Asian Voice

VOL 41. ISSUE 22

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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe 29th September to 5th October 2012

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Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Unlock the Potential of India Real Estate The story of India is truly an interesting one. From survival to revival, the Indian economy has exhibited unique resilience and upsurge. Similarly, the growth of the Real Estate Industry from a state of inertia to euphoria has been contributed by the factors that include external and internal drivers like:

Delhi National Capital Region and Thane near Mumbai exemplify extensions and spillovers of existing cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The future outlook for both these cities is promising.

As Mr. Abhishek Kapoor, CEO, Rustomjee Urbania puts “Tier II cities in India are now

ties of India real estate by: l Tapping into the knowledge and experience of the Experts l By tailoring your investments with capital gains and cash flows l Identifying an Exit Strategy whereby one can rent or resale the property in future.

States Mr. Vikram Goyal, MD, Unesta “To showcase the true potential of India Real Estate, Unesta is bringing their first ever India Property Show in Wembley. For the ever first time an event that presents not just residential but commercial projects including offices, retail and warehousing. “ Moreover the latest news the government's decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail would help the India Realty sector as the move would create demand for retail space and boost mall development in the country.

Experts foresee an upsurge in demand for retail spaces as new players enter the market.

Eventually, property prices may also firm up in future. The scope for investments both on the front-end, apart from back-end infrastructure like logistics, warehousing and agricultural produce marketing, constitute a key feature where investments across the value chain will reduce wastage by about 40 per cent.

Looking at the upcoming trends, Unesta presents fantastic warehousing investment options at the India URealty Show. Visit the Unesta Stall on Sat-Sun, 6-7 Oct, 2012 and get more options to diversify into different aspects of India Real Estate.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY Source: The Nielson Research on Indian Market Scenario 2008

In London, where residential returns average at a modest 6- 8 per cent, and prime London residential investments yield just 45 per cent, NRIs (non-resident Indians) are eager to invest in India where the returns are 2025 per cent on average. Since most property in India except Agricultural Land, is available to people of Indian origin and nonresident Indians, India continues to be a great investment opportunity.

Property investment in India has great potential as it not only proves to be a hedge against currency fluctuation and government policies and it also proves to be a natural choice for NRIs. Not just from the standpoint of being connected to one’s roots but also from the advantage of a retirement home, an annual holiday spot, a home for one’s parents, a future security or a pure investment. Whatever the reason for property investment, when it comes to India, the key lies in “location, location, location”.

The top locations encompassing the new facets of Indian real estate are Ahmedabad, Thane and Delhi NCR. The metro cities of India have come a long way; they are unrecognisable from their past avatar.

Glitzy shopping malls, multiplexes and entertainment cen-

tres, luxury hotels, fancy office blocks, smart apartments and luxury villas – are evidence of real estate changing the face of the country’s urban centres.

Thus, places like Gurgaon in

providing new opportunities of money multiplication mainly due to two reasons. Firstly, the metro cities are slowly getting congested and secondly, people living in Tier II cities want to upgrade to a better standard of living. Thus infrastructure and urban spaces are being regenerated.

Like in the Urbania Township, currently, more than 600 flats have been completed of and more than 1100 flats have been sold out. Thane has evolved as a most sought after destination in the suburbs as it represents a city in its self with a classic combination of a prime destination coupled with cost advantage and excellent connectivity to the other locations in Mumbai. ” However when investing in property in India, the investor can minimise risks and maximise returns with a strategic entry and exit plan. For instance, Unesta, a property investment company based in Baker Street, London, performs free in-depth research and duediligence to handpick projects that offer fantastic returns on investment and partner with reputed Developers in India known for their quality and timely delivery.

Thus one can unlock the potential and explore the opportuni-

Investment in India Properties has increased more than ever in the past decade and so has the interest of NRI/PIO’s to own a piece of their homeland. India today is perceived as one of the most attractive investment destinations as a result of multiple factors such as strong economic growth, rapid urbanisation, growing middle class and emphasis on infrastructure.

However, demand fundamentals of the India story are now focused around all cities that have sufficient economic activity, be it industrial, retail services or incentivedriven programs by the State Government. This has lead to the emergence of new investment destinations within India and these investment destinations can primarily classified as Tier I, Tier II and Tier III cities.

As Mr. Sanjay Dutt, Executive Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield India puts it, “Within these cities lie the opportunities for a higher rate of capital appreciation, depending on the demand and supply dynamics of their local markets and also the quality of the development, reputation of the developer, strategic value of the location and timely completion of projects.”

The investments in all the three types of cities vary in objective, risk appetite and overall ticket size of the investment. Tier I and selected Tier II cities act as better risk mitigators when one is restricting themselves to residential markets.

With respect to ticket size for investments, it is highly driven by the objective of investment. For Example if one is looking at investing in AAA location in Tier I cities one has to have deeper pockets and ability to make quick decision for investment as the supply of AAA investment grade residential property is low and demand is extremely high from within the domestic market. Like the recently launched project The Nest, in Andheri(West) by The Wadhwa Group. Just 2 Kms from Juhu Beach, it offers luxury living at the prime residential address in Mumbai Suburbs.

However if one’s objective is to multiply money and reap quick returns from a developing area in Tier I or Tier II cities, then it is also most prudent to invest in properties where the price tag falls between Rs. 2500-5000/sq.ft., since such a price tag provides downside protection against any capital value erosion. Like the project in Hingewadi Pune by Kolte Patil Developers called Life Republic, a township where 2BHK are available from £50,000 onwards.

One needs to consider the following points while evaluating the attractiveness of these, Tier I, II & III cities: l Risk Appetite – Tier I cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore offer core investments opportunities as compared to the more valued added opportunities in Tier II cities such as Pune, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. Tier III cities like Baroda are more opportunistic in nature. l Price Brackets – How much to invest is the most vital aspect of investment in real estate as the values varies drastically from location to location. In Tier I Metropolitan cities there is a wide gap in pricing and costs between the developed and developing areas. This chasm is further reflected in the property size in Tier I and Tier II cities. For Example: what one will pay for a 3 BHK in an upcoming location Mumbai with the same value one can get a villa in a developing location in Pune. However, with Tier III cities there is no one thumb rule that can be applied either to space

or location as it is highly driven by sentiments and over lay of progress, growth of local economies and government policies. l Returns and Capital Appreciation: Indian real estate is essentially driven by the capital appreciation rather than Rental yield model prevalent in the developed markets. On an average one can achieve 12%-15% in Tier I, 15%-20% in Tier II and 20%-25% in Tier III. Get more information on Investment Strategy by attending the special Investor Seminars organised for First Time Buyers and Seasoned Investors in India Properties. A chance to meet the Cushman & Wakefield India Team at the URealty Show at Sattavis Patidar Centre on 6-7 October, 2012. To Pre-Register, call 0207 127 0411 or visit www.indiaurealtyshow.com

URealty Magazine Launching at the Show Traditionally real estate was a family run business or financed in an unstructured manner through a set of investors primarily high net worth individuals that each developer closely worked with to fund acquisition or construction of a project. Over the past decade, new channels of sophisticated real estate financing from institutional sources have emerged in India that co-exist with the unstructured ones, only reducing the over dependence on a particular means of financing.

Get the full story on the Great Indian Real Estate, its trends from 1995 – 2005 -2012 and the India Vision 2020 in the second edition of the URealty Magazine, a publication that presents all you need to know about India Real Estate .

Get your free copy at the India URealty Show in Wembley London or call 0207 127 0411 for more details.

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VOL 41. ISSUE 22

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quietly delivering value for over 25 years

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe

29th September to 5th October 2012

Mulayam rescues Manmohan govt Mamata withdraws support to UPA govt over FDI in retail, hiking diesel prices

Manmohan Singh

Mulayam Singh

Mamata Banerjee

Trinamool Congress (TMC) ministers on Friday submitted their resignations to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, bringing to an end a bitter relationship between the Congress and Mamata Banerjee.

While accepting their resignations, the Prime Minister said he was sad about turn of the events.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday justified his government's recent reform measures by invoking the 1991 crisis, stressing his credentials as the architect of economic reforms to assure people that he can pull off another turnaround if his prescriptions to revive faltering growth are followed.

In his rare address to the nation which signaled that more steps could be in the offing, Singh said that just as the country rebounded in 1991 after forex reserves had shrunk to cover only three weeks of imports, recent measures and similar ones will put the economy back on rails. "We are at a point where we can reverse the slowdown in our growth.

We need a revival in investor confidence, domestically and globally.

The decisions we have taken are necessary for this purpose," the PM said.

However, the advocacy for tough steps and reforms measures was accompa-

nied with the insistence that the UPA, which won office twice with a commitment to protect the interests of the common man, remained the government of the "aam aadmi".

In fact, he suggested that the hike in diesel price was actually aimed at discouraging the rich from walking away with subsidy on a fuel which is supposedly meant for the poor.

"Much of the diesel is used by big cars and SUVs owned by the rich and by factories and businesses.

The Burning Problem

Rupanjana Dutta Britain historically has given its youngsters a foot up (whether as an apprentice or intern)- even from days as early as the 19th Century.

Today the future of this country's youngsters is in doldrum. One in four young Londoners is unemployed, rising to 27 per cent among young men — a total of 120,000 in all — and nearly triple the average London unemployment rate of 8.9 per cent. Youth unemployment in our capital city has soared to crisis proportions not seen for a generation. Together with Yorkshire, at 25 per cent London suffers, the worst youth unemployment rate in the UK, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics.

British MPs have stated that the Government schemes to reduce the number of young people out of work isn’t going far enough and they now wish more drastic actions has to be taken.

The £1bn youth contract, which introduced a number of schemes to

reduce unemployment has been called ‘a good start’ by the Work and Pensions Select Committee but unfortunately it isn’t enough ‘to address the current unacceptably high level of youth unemployment’.

There is no doubt that our young people have borne the brunt of the economic crisis. Among

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Should government run large fiscal deficits to subsidize them," Singh asked, adding that diesel price was raised only by Rs 5, instead of Rs 17 that was needed to cut the losses.

He also said that kerosene, which is used by the poor, was not touched.

In the address, he said the action on diesel and cooking gas was necessary to ward off an economic crisis since not doing anything would have seen petroleum subsidy going Continued on page 25

Youth Unemployment

#&#-1

In a huge relief for the UPA government, mid term polls may not happen after all. With the TMC withdrawing their support, the government would have been in a minority. But Mulayam Singh comes to the government's rescue.

Mulayam Singh said his Samajwadi Party will support the UPA government, taking the tally of Lok Sabha MPs to 276, above the halfway mark by 5 votes. He said he had differences with the govt over FDI in retail but he wants to keep communal forces out of power. He also said mid-term polls are unlikely.

However, he did say that a third front may be a possibility in the 2014 elections but refused say who would lead that front.

One thing is certain that none of the political parties wants a mid-term poll now.

There were also reports that Mulayam Singh is hopping to form a third front before the next Lok Sabha polls which is scheduled to be held in 2014. By supporting UPA he can get enough time to form the third front as well demand a bounty for Uttar Pradesh from the Manmohan government.

Trinamool Congress, UPA's second largest ally decided to withdraw support as the government refused a rollback on diesel price hike, FDI in retail and raise the cap on cooking gas cylinder. Meanwhile, Salman Khurshid said Mamata's TMC is a respected ally but their views don't match with the govt's. Mayawati's BSP will also lend outside support to the UPA govt to avoid going to early polls. Six

2

London’s black and Asian youth, the problem is far worse. The issue is very acute in the Olympic boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Newham, which have among the highest number of young people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in the capital.

Continued on page 4

4

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

one to one Keith Vaz MP with

Dr Jatin Pandya MBE FRCGP DPD Dr Jatin Pandya has been a GP, principally in Tottenham, for the last 25 years. He was awarded an MBE in 2004 for his role in developing Services to Healthcare and was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of General Practitioners (FRCGP) in 2000.

In 2002 he was awarded the ‘Videsh Samman’ from the High Commission of India for contribution to the enhancement of human welfare & Indo-British understanding. He received the ‘Professional of the Year’ at the Asian Achievers Award in 2005.

He continues to contribute to developing new ways of providing Primary Care in Haringey. His practice became the first in the country to provide the ‘Choose and Book’ service which allows patients to choose hospital appointments. He has held various leadership roles in NHS Haringey and has helped to shape how services are provided.

1) Please tell us about your current position?

I am currently a General Practitioner in NHS Haringey and I serve an inner city, multi-ethnic population. I am a member of the South East Commissioning Network for Haringey and contribute to how services are provided in the locality.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

The pinnacle of my

career was being awarded an MBE for services to National Health and the ‘Videsh Samman’ award from the High Commission of India. It really was an honour to be nominated by those that I strive to serve and symbolised the passion that I have for helping patients.

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

I wanted to become a

Youth Unemployment...

Continued from page 3 As the excitement of the Olympics and Paralympics fades, the promises made by the government to win these Games on behalf of London’s youth needs to be remembered. It was 30 school children from east London who had accompanied Lord Coe to Singapore in 2005, so that he could ask for the Games “on behalf of the youth of today, the athletes of tomorrow and the Olympians of the future”.

But the generation of those school children, who are currently young adults, have every right to feel betrayed now. The 'craze' that the Games would “inspire a generation” and transform lives at the very end of it, is simply at odds with the disastrous impact that long-term joblessness has created in this country, especially to those young people who have no previous track record of success to fall back on.

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

There are two key principles that have influenced my career to date. The first was the importance of education - my eldest sister motivated me to study when I was very young. The second is the concept of ‘patient centred care’ which my Professor of Medicine championed. My wife has been a great source of strength for me.

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

I enjoy using my clinical knowledge and experience to help patients meet their physical, psychological and social needs and provide disease prevention education. There is no better feeling than when a patient says ‘Thanks Doc, I am much better now!’

doctor at an early age and I was fortunate to have a loving family, but it was hard for my parents to pay for my medical education.

I was uncertain whether I would be able to complete

my studies, but I was determined to find a way of overcoming this obstacle so I worked hard to obtain a scholarship. The rest is history as they say!

suffering 'generation' is urgent. And we, as the largest Asian newsweekly are calling on employers across London, especially Asian businesses- large, medium and small- to take on an apprentice to get the young Londoners working, even if it's on part time basis.

mouth. So often those availabilities go unnoticed. Last but not the least no one wants to hire inexperienced people in this economic climate, whereas without any previous scope of work, youngsters often remain inexperienced for a very long. The longer the young stay out of work or education, the more difficult it becomes for them to get back into the world of work. It is frighteningly easy to slip into a cycle of inactivity and despondency as a result of prolonged unemployment.

6) And the worst?

It is difficult to translate how complex policy changes in the NHS will impact the way patients will receive care. It is important that patients understand what the new commissioning changes will mean for them and I continue to inform patients through ‘patient participation groups’ in my practice.

7) What are your long

youngsters from the community, who discussed their issues and they are as follows: Vivek Datta*: “My parents have always told me that a City job is my final destination. When I graduated with a fairly good degree in Finance from a leading university in the country I obviously Probable reasons of applied for a internship in youth unemployment practically all leading firms in the City and the There are some underWharf. But I have not lying issues that have led heard back from them or I to the current scenario. was rejected at the interview due to lack of experiFirst, with the education ence.” cost rising by thousands, Sagarika Kaur*: there are many who “I want to work in a cannot afford to go Unemployment rates for reputed firm. I to university- leadLondoners aged 16-24 (%) well am an Asian, but I ing to a gap in their know I cannot work Resume.

Second in Asian firm given several case studies Black/African/Caribbean 44 theanlonger hours and have revealed that 44 relatively poor pay. I 'race' could be an Pakistani issue, and in given Bangladeshi 38 have a degree in English Literature situations their 31 and Journalism. I 'white' counterparts Other Asian have secured a job Mixed race 27 want to be a journalist on BBC or Sky or quicker than them24 someplace similar. I selves because of Indian their ethnicity or White approached 19 have immigrant heritage. journalists from sevTotal 25 eral national media, Third, many youngSource: Office for National Statistics sters do not want to whom I have met on work in Asian or occasions and they SME have all asked me to businesses, apply through their vacanmaking their choice Tragedies around cy board and I have never restricted to the general got a call back.” market, where competiAsian Voice has been Trishna Alagappan*: tion is very high. Fourth, hosting youth conferences “I started my career at a Asian businesses many for a few years now and small law firm in the City. times do not enrol their have tried to guide stuI worked there for 2 years, vacancies at Job Centre and then I lost my job, as Plus. They believe in dents through their career the firm downsized due to spreading the news within and internships. We spoke recession. I tried finding the community by word of to a few unemployed

term goals?

I am committed to serving the best interests of my patients and I will continue to champion patient centered care and choice. I am keen to pursue Medical charity work and use my clinical skills to help provide care for people around the world who cannot afford good medical care.

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

I believe strongly that prevention is better than cure, so I would invest in health education for young people at school and public campaigns on a national scale, particularly around smoking, alcoholism and mental health.

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

It would be enlightening to speak to Mahatma Gandhi about how to live life from the lens of simplicity and to be further inspired by Mother Teresa for her unconditional commitment to helping people who are in need. Although not a historical figure, I would love to invite my father who taught me the importance of perseverance, which has helped me to achieve my goals. another job and I did not get accepted anywhere.

One of the City law firms in fact rejected me because the cases I worked on in my legal career, were not 'good enough' or 'too insignificant' for their standards! The question is if I am not given a chance to work in a big firm, how will I gather experience in matters that are 'of their standards'?”

The issue of unemployment is not just because of the existing financial crisis. The level of expectation and the bars raised against freshers is way too high. As Evening Standard wrote Melissa Kaur whose white friends with less qualifications may have secured a job, probably due to their ethnicity or Sana Babar who lost out in the interview due to a beginner's nervousnessthere is so much in this situation that need to be addressed.

Mayor Boris Johnson said, “It was 'vital' to get a grip on the crisis...if the young Londoners are to realise their full potential”.

Labour MP Diane Abbott said that “a whole generation of young Londoners looks into the abyss of permanent unemployment” and that we allGovernment, the Mayor, and communities - need to help to “save a potentially lost generation”.

Continued on page 28

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

COMMENT

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Thought for the Week

UPA government in India at crossroads Surrounded by allegations, lack of focused development strategy, other distractions and continuous reductions (some say drastic) in the GDP, PM Manmohan Singh announced his bold plans three weeks ago. By and large the thinking was on the right lines, but the devil is in the details. In India the coalition partners will naturally try to extract the last drop of blood or bumper bounty for their states, this is not a new phenomenon. In the last 8 odd years, UPA government has been forced to allocate huge amounts to the states where the regional parties prevail and whose votes in the Lok Sabha happened to be very crucial for the survival of the government. In the first UPA government, such largesse was distributed to then allies like DMK, Left parties, RJD and others.

Now the tables have turned, Mamata, has quit the coalition and withdrawn her ministers, for which she is not totally wrong. FDI liberalization in retail, aviation and other sectors, though welcome in principle, India has to tread more carefully compared to China when it opened its doors in 1979. Most of the FDI in China went for manufacturing industry from Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan as well as USA. Millions of jobs were created and the rapid growth both in terms of GDP and exports were pivotal in the tremendous turnaround of China. In case of India, perhaps the picture is profoundly different. It’s a democracy, it has a federal structure, and in some states the regional parties are very powerful, for some several decades.

The Congress on it's own has not been able to form the central government for a very long time, and they had to negotiate, bargain or depend on the mercy of their allies who join them more for short term gains than any partnerships based on principles or national priorities. In retail FDI sector, the international giants like Wal-Mart are so huge that it’s difficult to comprehend their reach and influence; perhaps they are more powerful than some countries who are members of UN. Also we must remember that in New York, Wal-Mart has not been allowed to open a single store. Why not?

If such huge multinationals are good for other countries, then why they have not been able to penetrate in New York though they have got 4,000 outlets in USA? There is also a lesson one can learn from British experience in retailing over the last 30odd years. Before

1979, predominately huge super-markets and hyper markets were confined to be outside the cities and towns. At the moment the four major players here Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda, Morrison - have not only monopolised the outer limits of the cities and towns but they have entered the high streets, council estates and the other areas more successfully served by independent retailers earlier. Independent shopkeeper cannot compete with the giants on their bargaining power, both with the suppliers as well as in the planning department of Boroughs and the central government.

Most of the independent retailers, in larger denominations have a high percentage of Asians, and though there is no united voice of Asians specifically but ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) and others like NFRN (National Federation of Retail Newsagents) have been crying out for help or playing fields from the authorities. Big fish can easily pounce on the small fish. If it can happen in the UK, a very democratic and efficient nation with very little corruption, in India, the small Dukawalas will be under enormous strain from the multiples. The same analogy can be drawn on other ideas (although most are welcome from Dr Manmohan Singh). What can be done? One - the package was not properly explained or marketable. 2- Maybe suitable thinking has not happened at the medium and long term consequence for retailers as well as consumers.

Possibly the central government, especially the Congress party, must have courage of conviction to chalk out a much more detailed plan and if need be to call the bluff of some regional parties. It is all very well for Dr Manmohan Singh to say that if people throw us out we are here to survive. India deserves a sound strategy for development. Average Indians are ambitious, hard working, honest and is given a very raw deal by such initiatives. This is nothing more than convenience politics. Survival is not the option.

In all the democracies in the second half of the parliamentary period, governments face more difficulties especially at the time of economic downturn. We can see that in the USA presently in the presidential elections, in the UK and very visibly in India. Within China we do not witness the same situation, as it is a government that has a top to bottom leadership strategy. India is different, and the government can do a far better job.

Coalition at the crossroads in UK too The Tory–Lib Democrat coalition has come to a very sticky patch after two and half years. This is not unnatural because these two parties contested 2010 elections on separate and distinct manifestos. One must also accept that this coalition had justified reasons to focus on deficit reduction and make it their priority. Other issues which proved to be very devising like student fees, House of Lords reform, restructuring foreign aid, taxing the rich and helping the have-nots. On such matters, the Lib Dem's have had to sacrifice more than they set out to do in the initial agreement between the parties. The cement of power was not and is never going to be durable to sustain the partnership when the core principals are at stake. Nick Clegg the Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Lib Dem's is indeed a courageous politician, He has not passed the buck, he has taken on his chin all the accusations from angry students and others. Many expected a more liberal approach from a government where their leader is Deputy Prime Minister, and hence he has to face much criticism over the last year. The Lib Dem conference at Brighton is in itself a milestone. With 57 MPs in the Commons, Lib Dem's are finally in the government with all the rights and responsibilities - as well as perks and privileges of power too. Most of the Lib Dem ministers have done well in the circumstances but can they sell their package to the devout members of the party, not only at Brighton but up and down the country?

This is a question that still remains unanswered.

Someone says it is not impossible but is very difficult, as the personal popularity of the leader of the party Nick Clegg has gone down from +58 to -61. What needs to be said is that the Liberal Democrats as a Party have by in large put principles before powers.

After 1945 every member of the Lib Dem or Liberal party was very clear that they are far away from the power which ultimately are the objective of the political participation. There was limited movement towards the two largest parties, Labour or Tories.

In Brighton, there may perhaps be some discussions on foreign aid, the budget for defence services and other issues of welfare benefits for those who really need and deserve. They will also discuss the issues such as rising youth unemployment. Recently a report was published about the acute unemployment problem in the South-east especially in central London area. A young man who has been unemployed for years on end, regardless of the qualifications he has acquired has

enormous problems of adjusting with the family or society in general; and also finds it extremely difficult to gain employment in the future. The Unemployed population costs the exchequer by both their inability to pay the tax or claiming benefits while out of employment. An idle mind is prone to mischief if not vandalism and other improper behaviour, hence crime rates are also linked to unemployment rates. However research from statistics from the Job Centre Plus suggests that Asians are not the worst of. This may be due to the fact that many Asians do not like to visit the Job Centre due to the various connotations that arise from doing so. There is also a hesitation by many to approach Asian owned businesses who employ several hundred thousand people in UK, simply because they want a change, a more wider scope.

To the pertinent issues of foreign aid, UK has and is continuing to aid many countries across the globe, some would say perhaps far beyond its capacity. But much more worry is in the squandering of the precious money in allocating to the countries where they do not need the aid or for projects which are not strictly development oriented. Foreign aid is also not an instrument of international diplomacy or global influence.

Nevertheless the United Kingdom must set some realistic goals in the global situation. The brave men and women of the British defence forces as well as the police are paying a heavy price in international policing activities. Have we got such human resources or have we got the financial capabilities to carry this on? Do we have to sacrifice our brave human resources due to our historic ties with various nations? The UK must play its part in international development but equally those nations who can also afford to do so must too.

Britain has a unique system, Foreign students rightly or wrongly are at the centre of politics in last few years. There were possibly some rogue colleges and some students that gained entry into the UK but at the same time, the bulk of them, one quarter of a million students came from various other countries and they paid billions of pounds worth of tuition fees. They came with good intentions, to acquire qualifications and move on to a successful career. Some omissions and commissions at London Metropolitan University compelled the authorities to take some steps - many harsh and unfair. The British Judiciary have given some justice to those thousands of students who were left in agony.

Life isn't about finding yourself.

Life is about creating yourself - G B Shaw (1856-1950)

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel’s

Political Participation and Representation -Letter from Rt Hon David Cameron, MPDear British Indian Hindu Community, Thank you for all your letters congratulating me on the Olympics and the global showcase of diversity that was London, and your subsequent disappoint at the lack of representatives from your community in my newly shuffled Cabinet.

Please do understand the restrictions I am under. First, all eligible candidates have to be a member of my Party, the Conservative Party. Or they can be a Liberal Democrat, but, then you need to write to Nick Clegg, I am sure he’ll send his own letter of apology.

Second, whilst I can appoint from the Lords, they really have to be MPs. It helps if they were in the Shadow Cabinet or held some Shadow junior ministerial post – that means the 2010 intake does not qualify.

Now you tell me, who am I left with? Please name me names. Who have I overlooked? Who specifically from the criteria I have mentioned? Shailesh Vara for Home Secretary? It’s all very well complaining, but give me something to work with. At least I have given you Paul Singh Uppal MP– PPS to David Willetts in the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. And Baroness Verma promoted without fuss or commotion to Under Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change – see not an ethnic or community post like poor Sayeeda – boy was Sayeeda unhappy.

Flood Conservative Party Headquarters with your application forms to be members of the Party, then MPs, then go out and campaign weekends and at elections door to door in the cold and the wet and be probed by journalists and hounded, and take orders from the whips and be told what to do, by them, whilst working on a wage well under what you could earn elsewhere, remembering all the time, how high will you really every get, my little Indian Obamas?

Thought so. You’d rather be wealthy, independent minded professionals and business owners – where you know thanks to the likes of Anshu Jain and Rajat Gupta (okay maybe less so Gupta) you are gods and legends and we politicians come asking you for help. Not so good at taking orders for low wages are you?

Of course Labour has more of your community as MPs – their target demographic earns more as an MP than in their day job. Whereas a typical Tory earns less as an MP. So your community if it agrees with Tory views, keeps its day job and doesn’t become Tory MPs – with very few exceptions.

I mean, can you put up with Andrew Mitchell’s tirades?

If he’s willing to speak to a police officer with a machine gun like that, just imagine what he’d do to you, my unarmed peace-loving friend. We Brits did a bit of that to you in India, and you all went off in a huff, asking for independence.

You’re a strong wealthy able independent minded community. Why on earth would you want to be an MP on a pittance?

Maybe the power? Well, being an MP is the surest way to ensure you’ll have next to none of it. Want power – consider being a journalist, a businessman or a lawyer. Real power – be a social worker – truly improve society.

And yes it is important to participate in politics. And that’s my point. You don’t need to be in the Cabinet to be in politics. You can join a Party, attend policy meetings, write to your MP, keep the day job, do the thankless but fulfilling work of knocking on doors at election time, taking the elderly to polling stations, canvassing, (like un-self-publicising Alpesh has(!)) and make a difference that way – but without the glory sure. But then again you all do that already – I saw that from the Asian Achievers Awards. So if you still do want the glory and the adulation of a Cabinet post send me your sacrificial lamb for the rest of you. Send me your sons and daughters to Conservative Party Headquarters immediately.

Yours in apology, Dave Cameron

(written on behalf of the Prime Minister, Rt Hon David Cameron MP, by the dishonourable Alpesh Patel)

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Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Dull it isn't

Saathi hath badhana sathi re (x2) Ek akela thak jayega milkar bojh uthana...

I think I am a blessed person. The feedback I have received from you, dear readers, is very encouraging, inspite of my self-confessed inability in the Queen's English. Language is a tool and as always, I will try my best to improve.

However, if the general meaning is conveyed without confusion, I will be reasonably satisfied.

Some readers have asked me to clarify the title of the column. The questions raised are: what do you mean by dull? Is it referring to your job? Does it refer to the overall scenario in this country and abroad?

Similar questions may have a simple answer. From birth to death, everyone faces challenges, as well as opportunities. However for some, due to special circumstances, life is a no win situation.

Equally for some it may be a win win situation. The more acceptable approach would be: “half a glass full” rather than “half a glass empty.”

We often feel that our life is boring, dull, useless or futile -the way we see the world through our own glass or sometimes through a magnifting prism. “Even the darkest cloud has a silver lining”, says an old English proverb. So my existence and likewise yours need not be dull. Why can't we make it more enjoyable, exciting and inspiring? How? Today, I've quoted an inspiring and energising film song, which is 55 years old. India then, in economic terms had “license & quota Raj”. Indians especially of the younger generation were inspired from such message of helping hand in a united action. I presume that most of our readers have some contact with Bollywood where the lingua franca is Hindi. Bollywood and Cricket are after all favourites of most Indians, as they have one of the most secular and vibrant ethos.

Not all Asians drive Mercedes!!

Many British Asians are assumed to have done very well. Sadly speaking, that is not always the case. There are perhaps about 30% of us, who have not succeeded in climbing the career ladder, despite their best efforts. It could be due to health, age and even discrimination to an extent or even as a result of our inabilities of finding the appropriate destination and route.

Students brought up in Britain have problems in further education with the steep rise of university fees. Students from the Indian sub-continent (over 300,000) made bee-line to the British universities and colleges and look what happened? Some colleges and universities were found to have been fiddling.

Thousands of students had secured admissions through various types of frauds. Nevertheless, a high number of them were legitimate students. A great injustice is being done to the majority of law-abidding students English (British) judiciary is renowned for its fair and farsighted judgements. The High Court gave a very British judgement in the London Metropolitian University case last week.

During the British rule the omissions and commissions of the likes of Robert Clive, Warren Hastings and General Dyer were scrutinised by the judge and juries. Therefore, many of us chose to be a British citizen, knowing that Great Britain may not become the mightiest and richest power as it once was but there is something unique with the word “British”.

British Asians shopkeepers, selfemployed workers and also professionals like doctors, pharmacists and so on are credited as hardworking and devoted.

In today's Britian, independent retailers in their thousands are paying heavy prices as they cannot compete with the supermarkets. An independent shop keeper, if provided a level playing field can withstand what Association of Convenience Stores have termed “unfair competition”. Our shopkeepers serve as they should, with a smile and take special care of their customers.

Big boys have swamped the outskirts of the cities and towns. Under different labels they have taken over the High Streets and even the Council estates.

Demise of an independent trader (Brown, Black or White) will also rupture a finely balanced social fabric, which has been the hallmark of Britain.

British Asians are a part of the British society. It is natural that the pain and gain has to be shared, but our politicians, community and business leaders, media magnets and religious leaders have to take initiatives in order to take care of these grievances.

In my previous column, I referred to “Two faces of David Cameron”. There is a widening void between the pledges and preformances of the Prime Minister.

I am happy to reproduce Subhash Thakrar's (Chairman of London Chamber of the Commerce and Industry, as well as Senior Partners of Black Stone Frank) letter to the Prime Minister. In the public interest, all of us need to take a stand. I'm really impressed with the commitment and courage of Mr. Tharkar. All of us should have gratitude for his sense of public service.

The Prime Minister The Rt Hon David Cameron 10 Downing Street London SW1 Date: Our ref:

19 September 2012 SVT/S1001

Dear Prime Minister I have, in the past, written to you in my capacity as Chairman of the London Chamber of Commerce to address the issues of international trade.

I felt compelled to write to you on this occasion following the recent Ministerial reshuffle and wished to make some observations.

With the spectacular, yet very balanced impact of the 2012 Games, it truly bears out the fact that Great Britain is a nation of diversity where members from all walks of society are involved at various levels in making their contribution to our advancement. The inclusive approach of the Games and the involvement of a wide range of our society was a splendid example of how we view our nation and you, Sir, have been instrumental in projecting that image.

The British Indian and Hindu community is a significant minority in our society and can genuinely claim to be respectable citizens of our society. This group does not seem to be too vocal in its demands and tends to accept what is allocated. However, this silent approach ought not to be ignored and indeed ought to be respected.

It is with this in mind that I regret that the recent reshuffle now leaves the senior levelled Ministers in the Cabinet without any representation of the British Indian Hindu community. I wholeheartedly acknowledge that all positions should be by reference to merit and capability but I have no doubt all sections of the community can provide appropriate leadership in this area.

Yours sincerely Subhash V Thakrar Chairman, London Chamber of Commerce

Saathi haath badhana saathi haath badhana Ek akela thak jayega milkar bojh uthana

Indian diplomatic bags stolen

Saathi haath badhana saathi re (2) Saathi haath badhana saathi haath badhana (2) Ek akela thak jayega milkar bojh uthana Saathi haath badhana saathi haath badhana (2) Saathi haath badhana saathi re (2) Hum mehnat waalon ne jab bhi milkar kadam badhaye, Saagar ne rasta chhoda parbat ne sheesh jhukaye, Fauladi hain seene apne fauladi hain baahein (2) Hum chaahe to paida kardein chattano mein raahein Aa..aa..

Saathi haath badhana saathi haath badhana, Ek akela thak jayega milkar bojh uthana, Saathi haath badhana, Saathi haath badhana saathi re (2) Mehnat apne lekh ki rekha mehnat se kya darna Kal gairon ki khaatir ki aaj apni khaatir karma, Apna sukh bhi ek hai saathi apna dukh bhi ek (2) Apni manzil sach ki manzil apna rasta nek (2) Aa..aa..

Saathi haath badhana saathi haath badhana (2) Ek akela thak jayega milkar bojh uthana Saathi haath badhana Saathi haath badhana saathi re (2) Ek se ek mile to katra ban jata hai dariya Ek se ek mile to zarra ban jata hai sehra Ek se ek mile to raayi ban sakti hai parbat (2) Ek se ek mile to insaan bas mein kar lein kismat (2) Aa..aa..

Saathi haath badhana saathi haath badhana (2) Ek akela thak jayega milkar bojh uthana Saathi haath badhana Saathi haath badhana saathi re (10) Movie : Naya daur Music Director : O.P. Naiyyer Playback : Asha Bhonsle, Mohammd Rafi Lyrics : Sahir Ludhiyanvi

- CB

In a security breach, three Indian diplomatic bags containing 6,000 visa stickers have been stolen in London during a transit from the airport to the India House. The fourth stolen bag contained stationery items, a High Commission spokesperson told the PTI. "On that day, in total 27 bags were received. Out of which, 25 bags contained 50,000 visa stickers. They were

Diwali Festival of light

being transported from Heathrow Airport by the clearing agent, who handles 'B' and 'C' category diplomatic bags of the High Commission," the spokesperson added.

As soon as the incident came to notice, the High Commission informed authorities in India, and "suitable action" was taken to prevent any misuse of visa stickers, the official said.

Special Edition November 2012

Dear Readers,

Diwali is a month away. The New Year is knocking at the door waiting to bring in colours and light to our lives with fervour of joy and ever lasting happiness.

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar as every year will be publishing the ‘Diwali Special’ Magazine for our fabulous and supportive readers like yourself. This year we are doing something special for our young readers.

If you are between 10-25 years of age, write an article in English on 'how you celebrate your Diwali every year' or 'your most memorable Diwali' in no more than 700 words and email to aveditorial@abplgroup.com with your full name, age and contact number.

Last day of entry is Sunday 7th October 2012.

- Asian Voice

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Keith Vaz meets IJA members to University of West London celebrate 25 years of his hosts Young Indian Chef Finals Parliamentary career Kruti Patel

CB Patel, Amit Roy, Rajesh N Prasad, Keith Vaz, Shazia Mirza and Ashis Ray

On Wednesday Sept 19, the Indian Journalists Association organised a dinner at Bistro, Crowne Plaza, to celebrate 25 years of Keith Vaz's career in the Parliament. The dinner started with a short introductory speech by Amit Roy, President of IJA, followed a speech by Mr Vaz and a Q and A on several issues with the present journalists.

Mr Vaz who has been an MP and a close friend of the Asian community, has been supporting common causes and concerns including the Bidve murder, immigration issues in London Metropolitan

University, Prosecutions over Hillsborough and so much more.

In his usual humorous manner, Mr Keith Vaz told the IJA, “It's a huge honour and pleasure to meet you this evening. Thank you for inviting me.

Journalists and politicians- such a special and enduring relationship we have. IJA has always been very kind to me. Thank you very much for the way you have reported and covered me over the last 25 years. It has been extraordinarily fair, it's been very much to the point, and it's been very very accurate. You are the

main vehicle through which I have been able to communicate with this huge diaspora, that we call the Indian community.”

He also spoke about his charity Silver Star and the damages Diabetes causes to health and urged members to take a test and spoke about his mobile diabetes van that would go around the cities of India spreading awareness.

The event was attended by several journalists, some members of the IJA and Rajesh N Prasad, Deputy High Commissioner, India House, Shazia Mirza, comedian and colleagues

The International Institute of Hotel Management in collaboration with the University of West London had taken up an initiative to provide young culinary artists’ with a platform, where they were given the opportunity to display their cooking talents for the very last time. This was the first year that a contest like “India's schools' Young Chef” was held for India's young culinary artists and its success is evident through the skills the chefs have developed through the whole process.

Eight young contestants from India from eight different cities made it through to London’s finale, after battling it out with 3000 other young chefs in India. Not only were they representing the schools and the city they belonged to, but also came here as “ambassadors of India”, as stated by Dr. Suborno Bose (the director of the IIHM). The young chefs faced a panel of three judges that examined them on the basis of their culinary techniques, as well as the texture, taste and presentation of their final product.

It is fair to say that

arriving and adjusting to a completely foreign environment would have be daunting, as well as exciting for these 17-18 year old chefs. For some, this opportunity and experience was simply life changing.

The winner, Aditi Chand representing Ahemdabad in Gujarat, who took away a cheque of 2 lakhs was overwhelmed with joy. “A dream come true!” she said, when asked about her prize. Being a vegetarian, she produced the best chicken dish which was undoubtedly worthy of credit. But her victory was also attributed by her performance, overall which met the judges' specific criteria.

The aim of the event was not to draw media attention, but rather the primary objective of the IIHM is to go on a quest for "raw talent”. As explained by a member of the Institute that there is much talent out there, and also a huge scope for chefs in the Indian market; thus it is essential for young people to be equipped with the appropriate skills that can transform them into future entrepreneurs and masters of culinary art.

One of the judges on

the panel, a renowned chef and the owner of restaurant named Benaras in London, Atul Kochar, pictured, was keen to congratulate the young finalists in an brief interview carried out by a member of IIHM. His story about dropping out of law school to pursue a career in the hospitality field and not at being accepted by his family at first is perhaps the inspirational catch for these young Indian chefs.

With a trend towards students taking up professions they feel “passionate” about, many young Indians are diverting away from conventional fields such as medicine, engineering, and law.

Previously a culinary profession would have been frowned upon, due to the stigma that was attached with so called labour jobs.

But fortunately, for a lot of Indians around the globe, this is now gradually changing.

8

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Exciting Times for Young British Indians These are exciting times to be a young British Indian. We are at the forefront of so many fields; from the sciences to the arts, academia, tech, media, industry and sports, generations of aspiring British Indians have, over time, fashioned an enviable culture of excellence.

We owe so much to our parents and our country for the opportunities created, and today in 2012, the British Indian brand has never been more valued.

A new generation of Young British Indians are striving to make their mark on the world. These children of the 80s and 90s, often without ties to and knowledge of India, have chances their parents could only dream of. My generation stands at the cusp of a ‘British Indian Moment’; the question is how they respond to it. For my organisation, Conservative Friends of India, the answer could not be more clear: service.

To serve is to give back to our communities, to take responsibility and help to build a better society as well as a more prosperous country.

So often our community is admired for its abilities in business and education, yet we are equally as successful in building and maintaining communities, caring for those less fortunate in our society and being charitable.

Young British Indians inherit a rich tradition of service. Take the Hindu example, the ideas of Dharma and Seva – of helping the disadvantaged and vulnerable – is tied spiritually and doctrinally to the identity of Hindus worldwide.

Service is central to our concept of what it means to be British: remember the rightful praise given to the volunteers at the 2012 London olympics. Service also is central to the idea of what it means to be Conservative; the party of the Big Society, of social action and the philosopher Edmund Burke.

It is at the intersection of community and party that Conservative Friends of India sits.

We want to build a bridge that connects those who serve with organisations and institutions that might benefit from their experience and leadership. We want to see a new generation of young British Indian school governors, trustees, volunteers, councillors, and parliamentarians, enriching political life as they already enrich our nation’s social cultural and business life. We want to support and empower our members, a generation of young

community activists, as they mature into a new generation of political leaders that our country needs. That is our mission.

We were launched in April of this year. Our rapid progress to date suggests the esteem in which the potential of this new generation of young British Indian is already held by so many in public life. The excitement flows right from the top. At the launch of Conservative Friends of India in April, the Prime Minister David

Cameron told a crowd of 1,300 people that he was sure that there would be a British Indian Conservative Prime Minister in our lifetimes, drawn from the British Indian Community’s ranks.

Whatever your political views, whatever generation you consider you come from, that’s something we can all get excited about.

(Taken from a speech to launch Hindu Journey, a new organisation, alongside CB Pat el on Friday 21st September).

The Journey Begins…….

Photo courtesy: Raj Bakrania

By Asheem Singh, Director of Conservative Friends of India www.cfindia.co.uk; www.twitter.com/wearecfindia

Asheem Singh, Vijay Poddar, Bob Blackman MP, Kishan Devani, CB Patel during the lamp lighting ceremony

HinduJourney held its official launch fundraising event on 21st September 2012 at the Hotel Mercure in Watford, in the presence of distinguished guests which included Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar CB Patel, Bob Blackman MP for Harrow East, Vijay Poddar, Trustee, Sarvam Trust of Aurobindo Society; and Asheem Singh, the Director of Conservative Friends of India joined over 200 guests. The event consisted of dances. speeches, a three course meal and the opportunity to mingle with distinguished members of the community.

The founder of HinduJourney, Shri Kishan Devani brought together a group of Hindu youth over one year ago to establish his visionary idea; a voluntary social project to build a stronger, more connected and more learned 21st century community. The HinduJourney team aim to continue their work for generations to come, to reshape, remould and strengthen the Hindu community forever.

The night began in traditional Hindu Fashion with a dance to a Ganesh Stuti. This was followed by various speeches by the distinguished guests who welcomed and supported the work of HinduJourney.

They were

extremely pleased to see a group of youths from the community taking on a mammoth task for the benefit of the community at large. The HinduJourney team then gave a enlightening presentation explaining their activities and their aims for the future. The evening was in aid of pupils at the Sheth Anandilal Podar Vidhyalaya in Mumbai, India; which is a 1600 pupil Hindi Medium school.

The HinduJourney team aim to sponsor some pupils’ school fees, uniform and books for one year, and also develop the IT facilities within the school. The support that was received from the guests was truly humbling. CB Patel the Chief Guest, commended the initiative and extended his full hand of support to the project. The entire community was present on the evening; the youth and elders alike; everyone came together to network and enjoy one another’s company; in the true spirit of Hinduism. Other leaders of the community extended their hand of support for the project and vowed to support it. It was a night full of vibrant dances, exhilarating speeches and serving others.

For more details visit "http://www.hindujourney.com" www.hindujourney.com.

Keith Vaz welcomes £20k raised for Bidve family The parents of the murdered Indian student Anuj Bidve were presented with a cheque for £20,000 by Britain’s most senior Asian MP Keith Vaz at a memorial event at the o2.

The fundraising concert, which featured performances by prominent Indian artists such as Sonali Kulkarni, Suresh Wadkar, Bela Shende, Hariharan, Avdhut Gupte, Ajay-Atul and Swapnil Bandodkar, was also attended by the parents of Anuj and notable members of the British

Asian community.

Key organisers who put together the concert include the London-based consultant gynaecologist Mahesh Patwardhan and noted director-producer Mahesh Manjrekar.

Keith Vaz handed over the cheque, worth £20,000, to cover the costs of the loan the Bidve family had taken out to pay for Anuj’s university fees.

Mr Vaz said: “The Bidve family have shown great dignity and grace throughout this sad time.

The past 9 months must

have been unbearable for them.

I want to thank the organisers for their commitment to getting the show together, especially Mahesh Patwardhan for his immense contribution to make this event such a success.

Although I know the amount of money raised will never bring back their son, I hope it gives the family some comfort knowing that they have the full support of the British Asian community behind them.”

'The Dharmendra family' are in Leicester for the making of Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (Mad Madder Maddest 2) – a sequel to the blockbuster family franchise movie. The crew of over 100 are using the University of Leicester as their base and have shot extensive sequences at the University’s Botanic Garden as well as in its award-winning Library.

Other sequences will be shot at the city’s Museum and Art Gallery and in the county.

University spokesperson Ather Mirza who has met with the stars said: “Sunny and Bobby appear

Shahnaz takes on the West, once again Kruti Patel For over a decade, Shahnaz’s Ayurvedic treatments particularly for the skin and hair have managed to take over the cosmetic market by storm, with the largest distribution system in India. Her contribution has led to changing the perceptions of both customers and cosmetic businesses about the beneficial effects of Ayurvedic cosmetics, as opposed to using other skin and hair care products from major manufacturing brands. The simple principle of designing products, which neglect harmful chemicals but still elicits the same effects, is the unique selling point of her goods, and perhaps the largest drive to her international recognition.

As Shahnaz Husain mentioned at a press conference in London on Thursday 20th September: “There was a time when we did not have chemicals”- it is worth noting that she was referring to ancient Indian civilisation where women, made use of natural cosmetics, extracted from herbs. These skin and hair care solutions derived from Vedic culture, specifically Ayurvedic science.

Today, these have been replaced by the growth of chemically engineered products, which researchers have clarified causes more harm than good if used over a long period of time. She suggests that they are only taking the cosmetic world back to “3000 BC”, reviving ancient techniques, and bringing them into a “new form”.

I n t r i g u i n g l y, Shahnaz’s inspiration not only emerges from Ayurveda, but also hearing about a model of an eyelash company, becoming blind due to an overdose of make-up. This startling story struck Shahnaz, driving her to find a solution for the chemically induced mar-

ket, whereby she began with introducing a range of natural solutions to beauty.

Much of her success in the Western world is attributed to her health products being sold at major stores around the world, such as Blooming Dales in New York, and in the UK: Lloyd’s pharmacy of Selfridges. She believes that the market here is right for a major product, which was also introduced at Thursday’s press conference. When Shahnaz was asked a question in relation to how she deals with competitors she responded saying: “when you are selling a treatment and cause, there is no competition.” If this is the case, then perhaps success is inevitable, taking into account that herbal products do not have long term side effects.

The launch of her most recent Telomere anti-ageing programme, is a collaborative with another company based in Italy. The creamy substance re-generates the skin, restoring a youthful look by improving “moisturising by 50%”. Its appeal lies in the fact it is suitable for all skin types as well as slowing down the ageing process.

Accompanied by four generations of her family tree, Shahnaz's daughter, Nelofar Currimbhoy gave a brief introduction to the inspirational story of her mother, which is elaborately depicted in her biography, “Flame”, which is published by Hachette and has already received major reviews.

Entwining the personal and professional life of Shahnaz, Nelofar stated the account of her mother’s life as: “She lived it; I wrote it”. “I was there every moment and have watched her life unfold like a saga of a storybook”, she went on to say, providing a re-collection of moments that are dear to her own heart.

Bollywood icon Dharmendra and boys to rub shoulder with Leicester University students

Bobby, Dharmendra and Sunny Deol

very relaxed and are keen to work with our History of Art and Film students to get to grips with the technical aspects of filmmaking. “The photos show the actors in our

halls of residence- they will literally be rubbing shoulders with the students which will no doubt be an exciting prospect for freshers and returning students.”

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Leading Lights

Forget your target market!

by Rani Singh

Special Assignments Editor

Dr Spinder Dhaliwal Academic and author Dr. Spinder Dhaliwal is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Surrey where she heads the MBA Entrepreneurship module and is Programme leader for MSc Entrepreneurship. Spinder has written extensively about the Asian business community and compiled Britain’s Richest Asians for six years reflecting her long held interest in the field. Her book, Making a Fortune – Learning from the Asian Phenomenon (Capstone) has been noted widely. She also wrote the influential study “Silent Contributors – Asian Female Entrepreneurs and Women in Business.” Her report for Barclays Bank entitled, ‘Asian entrepreneurs in the UK’ received much attention. She attended Warwick University as an undergraduate and was awarded her Doctorate from Brunel University before embarking on an academic career.

Spinder was both founder and director of the Centre for Asian Entrepreneurial Research (CAER).

Q Why did you choose to study entrepreneurship?

A Like many Asian immigrants I grew up in a corner shop. I watched my parents work hard and I too was hands on in the business. It was a family business.

This inspired me to study the subject. I'm always fascinated by people and success.

In the University sector entrepreneurship is a new and growing subject, and with the downturn in the economy more and more people need to be dependent on themselves.

I started writing for the Asian press very early on and so built up an interest in the subject.

Q How are entrepreneurs different from non-entrepreneurs?

A They have made different choices. They want no ceiling to their earnings and to be rewarded for their effort and hard work. With this comes risks too, so in general they take more risks than others but probably do not perceive situations in the same way. They seek challenges and opportunities and act on them.

Q What are the characteristics of British Asian entrepreneurs?

A British Asian entrepreneurs differ in terms of the generations. The first generation worked hard, made sacrifices and built up their businesses.

Their families were a major focus and most of the businesses are family businesses.

Q How do you access the seriously rich and win their trust?

A No formula. Being an academic helped.

Q What are your

ground rules?

A I seek to motivate and inspire. As an academic at the University of Surrey where my students develop business plans and simulate ways to be more entrepreneurial, I am always on the look out for role models to inspire them with.

This is why I wrote the book, 'Making a Fortune - Learning from the Asian Phenomenon' which charts the success of key Asian entrepreneurs.

They want no ceiling to their earnings and to be rewarded for their effort and hard work It takes in businesses from manufacturing to finance, from food to hotels, from pharmaceuticals to fashion. It includes first-, secondand third-generation achievers. It provides the definitive guide to ‘who’s who’ in the Asian business world.

Q Do any high net worth individuals refuse to talk to you, and if so, why?

No, this has not really happened. Some are more media shy than others.

A Do you subscribe to the Asian Voice and why do you think the seriously rich would enjoy reading it?

The Asian Voice is a fantastic paper for the community and one which has been around for a long time. It has captured the journey of the Asian community in this country and continues to provide good reading.

Q How has your work spread into the mainstream?

Dr Spinder Dhaliwal

A I have been a regular contributor to the Asian media and, in the past few years, I have been described as an increasingly influential figure in more mainstream circles. My work has been profiled in The Independent, The Daily Mirror and The Daily Mail and I recently appeared on the BBC’s flagship breakfast news programme. I was also featured as a commentator and expert on BBC2’s peak time programme, “Making a Fortune – the Asian Way”. I was the Education Editor for Prospects magazine and on the editorial panel of PROWESS (promoting women’s enterprise) and was Vice President (PR and Media) of the Institute of Small Business and Enterprise (ISBE).

I am often invited to address audiences as a speaker, and I help major organisations target and understand the Asian community. I can be contacted via www.makingafortune.co. uk Q What are your ambitions?

A My ambitions are to continue to illuminate the hard work and success of the entrepreneurial community both Asian and mainstream.

Heathrow to have fast-track lanes for rich Indian businessmen?

Britain is working on plans for fast track passport lanes for high value individuals from India and other countries to convey the message that London is "open for business", a PTI report has suggested.

Brian Moore, head of UK border force, told the

home affairs select committee on last Tuesday that his officials were working on plans for highvalue business individuals not only from the old Commonwealth countries like Australia, but from all countries.

He told senior Labour

minister Rt Hon Keith Vaz, Chairman of the committee, "It is an idea that officials are discussing with port operators. It will then go back to ministers for them to consider whether and how it is going to be progressed."

9

Mo Luthra Branding Consultant www.moluthra.com Ever heard that term ‘what is your target market’? You know, ‘customer profiling’. Or more commonly ‘who’s your d e m o g r a p h i c ’ .

Demography is a term that has been adopted by marketers from the social sciences. It’s typically a way of analysing and grouping populations and for many years it has been the cornerstone of any marketing campaign or strategy. While it can be insightful at times, it is certainly an overused term, and in many cases past the point of being really that significant.

Society has changed so much; it can no longer be classed in traditional values and roles which define the individuals within the population.

It’s all quite blurred. Men are more like women.

Women are more like men. Kids are like

teenagers. Over 60′s act like they are 30. There no more jobs for life. The way we see the world has been fundamentally revolutionised.

This is all result of the digital age that we live in.

Our desires and interests are more fragmented and diverse than ever before.

With the Internet our deepest aspirations and intentions can be connected by news, groups, videos and other information which we traditionally would never come in contact with. As a result we are to express our individuality now more than ever before.

date back to the 80’s and 90’s. A time when there were only four television stations to choose from.

The level of choice we now are faced with is immense. Multiple stations, hundreds of cable channels, online viewing, YouTube and download sites.

Brands need to evolve to see potential customers not just coming from one subset of society but from all angles and even globally.

With more choice and channels to communicate through, comes the ability to create products and service which tailor

Creating brands or businesses that still harp back to the old classification of groups through demographics has been undermined by this liberalisation of media. In the UK, TV shows with the largest viewing figures all

the needs of the individual to a higher level of engagement. Companies which are still thinking in terms of demographics will soon be dinosaurs in this fast moving world that we individuals all live in.

YOUR VOICE

10

Cable’s war on ‘shady’ tax havens So read the Sunday Times headline on 23 September 2012.

If one reflects back on the history of taxation and the history of Tax Returns in the UK, one can see that UK tax law encourages tax evasion and breakdown of marriages.

When I began filling in Tax Returns in 1970, the Return had two columns: one for wife and one for husband. In 1991, “independent taxation” destroyed all that EXCEPT when you claim welfare benefits. Then suddenly the income of spouse or partner becomes relevant.

Then, the tax return also asked if the couple had a mortgage, with whom and for how much, what car(s) they drove and what their total annual living expenses were.

Now the Liberal Party is going completely the other way: those who earn under £10,000 need not fill in a Tax Return because personal allowance will soon be £10,000.

Tax evasion is something that is practiced by the very poor, the middle class and the filthy rich in equal measure.

If Cable or any other politician in the land is serious about tax evasion, or Marriage, or welfare benefit fraud, or redistribution of wealth, then the only long term way is to go back to the old system.

Even if one earns £1 per year, one should be required to fill in a Tax Return.

Personal allowance should be abolished.

Tax rates of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% should be introduced to kill four birds with one stone. A millionaire one year can be a pauper the following year: thus mansion tax is wrong medicine.

Nagin Khajuria Via Email

Doctors from India When it comes to medicine, India isn’t the superpower like it is in IT. It does not have enough medical talent and yet it allows many of the country’s top doctors to leave and practice in the West.The brain drain of doctors in search of better standard of living and higher salaries for themselves evolves from selfish motive.

So what could be done? Why is India letting its trained doctors to leave the country and emigrate to the west? These doctors who qualify in Indian universities had taken up the places which probably could have gone to someone else who would have stayed to serve the country which gave him the opportunity to advance himself. The newly qualified doctors should be stopped from emigrating or made to serve the country, including a stint in rural areas, for a number of years before allowing them to go away. A kind of national service should be incorporated in the offer of a place in a medical institution binding the doctors to serve the nation first before emigrating.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

SMEs and British Economy Small and medium sized companies are the lifeblood of London and the British economy.

That’s why I am proud to report back that myself and Conservative colleagues in the European Parliament have proposed measures to prevent regulations that come from Brussels from harming Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

By forcing the European Commission to seriously consider the impact a proposal might have on small businesses and whether it is actually necessary, it is hoped that burdensome regulation will be reduced.

By limiting as far as possible unnecessary costs for small businesses, we can help London’s full entrepreneurial potential to be fulfilled.

Syed Kamall Conservative MEP for London

India’s financial reforms Government has announced 51% FDI in retail. The minister of Commerce declares in every conceivable talk that 10 million people will get jobs. But there is no presentation of actual details of how this is worked out and in how many years this will be achieved. But also there is no mention of how many people will lose their livelihood and how many will have their income reduced. But before we go into these disputed figures, let’s consider other points.

The announcement says states will have their choice as to allow these multinationals or not. Now UP which will not allow this in their state, because state govt. opposes the multinational. And if the govt.changes in next election that may allow these cos. Also in Rajasthan the Govt. will allow the multinational cos. but in next election if BJP comes to power, will it be able to cancel the licenses of these cos?

Secondly why bring multinational in retail when our traders and entrepreneurs are world famous? Only thing lacking is cold storages, godowns, processing units and market yard facility and collection centre for all the categories of commodities. Government shall help and encourage in setting up all these things instead of inviting foreign retailers. All the foreign companies that will come here will come to earn money. They are getting barely interest of 1-2% in their country and by investing they will take at least 10% back. They are also allowed to import 70% or more so there will be lots of fancy commodities in the market and Indian middle class will be willing to buy these foreign goods.

India’s import will increase, and perhaps the inflation will also go up. Instead if the government is really interested in giving boost to the economy and invite FDI they should focus on improving the red tapism in bureaucracy, improving rules and regulation and not backdating the tax laws.

Devendra Sachania Stanmore

BBC sport personality of the year There has never been such a galore of names for the most prestigious sporting award as the BBC sport personality of the year. (SPOTY) This is the result of the summer of sporting excellence, sporting madness when the Gt. Britain Team (Team GB) surpassed all expectation.

This is indeed beyond the realm of reality for a tiny nation of some 60 million people. Soon we will be inundated with the request by post, email and text to nominate our favourite person and I would like to urge every reader of AV/GS to participate and vote for your favourite person.

My vote will go to Andy Murray, a Mint without a hole, after winning the grand slam US Open, the most prestigious title after Wimbledon with a prize tag of $2:4 million, with the potential of accumulating $200 million over the next few years in sponsorship and prize money. This is in addition to his Gold and Silver at the Olympic Games, again the first Briton to do so since tennis became part of the Olympic Games.

Other GB Team members who did well and may pip Murray at the post are Mo Farah, a double Gold Medal, long distance triumphant, Jessica Ennis, David Weir, Victoria Pendleton and Bradley Wiggins, the winner of Tour de France, as well as a Gold medallist at the time trial at Olympics. He was my favourite until Murray won the US open.

I hope AV/GS will have its own SPOTY competition where we can vote and participate to bring this fantastic year to a fitting conclusion.

Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email

Media Responsibility Papparrazis are there to click every single move they can capture of the target assigned. They may not think twice before clicking whether it is right or wrong, but the publishing media must. I believe pen (i.e. media) is equally powerful than a sword. It can change people’s thinking; it can do wonders.

End of the day, it is up to the publishing body to utilise this wonderful ability in a proper manner. They should understand the responsibility they carry before publishing anything and everything they get! Being popular is not a crime. Prince Harry or Princess Kate or any popular personality/celebrity is a human being end of the day and they deserve their privacy.

Some print media take pride in publishing pictures of popular figures such as them being drunk, their wardrobe malfunction, their nude appearance, etc.

Let’s take strict measures by setting strict guidelines for the print media. An example needs to be set by consistently punishing the printing bodies that prints any such unsuitable material.

Devang Bhatt, Harrow, London

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Brand ‘Gujarat’ – which is equated with Guangdong of China, he invited Chinese business community and public enterprises to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors’ Summit- 2013.

He highlights Gujarat’s special investment regions as areas where Chinese companies could invest. He called on China to invest in infrastructure and power projects in the state, wooing potential investors with a sales pitch that showcased Gujarat as a state with levels of “governance, transparency and stability” that they could not find elsewhere in India. He declared that “the two great countries will make Asia the centrestage of the global economy.”

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A new theory says that any physical activity for 15 minutes every day is a good insurance against a plethora of health problems, be it related to the heart, the brain or even cancer.

A study published in The Lancet, a British medical journal, said that just a quarter-hour of physical exertion a day could reduce a person's risk of death by 14% and increase life expectancy by three years compared to inactive people.

Incidentally, another theory published in a different British journal said daily TV-viewing for six hours could take

away five years from your life.

Adding and subtracting years from your life has never before been quantified in such medical terms, say doctors.

The 15-minute short-cut to good health, in fact, changes the most fundamental rule that was approved by the World Health Organizationthat 150 minutes of activity a week is needed to stay healthy. )(.#(/

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E-mail: support@abplgroup.com

I got the Evening Standard copy from the Ilford Cinema on Wednesday and was shocked that Sana Babar who looks to be confident and fit to do any job by providing training, could not find a job after applying 3000 times.

On Thursday I managed to get a copy of Metro from one of the Barber’s shop in Gants Hill and was equally shocked to read that Bankers take home third of Nation’s £37bn bonus. I hope the leaders of our country read these news papers and have some morals left in them to serve the people of Britain. What a shame to Local authority which did not arrange any training to Babar and I cannot find any suitable words to write for Bankers.

Certainly Prime Minister should be held responsible for these horrors.

Dharam Sahdev Illford

Edmund and not Tenzingfirst man on Everest Edmund Hilary- instead of Tenzing Norgay - is mentioned as first man on Mount Everest in “The Epic Story of the First Ascent”, a book by Mick Conefrey under excuse of correct archival records.

But it smacks of strong imperial undercurrent, even after 65 years of end of British rule in India. Allegation that fact was suppressed in 1953, to diffuse anticolonial backlash is ridiculous when India had joined Commonwealth and reconciled to painful massacre of Indians during birth of Pakistan.

Indians must protest against demotion of Tenzing, and praise his faithful part in team effort; but praise goes to one single person-Edmund. Such shift is sheer arrogance by imperial minded Christian, and insult to Tenzing Norgay, Nepal and Indians.

History of Himalayas begins with Hindu gods Shiva, his family and tribe(ganas) living there. The correct archival name is Himalaya vide Hindu, sanatan, scriptural records. Naming the peak Everest in sacred range of mountains discards Hindu sentiments. Shifting honour from Tenzing to Edmund, even if it may be correct is similar to replacing Indian names of places with non Indian and non Hindu names. Nepal, India and public must protest at such insult.

The book must not wipe off earliest efforts of Irving and Mallory who died there and might have been first persons to be on Everest. It should be noted that for sherpas Everest climb is daily affair, whereas foreign mountaineers need mod cons for ‘one’ single effort. Is the author justified to belittle efforts of such Nepali sherpa?

Everest expedition would have been impossible without sherpas and especially Tenzing Norgay, who deserve same glorification as British members, especially Edmund Hilary, archival correctness or not.

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

Visit our website: www.abplgroup.com

*Subscriptions paid will not be refunded ."

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In a rare gesture, China’s top leadership hosted his delegation at Great Hall of People and had a free and frank discussion and exchange of ideas on a range of subjects including trade, industry, socioeconomic development, investment, and prevailing global economic scenario. Modi emphasized about the shared heritage of India and China, and common vision for improved quality of lives of their people.

In his meeting with the Mr Wang Gang, Vice Chairman of the China People’s Political

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EDUCATION / COUNCIL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Current and genuine foreign students to continue at LMU While the London Metropolitan University's license to admit and teach foreign student remains revoked, the high court has granted 359 Indian students and over 2,000 other non-EU students to continue their ongoing courses, while permitting LMU to seek a judicial review of the revocation of its licence by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) on August 29. A UKBA spokesperson said after the court ruling: "London Metropolitan University's Tier 4 sponsor licence remains revoked. The LMU has failed to get its sponsor status restored and the judge has not

granted interim relief".

"UKBA agreed to allow existing genuine students to continue studying at the university until their course has ended or the end of the academic year, whichever is sooner - as long as they meet the right standards.

But students who are here illegally and do not meet our immigration criteria won't be allowed to stay," the spokesperson added.

The UKBA also said that revoking LMU's licence was the "right course of action" and that it will continue to fight their challenge at the hearing.

Financial irregularities widespread in schools as Brent council reveals audit The Brent Council launched a full audit of its school, after the Copland Community School scandal concerning bonus payments to the head teacherSir Alan Davies, the Deputy Head- Dr Richard Evans and Dr IP Patel MBE, Chair of governors at the school, who had strongly supported and justified this "illegal" bonus culture was sacked

by Ed Balls to save the school from further embarrassment.

A council report seen by the Evening Standard has revealed that of the 44

Dr IP Patel, MBE

Brent schools audited since September 2010, not one received a completely clean bill of health. Four primary schools are of serious concern, while 22

Congratulation for excellent GCSE results to

Vishvam Desai, Age 16, GCSE grade- 10A* and 3A

Nikhita Vasani, Age- 16, GCSE grade- 10A* were given “limited assurance” after their audits.

Auditors found that schools are paying headteachers too much, not keeping proper financial records, not checking debit cards used by headteachers and not getting their annual budgets approved.

Clive Heaphy, Brent council’s finance director, reportedly warned the situation could get worse as more schools become academies, which are not under the control of their local authority.

Current and genuine foreign students to continue at LMU While the London Metropolitan University's license to admit and teach foreign student remains revoked, the high court has granted 359 Indian students and over 2,000 other non-EU students to continue their ongoing courses, while permitting LMU to seek a judicial review of the revocation of its licence by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) on August 29. A UKBA spokesperson said after the court ruling: "London Metropolitan University's Tier 4 sponsor licence remains revoked.

The LMU has failed to get its sponsor status restored and the judge has not granted interim relief".

"UKBA agreed to allow existing genuine students to continue studying at the university until their course has ended or the end of the academic year, whichever is sooner - as long as they meet the right standards.

But students who are here illegally and do not meet our immigration criteria won't be allowed to stay," the spokesperson added.

The UKBA also said that revoking LMU's licence was the "right course of action" and that it will continue to fight their challenge at the hearing.

11

Councils, schools and teachers unite to challenge GCSE grades A legal challenge is to be started on Monday seeking to force exam boards to issue new grades to tens of thousands of teenagers who sat English GCSEs this summer.

The challenge, led by Lewisham Council, southeast London, is seeking a judicial review of the decisions by two exam boards, AQA and Edexcel, to move grade boundaries by large margins for candidates who sat the same exams in January and June.

It also attempts to challenge the role of Ofqual, the independent exams regulator, which has admitted that grades awarded for GCSE English in January were

too lenient but refused to sanction new grades for candidates who sat the exam in June.

Lewisham, a Labour authority, is bringing the action on behalf of 163 teenagers who were awarded D grades in GCSE English but who, it argues, ought to have been awarded Cs. The council has been joined by a broad alliance of 113 schools, academies and colleges, 36 local authorities, several professional bodies and the National Union of Teachers.

It includes Northamptonshire County Council and Central Bedfordshire, Bath and North East Somerset.

Foreign students awarded more than half of places at British universities More than half of places at some British universities are being awarded to foreign students amid fresh claims they are being used to “prop up” the higher education budget.

Research shows that students from outside the EU now account for more than 50 per cent of postgraduate places at seven universities across Britain.

The disclosure was

made in a study by Migration Watch UK, which claimed that the overall number of non-EU students had trebled in the last decade.

It comes just days after Prof Susan Bassnett, former pro-vice chancellor of Warwick University, claimed that foreign students with poor qualifications were being used as a “cash cow”.

12

MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Scrutator’s The government’s reset of the economy has created a buzz. Derisory talk of “policy paralysis” is increasingly faint. The Damascene effect has transmogrified captains of Industry and many media pundits from sceptics into believers.

The Telegraph’s front-page report (September 15) provided the context. “Manmohan Singh today sought to dovetail two faces that mesmerized India once: the 1991 reform-friendly visage and the 2008 combat-ready countenance over the Indo-US nuclear deal five years ago.”

Anand Mahindra, Chairman and MD Mahindra & Mahindra reacted thus: “From a famine of policy action, we’ve moved to a feast. The government’s got back its gumption! We cheer and urge that they stay the course.”

Sunil Mittal, Chairman Bharti Enterprises, was similarly upbeat.

“India is on the move. The decisions send out a message to global investors that the government is committed to next generation reforms.” (The Economic Times September 15).

“Back In Great Form” was the title of Dilip Padgaokar’s edit-page piece in the Times of India (September 20), with a strap-line Churchillian echo: “The PM’s bold measures to revive the economy could herald his finest hour in office”. Came this admission: “That such boldness wasn’t expected of Manmohan Singh shows the extent to which analysts have underestimated his ability and willingness to rise to the occasion.”

Mamata obstacle Coalitions at the centre require state-of-the-art navigational aids, of which patience is a critical component. It cannot be otherwise in a democracy.

However, Dr Singh’s United Progressive Alliance (UPA) foundered eventually on the

Congress Party’s election manifesto for the 2009 general election favoured FDI in the multibrand retail sector has diminished her walk-tall image.

Reforms on table Briefly put, the government’s reforms include a diesel oil hike

lending and stimulate the economy. As a result, auto loan rates are set to come down with car companies standing to benefit.

No turning back Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s television address to the nation (in Hindi and English) came across well. Never one for high octane rhetoric, “the quiet man” of Indian politics emphasized the urgent need for economic reforms in the national interest. “The last time we faced this problem was in 1991.

Nobody was willing to lend us even small amounts of money then. We came out of that crisis by taking strong, resolute measures. I know what happened in 1991 and I would be failing in my duty as prime minister of this great country if I did not take strong preventive action….. The world is not kind to those who do not tackle their own problem,” he said.

On specifics: “FDI retail will benefit our farmers….

Wastage will go down, prices paid to farmers will go up, and prices paid by consumers will go down.” (The Economic Times, Times of India September 22).

Game on. (Telegraph editorial September 23).

Staying focused

Manmohan Singh with Mamata Banerjee

rock of Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s 72-hour rollback ultimatum. Without the support of her 19 Trinamool Congress MPs, the government fell two short of an absolute majority in Parliament.

Mulayam Singh Samajwadi Party stepped into the breach with a pledge of support. Other unattached parties may do likewise. One can see why Henry Kissinger likened power to an aphrodisiac.

Failed gamble

of Rs 5 per litre to bring down its crippling oil subsidy, 51 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, with individual states permitted to accede to the measure or reject it; a similar quantum of FDI each in power and aviation, but 74 per cent in broadcasting. The government has put forward a disinvestment package involving four major public sector companies, which is expected to result in a net revenue of Rs15,000 crore.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India, while refusing to cut the interest rate (in view of the persistent high inflation) has reduced the Cash Reserve Ratio

Earlier, a Times of India editorial message– “Don’t Cave In” (September 20) - was reinforced

by Industry voices including that of Biocon head, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who referred to the agitation against the presence of fast food US chains in India like MacDonald and Kentucky. Indian eateries would go bust, it was said. This was belied by a market large enough to accommodate all comers (The Hindu September 20).

She might also have pointed to the once Communist opposition to computerization on the ground that it would bring higher unemployment numbers.

Yaswant Sinha, a senior BJP leader and former finance minister, pooh-poohed the need for foreign investment, in an editpage article in the Economic Times ( September 22), while his party colleague Arun Shourie, also a former minister, opined that FDI would do India no harm (The Hindu September 23).

The Vajpayee regime advocated FDI in multi-brand retail and initiated the Indo-US nuclear energy talks, both repudiated by the former prime minister’s successors in the BJP leadership. BJP and Communists now sing from the same hymn-sheet.

Ms Banerjee’s pressure tactics back-fired spectacularly, as they did earlier in the presidential election. The Times of India editorial ,“Myopia At Work,” (September 18) warned: “Mamata won’t Agni IV, III serve India’s or Bengal’s test-fired interests by walking out of UPA”.

Her departure Political theatre is often a prompted a Sensex rise by public distraction from the 404 points – the largest in enduring aspects of India’s over two years. Business hereon was to be serious Ganesh Chaturthi 2012 observed with fervor and zeal development. Recently, the Indian Space Research business.

Organization (ISRO) launched Ms Banerjee was a loose can(CRR) by 25 basis points to 4.5 its landmark 100th satellite. non in Atal Behari Vajpayee’s per cent, injecting liquidity of Rs This time it was the military’s BJP-led NDA coalition of 199817,000 crore into the banking turn.

2004; old habits die hard. The system. This should increase “Agni-IV scores a hit again” revelation that her Trinamool

Agni IV test lift-off

was the headline to a Hindu report (September 20) describing its successful 4,000-kilometre test- flight. “The payload systems withstood a searing temperature of more than 3,000 degrees Celsius during the reentry phase,” wrote reporters T.S.Subramanian and V. Mallikarjun. The missile, which is designed to carry a one-tonne nuclear warhead, is 20 metres long and weighs 17 tonnes.

Defence Research & Development Director and Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, V.K.Saraswat, said Agni IV’s onboard computers and specially designed software and guidance system showed “we are on par with the best in the world.”

A successful 3,000-kilometree Agni-III test, with a missile pulled out at random from the Army inventory, followed two days later (The Hindu September 22).

India-Japan tie-up feared ?

The Times of India (September 18) reported Chinese apprehension of closer Indo-Japanese ties following the deteriorating relations between Beijing and Tokyo over rival claims to an outcrop of uninhabited islands in the Pacific Ocean known as Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan.

The explosion of antiJapanese xenophobia in China, and among Chinese communities world-wide, are a reminder of the dark realities behind China’s lacquered image as the second superpower to the United States.

An article by Zhang Guihong, a professor at the Institute of International

Studies in Shanghai’s Fudong University, and doctoral student Qiu Changqing, said India and Japan “share much strategic common ground” on China.

China and India have a disputed Himalayan border and face a contentious Chinese claim to the north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Beijing is uptight over Indian help to Vietnam in oil exploration in the South China Sea, to which it has laid claim.

The authors pointed candidly to Chinese activities in Pakistan and India’s neighbourhood generally, as possibly inimical to India’s security interests.

The penny seems to have dropped at last. India’s strategic parleys with Japan, Vietnam, the US and Russia – in which China figures prominently - carry a clear message.

No repeat of 1962 Meanwhile, General Bikram Singh, Chief of India’s Army Staff, said: “I am assuring the nation as the Army chief that 1962 will not be repeated. No way…. We have plans in place on all borders to safeguard our country’s territorial integrity.”

He stressed the need to retain control of the Siachen GlacierSaltoro Ridge. (Times of India September 20).

Reported sightings of Chinese troops in Pakistan-held Kashmir underscores its strategic significance...

Islamist rampage The shambolic diplomacy that seeded America’s Cold War trade-off with Islamist forces – a British imperial legacy taken on board by every US administration since 1945 – is in blowback across the Middle East and North Africa to the farthest reaches of the Islamic world.

American flags are being set alight in Arab capitals and the US envoy to Libya and three of his colleagues have been killed in Benghazi. Strenuous denials

by President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton of US involvement in the making of the anti-Islam film in the eye of the storm have fallen on deaf ears. American diplomatic missions in Pakistan - a designated non-Nato US ally - are besieged by rioting mobs thirsting for blood. Twenty-one Pakistanis have died in the violence.

Frankenstein’s monster is stalking its creator yet again (K.P.Nayer, The Telegraph September 13).

Anti-US rioting in Pakistan

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

UK

Miss India UK London

13

Extravaganza of beauty, grace, glamour and fashion as never been seen before!

By Spriha Srivastava

Ganesh Chaturthi at its best The famous Indian festival – “Ganesh Chaturthi” was celebrated in London last week at many different locations. Lord Ganesh, also known as Vinayagar in Tamil Nadu, the son of Shiva and Parvati, is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees in the duration of this festival. It is the day Shiva declared his son Ganesha as superior to all the gods.

Ganesha is widely worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune and traditionally invoked at the beginning of any new venture or at the start of travel.

Tr a d i t i o n a l stories tell that Lord Ganesha was created by goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. Parvati created Ganesha out of sandalwood paste that she used for her bath and breathed life into the figure. She then set him to stand guard at her door while she bathed. However, while she bathed, Lord Shiva returned and as Ganesha didn't know him, he didn't allow him to enter. Lord Shiva became enraged and severed the head of the child and entered his house.

After realizing that he had beheaded his own son, Lord Shiva fixed the head of an elephant in place of Ganesha's head.

In this way, Lord Ganesha came to be depicted as the elephantheaded God. The festival is celebrated across India but mainly in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. In the UK, the festival is always celebrated in a grand manner.

The Hindu culture and Heritage Society, UK - a Southall based organisation celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi for the first time in London in 2005 at The Vishwa Hindu Temple. The Idol was immersed in the river Thames at Putney Pier.

Another celebration organised by an Gujarati group has been celebrat-

ed in the Southend on Sea which attracts over 18000 devotees. Annual celebrations also take place on the River Mersey at Liverpool.

This year, a number of celebrations took place across UK. At the Shree Ganpathy Temple

near Wimbledon, grand celebrations took place.

A South-Indian temple, it celebrated Vinayagar Chaturthi in a very grand fashion. There were many people and the atmosphere was extremely electrifying.

The priests carried the idol of Lord Ganesha around the temple while everyone followed them in a circle. There were modaks and laddos and not even for a moment it felt like this was in London. Among others, the Maharashtra Mandal of UK also celebrated the festival.

The festival brought together different Indian communities in UK to celebrate and pray to their favourite God together. A number of non-Indians were also present at the function and were absolutely amazed to see the grand celebrations. One of the members said, "It's always an exciting atmosphere and I am very happy to be part of this festival".

Similar events have been reported from Birmingham, Harrow, Manchester and Glasgow.

For me, Ganesh Chaturthi is always a

special festival and this year it became even more special since I was celebrating it in the land of Ganpati – Mumbai.

The festivity in the air, the chanting, the cheering for Ganpati, the family, the friends, the sweets and the food and so much more makes it all the more special.

G a n e s h Chaturthi is one festival where everyone comes together to offer their prayers to Lord Ganesha, one of the most loved gods in Hindu religion.

In Mumbai, huge artistic clay models of Lord Ganesha made by special skilled artists were on display at various places. The size of these statues vary from 3-4 inch to over 70 feet. The festival starts with the installation of these Ganesh statues in colorfully decorated homes and specially erected temporary structures mandapas (pandals) in every locality. The pandals are erected by the people or a specific society or locality or group by collecting monetary contributions. The pandals are decorated specially for the festival, either by using decorative items like flower garlands, lights, etc. or are theme based decorations, which depict religious themes or current events.

The Lord is worshipped for 10 days at respective locations. On the 11th day, the statue is taken through the streets in a procession accompanied with dancing, singing, and fanfare to be immersed in a river or the sea symbolizing a ritual see-off of the Lord in his journey towards his abode in Kailash while taking away with him the misfortunes of his devotees.

The festival symbolizes happiness and prosperity and is celebrated

by Hindus across the world. It brings together people from different communities symbolizing unity in diversity.

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

Miss India UK brand to the next level.

Our backgrounds, together with years of knowledge and experience will no doubt demonstrate our commitment in hosting exceptional events. At the same time we look forward to meeting everyone who participates, gets involved and attends our events.”

Miss India UK London catchment (North, East, South, and West London & Essex/Kent) has seen a wide range of applications from across the regions ageing from 17 to 27 year old and being a major success with support and backing from various institutes and organisations.

Regional finalist’s selection took place on Saturday 8th September where contestants were interviewed, had photo shoots and shortlisted for the London final.

Miss India UK London catchment (North, East, South, West London & Essex/Kent) finalists: Meera Thakkar – North London Nargis Javany – South London Chandni Joshi – East London Jaspreet Deol – West London Sonam Patel – North London Ruby Chand – West London Anika Patel – North London Chandni Camlesh – North London Manpreet Mann – Essex & Kent Nimisha Mehta – North London Pooja Khanna – Essex & Kent Reema Bhatia – North London Anmol (Annie) Shah – North London Preya Chhatralia – South London Nikkita Shah – North London Anjni Varsani – Essex & Kent Amber Joseph – South London Avita Sharma – West London Suneet Sangha – North London Preena Popat – West London Naiya Khagram – North London Henika Patel – East London Anu Sihota – West London Anita Patel – North London Bhavneet Gill – West London Puja Goyal – Essex & Kent Anusha Sareen – North London Rachna Patel – North London

Eastern Illusion in association with Chilli tickets.com presents the regional heat for Miss India Worldwide UK London catchment (North, East, South, West London & Essex/Kent) taking place on the evening of Friday 28th September 2012 at the prestigious, The City Pavilion, East London, promising to be a very high profile event with many A-list artists and VIP's attending to witness the crowning of 5 regional winners.

This will not just be another beauty contest but an evening of glamour with a range of performances on stage by Avina Shah, Navin Kundra and Abbas Hasan.

Miss India UK 2012 winner and as seen on Big Brother, Deana Uppal will also be amongst special guests together with many other celebs. Guests will see an amazing catwalk choreographed by Eastern Illusion, Sheerali Davda with the final regional contestant’s modeling breath taking designs by Yuvna Kim London, Imani, Seema Sarees and Fusion complemented with vibrant Makeup by UK’s leading award winning make-up artist Lubna Rafiq which will bring out each finalists individual personality and stunning jewelry by Bellezza.

Miss India UK London catchment (North, East, South, and West London & Essex/Kent) will receive extensively media attention all over the world as B4U will be broadcasting the event internationally and a celebrity judging panel attracting worldwide attention.

London Director’s Rupesh and Shiv currently run a team of highly effective and passionate individuals who have come together through a shared vision to offer diversity, multiculturalism, a unique blend of professional qualifications, years of event management experience and multi-disciplinary skills to help make this event successful.

Rupesh and Shiv - Regional Directors of MIUK London said, “As the new appointed Regional Directors of Miss India UK London catchment (North, East, South, West London & Essex) we aim to continue to deliver, and excel the

Shrien shows signs of recovery Shrien Dewani is to apply to be treated on an open rehabilitation ward after an improvement in his mental health, a newspaper reported.

Mr Dewani was diagnosed with severe posttraumatic stress disorder and depression after his wife's death during their honeymoon.

Dr Paul Cantrell, the psychiatrist treating him, told Westminster Magistrates' Court he wants to see a relaxation in his bail conditions. Mr Dewani, who has been accused of ordering the murder of his wife Anni Dewani, denies it. He is currently being held at Fromeside Clinic, a secure mental health hospital in Bristol, where he is subject to a curfew and must be accompanied by staff when he leaves.

Speaking outside the court, Mrs Dewani's father Vinod Hindocha said the protracted court sequence was "torturing us every day".

"I am here again today with still no real hope of me knowing the full story of why Anni was murdered," he said.

Mr Dewani's case was adjourned for a further hearing on 2 October. An

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14

FASHION

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012 Be a Fashionista, Be You! If you have any questions or a story or a new style to share with us, please write to Shree at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

f ashionista

by Debasree Ghosh

Buyer’s London: Maybe you can tell, I love shopping.

Thankfully, I’m not the only one. I have friends, colleagues, relatives whose love for shopping is only rivalled by their partners’ love for spectator sports. I also love the internet. I can honestly say that I do the majority of my fash-education online and at least half of my shopping from my sofa. But sometimes, every once in a while, nothing beats the thrill of going into a shop full of rails after rails of gorgeousness and walking out, new purchase in hand. The purchase in question may not always even be fashion-related.

After all, there is more to life and shopping than just clothes. So, I have thought and deliberated and compiled a list of shops in London that every girl who loves to look good and live well, must visit for herself.

1. Liberty, Regent Street: This is a fairy tale of a retail spot. Housed within an impressive Tudor mansion, this is a proper old-fashioned posh shop. You won’t find it too hard to imagine yourself as a 60’s silver screen star going up the iconic winding staircase. There is a floor of luxe classics for the likes of Roland Mouret and a floor of contemporary glam such as Comme De Garcon and a floor of instantly recognisable Liberty prints and haberdashery.

2. Trilogy, Sloane Square: Jeans not for you? Muffin tops aplenty and instant short stumpy legs? Take heart and visit Trilogy. A veritable treasure trove of everything denim, you are bound to find something you love and that’ll love you.

Take it from a girl who has to try on about a hundred pairs to find one forgiv-

ing enough, there is a pair of jeans for everyone.

3. Zara, Regent Street: What’s not to love about Zara? I find it impossible to walk into Zara and come out emptyhanded. Their secret to success is their very fast turnaround. See something you love on the runway? You can best your last quid that you will find a rather wellmade adaptation of it in a Zara store next week. I tend to favour the Regent Street branch because it’s big enough to hold all their offerings but far enough from the tourist trail.

4. John Lewis, Oxford Street: A much-loved chain of department stores, John Lewis’s branch on Oxford Street, stocks nearly half a million products from buttons to beds and cushions to cufflinks. The store boasts seven floors of fashion, beauty, home and technology products, plus a new Brasserie and Bistro with a panoramic view of the West End. 5. British Red Cross, Victoria: My love of charity shops is possibly a wellmaintained hangover from my skint University days. I stumbled upon this particular one purely by accident and have been back many times since.

Located a few minutes' walk from Victoria station, this branch of the British Red Cross is always stuffed with expensive labels at throwaway prices. I have a bronze metallic Marc Jacobs skirt that always wins me compliments that was bought here for £20. Smart cookie that’s me!

6. Kurt Geiger, Covent Garden: A shoe chandelier! If you thought such

things were limited to your dreams you're in for a treat at Kurt Geiger's Covent Garden flagship. They stock their own Kurt Geiger and KG ranges as well as Prada and Marc Jacobs for women and Hugo Boss and Paul Smith for men. As well as shoes, KG's recent venture into accessories is well worth a browse. My dreams are made of shoes.

7. Daunt Books, Marylebone: this beautiful Edwardian shop will always be seen first and foremost as a travel specialist thanks to its elegant three-level back room complete with oak balconies, viridian-green walls, conservatory ceiling and stained-glass window - home to row upon row of guide books, maps, language reference, history, politics, travelogue and related fiction organised by country. France, Britain, Italy and the United States are particularly well represented; go downstairs to find more farflung destinations.

8. V&A Shop, South Kensington: I have a friend who insists on spending at least half an hour in museum shop.

Sometimes it’s ridiculous because most of them just sell biros and cloth bags and stuffed toys. The Victoria & Albert retail

space however, is a welcome exception. Curated with as much thought and flair as any exhibition, with a mix of merchandise that reflects the V&A's collections . Boldly putting the shop right at the heart of the museum has made it a destination in its own right - great for birthday and Christmas cards, arty scarves, contemporary jewellery and quirky decorative items.

9. Cos, Regent Street: This H&M’s elder, posher, more refined sister.

Catering for those who have grown tired of fighting their way through a frenzy of teenagers at the sale rails (me), COS is the antithesis to H&M's throwaway trend-led fashion.

The slick, well laid-out store houses an impressive range of simple, classic separates and coats, jackets and eveningwear in good-quality fabrics and both neutral and vibrant colours. Prices start at around £50 for a dress and £80 for jackets.

10. Lina Store, Soho: I love to cook.

My husband loves to eat. Especially Italian fare. Lina Stores – walking distance from Picadilly Circus station- is a godsend. Behind the retro green ceramic frontage it is an iconic family-run Italian deli that's been in business for over half a century. Besides dried pastas stored in beautiful wooden crates, there's a counter chock-full of cured meats, hams, salamis, olives, cheeses, marinated artichokes and fresh pastas. Imported items run from breads to chestnut honey, and it is one of the best places to buy truffles in season. Try truffle oil chips if you are feeling indulgent, you’ll find it hard to go back to the standard McD fare.

The World of Widows: Social Injustice and inequality cause the widow to suffer great physical and mental abuse at the hands of her husband’s relatives, who in blaming her for his death, subject her to cruel and degrading treatment. This can be as barbaric as rape by another male relative; in order to ’cleanse’ the widow and rid her of the ‘evil’ spirits that purportedly caused the death of her husband. A widow may be forced to spend her days chanting with other widows, wear dark clothing and be shunned by the society in which she lives.

Widowhood can and does have shocking effects on the lives of women, from both an emotional and practical aspect. Its implications have devastating effects in other ways too; widows face coming to terms with the fact that, not only have they lost their loved one but they have to surmount social injustice and inequality not only with men but often with women too.

The injustices and social inequalities that widows are subjected to are far worse in developing countries where inhumane and cruel; customs, traditions and rituals relating to widowhood abound. These injustices are evident in a number of situations relating to the plight of widows and occur the moment her husband dies. One circumstance is effectively known as property theft. The widow’s rights to land are ignored, they are denied their inheritance and they are forcibly evicted from their homes by her husband’s family. Often in property theft, land and building inheritance, down even to mundane items such as pots and pans and bedding are taken away from the widow. The consequence of this tips the widow and her children into poverty and, in developing countries often deepens the impact of the existing degrees of poverty being experienced by the family. Being left destitute and homeless, widows are forced into a life of penury existing on the margins of society without the means to support themselves and their young children. Prevented from taking meaningful employment, in their desperation they are forced to seek out prostitution as a means of sustaining their and their children’s existence. This not only affords them a life of indignity and shame but also adds to the prevalence of HIV and AIDS that then further ensures their lives are wretched and miserable. However, these widows often die early from HIV/AIDS and other associated illnesses as they never have enough money to buy medicines.

The Loomba Foundation, Widows Research Report (2009) found that in developing countries even securing a job did not necessarily make a widow happier—a fact corroborated by the testimony of a Bangladeshi widow who

found work in a garment factory in Dhaka. “We work from 8 am to 10 pm with only a 15-minute break. Work pressure is high. There is no time to go to the toilets, which are very dirty and few in number. There is no safe water to drink, while some have caught typhoid from it. We are often not paid on time, and overtime pay is sometimes not paid at all even when it is due. Factories sometimes have very bright lights or do not have enough light. It becomes extremely hot inside the factory, with hardly any windows, which in any case are very small. And again, there is nothing to drink. We do not have protective gear to handle chemicals.” She went on to say that the wages earned were not enough to support a family, so they are forced to live in slums, which, in the case of Dhaka, are located far from the factories.

In other cases widows are forcibly remarried to a dead husband’s brother, irrespective of HIV/AIDs having been the cause of death of the husband. A continuation of this occurs frequently amongst widows in South Asia and subSaharan Africa who are often inaccurately accused of murdering their husbands or causing their deaths through insufficient care—particularly where death has been caused by HIV/AIDS. Countries where this is prevalent include India, Nigeria and Papua New Guinea. This can

The United States Congress recognised the plight of African widows and admitted that discrimination destroyed women’s ability to live a life outside of poverty.

“In the face of the suffering and injustice widows endure throughout Africa, there is no consensus on the importance of changing the customary legal rules relating to widows, and on the larger question of the proper place of customary law in the changing African society.” (Widows, AIDS, Health and Human Rights in Africa, Vanessa von Struensee).

As you can tell the many customs and rituals lead to great injustices that force widows to exist in a cruel and degrading vacuum cut off from mainstream society and leave them unable to provide for themselves or their children.

The purpose of the research book published by the Loomba Foundation in 2009 attempts to bring widows issues to light and to make the world understand and appreciate the magnitude of the problem. I am well aware that their rescue is not easy however I can say with conviction that the only way to counter these traditions, isolation, discrimination, oppression and exploitation is by empowering these widows.

Fo r fur ther infor ma tio n plea se vi si t o ur w ebs ite

www.theloombafoundation.org o r conta ct Priti P a tel a t priti@thelo omba founda tio n.o rg

UK

Asian voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

15

If you have any particular topics you would like covered on my page, please let me know.

MusIc

Tanveer Mann ARJUN - ‘RUN AWAY’

(Thuli Thuli Rude Boy Remix) After impressing crowds around the world, over the past few months, Brit-Asian R&B sensation Arjun is back in the UK and ready to release some hot, new music!

The new single titled 'Run Away' is available this week for all you Arjun fans around the world. The multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer returns with a brand new twist to his unique urban/Asian influenced style.

distinct and unique sound on top of an addictive beat.'Thuli Thuli' is one of the best known Tamil film songs of the last few years and is loved by South Asians around the world.

Arjun has fused its soothing melody with the r e n o w n e d melody of Rihanna's successful track 'Rude Boy', combined with his own original composition and production, giving the track his signature R&B twist.

'Run Away' is guaranteed to be a dance floor hit and will make you wish summer had never ended! The track will be available to download on iTunes and all other digital retailers shortly.

Arjun was recently nominated for 'Best Urban Act' at the UK Asian Music Awards and will be doing two intimate events in London on 28th/29th September to meet his UK fans. For more details visit www.arjunofficial.com/gigs

Upcoming

EvEnts

After the success of his remixes of 'why This Kolaveri Di' (7.2 million views), 'Kabhi Kabhi' (2 million Asian voice and Gujarat Samachar are organisviews), 'Chammak Challo' (1.3 miling a Student Conference in the first or second lion views) and 'Teri Meri' (630,000 views), Arjun has now week of March 2013 for 15-25 year olds. The conferdecided to do things a little dif- ence will begin at 11am and will continue into the afterferent this time by reinventing noon. it will feature leading professionals from different his own remix formula with walks of life (including finance, law, medicine, politics, media 'Run Away'. He fuses 2 mas- and the arts) who will share their personal experiences and sive tracks from different offer practical advice on how young people can fulfil their aspiparts of the world to create a rations and get ahead in the world of work. The conference will

Did you know..?

The sentence "the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter in the english alphabet

Word of the Week:

also include interactive sessions and mentoring opportunities.

This year we are hoping to attract a wide range of people and all youth within the age bracket are welcome. There will be various competitions to win prizes and opportunities to talk to successful and inspiring people in the field of your choice.

For more information, please email:

rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com "Pontificate": Definition - Pontificate- v. 1. to speak in a pompous and overbearing way; to express one's opinion with arrogance.

RAPID FIRE IntERvIEW Everybody has a dream, mine is to fly Ever since she could imagine, 22-year-old Anchal Lalji loved planes. She spent many hours gazing through the windows of her house, dreaming of the day that she would, at last, be able to fly as a commercial pilot.

Anchal’s real journey began when she completed her FAA (US) MEIR CPL (Multi Engine Commercial Pilot License) in just twelve months. She now successfully holds two licenses, from the US and the UK. Although she has faced a lot of difficulties, without the love and support of her family, she says none of this would have been possible. Now her journey begins, to find her dream job.

3. What has been your inspiration that has kept you focused?

Well there hasn't been anyone else in my family who has been a pilot. I was the first one in my whole family so I didn’t really have any guidance. I really wanted to fly the concord when I was little but unfortunately they don't fly it anymore.

4. What are the disadvantages and advantages of choosing this career?

Advantages are – Every day is different, exciting and it brings with it new challenges. I mean who wouldn’t want an office 1000’s feet above the ground?

1. What made you want to be a pilot?

Anchal Lalji Disadvantages would be the Ever since the age of 5, the daily increasing supplies of pilots and the trips to Heathrow to watch planes decrease in demand for them, making it very diffimade me realise that this has been the only thing I cult to find a job. It is also very expensive. would want to do 2. How did it feel when you first flew a plane?

I was 14 and it was one of the best experiences I've had. I mean it’s scary, it’s exhilarating, but that's when I knew that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

5. Have you ever faced any difficulty in the aerospace industry because you are a woman?

Not really, because now people want that diversity. I was one of the few females that were flying at the time but this hasn’t till date been an issue.

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

BOOK Review A Thousand Splendid Suns A Thousand Splendid Suns is the tale of two women, and a tale of two cities - Herat and Kabul.

Almost immediately, we enter into the world of Mariam, a young girl living alone with her unmarried mother on the outskirts of Herat. Her mother bullies Mariam, and her only incentive to live is her weekly visits from her insincere but charming father who is extremely popular in the city.

Yet her life changes when her mother suddenly dies and her father marries her off to an acquaintance that is many years her senior. The trauma begins for Mariam, as a married woman who is forced to wear the burka and hide when visitors come to the house. Her misfortune continues when she can’t get pregnant – which in her husbands eyes, makes her useless.

Hosseini then switches from Mariam's life to that of a neighbour, Laila, who is growing up in a liberal family with a father who believes in her education. We suddenly see Mariam from the outside as Rasheed’s burka-clad wife.

The book tracks the lives of these two young women whose lives become intertwined when they marry the same man. With a strong part of the book dedicated to the development of its characters, we learn to empathize with Mariam & Laila’s story while at the same time following the historical narrative, which is the backdrop of the novel. We follow regime change in Afghanistan, a long war and the oppression that its people were under.

Hosseini successfully portrays the experiences of oppressed women living in a male-dominated society, so much so that when I read this, I was so shocked as well as angry by everything that I had read. The fact that this is actually reality for some women angers me, as I strongly believe in women’s equality. Not in any world should a woman ever suffer just because of what she is or because of her appearance.

Fortunately I can’t say that I can relate to Mariam and Laila’s story. I do however strongly empathize with their plight and feel that people need to be educated about the on goings in such oppressive societies. I strongly recommend you to read it, and for those of you that have, read it again and again, because every time you read it, you will gain a whole new insight on the tragic story of these two young women and will hopefully be inspired, like I am, to make a change.

6. What advice can you give to other young students like yourself, who are considering doing something like yourself?

Go for it, becoming a professional pilot requires desire, passion, and sacrifices well beyond most other professions. I knew how expensive it would be (£80,000) so I was saving from a very young age. Just remember with determination and passion, anything is possible.

Ha Ha.....

He He.... :P

Q: Why do you always find things in the last place you look?

A: Duh!…

Chicken#1 to #2- How do I get to the other side?

Chicken #2- You are on the other side, stupid.

First guy (proudly): "My wife's an angel!"

Second guy: "You're lucky, mine's still alive."

16

Asian Voice - Saturday 29nd September 2012

Trisha krishnan against kissing Kollywood actress Trisha is getting lots of Hindi offers which have kissing sequences. In the year 2010, she paired with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar in the Hindi film “Khatta Meetha.” This film was an utter flop. After that Trisha started concentrating in Tamil and Telugu films. Now she is currently acting in the Tamil films “Samar,” “Boologam” and “Endrendrum Punnagai.” In between some of the Hindi producers had approached her. One of such film has Imran Hashmi in the lead role. Trisha who heard the story was shocked because her role in that film was so sexy and also had kissing sequences.

Actress Trisha refused to act in such films.

Meera Nandan against glamour roles Actress Meera Nandan had acted in a number of Tamil films. She while speaking to the media said, "Recently I had been to Mysore to participate in the shooting of a Malayalam film. I am donning the role of a college student. I am donning the role of person who is always thinking of her family. As far as South Indian film industry is concerned there is not much difference in acting in one language film or another.

I accept the films only if the script and my role is good. I am against glamour. I will not act in glamour roles. I don’t like other actresses acting in glamour roles."

Asian Voice - Saturday 29nd September 2012

My first priority is Tamil films: Amy Jackson Actress Amy Jackson said that though she was acting in many language films, her first priority will be for Tamil films. She said, "The film Thandavam in which I have acted is to be released soon. Many are asking me about acting in two heroine subject. Anushka is very much senior to me. I am very proud to act with her. In Madrasapattinam, I had donned the role of humble and modest person. In Thandavam, my role is just opposite to it.

My role is bubbly and my job is to trouble Vikram in the name of love. The film in which I am donning the female lead role is being directed by Shankar. This film will be a turning point in my career. Though I am acting in Hindi and Telugu films, my priority will always be for Tamil films only.”

Hot Garam masala Sameera owns over 100 pairs of shoes!

If there's one thing Sameera Reddy is stuck on since forever, it's her obsession for shoes. As long as she can remember, she has always been in love with shoes and by now, owns over a 100 pairs! Though her friends and family envy her beautiful collection, storage is a big problem too. She confesses, “I've always been like this. I own numerous pairs but never have enough.” Though she has a special shoe closet, which too is full to capacity, it doesn't discourage her from buying new ones. B-Town's very own Imelda Marcos?

Akshay Kumar loves the action hero tag Bollywood’s Khiladi Akshay Kumar loves action and comedy, but insists that he prefers being tagged as an action hero.

“While I enjoy both these labels, somewhere in my heart, I love the action one more,” confessed the 45-year-old star recently. “However, it’s easy to kick, and very difficult to make someone laugh,” he added. And soon, the actor will be seen bringing both comedy and action together, in his upcoming film “Khiladi 786,” which releases in December this year. It will also see Asin, Paresh Rawal and Himesh Reshammiya in pivotal roles. Currently Akshay is busy promoting his next release, OMG! Oh My God. About his belief in god, the actor said: “I am a believer. But more than god, I believe in my parents, in what they say and after them, I believe in God.”

Busy Preity Zinta has no time for love Actress Preity Zinta, who was once in a serious relation with businessman Ness Wadia, says she has no time for love. "I am lucky...I have no time for love...I would like to get married some day. When that day comes... will inform everyone," Preity said. Preity was dating model Marc Robinson earlier and when they separated, she started seeing the Bombay Dyeing heir and businessman Ness Wadia from 2005 to 2009. Unfortunately, the relation went kaput but the duo remains friends because of their association with their IPL team Kings XI Punjab.

The bubbly actress has also been linked to Yuvraj Singh, Brett Lee and New York-based hotelier Vikram Chatwal.

But now she is all charged up for her upcoming film 'Ishkq in Paris' that also marks her debut as a producer.

17

On Sept 12 Saif Ali Khan filed an application for marriage at the Bandra marriage registrar's office. He can get married to Kareena Kapoor in the next 30 days. For months, they played the media and their fans - keeping all of us guessing about their wedding plans. And much as Saif and Kareena would like the world to believe that a "wedding is just a formality" and that they are "as good as being married" the truth is, Saif is playing it safe after all. He has decided to take the legal recourse to solemnize their nuptials and put an end to all speculations about his relationship with his companion of five years.

On September 12, Saif visited the Bandra marriage registrar's office. According to sources there, the actor submitted all the necessary details and filed an application for marriage.

The law says the couple may get married on any date post completion of 30 days from Sept 12, which means any day between Oct 11 and Oct 17, as Sharmila Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi has invited friends and well wishers for the Dawate-Walima on October 18, which according to tradition is the day-after dinner hosted in honour of a wedded couple. There have been reports that Saif and Kareena are planning to call the registrar over to the actor's Bandra home on October 16 at 5 pm to complete the formalities. However, sources at the Bandra court said that they have not received any request from Saif for a home visit as yet.

I would love to work in a Bollywood film: Brad Pitt Hollywood's reigning star Brad Pitt missed the opportunity of romancing Indian beauty Aishwarya Rai in "Troy", but with the growing presence of Indian films on the world stage, he says he might just decide to surprise fans by grooving in true Bollywood style any time.

"Indian cinema seems to be growing very well at its own pace. I would love to work in a Bollywood film as there is so much drama and colour in the films there," Pitt had said in an email interview.

"The filmmaking, I hear, has evolved a lot in India and of late we have witnessed some good films making a presence at the Oscars and the world stage," added the actor. “The presence of Indian films and their artists has witnessed a boost in the western world in recent times. International premieres, opportunities for actors like Amitabh Bachchan,

Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan, as well as A R Rahman's Oscar-winning feat for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ have drawn international interest in India's cinematic offerings. That tells you a lot about the quality of the actors and the films. You never know when I might decide to work in a Bollywood film and do one of those dance numbers with the whole crew in the backdrop," quipped Pitt.

The 48-year-old actor, who has been named among the sexiest men in the world multiple times, is especially fond of former Miss World Aishwarya. He says he is open to work with her.

"Given a chance, I would like to work with Aishwarya Bachchan because she's a versatile actor. She has worked brilliantly in films like 'The Mistress of Spices', 'The Last Legion', 'The Pink Panther 2' and 'Provoked' to name a few," said Pitt.

Shruti Haasan joins D-Day cast Shruti Haasan is the latest actress to join the cast of Nikhil Advani’s “D-Day.” Touted as an action thriller, this film has an ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal, Irrfan and Huma Qureshi of “Gangs Of Wasseypur” fame.

“Shruti has recently been confirmed for the film. She is paired opposite Arjun,” says a source associated with the project. Moreover, this film requires high voltage action stunts from actresses too and Huma has already started training for the combat scenes. It is likely that Shruti will also be seen in an action avatar in this film. D-Day is set to go on floors

by September 21 and the first schedule will begin in Mumbai.

Acting happened by accident: NArgis FAkhri

"I wasn't supposed to be an actress, but when I heard the story of 'Rockstar', I was like 'Oh my god! I so wanted to do this'. (So) acting happened by accident," Nargis Fakhri said. The 32-year-old, who played Ranbir Kapoor's love interest in "Rockstar", was recently named the brand ambassador of a computer products manufacturing company. She feels god has been very kind to her on the professional front.

"I always feel that god has blessed me with many good things in life and he gave me so many wonderful opportunities in my life. I never say no to adventure and this is the reason why I was not able to say no to my debut film,

because the story was beautiful. When you feel something in the heart, then you can't say no (to it)," she added.

Nargis looked picture perfect with minimal make-up and a simple, ankle-length dress.

About her beauty regime, the model-turned-actress said: "I love trying new things so yoga is something that I religiously follow as it refreshes one's mind and soul. I love swimming also as it helps in burning calories.

Recently, I have also started doing kick-boxing. So I love being active. May be one day, I will go to mountains for hiking," she said, justifying how she loves adventure in her life.

Salman says he likes to live like a comman man and not like a star. He lives life on his own terms and when he signs a film he rewrites the box-office rules every time.

He breaks all possible records and makes it look so easy. His mass appeal has to be seen to be believed.

With massive hits like “Dabangg,” “Bodyguard” and now “Ek Tha Tiger,” how does it feel to be 'The Khan' in the end? So, what's the biggest USP of being Salman Khan? He laughs and says, "Am I the one?" and then adds, "I really can't say." He says, "I am one guy who doesn't want to live the life of a star. I want to eat, enjoy with my friends and travel around - I don't want the trappings that come with being a star." But then not many actors can boast of having such fan frenzy. What makes him click with both children and adults? He paused for a while, "Yes, it feels wonderful to see so much of people appreciating my work. I think, it's the way I speak that acts as a bond with people. I am honest and I speak from my heart. That's why I connect with people."

His films have taken box office collection to new heights and fans actually stand in queue for hours to get a ticket. But does the star who attracts million of moviegoers watch films? "Yes, I do watch a lot of films. My first choice is action," he says.

Mahesh Bhatt to launch Priyanka wants desi touch to her pop song video his son next year While Mahesh Bhatt’s daughter Alia will make her debut in Karan Johar’s “Student Of The Year,” the film-maker gears up to launch his son, Rahul Bhatt next year. The actor will make his debut in writer Shagufta Rafique’s first directorial venture to be produced by Vikram Bhatt. An in-house writer with Vishesh Films, Rafique has penned successes like “Murder 2,” “Jannat 2” and most recently “Raaz 3” and will now take up directorial reigns for Rahul Bhatt starrer. Earlier seen in Bigg Boss Season 4, there were speculations that Salman Khan would launch the actor. While the plan did not work out, it is confirmed that he will make his acting debut with his father’s film. Interestingly, Mukesh Bhatt also gears up to launch his son, Vishesh Bhatt as a director with “Murder 3.”

Bollywood's desi girl Priyanka Chopra is back in Los Angeles to work on the video of her debut international song “In my city” and says she wants to add an Indian touch to it. "Off to rehearsal! Let's show the world what Bollywood is made of! Let's do this desi style," tweeted the 30-year-old, who is riding high on the response to her song, as well as to her acting in Anurag Basu's Barfi!. Her peppy song In my city, featuring international singer Will.i.am, was launched earlier this month. Her entire album will release after a few months. Meanwhile, she is working hard on the video, and basking in the positive reviews to her portrayal of autistic girl Jhilmil in Barfi!

18

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Mortgage lending in UK falls

Diageo closes in on Vijay Mallya's United Spirits Diageo is closing in on a deal to take a significant stake in United Spirits, the Indian drinks giant controlled by Vijay Mallya.

It is believed a deal with Mr Mallya, who owns a 28pc stake in United Spirits, could be announced as early as next month, allowing Diageo to substantially increase its exposure to India’s lucrative drinks market.

Diageo is back in talks with Mr Mallya after walking away from talks in 2009 amid disagreements over valuation.

Mr Mallya, chairman of United Spirits, needs money to prop up his lossmaking airline Kingfisher, which will require $600m (£369m) in the next few months to keep its planes in the air, according to some estimates.

Diageo is understood to be pushing for a deal that would give it strategic control of United Spirits,

Dear Financial Voice Reader I write to you the day before leaving for Moscow. I will then go thereafter to India. Two of the ‘BRIC’ countries of great growth. Having on BBC’s Money Programme before the IPO (floatation) of Facebook said that the company will drop by 50%, and been 100% correct about it, I am speaking in Delhi on Saturday about IPO prospects of Indian companies. I will be speaking to entrepreneurs who want to be the next Facebook (without the 50% crash in share price).

The event is TiECon and I am there with my Government hat to advise and inform on the benefits of going global from the UK by co-locating their Indian businesses here and thereby accessing the world’s largest market – the EU. (Still $14 trillion in goods and services even without any growth – the equivalent to 10 Indias).

In 2011, the FT noted that the amount of money raised by Indian IPOs dropped by 80%. In the first 6 months of last year, 22 listings raised $780m, when in 2010, 28 raised $4bln. Some 15 companies who got the IPO greenlight from SEBI the regulator, let the approval lapse and delayed trying to raise money.

Little wonder when you consider that shares in real estate companies that floated between 2007-2009 are down 60-80% and those in the power sector are down as much as 50%. And that is the Facebook IPO problem. Hype to the uninformed.

Which also begs the question if you want to access Indian growth would you not be better off investing in companies with a long track record than a newbie.

Maybe Cairn Energy?

More Indian companies list on the London exchanges to raise Western cash than any other. The London Stock Exchange is to relax its rules for tech IPO listings. My worry is that those who do not list on the more sophisticated and cash rich London market, but do so looking for large sums from the Indian market, are hoping to be able to get away with poor valuations.

Since 2009, the FTSE 100 is up 40%, but tech start ups such as Asos and RightMove are up 700% and 800% respectively. One reason is that at IPO, in London, you can’t get away with the ridiculously high valuations that US and India may think their investors will pay (hence why Facebook fell and so many Indian IPOs are delayed). In London a valuation more than 15 times annual profits will not get away. Facebook was more than 40 times earnings – at IPO – before crashing in half.

Or take Bharti Airtel’s subsidiary Bharti Infratel which is planning a major $1billion IPO in India. Who is selling the shares – Goldman Sachs, to exit their holdings. Do you want to be the muppet that buys off the smart money who is selling?

This is simply to say, in a new market, and especially in a new market with IPOs, you really have to be both fearless, greedy and a little stupid, to get lucky.

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Specialist property investment company Unesta has allied with international property consultancy Cushman and Wakefield to highlight the potential for investment in Indian real estate. The event will provide ‘knowledge partners’ Unesta and Cushman & Wakefield with the platform to offer expert insight into the Indian real estate market. The ‘U-Realty Show’ will take place at the Sattavis Patidar Centre, Wembley, on the 6th and 7th October, 2012.

Although open to all, the two day exhibition will provide a platform for NRIs (Non-resident Indians) and PIOs (Persons of Indian origin) to explore investment opportunities in residential, commercial and retail real estate in India.

Exhibitors will include some of the largest and most respected development houses in India, including Godrej Properties, Rustomjee, Omkar Group, Total Environment, G Corp, Adani, Wadhwa, Ansal API, ABIL and Jaypee Greens.

In addition to discovering some of the most attrac-

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India’s second largest drinks group.

Any deal is likely to include the power to appoint a majority of United Spirit’s board members, which would help alleviate corporate governance concerns raised when Diageo last made a play for the company three years ago.

United Spirits is valued at around 130 billion rupees (£1.5bn) and owns

Whyte & Mackay, the 168year-old Scotch whisky brand.

A spokesman for Diageo declined to comment but Paul Walsh, chief executive of the world’s biggest drinks company, reiterated his interest in taking a minority stake in United Spirits at its yearend results presentation in London earlier this month.

However, he insisted any deal would have to be on the right terms and he would not be pressured into “frittering away” Diageo’s £1.6bn cash mountain.

A source close to Diageo confirmed the group was back in talks with Mr Mallya but cautioned that the Indian entrepreneur was often in discussions with several parties at any one time so there was no certainty an agreement would be reached to buy part of his stake in United Spirits.

Property show to showcase potential for real estate investment in India

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Paul Walsh

Mortgage lending conditions remained tight in August, despite the launch of the government’s Funding for Lending scheme, designed to offer low-cost finance to banks on the provision that they pass these savings on to customers.

If you are considering purchasing a property, it helps to shop around to get the best mortgage deal.

You can compare mortgages with MoneyExpert.

Data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) shows that gross mortgage lending plummeted by 4% in August, in a year on year comparison, to reach an estimated £12.6 billion.

This is down from the £13.1 billion recorded in August 2011. The figure is also down by 1% compared to July.

Recently released Bank of England lending figures showed that the number of mortgage approvals saw a marginal increase in July, rising from 44,124 to 47,312.

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tive properties available in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune and Vadodara, visitors will be able to receive a free copy of Unesta’s specialist publication U-Realty Magazine with its detailed insights into the sector. A free seminar series is also being presented at the event: DAY 1. 6th October, 2012 11:30 am - Expert Overview on India Real Estate Investments – the Challenges & Opportunities Presented by Cushman & Wakefield 2.30 pm - Hot Cities Insights Workshop 1 – Tier I (Mumbai), Tier II (Pune), Tier III (Vadodara) 4:00 pm - India Property Investment for First Time Buyers Presented by Unesta and Cushman & Wakefield DAY 2 . 7th October, 2012 11.30 am - ROI in India Property Investment – residential versus commercial Presented by Unesta and Cushman & Wakefield 2:00 pm - Hot Cities

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established investors.”

Sanjay Dutt, Executive Managing Director from the show’s knowledge partners, Cushman & Wakefield, said: “As an investment destination for NRIs and PIOs, India’s investment opportunities are extensive in terms of location and form of investment. Despite global and domestic challenges India’s real estate market continues to grow and expand.”

For more information of the event taking place at Sattavis Patidar Centre, Forty Avenue, Wembley Park, Middlesex, HA9 9PE and to register for the show please visit: http://www.IndiaURealty Show.com Sewa Day: As part of its charitable initiative, Unesta is asking visitors to take part in its Sewa Day scheme by donating unwanted books for redistribution to developing countries through its links with the Akshaya Patra Foundation. Sewa Day, taking place on 7th October, involves people performing acts of kindness without expectation of reward.

Insights Workshop 2 – Tier I (Bangalore), Tier II (Gurgaon), Tier III (Noida) 4:00 pm - NRI Banking and Taxation Vikram Goyal, Managing Director of Unesta, said: “India today is perceived as one of the most attractive investment destinations globally as a result of strong economic growth, rapid urbanisation, a growing middle class and an emphasis on infrastructure.

Our specialist business puts us at the forefront of investment in Indian real estate and means we are able to provide sound advice on the myriad of choices available to the investor. The U-Realty show will provide inspiration as well as practical advice for first time and

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FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

19

One Plus One Equals Three

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

This week we have been analysing a development deal which is on a very affluent street in Notting Hill W2. The road is called Durhum Terrace. The property consists of a ground floor garden flat and a lower ground floor. It’s what’s known as a duplex. The road itself has a wow factor to it in that it is a wide tree lined street with period properties on either side.

The property itself is south facing and therefore benefits from sunlight coming into the reception.

The history of it is that it was a probate property. The lady that had owned it died and left the property to her boyfriend. Her family contested the will and therefore the matter was dragged through the courts.

He recently was awarded possession of the property.

The property is not on the open market, it came to us from a dealer who prefers to get the deal done rather than marketing the property. In some ways if you think about it you only need one person to purchase the property. Having a hundred people come to view may or may not get you that one person. Furthermore when a property stays on the market for a long period of time, sometimes because of a couple of failed sales, the property loses its sheen, and then people don’t want to buy it because they think nobody else wants to buy it.

F or this dealer time is ju st as impo rtant as the price, so he is willing to co mpromise o n the price as long as t he d eal will be don e qu ickly an d ef ficie ntly, he nce t he reason why it was presente d to us.

The way to gauge the price of a property is to see what other properties in the street have sold for. There is a problem with using this in the Central London property market, the price of the properties change rapidly, and therefore you cannot use past prices to gauge the present values, especially if you consider a property takes about three months ordinarily to complete. This means from the time the price is agreed there is a time lag of three months before completion and when it hits the records of the Land Registry. If the market is increasing the value would be going up month on month.

Currently when we look on the market there are identical flats on for sale done up, one is on for sale at £1.475m. This property is on the same side of the street and is an exact replica of the one we are looking to do a deal on.

The ‘market’ price is obviously not what it would sell for. The only way to get to understand what’s going on is to see the property and speak to the agents.

We discovered the property on the market for £1.475m had a few offers at the higher end of £1.2m and the lower end of £1.3m. The seller was holding out for the asking price or very close and the agent was confident of achieving this given the location, and the scarcity of stock on the market.

The property has been on the market for two months, but in all fairness they have been the quietest months of the year. All the attention and energy which normally go into the property market had been soaked up by the Olympic Games and the Queen’s Jubilee. So it would have been unfair to use the last two months to understand why the property has not sold yet.

We are purchasing our deal for £1m and negotiating to possibly even £950,000, which I have been told by someone in the industry is extremely cheap.

The past is not always an indication of the future, so let’s look at the report from Knight Frank for Autumn 2012.

The Real Deal Development Deal with a Freehold in West Kensington l Two flats with a development angle in a nice residential part of West Kensington l Can be purchased as a whole or as two flats. l Garden flat can be purchased for £350k – after extension and refurbishment it would be remarketed at £525,000. l Top floor flat will need a roof extension – purchase price of £315,000 and expected resell value after works of £525,000. l Freehold at an additional cost of around £40k. l Contracts are with our solicitors and waiting for somebody who can move fast.

Call us now if you are interested in this deal!

Overview from Knight Frank’s Report, Autumn 2012 Since March 2009, when the tide began to turn after the global credit crunch, prices for prime London properties have risen 49%. In fact, prices have now risen to stand 14% above their pre-crisis peak back in March 2008.

Prices are not the only market metric to have surged. The nature of the market has shifted; in 2008 Knight Frank sold prime London properties to 36 nationalities while in 2011 the total hit 62.

Interestingly Indian buyers are now the third biggest buyers in Central London after UK and Russia.

The other issue here is the property is on a 65 year lease with the freeholder being the council. This does not make this an excouncil property, it just happens to be that the freehold is owned by them. This is a good thing as far as extending the lease goes as the cost is likely to be minimal, in the tens of thousands, rather than a hundred. One option is to go for the freehold; if more than 50% of the block wishes to purchase the freehold of the property the council must agree to sell.

This of course is the preferred option.

The property requires a complete refurb and will cost in our eyes £100k. We have yet to confirm this with a builder.

As it stands now after taking all costs into account the profit margin in this project will be 20% on the money invested. We have allowed 12 months for this project. In reality 6 months will be our personal goal.

And there is no reason why this cannot be met. We have done these figures on the purchase price of £1m, yet we are in the process of negotiating this down to £950k, again this will all add to the profit margin.

If the prices continue to rise as they have been the property is likely to increase in value month on month until completion.

The o ther point is t his will be a ne wly refu rbishe d propert y co min g on t o the marke t which attracts a premium, as n obody has lived in it sin ce being comple tely don e up, muc h the same way as when you bu y a new car.

For the above property a client of ours has grouped his friends together so they can pool their money and purchase this as one. They get the benefit of buying into a property in Notting Hill, which would have been unreachable had they tried to do this individually. Property generally by nature is a secure investment, in this location it is even stronger, this is the reason why if this hits the open market this property could attract offers of up to £1.1m. Many end users like the idea of purchasing a blank canvas to do with as they wish with.

If you’re interested in grouping together for a purchase why not give us a call to see how we can help you.

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

0207 313 4595 Westbourne House, 14-16 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 5RH

Tips of the Week l A property crash is not like a stock market crash, you cannot lose all your money as the property is tangible, it cannot disappear l You can easily understand the expenses and income associated with property investment, the same cannot be said of many financial products

financial vOICE

20

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

S&P cuts India's growth forecast to 5.5% for this fiscal

Sell in May & .... what a waste of time Maria Fernandes

maria@abplgroup.com

Unlawful system legalised: the points based system Mr Justin Urquhart Stewart It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity of writing directly for you in the Asian Voice. I hope that we can use this column to try and help you with some practical views and ideas on your investments. I think it is important to debunk some of the myths and clear out some of the useless jargon which all too often just serves to confuse.

Perhaps one of the best and most timely examples of this is that old rhyme linked to the stock market of “sell in May and go away, and don’t come back until St Leger Day”. This old yarn has been around for years and just reflects the old days of quieter summer holidays and probably the London “social season”.

So from Henley, via Wimbledon and Lords through to the St Leger meeting in Doncaster in mid September the theory was that with many traders and investors away, the volumes and potentially the prices would fall back. So is it true?

The running of the St Leger always seems to mark for me the end of the summer and a start of the new term, not just in the academic world but in the financial one as well. From here on, it seems like the final run up to the end of the year even though there are still four months to go.

Of course the old social season has changed and the summer months are just as likely to be as volatile as any other month, and thus to think about relying upon an old wives tale for investment would be seen to be about as useful as taking a share tip from a pompous git in red braces.

So if we look at the figures for this year in the charts below, you can see that in most markets you would have missed out quite considerably, especially if you include the dividends included in the Total return (TR) index.

Index FTSE100 FTSE AS Stoxx 50 S&P 500 TOPIX

1st May 5812 3020 2415 1405 789

Current 5852 3053 2570 1461 753

% Change 0.69% 1.09% 6.42% 3.99% -4.56%

Index TR FTSE100 FTSE AS Stoxx 50 S&P 500 TOPIX

1st May 3985 4248 3948 2429 1025

Current 4111 4322 4452 2548 980

% Change 3.16% 1.74% 12.77% 4.90% -4.39%

So is there any value in that old rhyme? Well, apart from the fact that the usually unloved European stocks trounced the rest, the main loser was Japan.

The others have been quite positive, but it does underline the benefits of those often ignored dividend payments, which over time are probably the most reliable and valuable return for a longer term investment portfolio.

The other issue that we should all consider is the often ignored question of costs and charges. Just suppose you had decided to sell in May and then buy back again in September, what would it have cost you? Well, not only would you have lost the income, but also incurred the commission charges costs of selling and buying back, then you have the Stamp Duty cost, and possibly the most painful and often hidden cost – the bid –offer spread. That is to say the difference between the buying and selling price. This can vary according to the size and volume of the stock but can be painful. So should you bother? And the answer is no – it’s a complete waste of time, money and worry – it’s an idea dreamed up by greedy stock brokers trying to earn extra commission from you.

Next time – so what should we do, let’s start talking about the Seven Golden Rules of Investing?

Seven Investment Management 125 Old Broad Street London EC2N 1AR Tel: 020 7760 8777

The UKBA have, for some time now, been a law unto itself issuing ”guidance” which contained details which did not appear in the body of the rules and could easily, at a stroke, be changed to suit any situation. Take, for example, a system whereby the UKBA introduced Codes of Practice for different occupations. There were regular changes to the Codes and positions that were initially in the Code were withdrawn. Specifically there were changes on the 14th June 2012 that had the effect of completely removing some occupations.

Using their new ”powers” the UKBA were able to bypass Parliament and they did so with impunity. That is until the case of Alvi was heard in the highest court of the land, the Supreme Court. This threatened to change everything.

In brief, the Supreme Court ruled that any requirement, which if not met, can result in a refusal, is a “rule” and must be incorporated within the Immigration Rules (which unlike the guidance are scrutinised

by Parliament). The practice of the UKBA to put changes in their guidance alone was unlawful. The

UKBA responded to this judgement immediately by placing the guidance within the Immigration Rules and thereby adhering to the judgment. However, how were the UKBA going to treat applicants who had already made applications or received decisions based on the old system?

The UKBA have now issued guidance for their staff, which contradicts itself. On one hand there is an acknowledgment that their practice was unlawful but on the other hand staff are told that decisions to refuse are lawful unless and until they are successfully appealed or quashed in judicial review proceedings.

The way in which they plan to undo their unlawfulness is to withdraw the decision to refuse and remake it under the current law, which has cured the illegality. It is simply a paper exercise and gives no remedy to applicants.

In fact it is a kick in the teeth to judges who dared to strike out laws that gave the UKBA untrammelled powers. Litigation is sure to follow.

Calling all Chefs: In other news, the Migration Advisory Committee has been asked by the Government to review the

shortage list, which currently includes chefs. The questions that have been put to them to consider are whether a shortage of labour should still be filled by foreign workers. The report states that the Government has indicated that it wishes to remove from the occupation list jobs that have been on the shortage list it for more than a given period, in principle two years, regardless of shortages affecting the sectors concerned. This is because it considers that inclusion on the shortage list was intended to provide temporary relief. It also has to consider whether there should be a standard period after which removal should become automatic.

MAC are calling for evidence and restaurateurs in particular should pay heed to this, as it will affect them. The deadline for submitting evidence is 30 November 2012.

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.

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

Mind Your Language I always find it remarkable when I hear people say that it is difficult to learn Hindi. Learning any new language can be difficult but I do find such complaints about Hindi somewhat ironic. The English language is by no means straightforward – to emphasise my point I will cite an example about the use of phonics in primary school to help children learn to read wherein they are encouraged to recognise the letter by its sound.

This has proven to very effective especially when teaching simple words such as ‘ball’. However, there are anomalies such as ‘knife’ and ‘photograph’. And to confuse the poor children even further, the same letter can have a different sound - the ‘i’ in idea is not the same as it is in bridge!

Even if one was to memorise the alphabet and grasp the grammar, they would still be faced with the huge mountain of vocabulary. While these can be challenging, the most difficult to master is ‘context’. This is something which has no set rule or

parameters. Just when one thinks they have understood something, they are told that they have taken it out of context.

To be master of a language one must be proficient in the art of manipulating context. In fact this skill is essential for ones survival at the top. When people watch your every move and analyse every word, it is important to always keep the option of context in your back pocket. This is why politicians always promise so much without actually committing to anything. As Winston Churchill said, “A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen.” This actually holds true for all leaders.

The most common error is to actually make a statement without having an ‘exit explanation’. Sadly for Nick Clegg, he didn’t think of this when he made his pledge to fight University tuition fees.

Hence he ended up having to make a

By Amit Patel

public apology.

David Cameron on the other hand is very good at this. When he came into power he pledged bold reforms for the NHS. After considerable outrage and opposition to his plans resulting in a Uturn in the policy, he simply stated that he had always said that he was willing to listen and this just showed that he was listening. very smooth. However, there is some language which sounds bad no matter what context you put it in. There is no place for rude and abusive language and can be damage your reputation.

A lesson that the Tory chief whip, Andrew Mitchell is currently learning.

Amit Patel has over 15 years experience in the field of Personal Development and Human Resource Management. He provides consultancy services and ideas on issues such as Leadership, People Management and Development. To contact Amit, email amitpatelmail @gmail.com

Standard and Poor's has lowered the growth forecast for India to 5.5 per cent for this fiscal, from 6.5 per cent projected earlier, citing "volatile" global economic situation.

According to S&P, Asia-Pacific is feeling the pressure of ongoing global economic uncertainty and it has lowered India growth forecast by one percentage point to 5.5 per cent for this fiscal from 6.5 per cent earlier.

Lack of monsoon rains has affected India, "for which agriculture still forms a substantial part of the economy", the report said.

Moreover, "global investors have become more critical of India's policy and infrastructure shortcomings which was recently highlighted by the power outage in early August that affected 20 of India's 28 states," the report added.

The report, however, did not mention anything about the recent reforms push by the Indian government.

Last week, the government effected a steep 12 per cent hike in diesel prices and capped subsidised cooking gas to consumers.

Besides, it allowed FDI in multibrand retail, aviation, broadcasting and power exchanges.

S&P said Asia Pacific economies are witnessing cautious growth conditions and any worsening of the economic conditions in the euro-zone will increase contagion risk for the region as these economies are "sensitive" to capital flows and trade.

"A trifecta featuring a slowdown in China, ongoing troubles in the Eurozone, and a weaker recovery in the US leads us to forecast slower economic growth rates for Asia Pacific," S&P said.

According to S&P credit analyst Andrew Palmer, "Any worsening of the economic conditions in the Eurozone will increase contagion risk for Asia Pacific, given the region's--particularly the open economies'--sensitivity to capital flows and trade."

S&P has lowered the base case forecasts of 2012 real GDP growth by about half a percentage point for some countries, with China's revised to 7.5 per cent (from 8 per cent); Japan to 2 per cent (from 2.5 per cent); Korea to 2.5 per cent (from 3 per cent); Singapore to 2.1 per cent (from 2.5 per cent); and Taiwan to 1.9 per cent (from 2.5 per cent).

financial VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

21

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

Spain Stands Strong‌ For Now Having grown more than four percent in previous weeks, last week the euro saw adjustment from its highs by falling against many major currencies. The underlying issue is the threat of contraction in many euro zone economies, but as is the current zeitgeist, this was overlooked in favour of institutional announcements.

The key issue driving the euro down was neither centered on economic data in the area nor Greece’s lack of progress in fulfilling its troika commitments, but rather focused on Spain’s bailout requirements, or lack thereof.

As European ministers clash with Spain’s elite, a bailout package is being used as bait to ensure that the nation abides by the ECB’s fiscal blueprint.

Spain, unwilling to so readily conform, is keen to protect its people from the harsh effects of these sweeping austerity plans.

The result is a standoff, neither side is ready to cave and with its current bond yields relatively subdued, Spain can just about afford to continue its fight. Headline attention will be given to Spain again this week; however other important events will be the Italian and German 10y bond auctions.

Meanwhile German chancellor Angela Merkel and French president Francois Hollande have reached an impasse of their own in their discussions regarding the new euro area banking

regulations. Hollande is keen to progress with the single banking union, whilst Merkel is reluctant to put a time scale on the process, wanting to ensure it leaves investors in no doubt about its effectiveness.

In the US last week we saw corrections in the price of the dollar as markets readjusted to

the idea of QE3. Despite performing consistently well against most major currencies, markets saw a relapse against the pound as good equity performance in the States pushed investors else-

where. However, with the belief that the S&P500 is near to topping out, any tumble in the index would likely take interest away from the ‘risk-on’ currencies and back to the dollar.

As the Obama-Romney battle intensifies in the run up to the election date, it appears that the current president is pulling

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away in the poles, following a series of gaffes by his opposite number.

Regardless who assumes power, one of the first large issues that president will have to address will be the fiscal cliff that is positioned to reduce America’s $16tn debt, but potentially stagnating the economy’s progress.

China’s economy is finally showing the signs of strain as its industrial output fell to the lowest level in three years. As a result those economies dependent on the superpower, in particular Australia, have seen deterioration.

Staying in the Far East, Japan’s status as a safe-haven continues to be exploited by investors looking for security.

In spite of the Bank of Japan’s efforts to weaken the demand for the yen, the mounting problems from the euro zone and now China have meant that Japan’s position as a net-creditor is remains an attractive destination for funds, thereby strengthening the yen further.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 25th Sept 2012 @ 2pm GBP - INR = 86.66 USD - INR = 53.35 EUR - INR = 68.87 GBP - USD = 1.62 GBP - EUR = 1.25 EUR - USD = 1.29 GBP - AED = 5.96 GBP - CAD = 1.58 GBP - NZD = 1.96 GBP - AUD = 1.55 GBP - ZAR = 13.28 GBP - HUF = 354.36

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

PakiSTan-BangladeSH-SRi lanka

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

20 killed as anti-Prophet film protests in Pak turn deadly In Focus Islamabad/Karachi: Nearly 20 people were killed and hundreds injured when thousands of angry demonstrators during government-sanctioned protests over an antiIslam film turned violent in several cities across Pakistan on a day being observed as 'Love the Prophet Day'.

The worst affected was Pakistan's financial hub Karachi, where 14 people were killed including two policemen who were shot dead. Around 110 others injured when anti-film rallies turned violent and anarchy prevailed for many hours in some parts of the coastal city.

Officials said nearly 200 people were injured in Islamabad, Karachi and Peshawar before the protests tapered off at nightfall.

Rampaging mobs destroyed private and government property worth millions of rupees across the country.

Protestors vandalized and torched three cinema halls and the chamber of commerce in Peshawar in the northwest.

Five persons, including an employee of a TV news

channel, were killed in violence in Peshawar city, officials said.

ARY News said its employee Mohammad Amir died after being hit by a bullet in police firing. Others were killed in police firing or clashes between protestors and police.

Footage on television showed several armed protestors firing during demonstrations.

In Karachi, mobs torched three cinema halls, three government offices, three banks and several police vans near the Chief Minister's residence.

At many places, crowds of

protestors looted shops and private buildings. A toll plaza and several vehicles were burnt by protestors on the outskirts of Rawalpindi.

Protestors also vandalized a CNG pump, blocked roads by burning tyres and lobbed stones at passing cars.

Hundreds of protestors gathered near the gates of the US Consulate in Lahore before they were driven back by security forces.

Paramilitary Pakistan Rangers personnel were deployed after a police post was torched near the mission.

Thousands of students

and members of hardline groups tried to get past police barriers in Islamabad and march to the diplomatic enclave, home to the embassies of the US and most Western countries.

Police used rubber bullets and teargas to push back demonstrators, who continued making efforts to enter the diplomatic enclave till darkness fell.

Church, school set afire in Pak film fury: A mob of hundreds of Muslim men attacked and burnt an 82-year-old church and an adjoining school in northwest Pakistan during a protest, sparking concerns among the minority Christian community.

The mob broke through the gate of the St Paul's Lutheran Church inside the cantonment in Mardan city near Peshawar, while returning from a rally against the film. Acording to reports from Christians in Mardan, the mob attacked and set on fire the church, St Paul's high school, a library, a computer laboratory and houses of four clergymen, including Bishop Peter Majeed.

Pakistan PM sets wheels in Top Senator seeks support for motion in Zardari graft case bill to cut all US aid to Pakistan Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has formally authorized law minister Farooq H Naek to write to the Swiss authorities in the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) implementation case.

Ashraf has issued an 'authority letter' to the law minister, directing him to write to the Swiss authorities in accordance with the supreme court orders to disown the "illegal letter" written by a former attorney general, reports The Express Tribune.

Former attorney general Malik Muhammad Qayyum had written to the Swiss authorities that the Pakistan government had dropped a dormant graft case against President Asif Ali Zardari following the promulgation of the NRO by the then president Pervez Musharraf in 2007. However, in 2010 the SC had struck down the controversial law and ordered the government to reopen all

cases dropped under NRO, including the one against Zardari in Swiss courts.

According to the guidelines stated by Ashraf, Naek will tell the Swiss authorities that the former attorney general had overstepped his authority and that the incumbent government disowns the letter he had written.

The letter calls for finding a legal way that not only assuages the federal government's concerns but also satisfies the SC, sources said.

Sources added that the law minister was finalising the draft of the letter, which would not directly mention the constitutional immunity Zardari enjoys at home.

Washington: A top American Senator has written to members of the US House of Representatives for their support in passing a bill which seeks to cut all American aid to Pakistan. Senator Rand Paul, in his 'Dear Colleague' letter, urged members to pass the bill which seeks to cut all foreign aid to any country that "fails to secure" US embassies.

The bill also demands financial accountability from countries like Pakistan, Egypt and Libya, which recently saw violence directed against US embassies. Paul's move came within hours of Pakistan foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar's arrival in Washington to hold talks with US officials and lawmakers.

Paul, the Senator from Kentucky, issued a similar letter to his colleagues in the Senate, underlining his intention to obstruct any pending legislation until the Senate addresses these matters.

"This week is likely our last

chance to address the ongoing violence, to promote security at our diplomatic facilities, and to take appropriate steps to ensure cooperation from the governments of Pakistan, Egypt and Libya," Paul said in his letter.

"First, we must demand accountability from the government of Pakistan, which receives over USD 3 billion from us every year, yet routinely plays both sides of some of the most important issues while openly thwarting our objectives in the region," he wrote. "They should be subject to the same conditions applied to Egypt, Libya, and the others," Paul wrote seeking release of Shakil Afridi, the Pakistani doctor who has been found guilty of treason for helping CIA track Osama bin Laden.

As this is likely to be the final week of legislative session for both the House and Senate before an extended recess, Paul urged the lawmakers to take immediate action to pass the bill.

Hina Rabbani in Washington to salvage Pak-US ties

Washington: Pakistan's savvy and striking foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar arrived here in Washington to restore her country's battered image and kiss and make up with the United States even as some American lawmakers pressed for punitive measures to reprimand Islamabad for its continued ties to terrorists and betraying the US. Even though Pakistan remains under the gun following the designation of its Haqqani proxies as a global terrorist group and its patronage of extremists groups, including those making a bonfire of US interests, the two sides have retrieved some ground from days when ties reached a nadir and Islamabad cut off Nato sup-

ply lines following the Salala attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan reversed the decision several months down the line, and in recent weeks, it has been rewarded with nearly $ 2 billion in Coalition Support Fund back payments, enabling its economy to hold off a meltdown.

Rabbani's trip to the US, to be followed by visits by President Zardari and the de facto ruler, superannuated military strongman Pervez Ashfaq Kayani in the next few weeks, is expected to build on that as the two sides attempt to restore a semblance of normalcy.

Describing it as a "a longexpected visit," a state department official said Khar

and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will cover the "full range of issues we have with Pakistan...including our continuing effort to get our counterterrorism activities back up and running fully."

The official put a positive spin on the meeting, telling correspondents that Secretary Clinton and Khar "have had a very strong relationship" and this is going to be at least their fourth meeting, "They have both rolled up their sleeves to try to stabilize and strengthen the relationship, and I think this is a good opportunity, obviously, for them to take stock of where we are and continue to try to move forward," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said.

But there is less enthusiasm on the Hill despite Pakistan's attempt to gee up some support by convening a meeting last week of the 50member Pakistani-American caucus, it's first in some five years. While many lawmakers are loath to be associated with the country indelibly linked with terrorism, some of them have been persistently demanding that it be punished for continually working against American interests, something U.S government officials prefer to gloss over to maintain a semblance of a relationship. Lawmakers are particularly upset over Pakistan's incarceration of a doctor who assisted the CIA in eliminating Osama bin Laden.

Anti-Islam film: Pakistani accused of blasphemy Islamabad: Pakistani officials say they have opened an investigation into a businessman who has been accused of blasphemy after refusing to join protests over an anti-Islam video and allegedly trying to convince others also not to take part. Police officer Munir Abbasi says that hundreds of protesters in the city of Hyderabad who rallied against the film that mocks the Prophet Muhammad demanded businessman Haji Nasrullah Khan shut his shops in solidarity. When Khan refused, one of his tenants said his decision supported the film. City police chief Fareed Jan said the protesters claim Khan insulted the Prophet. Jan said there's no evidence to suggest this happened and said police were pressured by the mob to open the case. Blasphemy is punishable by life in prison or death in Pakistan.

Pak panel to probe forced conversions of Hindus Islamabad: The alleged forced conversion of Hindus in Pakistan is expected to be the foremost issue to be discussed by the newly constituted 26-member parliamentary committee when it meets in Islamabad in early October. The forced conversion issue is going to be the most important one followed by marriage laws. The federal government has constituted the committee with the purpose to review the Hindu community's perils and make recommendations for legislation, he said. The committee is likely to table its draft recommendations when it meets next month, he added.

Samjhauta Express engine catches fire in Pakistan Islamabad: The engine of the India bound Samjhauta Express caught fire in Pakistan's Lahore district. There were no casualties.

The incident occurred near Mughalpura station. Fire brigade personnel detached the engine from the Samjhauta Express. The 312 passengers who were on board the train were safe and a substitute engine has been sent, Anwar said.

US suspends all diplomatic missions in Pak Lahore: The United States has halted public dealing in all its diplomatic missions in Pakistan in light of continuing protests against the anti-Islam film. According to a statement issued by the US embassy in Islamabad, all diplomatic missions in the country would be closed for public due to mounting security concerns. US diplomatic personnel were shifted to an undisclosed location as angry protesters advanced towards the diplomatic building, reports The Nation. Earlier, the police had to use tear gas to disperse a crowd of more than 2,000 protesters trying to reach the US consulate in Peshawar. In Lahore, up to 900 people demonstrated near the US consulate, calling President Obama a "dog".

Haqqani network, LeT the new potent threats: US Washington: Pakistan-based terror groups like the Haqqani network and Lashkar-eTaiba are posing a direct threat to the interests of the US and its allies in the region even when the al Qaeda core has become a shadow of its former self, a top American counter-terror official has said. In a testimony during a Congressional hearing, Matthew G Olsen, director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, said sustained counter-terrorism pressure has systematically degraded Pakistan-based al-Qaeda's leadership and operational capabilities, reducing it to its weakest in 10 years.

However, the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, and LeT remain potent threats to American interests in the region, he said. "Pakistani and Afghan militant groups - Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Haqqani Network, and Lashkar-e Taiba (LeT) - continue to pose a direct threat to US interests and our allies in the region, where these groups probably will remain focused," said Olsen. Other SouthAsian terrorist outfits, including LeT, continue to post a threat to US and its allies in the region, he said.

world 23

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Ban Pakistani minister from UK still giving millions of pounds Britain, demand MPs in aid to wealthy countries London: British home secretary Theresa May is facing calls for barring a senior Pakistani minister from Britain after he offered a bounty for the killing of the American-based director of an anti-Islamic film.

Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, a member of the Pakistani cabinet, offered to pay $100,000 (£61,600) to anyone who killed the maker of a film that has caused anger in many Muslim countries.

The Pakistani minister is a regular visitor to London, where he and his brothers spend large parts of the year in family properties. Conservative MPs want Mrs May to consider whether Mr Bilour should

be prevented from coming to Britain because his presence would not be “conducive to the public good”.

Sources close to the family said that they feared Mr Bilour, the railways minister, would be banned from Britain. The call has forced Pakistan’s prime minister and the minister’s own political party to distance them from him.

Mr Bilour’s invitation to Taliban and al-Qaeda militants - amounting to incitement to murder - was made the day after 21 were people were killed and 200 injured in violent protests throughout Pakistan.

“I announce today that this blasphemer who has

abused the Holy Prophet, if somebody will kill him, I will give that person a prize of $100,000,” he said in Peshawar, the main power base of his Awami National Party, a key group in Pakistan’s coalition govt.

“I also announce that if the government hands this person over to me, my heart says I will finish him with my own hands and then they can hang me.”

His offer to reward the killing of Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, the Egyptian Coptic Christian who made the anti-Islamic film “The Innocence of Muslims,” was his alone and did not reflect on his party or the government, he said.

London: Britain is still giving hundreds of millions of pounds in “development” aid to wealthy countries, a Sunday Telegraph investigation has found.

Countries including China, Russia, Brazil, Iceland and Barbados are benefiting from funds intended to help the world’s poorest, despite a pledge for it to go only to the neediest.

Among the schemes being paid for are a Turkish television channel, a scheme promoting tourism in Iceland’s national park, and a hotel training waiters in the tourist destina-

tion of Barbados.

The situation was described by one MP as “farcical.”

The Government is now under pressure to reform aid spending - and to axe a commitment to increase it at a time when every other area of government bar the NHS is due to be cut.

Meanwhile, a new poll showed that 70 per cent of people questioned said overseas aid should be scaled down, not increased.

Two-thirds said a ring-fence, which protects it from spending cuts, was wrong.

Separately, one charity

warned that it was time to find an “exit strategy” from the current system of spending aid money, in a sign that even recipients of the funds are losing confidence in how they are spent.

Abu Hamza to be extradited to US

London: Five terror suspects, including the radical preacher, Abu Hamza are to be extradited from Britain to the US “within weeks” following a final ruling from the European Court of Human Rights giving permission for the long-awaited move.

Narendra Pathak re-appointed to Santa Clara County, Council First of its kind, and proud

By Dhruv Patel

The associa t i o n between the City Hindus Network (CHN) and the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS) was initiated way back in February 2010 when I was still Chairman of the Network. The trigger was an event hosted for us by Barclays Capital titled “Hinduism in the City” where the Centre’s Director Shaunaka Rishi Das gave the keynote speech.

Subsequently, OCHS has provided speakers and facilitators at several talks and workshops attended by our members. These included “Hinduism and Science: Conflict, Co-existence or Cooperation?”, “FaithBased Values in a Secular World: Hindu Perspectives” and “A Day of Leadership from Indian Sources.” These talks have explored, amongst other themes, Hindu guidance on diet, marriage and personal relations; to what extent religious view are compatible with our everexpanding scientific knowledge; leadership from a Hindu perspective; defining what is divine; and the influence of the Indian subcontinent's spiritual teachings through the East and West. Over this time, our Committee has become increasingly aware of the need to secure the future of the Centre.

As a recognised independent centre of Oxford University, it has a role to provide the forum through which the subject area of Hindu Studies is taught, studied and discussed within the University.

Indeed, it is the world’s leading institution for study, research, and dissemination of Hindu Studies and it is the only centre in the world with a strategic, balanced approach to the scholarly study of Hindu traditions

The proposed new home for the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies – on the market for £2million

and cultures. The Centre has been very successful during its first 15 years. Its student body now stands at 60 and its library contains around 20,000 titles, it has over 2,000 enrolments through its Continuing Education programme, and boasts the largest collection of Sanksrit manuscripts outside of India.

However, this success has resulted in it outgrowing its current leased premises. The rare appearance on the market of a freehold building in Central Oxford suitable for the Centre has given impetus to a new campaign. It is double the size of the current premises, and importantly, it is a beautiful structure in keeping with other Oxford University institutions.

The OCHS is already training a generation of young students to develop a credible and authoritative voice for their traditions. However, the opportunities that are available to those studying the much more highlyendowed Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and the Oxford Centre for Jewish and Hebrew Studies should be afforded future generations of Hindu Studies students as well.

That is why the OCHS has launched their New Home Campaign.

It will raise the £2 million required to buy the building. The campaign has split this amount into one hundred slices of £20,000.

Each slice will be raised

from an organisation, company or wealthy family who will have their names commemorated on a permanent plaque in the building’s foyer and will be invited to join the OCHS Benefactor’s Council. The CHN has had a long association with the OCHS is because the Centre is dedicated to preserving India’s cultural heritage and promoting a better understanding of it through education, publishing, and research. Its talks have provided our members with the widest possible context to understanding Hinduism and, over time, we have received several personal emails from members, largely young professionals in London, saying how enriching they have found the interactions with the OCHS guest speakers.

And that is why the CHN is aiming to be one of these 100 raising £20,000 from its friends, members and supporters. To do this, we have set up a crowd-funding webpage at: HYPERLINK "http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ochs " http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ochs . If you are interested in the OCHS or its New Home Campaign please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at H Y P E R L I N K "mailto:info@cityhindusnetwork.org.uk" info@cityhindusnetwork.org.uk.

Dhruv Patel is the Founder of the CHN, was Chairman until 2010 and currently operates as Secretary to the Advisory Board.

California: Narendra Pathak of Sunnyvale, California was 4th time reappointed to the Council on Equal Employment Opportunities by the Santa Clara County, Board of Supervisors. Board of Supervisors confirms the appointment on August 21, 2012. Narendra Pathak was sworn in on September 10, 2012 for a term that expires June 30, 2016.

A native of Karamsad in Gujarat he has been a US resident since 1979. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Law Degrees in Labor and

Criminal Laws.

He has been active in the City Of Sunnyvale as Board of Library Trustees, Library Commission and Santa Clara County's Commissioner, Human Relation Commission and also Santa Clara County's Commissioner, Council on Equal Employment Opportunities and active member of California Library Association. His community activities include as Board of Trustees, Devotional Association of Sitaram, Co-Coordinator of California Gujarat Sister

State Association, India Heritage Research Foundation, Bay Area Gujarati Samaj, India Cultural Association of Bay Area and Brahamin Samaj of USA. He has served as Treasurer, Charitable Care Foundation.

He has served on the City of Sunnyvale's Board member on General Plan Consolidation Advisory Committee and Advisory Board member on Below Market Rate Housing Program (BMR) Advisory on New Library of Future Project.

24

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Don’t use my name, photo for politics, Anna tells Kejriwal Team Anna formally split last week with Anna Hazare announcing his opposition to Arvind Kejriwal’s plan to launch a political party, and forbidding the use of his name or photograph for the venture.

The blunt announcement marked a blow to Kejriwal and his colleagues and provoked retaliation in the form of a suggestion that the veteran Gandhian may have been manipulated by opponents of the anti-graft campaign.

“Country is on sale,” tweeted Kejriwal, who had looked shocked as Hazare announced the formal parting of ways.

He also declared that he was sticking to his plan to enter the electoral arena.

“The country is passing through a difficult phase. I will do everything possible for me to save my country,” he said.

Hazare’s announcement came after a lastgasp bid to persuade him to support Kejriwal’s political initiative had failed. In

a marathon nine-hour meeting, more than 40 activists tried their best to get the Gandhian on board. Hazare insisted on going his own way in defiance of the majority opinion and the “survey” where the respondents, according to Kejriwal, had overwhelmingly endorsed the plan to go political.

Hazare dismissed the finding as not a true reflection of people’s sentiments. This was the second time that Hazare had brushed aside the findings of a “survey” that Kejriwal and others had cited to justify their decision to enter politics.

Anna's decision is shocking, says Kejriwal Kejriwal said Anna Hazare's decision was

shocking and regretful.

"We respect Annaji very much. He is like a father figure. His decision to part ways has come as a big surprise. It was shocking, painful, unexpected and regretful," he said.

"It was Anna who asked us to conduct a survey on whether to form a political party or not. He chose SMS, internet and social media. Everything is being sold out in the country; coal, shops, retail business etc. So there is a sense of urgency in us to change the system," he added.

He further said: "I think we will always try to be associated with Anna Hazare. His five thoughts will be the foundation of our party.

His picture and his name will always be with us."

Hazare, who was the face of the India Against Corruption (IAC) campaign, had yesterday said he would not be a part of the political arm of the movement, spearheaded

by Kejriwal.

Bariatric surgery can make to thin and beautiful

By Purvi Apurva Shah “Oh! My God, we can’t believe that you are our Mom,” young children screamed when they saw their mother in her new look. They were not able to recognize their mother who was extremely fat when she went to India, but when she returned to her home in Africa, she was extremely thin and beautiful. A fatso had turned into slim sexy lady.

What is the Reason?

She had gone through a bariatric weight-loss surgery in Dr Dushyant Bhatt I n d i a .

Bariatric surgery is a procedure for turning fat into fit, which was performed by Dr Dushyant Bhatt at HCG Multi-Speciality Hospital Akshar Surgical Hospital in Ahmedabad. It is type of a gastric bypass procedure in which a small stomach pouch is created by stapling part of the stomach together or by vertical banding.

This reduces your food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the duodenum as well as the first portion of the jejunum. This reduces calorie and nutrient absorption. With average of 15-20 kg weight loss in two months, patient can lose quite a lot of weight in few months.

Dr Bhatt has treated

In divine light

By Rajen Vakil

Yudhisthira and the Python The python asked Yudhisthira, “The Vedas are the truth and is true for all classes. Even the Shudras, or those of lower caste, perform all their rites according to the Vedas. Then why don’t we call the Shudras as Brahmins. In answering my first question about Brahmin, you said that it is a state beyond both pleasure and pain, but I personally feel nothing in life is beyond pleasure and pain.”

Yudhisthira replied, “If the characteristics that describe a Brahmin lie in a Shudra, then that Shudra is not one of the lower castes; similarly, if a person calling himself a Brahmin is devoid of these traits then he is not a Brahmin. Brahma is the expanding consciousness and a Brahmin is one whose life is the living Brahma. O snake, you said that there is no state beyond pain and pleasure.

When the winter flows into the summer or when the hot slowly becomes the cold, there is an inbetween space that is neither hot nor cold. Thus it is well accepted that there is a state of matter beyond hot and cold. Similarly,

CP Joshi is new railway minister

Kantaben Kerai

many obesity, especially NRI patients. Recently a lady named Kantaben Kerai had come from Nairobi. She weighted 133 kg before the surgery, now after the surgery she is expected to lose as many as 60 kg in a few months.

She says, “After getting lot of good feedback, we have come all the way to get a successful surgery done by Dr Bhatt at Ahmedabad.”

This surgery not only helps in weight loss but it prevents lot of healthrisks. It also helps in recovery from diabetes and prepares your body to fight cardiovascular risk factors. It also results in improved body proportion and better metabolism.

“This is not a cosmetic surgery but actually a cure surgery,” says Dr Bhatt.

Moreover the cost of surgery in India is `400,000 to 5000,000, while it is around 5000,000 in USA, UK and other countries.

In the last few years India, especially Gujarat, has earned quite a reputation as a major health care destinations for inexpensive and quality treatment

for excessive fat. Dr Bhatt says, “Such surgeries are better options than spending time, energy and money in curing extreme obesities and other related health problems.” As you lose weight, the way you feel about yourself changes and you become more confident and energetic. The views of family and friends towards you will also change. Of course, after the surgery your lifestyle and eating habits will change, but for the better.

Moreover this surgery is better option than liposuction as liposuction reduces fat from specific parts of the body only, and later on it also disturbs fat accumulation on the body.

Dr Bhatt has undergone special training in bariatric surgery from well-known European doctor Dr Luke Lemens.

Dr Bhatt has conducted more than 100 bariatric surgeries till now. He is hopeful that more people will become aware of prevailing surgical facilities and undergo bariatric surgeries and live a healthier and fruitful life.

Union minister and Rajasthan's senior Congress leader C P Joshi is the new railway minister. Joshi, who is Union road and highways minister, has been given the additional charge. His appointment is seen as an indication that Congress is no mood to hand over the key infrastructure ministry to its UPA partners. This move by the government gains significance prior to a likely major Cabinet reshuffle and negotiations

with its allies in UPA-2.

The nomination of a Congress minister to head the railways soon after Trinamool's Mukul Roy's resignation indicated the ruling party managers' keenness to regain control over the minisrty after a gap of 16 years. Railways had been with the regional partners whether it was NDA or UPA in power.

Already there have been reports of some of the key allies in UPA lobbying for this ministerial berth.

Joshi, who represents Bhilwara constituency, is the first minister from Rajasthan to get the coveted railways portfolio in the past 65 years.

there is matter which is not touched by pleasure or pain. O snake, this is my opinion, if you feel otherwise then say so.”

The snake said, “If Brahmins can only be recognised by their way of living, then without being of pure character, one cannot be called a Brahmin?”

Yudhisthira said, “All classes are mixed, a person of every class passes through the same phases of life. Everyone has speech, gives birth to children, is born and dies. This is common. Those who know say that everyone is a Shudra till his pooja for upanayan (wearing the religious thread) is performed. After this pooja is done, Gayatri Mantra becomes his mother and the Guru his father. He then purifies his character to become a Brahmin.”

The python was very happy with Yudhisthira’s answers. He said “O great one, you are full of knowledge. I am satisfied now and cannot eat your brother, so be at peace.”

Yudhisthira asked, “O

snake, please let me ask you, even though you are in the form of a snake but yet are full of knowledge of the Vedas and scriptures.

What is it that can bring a man to the highest state?”

The snake replied, “Charity, Truth, Knowledge, Non-violence and Pleasing words lead a man to his highest state. Each situation in life warrants a certain action; sometimes Charity is better than the others, sometimes Knowledge and sometimes Pleasing words.”

The snake then told Yudhisthira that it was his ego which brought him to this state. He narrated how he was a great king but in his vanity had asked seven rishis to lift his palanquin.

While doing so, he had kicked Rishi Agatsya, who had cursed him to turn into a python. The rishi had told him that he would be freed from the curse by the wise words of Yudhisthira. He was now freed and so he left his python form, thanked, and blessed Yudhisthira and his brother and rose to the heavens.

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

The Power of a Skill

When Food for Life Vrindavan started educating these girls from impoverished backgrounds, this question often occurred to us - “How much is this education relevant in context of the kind of society they live in, the backgrounds they come from and how much of it they will actually implement in their future lives. And we realized that the education will help them undoubtedly, however, we must give them something more than just that, something that they will possess as a power. “A Skill” was the answer to our questions.

A skill is something that these girls will carry with them and can continue to use forever. Thus began the various skill trainings at Food for Life Vrindavan.

Currently we train our girls in various dance forms (Odissi, Kathak, Folk), Karate/Martial Arts, Musical instruments (Tabla,

Harmonium, Mridangam etc), Singing, Sewing, Embroidery, Painting, and Henna (Tattoo art).

It has only been a few years since we have been training the girls and we are seeing the results of it already. A group of singers from our school got an opportunity to perform in front of the President of India in the month of August this year. Also last year our school girl Sunita won a silver medal in an international Karate Championship in Delhi, India. And the best part is that these once neglected girls have become confident and empowered individuals.

Now that is what we would call- “The Power of a Skill.”

These skill trainings have not only given them the confidence to make a mark in the society but also a permanent means of earning their livelihood to support their families in the future.

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Maharashtra govt in crisis, all NCP ministers tender resignation to state party chief

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Gujarati origin woman of London dies in Badrinath bus mishap A 60-year old lady Shobhnaben Patel died on the spot and four others were injured when boulders fell on Croydon’s Shiv Travels bus in Lambagar area on Badrinath national highway. The mishap occurred on the Badrinath national highway about 15-km ahead of the high altitude pilgrimage centre in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on 22nd Sept,Saturday. The bus, coming from Delhi, was carrying 21 NRI tourists to Badrinath when boulders rolling down a hill in Lambagar fell over the bus killing 60-year-old Shobhna Ben Pankajbhai Patel from Walking Lanwood on the spot and injuring four others. There were 21 pilgrims in the bus heading for Badrinath after paying obeisance at Kedarnath, another important pilgrimage centre in the hill state. The injured have been admitted to Joshimath government hospital. The NRI tourists originally belonged to Gujarat.

Shobhnaben’s dead body will be brought to London on Wednesday.

Shiv Travels Shri Vijaybhai Patel had given this information to ‘Gujarat Samachar’ and ‘Asian Voice’ through phone from Haridwar.

Other injured pilgrims were South London based Bhaviniben Dilipbhai Patel, 56, Ashwinbhai Patel and tour manager K a r a n b h a i Surti.Bhaviniben admitted to ICU of Apollo hospital in Delhi, Ketanbhai Surti is admitted in Mumbai hospital while Ashwinbhai wished to join the Pilgrims after he gets well. In order

Close on the heels of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar quitting his post, all NCP ministers in the Maharashtra government have submitted their resignations to party's state unit chief Madhukar Pichad.

"All ministers have submitted their resignations to me. Sharad Pawar is not in Delhi now. I will consult him to discuss the further course of action.

The legislature party of the NCP will meet on Wednesday," Pichad said.

All NCP ministers and senior party leaders met Ajit Pawar at his official bungalow "Devgiri" after he announced his resignation.

NCP has 20 ministers in the state's Democratic Front government, including the deputy chief minister.

Earlier, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Tuesday resigned amid allegations of irregularities in granting administrative approvals

Ajit Pawar

for projects involving several millions of rupees during his decade-long tenure as irrigation minister and said he was ready to face a CBI probe.

Pawar sprang a surprise by announcing his resignation at a hurriedly-called press conference following media reports pointing finger at him over the alleged scam, but said he would continue to lead the NCP legislature party as long as he enjoys its support.

He also ruled out any

threat to the stability of the Congress-NCP government following his resignation.

"My conscience does not permit me to stay on as minister. People of the state consider me as a leader who does what he says. I don't want my image to be tarnished and the resignation will send a message to the people that I am not after positions of power," Pawar, nephew of Union minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, said.

"I will now be an ordinary NCP legislator. This will enable me to devote more time to party work," Pawar said, adding he was ready for a probe by any agency including the CBI. Pawar, whose party has been running an uneasy coalition dispensation headed by the Congress in the state, however, said there was no threat to the government. "The government is stable," he added.

25

Famous magician K Lal passes away While the name Kantilal Vora does not ring a bell, the sound of 'K Lal' evokes the image of a turbaned Mandrake with hypnotic eyes, pencil-thin moustache, and the famous gestures that mesmerized audiences for decades. Known fondly as Lalsaab in his circle, K Lal - one of the most famous Indian magicians died at his residence in Ahmedabad on Sunday morning. He was 88 years old and is survived by his wife and three children.

Hasmukh Vora, 61, Lal's son and partner in magic shows for more than four decades - whose stage name is Junior K Lal – said that Lal had been suffering from multiple diseases over the past year. In fact, Lal had been diagnosed with cancer some time ago. "He was admitted to a private hospital earlier this month because he was not keeping well. He underwent a number of treatments," Junior K Lal said.

He breathed his last at 6.40 am even as we were praying fervently for him."

Mulayam rescues Manmohan govt Continued from page 3

Shobhnaben Patel

to avoid the inconvenience of other pilgrims, the tour will continue. British High Commissions authorities had also helped the injured.

Obituary: Shobhnaben Patel A sad demise of Shobhnaben Pankajbhai Patel of Walking Lanwood in the accident at Badrinath. She was born in Marbella, Uganda and originated from Dharmaj.

She migrated with her parents in 1972 to Britian.

She is married to Karamshad’s Pankajbhai Jamnadas Patel. She is survived by one married son. As happy family, they lived in area of Walking where they also owned a shop. At present she was enjoying the retired life.

Religious she was, she had visited many pilgrim places in India. She was the only one from the family who was traveling.

Gujarat Samachar – Asian Voice heartfelt condolence. May her soul to rest in peace and the family gets the strength to overcome this loss.

This week paid subscribers of Asian Voice will receive a copy of our Medical Tourism magazine with their newspaper

over `2,000 billion.

"Where would the money for this have come from?

Money does not grow on trees," the PM said as he detailed the string of dire consequences - from inflation to unemployment to loss of investors' confidence - that would have followed inaction.

Singh emphasized that subsidy on fuel exceeded the combined spend on health and education. The address was part of the government's effort to brazen out the resistance to reforms measures.

"We need to do more, and we will do more," said an unfazed PM, stressing more reforms were necessary to achieve inclusive growth and repair public finances.

Building on the same sense of urgency, the PM

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invoked the economic crisis of 1991 and the benefits of the hard steps that the country had then taken with him as the finance minister. "The last time we faced this problem was in 1991. Nobody was willing to lend us even small amounts of money then. We came out of that crisis by taking strong resolute steps. You can see the positive results of those steps. We are not in that situation today, but we must act before people lose confidence in our economy," he said.

Seeking to ram home his point, he said that countries in Europe, which failed to tackle similar problems, "cannot pay their bills" and are seeking others' help. "World is not kind to those who do not tackle their own problems," he added.

On allowing FDI in

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multi-brand retail, he said criticism of the decision was misplaced. "In 1991, when we opened India to foreign investment in manufacturing, many were worried. But today, Indian companies are competing effectively both at home and abroad, and they are investing around the world. More importantly, foreign companies are creating jobs for our youth -in information technology, in steel and in the auto industry. I am sure this will happen in retail trade as well," he said.

Speaking in the same vein, Singh said, "I will do everything necessary to put our country back on the path of high and inclusive

growth. But I need your support. Please don't be misled by those who want to confuse you by spreading fear and false information. The same tactics were adopted in 1991. They did not succeed then. They will not succeed now. I have full faith in the wisdom of the people of India."

As he appealed for people's cooperation, he promised to keep his part of the grand bargain. "As prime minister of this great country, I appeal to each one of you to strengthen my hands so that we can take our country forward and build a better and prosperous future for ourselves and for the generations to come," he said.

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26

travel & WOMEN

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

women achievers ‘Paheli’s’ Oscar entry catapults Shalini Sarna into big league

By AV Correspondent

This is the country offering everything for a tourist. It is immersed in history with incredible architectural sights dating back centuries, based on mystical Greek theology. It encompasses stunning islands offering sun, sea and sand and great nightlife for party goers, and a laid back lifestyle with cafes and restaurants for enjoying delicious Greek delicacies.

Your first stop must be the capital Athens, where a few days will be enough to explore. Plaka is a great neighbourhood to take a stroll through and is arguably the nicest district in central Athens, offering restaurants, jewellery stores, tourist shops, and cafes. A must-see sight and a wonder of the ancient world is the Acropolis. It is an ancient citadel worth the climb up the rocky steps for the incredible views, and houses many ruins built in the fifth century BC including the Parthenon, statue of goddess Athena, several temples and the Theatre of Dionysus.

From the top you will see Plaka beneath you, the ruins of the giant Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Olympic stadium – other attractions to visit.

After some city sightseeing, fly or take a ferry over to an island. Hotspots include Crete, Corfu, Santorini, Naxos and Mykonos, all offering different pleasures.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and has beautiful sights to discover on a hike or on its walking trails with stunning mountain backdrops. The Chania region to the west offers incredible beaches with golden pink sands, great snorkelling and watersports in the surrounding Mediterranean sea and luxurious resorts.

Corfu, part of the Ionian group of islands, offers picturesque natural scenery and all types of accommodation from resorts to family apartments to suit any need. Its mountains, hills, flat areas, plains, two lakes and rivers complete the beautiful landscape. Because of the mild Mediterranean climate, high rainfalls

during winter and abundant vegetation, Corfu is one of the greenest islands in Greece. The capital is Corfu Town which is the main port, the largest town of the Ionians and one of the most beautiful.

Built between two fortresses and adorned with amazing Italian and French buildings, Byzantine churches and floral squares, Corfu Town is full of charm.

The Cyclades islands includes Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos and their proximity makes it easy to island hop, so you can spend time in each.

Mykonos is a party goer’s paradise with fantastic restaurants, bars and clubs.

Paros is great for watersports and along with Naxos, offers beautiful beaches to escape to. Naxos has a beautiful harbour perfect for romantic strolls, replete with authentic Greek waterside restaurants and cafes, and small shops for buying local handicraft gifts. The nearby island of Santorini is the remnant of a volcanic explosion over 3600 years ago. It is now a popular honeymoon destination with beautiful sand or pebble beaches made of solidified lava of various colours including the Red Beach, the Black Beach and the White Beach. However you may find the shops and cafes overpriced compared to the other islands, because of the number of tourists.

If you are going to visit several places in Greece, it is well worth booking through a travel agency who can help you plan an itinerary including transfers and internal flights or ferries. This will enable you to relax on holiday, rather than wasting time waiting for taxis and searching for timetables.

Brightsun Travel can arrange your trip to Greece with everything including flights, transfers, accommodation and insurance, to suit your budget. They offer a helpful and friendly service and can answer all questions such as providing several tour options including shorter stays or longer ones to see as much of the country as possible. Brightsun Travel is Atol bonded which means your payment is protected, giving you peace of mind and they offer a price match promise on worldwide flights and holidays so you will get the best deals. A package for flights, 7 nights accommodation (2 in Athens, 5 in Corfu) and transfers starts from only £398 pp. For your tailor-made dream Greek holiday package, call Brightsun Travel on 0208 819 0486 or visit www.brightsun.co.uk

The Indian Oscar entry “Paheli” has catapulted Shalini Sarna onto the big league. After earning accolades for her original costume design in the movie, she is busy designing for the fashion, film and theatre industries in the US. An NID alumnus, Sarna is currently pursuing a course from the California Institute of the Arts. A true Amdavadi, Sarna aspires to take Indian design and textiles to the international market. Recently, Sarna did the costume designing for a film titled “Efrain,” directed by University of Southern California graduate Matt Breault.

"The experience in India has helped me grow as a designer. It gave me a better understanding of client requirements and design solution. It has also allowed me to bring the unique richness of textiles and exquisite hand-crafted techniques - embroidery, weaving and unique block prints of Gujarat to the international market. That makes my creations stand out," says Sarna about her work in a recent interview.

Motifs are very popular with Rajasthani costumes and all types of motifs are used, flower, leaf, parrots and animals among others. The communities live in harmony with nature and their garments reflect the close bond they share with their surroundings.

Working with Shah Rukh Khan: Working with Shah Rukh Khan was Shalini's dream come true because he is her favourite star! Keeping in mind that Shah Rukh is one of the style icons of the nation, Shalini gave him a whole array of outfits and emphasized on the cuts and styles. Nothing but the best for her favourite star!

A quick and tasty food to enjoy, and a healthy alternative to junk food.

Preparation Time: 5 mins/ Cooking Time 9 mins. / Serves 4.

Ingredients: 10 slices whole wheat bread , cut into cubes, 1 cup low fat curds (dahi), 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (haldi), 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera), 1 green chilli, slit 3 to 4 curry leaves (kadi patta), 1 tsp grated ginger (adrak), 1/4 cup onions, sliced 2 tsp oil, salt to taste.

For the garnish: 1/4 cup chopped corriander Method: In a bowl, combine the curds, turmeric powder and salt with 2 tablespoons of water and mix well. Add the cubes of bread and mix well till the bread is coated with the curd mixture.

Shalini had to design Shah Rukh's outfits for two characters, Kishen the man and Kishen the ghost! She dressed him in angarakhis, a traditional Rajasthani elegant long-sleeved coat fitted till the hips and matched with a dhoti.

Shah Rukh's dhotis were previously stitched so that he wasn't put through any inconvenience! Shalini used not less than 6 metres for each dhoti in fabrics such as raw silk, pure silk as well as cotton.

Kishen the ghost got a far better wardrobe than Kishen the man! As the man, Shah Rukh wore white, off-white, and beige while Shah Rukh the ghost

had a vibrant set of costumes, rust, maroon, light green, brown!

Shah Rukh's favourite colour is black, but since Rajasthani garments are colourful and vibrant, Shalini could offer him only the last song sequence of the film. Shalini went to Jaipur and Delhi to specially source Shah Rukh's shoes. He had around 8 pairs of Rajasthani 'Jhutis', all specially embroidered in his size and for his comfort and in all variations, black and gold, white and gold, pure gold and other colour combinations.

Shalini designed all Shah Rukh's outfits keeping in mind the regality of the Maharajas of Rajasthan as well as the setting of the film in a

bygone, folk-tale era; while Shah Rukh hailed from a well-to-do family, his wardrobe as both, the man and the spirit, was a combination of simplicity, style and elegance.

Shah Rukh's main pagdi was a combination of red bandini and selfcoloured orange and yellow. It was around 30 metres in length! Shalini designed at least 6-8 turbans for Shah Rukh in the film and they would choose the pagdi depending on the scene. Shalini designed a whole array of outfits for the women's cast, each different in embellishments and materials! Shalini gave each lead female character a different look when it came to cholis; the cholis had a whole range of different embellishments and materials.

For Rani, Shalini had designed at least 30 outfits for the film!

Shalini designed cholis for Rani using an assortment of 3-4 materials with variations of cuts and embroidery. For Rani's wedding scene, Shalini designed the outfits according to the time of day; for the scene during the day, Rani wore a costume in red which is a traditional Rajasthani colour while Shalini gave her an orange and green outfit for the night.

The women's ghaghra cholis were washed and crinkled and dried to give it a well-used look. Shalini used a whole array of materials for the women's costumes, bandini, crepe, chiffon silk and cottons.

The garments for the women's outfits had different types of embroideries, zaris, taar, kasab, dabka, sequins as well as beads; and all had the outfits designed for the film had antique work embellished all over.

Bread Bhurji

Heat the oil in a non-stick pan and add the cumin seeds. When they crackle, add the green chillies, curry leaves and ginger and sauté for a few seconds. Add the onion slices and sauté till they are lightly browned.

Add the bread mixture and sauté over low heat, stirring occasionally till the bread browns lightly. Serve hot garnished with the coriander.

Health benefits: This healthy food recipe is less

in calorie. This is a homemade recipe for quick and healthy breakfast. You can add vegetables as per your choice in this easy recipe. Kick start your day with this healthy breakfast recipe.

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the benefits of stretching Stretching will improve appearance, flexibility, health, and overall performance. First, warm-up for 5-10 minutes at a low intensity (such as the elliptical machine, exercise bike, or treading mill) and stretch the muscles used.

If your workout time allows it, a cardiovascular exercise for at least 20 minutes at a faster pace is recommended. Then, a 510 minute cooldown at low intensity should be completed. cool down for 5-10 minutes at a low intensity (50-60 per cent of your maximum heart rate). Now that you've warmed up, you should stretch every major muscle group.

Why should you stretch?

It builds bigger, betterquality muscles.

Stretching helps prevent postural problems.

It results in far less muscle-pulling overextension injuries compared to not stretching.

Simple stretches increase range of motion.

It improves muscle appearance.

Flexibilty exercises help prevent overuse injuries from occuring.

Stretching gives you more flexibility, which prevents soreness, allowing for faster recovery and better muscle growth. Stretching allows for a more active lifestyle later in life. It invigorates the circulatory, respiratory and neuromuscular systems.

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...

Journal of Nutrition reported.

"Recognising that this effect is real could help people who are trying to watch what they eat. They could even look at a menu and try to decide what they are eating before those they are with to help avoid being influenced," quoting Robinson, said.

The research asked 100 female volunteers to select from a choice of food consisting of healthy fruit and vegetables or unhealthy foods including crisps, pastries and cocktail sausages.

They found that when they were eating with someone who had been asked to pick unhealthy options, the volunteers also picked far more of these compared to when they ate alone or with someone who chose healthier foods. Suzanne Higgs, reader in the psychobiology of appetite and study co-author, added: "This research underlines the social nature of eating and how this influences our behaviour."

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27

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Dining with friends can make you fat Dining with a friend could be bad for those on a diet - it tempts you into eating unhealthy dishes from the menu, just to keep him or her in good humour, says a study.

Researchers led by Eric Robinson, psychologist at the University of Birmingham, believe it may help to explain why groups of friends often put on weight at the same time and why some women complain that they get heavier when they find a boyfriend - they start to copy his eating habits.

"There is a lot of evidence that points towards this idea that your friends make you fat.

If you have got friends or people you know who have put on weight recently, then you will put on weight too," said Robinson. "We found that pairing people with unhealthy eating partners reduced the amount of healthy food they were eating. They tended to pick the foods that were high in calories," added Robinson, the British

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Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

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Stop believing these myths about organic food Every time you look at those colorful vegetables peeping at you from the 'Organic Food' section you get lured into buying them. The thought of it being healthy and nutritious and a good deed to the environment passes your mind and before you know it, the wallet's out and the bag is packed.

But let's take a closer look at organic food. Is it really more nutritious and healthy, and does it always come from small local farms?. We help sort out facts from myths so you understand what's going down your food pipe...

Better for environment Organics don't contaminate soil and groundwater with pesticides and chemicals like regular farming does, but there's a surprising downside: Since organic farming is only about half as productive as conventional farming, it requires far more land to produce the same amount of food.

Dennis Avery of the Hudson Institute's Center for Global Food Issues estimates that modern high-yield farming has saved 15 million square miles of wildlife habitat, and that if the world switched to organic farming, we'd need to cut down

10 million square miles of forest.

Less-productive farming could also lead to even less food for the world's undernourished.

Organic food is more nutritious: Studies keep flip-flopping on this: One found more vitamin c in organic tomatoes than in conventional ones; anoth-

er found more cancerfighting flavonoids in organic corn and strawberries. But other studies haven't found organics to have a nutritional edge.

What makes the biggest difference in nutrients is how long produce sits on the shelf. Spinach, for instance, loses about half of its foliate within a week.

Organic food tastes better Nobody has been able to tell the difference except in one study of apples, where organics came out ahead. To get raspberries that taste raspberrier, buy produce that's locally grown, is in season, and hasn't been sitting on the shelf too long. Let's face it: Nothing is at its

best when it's flown halfway around the world and waxed, then has to spend a week in the grocery store.

You don't need to be careful while washing organic food: All produce, whether purchased from a grocery mega-chain or your local organic farm, is susceptible to nasty bacteria, such as e. Coli (the news-maker that's also been known to kill people).

Soil and runoff water that's contaminated with e. Coli-harboring animal excrement can get onto produce — particularly melons, lettuce, sprouts, tomatoes, spinach, and green onions, since they grow close to the ground.

Your best defense: Wash everything thoroughly under running water.

Organic food is better for you: Not if it's organic chips, organic soda, or organic cookies. Cane sugar is still sugar and fried chips are still fried, no matter what kind of compost was or wasn't heaped onto the potatoes.

Sorry!

Organic food is very healthy: Stanford University doctors have concluded from research that there's little evidence to support that consuming organic food is healthier.

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28

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Husband and family jailed for murdering pregnant wife

Naila Mumtaz

A husband and three members of his family have been jailed for life for murdering his pregnant wife in an apparent attempt to rid her of an evil spirit.

Mohammed Tauseef Mumtaz, 25, had to be carried out of the dock by his father after being jailed for a minimum of 13 years for the murder of Naila Mumtaz, who was smothered at her Birmingham home in 2009.

The killer's brotherin-law, Hammad

Hassan, was also imprisoned for at least 13 years, while his mother and father, Salma Aslam and Zia Ul-Haq, were both given minimum terms of 15 years by a judge at Birmingham Crown Court.

Mumtaz, his parents, both aged 51, and Hassan, 24, had denied both murder and manslaughter but were convicted of the more serious charge following a 12-week trial which ended in July this year.

Youth Unemployment...

Continued from page 4 Helping hands The Financial Skills Partnership, the employer led body for the financial services industry, has created an innovative new route into the finance sector for unemployed graduates through its Graduate Foundation College.

Starting this month in London, the Graduate Foundation College will start putting bright unemployed graduates through a concentrated structured 10-week training programme which major sector employers such as Aviva, Just Retirement and Scottish Widows have helped provide, ensuring its quality and industry relevance.

Successful graduates will then enjoy six months of paid industry experience with a small or medium-sized advisory firm.

The graduates will be trained up to the first module of the regulated investment advice competence qualification before being introduced to the advisory firms.

Liz Field, CEO of the Financial Skills Partnership, told Asian Voice, “...We’re inviting small firms to register to this initiative and gain the benefit of new enthusiastic recruits with bright ideas.”

The Asian community has progressed through mutual help and empathy.

Asian Voice urges its fellow readers across Britain, to take on an apprentice even if it's on part time basis. We have already started the ball rolling and it is your duty to help your community and the 'future of your nation'- this country's youth! (* Name changed on request)

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 Accounts Executive: 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 Design and Layout: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd.

CB Live on MATV Due to unavoidable circumstances this programme is suspended till further notice. We are most grateful to all the viewers of the programme for their continuous support and we regret we were unable to give some advance notice.

India League celebrating 143rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, 2 October 2012, 11am, Tavistock Square, London WC1.

Contact: Asoke Gupta asoke.gupta@gmail.com

Coming Events l Mahatma Gandhi Foundation celebrates Gandhi Jayanti & Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Tuesday 2 October, 6pm at Kadva patidar Centre, Harrow HA3 8LU. Contact: Arunaben Patel: 020 8202 3115 l Gandhi Jayanti, 2nd October, 6:30pm at Bhavan Centre. 5th October: Raga Sandhya, 7:15pm, Sitar by Prof Anupam Mahajan l On 150th Birth Centenary of Swami Vivekananda, the Hindu Youth Association (Woolwich) organises a free exhibition on Ancient Indian Civilisation, 2 October-3 November 2012, Tuesdays – Saturday 9-5. Contact: 020 8854 2452 l Mehfil Tribute to Rajesh Khanna on Saturday 29th Septmeber 2012 at Masefield Hall, Harrow Leisure Centre. Music by Mayaben Deepak & Nimesh.

Contact Dinesh Shonchhatra 07956810647 l Ex Moshi Tanzania Residents Union, Sunday 7th October, 12pm onwards, Crystal Club, Southway, Wembley HA9 0HB. Contact: Navin J Patel- 07976 363 064 l Dharmaj Society of London Annual Gathering at Copland Community School, Cecil Avenue Wembley, Middlesex HA9 7DU, 7 Oct, 2-pm - 9pm, Kamleshbhai M Patel 07980 929633

The Sun highlights your solar seventh house. In this period, you have a greater need than usual to be with some one you love. The emphasis is on "us" rather than "me". Your popularity is increasing, because of your own ability to cooperate and empathise with people. Joint resources need to be taken care of as disputes and disagreements can occur if not handled correctly.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21

The Sun is in your 6th house with Mercury and Saturn, placing emphasizes on your daily work and health routines. Saturn will delay, frustrate and obstruct some of your efforts but it will teach you lessons along the way. Mercury will help you organize and communicate your thoughts clearly at work. Relationships are under a bit of strain at the moment and you should be careful not to upset your loved ones.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 After a period of relative inactivity, you are coming out of your shell, ready to perform and to express yourself creatively. This is a very progressive period of the year, when you are inspired emotionally. You take more pride in your your love affairs, your children, and your hobbies and are generally very sociable and make friends easily.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 With the Sun transiting your solar fourth house of family and home, these areas are highlighted during this period. Buying or selling of property or even renovating it will be uppermost in your mind as you will be trying to put your roots down permanently. It is also a time when family life will be charged with emotions so be diplomatic and respect other people's views.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 You are exploring and searching now, making connections, and paying attention to your immediate environment. Socially you are very popular and your communications strengthen your connections. You will be busy with errands, paperwork, phone calls, and light socializing.

Siblings, close relatives and friends may play an important role in your life during this period.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 The Sun highlights your second house of finance, and your focus is on material affairs and comfort issues. This is a good time to plan your future investments carefully to maximise your profits. If travelling make sure you keep your documents safe as there is a possibility of misplacing them. Some of you might change your travel itinerary.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 The Sun transits your first house and this affects your personal identity, appearance, outward behaviour, and self-expression. This marks the peak of your physical solar cycle, and you are in the position to make an impression on others, and to assert your personal influence.

Increased energy and a renewed feeling of confidence is with you now, so take advantage of your charisma to achieve your goals.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 The Sun travels through your twelfth house now, marking a time of retreat and regeneration. This also heralds a time for research and unfinished behind-the-scene activities. Matters which have dragged on for a while should now be re-assessed and put to rest. Some of you will be looking to spiritual enlightenment and take up yoga and meditation.

207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel/Fax: +91 79 2646 6061 Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (M) +919426636912 Email: nilesh.parmar@abplgroup.com Consultant (P.R): Kamlesh Amin Tel: +91 922 710 4308 Email: kamleshamin123@yahoo.co.in Consulting Editor (BPO): Bhupatbhai Parekh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Tel: +91 79 2630 4142 Mumbai: Kanti Bhatt, Hemraj Shah (Jumbo Advertiser) Horizon Advertising & Marketing: 205 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel / Fax: +91 79 2646 5960 (M) +91 9913346487 Email: horizon.marketing@abplgroup.com Neeta Patel, (Advertising Manager) (M) +91 98255 11702 International Advertisement Representative: Jain Group(South India) Tel: +91 44 42041122/3/4 Fax: +91 44 25362973 Mumbai: +91 222471 4122 Email: jainmedia@eth.net

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Asian Voice switchboard: 020 7749 4000 Gujarat Samachar switchboard: 020 7749 4080 Sales: 020 7749 4085

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 The Sun illuminates your sector of friends, social gatherings and group activities. You will be in constant demand and will be in a position to network with new-found friends who will promote your cause. Personal relationships are also to the fore and some of you might even find true love. This is a time to follow your dreams and ideals.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

More than any other time of the year, your focus is drawn to your career and standing in the society. This is the time when you are more interested in, and focused on, accomplishing something important. Contact with authority figures is more likely during this period. Recognition will come your way whether you ask for it or not, and the responsibility that goes with it.

You are feeling most adventurous and willing to achieve higher knowledge and spiritual growth. This is a good time to broaden your horizons through travel and higher learning. This may take you to far off lands in pursuit of your new-found goals.

You must distance yourself from the mundane grind of life and take on something which is more meaningful for your inner growth.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

The Sun energizes your sector of change, transformation and regeneration. On a more practical level, you may be dealing with joint finances and shared resources now more than usual. You should also make sure that your tax affairs are in order. You are more willing than usual to explore and delve deeper into life's secrets and arrive at meaningful conclusions.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

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Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Star attraction Mouli Ganguly to attend Anand Mela celebrating Navratri and diwali After the grand success of ‘Anand Mela’ organised to commemorate 40 years of community service through our publications Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, we are organising a special Mela to celebrate the most important events on our Hindu calendars viz. Navratri and Diwali. Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of a Hindu deity Shakti. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. The 10th day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.

Diwali or Deepavali is popularly known as the “festival of lights.” It is a festival principally to celebrate the triumph of goodness over darkness/evil.

The star attraction for On the 9th September 2012, Viral Doshi, Son of Dr Vinod and Hasmita Doshi of Hayes, Middlesex London was recognized as finalist of the RPS Public Health Pharmacist of the Year at the ICC in Birmingham.

Out of the many Pharmacist nominations that were received from across the country, he was shortlisted to the final 3.

Viral’s expertise in the field of smoking cessation and development of various projects, has led his NHS PCT to be one of the most successful services achieving the Department of Health targets for five years in a row.

As well as producing documents and providing smoking cessation medication training to Pharmacists, GP’s, Nurses and healthcare assistants across the various PCT’s in the country, he has been instrumental

Mouli Ganguly, a classical dancer and actress started off as a brief assistant director of zee tv, but somehow ended up acting in the next show. She felt engrossed in the acting profession, thus began her journey as a leading lady in Bengali films. Although as an actress Mouli predominantly appeared in Bengali films, earning leading roles, she also appeared in Rituparna Ghosh's hindi film: 'Raincoat' and further '68 pages', which received critical acclaims in brief Film festivals both in India and abroad. Like many actresses, her versatility was shown through her comedy plays performed successfully on stage in India and even abroad. Her entry into the Mumbai Industry happened with TV commercial with 'Pears Soap' with Rajiv Menon. This increasingly became popular, which then drew the attention of other production houses alongside film makers like Prahlad the Mela will be television and Bollywood actress Mouli Ganguly. There will be ample opportunity for visitors to click photographs with her in the photo booth at a nominal charge.

This forthcoming mela like the one in June prom-

ises to display the diverse colours of South Asian Culture especially Gujarat by bringing people together in a festival atmosphere where everyone can enjoy food, music, dance and shopping for Diwali gifts for your loved ones.

The mela will include

stalls from food & drink, education and entertainment, Health & Medical, Travel & Tourism, Property & Investment, Banking & Finance, Fashion & Wedding and many more. Visitors will have the opportunity to fun and shopping along

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with entertainment, Outing with families and meet the near and dear one. The event will attract over 5000 visitors over 2 days period as it will provide from traditional dances to the modern dances and classical music to trendy music.

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in other various projects including a Pharmacy COPD programme which has significantly increased the number of smokers referred for respiratory disease within the borough.

Apart from his professional expertise, Viral’s personal qualities are of tremendous value as he is an excellent communicator and a tireless champion of public health in the Pharmacy.

The film, made with a budget of nearly Rs 1 crore, will be released in the US in December and will return to cinemas in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat for a re-run following the enquiries it has generated. According to Pathak, the Gujarat government has requested the production house to offer discounts to students to encourage them to watch the film and learn more about brave Hamirji Gohil.

Hamirji Gohil is a legend amongst Rajputs and Gohil samaj of Saurashtra.

There is a monument to his memory in front of the temple of Somnath in Veraval, Gujarat. Most of the cast and crew members in the film are alumni of MS University in Vadodara while some actors were signed from Mumbai. The production house had also hired students from the current batch of the faculty of performing arts at MS University.

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Gujarati film shortlisted for Oscar nomination Gujarati film 'Veer Hamirji - Somnath ni Sakhate' may have secured only a oneweek run at the cinemas.

But the film is one of the 17 Indian films shortlisted for Oscar nomination for the category of Best Foreign Language Film and the first Gujarati film to be shortlisted for Oscar.

The film, a maiden venture

by Vadodara-based Mahee Productions, is based on Gujarati warrior Hamirji Gohil, who fought and sacrificed his life to protect the Somnath temple. Coproducer and lead actor of the film Maulik Pathak said, "This is the first time that a Gujarati film has been shortlisted for Oscar nomination. It's a proud moment for the industry.

We hope that the film gets nominated and gives a new beginning to the Gujarati film industry. Till now, people thought it was just another historical film but the shortlisting has generated the perception."

For exhibitors its a great opportunity to engage with tightly focused and carefully targeted audiences, the mela is committed to deliver business contacts that create value for every stall participants. Normally visitors are proactive rather than passive recipients of sales and marketing messages.

This Mela can help you reach a large proportion of the market in a short space of time across a broad section of consumers.

The event will be held from 10am to 8pm in at Harrow Leisure Centre, Christchurch Avenue, Harrow HA3 5BD on 29th & 30th September 2012 which has good access, free ample parking facilities for the potential visitor’s. Cost of ticket: £2.50/person

Kakkar, Manav Menon, Sujit Sirkar and many more. Her participation in TV commercials expanded to adverts that promoted food brands such as Nutella and Maggie, alongside other major companies for instance the ICICI bank.

The offer from Balaji Telefilms lead her to play the protagonist role in Indian sitcoms like “Kahi Kisi Roz” which was viewed on Star plus and successfully ran for four years. Her appearance as an sitcom actress was then extended to channels like Sony inevitably targeting large number of Indian viewers. This was then followed by her participation in the fourth season of a dance reality show known as Nach Baliye. She also acted in few one-offs with Directors of repute like Anurag Basu and Imtiaz Ali and is currently acting in "Kya hua tera vadaa" on Sony with balaji telefilms.

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30

Sport world

Action at a Glance Ronjan Sodhi wins silver at ISSF World Cup finals

Leaving behind the London Olympics disappointment, India's ace double trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi on Monday won a silver medal at the ISSF World Cup in Slovania. Sodhi, who had failed to qualify for the finals of the Olympics, shot a score of 191 (144+47), which is three more than the London Games gold medal score. It is third year in a row that Ronjan has won a medal at World Cup finals. In the previous two editions - 2010 and 2011 - he had won a gold each. National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) president Raninder Singh praised the performance of the Ferozpur shooter and said he would continue to bring laurels for the country.

Former Australia opener Hayden bids goodbye to cricket

Former Australia batsman Matthew Hayden has bid a final goodbye to cricket after deciding not to play for Brisbane Heat this season in the Twenty20 Big Bash League and devoting more time to his favourite passions of his young family and the Queensland beach lifestyle. "I was the best I could be, that was something that I was proud of for 20 years. It was a great era to play in - I feel very blessed and lucky to have played with those particular Australian teams," News.com.au quoted Hayden, as saying. "This is the end - for me, it's back to the beach and to the other side of the cricket fence. The cricket bats and balls get replaced with fishing rods and reels, surfboards and (cooking) utensils," he added. "I would have liked a few more runs and for the Heat to go better, but I just enjoyed playing a game which is becoming a huge pillar of cricket in this country," he said. Hayden said cricket would remain a significant part of his life and he was likely to seek a position on the Heat board.

Karnataka HC puts stay order on Bhupathi-Bopanna ban

The Karnataka High Court on Saturday put a stay on the suspension of Indian tennis stars Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna imposed on them by the All India Tennis Association (AITA). Last Saturday, the AITA barred Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna from playing for India till June 30, 2014, in what was a fallout of the embarrassing selection fiasco ahead of the London Olympics. Stung by the two-year ban imposed on him, Bhupathi hit back at the AITA, accusing the game's governing body of resorting to "divide-and-rule" policy and said its "dictatorial attitude" will be harmful for the future of Indian tennis. A hurt Bhupathi made a scathing attack on AITA and its president Anil Khanna who, he alleged, was playing "dirty politics" and creating rift among players, particularly between him and Leander Paes.

Nazir takes Pakistan to Super Eights with super chase

Pakistan's celebrated bowling unit's rare off day put a latch on it, but their batsmen smashed through the qualification door by chasing down 176 with eight balls to spare, also their highest successful chase. Pakistan 178 for 2 (Nazir 72, Hafeez 45, Jamshed 29) beat Bangladesh 175 for 6 (Shakib 84, Tamim 24, Arafat 3-25) by eight wickets. To progress in the tournament, Bangladesh needed to not only post their first win over Pakistan in 13 years, but win by at least 36 runs. On a true pitch, Shakib Al Hasan posted the highest score by a Bangladesh batsman to facilitate Bangladesh's second-highest total, but Imran Nazir whacked his way to the fastest fifty in the tournament's history to calm down any nerves there might have been after the effort in the field.

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

Harbhajan Singh, Chawla wreck clueless England

Few teams have looked as clueless against spin as England on Sunday night.

The T20 world champions were simply mesmerised by the twin spin attack of Harbhajan Singh and Piyush Chawla allowing India to register a commanding 90 runs victory. In reply to India’s 170 for 4 wickets, England were all out for 80, their lowest total ever in the shortest version of cricket.

It was an inconsequential game though. Both teams are through to the Super Eight, the business end of the tournament, which begins in a few days.

India’s big takeaway was Harbhajan’s return to form.

It wasn’t just the wonderful figures of 4-2-12-4; it was also the way he bowled. The flight, the loop, the doosra are all back and it is great news for India. He deserved the man of the match prize.

Along with R Ashwin, who sat out the game, he should form a potent pair in the forthcoming matches. His bowling certainly adds more bite to the modest Indian attack.

Piyush Chawla (two for 13) too did his reputation no harm with a neat spell of smart leg spin bowling.

India’s only blemish was some brainless bowling by Ashok Dinda. Sometimes he forgets the importance of bowling straight and keeping it simple.

Earlier in the day, India experimented in plenty with the batting line-up. One of

them, Rohit Sharma’s elevation to no 4, came good.

Rohit took advantage of some erratic bowling by Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan and some equally sloppy fielding by the defending champions to score an unbeaten 55 of 33

strike than Dhoni. In general, they are better batsmen than Dhoni in any form of the game. His good form in the practice games notwithstanding, Dhoni isn’t really a great T20 batter. Don’t forget his 22 off 23 balls was the prime

balls. Hopefully, his dreadful run of form is over now.

The logic which could not be understood was why Dhoni (9 runs off 8 balls) promoted himself ahead of Yuvraj and Raina. Both these batsmen have a better T20

reason for India’s T20 loss against New Zealand earlier this month.

And do you remember Irfan Pathan ever playing as a T20 opener even for Delhi Daredevils? Pathan’s promotion brought two left-handers

Kevin Pietersen in demand for Aussie Big Bash

The chief of Australia's Melbourne Renegades team will fly to the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka next week in a bid to sign estranged England batsman Kevin Pietersen for the domestic Big Bash series, reports said.

Renegades boss Stuart Coventry said he hoped to arrange a meeting with Pietersen, who is working as a television commentator at the World Twenty20.

"I'd like to (meet Pietersen) but I think I would want to get an indication first about his availability before talking further," Coventry told The Sydney Morning Herald.

"We have three places left on our list and one of them is for an international.

"If we can grab someone who stands up at the World Twenty20 that is our first priority, but now that Kevin Pietersen is back in the mix, there's no doubt we and the Sydney Sixers have been having some dialogue with his management.

"If he is available we'd love to grab him but there's a lot of curve balls in play at the moment, about his avail-

ability, whether he wants to come to Australia, whether he wants to come to Melbourne or Sydney."

Pietersen has been in exile since sending text messages to South Africa players that contained derogatory references to then England captain Andrew Strauss during the recent Test series.

With reports circulating that Pietersen had also fallen out with several of his teammates as a result of his behaviour, the South Africa-born star was axed for the final Test, the subsequent one-day series, the current World Twenty20 tournament and the forthcoming tour to India.

Australia's eight-team Big Bash League begins on December 7.

to the crease at the opener. It did not serve any purpose.

May be, if he had succeeded, it would have been good reason to keep Sehwag out in the coming games.

Gambhir scored 45 off 38 and left at India 119 for 3 with 25 balls to go. It wasn’t really an authoritative innings but perhaps it will give him more confidence during the business end of the series.

On the day, India didn’t seem to miss either Zaheer Khan or Ashwin, the only world class T20 bowler we have in the side. But make no mistake tougher tests lie ahead.

To those who also watched the New ZealandPakistan match: do you have any doubt that Saeed Ajmal is the most devastating bowler in world cricket today? But for him, New Zealand might have overhauled the stiff target set for them. Right now, Pakistan is looking a real solid unit – especially after they have found another classy batsman in Jamshed Nasser. Like another great Pakistani left-handed batsman Saeed Anwar, he will be of great value to his team for a long time.

MS Dhoni’s Team India too is looking good. But the truth is that teams like Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies, even Australia, are looking far better than us. To reach the semifinals, we must win two of the three super eight games. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Saina signs three-year deal worth `400 mn

Saina Nehwal can be said to have hit the very top league of brand endorsements after signing a three year-`400 million deal with sports management firm Rhiti Sports, making her the highest paid non-cricketer from the country.

With this deal, she becomes one of the world’s best-earning badminton players. Chinese men’s singles gold medallist Lin Dan is reported to earn about Rs 128 million annually in net earnings, while Malaysian Lee Chong Wei’s figure is `87 million approximately.

Rhiti Sports also manages Team India captain MS Dhoni, one of the biggest earners in endorsements around the world. They will now look after Nehwal’s brand associations, corporate profile, patents and digital rights, images and all other commercial rights exclusively.

Nehwal, a bronze medallist at the London Games, is easily India’s most recognised sportswoman and currently boasts of eight endorsements. After inking this brand new deal she has entered the top tier of sports earners in the country.

“I’m happy and looking

forward to start a working relationship with Rhiti. With Rhiti’s background and credibility, they know how to balance things and that is a big plus point,” said the shuttler who is reported to have turned down `1.5 croreworth endorsements in the run-up to the Olympics to focus on her training. Her wise discretion means she’s all set to pocket 10 times that amount now, having returned with a medal.

Vinod Dhawan, Vice President Badminton Association of India, helped link up the deal with the firm that has till date primarily managed cricketers.

It all fell into place almost perfectly for Nehwal after her three-year contract with Deccan Chronicle ended on September 1. “We gave DC time to renew the contract, but they couldn’t get back to us in time with a workable deal, so we went ahead and signed up with Rhiti,” Harvir Singh, Saina’s father said. “We’re very thrilled with the base amount, and it’s an honour since she’s the first noncricket athlete they’ve taken on,” he aded.

Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012

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Ahmedabad - 'The Growth Engine of India' From being a city established as the home of Indian Textile Industry, Ahmedabad is now one of the fastest developing and growing cities of India. Known for its vibrancy and an attitude of celebrating life, the city of Ahmedabad thrives on its spirit of entrepreneurship.

Ahmedabad, the largest city of Gujarat, is an important trade centre with huge commercial potential to offer. Being the seventh largest city in India, it is well connected to other important cities of the country. The last decade has seen Ahmedabad transform into an urban modernity of international standards.

In the wake of this economic growth, nothing has grown and expanded in Gujarat in the past decade like real estate.

Realty has seen a sudden surge in demand with local as well as NRIs eager to buy properties in India. With highly affluent real estate developers and top multinationals setting their sights on Ahmedabad, has made the city an enviable investment hub. Realty in Ahmedabad is expected to touch a new high as the city is slated to provide the consumers with offerings across residential, commercial and retail segments.

Areas within the city which have seen improvements in roads, public transportation and other infrastructure are coveted areas for real estate activity.

Efforts taken by the Government to bring about a number of infrastructure enhancements in the city bode well for real estate investing. For instance, the Sabarmati Riverfront project has boosted the growth of the eastern city by all means. Similarly,

the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) introduced by the Government at a city-level to increase intra-city mobility, has added to the quality of residential standards for home owners living in the city.

Another significant economic activity initiated by the Government between Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad is the GIFT City project. It is approximately 12 km from the International Airport and 8 km from Gandhinagar and is all set to serve as a global BPO and IT hub for financial services, and also as a R&D nexus and financial centre for a selection of product markets. This project is

estimated to generate 1 million direct and indirect jobs once it is completed.

Adding to Ahmedabad’s appeal is the city’s retail scenario which is increasingly seeing the entry of top fashion and consumer brands including Audi, BMW, MERC, Jaguar, etc.

A number of retail players like Star India Bazaar, Big Bazaar, Shoppers' Stop, Pantaloon and West Side; including international brands are also eyeing the Ahmedabad market to explore its retail potential to the fullest.

With the changing face of Ahmedabad, its citizens now prefer the cosmopolitan and sophisticated high rise building

to the regular low rises. A concept of a house is replaced by a necessity for comfortable living with premium amenities. Also in terms of commercial spaces, companies who have their office premises in the city like Vodafone and TATA also prefer areas where commercial and residential comfort mesh together.

To cater to this demand, real estate majors like Adani, Godrej and TATA are focused on delivering integrated townships which provides all imaginable comfort.

In Ahmedabad today, luxury living is not purely a style statement but a desire to experience state-of-the-art residential or commercial spaces overlooking a picturesque view or the choice of décor – based on an individual's taste and style.

Adani Group’s Shantigram Township Adani Group's largest integrated township in Ahmedabad 'Shantigram' meets the local Real Estate demands. Spread over 600 acres, Shantigram promises a congestion-free living environment surrounded by lush greenery with 80% of the township being an open area & more than 50,000 trees being planted offering spectacular experiences to luxury living. Recently, the

Group inaugurated the Jain Temple in the Township thus bringing the local community together.

Cradled in the heart of Gujarat, Shantigram, is undoubtedly a highly distinguished modern township that is all set to offer its consumers world class amenities that one could possibly dream of within the comfort of their own city.

With its unmatched offerings, Shantigram is well placed to meet the demands of customers belonging to various income groups across India.

Shantigram is not just about spaces to reside but about spaces to LIVE. With more than 75% of the space already being booked, even before completion of the project, the township promises to offer features that spell luxury and comfort through minutest of details.

Shantigram is expected to be developed in various clusters with each cluster having a unique theme. Apart from the residential space, Shantigram is set to cater to other verticals such as Commercial office space, Retail space, Hospitality/leisure etc.

Know more about the project by visiting the India URealty Show at Sattavis Patidar Centre, Wembley on 6-7 October, 2012.

Special offers on booking at the Show.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 29th September 2012