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26th March to 1st April 2016

Vol 44 | Issue 45

Harry salutes Nepal’s spirit and resilience

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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

34 killed in blasts at Brussels airport, metro station

Prince Harry arrives at Kathmandu's Durbar Square

Undeterred by the terror attacks that shook Brussels, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go ahead with his Belgium visit as planned, India’s external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said.

His trip to Belgium is part of a three-nation tour that begins by the end of this month. His first foreign trip this year, Modi is scheduled to travel to the US – where he will attend the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington – and Saudi Arabia. “Prime Minister Modi will hold the bilateral summit in Belgium. The Prime Minister will then proceed to Washington

where he will attend the Nuclear Summit on March 31,” Swarup said.

Addressing a media briefing in New Delhi, Swarup said, “The Prime Minister will pay his first official visit to Brussels for the 13th IndiaEU Summit at the invitation of President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. The European Union is India’s leading trade and investment partner and biggest export destination. India and EU are also strategic partners since 2004. The 13th India-EU Summit aims to deepen the strategic partnership and

advance collaboration in priority areas for India’s growth and development.”

He also suggested that Modi will hold a bilateral summit meeting with Belgium at the invitation of Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. “Belgium is India’s second largest trade partner within the EU. The bilateral meeting between the two prime ministers will focus on further enhancing the economic partnership.

The two prime ministers will also hold discussions on regional and global issues of mutual interest.”

An unofficial agenda of the visit states the PM, in his trademark style, will address

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the Indian diaspora in the region. After Brussels, Modi will proceed to Washington DC to participate in the 4th Nuclear Security Summit to be held on March 31 and April 1. “Fifty-two countries and four international organisations are expected to attend the 2016 summit,” Swarup said. Another highlight of the trip is a possible meet-up with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif who is also expected to participate in the summit.

NaMo will fly to Riyadh after the summit for a bilateral visit to Saudi Arabia on April 2 and 3, at Continued on page 26

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all the time, but your country holds a special place in the imagination for so many people,” he said.

Prince Harry arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 19, starting his five-day visit to the tiny Himalayan nation. He began with a morning call on President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, Nepal’s first female President, elected by the country’s Parliament in October 2015. The meeting took

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The people of Nepal received a royal tribute as Prince Harry, fifth in line to the British throne visited the country.

With a charming humility and evident respect for the tiny Himalayan nation, Harry began his trip by addressing the people, commending them on their spirit and resilience despite the devastating earthquake last year that has left a permanent scar on the lives of the locals.

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ONE ONE with Keith Vaz, MP

Asian Voice |26th March 2016

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to

Neeraj Mistry, MD, MPH,

Neeraj Mistry, MD, MPH, joined the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases in July 2010 as Managing Director. With a focus on advocacy and resource mobilization, he creates partnerships and bridges crosscutting development themes to grow and strengthen the movement of controlling and eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

A public health physician, Neeraj was a founding member and former Vice President of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GBC), and brings extensive experience in global health policy and programming, having worked in developing and developed countries, in the public and private sectors, across clinical practice, health policy and social development.

He serves on the Board of African Services Committee and the International Advisory Board of the END Fund, the world’s first private philanthropic initiative to combat the seven most common NTDs. Following the completion of his medical training at the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School in Johannesburg, South Africa, Neeraj also worked at the National Health Service (NHS) in London and with Merck & Co. Inc. dealing with public affairs for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He lives in Washington, DC with his wife and two daughters.

1). Please tell me about your current position?

I am Managing Director of the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (Global Network), an advocacy initiative of the Sabin Vaccine Institute dedicated to raising the awareness, political will and funds required to advance the neglected tropical disease (NTD) cause. My role is to institutionalize NTDs in global and local structures that tackle health, social and economic advancement of communities worldwide. I frequently meet with politicians, business leaders, and health and development experts to help make linkages between NTDs and ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable progress.

Our organization works on behalf of the 1.5 billion people liv-

ing on less than $1.25 a day. While other health and development issues affect people we can identify with – those in affluent, urbandwelling professional classes – NTDs affect forgotten communities who have no champions and cannot speak for themselves.

Economically, the greatest benefit achieved is when we address those that are worst off first.

2). What are your proudest achievements?

My proudest achievements are the inclusion of NTDs in the United Nations’ High-level panel report on the post-2015 development agenda; policy integration of NTDs across Latin America, Africa and Asia; the launch of END7, an international advocacy and fundraising campaign run by the Global Network to raise awareness of

NTDs in the general public; and stimulating high levels of interest in wealthy governments to contribute investments. Most important, however, is the mischievous smile I saw on a five year-old child after he had been dewormed.

3). What inspires you?

People, including their complex and unique ways, personalities, characters and talents, inspire me.

This is the reason why I’m involved in NTDs. By tackling NTDs, we give people the chance to express their personalities and the talents they possess. Ultimately, as human beings, we want some form of selfdetermination, and our work to control and eliminate NTDs at the Global Network is the minimum we can do to enable that self-determination.

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

An obstacle to overcome is institutional rigidity and the misbelief that progress can’t happen when we are open to flexibility, creativity and innovation. Unfortunately, many institutions that reside over policies and programs for the general public have little appetite for creative strategies that will yield greater benefits. However, I have overcome this challenge through my passion in my beliefs, and ultimately, by keeping my focus on the people that we serve.

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

I grew up in South Africa, which like many countries has complex paradoxes, yet through that complexity emerged a clear focus personified through Nelson Mandela.

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When I met him, I thanked him for his inspiring fight for human rights, which led to my work championing issues of social justice. As a South African Indian, I am also inspired by the human rights efforts of Mahatma Gandhi.

Ultimately, the fight against NTDs is a fight for human rights for these neglected communities in order to bring them to a level of full social and political participation.

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

The best part about my job at the Global Network is the people I work with ranging from people in the organizations, institutions, and governments we partner with to my daily interactions with my team and most importantly, people in the communities that we serve.

We’re all united by a common goal of helping people lead fulfilled lives through the control and elimination of NTDs by 2020.

7). And the worst?

The process of navigating bureaucracies can be a long-delayed process that has tried my patience

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because it means that sometimes people who need immediate treatments don’t receive them fast enough. Fortunately, positive momentum on NTDs is taking place in endemic and donor countries, regional bodies and international organizations that is helping to overcome this.

8). What are your long-term goals?

I believe in the principles of universal access to health care and other essential services and want to be part of the process to achieve that goal.

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

I would work to develop and implement policies and programs that promote tolerance and acceptability in order to strengthen our empathic connection to each other and move from individualism to harmonious co-existence. This is a universal philosophy whose essence is captured in Buddhism and Hinduism, as well as the South African philosophy of “ubuntu,” which simply states, “I am because you are.”

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

If I were marooned on an island with no hope of rescue, I would choose to live my remaining days with pure and utter artistic enrichment and fulfillment – Leonardo da Vinci—who, as a Renaissance person embodied the curiosity of a scientist, the flare of an artist, the drive of an engineer and the heart of a philosopher.

11-year-old genius beats Einstein Alumni donate £1m to give DMU and Hawking in Mensa IQ test students “the same chance” they had An 11-year-old schoolboy has been tested as having a higher IQ than Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.

"Clever little champ" Aum Amin, who is in Year 6 at the Swaminarayan School, was tested by high IQ society Mensa - scoring 162 points in one of the exams. His score is two points higher than genius physicists Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.

Last week he got a letter from the exclusive society confirming he is among the top one per cent of intelligent people in the world and inviting him to join Mensa.

Aum, who lives in Turner Close, near Wembley, said he felt proud of his achievement.

He said: "I am very happy and feel proud to have achieved such a good score, I am looking forward

to join Mensa.

"I always have put my 100 per cent efforts in the things I do and give my best shot. I keep my focus on the goal I want to achieve."

Aum took the test under supervised conditions at Birkbeck, University of London. He was the only young boy in the classroom when he took the test.

Keen cricketer Aum, who is going to be a pupil at Queen Elizabeth in Barnet from next year, said he would like to be an engineer when he grows up.

He said: "I'd like to do something in the field that combines medical and engineering when I grow old. I love playing cricket and chess."

Aum's parents Kartik and Boskey said they were extremely proud of their "clever little champ".

Dad Kartik Amin, who works for Network Rail, said: "He stays rooted and realistic. We are extremely proud of him."

Mum Boskey Amin, who works for the NHS, added: "Aum is a clever little champ who loves reading comic books, watching star wars and solving Rubik's Cube. He always believes in positive competition and in a constant search for learning new things as he believes that leanings has no limit."

One of the most successful pharmacist couples in the world are to use their wealth to help students in financial need achieve their dreams at the alma mater which helped launch their careers, De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).

Dr Vijay Patel, Chief Executive Officer of Waymade Healthcare, and his wife Smita will make the single biggest Dr Vijay Patel and his wife Smita ducing medicine at a very donation by individuals in high rate.

DMU’s history to provide a Dr Patel said he wanted series of bursaries and pay to give something back to for cutting-edge equipthe university which ment for the university’s helped him achieve his sucPharmacy department. cess.

Dr Patel, a graduate of He said: “It was at De DMU’s Leicester School of Montfort University where Pharmacy, and Mrs Patel – I learned many of the skills herself a pharmacy graduwhich have helped define ate with first class honours my career. Not only aca– will donate £1million to demic skills but confidence help financially-disadvanand ambition, the feeling taged students and to pay that I could go into the for an extruder, a specialist world and make the future machine capable of pro-

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“Education and the university experience is the bedrock for what we have achieved and we want to be able to help make sure as many people as possible have the chance to experience this.”

The bursaries awarded through Dr Patel’s donation will be known as Waymade Scholarships and be available to fulltime and part-time undergraduate students, awarded annually from the start of the 2016-17 academic year.

In recognition of this donation, the new building to house the Faculty of Art, Design and Humanities will be named the Vijay Patel Building.

A newly refurbished laboratory in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences will be named after Dr Patel’s wife, Smita.

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Asian Voice |26th March 2016

Spirited Americans pose critical questions Time was when America’s Fourth Estate was widely perceived as one of the guardian of the nation’s hallowed liberties, operating without fear or favours. Its record over the past few years, in particular, has given rise to deepening doubts about the veracity of the claim. The mainstream American media lined up without too much fuss and bother behind the George W Bush and Obama administrations, as their tanks and jackbooted hordes reduced Iraq and Libya to howling desolations, as their attempt to bring down the Assad regime in Syria left it a hell-hole – all this achieved with the cooperation of such doughty American allies as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, now in crisis.

John Swinton, once the doyen of the New York press corps, blew the lid open on these enduring sanctities, with a powerful speech upon his retirement: ‘There is no such thing at this stage of the world’s history as an independent press. You know it and I know it. There is not one of you who dare write your honest opinions, and if you did, you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid weekly for keeping my honest opinions out of the paper I am connected with.

‘The business of the journalist is to destroy the truth, to lie outright, to pervert, to vilify, fawn at the feet of Mammon, and to sell his country and his race for his daily bread. You know it and I know it, and what folly is this toasting of an independent press? We are the jumping jacks, they pull the strings and we dance. Our talents, our possibilities and our lives are all the property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes. I understand that you have to eat like all of us and therefore must keep your mouths shut…We can hide the truth with prison sentences, but the truth eventually will come through, and unfortunately for us we cannot plug the dykes any longer.’

The Pentagon’s take on unconventional warfare is to exploit ethnic and religious fissures within a country to bring about regime change. Former Republican presidential contender Patrick Buchanan said President Putin’s

expulsion order to US NGOs in Russia was wise. India’s recent refusal to allow an officially sponsored US organization to enter the country and examine its record on religious freedom was eminently wise. This is how Yugoslavia was subverted and destroyed and Muslim Kosovo severed from Christian Serbia with the aid Arab jihadis paid and armed by Uncle Sam..

A secret conclave of the Republican party establishment and kindred groups in the corporate world at the Georgian resort of Sea Island, revealed by the Huffington Post, was an eye opener. What appears to have alarmed the faithful, is Donald Trump’s clarion call to cease American adventurism abroad, his denunciation of the Iraq invasion and its disastrous consequences including the birth of the murderous Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). This is perceived to be a violation of holy writ, fit only for a private confession for over burdened souls.

Donald Trump’s statement of intent that he would reach out to President Vladimir Putin for wide-ranging talks on an enduring peace between their countries was a further provocation, a breach of sacred trust. Trump has indulged in the heresy of deploring publicly the billions of dollars wasted in the pursuit of false glory, money that could surely have been put to better use in infrastructure development, education and healthcare, areas where the United States of America has fallen behind its peers in the advanced industrialized world.

The demonstration of the black art of political match fixing recalls George W. Bush’s pick-pocketed election victory over Al Gore in 2000. The trick now is how best to deny Donald Trump the Republican party’s nomination despite his overwhelming victories in the primaries. But this could be a trick too many. Mr Trump’s vast following are no pansies; they look a feisty lot, able and willing, with lax gun laws in place, to slug it out if need be, with their opponents bent on nullifying a just and fair democratic choice. One must hope that America is spared the ignominy of civil disorder on its streets.

E. Sreedharan: Karma Yogi without peer New Delhi, built in 1911, replaced Calcutta as the new capital of the Raj. It was peopled then by governmental officials, professionals and a sprinkling of businessmen and rural folk from neighboring areas in search of gainful employment as domestics and small shopkeepers. It exploded in all directions following India’s independence in August 1947. As the capital of the new India it became a magnet for the aspiring middle class, attracted by good educational institutions and the promise of a better life..

For a good half century the city expanded while the public transport system lagged well behind. Journey times on buses from the heart of the metropolis to its outskirts and suburbs were a forbidding experience. Then came the miracle of the Delhi metro ushering in the 21 st century to enthusiastic acclaim. It was financed by Japanese government loans and Japanese expertise in engineering and management skills.

But at the heart of its administrative structure was the remarkable E. Sreedharan, an outstanding railway engineer of proven experience who had helped construct the demanding Konkan rail network, stretching from Mumbai, the hub of the nation’s commerce and industry, piercing the Western Ghats along the coastal belt, and linking up with lines to the major population centres in India’s South.

Mr Sreedharan took charge of upcoming Delhi metro,

guided it through its early teething period until emergence as a robust, high-tech urban transport system comparable with the best in the world. The metro was Delhi’s game changer, journey times fell exponentially as its reputation as business friendly centre of excellence spread at home and abroad. The metro has knitted far-flung suburbs and townships into a vast interlinked of high-tech industries and commerce. Coupled with Delhi’s spanking new airport the city is fit for 21 st century purpose.

Through these testing times, Mr Sreedharan shone his light on a major infrastructure project, the cynosure of all eyes, foreign and indigenous. Cynics marvelled at the spectacle, convinced at last that India and Indians were capable of performing at the most exacting level. Mr Sreedharan was tireless in pursuit of best practice. No politician was permitted to darken his doors with appeals for favours to kith and kin. He sustained a modest lifestyle from his salary, placing monies not required into a charitable foundation he’d set up. With Delhi’s metro up and running, he relinquished charge to a capable successor.

Back in his native Kerala, he oversaw the construction of the Kochi metro. A karma yogi is one who works selflessly in the service of others. Mr Sreedhran is one such person.

Whence comes another?

Tories in terminal turmoil The sudden resignation of one of the seniormost Conservative Cabinet ministers, Iain Duncan Smith, appears to be devastating for Prime Minister David Cameron, ambitious Chancellor George Osborne and the Conservative Party itself.

The correspondence between Smith and Cameron illustrates the rift within the aspirations and reality of the Tory party in power. Cameron spoke of One Nation and Compassionate Conservatism. He may have meant it, but the reality is far from that. Osborne's initial steps to cut the deficit and to eliminate the wastage in the disbursement of the governmental budget of £700 billion was more or less understood and acceptable to the public at large.

Overspeed kills, over zealousness too. In the latest budget the Chancellor showed his ruthlessness or his least concern about 'have nots' by slashing the disability budget by some £1.4 billion. This drastic cut on the most vulnerable section of the society was furthermore painful when those earning more than above average income were rewarded almost the same amount as tax

rebates. Not only for Smith and several other members of the government but even the most sympathetic progovernment media, this was the last straw.

Prime Minister Cameron defended his government's stand vehemently on Monday in Parliament.

Frankly speaking it looks hollow and unpredictable.

The government's pledge not to go for any more cuts in the benefits may prove to be impractical or could create other problems.

PM Cameron unnecessarily and unwisely opted for EU referendum to have peace within his party. His strategy has almost backfired. Within the Cameron government at least 5 Cabinet ministers are not taking his lien. June 23rd is some 3 months away. It will not be surprising if the “In or Out” campaign creates many more shocks and damage the Tory party future.

Cameron will have great difficulty to survive his premiership, while Osborne faces rising challenge from Boris Johnson and such ambitious Conservatives.

It will be a pity if the good intention goes haywire by wrong tactics or dogmatic policies.

3

The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.

- Vince Lombardi

There is no gender equality without fair treatment of widows The plight of widows was a neglected and invisible cause when The Loomba Foundation began its work in 1997. 13 years later it won unanimous endorsement from the UN General Assembly with, along the way, the active support of dozens of heads of government and thousands of leading figures from business, arts, culture and society all over the world. That sounds – and maybe it is – impressive, but what we have to remember is that those eye-catching milestones have only scratched the surface of the problem.

Our sights are set on its eradication.

When I established The Loomba Foundation with my wife in 1997 – well before the Beijing Conference – we began by addressing the desperate plight of widows in India.

Today, our focus has widened to encompass the whole world. The suffering of widows directly affects close to a billion people. It perpetuates numerous other injustices faced by women and girls of all ages, by children and by the poor generally, in many parts of the world. The plight of widows is a scar on the face of humanity. Its eradication would remove one of the biggest and most obstinate barriers to achieving four of the top five Sustainable Development Goals, thus not only bringing relief to the undeserved suffering of millions, but improving the prospects for stability and peace.

When we established The Loomba Foundation we set ourselves a target that within ten years we would educate 100 children of poor widows in each of India’s 29 states, a target we achieved in eight years. In that time we learned that the plight of widows is by no means confined to India and so we began to look at and

Lord Raj Loomba

raise awareness about the global plight of widows.

As a charity we have – with our partners and supporters – succeeded in transforming the lives of tens of thousands of widows and their children through our programmes in India and Africa, but we know the problem affects millions.

The situation is improving in some places, but far too slowly. In urban settings, where widows are oftent better educated and able to find employment, some progress can be seen (though by no means everywhere!) – in rural areas, widows have a huge challenge. They are uneducated, they cannot find a job, they are dependent on family members who abuse them physically, psychologically and sexually.

Sadly they do not know who to turn to. Therefore they are practically living the life of a slave.

We cannot cure the ills of the world so long as a woman’s destiny remains conditional on having a living husband. All the noise we make about gender equality and opportunities for girls is compromised if that equality depends on having a husband and dies when he does.

The suffering of widows is a tragedy for millions of individuals that calls for a humanitarian response, but it is the systemic ingrained inequality of the sexes which is demonstrated and perpetuated by their treatment, that makes this a greater global challenge.

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

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British Heart Foundation appoints Glenfield cardiologist as its new medical director The British Heart Foundation has named University of Leicester cardiology Professor Sir Nilesh Samani as its new medical director.

Prof Samani will succeed Professor Peter Weissberg who will retire in October after 12 years at the cardiovascular research charity.

Prof Samani, a consultant cardiologist at Glenfield Hospital, is also the head of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the university and director of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Unit. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and a NIHR Senior Investigator.

In 2015, Prof Samani was knighted for services to medicine and medical research.

He said: "It is an enormous privilege to serve the foundation as medical director. From my own experience,

I know the central role the BHF plays in supporting cardiovascular research in the UK. "Advances made through research funded by donations to the BHF have saved countless lives both in the UK and world-wide and reduced the devastating burden of premature heart disease on families and individuals."

Alongside his new role, Prof Samani will continue research at the University of Leicester and some clinical work at Glenfield Hospital, part of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

Simon Gillespie, chief executive at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Professor Samani is an outstanding, world-renowned researcher who has led the development of cardiovascular research at Leicester for many years.

"His research has greatly

Dr Nilesh Samani

advanced our understanding of how our DNA affects our heart disease risk, which is now guiding researchers looking for more effective future treatments.

"Professor Samani has combined his research with clinical work that is bringing the benefits of research to his patients now."

Professor Paul Boyle, President and ViceChancellor at the University

of Leicester, congratulated Prof Samani on his appointment.

He said: "This is a tremendous honour and tribute to the talent of an inspirational member of our university community.

"Professor Samani's world-class work has helped to establish Leicester as an internationally renowned centre of excellence for cardiovascular research. His results have had a huge local and global impact.

"He has pioneered major advances in his field and he will bring this wealth of experience to bear on advancing the excellent work the British Heart Foundation does.

"The whole of the university community wishes him well and we look forward to continuing our association with him in his capacity as Professor of Cardiology at the university."

Husband who set wife on fire jailed for life A man who killed his wife by deliberately setting her alight after they had a row at their home in Birmingham has been jailed for life.

Muhammad Hammad tried to cover up what he had done by claiming care worker Nazia Akhtar had set light to herself and said he had made a valiant attempt to save her.

But a jury at Birmingham Crown Court rejected his account and convicted him of murder.

Judge Melbourne Inman QC ordered that Hammad spend a minimum of 25 years in prison before being considered for release. The judge said Hammad had given an account of having tried to help his wife and then becom-

Muhammad Hammad

ing alight himself. But he said the defendant had, in fact, poured the spirit over his own head and set it alight in a bid to make it look like it had been a “terrible accident that engulfed you both.”

Judge Inman said, though, that he accepted that it had not been a planned attack.

The court had heard the

to throw her huscouple had met in band out as well 2013 and married as begin divorce in an Islamic cereproceedings mony in which would September 2014. have scuppered H a m m a d his chances of moved into her getting a British first floor flat in visa.

Fox Hollies Road, She said that Acocks Green. on the day of the They had a volatile fire they had relationship with most of the argu- Victim: Nazia Akhtar rowed about their marriage being over and he ments centring on the fact had called her a “fat ugly cow.” that Mrs Akhtar’s family did After the incident both not like the defendant and he were taken to hospital and the did not like them. victim had initially claimed James Curtis QC, prosewhat happened was an accicuting, said the biggest bone dent. However her account of contention and a “running changed and she began to tell sore” was Hammad’s relationpeople what had really ship with his mother-in-law. occurred.

Nazia had also threatened

House of Lords hosts CARD annual dinner The CARD annual charity dinner at the House of Lords was hosted on the 22nd of February 2016 by the Gastroenterologist Dr. Pulak Sahay under the patronage of Lord Bhikhu Parekh to raise awareness about Reflux disease amongst the General Public.

The VIPs who attended & professed ongoing help & support to the charity included Baroness Masham, Nigel Adams MP, Nick Ross the Journalist, Prof.

Colm O'Morain the eminent gastroenterologist from Dublin, Tracey Brown-the Director of the Charity "Sense about Science", Howard DuffDirector of England for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Richard Gardnerthe CEO of the British Society of Gastroenterology, Peter Wilmshirstthe Cardiologist & highly successful Whistleblower, Navjoyt Ladher- Analysis editor at the BMJ & the Publisher & Philanthropist Mr. CB Patel.

Gastro oesophageal

Dr Pulak Sahay

reflux disease (GORD) - a condition whereby the stomach contents reflux into the oesophagus causing heartburn & regurgitation is so common that it is considered part of normal life by the man on the street with 20% of the adult population in the UK suffering from it equating in absolute terms to 9.6 million people.

GORD symptoms are a major risk factor for development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OA) rendering a six fold greater risk in the refluxers than in the general population.

The incidence of OA which has an extremely poor

In Brief

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Asian Voice |26th March 2016

prognosis is rising more rapidly than any other cancer in the western world and has gone up 6 fold in the last 20 years.

GORD patients experience decrements in health related quality of life leading to not only absenteeism but more importantly to presenteeism which reduces productivity & costs the UK millions. Everyone wants to help the cancer patient but that is too late in the day. Reflux which can be the cause of it needs tackling & Charities

like CARD (Campaign Against Reflux Disease) educate people about it's banes with information on it's website www.cardcharity.co.uk as only by education will the tide of Oesophageal cancer be stemmed and reversed.

One simple way of tackling this would be for the Department of Health to encourage GPs to ask their patient's a single question about heartburn & give them an "Anti Reflux life style Measures" leaflet if appropriate.

Pharmacists can also play a crucial role in helping & guiding patients who come to buy antacids / acid suppressants over the counter.There is need to go back to basics to protect the patient rather than treat as Preventing a fire is better than Fire fighting!

Dr. Pulak Sahay is C o n s u l t a n t Gastroenterologist-MYT and Hon. Senior Lecturer of Medicine-Leeds University.

He is also Ex- Clinical Lead for UGI Cancers- MYT.

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UK's highest mountain grew by a metre

A new calculation shows Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis has “grown” by a metre in the past 67 years. With the help of advanced technology that rendered better and more accurate readings, the mountain is now known to stand at 1,345 m (4,413 ft). A GPS receiver at the summit fed data to satellites which was then verified by Ordinance Survey experts.

Crooked lawyer ordered to pay £1.2 million after fraud conviction

A crooked solicitor who was convicted of running a complex property fraud has been ordered to cough up £1.2 million.

Shameer Farouk Sacranie, who fled overseas before his original trial 18 months ago and is still at large, has to pay back the proceeds of his crime or have eight years added to his sentence of 10 years.

The order was made by a judge at Nottingham Crown Court last Friday.

He is thought to be living in Dubai and aware of Friday's confiscation order, which was made under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Speeding fines 'Mr Fix-It' jailed over £100k scam

A “Mr Fix-It” who raked in £100,000 by inventing fake drivers to take motorists’ speeding points has been jailed.

Ramesh Jhalli spent his ill-gotten gains on turning his Birmingham home into a luxury pad complete with a new kitchen, double garage extension and a gym.

He admitted helping ten drivers dodge fines – but police believe he helped hundreds of motorists during the “huge” scam after spreading the word through Facebook.

Jailing him for 18 months at Birmingham Crown Court, Judge Mary Stacey said: “The conspiracy was to ensure that people who had been caught speeding never had to face the consequences. It is something that really strikes at the heart of the fairness of the judicial system. It is very serious.”

High-flying sixth former found hanged by dad A student at one of Birmingham’s top schools was found hanged by his devastated dad.

Bali Dulay discovered 17-year-old Mani Singh Dulay in the garage of the family home.

He told the Mail he was tortured by the sudden loss of Mani Singh Dulay the “happy-go-lucky” King Edward VI Five Ways School sixth former, who seemed to have the world at his feet.

Mr Dulay said: “We are all devastated that he is gone and words cannot describe how we feel.

“Mani was a happy-go-lucky kid, very, very, intelligent and loved by his family and his friends.

“We don’t know what could have possibly caused this.

“He always seemed happy and there were no pressures at home or from school that I can think of.”

Mani – described to mourners at his funeral as a “bright, shining light in this world” – was found dead on Tuesday last week.

The teenager was due to study for a Computer Science and Maths degree at University College London.

UK Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

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London Mayoral candidate uses Iain Duncan Smith’s resignation leaves Cameron facing test of unity Modi flyers to woo British Indians A senior MP who resigned last Friday said vulnerable working age people were unfairly carrying the burden of deficit reduction, belying the prime minister's claim that austerity was being shared by all.

Iain Duncan Smith, who quit his post of work and pensions secretary over changes to disability welfare payments, said he had come under "massive pressure" to cut welfare budgets as part of a "desperate search for savings" ahead of Chancellor George Osborne's budget statement last week.

Duncan Smith denied speculation that his resignation was triggered by his position on Europe, where his desire for Britain to leave the European Union pits him against Prime Minister David Cameron and Osborne.

He told the BBC that juxtaposing welfare changes against tax cuts for the wealthy in the budget was damaging to Cameron's Conservative party and to the country.

"That is deeply unfair and was perceived to be unfair," he said in his first interview since he resigned.

"And that unfairness is damaging to the government, it's damaging to the party and it's actually damaging to the country," he said on Sunday.

Cameron and Osborne's flagship policy

Iain Duncan Smith

of reducing Britain's budget deficit was being pursued at the expense of some of the poorest in society, he said. "(The government) has become too focussed on narrowly getting the deficit down without being able to say where that should fall other than simply on those who I think can less afford to have that fall on them," he said on the Andrew Marr show.

"I think it is in danger of drifting in a direction that divides society rather than unites it, and that I think is unfair."

He said he considered resigning a year ago, and had felt increasingly "isolated" in a government "losing the narrative that the Conservative Party was this one nation party caring for those who don't even necessarily vote for it".

Meanwhile David Cameron this week tried to heal deep divisions in his party following the stinging attack by Iain Duncan Smith, as his successor, Stephen Crabb, prepared to formally

PM David Cameron

abandon proposed changes to personal independence payments.

A No 10 spokeswoman said: “We are sorry to see Iain Duncan Smith go, but we are a one-nation government determined to continue helping everyone in our society have more security and opportunity, including the most disadvantaged.”

The Conservative party descended into civil war on Sunday, as a succession of MPs came out in support of Duncan Smith after he savaged the party leadership for protecting wealthy Tory-voting pensioners at the expense of the working poor.

One MP accused Duncan Smith of lobbing a grenade into the party with an emotional resignation as work and pensions secretary that has broken apart a Tory consensus on austerity.

But other backbenchers sent messages of support to the former Conservative leader, with some launching their own attacks on Cameron and his chancellor, George Osborne.

London Mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith has offended some of the minority Londoners during his campaign, who have accused him of 'patronising' and 'scaremongering', after suggesting only he could protect their family heirlooms.

In an effort to grab an edge over Khan, Goldsmith's team has been using a leaflet with an image of him shaking hands with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his November visit. This has been backed up by a personalised letter from the Prime Minister David Cameron, asking Indians to vote Goldsmith.

Indians especially the ones who are not a big fan of Modi have already shown their disappointment with the leaflet, while the British Tamils living around London, especially in Newham received a letter suggesting a vote for the Labour candidate could

lead to a new "wealth tax on family jewellery."

"As a government minister, Sadiq Khan did not use his position to speak about Sri Lanka or the concerns of the Tamil community in parliament. His party are beginning to adopt policies that will mean higher taxes on your family and your family's heirlooms and belongings," Goldsmith writes.

The letter also suggests that only Goldsmith can protect their heirlooms from burglars. "The first job of the Mayor of London is to protect Londoners. I

recognise that far too often, Tamil households are targeted for burglary due to families owning gold and valuable family heirlooms…

"As Mayor I will stand up to focus the Metropolitan Police on this issue and will fight to keep you, your family and your homes secure. The other side of the leaflet compares the Conservative candidate's record in relation to Tamils with Khan's.

"Sadiq Khan supported Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour party who wanted to ban prime minister Modi from visiting the UK," it claims.

It further adds that "Khan did not attend the 'UK Welcomes Modi'" event at Wembley Stadium last year. The Daily Sikh described the leaflets as "ill-informed and arrogant" and "disastrous".

Meanwhile Labour accused Goldsmith of "patronising" ethnic minority voters in London.

Youngest Indian lady bus driver makes community proud Krupalee Bhudia has made women proud, becoming one of the youngest lady bus drivers of Indian origin. Driving bus no 245 from Golders Green to Alperton Sainsbury, she started working for Metroline when she was 25, and out of 310 bus drivers the company recruits, Bhudia is the youngest Indian girl driver ever.

Regularly doing 8-11 hours shifts, after gradua-

tion, Krupali took exams to qualify as a heavy vehicle driver and to clear it at the first go. She has also become the youngest girl driver to win the London Green Road Award.

Speaking about her job, Krupalee said, “Humming old Hindi songs, while driving keeps me focussed, confident and gives me comfort.”

Originally from Madhapar, in Bhuj district,

Kutch, she came to London in 2005. Her father was also a bus driver in Middle East. She has 2 sisters and a brother.

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Asian Voice |26th March 2016

Diaspora Champion, Priti Patel, to climb O2 for Brainwave - Witham and Children with Cancer (UK)

Spriha Srivastava

Women lag behind in UK’s financial services It is a man’s world out there. It truly is and I am not saying this to attract any kind of sympathy but to bring out the reality that exists in our society. In very subtle ways it stands out and catches you off-guard.

I work in the financial services sector and probably one that is heavily male dominated. Most of the events I attend will a lot of see smartly-dressed men in a suit and a tie discussing investments, financial markets and of course football.

There are lots of women too but the gender distribution is quite evident.

While we may have a lot of women like Marissa Mayer, Sheryl Sandberg and Indra Nooyi at the top, we still don’t have enough to make the heavy-machinery corporate world a gender balanced one. A report from Oliver Wyman suggests that by the end of 2013, at 150 global financial institutions, only 13 per cent of ExCo members were women. Further, only about 4 per cent of CEOs were women.

A number of reports in the past have shown that companies with good numbers of women on the board have outperformed those with no women.

There is tons of data and surveys that have been conducted worldwide proving that companies driven by women have a larger impact and performance.

According to a report from

Leeds University Business School, having at least one female director on the board appears to cut a company’s chances of going bust by about 20 per cent.

Having two or three female directors lowers the risk even more.

A latest research from accountancy firm Pricewaterhouse Cooper suggests that the simplest way the UK can boost its economy is by including more women in its workforce. The economy could benefit to the tune of £170bn – or a 9% increase in gross domestic product – if female employment in the UK rose to match Sweden’s, the report says.

An interesting interactive chart from The Economist on the occasion of International Women’s Day last week showed the best and the worst places to be a working woman. It is not surprising that the Nordic countries continue to be on the top under all indicators.

“Although there needs to be enough women in the financial services space, things are not as bad as they seem,” says Gurpreet, an analyst in a London-based trading firm. “Slowly one can see an increasing number of women taking leadership positions but it still very few as compared to men.”

The other big concern is gender pay gap. The UK commission for

Employment and Skills reported in November last year that women working full time are paid less than men in 90 per cent of sectors, with those working in financial and insurance sectors among the most affected. The research further states that male workers are paid on average 19 per cent more than female counterparts in almost all areas of the workforce. However, the financial and insurance sectors are the worst hit by the gap in pay – with some earning almost 40 per cent less than men.

Ironically, the same report also finds that nearly a third more women than men go on to study at degree level in the UK, with almost 300,000 women becoming graduates in 2014 compared to 205,000 men.

So where does it all go wrong then? The research hits you with the bleak reality of gender inequality at work in the UK. Even though women are ahead of men when it comes to education, why do the numbers fall when it comes to work place? And why does the pay gap still exist?

Some of these questions are tough to answer as it may amount to generalisation. However, these numbers are often an eye-opener for those who think that we have made a huge progress. There is still a long road ahead…or miles to go before we sleep!

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

Community champion to stand as an independent candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner elections Community champion Gurvinder Sandher, the current County Chair of the Kent Police Independent Advisory Group and Vice Chair of the Kent Police and Crime Panel, will be standing as an Independent Candidate in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place on 5 May. Gurvinder, born in Gravesend and now a resident of Dartford, has lived and worked in Kent his entire adult life. He is the CEO of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus and currently delivers several successful community projects across Kent working in partnership with local authority and community organisations.

Amongst his key priorities if he is elected the Kent Police and Crime

Commissioner is to invest in policing; putting extra officers into frontline services on the streets of Kent and to make smarter use of technology so that officers spend more time dealing with members of the public who work at the heart of the local communities.

He also wants to ensure that Kent Police and their partners continue to assist and support the most vulnerable members of the local communities, including the victims of child sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, hate crime and those vulnerable to substance misuse and gangs.

In a statement Gurvinder Sandher said “I passionately believe that there should be no party politics in policing and I will work very hard during the campaign to address the various issues that mat-

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On Friday 15th April The Prime Minister’s UK India Diaspora Champion and Member of Parliament for the Witham constituency, The Rt Hon Priti Patel will be joining Witham Town Mayor, Councillor Bill Rose and 14 others to climb the O2 in aid of two fantastic charities, Brainwave - Witham and Children with Cancer (UK).

Both these charities do outstanding work to support children and their families, helping children with disabilities and additional needs to achieve greater independence, and fighting to treat the 4,000 children and young people who are diagnosed with cancer every year in

the UK, through investment in research and treatment.

Also joining the walk will be Gerry Gould from Brainwave - Witham and Maddy Alton from Children With Cancer (UK) at Gt. Ormond Street along with Town Councillors and Town Hall staff.

If you would like to

Hardline Muslims banned from practising bloody ritual in London mosque A group of 14 people have been banned from taking part in the ritual self-flagellation, known as zanjeer zani, within a mile of the Idara-e-Jaaferiya mosque in Tooting, South London.

The practice – so brutal that it has been banned in Iran – involves men thrashing their own backs with whips carrying five sharp blades.

Violent scenes from inside the Shia mosque have been captured in these images from 2013, discovered by The Mail on Sunday. They show a group of hardline Muslims, their backs covered in blood from the ritual.

According to the mosque’s authorities, a breakaway group staged the ritual each year without permission – leading to the court action and eventual banning order.

Massoud Shadjareh, of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, said: ‘This is a barbaric practice and should not be allowed for all kinds of reasons, not

least health-and-safety grounds because of the blood that is flying around and the danger of crossinfection from the implements.

‘The committee running the mosque had been trying to get this stopped for years, but no one would help them, as they were always told it was on private premises and a religious matter. Everyone treats it with kid gloves because of the sensitivities.

‘But the truth is there is no obligation upon Muslims to do this. In 2011, Wandsworth even let them erect a tent next to the mosque over council parking spaces.’

The zanjeer zani mourns the anniversary of

Brothers ran £200k 'chop shop' stolen car racket in back-street lock-up ter most to Kent communities and aim to deliver with action devoid of any political agenda. Affective law enforcement should be free of political rhetoric. My campaign will only succeed with the support of local residents and I hope over the coming weeks they come out and support me, all offers of help will be greatly received between now and Election Day. The power to make a positive change truly does lie in the hands of the local community.”

support Priti raising money for these fantastic charities to support their outstanding work for children both locally or nationally donations can be made to the Witham Town Council- Mayors Appeal by: Bank Transfer to Account No: 07645165 Sort Code: 30 - 91 – 85.

Or Personal or Business Cheques made out to Witham Town Council Mayors Appeal and sent to Dee Halliday, Witham Town Hall, 61 Newland Street, Witham, Essex, CM8 2FE. Please let Priti know if you are able to offer your support raising money to support children both locally and nationally so that she may send you her thanks.

Two Birmingham brothers have been convicted of running a £200,000 “chop shop” racket which saw stolen cars stripped down in a back-street lock-up.

High-value motors swiped from across the Midlands were taken apart at Usman (pictured) and Mahmood Khalid’s Sparkbrook garage. But their criminal empire when smashed when a tracked fitted in a Range Rover led police to their base – just half-an-hour after the 4x4 was stolen from Old Warwick Road in Solihull

early on June 26, 2014.

Officers who raided it at 1am found parts from seven cars and Mahmood inside breaking up the latest arrival.

The parts were linked to car thefts between April and June 2014. Some were stolen after keys were taken during house burglaries but others were taken after on-board computers were hacked.

the death of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Mohammed’s grandson, who was killed in a battle in the 7th century.

The practice is controversial among Shias, who make up less than ten per cent of the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims. In Britain, the Shia population is believed to be about five per cent of Muslims.

A Wandsworth Council spokesman said: ‘We would be concerned about the public-health implications if this form of worship were to take place, and if so, we would want to work with the local community, the police and other agencies to ensure that the risk to public health was minimised.’

Saïd blacklisted

by Barclays

Billionaire philanthropist and Tory backer Wafic Saïd has been blacklisted by Barclays who have said they no longer want him as a client. A similar ultimatum has been given to his charity, the Saïd Foundation, which finances the Saïd Business School and helps disabled children in the Middle East.

UK Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

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LSE Islamic Society’s segregated event flayed The Islamic society of the London School of Economics has been flayed by a leading peer after hosting an event which segregated men from women by a 7ft screen running down the middle of the hall, leaving them unable to see each other.

The annual event was held in the evening of March 13 at the Grand Connaught Rooms, near the university in Holborn.

Muslim students from the LSE even had to purchase separate tickets at ÂŁ20 each for ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’, according to a report in The Telegraph.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Lord Dolar Popat said: “I was very surprised to hear about this sort of segregation in today’s day and age and more surprisingly by young people in modern Britain in one of the world’s most progressive educational institutions. These young people are our future and if they are accustomed to such

The event separated men from women by a screen running down the middle of the hall.

radical segregation at this age then our future looks very bleak. Whilst it may be common practice for segregation to occur in some religious institutions or countries, they should not be promoted in a social scale.

We should be proud to live in a diverse and open society where we celebrate our differences. I can see why a world class university such as LSE is shocked at what’s happening on its doorstep.�

According to a report in ITV News, currently, gender segregation is ‘not permissible’ in the UK under equality law unless it’s in a

building permanently or temporarily used for religious practices.

The LSE says it follows the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance on this matter, and regards gender segregation at events on campus or organised by LSE or the LSE community as contrary to the law, except for certain exceptions such as occasions of religious worship or where segregation is entirely voluntary, according to the ITV News report.

The School says it’s now investigating.

Tory chairman chooses his own battle, loses As parties in Britain stand divided on whether to be a part of the European Union, a Conservative party chairman has clearly picked his own battle. 69 year old Peter Lockyer resigned in a row over who gets to use the local association's lavatory.

Clashing with Alan Scard who chose to constantly ignore a 'womenonly' sign, bearing the chairman's signature, despite repeated complaints from other staff.

Peter quit from his position “with a heavy heart� after admitting defeat in his

“principled� battle to stop a male councillor from taking the rules lightly.

We all remember Councillor Scard's stand in women's issues from his 2009 statement when he said he would only select a female candidate if she was attractive.

7

A pledge of ongoing work with local communities Navin Shah, Labour London Assembly candidate for Brent and Harrow, launched the official start of his campaign Sunday.

Speaking to community leaders, volunteers and constituents at Pradip Sweet Mart, Navin outlined why it is so important to elect Sadiq Khan as Mayor of London and went on to highlight his own pledges for Brent and Harrow – to continue action in support of neighbourhood policing and better resources for our fire services; to continue his hard work for accessibility of local stations; to continue his work to bring genuine affordable housing and private sector rented accommodation; to promote community cohesion; to back small and medium sized businesses; and to work with local partners for more opportunities for cleaner air, regeneration and transport initiatives, including cycling.

Navin expressed his strong backing for Sadiq Khan in his bid to be Mayor of London, emphasising his vision to make London a fairer,

more accessible city that will help Londoners flourish. He pledged to hold the mayor to account and ensure, regardless of whom it is that is elected mayor, that they deliver for Brent and Harrow's community.

Navin, a local resident since 1973, has been actively engaged in the community for 40 years, having worked with voluntary organisations to promote equality and community cohesion.

Navin had a successful record as a Harrow councillor for 20 years and served as Leader of Harrow Council for two years. Since 2008, Navin has served on the London Assembly, contributing to a broad range of areas including the London Fire Brigade, Planning, Regeneration and Transport Committees.

Navin encourages local residents, community groups and voluntary organisations to raise their concerns and priorities for the local areas.

Yesterday's campaign launch was another opportunity to continue Navin's strong ties with local communities to ensure their voices are

heard and services deliver for them and their aspirations.

Commenting after the launch of his campaign, Navin Shah said, “under the Tory Mayor, London has stumbled from crisis to crisis – ranging from the significant lack of supply of affordable and socially rented housing to dismantling of local neighbourhood policing, increasing concerns over crime.

I’m seeking to continue working with residents to enable me to hold the mayor to account. The Tory mayor has not made delivering for Outer London areas like Brent and Harrow his priority.

I’m proud of my ties with local resident associations, voluntary groups, local businesses and traders."

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8

UK

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Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

'Shravan Sanman' & 'Vadil Sanman' evoke huge response 'Shravan Sanman' and 'Vadil Sanman' organised

by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar in association with Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Illford, on 19th March evoked a huge response from the community.

The event honoured caring sons, daughters, family members, others doing great sewa of their parents and relatives or total strangers, just like Shravan, a mythological character who appeared in Sanskrit epic Ramayana.

Shravan is the ultimate embodiment of care and devotion towards needy persons for Hindus. Also, the function honoured octogenarians whose immense contribution to the society, especially for bringing up the younger generation with values, was acknowledged.

The event was a huge success, with several parents and children congre-

L to R Mr. Man Mohan Bhalla (VHP, Jatin Parekh and CB Patel.

gating the venue in Essex.

Altogether, 56 octogenarians and 22 'Shravans' were felicitated on the occasion.

Besides presenting citation to the 'the modern-day Shravans' and the elderly, there was cultural programme for entertainment and delicious vegetarian delicacies in the end.

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have honoured more than 600 elderly citizens in the past

by organising such functions – two at Harrow, one each at Croydon, Leicester, Preston and Manchester.

(Further details next week).

Please find the link for photos of the event ‘Shravan Sanman' and 'Vadil Sanman'. http://www.sharadraval.co m/photos/sanman/ Picture courtesy: Mr Sharad Raval www.sharadraval.com

Scientists render Paracetamol useless for arthritic pain A recently held comprehensive study on arthritis reports that paracetamol is the least effective in treating osteoarthritis- the most common form. Scientists said the tablet is next to use-

less at alleviating the pain and discovered that a daily dose has little more impact on pain and mobility than a placebo. Osteoarthritis hits more than 8.75 million people in the UK and can be

potently treated by nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.

However, high doses can damage the stomach lining and risk irregular heartbeat.

Gandhi’s Message for the Modern World When a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled in London’s Parliament Square one year ago, Prime Minister David Cameron declared that many of Gandhi’s teachings remain potent today. “‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others’, ‘Be the change that you want to see in the world’ remain timeless, profound and inspiring words of wisdom,” said Mr Cameron, addressing a small crowd of dignitaries.

Indeed we have become accustomed to reading these oft-quoted universal messages on greeting cards – but why is it that Gandhi’s words still hold strong to people around the world nearly 150 years since he was born?

For many, his life story is an incredible journey of an ordinary man of average intelligence who achieved the extraordinary. Through his resolute commitment to the Indian independence movement and total identification with his nation, people and their plight, an average man was transformed into an indomitable force.

He took on the mighty British Empire with his powerful non-violence resistance movement and empowered millions to adopt a noble and peaceful approach to fighting

oppression. It was an approach that has inspired other great freedom fighters and ordinary people alike.

But where did Gandhiji draw his strength from?

While the influences were many in the life of this great Mahatma, the effect of Hindu scriptures on his life, in particular the Bhagavad Gita, is undeniable. He once said, “When doubts haunt me, when disappointments stare me in the face and

when I see not one ray of light on the horizon, I turn to the Bhagavad Gita and find a verse to comfort me and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming sorrow.”

His life and legacy are testament to the power of a philosophy lived.

Through his subjective experiments with his own life and his perpetual quest for Truth, he was a living example of how an imperfect man internalised and attempted to dynamically live universal teachings transforming himself and the world around him.

Such a message is an ever-inspiring one, one that we can do with being reminded of from time to time; with the optimism that we can ultimately adopt some of those essential values and experience their beauty in our own lives.

Essential Values of Mahatma Gandhi Swami Chidatmanandha, a senior acharya of Chinmaya Mission, will be conducting a series of FREE evening talks in English, entitled “Essential Values of Mahatma Gandhi”, from 30 March to 3 April 2016 at Fairfield Halls in Croydon, South London. The talks are part of a series of major events being organised by Chinmaya Mission UK this year to mark the Birth Centenary Celebrations (BCC) of Swami Chinmayananda.

Dates: Wednesday, 30 March – Sunday, 3 April 2016 Time: 7.30pm to 9pm (30 March – 1 April); 6.30pm to 8pm (2 & 3 April) Venue: Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG Further Information: www.chinmayauk.org

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Advatech launches on-the-go medical services in London Global healthcare company Advatech started by successfully delivering 24 hour medical transportation facilities in Kolkata. Launched in 2010 by Samit Biswas, also the CEO, it was his keen observational eye that lead him to Dr Bala Raju focus on improving the coordination and quality of medical transport services. The service facilitator closely works with ambulance/taxi services, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and laboratories, to ensure easy access of transport and related amenities.

After a well-heeled ambulance service and training programme in India, Advatech Healthcare has brought the services to the UK and now have over 100 cabs in service in London. “A non emergency medical transport gap is prevalent across the country, which is why, we are launching Meditaxis step-wise across the UK.” Biswas said. The company implements its TACIT delivery model that has formed the base for its healthcare services.

Technology, Administration, Consultancy, Infrastructure and Training, is the basic service package on which we build our healthcare services.

They are currently being expanded in the UK and other a few other countries such as India, Pakistan and in parts of the Middle East,” he explained.

Now in talks about their TACIT healthcare initiative for non-emergency medical transport, Samit said, “Our next steps are to support parts of the NHS and the private healthcare services with out of hours logistics for labs and pathology samples along with the other transportation-related services. All the services will be coordinated through a 24 hour free helpline (HEALPP), a service that allows people to get information on private nonemergency healthcare services, especially for those who are not covered under the NHS such as tourists from non-EU countries.” Dr Bala Raju, one of the team members said. “I have worked as a doctor, both in India and the UK for over 20 years. Most of this experience has been in the government hospital and community settings but the last 6 years has been in managing private healthcare services in India and the UK. Advatech Healthcare was already offering a reliable medical transport service in India and my visit to Kolkata where the services were being delivered, was an eye opener to what could be possible in the UK,” Raju said.

Samit Biswas

“Combining medical assessment and management with an effective medical transport and information system is making a great difference to patient care along all the care pathways. Advatech Healthcare continues to expand it’s full range of services with hundreds of hospitals throughout Europe and South East Asia. The marketing is mainly by word of mouth as the patients who experience the good quality of services, tend to talk to others about it.”

When asked Why Advatech, Dr Raju said, “The existing options are costly and the choice is limited. By creating an open platform that patients and their carers could call for free and ask about the possible range of private healthcare services and transport options available, Advatech Healthcare delivers a much more transparent and effective service.” “The 24 hour free helpline (HEALPP) was created from over four decades of combined healthcare experience covering the whole of the UK and India in terms of an in depth knowledge and network of private hospitals, clinics and healthcare professionals in these two countries. In addition to private clinics we work with NHS services by understanding their available facilities and can book additional self paid and insurance paid work for them outside routine working hours, so that it won't effect their regular work. It has taken over seven years to build such a strong network and understanding of what services are actually available to those who need a non-NHS appointment.”

Talking about pre-assessments and after care, the doctor said, “Well-man and well-woman checks and diagnostic assessments are in high demand as there are few interventions or procedures involved. The management and treatment of an illness may be carried out at a later stage, in their preferred hospital when patients know what the actual diagnosis is and have done the due diligence. In relation to after care, this can be facilitated through local clinicians depending on where the patient has moved to.”

Palace plans exhibition and garden to mark Diana's death anniversary To mark Diana, Princess of Wales' 20th death anniversary, an exhibition and garden dedicated to her, will open at Kensington palace next year.

Plans for the tributes are being drawn up by

historic Royal Palaces, the charity that looks after Kensington palace, which was Diana's home till she passed away in 1997.

It is now the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

Parliament warns activists saying the palace is not a free billboard Parliament has warned activists who projected "unauthorised" images, including that of a swastika during a protest against PM Narendra Modi's visit to London last year, on to the Palace of Westminster, saying the iconic building is "not a free bill-

board", The Times of India has reported.

Among recent projections highlighted by a House of Commons spokesperson included a swastika allegedly by the campaign network Awaaz to protest against PM Modi's visit last November with the message "Modi Not Welcome".

UK Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

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Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Dr Manish Patel, Mars Mission Scientist

As the Asian Voice reported last week. the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter launched successfully on its mission to Mars on Monday 14 March 2016.

It lifted-off from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, carrying on it an instrument co-developed by academic Dr Manish Patel in the Open University’s Space Science research priority area.

The spacecraft arrives at its destination midOctober.

Dr Patel was present at the European “mission control” in Darmstadt, Germany, along with the rest of the Open University team.

“Watching the launch was a surreal moment” said Dr Patel; “Seeing the end result of over a decade of work slowly lifting off the launch pad amidst the smoke was a terrifying but exhilarating moment. Now the spacecraft has safely left the Earth, it is onwards to Mars.”

Dr Patel is co-Principal Investigator for the NOMAD (Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery) instrument on board the probe. He and

of data from the spacecraft; after checking that everything is OK with the orbiter, the instruments will be turned on one by one, and we will need to start pouring through the data and checking that everything is ok with NOMAD following the launch,” Dr Patel explains.

“Following the initial ‘health check’ of the instrument, a series of calibration activities will be performed between now and arrival at Mars, in order to make sure that NOMAD is prepared and ready to conduct the science investigations at the right time.”

Backgrounder

his team worked specifically on the part of the NOMAD instrument called “UVIS”, a miniature ultraviolet spectrometer whose main objective is to detect

and quantify trace gas concentrations but also to study aerosols present in the Martian atmosphere.

“In a couple of weeks, we will receive the first set

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Manish’s parents are both Indian. His mother was born and raised in India, and his father in Uganda.

Dr Patel was born in Croydon, Surrey, where he studied his GCSEs and Alevels. He went to the University of Kent, and studied for a Masters Degree in Physics with Space Sciences. He spent a year studying in the US. “It was difficult to get in, but I had good A-level results in Maths, Physics and Chemistry therefore I was able to secure a place.

Studying was difficult, but interesting,” Manish said.

“After that, I went on to do a PhD at The Open University, working on the Beagle 2 mission to Mars where I built one of the science instruments. After that, I began work on the

9

implications, in science and society in general.”

It isn’t a cakewalk, achieving the kind of objective that Manish Patel and his team have. While space control centres seem glamorous and high tech when we watch them on television, a lot of hard work Early inspiration goes in behind the scenes.

Manish was inspired to Dr Patel revealed, take this profession up at “There are many techan early age. nical challenges to building “When I was young, my a space instrument, and we father had a keen interest have to solve many probin astronomy. He had a lems by working telescope that we together and findused to use ing creative solutogether. I guess Finding tions. We have that’s how I got sufficient fund- to miniaturise interested in technology in planetary sci- ing to work on this order to make ence.” type of research is it fit on the So tell us however spacecraft, and again, what make sure that perhaps the exactly has it works as Dr Patel hardest aspect of expected in done? our work. order to make the We asked measurements we Manish to need it to. Finding explain, in lay terms sufficient funding to work for the average reader, on this type of research is the significance of what he however perhaps the hardhas just achieved. est aspect of our work.”

“I have helped build an instrument that has been Future Challenges? launched on the ExoMars “Interpreting the data that Trace Gas Orbiter miswill be returned will probasion. The instrument I am bly be the hardest part of involved with is called our work which forms the NOMAD. It will determine research that we do. There the composition of the will be lots of data returned atmosphere of Mars, being from the spacecraft, and able to detect minute figuring out what it means amounts of gases such as for the possibility of life on methane which could be Mars will take many years clues to the presence of life of painstaking research to on Mars. Finding signs of unravel.” life on Mars has many

ExoMars instrument that was launched recently. I am now a Senior Lecturer in Planetary Sciences at the Open University, and hold a Joint Appointment at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire.”

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READERS’ VOICE

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Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

Russia vs US

Open air cremation There is an intense but civilized and scientific discussion on internet, among devoted, learned and intellectual members of Hindu community. While vast majority are against “Open Air Cremation” (OAC), mainly for practical reasons, there is tiny minority who support it on cultural, “Dharmic Faith” as matter of choice.

Although we live in modern, democratic Christian country, enjoying tremendous personal freedom, perhaps OAC may be one step too far. It would be impossible to find suitable places in our overcrowded cities, even more difficult to get planning permission. It has to be in countryside, far away from human habitation which will create transport difficulties.

Some among indigenous population may find it objectionable, even barbaric. Moreover it requires dedicated team to plan, perform and manage the site.

There were seasoned volunteers in Africa who undertook these heart-breaking thankless tasks. It is too gruesome to contemplate what happens while body is on funeral-pyre, definitely out of bound for ladies and children. Hinduism is progressive religion, moves with time. Even Indian cities are adopting new technology.

Being only male relative in India in 1950s, I was obliged to light funeral fire when my grandfather passed away. It was time in hell, suffering from nightmares for months. Perhaps readers may like to share their experiences with us!

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

A spoonful of sugar

As the saying goes, “a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down”. We used to bribe our children with a spoonful of sugar (or sweets) as a treat after taking their medicine.

Now the tables have turned and we need medicines like insulin to cure diseases such as diabetes caused by the excessive consumption of sugar. The damaging impact of sugar on people’s health, especially type - 2 diabetes and obesity is becoming a cause of great concern.

It is reported that one regular size (330 ml) can of a soft drink contains as much as 9 teaspoons of sugar. As sugar in fizzy drinks is one of the biggest contributors to childhood obesity and diabetes, the chancellor has decided to take drastic measures by putting up taxes on sugary drinks. Any fizzy drink with more than five grams of sugar per 100 ml will attract additional taxes.

However, would raising taxes put people off from consuming sugary drinks? How about the sugar we consume in our tea or coffee?

Britain, being a nation of tea lovers, we probably consume more sugar in the large amount of tea we drink every day. We are so used to the taste of sugar that it has become an addiction and we want more and more of it.

Hence taxing on sugary drinks may be a waste of time. We need to educate people to slowly cut down. For people with a sweet tooth, diet drinks containing sweeteners may be an alternative.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Sugar tax

It reminded me of the song: “Sugar in the morning, sugar in the evening, sugar at suppertime, be my little sugar and love me all the time” by The McGuire Sisters 1958.

The announcement to introduce a sugar tax on sugary drinks will not solve our children’s (or adult’s) obesity problem. Sugar is the main component in so many of our foods. It is being drip fed

Russia has done more than the US and it's cronies in Syria etc and also mission to "MARS " when in need?

In return the US and it's (cronies ) punished Russia, economic sanctions and trying to bring Russia to its knees?

Because Mr Putin does not want to be a poodle of the US like David Cameron and other western leaders.

The US and it's cronies indeed have created enough problems like refugee crises etc in the middle east and across the globe by their's "Divide & Rule" mantra and putting massive financial burden on the taxpayer's head.

The Race to the White House has shown the perfect example of "Money & Power " and what politics is all about it is not about peace & stability it is to create instability like in the vis versa middle east etc and to sell weapons to Saudi's and the rebells etc.

And other perfect example the UK is not giving up its "Emperial "prejudice on the Brexit issues ' and when bombing in Lybia and refugee crises and than beg for the help from France,Russia and others.

I did brand UK defense minister Philip Hammond as a prostitute,compared Putin as a wife beater.

Mr Hammond cannot have the both and look like an idiot in the eyes of the world?

I wonder what the the world will be like after Obama leave the "White House " more mess and more uncertainty and more divided.

Yam Gurung (rtd ) By email

State schools’ dramatic improvement

Lord Lucas’s published ‘The Good School Guide’ revealed such remarkable improvement in the performance of State Schools, that hundreds of independent schools risk closing down. This is extremely good news for the parents of working class, middle class and for the nation.

The secretary of state for education Mr. Keith Joseph (in Mrs. Thatcher’s cabinet) replaced the outdated ‘O’ level exams with GCSEs which brought immense shake up of the system. Only around 35% pupils were able to achieve 5 “O” levels, mainly from well to do sector. Modular study, course work of 20% of total marks helped the children of working class parents and slow learners. It prepared clever students for project work required in higher education. Later, introduction of league table for schools gave clear picture of performance of each school. Key Stage exams for 7, 11, and14 years old tested continuous progress.

However, able students aiming for ten and over A-A* were stressed out having to do 10 subjects’ course work. The exams standards were dropped to the extent businesses, workplaces and universities showed total dissatisfaction. Recently, Mr. Gove introduced changes in the process and tougher exams. Hope, these will raise standard to aimed Baccalaureate level.

Ila Kapadia By email

Is there life after death?

Kumudini Valambia’s question “Is there life after death?” is inspiring. Subject is paranormal/ parapsychological. Epicurus propounded “Eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die”. Indians have proverb “world drowns on death.” Modern science and spirituality agree about life after death, just as spokes of wheel meet at hub. There is no proof because material available is so labile that it vanishes before it makes sense to anyone. But the effects are indelible/ enlightenment, unforgettable. That is why many philosophers faced death penalty instead of denouncing enlightenment. Life after death falls in such area. One can say it is fleeting flash of quantum between skepticism, knowledge, belief and enlightenment.

Belief that loved ones are waiting to welcome them at pearly gates, seeing whole life flash, out of body experiences are phenomena occuring because patient if not totally dead, even though announced dead from heart attack or brain dead. Life activity continues at level defined as “micro tubules”, which is fleeting flash of quantum of mental activity. Theosohy describes it as silver thread that allows soul to roam during dream.

When it snaps, soul cannot return and that is the ultimate death, cessation of activity at “micro tubules”.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Emotional stress within the medical profession

Recently Junior Doctors’ strike is hugging headlines, perhaps for all the wrong reasons.

While pay, long unsocial hours draw all the attention, another important, emotion draining reason has been missing from the equation. Perhaps it affects indefatigable elocutionist nurses more than luminary consultants and erudite doctors who pay whirlwind visits while nurses are omnipresent, taking care 24 hours a day. Although nurses are trained not to get involved personally, keep emotions in check, it is easier said than done, especially when caring for sweet, adorable children and equally affectionate grannies.

So often nurses are presented with boxes of sweets and bunch of flowers which they distribute among lonely, unvisited patients. It is humanly impossible to remain unaffected when losing such patients we may have cared for months. It is no different than losing family member. This is introspective time when nurses need understanding of family members, as without their support nurses’ job could be million times more difficult. No wonder so many nurses drop out half way or choose non stressful nursing appointments after qualification, taking-up posts in schools, doctors’ surgeries and industrial establishments, treating minor accidents, ailments rather than life threatening illnesses on front-line duties.

Nurses may not be lustre, all consuming “Florence Nightingale” any more but most are literally married to their profession for life, although in today’s materialistic, superefficient world, appreciation is thin on the ground!

Kumudini Valambia By email

into us, often unknowingly, in so many different ways. It is eight times more addictive than cocaine.

When we eat sugar, our body is designed to only allow a small amount of sugar in the bloodstream at any one time — about 1-2 teaspoonfuls.

If we eat more than this, the hormone “insulin” is produced to transport this sugar out of the bloodstream. This sugar, through several mechanisms, gets converted into fat, visibly around the waist, or

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invisibly around our organs [Eat. Nourish. Glow.

by Amelia Freer].

Sugar in food: cakes, sweets, biscuits, breakfast cereals, pasta sauces, salad dressings, wine, fizzy drinks, fruit juices, syrupy coffee at Starbucks or Costas Coffee, tea, coffee, etc.

Government should rethink current proposal and introduce sugar tax on a wider range of products.

Nagindas Khajuria By email

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Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

Local newspapers no more in a pickle Under pressure local newspapers can heave a sigh of relief as former communities and local government secretary, Sir Eric Pickles, is inching closer to victory in his battle to put a stop to town hall Pravdas after the last council newsletter to be published in defiance of government laws is to cease weekly publication from June.

Pravda is a term used for a Russian daily newspaper, founded in 1912 and from 1918 to 1991 was the official organ of the Soviet Communist Party. It was used as a propaganda machine to spread pro-

Eric Pickles

communist views.

Greenwich Time, the official publication of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, will no longer be published weekly after being issued with a directive to print no more than

quarterly.

Other London authorities, including Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest were also issued with the directive not to publish more than quarterly.

For years local newspapers have been feeling the pinch because of free council-funded papers, which, according to them, are unfair competition to local newspapers and also divert money from important council services.

The irony is many councils employ journalists who have lost local newspaper jobs.

Phoney family duped 42 OAPs of £1.3m life savings A family of fraudsters tricked 42 elderly and vulnerable pensioners into parting with their money (£1.3 million) in a phone scam and splashed the cash on Rolex watches and luxury cars, a Bristol court has heard.

The greedy fraudsters (the Mohammed family led by kingpin Atif Mohammed) cold-called potential victims and posed as bank workers who told them their bank accounts were being targeted by thieves.

To gain the victims’ trust, the fraudsters invited

whoever they were speaking to to hang up and redial their bank’s fraud team themselves. But they then stayed on the line and intercepted the return call before persuading their victim to transfer their savings into a new ‘safe’ account.

The Mohammed family is originally from Pakistan.

According to the media report, cousins Atif Mohammed, 24, and Asif Ali, 33, admitted conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation at Bristol Crown Court last year.

Their cousins, brothers

Shabeer Ahmed, 25, and Shakeal Ahmed, 21, admitted the same charge in July last year and January this year respectively.

Atif’s brother, Saif Mohammed, 20, admitted concealing, disguising, transferring or converting

11

Education, laws help kick the habit Well, it seems government initiatives like introducing laws on smoking ban except outdoors, raising awareness about ill-effects of smoking, drinking, drugs, pub crawling, etc. have not gone up in smoke.

The world is certainly changing for the better in terms of reducing vices of people if figures revealed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) are any indication to go by.

Technology has taken a toll on nightclubs with more young people staying at home listening to Spotify (a music streaming service) or playing video games than downing drinks on the dance floor.

Hundreds of clubs have closed. There are just 1,733 compared with 3,144 in 2005, the ONS said. The demise of clubbing has been attributed to smoking ban, the imposition of student loan and relaxed licensing laws that allow pubs and bars to sell alcohol into the early hours.

According to a report in The Times, the proportion of teetotallers has grown steadily over the past decade with more than a quarter of 16 to 24year-olds now classifying themselves as teetotal.

That compares with fewer than one in five in 2005. A third of young people got drunk regularly a decade ago compared with only one in six today. Alcoholfree bars are also contributing to the change.

In 1974 40% smoked, now it’s only 20%.

Awareness about looking good and being fit and healthy is also helping in kicking the habit. The rise in the number of role models like footballer David Bekham, who do not smoke, is also encouraging youngsters to stay away from smoking.

Smoking is increasingly seen as a habit for losers.

According to the Health & Social Care Information Centre, the proportion of teenagers taking drugs was 29% in 2001, which has reduced to 16% in 2015.

According to Childwise, a market research company, the number of teenagers spending time in front of screen (TV) was 3 hours in 1995, which has risen to 6.5 hours in 2015. Unlike in the past when TV was the only screen available at home, today teenagers have got more choice (games, social media or watching video clips, smart phones, computer, etc).

More youngsters live at home these days – a total of 3.3 million 20 to 34-year-olds live with their parents, up 25% since 1996.

This is a welcome change. Education, legislation, awareness, change in attitude and behaviour of the generation are playing a key role in bringing about this positive change in society. Although it’s a long way to go to eradicate these vices altogether, this small change is certainly having a positive impact on the quality of life. The world is certainly becoming a better place to live in.

criminal property.The phoney callers were fed the contact details by call centre worker Zoe Latif, 25, who was the girlfriend of Atif Mohammed, and used mobile phones to ring their victims. She admitted

encouraging or assisting indictable offences, the report added.

Atif and Saif’s mother Shameem Ali Mohammed, 44, is charged with possessing criminal property after more than £100,000

was found in her bedroom .Shameem, pictured, denies any knowledge of the fraud and is appearing in court this week to stand trial charged with possessing criminal property.

The trial continues.

12

MEDIA WATCH

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

Fallen tycoon Vijaya Mallya left India early this month for the pastoral bliss of his sumptuous abode in a Hertfordshire hamlet, some 30 miles north of London. His business empire in India, including the defunct King Fisher airline, is in a shambles. its pilots adrift with almost a year’s salary in arrears.. Curiously, the departing millionaire left the country with a rich pay packet of $75 million or more, as part of a deal with his creditors. How could a man such as he with failing businesses and a mountain of unpaid debt keeping huge loans from public sector banks with little or no collateral? The unsavory truth appears to be political clout. Parliament and the media have been convulsed. There is clearly something diabolically rotten in the state of Denmark for such malfeasance to go unchecked. There is one law for the super rich and a another for the rest, so what happens to governance and the rule of law?

Naval indigenization moves apace The Indian Navy’s Vice Chief P. Murugesan said that the paradigm shift from buyer to selfreliant manufacturer is proceeding apace in all three areas of the service – float, move and fight.

‘We have come a long way in move and fight. In the float category, we are able meet the demands of war shipbuilding almost to 90 per cent domestically.’ In the other two sectors there is more distance to cover to bring indigenization up to the required speed. (Business Line March 12)

IAF distress call

Mamata Benerjee

Vijay Mallya

As if this wasn’t bad enough, a sting operation by a media online portal, Narada by name, produced a video of a sting operation in which a number of Trinamool Congress MPs were seen accepting substantial sums of cash from a vendor for undefined services.

The West Bengal political scene is in turmoil from this revelation, with standard Trinamool Congress statement claiming that the whole thing was a Communist-Congress-BJP ‘conspiracy’ to defame the Trinamool government of West Bengal.

The abracadabra of ‘conspiracy’ is the well worn defence of Indian politicians or political parties with difficult questions to answer. Be that as it may, truth will out. Parliament’s Ethics Committee, under the chairmanship of L.K. Advani, is to examine the evidence and make hnown its findings when, hopefully, truth will out and the matter laid to rest (Telegraph, Hindu, Business Line, Times of India (March 11.12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)

increasing ….Perception about India is now changing.

Prime Minister Modi has given another impetus to reforms and competitiveness…and we are supporting ‘Make in India, Clean India and Smart Cities and solar initiatives,’ he said (Mint March 14)

Modi impact

Takehiko Nakao, President of the Asian Development Bank, in an extensive newspaper interview, stated, apropos of the Indian economy, ‘Some people say [Indian economic] reforms are not implemented as much as expected, but if we look at the track record of the government, macroeconomic stability has been achieved; also there are many reforms, including raising the threshold for foreign direct investment in some areas…deregulation of procedure… doing business in India has improved , foreign direct investment is now

Narendra Modi

Modi approval rating 74 per cent

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The Indian Air Force has issued yet another distress call on its declining numbers of frontline aircraft with the retirement old planes from service. India’s stated war doctrine envisages a twofront war against Pakistan and China, and the present 33 squadrons in service, against the 42 sanctioned, warned Air Marshal B.S. Dhanoa. Pakistan’s acquisition of American F 16s, emphasized the need to bolster India’s force level in the air. India has been in marathon negotiations with France over the IAF’s need for Rafale aircraft with no end yet in sight

Iron Fist exercise

The IAF is to hold its ‘Iron Fist’ exercise displaying the full range of its capabilities, from electronic warfare systems, advanced radar, to the full panoply of its missiles.

President Pranab Mukherjee and

Delhi Metro with E.Sreedharan. See page 3

Indian Army officers, speaking on condition of anonymity, have complained of the government’s ‘timidity’ in responding to China’s rapidly modernizing border infrastructure. The Indian Air Force has been modernizing old air bases as frontline enabling platforms in Arunachal bases for heavy lift Globemasters and other modern aircraft. The Army officers have welcomed these moves, but are dissatisfied at the incremental changes preferred by the authorities in Delhi. The plan to field an advanced corps with offensive capabilities has apparently been put on hold (Hindu March 14)

Electronics industry gets boost

India has taken the first step Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s towards self-reliance in electronapproval rating remains consisics manufacturing with a venture tently high at a capital firm all set rock-solid 74 to invest Rs 700 per cent. The crore in a chip poll conducted manufacturing

by InstaVaanni. facility in the The poll has country. Mumbaibeen conducted based Next Orbit since he came to Ventures will be power in 2014 investing in one of and shows no the two consorsign of falling tiums interested in away, despite such facilities. ‘We the political Russian fighters MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI flying in intend to invest in ruckus, from formation during the Indian Air Force ‘Iron Fist” exercise in Rajasthan the first digital time to time, fabrication unit in Gujarat for a Prime Minister Modi will be and all manner of controversies local project costing $5.6 billion present (Times of India, Hindu that break out in the public space. and the first analog fabrication March 11) He has no discernable rivals from unit for a total cost of $1 billion,’ his own BJP ranks or from the said Ajay Jalan, Managing Question wide array of opposition leaders.

Partner at Next Orbit Ventures.

He has held on to a broad midThe cost of developing analog Why, one must ask, is the govern70s percentage niche in poll ratsemiconductors is lower than ment so passive in face of French ings, a noteworthy achievement that for digital semiconductors. stalling tactics? Are the Rafales in a fractious political environThe formal signing of the conso indispensable? If so, why are ment (Mint March 12) tract is scheduled for the end of they in service with only two or March (Business Line (March 16) three major powers? According Navigation satellite in to the German magazine Focus, orbit India’s E-commerce surge Russia’s latest fourth-generation with some fifth-generation feaThe Indian Space Research ‘Every second three more tures, the Sukhoi 35, no less, Organization (ISRO) chalked up Indians experience the internet which performed devastating yet another triumph with the for the first time. By 2030 more over Syria, much to the consterlaunch of the navigation satellite than 1 billion of them will be nation of Nato chiefs, not in con– IRNSS –1E, from Sriharikota online.

In June last year one in tention for an IAF contract? from the work horse Polar four mobiles used in India was a Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). smartphone, up from one in five Army complaint The satellite is designed to to projust six months earlier. Add in vide accurate information service to users in India and the region beyond the boders up to 1,500 kilometres. The satellite carries two payloads – the navigation payload and ranging payload.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the scientists and engineers on their feat (Hindu March 11) Russian Sukhoi 35

two more facts – India boasts the world’s fastest-growing large economy, and the planet’s biggest population of millennials – and you can see why the likes of Facebook, Uber and Google are falling over themselves to establish footholds there,’ explained The Economist (March 5). No battle for the online future of India more intense than the one now being waged in e-commerce.

The country is the fastest-growing e-commerce market in the world and is much prized by America’s and China’s internet titans.

Trump compliments Indian students

Republican presidential contender, Donald Trump, made a complimentary reference to Indian students in America during a television interview, when he fielded a question on immigration, with Fox News. ‘Whether we like that or not, they pay… but we educate a lot of people, very smart people. We need those people in the country. You know they go to Harvard, they are first in their class and they’re from India they go back to India and they set up companies and they make a fortune and they employ lots of people and all of that,’ he said.

Allowed to stay

Continued Trump: ‘Many people want to stay in this country…I think somebody who goes through years of college in this country, we shouldn’t kick them out the day they graduate, which we do.’ IT professionals from India and major Indian companies are the principal beneficiaries of the H-1B, a non-immigration visa hat allows US employers to give temporary employment to foreign workers in specialty occupations (Business Li8ne March 16)

India, Iran for Chabahar deal

India and Iran are set to sign a contract for the development of the Chabahar port in northern Iran that would link it to a rail network to Herat in western Afghanistan. In the second phase, Chabahar will be linked to the rail transport system designed to take Indian goods to the Caspian region, Armenia, thence to the Russian Federation and Belarus and to the rest of the rest of the Russian-led Eurasian market (Business Line March 16)

UK Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

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13

The Family Legal Aid Changes in Practice

Around the World in Three Democracies Over the past fortnight I have visited the three most important Democracies in the world – US (as it prepares for an election), UK of course, and now in India (the largest). What do you find in such close examination? Something startling.

I have been fortunate enough to visit the home in Delhi where Gandhiji spent his final day, the home in Gujarat where Sardar Patel was born, and thanks to flights delays rewatch Richard Attenborough’s film Gandhi on my iPod at the airport.

There is a spirit of the founding fathers (and mothers) of a nation which should be more invoked in a country’s politics.

Consider President Obama’s inaugural speech when he did exactly that; “In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned.

The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive ... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."

Gandhiji and Patel were barristers – they had no need to spend years in cockroach infested prisons. Or consider the patriots described in the book ‘Remember Us Sometimes Once in A While’ who wrote to their wives and children why they were willing to be hanged for their sedition against the British Crown during the Independence movement. And hanged they were.

And if Cromwell could be considered

the founding father of the modern British Parliament then his speech to Parliament could aptly be invoked today targeted at British Parliamentarians and those of the US Congress and the Indian Parliament – in large measure – though not applicable to all by any means, where he said, “...It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.

“Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?

“Ye sordid prostitutes, have you not defil'd this sacred place, and turn'd the Lord's temple into a den of thieves by your immoral principles and wicked practices?

Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress'd; your country therefore calls upon me to cleanse the Augean Stable, by putting a final period to your iniquitous proceedings, and which by God's help and the strength He has given me, I now come to do.

Politics has become a home of prostitutes, weak characters without spines. But actually, it has always been thus. We only need a few good men to lead. India has them. The US is afraid it does not. Britain – watching the debates on disabilities – the question is open.

Scottish Laird Simon and wife Adity raise concern about Land Reform Bill Craufurdland castle in Ayrshire has been in the family of the Scottish laird Simon Houison Craufurd since 1245. He is the 28th Craufurd laird to preside over 600 acres that surround the castle, built in classic Scottish baronial style. The Craufurds have been described as the thread that runs through the Tartan of Scottish history. Married to Adity, his wife of Indian origin, the estate not only supports Simon, but also supports their two daughters Indra and Manisha. Simon, Adity and Simon's siblings- all employed by the limited company that runs the estate.

However Simon fears that 770 years of ownership could come to an end because of the SNP government's new policies. Very soon the Queen will almost certainly give Royal assent to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, which will give local communities to buy private land, irrespective of the landowner's wishes. For Simon this is an unwelcome news.

Unlike some Scottish laird he is not rich. Every corner of his family estate is

engaged to make money470 acres are let to two tenants who farm beef and sheep, the rest is woodland, lake and gardens. Estate businesses include selfcatering, accomodation, a fishery, a cafe, paintballing, a dog-sitting service, mount-bikling, an outdoor children's nursery. While the landed gentry is accused of being cut off from the locals and community, Craufurd's are a sure exception to the rule.

In fact they are a leading example in a study of 23 family estates across Scotland, challenging the old belief- and suggests that the family owned rural seats are making substantial contributions to the wider community.

Craufurd's whole estate is open to locals to walk and cycle through. He lends his marquees to the village gala every year,

Adity and Simon

helps them erect it at 7am.

He has stopped his pheasant shoot, so that locals could walk through the woods.

The land pays for the castle. If the land is confiscated, the Craufurds could no longer live there.

He told the Sunday Times magazine, “Running an estate of this size is a struggle. It turns a profit because there is very litlle income coming to me or Adity or my brother and sister from it. The last three years I have worked for the estate for nothing, because I believe in what the estate can do.”

The SNP has been careful about avoiding any declaration of 'laird bashing'.

Yet the rule is only applicable to rural lands and not houses or urban landholdings.

Photo courtesy: The Sunday Times

In this article Emine letter must specifically Mehmet, Family & state that the victim has Childcare Law Director been examined, and at Duncan Lewis that the GP can find no Solicitors discusses how other reason for the the changes in Legal injury upon examinaAid have practically tion. In cases where the affected the area of abuse is emotional, and family & childcare law. the injury is mental as opposed to physical, On 1st April 2013 the many GP’s are strugcriteria for individuals gling with this concept to obtain family legal and are simply not proaid was changed signifviding the proof in a icantly by the introducform acceptable to the tion of the Legal Aid, Legal Aid Agency.

Sentencing and Similarly, even if an Punishment of individual has had cause Offenders Act (LASPO).

Emine Mehmet to contact the police to LASPO effectively complain of domestic violence, eviintroduced a scheme whereby, even if dence of that contact is not enough. A they are financially eligible, in order to conviction or a caution is required for obtain legal aid for most family issues a the purposes of the Legal Aid Agency client has to prove that they have been scope evidence. According to the a victim of domestic violence and that House of Commons Library Statistics, the perpetrator of that domestic viomore than 838,000 reports of domeslence is the opponent in the case for tic violence were made to police forces which they seek legal aid. This is across England and Wales in 2012/13, known as scope evidence. The requirebut only 6.3% resulted in a conviction. ments for that scope evidence are As such few will be able to obtain evistrict, with only certain documents dence from the police which will be being acceptable. This change left acceptable to the Legal Aid Agency for many vulnerable individuals, who are the purposes of legal aid for things unable to pay solicitors private fees, such as divorce, financial proceedings without recourse to legal advice. arising from divorce or arrangements There was also initially a requirerelating to children upon separation. ment that the scope evidence had to be With the court process already a dated within the last 24 months. This daunting prospect in itself without the left some stranded in the midst of the added fear of facing an abuser in Court court process when the evidence then without lawyer support, victims may became out of date. As a result of lobsimply avoid the court process altobying by the Law Society, the requiregether. This could give abusers an ment for the proof to be dated within unfair advantage. the last 24 months has recently been Some law firms, such as Duncan lifted. However, whilst this is a welLewis solicitors, are providing regular come development, in practice there is pro bono advice clinics to ensure that still a way to go to ensure that victims vulnerable people can still access jusof domestic violence can access justice. tice. But demand is unsurprisingly For a start, some of the scope evidence great and it is not possible to assist requirements in themselves are onereveryone, no matter how deserving. As ous and as a result victims are often such, unless there is a further change unable to obtain the required docuin the law, the sad fact is there will be a ments. One of the most accessible large part of society that will be unable ways in which a victim can prove to access family law legal advice for the domestic violence is by obtaining a letforeseeable future. ter from his or her GP. However the

Modelling on the catwalk in March to raise awareness of ovarian cancer

Samixa Shah

March is ovarian cancer awareness month in the UK and ladies all around the country are making a lot of noise. I decided to raise awareness by modelling on the catwalk at a charity event called Tea with Ovacome which was held at the Mayfair Hotel, London on Saturday 19th March. All the funds raised from this event will go to the ovarian cancer charity, Ovacome. (http://www.ovacome.or g.uk/support/) I wanted to show other women that even after having had cancer I am still a beautiful woman who can enjoy life and look my best. I would

also like to emphasise to Asian women that it is good to talk about cancer with people who can provide support in an empathetic and confidential manner as well as with friends and family to raise awareness.

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynaecological cancer in the UK and is diagnosed in over 7,000 women a

year. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women, but to put this in perspective, the average GP sees only one case of ovarian cancer every five years.

The good news about ovarian cancer is that if diagnosed at an early stage, the outcome is good. However, because some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to those seen in more common conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. Most women are not diagnosed until the disease has spread, which is why it is important that women know about the symptoms, so that they can seek advice as early as possible.

14 COMMUNITY

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Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

SAMYO celebrates Indian Heritage in latest concert showcase On 12th March some of the country’s top young musicians came together to present a musical showcase that told stories of life, culture and heritage in the Indian Subcontinent.

Samyo’s ‘The Great Indian Heritage’, at Beck Theatre, was the latest showcase by the National Youth Orchestra for Indian Music. Each year, the concert, produced by Indian Arts & culture specialists Milapfest, shares the latest creations from its unique Indian orchestral reper-

toire. Created with a team of world-class composers and tutors, the concerts are often visual spectaculars with a thematic approach. This latest concert, was no exception, exploring four aspects of Indian heritage that could be reflected in music.

In his introduction in the concert programme, Artistic Director, Alok Nayak, wrote: “The indian subcontinent evokes memories and images of distinctive sights and sounds, deep & varying emotions,

Jainee-Khushali Mayoor Patel on Sitar and Saxophone in concert with SAMYO Jainee-Khushali Mayoor Patel (from Bolton school) deputy-leader of National Youth Orchestra SAMYO led with the Saxophone and the Sitar on their annual showcase concert at Beck theatre on Saturday 12th March featuring a modern, classical repertoire of Indian orchestral music.

SAMYO is the only orchestra of its kind in the world and features an array of Indian instruments, and the signature SAMYO style that draws from Indian devotional, folk, classical and popular music including western classical/jazz.

JaineeKhushali thoroughly enjoyed performing to a packed audience and hopes more students will feel inspired to join SAMYO by auditioning for 2016/17 via Milapfest website.

According to Mayoor

Patel, BCAo, NAC member of Milapfest trust, “This is particularly important for parents and guardians to be aware of as it introduces them to incredible opportunities available for our children.” ‘’As for the children it is not only the awareness but also the readily available opportunities for inspiration and open pathway to a National Orchestra with rare to find training sessions with International maestros. It also enables them to positively impact their CV , UCAS applications, university and job interviews,” says Mayoor Patel.

A challenge and an opportunity for us all “When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.”

- JFK

By Yogesh Patel

and of course of a rich cultural heritage. What does it mean and how do we find and celebrate it? For us, Indian heritage encompasses a way of living, a philosophy and context that gives meaning to your life; it encompasses the arts and culture, and a national or personal identity. Today, Samyo explores four elements of Indian heritage, and how they reflect in musical culture, through an exploration of design, improvisation & creativity, folk culture and identity.”

The concert began with an explosive percussiononly piece ‘Perc at your own risk’, by Kousic Sen, a title that playfully reflects the hustle and bustle of every day life. Featuring compositions by Pandit Ranajit Sengupta, including a beautiful confluence of guitar, piano, saxophone and choir, ‘Together’, and his own signature composition ‘Lullaby’ in which he performed Sarod, photographs, artwork and paintings were projected on screen during the concert.

A new feature of the orchestra was a strong Choral ensemble, soon to be Milapfest’s latest creation, the SABRANG National Choir, and it showcased compositions of the Delhi Choir tradition of Gandharva Mahavidyalay,

and conducted by Sawani Mudgal.

Alok Nayak explained what makes Samyo concerts unique: ‘We are proud of our young musicians and their brilliant, confident performance, because they are playing a really challenging form of classical music which is entirely new. Indian musicians are trained as soloists or in small, improvised ensembles, so coming together as an orchestra is a big challenge. Our young musicians are Sikhs, Christians, Muslims and Hindus, and from all over England, and from different backgrounds. They come together and not only make music, but make friendships and learn from each other too.’

Ex-Samyo Orchestra Leader, Raaheel Husain, was the concert’s Associate Conductor in the concert, and his long association with Milapfest’s ensembles shows the opportunities available to young musicians in Britain. Nayak continues, ‘Our concerts are designed not only to entertain, but to unite, educate and inspire people too, so we hope for it to be a rich experience for our orchestra members, their families, and the audiences we invite to watch the concerts.’

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The South-Asian Diaspora’s success, achieved against all adversities, has made substantial contributions to society and business. However, quietly running thread of cultural contribution, especially literature, has mainly gone unnoticed. Many of our writers and poets have been handcuffed by the apathy, sadly from the diaspora itself.

The South-Asian Diaspora’s success, achieved against all adversities, has made substantial contributions to society and business.

However, quietly running thread of cultural contribution, especially literature, has mainly gone unnoticed.

Many of our writers and poets have been handcuffed by the apathy, sadly from the diaspora itself. The Word Masala Foundation, a charitable work started by me, and enthusiastically supported by Lord Parekh and Lord Dholakia, has been working tirelessly to improve conditions for these authors.

Hence, with the help of Lord Parekh, to celebrate the talents we have recognized, we are hosting - an invitation only - award ceremony and poetry reading at the House of Lords on the 22nd June 2016. At the same time, we are also honouring the publishers who have made commitments to support the diaspora poets. The ethos at the Word Masala Foundation is Good qualities are appreciated in whomsoever they are found.

Uttararaamacharitam (Bhavabhuti) Since it began its journey, Gujarat Samachar has always been at the forefront of recognizing poets and poetry, hence my close friendship with C B Patel, who has been active with the same above preamble recognizing a variety of causes, talents and contributors. I am privileged to have received the only reader’s trophy as a poet from New Life (Asian Voice in its previous life) and Gujarat Samachar after my long-running column on poetry. So when he invited me to shape up a programme with the ABPL Group anchoring our common vision in recognizing and encouraging the diaspora poetry and literature output in English and other minority languages, I agreed straightaway. We will do this with columns, competitions, and above all, your support.

I welcome you to let me know your views at wordmasala@gmail.com. Do tell us how you can support us in this at Asian Voice. In return, you will also receive our eSkylark e-zine, which will give you details about free completions, new markets, magazines to submit your work to, new books out, events, and a poem by our new award-winner. Above all, together we hope to make a discovery of new writers and poets through Asian Voice.

Word Masala AwardWinning Poets 2015-2016, 22nd June 2016 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, Committee Room 4A, St Stephen’s Hall, House of Lords, London SW1A 0PW RSVP: Yogesh Patel editor@skylarkpublications.co.uk

Jamaica hosts Sigma Pharmaceuticals Annual Conference

By Shayna Mehta February half term means another spectacular Sigma Pharmaceuticals Annual conference. I always look forward to this event as it is like being at home away from home. All the delegates and their families, as well as attending the actual conference business sessions, are looking to have a wonderful time and meeting the usual and also new people. This year was no different; whichever direction you turned, a familiar, friendly face could be seen.

One was none other than Mr CB Patel, the editor, whom I met at the airport on the way back home from Jamaica. He presented me with the task of

writing an article that would reflect my experience of Jamaica, and although I have never written a news piece before, I decided to honour his request.

This year was the 8th year of the annual Sigma conference. The theme was ‘Working to Win’, which in itself was a strong and motivating message.

We were jetting off to an amazing dream destination, Jamaica. There are two key things about Jamaica that I have taken back with me, the first of which is the weather!

Although there were doubts as to whether we would witness the Caribbean climate or if we would bring the British showers with us, we were pleasantly greeted to the glorious sunshine. Each day we were there, we would wake up to the glistening sea and stunning scenery.

However, the second and most apparent characteristic of Jamaica was the people. From the Moon

Palace Resort staff to the locals that we met outside the hotel, I can sincerely say that they were all the most joyous, amiable and gracious people I had ever come across. If they faced an issue, no matter how big or small, the one phrase you are guaranteed to hear was “no problem!”

They took everything in their stride and went beyond their call of duty to satisfy and make sure each person was happy After the daytime intellectually stimulating conferences sessions, there was time for everyone to unwind at the evening events. Every year the themed nights are excep-

tional and leave you wondering how they are going to surpass the last one and this year was no different.

The events included, Jamaican night, Pirates of the Caribbean and Bollywood night. My sisters and I had the great pleasure of teaching 4 members of the Moon Palace staff a Bollywood dance in a short space of time, which they performed at the Bollywood night. This was definitely a personal highlight of mine, as not only did we have tremendous fun with the lovely and extremely talented entertainment, staff but this also integrated the Indian and Jamaican culture; spreading the Indian culture in Jamaica.

Some of the further entertainment over the nights included; steel bands, pirates, reggae music and live bands.

However, my favourite and the most momentous event night, not only this year but over all 8 conferences, had to be Pirates of

the Caribbean.

Everything was outstanding, from the jawdropping décor to the comical costumes to the live band. Everyone made a huge effort that night to arrive in his or her very own pirate costume, which definitely created a great sense of togetherness. For one night; everyone was in the same boat (quite literally!).

It is extremely challenging to summarise this years Sigma Conference in a few words, so the most appropriate way I can explicate it is through the way I felt when I returned home. I had a knot in my

stomach, the feeling of being homesick. That feeling in itself, to me, explains how much of a phenomenal time I had and wish I could go back with each and every single person that came.

Bring on next year!

[Shayna Mehta is a second year Psychology student studying at Aston University. Her interests include music and travelling. She has been fortunate enough to travel to a variety of countries, some of which include, India, USA, Maldives, Thailand etc. allowing her to experience different types of cultures.]

UK

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Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

15

Golden boys & girls strike it rich at Saraswati Sanman Awards

Jashen Litesh, Lord Dholakia, CB Patel and Jashen’s father Litesh Babulal pose for the camera at the Saraswati Sanman function at House of Lords

They are the golden boys and girls (pictured) who struck gold at the prestigious Saraswati Sanman Awards at the House of Lords on March 14. With their extraordinary academic accomplishments, they brought the house down, literally proving success leads to money.

Academically meritorious Indian sub-continent students – who had excelled in 2015 A-level examinations – were honoured by the Rt Hon Lord Dholakia PC OBE DL and Karma Yoga Foundation with Saraswati Sanman at a function in Parliament building in Westminster, London.

These UK-settled high grade achieving students from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – irrespective of religion, caste or creed – were felicitated with cash awards on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Lord Dholakia told students: “It is not what you take for yourself but what you do for your community that builds your character and the character of the community that you come from. So always remember we have a responsibility in this country to be part of the political and other processes within which you should make your contribution.

Not because we are Indians or not because we have knowledge, but beyond that it is our duty and responsibility to be good citizens of the country in which we live in. And this is lesson number one in your education process.”

Lord Dholakia urged students to lend a hand wherever possible. He said: “Some of you may have tremendous success, others may not. You should give a hand, lift our people to be able to make sure we also have the ability to assist others to achieve what we have been able to achieve for ourselves.”

He said don’t waste your time sitting in front of TV.

This country has so much to offer, explore it. He asked rhetorically: “How often you go to museums, art galleries, how often you go to local organisations that work for other people, how often you tie yourself with charities that work for society, how often do you say to yourself let me have a walk in the park, there are lot of things to do and we should be part of this process.”

He said there are so many opportunities in this country. Be part of that process. “I don’t care whether you are Labour, Conservative or Liberal. I care whether you are part of process where you can take decisions, you can be more informative, you can contribute, you can reflect the opinion of your community.”

Lord Dholakia said this is an ongoing project for all of us to recognise the potential of our young people.

This is just the beginning of what you could achieve in future. “I want you to always remember that in life money will come and go, but what nobody can take away from you is your education, the knowledge you gather nobody will ever take away from you.”

Finally, he said it is for you to lift the other community people forward and make sure they also play very important part and if there is one objective for which Saraswati Sanman is awarded then that is this.

“Always make sure you did your best, you achieved your best, there are goals to be achieved – you are the people who will help them achieve them.”

Mr Kanti Nagda, Trustee/Secretary of Karma Yoga Foundation, gave an overview of Karma Yoga Foundation.

Mr Nagda said Karma Yoga Foundation was established in 2011 with the following aims and objectives: 1. The advancement of education for the benefit of the public through the provision of educational grants and scholarships;

Rushing Bakhai receiving his cheque from Lord Dholakia as Kanti Nagda (left) and Steve Reed (right) look on

Jay Kapuria receiving his cheque from Lord Dholakia. Also seen in the picture is Kanti Nagda, Karma Yoga Foundation Trustee/Secretary

CB Patel, Kanti Nagda, Lord Dholakia (standing) and Croydon North MP Steve Reed at the Saraswati Sanman function at House of Lords

Kanti Nagda, Lord Dholakia, Sita Navin Shah, Pruthvi Amin, Rushing Bakhai, Alishiya Tanna, Jay Kapuria and Lord Bhikhu Parekh pose for camera at House of Lords

Alishiya Tanna receiving her cheque from Lord Dholakia as Kanti Nagda looks on

Lord Bhikhu Parekh speaking on the occasion at House of Lords

2. The prevention or relief of poverty anywhere in the world by providing grants, items and services to individuals in need and charities or other organisations working to relieve poverty; and 3. For any such other purposes deemed charitable by the law of England and Wales as the trustees shall from time to time determine.

He said to date over £130,000.00 has been donated to the following organizations and institutions: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Akshaya Patra, Devdaya Charitable Trust, Sarvam Trust, Triveni Sangam, Silver Star Appeal, Anoopam Mission, Hare

Krishna Temple, Moorefields Eye Hospital, Lohana Community and many more.

He said it has been argued that high rates of education are essential for countries to be able to achieve high levels of economic growth. Empirical analyses tend to support the theoretical prediction that poor countries should grow faster than rich countries because they can adopt cutting edge technologies already tried and tested by rich countries.

He said in the Indian culture Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and arts, represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. Saraswati is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. It is believed that Goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the power of speech, wisdom and learning. She has four hands symbolically representing four aspects of human personality in learning – mind, intellect, alertness and ego.

Mr Nagda said higher education that used to be free for all is no more the case in the UK. Almost 400,000 students received their grades in 2015 when A level examination results were declared. The trustees were concerned about the

Sita Navin Shah receiving her cheque from Lord Dholakia.

Also seen in the picture are Steve Reed and Kanti Nagda (extreme right)

UK-settled children from the Indian sub-continent who needed to be encouraged to achieve best results.

And once the achievement was accomplished they felt it was the society’s duty to assist and honour them to progress further; hence the Saraswati Sanman Awards were established.

He said: “This is the first time such a Sanman has been established. I admit we could have planned it in a better way. We have learnt that such a function should take place during university break so that students’ studies are not interrupted. A number of nominees could not take part in this function because of ongoing exams. While one student has travelled from Wales to be here, others have come from various parts of the UK. “We will make sure that we improve on the lessons we learnt this time and I promise you next year’s function would be much better.”

The following rewards were presented on the occasion: Platinum award, a cash prize of £2500.00 Three Gold awards each of £1001.00 and Three Silver awards each of £500.00 The award recipients were: n £2500.00 – Shiv Patel n £1001.00 – Sita Navin Shah n £1001.00 – A cheque was presented to Pruthvi Amin

by Mr Steve Reed MP for Croydon North and Shadow Minister for Local Government. n £1001.00 – Rushing Bakhai n £501.00 – Alishiya Tanna

n £501.00 – Jay Kapuria n £501.00 – Nimish Atulbhai Patel Lord Bhikhu Parekh also attended the function and congratulated the awardees and the Trustees of Karma Yoga Foundation.

Each recipient spoke brilliantly about their course and what they would like to be in future.

Jashen Litesh, a Mechanical Engineering student at Imperial College London, said: “Attending the Saraswati Sanman function at the House of Lords was something very different from my day-to-day life at Imperial College London.

“I take great pleasure for being nominated for this award and I am truly thankful to Lord Dholakia and Karma Yoga Foundation for consolidating my dream. It is not a small thing. Not every day a person like me will get a chance to attend an event at House of Lords in the Parliament.

“The awards ceremony has inspired me more to achieve my dream of working for a Formula 1 Team in future and maybe one day I can give back to the community.

“If you work hard, anything is possible. My main advice to youngsters is not get pressurised into taking a course which you might have been forced into.

Pursue your passion. Go for a course which you like and are passionate about.”

Saraswati Sanman is the first such initiation to encourage excellence in education within Asian community irrespective of caste, creed or nationality.

We got representations from substantial number of students in the first year itself. Lord Dholakia and other jury members had reviewed the shortlisted nominations and finalised the names of the winners.

Karma Yoga Foundation is a modest effort by a private business which allocates sizeable sums for various human service activities, including promoting education.

Pruthvi Amin receiving his cheque from Steve Reed as Kanti Nagda (left) and Lord Dholakia look on

GARDENING SPECIAL

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR GARDE 16

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Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

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Today more and more people are discovering the joys of playing in the dirt—though grown-ups might prefer the term “gardening.” It’s a joy to see the garden wake up after winter. Spring is the busiest time in the garden, so try to get ahead before the weeds start growing. This is the time to sow seeds, indoors and outside, and to make weeding a priority.

Whether it is flowers or fruits, for some gardening is something recreational, for others it is a way of adding beauty to their homes, or a question of a better environment, or a professional achievement.

Britain's weather is not always conducive for gardening, though through out the year, one could add bit by bit to their garden.

Gardening has also been shown to have significant health benefits. For starters, it encourages people to engage in other behaviors and activities that promote wellness. Gardening reduces stress and improves mental health. And it counts as moderate-intensity exercise, which can help people live longer lives.

According to the greatist.com, plants are like people—each type of plant has a unique “personality” and likes different things.

It’s fun but can take some experimentation to learn what works best for a particular type of plant. That being said, virtually all plants require a few basic ingredients: sun, water, nutrients and the right soiljust the quantity differs.

Moreover gardens come in all shapes and sizes.

Hence it's just a matter of figuring out what will work for you.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT GARDENING

The wonderful thing about gardening is that there are so many potential plants out there to grow.

Here are some things to think about as you plan your garden: • What types of plants are you most excited to grow?

• If you’re growing plants for food, what do you most like to cook and eat?

• What amount of space and light do you have available for gardening?

• How much time are you

5 TOP BUDGET GARDEN DECORATION IDEAS Painted bench with cushions: A budget gar-

looking to spend gardening? It is a huge commitment, so you have to plan your time accordingly.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Beginner gardening requires a few tools. The larger the scale of your gardening, the more tools you’re likely to need.

Container gardens are super-simple to get going.

For these, containers, potting soil, a watering can, and a small trowel (or even a sturdy kitchen spoon!) are the basic equipment that’s needed. For raised beds or beds in the ground, it’s helpful to have a trowel, watering can, shovel, hoe, and digging fork.

PREPARING FOR PLANTING

• You have planned where your garden is, what plants to plant, how you will take care of them and the essential equipment.

• When you are purchasing

plants, you will the opion of either buy seeds or small, starter plants that you can move to your garden. Many flowers and vegetables are actually simpler and easy to grow from seeds.

• If the growing season is particularly short, or if a larger plant is going to make that garden look great. To combine the best of both worlds, lots of seeds can be started inside in pots and later transplanted outdoors.

The directions for planting will depend on what’s being planted; typically this information is provided on the seed packet or tag that comes with a given plant.

den bench from a DIY store can be painted in any colour you like to inject some life into your garden. The white colour really stands out against the green plants, brightening up a shady spot, but you are free to colour it as you please. Printed benches with your children's favourite colour can also make them like nature more. You will get similar bench at B&Q Outdoor fairly lights with cup cake case shades: Find some pretty paper cupcake

WEEDS, PESTS AND DISEASES

Once plants are in the garden, one of the biggest challenges is keeping weeds, pests, and diseases out of the garden. To a certain extent, weeds are inevitable, so that’s okay, as long as they don’t start choking out your plants.

Garden pests and diseases challenge even the most experienced of gardeners. But in reality many of these issues can be resolved in advance. Many bugs and diseases that cause damage to plants are more likely to occur when plants are stressed, so ensuring that plants receive a good amount of sun, water, and nutrients will reduce other

will make any garden feel special. Train plants around it for added character and choose colourful seat pads to create a comfy lounge area. Try Forest Garden.

Garden with tree-hung hammock: Doesn't everybody dream of reclining in a

cases and use them as shades on inexpensive battery-operated outdoor LED fairy lights. Easy, effective and bargainous. For cupcake cases try Planet Bake.

Garden corner with dual-purpose seating: This two-in-one garden seating also includes an overhead arbour. An arbour

hammock on a sunny day? If you're lucky enough to have strategically planted trees, a hammock can work out a lot cheaper (from around £60) than more traditional wooden or metal garden furniture. Add a picnic rug and plenty of cushions to create a sociable area for a spot of afternoon tea.

Try Hammock Heaven.

Window planter: Window boxes will brighten any window, but they're especially handy if you don't have much outdoor space. Try planting a mini kitchen garden full of salad and herbs - there are lots of mixed seed collections available in garden centres from around £2 for a summer's worth of seeds. Try Homebase.

GARDENING SPECIAL Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

EN: TIPS AND IDEAS FOR SPRING

-voice.com

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ENGAGE YOUR CHILDREN

gardening problems. There are many organic options for preventing and controlling garden pests and diseases.

TIPS TO GET YOUR GARDEN READY FOR SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT

As the temperatures goes up and the sun comes out, comes the paddling pool out of storage, barbecues become an essential part of a weekend, weekday dinners are enjoyed al fresco and families and friends across the nation take advantage of every last drop of sunshine… because let’s face it – who knows how long it will last?

• Feed your lawn on a regular basis with granular feed throughout the summer months.

• If moss is an issue, use a moss killer before raking it out.

• Is your garden looking a little unkempt? Why not edge your lawn so that you

have a nice clean line between the grass and any flower beds?

• No lawn, just patio?

Not a problem – you can add colour and shape with baskets and pots filled with summer bedding plants. The wetter months can leave your patio looking a little green around the gills. Give your patio a good scrub or use a pressure washer to blast away any dirt and moss a couple of days before your guests arrive.

• Your wooden garden furniture can also be adversely affected by the cold, wet weather. Algae can grow and although power washing your table and chairs is a short term solution, it may raise the wood’s grain and force any mould spores further into the wood.

Therefore, use a specific wooden furniture cleaner with a wire brush and leave to dry before applying a pro-

tector and wood stain.

• Prepare ahead – plant climbers as they’re the ideal camouflage, covering unsightly walls and fence panels.

• Solar lights not only illuminate the surroundings but also add a little extra character to your party.

• Flickering tea lights in jam jars and brightly coloured paper lanterns are an affordable yet highly effective way of creating a party atmosphere on the day itself.

• Don’t forget the gazebo!

This is the UK after all and no matter what the forecasts say, it’s always best to prepare for the worst. A pop-up gazebo is the perfect protection in case of a sudden downpour.

References: www.greatist.com, www.housetohome.co.uk, http://eartheasy.com, www.stockgardens.co.uk

Children are natural gardeners. They're curious, like to learn by doing, and love to play in the dirt.

Gardening gives children a chance to learn an important life skill and a great way to teach environmental awareness by exploring the workings of nature.

Tips for gardening with children

• Give them their own garden beds.

• Reuse the sandbox. If your children have grown past their sandbox years, consider converting the old sandbox to a garden bed.

• Give them serious tools. Let them use your tools if need be; in this way you're acknowledging the importance of the work they're doing.

• Engage them through the entire process, from seed to table. Children learn better when they understand the context of their activity.

• Cheat a little. Depending on the age of the child, you may need to help out a little

'behind the scene'. Not every garden task is pleasant, and the child may not be ready at all times for all chores. They don't have to know about every little help you offer.

• The best time to engage children in gardening is when they're in the mood for this activity. If their attention wanes, or the garden tasks become boring, let them build a scarecrow.

• Show off their work. When giving 'garden tours' to friends, be sure to point out the children's beds. Take a photo of their harvest and send it to the grandparents. The attention given to their work is the best motivator for children to stay involved with a project.

In the current global climate, the equilibrium of conventional climate has been changing its pattern with increasing fears of as many areas are experiencing receding rain fall and equally other areas are having to put up with excessive water. Every drop counts is a phrase that is fast becoming literal and practical in the present global warming predicament. The economical usage of water is been talked about in all the countries. Research in water to a greater extend has become a commodity that is more expensive than petroleum comparatively.

At Aardra Systems Ltd (ASL), an ongoing process of research and development in water management has been initiated in the last few years. Dharmesh Joshi, a Masters Graduate from Queen Mary University London who has had experience in working as an Electronic Systems Designer for International companies, has lead a team of four experts from different fields to contribute in designing a system that would conserve water and yet, it would heighten the yields of Horticultural / Agricultural area- users of water from small gardens, vegetable allotments to commercial farms. Speaking to Asian Voice exclusively, Joshi said, “The Horticultural / Agricultural sector are indicated to be

extensive water usage industry amongst other and yet to curtail their usage would mean more confrontational fight against global warming.” The team readjusted on numerous occasions the compromise of all the available funds to be injected in the company, to bring it up. “At times it looked that we were investing into bottomless pit but our vision of getting the company off the ground was influenced by conventional climate changing and its pattern with adverse effect,” added Joshi. The water Management system is a state of art equipment that has various available function that would enable a person to attain other task without to worry about their either small garden to large farm. A basic system would be a controlling unit (Procom) and its mains charger, a sensor (sentor) and its solar charger (sencom) which would give reading from the ground and a valve (Valtor) and its solar charger (Valcom) that disperses water. Depending upon type of soil and what percentage of moisture in it is required, the Procom is set with the values of moisture and a sensor is submerged into the ground where root level water is required.

The system with its water supply fitted will function in a way that the Sentor will communicate with Procom with the ground readings and simultaneously as per its pre-set moisture level will communicate with Valtor to either turn on or off the dispersement of water.

Dharmesh concluded by saying, “Our excitement at Aardra Systems Ltd is that the system is fully developed and is available on our web site (www.aardra.co.uk) plus our family and friends who also volunteered their gardens and allotments are enjoying the benefits of the systems and are saving water without much effort.”

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BUSINESS

Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

India's per capita income to cross Rs 100,000 in FY17 India will achieve the benchmark of Rs 100,000 in the next financial year when the per-capita income crosses the six-figure mark for the very first time. The World Bank said it's the equivalent of just $1500 but all the same a number that holds some significance in a country with a population of 1.2 billion and where 12.4 per cent in 2011-12 lived in less than $1 a day.

The Budget for next year assumed a nominal GDP growth of 11 per cent.

It would mean a similar high in the net national income and, adjusted for an increase of 1.2 per cent in population, should yield an expansion of more than 8 per cent in per capita income.

Saugata Bhattacharya, chief economist of Axis Bank said, “Nominal GDP growth has been an average 11.7 per cent in the past four years, so with a 1.2 per cent population growth, we can expect per capita incomes to exceed Rs 100,000 in FY17.” He added, “It would

be interesting to check the expenditure surveys to gauge the distribution of the rise across income classes.”

Per capita income broadly measures quality of life in a geographical region, country, state or city. It is derived by dividing the country's total income by its population.

“At current prices, per capita income is expected to cross the threshold of Rs 100,000 in 2016-17, which is encouraging. However, large regional variations and an urban-rural divide in income levels persist,” said Aditi Nayar, chief economist at ICRA. Crisil chief economist DK Joshi said, “Given that agriculture has suffered and the rural economy is under distress, total per capita income has grown largely on the strength of the urban economy.”

If the average amount crosses six figures, it would have taken India almost seven years to double its per-person annual income from Rs 46,492 in FY10.

Hong Kong urges its industries to 'Make in India' The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is promoting India as an alternative manufacturing base for its industries based in China, as per a research report. The HKTDC report said, “In recent years, the sustained rise in production costs on the Chinese mainland has eroded the profit margins of many Hong Kong companies with labour-intensive factories located on the Chinese mainland, prompting them to seek alternative production bases elsewhere. In a nutshell, India offers many advantages as an alternative production base, along with the added advantage of having a domestic market of great potential,” the report said.

The report said India was the world's second biggest exporter of textile and garment products in 2014, shipping goods worth $36 billion, behind

China's exports worth a whopping $399 billion.

Citing the lower import tariff levied on Indian goods by the US and the European Union, the report called India an active player in Asia, securing free trade agreements inside and outside the region.

Demographically, the report states that the Indian median age of 27 is way below China's 37, ensuring a good supply of young workers for many years to come. “As an aside, China recently announced abandonment of its one-child policy in response to the country's ageing population, though the effect would not be appreciable over the shortto-medium term.”

George Osborne’s 2016 budget: A Review

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Yogesh Patel

On Wednesday 16th March, the Chancellor delivered his 8th budget. This time there was no mention of ‘fixing the roof whilst the sun shines’ but more of a focus on putting the next generation first and investing into the future.

Below I have outlined some of the key announcements which are likely to impact many Asian Voice readers.

The Chancellor used the back drop of the slowdown in the world economy to justify the reduction in the Office of Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) growth rate for the UK economy.

He also highlighted how well placed the UK is to weather the storm and stated that the UK economy is forecast to grow faster than any other major advanced economy in the world.

Many seasoned tax professionals expected a more muted budget.

However, the Chancellor made a raft of changes in areas which were unexpected but were generally well received. A key theme amongst the changes seems to be ‘investing in the future’ and supporting SMEs (at the expense of larger, global companies).

As Mike Cherry, policy director at the Federation of Small Business stated “I’m a very happy man. This is very clearly the Chancellor listening to what small businesses want.” For small businesses, the Government announced that from 1 April 2017 they will be more than doubling the Small Business Rate Relief resulting to over 600,000 businesses paying no business rates and another 250,000 seeing a reduction. To help business acquire their business premises, effective from midnight on 16th March the Chancellor reformed the stamp duty rules on commercial property from a distortive slab system to a much simpler slice system. So previously if a retail unit cost £270,000, you would pay £8,000, going forward it will be £3,000. The corporation tax rate is set to be reduced even further to 17% from 2020, which is a further 1% reduction to the already lowered rate of 18% announced in July 2015. These measures are likely to offset some of the pain owner managed businesses will face when the new higher dividend taxes come into effect from April 2016.

For individuals it was announced that the personal allowance threshold will be increasing to £11,500 and the basic rate limit increase to £33,500.

According to the Government’s analysis this will reduce the income tax paid by over 28 million people. What this effectively means is that from April 2017, you will only fall into the higher rate band of 40% if you earn more than £45,000 (as opposed to £42,385 in tax year 2015/16).

For savers and the investment

community there were also many positive announcements. From April 2017 the total amount you can save each year into all ISAs will increase from £15,240 to £20,000. The Chancellor also made an unexpected change to the Capital Gains Tax rates. From 6 April 2016, the higher rate of Capital Gains Tax will be cut from 28% to 20% and the basic rate from 18% to 10% (although this will not apply to the disposal of residential properties). This move increases the divide between income tax and capital gain tax.

There was also an interesting

announcement extending the rules on Entrepreneurs’ relief (ER), a 10% rate of Capital Gains tax on disposal of shares. The Chancellor stated that the ER may also apply to individual exter-

Key Budget announcements

by George Osborne: • • • • • • • • • •

Corporation tax reduced to 17% by 2020 Small Business Rates relief more than doubled Stamp Duty Land Tax reform on commercial property Personal allowance threshold increased to £11,500 Basic rate income tax band increased to £33,500 Annual ISA limit to increase from £15,240 to £20,000 Capital gains tax cut from 28% to 20% for non-residential disposals Extending the rules on Entrepreneurs’ relief to investors Under 40s Lifetime ISA introduced Class NIC 2 to be abolished

nal investors of unlisted companies subject to various conditions being met including: the shares have to been purchased on or after 17 March 2016 and the shares are held for a minimum of three years from 6 April 2016. This is a positive development for those investing in AIM listed companies as these shares are regarded as unlisted shares.

Current pension rules were broadly left unchanged, despite the significant speculation about further reforms such as taxing the lump sum and limiting tax relief. However, the Chancellor did introduce the Lifetime

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ISA offering anyone under 40 from April 2017 to invest up to £4,000 and receive 25% bonus from the Government on this money. These funds can be saved until an adult is over 60 and used as retirement income, or can be withdrawn to help buy their first home. The Lifetime ISA is likely to be popular but it will be interesting to see how this will work alongside Auto-enrolment and the existing pension legislation.

For micro entrepreneurs from April 2017 there will be two new £1,000 allowances for property and trading income, mainly targeting those selling on sites such as eBay and renting their property/drive-way via sites like Airbnb. Taxpayers with property and income or trading income below the level of allowance will no longer need to declare or pay tax on that income. In addition, self-employed people will no longer have to pay Class 2 NIC from April 2018.

However large corporates were thrown a couple of big punches as George Osborne said he wanted ‘to create a modern tax code that better reflects the reality of the global economy’ and stop large companies from artificially shifting profits out of the UK. The cuts he announced included i) introducing a 30% cap on relief on interest payments, ii) restricting tax relief on historic company losses for companies with profits of more than £5 million and iii) taxing outbound royalty payments better. The Government expects to raise £9 billion over next five years from these measures, which will dwarf the decline in tax receipts from the 1% decrease in corporation tax rates and reduction in business rates for SMEs. A sugar tax was also announced to soft drinks manufacturers to help tackle childhood obesity and the taxes raised will be used to fund sports projects in primary school.

Overall it seems this Budget had many winners and some losers with a strong focus on helping SMEs. Lowincome earners, savers and investors also received positive news, whilst large corporates and sugar addicts would have been disappointed.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be a general guide and cannot be a substitute for professional advice. Neither the author nor Godley & Co Ltd accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of material contained in this article.

Yogesh Patel is a tax and business adviser to entrepreneurs, SMEs and private clients at Godley & Co. (@GodleyCo)

Now, register your firm in India in a day Registration of a company in India, usually takes five days, however, with a seemingly successful launch of a pilot project by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, four companies were registered in a single day. Twenty eight company secretaries along with a couple of officials and executives from Infosys came together at the min-

istry's conference room in Shastri Bhawan, and made sure the companies were registered within a day.

As the system stabilises over the coming week, it is expected to register a company in a day as the government will move to centralised processing of incorporation proposals at a new centre in Manesar, instead of

at the Registrar of Companies. The ministry of CA had shrunk the time taken to select the name, to one working day. The whole process was re-engineered and moved to an automated system. Not only does it take far less time, it has also reduced the number of rules from 39 to 26 steps. As a result, 14,000 applications

were processed in one month. Seventy per cent of the applications are cleared in a day with the remaining 30 per cent given an additional time to resubmit. An official said, “But everyone gets to know within one working day if their application has been accepted or not. There is zero balance from Tuesdays-Fridays

while there may be some additional work on Mondays due to applications filed on Fridays.”

The World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings estimated last year that, on an average, it took two-seven days to reserve the name for a company and another five days to complete the incorporation formalities. “If you

were unlucky, it could take more than a year to get the name approved,” admitted an officer. The second phase will commence soon and turn the name selection exercise and incorporation process into a day-long affair. By the end of June, the ministry will release a new form which will further close the entire process into one.

RAsian EALESTATEVOICE Voice | 26th March 2016

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

Don’t paint with a broad brush

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Last week I received a call from an agent we work with, his words were ‘this is the best deal I have come across, you need to do this deal’.

Now agents are agents, they want to do a deal, in fairness we have some trust and relationship with this particular one, having done some transactions previously.

At the time he mentioned the deal to me, I simply did not have the time to go and look at the property, so he had it tied up with someone else.

A couple of days after the deal was agreed with another party, I did manage to see the property. It was as he had said, and more. The property was on one of the best roads in Notting Hill, a wide tree lined road with a large garden on one end. This flat was a studio flat on the fourth floor of a purpose built building. The view from the flat was almost in the centre of the Square, being on a high floor this almost looked like it was your garden from this vantage point.

Th e studio was a n ice stud io; I don ’t really se e how nice or for that mat ter how bad a stud io can g et. They’re smal lish and they have fou r walls. There wasn ’t mu ch wo rk t o be d one in the prope rty, a few tho usand pou nds ju st to tid y the pro pe rty u p would be en ough to achieve a rental of £350-375pw.

The block was done up very nicely with nothing outstanding to be done, to my vision anyhow. This is not always the case with London blocks, there are many with high service charges and low service. It seems to be the case that the freeholder or the managing agents almost take it for granted that the owners of these properties have money and therefore the excessive service charges will be accepted.

The service charge on this block was only £1,500 pa; and it was a share of freehold with a parking place. It’s not that often I get excited about a deal, but I did on this one.

The property would be valued at £550,000 conservatively, and that’s if you can find one with a share of freehold, low service charge, parking space, in a premier road in a premier location and over looking the garden at a discounted price of £450,000.

There was one small caveat, and that was the deal had to be completed in 7 days. The money had to be in the sellers account before the start of the tax year. There was some reason for this which I didn’t fully comprehend.

Th ough the deal was ag reed with someone el se, it didn ’t take long fo r me to persuade t he age nt to swap bu yers. We have don e d eals pre vio usly an d h e k nows we will be able to exe cute in the t ime allocated . It remains to be seen if the co ntract co ntain s t he stan dard ten -day n otice period. This means if we d on’t compl ete after exchan ging t he deal in 7 d ays the selle r’s so licitors have the right to issu e a notice which gives u s not ice t o co mple te within 10 d ays, failing to do so we lose the ten percent de posit.

What’s important in a transaction which requires this speed are the lawyers from both sides, they can make or break a transaction. The agent in this situation had the foresight to check the lawyers on both sides and ensured the seller used a firm and a lawyer recommended by him, for the firm is only as good as the person you’re dealing with within it. He was happy with our choice having dealt with them on previous occasion.

Real Deal The

Get in at the land stage!

Soham, Cambridgeshire

Some lawyers seem to get off on finding fault with the lawyer they’re dealing with. I guess it comes down to human nature, this is how they feel good about themselves and establish their supremacy. We saw this situation occurring in one of the deals we are doing a joint venture on. Both lawyers then focus on seeing how many brownie points can be scored rather than the focus being on how to close the deal. This dissipates energy, instead of getting the deal over the line, the issues get clouded.

The client generally listens to his lawyer and accepts his perception of the situation rather than the reality. Luckily in this situation we were able to rein our lawyer in as he had some opinions and commentary of the other side’s lawyer. The seller in this scenario is a commercially savvy property dealer so he was able to see through the fog.

He confided later to me his lawyer doesn’t actually like 70% of the lawyers he deals with, if he listens to him all the time most of his deals would fall apart. So he retains the ultimate decision making power on the transaction.

It is important when d oing d eals you d o no t abd ic ate you r power, you d eleg ate it. The lawyers are th ere to advise an d execu te, not to take t he ultimat e d ecision.

I only got the contract in on Monday morning. I’m assuming the contract is in the lawyer’s office, but surprisingly the deal took longer to place than what I had anticipated. It should really have flown off the shelf, it didn’t. Why? One reason of course is it’s a cash deal, the second is the time period of seven days. But the real reason I believe, is the volatility of the world market currently. This is causing nervousness in the property market.

The truth of the matter is this nervousness exists in the minds of people and nowhere else. In 2008 when the FTSE fell more than 30%, UK property prices only fell by 16%, bear in mind this was the worst crisis in decades. In 2016 at its lowest point the FTSE fell by 10%, yet house prices have continued to rise.

It’s n ot always nec essary if the re is volatility in the markets it spills over in to th e pro perty marke t. In rece nt years we witnessed wh at was terme d as a ‘ flight to saf ety’ where d ue to unce rtainty in the global eco nomy d emand fo r L ondo n pro perty was in creasing . As fu nds loo ke d for a safe place to stay.

l Invest with as little as £50,000 l Price £3.5 million l Planning analysis signed off by architect and planning consultant l Minimum houses allowed 90 l Potentially to get 135 houses l Land price only £38,889 per home, based on 90 houses l Average new build price £300,000 l Capital growth closely correlated with London l Local prices up 20% since 2012.

In truth at the higher end of the property market there is some damping of prices, however this property is right at the bottom end in terms of size and price. The volatility reduces the lower you go. At this level I do not envisage any reduction in price, I see prices only increasing. I would be bold enough to say this property would be worth £600k within a twelve month period.

We were able to secure this deal, in a competitive market, due to the relationship we have developed in the location over the years. Our edge is our ability to execute in a short time period, which is why we are able to get a regular flow of deals.

0207 993 0103

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in

Central London Property Sourcing

info@sowandreap.co.uk

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27 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8HU

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Tips of the Week

l More people lose money from not making a decision than making the wrong decision when it comes to property investment.

Remember - The early bird gets the worm!

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

20

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Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel

Dear Financial Voice Reader, 2 rules for getting rich by ripping off customers – you know who knows them best? As many of you will know from my broadcasts on BBC and Sky, I am fed up with overpaid underperforming City bankers and fund managers. Another group I can’t stand are rip-off brokers.

As the world’s leading authority on online trading (18 books, 8 languages, 200 FT columns ‘Diary of an Internet Trader’, Bloomberg TV’s in-house Online Trading expert) I can tell you a whole new bunch of ways the market is ripping off clients – these are classic rules for getting rich by ripping off customers.

1. Make It Simple Stupid (MISS) Making trading look like something else, something easier, something which people do for fun online is a way to entice people into the ‘game’ and ‘gamble’ of trading. But trading isn’t a game, it isn’t a gamble.

The broker just wants to lull you into thinking that.

Just as in any business if you want to pick a pocket make it easier for the owner of the pocket to put their hand in their pocket and give you what is in there. So a whole load of brokers came up with casino type trading games. Like all Casinos the odds of you winning are hidden. Like all con-tricks in the City the cost is not transparent.

Our regulators do not force the brokers to tell you the mark-up. They tell pension companies. They tell insurance companies. They tell all financial intermediaries, but they do not tell online brokers who gamify.

And what is gamification – it is online binary trading – quick will the market go up or down in the next 5 seconds? It’s just like betting on Football. So what’s wrong with that? In Football you know you do it for fun. In trading, everyone does it to get out of life’s problems.

Surely some of this is regulated? Yeah, right – get regulated out of Cyprus and use Eastern European banks, and you don’t even have to worry about the client winning – you’re never going to even pay them their capital back. The Cyprus regulator is to regulation what the Syrian Government is to human rights.

2. Own the Price Brokers used to match buyers and sellers, but they realised that 90% of private investors lose money, so why should they match, like estate agents, and be more like a casino, and be the house, bet against the client. It’s completely legal’ you just tell the regulator you are providing a service and the contract small print does the rest.

Next you own the price. If you’re the house, the client enters, and more importantly exits, at your price. In any market if you monopolise the exit of a contract, you win over time, like in a casino – think about it.

So what does an expert use. I use a double regulated blind agency. What? A broker regulated by both a stock market listing and SEC/FCA regulation (the only two regulators I trust). ‘Blind Agency’ means they do not bet against you, they just match buyer and seller without knowing which you are.

And here is the sell: www.alpeshpatel.com/fxcm

Cairn Energy slapped with £2.90 bn tax notice UK's Cairn Energy has been issued with a tax demand notice of over £2.90 billion by Indian income tax department, including a £1.88 billion in back-dated interest.

“The assessment order is in the amount of £1.02 billion approximately, plus interest back dated to 2007, totalling £1.88 billion,” Cairn Energy said.

The notice is issued at a time when the government had declared it will not raise any fresh tax demand using retrospective tax legislation.

However, the notice was issued before finance minister Arun Jaitley made a

one-time offer in his Budget for 2016-17 to waive interest and penalty if the companies paid the principal amount to settle the retrospective tax disputes.

Sources said according to income tax rules, an assessment order issued has to be closed within two years and the notice issued now is to close that assessment. “Cairn strongly contests the basis of this attempt to retrospectively tax the group for an internal restructuring,” the company said, adding it has initiated international arbitration to settle the tax dispute.

www.asian-voice.com

Hackers steal $81 mn from Bangla account AsianVoiceNews

In a recent update, the hackers who stole more than a $81 million on Feb 5, from Bangladesh's account in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, were remotely monitoring activity of the bank for several weeks and may also have breached as many as 32 computers, as per private investigators.

In a clean and coordinated cyber crime, the criminals sent dozens of secure messages to the New York Fed, posing as Bangladeshi central bank officials, transferring funds from the account to several in the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Four requests to transfer a total of about $81 million to the Philippines went through, but a fifth, for $20 million, to a Sri Lankan non-profit organisation was held up because the hackers misspelled the name of the NGO, Shalika Foundation.

Hackers misspelled “foundation” in the NGO's name as “fandation”, prompting a routing bank, Deutsche Bank, to seek clarification from the Bangladesh central bank, which stopped the transaction. Bangladesh Bank (BB) tried to contact New York on February 6 by email, fax and phone to ask that the transactions be sus-

pended when it realised that the SWIFT interbank messaging system which it normally used was not working properly. But they were unable to get through as the US bank was closed for the weekend.

Introducing a code known as malware into the bank's server, they processed and authorised transactions, said the FireEye Inc., a cyber security firm hired by BB. Their report also said that the criminals deployed hacking tools, including keylogger software that monitors strokes on a keyboard, to steal the bank's credentials for the Swift system- a closed network used by financial institutions to

authorise financial transactions through secure messages.

Society for Worldwide Interbank F i n a n c i a l Telecommunication, a firm owned by around 3,000 global financial institutions, said it would ask customers to review their internal security amid the incident.

“We reiterate that the SWIFT network itself was not breached. Our priority at this time is to investigate the interim findings and to encourage customers to review and, where necessary, to reinforce their local operating environments,” a Swift spokeswoman said.

While FireEye did not identify suspects, it blamed “an uncategorised threat

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group” saying such groups had been active “within other customer networks in the financial industry, where these threat actors appear to be financially motivated, and well organised.” The report also said, “The security breach of the Swift environment is part of a much larger breach that is currently under investigation.”

The hunt for the perpetrators has been joined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation who met with Bangladeshi police officials in Dhaka. The US investigators would assist the “transborder elements of the crime,” said a senior police official. The breach has resulted in the resignation of the central bank governor Atiur Rahman, who took “moral responsibility” of the incident. The money wired to Philippines were apparently used to buy gambling chips and ended up at least one local casino and two gambling junket operators, said the Philippine's Anti-Money Laundering Council. Dhaka officials said the money that went to Sri Lanka, went to the account of a newly formed non-governmental organisation.

$181 bn Indian black money in tax havens?

New estimates released by senior economists from the Bank of Italy reveal that somewhere between six and seven trillion dollars worth of black money currently lies hidden in tax haven across the globe, where Indians' share holds an estimated $152-181 billion.

The estimates follow the train of different similar estimates conducted in recent years.

Gabriel Zucman of London School of Economics estimated it at $7.6 trillion. Boston Consulting Group at $8.9 trillion, and Tax Justice Network at $21 trillion. All of this wealth is held in tax havens; jurisdictions with

weak regulations and strong secrecy laws that help shell companies conceal their original identities.

The Italian economists also analysed data from IMF and the Bank of International Settlements

to conclude at the data.

There were two ways of estimating Indian share.

One is to assume that the Indian share in this global hidden wealth was simply the same as India's share in global GDP, i.e., about 2.5

per cent in 2013. By this parameter, Indian share of hidden wealth is $152-181 billion.

The second way of finding Indian share of undeclared assets is to look at the Indian share in actual declared portfolio assets, about 0.07 per cent of the total, and assume that the same is valid for hidden assets. This makes out Indian share for black assets at $4-5 billion.

Economists Pellegrini, Sanelli, and Tosti said the figures for India are just indicative and they “have to be considered with great care and in no way can represent firm data.”

Govt asks PSU banks to step up recoveries The government has asked lenders to immediately start invoking personal guarantees of promoters to recover the dues in case companies have failed to repay the loans. The move comes amid the infamous Vijay Mallya row.

The notification is seen to point out that banks and the government are possibly easy towards the promoters, many of whom pre-

fer luxuries over repaying loans. In a note sent to bank chiefs, the finance ministry said, “It has been observed that there is a less number of cases where action has been taken for recovery against guarantors for attachment of assets owned by them and sell the same for recovery of defaulted loan... it would be prudent to take steps against guarantors immediately when

no sign of revival is visible.”

It also pinned that the directive was issued after consultation with the RBI. “In the event of default in repayment or the loan by the borrower company, all the guarantors are liable to repay the guaranteed loan with interest as the liability of the guarantor is coextensive with the principal debtor. The action can be taken against guarantor

even without suing the principal debtor for recovery and even if the decreed amount in covered by mortgaged decree.”

The directive said if the guarantor has not created any security interest over his property, but the guarantor owns property and other assets, the banks should move Debt Recovery Tribunal for their attachment and sale.

AirAsia CEO eyes overseas citizen of India card Founder and CEO of AirAsia Berhad, Tony Fernandes, said he has applied for an Overseas Citizen of India card, in response to allegations of AirAsia India being a “foreign-controlled” airline. A Malaysian, his father roots

back to India which makes him eligible for an OCI card.

Addressing the claims, he said, “This whole foreign thing is bizarre to me.

Naresh Goyal lives in London and is an NRI, SpiceJet used to be owned

by an American, IndiGo has tonnes of American shareholders and in fact there is more foreign shareholding than local shareholding in that company, I am told the GoAir lives in Turkey on a boat... so they are all NRIs. But

what is important is that they are creating jobs in India, bringing investments in the country as well as creating tourism. I have applied for an OCI card. Then I will be the same as Naresh Goyal and everyone else.”

CURRENCYVOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX,

Sterling continue upward rally Currency Specialists.

In the UK, employment data released showed that the unemployment rate stayed at 5.1% and the employment rate remained the same at 74.1% - the joint highest since records began in 1971. Average earnings including bonuses have continued to rise beating forecasts of 2% growth, coming in at 2.1%. Wages are still not increasing as fast as members of Bank of England’s Monetary Policy would like.

UK Chancellor George Osborne released his annual budget report. Key points on the budget: • UK economy is forecast to grow at a slower rate than previously expected, with revised growth of 2.2% in 2016 and 2.4% in 2017 but is expected to be the fastest growing advanced economy.

• Total government debt is expected to have risen over past year to 83.7% of GDP breaking one of Osbornes Fiscal rules • Another one of his rules to run a surplus by 2020 also appears optimistic with growth downgrade • Corporate tax to be cut to 17% in 2020 • Personal Allowance raised to £11,500 in 2017 • 40% tax rate raised to £45,000 per year in 2017

21

Foreign Exchange

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

• Sugar tax expected to raise £520M Following the dovish statement from the FOMC on Thursday Sterling continued its upwards rally and was on track for its best daily gain in a year. The MPC kept all monetary policy indicators the same with the official bank rate remaining at 0.5%, asset purchase facility maintained at 375B and the MPC votes remaining the same at 0-0-9. However the resulting conference was used as a forum to notify market participants that the BOE is expected to keep interest rates unchanged as expected and said rates were more likely to rise than not over the next three years.

With the ECB last week cutting interest rates and expanding their monetary policy; the statement from the BOE was interpreted as bullish by market participants who contributed to the gains shown by GBP across the board. Nevertheless, the gains seen by GBP yesterday are still overshadowed by the Brexit with investors worried about the growth forecast should Britain leave the EU. Figures from the US revealed retail sales dropped in February, but were likely held down by

lower prices. The figure, which is not adjusted for inflation, showed spending at retailers fell 0.1 per cent from February to $447.3bn as sales dipped in eight of the 13 retail sub-sectors. Some economists have said that the strong dollar may also be holding down prices, leading to falling sales in a number of sectors. A strong dollar reduces import prices, which can reduce selling prices if passed on to shoppers.

Others believe the drop in retail sales are a sign that economic growth has softened. The producer prices (PPI) also fell in February on lower energy and food costs, but prices were unchanged from a year ago, suggesting the downward trend was near to an end. This was the first time since January 2015 that the year-on-year PPI didn’t decline.

The Fed kept its interest rates at 0.5%. The decision is second time in a row now it has decided to keep rates the same since they raised them in December.

The dollar rose against most major currencies, recovering from a five-month low, as traders exited short positions after two straight days of selling in the wake of the Federal Reserve's cautious view on global market developments, announced last

Thursday. It was down by just over 1 percent for the week, marking the third straight week of losses for the index.

In a quiet week for data release from the Eurozone; Industrial production in the Eurozone bounced back in January to reach its highest volume of production for industries from factories and manufacturing since 2008. Up trends are regarded as inflationary and generally seen as bullish for the Euro whilst down trends are generally dovish. The month on month reading was anticipated significantly higher than the previous month at to be 1.7% against a previous of -0.5%. The reading was released at 2.1%, 0.4% higher than forecast and thus the euro made some marginal gains against its counterparties. The revised year on year figure consequently rose to 2.8%, coming in significantly better than the previous month’s figure of -0.1%.

Euro Area producer price index came out worse than expected on Friday morning, contracting 3.0% versus expectations of only a 2.6% contraction on an annual basis. This provided added reason to buy EUR on the day and contributed to the market's momentum of exiting USD shorts.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 22nd March 2016 @ 4.30pm GBP - INR = 95.30

USD - INR = 66.75 EUR - INR = 74.85 GBP - USD = 1.42 GBP - EUR = 1.27

EUR - USD = 1.12 GBP - AED = 5.22

GBP - CAD = 1.86

GBP - NZD = 2.11

GBP - AUD = 1.87

GBP - ZAR = 20.78

GBP - HUF = 396.74

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.

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22

WORLD

Will ‘Teflon’ President Zuma survive the latest scandal?

Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

Anand Pillai

Former US President Ronald Reagan was called by his detractors “the Teflon president”. The nickname was coined by Patricia Schroeder, a Congresswoman, and reflected on how a plethora of scandals surrounding his presidency seemed to have no effect on his individual popularity with the public.

It seems the same goes with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa.

Regardless of the scale of the scandal President Zuma always seems to bounce back.

At least history says so.

In 2005 when his business associate and friend Schabir Shaik was found guilty of corruption and sentenced to 15 years in prison, the assumption was Zuma would go. Many said his political career was over but they were wrong.

The following year in December he was dragged to court on charges of raping an HIV-positive female friend, but he was cleared of all the charges.

In 2007 he came back to power but his victory was short-lived.

The Scorpions charged him with over 700 counts of fraud and racketeering linked to the 1999 arms deal. And as a result, he was fired by President Thabo Mbeki.

Scorpions, also called the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO), were a multidisciplinary agency that

South African President Jacob Zuma with Indian businessman Atul Gupta.

investigated and prosecuted organised crime and corruption.

Zuma then ran for the ANC presidency. He took on former friend and President Mbeki for control of their political party. It so happened that weeks before the country’s 2009 General Elections, the corruption charges against Zuma were withdrawn paving the way for him to become the President of the Republic.

But the drama continued.

In 2010 Zuma confirmed that he had fathered a child with Sonono Khoza, the 39-yearold daughter of his friend Irvin Khoza. He also survived the Marikana massacre in 2012 wherein 34 people were killed after police opened fire on striking miners at the South African mine.

In 2013 when his friends Guptas landed a private jet at the Air Force base ‘illegally’,

Zuma again survived the public outcry. The decision to sack a well-respected Nhlanhla Nene as Finance Minister caused the rand to plummet. And now Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas’ startling revelations that Guptas are personally making cabinet appointments, will Zuma survive this latest scandal?

Jonas said the Gupta family had offered him former finance minister Nene’s job shortly before Zuma abruptly dismissed Nene in December 2015. He had turned it down.

Pressure on Zuma intensified when former cabinet spokesman Themba Maseko told the Sunday Times newspaper that the President asked him in a 2010 phone call to meet the Guptas at their home in Johannesburg and to “please help them”.

However, South Africa’s ruling party, the African

National Congress, said on Sunday it had full confidence in President Zuma after a three-day party summit but took aim at the powerful Gupta family accused of wielding inappropriate influence over his government.

Gwede Mantashe, the ANC secretary-general, said: “Such actions can have no place in the ANC or its government as they have the potential to undermine and erode the credibility and confidence of our people in the leadership of their organisation, the ANC and its government. We reject the notion of any business or family group seeking such influence over the ANC with the contempt it deserves.”

The Gupta brothers – Rajesh, Ajay and Atul – who moved from India to South Africa in the 1990s, have been accused of influencing cabinet appointments and enjoying favourable access to state contracts. Guptas have a multibillion rand business empire that stretches across media, mining, computing and engineering. Zuma’s son, Duduzane, is a shareholder in a number of Guptas’ companies.

However, Guptas have denied any wrongdoings.

“We are business people and we have nothing to do with politics,” said Ajay Gupta, in a rare interview to Financial Times.

President Zuma also denied the allegation in Parliament. An in-house investigation too cleared him.

Tibetans around the world cast their votes to elect Sikyong of Tibet DHARAMSHALA: Crimson robed monks and nuns lined up in schools, government buildings and the compound of the main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala, along with thousands of men and women to cast their votes for the post of 'Sikyong' and 45 members of the 16th Tibetan parliament-in-Exile, on March 20.

The poll was undertaken in 85 different places across world, in the second such election since His Holiness the Dalai Lama handed over his power as a political leader to a democratically elected leadership four years ago.

Around 94 candidates contested for 45 seats. Over 90,000 registered Tibetans in exile took part, with voting held in the US, Japan, Russia, and Australia. The two main contestants for the post of Prime Minister are incumbent Lobsang Sangay, whose five-year term expires next month, and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, Penpa Tsering. Speaking to the media, both candidates conveyed their commitment to the Middle Way Approach and said resumption of mean-

ingful dialogue with the Chinese government their main priority. “The dialogue with China will be the main initiative. I hope Chinese President Xi Jinping in his second term in 2017 will relook at the Tibet issue,” Sangay said.

A spokesman for the Tibetan Central Administration said that a delegation comprising members of the European Parliament is in Dharamsala as part of the Tibetan election observation mission.

Speaking on the development of Tibetan democracy in exile, Dr Sangay said "It is possible

for China to embrace democracy. Kindly see our good example of Democracy. If implemented, it will benefit both China and Tibet."

Speaking on why Tibet is an important issue in IndiaChina relations, he said that Indian government sees Tibet as an issue, not just on human rights front but also from geopolitical, environmental and climate change point of view.

"The reason why we are in exile today, is because of the political situation inside Tibet, so we have to find all ways and means to reach out to the Chinese leadership, to

resume negotiation," the incumbent speaker of the T i b e t a n Parliament, Penpa Tsering said. He further added that "I will try every possible means and ways to resume dialogue and resolve the Tibetan issue as soon as possible."

Tsering said that the only possibility for Sino-Tibetan dialogue is to engage through His Holiness the Dalai Lama's personal representatives.

"Since the incumbent Tibetan government has made clear that Beijing won't engage with CTA's representatives, the only other way is through His Holiness's representatives."

Summary of the results: Lobsang Sangay 22,546 Penpa Tsering 17,026 Total: 39,572 Official results will be announced on April 27.

www.asian-voice.com

In Brief

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

2 Indians among 62 killed in Russian plane crash

MOSCOW: A Dubai airliner crashed and caught fire on March 20, landing in Rostovon-Don, a southern Russian city. Announcing details of the passengers killed in the crash, Dubai Media Office said there were 44 Russians, eight Ukrainians, two Indians and one from Uzbekistan. A list was published by Russia's emergencies ministry, showing the Boeing 737-800 run by FlyDubai was carrying 55 passengers and seven crew members when it crashed. Governor Vasily Golubev of Rostov said, “By all appearances, the cause of the air crash was the strongly gusting wind, approaching a hurricane level.” The Russian emergencies ministry said the plane clipped the ground with its wing and caught fire.

Indian-American investor honoured

WASHINGTON: Silicon Valley-based Madhavan Rangaswami, a software executive, investor and philanthropist, has been felicitated in the US with the inaugural Asians in America Award in recognition of his efforts to strengthen Indo-US ties. Stating the need of “giving back” to the society, Rangaswami, in his acceptance speech, said it was the most gratifying thing in life. “Giving back is where I enjoy the most,” he said. Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora, had organised the first Indian-American presidential ball in January 2013 before the second swearing of US President Barack Obama. Forbes has recognised him on its “Midas” list of investors.

15 killed in Pakistan bus blast

ISLAMABAD: At least 15 people were killed and 27 others injured in a bombing that targeted a bus carrying passengers in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a media report said. The blast occurred near Peshawar’s Sunehri Masjid. The blast targeted a bus carrying 40-50 passengers from Mardan city to Peshawar. A TV footage showed the bus was severely damaged and injured people who came out of the vehicle. All the injured have been transferred to Lady Reading Hospital.

20 die after consuming spurious liquor in Pakistan

KARACHI: Twenty people, including 17 Hindus, died after consuming spurious liquor during Holi celebrations in Pakistan's Sindh province. Police said 34 people were rushed to a hospital in the Tando Mohammad Khan district where the people, including two women died. Medical superintendent of Liaquat University Hospital, Wajid Memon said, “Three of the patients are in a critical condition while 11 have been discharged. They had brought the cheap moonshine from a local dealer.” Residents of the area staged a protest against the police for their failure at stopping the illegal sale of hooch in their neighbourhood. The protests led to the suspension of the area station house officer and two other people for brewing the illegal drink.

Musharraf leaves to Dubai for treatment

ISLAMABAD: Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf took off to Dubai for medical treatment as soon as the government lifted the travel ban imposed on him. Pakistani Supreme Court ordered the government to lift the travel ban, making way for Musharraf to leave the country. The media buzzed with coverage of the former leader leaving his home in a heavily guarded convoy for the airport in Karachi. He entered the airport through a gate reserved for staff and left for Dubai in an Emirates flight. Addressing the media, Musharraf said, “I am a commando and I love my homeland. I will come back in a few weeks or months.” He was acquitted earlier this year of the murder of a separatist leader in 2006 and also faces charges in connection with the 2007 assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and the murder of a prominent cleric.

WORLD Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

www.asian-voice.com

23

Ikram Butt discusses Rugby League with Pope Francis AsianVoiceNews

VATICAN CITY: Founder of the British Asian Rugby Association, Ikram Butt recently visited Rome and in a brief interaction, he discussed Rugby League with none other, but the Pope!

Butt, along with Leedsbased Imam Qari Asim MBE and a number of Italian Rugby League play-

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

ers and officials, spent a few minutes discussing the game as the White Ribbon campaign that promotes awareness on domestic violence against women.

Describing his experience meeting with Pope Francis, Ikram said, “He is a very engaging personality and easy to see why he's made such a positive

Lord Loomba launches World Widows Report at UN

impact since becoming the Pontiff. He listened carefully to what we had to say and was well aware of

Rugby League as a sport. It was an amazing opportunity to talk sport and other issues with one of the most

iconic figureheads on the planet.”

Imam at Leeds' Makkah Mosque, Asim commented, “Popes are usually circumscribed by tradition and hemmed in by bureaucracy but Pope Francis seems to have broken the papal protocol. His interventions in global politics, as well as his displays of public humility, have made him popular amongst not only Catholics, or Christians, but also amongst people of all faiths as well as no faith.

I was keen to share some of the remarkable work that faith communities have

done in Britain to strengthen interfaith relations, which is very much in line with his views about faith communities working together like a family.”

“Garry Schofield and I took a BARA team out to Rome to face the Italian Rugby League 'renegades' last year and just lost thanks to a last gasp penalty. We're hoping to play host to the Italians later this year in Leeds and continue to build on the partnerships developed using rugby as a means to tackle violence against women and girls and interfaith dialogue,” added Ikram.

Nomination deadline

All entries and nominations must be received before midnight on 29 March 2016.

Finalists will be announced in May 2016.

NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW!

Rt Hon Baroness Northover, Charles M Ramsden Julie Morizet, Lord Loomba CBE, Kasper de Graaf, Editor of the World Widows Report

NEW YORK: Lord Loomba launched the World Widows Report at the United Nations, New York, last week. The first comprehensive compilation of available research about the plight of widows in several countries, the report shows discrimination against the women that has become a part of several cultures in all continents, and has further promoted extreme poverty, gender-based violence, child labour, discrimination against girls, increased infant mortality and different other events that affect around billions of people across the world.

Lord Loomba, at the launch, warned that Sustainable Development Goals will not be achieved unless urgent action is taken on the issue. After UN Women, in 2001, said that “there is no group more affected by the sin of omission than widows.

They are painfully absent from the statistics of many developing countries, and they are rarely mentioned in the multitude of reports

on women's poverty, development, health or human rights,” Loomba Foundation actively began to address the issue. The report drafted by the organisation provides governments, NGOs and international organisations with a compelling basis to take effective action, also creating a base for further research.

“Widowhood is a hidden calamity. When an earthquake, tsunami or any other natural calamity happens, the world takes notice. We can measure the number of people who are killed and the financial consequences. The calamity of widowhood is far greater, affecting almost one seventh of humanity, yet it is largely invisible.

This report is an attempt to put that right,” said Lord Loomba. From stories of child widows below the age of 10 in parts of India, to widows forced to undergo degrading “cleansing” rituals in African countries, the report's editor Kasper de Graaf outlined all their main findings.

Briton acquitted in Dubai LONDON: British national and former managing director of Leeds United Football Club, David Haigh has been acquitted in Dubai over charged related to a simple tweet. Pleading not guilty earlier, to cyber slander after he was accused of sending an offensive tweet about a business partner, the businessman was arrested in Dubai on May 18, 2014, when he was detained

without charge for 14 months and his worldwide assets were frozen. The latest complaint against Haigh comes from former employer, investment bank Gulf Finance House, and referred to remarks made on Twitter. However, all's well that ends well. His spokesman said he was delighted with the end of a “22-month nightmare”, and expected to return to Britain in two to three days.

Are you a UK Based Charity who seeks to solve the most pressing social issues of our time, both in Britain and globally?

Nominate yourself for the Asian Voice Charity Awards 2016 by visiting our website www.asianvoicecharityawards.com

The Awards ceremony will be held on Friday 20th May 2016 at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel, London

Award Categories

For Charities and Not-for Profit Institutions

I Charity of the Year

This award recognises a UK-registered charity for their outstanding work and contribution to society, as well as demonstrated excellence service and achievement in its work over the last five years.

There is are no criteria on the annual income, but the charity must demonstrate consistently delivered outstanding service for their size and yearon-year-growth I Start-Up of the Year This award is similar to Charity of the Year, but specifically for charities that have been operational for three years or less.

I Outstanding Achievement

This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated dedication, professionalism and integrity throughout their career, and who has produced an identifiably profound effect on the sector in the UK or otherwise through their work and management over at least a 15-year period.

I Most Enterprising

This award recognises a social enterprise or the trading arm of a charity that has made a significant difference to beneficiaries through its ability to generate income to meet its social goals over the last two years.

I Fundraising Campaign This award awards an overall campaign that used a variety of innovative fundraising approaches to display real quantifiable results to achieve or exceed its targets in the last 12 months.

I Outstanding PR Team

This award recognises excellence in charity PR, either in-house at a charity, or an agency undertaking a PR campaign on behalf of a charity.

Benefits of the specific PR campaign must be proven to show extensive press and media coverage in the last 12 months.

For Charity/Corporate Partnerships:

I Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility

This award recognises the best corporate partnership and corporate responsibility programmes. It honours a company which goes beyond simply CSR projects to engage in partnerships in the last two years with either UKregistered or international charities, social enterprises or unincorporated charitable projects, to demonstrate quantifiably positive impact to the community.

The partnership should demonstrate significant positive outcomes and impact, as well as innovation in its approach

I Consultancy of the Year

This award recognises a consultancy firm that has demonstrated a real commitment to the sector and sector organisations in its work, showing a real

worth in sharing its expertise during the last 12 months.

The work could take a range of forms: such as on the overall strategic direction of a charities, advisory services for philanthropy, social impact assessments, M&A activity, change management, leadership and development, business planning for charities and social enterprises. It could also relate to work not for one organisation, but more widely, such as thought leadership that has driven positive change in the sector.

I Investment Management Award

This award recognises excellence in the professional services offered to the sector, showing evidence of real quantifiable investment returns, especially within the last 12 months, but also within a wider timeframe context, and show a real understanding of the investment needs of charities, with which they work.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT

020 7993 8987 or 0207 749 4085 or email: moeketsi@economicpolicygroup.com

24

INDIA

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Jaya tests loyalty of partymen seeking tickets Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa tested the loyalty of partymen who sought ticket to fight the forthcoming assembly election with tricky questions. "Were you in the 'J' faction or 'JA' faction?" was the question. Many candidates were stumped initially but they regained composure and replied frankly.

The question pertained to the 1989 situation after the death of party founder MG Ramachandran. The party split - one led by Jayalalithaa (AIADMK-Jayalalitha group)

J Jayalalithaa

and the other by Janaki (AIADMKJanaki Ramachandran). Both the factions fought the elections, but won only a few seats.

Muslim official's name in temple invitation triggers row BENGALURU: A new row was spurted after the name of a Muslim bureaucrat was put on the invitation to a temple event. Several right wing groups in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district opposed to the name of district magistrate AB Ibrahim, in the invitation of a temple festival in Puttur.

As the district protocol officer, Ibrahim has participated in at least 25 meetings of different temple committees across the district. While his name was printed as a routine procedure, local wings of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal raised objections.

BJP spokesperson S Prakash said, “A non-believer, or a person who is not working for the Hindu custom, cannot invite Hindus for a Hindu programme.” In the past, whenever such a situation rose, a suitable replacement for the person concerned was found, he said. As Prakash termed it

a “frivolous issue” he also mentioned it was the “duty” of the state government to address it. “I feel that talking to the organisations and the DM will solve (the matter) amicably,” he further added.

But the state government doesn't agree.

“Why all this fuss about a deputy commissioner who is a responsible officer, a district magistrate?” asked Karnataka home minister, G Parameshwara. “He (the magistrate) is not conducting any anti-Hindu activity which is not allowed. Why create all this confusion and disturb the harmony?”

Ibrahim said that there has been no written complaint, that there was no tension in the area and that he has referred the matter to the home department.

The Dakshina Kannada district has been associated with religious intolerance, including communal riots, in the past.

Jayalithaa asked nearly 50-odd candidates among the prospective candidates of southern districts, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin and Ramanathapuram. Aspirants from other districts would be interviewed later.

The Monday interviews came close on the heels of allegations surfacing over senior functionaries and their coteries extorting money from the aspirants to get poll tickets, and facing the heat. They either fell from grace or dropped from party panels.

The party units in the home turfs of senior ministers O Panneerselvam, Natham R Viswanathan and P Palaniappan have been revamped in the past 10 days, apparently signalling that all is not well for the seniors.

On Monday, Jayalalithaa handled the interviews herself, but with only two to three from each constituency. The partymen, who were sent out invites over phone from her residence on Sunday, were in for a surprise. "With no functionaries around, she threw questions to aspirants herself.

Kerala CM urged to withdraw notification THIR UVA NA NTH A PURAM: A Kerala government notification exempting the chief minister, the ministers and senior bureaucrats from vigilance probe has come under severe criticism. The Vigilance and AntiCorruption Bureau asked all information officers and appellate authorities that details or documents related to any probe against the CM, ministers, IAS and IPS officers, legislators, ex-ministers, need not be divulged under the RTI Act. Congress state president V M Sudheeran and opposition leader V S Achuthanandan have asked CM Oommen Chandy to immediately withdraw the notification, and asked Chief Information Commissioner Siby Mathews to intervene in the matter.

So, details regarding probe into corruption cases involving the bureaucracy

and political leadership are to be transferred to the “top secret section”, which has been conferred the power to not disclose information under sub-section (4) of Section 24 of RTI Act. Also, correspondence from vigilance to Central Vigilance Commission, Lokpal, Lokayukta and CBI would come under secret section.

Achuthanandan has said that at a time when the CM and his Cabinet colleagues were facing several corruption cases, the notification was meant only to hush up their deals. He added that the sub section 4 of Section 24 of the Act was applicable only for intelligence and security agencies.

Chandy’s office, in a communication, said the next Cabinet meeting would discuss the issue against the backdrop of a debate that vigilance has been exempted from the purview of RTI Act.

Life term for ‘sacrilege’ of In water war with Haryana, Guru Granth Sahib in Punjab Punjab defies SC order NEW DELHI: Defying a Supreme Court order, Punjab assembly has passed a resolution moved by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal saying it “would not abide by any order against its interests on water”. The Supreme Court had stopped the state from returning nearly 4,000 acres of land acquired for the SutlejYamuna canal to farmers.

Nearly 12 years after it ordered construction of Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, the Supreme Court cracked the whip on the politics meant to stop the construction, and asked Punjab government to maintain status quo on the canal land. A five-judge Constitution bench slammed the politics over SYL canal, which has found support from Congress and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, whose party AAP is contesting assembly elections in Punjab next year.

It directed the Union home secretary and Punjab's chief secretary and director general of police to take control of the entire stretch of land in Punjab acquired for construction of SYL canal and

“strictly maintain status quo”.

The order was passed by the bench after Haryana's counsel Shyam Divan showed media reports of farmers using earthmovers and bulldozers, allegedly at the command of politicians, to level the land meant for construction of the canal. “If a state can be allowed to take such steps which is in the teeth of the Supreme Court's decree, then the other state will also resort to extra-constitutional methods to protect its right.

And that will spell the end of constitutionalism and federalism,” Divan said.

Both, the opposition and the ruling parties came together to clear the legislation to give back the land.

The canal was constructed to share water between Punjab and Haryana, with the latter paying the most. However, in the ensuing war for water, Punjab politicians have started to fill the canal up with mud to make sure it cannot be used to route water to its neighbour. An old agreement dictates that water should be shared with Haryana via the canal.

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab assembly has passed a bill which seeks life imprisonment for sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib and enhancement of punishment for injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class from two to 10 years.

Leader of Opposition Charanjit Singh Channi sought the same type of punishment for disrespect to other religions too. He was leaving the House with Congress members when the Bill was introduced. He returned, asking the House to accept an amendment proposed by another Congress MLA, Tarlochan Soondh, to extend the punishment for disrespect to other religions.

The amendment was rejected by a voice vote. While maintaining that the Congress supported the Bill, Channi said: “Our country is a secular one. We sit here (in the assembly) after swearing by secularism.” He said when an idol is installed in a temple, rituals are performed to make it a living one. He said other religions also revere their holy books like the Koran and Gita.

“This is my suggestion.

Whether to accept it or not is up to the House,” Channi said.

Referring to incidents of sacrilege in the state last year, Channi said the proposed amendment will be relevant only if the accused are caught and punished. He asked Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, who holds the home portfolio, “why the accused have not been arrested and why he does not own responsibility and apologise”.

Pointing out that swift action was taken in the sacrilege case at Ram Diwali, Akali leader and minister Bikram Singh Majithia said those who violate the Guru Granth Sahib should get capital punishment.

BJP leader and minister Madan Mohan Mittal said the issue was discussed in detail at the cabinet meeting where the Bill was cleared for introduction in the assembly. The assembly also passed the Code of Criminal Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2016.

In Brief

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Law to prevent honour killing demanded

CHENNAI: A video clip showing three people brutally attacking a Dalit youth in Tirupur district, has sparked an outrage. A suspected case of honour killing, father of the girl whose husband was killed in the incident, has surrendered before a local court in Nilakottai.

The 22 year old Shankar and his 19 year old wife Kausalya was approached at Udumalpet, in Tamil Nadu, and attacked by three men in a fit of rage who repeatedly hit the couple. Scared bystanders did what they cold do best, watch the carnage on the busy road. The men who did not face any resistance from the public, left the place in a twowheeler, with Shankar lying by the roadside in a pool of blood. The incident was shared in all news channels, with political leaders decrying Shankar's murder and the attack on his wife.

Following the incident, Puthila Tamizhagam demanded bringing in a legislation to prevent honour killing, with a special clause that would allow confiscating the property of all those involved in the crime.

Party president K Krishnasamy said they have been demanding a special legislation for the past four years and considering “increasing incidents” of honour killing. He said Rs 500,000 compensation to the bereaved family was “too meagre” and demanded the Centre and the State governments give £100,000 to Kausalya who is currently under treatment at a government hospital.

Haryana's Jat reservation bill delayed

CHANDIGARH: The bill promised by Haryana government to the Jat community, for providing reservation for them in government jobs and educational institutions, has been delayed as the authorities failed to reach a consensus on the modalities of the bill. Minister Anil Vij said that the bill would be brought very soon while cautioning the members of the community to stop threatening the state machinery over the issue. The delay in the bill may provoke a backlash from the Jats who have threatened to go on a hunger strike if their demands weren't met.

Golden Temple kitchen goes organic

AMRITSAR: In an impressive new mission undertaken by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, visitors of the Golden Temple in Amritsar will be served healthy, fresh, organic food at the community kitchen. The management committee has decided to adopt organic farming and grow its own grains, fruits, and vegetables, without the use of chemicals.

SGPC aims to inspire farmers to take up chemical free farming and trim the use of chemical products. Punjab Agro Industries Corporation Limited helped the committee test its soil and suggest options for organic farming. The experts direct them about replacing pesticides and using organic fertilisers.The use of neem, lassi, and cow urine has been suggested amongst others.

Organic vegetables and fruits are now grown in the 40 acres of land at Gurdwara Gurusar Satlani Sahib and Patiala. The first phase of the experimental model saw carrots, spinach, cabbages, and fenugreek grow successfully. SGPC officials said about 10 quintals of organic produce are sent to the Gurdwara every other day.

The community kitchen or Langar, as its' called, at the holy Golden Temple, is the world's biggest free kitchen. People of all castes, religion, or background are served food without discrimination. Manned by 450 people and several volunteers, it serves 200,000 roti, 1200 kg rice and 1300 kg dal every day. After the success of the mission at the Golden Temple, it would be copied in other gurdwaras in the country.

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THE SPIRIT OF MAHATMA AsianVoiceNews

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Dr Rizwan Kadri

The Spirit of Mahatma, a book by Dr Rizwan Kadri, gives a new dimension to the relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his private secretary Mahadev Desai, who was like a son to him. The book was published on January 30, 2015 titled 'Mahatma No Atma' in Gujarati. The book combines Mahatma's memoir of Mahadev Desai. Mahadevbhai's sudden death on August 15, 1942 shocked Gandhiji. Gandhiji gives vivid description of the events leading to Mahadevbhai's death. It gives a live account of the fateful day and draws the readers into the emotional vortex, Gandhiji, Kasturba and other fellow prisoners passed through.

Gandhiji laments that while Mahadevbhai wanted to write a memoir of him, God took him away and he (Gandhiji) was left to write the memoir of Mahadhavbhai. Gandhiji talks about the establishment of Kochrab ashram and his association with Mahadevbhai. Gandhiji also describes about the end of Mahadevbhai and the burial and the sadness they all experienced.

J

awaharlalji, Rajaji, Vallabhbhai, Rajkumari, the descendent of Srinivas Sashtri, Devdas, Ram Naresh Tripathi, George Joseph, Pothan Joseph, Dr Shivaji Patwardhan, Vainkuthbhai Mehta, S A Brelvi, the descendents of Jamnalal Bajaj and Narsopant Kelkar, Dr Rajan, Ghanshyamdas Birla, Swami Anand, Jairamdas, Kripalani and Chandrashankar.

There were foreign correspondents as well –Luis Fischer, Horace Alexander, Agatha Harrison and others with

whom he corresponded regularly. We do not know what happened to the correspondence with Adrew though. Here few names are given as examples only.

The material we need is to be found in Young India, Navjivan, Harijan and other papers, moreover the real material will be found in Mahadevbhai’s diaries. After reading all those materials we shall cull them issue-wise in the form prepare notes on card-sized paper. I shall show you how to do this.

Certain events of Mahadevbhai’s life will need to be handled deli-

cately. For example, when Bapuji suggested that the families in the Ashram must be segregated, with men living in one quarters and the women in another, Mahadevbhai clearly refused to comply with the idea and showed his readiness to shift to Vidyapith instead, and Bapuji then abandoned the idea.

Part - VI

We must also touch the occasion when Mahadevbhai went on a fast of 14 days very delicately and also matters like his confessions in his speech before the students of the Vidyapith, though the matter must be collected fully.

The fact that

Two cattle traders hanged, gau raksha activist among 5 held Police arrested five people, allegedly involved in the death of two Muslim cattle traders, one a minor, in a village in Jharkhand. They said they were still on the look out for three others, one of whom had a dispute with a relative of the victims. The police identified the arrested as Mithilesh Prasad Sahu alias Bunty, Pramod Kumar Sahu, Manoj Kumar Sahu, Awadhesh Sahu and Manoj Sahu.

In a hair-raising incident, Mohammad Majloom (35) and Inayatullah Khan (12) were found hanging from a tree igniting protests and an air of fear.

A media report said the two men who were herding buffaloes were beaten and hanged to death by a group of cowprotection vigilantes in

Chhattisgarh.

The deceased, who were related to each other, were strung up with their hands tied behind their backs and their mouths stuffed with cloth.

Latehar Superintendent of Police Anoop Birthary said, “The manner of their hanging showed that the assailants were led by extreme hatred.”

While Hindu radicals were blamed for the brutal murder, the police officials said that prima facie, the incident appeared to be a case of loot and murder.

“The arrested persons have said they wanted to loot cattle and the cash from the traders.”

The two cattle-traders were said to be herding altogether eight buffaloes to the local market “and selling them was expected to fetch few lakhs rupees

to them,” said the police official. The police have recovered six buffaloes, four from the nearby forest area, so far.

“One of the absconding accused, whose name was not revealed, had some old issues with Majloom. The victims were first beaten with sticks and then strangled. Their bodies were later hanged,” he said. He said cattle traders are often targeted. “There are those who intend to loot the cattle and sell them in the market. Others pose as ‘protectors of cows’ and threaten traders with police action to extort money. But there are some who are driven by ideology. In this case, we have reasons to believe that the gang intended to loot the cattle. But we are probing other angles as well,” he said.

Blairs attract criticism; called 'pseudo-socialists' While Cherie Blair's legal business flourished, the couple who have been famous Socialists, representing Labour party's underlying ethos, are facing severe criticism, for having amassed a property empire worth £27mn, besides other businesses. The

Sunday Telegraph reported Cherie quit her human rights practice at the Matrix chambers to set up her own legal firm, where she allegedly bills clients around £1150 an hour.

Tony Blair's own umbrella constituency, Tony Blair associates is run

as two parallel businessesone advising governments and the other advising individuals and sovereign wealth funds. Though it is hard to know what the Blairs are worth, some have estimated of £60mn, though they claim the valuation is too high.

Mahadevbhai had approached Khijr Hayat Khan and got Prithvi Singh freed also must be included in the biography.

The details of his travel to England can be provided by both Devdas and Pyarelal. We shall obtain all this from them. Many can give us some details of his life in jails too.

From the ladies at the Ashram also we may come to know a lot about Mahadevbhai. We shall gradually collect all that.

There would not be any cheese-paring in collecting material and details.

However, we shall strictly discriminate as to which material should be selected for inclusion in the writing.

The foremost work in front of us is to obtain maximum possible material from those who are already very old. However, some of them may not have even moments to spare. Anyway, I stop writing this letter halfway here.

I need it more than you do.

Make a copy of this and send it to me. I shall write more in the next one.

Yours with love, Kaka.

Vande Mataram.

- Concluded.

INDIA Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

25

India's monopoly to end as Nepal gets trade point in China KATHMANDU: One of the outcomes of the Madhesi blockade of India trade points that resulted in acute fuel shortage in Nepal, the government has signed a transit and transportation treaty with China, in a move that is definitely not going down well with New Delhi.

Breaking India's monopoly over the nation's trade, Nepal and China signed an agreement along with nine other treaties in Beijing, a day after Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli began a week-long trip to China following an invitation from his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang. The PM's maiden visit to the neighbour holds greater significance as Nepal tries to dial down its decades old independence on India.

After Madeshi protesters agitated over the adoption of the new Constitution, blocking supply trucks coming in from the southern neighbour, the government has seriously considered revising its trade policies.

The blockade that lasted five months caused huge fuel crisis. The blocking of the Haldia port in Kolkata caused the Nepalese government to look for an alterna-

tive. The agreement with China gives an option to use the next nearest Tianjin port in China, 3,000 km from Nepal border. Other agreements include an accord on the construction of a bridge in Hilsa, far west Nepal, that will connect the republic with Tibet. China has also pledged $216 million soft loan to Nepal to construct a regional airport in Pokhara.

A Free Trade Agreement has also been signed to boost bilateral trade, along with China agreeing to explore oil and gas resources in Nepal and providing technical and economic support for it. One of the commercial banks in China has agreed to open an office in Nepal, similarly, Nepalese banks can also open their branches in China. Installation of solar panels in 32,000 Nepalese households have been offered. Agreements in the fields of science and technology, sister-city relations between various Nepalese and Chinese cities, and establishment of Nepal's Consular General Office in Chengdu, China, were also signed, said Gopal Khanal, foreign relations expert to Prime Minister Oli.

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INDIA - UK

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Modi to feature in Madame Tussauds

AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

Influential Indian figures have found their way to the prestigious Madame Tussauds wax museum in the past. Joining the lineup of global leaders at not one, but four Madame Tussauds attractions is beloved Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His wax statue will be the attraction of the museum in London, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok this April.

Global Head of Media Relations, Kieran Lancini called him an important figure in world politics.

“Prime Minister Modi is a hugely important figure in world politics, a position supported by his place in

the top ten of Time Magazine's Person of the Year List 2015. His massive social media presence, he is currently the second most followed politician on Twitter after President Obama.” She added, “We are delighted to be including the Prime Minister's

figure in our attractions in London, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok.”

Modi was involved in the making of the figure since earlier this year and gave a sitting to the artists from the museum. His figures will be dressed in his signature kurta in cream colour, with a jacket. He will be featured in a traditional 'namaste' gestured pose. Regarding the statue, Modi humbly said, “Madame Tussauds has crafter figures of very distinguished dignitaries from around the world.

How could I regard myself

worthy of being alongside them? But when I was informed that the decision had emanated from public opinion and public sentiment, I was comforted.

During my sitting, I observed the team carefully and was deeply impressed by its dedication, professionalism and skill. I have visited Madame Tussauds three or four times and had the pleasure of getting myself photographed standing next to the figures of various dignitaries.”

Each figure took a team of talented artists four months and cost £150,000 equivalent to create.

London Zoo to give visitors a Maharaja tour in the Land of the Lions Visitors of the London Zoo can now get a first-hand look at the endangered Asiatic lions in their natural habitat with a new programme called the 'Land of the Lions'. Conservation teams of the facility has replicated a village from Gujarat's famous Gir Forest National Park, creating a live-action adventure where budding ecologists can react to a simulated “lion emergency” in the forest, help park rangers and vets rescue the big cats.

Head of the zoo's conservation programmes for South and Central Asia, Gitanjali Bhattacharya said, “It's about being in the heart of London but being immersed in the Indian forest. I have been to Gir and it's absolutely stunning, but to stand in the centre of the Land of Lions you feel like you've been transported to Continued from page1 an invitation extended by King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. This will be the first prime ministerial visit to Saudi Arabia after former PM Manmohan Singh’s in 2010. Modi will hold discussions with the King on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Swarup said, “India and Saudi Arabia share friendly relations based on close people-to-people contacts.

The ‘strategic partnership’ established through the Riyadh Declaration in 2010 envisions a deeper engagement in political, economic, Continued from page1 place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Presidential Palace in Kathmandu.

Their talks ranged from friendly conversation, to earthquake recovery, to the importance of tourism, conservation and climate change.

He pointed out that his visit came at a time when Nepal was preparing to mark the first anniversary

the reassurance of being separated from them by safety wire.

“In Gir you have this species living in harmony with humans.

I don't think you or I would be comfortable with lions living in your back yard, but they actually do live in such close proximity. People have adapted to live near these huge carnivores. They can read lion behaviour and know when to avoid them,” said Gitanjali. Asiatic lions are listed as endangered with a petty population of 523 last year in the Gir park.

However, numbers are increasing as lion hunts have been outlawed. The species are slightly smaller than their African cousin

and the males sport a shorter mane.

The programme for the London Zoo was worked on with the help of the Wildlife Institute of India and Indian Forestry Department. The £5.2 million project was unveiled on March 18 by The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

The Gir National Park in Gujarat, is the only place besides Africa, where lions can be seen roaming around in their natural habitat. The entire forest area once used to be the hunting grounds of the royals of Junagadh.

However, with the alarming decrease in the population of the giant cats, Nawab Sir Muhammad Rasul Khanji Babi declared Sasan Gir as a protected area in 1900. His son, Nawab Muhammad Mahabat Khan III followed his legacy and engaged in conserving the animals.

security and defence areas.”

34 killed in explosions: Explosions went off at the airport and a metro station in Brussels on Tuesday (March 22), forcing maximum security level to be enforced across the country.

At least 34 people were killed and dozens injured in the attacks. The attacks came within four days of the Belgian police arresting Salah Abdeslam, the prime surviving suspect in the November 2015 terror attacks that killed 130 people across multiple locations in Paris.

Two Jet Airways crew injured: Two Jet Airways

flight attendants have been injured in explosions at Brussels Airport, a source has told Gulf News. “Two Jet Airways crew injured but stable. All Jet Airways passengers are safe and in a holding area,” a source said.

The source identified the injured crew members as Nidhi Chapekar and Amit Motwani from Mumbai.

Bollywood singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya’s family, including his wife Sumati Bhattacharya and son were in Brussels at the time of the suicide attack.

Abhijeet shared that his wife and son have been evacuated and are in a safe

of the April 25 earthquake that claimed more than 8,000 lives.

“I pay my respects to those who perished and hope to do what I can to shine a spotlight on the resilience of the Nepali people.” An official visit that marks the bicentenary of bilateral relations between Nepal and the UK, Harry engaged well with the locals, touring the capital’s

iconic sites. Accompanied

by British Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire, he tried his hand at wood carving, visited the earthquake-hit sites and the historic Golden Gate of Patan.

Earlier, he was greeted with garlands in Kathmandu by five colourfully dressed local girls known ‘pancha kanya’ – the

India. Every time you turn a corner you see something from Gir.” Over a thousand props were shipped to London from the park, including rickshaws, bicycles, posters and a mocked up tourist information centre. Four Asiatic lions, females Heidi, Rubi and Indi, along with male Bhanu, will make their homes at the exhibit.

The programme aims to show how close big cats and humans live to each other in the national park- though in this case visitors will have

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Party chairman to find more ethnic and women Tory MPs Tory party Chairman Lord Feldman in a review of the party published on Monday night has reportedly that said there was a need for a more diverse selection of candidates.

He also backed down on proposals to encourage Conservative Party associations to merge following an uproar from grassroots activists, who said it would

have reduced the influence of ordinary members and given far too much power to Tory high command.

The Mail reported that Lord Feldman said that the party had to do more to attract women, ethnic minorities and working class people – and proposed using headhunters to try and recruit a more diverse generation of candidates.

Sampad hosts a journey of inspiration in Nehru Centre An absorbing evening of dance and spoken word, inspired by a selection of Sampad publications was organised by Sampad at the Nehru Centre.

The event featured stories and poems written by writers from across the globe who were invited by Sampad to respond to a variety of subjects and themes. The topics included India’s great leader Mahatma Gandhi,

renowned Bengali polymath Rabindranath Tagore, a real or imagined journey and an inspirational visit to a museum.

Performers include Anusha Subramanyam’s group, BEEJA, Birmingham-based Atreyee Bhattacharyya, prose reading by Dharmesh Rajput, Myah Jeffers and Josh Ray. Full report in Asian Voice next week.

Telling the story of Rotherham's 'Broken and Betrayed' girls As the Manager of Risky Business, a youth work programme in Rotherham, Jayne Senior reported nearly 1700 cases of grooming and sexual exploitation.

Frustrated by the inability of the authorities to protect these extremely vulnerable children or to bring justice for them, she even risked imprisonment by secretly leaking confidential documents to Andrew Norfolk of The Times. In a series of articles he then exposed the scandal, revealing how both the police and social services

failed to take apprpriate action. A subsequent report into the scandal carried out

by Professor Alexis Jay found that between 19972013, at least 1400 children were subjected to a series of abuse, mainly by Pakistani men. It also criticised Rotherham council's leadership and South Yorkshire police. Since being vindicated for her actions, Senior has worked with the identified victims of abuse and will stand as a Labour council candidate in Rotherham in May.

zone now.

Model and actress Gul Panag's husband, Rishi Attari, who is a Jet Airways pilot, was trapped in an aircraft that he was piloting, on Brussels' Zaventem Airport. Attari's flight landed at the airport minutes before the bomb attacks took place at the departure hall of the airport. The pilot, along with other crew members and the passengers, were trapped in the aircraft for hours before they were finally shifted to a safe place at the airport. Thirty five passengers from Central Gujarat were there at the airport during the explo-

sion. They were shifted to safer places. Totally there were 5 to 7,000 people at the time of the explosion.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack. Rebuking the attack, Modi sent a tweet saying, “News from Brussels is disturbing. The attacks are condemnable.

Condolences to families of the deceased. May those injured recover quickly.”

Modi’s stand on Brexit: Prime Minister Modi has always kept a keen eye on the neighbours and his strategic partners ever since he took office in 2014.

With Britain divided over the thriving Brexit

issue, Modi had put in his two cents on the issue. The Indian Prime Minister during his three-day visit to the UK last year in November refused to be directly involved in the issue, yet made himself amply clear.

“As far as India is concerned, if there is an entry point for us to the EU, that is the UK and that is Great Britain. If we have economic cooperation with any country, then the economic cooperation is with the UK. Yes, we are going to other EU countries as well, but we will continue to consider the UK as our entry point to the EU.”

five virgins.

The Prince visited a municipal camp for displaced families in Bhaktapur and delivered aid packages to 10,000 families which included blankets, clothes, digging tools, sanitation supplies and cooking utensils. The member of the royal family is making the most of this trip as he appears cheerful and social, even entertain-

ing demands for “selfies” by the locals.

On a visit to a local school, Harry also participated in the annual tradition of a paint fight, which started with dignitaries smearing paint on his face.

The Prince’s former Army colleague Gurkha officer Major Prakash Gurung playfully slapped red powder on his shoulders, only to get back what he gave. The

most important part of his visit and most certainly the one closest to his heart, Harry laid a wreath at Gurkha headquarters in Pokhara, and spent a night as house guest of Mangali Tamang, 86, a widow of a former Gurkha rifleman.

He said he would try to repay the favour Britain owes Nepal to thank Gurkhas for over 200 years of service to the Crown.

Terror attacks fail to deter PM Modi

Harry salutes Nepal’s spirit and resilience

AsianVoiceNews

HEALTH&WELLNESS

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27

| Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

Major health problems depression can cause A FOOD

ccording to research, people with depression are likely to experience major health problems. It can cause isolation and sluggishness, making you less likely to exercise; it can decrease one's appetite, making you less likely to eat healthfully; and it can interfere with normal sleep patterns, which can cause a range of health issues.

Fresh evidence reveals that depression impacts the body, too. Physical effects of depression range from increased discomfort from chronic pain to a higher risk of dying from a heart attack. Being depressed can even make the discomfort of chronic pain or illness more difficult to deal with.

Therefore, it’s very important to seek help if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression. Often, relief from depression will boost your physical wellbeing, too. Even if you’re already dealing with depression, keep an eye on these related health issues that are linked to the condition. Some are exacerbated by depression. Others

FITNESS

are the result of long-term depression. In some cases, it’s not clear whether depression causes the health concern or vice versa, but being aware of these associations can help you escape their effects.

Chronic Pain: The link between chronic pain and depression is not clear, and there is some controversy about which comes first.

What has been proven is that chronic pain can exacerbate depression and severe depression can make you more susceptible to pain. Researchers have found a link between higher levels of cytokines, molecules that facilitate intercellular communication, and depression. Cytokines can trigger an inflammatory response and, therefore, pain. While additional research is needed to clarify the relationship between pain, inflammation and depression, exercise, talk therapy and medication can help.

Heart Disease: Depression can increase the risk of having a heart attack, and higher chances of death after a serious cardiac event. Unfortunately,

even milder forms of depression have been associated with ischemic heart disease, which is caused by diminished blood supply to the heart muscle. Scientists aren’t sure exactly how this occurs, but one clue may be found in the inflammation caused by depression, which can lead to thickening and stiffening of arterial walls - a precursor to

heart disease. The good news is that early diagnosis and treatment of depression, particularly in women, can prevent these negative effects Dementia: In older people, the link between depression and dementia is significant. A analysis of this correlation supports this link, with researchers noting that depressed peo-

is then excreted along with body fluids. This is the main reason why a diabetic patient feels dehydrated all the time.

Unexplained weight loss: As compared to Type 1 Diabetes, the weight loss in type 2 is a gradual process and may take some time to notice. This unexplained loss of weight is primarily due to the loss of body sugar. You may feel happy that you have suddenly acquired a slim silhouette but do not allow this fact to divert your mind. Always keep in mind that although overweight and obesity is a major risk factor for Diabetes, the condition can eventually lead to sudden loss of body mass.

Blurriness: Type 2 Diabetes may also lead to blurriness of eyesight and you may often face difficulty in focusing. This is primarily due to the fact that a portion of the fluids excreted from the body gets drawn by the eyes. This is a matter of concern, because if left untreated, it can even lead to complete or partial blind-

ness.

Fatigue and weakness: The loss of water and glucose from the body is the main reason why a diabetic patient always experiences a sense of fatigue and overall weakness. The cells of the body primarily utilize glucose from the foods to produce the required energy to sustain. The cells sans the glucose are starved and run down.

Headache: Another major sign of type 2 Diabetes is constant headaches. This is due to the combined effect of dehydration, malaise and unexplained weight loss.

Dry mouth: One of the most common oral health problems for diabetics is dry mouth or altered salivary flow. Most of us are not aware of the fact that our oral health affects our control of diabetes and that our diabetes control alters our oral hygiene. However, it is seen that in majority of the cases, dry mouth occurs due to medications.

Frequent slow-healing infections: Physicians across the globe claim that diabetics have frequent infections that are slow-healing in nature. They believe that the condition weakens a person's immune response thereby making it a favourable ground for infections to occur. Some of the most frequently seen infections seen in women are bladder and vaginal infections.

ndian gooseberry or amla is an excellent source of Vitamin C, hence it helps boost your immunity, metabolism and prevents viral and bacterial ailments, including cold and cough. Its nutritional profile also comes studded with a range of polyphenols that are known to fight against the development of cancer cells. According to Ayurveda, amla juice is known to balance all the processes in the body and brings to equilibrium all three doshas - vata, kapha, pitta. According to a nutritionist,"Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, which means that it protects you against the harmful effects of free radicals. It helps in slowing down the ageing process and is needed for collagen production hence keeping your skin, hair healthy and supports the immune system." One of the most effective ways to add amla to your diet is to juice it and have it diluted with water every day on an empty stomach. It clears your system, aids in digestion, helps in maintaining clear skin, healthy hair and good eyesight.

According to a Delhi based weight management expert, amla juice can be taken as a powerful home remedy to treat cough and flu as well as mouth ulcers.

Two teaspoon of amla juice with equal portions of honey consumed everyday

Warning signs of type 2 diabetes

lmost 98 per cent of all diabetes cases in India belong to the type 2 category or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus - in other words the diabetes one gets with poor lifestyle choices.

In fact diabetes is so widespread that each of us knows at least one person suffering from the disease.

Usually occurring in adults over 30 and overweight, type 2 Diabetes can be controlled through weight loss, diet and exercise. And it is crucial to understand the warning signs associated with this disease. Let's take a look at some of the vital warning signs for type 2 Diabetes.

Excessive thirst: One of the major signs of type 2 Diabetes is polydipsia or excessive thirst. If you find yourself drinking more water than usual, and still feel that you just can't get enough, it could be an indication of type 2 Diabetes.

This is because due to the excess of glucose in your blood, your kidneys have to work harder to absorb the additional sugar. However, some of the sugar still remains unabsorbed which

A

To Our Readers

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

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LIFESTYLE

ple over age of 50 are more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Though the exact mechanism of how this happens, but one hypothesis is that changes in blood vessels that impact brain matter cause and further both depression and dementia. Depression is not a part of normal ageing, and you can help older friends and family members by keeping a watchful eye for symptoms and asking medical caretakers to take these signals seriously.

It’s never too late to seek help.

Sleeping Problems: Insomnia, like other chronic health problems, can increase one's risk of depression because it affects your day-to-day life, energy levels, and ability to focus or enjoy things.

Depression can also cause sleeping patterns to change, causing you to sleep excessively or not very much at all - both of which are actually bad for your health. These sleep disruptions may be due to chemical changes in the brain that come along with depression. In addition, the

same stress and anxiety that can heighten or even trigger depression can make it difficult to drift off to sleep each night.

Depending on whether you're sleeping too much or not enough, the solutions for getting more restful sleep will vary. There are a variety of drug-free techniques that can help you improve your sleep, as well as medical interventions that can help. Depression is devious; it can make nearly any health problem worse because it often saps your energy and motivation to care for yourself. And many chronic illnesses are accompanied by an increased risk of depression as patients adapt to the potential limitations and lifestyle changes a new diagnosis requires.

The faster you can get treatment for depression, the better. Too many people suffer needlessly without ever getting proper diagnosis or treatment. If you’re listless, having trouble sleeping, feeling helpless or hopeless, or simply not up to pursuing your usual interests, seek medical help.

can help a great deal in treating cold and cough.

Mix a couple of teaspoons in water and gargle with it twice a day to get rid of mouth ulcers.

Regular consumption of amla juice helps in reducing cholesterol levels.

Amino acids and antioxidants aid in the overall functioning of heart. It is also helpful in managing diabetes better as well as respiratory ailments like asthma. The alkaline nature of amla helps in clearing the system and strengthening the digestive

system.

It supports liver function and flushes out toxins from the body. Along with Vitamin C, amla is also rich in iron, calcium, phosphorous and hence can be taken as a complete nutritional drink. Amino acids and protein present in amla help in hair growth, tackling hair fall and fortifying the root as well as the shaft.

Dab it with a cotton swab onto your face to fight marks, pigmentation and blemishes. Amla juice helps in oxidizing melanin and closes skin pores.

Amazing benefits of Amla juice

I

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28

Want to explore Tamil cinema to the fullest: Shaalin Zoya

Amy Jackson replaces Trisha

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C h e n n a i .

Tamannah plays a Madurai-based teacher in the movie. It also stars Srushti Dange, Aishwarya Rajesh and Shivada in other female lead r o l e s .

'Dharmadurai' is produced by RK Suresh under the Studio 9 banner.

Music is given by Yuvan Shankar Raja and lyrics by Vairamuthu.

Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

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alayalam a c t r e s s Shaalin Zoya who will make her Tamil debut with the upcoming 'Raja Manthiri', loves the language and is keen to explore the industry the fullest. However, she does not want to sign projects in a hurry.

“I love Tamil films, even though I face a language barrier. As I await the release of 'Raja Manthiri', I'm curious to know how

audiences will receive me. When I think about it, I get tensed, more so because I want to explore the industry,” she said in an interview. Zoya feels the need to be accepted first. “Ever since I started working on 'Raja Manthiri', I got quite a few Tamil projects but I didn't sign them because I want to be accepted by audiences here and only then can I think of signing more offers,” she said.

Tamannah's tryst with Tamil for 'Dharmadurai'

ources confirmed that Tamannah will be dubbing on her own in the soon to come 'Dharmadurai', her first with versatile actor Vijay Sethupathi. With the shooting complete and the team busy in post production, the actress is recording her lines in Tamil in a popular dubbing studio in

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ources reveal Trisha has backed out of Vignesh Sivan's next, and replaced by none other than '2.0' actress Amy Jackson. The project also features Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi, and will be produced by AM

Ratnam.

While official confirmation remains pending, it is worth noting that while the film has already been talked about in media for quite some time, nothing has been officially announced so far.

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be a part of a sequel of the movie to be directed by the same director next year.

First look motion poster of the movie was released a few weeks back and the shooting is expected to begin soon. An official confirmation remains pending.

Vijayalakshmi to change her decision for Venkat Prabhu

ijayalakshmi who has entered wedlock with Feroz last year is said to have decided to quit acting post marriage. The actress who made her acting debut with director Venkat Prabhu's debut directorial 'Chennai 6000028', will, however,

'Rocky Handsome'

Farah to make Jackie Chan dance to her tunes

F Watch John Abraham go on a murder spree after the kidnapping of a 7 year old in his action packed thriller.

arah Khan is all set to choreograph legendary Jackie Chan for a grand Bollywood item number for Stanley Tong's Indo-Chinese production 'Kung Fu Yoga,' reports said. A source in the report was quoted saying that Sonu Sood persuaded Jackie Chan to incorporate a Bollywood track in the film. The song is expected to be shot in India, China and some other countries. The report further states that Jackie will be seen in an Indian avatar, donning a bright red kurta, green mojris and a dhol around his neck. 'Kung Fu Yoga' stars Jackie Chan, Sonu Sood, Disha Patani and Amyra Dastur in lead roles.

Ronit Roy joins Hollywood bandwagon

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he West is calling! Joining the bandwagon of Indian actors making their mark in Hollywood, TV star Ronit Roy has bagged a role in Rohit Karn Batra's 'The Field'. While this will be his first Hollywood project, it will be a second international outing as he was earlier a part of Deepa Mehta's 'Midnight's Children'. The actor confirmed the news and revealed that he plays an elder brother in the mafia thriller. “I begin shooting in April. It is a period film portraying old Delhi, but it has a very international flavour. I accepted the role because it's a very interesting character that is part of a great story,” Ronit said. The film revolves around a crime family and also features Radhika Apte and Neeraj Kabi.

Shooting begins for the 'Kahaani' sequel

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idya Balan and Arjun Rampal have began shooting for Sujoy Ghosh's much anticipated film 'Kahaani 2.'

Ghosh confirmed the news on Twitter and shared a clapperboard picture with a caption, “In gratitude for the love you gave your first film. We will work even harder to live up to your expectations:)” Sequel to 2012's 'Kahaani', a lot is expected of the two main leads who are starring for the first time.

Nawazzuddin Siddiqui, who played a cop in the first, won't be featuring in the sequel; an absence that will be noticed. The film also features Jugal Hansraj.

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I am a sensitive individual: Fawad Khan

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Mitul Paniker

because I think it might make my audience uncomfortable.

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ne of India's current favourites, Fawad Khan, a well-known Pakistani actor who makes ladies drool with his disarming charms and a knack for slipping Urdu in his English, seems to have already found his foot in Indian cinema. He made his Bollywood debut in 2014 with 'Khoobsurat', across Sonam Kapoor.

While the film failed to pass the test, Fawad certainly did and was acclaimed for his acting skills.

In an exclusive, Fawad talks about films and Bollywood with Asian Voice.

Rishi Kapoor, who plays a 90 year old in the film, recently said he could not agree to director Shakun Batra's working style. Did you face the same trouble?

I don't think I ever experienced trouble with Shakun's style of work. I really like his sensibility and his method of working. Woh bohot collaborative tareeke se kaam karta hai. Rishi Sir khud kehte the mujhe yeh nayi techniques kuch samaj nahi aati.

(He works in a collaborative way.

Rishi Sir himself used to say he did not understand these new techniques)

You play Rahul Kapoor in Kapoor & Sons. What similarities does Rahul have with Fawad?

I think the sensitivity that Rahul Kapoor possesses is something similar to what I do. I am a sensitive individual.

Is there a semblance between the Pakistani movie industry and Bollywood?

Pakistan mein filmein bohot kum banaa karti thi bichme, kuch arsein tak (very few films were made for quite some time in Pakistan) and television was the only form of entertainment. Ab recently jo cinema reboot hua hai, there is a lot of stuff that is coming around. It's not very different, the expressions, as compared to Indian cinema. Obviously, itna advanced nahi hai (it is not as advanced), but you cannot call it conservative.

You have always stayed away from intimate scenes. Does your choice of role depend on how people back home would react to it?

It's not about back home.

Jis tarah ka maine television ka kaam kiya hai, not just in Pakistan, also India, logo ko pasand aaya hai.

(The kind of work I have done in television, people have liked it) I feel they are comfortable right now and they would get uncomfortable with my intimate scenes onscreen and it might become an obstacle between me and my audience. So, right now I am comfortable with not doing them

Deepika goes all smiles with co-star Donnie Yen

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eepika Padukone seems to be having the time of her life, shining bright as ever in a recent selfie taken with co-star Donnie Yen. Shooting for her debut film in the west, 'xXx: The Return Of The Xander Cage,' the Indian beauty has already made herself familiar to the paparazzi as she makes the headlines every odd day. Yen took to his Facebook handle and posted a picture with the 30year-old actress. He captioned the picture, "Snapping a selfie with the beautiful Deepika in the land of Dominican Republic. Truly an amazing international casts!” The photo was tweeted later by our 'Mastani'. Yen plays Xiang in the film which will hit the theatres in January next year.

Has Bollywood warmed up to you?

I have had great relationships with the people I have worked with, and I have great conversations, made some really great friends.

John masters special art forms in Thailand

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ith a body and looks that would easily give The Rock a complex, John Abraham has left nothing to chance for his upcoming action thriller 'Rocky Handsome'. The trailer saw John at his physical best and his fans went gaga at his kickass moves onscreen. Well, a little birdie said that the actor learnt not one, but two special art forms from Thailand to perfect his action scenes.

Special trainers were flown in from Germany to train John and perfect him in Aikido and Hapkido. When contacted, he said, “I trained for about one month, sometimes up to 14 hours straight in a special art form on knifes. When you have an athletic body and you couple it with great action the results can be astounding.”

Yash Raj Films presents Shah Rukh in and as 'Fan'

Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

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RK fans are over the moon with the trailer release of 'Fan'; an action thriller that closely observes the society's fixation with celebrities. A story of the darker side of celebrity obsession, 'Fan' shows Shah Rukh Khan in a double role.

Produced by Aditya Chopra's Yash Raj Films and directed by award-winning filmmaker, Maneesh Sharma, Shah Rukh plays himself and a 20 year old fan. Hollywood's renowned special effects make up artist Greg Cannon worked in the project to help the actor look like his own 20something doppelganger.

Cannon is a nine-time Academy Award nominee

and three-time Oscar winner, for his work in 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', 'Mrs. Doubtfire', and 'Dracula'. 3D scanning

was used as part of the process to create Shah Rukh's young man look in 'Fan'.

People involved in making the film have gone the extra mile, filming in locations including the iconic Madame Tussauds London. A brilliant combination of technology and Bollywood's best, 'Fan' tells a gripping story to what follows when a fan's love for his idol turns green.

Music composers Vishal Shekhar made the soundtrack for the movie while noted Italian composer Andrea Guerra contributed the background score.

her emails.

Not one to be easily silenced, Kangana's lawyer sent a legal notice in return, refusing to apologise. The notice states that Hrithik has been communicating with her through a secret email id which goes on to show that Hrithik “thoroughly supported” and “fully involved” her.

She has accused him of hacking into her account to delete those mails as it

would have affected his divorce proceedings. In fact, Kangana has threatened to sue him for defamation if he made those email public. “If he circulates her emails, images and/or other material which your client willingly received in good faith from my client then upon such circumstances it shall be rightfully deemed that your client is wilfully seeking to not only defame her and issue unwarranted threats. These actions shall be taken extremely seriously.”

When contacted, Hrithik’s lawyer Dipesh Mehta said that he wouldn’t like to comment on Kangana’s legal notice as he would sit with his people and decide the course of action first. And a source close to Kangana says, “Kangana doesn’t feel the need to apologise as she feels she has done nothing wrong.”

Hrithik, Kangana in legal mess

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angana Ranaut and Hrithik Roshan have tangled themselves in a legal mess after the latter sent a legal notice to 'Queen' star Kangana for referring to him as her “silly ex” in an interview.

The notice opened a can of worms as it alleges the actress sent Hrithik 1,439 mails, most of them “senseless, personal, and absurd”.

It has also claimed that Kangana, who almost stalked him, suffers from Asperger's which makes her imagine things.

His notice also states that Kangana is imagining things because of her disease, as he didn’t have any communication with her and that she was probably communicating with an imposter, which he realised at a KJo party where Kangna mentioned about communicating with him, and that’s when he gave his real email address, which the actress flooded with

Mallika Sherawat on cloud nine

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c t r e s s Mallika Sherawat has found true love at last.

Our 'Murder' girl is apparently dating French businessman Cyrille Auxenfans and life couldn't get any better. Expressing her love, she posted a photo on Instagram with the caption, “Being in love is one of the best feelings in the world!” The couple was introduced to each other through common friends and are madly in love. Sources even said that on Valentine's Day, Cyrille showered Mallika with gifts including a luxury car. She will soon be seen in Daniel Lee's 'The Lost Tomb'.

Ranbir Kapoor plans to turn director

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anbir Kapoor w h o hasn't delivered a single hit since 2013's 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani', is reportedly convincing himself to act and direct a film under RK Films banner.

Founded and named after legendary actor and his grand father, Raj Kapoor, the production house has produced only a handful of films. When contacted, a source close to Ranbir said he was not sure if he's ready to take up so much responsibility at one go, hence, he might just act in the RK Film and let one of his friends to direct it. Anurag Basu, Imtiaz Ali or Ayan Mukerji are likely to be considered for the venture.

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Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

Indians in London Group celebrates ‘Rang Barse’ Holi Spring arrived early in London this year as the Indians in London Group hosted its much anticipated ‘Rang Barse’ Holi celebrations at The Indian Gymkhana club in Osterley on Saturday, 19th of March. The event, which was attended by over 500 people, is the second such collaboration between the two organisations and has grown in strength since the first such programme that took place in 2015.

The day started with some scintillating song and dance performances by a number of extremely talented individuals and groups. Indian regional dances, Bollywood dances, classical and contemporary songs, melodious renditions of musical instruments all paid tribute to a shared rich cultural heritage which is being lovingly preserved by the Indian

diaspora. As an Indian event of any importance is incomplete without food, arrangements were made for simple yet delicious light refreshments which were accompanied by the quintessential celebratory drink of ‘thandai’.

Thereafter the pulsating beats of the dhols (drums) set the mood for the subsequent riotous outdoor Holi colour play that was the mainstay of the event.

Over 160 kilograms of

Spring is finally here On Sunday 27th March 2016, the clocks will go forward one hour from 1am. Don't forget to change the time on your clocks and watches.

Coming Events

Dementia ka safar: Play by Ekta Project (Newham), 6 April, 11am-12pm, 1:15-2:15pm.

Contact: 020 8952 7062

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Holi 2016, Sunday 3rd April, Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Chigwell, IG1 6BQ, 10:45-2:30pm

dry colour powder was consumed as revellers of all age groups played Holi on the lawns of the Gymkhana club and danced to the beats of dhols and rhythms of the latest Bollywood tracks played by the DJ. The Holi special colourful caps distributed to all the attendees were imported all the way from the markets of old Delhi and added a nostalgic desi flavour to the celebrations.

The joie de vivre of the

day was further amplified by the stream of updates coming through from the spectators of the live telecast of the India Pakistan T20 world cup cricket match. This year is also particularly significant for the Indian Gymkhana club as it celebrates its 100th year foundation anniversary.

The Indians in London group is an independent, not-for-profit platform to connect with the Indian diaspora in the UK, on social, cultural, educational, economic, political and charitable matters. The group, also popularly known by its acronym “IIL” or “IIL Orkut Group”, was established in 2004. From a small handful group of Indian expatriates and students in London, today, the Indians in London group consists of 9500+ members and is growing everyday.

Shae Thakker finishes National Junior League season unbeaten Cippenham Table Tennis Club star Shae Thakker has gone through the entire National Junior League season unbeaten. It is a tremendous feat unmatched by any other player from the 24 competing teams.

Thakker, who emerged during the 2014-15 season with winning performances at the SportsAble Disability Grand Prix and

the Cippenham club championships, has really come to the fore this term.

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Chaitra navratri garba, 8-16 April 2016, 811pm. Contact: 020 7274 1039 Dilipbhai.

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BIA to hist workshops on Mental Health and depression on 31 March 2016, 116 Ealing Road Wembley, 9:30am-12:30pm. Contact: 020 8903 3019

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ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 confident as the week You will feel energetic and

begins. New beginnings are favoured around now, as long as you do not bite off more than you can chew.

Your thinking is inspired, so listen to your thoughts.

This may be a time of expansion and improved opportunity and it would be unwise to let yourself become complacent. Affairs of the heart are likely to flourish.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 There is an element of dis-

ruption or stress which may be hard to avoid, but it appears that there is a strong sense of purpose in the background. A certain amount of sheer hard graft will be necessary for a short while, but the final result will be extremely pleasing. An exchange of opinions ought to prove very enlivening at this time.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 If lately you have had all sorts of demands being placed on you from all sides, don't despair. Try and work out where you want to make changes in your busy life. Once you know, don't hesitate to implement it. The planetary activity in your chart signals a time of mixed emotions as well as personal issues to be dealt with.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

At work sometimes a little upheaval and chaos is exactly what you need to set things right again.

There’s no need to be complacent: the time is now. you’ll have no qualms about deciding what you want and going after it with total devotion. Unpredictable energies continue to influence your health sector. The key for you as always is to remain calm and collected.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 Relationships are complex in the best of times, but Saturn's motion can make things even more complicated now. Misunderstandings can plague partnerships or potential romances - be more careful and forgiving. A good time for completing unfinished business and reassessing your future projects.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 At home, be at your diplomatic best and try not to tread on anyone's toes.

Passions will run from hot to cold, and relationships may suffer. Even the most strong-willed Virgoans will be more open to compromise to keep the peace. Plan your spending and set sensible budgets. All things considered, your health should be robust.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 Guard against being too impatient and restless. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes and be cautious about other people's enthusiasm which is likely to be misplaced. Make a very conscious attempt to stick to main priorities. Organise your time so that it is not taken up entirely by the demands of other people.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 The focus is on finances this week, but that doesn’t mean you should worry yourself sick. Rather, it is about finding new and improved ways to boost your earnings potential. Don’t let nebulous tendencies interfere with your plans. It’s fine to consider several options but don’t get caught up in indecision. Schedule networking opportunities later this week.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

Try to take things in your stride rather than anticipating what might happen. Keep calm as conflict and disagreement could be sparked off by your short-sightedness. Think carefully about the implications of your actions. Intense focus is what is needed now so do not let yourself be distracted by non-essentials.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

The transit of two planets in your Solar 12th House indicates that experience will put you in a deeply reflective mood. This is a favourable time for getting away from usual routines and seeking a retreat for a few days. It will be good for you to get involved in therapies that help you to get in closer touch with your inner self.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

It’s all about communications, as they take centre stage this week. You’ll have to openly speak up about your wants and needs without fear. Regarding love there will be a struggle between devotion and freedom. You need to feel completely consumed by the passion of your lover, and yet you need personal space to explore your own thing.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 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 rather than attempting to make any new investments.

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India-born Sodhi shines for New Zealand AsianVoiceNews

Back in 1996 when fouryear-old Inderbir (Ish) Singh Sodhi had to relocate from Khanna, a small town in Punjab's Ludhiana district, to South Auckland, he never imagined that one day he will be spinning his adopted country to a big victory against the country of his birth.

Now 23, Sodhi's India visits have become regular.

He visits the country of his birth every 3-4 years, but none would have been more memorable than the present sojourn. The Kiwi legspinner set the WorldT20 alight with a magnificent spell of 3-18 against India, which saw New Zealand beat their much-fancied rivals by 47 runs.

Sodhi has carved a name for himself outside the country of his birth.

Before Sodhi, another expat in New Zealand, Dipak

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Ish Sodhi

Patel - an offspinner - had made heads turn during the 1992 World Cup (50-overs) when Martin Crowe had thrown the new ball to him.

Such a move - a spinner opening the bowling was unprecedented and Patel and NZ enjoyed quite a successful run during the tournament. Not much differently, this time, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, just like Crowe,

made a brave move by picking three frontline spinners against India. Given that Indian batsmen are perceived to be good players of spin, the tactic was expected to backfire especially when fast bowlers like Trent Boult and Tim Southee were left on the bench. But the Kiwi spinners, and principally Sodhi, repaid their captains faith brilliantly. That spin would be a weapon for the

Black Caps was hardly thought of, and now the New Zealand team is inclined to use it more often in the ongoing World T20.

“We want to play fearless and aggressive cricket and if that means going into a match with three spinners, then so be it. All our spinners bowled well, but Ish was outstanding.The amount of turn he was generating was incredible. He is very young and is improving with every passing game,” Kiwi middle-order mainstay Ross Taylor said.

“Every game is played differently and as a bowler one has to assess the conditions. Ish will take a lot of confidence from the last game (against India), a lot of good memories and the control he has over his bowling will stand him in good stead,” Taylor reflected.

Hinduja-owned Gulf Oil inks deal with Man United Hinduja-owned Gulf Oil International has signed a long-term partnership deal with Manchester United to become the world's leading football club's global sponsor and official lubricantcum-fuel retail partner.

The deal that will last till the end of 2019 football season was signed by Frank Rutten, vice-president Gulf Oil International and Jamie Reigle, commercial director Manchester United at Aon Training Complex.

"Gulf Oil's association with the world of sports has been phenomenal right from motorsports to cricket, where we have partnered with the best of the best. It was therefore logical for us to team up with Manchester United in order to reiterate our brand's core values of endurance, quality and passion," GOI managing director Ravi Chawla said.

"We look forward to lever-

age this interesting mix of football and cricket and leverage this partnership to increase consumer engagement with the brand, create new and exciting communication platforms that will emphasis the customer value propositions," Chawla said.

The deal, the value of which was not disclosed, will give Gulf Oil International access to Manchester

United's assets including the club crest and player images.

The company's distinctive orange disc will feature on the club's digital perimeter boards during Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup matches at Old Trafford. The partnership is in addition to the company's existing global tie-ups with Milwaukee BMW, World Superbikes, the

W o r l d Endurance Championship with the Gulf Racing Team and Porsche.

The company expects the tieup will augment its long-term association with cricket.

"The partnership marks a further step in Gulf's intent to strengthen its brand presence globally as well as enable it to engage with Manchester United's worldwide fan base, including 325 million followers in Asia, which Gulf sees as a major focus area with a strong presence in India and rapidly developing businesses in China, the Middle East and Indonesia," said a statement by the Hindujas.

Shiv Shankar Prasad wins Indian Open

Finally, after four near misses, Shiv Shankar Prasad Chawrasia annexed the Indian Open crown at the Delhi Golf Club.

He may not have reserved his best for the last, but he handled pressure better than he ever did in his career to lay his hands on the elusive trophy. Like last year, he went into the final round with a twoshot cushion.

But the worrying thought of finishing runner-up for the fifth time made him seek veteran Jeev Milkha Singh's advice. That seemed to have helped SSP keep his nerves in check.

On a day of fluctuating fortunes, SSP shot a gritty one-under 71 to keep the marauding Anirban Lahiri, his con-

Shiv Shankar Prasad Chawrasia

queror last year in a playoff, and Korean Jeunghun Wang (68) at bay to finish with a fourday total of 15-under 273 for his third European Tour victory.

Defending champion Lahiri (69), despite making a brilliant charge on

the front nine, settled for the tied second spot two shots further back on 275.

“I have finished second four times and used to wonder if I would ever be a champion one day.

This year, I came believing in myself, I knew that I could do it. I think every

Indian player looks at this tournament as the biggest. It is our National Open and it's a huge honour for me to win it finally,” said a beaming SSP. The victory was worth $276,660 for the champion. But more than the winner's purse, the move up the world rankings, the Olympic rankings rather, was what SSP was targeting. “I think I have now qualified for the Olympics. That was the goal,” said the 37-yearold, who moved to No.50 in the Olympic rankings with this stupendous triumph.

However, it was not smooth-sailing for the champion. He had to battle the demons and uncork a couple of brilliant shots under pressure to keep his dreams alive.

SPORT Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

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Lanka replace Malinga with Vandersay

Sri Lanka replaced injured paceman Lasith Malinga with 26-year-old leg spinner Jeffrey Vandersay as the country moved to defend its World Twenty20 title in India. Lanka cricket said Vandersay, who has played in four T20 matches and taken one wicket conceding 115 runs, was a "potential future sensation." He was sent to India a day after Malinga, 32, flew back home from the T20 World Cup in India without having played a single match. Malinga's departure was the latest setback for the maverick bowler, having been dropped as skipper after the team's recent disastrous Asia Cup showing in Bangladesh. Malinga presided over a dismal performance by Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup where they were beaten by little-fancied Bangladesh, and only just scraped past the United Arab Emirates. Sri Lanka won the last World Twenty20 in Bangladesh in 2014, but the team has been badly weakened by the retirements of star batsmen Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

Indian kabaddi player shot dead

A national-level India Kabaddi player was shot dead by two armed assailants in Rithal village of Rohtak, with the murder captured on a CCTV installed at a house near the crime spot. The 24-year-old player Sukhvinder Singh was returning home after practice when he was shot dead. "Two persons on a scooter shot dead Sukhwinder with a pistol near his house," a police official said. In the CCTV footage, Sukhvinder is seen talking to someone on his mobile while returning home.

Two unidentified assailants on a scooter approached him and then fired shots at him in his chest and forehead following which he fell on the ground. Police said a murder case has been registered against unidentified persons and a hunt has been launched to nab the killers.

According to the parents of the deceased, Sukhvinder did not have personal enmity with anyone.

Mallya resigns as director of Royal Challengers Bangalore

Vijay Mallya has resigned from the post of Director of Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited and according to sources, Russell Adams could be the man in-charge of Royal Challengers Bangalore. IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, intimating them about Vijay Mallya's resignation from the post of Director of Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL). According to reliable sources, top BCCI officials in the IPL governing council received an e-mail on March 7 from franchise official Russell Adams, informing the board about the current ownership status in the franchise. It was five days after the troubled business tycoon left India for United Kingdom. "Yes, we received an e-mail communication from Russell Adams, who will now be the man incharge of the RCB team. The e-mail stated that Mallya has resigned from his post as Director of RCSPL and will only be an Honorary Chief Mentor till his son Siddhartha is in the Board of Directors," a senior BCCI official, in the know of things said. The letter stated that Siddhartha Mallya will be present in the Board of Directors "in a limited role should the members wish to consult him." Adams, who is a vice-president (commercial operations and cricket academy at RCB), also made it clear that there will be "no change in ownership pattern" due to Mallya's resignation. The BCCI official said that clarity on ownership was required after Mallya's resignation. "BCCI has some strict rules and regulations in place regarding franchise ownership changing hands.

The owners need to intimate BCCI beforehand whether there is partial or complete transfer of stake. As of now they have made it clear there is no change in ownership pattern in RCSPL which is a subsidiary of United Spirits, which is controlled by Diageo," the official said.

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Asian Voice | 26th March 2016

New Zealand end Pak dream

New Zealand became the first team to qualify for the knock-out stage in the ICC World T20 on the back of a supreme show from Martin Guptill first, and then their bowlers thereby ending the dream of Pakistanis.

Guptill's 80 formed the fulcrum of the New Zealand innings that gave them a formidable total of 180 to defend, to which Pakistan fell short by 22 runs. They had the start they needed, but the disappointing bit was to see them squander that advantage once Sharjeel Khan provided the most amazing starts in recent memory getting Pakistan to cruise along well over the required rate.

New Zealand's bowling recovered inspiringly and it never allowed the rest of the Pakistan batsmen to settle.

It took just one ball for Pakistan to get off the blocks. And what followed was a sublime exhibition of clean hitting. Unlike their start against India, where the Indian spinners had them on the mat, here Pakistan raced away to one of their most brisk starts in recent memory. Leading the charge was Sharjeel, who

cracked five off the first six fours in 13 balls, setting the ideal foundation to build on.

It was as crisp as they come. New Zealand's ploy of opening the bowling with Mitchell Santner missed its aim. The first over yielded 15 runs and 18 came off the second and third over combined. Matt Henry and Mitchell McClenaghan took a pounding for being too leg-sidish and short.

Anything offered on Sharjeel's off stump and the batsman made merry of that error.

The hitting didn't stop there. McClenaghan went for 18 off his first over, Henry nine. If Guptill had raced along during New Zealand's Powerplay,

Sharjeel had moved to top gear. Anything that was relatively there to pounce on, Sharjeel did it with utter disdain. It took just four overs to bring up Pakistan's 50. They were going at over 12 an over, while the required was nine.

The wicket that New Zealand wanted finally arrived in the sixth over off Milne. One shot too many, Sharjeel skied a lofted drive to the fielder at point. New Zealand, sensing the damage caused by spin, resorted to taking the pace off the ball. Grant Elliott and Santner were made to operate in tandem and that slowed Pakistan down a tad, with the left-armer having Khalid Latif caught at longon at three.

New Zealand had applied the squeeze. The boundaries had dried up and to some extent even singles were stopped. Sodhi keeping things tight was what Santner needed for an improved second spell and he saw off Shehzad, who was beginning to look dangerous. Pakistan had two new batsmen in the middle in Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi and the skipper launched a six and four to ensure that his side never lost ground.

Pakistan needed these two to carry on if they had a chance to overhaul the target but Zealand had settled into a nice flow. Afridi danced down in attempt to clear the rope and was taken athletically in the deep by Anderson. Umar Akmal looked out of sorts too as New Zealand zeroed in with a good couple of overs from Sodhi and McClenaghan, which one can say shifted the balance in New Zealand's favour.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 158/5 (Sharjeel 47, Shehzad 30; Santner 2/29) lose to New Zealand 180/5 (Guptill 80, Ross Taylor 36*; Afridi 2/40) by 22 runs.

Swiss Open title for HS Prannoy H S Prannoy

Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold Badminton title remained with the Indian for the second year in succession. In 2015, it was Kidambi Srikanth and this year Srikanth's practice partner H S Prannoy, who clinched the men's singles title in Basel, Switzerland.

The giant-killing run of Prannoy continued for the sixth day in succession as the 13th seed Indian shocked seventh seed Marc Zwiebler of Germany 21-18, 21-15 in the final. It was Prannoy's second GP Gold title after he triumphed in Indonesia in 2014.

Compared to Prannoy's earlier matches, the summit clash against the world No. 19 did not go the distance as

the world No. 27 Indian romped home in 45 minutes. The first game was a tense affair with both the players in contention of grabbing the game almost till the end. “I am ecstatic. It was a very tough week for me as the conditions were challenging. Both my opponents in the semis and final were hitting very hard.

Today I was confident to win the final,� an elated Prannoy said from Switzerland. While Prannoy won the title, in the women's singles semifinal, top seed Saina Nehwal went down fighting against third seed Wang Yihan of China 11-21 19-21 in 40 minutes. It was Saina's tenth loss against Yihan in 14 meetings.