Asian Voice

FIRST & BUSINESS

FIRST & BUSINESS

CLASS DEALS

CLASS DEALS

also Premium Economy

also Premium Economy

TRAVEL

TRAVEL

never fly ECONOMY again Flat Bed, Suite, Limo, Lounge, Comfort, t&c

never fly ECONOMY again Flat Bed, Suite, Limo, Lounge, Comfort, t&c

0208 515 9200 deals@cruxton.com

0208 515 9200 deals@cruxton.com

IATA ABTA ATOL3348

IATA ABTA ATOL3348

quietly delivering value for over 25 years

VOL 41. ISSUE 21

80p

quietly delivering value for over 25 years

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe 22nd September to 28th September 2012

WIN A

Directflights.com is the fastest growing travel comparison site allowing you to search for cheap flights, hotels and car hire anywhere in the world.

GOOGLE NEXUS 7

What we offer.....

Like us on

Faster results, Cheaper prices and a Smarter way to fly We search over 500 airlines and 250,000 hotels world wide We search so you don’t have to - saving you time and money

Unique 'Music Therapy' concert to be held at Royal Albert Hall

to enter www.facebook.com/directflightspage

Manmohan opens up Indian economy

Bollywood star Hema Malini awarded at the 12th AAA

Govt approves FDI in multi-brand retail, aviation, broadcasting & power exchanges

Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji will conduct a unique concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London on Saturday 22nd September 2012 starting 7.00 pm. He will be accompanied by five of the leading musicians from India including Anindo Chatterjee, tabla maestro, Suresh Ghatam, Dr Yella of mrudangam fame, Balasai (a flute genius), Manjunath (a violin maestro) along with Sri Swamiji’s own musicians.

Mamata withdraws support to UPA govt Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee announced that the party will withdraw its support to the UPA government. She said TMC ministers will submit their resignation to the Prime Minister on Friday.

In a press conference in Kolkata, Mamata said she tried her best to make things work with the UPA govt but finally came to a decision leave because "the way they function is not acceptable".

She said the Congress does not consult allies and that they function on their own. because of opposition from key UPA allies such as the Trinamool Congress. The government also approved foreign direct investment in aviation, broadcasting and power exchanges.

The decision means that foreign airlines will now be allowed to invest as much as 49 per cent in the Indian carriers. Also, the FDI cap on various streams of broadcast services has been raised

to up to 74 per cent. In another important decision, the government approved the disinvestment of five Public Sector Units (PSUs), including Oil India (10 per cent), Nalco (12.5 per cent) and Hindustan Copper (9.59 per cent).

The move by the government evoked sharp reactions from key UPA ally, the Trinamool Congress. The party said that it would protest against the move and asked the government to review its decision.

India Inc, however, welcomed the move with the FICCI terming it as a "big step".

Continued on page 26

Hema Malini receiving the AAA International Personality of the Year award from CB Patel

Winners of the coveted Asian Achievers Awards 2012 were announced at the esteemed award ceremony on Friday 14th September amid the fitting grandeur of Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane.

Bollywood veteran and philanthropist, Hema Malini, was presented with the AAA International Personality of the Year by ABPL Group Chairman, CB Patel at the 12th Asian Achievers Awards.

Full story see page 13

Al-Qaida to target US diplomats Enraged over a film mocking Prophet Mohammad, an affiliate of the dreaded terror organization, AlQaida, in North Africa has called on protesters to step-up their protests and attack US diplomats.

Praising the assassination Christopher Stevens, US ambassador to Libya, AlQaida in the Land of the

Islamic Maghreb warned of attacks in Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Mauritania,

Muslims protest against film on Prophet Mohammad and condemned the United States for lying to Muslims for more than 10 years, saying its war was against

. $! - -) / #&

#&#-1

Continued on page 26

In a major decision signaling the end of policy paralysis in the UPA government, the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) of Manmohan Singh Government has approved foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, aviation, broadcasting and power exchanges. The government has, however, left the option to invite multi-brand retail on the states. There is an opt out clause in the FDI in multibrand retail, which has been the most contagious of the issues. According to the clause, "Retail sales outlets maybe set up in those states which have agreed or agree in the future to allow FDI in multi-brand retail under this policy. This is an enabling clause. This means that no FDI in retail will be allowed in any state unless the state explicitly agrees to come on board and agree to the policy."

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said at the meeting that the time had come for big bang reforms. "If we have to go down, we have to go down fighting," he said.

Notably, the issue had been pending for quite long

"+)' *!(

1, 0!!%

2

terrorism and not Islam.

The group also urged Muslims to pull down and burn American flags at embassies, and kill or expel American diplomats to 'purge our land of their filth in revenge for the honor of the Prophet'. A short film made with private funds in the United Continued on page 26

2

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

one to one Keith Vaz MP with

Mary Macleod MP Mary stood first for Parliament in 1997, getting elected for Brentford and Isleworth in West London in May 2010. She was a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee from June 2010 until she became Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Minister for Policing and Justice in August 2010. In September 2012 she was made PPS to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

She previously served as Policy Advisor to The Queen at Buckingham Palace, advising on the strategic direction of the monarchy and briefing The Queen on key areas of national life.

She has been an Ambassador for ActionAid and a member of Leaders Quest - exchanging learning with leaders around the world. Mary is currently the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Vice President, a Trustee of the Industry Parliament Trust, on the Advisory Board of Learning for Life and a member of the Career Academies UK Advisory Board.

1) What inspired you to stand for Parliament?

I was inspired by the UK’s first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. Her achievements encouraged women to get involved in the political system and make a difference. The Northern Irish peace process also inspired me.

Finally, as a woman with a business background, I wanted to add diversity to politics.

2) What are your proudest achievements in poli-

tics?

I helped the Government take action on housing priority for veterans. I was honoured to present a Carer’s award to 16 year old, Barry Smart.

Overall, it has been an honour to be elected and trusted as MP for the people of Chiswick, Brentford, Isleworth, Osterley and Hounslow.

3) Please tell us about your current position?

I am Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Rt Hon Maria Miller MP,

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

My parents have been a very strong influence by instilling a strong work ethic and teaching me that determination and effort can help you reach your potential – never to give up! I have always admired The Queen for her devotion to public service. She is an example to us all.

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

As a MP, it is a privilege to represent and meet inspiring people every day and to help those who come to my advice surgeries. As a PPS, I am able to influence policy matters directly and work with very talented colleagues who are passionate about politics.

the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Minister for Women and equalities. I am Chairman of the APPG for Women in Parliament, which aims to achieve

NCGO with New Leaders at the AGM The National Congress of Gujarati Organization (NCGO) AGM took place on Sunday, 16th Septmber,2012 at BIA , Eagling Road, Wembley, Middx.

New officers were elected.

President: Sharad Parikh, Vice President: C J Rabheru, Secretary General: Mahendra Jadeja.

Assistant Secretary: G P Desai, Treasurer: Krishna Pujara,

A s s i s t a n t Treasurer; Jitendra Patel.

President, Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer: were elected unopposed as well as all trustee who stand for reelections.

Only Elections took place for the post for ViceChairman, Secretary General and Treasurer.

Mr. C J Rabheru, Mr. Mahendra Jadeja and Krishna Pujara were elected respectively with

Diwali Festival of light

interesting subjects and causes that I would like to get involved in, but cannot because there aren’t enough hours in the day to do all of them.

However, I recently organised the Hounslow Volunteering Awards with generous support from the local business community.

greater majority support from attended representative of the organizations All three place has been replaced after election and filled with appropriates persons to serve NCGO. Independent Election officer, Madhu Colville has done superb job to complete election Agenda with assistance of Mr. Rati Shah, the chairman of Advisory Council of NCGO.

Special Edition November 2012

Dear Readers,

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

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

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

Last day of entry is Sunday 7th October 2012.

- Asian Voice

greater gender representation.

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

As a MP there are so many

7) And the worst?

Being a MP is a 24/7 job and I always seem to have more work than time. I am sometimes discouraged by those who do not want to listen to answers to their questions. Also, the con-

stant negativity from the media about the state of the country can be discouraging.

8) What are your long term goals?

My long term goal is to be the best Member of Parliament I can be, whilst representing the great people of my constituency. I want to always do the right thing and to never let politics get in the way of looking after the people that I represent.

9) If you were Secretary General of the United Nations, what one thing would you change?

I would advocate for the British values of freedom, democracy and equality to be made available for all women and I would work to ensure that all young people receive a good quality education.

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

I would like my companions to be Sir Winston Churchill for his stories, Mahatma Gandhi for his philosophy, Nelson Mandela for his survival skills, and Aung San Suu Kyi for her faith in a better tomorrow. I would love to bring a grand piano and a musician to play it.

Dinner organised to celebrate golden jubilee of public service A dinner was organised as a tribute to Lord Avebury for his 50 years of public service. Over the years Lord Avebury has been extremely helpful to the Indian Community especially when they were expelled from East Africa.

Lord Avebury was active within Join Council for the Welfare of Immigrant, Amnesty International and other humanitarian campaigns.

The Indian Community rallied round

Inquiry starts into child-bride imam A Muslim cleric who had said that he was prepared to officiate at a sharia marriage involving a 12year-old girl has stepped down while an investigation into his conduct is carried out.

Keith Porteous Wood, executive director of the National Secular Society, said: “The government must start to enforce the law purposefully, despite cultural sensitivities and electoral worries, otherwise young women will continue to suffer cruelly."

to support the event and over 160 people attended the successful dinner held at the Blue Room Restaurant in Wembley on Sunday 9 September 2012.

Amongst the speakers paying tribute to lord Avebury were CB Patel from Gujurat Samachar and Asian Voice, Sarah Teather the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Brent Central, Dilbagh Channa and Fiona McTaggart MP who work with Lord Avebury for over 20 years in JCWI, Liberal Democrat Peer Lord Rennard, Dinesh Patel from the Federation of Patidar Associations in Brent, two Brent residents Nitin Palan and Remesh

Patel, Ashwin Galoria from Hindu Council (Brent), Arvind Patel and Councillor Paul Lorber, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Brent Council.

Lord Avebury and his wife were garlanded in the traditional way by Siena Patel.

In his speech Lord Avebury recounted the struggle of the East African Indian Community and the inequities of the immigration legislation. Lord Avebury who will be celebrating his 84th birthday later this month pledged that he will continue to campaign on humanitarian issues and the injustice of the immigration rules until his final breath.

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

COMMENT

Liberalisation of Indian economy is welcome Indian economy needs some rejuvenation.

There is no doubt about it. Once 10 per cent or more yearly growth of GDP has come down to nearly 5 per cent. The international economic turmoil, especially in the western countries and Japan, created more challenging situation for manufacturing and exports in and from China and consequentially Australia, Indonesia and other countries providing raw materials and minerals to huge Chinese market are facing adverse reactions.

The international trade is another clear signal; if at all any one was required of the interdependence of the world economic scenario.

In some ways, it is a welcome phenomenon.

Very few countries if at all any, can stir a better course on their own, in such adverse circumstances. India is a rather a unique entity.

Indian economy does not depend upon exports to the extent of China as well as other developed economies. But India cannot itself have all the fencing to be unaffected by international turmoil.

Indian economic slackness has more to do with the lack of directions and drive of the central government of India. Now a series of measures in last few days, including liberalization in foreign ownership in certain sec-

tors, though are welcome in principle, the proof of the pudding will be in eating. Indian government is having its own weakness of a very fragile coalition. UPA’s dependence on outside support of some regional parties is making it vulnerable for limitless pressures.

As we can see from the fuel, retail fronts and civil aviation as in the past there is no guarantee that government will not make some Uturns or follow other diversions. Coalition politics is likely to stay in the foreseeable future. There are coalition governments in many other countries like Israel, Germany, Holland and even in UK where national priorities are placed in more appropriate positions. And the measures both in terms of finance, incentives and taxation are more or less matched for more durable and dependable strategy. Indian government measures may be late, may be not totally appropriate in the circumstances, but surely there is a shift and it appears to be in the right direction.

Since all the parties will have to go to the people to beg their votes in about two years, perhaps more matching sanity can also evolve. But if India wants to regain its position of faster growing economy then patchwork politics is not the answer.

Praise worthy behaviour of the Duchess Residents of the countries where clean, cloudless sky is uncommon, go to the sunny weather not just to stroll hand-in-hand, sun-bathe and sun-tan are natural extensions. The more whiter you are, more brown you prefer to become, at least for a short period. Duchess of Cambridge and her husband went to Provence in France, a preferred destination for British for many centuries in late summer and early autumn. They had enough security and the area was supposedly well-protected from the common paparazzi.

But paparazzi are like thieves and robbers. They are past masters as peeping-Toms. From somewhere near a mile away with the modern cameras it is not impossible to take shots without being sighted. The Duchess or her husband or security people were not as expert to hide themselves as paparazzi, and some shots were taken.

Half- nude pictures were taken.

That is one fact. Secondly, why anyone will print such pictures in their publication? It is not to reassert the right of the freedom of expression, it is pure and simple greed. The photographs were sold by huge premium by the

paparazzi and the publications that paid such huge price also sees both profit and circulation improvement in publication.

What could civilized society do about it? The lawyers in France are suing the publication and unnamed photographer in both civil and criminal procedures. But what about the number of pictures floating around online and how one can control them? The spread is much deadly than virus. The minimum that can be achieved by the Duchess and the advisors is the assertion of their right of privacy, which of course is everybody’s need. The judicial remedy has a very limited success in this type of modern means of mass communication, especially electronics.

But one must praise the courage and calmness of the Duchess; she has kept praiseworthy cool where the common person would be highly stunned and behave abnormally. She has proved to be the matured member of Her Majesty's family. As Gandhiji would have said, there is enough in the world to satisfy the need of everyone but not enough to satisfy the greed of an individual or the group of people.

Violence over Prophet film should end The violent reactions to a film made by some strange individuals in USA about the Prophet are a very sad saga indeed. The message of the Prophet made in the deserts of Arabia some 1,400 years ago, essentially was of peace, coexistence and harmony in our society. With all the criticism of some very wild, unfounded and highly provocative rituals or essence of Islam, one should remember that it is the second largest faith tradition in the world. Nearly one and a quarter billion are its followers. Some may have been misguided or with aggressive tone but the great mass of the world wide community is like any other. They want to improve the standard of living, secure future of children and look forward to happy and peaceful retirement.

Every faith has few non-negotiable beliefs or agendas. One cannot but condemn the mindless violence in the aftermath of that notorious film.

But one has to accept that it is very futile and highly provocative and hit at the core of some beliefs. Equally this hatred and violence is not going to help the name and fame of this respected religion. What can be seen clearly is that a provocation provided by some ill-considered individuals has been hijacked by some strange groups, misguided and mesmerized by extreme

ideologies or is masterminded by some mullahs.

Common man in Cairo, Sanna or Karachi perhaps has least preference in what started in Libya but there is something called mob psychology and mob violence. In spite of a very delicate situation painful to both extremities (faith v/s freedom of expression) there are some countries and societies which provide inspiration for a better future. Indonesia, world’s largest Muslim population, and India, world second largest population of Muslims, are examples where such gory reactions have not taken place.

Scholars must study how people of different faith co-exist in the society and convey the lessons to warring countries. India is after all a country of predominately Hindu culture and values, but has been living peacefully with neighbors of different faiths for centuries.

Whatever the troubles or tragedy that happened before was more an exception than the general rule. One hopes and prays that peace and harmony prevails for longer period and encompass all the citizens. The good thing is that hatred and terrorism cannot sustain indefinitely.

Eventually either by common sense and common consent or through compulsions of life, tolerance, coexistence and harmony will prevail. Sooner it happens, better it is.

www.abplgroup.com

3

Thought for the Week You've got to search for the hero inside yourself. Search for the secrets you hide. Search for the hero inside yourself - until you find the key to your life.

-"Search For The Hero"

by British pop group M People

Political Sketchbook www.PoliticalAnimal.me

Alpesh Patel’s The Need for Muslim Freedom Fighters Everywhere Muslims are under attack it seems. As I write the Muslim world erupts into conflict over gratuitous, intentional insults over the Prophet Mohammed. Even though Salman Rushdie says this same week, the anniversary of the fatwa against him that ‘you have no right in any declaration of human rights, not to be insulted’.

Islam needs freedom fighters. Freedom from the Muslims that will kill them in Iraq, that will kill them in Syria and that will kill them in Afghanistan.

This week as Muslims are slaughtered in Syria, survivors ask on BBC why the world watches and does not help? Is it because one day the West is asked for help, the next attacked for giving it? Yet the West remains willing and able – as always to send her sons into harm’s way to save Muslim lives.

For all the energy that goes into killing an American Ambassador and daring and co-ordination for attacking US consulates, and Embassies around the world, you’d think you would be able to save each other in Syria, as much as kill Westerners elsewhere? You would think you would have influence over your own community, more than nonMuslim Westerners do? You would think if you can send over fighters from Bradford to Pakistan, to Afghanistan, you could divert them to Syria?

So if ever I hear another idiot unable to tell the difference between a freedom fighter and a terrorist, it is this – a freedom fighter would die for his beliefs, but would rather live for them, and would rather others lived too. A freedom fighter spends more energy on saving lives, than killing lives.

Why are there more Muslim protests worldwide over words in a movie, than over dead Muslim babies in Syria?

I have common cause with Islam. I want there not only to be more Muslim freedom fighters, but proof that the Muslim brotherhood exists too, to save Islam in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

So to the Muslim brotherhood I pray my God give you courage to act against Syria. I pray that your blood boils with anger and the wrath of the Lord flow through your veins and you strike down with a mighty vengeance those Muslim brothers who harm Muslim children.

When Pope Benedict visited the Blue Mosque in Istanbul he said, ‘May all believers identify themselves with the one God and bear witness to true brotherhood.’

Muslims of the world, unite, you are your brother’s keeper. A Catholic has told you – a Pope no less, a Hindu commoner has told you –when will the Muslim brotherhood tell you?

And to the Muslims in Pakistan, I remind you the words of the founding father of your nation, Mahatma Gandhi, ‘death for me would be a glorious deliverance rather than that I should be a helpless witness of the destruction of …Islam…that destruction is certain if Pakistan ensures no equality of status and security of life and property for all professing the various faiths of the world, and if India copies her. Only then Islam dies in the two India's.

Islam flourishes only if it stops Muslims killing Muslims.

Only if it protects those of other faiths. That is what my faith teaches me.

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

4

LEICESTER VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Judge discharges money laundering case A gang who set up a web of bogus companies were involved in a "colossal" ÂŁ10 million money laundering scam, a court was told last week just before the judge dismissed the case.

The gang were involved in moving massive amounts of euros to accounts in China, beyond the reach of UK authorities.

The operations involved transferring large amounts of money from company to company before exporting it through legitimate currency exchange companies.

A police investigation called Operation Foam found the money came

Vikesh Dinesh Patel, left, and Kishan Srivastava

from criminal activities.

These included making

'Blast tragedy at kebab shop was a botched insurance job'

bogus mortgage applications and forging one man's

identity to cash a ÂŁ250,000 savings bond.

Singh (48) and his wife Gurdish Nijjar (38), both of Heybridge Road, Leicester; Kishan Srivastava (24), of Golden Hillock Road, Birmingham; Vikesh Dinesh Patel (38), of Denegate Avenue, Birstall; Nisha Uddin (28), of Shipton Road, Hamilton; Jasvinder Singh (50), of Folksworth Road, Peterborough; and Deepak Singh Rai (30) of The Littleway, North Evington, Leicester, all deny conspiracy to convert criminal property by making deposits of cash into bank accounts.

LABA salutes individuals and organisations who supported resettlement of Ugandan Asians

: :

Teenage girl with nut allergy killed by a takeaway curry A teenage girl with a peanut allergy died after she had a fatal reaction to an Indian takeaway.

Emma Egerton, above, 18, who was home alone in Sale, Greater Manchester, called 999 and left the door open for the ambulance crew as soon as she realised the dish contained nuts. But she was already unconscious when paramedics arrived and was pronounced dead in hospital later that night.

The talented artist was warned that a single nut could kill her when she was diagnosed with the hypersensitivity, aged five.

John Egerton, chief inspector with the metropol-

itan division of Greater Manchester Police, said of his daughter: ‘She was a beautiful, caring girl. She was really affectionate and looked after everyone. No one who knew her will ever forget her.’

Hate crimes fall in Midlands as police still record more than 2,700 in a year

A chef was killed in a massive explosion as he set fire to a kebab shop in a ÂŁ250,000 insurance scam, a jury has heard.

Married father-of-two Fiaz Ahmed Ansari died when Kams Grill, in Narborough Road, Leicester, was destroyed by the blast. His body was found as builders cleared up the next day.

Mr Ansari, 41, had a financial interest in the failing business, where he worked, and had spread a rumour someone had threatened to burn the building down, it was claimed. He recruited

employee Shahbaaz Khan and friend Mehwish Yasin, both 25, to assist him.

The pair appeared at Leicester Crown Court Monday to deny Mr Ansari's manslaughter and reckless arson. The court heard Mr Ansari took out ÂŁ250,000 "business interruption" cover shortly before the incident, which went spectacularly wrong and cost him his life.

The defendants claimed they thought it would only be a "small fire" to justify the insurance claim.

A new start: Asians arrive from the blazing heat of Uganda to a brutally cold British winter 40 years ago

On the 40th anniversary of the first Ugandan Asians landing in the UK, LABA has taken out a full page colour advertisement in Leicester Mercury thanking the Her Majesty’s Government and all individuals, institutions and companies that supported the rehabilitation of Ugandan Asians as proud and valuable citizens of Leicestershire.

Jaspal Singh Minhas LABA’s President said� it was an important gesture on part of LABA to take

the opportunity to salute the warmth and generosity of institutions and individuals in Leicestershire who worked hard to assist the rehabilitation of Ugandan Asians, who are today valuable citizens of the county making tremendous contribution to the socio-economic fabric of Leicestershire and the Country. Framed posters of the advert will be presented to key institutions and individuals as recognition of their contribution over the next few weeks� said Jaspal.

UK

Police recorded 2,733 hate crimes in the West Midlands last year, including offences motivated by racism, homophobia or prejudice against disabled people. The figure was down slightly on the year before, when 2,939 hate crimes were recorded.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) published the figures. They included 189 hate crimes motivated by hostility towards a religion, down from 223. The number of homophobic crimes was 68, up from 61.

There were also 41 crimes targeting people with disabilities, up from 33, and nine crimes targeting transexuals, up from

eight the year previously.

The figures refer to the area covered by West Midlands Police, including Birmingham, Solihull, the Black Country and Coventry.

ACPO spokesman Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris said: “Hate crimes cause a great deal of fear among victims and communities. We are determined to reduce the harm caused by hate crime and as a service, we have listened to victims’ groups who have told us that publishing this data will improve confidence in the police and the wider criminal justice system. I would encourage anyone who is a victim of hate crime to report.�

A lesson or two from Alec Stewart Indrani Thakurata Cricket is our religion. It is hard to resist watching a match if you are a cricket enthusiast. And deep within, most students given a chance want to drop those books and pick up a cricket bat.

If you too harbour such fantasy, then here is your chance to turn them into reality. Secondary students across England will be given the opportunity that could win them a once-in-a-lifetime experience to spend a day with the former England cricket captain Alec Stewart at the Oval Cricket Ground.

Stewart was a right-handed batsman-wicketkeeper and the most capped England cricketer of all-time in Test matches, making 133 appearances.

He cemented his legacy as highest Test Run scorer in the world during the 1990s.

Since retiring from the game, Stewart now serves as the Club Ambassador for Surrey County Cricket Club, his domestic club

throughout his career.“I’m excited to share my love of cricket through upcoming events sponsored by MoneyGram across England,� said Stewart. “As someone who has traveled the world for cricket, I know the importance of staying connected with my family when I was on the road, and I admire the way MoneyGram brings families closer through its money transfer services.�

The contest, sponsored by MoneyGram and the student can be anybody in secondary

school, regardless of your knowledge about cricket. MoneyGram, a leading global money transfer company, announced that former England cricket captain Alec Stewart will serve as the company’s ambassador for events leading up to the company’s sponsorship of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 (T20) international championship. “Four schools will be selected to win a visit from Stewart. To enter, schools should go to moneygram.com/cricket and submit

a 500-word creative essay explaining why their school should be chosen. The schools also will be required to answer a few basic questions to be eligible.

All entries must be received by midnight on October 17, 2012,� Richard Levy, Director of Marketing, MoneyGram elaborates. He stresses on a point that he thinks is also a highlight of the competition, “Regardless of the community and gender, we will pick four schools, 15 students approximately from each to have a fun session with Alec in Oval.�

Stewart will visit the four winning schools in the U.K. and give students their first chance to meet the most capped Test match England cricketer of all-time. During the school visits, students also will have the opportunity to interact with Stewart, take photos, and request autographs.“Just like these children, I also started out as a fan who truly loved

cricket,� said Stewart, the former batsman-wicketkeeper. “I am proud to associate with MoneyGram which is taking cricket from the grassroot level to its peak,� says Alec. “Children everywhere look up to their sports heroes in awe, but very few have the opportunity to play with an alltime great,� said Juan Agualimpia, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, MoneyGram. “Cricket fandom begins as a child, and this contest will bring students closer to their dreams of being an England cricketer than they ever thought possible.� “Students from the winning schools will visit the England changing rooms, tour the famed facilities, and receive coaching from the cricket legend. To conclude the event, the schools will play in a tournament, with the winner receiving a trophy provided by MoneyGram,� concludes Richard.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Dewanis 'begged for their lives' after being hijacked The British honeymooners, Shrien and Anni Dewani, Pictured, begged for their lives after their vehicle was hijacked in a South African township, a

court has heard.

In a police video shown in court, murder accused Xolile Mngeni described their pleas in a statement taken on November 16, 2010.

He said he and a man named "Mawewe" hijacked the taxi in Gugulethu township on November 13 2010 with a "white man and woman" sitting in the back seat.

"They said please don't kill us ... They took out two phones and a camera. I told them: you are not going to be killed," Mr Mngeni told the officer. The video formed part of a trialwithin-a-trial, in which

the judge at Western Cape High Court had to decide whether the state can admit the video as evidence to be used later in proceedings.

The defence argued that the statement was made under duress, and also questioned its authenticity.

Mrs Dewani, who was 28 and originally from Sweden, was killed in Gugulethu on November 13 2010 in an apparent hijacking. Her husband was thrown out of the vehicle and Mrs Dewani's body was found later.

So far, two men have admitted their role in Mrs Dewani's murder and claimed her husband orchestrated the killing.

Mr Dewani, a care home owner from Bristol, denies the claims and is fighting extradition. He is due at Westminster Magistrates' Court on September 18 when an update will be provided on his medical condition.

He is in the care of medics, being treated for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.

The trial continues.

Lycamobile ranks 2nd in The Sunday Times Tech Track 100 League table The Sunday Times Tech Track 100 league table ranks Britain's 100 private tech (TMT) companies with the fastest-growing sales over the latest three years. Tech Track 100 is compiled by Fast Track and published in The Sunday Times each September, with an awards event in November and regional dinners throughout the year.

Lycamobile which has been founded and led by the serial telecoms entrepreneur Subaskaran Allirajah ranked second this year.

Lycamobile sells prepaid sim cards and top up vouchers so people can make cheap overseas calls from mobile phones particularly to Asia, Africa and America.

Started in 2008, the business is a standalone company owned by the people behind Lycatel, the calling card firm.

Lycamobile hosts its services on a private cloudbased mobile network.

Sales at the company's British operation,

Subaskaran Allirajah

Lycamobile UK, grew 247% a year from £2.8m in 2008 to £116.8m in 2011, driven by rising demand and customer loyalty.

5

Student hacking emails to pass exam given suspended jail sentence A Liverpool John Moores student who hacked the email accounts of academics in an attempt to access upcoming exam questions was given a suspended jail sentence.

Pharmacy student Charantoor Singh, 22, pictured, set up a bogus website which he used in a phishing scam to get lecturers’ and other students’ log in details.

He then sent emails from academics’ accounts to their colleagues asking them to forward on exam papers.

Liverpool Crown Court heard he only set up the complicated hacking fraud because he feared he was going to fail his final year exams, but ironically he was seen as a “promis-

ing student” who was expected to get a first or 2:1.

Paul Blasberry, prosecuting, said the scam took place throughout April but when a lecturer became suspicious the head of tech services stepped in and called police.

Singh was arrested 10 days later and pleaded guilty to seeking unauthorised access to a computer program with the intention to commit fraud by false representation.

Parliament to shift in Olympic Park?

After hosting record-breaking athletes and rejoicing crowds, east London's Olympic Park may find its next tenants in British lawmakers as the Palace is about to undergo major repairs.

House of Commons lawmaker John Thurso told colleagues on Thursday that officials are considering how best to handle badly needed improvements at the Palace of Westminster to remove asbestos, improve weatherproofing and upgrade electric supplies and

water.

He said about ￡1 billion of repairs had already been delayed. The medieval Palace of Westminster hosted legislative sessions from around the 13th century, but became parliament's permanent home only in the 16th century after King Henry VIII moved out.

Thurso said if lawmakers left Westminster and held sessions elsewhere, the repairs could likely be completed in two to three years.

6

UK

Dull it isn't

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Bachpan Ke Din Bhula Na Dena* Dear reader, I am attending an event on the 7th October at John Kennedy Catholic School in Hemel Hempstead. Docorum Indian Society commemorates 40 years of Ugandan Asians in that beautiful town. From that invitation I would like to quote: “a committee was setup to help settle 30 families 40 years ago. The committee consisted of members from New Town Commission, Churches Together, Salvation Army, Hemel Hempstead Lions club and some resident Indians. Ugandan Asians have well settled in Hemel Hempstead and over the years we have help from Age Dacorum, Dacorum Borough Council, Dacorum Council of Voluntary Service, Lions Club. We have invited the representatives of the above organisations.

Mayor of Hemel Hempstead is also invited. Our aim is to raise over £2000 for the children of Uganda through UNICEF and also help local charities.”

What a brilliant idea! I'm really touched by the initiative of the Dacorum Indian society and the grace and dignity expressed in those few lines. That itself is the spirit of Ugandan Asians, more specifically Ugandan Indians (of the 28,000 Ugandan Asians who were forced to quit their country, and landed in the terrible months at the end of 1972 and early 1973, great majority (80%) were of Indian origin).

On 9th October, I'm also attending an event organised by The National Archives at their campus near Kew Gardens to commemorate that deeply sad saga, which turned into a brilliant success story, some 40 years ago.

These are only some of the events up and down the country organised by associations or groups of people to re-collect the painful trauma as well as to salute and thank the generous and warm reception of the British government and the people of this great country.

On Saturday 15th September a large multi- racial audience listened to the First Lady (H.E. Janet Kaatha Museveni) at a venue in the shadows of the City and a cultural programme along with a trade and investment exhibition was organised.

Amongst the various other events organised is a huge celebration at H.B. Nagrecha Hall in Leyton on 6th October to celebrate 40th anniversary of Ugandan independence.

That painful period Uganda gained independence on 9th October 1962. That extraordinarily beautiful, fertile and resource rich country is celebrating the Golden Jubliee of its freedom with uplifting optimism. Milton Obote was the prime minister of early years of independence. Blood thirsty dictator Idi Amin Dada took over the power in 1966 and created mayhem when nearly 500,000 Black Ugandans were tortured and killed and the country's economy/ social fabric was shattered.

In August 1972, Amin declared that he was guided by the almighty (if I recollect rightly he mentioned: “Allah” what a pity!). Dictators without any conscience have no hesitation to talk God in their nefarious activity.

Idi Amin's military rule created stress and strain on the economy and day to day country. His bombastic and adventurous behaviour made him a buffoon as well as brought him immense unpopularity. Amin a bloodthirsty dictator took a course normally followed by such self appointed rulers

and he announced and implemented the brutal expulsions of the Ugandan Asians.

Indians in East Africa People from the Indian continent especially the western state of Gujarat were trading with East Africa for centuries. There are well documented evidences of Indians penetrating deep into the jungles of the present day Kenya and Tanzania and had reached Lake Victoria on the Northern shores of which is the present day Uganda in the 18th Century.

Settlers from India predominantly made their home in Uganda from the late 19th century. By the time of their independence in 1962 these Ugandan Asians were the backbone of the economy as well as various other professions. They combined wealth creation and provided Uganda Exchequer over 25% of their revenue.

As a legacy of the colonial rule, no doubt there was a three tier structure of society, Europeans at the top, Black Africans at the bottom and Asians in the middle.

Asians did benefit from their traditional values and social adherence and the added privilege. Some, a very few indeed were greedy and exploitative but the great mass of Asians who were in day to day contact with Africans were known to behave properly.

Defeat of Amin Eventually, as it usually happens Amin was attacked by armed resistance from Ugandan themselves aided by the forces of Tanzania. President Julius Nyerere, a peace loving stalwart amongst African leaders took the lead to topple Amin.

Obote was reinstated but very soon found his position untenable, and the army assembled by Yoweri Museveni took over the rein of power and Museveni became president.

New era for Uganda Persuaded by the international community and encouraged by the world bank, Museveni decided to hand over properties and other assets to the expelled Asians and paid some compensations to the ruined businesses of the Madhavanis, Mehtas, Vaderas and others whose thriving business were seized by Amin's regime.

President Yoweri Museveni travelled to India and also visited London where he addressed a huge gathering at the Neasdan Swaminaryan Temple (BAPS), and offered his apologies for the atrocities and injustices of Amin and invited the former Ugandan Asians back to Uganda. By this time many of them had settled well in the UK, Canada and other countries. Up to 2,000 returned to Uganda and reinvigorated the economy of Uganda. In the last 10 to 15 years some more Asians have returned to Uganda.

Today in Uganda several thousand new migrants, mainly from Gujarat are engaged in skilled employment as well as have created successful enterprises employing a large number of Black

Ugandans.

Uganda is on the Southern tip of Sudan, Eastern flank of Congo and its far sighted leadership and courageous / well trained armed forces have played a crucial role in several troubled spots in Africa, especially the Horn (Somalia).

Ugandan government has friendly relations with Western democracies as well as India. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi has visited Uganda and cultivated business partnership environment with the Ugandan government and the business community there.

Why Uganda is at the heart of British Asians?

Ugandan Asians as well as others mainly from East Africa arrived to Britain with British passports. The colonial governments encouraged them to become British. There were several good reasons for it. Indians formed the backbone of the business and were occupied in the middle ranks of the administration. Their substantial savings were deposited with the British banks in the City of London.

In 1969, East African Asians started moving to the UK due to Kenyatta's policy of Kenyanisation. The numbers were larger than the 28,000 Ugandan Asians who were forcibly expelled in 1972. Since 1960, those from Tanganyika (later Tanzania) voluntarily started moving to the UK. From Malawi came a substantial number in 1976 during the regime of Dr. Hastings Banda.

In the late late 60s Indians predominantly Gujaratis migrated from Aden to UK. The British Asians feel grateful to the British for their tolerance and fair play. The success of the British Asians is predominantly due to the environment: business, commerce, education and health services in this country. Of all the migrants since the second World War, Indians have proportionally done better. They feel very comfortable with the British Society and are loyal and commited to this country. UK on its part have not only tolerated but even welcomed their links with their ancestral homeland i.e. India.

Those who have successfully settled here and their offspring have nostalgia of various countries where they and their parents resided earlier. There is also an Indian tradition to appreciate the land and the people where one has “eaten salt” or “drank water”. Britain has been great to new immigrants and it is natural for the new Britons to reciprocate.

Two faces of David Cameron Last Wednesday during the Prime Minister's question time on the 12th of September, Sailesh Vara raised the issue of expelled Ugandan Asians and “reminded MPs” that this month marks the 40th Anniversary of the arrival of the Asians expelled by Idi Amin. Let me quote from the press release itself: “Mr Vara said that they arrived in the UK with only the clothes on their backs but quickly picked themselves up and became part of the fabric of Britain. Mr Vara also congratulated the then Conservative government, which took the courageous decision to let them in the UK despite much criticism both in the House of Commons and the rest of the

country.

“In his reply, the Prime Minister, David Cameron MP, praised the contribution made to the UK by the Asians and agreed that it was the right decision for the government of the time to take allowing the community into Britain.”

“The Prime Minister also praised Mr. Vara, recognising that he was born in Uganda and commending his “incredible achievement” to have made it from Uganda to the Parliament in one generation and to make such a distinguished contribution”.

PM Cameron must be having a selective memory. He is very much under pressure and the symptoms are frequently visible. Only the previous week, the same David Cameron had removed Sailesh Vara MP from his minor ministerial post from his first cabinet unceremoniously, without any apparent reason.

Readers would remember that Sailesh Vara was a leading member of the shadow cabinet for over 6 years prior to the Tory election victory of 2010. My readers would remember very clearly that once upon a time David Cameron described Sailesh Vara had the potential to be the Prime minister of this country.

Many are wondering why then Cameron has kept Vara out of his government. Vara has remained very calm and perhaps too loyal to the Conservative party! Perhaps Vara's deliberate distancing from his ethnic community was the reason. One day Cameron must come clean with his reasons!

The new Cameron government has also demoted Baroness Sandip Verma from her previous posting. Why? Why no Indian origin member from Conservative or Lib Dems, from Commons or Lords are suitably deployed in the Cameron cabinet?

Does the Prime Minister think that almost 2 million British Indians are not at all concerned in this matter? * Don't forget the childhood A song from film Deedar (1951):

Bachpan Ke Din Bhula Na Dena bachpan Ke Din Bhula Na Dena o.. aaj Hanse Kal Rula Na Dena - 2 o.. Bachpan Ke Din Bhula Na Dena lambe Hain Jeevan Ke Raste - 2 aao Chale Ham Gaate Hanste gaate, Hanste aaa Aaaaa door Des Ek Mahal Banaye pyar Ka Jis Mein Deep Jalaye deep Jalaye deep Jalakar Bujha Na Dena aaj Hanse Kal Rula Na Dena o.. Bachpan Ke Din Bhula Na Dena rut Badale Ya Jeevan Beete dil Ke Taraane Hon Na Puraane nainon Mein Ban Kar Sapan Suhaane aayenge Ek Din Yahi Zamaane yahi Zamaane yaad Hamaari Mita Na Dena aaj Hanse Kal Rula Na Dena o.. Bachapan Ke Din Bhula Na Dena

- CB

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

7

8

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Star attraction Mouli Ganguly to attend Anand Mela celebrating Navratri and Diwali

Mouli Ganguly

After the grand success of ‘Anand Mela’ organised to commemorate 40 years of community service through our publications Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, we are organising a special Mela to celebrate the most important events on our Hindu calendars viz. Navratri and Diwali.

The star attraction of the Mela will be television and Bollywood actress Mouli Ganguli.

Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of a Hindu deity Shakti. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. The 10th day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.

Diwali or Deepavali is popularly known as the “festival of lights.” It is a festival principally to celebrate the triumph of goodness over darkness/evil.

This forthcoming mela like the one in June promises to display the diverse colours of South Asian Culture especially Gujarat by bringing people together in a festival atmosphere where everyone can enjoy food, music, dance and shopping for Diwali gifts for your loved ones.

The mela will include stalls from food & drink, education and entertainment, Health & Medical, Travel & Tourism, Property & Investment, Banking & Finance, Fashion & Wedding and many more. Visitors will have the opportunity to fun and shopping along with entertainment, Outing with families and meet the near and dear one. The event will attract

Mouli Ganguly, a classical dancer and actress started off as a brief assistant director of zee tv, but somehow ended up acting in the next show. She felt engrossed in the acting profession, thus began her journey as a leading lady in Bengali films. Although as an actress Mouli predominantly appeared in Bengali films, earning leading roles, she also appeared in Rituparna Ghosh's hindi film: 'Raincoat' and further '68 pages', which received critical acclaims in brief Film festivals both in India and abroad. Like many actresses, her versatility was shown through her comedy plays performed successfully on stage in India and even abroad. Her entry into the Mumbai Industry happened with TV commercial with 'Pears Soap' with Rajiv Menon. This increasingly became popular, which then drew the attention of other production houses alongside film makers like Prahlad Kakkar, Manav Menon, Sujit Sirkar and many more. Her participation in TV commercials expanded to adverts that promoted food brands such as Nutella and Maggie, alongside other major companies for instance the ICICI bank.

The offer from Balaji Telefilms lead her to play the protagonist role in Indian sitcoms like “Kahi Kisi Roz” which was viewed on Star plus and successfully ran for four years. Her appearance as an sitcom actress was then extended to channels like Sony inevitably targeting large number of Indian viewers. This was then followed by her participation in the fourth season of a dance reality show known as Nach Baliye. She also acted in few one-offs with Directors of repute like Anurag Basu and Imtiaz Ali and is currently acting in "Kya hua tera vadaa" on Sony with balaji telefilms. over 5000 visitors over 2 days period as it will provide from traditional dances to the modern dances and classical music to trendy music.

For exhibitors its a great opportunity to engage with tightly focused and carefully targeted audiences, the mela is committed to deliver business contacts that create value for every stall participants.

Normally visitors are proactive rather than passive recipients of sales and marketing messages. This Mela can help you reach a large proportion of the market in a short space of time across a broad section of consumers.

The event will be held from 10am to 8pm in at Harrow Leisure Centre, Christchurch Avenue, Harrow HA3 5BD on 29th & 30th September 2012 which has good access, free ample parking facilities for the potential visitor’s. The event will be covered in the press before and after the event.

A spice above the rest Chak 89, London’s award winning Indian restaurant had several visits by its favourite star and friend Shahrukh Khan. While on set of yash raj films for last 3 months, he visited Chak 89 on several occasions to have his dosage of traditional home cooked food. Shahrukh is the brand ambassador of Chak 89 and is also their most regular Bollywood client.

Asked by one of the other Chak 89 diners, what was his favourite dish at Chak 89? He answered “I like all the chicken

dishes here, they are all good, but my favourite is the Chicken Tikka and Chak Chicken Special, they are brilliant”After his meal Shahrukh was good enough to do a meet and greet with other Chak 89 diners and staff, making it everyone’s special day.

One diner was so excited he asked Shahrukh what he liked about Chak 89; Shahrukh replied, “I love the food at Chak 89 it reminds me of food back home and the service and staff are fan-

Leading Lights

by Rani Singh

Special Assignments Editor

Sukhvinder Kaur Sukhvinder is Chair of Volunteering England and holds several directorships championing the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged people. She was CEO of the Barrow Cadbury Trust. Before that Sukhvinder was CEO of the Runnymede Trust, where she launched the seminal report on British Muslims and Islamophobia and secured new EU and UK legislation enhancing equal opportunities and human rights. Sukhvinder’s work across public and private sectors includes strategic involvement with utility companies, urban regeneration and social care. She is an expert in the engagement of citizens and consumers in the design and development of quality services. As a member of the Government's Better Regulation Taskforce, Sukhvinder was responsible for a number of influential inquiries including 'Regulating for Civil Society'. In 1999 she was one of the Evening Standard’s 100 most influential women in London and in 2004, she was awarded Woman of the Year.

Tell me about your family background.

I migrated from the Punjab in the early 60’s to the Handsworth community. It was a wonderful place to grow up. I remember helping my Gujarati neighbours make the thinnest poppadums and then putting them out in the sun to dry. Caribbean families moved in at the same time. One of the elders, Mack, went back to Jamaica but a few years later reappeared at our doorstep, penniless and in poor health. My parents emptied the back room and he stayed there until he recovered. He would make delicious plantain and ackee rice for me. There was a fantastic local vibe with Steel Pulse and numerous other reggae bands.

What qualities enabled you to become CEO several times over?

Leadership and courage.

My friends tell me I have a compassionate heart and a commercial head.

The latter is essential for a CEO, especially in the voluntary sector when you have limited resources and have to raise every penny.

Sukhvinder Kaur

Have you had to work harder than the average person to achieve your positions?

Until my daughter arrived, often I worked a 72 hour week. On top of my fulltime CEO duties, I sat on at least one public or private sector Board, engaged in voluntary work and undertook the networking so important when working at this level.

Human Rights Commission. Currently, I’m working on a project to define ‘disadvantaged’ as opposed to ‘vulnerable’ people.

It’s an important distinction because Government has a tendency to support those who are or become vulnerable (through low income or bereavement), but appears less inclined to recognise structural disadvantages like ethnicity or religion.

What attracted you to the public sector?

Early lessons on Sikhism taught me the importance of equality, integrity and accountability.

These principles and values are fundamental to the public and voluntary sectors where I have worked .

What did you enjoy about being CEO of the Barrow Cadbury Trust?

What was the downside?

I inherited talented individuals and built up a multi-disciplinary team of brilliant, dedicated people.

The downside was telling ‘old friends’ that they would no longer be supported. Many groups had received funding for almost 25 years, so it seemed reasonable for the Trustees to release resources for more strategic grant-making.

However it’s a difficult message for anyone to hear.

What was Regulating for Civil Society about?

I felt that public sector aversion to risk resulted in inflexible services. For example, volunteers told us they were not allowed to make tea for elderly neighbours for fear of burning them.

There were also hazards associated with cutting toenails. My report to government made a number of recommendations which were all accepted, on where common sense could replace regulations.

What do you think of the Runnymede Trust now you are no longer at the helm?

It is a tough time for all equality organisations – consider what’s become of the Equality and

How do you advise busy parents to ensure that they have quality time with their children?

I’m the least experienced to advise anyone. As a single mum, I let my daughter watch too much TV especially while I do the housework – Telly has become my babysitter. But we read together at least three nights a week and always do something interesting at the weekend. As a result, I’ve now learnt to roller skate and regularly play bingo and crazy golf.

Do you support the vulnerable because you think few others do?

We’re all vulnerable. I’ve been fortunate in the opportunities presented to me. In the classic Sikh spirit of ‘seva’, I’ll continue to do what I can to improve life chances for others.

tastic.”After posing for photographs with diners, one of Chak 89’s waiters asked if he could send a message to Chak 89 owner and founder Frank Khalid, Shahrukh replied, “I always try to visit Chak 89 whenever I am in London and would love Chak 89 to open a branch in Mumbai or Delhi.”

Chak 89 is a perfect place for spotting stars, together with its traditional Indian cuisine, elegant decor, service and ambience, making it a well-deserved and well earned for the phrase- “A Spice above the Rest.”

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Britain announces funds to help students caught in LMU visa fiasco Britain recently announced a new fund of £2million to help Indian and other non-EU students caught by the revocation of London Metropolitan University's licence to admit and teach international students.

LMU's licence was revoked on August 29, risking the academic future of over 350 Indian and over 2,250 other nonEU current students. After the licence revocation, they are required to apply for similar courses in other universities and reapply for student visas.

Universities minister David Willetts told a conference of Universities UK that the 2 million pounds fund was intended to "to help legitimate overseas students at London Met who face extra costs through no fault of their own".

The money will be used to help with the costs of students transferring to other universities and to make new visa applications. Those unable to transfer to another university by December 1 will be required to leave the UK within 60 days.

Soon after the licence revocation, Willetts had set up a taskforce to help current students transfer to other universities to pursue and complete their courses. The taskforce is in the process carrying out its mandate.

LMU, meanwhile, has filed a judicial review petition in the high court, challenging UK Border Agency's decision to revoke its licence.

He said the majority of those students threatened with deportation due to the licence revocation were bona fide.

Edmund not Tenzing - first man on Everest The first man on Mount Everest during the 1953 expedition was the celebrated mountaineer Edmund Hillary, and not his colleague Tenzing Norgay- but facts were suppressed to defuse an anti-colonial backlash in India and Nepal, a new book has claimed. The fact was covered up by the then British ambassador to Nepal, Christopher Summerhayes, and John Hunt, leader of the expedition, the book based on archival material claims. The book, by British author Mick Conefrey, is titled 'Everest 1953: The Epic Story of the First Ascent' to be released next month. The Sunday Times reported.

The cover-up by Summerhayes and Hunt was reportedly exposed by the discovery of a memo in the archives of the Royal Geographical Society.

9

Emergency audit questions 'Poverty barons' Indian finance minister Pranab Mukherjee had described Britain's £280million a year as 'a peanut in our total development exercises'. But Britain is still spending millions, including building a foreign aid headquarters in New Delhi, even though our annual aid handout to India of £280million is expected to stop in 2015.

Last year the DfID spent £900,000 on hotels – many of them five star – and spent some of its £280million budget for India on payouts including £20million to two consultancies so they can advise India on how to run its health service.

An emergency audit was opened on Saturday into revelations that ‘poverty barons’ are making millions in consultancy fees from the foreign aid budget.

Nearly £500million was paid out last year to firms that work on Third World programmes. Some give their directors sevenfigure salaries.

The probe was launched by Justine

Greening, who was appointed International Development Secretary.

The Daily Mail reported that one of the firms to profit from the ring-fenced aid budget is allegedly Adam Smith International.

The London-based consultancy, which promotes the free market in poor countries, has reportedly received contracts worth tens of millions of pounds in a single year.

Its work includes building schools in Pakistan, developing the free market in Nepal and reforming the tax system in Afghanistan.

Peter Young, a director of both ASI and its

Amitabh Shrivastava

Peter Young

parent company Amphion Group, reportedly made more than £1million in 2010.

He receives a salary of £250,000 and paid himself a dividend of £800,000 two years ago, the Mail reported.

The ASI big four also includes Amitabh Shrivastava, who has toured 25 of the world’s most impoverished countries, including Rwanda and Sierra Leone, and has particular expertise in ‘making markets work for the poor’. His annual salary is reportedly £125,000 range, and boosted by a £1million-plus dividend two years ago. He lives in affluent Wimbledon in south-west London, but

was yesterday working in Afghanistan. He declined to comment, the Mail reported.

David Cameron has still pledged to increase the aid budget to 0.7 per cent of national income of GDP by 2014. That would see DfID’s budget rise from around £8billion to more than £12billion.

That pledge has yet to be enshrined in law and Miss Greening’s appointment could make it less likely that it will be fulfilled.

The growth of the budget has angered Tory right-wingers who believe taxpayers’ money should be spent on helping cashstrapped families at home who are struggling with the recession.

YOUR VOICE

10

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Memorial gates

Anti Islam film by USA

With so much adulatory outpouring about how the Baroness Shreela Flather has obliged the Indian war heroes in the two world wars, Mr Alpesh Patel (AV Sept 8) has once again proved what I have always mentioned that the Memorial gates are a monument to those who built them and not to those who made the supreme sacrifice for a cause not theirs. Unless Mr Patel is talking about some other Memorials, the name of the Baroness Flather is very much in prominence together with those of her cronies.

No doubt some donors who shelled out the price of a second hand car feel well rewarded with their names eyecatchingly carved on the gates. Does Mr Patel feel satisfied with this interesting half-promotion that can only be described as low grade graffiti?It is a sacrilege. And if that is not bad enough, perhaps Mr Patel will enlighten me with the meaning of the inscription on the gate. In what way it has anything to do with the glorious dead: ‘Our future is greater than our past’ With this very personalised Memorial, an opportunity has been lost to remember our gallant soldiers as they deserve to be.

Instead, saving the Baroness’s skin appears to be Mr Patel’s prime objective.

Saving the honour and dignity of our soldiers is my only objective. It is both degrading and derogatory to have their names shunted to the ceiling of the chhatri as a consolation prize, second to the names of donors etc. so conspicuously placed. An act of unforgiveness.

Recent anti Islam film made in America aroused violence as well as peaceful demonstrations among Muslim countries, needs dispassionate analysis.

Denigration of Islamic, Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh icons is not new. But some Muslims go to extremes, violent and kill. Other religions stated above indulge in peaceful protests. If others resorted to violence, world would be more bestial than Roman amphitheatre.

Note that in harsh homicidal violence, ‘Non Violence’ shines soothingly with silent benevolence; a song that can never be silenced. If India’s non Muslim religions survived for 1000s of years without violence, Islam can also survive, by practicing same methods.

Only Non Violence can prove compassion and strength of Islam.

Knowing very well violent tendency of some sections of Muslim community, it was sheer madness of the Americans to produce controversial film, and upload on You-tube. Prime intention might be intended to invoke Muslim neighbours to invade Israel; to derail peaceful role of America in Middle East; may be to ignite mutually hostile sentiments on anniversary of 9-11 attack; ignite Winter revolution of 2012 in Middle East after Spring Revolution last year. It might have been intended to incite violence to justify American presence there; supply arms and training to militants; label them as terrorists when they kill and open market for fire arms made in USA, under excuse to establish democracy in Muslim countries. What would be the quality of democracy that comes from barrel of guns?

Muslims must avoid impulsive violence; shun arms aid and ask for medical, educational and welfare assistance; agricultural methodology and home/cottage industry skills whereby third world countries and USA can be customers.

Violence shifts blame from mischief monger to aggrieved violent party.

Kusoom Vadgama London [In life it takes two to tango and 2 parties to participate or to engage in such on going claims and counter claims. Both are right to a certain extent and it is a very interesting debate, perhaps helpful to our circulation, but reluctantly time has come to move on. No further correspondence on this subject please.

Thanks.- Ed]

Michchami Dukkadam Last week, 12 September to 19 September, marked the most auspicious period in the Jain calendar. Jains all over the world celebrated Paryushana - the eight day period of fasting and religious activities. The word Paryusana is derived from two words meaning “a year” and “coming back”: it is a period of repentance for the acts of the previous year and of austerities to help shed the accumulated karma.

During Paryushana, most Jains fast and participate in religious activities like performing Samayik (a ritual practice during which we try to come closer to our soul) and Pratikraman (During Pratikraman we repent for our non-meritorious activities on a daily basis. We realize our mistakes and ask for forgiveness, which helps us to minimize the intensity of the karmas as well as it helps to get rid of the karmic bondage). We, members of Shree Jain Sangh East London and Essex

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email celebrated Paryusahana at the Upton Hindu Centre, Upton Park in Newham.

On the last day of Paryushana, called Samvatsari, it is obligatory on Jains to fast and perform an extended version of Pratikraman. At the end of Samvatsari, Jains beg forgiveness from all by greeting them with the words “Michchami Dukkadam”.

Michcha = become fruitless (miththya); Mi = mine (by me) Dukkadam = bad deeds. ‘may the bad deeds (dushkrutya) done by me become fruitless’. This bad deed may be in any way by man (thought), vachan (words) or kaya (action). In other words, forgive me for all the bad deeds, actions, thoughts, or words that may have directly, indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally hurt your feelings. I too would like to take this opportunity to say “Michchami Dukkadam” to all readers of AV and GS. Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Labour should steal the march

Community grants in Harrow setting

In the recent reshuffle, David Cameron may have put the last straw on the back of many young, aspiring and upcoming LibDem MPs. Perhaps Sarah Teather who lost her Ministerial role as a spokesperson for “Children and Families, may be the one to lose most.

Then again, it could be a blessing in disguise, as she can now concentrate on her constituents, the job she does best as widely publicised.

Ms Teather tirelessly campaigned for the abolition of tuition fees when in opposition. Yet she supported the enormous rise in tuition fees, caped at £9000 per annum. LibDem has seen the party membership plummeted to their lowest level in Brent for decades. If Labour can not win this seat, then its chances to form the government after the election in 2015 are remote indeed.

I would like to urge the Labour Party to strike while the iron is hot, to draw the list of their PPC and elect one asap, not only for Brent Central but for Harrow West or the new constituency of Stanmore if the boundary changes take place. There is no shortage of aspiring labour candidates and my favourite candidates would be Cllr. Navin Shah AM, Tony McNulty, Dawn Butler, Manoj Ladwa and a few more, although not every one on my wish list would like to put their names in the hat!

Then these PPS can take active role in opposing the closure of A & E department at Central Middlesex Hospital that would put enormous pressure on Northwick Park Hospital which is already operating to its full capacity with waiting time rarely less than four hours.

We wish to contextualise the Harrow Council’s themes and outcomes and the maximum grant award available.

In early 1980s, equal opportunities and community consultation were alien concepts for the council which under the leadership of a Hatch End Councillor, was much behind in providing services which meet the needs and aspirations of different but equally important groups of residents in the borough.

The extensive argument and persuasion by the community leaders at the time, including many who later formed the Harrow Council for Justice, forced the council to revisit the criteria of its services. However, because of its lack of the capacity and political responsibility to make appropriate choices and make the services compatible with the local needs, the council cleverly tempted the voluntary community groups to support their communities through some financial help from the council. Thus, the use of the community grants to fill in the gaps in the service provision due to the council’s policies and practices based on dominant norms.

These arrangements where the voluntary sector not only does what the council ought to be doing but is obliged to do it according to the council’s dictates, have persisted in one form or the other over the years with varied outcomes.

Many years on, nothing has really changed in that the community has been left to deal with the effects of the council’s inadequacies. For example, £75,000 might be granted for ‘supporting and protecting people who are most in need’ i.e. the socio-cultural, financial, housing and care needs which could well are the result of the council’s less relevant policies and practices.

A similar grant is available to promote another theme- ‘united and involved communities’ - though the level or allocation of the community resources as well as the short-sighted community development practices might be causing the communal tension and resulting in less conducive atmosphere for different groups of people to become involved.

We can go on!

Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email

The real Krishna In his letter (AV 15 September 2012), Kiran Parmar makes a valid point that for Krishna to be conceived as real, one has to experience Him. Considering that Hinduism is the most ancient of all religions, it was Krishna (and no other) who was the first and foremost in revealing Himself to Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita by saying, in Chapter 7: The visible forms of my nature are eight: earth, water, fire, air, ether; the mind, reason, and the sense of ‘I’. But beyond my visible nature is my invisible Spirit. This is the fountain of life whereby this universe has its being. In this whole vast universe there is nothing higher than I. All the worlds have their rest in me.

Mahatma Gandhi openly declared that it was his consistent and steadfast belief in Krishna and putting His teachings in daily practice that ultimately secured the independence for India. He had this to say: When disappointment stares me in the face and all alone I see not one ray of light, I go back to the Bhagavad Gita. I find a verse here and a verse there, and I immediately begin to

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

)! &

&$ ! "$ !$

"$

"%& % !

* ! '$"#

)))

# $"'# "

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

$ !

)0 '

, .)

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

While showcasing

(!

(! 0#

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

"#( , ( ,

)*& - )&#.# ) #

&

."

)0 '

)(.#(/

)( * !

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

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

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

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

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

,

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

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

#$ 2

&&2

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

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

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

away five years from your life.

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

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

)( * !

E-mail: support@abplgroup.com

smile in the midst of overwhelming tragedies. Gandhi never accepted that he had achieved independence; he always maintained that it was the Krishna in him that did so.

Throughout his adult life, Gandhi experimented with the principles of Gita.

They worked for him because he had a deep intrinsic faith in them. He saw Krishna as real.

Uttambhai D Mistry Bolton

Visit our website: www.abplgroup.com

*Subscriptions paid will not be refunded ."

*

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

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

1 Year 2 Years

Jaiya Shah Chairman Harrow Council for Justice

!

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

America’s MIT dethrones Cambridge UK universities have taken four of the six top slots in a global university "league table" for 2011-12. With US's Massachusetts Institute of Technology leading the list, UK's Cambridge, which was top last year, stood second and Harvard University ranked third in the QS World University Rankings, based

on a number of criteria.

University College, London (UCL), Oxford and Imperial took fourth, fifth and sixth places respectively. Seventh place was awarded to Yale University, followed by University of Chicago, Princeton University and the tenth position to California Institute of Technology.

Just 40% of UK employers agreed visa regulations had helped them hire international graduates - globally the figure was 70% said Sowter. The UK government has been widely criticized by MPs within the past week for tightening the student-visa system. The QS rankings rate the world's top 400 universities.

Congratulation for excellent GCSE results to

Veeren Mrudang Kalaria (16 years), GCSE results: 9 A*and 3 A Grades

Nikhita Vasani, Age – 16. GCSE grade- 10 A

Priyanka, the Pride of Makwana & Gohil Families, GCSE Results: 7A*s, 2As, 2Bs

Merul Ashok Parmanand, Age: 16, Grades: 6 A*s, 3 A's, 1 B

Students only need two E grades at A’levels to get university degree courses Students are winning places on university degree courses by only having two E grades at A-level.

Just days before Education Secretary Michael Gove announces plans for tough new exams, it emerged universities are so desperate to fill courses they are reducing the entry requirements.

A slump in applications for higher education because of the jump in tuition fees to £9,000 a year has meant even Oxford and Cambridge are accepting grades that would have been turned down in previous years.

At Leeds Metropolitan University 97 courses including architecture, law

and English literature, need just 80 points for admission, the equivalent of two E gradates.

The former polytechnic is also accepting applications for some courses from teenagers who have not got C grade at GCSE English and maths, but can show they have studied at 'a higher level.'

Winter Wonderland There is often a misconception that Switzerland's terrific yet beautiful winters can only truly be experienced by visitors that choose to engage in activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

However, the picturesque surroundings of Switzerland extend to provide comfort to visitors from all walks of life. This could come in the form of rail journeys, or trips to Christmas markets allocated in the midst of medieval towns, whilst viewing the vastness of the mountains. This not only adds to the awe of the Swiss Alps, but also enhances the whole 'winter wonderland' experience.

Winter Rail Holidays Many of the scenic rail journeys also operate in winter and just bring a new dimension to the experience. Crossing the Alps on the Glacier Express in winter brings a whole new meaning to the word ‘snow’ with the sheer masses of snow and ice apparent everywhere. Mountain Excursions – especially in non ski areas such as Mount Pilatus or small areas as on Mount Rigi can be even more fun with offerings of sledging, winter hiking or soaking up the sun on a terrace with a hot cup of chocolate.

Christmas Markets Why not make this years’ Christmas shopping an enjoyable experience and visit Switzerland's Christmas markets? Delight in the enchanting atmosphere and Christmas decoration while viewing the wonderful stalls offering handcrafted goods, delicious food specialities and mulled wine.

There is a choice of Christmas markets in Switzerland - some in big cities with great shopping - others in smaller towns with wonderful settings. Basel and Montreux’s Christmas markets are amongst the most famous while Zürich has the largest indoor market inside the main hall of the train station.

Christmas Markets with a special setting Einsiedeln in Central Switzerland is all aglow from 26th November to 5th

December when market traders set up their Christmas stands on the town’s ‘Klosterplatz’ square. Delightfully illuminated houses, the fragrance of hot mulled wine and punch, as well as the charmingly lit monastery draw visitors from all over the world to this famous place of pilgrimage. A fairy tale setting for a Christmas market is Stein am Rhein (near the Rhine Falls) which is one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval old towns in Switzerland and famous for its magnificent murals. The market takes place throughout December and can easily be combined with a visit to the Rhine Falls.

Mountains of snowy fun Ski resorts can sometimes be intimidating for the non skier, besides being usually higher priced – so why not head for some non ski mountains. Just a day visit might be enough for the novice to become addicted to the cold powdery snow. Our favourites are Lucerne’s house mountains Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi which can easily be combined with a visit to the Christmas market in Lucerne.

With the right Swiss Travel System tickets it does not cost the world and children under 16 years will travel for free.

On the way from or up Mount Pilatus stop at the ‘Snow & Fun’ Park at Fräkmüneteg, hire a sledge, a minibob, an airboard or even a snowbike and try out your skills on the prepared slopes. The Pilauts rope park is open for some daring balancing acts while prepared winter walking trails invite to simply enjoy the winter wonderland. One thing is guaranteed – that almost every time you will be out and about in the sun while the valley below is covered by a blanket of clouds.

Mount Rigi on the other side of Lake Lucerne offers a sunny ‘terrace’ setting at the top with beautiful views over Lake Lucerne. Here you might try your first ‘steps’ on skis or explore the wonderful walks or sledge runs.

! "

#45' 1( .#%+'3 923'44 1053'69 (31/ > 2'3 2'3410

'45 1( 8+5;'3.#0& (31/ > 2'3 2'3410

0+)*5 *1.+&#: 8+5* (.+)*54

0+)*5 *1.+&#: 8+5* (.+)*54

+)*.+)*54

/1605#+0 '9%634+104

+)*.+)*54

'&+'7#. *63 #/164 .#%+'3 923'44 #-'4+&' 1053'69

05'3.#-'0 6%'30' 60)(3#6,1%* 12 1( 6312' 1605 +.#564 3#)10 1605#+0

#: 130+0) (.+)*5 (31/ 5*' 53#04('3 51 /'&+'7#. *63

51 "=3+%* #0&

( :16 10.: *#7' # ('8 &#:4 51 &+4%17'3 5*' $'#65: 1( 5*' 8+44 /1605#+04 5*'0 5*+4 5163 +4 +&'#. (13 :16

#: 1+0 5*' (#/164 .#%+'3 923'44 (13 # 5*3+..+0) *163 3+&' +0 5*' 2#013#/# %#33+#)'4 51 3+) #0& 108#3& 53#+0 51 1053'69 #: +/' 51 '92.13' 1053'69 0,1: # 4*135 .#-' %36+4' 13 7+4+5 *<5'#6 &' *+..10 $'(13' 53#7'..+0) 51 '0'7# #+32135 (13 3'5630 (.+)*5

2'0& 581 0+)*54 +0 5*' %*#3/+0) 5180 1( 05'3.#-'0 (1..18'& $: 581 0+)*54 +0 (#/164 6%'30' 8+5* 53+24 51 5*' 46//+54 1( 5*' 60)(3#6,1%* #0& 1605 +.#564 *'3' 8+..

45+.. $' 2.'05: 1( 5+/' (13 4+)*54''+0) #0& 4*122+0)

0%.64+104 '5630 (.+)*54 (31/ #+32135 0+)*54 #%%1//1&#5+10 8+5* $3'#-(#45 +0 %'053#..: .1%#5'& 5*3'' 45#3 *15'.4 0& %.#44 3#+. 53#7'. #0& .#%+'3 923'44 4'#5 3'4'37#5+10

0%.64+104 '5630 (.+)*54 (31/ #+32135 0+)*54 #%%1//1&#5+10 8+5* $3'#-(#45 +0 %'053#..: .1%#5'& 5*3'' 45#3 *15'.4 0& %.#44 3#+. 53#7'. '9%634+10 51 60)(3#6,1%* #0& 1605 +.#564

3#7'. #5'4

#+.: 605+.

"

3#7'. #5'4

%5

!

$ "

!

!" " $ ! " %%% ! !

11

!" " $ !" " $

#

#+.: 605+.

'%

11- $:

% "& $ ! " %%% !" ! ! !"

%5

#

#

"

12

MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Scrutator’s One of the greatest Indians of his generation, Dr Verghese Kurien went to his rest, aged 90. The Kerala-born mechanical engineer, whose US degree included a subsidiary paper in dairy engineering, made his home in Gujarat in 1949 and pioneered the White Revolution, transforming India from a milkdeficient nation to the world’s foremost milk producer. This extraordinary achievement, based on the strength of the state’s co-operative movement, was driven by the visionary commitment of a figure, described by his friend, the filmmaker Shyam Benegal, as a “difficult, irascible - and wonderful – man.” Benegal’s famous docu-

Dr Verghese Kurien

mentary “Manthan,” financed from voluntary donations by Cooperative members, carried the Anand story across India and to audiences abroad.

Thousands of ordinary people followed Dr Kurien’s cortege to the crematorium in silent tribute, while India’s great and good including President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi extolled his life and work.

Dr Kurien’s name will forever be associated with the small town of Anand in central Gujarat, where he lived and worked for six decades and more; while the Amul brand, which brings nourishment to almost every Indian household today, will surely remain his greatest public monument.

That India has survived myriad trials and tribulations is a living testament to the labours of her greatest sons and daughters, who have given much and asked little in return. The White Revolution in milk, the Green Revolution in wheat and rice, have given India a platform of food security from which to grasp the future.

(The Hindu, Times of India September 10).

ISRO’s tryst with destiny The day Dr Kurien died was the day India embarked on its 100th space venture. A workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with ISRO scientists at the PSLV launch facility at Sriharikota

(PSLV) blasted off from Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh) and placed two foreign satellites in orbit.

The 44-metre tall PSLV rocket, carrying SPOT-6, a 712-kilogramme French earth observation satellite, was injected into an orbit of 665km altitude, inclined at 98.23 degrees to the equator. Proiteres, a 15 kg Japanese micro-satellite, was put into orbit as an additional payload.

SPOT-6 is the PSLV’s biggest commercial undertaking to date.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh watched the launch on a giant electronic screen at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)

centre along with a host of other dignitaries. Dr Singh said: “Given the string of [PSLV] successes….we often forget how challenging space technology is and what a new field it continues to be.”

Sarabhai, Dhawan Paying rich tributes to Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan, Dr Singh said it was befitting that the new state-of-the-art mission control centre at Sriharikota was named after Satish Dhawan. The Prime Minister reminded his audience of the seminal role of science and technology in the nation’s economic and social development, hence government investment in these areas had yielded rich dividends. India’s commitment to science and technology had been firm and unshakeable from the time of its birth as a sovereign state. His words were echoed by ISRO chief, Dr K.Radhakrishnan.

ISRO has its sights now on its next landmark assignment – the Mars Orbiter Mission, projected for launch on August 8, 2013 (The Hindu September 17).

Nuclear power Derailing India’s ambitious nuclear power programme is the name of the game. The Kundakalam project, based on the most advanced Russian technology, complete with stateof-the art safety mechanisms, has long been targeted by certain foreign NGOs and their local minions. The first two reactors with a combined power 2000 MW should have become operational at the beginning of the year. Instead, the entire project was held hostage by well heeled, rent-a-crowd activists with enough funds to mobilize farmers and fisher folk with false fears of a nuclear apocalypse. These plants were built over a number of years without so much as a squeak until recently.

Oblivious to reason and the studied explanations of top Indian scientists, including the much respected Dr Abdul Kalam, the leaders of the agitation sent out a challenge to the authority of the state itself, that the reactors be shut down before talks could begin.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha, in whose state the power plants are situated, decided to call their bluff by sending in the local constabulary to disperse the mob. The ensuing violence and casualties are regrettable but there was no way out of the impasse. Time to bite the bullet, it was duly bitten.

Statement of intent Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde charged (as did Dr Singh earlier) unnamed foreign NGOs for fomenting the unrest and spoke of the government’s resolve to produce “clean and cheap” nuclear energy in the national interest (The Hindu, Times of India September 11).

Infosys Swiss acquisition Bangalore-based IT major Infosys has stepped out of the shadows and made two significant acquisitions: the first was the purchase of Lodestone Holding, a Zurich-based global management consultancy firm for US $350 million; the second, smaller acquisition (price unstated) by Infosys BPO arm was the Voluntary Group Life Insurance of US-based Marsh BPO, which is expected to net Infosys an annual revenue of US $10-15 million.

Lodestone Holding’s 200 clients include BMW, Deutsche Bank, Munich Re, Roche, Allianz, Kimberly-Clark, all strong European players.

Infosys CEO S.D. Shibulal, said the acquisition of Lodestone Holding would “strengthen the company’s capabilities in Europe”(Times of India, the Hindu September 11)

Rs 15,000 crore. Rajasthan oil fields stand to deliver 35 per cent of India’s crude production (The Hindu September 6).

The oil bonanza may well turn the state - among the poorer in Indian league - into one of the country’s most prosperous within a generation, if the wealth is channeled in the right direction.

Promoting science Premier Indian science and technology institutions plan to offer a bouquet of incentives from next year to lure bright undergraduates into PhD programmes, and help fertilize the country’s research culture, according to Telegraph reporter Basant Kumar Mohanty (September 4).

The plan involves integrated MSc-PhD courses spanning eight years instead of the usual nine. The number of PhD could reach 1,000 per year.

From dust to gold

Centres of excellence

Sunny Sebastian tells a riveting tale in The Hindu (September 6). In Rajasthan’s parched Thar desert, where it rains once every five years, where once only camels trod and men struggled to make a living amidst the barren dunes, the scene today would do credit to a Bollywood film set.

“Ever since the British firm Cairn struck oil in 2004, the dust has turned into gold. Land prices have surged in Barmer”, he writes. The town, once described as a fly-blown hell-hole, gleams with high rise, air conditioned apartment blocks, offices and hotels, of which there are 35 already. Asphalted roads and highways for the 530 kilometre luxury coach journeys to the state capital Jaipur are now a common sight. The old dirt tracks have passed into limbo.

Higher education regulator University Grants Commission (UGC) is looking to set up centres of excellence in science and mathematics at leading institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Also, the Human Resource Development Ministry has schemes to launch “research parks” under the 12th Plan (2012-17), while the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) is to sponsor 100 PhD students every year in Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) laboratories, and those under the ambit of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Arunachal master plan

Airports Authority of India (AAI) has drawn up a master plan for civil aviation develop“On the oil front,” continues Mr ment in Arunachal Pradesh, Sebastian, “the processes initiatwhich China claims is its territoed by the government of India ry. partnering Shell gained momenA string of airports and air routes linking all areas of this mountainous, strategically located state, and the state’s closer integration with the rest of India (The Hindu September 6).

The message to China is clear and forthright, just as the ongoing engineering marvel - the rail bridge across the River Sutlej A crude oil storage facility at the Mangala oil linking Jammu and field in Barmer, Rajasthan Kashmir to India’s heartland, is to Pakistan. tum with Cairn joining in by 1999, and the discovery of Reforms arrive Saraswati oil fields in 2001. In January 2004, less than a year A resounding cheer from the after Cairn acquired 100 per cent captains of Indian industry and share in the venture, a colossal much of the print media greeted find, Mangala….. the biggest on the announcement of the governshore discovery in India in a ment’s tranche of far-reaching quarter of a century, took place.” economic reforms. The governFurther discoveries, it is ment, and those of its coalition believed, will increase the counpartners on board, are in for a try’s oil output to 300,000 barrough ride from the populist rels a day from the present Opposition, led by the BJP and 175,000 barrels. India has the Communists. More of this grossed Rs 45,000 crore in revnext week. enue, of which the net income is

Oil bonanza

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

13

Pride of the Asian Community honoured at Asian Achievers Awards 2012 Winners of the coveted Asian Achievers Awards 2012 were announced at the esteemed award ceremony on Friday 14th September amid the fitting grandeur of Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London W1. The awards recognise the outstanding work of individuals from across all businesses and professions and acknowledge the accomplishments of the finest of the UK’s Asian community.

Year: Group Founder and Chairman of Rich and Navin the Lycatel and Lycamobile Group of Kundra; and companies Subaskaran Allirajah; AAA model/ actress Gold Award for Young Entrepreneur: Deana Uppal.

Managing Director of Icone Group of The winners Companies Shamir Shah; AAA Platinum included AAA Award for Lifetime Achievement: Gold Award for Founder of Noon Products Lord Gulam Achievement in Noon; AAA Platinum Award for Media, Arts and International Sporting Personality of the Culture: Founder Year: Kevin Pietersen, who was presented of Bollywood with the award by fellow cricketer and Dance London, AAA judging panel member, Sunil N i l e e k a Gavaskar; AAA International Personality G u n a w a rd e n e ; of the Year: Bollywood veteran and phiAAA Gold lanthropist, Hema Malini, who was preAward for sented with the award by ABPL Group Uniformed and Chairman, CB Patel. The winner of Civil Service: Hosted by Asian Business Publications Rt Hon Gregory Barker, Minister of State, Lord Gulam Noon Director Editor’s Award was HH Sir Judge Mota and Ltd (ABPL), the event marked its 12th and Mr Bhanu Choudhrie, Director, C&C Alpha Group Singh QC and Asian Voice Special Award Controller of the year, more resplendent than ever before as for Vision & Enterprise was presented to Royal Navy Rear2012 welcomed a who’s who of high pro2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the Mr Samrat Bhandari.

Admiral Amjad Mazhar Hussain CB; file dignitaries, cross party politicians, publishing group’s iconic newspapers, AAA Gold Award for Woman of the celebrities and high achievers from the Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar.

(Full report will be published in our Year: Pioneer and leader of herbal care Asian community, with veteran of the silHosted by DJ Lora and Mark forthcoming post event magazine) clinics Shahnaz Husain; AAA Platinum ver screen, Hema Malini attending as Ramprakash, Asian Achievers Awards Award for Sports Personality of the Year: Special Guest and representing the cereProfessional Boxer and mony’s designated charity, for The Ambassador Sarvam, a NGO that assists the Prince’s Trust Akaash integral development of rural Bhatia (the award was colIndia, including education for lected on Akaash’s behalf children. by his father, Bipin Other guests included crickBhatia); AAA Gold Award eter Kevin Pietersen; Chief for Professional of the Year: Guest, Rt. Hon Gregory Barker Pioneer of the laser eye MP; Rt. Lord Archer, who consurgery technique LASEK ducted the evening’s charity Prof Sunil Shah; AAA auction which raised more than Gold Award for £100,000; Baroness Flather; Achievement in Baroness Verma; Rt. Hon Sadiq Community Service: Khan MP; Rt. Hon Seema Lecturer, speaker and Malhotra MP; Lord Loomba; teacher of Religious business leaders and philanStudies Kishan Devani; thropists GP Hinduja and SP Lord Dolar Popat of Harrow, Shahnaz Hussain, CEO, AAA Platinum Award for Hinduja; actor and producer Lord Raj Loomba,Subaskaran Allirajah, Founder and Shahnaz Herbals Inc and Simrin Choudhrie, Creative Business Person of the Chairman of the Lycatel and Lycamobile Group of Ray Panthaki, musicians Rishi Director for Bach Interiors Ltd

EXCLUSIVE

companies and Mr Shyam Lakhani, Director, City Pavillion

Cherishing Asian achievements and community service Kokila Patel The 12th Asian Achievers Awards 2012 organised by ‘Gujarat Samachar’ & ‘Asian Voice’ was bigger and better than ever before, it etched a special place in everyone’s heart. The Asian Achievers Awards saluted individuals who are singularly responsible for bringing the Asian community to the centre stage of British life, and celebrate the exceptional and exemplary achievements of community members that are truly inspirational.

Like always, the publications collected fund for benefits of Pondicherry’s “Sarvam’ trust of Sri Aurobindo Society that works for education, sanitary and health of rural India. In order to support ‘Sarvam’, Bollywood Actress Hema Malini had specially come to attend the award function. She was elated by the fact that Sarvam Trust doing public welfare was opted by the Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, the organizers of the Awards; as their charity.

During the meet with Managing Editor Kokila Patel, Hema Malini expressed her high regards for such fantastic function, she said ‘ I feel extremely proud to find out that achievements of Asians are being recognised outside India, and that too with such prestigious awards and celebration’. She conveyed her heartiest congratulation to the visionary-Publisher/Editor CB Patel who enabled such an award ceremony to recognise the achievements of the Asian

work of Sri Arabindo Society for public welfare. It was then that I made up my mind to extend support to this social work. I sincerely appreciate the selfless work of Sarvam Trust Chairman Vijaybhai and the other trustees like Subhashbhai Thakkar and Shilpa Shah being, who do not accept any fees for their job in running the whole organization.”

A former Rajya Sabha MP, does she ever do presentation of women awareness program or rural development? To which Hemaji replied ‘ Yes, their are discussions on this topic Kokila Patel with Hema Malini many times, it is to sense that the Government migrants, specially the one coming from financial aid for rural development is not Africa who have worked very hard to enough, and that is where the citizens’s achieve success in foreign lands. And support is required. Government cannot their immense contributions in various cope up with poverty single-handedly. fields in Britain.’

We believe that India is progressing a lot When asked how were you influbut still only 35% poverty is removed enced by ‘Sarvam’, Hemaji said, ‘I have from our country, the other 70% people very special spiritual connection with still live in utter poverty. If noble people Mataji Miradeviji, she is my spiritual like Vijay Podar, Subhashji and Shilpaji Guru. I had met Dilip Roy and Indira gets ready to adopt some villages in Devi during my dance function in Tamil India then the country will surely Nadu, then I went to Pondicherry with progress and get bigger soon. Even my them and I was really impressed by the

daughters Esha and Aahna and I have decided to adopt about three villages. We will be doing this by organizing dance programs. I am planning to adopt villages in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, in N. India and Himachal Pradesh. At present I represent as brand ambassador of Vision 2020 and Ekal Vidyalaya and now will be a brand ambassador of ‘Sarvam” and will get a chance to extend my co-operation and full support to Rural and Women development even more.”

Pointing towards the injustice done to women, she said “ We lecture a lot on women progress and development, but that stays just on paper. In real life, conventional household women is always wrapped under pressures of family and society.

Aurobindo Society’s Sarvam Trust is doing very inspiring work for last six years by adopting poor and backward villages. They are running many development work for giving employment opportunities to the women and handicapped. The young girl-students going through menstrual problems were hesitating to attend school, so public toilets were built for them. And were also educated about sanitary napkins. Shri Aurobindo and Shri Mataji had visualised a dream that is taking shape eventually.

I highly appreciate that CB Patel and his media group is taking keen interest in such human services and making efforts to help poor and people in need.”

ART & CULTURE

14

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

A slice of South India in a western platter Q & A: Visa to India What is Renunciation/ Surrender of Indian Passports Under the Indian law, people of Indian origin, who have acquired foreign nationality, are required to surrender their Indian passport (nationality) to the High Commission of India in London or at the respective Indian consulates at Birmingham and Edinburgh before submitting their visa applications.

What documents do I need to surrender my Indian Passport Documents Required for Surrender of Indian Passports Duly filled application form Original Indian Passport (Last/Valid Indian passport at the time of Naturalization) Self attested photocopy of Indian passport (Used Visa Pages) Self attested photocopy of British / Foreign Passport Self attested photocopy of British / Foreign Naturalisation certificate Processing time would be a minimum of 13-14 working days; it may take longer in certain cases. All decisions are at sole discretion of the High Commission of India, London and its Consulates in the United Kingdom.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and does not guarantee a Surrender Certificate. The High Commission of India or its Consulates reserve the right to ask for additional documents if required.

What is the fee for Surrendering my Indian Passport?

Mode of payment could be Cash, Debit or Credit Card (except American Express Card), Postal Order or Bank Draft payable to “VF Services UK Ltd” The Government of India has fixed a fee for renouncing the Indian Citizenship / Surrender Of Indian Passport based on the date, the Person of Indian Origin, has acquired British/Foreign Citizenship. The fee has been fixed w.e.f. 01.06.2010 as under:-

Indrani Thakurata Relishing a Masala Dosa by the banks of the Thames in london, while watching Bharatanatyam is bit of a dream moment.

But well. this came true for me. South India Melam, an effort by the Lebara South India Melam, a free-to-attend two day waterfront carnival brought the best of South all in one space.

This high-spirited Mela served veritable feast of traditional South Indian cuisine, handicrafts, dance, music and more.

Art and artistic talents from Karnataka, Kerela, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh showcased the best of the rich culture. In addition an array of riverfront stalls were offering the chance to sample Ayurvedic health and beauty treatments, home spa massage oils and food while also offering information on holidays to South India including yoga and wildlife safaris,

for luxury seekers and those on a budget.

Acclaimed British historian and BBC broadcaster Michael Wood inaugurated the two-day cultural festival. Wood shares a strong association with South India, having written several books chronicling his journeys through the southern states of India. “North India is known for its tourist destinations, especially, The Taj, Rajasthan etc, but little do people know about South India’s extraordinary beauty,” says Wood.

Talking about the culture

Applications can also be sent by post to our centralised postal processing centre at the address listed below. Postal applications require a minimum of 10-14 working days to be processed. This does not include the period when applications are in transit to and from the High Commission of India or its Consulate General of India in United Kingdom.

India Visa Application Centre 1-3, Canalside, Uxbridge Road Hayes, Middlesex, UB4 0JN For further information please visit our website in.vfsglobal.co.uk "

"

"

$

#

" #

%#$

" #

$

" $ $ ( # $

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

$ $ "

$

$ ( %" !% #$ & # #) # "&

#

"

#' " (

that he closely observed, he talks about the languages and cites an example of Tamil, which is older than latin. “Rich traditions, classical literature which is still thriving in south India is unknown to the west. You will enjoy a slice of that culture,” he elucidates. Adding more depth to the festival, South India Melam came together with Tiger awareness, a topical issue that needs attention. Phillip Davis, founder of Tiger Awareness spoke about the threat that the surviving tigers face. He elabo-

Advertising does it work?

Mo Luthra Branding Consultant www.moluthra.com

*The fee in the table is inclusive of the £2 Consular Surcharge.

Can I post my Indian Passport Surrender Application?

rated on Man-tiger conflict, answered questions regarding the same which raised awareness to the cause.

“The Indian subcontinent is one of the world’s largest habitats for tigers.

However, with only 3000 of the species left in the wild, India Now is launching a campaign to raise awareness about tiger conservation and highlight the gravity of the growing scarcity of tigers in the world,” says Davis. Tiger Awareness is a voluntary non-profit making organisation started in 1998 that gives free talks to schools, the public, and other organisations. All donations and funds raised go towards tiger projects.

The event was sponsored by Lebara in association with State Bank of India and supported by Coin Street Community Builders, Sony TV, NDTV 24x7, Ayangaran Tamil TV, India Post, Nehru Centre among others.

Lord Leverhulme once famously commented “I know half of my advertising spend is wasted; I just don’t know which half”.

A date could not be attributed for the quote but the good Lord Leverhulme, the founding father of the gigantic Unilever Corporation, left this world in May 1925.

By the time of his passing we didn’t have television. Radio was barely emerging, with the Sunday 9th September was a day enjoyed by all who attended the charity fundraiser at Redbridge Cycling Centre with the aim to raise as much money as possible for the charity 'Sewa UK,' with all proceeds going towards Sewa UK's Panvel project to help build a school for disabled children in India. Over 250 people attended the event to enjoy a fantastic day out for all the family where people young and old could come together and enjoy the day which had an electric atmosphere.

Cyclists as young as 3 years of age attended the

first station reportedly created in 1916. Outdoor ambient advertising was in no way as developed as it is today and we certainly didn’t have the Internet. In 2012 there are thousands of different ways to advertise. These can then be split into an assortment of media channels and targeted groups. With such a myriad of choice does any of it even get through? I would contest if Lord Leverhulme was alive today he would comment “80% of my advertising budget is wasted, I just don’t know which 80%.”

Take for example the most expensive slot of advertising in the world, the final of the American Football season, the Super Bowl. With a viewing public of over 111 million, a 30 second slot costs around $3.5 million dollars! Why would any brand pay that much? It is for the opportunity to

insert its brand message in a potential customer’s consciousness, a stage like the Super Bowl with its massive reach is a sought after opportunity.

they should identify what is niche and specialist about their brand.

Create advertising that gives you a doorway into someone’s head and

For this reason small and medium sized business should carefully think how their proposition is structured. If the product or service they offer is too generic they will be fighting against the big brands. To be in with a fighting chance

place that in targeted media channels. Finally, send out a message that is easy to understand and doesn’t try and say too much. If not you will probably be wasting 100% of your hard earned advertising spend.

Cycle 4 Sewa 2012 event full of enthusiasm.

They came from as far as Leicester and Birmingham with bicycles, tricycles,

well as have lots of fun in the process and gain a personal sense of achievement. The day wouldn't

scooters and sponsorship forms in hand, the participants came with the money they had raised with the aim to complete the 1 km track as many times as possible to raise money for Sewa UK as

have been the same if it wasn't for everyoneincluding colunteers, donors and sponsor like National Security Systems. The day was enjoyed by all, cycling on a professional track as well as having fun with

friends, family and meeting new people.

Collectively 922Km were cycled in the two hour allocated window by the 76 registered cyclists, with the highest individual cyclist doing an amazing 41Km. Parents were astounded that their children were doing 1415Km when they expected them to be tired after 5Km. Approx. ￡ 4500 has been raised so far with more donations still being received.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can still do so at www.sewauk.org.

Pictures courtesy of jppix.co.uk

UK

Asian voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

15

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

MusIc

Tanveer Mann HUNTERZ returns with his fantastic new single ‘Aja Mahiya’!

Renowned artist in the Asian music industry and one of the most versatile artists of his kind, HUNTeRS is back to release his new single ‘Aja Mahiya’ on 20th September 2012. Produced by British Asian King of beats Rishi Rich and releasing via Moviebox Records, this is

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

BOOK Review Daughter of Iraq

by Jean Sasson

HUNTeRZ first release since 2008.

Aja Mahiya’ is a catchy and upbeat track that will have you dancing to it right from the start!

Not surprising as it is the product of a collaboration between two of the most naturally gifted musicians in the UK. Hunterz versality extends to his ability to sing and rap in english, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi as well as being able to produce and compose for some of the biggest names in world music. After 15 years in the business, he remains a truly unique artist who, year after year, has consistently delivered hit songs such as ‘Haare Haare’, ‘Tere Bina Dil Mera Lagda Na’ and ‘Rehle Rehle’.

‘Aja Mahiya’, a unique mix of an Asian and urban sound, is truly a smash hit in the making. it is set to release Mummyji Presents… on 20th September via Moviebox This autumn, Rifco Arts and Watford Palace Theatre Records and will be available to are showcasing ‘MummyJi Presents’ – an entertaining and buy from iTunes and all good fun-filled live show and digital series providing a new creative digital outlets. The single is platform for performers to showcase their skills. The series will be taken from Hunterz’ forthcomshown on The Space www.thespace.org over the coming weeks and ing eP, to be released later culminate in a Live Show at Watford Palace Theatre that will also be this year. streamed live online on 11th October.

The talented host, MummyJi, is thrilled to be doing her part to help launch new British Asian talent. Following a national search, MummyJi has invited 9 exciting acts, her posse of aunties and a camera crew to her luxurious house in the leafy suburbs for a cup of sweet milky tea, a chat and lots of entertainment.

Did you know..?

The stage at Watford Palace Theatre will be converted into if you try to say the alphabet MummyJi’s larger than life, bright and extravagant desi living without moving your lips or tongue room; ready to host a variety of spectacular performances and every letter will sound the same comedy for ‘MummyJi Presents Live Show’. Tickets are on sale now via: www.watfordWord of the Week: palacetheatre.co.uk or Definition-Cantankerous- adj. 1. hostile, call 01923 225 671. argumentative, irritable.

Upcoming

EvEnts

A true account, the author Jean Sasson retells the story of a woman living under the patriarchal system of Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq.

Mayada Al-Askari is the granddaughter of Jafar Pasha Al-Askari, a notable World War II hero. Her mother’s father was Sati Al-Husri, who was also influential because he was the first Arab nationalist. Thus Mayada’s status as daughter and granddaughter of one of the most respected families in the area, not surprisingly gave her a lot of luxuries as well as advantages over people and women in particular.

A divorced mother of two young children, Mayada set up her own printing business and employed male engineers to work for her. It was so successful that she even managed to meet her idol, Iraq’s leader Saddam Hussein and received a watch as a gift from him, in gratitude for her articles.

The story picks up, however, with the unplanned arrival of the police who walk in to her shop and arrest her without any reason, escorting her to the jail where she would be locked up for a number of years.

The book brings to light the hypocrisies of the two faced regime of Saddam Hussein. On one hand, Hussein was an advocate of education and good health, yet on the other; a much darker and dangerous leader who allowed various forms of torture to be endured in prisons, including electric poles, chains and hooks. To the West, it seemed that Iraq was the more liberal of the Gulf States, and becoming ever more prosperous. This book discusses the other side – a society living in constant fear and threat of the dictator himself.

RAPID FIRE IntERvIEW Sitting down with upcoming music producer Knightstarr Bhav & Will, also more widely known as Knightstarr, are a talented music producing duo that came together after meeting by chance at a university performance and exchanged ideas and music. They quickly decided to try out a few projects together and found that they worked really well together. In no time the occasional sessions turned into a full-time partnership that formed Knightstarr, based in the heart of Shoreditch, London.

How and when did you come up with the name Knightstarr?

That’s a very long story, but in short, we were still in a transitional state of naming our now present company. We came up with loads of words and by mistake a friend of mine came up with Knightstarr and it just stuck with us since.

What genre of music do you produce?

We cater for a wide range of artists and don't like to seclude ourselves in a boxed genre. It really depends on the day, what artist we are with. One day we might have a dance artist in, so we go hard into dance. Other times if it is an indie act we will totally flip up and go indie pop on them. However, the majority of our music does incline towards the

pop market.

What producers do you admire?

Well we've always been into 'Stargate' they have produced many number one records we hear now, Dr Luke is our guy too! The clean LA sound, we love it! But everyone inspires us to make us work harder.

What can we look forward to from you guys in the near future?

Fortunately we have been working with many talented Artists, singers/songwriters, this has enabled us to produce a high quality batch of songs, which means there is a lot of songs that will come out very soon. We would love to tell you, however we can't go into detail just yet.

Follow us @knightstarr1 What are the disadvantages and advantages of being a music producer?

The Advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages indeed, but if we start off with the main disadvantage. The phenomenon of the Internet has changed our industry completely, where music has literally become free for all. Lets just say record producers and other colleagues of ours don't get paid

as much as they did around 10 years ago.

The advantages of being a music producer is you get to create something new everyday from a blank canvas, and at the end of the day you can hear a product being born! It is amazing, also meeting new people from all over the world.

What advice can you give to other aspiring music producers out there?

Master your craft, learn along the way from the negative experiences to the positive ones, and always look for new sounds and change things up.

Most importantly never give up.

Ha Ha.....

He He.... :P

A Horse goes into a bar and the bartender says "Hey buddy, Why the Long Face" Know why a room full of married people looks so empty? There's not a Single person in it...

Where does the one legged waitress work?

The Ihop

16

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Rajinikanth to play God in OMG's Tamil remake If all goes well, Rajinikanth may well play God in the Tamil version of OMG (Oh My God). According to sources, south filmmaker Krisna Prasad visited Ashwini Yardi, one of the makers of OMG, and struck a deal to make the film in Tamil. Sources say that Prasad will make the film with Rajnikanth’s soin-law Dhanush. He will use his good offices with Rajni to rope him for the south remake of OMG. And with God (read Rajini) most probably on board Prasad's remake, Yardi and Akshay Kumar are now considering a joint production with the filmmaker.

Shriya Saran in Tokyo Shriya Saran has left for Tokyo to attend the premier of the 3D version of Superstar Rajinikanth starrer 'Sivaji'. The actress is the heroine of the Shankar directed film, which was produced by AVM. In association with Prasad Labs, AVM has now converted the movie into 3D. "Off to Tokyo now for Shivaji the boss. Can't wait, I want to watch Sivaji-3D in Tokyo. Love life," the 'Azhagia Tamil Magan' and 'Kanthasami' actress wrote on her microblogging page.

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Priyamani's ‘Charulatha’ gets a clean U! Priyamani's horror thriller 'Charulatha' has been certified with a clean U certificate in Tamil. The film will now release simultaneously in four languages on Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada on September 21 as Priyamani is popular in all these south industries.

The film by Pon Kumaran, a former associate of K Bhagyaraj and KS Ravikumar, features Priyamani in the lead and sees her as conjoined twins. Music is by Sundar C Babu. The film is largely inspired from Thai horror thriller 'Alone' and is about two sisters who are born conjoint and is more of a revenge drama intertwined with a love story and having some interesting twists and turns till the very end. It has been remade to suit the tastes of local audiences.

Hot Garam masala SRK-Katrina starrer named 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' is the new title of Yash Chopra's upcoming romance, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. The film, which marks Chopra's return behind the camera after a gap of eight years, also brings together the award winning pair of AR Rahman and Gulzar, who have created wonderful music for this romantic film, a statement from the studio said. The film, which was shot in Kashmir recently, is scheduled for a November 13 release. SRK, a favourite with both Yash Chopra and son Aditya Chopra, is playing an army man in the film.

Riteish Deshmukh to make a ‘sex film’ Actor Riteish Deshmukh is turning producer with the Marathi film ‘Balak Palak’, based on curiosity about sex among adolescents. The film is directed by ad man-turned-film maker Ravi Jadhav and is produced under his production company, Mumbai Film Company. "My first film production - a Marathi film, "'Balak Palak' (kids-parents) quest of kids to watch an adult film because their parents refused to answer their uncomfortable questions," Riteish, 33, tweeted.

The actor, who was last seen in adult comedy ‘Kya Super Cool hai Hum’, is also gearing up for the remake of super-hit Telugu Film ‘Sudigadu’.

Konkona-Ranveer headed for splitsville Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranveer Shorey's twoyear-old marriage has hit a rough patch. Sources close to the couple revealed that the two are considering the legal route to terminate their marriage over "irreconcilable differences." It was in May that Konkona and Ranveer raised eyebrows when they arrived for a film screening separately, sat far apart in the auditorium throughout the show, and did not even exchange a word while leaving. At that time, despite repeated attempts, Konkona maintained a dignified silence, while Ranveer snapped: "We are not conjoined twins!" It has been four months since the episode, and Konkona is still silent. Ranveer, meanwhile, is unavailable.

RELEASING 28TH September 2012 A Film By Umesh Shukla Star Castt: Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Mithun Chakraborty, Paresh Rawal, Prabhu Deva Synopsis: Kanji Mehta is an atheist, who runs an antique shop. For him, god and religion are nothing more than a business proposition. He buys old religious idols, which he usually sells as ‘antique’ idols at double or triple, and sometimes even 10 times its original price. Well, it’s not his fault really, is it now?

The average and gullible believer truly wants to believe that these are actually centuries old and rare finds. God is the biggest money spinner for him. His wife, on the other hand, is a completely different story. She is as devout as one comes, in fact so much so, that she goes the extra mile to atone for her husband’s sacrilegious babblings. The life has gone on for kanji and his family like this, and would have sailed smoothly for him in the future as well, but for that one fine day, when a slight tremor of an earthquake shakes the city. The earthquake itself doesn’t cause any concern to anyone, and would have hardly been of any consequence, but for one small problem… it causes the destruction of only one shop in the entire city… Kanji’s shop!!! But Kanji, is a wily fox, he always thinks 2 steps ahead. For just such a situation, he has taken out more than adequate insurance… nothing, not even a freak earthquake can upset his life…

But as they say, man proposes, god disposes, or in this case, Insurance company disposes… for, the insurance companies possess a holistic shield against all such claims… ‘Act Of God’... Now, this ‘act of god’ is that fine print which is hardly ever read by the policy taker, but can be used by the insurance agency to deny any unwarranted claim. The insurance company invokes this act of god and promptly

rejects the claim saying that ‘earth-quake’ is not a man made phenomenon, it can only be brought on by an ‘act of god’.

Frustrated, and left with no option, Kanji decides to file a case against God on the premise that if God is responsible for his loss, as has been made amply clear by the Insurance Company, then it is God’s responsibility to compensate him for his losses. So that’s how God gets sued!

Kanji sends legal notices to the various high priests and heads of various religious sects. The news spreads like wild fire that a mad man has made a mockery of religion and law alike. Everyone, including the lawyers and the priests are certain, that such an outlandish and preposterous case, will never get the dignity of a court hearing, it will be thrown out in a minute, if not sooner.

In the court, Kanji argues his own case, not because he didn’t trust any lawyer… it was just that it’s difficult to find a lawyer in this country, who was willing to put God on trial. The proceedings begin, the lawyers are contemptuous, Priests are dismissive, Kanji is earnest and persuasive. To everyone’s disbelief, the judge leans towards Kanji, after all it is the question of survival for an individual… he admits the case. This news too spreads like wildfire, and not everyone will take it lying low… an agitated crowd gathers outside the court premises, and upon sighting Kanji emerging from the court, run to attack him… Kanji runs, with a mob following close on his heels.

Just as Kanji begins to lose ground, a man enters… riding majestic on his flaming bike, he swoops Kanji off the road straight on his bike, and speeds off… the crowd is in no mood to admit defeat, they follow on cars and bikes of their own… a crazy chase follows… but Kanji and the mysterious man emerge unscathed, much to Kanji’s astonishment. The man introduces himself… his name is Krishna Vasudev Yadav… the god?? No No, it cant be!!!

I’m embarrassed to be single: Ranbir Kapoor Much has been written about his Casanova image and link-ups, but actor Ranbir Kapoor doesn’t mind. Perhaps that’s because the 29-year-old is in fact single to the point of being ashamed. “I’m as single as I was. In fact I’m single to the extent of embarrassment,” he said.

“But I don’t have the time to date a woman right now because I’m too busy with my career,” adds the actor, who however doesn’t mind “experiencing a live-in relationship”. “It’s a progressive world and I’d like to experience a live-in relationship. What’s the harm in that, as long as the girl and her parents agree? It might even translate into marriage,” says Ranbir, who might also move out of his parent’s home and stay on his own now. “I’ve always stayed with my parents and our house is undergoing renovation. So it was my mother’s idea that I stay on my own for a couple of years considering I’m young and

successful. So I should try it out,” he says.

And what about marriage? Isn’t he being pestered by his parents for that? “My parents have lost all hopes in me when it comes to marriage, but my mother is sensitive to the fact that I should fall in love and get married,” says Ranbir, who is already being lauded by critics for his performance in his latest flick, Barfi!

Murphy vs Barfi: British manufacturer Murphy Radio has sent a legal notice to UTV Motion Pictures for using Murphy’s name in the title song Ala Barfi without acquiring an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from them. “The film has used the name of the brand extensively. Apart from the song, the storyline too has Murphy incorporated in it ... This is clearly a case of trademark infringement. If they do not respond to our notice, we will ask for a stay of the release of the film,” said Sujit Kurup, advocate for Murphy.

Zarine Khan offered Hollywood film Hollywood's calling Zarine Khan! The actress says she has been approached to be a part of author-turned-director Daniel Silva's "Chimera" but is still considering the offer.

"It is a thriller called 'Chimera' opposite Billy Zane. I have read the script but I am still thinking about it," she added. "Chimera" is said to be based on Silva's bestselling novel "The Fallen Angel". Rumours were earlier abuzz that Zarine has been offered the film, but the actress was tightlipped. Ever since Zarine made her Bollywood debut with the 2010 film "Veer", she has chosen a slow and steady path to carve a niche for herself in the industry. "I really don't want to be in the race of newcomers who are just running after projects. It's not that I haven't been offered films. I have been offered a lot of films after 'Housefull 2' but I want to take my time and do quality work rather than quantity," she said.

Salman Khan joins Facebook After Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan has joined Facebook and given a sneak peak into the chain of Being Human stores opening in October. The actor's Facebook page went live on Friday morning and has already got 2.6 million likes. In a video message posted on his page, Salman said: "A lot of people told me there are so many of (your) fake Facebook pages, so when are you joining it. So here I am on this platform. Jitne fake pages hain woh ya toh woh join kar le is page ko or kya kahun main? 'Fake off' (So all the fake pages either just join this page or, what can I say, fake off). "We are opening Being Human stores all over India starting October," he added.

17

What follows is a journey of epic proportions, of self realization and legal masterstrokes. The second hearing comes up and Kanji is at his argumentative best. The lawyers and the priests alike are stumped and sometimes even embarrassed. They can only hide behind thin wall of religious edicts and god’s benevolence. But Kanji is unstoppable. But as it had to, it finally comes down to proof… something, which Kanji finds hard to supply. After all, how can anyone ever prove, that there exists a God. And if there does exist a God, that God is actively interested in the activities of this world and every living and non living entity in this world. Even if this supposed God is interested at all in what the people do, how does one prove that this God, took time out to single Kanji out and destroy his shop…the proof is almost impossible to find.

For all it was worth, Kanji had lost…or had he?

Priyanka fulfils father's dream of becoming a singer Actress Priyanka Chopra, who made her singing debut through international music single 'In My City', said that she fulfilled her father Dr Ashok Chopra's long cherished dream of becoming a singer. "My parents were very emotional when they heard my song. This was my dad's dream. My dad was not all that happy when I became an actor and won national awards,” Priyanka said at the unveiling of the album.

"My father is an incredible singer. I am happy and overwhelmed that my family and friends are here. I am feeling like a newcomer...I am feeling it is my first film," she said. Priyanka insisted the album is Indian at heart. "The heart of this album is Indian. It is a desi girl album. We will be shooting the video soon, we are planning things about the album, we will try and add some Bollywood elements to it. I am very nervous, I am shivering a lot," she said.

Priyanka revealed that she never thought of becoming a singer. "I never thought I would be a professional singer,

also I never thought I would become an actor. If not this then I would be an engineer. I have never sung professionally...I never knew I would be doing it. I can't believe this is my event and I am overwhelmed," she said. "I grew up listening to music from my parents. My father used to listen to Mohammed Rafi and my mother used to listen to international music bands like Beatles and Metallic," she said. Her first song from the album will be launched internationally at the National Football League in the US on NFL network.

"It is an important and huge thing for an Indian to have this launch at NFL. It is a huge honour to have this one and half minute version there. No Indian has done that. It is surreal," Priyanka said.

However, Priyanka is quite nervous about singing at live shows. "I am not prepared for doing live shows. I am very nervous about it. I love performing but when I reach that level I will do live shows. This is just the beginning of my journey in the world of music," she said.

Rani goes belly dancing in 'Aiyyaa' With item numbers being a rage in Bollywood, the latest to join the bandwagon is actress Rani Mukherjee, who has performed not one, but three item numbers including a belly dance in her upcoming film 'Aiyyaa'. All the three songs a south Indian dance number, a 'lavani' (Marathi dance form) and a belly dance - are distinct and planned to go with the flow of the story. "The songs come in her dreams. All songs are part of her fantasy. Sachin gave us an opportunity to do three songs.

They are different. To everybody it may seem like item songs but they are very important songs in the film and part of the narrative," Rani said during the official launch of the south Indian song 'Dreamum Wakeupm'.

18

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

RBI cuts CRR by 0.25%, releases `170 bn liquidity

Dear Financial Voice Reader I write to you having just returned from Greece.

What is clear is that tax evasion is rife. There is a huge cash economy. It is everywhere. But the markets rule and the European politicians recognise this at long last now. Namely that if they do not show the markets they are willing to do ‘everything’ then the markets will raise the cost of borrowing for all these countries and cause a vicious circle of default.

The European politicians get this. But, there always comes one or two to cause complacency and there comments will cause volatility. But the overall trend is for the Euro to stabilise now.

BUT the ECB knows that the market will only be happy (ie yields at manageable levels) when they say their firepower is greater than the market’s. Ie the ECB says it will do everything. Which it is. The danger is someone not understanding the markets says ‘well, we’re not sure’ – as they get complacent thinking lower yields stay low by magic.

I think there is more upside for the Euro, but some nut is going to say something negative and drag it down.

What of this week’s key UK data? Inflation has fallen again. That certainly leaves more room for increased monetary stimulus and government spending. The Government is shifting to focus on growth over efficiency. It will start spending more again.

Manchester United at least reported an increase in profits – up 80% to £23m – thanks to a £28m tax credit! That after sales of £320m. It’s share price has stayed below the price they were sold to the public recently. A little like Facebook, it will probably halve in value too!

Debenhams sales rose and profits are set to grow they said – so it is far from gloom in the UK. One key indicator of the global economy is movement of goods. Fedex has cut its profits forecast. Typical of many large companies it is making profits, just less of them. So it is both good and bad news. Sadly the China-Japan protests over territory in the East-China sea could not come at a worst time, given its likely impact on trade. The trade between the two countries is equal to $300 for each Chinese person.

As we approach the final quarter of the year, I remain positive on the financial markets and stocks as likely to have a strong finish. The whole idea of quantative easing is that it makes equities more attractive and as these companies continue to have profits, their share prices have held up and I think will continue to do so.

More steps in offing to boost growth: Chidambaram

The Indian government will take more policy steps in the next one-and-half months to revive growth, finance minister P Chidambaram said while appreciating the RBI's initiative to unlock Rs 170 billion banking funds through reduction in CRR by 0.25 per cent.

"I am very confident that between now and October 30 the government is expected to take a number of additional policy measures and also lay out a plan of fiscal consolidation. The response of RBI on October 30 will be far more supportive of growth," Chidambaram said. The Reserve Bank is scheduled to come out with second quarter monetary policy review on October 30.

In its mid-quarterly monetary policy review announced on Monday, the RBI lowered cash reserve ratio (CRR), the portion of deposits banks park with RBI, by 0.25 per cent to 4.5 per cent.

CRR reduction would infuse Rs 170 billion into the financial system. The RBI, however, kept short-

term lending and borrowing rates unchanged, disappointing India Inc. Chidambaram, said: "It (CRR cut) is a small step, but a welcome step. I am not disappointed with the RBI policy. Mid quarter review

by RBI is encouraging and supportive. RBI is slated to take more decisions".

After assuming charge of the finance ministry last month, the finance minister had said he would take steps to boost economy and revive investor confidence. Economic growth had slowed to a nine-year low of 6.5 per cent in 2011-12. The GDP growth in the April-June quarter was 5.5 per cent, lower than 8 per cent recorded in same period of last fiscal.

The government has already taken a slew of reform measures including allowing FDI in multibrand retail and allowing foreign carriers pick up stake up to 49 per cent in Indian aviation companies.

Besides, the government also hiked diesel prices by Rs 5 a litre and capped the number of subsidised LPG per family to six a year.

improve investments and help growth.

Commenting on RBI's action, State Bank of India (SBI) chairman Pratip Chaudhuri said the bank will review its rates in the light of policy action. The asset liability committee of the bank is expected to meet soon to take a view on rate revision.

"It is a very positive move, as a mid-term policy it is very significant. I think the RBI has given a clear signal that they are willing to respond and that they have taken note of the signs of deceleration in economy," Chaudhuri said.

Noting that growth continues to be weak amidst a negative investment climate, the RBI policy review said that the

recent reform measures undertaken by the government have started to reverse sentiments.

Among other decisions, government hiked the regulated diesel prices by over `5 per litre, which satisfies the RBI's long standing demand for containing fiscal deficit while also liberalising foreign holding norms in a string of sectors.

RBI said the measures on diesel prices and LPG usage would hurt inflation in the short term, but the steps are a "significant achievement" as they would strengthen macroeconomic fundamentals.

It also noted, with concern, that the rationalisation of cooking gas prices will not have much impact on subsidies as the passthrough to administered prices remains incomplete.

India's 7,730 super rich collectively own $ 925 bn: report

11th plan growth commendable: Manmohan Singh

Taking a cautious stance, the Reserve Bank of India on Monday cut CRR by 0.25 per cent - the percentage of deposits banks keep with central bank - but refrained from reducing lending rates in view of high inflation.

The RBI decision, which comes days after a slew of measures taken by the government to push growth, will release `170 billion of primary liquidity into the system.

The liquidity infusion, RBI said, would ensure adequate flow of credit to productive sectors of the economy.

Following the cut, CRR will come down to 4.5 per cent while the repo rate, at which the central bank lends to the banks, would remain unchanged at 8 per cent.

The reverse repo, at which it absorbs excess

India is home to as many as 7,730 ultra high net worth (UHNW) individuals whose combined wealth amounts to a whopping $ 925 billion, says a study. According to the world ultra wealth report 2012-13, by Wealth X, a global wealth intelligence and prospecting company, India has 7,730 UHNW individuals, of which 109 are billionaires.

However, in the corresponding period last year there were as many as 8,215 with a total wealth of $ 980 billion.

The Wealth-X analysis shows there are 109 billionaires in the country and this group represents the top 1.4 per cent of the UHNW population, and controls 20.5 per cent of the total fortune attributable to the ultra wealthy segment. On average, these billionaires are worth close to $ 1.7 billion each.

Meanwhile, the global

liquidity through borrowings from banks, remains at 7 per cent.

"As inflationary tendencies have persisted, the primary focus of monetary policy remains the containment of inflation and anchoring of inflation expectations," RBI governor D Subbarao said while announcing the midquarter review of the monetary policy.

The wholesale price-based inflation for August moved up to 7.55 per cent from 6.87 per cent in the previous month. The RBI said the CRR cut would be effective from September 22.

The moderation in CRR rate is likely to goad banks to bring down their lending rates, which will

UHNW population grew by a modest 0.6 per cent to 187,380 with a combined wealth of $ 25.8 trillion.

The combined wealth attributable to this segment, however, shrank by 1.8 per cent from a year ago largely driven by the Euro zone crisis and a slowdown in emerging economies, the report said.

Since India's GDP growth continue to moderate and the Indian equity markets, which have significant impact on the local UHNW population, declined by 8 per cent during the measuring period and the Indian Rupee declined by 25 per cent affecting the UHNW population and their wealth.

In India, the lowest tier of the UHNW group represented by those worth $ 30 million to $ 49 million is the largest group, making up 45.7 per cent of the total UHNW population in India.

They have a combined for-

tune of $ 125 billion, or 13.5 per cent, of the total wealth of the India's ultra affluent.

The study focuses solely on persons with a net worth of $ 30 million and above (after accounting for shares in public and private companies, residential and investment properties, art collections, planes, cash and other assets).

The Wealth X study further said there are 5,775 Indians having wealth between $ 30 million and $ 100 million, and nearly 845 have wealth between $ 100 million and $ 200 million.

Between $ 200 million and $ 500 million, there are 855 Indians, while in the range of $ 500 million to $ 999 million, there are 150 Indians, the study said.

The report further said the NRI population in Asia was adversely affected by the poor performance of equity markets and weakness in the financial services sector.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said that the conclusion of the 11th plan with 7.9 per cent growth was "commendable".

Speaking at a Planning Commission meeting, the Prime Minister said the growth was laudable for a period "which saw two global slowdowns." He said that the 12th plan targets have been brought down from 9 per cent to 8.2 per cent, with agricultural growth at 4 per cent.

The Prime Minister said that poverty declined twice as fast between 2004-05 and 2009-10 than it did in the previous 10 years.

"Our objective is not just growth of GDP, but growth that is inclusive and also sustainable," Manmohan Singh said stressing on the inclusion of dalits, tribals and backward classes in the growth.

India likely to buy more Hawk aircraft from UK BAE Systems of UK has received a Request for Proposal (RFP) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for a potential order to supply products and services for the manufacture of 20 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft. The aircraft, to be built by HAL in Bangalore, will fulfill the Indian Air Force’s requirement for its prestigious aerobatic team.

Upon successful conclusion, this would be the third contract placed on BAE Systems for supply of materials and equipment for the Hawk Mk132, building upon previous orders of 66 aircraft in 2004, comprising supply of 24 Hawk aircrafts in flyaway condition and 42 aircraft built under license by HAL, and a further 57 air-

craft in 2010. Under these contracts, BAE Systems has worked closely with the Indian MOD and HAL to establish a production

“This is a tremendous opportunity to build on the success of Hawk in India and demonstrates the progress we are mak-

line in India where the aircraft are now assembled.

Hawk trainers already in service with the Indian Air Force are performing well.

Guy Griffiths, Group MD, International, said,

ing in capturing significant opportunities to address the defence modernization requirements of the Indian Government.

Together with HAL, we look forward to giving the Indian

Air Force’s display team a fantastic aircraft.”

Together, BAE Systems and HAL are committed to strengthen their relationship through ongoing discussions on exploring long-term sustainable business opportunities, globally.

The potential addition to the Indian fleet, one of the largest fleets of Hawk anywhere in the world, would take the number of Hawk aircraft ordered worldwide to over 1,000.

The Hawk aircraft has been widely exported.

Customers include Australia, Canada, South Africa, Bahrain, India, the Royal Saudi Air Force and the UK Royal Air Force.

The UK Royal Air Force aerobatics team Red Arrows has used the BAE Systems Hawk since 1979.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

19

Don’t bite off more than you can chew!

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

Last week we were debating whether to bid on a repossession auction property which was coming up on the Allsops auction. What triggered my interest was not what was known about the property but what was unknown. Let me explain, the auction catalogue described the property: it was a freehold block in Churton Street Pimlico SW1 with a commercial on the ground and basement and residential on the top two upper floors.

The commercial was occupied by a tenant which was subject to a tenancy agreement - point of note they didn’t describe the length of the tenancy which they would usually do on a commercial unit. The upstairs was however occupied on unknown terms. The property was being sold by Fixed Charge receivers.

I have come across this scenario previously. When there exists very little information on the tenancy of a building the property can sometimes go for as low as half of the price it’s normally worth. Previously we had purchased a block of flats where the tenancies were unknown and was coming up in auction, when I went snooping around the property I met an agent who knew the owner and informed us all the tenancies were on AST’s ( Assured Shorthold tenancy) which means basically you can get them out of the property at some point. Armed with this information we managed to purchase three flats in Maida Vale for £1.1m which we traded on a week later for £1.3m.

Th is is because people are mo tivated more by fe ar of lo ss than pleasure of gain, so t hey will ge nerally t ak e t he mo re pe ssimistic option.

We only had a couple of days before the auction, so as soon as this property came to my attention I took a drive to the property in the evening and started by speaking to the Bangladeshi owner of the restaurant on the ground floor. I asked him how long had he been there, he mentioned this was a charity and they had a 10 year lease with the owner of the property. I asked him who lived upstairs and he replied that there were ‘many people from all different places’… OK… so I asked where are they from exactly? He then admitted it was a brothel operating upstairs.

I thought I would try knocking on the side door of the flat…but strangely it was open. There was another door which was closed. I knocked - no answer.

I left the premises and knocked on the next door neighbour’s property. He was a polite English man who had been living in the area for five years, and said he had enjoyed living in this location. I asked him if he knew the people from the next door property, he said no. I asked if he knew there was a brothel operating from there and he said he heard rumours, but they seemed to have quite a discreet operation going on.

I then tried knocking on the flat again. This time it was locked.

Strange as the previous time I had tried the lock hadn’t been there.

As the clock was ticking I called a landlord who I knew had the same issue in a flat she owned in Baker Street. She said if there is a brothel running from the property the police are very hot in cleaning up the area and one phone will result in the building being raided. In her experience she was confident of the above tenants being evicted very quickly.

W e had someone look in g at the l egal paperwork on the build ing, and the y had d iscovered the co mme rcial te nant had sig ned a 118 year lease on the property which is very pecu liar. NO on e sign s a lease t his long .

The lease was signed in December 2011 which was well after the bank commenced repossession proceedings against the former owner.

Clearly what had happened here was the individual, realising he was about to be repossessed, signed a ludicrously long lease with the tenant.

His name was Mr Malik, which indicated they shared a similar ethnicity. By signing this tenancy the new owner will have an issue getting the tenant out and therefore this building will be worth a fraction of what it should be.

This tenancy however could be contested as the spirit of the tenancy was clearly to destroy the value of the building as it was being repossessed - this was not a market level commercial lease.

The top of the property which we thought would be the issue was not actually the main issue, as from our investigations this could be resolved with some pressure from the right places. The main issue was this commercial lease. This came to light from the legal documentation held by the Auction House, so it seemed strange they had not put this on their catalogue.

The tenancy can be argued in court, should the tenant refuse to cooperate in signing a more reasonable one.

A vacant building like this in the location should go for £1m to £1.2m, as this is a very desirable location in Victoria.

I do believe there would be a good margin on this building. The danger is at what cost? Unraveling the issues may be sticky and perhaps not so straight forward. With all this taken into account we decided not to pursue this property. It ended up selling in the Allsops Auction for £695,00, more than we were prepared to pay. When we first started looking at the property our original price in mind was £800,000 which decreased to a maximum of £600,000 before we shelved the property.

I wonder if the purchaser was fully aware of the issues around the building. Or perhaps it was the former owner Mr Malik who ended up purchasing the property again?

Off Market Development opportunity

Over 1000 Sq Ft Garden Flat in Prime Notting Hill Period Property Consists of ground and lower ground South facing Similar one on the market currently at £1.475m We can obtain this for £1.1m for a quick buyer 60% non status loan available for this

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

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

Tips of the Week l With the current economic climate it is important to pay attention to the type of job your tenant has and not just that they are working. Doctors, nurses and teachers tend to be hit very little by economic downturns.

This will reduce the rotation period. l Always consider the projects which are happening in and around the borough you’re purchasing in, this will ensure strong capital growth into the future.

20

fInancIal vOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

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

Maria Fernandes

maria@abplgroup.com

When is someone going to do something about the delays?

There was a time a couple of years ago or more, when the pressure to reduce delays and backlogs was so high that the UKBA established a two tier system which divided the old cases from the new cases. Many of those old cases, known to some as the “legacy” cases remain unresolved. They have now been transferred to a Directorate with a different name (the Case Resolution Directorate) and it is very difficult now to audit their progress.

The politicians who were once chasing the UKBA over these delays have lost interest in them. In the meantime, for the newer cases, targets were established requiring applications to be considered within 13 weeks. These targets never really worked and have been quietly abandoned are now taking the region of 6 months to resolve, sometimes more.

For employers the position is dire. Those who need to apply for licences are not given any confirmation of the receipt for applications. When applications are made there are

often exchanges of communications and finally, after some persistence are given standard responses advising them that it is not possible to state when the application will be decided. Initially the waiting time for applications was 12 weeks. It then went up to 16 weeks. A recent enquiry suggests that the waiting time has increased yet again, and is more in the region of 6 months.

Investors and entrepreneurs are being encouraged to come to the UK to invest. Yet when they apply for extensions, they cannot make premium (ie same day) applications. Once their applications are lodged they lose control over the applications and it is now a normal occurrence for applications to be caught up in queues leaving business man frustrated because they are unable to travel.

It is not clear why there is this delay, whether it has been caused by the lack of experienced staff able to handle such cases or the fact that there is no system to separate these cases. Either way it is likely to put people off

from choosing the UK as its destination.

Lastly those who urgently need their passports back to travel in a hurry beware. There is no clear process for its return and experience suggest that it can take several days and weeks and despair before it is returned. A recent experience has left the widow of a client bereft. He died whilst his application was in a queue. After several attempts the passport was finally returned after 6 weeks. The body of the client lay in a mortuary waiting for the passport to be returned so that he could be buried in his home country. And when the passport id finally arrives, it was addressed to the deceased advising him that he had withdrawn his application!

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

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

Tesco, Walmart get green light to move into India International supermarket chains such as Tesco and Walmart are to be allowed to set up shop in India as the government bids to revolutionise the country's ailing agricultural sector.

It is hoped the retailers will bring their expertise in logistics and cold-chain warehousing to modernise Indian farming and cut food prices.

The government of India in November last said that it would allow 51 pc foreign direct investment in "multibrand retail" only days later to be forced into a humiliating U-turn as key coalition parties threatened to veto it.

Since then the suspended reform has become a symbol of the Congress-led government's paralysis. It has been mired in corruption controversies over the allocation of coal blocks and 2-G mobile phone operator licences, while key economic reforms were put on the back burner.

Its new determination to push through economic reforms and reassure investors follows the appointment of former home minister P Chidambaram as finance minister. Since he was hired, the government has sus-

pended plans to levy vast tax bills retroactively on foreign investors like Vodafone.

Friday's cabinet meeting also voted to increase foreign direct investment levels in domestic airlines to 49 pc in an attempt to revive its ailing airline industry and allow foreign airlines to take a stake in Kingfisher, the heavilyindebted carrier owned by Vijay Mallya. British Airways, Emirates and Singapore Airlines are believed to have indicated an interest in his airline in the past year.

The decision to open the doors to supermarket chains like Tesco, Walmart and Carrefour will be left to individual state governments but ministers expect all the Congress-led states and several other progressive states, like Punjab and Gujurat, which is governed by the BJP, to follow suit.

Although ministers hope the move will reassure international investors the government is committed to

reform, its priority is the overhaul of its farming and food infrastructure and to speed up the journey of its produce from farm to market. Tiny farm plots, poor roads and the lack of refrigerated transport and warehousing means 40 pc of Indian food rots en route, causing billions of pounds in losses every year and sharp price increases. The produce usually passes through as many as five different agents before reaching shops.

Gokul Patnaik, a former civil servant who pioneered the entry of Pepsi into Indian agriculture in the early 1990s and is now one of the country's leading players in agriculture, said he welcomed the decision, and expected to see Tesco and other supermarket giants on Indian high streets and in shopping malls before the 2014 elections.

"It means there will be long-term investment in the supply chain, which is the weakest link in Indian agriculture. I expect there will be some serious reaction in some quarters, there will be strikes and all that and most investors will wait until the reaction dies down. But it will come up in a year or so," he said.

Taking On The Challenge In 480BC one of the greatest battles in ancient European history was fought at Thermopylae.

The powerful Persian King, Xerses led an army of over 100,000 on a conquest of Greece. In his way stood 3000 Greek warriors led by the Spartan King Leonides.

In the face of such overwhelming force, one would expect the Greeks to have no will to fight. Sensing this, Xerxes sent an ambassador to offer terms of surrender. When the Greeks refused to surrender the ambassador became more forceful and instructed the Greeks to surrender their arms.

Leonides’ response contained no element of fear or indecision, he simply said, ‘Come and get them’.

These were stirring words and they give an insight into the bravery of Leonides. But they seem more apt on the field of battle than in a boardroom. Would such bravado be appropriate today?

Modern leadership practice often focuses on implementing the best strategy to achieve goals and targets. Leadership courses teach key concepts such as

engagement, motivation, collaboration and communication. But what about courage, belief, spirit and resolve? Are these not essential qualities for any leader?

Today’s leadership theory would prescribe that Leonides should look for a ‘win-win’ solution. In fact Xerxes offered him just such a solution; by accepting Xerxes as the supreme ruler of Greece, Leonides would be allowed to rule as a prefect (and save his life in the process). Not a bad deal considering that the only alternative was total annihilation. Still Leonides declined and in doing so he demonstrated true leadership.

Let me put this into a more modern context.

When Microsoft was dominating the PC market and Apple was on the verge of oblivion, did Steve Jobs decide to sell his Apple stock and buy a mansion in the Bahamas? Or when Sony and Microsoft were dominating the Gaming world with the PS3 and the Xbox, did Nintendo decide to diversify and make microwave ovens instead?

No – rather than be over-

Global giants vying for 'Made in Gujarat' products While Indians vie for imported personal care products, global giants have focused their attention on small pharma and healthcare firms in Gujarat for the unique products manufactured here.

For instance, world's largest retailer Walmart's toothpaste is manufactured at Sihor in Bhavnagar.

Goran Pharma, which produces several other personal care products like hand wash, hand sanitizer, antiseptic, toiletries, shampoo and creams, also supplies products to two biggest retail chains in Australia and to companies in the UK and Germany.

"It is important that assurance and adherence to the best quality standards, as laid down by them are followed," said Hemant Dholakia, managing director, Goran Pharma.

Similarly, Valsad-based Atul Ltd is a leading manufacturer of Dapsone, an anti-bacterial drug.

According to Gujarat government officials, the drug is sourced by American multinational Boeing as a chemical for sturdy fiber used in building the airplane.

"Dapsone, which is originally used to treat leprosy, is being supplied to Boeing to build its containers. Another company, Vapi-based Perstorp Chemicals, has become

the only company in the world to supply herbal extract of balsam tolu in large quantities, after a similar plant in China was scrapped recently," said HG Koshia, commissioner, Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA), Gujarat.

The Gujarat government is in the process of making a coffee table book profiling such companies in the state. The book will be launched and presented to multinationals during Vibrant Gujarat summit in January 2013.

The food industry in Arab countries relies on Patel Remedies, a Junagadh-based manufacturer of Papain powder, a papaya extract for softening meat, including Halal meat. The enzyme in the extract is also used in biscuits, beer, cosmetics and cancer drugs. The latex extract from papaya fruit, called enzymes are supplied to US-based DSM, which markets the enzyme to the food, beer and drug industries.

"We started exporting to some countries on a small scale a few years ago. Today, our exports are worth Rs 1 billion," said Maganbhai Patel, managing director, Patel Remedies, which has set up extraction centres across the country and processes the enzyme at its Junagadh unit.

By Amit Patel

whelmed in the face of such powerful competitors, they kept faith in their abilities, they believed in their people and they took up the challenge. The results – the invention of iPhone and the Wii. Sometimes you just have to defy the odds, take on the challenge and fight the battle. The art of leadership is not just about results or balance sheets; it is about inspiring others to try harder, to be better and most importantly to believe in themselves. Leonides lost the battle (albeit because his army were betrayed by a traitor), but he motivated his country to defend itself and eventually, defeat Xerxes. Leonides lost the battle, but Greece won the war.

Amit Patel has over 20 years experience in the field of Personal Development and Human Resource Management. He provides consultancy services to businesses and individuals seeking to develop their skills and abilities. To contact Amit, email him at amitpatelmail@gmail.com

US may lose 'AAA' rating: Moody's Moody's Investors Service said it would likely cut its "Aaa" rating on US government debt, probably by one notch, if federal budget negotiations fail.

If the highly partisan Congress does not reach a budget deal, more than $600 billion in spending cuts and tax increases will automatically kick in starting January 1, a scenario that's been called the "fiscal cliff", because it is likely to send the economy back into recession and drive unemployment up.

The Republican speaker of the House of Representatives said he was not confident Congress could reach a budget deal and avoid the downgrading.

He said the Senate needs to act and President Barack Obama needs to show some leadership.

Any real negotiations are not expected until after the November presidential elections. A year ago, Moody's cut its outlook on US debt to "negative", which acts as a warning that it might downgrade the rating, after partisan wrangling over raising the US debt limit led the nation to the brink of default.

Rival agency Standard & Poor's took the drastic step of stripping the government of its "AAA" rating on its bonds around the same time. Fitch Ratings issued a warning of potential downgrade.

financial VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

21

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

Is Euro running out of steam

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 18th Sept 2012 @ 1.30pm GBP - INR = 87.73

Last week the world saw the lengths that the banks are willing to go to in order to reinvigorate their respective economies.

In both the US and Eurozone, the head figures in central banking took bold stances against the high unemployment and sluggish growth that have plagued the areas, whilst in Japan central bankers also sounded their intentions to intervene.

The Fedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to move into a third phase of quantitative easing, synchronised with the announcement that interest rates will stay at 0.25% into 2015 was an aggressive move, and one that critics fear will conceal dangerous inflation. With Mr. Bernankeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future as the Fed chairman now largely based on the outcome of the presidential election this bold move could be the most monumental in his tenure.

Mr. Draghi, president of the ECB, has taken an equally strong monetary policy stance.

With confirmation of the bailout fundsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; legality, and the bondbuying scheme pushed through, Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier banker has staked his reputation on the decision.

Finding themselves in similar positions and adopting similar strategies by loosening monetary conditions, the respective currencies have had divergent performances. The dollar has been on the descent and the Euro rallying, but the disparity in market reactions have seen the dollar fall by the most in 11 months against the Euro.

In respect to the pound, the greenback has seen strong losses. Investors are fleeing the safehaven nature of the dollar in search of higher yields in other riskier markets. These riskier markets, one being the Euro, have seen the consequential gains on the back of the dollar news. So for those looking to buy Euros, they will be getting less for their money than they may like, as the Euroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strength of the last month continues, whilst it is seen as a great time to be buying dollars.

With some believing the Euroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charge to be running out of steam, murmurs of a third bailout for Greece are circulating and also there is word that negotiations for a Spanish bailout package are well underway. One of the sticking points appears to

USD - INR = 54.02 EUR - INR = 70.49 GBP - USD = 1.62 GBP - EUR = 1.24 EUR - USD = 1.30 GBP - AED = 5.96 be these troubled nationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; commitment to fiscal austerity plans that the ECB make almost mandatory. Key figureheads in northern Europe donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe that the southern nations have done enough to warrant more money, whilst both struggling economies insist that they are already stretched to their limits.

The tumbling dollar has had resounding effects on numerous other currencies too, none more so than the Yen. As a huge exporter, Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy revolves around its products being accessible across the world. Strengthening the Yen, the fall of the dollar has made it more expensive to buy goods

0 8 0 8

$ 0 4 5

from Japan, desperate to protect the GDP figures, the Bank of Japan has said that it is ready to act in order to loosen to noose and allow the nation to competitively export once again.

Throughout these important periods the focus has been largely on the US and the Eurozone, leaving the pound as somewhat of a bystander, being pushed and pulled on the breaking news from these areas. As the developments of last week are digested by investors, we expect the markets to return to responding to economic performance data rather than markets reacting to the widespread changes in monetary policy.

GBP - CAD = 1.58 GBP - NZD = 1.96 GBP - AUD = 1.55 GBP - ZAR = 13.39 GBP - HUF = 352.87

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

PX XJ S F U S B OT G FS

G FFT

B OE OP IJ EEFO D PT U T

22

PAKIstAN-BANGlAdesh-srI lANKA

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Pak to withdraw letter that closed Zardari graft cases In Focus Islamabad: The Pakistan government has decided to withdraw a letter that had been sent to Swiss authorities during Pervez Musharraf's tenure to close graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf told the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Ashraf said the government has decided to withdraw ex-attorney general Malik Qayyum's letter that was written to the Swiss authorities during then president Musharraf's tenure, Geo News reported.

The prime minister on Tuesday appeared before the Supreme Court, which had last month given him threeweeks' time to write to Swiss authorities on reopening corruption cases against President Zardari.

The prime minister said

Raja Pervez Ashraf

Asif Ali Zardari

he has directed Law Minister Farooq H. Naek to withdraw the letter written to Swiss authorities asking for closing of all the cases against the president.

The cases that had been closed by Malik Qayyum's letter can now be reopened by the Swiss authorities if they choose, the media report said.

On Aug 27, the Supreme Court had given a three-week

reprieve to Ashraf by adjourning the contempt case against him till Sep 18.

The court had July 25 given Ashraf time till Aug 8 to write to Swiss authorities to reopen corruption cases against Zardari.

Accused of graft, Zardari was granted amnesty under the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) in 2007 by then president Pervez

Pak test-fires N-capable Babur missile with 700 km range Islamabad: Pakistan on Monday successfully testfired the nuclear-capable Babur cruise missile with a range of 700 km that could hit targets deep inside India, with the military saying the launch had consolidated and strengthened the country's deterrence capability.

The "fully automated Strategic Command and Control Support System" of the National Command Authority, which controls Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, was deployed during the test which was conducted at an unspecified location, said a statement from the InterServices Public Relations.

"The test consolidates and strengthens Pakistan's deterrence capability and national security," it said. The missile was launched from a multitube missile launch vehicle that "significantly enhances the targeting and deployment options" of the Babur system.

The Strategic Command and Control Support System provides decision-makers at the National Command Centre "robust command and

control capability of all strategic assets with round the clock situational awareness in a digitised networkcentric environment", the statement said. The system has the added capability of real time remote monitoring of a missile's flight path.

The statement described the Babur or Hatf-VII as an indigenously developed multi-tube cruise missile with a range of 700 km. It is a low flying, terrain-hugging missile that can be used against targets at land and sea "with pin-point accuracy".

The Babur has stealth features and is equipped with modern cruise missile technology like "terrain contour matching" and "digital scene matching and area co-relation".

It can carry nuclear and conventional warheads. The test was witnessed by Strategic Plans Division director general Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, National Engineering and Scientific Commission chairman Muhammad Irfan Burney and officers of the armed forces and strategic organisations.

Musharraf to facilitate his return home from exile, and primarily that of his wife, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Zardari and Bhutto were suspected of using Swiss accounts to launder about $12 million in alleged bribes paid by companies seeking customs inspection contracts in the 1990s.

The NRO that granted immunity to politicians and bureaucrats in corruption cases was struck down by the Supreme Court as void in 2009.

The apex court in January ordered Gilani to write a letter to the Swiss authorities to reopen cases against Zardari.

Gilani was convicted April 26 of contempt of court, and was disqualified as prime minister as well as parliament member June 19.

PoK fully backs trade with India, says Pak Minister Manzoor Wattoo

Lahore: Pakistan's Minister for Kashmir and GilgitBaltistan Affairs, Manzoor Wattoo, said that people of Pak-occupied Kashmir have no objection to trade taking place between Pakistan and India. Wattoo, who is back in Pakistan after a visit to India, said India's politicians, public and media were in favour of trade and peaceful relations with Pakistan. He said the people of PoK are themselves carrying out trade worth Rs 15 to 16 billion with Indian administered Kashmir, reports said.

Wattoo said it was because of President Asif Ali Zardari's vision that Pakistan would establish trade and cultural ties with India, without compromising on its stance on Kashmir.

He emphasised the need for promoting Pak-India ties and moving them in a positive direction. Both countries should forget past irritants and unpleasant incidents for prosperity and well-being of

Benazir Bhutto

Abdul Qadeer Khan

mentioned by her, in our national interest,” he claimed.

The transfer of nuclear technology is not easy and at least 800 people supervise the process, said Khan, who was placed under house arrest after he acknowledged in 2004 that he had run a clandestine proliferation ring.

Libya and North Korea are among the countries to which Khan’s ring supplied nuclear technology and know-how.

The People’s Party-led govern-

ment has eased restrictions on Khan over past few years.

Khan has also retracted his confession, claiming he was pressured to acknowledge on TV that he had run a proliferation network.

Khan said former PM Nawaz Sharif, who now claims credit for the 1998 nuclear tests, was “absolutely not ready to conduct” the blasts and didn’t want to do so because of fear the US might be annoyed and his govern-

50 die in Afghanistan accident

Kabul: At least 50 people were killed and six others injured when a passenger bus and oil tanker collided in the southern Ghazni province, provincial police chief Zarawar Zahid was quoted as saying.

Pak authorities restrained from demolishing Hindu temple

Islamabad: A court in Pakistan has restrained authorities in the port city of Karachi from demolishing a Hindu temple believed to have been constructed 200 years ago. The Sindh High Court restrained the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and other respondents from demolishing the Shri Laxmi Narayan Mandir at the Native Jetty Bridge. The petition said the construction threatened the place of worship and also the right of the minority community at large. The petitioner said the temple was constructed much befor e the partition of the subcontinent, and for a long time Hindus have been performing religious rituals there. It said access to seawater was one of the essential things to perform worship. The Pakistan Hindu Council says the temple was constructed 200 years ago and many Hindu festivals are celebrated there.

Former Pak PM's son arrested

the people, he said.

He further said that no government in Pakistan could ever set aside the issue of Kashmir.

"I told the Indians that there should be a plebiscite in the Indian-held Kashmir because the Kashmir issue could not be resolved without giving the right of self-determination to Kashmiris," he said.

Gave N-tech on Benazir Bhutto’s orders: AQ Khan

Islamabad: Pakistan’s disgraced nuclear scientist A Q Khan has claimed that he had transfered nuclear technology to “two countries” on the orders of slain former premier Benazir Bhutto.

“The then Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto summoned me and named the two countries which were to be assisted and issued clear directions in this regard,” Khan said in an interview with the Jang media group. He did not name the two countries.

Khan claimed he had no option but to obey Bhutto, who was killed by a suicide attacker in late 2007. “I was not independent but was bound to abide by the orders of the PM, hence I did take this step in compliance with her order,” he said. “The PM would have certainly known about the role and cooperation of the two countries,

More than 300 die in Pak infernos

Islamabad: In one of the worst industrial accidents in Pakistan, at least 289 people were killed in a Karachi garment factory fire and 25 more charred to death in a Lahore shoe-making outfit, taking the combined death toll to well over 300. Most of those killed in Karachi were 18 to 25 years old, and include women. More than 1,500 people were employed in the Karachi factory.

According to fire officials, many people trapped in the building died due to asphyxiation. “We found many people died because of suffocation caused by the highly toxic smoke. They died first and their bodies were later consumed by the raging fire,” said Karachi fire chief. Officials said that the death toll was high because most workers, including men and women, were trapped inside the building because it had just one exit.

ment might be threatened.

Through some of his aides, who were also Khan’s friends, Sharif tried to convince the scientist to win international sympathy by staying silent in response to Indian nuclear tests in 1998, Khan claimed. “But I made it clear that if he did so, I shall put the facts before the media. After this, Nawaz Sharif was compelled to conduct the nuclear tests.”

PPP rebuts AQ’s claims on N-tech The ruling PPP dismissed Khan’s claim that Benazir had ordered him to transfer atomic technology to two countries, describing it as a desperate attempt to “wash the guilt of proliferating nuclear weapons”. Pakistan People’s Party spokesman Farhatullah Babar, rebutted Khan’s claim made in an interview with t he Jang media group.

Islamabad: Former Pakistani prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's son Ali Musa Gilani was arrested from the gate of the Supreme Court while he was on his way to appear for a hearing in a case related to quotas for the drug ephedrine. Musa Gilani offered resistance when ANF personnel tried to take him into custody. The Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) has named eight accused in a petition, including Musa Gilani. On April 9, the government removed two ANF officials who were investigating the scam of illegal sale of ephedrine.

The scam came to light when the ANF informed a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court that the ephedrine quota worth Rs 7 billion was given to two Multan-based companies under pressure of an influential person.

McDonald's bars married couple from sitting next to each other

Islamabad: A man and his wife were not allowed to sit beside each other at a McDonalds outlet in Pakistan by managers, who told the couple that such behavior would have a negative impact on the "Islamic family atmosphere" of the outlet.

Noman Ansari, an exporter, said the incident occurred at a McDonalds outlet in Karachi when he and his wife decided to stop for a drink while returning from a friend's birthday party. As Ansari sat down next to his wife and put his arm on the seat behind her shoulder, a McDonald's employee asked him to move to the chair opposite to her.

When Ansari asked the employee why he couldn't sit next to his wife, the employee replied: "Sir, this is a family restaurant.

Couples sitting together is against the policy of McDonalds Pakistan, as it goes against the family atmosphere of the restaurant."

10 dead in Kabul attack

Kabul: At least 10 people, nine of them foreigners, were killed on Tuesday when a suicide bomber blew himself up on a major highway leading to the international airport in Kabul, security officials said. An Afghan official said nine foreigners and an Afghan were killed, and two Afghan policemen wounded.

"The foreigners were from a private company working at the airport," the official said.

world 23

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

China pushes Japan with sea claims, trade threats

Beijing: China has moved to bolster its legal position in a volatile territorial dispute with Japan warning that Japan could endure another "lost decade" of economic stagnation if Beijing turns to trade retaliation. The volley of warnings from Chinese officials and newspapers came after a weekend of protests across dozens of cities, some of them violent.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda urged Beijing to ensure Japan's people and property were protected. The ruling Chinese Communist Party, which rarely allows street protests, opened the door to the display of public anger after Japan's decision last week to buy disputed East China Sea islands, which Tokyo calls the Senkaku and Beijing calls the Diaoyu, from a private Japanese owner.

Beijing called that a severe violation of its sover-

eignty and the dispute has triggered a wave of nationalist ire that the Chinese government has sought to both channel and contain.

China's latest effort to show resolve in the dispute was to announce it will submit to a United Nations commission a proposal spelling out its claims in the East China Sea, based on its definition of the limits of its continental shelf. The planned submission "reflects the Chinese government's unwavering determination and will to protect national maritime rights", said Deng Zhonghua, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official in charge of boundary and maritime issues. Smaller protest marches resumed in front of the Japanese embassy in Beijing, watched by hundreds of police and anti-riot officers, but were nothing like the thousands who turned out in several cities at the weekend.

Maldives bans dancing in public

Male: The Maldives government has banned dancing in public as part of a campaign to strengthen 'Islamic values' on the tropical islands resort.

Opponents have denounced the ban as evidence of creeping Islamisation by hardliners within the government of Mohammed Waheed Hassan, the controversial president who came to power earlier this year following an alleged coup.

Supporters of former president Mohamed Nasheed, who resigned following a revolt by the country's police and armed forces, said the West had turned its back on democracy on the islands and was standing by while radical Muslims impose Islamic laws on the traditionally liberal society.

While the Maldives has seen militant activity from a small group of al-Qaeda supporters, it is regarded as liberal Islamic society

Jagmohan Singh is no more, but his legacy will live on

By Manu Jagmohan Singh Sardar Jagmohan Singh lived a thousand lives in one lifetime. Whatever he did in life he did it with his heart. He was a thinker par excellence, superbly executive in his actions and someone whose presence was enough to get heads to turn. No matter how much we knew we really only knew very little about him.

He won hearts the world over with his soulful nature and inimitable rendition in all fields. Credited for helping the revival of Punjabi talent and culture worldwide, he was responsible for single handedly changing the lives of non-resident Indians all over the world. As an entrepreneur, Jagmohan Singh was a distinctive person.

The youngest among five brothers and a sister, Jagmohan Singh was born in New Delhi in 1949. He got the right grooming from his parents Smt Sunder Kaur and Sardar Durlab Singh, the veteran journalist of his times, the founder of popular weekly Indian Observer. On completing graduation, Jagmohan Singh joined the family owned newspaper. He soon founded Shiromani Institute in the year 1975 and served as the Secretary General. The first conference of the institute was held at the FICCI auditorium in the presence of Shri Jagjiwan Ram as the chief guest.

Within a couple of years the Shiromani Awards came to be recognized as one of the most prestigious events. He founded NRI Institute in 1989 to bring foreign – based Indians closer to their roots – Mother India. This was a brand new concept. Holding seminars, symposia and conferences both nationally and internationally, NRI Institute started to open various global chapters and also begun celebrating NRI Divas in the month of January in the years that followed. Ultimately Mr Singh

succeeded in his mission as the authorities who mattered were brought face to face with the invited NRIs with their long standing problems and demands like dual citizenship and investment strategies.

BIB Media: Jagmohan Singh led a popular media house in India called BIB Media Private Limited. In his capacity as Editor-in-Chief, he has been consistently focusing on the most creative and intelligent work in the magazines – Real Estate Observer (a leading monthly on the realty world); NRI Achievers – Doing India Proud (a magazine dedicated to the thriving and successful Indian Diaspora).

Global Punjabi Society: Jagmohan Singh was popular with the global Indian community and was recognized by his countrymen for having founded the Global Punjabi Society in the Year 2010.

His dedicated service was initiated to bring together Punjabi Indians and Punjabi Non- Resident Indians on a common platform in order to strengthen the relationship between the two.

Jagmohan Singh was a man with a big heart and a philanthropist too. He was an inspiration for the youth.

Mr. Singh faced serious medical complications in his health during his last couple of months and had to be admitted in hospital on 1st of July, 2012. He battled bravely but lost his life on 11th of July 2012. His life was lost but his legacy continues and will have eternal meaning.

compared with countries like Saudi Arabia. While men and women do not dance together in public at nightclubs, they do at private parties where women wear western clothes.

According to a circular sent by the Islamic Affairs ministry, the party is now over and men and women caught dancing together will be considered guilty of 'indecency.' It said the government should not stage singing and dancing performances at events to mark official occasions.

Performances by children, but not by adolescent girls, would be

acceptable, along with military parades, singing the national anthem and performances by scouts and girl guides.

The country's traditional Thaaratambourine folk dance was also acceptable, the ministry said.

The country's Youth Affairs minister Mohamed Shareef said the circular contained 'guidelines' on behaviour regarded as "indecent." "There is a public debate on music and dance and what is permissible according to religion and culture. What the guidelines are saying is that if people are dancing in an indecent manner, it should not be allowed," he said.

But Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, spokesman for

the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, a sister party to Britain's Conservatives, said he feared the police will now raid events where they suspect young people are dancing together.

"We have spa resorts which have been raided by the police because they have massage therapy.

Now we will see the police raid private parties, the police will crack down," he said.

Half the islands' 300,000 population is under 35, high numbers speak English as a second language, and attitudes are sufficiently liberal to shock Arab or Pakistani visitors, he added.

The marriage of divorced women to younger men "doesn't raise an eyebrow here", he said, and few leaders' wives or daughters wear the veil.

"This is a home grown democracy with very liberal values," he added.

24

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

US Congressman campaigns to invite Modi In Focus A US Congressman who has mounted a campaign to revoke the ban on an American visa for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi says in the "trying economic times" this country "could learn a great deal from him". "Modi has been recognized across the world for his staunch stance against corruption and for making Gujarat a shining example of the successes that progrowth, limited government policies can create. In the US's trying economic times, we could learn a great deal from him. Instead of denying him a visa, we should be inviting him to apply," Republican Congressman Joe Walsh, who represents Illinois' 8th district from the Chicago area. In recent months at the urging of his particularly vocal Indian American constituents Congressman Walsh has stepped up his campaign to end the seven-year-old ban by writing to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. In a letter dated June 13, 2012, Walsh said, "The basis on which Modi was denied a diplomatic visa was unfounded and not in compliance with US law.

Walsh is a controversial

figure known for his strong anti-big government views and is seen as a favorite of the Tea Party movement, implacably opposed to the Obama administration generally and President Barack Obama personally. In certain sections of Chicago's Indian American community, particularly those who support Modi, he is a popular figure.

The ban on Modi was imposed in 2005 when George W. Bush was president and has been continued by his successor Barack Obama. It was imposed under a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act relating to foreign government officials "who have committed particularly severe violations of religious freedom." In the case of the Gujarat chief minister,the 2002 Gujarat riots,

SC issues notice to Centre over coal block allocations The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre on coal block allocations and has asked the govt what action it proposes to take against illegal allotments and those allottees who breached the contract. The apex court has asked the coal secretary to file affidavit answering 6 questions on a PIL seeking cancellation of all 194 coal mine blocks under controversy. The apex court's posers to the government includes — Why competitive bidding process was not followed for allocation of coal blocks?

What were the guidelines for allocation of coal blocks and whether there was any deviation during actual allocation? Why so many politicians and their relatives figure among the alleged irregular allottees? Whether the guidelines for allocation overlooked the safety mechanism to render the allotments as largesse in favour of private parties?

Whether govt's objective in

coal block allocation has been achieved through the present mode of allocation, which was faulted by the CAG? The apex court has asked the coal secretary to file a response in 8 weeks.Turning down the Centre's plea that the court should not go into the issue as it is being looked into by a Parliamentary committee, the apex court said "these are different exercises." A bench of justices R M Lodha and A R Dave said the petition raised serious questions and "it requires explanation from the government". "There is difference in exercise done by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Parliament and PAC can proceed with the issue on the basis of the CAG report. We don't want to encroach upon their exercise but the petition raises different things altogether. There are sufficient averments which require explanation from you," the court said.

The coal ministry had decided to deallocate 4 coal blocks.

in which hundreds of Muslims were killed, were the primary cause that triggered this particular section.

However, it is Walsh's argument that Modi "has never been tried nor convicted, as required under this statute, of any religious crimes in any country. Regardless, the statute states that he can be denied a visa only up to 24 months after a conviction.

The allegations arose in 2002; it is now 2012."

In a reply to the Congressman dated July 3, 2012, David S Adams, Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs at the State Department, countered the argument. He said that the twoyear limitation cited by Walsh was eliminated under a section of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. "This provision now makes persons found to have committed these acts permanently ineligible for a visa. No conviction is required," Adams said. He, however, said, "Should Modi submit a new application for a visa in the future, he will be given every possible consideration consistent with U.S. law and policy."

Notwithstanding that, Walsh maintained in his inter-

view that both the administrations have got this issue wrong. "Modi has neither been tried nor convicted of any religious crimes in any country," he said. Asked how hopeful he is of a resolution of this case, Walsh said "I would not be taking on this cause if I were not hopeful that a resolution was possible. This is an important issue to many of my constituents and I plan on seeing it through." On how aware he is of the extent of violence, widely seen in India as being at the very least connived at by the Modi government, he said, "I am aware of the unfortunate violence in the region, but from what I have read and heard, there is no evidence that Modi was behind or supported those actions. In fact, it appears as though Modi has rightly made attempts to try to bring together the Hindu and Muslim groups to ensure that future violence does not occur.

A goal everyone shares."

Walsh said he has spoken to Modi "briefly by phone."He also said he knows about the conviction of Modi's former education and children welfare minister Maya Kodnani but disagreed that brought complicity potentially a step closer to the chief minister.

Modi challenges ‘scared’ Rahul to come and campaign in Gujarat

Amid growing speculation of a Narendra Modi versus Rahul Gandhi electoral battle in 2014, the Gujarat chief minister indirectly challenged Rahul to come and campaign in the state. "Now Congress says Rahul is not coming to Gujarat. Why? People of the state and I want to know the reason. Does he think Gujarat is so bad that he won't tour the state?" Modi said, addressing a rally in Mota Pondha village in Valsad district of south Gujarat.

Modi's jibe comes at a time when the Congress does not want to take any chances to pit the 42-year-old party general secretary against the BJP strongman on his own turf, lest he suffer the ignominy similar to the Uttar Pradesh debacle and further dent is already waning.

Modi addressed a series of rallies in south Gujarat as a part of his month-long Swami

Vivekanand Yuva Vikas Yatra.

In Pardi town near Vapi, BJP leader Smriti Irani also took potshots at Rahul saying, "How can he come to Gujarat when he has completely lost face after Congress's drubbing in Uttar Pradesh elections?"

Addressing a rally in Valsad, Modi threw an open challenge to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi. "I am ready for any contest," he said. Modi was also severe in his criticism of Congress's slogan 'Change the direction to change your condition' saying that the party's only direction was "dynasty rule".

"Only one family gets importance.... If they make someone Prime Minister, he has to go to the family before taking any decision," he said. "Congress's 'direction' is of nepotism, spreading communalism, divisive politics and not fulfilling promises," he alleged.

Coalgate: BJP trains guns on Congress, demands President's intervention A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation met President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to highlight the UPA Government's wrong approach on the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India on the coal blocks allocation issue and sought his intervention in the matter. BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani said it was a formal meeting with President Mukherjee in which Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley and Public Accounts Committee chairman Murli Manohar Joshi were present. Stating that the

Public Accounts Committee chairman has to examine every report of the CAG, he said: "We all jointly came to request the President that while our battle against corruption will continue against the government in Parliament and outside Parliament, it is his duty as defender of the Constitution to intervene if any constitutional institution is sought to be undermined or weakened."

"We told him that the statement made by the Prime Minister in Parliament or by the Prime Minister's Office during the last few days was against the CAG. They said that the CAG report is wrong on multiple counts. If the

Prime Minister himself makes such statements then his subordinates get a license to make remarks. We really felt bad to listen to the remarks made by a Congress spokesperson that the CAG and the BJP jointly did not allow the Parliament to function," he added.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari had earlier this week alleged the government auditor was as much responsible as BJP for the disruption of the just-concluded monsoon session of Parliament on the coalmine allocation issue.

The ruling Congress Party and the BJP have so far been

at loggerheads over the coal blocks allocation issue with the latter firm on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's resignation. Union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal had earlier on Tuesday challenged the BJP leaders to prove their allegations against him in the coal block allocation issue, saying they were free to visit his office to collect any information.

"An attempt is being made to create confusion... it is my challenge that I will be in the office tomorrow, they come and take all information . After that either they should have to apologise to the country or I will," he said.

Aseem Trivedi walks out of jail

Cartoonist Aseem Trivedi walked out of prison, four days after he was charged with sedition. Trivedi, an activist of India Against Corruption (IAC), had been given bail Tuesday. The case had led to outrage in the country. Trivedi was arrested on Saturday and sent to police custody for seven days.

He was charged with sedition for drawing cartoons insulting the Indian emblem, including the constitution, during Anna Hazare' anti-corruption movement in Mumbai in December 2011.Following nationwide outrage, the Mumbai police produced him before a court where he was granted judicial custody till Sep 24. The Bombay High Court granted bail of Rs.5,000 to Trivedi in a public suit filed by a lawyer Sanskar Marathe. Trivedi declined to be released until the sedition charge, slapped

by Mumbai police on him, was withdrawn.

Aarushi murder case: SC grants bail to Nupur Talwar

The Supreme Court granted bail to Nupur Talwar in connection with the double murders of of 14-year-old Aarushi Talwar and her family's domestic help Hemraj. Nupur, a coaccused in the sensational double murders along with her dentist husband Rajesh Talwar, is currently lodged in Ghaziabad's Dasna Jail since April 30. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), during the last hearing, had argued that she could influence witnesses, if granted bail. On May 16, 2008: Aarushi Talwar, the daughter of doctor couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar found dead with her throat slit in the bedroom of her flat in Jalvayu Vihar in Noida; domestic help Hemraj suspected. A special Ghaziabad court orders that Rajesh and Nupur Talwar be tried for Aarushi's murder. The couple will also be prosecuted for destruction of evidence.

47 die in Uttarakhand cloudburst

Nine persons were on Sunday killed and five others injured as several houses caved in following a series of cloudbursts in different areas of Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, taking the death toll since Friday to 47.

Cloudbursts struck four villages including Kirorimalla, Timli Badma, Dugur Shemla and Simbal in which nine persons died and five others were injured. With these deaths, toll in Rudraprayag district in the last two days went up to 47, whereas, five persons were injured and 23 others still missing. A house was flattened in the cloudburst at Kirorimalla village in Jalokhi area killing five persons, including three women, he said. A temple was washed away in the rains triggered by a cloudburst in Timli Badma village of Jalokhi.

Two persons were killed in the landslide triggered by cloudbursts in Dugur Shemla and Simbal. Rautela said that 38 bodies had been recovered with the help of the Army and ITBP personnel. Overall, 131 families have been affected by the natural calamity.

13 killed in continuous rainfall in Uttar Pradesh

Continuous rainfall following vigorous monsoon, specially over the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, claimed thirteen lives in different parts of the state in different rain-related incidents. Reports reaching in Lucknow said that three people died after being struck by lightning in Azamgarh, two people each died in Firozabad, Barabanki, Ambedkarnagar and Lakhimpur and one each in Bhadohi and Sultanpur in rain-related incidents including house collapse. A report from Barabanki said that about half-a-dozen villages around the Charsandi embankment were submerged in the water and administration was shifting the people to safer places.

Ex-IAS officer convicted of rape

A court in Chhattisgarh convicted a former IAS officer of raping, wrongfully restraining and criminally intimidating a female anganwadi supervisor 10 years back. Jashpur district and sessions judge Prabhat Kumar Shastri sentenced M R Sarthi, the IAS officer, concurrently to seven-year imprisonment for rape, one-year jail for wrongful restraint and two-years in prison for criminal intimidation.

He was also fined Rs 10,000. Sarthi, who has served as tribal welfare department special secretary and Jashpur district collector, is the first IAS officer to be convicted.

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

HC warns cops to stop playing judge The Bombay high court has come down heavily on the police for showing propensity to play “judge” and force a settlement in disputes. In two recent cases, the court warned the force of strict action for summarily taking sides and imposing its verdict. “Such conduct inevitably impinges upon the rule of law.Khan had alleged that Kalamboli police landed at his home and forced him to relinquish the custody of his two minor sons to his estranged wife.The court asked the state government to initiate strict action against policemen who indulge in similar unwarrantable conduct. “(Send a copy of the order to the government for) issuing instructions to all concerned that in future if such a complaint is received against any police officer, it will be viewed seriously and appropriate departmental action will be taken against the erring police officer.”

Suresh Kalmadi barred from contest Delhi High Court ruled that former Indian Olympic Association chief Suresh Kalmadi cannot contest for the post anymore. Delhi HC has ordered the IOA polls to be held on the basis of the sports code, which does not allow more than three terms for IOA chief.

Kalmadi, who is out on bail in the CWG scam, has headed the IOA for 18 years.

IC-814 hijack suspect arrested in J and K The Jammu and Kashmir Police here have arrested Mehrajuddin Dand alias Javed, suspected for providing fake travel documents and logistical support to the hijackers of Indian Airlines flight IC814 in 1999. Allegedly a top man of the Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and considered the right hand man of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, Mehrajuddin is also said to have links with Dawood Ibrahim.

Besides being an important fundraiser, he was also allegedly involved in many terror activities, including 1996 Lajpat Nagar blasts.

Mehrajuddin has been operating in Kishtwar district for over 20 years. He used to live in Nepal with a Hindu name and has hideouts across India.

Indian Airlines flight IC814, with mostly Indians on board, had taken off from Nepal on the Christmas Eve thirteen years ago, and was hijacked in the Indian airspace.

Anna Hazare admits rift in anti-corruption movement Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare admitted to differences with Arvind Kejriwal and other members of the India Against Corruption (IAC) group on various issues. The 75year old Hazare reiterated that he would not launch a political party to fight corruption.

"However, Kejriwal is free to launch a political party if he wants," Hazare told the media, emerging from a meeting with a few prominent social workers in Pune.

Asked if he would support candidates put up by Kejriwal's party, Hazare said: "Our destination is common, only the paths are different."

Hazare announced he would soon embark on a nationwide tour to create awareness on corruption and revive the anti-graft

movement which has been floundering in recent months. Indicating a growing rift within the anti-corruption movement he launched nearly two years ago, Hazare has cast his net wide to include prominent personalities with a clean image to join or advise his campaign. Of the 35 top social personalities he has invited, he had meetings with half a dozen in Pune. He will meet more people in New Delhi.

Some of them are Prakash

Amte, Abhay Bang, Girish Prabhune, Suniti S.R., Medha Patkar, Vishwambhar Choudhary, Surekha Dalwi, Ulka Mahajan, Bhau Torsekar, Narendra Dabholkar, Jaywant Matkar and Avinash Dharmadhikari.

While many have responded positively to the invitation, a few have cited prior commitments to keep away from Hazare for now. Hazare's declaration that he would neither contest elections nor form a political party effectively threw cold water on a 'referendum' by IAC, the results of which were released. According to IAC, its week-long survey attracted 737,041 respondents of whom 561,701 (76 percent) favoured a political party while the rest were against the idea.

Canada wants to sell N-reactors to India

Canada wants to sell nuclear reactors to India.

Putting behind a troubled nuclear history with India, Canadian foreign minister John Baird said, "We have turned the page with India. India is a very different country." With Canada emerging as an energy superpower, buoyed by a thriving economy, the minister said, "We value and welcome Indian investment in natural resources and energy."

Baird is in New Delhi to meet foreign minister S M Krishna and prepare for a November summit visit by Canadian PM Stephen Harper.

A nuclear deal between Canada and India signed in 2010 is yet to be operationalized, waiting for a follow-up end-user agreement. After meeting Baird, Krishna said, "We also look forward to early completion of negotiations on Appropriate Arrangements

for the bilateral Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed in 2010."

Acknowledging that the agreement was "actively discussed", Baird said, "We're readying an enduser pact with India, same thing we have with 42 countries. We're not asking for or imposing any additional obligations on India." Canada is emerging as a favourite source for energy and resources for India. New Delhi wants to buy oil and gas from Canada especially after abundant oil finds from its tar sands. Baird said Canada was ready to supply oil and gas to India from its oilfields in the west as well as the east.

India is trying to use Canada as a route to ship out US oil and gas as well.

The two nations are also working on a bilateral investment protection pact and a comprehensive eco-

nomic partnership agreement. Baird said, "This is very important for Canadian firms and investors." With separatist Khalistan activities growing in parts of Canada, both nations are teaming up to fight terrorism. Baird said, "Our political director has been here, meeting officials. Our two countries have the same end while fighting terrorism."

25 INDIA 10 bypass grafts give man fresh lease of life in not just the three major In a path breaking surgery

conducted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s heart surgeon Dr Ramakant Panda, a patient from Ludhiana was saved from a fatal heart attack after 10 separate bypass grafts were created for blood to flow smoothly from and into the heart.

The eight-hour-long procedure, conducted at Mumbai’s Asian Heart Institute last week, could be the first such surgery where so many grafts were created to bypass clogged arteries. Panda and his team took 18 cm of healthy artery from the chest (left and right mammary arteries) of 55-year-old Pawan Agarwal and divided them into 10 different grafts, which were then connected to the blocked coronary artery. The grafted artery bypasses the blocked portion of the coronary artery.

This creates a new path for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart muscle.

Surgeons can bypass multiple coronary arteries during one surgery.

Dr Panda said, “I have done a maximum of eight grafts on a single patient in my entire career. This was the first time that 10 grafts were created.

Most patients require just three grafts. But this patient was in seriously bad condition.”

Panda added, “We noticed multiple blockages

arteries of the heart but also in its smaller branches. While we used 10 grafts to bypass blocked arteries, one artery was so badly blocked that we couldn’t create a bypass. We, therefore, additionally conducted an arterial cleansing procedure (endartectomy) to clean up the blockage.”

Agarwal has been suffering from diabetes for two decades. But in August, he started experiencing severe palpitation.

Upon examination by a cardiologist in Ludhiana, he was told that he was not fit for either an angioplasty or bypass surgery, as he had 90% blockages in two of the major heart arteries and another 100% damaged artery. He was diagnosed with a very advanced triple vessel coronary artery disease.

He couldn’t even walk 500 metres without palpitation and reported severe left arm pain, which was increasing progressively.

What was worse is that while normally the coronary artery that takes pure blood back to the heart is about 2mm in diameter, in Agarwal’s case, it was just about 1mm in diameter.

Panda then decided to conduct a coronary artery bypass grafting on him - a type of surgery that improves blood flow to the heart.

. 7B:4+8 ,E3>3?5 E; .74.+ ?+5?:5.4+-?+5

Bapu’s Autobiography to be turned into Graphic Novel Gandhians often find it difficult to explain the relevance of the Mahatma to youngsters. But they have got some help from two young professionals, who are taking Gandhi’s message – his autobiography ‘The story of my experiments with truth’ – to the on-themove generation, which has grown up reading superhero comics.

Documentary filmmaker Janhavi Prasada and illustrator Girish Arora, a graduate of the National Institute for Design (NID) have joined hands to create a graphic version of Bapu’s autobiography – the first in the world. The graphic novel is in the final stages of review and is being vetted by Gandhian scholars. We chose the graphic novel form because it has a strong

visual connect – the person in the autobiography is brought to life. This art form is the most poignant way of telling complex and important stories,” says Prasada, who along with Arora, has been working on the project for the last 18 RK Laxman months.

The graphic adruns into more than 200 pages and tries to visually engage Bapu with today's youth.

The book will capture Bapu’s principles of fairness in political life, the use of civil disobedience only to remind adversaries of their common humanity and also his quest for truth from childhood days till his death. “Bapu was always seen in the context of preindependence India. Very few are aware that his principles are dynamic and applicable to our daily lives.

!(&$ %'#)"

,F#2"$2C@ =%' A=%"=) !<%920=) D<92F2@= & <F"<

&!&# $"% &&!%

GE3: *6.++?/ E; *6E4*?

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

26

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Ajmal Kasab forwards mercy plea to President Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab has filed a mercy plea in connection with his role in the 26/11 terror attacks case.

His mercy petition has been sent to the President's office

by Arthur Road Jail officials.

The Supreme Court had earlier upheld the death sentence awarded to him in the terror attacks in which 166 people were killed. A bench of Justices Aftab Alam and C

K Prasad dismissed the plea

of 25-year-old Kasab challenging his conviction and death sentence confirmed by the Bombay High Court. The bench also observed that the failure of government to provide him an advocate at the pre-trial stage did not vitiate trial court proceedings against him. It also held that the confessional statement given by Kasab, which he retracted during trial, was

very much voluntary except a very small portion. The apex court had appointed senior advocate Raju Ramachandran as amicus curiae to argue on behalf of Kasab. Kasab, during the argument in the apex court, had contended that he was not given a free and fair trial and that he was not the part of any larger conspiracy for waging war against India.

both growth and inclusion.

"This is the scenario we should aim for".

Scenario II, called "insufficient action", describes state of partial action with weak implementation. In this scenario, the virtuous cycles that reinforce growth in Scenario I, will not kick in, and growth can easily slow down to 6 to 6.5 per cent. Singh said inclusiveness will also suffer. "This is where we will end up if we make only half-hearted efforts and slip in implementation. It is my sincere hope that we do not do so."

Calling scenario III as "policy logjam", he said it reflects a situation where for one reason or another most of

the policies needed to achieve scenario I are not taken.

"If this continues for any length of time, vicious cycles begin to set in and growth could easily collapse to about 5 per cent per year, with very poor outcomes on inclusion.

"I urge everyone interested in the country's future to understand fully the implications of this scenario. They will quickly come to an agreement that the people of India deserve better than this," Singh said.

BJP vehemently opposed the decision to allow FDI in retail trade and charged the government with taking the decision at the behest of "foreign pressure".

"FDI in retail is not the need of the country at this moment. As far as Wal-Mart is concerned, they won't come for charity. They are coming for profit. They want market. Allowing FDI for infrastructure development is not true", BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar told a press conference. Allowing FDI in multi-brand retail will result in lot of unemployment and farmers will not be benefited, he said, demanding that government withdraw the decision. The BJP leader said his party was not opposed to FDI per se, but opposed in retail trade. "We want FDI in technology and strategic sector", he said.

gas and water cannon to disperse hundreds of demonstrators who massed outside the US Embassy in Jakarta, capital of the most populous Muslim nation. In Kabul, protesters set fire to cars and shops and threw stones at police.

"We will defend our Prophet until we have blood across our bodies. We will not let anyone insult him," said one protester in the Afghan capital. "Americans will pay for their dishonour." Protests also took place in Afghanistan, Indonesia, the West Bank, the Philippines and Yemen in the latest eruptions of anger over the low budget trailer aired on YouTube that has now led to the deaths of at least 19 people.

The movie entitled

“Innocence of Muslims”, believed to have been produced by a small group of extremist Christians, has sparked a week of furious protests outside US embassies and other American symbols in at least 20 countries.

In Pakistan a crowd of about 800 people set fire to a magistrate’s house and the local press club. In Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city, another demonstrator died after being shot in the head during clashes with police near the US consulate on Sunday.

Around 500 angry protesters in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore tried to reach the US consulate but were driven back by police with tear gas.

In neighbouring

Afghanistan, protests turned violent for the first time when more than 1,000 Afghans protested in Kabul, Google has barred access to the video in Egypt, India, Indonesia, Libya and Malaysia, while the government has restricted access to Google-owned YouTube in Afghanistan. The Pakistan Telecom Authority said it had blocked 934 “antiIslamwebsites” on the Internet and over 650 video postings, or URLs, on YouTube. The move came after the Pakistani SC earlier ordered the blocking of access to “all anti-Islamic blasphemous videos on YouTube, including the recently launched anti-Islamic film that has sparked protests across Muslim world”.

Manmohan opens up Indian economy

Continued from page 1 FICCI general secretary Rajiv Kumar said, "This is a big step. We welcome this move," adding, "We hope the Opposition will not target the move as it is good for the economy."

The Prime Minister said the central message of the plan is that the objectives can be achieved provided policies that will take care of weaknesses put in place. For the first time the plan introduces three alternative scenarios.

Under scenario I called "strong inclusive growth" one can expect a number of virtuous cycles to start operating leading to positive results on

Al-Qaida to target US diplomats

Continued from page 1 States and posted on the Internet has ignited days of demonstrations in the Arab world, Africa, Asia and in some Western countries.

The US ambassador to Libya and three other Americans were killed in an attack in Benghazi, and American and other foreign embassies were stormed in cities in Asia, Africa and the Middle East by furious Muslims. At least nine other people were killed.

A suicide bomber blew up a minivan near the airport in the Afghan capital and a spokesman for the Hezb-eIslami insurgent group claimed responsibility.

Indonesian police fired tear

Unique 'Music Therapy' concert to be held at Royal Albert Hall Continued from page 1 Sri Swamiji has presented Music Therapy concert for the first time to an audience in Holland in 1987 and has performed at some of the world's finest venues: from the Lincoln Center in USA to Esplanade in Singapore and from the Diamond in Copenhagen to the Bass Hall in Dallas.

Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, is a venerated sage of our time, who brought the Raga Ragini Music therapy to the forefront. A yogi who has worked wonders in promoting ancient Vedic culture, classical music and encouraged social reforms along with humanitarian activities has managed to promote the power of music for personal healing and meditation.

Among stalwarts, he is hailed as a Nada Yoga and has gained recognition as the musical genius of our time.

He has ancestry traces to

the musical giant Sri Venkatmakhin, a musicologist who systematised the 72 Melakartha Ragas of classical music. Sri Swamiji’s Guru and Mother, Mata Jayalakshmi, an erudite scholar and musician herself, identified the great musical abilities in the child Swamiji.

She passed on the great powers of Yoga and music to her child, Sri Swamiji. The music that came was in the form of Yoga, corporating the specific musical notes in a Raga. This yoga energy can be transmitted on a particular person and further through sound vibrations, where imbalanced health can be balanced.

After four decades of continuous experiments on plants, animals and humans, Sri Swamiji came to the conclusion that music certainly has beneficial energies on the 72,000 astral nerves (Nadis) of the human body. Sri Swamiji uses modified synthesiser to produce sounds using

a variety of instruments and adeptly names his modified synthesiser as “Modern Veena”. The world has witnessed Sri Swamiji’s music bringing in a newer dimension as a complimentary healing system alongside the traditional and modern medicine.

Sri Swamiji has also popluarised many rare Ragas. Some of the hundreds of Ragas he has used include Sallapam, Gauri, Ambhojini, Jhanjhooti, Shadvidhamaargini, Mala Dharini, Padmini, Nagavalli, Vitapi, Kuvalayabharanam, Latantapriya, Sutradhari, Hamsavinodini, Bhanukanti, Trinetrapriya, and Sumanasa Ranjani. Not only is Sri Swamiji a musician parexcellence, but he is also a great composer and a gifted singer.

In Indian parlance,one single individual who does a triad of activities, i.e., composing, setting to tune and then singing is known as a “Vaggeyakara”.

Sri Swamiji belongs to this very rare genre of musical per-

sonalities. The Vice President of India, Dr. Krishna Kanth commented: “It goes to the singular credit of Sri Swamiji to have distilled the Indian music to healing and meditation music and music lovers are indebted to Sri Swamiji for generations to come.” Sri Swamiji’s music has touched the hearts of statesman to the common man, musicians to layman in the same wonderful way.

Sri Swamiji’s asharam, ‘Avadhoota Dattapeetham is located in Mysore, State of Karnataka, South India.

Alongside this, he has built hundreds of ashrams and schools in rural parts of India, which have predominantly benefitted handicapped children and destitute women.

Regular facilities such as wheelchairs and so on comes down to the generosity of its donors. The funds generated from musical concerts are used for charitable works carried out by Shri Swamiji.

In Focus KS Sudarshan, former RSS chief, passes away

Former RSS Sarsanghchalak, KS Sudarshan (81), died after suffering a heart attack.

Sudarshan, who led the right-wing Hindu organization from 2000-2009, had arrived in the city from Jabalpur and was staying at the local RSS office.

Though Sudarshan had been staying with his family in Mysore for quite some time, he was born in this very city on June 18, 1931 in a Sanketi Brahmin family. He did his Bachelor of Engineering in Telecommunications (honours) from Sagar University.He joined RRS Shakha at a young age of nine years and became a prachark in 1954. He went on to become the prant pracharak of Madhya Bharat in 1964.

He also the headed the RSS think tank, Boudhik Cell, and in 1990 he became the joint general secretary of the organisation and later he became the Sarsanghchalak.

Srinagar Mufti asks US citizens to leave Kashmir

The top clergyman in Srinagar, Mufti Azam Bashiruddin, asked US citizens to leave the Kashmir valley immediately to avoid public wrath in the wake of video clips on the web that disparage Prophet Mohammed. Mufti, the self-appointed chief justice of the 'shariat' (Islamic) court in Kashmir, asked people to observe complete strike in protest against the film. The Jammu & Kashmir government, too, strongly denounced the act of desecration saying such acts are aimed at causing discord among the people of different faiths.The official spokesman said, "Such a video causes great anguish among the peace loving people. Posting such clips on social media sites is not acceptable. The government is making every effort to ensure that such blasphemous clips are blocked and removed from the cyberspace."

Woman booked for comments on Facebook

A 22-year-old woman, Henna Bakshi, who claims to be winner of Geeta Chopra bravery award over a decade back for nabbing a burglar, was booked for allegedly using abusive language in her posts on UT traffic police's Facebook page. She and another person have been booked under various sections of the IT Act at industrial area police station on a complaint by a traffic police personnel. Henna has claimed she had to face harassment after her Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) was stolen from her friend's house, describing the process to register an FIR in the vehicle theft case as "stressful". She has also alleged that she was not contacted by the police regarding progress in her case and was not given satisfactory response when she tried to enquire. She then posted the comments on the Chandigarh Police's Facebook page. She has denied that she posted any objectionable comments on the Facebook pages.

Desist from sensationalizing news, Manmohan tells media

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said media should avoid the desire to be sensational and exercise restraint so that nothing that divides society and country is written, broadcast or telecast. The media has a very important role to play in promoting greater communal harmony and inter-group and inter-community dialogue and its reporting and opinions should be "fair, objective and balanced", Singh said. Singh's advice to the media against sensationalism came while referring to the recent violence in Assam and its reverberations in other parts of the country which saw exodus of north-easterners back to their home states. Singh said the tragic developments in Assam and their reverberations in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and other places have shown that "We cannot afford to take social peace and harmony for granted".

WORLD 27

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Playing other woman in ‘Kya Hua Tera Wada’ is an opportunity to get out of stereotype: Mouli Ganguly Mouli Ganguly is looking million bucks and is raising viewers’ eyebrows by giving such a powerhouse performance in Ekta Kapoor’s TV serial ‘Kya Hua Tera Wada’ that is focusing on extra marital affair. Her role is most critical and flows on a thin line of grey, it is about playing ‘other woman’ in couple’s life. But she has enacted the role so well that it does convey some positive side to it.

We all are living in complex world, life is not that simple and there are many factors that actually count. In reality, people always think that the other woman in a man's life is to blame. It might not be morally correct, but the other woman may be filling the void in a man's life and understands him better. That does not necessarily mean that he does not love his wife.

Viacom18 to launch new channel ˉ ‘Rishtey’ in UK

With thick and thin, Mouli makes the serial very interesting and her role makes lot of sense and shows the real side of our life.

Previously, she was popular for her role as Shaina in 'Kaahin Kissi Roz'. She is an extremely versatile actress who likes to challenge herself with different kinds of roles.

She was a science graduate from Kolkata and then went to Mumbai to do her hotel management degree. Soon she realized that she was not cut out for it and left it midway. Then she joined a course in mass communication and did not complete that either.

At that very point she started getting a lot of modeling offers and could not resist the temptation of being a part of it. Entering the glam world was a taboo for her family but she managed to secure her

"

position in a very short span.

She did quite a few modeling assignments including Pears, Rin, Ariel, Close-Up, Double Diamond, Asian Paints, Sonam Quartz, Britannia, Maggie, and Bombay Dyeing.

The first time she faced the camera was for an ad film but later on she decided to take acting and modeling as her professional career. In the initial stages she was quite casual about it but later on she took it seriously, which is evident both from her performance and her choice of roles.

The best trait in her is that she never likes to give up and keep on trying till the end but this is only where her work is concerned. She does not like to plan deep ahead for her future but she would definitely like to hit the Bollywood squad if she gets a

role that is good enough to arouse her interest. She had made a mark in the silver screen as well by her role in the film “Raincoat” by the renowned filmmaker Rituporno Ghosh.

She is married to TV actor Mazhar Sayed after being in relationship for seven years. “My husband understands me perfectly well and that’s why I can afford to give long hours for TV schedule. During leisure I prefer to spend time with my husband rather than anything else. Both of us are filmaholic so we watch films. I also like to paint or take up a book and read. Soon I will be heading to London and it will be my very first trip to London.

Even my husband is accompanying me, waiting to have good time ahead.” she adds.

! £2.50

per person per day

"

$ ((% Viacom18 announced that it would soon launch a new channel – ‘Rishtey’.

To be launched in UK first

by IndiaCast, ‘Rishtey’ promises to offer ‘variety entertainment’ showcasing content from a spectrum of genres including format shows, fiction, music, news and more.

‘Rishtey’ will be the latest addition to the Viacom18 bouquet of channels that currently includes six entertainment channels MTV, Nickelodeon, Vh1, Colors, Sonic, Comedy Central and film business, Viacom18 Motion Pictures.

‘Rishtey’ will be Viacom18’s second channel in the mass Hindi Entertainment Space after its flagship channel Colors which was launched in July 2008. It will be a freeto-air (FTA) channel and a part of the Colors’ family, available on SKY Channel No.831.

Commenting on the development, Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO Viacom18, said, “While we

have a horizontal presence across television entertainment, with the launch of ‘Rishtey’, we now begin the phase of strengthening our presence in each vertical as well.”

Speaking about ‘Rishtey’, Raj Nayak, CEO – Colors, said, “With ‘Rishtey’ we intend to create a new category within the General Entertainment space, and given the rich mine of content within the Viacom18 Group, we’re confident of ‘Rishtey’ resonating well with both – viewers as well as advertisers.”

Launching ‘Rishtey’ in the UK, Gaurav Gandhi, COO – IndiaCast, said “Rishtey offers a wide range of variety entertainment programme that will engage, entertain and delight the South Asian audiences in the UK. As a free-to-air service, Rishtey perfectly complements our flagship brand Colors, by reaching out to a much wider audience base and giving them a taste of our much loved programming"

) %$ , )

" ! "

! )( + " " )

"%,

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

+ "

"

$ # "

$) %$

"

" ' #

$ %$ -

"

!

-

$

(

!

" %$

+$

*$ '

+$

$ *(

""

)

' $ *"

%

$ $

* *"

$*

! ) %$ - % $ %' ' )- . %% %' " /

% &%$(%'

' )-

28

travel & WOMEN

asian voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Purvi’s travel bag

women achievers

By Purvi Apurva Shah

Bhavna Chikalia - first lady from Gujarat to represent Junagadh in the Lok Sabha four times in a row

By AV Correspondent

It’s monsoon season in Mumbai, it’s refreshing atmosphere to move around the city and have a ball. The monsoon in Mumbai is really crazy, but enjoyable too!.

For a memorable time, experience it along the water's edge at these top six places.

Gateway of India: The most notable of the attractions in Mumbai, the Gateway of India also gets some feisty waves during high tide. Dine on monsoon snacks from the street vendors.

Otherwise, if you have cash to spash, the view across the bay from Souk at the Taj Palace hotel will mesmerize you.

Alternatively, if you're on a budget, casual rooftop bar Bayview is the place to be!

How to get there: Gateway of India is on the waterfront in the Colaba tourist district, opposite the Taj Palace hotel in south Mumbai.

Marine Drive: Affectionately referred to as The Queen's Necklace because of its row of sparkling lights, the three kilo-

meter Marine Drive is the premier destination for experiencing the monsoon in south Mumbai. Join the crowd strolling along the promenade, or plonk yourself down and stare out into the Arabian Sea. If you're there during high tide be prepared to be sprayed from the waves that energetically rise up and onto the road.

Feel like enjoying the monsoon with a cocktail? Head to rooftop bar Dome at the Intercontinental hotel.

How to get there: Marine Drive links Nariman Point to Malabar Hill. If you're taking the Mumbai local train, get off at Marines Lines or Churchgate.

Haji Ali: Haji Ali, both a mosque and a tomb built in 1431, sits right out in the ocean but is connected to land by a narrow pathway. The pathway becomes completely submerged during high tide, giving the impression that it's floating on the water. During low tide, it's possible to walk along the path to Haji Ali. With the waves lapping at your legs, it's an exhilarating experience.

How to get there: Haji Ali is in central Mumbai, just off the coast of Worli.

Take the Mumbai local train to Mahalaxmi railway station.

Worli Seaface: If you can't make it to Marine Drive in south Mumbai, Worli Seaface in central Mumbai is the next best thing. It's also famous for its ferocious waves at high tide during the monsoon, and there's a promenade that you can walk or sit along too.

How to get there: The best options on the Mumbai local train are Elphinston Road or Lower Parel on the Western Line, and Parel or Currey Road on the Central Line. Or, if you're coming from the suburbs, take a drive over the Bandra-Worli Sealink.

Juhu Beach: Over in the plush Mumbai suburbs, visit the snack stalls at Juhu beach and sample some fresh pav bhaji prepared in front of you while you wait. Many of the top Juhu hotels offer discounted Monsoon getaway packages.

How to get there: The nearest railway stations are Santacruz, Andheri and Vile Parle.

Bandra Bandstand: In the hip suburb of Bandra, the revamped Bandstand Promenade extends for around a kilometer from the rocky outcrop where the Taj Land's End hotel is situated. With the

Arabian Sea on one side, and homes of the rich and famous on the other side, it's an evocative place for monsoon dreaming.

While you're there, check out the "Walk of Stars", featuring the hand prints of famous Bollywood actors and actresses.

How to get there: The Mumbai local train stops in Bandra West. From there, take Hill Road.

Bhavna Chikhalia is the first lady of Gujarat who has represented Junagadh in the Lok Sabha for four consecutive terms (from 1191 to 2004). She was also a former Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Tourism and Culture in Government of India (2003-2004). She was executive secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parliamentary Wing from 1993 to 1996, and party Whip and Party Vice President in 1998. She was Chairperson of the Railway Convention Committee during 1999-2002.

Chikhalia was born in a middle class family in a small town named Devalki near Junagadh, Gujarat in 1955. She had started her profession as a Lawyer and has been a social worker ever since. Chikhalia was elected to the Parliament for the very first time in 1991 from Junagadh. That was the beginning of Chikhalia's political career.

In 1993 she became an executive secretary of BJP's parliamentary wing. She got re-elected as a Member of Parliament once again in 1996. She became an active member of Committee on Government Assurances, Communication and

Consultative Committee of Ministry of Railways in 1996-97.

In 1998 she was reelected for the third time.

She was the Vice President of National BJP Mahila Morcha (1998-2000) and Chairperson of Railway Convention Committee in 1999-2002. On April 17, 1999, the BJP coalition government led by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee failed to win a confidence vote in the Lok Sabha falling short of a single vote due to the withdrawal of one of the government’s coalition partners – the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK). Sonia Gandhi, as leader of the opposition and largest opposition party (Indian National Congress) was unable to form a coalition of parties large enough to secure a working majority in the Lok Sabha. Thus shortly after the no confidence motion, President K. R. Narayanan dissolved the Parliament and called for fresh elections. Atal Behari Vajpayee became caretaker prime minister in 1999 till the general election which was held later that year. In the by-election of 1999, Bhavna Chikhalia became the first lady from Gujarat to get elected to

the Lok Sabha for the fourth time consecutively.

That was a major milestone in her career. She was the vice president of all India BJP in 2000 and also the vice president of National Co-operative Housing Federation of India in 2000. She was the chairperson of Gujarat State Housing Finance Corporation for five years.

She was made the Minister of Tourism & Culture, and also held the post of Minister of Parliamentary Affairs with BJP leader Sushma Swaraj. She held these posts from January 2003 until May 2004, when the National Democratic Alliance government lost elections.

Other positions she held included: Executive Secretary, BJP Parliamentary Affairs (1993-1996), Member of National Shipping Board (1996-1998), Vice President, Gujarat Pradesh BJP Mahila Morcha (19961998), 1996-1998 Vice President, All India BJP Mahila Morcha, Whip, BJP Parliamentary Party (Lok Sabha), Executive Committee Member, BJP Parliamentary Party, Vice President, All India BJP, Minister of State of Tourism & Culture and Parliamentary Affairs.

Potato skin spice Potato skins are boiled potatoes filled with spicy chickpeas. This is a mouthwatering snack, that looks great and tastes yummy. It is a delicious and healthy appetizer for the people who don’t like to have oily food.

Recipe will serve 4.

Ingredients: 4 medium size potatoes, 3 cups water, 1 tablespoon salt, 2 tablespoons oil Filling: 1/2 cup chickpeas, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black salt, 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin, 1/2 teaspoon mango powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon finely shredded ginger, 1 tablespoon finely chopped green chili adjust to taste, 1 teaspoon lemon juice.

For Garnish: 2 tablespoons Hari Cilantro Chutney-2 tablespoons Tamarind Chutney Method: Wash the potatoes and slice them into halves without removing the skin. Boil approximately 3 cups of water in a

pan over medium high heat; add salt, oil and potatoes. Cover and cook potatoes till they are tender, which will take approximately 20 minutes. Remove them from the water.

Once the potatoes are cool to touch, scoop out the insides from the center leaving ¼ inch thickness to outside of the potato.

Red potato works best for this recipe because they hold their shape nicely. Set potatoes aside.

Filling: Soak chickpeas for at least 8 hours in 3 cups of water or more.

Boil the chickpeas in 1 ½ cup of water in a pressure cooker over medium high heat. As the pressure cooker begins to steam, lower the heat to medium and cook for 6 minutes. Add all the spices, mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes over low heat.

Spicy chickpeas should be a thick gravy-like consistency, not dry. As chickpeas cool they will absorb the water. Set aside.

Assembling Potato Skin:Take each potato

bowl and coat the inside with one teaspoon of Hari Cilantro Chutney. Place 2 tablespoons of spiced chickpeas into the chutney coated bowl. Drizzle the top with tamarind chutney. Serve warm.

Health Benefits: Potato skins contain fiber that helps to lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Fiber also helps lower cholesterol, control blood sugar levels and create a feeling of fullness, which aids weight loss.

Potatoes with skin are rich in B vitamins. Vitamin B helps to synthesize muscle-building amino acids and healthy red blood cells. A single serving of potato skins offers 6 percent of the daily allowance of iron. Iron aids in oxygenating blood cells, improves muscle and brain function and prevents the onset of anemia.

HealtH WatcH

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

How to keep anxiety in check Anxiety is something we all experience from time to time — from tension before an exam or interview to feeling butterflies in our stomachs on a first date. And a little anxiety can actually be useful. Feeling nervous can get the adrenalin pumping and make you more alert. But it's when shortterm anxiety becomes a more longterm condition that problems start.

Chronic anxiety can be crippling and may lead to an inability to concentrate, constant nausea, palpitations and insomnia. It can also cause other conditions such as depression and even agoraphobia. The important thing to remember about controlling anxiety is quickly conquering it before it gets out of hand — which means managing your stress well.

Choose low GI foods: Your brain needs a steady supply of glucose to enable it to function properly.

Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can affect the brain, leading to mood swings, anxiety and even panic attacks. So try to eat foods that have a low GI (glycaemic index) such as multigrain bread, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and bananas.

Increase vitamin B intake: An adequate intake of this vitamin is essential for a healthy nervous system. All B vitamins are involved in the control of tryptophan, an amino acid used to make the chemical serotonin, that helps regulate mood.

A balanced diet containing meat, fish, eggs, dairy and green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds should supply enough Vitamin B. But if you are not getting enough, take Vitamin B supplements.

Limit your alcohol intake: If you are stressed, anxious or depressed, it may be tempting to drown your sor-

rows with a stiff drink as alcohol can initially make you feel calmer. A recent study suggested people suffering from anxiety were likely to drink heavily. But if you suffer from anxietyrelated disorders, including depression, you should consider limiting your alcohol intake as it affects anxiety-reducing neurotransmitters. Also, once the alcohol wears off, you may be left feeling more anxious because alcohol has a depressant effect.

Keep a stress diary: Over the next few weeks, note which situations, times, places and people make you stressed. Once you have identified these, think about each one and ask yourself 'Can I avoid it?'.

For example, if you find that driving to work is stressful, perhaps you can avoid it by finishing work a bit earlier or later, or by car-sharing with a colleague.

Slow down: Many of us are living our lives at a faster pace, perhaps juggling a fulltime job with a relationship, family commitments and a social life.

As a result, we feel a constant sense of urgency in our daily lives.

This endless feeling of pressure fuels our impatience when we have to wait in a queue or traffic jam, or when the bus or train is late. Instead of stressing about delays, see them as opportunities for welcome thinking or reading.

Drink plenty of water: Your brain needs sufficient water to function properly. Even mild dehydration can affect mental well-being.

Symptoms of dehydration include restlessness and irritability. Experts recommend drinking 1.5 to 2.5 litres of water daily.

Don't workout on an empty stomach Don't workout on an empty stomach. Gymgoers and athletes tend to push themselves on empty stomachs in the belief they'll burn up more fat.

Most believe in the theory that exercising on an empty stomach will make the body use up fat reserves and covert it into energy instead of the glucose or carbohydrates that may be readily available from a meal or a drink before the workout. But while it seems to make sense, research now shows that exercising on an empty stomach doesn't offer any benefit and may actually work against you.

According to a recent report published this year in a fitness journal in the US, it has been established that the body burns the same amount of fat irrespective of whether you eat before or after a workout. But the problem arises in the fact that dizzy spells notwithstanding, you will lose muscle by exercising in a state of hunger. The study also found that and without food to help the workout, the intensity of the exercise and the total calorie burn will be reduced. So, that leaves you not only exhausted, but with less muscle and no energy to burn more fat.

The studies found that when people trained with nothing in their stomachs, about 10 percent of the calories they burned came from protein, including muscle.

On a diet, but still want those crisp fries and a shake? It could be possible to include those yummy treats into your menu, if eaten at the right time! A new study has found that people who snack on healthy food may consume only small amounts of fat.

However, a haphazard eating pattern could mean that you put on weight.

The study says that sticking to a strict eating pattern means a good rate of metabolism, which helps to burn off fat, allowing you to include your favourite foods into the menu. The finding claim that having a fixed timetable for meals could be a more effective means of dieting than curbing your cravings. This finding is very important in the world’s fight against obesity.

Previous studies have shown that both a high-fat diet and eating patterns that disrupt the natural body clock can interfere with our metabolism and raise the risk of obesity.Scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem tested the effects of timing and fat intake on four groups of mice over an 18-week period to determine whether

careful scheduling of meals could lower the effects of a high-fat diet.

Half were given a highfat diet that would normally be expected to make them obese. Of these, a quarter were fed at the same time each day and another quarter could eat as much as they liked, whenever they liked. The other half were fed a diet that was lower in fat.

Again, one quarter had a fixed feeding time, the other had not. All four of the groups gained weight over the course of the trial, with the group that ate a high-fat diet at irregular intervals unsurprisingly gaining the most weight, while those on a low-fat, scheduled diet gained the least. But more surprisingly, the mice that had been

fed a high-fat diet at regular intervals finished the trial in a better condition than those that ate low-fat foods whenever they wanted, despite both groups consuming the same number of calories overall.

The mice in the scheduled, high-fat group had 12 per cent lower body weight, 21 per cent lower cholesterol and 1.4 times higher sensitivity to insulin than the unscheduled, low-fat group. The diet also changed their metabolism so that they burnt off the fats they ingested to produce energy in between meal times, rather than storing the fat in their bodies.

The study was published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. Experts said that the timing of the food took precedence over the amount of fat consumed, leading to improved metabolism and helping in prevent obesity. They also said, Improving metabolism through the careful scheduling of meals, without limiting the content of the daily menu, could be used as a therapeutic tool to prevent obesity in humans.

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

29

Health benefits of rice

Regular rice is much maligned and is fast being dropped in favour of its unpolished avatar. But are the charges valid? Sports nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar separates the grain from the husk The Chinese eat rice with every meal, breakfast included, and the average Chinese on the street is thin, if not skinny. In our country, however, we are getting skeptical about rice and yes, we are all getting fatter. We either give up rice or replace it with wheat or 'brown' rice. What is wrong with this approach?

Replacing rice with wheat is not a good idea since it means reducing your intake of amino acids (protein's building blocks) and Vitamin B. As for brown rice, it has the outer layer (husk and bran) intact thereby making it high in fibre. Now of course we want fibre but if your rice has more fibre than you can digest, brown rice will only cause indigestion. On the other hand, rice that emits blinding whiteness may not be the best source of nutrients either.

Thus, to get the best of both worlds, polish your rice to the extent that helps it retain its nutrients (proteins, Vitamin B and fibre) and looks brownish or reddish. Remove the outer bran but allow the rice grain to show off its brown/red strains. Don't worry, this won't compromise the taste and yes, you can eat basmati rice with the brown/red strains as well.

The protein in this rice (red-rice or hand-polished rice) is absorbed much better by your body than in brown rice. It is also way easier to cook and digest as compared to brown rice. It is easy to digest, easy to absorb, easy to assimilate proteins from and easier

on your excretory system too. This is exactly how the farming community of India eats its rice.

In fact, Ayurveda uses ricebased diets in treating various imbalances in the body. Dal-chawal is a nutritious meal, possessing the entire spectrum of amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It also accelerates fat burning. In fact, the essential amino acid methionine found predominantly in rice helps mobilize fat from the liver.

As India is dominantly vegetarian, getting proteins from rice, especially the essential amino acid methionine and the conditionally essential amino acid (becomes essential under conditions of stress) tyrosine is crucial for us.

Diabetics should also eat rice since they need these proteins.

Know that rice is not a bad thing. The bad thing is when we mindlessly decide if one thing is good for us and that if we do it a lot, it becomes only better.

We do that with rice so often now. A humble dalchawal meal is so satiating that it makes you eat slower and improves your chances of eating the right amount (the cornerstones of fat loss or accelerated metabolism, good digestion and health itself).

Rice is auspicious in both China and India: the dead are offered rice to wish them good health for life outside their physical selves. It is sad then, that in India, even when we are still in our bodies, we make fads out of rice.

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

30

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

CB Live is the only Gujarati live programme in UK on Television This week in CB Live, Kishan Devani, the Founder of HinduJourney (a Youth Initiative with hundreds of youths involved in charitable, social and spiritual works) and Mr Jagnesh Shah, Director, Namaste Travel and Tours will be speaking to Kokila Patel, Managing Editor, Gujarat Samachar If you do not have a SKY, go to www.tvunetworks.com and watch CB Live on TVU Player Channel 75203

will continue to be ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 in You a restless mood for

some time to come. This makes you impatient with restrictions and even more determined to cut your own path. Do not get over-anxious if everything seems to be in slow motion - it is time to pull a few strings. You are likely to experience some tension in close relationships..

7pm to 8pm Every Thursday

CB LIVE Every Thursday on MATV (SKY 793) 7pm to 8pm For more information email: cblive_matv@yahoo.co.uk or call Alka Shah on 07944 151 893

Kate's 'dignity' to be saved finally A French court ordered a magazine publisher to hand over all digital copies of topless photos of the Duchess of Cambridge within 24 hours and blocked further publication of what it called a "brutal display" of William and Kate's private moments.

Under the ruling Tuesday, the French gossip

magazine Closer faces a daily fine of €10,000 if it fails to hand over the photos taken during the royals' vacation in southern France and cannot disseminate them any further, including on its website and tablet app.

The magazine published 14 photos of a partially clad Kate in its pages on Friday.

Vara speaks for Ugandan Asians in Prime Ministers Questions Shailesh Vara, Pictured, , Member of Parliament for North West Cambridgeshire, raised the issue of expelled Ugandan Asians at Prime Minister’s Questions.

Speaking to the Prime Minister, in a packed House of Commons, Mr Vara reminded MP’s that this month marks the 40th anniversary of the arrival to the UK of the Asians expelled from Uganda by Idi Amin.

Mr Vara said that they arrived in the UK with only the clothes on their backs but quickly picked themselves up and became part of the fabric of Britain. Mr Vara also congratulated the then Conservative Government which took the courageous decision to let them in the UK despite much

criticism both in the House of Commons and the rest of the country.

In his reply, the Prime Minister, David Cameron MP, praised the contribution made to the UK by the Asians and agreed that it was the right decision for the government of the time to take in allowing the community into Britain.

The Prime Minister also praised Mr Vara, recognising that he was born in Uganda and commending his “incredible achievement” to have made it from Uganda to Parliament in one generation and to “make such a distinguished contribution”.

Coming Events l Saturday, 22nd September 2012: A Musical Evening with Children's Bhajan Programme From 8pm to 10pm. For more details contact Shree Jalaram Mandir Greenford on 0208 578 8088 / 9285 l Mr Jagmohan Singh on 11th July 2012 at New Delhi. The condolence meeting will be held at the Radisson Blu Portman Hotel - London on 23rd September 2012 from 4 PM - 6 PM by his wife Sharanjit Kaur and son Manu Jagmohan Singh and everyone from the NRI Institute and the Global Punjabi Society l AMC presents an evening of Ghazal, Thumri, Bhajan and Indian classical by Swati Natekar, 29 September, 7pm. Museum of Asian Music, 1 Bradford Road, London W3 7SP. Contact 0208 742 9911 l Skylink Travel of Wembley has launched its Hindu Pilgrimage 2013 brochure. Skylink Travel is expert of Kailash-Mansarovar, Chardham- Amarnath, Jyotirling and other yatras. Contact: 020 8902 3007 l Sunday 23rd Sept 2012 & 30th September 2012 bhajans until 5.50 pm and 3-5:15pm by Shree Budhdevbhai, Shree Manubhai Kotak and Various Artists followed by Arti and Maha Prasad. Adhya Shakti Mataji Temple, Middlesex UB8 2DX. l Swati Natekar presents 'A rare treat'- An evening of Ghazal, Thumri, Bhajan & Classical Recital 6th October, Museum of Asian Music, 1 Bradford Road, London W3 7SP, Contact 0208 742 9911

Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 Mobile: 07875 229 220 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Accounts Executive: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email: accounts@abplgroup.com Business Manager: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Nihir Shah - Email: nihir.shah@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Design and Layout: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel/Fax: +91 79 2646 6061 Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (M) +919426636912 Email: nilesh.parmar@abplgroup.com Consultant (P.R): Kamlesh Amin Tel: +91 922 710 4308 Email: kamleshamin123@yahoo.co.in Consulting Editor (BPO): Bhupatbhai Parekh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Tel: +91 79 2630 4142 Mumbai: Kanti Bhatt, Hemraj Shah (Jumbo Advertiser) Horizon Advertising & Marketing: 205 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel / Fax: +91 79 2646 5960 (M) +91 9913346487 Email: horizon.marketing@abplgroup.com Neeta Patel, (Advertising Manager) (M) +91 98255 11702 International Advertisement Representative: Jain Group(South India) Tel: +91 44 42041122/3/4 Fax: +91 44 25362973 Mumbai: +91 222471 4122 Email: jainmedia@eth.net

Asian Voice Main Office Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080, Fax: 020 7749 4081 © Asian Business Publications www.abplgroup.com

Asian Voice switchboard: 020 7749 4000 Gujarat Samachar switchboard: 020 7749 4080 Sales: 020 7749 4085

To advertise in Asian Voice call 020 7749 4085

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 At work sometimes a little upheaval and chaos is exactly what you need to set things right again. There’s no need to be complacent: the time is now. Unpredictable energies continue to influence your health sector, bringing erratic highs and lows. The key for you as always is to remain calm and collected.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Developments during this week are likely to make you feel rather restless, perhaps because you have allowed yourself to fall into a routine that is now becoming jaded. If so, then the hint of change will be extremely welcome, even if it might entail an element of disruption. Adaptable and versatile, as you are, it is unlikely that even a major change will faze you.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 Anything or anyone that drains your time and energy should be re-evaluated. It’s time to use that creative imagination of yours to create grandeur in your life. Don't get too carried away and lose sight of little things that mean a lot to you. There are a lot of opportunities around you.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 You have everything to gain by following creative inclinations. If you have new ideas, now is the time to put them into practice.

Whatever your present interests you are likely to find that new doors open and the way ahead offers increased scope for expressing your real self. A great time to meet and interact with people.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Responsibility is your key word, especially at work. Set your own goals, rather than trying to meet those set by someone else.

Your ability to manage what you have on your plate earns respect from others around you. You will benefit in every way if you learn to self-discipline and pace yourself wisely.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 You should enjoy a very popular phase in your life where everyone wants to invite you to parties. This will give you a chance to meet people and pursue any romantic liaisons that might present themselves. Your communications are extremely high making it easy to close those lucrative deals.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

The fiery planet Mars is the moving force in regard to amorous experience, giving more than just a hint that links between lovers will be rather intense and passionate. Your attitude to material interests is likely to undergo some deep change. On a material level the trend greatly favours anything geared towards establishing greater financial stability.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

You know you’ve got no choice but to streamline and reassess your priorities before haphazardly saying yes to everything that smells like a potential opportunity. Try to create a balance between expansion and conservation. Jupiter in Gemini makes you feel invincible, base your decisions on facts.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

This is a good time to appreciate what you have already created in your life.

Of course, there are still challenging issues on both a personal and practical level. To get here you may have overcome obstacles by making important decision and choices that set the direction of your life.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

An exchange of opinions ought to prove very enlivening at this time. An influence that should help to enjoy the 'nicer' side of others as bring out the best in friends, colleagues and partners alike. A wind of change may be in the air; attention should turn to the wider world and benefits come from broadening of horizons and mental stimuli.

If your ambitions have been undefined, don't worry as from now on, you understand exactly what kind of impact you need to make on the world. All those little details should run perfectly, without you constantly worrying. That means you can focus on matters that are important to you. Healthwise you will be feeling fit.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

31

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

India

Landline + Mobile

UNLIMITED FREE CALLS & TEXTS For your FREE Lycamobile SIM visit www.lycamobile.co.uk or call 020 7132 0322 for all our latest offers and rates. www.facebook.com/globeman

@Lyca_globeman

Buy and top up online or in over 115,000 stores

Customers may not be able to use Electronic Top-Up at all locations where the top-up logo appears

1p per minute to selected international landlines and mobiles in September 2012. customers with a minimum balance of 20p can enjoy free and unlimited calls and texts from Lycamobile UK to Lycamobile UK. This offer canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be used in conjunction with existing Lyca bundle offer.

32

Asian Voice - Saturday 22nd September 2012

Sri Lanka thrash Zimbabwe in World T20 opener Ajantha Mendis bettered his own T20 record by taking six wickets for just eight runs as Sri Lanka walloped minnows Zimbabwe by 82 runs in the opening match of the World Twenty20 cricket tournament on Tuesday. Sri Lanka recovered from a slow start to post a huge 182 for four and then bundled out Zimbabwe for 100 in 17.3 overs in the Group C match at the Mahinda Rajapakse stadium.

The Zimbabweans struggled to handle spin and were bamboozled by Ajantha (6/8) and Jeevan Mendis (3/24), who shared nine wickets between them. Ajantha's figures were best in Twenty20 cricket as he improved on his own early figures of six for 16 which he had claimed against Australia, last year. The hosts owed their impressive total to Kumar Sangakkara (44) and Jeevan as the two lefthanders put on a 94-run stand for the fourth wicket. Sri Lanka were 107 for three in 14 overs but Sangakkara and Jeevan took the game away from the minnows with their superb batting. Zimbabwe had done well in the early part of the Lankan innings but leaked 75 runs in the last six overs to let go the advantage. The total proved too big to manage for Zimbabwe against an experienced bowling line-up. Ajantha was too hot to handle as he conceded just eight runs in his four overs and two of them maiden. The Zimbabweans could manage just five boundaries in the first 10 overs, three of them coming from the bat of Hamilton Maskadaza (20), who was top scorer for them.

Pietersen left out of England Test squad for India tour

Kevin Pietersen's name was missing from the English squad for India tour that was announced by the selectors on Tuesday, who looked to the future with call-ups for Nick Compton of Somerset and Yorkshire opener Joe Root.

Pietersen will now have to wait for the ODI tour to India in early January or the trip to New Zealand in February to get back into international cricket.

Managing director of English Cricket Board (ECB) Hugh Morris said: "Both ECB and England team management have had meetings with Pietersen to address the issues which led to his omission from the final Test match against South Africa. These discussions remain private and confidential, and as there are issues still to be resolved and Kevin has not been considered for selection for the India tour."

The selectors clearly feel his presence would destabilise team unity in India, which will be one of the toughest trips undertaken

Ravi Bopara has been dropped by England and does not feature in any of the three squads announced (the Performance Programme and the Hong Kong Sixes were also named), paying the price for a miserable run of form in the second half of the summer.

Monty Panesar returns to the England set-up as one of three spinners in the squad alongside Graeme Swann and Samit Patel. Panesar lost his place to Patel for the final Test of last winter in Colombo but a haul of 53 wickets in the championship this summer for Sussex has earned him a recall ahead of Kent's James Tredwell.

Jonny Bairstow will fill the role of reserve wicket-keeper although England have the luxury of a squad of replacements close at hand with the Performance Programme players touring India at the same time as the Test series.

Craig Kieswetter is part of the Performance Programme along with Warwickshire's Varun Chopra and James

during Andy Flower's tenure as England coach.

With Andrew Strauss now retired, England will look to Compton or Root to push their case in the three warm-up matches before the first Test in Ahmedabad on Nov 15.

This will be Compton's first England tour at the age of 29 after a summer of heavy run scoring for Somerset. He averaged 99 in the championship and now has the chance to emulate his grandfather, Denis, and play Test cricket for England.

Root's selection follows two years of rapid progress for Yorkshire. Root has impressed people with his attitude and temperament.

TÍ__ 28 {

VDDa DF_eFm{

}

///£Ë;eig582F£ÊD£2a

ìD;_o/eom AÍÊaÍim gD_eoÍ#8

._eig58¥ Feig58 V¾V Í5 W_ &ÍgÍ W;cÍÍF V# òD5ÍFÍ k;D^

}}

._eig58¥ Feig58 Í5 &m;0e__m VmÍÊg ,D5m_ /e5g gÍ_k ËDÍ;o

k;D^

AA

k;D^

._eig58 ¾ Feig58 Í5 &mm;2 +8_ÍFo òm8D;5 /e5g k2__ ËDÍ;o

}

AA

+Foeͼ8k;D^ -D_omF ð;eÍFi_m /e5g -DÍ

òm_Í& eF 5gm &Í_oe0m8

k;D^

R4?p:hpDÛp &ÞbÞ18hÞ

PFcD# &Í2;e5e28

Re8ÊD0m; WË2 RgÍËe

AA

._eig58¥ 5;ÍF8km;8¥ } Feig58 ÍÊÊD^^DoÍ5eDF V¾V ÍFo i2eomo 5D2; Dk Rm_ge¥ Wi;Í ¾ *ÍeA2;

k;D^

k;D^

} AA

Taylor, who loses his place after playing the final two Tests of the summer against South Africa.

Squad: Alastair Cook (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Nick Compton, Steven Finn, Graham Onions, Eoin Morgan, Monty Panesar, Samit Patel, Matt Prior, Joe Root, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott.

England tour itinerary Oct 25: England squad leaves UK • Oct 26-28: Training at ICC Global Cricket Academy in Dubai • Oct 29: England squad arrives in India (Mumbai) • Oct 30-Nov 1: Tour match (opponents TBC), Mumbai (CCI) • Nov 3-5: Tour match (opponents TBC), Mumbai (BKC) • Nov 8-11: Tour match (opponents TBC), Ahmedabad (SPS Navrangpura) • Nov 15-19: First Test, Ahmedabad (Motera) • Nov 23-27: Second Test, Mumbai (Wankhede Stadium) • Dec 5-9: Third Test, Kolkata • Dec 13-17: Fourth Test, Nagpur

Dhlj58 hD .:ÞDÛp ÞDr +5Þb1 n:Ba 444 ._eig58¥ $58 eF )2Í_Í (2^A2;¼8 RD;8m55 òmimFÊ# ,D5m_ ¾ $58 eF (ÍFiaÍ/e¼8 &25eÍ;Í V2;Í2 VÍ# VmÍÊg òm8D;5 V¾V AA k;D^

}

ìm A;eÊm ^Í5Êg 8D #D2 /e__ im5 5gm Ëm85 A;eÊmÆ

,D5 k_eig5 Dkkm;8{ Wg^moÍËÍo &2^ËÍe $Íe;DËe Rm_ge R2ËÍe $m/ æD;a VÍFiaDa

k;D^ } k;D^ k;D^ k;D^ k;D^ k;D^

k;D^

ô;eÊm8 82ËcmÊ5 5D Í0Íe_ÍËe_e5#£ ð;Í0m_ oÍ5m8 ÍAA_#£ VDDa DF_eFm D; ÊÍ__ 28

W8a D2; k;emFo_#¥ m&Am;emFÊmo 5mÍ^ 5D Í;;ÍFim #D2; Fm&5 _D/ ÊD85 gD_eoÍ#£

)

TÍ__ kD; k2__ AÍÊaÍim om5Íe_8¥ A;eÊm8 82ËcmÊ5 5D Í0Íe_ÍËe_e5#¥ 5;Í0m_ oÍ5m8 ^Í# ÍAA_#£

ñÊÍF 5D 0e8e5 /mË8e5m

UTëU

P85£ } .D; A;eÊm A;D^e8m 5m;^8¥ 0e8e5 ///£Ë;eig582F£ÊD£2a

ìm*0m ËmmF eF Ë28eFm88 D0m; #mÍ;8 ÍFo aFD/ gD/ 5D im5 #D2 i;mÍ5 0Í_2m omÍ_8 DF gD_eoÍ#8£