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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

VOL 39. ISSUE 50

Indian doctor’s book wins Pulitzer prize

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

80p

The war has just began, says Hazare

Gandhian leader complains to Sonia on smear campaign by Cong leaders

Siddhartha Mukherjee

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee reads a paper as Anna Hazare with his team attends the first joint drafting committee for the Lok Pal Bill, in New Delhi

makes one believe whether his only intention is to create confusion, mislead people and derail the ongoing discussions... Do you personally approve of his statements?” Hazare wrote to Sonia.

The Congress reacted sharply and reminded Hazare that in a democracy, everyone had the right to their points of view.

Meanwhile, the five non-government members of Lok Pal Bill made public their assets on the eve of the first meeting which took

place on Saturday. The 10member panel also includes five union ministers. After Hazare has ended the fast it was presumed that the battle would be over soon.

But now it appears that the war has just began.

Just a week after Hazare called off his fast demanding the bill, the joint committee to draft the bill met for the first time amid a controversy over a CD allegedly involving eminent lawyer and panel cochairman Shanti Bhushan.

Continued on page 26

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Siddhartha Mukherjee an Indian-American has won the prestigious 2011 Pulitzer prize for his book “The Emperor of All Maladies: A History of Cancer.” He is an oncologist by profession and this is his first book. The book is a huge success and he advocates a strong antismoking campaign and also regular breast cancer screening to battle the growing incidence of the disease in India.

Siddhartha is a Rhodes scoholar and is an award winning science writer. He is also a cancer physician at the Columbia University Medical Centre where he also teaches medicine. His book has been ranked as one of the top 10 in the non-fiction category by the New York Times review.

Continued on page 26

Gandhian leader Anna Hazare who has called off his fasting after the government has agreed to set a committee to draft the Lok Pal bill has shot off a letter to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi alleging smear campaign against the committee members by Congress leaders. Hazare was also stung by the criticism of his statements and by the surfacing of a CD containing a purported conversation allegedly featuring Shanti Bhushan, his colleague on the joint drafting committee for the Lok Pal Bill.

Hazare took no names, but appeared clearly to be accusing senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and HRD and Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal of “creating confusion” and “derailing” the discussions in the committee.

“One of the General Secretaries of Congress Party has been making many statements...

I assume that he has the support of the party...

Most of these statements are factually wrong, which

1 *#( " 0+ /##&

23rd April to 29th April 2011

PM seeks to place immigration at the heart of British politics Rupanjana Dutta Prime Minister Cameron's pronouncement about immigration has raised concerns amongst sections of the British Asian community, who are worried about their future in this country.

PM David Cameron The way Mr sounded unwelcoming!

Cameron has Continued on page 26 approached the question

Swarnim Gujarat fiesta in London The Golden Jubilee year of the state of Gujarat is celebrated with due pomp and gaiety, not only in Gujarat but wherever Gujaratis reside. In the celebrations of Swarnim Gujarat, British Gujaratis are in the forefront of this historic milestone.

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar newsweeklies in cooperation with leading organisations have celebrated Swarnim Gujarat at various places in the UK. Pinnacle of such events

is the “VIP Business LunchCelebrating Gujarat's success, where business and culture meet” on Wednesday, 20th April in Central London.

The significance of the event is clearly reflected as nearly 100 parliamentarians, doyen of business and commerce along with community leaders will be present to conclude yet another prosperous year for Gujarat.

Continued on page 26

2

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

one to one Keith Vaz MP with

1) What inspired you to begin your career in journalism?

2) Which investigative piece are you most proud of?

I sort of fell into it by accident because I'd reached university and wasn't quite sure what to do next. But I've always been interested in the way the world works and I quickly got sucked into my student newspaper...

Probably revealing the first Briton sent to Guantanamo Bay, which raised all sorts of difficult questions about how he'd got there (he was radicalised in a London mosque before travelling to Afghanistan) to the

draconian way in which America decided to deal with terror suspects.

8) What are your long term goals?

At the risk of sounding "worthy", to keep breaking stories that have a positive impact on people's lives or at least to tell them something new and perhaps make them laugh.

3) Please tell us about your current position?

It's a fairly open remit which gives me the chance to investigate the pressing issues of the day from a UK perspective, whether it be Col Gaddafi's assets in London or waste in the public sector when times are tight.

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

7) And the worst?

The long hours. News never stops!

Dipesh Gadher, Chief Investigative Reporter, The Sunday Times After studying politics at Nottingham University, I landed my first job as a junior reporter on a weekly Asian newspaper called Eastern Eye. I later joined the graduate trainee scheme at The Sunday Times, initially earning my spurs in the Glasgow office. During more than 12 years at the paper I've covered a wide range of briefs, including home affairs, transport and media. I was fortunate enough to follow Tony Blair on his farewell tour of the Middle East (a shocking waste of money because there were only a few dozen reporters and government officials on a massive passenger jet). For the past two years I've worked as deputy news editor, overseeing the main section of the paper. I became chief investigative reporter last month (much to the irritation of my parents who would have preferred me to have got married instead).

I actually get paid for being nosy and holding people and institutions to account - can you believe it?

The Mittal Football dynasty is preparing for a league win not just in England but also in Romania. His local Black Sea team Oţelul Galaţi is riding high in Liga 1.

■

Baroness Shreela Flather was in fine form at a reception given by the Sahara

Hmm. After facilitating world peace, I would bring back Test match cricket to terrestrial TV.

I've been lucky in the fact that The Sunday Times is a relatively meritocratic place where race or lack of an Oxbridge education have not been a barrier.

Having said that, most Fleet Street newsrooms still remain depressingly white, male and middle class on the whole.

Tricky question. There have been lots of teachers, lecturers and editors (and even the odd MP!) who have provided encouragement. And I'm still learning from reporters around me. But I guess I ultimately owe my parents for making me do my homework as a schoolboy and allowing me to choose my own path.

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

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

When she went to the media to talk about the abuse she suffered, a man later entered the pharmacy and told her: 'If you keep doing these things, we are going to kill you'.

The 31-year-old, who is not a practising Muslim, said she has since been told to take holiday by the pharmacy owners and now fears she may lose her job.

Other incidents reported include the placing of stickers across the white-minority borough which state it is a 'gay-free zone' and the daub-

■

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

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

How about Mahatma Gandhi, the Buddha and Muhammad Ali (can I pick someone who's still alive?) for discourse and enlightment?

And Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, John Lennon and F Scott Fitzgerald for entertainment.

Muslim women threatened in the heart of London Women who do not wear headscarves are being threatened with violence and even death by Islamic extremists, who intent on imposing sharia law on parts of Britain, it was claimed.

Other targets of the 'Talibanesque thugs', being investigated by police in the Tower Hamlets area of London, include homosexuals. Stickers have been plastered on public walls stating: 'Gay free zone. Verily Allah is severe in punishment'.

Posters for H&M which feature women in bikinis and a racy poster for a Bollywood film have been defaced.

It is believed Muslim extremists are behind a spate of attacks being investigated by police, according to the Sunday Times. An Asian woman who works in a pharmacy in east London was told to dress more modestly and wear a veil or the shop would be boycotted.

People

ing of paint on posters for clothing shop H&M featuring women in bikinis.

Ghaffar Hussain, of the anti-extremism think-tank the Q u i l l i a m Foundation, told The Sunday Times that the intimidation was the work of 'Talibanesque thugs'.

He added: 'This minority think they have the right to impose their fringe interpretation of Islam on others.'

Three men have been charged with religiouslyaggravated criminal damage in connection with some of the incidents, which have mirrored crude attempts at censorship in Birmingham.

Borough Commander of Tower Hamlets, Paul Rickett, said: 'I am saddened that

there are a small minority of people who do not wish to respect the lifestyle choices of others.

'I would like to reassure the people of Tower Hamlets that we are investigating these incidents.

'At this stage there is no information to suggest any of the incidents are linked.

Anyone found committing such criminal acts will face criminal proceedings.

Firebrand Muslim cleric Anjem Choudary said that he was aware of individuals who would speak up if they saw a Muslim woman without a headscarf, but insisted they were only giving advice about their views of Islam. He said no threats would be made and described the allegations of threats of death as 'completely ridiculous'.

Tower Hamlets has a reputation for being a centre of Islamic extremism in London.

Baroness Shreela Flather

Group at their new flagship the Grosvenor Hotel. She kept heckling the speakers.

Maybe she thought she was in the House.

■

Who is London's most eligible bachelor? Competition is hotting up with the arrival from Geneva of Neal Bhattessa son of Vinu. I think a Debs party may be arranged at the Mandeville Hotel.

Shrien collapses outside court after he leaves rehabilitation clinic Shrien Dewani collapsed outside court last week as he left a bail hearing – after a judge was told he had been asked to leave a rehabilitation clinic.

The millionaire fell to the floor and had to be helped into a car moments after a judge renewed his bail.

During the hearing he had allegedly grimaced, rubbed his temples and muttered to himself.

He was moved out of the exclusive Priory clinic in Bristol after he shut himself in his room and allegedly threatened to hit a nurse, the judge heard.

Both his lawyers and the South African authorities, who seek his extradition to face charges of murdering his bride Anni on their honeymoon, agreed he should be sent to the secure psychiatric unit.

Judge Riddle removed the requirement to report to police but added that Dewani must remain confined to either facility at all times unless with a member of staff and the express permission of the psychiatric unit. Dewani denies ordering the murder of his wife while the pair were honeymooning in South Africa last November.

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

COMMENT

BRICS ignored by UK media BRICS is the acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and now South Africa, which recently joined the original quartet. The size of China's economy is second only to that of the United States; Russia and Brazil are energy superpowers with a significant agricultural and industrial reach, the former is also has a large footprint in space and nuclear weaponry; India's strength lies in software and pharmaceuticals, even as it makes real strides in space and myriad civilian and military technologies, while South Africa stands out as a regional industrial hub and gateway to sub-Saharan Africa, as well as being well sourced in minerals and rare earths. China and Russia stand first and third respectively in their foreign exchange reserves, while India ranks fourth or fifth. The combined populations of BRICS are in excess of 2.5 billion, and the landmass of the Russian Federation, China, Brazil and India make up much of Planet Earth.

For all this, the British media decided in their wisdom or conceit that the gathering in Hainan, China, was not worthy of attention. How mistaken could they be? The British economy is sliding downhill; most EU nations face rising debt and falling production. Only Germany among among Europe's good and great boasts an economy that is prospering and forging ahead. But Germany wisely avoided entanglement in the shambolic AngloFrench-US Libyan adventure. It left the pursuit of false glory to its partners; and there may even come a day when Germany's rulers decide that their country would be better off in solitary splendour.

When David Cameron moved into 10 Downing Street as head of a Conservative-Lib Dem Coalition Government, he aroused hopes that Britain would chart a course of sanity in its foreign

policy after the mayhem initiated by New Labour's Tony Blair. Mr Cameron spoke ringingly of putting life into an ailing British economy through increased two-way trade and investment. He went to India in July 2010 with an impressive delegation of ministers and businessmen in a bid to forge a special Indo-British relationship.

Things look gloomier today. In the present financial circumstances there is little room for both guns and better. It has to be one or the other until the economic revival gathers real steam. The UK media will soon get lost in royal glitz and matching social distractions. A G7 summit of the herrenvolk in the coming months may be considered more worthy of comment and analysis than the BRICS conclave. But that would be a bovine surrender to racial arrogance. The Sarkozy regime in Paris has Vichy writ large in its DNA, Whitehall limps behind the delusions of empire, the lessons of Suez 1956 part of their memory loss.

Instead of putting his mind to the likely empowerment of BRICS and what this could mean for Britain and British diplomacy, the British Prime Minister (and the country's media) wrestled with time-worn inanities in Pakistan and kindred corners of the Islamic world. Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen, Saudi Arabia et al will provide their springtimes of excitements before the enduring realities take over. Their political contours at the end of the century will have striking resemblances to those at the beginning. The region's trouble makers, domestic and foreign, will also be recognisable to professionals and amateurs alike.

Meanwhile, the nations likely to make a difference to the evolving global order will have passed Britain by. There is time to save the situation with imaginative leadership.

www.abplgroup.com

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Thought for the Week This time, like all times, is a very good one if we but know what to do with it.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)

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

Justice for Mrs Arti Kumar & her family I was horrified and compelled to address the issue of unjust deportation when I was contacted to support the campaign early this month to help this Asylum seeking family who’ve suffered from the actions of Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan. I urge the readers of both Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to follow this story and support the campaign for justice

members of the family could seek asylum in the U K. Mrs. Arti Kumar and her two sons Ravi and Akash sought Asylum in the UK in 2007 and have settled in Middlesbrough since 2008 where the local community have supported them and raised awareness about their deportation.

The Arti family has been recently told by the U K. Border Agency to leave voluntarily or their removal

Immigration debate divides Coalition Liberal Democrat Business Secretary Vince Cable has set the cat among the pigeons by criticising Prime Minister David Cameron's recent speech on immigration. Mr Cable accused the Mr Cameron of stoking up tensions with what he described as the prime minister's inflammatory language. Whatever the pros and cons of the argument, immigration is back at the centre stage of British politics, just as it is in France and much of the European continent.

Prime Minister Cameron had said that levels of immigration in recent years had “placed real pressures and uncertainties on communities up and down our country” and needed to be tackled.

“I want good immigration, not mass immigration”, Mr Cameroon said in his speech to the Tory heartland of Hampshire. Far from presenting a new policy, Mr Cameron was simply repeating a pre-election address at the hustings. His speech did little to calm ethnic community fears, it merely deepened prevailing insecurities. While there are mutterings about Mr Cable being forced to resign this is unlikely considering the fragility of the Coalition.

The issue here is not immigration control, but how best to go about it so that Britain can reap its economic dividends while also maintaining good community relations within the country. Mr Cable, with his long experience in business, is admirably

equipped to strike the right balance on a sensitive subject. He is by instinct less inclined to play to the gallery in a short-term bid to win votes and think about the price later. Professional politicians sometimes throw caution to the winds by pandering to fear and prejudice.

Mr Cameron would do well to concentrate on the larger picture: how to calibrate an immigration policy that includes measures to clip the wings of extremists within Britain by monitoring their links with mentors in foreign parts, notably in the AfPak area. Throwing vast sums of money at dubious regional rulers more in hope that they will come up trumps is to indulge in a form of roulette.

Noble intent and forlorn hope make poor bedfellows.

Instead of banking on quick fixes, the Government must prepare for the long haul. Past mistakes in foreign policy have to be rectified step by step. There is no other way to a satisfactory solution to the desire levels of immigration. The British prime minister carries the burden of a past for which he bears no responsibility. That said, he should take counsel with people like Vince Cable and kindred souls and hammer out an immigration policy that works and is fair to all sections of the community. The rich store of pragmatism and common sense within our shores should make this possible.

Righting past wrongs in Kenya and the Chagos island Boxes of documents telling of torture and general malpractice in British colonial territories in Africa, especially in Kenya, bear witness to a chamber of horrors. The contents of the secret Foreign and Commonwealth Office archive reveal shocking and systematic evidence of violence against detainees during the Mau Mau rebellion. Officials were in denial that such files existed at all as late as November, but a determined search in January by a determined and honourable Foreign Office official who went to Hanslope Park, which housed the hidden archive, revealed a mountain of incriminating files occupying more than 110 ft of shelf space.

Inside these were gory secrets. Prisoners were frequently beaten in detention camps, some were burnt alive, and nine inmates at the notorious Hola Camp were executed.

All this has been triggered by a court case brought against the British government by four for-

mer Mau Mau detainees alleging torture and the abuse of their human rights.

“If we are going to sin, we must sin quietly,” pronounced the Attorney General of Kenya's colonial administration in the 1950s, one Eric Griffiths Jones. The trial of Kenyan nationalist leader Jomo Kenyatta was undoubtedly a farce, according to a book published at the time exposing the exercise as a contrived miscarriage of justice.

Kenya was not the only area of human rights abuse. The inhabitants of the Indian Ocean British territory, the Chagos island, were expelled from their ancestral homeland in the 1960s to make way for a secret US electronic surveillance site. The expelled islanders who languish in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, have yet to receive justice.

These are dismal tales from a shaming past. The time for a cleansing act of atonement has surely arrived.

The sad story involves will be enforced. This is an Mrs Arti Kumar and her abhorable situation for a family, which following tertotally helpless family that’s been persecuted because rifying experiences in they are Hindus and are Afghanistan have since two years found Asylum in the now facing serious UK but, are faced with prospects of deportation to deportation. Sounds unbeKabul. If the UK Border lievable but its true.

Agency persists with their The brutal experience threat there is every chance in Afghanistan involves Mrs that on return they’d be Arti Kumar’s daughter imprisoned for leaving Rekha who was kidnapped Afghanistan and face torby Talibans and her elder ture. son was beaten up and is Mrs Kumar and her believed to be suffering sons have been through a from brain damage. This horrible and tragic ordeal was followed by two year and I am saddened that the struggle by the family to UK Border Agency has decided to deny them asyfind Rekha but have had no lum. They have been persesuccess. It is thought Rekha cuted in Afghanistan has been abducted by the because of their religion and Taliban and Mr. Kumar’s whereabouts are not known came to the UK as they to the family for the last 4 thought they would find years. Fearing the worse the freedom and receive protecMrs Arti Kumar’s family tion. I plead everyone to sold their clothing business sign the petition to the and travelled to Lahore Prime Minister on my web(Pakistan). Sadly for finansite to ask him to overturn cial reasons only three this disastrous decision.

For more information and your support visit: http://www.hinducounciluk.org/newsite/arcimages/Art _269.jpg http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/arti_kumar/ Contact Navin Shah AM on 0207 983 4377

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

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LEICESTER/NORTH ENGLAND

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

Leicester mayoral candidates in the line of fire Candidates bidding to become Leicester's first elected Mayor faced questions from 400 potential voters at the event, The Big Debate, prior to the by-election to be held on 5 May 2011.

Nine out of the 11 hopefuls for mayoral role faced grilling questions from the members of the public in the event hosted by De Montfort University and Leicester Mercury at DMU's Hugh Aston building, on the university's campus in the city centre. DMU ViceChancellor, Professor Dominic Shellard chaired the debate, which witnessed heated up argument between the members of the public and the candidates as well as amongst the candidates and also moments of humour and mutual understanding.

One of the trickiest question that came from one of the Leicester residents was when the candidates were asked who they would tell voters to choose as their second-

preference candidate.

Tory Ross Grant and Liberal Democrat Gary Hunt said independent businessman Rick Moore, but Labour's Sir Peter Soulsby opted for 18-year-old independent Mu-Hamid Pathan and then said, "The fact that the coalition candidates both back Rick says an awful lot."

Other issues covered included overhauling the city's transport system, how to embrace different ethnic communities and whether the mayor would be accountable.

Independent candidate David Bowley got one of the biggest laughs when he was asked what was his biggest mistake as he replied, "My biggest mistake was voting for former Labour Leicester West MP, Patricia Hewitt."

Other than the capital, Leicester is the first city in England that opted to be run by a mayor who will be elected directly by city residents and hence people will

themselves decide a leader for their city, rather than letting politicians choose.

Throughout the event, The Big Debate, there were opinions, suggestions and most importantly clarifications over the specific role that each of the candidate is looking to perform, if they are given a chance by the voters. After facing piercing questions, the candidates were given a final chance to win support of the city voters.

The 11 candidates that are in contention for Leicester leadership include Ross Ian Grant, Conservative Party; Gary Glen Hunt, Liberal Democrat; Peter Soulsby, The Labour Party; Regine Amanda Anderson, UK Independence Party (UKIP); Mohinder Farma, Unity for Peace and Socialism; Geoff Forse, Green Party and Independent candidates David John Bowley, Rick Moore, Nima Patel, Mu-hamid Pathan and Lee Alan Sowden.

18 year old eyes mayoral role Mu-Hamid Pathan, 18, is the youngest candidate aiming to become Leicester's first elected mayor. He has said that residents of Leicester will be given a chance to sack him if they were unhappy with his performance.

Currently a mayor is appointed for a term of four years, before another election is held. Pathan said, if elected he would introduce a system to enable the voters to take him off the leadership role if he did not perform in the city's best interest. He said, “This will stop the prospect of an elected dictatorship where someone can do whatever they want for the next four years”, as reported in local newspapers.

However, he believes that this scenario will not arise and he has laid his run up to the by-election on essential aspects including, protecting the front-line jobs and services, making no cuts to the current provi-

out there who want to set up businesses but don't know where to get the help or support.”

He adds, "As mayor I'd find the money to employ advisers who could help these people to set up their businesses. I want to make Leicester a by-word for enterprise and the kind of place where people can start up their busiMu-Hamid running his campaign for Leicester's ness.It would improve elected mayor employment rates and sion, appointing a cross-party cabibring talented people to Leicester. net with various different talents, We need fresh ideas in the city." emphasizing on education and many Mu-Hamid Pathan, an A-level more. student from Highfields has also said But he has also magnified the that he would take a salary of ￡ significance of boosting enterprising 45,000, which is ￡20,000 less than sector in Leicester. He said, “There what is on offer with the aim to safeare so many talented people in the guard the employment of one memcity with big ideas. There are people ber of the council.

Christian Head for Leicester's first Hindu school Mr Christopher Spall, 58, the current Head of an International Primary School in Kuwait, has been appointed as the Head Teacher of Krishna Avanti Primary School, first Hindu school outside London and only the second in the country which is set to open this September in Leicester.

A practising Christian, who has taught at statefunded and private schools across Britain, as well as abroad, Mr Spall is described by the school sponsors as an “outstanding candidate.” His appointment, says Project Director, Pradip Gajjar, is evidence of the IFoundation’s commitment to welcome everyone, with half of all school places being awarded on non-faith based criteria.

Mr Spall brings huge experience to the post, having started his professional life as an engineer,

before switching to teaching in 1988. He said, “Establishing a school from scratch is a big challenge. But I am looking forward immensely to the prospect of working with a diversity of cultures and acting as the bridge between them. I think that all the main religions have far more similarities than differences, sharing in common a commitment to tolerance, morality, hard work and high expectations, which underpins the success of many faith schools.”

The Leicester Krishna-Avanti Primary School sees itself, however, as being like any local authority, voluntary-aided state school, albeit one with a Hindu ethos, vegetarian meals and yoga. It will offer 60 places in its first year, growing to 420 places for children aged 411 by 2018.

The Leicester school

will draw heavily for its ethos, curriculum, teaching and leadership on the success of its sister, the Krishna-Avanti Primary School in Harrow, which opened in 2008 and which is described by Ofsted as offering many “outstanding features”, including “first rate behaviour” and “above average attainment”.

Pradip Gajjar, the Project Director for the Leicester school is expecting to rapidly achieve the same high standards in the new school in Leicester. Mr Gajjar said “There is huge demand for a state Hindu school locally. Now we have an excellent, outward-looking Head Teacher, we look forward to complementing, rather than competing with, the family of Leicester schools, to form a successful partnership which benefits everyone in the city.”

£5.3m cash-for-crash exposed Twenty-two fraudsters in Luton have been convicted in one of the largest car insurance scam. In total 40 people were involved in the multi-million ‘cash-forcrash’ swindle which took five years of police investigation to conclude the case.

Swift Accident and Credit Hire, based in Leagrave Road, Luton, engineered road collisions to involve unsuspecting motorists. In others, claims were made about ‘accidents’ which were entirely fictitious.

The scams operated in different ways and involved collisions being either induced, staged, faked or exaggerated, and the gang used land at Long Meadow Farm, Chalton, to store the damaged vehicles. Bedfordshire Police’s Operation Exhort investigation also resulted in the uncovering of a mortgage fraud.

Extreme racism forces family to leave their house A muslim family are desperate to move out of their house after suffering two years of racist abuse and vandal attacks on their home on Leicester's Saffron Lane estate.

The barrage of attacks include, Racism targets: Salim and slashed tyres, racist Sabana Amod graffiti being sprayed over their car and front door, stones being hurled at them and their home, and verbal abuse against the family's Muslim faith, after what they thought was to be a happy move into a 'mixed community'.

Salim Amod complained that because of the racist abuse he cannot sleep at night and Mrs Amod said, "I would like to enjoy my life with my family, but I can't. My children are frightened and I am frightened all the time."

Leicester City Council are having to re-house the family in a neighbouring area and this time they have asked for a home in their "own community".

Local councillor Dale Keeling said, "I'm shocked to hear about this family's experiences. It's the first time in a long time that I have heard of something like this happening in this area”.

Local Police Inspector Rich Toone, said his officers had taken action against some of the troublemakers and one youth was given community service recently for spraying offensive graffiti on the family's home and car.

Preston Gujaratis rejoice Gujarat's Golden Jubilee The Gujarat Hindu Society, Preston celebrated Swarnim Gujarat in cooperation with Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar.

Events were organised for the whole day at Preston Hindu Temple including prayers, kids drama and dance, Yoga and presentation of Swarnim Gujarat by Kamal Rao, News Editor Gujarat Samachar and Nikhil Gor, Business D e v e l o p m e n t Manager.

Necessary ritual of Swarnim Gujarat were performed at the temple in the presence of the Kalash handed over by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendrabhai Modi to the Editor and Publisher of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, CB Patel.

Children performed dance and drama at Preston Hindu Temple

Sitting Left to Right: Nikhil Bhatt, Chandrakantbhai Limbachia (Secretary), Ishwerbhai Tailor(President), Nikhil Gor, Kamal Rao, Kartik Raval Standing Left to Right: Ramanbhai Valand, Maheshbhai Dabhi, Ramanbhai Patel, Prahladbhai Nayee (Asst. Secretary), Chhotabhai Limbachia (Treasurer), Balwantbhai Panchal, Dashrathbhai Nayee, Mukundbhai Gosai, Vijaybhai Navekar.

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

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Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

India Realty Corner Vikram Goyal, Managing Director

VISION GUJARAT:

By Spriha Srivastava

Indian couple buy new hotel in Horton Have you ever thought of a nice little weekend break in a quite countryside location with your family but just haven’t been able to find a nice place to stay in? Well, your problem is now solved. London-based Indian couple, Mr B P Bhattacharya, Senior Partner of B S S Associates Chartered Accountants Registered Auditors of Gresham House and Mrs. Susmita Bhattacharya, a renowned Rabindra Sangit Singer and Managing Director of Gresham Hotel, Sussex Gardens, London have recently bought a beautiful boutique hotel called “The French Partridge” in Horton near Northampton.

owner of the property.

The Partridges never utilized the letting rooms as it served as their family home as well as for business use.

However the new owners - Mr & Mrs. Bhattarcharya have some great plans for the hotel.

The grand opening ceremony of the hotel is on the 29th April after which it will be open to general public. During a recent luncheon meeting with Mrs. Bhattacharya, she mentioned some her big plans in relation to the property.

“It was earlier mainly a food destination and so we want to revive that.

We will be focusing on Spanish and French cuisine. In fact, we have got a Master Chef from

weddings and receptions.

A couple of bookings have already been made in this regard. It will also look forward to hosting conferences and other get together.

“We are also planning to open a spa in the hotel and this will be done in due course,” said Mrs. Bhattacharya. Besides the Spa, the hotel intends to have a French delicatessen and will also organize tours and travels to nearby locations such as Silverstone for their guests.

As mentioned before, the hotel has a total of ten individually designed and themed bedrooms furnished and presented to a high standard, three of which have a private lounge. The interiors

Creating an Urban Landscape When on path of urban development, one often reaches a cross road when one has to choose between building from scratch by nurturing a complete new idea or by reclaiming an existing space, regenerating and rejuvenating it. The former is an act of creativity; the later is an act of courage.

One such act of courage is the creation of urban asset by regenerating Maninagar - Kankaria Lake precinct, Ahmedabad. It indeed defines a new face of Development in both its Concept and Ideology.

Maninagar – Kankaria Lake In a Country where Development is a Promise and Growth is just a Concept, Gujarat proves to be an exception.

Recently, two high profile publications, The Economist and The New York Times highlighted the development in Gujarat that witnessed an 11% growth rate as compared to an all India average of 9% (Feb’11, Mckinsey & Co.) Gujarat intends to create the blueprint for a vibrant future. An integral part of this blueprint is to create urban and sub-urban assets in strategic places.

Pre - development

The hotel is a charming period building with gardens to the front and rear and an absolutely impressive entrance and driveway. It is located on the B526 Newport Pagnell Road and is in close proximity to cities in Northampton and Milton Keynes. The hotel has a small hallway with existing reception rooms which will be used as a small lounge and bar area, a 50 plus restaurant and a separate small room for either private dining or a further lounge area. There are a total of 10 letting ensuite bedrooms that are beautifully furnished.

The hotel was known for almost a period of 30 years as a destination for quality French food. It made its entry into the Good Food Guide along with various other culinary accolades such as AA rosettes for its traditional French style cuisine under the charge of Mary Partridge, the first

Spain who has earlier worked in Michelin star restaurants. We also have a Scottish chef who is also one of the directors of the hotel,” Mrs. Bhattacharya said.

There will also be a Cocktail Bar that will serve Spanish Tapas. The hotel will also have fine dining French and Continental cuisines with private dining and cellar for both. The hotel spans across one and a half acres of land and is about 60 miles from London. It is located in a peaceful area of Horton which also is known for a number of banks and financial institutions.

The clientele for this hotel has always been the wealthy and prosperous.

But Mrs. Bhattacharya aims to make this a well known food as well as a holiday destination open to all.

Apart from a restaurant, Mrs. Bhattacharya also mentioned that the hotel will eventually host

have all been done by Mrs. Bhattacharya with the help of a talented young interior designer.

Once the grand opening takes place on the 29th, the French Partridge will open its doors to guests from all over UK and abroad who want to spend a holiday in peace and tranquility in the countryside.

And as far as comfort is concerned, Mr & Mrs. Bhattacharya are known for being an extremely wonderful host. Their other property in London – The Gresham Hotel has been very well rated on all the travel sites. It is now time they step out of London and take their wonderful hospitality all around the UK. So for those of you who have been looking to take a break forever but could not find the place and comfort, here is your perfect destination.

The French Partridge is here to take over!

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at spriha@abplgroup.com

One such urban creation was the redevelopment of Maninagar – Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad which was done under the City Modernisation Scheme launched by Government of India, with an investment of $20 Billion. Ahmedabad, being the Financial Capital of Gujarat is inherently dynamic from the stand point of Trade and Commerce and Maninagar is anchoring the Development and Expansion toward the east of Ahmedabad.

Being the oldest suburb of the city, it is umbilically connected to the City Centre and forms an integral part of the residential structure of Ahmedabad.

However, for any key location to be able to propel into the future requires the elements of Transport and Infrastructure, Education, Cultural Heritage and Economics to work in conjunction with each other. It is the amalgamation of all these forces that convert the space to a place.... a place for future.

Transport and Infrastructure Maninagar is extremely well connected by the road network to Ahmedabad City Centre and with the latest BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) it takes only 20 mins. The Vadodara Express Highway ensures direct connectivity not just to Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad but also to all major Cities in Gujarat. Also, the Maninagar Railway Station is centrally located in the area and forms a vital connection in Western Railways network as it lies on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad rail route. Also the expansion of Terminal II at

Sardar Vallabhai Patel Airport ensures international connectivity. Lastly the restructuring of the internal roads and traffic systems as per new planning norms, shall render Maninagar an international layout.

Education In conjunction to the existing schools and colleges in the area, there are two major educational institutes coming up. One is a state of art Institute of Engineering Technology and the other being the Institute of Advance Studies in Management. The influx of these educational Institutes shall create a new node of Development as it gives rise to ancillary commercial activities and boost the economics of the region. Plus the creation of world class education adds intangible brand value to the place.

Religious & Cultural Heritage The idea of reclaiming Maninagar was to amalgamate the strengths of glorious cultural past with the sensibilities of the present to create a new horizon in the future. Along with the religious centres of various communities such as the Sikhs,

Post - development Parsies, Bohras and the Gujaratis, we have the Swami Narayan temple. The cultural diversity works in perfect harmony and eases the path of growth and regeneration.

Economics of Space and Place From an investment perspective when one understands and compares the potential of each of the emerging areas around Ahmedabad, the lack of supply is clearly evident in Maninagar. Prudent investors always intend to magnify the potential gains by playing on this demand – supply dynamics. The average returns in residential real estate in the area are between 20%-25%. A strong domestic and now international demand is met with weak supply. Thus all new developments tend to escalate at a faster rate. In addition to this the forces of development along with political inclination make Maninagar a better and more stable option for realising investment gains.

From heritage to hi – tech, from centres of community to cosmopolitan setups, Ahmedabad has it all. The task of shaping this urban pattern clearly defines the new direction. The goals of efforts such as the Maninagar – Kankaria lake precinct, are a product of urban space creation; thus blending the old and the new, the evolutionary and the revolutionary.

Gujarat offers what we all know to be true; that Property Investment is only as effective as the Location you invest in. it comes to owning a property in , look no further than Unesta.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

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www.abplgroup.com

Dee Katwa

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

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

Medic being investigated

Cancers of skin on rise

A Midland GP appeared before a General Medical Council panel this week to answer a charge of misconduct. Dr Hari Shankar Killampalli allegedly did shifts at one NHS Trust while claiming time off from Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital. (Proceeding).

Skin cancer among some age groups in the West Midlands has jumped by more than 50 per cent since the 1980s, new figures show. Each week one person in the region aged between 15 and 34 is diagnosed with malignant melanoma, according to a study by Cancer Research UK.

Sponging the state A married couple from Birmingham who conned more than £80,000 in benefits have been ordered to carry out 120 hours unpaid work. Nasar Ali and his wife Sheena Jan, both aged 37, stole the cash by claiming they were living apart when they were in fact living together. They understated their income and made false childcare costs including a fictitious nursery and childminder.

Shoes at £140k The most expensive pair of shoes in the world has gone on display at the Mailbox in Birmingham. The Eternal Borgezie diamond stiletto, priced at £140,000, is made entirely from solid gold and more than 2,000 diamonds.

Granddad, please come home The family of a missing man, Sukhdev Lota, has made an emotional plea for him to return home. Mr Lota, 64, pictured, of Laburnum Grove, Warwick, has not been seen since Monday last week. His four-year-old grandson is deeply upset. Anyone who sees Mr Lota, or knows of his whereabouts, is asked to contact Warwickshire Police immediately on 01926 415000.

Youth forum at Costa Coffee West Midlands’ top teen showbiz talent can showcase their skills at an open mic session in Walsall next Saturday (Apr 30). The 6pm-9pm event, at Costa Coffee in the town centre, is open to youngsters aged 13-19 and entry is £1. For more details contact youth worker Georgie Abbott on 01922 723926.

No home for picky mum A mother-of-seven who twice turned down offers of council homes in Birmingham – saying they were too small and in the wrong area – has been told she will not get another offer following a court ruling. Naseem Akhtar said she did not want to live in Kingstanding because it was too far away from her children’s schools and mosque. Ms Akhtar challenged the council’s stance at London’s Civil Appeal Court. However Lord Justice Etherton rejected it saying there was no unfairness.

Top role for Uddin Anwar Uddin has been appointed English football’s first British Asian coach.

He is England’s only Bangladeshi professional footballer.

Uddin, 29, pictured, began his football career at West Ham United, working his way up through their youth and reserve teams where he was captain. He has also played for Sheffield Wednesday, Barnet and Bristol Rovers. Born and raised in Whitechapel, London, Uddin lives in Kent with his partner Emine Behcet, who are parents to Jayden Zane Uddin.

Separately, why do so few black footballers make it into management? See my next column in a fortnight.

Sisters in fundraising campaign Still on cancer, two big-hearted sisters are appealing to readers for support in their fundraising mission. Avni, 27, and 23-year-old Hina Gohil have signed up to the Race for Life event on June 25 in Richmond Park, London, and are hoping to collect At least £500. Hina, a trainee associate on a graduate scheme for a financial regulatory firm, said: “We are doing the race in honour of family and friends who have been affected by cancer, battled and survived, or found out too late and passed away.” The siblings have so far raised £170 towards their £500 target. Race for Life is UK’s biggest women-only charity fundraising event. To sponsor Avni and Hina visit www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/hinagohil2607

UK’s longest charity rickshaw ride Separately, a Midland football club, Punjabi Wolves, has organised a Wolverhampton to Wembley rickshaw ride in memory of Bijay Khela, pictured, a young member of the club who sadly passed away due to cancer in 2009. The 140mile, 48-hour rickshaw ride, via Oxford, will begin next Friday (Apr 29). The Punjabi Wolves’ achievements have included raising tens of thousands of pounds for local charity Promise Dreams which helps seriously ill children achieve their dreams and raising money to build several houses in the Punjab region of India for very poor families. To donate, or to find out more visit www.punjabiwolves.co.uk

Wrong fuel bill Emergency service workers across the West Midlands have cost taxpayers more than £37,000 by filling up their vehicles with the wrong fuel, it has been revealed. Costly repairs have had to be carried out over the past two years due to police and ambulance staff making the mistakes.

But West Midlands Fire Service did not have a single case, according to figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.

Sikh to host England Day Preparations for a jam-packed vibrant programme to mark St George’s Day are underway in Plymouth. For the first-time ever, a Sikh, Chaz Singh, pictured, has teamed up with Jack, Plymouth’s town crier, to host this event. Being held from 10am-5pm in the city centre this Saturday (Apr 23), the event will feature kids’ competitions, pipers, Morris dancers and much more. Of Plymouth’s 257,000 population, 1.6 per cent are from non-White communities, with the largest BME community being Chinese at 0.3 per cent. Chaz is Plymouth’s first Sikh candidate in the forthcoming local elections contesting a Labour seat. To find out more contact Chaz at chaz@fatahe.com

New role for Kev Singh Kevin Singh has been appointed new head of the School of Architecture at Birmingham City University. “I’ve adopted Birmingham as my home,” said Mr Singh, pictured, adding, “the city never feels like it’s finished and for an architect that’s challenging”.

News in Brief Student killed in crash A motorbike passenger has been killed in a horrific accident in Birmingham. Student Nabeela Kausar, 22, died when the Suzuki she was a back-seat passenger on collided with a RAC breakdown van, at the Stratford Road junction with Cubley Road in Hall Green last Wednesday.

No confidence in Census Most people in the West Midlands do not believe the 2011 census will make a difference to public services or their lives, according to a survey. The poll, by companies SAS and YouGov, revealed that 74 per cent believe it will make no difference, even though the government bases funding decisions on census results.

Free belly dancing Free belly dancing classes are being staged in Birmingham to entice a new generation of enthusiasts. Beginner sessions will be held at St Mary’s Church in Vivian Road, Harborne, from 7pm every Monday, excluding Bank Holidays.

MP resigns over blue videos An Indonesian MP, Arifinto, who helped pass a tough anti-pornography law has resigned after being caught watching sexually explicit videos on his computer during a parliamentary debate. A photographer caught the man, a member of the staunchly Islamic Prosperous Justice Party, gazing at the downloaded porn sites.

Elephant death A popular baby elephant, Ganesh Vijay, who was based at Twycross Zoo in the Midlands, has died. The 18-month-old Asian elephant suffered a heart condition.

PR spend for new library Cash-strapped Birmingham City Council is to spend £292,000 on public relations for its new library. The contract has been awarded to London-based marketing agency Colman Getty. The firm has also been asked to help secure private sponsors needed to pay for the £189 million library.

Do you own, run a family business?

Nominations for the 2011 Midlands Family Business Awards will open on May 3. There are 10 award categories and it’s free to enter. The awards aim to showcase the achievements of family businesses and their leaders are being encouraged to enter. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham in November. For more information visit www.familybusinessawards.co.uk

Charity walk in Aleena’s memory Fellow pupils of a Birmingham schoolgirl tragically killed in a road accident held a five-mile sponsored walk in her memory.

Aleena Biju, 11, pictured, died when she was knocked down by a bus on her way to school last month. She was a pupil at Our Lady and St Rose Primary School in Weoley Castle. The pupils took part in the walk on the last day of term before the Easter break to raise money to buy a playground memorial for Aleena.

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

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YOUR VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

Congratulation AV and GS

Our self inflicted wound

Being the first Tamil Conservative Councillor for London Borough of Merton, it is a great pleasure for me to write to congratulate Asian Voice Editor and publisher Mr CB Patel for successfully launching the first Tamil Magazine.

Founded in 1972 Asian voice and Gujarat Shamachar have gone from strength to strength. It has now diversified its work to engage other Asian communities and now have published its journals with special titles like “British Punjabis” and “British Tamils.”

This edition of the Tamil Journal has now been distributed to 25,000 paid subscribers. With 250,000 Tamil Diaspora in Britain, I hope this journal will reach wider households and hope to see more contributions from the Tamil Diaspora intellectuals to promote their ideas, politics, Tamil history and Tamil cultures and religion.

Having attended the launch, I had the pleasure of meeting some well known faces and intellectuals; both my wife and I had an enjoyable evening. I wish Asian Voice all the success.

Discussion about Hindu caste system and need for anti caste law aimed at Hindus in Britain must end in assertive and unanimous conclusion that such a law is not needed, as Caste system is not practiced by Hindus in Britain's casteless and classless society. Hindus enhance homogenous, peaceful and harmonious Britain.

Britain has adequate laws against discrimination of any type. Britain’s Hindus not only follow these laws faithfully, but also make no special demands or ask for concessions from law and order machinery of Britain.

Yet, if the law is enforced, it will hurt sentiments of Britain’s Hindus and strain relations with law makers.

Such law can create illusion of caste demon, generate Hindu phobia, which can be exploited by malicious parties to taint image of British Hindus. It can also drive a wedge among Hindus themselves and also between Britain and Hindus in long run. It can be precursor of apartheid.

Anti caste law aimed to denigrate Hindus tantamount to violation of Hindus human rights and mockery of democracy. Such laws can be denial of and contrary to multicultural ethos prevailing in Britain.

Hindus must unite to oppose such acrimonious law especially when it is aimed at Hindus.

Cllr. Logie Lohendran Via Email

Anna Hazare and Sonia Gandhi's family Anna Hazare, who was on fast-untodeath at Jantar Mantar demanded strict anti-corruption laws, ended the fast on the hope the joint committee appointed by the government and the activists who supported Hazare will produce a draft on the Lokpal Bill. The composition of the committee itself is flawed since no opposition member from the Lok Sabha is included.

In addition the public members are filled with Hazare’s cronies. When only five members are allocated to the public, what is the need to appoint two people father and son ( Bhushans) for the committee. It may be true that two may be eminent lawyers and at least one from thousands of lawyers in the population of 1.2 Billion can do the job. Dr. Subramania Swami would have been an ideal choice.

Dr. Swamy had submitted a document highlighting the involvement of Sonia Gandhi’s family under Rajiv Gandhi’s Premiership in several corruption charges including Boforce scandal and money laundering and had asked the government to take action against the family.

Manmohan Singh so far has not bothered to reply to his letter.

Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister and NAC Co-coordinator Sonia Gandhi knew what was happening in the case of spectrum 2 and Commonwealth Games scandals. Anna Hazare and his cronies are afraid to say anything against them and they have failed to support Dr. Swamy’s corruption charges against Sonia Gandhi’s family.

Arun Vaidyanathan Via Email

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

NHS – Last Family Silver Remaining Healthcare costs in 2010 were 17.3%, 10.4% and 8.7% of GDP in USA, Canada and UK respectively. US medical insurance cost for family was $13,770 [Employer $9,773; Employee $3,997]. 30 million had no cover. [FT 20 Feb 11 p11 Analysis] UK’s NHS is unique in the entire world: the clinician thinks about treatment first and cost later. Andrew Lansley wants to introduce private competition into the NHS so that it becomes more efficient.

The “consultant” is hospital is as important, if not more, than the GP: yet he is putting all his faith in the GP. 15% of GPs already work in PCTs. True there are weaknesses in the financial control systems in the 152 NHS Primary Care Trusts and in the 400 NHS hospitals. For example, the combined heading “materials and services” covers 30% of all NHS cost in individual PCT or hospital accounts. Surely, they should be broken down.

Transparency and accountability with improved financial controls is required, not wholesale restructuring of NHS. After all, NIC employee and employer contributions are going up to 13.8% each from 2011-12: that will raise £160 billion a year.

Intellectual property in NHS is invaluable: let us not sell the last family silver remaining.

Mahatma Gandhi can't be a homosexual In response to the news published in AV 9th April 2011 "Gujarat and Maharashtra ban book on Gandhi", I would like to say young Mohandas did practically all the things that attracted him. I read his autobiography and was very convinced with his truthful writings about himself. He admitted eating meat outside the home, stealing and smoking.

He accepted he was a coward and was afraid of thieves, ghosts, snakes and darkness and could not sleep without the light. He writes he went to prostitute with his friends but could not do any thing. He went further stating that he troubled his wife too much and only a Hindu wife can tolerate that kind of injustice.

What made Mohandas into 'the' Mahatma Gandhi- we all know that.

When he was living in London he might have come across different kinds of people inclusive of homosexuals and many of them might be his good friends.But that does not mean he had relations with them. When I was councillor in London Borough of Newham, I attended the functions of Homosexuals with other councillors and we Asian Councillors took our wives with us as well. If we believe in equality our actions must reflect that.

Mahatma Gandhi who accepted courageously all his faults, I am sure if he had a homosexual relationship with some one he would have written and accepted as well. He was a man of principles, strong willed and determined to fight for independence in a peaceful way. We all are grateful for his contributions and will remain so

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The UK government is giving billions of pounds in aid to foreign countries.

Among them are the countries which are breeding grounds for terrorists. I wonder where the money is coming from. We keep on hearing about cutbacks and how this country is broke and going bust. I’m sure all those youngsters who are losing their EMA allowance and the University students who have had their fees massively increased will be wondering why the UK is aiding foreign countries when they have to scrimp and save and go without the necessities for their education. Similarly the general public facing rises in VAT and taxes will be wondering why UK is aiding other countries when they have to endure these rises and see their standard of living taking a dive for the worst.

To aid fuel to the fire, we recently chipped in to bail out Portugal which was facing financial crisis and had also made contributions to help out Spain and Ireland who were in similar hot soup.

One wonders whether it is prudent to robe our own to pay others. Shouldn’t charity begin at home?

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Euphoria that will end up in disappointment

In September 2008 Gordon Brown’s called on his friend, the chairman of Lloyds Sir Victor Blank and suggested that he might be tempted to arrange for Lloyds to take on the stricken HBOS. Blank loved this idea, since it was not his bank's money, and at an infamous cocktail party Brown said he arranged to waive competition laws to allow it.

Well 2 years on Sir Victor Black is no more. One has to remember at the time Lloyds was the only UK bank with enough on its books and required no government support. At the time the ex-PM told us that ￡ 33Billion it will protect thousand of jobs at HBOS. Well today LLoyds was forced to announce have another 570 jobs cuts, total 26,770 jobs to date.

So not only are the tax payers lost ￡ 33Billion, we also ended up with job losses.

At the heart of the last labour government advising on the financial crises were Ed Millband and Ed Balls. So the day they eventually come up how the Labour Party would deal with the deficit it will be worth nothing!

Anna Hazare’s protest against corruption has caught the imagination of every Indian, especially those who live in the West. But could it change the culture of corruption, vote-bank politics and political posturing?

Respect for law, elders, honesty and human kindness is a cultural heritage, installed in us from childhood, not by legislation, brutality or fear but by pride, duty, self-respect and obligation that is distinctly lacking in India.

Every piece of legislation has to be enforced by police, people and politicians.

At one time CBI (Criminal Bureau of Investigation) was a rock solid institution that kept some corruption at bay.

This Congress government has turned CBI into a political institution.

Watching news I was stunned in disbelief when Japanese people shopping in a supermarket that suddenly lost power supply were announced that he has to close the supermarket. But those who urgently need the supplies, especially food, can take it and make a list and come back and pay for it or go on their website and pay through internet.

Could such honesty be real?

Here even churches that used to remain open 24 hours a day, have to close their doors when unattended, as thieves would not spare even a holy place and old and infirm are mugged in their own homes. Yet we call ourselves a civilised, democratic and advance nation. Get real, we are the bottom of the league when compared with nations like Japan, South Korea and Singapore.

Ravi Shah Via Email

Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email

Dharam Sahdev Ilford

Labour's policies

N M Khajuria, FCCA Via Email

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

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

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

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

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

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EDUCATION / COUNCIL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

Councils sitting on millions while services suffer Labour councils are on a cutting spree as they are targeting libraries, nurseries, parks and almost every public services which are essential in providing a good living standard for the masses.

However, Conservatives have accused the councils for degrading the public life when it can still maintain the public services through hundreds of millions of pounds it has in its reserve.

Grant Shapps, the Conservative local government minister, has accused the councils of “totally unacceptable” behavior and urged the local authorities to use their deep pockets rather than hampering public life.

It was earlier portrayed that this drive of the councils is aimed for

reducing the huge deficit and is in path of government's spending cuts. But with local government's treasury highlighted, its method of reaching the target is highly under scrutiny.

Labour have responded by accusing the Tories of attempting to “divert attention” away from the Coalition’s decision to hit local communities with “the worst cuts in a generation”.

Labour-run Lambeth Council, in south London, one of the poorest boroughs in the country, is expected to be closing libraries while it has reserves of £93.7 million.

According to the Conservatives’ figures, Labour-run Manchester council was cutting libraries and street cleaning services while sitting

on cash reserves of £95.2milion. The analysis also claimed that Coventry was cutting learning services and support for disabled children while increasing cash reserves to £31.3 million; Blackburn with Darwen was cutting support for young problem children and families while increasing cash reserves to £12.7 million; Barnsley was cutting free swimming for families while sitting on cash reserves of £27.4 million; Camden was closing children’s centres while sitting on cash reserves of £84.3 million; Durham was closing libraries and leisure centres while sitting on cash reserves of £80.6 million; and Southwark was closing up to ten day centres while sitting on cash reserves of £86.8 million.

Cambridge overtakes Oxford as Britain's best university In the latest edition of the Complete University Guide, Cambridge has overtaken its ancient rival Oxford at the pole position for the second time in ten years. Cambridge topped the list of 116 universities in the guide rating institutions on factors like student satisfaction, research, entry standards, spending on facilities, degree grades and job prospects.

Cambridge is also named as the best university for the quality of courses delivered in more than four-in-10 subject areas. The news that Oxford University has lost its number one position in the league came just a week after it was stated as “disgraceful” by David Cameron for failing to admit enough black students.

However, the swap at the top of the University league is not linked with any changes at Oxford as it has maintained its high

Fears grow about extremist infiltration in university A university has allegedly elected a student with links to Muslim extremism as president of the student union, prompting fears that it has been infiltrated by radicals.

We s t m i n s t e r University elected Tarik Mahri, 23, to the job of president of the union despite his links to the group Hizb ut-Tahrir which advocates the establishment of an Islamic state.

His vice-president, Jamal Achchi, 26, also has links to the group, raising concerns that the university’s student union has been taken over by extremists.

In the past members of

Jamal Achchi (right) his running mate, the new president Tarik Mahri

the group have been accused of encouraging street violence against non-Muslims and of sexism and homophobia.

In his union election manifesto, he wrote: "I have been a politically active student throughout the duration of my studies... I am a fighter, and never back down!"

The Prime Minister

has said the group should be banned as it "seeks to poison young minds against our country" although the government has not yet taken action.

Both men will take up their posts at the end of June. It is, however, banned by the National Union of Students and by many student unions across the county.

A University of Westminster spokesman said: "If our students have concerns that the actions of fellow students step beyond acceptable behaviour or statutory regulations, then we have appropriate mechanisms in place to deal with these concerns."

Ethnic minority children more tolerant than the white classmates White school children are less tolerant of ethnic minority classmates when they are outperformed by them in lessons, research has claimed.

Pupils from white British backgrounds feel increasingly 'threatened' by peers from black and Asian families when they are overtaken by them in skills and knowledge, it was claimed.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the study suggests that putting children

in classes with a range of ethnic backgrounds does not always improve race relations between pupils.

The findings by the University of London's Institute of Education

were revealed following the publication of figures showing increased diversity within the make-up of English schools.

Over 25 per cent of primary pupils are now classed as non-white, according to figures.

According to government data, 25.5 per cent of under-11s are from ethnic minority families.

One-in-six pupils speak English as a second language.

Cambridge overtakes arch rival Oxford in the Complete University Guide Top 10 Universities (last year rankings in bracket):1 Cambridge (2) 2 Oxford (1) 3 Imperial College London (3) 4 London School of Economics (5) 5 Durham (4) 6 St Andrews (6) 7 University College London (9) 8 Warwick (7) 9 Lancaster (8) 10 Bath

standards. It is rather the significant improvements in Cambridge's student satisfaction ratings, entry grades and graduates' career prospects that has given Cambridge University the status of the best in the country.

Out of the 62 academ-

ic disciplines stated in the guide, Cambridge taught 26 subjects better than any other university while Oxford was the best in 13 subjects. The last time Cambridge gripped the prime position in the league was in 2007.

Bells college ordered to reimburse tuition fees

Woolwich County Court has ordered Bells College, London to reimburse full tuition fees to Mrs Parul Patel who could not finish her degree following the suspension of the college by the UK government.

Mrs Patel came to London in June 2009 to study Diploma in Information Technology.

But within three weeks, Bells college was suspended till March 2010. She approached the college to reimburse her £03,000

tuition fees so that she can fulfill her wish to pursue her higher education in UK. However, the college point blank refused her request stating that the tuition fees is non-refundable.

She approached Jay Vadher of Jay Vadher & Co Solicitors for assistance to pursue her claims. The college was taken to the court but Mrs Patel had to return to India as her visa was expiring. Jay Vadher took charge of the case and even

Jay Vadher

though Bells college was able to defend its stance, it was instructed on Friday by Woolwich County Court to reimburse the entire tuition fees to Mrs Patel and also pay for the legal costs of the proceedings.

11

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12

MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

Scrutator’s The BRICS summit of Brazil, Russia, India, China and newcomer South Africa took place last week in Sanya, China, a significant event representing over 2.5 billion people and the world's leading emerging economies, headed by China and India, the former's GDP, second only to the United States, is a manufacturing colossus. Russia and Brazil are energy superpowers with special industrial strengths, while India's dynamism lies in the services sector, in IT and pharmaceuticals. China's foreign exchange reserves are the world's largest, Russia stands third after second placed Japan, and India fourth. South Africa's strategic location in sub-Saharan Africa is coupled with a strong regional economic base and abundant reserves of raw materials and rare earths.

Sandeep Dikshit in The Hindu (April 15) told of a BRICS

BRICS summit: L-R: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President Dmitri Medvedev, President Hu Jintao, President Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and South African President Jacob Zuma

“action plan to make the voice of developing countries more effective on the on the world stage. This followed a concurrence of views on almost all issues of international importance, including political, economic, climate change, terrorism and reforms of the United Nations and international financial institutions. The plan schedules a string of high-level meetings on almost all issues – security, political and economic – to enable the five countries better coordinate their positions. They agreed to initiate the plan with a meeting of National Security Advisers later this year in China....the five nations frowned on the use of force by the West in Libya and supported the return of peace and stability in West Asia-North Africa 'according to the legitimate aspirations of their peoples'.”

The five leaders decided to tackle foreign exchange volatility by endorsing the primacy of local currency in inter-BRICS trade. They would instruct their respective national banks to work out the modalities that would be subject to the national laws of each partner nation. Financial grants to each other would be issued in national currencies, not in US dollars.

However, officials were quick to point out that there was no desire to diminish the importance of the dollar. Manbeer Singh, Secretary (Economic Relations) India's Ministry of External Affairs, stated at a press conference: “We want a broad-based international reserve currency system and change in the rubrics of the international monetary system and economic governance. We are looking for a substitute, not an alternative.”

BRICS leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and pledged mutual cooperation to eliminate the global terrorist threat. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held one-to-one meetings with his BRICS colleagues at the start of the summit; he made special reference to India's “unique ties” with Russia following his talks with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev.

The next BRICS summit will take place in India.

Mutual support Russia and China agreed (both permanent members of the UN Security Council) and pledged their support to the candidatures of India, Brazil and South Africa to the body, while Russia's membership of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was endorsed by India, China, Brazil and South Africa.

Speaking at the plenary session, India's Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said BRICS nations stood for a rule-based world order and respected each other's political systems, that the

grouping was not directed at anyone. He called for a review of nuclear safety measures in the light of the Fukushima disaster in Japan.

Summing up, Dr Singh said of BRICS: “I would say the best is yet to come.”

Inspirational Surat Speaking at the inauguration of the Surat Auto Expo recently, Naoyuki Maekawa, DirectorGeneral of the Japan External Trade Organisation(JETRO), said that the Japanese people took inspiration from the people of the

Gujarat port city of Surat, which bounced back from the devastating floods of 2006.

“Auto makers in Japan are recuperating from the devastation wreaked by the earthquake and tsunami. The auto component manufacturing hub at Fukushima was badly hit, but we are taking lessons from the Surat floods in 2006, when the city rose like a phoenix in a month's time,” said Mr Maekawa (The Times of India April 8).

Another Japan-India story concerns 78-year-old Shoji Shiba, one of the world's foremost experts inTotal Quality Management. This former professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloane School of Management has been conducting a course on Visionary Leadership in Manufacturing Programme at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Kolkata. The programme was launched in 2007 in collaboration with IIT Chennai, IIT Kanpur and IIM Kolkata, with active support from India's Ministry of Human Resources Development Japan International and Cooperation Agency.

Professor Shiba rushed back to Japan to be with his wife and children and mother, aged 100, when the earthquake and tsunami struck, but he has returned to Kolkata after the worst of the devastation had passed. He said: “I initiated the project and it is my responsibility. There is a Japanese mentality that we keep the promises we make. As long as I am alive I will keep the promise of being here.” He asked the indulgence of his students to be allowed to carry his cellphone in the class in case there was an emergency in his family back in Japan.

Professor Shiba's course is critically related to the present transformation of Indian industry (Indian Express April 6)

Tata-Succession stakes Robin Pagnamenta (The Times April 11) writes: “He is India's most revered businessman – the leader of a global giant with sales of $67 billion last year and and interests ranging from steel to salt, from call centres to Tetley Tea. Now the battle to succeed Ratan Tata as the head of India's biggest private company is heating up as a panel established to find a replacement prepares to make an announcement next month.”

The company employs 49,000 people in the UK, including at Jaguar and Land Rover and Corus. Worldwide, the Tata workforce numbers 400,000. A fever of speculation has gripped Mumbai, the Tata headquarters, whether the selection panel will plump for an internal or external candidate.

Favoured internal candidates include R. Gopalakrishnan, a director at Tata Sons and a former executive at Unilever, as well as Noel Tata, Ratan Tata's 54year-old half brother and the former Tata's retail group Trent and now Managing Director of Tata International, which looks after the group's overseas business.

Other names being considered are Arun Sarin, the former chief executive of Vodafone and

Arun Sarin

R. Gopalakrishnan

Indra Nooyi

Noel Tata

Indra Nooyi the present Chairman and Chief Executive of PepsiCo, Under company rules, Ratan Tata has to retire in December 2012 when he turn 75.

He will have 18 months to groom his successor.

Medicines having failed to effect a cure, the only option left was said Consultant surgery, Neurosurgeon Dr R. Ramanarayan.

Surgeons performed deep brain stimulus , a procedure that implants a device called brain pacemaker, which sends electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain. A fortnight after the surgery Mohammed has been able to straighten his head and face people; he has regained 60 per cent of his speech.

India plan According to a CNN report (April 18), the Tata group, “India's powerful salt-to-steel conglomerate plans to invest $26 billion in the country over the next five years, in a bid to dispel the the belief that it is turning away from its home market.

Kishor Chaukar, the Maaging Director of the group's strategic arm Tata Industries, said the Tata Group intended to invest heavily in India's power, steel and automotive sector, as it seeks to double revenues to about $150 billion in the next five years.”

The planned investment investments include a $3.7 billion, 4,000-megawatt power plant under way in Gujarat, and a $4.4 billion integrated steel plant in Chhatisgarh.

Unique surgery A Times of India report (March 30) told of a unique, 14-hour deep brain surgery at Chennai's Apollo specialty hospital, where surgeons succeed in correcting a distortion in the neck of an Iraqi patient named Mohammed.

Mohammed was diagnosed with torticollis, a chronic neurological disorder that leads to a severely twisted neck.

Mohammed's head faced one side and his chin the other. The motion of his head was constricted leaving him with an inability to read, watch television or drive a car. This rare affliction is best treated within months of a person's birth. In adults the corrective process becomes doubly difficult. Mohammed suffered acute neck pain, frequent headaches, loss of voice and tremors.

Indian UAVs In the lawless times in which we live, when spurious 'humanitarian' excuses can lead to colonialtype invasions of sovereign states, it is best for those fortunate enough to remain independent to keep their powder dry. A Times of India report (April 11) says “India is quietly going ahead with an ambitious programme to develop its own stealth UAVs or 'smart' drones capable of firing missiles and bombs at enemy targets with precision.”

Talking about the secretive AURA (autonomous unmanned research aircraft) programme for the first time, a senior Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) official told reporters that the aim was to develop the UAVs for the Indian Air Force in the next seven to eight years.

“A full-fledged project team with 15-18 scientists has already begun work on the UAV's preliminary design and technology.

With on-board computers, datalinks, fire control radars, identification of friend or foe, and traffic avoidance systems, they will be highly intelligent drones,” said DRDO's Chief Controller, Research and Development Dr Prahlada.

Saying UAVs are “gamechangers in modern-day warfare,” he was confident India could deliver the goods.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel’s

The Politics of Race To the man who spat at my father and called him a ‘f*^*&ng black c&^t’. You should know several things. First, as I am sure you are a regular watcher of the political scene, you should not mistake the Prime Minister’s call for limiting immigration as a justification for attacking the immigrants already here.

Secondly, the Blackberry is a wonderful tool. It has a high resolution camera which not only captures faces but car number plates. Such evidence did not used to exist when racists in the 70s could get away with it for lack of evidence.

Also, 3pm in Knightsbridge? Really, that’s where you wanna do it? My goodness, the troglodytes are getting brave.

The wealthy parts of London are full of immigrants – look around. I can see why so many ladies around Harrods where burkhas now. It’s to prevent the spit from your venom hitting them.

Perhaps you were lost for words in a spot of road rage? What worries me is you were driving a Renault. You know it’s foreign don’t you? You should have driven something more British, maybe a Land Rover or a Jaguar. Ummm….no wait…

You see, fortunately I was in the passenger seat and able to take the picture. I did explain to the Police at Chelsea why I did not go see them until 2 hours later. I explained I was meeting a member of HRH Prince of Wales staff to discuss showing a play about racism at St James’s Palace. They saw the irony in that. I hope you will see the irony too. We’ve played it in prisons, so maybe you’ll get to see it.

I guess I should tell you a bit of about my father, the man whom you spat at. He came to this country in 1969. His right arose from the fact that his father, my grandfather, served in the British Army in the Second World

War. He served in Italy in fact. You would have liked Italy in the World War. The people had your political views I think. Anyway, my grandfather dealt with them, as did some chaps you may have heard of, Field Marshall Montgomery and General Patton.

Anyway, my father came to Britain with my grandfather and worked as a blacksmith and then delivered cars.

Menial work to be sure. The kind of work which may make you feel racially superior even. And evidenced by the callouses on his hands and the quiet eloquence of his example he and my mum would wake at 5am and work till about 10pm once they’d saved enough for a shop, so I could have an education. Your fellow natives have created a wonderful education system.

But here’s the clincher. I can only assume you do not read this column or did not recognise me from my picture when I got out of the car to shoot you (with my phone camera). You see the clincher is that I am from Karamsad. I do bang on about a lot in this column.

And do you know who else was from Karamsad? I bet you don’t? Google it.

You know what happened the last time some bad people spat at men from Karamsad don’t you? No. Okay, let me describe it. A long time ago a map of the world used to be coloured pink in large parts. Then one day it wasn’t.

The one thing a racist proves when he abuses you is the one thing he seeks to disprove: your racial superiority. Let me leave you with the words of another ‘f*cking black c&^t’ his name was Gandhi, like my father, he is Gujarati.

He also came to Britain and studied here: ‘You must not lose hope in humanity. Just because one dirty drop of water falls in the Ocean it does not make the whole of the Ocean dirty’.

Alpesh.patel@tradermind.com

Honour killing victim's sister organised raid on parents' home Alisha Ahmed, the sister of suspected honour killing victim Shafilea Ahmed, has pleaded guilty to robbing her family in Cheshire at Chester Crown Court.

The sister of a murder victim organised a £33,000 robbery on her own parents' home while she was living under a police witness protection programme, a court heard.

Alisha Ahmed, 22, admitted planning the raid in which she and two masked men burst into the family home and tied up her mother, two sisters and a brother.

Ahmed is the younger sister of suspected honour killing victim Shafilea Ahmed, 17, who vanished from her Warrington home in September 2003.

Chester Crown Court heard how she had organised the raid in a bid to get her hands on money to pay off debts she had run-

Alisha Ahmed

Shafilea Ahmed

up after leaving home to live under witness protection.

She donned a mask and with two unidentified men carried-out the raid on the semi-detached house in Great Sankey, on August 25 2010.

Her mother Farzana Ahmed, 47, her daughters

Mervish, 19, and Saima, 14, and son Junyad, 20, were all bound and gagged while the house was ransacked.

Her taxi driver father Iftikhar Ahmed, 50 known as ‘Joe’ - was not at home when Alisha and her gang struck at 10.45pm.

13

Homeless girl invited to Royal wedding Barely a year ago, Shozna was living a desperate existence, sharing homeless shelters with drug addicts while recovering from a serious stroke. But in less than two weeks, she will take her place alongside royals, A-list celebrities and foreign dignitaries after getting an invitation to the first 'people's royal wedding'.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have invited the former homeless teenager to Westminster Abbey after she was rescued from destitution by Princess Diana’s homeless charity, Centrepoint.

Shozna, pictured, whose surname is kept

secret to protect her identity, said: ‘I’m so very excited. Kate seems born to be a princess and I think she’ll look traditional and elegant.

‘I can’t believe the Beckhams, Elton John and his husband, Prince Harry

and all the little bridesmaids will be there.

‘I want to say to Prince W i l l i a m : “Congratulations. Thank you for inviting me and thank you for making people feel like they are part of the world instead of being alone”.’

Sitting alongside 1,900 guests at the wedding ceremony, Shozna will wear a £500 red and orange offthe-shoulder dress donated by bridal wear designer Raishma Islam, one-time assistant to Prince Diana's dress designer Elizabeth Emanuel.

Shozna will be accompanied by Centrepoint chief executive Seyi Obakin and his wife.

Care homes under scrutiny A national daily has reported that elderly residents in care homes are left hungry, bored and at risk of abuse from unscrupulous staff. The consumer rights group Which? has uncovered the failings after sending undercover actors into four care homes across the UK, as reported by national dailies including the Daily Mail .

Conditions at one were so bad that admissions have been suspended by the Care Quality Commission.

One researcher lost 7lb in less

than a week after living on tiny portions of food with inadequate calories or protein and no fruit and vegetables.

In the other three homes under investigation pensioners were forced to wait 16 or 17 hours between dinner and breakfast without food. Lunch at one place was at 11.30am despite breakfast having been served at 10 am.

In another, residents constantly said they were bored. This is worrying because lack of stimulation is linked to a range of

health problems. Which? even had concerns about basic health and safety in two care homes – from damp and dirty facilities to exposed wires and a blocked fire escape.

If you live in a care home or are a family member of someone living in a care home, and are not looked after properly or have serious complaints, please write to us at aveditorial@abplgroup.com or at 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW. We will look into the issues and try and do needful.

14

COMMUNITY

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

New £5mn Nursing Home opens in Greenford

In brief BAPS Charities 10k Challenge

More than 230 people from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Hindu Temple) in Hall Green took to the streets on Sunday 17 April for the BAPS Charities 10k Challenge to raise funds for older people. This year’s annual event was held in conjunction with Age UK, one of the country’s leading charities working with the older people, and locally, MacMillan Cancer Support. Men, women and children of all ages – ranging from three to 90 – walked or ran the distance of 10 kilometres.

Steve Pound MP inaugurating the Nursing Home

Steve Pound, MP for Ealing North, officially opened the state-of-the-art Neem Tree Care Centre, specialising in dementia care with a dedicated Asian wing, on Friday 8 April.

The home is the first in the south for Sunflower Healthcare, which already owns and manages three homes in Yorkshire and one in Staffordshire. It will offer nursing and dementia care to 49 elderly residents from across London.

Staff recruitment for the home has already begun and will eventually employ 65 staff.

Neem Tree director Meera Shah says: “Our biggest asset is our staff – most of them are NVQ qualified in care work or qualified nurses. We offer regular training sessions and reward loyalty with progression opportunities. This has led to a much lower staff turnover rate in our homes than the industry norm.”

The £5m development incorporates the latest research on dementia and elderly care to create a supportive, stimulating and comfortable environment for those calling it home.

Some of the latest thinking has been incorporated into the home to ensure its residents are as comfortable as possible. This includes:

Neem Tree Nursing Home

l Equipment – each room is kitted out with a flat-screen television and many have the latest technology profiling beds. l Technology – there is internet access throughout, state-of-the-art monitoring systems and the latest in caring equipment, hoists, lifts and specialised baths. l Signage – the home uses pictorial signs and large fonts on a yellow background. Using pictures allow residents to identify where they are quickly and easily, reducing anxiety levels. In addition each resident has a frame on their door filled with personal photos and memorabilia so that they can easily identify which room is theirs. l Bathrooms – each room has a fully-equipped bathroom designed to cater for the needs of the residents.

These include contrasting toilet seats and fixtures to improve visibility and aid independence. l Layout – small details like different coloured walls allow easy orientation around the home. Large low windows give residents views over the tranquil Litten Tree Nature Reserve. l Activities – residents will have specifically-tailored activities to fit with their interests and personali-

ties. l Garden – the sensory garden features looped walk ways, water features and ample benches to provide a comfortable haven for residents and their guests. The Centre is surrounded by the Litten Tree Nature reserve. l Food -Neem Tree believes that a healthy diet of freshly-cooked home food is essential in maintaining good health. The home also boasts a separate fully equipped vegetarian kitchen. l Team – Neem Tree’s staff are highly skilled and undergo regular training to ensure they are fully up-todate with the latest innovations in dementia and nursing care.

The home is manned by qualified nurses and care staff with health care specialists such as physiotherapists, chiropodists, and dentists on call. Neem Tree has a holistic approach to care and uses alternative therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine. The home also offers bespoke care for Asian residents on a dedicated floor. It has a dedicated vegetarian kitchen and a multi-faith prayer room as well as Asian language-speaking staff. A wide range of activities are offered at the home.

Filmaker Gita Desai takes the audience by awe Gita Desai, is the creator of films Yoga Unveiled and Raga Unveiled. She was also interviewed in CB Live at MATV. Gujarati born Gita, studied in Baroda, Gujarat, though she was born in Kampala, East Africa. She immigrated to the USA in 1981 with her husband Mukesh, her partner both in life and in producing this film.

During our interview she described how a simple housewife, with no film background, created the first full-length documentary about Yoga. Gita

told Asian Voice, "Yoga is my passion. People miss the spiritual aspect of yoga. What I tried to portray through my film is way better than reading a book. This is to bring out the excellence in the aspect of yoga. My elder son helped to edit the film, do the script and did in copy writing."

Raga unveiled is another of her master piece. She was able to interview some of the legends before their demise and her work is regarded as one of the finest.

"I was interested in

Music since my younger days. I learnt Sitar and listened to Ravi Shankarji with awe. When I went to the US, I started organising concerts. Some of the artists also stayed with us.

My interest in 'Ragas' grew from there. It was a great deal to interview such renowned personalities."

Talking about the los-

ing essence of yoga, Mrs Desai added, "West has taken up the yoga as a gateway to the spirituality.

India is now following its footsteps. Though, yoga is an Indian concept, it has gained familiarity and momentum in India only recently- in fact after the West embraced it!"

"Doing raga unveiled was much difficult than yoga unveiled. Putting an abstract concept like 'raga' in visual was a challenge indeed," added Gita.

Gita is currently touring in the UK and her films will have screening in Nottingham and Leeds soon. If you are interested to buy the dvds of her film or contact her, log onto h t t p : / / w w w. y o g a u n veiled.com/

Training Event held by Brent Neighbourhood Watch Association

Brent Neighbourhood Watch Association (BNWA) held a very successful training session, funded by the Voluntary Sector, for Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators on 14 April 2011. The event was attended by over 100 residents, 20 business representatives, police cadets, council wardens, the Mayor and guest speakers from Counter Terrorism, Ward Working and Age UK within the Borough of Brent with a high representation from the Asian community. Trained PCSOs worked with those attending to develop partnership work with the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams and other community groups to develop crime prevention awareness. A large part of the session was dedicated to hearing the concerns and suggestions of BNWA members to work towards creating a safer community for all Brent residents. Suggestions put forward by residents included increasing the number of NW schemes in the borough, greater communication between volunteers and the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams, improved lighting and improved access to crime prevention information. A report based on the session will be distributed to agencies in the borough and will be available on request from BNWA.

South bank centre celebrates Alchemy festival

Southbank Centre’s riverside venues and spaces will be suffused with love for the divine as devotional singers and poets gather for Muzaffar Ali’s prestigious Sufi festival Jahan e Khusrau, which provides the focus for the opening weekend of Alchemy – now in its second year. Artists confirmed for Southbank Centre’s 11-day (15-25th April) celebration of South Asian culture include actors Meera Syaland Javed Jaffrey; the return of tabla maestro Talvin Singh; legendary Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans; writers and journalists Tahmima Anam, William Dalrymple Amit Chaudhuri; TV presenter Anita Rani: pop icon Kailash Kherand rising-star Raghu Dixit. Beyond the ticketed events, Alchemy extends an open invitation to all to come and enjoy the festival atmosphere at an exciting range of free events ranging from morning yoga to daytime events for children and outdoor street theatre to preconcert dance demonstrations and performances. For more details click www.southbankcentre.co.uk/alchemy

Muhammed Khan –receiving the award for 'Advocacy in the face of adversity' category from Sundeep Bhatia, Law Society Council Members for Ethnic Minorities at the Minority Awards dinner on April 8th, 2011.

VAISAKHI

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

15

Britain celebrates Vaisakhi festival with pomp and gaiety Vaisakhi is an annual festival that celebrates the Sikh New Year and the formation of the Sikh Nation (Khalsa Panth) in 1699. The annual festival which also celebrates harvest time in Punjab (Thursday 14 April), was celebrated in London and Leicester last week and will be celebrated in Midlands this weekend

London Canary Wharf Celebrated over ten years of Vaisakhi at Canary Wharf festival marked Sikh festival with another colourful day of music and dancing.

Cabot Square in Canary Wharf filled up with all kinds of Sikh e n t e r t a i n m e n t .

Traditionally a very vibrant and joyous occasion, the Vaisakhi at Canary Wharf brought plenty of Bhangra music and dance on display.

There was impressive and fearsome martial arts displays, while those with a passion for Indian food

were in for a treat.

Vaisakhi at Canary Wharf took place from 2pm - 5pm, Saturday 16th April 2011, and was free to attend.

Southall Thousands of Sikhs from Southall and elsewhere took part in the Vaisakhi procession (nagar kirtan), the Sikh New Year and the harvest festival on Sunday 10th April in Southall.

The religious ceremony started at 11am at Havelock Road Gurudwara. The procession left the Gurudwara at 12:15pm. The procession finished at the Park Avenue Gurudwara around 5pm. The road was filled with free food stalls on both sides- served from 10am.

An estimated 100,000 people lined the streets for the annual event.

A number of local dignitaries spoke to crowds before the event, including Mayor of Ealing Rajinder Mann and Ealing Southall MP Virendra Sharma.

Celebration to follow Birmingham

Leicester The sun shone down on thousands of worshippers who took part in a parade to mark Vaisakhi on 16th April, one of the most important holidays in the Sikh calendar.

The procession started at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Holy Bones, at 11.30am.

Brightly-coloured floats filled with singers and drummers were fol-

lowed by a procession of worshippers who handed out sweets and treats to crowds who gathered to

watch.

Like many onlookers, Manvir Kaur also joined the procession as it passed. A group of friends from City of Leicester College walked in the parade together.

Va i s a k h i was on T h u r s d a y, April 14, this year, but the procession was held over until Sunday so as many people as possible could take part.

A Sikh temple in Leicester provided free food for thousands of visitors during the Vaisakhi festival.

Birmingham’s Vaisakhi celebrations, which are now in their 20th year, start at 11.30am on Sunday 24th April as two processions set off from Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) in Hockley and Smethwick. At the head of each procession will be the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scriptures of revelation). The processions will be led by five Sikhs dressed in ceremonial costume. It is organised by the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham, with support from Birmingham City Council and other sponsors. The Institute of Asian Businesses says it is expecting one of the busiest times for the economy in Birmingham.

The processions will finish at Handsworth Park where 100,000 people will gather at a fantastic free family event with live music, sports, entertainment, a children’s inflatable play area, Punjabi food and craft stalls from 12 noon until 6.30pm.

There will also be a delicious Langar – free vege-

tarian feast – with food prepared by Gurdwaras from across Birmingham and the Black Country.

Coventry Celebrations have already begun in Coventry and will culminate on Sunday 24 April with a parade which up to 10,000 people are expected to attend.

The day, which will begin with early-morning prayers at the city's temples, will continue into the evening with food and celebrations.

The parade, also known as Nagar Kirtan, will begin with a donation ceremony. Money raised on the day will go to British charities.

It will be led by five Sikhs in traditional dress with others playing drums to announce the parade.

The route begins in the car park of the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash and will take in other temples and streets including Howard Street, Stoney Stanton Road, Foleshill Road and Harnall Lane West.

10 Downing Street

Sikhs’ values, an asset to Britain, says Chancellor

By Dhiren Katwa

and Manpreet, who works for me,” said Mr Osborne. He went on: ‘Your features A swanky reception to mark Vaisakhi, and values deserve credit. Your committhe annual Sikh harvest festival, was ment to the extended family and to each hosted by British Premier David other and to enterprise. Something we Cameron for the first time at 10 could all do more of. You are a shining Downing Street last week. Here, the example of this to others and to us all.’ event highlights.

He praised British Sikhs for their self-sufPing. An email arrives. “Dear Dhiren ficiency, aversion to hand-outs and conKatwa”, it began. “The Prime Minister tribution to the economy. requests the pleasure of your company at The historic moments were captured a reception to celebrate on camera by in-house phoVaisakhi on Wednesday 13 tographers. Also, filming this April 2011 at 10 Downing were Dr Sadhu Singh and his Street, Whitehall.” son Paul and their crew from Accepting this rare invitathe Birmingham-based Sikh tion, I joined the 100-plus Channel. Also present from guests, including my editor the media was broadcast Mr CB Patel, publisher and journalist Dil Neiyyar from editor of Asian Voice and BBC Asian Network and Gujarat Samachar. writer Nirpal Dhaliwal. The On arrival at the gates of latter, a Sikh, explained how Downing Street, guests this was his first time at a were asked by the duty Vaisakhi celebration. Also, police officer to show their “one magnate offered to e-invitation and photoarrange me a marriage to a graphic ID. No cameras or Hari Bhogal, aged 6, from nice Sikh girl,” he smiled. “I mobile phones were allowed. Leeds, was the youngest said I didn’t want a wife but guest Upstairs on the first floor, was more than happy for him guests were served drinks and nibbles as to arrange me a shag.” they moved around the room, mingling Walking around the room, it was and exchanging greetings. interesting just to observe the attitudes Then, onto a raised platform stepped and behaviours of so-called VIPs. Whilst Chancellor George Osborne. “I’m sorry a fraction managed to chill out, thus keep David can’t be here,” he began, adding their modesty, the ‘I am something’ atti“but welcome, you are very welcome,” – tude of several others shone through, natindeed ironic, given David Cameron’s urally. For example, these individuals recent speech and proposals on immigrawere, selfishly, more selective in whom tion. David had to dash off to Paris to disthey met with and greeted, beaming their cuss Libya with Nicolas Sarkozy. In his approach to equality and fairness, or brief address, Mr Osborne said Sikhs rather the lack of it. were “among the most hardworking peoGuests, many of them younger Sikhs, ple in Britain”, and paid homage to the more your faces of the future, included wider British Indian community.

Asian pop sensations Juggy D, Rishi According to recent figures, almost one in Rich, Malkit Singh, BBC Radio Four’s five of the world’s population are now ‘Thought of the Day’ Sikh champion Indian. “We have a wide range of profesIndarjit Singh, editor of Eastern Media sions and achievers here today – teachers, Group Gurjeet Kaur Bains, West doctors, police officers, celebrity artists, Midlands’ highest-ranking Sikh police-

Kavita Jnagal, left, and Rani Uppelle, of Simply Recruitment, with Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha

woman Shindo Barquer, entrepreneur Dr Rami Ranger, kickboxing champion Kash Gill, Chairman of Birmingham-based Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh, Tony Lit, Leicestershire’s first Sikh High Sheriffin-waiting Dr Resham Singh Sandhu, Communities secretary Eric Pickles, Tory co-chairman Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, entrepreneur Parm Sandhu of Tamita and The One Show’s Hardeep Singh Kohli.

Nibbling on Indian canapés as devotional music played overhead, guests shared stories of their success. Following the event, guests collected their personal

Guests outside Number 10

belongings from reception and shuffled outside Number 10 to take photographs.

Bet they were glad they did too because those who relied on the in-house photographers are still waiting. And given that Number 10’s press office is not responding to, nor acknowledging photo requests, it’s a jolly good job some of us did take photographs. Ordinary guests, in particular, waited for celebrities to emerge in a desperate attempt to take snaps with them. After all, it’s not often that most of us get an invitation to go to 10 Downing Street.

Outside London, several cities and towns across Britain are making final preparations for Vaisakhi celebrations this weekend. In Coventry the Guru Nanak Parkash Temple is organising activities, expected to attract around 10,000 people. In Birmingham, simmering tensions between the Sikh and Christian communities over a clash between Vaisakhi and Easter processions this Sunday (Apr 24) are drawing to an amicable compromise. Around 100,000 people are expected to gather in Handsworth Park. In Leicester, the Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara in East Park Road is preparing “langar” blessed meals and making arrangements for a lively procession, or nagar kirtan.

Sikhism is the youngest major religion and was founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Vaisakhi marks the start of the Sikh new year, the creation of Khalsa and the harvest festival in India.

The team at Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar would like to wish all our Sikh readers a Happy Vaisakhi. Wahe Guru ji Khalsa, Wahe Guru ji ki Fateh.

BollYwooD

16 Asian Voice Saturday 23rd April 2011

If reports are to be believed, Jayanth C Paranjee’s forthcoming Telugu film “Teen Maar” will have a hot liplock scene by its lead actors Pawan Kalyan and Trisha.

According to reports, Pawan Kalyan refused to perform the kissing scene initially since he felt that it would affect his brother Chiranjeevi’s political image, but the director convinced him to do the smooch scene, saying that

the script demands it.

“Teen Maar” is a remake of Bollywood blockbuster “Love Aaj Kal.” The original too has liplock scenes by Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone. The movie had a few intimate scenes as well between the lead actors. However, Jayanth C Paranjee has made some changes in the Telugu version to suit the regional audience, sources said.

identified with.

"With her own much-written about RK tattoo at the base of her neck and the cutting-edge 'Dum Maro' Dum tattoo she's seen sporting in the movie, she would have been the perfect ambassador for this tattoo expo."

As Deepika was shooting in London for 'Desi Boyz', she could not attend the event, but forwarded the invitation to her 'Dum Maaro Dum' team.

Abhishek Bachchan, Prateik Babbar and Rohan Sippy attended the convention instead.

The cast of the film launched the special 'Dum Maro Dum' tattoo at the convention.

The film is about the bravery of these brothers and their camaraderie.

The film also stars Sneha, Jayaram, Khushbu, Prakashraj, Napoleon, Rajkiran and Vijayakumar in prominent roles. Newcomers Pooja Chopra and Divya Parameshwaran are the heroines. The movie has been adapted from a book written by Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi.

Singer Chitra's daughter drowns in Dubai

South Indian singer K S Chitra's eight-year-old daughter Nandana drowned in a swimming pool in Dubai last week, according to sources close to the family in Kerala.

Chitra, 47, popularly

known as "South Indian Nightingale", and her family were in Dubai to take part in a stage show.

In January, she completed three decades as a playback singer. The singer has rendered more than 15,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Oriya, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali and Punjabi films. She has won six National Film Awards (in four different languages), five Filmfare Awards and more than 30 different state film awards.

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor is much impressed by the “Dhoom” series and expressed his desire to be part of it. "If another sequel to 'Dhoom' series comes after 'Dhoom 3' then I would love to be part of it. It is a very good franchise.

Also given the fact that the script is too good," Ranbir said.

The plot centres around thrill, action, bike chases, handsome thieves, smart and daring stealing plans.

After the success of 'Dhoom' (2004) and 'Dhoom-2' (2006), there has been much buzz in Btown regarding its third sequel.

Aamir Khan would be seen as baddie in 'Dhoom3' while actors Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra would continue with their famous pair of 'Jai' and 'Ali'.

The 28-year-old Ranbir wants to do some action films

HriTHiK rosHan to gain more weight for ‘Agneepath’ remake

Ponnar shankar receives great response

Prashanth’s magnum opus “Ponnar Shankar,” produced and directed by his father Thiagarajan, has opened to great response from both critics and audiences alike.

The film, which graced theatres, narrates the story of two brave brothers (Ponnar and Sankar) of Kong Ponnaru Nadu (present districts of Coimbatore, Erode, Karur, and parts of Tiruchi and Madurai).

too wants to be a 'Dhoom' villain

‘tattoo queen’ Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has been chosen as the ''tattoo queen'' by the organisers of the first Tattoo Convention in India. The 25-year-old star sports tattoos of her former boyfriend's initials and another one of an anklet.

After watching her in a remixed song in the upcoming film 'Dum Maaro Dum', IndiaInk Invention got in touch with the model-turnedactress and requested her to visit their first- ever convention which took place on April 10.

They were keen on her presence at the expo as they consider the 'Om Shanti Om' actress to be the "tattoo queen".

However, the actress could not attend the convention as she was abroad for a film shoot.

The convention's organiser Manoj Thakur, Partner at Par Excellence Entertainment, said, "Deepika's absence was felt, especially at an event that she would have readily

Hrithik Roshan will pile on 12 kilos (all muscles) for his role in Karan Johar’s “Agneepath.” He is buying costly gym equipment for this purpose. The actor got flabby for “Guzaarish” as well (and shed the kilos soon after), the difference this time around is that he's building only muscle mass.

Roshan Jr has been working out three hours daily with trainer Satyajit Chourasia despite a hectic schedule. He has also bought gym equipment worth lakhs for his newly renovated gym at his Juhu home.

Says Satya, "Hrithik wants to look bigger and heavier than he normally does. He expanded his earlier gym last month to include eight new work-out machines which include chest and leg presses, rowing machines and a cable crossover machine which is like a small gym in itself and includes all body exercises. He used to be 70 kg and has now gained eight kilos.

We are now aiming for 84 kg."

Hema Malini to launch Ahana into films Hema Malini and Esha Deol are all set to launch Ahana Deol into the film world. Earlier, it was heard that Ahana would be doing a film to be directed by the “Udaan” fame Vikramidtya Motwane. But now buzz has it that Ahana is considering playing Juliet in Aparna Sen's film, to be produced by Hema Malini and Esha Deol.

While Esha starrer “Tell Me Oh Khuda” is still waiting to see the light of the day, the actress, now turning producer, is putting her heart and soul into getting things right for her sister's debut.

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RanbiR KaPooR

Deepika Padukone chosen Pawan Kalyan liplocks with Trisha

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

Satya explains that putting on weight doesn't mean putting on flab. "Hrithik is working on building lean muscle mass like Aamir did on “Ghajini.”

For this kind of bodybuilding you need a very different and rigorous training schedule with proper sleep, correct nutrition, knowledge, motivation and dedication.

Hrithik has it all. And he never misses out on his workouts. And like Aamir, he is focused, committed and a professional."

Satya says that Hrithik's exercises are changed regularly. "We improve and bring variations in exercises for faster results.

Specific exercises and circuit training are given for specific body parts. Hrithik does a lot of functional training, freehand exercises using body weight like gymnasts and also yoga for flexibility. I have worked with Hrithik since ‘Lakshya.’ This is the first time I have seen him so bulked up after having a lean and sharp physique."

akshay holds 'Thank You' screening for Canadian PM Bollywood action hero Akshay Kumar held a special screening of his latest release “Thank You” for Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at a theatre in Brampton.

This was the first ever Hindi film that the Canadian premier has watched and Akshay was excited about it.

Akshay plays an IndoCanadian detective in the film and hence the movie was shot in Canada. This was one of the major reasons why the actor was keen that the Mr Harper watch the film, which hit the screens on April 8.

The actor, who continues to be the Canadian Tourism Commission's ambassador for India for the second year, will promote Canada in India as a tourist destination and has the highest regard for Mr Harper, sources said. "Harper wants Indo-Canadian relations to improve and Akshay welcomes that," sources said. Interestingly, Akshay refers to Canada, which has a sizeable Punjabi population, as his second home.

Kangna Ranaut finds romantic roles easy After many awards, including the national award, the film industry has taken note of Kangna Ranaut and now she is getting the kind of scripts and roles she has always wanted to do. She was always been controversy’s favourite gal! But now, all that is a thing of the past.

The actress admits that she finds it easier to essay lighter characters, because one doesn’t have to get into the skin of the character.

“When it’s a heavy role, it stays with you after the shoot has wrapped up. It’s really quite an intense period to be in,” says Ranaut, whose favourite genre of films is romance.

While Ranaut had always been interested in showbiz, her family did not take it too well when she first chose to be an actress. Today, however, the scene is quite different, “Parents always want the best for their

kids. When I began, this was an unknown field for them; something that they were not sure was good for me. But as I settled in, they also settled in with the idea of me as an actor,” Ranaut says.

Controversies might be distancing themselves from Ranaut but they have not disappeared altogether. In fact, recently there were reports of her having problems with Sanjay Dutt’s wife, how far was that true?

“What controversy? It’s completely rubbish. With the kind of schedule we have, one often doesn’t get to spend the kind of time you’d like with friends - because their schedules are equally hectic. I have the greatest respect for Sanjay. I think he and his wife Manyata are really lovely people and I am happy I had the opportunity to spend time with them and get to know them,” clears Ranaut.

French honour for nandita Das Nandita Das, known for her performances in films like “Fire”, “Earth” and “Bawander” was conferred with one of the highest civilian awards of France last week for her contribution to the development of Indo-French cooperation in cinema. She received the ‘Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, from Jerome Bonnafont, the French ambassador to India.

“Every time I receive an award it brings an element of surprise. It makes me feel fortunate to get recognised for the work that I love doing. “I had received the letter three years back, but somehow due to commitments, the ceremony got so delayed. But I feel more than happy today because I have my eight-month-old son also in my arms, who saw his mom getting the honour,” she said.

After staying in front of the camera and proving her mettle as an actress, Nandita went behind the camera in 2008 to direct “Firaaq”, a political thriller on the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots. Nandita also received recognition at the film festivals of Santa Monica (2001), Cairo (2002), and Madrid (2007). In 2005, she served as a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival.

now and build up his muscles.

"Since 'Sawariya' I am in the same way (body shape) as I am today...following the same continuity. I have never put on or had to lose weight anytime. For me it is difficult to put on muscles because my body type is such that it loses weight easily.

So I hope at some point of a time that if I can get an action film then I can make a good body and put on muscles. So that I can also look real...like if I hit the villain it should look real," Ranbir said.

Ranbir would be seen next in Imtiaz Ali's 'Rockstar' opposite Czech-Pakistani origin model Nargis Fakri. He plays the role of rockstar Jordan. The film is slated for release this September. Later he will be seen in Anurag Basu's 'Barfee', a romantic-thriller alongside Priyanka.

This film is the story of four people whose life intersects at Goa airport.

Lorry is a student in Goa, who wants to be with his girl friend when she goes to study in US. But his scholarship gets rejected and he becomes devastated. Just then another person offers him help but only if Lorry can help him back and that is at the cost of his life. The second character of Inspector Kamath, is running away from his own past. He is been given the task of destroying the drug mafia, operating in Goa. The third character, that of a DJ, Joki, loses everything in his life after his fight with a drug mafia. He finds that history will be repeating itself, but how can he save himself from it? The fourth character Zoe, an aspir-

ing air hostess, finds that she reaches nowhere after travelling through the path of exploitation and unfulfilled dreams. A local business man, who has an upper hand in every legal and illegal business in Goa, is afraid because of Kamath’s arrival. But this businessman knows who can provide shelter for him in a difficult situation - a powerful man, with many identities and names but nobody knows him. The suspense thriller explores Goa through the life of these characters.

The film is being directored by Rohan Sippy. The main actors are: Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, Rana Daggubati, Aditya Pancholi, Kangana Ranaut, Prateik Babbar and Govind Namdeo.

Koena Mitra to do Hollywood debut Koena Mitra will soon make her Hollywood debut in a film that sees her romantically involved with both a man and a woman!

Koena was in the USA, scouting for work and also preparing herself for her Hollywood project titled “Story of Naomi” where she plays the central character, who romances with both sexes.

Ask her what took her so long to get a break and she replies, "I spent a lot of time on my accent classes and other training.

Unlike India, the West lays a lot of stress on dubbing and other technical aspects."

Producer Michael Hirshenson explains why he chose Mitra. "She looks international and her discipline and hard work can take her places. It all depends on how much she's ready to learn."

Koena remains tightlipped about the film, adding, "I can't really talk much about the storyline.

But I don't mind dating any one on screen as long as they are good-looking."

Directed by fashion photographer Ash Gupta and produced by Michael Hirshenson (Harry Met Sally, Princess Bride), the film stars Koena and Kevin Sorbo (Hercules: The Legendary Journeys).

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Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

Ratan Tata’s step-brother is a contender for top job Dear Financial Voice Reader, So now everyone is worried about the US defaulting and what it means for their gold jewellery. Look, the US cant default because it has the printing presses to repay the debt. Okay. So don’t worry. It’s currency can and should devalue though. I think £1 to $1.8 by year end.

What about gold? Well masi, you know you’re never going to sell it. But if you do, you are getting good price now. Also if you are holding off buying to for the wedding season…bad news…it’s not getting cheaper. Sorry.

What about stocks? Well they take a hit because the market gets jitters. So I then get asked what do you think of silver. Nice shiny metal I say. But it’s price will not move in straight lines. Of course it will come off a little. But that is people pocketing profits, not a sudden realisation that it is overpriced.

And anyway, ‘overpriced’. Something is worth what people are willing to pay for it. And at the moment I would be scared saying there will be a collapse in gold and silver prices. You see with gold, when more dollars are printed, the price of dollars falls. So you need more dollars to buy the same amount of gold. So the price of gold goes up.

For the same reason when there is inflation, and the value of the dollar goes down, the price of gold goes up. When there is a war, the price of gold goes up. When there is an economic boom based on demand for commodities, the price of gold goes up.

When there wealth creation in the countries of gold consumption, the price of gold goes up.

So why should the price of gold plummet? Well people could say it was cheap once, why not again. But, I was young once, why not again? Doesn’t work like that. That’s why we have photos and memories. So masi, sorry.

But for stocks we are definitely taking a breather for a month. After so many gains and the holidays and people wanting to sell some at profits…just in case…we are expecting a month of falls. The old saying about sell in May you see…it comes early sometimes.

I am about to do the PM show on Radio 4 now. You see someone messed it up about what are ‘ETFs’ – or exchange traded funds. So let me explain. These are index trackers. Their price follows a basket of stocks usually. Why is this good? Well it’s usually less risky to follow a basket than just one stock. And also they have less cost than a fund manager who usually measures himself by comparing his returns to those of a basket of stocks too and usually can’t outperform them anyway. So where’s the danger. People are worried that, like money, what is actually backing them? Is it Gold?

What if it’s just the promise of the company that issued them saying they promise to pay you back? And what if they go bust?

Now enjoy the Royal Wedding masi and just think how much gold the bride will be wearing.

My blog is at www.alpeshblog.com and www.alpesh.tv you can see my latest TV commentary.

Alpesh.patel@tradermind.com0

Mukesh gets Bank of America shares Bank of America has given shares worth nearly Rs 110,000 to Mukesh Ambani as part of annual retainer fee to the billionaire industrialist, who joined the US banking giant's board last month.

Ambani may get a total of over Rs 10 million of annual compensation in cash and stocks, going by the bank's director compensation policy.

However, the bank has not disclosed its specific director fees for Ambani, chief of Reliance Industries.

Emailed queries sent to

Bank of America and Reliance Industries remained unanswered on what would be Ambani's exact remuneration for his role as a director.

Ambani leads one of India's biggest corporate groups with presence spanning across energy, retail and telecom businesses and plans underway for financial services entry.

As Chairman and Managing Director of RIL, Ambani was paid Rs 150 million for the financial year ended March 31, 2010.

Tata group chairman Ratan Tata, who heads a conglomerate comprising nearly 100 companies, has said that his successor would be in place by middle of the year and his step-brother was one of the contenders.

"I hope that by the first half of this year, we'll be able to define a suitable candidate with whom one can overlap for a short period of time before I move on," Ratan Tata said.

The 73-year old Tata is scheduled to retire as Tata Group chief in December 2012, when he turns 75, and a search panel was formed in August last year to find his successor.

Asked what were the chances of his successor not having Tata as the last name, the industrialist said that he would not like to comment on that. "My stepbrother is one of the candi-

Noel Tata

dates that is being considered and I don't think it's right to say whether it's 50 per cent, 90 per cent or 10 per cent," he added.

He was referring to 53year old Noel Tata, Ratan Tata's half-brother and a senior group executive.

Noel is chairman of the group's retail arm Trent and also managing director of Tata International, a trading company. Tata, who has been heading the

group as chairman of its promoter company Tata Sons since 1991 and had joined the group in 1962, said that this had been an exciting time for him.

Asked about who would succeed him, Tata said: "There is a committee that's been established that committee is mandated with looking at internal candidates, external candidates, Indian expatriates, they have a short list of people.

"I've stayed away from that committee because I think that committee should operate independently without the force of someone who is looking over their shoulder and I hope that by first half of this year, we'll be able to define a suitable candidate with who one can overlap for a short period of time before I move away," he added.

When asked whether

Finally, India beats China in growth

Finally, India beats China in growth sweepstakes.

According to data from the IMF, India’s GDP grew 10.4 per cent in 2010 versus China’s 10.3 per cent.

And if projections by official agencies are anything to go by, China is looking at a 7 per cent growth in the Twelfth Plan period (2011-15) compared with India’s 9 per cent. This is the first time that India’s growth has overtaken that of China, since the latter initiated reforms in the 1980s, a decade ahead of India.

The other fast-growing major developing economies in 2010 included Brazil (7.5 per cent), Mexico (5.5 per cent) and

Russia (4 per cent).

Among developed countries the fastest growing major economies in 2010 were Japan (3.9 per cent), Germany (3.5 per cent), Canada (3.1 per cent) and United States (2.8 per cent). Growth was much slower in countries like France (1.5 per cent) and Italy (1.3 per cent).

At 10.4 per cent, the growth numbers for India are higher than the official data. The reason for this is provided in the method used by the IMF to arrive at its numbers.

The IMF estimates growth rates by converting the GDP of countries in local currencies to $ at market exchange. So, if a

currency appreciates, this raises its GDP growth in $ terms, and the country whose currency appreciates more will grow faster in $ terms.

If India’s GDP was Rs 100 and the exchange rate 48.85, this means India’s $ GDP is 2.05. If, however, the exchange rate appreciates to 45.93, the same GDP will rise to 2.18.

While India’s currency appreciated 6.4 per cent in 2010, from Rs 48.85 per $ in 2009 to Rs 45.93 in 2010, China’s currency appreciated only 0.9 per cent, from 6.84 per $ in 2009 to 6.77 in 2010. So India’s GDP got a push that was higher than China’s.

Infosys fourth quarter results miss market expectations

IT major Infosys’ fourth quarter results failed to meet the expectations of the market. The company reported nearly 14% rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 18.18 billion for the fourth quarter ended on March 31. The market was expecting 3.3 to 6.7 per cent growth in consolidated net profit between 18.39 and 18.99 billion.

The board has declared a final dividend of Rs 20 per share for the fiscal on every share of Rs 5 held.

India’s second largest software major had a net profit of Rs 16 billion in the March quarter of the previous fiscal (2009-10), Infosys Technologies said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Income from software services, products and business process management rose to Rs 72.50 billion for the fourth quarter from Rs 59.44 billion in

the opportunities we see in the market," said Infosys CEO and Managing Director S Gopalakrishnan.

S Gopalakrishnan

the year-ago period.

The company while announcing its third quarter results earlier had given Q4 revenue guidance in the range of Rs 71.57- 72.30 billion and anticipated revenue for the full year ending March 31, 2011, in the range of Rs 274.08 – 274.81 billion.

"We expect the demand environment to be normal this year for the industry.

We have created a structure with strong customer driven vertical focus and have enhanced our investment to take advantage of

Mohandas Pai resigns, Ravi Venkatesan joins board Meanwhile, TV Mohandas Pai, Director HR, has resigned from the board of the company with effect from June 11, while former Microsoft India chairman Ravi Venkatesan was inducted into the board. Venkatesan would hold office up to the date of the annual general meeting in June when his appointment as a director would be placed for approval of the shareholders, a company statement said.

In another development, K Dinesh, one of the co-founders and a board member, has also decided to retire after the AGM and would not seek a reappointment.

the finalisation of his successor could cause a family strife, Tata said: "No, I don't think it, it may. I have no way to know."

Talking about the legacy he wanted to leave behind, Tata said: "I think what I would like to do is to leave behind a sustainable entity of a set of companies that operate in an exemplary manner in terms of ethics, values and continue what our ancestors left behind.

"Not my legacy alone but a continuation of the legacy that extends over the last over a hundred years."I hope my successor will be as committed to that as I have tried to be," he added. He went on to say that his only regret was not being 20 years younger in age, but maintained that he did not crave to stay on at the top of the country's biggest corporate empire.

Ratan Tata almost got married four times

Ratan Tata

In an interview to a USbased TV channel, the 73year-old Ratan Tata has revealed that he was "seriously" in love four times and came close to getting married each of those times.

The most serious of these relationships, Tata says was one when he was working in the US in the 1960s. He recounts, "...the only reason we didn't get married was that I came back to India and she was to follow me and that was the year of the, if you like, the Indo-Chinese conflict and in true American fashion this conflict in the Himalayas, in the snowy, uninhabited part of the Himalayas was seen in the United States as a major war between India and China and so, she didn't come and finally got married in the US thereafter."

But Tata has no regrets. He says that each of the four times that he came close to getting married, he "backed off in fear or for one reason or another." Each occasion was different, he says, but adds, "in hindsight when I look at the people involved; it wasn't a bad thing what I did. I think it may have been more complex had the marriage taken place."

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

19

It’s Lonely At The Top

Suresh Vagjiani Managing Director Sow & Reap A Property Investment & Financing company.

This week we exchanged on a couple of small properties in little Venice and Queensway. Prices were £235,000 and £230,000. In little Venice we picked up a one bedroom flat, it requires complete refurbishment which will cost £7,000, roughly bringing the price to £265k. The property is large and spacious, it has the potential to switch into a two bedroom and gain the benefit of a higher rental yield. This would however destroy the look and feel of the property. Our client does not require an income and the property has been purchased more for his next generation. Therefore we took the decision to keep the integrity of the property with the aim of gaining capital growth instead of the enhanced rental. The other is a studio in Queensway purchased cheaply, again it requires an inexpensive refurbishment and will be rented almost instantly.

There is a current acute lack of stock on the market for a couple of main reasons. Firstly investors on tracker and variable rates are paying the lowest rates they are every likely to pay, this is compounded with the new stringent criteria for buyers , preventing them from jumping on the property ladder therefore fuelling the rental market. Rents have risen as much as 50% over the last couple of years thus further reducing the need to sell, especially for those riding on the wave of cheap interest.

Perhaps in thi s period this will be the lowest inter est rate ever paid in the UK. Certainly the lenders never envisaged this scenario. This one was way outside of all the modelling done for the products. One basic assumption used when forecasting and modelling is using the past to predict the future. The flaw is if a scenario occurs which has never occurred ever before historically.

This is one such scenario. This is why there are investors currently paying negative interest rate such those on the product priced 0.69 % below base rate. Currently this would be 0.19%.which means the lender should be paying the borrower!

However a clause giving a minimum payment stops this.

On the commercial side many banks want to be rid these kind of loans. First the lending is too cheap, secondly many of these loans, although the payments are being kept up, breech the loan to value criteria.

We have recently put a couple of offers on properties at full asking price. They were not accepted because someone had put in higher offers. One was a three bedroom flat close to Hyde Park for £760k, another offer had come for £785k, £25k above the asking price. There was also a very nice studio for £200k which went for £290k!

This illustrates the robustness of the Central London market where even in a sluggish property market properties are flying out at above market values.

One of the main angles we were bringing to our investors’ attention was the yields generated by ex local properties in central London. For a three bedroom property costing around £350,000 the

rental would be a massive £800 pw. A £43,000 per annum rental income. With £100,000 in and £250,000 borrowed the mortgage payments would only be 12,500. We have done this example numerous times, in short it would bring a solid income. For those who bought into this at the right time will enjoy a strong yield for the duration of the contract.

Our original angle, still is a good one with two bedroom ex local flats the rental would still currently be in the region of £450pw.

This would yield over 7% on a flat worth £300,000. An above average rental yield, but the profit is not in this. It’s in the location of the properties.

The above concept although very good is not the best return which can be gained in Central London (now that the housing benefit has been reduced). We have sourced great deals on the smaller end of the scale and managed to flip them, meaning done a little work and sold them on. These are hard to come by and do not present themselves often.

Many structures are arranged as pyramid, meaning most of the people are at the bottom. As you get further up there’s less people.

You may have heard the expression: it’s lonely at the top. So this is the same when it comes to investing in property, there are more buyers at the bottom end of the scale.

So the challenge is to allow those in the bottom and middle end of the market to get into the higher end deals which yield a higher profit. These also by the same token have a lumpier to sell time line.

In short, in order to achieve this, the investor will be purchasing a portion of the deal and will be in for about a 6 – 12 month period. This will be a tightly structured set up and will be focused in central London aiming for properties around the £1m mark.

Buy-to-Let Opportunity in Maida Vale 4Spacious and bright studio in a popular residential area in Maida Vale.

4The flat needs works – £15,000 refurbishment will make it very luxurious and increase the value significantly.

4Rental value could be around £275-300pw – generating yield of up to 9% on cash.

4The property will rent easily – studio and one bedroom flats are in high demand.

4Own patio, proximity of Little Venice Canal and Warwick Avenue Underground Station make it even more attractive to potential tenants.

4In the 0% Stamp Duty threshold for first time buyers!

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

UK Sales 0207 706 0187 India Sales 0203 384 5323

Tips of the Week l When refinancing your own home for a BTL purchase think about raising a 40% deposit from your home. This will reduce the overall rate and can be taken off the rental income l Always buy a rental property with a good idea of your end customer the tenant in mind weather DSS or private or students this will affect how to present the property

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FINANCIAL voiCE

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

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

Maria Fernandes

maria@abplgroup.com

Dissecting the Prime Ministers Speech As the local elections draw near politically charged statements come tumbling out.

The reminders about concerns expressed “at the doorstep” about levels of immigration.

What is surprising are claims by the PM that immigration wasn’t always a central political issue in the past.

On the contrary immigration has been on the lips of every political party since time immemorial as history bears out. Where I wonder was the PM when the rivers of blood speech was being spurted out.

The PM makes a number of points. In terms of jobs he only wants graduates. H singled out two categories that he dos not want, chefs or care workers. Care workers have already been removed from the shortage list.

Never mind the fact that they look after the most vulnerable in our society.

Or the import of cooks or chefs, highly skilled staff which has resulted in establishing London as the top capital in the world renown for its cuisine. More jobs losses are on the way. Incidentally, the Migration Advisory Committee is looking (again) at the issue of shortage of chefs again and in this round we may finally see the end of chefs entirely.

And as for the immigration cap it does not

apply to intra company transfers ie big companies who are free to bring staff.

In fact most workers come from this category.

The PM does not really deal with the concerns still expressed by businesses that they will not be able to recruit talent.

Whilst the PM is right to recognise to recognise that foreign workers do not take jobs from British workers but fill the gaps left, what employers are concerned about is not availability of staff but work ethic. Those on long term benefits are either not interested in work or not employable. It will take decades to sort this one out but brave of the PM to take the first step.

What happens in the interim to a country already suffering from job losses.

An interesting fact that is made over an over again is that net migration comes not from Europe but outside it.

Interesting because EU nationals are not counted in or out therefore where do these statistics come from? Immigration practitioners are used to hearing arguments made from dodgy statistics. In fact the PM’s speech concludes that all dependants of students are bogus following discovery that of 231 applications, only 25% were considered “genuine”. It is not

clear where he got his statistics from. Any statistician will tell you that the number involved is too small to be representative of the population as a whole.

The PM has said that he will vigorously defend the rise in the age of qualification of entry of spouses from 18 to 21.

The Courts have disagreed with him and we wait to see the outcome.

What was worrying about his speech was his view that there is a need to break down the link between temporary work visas and permanent settlement. Does he mean that migrant workers will only be able to stay as long as they are employed? Is he proposing to adopt policies in the West that are common place in the Middle East? Or could be flagging up the fact that the long residence rule (10 years and 14 years) is on its way out. The long residence rules by the way come from an international convention that we signed up to.

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

Companies speeding on the fast track recognised The top 100 profit making companies have been recognised in the twelfth annual Profit Track 100 league table supplement which was published in The Sunday Times on 17 April 2011.

Profit growth ranged from 42% pa to 210% pa, resulting in an average annual profit growth of 72% over the last three years, with combined profits rising from £249m to a total of £1.2bn. The 100 companies have added 22,350 workers over the last three years to a combined total of 82,250.

Asian Voice got in touch with some of these companies that are either owned by British Asians or using South-Asian formula of hard work to attain success.

The company that is witnessing massive growth, year after year is Euro Car Parts and it was no surprise that it is included in this year's top 100. It ranks 21

for its annual growth of 92.28%. Chairman and Managing Director, Sukhpal Singh said, “Like any businessmen it is always an honour to be named as being successful and I am especially proud of the achievements of Euro Car Parts over the last few years of extensive growth and good profitability.

Turnover this year is expected to exceed £350 Million with 3500 people and over 100 locations.

Our team work tirelessly to offer the best value and great service to the trade and public, they go beyond the call of duty whenever any challenge arises, a service envied by our competitors." Euro Car Part's latest profit is netted around £16.7m.

Sun Mark Ltd, a consumer products distributor has ranked 33 for its annual growth of 77.42 percent.

Dr Rami Ranger MBE, Chairman said, “It gives immense satisfaction to

have done a job well that too at a level where our customer are delighted with our performance. Our company's motto is “we succeed when our customers succeed” and it has been the bedrock of our success.” Dr Rami Ranger's company has witnessed the latest profit of £5.4m.

XLN Telecom is ranked 84thfor its 44.86 percent growth. James Wilson, Director of Marketing said, “We are delighted to be named as the top telecom company in this year’s Sunday Times Profit Track.

We have more than 130,000 customers, out of which about 17 percent are South Asian businesses. We are successful by using the formula many Asian would recognise – commitment, hard work and honesty.”

He reveals,“South Asian market is a key market to us and we make sure we treat our customers well.”

XLN Telecom's latest profit is more than £9.7m.

When Confidence becomes Arrogance When Jose Mourinho was appointed manager of Chelsea he gave one of the most iconic quotes ever – “Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm European champion and I think I'm a special one," At the time many scoffed and thought that this just underlined the commonly held view that he was arrogant.

When asked about the quote later he admitted that it was perhaps slightly ‘over the top’ and attributed it to the fact that he was in a jubilant mood from having just won the champions league. During his time in England Mourinho was both loved and despised. Loved by the Chelsea fans to whom he brought so much success (and by most neutral observers) and despised by the opposition and probably the purists who preferred managers to be restrained and humble.

I find it interesting how when someone makes a bold statement about themselves people immediately label them as

either being confident or arrogant, and more often than not it is the latter. I wonder if that is a cultural thing – the stereotype of the British hero comes to mind – a quiet soft spoken person, reserved, cool, calm and collected…you get the picture.

The late Sir Bobby Robson is a good example of this. Many people feel that this is how they would like their leaders to be and so when along comes someone who doesn’t fit that mold they are perceived as brash, vain and full of themselves. On the other hand we have witnessed a growing appreciation of the Alan Sugar types of this world – a hard nosed, no nonsense type who doesn’t suffer fools lightly and sees most things in black and white. Many young people aspire be like that and feel that they need to be more confident and outspoken, because ‘that’s how you survive in the jungle.’

Leadership requires

By Amit Patel

confidence - ‘Men harm others by their deeds, themselves by their thoughts’. Self doubt is deadly for any leader. But when does confidence become arrogance? The simple answer would be to say that when someone is arrogant when they are inconsiderate, obstinate and totally out of touch with reality. However, by that definition George Osborne would be the poster boy for arrogance – (which would be a huge disservice). In truth there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance confidence rubs off on others, arrogance just rubs up others. It is necessary to be confident in yourself and even assertive but a touch of humility never goes amiss. ‘Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all.’

William Temple

Enigmatic Lady Nina makes £123mn by selling her shares in Arsenal Mystery surrounds Indian woman Lady Nina Kakkar who made nearly £123 million from selling her shares in Arsenal football club.

Her decision to sell up ended a long running takeover battle and handed control to an American businessman over his Uzbeki billionaire rival.

According to investigation carried by the Sunday Telegraph it was alleged that Nina Kakkar was a hotel beauty therapist until she was transformed herself into a wealthy member of the aristrocacy.. She is the daughter of Kuldeep Chand Kakkar, a retired diplomat from Delhi. Her multi-million pound stake in Arsenal was handed to her by her husband Sir Charles, heir to a dynasty founded by his grandfather, Tory MP Sir Bracewell Smith, Arsenal's post war chairman, who made his fortune as then owner of the Park Lane Hotel and the Ritz.

Nina, the second wife of Sir Charles, took over running her husband's business affairs shortly after their marriage in 1996. She came to Britain in the early 1990s, began work at one of the nearby hotels. Then in 1991 she married Mark Forsyth, a struggling computer programmer she hardly knew.

Mr Forsyth was consid-

Lady Nina Kakkar

ered openly gay. The couple lived in a £1.2 million town house in Islington.

"I haven't seen her for a long, long time," he said.

"It was a drunken decision that was carried through and almost immediately regretted.” They never lived as man and wife and formally divorced in 1995.

Last week he said he did not even have a picture of his former wife and he had no idea that she had anything to do with the Arsenal buy out.

The end of the four year marriage came after Nina Kakkar had reverted to her maiden name and moved in with Sir Charles.

Sir Charles had sold his and Lady Carol's former marital home following her death in July 1994, leaving around £1 million in her will, and he and

Nina purchased a grand apartment in an Edwardian mansion block overlooking Regent Park.

It is unclear how and when the peer met the new woman in his life. He and his family owned the Park Lane Hotel and one business associate said: "I believe they met at the hotel. By November 1995 Nina Kakkar, the former beautician, had become a director of Sir Charles' investment company Tymalls, taking over the share holding once controlled by the late Lady Carol. Two months later she became a director of the Park Lane Hotel and remained on the board while Sir Charles and other members of his family negotiated its multimillion sale to the Sheraton Hotel group.

The couple married in July 1996 in the same Register Office room where Nina had married Mark Forsyth. Within a few years Sir Charles had all but given up attending meetings of his businesses and had signed all his share holdings over to his wife.

She became company secretary of his multi-million pound investment vehicle, Tymalls, in 1998, winding it up four years later with £5 million in its bank account, and taking control of all his shares in Arsenal by 2004.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

21

Foreign Exchange Rajesh Agrawal is the Chairman & CEO of RationalFX, Currency Specialists.

For any further information call 020 7220 8181 or e-mail info@rationalfx.com

Does The Buck Stop Here?

The US Dollar often more affectionately referred to as the greenback has been recognised for many years as the world’s currency. No matter where you live in the world however remote there is always some correlation between the local currency and the US Dollar. All the major commodities such as gold, silver and oil are all priced in Dollars.

Many countries such as the Middle Eastern oil producing nations have their currency

pegged against the Dollar. So it is understandable now in these days where there are grave concerns over the US economy, trade deficit and their government budget. This may cause other world leaders to seek an alternative to the Dollar as the

world’s currency.

If you analyze the Dollar index in recent times you will notice a heavy decline in the value of the Dollar against a basket of currencies. This is now beginning to sound alarm bells across the world. The US Dollar was always viewed as a safe haven in times of a world crisis such as the recent earthquakes in Japan and the troubles in Middle Eastern countries such as Libya for example. It was always perceived no matter what the situation the US would always eventually come out on top due to their vast economy and military strength. As mentioned earlier their economic strength has waned greatly and their military strength is also on the back foot as they are struggling to fund their vast military operations.

The Libyan crisis has shown that the US not just for diplomatic reasons but also financial are not as prominent in the assaults to the Gadaffe regime as it would have been previously. The UN’S forces are being used co-ordinately, which is probably a good thing given some of the historic gunho assaults by the US in the past.

I can’t help thinking though if the US were as economically

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 19th April 2011 @ 9.30am GBP - INR = 72.38 USD - INR = 45.52 EUR - INR = 63.46 GBP - USD = 1.63 GBP - EUR = 1.14 EUR - USD = 1.43 GBP - AED = 5.966 GBP - CAD = 1.57 GBP - NZD = 2.07

strong as in the past they would still be using the same methods.

The decline of the Dollar has seen a surge in commodity prices and consequently gold has reached record price levels during this time.

What is going to be the option if the US Dollar loses its status as the world currency where would the world turn to for an alternative? The Euro is still regarded by many as a new currency and the recent problems of some of its members such as Greece, Ireland, Portugal to name a few has not

installed confidence of the Euro taking over the mantle of the Dollar.

The world really needs the US economy to turn for the better. This hopefully will spike up growth in the rest of the world’s major economies to lift the world economy as a whole out of recession. If recovery in the US doesn’t come to fruition soon the days of the greenback being the world’s currency could come to an end.

As stated in the title is it time to wonder if the buck stops here.

GBP - AUD = 1.55 GBP - ZAR = 11.11 GBP - HUF = 304.71

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.

22

Pakistan-Bangladesh-Sri Lanka

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

Sri Lankan war killed 'tens of thousands of civilians' Colombo: Tens of thousands of civilians were killed in the final four months of the Sri Lankan civil war that ended in May 2009, an expert panel report submitted to the UN secretary general's office has revealed. The three-member panel has advised UNSG Ban Kimoon to establish an independent international mechanism to investigate alleged violations of humanitarian and human rights laws committed by both sides during the armed conflict.

Led by former Indonesian attorney general, Marzuki Darusman, the panel was constituted in June, 2010, to advise the UNSG on human rights accountability issues during the Lankan civil war.

The report came down heavily on the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime, accus-

A file picture of Tamil civilians arriving at the government controlled areas in Putumattalan.

ing it of deliberately shelling civilians, hospitals and aid agency offices.

It accused the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) of killing escaping Tamil civilians and forcibly recruiting displaced Tamils to fill up their depleting ranks as the main leadership hub and cadres were trapped near a remote lagoon in

north-east Sri Lanka.

The UN had initially said at least 7,000 civilians were killed during the last stages of the war. But with the new report talking about "tens of thousands" of civilian deaths, the figure of how many actually died in the final days would now have to be calculated again.

The report dismissed

Canada denies refugee status to Lankan Tamil migrant Vancouver: A Canadian federal court has denied refugee status to a Sri Lankan Tamil migrant who embarked in the Vancouver shores last August aboard the human smuggling ship MV Sun Sea. The migrant, only identified by a number, B456 was one of the 492 migrants smuggled into Canada.

He was one of the 32 migrants detained by the Canadian federal government authorities for suspected of being members of Sri Lanka's terrorist organization, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The authorities have already ordered the deportation of two of

those asylum seekers for their involvement in the banned terrorist outfit and B-456 was one of them.

The Federal Court judge of Vancouver, Justice Harrington issuing his order has said that the man is "nothing but a bold-faced liar."

"He is nothing but a bold-faced liar. It has been established beyond doubt that if he is not still a Tamil Tiger, he certainly was. He was in the armed naval wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) a terrorist organization," the Judge has written.

Through diligent timeconsuming work, the

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has uncovered his affiliation with the terrorist group.

Judge Harrington has said that the man was "maddeningly vague" as to when the association with the LTTE ended.

"As a result of this determination, he is no longer eligible to claim refugee status," the judge has ruled.

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada has previously determined that B-456 was inadmissible and ordered his deportation. But B456 has demanded a PreRemoval Risk Assessment be done before he's deported.

the government's claim of conducting a humanitarian rescue mission of displaced Tamils held hostage by the retreating LTTE. "The Government shelled on a large scale in three consecutive No Fire Zones, where it had encouraged the civilian population to concentrate, even after indicating that it would cease the use of heavy weapons. It shelled the United Nations hub, food distribution lines and near the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ships that were coming to pick up the wounded and their relatives from the beaches." " The 196-page report, parts of which were leaked to a local English newspaper, The Island, on Saturday, was submitted to Ban Ki-moon's office on April 12. A copy was sent to the Lankan government simultaneously.

Pakistan tests nuclear capable, short-range missile

Islamabad: Pakistan on Tuesday successfully testfired a newly developed short-range, surface-tosurface nuclear capable missile, the army said.

Nasr, a ballistic missile of Hatf series, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead can hit targets up to 60 km, reported Geo News.

"This quick response system addresses the need to deter evolving threats," Xinhua quoted the Pakistani army as saying.

It has been developing an arsenal of missiles and in December tested the medium-range, nuclearcapable ballistic missile Hatf V, which has a range of 1,300 km.

Despite threats Mush pledges to return to Pak Islamabad: Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has pledged to return to Pakistan despite threats to his life from the Taliban and other extremist groups, saying he is not afraid of anyone except God. In a video address to workers of his new All Pakistan Muslim League party in Lahore, Musharraf said he had seen death from close quarters several times and was ready to face any contingency.

He said no one could harass or cause any harm to him.

"I will be with you soon if you promise to show the same zeal and fervour at the time I land at Lahore airport," Musharraf said during the meeting on Sunday night as his supporters shouted slogans.

Venue of the meet was

Pervez Musharraf

decorated with banners and portraits of the former military ruler, who has been living in self-exile in London since 2009.

Musharraf, who quit as President in 2008 to avoid being impeached by the Pakistan People's Party-led government, recently formed the APML with an eye on contesting the 2013 general election.

He has vowed to come

back to Pakistan on several occasions but is yet to set a date for his return.

The former President chose the city of his archrival, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, for his latest effort aimed at boosting his political career.

However, the APML convention did not attract more than a few thousand people.

Musharraf claimed the

youth were with him and the APML could become a third option for voters.

He also accused former premier Nawaz Sharif of always targeting his benefactors. He rejected as rumours reports that he was trying to approach Sharif and said it would be below his dignity to contact an opportunist. He added: "I've never contacted Nawaz nor will I do so in future."

However, he hinted that the APML could look for support from "likeminded parties".

Musharraf urged the country to gear up for change, saying there was a need to introduce a new political culture to end the prevailing disappointment among the people. Such a change could be brought about only by the APML, he contended.

In focuS Pakistan frees 89 Indian prisoners Karachi: Pakistan set free 89 Indian fishermen as part of a process initiated by the two countries to speed up the release of people held in each other's prisons for inadvertently crossing land and maritime boundaries.

The freed Indians were now on their way to India. The superintendent of jail in Malir, Ghulam Qadir, said that the 89 fishermen were released and sent by two buses to the city of Lahore from where they would be handed over to Indian authorities at the Wagah border crossing. The fishermen were released just two weeks after the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan met in Mohali on the sidelines of the World Cup cricket match between the two countries. Their release was a followup to a meeting of the interior and home secretaries of India and Pakistan in New Delhi last month. Both countries had exchanged lists of prisoners during the meeting. On April 11, India released 39 Pakistani prisoners. The two countries are scheduled to exchange complete lists of prisoners on July 1 under an agreement on consular access signed in May 2008.

Gunmen attack Pak embassy staff Kathmandu: Mehboob Asif, visa assistant at the Pakistani embassy in Kathmandu, miraculously survived a gun attack last week, triggering speculation about the growth of the underworld in Nepal and international gang rivalries. The 36-year-old was said to be heading towards the embassy from a nursing home when two men, one of them said to be wearing a green T-shirt, fired on him, hitting him in the stomach and hand. The audacious attack occurred on the busy Ring Road that encircles Kathmandu valley, chock a block with people and traffic throughout the day.

Backing India lands PoK leaders in jail Srinagar: Two top National Awami Party leaders, Imran Shahzad and Naheem Iqbal Khwaja, were arrested in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) for rooting for Team India during the World Cup, particularly during the Mohali semi-final, writes Dr Shabir Choudhry, a Pakistani national and director of Institute of Kashmir Affairs in London in his latest blog. "It's an offence to support the Indian cricket team in PoK," he writes. The two National Awami Party stalwarts from Dadyal, district Mirpur, were arrested a day after the Mohali match. Kashmir National Party secretary general in PoK, Yasin Anjumm, said, ''The Kashmiri nationalists are very angry over this, and people are expressing their anger against Pakistan and their oppressive policies.''

EU rebukes Pak for going slow against Taliban Brussels: The European Parliament has rebuked Pakistan for the slow progress in the fight against Taliban militancy in the country and directed the European Commission to appropriate financial aid to Islamabad based on its sincere efforts to eradicate terrorist groups. The European Parliament issued two declarations last week reprimanding Pakistan about the dangers posed by the Taliban and calling for urgent measures for the security of the European Union (EU).

Gilani criticises US for fresh drone strikes Islamabad: Pakistan prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has criticised US drone attacks in Pakistan's tribal belt, saying Islamabad is applying diplomatic pressure on Washington to stop the missile strikes as they undermine efforts to fight extremism and terrorism. Gilani made the remarks in the National Assembly or lower house of Parliament last week hours after US drones targeted a compound in the restive South Waziristan tribal region, killing six suspected militants. The strike was the first since March 17, when over 40 people were killed as the CIA-operated spy planes targeted what Pakistani officials said was a tribal jirga.

Human rights in a poor state in Pak Islamabad: Pakistan's Human Rights Commission has released its annual report giving dismal facts and figures about the country's security situation, human rights abuses and treatment meted out to the minorities. The report said at least 64 people, including Aasia Bibi, were charged under the controversial blasphemy law in 2010.

Bibi's case made headlines when a local court sentenced her to death sparking a huge controversy. Punjab's governor Salman Taseer and minorities minister Shahbaz Bhatti were assassinated for opposing Bibi's conviction.

The report said three men including two Christian brothers accused of blasphemy died in police custody.

Asian Voice has received an article by Dheerna Parmar on the unfortunate incidents of Tsunami and Earthquake in Japan. A British born Gujarati from Bradford lives in Tokyo currently. We will publish the article in the following issues of AV.

WORLD

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

British tourist beaten to death in Dubai prison Dubai: A British tourist has been beaten to death while he was in custody in Dubai, claimed his family. The British embassy spokeswoman Ruzina Hasan in Dubai said that the diplomatic mission was in close contact with Dubai police, which is investigating the death of the Briton, Lee Bradley Brown. Hasan says Brown was visiting Dubai when he was detained. According to a report, Brown was detained last week for assault and was facing charges of "intimidating behaviour" and "use of abusive language.”

Storms kill 47 across US Washington: Storms and tornadoes that hit the southeastern US over the weekend have left at least 47 people dead in six states. Emergency workers were looking for victims in the hardest hit areas of North Carolina, which was slammed by 62 tornadoes in what is being considered the worst spring storm in two decades. The storms in North Carolina caused 24 deaths, 14 of them in one county. Authorities warned that the number of fatalities could increase. North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue declared a state of emergency and said it was the worst storm since March 1984, when a similar disaster killed 57 people.

India to seek access to Rana Washington: India on Friday hoped that the US will provide it access to Pakistani-Canadian Tahawwur Hussain Rana, arrested in Chicago over the Mumbai attacks, in the wake of his claim that he provided support to 26/11 terrorists at the behest of Pakistani government and ISI. Rana’s statement has only confirmed further what India has always maintained about the involvement of Pakistan’s ISI in the 2008 terrorist attack, sources said.

They said India hoped the US would grant it access to him so that he could be questioned further on the conspiracy behind the 26/11 attacks in which 166 people were killed.

Tahawwur Hussain Rana

Earlier, the US had granted India access to Rana’s associate David Coleman Headley, an LeT operative who has confessed to plotting the Mumbai attacks.

At the same time, the sources said the dialogue process initiated with Pakistan recently would not be affected by this development.

The request by Indian investigators to question Rana was sent to authorities in the US after gathering evidence about his involvement in the planning of the 26/11 attacks and a reply from Washington is expected by May-end.

The request was sent under the Mutual legal Assistance Treaty between the two countries.

In New Delhi, the of External Ministry Affairs said that there was no dilution in India’s position that all those responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks should be brought to justice expeditiously and the on-going dialogue with Pakistan will seek to address the country’s terrorism-related concerns.

23

China backs India for UNSC seat, vaguely Beijing: China last week joined Russia in vaguely backing India's quest for a permanent Security Council seat but there was no promise that Beijing would vote for New Delhi's inclusion on UN high table.

The joint statement issued after the summit of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) at Sanya also spoke of a growing desire among developing nations to play a bigger role in the UN. "It is a step forward in our quest for a permanent seat in the UNSC," a senior foreign ministry official said. But the ministry was not yet prepared to say that the move could be regarded as a whole-hearted endorsement of the 5nation club.

Asians urged to donate organs for a noble cause

DKLM partners (left to right) - Patrick Gilmour (Company/Commercial), Julian Cox (Employment/ Business Immigration), Stuart Kaye (Residential Property), Kiran Morzeria (Commercial Property), Alan Dixon (Property Litigation), Jeremy Kleinfeld (Commercial Litigation) and Philip Li (Commercial Property).

The Partners of commercial firm, DKLM Solicitors treated their clients to a drinks party in the City at Leadenhall market last Thursday evening. There was an impressive turnout and the evening was a great success.

With more Asian people on the waiting list for an organ transplant than ever before, NHS Blood and Transplant is urging the Asian community to join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).

While the number of Asian people joining the ODR has increased in recent years, only 1.3 per cent of those on the ODR are of Asian ethnicity. However, Asians are more likely to need a kidney transplant than a white person – because they are more susceptible

Royal wedding around the corner The most anticipated event of the decade is just a few days away and entire Britain and especially London is ready to dance to the beats of the Royal wedding of Prince William with Catherine Middleton.

Prior to the wedding, Kate was confirmed at St James Palace at a service presided over by the Bishop of London, Rt Rev Richard Chartres and she reflected on her 'personal journey of faith'. On the other hand Carole Middleton is in a dilemma over her dress for her daughter's big day. Just days before the wedding, she refused to wear the dress designed by Lindka Cierach, one of Britain's leading couturiers after spending past four months attending many secret fittings.

With more than 1900 guests invited for the wedding, a schedule is decided for all the ceremonies to be conducted throughout the day.

Royal Wedding timetable 8:15 – 9:45 : Majority of the 1,900 guests will arrive at the Great North Door of Westminster Abbey From 9:50 : Governors-general and prime ministers of realm countries and other distinguished guests arrive 10:10 : Prince William and his best man Prince

Wedding of the century: Prince William and Kate Middleton

Harry leave Clarence House in a Bentley for Abbey 1020 : Members of foreign royal families arrive at the Abbey from Buckingham Palace.

1020: Kate Middleton's mother Carole Middleton and brother James Middleton leave the Goring Hotel for the Abbey 1025 : Some members of the Royal Family leave Buckingham Palace for the Abbey 1035 : Other members of the Royal Family which includes The Duke of York, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence leave Buckingham Palace for the Abbey 1038 : The Prince of Wales and Duchess of

Cornwall leave Clarence House 1040 : The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh leave Buckingham Palace 1048 : The bridesmaids and pages leave the Goring Hotel 1051 : The bride and her father Michael Middleton leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey in a Rolls Royce 1100 : The marriage service begins. There will also be big screens in Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square where Royal wedding parties and events will be under way.

1215: The carriage procession of the bride and groom, followed by the Queen's procession will leave the Abbey for Buckingham Palace.

1230 : The bride's carriage procession arrives at Buckingham Palace.

1240 : Members of the Royal Family and members of foreign royal families arrive at Buckingham Palace.

From 1240 : Other guests for the reception arrive at Buckingham Palace.

1325 : The Queen and the bride and groom, together with their families, appear on the balcony.

1330 : Fly past by the Royal Air Force and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

to developing diabetes and high blood pressure which can lead to kidney and heart failure. As a result of higher demand and shortage of organ donors - on average Asian people have to wait five years or more for a kidney transplant, twice as long as the rest of the population.

Alia Rashid, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation at NHSBT, said: “Successful transplants can be carried out between people from different ethnic groups, but patients from the same eth-

nic group are more likely to be a close match. To ensure that all patients have the opportunity of a successful transplant, it is absolutely vital that people from all ethnic backgrounds join the ODR. Lots of myths generate around organ donation are baseless, but organ donation proves to give life to someone. Actor, Kulvinder Ghir who is backing the campaign said: "Organ donation is a difficult and often taboo subject within our communities, but it needn't be. It's

important that we remove the misconceptions surrounding it.

Other Asian celebrities backing the campaign include: Singer Raghav, Comedian and Actor Kulvinder Ghir, Author Roopa Farooki, Actor Raza Jaffrey, Actor Abhin Galeya, Musician and Actor Riz Ahmed, Singer Jaya and Actress Shobu Kapoor.

For additional information please contact Betty Nwosu at COI on 020 7261 8849, betty. nwosu @coi.gsi.gov.uk

Finance Banking and Insurance Magazine (FBI) Look out for the 2011 Edition &

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24

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

In divine light

By Rajen Vakil

The Symbology behind Jarasandha Gujarat health, tourism minister and NRG coordinator Jai Narayan Vyas (centre) releasing the book, Memoir “An Envoy Looks Back” in Ahmedabad on 13th April. The author K H Patel (fourth from left) is a former Indian ambassador in Rwanda-Burundi and a High Commissioner in Uganda. The author is now based in Ahmedabad.

Ahmedabad-based Mindspark to help US students learn maths After making it easier for students to learn Maths across 50 schools in India, Ahmedabad-based Educational Initiatives (EI) is all set to take their latest invention Mindspark - to help the students in USA to master their multiplication, division and other such tasks much more easier.

EI was founded by Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) graduates Sridhar Rajagopalan and Sudhir Ghodke. They said the dropping standards of Maths education among the children in USA has emerged as an issue of great concern for the authorities there. The recent results of Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report, which compares the knowledge and skills of 15-yearolds across 70 countries around the world, ranked USA in 25th position for mathematics. EI offered the US authorities their technology-based self-learning tool, Mindspark. Over 500 students in Texas, US will be spending their summer vacation learning Maths through this tool.

"EI has bagged the license under the 'Supplemental Education Services' (SES) which is

aimed at helping children, who come from lower socio-economic backgrounds, by supplementing their learning. The programme will be launched in Texas during the upcoming summer vacation (June to August). SES is a Federal Grant program.

Schools that fail to make AYP (annual yearly progress) are required to engage with service providers to increase student performance," said Sridhar Rajagopalan, founder and managing director, EI. The child registers for the programme on the computer and is given practice sessions.

Depending upon his performance, he starts learning at a level which suits his skills. The child is also offered methods to resolve problems through interesting animation. "Since Mindspark is a self-learning tool, the constant supervision of a teacher is not needed. This will reduce the cost incurred on teachers and will help getting better quality of teachers, mostly from within the local community. EI will not only provide their internet-based tool, but will also give Note Book computers to the children who are a part of the summer pro-

gramme", Sridhar said.

EI is also pilot testing for another project in Lansing, Michigan where the students are using Mindspark in an afterschool programme under the aegis of 21st Century Community Learning Centers. This is a pilot programme being conducted with 57 children in the district of Lansing in Michigan. The current results have shown that some of the standard VIII students are actually at standard IV or standard V level and are picking up from there.

"The questions in Mindspark were designed keeping an Indian child as its reference. Before the tool was given for use to children in US, there was a process of contextualisation that had to be done.

For instance 'roti' had to be changed to 'pizza' or 'bread'; 'taxi' became 'cabs' and Indian names turned into names in US so that the child can connect with the program better," said co-founder and director Sudhir Ghodke.

Mindspark is also soon going to Singapore, where the tool will be integrated with video games and computer games. That will promote the concept of 'learn-while-you-play'.

Cartoon: Jami

Temple allows women into sanctum sanctorum

He is back in his original place, and that too after completing 280 years of prison sentence for 20 sexual harassment cases…….Age, no Idea?

Breaking a 2,000-year-old tradition, women were allowed entry into the sanctum sanctorum of the Mahalakshmi temple in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of power. The decision to allow women to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple from 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. was taken at a high level meeting chaired by Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Satej Patil.

"The temple trustees, priests and other officials were present in the meeting chaired by Patil," said Hanumant Suryavanshi, secretary of the Devasthan Management Committee that runs the temple.

In the last article we saw how each of the two queens gave birth to a half-body son. They asked their maids to leave the two halves in the forest. A female demon by the name ‘Jara’, who secretly lived in the king’s palace, was roaming the forest. The smell of human flesh attracted her and she saw the two separate halves of a new born child. In order to carry the two easily, she aligned the two parts together; they immediately joined and a young baby prince started crying. Jara was shocked, she tried lifting the child but he was too heavy for her. The child started crying very loudly and this made the king, his two queens, and all the people living in the palace run out immediately. The sound of the child crying made the two queens lactate.

The demon Jara surmised the situation in an instant. She knew that the young child was too strong for her to handle.

She noticed the king’s eagerness for a child and also saw the motherhood in the expression of the two queens.

She addressed the king, “For years I have lived in your palace without your knowing it. O king Brihadratha, this child was born to you by the blessings of the great sage. The maids of the queen had discarded the two parts here in the forest. I joined them and looked after your child, please accept him from me.”

The king asked Jara “O lotus eyed one, who are you who have given me my child?” She replied “O king, may you ever be victorious. The great Lord Brahma had created me ages ago.

Even though I am a female demon, he created me to be the nemesis of demons. For that, he made me beautiful so I could ensnare them.

Even though I am childless, any person who draws my form as a mother on his wall and worships that form, will always be prosperous and happy.” Jara then became invisible and left the palace. The king performed all the ceremonies for the newly born prince and named him Jarasandha after the demon. The word ‘sandha’ meaning to join and Jara means joining the two parts.

Sri Krishna continued reciting the story of Jarasandha to Yudhisthira. He said “After many years, Rishi Chandkaushik came to Magadha again.

The king went to meet him along with his son, who had then grown into a young boy. The rishi blessed the boy saying he would defeat all the kings and gain immense power and wealth. The king then crowned him as the king of Magadha and went into the forest to perform tapas, accompanied by his two queens. Like the rishi had foretold, Jarasandha became a great king. It was only after Balarama and I killed Kamsa that the desire for revenge took birth in him and thereafter he became wicked and imprisoned other kings. He was helped by the two brothers, Hamsa and Dimbak, whose story I have already told you. With Kamsa dead and both Hamsa and Dimbak gone, the time has come for us to plan the death of Jarasandha. Let us do so with no further delay.”

Saying these words, Sri Krishna stopped speaking.

Now let us take the symbology starting from the last episode. The king’s name was Brihadratha. The word ‘brihad’ means to expand; ‘ratha’ means a chariot or the body-brain system. Expansion can be of consciousness or of the ego. Here we see that there was a pious ego, that he treated both his queens equally. The king goes to the rishi with the desire to have a son and heir. The rishi gives him an ‘amrafala’ or mango fruit. This comes from the root ‘amba’ meaning to go, so the desire is fulfilled. The fruit has not been touched by the parrots. This symbolises memory and imagination, thus when the rishi gave the fruit, he was totally in the present moment and was free of the workings of the mind. This blessing helped make the king very powerful. The fruit came from a higher mind or a higher state of consciousness. The king interpreted this with his lower or logical mind, with his conditioned

sense of justice, and thus asked both queens to have half each. He should not have split the fruit between two. All of us have an intuitive mind and a logical mind. In the intuitive mind everything is one and indivisible, here there is direct knowing. In the logical mind, we split everything into parts and know through analysis.

A son was born in two parts. This is the fruit of our logical minds; we become a victim of duality or the law of the pendulum. A pendulum swings from one side to another, similarly when we live in our lower mind we swing from one state to another. Our inner states swing between two opposites - from happiness to sadness, desire to frustration, love and hate, and certainty to doubt. We are always divided into opposite camps and live under the illusion that something is either true or untrue.

The beauty is that at any one time, we are attached to one pole but blind to the other. For example, when we love someone, we cannot see the hate hidden in some part of the unconscious mind. The fact is it was lying there, even when we were madly in love and when it comes to the surface, we say it is not the same person we loved. We are completely blind and oblivious to the other pole and this is the cause of all our suffering.

We must rise above our normal habit of thinking; only when we see the opposites as complimentary, are we able to rise to a higher level of thinking. Then love is not the opposite of hate but love and hate complement each other and we have to rise above both of these. Only then, will we experience a different kind of love – one which has no opposite.

To rise above duality, we must kill our inner Jarasandha, the two parts that were joined to make one.

Next week we will see how Sri Krishna, Arjuna, and Bhima kill Jarasandha.

The author can be reached by emailing 3srb@live.com (Edited by Chintu Gandhi)

All past articles on the Mahabharata can be accessed from http://epaper.asianvoice.com or from http://www.3stepbreath.com/mahabharata.html

InDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

In focus Gandhinagar votes for its maiden civic body With 1.33 lakh voters, Gandhinagar, the state capital of Gujarat saw its maiden civic body election on Tuesday. Incidentally, this also happens to be the smallest municipal corporation in the state. The election also assumed significance as it was a testing ground for the much touted online voting system, a pet project of Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

However, to the dismay of the state election commission only 670 people had registered for online voting and 491 of them had exercised their franchise. “We had thought that the number of on-line voters would go into thousands and had done everthing,” said KC Kapoor, Gujarat Election Commissioner. “May be it is an idea and it will take time to come, but this will definitely pick up in future,” he added. The state capital with 92 per cent literacy is home to mostly the bureaucrats, politicians and other well established people. “The election commissioners of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are here to study evoting and will be here until the results are announced,” Kapoor said. The Corporations has 33 seats with both BJP and Congress contesting in all the seats. 11 out of 33 seats have been kept reserved for women.

Activist Sen walks free as sedition charges dropped Human rights activist Dr Binayak Sen, undergoing life imprisonment on charges of sedition and links with outlawed Maoists, on Monday walked out of a jail, three days after the Supreme Court granted him bail.

Earlier in the day, setting conditions for his release on bail, the Raipur sessions court has asked Dr Sen to surrender his passport and furnish bail and personal bonds amounting to Rs 100,000. Judge B P Varma said Binayak Sen should appear in the court whenever asked and he should not leave the country. Sen was sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of sedition by a Raipur court on December 24. The apex court granted him bail on Friday, saying the evidence on record proved there is no sedition case against Sen. The apex court also observed that the mere possession of Naxal literature does not make a person a Naxalite, guilty of sedition, as one who possesses Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography cannot call himself a Gandhian.

Record 80% turnout in TN In an unprecedented turnout, 80% of voters in Tamil Nadu queued up at the 50,000-odd polling booths across the state last week to exercise their franchise.

The long queues at polling stations were indicative of a strong response to issues such as corruption and welfare which dominated the assembly poll campaign, said observers. This election was also largely incident-free and peaceful. While Karur district recorded the highest turnout of 86%, Chennai saw the lowest at 66.38%.

The turnout among women was marginally higher than among men. Despite mild apprehensions of violence, voters streamed into booths right from 8 am onwards when polling began, keeping up a steady flow all through the day until 5 pm. It was a free and fair election. No major incident took place.

Villagers throw eggs, tomatoes on Jaipal Reddy With refusal to be drawn into making a comment on the future of a Telengana state, Gangirala villagers hurled eggs and tomatoes Union Petroleum Minister S. Jaipal Reddy's vehicle. Visiting his constituency after more than a year, Reddy, who spends most of his time in New Delhi, reportedly faced the brunt of the agitators, including Congress workers. They did not allow him to enter the village and questioned him on his silence on their demand for a separate Telangana state.

Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Home Minister P Sabita Indra Reddy had gone to the village to attend a drinking water scheme meeting.

Sportswoman pushed out of moving train by robbers A 23-year-old national-level sportswoman lost her leg when she was pushed out of a moving train near Bareilly by three men who attempted to rob her. Sonu Sinha, a national-level football and volleyball player, was pushed from the Padmavat Express on Monday night between Chenati and Bareilly railway stations while she was travelling to Delhi to appear in an examination, police said. As she fell on the track, she was hit by another train moving on a parallel track. Her left leg below the knee was crushed.

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India to resume cricketing ties with Pakistan The government of India has decided to resume cricketing ties with Pakistan, after the relations between the two countries were severed following the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

The Indian government is open to the idea of an Indo-Pak ODI series, albeit after security issues are fully resolved, especial-

ly in view of the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team outside the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore in March 2009.

India were scheduled to tour Pakistan in early 2009 but the visit was cancelled in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were blamed on the Pakistan-based Lashkar-eToiba terror group.

Since then, the two countries have played against each other twice in One-Day Internationals at the Champions Trophy in South Africa and the World Cup last month.

Under the ICC`s future tours programme, Pakistan is scheduled to tour India for a Test series in March next year.

India and Pakistan

An increased sex ratio brings some cheer to Gujarat AV Correspondent Sex ratio in India might have dipped but Gujarat has some reason to cheer.

The ratio is Gujarat has marginally improved from 883 to 886 according to the latest report.

Gujarat is one of the six states that has recorded an improvement in the sex ratio.

The state government is particularly pleased with the rise in sex ratio in the age group 0-6 as this was the group which has seen an alarming dip during the last census conducted in 2001.

The state government of course wants to take some credit even if it means a marginal increase. ``The state government’s efforts of initiatives like sustained campaigns of prevention

17 killed in Arunachal copter crash In one of the worst helicopter crashes in Arunachal Pradesh, 17 persons including three crew members were killed and six others injured when it caught fire and plunged into a gorge in Tawang district on Tuesday.

The Pawan Hans Mi17 chopper was flying to Tawang from the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati and had taken off at 1245 hours, agency sources said.

Pilots Captain Varun Gupta and Captain A K Tiwari were scheduled to land at the Tawang civil helipad at 1320 hours.

It caught fire, broke into pieces and crashed into a gorge close to the helipad at around 1357 hours, the sources said.

While 17 persons on board were killed, two crew members and four passengers survived with grievous injuries, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Gamlin Padu said.

The injured were rushed to the civil hospital at Tawang and would be air-lifted to Guwahati on Wednesday, the DC said.

This is the second helicopter crash in the district bordering China.

of female foeticides have probably helped toward progressing toward this figure,’’ said state health minister Jaynarayan Vyas.

Vyas said that the state government does not, however, want to give up their efforts in encouraging projects like Kanya Kelavani and steps to prevent female foeticide. However, activists feel that it is not just the efforts of the state government alone but efforts from social workers and community leaders too have gone a long way to help toward this development even if it means marginal. Vyas said that the government would also have to work toward bringing down the infant mortality rate which was currently 47 per 1,000 live births.

The Patel community about a year ago had organised a religious ceremony wherein a laddoo weighing 10.2 kgs was made and at the end of the day it was distributed with a pledge paper saying that the community would take initiative to prevent female foeticide and encourage girl’s education.

Illa Vakharia who has been working with one of the NGO’s in districts like Mehsana which had a skewed sex ratio pointed out that it was sustained efforts like theirs and community participation that enabled this marginal rise.

She added, ``Awareness levels about giving birth to a girl child has increased but a lot more has to be done to see a sharp rise in the figure.’’

recently agreed to resume their peace process, which was stalled in the wake of the Mumbai attacks.

The cricket diplomacy initiated by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by inviting his Pakistani counterpart to watch the World Cup semifinal at Mohali has given a boost to the process to normalise relations.

Train plies for over 20 km without driver Railway officials in Jammu and Kashmir were caught napping as a train from Qazigund in the Kashmir Valley plied for over 20 km without a driver, leading to an inquiry for action against officials on duty.

The train stationed at Qazigund, 75 km from Srinagar, started moving towards Anantnag without a driver, official sources said.

After traversing a distance, the train came to a halt due to a steep gradient near Anantnag station, they said.

An inquiry has been ordered to ascertain as to how the train moved for such a long distance without any of the railway staff or security personnel noticing it, the sources said. Railway officials refused to comment on the incident.

INDIA Indian dignitaries graced concluding function of Swarnim Gujarat

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To mark 50 years of Gujarat, “Swarnim Gujarat” was celebrated with series of events in London. Its concluding function was equally grand with lots of dignitaries from India coming all the way to grace the occasion. Among the top guests were Uday MahurkarAssociated Editor of leading Indian weekly “India Today”, K.H Patelformer Indian ambassador in Rwanda Burundi and a High Commissioner in Uganda and Pankaj Mudholkar MD of Akruti Promotions and Media Limited who came all the way to attend the event.

‘Gujarat Samachar” and “Asian Voice” weekly

in collobaration with “Friends of Gujarat” and others had organized this function.

Uday Mahurkar: He is associate editor of leading Indian weekly “ India Today”. He is among those rare journalist who has traveled every nook and corner of Gujarat and have studied its political developments. His analysis are much awaited by top notch politicians.

K. H Patel: Former Indian ambassador a High Commissioner in Uganda

K. H Patel

Uday Mahurkar

and head of NRG sector, believes deeply in Gandhian philosophy. His rise from simple Patel boy of North Gujarat through Foreign Service Department to the culmination as an ambassador to African countries is worth praising.Three decade - long career in the Ministry of External Affairs when he successfully served

in US, France, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.

Pankaj Mudholkar: Managing director and

Pankaj Mudholkar

promoter of Akruti Promotions and Media is leader in field of Gujarat Advertising and corporate communication. In 25 years of successful career, he has done a great job in brand building of various corporates. Member of board of directors in Information Technology and Hospitality Companies, he has been very active with few sectors of government also.

He played a very important role in Investment promotion campaign of Vibrant Gujarat. Visiting faculty at MICA and NID, Ahmedabad, To contact them: Call -Asian Voice 020 7749 4080 / Nikhil Gaur 020 7749 4009

Indian doctor’s book wins Pulitzer prize Continued from page 1 The Pulitzer in the general non-fiction category carries an award of $10,000.

Siddhartha Mukherjee grew up in New Delhi and trained as a cellular biologist at Rhodes before mov-

ing to medicine. His book is all about people who have braved the deadly cancer and fought the odds to survive the killer disease. It is a profoundly humane "biography" of cancer - from its first documented appearances thousands of years

ago through the epic battles in the 20th century to cure, control, and conquer it to a radical new understanding of its essence. The "riveting, urgent and surprising" book reads like a literary thriller with cancer as the protagonist.

Swarnim Gujarat fiesta in London Continued from page 1 But the highlight of the celebrations is the participation of the dynamic Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendrabhai Modi through video conferencing.

Lord GK Noon, Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP, Hon Steve Pound MP and Hon Bob Blackman MP will take the privilege to

interact with the Hon Chief Minister of Gujarat.

The event will be broadcasted on MATV (Sky 793) on Thursday at 7 PM in the program CB Live.

On Wednesday evening, the Kadwa Patidar Hall, Harrow will be lit up with traditional and cultural festivities and entertainment for Swarnim Gujarat. More than 600 people, from all

generations will participate and rejoice the formation of the state of Gujarat.

The visiting dignitaries from India will address the guests. There will be no lack of entertainment as Mr Manoj Joshi, a wellknown Bollywood personality will be present at the venue.

(For full coverage of the event, please read next week's Asian Voice.)

The war has just began, says Hazare Continued from page 1 The CD in question contains a conversation apparently between Bhushan, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh and former SP leader Amar Singh. The conversation is

about fixing a judge on payment of Rs 40 million. The CD has also mention of Shanti Bhushan’s son and drafting committee member Prashant Bhushan’s name it it. Bhushan denied the purported conversation, calling it defamatory and an

act of forgery to malign him. He filed a complaint with the Delhi Police.

Hazare also stated that he would not relent and would not hesitate to go on fast if the Bill was not passed as per the demands of the Lok Pal Committee.

If you are supporting Anna Hazare’s movement against corruption in India, please send your signed petition in the below mentioned format and send you are email to us at kartik.raval@abplgroup.com No. 1.

2.

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5.

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Name

Address with postal code & phone number

Sign

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

PM seeks to place immigration at the heart of British politics Continued from page 1 While he praised some immigrants for wealth creation, he appeared to devalue such praise with the observation that, "Mass immigration had led to discomfort and disjointedness in some communities across Britain." He further remarked that he favoured "good immigration, not mass immigration."

David Cameron's unexpected address on immigration coincided exactly with the forthcoming council elections in May. Clearly he was putting on the heat about sensitive issue and bringing it to the centre stage of British politics. This, it would appear, is a lamentable lapse of judgement. With an economy in decline, with crisis rising and unemployment continuing to rise, his words on immigration were nothing more than an irritating distraction from the real issues that confront Britain today.

The British people could do without such redhearings. Chris Blackhurst from Evening Standard wrote in a comment that if you ask any business chief, why they employ foreign staff and they will reply that they are more disciplined, more presentable and more reliable.

New comers to Britain are not taking jobs of locals. Indeed they are filling a gap in the labour market for potential employers who find it difficult to recruit people for the work they have to offer.

In the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, there was one telling set: in the last three months of 2010, the total number of UK citizens in employment rose by 39,000; non-UK went up by 173,000. The rate of Britons looking for work, and securing it, is far lower than for non-Britons.

Though the PM said that his policies would not affect the immigrants in the city, he is unwise to under-estimate the numbers of the immigrants working in these areas.

The number of immigrants actually employed in the City is incalculable. It runs easily into tens of thousands. To threaten that hegemony, when the economy as a whole is extremely fragile, surely makes little sense!

More than 2.6 million of London's 7.7 million population were born abroad. The term abroad is fairly relative. While it includes immigrants from old commonwealth, what the Prime Minister has aimed to criticise is the non whites, migrating into Britain mainly from South East Asia.

Mr Cameron initially said the Government's immigration policy would cut down immigrants by hundreds and thousands and will include:

l Employers only being allowed to recruit 20,700 workers from outside Europe in the next 12 months. l Tighter controls on student visas. l Making it more difficult for people on temporary visas to remain permanently in the UK. l Tough "transitional" limits on the number of migrants from countries joining the EU. l A minimum age of 21 for spouses coming to the UK. l A crackdown on sham marriages. l Colleges only being able to offer degree-level courses to students with a "proper grasp" of English. l Only post-graduates being allowed to bring their dependants to the UK. But before Asian Voice went to press on Tuesday, the Prime Minister suddenly back tracked on his comment in a programme on BBC Radio 4, clarifying that reducing the number of new immigrants to 1980s levels is an 'ambition' rather than Government policy.

The Prime Minister further said the coalition agreement had set out a 'series of policies' that he hoped would result in net immigration falling from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands a year and he conceded that the figure itself was not a Coalition policy.

However, Mr Cameron has also called for "political will" right across government - including from the Lib-Dems - to cut the number of newcomers to Britain.

Though Cameron's policies are widely supported by Mayor Boris Johnson, the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Business Secretary Vince Cable, both Liberal Democrats, have sought to distance themselves from Mr Cameron's rhetoric on immigration.

Mr Clegg said on Sunday that the Government's immigration policy would lead to a 'reduction in numbers' but did not 'pursue a fixed

Business Secretary Vince Cable

numerical target'.

The Business Secretary Vince Cable criticised PM Cameron's policies as 'not a coalition policy' and as 'very unwise'.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Immigration needs

Rt Hon Keith Vaz, MP

strong, fair controls and open, sensible debate.

Unfortunately, David Cameron isn't delivering that."

Rt Hon Keith Vaz, MP for Leicester East and Labour Chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee told Asian Voice: "The PM is right to want talk about this issue, however he offers no solutions. Merely to say "fewer" is no longer an answer and can be misunderstood. Cuts this government will make to the UK Border Agency will mean more illegal immigration and more sham marriages not less. The

Steve Pound, MP

loss of 75000 asylum seekers as reported to the Home Affairs Select committee last week points to administrative chaos not the lack of political will."

Steve Pound, MP for Ealing North told Asian Voice: "There are few things more depressing and predictable as a Conservative playing the race card in the run up to a difficult election.

David Cameron strikes me as a fairly decent human being and his recent statements throw red meat to the carnivorous Tory rightwingers but cannot be forgiven as they paint a wholly false picture of emigration to the UK and imply that a numerical cap on numbers can somehow be implemented and a person who may be admitted in April would not – even under identical circumstances – get a visa in May. Madness.

More worrying – there is a real debate to be had on the subject of skilled migration and student visas and this has been lost in the crude rhetoric that portrays David Cameron in a rather more unpleasant shade than some of us had previously suspected."

WomEn & history

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

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Lent, Easter- a time of repentance and renewal for Christians

Lent and Easter are special times for the Christians. Forty days prior to Easter is called Lent. It is a time of renewal, prayer and fasting. It is also the time to reflect on the Word of God and applying it to one’s life. Fasting is a part of Lent. Fasting has a long history among people of all faiths. It has always been a way of expiating sin, a way of purifying the spirit, a way of offering something to the Lord. In the Christian tradition, too, fasting has a honoured place.

However, the spiritual masters have been a bit wary of fasting because of the Lord Jesus' warning in the Gospel of Matthew: “When you fast you are not to look glum as the hypocrites do.

They change the appearance of their faces so that others may see they are fasting. I assured you, they are already repaid” (Gospel of St. Matthew Chapter 6: verse 16) By fasting The Lord wants to “Set free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.”

These words of the prophet Isaiah remind us of the powerful portrait of the Last Judgment painted by the Lord Jesus Christ: “The king (Lord) will say to those on his right : Come. You have my Father’s blessing…..

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink.

I was a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me.

I was ill and you comforted me, in prison and you came to visit me.. .. ..”

“The righteous will then answer him, 'When, Lord, did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? The King (Lord Jesus) will reply, “I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me!”

St James (New Testament) spells out the practical implications of a false piety: “My brothers, what good is it to profess faith without practising it?

Such faith has no power to save one, has it? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and no food for the day, and you say to them, ‘Good-bye and good luck! Keep warm and well fed,’ but do not

meet their bodily needs, what good is that?

Lord Jesus Christ clashed frequently with the people of religious sect, who originally held to very standard of religion and morality. At the time of Jesus, however, the original spirit of religious leaders had largely degenerated into legalism and hypocrisy, though there were still some very good people among them.

Jesus reproached those leaders for their legalism, their externalism, and their hardness of heart. He accused them of putting their manmade traditions and practices above the law of God..

In stark contrast to the morality of the religious sect, Jesus taught a “morality of the heart”. He was concerned about the interior dispositions of the mind and will. To Jesus the internal motive from which an action springs is more important than the external act itself.

In the Gospel of Matthew, the Lord Jesus spells out his theme in clear and down-to-earth terms: “He called the people to him and said, “Listen, and understand. What goes into the mouth does not make a man unclean; it is what comes out of the mouth that makes him unclean……” The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and it is these that make a man unclean. For from the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, perjury, slander. These are the things that make a man unclean.

Christopher Benjamin, The Presbyterian Church, Wembley.

Good Friday: Commemorating crucifixion of Jesus Christ Good Friday is considered as the day when Christians commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. This is an important event in Christianity, as it represents the sacrifices and suffering in Jesus' life.

M a n y Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross. The Church set aside every Friday as a special day of prayer and fasting.

It was not until the fourth century, however, that the Church began observing the Friday before Easter as the day associated with the crucifixion of Christ. First called Holy or Great Friday by the Greek

Church, the name "Good Friday" was adopted by the Roman Church around the sixth or seventh century.

Traditions: Good Friday rituals and traditions are distinct from

every other Church observances. They add to Good Friday's significance. The ceremony is somber, with priests and deacons dressing in black vestments.

The pulpit and the altar are bare; no candles are lit.

The purpose behind the solemn presentation is to create an awareness of grief over the sacrifice of God's only begotten Son. Today, many churches hold special services on Good Friday evening to commemorate this important day.

Many churches also observe the day by re-enacting the procession of the cross as in the ritual of the Stations of the Cross, which depicts the final hours of Jesus’ life.

Processions are held in many countries such as India, Italy, Mata, the Philippines, and Spain. Kites that are often handmade are flown in Bermuda on Good Friday to symbolize the cross that Jesus died on, as well as his ascension into heaven.

By Dr Anil Mehta

Disraeli and Gladstone – Britain’s great Victorian statesmen

William Gladstone

Benjamin Disraeli (1804-81), British Tory statesman, PM (1868, 1874-80) and a novelist was born to Jewish parents (but baptised a Christian) in London and educated at private schools.

He entered parliament in 1837 as MP for Maidstone and served as Chancellor of Exchequer in three short-lived Tory minority governments. As Chancellor he was largely responsible for the introduction of the 2nd Reform Act (1867) which gave the vote to an additional million working class members doubling the country’s electorate overnight. In 1868 he succeeded as party leader and became PM in the same year but few months later lost to Gladstone’s Liberal party.

In opposition (1868-74) Disraeli greatly strengthened Conservative Party and won a resounding victory in 1874 and remained in power for another six years. His premiership was marked by noticeable events. His government passed much useful social legislation including measures to improve public health and working conditions in factories preventing the exploitation of workers. His foreign policy helped create a patriotic and imperial identity for the Tories. He purchased £4 million worth of shares in Suez Canal linking British strategic interests in the East. He also enunciated a strong foreign policy against Russia. In 1880 he lost his last election (which put Gladstone back in office) and retired from politics.

Disraeli was known for his stylishness, wit, and self-confidence. He was clearly preferred by Queen Victoria to Gladstone, his great rival. He treated her as a human being, whereas Gladstone saw her as a political institution. He proclaimed Queen, Empress of India (1876) to her great delight and in return he was made Earl of Beaconsfield. As a novelist he was no less distinguished. His novels (‘Coningsby’, ‘Sybil’) reflect social and political mood of the day. He once remarked that if he wanted to read a novel, he would write one. After retirement his health faded rapidly and he died in 1881. Despite his long public life, he is still regarded as an enigma. His critics regard him as an opportunist and a seeker of power; his followers, as a man of high principles. Perhaps he embodied the best of both.

William Gladstone (1809-98), British Liberal statesman, author, and four-time PM (1868-74, 1880-85, 1886, 1892-94) was born into a wealthy family and educated at Eaton and Oxford. He was elected as MP for Newark (1832), and later of Oxford, South Lancashire, Greenwich, and Midlothian. He made an immediate impression on parliament with impassioned speeches on slavery,

Benjamin Disraeli

religion, and Home Rule for Ireland. He held various offices during the Conservative governments (yes, he was Tory in the beginning) including that of Chancellor of Exchequer. His conversion to Liberalism was gradual and in 1859 he caused great surprise among the Tory colleagues by joining the Whig Cabinet of Palmerston as Chancellor.

One of the popular measures he took as Chancellor was the creation of the Post Office Savings Account. He became leader of the Liberals (as the Whigs were now known) in 1867 and PM for the first time in 1868 following the defeat of the Tory PM Disraeli.

Gladstone was a dominating political figure of his time and a passionate campaigner of a variety of issues. His ministries were notable for introduction of many social and political reforms including the state supported education guaranteeing all children the right to school.

His Trade Union Act of 1871 gave unions the legal status. Entrance to the civil service was based on competition, and the secret ballots were introduced in election eliminating abuses such as corruption, bribery, and bullying. Working men in the rural areas were given the vote extending the electorate to five million. However, despite these achievements, he failed in his pet objective i.e.

Home Rule for Ireland. In opposition (1874-80) Gladstone strongly condemned Disraeli’s foreign and imperial policies. The Liberals were more concerned about the poverty and mistreatment of the colonial population.

Gladstone resigned the premiership in 1884, aged 84, due to failing health.

Although Queen Victoria disliked him (‘that half mad firebrand----speaks to me as if I were a public meeting’), he was one of the great reformers of the Victorian era and the champion of the lower classes. He was the author of numerous books on religion. Under him the aristocratic Whig Party was transformed into one primarily of middleclass Liberals. A characteristic Victorian and a humanitarian to the end, he died of cancer in 1898 at the age of 88 and was buried in Westminster Abbey, London.

Appraisal: In the last quarter of the 19th century, Disraeli and Gladstone exerted a profound influence on Victorian Britain. Under their strong leaderships Britain saw the emergence of two distinct parties (Conservative and Liberal) each with their own cohesive policies. Although quite different in personalities and approaches, they acted in their own ways to meet the need of the people and to make Britain a fairer society.

28

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

This week on CB Live there will be a broadcast of the video recording of the Gala lunch in Central London organised to celebrate Swarnim Gujarat.

Possibly the dignitaries from India coming for the event will also take part in the program.

Sneh Joshi - 020 8518 5500 This week you will be mentally alert and have the ability to sort out any practical problems. Matters of the heart are not favoured this week, so expect some setbacks. Plan ahead for the long term where finances are concerned as this is a good time to invest. The atmosphere at home is likely to be convivial and joyous.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

If you do not have a tv, go to www.tvunetworks.com and watch CB Live on TVU Player Channel 75203

To ask questions please call on: 020 8963 1001

For more information e-mail: cblive_matv@yahoo.co.uk

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Only on CB Live - MATV Sky 793 - Thursday 7:00pm to 8:00pm Forthcoming events and special issues

Bhajan Kirtan Competition Communal singing, especially on one's preferred faith tradition or even amongst the non-believers is very popular activity. It encourages harmonious environment through faith, music and action oriented cooperation.

Bhajan Kirtan is as old as the Sanatan Hindu Dharma.

In UK, over half million of Gujaratis/Jains are organising scores of Bhajan Kirtan groups up and down the country. Participants are young and old.

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar in association with Sangat Community Centre and International Siddhashram Shakti Centre, have organised a Bhajan Kirtan competition on 15th May between 2 pm and 8 pm at Harrow Leisure Centre. Amongst the judges for the Gujarati Bhajan competition are Kavita Paudwal, renowned singer, Dhiren Katwa, our Senior News Editor and others.

For more details on the prizes, entry fees, etc. please contact Kokilaben Patel, Managing Editor, Gujarat Samachar on 020- 7749 - 4092 / kokila.patel@abplgroup.com or Kamal Rao, News Editor, Gujarat Samachar on 020-7749-4001/ kamal.rao@abplgroup.com l Finance Banking Insurance (FBI) l British Asian Women l Khana Peena Gaana Nachna- Summer special l Asian Achievers Awards l Diwali l Khana Peena Gaana Nachna- Christmas special COMPETITION WINNERS The correct answer for the Dum Maaro Dum competition is: Goa. The winners are: Dev Bhatt and Surekha Chauhan.

Coming Events l Vaishava Professionals Network (VPN) event (Tuesday 26th April 2011): “The monk who bought a Ferrari,” at Ernst & Young, 6:30pm onwards. RSVP at london@vpnglobal.org l A Middle Eastern Affair (Tuesday 17th May 2011): Understand the Arab outlook on life today, hear from Ellis Douek, a world renowned consultant who fled from Egypt as a child. Centre for Jewish Life, canapés and talk from 7pm. l Bhagavad Gita for Everyday Living Chapter II Yoga of Knowledge, Monday 18th April, 7.30 9 pm, 12 Gayton Court, Harrow HA1 2HB, T: 020 8357 3236, E: info@vedanta.org.uk l 24 April 2011Shree 108 Hanuman Chalisa Dharsol Hall, Wembley, HA0 1TX,11am Sponsored by Jignyasu Satsang Mandal, Contact: 020 8459 5758/ 07973 550310 l Senior Citizen's Group of Federation of Patidar Associations organising 'Blood Pressure and Diabetes Seminar'. Venue: Patidar House, HA9 7EX. 4th May 2011, 1pm, Contact: Jyoti 07852150275 Nehru Centre, South Audley Street, London l Tue 26 April 7.00 pm Presentation : Tagore and Indian Cinema Sangeeta Datta l Mon 09 May 6.30 pm Book Lunch/Discussion : Talking Politics Prof Lord Parekh, Discussants : Prof Lord Tony Giddens, Ex Director of London School of Economics, Prof Zia Uddin Sardar, distinguished writer and commentator and James Manor, Director, Institute of Commonwealth Studies, London.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 The need to push ahead with personal interests and to assert yourself with added force will take precedence over everything else for some time to come. Mentally you will be in top form, perhaps feeling quite passionate about expressing your ideas and views. Indeed, a goal you have been striving towards will at last be reached.

The accent’s very much on relationships. The opening up of a more diverse social life is a point in favour of romantic attachments. You will achieve a lot more, especially when you're motivated by your own desires. The general pattern of things continues on a progressive and buoyant theme.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 With Jupiter in your solar 10th house, your career is lit up and bodes well for the coming month. Some of you will be in a reflective mood and taking stock of your lives and working out the best direction to take. This is a good time to take up yoga and meditation or even take time out for a while.

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.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

You are endowed with a level of determination that others sometimes find formidable. Once you set your mind on a goal you stay the course no matter what obstacles you encounter. Saturn's placement in your Solar 2nd house often denotes a phase of restriction, sometimes frustration, in one's working life.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 Mars and Saturn placement in your chart sets a rather challenging theme.

Although this gives increased potential for tension and conflict with other people, it also means that you are able to confront issues and sort any problems out. If this involves a close relationship, you can now resolve your differences.

There may be a discrepancy between the energy you put out and the actual result achieved. You can do much to minimise this effect by avoiding distractions and concentrating on only what is most essential at a day-to-day level. Try to take things in your stride rather than anticipating what might happen.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

With Jupiter in your solar 5th sign, you should enjoy a very popular phase in your life where everyone wants to invite you to parties. You will meet people of your own calibre and pursue any romantic liaisons. Your communications are extremely high making it easy to to make friends.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

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Domestic and home matters are disturbed and a source of concern to you. You could find family members hostile and difficult to reason with. It is a period of handling matters with utmost diplomacy and calmness. Mercury in your sign ensures that you are extremely communicative and that people will listen to what you have to say.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 It is certainly a good time to get involved in lively debate.You will begin this week with positive attitude towards life and will have good communication skills. This will also make you feel very confident in all areas of your life. You will continue to wield power and authority in whatever you do. You will also spend a lot of your free time helping charitable institutions.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 This is a good time to cut back on extravagant spending and consolidate your finances. Your social calendar is likely to keep you very busy and you will have lots of opportunities to promote yourself. For some of you this is also a good time to meet like-minded people which could lead to romantic liaisons.

HealtH Watch

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

First-aid measures are simple, but crucial and potentially life-saving. So, arm yourself with first aid kits and the knowledge of such measures. In general, when under trauma, the immediate reflex is to panic. But try to stay calm and it will help you think well and save yourself or the next person better.

Pesticides, kerosene, rat poisons, ant poisons, toilet cleaning fluids, and plant poisons are the commonly ingested poisons.

So, store them away from regular things. The common cause of accidental poisoning is because such fluids are stored in cola or juice bottles. “If you notice someone vomiting, having stomach ache, panting and fainting, suspect poisoning and rush to get medical help. Home remedies do not work.

And, the poison in the vomit may get absorbed by the skin. So, wipe it off, change the clothing and rush to the hospital,” says C. Rajendran, director and professor of medicine, Madras Medical College.

“If the person you are taking to hospital is unresponsive, make him lie down with his head turned to the left, so that the vomit doesn't enter his airway,” says Dhavapalani Alagappan, consultant and head, emergency department, Apollo Hospitals.

“Excess vomiting can

cause low blood pressure and giddiness. So while transporting, don't make the person sit or walk, or transport him in a bike where he may not be able to hold himself,” cautions Dr Rajendiran.

Burns and scalds: If you see anyone on fire, don't let them run around it will only fan the flames and make them burn stronger. “Instead, remove the burning clothing, and wrap the person with a (preferably wet) noninflammable blanket and roll him on the floor, or douse with water to put out the flame. Once the flame is out, cover the area with a clean wet towel or cling film and rush the person to the hospital. In the meantime, for pain relief, over-the-counter drugs such as paracetamol can be given,” says Dr Alagappan.

In the case of a scald (hot water or wet burn), wash the area with cold water, cover the area with a clean wet cloth or a cling film to protect the exposed nerve endings and rush to the hospital. However, this is not the thing to do in case of an injury on the face area, as the person might suffocate.

Falls and Injuries: Any neck pain following a fall or injury has to be taken seriously and given immediate medical attention, as it could indicate spinal cord injury.

In case of an inflammation or swelling on a body part, place or wrap an ice pack on the area. “It is a good idea to always keep in your freezer a water sachet; if unavailable, use anything from the freezer, such as a packet of flour,” suggests Ram Kumar, general physician. “Also, keep the inflamed or swollen part elevated to bring down the swelling. Keep the injured area immobile so that, in case of fracture, the broken bone does not move, or poke into the flesh and injure the tissue,” says Dr Alagappan.

If the injury is on the arm, use a sling to hold the arm close to the body and keep it immobile. A simple sling can be put together by knotting a towel or a cotton dupatta with the knot resting on the shoulder. For a leg injury, render the leg immobile by tying two strips of a stiff material such as cardboard along the leg and the thigh, so that the knee can't be bent.

Then, rush to the doctor.

Bleeding wounds: “For this, you need to apply direct pressure with a wet towel and take the person to a hospital. Hold up the injured part at an elevation to prevent further blood loss. And, don't keep unwrapping to investigate if the blood flow has stopped or not. This will interfere with closure of the wound,” says Dr Alagappan.

He adds: “For a nose bleed, pinch the soft tip of the nose, breath through the mouth and wait for about 10 minutes. If the bleeding continues, or if it trickles down the back of the throat, whereby it could block the airway, call for an ambulance.

Don't lie down, as this could also make blood trickle into the airway. Sit straight on a chair, with the head turned down.

29

By Radhika Madlani

Home is where the heart is There is a beautiful park near where we live and given the beautiful weather we have had recently, I often take Ria there to feed the ducks. On a recent trip, my husband and I sat down to enjoy a coffee at the local coffee shop where we got talking about how different our standard of living would be if we could enjoy beautiful sunny days with our children more often. A couple of parents sitting at a table nearby overheard our conversation and exclaimed that they agreed.

Whilst Ria ran after the ducks on the grass near us, we talked to these parents about their experiences of working abroad. One parent had already spent 3 years in India with her children and the other confirmed that she was packing to leave for Africa in a month. Both of them explained how once they had bought the house they had always wanted, had the children they always wanted and ‘settled’ in life, they really wanted to follow their heart. They wanted to experience living abroad and wanted their children to experience life in a different country so that they could make an informed decision about where they wanted to spend their life as adults.

I asked the two par-

ents if they wanted to share tips with any parent looking to re-locate their family based on their experience of living abroad with children.

They both confirmed that for most children, familiarity is king. They feel comfortable at home, they feel secure at home and they like their routine. The older they are, the harder it is as they need to adjust to new cultural codes and make new friends. On the other hand, do not under-estimate the reliance of a toddler on their daily routine and way of life in their existing routine.

The mothers I spoke to confirmed that the adjustment was worth the difficulty in uprooting their children. Of course, no one likes change, especially not young children.

Their tips for any parent wanting to re-locate would be to be open and honest about your decision to move as early as you can. Communicate with your children about where you are moving and explain the reasons why. Be positive and genuinely enthusiastic about the move and show your children lots of photos of the new home or school if possible. Let your children take the time they need to digest the idea and once on board, have them help you plan elements of the move, including packing and

unpacking their stuff.

Once abroad, give them the time and attention to get used to the local area and surroundings and if possible, spend time with your children to ask them how they feel about their new environment until they are happily settled.

Moving as an adult is tough enough, when you are a child in the full throws of understanding yourself, it can be even tougher. Be appreciative of your child’s perspective and empathise with their world. There are many authors who write about the impact of TCK ‘Third Culture kids’ – children who experience other cultures and have travelled so that they integrate those learnings into their own culture.

As travelling becomes a commodity and no longer a privilege, many people are opening their eyes to the options available to them. After all, we only have one life so we should live it fully and enjoy our quality of life, whether it is at home or away. Home is where the heart is so if your heart longs to be abroad, go for it. The experience will only enrich your life and help instill acceptance and appreciation of different cultures in your children.

Quote: “Children make you want to start life over.

- Muhammad Ali”

Should you have any comments or want to get in touch with me you can email on avmamaria@gmail.com

Mangoes, grapes help beneficial bacteria to grow in the body

Prebiotics are nondigestible food that help beneficial bacteria to grow and flourish in the human body. The good bacteria or probiotics help ward off diseases. Prebiotics are basically food for probiotics and are known to displace intestinal pathogen.

Scientists at the MACSAgharkar Research Institute (ARI) have found the presence of prebiotics in mangoes and grapes.

The ARI scientists, in a study spanning over 10 years, explored about 90

indigenous fruits and edible plants in India for their potential to grow friendly bacteria in the digestive system. Twelve varieties of mango were studied by two senior ARI scientists.

Asked whether prebiotics from mangoes were tested on common bugs like E coli, which cause medical conditions like dysentery, Agte, one of the scientists said, "Our study showed that beneficial bacteria Lrhamnosus, which is grown in a medium containing mango,

helped reduce the presence of E coli. The results indicate promising potential for mango varieties as a source of prebiotics."

Commenting on the role of probiotics in preventing and treating diseases, senior gastroenterologist said, "If you have a large number of these friendly bacteria in your body, then the inner lining of the intestines remain healthy and help prevent diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, antibiotic-related diseases and irritable

bowel syndrome."

Among prebiotics, the most widely commercialised and studied ones are FOS, which consist of a mixture of various sugars. These selectively promote probiotic bacterial species like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which maintain the balance of intestinal microflora.

So far, mangoes have been known for their high calorie and carbohydrate content. Now, one more dimension of the fruit as a prebiotic material has come to light. "We have

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studied the biodiversity in the prebiotic potential of 12 different varieties of mango. Five different types of prebiotics were grown in a special medium to study the growth of lactobacillus, a friendly bacteria. The growth results indicated a large variability in the prebiotic potential in different mango varieties. The nutritional preparation (synbiotic) made of the prebiotics derived from an Indian variety of mango and a friendly bacteria (probiotics) lactobacillus rhamnosus was the best in

the study.

The work was presented at the 6th Nutra India Summit held at World Health Centre, Mumbai, from February 15 to 18.

The scientists will now initiate talks with nutraceutical companies for technology transfer.

Similar to mango, the group has also investigated the biodiversity in the prebiotic potential of grapes. The results have been published in the Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research in November 2010.

30

Sport

Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011

IPL Results from 9 to 19 matches played till Monday, 19th April Match Date Teams 9 13 April KXIP v/s CSK at Mohali KXIP won by 6 wickets Brief scores: CSK 188/4 (20 overs); KXIP 193/4 (19.1 overs) 10 13 April PW v/s KTK at Mumbai PW won by 4 wickets Brief scores: KTK 148/8 (20 overs); PW 151/6 (18.5 overs) 11 14 April DC v/s RCB at Hyderabad DC won by 33 runs Brief scores: DC 175/5 (20 overs); RCB 142/9 (20 overs) 12 15 April RR v/s KKR at Jaipur KKR won by 9 wickets Brief scores: RR 159/4 (20 overs); KKR 160/1 (18.3 overs) 13 15 April MI v/s KTK at Mumbai KTK won by 8 wickets Brief scores: MI 182/2 (20 overs); KTK 184/2 (19 overs) 14 16 April CSK v/s RCB at Chennai CSK won by 21 runs Brief scores: CSK 183/5 (20 overs); RCB 162/7 (20 overs) 15 16 April DC v/s KXIP at Hyderabad KXIP won by 8 wickets Brief scores: DC 165/8 (20 overs); KXIP 166/2 (17.4 overs) 16 17 April PW v/s DD at Mumbai DD won by 3 wickets Brief scores: PW 187/5 (20 overs); DD 190/7 (19.2 overs) 17 17 April KKR v/s RR at Kolkata KKR won by 8 wickets Brief scores: RR 81 (15.2 overs); KKR 85/2 (13.5 overs) 18 18 April KTK v/s CSK at Kochi KTK won by 7 wickets Brief scores: CSK 131/4 (17 overs); KTK 135/3 (15 overs) 19 19 April DD v/s DC at Delhi DC won by 16 runs Brief scores: DC 168/4 (20 overs); DD 152/7 (20 overs)

EPL Matches this week Saturday, 23 April 2011 Man Utd v Everton, Old Trafford Aston Villa v Stoke, Villa Park Blackpool v Newcastle, Bloomfield Road Liverpool v Birmingham, Anfield Sunderland v Wigan, Stadium of Light Tottenham v West Brom, White Hart Lane Wolverhampton v Fulham, Molineux Chelsea v West Ham, Stamford Bridge

12:45 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30

Sunday, 24 April 2011 Bolton v Arsenal, Reebok Stadium

16:00

Monday, 25 April 2011 Blackburn v Man City, Ewood Park

20:00

Tuesday, 26 April 2011 Stoke v Wolverhampton, Britannia Stadium

19:45

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 Fulham v Bolton, Craven Cottage

20:00

Some senior players to skip ODI series in West Indies

Some of India's senior cricketers, including captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, are likely to skip the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies starting early June.

Already exhausted by a crammed international schedule, the senior players want to take some rest.A top BCCI source said that it is possible that at least five-six senior players may be rested since India have a hectic international schedule ahead.

While some senior players may skip only the ODI series, others who have injury problems in recent times may opt out of the entire tour of the West Indies where they

play one Twenty20 International, five ODIs and three Tests during the tour starting June 4.

Opening batsman Virender Sehwag is likely to miss the entire tour of the West Indies to regain full fitness, while other senior players like Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh may be rested in a phased manner. It is learnt that some senior players have already written to the BCCI expressing their desire to skip the tour of the West Indies so that they are fit enough for the crucial tours of England and Australia later in the year.

Deccan Chargers beat Delhi Daredevils by 16 runs A quickfire half-century by Sunny Sohal and an equally useful knock of 49 from captain Kumar Sangakkara helped Deccan Chargers register a 16-run victory over Delhi Daredevils in their Indian Premier League match here on Tuesday.

Opting to bat, Sohal (62, 41b, 8X4, 1X6) and Sangakkara (49, 35b, 8X4, 1X6) put on a 92-run stand for the second wicket to set a solid platform and post a competitive total of 168 for four, even though some disciplined bowling by the Daredevils at the end managed to put brakes on the Deccan scoring rate.

But ultimately the total proved to be too much for the hosts, who seemed hardly in the race, losing wickets at regular intervals at the Ferozshah Kotla ground at Delhi.

Even as David Warner (51, 48b 5x4 1x6) scored a valuable half-century and Yogesh Nagar (23, 11b 1x4 2x6) played a little cameo at the end but that was never going to be enough as the home team finished at 152 for seven in their allotted 20 overs.

For the Hyderabad outfit, Harmeet Singh (two for 27) and Daniel Christian (two for 38) provided important breakthroughs while Ojha, Amit Mishra and Shikhar Dhwan chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Chasing a target of 169, Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag came out firing all cylinders in his

Deccan Chargers batsman Sunny Sohal hits a shot during the match between Delhi Daredevils

bid to give his team a positive start as he struck four boundaries off Christian's over, while Warner also gave him good company at the other end but the former's stay at the wicket was cut short by Harmeet Singh for a seven-ball 12.

And the next two overs saw the hosts being pushed on to the back foot

when Christian and Harmeet accounted for the wickets of Naman Ojha and Aaron Finch to leave the Daredevils reeling at 38 for three.

While Christian trapped Ojha (2) leg before, Harmeet dismissed Finch for a nought as he edged one to Sangakkara.

It was then up to

Indian Premier League IV Points Table (as on 19 / 04 / 2011) Teams Match Won Lost Tied Kolkata Knight Riders 4 3 1 0 Pune Warriors 3 2 1 0 Mumbai Indians 3 2 1 0 Deccan Chargers 5 2 3 0 Kochi Tuskers Kerala 4 2 2 0 Chennai Super Kings 4 2 2 0 Rajasthan Royals 4 2 2 0 Kings XI Punjab 3 2 1 0 Delhi Daredevils 4 1 3 0 Royal Challengers Bangalore 4 1 3 0

Flowering talent in IPL on show

By Premen Addy Watching the unfolding IPL in a television studio in London as part of a panel of commentators, the former Surrey and England Test wicketkeeper/batsman, Alec Stewart, was struck by the precocious talent of India's youthful cricketers. Not all would move to a higher calling in the game, but some, most likely, would.

Stewart and the panellists referred to names that were hitherto unknown, yet by the tournament's end, they could be household names.

Stewart ascribed India's rise to IPL's facility to seed and nurture talent.

Batsman Bharat Chipli, gifted with exquisite timing, caught the eye with the Deccan Chargers during an unbeaten half-century, as did young Jadeja for the victorious Kochi Tuskers in the climax of their thrilling run-chase against Sachin Tendulkar's Mumbai Indians.

For all their feats of

Warner and Venugopal Rao (21) to consolidate the innings and the duo managed to take the team to 78 for three after 10 overs.

But after putting on 52 runs for the fourth wicket with Warner, Rao, while trying to hit a six hit one straight down Christian's throat off Amit Mishra's bowling. At the other end, although Warner managed to hold his ground but just after completing his halfcentury, he gave a simple catch to Ravi Teja off parttime spinner Shikhar Dhawan's bowling, after being dropped in the previous over. Irfan Pathan's horrible IPL continued as he was quickly back in the dressing room, leaving the Daredevils with an uphill task.

RCB-Rajasthan match delayed due to rain The Indian Premier League match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore has been delayed due to consistent drizzle. The groundsmen have covered the playing arena because of the steady downpour.

Paul Valthaty

derring-do, the man of the moment is surely Paul Valthaty who played a blinder for Kings XI Punjab. It's not everyday that one savours an innings of 120 from a mere 53 balls in a Twenty/20 match, which is what Valthaty did against Chennai Super Kings at Mohali. He followed this with a swashbuckling 75 against Pune Warriors. His name is on most lips, and

with luck, of which he has been blessed with little in his career so far, he could go places, especially if the myopic Indian selectors are given their sight by cricket's gods.

Valthaty's talent was recognised when he was barely into his teens. His promise blossomed and he performed brilliantly, but a freak accident near an eye playing Bangladesh blighted his prospects as the injury took three years to heal.

But heal it did, and Mumbai-born and educated Paul Valthaty got his first big break at a ripe 27 with a Kings XI call-up.

He says, “Abhishek Nayar recommended my name, and (coach) Michael Bevan liked what he saw.”

The rest is now history.

Like people with backbone and character, Valthaty has met “those two impostors Triumph and Disaster just the same.”

He may soon be trailing tunes of glory. He will have deserved it when it arrives. Good luck!

N/R 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Points 6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 2

Net RR +0.891 +1.089 +0.561 +0.073 +0.044 -0.097 -0.476 -0.478 -0.632 -0.730

Sri Lankan cricketers recalled Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has said that he and his national teammates, playing in the Indian Premier League will have to abide by the decision taken by their Cricket Board regarding returning home midway from the Twenty20 league for a tour of England.

“We have a tour of England happening by the end of May. I think the Board (SLC) will start calling us back. I am not sure if it is going to be May 5 or not (date of returning home),” Sangakkara, the captain of the Deccan Chargers, said.

“It is up to the BCCI and SLC to negotiate (date of return). What we as players can do is to abide by the decision of our Board. I hope the players would be communicated after a decision is taken by the BCCI and SLC. We have to abide by that,” he said at the post—match press conference after Deccan Chargers beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 33 runs.

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London Marathon has become an addiction mass cult, to some extent mesmerizing, when runners of different countries and communities run together generating so much of energy and happy spirits.

On the day of the event, there was a special buzz that started early morning and lasted right through the day.

What made it so special? Firstly, the winners,

Ran his first marathon, finished in 3:36 for Anthony Nolan Trust, raised £2100

Ran his f i r s t marathon, finished in 5:39, ran for Shishukunj, raised over £1,600

Ran his first marathon, finished in 5:06, ran for Shishukunj.

Suraj Shah | Aged 19

Jitesh Shah

Ran his first marathon, finished in 6:28. ran for the Heart and Stroke Research Campaign at NPIMR. Raised £2,500

Run a few marathons before, finished in 7:55, ran for Shishukunj, raised nearly £500

Some 36,500 runners from different countries participated in the Virgin London Marathon which was held on last Sunday (April 17). This is in fact a front, a

secondly, the organizers. thirdly, the dedication of the volunteers – marshalling at the start, handing drinks along the route, presenting the well-earned medals

Asians can never lag behind in a social cause

Kishen Khetia | Aged 30

Mahendra Pankhani Aged over 50

Akshay Shah | Aged 24

raised £3000

Ran his first marathon, finished in 5:55, ran f o r Shishukunj,

Vikash Patel | Aged 25

Ran her second marathon, finished in 6.06 ran for Heart and Stroke Research Campaign at NPIMR. Raised £3,500

Ran his marathon, finished in 4:37, ran for Shishukunj, r a i s e d £2,500

Ran his first marathon, finished in 6:03, raised over £4,000 for Spinal Injuries Association.

Jayshree Shah | Aged 47

Preeyan Patel | Aged 23

Pratik Shah | Aged 29

Ran his first marathon, finished in 5:34, ran f o r Shishukunj, raised over £1,000.

He finished in 4:38, ran for Chinmaya Mission, r a i s e d £3,000

Ran her first marathon, finished in 5:19, ran for Chinmaya Mission, raised over £5,500.

Sanjiv Shah | Aged 36

Vimal Raichura

Priya Morjaria

Ran his first marathon, finished in 5:06, ran f o r Shishukunj,

Ran her first marathon, finished in 5:37, ran f o r Shishukunj and raised £3,500.

Ran his s e c o n d marathon, finished in 4:51, ran for Prostate Cancer, raised over £700.

Pratik Patel | Aged 28

Shalina Malde

Pankaj Shah | Aged over 50

Ran his first marathon, finished in 5:35, ran f o r Shishukunj, raised over £1,000

Ran his first ma r a t h on, finished in 4:25, ran for North L o n d o n Hospices, will raise £2000

Ran his first marathon, finished in 5:43 – ran for heart and stroke research campaign at NPIMR. Raised over £3,000.

Anup Shah | Aged 44

Vishal Shah | Aged 29

Kirit Patel | Aged 50

raised £600.

Tendulkar named Wisden's leading cricketer Wisden, regarded as the Bible of cricket, has named Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar as the leading cricketer in the world for the year 2010.

The iconic batsman became the seventh recipient of the Wisden award after teammate Virender Sehwag, Australians Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne, England`s Andrew Flintoff, Sri Lanka`s Muttiah Muralitharan and South African Jacques Kallis.

The 148th edition of Wisden Cricketers` Almanack was launched last week and it was the first time that Tendulkar has won the award since it started in 2004.

In 2007, Wisden had identified Tendulkar as the player to have won such an award for 1998 - had it been instituted then.

Ran the Brighton Marathon (finished in 5:28) on 10 April and the L o n d o n Marathon on 17 April (finished in 5:17) and has raised £5,000 for Find Your Feet so far.

Kiran Patel | Aged 47

Ran his first Marathon, finished in 3:39 and has raised £830 so far for Find Your Feet.

Kamlesh Patel | Aged 30

Finished in 4 hours 56 minutes and is running for Fit 4 Nothing and Onecause.

He has raised £1,000 so far.

Piyush Gudka Ran his first marathon, for One Cause Bhupendra Shah Aged over 55

Ran for One Cause, finished in 5:06, raised over £2,000 Paras Shah Ran his first marathon, finished in 4:31, raised £2,000 for One Cause Pritesh Shah

Ran her first marathon, finished in 4:43, ran for One Cause, raised over £1,000 Ramona Patel He finished in 5:28, ran for One Cause, raised over £1,000 Sugi Kuhendraruban

Pakistan plans own version of Indian Premier League Pakistan hopes to launch a new cricket league based on the lucrative Indian Premier League in a bid to win back its status as an international host, an official said last week.

International cricket has been suspended in Pakistan since March 2009 when gunmen attacked a convoy carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team in the eastern city of Lahore.

Security fears remain high, but Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) domestic cricket general manager Sultan Rana said the popularity of the Twenty20 format made it a possibility worth exploring.

The IPL, which rakes in millions of dollars each season, is now in its fourth year and attracts top international players from across the cricketing

world. " We have discussed the idea of having a professional IPL type league in Sultan Rana t h e recent PCB cricket committee meeting and agreed to keep it alive as one of the main events to restore our international activity," Rana said.

"We had been deliberating on the idea of having an IPL type league but... after the Lahore attacks we had to put that on hold," said Rana, who also served on the Asian Cricket Council.

Rana told the pakpassion.net cricket website that top foreign players

would not be willing to play in Pakistan and the PCB was exploring the idea of staging the tournament in Dubai.

International teams, reluctant to tour the troubled country even before the Lahore attacks, have forced Pakistan to play its home series at neutral venues in England and the United Arab Emirates since the Lahore incident.

The attacks, which left eight people dead and wounded seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach, forced the International Cricket Council to strip Pakistan of its share of World Cup 2011 matches.

Rana acknowledged the security situation in Pakistan needed to improve before the resumption of international cricket.

at the end. Last but not least, the runners themselves. Each year it seems the costumes get slightly more wacky.

Runners may be dif-

ferent every time but what remained uppermost was their enthusiasm and commitment – to beating personal bests and to the charities they're running for.

Kenyan Emmanuel Mutai wins race in record time Kenyan runner Emmanuel Mutai has won the Virgin London Marathon in record time.

His winning time of 2hr 4min 40sec was half a minute faster than anyone who had run before in London and made him the fourth-fastest marathon runner in history. Meanwhile, Haile Gebrselassie’s world record of 2hr 3min 59sec remains intact.

It was second time, when Kenyans won both the men’s and women’s races and they also claimed five of the six podium places.

“My dreams have come true,” Mutai, 26, said. “My aim was just to win the race, I wasn’t focusing on the time.

With a 4:29 split for the 21st mile and a 22nd mile that was barely slower, Mutai left the field floundering as the race passed the Tower of London and headed into the City.

Mutai’s first London title came after several near-misses in the capital, while Mary Keitany on her London debut, ran the fourth-fastest time by a woman.

Keitany won the women’s race in 2hr 19min 19sec.Liliya Shobukhova, last year’s winner from Russia, was in second place, almost a minute behind, while Edna Kiplagat, another Kenyan, was third in 2hr 20min 46sec.

Nine women were in

contention at halfway, but Keitany struck out on her own after 16 miles and quickly began to pull away. She had run only one full marathon before this race, coming third in New York last year. Jo Pavey, from Devon, was 19th on her debut, Lee Merrien was the leading British man in 14th place, but Andrew Lemoncello, who was eighth last year, appeared to be in severe discomfort as he crossed the line in 15th, nearly one minute behind Merrien. Neither was inside the Olympic qualifying time of 2hr 12min.

David Weir judged his finish to perfection in the men’s wheelchair race, passing Heinz Frei, the three-times London champion from Switzerland, in the final 500 metres to win for the fifth time. Shelly Woods, from Blackpool, was second in the women’s race behind Amanda McGrory, of the United States.

Dilshan named Lanka captain for England tour Following Kumar Sangakkara's resignation after the World Cup, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed Tillakaratne Dilshan as captain for all three formats of the game for next month's tour of England.

The selectors, however, have not named a vicecaptain for the tour because "the prospective candidates are nursing injuries, and their availability for the forthcoming tour is still in question."

Sangakkara had resigned from the post of Sri Lanka captain a few days after his team's loss to India in the final of the World Cup, their second successive loss in the title clash of the quadrennial extravaganza.

A day later, vice-captain Mahela Jayawardene and all the national selec-

tors also resigned from their respective posts.

The 34-year-old Dilshan, currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Royal Challengers Bangalore, had previously led Sri Lanka in two Twenty2O internationals in 2008 and 2009, and also during a five-match ODI series in Zimbabwe in 2010.

The big-hitting opener's appointment to the top post ended the speculation over whether he, or the 23-year-old all-rounder Angelo Mathews, would be named as Sangakkara's immediate successor.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 23rd April 2011