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VOL 41. ISSUE 50

Vaisakhi de lakh lakh Vadhiyaan

Memorial held to mark 20th death anniversary of Stephen Lawrence

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Angry crowds demonstrated in India's capital Delhi after a five-year-old girl was allegedly raped, tortured and kept in captivity for 40 hours, reviving memories of last December's brutal assault and gang rape on a 23-year- old physiotherapy student whose death shook the country.

The little girl was abducted on 15 April and attacked in a locked room for more than 48 hours. She was rescued by neighbours who heard her cries on 17 April. The police say that Manoj Kumar, who rented the room where the child was kept prisoner, has revealed that on April 15, he was drinking and watching porn on a Continued on page 26

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ASIAN WEALTH REACHES NEW PEAKS

Increasingly diverse and unique with more foreigners and self made men listed The 25th Sunday Times Rich List, published on April 21, 2013 boasts about the changing face of Britain.

This list which is published in a magazine supplement by the British national Sunday newspaper The Sunday Times, since 1989, includes 1,000 wealthiest people or families in the United Kingdom, and is updated annually in April.

It is not limited to British citizens and includes individuals and families who are also born overseas, but who predominantly work and/or live in Britain.

The editors estimate subjects' wealth from a range of public information, based on values at January each year. They typically explain their actions by stating: "We measure identifiable wealth, whether land, property, racehorses, art or significant shares in publicly quoted companies. We exclude bank accounts—to which we

Lakshmi Mittal Gopi and Sri Hinduja

have no access... We try to give due consideration to liabilities."

This year the list has become increasingly diverse and unique- as more and more foreigners and self made men have got prominence. The most striking feature has been an absence of a separate list on the Asians onlyfinally integrating them under the same bracket of 'rich' Britons. Out of the top 100 in this list, 39 are foreign born including a bulk from the Indian sub continent and Europe.

Also 41 are enlisted as

self-made while only 20 are with inherited wealth, out of 61 Britons in the first 100.

The rich list in 2013 consist of of 773 of self made millionaires out of the richest 1000 (77%), 227 with inherited wealth.

The categories in which individuals and families in the list have their wealth are as follows: 193 in finance, 182 in property and land, 129 in industry, 88 in film, media, music and sport, 73 in retailing, 64 in food retailing, drinks and food production, Continued on page 16

Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith

PM hosts Vaisakhi party at 10 Downing Street

For full story see page 7

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

Keith Vazwith MP

Keith Vaz MP

The Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP

Labour Government to support unemployed people into work. I also Chair the Christian Socialist Movement.

Stephen Timms is currently the Member of Parliament for East Ham and the Shadow Minister for Employment. He is also the Labour Party's Faith Envoy.

Stephen entered Parliament in 1994 and held a number of ministerial posts under the previous Labour Government including Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Minister for e-Commerce, Minister for Employment and Minister for Schools.

Before entering Parliament, Stephen worked in the telecommunications industry for fifteen years, first for Logica and then for Ovum. He managed Ovum's telecommunications reports business until his election in 1994. He was a Councillor in the East London Borough of Newham from 1984 to 1997, and Leader of the Council in 1990-94.

Stephen is also Chair of the Christian Socialist Movement. He is married and lives with his wife in East Ham, which has been his home since 1978.

1) What inspired you to stand for Parliament?

I wanted to see things change for the better in the area I live - East London - which went through a very hard time in the 1980s and 1990s, after the docks closed and there was sky high unemployment.

2) What are your proudest achievements in politics?

One of the things which has proved most significant dates from the 1980s. When I was Chair of the local council planning committee, I started the campaign to bring the Channel Tunnel Rail Link to a station in Stratford, instead of south of

the River Thames as originally planned. The result has been to bring many more opportunities into East London in the future than there were in the past, because - and we didn't foresee this at the time - the Stratford site was opened up for the successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

I was a Government Minister for twelve years, and am especially proud of my role in the successful UK roll out of broadband communications and promoting tax transparency among multinational companies. And I have been able to encourage faith-based contributions to politics, for example by founding the organisa-

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

I suppose it has been the Labour defeat in the 2010 General Election which has prevented me taking forward the policies of the last Government which were successfully tackling youth unemployment! tion “Muslim Friends of Labour” and establishing the regular faiths reception at the Labour Party Conference.

3) Please tell us about your current position?

I am shadow minister for employment and welfare reform. It's my job to oppose the damaging changes which the Government has included in its welfare reform programme, like the hated bedroom tax; to expose the problems in the current Work Programme and the Government’s other efforts to tackle unemployment; and to develop ideas for the next

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

Probably the late David Sheppard, former Bishop of Liverpool. When I was a student, I read his book "Built as a City" about his time in East London. It was partly that which inspired me to live there.

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

Working in the community I represent is still the part of the job which gives me the greatest satisfaction.

7) And the worst?

Probably the interminable long

hours!

8) What are your long term goals?

I want to see the implementation of a job guarantee, so that people who have been out of work for two years will be guaranteed a job. It means that, for some, the Government would pay the wages to enable them to be in work, as the last Government did for young people in the Future Jobs Fund.

It would make Britain fairer and more productive, and end the blight caused by long term unemployment on the lives of far too many people.

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

I would establish an independent international enquiry into just what happened at the end of the Sri Lankan civil war in 2009.

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

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. I am fascinated by the explosive growth of Methodism in Britain in the eighteenth century under the influence of his preaching, and would like to know much more.

Caste discrimination remains in 'dispute' On Monday April 22nd, the coalition government was defeated by 181 to 168 votes on the controversial topic of caste discrimination in the UK. The majority of Peers in the House of Lords voted to retain an original amendment proposing to include caste discrimination as part of wider racial equality laws.

Accomplished through a new clause in the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill, the unchanged anti-caste amendment requires the Secretary of State to bring forward social regulations pertaining to caste within two months of the bill's enactment.

.

Lord Dholakia Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Peers, believes that acknowledging caste in this official separatist capacity may give it unnecessary recognition, and ironically, a strange sort of social power. He stated “Caste plays the least significant part in the lives of third and fourth generation youngsters from ethnic communities growing up in this country. We have moved away from the old days and old values of compartmentalising communities based on caste. A generation has grown up seeing no obstacle to crossing the caste divide. To yield to pressure groups and include caste

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within the scope of the Act will only rekindle the dying issue of caste.

The Act which was supposedly designed to simplify and streamline discrimination law in Britain seems to have defeated this very objective by including the concept of caste that has eluded clear definition in common parlance, let alone in legal terms”. This is not necessarily a glib overview as he considers other factors. Referring to equality legislation, he reiterated “ethnic communities would not have a voice without such legislation” but believes in communal education programs such as “Talk for a Change” to be a more effective way of tackling class prejudice within the British-Indian community.

He is also skeptical about the interpretation of research produced by the NIESR (National Institute of Economic and Social Research). He declared “The sample was far too small to reach a fair conclusion”. Although it pegged Britain's Dalit (lower caste) community to be between 50,000 and 200,000 it also identified caste awareness to be amongst people with roots in the Indian subcontinent, corroborating his point about caste having less sway amongst the

subsequent generations of youngsters and communities.

In opposition Keith Porteous Wood, executive director of the National Secular Society, commented "We are delighted that the Government has committed to ensure that discrimination against caste will enjoy the same statutory protection as other protected characteristics.

Too many British citizens have suffered caste based discrimination. Our equality legislation now sends out a clear signal that it will no longer be tolerated, and offers hope to the tens of thousands of British Asians whose lives are blighted by such prejudice”. He also added that 'Informal conciliation' is obviously no match for such deep-seated discrimination that ruins people's lives, as the Government is proposing, perhaps in deference to high caste (and high influence) Hindus” and that “I and others have raised this matter at the UN, and it has formally recommended amending the law to make caste discrimination unlawful, as this measure does, in accordance with the UK's international human rights obligations".

Interestingly the Alliance of Hindus Organisation sided with the stance of the National

Secular society, saying that if the law in dispute was to be repealed it would “stigmatize the entire Hindu community”.

The recent ruling is also a noted victory for the International Dalit Solidarity network- A thousand people demonstrated in Londons’ Parliament Square last week when the majority of MPs in the House of Commons were at that point, voting against the inclusion of caste discrimination in the country’s Equality Act. At present the government has asked the Equality and Human

Rights Commission to examine the nature of caste prejudice and harassment further, and consider what other action might be helpful.

Monday night's vote means the Bill is returning to the House of Commons with the amendment intact for MPs to vote again, possibly on 24 April. Porteous Wood urged that “peers to keep up the pressure on the elected house which will be anxious to resolve this issue in the next fortnight to avoid the entire Bill being lost when this Parliamentary session ends."

Dad says hospital apology 'too little, too late' A dad whose baby died after suffering from a lack of oxygen when midwives failed to notice he had been born under bed sheets has dismissed the hospital’s apology as ‘too little, too late’.

Maninder Singh was born following an agonising labour during which mum Geeta opted for an epidural, leaving her unable to feel anything from the waist down.

Medical evidence suggests Maninder was already in a poor condition, but the delay in staff noticing he had been born and acting to

resuscitate him meant he suffered further, avoidable injury, an inquest in Manchester heard. He suffered severe brain damage and died six months later. The family finally received an apology from both Geeta’s midwife Helen Burns and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. But they said it was ‘too little too late’ after four years of waiting for answers during which time Geeta also died aged 32, soon after giving birth to her second child in 2010.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

Comment

Globalised terror: Reaping the whirlwind Stephanie Douglas, an American woman, having come to cheer a friend and participant at the close of the Boston marathon, ended her day as traumatized witness to the horrific Boston bombings. In her moment of anguish Ms Douglas couldn’t help but recall the terrible day in November 2008 when she saw the carnage in Mumbai inflicted by a terrorist group from Pakistan. “This is twice I’ve been in two cities when this kind of thing has happened,” she told a CNN reporter.

The prime suspects in the Boston terror attack are two Chechens from the Russia’s Caucasus, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, shot dead by the police during a car chase, and his teenage brother, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, who was arrested at the weekend after eluding capture for 48 hours. It turns out that Russia had tipped off the FBI about the brothers two years ago. The older sibling was “interviewed,” not interrogated, and then released. India’s experience was similar to Russia’s. In 2007, the Moroccan wife of David Colman Headley, now acknowledged as a key planner of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist assault, went to the US embassy in Islamabad and warned American diplomats that her husband was a terrorist. No action was taken on the information.

Mumbai-born Farried Zakaria, then Foreign Editor of Newsweek magazine, fired an anti-Putin broadside for the strong Russian measures against the Chechen insurgency. Mr Putin’s regime had provoked the Beslan massacre of 350 Russian children, it was suggested in the Anglo-American media, because of its alleged human rights violations in Chechnya.

Britain’s Labour Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, went to Mumbai to condole the deaths arising from the 26/11 terrorist attack, but enraged his hosts with unsought advice that they assuage

Pakistani grievances on Kashmir to ensure future peace and security in India. Addressing an Asia Pacific Conference in London in early March 2001, American journalist and writer, Selig Harrison, warned presciently that neither the US State Department, nor the CIA, would take notice of terror attacks in Kashmir until the barbarians came knocking at the gates of America itself. A few weeks prior to this speech, then US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had excoriated Indian foreign policy, claiming that it threatened the peace of Asia and Africa.

Much water has flowed down the Potomac, Thames, Ganga and Volga since then. “Colluding with Radical Islam” (the title of Mark Curtis’s title) has surely been an unmitigated curse. If we live in a political globalized economic and political world, we face also the continuing menace of globalized terror from non-state actors, frequently pawns of Islamist states. Such terrorism continues apace. Bangalore suffered a bomb blast in a public place a week or so ago. And an Indian court pronounced a death sentenced on Mirza Hinayat Inayat Baig, 33, for the German Bakery bomb blasts in Pune on February 13, 2010, in which 17 people died and 58 were injured.

His four suspected associates have been on the run since Baig’s arrest in Pune in September 2010.

Time surely for the international community to eschew double talk, speak with one voice and formulate responses that are fit for purpose in countering global terrorism. At stake is the future well-being of the civilized world order. A united front of the great and good rescued civilization from predatory German, Italian and Japanese fascist aggression. A similar resolve is necessary to defeat the present religio-fascist threat. Stand up and be counted, for we have no other choice. Unless it is to share a common grave.

A Pakistani counter-narrative voice of sanity Mohammed Ali Jinnah, in a moment of careless rapture, told Life magazine’s Margaret Bourke White that “Pakistan is the pivot of the world”, that “America needs Pakistan more than Pakistan needs America.” Unimpressed, Ms Bourke White saw through the operatic masque and detected a “bankruptcy of ideas…..a nation drawing its spurious warmth from the embers of an antique religious fanaticism, fanned into a new blaze.”

Anglo-American hagiographers like Hector Bolitho, Ian Stephens and Stanley Wolpert, true to their ideological calling, produced a lacquered image of Pakistan’s founder, their enterprise complemented more recently by the senior BJP duo of L.K.Advani and Jaswant Singh. These men were in thrall to the perception of the Quaid-e-Azam as a secular liberal democrat, grievously wronged by history. Pakistani Canadian writer Tarek Farah has long contested this fabled discourse, seeing in Jinnah’s lifework the seedbed of Pakistan’s poisonous undergrowth, the soil designated as the homeland for the subcontinent’s Muslim community.

On a visit to East Pakistan in February 1948, a few months before Jinnah was gathered to his fathers, the country’s first Governor General told students of Dhaka University that they and their compatriots would be better advised to replace their Bengali mother tongue for the purer Islamic Urdu.

Earlier, in August 1946, Jinnah’s call for a Direct Action Day had led to the “Great Calcutta Killings.”

The Bengali language movement that sprouted in the wake of Jinnah’s ill-judged words opened the tortuous, blood-stained route to East Pakistan’s eventual secession and the emergence of Bangladesh in 1971. Tarek Farah, passionate advocate of a liberal Muslim identity, with a keen awareness of the country’s dark canvas, has challenged militant Pakistan’s self-pitying sense of victimhood and its

perceived malice aforethought. His rational and robust rebuttal on Canadian television and radio and, very recently, at London’s august Chatham House, before a rapt establishment audience, tells of a counter-narrative gradually gaining moral legitimacy. The daily evidence of horrors emanating from the Land of the Pure is a swelling carnivorous tale.

There is diminishing scope for denial. Truth will out.

Never having visited India, Tarek Farah made up for lost time, turning up to see the country ground up. His reputation having preceded him, he was interviewed at length for the edit-page of a mass circulation national daily. Probed on his first impressions, Tarek Farah referred to the way India had been able “to accommodate languages, races and religions with all the difficulties that go with that.”

Indian Muslims, he said, carried more political weight than Muslims did elsewhere, and were “better equipped than those in Pakistan and Bangladesh.”

He continued: “Islamo-fascism is not the result of economic deprivation. It is an ideological war based on a death cult…..Unfortunately the liberal Left, including socialist parties in America and India, don’t admit that they don’t have it right….Such thinkers should go on a sabbatical to Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Aligarh – they’d be in for the shock of their lives.” Yes, he went on, there were injustices aplenty against women and other groups and much else in India, but these were never condoned on grounds of religious faith as they were in Pakistan. He said if Indian Muslims wish to experience Islamic rule, they should make an extended visit to Pakistan. They were fortunate to enjoy the freedoms of a democratic state. Phew! Enough said.

Come again, Tarek Farah, and speak your mind, freely.

Commons rejects anti-Dalit legislation in UK British MPs showed commendable judgment in rejecting legislation directed against alleged discrimination of Dalits in the UK. The issue, said MPs opposing the draft bill, was of greater relevance for India, not Britain, and they were absolutely right. Common sense, remarked the late Lord Denning, eminent Master of the Rolls, was two-thirds of the law. Without that rare commodity, the law can become an ass, as the daily vapourings of Markhanday Katju in India illustrates only too well.

The Commons well understood that the reason behind the absence of such institutionalized dis-

crimination in the UK is because the evil is seeded in the India-specific caste system. If there are individual cases of discrimination based on caste prejudice in the UK there is sufficient legislation on the statute book from which any appellant can seek redress in the courts. Why complicate matters with irrelevant laws? Those claiming to speak up for Dalit rights in the UK do so, one suspects, with an eye to a career opportunity and not from concern for the public good. This latest exercise, to put it mildly, was a publicity stunt. MPs saw through the pretence and voted accordingly. They are to be congratulated.

3

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome - Dr Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

Barry Gardiner MP Brent North Chair of Labour Friends of India EXCLUSIVE

The Caste Debate: The Media, The Mediators and The Mendacious Last week was not a good one for the Indian community. Monday’s Newsnight debate on caste and discrimination was a disaster. The community, which has always stood against any form of discrimination was made to appear as if it was on the side of the perpetrator and not the side of the victim.

Paxman was able to make it look as if the caste system was alive and well in the UK. It is not. Most UK born Hindus do not even know what caste they belong to. But by publicly insisting that legislation to outlaw discrimination on the basis of caste was unnecessary, community leaders ended up looking as if they condoned it.

The way the media twist one’s true position is something that politicians learn early on.

Ever since it was first proposed that caste be included as a protected characteristic in the Equality Act in 2010, my strong advice to Nitin Palan and other Hindu leaders was this: “By opposing equality protection you risk letting people think you agree with discrimination.” I still believe that the surest way to make it clear that the community does not practise or tolerate caste discrimination is to support the legislation. It is no use saying there is no problem. In Britain we don’t send 12 year old children down the mines any more, but we do still have a law in place to stop it happening. It is the principle that the community must be seen to support.

Last week was also not a good week for the Labour Party. Some

pretty harsh things were said in the community about us -- and not only on the blog sites! Satish Sharma writing “On Behalf of the Alliance of Hindu Organisations” stated “ you have lied to us, disgraced us, betrayed and insulted us” and he promised to “ensure that every Hindu in this country is aware of how the Labour Party has done this to us.” But perhaps the media were not the only ones who were twisting things. Of course, Mr. Sharma may not have realised that Lord Harries who introduced the amendment is a Crossbench peer, not a Labour one! Perhaps he did not realise that it was seconded by Lord Deben (John Gummer) a Conservative peer, not a Labour one. Lord Deben was followed immediately by Lord Avebury (Liberal), Lord Alton(Crossbench) and Baroness Flather (Conservative), all of whom supported the amendment.

Indeed it was the Conservative Baroness who made perhaps the starkest accusation of the debate. She claimed, “Hindus in this country discriminate against lower-caste Hindus.

That is so appalling and unacceptable that I cannot understand how it can be allowed to go on.” After Baroness Flather came Lord Singh (Crossbench), Lord Mackay (the former Lord Chancellor also a Conservative), The Bishop of Hereford (No Party), Lord Lester (Liberal) and Lord Cormack (Conservative) all of whom supported the amendment, Continued on page 6

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Midlands Voice

4

www.abplgroup.com - asian Voice 27th April 2013

Sikhs bring a splash of colour and music to Leicester city centre as they celebrate Vaisakhi More than 15,000 people gathered at the city centre on Sunday for one of the most colourful parades of the year.

The annual Vaisakhi procession saw people from Sikh temples all over the region parade through the centre of Leicester from the temple in Holy Bones, near St Nicolas Circle, to the temple in East Park Road, Evington.

Drums were played and religious songs were sung through the streets as the crowds made there way along the 3 miles route. There were drinks and snacks available to keep them going.

The procession was headed by a drummer on the back of a vehicle, followed by more than a dozen barefoot sweepers, clearing the streets with brooms ahead of the flag and sword bearers.

The first vehicle in the parade, with musicians and the scriptures known as the Guru Granth Sahib, was followed by dozens of school children. Behind them were more vehicles and thousands more people.

As the parade made its way through the city, more and more people joined in.

Gurjeet Kaur, 32, of the Narborough Road area of Leicester, who was there with her family, told a local newspaper: "We come every year and it's always a very happy event.

"People come from a long way away because this is the biggest event of the year for us and although there are others elsewhere in the UK, this is the best.

"There are thousands of people.

"We love coming to follow it through the city and sing traditional songs.

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In Brief

The largest Vaisakhi celebrations in Europe return to Handsworth Park on Sunday 28 April from 12 noon to 6.30pm.The celebrations, which mark the Sikh nation’s collective birthday, start at 11am as two huge processions set off from Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) in the Jewellery Quarter and Sandwell.

At the head of each procession will be the Guru Granth Sahib – the Holy Scriptures of Revelation (The Living Guru) – led by five Sikhs in ceremonial dress to represent the five original Panj Pyare – The Beloved Ones – who founded the order of the Khalsa. They will be followed by thousands of Sikhs from local congregations.

The processions meet at Handsworth Park where there will be live music, entertainment, Punjabi food and craft stalls. The traditional Langar – free vegetarian feast – will also be on offer.

One of the largest outdoor Vaisakhi celebrations in the world, last year’s festival attracted over 90,000 people from the Midlands and beyond. The event

Doctor loses tooth in a fight with a fellow colleague

"There are snacks along the way to keep our energy up – lots of samosas and drinks."

Balbir Singh Ram, 40, of Braunstone Town, Leicester, was also there with his family.

He told the Leicester Mercury: "I've done this every year since I was little and it's lovely on days like this when the sun's out.

"A lot of people join the parade as it moves along but a lot of other people, who aren't Sikhs, come and watch, so I think it's a good multi-cultural event as well.

"Leicester City Council and the police always make a big effort and they're to be applauded."

It was the first parade for three-yearold Gurnnoor Singh, of Belgrave.

His dad, Satinder, 42, said: "Last

time he was in his pram so this is the first time he's walking and I'm sure he'll make it the whole way.

"It's a long way but we never feel tired because we're celebrating and so everyone's happy.

"It's a very nice event and it's lovely weather, too."

In the last four processions combined, more than £16,000 was collected for charities along the way.

This year's collection was in aid of Anthony Nolan, Leicester General Hospital's kidney unit, the Teenage Cancer Trust, the Sikh Organisation for Prisoner Welfare and the Sukrit Education Trust.

Leicester City councillor Inderjit Singh Gugnani, who represents Knighton ward, was among the organisers of the event.

Vibrant Vaisakhi

Handsworth Park with the support of the Sikh community, Birmingham City Council, our sponsors and local businesses.

“We would like to welcome everyone, Sikh and non-Sikh, to join in and share the festivities.”

The event is alcohol free and no smoking, and visitors will only be allowed to bring guide dogs into the festival area. Car parking will be provided at Handsworth Park via Hinstock Road for disabled Blue Badge holders only.

The processions are due to arrive at the park at approximately 1pm – from the Ramgarhia Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) in the Jewellery Quarter – and 2pm – from the Bab Sang Gurdwara in Sandwell. Roads around the park will be closed for the day and residents in the local area have been sent a letter advising of the details.

There will also be rolling road closures along the procession routes. Roads will be closed approximately one hour before the start of the procession and will re-open once the processions have safely passed through and the roads are clear.

marks the formation of the Sikh nation or Khalsa Panth in 1699. The five Sikhs leading each procession represent the original Panj Pyare who were the first to join the Sikh order over 300 years ago.

Birmingham City Council cabinet member for Social Cohesion and Equalities Cllr John Cotton said: “Birmingham’s Vaisakhi celebrations are yet another vibrant expression of our city’s rich culture, heritage and diversity.

“People from neighbourhood across Birmingham and the wider region will be joining together to celebrate Vaisakhi and enjoy the festivities. It is one of many fantastic free community events planned for the coming year and everyone is invited to join in the fun.”

Dr Pyara Singh Bhogal, Chair of the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham, added: “Vaisakhi is a very important event in the Sikh calendar.

The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham has organised the annual Vaisakhi celebrations in

A Consultant surgeon Jarrod Homer and consultant anaesthetist Kamran Abbas were seen ‘squaring up’ to each other in a Kamran Abbas and Jarrod Homer corridor at Manchester Royal Infirmary, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. A nurse intervened in a bid to split them up – but ended up accidentally knocking out a tooth of one of the doctors. It is understood Dr Abbas, from Didsbury, and Mr Homer, from Mobberley in Cheshire, have been asked to stay at home while hospital chiefs investigate the incident. A spokeswoman for Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the MRI, told the M.E.N: “This incident is the subject of an internal investigation and we are unable to comment further while this is under way.”

It is understood the altercation took place around two to three weeks ago and believed to have started off as a minor row over patients not being brought down to theatre at the right times. It escalated into a huge argument later though not clear which doctor lost a tooth during the incident. Dr Abbas declined to comment to the M.E.N and Mr Homer could not be reached.

Postal worker sentenced 12 month community order for 'feeling inside' letters

A postal worker who was caught “feeling inside” letters in a Birmingham sorting depot has been sentenced to a 12-month community order, the Birmingham Mail has reported. Ihsan Ullah, 20, had previously denied interfering with the mail but was found guilty of the charge following a trial.

Ullah, who was told by city magistrates that his job had been one of trust and that he had “betrayed” that trust, was also ordered to do 40 hours unpaid work and pay £300 costs. Marni Chumber, prosecuting, said Ullah had been working temporarily for the Royal Mail during the Christmas period.

Adrian Stephens, defending, said Ullah was a young man who had never been in trouble before with the police. “He was immediately dismissed by the agency which had employed him,” he said.

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A father and son fraud team who were members of a VAT gang have been ordered to hand back £2.3 million or face another nine years in jail.

Ardip Singh Hayre, 29, and his dad Mandish Singh Hayre, 58, both of Lovelace Avenue, Solihull were previously jailed for their part in a plot to steal £17 million in a missing trader VAT fraud.

The gang made millions from the fraud which centred on the mobile phone industry and bought supercars including a Ferrari and Rolls-Royce, and overseas properties. It was uncovered by criminal investigators after a five year opera-

Mandish Singh Hayre and son Ardip Singh Hayre

tion by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Investigations stopped a further repayment claim of £5 million being made by the gang. Paperwork found during house searches showed that they planned to steal an additional £300 million of VAT. Ardip must pay back £2.2 million within six months or be recalled to prison to serve an addi-

tional seven years. He was listed as a director of the exporting firm involved.

Mandish, who laundered more than £600,000 of criminal proceeds through bank accounts in the UK and abroad was ordered to repay £172,000 within six months or serve an additional two and a half years. Dave Cowie, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation for HMRC told Asian Voice: “This gang stole vast amounts of money to fund a life of luxury they neither earned nor deserved.

“We are determined they do not leave jail to enjoy that lifestyle again and have restrained a num-

ber of high value assets.

“There are several properties in the UK, Florida, Spain worth over £1 million each, and proceeds from the sale of high performance cars, including a £250,000 Rolls Royce Phantom and a £165,000 Ferrari.

“HMRC works tirelessly to identify and recover profits from crime. If these criminals do not pay up, they will serve extra time in jail, and still owe the money when they are released.”

HMRC investigations led them to in China, Taiwan, India, Italy, Denmark, Germany and Belgium.

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

Vitabiotics is proud to receive

j Britain’s Highest & Most

Coveted Business AwardÊ THE QUEEN’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE IN

INNOVATION Vitabiotics is honoured to be the first vitamin supplement company to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation.

We are delighted to receive this recognition of our ground breaking, highly successful Pregnacare® clinical research.We are proud to have engaged in such high quality and truly unique research, to ensure our customers receive the best supplements possible.

Thank you to all of our customers, suppliers and research partners for their ongoing support.

SPEARHEADING THE INNOVATION World renowned British scientist Prof. A. H. Beckett OBE (1920-2010)

18 year Chairman of Vitabiotics with his former student: Dr. Kartar Lalvani OBE

Founder of Vitabiotics

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The FIRST British company to receive The Queen’s Award for Innovation in vitamin research

40 YEARS THREE TIMES WINNER

6

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

How viral videos do wonders for brands

Mo Luthra Branding Consultant www.moluthra.com While growing up the idea of creating a piece of video content was a complex and expensive proposition. Yeah, we had home movies and if we were lucky enough some simple editing tools but that was really about it.

As the digital age has progressed and transcended to new heights, every Tom, Dick and Harry has the potential of being a Spielberg. Our phones are literary mini production studios, with cameras that can be used to produce broadcast quality images.

For example, famous South Korean film director Park Chan-wook, director of international

hit film Old Boy, shot an entire movie for theatrical release on an iPhone.

The cost of producing video content is virtually nothing, anyone can put out something and many have taken up the challenge. At the end of the day what really sells is a good narrative, and creativity.

Big brands have been aware of this and coupled with the popularity of YouTube have been creating interesting content on low budgets for ages. By producing a narrative that is so strong, it enables the message to spread, or as the term is coined, it goes viral.

This has been further enhanced by social media platforms which allow messages and video content to reach even further. Twitter has just announced that they will be starting to incorporate video content on their feeds as well.

The ability of small businesses to get on the bandwagon is imperative now. To be seen as a leader within your field is best expressed through moving images.

Video allows you to play an emotional narrative around your brand in a

very easy way. People in general have been trained to treat video as engaging and entertaining media, and hooking your business message to that with a bit of creativity becomes easy.

We can witness the effect of such things, where an unknown South Korean pop star has become a worldwide phenomenon. Psy’s latest music video, Gentleman, has already had 180 million views on YouTube within a week.

The ability to reach and spread a message is easier now than ever before. The numbers we are talking about are massively bigger than anything that you’ll get from typical TV viewing figures. In fact the largest viewing figures for television shows are all in 80’s and 90’s, where there was a restricted number of channels and limited choice of programmes.

Now content is cheap and easy to produce, and media is democratised.

Look to enhance your brand and start communicating it with the power of video. It’s the best story teller.

The Caste Debate: The Media, The Mediators and The Mendacious Continued from page 3 before finally Baroness Thornton spoke – the only Labour voice in the entire debate. In the circumstances it is not unreasonable to wonder whether the cries of betrayal were directed appropriately!

Last week too the drama moved to the Commons, but in the end, the vote that was supposed to happen there, didn’t! The government ran out of time and only tabled a motion to reject all the Lord’s amendments (including caste). This means that the Bill now goes back to the House of Lords where the amendment has already been retabled. So where will the debate go from here?

Baroness Warsi

It is worth recalling that in the 2010 debate when the Labour government decided to delay implementing caste as a protected characteristic it was the Conservative opposition that said Labour was not going far enough and the Conservative Baroness Warsi who referred to a study, Hidden ApartheidVoice of the CommunityCaste and Caste

Discrimination in the UK. And declared that it, "illustrates that there is a real and widespread problem” [Official Report, 11/1/10; col. 340.] Many now predict that the Conservatives will do a U Turn and will accept Lord Harries amendment before Parliament prorogues for the Queen’s Speech.

(Goodness knows what Mr Sharma may then say to them!)

By contrast, over the past week, the Labour front bench team has been meeting with community leaders. They have made it clear that the principle of equal protection under the law is one that the Labour party will continue to support and that whilst government cannot legislate for people’s private lives and social habits, it has a duty in the public sphere of employment and the provision of services, to ensure that no individual is discriminated against on the basis of a characteristic over which they have no control. That is why colour, disability, gender and race are all protected and it is the reason that Labour believes caste should join those as a protected characteristic.

We believe that the Conservative proposal to carry out a massive “Education Campaign” about caste is profoundly mistaken. We can see no purpose in teaching people about the caste system where they do not already

know about it, when the objective is to eradicate discrimination on the basis of caste altogether.

But Labour has also listened carefully to what thoughtful community leaders like Arjan Vekaria and Manoj Ladwa have been arguing and the Party has now put to the government a set of proposals to render Lord Harries’ amendment more workable and acceptable.

Baroness Thornton

First, the government should work with the community and set out clear guidance to ensure that legislation does not perversely revive the caste system. Employers and other public bodies should not seek information about a person’s caste and there must be no requirement on individuals to disclose their caste for socalled monitoring reasons.

We should be reducing, rather than increasing, the number of people being identified by caste, and action must therefore be taken in a way that reduces rather than entrenches the potential for discrimination.

Second, the government should commit to a consultation with the

Kapil’s

KHICHADI Follow me on Twitter: @kdudakia

by Kapil Dudakia - email: kapil@abplgroup.com

Labour + Indians = ?

It is 45 years since the then Labour Government passed the Commonwealth Immigrants Act of 1968 to control the flow of East African Asians. Such was the haste to keep the Kenyan Asians out; they actually passed it in 3 days. It was also Labour that introduced the term ‘patrial’ in the Act for the first time? This in effect distinguished people who had ancestry in the UK with those who did not – in effect the Act was designed to keep non-white people out of the UK. Of course we cannot forget that whilst the Labour Party presented it, it was passed with support from the Tories also, though to his credit the young Michael Heseltine did oppose it at the time.

Why do I raise this issue? Mainly because all too often the Indian community tends to assume that Labour is proimmigration and pro-Asian. However the evidence suggests that we do need to temper that view in light of what they actually do. For example did you know that in 1972 it was the Labour Council in Leicester that took out national adverts literally telling Ugandan Asians NOT to come to Leicester? What does this tell you about the Indian population in Leicester and their voting record over the past 45 years?

Of course we do have some more recent examples of the Labour Party seemingly saying one thing to our community, but doing something rather different in practice. For example I am sure readers will remember that it was under the watch of the then Labour Government that the UK imposed a highly unethical and unwarranted visa ban on a duly democratically elected Chief Minister of Gujarat – Shri Narendrabhai Modi. Many believe that might have been part of their plan to appease the Muslim community to secure block votes.

However in taking such a stance against CM Narendrabhai Modi the Labour Party showed total disrespect to our community, and of course to the very basic principle of British justice. Since David Cameron came to power the Tory Party has at least made an effort to engage with Gujarat and Narendrabhai directly, and to my knowledge has also indicated that they would like him to visit our shores.

On the other hand the Labour Party has still to declare their position on this important matter. I have personally asked Ed Miliband on several occasions to clarify his position – to date no response. So what does that tell you about our politicians who want our votes, but don’t show sufficient respect to our communities once they get those votes?

Even more recent is the disgraceful attempt by Labour and their cronies to try and amend the Equalities Act to include ‘caste’ as a form of discrimination. The Tory Party to their credit have opposed this absurd change given there is no vericommunity about how caste is defined in the legislation. Such a definition should be set out in guidance before the clause is enacted. It should be very clear that caste is not religion specific, and is a social and cultural practice that extends across different parts of the community in different ways.

It can be subscribed to by, and affects, members of any and no religion and the guidance should reflect this. Such guidance would deal with genuine

fiable independent evidence that shows that such a provision needs to be included in the Act at present. For once some of our Hindu organisations came together to fight this ridiculous proposal that came via Labour peers. I also read the comment (in AV of last week) by London Assembly Member Cllr Navin Shah (Labour) – unfortunately he forgot to mention that it was in fact his Labour Party that created the problem for the Hindus in the first place, and it was Labour that was spearheading the campaign both in the Lords and in the Commons. In fact just to make the point clear – 115 Tory peers voted against the amendment compared with 161 Labour peers who voted for the amendment. I would say to Navinbhai – it seems either you are betraying your community and Dharma, or your own Labour Party has betrayed you and your Dharma, can you enlighten us as to which it is and what you intend to do now?

There is a lesson in there for us to learn – that is if we as a community are bright enough to learn it. Don’t you think that when any politician or any political party play games with our community, that they should be made to pay for it dearly? It seems on this issue the Tory Party has shown a remarkable level of unity in their support for Hindus. It will be interesting to see how this plays out over time. The question we must ask is why did Labour go out of their way to create such a difficult position for the Hindu community in the first place? Surely the least we should expect from a party that has had the overwhelming support of our community for decades, is for them to protect our interest and the integrity of our Dharma?

What were the Indians/Hindus affiliated with Labour doing? Have they sold their souls to politics to such an extent that even when their Dharma is under siege, they choose to turn a blind eye on the hope they get rewarded with a safe seat or an honour?

I also ask those multi-millionaires who so proudly give large donations to these political parties – what is it that you get back in return? If this had happened to the Jewish community all hell would have broken loose. Their power brokers would have made politicians pay for their contempt; a lesson once taught that would resonate with politicians for years to come. Instead the Indian, and in particular the Hindu community, show that they still remain slaves of the imperial master of yesteryears.

So what does all this mean for you?

Simple, you hold the power to some 20 plus seats in the UK. If we as a community can get our act together, then we do have the power to affect change. Are we ready for this? Or are we going to remain divided and be ruled as third class citizens? The choice is yours to make.

concerns that have been raised about the apparent slight to any one faith.

Third, this consultation, detail and guidance all needs to be undertaken and in place before the new law is enacted. We therefore support the community suggestion that the new clause should commence 1 or 2 years after the Bill receives Royal Assent.

All of us are agreed that caste is not a major problem in UK society. All of us are agreed that any

discrimination on the basis of caste is relatively tiny and must not be used as a stick to beat the Indian community in the UK. But we must now work together to ensure that our recognition of the scale of the problem and our desire to protect the community from those who twist things in the media does not make us lose sight of our fundamental principles; because all of us are also agreed that discrimination is wrong.

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

7

PM hosts Vaisakhi party at 10 Downing Street Dhiren Katwa British Sikhs are a “model” community, Premier David Cameron told guests at a reception he hosted to mark Vaisakhi, the annual Sikh harvest festival.

Held at Number Ten last Thursday, the two-hour event brought together around 200 guests, each eminent in their respective fields of work.

Traditionally Vaisakhi in Punjab had been a time for farmers to reap the fruits of their toil and a time for joy after the longawaited harvest.

Networking between guests, young and old, was distracted the moment the PM walked into the state rooms. It was amusing to observe, again, how several guests made a dash to greet the PM, and have their photograph taken. For first-timers, understood. I was the same when I first entered Number 10 on 3 December 1999, during Mr Blair’s reign, then as a fledgling reporter.

The event began with hymns, performed by the Gurmat Sangeet Academy, followed by

PM David Cameron addressing the invited guests at the 10 Downing Street Vaisakhi

‘yes, I know, I’m from Croydon,” which prompted laughter. “I was quite surprised that no serving British PM had been not only to visit the Golden Temple but also to see the site of that dreadful event that happened in the last century.”

He also made reference to the three pillars of Sikhism: the absolute belief in God and the importance of worshipping God; the importance of work and the dignity that work brings; and the importance of contributing to your community. “And those are really such vital pillars of our life here in the UK, and maybe they are part of the explanation of why your community is a model of how a community can integrate into a country, can Introduction to the evening’s programme followed by Sikh prayer as make such an enormous contribution to that country, but PM Cameron and Mr Resham Singh can of course retain the Sandhu look on importance of your separate prayers led by Gyani Charanjit identity at the same time.”

Singh, head priest at On the once aggressive Leamington Spa’s £11 million searching of turbans at airports, Gurdwara – one of around 300 ‘I’m proud that the government in Britain, each run by elected put a stop to that EU nonsense.’ committees of worshippers.

The PM also won applause for Several guests removed their noting that next year will be the shoes and covered their heads 160th anniversary of the first during the prayers, as a mark of Sikh arriving in the UK, in 1854. respect. Then the PM stepped on “.considerably before the to the raised platform to give his Camerons made it South from address: “You are all extremely Scotland,” which prompted welcome here tonight,” he laughter. He also pointed out began. “And I wanted to welthat the Sikh commucome you particularly this year nity has “one of the because I think the highlight of lowest rates of imprismy year so far, in a job that takes onment of any group me to meet some extraordinary in our society.” people and to some extraordiSavouries and soft nary places, was the visit that I drinks were served was able to make to Amritsar to throughout the event. see for myself the Golden Guests included: MPs Temple – really the spiritual Dominic Grieve, Alok home of your religion,” describSharma and Paul ing it “an incredibly moving and Uppal.

Richard memorable experience.”

Harrington, MP for He added: “When I’m hit Watford joked about with trouble and turbulence and his tall height: “At problems that I can just think least I can look down back to those beautiful calm on the PM,” he smiled. waters around the Golden Also present were Temple and the wonderful smell Sayeeda Warsi; former of chappatis being cooked.” He High Sheriff of described the moment he met Leicestershire Resham the first person in Amritsar: “I Singh Sandhu; put out my hand and said hello Women of Cultures’ I’m David Cameron and he said director Dr Gurjeet

Bains; professor of cardiology Jaswinder Gill; director of Sikh Channel DS Bal; singer Mona Singh who is following in her father Channi Singh’s footsteps, founder of Punjabi music band Alaap; Bhangra legend Malkit Singh; radio DJ Bobby Friction; editor and publisher of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar Mr

Singh, Pardeep Sandhu, Simranjeet Singh, Pargat Singh and Amarpreet Kaur, as well as Pardeep Kaur and Ranvir Singh, the only Sikh couple serving in the British Army as a chef and trooper, respectively. Also present was 27-year-old Princejit Ubhi, representing the RAF, entrepreneur Ranjit Singh Baxi

Hymns performed by the Gurmat Sangeet Academy

CB Patel, professor of Physics at Imperial College Tejinder Virdee; director of charity United Sikhs, Sundeep Kaur; Kulbinder Kaur Pouni, headteacher at Wolverhampton’s first Sikh-ethos Anand Primary School due to open this September and Dr Rami Ranger, Chairman, The British Sikh Society.

Other guests included teenage Sikh students Arjan

and financier Jitesh Gadhia.

Outside on the pavement, members of campaigning group Kesri Lehar were protesting peacefully. Holding placards and standing behind large banners, they chanted: “Wake up Mr Cameron” and “we want justice”. Kesri Lehar campaigns to stop human rights abuses facing minorities in India, also calling for the death penalty ban.

Last month in a major debate

PM Cameron with invited guests from uniformed services

at Westminster Hall, Sikh Council UK was recognised as a ‘national advocate’ for British Sikhs. The debate was instigated by the All Party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs and was led by Gareth Johnson, Tory MP for Dartford.

Sikhs have added a little something in their own special way to Britain. In Gravesend, a street was named ‘Khalsa Avenue’, whilst in Southall the iconic ‘Glassy Junction’ public house, famed for its Punjabi atmosphere, became the first to accept Indian rupee currency from its customers. Coventry’s Joginder Singh Nagra was responsible for introducing the Punjabi GCSE and A’Level to the National Curriculum.

The first day of the month Vaisakh, Vaisakhi is the anniversary of the birth of the Khalsa Nation. On April 13, 1699 the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, called a mass gathering of Sikhs and initiated the five beloved ones 9Panj Pyare) and established the Khalsa order of Saint Soldiers, bringing to fruition a way of life that had been lived by the 10 Gurus and which would be guided by the immortal message conveyed through them and installed as The Word or Shabad Guru in Shri Guru Granth Sahib. Thus a code of conduct was established providing for the Sikh nation a distinctive identity that bestowed honour and dignity.

This was the third Vaisakhi reception Mr Cameron has hosted at Number 10. In concluding, Mr Cameron said: “I look forward to many more like this. You should think of Number 10 as one of your homes.

Thank you very much.”

He then attempted a swift exit, but was stopped along the way by many guests who appeared desperate to meet him. Hopefully the PM made it home at a decent hour, especially as it was his wife Samantha’s 42nd birthday.

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2013

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

LILY Foundation is the sponsored charity of Asian Achievers Awards 2013

THE GOOD FATHER Lady Mohini Kent Noon

Bhupendra grew up in a circle of prostitution.

His mother and sisters were all in the trade and he disliked that immensely, but what could he do? He was only a little boy living in a dark and dusty remoteRajasthani village. Most Indian villages are lucky if they get electricity for even two hours a day. Such districts are governed by custom, not law. Alone, the boy the stood no chance but in 1998 Dr Mukherjee arrived in

Bharatpur and established the Gram Niyojan (GNK) project.

Bhupendra jumped at the opportunity and joined GNK as a field worker.

Soon Bhupendra was organizing members of his caste into groups todiscuss alterative futures for their daughters. So far, the only option for pubescent girls of the Bhedia tribe had been prostitution.

Illiterate and unskilled,

they were sent to Delhi’s red light district or the bars of Mumbai at about the age of 11 to earn money that they sent back home. It became a tradition for their idle fathers and brothers to live off their earnings in a bizarre reversal of common morality.

How does one replace the income earned by prostitution? A change in attitude of the men is as vital as teaching the women to assert their rights over their own bodies. GNK opened a school in rented premises.

M e a n w h i l e , Bhupendra got married and had a daughter of his own. He also had two

sons and enrolled all three children into the school. When Swati, his daughter, turned 14 there was pressure on him from the community to send her to Mumbai to “learn the trade”. Bhupendra refused, despite his financial difficulties. Instead, he sent Swati to secondary school that was five miles away, something unheard of in that district.

It’s ironic that the Bhedia community will

Bhupendra

not countenance their girls commuting five miles to school but happily send them hundreds of miles away to city brothels.

Swati’s very proud of her father. She finished school with good grades, went on to college and graduated from the local Roopwas Community College. She’s now training to be a teacher.

Her brothers are also forging careers instead of wanting to live off the earnings of their sister from a brothel. Her older brother will join the Rajasthan Police Force and the younger one is preparing to become a civil servant.

“I am glad that I am able to give my children the future they deserve.

They have made me proud, that is all any father can ask for,” Bhupendra said.

However, no matter how brave Bhupendra is, he would have been helpless without the support of GNK. The LILY campaign supports GNK in Rajasthan. Please help us to help them.

For more information go to http://www.ipartnerindia.org/lily-foundation.php OR contact us at info@ipartnerindia.org/ +44 20 7841 8919

Vitabiotics receives The Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation Vitabiotics, the UK’s fastest growing major vitamin company, has become the first British business to receive a coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its vitamin research.

This has been awarded to Vitabiotics for the development of its Pregnacare range and in recognition of the ground breaking, highly successful Pregnacare clinical research.

Vitabiotics Pregnacare is Britain’s leading prenatal vitamin and is the pregnancy supplement brand that is most recommended by midwives.

The range provides nutritional support for conception, pregnancy and foetal development, as well as

Dr Kartar Lalvani

breast-feeding and postnatal health. Published scientific evidence from independent clinical trials conducted in the UK has shown that Pregnacare tablets can increase the chance of conception in

women undergoing ovulation induction, and ongoing pregnancy rates, while reducing the risk of small for gestational age babies.

Commenting on the award, Vitabiotics President Dr Kartar Lalvani OBE said, “Vitabiotics’ ambition has always been to create the very best, scientifically researched supplements for our customers. We are delighted to be recognised for this and as Britain's first ever vitamin company to receive a Queen’s Award for Innovation, it is a huge honour to receive this accolade. I would like to thank all of our customers, suppliers and research partners for their support over the years.”

Spriha Srivastava

Alchemy brings the taste of India This year’s Alchemy festival at the Southbank brought a fresh breath of air along with it. The festival brought colours, food and the taste of India in every way possible. Some of Bollywood's biggest singers performed alongside BritishAsian rappers, Tamildescended rock heroes and sitar superstars, while debates around the impact of colonial rule were held, aerial dancers swept from the rafters and spicy snacks were dished out from a chaat shack.

During this time, from the 12-21st April, the Southbank Centre Square was transformed into a bustling Indian market. The focus was on challenging the preconceptions of what Indian cuisine is, and can be. From the most creative and talented chefs taking Indian cooking into the more refined, Michelin-star territory, to the best

examples of authentic, regional street food, so integral to daily life across India, the festival celebrated the full diversity of this amazing continent in all its spectrums!

There was a variety of fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts as well as cooking demonstrations from top chefs, beer and curry pairing, Carrom playing, henna artists and entertainment reflecting the richness of India’s cultural heritage.

In terms of programmes, there were dazzling events for everyone including the mighty Susheela Raman, Hariharan, Anoushka Shankar and circus and aerial performance from the Daksha Sheth Dance Company. See rising stars Harshdeep Kaur and Ash King, and Martin Simpson collaborated with Arieb Azhar.

Anoushka Shankar’s sitar event was the biggest highlight.

Trained by her father, Ravi, since she was a child, Anoushka Shankar is a brilliant sitar player. (She's also part of an extended family of super-celebrities: her half-sister is Norah Jones, her husband is the Atonement director Joe Wright and she's performed live with everyone from Madonna to Nina Simone.)

Besides all that, she's a thoughtful, boundarypushing musician in her own right: her last album, Traveller, traced the roots of flamenco back to north-west Indian gypsies. She played the entire record live at the festival, accompanied by Rajasthani dancers.

Every year at Alchemy the wonderful diversity of authentic South Asian cuisine takes centre stage - a deep heritage that has been flavoured through many countless influences and exchanges.

Guru Pratap Pawar to perform in London Highly-acclaimed Kathak dancer Padmashri Pratap Pawar will be performing in London at the Bhavan Centre on May 11.

Triveni Dance Company’s Rangoli, meaning rows of colours will present a colourful blend of laya, taal and abhinaya aspects from the Kathak dance repertoire.

The evening will have live musical accompaniment on table, sitar, sarangi and vocals led by Pandit VishwaPrakash.

Popularly known as "India's Divine Dancer" Guruji has received extensive training in the most authentic and traditional manner from Pandit Birju Maharaj. He has the honour of being the very first Disciple of Shri Birju Maharajji.

After establishing himself in India as a celebrated dancer, Guruji was sponsored abroad to popularise the art of Kathak, Folk and Creative dances. For the last 15 years he has been residing in London, England. During his stay here, he has taught in Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan and the The National Academy of Indian Dance. Pratap Pawar is the founder and artistic director of "Triveni" dance company, London.

Moreover he has

Purcell Rooms, Kings Theatre (fund raising for famine in Ethiopia). Pratap Pawar has a long acclaimed list of memorable performances throughout his life. His performance at the Presidential House in Delhi has won him great name and fame. This performance was in honour of visiting dignitaries Padmashri Pratap Pawar from around the trained over 700 students world such as President from around the world J.F. Kennedy, President during his 8 years stay in Kaunda, Her Majesty the Caribbean countries Queen Elizabeth, Pandit and the West Indies. He Jawaharlal Nehru, Mrs. is the founder of famous Indira Gandhi and many Triveni Dance Company others. based in London, Recognized worldEngland. Apart for teachwide for his initiative in ing in London, Pratap blending Indian dance Pawar also holds regular traditions with those of monthly workshops in other cultures, such as Glasgow, where a very Andalucian flamenco, large number of students African and Caribbean undertake training. He dance as well as modern has undertaken a lot of dance, Pratap Pawar is work in bringing together very highly regarded as a different cultures by brilliant teacher of blending Indian dance kathak in the UK and with Flamenco, internationally. In 2008, Caribbean, Modern Pratap Pawar was a dance, etc. For this he recipient of the has received great Government of India's acclaim worldwide. prestigious Padma Shree Pratap Pawar is a Award. privileged artist credited Tickets for the with great performances London event are availat the Royal Festival able from the Bhavan Hall, The Queen Centre and cost £15/£10.

Elizabeth Hall and the Don’t miss this one!

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

Leading Lights

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Prashant Kunwar; a great young advocate for everything Nepali!

Prashant Kunwar is in his 30s and his family hails from Pokhara, Nepal; known as the Switzerland of Asia - the gateway to the Himalayas. He is the Business Development Manager for Khukuri Beer UK. Prashant went to boarding school in Darjeeling and finished his secondary education in Dehradun, India. Then he moved to the UK, did a Bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of West London and a Masters in Development studies at the University of London, SOAS. Prashant started off working as an associate for a Marriott hotel while he was studying for his bachelor’s degree. By the time he finished he was a supervisor assisting manager in sales strategies, brand audition, guest satisfaction and staff training. He was awarded a “spirit to sale” award.

Then he worked as a sales advisor for the RBS group where he was made the Helpathon Hero 20089 for outstanding customer service, saving, making money and giving customers peace of mind.

For a while, Prashant was stationed in the Nepalese embassy in Kensington Palace Gardens.

There, he advised and assisted the ambassador in his affairs and also looked after the trade and tourism section.

“The interesting thing was that I met many people from various backgrounds and was able to support and help many people. I did several things to helped the embassy function better; especially in communication, service delivery and looking at new ways of promoting trade and tourism.

Representing your country gives you an extra boost.

The challenging thing working in the embassy was an uncertainty about events. As it was a small embassy, there were so many things that you could do and improve.”

Prashant says a highlight for him was when he organised the first ever trade delegation to Nepal from the UK and he was appointed project manager. He also enjoyed promoting Nepal Tourism Year 2011 in the UK and Ireland. Prashant initiated the embassy’s move to collaborate with the London Mela to promote Nepalese culture and tourism.

Prashant Kunwar

He is vocal on Nepal’s strategic importance to the world.

“Nepal’s relationship with the world is based on the non-aligned policy and “panchaseel,” which are the five principals of peaceful co-existence.

Nepal enjoys cordial relations with its neighbours.

It is important due to its location sandwiched between the two largest economies of the world.

Nepal could be the hub between these two super powers; India and China.

Trade between China and India is increasing and likely to cross over $100bn 2015. Nepal could benefit from being a transit hub.”

Nepal could be the hub between these two super powers; India and China.

Nepal, feels Prashant, is blessed with a variety of geographical features and climate. It varies from the “majestic Himalayas, to the hills and valleys, to the flat land, Terai. This is an ideal place to grow herbs, spices and agriculture. “ He feels that the cultural melting pot of Hinduism and Buddhism could stimulate more tourism.

“Nepal is also the second richest country in terms of water resources.

Nepal can produce 83,000 mw of electricity; 43,000 is certainly feasible. This clean energy can be sold to neighbouring countries which are in desperate need of energy.”

Turning to Khukuri Beer, Prashant is clear on what makes it unique. “It is a Nepalese beer manufactured in UK. It is also a

niche product. We have a competitive advantage as there are many South Asian, especially Nepalese restaurants, appearing.

The flowery hop in the beer combines well with spicy food. We are also exporting this beer to Finland, Japan, Canada, and parts of Europe.

The name “Khukuri “ is very strong. People associate it with bravery and respect its history. We say that “ Khukuri Beer is produced in appreciation of the Nepalese and British peoples’ unique friendship, epitomised by the noble Gurkha regiment of the British Army”.

Prashant is also the UK representative for the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry for Nepal Investment Year 2013.

So what does that involve? “Well, Nepal is known for adventure tourism, but not so much for trade and investment.

The Government of Nepal has initiated Nepal investment year 2013-14; it has identified 40 or 50 national projects and will be showcasing them in many cities globally, looking for investors. One of the cities will be London.

I will be working alongside the embassy of Nepal to organise some events to attract potential investors before we actually do the roadshow and this will be followed by a trade delegation. I am looking to arrange some Memorandums of Understanding with some Chambers in the UK to initiate trade communication between our two countries. I have already initiated the process with some chambers for MOUs.”

9 UK Swaminarayan and Rama Jayanti Celebrations held at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London The assembly hall at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London was transformed into a scene from 1800s Gujarat on the evening of Saturday 20 April 2013. Youths donned the robes of sadhus and devotees in an enactment of various scenes from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. This trek back in history was part of the colourful celebrations of the birth of B h a g w a n Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Shri Rama. festivities The began earlier that morning with the traditional annakut (a ceremonial offering of food) artistically displayed in the shrines before the deities.

At 12 noon, sadhus performed a special arti to commemorate the birth of Shri Rama Bhagwan.

A special programme of devotional songs was organised in the assembly hall from 5pm as part of the festival. Sadhus and youths eloquently sang a collection of bhajans extolling the glory of Bhagwan Swaminarayan

and Shri Ramachandraji.

The evening programme thereafter was a journey through the time of Bhagwan

Swaminarayan – with an expertly choreographed production where the ideals of dharma he established and the uplifting impact he had on the lives of so many were vividly brought to life.

Interspersed between the sketches were devo-

tional songs and discourses from sadhus elaborating upon the values and principles of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Shri Rama.

Satyavrat Swami called upon the assembly to draw inspiration from the exemplary life of Rama Bhagwan as an ideal father, son, leader and citizen.

He then went on to elaborate upon B h a g w a n Swaminarayan’s mission on earth to purify countless souls and uplift society with applicable spiritual wisdom.

Children, youths and senior devotees all contributed to an enlightening set of performances, including a vibrant and colourful dancing procession welcoming the image of B h a g w a n Swaminarayan into the assembly hall as the festivities neared their climax.

The assembly culminated with devotional singing and the janmotsav arti sung joyously at precisely 10.10pm to mark the auspicious birth of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

10

Your Voice

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

If the Cap Fits

Life and death question

No End to Barbarism

A limit on total benefits which anyone can claim, and which is called a ‘benefit cap’, has been introduced by local councils from last week. This means that no one, even a couple with or without children, will receive more than £500 per week in benefits. Even this is a substantial amount for some one to get without pulling his or her weight. Where else in the world can someone get this kind of money without doing anything? £500 a week amounts to £26,000 per year. This amount is a net figure and no taxes are payable on that! It equates to a whopping gross sum of £35,000 a year for someone in work. Even bus drivers who have heavy responsibilities of carrying passengers in London traffic do not get this kind of money even with overtime.

So people who do not do a stroke of work and laze about at the expense of those who get up early in the morning and brave the rush hour madness to go to work, will have to start looking for work if the benefits cap fits them. It is time that this should happen especially since people who arrive in the UK can immediately start drawing housing and other benefits even if they have not worked in this country. Then there are people who claim Disability Living Allowance and parking blue badge when they can jog in the park or run to catch a bus!

Mr. Rudy Otter has queried about Reincarnation, which is twinned with karma. I have touched reincarnation in my previous letter. Reincarnation is accepted by ancient Egyptians-(Book of Thoth), Tibetans-(Book of Dzyan), Hindus-(Vedas) and by modern / post modern parapsychologists Mr. Otter, one reincarnation is not enough to unfold mental / supra-mental faculties in during evolution, just as a person cannot be given a degree after attending kinder-garden session.

Endeavours to unfold faculties are recorded by soul for use by causal body the God, when soul vivifies physical body. The God, opens up newer vistas as and when humans convert pure knowledge in applied outcome.

If the God had limited soul’s stay to one incarnation, we would be in caves/jungles a la animals. Human being has accrued faculties via reincarnations to live comfortable lives, and is aspiring to colonise habitable planets.

On spiritual level, soul opens awareness of God to varying vibrations of gross matter, which we name as sins or merits.

In response, God creates habitat congenial to convert pure knowledge in to applied knowledge. But imaginative humans venture into uncharted areas.

God motivates them to chase horizon.

Humans demanding and God supplying leads to development of faculties that lead towards perfection.

In my opinion, there is no perfection either for humans or for Gods, when humans are chasing horizon as end of knowledge; on reaching there humans find God has pushed horizon farther.

Thus reincarnation is communicative interplay between humans and God via soul, to motivate humans to continue chasing horizon.

Last week, I was shocked to read the news about a 5 year old been raped brutally in the capital(Delhi)! As I slept thinking about this sad, shameful and merciless incident, I wake up to read the news about a 4 year old been raped in Nagpur. And as I feel so bad about mentioning these barbaric acts, I come across another shocker: a 6 year old been raped and murdered in Aligarh. There has been a numerous rape crimes since the infamous brutal-rape in the capital that shook the world few months ago!

Such a shame and disgrace for the country that stays in the mind of the West as the largest democracy in the world and one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Every now and then we come across conferences and presentations on India Shining. How can the country be shining when it fails to protect its daughters in her own streets!

I believe the Govt. has failed to introduce stringent punishment and quick trial for crimes such as rape.

Such a shame.

Hoping to see a quick improvement soon.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

What caste are you?

Whilst I condemn discrimination of any kind, I cannot bring myself to support the caste discrimination amendment that was passed through the Lords earlier this week. I fear that the very legislation that seeks to eliminate caste discrimination is actually resurrecting and reinforcing it.

Perhaps I am fortunate, but as a third generation British Indian I have never come across such discrimination here in Britain. It is only in recent weeks, that this very debate has led to many of my friends and colleagues to ask me for the first time, “Ameet, what caste are you?”

This demonstrates that such legislation is dividing communities rather than uniting them.

There is currently no agreement within our community, let alone within British society as a whole, over the nature, extent or existence of caste discrimination. The amendment was passed through on insufficient evidence, and the Government’s original plan to carry out an in-depth, public consultation to assess whether legislation is the best approach to deal with caste discrimination - if any was voted down.

I am a Soni, from the Goldsmith caste, and whilst I have always been proud of my heritage, to date I have always identified as a British Hindu. My biggest fear in the future is that ‘caste’ will now become ingrained into British society, and that I will identified by my caste rather than my faith or my ability.

Ameet Jogia Via Email

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

Soaps that shapes society British people, on average spend more time watching TV than most. One reason may be our cold, damp climate with lack of sunshine, especially in winter that keeps us indoor, in the comfort of our cosy homes.

TV has unique ability to shape society, educate children and make difference.

Yet our screens adorn, embellish soaps that glorify teenage sex, incest relationship, violence and benefit dependency.

While Australian soap, like Neighbours, Home and Away concentrate on scantily dressed teenage girls bordering soft phonography, British and Americans soaps, police dramas are hooked on violence, gang warfare and drug addiction, thus creating den of inequality.

The mild, sub-tropical climate and beautiful sandy beaches provide perfect setting for such Australian soaps that warm our hearts and look so tempting in cold, miserable climate. Our Bollywood films with teasing sex encounters are no better than Australian soaps and may be responsible for the rape culture that haunts India.

Dev Bhatt Ilford

Thinning out Isn’t life funny? In India, back in the old days, we admired obese people in the belief that they must be extremely wealthy to be able to afford to stuff themselves with mountains of food. Their rosy cheeks we also admired as a sign of robust health.

Thin people, on the other hand, were obviously short of money and unable to eat much.

These days we take the opposite view, that people generally are fat because they can only afford to eat cheap junk food.

What’s more, their rosy cheeks denote not good health but high blood pressure.

The thin ones, however, must be sufficiently well off to eat lightly, nutritiously and wisely because healthy food costs more.

How times change!

Rudy Otter Via Email The Conservative crusader Ian Duncan Smith, who is trying to mend broken British society by slashing benefits, should take note that it is British soaps like East Enders that encourages, glorifies gang warfare and benefit dependency.

It seems EastEnders lurches from one extreme to another. For years, gay relationship monopolized the story-line.

Now gang warfare and needless violence have taken it over. Our soaps are supposed to reflect reality in life. If this is reality, God help us! We are already a doomed nation morally, on the slippery slope to oblivion.

Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email

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The Caste Lobby loses the vote in Parliament A vote took place in the parliament on whether caste discrimination should become law on 16th. April. During consultations going on prior to the vote the Labour Party assured the Hindu leaders that caste vote would not take place and they will recommend the issue to be discussed at a later day in the Lords. The Conservatives were reassured that the issue would not be voted on. Meanwhile the late prime minister Margaret Thatcher’s cortege was passing by the parliament and most conservative MPS were outside.

Out of no where Labour MPs brought the subject up and said it must be voted on. A lot of Labour MPS including Virendra Sharma spoke for the issue to be voted on. The Labour MPs filled the House up. Panic bells started ringing amongst the Conservatives led by Alok Sharma. All the Conservative members were asked to attend the House and take part in the vote. Every Hindu organisation needs to write to the Labour MPs and Labour leaders that they have let down the Hindu community and will not get our votes. The only Labour MPS who supported us were the Labour MPS from Scotland because they have clans there similar to caste.

Thanks to the Conservative MPs led

by Alok Sharma that we won the day. The Hindu organisations should write to Conservative MPs and thank them for their support.

All the Liberals voted with the Conservatives as part of the coalition and supported us. Hindus must wake up for their interests. We have to learn from the Jewish community and unite on crucial issues that impact us.

Nitin Mehta Via Email

Dear Letter Writers Thank you for your letters to our ‘your voice’ section. As you may recall a few years back we made it mandatory that your ‘letters to the editor’ must not be more than 200 words. Despite that we have allowed people to write upto 250-300 words and have edited them as and when required.

However some letter writers continue to send letters worth 400-450 words.

Our Editorial team has been editing them every week. However the team and the Editors have decided that from now on, if any letter is more than 250 words, we would unfortunately not be able to accommodate in the paper.

Please note: Letters must be written within 250 words. And can be sent via email to aveditorial@abplgroup.com

by Monday 5pm or by fax to 020 7749 4080 or by post.

- AV

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

Dr Rami Ranger wins 'Director of the Year' category at the prestigious IOD Awards Dr. Rami Ranger MBE, FRSA, Managing Director of Sun Mark Ltd, wins the prestigious Institute of Directors (IOD) “Director of the Year 2012 - Large Company” for London and the South East at a prestigious awards dinner at the Landmark Hotel in London on the 19th April 2013.

His company has also won the most coveted British business award from Her Majesty the Queen, The Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade, for an unprecedented 4 consecutive years and in the process has made British business history Sun Mark exports FMCG products to 110 countries with staggering results and sustains thousands of British jobs with its export activities.

The company’s sales continue to grow despite the global downturn.

After receiving the award, Rami thanked the judges, his wife Renu and Staff. He also paid tribute to the British

sense of tolerance and fair play and that as a result an ordinary immigrant like him could achieve such high accolades. He further said that it is a great honour for anyone to be nominated by such a prestigious panel of judges when the criteria for this award is very high.

The dinner was attended by over 300 fellow Directors.

The guests were addressed by Gyles Brandreth with a witty and inspiring after dinner speech.

The Channel 4 presenter, Emma Crosby, conducted the evening’s proceedings and the award was presented to Rami by Mr Rodger Broad, Regional Director of the I O D.

Asian Greeting Cards go live for the first time Taking place on 14th & 15th May 2013, Progressive Greetings Live is the only trade show dedicated to the UK’s thriving greeting card industry, and this year specialist greeting card publisher 7GEMS, who design & publish greeting cards catering for the UK’s significant South Asian population, have taken the plunge to showcase their unique products at the show for the very first time.

Sachin Vasani, 7GEMS MD explains “we’ve been trading now for almost 3 years but have not taken part at a major show till now that is. Our goal was to build up our business at a grass roots level whilst proving our concept works and steadily building our collection of designs. When I started the business I attended a ladder club seminar and the advice received was to start out slowly testing the market and gradually developing your ranges and designs” For Sachin, it turns out that the advice proved invaluable as 7GEMS now have a customer base of almost 200 independent retail stockists and a product range consisting of

Sachin Vasani

over 100 designs which cover everyday occasions.

Their concept of Culturally Significant Asian Greeting Cards has become immensely popular as it highlights and promotes the vibrancy, values, heritage and traditions of Asian Culture to both Asian and Non Asian Consumers alike.

Last year saw the relaunch of 7GEMS very own online web-shop; http://www.AsianGreetin gCards.com, through which people can buy, write and send cards to their nearest and dearest.

This year the company intends to expand their product offering with a range of complementary gift items such as Mug’s, Keyrings and Fridge Magnets - all of which shall be unveiled at PG Live!

11

UK Tamilnadu Chamber of Commerce launched at the House of Commons

British South Indian Chamber Commerce and World Tamil Organisation UK jointly launched the UK Tamilnadu Chamber of Commerce (UKTNCC) on 15th April in the British Parliament Buildings. The idea to launch such an organisation was conceived by few entrepreneurs a year ago, when they shared their experiences in entering Indian market as a British Company. Though there are many such organisations in UK, the founder members are first Generation Immigrated Entrepreneurs from Tamilnadu and Pondicherry.

UKTNCC will be more of a Social Enterprise than a business promotion council. UKTNCC will focus mainly in promoting Bi-lateral trade and investments between UK and South India (Particularly Tamilnadu).

Moreover UKTNCC will be a launching pad for Entrepreneurs and Businesses who wish to enter the ever booming South Indian Market.

Members and Individuals will be discussing on various policies which affects positively and Negatively, Opportunities, Market Entry Strategies etc.

Mr. Virendra Sharma MP, President, IndoBritish Chamber of Commerce presided for this Launch event. The guests list included many but not limited to representative's from Governmental and NonGovernmental Trade Promotion Organisations, P h y s i c i a n s , Philanthropists, Entrepreneurs, Engineers, Solicitors & Barristers, Chartered Accountants etc., Jacob Ravibalan one amongst the Founder Members Welcomed the Guests, Lawrence Fredrick (Founder Member UKTNCC) discussed on the potentials and opportunities for British Businesses in Tamilnadu, as well presented the key investment requirements which Tamilnadu is looking for.

Dr Manivarmane (Founder Member UKTNCC) unveiled the unexplored Investment potentials of Pondicherry (Pondicherry's strategic location benefits Tamilnadu to a greater extent, both the economies go hand in hand). Future Plans and Strategies of UKTNCC was explained by Sundar Subbiah (Founder Member UKTNCC).

Mr. Roy Spencer (Global Lead, Travel & Tourism Consulting with in TCS London) Happily shared his experiences working with Tamilnadu its Highly qualified Human Resources, the

Ways TATA Group is benefiting from these work force.

The guests included Ms Kamala Chandrasekar (Head of Finance - UKTI), Mr Aditya Vidyadhar Mittal, Mr.Philip Abraham (Vice-President, British South Indian Chamber of Commerce), Mr Prabakar Kaza (Managing Trustee, UK Telugu Association), Mr Thiruvasagam (President, British Tamil Trade Forum), Mr Kumar Kunthikanamata (President, Kannada Sanghama UK), Mr Sampath Kumar (President, London Sri Murugan Temple), Mr

Venkatraman (CEO, SBI UK), Mr SV Arumugam (President, Confederation of Indian Textiles), Entrepreneur Mr Sampath Kumar.

The Launch program was co-ordinated by Ramesh Kumar Balakrishnan (Founder Member UKTNCC) and Karthik Durgaprasad along with Somasundaram (Founder Members) organised this function.

Siv Matchendran (Founder Member UKTNCC) thanked the Chief Guest and other Guests for their gracious presence and Wishes for UKTNCC Success.

12

Media Watch

Amid the hurly burly of Indian politics, the country’s economy soldiers on regardless. On the eve of Finance Minister P.Chidambaram’s Washington road show, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) produced its own take on the subject.

Having culled the data, the IMF judged that the slide in the Indian economy had bottomed out and that recovery would follow on the back of improved external demand and recent government policies to stimulate growth.

The IMF said: “External demand, solid consumption, a better monsoon and policy improvements are expected to lift activity in India.” Its projected GDP growth for the country was 5.7 per cent for the current fiscal and 6.2 for 2014. However, it warned against any slackening of fiscal reform, and measures to rein in the fiscal deficit and curb inflation. The latest inflation figure is now at a three- year low of 5.96 per cent, leading to heightened market expectation of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India next month.

www.abplgroup.com - asian Voice 27th april 2013

ture universities and research laboratories be set up by the government.

Best practice would entail an integrated approach leading to the creation of a national technology mission, a national sustainability mission, a national agriculture and food export mission, a national farm to market infrastructure authority, mega demand servicing and export hubs and private participation in agricultural extension services.

These should be complemented by agri-business focused venture capital funds as public-private partnership initiative between Central and State governments

removed for IT enclaves.

India’s Finance Minister P.Chidambaram announced in New York that raising the cap on foreign direct investment in defence and insurance was on the cards, with a cabinet committee in place to report on the issue (Times of India April 19).

India to raise Russia trade, investment While India-European Union talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) may be encountering choppy waters on the final stretch of the

IAF war game The India Air Force (IAF) used a third of its fighter fleet in an ambitious war game, “Exercise Livewire,” in the eventuality of a two-front conflict with China and Pakistan. It was the first of its kind and involved all assets of the IAF including mid-air refueling tankers and AWACS early warning systems. Bases from every part of the country were activated, with Russianbuilt Sukhoi 30MKI in the lead attack role. The IAF has an authorized strength of 42 squadrons but is currently short

Positive signs

would enlarge its footprint in India, especially in the area of inclusion on which the governThree positives have appeared ment was focused.

Mr on the radar: Prices of fruits and Chambers, who met Prime vegetables have eased; the globMinister Manmohan Singh and al crude oil price has fallen in ministers responsible for IT and recent weeks, reducing the prescommerce, said one of Cisco sure on subsidy; while the objectives was to work with the decline in oil and gold prices government to find technology (the latter at a 15-month low) solutions to India’s challenges in augurs well for foreign exchange education and healthcare. “With management. The Sensex rose broadband and cloud, we can by 387 points, the biggest rise in change the school system, have seven months (Mint, Times of many more learning areas from India, Telegraph April 17). good teachers, remotely. Every village can have a healthcare TCS dispels pessimism system with a fast network system, where the health data of a Market pessimism about IT person can be captured and a industry prospects, following doctor in a remote location can the recent disappointing Infosys take a look at it.” figures, was dispelled by the HCL Technologies reported bounce in the Tata Consultancy a net profit jump of 72.6 per cent Services (TCS) net profit of 24.9 for the quarter ending March 31. per cent for the fourth quarter of “Amidst a challenging and 2012-13. “We have delivered uncertain business environment, HCL Technologies continues on its growth trajectory fuelled by its alternative outsourcing approach led by two unique value propositions of alternative ASM and Enterprise Function as a service provider,” said President and CEO Anant Gupta in an interaction with reporters in Delhi.

Meanwhile Reliance N. Chandrasekeran at Mumbai press Industries (RIL), the conference petrochemicals, retail and oil conglomerate another strong quarter and have posted a year-on-year increase of closed the [financial] year with a 9.2 per cent in revenue, with a good run rate,” Tata CEO, N. net profit of 32 per cent for the Chandrasekaran , told a press fourth quarter 2012-13, which conference in Mumbai, Future brought the year’s earnings to prospects TCS is looking to Rs 3.71 trillion (Mint, Hindu, Europe for future growth. “We Times of India April 17, 18) continue to look at Germany, France and Japan as there are outstanding global players Future in high value there…..By and large, the enviprocessed food ronment presents a lot of opportunities for us, as companies are High value agriculture and looking at technology to transprocessed food will be the cataform themselves to achieve lysts of the next wave of growth growth,” Mr Chandrasekaran in the farm sector, according to a said. He was robustly optimistic McKinsey-Confederation of about the future.”Looking ahead India Industry (CII) report our deal pipeline is pushing for a “mission-mode” strong…..Deal closures are hapfrom the current outlay from pening….This fiscal [2013-14] is ministerial programmes and going to be better than 2012-13. schemes. The report recomWe will be ahead of Nasscom [IT mended the establishment of an trade body] numbers in constant Agri Renewal Mission that will currency,” he concluded (Hindu, create an enabling environment Times of India, Mint April 18) for greater private-public part-

Cisco, HCL, RIL optimistic Cisco Chairman and CEO John Chambers said his company

nerships.

Integrated approach The report recommended that 45 world class food and agricul-

and private capital providers “to lead the next wave of growth.”

Crop diversification Five key products – mango, banana, potato, soya bean and poultry – were likely to drive the next wave of growth in the agriindustry. “Driven by changing consumption patterns, the future of agriculture and the food sector will lie in crop diversification in high value crops and high value additions” and help exports in the sector, said Adil Zainulbhai and Rakesh Bharati Mittal, respective Chairmen of the McKinsey-CII report. Government had to change gears and farmers their traditional habits for India to become a food hub for Asia (Hindu April 14). This is a vision statement.

Only Implementation will make it a reality.

Land acquisition, new SEZ norms Indian MPs, transcending party affiliation in the national interest, voted for land acquisition legislation based on a compensation package for farmers at acceptable market rates, and the proper safeguard of tenants’ rights. A major hurdle to industrialization will have been surmounted and the country can now go forward without facing the travails of the past (Hindu, Times of India, Mint April 19).

Further to this, government has withdrawn the minimum land area requirement for IT Special Economic Zones (SEZs), thus removing an impediment for small firms to set up shop. The specifics are as follows: Minimum area for multi-product SEZs reduced from 1,000 hectares to 500 hectares; for sector-specific zones, area requirement halved to 50 hectares; 10 hectares

Commerce Minister Anand Sharma in Moscow

negotiation, Commerce Minister Anand Sharma made a dash to Moscow from the Indo-German summit in Berlin to meet top Russian officials for a quantum jump in Indo-Russian trade and investment. Indo-Russian trade had increased by 25 per cent in the past year and should reach its projected target of $20 billion by 2015. Mr Sharma hoped Russian companies would set up at least one world class enclave in the mega MumbaiDelhi industrial corridor; and he looked to increase RussianIndian investment in each other’s economies, with Russia now a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Minister Sharma will attend the annual St Petersburg Economic Forum in June and make a business presentation there.

FTA ministerial talks between and the RussiaKazakhstan-Belarus Customs Union “will cover trade, services and investment, and India will be one of the first countries to sign such an agreement with the Russia-led Customs Union,” said Mr Sharma (Hindu April 15).

of its target by about seven (Telegraph April 16) Meanwhile, India’s projected acquisition of six Scorpene submarines is in a near shambles, with a barnacled Defence Ministry at sixes and sevens in a situation in bureaucratic gridlock (Times of India April 16)

Presidency woes The Presidency University Mentoring Group, headed by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, has come down hard on West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress regime for the recent unprovoked attack on the State’s premier institution and centre of excellence and demanded a full and impartial inquiry into the disgraceful event. The vandalism of the famed Baker Laboratory was specially deplored. Those culpable had to be brought to book, said the Mentoring Group. Hopefully, they will.

Monsoon forecast

India’s monsoon rainfall is likely to be “well distributed” and “adequate,” according to a seasonal forecast by weather analytics firm Skynet, buoying hopes of an economy recovery if the prediction is fulfilled.

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

(+ * % +) % )) Mobilising British Indians Lessons From A Campaign

I write this after spending 5 hours on in the Chamber of the House of Lords listening to various debates, including the short one on legislation banning caste discrimination. Never have I been a party to so much energy and effort by British Indian groups as I have on the issue of caste. The House of Lords even mentioned a Newsnight report about caste discrimination in Britain.

The art of leadership is getting people to do what you want. It surprises me that some people however don’t appreciate that someone may be reasonable and disagree with them. Baroness Flather believes in such legislation, Lord Popat feels it is not needed. Both are reasonable and friends. An activist will never ever understand why someone does not agree or care like they do. A leader will know, some are left behind, but must always be kept close. Activists lose, leaders win in the long run. Too many campaigns have too many activists, not enough leaders. (The activist is the one who starts insulting anyone who disagrees with them – the leader is the one who gets rid such activists).

Let’s say you’re on Newsnight talking about, say, caste, how do you handle Paxman and make your point? Remember always your first priority is to defend the Faith, not its followers. Do not mistake the two.

The former is eternal, the latter are regularly questionable.

Paxman: But discrimination is bad isn’t it?

You: (Concede, and go beyond his point. This ensures their next step is blocked and you rightly are seen as the bigger open-minded person. Do not deny an obvious fact.

You will destroy your credibility. Use it an opportunity to say what is good

about Hinduism. You have a 10 minute advert – use it. 10 minutes to defend your faith.)

‘Yes Jeremy, it is appalling and must be stamped out. Let me tell you how to do it, where legislation should be the last not the first resort.

After all, would you legislate against Christian fundamentalists? No. It’s a miniscule problem. So even one is too many, but why stigmatise the whole community? A community which does so much good, that we can all work with?

Provide us the evidence and we will do everything to clean up our house if there is dirt in our house.

But really, Parliament coming down on us, makes us feel like criminals?

Do you really want another criminalised ethnic minority feeling put upon?

Paxman: But Hinduism promotes caste doesn’t it?

You: Jeremy, Hinduism is a broad church, like the Christian Church. There may even be gender discrimination. But we must educate not alienate. A small minority believe in things the vast majority of us think have no place in Britain. This is the statistical equivalent in Britain of raising the issue of anti-Witch discrimination. Why are the hundreds of thousands of Hindus who agree with you and me being attacked?

We’re an open faith with 5,000 years of history revered by Einstein and Western thinkers alike. We’re not some backward subcontinent cult Jeremy. We’re not the Taliban Jeremy – our Faith drove the creation of the world’s largest democracy and its constitution under which a billion Hindus live was written by what you term ‘an untouchable’.

So if a Christian causes offence to another Christian – do you attack

the Catholic Church as a whole Jeremy? Do you say Parliament must legislate?

Paxman: Who do you represent?

Which Hindu groups?

You: Jeremy 99.9% of Hindus would agree with me about caste being vile, as I am sure 99.9% of Englishmen would agree with you about Class being a vile way to discriminate and just as 99.9% of journalists would agree corruption is something that is vile. I speak for the 99.9% of Hindus. (ie remind him of his own weakness, show teeth in your defence. Make the interviewer think about more than one thing). If your research shows you anything it is that Hindus are independent minded and no one speaks for someone else – we simply agree or disagree – it is the ultimate democratic faith. (yes mention democracy! Defend the faith, never the followers).

Just as 99.9 Muslims believe Islamic terrorism is bad or Catholics agree child molestation by Catholic priests is. And it is not representative of the faith or its followers. On that I speak for all Hindus.

By the way, it’s not caste discrimination. It’s caste based offensive remarks. I think we need people to stop being offensive, whether on caste, or accent, or being from Essex, or ginger hair, or workplace bullying – as happens in the BBC. But what worries me Jeremy is that this is being brought up as an issue. Statistically insignificant – yet attacks a whole community. Why Jeremy?

Jeremy: But one is too many isn’t it?

You: Yes Jeremy – let’s make a law.

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Memorial held to mark 20th death anniversary of Stephen Lawrence The mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence has said her "pain is raw", at a memorial service to mark the 20th anniversary of her son's death on Monday 22 April.

The 18-year-old black A-level student, aspiring architect was stabbed to death at a bus in 1993 by a gang of white youths in a racist attack in Eltham,

South East London on 22 April 1993.

The memorial service took place at St Martin-inthe-Fields, near Trafalgar Square in central London.

Mother Doreen was joined by friends, relatives and supporters of the charitable trust that she set up in her son's name.

She told the congregation: ‘I've always tried to look forward and to focus

Nick Clegg, David Cameron and Ed Miliband at the Memorial

on the positive since Stephen's murder, and looked to see how I can make the lives of others better.

'The pain of losing someone never goes away, you just learn to live with it at cost.

'Over the years as a family we have mourned in our separate ways, not daring to speak out loud about our feelings. My pain is raw, and that of my children.'

In a statement the PM told the Asian Voice, “The senseless killing of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 was a tragedy. It was also a moment that sparked monumental change in our society - change that has been brought about by the tireless efforts of Stephen’s family in challenging the police, Government and society to examine themselves

Doreen Lawrence speaks at her son's memorial

and ask difficult questions.

"I believe that many of those questions have been answered: from improved community relations to more accountability in policing. Much has been achieved, but we know that more still needs to be done. We owe this to the memory of Stephen."

Continued on page 30

Give only £1 for Pitru Moksha. Be privileged by providing and facilitating Misthan Bhojan to poor ashramvasi of Vrudhashram. For more details, contact Bharat Welfare Trust-UK. Toll free number 0800 9990022. Kindly send cash/ cheque/ draft for charity in name of ‘Bharat Welfare Trust’. For UK Contact Phone: 01162667050 Heartiest invitation to come and see the services of the organisation.

Next to Vishram Gruh, ATPO: Bilimora (West). Dist: Navsari - 396321 Madhavlal Purohit (T) +91 2634 285121 (M) +91 99256 73021

14

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

Anjali back on the sets of ‘Bol Bachchan’ remake

Goat named ‘Shah Rukh’ in new film!

The Badshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, has inspired fans and filmmakers alike. Makarand Deshpande paid an ode to him in a film titled Shahrukh Bola 'Khoobsurat Hai Tu'. Now, a goat named 'Shah Rukh' is one of the central characters in National Award winning filmmaker Janaki Vishwanathan's “Bakrapur!”

About the goat's name being Shah Rukh, she clarifies, "There is a tendency in rural India to name pets after superstars." Janaki explains, "We had a massive goat hunt in villages, where we checked out almost 400 bakras in markets before zeroing in on one which was called 'Shah Rukh'!

Actress Anjali is back on the sets of her forthcoming film (Telugu remake of “Bol Bachchan”) starring Venkatesh and Ram. The actress, who went off the radar for 5 days and has hit the headlines, has reappeared last week and addressed the media in brief citing personal problems. Anjali, who will be romancing Venky in this film for the second time after SVSC, has resumed shoot that is progressing at Panchgani in Maharashtra. The Telugu remake is directed by Vijaya Bhaskar while Sravanthi Ravikishore and D Suresh Babu are jointly producing. Shazahn Padamsee is paired opposite Ram.

Vijay is a ‘Nanban' at home too

Prachi Desai replaced by Priyanka Chopra's cousin

It had been reported recently that Prachi Desai opted out of Vikram Bhatt's third 1920 film, owing to her hectic schedule for the Sanjay Dutt film, “Policegiri.” Now, sources reveal that Prachi has been replaced by South actress Meera Chopra, who happens to be Priyanka Chopra's cousin. Vikram Bhatt feels that Meera has a subtle sensuality and is a good actor as well. The film, co-written

by Bhatt and Sukhmani Sadana, will be directed by Tinu Suresh Desai. It is set to go on floors in May.

Sunny Deol is washing utensils!

Get ready to see the softer side of Punjab da Puttar Sunny Deol in forthcoming rom-com “I Love New Year”... Having played the ultimate macho man in most of his films, Sunny will be seen displaying his 'gharelu ladka' side in this Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru's directorial. Sources revealed that Sunny, in a sequence in the movie, will be seen washing utensils after a party. Now, fans of Sunny Deol have seen him doing everything from bashing up bad guys with his bare hands to uprooting water pumps, but we just bet the sight of Sunny washing utensils is something that has never been seen before by anyone...

Deepika's romance blossoms

If the latest buzz is to be believed, the budding romance between actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh is seeing a new high. It seems that the actors, who will be seen together for the first time in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film, Ram Leela, can’t get enough of each other. A few days ago, Ranveer injured himself on the sets of “Gunday” and got a gash on his leg that needed three stitches. And, Deepika rushed to his house to check on the actor. Only a few days ago, Ranveer despite his limping leg, drove all the way from Mumbai to Wai, to fix a secret meeting with his alleged girlfriend Deepika.

Vijay is known as much for his onscreen energy as for his off screen charitable activities.

Under his guidance, his big fan base makes it a point to indulge in activities that benefit the poor and downtrodden sections of the society. Vijay said in a recent interview that it is very heartening and satisfying for him when his fans undertake such initiatives, which offer some solace for the poor and compromised souls. He also said that he was a friendly dad to his two kids and makes it a point to interact with them on a variety of issues. He added that he would make sure that they get the best education, before they pursue their specific life interests.

Aamir Khan among 100 most influential people Bollywood star Aamir Khan has been featured on one of the seven special covers of the Time magazine listing the world's 100 most influential people. The list includes finance minister P Chidambaram, Delhi lawyer Vrinda Grover and California's IndianAmerican attorney general Kamala Harris besides teenaged Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai and US President Barack Obama. Aamir has been chosen for using his influence to raise social awareness in India.

Shakti Kapoor's son Siddhant gets a pat

Son of Shibangi and actor Shakti Kapoor, Siddhant is making his acting debut with “Shootout At Wadala.” "He (Siddhant) plays Gyanchod in the film. His performance (in the film) is outstanding. After the film, mark my words, we will have another star," added John Abraham. He was speaking at the launch of the song 'Ala re Manya' from the film. The youngster didn't miss the opportunity to praise John for supporting him throughout. "John had gone out of the way to help me and give me so much of the confidence," Siddhant said.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

No item numbers for Kaajal Vashisht

I

leana D'Cruz, who shot to fame with “Barfi!” has been roped in by Sanjay Leela Bhansali for his next film, “Gabbar.” The project is a remake of 2002 Tamil film “Ramana” and marks the Bollywood debut of south director Krish. Ileana will star opposite Akshay Kumar, who after the success of “Rowdy Rathore,” is working with Bhansali again. A source said, "Ileana started getting numerous film offers after being noticed for her role in Barfi!. Ramesh Taurani signed her for Raj Kumar Santoshi's ‘Phata Poster’... and now she has bagged Gabbar." The film will go on floors by the end of the year after Akshay finishes filming Milan Luthria's “Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai...Again” and Ashwin Varde's “Boss.” Talking about the film, the source added, "Akshay and Ileana's chemistry will be interesting to watch. It is quite an unlikely pairing, which Bhansali is trying to explore. Akshay plays the lead role in the film where he fights against corruption."

P

Kaajal Vashisht, who is making her debut in southern cinema with the upcoming Telugu romantic drama “Iddarammayilatho,” is certain that she won't do item numbers as her focus is on performance based roles. "Other actors can choose what they want to, but no item numbers for me. I have acted in theatre and did plays. I did films. I believe my potential as an actor would attract work for me in South. I want to do more films in South provided I get performance-based roles," Kaajal said.

She is cast opposite Allu Arjun in Puri Jagannadh directed 'Iddarammayilatho', which also features Amala Paul and Catherine Tresa in the lead roles.

Govinda to play negative character in ‘Kill Dil’

Govinda will be seen playing a negative character in an upcoming Yash Raj film “Kill Dil” for the first time. Apart from Govinda, Aditya Chopra's new film stars Ranveer Singh, Ali Zafar and Parineeti Chopra. Though Govinda has played a grey role earlier in “Shikari,” “Kill Dil” will be his first out and out negative role, while the film will be helmed by director Shaad Ali. Elaborating on the role, Govinda states that unlike a totally negative character, the role will be more of a realistic character. On the other hand, Yash Raj Film's spokesperson confirms saying that Govinda will be seen in a pivotal role in the film.

riyanka Chopra’s name always featured among the top three actresses next to Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor. But that changed two years ago. Suddenly the actress seemed to have lost her foothold.

In 2012, she had only two releases. She had no films with any of the three Khans, even an Ajay Devgn or Akshay Kumar for that matter. Her fall-out with Karan Johar ensured that she was even out of the party scene and a certain well-known star address in Bandra. But then everything changes. The actress who had been written off, made a dazzling come back. Her performance in Barfi! got her rave reviews and reminded her critics and detractors just how talented an actress she was. Suddenly, there was renewed interest in her work. While everyone was speculating on the fact that she had no other film apart from the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer in which he had the author-backed role, she concentrated her energies to breathing life into Jhilmil. Her character touched a chord and suddenly filmmakers began knocking on her doors. And it has to be said, her performance in the Anurag Basu film was one of the better performances of last year.

S

alman Khan's charity organisation Being Human now enters the filmdom as a production banner. After Akshay Kumar produced a Canadian film (Breakaway/Speedy Singhs), it's the turn of the 'Dabangg' star to enter the international zone.

Titled “Dr Cabbie,” the film will be by one of Canada's most acclaimed Directors', Jean-Francois Poulliot (La Grande Seduction). The film will be presented by Salman Khan’s Being Human (SKBH) Productions and will be co-produced by FirstTake Entertainment and Caramel Films.

The film stars 'Speedy Singhs' famed actor Vinay Virmani, Adrianne Palicki, Kunal Nayyar, Lillete Dubey, Mircea Monroe, Rizwan Manji and Chris Diamantopoulos and will also launch newcomer Isabelle. “Dr Cabbie': An unemployed doctor turned cab driver becomes a local hero when he converts his taxi into a mobile clinic. "Dr. Cabbie is a timeless story that audiences will identify with, blending social issues and the journey to find one's place in the world," said Director Jean-Francois Pouliot.

15

16

the sunday times Rich List 2013

Increasingly diverse and unique with more foreigners The Sunday Times Rich List is a list of the 1,000 wealthiest people or families in the United Kingdom, updated annually in April and published as a magazine supplement by British national Sunday newspaper The Sunday Times since 1989.

It is not limited to British citizens and includes individuals and families who are also born overseas, but who predominantly work and/or live in Britain.

Continued from page 1 48 in leisure, hotels and travel, 40 in construction, 30 in business services and recruitment, 29 in pharmaceuticals and health care, 28 in car sales and wholesaling, 27 in transport, shipping and aviation and 4 lottery win-

ners. However women are still under represented.

Indian-origin steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, who spent eight years at the top of the Sunday Times Rich List, has dropped down to fourth position this year while leading NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul has

emerged as the wealthiest Peer in the House of Lords.

Sri and GopiHinduja, the chairman and co-chairman of the Hinduja group, take the third place. The Hinduja brothers are worth 10.6 billion pounds in 2013 as against 8.6 billion pounds last year.

Asians in the The Sunday Times Rich List Rank 3 4 24 35 38 39 55 73 59 81 106 126 145 157 168 170 222 224 224 233 244 246 255 268 277 277 316 335 353 375 372 373 382 382 426 434 464 465 465 485 572 572 590 608 608 653 653 653 693 713 745 768 777 777 815 824 824 824 849 859 859 902 932 970 970

Name Sri and Gopi Hinduja* Lakshmi Mittal and family* Ravi Ruia* Anil Agarwal* Lord Paul and family* Sri Prakash Lohia* Ajay Kalsi and family* Simon, Bobby and Robin Arora* Yusuf Hamied Sir Anwar Pervez and family Jasminder Singh and family* Ranjit and Baljinder Boparan* Navin and Varsha Engineer* Raj Matharu and family* Mo Ibrahim and family Naresh Goyal and family* Anil Agarwal* Jatania brothers* Ramesh and Pratibha Sachdev* (They give almost £2m annually to charity) Tony Fernandes* Surinder Arora and family* Zameer Choudrey and family Fakhruddin Suterwalla and Family Tom Singh and family* Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia* Amit and Meeta Patel* Kuljinder Bahia and family* Kishor Lulla and family* Vikrant Bhargava* Rashid and Aziz Tayub and family Firoz Kassam Moni Varma* Abdul Bhatti and family Adalat and Arshad Chaudhary Diwan Rahul Nanda* Subaskaran Allirajah Yeunus Sheikh and family Iqbal Ahmed and family Bhupendra Kansagra and family* Nick Dhandsa and family* Raj Sehgal and Sanjeev Mann* Shiraz Tejani Lady Nina Bracewell Smith* Bhikhu and Vijay Patel* Kirit and Meena Pathak* Pradip and Manish Dhamecha* Firoz Tejani Ratheesan Yoganathan* Tarsem Dhaliwal Anwar and Yakub Patel Nandlal and Deep Valecha* Dinesh and Tani Dhamjia* Anish Kapoor* Talal Shakerchi Koolesh Shah* James Caan Raj Chatha* Rami Ranger* Mayank Patel* Lord Alli Sanjay Vadera* Mohsin and Zuber Issa Afzal and Shabir Alimahomed Lord Gulam Noon* Kirit Patel* (* Of Indian Origin)

Industry

Value

Up by/Down by Last year rank

Industry and Finance Steel Energy Mining Industry Textiles and Plastic Gas Discount stores Pharmaceuticals Cash and carry Hotels Food Pharmaceuticals Property and hotels Mobile phones Aviation Business Services Toiletries Care homes

£10,600m £10,000m £2,550m £2,200m £2000m £1,890m £1400m £1100m £1260m £1030m £836m £700m £620m £555m £520m £515m £404m £400m £400m

£2000m Å £2,700m Ç £550m Å £50m Ç £1150m Å £616m Å £100m Ç £613m Å £560m Å £280mÅ £409 Å £50m Ç £50m Å £117m Å

Aviation Hotels Cash and Carry food Fashion and retailing Car parts Pharmaceuticals Travel Media Gambling Discount stores & property Hotel and Property Food Cash and carry Cash and Carry Business services Telecoms Cash and Carry Food Industry and Aviation Care Homes Fashion Paper products Football and hotels Pharmaceuticals Food Cash and Carry Foreign Exchange Telecoms Frozen Food Pharmacies Gas services Travel Art Hedge Fund Hotels Finance & outsourcing Cash and Carry Food distribution Foreign Exchange Media Perfume Fuel distribution Packaging Food Pharmacies

£396m £356m £350m £340m £320m £300m £300mn £254m £244m £228m £210m £214m £212m £204m £204m £187m £180m £172m £170m £170m £160m £140m £140m £135m £130m £130m £120m £120m £120m £115m £110m £107m £102m £100m £100m £98m £95m £95m £95m £94m £90m £90m £85m £80m £75m £75m

£188m Å £33m Å £130mÅ £72 Å £10m Å £75m Å £89m Å £27m Å £23m Ç £2m Ç £50m Å £3m Å £132mÅ £79m Å £79m Å £19m Å £80m Å £47m Å £30m Å £30m Å

£211m

Å

£360m

Ç

£5m

Å

4 1 33 26 87 56 42 183 112 101 208 101 146 204 158 265 New Entry 99 219 366 254 345 297 291 339 345 338 298 329 462 359 908 596 596 449 751 596 537 537 462 569 499 553 197 569 682 624 624 908 736 869 740 908 New Entry 857 869 785 785 986 908 921 908 908 962 New Entry

Jasminder Singh

Sir Anwar Pervez

59-year-old Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who has a near 30 per cent stake in Arsenal Football Club, is the richest person in Britain with a fortune worth 13.3 billion pounds.

Mittal, now worth £10 bn, is the biggest faller in wealth terms. His wealth was worth £12.7bn last year.

The report said "the 40 per cent stake Mittal and his wife Usha hold in the steelmaking giant ArcelorMittal has plummeted from 28 billion pounds at its peak to 5.95 billion pounds".

The number of billionaires in the UK has increased 10-fold since the Sunday Times Rich List was first published in 1989, shooting from

Koolesh Shah

Zameer Choudery

nine to 88. There were In 1989, the Queen to with total wealth of £ valuation included al Estates and the royal a In later years, the Qu valued solely on her pe and no longer topped 1993.

'The 30 Richest peo this year includes 28 Arora and family (£110 Asian background wh list contains new entrie sub continent like Anil Kirit Patel to name a fe Out of the 30 rich and wives, a mention o ples like Ranjit and Ba

Lord Gulam Noon

Meena and Kirit Pathak

Ajay Kalsi

Surinde

Rami Ranger

Anil Agarwal

Vijay and Bhikhu Patel

Navin Engineer

Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

17

s and self made men listed Tom Singh

Ranjit Boparan

Ravi Ruia

e 77 last year. opped the list £5.2 bn. This ll the Crown art collection. ueen has been ersonal wealth the list after

ople under 30' 8 year Robin 00m) from the hile the main es from Indian l Agarwal and ew. hest husbands of Indian coualjinder Singh

Tony Fernandes

Boparan, Navin and Varsha Engineer; and Ramesh and Pratibha Sachdev make the community proud.

However the most astonishing bit of the rich list is the mention of how divorcees earn place in the rich list, as Frances Gibb and Valentine Low state that 'marriage to a wealthy man is the easiest way to make a fortune'. This particular category fortunately has no Indians/Asians mentioned so far.

Philanthropy The philanthropists obviously have grabbed the right attention, as Lord Ashcroft has joined the philanthrop-

Mo Ibrahim

Diwan Rahul Nanda

ic movement led by Warren Buffet and Bill Gates. The former Tory treasurer has given the party £10m, but has decided not to fund its general election campaign. He has rather decioded to sign up 'Giving pledge' a public commitment by billionaires to give away most of their wealth. Another six of Britain's super rich have already made the pledge, including Sir Richard and Lady Branson, John Caudwell, Michael Moritz, Lord David and Harriet Heyman. The list also includes name of people like Mo Ibrahim and Indian couple Ramesh and Pratibha Sachdev who give away £2m every year to charity.

Subaskaran Allirajah

Simon and Bobby Arora

Sanjay Vadera

High Rollers in Gambling Vikrant Bhargava* PartyGaming

Rank 5

er Arora

Moni Varma

£228m

The Top Political Donors Donations made by individuals or their companies in 2012 Rank 7 Subhashkaran Allirajah £250,112 Rank 28 Sir Anwar Pervez £76,950

Conservative Conservative

Asian New Comers in Britain's Richest 1000 (New entrants worth £100m or more) Rank 3 Anil Aggarwal* £404m Rank Rank Rank Rank Rank Rank Rank

13 18 28 34 75 77 91

The Wealthiest Asian Baljinder Boparan* Varsha Engineer* Pratibha Sachdev* Meeta Patel* Lady Nina Bracewell Smith* Meena Pathak* Tani Dhamjia*

Women Food Pharmaceuticals Care Homes Pharmaceuticals Football and Hotels Food Travel

Rank Rank Rank Rank Rank

7 10 13 34 41

Richest Husbands and Wives Ranjit and Baljinder Boparan* £700m Navin and Varsha Engineer* £620m Ramesh and Pratibha Sachdev* £400m Kirit and Meena Pathak* £130m Dinesh and Tani Dhamjia* £102m

Rank 11 Rank 22

Richest in Film and tv Kishor Lulla and family* £244m Lord Alli £90m

Rank 1

Robin Arora*

Rank 17 Rank 26

Richest Young Asian Musician Zayn Malik £5m Mozam Hussain £15m

Rank 107 Rank 202

Lord Rana* Samir Naji

Rank 18

Tarsem Dhaliwal

60 Richest young Asian Discount stores

£700m £620m £400m £300m £135m £130m £102m

£1,100m

Asians in Ireland's top 250 Hotels and property £72m Computers £41m Richest Asians from Wales £115m

Fashion Millionaires Rank 14 Tom Singh and Family* New Look

£320m

Richest Indians in the World Rank 20 Mukesh and Anil Ambani* India Petrochemicals £17bn (2013) £19bn (2012) Rank 47 Sri and Gopi Hinduja UK* Industry, Finance £11bn (2013) £9bn (2012) Richest Indians in Europe Sri Prakash Lohia

Kuljinder Bahia

Rank 17 Sri and Gopi Hinduja* Rank 24 Laksmi Mittal*

Naresh Goyal

The Sunday Times British Asian Wealth since 1989 Top 10 2000 Rank 8. Sri and Gopi Hinduja Trading and industry

Mike Jatania

Rank 1

(* Of Indian Origin)

(Rise in fortune by £450m or more)

Steel

14,800m

Top 10 2010 Rank 1. Lakshmi Mittal Rank 10. Anil Agrawal

Steel Mining

22,450m 4,100m

HE TOPPED THE LIST 2005-2012 Lakshmi Mittal (8 years in a row) (Above listed people are of Indian origin) The Sunday Times Giving List Rank Name 2013 Wealth Recent donations Giving index Main beneficiaries 13 Lord Apurv Bagri £200m £12.9m 6.44 Education (The above mentioned Lord is of Indian origin)

Rank 4 8 15 20

Industry, Finance £11bn (2013) £9bn (2012) Steel £10bn (2013) £13bn (2012)

Asians in '30 Richest under 30s' Robin Arora, 28, and family* UK Home Retail Chain £1100m

1,950m

Top 10 2005 Rank 1. Lakshmi Mittal

UK UK

Name Sri and Gopi Hinduja* Lord Paul and family* Sri Prakash Lohia* Ravi Ruia*

The Biggest Risers 2013 Wealth £10,600m £2,000m £1890m £2,550m

Rise in wealth £2,000m £1150m £616m £550m

% rise 23% 135% 48% 28%

Change on 2012 rank 1 49 17 9

% fall 21 47% 71%

Change on 2012 rank -3 -125 -411

The Biggest Fallers

(Fall in fortune by £200m or more) Rank Name 2013 Wealth 1 Lakshmi Mittal and family*£10,000m 6 The Jatania brothers* £400m 8 Bhikhu and Vijay Patel* £130m

fall in wealth £2,700m £360m £320m

The 20 FASTEST GROWING FORTUNES Rank 5. Lakshmi Mittal and family* (17) Business: Steel Started: 1976 Net Worth: £10,000m Average annual growth rate: £270.3m (Average to last year: £352.8m) (*Of Indian origin)

18

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

Financial Voice Dear Financial Voice Reader,

I have been asked about smaller companies of late.

Those listed on AiM in particular. I use an indicator on Sharescope to look for Value Growth Income stocks.

Names at the moment include: Matchtech, Polar Capital, SpaceandPeople, Total Produce, Fairpoint, GVC, Mattioli Woods, Origin Enterprises, Hasgrove.

These are my top picks for the next 12 months. I have a simple rule that if any drops 25%, I go into cash in that one.

So how do I come to these names? My filter looks for stocks with good valuations based on P/E and PEG as well as sound earnings and revenue growth and with dividend yields. It then analysis them for momentum.

More on this at www.sharescope.co.uk/alpesh What do these have in common except their financials look good? Well they are all except Matchtech in financials or consumer industries. You would not expect either to be doing well – but that’s the point – expectations being beaten is what leads to prices rising.

Double-check the online quoted spread. Sometimes the broker just leaves a ridiculously wide ‘holding’ spread which they’ve got from the underlying market.

Rules prohibit this in the underlying market but it can ‘slip’ through for the unwary.

Of course for instant diversification check out the AIM UK 50 index. How are we doing? Well sadly not good. Sure we’re up since the bottom in 2008/9 – but who isn’t. Nowhere near the go-go 2007 levels.

Where does that leave us? Maybe short them then?

Since performance upside is so difficult. Are AIM a better shorting bet? After all there are no whale fund managers to come in and prop up a price.

In shorting (that is expecting stocks to fall) I look for candidates based on trend not on some immense industry insight or reading of their annual reports. I sort to see the fallers over periods of 2 weeks to 4 months and then ensure the price is high enough to get a decent quote on a spreadbet platform – so something at a 1p is out! Poor Albemarle and Bond is typical of what I am talking about.

Why might this appeal to the Asian Voice reader?

Many look for risk and reward greater than the bank account or even large stocks. They want the returns provided by the riskier assets. Not just India but UK companies. This is where AIM comes in and at investor conferences I attend – whether hundreds or thousands in the audience I always find Indians in the audience as they tend to be high savers with a strong risk appetite.

For them – AIM is ideal.

Vodafone India to invest $1 bn in FY 14

Despite uncertainty on the spectrum issue, telecom major Vodafone India said it remained committed to the Indian telecom market and would invest another $ 1 billion in 2013-14. "We are committed and will invest another $ 1 billion in India in FY 14 for capacity building," Vodafone India MD & CEO Marten Pieters said on the sidelines of the M-Pesa launch in Kolkata.

He, however, hinted that investments in India might not continue if the Vodafone Group did not get returns from its investments. Vodafone Group has invested Rs 810 billion in acquisition and another Rs 550 billion of capex in the past six years, but the parent did not get back adequate money as returns, Pieters said. "Is this fair?" he asked.

Asked about the 2G spectrum issue, Pieters said, "We are ready to pay market related price."

He said the price for the 900MHz should be benchmarked to 1800MHz for valuation. On auction,

he said, "We favour auction of unused spectrum, but not for the spectrum which is already in use for existing operations."

DoT had reportedly declined to extend the licenses for Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata service areas which was due to expire in 2014. Asked what solutions the company wanted, Pieters said, "We are not unwilling to talk with the government."

He said that the government should not differentiate between 800MHz (CDMA)and 900MHz spectrum pricing and offer a level playing ground.

Pieters also ruled out possibility of Vodafone India IPO unless uncertainties for the company ended. "We all need a more favourable environment," he said. Reacting to court observations on sharing of 3G spectrum, he said "We think we are entitled to this roaming pact, though the government clearly thinks that we are not. The matter is in court. So, lets see how it unfolds."

Sun Mark Ltd has won Britain’s most coveted business award from Her Majesty the Queen, The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade, for an unprecedented 5th consecutive year. This is a unique achievement as no other British company to date has won five consecutive Queen’s Awards and achieved this in competition with the very best in British business.

For Sun Mark to win this accolade in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and now again in 2013 means that its name will be set in stone as being the only company to have won five consecutive Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and this achievement will remain in the business history books forever.

The criteria set by the

Queens Award are very high as they state that any company receiving this honour must show “an outstanding achievement resulting in substantial growth in overseas earnings, sustained over a minimum period of 3 years or more.” Sun Mark has now received its fifth consecutive Queens Award by demonstrating beyond doubt that the company’s business ethos is sound, especially in these challenging economic conditions when it is has become increasingly difficult to grow businesses.

Sun Mark has been able to increase its sales, profitability and international reach because it believes that ‘a hidden talent is no talent.’ To expand sales and improve performance, Sun Mark team

Dr Rami Ranger

has been exhibiting its extensive range of products across the world in destinations including China, USA, Malaysia, Canada, India, Dubai, France, Singapore, Germany and more. It is now exporting its products to over 110 countries and that sales continue to grow in double figures.

India, EU eye more sops, fail to clinch trade deal India and the European Union failed to clinch a deal on the Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) that has been in the works for six years as both sides sought more concessions for the deal to go through.

Amid a volley of protest in India over the government's stance on allowing cheaper imports of cars and wine, India’s trade minister Anand Sharma sought a "good package" on services, including "data secure" status that will help Indian IT companies, especially smaller players.

The other area of interest for India is movement of professionals. A key demand is to get EU to drop the safeguard clause

on services sector that will kick in when 20% of European Union's committed number of professionals enter member states' territories. In addition, India wants a clause which allows movement of spouses and dependents

along with professionals who get temporary entry into an EU member state.

"Both sides sought a complete understanding on a balanced package in the services sector. Other issues of market access for

agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and textiles were highlighted by Sharma. EU conveyed its strong interest in financial services, automobile sector, wines and spirits and cheese. EU also sought assurance on the facilitation of registration of their Geographical Indicators," an official statement said.

At the same time, Sharma is learnt to have made it clear that going beyond WTO's agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, or Trips, was a no-go area. "The experts and chief negotiators (at the official level) will remain engaged and the next ministerial meeting is scheduled for June," the statement said.

Sun Mark’s founder and chairman, Dr Rami Ranger MBE, FRSA, believes that personal and social responsibility go hand in hand with corporate success and he is a supporter of the Prime Minister’s Big Society vision for Britain. He is a strong advocate of putting back into the community from where we gain so much. He is a Fellow of the Princes Trust and works to inspire the youth of today with his life story; that anything is possible with the right attitude and approach to life. He believes the best way for anyone in business to serve Britain is to create wealth and employment by exporting products at a time when our economy needs to grow and when exports are the solution.

Cairn India net rises 17% to Rs 25.64 bn Cairn India, India’s biggest onland oilfield operator, reported 17% increase in net profit to Rs 25.64 billion following higher crude oil production. The company's sales rose 19.5% to Rs 43.63 billion as against Rs 36.51 billion during the fourth quarter of 2011-12. Its gross operated production increased 19% to 205,323 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd). The rise was primarily due to a 32% yearon-year increase in output from the prolific Rajasthan block. Cairn posted a foreign exchange loss of Rs 28 million during the fourth quarter, compared to a loss of Rs 2.17 billion during the same quarter last year. "Our focus is on exploration activities. In the next three years, we are looking to invest about Rs 50 billion in 450 wells in Rajasthan," CEO P Elango said.

India’s exports fall in FY13; March pick-up offers relief India's exports fell 1.8 pct in the 2012/13 fiscal year, India’s trade ministry said, but they were up for the third straight month in March, offering some relief to the record current account deficit.

The current account deficit has emerged as a big weak spot in Asia's third largest economy since last year. It is expected to have hit about 5 per cent of GDP in the fiscal year that ended in March, but a fall in gold and oil prices along with the uptick in exports since January should take some of the pressure off.

Exports rose 6.97 per cent year-on-year in March to $30.84 billion,

while imports fell 2.87 per cent to $41.16 billion, driven by lower spending on oil purchases that month, the ministry said.

That reduced the trade deficit in the month to $10.32 billion.

The government has been worried about the impact of falling exports on the overall economy, which likely registered its weakest growth in a decade in the last fiscal year. The trade gap has put pressure on the rupee, feeding inflation.

Exports for the full year were $300 billion, well below a $350 billion target but higher than expected. Trade Minister Anand Sharma, who gave

the full year figures at a meeting of exporters, also announced incentives for external trade.

"We are conscious of the need to enhance exports so that we can address the real challenge of bringing down the trade account deficit, which directly impacts the current account deficit," Sharma said.

The measures included a 2 per cent interest rate subsidy for the beleaguered textile industry, which was once a mainstay of the Indian economy but now struggles to compete with China and Bangladesh for the European and US markets.

"It is a step that's come

too late but is nevertheless welcome," said R K Dalmia, senior president of Century Textiles. "It will make sure this sector and the country's exports revive again...It's a big boost."

India imports almost meet all its energy needs, and spent $169 billion on foreign oil in the full fiscal year, 9 per cent more than the year before, a big factor driving the current account deficit.

The annual export contraction was the first since 2009/10 and reflected falling orders from the US and Europe. Exports have grown in all but four years since 1970/71, Reserve Bank of India data shows.

finAnciAl Voice

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

19

The Risk of Doing Nothing

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

When clients are wondering whether they should invest in a property or not one of the questions many tend to ask is: is there any risk attached to it?

The answer is yes. Of course there is a risk attached to it, there is risk attached to everything you do.

The only guarantee you have in life is death.

Is it likely property prices will go down in Central London in the near future? The answer is no, not likely.

What most potential investors completely fail to do is to analyse the risky position they are already in. The illusion seems to be if they do nothing but stay in their current position they are some how risk free.

If you have money sitting in the bank is that counted as risk free?

Not if your money's in a Cyprus bank account it's not. And what exactly does risk free mean? If you have £100,000 sitting in an account and it grows by a few thousand per annum does this mean that your money is risk free?

What is commonly thought of as risk free is if the principle is the same and doesn’t disappear. In the UK consumer price inflation held steady at 2.8% in March, at its highest level since May last year. The Bank of England said it expected inflation to exceed 3% later this year.

The highest paying account with easy access at the moment is 3%. So if you're earning this much in your bank account your funds are keeping in line with inflation, correct? Not really as you will be taxed on this as it's an earning.

The economy has been suffering from the impact of a high inflation rate for the last few years. A high inflation rate is a reality that investors have to cope with in a developed economy such as this.

£214,000 in 2009, which is now worth £360,000 according to a mortgage valuation the client had done recently to raise funds on the property.

The client hasn’t managed to save this much over the years. There is a reason why property is seen as a secure asset, the main reason is that it exists physically - it cannot disappear. Therefore funds put into this investment will not just vanish if there was a 'crash'. What people term as a property crash is not a property crash, as properties do not crash. The over dramatic statement is used when property prices decline 15-20%; and that too temporarily. Stock and companies can crash and disappear along with your savings.

Very simply, money can be printed and distributed, as demonstrated by the rounds of Quantitative Easing we have had. Land and property cannot as there is a finite amount of it, therefore it stands to reason given enough time it will always rise. One of my favourite sayings is: buying a dud property is like having a bad haircut, if you wait long enough it will grow back.

Of course this is not a reason to purchase a dud property, it should be bought with care and proper due diligence, following the first three rules: location, location and you guessed it location.

There is a reason why in this climate banks are still willing to lend you 75% of a property value. Typically most of the money used in a property transaction is not your own, but the banks; and they will only lend if the property is seen as a good security. They have their own interest at heart first, not yours.

Deciding to invest in property can actually be a lifeline to get you out of your current situation, the sad thing is many don’t even appreciate they are in a predicament.

Doing nothing in the current situation may mean you will end up behind, financially, in the future.

It is said inflation is a slow, sile nt killer, which grad uall y ero des t he value of mon ey, and in t urn t he value o f accu mu lat ed savings. Inflation can erode wealt h o ver the years.

To accumulate wealth, it is necessary for the year-on-year growth in accumulated savings to be higher than the inflation rate. If your accumulated savings are growing at a rate lower than the inflation rate, your savings corpus is actually shrinking as the value of the pound today will be lower than what it was at the beginning of the year. The pound today will fetch lesser goods and services than what it did a year ago due to inflation. Hence, beating inflation is very important for any investor.

In addition many services which used to be free are now having a price attached to them; for example university education and some medical services which used to be free on the NHS . So the cost of living is increasing in ways which cannot be measured by inflation.

Some economists argue that printing more money will not address the fundamental problems underpinning struggling economies. On the contrary, it has damaging effects in the long-run in terms of capital accumulation, output, employment, and living standards.

The above scenario paints a risky picture and the situation many face by doing nothing. By default doing nothing and leaving your funds in the bank is doing something, and the chances are your capital is being eroded month on month.

Property investment if done in the right way will act not just as a safety net but has the potential to propel your finances even higher than you expect. An example is a flat we purchased for a client for

The Real Deal

It is said if you d on’t move fo rward in life you go backwards. This certain ly seems to be the curren t situ ation .

Property has been the saving grace for not just investors who wish to have a solid financial situation in the future, but those in business; having a property portfolio can be a solid cushion when times get bad. In business there will be always ups and downs, many of those who have appeared in the Sunday Times rich list have property to thank for their success. If it wasn’t the reason for their success it often was the reason why they could stay in business through bad times.

Investing in property has risk attached to it, but what is the risk attached to doing nothing? This also comes down to human nature.

For example many do not see the importance of exercise until the heart attack comes. So if doing nothing is not acceptable in any area of life, why do we accept this when it come to our finances?

Investing wisely in property will neutralise risk attached to it; for example invest in a location where the demand comes form several sources not just one sector, there are many places in the UK where the DSS are the only tenants available. So a change in government policy could mean there is no one to rent your property....

Edgware Road, London, W2 Purchase Price: £350,000 l A large two bedroom flat in this popular location l Rental income of £20k per annum l Valued at £400k l Only £50k required as deposit l Funding is available

Call us now to reserve!!

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

0207 993 0103 info@sowandreap.co.uk

www.sowandreap.co.uk

55 Bryanston Street, Marble Arch Tower, London, W1H 7AA Follow us online:

Sowandreapuk

SowandReapProperties

Tips of the Week l Investing in bricks and mortar means the investment is real, hence it cannot simply disappear, like non tangible investments such as stocks and shares. l Rather than purchasing in cash it may be tax efficient to take a mortgage, and also it will allow you to purchase multiple properties instead of only one.

20

UK

Maria Fernandes

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

India is the largest recipient of remittances in the world, receiving $69 billion in 2012, the World Bank has said. India topped the list of countries receiving remittances, followed by China ($60 billion), the Philippines ($24 billion), Mexico ($23 billion) and Nigeria and Egypt ($21 billion each), World Bank said.

Other large recipients include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Lebanon. According to the latest edition of the World Bank's Migration and Development Brief, officially recorded remittance flows to developing countries grew by 5.3% to reach an estimated $401 billion in 2012.

Remittances to developing countries are expected to grow by an annual average of 8.8% for the next three years and are forecast to reach $515

maria@abplgroup.com

Taking racism out of immigration

he Minister for Communities, Warsi, T has defended David

Cameron for his stand, she claims, in taking racism out of the Government’s immigration policy.

Elsewhere, a Romanian paper, incensed by derogatory remarks expressed by Britain regarding the entry of Romanians and proposals to launch adverts discouraging it citizens from entering the UK, has issued its own adverts inviting the British to visit Romania instead. It leads with the claim that “half of our women look like Kate.

The other half look like her sister” and has encouraged the public to place their own adverts.

In the meantime in Warwickshire, an owner of a farm put up signs which state “No East Europeans” which is reminiscent of the 70s when these adverts were commonplace but usually related to the Irish or “Blacks”. In fact, in conversation the East Europeans are lumped together as if they are one nation and blatantly ignores the individuality of the nations that make it East Europe. Is this anything but racism? In Chichester, a Tory councillor has made derogatory racist comments about immigrant children. To adopt the words of a song “When will they ever learn?”

Diane Abbott has warned Ed Milliband not to indulge in “dog whistle” politics as a means of curbing the rise of UKIP who routinely stoke fears of the rise in numbers of immigrants and the effect on this on “our way of life” - as if a way of life remains static for all time.

All parties have made major speeches about the need to listen to the population and profuse apologies for not “listening to people”.

Which people? The ones who vote for UKIP? What none of them have done is to speak up on the benefits of immigration. We only have to look around for stars in our midst: Mo Farah,

Lewis Hamilton and Amir Khan are all from immigrant backgrounds.

Countless Asian and black names appear in all walks of life, who are here as a result of immigration, many of whom were derided when they arrived. Today’s porters, factory workers and cleaners will either themselves or through their children be tomorrow’s doctors, physicists and engineers.

None of these positive factors are put forward.

Instead the immigrant is supposed to be grateful for being here. And for those who are already here and doing well, shame on you for going along with the crowd and agree that immigration should be stopped simply because you think that it is the ‘cricket test’ which assimilates you, that you are OK, and that that the ladder should be pulled up for others.

The politicians have a duty to act responsibly when they discuss immigration. They have been elected to lead and this is what they must do.

Making positive comments about the benefits immigration brings (and there are countless examples of this every day) is a start.

UKIP must be laughing that they are leading the agenda and that the parties are nodding their heads like the toy dogs at the back of cars. Race and immigration are conjoined twins. It is not easy to separate one from the other. There is however a need to shift the debate to where it belongs: that the country should not fear immigrants. They are the product of globalisation and need to be absorbed, as they will be, successfully, if there is leadership in the debate.

Maria Fernandes has been in practice exclusively in immigration for the past 25 years. Fernandes Vaz is based at 87 Wembley Hill Road Wembley in Wembley and can be contacted by telephone on 02087330123, by email on info@fernandesvaz.com.

Kaushik Basu, the World Bank's Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics.

Officially recorded remittance flows to South

enable people to partake in the global labour market and create resources that can be leveraged for development and growth.

"But they are also a source of political contention, and for that very reason deserving of dispassionate analysis," said

Asia are estimated to have increased sharply by 12.8% to $109 billion in 2012, the World Bank report said.

Global remittances, including those to highincome countries, are estimated to have reached $514 billion in 2012, compared to $132 billion in

India to return to 8% growth rate in 2 years: Chidambaram

Asserting that India can absorb $50 billion foreign investments annually, finance minister P Chidambaram has said the downturn in Indian economy was temporary and growth will return to 8 per cent in two years.

Acknowledging the largeness of the current account deficit (CAD) at around 5 per cent of GDP in 2012-13, he said the government had no timelines or targets in mind for bringing it down. He expressed hope that softening of oil prices will help bring down CAD. Addressing the international media in New York, Chidambaram said the government was reviewing sectoral FDI caps as many of them were imposed at different points of time.

"India is poised for a

potential growth rate of 8 per cent and the country has not fixed the limit to foreign investments," he said.

"We as a country can easily absorb $50 billion investments a year or more. In the hierarchy of foreign inflows FDI ranks first followed by FII and external commercial borrowings. FDI is important to India too as in any other country," he said.

Chidambaram, who met investors in Canada and US, said Indian downturn was a temporary phenomenon. "I agree that it's a legitimate question but we have an answer.

Between 2004 and 2012 we had a growth rate of 8 per cent for six years and four years witnessed a growth rate of 9 per cent.

"We will be back to 6 per cent in the current

year. The fact that the growth in 2012-13 declined it's not permanent and all the estimates show good upturn," he said.

UPA wants to increase FDI in insurance sector: Increasing foreign direct investment in the insurance sector is top priority for the ruling UPA, Chidambaram said in Washington, hoping that a bill to address the issue would be passed in the upcoming Parliament session. Responding to questions at the Peterson Institute, Chidambaram appreciated the efforts of the insurance industry in reaching out to the opposition parties and hoped that this would help the political parties understand the issues and thus help in the passage of the bill.

2000, the report added. In addition to large numbers of unskilled migrants working mainly in the oil-rich Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, India also has a large skilled diaspora the US and other high-income countries, the World Bank report said.

Flows to Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal have also been robust, helped by strong economic growth in the GCC and India.

Remittances to the region are projected to remain buoyant in the coming years, reaching USD 140 billion in 2015, the report said.

The World Bank announced the establishment of the Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development (KNOMAD), envisioned to become a global hub of knowledge and policy expertise on migration issues.

Microsoft most attractive employer in India IT and software major Microsoft has emerged as India's most attractive employer for the third straight year in 2013, according to a survey by HR service firm Randstad.

The company was followed by Hewlett Packard and Google India in the second and third positions, respectively. Others in the top 10 most attractive employer list included - IBM (4th), ONGC (5th), Sony (6th), Larsen & Toubro (7th), Steel Authority of India (8th), SBI (9th) and Tata Consultancy Services (10th). Special recognition awards were also given to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Steel Authority of India Ltd, and Larsen & Toubro in the infrastructure sector.

Gold likely to stabilize at 25,000, say experts

Gold prices, which have crashed almost 20% from the record high of Rs 32,500 ($ 602) per 10 gram last September, are likely to stabilise in the range of Rs 25,000 to Rs 26,000 in the medium term, analysts say. “I don't expect any major pullback in the medium term. It should stabilise this year in the range of Rs 25,000 to

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"Migration and remittances offer a vital lifeline for millions of people and can play a major role in an economy's take-off. They

Rs 26,000," Naveen Mathur, associate director for commodities and currencies at Angel Broking, said. Mathur, however, said in the long term (2-3 years) gold prices were likely to regain their 2012 high. “Our long-term outlook on gold is bullish. It should go to that level.

However, in the near to medium term, there is not

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Gold prices hit an almost three-year low of Rs 25,680 last week, 21% down from the record high of Rs 32,500 in September 2012. The price recovered towards the end of the week on the back of retail buying.

Gold traded at around Rs 27,100 on Saturday.

The prices crashed this year after 12 consecutive

years of gains. Fears of Cyprus and some other debt-ridden European countries selling off gold and liquidations in exchange-traded funds are the primary reasons for the crash in prices. In the international market, gold has tumbled 28% from the record $1,920.30 (Rs 1,03,565) an ounce (29 grams) in September 2011.

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finAnciAl voice

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

21

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

Slowing the pace of austerity

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 23rd April 2013 @ 2.30pm GBP - INR = 82.79

Sterling was lower on the week ending 19th April 2013 against the majority of its counterparts amid fresh setbacks for the UK economy.

At the start of the week the International Monetary Fund cut UK growth forecasts for 2013 and 2014 as well as calling on Chancellor George Osborne to boost demand by slowing the pace of austerity.

Data from the week also showed that unemployment rose to 7.9% in the three months leading up to February and sales in the retail sector fell in March due to the poor weather conditions. And to finish off a poor weak for the pound, rating agency Fitch cut the UK’s AAA credit rating to AA+.

Also from the UK, the Bank of England’s latest minutes meeting revealed that the vote against further monetary stimulus remained at 6-3.

However, despite this, the minutes failed to dampen expectations that the Bank of England will refrain from an expansion of the current quantitative easing program (QE).

The big risk event for the week beginning 22nd April will be the release of 1st quarter UK GDP figures on Thursday 25th April, where we will find out if the UK is in fact in another recession or not. Following the poor performance for the pound in the week prior and given the relatively negative sentiment on the currency at the moment, expect the pound to remain under pressure to trade lower leading up to the data on

Thursday.

From the euro zone, German Bundesbank head Jens Weidmann warned that the European economic recovery may last a decade. He also suggested that the European Central Bank should reduce interest rates if new economic data warrants it.

Unsurprisingly, the euro suffered a selling rout following these comments, losing 0.8 cents against the pound and just over a cent against the

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US dollar in the space of an hour.

Otherwise data from the euro zone was fairly light as was data from the US. The most notable domestic data showed a fall in the rate of inflation for the two economies.

Investor sentiment generally was more negative last week after China’s GDP figures revealed that growth slowed more than anticipated in the first quarter of 2013.

Commodities such as oil and gold faced heavy sell-offs and as a result of this commodityled currencies such as the Australian dollar, New Zealand dollar, Canadian dollar and South African rand all fell sharply against their major peers.

The yen continued to weaken after the G20 declined to oppose the monetary stimulus policies that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) had recently put in place. BoJ Governor, Haruhiko Kuroda, took relief from this and commented that it will allow him to confidently continue quantitative easing for the next two years.

USD - INR = 54.32 EUR - INR = 70.50 GBP - USD = 1.52 GBP - EUR = 1.17 EUR - USD = 1.30 GBP - AED = 5.60 GBP - CAD = 1.56 GBP - NZD = 1.81 GBP - AUD = 1.49 GBP - ZAR = 14.10 GBP - HUF = 351.63

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

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

In Focus Boston Marathon bombing suspect held

Watertown (Massachusetts): Police captured a 19-year-old ethnic Chechen suspected of carrying out the Boston Marathon bombings with his older brother after an intense day-long manhunt last week.

Residents and police officers cheered and clapped when the suspect, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, was caught after an exchange of gunfire with police. Earlier his older brother Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, was killed in a shootout with police less than a mile from where the second suspect was captured.

14 killed in blast at Texas fertilizer plant

West (Texas): A Texas fertilizer factory exploded in a huge fireball last week, flattening scores of buildings and killing 14 people and injuring 160, with one official likening the explosion to a “nuclear bomb.”

The explosion stoked anxiety in a nation already on edge after the Boston Marathon blasts earlier, which left three dead. An apartment complex and a nursing home were destroyed and at least 160 patients were hospitalized following the blast that was felt 80 km away.

Abdul Hamid elected Bangladesh President

Dhaka: Bangladesh's veteran politician and parliamentary speaker Abdul Hamid was elected unopposed as the country's new President, a day after ruling Awami League nominated him for the top post. "Abdul Hamid was elected uncontested as the 20th President of Bangladesh," Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad said. The 69-year-old Hamid, a long time aide to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, turned out to be the only one to have filed his nomination for the top post.

Taliban capture nine foreigners

Kabul: A civilian transport helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in a Taliban-controlled area of eastern Afghanistan, and the insurgents took all nine people who were on board hostage, officials said. The aircraft landed in strong winds and heavy rain in a village in the Azra district of Logar province, southeast of Kabul and about 30 km from the Pakistan border, said district governor. Taliban fighters then captured all nine aboard the helicopter and took them from the area.

82 hurt as Islamists, rivals clash in Cairo

Cairo: At least 82 people were hurt in clashes after opposition activists marched on thousands of Islamists rallying outside a central Cairo court demanding judicial reform, an official said. The fighting erupted near the iconic Tahrir Square with both sides trading stones. A few activists on the opposition side fired homemade guns loaded with birdshot at the Islamists, who had taken over a main bridge that crosses the Nile River. Riot police later managed to bring the situation under control.

Court summons IMF chief

Paris: IMF chief Christine Lagarde is to be grilled by prosecutors investigating a huge state payout to a disgraced tycoon during her time as French finance minister.

Lagarde has been ordered to appear before a special court at the end of May to answer questions over her handling of a dispute that resulted in €400 million ($520m) being paid to Bernard Tapie. Tapie is a former politician and controversial business figure who went to prison for match-fixing during his time as president of France’s biggest football club, Olympique Marseille.

Mubarak goes back to prison

Cairo: Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak was transferred from a military hospital back to prison to await a retrial in May over his role in the deaths of protesters in 2011, a security source said.

Mubarak was taken by ambulance to Tora prison under heavy security escort, the source said. Egypt's public prosecutor ordered Mubarak back to prison after his health was deemed stable.

Islamabad: Pakistan's caretaker government refused to put former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on trial for treason, telling the Supreme Court that it was beyond its mandate.

"Considering, deliberating or commencing any legal proceedings pursuant to Article 6 of the constitution will be a measure not in the mandate of the caretaker government for the following," it said in a statement to the court.

In Pakistan only the state can initiate treason charges.

The Supreme Court is hearing a petition from lawyers demanding that Musharraf face trial for treason for subverting the constitution while he was in office from 19992008.

In judicial custody till May 4: Earlier Musharraf was

Pervez Musharraf

remanded in judicial custody for a fortnight by an anti-terrorism court, a day after his arrest in a case over the imposition of emergency rule in 2007.

Judge Kausar Abbas Zaidi of the anti-terrorism court remanded the 69-year-old former military ruler in judicial custody after hearing arguments by Musharraf's lawyer

and the counsel of several persons who filed petitions against him. Zaidi briefly reserved his judgment before announcing his decision.

He directed authorities to produce Musharraf in court again on May 4. During the hearing, Musharraf's lawyer Qamar Afzal told the judge that he was cooperating with police officials investigating the detention of more than 60 judges during the emergency and should be remanded to judicial custody.

Afzal opposed any move to remand Musharraf to police custody, citing security concerns.

He further said Musharraf could approach the Supreme Court to appeal against the revocation of his bail by the Islamabad high court. Ashraf Gujjar, the counsel for those

who filed petitions against Musharraf, contended he should be remanded to police custody as a fresh investigation would have to be conducted against the former President regarding the imposition of emergency.

Musharraf was later moved from his farmhouse to the police headquarters in Islamabad to fulfil the conditions of his transit remand.

Officials said the move was necessary as a judicial magistrate had sent Musharraf on "transit remand" following his arrest.

However, police took Musharraf back to his farmhouse after his appearance before the judicial magistrate due to security concerns.

Police officials felt it would not be safe to take Musharraf to any police station in view of the threats to his life.

207 killed as strong Pak court allows former quake rocks China PM Ashraf to contest polls Lushan: At least 207 people were killed and 11,500 injured when a strong earthquake hit the Sichuan province of China. At least 90,000 people were killed in Sichuan five years ago in one of China's worst natural disasters.

The Lushan and Baoxing counties hardest-hit in the latest quake had escaped the worst of the damage in the 2008 quake, and residents there said they benefited little from the region's rebuilding after the disaster, with no special reinforcements made or new evacuation procedures introduced in their remote communities.

Relief teams flew in helicopters and dynamited through landslides to reach some of the most isolated communities, where rescuers led sniffer dogs through piles of brick, concrete and wood debris to search for survivors.

Many residents complained that although emergency teams were quick to carry away bodies and search for survivors, they had so far

done little to distribute aid.

"No water, no shelter,'' read a hand-written sign held up by children on a roadside in Longmen.

Tens of thousands of people moved into tents or cars, unable to return home or too afraid to go back as aftershocks continued to jolt the region.

As in most natural disasters, the government mobilised thousands of soldiers and others, sending excavators and other heavy machinery as well as tents, blankets and other emergency supplies. The Chinese Red Cross said it had deployed relief teams with supplies of food, water, medicine and rescue equipment to the disaster areas.

Lahore: A Pakistani court cleared former premier Raja Pervez Ashraf's candidature for the May 11 general election, setting aside an election tribunal's decision to reject his nomination papers over allegations of corruption.

A full bench of the Lahore high court observed that there was no court declaration against Ashraf that declared him "non-profligate, nonrighteous or non-sagacious", and he could not be barred from participating in the polls.

The Pakistan People's Party leader will now be eligible to contest the polls from a parliamentary constituency in his hometown of Gujjar Khan, located 125 km from Islamabad.

Earlier, the same bench of the high court had provisionally allowed Ashraf to contest the election. The bench said neither the returning officer nor the election tribunal had jurisdiction to exercise powers under Article 62 of the Constitution, to bar the former premier from the polls.

The bench ruled that this article could be used only against

US to expand military ties with India, no decision on F-35 Washington: The US is looking forward to expand its military ties with India including a potential sale of the F-35 fighter aircraft, though no decision have been made so far, a top state department official said.

"We have made tremendous progress in the defence trade relationship. Now we're at $8 billion, we think there's going to be billion dollars more in the next couple of years," said Andrew Shapiro, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs.

When asked about a potential sale of the fifth generation F-35 stealth fighter aircraft to India, he said that

there might also be down the road some potential for it, but certainly no decision has been made regarding that.

It was earlier speculated that the US might offer the famed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to India, following India's rejection of the F/A-18 and F-16 fighters in the multi-million dollar MMRCA deal.

"So we are on track," Shapiro told reporters in response to a question at the Washington Foreign Press Center.

He added that the deputy secretary of defence Ashton Carter is heading up a defence trade initiative with India,

which the US believes is making some good progress and will, hopefully, lead to even a greater pace of additional defence trade with India.

Last year, Shapiro had led the US delegation for the first ever political-military dialogue with India in six years.

"It was significant because we were able to help our Indian counterparts work through the challenges of inter agency cooperation on national security issues," said Shapiro. "Indian officials' have remarked that this dialogue is especially helpful in helping coordinate between the various interagency partners in India," he added.

Raja Pervez Ashraf

those who have a court declaration against them.

A lawyer for one of Ashraf's opponents, Raja Irfan Aziz, argued that the former premier should be disqualified as the Islamabad high court had passed a judgment against him for illegally awarding a contract. He said the Islamabad high court had referred the matter to the national accountability bureau for investigation.

The bench, however, asked Aziz's counsel to prove that the judgment of the Islamabad high court was a declaration and not an observation.

It contended that it was a declaration and said it was not necessary to use the word "declaration" in a court judgment to make it a declaration.

Malala makes it to Time Magazine's 100 most influential list Wa s h i n g t o n : P a k i s t a n teenager Malala Yousufzai, who was shot by Taliban for advocating girls' education in Pakistan, has made it to the list of 100 Most Influential People list

by Time Magazine this year.

Malala, who recently enrolled in a school in the UK after being shot by the Taliban in her native Pakistan for campaigning for universal education for girls, features as an 'icon' in the list. The courage of the teenager inspired children around the world to fight for a better education, a UN official had once said.

world / indiA

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23

The House of Lords in its present form is not fit for purpose

t is indeed a great anomaly that in a vibrant Idemocracy like ours where

people are elected to govern us there is anachronism in the form of the House of Lords. There is no electoral system which decides members of the House of Lords, some inherit the position due to accident of birth and some are awarded it by the Prime Minister.

Many become Lords by making huge donations to political parties. This separation from voters cannot be justified in a modern democracy, which is why all three parties claimed to support reform of the house at the last election.

The joint committee on the draft of House of Lords Reform Bill recommended that the 1,000 strong Lords should be replaced by a 450 strong chamber, 80% of its members would be elected based on the Australian version of P r o p o r t i o n a l Representation and 20% would be nominated to serve 15 years non renewable terms. According to Baron Andrew Adonis, Labour politician and journalist, the Lords is becoming absurdly overpopulated as successive governments seek to redress the balance in their favour.

He argues that this is making the Lords one of the silliest legislative chambers in the democratic world. Some Peers rarely show up but still earn money and keep their positions for life. There have also been some disgraced Peers who have retained their status and seat within the House of Lords. There are quite a few Lords of Indian origin and it is a matter of great irritation and frustration that many of them have no real connection with the community and spend their time in getting involved in the politics of the Indian subcontinent.

They often make negative comments about India and never tire of highlighting its many perceived failures. Who are these people to speak about issues that they only have prejudicial views of? They have not been elected by anyone. There is something very peculiar about Indian intellectuals abroad and those who have got in positions of power in that they never can bring themselves to acknowledging anything positive in the land of their birth. This is peculiar because you will never hear of any other nationals who rubbish the country of their birth without any balance. These Lords have an exaggerated sense of greatness and their egos are further buttressed by being treated

as heroes when they visit India. Indians mistakenly think that their sons and daughters have done them proud abroad. Little do they know that they routinely find faults in their motherland and never ever defend it on any issue.

When contentious issues about their motherland are being discussed they will remain silent or be absent. An example of how the Lords of Indian origin are all too willing to sign up for anything that portrays their fellow countrymen in a poor light is their support for the caste discrimination becoming a law in the UK. The government had set up a body to look into the alleged caste discrimination. National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) the body which did the study spoke to 30 people from a Hindu population of 850,000. Out of the 30 cases, nine were dropped by the author of the report. No certain cases of caste discrimination were found in the remaining 21 cases. None of the accusations of caste discrimination were verified by interviewing the alleged perpetrators. Inspite of the flawed NIESR research, it came to the following conclusion: It is impossible to categorically determine whether caste discrimination and harassment within the meaning of the Act has occurred".

Except for the two Conservative Lords, all Labour Lords of Indian origin voted for the legislation. It is a clear example of how these well paid Lords did not make any attempt whatsoever to look deeper in the issue. It is a mockery of democracy that these unelected individuals have managed to get the House of Commons to vote on the issue. It is clear that the House of Lords needs to be reformed and it is also clear that the Indian community does not want these Lords to be the self appointed judge and jury for matters that impact us.

These Lords should also know that in the grand scheme of things they do not count to much and India and Indian culture is far too strong and ancient to be damaged by anyone.

The Indian community should not invite politicians who utter a lot of platitudes. Many of them not only do nothing but work against the interests of the community. We must do away with this tendency to placate and praise and hero-worship anyone without scrutinising their record.

- Nitin Mehta MBE

Launching of ‘Rangilu Rajkot’ (from left to right) Gunvantbhai Delawala, Bhupatrai Parekh, Kalpakbhai Maniar, Dr Balwant Jani, Jay Vasavada, Pravinbhai Maniar, CB Patel, Vejabhai and Sakarben Ravalia, Smitbhai Kaneria, Dhirubhai Rokad and Laljbhai

Kokila Patel ajkot is a city where entrepreneurship flows R in people’s blood and are

the daring ones in business.

It is also said that “no one can enjoy like Rajkotians do.” They can gulp down tea and munch ‘Gathiya’ even at midnight. Rajkot is ranked 22nd in the world's fastest growing cities. To acknowledge the growing importance of this city, “Gujarat Samachar” and Asian Voice” two leading ethnic weeklies of UK, has launched its special issue “Rangilu Rajkot’ on 28th March at a grand function in Rajkot city itself. The launch function was hosted

by Rajkot’s leading real Estate businessman and Philanthropist Vejabhai Ravalia and his son Ketanbhai Ravalia, who has created a new bench-mark by creating five-star club house ‘Seasons” in Rajkot.

He obtained his business management degree from London. The launch function was hosted at their beautiful home lawn with sumptuous surrounding of lovely garden and fresh breeze. The launch was a huge success with more than 250 dignitaries attending the function.

video was presented that showed the 40 years struggle story of “Gujarat Samachar” and “Asian Voice.” The audience appreciated the efforts of Editor/Publisher C B Patel in bringing the NRGs closer to their homeland.

Luminaries and admirable

Mayadipak

Rajeshbhai Dhruv

Jay Vasavada

Vejabhai Ravalia

Ketan Ravaliya

Bhupatrai Parekh

hosts Vejabhai Ravalia, Sakarben Ravalia, Pravinbhai Maniar, Jay Vasavda, Bhupatbhai Parekh, Balwant Jani, Gunvantbhai Delawada and other dignitaries presented “Rangilu Rajkot’ to public.

Standing ovation for CB Patel

The program began with melodious songs by popular singer Mayadipak, followed by welcome address by Nilesh Parmar, Bureau Chief, ABPL Group, Ahmedabad. He heartily thanked writers, friends, well-wishers and all those who had contributed for the making of “Rangilu Rajkot” a grand success. “Special Issues like Rangilu Rajkot build a bridge to strengthen the relations of NRIs with its homeland,” said Pravin Maniar, Chairman of Indubhai Parekh School of Architecture & V.V.P Engineering College. A

festival of Dhuleti.

“Yesterday we celebrated festival of colours and today we are celebrating a festival of words. Festivals may be of any caste or community but mostly it is enjoyed by all with enthusiasm,” he added.

Editor C B Patel said that as we are miles away

The program was attended by well-known journalist Jay Vasavda who had come up with some very interesting thoughts. “Like English language that has few silent letters, in the same way “Rangilu Rajkot” has “Rangilu” in silent mode. “Rangilu” itself stands for Rajkot city.

"Rangilu Rajkot" means colorful Rajkot and the people of Rajkot like to enjoy themselves to the fullest, no matter which season ...” he said.

Being festival lovers, Rajkotians makes every occasion a festival. Just a day before this launch was

from our hometown, we are struggling to preserve our culture and language. We are Brand Ambassador of India and if we do not care and preserve our culture and rich heritage, then we will make our new genera-

and his son Ketanbhai Ravalia. Without their support, this project would not have been possible.

Bhupatbhai Parekh, Senior Journalist and close acquaintance of C B Patel, shared some nostalgic moments. He remembered the time when there was lot of opposition for the Narmada dam, a lifeline of Gujarat. There was global uproar against the project and Britain was among those opposed. At that time with hard efforts of CB Patel arranged a meeting between then Gujarat chief minister Chimanbhai Patel and British prime minister Margaret Thatcher. This had resulted in Britain changing its stand towards Narmada project.

The program was anchored by Rajeshbhai Dhruv, Chartered Accountant, NRI Bank Chief executive, and advisor of NRI investors. The function was graced by Pravinbhai Maniar, founder Chairman of VVP Engineering college, Gunvantbhai Delawala, President Sargam Club, Kalpakbhai Maniar, former Chairman Nagrik Bank, Dhirubhai Rokad, Smitbhai Kaneria, Laljbhai, Surajbhai Kanabar (Red Carpet), Dr

A view of invitees

tion fruitless, who will not be able to nurture our values or will be able to pass it on to next generation. In order to make the new generation relate to our culture, community and motherland, we have initiated to launch the special issues of different cities. Recently we had published “Asanjo Kutch” and “Charotar: Sahsikoni Bhomka” special issues. In coming days, we are making special issues on Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat.

C B Patel thanked all those who helped this issue to happen, especially Vejabhai Ravalia

Nigam Buch (Sanjivani hospital), Smit Patel (Classic Group), Ketanbhai Patel (Vardhman Group), Matinbhai Babi (Ace), Ashwinbhai Anadcat (Amar Estate), Shaileshbhai Makdiya (77 Green), Chaganbhai (Swagat Tours), Promodbhai (Lords Group), Dilipbhai Somaiya (Ankit Estate), Tyag Vallabh Swamiji’s representative Navinbhai Zaveri (Atmiya College), Balwant Jani, head, Gujarati dept of Saurashtra University and Dr Urmilaben and other dignitaries, writers and wellwishers of ABPL Group.

24

IndIa

www.abplgroup.com - asian Voice 27th April 2013

South Chided for drinking, man sets daughter ablaze A man set afire his teenage daughter at their Minjur home after she asked him to stop drinking. After Nithya died in hospital, her father Jaishankar was arrested and sent to jail. Police said Jaishankar, a mason who lived with his wife Mary and 19-year-old daughter in Kesavapuram near Minjur, was an alcoholic who would blow up all his earnings on booze. There were frequent fights in the family over his drinking habit, police said. Jaishankar set his Nithya on fire after his daughter chided him for creating a fuss while earlier.

Karnataka BJP promises free laptops, rice at Re 1

Twenty five kg of rice at Re 1 for all poor families and free laptops/tablets to preuniversity level and graduate students are among a set of allurements to Karnataka's ruling BJP held out to the electorates in its manifesto for May 5 assembly polls. Pure drinking water to all citizens, 24X7 uninterrupted power supply and a project to teach good and correct English in Kannada medium schools would all be a reality, said BJP seeking the people's mandate for the second time. The manifesto was released by opposition leader in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley in the presence of chief minister Jagadish Shettar, state unit BJP chief Prahllad Joshi.

Violinist Lalgudi Jayaraman passes away

Carnatic great Lalgudi Jayaraman, whose artistry made him part of a legendary trinity of violinists, passed away in Chennai on Monday evening following cardiac arrest. He was 82. A purist whose work spanned six decades, Jayaraman's legions of fans, disciples and collaborators included violinist Yehudi Menuhin and vocalists M Balamuralikrishna and Bombay Jayashri. Along with T N Krishnan and the late M S Gopalakrishnan, he made up a triumvirate of celebrated string instrumentalists from southern India.

Punjab Burail jail to host convocation Burail jail inmates would soon be wearing ceremonial convocation gowns in the oneof-its-kind initiative. Jail authorities have decided to conduct the first-ever convocation in the history of this jail by the end of this month or early next month. Degrees, diplomas and certificates in various disciples would be awarded to 69 prisoners, who had passed their examinations in April 2012.

Punjab Technical University dean sacked

Punjab Technical University (PTU) vicechancellor Rajnish Arora has dismissed distance education dean N P Singh, who was under suspension for the past one year, after an inquiry found him guilty. However, the dean said any action against him was illegal as the V-C could not take action against him. PTU has been mired in several controversies but this is the first instance of a senior official being sacked from job.

NGOs urge UN to stop Bhullar hanging

Seeking immediate intervention of the United Nations to stop the hanging of Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, three international human rights NGOs have approached the UN's special rapporteur on torture and urged the global body to send a fact-finding mission to investigate and save the "victim of torture". The appeal to Juan Mendez, UN special rapporteur on torture, has been jointly filed by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a USbased advocacy group, Canadian Sikh Coalition (CSC), a Canada-based NGO and Movement Against Atrocities and Repression (MAAR), a Swiss NGO.

At least 16 people, including 11 police constables, were injured when terrorists struck in Bangalore last week, blasting explosives hidden in a motorcycle parked outside the Karnataka BJP headquarters that was teeming with people on the last day to file nominations for assembly elections. Doctors said none of the injuries was life-threatening.

Police said the explosion triggered a blaze that gutted two cars and two scooters parked adjacent to the bombladen bike, which had Tamil Nadu licence plates. The impact of the blast shattered glass panes in several buildings and sent people fleeing from offices and homes.

The bomb, described by police as an improvised explosive device, was kept less than 50 feet away from the BJP HQ in Jagannath Bhawan on Temple Street in Malleswaram, one of the gar-

den city’s oldest and coveted residential neighbourhoods.

Sources in the Union home ministry confirmed Bangalore’s assessment that the blast was a terror attack

ited the place.

Preliminary investigation by the local police revealed that terrorists had stuffed at least 500 grams of ammonium nitrate in a pipe that they

and said it bore hallmarks of the Indian Mujahideen, the terror group led by Yasin Bhatkal that draws heavily from Karnataka. National Investigation Agency teams from Hyderabad and Delhi as well as experts from NSG vis-

fitted onto the bike. The explosion, triggered by a timer, reduced the bike to mangled metal.

Seven suspects picked up A team of internal security sleuths have detained four suspects from Kottayam in

Kerala and three from Chennai in connection with the blast. The three detained in Kerala are the owner of the bike R Prakash and two mechanics Murugan and Anwar Batcha who helped to sell the bike to a person in Bangalore later.

Three people have been held in Chennai for their alleged involvement in the bomb blast.

According to top police sources, Karnataka police were assisted by their Tamil Nadu counterparts in a late night operation, in which two persons - Peer Mohideen and Basheer hailing from Tirunelveli were arrested from a lodge in Chennai. The third person was arrested from Madurai, they said, adding the trio facilitated the blast while the main culprits were still at large. They will now be taken to Bangalore and produced in a court there.

Brothers, father-son spice up Jayalithaa's one-rupee idlis a hit Karnataka Assembly poll scene The May 5 Assembly elections in Karnataka will see political contest between brothers, children of prominent politicians, relatives and even father-son duo. Senior Congress leader and former Railway Minister Jaffer Sharief's son-in-law Syed Yasin is seeking re-election from Raichur. He is being challenged by Kannada film star Pooja Gandhi, who is contesting on the ticket of BSR Congress floated by former BJP Minister B Sriramulu.

Sharief has managed to get ticket for his grand son, Abul Rahman Sharief, a political novice, in Hebbal segment of the city. He will be up against HM Revanna, a former minister in Soraba in Shimoga district, sons of former Chief Minister late S Bangarappa - Madhu from JDS and Kumar from

Congress.

The father-son duo of M Krishnappa and Priya Krishna, the sitting MLAs, have entered the fray from neighbouring segments of Vijayanagara and Govindrajnagar in the city.

Union labour and employment minister M Mallikarjuna Kharge has succeeded in getting ticket for his son, Priyank, from Chittapur, as also former chief minister N Dharam Singh (Congress) for his son Ajay Singh from Jewargi.

The Congress has also given tickets to Jarkiholi brothers - Satish and Ramesh- to contest from Yemkanmardi and Gokak, respectively, while their brother Balachandra, who is minister for municipal administration, has sought re-election on BJP ticket from Arabhavi.

Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa has delivered a hit with the piping hot, fluffy idlis that her budget canteens or kitchens offer at Re 1. The 200 canteens in Chennai have reported the sale of about 200,000 idlis a day. The crowd swells at noon, when the lunch menu also has on offer of sambar-rice at five rupees and curd-rice at three rupees.

Jayalalithaa launched the kitchens, run entirely by women's self-help groups, in Chennai, to provide nutritious food at an affordable price for the poor. But among the schoolchildren, daily wagers and other hungry souls making a beeline for the one-rupee idli, are also professionals and people from the upper middle class.

They say the refreshing cleanliness and polite management draws them here. "The sambar and idlis are very nice.

It is neat and clean. The management is nice," a customer at a canteen in Chennai said.

Haryana CM tells babus to be prompt, vigilant and punctual Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda exhorted the administrative secretaries of the state government to be punctual and monitor the developmental projects regularly so that their benefits reach the people in the state.

The chief minister, who was presiding over a meeting of the administrative secretaries here also, asked them to clear their files daily so as to avoid delays.

The meeting, which considered as being yet another attempt of the Hooda government of showcasing to the masses, the friendly governance of the state and it also ended with a message to work in teams.

Accompanied by chief secretary PK Chaudhary, Hooda also advised them to promptly dispose off the cases of disciplinary action

Bhupinder Singh Hooda

and other such files.

"Citizen-centric, friendly, efficient and transparent administration has been the focus of our government and we continue to be deeply committed to these goals."

He also urged them to "ensure that the programmes, policies, processes and data are accessible to the people through websites, mass education and press interaction," Hooda remarked.

All the additional chief secretaries and principal sec-

retaries were given time to share significant achievements of their respective departments, plans for the current financial year and constraints if any. The meeting lasted for more than four hours. today exhorted the administrative secretaries of the state government to be punctual and monitor the developmental projects regularly so that their benefits reach the people in the state.

The chief minister, who was presiding over a meeting of the administrative secretaries here also, asked them to clear their files daily so as to avoid delays.

The meeting, which considered as being yet another attempt of the Hooda government of showcasing to the masses, the friendly governance of the state and it also ended with a message to work in teams.

J Jayalalithaa

Jayaseelan and his colleagues have been lunching at a budget canteen every day over the last one week.

Working for a private mobile phone company, he said, "I save 40 or 50 rupees daily by eating here. It costs just eight rupees for a plate of sambar rice and curd rice."

The kitchens seem to be earning the chief minister many fans. A housewife who ate at one, said, "definitely in the next elections this scheme will help Amma win.

Everybody is talking about this." Encouraged by the huge response in Chennai, the state government now plans to expand the scheme across Tamil Nadu.

Easy trip to Vaishno Devi from July

In what comes as good news for devotees in the region, the much awaited Jammu-Katra railway track will begin operations from July. Indian railways are in the final stages of commencing the railway track for the public. Around 10 to 12 trains which go to Jammu from Delhi and Punjab will be extended to Katra. Later, more trains, including the newly announced Chandigarh-Katra train, will ferry pilgrims to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Tricity residents will have to wait for some time to travel to Katra directly from Chandigarh railway station because of pending work on arrangement of bogies. However, the train will definitely be introduced this year. The ChandigarhKatra special train will run through the newly inaugurated Chandigarh-Ludhiana rail track and pilgrims will be able to make the around 454 km journey to pay obeisance at the shrine without problems.

IndIA

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

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A Brahmin comes to Dhritharashtra’s court

hile the Pandavas were in the forest, many Brahmins would come to stay with them.

One of these Brahmins who had spent some time with the Pandavas, went to Hastinapur and met king Dhritharashtra.

The Brahmin, who was an expert storyteller, started narrating to the king the plight of the Pandavas in the forest. He told the king of how the five brothers had become thin and emaciated, exposed to the sun and at the mercy of the elements and the forest for such a long time. He recounted how their queen Draupadi was in terrible mental anguish and pain.

After hearing all this, the king cried out in pain.

Karna and Duryodhana’s uncle Sakuni came to hear of what the Brahmin had told the king and immediately went to Prince Duryodhana to tell him that the Pandavas were in the forest called Dwaita and were staying along the banks of a lake.

They told Duryodhana that if he appeared with a large retinue of dancing girls on

the other side of the lake, the Pandavas would see him having a very good time and feel jealous. This way, he would be able to increase their suffering.

Duryodhana told Karna that this was a very good idea, but his father, the king, would never permit him to go anywhere near the Pandavas. Duryodhana said, “I would love to make the Pandavas jealous. I am now the undisputed king of the whole land but all this wealth cannot compare to the happiness I will get watching the Pandavas suffer.”

Duryodhana told Shakuni and Karna that the next day, while he would be sitting in court with this father and Bhishma Pitamah, they should come and declare that all the cows in the kingdom had wandered off to graze near the lake in the forest and that Duryodhana should go there to check on his cows.

Duryodhana was sure the king would agree without sensing anything amiss in

the plan.

And so Duryodhana went into the forest with a large retinue.

They camped down near the lake, revelling at a spot where the Pandavas could see them and burn with jealousy.

There was music, dancing, food and the sounds of the merry laughter of dancing girls.

Duryodhana, together with Karna and his brother, went on hunting expeditions and returned with several of their kills. They then decided to build a dancing hall along the lake.

When Duryodhana sent his people to clear the area, they were stopped by a group of Gandharvas who also lived there. The king of the Gandharvas had already chosen that area for a huge retinue of Gandharvas and Apsaras to practice their dancing there. So the Gandharvas told Duryodhana’s men that they would not be allowed on the bank of the lake.

(To be continued)

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

Lessons in career management from

Hanuman Chalisa

Dhruv Chhatralia

T

he world has yet to have a manager like Hanuman. The first reason for this is that He is an absolutely successful person. He has never failed in life. There are six reasons why He is successful. The first is a positive mind. Second, His goal inspired Him: RamKaaj (the work of Ram). We must ask ourselves: what is the purpose for which I have come here. Every individual has a gift inside them that is unique. Ask yourself two questions: if you had no limitation of time and no compulsion to earn money then would you do what you are doing? If the answer is “yes” then you are fulfilling your purpose. Third He accepts challenges with a positive attitude.

Fourth, He bowed down to everyone. He is not an egotist at all. The definition of Hanuman is Hanu (to destroy) and maan (ego); one who has destroyed His ego is Hanuman. Fifth, Hanuman had faith towards His mission. When you have faith in your work then your work will be worship. Sixth, emotional intelligence. If an intelligent person is not emotional then he will not be successful and a person must be spiritually orientated to use his intelligence and emotions in

the right combination. Hanuman is described as having all three.

The second reason why Hanuman is an excellent manager is because He breaks boundaries. When going to find Sita, Hanuman did the job He had to do but He is not remembered in Lanka for meeting Sitaji but for burning Lanka. Third, a person’s inner wealth is determined by how much efforts are needed to break his self-esteem. In Lanka, everyone was taunting Hanuman but it did not affect Him. There are some people who support us and some who are opponents. Both of these people are always in a minority. Not more than 5% are supporters and not more than 5% are opponents. Then there is the 90% who cannot take a clear stand. Our success in life depends not how you behave with the supporters or opposers but how you deal with the 90% independent people. If we think 95% of people are our opponents then that energy works against us but if we think 95% of people are our supporters then that energy supports us.

Hanuman understood this law of nature and won 95% supporters.

You can watch Dhruv's talks at www.gitaclass. org and www.twitter. com/ DhruvChhatralia.

Actor Rajesh Khanna received his Padma Bhushan, India's thirdhighest civilian award. The award was collected on his behalf by his wife Dimple Kapadia. Khanna died on July 18 last year. An emotional Twinkle, Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia's elder daughter, was also present at the ceremony. Comedian Jaspal Bhatti also received his Padma Bhushan posthumously. He died last October and his wife Savita collected his award.

Industrialist Adi Godrej and boxer Mary Kom also received the Padma Bhushan. Artist S H Raza received his Padma Vibhushan, India's secondhighest civilian award.

Wrestler Yogeshwar

Dutt, shooter Vijay Kumar, Sholay director Ramesh Sippy and actor Nana Patekar received the Padma Shri. Boxer Mary Kom was awarded the Padma Bhushan but was not present at the ceremony to collect it.

The awards were handed out by President Pranab Mukherjee. The first batch of awards were

Pull back troops from Ladakh, India tells China

25

handed out on April 5, when actresses Sharmila Tagore and Sridevi, and cricketer Rahul Dravid collected their awards.

The list of honours were announced on January 25 and the selection committee this year included actress Ratna Pathak Shah, scientist Anil Kakodkar and Union Home Secretary RK Singh, among others.

Eight killed in Bengal storm

India asked China to maintain status quo at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) prior to the intrusion into Ladakh on April 15. Syed Akbaruddin, spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs, told a press briefing that the second flag meeting between the two Armies was held and that the government hopes to resolve the matter peacefully.

"Similar incidents in the past have been resolved peacefully," Akbaruddin said. He was referring to the intrusion by a platoon of Chinese troops 10 km inside the Indian territory in Ladakh's Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) sector.

The Chinese soldiers are still camping there and India has moved more

troops to the region amid escalating tensions.

The MEA spokesperson rejected China's denial that its troops had camped deep inside the Indian territory.

Earlier, Chinese troops apparently made inroads into the Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) sector of eastern Ladakh and erected a tented post there last week.

Indian Army officials were, however, not too perturbed about the incursion, holding that it was a common occurrence. "In that area, patrols do have a faceoff every now and then due to differing perceptions of where the Line of Actual Control lies. We resolve it through existing consultative border mechanisms," said a senior officer.

At least eight people were killed in the storm that lashed parts of West Bengal, an official said.

While three deaths were reported from the state capital Kolkata and adjoining districts, five more deaths were reported from other parts of the state. The state government has announced a compensation of `200,000 to the victims' next of kin, an official said.

The storm lashed Kolkata and other districts with a maximum wind speed of 116 km per hour, disrupting normal life as road, rail and air services were badly hit. Locally known as Nor'wester, the storm also uprooted hundreds of trees. A number of wall collapse incidents were reported from various parts of the city and the state.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the 2G spectrum scam in its draft report sought to give a clean chit to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and finance minister P Chidambaram, saying then telecom minister A Raja had failed to keep them in the loop about changes made in the policy.

According to sources, the draft report, which is yet to be approved by members, said the norms for allocation of spectrum under the "first-come-firstserved" policy were tweaked at the last minute to enable a few companies to jump the queue, and neither Singh or Chidambaram played any role in this. Raja reportedly changed the rules without informing the PM. According to reports, "the committee is inclined to conclude that the PM was misled about the procedure decided to be followed by the Department of Telecommunications in

respect of issuance of UAS licences."

It added that the "assurance" given by Raja "in all his correspondence with the PM to maintain full transparency in following established rules and procedures of the department stood belied".

Sources said the draft report also rubbished the loss figure of Rs 1,760 billion estimated by CAG, saying it was "ill-conceived".

JPC chairman P C Chacko has to get the backing of a majority of the 30 members of the committee to carry through the draft report.

The UPA has 12 members on the panel.

Meanwhile, DMK spokesperson T K S Elangovan said: "If the JPC makes any charges against Raja without hearing him and calling him for deposition, then the report will be incomplete and biased.

It will be a one-sided report."

Opposition protests JPC report: A political storm broke out over the draft JPC report with Raja claiming that all decisions were taken in consultation with Manmohan Singh and the BJP accusing PC Chacko of trying to save the government.

Chacko, however, sought to defend the draft saying it was based on the terms of reference which covered a 10-year period.

"We have to go in a chronological order...it is not that we are targeting one person or period," he said adding that the members should look at the draft on the basis of merit and not with a "political mind".

BJP leader Ravishankar Prasad said, "The draft report looks like a Congress document and not a JPC report in which there is an overpowering desire to save its leaders including the Prime Minister and the finance minister in the 2G scam."

2G case: JPC gives clean chit to Manmohan, Chidambaram

26

IndIa

www.abplgroup.com - asian Voice 27th April 2013

In Focus Mukesh Ambani to pay `15,00,000 a month for security cover

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) chairman Mukesh Ambani will have to pay for his 'Z' category security, with Union home ministry sources disclosing that the CRPF has been asked to deploy its men for his proximate protection "on a payment basis".

Sources indicated that the monthly bill for Ambani's 'Z' category security detail may work out to around `15,00,000.

Maths wizard Shakuntala Devi dies at 73

Mathematical genius Shakuntala Devi, nicknamed as “human computer” for her ability to make complex mental calculations, died at a Bangalore hospital at the age of 73. She found a slot in the Guinness Book of Records for her outstanding ability and wrote numerous books like 'Fun with Numbers', 'Astrology for You', 'Puzzles to Puzzle You', and 'Mathablit'. She had the ability to tell the day of the week of any given date in the last century in a jiffy.

Jnanpith for Telugu writer Dr Ravuri Bharadwaja

Telugu author Dr Ravuri Bharadwaja was chosen for the 48th Jnanpith award for the year 2012. The 86-year-old writer was chosen by the Jnanpith selection board chaired by scholar. Bharadwaja’s published work includes 37 collections of short stories and 17 novels. His notable creations are Kadambari, Pakudurallu, Jeevana Samaram, Inupu Tera Venuka and Koumudi and have been translated into English and various Indian languages.

Bhopal NGOs reveal Wikileaks' cables on Dow Chemicals

Five non-government organisations (NGOs) working in the interest of Bhopal gas survivors revealed few Wikileaks documents and have alleged Government of India of kowtowing to US Government pressure to serve the interests of Union Carbide and Dow Chemical in Bhopal. The Bhopal gas tragedy happened on 2 December 1984 claimed thousands of lives and left several injured. Hundreds of people are still suffering even after 28 years of the tragedy.

Shiv Sena calls for NDA meet over PM candidate issue

Shiv Sena asked the BJP leadership to clear its stand on the issue of its prime ministerial candidate and demanded that a meeting of the NDA be convened soon. The BJP ally, however, gave a clean chit to Modi over the Gujarat riots, but said that by declaring someone's candidature, allies, who have been with BJP faithfully for so many years will go away, which will result in a loss of some seats.

Former CJI, anti-rape law panel chief, dead

Justice J S Verma, who headed the panel on anti-rape laws in the aftermath of the Dec 16 gang-rape, died due to liver failure and bleeding in the stomach. He was 80.

He died at Gurgaon's Medanta Hospital.

"Justice Verma was admitted to the hospital on Friday with complaint of liver failure. He died of liver failure and bleeding in the stomach," Yatin Mehta, head of Medanta's Institute of Critical Care Medanta, said.

Justice Verma was the 27th Chief Justice of India from March 25, 1997 to Jan 18, 1998.

He died three months after presenting his committee report to the government.

India made 34-carat 'pink diamond' fetches $39 million

An extraordinary 34-carat 'Princie' diamond from the mines of Golconda in South India, once owned by the world's richest man the last Nizam of Hyderabad - has sold for a record $39 million at an auction. The diamond – a 34.65-carat Fancy Intense Pink cushion-cut sparkler - was purchased by an anonymous collector bidding by phone.

It set a new record at Christie's New York, selling for $39,323,750 with premium, or $1,135,000 per carat.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Rajnath Singh said that his party was in no hurry to announce or declare its choice for prime ministerial candidate.

Rubbishing suggestions that Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi is the BJP's choice for running for the post of prime minister in the 2014 general elections, Singh said: "The NDA will meet at an appropriate time to decide on that (PM candidate)."

Singh said any decision on whom to project or whether to project anybody at all will be taken by the BJP's Parliamentary Board, the party's highest decisionmaking body. "In our party there is no race and nobody makes a claim either for chief minister or for prime minister," he said.

The BJP president also

Rajnath Singh

ruled out suggestions that his party was under pressure from key ally-the Janata DalUnited (JD-U), especially in the wake of the latter pressing the NDA to declare its prime ministerial candidate

by December, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls expected around May next year.

The JD(U) is on record as saying that it would not be in favour of Modi being declared as the prime ministerial candidate, given his questionable secular credentials. "These are suggestions by our allies. We will look

into all these issues and decide what to do," Singh said when asked about JD(U)'s strident demand and Shiv Sena's clamour for calling an NDA meeting to thrash the issue.

Shiv Sena, which does not share good vibes with Modi in view of his perceived proximity to Sena rival Raj Thackeray, has also asked the BJP to declare its candidate.

"BJP has the right to name its PM candidate but it cannot do so on its own steam. This (NDA) is Arjuna's chariot and has many horses (allies). Every horse is important. Or else, there will be a different Mahabharat and the chariot wheel will get stuck," the Shiv Sena said in an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamna'.

The party also asked NDA convener and JD(U)

Coal scam: BJP demands Manmohan's resignation, Sonia Gandhi says no The Opposition derailed Parliament on Tuesday with the Bharatiya Janata Party leading the charge against the UPA government. But the BJP seems to have been pushed to a corner over its demand for the PM's resignation. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "It is not acceptable that the government suppresses the truth. We demand that the Prime Minister resigns and the Law Minister should be sacked."

BJP ally Janata Dal United is not pushing for the PM's resignation and wants to wait for the government's reply on JPC. "We will take up

Manmohan Singh with Sonia Gandhi

the coal scam issue in this session of Parliament," said JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav.

The Samajwadi Party, too, has distanced itself from the BJP's demand.

Meanwhile, the Congress has put its weight behind the PM. At the end of the core group meet, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi categorically

ruled out the PM's resignation. "Let them ask" was the terse response of Sonia when approached by reporters on the issue after the meeting.

The meeting of the Core Group was convened immediately after both Houses were adjourned over the issue for half an hour in the morning. The meeting, which was also attended by parliamentary affairs Minister Kamal Nath discussed the strategy ahead in wake of the Opposition reviving its attack on the government on the coal scam and the 2G scam and bringing the Prime Minister as well under the target.

leader Sharad Yadav to call an early meeting of the alliance to decide on the PM choice. Singh refused to share the JD(U) view that Modi is not "secular" and sought to downplay Kumar's attack on Modi last Sunday.

Asked about Kumar's attack, he said "JD(U) is an ally of BJP. Allies have their own thoughts, ideology and programmes. If these were the same (as that of BJP), then they would not be a different party."

Insisting that Modi is secular like every other leader and cadre of BJP, Rajnath Singh said Gujarat has seen development which is inclusive and without any discrimination under his chief ministership. He described the war of words between BJP and JD(U) in the last few days as an unfortunate episode.

Sanjay Dutt files review plea in SC

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, who recently won a month’s extension to surrender, has now moved the Supreme Court by way of a review petition against its March 21 judgment upholding his conviction under the Arms Act and sentencing him to five years in jail. A Delhi-based legal team prepared and filed the petition last week. The SC had not interfered with the TADA court’s guilty verdict against Dutt for possession of arms before the March 12, 1993, Mumbai serial blasts. He was held guilty only under the Arms Act for possessing an automatic rifle in a notified area, but was acquitted under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, which had also been invoked against him.

Delhi erupts against rape of five-year-old Continued from page 1 mobile phone at the home of his friend Pradeep Kumar, 19, also from Bihar. The two men then travelled to where Manoj had recently rented a room in East Delhi.

They spotted the child playing there and bought a chocolate to lure her into Manoj's room. They then took turns raping her. The police say that Manoj asked Pradeep to strangle the girl.

Manoj reportedly waited outside while Pradeep went into the room to kill her. When he emerged, Pradeep said the child had died and the two men caught a train to Bihar.

Manoj was arrested three days later. Pradeep was caught later in Bihar and brought to Delhi. He reportedly told the police he had made "a big mistake."

The child lay bleeding and without food or water in the locked room, when her mother heard her cries and summoned the police. Her husband claims that the police, who had been reluctant to help him, then offered him a bribe

of Rs 2,000 to buy his silence about his daughter's ordeal.

Candle and bottle found inside victim's body: A 200 ml bottle and pieces of candle were inserted into the private parts of the five-year-old rape victim, a doctor said adding that he had "never seen such a case." "Upon examination, we found a 200 ml bottle and two or three pieces of candle inserted into her private parts. This is the first time that I have seen such barbarism with a five-year-old," R K Bansal, medical superintendent, Swami Dayanand Hospital, told reporters.

"There were injuries on her lips and cheeks and bruise marks on her neck, suggesting that attempts were made to strangle her.

The blood pressure was way below normal, and she had fever when she was admitted," the doctor said.

While main accused Manoj, who is at present in judicial custody, had told the police that not he but Pradeep had assaulted the girl sexually, the police told the court that both of them

had raped the minor.

The second accused in the case was sent to four-day police custody by a city court which was told by the Delhi police that both he and accomplice Manoj had raped the minor.

The accused was a temporary worker in garment factories and lived with his father, a juice seller, police said. TV news channels reported that some people tried to attack the man and others threw shoes at him as police led him through Patna airport in Bihar state to board a plane back to New Delhi.

Additional Sessions Judge Sanjay Garg remanded 19year- old Pradeep to police custody till April 27 after the police said he had to be interrogated to unearth the sequence of events.

The Parliament was adjourned twice amid an uproar about the crime which has rekindled popular fury at widespread sexual violence.

Media reported several other attacks on children over the weekend, including that of a nine-year old girl in Assam,

who had her throat slit after being gang-raped, TV channels said.

Brutal sex crimes are common in India, which has a population of 1.2 billion. New Delhi has the highest number of sex crimes among major cities, with a rape reported on average every 18 hours, according to police figures.

But most such crimes go unreported and justice is slow, according to social activists, who say successive governments have done little to ensure the safety of women and children.

The December 16 attack brought thousands on to the streets in protest and provoked national debate about the rising number of vicious attacks on women, putting the issue firmly on the national political agenda a year before elections.

Activists planned a fourth day of street action amid heavy security in Delhi after protesters tussled with police and tried to reach the homes of India's leaders at the weekend.

The protesters are calling for Delhi's police chief to resign.

indiA

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

27

By Nayan Dave

D

espite rich in bio-diversity and natural beauty, India’s first Marine National Park situated in the Gulf of Kutch is an untapped tourist destination for international tourists. Spread across 162 sq km, the national park is a paradise for nature lovers and environment enthusiasts. Surrounded by coral reefs, 42 islands in the marine park are the major attractions. Best known among them are Pirotan and Narara islands, others are difficult to reach due to limited infrastructure facilities.

Exotic species, including Puffer Fish, Brittel Star Fish, Octopus, Sea Cucumber and many others can be seen here in closeness. Rich in biodiversity, the marine national park offers more than 108 types of Algae, 56 kinds of Corals, 70 varieties of Sponges, 250 different types of Fishes, Prawns and Crabs. Besides, large number of migratory birds can be seen during October to March every year. Varieties of Sea Turtle and Sea Snakes are regularly seen in the park.

It was declared ‘Marine National Park’ in 1982. Though the park is a fragile ecosystem, the tourists have opportunities to see the rarest species of deep sea near Jamnagar coast.

At present, biodiversity of the marine park has been under threat due to the extraction of corals and sands by cement companies, increased turbidity of water, oil refineries and chemical industries. Despite these, the marine park still offers a lot to visitors having interest in marine life.

Best time to visit the Park is during winter. During November to January most of the rare species can be seen in proxim-

ity. These species find their way out of the deep water of Arabian Sea. Tourists are required to take permission from forest authority to go inside the park, says an official of Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL). Apart from Pirotan Island, Narara Island near Jamnagar is also easily accessible to the tourists, says an official of Gujarat’s forest department.

Vinod Pandya, coordinator of Natural Interest in Conservation of Environment (NICE), an NGO of nature lovers, says that this being the breeding season, several species make their way to the Jamnagar coast because of its warm waters.

Marine creatures are not the only attraction, Greater flamingos arrive in large numbers at Narara Island and other places near Jamnagar coast, which is also a part of the Marine Park. But drastic cli-

matic changes have taken their toll on this sanctuary. Species like the hipo campus have not been seen for the last few years.

Loss of mangrove has affected marine life adversely and this could be the reason why the hipo campuses are no longer found here during the breeding season.

According to a forest official, for foreign tourists, the park is still untapped.

Domestic tourists come to see the rich marine life. “Due to inadequate infrastructure, including quality water transport services, foreign tourists are shying away from the exotic park. There is also dearth of professional guides and certain equipment to see the marine life more closely,” says Shailesh Desai, a nature lover, who visits the park every year during peak season.

Gujarat is spending millions on

tourism development in the state. The state government has appointed Bollywood super star Amitabh Bachchan as brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism, but even in promotion campaign, the Marine National Park has been ignored.

A senior forest official said that the state government was extra conscious in developing tourism infrastructure at the marine national park due to its delicate ecology. Besides, adequate funds for infrastructure development would also require promoting eco tourism in the area; he said adding that despite all these limitations, nature lovers should visit the park at least once in his lifetime.

Please tick the appropriate category

13TH

ASIAN ACHIEVERS AWARDS NOMINATION FORM

The prestigious Asian Achievers Awards is hosted every year by UK’s leading news weeklies Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to honour British Asians par excellence. If there is someone you know who has broken boundaries and deserves recognition for their unique contribution to the community and the nation then please nominate them for one of the awards listed below. Make sure that you fill in this application form and send it on or before 12th July, 2013 by post, fax or email to Mr. L George, Tel: 020 7749 4013, Fax 020 7749 4081, Email: aaa@abplgroup.com. If you are sending it by post the address is Mr. L George, ABPL Group, Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW.

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Most important career achievements till date.

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ning the particular award in a separate sheet)

Nominators name and contact details: __________________________________________ Nominators current Occupation/Company: ______________________________________ Tel/Mobile: __________________________________________________________________ Email:_______________________________________________________________________ NOMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS: This is a unique event where readers nominate and an independent panel of judges comprising of eminent personalities selects the winner. Judges’ decision is final. ABPL Group will not entertain any dialogue with members of the public regarding the judging process. In order to ensure a high degree of transparency and fairness, the management and members of the staff of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar will play no role in the nomination or judging process. You may use an additional sheet if the space provided is insufficient. The winners will be announced at the AAA Awards ceremony on 6th September, 2013. Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar will publish the names of the short listed candidates and winners after the event. The winners names will also appear in our e-edition www.abplgroup.com You can nominate yourself if you wish to. Nominations and entries must follow the prescribed format. All nomination forms must reach our offices on or before 12th July, 2013

Achievement in Media, Arts and Culture ................................

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Achievement in Community Service............................................

In recognition for an individuals service to community.

Sports Personality of the Year ......................................................

Awarded for excellence in sports.

Uniformed and Civil Services ........................................................

For outstanding achievements in uniformed and civil services or contribution to the community through any of the above services.

Professional of the Year ..................................................................

Professionals in the field of medicine, law, education, banking, finance and others, who have scaled the heights of their chosen profession.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year ..................................................

Awarded to an young entrepreneur (less than 35 years) with a proven track record of operating a successful business enterprise.

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Awarded to those who have acclaimed popularity internationally for his/her contribution in any particular sector and is recognised for their timeless philanthropic activities.

Lifetime Achievement Award ........................................................

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28

travel

here are so many ways to see this amazing Spanish city. You can DIY or T choose from a dazzling array of tour

options – Walking tours, Cycling tours, and bus tours are just a few ways to explore. However, once you have decided which transport tour suits you, then prepare to be beguiled by gourmet tours, photographic tours, gothic tours, Art Nouveu tours….I think you get the picture! Barcelona is a veritable melting pot of sensory delights.

Being the second largest city in Spain and a major port has helped it become

www.abplgroup.com - asian voice 27th April 2013

Basilica” also known as the “unfinished Cathedral” it has been in construction since 1882 and the estimates to completion range up to another 80 years. So, whilst you could wait to see the finished masterpiece, it would be a shame not to visit the city for its many other highlights! Architecturally it takes many inspirations from Roman, Art Nouveau and modernist styles and the “borrios” of Barcelona are very distinct districts.

Choosing one to stay in is a difficult task.

Will it be “Eixample”, great for shopping and cool restaurants or could it be stylish

takes you to the glorious history of Sanatan Dharma

decisions, decisions, decisions!

meeting point of some amazing architecture and culinary delights. Located on the coast, the local beaches are a very short distance away by the efficient train service. Of course you will have heard of Calella – Blue flag beaches and 3 kilometers of sandy beaches makes it a perfect spot for a day trip from Barcelona. Then, there’s Sitges - 45 minutes away and known as “ The St. Tropez” of Spain.

No less than 17 beaches snake along the Mediterranean coast, there is a beach for everyone – from family friendly, private coves and unforgettable private nudist beaches.

Barcelona makes the perfect base to explore the Catalonia region of Spain, however if a weekend break is what you are looking for – then this city will make the perfect pit stop from a busy work schedule. With mild weather year round and averages of over 20 degrees centigrade in spring, the short two hour flight will bring you to this truly beautiful city.

The cobbled streets and idyllic seafront will mesmerize you. One of the most famous sites of Spain can be found right here, Gaudi’s” La Sagrada Familia

and modern Port Vell right on the sea front with exquisite sea food terraces or will you take a punt on unique and dazzling El Raval – whilst a little edgy, many visitors love the urbane feel of this central location.

When booking a holiday, we recommend using a long established travel agent who is well versed in delivering holidays with an ATOL certification, ensuring the security of your booking.

When booking with an online agent, check there is a contact phone number – this ensures you will get service from an actual person and get your questions answered swiftly. Brightsun Travel is such an agent and has weekend breaks to Barcelona from just £425 per person including flights and accommodation.

Brightsun Travel also offers a price match promise on worldwide flights and holidays.

To book your dream holiday, visit www.brightsun.co.uk or call Brightsun Travel on 0208 819 0486 and make a booking with an actual person – a refreshing way to book your next holiday!

AV Correspondent kshardham at Gandhinagar is one of A the largest temples in the

Western region of India.

The temple complex combines devotions, art, architecture, education, exhibitions and research at one place. The monument which is set in a 23-acre plot at Gandhinagar is built in pink sandstone. It is 108 feet tall and 6,000 tonnes of stone has gone into its making. A point worth noting is that this modern monument to Hinduism was built as per the injunctions of Vastu Shastra. Not a bit of steel has been used.

The monument stands on sculpted pillars, 210 single-piece stone beams, 57 window grills, domes, eight ornate zarokhas, etc. The sanctum sanctorum contains a 1.2 tonne gold-plated idol of Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the sect that bears his name. The 7-foot idol is shown in a sitting posture with his right hand raised in abhay mudra. He is flanked

by Swami Gunatitanand on his right and Swami Gopalanand on his left.

Both of them were his disciples. Swami Gunatitanand is called Swaminarayan's Ingredients: For stuffing: 3 Mooli (Radish) Salt To Taste 1/2 tsp Red chilli powder 1/2 tsp Corainder powder 2 Green chillies, chopped finely 2 tbsp Corainder leaves For dough: 2 cups Wheat flour Salt To taste Water As needed Oil for frying muli paranthas Method: Sieve the wheat flour and salt.

Knead by adding water for a stiff dough. Cover and keep aside. Peel and grate the radish. Drain all the water. Heat the pan and fry the radish to light brown.

Add salt, green chilli powder, red chillies, corainder leaves and mix well. Allow it to cool. Take some dough and roll into small puri, put 2tsp of stuffing and cover all the sides. Roll again into a thick, round parantha. Heat a pan and

Akshardham - the eternal abode. According to the Swaminarayan philosophy whenever Lord Swaminarayan incarnates on this planet he brings with him his Akshardham.

Gunatitanand Swami is also called Aksharbrahma and ranks second in the hierarchy of the Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha which built the Akshardham monument.

Inspiring episodes and

The wisdom of the Vedas, the epics, the Puranas is depicted on a crowded canvas by the exhibition. The visitor comes face to face with personages who have made this land what it is.

It is a perfect mix of modernity and ancient values. Apart from Lord Ram going in search of his kidnapped wife, the visitor can see Shravan, the dutiful son, the Pandavas losing the game of dice in the

incidents from the glorious history of Sanatan Dharma are presented in sound and light form for the benefit of the visitors. The show takes the visitors through various facets of Hinduism.

So far millions of people have visited the monument since its inception on November 2, 1992. They have been able to savour the story of Hinduism and to imbibe the message of universal peace and brotherhood.

Hastinapur palace, etc.

Besides the visitors can see Sabari's long wait for Ram and Draupadi's humiliation in the Kauravasabha. The Hall of Harmony projects world religions side by side. The monument is ringed by aparikrama containing 365 stone pillars.

There are Swaminarayan temples across the country but the one in Gujarat has been largely appreciated because of its architectural beauty.

Mooli Paratha fry the mooli ka paratha both sides to crispy and brown. Put some oil over the paratha. Serve the mooli paratha hot with raita or curry.

Health benefits: Radish has excellent detoxifier properties, it is good for the liver, and is found to be extremely useful for jaundice patients as it helps remove bilirubin and also checks its production at the same time.

Radish is full of indigestible carbohydrates or roughage. This not only

facilitates a healthy digestion, retains water, cures constipation and gives relief from piles, but also helps in weight loss as it doesn’t add many calories to your system and still satisfies your hunger by filling your stomach.

www.abplgroup.com - asian Voice 27th april 2013

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esser the red meat, better it is. US scientists L found out that a chemical

there's something else contributing to increases in cardiovascular risk.

Carnitine was broken down into a gas, which was converted in the liver to a chemical called TMAO. TMAO was strongly linked with the build-up of fatty deposits in blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease and death.

TMAO was often ignored: "It may be a waste product but it is significantly influencing cholesterol metabolism and the net effect leads to an accumulation of cholesterol.

Possibility of weight gain for happy newly-weds

pouses who were more satisfied with their S marriage were less likely to

consider leaving their marriage, and they gained more weight over time.And couples who were less satisfied in their relationship tended to gain less weight. That is the finding of a study on marital satisfaction and weight gain, according to psychologist Andrea L. Meltzer.

The study's researchers said the findings challenge the long-held notion that quality relationships are always beneficial to one's health. Instead, they said, the findings suggest that spouses who are satisfied in the marriage are less motivated to attract an alternative mate. As a result, satisfied spouses relax efforts to maintain their weight. Previous psychological research has established that marriage is associated with weight gain and that divorce is associated with weight loss. But the role of marital satisfaction in those changes in weight is less clear, Meltzer said.

Probably one of the most dangerous exercise myths (in terms of weight loss), working out in the morning on an empty stomach does anything but get you fit. Infact, it may even affect your workout regimen. Working out on an empty stomach de-energises you and tends to make you feel lethargic and tired. Also, you’re more likely to ‘hit a wall’ if the workout interferes with your daily activities and you’ll tend to find ways and skip workouts.

You have to lift very heavy weights to get stronger: A recent study from the McMaster University in Canada found that lifting manageable weights for as long as you can tends to improve muscle stimulation much more than lifting heavy weights that you can’t really handle.

You need to exercise only if you want to lose weight: Skinny people, it’s time to pay attention.

There are a huge number of studies that confirm the fact that physical activity is essential for the maintenance of good health. People who are skinny or ‘healthy’ also need moderate physical activity daily. Devoid of regular exercise, you’re more likely to be prone to different lifestyle-related conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.

You can eat anything you want, as long as you exercise: One of the most common misconceptions of all times, following this myth can be potentially dangerous. Studies show that not all the fat we take in through junk food shows up on the surface; some amount tends to get deposited on the body organs as visceral fat, which is highly dangerous to your health. It’s okay to indulge once in a while, but if you practically live on junk food, it’s time to make serious changes to your diet.

Exercising at lower intensities burns more fat: This one holds true, but only during the exercise, not afterwards.

When you exercise at a lower intensity, most of

the fat that has burnt comes from the body’s fat deposits, whereas the carbohydrates are left out for the more high-intensity activities. The aim, however, is not to maintain the carbohydrate content, but to burn calories, which occurs more efficiently while you exercise at a higher intensity.

The more exercise, the better: Yet another serious mistake most people make in an attempt to shed the kilos faster. You may lose weight, but you may also lose muscle, and overworking it may have serious impact on your health too. A proper diet, adequate rest and moderate exercise gradually burns fat, and stimulates healthy muscle build-up.

Women who weight train become more masculine and muscular: Many women avoid weight training as they’re afraid of looking muscular and ‘manly’. The truth is, however, that merely weight lifting alone is not responsible for the muscular appearance.

Testosterone, a male hormone, is essential for the hyper-muscular look and women have this in very small quantities. So don’t shy away from the dumbbells any more.

Muscle weighs more than fat: Some exercise trainers often tell their concerned clients that the reason their weigh scale doesn’t go down, is because muscle weighs higher than fat. Truth is, one kilo of fat equals one kilo of muscle. Or one kilo of practically anything!

Stretching before exercise is the best: Heard your trainer say that stretching reduces chances of an injury or improve your performance. But actually, it’s the other way round. Many studies show that stretching for a considerable time before exercising tends to reduce muscle force and power.

Stretching is best done after a workout.

Spot reducing is possible: When you exercise, you lose a bit of fat from all over. So if all those exercises and products which promise reduction on your abs, thighs, waists etc sound too good to be true, they probably are.

29

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Red meat chemical 'damages heart'

found in red meat is bad for the heart.Studies show that regularly eating red meat may be damaging to health. In the UK, the government recommends eating no more than 70g of red or processed meat a day - the equivalent of two slices of bacon.

Saturated fat and the way processed meat is preserved are thought to contribute to heart problems.

The cholesterol and saturated fat content of lean red meat is not that high,

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or repair damage to the brain caused by alcohol, a new study has found.

US researchers found that aerobic exercise may protect white matter in the brain from alcohol-related damage. Heavy long-term alcohol consumption leads to neural damage that looks similar to the decline in neuro-cognitive functioning observed as people age, said Hollis C Karoly, a graduate student at the University of Colorado at Boulder and corresponding author of the study.

"Given that exercise is protective against some of the neural and cognitive effects of ageing, it seemed likely that aerobic exercise may also work to reverse or prevent some of the damage to the brain caused by chronic alcohol consumption," Karoly said.

Karoly and her colleagues had 60 participants (37 men, 23 women), drawn from a larger database designed to share common brain and clinical data collected across studies on alcohol and nicotine use, undergo a diffusion tensor imaging session.

All participants also completed measures of alcohol consumption, loss of control over drinking, and aerobic exercise par-

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may protect brain from alcohol damage

ticipation.

Study authors then examined relationships among exercise, alcohol, and fractional anisotropy in the superior longitudinal fasciculus, external capsule, fornix and superior and anterior corona radiata, as well as selfreported loss of control over drinking.

"This study found that the relationship between alcohol consumption and white matter depends upon how much people exercise," said Karoly. "For individual with low levels of aerobic exercise, heavy drinking was linked to poorer white matter health, but for those with

greater exercise involvement, the relationship between alcohol and white matter health was not as strong," said Susan F Tapert from the University of California, San Diego.

"Although we don't know yet if the exercise is protecting against alcoholrelated damage, or if it is a sign of factors linked to brain health, this is a very compelling study. "This suggests that individuals who have experienced alcohol-related brain problems could possibly use exercise to help recover those effects; studying people over time will tell us if this is in fact the case," Tapert said.

Childless men more depressed than women ccording to new findings, it is found that A childless men are more

likely to feel depressed and angry as compared to childless women. Men without children tend to associate jealousy, loneliness, and depression with the fact that they did not have kids. The findings also showed that men felt the absence of children in different ways to women.

While some women said they felt 'guilt' about not having children and spoke of feeling a 'biological' need, men were more likely to cite cultural and family expectations They have feeling of regret when their friends

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...

become grandfathers, the study found.

Women are more likely than men to feel a strong desire for a second child.

The study was presented to the British Sociological Association's annual conference in London by Robin Hadley, a counsellor and doctoral student at Keele University who interviewed two samples of men and women with and without children.

Almost four out of 10 childless men said they felt

depressed, compared with three out of 10 of their female counterparts.

While around one in seven women without children said it made them feel 'guilt' none of the men polled cited this emotion.

"This challenges the common idea that women are much more likely to want to have children than men, and that they consistently experience a range of negative emotions more deeply than men if they don't have children," he said.

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UK Memorial held to mark 20th death anniversary of Stephen Lawrence

30

Continued from page 13 He read Our Last Awakening by John Donne, while Mr Miliband and Mrs May gave readings from the Bible.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson told the congregation: ‘On a dark street in Eltham 20 years ago there took place a crime that caused shock and pain, and disbelief, and outrage.

‘And it was left to those who had suffered the greatest pain and loss, the family of Stephen Lawrence, to search for the truth and for justice.'

But he said that the success of the Olympics had shown the best of the diversity of London.

He said: 'The world was watching us, and they saw that incorrigible happiness and that unity in diversity. And what people prophesied five decades ago would be a defect and difficulty in our society has been alchemised into the genius and magic of London.

'Of course it has not happened easily. It is thanks to the work of countless thousands. It is thanks to Doreen and of course to Stephen, too, because it was the campaign for justice in his name that became the blueprint for change.

'And that benign change has happened, and is happening and will keep happening.

'And out of that dark night 20 years ago has come great hope, and it is in a spirit of hope for London, the greatest city on earth, that we remember Stephen Lawrence today.'

The service included the hymn Be Still for the Presence of the Lord, which has been sung at every memorial service

for Stephen since he died.

Guests also included pop star Emeli Sande, Duwayne Brooks Stephen's friend who was with him on the night that he died, and lawyers Michael Mansfield and Imran Khan who have represented the Lawrence family throughout their battle for justice.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe also attended the service, the theme of which was 'building for the future'.

Importance of this 'unfortunate death' and his family campaign in our life Aftermath of the murder of Stephen Lawrence led to the Macpherson Inquiry which gave broader recognition to racism in British institutions and established an equality duty in the Equality Act 2010.

The Single Race Equality Duty (now part of the Equality Act) has been law since 2001 as a direct outcome of this inquiry, and means that public bodies have a duty to protect people using their services, including staff, from discrimination on the grounds of race.

It is often believed that the term ‘Race’ only hints at the Black and Ethnic Minority (BAME) people, leading to resentment that a minority is receiving privileged protection. However this legislation protects everyone as we all have an ethnicity, and can be discriminated against on this basis. So the legacy of Lawrence also protects white people from discrimination based on race.

As Claudia Tomlinson rightly wrote in 'The Left Foot Forward', the Tories have been trying to ensure to increase the minority vote, but to win the

Party’s campaign strategy must amount to more than just attending the Lawrence memorial service and a good photo of Cameron and Johnson.

However, their presence is definitely a victory for the Lawrence family,

and is a testament to the campaigning stamina of Doreen and Neville Lawrence.

But in policing, education, public services, the voluntary and community sector, race inequality has a long journey ahead.

Coming Events l The Leicester Friends of OCHS presents Thoughts on the Hanuman Chalisa By Dr Nick Sutton, Saturday 27th April 2013, 6.30pm to 9.00pm, Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, Rothley Street, Leicester LE4 6LF l Sat 27 Apr 2013 - 108 Hanuman Chalisa– 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Ramanavami Swaminarayan Jayanti, Sun 28 Apr 2013 – Sun 5th May 2013 –“Srimand Bhagawat Katha” to be recited by Pujya Ramnikbhai Dave formerly of Portugal, Seview building, Lewis Raod, Cardiff, CF24 5EB l NCGO to Gujarat Day on Wednesday 1 May 2013 at Kadwa Patidar Hall, Kenmore Avenue, Harrow, 6.30pm till 10.00pm. CJ Rabheru 07958275222 l Hanuman Jayanti 25 April 2013, 108 Hanuman Chalisa, 11am-5:30pm. Shree Jalaram Mandir, Greenford l Lohana Community North London presents Rafi & Mukesh with Muktar Shah, 26 Apri. 6:30pm onwards.

Contact 07956810647 l Maniben and Purshottambhai Shamjibhai Solanki present recital of Shree Ramcharitramanas Sunderkand and 108 Hanuman Chalisa, Nagrecha Hall, Leyton Road, London E15 1DT l Apeksha Arts UK presents Right All Right, Sunday 28 April, Wyllyotts Centre, Herts EN6 2HN, 7pm onwards. Contact: 020 8427 3413 l Shrimad Bhagvat Katha, 2May-8 May, 1-5pm, Balham High Road, London SW12 9AL l 2 Idiots, Thursday 2May, 8pm, Hayes Navnat Center. Contact: 020 8422 8988 l K M Munshi's 125th birth anniversary at Bhartiya Vidhya Bhavan, London W14 9HE on Sunday 28th April, 2013 - 5-30 pm with vegetarian dinner

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

It would be unwise to take any risks, particularly in regard to joint interests and investments.

Expenses and outgoings are likely to become heavy. Plan your spending and set sensible budgets to reach your financial goals. Associate with people that you are comfortable with.

The accent’s very much on relationships.

The opening up of a more diverse social life is a point in favour of romantic attachments, if this is what you want. You will achieve a lot more, especially when you're motivated by your own desires.

The general pattern of things continues on a progressive and buoyant theme.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21

There

are

subtle

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 transformations taking

shape in you life and a feeling of helpful influences in the background. There is much to suggest that you are in tune with your inner self and in touch with those hidden forces which often seem to take a guiding hand in one's life. Focus on essentials and establish a solid foundation.

As social life is likely to gather a pleasant momentum throughout this week, this is bound to present a better prospect, not only for striking up new friendships but also romantic encounters. This is going to be one of those times when insignificant events give rise to unexpected developments especially regarding work and health.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

The prevailing cosmic pattern packs a powerful punch early this week. Having such potent energies, make you feel positive and confident in whatever you do. This is not the time to hold back or underestimate your potential if you wish to further an important aim. Some of you will try to get away from the routine chores.

Your horizons have most certainly been expanding. So many planets in the area of your chart ruling long-distance travel and philosophical thoughts will make your mind run wild. With Venus and Mars transiting that sector too for some time, there will be many romantic opportunities.

Your financial affairs are looking up too.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

Your energy and attention will be very much devoted to financial matters. The tide of fortune continues to run strongly in your favour for some time to come. You will be working harder than usual, intent on getting things done. Close personal relationships may come under some stress and strain.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 Mobile: 07875 229 220 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Chief Accountant: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email:accounts@abplgroup.com Business Manager: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Nihir Shah - Email: nihir.shah@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Kalpesh Shah Tel: 07539 88 66 44 Email: kalpesh.shah@abplgroup.com Graphic Designers: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com

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SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 Strengthen close ties of affection, sort out emotional differences and proffer the olive branch to your loved one. You often sabotage your emotional interests by keeping too much inside. However, your inner pressure builds up and manifests as irrational moods that others find hard to understand. &nb sp; SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

You need to pay more attention than usual to your everyday work dairy. Meetings, work hours and organised breaks could play havoc, unless you're prepared to re-group on the spur of the moment. Try to be meticulous but flexible about your schedule. Play your cards right and you can pull strings in you favour.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

This week seems to be jam-packed with activity. The powerful Venus in your solar 5th house and Mars factor not only encourages amorous attachment but will bring luck and recognition to those involved in artistic endeavours and entertainments - this is a great time of opportunity.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 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 Aquarians will be more open to compromise to keep the peace. Plan your spending and set sensible budgets.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 You can expect a sustained and quite hectic flow of visitors to contribute greatly to a very buoyant atmosphere. If you are ambitious, this promises to be an important time in your life. You are likely to get the lucky breaks and reach a wider audience no matter what your aims.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 27th April 2013

IPL Results of 22 to 32 matches played till Tuesday, 23rd April Match Date 22 17 April

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Teams PW v/s SH at Pune SH won by 11 runs Brief scores: SH 119/8 (20 overs); PW 108/4 (19 overs) RR v/s MI at Jaipur RR won by 87 runs Brief scores: RR 179/3 (20 overs); MI 92 (18.2 overs) DD v/s CSK at Delhi CSK won by 86 runs Brief scores: CSK 169/4 (20 overs); DD 83 (17.3 overs) SH v/s KXIP at Hyderabad (Deccan) SH won by 5 wickets Brief scores: KXIP 123/9 (20 overs); SH 127/5 (18.5 overs) KKR v/s CSK at Kolkata CSK won by 4 wickets Brief scores: KKR 119/9 (20 overs); CSK 124/6 (19.1 overs) RCB v/s RR at Bangalore RCB won by 7 wickets Brief scores: RR 117 (19.4 overs); RCB 123/3 (17.5 overs) DD v/s MI at Delhi DD won by 9 wickets Brief scores: MI 161/4 (20 overs); DD 165/1 (17 overs) KXIP v/s PW at Mohali KXIP won by 7 wickets Brief scores: PW 185/4 (20 overs); KXIP 186/3 (19.5 overs) CSK v/s RR at Chennai CSK won by 5 wickets Brief scores: RR 185/4 (20 overs); CSK 186/5 (19.5 overs) RCB v/s PW at Bangalore RCB won by 130 runs Brief scores: RCB 263/5 (20 overs); PW 133/9 (20 overs) DD v/s KXIP at Delhi KXIP won by 5 wickets Brief scores: DD 120/7 (20 overs); KXIP 121/5 (17 overs)

Leading travel company sponsors coverage of major cricket tournament on ITV4 Long-haul travel specialist Southall Travel has agreed a major sports sponsorship deal with IPL, the Indian Premier League, the professional league for Twenty20 cricket championship in India.

Broadcast daily on ITV4 over 49 days, the IPL is one of the most spectacular sports tournaments in the world watched by millions of people and featuring stars such as Sachin Tendulkar, Adam Gilchrist and England's Eoin Morgan.

Southall Travel adverts will be shown on 15 second bumper adverts going into each live game.

Top Indian and international players take part in IPL and it is considered to be the world's showcase for Twenty20 cricket, a shorter format of cricket consisting only 20 overs per side.

Jaymin Borkhatria, sales director of Southall Travel, said: “For cricket fans this is one of the biggest tournaments in the world and it is exciting and fun to watch for the whole family. It gives our brand high visibility every

Jaymin Borkhatria

day until the tournament ends on 16 May and asserts our position to our target audience as the number one holiday firm for long-haul travel.”

“This sponsorship is a major investment in building our brand as we continue to expand our business.”

Southall Travel already has a strong association with cricket following its sponsorship of the ICC World Twenty20 three years ago which was shown live on Sky Sports.

Southall Travel specialises in worldwide flights and tailor-made travel arrangements. Its combination of unbeatable flight prices to all major long-haul destinations and first class service has ensured the company has gained a reputation for providing an outstanding value.

Despite hiccups in mid overs, Kings XI Punjab achieved the meagre 121 target, set by Delhi Daredevils with three overs to spare at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on Tuesday.

Manan Vohra (8) was the fourth man to be dismissed in Punjab's chase of a meagre 121. Johan Botha took a simple return catch to end Vohra's challenge, reducing Punjab to 70/4 in 9.2 overs.

After a solid second wicket stand, Kings XI Punjab lost both well settled batsmen Luke Pomersbach and Mandeep Singh in quick succession to revive Delhi.

Both batsmen guided Punjab to 50-mark after losing skipper Adam Gilchrist early.

However, just when Punjab score touched 50 Van der Merwe bowled out Pomersbach.

Before, Punjab could recover, Mandeep got run out leaving Delhi at 50/3.

Adam Gilchrist poor show continued as Irfan Pathan dismissed Punjab skipper in the first over after Delhi Daredevils set a mere 121-run target at Kotla.

Gilchrist scored just six before getting caught

by Johan Botha to leave his fans disappointed once again.

Earlier, Delhi Daredevils failed to make an impact as a batting unit as they scored a meagre 120 for seven.

After their crushing victory over heavyweights Mumbai Indians on Sunday, much was expected from the home side batsmen, but they could

only post a small total after being put in to bat.

David Warner topscored with a 36-ball 40 while Virender Sehwag, who hit a match-winning 95 not out against MI, contributed 23 off 21 balls.

Delhi never had a substantial partnership as they lost wickets at regular intervals and the almost packed crowd was quiet for most part of the innings.

For KXIP, Harmeet Singh grabbed three wickets for 24 runs, while Praveen Kumar took two for 29.

Delhi made a disas-

trous start as captain Mahela Jayawardene (4) got out in the fourth delivery of the innings with just four runs on the board while trying to drive an outswinger bowled by Praveen Kumar for David Hussey to take an easy catch at wide slip.

Chris Gayle brings Pune Warriors to their knees: Chris Gayle can shatter dreams.

Ask Ishwar Pandey, the highest wicket-taker in this year's Ranji Trophy, who got smashed for 21 in his first over this IPL. Ask Mitchell Marsh, whose

decent run with the ball this tournament was blown out of his memory, with his first over going for 28. Ask Aaron Finch, the third captain for Pune Warriors this season, who bowled an over hoping to restrict Gayle but didn't bowl again after being blasted for 29. Ask Ali Murtaza, a specialist leftarm spinner thrown into the deep end in his first game this season, only to be hammered for 28 in his over.

The fastest hundred in T20 history was built on the misery of others, most notably a struggling franchise whose owners - they spent US$370 million to buy it - watched shellshocked at their team's bowlers being taken apart with a ruthlessness only a game of Cricket '97 powered with cheat codes could have matched. After Gayle's onslaught, there was only going to be one result, and further confirmation of that arrived when four wickets fell inside the first six overs of the Warriors chase. Their defeat was the secondbiggest in terms of runs in the IPL's six seasons.

The destruction inflicted on the Warriors bowlers broke a series of records.

Gayle smashed the fastest century in the format, brought off 30 balls; made the highest individual T20 score (175 not out); struck the most sixes by a batsman in a T20 innings (17); helped Royal Challengers Bangalore hit the most sixes for a team in a T20 innings (21) and reach the highest total in T20 cricket (263).

this form of the game was 260 by Sri Lanka.

The Jamaican also became the highest-ever individual scorer in a T20 game surpassing Kolkata Knight Riders' Brendon McCullum who hit 158 off 73 balls against RCB. By the time he had reached his century, 98 off Gayle's runs had come in boundaries (8 Fours and 11 Sixes). For the record, he consumed 23 balls to

reach 150 from 100, which was the slowest of the three fifties, giving a fair indication of what he actually did to the clueless bowlers.

Pakistan's flamboyant batsman Shahid Afridi holds the record of fastest century in ODI (37 balls) while, Viv Richards is credited for scoring fastest ton (56 balls) in Test history.

South African Richard

Richard Levi holds the record for fastest international T20 hundred. Levi had slammed 45-ball century against New Zealand in 2011 at Hamilton.

Gayle had, earlier, also scored record 50-ball 100 in T20I before Richard Levi surpassed his feat.

Gayle also beat the previous 34-ball ton Twenty20 league record set by Australia's Andrew Symonds.

Chris Gayle's record-breaking 175 gave RCB a massive 130-run victory over Pune Warriors.

Chris Gayle scores fastest century in cricket history Explosive opener Chris Gayle slammed the fastest century in cricket history, reaching the triple figure in just 30 balls during the Royal Challengers Bangalore-Pune Warriors IPL clash on Tuesday.

Though, the milestone came in an IPL clash, and not in any international tie, Gayle's fireworks will be remembered by cricket buffs for long. Gayle pulverised Pune attack and scored 175 not out in just 66 balls and hit 17 sixes, most in a T20 innings, and 13 boundaries in the process, to send the crowd in delirium. This was also Gayle's second ton in his IPL career.

Gayle blitz powered Bangalore to a T20 record 263 for five. The previous highest total by a team in

Indian Premier League 2013 Points Table (23 / 04 / 2013) Teams Match Won Lost Tied Royal Challengers Bangalore 8 6 2 0 Chennai Super Kings 7 5 2 0 Sunrisers Hyderabad 7 5 2 0 Rajasthan Royals 7 4 3 0 Kings XI Punjab 7 4 3 0 Mumbai Indians 6 3 3 0 Kolkata Knight Riders 6 2 4 0 Pune Warriors 8 2 6 0 Delhi Daredevils 8 1 7 0

N/R 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Points 12 10 10 8 8 6 4 4 2

Net RR +1.254 +0.648 -0.104 +0.588 +0.343 -0.194 +0.021 -1.467 -0.954