AV 23rd May 2015

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Come and make the lively Anand Mela more memorable

First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe

See Page 14

Modi govt enjoys high approval ratings in first year See Page 16

After being in a coma for 42 years, nurse Aruna Shanbaug passes away

ETHNIC MINORITIES

TOP JOB RACE See Page 26

VOL 44. ISSUE 3

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

80p

23rd May to 29th May 2015

Modi, Xi discuss ways to strengthen trust between two countries

Reshma Trilochun

It doesn't come as a surprise that ethnic minorities, especially Indians, are doing exceptionally well in the UK, grabbing superior roles professionally and succeeding in the educational and economical ladder as well.

Although the new government may come across as anti-immigration, limiting the number of immigrants into the UK, the ethnic minorities in the UK have struggled yet surpassed many natives in Britain.

Surveys have revealed that people from ethnic minorities are more likely to secure preeminent professional jobs, such as lawyers, civil servants and doctors, compared to those who are classified a white British.

The 2011 census data showed that ethnic minorities make up 10.3 % of those in elite professional and management roles, which is higher than the 9.8% for white British.

While the figures show the distinctiveness of contemporary Britain, the former Chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Trevor Phillips has warned that there are still major inequalities between the performance of different minorities.

He also stated, “Some groups seem, either

because of other people's attitudes or their own failure, to be stuck for generation after generation.”

The analysis further revealed that people who were of Indian origin were more successful, with 15.4% employed in occupational groups which were made up of higher managerial, professional and administrative roles. People of Chinese origin came in close, with 12.8%. Men who are from Indian and Chinese ethnicities are twice as likely as White British people to be in a higher managerial role.

While on the other hand, only 6.6% of all Pakistanis and 4.2% of Bangladeshis make it into the same class 1 bracket.

For black Africans, it is 7.5% while it is 6.2% for

black Caribbeans.

The President of the National Indian Student Union (NISU), Sanam Arora isn't surprised that Indians are thriving and gaining top-notch positions at work. "It is no surprise that ethnic minorities, particularly Indians, are racing ahead in obtaining top jobs. The Indian diaspora is extremely unique and privileged in the sense that it benefits from the perfect combination of Western teaching & work experience and Indian ethos and working practices. Given this ultimate "killer" combination it is hardly surprising then that top jobs are coming our way - survival of the fittest at play again."

41% of doctors in the healthcare sector come from ethnic minority

backgrounds, mostly Indians or those who are classed as white other leading in the survey.

While it may seem that the ethnic minorities are striving and blooming in their professional fields, some are yet to achieve the highest employment position in their films. For example, the survey shows that 9.6% of ethnic minorities are in the civil services, yet only 5% are in senior positions.

Lord Dolar Popat believes it is very encouraging to see ethnic minorities doing well in society. He states, "It is very encouraging that so many BME – and particularly British Indian – people are progressing to the top of their professions.

Continued on page 2

Narendra Modi with Xi Jinping

discussion on strengthIndian Prime Minister ening trust and increasNarendra Modi and ing convergence," said Chinese President Xi Jaishankar.

Jinping met in Xi'an and He said the two leadheld summit-level talks ers discussed the boundduring which the two ary issue, including leaders discussed a host peace and tranquility, of issues, including terbesides trans-border rorism and the need to rivers. The share inform a t i o n See pages 17-18 for b o u n d a r y Modi visit stories issue has between the been a sticktwo nations. ing point in the relations "Discussions were between the two major wide ranging and Asian countries and both detailed, atmosphere was are making efforts to setvery comfortable," tle it through Special India's foreign secretary Representatives' talks.

S Jaishankar told The Special reporters after the bilatRepresentatives have eral talks which lasted held 18 rounds of discusfor about 90 minutes. sions so far. Earlier, India also raised the Modi, who was underissue of trade deficit durtaking his first visit to ing the talks, Jaishankar said. "On the political Continued on page 26 side, there was a lot of

2

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Euan Blair, CEO, Sarina Russo Group

Euan joined Sarina Russo Group three years ago as Director of Business Development, expanding delivery into London and establishing a workplace training business, before becoming Acting CEO in 2014. Prior to joining Sarina Russo Group, Euan worked at Morgan Stanley where he helped raise funding of more than $60Bn for British businesses including Marks & Spencer, National Grid, Vodafone, and Unilever. He was also involved in the first ever international bond transaction for a UK Housing Association, Places for People.

Euan started his career working in Washington DC. He has been a speaker at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy conferences, a member of the New Local Government Network Taskforce on Capital Finance Options for Local Authorities, and governor of a primary school in Westminster.

Euan has a BA in Ancient History from the University of Bristol and an MA in International Relations from Yale University.

1) What is your current position?

I’m the Acting CEO of Sarina Russo Group in the UK. We focus on employability services for the long-term unemployed through our Job Access division, and Apprenticeships and workplace training through the Sarina Russo Institute.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

Undoubtedly the thousands of people we have found sustainable employment for over the last few years. Since we began delivering Apprenticeships about a year ago, we have also helped more than 700 people begin an Apprenticeship.

school and beyond. There is a lot more we can do to encourage employer involvement in schools, so that practical skills are readily available. We need more schools like the JCB Academy in Staffordshire.

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

Definitely building an Apprenticeship business from scratch against a backdrop of reductions in government funding to employment and training providers.

The Apprenticeship sector is littered with businesses that have collapsed due to poor performance or poor delivery.

Probably Sarina Russo, who I first met over three years ago.

At the time, I was working in investment banking at Morgan Stanley and while I enjoyed my job, I had been looking for something where I could be involved in delivering a real social impact. Sarina told me about her business, which she had spent the last 36 years building, and I immediately began to look seriously at opportunities in the employment and training sector. I eventually ended up working for Sarina’s UK business and it was the best career decision I’ve ever made.

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

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

I get to do something I really

Ethnic minorities top job race

3) What inspires you?

Improving education, both at a

Continued from page 1 I think the marriage of the opportunities this country has given us and our commitment to education, integration and aspiration has helped to foster a culture of success and meritocracy amongst our children."

He further states, "However, I do worry that whilst we outperform many communities in the professions, we still lag behind in civic duty and political engagement. We mustn’t lose sight of the importance of volunteering, philanthropy and important roles like becoming a Councillor.

These should be just as important to our country – and our community – as any top role in the City."

Lord Loomba feels extremely proud of hardworking and suc-

cessful Indians. "Not on the UK but also in many other European countries as well as in the USA top jobs are going to Indians. I am surprised this phenomena is taking place. Indian, whether they are businessman, professionals, doctors or scientists they work hard, diligently and honestly. Majority of them are not chasing money. They are pursuing their career and want to compete well and fairly."

Furthermore, "Although I have lived in the UK for over 50 years my roots are Indian.

Therefore, I am very proud of any Indian who has been able to break the glass ceiling and make progress in his or her life."

The Chairman of National Asian Business Association (NABA), Uday Dholakia talks

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care about and believe in every single day. Since I became Acting CEO, I have been able to move our business into Apprenticeships, an area I long wanted to be involved in, and build an education business to stand alongside our employment business as something we can be proud of. Also, I’m lucky enough to work alongside some of the most dedicated and inspiring people I’ve ever met, that definitely makes the job easier!

7) And the worst?

Probably the frustration you get when you meet a young person looking for work, get them a fantastic Apprenticeship opportunity at a business that really wants them to succeed, and then they don’t persevere or leave without really considering it. The majority of employers we work with will take a chance on a young person, even if they are lacking experience.

But they need the same level of commitment back in return.

8) What are your long term goals?

To build Sarina Russo Group further so that we are deliver-

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

I can only pick one!? We have a huge problem with a shortage of affordable housing in this country and we need to allow Housing Associations to build more homes. If the government were to provide Housing Associations with an equity investment, rather than the current grant funding model, every £1 of a Housing Association’s financial capacity would finance 25% more homes. If this is combined with a write off of a proportion of the historic grant the government has provided, we could kick-start the affordable housebuilding revolution we need.

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

Probably Teddy Roosevelt. He is one of America’s greatest Presidents; there would be a huge amount to talk about, and then crucially as an avid outdoorsman who survived two years in the Amazon rainforest, he would probably know how to keep us alive!

Women proving to be better drivers

The battle of Men Women the sexes 55% 75% always strikes Appropriate speed approaching Hazards Stopping safely at amber traffic lights 44% 85% whenever 82% 96% asked about Appropriate use of indicators 46% 79% which sex is Use of mirrors Staying within the speed limit 86% 89% better at drivProper steering/control of vehicle 100% 96% i n g .

Negative impact on other drivers 73% 54% Generally Driving too close to vehicle in front 27% 4% men boast of Cutting corners when turning 68% 43% their driving Using phone while driving 24% 16% skills and Cutting dangerously into traffic 14% 1% claim to be Causing an obstruction on the road 25% 16% better drivers, (Source: Privelage Insurance) however, a limits, using indicators and new study has revealed that stopping at traffic lights. this may just be a myth as The research also suggest women are considerably better that women are less likely to drivers than men. cut into traffic, to tailgate, Researchers have found cause obstruction or use a that women outdo men in mobile phone behind the most areas associated with wheel. driving on the road, which The table below shows the also includes keeping to speed results from the study.

about promoting diversity. "The National Asian Business Association (NABA) have been promoting diversity on boards for some time and across the political parties there is a push to have at least one BAME person on each FTSE Board by 2020.

Boards require specific skill sets at the table but achieve added value by bringing diversity of thought to Board discussions.

This is achieved by recruiting from a broad range of backgrounds. NABA and Harvey Nash plc, a global recruiter is at the forefront of the inclusion debate and has specifically created its Engage network, connecting business leaders from all cultural backgrounds, to increase its achievement of diversity in its candidate lists."

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ing our services nationally. The more people we can work with, the more we can help, and I want our business to be in a position where we can deliver our mission statement, of changing the world one job at a time, to as many people as possible.

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

COMMENT

Modi’s China odyssey

The boast of heraldry and the pomp of power and the honeyed words that greeted Prime Minister Modi on his arrival in Beijing for a three-day visit encapsulate the challenge of China’s rise. Indian statecraft will need fully to understand its possibilities and menaces.

American journalist Andrew Small’s meticulously researched book, The China-Pakistan Axis, and its insights is worth close critical scrutiny from an Indian public accustomed to a local media diet of well-worn clichés and absurdist hype. This reporter’s book, six years in the making, is thoroughly documented and garnished with interviews with Chinese and Pakistani officials, many of whom spoke on conditions of anonymity. Its theme is a relationship “emerging from the shadows” into the glare of international attention.

The clarity of the narrative, cool analysis and contemporary insights are worthy of close critical scrutiny, more so in the light of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Islamabad and the $48 billion economic and military aid he is believed to have brought to an “all weather” friend, whose fellowship has withstood the pressures of time and circumstance.

The seedbed of this relationship was Kashmir and India on the Pakistani side; on China’s it was India’s perceived ambitions in Tibet. India, for its part, felt menaced by the newly arrived Chinese legions in a hitherto peaceful country, while Tibetan unrest and the flight of the Dalai Lama to India in April 1959 and the emergent border dispute climaxed by the SinoIndian conflict of 1962 brought mistrust and outright hostility to the fore. Tibet was the source of the SinoIndian imbroglio: it has continued to blight the SinoIndian relationship to this day. The dark, prefiguring omens appeared at the start of Communist rule in China, as these bristling lines in the Party journal, World Culture, Shanghai 1949 illustrate: “Nehru is a rebel against the movement for national independence, a blackguard who undermines the progress of the people’s liberation movement, a loyal slave on imperialism.” Chou En-lai, in a private talk with Pakistani Prime Minister Mahmood Ali, on the sidelines of the Bandung conference in 1955, agreed with Ali that Pakistan’s membership of the American-sponsored anti-Soviet, anti-Chinese CENTO and SEATO pacts need be no barrier to friendly Sino-Pakistan ties.

Premier Chou said China’s conflicts of interest with India could be expected soon. [Sarvepalli Gopal: Jawaharlal Nehru: A Biography Volume II, page 243].

The brewing schism became a settled fact with the first exchange of fire between Indian and Chinese border patrols in 1959, inflaming Indian opinion and tying Nehru’s hands when Chou, in 1960, offered a quid pro quo on the contentious border: China would hold Aksai Chin in the western sector, with India retaining Arunachal Pradesh in the east. The offer was withdrawn in 2006, when Beijing laid formal claim to the contended Indian province.

Small tells of an intensifying trilateral contest between a China-Pakistan condominium, and India.

The battle was truly joined in the aftermath of the Sino-Indian confrontation of 1962. China, in tandem with Pakistan, stoked ethnic unrest in India’s North East, arming and training Mizo, Naga and Manipur rebels, extending similar support to Naxalite (Maoist) insurgents in West Bengal. As late as 2004, a large Chinese arms cache was intercepted by the Bangladesh authorities, avers Small. The fraught 1960s were played out against the turbulence of China’s Great Leap Forward and its collapse, the permanent rupture in Sino-Soviet relations, and the commencement of the Cultural Revolution and its myriad, incendiary fissures within the Communist Party and Chinese society.

Encouraged by China’s force majeure in 1962, and India’s defeat, Pakistan’s military government, led by Ayub Khan, was spurred on by the country’s political class to mount a proxy war in Kashmir through its Pashtun levies in a bid to wrest control of the territory from a perceived weak and inept India. Islamabad’s

hope of Chinese military intervention was stillborn.

China well understood the absence of a national interest, and was sensitive to the perils of a wider conflict, for which it was ill prepared. Face was duly saved on both sides with a covert conversation on nuclear technology cooperation leading eventually, in 1976, to a firm undertaking from China to help Pakistan acquire a nuclear bomb and the missiles to deliver them, this mandated by India’s overwhelming defeat of Pakistan in December 1971 during the Bangladesh liberation struggle. China was similarly loath to intervene militarily on Pakistan’s behalf in the Pakistan-engineered conflict with India on the Kargil heights, in Kashmir, in the summer of 1999, leaving it to America to broker a peace.

China’s decision to empower Pakistan with nuclear weapons, and America’s passive acquiescence to the acquisition, and to the nuclear and missile proliferation that followed, bespoke a parlous gamble whose consequences were at best left to uncertain chance.

Pakistan became the conduit for a China- Saudi Arabian demarche just as was the case earlier with China and the United States.

The denouement of President Xi Jinping’s highprofile trip to Islamabad and its promise of a cornucopia of Chinese economic and military aid (matched incidentally by the United States) affirmed Beijing’s intent to be a player in the Gulf and Indian Ocean and lands beyond, Small cites the multiple goals behind the diplomacy, among which he includes Beijing’s keenness to deflect and deter the rising tide of Islamist militancy spilling over into troubled Xinjiang, the Uighurpopulated Muslim province abutting Pakistan and the Islamic polities of Central Asia. Beijing’s mounting anxieties in this regard extended to the Pakistani state itself, where Uighur Islamist groups have taken refuge and melded with local jihadi formations fighting the government in Islamabad for supreme control. Chinese engineers and tourists have been kidnapped and sometimes killed. Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence directorate (ISI) and the Islamist-infiltrated military highlight the Chinese dilemma: they have a sound grasp of Pakistan’s ground realities, pronounced a knowledgeable Pakistani Sinologist, whom Small quotes, “but there is one piece they don’t just get: Islam.”

Beijing’s projected 3,000- kilometre economic corridor from Kashgar, in Xinjiang, to Gwada, on the Baluchistan coast, evoked the following comment from local leader, Nisar Baloch: “No matter how hard they try to turn Gwadar into Dubai, it won’t work. There will be resistance. The future pipelines going to China will not be safe….if our rights are violated nothing will be safe.” Small also quotes General Xiong Guandai, who exclaimed with solemn absurdity: “Pakistan is China’s Israel.” The tiny Jewish state, a global powerhouse in science and technology, is a royal piece on the regional chessboard to the Pakistani pawn.

Furthermore, Israel is bound to India by close security ties, a fact which Small might have done well to elucidate.

His concluding observation, however, is tellingly pertinent: of China’s 14 neighbours, it is only with Pakistan that Beijing has a suspicion-free bonding.

China’s ethnic conundrums mirror those of the defunct Ottoman state in the Balkans. From Xinjiang to Tibet, national unrest plagues the Chinese body politic, compounding its dysfunctional Great Power autism. Way back in 1878, the Governor of Xinjiang, Tso Tsung-tang, commended a strict Confucian education for its recalcitrant Muslim subjects based on the classics [Teng and Ingalls, The Political History of China 1840-1928 p 115]. The Empire, constructed by Mongols and Manchus, men of the steppe, is stubbornly proclaimed as an inviolate Han inheritance.

Chastening diverse ethnicities into a common shape is to legitimize the established political order.

The passage from India was often hazardous and unpromising for newly arrived immigrants in the United States in the early years of the last century. A century later, Indians in North America are prosperous and educated, with high aspirations and achievements to match in fulfillment of the American dream, an experience broadly replicated in Britain. The transformational change in the UK has also been fulfilling, an unforeseen miracle sorts. British Indian MPs and

ministers have ceased to be the exotic novelty they once were in Dadabhai Naoroji’s day. Entrepreneurs, city gents, professionals, academics et al, they constitute a burgeoning, productive middle class o9n the move, in thrall to no particular party. Lord Bhikku Parekh is to chair a discussion in the House of Lords on the significance of the changing British Indian voting patterns as manifested in the recent General Election. It should quite a stirring occasion.

Flowering Indian presence in Britain

(Also see “As I See It” page 8)

Bottom of the pile to the top

The son of a clerk who doubled as a carpenter, Angelo Menezies grew up in a Mumbai slum. He worked his way out of poverty to become an economics professor, and now, 58, he is the newly appointed first non-Jesuit head of St Xavier’s College Mumbai

in its 146 year-old history. The college is the city’s premier institution of higher education. Lord Parekh and Sunil Gavaskar, are among a galaxy of its alumni.

Long may St Xavier’s develop and cast its light across the land.

3 Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.

- Will Smith (2005)

Underage Marriage and Young Widows in India This week I want to discuss the issue of underage marriage and young widows. At the Loomba Foundation we work with many widows across India so we encounter quite a few cases where this occurs.

The idea of someone getting married under the legal age of consent as well as a family allowing this to happen abhors me and fills me with anger. In this day and age this should not be allowed to occur anywhere in the world.

According to a report

by Unicef around 250 million girls around the world get married before the age of 15, and 700 million tie the knot before their 18th birthday. One-third of all child brides come from India, higher than any other country. Child marriages are more likely to take place in poorer communities in rural areas. Secret weddings take place involving families who in some instances have planned these ceremonies years in advance.

Girls who get married at a young age are denied their childhood and simply aren’t mature enough. They are isolated from a social point of view so their access to friends and family is severely restricted. They are much more likely to miss out on education and have to care for children at a young age. In many instances they get married to men who are much older than they are.

We launched a sewing machine empowerment program at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in November 2014 to help 524 widows in Mumbai.

We do not discriminate by religious denomination as the widows were Hundu (251 women), Islami (221), Muslim (50) and Christian (2).

The program consisted of training to make garments and providing widows with their own sewing machines at the end of the project. Sun Foundation kindly made

Lord Raj Loomba

a donation to cover the training while our trustee, Shamin Lalji, contributed towards all the sewing machines.

The average age of the women in this program is 41. The oldest woman was 62 while the youngest was 20.

Incidentally this 20 year old woman was widowed at the age of 13.

Quite a few women on the program became widows as teenagers or in their early twenties.

Not only do they have to deal with the social stigma of being a widow at a young age but they face violence and abuse from inside and outside their own households.

While family members are complicit in marrying off these girls, it will be not be easy to completely eradicate this problem.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act in India states that women can get married at 18 and the state of Madhya Pradesh has been behind a drive to end these unions and claims to have prevented 51,000 underage marriages.

Education is of course important as the data shows a bias towards poorer households. While India will continue to make many strides on a global front, I hope the government of India takes positive steps to achieve progress at home on the issue of young widows and related areas. I strongly believe that education will certainly go a long way to preventing the situation of underage marriage and young widows.

Lord Loomba www.theloombafoundation.org The Loomba Foundation Loomba House 622 Western Avenue London W3 0TF 020 8102 0351

MIDLANDS VOICE

Police issue fresh warnings Muslims angry as Aldi sells against bogus faith healers snack with wrong label

4

Police in Midlands have issued fresh warnings about bogus faith healers who trick people into handing over cash for 'cures' for everything from cancer to financial trouble.

Officers reportedly spoke out after recovering a number of advertising leaflets in the Belgrave area of Leicester in the past couple of weeks.

They also confirmed two suspects are currently under investigation for allegedly conning people out of money.

The force has previously spoken out against 'healers' who claim to be able to use prayer to lift curses, heal broken marriages and solve financial problems. Others who have targeted the city

have said they could cure illnesses including cancer and HIV. Inspector Ben Gillard, commander of Leicester's Spinney Hill Park police station, reportedly said his officers had been alerted to a new batch of leaflets which have been delivered to homes or left on car windscreens in recent weeks.

Leading members of the city's faith groups have previously backed the police's warning. They have handed the material to Leicester City Council's trading standards team for further investigation.

In a similar stint, Asian Voice ran a campaign against the fake faith healers, after repeated requests or complaints from the community. In

the process the newspaper lost £50,000 worth revenue from these faith healers, but have maintained its dignity and held its values high. We have also requested tv channels and other newspapers from giving these faith healers space to advertise.

Officials are now working with police to investigate the latest leaflets.

Police won a notable praise after their campaign against con artists in February this year with the arrest and conviction of Mohammed Ashrafi.

Ashrafi, 50, was jailed for nine years after he was convicted of 14 counts of fraud and one of blackmail – taking an estimated £650,000 from his victims.

Family and friends pay tribute to dead teenager

Family and friends of hugely popular, 15 years old, Lutterworth College student, Kian Singh Gill has paid tribute, after he was killed on Friday evening in a road collision, as he cycled on a county road.

The collision occurred at around 5.50pm at the junction of Boneham's Lane and Gilmorton Road. The driver of the car, a Vauxhall Insignia, was uninjured.

Scores of tributes and football shirts have been left by friends at the scene of the collision His family issued a statement through the police. They reportedly said: "Kian's smile, unique sense of humour and happy outlook on life touched the hearts of everyone who knew him.

"He had a wonderful and bright future ahead of him and we are devastated by our loss.

"We appreciate and want to give thanks for all the love and support that is being given to us by our family, friends and local community."

Students at Lutterworth College are being offered support and counselling following Kian's death. Ben Solly

head of college at the 2,000-student upper school has paid tribute to the 15-year-old. Mr Solly posted a statement on Lutterworth College's website, that reportedly

said: "Over the weekend we learnt of the tragic loss of Kian Gill, one of our Year 11 students.

"Our thoughts and feelings are with his parents, his brother Carter and all of his family and friends."

He added: "Kian was hugely popular with staff and students alike and had his whole life ahead of him.

"His effort, ability and personality meant that Kian would succeed at whatever he wanted and the possibilities for his future were without limits.

"We will miss him dearly."

He added: "To support our students during this very difficult week, advice and assistance will be available throughout the week.

"Students can also see their pastoral manager for individual support."

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to the collision to come forward. They can contact PC Kath Orr on 101 or call Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555111.

Online tributes pour in for B'ham father

Tributes have been paid to a young Birminghm father who was killed in a crash in a collision with a police car on the A5, near Lutterworth, Leicestershire last month.

Jeetendra Dadral, pictured, from Handsworth Wood, died at the scene of the colli-

sion. Tributes flooded on a Facebook page entitled ‘Jity Dadral Gone but never forgotten’.

The Birmingham Mail reported, one message, from Angela Kattri said: “Such a genuine warm guy, Jity you will live in the hearts you’ve left behind.

“The tears we flow are Gods gift to us, our holy water, they heal us as they flow. May you rest in peace.”

Another, which was posted by the page owner earlier this week, added: “Said goodbye to you so many times but still doesn’t feel like you

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Budget retailer Aldi had to issue an apology, after its Indian snack of Black Pudding Pakora by Scottish company Punjab Pakora, was labelled 'halal' making it suitable for Muslims, who are actually forbidden to eat pork. Black pudding is generally made from pork blood and a relatively high proportion of oatmeal.

The product contained a UK Health Code stamp which means it is suitable for consumption

by Muslims, however, on checking the ingredients of the product, it was found that the item contained pork, especially pork blood and skin.

An Aldi spokesman reportedly said, "'Regarding the Punjab Pakora Black Pudding Pakora, we have now investigated this matter with the supplier, who has advised that the packaging was incorrectly labelled as Halalcertified and the problem is currently being rectified."

"We apologise for any confusion caused by this unfortunate, isolated

matter.

"While this is not a food safety or legal compliance issue, any customers who are not satisfied are welcome to return their purchase to

(to correct the issue) and have contacted different clients involved and have sorted the issue."

Outraged customers reportedly told of their disgust that neither

store for a full refund."

Kushal and Vinita Duggal, who own Punjab Pakora reportedly told the Daily Mail, “The mistake happened when we did the print run and

unfortunately our manager failed to spot this error and got approval for printing."

"We have been trying our very best and hardest

Punjab Pakora nor Aldi had spotted the mistake until too late.

The Mail reported Manahil Khan said, “This is absolutely outrageous and I am deeply offended by this.

“I am pretty sure many others of the Muslim community are also very offended by this.

'It is demoralizing and goes against ones religious morals and scripture.... and I speak on behalf of every Muslim and human that does not deserve to be misled by any sort of false claim of halal food or lies about what we consume.'

Mercedes and I think a Fiat.

“The battery of the Mercedes went through the driver’s side window of my car. There was battery acid all burning in my car.

“If I had been in the car two minutes earlier I would’ve probably been killed - it scares me to think that.

“If it wasn’t the impact of the car heavily injuring

me it would’ve been the battery of the Mercedes causing fatal damage.”

Luckily no-one was seriously injured in the collision at about 10.20pm. Crash victims had to be cut free from the damaged car by fire crews from Solihull using specialist cutting equipment.

Three people were treated at the scene for their injuries before being taken to hospital.

Man escapes death by seconds A motorist escaped death by seconds, as he waited inside a Chinese takeaway, when an engine battery smashed through his Ford Fiesta driver window, parked outside the food venue just moments before a collision in Shirley.

Sohail Hussain, 21, an accountancy student had just ordered his takeout when he heard what sounded like “a bomb exploding”.

He raced out to find his car written off and a flying battery from a Mercedes had smashed through his driver’s window.

Sohail from Hodge Hill reportedly said: “I’d ordered my food and I was about to go to the toilet when I heard a crash like a bomb exploding.

“I ran outside and my car was completely written off, as was the

have gone.

“I know you are happy and looking down on us all but it just doesn’t seem to be enough. Brother why did you have to go so soon, we had so many years yet to go.

“Today was our final goodbye to you but I promise I will still visit you as often as I can. Sleep well brother, till me meet again.”

Another message

on the page added: “A lovely tribute page to a nephew and cousin brother who is dearly missed by all. Taken too early. Rest in Peace Jity.”

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) was informed shortly after the incident and subsequently declared an independent investigation and has now urged anyone who witnessed the collision to contact its investigators.

Schoolgirl abused by Asian gang, had sex with 60 men

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

A schoolgirl was a victim of an Asian abuse gang and was used for sex by 60 men, after she was approached by a middleaged father in a Woolworths store when she was just 12, in 2006.

The schoolgirl and her friend were allegedly abused by 11 men from A y l e s b u r y , Buckinghamshire. They were groomed and made to believe that these men were their boyfriends and whatever they were being subjected to was normal.

The men have been accused of “horrific sexual assault on a massive scale”. They are to stand trial and between them, they oppose 49 charges, including conspiring to facilitate child prostitution, rape and drugging one of the girls in have sex with her.

Oliver Saxby QC, told the jurors at the old Bailey Court that the girls came from broken homes. They wanted to feel grown up and one of the girls said that these men made her life “a bit more exciting.”

It was further revealed in court that after the schoolgirl met father-of-

Vikram Singh (45)

Harmohan Nangpal (41)

two, Vikram Singh (45) while shopping with a friend at Woolworths in Aylesbury, she was passed between 60 men for sex.

Vikram Singh had groomed the school girl as well as got involved with her sexually. He also gave hr telephone numbers of other men who would then have sex with her.

The victim was between 12 and 14 when the abuse took place. Her alleged distress became apparent after she had given birth to her two children.

Names of the 11 men and the 49 charges they face: Vikram Singh (45) from Aylesbury: charged with four counts of rape, four counts of sexual activity with a child, and

one of administering a substance with intent.

Names of the 11 men charged are as follows: Vikram Singh, Harmohan Nangpal, Sajad Ali, Asif Hussain (33), Arshad Jani

Sajad Ali (34)

(33), Mohammed Imran (38), Akbari Khan (36), Taimoor Khan (29), Jerome Joe (35), Sohail Qamar (41) and Faisal Iqbal (32).

BBC faces backlash over Gandhi's comparison to hate preacher Choudary

UK

Family of 4 found dead in East London

The Scotland Yard is investigating the death of a family originally from Kerala, India after the bodies of the wife and daughters were found in their house, while the husband was found hanging on Wednesday near a reservoir in east London.

The couple has been named as P u l l a r k a t t i l Rethishkumar, 44, Shigi Kotuvala 37, and twin daughters Neha and Niya, 13, who went to Chadwell Heath Academy in year eight.

They had reported to have moved to the Chadwell Heath area in east London nearly eight years ago. The motives remained unclear but the police are investigating whether the wife and daughters were killed by the husband, who later hanged himself.

The police said the last confirmed sighting of the family was on 10 May. Neighbours described the family as ‘lovely, sweet’. The wife was said to be a social worker for Havering council, while her husband worked for the

Redbridge leisure services. They married in 2001.

The family was said to be active members of the local East London Malayalee Association.

The Hindusthan Times reported that the shocked relatives of Shigi in India said they had no idea how this happened.

From a middle-class family in Thrissur (70kms south of Kochi), the family had visited their native place a year ago.

Shigi had migrated to the UK about nine years ago and had taken her husband and daughters once she settled in her job.

Later, her husband also managed a job in a private firm.

According to the Evening Standard, Kotuvala had requested a

5

divorce from her husband after a huge row telling him she was "fed up of this life".

A source close to the family said: "They were having a lot of problems, between them and the children. He was very stressed about his family and the house, and she was unhappy. He was unable to understand things over here and for a number of years they had issues."

The Met Police has launched an investigation, as a usual procedure the Directorate of Professional Standards is reviewing the police response, and a referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission was made on 12 May.

Anjem Choudary Gandhi statue in the Parliament square

BBC faces backlash from the community after one of its most senior journalists compared hate preacher Anjem Choudary to freedom fighters such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Winston Churchill.

Mark Easton, BBC’s Home Editor, criticised Government plans to clamp down on fanatics and said extreme views were needed “to challenge very established values”.

He drew examples to the treatment of two of history’s greatest civil rights campaigners and a Churchill view on democracy. He said Mandela and Gandhi had both been seen as extremists in their time and questioned what they would think of attempts to silence Choudary. The comments sparked an immediate outcry from Britons accusing Easton of making “ludicrous” comparisons and holding “disgusting” views. David Cameron,

the Prime Minister, has promised new laws in the Queen’s Speech later this month that will confront “poisonous Islamist extremist ideology”.

Following a BBC report on the issue, including more airtime for Choudary, on Wednesday, Mr Easton said: “It's one thing to ban someone for inciting hatred or violence, but quite another to pass a law that silences anyone who challenges established values.

“I was in Parliament Square today – a statue of Gandhi looking down at me who was jailed for being extremist; Mandela who was jailed for being an extremist.

“History tells us that extreme views are sometimes needed to challenge a very established values that people at the time hold so dear.”

A spokesman for the Clarion Project, which confronts Islamist extremism, said: “'It is ludicrous to compare Anjem Choudary, who promotes the most extreme form of Sharia law which denies entire segments of the

Nelson Mandela statue in the Parliament Square

population their basic human rights, to human rights champions such as Gandhi and Mandela.”

Mr Choudary is currently on police bail after being arrested last year on suspicion of being a member of or supporting a banned group. Baroness Warsi, a former Minister in Mr Cameron's government, after the Woolwich mayhem had urged media to stop giving airtime to extremist voices such as Choudary.

A BBC spokesman said: “The news story reflected the deep concerns over Choudary and the extent of his influence and Mark Easton reiterated that point in his live broadcast.

"He then made a wider point that the definition of extremism can change over time. He was not suggesting that the views of Anjem Choudary will be thought of differently in the future and we believe this was clear to the viewer.”

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UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Uttoradhikaar Spriha Srivastava

The Inheritance

In conversation with Dr. Debasish Banerjee, the writer & director of the play, The Inheritance, that is set against a backdrop of two seismic moments in the history of Goa. Tell us about the play?

Uttoradhikaar - The Inheritance is a play that interpolates reality with illusion to tell the story of human displacement.

The real-time story is set in 1958 in Goa, now a coastal state in India, during a time of political turbulence as India and Portugal wrangled over Goa’s ownership. Caught in the throes of this troubled time, the story revolves around the disintegrating De Cunha family estate.

The play begins on a Sunday morning on the De Cunha family estate where Anatole De Cunha, the septuagenarian who looks after the estate, his niece, Margarita and nephew, Joaquim, the heirs to the estate are entertaining some old friends. As the play unfolds, while we witness the grim situation of the characters trying to stay afloat in the shifting sands of sociopolitical change, we also witness Margarita, the protagonist of the play, lapse time and again into her illusory world.

The illusory world of Margarita is set in 1471, another period of political strife in Goa, when the Bahamani ruler Mahmud Shah III wrested Goa from the control of the Vijayanagar empire.

The characters of Margarita’s illusory world are extrapolations of her impressions of the characters around her in the real world. But in her illusory world, unlike in reality, she is in control almost throughout till the terrible reality of the climax overwhelms her illusory world. Through this interpolation of reality and illusion, we are drawn into two turbulent phases in the history of Goa that makes the characters face questions of allegiance, heritage, rights, roots and identity.

What would you say

is the main essence of the play?

Set against a backdrop of two seismic moments in the history of Goa, almost five hundred years apart, when established orders changed amidst political turbulence, the play uses the Pirandellian style of realty and illusion to explore the complex issues of identity and roots, of being and belonging – important questions related to human displacement.!

The play brings together artists from various walks of life. How did you put the cast together?

There is just one key factor which keeps the core members of our

team together - unadulterated passion for theatre. And it is just for this passion that despite our full time jobs as doctors, lawyers and IT professionals we have the urge of putting in the long hours of work in the evenings and weekends to produce work of a high standard. Finally, the joy and satisfaction of a good production together with spontaneous appreciation from the critics and the audience gives us the enthusiasm to continue the hard work.

How much time did it take for you to prepare for the play?

I wrote this play in April 2014, to perform in A Season of Bangla Drama, a well-known annual theatre festival in London, in November

2014. Selection of casts took another couple of months.

We started rehearsing from July 2014 and our first performance for this production was on the 7th November 2014, as the inaugural performance of ‘A Season of Bangla Drama.’

You will be performing at various locations across the UK. Tell us more about it?

All our plays are performed in Bengali with English surtitles to cater to the wider non- Bengali speaking audience.

Uttoradhikaar - The Inheritance received huge appreciation from viewers and critics which motivated us to take this production to the Edinburgh fringe festival this year.

We shall be performing at Edinburgh from 28th to 30th August 2015.

Prior to this we shall have a preview show at Chelsea Theatre, London, on 13th June 2015. We have a few more invitations for 2016, but the dates are not decided yet.

What do you expect viewers to take back after watching this play?

Through this play I have attempted to focus on some of the moot issues related to human displacement, a global phenomenon of this age, and its impact on society.

I did not intend to provide any answers to the complexities involved, which would be a preposterous proposition. I expect the viewers to engage with the story that is told through this play and appreciate the important threads of this complex phenomenon, a crying need in a world rife with intolerance and violence.

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

Nurse guilty of murdering patients by poisoning saline drips Victorino Chua (49), a nurse at Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, has been found guilty of murdering and poisoning patients at the hospital.

Chua contaminated saline drips with insulin and has been convicted of murdering two patients while working at the hospital. The Manchester Crown Court said that Chua, who is a Filipino father of-of-two, decided to take out his personal frustrations on patients “for reasons truly known only to himself.”

The police revealed that Chua had “changed track” by sabotaging prescription charts, doubling or trebling dosages, some with potential lethal consequences. This led to his arrest in January 2012.

There was a selfpenned letter found at Chua's house which the prosecutor provided as evidence in court. The letter was described as "the bitter nurse confession" by Chua. In the letter, he stated that he was "an angel turned into an evil person" and "there's a devil in me", who had things he would "take to the grave".

As well as convicted of murdering two patients,

Victorina Chua (49)

Chua was also convicted of 31 charges of poisoning and attempted poisoning involving 22 victims.

Zubia Aslam (27)

He was found guilty of murdering Tracey Arden (44), and Alfred Weaver (83). He was cleared of murdering Arnold Lancaster, 81, who was suffering from cancer, but convicted of attempting to

cause him grievous bodily harm with intent by poisoning.

Zubia Aslam was the youngest and final of Chua's victim. Zubia Aslam, who is now 27 and was admitted to the hospital with a severe stomach bug on July 13, 2011. She told of the trauma of being poisoned with sufficient insulin to have left her brain damaged if nurses hadn’t been on the lookout for the signs of low blood sugar after the deluge of hypoglycaemia.

Aslam recalled how she woke up “sweating.” She states, “I didn’t think I was going to make it.

When I came around… I had lots of people around me, I didn’t know what was going on, next minute I know my family are there.”

The nurse who connected Zubia Aslam to a saline drip to rehydrate her checked the bag for signs of tampering, however, failed to see the tiny V-shaped cut where Chua had injected saline. The cut was so small that it could only be detected in a laboratory.

Victorino Chua will be sentenced on 26th May 2015.

Asda employee gives store information to robbers to help them steal £80,000

Parminder Bharji (30), has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for conspiracy to commit robbery.

It is said that Bharji felt hostile towards his employers at Asda supermarket in Stamford Hill, North London after he was demoted as a cashier to a baker in store.

Bhariji gave inside information regarding the store and about how many employees will be at the store to Fabian Campbell (26), and Hassan Hussyein (25), who carried out the, stealing nearly £80,000.

Bharji had informed them that only four employees will be present on the evening of 4th February 2015.

Campbell, Hussyein and an unknown accomplice had entered the rear staff entrance of the store just before 11:30pm that night. Inside the store, they attacked a 52-yearold employee.

They pushed him to the floor and held a gun to his head, ordering him to take them to the store's office. They also attacked a 23-year-old employee and also tied a 30-year-old male employee to a stock of trolley in the loading bay on their way out.

The victims were treated for shock and the 23year-old employee was taken to hospital as he suffered from head injuries.

The robbery took place at Asda Supermarket, in Stamford Hill, North London

Parminder Bharji

Hassan Hussyein

He discharged himself the next morning.

Judge Richard Hone QC sentenced Campbell to 15 years imprisonment and Hussyein to 13 years in prison. They both were given a 6-year sentence for the possession of a firearm, which will be served jointly.

While sentencing, the judge told Bharji, “You had worked that morning at the store and were in a position to give lastminute details to Fabian Campbell. £77,220 was stolen at gunpoint from the safe and nothing has been recovered.”

DC Andy Terry, from the Flying Squad led the investigation. He stated,

Fabian Campbell

“The gang plotted a raid on the supermarket using Bharij’s knowledge of its layout, staffing and the work patterns to help them.

They demonstrated their willingness to be violent to the staff who were just going about their usual work that night but will now doubtless spend the rest of their lives recalling this horrific incident.”

Bharji, Campbell and Hussyein were found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery, while Campbell and Hussyein were also found guilty of possession of an imitation handgun with intent to commit robbery.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Family of missing British Indian woman seeks help

British woman Varsha Maisuria is still missing in Bay of Banderas off the coast at Las Glorias Beach, Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, after a plane crash during a skydiving incident, which saw Varsha (pictured) entangled with the aircraft’s u n d e rc a r r i a g e .

Subsequently a parachute deployed which caused the loss of the aircraft over sea, resulting in it sinking to a depth believed to be 1000 metres. The pilot and 2 members of the group have been found alive but Varsha and the remaining group member, Robin Nicole Ballachey a US Citizen are still missing. Her family is trying to raise awareness to bring Varsha back to Britain.

They are in touch with the Foreign Commonwealth Office, where Varsha worked as a civil servant.

In a statement the Maisuria family told Asian Voice, “Our sister, Varsha, went to Mexico on holiday and involved in a Skydiving accident. We are trying to raise awareness through media channels to ensure Varsha is bought back to her family.”

Local search and rescue teams, Protección Civil JAL, are continuing with the investigation and have informed the family

that operations may require deep sea diving equipment.

The family added, “We are desperate that all efforts continue under all circumstances such that our sister can come back home to the family.

“We are being assisted by the FCO and the Lucie Blackman Trust, charitable organisation specialising in supporting families of missing persons abroad.

Our number one priority is search and rescue. We want to ensure that everyone possible is looking for her.”

Varsha was the only daughter and the eldest child of the family. She was a passionate traveller and was looking forward to completing the skydive.

Her brother told AV, “We are absolutely distraught at what has happened. It is beyond our worst nightmare. We miss her desperately and want her to come back home to the family under any circumstances.”

Cameron receives Indian alphonso mangoes

British Prime Minister David Cameron has received a special delivery of Indian alphonso mangoes on Monday at his residence in 10 Downing Street.

UK's longest serving MP of Asian origin Keith Vaz and Jayshree Makadia, a London-based fruit trader visited the prime minister's residence to deliver a shipment of Indian alphonso mangoes following the lifting of the European Union ban earlier this year. Vaz said "The delivery of these delicious Alphonso mangoes to the PM fulfils a promise made during the superb campaign to lift the European Union's ban on India's 'King of Fruits'. Prime minister Cameron's support for those of us who opposed the ban was critical, and it seems right that we now fulfil our end of the bargain. The work undertaken to resolve this issue serves to demonstrate how quickly and

efficiently problems can be solved when the UK and India work together. We now look forward to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first official visit to the United Kingdom. I hope Mr Cameron will include Mangoes for desert when he hosts Mr Modi for the first time.”

UK

Asian gold gang smashed

The last phase of sentencing within a group that used a systematic and targeted approach to burgling Asian houses took place on Friday 15 May at West Norwood at Lewes Crown Court. Claudia Santos, 40 was jailed for 4.5 years for conspiracy to commit burglary. Santos, a mother of two, had previously pleaded guilty at the same venue, having had a key role in identifying Asian properties to burgle throughout the UK. Santos had operated within a group and helped pinpoint Asian addresses to steal jewellery that had been passed down through the generations, and had identified as many as 800 potential victims.

Operation Phoenix, a multiagency intelligence gathering operation involving the Met and several other police forces and agencies, was set up to try to identity and dismantle a Latin American organised crime group.

The group was operating internationally committing hundreds of Asian gold burglaries, high value jewellery snatches of up to £300,000 and bank withdrawal distractions.

Many of the offenders falsely claimed to be Mexican and Guatemalan and were entering the

UK using fraudulently obtained passports, mainly from Mexico.

The suspects then flew to Europe and entered the UK via the Eurostar into London.

They based themselves within Hispanic communities in the London boroughs of Southwark

and Lambeth and initially their offending was in the capital. They were extremely organised with all offences premeditated, researched and highly sophisticated.

On arrival in the UK the suspects were often taken to safe addresses and then introduced into criminality. Organisers within the group arranged for them to have access to second-hand vehicles, registered to false names with insurance fraudulently obtained.

7

This allowed the offenders to travel around the UK and commit crime without fear of being stopped by police.

Other key members of the group - including Santos - would research websites to identify Asianowned properties that were then targeted for future gold burglaries. Offenders were often in possession of handwritten lists of names and addresses that had been entered into their vehicles' sat navs.

In October 2012 the group that had initially been operating in London began to have an impact on other police forces, mainly in the Home Counties but also as far afield as Gloucestershire and Manchester. There also had been a dramatic increase in Asian gold burglaries that could be linked to this group with Asian communities such as Crawley, Slough and Northampton being specifically targeted.

The operation identified more than 260 suspects, most of whom had entered the UK illegally under false details. Teams were also travelling worldwide with like offences reported in Japan, Canada, New Zealand and throughout Europe.

Second edition of JLF @ Southbank ends on a high The second edition of JLF @ Southbank came to a close on May 17th, 2015 following a weekend of insightful debate and discussion on subjects ranging from politics and history to Shakespeare and cricket. The two-day event was held in London on 1617 May and served as a snapshot of the annual Jaipur Literature Festival, dubbed as ‘the greatest literary show on earth’.

JLF @ Southbank featured as part of Alchemy, the Southbank Centre’s celebration of South Asian culture held from 15-25 May. Highlights included the granddaughter of India’s founding father Mahatma Gandhi, Tara Gandhi Bhattcharjee, reminiscing about her formative years and the influence her grandfather has played in her call to adhere to the principles of non-violence.

‘A Corner of a Distant Playing Field’ was a crowd puller and examined the dominance of cricket in India while ‘Clueless: Season of Crime’ proved to be a rollercoaster of a session on the genre of the macabre.

Sir VS Naipaul made a rare appearance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his iconic work ‘A House for Mr Biswas’.

The Nobel Laureate also talked about his incredible

back catalogue of prose while looking back at his formative years and influences.

Moving into the political realm, ‘Divide and Rule: The Partition of the Indian Subcontinent’ was an incisive look at the region’s traumatic past with Navtej Sarna, Andrew Whitehead, Dilip Hiro and Urvashi Bhutalia.

‘The Modi Effect’ concluded the Saturday ses-

sions and saw both sides of the political divide reflected in a rousing discussion between Swapan Dasgupta, Anshu Jain, Rajdeep Sardesai, Lance Price and John Elliot. The session coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first year in office.

The Jaipur Literature Festival traditionally ends with a public debate where panellists battle it out on stage in front of a vocal and passionate audience. Like its Jaipur counterpart, Sunday’s Southbank debate ‘Has Westminster model of democracy has taken root in South Asia sparked riveting arguments on both sides of the divide with the `nay’s’ carrying the day. The Kutle Khan Project was an energetic concert performed to a house full celebratory audience who danced the night away.

Sajid Javid outlines ambitious enterprise bill

On Tuesday 19 May Business Secretary, Sajid Javid set out new measures to support entrepreneurs, including Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) and boost job creation during his first speech as Business Secretary in Bristol - the city where he grew up above his parents’ shop.

Speaking at the Engine Shed business centre, Javid said that the Bill will help make Britain the best place in Europe to start and grow a business, and help create two million more jobs over the next five years, so that more people have the security of a regular paypacket. As part of its

long-term economic plan, he also promised that the Government will cut red tape for business by at least £10 billion over the next five years.

He said, “Small businesses are Britain’s engine room and the success of our whole economy is built on the hard work and determination of the people who run and work for them. As Business Secretary I will always back them and, in my determination to get the job done, one of my first steps will be to bring forward an Enterprise Bill that helps them to succeed and create jobs.”

He further added, “As part of our long-term economic plan, we will sweep away burdensome red tape, get heavy handed regulators off firms’ backs and create a Small Business Conciliation Service to help resolve disputes.”

Another central measure in the Enterprise Bill will be the creation of a Small Business Conciliation Service to help settle disputes between small and large businesses, especially over late payment practices. Small firms are owed over £32 billion in late payments, but many of them are not aware of their

rights or are reluctant to launch legal challenges.

At the start of 2014 there were an estimated 5.2 million small and medium businesses in the UK which employed 25.2 million people, and had a combined turnover of more than £3,500 billion, including many Asian owned businesses. Small firms accounted for 99.3 per cent of all private sector businesses in the UK, 47.8 per cent of private sector employment and 33.2 per cent of private sector turnover.

SMEs also employed 15.2 million people and had a combined turnover of £1.6 trillion.

8

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

1st Year of a Modi government As I See It

It may be too soon to attempt to carry out an evaluation of the Modi government which will complete its first year on 26th May 2015. Previously, at the end of ten years of UPA government with Dr Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister and Shrimati Sonia Gandhi as the ever present back seat driver, the initial euphoria turned into an exhausted administration. Corruption was the worst culprit, the economic growth had come down from over 8% to under 5% and the Congress party was rudderless.

During that Herculean election campaign Narendra Modi proved his talent and skill. The Modi effect was seen all over India and for the first time ever a political party other than Congress was able to have a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the Lower House of Indian Parliament. Mr Modi has raised huge expectations. Indeed he had even umpteen number of promises for 'achhe din' (the good days are coming). In light of such expectations the first year can not satisfy everyone. However the latest approval rating of Mr Modi is 74%. Any President or Prime Minister of a democratic country would love to have such a good fortune. Fortunes do not happen by chance or overnight. To have all round development in a country of India's size and complexities is an Himalayan challenge. Let us firstly look at the external scenario and then the internal situation.

That Prime Minister Modi was able to invite leaders of the neighbouring countries which itself was a big achievement. One has to accept that with Pakistan the momentum for mutual cooperation has not been sustained primarily because Pakistan, though a democracy, has a military that is in effective control or at least the country's power broker. With Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan the relationship with India has seen a sea-change.

Richard Nixon

In the dance form 'tango' there are always some spectators, some might be supporters and some might not. Prime Minister Modi has just completed the tour of China, South Korea and Mongolia. His three days of deliberation in China have been watched very closely from most of the world's capitals. Some had expected a quick resolution of the border problem between these two Asian giants. Not only are we talking about a border of some 1,500 miles but the history and complexity should make us a bit more patient. With Bangladesh India resolved the border dispute with give and take on both sides. With China there are so many other tentacles to consider. Perhaps we should remember that China has 14 countries on its borders and its best relationship only is with Pakistan. India, on the other hand, has serious problems only with Pakistan amongst its 7 neighbouring countries.

Let us look back at the America-China

Narendra Modi

This is in sharp contrast to the situation prior to May 2014. Prime Minister Modi has travelled to 19 countries in his first 365 days without any major controversy or mishap – it is not easy but for the first time ever an Indian Prime Minister has been able to establish such a linkage with various countries who have such an important role on the world stage.

With Russia Modi's government has been able to strengthen the traditional strong friendship. Previously unknown levels of trust and cooperation has been established with USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, France, Germany, Brazil and several others.

Narendra Modi's energy and charisma has been impressive and fruitful without any shred of doubt. International relationships in the modern world are

an ever changing scenario and even the mightiest nation, for example the USA, experience periodic ups and downs.

Suffice is to say that modern India, under Narendra Modi, has been more accepted and perhaps has begun to be respected on the world stage.

Internally the biggest achievement of the Modi government is not the total absence of any scandal of corruption. It is hard to recollect that in the UPA government or previous governments of modern India scandals and corruptions was almost a regular mishap. In the centre state relationship Prime Minister Modi has been able to have good working relationships with political leaders who are not normally friendly with the BJP or the NDA. The biggest problem for the Modi government is that fact that

relationship over the last 60 years.

When the Communists formed the government in mainland China, and even before, America had serious difficulties with the Chinese government. In the early 50s during the Korean War the American might were not the victors because of primary support in both men and material by communist China.

Eventually America had to concede the partition of Korea. In Vietnam the Vietcong gave a bloody defeat to the French and later to America. In the late 60s and 70s America sent over half a million soldiers to Vietnam. For what?

For a very shameful defeat and hurried withdrawal. But Americans planned to recoup through trade and commerce what was lost on the battlefield. Vice President Richard Nixon secretly went to Beijing with the help of Pakistan Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and parlayed with erstwhile enemies Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping. In 1979 Communist China embarked on a capitalist route. In a very short time China became a factory for the whole world.

American consumers were importing some $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. Millions of Chinese got employment. Huge corporations made gigantic profits. The cost of living in America remained steady or decreased aiding the American economy. It was a win-win situation for both America and China.

Today, the Foreign Currency Reserve of China is a little short of $4,000 billion. What is not commonly known is that almost $1,400 billion of Chinese money is supporting the American

treasury bonds and such borrowings. In the last 36 years poor China has become very rich. The labour cost is rising rapidly and China also needs attractive investment potentials abroad as well as markets in the newly developing countries. Both China and India have complementary potentials. India has demography, demand and development. These three D's can be an attraction to the C for Capital of China. Yes, China betrayed India in 1962 when the Red Army attacked India from Tibet and thousands of Chinese marched up to Tezpur some 200 miles within India's border. That was a shock and shame for Pundit Nehru, his heart was broken.

But India of 2015 is by far a more different in terms of military preparedness today, China knows it as so do the country's other friends and foes as well.

It is suicidal for India and China to go to war. So the best synergy is through trade and commerce. Border disputes, or even an alliance between Pakistan and China can be kept on the back burner but with the rapid industrial and economic development of India, China has the potential to become the best and readily available partner. As it happened between America and China and as it has happened so clearly in Europe, a blood shocked continent which has experienced a historic transformation into the European Union, economic integration can and should create better days ahead for both India and China to the advantage of both their peoples as well as for the global wellness too. Such a transformation does not happen by

It takes two to tango

though they have a sizeable majority in the Lok Sabha, in the Upper House, the Rajya Sabha, the BJP and NDA are in the minority. The important legislation of a nationwide sales tax, land legislation for timely development of infrastructure, industry and commerce and similar other crucial subjects have not yet become the law of the land. In a democratic setup such impediments limit the scope of success of other initiatives. The worst is for the common man.

In Gujarat the then Chief Minister Modi was able to have rapid development economically and was able to transform the earthquake flattened areas of Kutch in such a short time that the fruits were seen and experienced by the electorate giving Modi such a thumping majority in one election after another. But running the Indian union is a more different than running the state of Gujarat.

What Mr Modi has achieved is enormous increase in aspirations, self confidence and enthusiasm of Indians from north to south and east to west especially amongst youth, women and the backward classes. It is believed by India watchers both abroad as well as the experts in India that all the ground work done by Modi and his government would bare fruits much sooner than expected. With some state elections taking place over the next 12 months it is believed that the composition of the Rajya Sabha will also change to the advantage of Mr Modi and his government. India is a huge country with several contradictions. Her biggest challenge is to steer the course for development and progress within the framework of democracy. No other country has such a challenge nor such an opportunity. India with Modi at her helm as the Prime Minister is on the right course. Time will prove that the optimism and expectations of her people are well placed.

Ali Bhutto

chance or by wishful thinking alone. It requires painful decisions, enormous perseverance and patience.

Let's look briefly at the other D– democracy. China's rapid development owes a lot to the one party dictatorship.

India is different. India has to remain totally committed to its constitution and democratic norms. Infrastructure as well as other developments are therefore delayed and one has to accept the reality. But the price is worth paying.

Eventually India will reach better standards of living and the time lapse due to its chosen path of democracy is going to be an added advantage in the long run.

South Korea was able to transform into a democracy in a much better way.

Developed China will inevitably yearn for democracy. The process is going to bring it enormous stress and strain in that huge country. Perhaps India's partnership with China will too.

- CB

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

India's Prominent Journalist-Producer Turned Professor Pervaiz Alam, Dean and Professor with the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Apeejay Stya University, Gurgaon, India, is a renowned broadcast journalist with over 30 years of experience. He worked with both BBC Service (Radio) and BBC World (Television) in London for more than 15 years as a Senior Producer. At BBC World Television, he was the Executive Producer of programmes such as India Business Report, Question Time India, Bollywood Bosses, Hardtalk India/Pakistan and Question Time India/Pakistan.

As a guest faculty, Prof. Alam's lecture venues include BBC Training Workshops and Lady Shri Ram College for Women. He started his career with All India Radio as 'Programme Executive' in New Delhi & went on to win several Akashvani Awards for his radio documentaries.

“As BBC celebrates 75

Pervaiz Alam

years of BBC Hindi/Urdu radio broadcasting, I have been asked by the BBC Hindi Producers to participate in a couple of programmmes reminiscing about the glorious days of Hindi broadcasting,” he said to Asian Voice.

“There was a time when 25 to 35 million peo-

ple in India used to tune into the daily broadcasts of the BBC Hindi service.

The history of the BBC Hindi and Urdu services is a chapter lifted from World War II history. In 1939, the powers that were in London realized that Hitler was winning the propaganda war in

Nazi Germany. German radio at that time was really powerful. Apparently that has nothing to do with Hindi or Urdu. But it has.

There were about 200,000 people of Indian origin who registered to fight for the British Empire in 1939 and when the War ended the number rose to 2.5 million soldiers in 1945.

So the BBC launched a radio service to target these soldiers from the sub-continent,” said Pervaiz.

The first transmission of the BBC went on air on May 11, 1940, the day after Winston Churchill became the Prime Minister of Britain. And, it was in Hindustani. But that era came to an end when India became independent and thus partition of the subcontinent followed. First two sections were created Indian Section and Pakistani section, leading to the creation of two separate language services Hindi and Urdu.

At BBC Bush House, I covered the fall of the Berlin wall, reported from Berlin, Prague, Budapest on the first multi-party elections in March 1990.

And then, BBC Hindi Service sent me to the Middle East after the invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Husain. I used to send voice reports from the Iraqi border near Jordan

as about two million people of Indian origin were being evacuated from the region. Also, reported from UAU and Jerusalem.”

Pervaiz produced a series of programmes on Lata Mangeshkar, Ghazal singer Mehdi Hasan and Sitar Maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar.

“Shaping the media scene as an insider is great.”

He moved to India temporarily in 2009 as he was commissioned to direct and produce a series of 156 radio plays in Hindi for the FM Networks in India. It was a BBC World Service Trust series called Life Gulmohar Style about urban women of India.

Before conceptualising the series, Pervaiz spent a lot of time with women focus groups, women colleges and India’s aspiring writers and actors. He also noted, “When I left India for the UK in 1988, there was only one Radio Network at that time- Akashvani or All India Radio. Now, there are hundreds of private FM Radio Stations.

There was only one Television Network until 1992, state-controlled Doordarshan. Now, there are more than 800 television channels.

However, part of India media is showing a slavish

9

tendency towards its masters- the corporate people with moneybags. They are investing hugely in new media but they want their media to follow their individual politics.

Also, a part of India media is indulging in ‘paid news’ meaning you pay the bills and get a favourable report the next day.

In 2012, I was asked to launch a School of Journalism and Mass Communication at India’s first liberal arts universityApeejay Stya Universityin Gurgaon at the outskirts of New Delhi.

Shaping the media scene as an insider is great.

We have got students from Zambia, Nigeria, Mauritius, Afghanistan and other parts of India.

My students learn radio & TV reporting as well as production, web journalism, print journalism and corporate communication.

We have a wellequipped radio and TV studio, our own quarterly ASU Express, online radio station Styvani and Youtube channel.

On 17 May 2015, I will be conducting a discussion on Regional and Language Literature at the Kalinga Literary Festival in the eastern city of Bhuveneshvar.

Finally, I love reciting Urdu poetry at social events and I want to do it big time in future.”

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Corruption in India

High profile, rich and influential people a Bollywood star, a powerful politician, and a business tycoon were allowed to walk free by appeal courts, despite being found guilty by lower courts.

Court cases are time consuming when more than 30 millions cases are pending.

The snail-speed justice ends up benefiting the rich and influential people as witness with money power and social pressure have often been used to articulate the cases. It took 13 years for a court in Mumbai to convict a famous actor of culpable homicide and sentence him to five years in prison, but an appeal court to suspend the sentence and grant him to bail.

After 18 years, a court, last September found former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jaya Jaylalitha guilty of amassing unaccounted for wealth, and sentenced her to four years, but and appeal court cleared her corruption charges.

Ramalinga Raju was bail out after his lawyers argued that he had already spent substantial part of his term in jail.

Way back in 1992, my entire young family was involved in road accident while on trip to India. Their stationary vehicle at Railway level crossing was hit by a state run express bus near Bardoli.

The injured family was taken to a local hospital for treatment of their fractured bones before returning to the UK. The driver of the bus ran off and could not be traced. This filed case took 15 years to award a paltry compensation of Rs11000 (£120) with interest for their injuries and abandoned further travel..

Despite PM Modiji's anti-corruption slogan "hun khato nathi ane khava deto nathi" the widely spread cancerous bribery and corruption still do exist at all levels in each and every sectors in general public. "Donation" is a dirty word that has been used to substitute this for school admissions, and even when right candidates apply for a job or subsequently seeking for promotion.

Lallubhai Patel Gloucester

Lessons of Nepal tragedy

It is heart breaking to see death and destruction of such a huge scale in such a short period of time in Nepal. By all accounts the people of Nepal are very resilient. That is the only way forward for them.

There is a great deal of discussion on the scale of destruction and people’s suffering. But there is hardly any discussion on why the destruction is so huge.

In Mumbai a number of skyscrapers have collapsed like pack of cards killing a large number of people. The main reason is the buildings are built with sub-standard materials. In general the builders are naturally dishonest.

There is lack of morality and respect for human life. The main motive is making maximum profit with complete disregard for the consequence of such a habit.

Until this is rectified the people would continue to suffer.

In comparison, if a western country is

Heinous crimes against women in India Women are not sex objects. They are human beings like you and me. What is wrong with our men today? Why do some of them commit heinous crimes like rape and murder? Are they not born of women? Do they live an uncivilized life?

What do we do to stop such horrible crimes taking place day after day?

Going by the statistics today, I think that majority of our Indian men would fall into this category. Is it not a shame for a land that is called ‘spiritual’? How many of our Indian men can truly say that they look at a woman as persons and not as sexual objects? How many of our men would raise their voice when they witness an abuse of a girl in homes, in trains, in buses, in workplaces and in public spaces?

Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai, India

Modi’s 3-day visit to China

The past four decades of economic growth in China was partly due to Japanese, Taiwanese, South Korean and Hong Kong owned companies operating from China. 50% share of exports of goods from China to the rest of the world come from foreign companies operating from China.

Chinese workforce has also benefitted greatly from this inward investment in China in terms of training and skills in manufacturing processes. Labour costs are now rising in China while Indian labour costs could be lower in comparison.

Apart from China, India needs to attract any foreign owned company that is technically more advanced than India who wishes offshore whole or part of their manufacturing operations.

In the service sector, India is already doing well. But not in the goods sector yet. It would be interesting to find out what percentage of export of goods (as opposed to services) from India to the rest of world come from foreign companies operating in India.

Does India need to emulate China in this strategy?

Nagindas Khajuria By email

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Help those in need

Pakistan sectarian hatred

As the editor of one the influential voices of the Indians in the UK, I would like to bring to your notice the plight of the desparate people who have been cast adrift in the vast ocean. They have no voice, no powerful media to take their cause, rejected or ignored by the rest of the world. We as Indians from the land of the Buddha the compassionate and from the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, it is our duty to help and raise our voices on their behalf. I hope you will join us in this noble endeavour.

Recently at least 45 people have been killed and 20 injured in a gun attack on a bus carrying Ismailis Shia Muslim in the city of Karachi. Police said six gunmen on motorcycle had stopped the bus and fired indiscriminately at passengers. Such attacks are quite common in Pakistan but this is the first attack on the Ismaili community and it is shocking even by the standard of Karachi.

Ismailis, also known as Khojas, are a very peaceful, prosperous, Gujarati speaking, mercantile community. During the course of history, the Ismailis have under the guidance of their Imams, made significant contributions to Islam civilisations, the cultural, intellectual and religious life of Muslims.

Mohamed Ali Jinnah, the creator of Pakistan, belonged to the Ismailia Shia Sect and believed that the minority Muslim community will be disadvantaged in the majority Hindu rule. If he had lived long enough, certainly he would have realised his grave mistake to shatter Mahatama Gandhi’s dream of Akhand(undivided) Bharat.

Dr George Gheverghese Joseph University of Manchester

Mercy for the Rohingyas

I sincerely hope that India will show her merciful side and help the Rohingyas.

India should rescue them and show the world how kind and compassionate India is compared to all her neighbours.

Zarin Avari By email

India should help Rohingyas

India's neighbours are behaving cruelly and mercilessly towards the helpless Rohingyas. It is therefore time that she showed her true spirit of generosity. Her navy should rescue them, offer them some refuge, and then the government can discuss with the UN and other countries about their settlement.

India will be honoured by all the nations across the world. For once, let the rich and the powerful elites of India stop talking about business models and investment, and just do the right thing: rescue the Rohingyas.

Although Buddhism is a religion of compassion, the Buddhist rulers and people of Burma behave abominably towards the Rohingyas. India should show them what Buddhist compassion truly means.

It is time India made us proud.

Burjor Avari Honorary Research Fellow Department of History Manchester Metropolitan University

Strong candidate

affected by such a disaster the destruction is in general quite low because the buildings are propery built with right composition of construction materials.

A few years back, like Nepal, the Indian state of Gujarat had gone through the same level of pain and suffering. But thankfully the Gujaratis have rebuilt their homes and come back to normality.

At the time Shree Narendra Modi, as the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, had done everything possible to restore that normality. He has promised to do everything to help our Nepali sisters and brothers.

Nepal is a very poor country. He is a man of words and hopefully he would keep his promise.

Your columnist Alpesh Patel recently impressed readers with what his application would have looked like if he went for the post of director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, addressing it to the prime minister.

Mr Patel is indeed a clever and talented guy with brilliant ideas on how to deal with everything from the national deficit to Europe and getting the best out of high-growth markets, exports, investments, business start-ups, youth education, jobs and tax, all backed by a stunning array of qualifications and experience.

If I were prime minister David Cameron I would have no hesitation in pointing a finger at him and saying: "Alpesh Patel - you're hired!"

Jatindra Saha By email

Rudy Otter By email

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Niranjan Vasant London

EU Migrants and Asians

The Governor of the Bank of England has expressed concerns that foreign workers are dragging down UK wages. He said that British wages are being kept artificially low because two million mgrants are working for peanuts in the UK, picking fruit in the farms or dong construction work. EU migrants do the jobs that British workers do not want to do. He said that the structure of employment here has changed because EU migrants earn ten times more here than they do back home and are prepared to work for whatever wages they can get and send their savings back home while living in austerity while they are here . This has an effect on domestic wages. Growth comes from household spending. Lower wages mean lower spending. So the growth is being stunted.

How is this affecting the people already living here, especially us Asians?

The arrival of these eastern Europeans has adversely affected us as these people are much stronger and hard working and are used to working in adverse weather conditions. They have much energy and dynamism, and they will be prepared to do any kind of available work at much lower wages, thus taking away jobs in the building industry from Asians workers.

However, there is little which can be done as restriction on the free movement of people is against the principles of the European Union.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford Continued on page 11

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Lady Hameed appointed high sheriff of greater London

Lady Ghazala Hameed has been appointed High Sheriff of Greater London.

Lady Hameed, who is originally from Pakistan and a doctor, is the wife of Lord Khalid Hameed of Hampstead, a crossbench peer.

The position of High Sheriff of Greater London, now a ceremonial one, has been in existence for 1,000 years. It is the second oldest public post in England after the monarch. A High Sheriff's duties include supporting the British

royal family and high court judges.

Lady Hameed is the founder and chairperson of the Concern for Mental Health charity.

Lord Hameed, too, was once the High Sheriff of Greater London. A distinguished doctor, he was for many years the Executive Director and CEO of London's Cromwell Hospital. He is now the Chairman and CEO of the London International Hospital.

Lord Hameed hails

from Lucknow in India and is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan Award.

Former mayoral rivals join forces to back Sadiq Khan Labour mayoral rivals from the 2012 contest Ken Livingstone and Oona King joined forces on Monday to back Sadiq Khan in the race for City Hall who announced his candidacy last Wednesday.

The Tooting MP criticised Boris Johnson for being a “red carpet mayor”.

Speaking to the Evening Standard Mr Khan said: “For the last eight years you’ve seen a red carpet mayor, somebody who is fantastic going to openings, great with a flute of champagne in his hands. I’d rather roll up my sleeves and fight for all Londoners.”

Mr Khan has become the fifth Labour candidate

Continued from page 10

EDUCATION/COUNCIL VOICE

Harbhajan Kaur Dheer becomes Mayor of Ealing Council

Harbhajan Kaur Dheer (62), an Indian-origin councillor has become the first Asian woman to be elected as the Mayor of Ealing Council, London, after succeeding councillor Tej Ram Bagha.

She is a passionate advocate of rights of children and elderly including those with mental health issues. Her husband, councillor Ranjit Dheer is a former Mayor of Ealing in 2001-2002.

On becoming the Mayor, Kaur said, “It is a great privilege and challenge to be the Mayor of Ealing Council in London.

I have no illusions about the task ahead. But if I can cope up with Ranjit [Dheer] at home, I can climb even the Everest.”

Harbhajan Kaur Dheer (62) becomes the first Asian elected Mayor in Britain

Harbhajan Kaur was born in Punjab, in 1953 and came to Britain in 1975. Her initial years in

11

Britain were difficult and she had to work extremely hard to secure herself and raise her children.

In the 1990s, she worked as a volunteer Home Visitor. She helped home bound women to learn English.

Kaur attended Kingston University and obtained a degree in Social Sciences in 1995.

She has also worked as an Approved Mental Health Professional in Surrey County Council until 2003.

She joined the Labour Party in the 1980s. It is there where Kaur began her public role within the Party, as well as in the community. She has also been a governor at a number of schools in Ealing.

Lord Mahavir arrives at Crawley Hindu temple

Former mayor Ken Livingstone and Oona King with Sadiq Khan

to put his name forward to replace Mr Johnson in City Hall, following Tessa Jowell, David Lammy, Diane Abbott and Christian Wolmar.

So far, only one Conservative candidate – Ivan Massow – has con-

Your Voice

Modi’s China visit

firmed their intention to run.

Mr Khan, who grew up in his south London constituency, spearheaded Labour's election drive in London, where the party won 45 of the 73 seats at the recent election.

Topsy-Turvy Election

Pandit Nehru showed all the routes connecting India to Tibet, China, and so on.

He left nothing to chance and became open, naked, but everybody knows that Pandit Nehru suffered serious heart ache in regards to relations at that time. All the contracts, planned projects seemed to be beneficial more so for China but only some for India.

Approach of Modi, God willing this time India will reap the rewards. Modi is a well experienced, widely travelled, open minded, mature and shrewd politician.

This time all the countrymen, when compared the past are so frightened that they dont wish to take a chance. Japan, China, France, Germany are so many parties where the Prime Minister is not willing to knock on the wrong door, wrong chance, wrong flash, any uncertainty should not come in the way of today’s India. Already black money, different types of floods, famines, earthquakes surrounding countries miseries have proved such that it has shaken the roots of India.

Expanding Muslim population, mishap of family planning, illiteracy, agriculture, trade and commerce, banking, murders, robberies, police bribery and corruption, urban progress and advancement according to the forecast has not met the expectation but rather made the disappointments more visible. Single Narendra Modi as Prime Minister cannot bring all changes overnight. Honesty, integrity, hardwork, balanced thinking will play it’s role in the future time to come. We can’t afford a war or conflict with our neighbouring countries.

May I congratulate AV/GS team for detailed analysis of this unpredictable election in living memory with more women, BME and novices walking corridor of power, replacing long serving politicians. Is it triumph or mockery of democracy only time will tell? Wise, mature voting avoided doomsday scenario, another election in six months’ time.

While there are ten MPs in HOC from Indian and Pakistani background and three Bangladeshis, it is refreshing to note that while Indian MPs come from varied social, cultural, religious background, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis are exclusively from Muslim faith, lack cultural diversity that may be detrimental for multiculturalism.

While perceptive yuppie Indians concentrated on financial aspect with more millionaires, prophetic Pakistanis rightly cemented their roots in politics.

Keith Vaz’s contribution over three decades is praise-worthy, unmatched, loyally serving his constituents in Leicester.

His fight against mangos ban and rushing to Heathrow airport to free Baba Ramdevji from illegal detention are well documented.

One glaring omission is that of popular, hard-working Lord Popat and MP Sailesh Vara from the Cabinet, although appointments are still ongoing. If left out, it will dent Indian community’s trust in PM Cameron who has gained support of Indian/Hindu/Sikh/Jain community. Rise of Priti Patel, Minister of State (Employment) is well deserved, uplifting and perhaps one day we may see British Asian female in No 10 Downing Street!

Perhaps we may read more in-depth articles, analyses in the next issue of AV/GS.

Ramesh V Moradabadi Southall, Middlesex

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Saturday 16th. May was a day to remember for the Jain community. They arrived from all over London and beyond to the beautiful Apple Tree Centre, Hindu temple in Crawley.

The community was buzzing with excitement and anticipation as they prepared to install the statue of Lord Mahaveer in the temple. To bless the ceremony the revered Nalinbhai Kothari popularly known as Bhaishree

had come specially from India along with Minalben and Vikrambhai.

Beginning with the Aarti ceremony followed

by Snatra Pooja the congregation witnessed the event with great joy and devotion. Lord Mahavir was then carried on a palanquin around the temple. Vinodbhai Kapashi chanted special mantras inviting the Lord to take his seat.

A Mahavir Award was the presented to Marion

and Mark Eton who run an animal sanctuary near Tonbridge Wells.

12

MEDIA WATCH

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a two-day visit to West Bengal: he came, he saw, he conquered. A turbulent state, with a volatile and unpredictable Chief Minister to boot, its public awaited the outcome with bated breath. The anxieties were put to rest, as Mr Modi and a mellow Ms Banerjee got on just fine. Mr Modi struck the right note at the start: he said Team India was his first concern and not the politics of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of which he is the acclaimed head. It was his job to parley with all chief ministers, irrespective of party affiliation for the common good.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Visionary Spurred by the American (and European affiliates) stranglehold over the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), both incubated at Bretton Woods (USA) way back in 1944, the BRICS bank has the potential to create a level playing field in global banking.

The self-appointed overlords of global order have been put on notice.

Kamanth’s credentials

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Burnpur with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

Ms Banerjee, once a tigress in her opposition to the envisaged territorial settlement with Bangladesh and the sharing of the water of the Teesta River with that country, was transformed into a welcoming lamb, all smiles and nods as the Prime Minister explained his policy goals on relations with the Dhaka government, and the generous financial package of Rs 3,000 crore he held out for West Bengal during this challenging transition. There was even talk of Ms Banerjee joining Mr Modi’s delegation when it visited Dhaka to sign the landmark Indo-Bangladesh treaty. Politics in a democracy is never far from the art of the possible.

Jayalalitha freed

Mean while, Jayalalitha Jayaram, the fallen Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, has had her conviction for corruption by a lower court

mile, the most formidable since Indira Gandhi was on the scene.

The 918 page judgment of Justice C.R. Kumaraswamy acquitting her brings Jayalalitha back into the mainstream of India’s coalition politics. Her achievements as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister are the rock of her standing in a state long impoverished, but transformed today, thanks largely to her inclusive social vision and understanding of development in a transitional society. Her personality politics – complete with Amma canteens, packaged Amma drinking water and pharmacies dispensing low-cost medicines – combined with relatively high rates of growth have cemented her image as the omnipotent matriarch of Tamil politics.” (Times of India May 12)

K.V. Kamath BRICS Bank head

Kundapur Vaman Kamath, 67, has been appointed the first President of the BRICSdesigned New Development Bank set up to finance projects in countries requesting such aid.

The BRICS grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa finalized the project at their last summit in Brazil in Jayalalitha Jayaram

quashed by the Karnataka High Court. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called to greet her. “The decks have been cleared for her return as Chief Minister amid speculation that she might opt for early Assembly polls,” commented the Telegraph newspaper (May 12), in a report entitled “One big happy family: Amma [Mother in Tamil], Didi [Elder sister in Bengali], Modi.”

The Prime Minister’s national approval rating stands at an impressive 74 per cent.

Major player

In intellect and intelligence, Jayalalitha is India’s foremost woman politician by many a

K.V. Kamath

July 2014.The idea for such a bank, floated by India at the BRICS summit of 2012, should be operational by 2017. Mr Kamath’s term as President will last six years, to be followed by Brazilian and Russian successors respectively, with five-year terms.

K.V. Kamath brings to the table formidable credentials as a banker and institution builder.

His banking experience is wide and deep. Having worked for years in the Manila-based Asian Development Bank, returned to take charge of the ICICI Bank, which under his stewardship has become India’s second largest lender. He is also non-executive Chairman of Infosys, India’s second largest software company.

His appointment has received wide acclaim. Ashok Lahiri, former executive director at the Asian Development Bank, said: “Kamath is an outstanding choice. He has long experience in building one of the finest private banks. Also, his experience at ADB will come in handy in his new role.” ( Mint, Business Line, Hindu, Times of India May 12)

Google campus in Hyderabad

Global IT major Google Inc, is to set up its largest campus outside the US in Hyderabad through an investment of Rs 1,000 crore. Spread over 7.2 acres, it will have office space of 2 million square feet in the city’s IT corridor. It will be the company’s first facility in India expected to have a 13,000 workforce.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at Google headquarters Mountain View, US, with the Telangana IT Minister K.T.Rama Rao, David Radcliff, Global head for Google Facilities, said that it would take around a year to plan the campus, with the construction work to startmid- 2016 (Hindu May 13)

pared t the 1.35 hundred thousand sold in the same month last year. However, the improved figure registered this year was well short of the peak figure of 2.33 hundred thousand registered in March 2012. (Times of India May 12)

Some 14 contracts have been signed with the Russian Rosoboronexport for the carrier’s aviation complex. The aviation complex is being designed to accommodate the MiG29K aircraft that will operate from the flight deck (Hindu May 14)

The Indian Navy has set out its 10-15-year vision for a threedimensional force for the protection of the country’s maritime interests from the Persian Gulf to the Malacca Strait. Admiral Robin Dhawan said “a long-term naval technology roadmap” was now in place following close consultations with the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) and other stakeholders. “We have put in place the Make in India thrust on an overdrive. The focus is on weapons, sensors and cutting edge technologies,” said the naval chief.

A second earthquake in Nepal has added to the deaths and devastation of the first about a fortnight ago. At the last count 76 deaths were reported, with many more buildings in Kathmandu destroyed. Many far-flung corners of this mountainous country have cut off by landslides, the misery continues. (Times of India May 12)

Navy long-term vision

Second Nepal Quake

Nun rape gang leader caught

The Navy is gearing up for two major projects: the first, Project 75, involves the construction of six stealth submarines in Indian shipyards with foreign collaboration; the second is to fast-track the finalization of the country’s largest aircraft carrier, the 65,000tonne INS Vishal (Times of India May 6)

Milan Sarkar, the leader of the Bangladeshi gang, which robbed a Christian school (where an elderly nun was raped) at Ranaghat, West Bengal, was arrested along with an accomplice, Abidul Islam, as they alighted from a train at Kolkata.

The duo had fled to Bangladesh but returned to India, presumably to plan further robberies in the country. Three other gang members are still on the run, but this latest arrest represents a breakthrough. (Times of India May 9)

India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is to be launched next week at the Cochin Shipyard w2here has been built. “All major equipment has gone into the vessel, which has now acquired the shape of an aircraft carrier, with a finished hull. Barring a bit of work on the superstructure, structural work is over and the internal compartments have all been welded in,” said a yard official.

The Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha, had a fortuitous escape as the hotel hosting a musical concert that he planned to attend, but didn’t, was bombed, leaving 14 dead, including an Indian woman and three men, five Afghans, an American, Italian and a Briton.

The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack (Times of India May 15).

Two major projects

INS Vikrant launch

Kabul bomb blast kills 14

Wockhardt hospital plan

Wockhardt Hospitals Pvt. Ltd, part of the Wockhardt Group, has unveiled an expansion plan that looks to build two hospitals every year, particularly in tier-1 and tier II cities. It has acquired land in Aurangabad for a 150200 bed specialty hospital to be built in the next two years. “Our normal pace of growth is a couple of hospitals every year. We are looking to accelerate that growth, said Anupam Verma, President Wockhrdt Hospitals (Mint May 14)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping before their meeting in Xi’an, China. see comment page 3

Car sales rise

Car sales grew 18 per cent in April , the fastest rise in the last 30 months. That said, the challenge is to surmount the sluggishness in the rural economy, which until now had propelled growth in this sector. Car sales volumes reached 1.6 hundred thousand units nationally com-

PM Modi interacts with people at the India China business forum. see comment page 3

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Special offer on St Luke’s Midnight Walk for those attending the Anand Mela

5 Lessons in Leadership from a Nobel Peace Prize Winner Studying Political leadership at Oxford is good grounding when you actually meet in person someone like Lord Trimble – the winner of the Noble Peace Prize for his work in Northern Ireland. I was fortunate to host him at a charity dinner and also have a few words with him about leadership.

A week when the new Conservative Government announced it was going tighten security laws, and Muslim leaders cried the laws would fall strongest on their community, there is much we can learn from a man who shaped peace in a part of the United Kingdom which was more divided by terror and bitterness than the mainland ever has been. Many therefore choose the less courageous path of being a spokesman for their followers – that is not leadership.

Leadership = courage: If you don’t feel you’re being courageous you’re simply not pushing enough to make a big enough change. Here was a leader who had to stand with terrorists and tell his own side to work with them. The hardest thing is not trying to persuade your advisory, but your own. That takes courage. Because your own can take you down internally well before you get to stand up.

Leadership is not about the leader: As Lord Trimble pointed out in his speech and when I spoke to him, there are thousands unseen who by carrying out what Wordsworth called, "those little nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love" are leaders.

Leadership is a certain type of vision: You may think you should be one of those politicians ‘I am personally and perhaps culturally conditioned to be sceptical of speeches which are full of sound and fury, idealistic in intention, but impossible of implementation; and I resist the kind of rhetoric which substitutes vapour for vision.’

Be careful about clichés that as a leader you must have a vision. Sure you must – but it must be practical, implementable, else the people will quickly

Lord Trimble with Alpesh Patel

reject you as a false leader. And leadership of the practical is a lot harder than the ideal – because you cannot get away with ‘vapour’.

Beware the Fanatic Leader: You think leadership is selfless? Remember the definition then of a fanatic Lord Trimble gives: "A political fanatic is someone who is more interested in you than in himself.

At first that might seem as an altruist, but look closer and you will see the terrorist.

A political fanatic is not someone who wants to perfect himself. No, he wants to perfect you. He wants to perfect you personally, to perfect you politically, to perfect you religiously, or racially, or geographically.’

Lead from within: As the Conservatives are going to learn, leading is about leading not just a country, or a larger constituency, but those who have signed up to loyally follow you – and they can be the assassins. Julius Caeser to the semi-fictional Godfather – the enemies of a leader are often their closest allies. ‘Thus each reformist group has a moral obligation to deal with its own fanatics. The Serbian democrats must take on the Serbian fascists. The PLO must take on Hammas.’

And so with new British security laws to clamp down on terrorist threats, it will ultimately have to be those it is targeted at to reform their own internal problems.

Whence come such leaders?

St Luke’s Hospice is proud to be the charity party for the Anand Mela and will benefit from the ticket sales.

We have a number of special offers for supporters who visit our stand at the Mela.

Any one signing up for the Midnight Walk can collect their walker pack and t-shirt at the Mela , as well as benefitting from the reduced booking price of £20, and will also receive a free 10 day gym pass to Snap Fitness Kenton.

Anyone signing up for the Shishunkunj and One Shakti 108 Sun Salutation event to raise funds of St Luke’s on the 13th June will receive a free meditation CD. Visit www.stlukeshospice.org/salutations to find out more.

We are also asking visitors to the Mela to wear something purple to show their support for St Luke’s.

St Luke’s Hospice in Kenton provides care to enable people an incurable illness to access the care they need to live well, to know that their family and carers are supported, and to die with dignity in the place of their choice. We provide all of our services

Cameron promises thousands more GPs for seven-day NHS

In his first prominent speech since winning the general election on 7th May 2015, Prime Minister David Cameron expressed his “shock” at the death rates in hospitals at the weekends compared to weekdays. He pointed out

Cllr Ameet Jogia

how many severely ill patients arrive at the hospital at a time when NHS staffing is at its lowest.

Taking breaks to glance out of window helps concentration Nature has always had a positive impact to one's health and wellbeing.

Even taking a small break to appreciate the view can help stimulate the mind.

Studies have proven that glancing out of the window at a roof which is covered in flowers and glass for about 40 seconds, as a “micro-break” can renew workers' waning concentration.

It is the primary indication that a quick look of nature among the sky-

scrapers can revitalise people's focus.

Academias at the University of Melbourne, Australia, conducted a five-minute “sustained attention” test, where they split 150 psychology students into two groups.

13

David Cameron

Cameron has announced that thousands of more GPs will be recruited to the NHS so that patients are assured that they can be treated seven days a week. David Cameron also promises to fulfil his campaign pledge to increase NHS spending by £8 billion a year and also made the NHS pledge for funding for more staff and faster access to drugs.

For those of you who know me well, know that I am generally quite a shy person. However, when it comes to politics, I am certainly not a shy Tory.

For me it was always a clear choice. Why would I not vote Conservative, after kick starting our economy, cutting income tax, extending the Right to Buy scheme, getting 2 million more people in work, and halving our deficit as a percentage of GDP? Voting for Labour would have caused economic chaos, threatened our economic recovery and risked disuniting our nation with a LabourSNP alliance. Some people call it scare mongering, I call it reality.

Shy Tories, the term commonly used to describe undisclosed Tory

completely free of charge, and we rely on the support of our communities for over 70% of the funding that we need to provide free care.

The Midnight Walk is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and last year 1500 ladies raised an incredible £217,000 for the hospice. Some walk just for a fun night out, and some in memory of friends and family like Vanita Bhavani last year.

Vanita says: ‘My mum was admitted to St Luke’s in 2013.

She had end stage kidney failure and we got her into the hospice for respite care. The staff were really supportive and made the experience less traumatic at a time which was very difficult for us as a family. I first did the Midnight Walk in 2012 because I wanted to

support a local charity and a good cause. But in 2014 I had a much bigger connection with the walk and it had much more meaning for me.’

The walk takes place on Friday 26th of June and the 9 mile route starts and ends at Harrow Leisure Centre.

The evening starts with a packed programme of entertainment and a warm up, and finishes with a light breakfast at the centre.

Find out more at w w w. s t l u k e s hospice.org/midnightwalk Entry is £25 for those registering in June, but a reduced price of £20 is available only for those signing up at the Anand Mela, or in the St Luke’s charity shop on St Ann’s Road, Harrow Town Centre.

voters, are the group of voters who are said to have won the General Election for the Conservatives. Up until the eve of poll (if not on polling day itself!) the polls were forecasting the Conservatives and Labour as neck to neck, with the possibility of another hung Parliament.

So what suddenly happened?

The outstanding victory for the Conservatives on May 8th showed that many Tories were unprepared to declare their ideals to the polls as loudly as the Left do. There is still a lot of taboo to support the Conservative Party, particularly amongst young and ethnic minority voters. Tories are still deemed as inherently bad and fiscal discipline is referred to as greed. For me it is now second nature to be referred to as “Tory Scum”, “Nasty”, and “Traitor”. Most Tories I’m sure are used to this reaction.

Much to my annoyance, the Left have

always portrayed a selfrighteousness and held the “moral high-ground”.

During the last campaign, I still recall the number of voters who were afraid to put up Tory posters in fear of being victimised and I met so many people who said they were voting Conservative, “but not to tell anyone!” So is it any wonder why so many voters were afraid to say they were voting Tory?

This trend was particularly clear in North London amongst the Gujarati community, where their vote really came out on the day helping to keep Harrow East, Hendon and Finchley and Golders Green blue in an increasingly Labour city.

However, when it came to the day, I was delighted that people voted by their conscious.

In the end it all came down to common sense and clear, concise policies, which is why more people voted for the Conservatives than any other party. Although the next day I was not surprised when the anti-Tory reappeared, despite the Tories securing a clear, outright majority.

Shy Tories

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UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

COME AND MAKE THE LIVELY ANAND MELA MORE MEMORABLE

The joyous Anand Mela has been taking place for the past five years and once again, it now returns as an extravagant 2-day occasion on 6th and 7th June 2015, at Harrow Leisure Centre. Anand Mela attracts around 5000 visitors and is scouted as the best choice for a family day out.

St Luke's Hospice will be the Charity Partner with Asian Voice for the Anand Mela. St Luke’s Hospice cares for people with incurable illnesses so that they can live well, know that their family and carers are supported, and when the time comes, die with dignity in the place of their choice.

They offer all there services completely free of charge.

WorldRemit are the headline sponsors for this event. They are a leading global online money remittance company that lets people send money to friends and family living abroad conveniently and at a low cost.

During this fun-filled 2-day event, you and your family will have the opportunity to shop, eat, dance and get entertained under one roof. There will be different stalls, ranging from beauty, fashion and wedding, property and investment, health and wellbeing, as well as food and drinks, plus many more. There will be consistent performances on stage throughout this two-day event by topnotch performers, as well as community organisations and school children.

There will be performances by Vikesh Champaneri, Honey’s Dance Academy (HDA), Meera's Dance Academy and AK Dance Academy, singers Navin Kundra, Kishan Amin, Hemina Shah, Taqueer Khan, Muhammed Fahad, Nalini Pattni and musician Alan Watts, as well as dancer, Manorma Joshi.

Vikesh Champaneri was a 19-year-old participant when he appeared on the singing reality show, The Voice, where

Vikesh Champaneri

he won many accolades and won everyone's heart. He had the oppor-

tunity to be mentored by will.i.am on the show.

Honey Kalaria is a choreographer, dancer and Bollywood specialist.

She has worked with esteemed celebrities, such as Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai and

traditional, modern contemporary and hip hop.

They believe in being a community more than a business.

Navin Kundra is one of the strongest forces in the contemporary British Asian music industry. He is a multitalented singer, songwriter and musician and has six number one smash hit singles and a Guinness World Record.

Navin Kundra's music fuses eastern and western

The Affordable India Show 2015 comes near your home

The Affordable India Show 2015 which is a part of Anand Mela and will showcase properties from all over India, ensuring you do not have to travel far, bringing the developers near you.Last year the show had some reputable developers exhibiting Indian properties including Godrej,

Kishan Amin Honey Kalaria

Beyonce.

HDA Performing Arts is one of the UK's first Bollywood dance and performing arts training institution.

Honey Kalaria trains professional bollywood dancers and instructors, produces stages shows, discovers talent to put forward for projects, coordinates artists for films & TV and is involved in many multi cultural high profile events- from staging Eastern entertainment at corporate launches to providing dancers for high profile wedding celebrations right through to offering choreography services for theatre.

Meera's Dance Academy was set up by Meera Salat. She is a professional dancer who has been dancing for 16 years.

She teaches Bollywood, Kathak dancing and also does Bollywood workouts. Her dance group have performed at numerous shows including a show for freedom in India at Watford Colleseum, a “Saavan” which was a student showcase of different types of rain through Kathak and Bollywood dance. Her group also performed at the Shreya Ghoshal concert in May 2013.

AK Dance Academy was founded by Archana Kumar. The dance group are fresh and dynamic, bringing you dance with an impact. They specialise in Bollywood dance and fuse it with a variety of other dance forms, such as classical,

Navin Kundra

influences together with a contemporary and edgy sound that is uniquely and commercially progressive. He is also the first British Asian artist to be invited by the Royal family to perform at St James' Palace. His hit numbers include “Tere Liye” and “Shudaayi”.

He utilises his ability to effortlessly flip from singing and writing in Hindi to English to Punjabi whilst playing the guitar or piano to create an unforgettable musical experience.

Kishan Amin is known for his exquisite and soulful voice. He has acquired intense training in Hindustani Classical Music from well renowned artists, Pandit Rajan-Sajan Mishra from a very young age. He has attained the versatility to

sing in various styles and genres, such as Sufi, Bollywood or devotional.

Hemina Shah is a talented singer and performing artist, specialising in a range of different styles of Indian music including Bollywood, Bhangra, Garba, Fusion, plus much more. Her music and voice has proven to cater

Raheja, Adani, Purvankara, Ruchi, Indiabulls, Wave Infratech, Ansal and many more. Asset India and Investor Decode, India Property specialist who have brought together the Affordable India Show 2015 will actively help buyers with all assistance even after the show.

Rokya” was released in 2014 and became a huge success on British Asian music channels. Singing has always been Tauqeer Khan's passion and becoming a successful singer ultimately became his goal.

Muhammed Fahad has been an avid Mohammed Rafi fan, which is evident in his singing. He is popularly known for his rendition of popular Mohhamed Rafi songs and has been a part of many concerts, paying tribute to the singer.

Nalini Pattni and Alan Watts will be performing in aid of St Luke's Hospice. Alan Watts is a music therapist at St Luke's. Nalini Pattni is the artistic paragons of perfection who has a voice that is soft and mellow. She has released three definitive albums; Raas Garba with Nalini,

Hemina Shah

for people of all ages and background. She has performed in many different countries such as Spain, Luxembourg, France, Ghana, Kenya, India and Canada.

Tauqeer Khan is a Holland-based talented singer and lyricist. He recently released his brand new single, “Teriyaan Yaadan”, featuring musician Balli Kalsi. His first song “Dil

Nalini Pattni

Inspiration and Mera Dil Deewaana- which was championed by the late great Jagjit Singh. She also co-presented London's first ever Asian radio show on LBC

'Geetmala' and has recorded with the Grammy nominated band 1Giant Leap and world music pioneers T r a n s g l o b a l Underground.

Mehul Shivji, who is 13 years old and a student in Alperton will be performing on Saturday.

A tabla player, Mehul plays with a group called Sanatan Bhajan Mandal

Mehul Shivji

and is also a student of classical tabla.

All the money made from ticket sales proceeds of Anand Mela will go to St Luke’s Hospice. Please visit the St Luke’s stall at the Mela and wear something purple at the event to show your support for the hospice. Tickets for Anand Mela are £2.50 and can easily be purchased at the door. Come and make the lively Anand Mela more memorable. Each one of you will surely make a big difference in ensuring St Luke's Hospice gets the sufficient help that we can provide them.

Hetain Patel

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Sunetra Senior

Being Post-modern

Reminiscent of the ‘beat movement’ in nineteen-fifties America, Hetain embodies the philosophy of living in the moment through his performance art and sculptures. Perhaps his statements are even truer to the idea of being, in that they carry no bias: “In terms of consumerism, Hollywood is such a big machine, and we can’t help but have it inhabit our world” he stated, “some might say it’s brainwashing, but I like to study both sides. I love superhero films as well as arthouse movies and identify with it all. People can take away from it what they want.” Indeed, whether he is putting together a glimmering Spiderman costume, sharing anecdotes from a British-Asian perspective, or imitating our resident movie stars, his observations about identity are as playful as they are profound. Currently a New Wave Associate at Sadler's Wells Theatre, with installations across the world – including the Tate Modern and Chatterjee and Lal gallery in Mumbai – Hetain is noted as a professional conceptual artist.

What can we expect from your upcoming show ‘American Boy’?

It’s a one man show, just under an hour long, which is in some ways a self-portrait but is also open to the audience’s perception of themselves. It flows, has several layers and is ultimately a very entertaining show. It is also reflective of a particular generation, and illustrates how popular culture affects us. It’s made entirely of film quotes, covering a range of archetypes – from the heroes to the gangsters to the baddies - which I perform in different voices and movements. For example if I was to ask you to make a list from memory of all the different movies and characters quotes that make you who you are, that was basically the process. This is quite revealing if you think about it; what has influenced you. In that way it’s also quite a funny show. The themes of humour and identity tie in with our experience as humans wanting to belong, or sometimes wishing we were something else and relating to the screen as a result.

Yes, you did a TED talk ('Who am I? Think Again') where one of the punch-lines is something like ‘I learnt this not from my father, but from Spiderman’. Would you say comedy in subversion is a big part of your work?

Yes absolutely, the reason being that it is often about identity which evokes difficult material: racism, minority cultures and fitting in with society. I want to be careful with that subject matter because I don't want to preach.

The humour invites people into the conversation, and it is also the way I engage most with works. Whether it is theatre, people or television a little lightness acts like a sweetener doesn’t it?

How did you fall into performance art?

Well, I’ve always had an interest, and I’d say it started with drawing; oil paintings etc. I took the

craft further at GCSE level and at university art really became a place for me to think. It was more than just making pictures. So my practice at the moment follows on from that training. I fell into the installations whereby they were showcased in galleries. I also performed a best man’s speech for my friend who had a mixed race wedding, and the material seemed to go down really well.

Manchester and I was the only brown kid in class. I experienced racism both physically and mentally, and went through that first and second generation desire to fit in and the expression of that. You know, you try to dress and walk differently, play with your accent perhaps, and it’s not just immigrant culture.

All children struggle to fit in and bullying happens to a lot of people and affects us similarly. Whether it’s the friends we keep, our social circles or the jobs, but I don't want to militantly complain; I’ve got no interest in Tell us more about your exploration of being a victim. It’s more about what we can identity? do so it won’t happen to anyone else, and Well the basis of my art comes from my my artwork is a way of taking action. Identity experiences as a child. It’s a common story if is so fluid and slippy and I break down you like. I grew up in Bolton, just outside of stereotypes. You know when people see me, a bearded Asian man, they may make certain assumptions, but I don’t want to judge either and equally consider it training for myself because I’m 'I've got no human too and can be guilty of the same. What I do is promote interest in a more realistic, complex look at identity. being victim.'

And how would you say your cultural background may have influenced you?

My folks were born in Africa, grew up in India and emigrated here in the late sixties.

When you’re multilingual, there’s something about you that understands there’s not just one way of doing something. That's why I look at things through different perspectives: in sculptures, photographs, my live shows.

When I’m using language in my work – from Chinese translators to sporting an American or Bolton accent, I’m changing one little thing to show how differently it can be interpreted.

Maybe one way sounds funnier where the other comes out more straight-cut. Again that feeds into making identity slippier. My work is also influenced by my working class background. A lot of my aunties and uncles might be factory workers and I inherited that ethic of hard work and creation with my hands.

That always enters into my art, from making sculptures to spending five months on painting a superhero costume!

Highlights?

The first thing I did got picked up by a lot of great theatres in the dance field and they've been supporting me every since. I also feel

'Using language, clothes and movement is a central tool.'

held by a lot of places: Manchester’s where I grew up, Nottingham was where I studied, and London is where I work. However the TED talk and making a Ford Fiesta sculpture with my dad are the definite highpoints. With the former, the content of my work was made accessible for so many who wouldn’t necessarily visit theatres or galleries. I get so many random emails from people around the world who are connecting to the ideas. It made me feel what I was doing mattered. On the visual arts side, I converted my old car, given to me by my father, into a transformer robot; that’s also on YouTube. Again, I’m reaching people honestly and inviting a conversation rather than placing barriers.

There's something about framing intellectual ideas through physicality that makes them more direct and accessible.

Yes, because it is essentially about communication and everyone has a human body!

Using language, clothes and movement is then a central tool. Filming stuff in my house and the digital platforms are also everyday- it’s how we engage in life isn’t it?

What has been the biggest obstacle?

Probably fighting against being put in an exotic box. Because my work is largely viewed by a western audience, it becomes something more narrow and other to mainstream. My work is for everyone, minority or mainstream. I think that will always be the challenge, but again that fuels my me and is not necessarily something that annoys. It forces me to assess new ways of communication and understanding.

What has been your biggest influence?

Eddie Murphy. From the eighties into the nineties, before ‘Goodness Gracious Me’, there were no Asians on screen and felt the closest to being like us. He also talked about race and marginalisation with real humour in a way that engaged a broad audience.

Finally, do you have a personal Motto?

Take a second look. Be open to seeing things from more than one angle.

‘American Boy’ is showing at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in Islington on the 28th and 29th of May W www.hetainpatel.com

16

SPECIAL ON MODI GOVT’S 1 YEAR

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Modi govt enjoys high approval ratings in first year

The Narendra Modi government which will be completing one year in office on 26th May continues to enjoy fairly high approval ratings in India’s largest cities, even though it's not as high as it was five months back.

According to a poll, less than one in five respondents said the government's performance has been "very good", compared to more than onefourth in a similar poll done in December-end.

Those saying that the government has done a "somewhat good" job, however, continue to be just under half the total.

The latest poll also reveals that a majority feel initial expectations from the government were unrealistically high, an indication perhaps that the hype of "achhe din" is giving way to a more sober assessment of what to expect from the Modi government. The other interesting finding of the survey is that the “Swachh Bharat” campaign is by far the most popular initiative taken by the Modi government in its first year in

office, with the Jan Dhan financial inclusion scheme and 'Make in India' distant seconds.

As for his biggest blunder, opinion is divided, but Modi's inability to rein in loose-talking ministers gets the biggest thumbsdown, followed by the controversy over the land acquisition bill and the monogrammed suit Modi wore during US president Barack Obama's visit to India in January.

The drop in the rating

of the government's overall performance is most pronounced in socio-economic category, the lowest of the ones covered by the survey. In this category, the proportion of those saying the government has done a good or very good job is down from 74% in end-December to 61% now. A similar trend is visible in this segment's ratings for the government's performance on development and job creation, arguably a sign that those

lower down the economic ladder are feeling more disappointed, perhaps because they expected more from Modi.

Job creation was the one that received the lowest marks: only 17% said it had done a very good job and 30% felt it had done a somewhat good job. The survey was conducted in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad.

Has the life for the

dence improved. The liberalisation of rules on FDI in many industries is welcome, as is the huge investment in infrastructure. Businesses will still be hopeful that Modi can reduce complexity by harmonising India’s complex regional sales taxes. Modi has sought to improve foreign relations and has vigorously courted the US, Japan, China, Australia and Germany. A visit to the UK is now well overdue, so I hope this will be priority in the coming year. The British Indian Diaspora is ready to give Modi a Hero’s welcome.

from Modi are around education and female safety.

Firm and bold steps need to be taken in this area.

looking to do business with India. Prime Minister Modi has shown them how competitive India is for manufacturing and other businesses looking to invest here. Prime Minister Modi has done a great job in his first year and with the help and support of the country behind him he will continue to change India for the better.

common man changed?

In terms of perception, the answer would be a clear yes. The unfortunate policy paralysis that had set in during UPA II’s term and the general feeling of ennui and despondency in governance was eating the minds and spirits of a middle class which had gained wings since the Indian economy liberalised.

The country’s ‘dil mange more’ appetite was frustrated by the dual power centres that had been created in the previous government, and business heads and industrialists had begun to despair as the second phase of much needed reforms remained grounded despite an economist prime minister’s presence at the helm. Manmohan Singh had shown the country that dreams could be achieved and then got too knotted in the contradictions of his own government to deliver the tangibles in his second term.

Breath of fresh air for Indians Narendra Modi’s style of governance came as a breath of fresh air for

Indians. You can call that a good start. Yes, inflation is down, as promised, but that clearly has more to do with low crude rates and crash in global commodity prices and less to do with any efficiency in managing supplies and supply chains.

On the economic front, the GDP data is slowly looking up and both the World Bank and IMF predict that if all goes well, the Indian economy will be back on the 7% plus growth track. One would presume, this would have to come with riders – Modi would need to deliver on the promises he made on rolling out the next round of economic reforms.

He has taken the ordinance route to push through a few bills, and caps on FDI in insurance, real estate and defence have been increased. The idea to privatise some part of the railways is also good considering the train network remains the best means to keep India tightly knit, and thus the need to modernise it cannot be understated.

Continued on page 17

Comments from MPs, peers and leaders of community organisations

Baroness Shreela Flather: I went to India in April. The feeling there is that things are changing slightly for example, you can find people in their offices on time.

There is little visible sign of substantive changes which are so necessary.

The feeling is that the Prime Minister wants to take it slowly rather than be radical. This view is from talking to people who are involved in these issues. Of course most people feel it is time for him to be radical and not take it slowly since he is in such a strong position.

Time is also being wasted in the parliament on the whole issue of Hindutava which is extremely sad.

Clearly Modi has not supported the Hindu organisations but at the same time he has not strongly dismissed them since he started in politics with their support. I am also awaiting to see what is going to be done to protect women. It was absolutely unacceptable that the documentary "Daughter of India" was banned.

Alok Sharma, MP: On economic policy, the Modi government is clearly heading in the right direction. India’s economic growth is now on par with China’s, inflation is down and business confi-

Sanam Arora, President, National Indian Students Union: A year is not a long period of time in politics, and this is especially relevant w h e n speaking of a country like India. India has placed tremendous trust and has extremely high expectations of the Modi government, and rightfully so.

This government has demonstrated that it is a strategic government and understands the significance of economics. The big win overall is the strong foundation that has been laid in a strategic fashion. Incremental steps - necessary in the case of the complicated nation that is India - have been taken and have provided a strong base now on which strong and brave steps need to be taken. For me the two key things I expect

Lord Raj Loomba CBE: I would like to congratu l a t e P r i m e Minister Modi and his team for completing the first year in office with laurels.

During these 12 months, he has visited many countries and raised India’s profile enormously and made the Indian diaspora very proud all over the world. He is a Prime Minister of People, who wants to help the rich and poor alike. I had the pleasure of meeting him last year. We discussed the plight of widows and their children in India. He was pleased that the Loomba Foundation got 23rd June recognised by the United Nations as International Widows Day. He gave me invaluable advice and guidance about empowering disadvantaged widows in India

Lord Noon of St John’s Wood Kt, MBE: Prime Minister M o d i swept to power one year ago with the majority of the country firmly behind him. We all had high expectations and he has already started to deliver on them. He has met with many foreign leaders and these same leaders will be

Trupti Patel, President of Hindu Form Britain: A year ago the aspirations of India came together with PM Modi winning the election. He has in this time raised the international profile of India to be not only positive, but also as a serious world player. For the first time in five decades the world is taking India seriously and with that comes respect and honour for all Indians. PM Modiji has also instigated groundbreaking policies within India to increase efficiency, productivity and in skills development for the masses, for a better future.

Its early days, but I see a bright future for the new emerging India. Jai Hind.

Lord Dolar Popat: Given the scale of his election win, expectations were always going to be unrealistically high of Narendra Modi. He’s shown himself to be an

astute operator, picking battles like improving performance in Delhi whilst continuing to speak clearly about the bigger challenges India faces.

Economically India looks stronger than it did a year ago, but there is still room for improvement. Modi knows that his Premiership will be a marathon not a sprint, and turning around challenges like poor infrastructure, a balance of payments deficit and rural poverty takes time. But he’s going in the right direction.

Sharad Parikh, President NCGO (UK): We were expecting to see change rapidly according to his preelection promises. Coming in as chai walla the poor had found someone who will understand the difficulties and Modi will turn their life for the better. That's the change we want to see.

But Modi has elevated India on to the world stage. His frequent foreign travels, his charisma have made him a star. His open arm policy of welcoming Indian diaspora from round the world has given them a stronger bond to the homeland that has made them feel that they are NRIs - Now Required Indians! On each visit abroad he has offered a concession. For USA & Australian visitors he gave them visa on arrival. Will he announce the same on his visit to UK, including

direct flights to Ahmedabad that he promised as chief minister of Gujarati? Make in India has been his beckoning call but the judicial system (as seen by the shameful let off of Salman Khan) will have turned many off investing in India. When things go all a bit messy where is the judicial system to back them?

The pre-election promise to install toilets in schools and at railway stations has started but what use are they when you don't have running water round the clock? In the complex country, change will take a lot longer than hoped but Modiji will definitely do better.

Uday Dholakia, Chairman of Indo British Trade Council: Narendra Bhai is a seasoned captain, on the front foot; scoring well with diplom a c y , inward-investment and prompt support to Nepal.

This has reflected well on scoreboard at home and abroad.

The fielding around actual and perceived corruption is somewhat lethargic. The fitness of the team, or rather the lack of it can hardly be blamed on the captain. A canny strategist, who is in for winning the test series, whist still very cognisant of the fact the team-work has a long way to go.

Walking on the pitch he has the unique capacity and charisma to engage and inspire.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

India grants Mongolia $1bn credit

Prime Minister of Mongolia Chimediin Saikhanbileg presenting Narendra Modi a horse, named "Kanthaka" at Mini Naadam Festival, in Ulaanbaatar

India announced a $1 billion credit line to Mongolia for infrastructure development as the two countries upgraded their ties to “Strategic Partnership” and agreed to deepen defence cooperation besides exploring potential for tie ups in areas like the civil nuclear sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a two-day visit to Mongolia, the first ever by an Indian Premier, held wide-ranging discussions with his Mongolian counterpart Chimed Saikhanbileg and the two leaders pledged to take bilateral economic partnership to a new level.

“I am pleased to announce that India will provide a Line of Credit of $ 1 billion to support expansion of Mongolia's economic capacity and infrastructure,” Modi said at a joint press interaction with Saikhanbileg at the State Palace.

“Today, Mongolia is also an integral part of India's Act East Policy,” Modi said. “The destinies of India and Mongolia are closely linked with the future of Asia Pacific region. We can work together to help advance peace, stability and prosperity in this region,” Modi said, pitching for close bilateral ties amid China's push for increasing its regional influence.

After their talks, the two Prime Ministers signed a joint statement committing to further consolidate bilateral ties and upgrade the comprehensive partnership to “strategic partnership” and agreed to renew their Treaty of Friendly Relations and Cooperation.

Sign 14 agreements:

The two countries also signed 14 agreements.

Earlier in the day, Modi visited the Gandantegchinlen monastery, where he interacted with the Hamba Lama and gifted him a sapling of a Bodhi tree.

This was followed by a ceremonial welcome that was accorded to him at the Mongolian State Palace at the Chinggis Khaan Square, where he also signed the guest book.

Modi later addressed the Mongolian Parliament, the first foreign leader to address the members on Sunday, a holiday. He also called on Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj and laid the foundation stone of the IT centre at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology.

Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Ulaanbaatar on Saturday night, is the first Indian prime minister to visit Mongolia.

Agreements to deepen cooperation: Modi Modi said that the agreements between the two countries would deepen their cooperation in border security and cyber security. "We attach high importance to our security cooperation. We will continue to participate in each other's defence exercises.

The agreements will deepen our cooperation in border security and cyber security.

Cooperation between National Security Councils will provide a strategic framework for cooperation. We have also agreed that India will help establish a cyber security centre in Mongolia's defence and security establishment," Prime Minister Modi said.

Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at the Community Reception and Yoga Event

MODI’S 3-NATION VISIT

17

S Korea pledges $10bn for infra projects in India

South Korea on Sunday pledged $10 billion for financing infrastructure projects, including smart cities and railways, in India. The announcement followed a summit meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Park Geun-hye.

The pledge comprises an “Economic Development Cooperation Fund ($1 billion) and export credits ($9 billion) for priority sectors, including smart cities, railways, power generation and transmission, and other sectors to be agreed,” said the statement. Modi's Korea visit was aimed at getting Korean investment in sectors like shipbuilding, which is lagging due to non-availability of technology in India. The statement further said President Park welcomed India's `Make in India' initiative as it provides new avenues to enrich and add substance to bilateral relations. Modi invited Korea to become a privileged partner in

`Make in India' to which Park conveyed her appreciation.

The leaders called upon the business community from India and Korea to leverage the enormous synergies between their economies for mutual prosperity. The statement further said the leaders welcomed the interest of companies of the two countries in cooperation in the area of shipbuilding, including the construction of Indian vessels such as LNG carriers.

7 agreements signed: India and South Korea

signed seven agreements, including one on avoidance of double taxation.

Modi, who arrived in S Korea from Mongolia on the last leg of his threenation tour, held wideranging talks with South Korean President. “We have agreed to upgrade the bilateral relationship to ‘Special Strategic Partnership,’” Modi said at a joint press interaction with President Park after their “excellent” talks.

“We have laid the foundation for a relationship that two major Asian countries with shared values

should have,” he said.

Modi said that decisions made reflect how seriously the two countries take the new framework of the relationship. Noting that India considers South Korea a “crucial partner” in its economic modernisation, Modi said South Korea can be a leading partner in India’s efforts to develop a world class manufacturing sector. Our relationship started with a strong economic emphasis. But, it has also now become strategic in content,” Modi said. Modi said South Korea is the second country (after Japan) with which India will have a diplomatic and security dialogue in 2+2 format, referring to a bilateral dialogue process involving the foreign and defence ministers of the two sides.

Stating that the national security councils of the two sides will have regular cooperation, Modi said the two nations have agreed to expand cooperation between their armed forces.

Continued from page 16 Grey areas But grey areas remain – for example the ‘Make in India’ campaign has been much touted but the country hasn’t made any improvement in the ‘ease of doing business’ index.

The Vodafone tax dispute of the previous regime was severely criticized and yet finance minister Arun Jaitley has chosen to pursue the same path by imposing retrospective tax on foreign portfolio investors.

An American industrialist had made a pointed observation when Modi visited the US, saying the PM had wasted the first three crucial months, which are usually the best time to push radical policy decisions and change the ground reality. Similar is the fate of highly publicised campaigns like Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, Ganga Cleaning program, Digital India or Skill India, where application remains untested while slogans like ‘maximum governance and minimum government’ are bandied about.

Undoubtedly, schemes to bring banking, social security and insurance to the under privileged through proposals like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana have been aces, as have been direct subsidy transfers to some extent.

But again, between what has been implemented and a lot that has not been, slowly people have begun to realize that these are the same schemes that the UPA government had been talking about which are now being renamed and re-marketed.

The litmus test will be whether systems will be

put in place so that benefits reach the common man by the end of 5 years, irrespective of whether the plan is called Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) or Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

Foreign policy On the foreign policy front as well, Modi government’s achievement is more like a mixed bag – his invitation to President Barack Obama for India's Republic Day celebrations was a master stroke, and his visits to the US, Australia and Japan were in many ways path breaking. However, his track record insofar as China and Pakistan are concerned is far from satisfactory. First, Modi invited Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony and then later called off talks with Pakistan over their envoy meeting Kashmiri separatists. Months later, he again made the first move to resume foreign secretary level talks though Pakistan continues to consult Hurriyat leaders and invite them to their National Day programmes. If foreign affairs ever defied logic, one could quote this example as a classic case.

With China, things have been no better.

Though Xi Jinpings’s visit to India was much lauded, the Chinese Army made incursions into Ladakh even while their President was still on Indian soil, making the incident looked too well scripted for India to miss the point. And just as we cosied up to the US, China and Pakistan followed up with a meeting

to discuss USD 46 billion of investment in an economic corridor.

A thumbs up could be for Sushma Swaraj for helping evacuate Indians stranded in Iraq and Yemen (though the fate of 40 odd hostages being held by ISIS in Iraq is yet unknown) and for Modi to be off his feet quickly for sending aid and assistance to earthquake-hit Nepal.

Internally, the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah combine can take the credit for winning Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand and forging an alliance in Jammu and Kashmir. In Delhi, the duo had a brief waterloo moment when the Aam Aadmi Party’s landslide victory came as a surprise to itself, as much as it startled the BJP. Even in Kashmir, the coalition has not been free from controversies with chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed conceding space to right wingers by first crediting Pakistanis for allowing polls and then freeing radical leader Masarat Alam, only to re-arrest him later.

Tackling hardliners Besides, Modi is yet to tactfully handle the hardliners within his party (including in his cabinet) and its affiliates like the RSS and VHP who have been whipping up unnecessary frenzy over issues like ‘Ghar Wapsi’ or indulging in physical or verbal attacks on minorities. His government is also facing censure for lack of transparency with regards to the decision to ban several NGOs, many of which were funded by foreign sources.

From the time Modi started his tenure in Delhi’s power corridors to

now....one of the best moments for him would have been Barack Obama’s penning an ode to his life in a Time magazine profile with the description of his rise from humble beginnings to becoming the current “reformer-in-chief”.

The eulogy would have given Modi a high considering his ambition to be seen as a global statesman. But Modi would do well to remember that great leaders are those who touch the lives of small people and make a real difference to their destinies – the chaiwallas, dhaba workers, autorickshaw drivers, teachers, students, doctors, professionals, kiriana shop owners and most importantly – the farmers.

Moid’s BJP-led government was recently facing the heat on the pathetic conditions of those whose livelihood depends on agricultural incomes. A spate of unseasonal rains not just destroyed crops but extinguished hopes and lives. It was just when the debate over our farmer suicides was taking centrestage that the Nepal earthquake struck, causing a tectonic shift in public focus as well.

While Narendra Modi has escaped the scathe of condemnation this time, he must use the time gained fruitfully. Most of our poor population depends only on their small plots of land and what they yield. Bringing to them irrigation, insurance covers and modern techniques of farming will go a long way in improving the fate of the last man standing in this vast and diverse canvass called India.

Narendra Modi and Ms. Park Geun-hye in Seoul, S Korea

Modi govt enjoys high approval ratings in first year

18

MODI’S 3-NATION VISIT

5,000 strong cheering Indians greet Modi in Shanghai

Thousands of Indians went into a tizzy as Modi walked into an indoor stadium in Shanghai where they had assembled to greet him. The uproarious cheering by Indians, a first in China, continued much after his 45-minute speech as a section of the audience rushed to the podium to catch a glimpse of Modi.

Modi evoked national pride discussing the greatness of India and, by saying he does not take vacations, took a dig at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi who has criticized him for his foreign tours. “Tomorrow, you will be relaxing on a Sunday and I will be working in Mongolia. I have not taken one- day off in the past one year.

But if I am criticized for working hard, I am willing to take this criticism,” he said, to widespread approval of the audience.

The 5,000-strong Indian audience at the Shanghai Expo centre was drawn from different Chinese cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, Yiwu, Shaoxing, Nanjing, Tianjin and Shanghai

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Gandhian and Indian studies centre in Fudan University

Narendra Modi at the launch of the Centre for Gandhian and Indian Studies, at Fudan University

Narendra Modi interacting with the people at the Indian Community Reception, in Shanghai

besides Hong Kong.

Cries of “Modi, Modi,“ rented the air and dancers moved to the tune of Rajasthani music for about two hours before the Modi arrived. “With India's image improving with international ratings agencies and countries like China and the United States, it is time for every Indian to feel a surge of pride and contribute to national growth,” Modi said. Each Indian living in China should try to per-

suade at least five Chinese tourists to visit India even if they have to invite them to marriages and other family events, he told a cheering crowd.

“The situation is now changing. China and India are giving a new direction, and have added speed to economic development in the world,” he said. It's rare that a country would allow a foreign leader to communicate directly with its youth. The fact that the Chinese government

allowed him to talk to students at the Tsinghua University in Beijing and Fudan University in Shanghai shows that it is keen to develop linkages with India over the coming decades, Modi told his audience.

“When I won (the general elections), then President Xi told me about a find in my village. He came to India and to Ahmedabad, but unfortunately he could not come to Vadnagar,” said Modi.

China, India sign more than $22 bn in deals

China and India signed 26 business deals worth more than $22 billion in areas including renewable energy, ports, financing and industrial parks, an Indian embassy official said.

Namgya C Khampa, of the Indian Embassy in Beijing, made the remarks at the end of a three-day visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which he sought to boost economic ties and quell anxiety over a border dispute between the neighbours.

"The agreements have a bilateral commercial engagement in sectors like renewable energy, industrial parks, power, steel, logistics finance and media and entertainment," Khampa said.

At the same event, Modi encouraged Chinese companies to embrace

opportunities in India in manufacturing, processing and infrastructure, announcing "now India is ready for business" with an improved regulatory environment.

"You are the ‘factory of the world’ whereas we are the ‘back office of the world'," Modi said.

"You give thrust on production of hardware, while India focuses on software and services."

These 26 deals are in addition to 24 agreements signed earlier between the two countries.

During a visit to India last year by Chinese President Xi Jinping,

China announced $20 billion in investments over five years, including setting up two industrial parks.

Since then, progress has been slow, in part because of the difficulties Modi has had in getting political approval for easier land acquisition laws.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the second route for the Kailash-Mana sarovar Yatra will become operational next month, allowing more Indians to undertake the pilgrimage. "The Nathu La route for Indian pilgrims to visit Kailash Mansarovar will become operational in June. I want to thank China for that," the Prime Minister said in his address after 24 agreements were signed between India and China.

The second route through the Himalayan

pass of Nathu La, 4,000 metres above sea level, will allow more Indians to undertake the pilgrimage, in addition to the existing Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.

The only route Lipulekh Pass - was badly damaged in the floods in Uttarakhand in 2013. The route through Nathu La Pass will facilitate comfortable travel for Indian pilgrims by buses, especially for elderly Indian citizens, though conditions in the Himalayan region with less oxygen

levels still pose a challenge. India's ministry of external affairs currently takes more than 1,000 pilgrims a year in 18 batches involving a 22-day journey and officials expect that the number of pilgrims could rise considerably once the new route is opened. Modalities for opening the second route for the KailashManasarovar Yatra in Tibet via Sikkim by June were finalised on February 1 when external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj was visiting the commu-

nist nation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping had promised opening the new route for the yatra to Modi during the former's maiden visit to New Delhi in September last year and the two sides had agreed to work closely to ensure smooth commencement of the pilgrimage through the new route.

Modi made a strong pitch for the second route during his first meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Brazil.

Narendra Modi at the India-China Business Forum, in Shanghai

2nd Kailash-Manasarovar route to open in June

Launching the Centre for Gandhian and Indian Studies at Fudan University, Modi said India and China should work together to eliminate poverty.

Pitching for cooperation between India and China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the two should together touch new heights of progress to eliminate poverty, which will benefit the entire world as one-third of global population lives in the two countries.

Launching the Centre for Gandhian and Indian Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, he said India and China have historical and civilisational ties and they can together create a world that serves the humanity.

“It is said that 21st century belongs to Asia. Onethird of the world population belongs to these two countries. So if India and China work together to eliminate poverty, onethird of the global popula-

tion will be rid of this problem, which will be beneficial for the entire world,” Modi said addressing the students and faculty of the university in Hindi.

“Therefore, India and China should together touch new heights of progress involving sensitivity towards humanity and philosophy of Lord Buddha and experiments of Mahatma Gandhi so that we can give to the world a system, which is dedicated to welfare of humanity,” he said.

Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, Modi said, “The world today is going through two major crises — global warming and terrorism. Solutions to both lie in Gandhi’s teachings.

Gandhi is still relevant.”

“Mahatma Gandhi may have been born in a corner of India but he was a global citizen,” Modi said, adding that the apostle of peace could have shown the way out of the crises that the world is going through today.

Pressing China to back India's bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council and membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Prime Minister Modi said such a move would take bilateral ties to a new level and give Asia a stronger voice.

“China's support for India's permanent membership of a reformed UNSC and for India's membership of export control regimes like NSG will do more than just strengthen our international cooperation,” Modi said while addressing the students of the Tsinghua University.

Earlier, foreign secretary S Jaishankar told the media that China for the first time said it has taken note of India's interest to become a member of the 44-nation NSG which controls the civil nuclear technology trade regime.

On UNSC, China reiterated that it backs India's

aspiration to play big role in the world body. China is the only veto wielding permanent member which is yet to come out in support of India's interest to become a permanent UNSC member.

In an apparent reference to the frictions between the two countries over strategic rivalry in South Asia, Modi said, “We are both increasing our engagement in our shared neighbourhood.

This calls for deeper strategic a communication to build mutual trust and confidence.”

Chinese leaders urged to back India's bid for UNSC seat

REAL ESTATE VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

19

Money while you sleep

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

In the course of a week I have met three clients who all run their own business, they are all small family businesses. They had all been buying a little property on the side as money came in without any clear idea or strategy but just tucking some of the profits into property as and when they got the opportunity.

In all three cases it seemed that if they restructured their property portfolios, which weren’t huge but even then, they could probably earn more money than their business was earning for them.

The picture of a mouse going around in a wheel comes to mind. Bearing this in mind perhaps it could be said they are not running their own businesses but their businesses are running them.

It could be argued if the business is dependent upon the individual then this means without the individual there is no money coming.

Some would say this is not a business, these people have a job, just a very demanding one.

Some even start a business because they think it will give them more free time and freedom, I wonder how many people got this from starting their own business.

T h e re a l t e s t o f w h e t h e r y o u re a l l y h a v e a b u s i n e ss o r a j o b i s t o a s k y o u r se l f t h i s q u e s t i o n ? D o yo u m a k e m o n e y wh i l e y o u s l e e p ? If t h e a n s w e r i s y e s t h e n g u e s s w h a t y o u j u st m ay b e a b l e t o c l a i m yo u a c t u a l l y h a v e a b u s i n e ss .

When speaking to them they all accepted the logic of being able to make more money than they make in their business simply by re-juggling their property and pushing this forward in the right way.

However in an emotional relationship logic doesn’t come into the picture, hence the saying being married to your business; it becomes an emotional relationship not one based on common sense. Often their business becomes a convenient distraction in their lives, they use it as an escape. This allows them to have a good excuse to perhaps not concentrate on other aspects which would rate more highly than running a business. In the same way that many use drugs and alcohol is how many use business, it becomes a convenient distraction.

Looking at things from a pure financial point of view there comes a point when it makes no sense to be running your business for money, when very clearly it is no longer working for you.

One of the three clients who had been investing with us for a short time got aggressive after each subsequent investment with us.

The first investment was done without even meeting anyone in the company purely on the basis of a phone call and without seeing the property. This first deal ended up being traded so he got his money back and a healthy return very quickly; he had tasted blood and then wanted to dive in for the second one. It was then that his accountant stepped into the picture and actually warned him to perhaps do some due diligence on us and at least have a meeting. So he then decided to meet us and then invested in a few more deals increasing in size as he went along.

Meeting the three business owners within a week is what prompted me to write this piece, this is a very common theme amongst business owners.

There’s another individual who runs a business by himself doing wholesale trade and barely makes a return. He attended a seminar of ours a few years ago and we had presented a property up for sale at the seminar he agreed the deal on the same day without even looking at the property.

P ro p e r t y i s b y n a t u re a b u s i n e s s, i t m a ke s m o n e y f o r y o u p a s s i v e l y, wh i l s t y o u s l e e p , o n h o l i d a y a n d e v e n w h e n yo u ’ re d e ad . I t w i l l c a r r y o n g o i n g u p i n v a l u e i n t h e m e d i u m t o l o n g t e r m an d g i v i n g a m o n t h l y re t u r n . S i n c e i t i s n o t d e p e n d e n t o n a n y s i n g l e p e r s o n t h e re i s n o l i m i t t o h o w m a n y yo u c a n o wn .

There was one East End landlord who built up a portfolio of 7,000 residential units and was one of the largest holders of residential property in the UK. Spookily he sold the whole lot just two months prior to the crash of 2007.

The Real Deal

T h i s pro p e r t y wa s pu rc h a s e d i n 2 01 1 f o r £ 3 00 , 0 0 0 a n d i s c u r re n t l y v al u e d at £4 2 5, 00 0 . I w o u l d w a g e r h e h as n o t m ad e e v e n h a l f o f t h i s a m o u n t b y r u n n i n g h i s b u s i n e s s , t h i s w as o n e o f t h e b e s t m o v e s h e h as m a d e .

It is very important to step out of the day to day and look at your situation from outside in. However this is not enough by itself, you need to take some hard decisions and follow up with action, otherwise there is little point in even looking, simply to procrastinate and speak flowery words and do nothing to follow up on. You may as well carry on going around the wheel.

Your accountant is a good person to have a meeting with, this way you can look at the hard figures of what you have earned over the last three or five years and compare this with what you would have made in property. If you have never invested in any property look at your own home and make this comparison.

We are now in a situation where property rightly or wrongly earns more money than individuals can often earn; and many small businesses make. This makes it an indispensable asset to have if you live in the UK. This is a broad and in-depth topic which is scarcely covered in this article, the aim was to simply drop ideas and give food for thought.

Fulham, London, SW6 Purchase Price: £1.8m l A large property configured as three flats in a very good residential location l Freehold l Scope of mansard and side extension l Properties in this location are being sold for around £1,000 per sq. ft. while this is coming in at around £818 per sq. ft. l Fulham Broadway shopping centre and the underground station are within 5 minutes walking distance l Shops, boutiques, cafés, bars, restaurants and pubs of Fulham and Chelsea are also within walking distance l Very good buy and hold opportunity Call us now if you would like to have a piece of the pie!

0207 993 0103

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in

Central London Property Sourcing

info@sowandreap.co.uk

www.sowandreap.co.uk

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

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SowandReapProperties

Tips of the Week l "Big may not beat small always, but fast will definitely beat the slow." The speed with which you make decisions and commit to them will ensure you get deals time and time again. l Bricks and mortar provide an attractive alternative to poorly performing savings accounts. Although property presents a good long-term gain, you can expect it to deliver a regular income too.

20

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Dear Financial Voice Reader, I recently pointed out to people that if you simply bought the FTSE 100 at the start of the year, the Dow, Oil and US Dollar against Sterling, at even £10 profit for every point they rose you would have over £10,000 profit. Nevermind, if you added Google, Facebook or Sky! Most people do not realise that the markets have been skyrocketing and how to profit from it. They don’t realise it has become as easy as clicking online to say I want to make £10 or £1 each penny Facebook goes up. And that from the same online account they can take a view on Google as they can on BP or Barclays. They don’t know that if the price falls they can profit by selling.

They don’t know brokers offer sometimes as much as £10,000 to sign up your account. For example you can sign up on the one I set up http://inter.tradermind.com .

Over the past week the FTSE has broken below the 7,000 points’ support area and looked to test the 6,900 floor. The London index saw fresh highs right after the General election results but it was pretty clear that they were just the aftermath of the surprisingly easy win for the Tories. So after breaking below the psychological support of the 7,000 points it was only natural for the FTSE to collapse.

The question is what do we expect for this week and at this point I think that all bets are off. The FTSE has consolidated between the 6,900 and 7,000 points levels over the past sessions and now the breakout from this formation will point the way.

Expectations are that the UK inflation levels will remain low suggesting a prolonged period of low interest rates and that could allow the FTSE to rally again and I think that this is the primary scenario we need to be prepared for. The key area to trigger this scenario lies just above the 7,000 points where fresh highs above this area would entice investors to join along. In this case my target would lie just shy of the 7,100 points.

Nevertheless we should also be prepared for the occasion that the FTSE will drop below the 6,900 points and we need to know what to look for in this case. I think that the target in case the FTSE loses this significant support level needs to be at the 6,800 point lows.

But if it does that I am not expecting any sudden crash – far from it. I fully expect the FTSE to close this year over 7,000. I am seeing falls as a buying opportunity.

But a word of warning: Spread betting and CFD trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and can result in losses that exceed your initial deposit.

They may not be suitable for everyone, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved.

Vodafone returns to quarterly sales growth

Britain's Vodafone posted a rise in quarterly sales for the first time in nearly three years in the clearest sign yet that Europe's mobile market is edging towards recovery.

The world's second largest mobile operator has been hit hard by the constraints on consumer spending in its big European markets and by regulator-imposed price cuts. But on Tuesday it finally forecast 2016 core earnings growth on an organic basis following seven straight years of declines.

The full-year results follow updates from the likes of Telefonica and Deutsche Telekom which also showed signs of gradual, if slow, improvement.

Vodafone, which has 446,000 mobile customers

in countries ranging from Albania to Ireland, Qatar, India, South Africa and New Zealand, saw small improvements in Italy, Spain and Portugal while its biggest market Germany remained weak because mobile phone bills there fell.

"We have seen increasing signs of stabilisation in many of our European markets, supported by improvements in our commercial execution and very strong demand for data," Chief Executive Vittorio Colao said.

Analysts believe the European mobile market is set to stabilise in 2015 and 2016 and should return to top-line growth after that, helped by demand for the more expensive fixed-line fibre services and superfast 4G mobile connections.

Reasonable taxation, ease of doing business govt’s top priority: Jaitley

Making taxation more reasonable and improving ease of doing business will be among his top priorities going ahead, India's finance minister Arun Jaitley said as he outlined the economic road map of the Modi government for its second year.

The government will also strive to eliminate discretions and maintain the speed of reforms, Jaitley said in an interview. The finance minister also dismissed any perception that nothing has moved on the ground on policy front in reviving the economy and said that such a view was confined only to a section of critics.

Answering a question about voices from India Inc complaining that the government was not walking the talk, Jaitley said there was no such "overwhelming perception."

Some of the reports complaining about the economy not having taken off were "inspired news items referring to a dozen people without naming a single," he said.

The minister said that a section of corporates voicing disappointment were those who were used to a "system of largesses."

On taxation, Jaitley said, the effort would be to make it "more reasonable".

The government, which came to power in May last

year, plans to roll out a common GST by April 1, 2015 on indirect taxes, while corporate tax rate would be brought down to 25 per cent from 30 per cent over a period of four years on the direct taxes, he added.

The government also intends to eliminate the exemptions while reducing the rate of corporate tax, though these would be retained for the individual taxpayers. "I would keep exemptions but keep that for individual tax payers and in the last two years I have strengthened the kind of exemptions," he said, adding it would help in increasing demand and promoting growth.

Speaking about the challenges before the government, he said: "One, there is a huge road map

how to ease your doing business here ... I would say (that) is work in progress."

To help boost private investment and improve execution of projects, the effort would be to replace the practice of giving permissions and push pending Arun Jaitley the legislations like GST and the land acquisition law, Jaitley said.

A bankruptcy code is also being proposed to help companies exit the projects in case of difficulties, he said. The minister also said that the previous UPA government followed an "erroneous road map" and focused on populist policies, while it also seemed indecisive and ineffective that eventually hit the credibility of decision making process.

"We had fallen off global radar and policy decisions were influenced by collateral thinking and if I may use the phrase, which some persons in Congress party use, they abandoned liberalization and went in for cronyism. So whether its was spectrum, coal this is all examples of crony-

First time in 20 Years, Indian mobile phone sales drop

Indian mobile phone sales have dropped for the first time in 20 years, raising the question: Is a slowdown at hand for the world's fastest-growing smartphone market?

Mobile sales dropped 14.5 per cent the first quarter (Q1, JanuaryMarch) 2015, on a quarter-to-quarter basis, compared to Q4 (OctoberDecember) 2014 - from 62 million handsets in Q4 2014 to 53 million handsets in Q1 2015, according to a report of CyberMedia Research, a consultancy.

The decline in smartphone sales from quarterto-quarter was 7.14 per cent. Cheaper "feature" phones performed worse, with an 18.3 per cent sales decline over the same period. India became the fastest-growing market for smartphones in AsiaPacific in 2014, and is supposed to overtake US as the second-largest smartphone market globally, with 204 million smartphone users by 2016,

according to a study by eMarketer, a research firm.

Is this a cyclical issues or a larger problem? Do these data indicate that India's mobile phone growth is topping out?

Experts believe cyclical glitches account for the downturn in mobile phone sales: Unexciting phones, tax issues, increased competition and even extended Chinese new-year festivities.

"With major announcements of new handsets and entry of some new brands happening in a big way in Q4 2014, there wasn't really something very exciting in the market for customers that could push up sales in Q1 2015," said Faisal Kawoosa, lead analyst, Telecom Research at CyberMedia.

"At the same time, a change in duty structure and the longer continuation of Chinese new year festivities which generally conclude by mid-February each year, affected the supply chain and inventories."

In an attempt to push local manufacturing, the government increased the excise duty on mobile handsets to 12.5 per cent from 6 per cent, pushing the cost of handsets by around 4 per cent. Experts said there were two more reasons: First, sales have fluctuated for vendors, with one vendor dominant in one quarter and another in the next. Second, as Kawoosa put it, "a maniacal focus" on online flash sales.

"Though there is an Internet revolution in India and brands do need to focus on building their online base, it only works well for new brands (for example, Xiaomi) willing to enter the Indian market," said Kawoosa.

ism," he said.

On the other hand, there are no "forces outside the government which can influence the governmental thinking" in the current dispensation and the responsibility begins and ends with the government, he said.

Jaitley said the Modi government is ending the first year in office by eliminating discretions in as many areas as possible and it was pursuing a liberalization without any discretion and crony capitalism.

"As a result we have crossed one year without anybody even attempting to make serious or a nonserious allegation of corruption. So its a fair government (following) a clean process," Jaitley said.

Jaitley said the positive signs on macro economic front are there and the growth rates are going to pick up.

Referring to the perception that government had done nothing on ground on policy front, he said, on the contrary it has been able to restore credibility of the economy through quick decision making and further opening of doors to domestic and international investment and expressed confidence that GDP will expand by over 8 per cent this fiscal.

Tata Steel to write down Rs 65 bn

Tata Steel said it was likely to write down a total of Rs 65 billion for the 201415 fiscal mainly due to impairment of a unit in the UK, a part of its European operations, and a coal project in Mozambique. The company expects to recognise a non-cash writedown of the goodwill and assets in the consolidated financial results in the fourth quarter for the year ended March 31, 2015 of approximately Rs 50 billion, mainly relating to the Long Products UK business in Tata Steel Europe which will now be fully impaired, the company said in a BSE filing.

The impairment also includes a write-down of investments in overseas raw materials projects in Mozambique, Ivory Coast and Taconite project in Canada because the economic viability of these projects remains uncertain at the current level of commodity price, it added.

CURRENCY VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

21

Foreign Exchange

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX,

Interest rates remain unchanged Currency Specialists.

Bank of England (BoE) held Interest Rates at 0.5% for another month. Due to the Election this announcement was delayed, we are now into the sixth consecutive year with interest rates being this low. The Rate has cut return on savings but has benefited mortgage borrowers due to lower repayments.

The BoE left the scale of its quantitative easing (QE) stimulus programme unchanged at £375bn. The Bank of England has recently warned that consumer price inflation could turn negative at some point over the next few months. The reason behind this is due to the fall in the price of oil since last year and the continuing supermarket price war. Should this be the case we should continue to see the record low interest rates continue.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney has suggested he's in favour of the Tories holding an early referendum on Britain's membership to the European Union. Carney said that the planned vote on EU membership should be held "as soon as necessary" in an interview on

Thursday. He also stressed the importance of Europe to Britain's economy saying "one of the big advantages this economy has is access to the European market".

The US Federal Reserve said that labor market conditions had worsened for April. The figure cites indicators such as the unemployment rate, payroll employment and measures 19 dimensions of labor market activity, all of which gave a negative outlook.

US retail sales month-onmonth coming in at 0%, missing

the consensus of 0.2% and a long way from the 0.9% previous. This is now the fifth consecutive miss for US retail sales, and has also pushed the USD index lower to the tune of 0.7% to a 3 month low.

Fewer Americans than forecast filed applications for unemployment benefits last week, pushing the average over the past month to the lowest level in 15 years and underscoring labour-market strength. Jobless claims decreased by 1,000 to 264,000 in the seven days ended May 9.

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen and her colleagues are monitoring the labour market while also looking for signs of inflation as they consider the appropriate time to raise their benchmark interest rate from near zero.

The Euro strengthened across the board after Greece made "progress" on its debt obligations, transferring €750m in debt interest to the IMF - a day ahead of a payment deadline earlier last week, but news soon emerged that the payment had been made using a loan they already owed on.

Greece's finance minister said the country's financial situation is "terribly urgent" and the crisis could come to a head in a couple of weeks.

Yanis Varoufakis gave the warning after Eurozone finance ministers met in Brussels to discuss the final €7.2bn tranche of Greece's €240bn EU/IMF bailout. Greece has until the end of June to reach a reform deal with its international creditors as its finances are running so low that it has had to ask public bodies for help.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 19th May 2015 @ 5.30pm

GBP - INR = 98.97

USD - INR = 63.81 EUR - INR = 71.08 GBP - USD = 1.55 GBP - EUR = 1.39

EUR - USD = 1.11 GBP - AED = 5.70

GBP - CAD = 1.90

GBP - NZD = 2.11

GBP - AUD = 1.96

GBP - ZAR = 18.48

GBP - HUF = 428.08

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 are the commercial foreign exchange rates provided by RationalFX. For a live quote or to find out more about how RationalFX can help you, call us on 0207 220 8181.

18th May 2015

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22

BUSINESS

India seeks to speed up foreign deals

India's finance ministry, which is seeking to speed up deals with outside investors, is set to take full control of the oversight of more than $40 billion a year in foreign direct investments and share purchases, two government sources said.

Hitherto, both the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had shared oversight of direct investment and indirect purchases through proxy instruments. Earlier this month parliament approved the annual finance bill containing the amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management

Act (FEMA).

While restrictions on foreign investment are unchanged, the sources said, the "new one-stop shop" will simplify and accelerate approvals for

deals that are not debt financed. A provision in the FEMA that allowed the RBI to restrict or regulate cross-border transactions and acquisition or transfer

of immovable property to foreigners has been deleted.

The RBI had no immediate comment on the change. "We will soon notify rules to implement the new mechanism after consultation with the RBI," a senior finance ministry official, with direct knowledge of the matter, said.

The official said the central bank - which will still be consulted before a decision is made - would continue to regulate debt instruments. Red tape and bureaucracy stand at the top of investor complaints about India, which was ranked 142 out of 189 in

the World Bank's latest report on the ease of doing business.

But the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, elected on a business-friendly ticket, has vowed to tackle the issue and aims to get within the top 50 countries. It has promised, for example, to speed up regulatory clearances across the board.

"It is definitely a positive step for ease of doing business in India as the investors would have to deal with only one authority," said Pratibha Jain, a tax expert at Nishith Desai Associates, a tax consultancy, said of the change.

in the prices of minerals and 13.03 per cent in that for fuels. Under food articles, the price of potatoes was as much as 41.14 per cent lower in April this year over the like month of the previous year.

Similarly, the decline was 1.32 per cent for vegetables and a marginal 0.04 per cent in rice.

But onions were dearer

by 29.97 per cent, pulses by 15.38 per cent, fruits by 14.22 per cent and milk by 7.42 per cent. As a result, the index for food articles gained 5.73 per cent. The easing of global crude oil prices also had a significant impact on prices of petroleum fuels, diesel contracting by 14.39 per cent, petrol by 18.44 per cent and cooking gas by 6.06 per cent.

The index for manufactured products was also down 0.52 per cent April over April. The current data also kept India Inc's hope of a rate cut in the next monetary policy review of the RBI scheduled for June 2, 2015 alive.

As per the industry body Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the decline in WPI, which comes close on the heels of a drop in retail prices, is driven by a drop in food prices even while the prices of fuel and manufactured goods continue to be in the red. "The benign inflation outlook, fuelled by soft commodity prices and the anti-inflationary policies of the government, should provide sufficient elbow room to the RBI to continue with growth inducing policy in its forthcoming monetary policy announcement," said Chandrajit Banerjee, director general, CII.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

No pursuit of MAT claims, no reopening old tax demands: CBDT The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said it won't issue any new demands for payments, and will take no coercive action to pursue claims that have already been filed under the controversial minimum alternate tax (MAT).

This follows Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's announcement of a highlevel committee for looking into the issue of levy of MAT on foreign institutional investors (FIIs).

"In the light of FM's announcement, officers dealing with International Taxes have been advised that no coercive action be taken for recovery of demand already raised by invoking provisions of MAT in the cases for foreign companies. Issues of fresh notices for reopening of cases as also completion of assessment should also be put on hold unless the case is getting barred by limitation," a CBDT circular said.

Replying to the debate on the Finance Bill, 201516, in the Rajya Sabha last week, Jaitley said that he had received a large number of representations on MAT applicable to FIIs as well as a few other tax issues, which are essentially legacy issues, and these

India's wholesale inflation dips

The annual rate of wholesale price inflation (WPI) decelerated further to its lowest in six months at ()2.65 per cent for April from (-)2.33 percent for the month before. The annual rate of inflation based on WPI was 5.5 per cent in April 2014.

According to official data, India's retail inflation based on the consumer prices index (CPI) was also on a downswing in April, declining by 40 basis points to 4.87 per cent.

The WPI data released by the commerce and industry ministry said the decline was thanks mainly to a fall of 28.65 per cent

would be referred to a committee headed by Justice A P Shah, the chairman of the Law Commission.

Jaitley had announced exempting FIIs from paying MAT on the capital gains earned by them, but soon after the income tax department sent notice to at least 90 foreign portfolio investors (FPIs).

With the uncertainty

created by MAT, foreign investors sold around $630 million in Indian shares and bonds, marking the biggest single-day sales since January 2014.

As per preliminary depositary data, it was the biggest single day sell-off since foreign investors sold around a net $877 million on January 27, 2014, when emerging markets suffered from withdrawals sparked by fears of the US Federal Reserve raising interest rates. Shares and bonds wiped out entire gains for the year over the past few weeks, with the Nifty down 11 per cent since hitting a record high on March 4.

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In Brief

Hindu population up in US, becomes fourth-largest faith

New York: Fuelled by immigration, America's Hindu population has reached 2.23 million, an increase of about one million or 85.8 per cent since 2007, making Hinduism the fourth-largest faith, according to estimates based on wide-ranging study of religions in the nation. The proportion of Hindus in the US population rose from 0.4 per cent in 2007 to 0.7 per cent last year, according to the Pew Research Center's "Religious Landscape Study." The study only gave the percentage shares of Hindus in the population, rather than numbers, but calculations using the population proportions in the report and census projections showed that the number of Hindus rose from 1.2 million in 2007 out of a total US population of 301.2 million that year to 2.23 million in 2014 in a population of 318.88 million. This amounts to an increase of 1.03 million or 85.8 per cent in the Hindu population during the seven-year period. Pew said that it may have underestimated the size of the Hindu population. An earlier report from Pew on the future of world religions in April said that by 2050, Hindus would make up 1.2 per cent of the US population and number 4.78 million.

This would make the US Hindu population the fifth largest in the world. Looking at the socio-economic profile of Hindus, the new Pew report said they had the highest education and income levels of all religious groups in the US: 36 per cent of the Hindus said their annual family income exceeded $100,000, compared with 19 per cent of the overall population. And 77 per cent of Hindus have a bachelor's degree compared to 27 per cent of all adults and 48 per cent of the Hindus have a post-graduate degree.

14-year-old Indian-American boy wins National Geographic Bee

Washington: Karan Menon, a 14-year-old IndianAmerican student, has won the prestigious National Geographic Bee competition in the US, in which the top three positions were bagged by Indian-origin contestants. Menon, an eighth grader from New Jersey, competed against 10 finalists from across the US to win the 2015 National Geographic Bee championship. Of the 10 finalists, seven were of Indian-origin. In addition to winning the title of National Geographic Bee champion, Menon received a USD 85,000 college scholarship, lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society and an expedition for two to the Galapagos Islands aboard the Lindblad ship National Geographic Endeavour. Menon has added his name to a long list of Indian-origin kids who have made their mark over the years in the similarly coveted spelling bee championships in the US. The first-runner up and recipient of a USD 25,000 college scholarship was 11year-old Shriya Yarlagadda of Michigan.

Gunmen on bikes attack bus in Karachi, kill 47 Shia Muslims

Karachi: Gunmen donning police uniforms killed at least 47 people from minority Shia Ismaili community in an attack on a bus in Pakistan's southern city of Karachi last week, police officials said. "Six to eight armed men on motorcycles opened fire on a bus at Safoora Chorangi, Gulistan-e-Johar area of Karachi, killing at least 43 passengers," a police official said. A senior police official said the attackers entered the bus and shot the passengers in the head. "It was a targeted attack," Sindh police inspector general Ghulam Haider Jamali told reporters. Taliban have claimed responsibility of the attack. More than 60 people were on board the bus which was carrying the people of Ismaili community from Al-Azhar Garden area of the city to their place of worship near Aysha Manzil, police said. Ismaili community is a branch of Shia Muslims and they are considered very peaceful people. The attack came a day after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited Kabul and declared that enemies of Afghanistan are also enemies of Pakistan.

Come naked for exam, prof tells pupils

Washington: A University of California professor has asked the pupils to come naked to the finals of a visual arts paper if they want to pass. Professor Ricardo Dominguez of UC San Diego has been taking an elective course on “performing the self” for 11 years now with the same drill and he says no one had ever complained - until this week when the mother of a student flipped when she heard about it and went public. She accused the professor of “perversity” and said the final test was “just wrong. “You must be naked in order to pass my class” makes me sick to my stomach,” the mother told a local television station while declining to reveal her identity or that of her daughter. But professor Dominguez was least fazed by the resulting uproar on social media as the story went viral. He said the class would be dimly lit with candles and he too would be in the buff with the students as part of the assignment.

Modi is a social media wizard, says US study

Washington: A US study has said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is turning out to be a social media superstar whose online postings are reshaping his public image as a technology-capable leader aligned with the aspirations of a new Indian modernity.

In a paper titled "Banalities Turned Viral: Narendra Modi and the Political Tweet," University of Michigan scholar Joyojeet Pal says Modi whose social media following is next only to Barack Obama's (but a distant second) among world politicians - has used a pro-technological discourse to reframe his political image and overcome the fusty baggage of the Sangh Parivar.

"The capture of social media allowed Modi to cater to aspirations for a modernity that mirrored blueprints from the global North. The BJP no longer stood only for older Hindu men in saffron. Instead, here was a man who could take a selfie with one hand and use the other for a trident when needed," the paper says, adding that or the first time in its history, "the BJP leader emerged as more central to the public discourse than the ideology he stands for."

Pal says the gentle tenor of Modi's "twitter banalities" on global events, carefully crafted

and global public thank-you notes, and consistent reinforcement of national development themes suggest no shadow of a man who was once-rejected by the international community and was banned from entering the United States for gross violations of religious freedom.

"The young demographic of Twitter users in India are from a generation that has grown up with little memory with the riots of 2002. The enduring memory of Modi for them will be the political maverick who talks directly to the people, whether through Twitter or via his popular radio and YouTube missives called Mannki Baat. For a party long branded as appealing to constituents of traditional Hindutva values, the use of technology in the party's reimagination has been particularly salient," Pal writes.

Analyzing Modi's social media approach and postings, Pal, an assistant pro-

22-year-old Harman Singh, did not think twice before breaking Sikh religious protocol by removing his turban in order to save an injured child, who was lying on the street, bleeding.

The five-year-old boy was making his way to school in New Zealand when he was knocked down by a car. Harman Singh heard the accident take place outside his home and he came rushing out to see what had happened. He states, “I saw a child down on the ground and a lady was holding him. His head was bleeding, so I unveiled my turban and put it under his head. I wasn't thinking about the turban. I was thinking about the accident and I just thought, 'He needs something on his head because he's bleeding'. That's my job- to help.”

Singh's quick-thinking and selfless gesture has made him a hero across the globe, however, he does not see himself as one. “And I think anyone else would have done the same as me.”

Singh, along with many public members stayed with the injured

boy until the ambulance came.

Another Sikh gentleman, Gagan Dhillon was also there at the scene to help. He commended Harman Singh. “There was enough help as there was, but being a Sikh myself, I know what type of respect the turban has.

People just don't take it off- people die over it. He [Harman Singh] didn't care that his head was uncovered in public. He just wanted to help this little boy.”

The young boy is currently stable in hospital.

The Sikh turban symbolises discipline, spirituality, humility and integrity and Sikh men and

Narendra Modi

WORLD

fessor at UMich's School of Information, says he has evolved significantly from the time he used it as a chief minister, and has been quick to adopt latest tech updates, such as taking advantage of the video feature on Twitter almost as soon as it as available.

He also gives the appearance of composing messages himself unlike Obama, whose messages make it evident it is being managed on his behalf.

During his tenure as prime minister, Modi's tweets have also changed.

He posts fewer political statements and more casual messages, such as greetings, condolences and updates of his addresses. ''Modi uses Twitter as a personal signal than for issues, per se. For instance, he goes between 'karyakarta' to a 'mai baap style' (worker to a benign ruler).

This is different from say Obama who has kept up with agenda-based tweeting,'' Pal said.

If he keeps it up, Pal says, Modi will overtake Kim Kardashian on Twitter, "and we won't be able to say that we didn't see that coming."

Kardashian (in 65th place) has 14.2 million followers compared with Modi's 12.3 million (85th place). At the top are entertainers Katy Perry (69 million) and Justin Bieber (63 million), followed by Barack Obama with 59 million followers.

23

Four Indians among 14 killed in Kabul attack

Kabul: Four Indians were among 14 people killed in a suspected Taliban attack on a guesthouse in Afghanistan's capital city of Kabul last week, an Indian embassy source said. Asked about the attackers, he said that they were "three to four" and suspected to be Taliban gunmen. All were killed in the seven-hour encounter.

Meanwhile, a top Afghan official has been quoted by an Afghan news agency as saying that the militants attacked the upscale Park Palace guesthouse in Kabul's Kolola Pushta thinking that Indian Ambassador Amar Sinha was inside. Khaama Press quoted President Ashraf Ghani's special envoy for good governance Ahmad Zia Massoud as telling reporters that the militants attacked the guesthouse thinking the Indian envoy was present in the premises. Massoud visited the attack scene in Kabul and spoke to reporters there. "Massoud said the attack on Park Palace guesthouse is likely a political attack but he did not elaborate further," the Khaama Press report said." A security official earlier said a musical event was due to be organised, which was supposed to be attended by the Turkish and Indian guests as well Afghan nationals."

Sikh man removes turban to save little boy's life

Harman Singh (22)

At the scene of the accident

women cover their heads at all times as an expression of respect to their Gurus. Turbans become a part of a Sikh’s body and are usually removed only in the privacy of their own house. Normally it is only in the most intimate of circumstances that the turban is removed, such as when bathing the head or washing the hair.

There are people who are extremely protective and strict when it comes to their religion and in no circumstances whatsoever will they compromise their beliefs. However, Harman Singh's example has restored many peoples faith in humanity, where they would willingly put

aside their faith in order to save a person's life.

Jasvir Singh, the Chairman of the City Sikhs Network expressed, "It was heart warming to see Harman Singh acting as he did and use his turban to help an injured child. I would hope that all Sikhs would do the same if in his position, including myself. Many people can become caught up in the protocols of a religion when immediate action is required, and I'm glad that Harman was able to look beyond that and do the right thing. Sikhs are taught that serving others is a form of prayer, and this is a good example of such seva in action."

24

INDIA

Jaya all set to return as TN CM

Chennai: AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa is all set to return as Tamil Nadu chief minister following her acquittal from corruption charges by the Karnataka high court. She is likely to contest from R K Nagar constituency in north Chennai, as B Vetrivel, the party MLA representing the constituency, has submitted his resignation.

Vetrivel's resignation has come days ahead of the May 22 meeting of party MLAs where Jayalalithaa is expected to be elected leader of the legislature party, paving the way for her return as Tamil Nadu chief minister.

Her conviction by a

Jayalalithaa special court in Bengaluru on September 27, 2014 in the disproportionate assets case automatically disqualified her as an MLA and she had to step down as chief minister.

But her acquittal by the Karnataka high court on May 11 cleared the path for her to assume charge again.

Swamy to move SC against Jaya's acquittal

Chennai: Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said he would move the Supreme Court next month against the acquittal of AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa in a grafts case if the Karnataka government did not do so by then.

"I have decided to file SLP (Special Leave Petition) in SC after June 1st if Karnataka govt does not file. So no need to go to KHC (Karnataka High Court)," he tweeted.

The BJP leader's statement comes two days after he had indicated on micro blogging site 'Twitter' that he could file an appeal in the apex court against Jayalalithaa and "prove that the KHC judgment is a 'tragedy of arithmetic errors'", adding she would have to resign as chief minister if she had taken over by then.

Subramanian Swamy Swamy is the original complainant in the case.

He had filed a case in 1996 against Jayalalithaa alleging that during her tenure as chief minister from 1991 to 1996, she amassed properties disproportionate to her known sources of income.

The DMK government subsequently filed cases, including the Rs 666.5 million disproportionate assets case, against Jayalalithaa which led to her conviction in September last by a special court.

When asked if he had resigned for creating a vacancy for Jayalalithaa, Vetrivel said he was not authorized to speak to the media. "Please follow Jaya TV and Namadhu MGR for our party's official statement. I am not an authorized person," he said. If Jayalalithaa contests from R K Nagar, this will be the first time that she will be testing her electoral fortunes from a seat in the state capital.

The constituency has been a traditional AIADMK stronghold.

Jayalalithaa's choice of R K Nagar came as a surprise for many party seniors. "Many of our MLAs

and rebel PMK and DMDK MLAs offered to vacate their seats for Amma. R K Nagar got the opportunity," a senior said.

Party sources said Vetrivel reached the state secretariat and submitted his resignation in the presence of Speaker Dhanapal and assembly secretary A M P Jamaludeen. "He was instructed by the leadership to resign. To complete the formalities, senior officials turned up at the secretariat despite it being a holiday," a senior official said. Official and party sources said under the circumstances, Jayalalithaa may not call for early polls at this stage.

Adilabad (Telangana): Rahul Gandhi has added another term to the arsenal he uses to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this time calling Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhara Rao, or KCR, "mini-Modi" while accusing both of neglecting farmers. "When there is a hail-storm or unseasonal rains, Modiji doesn't visit the farmers. Here in Telangana, 'mini-Modi' (KCR) doesn't see the farmers' plight," said the Congress vice president, in his address to farmers in drought-struck Telangana.

He told farmers, "I walked only one day in the hot sun. The farmers work every day so we can all eat.” Rahul walked almost 15 km to visit families of farmers who committed suicide in the last one year in the Adilabad district. In one village, Bondla

Vasantha, whose husband killed himself last year because of debt, told Rahul that his plan to visit her had spurred the ruling Telangana Rashtriya Samiti or TRS to help her.

The overwhelmed young woman fell at the Congress leader's feet. The Congress says over 900 farmers have killed themselves in Telangana in the last 10 months. But the state government says the number is less than 100 and accuses the previous Congress government of neglecting farmers in the region.

Rahul calls Telangana CM 'Mini-Modi'

Rahul Gandhi

Retired SC judge to probe 70-ft high 'Khanda' to be Vadra's land dealings installed at Anandpur Sahib Chandigarh: The controversial multi-million-rupee land dealings of Robert Vadra, will be probed by a retired Supreme Court judge, said a senior minister in Haryana. Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law, Vadra, had been under the government scanner for some time for allegedly using his position to gain land deals with back hand dealings.

Haryana’s education minister Ram Bilas Sharma told media here that the commission under the retired Supreme Court judge would inquire into all irregularities committed in the past 10 years of the Congress rule in the state, especially regarding land deals. Sharma said several complaints have been received by the BJP government in the state in this regard. Vadra was accused of accumulating land in the national capital region (NCR) area during the Congress government in Haryana led by then chief

Robert Vadra minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

In one particular deal in Gurgaon district, adjoining Delhi, Vadra’s company sold off prime land to realty major DLF for Rs 580 million.

Nothing to hide: Vadra: Vadra said that he hoped the inquiry ordered would not be used for political vendetta. However, he reiterated that all laws were complied with in a completely transparent manner. “An inquiry has been ordered by the government of Haryana. Let us await its outcome. Neither I nor anyone associated with me has anything to hide,” said Vadra.

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal gave its nod for the installation of a 70-feet high stainless steel 'Khanda', a double-edged sword regarded as a symbol for Sikhs, at Sri Anandpur Sahib on the 350th anniversary of the city's foundation.

A decision to this effect was taken by the chief minister during a high-level meeting to finalise the arrangements for commemorating the 350th foundation day of Sri Anandpur Sahib, starting from June 17 to 19, an official release said.

Recalling the significance of 'Khanda' in the Sikh history, the chief minister said its installation would be a humble tribute to the great philosophy of Sikhs tenth Guru Gobind Singh, who laid the foundation of 'Khalsa Panth' on the auspicious day of Baisakhi in 1699 at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

He said 'Khanda' sym-

bolises the eternal spirit of universal brotherhood, courage and valour against the tyranny, oppression and injustice. The chief minister also approved the format of invitation card to be sent to the dignitaries, besides the design of memento and gold plated commemorative coin to be issued on the historic occasion.

He also asked the executive committee to bring out a brochure depicting the brief history and origin of Sri Anandpur Sahib to apprise the people about its glorious past and rich legacy. Badal also reviewed the ongoing activities related to the commemoration of the event and appealed to the people from different walks of life in the country and abroad to ensure their participation with full religious fervour and gaiety. In order to streamline and oversee the arrangements meticulously, Badal constituted a special panel.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

South Brief

DMK suspends two key party functionaries

Chennai: The DMK suspended two key party functionaries, both of whom had joined the party at different points of time after being expelled from the AIADMK. Party General Secretary K Anbazhagan announced the suspension of V Karuppasamy Pandian, a powerful leader in the party’s Tirunelveli West district set-up, and Tiruchendur MLA Anitha R Radhakrishnan. The two had “violated party discipline and brought disrepute” to it, Anbazhagan said in a statement, adding, they were being suspended from all party posts, including primary membership.

Pandian had joined DMK after being expelled in 2000

by AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa while Radhakrishnan, also thrown out of the party, joined in 2009. Radhakrishnan is representing Tiruchendur for a successive term.

Flash floods claim lives of 6 pilgrims in Tamil Nadu Chennai: Six pilgrims were killed in flash floods on the Sathuragiri Hills in Tamil Nadu. Heavy rains triggered the floods on the hills, which are a part of the Western Ghats, where more than 2,000 pilgrims had gathered to worship at the Sundara Mahalingam Temple, on the occasion of no-moon day. Police, forest, and fire and rescue teams from Virudhanagar district have so far recovered the bodies of six men.

"Two more people including a 16-year-old girl are missing. Our search is on. Most of the devotees have left the hills. The rains have stopped," said a senior police official. The pilgrims were advised by the district administration to not go to the hills following the rains, but they didn't listen, said a senior police officer.

North Brief

'Plastic baby' born in Punjab's Amritsar Amritsar: A woman here has given birth to what is known as a 'plastic baby', as per reports. The girl, a collodion baby, was born to a woman from Rajansansi area of Amritsar district. According to doctors, a collodion baby is one who has tight, waxy, shiny skin which resembles plastic. Further, the baby's mouth resembles that of a fish, and his/her eyes and lips are red hot. The reason behind such a condition is a rare genetic disorder known as Lamellar Ichthyosis. One in 600,000 people are normally affected by this genetic disorder. One of the doctors at the Guru Nanak Dev Medical College and Hospital said after examining the baby girl that she starts crying upon being touched.

The baby resembles a rubber doll, the doctor said further, adding she has very slim chances of survival.

According to doctors, the skin of a collodion baby starts developing cracks soon after birth and that the baby’s membrane peels off on its own within 15 to 30 days after birth.

Punjab-origin cop honoured in US

Houston: A 44-year-old Indian-American policeman has been awarded the prestigious "Top Civilian Supervisor of the Year" award for his efficient services to the Houston police department in the US state of Texas. Harkeert Singh Saini received the award from police chief Charles A McClelland and Houston Mayor Anise Parker during a function held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Saini, a police records supervisor, has been working for the Houston police department for the last 15 years. "Harkeert Singh Saini is a very efficient officer and very worthy of this award. Houston police department is proud of Saini" said Muzaffar Siddiqi, senior police officer of city police department.Various community leaders, including Gurdip Singh Buttar, S Gurnam Singh Sandhar, Ajinder Singh Dhatt were present during the occasion and congratulated Saini for his achievement. Saini, a graduate from Deshbandu College in New Delhi, hails from Hoshiarpur in Punjab. He came to the city in 1998, joined the Houston police department in March 2000 and was subsequently promoted as an office supervisor in the following years.

SC denies relief to Ajay Chautala in teacher recruitment scam

New Delhi: The Supreme Court refused to interfere with a Delhi high court order upholding a 10-year jail term to INLD functionary Ajay Chautala in the Haryana teacher recruitment scam. A bench of Justices F M Ibrahim Kalifulla and Shiva Kirti Singh, however, kept the appeal filed by Chautala pending in order to allow him to argue his petition for bail. It said that there was no merit in the appeal and the high court order should not be interfered with. It subsequently said court was not inclined to entertain the plea at this stage.

The Passage to India- art exhibition

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Reshma Trilochun

On 14th May 2015, The M P Birla Millennium Art Gallery, in West Kensington, London played host to The Passage to India, an art exhibition of four British artists who have depicted their inspiration and passion for India through their art. The ensemble of artwork belonged to Jann Singh, Lucille NesbittComaskey, Allison RuddMumford and Dorothy Morris.

Jann Singh started painting and drawing at a very young age. However, she decided to study at the Watford School of Art in her thirties. Her Indian connection is from her husband, who is originally from New Delhi. She married at the age of 22 and since then, she has extensively travelled throughout India. She has always been fascinated about India yet it was just only recently that she became more inspired to paint.

“The Indian influence has always been there, because my husband is Indian, that obviously comes through.”

Jann Singh has drawn inspiration from nature and village people in India. To her, India is a vibrant country which fascinates her. “India to me is colour. The people are so friendly and warm. I think we could learn from

Blue bird by Aliison Rudd-Mumford

their families; their families are so strong and dedicated to each other.”

She also spoke about how she would like to merge the British and Indian culture in her prospective artwork.

“What I'd like to do in the future... will be more of a mixture of the cultures. I'd like to mix it up a bit more.”

L u c i l l e N e s b i t t Comaskey has not only been drawn to the fine arts, but she also has a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts, from the University of Hertfordshire and has an acting diploma from L.A.M.D.A. In the past, she has travelled to India several times and even

WORLD

John Bercow plans divorce

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow (52), is set to announce that he is to divorce his wife, Sally Bercow (45) for have an affair with his cousin, Alan Bercow (57). The announcement will be an attempt to draw a veil over the painful chapter which has overshadowed his public role.

John Bercow is expect-

From left: Allison Rudd-Mumford, Lucille Nesbitt-Comaskey and Jann Singh

went on a painting holiday in November 2012. In October 2014, she organised another painting trip where she took a group of artists to Amritsar, in North India. Going on these artistic trips to India

Innocence by Lucille Nesbitt-Comaskey

drew her to Indian art and culture and the influence was made evident in her work. “The passion and the colours that come out of your artwork is incredible, because India is a very colourful place.

You've got all the warmth of the people, you've got all the colours around you and it's so busy that you can't fail to just put it down on canvas.”

She went on to say, “There is so much history, there is so much to learn in India. I and the other artists were so passionate because I think there is to take in and so historical that you can't not want to go there and paint.”

For some of Lucille Nesbitt-Comaskey's work, she used an iPad to create the images. She believes it is far easier to paint on canvas than it is on the iPad. “It's done with a stylus, so it's still my hand and it's just like using a

pen. Then you can adapt your colours, just like you would if you were using your own canvas. It's the same principal but it's harder. When I say it's

harder, it's easy to paint on canvas than it is to work on your iPad. Allison RuddMumford has a BA (Hons) in Fine Arts. She has been a professional artist for many years and she regularly exhibits her work in group and solo shows. She visited India for the first time in October 2014, for a painting retreat and has described India as a “sensual feast.” “I was just overwhelmed by the colours, by the smell and the bustle and the noise.

It's fantastic- such a sensual experience for me. I am a very sensual person, I am not a realist in my work at all.”

Her experience in India has given her a lot of inspiration which she utilises in her artwork.

“These images and the things that have come to me really are a result of an overload of sensory stuff.”

Allison RuddMumford had no knowledge of India and had a preconceived notion prior to going on the retreat trip last year. “I had a kind of impression of India that you pick up from the media and various things that you see on the television, and I love Bollywood films. But I didn't really have any firsthand experience of India.

It was just so new... I've just been bowled over by India, what more can I say?”

Their artwork encompasses an array of colours, culture and journey which encapsulates and enchants you.

What also seems really fascinating is the passion and love that these non-Indian women have for India. At a time where urbanisation of cultures seem to be prevalent and the youths' interest in their heritage and culture is on a decline, the Indian art and culture yet continues to live on and inspire many through the work of such artists, who dedicate a lot of time and effort in their craft.

Alan Bercow (57)

25

John Bercow (52) and Sally Bercow (45)

ed to be re-elected by MPs, despite the apparent hostility between him and the Conservatives, which concluded as a failed attempt to unseat him by changing Parliamentary rules before the General Election.

However, it is said that David Cameron allegedly told Conservative MPs that they now have more important priorities than removing the Speaker.

John Bercow’s mar-

riage has been under constant glare throughout his six-year tenure in the role, after his wife become a household name after posing for a photo-shoot in Speaker’s House draped in a sheet, as well as appearing on Celebrity Big Brother.

Speaking about her husband, Sally Bercow said that he was “very forgiving”, but also added that “I'm not sure I want to be forgiven.”

address questions like how many Indians voted, who they voted for, why they voted in such large numbers and what pushed them to decide on their candidates. In UK, around 66% of those registered voted".

He added "We want to understand the political engagement of the Indian community here in British politics. We saw significant new trends this elections - more Indians voted for the Conservative Party than ever before, David

Cameron went all out to woo the Hindu community who are fast moving away from the Labour Party".

CB told TOI: "We saw a renewed interest in politics among the British Indian community in the recent election. Even the Conservative Party took notice and actively wooed the voters of Indian origin.

We will discuss the role the ethnic Indian community in Britain will now play post the election results".

House of Lords to discuss growing Indian clout

Britain's House of Lords will be debating on one of the most prominent new trends in British politics the growing number of the Indian vote and its importance, as witnessed in the recently concluded British Parliamentary elections.

Eminent political theorist of Indian origin Lord Bhiku Parekh will chair the first debate on May 27, and accompanied by Asian Voice Publisher/Editor CB Patel, and veteran journalist and former President of the Indian Journalists' Association, Ashis Ray. Since the historic results of the general elections on May 8, experts believe that one of the major reasons for Conservatives' dream run was the crucial India vote.

The panelists will include senior policy makers of the British government, newly election Indian origin MPs, academics and political commentators.

Lord Parekh in an interview to Kounteya Sinha from Times of India said, "We want to use the elections as a mirror of deeper political trends among the British Indian community. We want to

Asian Sunday paper gets a new Editor

Award-winning communications expert, British TV news presenter, journalist and a former media relations adviser to the Mayor of London, Hasina Momtaz will be taking over as the Editor-inChief of Asian Sunday newspaper and Asian Style magazine, after former Editor Fatima Patel steps down due to health issues, after four successful years.

SEEKING CONTRIBUTORS FOR THE LOHANA MAGAZINE Asian Voice has set up an editorial board (Chairman Subhash Thakrar, Partner, CBW Blackstone Franks LLP) to produce an original account of the Lohana Community. The Lohanas have a unique history not matched by other Gujarati communities. Their origination is from the borders of present day Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. They were the warrior class or Kshatriyas. The present day Lohanas are noticeably successful business people and philanthropists. Lohanas also have unique physical features. Notable Lohanas include the Madhvanis, late Nanji Kalidas Mehta, Jalarambapa, Guru Nanak, Mohamed Ali Zina and others.

The editorial board plans to produce an authentic and original report on the Lohana community with well researched articles, original historic and present day al The fin ay photographs as well as facts and m output ok, figures.

o be a b and

te We wish to create a legacy for the websi D next generation of Lohanas so that aC the new generation are proud of their heritage.

We are seeking contributors in all areas including people who can provide original photos, articles, letters, an account of their own experience, articles etc. We are also looking for competent persons who can help with the research and write articles.

If you feel you can help with this historic project, kindly write to L. George Asian Voice/Gujarat Samachar Asian Business Publication Ltd 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW

26

INDIA - WORLD

After being in a coma for 42 years, nurse Aruna Shanbaug passes away

World's oldest comatose patient, nurse Aruna Shanbaug, who had been in a vegetative state ever since she was raped, died in Mumbai's KEM Hospital on Monday morning after remaining in coma for almost 42 years.

Doctors at Mumbai's state-run KEM Hospital, where she worked and was raped, said Shanbaug was suffering from pneumonia and was on ventilator support.

A junior nurse, Shanbaug was brutally raped by contract sweeper boy Sohanlal B Walmiki in the same hospital on the night of November 27, 1973 when she was changing. While indulging in the act, he had choked her with a chain which cut off oxygen supply to her

brain, resulting in injuries to the brain stem and cervical chord injury that left her in a vegetative state since then.

Continued from page 1 China as Prime Minister, reached the ancient city of Xi'an and was accorded a grand welcome. Xi met him at Xi'an and welcomed him warmly.

Modi speaks India's mind on China's foreign policy Modi did some straight talking about India's unease over aspects of China's foreign policy. He also pointed out that the source of terrorism for both India and China was the same, without naming any country. “I stressed the need for China to reconsider its approach on some of the issues that hold us back from realizing the full potential of our partnership. I suggested that China should take a strategic and long-term view of our relations,” Modi said.

A visiting head of government laying down his country's interests in the Great Hall of the People is not an everyday occurrence. For many here, used to the gentle wording of international diplomacy, this came as a surprise.

Modi took up the issue of terrorism while talking to students at the Tsinghua University in Beijing. “We both face instability in our shared neighbourhood that can threaten our security and slow down our economies,” he said. “The spreading tide of extremism and terrorism is a threat we both face; for both, its source is in the same region,” he said.

At the joint press meet with Chinese premier Li Keqiang, Modi described his conversations with the Chinese leadership as “candid, constructive and friendly.” “We covered all issues, including those that trouble smooth development of our relations,”

Modi said. Modi also indicated that bonding with India could be a better option for China instead of relying on the policies of countries that produce terrorism, sources said. Li Keqiang was equally candid. “We do not deny there are some disagreements between us but there's a mechanism and sufficient political maturity to address these,” he said.

“We stand ready to work with India to bring ChinaIndia relations to new heights,” he said.

The two neighbours need not even bother about Western countries trying to keep them apart, Li suggested without naming any country. “I suggested that China should take a strategic and longterm view of our relations.

I found the leadership responsive,” Modi said at the presser, well attended

by Western and Russian media. He also expressed happiness about Chinese responses to India's concerns over the border issue.

“I found sensitivity to our concerns on this issue; and, interest in further intensifying confidence building measures.

I also reiterated the importance of clarification of Line of Actual Control in this regard,” he said.

The two countries issued a joint statement promising to resolve outstanding differences, including the boundary question.

E-visas for Chinese nationals While addressing students and faculty at the prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing, Modi said that India would grant e-visas to Chinese tourists. “We have decided to extend electronic tourist visas to Chinese nationals,” Modi told the gathering.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Labour leadership: Party to seek public help?

She was a few weeks short of turning 68 and nurses were planning to celebrate her victory over yet another life-threatening lung infection and life in general. Instead, a pall of gloom descended at the busy Parel hospital campus as news of Aruna's death spread among nurses.

Generations after gen-

erations of nursing students at KEM Hospital have attended to her needs - giving her bath, changing her clothes and feeding her.

Aruna's niece Mangala and nephew Vinayak Nayak reached the hospital from Virar soon after they were told of it. On Monday, for Aruna's sake, the hospital and her family decided to come together and give her a dignified farewell. People from all walks of life came to pay their last tribute to her.

Her body was taken to the Bhoiwada crematorium, where nurses carried her on their shoulders one last time. As dean Dr Avinash Supe and Nayak performed the rituals, almost all attendees were teary eyed.

Addressing the gathering at the university, Modi said, “About 33 per cent of the world’s population is either Indian or Chinese.

Yet, our people know very little of each other. We must seek inspiration from the pilgrims of the ancient times, who braved the unknown in search of knowledge, and enriched us both,” he said. “So, we have decided to extend electronic tourist visas to Chinese nationals. We are celebrating the Year of India in China in 2015,” he added.

The announcement came in the teeth of strong opposition from India's home ministry and security agencies over security concerns of its misuse, while the external affairs ministry and ministry of tourism pressed for it.

Take advantage of India’s potentials, Modi tells CEOs

“Harmonious partnership between India and China is essential for economic development and political stability of the continent.”

He further said: “This industrial partnership of China and India can bring about greater investment, employment and satisfaction of our people.”

As many as 21 agreements were signed between Indian and Chinese firms worth $22 billion at the India-China Business Forum. Asking Chinese companies to take the “historic opportunity” to invest in India, Modi said: “We have committed ourselves for creating and improving the business environment. I can assure you that once you decide to be in India, we are confident to make you more and more comfortable.”

Many Chinese companies have the possibility of investing in India to take

Dan Jarvis, the Labour MP who disappointed many party activists by refusing to stand for the party leadership, has encouraged Andy Burnham’s campaign by endorsing the Shadow Health secretary.

A buzz had grown about Jarvis’s own leadership qualities but he disappointed supporters as he decided that his family commitments meant he could not stand for leader at present.

Chuka Umunna, who was believed to be a strong and potential contestant, withdrew his application from the contest amongst speculations, and is believed to be now eyeing the role of Shadow Foreign Secretary. The loss of his father in a mysterious car crash which friends fear was a 'political assassination' may help to explain Chuka Umunna's startling decision to quit the Labour leadership race, wrote the Daily Mail.

He bowed out of the contest last week claiming he was not ready to put himself and his family through the intense scrutiny that comes with the position.

And it is thought his fierce protection of the women in his life could have stemmed from the fact that he was forced to become the 'man of the family' aged just 13.

Burnham is believed to have more than 70 nominations in the parliamentary Labour party and the breadth of his support is beginning to make it diffi-

advantage of India’s potentials. The potential lies in manufacturing, processing as well as in infrastructure, he added.

Highlighting the steps taken up by his government to improve ease of doing business, he said: “We are making the taxation system transparent, stable and predictable. We have removed lot of regressive taxation regimes.”

A high-level team headed by the chief secretary of the state C S Rajan and four principal secretaries Ashok Jain (urban development and housing), Mukesh Sharma (medical and health), Veenu Gupta (industries) and Sanjay Malhotra (energy) will be in London between May 18-20 to speak about the state's favourable business climate and push British companies to invest here, the Times of India has reported.

Chief minister Vaundhara Raje who was to lead the delegation but dropped out in the last minute due to "domestic/political issues" believed to be in London sometime end June to "seek investments for her state".

Modi, Xi discuss ways to strengthen trust between two countries

Addressing CEOs at the India-China Business Forum, Modi said both India and China have potentials of growth and problems of poverty “which we can tackle together. I am personally committed to take the cooperative process forward.”

Highlighting the significance of a sound relationship between two of Asia’s major economies, he said:

Chuka Umunna, Andy Burnham and Yvette Cooper

cult for some of the other candidates such as Tristam Hunt, the shadow education secretary, and even Liz Kendall, the shadow health minister, to gather the 35 nominations from MPs they need to get on the ballot paper.

The shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, also contesting the leadership, on Tuesday said that she would restore party links with business if elected as a leader, and has thought to have secured as many as 50 nominations. Many other MPs have said they will not nominate at this stage and would wait to see the candidates perform at the June hustings. She distanced herself from several of Ed Miliband's business policies, saying Labour was perceived as being "anti-growth and ultimately anti-worker".

Labour must consult more closely with business leaders and focus on science and hi-tech jobs, she added.

Harriet Harman, Labour's interim leader said she would like to “let the public in” to help choose a successor to the Labour party.

Two leading figures from the Blair government, Lord Hutton, the former defence secretary, and Lady Morgan, a former Downing Street adviser, reportedly have said it would be wrong if the threshold of 35 nominations from MPs meant only Cooper and Burnham made the ballot paper.

The visit will be the ground work ahead of the Resurgent Rajasthan Investors Summit to be held on November 19 and 20 in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

The delegation is being hosted by UK India Business Council and the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).

The team is expected to meet companies involved with building smart cities and are working on solar power, healthcare technologies and healthcare administration.

A source revealed that Bengal Chief Minister Smt Mamata Banerjee may visit London with a delegation to seek investment in West Bengal. She will probably be also accompanied by Tollywood stars such as actor Deb.

Rajasthan government delegation to visit London

27

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Green Tea, Red Wine, Blueberries and More: Flavonoids Can Help With Cold and Flu Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that are commonly found in plants, fruits and vegetables. The compound is responsible for flower coloration and is the most important plant pigment.

Flavonoids are found in citrus fruits, blueberries, parsley, peanuts, red wine, cocoa, apples, onions, tea and so on.

Some of the recent researches on the compound have resulted in proving it beneficial for human health in multiple ways. Flavonoids have antioxidant effects as well and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also aid in lowering blood pressure, thereby cutting down the risk of heart diseases. Another latest study by the University of Auckland showed that the consumption of

flavonoids can significantly reduce the risk of catching cough and cold.

According to Andrea Braakhuis, a nutrition researcher, people who

eat flavonoids also took fewer sick days off work.

According to the study, adults could be 33 percent more protected against the common cold or upper respiratory tract infections, if they eat flavonoids or take flavonoid supplements, compared with those who

don't.

"These findings show that if you're generally healthy, eating flavonoids found in lots of fruits and vegetables can help stave

off the bugs over winter," Xinhua news agency quoted Braakhuis as saying. Most adults catch a cold twice or thrice a year while children can catch it upto five times, with symptoms including a sore throat, cough, runny nose and headache.

"We'd all love to make

it through winter without one of these nasty colds.

They're a leading cause of visits to a doctor, yet antibiotics don't help, so it's worth giving flavonoids a go as part of a healthy diet," said Braakhuis.

"Eating five serves of vegetables and two of fruits each day, in a variety of colours, will put you well on the path to getting enough flavonoids. Make sure your dinner plate is at least half full of vegetables, sip green tea over winter and enjoy the occasional red wine," she said. However, further study and medical research is needed to deeply understand the role of dietary flavonoids in maintaining good health and warding of various ailments.

Orange juice seen to boost brain function in elderly Drinking orange juice every day could help improve the brain power of elderly people, researchers claim.

And it takes less than two months to show marked improvements in memory, speech and reaction times, according to a study.

Scientists think the results are down to chemicals called flavonoids - a natural substance which occurs in high levels in oranges.

Research has suggested that flavonoids may improve memory through the activation of signalling pathways in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is associated with learning and storing information.

A research team from Reading University asked

37 healthy volunteers to drink 500ml - nearly a pint - of orange juice every day for eight weeks.

The participants - 24 women and 13 men aged 60 to 81 - saw significant improvements in their brain function, the researchers found. Their memory, reaction time and verbal fluency was measured at the beginning and end of the experiment, and each participant given an overall score known as ‘global cognitive function’.

Their scores improved 8 per cent - a remarkable improvement in less than two months.

The researchers said they do not necessarily recommend that people drink an entire pint of orange juice every day.

But they suggested that constituents of orange

of exposure.

Vitamin E is important because it acts as an antioxidant to fight free radicals, the dangerous naturally occurring oxygen molecules blamed for various diseases. Because it protects cell membranes, vitamin E maintains healthy skin, eyes and strengthens the

One simple way to make children eat more healthy is to help them grow vegetables in the gardens, says a new research. The researchers found that when garden grown vegetables were slipped into school salads, kids were over four times as likely to take a salad. "This is a small study, but it suggests gardens can help children's diets," said lead author Brian Wansink from Cornell University.

This pilot study, conducted in the US, measured the change in vegetable selection and plate waste when school grown salad greens were incorporated in the cafeteria school lunch.

The researchers measured the selections and plate waste of a total of 370 enrolled high school students over

three separate days.

When the salad bar contained produce grown by students, the percentage of those who selected salads with their meals increased from two percent to 10 percent and on average, students ate twothirds of their salads.

Overall, salad consumption for the entire student body increased from approximately five to 12 servings per day. This study implies the larger potential benefits of the school garden programmes.

"We see great promise with this research. The first hurdle in increasing vegetable consumption is simply getting kids to put them on their plate," coauthor Drew Hanks from Ohio State University noted.

Children suffering from asthma may also have peanut allergy, but many are unaware of it because the symptoms are quite similar, says a new study.

The findings suggest that parents should get their asthmatic kids tested for peanut allergy too.

"Many of the respiratory symptoms of peanut allergy can mirror those of an asthma attack, and vice versa. Examples of those symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing," said study lead author Robert Cohn from Mercy Children's Hospital in Toledo, Ohio.

For the study, the researchers looked at 1,517 children from the paediatric pulmonary clinic at Mercy Children's Hospital. They found that about 11 percent of the kids knew they had peanut allergy.

When many of the kids (44 percent) came back for a blood test for peanut allergy, approximately 22 percent were found positive to peanut sensitivity.

However, more than half of these children and their families did not suspect there was any sensitivity to peanuts.

"This study demonstrates children with asthma might benefit from a test for peanut sensitivity, especially when control of wheezing and coughing is difficult to achieve," Cohn pointed out.

Kids with asthma may have peanut allergy

juice could play an important role in providing brain-boosting nutrients.

Study author Dr Daniel Lamport, from Reading’s school of psychology, said: ‘The population is ageing rapidly across the world.

Estimates suggest that the number of persons aged 60 or over could triple by 2100. It’s therefore imper-

ative that we explore simple, cost-effective ways to improve cognitive function in old age.’

Dr Lamport, whose findings are published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, said that if sustained, the mental improvement could make a substantial difference over the course of a lifetime.

Can avocados cut the health risk of smog?

Eating avocados, spinach and olive oil could help build resistance to air pollution, say scientists. They have found higher levels of vitamin E may help protect the lungs from particulates - tiny particles of harmful smog.

These particles come from a variety of sources, including power plants, factories, trucks and cars and the burning of wood.

They can travel deep into the lungs and have been associated with increased numbers of hospital admissions for heart attacks and strokes.

A new study from King’s College London and Nottingham University suggests higher blood levels of vitamin E may minimise the effects

Make kids grow veggies to encourage healthy eating

immune system, according to NHS Choices.

The advice website says men need 4mg of vitamin E a day, while women need 3mg, and you should be able to get all you need from your daily diet. A 100g (3.5 ounce) serving of avocado provides 10 per cent of the recommended daily

allowance of vitamin E – likewise a serving of cooked spinach.

Any vitamin E your body doesn’t need immediately can be stored for future use, so it doesn’t need to be consumed every day.

The Department of Health advises that taking 540mg or less a day of vitamin E supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.

For the first time, researchers found a clear link between the amount of the vitamin in the body, exposure to particulate pollution and lung function. They say there is now growing evidence that some vitamins may play a role in protecting the lungs from air pollution.

28

Shruti Haasan to croon for 'Idhu Namma Aalu'

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Nayantara finds the love of her life?

Parvathy hates 'women-centric films' P

arvathy, the “Poo,” “Maryan” and “Uttama Villain” girl, is currently doing two projects in Tamil- an anthology of films by director Vasanth and the remake of “Bangalore Days” (in which she is reprising her role in the original). Known for her outspoken ways, Parvathy says she hates the term “womencentric films.” "When a movie is not called male-oriented just because the protagonist is male, why should there be a women-centric film. Let's not classify films on the basis of gender." Meanwhile, Parvathy is thrilled about doing a remake for the first time.

"Bangalore Days remake is an opportunity to re-invent my character, and at the same time to repeat the magic." The actress is playing a radio jockey in this project.

Vijay to direct Prabhudeva

A

nirudh was very much impressed with Kuralarasan's work on the music of the SimbuNayanthara starrer “Idhu Namma Aalu (INA),” directed by Pandiraj.

Shruti Haasan has come forward to croon a number for the film. The lyrics for this track have been penned by Madhan Karky and this song has been recorded recently. A picture taken after the recording, is going viral on the net now. With Shruti's proven prowess at singing and given her style and attitude, this song is sure to be a winner as and when INA's music releases. Exciting indeed !

D

irector Vijay, who is currently giving finishing touches to “Idhu Enna Mayam,” will soon start his next movie.

To be produced by Prabhudeva, the flick will feature the actor-choreographer-filmmaker himself

in the lead role.

According to sources, Vijay was hand-picked for the task by Prabhudeva.

"Since he is playing the lead role after a long time, he wanted a director like Vijay to be at the helm of affairs," sources added.

'Tanu Weds Manu Returns'

“Tanu Weds Manu Returns” is an upcoming Hindi romantic comedy film directed by Anand L. Rai. The film is a sequel to “Tanu Weds Manu” (2011), in which stars Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan reprise their roles from the original. The music and background score is composed

by Krsna Solo and the lyrics are penned

by Raj Shekhar. In this film Ranaut also portrays the additional role of a Haryanvi athlete in the film. “Tanu Weds Manu Returns” trailer was released on 14 April 2015.

The movie, it is said, will belong to horror genre.

Meanwhile, “Idhu Enna Mayam” starring Vikram Prabhu and Keerthi Suresh will soon hit the screens. It is tipped to be a feel-good love story.

A

ccording to the latest buzz, Nayantara has found the love of her life and it is the 29 year old director Vignesh Shivan.

Vignesh, who ironically made his directorial debut through Simbu's “Podaa Podi,” went on to make his acting debut in “Velaiyilla Pattathari” and is now currently directing “Naanum Rowdydhaan” starring Vijay Sethupathi and Nayantara. According to a report, Nayantara's relationship with Vignesh blossomed during the shoot of the film, so much so that she even gifted a luxury car to the director who is a year younger to the “Vallavan” actress.

The report also claims that the couple even visited Maldives as

Gulshan, Kalki prepare for 'Love Affair'

A

ctors Gulshan Devaiah and Kalki Koechlin have started preparing for Pooja Bhatt's upcoming production “Love Affair.”

The film, which will be directed by Soni Razdan, is based on the infamous Kawas Manekshaw Nanavati case of 1959. The story is about a naval commander who was tried for murdering his British wife's lover. Since the movie revolves around the elite society of Mumbai in the 1950s, both the actors are doing a lot of research to prepare for their roles. "Kalki and I are watching a lot of old American and European films from the 1940s and the 1950s. We are trying to understand the culture and fashion of that time. We have read our scenes together, and have discussed how we can incorporate some of those elements in our film. We share a good working relationship, which helps us enjoy the rehearsals," Gulshan said.

a part of their secret 'jolly trip'. It is also said that, recently Vignesh had accompanied Nayantara to her village back in Kerala where she introduced him to her family members before attending a special mass in her favourite church.

Though the report strongly claims that Nayantara and Vignesh might take their relationship to the next level, Nayantara had recently said that she would not marry anyone from the film industry which contradicts with the latest hearsay.

Whatever might be the truth, at the end of it all, Nayantara's well-wishers and fans would be happy for her if she has found her perfect companion.

Ali Zafar to be back with Huma Qureshi

A

li Zafar, t h e Pakistani import in Bollywood, has taken a break from films to spend time with his family and his n e w l y launched production house.

Now, it is learnt that the “Tere Bin Laden” actor has given the nod to Abhishek Dogra, who made his directorial debut with the Sonam Kapoor-starrer “Dolly Ki Doli” earlier this year. The film, which will be co-produced by Ahmed Khan and Bhushan Kumar, will also feature Huma Qureshi. A source close to the development said that Ali has been specifically picked for the role because his character is a musician. There are three other important roles which are yet to be cast.

29

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Katrina makes stunning debut at Cannes

B

ollywood actress Katrina Kaif turned heads in American designer Oscar De La Renta’s black off-shoulder gown at the 68th Cannes Film Festival 2015. The 31-year-old British-Indian beauty, who made her first Cannes red carpet appearance at the prestigious festival, looked gorgeous in the elaborate gown with her side-swept red hair adorning soft curls.

She kept the make-up minimal and completed the look donning a pair of tear drop diamonds earrings and thin diamond bracelet. The “Fitoor” star attended the premier of the French film “La Tete Haute” (Standing Tall) on the opening day of the festival.

Earlier in the day for media interviews, she opted for a white crop top and skirt with heels by

Manolo Blahnik and jewellery by Maria Francesca Pepe. Katrina also posed with L’Oreal Paris coambassador and Hollywood actress Julianne Moore before heading for her debut on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet.

Both the actresses, who also shared a selfie, will be shooting together for the brand. Other Indian actresses Sonam Kapoor and Cannes regular Aishwarya Rai will arrive soon at the festival later.

The Festival kicked off with the French drama directed by Emmanuelle Bercot. A total of 19 films are competing for the Golden Palm awards. India will be represented by Neeraj Ghaywan’s “Masaan” and Gurvinder Singh’s “Chauthi Koot”, which will screen in the Un Certain Regard section.

FIR against Sunny Leone over obscenity

A

n FIR has been filed against Sunny Leone after a woman from Mumbai complained that the Indo-Canadian adult actress is “promoting obscenity and destroying Indian culture and society with her website.” The police say no action has been taken so far. They say

the website cannot be blocked either.

The complainant, Anjali Palan, who reportedly works with the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, alleged that upon learning that “Leone promotes obscenity in society through her porn videos,” she visited the website, sunnyleone.com, and indeed found pornographic content. The woman has sought action not only against Leone, but also against all those who uploaded her videos on the site. Thus, Leone and unnamed per-

Meenakshi Dixit to enter Bollywood with 'P Se PM Tak'

A

c t r e s s Meenakshi Dixit has already has already made quite a name for herself in the Telugu film industry, thanks to some sensuous dance numbers in movies such as “Dookudu” and “Baadshah.” Now, the 26-year-old beauty is set to enter Bollywood. Dixit will soon be seen playing the lead role in an upcoming political satire titled “P Se PM Tak.” Directed by Kundan Shah, the film revolves around a sex-worker who ends up becoming the chief minister of a state because of an interesting turn of events. The film also features Yaspal Sharma and Bharat Jadhav in pivotal roles. It is slated to release in theatres later this month.

sons have been booked by the police.

Senior inspector Sunil Shivarkar said the police registered an FIR after getting the complaint. “We went through the website and found that the content was objectionable.” The charges also include the Indecent Representation of Women. The maximum punishment under the law is imprisonment up to five

Lisa Haydon to judge ‘India’s Next Top Model’

A

fter receiving accolades for her performances in films such as “Queen” and “The Shaukeens,” Lisa Haydon is all set to try her hand at a reality show. No, she won't be a contestant but will be a judge on MTV’s India's Next Top Model. The actress, who has been a successful model for many years, has decided to be a part of this show, which goes on the floors in July. Excited about this, Lisa mentioned that she decided to sign on the dotted line as the show was designed on the lines of its international counterpart (America's Next Top Model). She also added that she was approached by the makers several times and hence she wanted to give it a try. She has a fair idea of the kind of model she is looking for and has decided to have an open mind as a judge of the show.

years or fine up to Rs 1000,000 or both.

“No immediate action will be taken in the case as first the police's cyber cell will look into who is handling the website and other legal matters,” said another senior police official.

Ranbir and I share a special equation: Deepika

B

ollywood actress Deepika Padukone says no media speculation comes close to explaining the relationship she shares with former boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor. The actors, who broke up after one year of dating, were last seen in Ayan Mukherjee's “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” in 2013. While the media tried decoding their bond during the film's promotions, the audiences were all praise for their onscreen chemistry in the movie.

The two are working together again in Imtiaz Ali's upcoming romanticdrama “Tamasha” and the 29-year-old actress is prepared to be under scrutiny again.

"No matter how much we move on in our lives and no matter how comfortable we keep telling people we are working with each other, the question will keep coming up. But the point is, it was, is and will

Sidharth-Alia begin shooting for 'Kapoor and Sons'

B

ollywood actors Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt, who have been paired together for the second time after “Student of the Year” have begun shooting for their upcoming Bollywood film “Kapoor and Sons.” Confirming this news, Sidharth, Alia and Karan got onto a microblogging site to write about the same. Directed by Shakun Batra, “Kapoor and Sons” also stars Fawad Khan, Rishi Kapoor and others. The film will be produced by Karan Johar.

always be a very special equation that we share.

Something that one can't explain and describe in too many words," Deepika said in an interview.

"Our work is an example of that. We did YJHD together and it was a super success and people gave us so much love for that film and then we have finished another film ('Tamasha') in less than two years. I think that's amazing," Deepika said.

The actress, who is currently riding high on the success of “Piku,” said a film with Ranbir and Imtiaz was on her wish list since she saw “Rockstar.” "I am fascinated by Imtiaz and then there is Ranbir, who again is supremely talented and I have worked with both of them individually.

Why I love and respect Imtiaz so much is also because he cast me in 'Love Aaj Kal' even before my first film released.

Parineeti Chopra's obsession for footwear

I

t seems actress Parineeti Chopra has an obsession for footwear. The 26year-old took to photo-sharing website Instagram to share an image of her pink and black floral print running shoes.

"Shoe game today. Shoe obsession everyday," she captioned the photograph, in which she is seen sitting on a wooden floor. On the big screen, the actress was last seen in “Kill Dil.”

30

UK

India Association Vaisakhi 2015 dinner and dance

Bobby Grewal (right) with guests at the Vaisakhi 2015 dinner and dance

On Friday 17th April 2015, the India Association celebrated its annual Vaisakhi dinner and dance at the recently refurbished Ramada Centre, South Ruislip. There was a turnout of over 250 guests who raised an astounding £10,000 towards Bobby's Walk Full Circle.

The India Association was founded over 25 years ago and was registered as a UK charity in 2002. Its mission is to “provide relief from poverty, sickness and distress to those in need, in the UK and abroad” and they do this by supporting other charities and causes across the globe. Since 2001, the charity has donated over £300,000 to causes.

The Bobby's Walk Full Circle is a 2,600 mile charity trek across India starting in late October 2015, that will see India Association Chairman, Bobby Grewal, walk from Kanyakumari (on the Southern tip of India) up the east coast, through seven states, via Chennai and Kolkata to Delhi, where he is due to finish the walk in late March

2016. The amazing point to note is that Grewal completed his 2,556 mile India west coast India walk in 2005.

Bobby Grewal will embark on the five-month walk with the aim of raising £1.5 million. All money raised will be distributed Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and the British Asian Trust in the UK. Money raised in India will be donated to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund and other identified charities in the seven states he will be walking through. At the Vaisakhi dinner and dance event, Bobby Grewal stated, “As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like you to support Bobby’s Walk Full Circle and to help us continue our vital work around the globe.” There were many distinguished guests at the event, such as Rt Hon Virendra Sharma MP for Ealing Southall; Manjit Lit; Darshan Grewal; C.B. Patel, editor/publisher of Asian Voice/Gujarat Samachar, together with elite members of our community.

COMPETITION

Win Two Tickets to see Arijit Singh Live

Asian Voice is giving one lucky reader the chance to win two tickets to the Arijit Singh concert, taking place on Saturday 6th June 2015, at The SSE Arena, Wembley.

All you have to do is answer one simple question.

For which song did Arijit Singh win his first Filmfare Award? (a) Samjhawan (b) Tum Hi Ho (c) Dilli Wali Girlfriend.

Email your replies to reshma.trilochun@abplgroup.com Competition ends on 25th May 2015.

Coming Events

l Sandhi- Making Peace. Monday 25th May 2015, 6:15pm. Vocal Music: Loveleena Kumar. Tuesday 26th May, 6:30pm. Bharatnatayam Dance by Bhagya Lakshmi & Group. Friday 29th May, 6:30pm. The Nehru Centre, 8 South Audley Street, London, W1K 1HF l Pappa Avaj Hoi Che. Saturday 23rd May at 8pm, Oasis Academy, Croydon. Sunday 24th May at 2:30pm and 8pm, Winston Churchill Hall, Ruislip. Monday 25th May at 7:30pm at Wyllots Centre, Hertfordshire. Wednesday 27th May at 8pm, Winston Churchill Hall, Ruislip.

Contact Pankkaj Sodha: 07985222186 l Gayatri Jayanti. Friday 29th May at 7:30pm.

Gujarat Hindu Society. South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JN. Contact: 01772 253901

l Tour programme of Acharyashri Ghanshyamji.

25th-29th May, London.

Contact Dalpatbhai Mistry: 0116 2419355 l Pujya Rambapa's 95th Birthday. Sunday 31st May. 9am- 6pm. Sidhi Mandir, 318 Cricklewood Broadway, London, NW2 6QD. Contacy Mukeshbhai Patel: 020 8900 2491

Gujarati woman dies after falling A British Gujarati woman has died after falling during a mountain hike in Tenerife, Spain with her husband. A rescue helicopter was scrambled just before 7pm local time on last Tuesday after Harsha Kotecha, 62, plunged sev-

eral feet while walking the Roque del Conde path in the south of the island.

Her body was recovered shortly afterwards after one of the rescue team managed to descend on a rope to the spot where she had fallen.

Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Chief Accountant: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email:accounts@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Sales Executive: Daxa Gami - Email: daxa.gami@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Graphic Designers: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com Leicester Distributors: Europe Enterprise, Raj Surani Tel: 01530 481600 (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad.

Tel. +91 79 2646 5960 Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (M) +91 94266 36912

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

Your communication sector is all-abuzz with planetary energies firing you up preventing you from sleeping properly. Give yourself plenty of physical outlets to drain off some of the excess mental stimulation. You should try to settle into a more grounded and steady routine instead of letting your schedule run you.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Life appears to be focusing your mind on practical matters. So you will need to organise your time carefully if you are to avoid an "all work and no play" situation. Resist making any hasty moves when it come to finances this is a time to focus on consolidation of current assets.

Your self-confidence is riding high and at times totally misplaced. It's good to be positive and optimistic but it can be destructive when you don't listen to others and always think that you are right.

This can lead to a fall in grace, so it is important to become a little more humble. Travel to far off lands are indicated.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

You may find yourself hard at work behind the scenes, although that may not be apparent to others. You may find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of activity, with opportunities to advance on both the inner and outer level. There’s a sparkle to your social life and you will have fun communicating with others.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

Keep your assertive inclination under control as conflict and disagreement could be sparked off.

Organise your time so that it is not taken up entirely by the demands of other people. You will continue to be in a restless mood for some time to come. This makes you impatient and even more determined to cut your own path.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Make a very conscious attempt to stick to main priorities.

Organise your time so that it is not taken up entirely by the demands of other people. You can create your own opportunities. A good time for restructuring and rethinking your aims and interests. Affairs of the heart are likely to flourish.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

An exchange of opinions ought to prove very enlivening at this time. An influence that should help to enjoy the 'nicer' side of others as bring out the best in friends, colleagues and partners alike. A wind of change may be in the air; attention should turn to the wider world and benefits come from broadening of horizons and mental stimuli.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 It would be a mistake always to blame the other person if your experience and expectations of love turn out to be disappointing. It is said that if you do not learn from past experience you will be condemned to repeat it until you do learn. You now have an excellent opportunity to sort out where things may be going wrong.

Email: nilesh.parmar@abplgroup.com Consulting Editor: Bhupatbhai Parekh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Tel: +91 79 2630 4142 Urvashi Jagadeesan (India) Mumbai: Kanti Bhatt, Hemraj Shah (Jumbo Advertiser) Horizon Advertising & Marketing: 2012, Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad. Tel +91 79 2646 5960 Email: horizon.marketing@abplgroup.com Business Manager: Hardik Shah (M) +91 99250 42936 Email: hardik.shah@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Neeta Patel (Vadodara) M: +91 98255 11702 Email: neeta_abplgroup@yahoo.co.in Business Co-ordinator: Shrijit Rajan M: +91 98798 82312 Email: shrijit.rajan@abplgroup.com International Advertisement Representative: Jain Group (South India) Tel: +91 44 42041122/3/4 Fax: +91 44 25362973 Mumbai: +91 022 2471 4122 Email: jain@jaingroup.net Delhi Office: Tel: +91 9311581597

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SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 This is a good time to appreciate what you have already created in your life. There are still challenging issues on both a personal and practical level. It's a time of slow and steady progress that can set the stage for a long time to come. To get here you may have overcome obstacles by making important decision and choices.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

Relationships are likely to widen your horizons, but exercise caution, because some opportunities won't prove quite as amazing as they first seem. Unpredictable energies continue to influence your health sector, bringing erratic highs and lows. Anything or anyone that drains your time should be re-assessed. Find time for relaxation.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

Although there are very intense amorous energies indicated in your chart, the trouble is that these are likely to be marred by feelings of jealousy.

Do not therefore dabble in anything that could harbour such negative potential, as it is bound to end in heartache. Existing emotional differences can be sorted out now.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

You will find added scope and greater incentive to push full steam ahead with your cherished aims. You must be careful not to tread on other people's toes. This is the right time to talk things over with your loved one - especially anything that has been worrying you or making you feel insecure.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Pietersen left disappointed by another ECB rejection

India's one of the most favourite international cricket star, Kevin Pietersen, commented on his twitter that he was aware that there was no guarantee he would be recalled to the England side but hoped he had been offered a "clean slate".

The Sky reported that he made his comments in response to a statement released on Friday by the new England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves.

Pietersen was told he would not represent England again following the 5-0 Ashes humiliation in Australia two winters ago, a decision which has given birth to huge controversy ever since. There also has been a strong feeling amongst Pietersen fans, that he is still 'being victimised' for his decision to go and play in the Indian Premier League, while other English cricketers refrained from or were advised against it.

Prior to starting work at the ECB, in an interview

He also reportedly held private talks with Pietersen and the 34-year-old appeared apparently got the same impression, pulling out of an Indian Premier League contract and signing a deal with Surrey. But, despite Pietersen’s 355 not out against Leicestershire on Monday and Tuesday, new England cricket director Andrew Strauss announced this week that the batsman will not be selected this summer.

Strauss said: “Over months and years, trust has eroded between Kevin Pietersen receiving International Pietersen and the Personality of the Year award ECB. There is a masfrom Sunil Gavaskar at the Asian sive trust issue Achievers Award 2012 between me and it appeared that Graves Kevin.” The decision, and had allegedly suggested the reasons given for it, that Pietersen might be sparked a further outcry. considered for a recall if he Pietersen himself reportedscored prolifically for a ly wrote in the Telegraph county side. that he felt he had been

“deeply misled” and “led down the garden path”.

It prompted Graves to reportedly release a further statement defending his conduct, in which he said Pietersen had not been deceived. "I didn’t make any promises,” he said.

“There were no guarantees that, if he chose to exit his IPL contract, play county cricket and score runs, he would be selected for England.”

A disappointed Pietersen responded by implying he knew he could not bank on a recall but thought he might at least be considered.

On Saturday morning he highlighted in a tweet by cricket broadcaster and writer Elizabeth Ammon, which read: “KP didn’t claim that Graves had made guarantees. Nowhere did anyone say he 'would' be selected.”

Pietersen added: “Exactly – no one is guaranteed selection. I was told there was a 'clean slate'. I wanted to earn my place back.”

Aston Villa boosts football for women in India

In December 2014, a football training camp and tournament was co-hosted

by Aston Villa, in New Delhi. The training camp saw many girls from prominent schools and backgrounds, as well as underprivileged backgrounds participating. The girls played at the Delhi Dreams Girls Football Tournament and there was a turnout of more than 120.

22-year-old, Aston Villa Ladies Defender, Jade Richards was part of the club's community team.

She spoke about the girls from different backgrounds in India who participated in the tournament with great enthusiasm. “No matter what they were wearing they gave it 100% and they had huge smiles on their faces afterwards.

They came out and played their hearts out. It was an amazing atmosphere. The most touching moment for me was when one of the girls told me it was the best day of her life. It had nothing to do with any of the coaching we gave, it was just the opportunity she had to come out, the opportunity to express themselves and be surrounded by other girls that they might not normally play with and find they had

(Left) Cequin director Lora Prabhu, Pratibha Singh, Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood and Aveka Singh

similar interests."

The director of Cequin (an Indian non-government organisation) expressed, “Sport is an effective medium to engage girls, to help build confidence levels, enhance leadership qualities, school retention and delay marriage. Football encourages girls to access public spaces, to go out there and claim their public parks. In India, typically girls don't play outdoors and we want to change that culture. We

want girls to come out in large numbers and be seen, to be visible.”

Pratibha (14) and Aveka Singh (11) were two individuals from India who had the opportunity to join the club in Birmingham. They played the roles of mascots during their trip to Villa Park.

On speaking about what football meant to her, Pratibha Singh said, “How can I tell you how much I love my mum? It is like that. I love football. I never

thought about playing football, my grandad used to play and now I go back to my village and he plays football with me."

Aveka Singh occasionally plays with 19-year-olds due to the shortage of young female players. She used to play for recreational purposes but after this trip, her goals may have changed. “First, football was just like a fun game to me but after getting the opportunity to play outside I was thinking of taking it up.It means a lot to me, I would like to take it up as a career, I want to play internationally. India doesn't have too many opportunities, they don't have women's teams that play in cups or leagues. It is pretty tough playing there, it is tough to get the chances."

SPORT WORLD

31

Shooter Narang books berth for 2016 Rio Olympics

India's Gagan Narang won the bronze medal in the 50m Rifle Prone Event of the ISSF World Cup at Fort Benning in USA, earning himself a quota place for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Narang, who won the Gagan Narang bronze in 10m Rifle at the London Olympics, shot 185.8 overall to secure third place behind gold medallist Michael McPhail (208.8 points) of USA and Ole Kristian Bryhn (206.3) of Norway. Earlier in the competition, Narang and India's only individual Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, had failed to qualify for the 10m Rifle final. Narang is the third Indian shooter to make the Rio cut after Jitu Rai and Apurvi Chandela.

Chandela had secured the quota place by winning bronze in the 10m Rifle at the World Cup in Korea last month. Pistol ace Jitu Rai had won India's first Olympic quota place at the World Championships in Granada, Spain last year, when he won silver in the 50m Free Pistol event.

Each country can win a maximum of 30 quota places from a total of 15 shooting disciplines (including shotgun events), two each from each discipline. When asked what was the first thought predominant in his mind when he qualified for the Rio Olympics?

IPL Results from 12 to 18 May

Match 01.

Date

12 May

Teams

02.

13 May

03.

14 May

KXIP v/s RCB at Mohali KXIP won by 22 runs Brief Scores: KXIP 106/6(10) RCB 84/6(10)

04.

15 May

05.

16 May

06.

16 May

07.

17 May

08.

17 May

No. 1 2 3 4

CSK v/s DD at Raipur DD won by 6 wickets Brief Scores: DD 120/4(16.4) CSK 119/6(20)

MI v/s KKR at Mumbai MI won by 5 runs Brief Scores: MI 171/4(20) KKR 166/7(20)

SRH v/s RCB at Hyderabad RCB won by 6 wickets Brief Scores: RCB 83/4(5.5) SRH 135/3(11)

KXIP v/s CSK at Mohali CSK won by 7 wickets Brief Scores: CSK 134/3(16.5) KXIP 130/7(20) RR v/s KKR at Mumbai RR won by 9 runs Brief Scores: RR 199/6(20) KKR 190/9(20) DD v/s RCB at Bangalore CAncelled

SRH v/s MI at Hyderabad MI won by 9 wickets Brief Scores: MI 114/1(13.5) SRH 113/10(20)

IPL 2015 point table

IPL CSK MI RCB RR

M 14 14 14 14

W 9 8 7 7

L 5 6 5 5

T 0 0 0 0

NRR 0.709 -0.043 1.037 0.062

Pts 18 16 16 16

32

SPORT

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 23rd May 2015

Massive win helps Mumbai finish second

Mumbai Indians join Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals to book a place in IPL playoffs.

Lasith Malinga and Mitchell McClenaghan took 5 wickets for 33 from 8 overs to give Mumbai Indians the second place in the points table behind Chennai Super Kings, after a rousing nine-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Mumbai finished the match with 6.1 overs to spare to complete a great comeback to the season, which began for them with four consecutive defeats.

Sunrisers, though, hardly turned up in their own ground despite having a head start when David Warner called correctly at the toss.

Warner's decision to bat first was a straightforward one given the sheen on the pitch, but it all fell apart in seven deliveries.

Sunrisers' best batsmen this season have been Warner and his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan,

by a distance.

Malinga got the ball to get under Dhawan's bat in the first over, sending him back for just 1. Next delivery, McClenaghan bounded in and got one to hurry into Warner who was caught nowhere playing the pull. The ball took a leading edge and fountained in the air, only to be gobbled up by Kieron Pollard who was coming in from point.

Malinga and McClenaghan gave away just 13 runs in the first four overs they bowled together. Eoin Morgan got a boundary off Vinay

Kumar in the fifth over before McClenaghan hurried another to the batsman, this time Morgan top-edging to third man for a simple catch.

McClenaghan added the wicket of Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 17th over to finish with 3 for 16 from his four overs.

KL Rahul got a couple of fours, but then it was J Suchith's turn to stutter the home side further. In the 10th over, he first had Moises Henriques stumped for 11, before removing the out-of-form Naman Ojha for a firstball duck, the batsman

chipping to R o h i t Sharma at cover. Rahul fell in the 13th over after he dragged a Harbhajan Singh short delivery on to the stumps for 25. From 61 for 6, there was very little hope remaining for the hosts.

Ashish Reddy, who was brought into the side in place of Bipul Sharma, struck the first six of the innings when he clouted Harbhajan over midwicket but he too fell the following over, caught at point.

Dale Steyn knocked three fours in his 11-ball unbeaten 19 but it was never going to be enough.

Lendl Simmons and Parthiv Patel found three fours each in the first six overs of the small chase.

Parthiv was the aggressor among the pair, adding fours quite regularly.

Parthiv, though, survived a stumping chance on 34 when his opposite number Ojha couldn't gather Karn Sharma's googly in two tries, leaving Parthiv with little to do but plonk his bat back in the crease in time.

The leg spinner Karn gave 22 runs in his second over, with Simmons cracking two consecutive sixes over midwicket after Parthiv had scored two fours off the second and third deliveries. Karn eventually took the wicket of Simmons, but by then, the batsman had made 48 off 44 balls with four fours and the two sixes, and with the score at 106.

Parthiv remained unbeaten on 51 off 37 balls with the help of nine fours, and quite aptly, struck the winning runs in the 14th over.

Simmons and Parthiv added their second hundred-plus opening partnership of the season as Mumbai cruised to set up a clash with the table-toppers Chennai Super Kings for the first qualifier in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Kohli gets into argument with umpire

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli along with glovesman Dinesh Karthik got into a heated argument with umpire Kumar Dharmasena after the match officials continued with final two overs of Sunrisers Hyderabad innings despite steady drizzle. Having already lost 2 hours and 40 minutes of play due to steady downpour, the match was curtailed to 11 overs-perside.

It was during the 10th over that it again started drizzling and the rain really picked up in the final over of the innings. It was during the fourth ball of the final over when Kohli misfielded as the soapy white ball slipped out of his palms.

An agitated Kohli tried to draw the attention of the umpires as it was steady downpour. Kohli in his desperate bid was trying to make a point about the pitch getting wet due to downpour.