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VOL 41. ISSUE 41

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Cameron woos India

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India is seeking to cancel a $750 million order for a dozen helicopters from Italian defence group Finmeccanica, the defence ministry said on Friday, responding to growing pressure over kickback allegations. India has frozen payments for the AgustaWestland helicopters pending an inquiry after Italian police earlier this week arrested the head of Finmeccanica, Giuseppe Orsi, in connection with the case. Continued on page 27

British PM David Cameron reached India on Monday with a 100 member trade mission including British Lords, MPs, Multinational corporates, several representatives from Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) with Indian connection and Universities. The tour aimed to strengthen the Indo-British trade and investment ties and address immigration issues. This was Cameron's second visit within 30 months of his last trip, before the Indian Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh paid a return visit to Britain, as per the protocol. He went to Mumbai, Delhi, gave several speeches, visited St Xavier's College in Mumbai, Delhi University with Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, and awed the Indian population with his cricket skills and love for 'hot curry'. Continued on page 26

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Keith Vazwith MP

Keith Vaz MP

Kris Hopkins MP

areas, and this troubles me. My own constituency, for example, is incredibly diverse and different policy approaches are required. One size fits all solutions tend not to be solutions at all.

Kris was born in 1963 and lives in Haworth, Keighley. In 1998, Kris was elected to serve his local ward of Worth Valley on Bradford Council. He became portfolio holder for social services and council housing, before taking on the corporate portfolio. Kris was chosen as Deputy Leader of Bradford Council in 2004 and, two years later, became Leader of the Council and Leader of the Conservative Group, a position he held until his election to Parliament in May 2010. Last year he has appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Armed Forces Minister. What inspired you to stand for Parliament?

What are your long term goals? In common with the vast majority of MPs I want to continue to represent my constituents to the best of my ability and help them achieve their objectives and those of their families. It may sound utopian, but you should not be doing this job unless you have such a mindset.

The vast majority of my energies are channelled into looking after the interests of all the people of Keighley and Ilkley, no matter what their political allegiances may be. In addition to this, I serve as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, an unpaid role which is both rewarding and hugely interesting given my military background.

I am very passionate about the area in which I grew up, went to school, served as a councillor and Council Leader and continue to live, and I wanted to do what I could to make things better. I was also very frustrated by many of the choices made by the previous Government and believed Keighley deserved better. What are your proudest achievements in politics?

What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

Leading a successful drive to return responsibility for the education of our children to the local authority after it had been contracted out to a private firm by the Labour Government. Also, building five children’s homes in the district and overseeing a huge improvement in the quality of adult services, which went from being some of the very worst to some of the very best nationally.

The biggest obstacle to getting things done is the seemingly innate inclination of civil servants and council officers to work in silos and not talk to each other. I have the utmost respect for public servants, but there is a bureaucratic weakness which frustrates me and it can result in opportunities being lost. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?

Please tell us about your current position?

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

Kath Tunstall, the senior officer in charge of education and children’s services at Bradford Council. Kath is a lady of immense ability, strong values and good humour. She has an iron determination to improve educational attainment in Bradford district. It has been a long journey but, under her guidance, the results that every parent wants to see are being delivered. What is the best thing about your current role? The ability to take difficult, complex and urgent issues

directly to the desk of the Prime Minister and other senior Cabinet ministers at the heart of Government with a request for action. In recent times, subjects I have been able to raise personally include child grooming, countering the activities of the far right and more support for schools. And the worst? Across the main political parties, there remains a worrying inability to come up with policy solutions and initiatives tailored to the differing requirements of different geographical

There needs to be a much greater effort to understand different cultures and competing social and political demands across borders. The UN should not be about the most powerful always getting their way. This only encourages division, the very antithesis of what the UN is supposed to be about. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why? T.E. Lawrence, more popularly known as “Lawrence of Arabia.” I would like to understand his love and passion for Arabia and its people, and to better appreciate how he reconciled his role in the British Colonial Army with his support for the Arab revolt. I could also not resist asking him about his politics.

High Court judge fined for jumping Woman killed in 'deliberate car accident' jailed A gang who killed a signal and 'wasting court time' woman in a deliberA High Court Judge who jumped a red light was fined £5,000 on Tuesday for trying to "overwhelm" a court with paperwork. Kuldip Singh QC was caught racing through a Central London junction at more than double the speed limit but then spent almost a year trying to get the charge thrown out.

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He submitted in his defence three lever arch files stuffed with documents and his case led to four court hearings. A district judge ruled that his attempts to have the case thrown out were a “fallacy from the start” and chastised Mr Singh, pictured, for wasting a “substantial amount” of

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court time and resources. Mr Singh finally admitted failing to comply with the signal on Tuesday and was fined £60 with three points on his licence, the same penalty he would have received if he had settled the case immediately. However, Prosecutor Andrew Perry said he had totted up the cost of the proceedings: "The total is £4,769,” he said. "Mr Singh has wasted the courts time from the moment this case started." Singh, who qualified as a barrister in 1975 and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1993, asked for seven days to pay it.

ate car accident was jailed on Friday as a court heard such “cash for crash” fraud costs motorists almost £2 million a day. Baljinder Kaur Gill, 34, was the victim of a plot orchestrated by four Polish Radoslaw Bielawski, left, and Jacek men who caused a Kowalczyk; bottom: Andrzez crash in a bid to Skowron, left, and Artur Okrutny fraudulently claim up men bore equal responsito £20,000. bility for Miss Gill’s death, The case was the first which was the product of of its kind to cause the a “joint enterprise” death of an innocent Bielawski, 24, and motorist. Kowalczyk, 32, were both Miss Gill’s family said jailed for 10 years and they would never recover three months for conspirafrom their loss and said cy to commit fraud, causshe was an “innocent vicing death by dangerous tim of a cold-blooded and driving and conspiracy to calculated incident”. pervert the cause of jusNoel Lucas QC, prosetice. cuting, cited figures from Skowron, 25, was the Insurance Fraud jailed for 10 years for conBureau showing premispiracy to commit fraud ums are pushed up by and causing death by dansuch scams. Some 381 gerous driving. false claims are made Okrutny, 23, who was daily, costing the motor not present at the crash, industry £1.7 million. was jailed for 12 months Passing sentence, Mr for conspiring to pervert Justice Sweeney said the

Balijinder Kaur Gill

the course of justice by providing false driver details after the crash and making a false statement to police about the incident. Lee, from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, was jailed for 12 months for causing death by careless driving, having been previously cleared by a jury of causing death by dangerous driving. Miss Gill’s family said in a statement: “We hope that the result of these court proceedings will prevent any other innocent person being killed or injured on the road through the greed of others.”

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Comment

Indo-French ties set for higher orbit The architect of the robust Indo-French relationship was President Jacques Chirac. He well understood the imperatives behind New Delhi’s decision – after much soul searching - it must be said - to take the Pokhran II road to nuclear deterrence in May 1998. President Chiraq refused to cast India beyond the pale in its aftermath. After Russia, France has been India’s most steadfast among the great powers. The ebullient Nicolas Sarkozy remained true to French tradition and ties between the two countries prospered accordingly. It is significant that President Francois Hollande’s two-day visit to Indsia happened also to be his first to Asia. He was accorded a red carpet welcome befitting the head of state of a strategic partner. President Hollande’s trip coincided with the Festival of France, Bonjour India, highlighting the French focus on strengthening cultural ties with the country and making France an attractive destination for Indian students, of whom there are currently 3000 in France. However, it is economic, defence and space cooperation that form the core of the Indo-French relationship. The French economy has registered a 0.3 per cent fall in GDP in the fourth quarter of 2012 and French unemployment stands at a depressingly high 13 per cent, reflecting the wider eurozone malaise. Such being the case, India, even with its own economic decline, still clocks up the second-fastest growth rate after China among the world’s major economies, hence its market offers opportunities that French industry can ill afford to ignore. Top of the big ticket contracts is the $11 billion deal between aerospace company Dassault and the Indian Air Force for the purchase of 126 Rafale fighter jets. Negotiation on pricing, technology sharing and local industry offsets in were proceeding slowly, but with talks between President Hollande and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh having gone well, and complete understanding reached on all major issues, the Rafale contract is expected to be signed sooner rather than later. France and India had concluded negotiations on the joint production of the surface-to- air missile

Maitri. India’s Mirage fleet aircraft upgrade is well underway, but the Scorpene submarine deliveries to the India is expected to take another year. Apropos of pending contracts, the French President quoted Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshed’s observation: “A good French wine takes time to mature and so do contracts.” Voila! Negotiations for a French nuclear power plant, to be built at Jaitapur by the Areva company are proceeding well. Despite their strategic embrace, French investment in India ranks a modest sixth among foreign investors, while Indian investment in France is even lower at thirteenth. However, these positions, particularly the French economic footprint in India, are showing steady improvement. President Hollande visited a French Research and Development facility in Mumbai which imparts high quality training to India to Indian apprentices. President Hollande emphasized France’s determination to uphold stringent principles of transparency in all contracts with India. The Rafale was a case in point. The Indian Air Force report on the plane was detailed, and the reasons for its choice over Rafale’s competitors were presented with clarity. Monsieur Hollande’s public expression of thanks to India for her promised economic aid to Mali underscored their shared concerns on jehadi terrorism, no small matter in an increasingly turbulent and cynical world, and much else besides. Indo-French cooperation on counter-terrorism is of vital importance to the national security interests of both partners. On India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council, President Hollande said: “France supports India’s candidacy to become a full fledged permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. It will also end the injustice of not being able to join the Council in 1945.” The Indo-French relationship has a secure platform on which to build an overall structure appropriate for the challenges of the 21st century. Mutual trust and understanding are its pillars.

Can Cameron take Indo-British relations forward? David Cameron’s visit to India will be his second to the country as British Prime Minister. His first visit in July 2010, shortly after had assumed office, promised a great deal but the dividends have been relatively modest. He came with an impressive delegation of senior ministers and top businessmen but the glitz faded with time. Why, one must ask. The answer briefly is that the trust and understanding, the unquantifiable elements necessary to take the Indo-British ties to the next level, are not yet in place. The major impediment has been the unspoken but very real Indo-Pakistan construct much favoured by Whitehall down the years. This hallowed mantra has long had its day and should be jettisoned. Pakistan is not a normal state and, if the truth be told, it never was. Today, it is an incubator and promoter of jehadi terrorism. Mark Curtis’s documented work on British (and American) “Collusion with Radical Islam,” with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan at its core, has ceased to be tenable. With three major terrorist attacks on Mumbai alone, with heavy loss of Indian lives and property, such Anglo-US policies are viewed in New Delhi through a glass, darkly. The Af-Pak construct makes sense, the Indo-Pak alignment does not. Britain cannot have it both ways: the time has surely come for Britain to uncouple its India poli-

cy from Pakistan. The Londonistan safe haven for Pakistani terrorist Omar Saeed Sheikh and others of that ilk are not easily forgotten. Mr Cameron would do well to remember Labour Foreign Secretary David Miliband’s gaffe in India in the aftermath of 26/11: his twittered sympathies for the bereaved and injured were subsumed by an intrusive roadmap for the solution of Kashmir. The Labour party, with ghetto Pakistani vote banks to consider, has had a problematic relationship India, witness Robin Cook’s calamitous reference to Kashmir in 1997, and the shadow this cast on the Queen’s presence in India. Mr Cameron has a unique opportunity to break with this blighted past. He said the right things on the eve of what could be a historic journey in pursuit of a “very special relationship with India.” There was “no limit” on the number of Indian students who could come to Britain provided they had a place at a British university. Nor would there be a limit on “the amount of people” who could stay and work after taking their degrees or professional qualifications. Naturally, Mr Cameron’s talks in New Delhi and Mumbai would concentrate on economic issues. He said Britain and India were committed to doubling bilateral trade by 2015. All of which make for an encouragingly upbeat message. Now for the implementation.

North Korea’s recent nuclear test has reawakened international anxieties over its implications. South Korea and Japan, in particular, have urgent security concerns to mull over. China. North Korea’s principal ally, issued a statement of disapproval. The US condemnation was noticeably stronger. However, the brouhaha obscured one key fact: how and from where did North Korea acquire the necessary technology? The studied silence contains the answer. Beijing was facilitator, the source of the nuclear and missile proliferation that Washington finds so worrisome. Beijing’s accomplice and instrument in this web of deceit was Pakistan. Two Indian newspapers, The Hindu and The Times of India, much to their credit, referred to the

Pakistan-Chinese axis in the manufacture of the North Korean bomb. The former’s editorial contains these telling lines: “The little nuclear genies in North Korea and Pakistan that China helped conjure up over the years will both end up as strategic liabilities for Beijing. There is little the Chinese can do now to prevent an even more robust American military presence in the East Asia region.” The Times of India, quoting sources in New Delhi, referred to Pakistan’s transfer of enriched uranium technology to North Korea, purloined in Holland by A.Q. Khan for the manufacture of Pakistan’s bomb. There are other questions, but these are for another time.

Making of the North Korean bomb

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion - The Dalai Lama

Of Prime Ministers and Weapons I write to you from Mumbai where the British Prime Minister has just left for Delhi. Unfortunately the trip is overtaken by news of Augusta-Westland corruption. The British PM keen to point out it is an Italian parent company of the British helicopter maker allegedly bribing Indian defence contractors. The shame is not just the corruption. It’s that national interest is damaged. India cancelled the contract. Yet India needs those helicopters. (At the right, uncorrupted price). And it is why the British PM has offered to provide all support in rooting out corruption in the deal – not just because it is of course the morally and legally right thing to do, but because Indian defence is British defence. And I would prefer the Indians buy these armaments from Britain, not least because British, unlike French ones, do have a stronger reputation for deterrence. A strong India is in the national interests of a Britain because it makes a world closer in our own image, than in the image of a China or Pakistan or Russia. You choose what you want the world too look like, but then don’t be cheap about picking up the bill. Britain in 2012 sent one of its most sophisticated war ships to the Falkland Islands. Britain also according to the Argentinians has a submarine in the region armed with nuclear weapons. Clearly, the British protect their national interests, even 7,000 miles away. In 2011, Chinese troops undertook over 50 incursions into Indian territory ‘at will’ according to the well regarding India Today magazine. These ‘incursions’ include everything from Chinese soldiers setting up camps inside India to encouraging locals to join the Chinese army. Pakistani soldiers a month ago decapitated Indian soldiers in Kashmir. In case you don’t think this has anything to do with Britain, then I remind you, that India is nestled next to Pakistan, a nuclear-armed unreliable Western ally which housed not only Osama Bin Laden, and widely considered a training ground for International terrorism. North of India is Russia – a Western adversary – whether we like it or not. And of course then there is China. Remember in the most recent test of values in international relations and the type of world we want, India, US and Britain, all members of the UN Security Council voted in favour of action in Syria. China and Russia used their veto; thereby encouraging crimes against humanity in Syria. And India as the world’s largest democracy, surrounded by totalitarian regimes and unstable pseudodemocracies is the only major country in the region even coming close to sharing our values – in part because of their own innate rich heritage and beliefs, and yes, in part because of one of the curios benefits of 200 years of British colonization. ‘War is hell’ said General Patton and there are many a macho arm-chair General who will advocate strong armies. But I speak as a believer in deterrence. Without strong deterrence, your adversaries will seek to incur in your territories and China and Argentina and Russia are bedfellows.

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Midlands Voice

www.abplgroup.com - asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Mohini: I won’t let cancer dampen my spirits A talented teenager from Birmingham is urging fellow cancer sufferers to not let their condition distract or hinder them from pursuing their passion and goals in life. Mohini Samani, aged 14, from Smethwick, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a form of blood cancer, at the age of nine. Since she and her mum Urvashi have vowed to never to give up, but to spread awareness of leukaemia and to help raise money for CLIC Sargent, the children’s cancer charity. In addition, they want to see the stigma attached to cancer, particularly in Asian communities, dissolved, and for people to treat sufferers no different to non-sufferers. Last month Mohini had her first hair cut in three years, to mark the end of her treatment. Left now with just three inches of hair, she had 15inches cut off in aid of charity. Her hair will be used

Staying Positive: Mohini, right, with mum Urvashi Radia

to make wigs for children and young people who have lost their hair because of cancer treatment. Through her charitable activities Mohini, currently a student at King Edward VI School in Handsworth, Birmingham, and an aspiring oncology paediatric, has raised almost £1,200 for a worthy cause. All proceeds

will help CLIC Sargent to provide clinical, practical and emotional support for children, young people and their families to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life. Since being diagnosed, Mohini has been part of the Medicines for Children Research Network’s Young Person’s Advisory Group,

Child murderer 'murdered in prison' Subhan Anwar, was jailed for murdering his partner's two year old daughter, Sanam Navsarka, who suffered 107 injuries at his hands during a month of shocking torture. Anwar was jailed for a minimum of 23 years in 2009, while his partner Zahbeena Navsarka was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to nine years in prison. The couple attempted to state that Sanam had stopped breathing after they left her alone in the bath for about 10 minutes. However, was found to have 107 external injuries when she passed away. Her hand printes and bloodstain As well as putting her in a

are aged 45 and 47 and are understood to be serving life sentences and are being investigated by the police. Anwar was sent to Long Lartin, a maximum security prison near Evesham which holds up to 622 Zahbeena and Subhan Anwar inmates who must be serving a minimum sentumble dryer, Anwar dumped tence of four years. her in a bin as her mother According to a January looked on. 2012 report, chief inspector Two prisoners are being of prisons Nick Hardwick held by police on suspicion of revealed that two rows of murder after Anwar was individual "bleak cages" were found dead in a cell at a highbeing used as a grim exercise security Long Lartin prison, yard for segregated inmates Worcestershire, on Friday. at the prison. He added that The two prisoners being held the cages were "not fit for suspicion of Anwar's murder

Cradley Heath postman buried letters in his garden Jabur Hissan, a midlands Royal Mail postman from Cradley Heath, buried 30,000 letters in his garden and even in a nearby wasteland. He was jailed for destroying letters that should have been pushed through letterboxes. He was jailed for eight months and told he had created a “devastating security risk”. District Judge Jack McGarthar told him: “There is a serious risk there were bills in the mail and people were not able to meet their responsibilities, letters to loved ones and more. This has a devastating effect on anybody affected by it. Postmen are known to be in a position of high trust and Jabur Hissan has breached that position. Hissan, of Grange Road, Cradley Heath, admitted charges of arson, along with damage to property worth more than £5,000 and delaying post. John Dove, prosecut-

ing stated that some of the dumped letters had turned to “pulp”. Most of the items were in poor condition because they had been exposed to the elements and were rotting away. “Some of the packets had been dumped in vegetation and trampled intoto the ground, suggesting an attempt had been made to bury them, and some were mere pulp”, added Dove. Robert Skinner, defending, said Hissan believed that he was ditching nothing but junk mail. He was apparently at the bottom of the rung, on the bottom pay package offered by the Royal Mail, as mentioned by Mr. Skinner. “He was finding it difficult to keep up with his rounds and he was struggling at home to bring up a young family, one of whom was requiring regular medical treatment for eczema”, he added.

working directly with researchers to help improve engagement with young people. She has also spent two years working with CLIC Sargent’s advisory group. Urvashi, who came to England in 1972 from Uganda, said on learning about her daughter’s condition, like any parent, she was naturally devastated. But the news, said Urvashi, had not only made Mohini more “mature and confident” but her positivity and ability to cope had given their willpower and inner strength a major boost. Every day, 10 children and young people in the UK hear the shocking news they have cancer. Although survival rates are over 80 per cent, cancer remains the single largest cause of death from disease in children and young people in the UK. To make a donation, go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/mohinisamani purpose" and their use was unacceptable. Previously in August 2011, child killer Andrew Randall, who tortured and sexually abused his own daughter, had his throat slashed by fellow inmates at Long Lartin, but eventually survived. Following Anwar's conviction, a social worker who failed to pass on vital information about Sanam's abuse just one week before she was murdered was suspended for two years. Judyth Kenworthy was warned that Sanam had a bruise on her head, and had been locked in a cupboard but did not tell the child's assigned social worker or her own manager.

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Monika Plaha is a step closer to her dream of becoming a broadcast journalist after being selected as the winner of Breaking Into New (BIN), an initiative run in partnership by ITV News and Media Trust to discover new talent and identify top broadcast journalists of the future. Monika, 20, from Leamington Spa, described the news as “a dream come true”. To enter BIN, Monika submitted a short description of herself and her background, what she wanted her report to focus on and why she deserved the opportunity to ‘break into news’. Monika, who is in the third year of her Communications, Media & Society degree at the University of Leicester, received an iPad as her prize and will have the opportunity to spend the day with the team pro-

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Victim of assault feared he would be left blinded A robbery victim, Hitesh Chauhan suffered severe injuries, especially to his face and eyes, when he was making his way to work in Belgrave, Leicester, last summer. He feared that the two drunken thugs that repeatedly punched and kicked him would leave him blind. Gordon Wright and Richard Mason, already been jailed for the attack, had been drinking heavily when they attacked the 34 year old. Mr Chauhan said he tried to flee, but the pair caught up and started raining blows on him. He lay helpless on the ground, whilst they stole his phone and wallet. “They were following me and I tried to get away from them, but they caught up with me and began hitting me. It went on for such a long time”, said Mr Chauhan. He was taken to hospital after experiencing and there was clear damage done to his eyes. The doctors saw a possibility of Mr Chauhan losing his sight. He is fully satisfied with the punishment that the court has given to these men. Mr Chauhan's wife Rakhi, 33 said: “Physically, my husband is okay and getting better, but he is scared and is still asking why these men did this to him.” He had lost a lot of blood with the terrible injuries he had suffered around his eyes and also on his body. The doctors luckily saved his sight. It was described it to be a difficult time for the family. Until this incident, her husband did not fear anything, but now he refuses to go out at night, as he fears that something like this could occur again. Leicester Crown court heard that Wright and Mason began following Mr Chauhan in Belgrave Road shortly before 5am on August 25th as he set off for work at a city bakery. Both men admitted robbing the victim of a mobile phone and a wallet. Judge Michael Pert QC told the pair that the attack had a profound effect on him, causing him to be worried when he is in his home, when he's out and worried for members of his family when they're out.

Multilingual parrot – who's a pretty boy?

Monika scoops top media award Dhiren Katwa

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report on the issue of skin lightening in the Asian community and why people feel the need and want to use chemicals to change the colour of their skin. Monika’s work experience portfolio so far includes Asiana, Radio XL, BBC East Midlands, Simply Bhangra and most recently ITV Central. Monika explained how her role models, her Monika with ITV News anchor mum and nan, had Mark Austin taught her that “nothing ducing ITV News at Ten. is impossible in life”. Monika’s lecturer, Dr Resh Plaha, Monika’s Paul Reilly, described her mum, said she was “a conscientious and “hugely proud” of her industrious student who and was pleased she was engages with both her felpursuing her childhood low students and mempassion. bers of the Department”. BIN, now in its secHe added: “She demonond year, offers 18-25 strates a lively intellect year olds the chance to be and strong will to sucmentored by experienced ceed. We wish her every broadcast journalists success in the future.” from the ITV News netAs part of her entry, work newsroom in writMonika, the younger of ing, presenting and protwo sisters, compiled a duction skills.

A parrot named Rocket, blue-fronted Amazon, is a multilingual bird that has the ability to speak in both Arabic and Urdu. Rocket can already be heard shouting: 'assalamu alaikum' – peace be upon you, in Arabic to amazed passers-by. He has also learnt to master the Islamic declaration of faith- and speaks English. He not only mimics his owners, but also fellow pets, like Cappuccino the cat and the family's 11 chickens. Owner, Ehsaan Mahmood, 18, said: “My dad Tariq used to keep parrots in Pakistan and when he moved to England, he wanted to come here as well. Blue-fronted Amazons are natural mimics and chatterboxes, and Rocket loves nothing more than when his cage is taken outside in the summer tmonths. “He can get quite an audience when he's in the mood to talk. People stop outside and just stand and stare.” “All the kids in the area love him and can't wait for it to get warmer so he can sit and chat.”, added Ehsaan.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

And another brand bites the dust Spriha Srivastava

Indian researcher amongst world’s top Alzheimer’s Young Scientists Dr. Mahaveer Golechha, a young Indian researcher has been selected for prestigious Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation’s (ADDF), USA “Young Investigator Scholarship Award”. Presently, he is pursuing Master’s in health policy, planning and financing from and London School of Economics and London School of Hygiene under Welcome Trust capacity building program. This award will be presented to him at the 7th Annual Drug Discovery for Neurodegeneration Conference: An Intensive Course on Translating Research into Drugs taking place on February 10-12, 2013 in San Francisco, CA, USA. This highly prestigious award is presented by the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation to 30 Outstanding Young Investigators throughout the world working in the area of Alzheimer's disease drug discovery, USA. This highly prestigious Award recognizes the early achievements of talented young investigators and seeks to encourage the career development of the next generation of research scientists. The International Scientific Advisory Committee has selected Dr. Golechha for his outstanding research on “Naringin”, a bioflavonoid. He investigated the neuroprotective properties of naringin, a bioflavonoid found in grape fruits and citrus fruits. In his study he found that naringin possesses significant anti-Alzheimer activity and it acts through multiple mechanisms like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-beta amyloid and anti-apoptotic. Further research is required to developed naringin as newer therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease. He said, "Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that generally affects the elderly population. Till date the treatment was symptomatic but naringin will act at pathological level and have lesser side effect. The global incidence of dementia is estimated to be 24.3 million, with 4.6 million new cases being diagnosed annually. It is estimated

Mo Luthra Branding Consultant www.moluthra.com

Dr. Mahaveer Golechha

that by 2025 at least 34 million people worldwide will be affected by AD, Golechha told. Dr Golechha earned his post graduate degree from India's premier medical institute, AIIMS, with first position. The government should implement the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Plan, including special packages for care of Alzheimer’s disease. Governments and major research funding agencies should increase funding for Alzheimer’s research and International collaboration in research is needed to make the best use of resources, he added. Dr Golechha has also been actively associated with several International agencies for advancement of public health facilities in the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. He has also received Outstanding Public Health Achievement award, Public Health Leadership Award by Government of Rajasthan for his contribution towards betterment of community health services in the state. He is member of the core technical secretariat for India's High Level Expert Group on Universal Health Coverage constituted by the Indian Prime-minister. Mahaveer is also INSPIRE fellow to Government of India under this program he launched Inspire and Ignite youth program to motivate rural and disadvantage students for higher education and social service. He has also published several research articles in International Journals in the area of neurological disorders. Dr. Golechha is pursuing Master’s in Health Policy, Planning and

Financing, a joint program between London School of Hygiene and London School of Economics. He received his Master’s and Ph.D. from the country’s premier medical institution, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi with first position. He holds the position of Director of External Relation of LSE India Society. At AIIMS, he was involved in neuroscience research (Alzheimer’s disease and Epilepsy). He has been awarded the Alzheimer’s Young Scientist Award He was the only Indian to receive this honor. Dr. Mahaveer has about 15 publications in peerreviewed journals and has served as a scientific reviewer for about 10 journals. He has also been associated with several NGOs like Rotary International, Lion’s International, Leo International and Mahaveer International working in the area of community empowerment and public health for the last seven years. For his work with the community, he has been given the Outstanding Public Health Achievement Award, Exemplary Leadership Award, Meritorious Service Award, and Award for Excellence in Public Health by the Govt. of India. For his contribution in the area of medical research, public health and community empowerment, he has been included in the list of the most influential game changer Indian personalities by the India today Aaj Tak group alongside Rahul Gandhi, Anna Hazare, Nitish Kumar, CAG Vinod Rai, Kapil Sibal, Virat Kohli and many more eminent personalities.

Let us know what you think. Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

Woolworths, MFI, HMV, Jessops, Comet, Game, Barratts, Allied Carpets, JJB Sports, LA Senza and now to add to the list Blockbuster Video. Another UK retail giant gone into administration. While growing up in the 80’s and 90’s most of us would have made a Friday night trip down our local blockbuster to pick up the latest release on video and then go home and chill out. How times have changed. A market leader like Blockbuster lost relevancy in the fast changing times of technological

advancement and is no longer required in the market place. Capitalism is an unforgiving master. It has no time for sentiment or past achievement. It is something that is often forgotten by business owners. In that way recessions are good things as the dinosaurs within the industry are quickly made extinct. That’s why brands do need to constantly reinvent themselves. By that I am not stating they need to look at their logo every few years, but rather their deeper identity. What is it that they stand for? When I look at the list of businesses that have gone into administration most don’t surprise me. I mean really when was the last time you walked into a Blockbuster? Businesses often get caught up at the product level, what they offer, rather than philosophical ethos and the emotional need they serve. If Blockbuster looked at its business and didn’t see itself as a deliverer of the latest videos or DVDs but as the company that gave

the consumer the easiest way to consume films or entertainment at home, they possibly would still be a player. Brands like Love Film and Netflix has instead taken this position. Technology will always push boundaries but our needs will always remain very similar. The real trick to creating brands that sustain is about connecting the business with an ethos and philosophy that drives it and engages the consumer. Then what you physically sell takes care of itself and can change with the times. A famous example was when the head of Rolex was asked ‘how is the watch business?’ His retort was that he didn’t know, he said ‘Rolex is in the business of selling luxury.’ By looking deeper at what your business is about and doing so regularly will help you keep your brand alive and business booming. It’s too late to reinvent yourself once a change in the times has already occurred.

Muslim cleric urges Muslims to claim “Jihadseeker's allowance” Anjem Choudary, a Muslim cleric has been claiming benefits and urging other Muslims to also sponge of UK taxpayers by claiming their “ J i h a d s e e k e r ' s allowance”. The controversial Muslim cleric has mocked Britain on many occasions in the past, planning to disrupt the minute's silence on Remembrance Sunday, openly criticising hard-working, sincere Britons, referring to them as “slaves”. The Sun newspaper secretly filmed him saying Islam will one day overrun Europe, and David Cameron, Barack Obama and the leader of Egypt should be killed, after calling them the 'shaitan' or devil. Along with this, he called the Queen “ugly”.

Anjem Choudary

However, following this, he claimed that he was 'joking' and that his words had been misconstrued. He further went on to state that Osama Bin Laden was his 'hero'. The father of four lives in a £320,000 house in Leytonstone, East London and takes more

Domestic worker tortured An Indian domestic worker was repeatedly raped and beaten by her employers who threatened to murder her if she complained, a court heard. The 39-year-old vulnerable and illiterate mother-of-four was used as a 'sexual toy' and 'general dogsbody' by an extended family and their friend who forced her to become their slave for a total of six years. Despite the woman approaching numerous agencies for help, Croydon Crown Court heard the abuse continued. She was

hospitalised after being pushed down a flight of stairs, struck with a rolling pin, burned with a hot iron and suffered stomach cramps and vomiting when forced to eat out of date food, the jury were told. Eventually she contacted the charity Kalayaan, which campaigns for justice for migrant workers, who referred her to the U.K. Human Trafficking Centre and an investigation began. The alleged employersAleemuddin Mohammed

than £25,000 a year in benefits. He had told a group of fanatics that you have to take money from the kuffar (non-Muslim). “So we take Jihadseekers Allowance. You need to get support”. Choudary was further recorded telling his disciples that taking money from non-Muslims is justifiable. Choudary was not hesitant to express his hate for core British concepts like democracy, freedom and freedom of religion, whilst speaking glowingly of the 9/11 attacks. He later told the Sun that the reference made to 'Jihadseeker's allowances' was a joke and he would never actually urge any of his followers to kill anyone. denies one count of trafficking within the UK for exploitation and sexually assaulting the victim, Obhrai and Yousouf deny separate counts of causing actual bodily harm and Obhrai alone denies making threats to kill and trafficking within the UK for exploitation. Correction In last week's Asian Voice (16th February, page 20), by mistake Mr Kam Padhra has been named as Kam Patel in the photo caption of the article 'Launch of Asian House & Home Magazine'.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Breakthrough City Hindus Network research into whether the "Glass Ceiling" is a myth or reality is launched LONDON, 8 February 2013: The City Hindus Network (CHN) today launched a breakthrough survey looking at whether a "Glass Ceiling" for professionals exists for ethnic minorities today. This is expected to set a milestone within the diversity research space in the UK and has support from a large number of multinationals, community leaders and politicians. Dimpi Dattani, CHN Committee member and lead researcher for this survey, said: "We would like to explore the dependencies on perception, challenge historical stereotypes and aim to provide some recommendations for fellow professionals who may feel subject to this type of scrutiny. There is some research about this subject which focuses on gender inequality but there is little understanding about other factors which may prevent individuals from landing on the next step in their career ladder." The CHN is the largest membership organisation of its kind in Europe and provides networking, personal development and charitable opportunities to members. The CHN

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hopes that this unique position, and its relationships with leading multinationals in London, will help it gather substantive data about the relevance and impact of ethnicity in career progression and establish whether a Glass Ceiling exists. The CHN has often tackled difficult diversity or community issues in the past. It has contributed to several local and national government consultations, has published thought leadership research on the social value of certain volunteering activities and hosted a series of events exploring social stigmas such as mental health in the South Asian community. Rohit Sagar from the Deloitte Hindu Network said: "Delivering on our respect, inclusion and diversity agenda is a business imperative for Deloitte and critically important to our future success. We’ve already seen the business and engagement benefits of our focus in this area. The CHN is an ideal organisation to conduct this survey, given its reach with Hindu professionals and corporate partners." Ek Samra, Chairman of the UBS Cultural Awareness

Network said: "UBS is dedicated to providing a diverse and inclusive environment for all its employees and supports research that gives further insight into this subject". Amarit Bains, Director of the Labour Friends of India: "The glass ceiling may not be as overt now as it was for previous generations but the CHN is right to conduct this important research now. I look forward to the day when this kind of research is no longer required and the glass ceiling is finally shattered for all minorities." The anonymous survey will be available for respondents at www.cityhindusurvey.org until early April 2013. The findings of the survey will be presented at the House of Commons thereafter with a cross-party panel of MPs and Lords with a view to engage further in public policy on diversity. The report will also explore the dependencies on perception, challenge historical stereotypes and aim to provide some recommendations for fellow professionals who may feel subject to this type of scrutiny. More info: www.cityhindusurvey.org and www.cityhindusnetwork.org.uk.

Labour celebrates ethnic minority communities at Annual diversity dinner At a Diversity Dinner held by the Labour Party on Wednesday 13th February, Labour Leader Ed Miliband, paid tribute to the achievements of Britain’s ethnic minority communities. The first ever Diversity Dinner, which is set to become a major annual event on the Labour Party calendar, was attended by hundreds of people, representing all of the major ethnic minority communities in the UK.

Keith Vaz

At the dinner, Labour championed the success of it BME members on the frontbench, including the Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Chuka Umunna and Shadow Justice Secretary Sadiq Khan, as part of their campaign to make politics truly representative of the country. Tribute was also paid to Labour’s ethnic minority councillors, who number more than the other political parties combined. In total 17 members of the Shadow Cabinet attended the

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Ed Miliband

dinner, including Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, the Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Harriet Harman. Ed Miliband MP, Leader of the Labour Party said: “The first annual Labour Party Diversity Dinner was a fantastic success. The achievements of Britain’s ethnic minority communities should be celebrated. They have transformed this country for the better. The Labour Party is committed to making Government truly representative of the people.” Keith Vaz MP, Chairman of the Ethnic Minority Taskforce said: “The Diversity Dinner is a wonderful example of Labour’s commitment to Britain’s ethnic minority communities. This is all part of Ed’s vision to stand up for Britain’s immigrants, at a time when it has become fashionable to criticise them.”

As it is

“There is nothing to hide”, says Indian Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh. Really? Dear Reader, Let me take you to the Lord Mountbatten auditorium of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in West Kensington. Last Saturday and Sunday for nearly three hours a special concert, Ek Sham, Lata ke Naam, was performed for almost three hours on each evening. Maya Deepak is a well-known Gujarati singer, who sang some of the most favourite songs of Lataji. Harish Bhimani in his unique voice was the narrator. He has performed that task eminently at the Sydney Opera House to the Madison Square in York, as well as at the Royal Albert Hall, London and Durban, Kuwait and many other places. It was a fantastic experience! Lataji has rendered her beautiful voice to over 10,000 songs – a world record indeed. On both evenings Mr. Bhimani introduced a song, perhaps the most popular song of Lataji, which was never ever in any film. When the last stanza was being sung everyone in the auditorium, men and women, young and old, those born in India or abroad stood up as a show of respect, not only to the song itself, but also to the brave Jawaans (the soldiers) of the Indian army. “Time” magazine reported at that time that China sent thousands of fully armed soldiers through the snow clad mountains of the Himalayas and attacked India, marching two hundred miles up to Tezpur. Those were the days of Hindi-Chinni Bhai Bhai – a favourite theme of the peace loving Pundit Nehru. India has never forgotten this treachery. It was not the lack of valour of the Indian soldiers, it was entirely the fault of the politicians, that brought “shame” to the brave Indian soldiers. Indians also remember that in 1948, 1965, 1971 and at Kargil the wars were thrust upon the Motherland by Pakistan

and even now it is continuing through a “Proxy War”. Indians at home and abroad, do not begrudge the billions of dollars arms that are imported every year mainly from Russia, Britain, France, Israel and others. The world's largest arms importers: (value of imports 2005-2011 in Billion dollars) India- 15, China- 12, South Korea- 9, UEA- 8, Pakistan- 7 A new scandal has erupted in India about the British made helicopters, imported through an Italian owned corporation. Millions of pounds have been involved in the corruption. India is shocked, once again. The top brass of the Indian Defence services are rightly or wrongly accused of anti-national activities. This must be hugely embarrassing and painful for not only those in the defence services, but for every Indian. Naturally, there is a huge political controversy with wild allegations, against the UPA government. The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh has said, “We have nothing to hide.” Sadly speaking, in the last 9 odds years so many scandals have been exposed during the UPA government, that such words from an upright man will not assuage the feelings of many in India. Politicians forget why “Aye Mere Watan ke Logo” has been touching the deep sentiments of every Indian, even after 50 years. Their hearts are bleeding, that the blood of so many brave sons and daughters of India appeared to have bled in vain. There is no smoke, without fire and there are so many “fires” we have seen. Will this government and the political establishment be able to ensure that the country will never again be lumbered with such a shock and dismay? Indians deserve better. Tum Bhool Naa Jaao Unko Is Liye Kahi ye Kahaani

Tum Bhool Naa Jaao Unko Is Liye Kahi ye Kahaani "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo" ("O! the people of my country!") is a Hindi patriotic song written by Kavi Pradeep and composed by C.Ramachandra commemorating Indian soldiers who died during the Sino-Indian War. Kavi Pradeep was reportedly moved to compose the song by accounts of casualties of the war. The song was famously performed live on January 27, 1963 by Lata Mangeshwar at the National Stadium in New Dehli in the presence of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on account of Republic Day(26 January) 1963, just two months after the end of the war. A copy of the soundtrack spool was also later gifted to Nehru on the occasion. The song is said to have moved Nehru to tears. All of the artists and technicians involved with the song including singers, musicians, music director, lyricist, recording studio, sound recordist and later, lyricist Kavi Pradeep pledged the royalty of the song in perpetuity to the War Widows Fund. In 2005, the Bombay High Court asked the music company HMV to indicate a lump sum payable to the Army Welfare Fund from the song's royalty proceeds.

Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon Aye mere watan ke logon Koi Sikh Koi Jaat Maraatha Tum Khub Lagaa Lo Naaraa Koi Gorkhaa Koi Madaraasi Ye Shubh Din Hai Hum Sab Kaa Sarhad Pe Marane Waalaa Leharaa Lo Tirangaa Pyaaraa Har Veer Thaa Bhaaratvaasi Par Mat Bhulo Siimaa Par Jo Khoon Giraa Parvat Par Veeron Ne Hai Praan Ganwaae Wo Khoon Thaa Hindustaani Kuchh Yaad Unhein Bhi Kar Lo Kuchh Yaad Unhein Bhi Kar Lo Jo Shahid Hue Hain Unki Jo Laut Ke Ghar Na Aaye Zaraa Yaad Karo Qurbaani Jo Laut Ke Ghar Na Aaye Thi Khoon Se Lath Pat Kaayaa Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon Phir Bhi Bandhuk Uthaake Zaraa Aankh Mein Bhar Lo Paani Dus Dus Ko Ek Ne Maaraa Jo Shahid Hue Hain Unki Phir Gir Gaye Hosh Ganwaa Ke Zaraa Yaad Karo Qurbaani Jab Ant Samay Aayaa To Keh Gaye Ke Ab Marte Hain Khush Rehanaa Desh Ke Pyaaron Jab Ghaayal Hua Himaalay Ab Hum To Safar Karte Hain Khatare Mein Padi Aazaadi Kyaa Log The Wo Deewaane Jab Tak Thi Saans Ladhe Wo Kyaa Log The Wo Abhimaani Phir Apani Laash Bichhaa Dii Jo Shahid Hue Hain Unki Sangiin Pe Dhar Kar Maathaa Zaraa Yaad Karo Qurbaani So Gaye Amar Balidaani Jo Shahid Hue Hain Unki Zaraa Yaad Karo Qurbaani Tum Bhool Naa Jaao Unko Is Liye Kahi Ye Kahaani Jab Desh Mein Thi Diwaali Jo Shahid Hue Hain Unki Wo Khel Rahe The Holi Zaraa Yaad Karo Qurbaani Jab Hum Baithe The Gharon Mein Jay Hind... Jay Hind Ki Senaa Wo Jhel Rahe The Goli Jay Hind... Jay Hind Ki Senaa The Dhanya Jawaan Wo Aapane Thi Dhanya Wo Unki Jawaani Jay Hind, Jay Hind, Jay Hind Jo Shahid Hue Hain Unki Zaraa Yaad Karo Qurbaani -CB

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Kapil’s

KHICHADI by Kapil Dudakia - email: kapil@abplgroup.com

Kalpavriksha Tourism I was looking at data produced by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Quite an interesting read, and on digesting the data one was left with a bout of indigestion. I concluded that India has been extremely negligent over many decades in how it has failed to take advantage of tourism. The wealth that could have come into the country would have been astronomical and equates literally to billions. Let me elaborate a little more, below you will see the top ten countries for attracting tourism in Asia and the Pacific (UNWTO: 2011 data):

China is the only comparable country within striking distance of India yet it attracts more than nine times what India manages to attract. Interestingly the world average for expenditure by tourist is about $1000 per person. However, and surprisingly, in India tourists spend is about $2700 per person. Based on this information and with some crude calculations on my abacus, one can say that India attracts about $17b through tourism. For China let’s use the much lower figure of $1000 per person which is the norm for the world. We conclude that it attracts just under $58b through tourism. Therefore in terms of monetary impact alone, China attracts 3.5 times more than India. My point being that even with the shabby infrastructure and the dereliction in keeping our national monuments trim and proper, India is still raking it in since expenditure per person is almost 3 times more than the world norm. Can you imagine what it could raise if it had tourism on the same scale as China? Well let’s work it out. If India attracted 58 million tourists per year and thw that in anyone’s book must be worth some serious consideration.ey each spent on average $2700 – that gives us a grand total of just under $157b. No To get an overall idea let’s look at the top ten tourist destinations in the world:

Yes I am sure all of you would have been surprised that France is indeed the top destination for world tourism. India can learn of best practice very quickly just by opening those eyes and looking around. It isn’t rocket science to market a country like India with its rich history, multi-cultures, multi-languages, grandeur of dance styles, excellence in music, depth in literature, majestic historical monuments, abundance of religious buildings, intriguing and exiting cities, rural beauty, the hill stations, the Himalayan backdrop, the truly inspirational and tasty cuisine, the symphony of festivals and not forgetting, the glitter and glamour of Bollywood. The list is endless and yet with all these riches collected over many millennia, the Governance of the country has failed to understand the huge positive impact tourism can make not only to the economy of the country, but also of exporting the very essence of what makes India, India. On the world level in 2011 there were some 990 million international tourists recorded and by the end of 2012 this figure had crossed the one billion mark. Given India has some 18% of the world’s population; surely it should try and attract at least 18% of the world tourism market. If that were true then some 180 million tourist would be flocking to India each and every year. Each one spending about $2700 and that in my book is equivalent to inward cash flow of nearly $500 billion. Folks, surely this represents a prize worthy of a whole nation waking up and rising to the challenge. Kalpavriksha tourism is about an ever giving tree of abundance, it just needs the wise to receive with grace. So if India does not wake up or is unwilling to grasp this huge opportunity – then I ask Narendrabhai Modi to make Gujarat the tourist destination of choice when people come to India. Let Gujarat enhance what it has and create the infrastructure that can support such a vision. Let Gujarat lead by example as it does so on many other fronts currently. I am certain that once Gujarat shows the billions of dollars coming into its economy, other states will wake up and follow suit. As Bapuji said, ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’, so let one state become the change that will ignite the touch paper of change throughout India. Gujarat – are you ready? Rise ye lions of Garvi Gujarat, it is time once again to champion a future for your country.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Leading Lights

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Sanjay Dhar: Impacting the World of Indian Art Conservation Sanjay Dhar has an important part in the future of conservation programs in India. The country’s first private wall painting conservator, and one of a handful in the whole country, he described the Indian situation thus: “The tough working conditions and remote locations do not attract many students and Government institutions, such as the Archaeological Survey of India, have barely been able to scratch the surface. India has one teaching institution for conservation (National Museum Institute for History of Art, Conservation and Museology in New Delhi) of which I am an alumnus. It has limited resources and does not offer any specialised programs.“ So Sanjay Dhar decided to study part-time for AkzoNobel-funded an PhD on Assessing and Managing Risk: Himalayan Wall Paintings at The Courtauld Institute of Art, London. The Courtauld’s Conservation of Wall Painting Department provides the only specialist postgraduate qualification in this field in the English-speaking world. Sanjay says that The Courtauld Institute is the best for the study of wall painting conservation, not because of its infrastructure and hitech equipment but because of the excellent faculty and a unique teaching program that has put it in such an enviable position around the world. The alumni of the wall painting program are today defining the manner in which wall painting conservation is practised. “I was in close contact with members of the faculty since 2004. A meeting at a conference in Dunhuang (where I presented a paper) was the starting point of this association. Subsequently, Sharon Cather and Professor David Park (who run the teaching faculty) mentored me long distance. In 2009, when AkzoNobel partnered The Courtauld Institute to provide support for research students from India, I had an opportunity to study there. I have been working on wall paintings in Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir) since 2000 – my topic hopefully will add significantly to our understanding.” AkzoNobel, the world’s largest paint and coatings company, funds

Sanjay Dhar

scholars at The Courtauld Institute for postgraduate students undertaking either a PhD or MA in Conservation of Wall Painting. Wall painting sites in the Himalayas pose significant conservation challenges common to conservation projects across the world, but they also present some unique issues resulting from their longterm isolation as well as the socio-economic environment. Conservation projects undertaken in the region over the last decade have been handicapped by several factors, including lack of adequate risk assessment and proper studies of materials and techniques. Assessment, including physical history, current condition, and deterioration risks, is one of the most important aspects of conservation. It is in this context that Sanjay Dhar’s current research (2009-17) is being undertaken, with the aim of evaluating methodologies for assembling physical histories, and approaches to critical recording and condition assessment, leading to improvements in strategies for managing risk.

The Courtauld Institute is the best for the study of wall painting conservation ”AkzoNobel has always been exceptionally passionate about conserving buildings with cultural significance”, said John McLaren, Corporate Director Communications at AkzoNobel. “Our products have been used to support the restoration of historical landmarks such as La Scala opera house in Milan, Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, and the historical city of Malacca in

Malaysia – a UNESCO World Heritage site. That’s why we are pleased to increase our support of The Courtauld. This gives them the opportunity to expand their work in India, a key country to the future growth of AkzoNobel.” Professor Deborah Swallow, Märit Rausing Director of The Courtauld, said: “AkzoNobel’s funding of postgraduate degree scholars from India will further enhance the academic reach of wall painting conservation and serve as a launch pad for these scholars who, armed with critical conservation skills, will return to make a major contribution to the preservation of their countries’ historical sites. This scholarship support also further strengthens The Courtauld’s recent expansion into the field of Asian art.” Professor David Park said: “Through several significant case studies, Sanjay Dhar is examining the assessment and management of risks to Himalayan wall paintings. This must be the essential starting point for any effective planning to preserve this important component of India’s cultural heritage.” Sanjay’s work could have an impact on government and institutional policy, says a Courtauld representative. He has already presented his interim findings in London at The Courtauld Institute, stimulating discussion there. He tells us: “I am hopeful that this research, made possible by the generous support of AkzoNobel, is going to be useful not only for India but several of our neighbouring countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, China (Tibetan region).”

Asian Voice Youth Conference 2013 Shaping Young Lives The time has come again for the annual Asian Voice Youth Conference, hosted by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar in a Central London venue. The conference will take place on Saturday 23 March 2013 and will be open to 15-25 year olds. We are expecting around 80-100 youngsters to take part this year. A workshop based conference, it will feature leading professionals from different walks of life who will share their personal experience and offer practical advice on how young people can fulfil their aspirations and get ahead in the world of work. It will also include interactive sessions and mentoring opportunities. This year along with the City Hindus Network, we will also have the involvement of the Royal Air Force. There will be various competitions to win prizes and opportunities to talk to successful and inspiring people in the field of your choice. The conference is in its third year and is set to be the best and most anticipated until now. Previous speakers have been Divya Talwar, journalist from the BBC, Amit Sodha, Lifestyle Coach and stand up comedian, Krupa Sheth, the youngest councillor of Brent, Pratik Dattani, Economist and Chair of CHN, Misha Patel, Assistant General Counsel, KPMG, Dr Pranav Somaiya, vascular surgeon and researcher, Menhaj Huda, film director, producer and writer and Aekta Mahajan, Cabinet Office and Vice Chair, City Hindus Network . We will also be launching an annual youth supplement at the conference. Date: Saturday 23 March 2013 Venue: Central London (TBC) Time: 11am - 4pm Limited seats available. Prior registration required. To register yourself/friends, please email rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com or tanveer.mann@abplgroup.com with your/participant's full name, age, contact details by Sunday March 3 2013.

COMPETITION Community organisations are urged to send their youth members to participate in our Youth Conference. The winner organisation (that has the highest number of members, aged 15-25, present at the event) will be given free publicity in Asian Voice, whenever they hold events for the coming 6 months, commencing the conference in March. If you are a community organisation registering your young members on behalf of them, please send their names with their age and full contact details (phone and email) to rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com or by Sunday, March 3, 2013.

Your Voice

PM’s visit to India I read your one to one with PM David Cameron. First I must congratulate Asian Voice for the excellent work they are doing. Getting an interview with the PM before his India trip is of course a rare occasion, and probably it shows the importance Asian Voice has as an ethnic newspaper. However I have been reading about Mr Cameron’s visit in India and pretty much a lot of the promises made on immigration and business front looks like an ‘eye wash’. Promising the Indian businesses a same day visa service, or no student visa caps, all seem a little too good to be true. However, if all of these promises are put to practice in reality, the bilateral relation will definitely reach a different level of proficiency. Also we realise that the PM has taken 100 SMEs along with him, but looking at the list of businesses that have accompanied him from news reports, none seem to really represent the Asian community. Mr Cameron definitely needs the Asian votes to win his next election and I hope he realises that a trip to India won’t win that confidence for him. Aditya Pujara London

Give Praise where it is due There is a frenzied attempt to malign Ms Sarah Teather, LibDem MP for Wembley, not only from the opposition but from her own party members to ostracise her, to punish her for voting against the Gay Marriage bill that has proved so divisive, especially for the Conservative party. It was supposed to be a free vote and MPs were allowed, indeed encouraged to vote according to their conscious, reflecting the wishes of their constituents. Indeed more Conservative MPs voted against the bill rather than for it, thus putting PM David Cameron in an unenviable position, an untenable situation of his own creation. He is the author of his own misfortunes. I would like to congratulate Ms Teather for voting according to her Roman Catholic upbringing, faithful to her beliefs and her conscious rather than following the party line, the trend, go with the crowd in the HOC and be praised for her loyalty to the party and to be in the good book of Nick Clegg, the party leader. She has, to her credit, resisted gaining a cheap political mileage and being popular by false pretence. I understand MP Bob Blackman and Stephen Pound also voted against the bill. I wonder how other MPs from Brent, Harrow, Barnet and Ealing voted. Although Gay Marriage may be in ascendency among the general public, it is definitely a no go area amongst the ethnic minorities, especially amongst Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs alike that constitute a hefty percentage of voters in Brent and Harrow. In any case Gay marriage is a marginal concern that is not a priority, not even to gay people who may be directly affected. So why PM has risked dividing his party on a trivial subject that no one cares about? Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Appreciating good work by High Commission

Dent in Modi’s armour or courage

A Gujarati gentleman was desperate to visit Ahmedabad to see his dying brother, in the last stage of cancer. Unfortunately his Indian passport ran out in October, 2012. In normal circumstances, it takes a good few days to get a new passport on fast track. He approached me as I am the Secretary General of the NCGO (UK) and I took up the case to the Consular office at the HCI. The officer at India House, understood the gravity of the situation and asked me to send this gentleman to his office, within 2 hours and it was a Friday. When the person reached HCI, after sorting out the necessary paperwork, he was asked to pick up his passport on the following Wednesday. Over the weekend circumstances changed as his brother’s situation worsened in Ahmedabad hospital. He rang me up and asked if I could help him to get the passport quicker than promised. The gentleman’s daughters are doctors in the UK. They both had seen the report from the hospital in Ahmedabad and requested me to help their father to go and see their uncle as soon as possible. I requested the Consular office again on Monday morning to help him and sent all the correspondence to the Consular office, who managed to sort out everything on Monday itself. I was very impressed. The Officer told me that they are here to help in case of genuine problems, when people need urgent assistance and support, and they refuse to by-pass the system for non emergency cases. On behalf of NCGO (UK), I would like to appreciate the good work being done by the High Commission for a common citizen of India, to fulfil his wish to see his dying brother, one last time. The NCGO (UK) helps all Gujaratis and other communities if they require urgent help in genuine cases.

I appreciate Mr Gandhi’s support to Mr Modi. I disagree that not giving ticket to single Muslim is a dent in Modiji’s armour. It is a sign of fullest confidence in Hindutva, Hindu public and faith in ones strategy. The decision must have been made with far reaching hind sight and fore sight considering unreasonable, vicious, obstinate insistence by hard line Muslims on apology for last 12 years; showing complete disregard to SIT exoneration of Mr. Modi. These hard liners lost no opportunity to defame every good intention and progress by Mr. Modi. They forget, they have prospered in Gujarat without discrimination or segregation instigated by Mr. Modi. Refusal of ticket is not meant to alienate Muslims from sharing Gujarat’s prosperity. While Mr. Gandhi has mentioned few helpless Muslim businessmen and fringe Muslim communities, how many of them expressed sympathy or condolences to Hindus roasted in Sabarmati express; organised prayers for peace of burnt Hindus, or visited grieving families? Mr Gandhi, one politician, handful and mute fringe community Muslims and businessmen do not make all Muslims sympathetic to Hindus. The denial of ticket to Muslims is a gesture to show that BJP can win with exclusive Hindu votes. It also shows that Muslims must not depend on political handout by any party but remain dignified on their own endeavours, a la post independence Sindhi refugees. Modiji’s self confidence, refusal to apologise for post Godhra riots, exoneration by SIT from post Godhra riots, and hat rick in recent election must be harnessed by Muslims. Please do not confine value of Modiji to Gujarat and against his Hindutva but on scale of all inclusive strategy and confidence. Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

Mahendrasinh C Jadeja Secretary General NCGO (UK)

A Bridge too Far However, drastic changes are needed as literacy standards in English schools are falling behind those in other countries. Progress in schools has stalled and one in five children do not achieve the expected literacy levels by the end of primary school, too many lessons are sluggish and boring. The Education Act of 1944 propounded by Lord Butler placed emphasis on the three R’s of reading, writing and arithmetic. But in these days of calculators and little attention to spelling and grammar, no wonder the standards are falling. The GCSEs of today are far easier compared to those of our days when they were so very difficult and only the most brilliant children acquired higher grades. Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

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In 1931 a Guajarati from Porbandar could bravely reply to the British Press upon being questioned as to ‘what do you think of the Western Civilisation’ that it will be a good idea. Post 1947, a Gujarati from Nadiad was instrumental in uniting some 500 princely states with his frank diplomacy in the newly Independent India and showing the Nizam his exit route. Now we have in Mr Narendra Modi another Gujarati spearheading the economic boom which is of envy to the rest of India and the world. A well loved politician and thoroughly dedicated human being who did not flinch at the visa restrictions imposed by the UK including the EU and USA. Yet this is the same UK who quite happily allowed the MIM member Owaisi from Hydrabad who fled here in last December after making hate speech on the pretext of being ill! However Mr. Modi has the last laugh as the EU have just lifted this unreasonable travel ban. When I recently visited the Ferrari museum in Modena I read that Enzo Ferrari was asked whether he had visited America and he quipped that he did not need to travel there, they will come to us. How true it is also for Mr Modi to witness the rest of world investment community flocking to have their piece of success in our mother state which will be template for India in 21st century. To every proud Gujju Jai Hind Bharat Parmar

Hot dog, anyone? While wringing our hands over the horsemeat scandal, how can we be sure that our “missing” cats and dogs are not being seized and slaughtered by the meat cheats and served up as restaurant dishes? The popular snack “hot dog” suddenly takes on a sinister new meaning. Rudy Otter Via Email

Indian government

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Wah re Modi wah

Sonia Gandhi has no right to indulge in dirty and degrading politics to please his masters. It is demoralising and frustrating on the part of majority Hindus in India and abroad to read insulting comments about Hindus in foreign press. Some of the television channels like NDTV are also responsible for that. The economic and industrial development in Gujarat is praised by all the government in Europe and they have started talking to Modi’s government after his recent election success in Gujarat. It is also daft on the part of Katju to ask a respected politician Jately to leave politics and take up Sanyasi. The time has come for the Indians to demand the resignation of Justice Katju and charge for insulting the people of Gujarat who voted for the BJP government. Arun Vaidyanathan Via Email

EducAtion/council Voice

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Jubilee Scholars visit 10 Downing Street Rupanjana Dutta

National Hindu Students Forum (UK) By Vishal Patel, National General Secretary

It was a crisp Friday morning. I was at the No 10 for a UKTI briefing on PM Cameron's visit to India. As I waited for my escort to the iconic building, I met 23 young and vibrant Indian students, who were invited at the Downing Street, for a specially arranged guided tour. Bubbling with energy, dressed in suits or colourful dresses, these youngsters with name badges waited at the door with much anticipation. The guided tour was arranged as a reciprocity of Cameron's India visit, though the 'plan to visit 10 Downing Street by the Jubilee scholars at some point was in the pipe line' confirmed a representative from the British Council. But due to the 'short notice given', only 23 out of the 60 Jubilee scholars could come down for the tour. Clearing security requirements, these young scholars (recipient of the Jubilee Scholarships 2012-13), walked into the Prime Minister's residence and spent almost an hour in

Council. The tour ended with a photo session outside the famous No 10 door. Chandra Sen Vikram who is doing an MSc & DIC, Biomedical

different rooms, including the famous 'White Room'. Present along with other members of British Council, were Mark Herbert, Director Communications and Alison Barrett, Assistant Director, English Partnership, British

Engineering at The Imperial College, London told Asian Voice, “Whether it's academic or cultural, it has been an incredible experience so far in the UK. I found this place intellectually influential and very welcoming. I extend my heart felt gratitude

The one where.... a generation was inspired

Photo Courtesy: Frank Noon/BritishCouncil

“The world is t he gre at gymnasium where we come to mak e o urselve s st ron g.” Swami Vivekananda

towards UK government and the British council for their staggering support.” Ruchira Ramachandra who is doing an Msc in Finance at the Cass Business School, City University told Asian Voice, “The best part of being a Jubilee Scholar is that as a part of the British Council family you get an opportunity to meet some amazing and talented youngsters who have lofty ambitions and aspire to great heights. This is extremely motivating for me and I feel privileged to be a Jubilee scholar. British Council made the process of arrival to the UK really smooth. In addition, British Council has been very helpful whenever any of the scholars have had any issues and I feel that I can rely upon British Council staff and the other scholars in times of need which has made shifting to a new country really easy. The visit to one of most famous addresses (10 Downing Street) of the world was quite fascinating and I felt quite honoured to have been invited as a part of the specially arranged tour by the British Council. It was quite inspiring to be in the stately rooms where prominent Heads of States have met and discussed matters of great relevance over the centuries.”

‘Inspire a generation’, a motto which will be long lived by many of us who viewed the spectacular display of sporting talent throughout the London Olympic 2012 games. The games have come and gone, but there is no doubt it has left a profound legacy for the UK as a country. On Saturday 17th February 2013, Hindu National Students’ Forum (NHSF)UK)) embraced this legacy by providing 900 students a platform to channel their sporting talent and their competitive spirit to thrive. In its ninth year, NHSF (UK)’s Annual Sports Competition took place at the Tipton Sports Academy, Birmingham. The day started with a prayer to Lord Ganesh, led by Dr Raj Pandit Sharma, who explained that Lord Ganesh is the first to be worshipped at ever occasion as he is the destroyer of all obstacles and the Lord of successful beginnings. Over 900 students joined in prayer creating an atmosphere of unity and strength within the Hindu student community. This was followed by a spectacular opening ceremony where a representative from each NHSF (UK) university society was nominated to carry their university flag alongside fellow NHSF (UK) branches. The opening ceremony embraced every NHSF (UK) society as individuals who together stand strong as NHSF (UK); the largest Hindu student body outside India. With thirty out of forty- one NHSF (UK) branches taking part, participants competed in a dynamic range of sports including Football, Kho- Kho, Kabbadi, Netball and Badminton. The day displayed impressive sporting talent and the ethos of team work was evident throughout all matches that took place. Other attractions on the day included a ‘Sewa Hub,’ where NHSF (UK) members had the opportunity to engage in sewa and learning activities.

St Luke’s supporters to face prison bars Local community members will be tried and locked up in jail as part of St Luke’s Jail and Bail event on Friday 22 March. On Friday 22 March, St Luke’s Hospice is calling on local community members to be tried and locked up in Harrow Wealdstone police station all in the name of charity. The detainees will need to raise the sum of £1000 ‘bail’ each in order to be let out. The prisoners can raise the bail ‘fee’ on the run up to the event and will be allowed access to a mobile phone to raise any shortfall on the day. Harrow resident, Danny Beever is taking part because of the care his dad, Kevin Beever received in St Luke’s InPatient Unit in late 2012. Danny says, ‘St Luke’s Jail and Bail is all a bit of fun! I am not scared. I had once seen a police station when I was at school but I am now looking forward to going into one again. I am taking part in the event for my dad. He died

at St Luke’s on November 30 2012 and was at the Hospice for over a day. The care was fantastic and the staff were amazing. I wanted to do something in memory of my dad’s name and what better way to do it than for St Luke’s. If anyone has never been arrested by a real police officer before – this will be a good way to experience it!’ The following six people will also be locked up in jail in aid of St Luke’s: l Harrow Council Leader, Cllr Thaya Idaikkadar l Harrow Greenhill ward councillor Sue Anderson l Leader of Brent conservatives and Kenton ward councillor, Cllr Suresh Kansagra l Brent Kenton ward councillor Reg Colwill l St George’s Shopping Centre Manager, Darren Harman l Halifax, Edgware Manager, Mahesh Patel l Deputy Head of Kingsbury High School, Nigel Jamieson,

l Dermot Carlin of Harrow Council l Jatish Pindolia of Capital Financial Consultants Could you go behind

bars for St Luke’s? For more information or to register your place, contact Tim on 020 8382 8023 or ttodhunter@stlukeshospice.org.

Representatives from the Anthony Nolan charity were present to promote awareness of stem cell donation and sign students up to the register. NHSF (UK) Learning Team encouraged students to ‘Ask the Guru’, whereby they encouraged students to submit the questions they would like answers to or more clarity in an effort to make learning more accessible to students. Furthermore, a rejuvenation centre was available to students who were able to relax and enjoy a free massage given by Redbridge Sewa Volunteers. After an enlivening 121 matches played, the winners are: 1. Football- NHSF Warwick 2. Netball- NHSF LSE 3. Kho-Kho- NHSF Hertforshire 4. Badminton- NHSF Loughborough 5. Kabbadi – NHSF Aston NHSF (UK) would like to congratulate all students who attended and participated in the games for their hard work and effort throughout the year to make the day a success. All matches were played with a high level of professionalism, skill and team spirit. We hope that NHSF (UK) Annual Sports Competition continues to allow students to find their passion, develop their talents and play their part in future events.

Media Watch

As India’s Budget Day draws nearer, the nation’s attention is increasingly focused on Finance Minister Chidambaram; he will be the cynosure of all eyes when he makes his presentation to Parliament at the end of the working week.. The country’s economic slowdown has been hogging media headlines, so what his government plans to do to reverse the trend and get India back to the high trajectory of 8/9 per cent growth will be of interest not only to the Indian people and corporate houses, but also to international investors.

Oracular wisdom The person best placed to give a knowledgeable hint of things to come is the government’s high flying economic adviser Raghuram Rajan, who has just turned 50 and been awarded the prestigious 650,000 euro biennial Deutsche Bank award by the Frankfurt-based Center for

service with India’s Russianbuilt frontline Sukhoi- 30 MKI warplanes. The Avionics Division has thus far produced 300 each of these radars for various Indian Air Force (IAF) programmes, and those of the Russian Air Force and the Algerian Air Force, products for the latter being routed through the Russia’s commercial arm Rosoboronexport. (Hindu February 9)

World class avionics

Raghuram Rajan

Financial Studies. He was the youngest-ever chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, a gold medallist from IITDelhi, an IMM-A, a MIT alumnus and a former professor of finance at the Booth School of Business, Chicago. In a wideranging discussion with The Economic Times Magazine (February 10) on issues at home and abroad, Mr Rajan stressed the need for a balanced global economy to the mutual benefit of India and the West. For those in the country who claimed that financial reforms had stalled, Mr Rajan replied testily: “In the first place, a fair amount of it has already been implemented. When people say nothing has been done, I have to say a whole list of things that are in the [much praised] report on the financial sector that Mr Rajan chaired] have been done,” adding that broadening of access to finance had made considerable headway.

The reason for the Russian purchase is scarcely a secret. It is simply value for money. The Research Centre Imarat (RCL) is a global frontrunner in avionics and navigation systems for missiles. An excellent Frontline magazine feature (February 22) gives a riveting account of its work and the contribution it makes to India’s defence will be something of an eye-opener for those accustomed to a diet of negative reports on the country. Founded in 1988 by missile man and former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam, RCL has grown from sapling to fully grown tree

dream was that new ideas should always be floating in the air of the RCL…..the aim is to do research in the frontier technological area of avionics and produce highly accurate, reliable and miniaturized avionics systems for the country’s defence.” The RCL’s avionics include inertial navigation systems, mission computers, radio frequency and imaging seekers, battery systems, control actuation systems, telemetry and telecommand systems.

Umbilical chord Dr S.K.Chaudhuri explains: “The RCL is the umbilical cord that connects the other two missile laboratories. In a missile the energy and force come from the DRDL [Defence Research & Development Laboratory] and ASL [Advanced Systems Laboratory], because they provide the “shakti”, that is, propulsion (motors) to the DRDO missiles, the RCL imparts them with “gnana” that is, it develops the senses, the navigation systems and the seekers for them.” The RCL’s guidance systems were designed to take the missile to its target, he said. Thanks to the RCL, India has a formidable range of missiles, from the short-range Prithvi to the medium range Agni I, II, III, IV, and the longrange Agni V. RCL is presently engaged in the development of a Mach 6 hypersonic cruise missile for the BrahMos, which has a cruising supersonic Mach 2.8 speed.

Agni VI on anvil

S.K.Chaudhuri

whose fruits are now sought by domestic and foreign companies. Frontline profiles Director S.K.Chaudhuri and Associate Director Satish Reddy and their team of young scientists and engineers who have taken their country to world status in the field. If the RCL engineers know

Russia buys Indian radar Russia’s Irkut Corporation has signed a contract for the purchase of 34 sets each of the flight-critical radar computer I and II manufactured by Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The deal is worth Rs 65 crore, with deliveries commencing January 2014. RC-I coordinates the aircraft’s avionics-related mission operations and RC-II coordinates operations within the radar system. The Hyderabadbased Avionics Division of the Defence Research & Development (DRDO) has been designing radar computers from 2004 and these have gone into

www.abplgroup.com - asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Dr V.K.Saraswat, Director General, DRDO and Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, speaking on the sidelines of Aero India, told of the plan to manufacture Agni VI, an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple independently targeted warheads, which he described as a force multiplier. Responding to complaints on late delivery of certain items for the Indian Air Force, Dr Saraswat said it took time to develop indigenous technologies down the line, especially as certain advanced countries refused to sell key technologies to India. He appealed for more private sector investment in defence. The 55hp Wankel engine, developed by three Indian research institutes will power the country’s unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for use by the Indian Air Force and Indian Army. (Times of India February 9, Hindu February 5)

Mass transport expansion

Satish Reddy

how to dream, it has paid off. The dream that drives the Centre has made it, in Satish Reddy’s words, “a world-class laboratory in avionics. The

A 11-kilometre monorail network in East Delhi, to be completed by 2015, will be integrated with the city’s Metro, which, in turn, is to open two new stations in the adjoining state of Haryana. The reason for the monorail corridor is that the already congested area is an impediment to underground metro construction. The monorail would give the population a mass transport system linked to the existing

French President Francois Hollande with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, See comment page 3

metro. The mono rail will have 12 stations. “It is easier and cheaper for monorail lines [designed to carry a daily load of 150,000 passengers] than the Metro lines. The monorail can take sharp curves. It can also run in densely populated localities as it takes lesser area to operate,” said East Delhi MP Sandeep Dixit. There will be three points where the monorail will connect with the Metro. (Hindu January 16)

Upbeat IT projection At a time when Indian manufacturing figures are gloomy, software industry chiefs are upbeat about IT-Business Process Management (BPM) export prospects. The National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) President Som Mittal and Chairman N.Chandrasekaran told a press conference in Mumbai that they expect IT exports for 2013-14 to grow by 12-13 per cent and clock up earnings to $84-87 billion, while domestic sales would increase by 13-15 per cent, with revenues reaching Rs 118,000 to120,000 crore.

explained: “The thrust IP-led solutions served over multiple platforms that has the customer at the centre of every module and is truly transformative in nature.”

Indian rapes, China’s concerns China’s Embassy in New Delhi addressed an admonitory note to India’s External Affairs Ministry on the alleged rape of a 23 yearold Chinese woman by her friend, one Tariq Sheikh. The note “urged the Indian government to seriously deal with this incident [and] takes all efficient measures relating to the security, legal rights and privacy of the victim.” The victim’s complaint was promptly acted upon by local police and the alleged assailant arrested. Steps are afoot to collect the evidence to bring him to court. If found guilty as charged he can expect an appropriate custodial sentence. The case led to a spate of Twitter micro-blogs in China, with comments describing Delhi as the country’s rape capital and India as an unsafe destination for Chinese women. The Delhi gang rape remains

N. Chandrasekaran (left), Chairman, with Som Mittal, President, Nasscom

Despite the current challenging environment, earnings for 2012-13 were expected to reach $78.8 billion registering growth of 10.2 per cent. The IT-BPM sector remains one of the largest employers in the country, employing three million professionals, adding over 180,000 professionals in 2012-13. “The year 2012-13 can be characterized as the year of rapid transition and transformation leading the industry to expand into newer verticals and geographies, attracting new customer segments, and transforming from technology partners to strategic business partners,” said a Nasscom statement. Chairman Chandrasekaran

India’s shame as does the general molestation women there, and in the rest of the country. But these problems affect developed countries as well, from the United States to France and beyond. China, apparently, is free of such social afflictions, sanitized by state censorship. Beijing’s Tiananmen massacre of 4 June 1989 is now a non-event. Meanwhile, China’s 62 year rape of Tibet – surely the longest in living memory – continues without let or hindrance. The absence of an operational national conscience is one reason for the Middle Kingdom’s fraught relationship with the rest of the civilized world.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

The Akshaya Patra Foundation to host London Fashion Fundraiser for underprivileged Children in India Leaders from Indo-UK Community to Attend Gala Charity Event

The UK and India’s leading social glitterati, dignitaries, charity ambassadors and celebrities will gather on the 2nd of March 2013 at Vinopolis in London to celebrate The Sparkle Gala - a startstudded night of haute couture fashion to raise vital funds for The Akshaya Patra Foundation UK, the world’s largest NGO-run school meal programme, which feeds and educates some of India’s poorest, underprivileged childen. Today, The Akshaya Patra Foundation provides freshly prepared, nutritious meals daily to over 1.3 million underprivileged children in over 8000 schools in eight states from 19 kitchens. The Sparkle Gala takes place at the beautifully restored Victorian Arches of the Great Room at Vinopolis and will host 400 guests, who are the leading lights of the High Net Worth (HNW) Indian community in London and India. The event will be hosted by popular TV personality Konnie Huq and will begin with a champagne reception followed by a gastronomic journey showcasing the best of Indian fusion cuisine. A highlight will be a spectacular fashion show presented by one of India's leading celebrity designers, Anamika Khanna, who will showcase her Luxury 2013 collection. The Kolkata based fashionista has the notable honour of being the first designer from India to launch an international label, and is one of the first Indian designers to show at Paris Fashion Week. Her celebrity credits include L’Oreal ambassador Sonam Kapoor and former Miss World and Bollywood A-list actress Priyanka Chopra. Amongst an array of visual treats will be a charity auction, which will comprise of a range of bespoke items, from luxu-

ry holidays to fine wine, couture outfits and memorable experiences. The centre piece of the auction will be the 'Adopt a School' appeal, where for £2,500 donors can sponsor school lunches in a single school for an entire year. The event will conclude with a special afterparty in the Cellars of Vinopolis, where DJ Raj will keep the guests dancing until 1am. In speaking about The Sparkle Gala event in aid of The Akshaya Patra Foundation UK, the UK Chair Dipika Khaitan said: “The UK chapter of The Akshaya Patra Foundation has so far raised funds to provide meals in approximately

Woman stops Tesco from 'misappropriation of Hinduism' Rupanjana Dutta A feaw years ago, photos of Hindu deities on clothes especially tops and tshirts took the fashion industry by storm. The 'cool and hippy' image that gained popularity globally, escalated to a different level when Music channel jockeys were seen wearing tshirts with image of Lord Shiva, paired with Rudraksha necklace, sporting ideas of 'nirvana'. Debates regarding 'cultural loopholes' sparked controversies, after these images were seen flashing on fashion items (including bikinis) across fashion ramps. Though it appeared later, that some fashion giants misconstrued the real concept of Hinduism, and were given a crash course to clear all 'non deliberate offences', a recent incident in the UK proved that despite of several attempts the 'lack of understanding' continue to prevail. Varsha Mistry, Deputy Chairperson Metropolitan Police Hindu Association and Regional Director Hindu Council UK, rang up the Asian Voice offices to report a stamp size image of Lord Ganesha on pre cooked chicken curry sold in Tesco. She sounded extremely hurt as she tried to explain 'how hindu religion' was being misrepresented by the UK chain. She wrote a letter to Tesco on 7 February, urging the removal of the image from Tesco animal products. She explained, “Lord Ganesh is the principle deity who is honoured at the beginning of all religious and special Hindu occasions (as seen in Diwali at Trafalgar square). He represents the invoking of positive

progress whilst respecting the laws of nature and upholding the principles of 'Ahimsa'(non-violence of thoughts, words and actions). To use Lord Ganesh or any other image of a Hindu deity/symbol on a product created by slaughtering living creatures amounts to the epitome of insensitivity towards the core principles of Hinduism. We insist this Lord Ganesh imagery is removed from the City Kitchen Tandoori Chicken Curry Packaging and from any other animal products you or your partners may objectionably using it for...”

Asian Voice, which has always highlighted minority causes, was delighted, when Ms Mistry reported on 13 February 2013, that Tesco has written to her apologising for their unintentional misrepresentation. Elliot Duckett, a Customer Service Executive wrote saying, “...I can only sincerely apologise that the nature of the picture was not recognised on this occasion...” “As a result of your feedback, the artwork on the packaging has been changed and the new packaging will be in store from the 18th February. In addition, further measures will be taken when finalising packaging designs, including providing the source of the photographs used so that we can check for religious sensitivity. I am confident there will be no further situations of this nature moving forward.'' It was no doubt an honourable step taken by Tesco and we welcome their prompt initiative. But there is no guarantee that such mistakes will not be repeated in the future by them or by any food product suppliers or corporate giants. What is the easiest solution to avoid such misappropriation of a culture? It is very simple- recruit more and more Asians at decision making or managerial levels, involve them more when references are made to their culture (like approving a curry based precooked package). It can definitely save them from future humiliation and distress. As the saying goes, “a stitch in time saves nine.”

International students: Graduate scheme not enough

250 schools. The funds raised by peoples’ enormous generosity has been so beneficial in helping us to continue our vital work to feed and educate some of India’s poorest and deprived children. The Akshaya Patra Foundation often provides a lifeline for children to eat well, which in turn aids their educational development, which then can help them to achieve their full potential. “We hope that on the evening of The Sparkle Gala we can raise funds to reach out to 300 schools and continue with our important community work.”

The Jubilee Scholars visit to Downing Street came as a pleasant surprise (refer to story on page 11). Last week PM David Cameron told Asian Voice in an exclusive one to one interview that he intended on making it clear with the Indians, especially during his visit, that there is 'absolutely no limit' to the number of legitimate Indian students coming to Britain, as long as they have a valid offer letter from a UK university and average English language skill. He also insisted that there is also 'no limit' to the students staying back in Britain, after completion of their degrees, provided they secured a graduate level job. A study suggested that the number of Indian students in the UK saw a sharp fall by 23% in 201112, but in 2012-13, it has already seen a growth by 19% and Mr Cameron is hopeful, that a better communication will help this number to grow further. Inspite of all the promises made, overseas students are still of the opinion that UK has become a much less attractive destination for higher education, especially after curtailment of the Post Work

Study (PSW) scheme, in comparison to countries like Australia or the US. Under the PSW scheme, irrespective of a job offer, an applicant was allowed 2 years of visa to stay in the UK after completion of their degree. With the soaring tuition fees for overseas applicants (some of the Post graduate courses now cost around £18,000/annum), many of these students take loans to study in Britain. Recipient of a PSW visa used the two years of their UK visa as an opportunity to work, in whatever jobs that were available to them. In due course they saved enough money to pay back part of their educational loans. Some of them also ventured into businesses. A similar option is still

available, provided an international student has secured a job under the Graduate scheme earning minimum £20,000/ annum. However, an applicant for a graduate scheme also competes with the home students, where over and above the merit, citizens get more preference than overseas applicants, given the current economic climate. Abhirup Gupta told Asian Voice, “I love the British Universities. Some of the courses taught by them are real unique. But the graduate scheme is not a viable option, given the home students are also competing for the same. There is no guarantee I will get a graduate job worth £20,000 anyway! So what is the use of spending so much of money on tuition fees, when I cannot

even earn 25% of it there?” Ruchira Ramachandra added, “The UK is a marvellous place to live in and study. It has so many reputed institutions and the quality of education imparted is really high. Students would love to learn in the UK as one imbibes so much by interacting with talented students from various countries and excellent faculty. However, I think scrapping of the post study visa has detered some of the brightest minds from coming to the UK to study as after studying here it is only natural to want to work here, as well considering that London is a major financial and commercial hub. As a lot of youngsters would want to work in this fantastic city, as this opportunity is denied to them blatantly at the very onset, they might consider alternatives.” Though Prime Minister seems to have open heartedly welcomed the Indian students to this country, his initiative is totally marred by the persisting problem of value or costs v/s post degree facilities available to these students.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Unesta Property seminar discusses Indian Real Estate’s challenges and Opportunites ‘The Bangalore Deal’ presents opportunity for investors Indian Real Estate 2013 – Risk, Return & Reforms Specialist property investment company Unesta brought together a global panel of prominent business leaders at a packed event which educated potential investors and the general public on real estate investment opportunities in India. The event took place at The May Fair Hotel, Stratton St, Mayfair, London, W1J 8LT ON February 7th, 2013 and included over a hundred potential investors discussing the challenges and opportunities Indian real estate presents. International property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield, leading banking provider State Bank of India, global accountancy firm KPMG and prominent developers Experion and G-Corp Estates joined with Unesta to provide a platform for NRIs (Non-resident Indians), PIOs (Persons of Indian origin) and other members of the public to share their thoughts on investing in Indian real estate.

‘The Bangalore Deal’ The event concluded with news of Unesta’s latest investment opportunity. Vikram Goyal, Unesta’s Managing Director, announced a ‘buy back guarantee’ in association with G Corp estates at a new 25 acre residential development in Bangalore. The deal seeks to mitigate any risk for investors by offering a 33.33% guaranteed return* after two years. To ensure elevated transparency the initial payment will be held in an escrow account and the initial booking payment will be fully refundable until 31/03/2013 with

Sadiq Khan MP gets death threats

The most senior Muslim MP in Britain has received death threats after voting in favour of gay marriage. Police have told Sadiq Khan, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, that the threats are credible enough and he should review the security around him and his family following the Commons Sadiq Khan vote. Officers in his Tooting constituency in London have been put on high alert, and will respond ‘extra-quick’ should an incident be reported at his home. The Police has also advised Mr Khan, 42, that they may put more officers around him if he receives further threats.

Policeman faces drug charges

(L to R) Mr. Venkataraman S. - CEO London Branch, State Bank of India, Mr. Sridhar Aiyangar - Senior Banker, UK, Mr. Ajay Rotti - Director - Tax and Regulatory Services, KPMG - India, Mr. Yomesh Rao - Director, YMS Consultants Ltd, India, Mr. Pratik Dattani MD - EPG Economic and Strategy Consulting, UK, Mr. Vikram Goyal - MD, Unesta, UK, Mr. Vijay Goel - Partner, Singhania & Co. LLP, UK, Mr. Sharath Gowda - MD, G-Corp Estates, Bangalore, India

the entire amount payable on the 15/04/2013. Vikram Goyal comments on the seminar: “The event was incredibly successful and allowed us to educate potential investors about the opportunities in Indian Real Estate. It allowed us to address any concerns and queries, whether as a first time or a seasoned investor. “‘The Bangalore Deal’ offers a

fantastic prospect for potential investors, with a guaranteed return of 33.33% after two years. Unesta is aiming to bring far greater levels of transparency and process to the Indian real estate market. Our property seminars and this new product demonstrate that we are leading the way in investment products in Indian real estate.”

A hero policeman honoured for bravery has 'spoilt' his career because of a secret cannabis habit. Khuran Saeed, 44, was commended in 2008 for putting his safety on the line when Rangers fans rampaged through Manchester. The police constable was also decorated with several other honours for his work on high-profile criminal cases. But Saeed’s 17-year career has unfortunately ended – after he admitted to smoking drugs regularly and rubbing shoulders with dealers. Appearing in court, Saeed admitted a charge of possessing cannabis and six offences under the Data Protection Act, for using GMP’s computer system to check up on his drug contacts. Saeed’s lawyer, Elizabeth Rigby, said he had used cannabis to combat chronic back pain. Regarding the computer offences she said he had never passed on any sensitive information to anybody. Saeed, now running a property repair business, is facing a possible prison sentence. He was released on bail to be sentenced at a later date.

Shrien Dewani's health deteriorates

Social Enterprise in Pakistan: Unlocking Innovation Through Enterprise Incubation Business schools in Pakistan can offer huge growth potential in delivering joint financial return to investors and social impact to wider society, and help create a sustainable ecosystem for social entrepreneurs to flourish in Pakistan. That was the conclusion of a new report launched by the Economic Policy Group (EPG) entitled Social Enterprise in Pakistan: Unlocking Innovation Through Enterprise Incubation.The breakthrough report, written by Priya Shah and Shailabh Shubhisham, for the first time provides a macro perspective to the business education sector in Pakistan. It explores how incubator hubs can harness the potential of young entrepreneurs. It sets out the potential for the education and business sectors in Pakistan to step forward and create a “social innovation coalition” framework in which social enterprises are nurtured and given support to succeed. The report also examines how both public and private sectors in Pakistan can maximise the opportunities in the nascent social enterprise sector. It promotes innovative social businesses as effective means to address skills shortage, employment and vocational training issues in the business education sector. The report illustrates how the incubation of social enterprises can enable them and all stakeholders to discover on a step-by-step basis what works, and what does not.” Priya Shah said: “We studied the instance of IIT Ahmedabad, which does a lot to encourage entrepre-

In Brief

neurs, to help demonstrate how research and development, infrastructure and policy frameworks can be used to change the macroeconomic environment.” Managing Director of EPG, Pratik Dattani added: "By creating an ecosystem where social entrepreneurs thrive, Pakistan's policy makers can address community needs and alleviate social problems, but investors can at the same time achieve financial returns." The launch event was hosted by prestigious law firm Allen & Overy and was attended by over 100 policy makers, social entrepreneurs,

investors and wealth managers, Asif Rangoonwala, Chairman of the British Pakistan Foundation added, “Many people are waking up to the potential in Pakistan. This is a very important report because it provides a clear and practical route to how various parts of Pakistani society can be brought together to help generate change.” Speaker Dr Iman Bibars, Regional Director of Ashoka Arab World and co-founder of the Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women said in particular: "When starting a business, non-financial assistance like mentoring and coaching is even more important than financial." The event was supported by some of the most influential organisations in the area in Pakistan including the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the British Pakistan Foundation, Unltd, TiE in Islamabad, Karachi and London and Invest2Innovate.

The health of the British businessman Shrien Dewani, husband of the murdered bride Anni Dewani (Hindocha) on honeymoon, has "seriously deteriorated", his family has told the national newspapers. His family said he had been suffering from chest pains and that tests suggested he had reacted poorly to medication prescribed as part of his mental health treatment. He was transferred to a different hospital last weekend, the family notified. The statement by the family suggested that doctors had managed to Shrien Dewani stabilise him and his family was "hopeful of a recovery". Shrien's 28-year-old wife Anni was shot when a taxi the couple were travelling in was hijacked in the Gugulethu township on the outskirts of Cape Town in November 2010. Dewani's bail conditions were reportedly altered at a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court. A review of his mental health is set for April ahead of a provisional extradition hearing on July 1.

Four arrested for £5mn fraud

Four people from the West Midlands have been arrested suspected of carrying out a £5 million international tax credit and maternity allowance fraud in a joint operation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), West Midlands Police and the Department for Work and Pensions. The three men and one woman were arrested during dawn raids. HMRC investigators and Police officers swooped on five residential and two business addresses in Tipton, Dudley, West Bromwich, Handsworth and Bewdley, seizing computers, business records, paperwork, mobile phones and cash. Four vehicles were also searched, including a Mercedes and a Rover.

Samiti gearing up for Sports contest

Hindu girls and women from across the UK will come together in Leicester next month to showcase their sporting talent as part of a popular contest. This year’s annual Sports Competition, organised by the Hindu Sevika Samiti (HSS), will take place on Sunday 24th March at Soar Valley College (LE4 7GY) from 9.00am to 5.00pm. The HSS, which is part of the umbrella Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK, is a charitable organisation. Established since 1975, HSS now has 29 branches nationwide. It exists to encourage girls and women to learn, practice and preserve universal Hindu values, to build self-confidence, develop physical ability and cultivate a sense of social consciousness. Anyone wishing to take part, or for further information should contact HSS’ PR Co-ordinator Kirti Vekriya on 07920 529 722 or email kirti.vekriya@samiti.org.uk. To find out more about the competition, or about HSS visit www.samiti.org.uk

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

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MuSIc

Tanveer Mann

Entertainer of the Year Gifts A New Love Song on Valentines Day

Hi-Tech Music presents Soni-J feat. Khiza – Tu Hai Meri Jaan, the new release by UK British Born Pakistani Punjabi Singer from the heart of Birmingham. The 22year-old singer, who was discovered by the music producer Khiza has been working on his singing skills for the past two years and has recently released his first single Tu Hai Meri Jaan, which is a hip hop style with Punjabi soulful vocals for the young generation. Now available on iTunes. www.facebook.com/SoniJanjuaMusic

RAPID FIRE InTERvIEW …WITH BALLY SAGOO

What made you start fusing Indian music with Western beats all those years ago? There was a need for it. We needed Desi music with a western touch. So I wanted to appeal to people like myself, who are not Indian but Indian. I was into the black scene, my girlfriends were black, and my friends were black. I didn’t like Indian music because it did not appeal to me. So I thought I would combine it and pioneered this scene that has obviously become the Asian Music scene of today. Did you ever feel like it was a huge risk doing something that nobody had done before? I just wanted to do something that I thought was cool and would sound ok. I was making music and competing with my friends who were predominantly black. I was making music like them. And they couldn’t believe that there was this Indian boy with a turban that was making music like this.

EvEnTS

Bloggers' Buzz is a platform for like-minded people to come together to share their passion for one thing- FOOD. It is a one-day event that will cover food-blogging related master classes such as food photography, food styling, monetizing blogs and copyright infringement issues. The event will also include a couple of competitions, and provide networking opportunities for those attending. The event is hosted on 23rd February at the beautiful Upper Vestry Hall at the St George's Church, Bloomsbury

‘Hamesha’ is available for free download from Navin’s Official Website – www.navin-online.com

At what age did you realise that music was what you wanted to pursue? It was probably when I was about ten. I always used to record cassettes off the radio so whenever there was a radio programme coming on, I’d always record English songs. I was constantly messing around with them without realizing that what I was doing was being a DJ.

Upcoming

Bloggers’ Buzz Food Event on 23rd February 2013

Navin Kundra has released a new love song ‘Hamesha’ (Forever) on Valentines Day. Thrilled from receiving the ‘Entertainer of the Year’ Awrd in the Houses of Parliament at the Asia Voice Political and Public Life Awards last week, and having shared the stage with Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan at a recent show in Birmingham, Navin’s latest offering sees him covering a 1970s classic love song ‘Always and Forever’ by Heatwave. He has reworked the song to give it a contemporary feel and true to his signature style, delivers romantic lyrics and vocals in a mixture of Hindi and English.

Tu Hai Meri Haan – Soni-J feat. Khiza

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

Bhangra music. Like on my album, there are Punjabi songs, but not like you’re used to hearing. I’ve changed them and made them in different styles, different melodies so that an outsider will listen to it. And that’s what I’ve been noticing. Like my Bollywood fans, they like my music, my music appeals to them, they don’t like the hard aggressive stuff that comes out of UK. Here we’re really into the really hard folk, traditional music from Punjab. Some people do like it, some people don’t like, nothing wrong with that, but it should just be a cocktail of different styles. What has been your most memorable/the highlight of your music career so far? Many. Getting an invite from the President of India to congratulate me on my music. That’s insane. I’m just a typical guy from Birmingham. I’ve got my roots. My life changed from selling fridge freezers in Comet to touring with Michael Jackson.

Who have been your role models? So many, everyday is an influence that inspires me, whether it is an Indian music director. My heroes What’s the difference with the were always from the music scene now to back western scene. Of Bally Sagoo with Tanveer Mann course I like A R then? Rehman. But it was more so Michael Jackson time, Now it has become a whole scene. It’s become where Quincy Jones was there, the black producers an Asian music scene in its own right. It’s still a from America were influencing my sound. Because very Punjabi-driven industry whereas Bhangra I neglected Indian culture when I was growing up, songs are still up front which I don’t completely that helped me to get that whole upbringing. agree with, I think Punjabis shouldn’t keep doing

Ha Ha..... He He.... :P How do you call a prison inmate? – Use a cell phone. Why do seagulls live near the sea? Because if they lived near the bay, they’d be called bagels. “Doctor, Doctor, my arm is broken in three places.” “Well stay out of those places.”

How do you deal with criticism from people who may not enjoy your music? I always take it on board. I would always like to hear from you, what you would like to hear more of. Even Madonna and Michael Jackson will always have criticism. That doesn’t worry me so much. What worries me more is people who don’t like my music, who won’t listen to music. What do you want to see in the music scene in the future? I’d like to see more girls in the industry; there are no female Indian producers, singers a female Jay Sean? Why does everyone want to go into the Bhangra scene? The singers I’m working with all want to be playback singers. And I say why not go be a singer? You’re a good-looking girl but everyone keeps running for the same thing. Not enough people are breaking out of the bubble, especially here. You are releasing your new album pretty soon, what can we expect from it? The album is releasing next week and its called Future Shock. It’s out on our new label Fresh Dope records. Its all brand news songs, not remixes, a bit of Punjabi, a bit of Hindi, a Miami sound, New york, a Bhangra sound, there’s even some chill out lovemaking tunes. There’s a mood for pretty much all people. I shine through more on the girl songs though. I enjoy doing those tracks more. Dance songs are easy; those softer ones require more polishing because you’re trying to get into the person’s feelings. What would be your advice to young people out there aspiring to follow in your footsteps? Now is the time, the computer software is there, girls should come out more, guys stop doing bhangra, and don’t do things just for quick fame. You have to work hard and do something because you’re passionate about it. Also, I think parents don’t push you hard enough in this field. Its not the 1970s anymore and there are successful people that are role models. Is there more money in this line of work? Yes there is. You get paid to party, fly around the world, but obviously you’re not going to get that overnight. It is a lot of hard work.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

I am confused, says Mahie Gill

After winning critical acclaim for her roles in “Dev D,” “Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster,” “Paan Singh Tomar,” actress Mahie Gill says she is confused about her standing in Bollywood as new roles are not coming her way. "I don't know if I have cemented my position in the industry. When I go out, industry people tell me I am good and intelligent actress. But people only talk and don't give me work. So I fail to understand whether they are telling the truth or not," Mahie said. The 37-year-old actress says, "I am confused. I don't know where I am in the industry today. People think I am an intelligent actress and think of giving me those kinds of roles. I am not an intelligent actress... it just happened," she said.

Sooraj Barjatya ready to wait for Salman Khan

He is perhaps one of those characters on Indian silver screen that has left an indelible impression on the audiences – a character loved and adored by people across all age groups. And the man to have given life to the character is none other than Salman Khan. The superstar gave his first super-hit with Sooraj Barjatya’s ‘Maine Pyaar Kiya’, way back in 1989 and has since been the filmmaker’s hot favourite. Last year, the director had reportedly hinted at a film with Salman and was about to start working on the same this year. But since Salman is running short of dates this year, Brajatya will have to wait for his lucky mascot until 2014.

No more intimate scenes for Neha Sharma

“Crook” star Neha Sharma says her intimate scenes with co-star Vivek Oberoi in the upcoming film "Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story," will be her first and last on-screen. The 25-yearold actress said she won’t do a lovemaking scene in the future as she was not comfortable shedding off her clothes. "It is not that elaborate... Yes there is a certain amount of intimacy because the script required it but I was not comfortable. I will not do it again, it pushes me out of my comfort zone which I don't like," Neha said.

Priyanka Chopra hesitant to play a Salman fan on screen?

Priyanka Chopra was in talks with Anurag Kashyap for a short film that is being made to commemorate the 100 years of Indian cinema. Apparently, the script that was narrated to the actress needed her to play a huge fan of Bollywood's numero uno Salman Khan. Sources say that initially PC was kicked about the idea, but later developed cold feet and backed out because of allegiance to another Khan. The actress knew that her playing a Salman fan wouldn't go down well with her close circle of friends. Anurag, on his part, very sensibly shelved the PC short film and moved on to make it with Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan in the lead.

Wonder woman of K town

Kajal Agarwal is focused in her career and has bagged a lot of films for this year. And now, it seems like the young actress is living out all her dreams in her free time too. She is in Kuala Lumpur now and has piloted a 4- seater jet all by herself. She said it was adrenaline at its peak for her to pilot the jet. She also tried her hand at a bike stunt in a recent shoot and now this. Is she really the wonder woman of K town now?! We have to wait and see more adventures of hers. She is also set for her second movie with the Ilayatahlapathy Vijay in "Jilla."

Priyamani to do an item song in ‘Chennai Express’ National Award-winning southern actress Priyamani has worked in Hindi films earlier but in Rohit Shetty's 'Chennai Express' she is doing her first ever item number. The actress can't wait to shoot for it as it would allow her to meet Bollywood superstar and the film's lead actor Shah Rukh Khan. "I am very excited. I am just waiting for the shoot to happen so that I get to meet Shah Rukh Khan and to shoot with him," Priyamani said. The actress, who won the National Award for 2006 Tamil film 'Paruthi Veeran', is doing an item song for the first time and said: "I have never done an item number. It is the first time and there is always a first time for everything."

meesha Patel who has often been seen in sweet and bubbly roles is now planA ning to do films where her character is

gray, negative and strong. The actress, who made a special appearance as a sweet assistant Cherry to Anil Kapoor's character in “Race 2,” is now all geared up to be seen in villainous shades in “Shortcut Romeo” with Neil Nitin Mukesh. The film will show Ameesha in a rather different character and she is super happy with the way her role has shaped up in the film. Ameesha's business partner Kuunal Goomer also provides details about her

t a time when his chips were down, television resuscitated Amitabh Bachchan's career. A And now, 13 years after his game changing appear-

Prakash Raj to replace Surya

ance as television's most popular game show host, Amitabh Bachchan is happily paying his dues. Bachchan, who recently wrapped up the sixth season of Kaun Banega Crorepati, is preparing to embrace the medium in a different way. Buzz is the 70-year-old star will top-line a daily soap that is set to go on air later this year. The project, which, say sources, is being co-produced by his banner ABCL, is a fiercely guarded secret - after all this is going to be the first time Bachchan will act in a feature show. But we have learnt auditions for the rest of the cast is being carried out at several studios in Andheri. Bachchan has apparently been toying with the idea of doing a television serial for a while now. "Last year, he held meetings with several channel producers, expressing his desire to act in a daily soap. Some of them even made a few presentations. But nothing worked out then," says a source close to the developments. "But given that this is Bachchan's first-ever daily soap appearance, utmost care is being taken to keep the project under wraps," said the source, adding that an official announcement is likely next week.

The famous K town version of Kaun Banega Crorepati titled Neengallum Vellalam Oru Kodi was hosted by Surya. And now, it's out that Prakash Raj is to be the new host for this show. Vijay TV and Big Synergy produce this show which will be aired from March. Prakash Raj is not a rare face in small screen. He has appeared in many commercials and also started off his acting career in Kannada Dhoordharshan channel. In an interview about this avatar of his career, Prakash Raj said that hosting this show was going to be an emotional journey for him and he was excited about meeting his fans and playing with them. special screening of UTV Motion Pictures' “Kai Po Che” was organized at Mukesh Ambani’s Antilla. A The film, shot extensively in Gujarat, highlights the

entrepreneurial flair of the Gujarati clan, which has led to Ambani’s interest in the film. After hearing the film's title and seeing the promos, Ambani expressed a keen interest in seeing the film, being Gujarati himself. This was easily arranged as UTV CEO and one of the film's producers Ronnie Screwvala has a special rapport with Ambani. Ambani watched the film with his wife and according to sources, some of the visuals made Ambani feel nostalgic about his family in Gujarat. Meanwhile, the Indian Premiere of the film took place in a suburban theatre later, with actors Arjun Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma being among those attending. The film was specially screened in Jaipur for actor Aamir Khan, who is currently shooting there. Film wins over critics and audiences at Berlin Film Festival: The film bowled over the crowd at last week's Berlin Film Festival. The film induced cheers and tears from a packed cinema hall as it screened ahead of its worldwide release. Based on the best-selling Chetan Bhagat book ‘The Three Mistakes of My Life,’ the film follows three young men as they set up a sport shop and cricket coaching academy. The film will be released in the UK and Worldwide on 22nd February 2012.

Bhopal rolls out red carpet for Begum KareeNa

Kareena Kapoor was in Bhopal to shoot for Prakash Jha's “Satyagraha.” Husband Saif Ali Khan's extended royal family also settled in Bhopal. A source says, "Kareena stayed at the same hotel where Amitabh Bachchanji stayed. The red carpet was rolled out for her with a grand welcome ceremony including aarti, teeka and garland." A Bhopal-based source said, "Kareena prefers to be simple and her taste in food is also simpler." Saif and her mother-in-law Sharmila Tagore joined her later. The couple celebrated the Valentine's Day in the city. According to a source close to the couple, Kareena received her gift - a solitaire!

work in their home production Desi Magic. He says, “Ameesha's role in Desi Magic will shock everyone. Hers is a dream role for many actresses in the industry. She will have negative shades but she will still be today's youthful glamourous girl. The team will be going all out to spend huge amounts on her look in the film. The look is glamorous and classy so Ameesha and the rest of the actors will all be shown like never before. For me, Ameesha as an actress can do far more than what she has done till now and Desi Magic will show all of that.”

Shah Rukh Khan & Kajol voted most romantic Bollywood couple

ollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, his leading lady in films like “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” have been voted the most romantic Bollywood screen couple of all time. In a poll conducted by UK's largest online PayPer-View Indian movie portal, the stars beat off competition from onscreen couples from different decades- Dharmendra and Hema Malini, Raj Kapoor and Nargis, Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha. The poll was conducted across social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, email and via the movie portal itself to coincide with Valentine's Day. The movie fans, who voted the popular actors as their 'jodi' number one, quoted the pair's sizzling chemistry in the iconic romance 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (1995), as one of the main reasons for their choice. In the film Shah Rukh and Kajol portray two NonResident Indians living in London, who fall in love during a trip around Europe. Other on-screen couples who made it into the top 10 included Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh and Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit. The biggest surprises were Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Financial Voice

How Bullish are the markets? The inflation-adjusted Dow is up 114% from its crisis lows. The inflation-adjusted Dow trading 10.6% off its 1999 record highs. Since 1987 – as goes the Dow in January so goes the whole year. So whilst there is based on history a 75% chance of an up year, since the Dow in January it was up 7%, does that mean we should short the Dow though because an up year for most of the gains having already been accumulated? Well 15 out of 27 times since 1987 after an up January, you would make money on betting for the market to close even higher than at the end of January. Not exactly rocket science though – as it comes in at nearly 50%! Of course if you really want to add fizz to your spreadbet, let’s not forget that since 2007 the best performing global indices are Thailand (+200%), Indonesia (+140%), Chile (+100%), Malaysia (+95%), Turkey (+80%). None of these are the BRICS which are lauded so much as global saviours. The bigger spreadbet problem is pullback or trend to continue. If your brokers offers it and you like steroids with your spreadbetting – consider the Nigerian index as likely to continue its strong ascent. And although we may worry about Government debt, let’s not forget it is increased at the expense of debt being reduced elsewhere. Household and business debt has been falling over the last three years, measured against the size of the economy. There is positive news. Why are the markets so bullish? It’s simple. Look at the last quarter of 2012 earnings from US companies. 39% beat the sales and profits forecasts. Another 40% beat either the sales or profits forecasts. So only 21% were inline or missed forecasts. Given than 4 in 5 beat expectations, you would expect their shareprice to reflect that. We always wrongly focus on what will drive earnings or sales of companies when deciding if they are worth betting on. That’s simply a wrong way to look at it. Share prices are not driven by that. They are driven by whether our expectations of those sales and profits will be met. If our expectations are pessimistic because of global uncertainty leading to reduction in growth, and yet companies perform well due to cost-cuttting, growth not being as poor as anticipated due to Government spending, then we are overly pessimistic and the results exceed our expectations and the stock goes up. That has been happening and is why we are where we are. Indeed looking at stock market capitalisation in the US as a percentage of GDP, you see that we are around the same for both - $16trillion. When in March 2000 the market dropped, stock market capitalisation was 183% of GDP. The latest rally started when the market was 60% of GDP – which is also the average since 1925. We owe a lot to analysts for the rally – not because they are bullish, because they keep expectations bearish. According to Bloomberg, "The 50 stocks in the S&P 500 with the lowest analyst ratings at the end of 2011 posted an average return of 23 percent [in 2012], outperforming the index by 7 percentage points." Still don’t believe it is all about expectations not outlook? In 2012, the Greek stock market (ATHEX Index) outperformed the Chinese stock market (Shanghai Composite) by 48 percentage points. Last year, Franklin Templeton asked 1,000 investors whether the S&P 500 went up or down in 2009 and 2010. Sixty-six percent thought it went down in 2009, while 48% said it declined in 2010. In reality, the index gained 26.5% in 2009 and 15.1% in 2010. If a bull market then how long does it last? How long do bull markets last? Since 1929, time from the market bottom to the peak in the S&P 500 (a pretty good proxy for the UK markets too) has been 3.8 years on average – with the one since 1990 being nearly 10 years long and the one in 1938 being under a year. The median is worth looking at when you consider such wide variations and the median is 3.6 years in length. Guess where we are now? Over 3.8 years. If you believed only in averages you start getting worried. So we know how we got here, but should be carry on? According to Bloomberg, "Americans have missed out on almost $200 billion of stock gains as they drained money from the market in the past four years, thanks to the financial crisis.

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British Prime Minister David Cameron is seeking a special relationship between Britain and India, one that goes beyond business. Kicking off his India visit, Cameron said India would be one of the leading nations in this century and Britain wanted to be its partner of choice. He was speaking at the head office of Hindustan Unilever (HUL), the Indian subsidiary of Unilever, where an announcement was made regarding an investment of 50 million euros in the Anglo Dutch consumer goods multinational's first Asian aerosol deodorant manufacturing facility in Khamgaon, Maharashtra. "I want Britain and India to have a very special relationship. India's rise is going to be one of the big phenomena of the century and it is incredibly impressive to see the vibrancy of your democracy, the great strength of the diversity of your country and the enormous power of your economy that is going to be one of the top three economies by 2030. That's why I'm here. Britain wants to be

David Cameron interacting with Hindustan Unilever Limited employees at HUL campus during his visit in Mumbai.

your partner of choice," Cameron said, while addressing HUL employees on Monday morning. Britain is the biggest European investor in India while India puts half of its investment in Europe into Britain. Stressing on taking the ties between the two countries beyond business, Cameron said Britain would be keen to assist India in setting up universities, on meeting its target of doubling its spend on health as a percentage of its GDP as also in building a corridor between Mumbai and Bangalore. "We think there are huge ties obviously of history, language, culture and business, but we think we

have only just started on this sort of partnership which we could build. Yes, it's a partnership about business but it should go way beyond business. I've brought some of the best businesses here to India, but we have also brought the Premier League, top universities and the British museum. We want to tie up in so many different ways," said Cameron, while adding this is a relationship about the future and not the past. "As far as I'm concerned, the sky is the limit," he said. Beyond business, Cameron said it is also about culture and diplomacy. "We both face the challenge of terrorism and we

India’s exports rise in January, end 8-month falling trend India’s exports are estimated to have gone up by 0.8% to $25.6 billion in January 2013, ending eight straight months of decline. Imports during the first month of 2013 are estimated to have increased by 6.1% to $45.6 billion. While rising exports are good news, the expansion in imports at a faster clip suggests that trade deficit widened further to almost $20 billion in January, compared to $17.6 billion a year ago. "Widening trade deficit is a cause of concern," commerce secretary S R Rao said, adding that crude oil imports are growing at a higher rate. Oil imports climbed 6.9% to $15.9 billion in January, while non-

oil imports were 5.7% higher at $29.7 billion. The marginal rise in exports is in line with the trend of the pace of contraction slowing down over the past few months as traders have responded by improving competitiveness and the government has also offered sops to boost shipments from the country. During April-January, 2013 exports contracted 4.9% to $239.7 billion, while imports stayed flat at around $406.8 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $154.9 billion. The slowdown in Europe and the US has mainly contributed to the contraction in exports as the demand for products such as gems

and jewellery and garments fell. The news will also provide much-needed cheer to the government which has looking for green shoots to sell the India story to foreign investors once again. The industrial production and consumer price inflation data released once again suggested that the economy was in the midst of a protracted slowdown and the "turning points" cited by the finance ministry were not immediately visible. The good news on the export front will also offer some comfort to the Reserve Bank of India which has been worried about the widening current account deficit, primarily due to rising trade deficit.

want to meet the challenge of fighting terrorists together," said Cameron. While Cameron fielded questions from Leverites on topics ranging from sustainability, environment and diversity, Cameron specifically said, "It's great to be visiting Unilever's Indian headquarters today - more than 120 years since Sunlight soap, one of Unilever's earliest products, was first exported from Britain to India. Unilever is a shining example of how a business with British roots can succeed in India and beyond and I'm delighted to hear they're expanding further, investing over £40 million in a new manufacturing plant in Khamgaon to service the emerging Indian and South Asian markets." "Today's announcement is another example of our commitment to cater to our growth in India. It will enable us to better serve consumers with innovation and green technology, as well as improve service levels to our retail customers," said Nitin Paranjpe, MD & CEO, HUL.

Air India shifts HQs to Delhi The Air India (AI) board gave its approval to a proposal for shifting the company's headquarters from Mumbai to New Delhi. The decision has been taken to cut down on expenses and is also based on the fact that AI has decided to make Delhi, from where it operates maximum number of flights, its main hub. Before the 2007 merger of Indian Airlines (IA) and AI, IA had its headquarters in Delhi while AI's headquarters was in Mumbai. When the two companies were merged, it was decided to have the headquarters of the airline in Mumbai. So, while AI had its registered office in Delhi, its headquarters was located at Mumbai's Nariman Point.

Banks to recover Kingfisher dues After waiting for almost a year, lenders led by State Bank of India decided to recall loans given to Vijay Mallya’s Kingfisher Airlines and en cash shares that are pledged with banks as collateral. Subsequently, if loans adding up to Rs 75 billion and overdue of over Rs 10 billion are not repaid by the flamboyant businessman, who often drew compar-

isons with Virgin’s Richard Branson, lenders will en cash other securities, including Mallya’s personal guarantee and property. Already, banks are in the process of selling his villa in Goa to recover part of the dues. Lenders will set up a sub-group that will look at the legal aspects of selling the shares, said a banker. A loan recall is an extreme step when banks are con-

vinced that there is nothing that the promoter can do to revive a sick company. In Mallya’s case, the wait has been longer. With no end in sight, 17 banks that have exposure to the airline, once the symbol of luxury in the skies, finally decided to take the call. “The guarantees are in excess of loans outstanding. The personal guarantees will be invoked along

with the loan recall. Recall process will include legal action against Mallya and Kingfisher Airlines,” a bank executive said. Bankers were disappointed that there was no proposal by Mallya to bring in substantial capital, which they had earlier hoped would happen after the liquor baron sold a big chunk of his business to UK’s Diageo.

finAnciAl Voice

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Penny Wise, Pound Foolish

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

I have often stated the need to pay good money and get a good law firm when purchasing a property, which is probably one of the most expensive assets you will ever purchase. What was recently made apparent to me was the necessity of having a good planning consultant; and the amount of money one can lose by not having one. Today we completed on a large property in Madeley Rd, Ealing for £1.48m. It consisted of around 4000 Sq Ft and formerly it was used as a drug rehabilitation centre, but was sold as vacant. The usage currently is not residential, though the chances of getting a change of use to residential on this road are very strong. From a finance point of view this was not ideal as most lenders do not like to lend on commercial properties, they prefer residential as it is easier to realise their security should the loan not be paid; and they do not like to lend on what they term as hope value which means on the potential value subject to planning being granted. This was the case with this property, despite confirmations from planners that planning was only a formality. In the end we funded this using a bridging loan. Whilst we were going ahead with the completion we had the drawings done, both in the current state and proposed plans. The firm we used was one we have been using for bread and butter stuff like conservatries, loft extensions etc; nothing really too big. Hence I assumed something of this nature would be in their remit. The proposal they came up with looked reasonable at first glance, there were 5 flats squeezed into the building of varying sizes, which would give us a reasonable profit. However when I spoke to owner of the firm and asked him why he hadn’t considered other options his answer was there was no other way of doing this. I asked whether he had considered adding a basement, his answer was the cost would be prohibitive and no one else had done one on the street. I asked him if he knew what the resales were on the street and if there was any reason why we could not be the first on the street to have one.

H is answers were po or; it was obvious he was ope rating a fac tory method to plan n ing. There was no real thinkin g or re search behin d it . A basement or lower ground would add another 1000 Sq Ft at least and with resells of £550/Sq Ft it made sense to do this. The cost of a basement conversion would be in the region of £250 per Sq Ft; therefore this makes sense. Not being satisfied with the attention we were receiving with these planners we decided to get another point of view by bringing another firm of architects in. This firm was in another league; they could not use the plans the other firm had drawn and insisted they would come and do their own. Their plans didn’t take an hour like the previous firm's; they spent the whole day measuring up the property. They had also done some research on the street and realised a property down the road had planning for a granny annexe. Needless to say we paid the previous planners for what little they had done and dispensed with them. In monetary terms a basement would have added at least another 1000 Sq Ft and a granny annexe another 750 Sq Ft at least. So in total with 1750 Sq Ft this valued at £550 per Sq Ft which comes to nearly £1m extra in resell value. Ok - there is a cost assoc iated with g ettin g t his extra space but even if we allow £500, 000 fo r the extra bu il d co st we're still left wit h £500,000 profit. If we had proceeded with the first scheme it would have made the difference of half a million in profit. Their charges were £1,500 as opposed to £6,500. So by spending another £5000 we are gaining £500,000. A 1000% uplift on our extra investment. The original idea for this property was to simply get the planning and resell it either in auction or privately. It is one thing to trade properties, where much of the time you’re not even paying much attention to the property other than the bottom line profit and the time taken to get there; but there’s something satisfying in completing a project and seeing it come to fruition. As we got into the project we discovered the potential with not just the property but also with the area. We are becoming more attached to the idea of keeping it and developing this project right through to completion and perhaps holding it as a long term buy to let. Further inspection into the area reveals some serious regeneration activity already happening and due to take place in the coming years. For one, Land Securities have purchased a site in Ealing Common and are looking to develop a £100 million “Film Quarter” complete with a multiplex cinema, film museum and art studios. Around 80 flats, new cafes, bars and restaurants will also be built in the major redevelopment of the New Broadway site in the centre of Ealing. Developer Land Securities is behind the scheme which will create new open pedestrian streets and a Cinema Square and a thoroughfare

from New Broadway through to Bond Street. The square will have a giant video wall and be available for events and concerts. This will be happening only a stone throw away from our property on Madeley Rd. There are also two crossrail links coming into Ealing in 2018. Furthermore property giant British Land took a £142.5 million bet on Crossrail recently as it snapped up a major shopping centre in Ealing. The Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre — home to a host of major retailers including Primark, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, River Island and H&M — is the biggest asset in a £183.8 million portfolio of London properties put up for sale last year by fund manager Wereldhave. The centre — which attracts 15 million visitors a year and is in a wealthy catchment area of around 1.6 million people — has come up against competition recently from Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush. But when Crossrail is completed in 2018, Ealing will be just 13 minutes from Heathrow, 19 minutes from Liverpool Street and 26 minutes from Canary Wharf. So it seems the area will only be coming up in value as time goes on. W hen co mpanies su ch as Lan d Securities an d British Land start co min g into t he area you n eed to start tak ing no tice, o ne simply nee ds to fo llow and not thin k t oo mu ch. Both of these have happened in the month of February. Similar parallels can be drawn to Wembley which has undergone and still is undergoing regeneration. This was pointed out as a spot to invest in in an article I wrote in July 2007. Since then two bedroom flats are now selling for around £350,000 in the new development around the stadium. In the beginning of February this year Brent Town Hall in Wembley was sold to the French Education Property Trust. Brent Town Hall is a Grade II listed Art Deco building in excess of 90,000 sq ft with a site area of approximately 5.3 acres. It was marketed for sale earlier this year due to its relocation to the new Civic Centre in 2013. This is likely to enhance house prices surrounding the school. The school will serve the French ex pat community settled in the UK; they are struggling to have enough school spaces to send their children too. Most are high net worth individuals who are escaping the high tax regime in France. The other site for their existing school is in Kensington which has increased property prices in the surrounding vicinity strongly. So, going back to the need to get good professionals involved, the other important point is at the end of the day very few professionals actually look after your interest; they look after their own and are committed to ensuring they cannot be sued later on down the line. They have no vested interest in whether a deal gets done or not. The leverage we have over them as a firm is the level of repeat business they will get from us if they do a good job. Unfortunately this seems to be prevalent, it's a case of following the money. I find this especially so with lawyers acting for lenders, at times it seems they find all the reasons why a deal shouldn’t happen when it should; we have had deals fall apart with one set of lawyers acting for a lender for the same deal to be agreed by lawyers from another lender.

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

0207 993 0103 info@sowandreap.co.uk

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55 Bryanston Street, Marble Arch Tower, London, W1H 7AA

Tips of the Week l The more desirable features a property has the more it will appeal to tenants and buyers alike, and the more it will increase in price. l Beware when purchasing in auctions, this can be used by many traders as a dumping ground. Check who the seller is and do full due diligence prior to bidding.

Maria Fernandes

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

maria@abplgroup.com

Shortage and Chefs For some time now there has been uncertainty about the future of the hospitality sector as there was a further review, its 6th iteration by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which has now published its report. The long awaited report on a review of the shortage professions has been completed. The Government had asked for advice on the introduction of a “sunset clause” i.e. a clause that an occupation would automatically be removed from the shortage list after a period of time (2 years was suggested) in recognition of the fact that labour shortages provide temporary relief. MAC have rejected this and concluded that this would be a disproportionate response, as it will have little or no impact on migration flows. Some interesting statistics have emerged. Only 1400 Certificates of Sponsorship are issued for shortage professions representing 0.26% of the total (equivalent to 1 in 400 or 1 in 20,000 UK jobs). Of these figures, only 54 Certificates were issued between September 2011 and September 2012. The largest number of shortages came from within the medical profession. This figure compares with the issue of 7500 Certificates to those who have to undergo the labour test requirements of advertising or a thumping 25000 Certificates issued to multinational companies. MAC’s evidence from People 1st, a sector skills council recognised by government, has provided crucial evidence. It indicated that there are 2700 vacancies for chefs, 79% of them are skill shortage positions, with particular difficulties experienced by Asian and Oriental restaurants. In their efforts to upskill staff, People 1st indicated that they had

Roger Aitken The UK Individual Shareholders’ Society (ShareSoc), an independent body seeking to protect private investors’ interests that marks its second anniversary this month, has suggested that the London Stock Exchange (LSE) should “put the brakes on” companies listing on its Alternative Investment Market (AIM) if entities are registered in certain

launched, as a pilot, 5 Centres of Excellence to attract unemployed people who would continue to receive benefits. At the end of it, applicants were guaranteed an interview for a paid apprenticeship. However, due to limited interest, the pilot has been extended. The unanimous view of those who gave evidence was that resident worker’s interest in these apprentice schemes was limited. Even if interest could be drummed up, and at present there is a lack of it, it would take at least 2-3 years to enable recruits to gain basic proficiency, and around 7 years to deliver cuisine of the appropriate standard. Trained chefs were acceptable for nonspecialised chefs but for ethnic restaurants, it was crucial to be able to employ chefs who are immersed in the culture of their cuisine with a highly developed palate. MAC also heard concerns about the other criteria that were excluding chefs from entering, such as the English test or the requirement that an applicant should be in the same role for 5 years before qualifying. Although MAC took the view that these issues were outside their remit, the fact that they included this in the report is telling. MAC concludes that chefs should remain on the shortage list, but that minimum salaries should rise to £29,570. The Government now have to consider this report and decide whether to accept the recommendations or not. They have in the past usually done so. 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.

overseas jurisdictions. ShareSoc, which has held discussions in recent months with LSE officials on the matter but with no tangible results, cites companies in particular registered in the Cayman Islands with AIM listing status as being a “big concern”. “It’s worse than Delaware where anything goes on the corporate governance front,” says Roger Lawson, ShareSoc’s chairman. He further argues there are some “really ques-

Market regulator Sebi cracked down on the retailto-financial services Sahara group and ordered the attachment of all assets of two Sahara group firms, besides freezing their bank accounts and those of their promoters and directors including that of group head Subrata Roy. Sebi's crackdown on the two Sahara group firms - Sahara Housing Investment Corp and Sahara India Real Estate Corp - comes exactly a week after the Supreme Court criticized the market regulator for delays in acting against these firms that had raised money from three crore investors and failed to refund Rs 240 billion along with 15% interest. Passing two separate orders, the market regulator said the two companies had raised Rs

Subrata Roy

63.80 billion and Rs 194 billion respectively from the public and committed "various illegalities" while raising these funds. The purchase value of the attached properties at cost price is pegged at over Rs 200 billione, which would now be much higher. This includes Sahara's 10.20 billion of land in Amby Valley near Mumbai. "I direct the freezing of all the bank accounts, demat accounts of Subrata

Retail global biggies make a beeline for India

Roy Sahara, Vandana Bhargava, Ravi Shankar Dubey and Ashok Roy Choudhary with immediate effect. I further direct attachment of all movable and immovable properties standing in the names of ...these individuals are restrained from alienating, disposing or in any manner encumbering the movable and immovable properties standing in their individual names," said Sebi's whole-time member Prashant Saran in the order. Sebi directed them to furnish details of all these properties in their name within 21 days. Besides, Sebi also asked banks to transfer the amounts lying in those accounts to the Sebi-Sahara Refund Account. A copy of the order has been sent to the Reserve Bank of India and

the Enforcement Directorate. In a statement later, Sahara said that its total liability is not likely to exceed Rs 51.20 billion, which has already been deposited with Sebi. "Today's order of Sebi for attachment of these assets is based on old facts and details of assets as of January, 2012. Since, then facts have changed in view of redemptions made by Sahara from time to time. This fact of redemption was not known to Sebi. Hence, today's order does not take into account the changed facts and circumstances," it said. It further said that as per the SC order the the liability to refund the monies is of SIRECL and SHICL. "Hence, attachment, of assets of the individuals by Sebi is incorrect", the statement said.

America urged to end protectionism

The big daddies of retail may be missing in action but there is a rush of single brand players into the Indian arena with American leather goods player Coach Inc and Spanish fashion house Balenciaga are the latest to join the bandwagon. Industry players said the two companies are in talks with local players for possible joint ventures even as the FIPB allowed four companies to set shop in the country. Along with Fossil Inc, the interministerial p a n e l approved proposals from sports goods major Decathlon and cookware player Le Creuset to set up wholly-owned ventures in India, indicating a bigger commitment from these companies after the government allowed 100% FDI in the single brand retail segment. Similarly, French fashion brand Promod has been allowed to increase its stake in the Indian venture. Fossil Inc, which is planning an investment of Rs 220 billion in India, said it would move as quickly as possible” once it receives formal approval. “India is a key growth market for

Fossil... with investment in design, quality and technology, we see tremendous long-term potential for sourcing India-made products for Fossil's global requirements,’’ Fossil India MD Vasant Nangia said. Although the combined investment of the four players that got FIPB green light is of the order of Rs 7.50 billion, coming on the back of the approval to Swedish retailer IKEA’s plan to invest over Rs 100 billion in setting up stores and back-end infrastructure, the plans would offer significant comfort to the government that is struggling to boost foreign investment flows into the country. IKEA’s proposal is, however, yet to get Cabinet nod. British footwear retailer Pavers England, US apparel brand Brooks Brothers and Italian jewellery maker Damiani were among the first off the block when the government cleared their plans to get a larger slice of the India pie. “The approvals are a good sign and will help increase store rollouts and investments,” said Mohit Bahl, partner- transaction services, KPMG India.

India’s minister for commerce & industry Anand Sharma has urged developed nations, particularly the US, to remain committed to open markets and guard against protectionism. Addressing the 21st NASSCOM India Leadership Forum 2013 in Mumbai last week, Sharma said, "In all my interactions with leaders of the developed world I have argued for freer and more open markets that allow easier movement of professionals." Historically, he said, countries have tended to look inward when faced with recessionary trends. "(However), this is not the right approach. On the contrary, protectionism becomes counter -productive, delaying recovery and deepening recession," he felt. Sharma quoted from a study that had analysed

the practices of 2,500 American MNCs. "Empirical evidence" suggested that for every job outsourced to India, nearly two new jobs were generated in the US. "Let us remember that just as America has offshored some of its work to India, Indian companies are outsourcing activities including software development to American companies," he pointed out. He said Indian software professionals add to the competitive strength of various economies in the world, improve efficiency and drive change. "Erecting artificial barriers will only end up hurting economies and will not support the cause of domestic industry," Sharma claimed. He said information technology has been the most enabling factor in India's economic growth.

tionable” companies listed today on the AIM segment. “In my opinion the LSE could do more to stop companies listing on AIM who are not in a sensible registration jurisdiction,” Lawson said. As it currently stands companies are able to list on the fledgling market, which demands less onerous requirements than on the LSE’s main market, from registrations virtually anywhere in the world. A spokesman for the

exchange indicated there were “no country” barriers to entry. A total of 3,336 companies have been admitted to AIM since 1995, comprising 2,773 UK and 593 international companies. A total 1,096 companies were still resident on the market AIM as at the end of January 2013. This January five AIM-listed companies had their listings cancelled including Aerte Group, Aurelian Oil & Gas, Orchid Developments, Supercart

and Tikit Group. The cited reason for cancellation was “pursuant to AIM Rule 1” or “at the request of the company” according to a LSE fact sheet. Orchid, a Bulgarian property company, is one such company registered in the Cayman Islands. In an effort to assist UK retail investors and the society’s 2,500 members, ShareSoc devised and launched an AIM Rating Scorecard last November. This assesses the merits of

good small caps and those of a more questionable standing. The system, consisting of 47 questions to generate a score (0- 100), is available to download from the society’s website. Scores below the 65/70point range could be a warning sign and require investors to make further investigations into a company’s activities. For further information and membership details on ShareSoc visit www.sharesoc.org

Anand Sharma

finAnciAl voice

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

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

European Central Bank funding dropped Retail sales data from Friday 15th February once again illustrates the unflattering state of the British economy and will no doubt reignite fears that the UK is headed for a triple dip recession. Sales figures fell 0.6% for January against expectations of a 0.5% increase. One of the main factors behind the slump stemmed from food sales, which were 1.6% lower in January, with grocers attributing the fall to the poor weather conditions we saw at the end of the month. However, the poor figures cannot solely be caused by adverse weather conditions. With inflation above the targeted 2% for much of the past four years and an environment of little earnings growth, consumer purchasing power remains under pressure with households presumably limiting their spending habits. ECB (European Central Bank) funding dropped by a third in January from the previous month, a further sign that banks in the heart of the euro zone are returning to money markets after last year's credit squeeze. Banks in countries on the periphery of the 17-mem-

ber bloc still rely on central bank lending, which, while at a record-low interest rate of 0.75 percent, is above market rates. The divergence complicates the ECB's interest rate-setting plans. Eurostat revealed on Friday that euro zone trade surplus was â&#x201A;Ź11.7bln in December, lower than an expected rise to â&#x201A;Ź13.1bln, dampening demand for the single bloc currency. United States data showed that industrial production fell 0.1% in January against an expected rise of 0.2%, weighed down by weak manufacturing and mining. However US consumer sentiment improved unexpectedly in February, with the optimism amongst households buoyed by signs of increased job hiring. Manufacturing shipments in Canada fell dramatically to 3.1%, far lower than an expected fall of 0.8%. Investors used this data as a reason to sell the Canadian dollar and lock in profits against the currencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent gains against the pound. Sterling has continued to weaken against the dollar and

the euro on continued worries about the health of the UK economy. Against the dollar, sterling fell to a seven-month low, and against the euro it was nearing a 15-month low. The falls came after Bank of England policy-

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maker Martin Weale said that sterling may need to weaken further to bolster the UK economy. The pound has been weakening throughout this year following disappointing economic data and worries that the UK may lose is triple-A credit rating. In other news, investors focused on the G20 summit in Moscow on Friday 15 February. At the summit, G20 officials addressed the issue of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;currency warsâ&#x20AC;? (the weakening of currencies via government intervention) as well as monetary policy. Whilst not naming Japan as a participant of the currency war, the group did go on to support the countries effort to end deflation. The comments gave the yen, which has been the worst performing currency of 2013 so far, a bit of relief causing it to bounce off multi year lows.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 19th February 2013 @ 4pm GBP - INR = 83.75 USD - INR = 54.21 EUR - INR = 72.44 GBP - USD = 1.54 GBP - EUR = 1.16 EUR - USD = 1.34 GBP - AED = 5.67 GBP - CAD = 1.56 GBP - NZD = 1.82 GBP - AUD = 1.49 GBP - ZAR = 13.70 GBP - HUF = 336.08

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 areâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;the commercial foreign exchange rates provided by RationalFX. For a live quote or to find out more about how RationalFXâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;can help you, call us on 0207 220 8181.

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Pakistan-Bangladesh-sri lanka

www.abplgroup.com - asian Voice 23rd February 2013

In Focus 32 Myanmar nationals rescued at sea off Sri Lanka

Colombo: Sri Lanka's navy says it has rescued 32 Myanmar nationals whose wooden vessel began sinking while making a perilous journey to Australia. A navy statement says the rescue was made about 250 nautical miles off the island's eastern coast on Saturday. Those rescued are being treated for acute dehydration. The group comprising 31 adult males and a boy had been at sea without food for 21 days when the navy rescued them after being informed by a local fishing boat. Survivors have told local newspapers that there were 130 passengers at the beginning of the journey and 98 died on the way and their bodies were dumped in the sea. They said they were planning to go to Australia after their attempt to enter Malaysia failed.

Assassinations soar in Afghanistan: UN

Kabul: Insurgent attacks on Afghan government employees soared last year by a staggering 700 per cent even as the overall civilian death toll from the war fell, the United Nations said on Tuesday. The targeted killings of women in government service by Taliban-led insurgents was "particularly disturbing", the UN mission in Afghanistan said in its annual report on civilian casualties.

Bangla bans toons to halt Hindi invasion

Dhaka: Bangladesh has banned Hindidubbed version of Japanese cartoon 'Doraemon' from its TV screens over fears that youngsters hooked to it might struggle to learn their native tongue Bengali. Bangladesh's information minister Hasanul Haque Inu told the parliament that "the government doesn't want children's educational atmosphere to get vitiated due to the telecast of Doraemon". "The government has already issued notices directing to stop the telecast of unapproved foreign satellite television channels like Disney, Disney XD and Pogo. So, the airing of the children's favourite cartoon Doraemon has been banned," he added.

Pakistan tests 2nd N-missile in just 4 days

Islamabad: Pakistan last week successfully tested the nuclear-capable Hatf-II ballistic missile with a range of 180 km, marking the second test of a missile system in four days as part of measures to evaluate the capabilities of its Strategic Forces. The test of the Hatf-II or Abdali short range surfaceto-surface ballistic missile was part of the "process of validation of land-based ballistic missile systems", the military said. It described the test as successful. The missile can carry nuclear or conventional warheads with "high accuracy", the military statement said.

Militants storm key govt office in Peshawar, 7 dead

Islamabad: Two suicide attackers disguised as security personnel stormed a government complex in restive Peshawar, northwest Pakistan, on Monday, killing five persons and injuring eight others. Both attackers blew themselves up after exchanging fire with security forces in Khyber House, the office of the political administrator of Khyber tribal region, located within the city's high-security cantonment area. The attackers were wearing uniforms of the Levies militia, witnesses said.

Gunmen shoot Sri Lanka investigative journalist

Colombo: Unidentified gunmen have shot and seriously wounded a Sri Lankan investigative journalist, colleagues and officials said, an incident likely to draw further attention to the Indian Ocean island nation's human rights record. Political violence has eased since Sri Lanka's army crushed a three-decade Tamil separatist rebellion in May 2009, but international human rights groups say rule of law problems persist, including abductions and attacks on media and government critics.

Islamabad: China took control on Monday of a strategic Pakistani port on the Arabian Sea, as part of a drive to secure energy and maritime routes that also gives it a potential naval base, sparking Indian concern. The Pakistani cabinet approved the transfer of Gwadar, currently a commercial failure cut off from the national road network, from Singapore's PSA International to the state-owned China company on January 30. It had not been clear when the actual handover would take place, but Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari presided over the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Monday that was broadcast live by local television. "The contract of operation of Gwadar port is formally given to China. Today, the agreement is transferred from the Port of Singapore Authority to China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited," Zardari said.

"The award of this contract opens new opportunities for our people... It gives new impetus to PakistanChina relations." The Pakistanis pitched the deal as offering an energy and trade corridor that would connect China to the Arabian Sea and Strait of Hormuz, a gateway for a third of the world's traded oil, overland through an expanded Karakoram Highway. Experts say it would cut thousands of km off the distance which oil and gas imports from Africa and the Middle East have to travel to reach China. "Gwadar port

will enhance trade and commerce not only between Pakistan and China but also in the region," said Zardari. China paid about 75 per cent of the initial $250 million used to build the port but in 2007 PSA International won a 40-year operating lease. Then-ruler Pervez Musharraf was reportedly unwilling to upset Washington by giving control of the port to the Chinese. On February 6, defence minister A K Antony said in New Delhi that India was concerned by Pakistan's decision to transfer management of the deep-sea port to China,

which has interests in a string of other ports encircling India. Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman Moazzam Ahmad Khan dismissed those concerns last week, telling reporters: "This is not something that any other country should have any reason to be concerned about." Zardari said the building of infrastructure around the port will also promote economic activity in Gwadar and Baluchistan. But some analysts warn that it may be some time before Pakistan can benefit from China's takeover of Gwadar, stressing that the connecting roads and an expanded Karakoram Highway still need to be finished. They also suggest that security concerns have made China more cautious about big investment projects in Pakistan. Gwadar is the most westerly in a string of Chinesefunded ports in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and potentially Bangladesh that encircle its big rival, India.

Bangladesh moves to ban main Khurshid seeks Bangla help to Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami curb illegal migration, smuggling

Dhaka: Bangladesh's parliament on Sunday amended a law to allow the prosecution of the country's largest Islamic party Jamaat-e-Islami for war crimes, in a move that could pave the way to it being banned. News of the move was greeted by loud cheers from thousands of protesters in central Dhaka who have been demanding a ban on Jamaat, whose leaders are on trial for war crimes allegedly committed in the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. Law minister Shafique Ahmed said that under the new law "any organization including Jamaat can be prosecuted" by a special court for war crimes and if found guilty "it can be banned." Previously only individuals could be prosecuted for war crimes. "It's one step towards banning Jamaat," deputy law minister Qamrul Islam said. The move comes after Prime

Minister Sheikh Hasina indicated that she would back a ban on Jamaat, whose members are suspected in the murder of an anti-Islamist blogger, as it had "no right to be in politics in free Bangladesh". Jamaat was briefly outlawed by Hasina's father, the country's founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the 1970s for supporting Pakistan during the war. However, a military government scrapped the ban after Sheikh Mujib's assassination in 1975. Demonstrations championed by online activists have seen thousands take to the streets for the last two weeks demanding the execution of Jamaat leaders accused of genocide, murder and rape during the 1971 war and a ban on the party. "It's a partial victory for us. We won't stop protests unless Jamaat and Shibir (Jamaat's student wing) are banned," said a blogger.

Dhaka: Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s external affairs minister Salman Khurshid said that New Delhi seeks cooperation from Bangladesh to curb the activities of illegal migration and smuggling alongside the border. Khurshid who arrived in Dhak last week on a two-day official visit was received by his Bangladeshi counterpart Dr. Dipu Moni at the Dhaka airport. "India is speeding up the process of resolution of border boundary issues with Bangladesh. We have already started cooperation on common border management, but still a lot of fine-tuning is to be done. Sometimes incidents of firing took place at the border because of illegal migration and smuggling, and cooperation is needed to stop it," Khurshid said. "Both the countries are working together in various fields including economic

development and strategic cooperation since years, and we value our very good relationship with Bangladesh," he added. Khurshid later co-chaired the second meeting of the IndiaBangladesh Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) along with his Bangladeshi counterpart. The Joint Consultative Commission was constituted under the Framework Agreement on Cooperation for Development signed during the visit of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Bangladesh in September 2011.

people. According to the report, the authorities always said Prabhakaran's son was killed in cross-fire, as troops moved in to take the LTTE's last stronghold. But the images, contained in a new documentary, No Fire Zone, which will be screened at the Geneva Human Rights Film Festival during the UN Human Rights Council meeting in March, suggest the boy was captured alive and killed at a later stage. A forensic pathologist who examined the later images for the filmmakers, said the boy was shot five times in the chest. Furthermore, propellant burns around the wound sug-

gest he was shot at very close range. The film's director, Callum Macrae, claimed that the new photographs were important evidence because they appear to rule out any suggestion that Balachandran was killed in cross-fire or during a battle. They show he was held, and even given a snack, before being taken and executed in cold blood. Prabhakaran's body was displayed on state television, part of the front of his skull missing, also suggesting he may have been shot at close range. The Sri Lankan authorities have always denied shooting anyone who was trying to surrender, it added.

Salman Khurshid

Lankan forces photographed killing of LTTE leaderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son

London: Fresh questions have been raised over Sri Lanka's armed forces conduct during the final stages of the operation against Tamil Tiger rebels after new photographs emerged claiming that the 12-year-old son of the rebels' leader was summarily executed. A series of photographs show Balachandran Prabhakaran, son of Villupillai Prabhakaran, who was head of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). According to the Independent, one of the photos shows the boy sitting in a bunker, alive and unharmed, apparently in the custody of Sri Lankan troops. Another picture which was taken a few hours later shows the boy's body lying on the

Balachandran Prabhakaran

ground, his chest pierced by bullets. The images were taken in May 2009 at the end of the Sri Lankan government's operation to crush the LTTE, which had launched a bloody, decades-long insurgency against the state that led to the deaths of perhaps 70,000

world

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

In Focus Anand Jon admits to molesting US model

New York: IndianAmerican celebrity fashion designer Anand Jon, already serving a 59-year sentence in the US for sexually abusing aspiring models, was jailed for five more years after pleading guilty on a similar charge in a court. Jon admitted to one count of criminal sexual act in Manhattan Supreme Court and was sentenced to five years under a plea deal reached with federal prosecutors. In turn, Manhattan prosecutors dropped almost their entire case against him. He had initially been charged with preying on a dozen women in a 49-count indictment in New York.

Texas woman has two sets of identical twins in one day

Texas: A Texas mother had a one-in-70-million kind of Valentine's Day this year when she gave birth to two sets of identical twin boys, a Houston hospital announced on Monday. The four brothers were delivered at 31 weeks to Tressa Montalvo, 36, via Cesarean section at The Woman's Hospital of Texas in Houston, according to a news release from the hospital. Tressa and Manuel Montalvo Jr. were not using any fertility drugs and had just hoped for a little brother or sister for their 2-year-old son, Memphis, according to the release. "We planned the pregnancy - I guess we just succeeded a little too much!" said Tressa Montalvo. When Montalvo was 10 weeks pregnant, her physician told her she was having twins, and on a subsequent visit, the doctor detected a third heartbeat. The Montalvos were later informed they were having four babies not quadruplets but two sets of twins.

Nepalese parties agree to chief justice led govt to hold elections

Kathmandu: Nepalese political parties on Monday agreed to have a chief justice Khilaraj Regmi-led interim government to hold general elections by mid June for a constituent assembly. Ragmi's 11-member cabinet, comprising exbureaucrats and civil society members, will oversee day to day running of the government but not make decisions with long-term impact. Nepali Congress leader Bimalendra Nidhi, who was involved in drafting the agreement, said Regmi will stay away from his judicial responsibilities during his tenure as the prime minister.

Male: India's diplomatic conundrum in Maldives compounded on Monday after a magistrate's court issued an arrest warrant against deposed president Mohamed Nasheed who has taken refuge in the Indian high commission in Male. India wants the liberal Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leader to contest the presidential elections in September. The Hulhumale magistrate court, which is hearing the case of detention of the chief judge of a Maldivian criminal court by Nasheed's regime in January last year, issued the warrant on Sunday evening. On Monday afternoon, the Maldivian foreign ministry informed the

Mohamed Nasheed

Indian high commission of the warrant instructing Maldives police to produce Nasheed before the court. India is yet to react. "The (Indian) ministry of external affairs is looking into it," Indian high commissioner in Maldives D M Mulay said. Diplomatic sources said the Maldivian authorities cannot serve the warrant at the high commission. "There are clear inter-

national conventions that don't permit such a move," said a top diplomat. "Anyway we are firm on our stand that the Maldivian election should be inclusive." Nasheed took shelter in the high commission last Wednesday fearing arrest in the case which is seen as a ploy to prevent him from running for presidency. Nasheed, who became the first democratically elected President of Maldives in 2008, was ousted in February last year following protests and a police mutiny after the arrest of Judge Abdulla Mohamed who faced allegations of corruption. Nasheed accuses his 2008 coalition partner and vice president Waheed Hassan

Brussels Hindu temple celebrates 1st anniversary Brussels: Brussels Mandir & Indian Cultural Centre in Belgium has celebrated its first anniversary on February 17. Programmes include classical Bharatnatyam dance by professional dancers to offer pushpanjali to Lord Shiva, which was followed by community vegetarian lunch. Meanwhile, Rajan Zed, the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, in a statement, applauded efforts of temple leaders. He said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the

consumerist society and hoped that this temple would focus in this direction. Zed said that instead of running after materialism; one should focus on inner search and realization of self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism. Special events during the coming months at this Mandir include Ramayan Path, Mahashivratri-HoliVa i s a k h i - R a m n a v m i HanumanjayantiN a g p a n c h m i KrishnajanmashtmiKarvachouth-DiwaliKartikpurnima celebrations, Durga Chowki and Jagran, Deep Yagya and Mela.

Armed robbers snatch $50mn in uncut diamonds from Brussels airport Brussels: Eight heavily armed robbers have stolen a consignment of diamonds worth up to ÂŁ32 million from a Brinks van on the runway of Brussels airport. The gang, wearing masks, hooded tops and armed with automatic weapons equipped with laser sights, struck on Monday night in a raid that lasted just three minutes. Their target was a Brink's diamond and jewellery services truck that was loading the Helvetic airlines flight bound for Zurich. The robbers used two vehicles, a Mercedes van to break through a security fence and escaping in an Audi disguised with a blue flashing light as a police car. The first vehicle was later recovered burned out in a Brussels suburb, the second car disappeared without trace. The robbers held Brinks and airport staff at

gunpoint, ransacked the aircraft's cargo consignment and made off with a shipment of 120 small parcels of uncut and polished diamonds. The diamonds are thought to have been from Antwerp, a major European trading centre for the gems where ÂŁ130 million in stones are traded every day. "It would be at about 50 million dollars in diamonds," said Caroline Wolf, a spokesman for the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. "It is a huge amount. What concerns us is that a car could so easily access the airport tarmac." Because many of the diamonds are uncut, the chance of recovering the stolen gems is "very small". "This is mainly rough diamonds from Antwerp. They are not cut and so there is certainly no certificate. They can just be sold and will be soon be gone," said Ms Wolf.

The mandir, whose tagline is "Satyamev Jayate," holds services and chanting regularly on Sundays and Tuesdays, besides yoga classes on Sundays. Earlier, Hindu families used to gather in churches and schools for worship and celebrations. Parkash Gurnani, Ravindra Pal Aneja and Shyam Verma are president, vice president and general secretary respectively of the temple committee.

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Manik, who then took over as the president, of being part of the conspiracy to depose him. The latest warrant comes after Nasheed stayed away from the court proceedings on February 10 and 13. Nasheed's Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) called the warrant "politically motivated". "The MDP believes that the Hulhumale magistrate's court is, de facto, controlled by Dr Waheed (President) and his allies. Waheed, in collusion with allies in the judiciary, has established a kangaroo court to convict President Nasheed." said MDP spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor said. The Maldivian police,

meanwhile, said they were awaiting the foreign ministry's response to the warrant. "Since Nasheed is inside the Indian high commission, we consulted the Attorney General and sought the help of the ministry of foreign affairs to produce him before the court. We are yet to hear from the ministry," Maldives police service spokesperson Hassan Haneef said. Nasheed's lawyer and former minister Hassan Latheef said they were mulling the legal strategy. "We have two days to make the next move," he said. "But the matter is more political than legal. Anyway we don't have faith in this court which is out to fix Nasheed."

Meteorite explodes over Russia, more than 1,000 injured Chelyabinsk (Russia): A meteorite streaked across the sky and exploded over central Russia last week, raining fireballs over a vast area and causing a shock wave that smashed windows, damaged buildings and injured 1,200 people. People heading to work in Chelyabinsk heard what sounded like an explosion, saw a bright light and then felt the shock wave, according to a correspondent in the industrial city 1,500 km (950 miles) east of Moscow.

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Signalling no thaw in relations with Pakistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India wants peace with neighbours but incidents like the brutal killing of two soldiers on the LoC were simply unacceptable and the country would effectively deal with any threat. Speaking at the governors' conference here, the prime minister dwelled on an array of issues and said that the past year had seen improvement in improvement in internal security situation including that in Jammu and Kashmir, the northeast and in the Maoist-affected areas. He said India was committed to working for good relations and peaceful existence with its neighbours but "are also firm in our resolve to deal effectively with any threat to our country". "Incidents like the one that took place on the LoC last month are against the norms of civilized international behaviour and are simply unacceptable to us," he said. India had strongly protested the Jan 8 killing and mutilation of two Indian soldiers near the Line of Control (LoC). Following the incident, India had said there cannot be business as usual with Pakistan.

www.abplgroup.com - asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Manmohan Singh

Referring to the Dec 16 gang-rape that evoked nationwide outrage, the prime minister said real and effective change in the status of women can come only if there is a change in societal values. Urging collective work for the goal, he suggested induction of more women in police forces. He said the government was alive to the need to curb corruption in public life and hoped the parliament will pass the Lokpal bill in the coming days. The government was considering amending the anti-corruption Act to enable faster punishment of guilty public servants and provide more effective protection to honest ones, he added. The prime minister while there had been improvement in overall internal security situation, there is a lot which still

needs to be done. He said the suggestions of Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra for more coherent action on the part of security agencies were worth exploring. Manmohan Singh said the government has endeavoured to bridge the development and governance deficit in the left wing extremist-affected areas and the Integrated Action Plan for 82 backward districts was beginning to show encouraging results. The prime minister said that due to government's efforts, the geographical spread of the menace had shown a shrinking trend and the number of Maoist incidents showed a perceptible decline over the previous year. "However, much more remains to be done and we will make all efforts to accomplish what we still have to do," he said. The prime minister said that there was need to sensitize the police forces towards showing special care in dealing with crimes against the weaker sections and induction of more women in police forces. "I urge the governors to guide their state governments in this direction," he said.

Harvard doctors give Kumbh health facilities thumbs up The first verdict from the international health experts at the Kumbh Mela to record diseases among pilgrims has been positive. The team comprising mainly medical doctors from Harvard University in Massachusetts, USA, is "largely impressed" with the orderliness of the Mela and the lack of any major disease outbreak. However, the caveats follow. "The systems are indeed streamlined. But while there are parts that worked, some didn't," said Dr Satchit Balsari, who led the team of 25-odd doctors from Harvard University's FXB Center for Health and Human Rights to Allahabad. The team found that even though ambulances were in place, their paths were blocked. Smoke from choolahs was the largest cause for respiratory illnesses among the 15,000-odd patients who had visited the various hospitals so far. "Pilgrims use cow dung or firewood to light a fire, resulting in over 23% of patients seeking medication for a cough," said team member Dr Michael Vortmann. The main objective of the Harvard team, which

had the support of the National Disaster Management Authority and the Allahabad Medical College, was to map patterns of diseases, water distribution, sanitation and disaster management plans. The university plans to publish a research paper highlighting public health concerns during mass gatherings and migrations. The Mahakumbh with its massive turnout—thirty million devotees arrived on the "big bath day" of Mauni Amavasya on February 10—made it an ideal study spot. The first reaction of the team was the amazement at the degree of organization. "The electrical grid, wide boulevards, street lights, water supply, sanitation, crowd control, security, sector hospitals and a central referral hos-

pital would be impressive anywhere—but the fact that this is all temporary and will be gone by the end of March—makes it an absolutely astounding organizational feat," said the doctors. The team's goal was to prove that it is not difficult to gather data in resourcescarce settings. Using a handful of I-pads, the doctors have so far mapped 15,000 patients who visited the various hospitals. "If we can do it, the government can certainly do it. Our surveillance tool should help with early detection of impending epidemics in the future," said Dr Kazi. The data of 15,000 patients already has some telling points. For instance, some hospitals near the bathing ghats were more crowded than others.

The Story of Kartikeya – 3

last article we saw decided to ItakenthatourtheSvaha form of the wives

of the seven rishis one by one and enter into union with Lord Agni. However, because of Arundhati’s tapas, Svaha was unable to take her form and so she co-joined with Agni six times. After each time, she took the form of a sheeagle and carried the sperm in her beak to the top of a mountain where she would safely put it in a golden vessel. She did this so no one would see her in the form of the rishi’s wives, who could be blamed for cheating on their husbands. The top of the mountain was guarded by seven snakes who had huge hoods and held terrible poison. There were demons and frightful ghosts on the peak and so the vessel was safe there. From that vessel, a luminous child was born. The rishis named and worshiped him as Skanda (the one who has fallen). This was because every time Svaha would put the sperm in the vessel, it would drop from her beak into the golden pot. That is why this beautiful child was the one who was born from the fallen. Skanda had six

Apex court stays Veerappan aides' hanging, kin relieved

The Supreme Court suspended till the execution of death sentence of the four aides of sandalwood smuggler Veerappan, whose mercy petition was rejected Feb 12. The apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir suspended the death sentence after senior counsel Colin Gonsalves told the court this is a case that involves inordinate delay in the carrying out of the death sentence. Gonsalves said another bench of the apex court headed by Justice G.S. Singhvi has already reserved judgment on the question of whether, in a case where there is inordinate delay in deciding a mercy petition, the convict is entitled to any relief or not. Gonsalves told the court that the judgment was reserved eight months back and its outcome would be applicable in the case of the four Veerappan aides. Opposing the plea, Attorney General G.E. Vahanvati said this was a serious matter as it involves the killing of 20 police personnel in a land mine blast, and came under the category of "rarest.

this young boy on top of the mountain started roaring. Skanda's roar made the skies and heavens tremble and it was louder than the thunder of massive groups of clouds. Hearing the deafening sound, two celestial elephants jumped out of the clouds. Their names were Chitra and Airavata, who was Lord Indra’s mount. Skanda caught them with two of his twelve hands and then merged their strength with his own. With another hand, he caught a huge celestial cock and started playing with it. He then took a large conch shell and started blowing it hard. Sitting flesh. The next day, he was there, on top of the mouna young child and on the tain, the child shone with a fourth day, he was a grown bright red lustre as if a new youth. His skin shone with sun had just arisen. The a lustre matching the redyoung child with his six ness of the rising sun. The heads looked in all six minute he was born, directions. Men who saw Skanda took a great bow in him from below the mounhis hand. The bow was tain fainted at the sight. huge and belonged to Lord The young boy would lift Shiva. The very sight of it those frightened and offer made people's hair stand them gentle words of on end. With this bow, this assurance. The Brahmins child would lead the armies began worshiping this child of the Devas against the as Skanda Deva. Asuras. With the bow in hand, (To be continued) All past articles on the Mahabharata can be accessed from http://epaper.asianvoice.com or from http://www.3stepbreath.com/mahabharata.html heads (six mothers), twelve eyes, twelve ears, twelve hands, one neck and one stomach. Skanda was conceived on the day of the new moon. On the second day following or on the tithi of beeja, he was still a ball of

India, France conclude talks on air defence deal India and France concluded negotiations on a deal expected to be worth around Rs 30,000 crore for co-developing a shortrange air defence system even as French President Francois Hollande made a fresh push for the sale of Rafale fighter jets to India. “Both sides noted the ongoing progress of negotiations on the MediumMultirole Combat Aircraft (M-MRCA) programme and look forward to their conclusion... steps are being taken for finalisation of the Short-range Surface to Air Missile(SR-SAM) project,” India and France said in a joint statement. “Discussions on the M-MRCA contract are progressing well. We have also concluded negotiations on the SR-SAM, which, once approved by the Government, will be co-developed and co-produced in India,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said. Under the M-MRCA contract, India has selected the French Rafale combat aircraft for the deal expected to be worth over Rs 50,000 crore and the two sides are in the commercial negotiations stage. “There is a welcome shift from defence trade to co-development and co-

production of advanced defence items in India, which will help expand our domestic production base and strengthen the India-France strategic partnership,” he said. In the SR-SAM project, Indian DRDO and French MBDA would codevelop an air defence system to take out enemy missiles and aircraft attacking vital installations and buildings. In the meeting between Dr Singh and Mr. Hollande, the “leaders agreed to give further impetus to the strategic partnership.” “The leaders reaffirmed their continued interest to enhance bilateral cooperation which is an important pillar of their strategic partnership and reflects their common determination to work for global peace and security,” it said. The two countries welcomed the ongoing military exercises including, Shakti, Varuna and Garuda and confirmed their willingness to further bilateral defence cooperation, by continuing to conduct such interactions, it said. India has had strong defence ties with Farnce and several ongoing projects.

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The abortive escape bid at Sabarmati Central Jail at Ahmedabad would have been the worst of its kind in the history of this jail which in the pre-Independence era had once held Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Investigations of crime branch has revealed that all the 55 terror accused, arrested for the serial bomb blasts of 2008, who were being held at the jail had plans to escape once the tunnel was completed. The plot was busted on Sunday when a jail staff chanced upon the 42 feet tunnel inside the campus. Initially, a complaint against 14 accused was lodged at the Ranip police station, but now the number of accused is likely to grow to 55. From 2 pm on Wednesday till 7 pm, crime branch officials questioned the blast accused within the jail. They visited the spot and learnt that there were other prisoners - also blast accused - staying in an adjoining barrack who were aware of the clandestine operation. "They aimed to get out through a manhole which is located outside the high-security campus," said

crime branch officials. Sources said that more arrests are likely in this case. "Those undertrials who knew about the conspiracy but were not part of it physically will also be booked in this case. If we feel the need, then a fullscale search operation will also be carried out within the jail campus," said crime branch officials. The 55 blast accused have been shifted to barracks in the high security zone of the jail which houses convicts and hardcore criminals. Armed guards are posted here and its under surveillance round the

Modi set to head BJP's poll panel

While not getting into the issue of prime ministership, the BJP is set to make Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi the head of its 2014 campaign committee. Modi's role in the forefront, which will supplement a "positive agenda" for governance that the party is drawing up to project before the electorate, is learnt to have the consent of the RSS as well. The move, in line with the realisation that Modi had emerged as the party's "most popular leader", is expected to be firmed up in due course as the party prepares for its National Executive and National Council meetings in early March. According to sources, the decision to make the Gujarat CM the head of the campaign panel had been taken a while back and the change from Nitin Gadkari to Rajnath Singh had not altered that. Rajnath Singh is also in the process of forming groups which will draw up a more constructive agenda for the BJP to project ahead of the coming state elections. The party aims to talk of specific actions it will take in key areas such as economy, particularly improving industrial growth, governance and transparency, and internal and external security. Sources said this also

indicates that the BJP is looking to organise a longterm campaign towards polls in 2014 rather than just backing destabilising moves to bring down the government. Following the party's presidential elections, the BJP has held several brainstorming sessions where it was felt that while it had run some very effective campaigns on issues like corruption, these were still in the category of "negative" campaigns and needed to be complimented with a larger campaign on what the party offered as an alternative. Modi, for his part, has always projected himself as a different sort of leader who brings to the table a governance model rather than just dwelling on the failings of the UPA. During a BJP CMs' conclave last August, he had suggested that the party highlight a positive agenda against the follies of the Congress. Following from this thinking, the BJP top brass is also keen to distance itself from an image of constantly disrupting Parliament. So it may let it be business as usual in the coming session if Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde simply withdraws his earlier statement linking RSS and other rightwing organisations with terrorist activities. Just recently, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj had rejected Shinde's offer to give another statement saying that terror has no colour, demanding that he first express regret over his earlier remarks. As for the RSS and Modi's role, the Sangh has reportedly let it be known to the BJP that it has no objection if Modi emerges as the leader on his own right and with the party's backing.

clock with help of 37 CCTV cameras. The 14 alleged terror operatives who made an abortive attempt to break out of Sabarmati Central Jail could now face charges of sedition and unlawful activities. Crime branch officials have sought advice from the state legal department on this issue. “Gravity of the crime entails that strict punitive action be initiated against the undertrials who tried to break out of the jail. IPC sections under which the accused have been booked in the complaint filed by jail officials at Ranip police station are weak and if convicted they shall be sentenced to just two years of imprisonment,” said a senior crime branch official. “However, the way in which these blast accused had conspired and dug a 42feet tunnel to escape was audacious and should attract exemplary punishment. If convicted for sedition they are likely to get life imprisonment,” the official added. Crime branch officials have also sought permission from the state govern-

ment to move a legal petition which would allow the accused to be brought out of the jail campus for their arrest and further questioning in this case. “These men are all accused in the serial bomb blasts of 2008 and for safety reasons have been booked under the section 268 of CrPC which does not allow them to be brought out of jail even for court hearings. We have been granted a 10-day period by the designated court for questioning them within the jail campus. But, this is a serious offense and we need to arrest them and question them further on the larger conspiracy behind the incident,” said crime branch sources. This escape bid of the alleged terror operatives has already drawn the attention of central intelligence agencies. “A joint team of central intelligence agencies reached Ahmedabad and met top officials of Gujarat to take stock of the situation. It remains to be seen whether they wish to question the 14 persons who have been accused of attempting jailbreak,” said a senior Gujarat police official.

Petition in support of direct flight between UK and Gujarat, organised by AV, GS and NCGO (UK) If you want a direct flight from London to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad; if you have a desire to get a permanent, easy connection with people of Gujarat, do sign and get others to sign this petition and send it to “Asian Voice” or “Gujarat Samachar” office by post or fax it to our office (no. 020 7749 4081), at the earliest. THE CAMPAIGN to facilitate direct flights Samachar, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW. We between London Heathrow and Sardar Vallabhbhai will forward all petitions to the Honourable Chief International Airport Ahmedabad, Gujarat has gener- Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi. Who is ated much interest amongst Asian Voice and Gujarat renowned to be in the forefront of serving Gujarati Samachar readers and the entire community. people. All those wishing to add their names to the list of Please note : If you wish to register more than 10 petitioners, which includes several prominent politi- names on your petition, then simply photocopy the cians, business people and community members tear-off form and add the extra names. All petitions are requested to complete the tear-off the form and must clearly state your full names, postal address send it to the off ices of Asian Voice and Gujarat and must be signed and dated.

REGISTER YOUR SUPPORT WE THE undersigned hereby support the direct Air India flights between London and Ahmedabad for the following reasons : q There are more Gujaratis living and travelling abroad than any other Indian community, and this figure is increasing. q About 40% of Air India passenger to the UK are Gujarati. Indeed on some flights, close to 80% to 90% are Gujarati. q India is the 2nd largest investor into United Kingdom, according to British Government figures. Many of these Indian companies are either owned, controlled, or significantly staffed by Gujaratis. q The UK is the Second Largest investor in India, and the largest cumulative investor in Gujarat. q Nearly 50% of all visas issued by British High

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

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

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tors affecting the flow of Indian students to UK universities, one of the delegates also mentioned that a re-entry into the Indian education system after the oneyear taught Masters programme was difficult with lack of recognition.

Speedy visa for businessmen British Prime Minister David Cameron, who arrived in India’s commercial capital Mumbai on Monday, said that, UK would introduce same-day visa services for investors and there would be no cap on the number of Indian students to UK or the duration of their residence there. The British PM also said India should continue to reduce trade barriers to create better opportunities for British companies. He also spoke of partnering in Indian infrastructure projects like a potential economic corridor between Mumbai and Bangalore. He added that Britain was looking to be "India's partner of choice" and was impressed to see India's rise. "India's rise is going to be one of the great phenomena of this century and it is incredibly impressive to see - the vibrancy of your democracy, the great strength of the diversity of your

To make Mumbai world-class Metropolis

PM Cameron meets Indian PM Dr Manmohan Singh

on the number of Indian students who can study and work in the UK. Indian students would be allowed to stay for any length of time to work at graduate level jobs. Currently Britain has 40,000 Indian students. “This relationship focuses on the future rather than on the past. India is planning 40 million

David Cameron offering a garland to the martyr's memorial of 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai

country and the enormous power of your economy, that is going to be one of the top three economies by 2030," he said while addressing officials and executives of Hindustan Unilever.. I want Britain and India to have a special relationship...this is a relationship about the future, not the past," Cameron said in his first public engagement, an interaction with the staff of Hindustan Unilever, the Indian unit of British consumer products' giant, Unilever. Britain wants to be India's partner of choice, the visiting premier said, adding the two countries have a lot in common such as history, language, culture. "You are the largest democracy in the world, and we are the oldest," he further said. "UK can forge one of the great partnerships of the 21st century with India." Cameron stated that it was fantastic to be back in Mumbai. "I am very proud of the fact that I have been the Prime Minister for two-and-a-half-years and this is my second visit to India, because I want Britain and India to have a very special relationship.” Stating that he brought to India the biggest delegation out of Britain, Cameron also mentioned that Britain wants to tie up with India in many different ways and Britain was on track to double trade between the two countries by 2015.

No cap on number of Indian students He added there would be no cap

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

more places in Universities and we will help you provide them.” (Refer to story on international students in page 13)

Britain offers help in chopper scam probe India and Britain agreed on Tuesday to work together to investigate any possible wrongdoing by a British company involved in a major deal to sell helicopters to India that has been clouded by charges of kickbacks and bribes. Cameron during his meeting with his Indian

have introduced anti-bribery legislation that is probably the strongest anywhere in the world. And we will root out any problems of bribery or corruption wherever they appear, and whenever they appear.” Indian investment welcomed The British Premier said there were great opportunities for Indian companies to invest in Britain. "When I see Indian investment in Britian, I only see hope - investments like Jaguar and Land Rover, which is a massive international success story," he said. "We welcome that sort of investment." In a sign of the growing business footprint, British retail company Debenhams will open ten new stores across India by 2017, and UK hairstyling brands Brylcream and TRESemme products will go on sale in India. The Royal Mint and the MMTC-PAMP India have partnered to strike The Royal Mint's gold Sovereign commemorative coins in India for the first time in nearly a century. The InterContinental Hotel Group also plans to expand in India by building 13 new hotels over the next few years. The delegation also explored soft power exchanges in health, education, culture and renewable energy. The British Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, chaired a round table on education and employability at St Xavier's College in Mumbai. On the sidelines of the event, he told the present press and media that they would meet officials of the human resource development ministry in Delhi to discuss the problems associated with recognition of the

David Cameron arrives in Mumbai, India with his trade delegation including Lord Dolar Popat (back-right), Priti Patel, MP (behind PM), David Willets (back left)

counterpart Manmohan Singh said Britain would respond to any request for information on the deal by the Italian firm Finmeccanica and its British subsidiary, AgustaWestland. Under the deal, the companies were to sell 12 helicopters to India. He said, “In Britain we

Masters' programmes in India. "The Indian government education bodies do not recognise the one-year taught Masters' degree from the UK. Though getting a job in the private sector is easier with the degree, the government sector does not recognise it." Attributing this as one of the fac-

Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan also used the occasion to push for investment. "Our vision is to transform Mumbai into a world-class metropolis, which is estimated to require investment worth US $40 billion. Participation of the UK business community will encourage us to plan more initiatives," he said, adding that Cameron had shown interest in investing in Mumbai and Maharashtra.

Mumbai-Bangalore corridor At the Hindustan Unilever office

in Powai, the first of his two engagements in the city, Cameron said British companies could help India develop new cities and districts along the 1,000-km corridor that would link the financial capital of Mumbai with the IT hub of Bangalore.

Trade between UK & India to multiply Trade between India and UK has grown by 23% in 2010-11, and both countries hoped to double the figure by 2015. Before Prime Minister flew out of Britain, City AM reported that he had planned to pledge £8m of government funding for a network of British Business Centres in India. The British PM on arriving lauded the "enormous power" of the Indian economy and said he wanted UK to be "a partner of choice" in India's growth over the next decade. Continued on page 30

Who accompanied PM David Cameron? Business delegation Aecom Arup Association of Colleges Association of Corporate Treasurers Atkins BAE Systems Balfour Beatty Benoy Bluewater Bio Bournville College BP Brit Health Care British Council British Museum BT India Pvt. Cobham Cobra Beer Partnership Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Conversor CTC Aviation Group De La Rue Debenhams Deloitte Diageo DLA Piper DMC Healthcare EADS UK East End Foods Financial Services Authority Flitabout Griffon Hoverworks Hildebrand Technology Hip Impact Protection HSBC Infosys Innovative Physics InterContinental Hotels Group Investis Invotec Group J&H Sales JCB John McAslan & Partners Joseph Rhodes KPMG Lloyd's London Chamber of Commerce & Industry London School of Economics & Political Science London Stock Exchange London Underground Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) MBDA Mitras Automotive (UK) Monsoon Mott MacDonald Muntons New College Nottingham OCS Group Oxford Business Group Pathfinder Health India Pi Capital Polaris Financial Technology

Premier League Project Orange Architects & Interiors Red Gate Software Rolls-Royce Roy Newey Serco Silverstone Hotels Solent India Business Network & Dutton Gregory Solicitors LLP Standard Chartered Standard Life Steps Drama Strongfield Technologies Sybarite Architects Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) UK Technology Strategy Board Thales UK Thames Bridge Capital The Blackstone Group The British Library The City UK The Clinical Trial Company Ltd The Open University TPP Trans Data Management Triumph Motorcycles UK Export Finance UK Higher Education International Unit UKIBC Ultra Electronics Holdings Ultra Global PRT University of Cambridge University of Cardiff University of Exeter University of Southampton Univesity of Warwick Veetee Foods Virgin Atlantic Wadaro Wellcome Trust West Nottinghamshire College Ministers Lord Green, trade minister Hugo Swire, Foreign Office minister David Willetts, universities and science minister Greg Barker, climate change minister MPs and Peers Lord Loomba Lord Noon Lord Parekh Lord Patel Lord Popat Lord Bilimoria Priti Patel MP Alok Sharma MP Paul Uppal MP Shailesh Vara MP

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Ahmedabad- based IT company partners Microsoft & Apple for software solutions By Purvi Apurva Shah IT expert Ripal Vyas started Priya Softweb Solutions in Ahmedabad in 2004 on a small scale for mobile technology application development and in a short span of time became a leader in the IT industry. Now the company has grown into giant one with large number of staff and clientele all around the world. It is now a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner offering web and mobile solutions development services. Later he started Softweb Solutions in Chicago in 2006. Being an ISO 9001:2008 certified company; Softweb Solutions has also obtained Apple, Sybase, Adobe and Sitecore partnerships that helped expanding business activities and opportunities. It has been services domain for various Fortune 500 companies around the globe. The company which began on a small scale has now grown so big that it has an annual turnover of 4 million US dollars and is the fastest growing software development and IT companies headquartered in Chicago which was recently ranked among 5,000 Fastest Growing Companies’ List on Inc. 2011. Softweb Solutions has received the “Best Joomla CMS App Developer or Firm” Award at CMS Expo 2012 held at Chicago. It showcases the best CMS websites and applications. Mr Ripal Vyas named his company Priya, after the name of his wife Priya and daughter of Hariom Raval, MD of the company. Ripal Vyas and his father-in-law Hariom Raval are the brains behind these enterprises. Both, together has multiplied the strength of employees, offices and networks. It has a huge client base worldwide. Chicago, Illinois 2011 Inc. Magazine ranked Softweb Solutions at position 1,508 overall and Number 171 in its industry recently at the publication’s annual ranking of the 5,000 fastest growing private companies in America. The growth rate is 184% starting from year 2007 till year 2010. Mr Hariom Raval talks about his dynamic son-in-law and his success story. He remembered his gradual evolution. He says, “Ripal was born and brought up in Ahmedabad city. He graduated from L.D Engineering College in Ahmedabad and got his Master’s Degree in

Ripal Vyas

Computer Science from USA. He is the only son of Neelam and Mukesh Vyas, who basically hails from Mandal, a small town in Gujarat. He got his admission in one of the best university of USA on his own and then he started working there in Motorola Company for seven years. He was happy with his job but was craving to do something more. He was wanted to start his own business. “Gujaratis have inborn entrepreneurial spirit. Trade and business is in the blood of every Gujarati.” It is said that wherever they might be in the world, Gujaratis have a tendency to find business opportunity in whatever small or big they might be dealing in. Such was the case of Ripal Vyas, who had such an idea juggling in his mind. His drive found a way, and he thought of getting business all around the world and do the outsourcing work in India. Meantime he met his wife Priya, who was working with the same company he was working. They got married in the year 2002 and with their mutual efforts he started with small IT Company – Priya Softweb Solutions in Gandhinagar and then in Ahmedabad. His fatherin-law was also very supportive and later both of them together worked in expanding their business. Mr Raval says, “India has good supply of intelligent manpower, so we wanted our base offices in Ahmedabad. We started small but in no time we started growing bigger and better.” Softweb Solutions has over a decade of experience in developing quality mobile applications for their clients. Combining unparalleled experience with state of the art technical competencies, Softweb Solutions has been providing outstanding mobile application development services to its global clients and has helped them to become high performing companies in their own industry.

Anoushka Shankar, daughter of legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar, has thrown her weight behind an online campaign demanding an end to crime against women, in the wake of the Delhi gang rape. The 31-year-old sitarist has invited one billion women and those who love them, via the website Change.org, to walk out, "Dance, rise up, and demand" an end to this violence this Valentine's Day, February 14. "The campaign 'One Billion Rising' is a promise

that we will rise up with women and men worldwide to say, 'Enough! The violence ends now'," the website said. It also contains a video of Anoushka speaking out for women who have been

victims of abuse and asking people to join the campaign. "As a child I suffered sexual and emotional abuse for several years at the hands of a man my parents trusted implicitly. Growing up, like most women I know, I suffered various forms of groping, touching, verbal abuse and other things I didn't know how to deal with, I didn't know I could change," said the Indian composer, now living in London. "As a woman I find I am frequently living in

fear. Afraid to walk alone at night, afraid to answer a man who asks for the time ... and enough is enough. I am rising, for (the Delhi rape victim) and women like her. I am rising with the amazing women of my country. I am rising for the child in me, who I don't think will ever forgive and recover from what happened to her. "So, join me, let's rise, let's dance. Dance has the power to heal, to transform. So let's transform ourselves and this world. Let's rise together," she added.

India seeks to cancel scam-hit chopper deal Continued from page 1 India has already taken delivery of three of the helicopters. In recent years, India has emerged as the world's largest weapons importer, but procurements are periodically held up by allegations of corruption. Finmeccanica could be blacklisted in India for at least five years if investigators prove bribery. IHS Jane's says Finmeccanica has been pursuing opportunities in India valued at more than $12 billion in 2013. Orsi, who has denied any wrongdoing, resigned on Friday. Govt ready for JPC probe As the Opposition geared up to rake up chopper scam during the Budget session, the government expressed readiness for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe, saying it has nothing to hide and "our hands are very clean." Defence minister AK Antony, who is at the centre of the attack, ruled out his resignation and said he was prepared to explain everything in Parliament. "We are open for a Joint Parliamentary Committee if this satisfies everybody," parliamentary affairs minister Kamal Nath told a press conference when asked whether the government would accept the demand for a JPC probe into the chopper deal. The minister, who held meeting with chief whips of various political parties, said the government had got a "flavour" of the issues including the chopper deal, hanging of Afzal Guru, price rise, land acquisition, food security, planned to be raised during the session. He also rejected the BJP charge that Antony had misled Parliament on the issue of purchase of 12 AgustaWestland choppers. We have enough evidence to nail Tyagi: Italian prosecutors The Italian prosecutors claim that they have come close to nail the former Indian Air Force chief S P

Tyagi as a key part of the Rs 40 billion chopper deal, according to a report. Almost six years before S P Tyagi came under scanner for links with alleged middlemen in the AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal, intelligence agencies had informed the UPA government that the former chief of air staff was lobbying on behalf of mega defence contractors. Classified reports reviewed show that first report about Tyagi's alleged lobbying was generated in 2007, immediately after he retired as the air chief. He remained the air chief between 2004 and

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landed in Milan on Tuesday morning, their agenda was clear. In the lobby of their hotel room, the three sat talking to local Indian embassy officials to work out just one thing- how do they get details and documents of a scam that is causing political uproar across the country. That firestorm began after the arrest in Italy of Giuseppe Orsi, who headed Italian defence company Finmeccanica. In 2010, India agreed to buy 12 helicopters for Rs 40 billion from Finmecannica's helicopter division, AgustaWestland, which is based in London.

2007. We are ready to discuss all issues: Manmohan Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he was ready to discuss the issue in Parliament during the Budget Session. "We can always sit down. There is scope for discussion. Parliament is a forum for discussion. We are ready to discuss all issues," Singh said when asked about the Opposition threat to stall Parliament on chopper "scam". Indian team hits roadblocks As soon as the investigating team from India probing the chopper scam

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Purvi Apurva Shah ayanad is one reason for Kerala making into the list '50 must-see W tourist destinations of the world' by

National Geographic. Wayanad is a derivative of the term vayal nadu, where vayal means paddy fields and nadu the land, comprising it to indicate a land of paddy fields. Wayanad is explicitly beautiful with mist clad mountains, intense forests and fertile green plantations. The forests of Wayanad are cosmic landmasses for animals to enjoy their natural dwelling. Snuggled amidst the Western Ghat Mountains, Wayanad is one of the hill stations of Kerala. It is a foreign exchange earner of the state because of its cash crops such as vanilla, tea, coffee, pepper, cardamom and many other condiments. Wayanad shelters a number of endangered species as it has an amazing range of flora and fauna. Wildlife aficionados and nature lovers will find Wayanad wildlife sanctuaries as the right place of visit. The place enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the whole year.

Having an influential history, numerous evidences depicting new Stone Age civilization is seen on the Wayanad hills. Relics and edicts are found in this place giving importance to its prehistoric history. According to the history, Wayanad was ruled by the Veda tribes, it was then taken by Pazhassi Rajas, and later Hyderali conquered Wayanad. When Tipu took over, he handed it to British. It was the British who introduced cash crops, laid roads and developed Wayanad significantly. Wayanad Attractions Edakkal Caves: It is 25 km from Kalpetta and just 3 km from Ambalavayal. This is a crevice for about 96 ft in length and 22 ft width. A fissure was created due to a rock splitting due to natural weathering. The depth of the crevice and the fissure is nearly 30 ft which gives an appearance of a cave. Banasura Sagar Dam: It is approximately 21 km towards the north west of Kalpetta. It is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam extends to a wide area with crystal clear waters. Undisturbed and engulfed amidst the hills, Bansura Sagar Dam is an absolute delight for the tourists. Chembra Peak, Kalpetta: Chembra Peak is the tallest peak in all of Wayanad district. It is at a staggering height of 2100 meters above sea level. This peak is especially popular with both mountain climbers and trekkers alike. Kuruva Dweep: Kuruva Island is situated on the tributaries of the river Kabani and is a fabulous picnic spot. Its serene silence and wide expanse of the evergreen forest leaves you astonishing.

Meenmutty Falls: The most impressive water fall that can be found in Wayanad district is Meenmutty Falls. The view of the falls, makes it worth the effort. During the monsoons, this waterfall can be very attractive. Neelimala View Point, Vaduvanchal: Neelimala View Point is a scenic spot that offers bird's eye view of the Meenmutty falls and the valleys surrounding it. The route to the point is a good trekking route too. Pookot Lake, Vythiri: The Pookot Lake is a breathtaking location. The water is clear and the foliage that surrounds it is a beautiful forest. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride against a serene backdrop. Soochipara Falls, Kalpetta: The Soochippara Waterfalls also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls are situated near Meppadi is nature’s treasured gift. The waterfall cascading from a height of 100 to 300 feet is a treat to the eyes. Muthanga/ Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Lakkidi: The Muthanga

Wildlife Sanctuary, also referred to as the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, is located on 345 square km of densely forested land. This sanctuary is popular with birdwatchers. Birds like peacocks, babblers, egrets, snipes, bulbuls, peafowl, and cormorants can be seen here. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary: Pakshipathalam is 7 km towards the northeast of Thirunelli Temple. Pakshipathalam is perched nearly 1740m above the sea level and a heaven for passionate bird lovers. With moist deciduous forests traveling to Pakshipathalam is a venture. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. One of the memorable experiences will be night camping. The watch tower of this sanctuary is situated above the lake and is the main water source to animals. This gives a thrilling experience, as at night animals come to drink water in this lake. How to reach by air: Wayanad doesn't hold any airports and the nearest airport is the Karipur International Airport. This is situated in the Malappuram district of Kerala. Wayanad is just 100 km away from the airport. By rail: Similar to airways, Wayanad doesn't have any railways. The nearest railway station is Kozhikode. Kozhikode is connected with all major cities of India. By road: It has a well connected roadways to the main cities and towns. The Kozhikode - Mysore National Highway passes through Wayanad district. There are frequent bus services by private and state transport buses. The road network links Wayanad with places like Kannur (98 km), Ooty (115 km) and Mysore (142 km).

By AV Correspondent avagadh is a historical and religious destinaP tion at the base town of

Champaner. The hill of Pavagadh rises from Champaner in three stages and this plateau lies at an altitude of 1,471 feet. A pilgrimage spot, called the Shakti Peeth, the Pavagadh hill leads to the hill top temple of the Goddess Kali, who is the incarnation of the Goddesses Parvati, Durga, and Sati as Shakti or power. The mythological belief makes the Pavagadh hill popular is the symbolic toe of the Goddess Sati, who happened to have fallen on earth as the griefstricken Lord Shiva, Sati’s husband, carried her dead body on his shoulders. The myths and religious fervor attracts around 2.5 million pilgrims and tourists to Pavagadh each year. Apart from the religiously important days, Pavagadh draws crowd round the year because of the scenic beauty that is attached to the place. Pilgrims apart from using the ropeway also walk it up right from the foothill up to Macchi. Champaner-Pavagadh is promoted as World Heritage site and steps are Try this traditional south recipe today! Ingredients: 2 tbsp sesame seeds (til)- 2 tsp ghee-3 tbsp broken cashewnuts (kaju) 1/2 cup freshly grated coconut-2 tsp coconut oil or any other oil-1 tsp mustard seeds ( rai / sarson)-1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)-1 tsp urad dal (split black lentils)-1 tsp chana dal (split Bengal gram)-1 whole dry kashmiri red chilli, broken into pieces-7 to 8 curry leaves (kadi patta)-1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing)-2 tsp finely chopped green chillies-2 1/2 cups cooked rice (chawal)-salt to taste Method: Heat a small pan, add the sesame seeds and dry roast on a slow flame for 3 to 4 minutes, while stirring continuously. When cool, blend in a mixer to a coarse powder and keep aside.Heat the

being taken to make it as a modern tourism destination. Pavagadh along with Champaner and Macchi is a UNESCO world heritage site. This site reflects grand historical confluence, displaying 1,200 years of history and culture. It is believed to bear testimony to the Indian Puranic ages, the Rajput saga, the glory of the reign of the Marathas, the Islamic influences and finally lays proof

period began with Muhammad Begada defeating the Patai Raval clan that was ruling the area, and strategically moving his capital from Ahmedabad to the Champaner site. Gateway to Panchmahal, 46 km away from Vadodara (Baroda), it is a tribal area populated predominantly by the Bhils. The government has granted many concessions and offers

to the British occupation within its remains. An added attraction to the place is the ropeway that takes you right up to the temple. It is also known for the fact that a dargah is right atop the temple - a clear testimonyto religious tolerance. The narrative says that the dargah was maintained by the temple trustees and a must visit for all those who visit the temple at the hill top. The 15th century Muslim influence as Muslim

subsidies to the new industries coming up in this area. Pavagadh is also known as the birthplace of Gujarat’s famous musician, Baiju Bawra. How to reach: Champaner is 45 km from Vadodara, accessible by bus or private vehicles. Cars can be hired in Vadodara to drive to C h a m p a n e r - Pa va g a d h , which is the best option if you want to combine the journey with other sites like Jambughoda.

Coconut Rice ghee in the kadhai, add the cashewnuts and sauté on a medium flame till they turn golden brown in colour, while stirring continuously. Remove and keep aside. Heat the oil to the same kadhai and add the mustard seeds.When the mustard seeds crackle, add the cumin seeds ,urad dal, chana dal, red chillies,curry leaves and asafoetida and saute on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes,while stirring continously.Add the sesame seeds powder, green chillies, rice, sautéed coconut and salt

and mix well. Serve hot garnished with the cashewnuts. Health benefits: The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. Coconut has amazing healing powers.

HealtH Watch

www.abplgroup.com - asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Babies start ‘mind reading’ earlier than thought Babies as young as a yearand-a-half can guess what other people are thinking, according to new research. Researchers studied almost all of the available children in three communities in China, Fiji and Ecuador from ages 19 months to about 5 years. "The findings may shed light on the social abilities that differentiate us from our closest living relatives, chimpanzees," said study author H Clark Barrett, an anthropologist at the University of California, Los Angeles. They used a form of the false-belief test on 91 kids, one of the few cognitive tasks that young children, but not primates, can do, LiveScience reported. Humans are very good at inferring other people`s mental states: their emotions, their desires and, in this case, their knowledge,. Barrett and his colleagues wondered whether cultural differences in dealing with adults could be obscuring the amazing cognitive leap children were taking.The team created a live-action play with a very similar set-up to the classic false-belief test: A man leaves some scissors hidden in a box, while another person comes in and puts them into his pocket.Researchers noted that youngsters consistently looked at the box, showing that the little ones expected the first man to search for the scissors where he had left them. The findings show that children develop this mind-reading ability of sorts years earlier than previously thought, and that this development looks the same across many different cultures, researchers said.

To Our Readers We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement it. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

Keep your ‘eat healthy’ resolution this year

Any quest ions writ e to m amta By Mamta Saha @thinkspalon don.com Psychologist

very year you make a resolution to eat E healthier but it usually goes out of the window by the time February comes around. Well it doesn’t have to this year. Eating healthy isn’t that tough, all you need is proper guidance and a little bit of self control. Expert dietician Payal Chhabria shares some simple tips to achieve this goal: Drink plenty of water: Aim to drink about 8-10 glasses of water each day. Choose whole grains more often: Try whole wheat breads and pastas, rotis / chapatis, bhakris and oatmeal. Select a mix of colourful vegetables each day: Different coloured vegetables provide different nutrients. Choose dark, leafy greens such as spinach, methi and reds and oranges such as carrots, sweet potatoes, red peppers and tomatoes. Choose fresh fruit and fruit juices more often than aerated drinks and sherbets: Fresh fruits and fruit juices are packed with nutrients unlike aerated drinks and packaged fruit juices, which are primarily sugar based. Choose foods from the milk group and legumes & meat group in adequate quantities: Most Indians do not eat enough protein to meet their needs. Milk and meat groups are sources of protein rich foods. Use fats and oils sparingly: Olive, canola and

peanut oils, almonds, walnuts and fish provide heart-healthy fat as well as vitamins and minerals. Excess consumption of fatty fried foods must be avoided. Eat sweets sparingly: Limit foods and beverages that are high in added sugars like mithais (sweets), chocolate based drinks or foods, sugar based drinks and sherbets. Eat three to six meals spread out at regular time intervals every day: Avoid skipping meals or eating junk foods. Choose a variety of foods: To help you get all the nutrients and fibre you need. Eat home cooked food: Food made at home is often healthier than outside food as you can regulate the ingredients that go into the recipe. Food that is boiled, steamed, grilled, baked, roasted, pressure-cooked is always healthier than fried, salted, canned or bottled food. Healthy eating starts with healthy food shopping: Stocking the kitchen with fruits, whole grain breads or biscuits as snacks is a wiser option than going in for chips and aerated drinks. Hence, shop for foods wisely and read food labels carefully. The author is an eminent dietician and nutritionist. She is a consultant for MediAngels, the World’s First e-Hospital.

Relationship Etiquette Part 1

his weeks article is all about Relationship Etiquette. Most people intuitively know the importance their impact can have on other people. It would be no exaggeration to say that people are the most valuable resources that we have. Since relationships are so central to life it is important to know the etiquette around creating and maintaining strong relationships. Firstly, do not judge a by its cover. book Psychologists say that perceptions are formed within 7 seconds of meeting someone. Whist this is insightful often our initial perceptions may put us off from creating rapport with another person. Be the bigger person, challenge your initial judgements especially if they are negative and look for areas of common ground. Secondly, if you have a tendency to negatively voice your views about people’s appearance and clothes stop in your tracks. This behaviour will most

Television viewing and lack of exercise at age 16 is associated with the risk of developing metabolic syndrome at 43 years age, a team of scientists has found. Metabolic syndrome is a name for the disorder of metabolism - a combination of abdominal obesity, elevated blood lipids, hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance - which provides for a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease. It has previously been shown that lack of physical activity increases the risk of metabolic syndrome. It is also known that low leisure-time physical activity, for example, how much time spent watching TV is linked to the risk of metabolic syndrome independent of

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definitely damage your relationships and credibility; trust will be broken and will take a very long time to rebuild. Remind yourself firstly that not everyone is superficial and when you point one finger at someone there are 3 pointing back at you. This pompous behaviour will not help you win any brownie points with anyone. Thirdly, if you have a natural tendency to offend people with the comments you make, start thinking before speaking. Extraverts have tendency to talk and then think, however Introverts think and then speak. Take a leaf out of an Introverts book. Before you speak ask yourself: Why am I talking? (W.A.I.T). Try to listen more and be more curious about others (this builds relationships). Refrain from looking down your nose at people (judging) and become more open to the possibility that everyone has something unique to offer; you may

exercise habits. The new research findings have now been able to show that these relationships extend over a large part of life, specifically between 16 to 43 years of age. The study was conducted by scientists at U m e a U n i v e r s i t y. "The results demonstrate that we need to consider how we can reduce sedentary lifestyle among children and adolescents,"

learn something new. Lastly be consistent with your behaviour. When you are consistent you create trust and credibility. If your behaviour changes on different occasions this sends out mixed messages around your authenticity and reliability as an individual. If you change when people are around ask yourself why you are doing this and what is driving your behaviour. Ask yourself if it is building or breaking your relationships. If you want to raise your own self-awareness seek feedback from people you trust and start to understand the impact you have. Ultimately the world is a very small place and personal branding has never been more important than now. Seek to build relationships as opposed to damage them. If you are interested in one to one or group sessions, email me: mamta@thinkspalondon.co m. Don’t forget to ‘Like’ us on FB and follow us on Twitter. Good luck – God Bless! said lead author, a general practitioner and Adjunct Professor Patrik Wennberg, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea University. "It may be more important than only focusing on increased fitness a n d sports activities for

those who are already interested," he added.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Cameron woos India Continued from page 26 He hoped India too would work to break the barriers in their twoway exchanges. On their part, Indian entrepreneurs acknowledged that India had posed challenges with the uncertainty of its reform policy and the issue of retrospective taxation, but assured an optimistic outlook on future ties. Cameron also stopped by the police gymkhana to pay tribute to the cops who lost their lives during the 26/11 terror attack. Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Transport for London (TfL) on Monday signed MoU for the development of under ground metro in Mumbai. MMRDA plans to construct 33 km under ground metro (Line 3) of the total 146, 9 lines metro network in Mumbai and Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) area. As per the MoU, TfL through its subsidiary, London Underground Limited, with an experience of exe-

cuting and operating the underground network for 150 years, will share its experience.

Sun's transit of your 12th Solar House indicates that experience will put you in a deeply reflective mood. This is a good time to get away and seek a retreat for a few days. All the better if you are interested in such things as meditation, yoga and therapies that help you to get in closer touch with your inner self.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

The Royal Mint and MMTC-PAMP India strike deal For the first time in nearly a century, Cameron visits Delhi University with actor Aamir Khan The Royal Mint and Obama in 2010 during his India the MMTC-PAMP India have partvisit, is the only Bollywood actor to nered to strike The Royal Mint’s gold be meeting the English premier. sovereign commemorative coins in Apparently, the actor's team and India. David Cameron's office have been working out the schedule since a Bollywood actor Aamir couple of months. The British PM Khan meets Cameron expressed a desire to meet Aamir Bollywood actor Aamir Khan met Khan owing to his growing popularCameron in New Delhi on Tuesday. ity in the UK after he featured on the They interacted with students of cover of Time Magazine. Cameron Janaki Devi Memorial College in has also been impressed with New Delhi. Aamir Khan, who had Aamir's social work through his TV met with US President Barack show “Satyamev Jayate.”

Coming Events l Lichtenstein- A Retrospective- Exhibition- 21 Feb27 May 2013, Tate Modern. Call 020 7887 8731 l Gujarat Hindu Society organises Youth Sports Festival, Sunday 24 February, 2013, 10am-4pm. Juniors-8-11 years, Youth 12-14 yearsm Senior 1518 years. Entrance £1/per sport, sports include: Badminton, Table Yennis, Carom, Chess, Kho Kho, darts, Dodge Ball. Contact: 01772253901 l Shazia Mirza Cuckooland UK Tour 21 Feb: Bath- Ustinov Studio Theatre Royal 24 Feb: Leicester- Just the Tonic 1 March- Andover- The lights 3 March- Bristol - Tobacco Factory Theatre 8 March- High Wycombe - Swan 16 Mar- Sudbury - Quay Theatre 17 Mar- Canterbury - Gulbenkian 22 Mar- Reading - South Street Arts Centre 23 March- London - Canada Water Culture Space 29 March- Millom - The Beggar’s Theatre 30 March- Birmingham - The Drum For more information contact David Burnsdavid@davidburnspr.com

Gandhi's letter sells for £115,000 at an auction in Ludlow

A letter written by Mahatma Gandhi has sold for £115,000 at auction - after being expected to fetch £10-15,000. The letter, typed by Gandhi when he was detained in India by British forces in 1943, contains a plea for his freedom. Richard Westwood-Brookes of auctioneers Mullocks, in Shropshire, said he believed it was a "world record figure" for a letter by the Indian leader. He said the letter, sold in auction in Ludlow, had belonged to a man in India who was a freedom fighter with Gandhi. He also said the elderly seller decided to auction the letter because he wanted to "provide for his family". Mr Westwood-Brookes said the document, addressed and dated "Detention Camp, October 26th 1943" was one of the most important letters by Gandhi.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 If you're currently romantically involved, your lover could well go from strength to strength in the area of passion. The work that you are involved with at this time is likely to demand a great deal of energy and initiative from you. This will also involve a lot of moving around and a need to establish a wider network of contacts. You will have the distinct feeling that everything is moving ahead at a very satisfying pace. You will be in a forward-looking mood, more inclined to reflect on the future and its potentials. The underlying trend seems to be pulling you into a much wider social circle now. This is bound to enrich your life and give you a deeper sense of purpose.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

You will feel confident as the week begins. The cosmic energies are decidedly invigorating at the moment. If you are taking a holiday, so much the better ! Not only do you have Sun putting a favourable emphasis on travel but, with Mars you can be sure of deriving the utmost pleasure from adventures and excursions.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

It is a particularly favourable time for dealing with financial interests with a long-term basis. You will be able to sort out any difficulties by taking immediate action. There may be a certain amount of unfinished business to be dealt with.Therefor, you need to be flexible in order to accommodate the odd twists and turns of everyday life.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

If lately you have had all sorts of demands being placed on you from all sides, don't despair; take some time out to reflect. Once you know, don't hesitate to implement it systematically. A tremendous amount of planetary activity in your chart signals a time of mixed emotions as well as personal issues to be dealt with.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

With Venus traversing your sign of desires for some time to come, it will put you in the right mood to indulge your pleasure-loving instincts. Venus, the planet of love and romance throws a pleasing light on affairs of the heart. Existing emotional differences can be easily sorted out now. Your creativity is also riding high.

l The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair The UK’s biggest-ever celebration of science and engineering for young people comes to London’s ExCeL Centre from 14 – 17 March 2013. Families are invited to register now for the FREE event open to the public on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March at www.thebigbangfair.co.uk, 14th and 15th March are open to school groups only.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

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The accent’s very much on relationships. The opening up of a more diverse social life is a point in favour of romantic attachments, if this is what you want. You will achieve a lot more, especially when you're motivated by your own desires. The general pattern of things continues on a progressive and buoyant theme.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Efforts to restructure and transform your lifestyle are more likely to meet with success. Experience you have built up in the past will now stand you in good stead. At times this could lead to a conflict of loyalties and perhaps a degree of resentment that others are taking advantage of you. CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

Jupiter's transit in your solar 6th house, you will find it easy to do well at work and rise to great heights. During this transit you will enjoy robust health and find physical activities very enjoyable. Plan your spending and set sensible budgets to reach your financial goals. Jupiter, the planet of abundance, is transiting your solar 5th house. You have plenty of romantic options. Financially you are still not out of the woods as Sun and Mars are transiting your financial sign. At work you will experience a relaxed atmosphere and this will help you to get on with everyone.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

You will feel energetic and confident as the week begins. New beginnings are favoured around now, as long as you do not bite off more than you can chew. Your thinking is inspired, so listen to your thoughts. This may be a time of expansion and improved opportunity and it would be unwise to let yourself become complacent.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

Sport World

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Another milestone for Messi; scores 300th goal for Barcelona

Four strong batting partnerships, backed up with a combined bowling effort, saw favourites Australia beat West Indies by a massive 114 runs to clinch their sixth ICC Women’s World Cup crown at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. After posting a target of 260 runs, the highest-ever World Cup final total, the Aussies were already halfway to the title. The bowling unit took care of the rest as the World Cup dream eluded underdogs West Indies, who lacked bite across all departments and were bundled out for 145 with 41 balls to spare. West Indies suffered an initial collapse as opener Kycia Knight (17), Natasha McLean (13) and Stafanie Taylor (5) were sent back cheaply. Behind the mayhem was the lanky pacer Ellyse Perry. Following a nervous start that saw her abort her

run-up twice, Perry - who made a return from a leginjury - got down to business and went about dismantling the Windies top order to

reduce them to 41/3. Facing an injury-prone day, West Indies lost a retired hurt Kyshona Knight for a mere 6 as skipper Melissa Aguilleira (23) and Deandra Dottin (22) attempted a recovery. Crawling to 50 after 18

BCCI opposes Lorgat’s appointment as CSA CEO

Haroon Lorgat, it is believed, did not get an extension as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Cricket Council (ICC) because the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was not in favour of such a move. Now it’s learnt that BCCI is also opposed to Lorgat becoming CEO of Cricket South Africa. Exact reasons for the BCCI’s opposition to Lorgat are not known but the Indian Board considered Lorgat as an adversary during his fouryear stint in ICC. The buzz is strong in South Africa that the BCCI has told their cricket officials that they would lose a ‘friend’ if Lorgat was to be appointed CSA CEO, which is going for an overhaul. Interestingly, Lorgat is the favourite after Jacques Faul, the current acting CEO, relinquishes the post. Clear message: Sources in the know of things say on the sidelines of a recent ICC meeting, CSA’s acting president Willie Basson was told in

Haroon Lorgat

clear terms if the board appoints Lorgat, then the BCCI would no longer consider them as a friend. A top official once even admitted that the BCCI was responsible for the veteran administrator’s exit from the ICC. One vice-president of the BCCI told Mirror that Lorgat is not a friend of India. There is even a talk that the BCCI was not happy when Sri Lanka Cricket and Pakistan Cricket Board availed his services as a consultant to their boards. BCCI president N Srinivasan was not immediately available to confirm about their opposition to Lorgat and those available could neither confirm nor deny the development. Lorgat too was not available to comment.

overs, Aguilleira and Dottin found their groove as the former started off with a sweeping boundary followed by a huge six. Dottin com-

plemented her captain, blasting two sixes out of the park. They stitched together a 47-run partnership which was brought to an end by spinner Lisa Sthalekar as she bowled Aguilleira. Despite the spurts of big

hits, the overall runrate suffered due to a dearth of ones and twos as West Indies reached the 100-run mark off a Dottin boundary in the 30th over. After Sthalekar bowled Dottin within four overs, the Aussies had the game in their pockets. Australian eves win the Women’s World Cup for the sixth time by easing past West Indies in final Experience counts: It is the lesson that the spirited bunch of West Indian eves learnt as they were handed a 114-run loss by their Australian counterparts in the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup here yesterday. Australian eves, who had been failing to fire in the tournament, came all guns blazing to win their sixth title in the seven finals— their third on the Indian soil. Their only blip in a World Cup final had been against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in 2000.

Advani’s shock victory over Murphy sparks ‘fixing’ claims Indian world billiards’ champion Pankaj Advani’s shock win over Shaun Murphy in snooker’s Welsh Open last week led to the Englishman facing accusations he’d deliberately lost the match. Murphy, the 2005 snooker world champion, was beaten 4-3 by Advani in Newport, south Wales, with the Indian playing on the senior professional snooker circuit for the first time this season. Murphy received a Twitter message from a user whose account appeared to have been deleted subsequently, saying: “Rumours going round you match fixed tonights game Shaun??? Any truth??” The shocked English cueman replied: “Absolutely not-ouch.” He later added: “Worst day of my career today, being accused of losing on purpose.” The 30year-old Murphy received support from his fellow professionals, with Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen tweeting: “Don’t be silly mate. We all know its a pile of crap!!! Never a more untrue word

Lionel Messi led Barcelona to a 2-1 comeback victory with a double strike at lowly Granada in La Liga on Saturday taking his tally for the club to 301 goals. The World Player of the Year pounced on a loose ball to level in the 50th minute before netting a superb free kick for the winner in the 73rd, the 37th goal of the campaign for La Liga’s top scorer. Only a last-minute save from keeper Tono in a one-on-one situation denied Messi a hat-trick. The victory moved Barca 15 points clear at the top of the table. Barca, who visit AC Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League, are 19 points in front of third-placed Real Madrid with the champions hosting city rivals Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Federer stunned in Rotterdam

Julien Benneteau caused a major surprise in the quarterfinals of the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament by beating top seed Roger Federer 6-3, 7-5. Federer, the reigning champion in Rotterdam, was broken in his opening game, which proved to be a sign for a difficult match. In the second set, Frenchman Benneteau placed a decisive break on 6-5 to secure victory. Federer, currently number two of the world ranking, won the ATP tournament in Rotterdam in 2005 and 2012. "I am glad I could finish it this way," Benneteau was quoted as saying by Xinhua. "This is a dream. Probably my best win ever." In the semi-finals Benneteau, ranked 39th on the ATP World Ranking, will meet compatriot Gilles Simon. The other semi-final will be between Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov and Argentinean Juan Martin Del Potro, who lost the final to Federer last year.

Pakistan close to an Olympic ban, says IOC

Pankaj Advani

spoke. Chin up.” Last year’s World Championship runner-up Ali Carter called Murphy “an asset to the game”, and former world No.3 Neal Foulds added: “Nobody in snooker believes that of u. Its a 100% nonstarter. Great match to watch. As the cliche goes, shame there was a loser.” Murphy fell 3-1 behind against Advani before recovering to force a deciding frame. However, in that final frame Advani established a significant lead, and although Murphy played on needing snookers, the Indian won the match.

Pakistan could soon join neighbour India as Olympic outcasts with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) considering suspending the country over what it said was government interference. "We might soon consider a suspension as a protective measure," IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. He said the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the country's government had been invited to the IOC's headquarters to discuss a domestic dispute over the sports body's independence. "The government of Pakistan has ignored the invitation," Adams said. Pakistan Olympic officials claim the government has been interfering with the administration of the POA in a dispute that has been simmering for months. The IOC banned India in December over government interference in elections of the Indian Olympic Association. An Olympic ban means an effective end to funding from the IOC to the national Olympic association. No officials of that association can attend Olympic meetings and athletes of a banned nation cannot compete at the Games under their country's flag.

'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius charged with murdering girlfriend

Looking grim and solemn, Olympian Oscar Pistorius was charged on Tuesday with the premeditated murder of his model girlfriend on Valentine's Day. Prosecutor Gerrie Nel told the court that Pistorius shot 29-yearold Reeva Steenkamp four times through the bathroom door of his home in the South African capital, Pretoria. Nel said the door had been broken open. The family of the 26-year-old double-amputee who last year became the first disabled person to compete in the Olympics says police evidence will show there should be no murder charge. The charge was made as Steenkamp's body was being driven to a

church for a memorial service in the south-coast city of Port Elizabeth. The family said mem-

bers have gathered from around the world. June Steenkamp, the model's

mother, said the family wants answers. "Why? Why my little girl? Why did this happen? Why did he do this?" she said in a front-page interview published in The Times newspaper. Pistorius who appeared in court nodded after the chief magistrate asked if he was well. The bail hearing was the first opportunity for the prosecution to describe evidence police gathered against the runner and the reasons why he was charged with murder. Pistorius' family denies he committed murder though they have not addressed whether he shot her. When word first emerged about the killing there was speculation in the local media that

Steenkamp had been mistaken for an intruder in Pistorius' home. Police have said that was not something they were considering. In an email, Pistorius' longtime track coach who was yet to comment said he believes the killing was an accident. "I pray that we can all, in time, come through this challenging situation following the accident and I am looking forward to the day I can get my boy back on the track," Ampie Louw wrote in his statement. "I am still in shock following the heart-breaking events that occurred last week and my thoughts and prayers are with both of the families involved."

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd February 2013

Cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara begins new innings

Indian cricket’s latest sensation Cheteshwar Pujara began the new innings of his life when he tied the nuptial knot with Pooja Pabari, daughter of an affluent businessman of Rajkot. Cheteshwar, affectionately called Chintu, got married at a ceremony that was closely guarded at a private party plot. Media persons were kept away from the venue by bouncers hired by the family. Pujara had got engaged to Pooja, an MBA in retail marketing, on November 6 last year. Pujara has been selected for the upcoming home series against Australia. The ‘hast melap’ ceremony was performed at the private plot located on Kalawad Road. There was a ‘sanji’ ceremony where woman sang traditional marriage songs. This was followed by the ‘dandiya-raas’ at his house on 150-feet Ring Road. The reception was held on February 14 in city where many top cricketers attended the function.

Angelo Mathews named Sri Lanka's new Test, ODI skipper

All-rounder Angelo Mathews has been appointed Sri Lanka's new Test and one-day captain for next month's home series against Bangladesh, selectors announced. The 25-year-old replaced prolific batsman Mahela Jayawardene, who stepped down after leading on a recent tour of Australia where Sri Lanka lost the Test series 3-0 and drew a one-day series 2-2. Dinesh Chandimal, named Mathews's deputy in Tests and one-day internationals, will lead the side in T20 matches. Mathews and Chandimal will lead the teams until the end of January 2014, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement.

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England's opening batsmen Alex Hales and Michael Lumb made a mockery of the New Zealand bowling attack to guide the visitors to a 10-wicket win in their third Twenty20 international and a 2-1 series victory. After England's bowlers restricted New Zealand to 139 for eight, Hales blasted 80 off 42 balls while Lumb scored 53, including a six that landed on the roof to win the match and bring up his half century, as the pair pushed England to victory in just 12.4 overs. "The power the two openers have shown there was pretty spectacular," England captain Stuart Broad told reporters. "What was it 12, 13 overs to chase down 140? "We know that early wickets kill you in Twenty20 cricket so it was great to see the guys get used to the wicket and take their time for two or three overs and then once Alex Hales got going it looked hard to stop him." Much of England's damage was done in the fifth over when Ian Butler lost his composure and sprayed the ball all over the wicket, yielding five wides, four leg byes and three further boundaries by Hales.

The surprise recommendation to drop wrestling from the Olympics has angered athletes, officials and fans around the world and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) played down the finality of its decision recently. The IOC's 15-member executive board voted to recommend that the sport be dropped from the 2020 Olympic programme, with a final decision resting with the IOC session in September in Buenos Aires. The vote prompted an instant wave of protest and anger from the sport's global community with the international federation ( FILA) calling it an aberration, petitions launched

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Hales then took to Mitchell McClenaghan in the 11th over, blasting a six, a four and two more sixes in four successive deliveries to race towards the victory target on the drop-in pitch at Wellington Regional Stadium. "We were blown off the park," New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said. "Batting, bowling and fielding nowhere near the standard it needed to be. England were ruthless in their approach and thoroughly deserved their victory." Aggressive Bowling: Martin Guptill had anchored New Zealand's innings, scoring 59 runs off 55 balls, but was forced to work the ball around rather

than attack as wickets kept falling at the other end. Guptill tried to force the pace at the end of New Zealand's innings but was dismissed in the penultimate over to end any chance of the hosts posting a score in excess of 150. England's frontline pace bowlers were much more aggressive than in the second match in Hamilton and bowled short of a length, hurrying the New Zealand batsmen into mistimed pull and hook shots with the ball skying into the outfield. Broad finished with three for 15 from four overs, while Jade Dernbach also took 3-36, while Steve Finn was bristling aggres-

sion as he conceded just 18 runs from four overs. "We knew the wicket would be good and outfield potentially a bit slow, but the way we started with the ball, the tone we set was fantastic," Broad said. "We probably kept them to 20-30 (runs) under par. "All round, probably the most powerful performance I have seen from an England side." England won the series after taking the first match in Auckland by 40 runs, while New Zealand won the second in Hamilton by 55 runs. The first game of the three-match one day series began in Hamilton on Sunday.

with the United States White House and on-line wrestling support groups signing up thousands of supporters. Indian government said it would seek the support of other countries where wrestling is popular to help the sport remain an Olympic discipline. "These

reactions, they are quite normal," IOC vice-president Thomas Bach told reporters. "This would have happened with any decision. You have to find the right balance between tradition and progress. This was a decision about core sports and nothing more," he said of earlier vote that cut the core Olympic sports from 26 to 25, leaving out wrestling. "I am happy about FILA's reaction, to draw up a plan to act. That is the right way. Keep in mind a final decision has not yet been taken. If they (FILA) continue like that they will win a lot of sympathies," said Bach, a potential presidential can-

didate later this year. The IOC's executive board will decide in St Petersburg in May to decide which of eight candidate sports, including wrestling, will be put forward to win the spot left vacant for the 2020 Games. India to lobby: Indian government will seek the support of other countries where wrestling is popular to help the sport remain an Olympic discipline, the country's sports ministry said. Wrestling was stunned when the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Executive Board made a surprise recommendation to drop the sport from the 2020 Games.

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