the country.

The above was achieved through making right choices of priorities.

Labour’s budget spokesperson on the London Assembly John Biggs was right in saying “Londoners shouldn’t be paying for the Mayor’s poor decisions through increase fares and fewer police.” The concerns about Mayor’s broken promises, his poor judgment and dismissive approach witnessed both in and outside the City Hall are mounting. The Mayor’s latest budget saves a few pennies for Londoners through freezing the precept level but is costing a lot more through increase in fares, reduction in police officers and other cuts affecting women and the older and vulnerable in our community.

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

YOUR VOICE

4

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Restart direct flights to Gujarat

Ahmedabad - London direct flight

I wish to support the direct flight campaign between London and Gujarat (Ahmadabad). My wife has lost both her kidneys, we have a flat in Ahmadabad. It causes us major inconvenience to travel from Mumbai to Ahmadabad. My wife need to go through dialysis as soon as we reach India.

I truly hope the direct flights can be reinstated, as they would make a real difference to the quality of life for so many sick and elderly people who are born Indians.

We are very pleased to read your article about the support and petition for Ahmedabad - London direct flight.

We feel that instead of sending a petition by post or fax, if people are also given a choice to send it by email, we are sure you will get a great response as it is much easier and quicker.

Cllr Salim Mulla Chairman of Lancashire Council of Mosque Chairman of Interfaith Council

We are trying to do online petition for our readers. As soon as it's fixed, we will put up the link.

- AV

Indian Swiss money

Mitesh and Rita Joshi Via Email De ar Mite sh an d Rita,

Women bill pass first test

When enquiries were made about ￡ 1016 billion of Indian money with the Swiss authorities.The following revelations were made and these are my observations: 1) Millions of rupees of India are lying in Swiss banks. This is the highest amount lying outside any country, from 180 countries of the world.

2) Swiss Government has officially written to Indian Government that they are willing to inform the details of holders of this money in their banks, if the Indian Government officially asks them.

3) But the Indian Government has not sent any official enquiry to Switzerland for details of money which has been sent outside India between 1947 to 2008. The opposition party is also equally not interested in doing so.

4) This money belongs to India's people. From these funds we can repay 13 times of our country's foreign debt. The interest alone can take care of the government's yearly budget. People need not pay any taxes and we can pay to poor families.

Perhaps Indians do not deserve the money until we have a truly democratic corruption free rule!

Reservation for women in Indian parliament and state assemblies is anachronism. Indian women do not need a crutch of such a bill as they have proven capacity of reaching unprecedented heights in India and abroad through merit and hard work - without fear or favours from men.

Reservation is gimmick based on wild assumptions and unproven research. This lollipop for gullible women in patriarchal society is insincere, eye-wash. It is acceptance of myth that Indians are misogynist, deny women opportunity and of myth that men are bad at governance women will improve it.

This bill is diversionary tactic to distract efforts and resources away from malignant internal and external destabilising forces and traitors. The bill lulls women and nation in false sense of security and euphoria.

Please note that women can contest for 33% of reserved seats and also contest for seats from remaining 66%. Thus they may capture more seats than 33%.

This is a dance of death by incumbent government, who is sitting on a tinderbox ready to explode.

Harish Lathia Via Email

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

Education is important I am aware that Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have entertained and helped the Asian community in Great Britain and abroad over many years. I am taking this opportunity to congratulate on your success with the Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards. The Lifetime Achievement awarded to Rev Jesse Jackson is well deserved.

Education is very important; I believe you have supported numerous schools in India, which is a very admirable act. In supporting 'Parallel Lives' you have highlighted worthy issues to our Parliamentarians.

The threat of terrorism remains significant and we must continue to seek new ways of bringing all communities together, increase understanding of different cultures and help social cohesion. It is pleasing to witness The Chairman of the Patrons Council of The Hindu Forum of Britain take a lead in this respect.

Ranjit Singh OBE Global President The Sikh Forum International, London

Cockles of my Heart It warms the cockles of my heart to read on page 9 of last week’s Asian Voice, which incidentally echoed the sentiments expressed in my letter on page 4 of the same issue, that a number of members of both the houses of Parliament have decided to forgo the perks they have been enjoying so far. I was also glad to learn that my letter entitled “An Avalanche of Catastrophe” has generated so much interest and opened up the floodgates for others to jump on my bandwagon and comment on the very important issue concerning the sustainability of the environment in the hope of saving planet earth from extinction.

We need to mount an orchestrated campaign to reach out to more and more people if we want to save the world in the present form for our posterity. In this respect, I would urge schools and colleges worldwide to make environmental education a compulsory subject in their curriculum.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Labour allowance scandal

M.F. Hussein's Wrong Illusions At last, the celebrated Indian painter, M.F. Hussein has been conferred the citizenship of the State of Qatar. The fury against him had started over his blasphemous painting which depicted Hindu deity in the nude. Obviously therefore he caused outrage among Hindus in India.

No doubt his painting was deeply repugnant and more reprehensible not only from the believers only but from people of other faiths also, but surprisingly he showed no remorse for his despicable painting.

Being a Muslim he must have been aware, like everybody else, of repercussions faced by a Danish artist who drew cartoons of Prophet Muhammad and his work caused furore through out the Muslim world. Then controversial writer Salman Rushdie, his head still in a noose.

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

VOICE 0

Page -13

Page -17

Page -18

Page -19-21

Despite of having knowledge of these incidents, Hussein did not realise the danger he was putting himself in.

Hindus were rightly angered by such unholy painting, however in my opinion his change of nationality is unfortunate chapter in India's secular history. It is but astonishing to see tolerance of nude murals of Khajurahu sculptures and also protection offered Taslima Nasreen, where as a great Indian artist is thrown out of his home country due to his wrong illusions.

MF Hussain should have the decency to admit the blunder has made and sincerely apologise for his misguided notion that, "art is always ahead of time”.

A.M.A. Pira Via Email

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

Labour's Baroness Uddin - who pocketed £100,000 in allowances after claiming an empty flat as her main residence cannot be prosecuted because of a cosy Lords stitch-up. Around 20 other peers including Labour's Lord Paul are also off the hook. Why the great escape? Because last month the Lords declared their rules meant peers only had to visit a property once a month to qualify for allowances.

And who conjured up this trickery? It's our own Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords- Lord Paul. peer alleged to have fiddled allowances.

We all wanted Westminster to be cleaned before the start of the next session of Parliament, but it seems these lot have not yet learned their lessons.

Ravi Shah Via Email

UK EUROPE WORLD 1 Year £25 £55 £70 2 Years £45 £100 £125 £225 £300 *5 Years £110 £450 £550 *10 Years £200

Support local residents of Brent As a Liberal Democrat councillor for Dollis Hill, and the Leader of Brent Council, we wanted to let Asian Voice readers know that we have written separately to John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, urging him to reject the damaging redevelopment plans for Brent Cross passed by Tory-run Barnet Council.

We have restated Brent’s formal opposition to the plans, and made clear that until key wider planning aspects of importance to us are resolved, our strong objections will remain.

The developers have paid little attention to transport issues, and without measures in place to alleviate the likely problems of thousands of extra cars and heavy freight lorries navigating the streets off Cricklewood Broadway and Edgware Road, the impact in Cricklewood, Dollis Hill and Dudden Hill would be devastating.

In our view, no work should begin until appropriate traffic measures and parking restrictions have been formally agreed and put in place. These in turn must be properly informed and influenced by a long-awaited study on the wider traffic flow around the A5 Corridor.

We will now have to see if the Labour Secretary of State is willing to support local residents and ourselves in our serious concerns about these plans. We very much hope he will, but will continue to keep residents informed as soon as we hear anything.

Cllr Alec Castle (Liberal Democrat, Dollis Hill) Cllr Paul Lorber (Liberal Democrat Leader, Brent Council)

India needs people to help masses We all must understand the needs of more than 80% population of India who live in shanties and hardly have their needs of housing, clothing, food health and education being met even after the 62years of independence of India.

Political leaders have misused the opportunities to show their commitments to improve the ordinary persons life in the street. It is true that many have become very rich and few have become the richest persons in the world. The question is not whether we must have 33% seats for women or even 50% in parliament. The important point is who can look after our great number of people in India. We had a woman Prime Minister, we have a woman President, we have many women MPs but still nothing is happening for those women who have their children in shanties and go for work on building and road work sites and there is no one at that time to look after their children.

I do not mind the reservation of seats for women but India needs people who have abilities to do some thing for the masses of India to come forward.

Dharam Sahdev Ilford

Visit our website: www.abplgroup.com

Health Watch

Page -30

3( %"14!16 3/ 3(

*Subscriptions paid will not be refunded *To Subscribe 5 ro 10 years please pay by cheque

!1#(

Karma Yoga House 12 Hoxton Market

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

!

(Off Coronet Street)

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

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

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

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

London N1 6HW

-/1% /. 0!'%

!..6

&1/.3 642( !.%2( (%$%+!1 4").! ,) "!#+ 2(/3/2( /"/ !*)5!,! !.!6 %1-!.3 ((%$! !.$ !.') !.%2( /.+!1

!..6

/6,% !.$

4").! ,)

/6,%

E-mail: support@abplgroup.com

.A+,7- $=# ? 6 )4! .'4 4)? $7 A,($ +: .?$4 .; 34/ :$7 4++4$6< 9 7 : 29 5 4 >"5 !"4 1+5 4 >"5 !7'$6< *+4 ' &),7 &)7 7 !7 :$4 %70 1 8 '70 '4< ? @ * 4 $7 +,7 %4%!$5 4. $=# *7+5

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Call Sri Lanka on your mobile from only 10p a minute with Vodafone International on pay as you go

Pay as you go Pay less for calls to Sri Lanka • Calls to landlines just 10p a minute • Calls to mobiles just 20p a minute Easy to use No need for calling cards, long PIN numbers or a landline.

Get great rates in the UK too Get £50 worth of UK minutes and texts for a £10 TopUp with a Vodafone Freedom Pack.

From the network you can rely on

Text INTERNATIONAL to 83669 for your free pay as you go SIM or visit vodafone.co.uk/international

International: Simply customers only. Calls to standard international landlines and mobiles. One minute minimum call charge and terms apply. Vodafone Freedom Packs: packs last for 30 days and are not available with other tariffs or promotions. Pack minutes and texts are used for standard UK landlines beginning 01, 02, 03, UK mobiles and voicemail. Packs are non refundable and non transferable. Terms apply.

5

UK

6

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Kapil’s

‘Taal’ raises money for charities Bancroft’s School held an annual event ‘Taal’ which showcased the cultural richness and diversity which exist within the school. ‘Taal’ which means “rhythm or beat of life” is a pupil driven event, organised by the members of the school’s Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Muslim group and is open to all.

This year around 100 students from all age groups (year 8 to year 13) were involved: acting, dancing, modelling in the fashion show or working on the production side.

The Sixth Formers who organised Taal said, “The show has become an important part of our school community and life and continues to thrive.

Taal allows pupils from all ages, backgrounds and acting ability to contribute and embrace their culture.”

This year Mayor of Redbridge, Councillor Thomas Chan, together

KHICHADI

by Kapil Dudakia - email: kapil@abplgroup.com Change or Revolution?

L to R: Arreni Somasegaran, Stephen Foakes (Chairman of Bancroft’s School Governors), Menreet Phull, Mayoress, the Mayor of Redbridge Councillor Thomas Chan, Kavita Ondhia, Amraj Chana

with the Mayoress, were guests of honour at the Friday night performance.

During the interval, the Mayor chatted with some of the Sixth Formers who were responsible for organising this year’s event. He commented on how vibrant and colourful the evening’s entertainment was and congratulated the students on their hard work. He was espe-

cially impressed with the boys’ whose enthusiasm for dancing matched that of the girls, even if their skills were not quite to the same standard!

Last year’s Taal raised over eight thousand pounds for charities helping people in India and Sri Lanka; this year the chosen charities are Project Greenhands and Thooku Rehabilitation.

GPs to earn £300,000 a year Britain’s highest-salaried GPs have risen to a level touching earning of up to £300,000-a-year barrier working for the National Health Service, it was reported Monday.

The revelation emerges following the Gordon Brown's announcement last week of a pay freeze for 40,000 top-earning public sector workers, including GPs. As a result of that decision their average annual pay has boosted from £72,716 in 2002 to £106,072 now.

Suppiah Ratneswaren, 61, linked to four NHS practices in Greenwich, has admitted he is earning between £300,000 and £400,000 a year, 90% of it from the health service as reported by The Sunday

Suppiah Ratneswaren

Times.

He told the daily that he was not the highestpaid doctor in Greenwich, quoting, “I don’t want to be seen as a money-hungry doctor because I am driven by the quality of work and I work very

hard. I have got nothing to hide”.

The new evidence of a super-wealthy rank of family doctors is reported to come from Greenwich, South London, where one GP in 2008 grabbed a pay of £378,000 solely from the NHS. Also, it is uncovered that some 300 GPs in England and Wales currently have a pay of more than a quarter of a million pounds a year, compared to those in highly populated urban likely to earn the most.

A Department of Health spokesman claimed, “The most recent earnings data for 2007-08 showed GPs earning an average of £106,000, a decrease of 1.5 per cent on the previous year”.

!

#

2.

0(230-

$.-( %2(,,+2( .%' .%' ./%, "%120%/30 %40%-*/30% 0+4( +,%2 3-*,.51 2. )2 ))+&( .- .31(

$$$ & ! " !%

!

' ! !

'

! $! '# " $# " ! #

! '

!% !

'

!

!!

"! #

'

$$$

% !

"!

!

! "

&

% !

#!

#) #) #) #) #) #)

& !!

!

$"

!

"% #

!

' % #

!

# "

'

!

It is now confirmed, all political parties have jumped on the bandwagon of ‘change’ hoping that the Midas touch of Obama will visit them at the next election. Labour have done well, probably not because of what they have doing – but probably by keeping quieter and allowing the Tories to dig their own election hell holes.

So do we want change or even, is there a change waiting for us?

Frankly the two main parties have still not managed to create distance between them to show us any clear water.

The country needs a revolution of ideas, of policies, of practices and in aspirations. We stand at the dawn of the 21st century still shackled to the failed party politics of yesteryears. It needs a political party to brave it, to come up with a series of policies and ideas that can galvanise the nation to look at the future not with fear, but with hope and energy.

For a start the House of Commons can be reduced in size without any adverse impact by at least a third. It is time to bring in the ‘Alternative Voting’ system which gives us an element of proportional representation, yet at the same time providing each MP with a direct connection to those who elected them.

The House of Lords should have been scrapped already and Labour will wonder why on earth they did not do this whilst they had such a fantastic majority.

However, having a wholly elected House of Lords is also not a very good idea. The whole point of a second chamber is to have something different from the House of Commons, and you do this if you have a proportion that are elected whilst the rest are appointed. This allows the second chamber to have a group who are there by public demand whilst at the same time those appointed bringing

$"

! "# & #"

$ $

& &

"

#) #) #) #) #) #)

# %$ # # $ " ! ( # ' "#

# " # !

! % ! &# &

!

#

with them diverse expertise, knowledge and understanding that could be missing if it was wholly elected. The bottom line – the very way we elect our government must change so that the way in which we are governed changes.

A revolutionary change is when you promise a referendum on whether we should stay in Europe or not. I am surprised that none of the leading parties has the stomach to champion this policy. Britain either becomes the very engine and nerve centre of Europe, or it should come out completely.

This half-way house does us no good, and it drains the country of vital energy and focus.

Care for the Elderly All politicians and their parties are actively discussing this topic. Yet, they have not picked up the gauntlet, nor have they thrown the same gauntlet down for us the public. We as a nation must decide whether we will care for our elderly.

That is the big question.

If we are serious about it – then we must also recognise that this is going to cost, and those costs will have to be borne by those who are in work in any given generation. After decades of abusing our elderly, the politicians are now trying to garner support by claiming it to be their idea. Rhetoric is of no use to our elderly, what they require is a fast and readily available assessment of their needs.

Currently a significant proportion of the elderly who require some form of assistance with living have not been assessed by either the Council or the Primary Care Trusts.

Why? Well the bottom line is money.

Insufficient funds are allocated to this budget which means many suffer in vain and wait for their untimely and often solitary deaths. The state (and by definition, all of us) are responsible for the systematic degrada-

tion and abuse of our elderly.

So it is now incumbent upon every political party to set aside their silly petty differences and for once to consider those who cannot fight for themselves. It is time they agreed to a universal care programme for the elderly.

Extremists of all types Last week the BNP found that their new rules for membership may still breach current legislation. It seems to me that unless the BNP can clear this issue up, and do so fast – the courts or the Election Commission must surely make a declaration that it cannot stand in the next election.

Talking of going to the extremes, you will recall that in Kapil’s Khichadi I had mentioned not to rule out the ‘Burka’ factor. Well lo and behold, the Tory MP Philip Hollobone did not disappoint. He declared in his words of wisdom to the nation that, ‘This is Britain. We are not a Muslim Country.’ and demanded that the full face burka should be banned. So now you have, as far as I can tell the BNP, UKIP and now even some Tories could all be seeking to ban the burka. There is still time for the other parties to join in and make it a full house. To trump this bandwagon I wonder if a senior cleric of repute might want to declare a ‘fatwa’ against the full face burka. That certainly would take the wind out of the sails of both sides.

Air India Strong support for the petition has been registered. If you have not done your bit, then please use the form that is printed in AV/GS and secure as many signatures of support as possible. Make your voice heard and you stand the chance of direct flights between London and Ahmedabad.

* '$ 1 !" % +(' ( , * .#' " ' * !" % /"(+ ) *& ' ', * ++ #' ' # #+ -*% " #/ + $ $ ( #% *% +, -& # ' )* + ',%1 * +# #'! , + (*' %(+ %," & # % + 0 " * 1 !#. '(,# ( &1 #', ',#(' ,( " '! &1 ' & ,( * '$ 1 !" % To advertise in Asian Voice call

020 7749 4085

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Lord Paul repays £38,000 expenses In order to clear his name from a House of Lords investigation into an MPs expenses scam, Indianborn Lord Swaraj Paul has voluntarily repaid the controversial amount of 38,000 pounds that was at the centre of the probe.

While Lord Paul was told by Scotland Yard that he won’t face charges over his expenses claims, he is facing a House of Lords investigation into his conduct by a sub-committee chaired by Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former head of MI5.

Lord Paul, who is one of the country's richest men and worth an estimated 500 million pounds has quietly and voluntarily repaid the £38,000.

However, opposition MPs seized the move as an admission that the expenses were not justified.

Graham Stuart, the conservative MP for Beverley and Holderness, said, "Lord Paul has been shamed into returning the money he should never have claimed in the first place."

However, his supporters deny any admission of guilt and say the money was repaid in the hope of drawing a line under the affair.

The steel tycoon has donated more than 400,000 pounds to the Labour party through his

Lord Swaraj Paul repays expenses

company. He also gave 45,000 pounds to Gordon Brown's leadership campaign, as well as bought 6,000 copies of the prime minister's book Courage to distribute to secondary schools.

Brown has publicly referred to the peer as "a great friend" and "a great businessman".

Earlier, Lord Paul admitted that he never spent a single night at the Oxfordshire flat that he registered as his main home while claiming money in overnight expenses for a London property.

“It's true I never slept there. But it was available.

I submitted the claim and I gave the flat as my address, because I have it as a place to stay. The question is, what are the rules? I know that I have followed the rules,” he said.

Meanwhile the CPS confirmed last week that

Baroness Uddin still to be investigated by Lords

Labour peer Baroness Uddin will not face charges over her expenses.

Baroness Uddin had been accused of designating a rarely-used flat in Kent as her main home so she could claim an allowance for peers living outside London.

CPS chief Keir Starmer said rules which allow peers to visit their "main home" just once a month would have caused a "very real difficulty" for prosecutors.

The peer said: "I am relieved that this ordeal has finally come to an end.

I only wish to say thank you to everyone who has supported me through this very difficult time and I now wish to turn back to my professional life and my public duties and my family."

The House of Lords authorities will now resume their investigation

into Baroness Uddin's case, which had been put on hold during the police inquiry.

Peers are not paid but they are entitled to claim a £174-a-night subsistence allowance if their "only or main residence" is outside London. of Lords House records show Baroness Uddin claimed between £24,023 and £29,675 a year since the 2005-6 financial year.

The complaint against her was that she had claimed a flat in Maidstone was her "main home" when in fact she lived at a house in east London.

Police had obtained evidence from neighbours of Baroness Uddin and from water, gas and electric companies supplying the flat in Maidstone.

But Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Starmer said the definition of a peer's "main home" in the Lords expenses scheme would always have been "critical to any possible criminal proceedings against Baroness Uddin".

But he said "only or main residence" had not been defined and last November the Clerk of Parliaments Michael Pownall had set a threshold that peers must visit their "main home" at least once a month.

7

IT analysts found guilty of gambling fraud

Nimesh Bhagat (left) and Andrew Owen Ashley

Two IT analysts have received a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years at Croydon Crown Court after using their inside knowledge of the computer systems in a nationwide casino chain to steal money.

Andrew Owen Ashley, 30, of Laleham Road, London SE6, and Nimesh Bhagat, 31, of Laitwood Road, London SW12, both employed as a problem

analysts at the casino at the time of the offences, were found guilty of theft.

The men admitted making fraudulent claims for bets totalling more than £33,000 between 1 July 2007 and 7 September 2007 using their knowledge of the casinos' IT system. They were handed 200 hours of community service and will have to pay back more than £16,000 each.

Apna Express A new express coach service from Leicester to London had just been launched – a 'first' for local operator Woods Driver Navin Topiwala gets Coaches. The Apna the blessing of Deputy Lord Express – is a weekday Mayor of Leicester Cllr service leaving the bus Manjula Sood, with one of station at 0830hrs and its first passengers, Cllr Annette Byrne and local returning to arrive in Leicester at around Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Peter Coley.

1800hrs.

8

www.abplgroup.com

Dee Katwa

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

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

Faith leaders unite over debt forgiveness for Third World We must unite, work hand in hand, and collectively put pressure on the powers that be, if we are to tackle global poverty and international debt, ambassadors from major faith groups told delegates at a unique conference in Birmingham.

mitment which can all empower humans 'kings of the universe' to do good."

Following this, delegates were divided into a the international director The inaugural multiseries of workshops and of Micah Challenge, a faith event, Global asked to discuss and Poverty, Seeking Justice, global coalition of debate this: Why are we was organised by the Christians holding govhere? Where do we come Jubilee Debt Campaign, a ernments to account for from? What is my/our national charity, in parttheir promise to halve responsibility – to the crenership with West extreme poverty by 2015. ator and his creation?

Midlands Fire Service He is a regular contributor Then, all then returned to (WMFS). Held at the to BBC Radio Four's the hall where Sharon state-of-the-art headquar'Thought for the Day' and Stanley, a Westminster ters of WMFS on Parliamentary Sunday a fortnight Outreach Officer, proago, the four-hour vided advice and guidevent brought ance to delegates on together around 80 how best to engage people from with and use parliaChristian, Hindu, mentary processes.

Muslim, Sikh, Nick Dearden, JDC’s Buddhist and Jewish director, thanked delegroups as well as gates for their support, those from no faith. ahead of an open floor On arrival, guests Dr Joel Edwards addressing delegates question and answer in Birmingham were offered homesession. made bread and Background an honorary Canon of St water.

The welcome Paul's Cathedral, London. address was given by A doughty campaignJehangir Malik used Adam Harper, WMFS's er, who asked not to be his speaking opportunity faith education officer named, explained the to promote Islamic Relief, who has a wealth of expevicious circle: “Most of the charity of which he is rience working with the money from loans UK director. He talked diverse communities on given by donor countries about the practical realithe ground. and donors like the ties, issues of the day and Speakers on the International Monetary panel, chaired by Balvir commonalities, in relation Fund (IMF) and World Kaur Dhillon, an assistant to the theme in discusBank find their way back principal of a further edusion. Late-arriving Mr into western banks in cation college in Wales, Malik, dressed in jeans Europe and America. The included Rev Dr Joel and a dark blazer, recalled money is stolen by corrupt Edwards, Jehangir Malik the teachings of his Late politicians in power in and Bhai Sahib Mohinder mother, which included these countries and they Singh - a Christian, being able to stand on transfer the monies into one's own two feet and Muslim and Sikh, respectheir own accounts or into avoiding being a burden tively. "We should be motisome other names of their on anybody. vated by convictions of family members. Quite Next, ad-hoc speaker our own faiths," said an often this loot is added to Bhai Sahib Ji, from intensely eloquent Dr from the countries’ own Birmingham's Guru Edwards, a British immiresources, and over a periNanak Nishkam Sewak grant from od of time the amounts of Jatha Gurudwara, spoke Jamaica, adding, "despite deposits in their accounts on spiritual poverty. He our differences we are begin to reach, and in asked, "What does faith speaking the same lansome cases even exceed bring to the Jubilee Debt guage which is to commuthe international debt. nicate our message of Campaign?," adding, after “The interest payable injustice." Dr Edwards, a a brief pause, "it brings on these loans becomes a commissioner for the values of compassion, huge servicing debt for the Equality and Human mercy, self-reliance, sharborrowing countries Rights Commission is also ing, selflessness and com-

because the loans which would have generated income on their countries through development projects has disappeared into their own accounts, overseas. Quite often these countries are not able to even service the interest payments, and therefore their indebtedness continues to mount.

“In the meantime, the loan money in western banks is used by the developed countries in their own economies. It would be naïve to believe that the lending parties are unaware of the money being looted and deposited in western countries.

In fact the corrupt politicians of the third world countries know that nothing would happen to them in carrying out such operations against the interest of their own country, and nobody in the west will blow the whistle against them.

When such debts are forgiven by the west as a result of campaigns with the best of intentions and altruistic motives they do not result in any real benefits to the poverty-stricken people of those nations because all it does is enable the corrupt politicians to steal more money as it becomes available to them by not servicing the loan interest debt.

JDC should, perhaps, try and influence the western countries to reveal the truth about this looted money and allow for it to be used against outstanding debts. This would of course be an extremely difficult exercise and would need new structures for its implementation, but if there is a will, there is a way.” To find out more about JDC visit www. jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk

Students on Army mission

Embracing diversity

Students from Washwood Heath Technology College in Birmingham are due to visit Neuve Chapelle in northern France to learn about the role of Muslim and other Asian soldiers in the British Army.

The historic site has memorials honouring soldiers of the Indian Army who fought in both World Wars. The students, who will set off on March 24, will be accompanied by an Imam.

The UK’s largest St Patrick’s Day parade attracted over 80,000 revellers in Birmingham last Saturday. The streets of Digbeth were transformed into a thriving Irish-themed festival.

Whistles were blown and green flags were waved, as heaving crowds lined the pavements and perched on window ledges to watch a troupe of dancers, colourful floats and marching bands pass through High Street.

United We Stand Religious leaders in Dudley have signed a “pledge of unity” ahead of a rescheduled protest by far-right group the English Defence League (EDL). The controversial group, which claims to oppose Islamic extremism, has planned a protest in Dudley on Saturday, April 3 against the town’s proposed £18 million mosque.

Six men on sex charges Six Midland men appeared at Telford magistrates’ court last Friday accused of trafficking people for sexual exploitation. The men, Ajmal Tanveer, 27, Rafaqat Hussain, 26, Noshad Hussain, 19, Mohammed Choudhrey, 51, Tanveer Ahmed, 38, and Marhoof Khan, 32, all from Telford, were charged with human trafficking between January 1,2008 and December 7 last year.

News in Brief Khyra’s mum jailed An update from my last week’s column: Last Friday at Birmingham Crown Court, the cruel mother and stepfather of seven-year-old Birmingham starvation victim Khyra Ishaq were jailed for her manslaughter.

Angela Gordon, 35, pictured right, was jailed for 15 years and her former partner, Junaid Abuhamza, 31, pictured left, was jailed indefinitely with a minimum term of seven-and-a-half years.

Profits from Parking Three West Midlands hospitals have made almost £2 million from parking charges in the last year, new figures show. The Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals Trust, which runs Sandwell, City and Rowley Regis hospitals, said £1.38m was made from visitor parking and £490,000 from staff. From 20082009 the trust made £1.3m from its 746 visitor spaces and £266,370 from its 2,122 staff spaces.

Kids arrested over guns Nearly 800 children have been arrested for possessing firearms, including shotguns, air rifles and pepper spray, in the West Midlands in the past five years, new figures show. The statistics, released through the Freedom of Information Act, revealed that a 10-year-old was arrested along with a total of 24, 12-year-olds, 60, 13-year-olds and 101, 14-yearolds.

Nurse glues boy’s eye Six-year-old Lewis Farrell, pictured, from Northfield, Birmingham, was left in pain when a nurse accidentally glued his eye shut. Lewis’s mum had taken him to Selly Oak casualty department for a cut to the forehead after he tripped at school. Instead of applying stitches, the nurse applied a special glue to seal the gash.

Explore Birmingham's creative playground Arts enthusiasts, film and music fans, historians, city visitors and the downright curious from across the West Midlands are being invited to the launch of a unique project, We are Eastside, Birmingham next weekend (Mar 26-28). The Eastside area, in Digbeth, which is ten minutes walk from the city centre, will be transformed into a creative playground and will feature a web of activities, exhibitions, screenings, walking tours, and performances. On the Friday at 8.30pm, rare live footage of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the legendary qawaali singer, performing his first concert outside South Asia in 1979 in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, will be screened. Free, all welcome. To find out more visit www.weareeastside.org

Postcode lottery row Kidney patients face a postcode lottery in the West Midlands over home dialysis, according to campaigners Baxter Healthcare. Latest figures show even though 2,769 patients need dialysis in the region, only 552 – a fifth of these – receive it at home. Baxter argues that home dialysis is much cheaper than hospital dialysis – in some cases as much as half the cost – and if just a third of kidney failure patients were treated at home it could save the NHS over £100 million.

Halal, ‘false labels’

Three-quarters of poultry sold as halal is falsely labelled, according to The English Beef and Lamb Executive Halal Steering Group. The industry group claims that a small amount of beef and lamb is slaughtered by machine rather than an individual. Halal means permissible in Arabic.

9

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

SAVE TIME â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ORDER DIRECT Call a personal shopper FREE*

0800 110 5000 see the entire range online

www.dfs.co.uk

HALF PRICE

ÂŁ695 Was ÂŁ1395 Save ÂŁ700

The Lauren

" # !

"

$! "

#

&# !

" #

$ !

#

"

also half price.

ÂŁ14.47 a month % #

'

! "

!

! #

" #

$ # '

'

# "

#

(

)

"

!

#

TYPICAL

0% APR

The Lauren 4 seater sofa ÂŁ695. Or take 4 years interest free credit with nothing to pay for the fi rst year.

No deposit and 36 equal monthly payments of ÂŁ19.30 starting 12 months from date of order. Total ÂŁ695.

0% APR. Credit subject to acceptance. Redhouse Interchange, Doncaster DN6 7NA. DFS may alter or extend promotions at any time. *Mobile charges may apply when calling 0800 110 5000.

M^[h[ je \_dZ :<I0 7 X [ h Z [ [ d " 8 W d X k h o" 8 W i _ b Z e d " 8 [ Y a j e d " 8 [ b \ W i j " 8 _ h c _ d ] ^ W c " 8 e b j e d " D;M 7::H;II 8 h W Z \ e h Z # < e h i j [ h I g " L W b b [ o H Z " 8 :' * 7 = " 8 h [ d j 9 h e i i " 8 h _ ] ] " 8 h _ i j e b " 8 k h o Ij ;Z c k d Z i " 9 Wc Xh_Z][" 9 Wd d eYa " 9 WhZ_\ \" 9 Whb_ib[" 9^ [bj[ d^Wc " 9^ [ij[h" 9ebY^ [ij[h" 9 e l [ d j h o" 9 h e o Z e d " : W h b [ o : W b [ " : W h b _ d ] j e d " : [ h X o" : e d Y W i j [ h 9 W h Y h e \ j " : h e _ j m _ Y ^ " ;Z_dXkh]^" ;d\_[bZ" ; n[j[h" <WhdXehek]^" =Wj[i^[WZ" =bWi]em" =hWdj^Wc" >Wdb[o" >el[" >kbb" D;M 7::H;II ?dl[hd[ii # C_bXkhd HZ" ?L( )JH " A_d]i Bodd" B[[Zi 8_hijWbb " B[_Y[ij[h" B_l[hfeeb If[a[ " Bkjed" CW_Zijed[" CWdY^[ij[h" C[Wi^Wc" C_bjed A[od[i" D[m CWbZ[d" Dehj^Wcfjed" D e h m _ Y ^ " D e j j _ d ] ^ W c " E b Z ^ W c " F W _ i b [ o" F [ j [ h X e h e k ] ^ " F b o c e k j ^ " F e e b [ " F e h j i c e k j ^ MWj[hbeel_bb[ " Fh[ijed" H[WZ_d]" Hec\ehZ"Hej^[h^Wc FWha]Wj[ " I^h[miXkho" I_ZYkf" Ibek]^" Iekj^Wcfjed >[Z][ ;dZ " Iekj^ Hk_ib_f" Ij[l[dW][" IkdZ[hbWdZ" ImWdi[W" Im_dZed" JWkdjed" JkdXh_Z][ M[bbi" MWhh_d]jed" MWj\ehZ" M[j^[hXo$ 7lW_bWXb[ edbo Wj :<I$ <eh ijeh[ Z[jW_bi l_i_j mmm$Z\i$Ye$ka eh YWbb &.&& -*& ./&&$

10

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Lib Dem MP sympathises with Srilankan Tamils, suffering students and immigrants in Britain

By Rupanjana Dutta Liberal Democratic Party MP Edward Davey, Shadow Foreign Secretary, addressed the Indian Journalist Association members on Wednesday 10th March at St James Hotel in presence of Lord Navnit Dholakia and IJA President Mr Ashis Ray about Britain's foreign policy towards India and the importance of the British Indian communities.

Historically speaking, the relationship between India and Lib Dem party goes back to the 19th century. It is believed that in that period, the cause of Indian independence gained more support from the Liberals than the Conservative party. The very first member of the House of Commons from Indian back ground was Dadabhai Naoroji in 1892.

In the view of the narrowing opinion polls, as hung parliament becomes a possibility, Edward Davey explained the importance of the Lib Dem policies as a part of the ‘bounce parliament’, as he chose to call it.

He started the conference with stories from his childhood and how he has been privileged to study with the second and third generation of British Indians.

While discussing the real ingredients of the Liberal Democratic party and India's contribution to global foreign policies, Ed proudly added, “What has been extremely good for the international community is the way India has played a vital role in the United Nations. I think given India is the world’s largest democracy, has one of the freest presence, freest judiciaries, I think it should have been a member of Security Council, a long time ago.

“As a politician we have our values and we have our beliefs, and one of the major things I would like the country of Mahatma Gandhi to do is to sign up nuclear non-proliferation treaty. It is time to think of a world without nuclear weapons.”

Speaking about international affairs, it was very moving to see Ed's concern towards one of the largest ethnic diaspora in Britain, the Tamils. Mr Davey openly criticised the Rajapakse and his governmental policies. He said, “Because of the Tamil population in my constituency I understand their painful history. I do think India has a right to tell Rajapakse

Mr Ashis Ray, Lord Dholakia and Edward Davey, MP

that he is undermining democracy in Sri Lanka at the moment. He is not assisting the future peaceful settlements that we need to see in Sri Lanka, by the way he is treating the Sri Lankan press. His attitude towards Sri Lankan judiciary is not acceptable. India has, I think, the most powerful voice in making that case. It is not about negotiating between the Tamil leaders or TNA and clamber. It is simply to sayirrespective of all the talks, this is not a way to behave and it has to be made loud and clear.”

To another burning international issue he added, “About Kashmirlet me say, I know it is British government's job to give people of India or Pakistan or living in Kashmir a solution. If we are asked we can response. But we have to approach this issue with some humility.

I am hoping there are behind the scene secret talks between India and Pakistan to sort out the matter. I will urge opening up borders, trade links and so on, as one of the most significant steps to building bridges, for normalisation of relations. It is always helpful to focus on the areas of shared interests. I am not going to propose a solution to Kashmir issue, as I don't have one.”

Asian Voice asked Ed his opinion about the students who are suffering as victims of bogus colleges that have suddenly and recently been shut down by the UKBA. The Minister said, “This country has never been clear on visas and immigration. The government made the same provisions available for pupils on vocational courses and graduates and later complaint about the growing number of immigrants.

Coming to the victims of the bogus colleges, I would say, illegal immigrants are not welcome in this country. I do not support

them. But if they are in this country due to some unavoidable circumstances, the government has a responsibility towards them. This also includes women who are trafficked into this country.

The government can't turn their back and advise these stranded students with no support to take legal advise. Legal advise is neither easy nor cheap in Britain.

Lib Dems believe in an open door policy. We think that the way people from abroad are treated in this country is shocking. In my constituency, a British Gujarati couple wanted to bring over their mother to see their newly born son in Britain. They tried to get a visitor visa and it got rejected. So they asked me to help and I sorted it out from them. It was very moving to see an 80 years old grand mother to come into my office to thank me.

However I have a tougher message for. All the aid that Britain gives to the NGOs in India increasingly need to be questioned.

People need to question why a country with so much of prosperity cannot alleviate poverty and make right to education mandatory? India churns out more graduates than the whole of British population.”

Lord Dholakia urged all the media present to prepare a manifesto with the help of readers and communities and demand a change in policies from the government before the election.

So, if you are a reader of Asian Voice and you would like to be heard, please email us your questions. We will make sure to ask your questions to our ministers in our 'Question Time', held on 28th March, at Kadwa Patidar Centre. ( For more det ails, please see page 25)

Police set to probe claims against Gurkha charity British police are examining allegations of corruption and intimidation in a charity set up to look after former Gurkha soldiers, The Sunday Telegraph has revealed last week.It reported that at least two complaints have been lodged with separate UK police forces involving the Gurkha Army's Ex Servicemen's Organisation (GAESO).

The charity was allegedly accused in Parliament last week of

charging impoverished Nepalese former servicemen £500 each for unnecessary resettlement advice before referring the Gurkhas to a British firm of solicitors, under the Legal Aid scheme.

The Ministry of Defence, along with the Ministry of Justice, is investigating the charity's £500 fees and the referrals.

Senior sources at Kent police indicated to Sunday Telegraph on Saturday that they are at "discussion

stage" over a complaint from Bhin Tumbahamphe, a former Gurkha, now living in the county. The former serviceman has made serious financial allegations against GAESO. An investigation by The Sunday Telegraph in Britain and Nepal has uncovered deep-rooted divisions and claims of widespread malpractice in GAESO. Kevan Jones, the defence minister, ordered an inquiry last week into

the fees and referrals.

Mr Jones insists there was no need to pay these charges because the Ministry of Defence's Gurkha Settlement Office in Nepal provides such help for free – an offer taken up by some 3,500 former Gurkhas.

Tikendra Dewan, Chairman of British Gurkha Welfare Society told the AV, “The crux of the matter is that many Gurkhas both in the UK and Nepal are in desper-

Tory declares their BAME Parliamentary candidates David Cameron has vowed to boost the number of ethnic MPs if he wins the election.

So far 149 women have been selected to stand overall and the party hopes to see 16 black or ethnic minority MPs, 10 gay MPs and 99 women after the election.

The minority list includes 13 candidates of Hindu, Sikh or Jain origin. Currently the Tories have two ethnic MPs, including one Gujarati MP, Shailesh Vara.

Following are the list of PPCs from the Conservatives: Bradford West Zahid Iqbal Bristol East Adeela Shafi Chippenham Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones Dulwich and West Norwood Kemi Adegoke Gillingham and Rainham Rehman Chishti Hammersmith Shaun Bailey Hazel Grove Annesley Abercorn Maidstone and The Weald Helen Grant Alok Sharma Reading West Tooting Mark Clarke Twickenham Deborah Thomas Priti Patel Witham Wolverhampton South West Paul Uppal Streatham Rahoul Bhansali Bermondsey and Old Southwark Loanna Morrison Gurcharan Singh Ealing Southall Hackney South Simon Nayyar Holborn and St Pancras George Lee Sachin Rajput Brent Central Birmingham Hodge Hill Shailesh Parekh Sedgefield Neil Mahpatra Bradford East Mohammed Riaz Rochdale Mudasir Dean North Tyneside Gagan Mohindra Manchester Central Suhail Rahuja Warley Jasbir Parmer Ashton-under-Lyme Seema Kennedy Oldham East and Saddleworth Kashif Ali Oldham West and Royton Kamran Ghafoor Stoke on Trent Central Norsheen Bhatti Leigh Shazia Awan Itrat Ali Makerfield Bootle Sohail Qureshi Liverpool Riverside Kegang Wu Spelthorne Kwasi Kwarteng Birmingham Ladywood Nusrat Ghani Bromsgrove Sajid Javid East Surrey Sam Gyimah Stratford-on-Avon Nadhim Zahawi Brent North Harshadbhai Patel Bethnal Green and Bow Zakir Khan

Leicester City Council gets a 'Patel' leader Labour councillors last week elected Veejay Patel to be the new leader of Leicester City Council.

The 46-year-old gained 24 votes to see off a challenge from two party colleagues, Mary Draycott with 10 votes and Manish Sood with support from just one colleague, to become the first Asian leader of the council.

The councillor is set to take up his new role on March 25, with current deputy leader Vi Dempster remaining in position after being elected unopposed.

He said: "This is a very proud moment for me and I look forward to serving the people of the city."

The businessman, who was first elected as a councillor in 1995, stood for group leader on a platform of uniting the party.

Cllr Patel's first move as leader was to question whether the city needed a new council headquarters,

which will cost in the region of £60m.

The council announced last month that the New Walk Centre could be rebuilt after concerns over its safety.

He said: "It's something I want to look closely at as soon as possible, because if we can repair the building rather than building a new one it'll save the city millions of pounds."

He said he planned to give local councillors their own budgets to decide how to spend money in their area.

ate need of support – both in terms of financial provision and access to health and social services.

Anything that distracts from achieving this support is harmful to the Gurkha community.

“The allegations of impropriety are very serious, and we hope they are thoroughly investigated and quickly resolved, so that the focus can return to solving Gurkha welfare issues.”

Cllr Veejay Patel

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

11

Face to Face with Gunveena Chadha, Director & Head – UK, CII

By Rupanjana Dutta AV: What is your background and when did you come to the UK? I have a doctorate in Economics. I started my professional career as an Assistant Professor. Then I went to Tanzania for 2 years worked in private sector. Came back to India and joined CII in May 2000. Done couple of different things since my background is in Economics. The Indian industry at that time was in the peak of opening up, so we within the CII’s economic division involved with Indian government's liberalisation policies.

After that I moved to the International division. I was posted to Geneva in 2003 in the World Economic Forum. Then went back to India. Led our initiatives in the Latin America and Caribbean and then moved to the UK. I joined our CII UK office on 1st October 2009.

AV: What is CII? The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is the largest industry association in India. We were founded 115 years ago. We

are a premier business organisation representing the entire Indian industrywhether small or large, across all sector in all its aspects.

We were founded around 1890s and are a non profit organisation.

We are not funded by the government of India and are funded 100% by our membership, but we work very closely with the government of India on everything that would benefit the Indian industry.

Our membership is corporate, not individual.

We have close to 8000 corporates as direct members.

It includes both private and public sector enterprises and also the MNCs in India. So most of the fortune 500 companies that are based in India are CII members.

Then we also have certain number of regional associations as our member. Through these sectoral/regional associations we have another indirect membership of 90,000 companies.

AV: How does CII help industries?

We work closely with the government of India on all industrial policy

Gunveena Chadha interviewed by Rupanjana Dutta

changes in India and also brand India globally through IBEF which is housed within the CII. Whenever govt of India introduces a policy change in industrial sector, it seeks inputs from CII. Then our members from that the sector sit together and prepare the steps that the government needs to take to bring in the policy change to benefit the industries.

We provide platform to all the industries, through conference, seminars, events, networking events where we put industries with their counterparts

from all over India or we bring them in contact with the relevant government authorities so that they can discuss their issues with them. We also put our members in touch with their counterparts across the world, whether its by organising promotional activities within the country itself or taking business delegations overseas, where they participate in seminars and conferences.

We also organise trade fares within India and also across the world. Like the International Engineering Trade Fare (IETL), the Auto Export, the Defence

Export and also the Air show.

We provide consultancy services to our members and for this we have set up centres of excellence which work on certain areas which are important for industries like logistics, quality, sustainable development, competitiveness, climate change, leadership etc.

CII also has a very active social development cell. It works with our member companies on healthcare facilities, education and on women and child development across rural areas and slum areas in cities. In all these areas indian industries are heavily involved and supporting.

CII works on education and skills development as well. The skills development department has worked not only within India but also with different countries where CII has helped to build skills development programmes.

Like in Africa, Afghanistan and many more.

AV: If CII has so much stake in the policy making

and if corporate members are involved, isn't it something like a pressure group?

No, we are not a pressure or lobby group. We work closely with the government. When government wants to bring about changes, it comes to us for industrial feedback. And then government aligns its policies accordingly, so that it can enhance economical growth of the country.

AV: What is CII's role in the UK? CII's basic mandate is promotion of industry.

Outside India we promote Indian industry and industry in general. We also help the British industries to go and invest in India. We believe in bilateral trade and investment and we promote there. We are also very keen to promote business between Assamese, because that is a huge growth opportunity for British Assamese and Indian Assamese. We also promote education in various universities here. We work very closely with Warwick manufacturing group.

Your health, your safety: A guide for workers UK Health and Safety Law protects you even if you are not working here legally the employment business/agency, gangmaster, contractor or hirer you are working for has a legal duty to ensure you receive the rights set out here.

Rhaynukaa Soni Outreach Executive

If you are an employee (full- or part-time, temporary or permanent), this article explains what your rights are, what you should expect from your employer, what responsibilities you have and where to go for help. It also applies to you if you are a young person doing work experience, an apprentice, charity worker, mobile worker or homeworker.

If you are a temporary, casual or agency worker,

You have the right: l To work in places where all the risks to your health and safety are properly controlled. l To stop working and leave the area if you think you are in danger. l To inform your employer about health and safety issues or concerns. l To contact HSE or your local authority if you still have health and safety concerns and not get into trouble. l To join a trade union and be a safety representative. l To paid time off work for training if you are a safety representative. l To a rest break of at least 20 minutes if you work more than six hours at a

stretch and to an annual period of paid leave.

You must: l Take care of your own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by what you do (or do not do). l Co-operate with others on health and safety, and not interfere with, or misuse, anything provided for your health, safety or welfare.

Your employer must tell you: l About risks to your health and safety from current or proposed working practices. l About things or changes that may harm or affect your health and safety.

l How

to do your job safely. l What is done to protect your health and safety.

How to get first-aid treatment. l What to do in an emergency.

Your employer must provide, free of charge:

l Training to do your job safely. l Protection for you at work when necessary (such as clothing, shoes or boots, eye and ear protection, gloves, masks etc). l Health checks if there is a danger of ill health because of your work. l Regular health checks if you work nights and a check before you start.

(Note: If you are genuinely selfemployed you are responsible for providing your own first-aid arrangements, training, protective equipment and health checks, and for organising your own working time.)

Your employer must provide you with the following information:

Helpline: 0207 556 2181 e-mail: desi@hse.gsi.gov.uk Website: www.hse.gov.uk/construction/gujarati

l Health and safety law: l What you should know. l This should give the con-

tact details of people who can help. l Their health and safety policy statement. l An up-to-date Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) certificate visible in your place of work.

What to do if you are concerned about your health and safety: l Phone HSE’s Gujarati helpline 020 7556 2181 for advice or to complain anonymously and in complete confidence. You can also email us at desi@hse.gsi.gov.uk l If you have lost your job because of a health and safety matter you may be able to complain to an Employment Tribunal.

Ask your trade union or local Citizens Advice Bureau for advice.

12

MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Scrutator’s There is nothing so calculated to put Anglo-American noses out of joint as India's time-tested ties with Russia, the continuation of a close relationship which began with the Soviet Union. Following the liquidation of British colonial rule in the subcontinent in August 1947, Whitehall had hoped to pull the strings in New Delhi from behind the scenes in India's renewed status as a hewer of wood and drawer of water in the UKassisted post-war American imperium.

(See Narendra Singh Sarila, The Untold Story of India's Partition: In the Shadow of the Great Game, a work avoided like the plague by reviewers in the British media).

London and Washington perceived in Pakistan and in the concomitant forces of militant Islam desired allies in the unfolding Cold War. The jehadi assault from across the border in Kashmir in October 1947 was undoubtedly a planned operation to reduce India to a broken-backed, pliant entity. The best laid plans of mice and men went awry during the following decades, thanks largely to the political will of the Indian leadership to stand tall, and to the unflinching Soviet support for India as it faced up to Western intimidation and pressure – the velvet glove of 'shared democratic values' concealed at all times a cloven hoof. India's relations with America, in particular, and with Britain have warmed considerably over the coolness of the Cold War era, but if the truth be told, there remains still a trust deficit on a number of burning geostrategic issues, notably the Islamist terrorism emanating from Pakistan, America's foremost regional client.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's steps down in India

Lingering resentment The FT's sour editorial (March 12) on Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's to India refracted lingering resentment of the Indo-Russian relationship.

al-Qaeda and Afghan Taliban Lilliputians. What price superpowerdom? The FT warned raspingly: “But Mr Putin – like Barack Obama – must be careful that alliance building on the subcontinent does not ratchet up the South Asian arms race.” You don’t say?

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is welcomed by India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

Apropos of US-Indian ties, it remarked: “A bilateral alliance with the world's only superpower moreover, flatters Indian vanity.”

Does it indeed. The impertinent Indians see only too clearly an American Gulliver trussed up on the ground by legions of Iraqi

BBC News (March 12) snarled its familiar refrain: “However, the [IndoRussian] relationship faces new challenges, including competition from the West and the growing economic and military might of China.”

Vietnam, in February 1979, exposed

Two prime ministers sharing a confidence

this “growing economic and military might” as something of a paper tiger.

The BBC can surely do better.

Fighting to hold India Reporting from New Delhi, the FT's James Lamont (March 11), on the eve of the Putin visit, referred to it as “a bold initiative to resuscitate his country's flagging relationship with India by offering an expansion of nuclear power and military technology transfer and partnership in Russia's global positioning system.” The “resuscitation” came with the visit to Moscow of President Pratibha Patil in September 2009 followed by a relay of senior Indian ministers in respective charge of foreign affairs, defence, industry and commerce and energy.

The climax came with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Moscow Summit in early December, which included extensive talks on bilateral and international issues with President Dmitri Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Mr Lamont, like his media colleagues, was possibly asleep at his desk during these hectic weeks.

Awakened by the clamour surrounding Mr Putin's arrival, he called on Russian officials in Delhi and was told that “Moscow wanted to re-energise deep ties with forged in the decades after India's independence that would serve India better than warming relationship with Western powers, such as the US.....Other influential powers had taken 50 years to realise that India is a superpower in the making.” Alexander Kadakin, the Russian ambassador to New Delhi, said: “No country in the world has offered India the technological deals as my country has done. We have shared the most sensitive technologies and newest [technological] developments.”

This has been warmly acknowledged by Indians of every political shade.

Which is why their country's relationship is routinely described by senior Indian officials and politicians alike as “time-tested.”

Russian defence had given India a significantt technological edge over its neighbours and also in its war against terrorism, said Ambassador Kadakin, something Indians in high places and low gratefully acknowledge.

Air power projection The next day (March 12), Mr Lamont referred specifically to Indian air power projection. He writes: “Mr Putin is making an aggressive pitch that it will be his country that brings India's air-strike capability into the 21st century....he will play his ace card: technology that others, such as the US, are reluctant to give India. He will extend Moscow's hand of co-operation in building a fifthgeneration fighter jet – the T50 PAKFA. The aircraft, the equivalent of the US's F-35 stealth fighter [with] Indian participation would put Asia's third largest economy at the forefront of military aircraft design and uphold a longstanding Russian promise to share the most advanced technology.... The fighter.... would also be equipped with BrahMos cruise missiles, which have been tested and developed jointly by the two countries.

“Mr Putin and Mr Singh are also expected to sign a deal for the supply of Mig29-K maritime fighters for India's navy. These are meant for the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier shortly to be acquired from Russia after a significant refurbishment.” All in all India and Russia will sign 15 deals covering a spectrum of defence and energy deals, including Russianmade nuclear reactors, worth an estimated $10.7 billion.

This proved to be the case, with the partners signing a plethora of agreements, foremost of which was Russia's commitment to build 12 new civilian nuclear reactors in India, and a variety of commercial ventures which included the diamond industry. This should be of special benefit to Surat, India's diamond hub. This could also have been a fallout from Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's earlier visit to Moscow, where he interacted with the country's top

businessmen.

Mr Putin said he was especially keen to deepen and expand Russia's hightech trade with India, referring specifically to IT and communications. Prime Minister Putin's visit has clearly been a seminal event. His Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh described his Russian guest as the architect of the IndoRussian strategic partnership. And so say all of us.

Essar listing The FT's Joe Leahy, reporting from Mumbai, told how “one of India's biggest conglomerates, is considering raising up to $3 billion from listing its oil and power assets on the London Stock Exchange in what would be the country's biggest overseas listing.

“The deal which would value Essar's energy businesses at $12 billion, is one of the strongest options to finance an $8bn-9bn expansion plan that would strengthen the group's position in the ranks of India's oil refining and electric power generation sectors....

Essar with $15bn in revenues, is controlled by brothers Shashi and Ravi Ruia,who are joint fifth in

debating chamber.”

The protesters, who belonged to the parties led by Mulayam Singh Yadav and Laloo Prasad Yadav, disgraced themselves by their atrocious behaviour, What, however, was truly encouraging was that the other opposition parties, notably the BJP and Communists, lined up behind the government in the national interest. Which is how a responsible democracy should work.

Aravind Eye Hospital A Rediff website (March 9) reported that Tamil Nadu-based Aravind Eye Care Systems provider, developer of innovative technologies which allow it to perform 300,000 surgeries each year – 70 per cent subsidized or free for those unable to afford it – has been awarded the $1.5 million Conrad. N. Hilton Prize (named after the late American hotelier) for 2010. The jury selected Aravind from a list of 200 contestants.

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation presents an annual award - the world's largest for humanitarian causes – to an organisation that does extraordinary work to

Workers manufacture lenses and blades in a sterilized room in the Aurolab, the manufacturing arm of the Aravind Hospital in Madurai, India

Forbes' Indian rich list.

Essar has interests in telecoms, including a joint venture with Vodofone of the UK, as well as steel, power, oil refining and outsourcing from the US to Kenya and parts of Asia.”

Key vote on women The FT's James Lamont (March 10) reported that, “India, the world's largest democracy, has taken a big step towards the introduction of legislation to boost the representation of women in parliament. The women's reservation bill was yesterday [March 9] passed by the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house, after two days of disruption that led to the forcible removal of protesting members of parliament from the

alleviate human suffering.

The award will be presented on April 20 in Redwood City, California.

Aravind, founded in 1976 by the late Dr G o v i n d a p p a Venkataswamy, operates five hospitals in India backed by a network of clinics, manages four others, and has research laboratories, a training centre and a manufacturing centre.

“Aravind's is a remarkable enterprise,” said Stephen Hilton, CEO of the Hilton Foundation.

“The impact of what they do is is so broad, all with 70 per cent of patients receiving surgeries free or at low cost.”

Aravind is expanding globally, establishing seven eye hospitals in Bangladesh and planning eye care facilities in Rwanda and Eritrea.

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

www.abplgroup.com

Alpesh Patel Consultant Editor Financial Voice Dear Financial Voice Reader, Stock analysis is best done with a clear head. Clarity of thought is best when you are not already holding a position. Like all financial commentators I don’t hold the positions I discuss unless expressly stated otherwise, whilst this is normal practice, it also allows the clarity of thought which means accuracy is better.

And speaking of accuracy and understanding market psychology, consider these issues: you are told that a pack of cards has letters on one side and numbers on the other. Imagine that someone makes the following statement If there is a vowel on one side then there is an even number on the other. There are four cards drawn, on which A, B, 2, 3 respectively are facing up. Which cards would you need to turn over to decide if the statement is true or false?

A card problem with no relevance to trading? Try telling that to George Soros, the legendary trader. According to him most traders would say A and 2, whereas the correct answer is A and 3.

Most get it wrong because they seek confirmation of a statement, instead of disconfirmation. (turning over 2 and finding a vowel would at best only confirm the statement, you need to turn over 3 to disconfirm and disprove it). The ability of traders to look for disconfirmation is rare and profitable argues Soros.

The ability to forecast future price ranges is central to any form of investment. Yet it is another area where

traders’ IQ appears deficient. For instance imagine you are asked to make a range prediction such that you are 90% sure that the price of say, Vodafone, will be within that range in 12 months.

The chances are you will be wrong and the price will be outside your range – even though you were asked for 90% certainty. We know traders would get it wrong because research shows over 80% of traders wrongly forecast the price range of certain equities 12 months hence, even when asked for a range which was so wide they felt 90% sure the price would fall within it. And that’s the professionals!

And if you consider yourself a trading expert you should be particularly concerned about you ability to forecast the future. The Economist asked four exfinance minister, four captains of industry, four Oxfrod University economics students, and four dustmen to make predictions about OECD GDP rates, inflation and oil prices. The winners were the dustmen. The finance ministers came last.

The point is, the analyst, without ‘skin in the game’ is often the best able to predict prices. It used to annoy me when at Bloomberg or CNBC I was told I cannot own directly or through the company or client’s investments stocks I mention, because I used to think, surely if you are exposed, then that’s the best.

Then I learnt, when you are exposed, it’s when you can’t be objective and think with the clarity needed in the above card test!

:VWpN bVRacN NV gVV\N`cN`cPchPVW `VNNcPN fVXcdF Vb (((# tC@NI

DUMB SHOW s7 kES dSFPWII qN@SU=ST V7 `=SCPSF ^F9NF

UK opposition targets TCS deal with PADA There is some opposition to the TCS deal with British Personal Accounts Delivery Authority (PADA) as some British websites have made adverse comments, while one has even quoted shadow pensions minister Nigel Waterson saying he is amazed at the speed at which the contract was signed. He even said if the Tory party came to power later this year, the deal could be reviewed. The ten year contract is to be divided into two stages.

According to one website, www.moneymarketing.co.uk, the Conservatives have attacked the decision to sign the contract for NEST administration before the general elections. “We wish to make it clear that our review of NEST, should we win the elections, will not be constrained in any way by any contract signed by this government in its dying days,” Waterson was quoted as saying in the report. Another website, www.citywire.co.uk, TCS has been contracted to run NEST at a cost of about 600 million pounds.

Indian chopper deal may save jobs in UK A g u s t a Westland, the Italian firm last week won a deal for 12 AW101 or Merlin helicopters from India.

This order could save upto 4000 jobs in UK as the company has a manufacturing base here. The company won the order after beating competition from Sikorsky of the UKA. India selected the AW101 for VIP movement. Westland plant is

located at Yeovil, about 250 kms from London.

While continuing to furnish updated versions of Sea Kings to the Navy, Westland has, in the past four years, sold 30 commercial helicopters in India.

Compass BPO Ltd. of UK now a part of Aditya Birla group of India A leading end-to-end Finance and Accounting (F&A) services provider from UK, Compass BPO Ltd. has been acquired by Aditya Birla Minacs of India.

Compass also has operation in the USA, the Middle East and India.

The value of the takeover deal has not been dis-

closed. David McCullough and Mark Atkins, founders of Compass would continue as members of the Minacs’ management.

A recent report by Gartner, published in FAO today has a mention of Compass BPO in the top 15 upcoming F&A BPO providers.

We’re here to end cruelty to children.

Nothing else will do.

Head of training and consultancy £60,000 - £75,000 35 hpw London or Leicester Ref: SE1180

Head of partnerships and representation £60,000 - £75,000 35 hpw Location flexible Ref: SE1181 These are challenging but exciting times for the voluntary sector, yet we know that in this climate children are at greater risk of abuse.

We’re here to end cruelty to children in the UK. It’s an aspiration which will take time but nothing less will do.

,]S@7 R<FF7Ü

We believe that we can make a difference for all children - by fighting for their rights, by listening to them, by helping them when they need us and by making them safe. These roles have been created to help us deliver against these ambitions.

_PS eV?S@:S@

9N=P

`WFMSS: sPW?KW@ .nEETFS?? n@WUNE<? hS_PS j<HW@? W= fEv%>4

Dy#( >+D (""> @E?S=PSW=@SKNFQ?=EFvE@Q >%5>& mNQP `=@SS=- jNFQ?=EF j_( (mi

7hXcAA gLN hN A I`hN TR_fc]

13

To discover your role in ending cruelty to children, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/careers quoting the reference.

We only accept online applications.

Closing date: 1 April 2010.

NSPCC Registered charity numbers 216401 and SC037717.

14

FInAnCIAL voice

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Tata Motors and Daimler part ways in India after 4 decades German giant sold their entire holdings for Rs. 18.63 billion commercial vehicle facility in Chennai and plans to roll out trucks by 2012 under a new brand name.

“The production of trucks for export to other emerging markets will follow at a later date,” it added.

Currently, Daimler sells its Actros range of trucks in India. The trucks are assembled at its Pune plant.

Daimler said despite the global financial crisis of 2008-09, the company is strengthening its business in both car and commercial vehicle segments in India.

Tatas had entered into collaboration with Daimler Benz way back in 1954 for manufacturing commercial vehicles.

When Daimler started manufacturing MercedesBenz cars in India in 1994, it began as a 51:49 joint venture between Daimler and Tata Motors, then known as Telco.

A very long association between the Tata Motors and the German auto giant Daimler ended this month after the German stake holder sold their 5.34% holdings in the Indian company for Euro 300 million (Rs. 18.63 billion) to Tata Sons and Citigroup. Daimler, makers of luxury cars under the brand name Mercedes Benz are now confident they can build their Indian business on their own.

Daimler in a statement had stated that the sale was done in full consultation with the Tatas.

Relations between the two companies are excellent and that will not be adversely affected.

Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata conglomerate bought 4 million shares, while the Citi group bought 4.65 million shares from Daimler.

Daimler is setting up a

China permits SBI to deal in Yuan China operations.

The nod for Yuan dealings is a breakthrough of sorts for the Indian financial sector because the Chinese government is extremely careful about choosing foreign banks that can be trusted to deal in the local currency.

Sasikumar said, “We will begin targeting Chinese companies seriously,” he said. At present, SBI has about 180 small and medium Chinese companies using its foreign exchange services.

SBI brought in an additional 100 million yuan raising its investment in China to 300 million yuan ($40 million) in order to obtain permission from the Peoples Bank of China and the China Banking Regulatory Commission to deal in the local currency.

Indian businesses in China will be now more comfortable for their banking needs, as State Bank of India has got the nod from Beijing for dealing in Yuan, the Chinese currency. The Yuan business for the premier govt. of India owned bank is already on from 15th March.

SBI’s CEO in China, C R Sasikumar said the bank now expects to do some serious business in the country. The bank also plans to open a second branch in Guangzhou, South China and upgrading the representative office to a branch in Tianjin. It has a functional branch in Shanghai.

SBI has been allowed to lend upto about 1 billion Yuan. Indian companies are borrowing about 700 million Yuans from Chinese banks for their

%" #(' % & ('

*$& $&

! ' ! & #

!4756)(

'

&0)

(

Carlos Slim of Mexico moves ahead of Bill Gates at the top spot, 2 Indian women also make it Mukesh Ambani, the owner of one part of the Reliance empire continues to be among the top 10 in the Forbes list of billionaires globally, while his younger brother Anil Ambani lost his billionaires status in the year 2009. Lakshmi Mittal, the India born steel king from UK is also among the top ten. Telecom czar from Mexico, Carlos Slim edged past Microsoft founder Bill Gates as the world’s top billionaire.

Savitri Jindal and Indu Jain are the two Indian women who have found a place among the top 50 list. Mukesh Ambani ranked fourth with $29 billion and Mittal ranked fifth with $28.7 billion on the Forbes list of billionaires.

Anil Ambani turned out the biggest loser this year as he lost $32 billion 76 percent of his fortune as shares of his Reliance Communications, Reliance Power and Reliance Capital all collapsed, Forbes said on its website. He was last year's biggest gainer.

India was left just 24 billionaires, while China

Savitri Jindal

at 354th rank.

Walton is followed by L’Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt (with networth of $20 billion), Swedish packaging giant Tetra Laval’s Birgit Rausing & family ($13 billion), and Savitri Jindal ($12.2 billion).

India’s top 50 has Azim Premji, Ruias, Anil Ambani, Anil Agarwal, Kumar Birla.

The list of Indian billionaires include Mukesh Ambani and Mr. Mittal in the top two, along with Azim Premji ($17 billion), Anil Ambani ($13.7 billion), Shashi and Ravi Ruia ($13 billion), Savitri Jindal ($12.2 billion), Kushal Pal Singh ($9 billion), Kumar Birla ($7.9 billion), Sunil Mittal ($7.8

Globally, India is 3rd most preferred investment destination India is taking rapid stride as a leading investor with global giants, even as the country itself is seeking foreign investment in many sectors of its economy. Having emerged the top foreign investor in UK, now India has become second fastest growing foreign investor in the USA. As per details given by officials from the Obama Administration, for the period of 2004 to 2008, UAE was the only country ahead of India.

On another front, according to a study by the Columbia University, India is the 3rd most preferred investment destination. The inflow of foreign investment in the country though is constrained with caps on investments in certain sectors.

Under Secretary of State for Economic,

$

%

Indu Jain

marched ahead with 28.

For India, 23 of their industrialists in the rich list of 24 have lost heavily.

With his wealth pegged at $53.5 billion, Mexican telecom tycoon Carlos Slim Helu topped the list, $500 million ahead of long-time list topper Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who ranked second. Legendary investor Warren Buffet was third with $47 billion.

2 Indian women on Forbes list of world's billionaires Savitri Jindal of the OP Jindal Group, with a net worth of $12.2 billion has been ranked 44th in the global list, while media baron - Bennett, Coleman & Co’s Chairperson Indu Jain at $2.8 billion comes

billion) and Anil Agarwal ($6.4 billion).

Mukesh Ambani has retained the title of being the world's richest Indian for the second consecutive year.

Leading the group of 50 Indians in the list, Mr. Ambani has added over $9.5 billion to his net worth in the past 12 months. Mr. Mittal, who ranks fifth, has gained over $9 billion in the last year.

Mr. Premji, at the 28th place, has seen his rank skyrocket from the 83rd position last year with an addition of over $11.3 bn.

Mr. Ambani's brother Anil, who was ranked at the 34th position in 2009, slipped two positions below to the 36th spot despite an increase of $3.6 billion in his net worth.

Shashi and Ravi Ruia, the promoters of the Essar Group, are ranked at the 40th position, up from 86th last year. The cumulative wealth of Indian billionaires has jumped by $118.9 billion and now stands at about $227.9 billion. The Indian presence has doubled to 50 (from 24 a year ago) in the club.

India investing strongly in the USA, grows just behind UAE

,

)'($" &'

(

Forbes rich list has Mukesh Ambani, Lakshmi Mittal in the top 10

" "

Energy and Agricultural Affairs Robert D Hormats, addressing the US Council for International Business said, “The recent years have seen the drift toward a newer group of investors from countries such as the UAE, India, Spain and Chile”. While historically European nations have been the leading investors in the US, the fastest growing between 2004 and 2008 have been the UAE, which has shown a 230 per cent average annual increase over four years, followed by India with 64 per cent increase, Spain with 60 per cent, Chile 50 per cent, Switzerland with 38 per cent), South Korea with 31 per cent, China with 30 per cent and Indonesia with 27 per cent.

Among top investors, European countries hold

$& !! ,$)&

#

#

62 per cent of the stock of FDI (foreign direct investment) in the US, with Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain as the main investing countries.

He said the BRIC economies (Brazil, Russia, India and China) are becoming important investors globally as they recognize the importance of such investments for their own economic success.

The State Department, he said, is taking this opportunity to build on common ground.

On the role of investments in the country's economy, Hormat quoting from Texas governor Rick Perry's statement said, "At last count, there was $92 mn worth of direct foreign investment in Texas by Indian companies. And there are 317 Texas work-

$24/(8-() ! $24/(8-()

9

"

9 ! "

$)& &

ers employed by companies based in India. The benefits of investment are more than just financial gains in our state. Foreign direct investment creates new jobs and unleashes an infusion of innovative technologies, progressive management strategies, and effective workforce practices."

India among world’s top 3 preferred investment destination India is among the world's top three preferred investment destination, but equity caps limit the size of potential inflows, according to a Columbia University report. The report cited liberalisation in FDI policy and several economic sectors, a globally competitive workforce, and rapid GDP and market growth as the main drivers of foreign investment in India.

& $#

'

#( $)#'!$* )' # '' , $)#'!$* ! ' +

!

$#(

(

&

!)/

4&1',

**-')

%($# $# $#

#

$& '(

!)/ 0&-/ 7.5&/)5 *-456*/-+,6 1)6 888 *-456*/-+,6)7423) '20

(

fINaNCIal voice

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

15

Rent Guarantee Insurance: demand grows as client enjoy real benefits 2009 was nothing short of a tumultuous year for Coversure’s unique Rent Guarantee Insurance, which saw a year on year rise of 150% demand in December.

Rajan Amin, of Coversure Kennington attributes their record month to the product “coming of age”.

“When, we first launched a no credit check rent guarantee policy that covered tenants claiming housing benefit many landlords and letting agents thought it was too good to be true. As time has passed, a number of our clients have made claims, and this has gone a long way to add credibility to the product.”

Indeed, research has shown that credibility and value for money are two of the key components to introducing a new product to the marketplace.

“There seems little doubt that as some clients have seen the benefits of protecting their income with insurance, we have seen strong growth in demand.

We are delighted with the way the product has been running and expect the product to continue to grow during 2010.”

Robert Nicholls Sales & Underwriting Manger at Abbey Legal Protection, the provider for this unique product, says “last year’s change in law where Housing Benefit is now paid to the tenant and not the Landlord has fuelled the surge in demand by both landlords and managing agents as they become increasingly concerned about exposure to rent arrears”.

Ramesh Pindoria, a director of Regal Estates in Neasden, North West London agrees “My Company looks after the interests of the landlords who trust us to manage their investment properties. This includes mitigating their risks, and I have had a very positive experience of the value of this insurance product. I have been managing a claim for one of my clients, and I have experienced not only the simplicity of dealing with the insurance company, but the invaluable help they have given me in getting the tenant evicted. I fully expect an increasing number of investors to buy this kind of protection.”

Help with tenant Evictions It feels unjust. You own a property, you let it to someone on the promise of a fair rent, and they don’t pay up. More often than not, you will have a mortgage to pay, and the lender expects its monthly instalments.

The Rent Guarantee Insurance from Coversure helps to redress the balance in favour of the property owner. In addition to replacing your lost income, the insurance company will bring all of

its experience and organisational skills into securing the eviction of the errant tenant. “It has made our lives so much easier” says Mr Malik from Empire Estates.

“One of our tenant’s went into arrears towards the end of the tenancy term leaving us with no option but to evict them.

After checking if the insurance would cover eviction we were informed not only would it be covered but the full costs paid for. To date they have not only taken over the whole eviction process but issued the Section 8 Notice (at a small additional cost) but helped and guided us through this period.”

Robert Nicholls from Abbey Legal Protection continues “the Policy comes with a legal advice line with Solicitors on hand to guide Policyholders through the process of evicting tenants. Eviction requires the correct process to be taken, and this process is embedded in the policy. If you call the advice line and notify claims to us immediately rent is one month in arrears we will guide you through the process”.

Rajan Amin adds “We have produced a simple ‘How to Claim’ sheet for all three elements of the policy; Rent Guarantee, Legal Expenses (Eviction) and Home Emergency cover which is sent out with the policy schedule and available on our website. We believe this gives our Rent Guarantee policyholders confidence in the policy in an easy to understand format. “ Busy winter for Home Emergency Cover Bust pipes, faulty boilers, leaky roofs, even infestation. In many cases an emergency for the tenant and an unwelcome phone call for the landlord.

“It’s been a harsh winter for many so far, and our Home Emergency provider (Homecall) has been kept very busy indeed” reports Coversure Kennington Director Rajan Amin.

“We have seen all manner of emergencies and traumas over the last 12 months but our landlord clients have remained undisturbed” The reason for this is that the Home Emergency cover offered by Coversure not only covers the cost of rectifying the emergency, but the cost of labour including VAT (maximum £500 per claim). The tenant can call the 24 hour, seven days a week, emergency number directly.

Ramesh Pindoria a

Rajan Amin

Director of Regal Estates which specialises in looking after DSS lettings has had some very positive feedback regarding claims. “One of my clients

had an infestation problem, and Homecare arranged three separate visits from pest control until the problem was resolved. The tenant was very pleased with the service.”

DSS Specialist, Regal Estates adopts Coversure Rent Guarantee Regal Estates, the Neasden based property agent, specialising in managing properties let to tenants on housing benefit reports that, managed properly, DSS tenants can offer a good investment return.

“The returns can be very strong and our relationships with local

Councils help to keep the tenants on track. Where all else fails, the Rent Guarantee insurance covers the losses and supports us in achieving an eviction” says Ramesh Pindoria, Director.

“Regal Estates has seen the benefits of our product as the first client to have made a valid claim for rent guarantee and eviction; both now closed with the tenant successfully being evicted” says Rajan Amin of Coversure. “When I first met Ramesh he was unsure because it all seems so simple. Now that the policy has proved

itself, we have a very large number of his clients properties on our books.

We have been able to help with rent payments, evictions and home emergencies. Our staff and the people at Regal work very well together” Amin concludes "The most important benefit to the landlord is that Coversure has found a partner who will, provided the tenant has no CCJs, accept the risk for housing benefit tenants without credit checks."

Coversure is an independent insurance brokerage with over 90 offices nationwide.

You can contact Rajan Amin (Cert CII) on Tel: 08000939009 freephone or 08704 585 680 Email: kennington@coversure.co.uk Website: www.coversure.co.uklkennington

Petition in support of direct flight between the UK and Gujarat.

Organised by National Congress of Gujarati Organisations UK. If you want a direct flight from London to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad; if you have a desire to get a permanent, easy connection with people of Gujarat, do sign and get others to sign this petition and send it to “Asian Voice” or “Gujarat Samachar” office by post or fax it to our office (no. 020 7749 4081), at the earliest.

THE CAMPAIGN to facilitate direct flights between London Heathrow and Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport Ahmedabad, Gujarat launched by National Congress of Gujarati Organisations UK (NCGO UK) and Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar has generated much interest amongst Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar readers and the entire community.

All those wishing to add their names to the list of petitioners, which includes several prominent politicians, business people and community members are requested to complete the tear-off the form and send it to the offices of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar , 12 Hoxton Market, London N1

6HW, from where they will be forwarded to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi, The Civil Aviation Minister Shri Praful Patel, Government of India and to the Chairman of Air India, Mumbai Shri Arvind Jadhav as well as to Shri Sam Pitroda, special advisor to Indian Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh and Chairman of the Knowledge Commission of India.

Please note : If you wish to register more than 10 names on your petition, then simply photocopy the tear-off form and add the extra names. All petitions must clearly state your full names,postal address and must be signed and dated.

REGISTER YOUR SUPPORT WE THE undersigned hereby support the direct Air India flights between London and Ahmedabad for the following reasons : q There are more Gujaratis living and travelling abroad than any other Indian community, and this figure is increasing. q About 40% of Air India passenger to the UK are Gujarati.

Indeed on some flights, close to 80% to 90% are Gujarati. q India is the 2nd largest investor into United Kingdom, according to British Government figures. Many of these Indian companies are either owned, controlled, or significantly staffed

by Gujaratis. q The UK is the Second Largest investor in India, and the largest cumulative investor in Gujarat. q Nearly 50% of all visas issued by British High Commission

NAME 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

in India are to Gujaratis. q Currently, air passengers travelling between the UK and Gujarat are required to change planes either at Mumbai or Delhi. This inevitably leads to considerable inconvenience, delay and expense – particularly for families with young children, pregnent women, the elderly, and the increasing number of business travellers. q We believe that the introduction of direct flights will not only be of benefit to the Gujarati diaspora, but also prove commercially successfully for Air India.

Form also available online at www.abplgroup.com to download and Fax on 020 7749 4081 Email: support@abplgroup.com

ADDRESS

SIGNATURE

DATE

16

FINANCIAl voice

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

No FPOs for ONGC, IOC soon As the UPA government in India is planning for a fast track disinvestment programme, one of the key officials has said there are no plans to sell stake in two major Petroleum PSUs – the ONGC and Indian Oil Corporation.

Petroleum Secretary S. Sundareshan, speaking with mediamen last week, said “There is no serious consideration (on ONGC and IOC FPOs) at this juncture.”

Both ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) and IOC have opposed follow-on public offers (FPOs) as ambiguous fuel pricing was affecting their valuations.

The Disinvestment Department had in

December sought the oil ministry’s comments on “public offerings from the government’s shareholding” in ONGC and IOC. The Oil Ministry, however, was of the view that raising funds from the capital market was not prudent till issues like fuel pricing and subsidies were resolved.

The government does not allow IOC and other retailers BPCL and HPCL

to sell petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene at a price in line with the cost and has also failed to compensate them fully for revenues lost.

ONGC is plagued by uncertainty on the net price it will realise on sale of crude oil as the government on an ad-hoc basis asks it to make up for retailers’ fuel losses. Also, revision of the natural gas price has been long pending.

Vedanta has violated green norms, disregarded tribal rights Indian environment ministry report holds the company at fault Vedanta Resources, the UK registered multinational has even been found violating green norms by the Government of India recently, as the ministry of Environment has said the company regulations have been violated at their mining site in Niyamgiri hills of Orissa.

A report submitted by a three-member team of the Union Environment

Ministry has found evidence of violations of green norms at the company's bauxite project in the Kalahandi district of Orissa. The report was submitted to Jairam Ramesh, the environment minister.

The minister also said

the company has violated Forest Rights Act, without taking consideration of the tribal rights. Vedanta is also found to have been going ahead with construction work on government land, while the project yet to be cleared.

Vendanta project has been opposed by the tribal right activists and environmental groups.

Alpesh Patel’s Political Sketchbook: Hang them all The Prime Minister’s car rolled into Buckingham Palace, before it could even halt, Gordon Brown stepped out and marched forward to await a meeting with the monarch. He’d hardly slept all night.

The election results had been coming into the early morning and each one mattered...every single seat. Back and forth it had been all night.

Now, this morning, with a few more seats left, he had to meet the monarch, from whom sprung the Royal Prerogative, from God Himself, to form the Government in Her name. Indeed, it was little known that if the monarch so wished, she did not need to ask the leader of the party able to command a majority in the Commons to form Her most loyal Government and the remainder her loyal opposition...she could pretty much choose who she liked.

A small trickle of sweat poured down Brown’s face as he awaited the entrance of the Queen. Would he have his dream of being elected by the people, anointed by the Queen?

“Well Mr Brown, the first question I must ask you, and I know the answer, is can you command an absolute majority in the House as the

Leader of your party and the Prime Minister at this time?” cross-examined the Queen.

“Ma’am, I need more time. My whips are talking to the other smaller parties.” Hesitated the Prime Minister.

“It seems to me, as you are not sure, and are not the leader of the Party with the most number of seats, I had better speak to Mr Cameron.” And with that the Queen turned and left.

As the TV cameras spied and intruded onto the courtyard of the Palace, no sooner had the PM’s car left for 10 Downing St, than that of the Tory leader arrived.

It stopped. He paused.

He held his breath. And then calmly stepped forth. Once out of view of the cameras he couldn’t quite decide if it was the May air or the thrill of anticipation that made him shiver, but hoped no one other than the Queen’s staff saw the shaking of his shoulders.

As he waited in the gilded ante-room, he continued undertaking the mathematics of it all.

Largest party, but still not able to command a majority. He’d delayed leaving his car earliet just in case a last minute text gave him the news he wanted that he had the final push from the LibDems to carry him

over. ‘Damn Clegg, holding his cards close to his chest’ – he wants me to meet the Queen, taste the smell of power and know it is him I have to return to.

As Cameron left, the Queen who had seen more Prime Ministers than any other British monarch made it clear she would not be seeing a new one that morning.

She reminded Cameron that she would initiate discussions between the parties to see if a coalition government could be formed with a Leader from one of the other parties as Prime Minister. And Clegg waited anxiously as he watched the TV at Lib Dem party headquarters for a call from the Palace.

The columnist hails from Karamsad and is a former Visiting Fellow at Corpus Christi College, Oxford.

He read Philosophy, Politics, Economics at St Anne’s College, Oxford when he also interned in the US Congress during the Clinton administration, read Law at King’s College, London, qualifying as a barrister. He is a former Bloomberg TV presenter and Financial Times columnist with 250+ columns published in the FT and author of 13 books on business and the markets.

Chinese exports see a mercurial rise of 45.7% in February In a possible sign of rebound in global demand, exports from China registered a mercurial, 45.7% rise in February, figures released by the government showed. Beating forecasts by private analysts, reports from the Chinese customs agency disclosed the rise as compared against February 2009. Private analysts had

expected a growth of 35 to 40%.

Imports also were up strongly, rising by 44.7 percent in February from a year earlier, the agency said, reflecting China's revival from the global economic crisis.

China's trade figures can be distorted by the weeklong Lunar New Year

holiday, which falls at varying times in January and February.

Combining data from the two months, which analysts say produces a more accurate picture of trade conditions, shows exports surged 31.4 percent in the JanuaryFebruary period over the same time last year.

Malaysia Airlines logs on to TCS for IT infrastructure Five year deal will help the airline transform its IT operations Malaysia Airlines (MA) recently inked a deal with India’s largest software exporter, the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for IT infrastructure services. The financial details though have not been disclosed.

According to a TCS statement, the end-to-end IT infrastructure services will transform the airline's

IT operations to deliver seamless internal customer experience.

“One of the key initiatives include fine tuning our IT outsourcing strategy to deliver the required business results at lower cost. At the same time, we will continue to work with our key vendors to maximise service delivery and to proactively address

other business requirements,” MA Chief Information Officer Faridah Abdul Rahman said. TCS will undertake IT infrastructure management of the airline's data centres, IT networks and IT security. MA will also get a service management organisation set up by the TCS under a “BOT” model.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

17

Property Focus Suresh Vagjiani Managing Director of Sow & Reap, a Property Investment & Financing company.

One man's mistake is another man's profit ...

Last week we exchanged on an unsold lot in the auction. The property is in the fashionable location of Kingston and had been described incorrectly in the auction as a one bedroom ground floor flat, which may explain why it didn’t sell at the auction when clearly the value is much higher. This property is in fact a two bedroom first floor flat with a balcony. The balcony and the flat being on the first floor are all plus points, as nobody likes people in the street staring at them.

The reserve was set at £165,000 on this property which was a sensible reserve, however we managed to negotiate the deal at £154,000. Past results confirm the property price to be around the £200,000 mark. A glance on Find a Property showed one on the market at £209,000.

Map from Times online, illustrating what most market leading agents are saying.

The areas to focus on are London and Southeast England. In London we feel Central London will come out the strongest and be insulated from any down turns should they occur. Proof of this is over the last two years everything we have been selling in this area has only risen.

STAMP DUTY SAVINGS.

On purchases over £500k.

Client: Mr Patel, London, Business Proprietor of several newsagents in London Purchase Price Stamp duty liability

£550,000 4% £22,000 50% saving to reduce stamp duty tax bill to 2% Amount due £11,000

Mr Patel – this is actually a true case - he came to see us to get help on funding his purchase.

Not only did he get the absolute best rate on the whole of the market and help with the process, he also got a lot more than he expected. We are able to save a massive £11,000 off his stamp duty on his purchase. With Sow & Reap you can now legally save thousands on stamp duty land tax on purchases over £500k. The rate of saving will be typically 50% of the standard rate of 4%.

This scheme is of course legal and guaranteed, so you can use it with full peace of mind.

At Sow & Reap you have the satisfaction that once we are dealing with your purchase enquiry, the mortgage will be dealt with swiftly with market leading rates, and now with our device of reducing your stamp duty tax bill by a minimum 50% Sow & Reap are the only choice.

without any penalties they come often loaded with high administration charges.

This is to account for the possibility you can potentially take out the mortgage today and redeem it the next day, this will leave the lender with a loss, due to the cost of administration involved in setting up the mortgage. The interest rate in this case is secondary as we are only planning on holding the property for around three months. The arrangement fee in this case is £800 and the rate charged is 5.2%. This does not mean we will have to sell this property, six months down the line if the property for whatever reason has not sold we can refinance at the market level. So potentially if the current value of £200k holds then we can get 75% of the value back out which means only £4,000 is left buried in the deal.

31, Malden Court, West Barnes Lane, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 4PP KT3 4PP F L

25/04/2008

£215,000

41, Malden Court, West Barnes Lane, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 4PP KT3 4PP F L

30/11/2007

£215,000

38, Malden Court, West Barnes Lane, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 4PP KT3 4PP F L

23/11/2007

£237,000

59, Malden Court, West Barnes Lane, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 4PP KT3 4PP F L

23/10/2007

£260,000

The property was going to be bought with vacant possession, the current tenants paying £800 pm had served notice and were due to leave before completion. The current landlord already had another rental offer of £850pm. This shows a solid rental demand for this property.

With a good chunk of profit our investor wants to flip the property, meaning resell it and cash in. Therefore the mortgage product we choose should be one without penalty, known as early redemption charge.

It is always wise not to rely on one exit strategy, so we wanted to take the rental offer as well as putting the property on the market. This way if we are messed around or even for an entirely genuine reason the sale does not go through, we will not ever be selling from a point of desperation.

When considering products

n Mortgages n Commercial Finance n Property Sourcing n Gujarat Properties - Sale & Resale T: 0207 706 0187 F: 0203 014 8484

E: info@sowandreap.co.uk W: www.sowandreap.co.uk

31 Southwick Street, Paddington, W2 1JQ Registered in England No. 05083823

18

ART & CULTURE

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Spriha’s

Corner

By Spriha Srivastava

Indian doctor applauded

by PM Brown A heart specialist who has saved hundreds of lives at the Wrightington received special recognition from British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Dr. Sanjay Arya, a consultant cardiologist who is originally from Bihar in India attended a community heroes reception at Downing Street in recognition of his work at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary for the establishment of the cardiac catheter laboratory, which has helped in the early diagnosis and treatment of patients with coronary heart disease, the single largest killer in the UK. I spoke to him in detail about his background, work and family.

Tell us in brief about your background?

I am originally from Patna, Bihar in India. I did my secondary school from St Michael’s High School, Patna and then did my medical degree from Nalanda Medical College in Patna. I was awarded Honours and Gold Medals for my excellence in academics in the medical school.

I gained further experience as a junior doctor at Patna Medical College and at Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology, Patna. I then came to UK to pursue higher medical training in UK in 1991. I passed the MRCP exams from London and was subsequently awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of London and then from Glasgow for my contribution in the field of medicine. I was appointed a Consultant Cardiologist at Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Trust in November 2000.

I am married, with two children. My son Pranjal is 16 years old and my daughter Serena is 7 years old. My wife Maitrayee is a general practitioner in Bolton. I would not have been able to achieve any of my successes without their help and support.

What inspired you to join the field of medicine and then come to UK? My father Dr S N Arya is a renowned physician in Patna. I therefore grew up in a medical environment

and was immensely impressed with the contributions of my dad in helping ill people get better. I was touched by the gratitude and grateful-

with us today who would not be alive, but for Sanjay and his team. He is a real community hero and deserving of this recognition”. The people of Wigan are great and my efforts in bringing about the change would not have been possible without their help and cooperation. I dedicate this award to them.

You have received recognition for your efforts in establishing the cardiac catheter laboratory. How has that helped the patients Dr. Sanjay Arya with wife in UK? Maitrayee, son Pranjal and I have been a daughter Serena C o n s u l t a n t Cardiologist at ness people had for my Wrightington, Wigan & father and for the medLeigh NHS Trust since ical profession. I felt that November 2000. Wigan I needed to contribute to has one of the worst the well being of the society and help people death rates from coronary heart disease in this in their illnesses. country. Until 2005, I was actually perpatients with coronary suaded by my father to heart disease had to travcome to UK to pursue el to Manchester for higher medical training. their investigation and He had himself been to treatment, sometimes UK and had obtained the waiting up to 6 months.

MRCP, a degree which is With the establishment still held in very high of the cardiac catheter esteem all over the laboratory at Wigan, world. UK is recognized patients are now able to as a leader in training have their investigation doctors from all over the and treatment locally world. However, I have and the waiting list is no been very unhappy with longer than a few weeks. the recent changes in the This has enabled us to immigration rules which have virtually blocked improve the quality of life of people with heart entry of overseas doctors disease and has saved from entering into UK many lives. for the purposes of training.

How do you think you have given back to Tell us in detail about your community and your meeting with the country with your recogPrime Minister? nition and advancement I was delighted when in this field?

I learnt that I was nomiMy intention was to nated the community pass the MRCP exam hero in recognition of my and return to Patna to work in cardiology. It serve my own people, was an honour to receive just as my father did in the award. I had an inter1962. However, the genesting chat with the eral environment of Prime Minister and his Patna at the time was so wife Sarah. I was pleased unfavorable that despite to hear the Prime my greatest desire, I had Minister say that he to make the difficult wanted to improve the decision of settling in the health of the people of UK. The fact that I did Wigan and that we had not go back to the people his backing on that. and the place who I was pleased when trained me to be a doctor our local MP Neil Turner, will always be regret to who accompanied me to me for the rest of my life.

10 Downing Street, comSome may think this as mented that “This is a an excuse but sadly this fitting tribute to Sanjay’s is the reality. work. There are people

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at spriha@abplgroup.com

National Hindu Students Forum (UK)

By Mayuri Parmar, Internal PR Officer, NHSF (UK) University of Warwick: Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Join the BNP? No Thanks Not long ago, the British National Party (BNP) reluctantly voted to drop its long-standing whitesonly membership policy.

If the new BNP constitution is approved, Black and Asian people will be able to join a party that campaigns for their 'voluntary repatriation'.

Don't expect the queues to form any time soon.

This reflects the statutory duty for public bodies to promote equality and prevent race discrimination in accordance with the Race Relations Act 2000. Evidently, such developments will never change the fact that BNP principles are inherently divisive. Having ethnic minorities as members of the party will not alter this. On the contrary, even with the option available to them, most ethnic minorities in Britain are unlikely to want to join the BNP. Despite this, it is a triumph for the likes of Rajinder Singh, a 78 year old Sikh man. He is a long-standing campaigner for the BNP and is

looking to become the first non-white member of the party. His support for the BNP stems from the view that it is the only party that can truly tackle the spread of Islamic fundamentalism.

Although this phenomena has serious implications for a peaceful British Society (as does any kind of fundamentalism), I fail to see how the answer lies in Nick Griffin's policy of 'global chemotherapy' against the 'cancer' of Islam. Not to mention the fact that unashamed racism lies at the heart of the BNP policies that Mr Singh supports 'to the hilt'. A visit to the BNP Website makes this clear.

Alongside this, with political parties moving increasingly to the centre and focussing on the 'median voter', there are many disaffected voters on the fringe. Those on the outskirts of the farright may be tempted to support the BNP on stances such as Immigration. In this sense, forcing the party

to extend its membership could misleadingly paint it in a progressive and tolerant light and may result in a small increase of support for the party.

The BNP's move, although superficial, could entice those who are partially convinced by its message. Let us hope it does not fool everyone.

As a British Hindu woman, I recognise the right for the BNP to have its point of view, but also know that it is dangerous to legitimate such a view in Parliament.

The newly- formed politics team at NHSF (UK) are encouraging their students and others in the Hindu community to speak up and exercise their vote, no matter what their political affiliation. As voters in a multiracial democratic country, we must ensure that we protect the rights of all. Our votes can really make a difference. With this in mind, I encourage you all to speak up too.

A Journey Through Musical Tradition A range of world class musical masters will be taking Birmingham audiences on a journey through the musical heritage of India this spring, from the mystic heights of classical traditions via Anglo-Indian classical fusion to cutting-edge contemporary Asian remixes, as part of the Mother India weekend at Town Hall and Symphony Hall from 9 April – 11 April.

Santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, charismatic sarod players Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan, ‘extreme cellist’ Matthew Barley and former World Champion turn tablist DJ Tigerstyle are amongst the artists taking part in the weekend, which will also feature free stage events including acclaimed vocalist Sanchita Pal performing at the launch of new Asian chill series Mid-day Mantra and a session by the Arun Ghosh Sextet.

Indo-jazz stars the Arun Ghosh Sextet will open the Mother India weekend with an early evening live performance.

He will be accompanied

by Idris Rahman (tenor saxophone), Dr Das (bass), Aref Durvesh (tabla and dholak), Kishon Khan (piano) and Myke Wilson (drums).

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, is widely regard-

ed as a musical visionary and the preeminent maestro of Kashmiri hammered dulcimer, the santoor, will give one of only two UK performances in the majestic surroundings of the historic Town Hall accompanied by tabla wiz-

tural experimentation.

The cellist, improviser, arranger, music animateur and artistic director Matthew Barley has collaborated with Talvin Singh, Django Bates and Amjad Ali Khan amongst many other globally recog-

Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan

ard Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, sitar player Rupinder Panesar and tabla player Upneet Dhadyalla.

A performance from accomplished vocalist Sanchita Pal will launch Mid-day Mantra followed by other artists including rising stars Soumik Datta, Faheem Mazar and IndoIrish band Milun.

On Saturday 10 April, charismatic brothers, TV stars and sarod players Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan will join with major collaborative force and renowned cellist Matthew Barley for an extraordinary evening of cross-cul-

nised artists and presented BBC 2’s widely acclaimed ‘Classical Star’ TV programme in 2007.

There will be a reinterpretation of the 1957 Indian cinema classic as a 45 minute silent movie with new musical score will be performed live by DJ Tigerstyle, drummer David Shaw and cellist Matt Constantine with Josh Ford as visual editor.

Completing the evening, and the weekend is a conversation between audience and artists led by Indy Hunjan of producers Kalaphool which will take place in the auditorium after the performance.

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

www.abplgroup.com

19

Abhishek endorses Videocon D2H service Abhishek Bachchan piped Salman Khan to become the brand ambassador to endorse Videocon D2H service. While the common perception was that Salman would bag the contract, the company gave a big surprise by introducing Junior Bachchan as its ambassador for the service which is called “Direct Hai Correct Hai.” When asked about choosing Abhishek and not Salman Khan, Mr. Khera (CEO of the D2H service wing) explains, “We have always had a good rapport with Abhishek and thus without going to someone else, we directly approached Junior Bachchan and were waiting for his approval.

We think no one could be a more perfect choice than Abhishek to endorse our brand.”

Joining the ranks of his colleagues, Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Saif Ali Khan, a playful Abhishek quipped, “If you don't want me to be the brand ambassador for Videocon and want to see some one else in my place then I am ready to walk out (Laughs).

But truly speaking, it will be fun for me and we will have a healthy competition rather than any kind of rivalry.”

International actor status gives Irrfan a high Irrfan Khan has been making inroads into the western world with projects like “ A Mighty Heart,” “Slumdog Millionaire” and even an appearance in an American TV show.

He says that being an international actor gives him a high.

"It's always an inner wish of every actor to reach out to maximum audiences. I am lucky that the western world chooses me to play roles in their movies and television, whatever language it maybe. It surely gives you a high to be an international actor with quality work, " Irrfan said in an interview.

His first international

film was London-based director Asif Kapadia's "The Warrior". Irrfan

played a lead in the film that was shot in Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Released in 2001, "The Warrior" was applauded at international film festivals and made Irrfan a known face on the global arena.

In the recent past, the 48-year-old was seen in international projects like Angelina Jolie-starrer "A Mighty Heart" (2007) and Hollywood venture "The Darjeeling Limited" in the same year.

He then got a role in British director Danny Boyle's multiple award-

winning film "Slumdog Millionaire" and is also working in Jennifer Chambers Lynch's "Hisss".

He is now set to feature in American television show "In Treatment".

Apart from his overseas ventures, Irrfan has quite a few interesting Hindi films in hand.

When asked why he took up the role of a cop in “Right Yaaa Wrong,” Irrfan said, “I like challenging roles. Playing a police officer is boring, but playing a human in a police officer's uniform with complex emotions was tough. That was the reason to accept this welldefined role."

SRK lures Akon into the world of Bollywood The news of the S e n e g a l e s e -A m e r i c a n R&B star Akon recording a song for Anubhav Sinha’s “Ra.One” has been doing the rounds for some time. Last week the singer confirmed it in the presence of Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor, the lead actors in the movie. Akon was greeted in traditional Indian style with Kapoor

doing the tika and Khan showering petals on him.

And it was only fitting that

Akon sang his hit number Beautiful and dedicated it to the Kapoor girl.

Akon has also sung a few lines in Hindi. “I have heard a few Bollywood songs, some of which are really nice. In this number, I have tried

Neil Nitin Mukesh breaks up with girlfriend Neil Nitin Mukesh has called off his relationship with his designer girlfriend Priyanka Bhatia after dating with her for almost two years.

Talking to a leading daily some time back, Neil had confessed, “I love Priyanka. She’s the best thing to have happened to me. God forbid, if we ever decide not to carry our relationship further, our parents will disown us."

But the cupid effect seemed to have faded over the time and Neil told in his recent interview, "I really don’t want to discuss it but since you’re asking, I won’t lie. It is true that Priyanka and I are no longer a couple.

"The parting was by mutual consent and very amicable.

We’re still friends and always will be.

Priyanka is still as welcome in my home as I am in hers.”

Neil also points out that that there were a number of reasons behind the decision. “I can’t discuss them all but mainly my profession, namely acting, was far removed from her world. To her credit, Priyanka tried to be part of my world but it just didn’t work.”

“I really wanted us to be together for keeps but

sometimes destiny has other plans. To compound my problems, I am currently staying alone in our flat in Powai. But considering what happened now, I plan to shift back with my parents,” he added.

4 ")+&"/ *32/* .(% /3$#/%) +)$'+%/0 1*(#,+)-

Aamir to take a two year break

to sing a few Hindi lines,” says Akon, who has also composed the song.

And will he be part of the video that features Khan and Kapoor?

“Of course. He will be coming down to India for a brief shoot that we will be doing with him,” says Khan. “And hopefully, Kareena will teach him some nice Bollywood moves.”

You are not going to see Aamir Khan for a long time now. The perfectionist star is planning to take a two year sabbatical and will return only after mid 2012.

At present he will only focus on his wife’s directorial debut, ‘Dhobhi Ghat’, and his next production ‘Peepli Live’, for now. Soon after that all his attention will be on nephew, Imran Khan’s “Delhi Belly.” So in case you want to him in a meaty role you have no option but to wait will till 2012.

BOX OFFICE 0121 780 3333

www.thsh.co.uk

FRIDAY 9 APRIL – SUNDAY 11 APRIL

MOTHER INDIA WEEKEND AT TOWN HALL Master musicians and a jewel of Indian cinema Friday 9 April, 7pm

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma A rare UK recital by the Santoor maestro.

<>=C@D <HBF *. +/ "!'

?EE

% <9-55, % ;-/*,5- <*3+, %;*037, % G-5,,5, % H775,,/-35,

'+& *+0,# ).* &%$( (+0(./!( .--0($./("

F)4383+3/0 69+5, <*069( &1 A9-74 : <*069( ## H.-32 #!>6*$26 >/ #!( ?33<=3=8 C977D C>113-D CGI !BE F34/>=/+ A190:4> @:>:+!&H"5 H"H#!(%94;3,032:.0934)=36

###"%'&+$%*'(",')

Saturday 10 April, 7.30pm

Amaan & Ayaan Ali Khan with Matthew Barley Top sarod players and a western classical cellist meet in this thrilling experience.

Sunday 11 April, 7.30pm

Mother India – 21st century remix A dynamic audio-visual project that revisits the tour-de-force of Indian cinema, Mother India.

Plus free events throughout the weekend www.thsh.co.uk/mother-india-weekend Supported by

Town Hall renovation also funded by

20

www.abplgroup.com

Anushka in Raghava Lawrence’s horror film Though not lofty in style, choreographer-actor-turned filmmaker Raghava Lawrence enthralled his audiences with his supernatural thriller ‘Muni’. The film marked a praiseworthy comeback for ace actor Raj Kiran for his spellbinding performance. As well, the film fetched big collections at box office for its entertainment factor.

Now, Raghava is back in showbiz directing one more horror titled ‘Kanchana’ and South India’s ever hottest Anushka will don the lead role. The film is expected to take off shortly by next month.

Raghava confirms that the film will have lots of thrill moments much more than what he had delivered in ‘Muni’. On pars, the equal proportions of romance, action and comedy would likely capture the interests of universal audiences.

Ranjitha clarifies on Nithyananda issue

d Th e vid eo wh ich ha d an da Nit hy an an isRanjitha in comprom d ing position had turne ed. many people red fac y There was news initiall wa s Ra nji tha tha t on involved in this. Later t it was mentioned tha ’s da an an hy Nit on e of n disciple Lenin Karuppa eo vid the en ha d tak clandestinely.

Then it seems that t he has mentioned tha d ha tha nji Ra and Ranjitha he an d hiding in the ashram to bla ck ma il uth. At this mo r he tak en thi s vid eo ing is not open ney. But mo ke ma to eaking to a da sp an Nithyan point Ranjit ha while in a statewho were dia me e Th Swami Nithyananda, ” source said, committ no d ha he t wt h are tha gro id ment sa res po ns ibl e for my to law and it justiIs . me t ou ab ill ted any thing contrary speaking so g the rin the ga is he I have t l. gir tha d ily also adde fied? I am a good fam this video South the in ss tre ac g information regarding been a leadin th withtru the t ou ng bri l wil and he Indian films. media in few days.

I cannot bear that the video t ou ab n se ari s ha n s tio thi es qu en a But telling that I have tak njitha. There high regard the whereabouts Ra to make money. I have ay aw ne go s ha e sh t tha . da ors are rum for Swami Nithyanan hyananda is with Nithyananda, Nit

Paiyya – 4 times racier than ‘Run’ Karthi-Thamannah starrer ‘Paiyya’ has got good news now. The film has been shifted into the hands of producer Dayanidhi Azhagiri and he’ll release it under the banner of Cloud Nine Productions. The entire crew of ‘Paiyya’ had met the media recently.

The film’s release date has been postponed from March to the first week of April. Probably, it may hit screens on Good Friday so that there would be big opening followed by summer vacations.

Lyric writer Na. Muthukumar, who has watched the film, cannot stop signing praises of Lingusamy

saying, “The director has placed a song prior to climax, which is something unusual in Tamil Cinema. The screenplay is so racy and will prove to be 4 times faster than his previous film ‘Run’.

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Skin show and glamour won’t help always, says Minissha Actress Minissha Lamba admits her ultra-glamorous look in "Kidnap" opened a whole new range of opportunities for her.

But the young actress, who will be seen in Shyam Benegal's new film, feels that at the end of it talent plays an important role.

"My looks in 'Kidnap' helped open a whole new and different range of opportunities for me. It is something I cherish. Being good looking is important, but not always. You need talent as well. If you have talent, people accept you regardless of the way you look," Lamba said.

She also feels being short is not a disadvantage in the film industry.

"If you are a model,

having height is imperative, but cinema is a medium where it doesn't matter. You are on a platform where being tall or short loses relevance," she said. After her glamorous avatar in "Kidnap", Minissha will be seen in a nonglamorous role in Benegal's forthcoming film, "Well Done Abba".

"At first I was really scared to work with Mr. Benegal.

But once we started shooting, he turned out to be a really calm, jovial

and humorous person. We never saw him upset on the sets," she said.

"Well Done Abba", a political satire, narrates the story of Armaan Ali (Boman Irani), a driver working in Mumbai.

He takes a month's leave to find a husband for his teenaged daughter, who lives in a small n e i g h b o u rh o o d near Hyderabad.

But he returns to his job after three months.

His young employer wants to sack him, but is persuaded to listen to the reason why he got so delayed.

Ranbir-Katrina jodi becoming hotter When Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif met for a shoot it was just like old times when they shot for “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani” and “Raajneeti” last year.

The twosome were fiercely competitive when they shot for the two films.

So it was when they shot again together.

The competitive spirit has taken over Raajneeti in a big way. Both Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif see the film as a passport to the National awards.

With stalwarts like Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Bajpai, Nana Patekar and Ajay Devgan in the cast, the young stars of the show have decided to pull

out all stops to ensure their performances are noticed at the right places.

All efforts are now on

by Ranbir and Katrina to ensure optimum audience participation in Raajneeti.

A music video, only a part of which will be included in the film and the rest used for promotion, is to be shot.

Says the director Prakash Jha, “We certainly don't want to pitch Raajneeti as a dry political drama. Ranbir and Katrina are big commercial stars. We want their fans to see our film as an entertainer.

At an edited length of about 3 hours' playing-time we want viewers to be glued to the edge of their seats. I wouldn't call it a multistar cast film. I'd call it a multi-actor film.”

With the RanbirKatrina jodi being hotterthan-July a certain amount of spicing up is certainly the order of the day.

Never seen before nude scenes in ‘Love Sex aur Dhokha’ For the first time in the history of Bollywood films, a complete frontal nude scene has been shot.

But then one can expect this from 'Love Sex aur Dhokha' that has chosen the unconventional route of telling a tale of love, sex and betrayal through candid points of view.

The controversial scene in question was shot with Indian actors with an approximate of 4 people in the room while the cameras were rolling.

Reveals a source, “The script required the scene to be shot with full frontal.

It took a lot of courage for both the actors to do it.

LSD does not aim to shock audiences but does aim at mirroring reality".

It is this reality factor which is said to be the USP of LSD, a co-production of Ekta Kapoor/Shobha Kapoor and Priya Sreedharan (who was incidentally also the Executive Producer of

'Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!').

A digital film with (clichéd as it may sound) a hidden camera playing a character by itself, LSD features a bunch of newcomers with no mainstream trappings to it.

Also, sex and voyeurism form a major driving force of the narrative of this film which is now ready and marching towards 19th March release.

Balaji Motion Pictures and Dibaker Banerjee's Love Sex talks about how voyeurism is indeed a real-

ity in today's society.

“The content and scenes in the film will be slightly difficult for audiences to digest but once they know the t h o u g h t behind it, they will realize it's the cold hard truth.

After all somebody needs to inform audiences and question the decisions they take in day to day life", adds the source.

But who are these actors, is the million dollar question? Why have their identities been kept under the wraps? Yes, the provocative nature and content of the film has already got mouths talking but if there is one thing the team is tight lipped about, it's the actors and the story of their discovery.

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

www.abplgroup.com

21

BollyKats Preity is UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador

A Horror flick of a different kind from the Bhatts, Shaapit is a story of a curse to a family that daughters are not allowed to get married. Produced and directed by Vikram Bhatt, Shaapit also has the story and screenplay by him, with Dhiraj Ratan sharing the screenplay credits.

As Aman proposes to Kaaya, neither does he nor Kaaya know about the generational curse that plagues Kaaya’s family. As soon as Kaaya wears the engagement ring and the couple drives off together, their car takes a spin and bounces of the road almost killing the both of them.

When Kaaya’s parents hear about their daughter’s accident, they rush to the hospital to find an engagement ring on their daughter’s finger.

Distraught, the father explains to the young couple that three hundred years back their family had incurred the curse of an angry Brahmin and that curse did not allow the daughter's of their family to be married. The couple finds it hard to believe but there is little choice as their lives are constantly in danger. Aman and Kaaya cannot live without each other, but there is little that they can do till Aman meets Pashupathi, a master of the ways of the spiritual world. Pashupathi tells Aman that in some cultures, there was a belief that a generational curse worked much after even the person who had uttered the curse was dead because, it was believed, that an evil curse when uttered stuck to an evil spirit and the spirit then became the keeper of the curse and it was the duty of that evil spirit to make the curse come true generation after generation.

Aman asks Pashupathi if there was a way to destroy the spirit and get rid of the curse.

Pashupathi tells him that there was a way but it was filled with peril. If he sets about to hunt and destroy a spirit then the spirit would also know that it was being hunted. It would become a war between man and the devil.

Shaapit is a first of it’s kind, adventurous horror love story that's never attempted before.

The lead cast of the film consists of Aditya Narayan, Shweta Agarwal, Rahul Dev and Shubh Joshi. It has dialogues by Girish Dhamija, while lyrics are penned by Sameer, Aditya Narayan and Nazam Sheraz. Music is scored by Chirantan Bhatt, Aditya Narayan and Nazam Sheraz, while playback is rendered by Aditya Narayan, Nazam Sheraz, Shreya Ghoshal, Suzanne D'Mello, Hamza Faruqui, Chirantan Bhatt and Sunidhi Chauhan.

New Hindi movies releasing this week 1. Idiot Box 3. Love Sex Aur Dhokha

2. Lahore 4. Shaapit

Top 5 Bollywood movies for the week No. Film 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

No. Last Week Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?

New My Name Is Khan 2 Karthik Calling Karthik 1 Road, Movie New Rokkk New

Total weeks 1 4 2 1 1

Bollywood actress Preity Zinta was appointed UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador and plans to combine Cricket and Bollywood to raise awareness about the deadly disease.

The 35-year-old actress who is the coowner of IPL team Kings XI Punjab, will donate 25 per cent of the profits made by her team to charities selected by the UN. "The players of my team will be wearing ribbons for the cause of HIVAIDS. Someone living with HIV will come on the field and toss for our matches. Me and my team will also be making field trips in Punjab," the actress told reporters.

Preity will be making public service message films for UNAIDS featuring herself and the players which will be in English, Hindi and Punjabi.

She promised to ask for support from the film fraternity, who she noted are always up for a cause.

"I'll try to garner support from Bollywood. No one ever says no and I am sure if they have the time, they'll be available for it," Preity said. "I am taking on a new role. Forty per cent of the people suffering from HIV-AIDS are women. What is disturbing is they pass it to their children. The people suffering from HIV face discrimination which is unacceptable," she added.

The actress who has essayed socially relevant roles in movies like 'Kya Kehna', Lakshya' and 'Videsh' is all geared up for her new assignment and said that she will be the "voice of the voiceless".

Congratulating her for accepting the honour, Dr

Charles Gilks, UNAIDS Country Coordinator, India said, "As a Goodwill Ambassador she will help in keeping AIDS on the agenda of politicians and journalists. She will also deal with the stigma and discrimination at the individual and community level and even within health care institutions."

Deepika doesn’t believe in size zero Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone says she does not believe in being size zero as the Indian body type is not meant for it.

“Correct me if I am wrong, but I personally feel that the Indian body type is not cut out to be size zero. I am not size zero and I don’t believe in that either,” Deepika said.

“I believe that it’s nice to be

Mandira to do a unique double in IPL 3

Mandira Bedi, the glamorous face of Indian cricket is all set to do a unique double. Mandira would present the matches live to the UK viewers and also be seen on MAX in a different capacity, the official channel for IPL in India.

Says a visibly elated Mandira, “it is difficult to stay away from IPL. The love and affection you receive from the millions is beyond anybody's imagination. And this time it is a double whammy for me.

Not only will I stay connected to my audience on MAX through IPL specials, but also I will be presenting the matches live to over 20 million viewers on ITV”.

ITV, the oldest television network in the United Kingdom, has been awarded the exclusive broadcasting rights for DLF-IPL III on its free-to-air service.

little full and have a nice shape,” she added.

The Bollywood actress was the show stopper for designer duo Shantanu & Nikhil’s show at the Lakme Fashion Week last week.

According to Deepika, an actress gets a role for her performance and not the body type.

“In the (film) industry, body size doesn’t matter. What mat-

ters is how much an actor contributes through his/her performance and not his body size,” explained Deepika.

“It is important that every person should wear clothes that go with their body – the cut, the fabric make a lot of difference,” she added.

22

InDIa

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

20,000 Punjabis attempt to migrate illegally every year which was released by Punjab Chief Secretary SC Aggarwal and presented

by UNODC consultant KC Saha here today, reveals that while most of the illegal migrants earlier belonged to the jat and lobana castes, now other castes were also taking to such migration. As much as 55 per cent of these migrants are in the age group of 21 to 30 even as a substantial number are in the 31 to 40 years group.

Saha claimed that far from being a stigma, illegal migration leads to an increase in social status in villages where society is increasingly being divided into those who have a family member abroad and those who do not. The UNODC findings make it clear that destination countries have increased to 57 over the years.

However, the United Kingdom remains a favourite for most migrants due to ease of language and support base and that 55 per cent of all such migrants

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says that around 20,000 persons from Punjab attempt illegal migration every year, 84 per cent of whom are uneducated and opt for going abroad by selling off part of their land. The report states that the trend is now catching up in Haryana also with the districts of Ambala, Kurukshetra and Kaithal emerging as the “new leaders” in this field. It states such migrations are on the rise in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir too.

As far as Punjab is concerned, the Doaba region, comprising Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Nawanshahr and Hoshiarpur, continues to witness maximum migration even as this trend is spreading to the districts of Moga, Sangrur and Ferozepur. It states that at least 25,000 families in Punjab have been duped of Rs 1,250 crore by travel agents till now. The report,

choose this country. The routes taken by migrants have also increased with the traditional MoscowUkraine route being joined by the North Africa and Central Asia routes.

Listing true stories, the report mentions that illegal migrants remain housed in inhuman conditions for months together under the care of security guards in safe houses in Africa and spend as much as 30 to 40 days on ships before they reach a safe country. It says agents have also become very professional with the main agents operating from Delhi even as subagents and those who can be “sacrificed” responsible for dealing directly with “clients”. The study brought out the fact that travel agents indulging in illegal migration were rarely convicted. This, it said, was because individuals were only interested in getting their money back, which usually resulted in a compromise.

MIT’s Indian alumnus comes up with all-season jacket worn in temperatures ranging from -30 degree Celsius to 50 degree Celsius, while maintaining the body temperature between 18 and 40 degree Celsius. A postgraduate

Summers are when you look forward to shedding the layers. But imagine donning a jacket to cool off. An MIT alumnus has created an ultra lightweight jacket that can be

) -

)

.', + $''#!&

')

*! & '!

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

+

+

)

*! & '! ,*!& ** , $! +!'&* + )% ' ',* '/+'& )# + ')'& + +) + '& '&

*! &

% !$ ),( &" &

,++

($ )',( '%

in Mechanical Engineering and Technology Policy Program from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Kranthi Kiran Vistakula’s 'heat exchange' technology called ClimaCon has won him the Innovator of the Year honour from Technology Review India.

"While pursuing my Masters at MIT, I found the process of putting on and taking off additional layers of clothing in winter very cumbersome. To overcome this, I started working on developing a jacket with the capacity to both heat and cool.

The Peltier effect is a phenomenon discovered in 1834 by J C A Peltier, who found that at the junction of two dissimilar metals carrying a small current the temperature rises or falls, depending upon the direction of the current.

"But it was easier said than done," says Vistakula who realised that a new technology would have to be developed to make the jacket lightweight. "I had to work on developing a new heat exchanger or heat sink in order to keep the jacket light. After three years of effort and experimentation, the weight of the jacket now stands at just 650 grams, almost equivalent to the weight of a regular pair of jeans," Vistakula says proudly.

In divine light

By Rajen Vakil

Duality beyond duality The phenomenal world or the world seen by our senses is the world of effects. The causes of these effects are not normally evident. With regards to time and space, the cause is always at a different or rather a higher level than the effect. Simplistically, we can say that a thought is the cause and the action arising out of that thought is its effect.

The action is apparent to both, our thinking and our senses, but the thought is invisible and most often not apparent; and yet beyond the thought is the motive or the ‘why’ of the thought.

Let us exemplify this concept. Say we think of building a swimming pool; we have a concept in our mind – dimensions, shape, and so on. This very thought is the cause and the physical swimming pool, if and when built, would be the effect. Beyond the cause is the motive, the seed of the cause, and this would vary from person to person.

One might want to build the swimming pool for recreation, or to impress friends, or for an entirely different purpose. This motive exists in a very subtle form, even before an unseen thought. So at the subtle and invisible level, we have the twin-combination of motive and cause. The motive penetrates the cause, and yet the cause is also the motive. In the ancient scriptures, this pair of motive and cause is depicted as the twin Gods called the Ashwinikumars.

There are three types of will – neutral, intellectual, and spiritual will.

These are created in five stages. The will we currently have is the resultant will remaining after our desires neutralise one another; hence, neutral will. For instance, we have a desire to wake up early and carry out some practices, but we also have a desire to catch a late-night movie; also, we have a desire to remain light at night (by not eating) so we can practice mantra recitation before sleeping, but we also have the desire to have a delicious snack along with our late-night movie. All these desires, and more, will neutralise one another and we will only do that which persists. Thus, we carry out the desire that is most

powerful and hence the one that remains. We are all full of desires, each having its own small will.

This fragments our being and presence into many wills.

We shall continue our story from last week; the guru had reprimanded Upamanyu for eating the foam from the calves’ mouths. The Guru is interested in integrating will in the student, and for that purpose he cre-

ates situations where the disciple has to pass through tremendous suffering. If the disciple can make the suffering voluntary and sacrifice his desires in the fire of suffering, his will would rise from being a fragmented will to an integrated will.

When the guru asked Upamanyu not to even eat the foam from the calves’ mouths, Upamanyu, in his hunger, ate the poisonous leaves of the crown flower. The poison blinded him and he roamed the forests till he fell in a deep, abandoned well.

When he did not return by sunset, the guru went looking for him.

Upamanyu, from the well, returned the guru’s calls and narrated how he came to such a predicament. The guru asked him not to worry but to pray to the physicians of the gods, the Ashwinikumars, and that they would help him.

This is very symbolic and does not actually

depict an exterior form of blindness. The well symbolises that Upamanyu went deep into his unconscious and his blindness suggests attainment of a state where he could paralyse the external senses while going deep into his mind.

The sunset or darkness thereafter depicts that the guru is entering the same inner space where Upamanyu is. In these deeper states, help and guidance is always available; the only rule is that the student must remember to ask for it. It does not just mean that the outer guru enters the student’s unconscious mind, which is possible; more often than not, it is the student’s own divine centre which answers him in the form of the guru.

The guru told Upamanyu what to do and went back leaving him in the well. This subtle gesture shows that the guru only throws light on the path; it is the student who has to walk on it.

The Mahabharata is a complete scripture; it not only reveals the supreme truth in different stories but also gives techniques and mantras to enter the deeper mysteries of life.

The mantras relating to the Ashwinikumars are provided at this juncture. Upamanyu prayed to them and they appeared before him.

They were pleased and gave him some cake, asking him to eat it to bring his eyesight back. Now, Upamanyu first offers the cake to his guru who tells him to have it, which brings his eyesight back. The guru then blesses him, saying that his inner light had awakened and that he could now follow his own path.

The greatest joy for a guru is when a student learns to walk on his own.

By entering our unconscious and by freeing ourselves of deeply embedded patterns, we awaken our real sight, and it is with this sight that we can see the mysterious play of motive and cause, which are the forces behind everything that happens in our lives.

Next week we will take the story of the third disciple.

(Edited by Chintu Gandhi. Illustration by Siddharth Ramanuj.)

The author can be reached by emailing 3srb@live.com

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Labour MP Ashok Kumar found dead Continued from page 1 Fellow Labour MP Sir Stuart Bell, whose Middlesborough constituency neighboured Dr Kumar's, said: 'The death of Ashok Kumar at so young an age is tragic. 'He has been for many years a fine parliamentarian and good constituency MP. 'He built up his parliamentary majority and had every expectation of being returned to the House at the forthcoming election.

'He will be mourned by his many friends and colleagues. He leaves behind an untarnished reputation.'

George Dunning, the leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, also paid tribute.

'Ashok was a first class constituency MP and a great friend. I, along with many people will sadly Dr Kumar was born in India in 1956 and began his political career as a local councillor for Middlesbrough Borough Council.

He became the MP for the Langbaurgh constituency at a 1991 byelection, but lost the seat to the Conservative candidate in the 1992 election.

Following re-organisation, he won his present constituency at the 1997 election.

He had a majority of 8,000 votes. A former research scientist for British Steel, he recently played a leading role in attempts to save Teesside Cast Products - the giant Redcar steel plant - from closure.

He was a Member of Parliamentary Scientific Committee; Vice-Chair of Parliamentary Group for Energy Studies; Chair of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST); and Chair of Northern Group of Labour MPs. A Distinguished Supporter of the British Humanist Association, he also supported the Labour Friends of Israel.

Dr Kumar listed his interests as cricket, badminton, reading history and listening to jazz.

Shailesh Vara, MP told Asian Voice, “Ashok was a good friend. His sudden and untimely death has come as a complete shock. He was a popular MP and well liked by MPs from all parties.

He will be missed. My prayers and thoughts go to his family.”

Barry Gardiner MP said, “Ashok and I sat next to each other in the House of Commons, but we shared more than a green bench. As a vice chair of Labour Friends of India and chair of the

infamous "Curry Club", Ashok was a huge supporter of India and in regular contact with the High Commission here in London.

A lifelong "Congress Man" he abhorred violence and always defended India when the country was under terrorist threat, but he was dismissive of what he saw as the BJP's attempts to use terrorist violence to stir up Hindu nationalism.

A brilliant scientist, his work for British Steel took him to Teeside in the mid eighties where he worked on planning the new blast furnace at Redcar. It was the closure of that same furnace by Tata Steel last December that many of us believe cost Ashok his life. His work to save his constituents' jobs and keep the plant open was extraordinary and he led marches and took delegations to ministers to enlist government support.

Whatever the coroner may say, many of his closest friends recall his words that the closure had left him "heartbroken". Parliament has lost one of its very few scientific minds, Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland has lost a dedicated campaigning MP and India has lost one of its true friends in parliament."

Vasundhara Raje, Varun Gandhi get BJP posts Gadkari names new team; Navjot Sidhu, Smriti Irani lend glamour; Purshottam Rupala from Gujarat named vice president Three months after he took over reigns of the party, BJP president Nitin Gadkari brought in a mix of youth, experience and women in his team of office bearers inducting heavyweights like Vasundhara Raje and Ravishankar Prasad and hardliners like Varun Gandhi and Vinay Katiyar.

Gadkari, who was considered as an RSS choice when he replaced Rajnath Singh, has also given positions to some leaders said to be close to the Sangh Parivar.

Prominent Muslim face and three-time MP Shahnawaz Hussain, widely tipped to become a general secretary, has been appointed as spokesperson while Najma Heptullah has been

retained as vice-president.

Vasundhara Raje, former Rajasthan chief minister who was unseated as Leader of the Opposition after the Lok Sabha debacle, and Prasad, now the chief spokesperson, have been appointed new general secretaries.

Purshottam Rupala, the Gujarat BJP chief has been appointed as one of the vice presidents.

Navjot Singh Sidhu and Smriti Irani have been appointed general secretaries. Varun Gandhi, who landed himself in controversy for his hate speeches during the Lok Sabha elections, has now been inducted as one of the 15 secretaries while Katiyar, a former General Secretary, has become one of the 11 vice presidents.

23

Southall man jailed for murder A young man of Indian origin was sentenced to life imprisonment on Tuesday. Vikramjit Singh, 27, resident of Southall was found guilty of murder. Old Bailey court said he was responsible for killing Gemma Dorman, a 24 year old woman in Battersea in 2008.

Vikramjit has been ordered to serve a prison sentence for a minimum of 20 years.

Gemma had complained of being harassed

by Ricky alias Vikramjit, as she had a brief relationship with him. That was ended in January, 2008.

She was killed in July.

Vikramjit also had got Gemma’s name tattooed on his back. There were witnesses to the murder incident. Gemma was taken to St. Thomas hospital, where she died later.

Now, India to have Foreign Varsities Continued from page 1 With foreign direct investment in higher education already allowed since 2002, the bill stipulates that any foreign university interested in setting up a campus in India

will have to deposit a corpus of Rs 500 million with the body that will register them.

The registering body will be the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Higher educational

institutions, including IITs and IIMs, on Tuesday hailed the government's go-ahead for a bill to allow entry of foreign education providers in India and sought to allay any threat posed by the institutions from abroad.

Heart of Birmingham teaching Primary Care Trust (HoBtPCT) provides health services to around 300,000 people living in the centre of Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Our population is one of the most diverse in the UK. It is also one of the most impoverished. Our staff work here because they want to make a difference.

Provider Partnership Board

Independent Lay Member Bartholomew House, Birmingham 2.5 days per month; fixed-term appointment

£7,882 per annum Ref: 801-45-10

We are looking to appoint Independent Lay Members whose role will be to set the strategic direction of PCT provider services. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team which will lead a large health service provider through the process of building a new organisation at the leading edge of community based health provision.

Independent Lay Members will need a range of experience from the public, private or the voluntary sectors and academic or community roles. In particular we need people with senior level experience who are able to demonstrate executive or non-executive experience of working in large and complex organisations with significant budgets.

You will need to demonstrate expertise in one or more of the following areas: commercial experience at a senior level in a strong customer focused industry where quality is a priority; organisational development expertise gained at a strategic level; voluntary or community service experience; finance experience gained at a senior level in a large and complex organisation; high level governance and organisational skills including strategic planning, financial management, risk management, organisation performance management and service development; legal expertise and economic analysis expertise.

You must live or work in the area served by Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust (please visit www.hobtpct.nhs.uk to view the areas served by the tPCT).

For an informal discussion about the role with the Chair of the Provider Partnership Board, Barry Henley, please email: barry_henley@btinternet.com For a copy of the role description, please contact the HR department on 0121 255 0500 or email: hr.recruitment@hobtpct.nhs.uk quoting the reference number.

If you are interested in this opportunity please submit an updated Curriculum Vitae to Heart of Birmingham tPCT, HR Department, Bartholomew House, 142 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 9PA. Closing date: 1 April 2010 at 5.00pm.

The Trust is committed to Equal Opportunities in Employment HoBtPCT is an Improving Working Lives Practice Plus accreditated employer, that values the contribution of staff to improved patient care. The Trust is committed to equality of opportunity, life long learning and work-life balance for all our employees.

The Trust offers a range of benefits to staff that includes access to a subsidised travel pass scheme, tax incentivised childcare vouchers, a bike ‘loan’ scheme & negotiated discounts for PCT staff with local/nationally recognised companies.

www.hobtpct.nhs.uk

24

IndIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Gujarat CM briefed about the campaign for Ahmedabad – London direct flight

Modi presented with details of the NCGO campaign; letters written to Indian Civil Aviation minister Praful Patel

Narendra Modi

A detailed briefing was presented before Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi about the campaign taken up by the National Congress of Gujarati Organisations (NCGO) UK to resume the direct flight between Ahmedabad and London.

Gujarat state assembly is having its budget ses-

Parekh had a meeting with the Chief Minister on March 10. He made a detailed presentation about the NCGO campaign.

All other ministers of Gujarat, leaders of various political parties in the state, MLAs and even Gujarat assembly speaker Ashok Bhatt were also likewise briefed about the direct flight campaign.

All the leaders extended their support to the campaign, they hailed the efforts of the NCGO and its chairman C B Patel and wished success for the restoration of the flight.

Some of these leaders even came forward in helping the NCGO efforts by writing letters to the civil aviation minister as well as speaking to him on phone in support of the demand.

The petition for our readers for the direct flight campaign is on page 15 sion currently.

Chief Minister Narendra Modi is working these days from his office in the assembly complex.

Ahmedabad based senior journalist Bhupatrai

Speaker Ashok Bhatt, Minister for NRG affairs and tourism Jaynarayan Vyas, Gujarat Congress Chief and MLA Siddharth Patel, Gujarat NCP Chief and MLA Jayant Boski

Senior journalist Bhupatrai Parekh, helping the direct flight campaign in Ahmedabad

(Patel) and Nadiad BJP MLA Pankaj Desai are among those who have written letters to Indian civil aviation minister.

Gujarati daily newspapers being published from Ahmedabad – ‘LoksattaJanasatta’, ‘Jaihind’ and ‘Western Times’ also have given due coverage to the campaign news.

The letters written by speaker Ashok Bhatt, Minister for NRG affairs and tourism Jaynarayan Vyas and Gujarat Congress President Siddharth Patel to Praful Patel are published here.

25

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

World Statesman award for Manmohan Singh Washington: The Appeal of Conscience Foundation has decided to felicitate Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with its prestigious World Statesman Award for the year 2010. The award would be presented to mr Manmohan Singh in September, said John Negroponte, the former Deputy Secretary of State in Washington on Friday. Shankar said the Prime Minister has graciously accepted the award. Among the past recipients of this prestigious award include British Prime Minister Gordon Brown (2009), French President Nicolas Sarkozy (2008), German Chancellor Angela Merkel (2007) and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2006).

Sahil Saeed found safe, families happy Pakistan minister says ransom paid, family insists no money paid London: Even as the five year old British boy Sahil Saeed was released by his kidnappers in Pakistan on Monday safe, there is quite a bit of confusion over the whole episode.

Confusion over the whole kidnap drama While the family of Sahil’s father in Pakistan insists no ransom was paid to the kidnappers, a Pakistani minister says his father Raja Naqqash Saeed went to a third country and ransom

sweets on his release.

Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik said someone from the family was involved in the kidnapping, a feeling that was shared by other Akila Naqqash holds up a picture of her Pakistani offison Sahil at the family home in Oldham cials. after hearing that he had been found Sahil’s mothmoney was paid in British er, Akila Naqqash has spoPounds. ken to Sahil on the phone.

Families in Oldham 'They are overjoyed,' and Pakistan were finally said a police liaison officer happy that the kid was at the family home on safe and distributed Tuesday morning.

Cyclone Tomas batters Fiji islands Suva: Powerful category four Cyclone Tomas has battered Fiji island nation for the last four days leaving a trail destruction.

Disaster management officials said they have received reports of several deaths. The deaths were believed to have occurred in the Lau group of islands, but police said they wouldn’t be able to confirm them until communications were restored.

At least 50 homes, as well as hospitals and other public buildings, have been destroyed in the cyclone and 17,000 people have been evacuated to

more than 200 shelters.

Fiji's interim government has declared a state of disaster and New Zealand has announced it is sending an air force Hercules to assist in relief efforts.

Winds of up to 250 km per hour have ripped roofs off houses.

Sai Matanatabu, a hotel worker in Suva, says it was the biggest cyclone she has lived through.

NCGO (UK) and ABPL organises Question Time Britain is renowned for its unique diversity.

Diversity in turn stands for existence of the multifaceted communities, their own peculiarities and cultural heritage. It is but obvious that they also have their own needs and requirements, which are often unknown to our leaders and the government.

Pre election time is perhaps the most vulnerable time in a country's political history. The campaigns, the deliveries, the promises, the conversations, the debates- are a significant part of the election fever.

As the community newsweeklies, our responsibilities to the present and future leaders and government are primarily two. You have promised us a Britain fairer and equal for all, but does your party, your representatives, your leaders and your ppcs know who we are and what we really need?

More importantly, can you represent us and

Pak conjoined twin of Afghanistan, says Karzai The Afghan president describes India as a ‘close friend’ Islamabad: Afghan President Hamid Karzai last week described India as a "close friend" while referring to Pakistan and Afghanistan as "conjoined twins."

In remarks apparently aimed at assuaging Pakistan's concerns about the Indian presence in Afghanistan, Karzai said his country would never allow its soil to be used for activities directed against any of its neighbours.

"India is a close friend of Afghanistan but Pakistan is a twin brother of Afghanistan. We are more than twins, we are conjoined twins. There is

no separation, there cannot be a separation," he said in response to a question during a joint news conference with Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

At the same time, Karzai, who was in Pakistan on a two-day visit, made it clear that India and Afghanistan have "very close friendly relations."

Noting that he had provided details of the cooperation between the two countries to Gilani, Karzai said: "India has gone out of its way to help Afghanistan with reconstruction and to offer

Afghan youth education in India."

"Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used against any one of our neighbours, in particular against Pakistan. And we hope the same will reflect towards Afghanistan that Pakistani territory will not be used against Afghanistan," Karzai said.

Pakistan's top leadership, including Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, have often spoken of concerns related to India's presence in Afghanistan.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik has alleged

that Indian elements were directing terror attacks on Pakistan from Afghanistan.

However, Karzai said Afghanistan would act "if there is any information of any country, not only India, using Afghan territory against a neighbour."

He also said Pakistan should be aware that there cannot be peace and stability within its territory "without a stable and peaceful Afghanistan."

"The bottom line is that Afghanistan does not want any proxy wars on its territory. It does not want a proxy war between India and Pakistan (or) between Iran and the US.

American woman indicted for terror plotting Washington: An American woman dubbed “Jihad Jane” was indicted on charges of terror plotting with Islamic radicals.

Colleen LaRose, 46, a Pennsylvania native, has been charged with trying to recruit Islamic fighters and plotting to assassinate a Swedish cartoonist who made fun of Prophet Muhammad, according to a federal indictment unsealed last week.

What is striking about the case is that Colleen LaRose, who called herself Fatima La Rose, is a regu-

lar workaday YouTube calling housewife. herself Jihad Jane Blonde and and stating she green-eyed, she was "desperate to would have easido something ly slipped under somehow to help" scrutiny that typease the suffering ically focuses on of Muslims, a non-whites. move that In fact, that is Colleen LaRose attracted the labelled precisely what she attention of law"Jihad Jane" by and her jihadi enforcement authorities consorts whom authorities. she reached out to over According to the the internet banked on as indictment, in email they discussed plans to kill exchanges with five unina Swedish cartoonist. dicted and unnamed coIn 2008, LaRose conspirators in South allegedly posted a video on Asia, Eastern and Western

Europe, LaRose allegedly agreed to recruit people for jihad and raise money for fighters. She also agreed to one jihadist's request to marry him to enable him to get inside Europe.

LaRose stated "that her physical appearance would allow her to 'blend in with many people' which 'may be a way to achieve what is in my heart,'" the indictment said.

This is the first time a white American female has signed up for jihad.

Britain the way we desire?

Therefore, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar in association with National Congress of Gujarati Organisations (UK) are organising a 'Question Time' with the three main political parties viz. Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative on Sunday 28th March 2010 at Kadwa Patidar Centre, 10:30am for 11am.

Each party leader or their senior representatives will have 15mins to put forward their party's manifesto for this General Election, to the invited. Following one hour wil be allocated for the audience participation in the form of questions.

NCGO was established in 1985 and it has remained the active voice of British Gujarati Organisations.

The British Gujarati community is well known as a peace loving and for its success in education, professions, business and

commerce. The 105 affiliated organisations and their leaders perform a very important role to educate, inform and encourage its members to have their rightful role in the British public life especially political sphere at this critical juncture.

You as a member organisation of the NCGO (UK) or a reader of our esteemed newsweeklies, are welcome to send your questions to Ms Anita Ruparelia and Mr CB Patel at anitaruparelia@aol.com and cb.patel@abplgroup.com respectively. Please mention whom you would like to ask the question to, along with yours and your organisation's name.

Last date of entryWednesday 24th march 2010 5pm.

If you are a member of the affiliated organisation of NCGO (UK) or an office bearer, write to Anitaben Ruparelia for entry passes at the above mentioned email address.

Obama donates Nobel Peace Prize money to charities Washington: US President Barack Obama has donated the $1.4 million that came with winning the Nobel Peace Prize to charity, the White House said on Thursday last.

Obama divided the money up among 10 charities, with Fisher House, a

non-profit that provides housing for families of patients being treated at military and veteran hospital, receiving the most at $250,000.

The Haiti relief fund set up by former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will receive $200,000.

! ! &3 1&"%7 '/1 " 20&$*", 6&&+&.% /' /13) ".% /43) .%*". -42*$ ".% %".$& #7 2/-& /' 3)& #&23 -42*$*".2 ".% %".$&12 *. 3)& "3 3)& -/-&.3 )&

1*%"7

"3)"+

3)

"1$)

&0"13-&.3 /' 3)&

0-

)"5". 01&2&.32

*1&$3&% #7 3)& )"5".92 1&2*%&.3 "3)"+ 3&"$)&1 #)"7 )".+"1 *2)1"

&3 1&"%7 3/ 6"3$) )*2 234%&.32 0&1'/1- " '4,, 1".(& '1/- 3)& "3)"+ 1&0&13/*1& '1/- %&5/3*/.", 3/ 3&$).*$", ".% &5&. 2/-& -/%&1. '42*/. .4-#&12

*$+&32 8

8

",,

#.:78*'= 9. 67/2

63

.';'4@8 *7'3' *+6'793+49 '4* '41'0 "5*.' 67+8+49 $ ! # ! % ! !? ":7+4*7' '9+2

"'9:7*'=

9. 67/2

63

%'4/ /4+ 798 '4* '2'67+3/ 67+8+49 ! # % !# -7+'9 566579:4/9= 95 .+'7 ' 8)/49/22'9/4- */862'= 5, ;5)'2 9'2+49 </9. "'40'= ":(7'.3'4='4 ;5)'2 " %'7'*'7'0'4 %/52/4 +=;+2/ %+41'9+8. ? 7/*'4-'3 #/)1+98 > > >

#

%

' '892+95<4 !5'* &+89 +48/4-954

#!

54*54 &

#+2+6.54+ 5- 5495 5:7 <+(8/9+ <<< (.';'4 4+9 57 + 3'/2 /4,5 (.';'4 4+9

26

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Sarkozy is a faithful husband, says Bruni Paris: Former supermodel Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has said her husband, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, would never cheat on her and has described their love story as a "real fairy tale." Rumors have swept the Internet and the British press that both Bruni and her husband were having extra-marital affairs. When asked whether she thought their marriage would last forever, Bruni paused before saying: "I guess marriage should be forever, but, who knows what happens tomorrow.”

No cellphone cards for under 18 in Bangladesh Dhaka: The Bangladesh government has banned sale of cellphone cards to those below 18 years of age. "Over 200,000 mobile phone connections have so far been cancelled following allegations of various criminal offences, including extortion, issuance of threats, and other forms of harassment," home minister Sahara Khatun said.

Over 1.2 million unregistered SIM (subscriber identity module) and RUIM (removable user identity module) cards have so far been blocked.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her nephew and lawmaker Fazle Noor Taposh are among those who recently received threatening SMS messages.

Singapore to curb entry of foreign workers Singapore: Construction workers from Bangladesh, hotel staff from the Philippines, waitresses from China, shipyard welders from Myanmar, technology professionals from India - Singapore has them all.

For years the rich but worker-starved city-state, built by mainly Chinese immigrants, had rolled out the welcome mat for foreigners, whose numbers rose drastically during the economic boom from 20042007. But with one in three of the five million people living on the tiny island now a foreigner and citizens complaining about competition for jobs, housing and medical care, the government is taking a fresh look at its open-door policy.

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

""

'

# "

& #

"

!

"$ " %" " %"

!

!" & $

""

-$ ) /-$) -- / '$ .$*)- . ,( *" */*2.*) ,& . !! *,*) . ., *) *) *,

!

"

.

"

China trying to annihilate Buddhism, says Dalai Lama Beijing hits back by accusing him of using deceptions and lies to distort the country's policy towards Tibet Dharmsala: The Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has come down heavily on China by accusing it of trying to "annihilate Buddhism" in Tibet as he commemorated a failed uprising against China's rule over the region.

His angry comments appeared to signal his frustration with fruitless efforts to negotiate a compromise with China.

However, he said he would not abandon talks.

Meanwhile, China fought back, accusing the Dalai Lama of using deceptions and lies to distort Beijing's policy towards Tibet. In his address, the Dalai Lama said Chinese authorities

Dalai Lama

were conducting a campaign of "patriotic re-education" in monasteries in Tibet.

"They are putting the monks and nuns in prisonlike conditions, depriving them the opportunity to study and practice in peace," he said, accusing China of working to "deliberately annihilate Buddhism."

The Tibetan leader said that "whether the Chinese government acknowledges it or not, there is a serious problem in Tibet," but attempts to talk to the Chinese leadership about granting limited autonomy to the Tibetan people had gone nowhere.

"Judging by the attitude of the present Chinese leadership, there is little hope that a result

will be achieved soon.

Nevertheless, our stand to continue with the dialogue remains unchanged," he added.

China's foreign ministry did not have immediate comment on the Dalai Lama's accusations. But the official Xinhua News Agency, a government mouthpiece, published a harsh commentary, ripping the Dalai Lama's calls for Tibetan autonomy as a sham and accusing him of lying about the 2008 violence.

Xinhua said Tibetan monks and nuns are one of the biggest beneficiaries of the government's policies toward Tibet.

Dhillon admits to accidentally knocking down Indian toddler Melbourne: Indian national Gursewak Dhillon, accused in the death of three-year-old Gurshan Singh Channa, has reportedly told Australian police that he accidentally knocked the toddler down when he opened the house door.

Dhillon, 23, admitted disposing of the toddler’s body but denied deliberately injuring the child, the Age reported.

He told police the boy was accidentally knocked unconscious at the house in David Street, Lalor,

Another Brit couple jailed in Dubai for kissing in public Dubai: Another tourist couple from Britain has landed in trouble in Dubai, as a court has awarded them a month in prison for kissing in a restaurant, a public place.

A local woman complained against them for the November 2009 incident. They were arrested at that time and appeared in court last week. The local woman said her daughters were upset at the sight of the two kissing on mouth at the restaurant.

Ayman Najafi, the 24 year old British national said, “We kissed each other on the cheek as a greeting, nothing more.

This case is a huge misunderstanding.” The couple has also been fined for being in a public place after having consumed alcohol. They are on bail as their appeal is pending before an appeals court.

Last year, another British couple was sentenced to 3 months in prison for having sex on beach.

Gurshan Singh Channa

where he had been staying with the toddler’s family.

Dhillon has claimed he panicked and put the

unconscious boy in the boot of a car, drove for about three hours and dumped the body 20 km away in Oaklands Junction without checking if the three-year-old was alive.

Victorian police, however, said that the toddler could have been saved if he had received timely basic first aid than being left lying in the boot of a car.

Stating that if Dhillon’s version that he accidentally knocked him unconscious as he opened the house door was true, police said it was possible

that Gurshan would have recovered from the accident if he was not left trapped in a car boot for hours, the local media here reported.

Meanwhile, forensic experts also tested the car that was used by the Dhillon to carry the toddler.

According to The Age, forensic experts will test the car to see if the boy could have suffocated in the boot or could have died through carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty exhaust.

Swedish papers reprint Prophet cartoon Stockholm: Leading Swedish newspapers last week published a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed with the body of a dog by a caricaturist after he was targeted by an alleged assassination plot.

Sweden's paper of reference Dagens Nyheter published the controversial drawing, insisting artist Lars Vilks "is not alone in this conflict" after seven Muslims were arrested in Ireland for allegedly plotting his murder. "A threat against him is, in the end, a threat against all Swedish people," the paper said in an editorial.

Irish police last week arrested the seven - four men and three women suspected of conspiracy to murder Vilks because of his cartoon, in an operation coordinated with US and European security agencies.

Police said there was a plot to assassinate Vilks, who has a 100,000-dollar

Lars Vilks

(74,000-euro) bounty on his head from an AlQaeda-linked group. US prosecutors also said a Pennsylvania resident Colleen LaRose, who was arrested in October 2009 operating under the online name "JihadJane", had agreed to carry out the murder of a Swedish resident, pledging "only death will stop me."

The Justice Department declined to comment on whether LaRose was connected to the alleged plot to kill Vilks. Dagens Nyheter called on the Swedish state to give Vilks "all the protection he needs."

It said authorities

must take action "against an attack aiming at one of our most fundamental rights, freedom of expression." The Expressen tabloid also published the cartoon, insisting it was important "to defend freedom of expression which is more and more threatened." "An open society must show that it will not give in to threats, that it is ready to fight for freedom of expression," added the daily in an editorial. The regional daily Nerikes Allehanda started the controversy when it first published Vilks' satirical cartoon on August 18, 2007 to illustrate an editorial on the importance of freedom of expression.

That paper did not choose to republish the drawing on Wednesday last. “I don't think it is relevant to publish the picture," Nerikes Allehanda's chief editor Ulf Johansson, who has also faced threats over the initial publication, wrote in the paper.

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

27

Extension unlikely for Army chief Islamabad: Pakistan Army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who is due to retire in October, is unlikely to get an extension, a close aide of President Asif Ali Zardari has said. However, the repeal of a controversial constitutional amendment could see him continue in office as Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani would then take a call on the issue.

'Neither the army chief nor anyone from the (ruling) Pakistan Peoples Party has forwarded a proposal to the president in this regard,' Fauzia Wahab, PPP's central information secretary, has been quoted as saying this week. 'Keeping in view past examples, extensions to army chiefs have not proved beneficial for democracy and the country,' she added.

Reopening of graft cases against Zardari ordered In focus.........

Islamabad: Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday directed the country's anti-corruption watchdog to reopen graft cases against Asif Ali Zardari and 8,000 others that were quashed under the controversial National Reconciliation Ordinance, a move likely to further weaken his hold on the presidency.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice Javed Iqbal directed the National Accountability Bureau to implement its

Asif Ali Zardari

verdict to reopen cases that were quashed under the National

Reconciliation Ordinance, promulgated by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in 2007. The bench also directed the bureau to protect all records related to NRO cases.

The bench also expressed its dissatisfaction at a report submitted

by NAB on the reopening of cases. NAB was directed by the judges to submit a report regarding the appointment of prosecutors for these cases.

Justice Iqbal remarked

that whatever was decided by the apex court "must be implemented in letter and spirit". He said all institutions are bound to implement the apex court's orders under constitutional provisions.

Noting that certain media reports had claimed that efforts were being made to tamper with the records of NRO-related cases, damage evidence and replace certain records.

He directed authorities to protect these records.

Khan network offered to build N-bomb for Saddam Washington: An agent linked to disgraced Pakistani scientist A Q Khan had offered Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 1990 that they could build an atomic bomb for him in three years under a $150 million "nuclear package deal," according to a new book.

The "package" deal included not only weapon designs but also details of production plants and foreign experts to supervise the building of a nuclear bomb, David Albright, a former UN weapons inspector, said in his book to be released next week, 'The Washington Post'

reported.

Reporting on the book entitled 'Peddling Peril' 'How the Secret Nuclear Trade Arms America's Enemies,' the paper said the newly uncovered documents suggest that Khan's offer of nuclear assistance to Saddam was more comprehensive than previously known.

"A 1990 letter attributed to a Khan business associate offered Iraq a chance to leap past technical hurdles to acquire weapons capability," it said.

"Pakistan had to spend a period of 10 years and an amount of 300 million US dollars to get it," begins

Abdul Qadeer Khan

one of the memos, the daily said reporting from the book. "Now, with the practical experience and worldwide contacts Pakistan has developed, you could have 'A.B.' in

about three years' time and by spending about USD 150 million.

'A.B.' was understood to mean "atomic bomb," Albright wrote, adding that aid from the Pakistani nuclear scientist could have accelerated Iraq's quest for a weapon if the Iraqi leader had not run out of time.

One memo cited in the book promised to provide "all the vital components and materials" needed to make fissile material and added that "two to three Pakistani scientists could be persuaded to resign and join the new assignment" in Iraq, the daily said.

Court accepts plea requesting Ajmal be declared fugitive Islamabad: A Pakistani anti-terror court conducting the trial of seven suspects for their involvement in the 26/11 attacks on Saturday accepted an application from the prosecution for Ajmal Kasab to be declared a fugitive and adjourned the case for a week.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which probed Pakistani links to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, submitted an application in the anti-terrorism court of judge Malik Muhammad Akram Awan asking for

Ajmal Kasab

Kasab to be declared a "proclaimed offender" or a fugitive.

The court admitted the application and scheduled the next hearing for March

20, when it will hear arguments on the plea by the prosecution and defence lawyers.

"The application was taken up first as it was a procedural matter," Shahbaz Rajput, a lawyer representing some of the accused, said.

Sources said several witnesses were scheduled to testify during Saturday’s hearing but could not do so as the court took up the FIA's application.

The FIA's plea had become necessary as a bench of the Lahore High

Court had ruled earlier this week that Kasab's trial could not be separated from that of the seven accused, Lashker-e-Taiba operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Zarar Shah, Abu al-Qama, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jamil Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younas Anjum. In a judgment given last week, the Rawalpindi-based bench of the Lahore high court had also ruled that Kasab's confessional statement to Indian authorities could not be used in Pakistani courts.

Water sharing is the new irritant in Indo-Pak ties New Delhi: Water sharing is becoming yet another irritant in the Indo-Pak relationship with Lashkar founder Hafiz Saeed’s rhetoric against India on the matter being seen as part of the Pakistani propaganda.

At a public rally, Saeed accused India of constructing illegal dams and diverting water from Pakistani rivers and went on to launch a movement against India. The fact that Saeed, who is seen as a proxy for the ISI, is now focusing on water issues is being seen as part and parcel of the Pakistani “propaganda”.

The Pakistan government had started highlighting water as a major concern ahead of the foreign secretary level engagement and has since continued to do so. Sources said Pakistan is trying to deflect its own water problems and inter provincial water issues by creating the India bogey.

Water is also seen as an emotive issue that can easily whip up anti-India sentiment.

Sources pointed out it is convenient to blame India when other factors are responsible for Pakistan’s water woes. It is also being seen as a ploy

to get a larger share of the water. The steady rise in the Pakistani population, particularly in Punjab in Pakistan, increased use of water and intensive irrigation are being seen as rea-

sons for Pakistan’s water woes. Also, data has shown that water volume in both the eastern and western rivers are fluctuating due to fluctuating snowmelt and rainfall.

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

Court jails 6 for marrying off kids to end feuds

Peshawar: A court in Peshawar has sent six persons to jail for forcibly trying to marry two minor girls under 'Sawara', a child marriage custom prevalent in tribal areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The custom is linked to blood feuds among different tribes and clans and involves the forcible marriage of young girls to members of rival clans to resolve feuds. The district and sessions judge of Shangla district last week issued notices against the six and sent them to jail for the 'Sawara' of one-and-half-year-old Kainat and 11-year-old Hameeda in the Malakand division of northwestern Pakistan. It also directed the district police chief to register a case against a man named Gul Muhammad, elders of the tribal jirga or council and 'Nikah Khwan' for arranging the illegal weddings and submit a report.

According to local residents, the issue pertains to a dispute between Azam Khan and Gul Muhammad. Azam Khan allegedly abducted Gul Muhammad's sister and killed her after she refused to marry him.

Militants storm US charity building in NWFP, 5 killed

Peshawar: Militants stormed a building used by a USbased charity in Pakistan last week, sparking heavy clashes with police and killing at least five people, police and an aid worker said. The gunmen attacked offices of World Vision near Oghi town, in Mansehra, a relatively peaceful district of the troubled North West Frontier Province, where Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants have carried out multiple attacks. Police said five people were killed, including two women, but an aid worker said that six World Vision staff died and six were seriously wounded. An aid worker confirmed that a group of militants had attacked the World Vision office, unleashing heavy gunfire and sparking a battle with police, who rushed to the site. "Six staff from World Vision are dead, six are seriously injured," he said.

Suicide bombers kill 45 in Lahore

Lahore: At least 45 people, including nine soldiers, were killed and some 100 others were wounded when suicide bombers attacked military vehicles passing through crowded city of Lahore last week, officials say.

There have been several attacks on Lahore in the past year. Earlier, the Taliban destroyed a building used by intelligence services, killing 13. The explosions took place near the RA Bazaar, in a busy residential and shopping area where army and security agencies have facilities. Officials said the blasts took place within 15 to 20 seconds of each other. These latest attacks are the first in this politically important city since December. It is the capital of Pakistan's most populous province - a barometer of its stability. One possible reason for this sudden escalation could be the recent death of Qari Zafar, a top leader of the so-called Punjabi Taliban, in a US drone strike in the north-west. kes ended.

5 Americans arrested for terror seek special trial

Lahore: A Pakistani court last week directed police to produce the confessional statements of five American Muslims arrested for alleged terror links and accepted a request from the accused to hold their trial within a jail due to security reasons. Ramy Zamzam, 22, Waqar Hussain Khan, 22, Ahmed Abdullah Minni, 20, Iman Hasan Yemer, 17 and Omar Farooq, 24, have been booked for planning terror attacks in Pakistan and for planning to travel to Afghanistan to fight US-led forces.

They were arrested from Sargodha in Punjab province in December last year. An anti-terrorism court in Sargodha which is conducting the trial of the Americans directed police to submit their confessional statement during the next hearing.

To advertise here

call 020 7749 4085 email: avsales@abplgroup.com www.abplgroup.com

28

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

This week CB will discuss about Bhavan's recent activities with Surendrabhai Patel, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan's committee Chairman and about contribution & role of 'Gujarati Rangmunch' with drama directoractor & writer Kiran Purohit and actor Rashmiben Amin

Sneh Joshi - 020 8518 5500

Week commences 20th March 2010

If you do not have a tv, go to www.tvunetworks.com and watch CB Live on TVU Player Channel 75203

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

To ask questions please call on: 020 8963 1001

For more information e-mail:

cblive_matv@yahoo.co.uk

Don't miss !!!

Thursday 7pm to 8pm

Only on CB Live - MATV Sky 793 - Thursday 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Coming Events l On Sunday 21st March Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards 2010 will be telecasted in 'Talk of the Town at 6:30pm on SKY 781 B4U Music. l St Luke’s Hospice Indian Mela (fair) is organised with lots of Indian themed stalls, selling products and offering taster sessions. Saturday 24th April 2010 Venue: Claremont High School, HA3 0UH Time: 11am until 2pm.

Contact: Kate Gammell on 020 8382 8096 l Simply Rahat on Sat 20th March, Royal Festival Hall – South Bank Centre, London, 7.00pm Sun 21st March De Montfort Hall, Leicester, 7pm Mon 22nd March Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 7.30pm Contact Sareata Ginda at 020 8691 3344 Email: sareata@saregamaplc.net l Sophusion Spring Sale ….. up to 50% off on selected items. Sunday 28 March & Sunday 11 April: 10 am - 6 pm at 104 Woodcock Hill, HA3 0JD, contact Krishna Shah: 07958 959 104 / info@sophusion.com l Non Violence Day by Sai School of Harrow on 27th March 11am. Contact vlahsiv@aol.com

l Sunday 21st March, Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile in London-1, 3 or 6 miles.Enter the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile now at sportrelief.com l Lions Club of Hadley Wood in association with the Asian Foundation For Help organising a Charity Mehfil on Saturday 10 April 2010.

Contact: ali@dewood.co.uk or call 07712 563 254 l Ram Navami on Wednesday 24th March, 2010, 1.30 to 3.30pm, Bhajans and Arti at 7.00pm - Saturday 20th March - Bhajans and Film Songs by Little Stars 7.30pm - Bhajans on Sunday 21st March by Bachubai Satsang Mandal and Budhdevbhai Kansara from 3.00pm to 5.30pm - thereafter Arti and Maha Prasad for all at Adhya Sakti Mataji Temple, UB8 2DX, contact on 07882 253 540 l Mahavir Janma Kalyanak at the Kingsbury High School on Saturday 27th March 2010, 6 to 7.30pm. l Shree Jalaram Mandir Greenford presents Chaitriya Navratri garba- Tuesday 16th March to Wednesday 24th March 8pm -10pm Shree Ram Navami– Wednesday 24th March, 10:30am-10pm Shree Hanuman Jayanti, Tuesday 30th March, 9.30am-8pm.

Amazing predictions

!

Sneh Joshi, the UK’s leading Vedic astrologer, writer and TV personality can answer questions on:

#

HAS TRAVELLED TO CANADA, GERMANY, AUSTRALIA NOW IN LONDON

#

#

" #

!

"

13 $0 $221,054 2.($4( 3,0* & 1 10( &&(44 122 1% (053( (+,0' 3,/$35 1+04 1$' "(/%.(7 ,''6

13

Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Anne Hoose Deputy Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Accounts Executive: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email:accounts@abplgroup.com Advertising Managers: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@abplgroup.com Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07957 694 909 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Advertising Sales Executive: Nikhil Gor - Email: nikhil.gor@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4009 Media Consultant: Rovin John George Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 Business Development Managers: Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 - Email: george@abplgroup.com Design and Layout: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Saroj Patel Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel: +9179 2646 Fax: +9179 6061 Chief Executive Director: Kamlesh Amin Tel: +91 922 710 4308 Email: kamleshamin123@yahoo.co.in

2(0 '$74 )31/ $/ 51 2/

Health Problems Investments Married Life Marriage Compatibility Love Affairs Court Cases Any other problems

Call 020 8518 5500 & face your future with confidence!

Editorial Co-Ordinator (BPO): Suresh Samani (M) +91 9898441330 Email: sureshsamani@yahoo.com Dy. Editorial Co-Ordinator (BPO): Nilesh Parmar (M) +919426636912 Consulting Editor (BPO): Bhupatbhai Parekh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Fax: +91 79 2550 9944 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: horizonadvt2009@yahoo.in 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 will probably have little cause to complain this week. Expect everything to run smoothly and luck to attend your efforts. However, underneath this positive surface you may be plagued by a feeling of restlessness.

Try to srike a balance between material and emotional affairs !

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21

Try to take things in your stride rather than anticipating what might happen.

Keep calm as conflict and disagreement could be sparked off by your short-sightedness. Think carefully about the implications of your actions. Intense focus is what is needed now so do not let yourself be distracted by nonessentials.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

At home, be at your diplomatic best and try not to tread on anyone's toes.

Passions will run from hot to cold, and relationships may suffer. Even the most strong-willed Geminis will be more open to compromise to keep the peace. Plan your spending and set sensible budgets. All things considered, your health should be robust.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

As social life is likely to gather a pleasant momentum throughout this week, this is bound to present a better prospect, not only for striking up new friendships but also romantic encounters. This is going to be one of those times when insignificant events give rise to unexpected developments especially regarding work and health.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

Much enthusiasm goes into professional ambitions right now, but you need to be your own boss in many ways. You will be determined to place your lifestyle on a foundation of greater security.

Taking a broad perspective on the prevailing cosmic pattern, far-reaching change begins to gather momentum.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Guard against being too impatient and restless. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes and be cautious about other people's enthusiasm which is likely to be misplaced. Make a very conscious attempt to stick to main priorities. Organise your time so that it is not taken up entirely by the demands of other people.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

If lately you have had all sorts of demands being placed on you from all sides, don't despair. Try and work out where you want to make changes in your busy life. Once you know, don't hesitate to implement it. The planetary activity in your chart signals a time of mixed emotions as well as personal issues to be dealt with.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 The accent’s very much on relationships. The opening up of a more diverse social life is a point in favour of romantic attachments, if this is what you want. You will achieve a lot more, especially when you're motivated by your own desires. The general pattern of things continues on a progressive and buoyant theme.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 It seems that the winds of change begin to gather momentum and put a strong focus on domestic and family matters. The outlook remains optimistic as developments point the way forward and bring you a sense of real achievement. Don't be afraid to act if your instinct tells you it's time for change.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

Extra energy and drive will serve you well in getting things accomplished, but try not to come on too strong when you deal with others. It is now time to take stock, consolidate and plan ahead. The art of making haste slowly should therefore be cultivated for it will be only too easy to allow other people to rush you.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

You will feel energetic and confident as the week begins. Your thinking is inspired, so listen to your thoughts. Home and family duties and responsibilities may weigh heavy on you. In effect, you’re building a new foundation, so the work you put in now will pay off in the future. Professional and financial pressures will begin to ease.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

Although the very practical affairs of life continue to be highlighted, this does not mean that there will be all work and no play. In fact, you will be very much in demand socially. From a financial point of view take stock of where you’re at rather than to launch any ambitious new business plan.

time

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010 Down 1 Cell mate 2 This looks bad 3 In-person 4 Speakers before drinks 5 Flowing 6 Bank, at times 7 No.2 in rentals 8 Including 9 Villain’s expression 10 Make up 11 Mata of spydom 12 Enthusiastic 13 Barnyard enclosure 21 TV sound 22 Hero to some 25 “The Mystery of __Drood” 26 Mare antoinette, e.g.

27 Puts in ordr 29 Dwight’s election rival 30 Glop 32 Catches sight of 33 Multiplication word 34 Dilapidated 36 Long-legged bird 38 Vane reading 41 Curvy letter 42 Slackened off 43 Tattle-tales 48 Skeptical disciple 49 Blue 51 Bundles of joy 54 head skin 56 Dances 57 Wind strom 58 Expel 59 Done with 60 cover with macadam 61 Swear word 62 Yearn (for) 63 Implore 66 Stripling

C R O S S W O R D - 79 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

26

28

35

29

36

40

30

31

37

44 49

53

51

54

43

52

55 59

56

60

61

63

64

65

67

68

69

70

71

72

25 __on the side of caution 28 Old towel, perhaps 31 Outdoes 35 Snookums 37 Spanish couple?

39 Dessert menu Choice 40 Compeltitor’s realistic expectation 44 Cartridge filling 45 Springsteen’s birthplace?

46 Word on a poster 47 Cozy homes 50 Bro, for one

Across 1 Group of zealots 5 Blemishes 10 Bloke 14 Paducah’s river 15 “Rosemary’s Baby’ author 16 Great review 17 Classic Chevy model 18 Wed 19 Emerald Isle 20 Contradictory testimony 23 Outward pose, slangily 24 Boring routine

52 53 55 57 63 64 65 67 68 69 70 71 72

62 66

Actress Spacek Owns Help out Interrogation ploy Oz man Be of use Attract a cab Designer Schiaparelli Relative rank Sicilian peak Understands News media Molt

Solution of Crossword-78

SPELLATHON - 79

Today’s Ratings: 01-average |02-good | 03-outstanding

How many words of four or more letters can you make from the letters shown in today’s puzzle? In making a word, each letter may be used once only.

Each word must contain N the central letter. There should be at least one I I seven-letter word.

H Plurals, foreign words and proper names are T B not allowed. British English Dictionary is I used as reference.

Solution of Spellathon - 78 astute, statue, STATUTE, suet, taut

H O O K

I N R E

I T E M S

N Y L O N

N O R I

A V O N

J E D S

A L E S

C A R L S C H O R A N A N N K E A D Z I T A S E R P S I E H A L

Sudoku-79 2

3 9

6

1

2

8

1 6 5

4

9 4

4

P H A S E

P A R T S

B A T I R K E C A R S A P T I E R A T E S

E W E L L

S A B L E S

T R A N S P L O O L D R A G E R E D P R O O I L L E G E D A

N E D S

G R I S

I M A G E

E N V O Y

D I A N E

P E A T

O R N E

S S T S

This is a test to gauage your mental flexibility, creativity and cunning. Good Luck!

(Example: 16 0 in a P. Answer: 16 Ounces in a Pound) 4= N of Y in an A P T (Hink: Think Obama)

1

20 12

Example

1 7

5

Solution of sudoku-78 HOW TO PLAY Each row, column and square 3x3 box is a sub-grid of 9 cells. Fill in the grid so that each subgrid contains the digits 1 to 9. Every puzzle has one solution.

I D L E

Votes for women – A milestone in social history The subordinate status of women in the 19th century Britain was augmented by denial to them of voting rights in national elections. From 1832, a number of electoral reforms widened men’s suffrage (or franchise-the right to vote) but women continued to be denied voting rights despite considerable support that existed in parliament to that effect. This unequal state of affairs led to the formation of women’s organisations dedicated to campaign for their voting rights which they won in 1918, albeit after a long and bitter struggle.

By the late 19th century, the campaign for women’s vote was already started in a small way but with no success. By the early 20th century, the campaign began to take the form of an organised movement. In 1903 the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) was formed with the aim ‘Votes for Women’ and the motto ‘Deeds not Words’.

After an initial start in Manchester, much of the campaign took place in London.

The leader of this women only organisation was a charismatic, inspirational but rather fiery Emmeline Pankhurst supported by her two daughters and husband. In the early days the organisation took the peaceful means of campaigning but was ignored. They believed that the peaceful tactics were ineffective and argued for militant approach if their cause was to become a national issue. Members showed willingness to go to prison (rather than pay a fine) or

9

1

5

7

8

3

6

4

2

4

3

6

9

1

2

7

5

8

7

2

8

5

4

6

9

1

3

8

6

2

1

3

5

4

7

9

3

5

4

6

7

9

8

2

1

1

7

9

8

2

4

5

3

6

5

9

3

2

6

7

1

8

4

6

4

1

3

5

8

2

9

7

2

8

7

4

9

1

3

6

5

even die for their beliefs.

The peaceful movement became a crusade and the organisation soon became known as suffragettes - a partially derogatory term.

From 1906 the WSPU staged many eye-catching events and suddenly became newsworthy. First they restored to acts of civil disobedience such as public meetings and marches, hackling politicians at the meetings, chaining themselves to public buildings, and then to extreme measures such as damaging property, arson, and bombings. The disruption was extended to parliament with shouts and screams of Vote for Women from the public gallery of the House of Commons. In 1909 a bag of flour thrown from it one day nearly hit the PM Asquith. There were attacks on ministers outside parliament too. Such militant actions by women antagonised many people including pro-suffrage MPs. Some even dismissed their behaviour as female hysteria but the campaign did the trick. It drew attention to their demands as never before.

In one tragic incident in 1913, suffragette Emily Davison threw herself under the King’s (George V) horse at Epsom Derby shouting ‘Votes for Women’ and died of injuries a few days later.

Police response to all this was tough.

Demonstrators were often handled roughly with more arrests and longer prison sentences.

Some 4000 women were sent to prison including the leader Emmeline Pankhurst who was sent no less than 12 times. A

strategy of hunger strikes – a form of passive resistance – was quickly adopted by many women prisoners. When the cruel and dangerous policy of force-feeding by the government horribly failed, they introduced the so called ‘Cat and Mouse Act’ (1913) which allowed the prisoner (‘mouse’) weakened through hunger strike to be temporarily released to regain her health only to be re-arrested by the authority (‘cat’) once she was fit enough to complete her sentence.

For several years, suffragettes fought relentlessly, however, their rather un-British activities came to an abrupt end when WW I broke out (1914) and the women prisoners were released. The WSPU encouraged its members to support for the war effort instead. The Union felt that the country should pull together in its time of need. Women took men’s job in factories, farms etc as more troops were summoned to the Western Front. The major role played by the women in the war removed the remaining opposition to woman suffrage and, in 1918, led to the vote being granted to women over 30. Equal franchise with men was achieved in 1928 when women of 21 or over were given the vote (sadly Emmeline Pankhurst, who did so much for woman suffrage, did not live to see this as she had died some weeks earlier).

Finally, in 1969 the voting age for men and women was lowered to 18.

WHATZIT? - 79 Find the familiar phrase, saying or name in this arrangement of letters.

Our solution_ 4!*(4.40.4)!=576 or 4!*4!+4-4=576

5

2

S E R R A T I O N

29

By Dr Anil Mehta

Solution of 78 :

3

9

K N E E P A N T S

MINDBENDER - 79

3

4

34

46 50

58

33

39 42

45 48

32

38

41

57

13

24

27

47

12

22

23 25

11

pass

Solution of - 78 : Five - O’ clock shadow

KAKURO - 79

The numbers in the pink squares refer to the sums of the digits that you must fill into the empty spaces directly below or to the right of the pink square containing the number. For instance, in the given example, the Solution of KAKURO - 78 2 boxes below 12 must contain 2 digits that add upto 12, whereas for 20, the 3 boxes places horizontally next to it must add upto 20. No zeroes are used here, only the digits one through nine.

Note: A digit cannot appear more than once in any particular digit combination. For instance in the example, we cannot have the combination of 8+4+8 for 20.

30

www.abplgroup.com

asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Any quest ions by

Swati bhan

Vinegar as a readymade measure to cure toenail fungus It is known to most that there are home remedies for toenail fungus.

Vinegar can work to certain extent in this affair.

The treatment is based on the fact that an acidic environment can block the growth of fungi under and around the nail. The daily application of vinegar to the infected area helps prevent fungal growth and there is chance for new and healthy nail to grow.

Many people are convinced by this treatment of toenail fungus using vinegar.

There are various types of vinegar to treat toenail fungus, but what

is to paint the toenail with vinegar two or three times a day and apply a bandage soaked in vinegar. This bandage should be worn all the day and the toenail can be seen getting dry day by day.

Just like other natural cures for toenail fungus, the vinegar cure for toenail fungus is effective to some extent.

Even though it may take time to cure completely, vinegar works as long as you take care to soak your feet in vinegar or apply vinegar every day regularly without fail until the toenail infections are cured. The nail infection is originating from beneath the thick nail.

If you take apple cider vinegar internally, it can speed up the

you need here is ordinary white vinegar. You can have it in a basin and soak your feet in it for half an hour with relaxed mind. After half an hour, another dose of vinegar can be added and the toenail feet plunged fully for about fifteen minutes further. This process is repeated every day until the toenail fungal infection is getting completely cured. Another method

things for cure. Since vinegar and toenail fungus are closely associated, you may rely upon apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus. The apple cider works effectively by

!

000 +'-&,)/*0%" (%.

1 /-%, #)$%

attacking the fungal ailment. It is enough that you take just two teaspoons of vinegar three times a day. As

the taste of apple cider may not be relishing for many people, it may be added with some beverage, such as fruit juice or carbonated soft drinks.

But you must be cautious that acidic soft drinks may damage tooth enamel in due

course.

Once you have cured your ailment and recover to normal appearance for the infected nail, you may stop taking vinegar by any method. It is here you are to be careful that the problem does not have recurrence with you.

You have to keep your feet clean and dry all the time and the nails should be clipped short. If you have been used to taking vinegar and want to continue it, you may have it wisely if it is benefiting you in any other thing.

Life style

write to mam ta@abplgroup.com

by Mamta bhatia, Psychologist

Every minute is a chance to turn it all around Scan your mind back over the last week. Are you proud of your achievements, do you feel as though you have taken productive steps towards fulfilling your goals? Ask yourself, are you happy? I hope that the answer to these questions is ‘yes, yes and yes’.

Remember, pursuing your dreams should be fun and life can be happy if you want it to be. It upsets me to see people going through everyday with a frown on their face. Constantly being their own worst enemy not their own best friend.

If you talk negative you will simply encourage more of what you are complaining about in your life. Start to notice the words that you use and the felling that you feel when things don’t feel right. How aware are you of yourself. Who is in the driving seat of your life, day to day is it your head making the decisions or your heart?

Ideally it should be both

to enable a positive balanced clear view so you can make and take the right decisions for you to strive ahead and be the best. All it takes it a mindset and an attitude that can help you go above and beyond the goals you have set. I can help you to develop this ‘mindset’ that I refer to so you can start driving towards what you actually desire. I can help you to shape your thinking and tailor your approach around your goals and thinking.

This will enable one thing, personal success.

Due to high demand, in April, I am running a one day session. This will be an intimate session. If you want to help yourself contact me today to secure your place. This may just be what you need to break out of your mould and create new possibilities in your life. You will learn may approaches that will positively enhance how you live

your life and progress.

Specifically, you will learn how to: Identify what is great and identify what isn’t so you can regain control and start to manage your life better. Start to notice how a positive attitude, clear attitude can attract great things to your life, as opposed to being negative. Learn very quickly how to manage your internal thoughts, tuning in and switching off negative thoughts that just hold you back. Learning very quickly that every moment is a chance to turn it all around and the earliest you can begin to feel confident is now.

Lastly, learn how to have a mindset that gives you full control and happiness in every arena of your life.

The session is on 10th April and will be run by me. Email me today to sign up. Spaces are limited and time waits for no man, I look forward to hearing from you, Mamta.

108 Marylebone Lane

108 Marylebone Lane is a vibrant restaurant and lounge, located in the heart of Marylebone Village. The restaurant encompasses the essence of the area by sourcing produce from local artisan suppliers.

Situated on a charming corner of Marylebone Lane, adjacent to the prestigious cooking school, Le Cordon Bleu, 108 provides a back-tobasics approach, in which simplicity is favoured over flaunt.

The chic and contemporary three-tier restaurant combines varying sizes of interlinking dining spaces.

Throughout the restaurant, wooden tables are adorned with linen napkins and fine glassware.

Upon arrival, guests enter a large open-plan space, with an airy lounge and a more intimate restaurant area.

The venue’s window lined walls and high ceilings with stainlesssteel fans, gives an

industrial edge to the otherwise rich textured browns that furnish the room.

The lounge offers an eclectic vibe with deep red hanging lampshades subtly illuminating the room making the ambience even more romantic.

Leather chairs surround

round marble-topped tables, and a stainlesssteel bar runs along the length of the Lounge. An innovative cocktail menu completes the picture.

The taste of the food is definitely authentic and the comprehensive menu is eye catching. The starters are pretty conventional served on a wooden plate, square in shape, which makes it look chic. Though there are limited vegetarian dishes on the menu, but everything that is served

is associated with lots of fresh salads and vegetables that intensifies the taste of a dish.

If I may describe the menu in a nutshell, it is extremely palatable and different. The interesting part is that mostly all food have the right amount of salt for an Indian taste, which is quite rare in British restaurants otherwise. Though continental, the food is spiced with the right flavour to tantalise the Asian taste bud.

The desserts are pretty appealing too.

The quality of all the dishes are recommendable, though I must say that the guests are bestowed with a little too much attention than required. With a generous quantity of food, and a romantic ambience, diners need nothing more to celebrate their night out.

Ratings

Food Taste: Food Quality: Hospitality / Service: Quantity: Décor:

WWWW WWW WWW WWWW WWWW

Cuisine: Continental, Cost: £45-50/head 108 Marylebone Lane, London w1U 2QE Contact: 020 7969 3900 info@108marylebonelane.com if you want to get your restaurant reviewed call Rupanjana at 020 7749 4098 or write to rupanjana@abplgroup.com

18

www.abplgroup.com

asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

Any quest ions by

Swati bhan

Vinegar as a readymade measure to cure toenail fungus It is known to most that there are home remedies for toenail fungus.

Vinegar can work to certain extent in this affair.

The treatment is based on the fact that an acidic environment can block the growth of fungi under and around the nail. The daily application of vinegar to the infected area helps prevent fungal growth and there is chance for new and healthy nail to grow.

Many people are convinced by this treatment of toenail fungus using vinegar.

There are various types of vinegar to treat toenail fungus, but what

is to paint the toenail with vinegar two or three times a day and apply a bandage soaked in vinegar. This bandage should be worn all the day and the toenail can be seen getting dry day by day.

Just like other natural cures for toenail fungus, the vinegar cure for toenail fungus is effective to some extent.

Even though it may take time to cure completely, vinegar works as long as you take care to soak your feet in vinegar or apply vinegar every day regularly without fail until the toenail infections are cured. The nail infection is originating from beneath the thick nail.

If you take apple cider vinegar internally, it can speed up the

you need here is ordinary white vinegar. You can have it in a basin and soak your feet in it for half an hour with relaxed mind. After half an hour, another dose of vinegar can be added and the toenail feet plunged fully for about fifteen minutes further. This process is repeated every day until the toenail fungal infection is getting completely cured. Another method

things for cure. Since vinegar and toenail fungus are closely associated, you may rely upon apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus. The apple cider works effectively by

!

000 +'-&,)/*0%" (%.

1 /-%, #)$%

attacking the fungal ailment. It is enough that you take just two teaspoons of vinegar three times a day. As

the taste of apple cider may not be relishing for many people, it may be added with some beverage, such as fruit juice or carbonated soft drinks.

But you must be cautious that acidic soft drinks may damage tooth enamel in due

course.

Once you have cured your ailment and recover to normal appearance for the infected nail, you may stop taking vinegar by any method. It is here you are to be careful that the problem does not have recurrence with you.

You have to keep your feet clean and dry all the time and the nails should be clipped short. If you have been used to taking vinegar and want to continue it, you may have it wisely if it is benefiting you in any other thing.

Life style

write to mam ta@abplgroup.com

by Mamta bhatia, Psychologist

Every minute is a chance to turn it all around Scan your mind back over the last week. Are you proud of your achievements, do you feel as though you have taken productive steps towards fulfilling your goals? Ask yourself, are you happy? I hope that the answer to these questions is ‘yes, yes and yes’.

Remember, pursuing your dreams should be fun and life can be happy if you want it to be. It upsets me to see people going through everyday with a frown on their face. Constantly being their own worst enemy not their own best friend.

If you talk negative you will simply encourage more of what you are complaining about in your life. Start to notice the words that you use and the felling that you feel when things don’t feel right. How aware are you of yourself. Who is in the driving seat of your life, day to day is it your head making the decisions or your heart?

Ideally it should be both

to enable a positive balanced clear view so you can make and take the right decisions for you to strive ahead and be the best. All it takes it a mindset and an attitude that can help you go above and beyond the goals you have set. I can help you to develop this ‘mindset’ that I refer to so you can start driving towards what you actually desire. I can help you to shape your thinking and tailor your approach around your goals and thinking.

This will enable one thing, personal success.

Due to high demand, in April, I am running a one day session. This will be an intimate session. If you want to help yourself contact me today to secure your place. This may just be what you need to break out of your mould and create new possibilities in your life. You will learn may approaches that will positively enhance how you live

your life and progress.

Specifically, you will learn how to: Identify what is great and identify what isn’t so you can regain control and start to manage your life better. Start to notice how a positive attitude, clear attitude can attract great things to your life, as opposed to being negative. Learn very quickly how to manage your internal thoughts, tuning in and switching off negative thoughts that just hold you back. Learning very quickly that every moment is a chance to turn it all around and the earliest you can begin to feel confident is now.

Lastly, learn how to have a mindset that gives you full control and happiness in every arena of your life.

The session is on 10th April and will be run by me. Email me today to sign up. Spaces are limited and time waits for no man, I look forward to hearing from you, Mamta.

108 Marylebone Lane

108 Marylebone Lane is a vibrant restaurant and lounge, located in the heart of Marylebone Village. The restaurant encompasses the essence of the area by sourcing produce from local artisan suppliers.

Situated on a charming corner of Marylebone Lane, adjacent to the prestigious cooking school, Le Cordon Bleu, 108 provides a back-tobasics approach, in which simplicity is favoured over flaunt.

The chic and contemporary three-tier restaurant combines varying sizes of interlinking dining spaces.

Throughout the restaurant, wooden tables are adorned with linen napkins and fine glassware.

Upon arrival, guests enter a large open-plan space, with an airy lounge and a more intimate restaurant area.

The venue’s window lined walls and high ceilings with stainlesssteel fans, gives an

industrial edge to the otherwise rich textured browns that furnish the room.

The lounge offers an eclectic vibe with deep red hanging lampshades subtly illuminating the room making the ambience even more romantic.

Leather chairs surround

round marble-topped tables, and a stainlesssteel bar runs along the length of the Lounge. An innovative cocktail menu completes the picture.

The taste of the food is definitely authentic and the comprehensive menu is eye catching. The starters are pretty conventional served on a wooden plate, square in shape, which makes it look chic. Though there are limited vegetarian dishes on the menu, but everything that is served

is associated with lots of fresh salads and vegetables that intensifies the taste of a dish.

If I may describe the menu in a nutshell, it is extremely palatable and different. The interesting part is that mostly all food have the right amount of salt for an Indian taste, which is quite rare in British restaurants otherwise. Though continental, the food is spiced with the right flavour to tantalise the Asian taste bud.

The desserts are pretty appealing too.

The quality of all the dishes are recommendable, though I must say that the guests are bestowed with a little too much attention than required. With a generous quantity of food, and a romantic ambience, diners need nothing more to celebrate their night out.

Ratings

Food Taste: Food Quality: Hospitality / Service: Quantity: Décor:

WWWW WWW WWW WWWW WWWW

Cuisine: Continental, Cost: £45-50/head 108 Marylebone Lane, London w1U 2QE Contact: 020 7969 3900 info@108marylebonelane.com if you want to get your restaurant reviewed call Rupanjana at 020 7749 4098 or write to rupanjana@abplgroup.com

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

www.abplgroup.com

31

Germany miss a WC Hockey crown hat-trick IPL Match Programme OZ beat defending champions 2 – 1, win the title after 24 years Finally, Australia beat Germany 2 – 1 to take the World Cup Hockey crown last Saturday at New Delhi after twice ending runners-up, in the previous two encounters of 2002 and 2006 against the same rivals. It took a power packed game from the Australians, as they took the lead in the sixth minute, while scored the winner 11 minutes before the final whistle through a penalty corner.

Had the Germans won, they would have become the first team in the history to make a hattrick of titles. They did bag the Beijing Olympics gold medal.

Australian hockey players pose with the trophy

Earlier, on Thursday last week, Germany overwhelmed England 4 – 1 in the semi finals, while Australia beat the Dutch

to set up a third successive final clash between the old rivals.

Netherlands take bronze – England end up at no. 4

Guus Vogels, the veteran goalkeeper got a memorable parting gift as the team won the bronze medal at the World Cup Hockey, beating England 4 – 3 in the play off match on the same day.

In a thrilling encounter, England dominated for a good part of the game, leading 3 – 1 at the breather.

India at no. 8 India ended up at no.

8, losing to Argentina 2 – 4 in the play off for the 7th and 8th place, while Pakistan ended up right at the bottom, while Spain beat South Korea as the teams took no. 5 and 6 positions.

Pakistan’s Davis Cup match moved to NZ

West Indies thrash Zimbabwe 4 – 1 in ODIs

Conceding New Zealand’s request, the ITF has moved the Davis Cup match between NZ and Pakistan to New Zealand after TNZ had expressed concerns over the security situation on Pakistan and said it would like to get the tie moved out of that country.

International Tennis Federation’s Davis Cup committee informed both the countries of the decision on Tuesday. Now the Asia-Oceania group II semifinal will be played from July 9 to 11 in New Zealand, though the exact venue in the country will be decided later on.

On Sunday in the final game of the tour, Zimbabwe once again failed to post a fighting score at Kingstown and lost the match by 4 wickets. West Indies, playing at home, made it 4 – 1 in the ODI series after having lost just the first game.

Though chasing just 162 runs for a victory, the hosts also had their own problems, as a middle order collapse made them struggle a bit after an explosive start by skipper Chris Gayle.

Gayle scored a breezy 41-ball 63. The team reached 96 runs while he was at the crease. The next three batsmen threw away

Visitors lost all except the first encounter their wickets, bringing Zimbabwe right back in at 104 for 5. Keiron Pollard struck two fours and two sixes in eight balls to bring the smiles back on a stunned home crowd.

Zimbabwe batsmen capitulated. Zimbabwe, aiming for a Test return, failed miserably even in absence of the frontline West Indian pace attack. Darren Sammy and Ravi Rampaul stunned Zimbabwe, leaving them 25 for 5. {Brief scores: 5th ODI WI 165 for 6 (Gayle 63, Pollard 36, Usteya 2-41) beat Zim 161 (Coventry 57, Sammy 3-32, Rampaul 2-21) by 4 wickets. 4th

ODI - WI 142 for 6 (Deonarine 32*, Gayle 32, Cremer 3-34) beat Zim 141 (Chigumbura 42, Bravo 421, Rampaul 2-21) by four wickets. 3rd ODI - WI 245 for 9 (Chanderpaul 58, Barath 35, Chigumbura 243) beat Zim 104 (Sammy 4-26, Roach 3-28) by 141 runs. 2nd ODI - WI 208 for 6 (Gayle 88, Deonarine 65*) beat Zim 206 (Chigumbura 50, Taylor 47, Miller 4-43) by four wickets. 1st ODI - Zim 254 for 5 (Sibanda 95, Taibu 56) beat WI 252 for 9 (Chanderpaul 70, Gayle 57, Barath 50, S Masakadza 3-36) by 2 runs}

Kiwies give a tough fight in ODI series Australia beaten in last ODI to make it 3 - 2 Australia retained the Chappel-Hadlee trophy, but the hosts gave a tough fight to end the series 2 – 3. New Zealand will thus have a slight psychological advantage as they now face the neighbours in the two test matches on the last leg of the tour.

Even a modest 241 posted by the hosts became a target too high for the Australians at Wellington on Saturday, as they lost the last of the 5 limited overs contest by a good 51 runs. For New

Shane Bond celebrates as New Zealand win the final ODI at Wellington

Zealand, the win though was not of much consequence except that they

opened the series with a victory and also ended it with a win. Ricky Ponting

did not call wrong for once, but at Wellington the margin of victory for the hosts was more convincing and the key performances were from the Kiwi bowlers – Tim Southee and Shane Bond. {Brief scores: 5th ODI - NZ 241 for 9 (Styris 55) beat OZ 190 (Watson 53, Bond 4-26, Southee 4-36) by 51 runs. 4th ODI - OZ 202 for 4 (White 50*, Ponting 50) beat NZ 238 (McCullum 61, Hauritz 346) by 6 wickets (D/L method).}

All-England badminton titles for Lee Chong, Tine Rasmussen China had all the five last year; lost three crowns – One to Malaysia and two to Denmark Malaysian Lee Chong Wei beat Kenichi Tago of Japan 21-19, 21 – 19 to bag the All England badminton crown at Birmingham on Sunday. China’s domination over the sport was atleast reduced drastically this year, as they had to be content with just two titles – women’s and mixed doubles. Of the remaining three, Denmark took away two – Women’s

singles and Men’s doubles.

Lee Chong’s Japanese opponent in the finals, 20year-old Kenichi Tago became the first male finalist from his country for nearly half a century.

Tine Rasmussen of Denmark beat her top seeded Chinese opponent Wang Yihan 21-14, 81 -21 and 21-18 in the women’s singles finals, taking a sweet revenge for her last

year’s title loss.

In the mixed doubles title clash, the unseeded Chinese pair of Zhang Nan and Zhou Yunlei scored a magnificent surprise win in a great final against Nova Widianto and Lilyana Natsir, the former world mixed doubles champions from Indonesia, by 21-18, 23-25, 21-18. But Zhou was denied two titles when she and Cheng Shu were

unable to capitalise on a lead of a game and 15-12 and lost 20-22, 21-16, 2113 to Du Jing and Yu Yang, the top seeded Olympic women’s doubles champions. Later Denmark also won two titles, with Jonas Rasmussen and Lars Paaske, the unseeded former world champions winning the first all-European men’s doubles final since 1983.

Date

Mar 18 Mar 19 Mar 19 Mar 20 Mar 20 Mar 21 Mar 21 Mar 22 Mar 23 Mar 24 Mar 25 Mar 25 Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 28 Mar 28 Mar 29 Mar 30 Mar 31 Mar 31 Apr 1 Apr 2 Apr 3 Apr 3 Apr 4 Apr 4 Apr 5 Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 7 Apr 8 Apr 9 Apr 10 Apr 10 Apr 11 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 13 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 15 Apr 16

Time (India) 20:00 16:00 20:00 16:00 20:00 16:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 16:00 20:00 20:00 16:00 16:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 16:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 16:00 20:00 16:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 16:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 16:00 20:00 16:00 20:00 20:00 16:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00

Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr

16:00 20:00 16:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00

17 17 18 18 19 21 22 24 25

Match no.

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51

Teams

Venue

RCB v/s RR Bangalore DD v/s CSK Delhi DC v/s KXIP Cuttack RR v/s KKR Ahmedabad MI v/s RCB Mumbai DC v/s DD Cuttack CSK v/s KXIP Chennai MI v/s KKR Mumbai RCB v/s CSK Bangalore KXIP v/s RR Chandigarh RCB v/s DD Bangalore MI v/s CSK Mumbai RR v/s DC Ahmedabad KXIP v/s KKR Chandigarh RR v/s CSK Ahmedabad DC v/s MI Mumbai DD v/s KKR Delhi MI v/s KXIP Mumbai CSK v/s RCB Chennai DD v/s RR Delhi KKR v/s DC Kolkata KXIP v/s RCB Chandigarh CSK v/s RR Chennai MI v/s DC Mumbai KKR v/s KXIP Kolkata DD v/s RCB Delhi DC v/s RR Nagpur CSK v/s MI Chennai RR v/s KXIP Jaipur KKR v/s DD Kolkata RCB v/s DC Bangalore KXIP v/s MI Chandigarh DC v/s CSK Nagpur RCB v/s KKR Bangalore DD v/s KXIP Delhi RR v/s MI Jaipur DC v/s RCB Nagpur MI v/s DD Mumbai CSK v/s KKR Chennai RR v/s RCB Jaipur CSK v/s DD Chennai KXIP v/s DC Dharmasala (Himachal Pradesh) 52 RCB v/s MI Bangalore 53 KKR v/s RR Kolkata 54 KXIP v/s CSK Dharmasala 55 DD v/s DC Delhi 56 KKR v MI Kolkata Semi-Final Bangalore Semi-Final Bangalore 3rd Place Play-off Mumbai Final Mumbai

Teams Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB Delhi Daredevils (DD) Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Deccan Chargers (DC) Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) Rajasthan Royals (RR) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Mumbai Indians (MI)

Home City Bangalore Delhi Chennai Hyderabad Punjab Jaipur Kolkata Mumbai

English Premier League Matches Saturday, 20 March Arsenal v/s West Ham Emirates Stadium 17:30 Aston Villa v/s Wolverhampton Villa Park 12:45 Everton v/s Bolton Goodison Park 15:00 Portsmouth v/s Hull Fraton Park 15:00 Stoke v/s Tottenham Britannia Stadium 15:00 Sunderland v/s Birmingham Stadium of Light 15:00 Wigan v/s Burnley D W Stadium 15:00 Sunday, 21 March Blackburn v/s Chelsea Ewood Park 16:00 Fulham v/s Man City Craven Cottage 15:00 Man Utd v/s Liverpool Old Trafford 13:30 Tuesday, 23 March West Ham v/s Wolverhampton Boleyn Ground 20:00 Wednesday, 24 March Aston Villa v/s Sunderland Villa Park 19:45 Blackburn v/s Birmingham Ewood Park 20:00 Man City v/s Everton City of Mcr. Stadium 19:45 Portsmouth v/s Chelsea Fratton Park 19:45

32

www.abplgroup.com

Asian Voice - Saturday 20th March 2010

England win a hard fought first test Siddique ton, Swan’s ten highlight of the battle

Junaid Siddique and Mushfiqur Rahim made England toil hard for two sessions – the last session on the fourth day and the first session on the final day – Tuesday before the visitors wrapped up the first test with a 181 run victory at Chittagong.

For England, it was Graeme Swann who made the difference with his first ever ten wicket haul in test cricket – five scalps each in both the innings.

The wicket had nothing for the pacers and Swann had a marathon effort of 78.3 overs in the second innings, while for Siddique it was his maiden test hundred. However, his efforts could only reduce the victory margin for England. It was still a good win.

Siddique repelled everything the England attack had for him and managed to retain his composure despite the pressure of a looming major milestone.

He reached his hundred with two boundaries in an over off Steven Finn.

The pressure was telling on England's bowlers and Finn had a few words with Siddique at the end of the over.

Siddique was the fourth Bangladesh batsman to register a maiden ton in recent months, following Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah in New Zealand and Rahim against India in January.

They are signs of improvement everyone wants. Not surprisingly his concentration wavered a touch as

Bopara’s fine knock for KXIP in vain Jacques Kallis was at his attacking best and that made even a formidable target of 204 possible for Royal Challengers Bangalore as they recorded their first win the third of IPL on Tuesday at their home grounds. Kallis remained unbeaten on 89, while Robin Uthappa played a fine knock of 51, beating Kings XI Punjab by 8 wickets with more than 1 over to spare.

For Kings XI Punjab, Ravi Bopara was the highest scorer with 77 runs from just 50 balls, while Bisla came close to that with 75. It was the bowlers that let Punjab down. Bangalore needed 34 off the last three overs but didn't look like messing it up. {Brief scores: RCB 204 for 2 (Kallis 89*, Uthappa 51) beat KXIP 203 for 3 (Bopara 77, Bisla 73) by 8 wickets}

Yusuf Pathan blasts a 37 ball century Yusuf Pathan brought Rajasthan Royals tantalizing close to a victory, but could not see his team through, and Mumbai Indians finally managed to beat the visitors by 4 runs on Saturday at Mumbai.

Pathan hit a 37 ball ton, the second fastest century in T20s and the first one in the IPL season 3, hitting 8 sixes and 9 fours.

IPL: Results & brief scores of 6 matches played till Monday, 15th March Mushfiqur Rahim was bowled by Graeme Swann for 95 at Chittagong on Tuesday

the significance of the moment sunk in and he was given a life on 106 when Matt Prior couldn't gather a difficult bottom edge off Swann.

Rahim's innings was equally impressive as he continued his match-long resistance.

He was in trouble occasionally by the extra bounce of Finn.

As the pair came for lunch unbeaten, having batted unbeaten through their second session England looked tired and frustrated.

However, for the umpteenth time in his short Test career Swann

World T20 – Pakistan names a team, no captain Pakistan Cricket is again in the news, and for all the wrong reasons. They last week announced ban on a few players, levied penalties on another few and later announced a 15 member team for the World T20, without a captain. Having slapped indefinite ban on two key players, they changed the tune within hours, as they said the duo could be drafted back anytime by the PCB. Shahid Afridi and the two Akmal brothers are both in the World T20 team. Misbah, Salman

Kallis gives RCB their first win

Butt and Mohammad Hafeez have got a recall, while Hammad Azam is the new face.

Squad: Salman Butt, Mohammad Hafeez, Khalid Latif, Misbah-ulHaq, Fawad Alam, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Yasir Arafat, Hammad Azam, Kamran Akmal, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamer, Saeed Ajmal.

Reserves: Shahzaib Hasan, Mohammad Sami, Raza Hasan, Naveed Yasin, Sarfraz Ahmed.

was the man to lift the side when he found the edge of Siddique's bat and the catch carried low to slip.

England's anxiety was clear as Swann gave the batsman a slightly undignified send off; Siddique deserved better after such resilience.

Rahim was nearing his second Test century but missed, as he charged Swann and yorked himself.

He looked skywards and admonished himself, but for him, it was an outstanding performance.

With the two main obstacles out of the way England relaxed a little as

the lower order went down playing their shots.

Broad and Tim Bresnan collected rewards for their toil, but Swann wouldn't be denied his tenth wicket as Michael Carberry gave another example of his panther-like fielding with a swoop and dive at deep midwicket.

It was a tired huddle that celebrated victory and Swann deserved every slap on the back he received. {Brief scores: Eng 599 for 6 dec and 209 for 7 dec beat B’desh 296 and 331 (Siddique 106, Rahim 95, Swann 5-127) by 181 runs}

Match Date Teams No. 06 15 March RR v/s DD at Ahmedabad DD won by 6 wickets ] Brief scores: RR - 141/6 (20 overs); DD - 142/4 (17.1 overs) 5 14 Marrch CSK v/s DC at Chennai DC won by 31 runs Brief scores: DC - 190/4 (20 overs); CSK - 159/9 (20 overs) 4 14 March KKR v/s RCB at Kolkata KKR won by 4 wickets Brief scores: RCB - 135/7 (20 overs) KKR - 136/3 (19.2 overs) 3 13 March KXIP v/s DD at Chandigarh DD won by 5 wickets Brief scores: KXIP - 142/9 (20 overs); DD - 146/5 (19.5 overs) 2 13 March MI v/s RR at Mumbai MI won by 4 runs Brief scores: MI - 212/6 (20 overs); RR - 208/7 (20 overs) 1 12 March DC v/s KKR at Mumbai KKR won by 11 runs Brief scores: KKR - 161/4 (20 overs); DC - 150/7 (20 overs)

Beckham undergoes knife, not playing WC He will take months to recover, the Finnish Surgeon said For David Beckham, his dream to play for England for a record fourth appearance in the forthcoming Football World Cup is shattered. His ruptured Achilles tendon went under a surgeon’s knife in Finland on Monday. The doctor ruled out any possibility of the footballer being fit for the month long tournament that starts in South Africa on June 11.

Dr. Sakari Orava of the sports injury clinic of Mehilaeinen hospital in

Turku, Finland said “The operation was done, it went well and it will take many months for him to recover.” Even Fabio Capello, the manager of the England team had confirmed Beckham was not expected to be playing the World Cup. David Beckham, the 34-year-old former AC Milan's David Beckham bleeds England captain was from his cheek as he looks on during the Italian serie A soccer hurt on Sunday night in AC Milan’s 1-0 match against Chievo in Milan Serie A win over on Sunday

Chievo at the San Siro.

Beckham pulled up in pain during Milan's Serie A game without coming into contact with anyone else and limped distraught to the sidelines for treatment. AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said that the player will be out for "probably five or six months".

Beckham is England's most-capped outfield player and has played in three World Cups. He has played for England in more than a 100 matches.