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Prashant Bhushan calls Manmohan 'Shikhandi'

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For report see page 24 VOL 41. ISSUE 5

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Manmohan meets Suu Kyi, invites her to visit India

First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe

Last week Baroness Warsi was Britain's hero. A high flying Muslim politician, she publicly criticised Pakistani men for their sexist and racist behaviour towards 'white young girls' and she was showered with support and praises from all over the nation.

A well educated and courageous politician, she performed excellently in various facets of politics, including public speaking and interviews on BBC's 'Question Time'. She was spotted in mostly all Asian political events, rubbing shoulder with PM David Cameron and was extremely sought after.

But this week, she has her 'million dollar' reputation tattered, with possibilities of losing her post as the 'Co-Chairman' of the Conservative party and join the list of those Asians who have disgraced Britain, most importantly disgraced the community which has contributed so much to this country's progress.

The controversy sparked up when the national newspapers reported that Baroness Warsi claimed up to

her political aide, Naweed Khan, when both were non-paying guests at the house.

But Dr Moustafa insisted that he received no money and said he was “disgusted” that she had

claimed taxpayers’ money when he had simply been “helping out” the two party members by offering his free hospitality.

MPs compared the disclosures with the case of Lord Hanningfield, the

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Conservative peer who was jailed last year for claiming overnight expenses to stay in London when he was not in the capital.

Continued on page 7

Baroness Warsi

£165.50 a night while staying at a London house belonging to Dr Wafik Moustafa.

She said she was entitled to the expenses because she had paid a “financial contribution” to

Chief Guest Chuka Umunna MP, Rt Hon Keith Vaz, MP, Milind Kangle, CEO, Lycamobile and CB Patel, Publisher/Editor, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar launch 12th FBI magazine at HoC. For more see page 12-14.

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2nd June to 8th June 2012

Baroness Warsi: Britain's 'fallen angel'?

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Myanmar's iconic prodemocracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi said on Tuesday after meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that she was "happy at the prospect of closer ties with India".

Manmohan met Suu Kyi here on the third and final day of his official visit to oil-rich Myanmar with whom a dozen agreements were inked on Monday. "India and Burma have been particularly close over the years," Nobel Laureate Suu Kyi told reporters after their over 45-minute meeting.

"The struggle for India's independence took place at the same time as the struggle for Burma's independence," said a smiling Suu Kyi, who leaves Tuesday night for Thailand on her first overseas trip in nearly a quarter century.

Continued on page 26

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

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Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

one to one Keith Vaz MP with

Dr. Rohini Vijaygopal, B. Pharm, MBA (Marketing), PhD, Fellow of HEA, MAM – Lecturer in Marketing, University of Bedfordshire Business School, UK. Rohini teaches at both postgraduate and undergraduate levels at the University of Bedfordshire. She has previously taught at various academic institutions across the UK and India, such as Middlesex University, The Open University and the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (India). She teaches across a broad range of marketing areas - International Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Retail Management and Marketing, Marketing Management (also customising this to family owned businesses and the Pharmaceutical sector), Research Methods etc. She also conducts workshops and guides students’ dissertations. Prior to becoming an academic practitioner, Rohini worked in industry for about a decade and has also consulted family owned businesses. She has written widely for magazines, books, leading national newspapers and for business journals.

I am currently a Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Bedfordshire Business School. Other than teaching, I am equally involved in research and publications. My specific area of interest is consumer psychology, especially acculturation of British Indians.

What are your proudest achievements?

Some of my proudest achievements are: being a topper in my University in MBA, my first article in a national newspaper and my PhD being highly commended by my external examiner.

While these were on the professional front, I feel

that my greater achievements were on the personal front- the day I got married and the day I gave birth to my lovely son.

What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

I have always put my family first and thus at times have had to move places, switch jobs and thus lose continuity.

Having said this, these spaces have also given me some time to reflect and thus I have always done what I was passionate about.

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

Undoubtedly, my husband Vijay! I moved from being a pharmacist

to a marketer and personally have liked this profession and find it to be both ‘work and fun’. My husband has been my mentor and I possibly owe him for inspiring me throughout.

Also, since both of us are now in the field of ‘marketing’, we enjoy discussions from both corporate and academic perspectives.

What is the best thing about your current role?

My current role involves teaching and research within the academia. The youth of today are the future of tomorrow. I feel

proud to be part of a profession that hones these young minds. I also get to meet so many students who come from various countries in the world.

The cultural diversity that one observes is very interesting and one can never get bored. On the research front, new knowledge is being produced and there is this satisfaction of having built an intellectual capital.

And the worst?

The challenge in the current uncertain economic climate is to inspire and encourage students to reg-

People ■

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

I would encourage more young people to go into higher education because I believe that education shapes one’s character. I would also like to see more student exchange programmes between UK and India.

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

A unique photo of all the black and Asian MPs and Peers took place in Westminster Hall to mark the 25th anniversary of the election of the four original black and Asian MPs. Mr Speaker, Rt Hon John Bercow MP and the Lord Speaker, Baroness D'Souza, were at the centre of the picture.

■ Shailesh Vara became the first person of Asian origin to speak for the Conservative Government last week.

Normally Government whips are not permitted to speak, but Ministers were away.

Ken Clarke in Russia and Nick Herbert at the Police Federation Conference.

■ Twitter is now becoming the communication of choice for Bollywood superstars.

This was the medium that was used by Shilpa Shetty to tell us of the birth of her son & Amitabh Bachchan to tell us about the naming of his granddaughter. The only problem with Twitter is that information once announced goes around the world in a millisecond.

We often seek to find out more about historical figures. However, I would like to spend my time with somebody from the current era ‘Dalai Lama’. Over a nice cup of Jasmine tea, I would like to understand how he trains his mind to keep calm and content in the midst of all the chaos that surrounds us. I am a big fan of his book ‘The Art of Happiness’.

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar has organised a fabulous fun fair'Anand Mela' at Harrow Leisure Centre on 9 and 10 June to celebrate 40 years of our community service.

Read about it more on page 25 and 26

What are your long term goals?

Firstly, to make a positive difference to the lives of my students.

Secondly, I would like to research other ethnic minority communities in the UK. Subsequently, I want to conduct crossnational research comparing – American Indians and British Indians. In doing so, I would like to delve into specific acculturation issues such as depression, self-esteem, cultural adjustment, wellbeing etc.

Dr. Rohini Vijaygopal, Lecturer in Marketing

Please tell us about your current position?

ister for higher education. Also, at times it is heart breaking to see some good students drop out due to personal, financial or regulatory reasons.

Contribution of ethnic minorities and religious communities in the UK Last week Lord Karan Bilimoria led a debate in the House of Lords to celebrate the outstanding contribution made by ethnic minorities and religious communities in the UK to mark the 150th anniversary of the formation of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe.

Peers from all parties were invited to take part in the debate to pay tribute to the generosity of Britain to allow different faiths to flourish and practice side by side – a custom that it envied across the world.

The Zoroastrian community more commonly known as Parsees were originally from Iran, but emigrated to the Indian state of Gujarat over 1000 years to flee persecution.

Today the Zoroastrian community flourishes not only in India but across the world and is a community that has successfully

Lord Karan Bilimoria

integrated and contributed to various other communities.

Lord Bilimoria outlined that despite still being a minute community in terms of numbers, their contribution has been profound, with Parsees excelling above average in a range of fields. Lord Bilimoria referred to Mahatma Gandhi’s famous saying, “in numbers, Parsees are beneath contempt, but in contribution, beyond compare”; Baroness Warsi added – “it is a communi-

Lord Dholakia

ty just a few thousand strong but one that punches well above its weight.”

Lord Popat also paid tribute to the Zoroastrian community and spoke of the similarities between the Zoroastrians and his own Hindu faith which has led the two communities to live peacefully side by side in India for generations.

During the debate, Lord Popat also took the opportunity to outline his admiration for Britain for its values and tolerance

Lord Popat

which he called has led to the, “successful integration of so many faiths into the faith of modern Britain – without in my opinion losing the distinctive elements which make Britain so superb.”

Speaking on Hinduism, Lord Popat outlined that the majority of Hindus in Britain have accepted Britain as their home – and that it is this essence of integration and respect for other faiths that has made the Hindu community so successful in Britain, referring to the

many events the community is hosting for the Diamond Jubilee and the launch of Britain’s first Hindu-Christian Forum last year which has helped increase awareness of both faiths.

Lord Popat echoed that whilst a person of faith in other countries can lead to persecution or even death, people of faith in Britain are fortunate to have the freedom to practise their religion which has undoubtedly made Britain stronger as a nation due to the diverse contributions of its religious communities.

Other speakers in the debate included Lord Wei, Lord Dholakia, Lord Sheikh, Lord Kakkar, Lord Loomba, Lord Ahmad, Lord Singh and Baroness Warsi to name a few.

Baroness Warwick and Lord Loomba spoke about the economic contribution

that Britain’s ethnic communities make with small and medium sized businesses contributing an estimated £25 billion to the UK economy per year.

Further examples of contributions made by ethnic minorities were highlighted in the field of medicine, sports and the arts.

Lord Janner and Lord Sheikh also touched upon the contribution of ethnic minorities on food owing the introduction of fish and chips to the eastern European Jewish community and making curry one of Britain’s most popular dishes.

Lord Bilimoria’s debate was well received by all members of the House of Lords, sending out a strong message of recognition, encouragement and gratitude to the minority religious and ethnic communities for their outstanding contribution to Britain.

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

COMMENT

Baroness Warsi caught in expenses scandal People of Asian origin are certainly making a mark in the British print mainstream. People like Mr Bobby Grewal, Chairman of India Association, are more welcoming than Baroness Warsi and other Asian lords who brought shame and embarrassment to all those who are brown skinned. There are many individuals like Mr Grewal, but they don't get mentioned in the pages of national newspaper on consecutive days, but Baroness Warsi, Uddin, Lord Taylor and Paul have received so much from this country, yet get mentioned for wrong reasons. If you rise to such a stature, and offer lame excuses such as 'oversight' it is not very honourable. It may be true indeed, but it's your job to have due diligence. When we hear someone with half a billion pound asset has allegedly swindled £38,000, it is very sad indeed.

Baroness Warsi has reached the highest point in British politics of Islamic faith. She is well qualified, and deserves to be there, but her exposure in the expenses scandal is not likely to go away very soon. A common Briton will judge us all by the same scale.

Inside pages of Asian Voice we have stories of individuals who expressed concerns of Asian community. Most of them are hard working, law abiding and are proud to be a part of Great Britain. Few people bring disrepute and bad name that cause so much anxiety that a common man feels afraid of some selfish individuals. Lords are supposed to be very honest with their words and deeds. People look upon them as role models. So they should behave in exemplary manner.

The whole controversy is that Baroness Warsi has allegedly claimed up to many thousand pounds for stay-

ing in a rent-free London house belonging to Dr Wafik Moustafa, a Tory party donor. She said she was entitled to the expenses because she had paid a “financial contribution” to her political aide, Naweed Khan, when both were non-paying guests at the house. But Dr Moustafa insisted that he received no money and said he was “disgusted” that she had claimed taxpayers’ money when he had simply been “helping out” the two party members by offering his free hospitality. MPs compared the disclosures with the case of Lord Hanningfield, the Conservative peer who was jailed last year for claiming overnight expenses to stay in London when he was not in the capital. The disputed expenses in Warsi case date back to early 2008, just months after she entered the House of Lords. During this period, Dr Moustafa says he let both Lady Warsi and Naweed Khan to have rooms in his house in Acton and gave them keys to the house for their use whenever they want.

Dr Moustafa said he allowed the two to stay there as a favour and never asked for any money. “It was not Mr Khan who had invited her to stay; it was me, so why would she pay him?,” he asked. “If she was paying him money then I would like to know in what form was she paying him, and when, and how much?” Lady Warsi claimed she was a guest of Mr Khan and paid money for the stay. Mr Khan said he was paid every time Lady Warsi stayed at the house. From the statements of Dr Moustafa and Warsi it looks like there is something fishy about the whole incident. Now, that the case has been reported to the Standards Commissioner the truth will come out. Since her name is linked to the entire Asian community, it is all the more necessary to find the truth.

British economy needs to chalk out growth plan Chancellor George Osborne has been criticized by the International Monetary Fund and the Chinese for the way he handles the British economy. Christine Lagarde, the IMF chief, told Osborne that it is time for austerity or cutting expenditure and at the same time plan for growth. The problem is that the government has no plan for growth. So the government should consider both austerity measures as well as plan for growth.

Austerity alone won’t be sufficient. Running a national economy cannot be a gamble and there must be necessary action. Focussing on mere style without substance may not be the right format. The head of China’s sovereign wealth fund, Mr Jin, said that the European leaders spend their time haggling over terms and conditions of small scale bailouts rather than thinking of an action plan for growth. He said that the rest of the world is not going to provide trillions or even billions to bail Europe out. He advised European leaders to look at the harsh austerity measures which South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and other Asian nations adopted after the financial crash of 1998. However, Mr Jin is ready to invest in Europe, but set out a number of conditions for it. The question is whether the European nations are willing to accede to his demands.

Indian economy in doldrums Not so long ago there was talk about the possibility of India overhauling China to become the world’s fastest growing economy. But now the Indian economy is going to the doldrums. Growth has not edged into double digits, but has sagged back towards 6 per cent.

Recently, three investment banks have downgraded India’s prospects. The symbol of India’s fall from grace is the rupee. It has sunk more than 17 per cent against the dollar this year. That ought to have helped exports, but in fact they have shrunk, along with industrial output, which fell 3.5 per cent in March.

Last month Reserve bank of India cut rates by half a point but with inflation moving in the wrong direction it did not help. The weaker rupee has made oil and

other imports more expensive. That has widened an already worrying current account deficit. Nor will the weak rupee help inflation. The Reserve Bank of India is in a dilemma what to do. Some of India’s difficulties are beyond the government’s control. The government of Manmohan Singh, however, must take much of the blame for current woes. Tainted by successive corruption scandals and riven by regional and ideological factions, the ruling Congress-led coalition looks asleep at the wheel.

When the government has stirred, it has tended to do more harm. That was true of its March budget when it proposed retroactive taxes on foreign investors. It seemed to have Vodafone in its sights, a company in the process of investing about $18 billion in the country.

Investment rules are so changeable, approvals so opaque and so subject to corruption that even big Indian businesses say they are finding better investment opportunities abroad. This month provided a good example of the government’s lack of backbone. Facing mounting losses on subsidised petrol, it tried to raise prices by 11 per cent. But within 24 hours, it suggested it might backtrack amid furious opposition from within its own fractious party. The change of heart is reminiscent of last year’s reversal of long-awaited legislation to open up the retail sector. The move was characterised as hurting the poor. Such reforms should enable the government to target cash transfers more effectively and rein in the deficit by stopping subsidies to the middle class. Likewise, opening retail to big supermarkets might harm some small shopkeepers. But the benefit to the masses in terms of lowering prices would far outweigh any harm.

All this is unsettling. If foreign investors take fright, India’s balance of payments situation could quickly deteriorate. India needs faster growth to help bring hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. Now, Mr Singh should give economic liberalisation one last push. He may lose the premiership, but that would be infinitely better for the country and for his legacy.

Despite scandals, Indian Premier League ends in success The scandal-prone Indian Premier League (IPL) remains cricket's most divisive tournament, but some thrilling action in front of packed houses has put immediate doubts over its future to rest. After last year's disappointing showing this season was touted as a litmus test for the IPL. There are no TRP analyses and profit and loss statements to go by as yet, but packed stadiums across the country and the massive hoopla surrounding the event - even if negative on occasion - would suggest that the tournament has passed the test well.

By the time Kolkata Knight Riders beat the Chennai Super Kings to claim the title on Sunday, and despite damaging spot-fixing claims and a string of lurid headlines, the IPL had been hailed as a success. The fifth edition started under a cloud of controversies and crowd backlash, but apprehensions were soon swept aside as some command performances on the field was well-received by packed galleries. "If the sense of fulfilment could be calculated, it would run into several billions of dollars," said N Srinivasan, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which runs the event. The positive assessments jar with some

off-pitch developments, mainly the suspensions of five Indian players after a TV sting claimed to unearth evidence of match-fixing. The report targeted fringe players, but it re-focused fears about betting. Meanwhile, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan dented his popularity after becoming involved in an ugly stand-off with officials at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium. Other incidents included allegations made to police and later dropped that Australian Luke Pomersbach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore had molested a woman and beaten up her fiance in a hotel room in New Delhi.

Some players were questioned by the police for attending an illegal rave party. The sports ministry should intervene and make drastic changes in the IPL. There are undoubtedly issues which the BCCI needs to resolve as this season too has shown. The BCCI needs to tackle problems of accountability, fix limits for owners and managers and lay down a protocol for IPL officials and the clubs running the stadiums. As is now abundantly clear, the BCCI's method of functioning, where everything is covered in deep fog, needs some urgent pollution control.

www.abplgroup.com

Thought for the Week We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their colour - Maya Angelou

Sarah Teather MP Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central and Minister of State for Children and Families

Putting children and families first Being a parent isn’t always easy. It can be incredibly rewarding but at times is extremely challenging – children don’t come with instruction books. The job that parents do is vitally important and so they should get the help and support they need and deserve.

However, too many parents of a child with a special educational need or a disability will tell you that they faced a long, gruelling and agonising battle to get their child’s needs recognised and met.

These parents sometimes have to endure years of frustration as their children do assessment after assessment with a vast array of specialists who never seem to speak to one another. While this is going on, the child is not getting the support they need and deserve.

Last year I published proposals on how we can reform the current system to improve services for children with disabilities and special educations needs. These proposals were based on the experiences of families, teachers and professionals who had told me what they liked and what they didn’t like about the current system.

We are now preparing to make these proposals law. These reforms are the biggest for 30 years. We want to make sure that parents and children can access the support and services they need when they need them. To do this, we are changing the assessment process.

Instead of sending parents from pillar to post, we are expanding the current educational statement so that it also covers health and social care services. No more endless form-filling, no more parents continuously

retelling their story to different professionals, just one assessment.

Parents also told me that one of their biggest worries is what happens to their child when they leave school. Currently there is a ‘cliff-edge’ – just when a child needs additional support to become more independent, their support is taken away.

This is why I want to give young people the right to support right up to 25 to help them into further education, employment and independent living where possible.

We also want to make sure that parents have more say over the support their child gets. So we will also be giving parents the right to take more control over the money that councils and health services currently spend on their behalf through a personal budget for their child. We won’t force any family to take on a personal budget, that is their choice. But for those who want to, for the first time they will be able to choose the expert support that is right for their child.

We want these proposals to become law next year, ready to roll out to every child and family from 2014.

The Government is currently testing the key proposals in pathfinder projects across the country to make sure that we get our changes right.

Every child, no matter what their background, disability, or special educational need, deserves a chance to fulfil their potential. This is their right. I am determined that this Government will take the necessary steps to ensure that every child and every family is given the support they need.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

BJP’s ineffectiveness

Lord Paul controversy

Ram Jethmalani the Bharatiya Janatha Party’s (BJP) senior member and a Rajya Sabha member has written to party President Nitin Gadkari expressing the party’s ineffectiveness as the opposition party.

BJP has failed to address the issue of ‘poverty and destitution’ among the Indian masses as a result of ‘widespread corruption and large scale theft of national assets mainly by the ruling UPA government under the the leadership of the Congress party. The BJP is plagued with infighting among the top leaders each one acting as self styled leader of the party dictating their own terms. The President of the party has lost his grip over the party.

Even though Narendra Modi is duly elected Chief Minster of Gujarat, the party has not done anything to challenge the ban imposed by the British and American governments for refusing to issue visa to visit these countries. I do not understand why Sushma Swaraj should take part in British Asian conservative group hosted by the Prime Minister of Britain? Recently the British government refused to open trade mission in Gujarat.

When the congress party ‘foisted’ its own choice for the President of India, the BJP is silent about its candidate. India is going through economic and political crisis and the industrial growth has slumped. The value of rupee is sinking and the stock market prices are going down. Ordinary person in India is suffering due to steep rise in food and petrol prices and the BJP is not doing enough to challenge the government policies.

I am writing in response to the headline that Lord Paul insists that he is “not guilty”. If I can state the facts as they are and have been proved then your readers can decide for themselves.

Lord Paul claimed £38,000 in overnight allowances which are given to those people who do not have their main residence in London therefore have to spend money to stay in London. Lord Paul claimed that his main residence was the manager’s flat in a hotel he owned in Oxford. He admitted that he had never spent a single night there. In the report of the committee who dealt with the case he said that he did not understand what Main Residence meant. Clearly one would have thought that this was self explanatory but if not then there are plenty of people in the House of Lords he could have taken advice from. Naturally the committee didn’t accept that somewhere where he had never spent a single night could be his main residence when he had two flats in the Caparo Building in London. Lord Paul constantly gives out headlines to Asian papers because he knows that they will print his views but I would have thought that only draws attention to his wrong doing. It has been very shameful for the other Asian peers like myself to have had three Asians cheating on their expenses.

Lord Paul has been very lucky, he could have been prosecuted but his friends in the Labour party put a lot of pressure to let him down as gently as possible. His conduct has not helped our reputation as Asians specially as he is such a well known figure and is rich enough not to have needed the money he fraudulently claimed from the public purse. I also want to point out that the Labour party has withdrawn the Whip from him i.e. he is no longer a member of the Labour party because of his conduct. He claims that he resigned which again is not true.

If anyone is in doubt they can get the report of the hearing from the House of Lords as it is a public document and is available to anyone who wishes to read it.

Arun Vaidyanathan Via Email

Politically Naïve Sachin In response to my letter dated 19th May in AV (Sachin, political pawn) I have received many comments, mostly against Sachin getting involved in the intricacies on Indian politics, at least not until he retires from all forms of cricket.

To become an effective member of Rajya Sabha (RS) to serve the people of Bharat is an honour as well as solemn duty that require a solid foundation and a long and fruitful apprenticeship at grassroots level. It is not “learn as you go” profession that one could have in industry.

Sachin may be master at his own game of cricket but a novice in political term and he readily admits that. However he fails to understand that there is no such thing as free lunch and the corrupt politicians who have facilitated his membership to the most prestigious political arena will ask for a pound of flesh sooner rather than later.

If Sachin has political aspiration, he should enter LS on peoples’ mandate whereby he will only have to answer to his constituents. But such a lifestyle will not be compatible with partying with Ambanis and their likes. Well, I hope Sachin is matured enough to understand that he is entering a pit full of venomous snakes with King Cobra at its helm!

Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email

Baroness Flather Via Email

Michale Winner Challenged Michale Winner the Sunday Times columnist wrote the following in his column, ‘Winners Dinners’ on 13th May 2012: Leslie has so many residences he could single-handedly house the homeless in India. He’d love to do this but he’s afraid they might make a mess of the carpets’. I wrote to Sunday Times that his remarks are a gross insult to a nation of billion people. Leading the type of lifestyle he is leading, he seems to have developed an ego which treats other people with utter contempt. For somebody of a Jewish background this is all the more appalling and insensitive. He needs to apologise and give himself a realty check.

I also complained to the Sunday Times but they defended their comments.

I have since lodged a complain with the Press Complains Commission who are investigating.

Nitin Mehta Via Email

A week of Highs and Lows for Baroness Warsi A week ago, Baroness Warsi was very high in my estimation. She had called a spade a spade and displayed immense courage in asking the Muslim community to look at itself and condemn members of the community who had and continued to treat vulnerable white young women in their neighbourhood as ‘playthings’ and ‘cheap thrills.’ For her, this was not a race issue but a recognition of the truth.

Her courage combined with her intelligence and her various excellent performances on Question Time on BBC1 made me think of her as the one Asian politician who could and would make a good Prime Minister one day. She had the potential to become both the first Asian and the first Asian woman Prime Minister in the United Kingdom.

A week is a long time in politics and, today, the “rottweiler” in the Conservative Party has her reputation in tatters. She may not be the co-chairman of the Conservative Party by the time this letter is printed and may well join a growing list of Asian politicians in this country who have disgraced themselves.

Unfortunately, the rules which have kept Baroness Uddin, Lord Paul and Lord Bhatia in the House of Lords also mean that Baroness Warsi cannot be expelled even if the expenses allegations are proved. At a stroke, she has destroyed what was an amazing political career so far. Perhaps, she will find solace in writing columns for ethnic newspapers!

Ramesh Vala OBE Via Email

Apathy of Hindus/Indians Shri Bhupendra Gandhi’s views reverberated in “Kapil’s Khichadi” and Alpesh ji’s “Political Sketchbook”. It exposed Hindus ignoring current trends, where only 20% voted in spite of 45 Hindu organisations, nullifying our rights to moan about injustices against Hindus when majority did not want to vote and promote pro Hindu candidate. It sadly indicates water tight compartmentalisation among grass root British Hindus. After observing Muslim and Jews calling shots via political one-upmanship, lesson that power lies in politics, is not learnt by erudite Hindus, thus have not developed political backbone. They survive on begging bits and scrapes thrown by other politicians The remedy is to recognise, vote and promote result oriented Hindus. Unite under banner of Hindu religion to gain collective bargaining advantage in any national issues. Rectify interpretation of Hindu vedic values to make Hindus street-wise, pragmatic and assertively aggressive to reciprocate fair or foul modus operandi of other communities. Spread political awareness to harness benefit and to deter danger by immediate and commando type of action; eye catching, breathtaking, audacious and bold methods to gain upper hand is also dharma. Hindus must come out of ivory tower of spiritual pursuits and dharma. Physical fights need earthly devices and methods.

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

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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.”

#$ 2

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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. )(.#(/

)( * !

E-mail: support@abplgroup.com

Episode 3 aired on Sunday, 20th May on Marriage or Marketplace. Another great and explosive episode on Dowry, but also disappointing. Watching the interviews, I got the impression that the Episode seems to make out that the issue of dowry is related only to the marriages with NRIs. May I state that the husband of Komal, one of the victims of the show, and the other whose husband immigrated to Australia were not NRIs when they got married. The dowry demands from them prevailed before they became NRIs. The issue of dowry is much bigger within India and that is what needs to be addressed.

Furthermore, it is surprising that although this practice is illegal under the 1961 Act, the Dowry Prohibition Act and also under Sections 304B and 498a of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), this Dowry system is still practiced and is prevalent which puts great financial burden on the bride’s family. No wonder that the vile practice of gender selection and Female Foeticide which was covered in Episode 1 is rampant.

There are also other very good laws in India that protects both brides and grooms and their families from the Dowry abuse, but it seems that all these laws are not worth the paper it’s written on as none of these seems to be enforced or put in action.

The Episode invited a politician from the Punjab, Union Minister, Balwant Singh Ramuvalyaji (sic), to explain the situation. A complete waste of time in my opinion. All he did was rant on about 30,000 or so brides effected by this in Punjab. Nothing on why these laws are not enforced. How or what strict actions he is to/will take to implement the current laws.

Mohindra Master Via Email

Kapil’s Khichadi The Hindu Council of Birmingham has read Kapil’s Khichadi with great interest. We are of course disappointed to hear the truth so bluntly, but we feel very strongly that our national organisations do put us to shame all too often. There is a serious need in developing a joint Hindu strategy so that we are better represented at government level, as well as our interaction with other faiths.

Currently these leaders argue about who is going to which function.

Attempting to get photographed at the Palace, or get free entry to Olympics or attend events at the House of Commons.

Ignoring why they were put there in the first place and what is important to us as a Hindu community.

I commend Kapilji and his courage in bringing these issues to the fore and agree that to change the status quo in this country; we need to become the change that we want to see.

I hope this may begin the national debate on Hindu unity. Kind regards Dilip Parmar HCB Treasurer

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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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Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

“Our London”

By Spriha Srivastava

GLA Member for Brent and Harrow

Pratap Pawar celebrates 70th birthday Highly-acclaimed Kathak dancer Padmashree Pratap Pawar celebrated his 70th birthday and his 55 years of contribution to Kathak by performing at the Nehru Centre in London last week. A full house of kathak enthusiasts and students of Guruji, as he is fondly called, were there to cheer him up and witness the legend. The event was hosted by Akram Khan, MBE and a disciple of Guruji.

Birthday messages came for Guruji from the who’s who including singer Asha Bhonsle, Lata Mangeshkar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and so on.

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

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

Moreover he has trained over 700 students from around the world during his 8 years stay in the Caribbean countries and the West Indies. He is the founder of famous Triveni Dance Company based in London, England. Apart for teaching in London, Pratap Pawar also holds regular

monthly workshops in Glasgow, where a very large number of students undertake training. He has undertaken a lot of work in bringing together different cultures by blending Indian dance with Flamenco, Caribbean, Modern dance, etc. For this he has received great acclaim worldwide.

Pratap Pawar is a privileged artist credited

dance, Pratap Pawar is very highly regarded as a brilliant teacher of kathak in the UK and internationally. In 2008, Pratap Pawar was a recipient of the Government of India's prestigious Padma Shree Award.

His performance at The Nehru Centre cannot be described in words.

For a person aged 70, he is full of enthusiasm and

with great performances at the Royal Festival Hall, The Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Rooms, Kings Theatre (fund raising for famine in Ethiopia). Pratap Pawar has a long acclaimed list of memorable performances throughout his life. His performance at the Presidential House in Delhi has won him great name and fame. This performance was in honour of visiting dignitaries from around the world such as President J.F. Kennedy, President Kaunda, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mrs. Indira Gandhi and many others.

Recognized worldwide for his initiative in blending Indian dance traditions with those of other cultures, such as Andalucian flamenco, African and Caribbean dance as well as modern

energy. His style is very similar to Shri Birju Maharaj and is a treat for the eyes. He was accompanied by Pt Vishwa Prakash (Vocal/ Harmonium), Sanju Sahai (Tabla) and Kiran Pal Sigh (Santoor). The second part of the event was a fusion between Kathak and Flamenco. In this segment, Guruji was accompanies by Juan Giraldo (Spanish Guitar) and Juani Garcia (Flamenco dance).

This was the best part of the event where two dances that are divided across continents, regions, oceans came together for a performance. The crowd did not stop cheering Guruji’s efforts and Guruji did not stop until it was time for the programme to come to an end. We wish Guruji a long life and many more years of Kathak.

Deewar screened for fans Bollywood Bitesized, a London-based group bringing classic bollywood films to the audience screened blockbuster “Deewar” at Hotel Elephant Gallery near Elephant & Castle last week. The venue was created to reflect the mean streets of 70's Bombay with street food served by Jhalmuri Express who suddenly upped their prices seeing no one else was around to sell food maybe. Along with this

there were themed cocktails and hot drinks available. There was also a Mehndi counter for those wanting to get some hand art.

The movie started rather late after a bit of confusion among the organisers.

However, given the success of the movie, once it started everyone stayed focused on it. Following the movie, a dance party featuring the top DJ’s continued till late.

The event is definite-

ly a good idea born out of some highly creative minds, although it still lacks some organization. The event also did not seem value for money, especially since the ticket prices were £17.50 at the door which included entry for the movie screening and dance party. However, the concept of classic bollywood cinema is new to London and the event will definitely get popular in the days to come.

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

Navin Shah

Respect for all faiths and communities During the GLA election campaign and since I’ve read with concern, dismay and hurt, the comments on the issue of Islam attributed to Ken Livingstone. Let me put the record straight.

Ken did not at any point say "I will make London a beacon of Islam". His comments were taken out of context and were completely misrepresented in the Daily Torygraph. I firmly believe that comments condemning Islamaphobia should not and must not be taken as ‘giving one community preference over another’. Ken Livingstone has always stood for the principle that all faiths and cultures contribute to the prosperity and attraction of London.

Ken made a commitment to Londoners during the election campaign stating: “If I am elected my policy will not be to promote one faith or community over another, as has been suggested, but to promote interfaith and inter-community dialogue. I want my mayoralty to be at the forefront of encouraging dialogue.”

Any suggestion which propaganda from one politically-motivated smear campaign sought to promote was that somehow the Labour Party and Ken Livingstone are not interested in Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. This is total rubbish. The facts, if one is prepared to consider them objectively, are as follows: l The Labour Party is a true champion of justice, fairness and equality for ALL. The same is true for Ken Livingstone. I’m proud of Labour’s record which is second to none. l It was Ken, during his eight years of Mayoralty, that established the celebration

of London’s diversity and pioneered the principles of inter-faith work and community cohesion. It was Ken who commenced religious celebrations in Trafalgar Square including promoting the values of the Hindu religion through Diwali and Vaisakhi celebrations. If he was antiHindu, which the detractors are portraying him to be, he would not have bothered promoting the values of the Hindu faith. l To an audience in excess of 1000 people, on 7th April 2012 in Harrow Ken gave a commitment that he would celebrate the Jain values in Trafalgar Square and organise an annual celebration in City Hall to recognise the Jain religion as a worldwide religion. This was mentioned in Asian Voice but opponents failed to recognise this, as did the media because it was not a sensational, controversial story to attack Ken and the Labour Party. l If anyone cared to analyse Labour/Ken’s manifesto, they would find that it strongly promotes recognition and celebration of the contribution of all communities and guarantees promotion and support for London wide celebration of our diverse culture.

For my friends, analysts and well-wishers who’ve expressed concerns on this issue in Asian Voice I humbly plead with them to mull over the matters again. If they think that there is need for further clarification I’d be happy to have a further dialogue with them. No amount of adverse comments, politically-motivated campaign will detract or deflect the Labour Party and I from continuing our journey towards equality, community cohesion, fairness and justice for all.

High School student joins anti-bullying campaign A Kingsbury student has become an ambassador for a national campaign against bullying.

Naren Kondhia, 14, who attends Kingsbury High School, was chosen from 100 applicants for the National AntiBullying Campaign.

The scheme is run by the Diana Award, a Government-funded group which gives young people the chance to make a difference.

He joins 16 others aged nine to 19 to represent schools across the country and offer advice on anti-bullying policies and practices.

Naren, pictured, who lives in Kingsbury, says he was “delighted” to be part of the National AntiBullying Youth Board.

For more information, or to join the programme, visit www.dianaaward.org.uk.

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This week paid subscribers of Asian Voice will receive a copy of our twelfth edition of the Finance, Banking & Insurance (FBI) magazine along with their newspaper.

TO ALL READERS Advance notice: All readers of Asian Voice might get their 9th June issue later than usual, due to postal delays during the Queen's Jubilee celebration.

We are sorry for the inconvenience that it may cause and appreciate your patience.

- Asian Voice

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

India Association raises funds for a local hospice at annual Vaisakhi gala Continuing its long tradition of celebrating Indian culture for a charitable cause, the India Association UK this year raised £ 3,000 for the local Harlington Hospice at its annual Vaisakhi gala.

The event held in South Ruislip on Saturday May 26, evening was attended by over 350 guests who enjoyed the merriments and also gave generously for a noble cause. It was attended by a distinguished guest list including Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC, MP, Hon John Macdonell MP, Hon Virendra Sharma MP, Baroness Sandip Verma, Jitendra Kumar, Indian High Commission, Dr Onkar Sahota, AM, CB Patel, Publisher/Editor, Asian Voice and Gujarat samachar, Jill Rhodes, Trustee of Harlington Hospice along with others. Funds were raised by auctioning of a special edition Scotch signed by Prime Minister David Cameron, raffle draw, Bhangra dance and other entertainment. Chairman of the Association Balwant Grewal, who has raised funds for many charities through his walks from Amritsar to Kanyakumari, India (northern and southern tip) and Scottish Parliament to Westminster in the UK said, "The Harlington Hospice looks after the terminally ill patients by providing them support and help in health

www.PoliticalAnimal.me

British Indians and Political Influence

Dr Onkar Singh Sahota, AM, Virendra Sharma MP receiving ‘Love Gujarat’ book from Kokila Patel, Managing Editor, Gujarat Samachar, Nihir Shah, BDM, Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice, CB Patel, Publisher/Editor, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar and Bobby Grewal

care. After personally visiting the hospice, followed by a recommendation of Dr Kewal Singh, we decided to raise funds for the same. They have impressive professional services in health care."

The organisation had also donated £100,000 to much needed research into the cure for AIDS and Cancer, at a gala dinner which was hosted to celebrate the “Great Walk” undertaken by the Chairman, Mr. Balwant Grewal, at the age of 68, in order to raise these funds.

Members and supporters of India Association have been involved with the work of Harlington Hospice, which has been providing health care support in North London for 27 years now. ``By holding gala events like this, we not only celebrate our culture and tradition but also put the festivities in charitable cause. People do not mind

donating small or large sums if it is for a noble reason,’’ added Grewal.

The India Association has been holding Vaisakhi, Diwali and even Christmas celebrations to raise funds for charities for more than 25 years. ``We have stopped counting the years since we first started this tradition,’ added Grewal. Vice chairman, India Association, Jasbir Johal said it helps that Asians are very charitable people and every year keep certain amount of money to be donated for a cause. “We have seen a lot of poverty and struggle in India and therefore can identify ourselves with people in need. We are also very adaptable to local cultures so we do not mind contributing for charities which are not working for Indians or Asians but the local population’’ he said.

Continued on page 30

Baroness Warsi: Britain's 'fallen angel'?

Continued from page 1 Bob Russell, the Liberal Democrat MP for Colchester, said there was a case for investigating whether there had been “claiming for costs not incurred”.

“There are similarities [to the Lord Hanningfield case],” he said. “I think there’s a prima facie case for this to be looked at by the police.”

Lord Hanningfield pointed out that most peers claimed the maximum possible daily amount for accommodation expenses before the scandal broke in 2009.

The disputed expenses date back to early 2008, just months after Lady Warsi entered the House of Lords.

However Lady Warsi claims that she was a guest of Mr Khan, who she gave an “appropriate financial payment equivalent to what I was paying at the time in hotel costs”.

Mr Khan said he was paid every time Lady Warsi stayed at the house, but did not disclose how much.

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel’s

Shweta Desai

7

Between October 2007 and March 2008, Lady Warsi claimed expenses for 74 nights of London accommodation from the taxpayer at a cost of about ￡12,000.

A Conservative spokesman said the peer stayed around 12 nights at the house over a period of about six weeks and believed she was a guest of Mr Khan, rather than Dr Moustafa.

He would not say how

much Lady Warsi paid to Mr Khan nor whether the payments were made in cash.

Michael Fallon, the Conservative Party deputy chairman, admitted the controversy appeared “embarrassing” but said Lady Warsi believed she had acted within the “spirit and letter” of the rules. Scotland Yard said it had yet to receive an official complaint about Lady Warsi.

Would Hindus in Britain be more powerful with one voice? It is often asked, ‘why can’t we Hindus be more like the Jewish people; who are powerful, united and speak with one voice, never neglected, oftentimes feared, at least feared of being offended.’

As an intern in Congress I studied AIPAC – the Jewish lobby – the most powerful political lobby in America. You do not get to be the President of the United States, leader of the free world, without AIPAC’s endorsement.

I asked last week how true it was that Indians don’t help Indians; or more specifically that Hindus do not help Hindus as a general rule. So that when the victims of Bhopal seek the help of those with political access, their messenger is attacked and the message of the victim ignored.

Well this week I noted that Sewa Day has resigned from ‘A Year of Service (AYOS)’ a Government initiative to celebrate service and the Jubilee. They resigned because they discovered that the Government has awarded the lead member of the AYOS committee (Mitzvah Day) a sum of £65,000. Repeated requests by Sewa Day for clarity on the application of these funds have met nothing but a stone wall.’

That is not a case of Indians or Hindus lacking influence because of persons from their own community blocking their way, but rather it seems blockages from outside the community. How to make a more powerful Hindu community in Britain? One that is not trampled, ignored, second classed?

For all our wealth, all our MPs and Peers and Councillors – where are the brave articulate souls who will stand up and say, ‘I am a Hindu, and without fear, I will represent my community – stuff the consequences. I take my instructions from my conscience, not from your promise of reward for obeyance and silence.’.

No instead what do we get? We have Parliamentarians who have resigned from the House of Lords so they could save tax on their non-dom status. At least they recognised they no longer deserved to be called a ‘Noble’ Lord.

Nobility dies at the hands of self-serving greed. Character is not to be found in such people. They are in any event not worthy to represent a great and ancient faith, so we shed no tears for their dereliction of duty.

So wealth will not bring influence – as our wealthiest, seem ignorant or incapable to fulfil their duties to their community in the political arena. What of youth? Sewa is largely composed of youth. As is the National Hindu Students

Forum, as is the City Hindu Network.

Here we have hope.

To all those in my community, to those for so long who have hogged ‘political access’, been gatekeepers and insiders – I say this: your time is up. We will go around you, under you and over you, if we cannot go through you. You will be made irrelevant.

I write to you from a hotel in Mumbai. Like most hotels there is in the bedside drawer the Bhagavad Gita and the Holy Bible side by side. I remind those obstructionists in my community the words from the bible, ‘The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you.’

Beware. Your time is up.

And to those outside my community, who for too long have in secret deals and cosy relationships and cliques and cabals kept us on the outside – we make strong friends and even stronger adversaries.

Your time too is up. We are an army of lawyers and accountants and bankers and entrepreneurs and yes, political activists. We are not only more industrious, but younger than you, cleverer, more productive, more connected, more networked, more resourceful and we come in legions. The hidden deals and secret negotiations and scratched backs and quid pro quos are coming to an end – don’t scratch your back – watch your back. You can stand on our shoulders for we are giants, but not on our heads, for we are not pygmies and no longer will we behave like it. We are a confident people. Our time has come. Give us our rightful dues and respect. For we too have earned it, at the end of a sword, in wars and battles. We are the Hindu nation.

I am reminded of the lyrics of the popular song, ‘The higher you build your barriers, The taller I become; The farther you take my rights away; The faster I will run; You can deny me; You can decide to turn your face away; No matter, cos there's something inside so strong; You thought that my pride was gone; The more you refuse to hear my voice; The louder I will sing; You hide behind walls of Jericho; Your lies will come tumbling; Deny my place in time; You squander wealth that's mine; My light will shine so brightly; It will blind you’.

Other Asian politicians caught in similar expense scandals All the members of House of Lords receive a daily (and if may say generous) allowance of £300, even if they attend it for an hour. Still some peers were caught taking advantage of overnight accommodation costs while continuing to live in the capital. The main Asian offenders include:

to stay when they attend Parliament.

She received an estimated £30,000 a year under the allowance after buying the two-bedroom flat in 2005, but neighbours claimed it was often empty.

The Lord’s privileges and conduct committee ordered her to repay £125,349.

Baroness Uddin Baroness Uddin was the first peer to be placed under investigation over her use of the ￡ 174-a-night subsistence allowance in early May, 2009.

As a result of designating a property in Maidstone, Kent, as her main home, she was entitled to claim the overnight subsistence allowance available to peers who live outside the capital and need somewhere

Lord Paul One of the Labour party’s most prosperous and generous donors, Lord Paul said his primary residence was a one bedroom flat in Oxfordshire, when he really lived in London.

He admitted he had never spent a single night there and later repaid £41,982 in expenses.

He was suspended from the Lords for four months and he claimed 'he was not guilty' and was made a target to tarnish his reputation in his recent statements that took the country by surprises.

Lord Bhatia Lord Bhatia had claimed £27,446 in expenses on the basis that his main home was a small flat occupied by his brother in Reigate, Surrey, even though he and his wife were listed on the electoral roll at their longstanding address in Hampton, south-west London. He repaid £27,000 and was banned from the House for eight months.

8

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Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

Midland Voice

Dee Katwa

Contact: Dhiren on 07970 911 386 or dhiren.katwa@abplgroup.com

LABA – Creating Trade Opportunities A prestigious dinner in honour of Ahmet Unal Cevikoz, the Turkish ambassador to the UK, and Jon Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, brought together over 150 guests, mainly businessmen and women from across the Midlands.

Held at The Venue in Leicester on Friday a fortnight ago, the event was organised by Birmingham Airport and Turkish Airlines and hosted by Leicestershire Asian Business Association, or LABA. Its chairman, the modest but influential Uday Dholakia, led proceedings, together with Mustafa Yildrim, director of Turkish Airlines in Birmingham. The purpose of this networking event was to promote bilateral trade between the Midlands and Turkey.

Also for Turkish Airlines, which appears to attract less-savvy customers through smart marketing, it was a perfect sales pitch opportunity. To put this into perspective, according to passenger testimonials in general, the award-wining airline would almost certainly beat Air India, but not Jet Airways, in terms of good customer experience and service, reliability and time-keeping.

On the top table were 12 VIPs, including MP

Ashworth, LABA President Jaspal Singh Minhas, Leicester’s Lord Mayor Councillor Abdul Osman and Councillor David Parsons, leader of Leicestershire County

Jon Ashworth

an honorary member of LABA on the night, told guests that future trade delegations led by British Premier David Cameron should comprise businessmen and women from Leicester/shire rather than the usual “big boys”.

In addition, he said he would be writing to Foreign Secretary William Hague and Trade Minister

Uday Dholakia

Council. Other round tables were each given a name of a country.

Attractive decor including plasma screens featuring a “catchy” airline advert, aircraft models, pull-up stands and walls draped with frilled red, blue and white branded backdrops, all added to the feel-good factor.

MP Ashworth, 34, congratulated LABA for its work and offered his “entire support”. In his off-the-cuff address, MP Ashworth, who was made

Ahmet Unal Cevikoz

Lord Green in an attempt to promote bilateral trade between Britain and Turkey.

Tri-lingual ambassador Cevikoz, monotonously but beautifully whizzed through his notes, trying to cram as many plugs about Turkey as possible.

Bless him! Littered with statistics, his speech provided a raft of reasons why Britons should invest, export, visit or emigrate to Turkey.

Noticing silence, thank

goodness too, “this might be boring just before your main course, but please bear with me,” he urged guests. Next month will mark Ambassador Cevikoz’s second anniversary in office. Also this year, the father-of-two celebrates his 60th birthday.

The evening included a three-course meal, prize draw and presentations.

Over half of Turkey’s 73.6 million population is aged 29 or under. Almost 38% are aged between 30 and 59. The UK is the second largest investor in Turkey, which has been identified as a priority market by the CBI and UKTI. Since intervention by the IMF in 2002 and subsequent restructuring of the economy, Turkey has been growing rapidly. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development predicts that between now and 2017 it will be the fastest growing of the OECD members, with an annual average growth rate of 6.7%. Turkey’s major religion is Islam and its main exports include clothing and textiles, fruit and vegetables, iron and steel, motor vehicles and machinery, fuels and oils.

Chaos at new prison

The Z Factor Exhibition

A brand new 1,600-space Midland prison has just 45 inmates because of serious breakdowns. The £150 million HMP Oakwood, near Wolverhampton, run by private firm G4S has a £7 million kitchen, which is unable to produce food, and showers which turn on by themselves in the middle of the night causing floods. A G4S spokesman said: “As with any new build of this scale there have been snagging issues.”

The problems are being blamed on contractors employed by the Ministry of Justice.

A rare exhibition, The Z Factor, which celebrates the work and lives of prominent Zoroastrians, past and present, across the world was unveiled at the Women’s Library in London last Wednesday. At the centre of attraction was exhibition mastermind Zerbanoo Gifford, pictured, herself a Zoroastrian, and director of charity the ASHA Centre in Gloucestershire. The launch also marked the 30th anniversary of Zerbanoo, the first non-white woman to be elected onto the governing body of any political party in Britain. The guest of honour was Zerbanoo’s “neighbour from heaven” Baroness Jan Royall, the former leader of the House of Lords. Distinguished author Dr Rashna Writer spoke on Zerbanoo from a Zoroastrian perspective. An effervescent Dr Seema Anand, resplendent in a bright red and golden sari, shared remarkable stories about Zerbanoo. Her narrative was cut short after a guest fainted due to, apparently, the heat. The first three non-white members in the House of Commons were Zoroastrians, also known as Parsis. Other wellknown Zoroastrians include rock star Freddie Mercury, Cobra Beer chief Lord Karan Bilimoria, EastEnders’ “Zainab” Nina Wadia and Ratan Tata, the chairman of the largest industrial house in Britain.

Farewell to ex-councillor Tributes have been paid to a former Birmingham councillor. Mushtaq Rabbani, a Labour councillor between 1986 and 1990 and 1992 and 1996, was described as an intelligent and polite man and an astute politician. He leaves behind his widow and eight children.

FO diplomat visits Brum The Head of the Foreign Office, Simon Fraser, pictured, met with influential business leaders during his visit to the Midlands last Thursday. His whistle-stop tour began with breakfast with “honorary Indian” Neil Rami, Head of Business Birmingham followed by a visit to Jaguar Land Rover, Birmingham University and also met with local representatives of the Somali community. He then went to visit Reunite, a charity that helps victims of parental child abduction in Leicester.

In 2011, Birmingham attracted more inward investment than any other regional city in the UK, according to Business Birmingham, the city’s official inward investment programme, which also helped create 2,200 jobs.

Brum’s new Lord Mayor One of Birmingham’s longestserving councillors has been sworn in as the city’s 103rd Lord Mayor. Tory Councillor John Lines became Birmingham’s first citizen on the 30th anniversary of his election to the council in Bartley Green – the ward he still represents. Over the next 12 months he and his Lady Mayoress, his wife, Kathleen, pictured, will attend more than 1,000 engagements.

News in Brief Skeletons in the cupboard West Midlands Police have admitted keeping body parts from 40 murder victims without telling the families. Chiefs have now apologised and pledged to contact the relatives. Among samples retained, some dating back as far as 1960, were brains, hearts and limbs.

The grim discovery was made following an audit of all forces across the UK by the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Stop extremism, here’s £250k Birmingham has secured £250,000 government funding to help prevent city youngsters being tempted by extremist ideology and terrorism. A range of projects targeting young people who find radical ideas attractive are being set up and will be carried out by the council’s youth service, the youth offending service and mental health groups in Birmingham.

Half-term kids’ activities Young people in Sandwell are being encouraged to take part in a range of activity sessions during halfterm (4 – 8 June) at their local leisure centres. The list includes sports, coached activities, swimming lessons, fun pool sessions and holiday camps. For more information call 0845 659 4815 or visitwww.sltleisure.co.uk

Sounds for the Soul A round-the-clock spiritual festival will take place at the Shri Balaji Temple (B69 3DU) in Birmingham this weekend (2-3 June). The 24-hour Sounds for the Soul event, now in its 13th year, will feature mantra meditation with the accompaniment of music, ecstatic dancing, speeches, vegetarian feasts, discourses and much more. The festival has been organised by the Hare Krishna Movement. For more information contact Mohan Nandi on 07966 238376 or visitwww.iskconbirmingham.org

Adultery hotspots Solihull ranks top in a list of 10 places to cheat. The leafy borough has the highest membership of Undercover Lovers, a dating website for married people. Almost 2,000 bored husbands and wives in Solihull have signed up to stray. The bed-jumping hotspot is closely followed by Sutton Coldfield, Edgbaston, Stourbridge, Birmingham city centre, Halesowen and Alvechurch.

Care boss struck off Umma Raggoo, a care home boss, who encouraged mentally ill patients to fight has been struck off, reports the Sunday Mercury. Ms Raggoo, 60, hit patients at her Heritage Court Nursing Home in Lichfield, Staffordshire, poured hot tea on one man and locked residents outside if they were ‘too noisy’.

Ms Raggoo, pictured, has 28 days to appeal against her striking off order.

Booze study A study has shown that 27% of people drink more when the sun is shining. The research found that 54% of people drank because the evenings were lighter.

The warmer weather sees the country consume an extra 333 million pints of beer and 67 million more litres of wine.

39k suffer drink problem Still on booze, more than 39,000 Birmingham residents are drinking to dangerous levels, senior city officials have told MPs. And 22,000 are believed to be dependent on alcohol. In England, the government has proposed a minimum price of 40p per unit, which will, most likely, come into force in 2014.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

Leading Lights

by Rani Singh

Special Assignments Editor

The India Business Forum Committee The India Business Forum (IBF) is a student-run organisation at London Business School.

The IBF was founded in 2002 with the help of the Kunal Shah Nilav Bose Pradyumna late Prof Sumantra Mehdi Ayari Dalmia Ghoshal. It aims to further the role of India in the global business and academic community. Using London Business School as a platform, the IBF is where business leaders, leading academics, financiers, entrepreneurs and students meet to discuss issues concerning doing business in and with India and its overseas communities. Over the past 10 years, the core focus of the IBF has been an annual summit where the most dynamic thought leaders from India and Europe engage with a diverse audience on business trends and insights relating to India.

The IBF’s 2011-12 committee consists of four students from the MBA class of 2012; Nilav Bose, Mehdi Ayari, Pradyumna Dalmia and Kunal Shah. Prior to and during his MBA, Nilav was a bond analyst for BlackRock, based in New York and London. Nilav currently works in investment banking in London and he will continue in this role upon graduation.

Mehdi was a senior fixed income derivatives marketer covering the Middle East at BNP Paribas in London before joining the London Business School. Upon graduation, Mehdi will work in investment banking at Credit Suisse, advising financial institutions. Pradyumna is an entrepreneur who ran his family’s financial services business in India before starting his MBA. He has plans to expand the business, particularly in the areas of private banking, post-MBA. He is also exploring opportunities to set up new businesses. Before attending London Business School, Kunal worked at United Airlines in revenue management, sales, and distribution strategy. Kunal recently interned at Roland Berger Strategy Consultants in Dusseldorf and London. On graduation, he will return to the firm full-time.

Kunal and Pradyumna interviewed on behalf of the IBF Committee.

What made you choose the London Business School?

eventually declaring itself as a first-world, developed country.

Kunal – London Business School was the perfect fit for me! From a professional perspective, I had lived, worked and studied in the Asia and the US, but never in the UK. The School would give me the perfect opportunity to learn and work in Europe.

Additionally, the school’s international diversity, vast variety of clubs, organisations and distinct culture that is driven through forming strong relationships aligned with my personality and preferences.

Tell me more about the IBF.

Why did you join the IBF? Kunal – I joined the IBF so that I could play an integral part in strengthening the leading platform on which India’s economic progress is discussed and debated at London Business School. It is through forums such as the IBF, that current and future leaders have the opportunity to bring to light and brainstorm innovative ways in which the country can continue its strong march toward

Pradyumna – The 10th annual IBF Conference was organised by the India Business Forum executive committee and took place on 26 April 2012.

The theme for this year’s conference was “India and Africa: Getting Down to Business.”

The IBF is now one of the leading platforms for discussion and discourse on the Indian business environment in London In recent years, India has demonstrated remarkable agility and initiative in forging economic ties with African countries. While Indian leaders have traditionally encouraged political relationships, economic considerations will underpin Indian policy going forward. India is hoping that a combination of soft power, historic links, and a record of supporting African causes will facilitate closer economic ties in a manner that is also beneficial to the con-

tinent.

The conference focused on Indian corporate investments in Africa, trade and economic policies of its countries, challenges that investors face and resources that can be leveraged to surmount these challenges. The Forum also explored how London is well placed to facilitate this emerging partnership, given its traditional links to both India and Africa and extensive financial, legal and advisory expertise.

Doctor jailed for negligence A leading Yorkshire hospital doctor has been jailed for two years after admitting gross negligence over the death of a mother- oftwo – and later trying to cover up his failings, a national newspaper has reported.

Lisa Quinn, 37, died after three days of treatment for a kidney infection over a Bank Holiday weekend at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Leeds Crown Court was told Sudhanshu Garg, 44, (pictured) breached his duty of care in failing to investigate and recog-

nise the severity of her illness which was life-threatening without emergency treatment.

Robert Smith QC, prosecuting, said Mrs Quinn had been correctly

diagnosed with a kidney infection when she was seen in the hospital’s A&E on August 22, 2008.

But she suffered a series of failures in her care for which Garg, as the consultant urologist on call, was ultimately responsible and which led to her death.

In police interviews, he blamed junior doctors and nurses for not keeping him informed about Mrs Quinn’s deterioration. Mr Justice Globe QC said a custodial sentence was inevitable.

Boris puts ex wife on Muslim task force Mayor Boris Johnson has recently invited ex wife Allegra Mostyn Owen to become a member of City Hall’s Muslim Engagement Task Force. The invitation came hours after his winning as the Mayor

for the second time.

However it is interesting to note that while Boris’s wife is a Sikh herself, City Hall allegedly does not have a Hindu, Jain, Jewish or Sikh task force! Muslim community is getting a

chance to represent themselves widely in this country’s government bodies, as some sectors or faith groups do nothing about it. It will be great to hear from our readers what they have to say!

duction eehigh pro East & Kn rd o tf a tr yal S heatre Ro all nw s Wells, T A Sadler’ n with Hall for Cor atio n in associ

What is the future of the IBF? Kunal – The IBF is now one of the leading platforms for discussion and discourse on the Indian business environment in London. Our vision of the IBF’s future is two-fold. First, we hope to help to grow the annual India Business Forum flagship event in size, scope and visibility.

In addition, we aim to develop a strong platform through which we can facilitate the building of business relationships with those from the London corporate community who are interested in doing business in and with India.

9

until 23 June Book & Lyrics Tanika Gupta Music Niraj Chag Director Emma Rice

10

MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

Scrutator’s Market volatility continues to cast a shadow over the Indian economy, with the rupee hitting a new low to the US dollar.

There was much handwringing in ministerial circles as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh proclaimed that something had to be done to restore investor confidence. Congress President Sonia Gandhi stated that the government had two years to put things right with the public’s perception of “policy paralysis” before the next general election. Time to bite the bullet.

The bullet was duly bitten with the government announcing a 7.85 rupee hike per litre of petrol, making this the “sharpest hike ever,” to quote the Times of India’s front-page headline (May 24). However, the rates of diesel, LPG and kerosene were untouched (The Hindu May 24). Opposition parties, not unexpectedly, attacked the measure; significantly the government’s largest coalition partner, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, while in disapproval mode, pledged its continuing support to the Manmohan Singh ministry in Delhi.

The main Opposition party, the BJP, has called for a national strike on May 31 and the Communists have fixed June 7 as their day of reckoning, but chose not to wait for the starter’s pistol took to the streets of Kolkata in a competitive sport with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s ruling party. Such populist tactics may work up to a point with the Indian street, but its inconveniences are increasingly recognized across a broad spectrum of the population, especially the increasingly influential middle class.

India is an importer of hydrocarbons and this has to be paid for irrespective of who wields power. Balancing the budget and reducing the fiscal deficit to manageable proportions must surely be a national imperative. Early signs were that the market had reacted favourably to the petrol price rise, with the Sensex making up some of the lost ground of the previous week (The Telegraph May 25). Reserve Bank Governor D. Subbarao’s stated plan to pay for some of the nation’s oil imports in US dollars may also have a salutary effect, although this remains to be seen.

For all the media cacophony, India is neither Greece, nor Spain nor Portugal, nor the Eurozone generally. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the European crisis could derail the global economy, the consequences of which are too awful to contemplate. Yet paralytic Neros in Brussels and other European capitals fiddle, while Rome Athens and Madrid burn.

Sound platform The fundamentals of the Indian economy remain sound. Which is why the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has issued an optimistic forecast on India’s growth prospects, pegged at 7.8 per cent for 2013 (Times of India May 23) against the backdrop of a fragile and uneven global recovery. For keepers of India’s public purse, profligacy is no longer a realistic political option.

Tamil Nadu excels The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu is today an industrial powerhouse. Often described as the Detroit of India, it is the heart of the country’s automobile sector as well as being one of its foremost textile manufacturing hubs. It is also a major medical centre and is noted for its excellence in science and technology and mathematics.

Whether it be space satellites or rocket science or nuclear research the contributions of India’s southerners, especially

Minister’s assurance Addressing the Indian Economic Service, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said: “I have full faith in the resilience of the Indian economy and am sure that we will be able to overcome the current economic challenges successfully as we have done in the past, many times….” (The Hindu May 24). He referred also to the challenges India faced as a result of the Eurozone economic meltdown. But it hasn’t been all gloom and doom for India. For instance, the fourth quarter figures (ending March 2012) posted by the State Bank of India, the country’s largest lender, reported a net profit of Rs 4,050 crore, which is 200 times the sum for the same period of the previous year.

Profits turned because of the bank’s ability to raise low-cost deposits and its extraordinary provisions for bad loans (Times of India May 19).

vision of the future to 2023. It is well worth reading. Among Tamil Nadu’s notable achievements have been schemes of social uplift including hot meals for schoolchildren and free computers for every school in the state. Tamils are industrious and disciplined and it is hardly surprising that their state ranks third in India in GDP (Times of India May 16).

tious diseases and image-guided therapies as well as specialized nutrition, health and diseases.

In all these areas, we’ve seen fascinating developments….Dutch patients benefit from drugs made in India. And I’ve noticed India is aware of the necessity of good quality safe medicine. I’m convinced India and Europe will intensify their collaboration on this.”

Two Delhis meet

Visionary at work

“How the two Delhis have come closer” was the title of a fascinating feature in The Hindu (May 19). Its author Sohail Hashmi set the scene with these words: “There was a time, not so long ago, when most of those who lived in Delhi but outside the walled city of Shahjahan had a strange ambivalent attitude towards what many of them derisively called Delhi 6. Those that had grown up in the newly developed colonies of New Delhi that had come up in the aftermath of Partition shared the distrust of the Dilliwallah with our former colonial masters.” They rarely went there unless they had to; if they did it was mostly to buy glitzy wedding dresses or shop for electrical fittings for a new house.

To get there one had to surmount problems of transport.

What has helped bridge the divide between the two Delhis has been the arrival of the Delhi Metro, a truly world class facility that has reduced travel for time for the city’s masses. Their lives have been transformed, nowhere more than its linking two parts of the capital long divided by history and social circumstance.

The last word belongs to a long-time resident of the walled city: “We have captured India Gate. What joy, what a sense of pride and ownership.”

Al Jazeera, the Qatar-based TV network, produced a riveting documentary series – “Indian Hospital” - on the remarkable Bangalore-based heart surgeon Dr Devi Shetty and his hospital,

Innovator in health care delivery Edith Schippers, Dutch Minister of Health and Welfare was recently in India to intensify bilateral collaborative ventures in the fields of life sciences and

The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad with the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sports, Netherlands, Ms. Edith Schippers

the Tamil component, have been outstanding. They have done most to place India on the global map in these fields. So much for the broad canvas. After its first year in a new spell in office, Chief Minister Jayalalitha has spelt out her AIDMK party’s

health. She showed a keen interest in the booming sectors of Indian healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Interviewed by The Times of India (May 23), Ms Schippers said: “We are especially interested in areas like diagnostics imaging, vaccines, infec-

Devi Shetty

from where no prospective patient is turned away because of a shortage of funds. The care offered for almost every ailment and condition is of the highest quality, with Dr Shetty explaining his vision of affordable healthcare. It was an inspirational experience to hear him speak and to witness his life-enriching work.

had emerged to the fore of postSoviet Russian politics, he was giving a good deal of thought to the future of the Indo-Russian relationship which, during the swings and roundabouts of the Yeltsin years, had lost much of its former lustre. So writes Dadan Upadhyay in Russia India Report (a Moscow website) on May 14. The title of his absorbing piece, “Putin boost to IndoRussian defence ties,” tells of the Russian leader’s determination to restore his country’s close ties with India, to make it one of the principal cornerstones of Russia’s foreign policy in the new global order.

Recognizing that India and the former Soviet Union had a near unanimity of views on almost all major international issues, President Putin visited India in 2000 and helped institutionalize the yearly IndoRussian summit, alternating between New Delhi and Moscow. Dadan Upadhyay again: “As an architect of strategic partnership between India and Russia (and now) in his third term, Putin is keen to give a further boost to the militarytechnical cooperation” uniting Moscow and New Delhi. “This was evident from his campaign speeches during which he praised Russia’s closer ties with India than with any other country, including China.”

Mr Putin referred to the joint Indo-Russian project for the manufacture of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the only one of its type in the world, the ten-year lease to India of an advanced Russian Akula-II class “Nerpa” attack nuclear submarine, the joint multi-role trans-

Kissinger archive The latest tranche of US State Department documents for 1973 reveals that the President Putin and Prime Minister Manmohan Nixon administration’s National Singh who are to meet in New Delhi for the annual India-Russia summit later this year Security Advisor, Dr Henry port aircraft and the fifth-generKissinger, issued a minatory ation fighter plane.” The Indian warning to Soviet Foreign Navy has recently received a Minister Andrei Gromyko of a Russian-built frigate with two looming Indian assault on more to follow within a year.

Pakistan. The malevolent doctor Seventy per cent of India’s arms in 1971 (during the Indoimports are from Russia.

Pakistan war) had attempted to President Putin’s visit to cajole China to attack India and India later this year is awaited save their mutual client, the with keen anticipation. It should murderous military regime in elevate one of the most stable lslamabad. The credible Soviet relationships in the world to new warning (under the terms of heights.

Article 9 of the August 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship) checkmated any Postscript American-Chinese adventure on the Subcontinent.

Indira National Geographic Gandhi paid for the victory with Magazine’s film “Science Safari her life, but India’s triumph in India,” records Robert turned out to be a geostrategic Bryant’s journey to the coungame changer. try’s science and technology hotspots. This is now available on YouTube. It was an Putin and India enthralling experience for this columnist to see the film and its President Vladimir Putin knows wonderful commentary. his history, hence well before he

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

SARVAM

Official Charity for AAA 2012

Making a change at India's Grassroots

Community media that inspires community

Mr Vijay Poddar

In rural India while the number of children going to schools has increased tremendously, there’s still an older generation of people who have never been to school. This very experienced and wise generation holds in its hearts the desire to read and write and reach across the boundaries of caste, economy and religion. This generation silently holds within itself the dream to explore the identities it lost during this very rapid cultural transition and varied economic changes.

Thirty year old, Lakshmi is one among this generation.

She lives in the Backward Class area of Putturai, one of the villages SARVAM works with. She owns two cows and for few hours a day works at the local milk collection center and also works in the ‘Job Guarantee Scheme’ whenever, work is generated.

Her husband, Nataraj (39 years) works as a daily wager, daughter studies in 7th standard and son in 10th standard.

Lakshmi is a self-reliant women but she had one lacuna in life and i.e. she could not read and write.

She once said, “Whenever I was amidst people, I use to

feel left-out because I was illiterate.” Five years ago when SARVAM started a community newspaper, Gramam Pudiya Udayam, her family subscribed to it for twelve rupees a year.

But Lakshmi couldnot read it. She explains, “Whenever I use to see pictures on Pudiyam Udayam, I use to console myself that at least I can see the pictures. I use to feel good even if people mocked at me that you are illiterate and you are looking at the paper.”

Gramam Pudiya Udayam had become such a successful newspaper in the villages that people eagerly awaited its every monthly issue. All the content in the paper is by the

community and thus is of great interest to people.

Moreover what this simple four page monthly newspaper could do was even beyond the imagination of SARVAM’s team. It ushered in a fresh interest in the older generation to read and write and to think constructively. It gave the communities fragmented by caste and economic status, an interactive platform to communicate and collectively think.

Lakshmi’s example illustrates that. One day while she was longingly looking at Pudiya Udayam, her daughter, Kalpana, asked her, “If you wish so much to read and write, I’ll teach you.” From them on

Lakshmi and Kalpana regularly started to go to the fields to learn to read and write and today Lakshmi no longer feels left out. She says, “I have written a poem with the help of my daughter and I wish it to be published in Pudiya Udayam.”

Pudiya Udayam is the example of what a simple community ushered media platform can do to people within the community.

Gragam Pudiya Udayam has influenced many lives deeply and continues to do so. As 15 years old Vijayapriyadarshin, a student at SATYAM said, “My family did not know about my talents. When my paintings and poems were publishe in Pudiya Udayamd, my family and neighbors started seeing me differently.”

Should you wish to know more about Sarvam and their project, please speak to Mrs Shilpa Shah on 07404618633 (between 2pm and 6pm) or email on shilpa.sarvam@gmail.com.

They requires your help with their projects and should you wish to donate please make cheques payable to ‘THE SARVAM TRUST’ and send them to: The Sarvam Trust, UK. Asian Voice/ Gujarat Samachar Asian Business Publication Ltd, 12 Hoxton Market, London, N1 6HW If you would like to know more about SARVAM and their activities or would like to donate please speak to Mrs Shilpa Shah on 07404 618 933 (between 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m) or email on shilpa.sarvam@gmail.com Visit our website: www.aurosociety.org

on the Cauvery river.

Searchers were said to have found the men’s inflatable dinghy, which bore puncture marks consistent with a crocodile attack.

Mr Turton’s family has been told by Indian officials that his body has been found. The Foreign Office said that the local authorities were continuing to search the area.

Forest department

officials had reportedly spotted the men briefly on Saturday near a place called Galibore, beyond which the river is considered dangerous owing to its depth and strong currents. Police said the men did not have official permission to go river rafting in the area. The 497-mile long (800km) Cauvery River runs across three of the southern Indian states.

British businessman missing after crocodile attack in India One British businessman is dead and another is missing amid fears that they were attacked by a crocodile during a rafting trip in India.

Police have been searching a remote forest area near the city of Bangalore for Michael Easton, 60, and Ian Turton, 45, who were reported missing when they failed to return from the weekend excursion

Met Police launches operation to crack down on economic crime Police have launched an operation to crack down economic crime in London.

Operation Stimtone will target those involved in money laundering, identity fraud, handling stolen goods and conspiracy to defraud.

More than 900 officers will take part in 300 raids in all 32 London boroughs.

The Metropolitan Police said it was the biggest ever day of action it had organised focussed on economic crime, which it said costs London tens

of millions of pounds every year.

In the last year the Met has seized more than 15m in cash from more than 1,500 economic criminals.

The British Retail Consortium is advising the Met.

11

Shailesh Vara MP becomes first ethnic minority to speak from the Government despatch box Shailesh Vara, MP for North West Cambridgeshire, made history last week when he became the first Conservative ethnic minority MP to speak from the Government despatch box in the House of Commons. Mr Vara, who is a Minister and serves as a Government Whip, spoke during Justice Questions when the usual team of four Ministers were down to two Ministers.

The Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, the Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke QC MP was abroad in Russia while his deputy, the Rt Hon Nick Herbert MP was addressing an

important police conference. Mr Vara therefore stepped in to assist the two remaining Ministers, even though by convention Whips do not usually speak in the chamber of the House of Commons.

Mr Vara answered several questions on a variety of subjects from both Government and Opposition MP’s. During the hour long session, Mr Vara received a warm reception from fellow MP’s and was also complimented by the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP. Speaking afterwards, Mr Vara said “I was pleased to receive such a

Shailesh Vara

warm reception from both sides of the House. I was of course mindful of the significance of the occasion, but once the questions starting coming, clearly my attention was focused on them.”

India becomes biggest surrogacy destination for Briton using surrogate mothers in India. Women in India were being paid up to 6,000 pounds to donate eggs and carry babies, something British women are banned from doing, the report said and added that bankers, senior civil servants, executives at multinational companies and even National Health Service (NHS) doctors have become parents through surrogacy in India,

Britain is the single biggest source of clients for India’s booming 1.5 billion pounds surrogacy industry known as the ‘baby factory’, a media report said. The Sunday Telegraph reported that there were nearly 1,000 unregulated clinics in India, many specialising in helping Britons become parents.

Britons reportedly pay an average of 25,000 pounds for a child produced

according to British doctors. There was also concern at the toll that becoming parents can have on Britons, as they face long waits in India to gain citizenship and passports for their babies, the report said, and added that currently British authorities can take up to a month before granting British citizenship to the children and weeks more to issue passports

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12

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

FINANCE, BANKING & INSURANCE

Political, community leaders and business p The 12th Annual Finance, Banking and Insurance (FBI) 2012 magazine was launched on 24th May amidst pomp and glory at the House of Commons by the Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Chuka Umunna, MP. Dignitaries like Rt Hon Keith Vaz, MP, Chairman of Home Affairs Select Committee, Sailesh Vara MP, made their presence felt amongst businessmen, Asian community leaders and various dignitaries. or an event of this significance, the venue could not have been more majestic than the Member's Dinning Room at the House of Commons. Inspite of being a terribly hot day, the room with wooden walls, high rise ceiling and spectacular views of River Thames were enjoyed by all. The guests were personally welcomed by CB Patel, Publisher/Editor, George, Chief Operating Officer and his colleagues at Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar.

Canapes and drinks made the rounds and were enjoyed by all present.

The room was packed by 7pm when the proceed-

F

someone who knows the value of ethnic community. In my opinion he has the X-factor. He is a main stream politician and everything he does, he does for you."

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar newsweeklies with 200,000 readership or more and a circulation of over 30,000 is celebrating its 40th year this year. As the evening unfolded, raffle tickets were sold at ÂŁ1 each to raise fund for the Silver Star Charity, that does a significant work for diabetes awareness and is supported by Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, megastar Amitabh Bachchan and former Miss

Shiyolina Anand of ABPL garlanding Chief Guest Chuka Umunna

ings of the event began.

Rakesh Shah, the compere for the evening formally welcomed all invited and then introduced the host for the evening- one of the most recognisable faces in the crowd- Rt Hon Keith Vaz. Rakesh trades currencies commodities and equities at Kingly Capital.

He is an advisor for High net worth investors and institutions at Sun Global Investments and has worked at a number of investment banks in London and New York.

Mr Vaz said, "I have known CB for 28 years. I am celebrating my 25th year this year in the Parliament, while CB Patel has been supporting the community in good and bad times for 40 years as the Editor of these r e m a r k a b l e newspaper...Every year we have a member of Parliament as the Chief Guest. I am really privileged to have someone like Chuka Umunna as the Chief Guest this year. I have known Chuka for many years, when he was a young lawyer and he is

Universe and well known actress Sushmita Sen. CB Patel, spoke about the meaning of the word Chuka and Umunna in different languages. And spoke about his days in Africa. He added, "I am so glad you all are here. Keith was very modest about me. He has been very consistent with our paper and I believe nobody is considered as more powerful than him as an MP. Keithyou are not only a nationalist Member of Parliament but you are representing people from all over the world."

After garlanding Chuka by the Special Project Coordinator, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar Shiyolina Anand, the FBI magazine was launched formally by the Chief Guest, CB Patel and Rt Hon Keith Vaz. Chuka said, "In 1987 on the day of election results, I woke up and asked my mother has Neil Kinnock became the PM? She said "no". But she also added- "actually 4 Black and Asian members have been elected". I feel incredibly privileged to be invit-

CB Patel - Publisher/Editor - Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar, The Chief Guest Chuka Umunna, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Milind Kangle, Chief Executive, Lyca Mobile, Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP and Rakesh Shah, trades currencies commodities & equities at Kingly Capital, jointly releasing the Finance, Banking and Insurance magazine

ed here and I am extremely conscious and can never forget that I stand on the shoulders of members like Paul Boateng, Diane Abbott, Keith Vaz, Bernie Grant.

In terms of political representation, people who like you and me must celebrate the increasing membership in the Parliament from 15 to 27 in general election, but we should not be complacent.

The beauty of these number is that each and everyone became a Member of

so fast, the recovery that was coming through the government has fallen, the orders have now dried up and it has precipitated the problems. Where we have a consensus is that government does not have resources to create huge stimulus. It is the private sector that can help us to stimuli the economy. It's you who came to this country with a suitcase.

The country wwas not as tolerant in 1950s and 60s, and they worked their way up like my father and did

Chuka Umunna, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP giving his speech

Rakesh Shah, trades currencies commodities & equities at Kingly Capital

L George, Chief Operating Officer, ABPL Group

Parliament despite of what they look like- the fact that we have more representation is a bonus.

What you do is incredibly important to our economy. There is a disagreement between two main parties in the House of Commons, on how we should be dealing with the current economy. The recession now is worse than the one before. The first recession had no growth and its going further down- which is deeply shocking.The government has cut deficit so far and

well business. This is your story of entrepreneurship.

We have a constitutional duty to hold the government responsible.

Your paper has a line on the front page that saysmay noble thoughts come to us from every side, and seriously the government needs it. Please keep feeding us your views and tell us about problems that you face, which we can take to the government as a member of the Opposition.

Some problems that I have come across are like

denied access to funds by banks, even if the businesses are successful and profitable, or if you already have a borrowing facility, suddenly being withdrawn without no notice whatsoever. This is what we are pursuing with banks. Please tell us your experiences.

Younger generations are technologically advance, irony is their basic skills like phone manner etc are very poor.

We need to focus on higher education and those

Milind Kangle, Chief Executive, Lyca Mobile

technical location and engineering skills.

Another thing is regulation issues like employment regulation. I don't think you need to strip away someone's right to work. You actually need to let people understand what they need to do without any help, how to comply- you must reduce the regulatory burden. You don't want reduced quality but quantity regulation.

There are lots of issues like procurement. If you come from the family without business experience or background, there is no support to help you through it. Obviously challenges faced now is different from that of the recession in 1997. We are in a much competitive environment, we have challenges and competition from emerging economiesespecially the BRIC economies. The way people in the UK tell the story is like such emergence is bad for the UK. It's actually the opposite. We must celebrate that in India and China, millions are now lifted out of poverty due to

this emergence.

There is a huge opportunity for the UK, especially because of our link with with those economies, and large diaspora linked with that market. In those economies we can now see the growth of middle class. A whole new demand is going to be coming our way from there and our job is to help you set up your business to cope with that demand, to create jobs and better opportunities. We should be confident and positive about the future. Our job is to think positive, energise and encourage you and I am glad and honoured to speak at this event."

Followed by Chuka's inspiring speech, Milind Kangle, CEO of Lyca Mobile, the proud sponsor of FBI magazine said, “This is my second year in a row and I am so proud and delighted to sponsor CB. Patel and the ABPL group's 12th Edition of the FBI magazine. We have all heard of the difficult challenges Britain and the world economy is faces today. Earlier this week we heard from Christine Lagarde at the IMF on the progress that we have made on reducing the deficit yet sounding a caution on the growth of the economy, the economy had entered a recession and the country and its politicians are faced with difficult choices ranging from interest rate cuts, pumping more money into the economy, to lowering tax rates. When we were here last year we also had difficult choices to make, when I reflect back I was here at the same time, Lycamobile was in 10 countries only. I am excited to announce we have expanded our footprint from 10 countries to 14, launching in Germany, France, Ireland and Poland. I am delighted that we have grown employment not only in Britain but globally to over 4000 staff members. We have doubled the amount of staff members in the UK to nearly 1000 employees in last 12 months.

Secondly, this time last year I said Every 5 seconds a new customer joined the growing Lycamobile family and today I am delighted to announce that Every 4 seconds a new customer joins the Lycamobile family. This success we have had is down to the vision on our Chairman Subaskaran Allirajah and the hard work, commitment and enterprise of our 4000 employees in the 19 countries where the group has operations.

This success is the results of the choices that Continued on page 14

FINANCE, BANKING & INSURANCE

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

13

owerhouses launch the 12th FBI magazine

Renjith Kalappurackal (SBI) Siraj Dean (Dean Brothers), Dina Bhudia (P2M Assets)

Dhaval Gore and Inga Nikolajeva of Rational FX

Prem Sivasamy, Group Chief Operating Officer, Subaskaran Allirajah Chairman of Lycamobile, Milind Kangle, Group Chief Executive Officer

Martina Moh and Saklian Gilani from World Remit

Vivekanand Jaganathan, Silk Route Legal, M Vasantha Krishna, CEO, New India Assurance, Rupanjana Dutta, ABPL, Deepa Sugathan, Silk Route Legal, Ramakant Agrawal, New India Assurance, Mathew Philip, Silk Route Legal

Geoffrey Hoodless, Share Republic, Tony De Nazareth, Ninety Ten, Nadeem Akhtar, Silk Route Legal and Vola Parker, Share Republic

(L to R)Gurpreet Singh - Express Money Services Ltd, Amit Jajodia - Telpack Ltd, Nihir Shah - ABPL, C.B.Patel ABPL, Suraj Sinh - Reliance Home Improvement, Dipen Shah - UAE Exchange Ltd

Sarbjit Singh Gupta - Duncun Lewis Solicitors, Vasanti S. Patel & Miloni M Virani - John Cumming Ross Ltd, Rashmi Oza - Westfield Ltd, Jasmina M Virani, C.B. Patel ABPL Pratima B Patel, B.B.Patel - John Cumming Ross Ltd, Bharat Oza - Westfield Ltd

Jay Vadher - Jay Vadher & Co Solicitors, Shailesh Vara MP, Suresh Pandya - Anita Impex, Sanjay Morzaria of SNR Denton LLP

Nilesh Pindoria - Infinity Property Solutions, Vijay Chandras - Mark and Co Solicitors, Alka Shah Business Manager ABPL Group, Kamlesh Padhra - Infinity Property Solutions, Satish Patel - Infinity Property Solutions

Simon Keiro-Watson From GXG Markets, Todor Todorov Proventus Renewables PLC, Andrew Myles - Vintage Wine Investors, Rt Hon Keith Vaz, L George - ABPL, Albene Mendy - WIlliam Albert Securities Ltd, Liam McGrattan Proventus Renewables PLC ,Samrat Bhandari William Albert Securities Ltd

Rashmi Maru - Century Partners, Kishor Ruparelia - PLR Group, Reena Gokani - Darlingtons, Abhishek Sachdev Vendanta Hedging, Vijay Parikh - Harold Benjamin

Dak Patel of London SAM, Harshad Kothari of SAS consultancy, Mukesh Mamtora of Forum Insurance

Mr & Mrs Mansoor Popat of Edenplaza, Mansukh Morjaria

Kishor Ruparelia, PLR Group, Rashmi Maru, RJM group. Suresh Pandya, Anita Impex, Sanjay upadhyaya, Ramprate Limited

Directors and guests of Prideview Management and Bircroft Insurance Services Ltd, Priyen Patel, Jaymini Ghelani, Jesal Patel, Simon Bird, Ian Less, Suresh Pandya, Veeral Sangrajka, Anjali Patel, Vishal Patel, Nilesh Patel, Kishore Parmar, Advertising Manager of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar

FINANCE, BANKING & INSURANCE

14

Subash Thakar - Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Manoj Ladwa and Shamima of MLS Solicitors

Rahul Dixit and Dharmesh Doshi of Asset India

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

LYCA GROUP

In association with

Shailesh Vara, MP with CB Patel

Sewa day resigns from UK govt’s AYOS initiative Unfortunately, no matter how tough or regrettable the consequences, there are those moments in life when one has to uphold one’s principles. Sewa Day is staring at one such moment.

As you all know, they were asked to take part in “A Year of Service”(AYOS) – a UK Government backed initiative to bring communities together to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

However, due to concerns about the financial governance of AYOS, they have decided to step away from our involvement in this project.

As Chairman Arup Ganguly mentions on the website, “to cut a long story short, Sewa Day recently discovered (inadvertently I might add) that the Government has awarded the lead member of the AYOS committee (Mitzvah Day) a sum of 65,000.

Repeated requests by Sewa Day for clarity on the application of these funds have met nothing but a stone wall. Given our own commitment to transparency, we find this unacceptable.

As a registered UK charity, we have a responsibility to our stakeholders (primarily you), to maintain the highest standards of corporate governance...

So, as a member of the AYOS Reference Group, we felt we had every right to ask how the afore-mentioned

65,000 was going to be applied. While we were confident that the monies had been awarded for bona fide reasons, we felt duty bound to follow due process.

We asked the organisers and the Dept. for Communities & Local Govt. the following simple (and reasonable) questions: * Who is in control of applying the funds? * What is the rough breakdown of the intended fund application? Is there a budget projection for AYOS? * Can AYOS Group members apply for any of the funds towards their own reasonable AYOS related expenses? (So far, no funding has been offered to group members) * What will be done with residual funds once AYOS is complete?

We submitted these questions in March and have to date (almost 3 months on) received zero response... 65,000 seems an overly generous amount of funding given the scope of the project – especially given that all of the AYOS group members are funding their own AYOS activities, it’s puzzling that the Government has allocated such a large amount of taxpayer money to the project organiser. Indeed, we organise Sewa Day for a fraction of the cost.

The current climate of economic austerity adds another level of discomfort...”

Photo Courtesy: Raj Bakrania

UK Readers invited for book launch Vadodara-based Darshak Itihaas Nidhi has published an interesting book showcasing the relations of Gujarat with the sea.

The 650-page book “Gujarat & The Sea” has been edited by Sushri Lotika Vardaraj. It will be launched in London’s famous Nehru Centre on 13th June, Wednesday, at 6 p.m. All of you are cordially invited to attend this function. The invitation has been extended by Prof Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Hasmukh Shah, Chairman, Darshak Itihaas Nidhi, and C B Patel, our Publisher/Editor. Three

British scholars will grace the occasion and Lord Bhikhu Parekh will be the Chief Guest.

This book is highly informative. Anyone who wishes to attend this function is required to register themselves through mail/phone at our office.

Entry is free and you will get a perfect chance to have a glance at the history and culture of Gujarat.

For queries please contact: Kamal Rao at 020 7749 4001 kamal.rao@abplgroup.co mor Rovin George at 020 7749 4097 rovin.george@abplgroup.c om

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee calls for celebration all over the UK Marking 60 years of The Queen’s reign, the Diamond Jubilee celebrations will centre around an extended weekend on 2, 3, 4 and 5 June.

The Queen came to the throne on 6 February 1952 and her coronation took place on 2 June 1953. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee (25 years) in 1977 and her Golden Jubilee (50 years) in 2002.

Communities especially the Asians all around the country will be celebrating over an extended bank holiday weekend, and there will be many ways to get involved in local events.

On Saturday 2nd June, The Queen will attend the Epsom Derby.

On Sunday 3rd June, the fourth annual Big Lunch will take place - so anyone who wants to celebrate the Jubilee can do so

by holding a Big Jubilee Lunch (see coming events on page 30).

Also up to a thousand boats will muster on the river on Sunday as the Queen prepares to lead one of the largest flotillas ever seen on the River Thames.

Tickets are still available for the Diamond Jubilee festival in London’s Battersea Park, which will offer a great vantage point to view the pageant. Members of the public will also be able to watch the pageant on a number of big screens.

Organised by the BBC, the concert will be attended on Monday 4 June by The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the Royal Family.

Thousands of beacons will be lit around the world on the same day to commemorate The Queen’s 60 year reign over the UK and as

Darshan Roy – Zoom Finance Ltd,, Raahil Dhruva – Marcus Quay Ltd, Alpa Dhruva – Royal Mail Plc, Jyotsnaben Shah ABPL, Bhavini Kalaria - The London Law Practice, CB Patel, Kiran Patel - Weston Kay Chartered Accountants

Continued from page 12 we have made, consciously sacrificing our margins for growth, offering better value and better deals to our consumer helping them stretch their budgets in these difficult economic times we are facing.

I am proud of our success at the same time; I give a word of caution to all of us. We have entered into recession for the second time now and we have to work harder. We have set a new vision, we will invest in innovation in the financial services industry, introduce Lycamobile to the newer markets and continue to make investment decisions and sacrifice our margins for economic growth.

Lycamoney, our new prepaid MasterCard product was launched last year and we're investing very heavily in that sector. I am very pleased with the initial success - we have listened to our customers who have asked for simple products.

We have empowered our customers to manage their monthly financial budget, by providing easy and secure internet transactions helping them to send money back home to their near and dear ones at most affordable prices.

There is a lot of doom and gloom but for all of us especially British Asians and the community here being proud of being British and Indian, our spirit of hardwork, assis-

tance and perseverance will truly shine out, let’s unite and keep working hard.

At Lycamobile we will also do the same, to take Britain to the next year and contribute even more to the economy. We have fantastic celebrations ahead of us; with Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, let's celebrate this marvellous occasion, we also have the Olympics to look forward to and the Right Honourable MP, Keith Vaz's 25th anniversary celebrations. Keith you have done us proud and are an inspiration to all of us.

Thank you for your support and good luck everybody..."

Shailesh Vara, Conservative MP also joined the celebration on the dias. The winner of the raffle ticket was Swati Shah, who received a bottle of whisky signed by Chuka Umunna. The event came to an end with a vote of thanks from George, the Chief Operating Officer, Asian Voice, acknowledging ministers, guests, AV/GS staff and lastly but most importantly CB Patel for pushing boundaries.

George also announced that the 12th Asian Achievers Awards will be held on 14th September at Grosvenor House Hotel and urged present guests to nominate people under various categories.

head of the Commonwealth.

On June 5th, the Queen and other members of the Royal Family will attend a national service of thanksgiving at St.Paul’s Cathedral.

Later in the day, the Royal Family will travel from Westminster Hall to

Buckingham Palace by carriage, along a processional route. Shortly after their arrival, the Royal family will appear on the balcony and an RAF fly-past will take place.

Events will be shown on big screens in Hyde Park, St James’s Park and Trafalgar Square

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

Gujarat to Globe Meera Ashish As I approached the Globe five minutes before the play, I overheard one lady say in Gujarati to another, “See, we aren’t late,” as they paced to the theatre.

Shakespeare’s Globe theatre is probably the most unlikely of places to find a predominantly Gujarati audience. On Wednesday afternoon, however, it was as difficult to miss the sea of Indian faces at the Globe as it was to miss the sudden burst of British summer sun in London. It was, after all, the first time a Gujarati, or for that matter Indian, adaptation of a Shakespeare play by Sunil Shanbab, All’s Well That Ends Well, was being performed at this remarkable London landmark venue.

If it was peculiar in the first scene to hear Gujarati dialogues and folk songs on this historical stage, it felt so natural by the second act that it seemed as though the production was perfectly designed for the Globe. The sacred Tulsi plant positioned at the centre of the stage, coupled with the live traditional music consisting of the harmonium, tabla and dholak to the left, instantaneously transformed the ornate Elizabethan stage into the courtyard of a wealthy merchant's Haveli in rural Gujarat, a display of this marriage of Shakespearean theatre with Gujarati folk music and culture.

What took me by surprise from the moment the first character, the affable Laafabhai (Archan Trivedi) entered the stage sporting a traditional Kathiawadi colourful turban was the names of the characters. Though I have never read or studied All’s Well That Ends Well and therefore don’t know the characters as I would in some of my favourite Shakespeare plays, I had to do a double take when I heard the Gujarati names Heli (Manasi Parekh), Bharatram (Chirag Vora) and Gokuldas Gandhi (Utkarsh Mazumdar).

A quick search on Google (due to the brightness of this open air theatre, I had thought checking phones was allowed – I soon realised I was wrong) was all it took to learn that in this particular adaptation, called Sau Saaru Jenu Chevat Saaru, scriptwriter Mihir Bhutta has replaced Helena with Heli (a centuries old name that perfectly suits the 1920s era in which this play is set), Count Bertram with Bharatram, and the village they all hail from, Roussillon, with a fictional village in Gujarat called Rasoli – so obvious and yet uncanny. But it is not just the names that have been adapted; the entire plot has been cleverly altered to suit the time, era and the

captive audience.

Rather than the French battlefield where Bertram's valour is tested in Shakespeare’s original play, in the Gujarati version, Bharatram’s business acumen is put to test in the overseas opium trade.

The play moves between Rasoli, Mumbai and Rangoon, then a coveted trading post in Burma. The period in which this play is set, in the tradition of the popular Gujarati theatre of the early and mid-20th century known as Bhangwadi theatre, is splendidly portrayed through the period costumes designed by Maxima Basu, from the

was most wonderful to see the authenticity of Saurashtra and the Kathiawad region come alive so beautifully in this “temple of theatre and Shakespeare” as the Globe’s artistic director Dominic Dromgoole said at the launch of the Globe to Globe festival. The festival, which began on 21st April, celebrates the World Shakespeare Festival by staging Shakespearean plays in 37 languages.

Perched right at the top of the Globe, my aerial view of the theatre allowed me to not only see the way the costumes and characters came together on stage from a distance but

Manasi Parekh

not-so-ornate traditional outfits for Heli and Bharatram's wedding, to the understated cream and gold sari worn by the matriarchal Meenal Patel as Kunti, which reflects her aristocracy even as she enters the stage. And as the first and the only traditional Gujarati wedding scene to have been enacted in this historical theatre, it summoned an instant applause and, I’m sure, a few tears.

The live folk singing the versatile voice of Manasi Parekh who plays the part of Heli so incredibly well, and the innate folklore of Archan Trivedi as the jovial narrator Laffabhai – was used in place of Shakespearean soliloquies and brought alive the timeless and ageold flavours of rural Gujarat.

Peppered throughout with humour, the scene which generated the most energy and laughter was the minute that encapsulated the fifteen days of cure as Heli fed Gokuldas Sawaram Bhatia what must have been fifteen pills as he circled around the Tulsi, assisted by his servant Pandurang (the entertaining Ajay Jairam), after which he was suddenly a normal man no longer frail and suffering from tuberculosis. Sarchit Puranik served well in being both irritable and entertaining as Parbat Maharaj, and Nishi Doshi as the beautiful Alkini from Burma added humour with the excessive intensity of Eastern dance movements.

I can’t say that I have seen many contemporary Gujarati plays and therefore cannot compare, but it

also gave me a chance to notice the expressions of delight, pride and nostalgia on the faces of the predominantly British Gujarati audience and of wonder and laughter on others who could only follow the plot from the summaries being updated on the electronic boards placed on either side of the stage. However, the parts were acted out so well that even those who did not understand a word of Gujarati (of which there were many) could latch onto the insertions of humour, cadences of tone or sudden sadness often reflected through the live music - Vinod Padge's harmonium, Sada Mulik's dholak and Jayesh Dhargalkar's tabla proving yet again the power of music and melody.

When the play came to its happy ending marked by the beautifully choreographed theme song and the reunification of Heli and Bharatram, the sun was still beaming down in full glory and the entire audience arose as they applauded the cast. The play had transported many of these Gujaratis to a bygone era, their sheer joy evident through tears as they left the theatre and mingled with excitement outside. I might not have been taken on a trip down memory lane, but the perfectness and ease of it all left me dazed and dazzled… not to mention the fact that I understood most of it.

Meera Ashish is a columnist & author living in Dubai, Uganda and London.

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“All’s Well that Ends Well” (Arpana) at Shakespeare’s Globe: History in the making!

Ramesh Vala OBE The Cultural Olympics have well and truly started and history was made on 23rd and 24th May when Shakespeare’s “All’s Well that Ends Well” was performed in Gujarati at the open air Globe Theatre on London’s Southbank. The original play was heavily cut, especially in the second half in Sunil Shanbab’s Globe to Globe production.

As students of English literature will appreciate, the Indian class system lends itself particularly well to direct translation when adopting classical English text that deals with the class system and social hierarchies, be it Shakespeare or Austen.

The play being in Gujarati, songs made up a substantial proportion of the performance and were well received by the audience. Laffabhai (Lafew in the English original) assumed the role of the narrator and introduced characters to characters and actors to audience generating connection and making the story move forward. He also set the musical tone accompanied by three onstage musicians. Outstanding were Helli’s (Helena in the original) frequent solos as she sang of her love for

Bharatram. Helli’s role was played with delicate poise by Manasi Parekh.

The outstanding character though was Utkarsh Mazumdar’s role as Gokuldas Sawaram Bhatia. His commanding presence matched by his voice and his ability to seek out the truth endeared him to the audience.

The real shame was that although both shows in Gujarati were sold out through the sponsors, there were, as always with corporate marketing, empty seats. For those who were unfortunate enough to miss out, a visit to Mumbai in the near future may reward them with the opportunity to see this play which is running out to sold out performances.

It is a tribute to the host community that with

so many of Shakespeare’s plays translated in different languages for the Globe to Globe festival, the host community has made the minority communities feel ‘inclusive’ in this very special year.

For those of us who are part of the minority communities, it is time to say thank you to an extremely tolerant host community which has made us feel at home and embraced various aspects of our culture. More is to come in this special year and, if the economy improves, all may be well (again).

(While Meera Ashish’s piece is from a young British Indians point of view, this piece by Ramesh Vala above is more from an international point of view)

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Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

Name change for Sunaina's film

Rasu Madhuravan directed “Mike Set Pandi,” which has Sabarish and Sunaina in lead roles, has undergone a name change. The movie will henceforth be known as “Pandi Oli Perukki Nilayam.” According to sources, the decision has been taken to make the film eligible to get tax exemption from the State government. "But for the earlier title which had some English words, the film glorifies Tamil tradition," sources close to the unit say. Karunas, Singam Puli, Vatsan CR and 'Ganja' Karuppu among others are doing important roles in this film. Interestingly, though the title has been changed, the sub-title of the movie will be “Urimaiyalar: Mike Set Pandi.”

Rahman's sister to compose music for Malayalam film Oscar winning composer A R Rahman's sister A R Reihana will score the music for Malayalam movie “Manjotile Veedu” directed by Sukumaran. Reihana, who has composed music and sung for some Tamil films, told reporters that she is very fond of Malayalam language as she had spent her childhood in Kerala. Reihana's father R K Shekar was a Malayalam music director. "Music is a passion for me. I love to sing anywhere," said Reihana.

Nayantara seems to be the media's favorite child. The latest is that she is sharing a close relationship with Arya, and was given ‘special importance’ at the ‘Naan Kadavul’ actor's house warming ceremony a few weeks ago which became the hottest topic in tinsel town but the duo gave a deaf ear to the talk.

Finally reacting to this, Arya says, "As many as 10 actors and 10 filmmakers attended the function and Nayantara was also there. But Nayan's presence has become the news.

Both of us were laughing about it." On the actress being welcomed to the function with a huge cake that read 'Welcome Back Nayantara', Arya says, "She was little upset at that time.

So I wanted to cheer her up and ordered the cake."

Hot Garam masala No bikini or intimate scene for Sonakshi Sinha When many an actresses have no inhibitions shedding clothes and exposing on-screen, Sonakshi Sinha has her reservations donning a bikini or doing intimate scenes. "I am not open to don a Bikini or doing intimate scenes," declares Sonakshi. On asking about her apprehensions, Sonakshi replies, "I have been brought up in a certain way. I have certain restrictions that I follow. I don't really feel to change it because if the audience has accepted me fully clothed why would I resort to." When cited an example of Vidya Balan's bold portrayal in “The Dirty Picture,” Sonakshi admits she has no audacity to pull off such kind of role.

Konkona-Ranvir marriage hit the rocks?

The buzz in the B-town is that Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranvir Shorey's two-year-old marriage may have hit a rocky patch. While there have been whispers doing the rounds, what may have added fuel to the speculations is the couple's recent appearance at the screening for “Arjun.” According to eye-witnesses, Ranvir arrived early and took his seat in the auditorium. Konkona arrived a little later, but instead of joining her husband, chose to sit seven rows away from him. The couple did not even acknowledge each other or share pleasantries during the intermission.

In fact, after the show was over, Konkona and Ranvir left separately in their own vehicles.

Hrithik Roshan in dilemma over TV show When Hrithik Roshan made his television debut last year, the dance show he featured on registered among the highest TRPs. Now, the actor has been approached for a second season of the show.

However, the actor is yet to decide, despite being offered more money. Reason: He’s focusing all his attention on his upcoming superhero film. A source close to Roshan said that the channel was keen to retain the star judge for the new season, slated to start sometime in the first half of 2013. The fees being offered to the star was also higher than before.

Apparently the actor, who was paid about Rs 17.5 million per episode, is being offered over Rs 20 million this time. However, he hasn’t decided on it yet.

Aishwarya dazzles at Cannes red carpet in saree

Arya denies affair with Nayantara

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who has been at the receiving end of critics for her post baby weight gain, lived up to her 'Most Beautiful Woman' title with her graceful appearance at the Cannes red carpet in a cream and gold saree.

The actress was spotted wearing a grey and white maxidress by Australian designer Angelo Katsapis earlier in the day but later opted for the cream colour saree with a golden embroidered full-sleeved blouse by Indian designer Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla for AmfAR Cinema Against Aids gala.

With her hair piled high and adorned with a gold band, the actress kept her make-up minimum. This is the 38-year-old's 11th year at Cannes as a L'Oreal brand ambassador, and her first red carpet outing since the birth of daughter Aaradhya last November.

Her Cannes wardrobe was kept a closely guarded secret and it was reported recently that she would be wearing Indian outfits instead of the usual haute couture gowns she sports every year.

Her post-pregnancy weight gain had attracted criticism, so there was much curiosity about her appearance at this year's Cannes.

Akshay to be brand ambassador of Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has been signed as the new face of Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) for five years, which will fetch him Rs 500 million. The signing of the deal was announced at a special press meet to launch HMSI’s motorcycle Honda Dream Yuga 110.

Speaking about his new role, Akshay Kumar said: “Honda is the world’s number one motorcycle maker.

I am deeply impressed

by Honda’s vision and proud to associate with this young and vibrant

brand that is innovative, technologically advanced and committed to society.”

A Honda spokesperson said: “With over 100 films to his credit and a repertoire from action films to family shows, Akshay has amassed a mass following across the length and breadth of India.

Honda’s association with Akshay Kumar will be symbiotic as both are driven by ‘the power of dreams’.

Kareena to do item number for ‘Rowdy Rathore’ Kareena Kapoor who's reportedly doing an item number in Akshay-Sonakshi's “Rowdy Rathore” looks glamorous in a black outfit. The actor did the number as a friendly gesture for producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-producer Shabinaa Khan. Shabinaa is Kareena's friend since the time she was dating Shahid Kapoor. “Rowdy Rathore” is directed

by Prabhu Deva. The film features Akshay Kumar in double role opposite Sonakshi Sinha. The film is a remake of Telugu super hit film “Vikramarkudu.” The story is about Shiva (Akshay Kumar), a small conman who charms every ladies heart in a blink. Shiva falls in love with Priya (Sonakshi Sinha), a pretty girl whom he met at a wedding he wasn’t invited to. Into this picture perfect world enters six year old Neha who inexplicably believes Shiva to be her father.

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Preity Zinta scouting for young actress Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, who is currently starring in her debut production "Ishkq In Paris", is looking for a girl to play her younger version in the film.

The 37-year-old actress has launched her search on twitter, asking her followers on the micro-blogging site to email photos of pretty girls between the age of four and seven who can play a young Preity.

"My casting agents are looking for a 4-7 year old girl who has one dimple on her right cheek and can play a younger me for my film Ishkq In Paris.

"So difficult to find a little girl who looks like me thanks to the dimple on my right cheek... Going crazy with that casting!

"If any one genuinely knows of any little girls that can play mini me (my younger role) pls send photos to ishqinparis.casting@gmail.com (sic)," Preity tweeted.

"Ishkq in Paris" is a romantic comedy directed by Prem Soni. An Indo-French collaboration, the film has Preity portraying a half-Indian half-French Parisian woman.

SRK presents his Heroes on the BBC Asian Network For the first time, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan will present his radio shows exclusively on the BBC Asian Network. The 30 minute shows titled “Shah Rukh Khan’s Heroes” will be part of the station’s ‘Summer with the Stars’ campaign.

The shows will be broadcast from 28th May to 1st June from 7pm onwards.

During the shows, the star shares previously untold stories and pays tribute to those who have influenced and inspired him the most. He also delves into his favourite songs, revealing why he connects them to his five inspirations.

In part one, Shah Rukh pays homage to his father as the “most important hero of my life.”

Named as one of the youngest freedom fighters of India, Taj Mohammed Khan, from Peshawar, played an integral part in Shah Rukh’s life, till he died of throat cancer when Shah Rukh was just 15 years old. “My Name Is Khan” star credits his father as the reason for him becoming an actor, explaining how he drew similarities between him and his brother, labelling them both as “artists.”

The second episode focuses on one of the greatest field hockey players of all time, Dhyan Chand. The actor reveals how he has learnt from Dhyan’s accomplishments saying “success is not something that can be passed on. The most successful people perhaps will never be able to teach their children or their colleagues, to be as suc-

cessful as they were.”

The highlight of the third show will be Bollywood’s most popular icons, Amitabh Bachchan. He has acted in hundreds of films during a career that has spanned more than four decades and he is now regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors in the history of Indian cinema. Shah Rukh describes him as “a hero to millions and billions” and states that one of his personal achievements was when he “was able to stand in the same frame (as Amitabh), breathe the same air and that I got to work with him.”

In part four, the actor credits the actresses who have starred alongside him over the last 20 years. He says he is lucky to have worked with three generations of leading ladies, labelling it as “a great learning experience” and declaring that the “heroines have made me the star that I am.”

In the final part, he dedicates his last Hero slot to the “ordinary man – a man who is normal, like you and I.” He talks about his faith in God and religion and how he truly believes himself to be an ordinary man – doing things exactly like

No more acting, says Farah Khan Wearing four hats is a tough task, says Farah Khan who started her career in Bollywood as a choreographer, then turned director and producer and is now acting in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's production “Shirin Farhad Ki Nikal Padi.”

"I should get a crown now. I have four cards in the film federation - one each for choreographer, director, producer and now actor," says Farah jokingly.

Are you upbeat about your acting debut? Can we hope to see you in more films? “Acting was a one off experiment for me. I am not a trained actor and I have no plans to continue as an actor. It's a very nice script about two people and it suited my age.

There's lot of physical comedy in it,” she said.

other normal men. He said that ordinary men are heroes because they enjoy life despite a number of issues confronting them. He says “it’s not the cost of the shirt or jacket that you wear; it’s just how much you enjoy wearing it.”

In addition to this, he will also present The Shah Rukh Khan Show with the help of BBC Asian Network Breakfast Show presenter Tommy Sandhu on the 20th June. Bringing him directly to Asian Network listeners, there will be an opportunity to meet the star whilst he is in the studio through an exclusive competition (details will be announced over the coming weeks).

This special series is part of a selection of exclusive content from some of the world’s biggest Asian stars. From May to September, the BBC Asian Network is presenting a range of programmes as part of its Summer with the Stars campaign. This includes specialised meet the stars events, comedy, drama and dedicated programmes, where listeners can hear from voices such as sports personality Shahid Afridi and comedy sensation Meera Syal.

Harbhajan-Basra to tie the knot in September Cricketer Harbhajan Singh and small time actress Geeta Basra are all set to tie the knot in September this year. Reports say that the wedding is set to be a gala affair, flagging off in Yorkshire in England, Basra's hometown, winding up in Bhajji's Punjab. For a considerably long time, the couple has been denying their relationship.

Though they have been spotted together on a number of occasions, Basra has neatly dovetailed questions pertaining to her relationship and marriage.

In fact, in recent interviews, the actress had even said she was not getting married anytime soon.

Well, the peek and boo may now end with the happy tidings.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

Vodafone delays IPO plan on Trai’s proposals

Dear Financial Voice Reader, I write from India, having sponsored in the UK a private equity and venture capital investment conference focussed on India. Below is an amalgam of notes from interviews with business persons and analysts in India.

Who will be the next PM? Probably Modi but he has enemies in his party and the Americans and Brits and local population keep the cloud of Ghodra where dozens on Hindus died going. This is a tired government now just biding time and preserving what its officials have accumulated and avoiding charges by remaining in power.

What of inflation? The problem is not prices but supply. Availability is often lacking.

What is going for India? Growth brings hope and rising prices are therefore not such an issue.

What of the plunging rupee? We wonder how much is to do with the anticipated tax amnesty which will see repatriation of rupees for a flat tax rate and thereafter see a return to more normal times.

How about sectors? Daimler’s new truck will make it difficult for Ashok Leyland and Tata as it is a specific truck for India based on a lot of research and total cost of ownership not just initial price.

We would not invest in property developments.

There is an oversupply and so prices cannot hold. In Mumbai sure where government officials will hold on the prices sustain themselves. Indian property boom was not debt ladened like in West due to RBI and conservative policies and do will not be like Spain. But we would not go near construction companies. Their accounts are very murky whenever we’ve examined them.

Steel we like due to domestic demand. Domestic demand businesses we like too because they are not negatively impacted by the exchange rate.

Insurance we certainly would not want opened up because we believe the likes of AIG are undercapitalized. We do like Indian banks for their relative conservatism. European problems confirm why India should open slowly.

Is consumption fueled by credit? No. The lessons from Europe and savings culture plus growth has protected against debt. Just look at pay day loan Apr in US and pawn agents in India. Ie a factor of 10 difference reflecting lack of demand in India and reflecting Indian savings culture and conservatism in budgeting.

What of corruption? Anna Hazare makes no difference at all to daily corruption. Politicians have become greedier than ever. Now they want to be fully fledged business owning partners.

From where is growth coming? Productivity gains from Western management practices will help growth and this is often underestimated.

Would you invest in UK? Yes in fact we are looking for innovations and technologies. These things take so long in India that we can accelerate through investing abroad.

But reporting of capital requirements to Indian banks and central authorities means we would rather have a local investor into the subsidiary in UK if it's a startup as there would be no profits to repatriate for several years and we need to explain why to our Indian authorities.

What of Vodafone? We were surprised by SC decision but welcomed it for it standing up to the Government, but believe Hutch should have paid the tax as it was an avoidance scheme. Investment into India is shown to be a frontier market but it will not stop funds coming from retailers but private equity funds may well think twice and slow down. Prices are unrealistic for many assets and so projected returns unrealistic too.

What of Europe? We like the UK because it is closer than US and not in Euro and English speaking. But have US investments of course. Peer to peer consumer business models are especially interesting due to India's savings rate and population.

Outside of India's borders what concerns you the most? Iran as oil price shocks would not be good.

Will Kingfisher go under? No. The Government is under writing its payments and will not permit it to fail as routes are vital to growth.

Tata Motors? It did well from JLR but the history of profitability from the car industry is not a happy one.

What of energy needs? Nuclear power through Japanese alliances and French is essential and on going.

Power remains a massive problem and barrier to growth.

And hotels? Growth and overseas visitors definitely slowed. It's all ROI now not like 2007.

Alpesh Patel (alpesh.patel@tradermind.com)

Vodafone’s plans to have an initial public offering (IPO) for its India unit may be delayed as the British telco battles a slew of regulatory pressures in a key growth market. The company’s shareholders would not see this as the appropriate time to give a nod with uncertainties surrounding the sale of spectrum, said Vodafone India MD & CEO Marten Pieters. “We would need certainty around the business. The proposal is not off the table but it is about getting the timing right,” he said at a press conference to announce the financial results of the local arm.

Vodafone India, the s e c o n d largest telecom operator in India by both revenue and subscriber base, said its annual revenue jumped 19.5% to Rs 321.84 billion, as it cornered 20.6% revenue share of the Indian telecom market. Vodafone’s adjusted operating profit from the India business stood at 60 million pounds, compared to 15 million pounds in the previous year.

Vodafone said its

Indian subscriber base crossed 150 million as average revenue per user reached Rs 180 in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal. The telco had 35.4 million data users, reporting 81.5% growth over the previous year.

The global giant’s big concern remains servicing the Rs 300 billion

JLR planning to set up manufacturing facility in India

Just months after finalising its joint venture with Chinese auto major Chery Automobile, Tata Motorsowned Jaguar Land Rover has begun a feasibility study to manufacture its vehicles in India. It is learnt that JLR is considering setting up a plant either in Pune (Maharashtra) or Sanand (Gujarat) to produce the next generation Defender.

The factory is also likely to house an engine plant.

This site will be a separate facility from the existing assembly plant that JLR has at Chikhale near Pune, where it currently assembles Freelander SUV. It is same premises that were earlier used by Mercedes Benz. The outcome of the feasibility study is expected by the second half of 2012.

People close to the company say, the study is "at a very initial stage".

However, if the result is positive, the plant is likely to come up by the middle of 2015.

According to sources, the plant is likely to have a capacity of 30,000 to 40,000 units per annum.

"JLR is very keen to set up a base. Different teams of the project L660 (the next generation Defender) have visited India several times.

They are keen to use this as an export hub with almost 60-80 per cent (of the output) to be shipped to overseas market," said the source.

A spokesperson replied: "We are now in a 'closed' period ahead of the Tata Motors earnings

announcement on the May 29. I, therefore, cannot comment on your points."

The next generation Defender is likely to be powered by I4D (inline turbocharged 4 cylinders) 2-litre diesel engine codenamed AJ200 that is likely to deliver 170-250 of horse power. This engine is also likely to be manufactured at the proposed engine plant, which JLR has announced in the past.

The thought process within the company is to have an engine plant that will have a capacity to manufacture 50,000 units per annum, with a bulk of the vehicles manufactured in India being earmarked for exports. India, being home to its owners, could well be JLR's third manufacturing base after the UK and China. The company is also exploring South America (Brazil) for a base.

debt with an IPO unlikely to happen this year, which could seriously impact the profitability of Indian operations. The declining stock market would be another factor, besides regulatory uncertainties, delaying the listing plans. Trai’s recommendations for re-auctioning of 2G spectrum include a fresh base price that’s almost 10 times more than what telecom operators paid in 2008.

This, along with a proposed refarming of airwaves, has been opposed by all operators. Pieters said that these recommendations were “economically unattractive.”

Facebook IPO faces US regulatory probe American authorities have reportedly launched an investigation into Facebook's multi-billion initial public offering, as the social networking giant rounded off the worst start for a major US flotation in five years.

Facebook shares slumped 8.9 per cent in the wake of reports that two of the banks that helped advice Facebook on the IPO cut their sales forecast for the company over the last fortnight.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, the reductions from Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs may not have reached all investors before they bought shares in the 104 billion-dollar float. Rick Ketchum, the head of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, said that “the allegations, if true, are a matter of regulatory concern.”

Record FDI outflows ring alarm bells in India Domestic uncertainties like policy flip-flops, combined with global risk aversion, is prompting foreign companies to increasingly repatriate their investments, categorized as foreign direct investment (FDI), out of India during the last three years ended December 2011.

Compared to FDI repatriation (also termed as FDI debit) of a few million dollars between 2000 and 2008, this figure jumped to $3.1 billion in 2009 and further to $10.7 billion in 2011, a report by global financial powerhouse Nomura said.

This is alarming because FDI flows, which comes under a country's capital account, are more stable compared to portfolio flows. An outflow from this side of the overall balance of payment (BoP) is perceived as a serious issue for policy makers.

Although total FDI flows are still in the positive territory, estimated at about

nearly $20 billion for the year 2011-12, increasing FDI debit could turn out to be, among other issues, another drag on the strength of the rupee.

"FDI into India has risen exponentially since the 2000s. However, over the last three years some of this money is being repatriated," noted the research report by Nomura analysts Sonal Varma and Aman Mohunta. "Global deleveraging may have forced companies to sell their Indian assets and repatriate funds to their home country. At the same time, domestic push factors such as slowing potential growth, the high cost of doing business (in India) and regulatory uncertainty have weakened the investment climate, likely causing this erosion. This is not a good sign," the analysts said.

"FDIs are seen to be stable money, which (among a host of positives) also leads to more

innovations and better technology transfer into the country which combines to lead to productivity gains," Varma said.

More than its impact on the trajectory of rupee, "this ( FDI outflows) is a bigger issue since it affects growth," Varma said.

Since touching a high of 9.8% during the quarter ended September 2009, India's GDP growth has slowed to 6.1% in the quarter ended December 2011.

The country's current account has been is in the negative territory for the last few years, while during the quarter ended December 2011, its balance of payments also

entered the negative zone with a deficit of $12.8 billion, government data showed. During the year ended March 2011 India's current account was at $52.2 billion which is now estimated to top $73 billion when the final data for the year ended March 2012 are published, a report by Barclays Capital showed.

Global risk-related issues and the recent government decisions that hindered flow of foreign money into India are likely to have affected FDI and also foreign institutional investments into India.

"However, foreign selling of equities and bonds has been muted, particularly compared with other EM (emerging market) Asia economies," the Barclays Capital report noted. "In the case of equities this has been partly due to the "sticky" nature of M&Arelated inflows and limited foreign ownership of Indian equities," it said.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

19

Getting The Edge

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

The Efficient Market Hypothesis has been applied to the stock market, it is a theory which says that investors respond rationally to publicly available information. It also assumes that market prices for assets incorporate all the publicly known information about a security and that when prices are too high given expected returns, rational investors sell.

Taken literally this means there can be no such thing as a deal in the market as rational investors will exploit the gap and the price will be adjusted instantly.

This has two flaws. One is investors do not respond rationally, this is not possible as they are human and emotionally led creatures. This is why you have subjects like behavioural science which looks at why we behave in quirky ways which do not make sense.

The second is the information available. Sure there is some information available to every one but there is information which will not be available to everyone. The interpretation of this information is very important too, as the same information will mean different things to two different people.

Parallels can be drawn with the property market, how do we find deals? Do they even exist if everyone knows everything and responds rationally to the information? With the internet at everyone’s finger tips information about a property can be discovered within minutes and everyone has access to this information.

So how does one get the edge when investing in property?

The first distinction is using time. Property by nature is not as responsive as stocks, so by the time you agree the price to when completion takes place there can be a time lag of around three months, during this time the value may have gone up or down. There is also the time period between exchange and completion, in central locations property prices can go up from month to month.

B eing creative with t ime mean s you can mu ltiply your mone y many times before you e ve n comple te a deal.

With off plan properties the time period can be a couple of years.

This means the lag between exchange and completion can be exploited to your advantage, also you have only put in 10% of the purchase price therefore if the price increases by 10% you will have doubled your money.

The other factor is information. When a property comes up in the auction and the tenancies or service charges are unknown it will scare the majority of buyers away. All this means is this information was not supplied to the auctioneer. It does not even mean the sellers solicitor does not have this information.

These properties can sometimes go for 50% of their value, because people assume the worst and assume there will be regulated tenants in the property when there are not. At times simple investigation can resolve this. Also at times people who's properties get repossessed

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exploit this by ensuring the information is not passed to the receiver, and also create sub leases, false walls, anything they can do to reduce the amount the property will fetch and then they purchase the properties back up again at a reduced value.

As we are not rational cre atu re s, if a property has been on th e market for a lo ng while it lo ses its appeal, people int rinsically don 't want what others do no t want.

The numbers may stack up and the price could be cheap but the emotional factor will override the common sense which should be involved when purchasing property. Obviously in these cases common sense isn’t so common. If a property has a couple of failed sales, investors will simply pass it by and assume there MUST be something wrong with the property. In todays world where credit is not as it once was there can be the simple reason that a investor could not raise the funds. Conversely when others are after the same property it can go for a ridiculous amount of money. Nowhere is this better seen then at auction where properties at times can go for much more than their worth, driven on by an emotional urge to purchase a particular property.

Another factor is of course agents and auctioneers being taken care of. Of course bribery would be illegal under the Bribery Act 2010.

However being hospitable or paying a consultancy fee would not.

Changing the label and you change something from being Haram to Hallal. Incidentally Islamic finance is based on this principle where the paying of interest is changed to be called rent, or it is rolled up and incorporated into the purchase price. This market has over $1 trillion of assets under this label.

The other factor which can be used is knowledge. For example, this could be knowledge that a certain council are allowing conversions from office to residential, or how a short lease property can be renewed cheaper than everyone else thinks it can be. This information can be invaluable when doing property deals.

Seeing a conversion angle can also be used. Simply from a one bedroom to a two bedroom property, prices can be increased from £235k to £315k practically with plaster boards. We have done this and the valuations were not done by us but by a professional surveyor. Of course the rentals too increase. With this scenario you have the option of refinancing and pulling your money out whilst having the benefit of the rental income.

In t he pro perty market yo u have more t alk ers and procrastin ato rs t han people who actually move an d c lose d eal s.

l Who will it suit: Ideal for the high tax bracket investor, looking purely for capital growth. l What will impact the growth: 3 Low price negotiated.

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Again this is human nature. So when you’re looking at a deal and if you have the funds ready to close in a few days you are in a position of power. This means you can bang down the price, assuming of course the seller needs the money. Or it may be they have had a few sales fall through from people who couldn't get the funds ready and simply want a done deal.

Another way would be to purchase something which is unmortgagable. For example it is very difficult to raise funds for development.

If these funds are raised from another property or you have the cash, you’re in a position to purchase, develop and then refinance.

Development funding has dried up and there are not many people walking around with cash to invest into development deals.

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

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

Tips of the Week l To capture the student market buying now ensures that the property hits the rental market in August/September - the peak months for letting properties to students l A 12 months let ensure the property is in the right cycle and easy to let in subsequent years

20

financial vOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

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

Maria Fernandes

maria@abplgroup.com

A round up of the week’s news As usual immigration has occupied a top spot in this week’s news yet again. There is a direct correlation between the economic woes of the country and a rise in stories on ed that “tough love” measures will be taken to make an illegal immigrant’s life a misery by preventing them from working or opening bank accounts.

Surprising comment. Does she honestly not know that illegal immigrants are already in hell, living well below the poverty line, often exploited mercilessly by the unscrupulous.

Then there was an announcement that “contingency plans” are being made to exclude the Greek in the event of them heading for our shores.

We signed Treaties to bring countries within the EU closer politically and economically. When times are hard, whilst there are undoubtedly measures that can be taken in an emergency, it would dam-

age Britain hugely if any steps are taken to limit these nationals and could well be challenged. More importantly than this is the fact that if Greece falls, other countries like Spain, Portugal and Italy could also head for the abyss. Are they also likely to be excluded?

Todays papers concentrate once again on students.

The Government are now advising Universities to set up branches abroad so that students can stay in their own countries. Easy said. The Universities are of course in arms. They believe, sensibly, that students should not be counted as migrants as they clearly are not. If this was accepted the Government targets would be met without much difficulty. The Government have been quite blatant about the fact that they do not want students to come to the UK to study. There has already been a drop in student numbers and the

figures are likely to get worse as students make other plans. In the long term the bond that is developed when a person has studied in the UK that endures for many years will no longer sustain future generations.

By then the present Government will have long gone leaving its lasting legacy.

We wait with bated breath for the new regulations on families and the amount that they have to earn before they qualify to bring their dependants.

Shortly immigration will be in the news again. The lives of many will be irreversibly affected. And all in the name of the numbers game.

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.

Ratan Tata is India's most powerful CEO Tata Sons Chairman Ratan Tata heads the Economic Times-Corporate Dossier ranking of India Inc's most powerful CEOs for the fourth year running.

Set to retire by the end of the year, Tata will leave a vacancy at the top, just as former Infosys chairman NR Narayana Murthy dropped off the list of most powerful CEOs only when he ceased to be a chief executive.

This year's ranking includes Cyrus Mistry for the first time, at No. 15, by virtue of his appointment as vice-chairman and chairman designate of Tata Sons. The annual ranking includes a few other major changes as well, owing mainly to the tumultuous environment that has left several business houses severely mauled.

While Mukesh Ambani has managed to retain his position at second place, brother Anil has fallen six

positions to 11.

Sunil Mittal has had an even more drastic fall, to 16th position from No. 3 last year, mirroring the state of the telecom sector.

Kumar Mangalam Birla has, however, not let his problems over the 2G issue eclipse his success in the other sectors, such as retail.

The 500 senior executives interviewed by IMRB for the survey have placed him third in the power rankings, up from seven last year.

Vijay Mallya has been ejected from the top 10, along with fellow MP Naveen Jindal. Mallya and Jindal have been ranked at

43rd and 17th positions, respectively. Azim Premji has remained rock steady at No. 4 while the fifth position is occupied by banker Chanda Kochhar, who is not only India Inc's most powerful woman but also the list's top professional CEO. After retiring from ICICI Bank, KV Kamath appears in a new avatar in the top 10 this year - as executive chairman of Infosys. The other nonpromoter CEO in the top 10 is L&T's AM Naik, who has climbed a massive 23 positions this year, from 30 to seven.

The list also features a ranking of global Indian business leaders, with London-based LN Mittal at the top, and Indra Nooyi of Pepsi-Co and Nikesh Arora of Google at No. 2 and 3, respectively. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen heads the separate ranking of global thought leaders.

Success or Integrity?

However, this is not something which is unique to the USA. Our children grow up idolising football players. Yet we read stories in the papers about some of them cheating on their wives, gambling and assaulting people at nightclubs. Yet this is all overlooked as long as their team wins on a Saturday.

In India we all know about politicians who can be guilty of inhuman crimes and yet whose supporters will blindly stand by their side knowing that they will be rewarded in kind.

People sometimes ask me why I write about leadership? After all, it is not always the most interesting of topics. My reason is that there are too few leaders today who truly fulfil appreciate or understand the responsibility that comes with being at the top. There are too many examples of short term success being more important than integrity.

There is a need for people to step up and be the example, be the figurehead, be the inspiration.

There is a need for leaders with integrity.

Those who can stand up

to scrutiny of their integrity and not be found wanting. We need leaders, not stars.

“The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.”

Confucius “Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching.”

So here is the question – what type of leader would you be? Would you do whatever it takes to get to the top? Or would you preserve and value your integrity, come what may. It is an easy question to answer, not so easy to practice. “It is easier to cope with a bad conscience than with a bad reputation.”

Friedrich Nietzsche Amit Patel has over 15 years experience in the field of Personal Development and Human Resource Management.

He has delivered speeches on People Management and Development throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. To contact Amit, email amitpatelmail@gmail.com

Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch downgrade India's growth forecasts

Sahara inks deal to build new city near Dhaka

Monica Lewinsky was famous for a time as the woman who nearly brought down a President of the United States of America. Bill Clinton was very close to being impeached for lying to Congress about his relationship with her. In fact he only survived due to an ambiguous technicality that what he said wasn’t actually what it sounded like. It was a difficult time not just for him (and her) but also for the whole country. The nation was forced to ask itself where it would place its loyalty – to righteousness? He was dishonest, that is a fact.

Or to one of the most popular Presidents since JFK? Remarkably the majority of polls indicated that the majority of people were willing to overlook his small transgression simply because he was doing such a great job for the country. The answer was clear, that in the choice between integrity and success, most Americans preferred success. I appreciate that is a very general statement and it certainly doesn’t apply to all Americans.

A parade of global banks is taking the knife to its estimates of India's economic growth this year, worried that a lethal cocktail of poor macro indicators and an environment of policy drift have cast a darker shadow on the economy than previously thought.

The government may have budgeted for the economy expanding by at least 7.35 per cent during the fiscal year to March 2013, but a raft of independent forecasters have penciled in numbers lower than 7 per cent, citing reasons ranging from stubborn inflation, high deficits and depreciating currency to industrial slowdown and government inaction.

Economists at Wall Street banks Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch were the latest to join the

downgrade party for Asia's third-largest economy, both cutting their GDP growth forecasts to 6.6 per cent and 6.5 per cent, from 7.2 per cent and 6.8 per cent, respectively, which will make it lower than the 6.7 per cent achieved in 2008-09, the year of the global economic meltdown.

Their downgrades followed Morgan Stanley's sharp downward revision of its projection to 6.8 per cent from 7.5 per cent earlier this week. Its downgrade did not end with the present year. Morgan Stanley now expects growth for 2011-12, the year just gone by, to be 6.5 per cent, which is much lower than the government's advance estimate of 6.9 per cent. The government will release its updated estimates on May 31.

By Amit Patel

Sahara India Pariwar has signed an agreement with the Bangladesh government to design and develop a new city near Dhaka Notun Dhaka (New Dhaka).

Sahara Matribhumi Unnayan Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bangladesh government to build affordable housing for low income groups with housing finance support and also design - and plan-integrated satellite townships under the ministry of housing & public works (MOHPW) of the Bangladesh government.

Sahara India Pariwar managing worker and chairman Subrata Roy, who met Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, has sought easing of norms on home finance and also suggested changes in tax rules.

Steep rates eat into India companies profit

India Inc is getting much less bang for the bucks it is generating. With profits shrinking and revenues not growing at a brisk pace, the proportion of earnings in the overall income of the majority of companies has come down sharply in financial year 2011-12.

The share of profit before tax (PBT) in the total income has dropped in nearly 60 companies on the BSE-100 index in 2011-12, data with the

Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) showed. The contraction of PBT vis-a-vis total income has been fairly widespread covering most sectors. "PBT has come down because of the steep increase in interest rates and raw material costs," said G Chokkalingam, chief investment officer, Centrum Wealth Management.

"Companies importing raw material are paying

higher costs because of the rupee depreciation," he said. Though the growth in revenues has been quite decent, profit margins have declined sharply, said Sarabjit Kour Nangra, vice-president, research, Angel Broking.

Software exporters and a few pharmaceuticals and FMCG companies, however, saw an improvement.

The proportion of PBT in total income fell in interest-rate sensitive sectors

such as automobiles and construction, CMIE data showed. The continuous jump in interest rates has had an adverse impact on demand in these sectors.

While the majority of banks also reported a drop in PBT against income, private sector banks held their ground, recording only a marginal decline.

Companies lending to the infrastructure, housing construction and automobile purchases also saw a

lower PBT to income ratio, analysis showed.

The ratio also dropped for cement firms, steel makers and metals and minerals companies on the back of an overall slowdown in demand.

Companies continue to feel the impact of high input costs, demand moderation and lack of pricing power. Revenue growth is estimated to be around 15% in January-March, down from the 25.5% for

the same period the previous fiscal amid a slowdown in consumption and investment growth in an uncertain environment.

Market observers, however, believe that the situation would improve in the next few months.

"There would be a gradual improvement. High interest rates have not lasted for a long time. Raw material costs are also showing signs of moderation," said an analyst.

financial VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

21

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

Four Greek banks receive recapitalization funds The long-awaited 18 billion euros of recapitalization funds, in the form of EFSF bonds, were finally made available to Greece on Monday. The country distributed the money among its four biggest banks: National Bank, Alpha, Eurobank and Piraeus Bank. This way the financial institutions, which saw a saw a large part of their capital disappear this year due to losses made during the debt swap, regained access to ECB's liquidity operations.

The Hellenic Financial Stability Facility (established by the EU and the IMF in order to manage Greek bailout funds earmarked for recapitalizing the country's banks) passed 6.9 billion euros to National Bank, 5 billion to Piraeus, 4.2 billion to Eurobank and 1.9 billion to Alpha.

It was also made known that the HFSF was given access to 3 billion euros remaining from the first Greek bailout. These funds will be used to cover the most urgent state expenses.

According to reports, the indebted country will run out of cash for pensions and salaries by the end of June.

Monday was a horrible day for Spain on both fronts, the equity and sovereign debt. The benchmark IBEX stock fell about 2%, recapitalized Bankia

lost more than 10%, while Spanish risk premium vs German hit a fresh EU era high at 511bp, flirting with bailout levels if history on how it played out in Greece, Portugal and Ireland is any indication.

While PM Mariano Rajoy announced the nation's 19 billion EUR bailout scheme for Spanish bank Bankia, reassuring markets that no banks or regions would fail, also on denial about the prospects of financial aid from abroad, what really spooked investors was a new report in Spain's El Mundo, which suggested a much costly rescue plan may be needed in order to save Spain's banking system.

According to El Mundo, the government's financial assistance to crippled banks may see an extra â‚Ź30bn to clean up its banking system on top of the â‚Ź19bn required by Bankia. It is still unclear how the money would be distributed, although the report speculates that â‚Ź10bn may be destined to cleanup balance sheets and â‚Ź20bn to raise capital levels, citing government sources. The newspaper explained CatalunyaCaixa, Novagalicia and Banco de Valencia will be the main beneficiaries.

An index of U.K. retail sales rose to its highest level in more

than a year in May, rebounding after wet weather damped demand the previous month, the Confederation of British Industry said.

The gauge of annual sales growth jumped to the highest reading since April 2011, from the previous month, the London-based business lobby said. The measure of expected sales for June was at lower, indicating retailers expect faster expansion, the CBI said.

Official data showed retail sales dropped the most in more than two years in April as record rainfall reduced demand for clothing and fuel sales plunged. Any recovery in consumer spending may be kept in check as inflation continues to outpace wage growth, squeezing Britons’ finances. The CBI said today that retail-price inflation accelerated over the past quarter and will remain “elevated� in June.

In the US the most recent meeting minutes of the Fed, it was revealed that the central bank was still open to more easing. But it has been two weeks since the event so I thought I'd revisit the issue. The Fed's interest rate decision is fast approaching and I know a lot of you are wondering whether the central bank will engage in more easing or not.

0 8 0 8

$ 0 4 5

There appears to be two sides to this argument. On the one hand, the market thinks that we will see more quantitative easing, as inflation expectations are falling. On the other hand, top U.S. bank officials are saying that the economy is doing just fine and doesn't need more stimulus.

Due to the fears that the euro zone's problems will have a negative effect on U.S. growth, the market's inflation expectations are falling. A report from Bloomberg showed that the difference between the yields of the 10-year Treasury bonds and the Treasury Inflation Protected Securities, or TIPS, has dropped to just 2.13% in May from 2.42% the month before.

Traders call this 2.13% number as the "breakeven inflation rate" and it represents the expectations for the average annual inflation for the next decade. This is a sharp contrast from two months ago, when inflation expectations were high enough that additional quantitative easing action from the Fed would've been construed as too aggressive and inflationary.

What this basically points to is that the Fed room to engage in more easing, and traders believe that the central bank will actually do it.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 29th May 2012 @ 12.30pm GBP - INR = 87.50 USD - INR = 55.79 EUR - INR = 69.95 GBP - USD = 1.57 GBP - EUR = 1.25 EUR - USD = 1.25 GBP - AED = 4.60 GBP - CAD = 1.60 GBP - NZD = 2.06 GBP - AUD = 1.59 GBP - ZAR = 13.07 GBP - HUF = 373.27

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.

PX XJ S F U S B OT G FS

G FFT

B OE OP IJ EEFO D PT U T

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Pakistan-Bangladesh-sri lanka

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

US cuts aid to ‘terrorist state’ Pakistan

Washington: A key US senate panel has voted to impose pointed and punitive cut in aid to Pakistan for its continued support to state-engineered extremism, although the country, described bluntly by one lawmaker as a “terrorist state,” will still get at least $ 1 billion in American taxpayer money for 2013.

Angered by a Pakistani court’s sentencing of a doctor, who helped the US nail Osama bin Laden, to 33 years in prison (for high treason), the Senate Appropriations Committee last week voted for a symbolic but token $ 33 million cut in aid - a million for each year of the sentence.

The cut came on top of the panel voting to withhold nearly a billion dollars in proposed assistance subject to Pakistan re-opening Nato supply routes, although it still left more than $ 1 billion on the table. Further reductions

Bangladesh indicts 1971 war crime suspects Dhaka: Bangladesh on Monday indicted chief of fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami Matiur Rahman Nizami and his close aide Abdul Quader Mollah for "crimes against humanity" during the country's Liberation War in 1971.

"This tribunal hereby charges you (Nizami) on 16 counts of crimes against humanity," pronounced chairman of the three-member panel of International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 Justice Nizamul Haque as the incumbent Jamaat chief was produced at the crowded courtroom.

Mollah, the assistant secretary general of Jamaat, was indicted by the second threejudge panel of ICT-2 where its chairman Justice ATM Fazle Kabir said charges against him was framed on six counts.

The two Jamaat leaders' indictment came two years after their arrest and with this war crime charges were framed by the special tribunals against five high-profile suspects.

The others who were indicted earlier are former Jamaat chief Ghulam Azam and party leaders Delwar Hossain Sayeedi and main opposition BNP's lawmaker Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury.

Sarabjit files fresh clemency plea Islamabad: Indian death row prisoner Sarabjit Singh, convicted for alleged involvement in bomb attacks in 1990 in Pakistan, has sent a fresh clemency appeal to President Asif Ali Zardari, a media report said on Tuesday. This is the fifth mercy petition from Sarabjit Singh, who was sentenced to death for alleged involvement in a string of bombings in Punjab in 1990 that killed 14 people.

The 49-year-old Indian is currently being held at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore and has been on death row.

Shakil Afridi

have been threatened if Pakistan does not change course.

The senate action reflected growing American anger over issues ranging from the Nato supply route stand-off to the sentencing of Shakil Afridi, Osama’s doctor, all of which, some US lawmakers suggest, show that Pakistan is in league with terrorists rather than with the United States.

“We need Pakistan, Pakistan needs us, but we don’t need Pakistan doubledealing and not seeing the justice in bringing Osama bin Laden to an end,” Lindsey Graham, a senate Republican who pushed for the additional cut in aid said, while calling Pakistan a “schizophrenic ally.”

Following Afridi’s sentencing, California congressman Dana Rohrabacher said, “This is decisive proof Pakistan sees itself as being at war with us. There is no shared interest against Islamic terrorism,” Rohrabacher said, contesting the claim advanced by the administration that Islamabad is an ally in the war on terror. “Pakistan was and remains a terrorist state.”

These and other remarks by US lawmakers suggest that many of them, including Rohrabacher, who supported

Pakistan for more than two decades, have turned against it.

“It’s Alice in Wonderland at best,” said senator Patrick Leahy, a Democrat who heads the appropriations subcommittee which voted to size down and make conditional some of the aid to Pakistan. “If this is cooperation, I’d hate like hell to see opposition.” The United States, Leahy added, is “not going to invest in a country that won’t help us in a reasonable way to deal with threats to our forces in Afghanistan.”

Meanwhile, Washington and Islamabad clashed over the of sentencing of Afridi with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton demanding that Afridi be released forthwith. The Pakistani foreign office fired back, saying the US needed to respect Pakistan’s legal processes and judgments.

Signing of new India-Pakistan visa regime delayed

Islamabad: Pakistan last week said an agreement on a new liberalised visa regime with India will not be inked during the home secretarylevel which was concluded, suggesting that the pact should be concluded at the political level.

Interior minister Rehman Malik made these remarks after meeting the Indian delegation led by home secretary R K Singh, who was in Islamabad for talks with Pakistan's interior secretary Khwaja Siddique Akbar.

It was widely expected that the two secretaries would ink the agreement on the new visa regime at the conclusion of their two-day talks.

Pakistan had decided in principle to sign the agreement on the new liberalised visa regime with India but the pact would not be signed during the current round of talks, Malik told the media.

The signing of the pact had been postponed, he said

without giving details of when it was expected to be inked.

The agreement involves important issues and should be finalised at the political level, he said. In response to a question, Malik said India’s home minister P Chidambaram was welcome to visit Pakistan and that he "would be glad" if Chidambaram comes to Islamabad for the signing of the visa agreement.

Malik said both sides had exchanged dossiers on terrorism-related issues and that Pakistan had received addi-

tional evidence from India against JuD chief and LeT founder Hafiz Mohammad Saeed. However, he said Pakistani authorities could not act on the basis of "hearsay" and that they would examine the evidence against Saeed.

Malik said a wide range of issues had been discussed during the meeting, including the probe into the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the visa regime and Balochistan.

India disappointed Meanwhile, India has expressed disappointment with Pakistan's decision to not ink the liberalised visa pact. "The visa agreement had to go ahead because it was ready in any case. It had been negotiated, finalized and both sides had attached great importance to having this visa agreement signed.

So, we have gone there fully prepared to sign it," said India’s foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai.

Gilani not appealing against contempt conviction Islamabad: The Pakistan government last week decided not to appeal Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's conviction of contempt by the Supreme Court for refusing to reopen graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

"No appeal is being filed against conviction of Prime Minister Gilani in the contempt of court case," Aitzaz Ahsan, the premier's lawyer, was quoted as saying by the media. The decision came two days after the speaker of the lower house of parliament ruled out Gilani's disqualification as a lawmaker following his conviction.

Gilani and his key legal and political advisers discussed the issue of challenging the Supreme Court's verdict and decided not to file an appeal, official sources said.

The deadline for filing the

appeal expired at noon on Saturday. The apex court had convicted Gilani on April 26 and given him a symbolic sentence of less than a minute for refusing to act on orders to reopen corruption cases in Switzerland against President Zardari.

The government has maintained that it cannot act

against the President as he enjoys immunity in Pakistan and abroad. The Supreme Court has been pressuring the government to revive the corruption cases against the President since December 2009, when it struck down a graft amnesty issued by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf that benefited Zardari and over 8,000 others.

On May 24, National Assembly Speaker Fehmida Mirza decided not to send any proposal for Gilani's disqualification to the Election Commission and said there was no question of his disqualification as a member of parliament.

The Speaker, who belongs to the ruling Pakistan People's Party, gave her ruling after consultations with legal experts over the past few weeks.

In Focus Musharraf murdered my mother, says Benazir's son Bilawal

Washington: The son of slain Pakistan leader Benazir Bhutto said that ex-military ruler Pervez Musharraf "murdered my mother," as he vowed to play a bigger political role in his homeland "in any way I can."

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Musharaff sabotaged his mother's security when she returned to her homeland in 2007, and said he was confident of his own security in Pakistan. In an interview, the 23-year-old, who returned to Pakistan last year after studying at Oxford, said her assassination was due to a combination of Islamic extremists, and Musharraf's regime. "Al-Qaeda issued the instructions to do it, the Taliban... carried out the actual attack, while Pervez Musharraf purposely sabotaged my mother's security when he knew there was going to be attacks, so she would be eliminated.

"He murdered my mother. I hold him responsible for the murder of my mother," he added. "He'd threatened her himself in the past. He said: 'Your security is directly linked to our relationship and our cooperation.'

Pakistan books Facebook for ‘blasphemy’

Islamabad: Acting on the orders of a judge, police in Islamabad, have registered a case against social networking website Facebook for hosting "blasphemous materials". The Margalla police station filed an FIR against Facebook and three other websites under sections 295-A and 298-A of the Criminal Procedure Code on the directions of additional sessions judge Kamran Basharat Mufti. The judge directed police to register a case in response to an application filed by the Namoos-e-Risalat Lawyers Forum. One of the complainants , lawyer Rao Abdur Rahim, told that his organization had been informed in July last year that Facebook and a few other websites had been hosting "blasphemous" material being uploaded from Pakistan. Accepting two of the applications, judge Mufti directed Margalla police station to register an FIR against Payam TV and Facebook . He turned down the application against the US embassy. The move came a day after Pakistan briefly blocked access to Twitter for allegedly publicizing a contest for blasphemous caricatures on Facebook.

Afghan blasts kill 5 as Hollande visits

Kandahar: Five bomb blasts in Afghanistan last week killed five people and wounded at least 11, officials said, as French President Francois Hollande visited to discuss the early withdrawal of troops. Two passengers died and three were injured when a bus struck a roadside bomb in southern Helmand province, said a spokesman. “It was a bomb planted by the enemy,” he said, referring to Taliban insurgents trying to bring down President Hamid Karzai's Western-backed government. In the same province, a man was killed and two children were wounded by an improvised explosive device, Nato's International Security Assistance Force reported.

US rules out apology to Pakistan for NATO strike

Washington: The White House has ruled out an apology to Islamabad for the NATO air strike in November in which 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed. Pakistan's Ambassador to US Sherry Rehman and Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have reiterated Islamabad's demand for an apology for the air strike. “I wouldn't have anything new to offer on that beyond what we have said, that we deeply regret the incident. We have thoroughly investigated it. We shared the results of that investigation with the Pakistanis," Ben Rhodes, deputy national security advisor, told journalists when asked for his reaction to Bhutto's demand.

Pakistan test fires missile

Islamabad: Pakistan successfully test fired its short range Hatf missile, Geo TV reported. The surface-to-surface Hatf IX missile has a range of 60 km and can carry nuclear warheads. The test was witnessed by military officials.

world 23

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

In Focus

Eye on China, US sending defence secretary to push India ties

Indian boy solves 350-year old math puzzle set by Newton

Washington: US defence secretary Leon Panetta will visit India in early June, for two days, to further develop USIndia ties that American officials, with an eye on China, say is a "priority" for Washington and which the Obama administration repeatedly describes as "one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century for the US".

Panetta will arrive in New Delhi on June 5 after a swing through South East Asia during which he will confer with a host of countries that have a pro-US orientation and are leery of China.

"We are absolutely turning toward the Asia-Pacific as a place where our strategic interests are increasingly of importance," Pentagon

London: A 16-year-old Indian origin schoolboy in Germany has managed to crack puzzles that baffled the world of maths for more than 350 years. Shouryya Ray, from Dresden, has been hailed a genius after working out the problems set by Sir Isaac Newton. Ray solved two fundamental particle dynamics theories which physicists have previously been able to calculate only by using powerful computers. His solutions mean that scientists can now calculate the flight path of a thrown ball and then predict how it will hit and bounce off a wall.

Indian kills wife in Italy for being ‘westernized’

Rome: A 37-year-old Indian migrant in Italy killed his pregnant wife because she loved wearing western clothes and he wanted to punish her for going against Indian traditions. The Indian whose name was given as Singhj Kulbir told police in Piacenza city in northern Italy that he strangled to death his 27-year-old wife named as Kaur Balwinde before throwing her corpse in the Po river, the AKI news agency reported.

19 killed Qatar mall fire

Doha: At least 19 people, including 13 children, were killed and 17 others wounded in a fire at a shopping mall here in the Qatar capital, Xinhua reported. An official from the interior ministry said that among the dead, four were teachers, while another two were security personnel. Among the wounded, four were children. According to an official from the Spanish foreign ministry in Madrid, four of the dead children were Spanish.

US drone strike kills 17

Aden: Air raids, including by US drones, and clashes in Yemen have killed at least 17 al-Qaida militants and a civilian, officials and tribesmen said on Monday. Five militants of al-Qaida were killed when they were hit by a US drone on Monday, a tribal source said.

spokesman George Little said. "Our partnerships ... in the region are critical. And we're going to continue to invest in those relationships."

India, notwithstanding New Delhi's public reticence, is clearly a part of that calculus. Obama and his cabinet principals have been backing its interests in East Asia and

Japan, South Korea, Australia and a number of other nations, most of which are guarded about China.

Thereafter Panetta will embark on a two-day visit to Vietnam, a stark reminder of the sweeping geo-political reorientation that can occur with US, considering it sacrificed nearly 60,000 soldiers to stem the advance of communism in the country.

Panetta, a former Congressman and a White House Chief of Staff, has visited India before in his capacity as CIA director, but it will be his first visit to New Delhi as defence secretary, a trip that suggests Washington has gotten over its pique at being denied a piece of the multirole combat aircraft contract.

Hindus concerned about racist violence against Indians in Ukraine Nevada: Hindus are concerned about the reported incidents of racist violence against people of Indian descent in Ukraine. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA), said that if Ukraine could not ensure the safety of people of Indian descent from such incidents, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) should withdraw the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship (Euro 2012) from Ukraine.

Euro 2012, the 14th European Championship for national football teams organized by UEFA, is scheduled to be held at Kyiv,

Chinese woman detained for kidnapping Indian trader Beijing: A Chinese woman has been detained at the commodity hub of Yiwu for kidnapping an Indian trader last week over a debt dispute, after the latter was rescued and sent back home.

The woman surnamed Wang and her boyfriend had illegally detained Muhammad Danish Qureshi at Wang's home, state-run news agency Xinhua reported quoting local police as saying.

Police freed Qureshi, a "purchaser working for an Indian businessman named Faisal from his illegal detention" on May 23, the report said.

He was reportedly picked from a restaurant on May 19. Qureshi was in good health, and he left the public security department after being questioned by police, the report said.

Wang, 30 has been taken into police custody for illegally detaining the Indian following a debt dispute in Yiwu, it quoted local police as saying.

The report said Faisal, who is a Mumbai businessman, owned considerable amount of money to her and had ignored her requests to pay back.

In late 2009, Faisal hired Wang and one of her classmates to purchase goods in Yiwu, the world's largest wholesale market

Leon Panetta

the Pacific region even as both sides balk at any talk of containing China.

Protestations about its growing concerns about China aside, Panetta's schedule and programme in Asia are indicative of US disquiet in this regard.

Ahead of his travels, Panetta will receive briefings in Hawaii from admiral Sam Locklear, head of the Pacific Command, under whose watch both China and India fall (Pakistan and west of it come under Central Command), before emplaning for Singapore where he will deliver remarks at the opening plenary session of the Shangri-La Dialogues. In Singapore, he will meet with leaders from Singapore,

for small consumer goods.

After Wang's attempts to contact Faisal via e-mail and phone went unanswered, she learnt that Qureshi had been sent to Yiwu by Faisal on March 9.

She went to him for help in obtaining the money owed to her by Faisal, but received no response, and following this she and her aide abducted the Indian and called her boss asking for money, it said.

Donetsk, Kharkiv and Lviv in Ukraine (besides Poland) from June 8 to July 1.

According to reports, horrified Indian students faced vicious racially motivated assault in Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv few weeks back.

In capital Kyiv; an Indian man was attacked near Libidskaya metro station in front of many people in December last, another Indian was beaten at Maidan Nezalezhnosti in March, while another was attacked near his apartment in April, reports suggest.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged leaders of

Correction Finance, Banking and Insurance Magazine Due to a human error, an unedited version of Chief Guest, Chuka Umunna's message in the Finance, Banking and Insurance magazine was published.

It was a mistake and was completely unintentional. We apologise for any inconvenience or any misunderstanding caused due to this.

Annan condemns ‘appalling crime’ on visit to Syria Ammam: Peace envoy Kofi Annan condemned the killing of at least 108 people in the Syrian town of Houla as "an appalling crime" on Monday and urged President Bashar alAssad to prove he wants a peaceful resolution to the crisis racking his country.

Assad's forces killed at least 41 people in an artillery assault on the city of Hama, activists said, shortly after the UN Security Council condemned the massacre in nearby Houla which took place on Friday. With international criticism growing of Assad's methods in trying to crush a 14month-old uprising, now accompanied by a lightly armed insurgency, UN/Arab League envoy

the majority Orthodox Christian Church and other religions/denominations in Ukraine to openly come out against racism, because religion told us to help the helpless. Authorities needed to monitor hate crimes closely.

This reported abuse of people of Indian descent, just because they looked differ-

ent, was not acceptable, Zed stressed.

Zed urged personal intervention of Ukrainian President Viktor Fe d o r o v y c h Yanukovych and Prime Minister Mykola Yanovych Azarov on the issue. Europe’s second largest country and world’s third biggest grain exporter and the country of Zbruch idol, Saint Sophia Cathedral, musician Mykola Lysenko and legendary polevaulter Sergey Bubka should be more welcoming of the foreigners who looked different, Zed added.

Annan arrived in Damascus for talks on his faltering peace plan.

He explicitly urged the Syrian government to "take bold steps to signal that it is serious in its intention to resolve this crisis peacefully" before adding: "This message of peace is not only for the government, but for everyone with a gun."

Russia and China, which had previously vetoed resolutions condemning Assad, both approved a non-binding text in New York that criticised the use of artillery and tank shells on homes in Houla, but declined to blame the government alone. The rebels do not have artillery and tanks.

China also used strong words about the killings.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

Prashant Bhushan calls Manmohan Singh 'Shikhandi' In a concerted strategy to hit at PM Manmohan Singh, just days after it levelled charges of corruption against top Cabinet ministers, Team Anna member Prashant Bhushan said the PM was like 'Shikhandi' and was being used by Congress as a shield.

Bhushan on Monday slammed Singh for defending the UPA government on corruption charges.

"The Congress is using the PM as a shield like 'Shikhandi'. They say he is clean, so his Cabinet must be clean. Why is the PM allowing himself to be used like 'Shikhandi' in this manner," he said.

Shikhandi is a character from the epic Mahabharata. Legend has it that Arjuna hid behind Shikhandi and fatally attacked Bhishma.

Bhushan's statement was met by muted criticism from BJP though RJD chief Lalu Prasad defended the PM and criticized Team Anna for indulging in disrespectful comments.

Manmohan Singh

"The PM is not only a PM but a leader and such kind of comments from Prashant Bhushan are disrespectful to a great leader who has a clean record," he said.

BJP asked Team Anna to exercise control over its language while criticizing the PM, saying use of intemperate words against somebody holding the top post was not acceptable.

The party, however, added that the issues being raised by the activists were important.

"Any use of improper words against the prime minister is not acceptable.

Members of Team Anna will have to exercise control over their language,"

Unruly BSP MLAs stall UP Assembly The inaugural session of the UP Vidhan Sabha began on a stormy note on Monday with the main opposition party, the BSP, putting up an extraordinarily aggressive and combative show. Determined to stall the governor’s address, BSP MLAs climbed atop desks, raised slogans against the return of lawlessness and protested ‘bribes’ for transfers and postings, hurled paper missiles and generally created ruckus the minute the House assembled. The BSP’s protest stood out not merely because of the aggression, but also because of the timing: it came well before the grace period of 100 days that is allowed to a new government gets over.

Seen together with the belligerence that Mayawati has shown both inside and outside Parliament, the happenings in the assembly may be seen as signaling the launch of BSP’s campaign for Lok Sabha polls by

focusing on what it sees as the Akhilesh government’s vulnerabilities: perception of the return of lawlessness and the alleged transfer-and-posting industry.

Things worsened by the minute after Mayawati’s trusted aide Swami Prasad Maurya led his pack - some of them donning deep blue caps scribbled with anti-government slogans - to the well.

The marshals had a tough time trying to ward off the paper balls the MLAs aimed at the Speaker’s chair. Sensing the situation, governor B L Joshi declared that as the members were not interested in the speech, he would cut it short, and after reading the first paragraph of the speech (condensed to a 24page booklet), he wrapped up the mandatory exercise by reading the last paragraph. The triumphant BSP men hurled paper missiles at the retreating figure and the Speaker adjourned the House after Joshi’s departure.

BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said. At the same time, the opposition said the government needed to pay attention to the issues being raised by Team Anna and take appropriate steps to deal with them.

Congress too jumped in to defend Singh.

Pointing out that members of Anna Hazare's team were themselves trading charges of irregularities against each other, minister of state V Narayansamy said, "They have no locus standi to question the integrity of the PM." To a question over Bhushan's statement, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said, "If anybody has used the sort of language for the office or person of the PM, we condemn the same in the strongest possible words...

To comment on the personality of the prime minister is condemnable and it would be appropriate if people in public life behave in a decent and civilized manner."

Congress leader Tiwari's blood samples collected

Veteran Congress leader N D Tiwari's blood samples were collected on Tuesday after a team of doctors reached his Dehradun residence on the order of the Supreme Court.

Petitioner Rohit Shekhar and his mother were present at Tiwari's residence when the sample was taken by two doctors who are being supervised by the Delhi High Court.

A bench of Justice Deepak Verma and Justice S J Mukhopadhyay had earlier directed Tiwari to submit his blood sample after it declined to accept his challenge to the Delhi High Court order directing him to give his blood sample. The order came after the leader's counsel said that Tiwari could not move around because of his age. The High Court had on May 14 asked Tiwari to inform it within two days as to whether he wants to voluntarily give his blood sample for a DNA test in a paternity suit or police force be used for obtaining it.

Dow to be billed for toxic waste disposal Dow Chemicals, contesting Indian government’s Rs 78.44 billion demand for additional compensation to 1984 Bhopal gas leak disaster victims, is set to face additional claims from the government as reimbursement of incineration cost of toxic waste lying at Union Carbide’s plant for last 28 years.

The government on Monday informed the Supreme Court that it would bear the cost of the pilot project for safe dis-

posal of 346 tons of toxic waste from Carbide plant at Hamburg by a German agency within this month.

Additional solicitor general Gaurab Banerjee told a bench of Justices G S Singhvi and S J Mukhopadhay that “the Centre will bear the cost of disposal but would recover

it from Dow Chemicals.”

The US-based multinational Dow Chemicals has declined to share its wholly owned subsidiary Union Carbide Corporation's alleged past residuary liability towards compensating 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy victims and had even refused to submit to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India, which is dealing with the Indian government's plea for an additional Rs 78.44 billion to the gas victims.

In divine light

By Rajen Vakil

Story of Bhima and Hanuman – part 4

Hanuman narrates the story of Rama In conversation with Bhima, Hanuman continued, “To do the work of Sri Ramchandra, I jumped more than a hundred jojans over the sea to Lanka. Here, I entered the palace of King Ravana.

There I saw the daughter of King Janaka, who looked like a goddess.

After meeting Sita, the beloved wife of Rama, I started to burn the city.

Chanting the holy name of Sri Rama I burnt their forts, towers, and doorways.”

“After hearing my story, Lord Rama conferred with Sugriva and decided to build a bridge across the sea. With more than a million monkeys, Sri Rama built the bridge and crossed into Lanka.

There in a terrible battle, all the demons including King Ravana, his sons, and his brother were killed. After killing the demons, Sri Rama put Vibhishana, Ravana’s younger brother, on the throne of Lanka.

Vibhishana worshipped Sri Rama, was religious and full of love for his people.”

“Sri Rama, together with his pure and pious wife Sita, then returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya.

When the people were reinstalling Sri Rama as their king, I asked the lord

for a boon. I asked that as long as people recited his story from generation to generation, I would live.

He granted my wish. Sri Rama ruled Ayodhya for eleven thousand years and then left this earth.

Since then I live in this spot. O pure one, everyday many apasaras and gandharvas gather here and sing

songs and dance on the virtues and deeds of Llord Rama. This gives me great pleasure and satisfaction. O Pandava, this spot cannot be visited by ordinary mortals and that is why I blocked your path. I did not want any of the gods to curse you.

You came this way to look for the divine lotuses; the lake there is full of them.”

Bhima was so thrilled to meet his elder brother, Hanuman. He bowed down and paid homage to him. In sweet words he

said, “I have been graced with your divine presence.

There is none more fortunate than me. Please do something to please me. I want to see the grand form you took when you jumped over the sea filled with man-eating fish. This will give me great satisfaction and help me forever to trust your word.”

Hanuman said, “No human, including you, can see that form of mine. Those were different times, the age was different.

Now things have changed. In the three Ages Sat, Dwapar, and Treta, the quality of Time was different. This is the Age of Destruction.

That magnificent form of mine no longer exists.

Land, rivers, mountains, peaks, the powerful saints, the gods and rishis all have to change according to the quality and emotion of the Age and Time. Vitality, the type of body and its influence all grow and decay according to the Age. I have to now follow the Time of this Age and so cannot take on that body.

So please forget about seeing that form of mine. I cannot deny the dictates of Time.”

To be continued…

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

YSR Congress leader Jagan arrested in assets case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested YSR Congress party leader Y S Jaganmohan Reddy for illegally amassing wealth, a day before he was scheduled to appear before the CBI court. YSR party leader J Prabhakar Rao told reporters outside Dilkusha Guest House, the CBI camp office, that the CBI had arrested Jagan, as the young leader is popularly known.

Jagan remained inside the guest house since his arrest while his mother Y S Vijayamma, wife Bharathi and other family members sat on a protest outside demanding the CBI to give them the reason for the arrest. Tension prevailed outside the guest house as the family members refused to leave and accused Congress chief Sonia Gandhi for getting him arrested to satisfy her ego. Though the CBI did not issue any official statement about Jagan's arrest, it informed his leaders and family members that it has

Y S Jaganmohan Reddy

taken him into custody.

According to sources, Jagan has been arrested on charges of cheating, criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and falsification of accounts. The CBI believes he conspired with his father and then chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy to dole out favours to some companies in return for investments in his businesses.

The 40-year-old, one the richest MPs in the country with declared assets of Rs 3.56 billion last year, was produced in the court which remanded him to CBI custody. Jagan was arrested after three days of questioning by the CBI

about investments flowing into his companies after his father became the chief minister.

YSR, as Rajasekhara Reddy was popularly known, died in a helicopter crash on Sep 2, 2009, soon into his second term.

Jagan and 71 others were booked by CBI in August last year after Andhra Pradesh High Court ordered a CBI probe, acting on petitions filed by Congress leader P Shankar Rao and some Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders. Jagan, who is the accused number one, is the fifth one to be arrested in the case. The CBI arrested Excise Minister Mopidevi Venkataramna for his role in issuing government orders alloting lands to Vanpic company for a port project.

Industrialist Nimmagadda Prasad, one of the promoters of Vanpic, and bureaucrat K V Brahmananda Reddy are already in judicial custody. Their 10-day CBI custody ended.

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

In Focus 5 killed in Allahabad explosion Five people were killed and many injured in a low-intensity explosion in Kareli area of Allahabad. The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals. Police have reached the site of explosion. Most of the victims are children. The children were playing around a garbage heap when the explosion happened. The nature of the explosion is uncertain.

26 killed in road accident on MumbaiPune expressway At least 26 people were killed and 27 others injured when a speeding tempo rammed into a stationary bus at Khalapur on Mumbai-Pune expressway around on Sunday night. The victims, which included four minors, were part a marriage party, said Raosahib Shinde, Superintendent of Police Raigad. Some of the injured were admitted to MGM hospital at Panvel near Mumbai while others were rushed to Sassoon hospital in Pune.

Dalit woman killed in Bihar for practising witchcraft A 58-year-old Dalit woman killed by her neighbour in Bihar's Gaya district, around 100 km from state capital Patna, for allegedly practicing witchcraft. According to police, Lashki Devi was brutally beaten before being strangled to death by her neighbour Kapil Bhuiyan in Jumladih hamlet of Chotki Kewla village in Dumaria area of Gaya. Villagers said that Bhuiyan accused the woman of practising witchcraft and beat her up in full view of public. "After she fell unconscious, the accused dragged her to a nearby forest where he strangled her to death," police said. Bhuiyan was arrested after a first information report (FIR) was filed by the woman's husband, police added.

General fires a missile Indian army Chief General V K Singh may be all set to retire on May 31 after losing a debilitating battle with the government but he still has a missile or two to unleash.

The outgoing army chief has now issued a show-cause notice to a lieutenant general tipped to take over the reins of the force when the current chief designate Lt Gen Bikram Singh retires in 2014. The notice issued to Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, commanding the Dimapurbased 3 Corps at present, accuses him of lapses in command in handling a botched-up intelligence operation in Assam’s Jorhat district last December. This move

by Gen V K Singh, known to be strongly against the Bikram-Suhag line of succession in the army, has delayed clearing of Lt-Gen Suhag’s name for promotion to the army commander-rank.

Andhra Pradesh HC quashes sub-quota for minorities words "belonging to minorities" or "for minorities" indicates that the sub-quota has been carved out only on religious lines and not on any other intelligible basis, the bench observed while setting aside the sub-quota.

Shortly after the verdict was pronounced, the Congress treaded cautiously, saying the court judgment has to be read and understood.

"You cannot react to court judgments until you have perused, read, understood and appreciated ...

(We can comment)... after we receive copy of the judgment", party spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters in Delhi.

Setting aside the OM, a division bench consisting Chief Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Sanjay Kumar said, "In fact, we must express our anguish at the rather casual manner in which the entire issue has been taken up by the central government."

"No evidence has been

Holding that the Centre acted in a "casual manner", the Andhra Pradesh high court on Monday quashed the 4.5 per cent sub-quota to minorities carved out of 27 per cent OBC reservation - a verdict that may affect admissions already made in central educational institutions such as IITs. In a setback to the Centre over the sub-quota issue, the court said the office memorandum (OM) creating the sub-quota was based on religious grounds and not on any other consideration.

The December 22, 2011 OM for a sub-quota of 4.5 per cent for socially and educationally backward classes of citizens belonging to minority communities out of the 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in central educational institutions and jobs was announced by the Centre ahead of the Assembly elections in five states including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

The very use of the

5

Punjab village sets up its own ‘high court’ A Punjab village has been forced to set up its own "high court" to resolve disputes due to rising litigation costs and slow pace of justice. Pulha village elders claim the "court", comprising 35 "jury" members, has settled over 250 cases primarily related to land disputes piled up over last three years in as many months. "Except murder, we try to solve all other issues," said Sukhjinder Singh, a village elder. Another elder and jury member Darshan Singh said villagers used to face harassment at the hands of the police and the courts "with justice becoming the casualty". The jury includes former army, police officers from the village besides local panchayat members, who work free of cost. The "court" has put in place a mechanism of "thorough" inquiry to ensure its "verdicts" are acceptable to the people.

Kerala bans gutka, paan masala The Kerala government imposed a complete ban on the sale and consumption of gutka and paan masala in the state. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters that the government order was passed May 22 and the news would be passed across the state in a few days. "Violators of the law can be imprisoned for up to six years and a fine of Rs.5 lakh will be imposed on them," Chandy said. "A special official has been designated in each district who would be assisted by a team to see that the ban is enforced in the right manner," he said. "One reason why we decided to come out with the ban was because of the increasing number of cases of gutka-induced ailments."

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Two days after a CPM leader in Kerala claimed his party had killed its foes, police slapped three murder and conspiracy cases against him. The cases were registered at Thodupuzha, 220 km from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, against M M Moni, the Idukki district secretary of the Communist Part of India-Marxist. Moni sent shock waves when he told a public rally that the CPI-M had resorted to killing political foes and listed four such murders. These murders reportedly took place in Idukki in the 1980s.

Police said three of the four murders were dismissed for want of evidence and those arrested were let off. 'Since the cases have been registered under non-bailable sections, Moni could be arrested anytime,' a legal expert said. Director General of Police T Asif Ali had said the cases could be reopened in view of what Moni said.

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Govt to move SC Meanwhile, the government has defended its stand and said that they would appeal against the verdict in the Supreme Court. At a press conference, Union minorities affairs minister Salman Khurshid said that reservation for minorities was based on the findings of the Mandal Commission and the government would appeal to the Supreme Court by way of Special Leave Petition against the court's decision.

Kerala CPM leader charged with murder

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Indian set to be freed from Pak jail after 30 years After languishing for 30 years in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in Pakistan, Indian national Surjeet Singh is set to return home to Ferozepur in Punjab in a week's time.

Human rights activist and Pakistani advocate Awais Sheikh said that the decision to repatriate Singh was taken at a meeting of Pakistan Punjab's home department in Lahore. Sheikh, who is also a counsel of another Indian on death row in Pakistan Sarabjit Singh, said Pakistan would send Singh back in a week's time.

Surjeet Singh was arrested in 1982 on charges of spying and was given the death sentence by the commanding officer of the 106 Brigade Headquarter, Lahore, Cantt. Surjit had also given a mercy petition to the chief of army staff but that was rejected.

shown to us by the learned assistant solicitor general to justify the classification of these religious minorities as a homogeneous group or as more backward classes deserving some special treatment.

"We must, therefore, hold that Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis) do not form a homogeneous group but a heterogeneous group," it observed.

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INDIA

26

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

Enough proof to nail Lakhvi, admits Pakistan Q & A: Visa to India What are the normal processing times?

Normal processing times are a minimum of 2-3 working days depending upon the visa category applied for and the application itself.

How do I withdraw my application and will I get a refund?

If you wish to withdraw your application you are required to visit the application centre and submit your withdrawal request. VFS will not be able to provide you any definite timelines to get your passport back. You are requested to wait and check the status of your passport on our website Can I send my application directly to the High Commission? Where does it go if I have done so?

All applications should be submitted at the specified visa application centres. If you have already dispatched your application to the High Commission of India (London) – your application will be redelivered to our Visa Centre on India Visa Application Centre, 142-148, Goswell Road, London EC1V 7DU. But please keep in mind that there will be a delay in the processing of your documents until they reach the Visa Centre from the High Commission.

Where can I get the correct specifications of photographs?

Each Visa Application Centre (except for Cardiff, Glasgow and Manchester) have in-house photo booths that will provide you with the required 50x50 size photographs for your application. The cost is £4 for a set of 2.

I get a message of ‘No Record Found’ on my postal application. What is the processing timelines?

Postal applications must be scrutinised before we can begin to process them. In case there are further details required to have been submitted by you or for example, the photographs given were not up to the specification – your application will be posted back to you. In this case, since we are unable to enter your details through our system, there will not be a record to track. In such cases, you can address your concern info.inuk@vfshelpline.com. It is always strongly advised to be ensure that you have read all requirements for an application before it is dispatched through the post.

How do I track my application?

You can track your application through the website by entering data required under the tab ‘Track your Application’ found on the left hand side of the homepage.

How do I withdraw my application and will I get a refund?

If you wish to withdraw your application you are required to visit the application centre and submit your withdrawal request. VFS will not be able to provide you any definite timelines to get your passport back. You are requested to wait and check the status of your passport on our website.

What if I have lost my ICR for collection of passport?

If you have lost your receipt, we will be unable to provide you with your passport without photographic proof of identification.

If I need to offer a compliment for good service or a complaint for service not up to mark – to where can I address this?

You can address all such feedback, including application queries to info.inuk@vfshelpline.com. Complete information is given under the tab ‘Contact Us’ found on the left hand side of the homepage.

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Pakistan has finally acknowledged that there is enough evidence to prosecute Lashkar commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi for his involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks, in what marks the first endorsement of India's case against the 26/11 masterminds holed up across the border.

Pakistani officials admitted during last week's home secretarylevel talks that investigation conducted by their Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had established Lakhvi's direct involvement in the 26/11 terror attacks. According to sources in the home ministry in India, the Pakistani officials told home secretary R K Singh that the evidence against

Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi

Lakhvi - largely related to his role in organizing money and logistics, including the boat and inflatable dingy for the gang that ravaged Mumbai - was strong enough to secure his conviction in court.

"Pakistan told India about the development at FIA's end during the home secretary-level talks between the two countries in Islamabad last week," said an official privy to the details of talks between the two home secretaries.

Officials here termed it as a "significant admission", stressing that Pakistani authorities will be required to produce the evidence in the court trying Lakhvi and six others including Lashkar commanders Zarar Shah and Abu Al Qama, who all are in jail.

The development marks a validation of the evidence that India gathered against Lakhvi, Shah, Qama and others and can give satisfaction to the investigators who saw

Pakistan cussedly shrugging off their findings as flimsy. It should also leave them intrigued because they maintain that the evidence about Lakhvi's role contained in the several Indian dossiers submitted to Pakistan had been so foolproof that it could have easily been corroborated even by the neighbourhood cop long ago.

As it coincides with the pressure from the US for action against Hafiz Saeed, wary Indian officials wonder whether the new stance on Lakhvi's culpability is meant to isolate the Lashkar chief from his junior jihadis and to strengthen Pakistan's case that lack of evidence was the only reason why it was not acting against the Muridkebased hate monger.

Manmohan meets Suu Kyi, invites her to visit India Continued from page 1 Wearing a purple dress embellished with flowers, the National League for Democracy leader said she was "happy at the prospect of closer ties with India".

"Our democratic goal is on the basis of peace and stability," she said as Manmohan Singh looked on.

She added that she was willing to take up the invitation to deliver the Jawaharlal Nehru memorial lecture in India.

Manmohan Singh said it had been a privilege to have met Suu Kyi, who studied in New Delhi's Lady Sri Ram College before pursuing higher studies in Oxford. "We in India are very proud of our long standing association with her and members of her family," said the prime minister. In a break from her previous meetings, Suu Kyi came to the Sedona Hotel to meet the

prime minister. Other world leaders have called on her at her lakeside villa where she spent long years under house arrest.

Manmohan Singh said he had handed over a letter from Congress president Sonia Gandhi to deliver the Jawaharlal Nehru memorial lecture.

He lauded Suu Kyi and said her life was one of "struggle and determination (which) has inspired millions of people all over the world".

He added that the she will play "a defining role" in the process of national reconciliation launched by President Thein Sein.

India to provide $500 million line of credit Manmohan Singh on Monday announced that India it would provide a $500 million line of credit to Myanmar as the two countries signed agreements on a range of sec-

tors, including air services, beginning a “new journey” of bilateral cooperation.

On the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Myanmar in quarter of a century, Manmohan Singh held “broad-ranging” discussions with Myanmar President Thein Sein on a road map for bilateral cooperation and said New Delhi was committed to Myanmar’s economic development.

A Memorandum of Understanding for India’s $500 million credit line was signed between ExportImport Bank of India and Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank. The line of credit was agreed upon in October last year when the Myanmar President had visited New Delhi.

The two countries also signed an air services agreement and an MoU on establishment of a joint trade and investment forum and setting up of

border trade centres across the border of India and Myanmar.

Manmohan Singh told Mr Sein that connectivity remains a major thrust area in India-Myanmar relations while capacitybuilding in Myanmar was a major priority for India’s development assistance to this country. India pledged to double the training slots of Myanmarese personnel in India.

“We have embarked on a new journey of bilateral cooperation”, Dr Singh told Mr Sein, adding “we are committed to strengthening our economic and development partnership.”

Dr Singh told President Sein that India was ready to share with Myanmar its experience of Parliamentary democracy and “we wish you all success in your nation-building efforts and changes you are bringing about,” according to a spokesman.

Anand Mela 2012 Come join us in Harrow to celebrate our 40 years of service Asian Business Publications Ltd have a proud history of publishing the popular Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice news weeklies - the largest sold Asian news weeklies in the UK. The publications are in its 41st year and to commemorate this special occasion we are organising a special Summer mela in London on 9 and 10 June 2012 from 10am-8pm at Harrow Leisure Centre (Christchurch Avenue, Harrow HA3 5BD). The 'Anand Mela' promises to display diverse colours of Indian Culture especially Gujarat by bringing people together in a festive ambience where everyone can enjoy food, music, dance etc.

The mela will be divided into stall zones viz. food & drink, education and entertainment, Health & Medical, Travel & Tourism, Property & Investment, Banking & Finance, Fashion & Wedding and many more.

Visitors will have opportunity to have endless fun, do some shopping, enjoy the day's entertainment, eat some tasty food, meet near and dear ones or dance to their favourite folk or bollywood songs- old or new. The event will attract more than 5000

visitors over 2 days period. Tickets costs ONLY 2.50/head/day.

The entertainment will include dance by Mandhata Youth community organisation, Kuntal dance academy, Honeys dance academy, Chana dance academy, Yax and Diya and Hemina Shah and bollywood or folk songs will be performed by Avina Shah, Pooja and Depala (Southall Sangeet Vidhya Program), Bhavin Hariya, Navin Kundra, Maya Dipak, Amit Kansara, Achala Hiran Miyani.

There will be bridal fashion show by Kuntal and presentation by Akshaya Patra and Kesari. A women's play will be performed by Mahavir Foundation. There are possibilities of some bhangra performance as well.

Local MPs, Councillors and community leaders will be present in the morning of 9th June to interact with the guests. The fund raised through ticket sales will be donated to our nominated charity for the melaAkshaya Patra Foundation, that helps underprivileged children with education and mid day meals in India.

There will also be seminars for elderly (Mansfield hall) to discuss their health issues along with con-

sultation regarding their problems concerning visa, financial services, writing wills etc. Such consultations will be provided by experienced professionals from relevant fields. There will be some bhajans too (separate ticket charges of £10 apply with food).

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with your heritage, culture and have some unadulterated fun with friends and family, while enjoying Indian food and shopping. Please ensure that you have obtained your tickets.

Date: Sat 9 and Sun 10 June 2012 Time: 10am-8pm (both days) Venue: Harrow Leisure Centre (Christchurch Avenue, Harrow HA3 5BD) Ticket: £2.50/person/day (bhajan- separate ticket charges of £10 apply with food) (Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar does not have any kind of affiliations with any other event or mela organisers. Please note events may change on days due to unforeseeable circumstances. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar holds no responsibility for such changes)

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

27

Modi compares UPA Govt with tainted Godman Nirmal Baba Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has compared the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government with tainted Godman Nirmal Baba.

Taking on the UPA already under fire for skyrocketing inflation, string of corruption and steep hike in petrol price, Modi said that he would have to register a case against the ruling government in the court of the masses.

"There is a government in Delhi, which is just like

court of fraud Godman like Nirmal Baba, who claims that having a sweet would bless you. The government in Delhi also makes similar claims that 'vote us to power' and inflation would go away on its own, this is what they have said, right?" said Modi, while addressing a BJP rally in Mumbai on Friday.

"They had said that 'elect us to power and we would ensure that inflation goes away in 100 days', they had said like

the fraud Godman give assurances. Nirmal Baba is going to jail but I have come to register a case against the government in the court of the masses," he added. Modi accused the government of not fulfilling the promises made during the elections.

"What kind of a government is this? They make false promises, mislead the masses while perpetrating their own schemes just like fraud Godman does. The people need to see through the

government's fraud. There are many in the government like Nirmal Baba, who are filling up their

own coffers while befooling people," he said.

Modi further slammed the government over the constant fall of rupees against dollar, saying there is conspiracy behind it and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh must answer why it is falling constantly.

In respect to the country's current deteriorating economic condition, Modi raised serious questions over the government's capability in further running the country.

"The government in Delhi neither has a leader or policies nor a clear conscience. If the government doesn't have a leader, set policies or clear intentions, we can see what harm it can cause to the nation," he said.

Modi also slammed the government over the setting up of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), saying that the norms of the government's counter-militancy body denied the states their rights.

In Focus HC quashes FIR against Aussie cricketer Pomersbach

The Delhi High Court quashed an FIR against Australian cricketer Luke Pomersbach after he and the complainant US national reached an outof-court settlement in a molestation case. Justice M L Mehta quashed the FIR and the criminal proceedings arising out of it after recording statements of American citizen Zohal Hamid, her friend Sahil Peerzada and accused Pomersbach.

Mumbai man stabs excolleague 48 times

The Mumbai police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly killing a former colleague by stabbing him 48 times near Diana bridge in Tardeo.

The accused, Ganesh Sable, was reportedly jealous of the victim, Vikas Sahu (29), who was close to their employer. Investigators said that Sable attacked Sahu 48 times with a sharp object on his face and neck, killing him on the spot. He was said to be in an inebriated condition at the time of the incident.

Reebok India's MD and COO booked for fraud

Police have booked the former managing director (MD) and chief operating operator (COO) of the India chapter of global sports goods firm Reebok on charges of forgery, cheating and criminal breach of trust and causing a loss to the tune of over Rs 87 billion. The FIR, registered charged Subhinder Singh Prem, former MD, and COO Vishnu Bhagat of misappropriating funds during their tenure. No arrests were made yet.

Their employment contract was terminated. The duo, employed with the company for 16 years, has been accused of operating four secret warehouses in Delhi to keep clandestinely diverted and stolen stocks.

Mulayam receives prestigious International Jurists Award

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Pakistan's Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry have been awarded the prestigious International Jurists Award 2012. Yadav, former defence minister and ex-chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, was selected for his unflinching "contribution to the advancement of the bar and the bench." "His support to the development of the legal fraternity is unparalleled in the world," said the citation, read out at the International Conference of Jurists on Rule of Law. Yadav was, however, not present to receive the award. Justice Chaudhry received the award from Lord Phillips, President of the Supreme Court of the UK, for his "unique and tremendous contribution in the field of administration of justice and for the tireless and fearless endeavours towards administration of justice in Pakistan against all odds."

Presents

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Awarded to a business person who is a success in every sense of the word and can demonstrate a genuine passion for social issues.

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Uniformed and Civil Services ............................................

Professionals in the field of medicine, law, education, banking, finance and others, who have scaled the heights of their chosen profession.

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Awarded to those who have acclaimed popularity internationally for his/her contribution in any particular sector and is recognised for their timeless philanthropic activities.

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Someone who has made a mark in media including print and broadcast media; cinema, art and culture.

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To honour those individuals, who during their lifetime, have made immense contributions in any given field. This remarkable individual can be marked as an example for the younger generation.

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Name of the Nominee: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Details of the Nominee (Tel & email): _______________________________________________________________ Present Occupation of the Nominee: _______________________________________________________________________ Please attach your CV which includes the following information (1) Personal background (2) (3) (4) (5)

(Please do not exceed a limit of 1000 words)

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NOMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS This is a unique event where readers nominate and an independent panel of judges comprising of eminent personalities selects the winner. Judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; decision is final. ABPL Group will not entertain any dialogue with members of the public regarding the judging process. In order to ensure a high degree of transparency and fairness, the management and members of the staff of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar will play no role in the nomination or judging process. You may use an additional sheet if the space provided is insufficient. The winners will be announced at the AAA Awards ceremony in 14th September, 2012. Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar will publish the names of the short listed candidates and winners after the event. The winners names will also appear in our e-edition www.abplgroup.com You can nominate yourself if you wish to. Nominations and entries must follow the prescribed format. All nomination forms must reach our offices on or before 12th July, 2012

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TravEL & womeN

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

Pushing boundary by Aman Singh

Indian Maharaja Express Luxury Train Tour

n unforgettable way to discover India’s beautiful history, culture and A sights is to travel on India’s version of the

Orient Express - the Indian Maharaja Express. On the Royal Tour, you will visit nine cities over seven nights for a trip of a lifetime. This tour is all inclusive so all meals, accommodation and an English speaking tour guide are taken care of so you can fully relax without the worry of planning transport, meals or where to stay. The cabins are all en-suite and a butler service is available 24/7. The best time to travel is between September and April to avoid the hot Indian summer!

On day one, upon boarding the train in the late evening, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before setting off overnight to Agra. Upon arrival into Agra, after a leisurely breakfast on board, you’ll enjoy a tour of the spectacular monuments of the city, and of course the jewel of India - the Taj Mahal. The highlight of the afternoon is high tea atop the Taj Khema as you admire the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunset. You’ll have free time for shopping for pietra dura marble and fine Mughal Jewellery. You’ll end the day with dinner on board and will continue your journey to Ranthambore overnight.

The next day will take you on an exciting safari to the Ranthambore National Park. The park is famous for its open sightings of tigers, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. Return to the train for a hearty brunch, and onwards to Jaipur.

Nestled in the rugged Aravali Hills, the picturesque capital city of Jaipur is the jewel in the crown of Rajasthan, surrounded by rugged hills and dotted by magnificent palaces, massive forts and exquisite temples. You’ll visit the fabulous Amber Fort, a hilltop castle. A short jeep ride takes you up the hill and inside, enjoy a tour of the royal apartments and step back into the Mughal era.

Complete the day by enjoying an Elephant Polo Match. Your arrival will be accompanied by the royal military band and the beating of ‘Nagadas’ (huge Indian drums). After the match, enjoy dinner over sparkling wine and re-board the train.

Following breakfast, set out to explore the desert kingdom of Bikaner – its forts, palaces and temples are splendid creations made in red and yellow sandstone. Later visit Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress which has never been conquered. Then enjoy cocktails and a traditional barbecue as you enjoy traditional folk artists music and dance.

The next day you’ll visit Jodhpur. Set like a jewel amidst the golden sands of the barren desert, it is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces of the Rajput era. Take a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower market. Enjoy a dinner evening in the Royal courtyard of Meherangarh Fort, before continuing on to Udaipur.

Awake to the magnificent scenery of the Aravali Hills. Spend the day exploring one of the most romantic cities in India - Udaipur is an enchanting image of white marble palaces, lakes and green hills. Following lunch, proceed on a ‘Walking Tour’ through the Old Market.

The next morning, you will arrive into Vadodara, a graceful city and considered by many as the cultural capital of Gujarat. Visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum which exhibits collections by painters Raja Ravi Verma, Raphael, Titian and Murillo. Enjoy high tea at the

Laxmi Vilas Palace accompanied by folk performances. You’ll then board the train and will be treated to a traditional Indian evening for your final night. The next day after breakfast, you will disembark in the financial capital city of Mumbai.

Survival of the flashiest Gold-plated Punjabis, diamond-encrusted Gujaratis, stinking rich Sindhis and erudite East Indians. Spot the difference? Gross stereotypes I concede - but the deeper question is whether, as a diaspora, are we overly concerned with the pursuit of material wealth and its various accoutrements in place of social progress?

My central premise is this; research into migration in the middle part of the last century put forward the following blueprint to illustrate the various stages of a diaspora's social progress. Ethnic group sees a better, real meaning, richer life abroad. The genetically, mentally and socially resilient individuals take the challenge and migrate. Then they face the bigotry and 'rivers of blood' Enoch Powell-

esque apathy that those who stayed behind foresaw. Migrants create resilient communities, survive, open corner shops and suggest certain professional career paths to their children and progress. But this is gold and diamonds and Range Rover progress.

This is not real, longterm, impactful social progress. The next stage in the model was supposed to encompass social progress, the kind of social progress whereby we elect our compatriots as greater than 2% of the total of MPs and high court judges and 3% members of public sector executive boards. That kind of influence cannot be bought on Green Street or flashy dealerships. That kind of stepping up to the middle classes really only derives

from an understanding of and ingratiation into one's host country. If we to remain in the UK, we could do far worse than establish our roots in the civic, cultural and even religious institutions that make the UK great. We can survive in peace with our host culture.

Multiculturalism works, it has to in a global age.

So my challenge to my young readers is this.

Strive for more than material wealth. This is undoubtedly a cliché, because happiness does come through the pursuit of things. What I am saying is that by choosing now, before they fall into the rat race of acquisition that currently typifies our ethnic stereotypes highlighted earlier, think what is better for your community, real social progress.

And then go out and get it.

Norway kids now face family row

To arrange your holiday aboard the Maharaja Express, book with Brightsun Travel, who offer a complete holiday service with helpful and experienced consultants. Brightsun have special offers on several luxury train tours and offer a price match promise on worldwide flights and holidays so you will get the best deals. To book this dream holiday, visit www.brightsun.co.uk for full details of the tour or call Brightsun Travel on 0208 819 0486.

The fight over the custody of the two kids Aishwarya and Abhigwan - has found a new stage now, Burdwan's Kulti. The two grandfathers, one from the maternal side and another from the paternal, have lodged complaints against each other with Kulti police station. The mother of the kids, Sagarika Chakraborty, is staying in Birati since midApril after her return from Norway.

Sagarika's father Monotosh Chakraborty, who had initially gone to the house of Ajay Bhattacharya - the paternal grandfather of the kids - has lodged a complaint saying he was abused by the Bhattacharyas. When Sagarika went to meet the children, she was not initially allowed to enter the house. Though Sagarika was allowed later after police intervened, the Bhattacharyas reportedly didn't let her touch the kids. Even Sagarika complained that some local criminals have threatened to kill her if she wants to meet the children.

Sagarika said that she too has lodged a complaint with Kulti police station. According to her, a complaint has been lodged against her and her father accusing them of trying to take away the children from the Bhattacharyas house forcibly. The children are now staying with their uncle Arunabhas Bhattacharya after a court order from Norway.

Sagarika said that she last met the children on April 25, when they were in her relative's house in Sinthee.

"The Bhattacharyas misbehaved with me then too. They had earlier stated before the media that they would allow me to stay in their

File photo of kids with parents

Kulti house with the kids," she said. The children were in foster care between May 2011 and April 20, 2012,

as the Norwegian child care agency had found that there was lack of parental care at home.

Vegetable Kebab

A delicious, spicy snack recipe for cheese and potato lovers Ingredients: 2 potato, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup cauliflower, 1 cup cabbage, 2 green chilly, 1 tbsp coriander, 1/4 tsp aji no motto powder, 1 cup refined flour, 1/2 tsp red chilly powder, oil for frying, 1 tbsp clarified butter (ghee), 1 tsp salt.

Method: Boil, peel and grate potato. Grate paneer also. Finely chop coriander and green chillies. Grate both the cabbages. Heat oil in a pan and fry grated cabbage with aji no motto powder.

After frying for few minutes, add potato, cottage cheese, green chillies and 1/2 tsp salt and cook until the water dries up.

Remove it from the flame and let it cool.

Make small balls of the mixture and keep aside. Make a batter by mixing refined flour, 1/2 tsp salt, lal mirch and 1

cup water. Heat oil in a pan. Dip all the balls in the batter and deep fry them until they turn golden brown. Serve them hot. You can also serve it in barbeque skewers with pieces of other vegetables.

(Barbequed / roasted capsicum, paneer, tomatoes, onions, cauliflower) Nutrients: A simple, stamina-boosting kebab of cottage cheese and vegetables that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Those who are health conscious can use low-fat cottage cheese. A recipe that is a storehouse of nutrients like protein and calcium.

HealtH WatCh

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

Say no to water between meals

Drinking water during meals severely hampers your stomach's digestive powers and causes insulin levels to fluctuate significantly, warns Microboitic counsellor Shonali Sabherwal.

To know if you're drinking enough water, it is often said, just check if you are feeling thirsty. If you aren't, your fluid intake is likely to be just about right. But downing glasses of water along with your meals may not be the best time to quench your thirst.

Shonali explains why you should not drink water during your meal. "Most Indians have water along with their meals. The usual theory is washing down the food while eating.

People have no idea how wrong this practice is and how difficult this can be for their digestion. For

those suffering with digestion problems, the ramifications are manifold. Our stomachs have a knack of knowing when you will eat and starts releasing digestive juices immediately. If you start drinking water at the same time, what you are actually doing is diluting the digestive juices being released to digest your food, thereby hindering them from breaking down food."

Research shows that sipping a little water during meals isn't a cause for concern but drinking a glass or two may interfere with digestion. It is best to drink

fluids before and two hours after meals as this helps in absorption of nutrients, researchers have found.

Elaborating on what exactly happens inside when you drink water during meals, Sabherwal says that it gets absorbed by the intestinal walls of the stomach. "This absorption continues till it becomes concentrated enough for the digestive juices to begin digesting your food.

However, due to it getting mixed with water, this concentrated substance is now thicker than the food contents present in your stomach. So less gastric juice will be secreted to digest your food. The result is, undigested food leaks into your system as it gets absorbed through the stomach walls. This will also lead to acid reflux and heart burn." Drinking

water with meals can also cause a surge in your insulin levels, almost like the way high glycemic food would affect you, Sabherwal cautions. "The more insulin is released in to your blood stream, the higher the chances of you storing fat in your body."

To avoid watering down your meals, Sabherwal suggests a few don'ts. "Make sure your food is not too salty as that would aggravate your thirst and trigger your need to down more water. Besides, eating in a hurry will cause you to gulp your food down. Most likely, you would feel the need to wash it down with water while you are at it.

Instead, chew, chew and then chew some more. We secrete a lot of digestive juices (enzymes) while chewing, which makes our stomach's job easier."

Fruit, veggies tied to lower diabetes risk

People who eat more fruits and vegetables may have a slightly lower risk of type 2 diabetes than people who don't, and getting a wide variety of those healthy foods may be key to avoiding the disease, according to a study.

The findings do not prove that eating fruits and vegetables will ward off the condition, which is associated with obesity and old age, but researchers said it should give people yet more incentive to improve their diet.

The study which covers over 3,700 UK adults found that those who ate the most servings of fruits and vegetables in a week had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes over 11 years versus people who ate the fewest.

The diabetes risk was also lower among people who consumed a wider variety of fruit and vegetables, regardless of the actual quantity they ate.

This suggests that people should focus not only

on how many servings they get each day, said senior researcher Nita Forouhi, of the Institute of Metabolic Science in Cambridge, UK. "The finding on variety of intake is new and exciting, because it demonstrates that independent of the quantity consumed, we have the potential to gain additional and important benefits from choosing a mixture of different fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet," she said.

One serving is equal to a half-cup of cooked vegetables or a medium-sized piece of fresh fruit.

For the study, her team looked at data from 3,704 adults aged 40 to 79 who were part of a larger study

on nutrition and chronic diseases. Of those people, 653 developed type 2 diabetes over 11 years.

All of the study participants kept a weeklong food diary at the study's start, and Forouhi's team found that those who reported the highest combined fruit and vegetable intake were less likely to develop diabetes over the coming year.

Of the one-third with the highest intake - typically about six servings of fruit or vegetables a day 16 per cent were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes compared with 21 per cent of the one-third of participants with the lowest fruit and vegetable intake, about two servings a day.

That low-intake group closely matches the average US diet.

Of course, people who eat a lot of fruit and vegetables may be different in a number of ways, Forouhi said, including weight, exercise levels, smoking

habits and education.

But when her team accounted for those factors, a high intake of fruit and vegetables was still linked to a 21 per cent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The researchers found a similar pattern when it came to variety. People who consumed 16 different types of fruit and vegetables per week, on average, were about 40 per cent less likely to develop diabetes than people who averaged eight types.

Variety may be key because that helps ensure getting a wide range of nutrients. This includes not only vitamins and minerals, but also fiber and plant compounds called phytochemicals, which are thought to help protect cells from damage that can lead to chronic disease.

To get a good variety, Forouhi suggested incorporating a range of colors into your fruit-and-vegetable repertoire - but this all needs to be part of a generally healthy lifestyle.

Skinny jeans can hurt your nerves It might be time to fling those tight fitted denims out of your wardrobe as doctors in the US caution fashionistas about potential nerve damage due to wearing skinny jeans. A number of patients in the US have been found suffering from ‘meralgia paresthetica’, a disorder that causes symptoms of tingling, numbness and pain in the upper legs, as a result of their trendy clothing choices. “It’s a disorder that occurs when one of the nerves that run in the outer part of a thigh gets compressed,” said Dr Karen Boyle from the Greater Baltimore Medical Centre in US. Wearing high heels with skinny

jeans could worsen the problem as tilting the pelvis increases the pressure on nerves, she said.

Boyle warned that any tingling sensation caused by denims should not be ignored as this could lead to more permanent damage.

As an alternative to the tight fitted denims she suggested wearing jeggings - leggings that look like jeans - or denims that have some stretch in them. Although not widely known of, meralgia paresthetica has been noted in medical papers. In 2003, Malvinder S Parmar reported on three cases in Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Jog every morning to add five more years to life You can add at least five extra years to your life by going for a jog every morning.

Now, regular jogging has been found to dramatically increase life expectancy.

European Society of Cardiology said that the life expectancy of a man, who jogs regularly increases by 6.2 years and that of a woman by 5.6 years. And that too by jogging between just about one and two-and ahalf hours per week at a “slow or average” pace - a recipe that doctors say delivers optimum benefits for longevity. It improves oxygen uptake, increases insulin sensitivity, improves lipid profiles, lowers blood pressure, reduces platelet aggregation, raises fibrinolytic activity, improves cardiac function, bone density and immune function.

It reduces inflammation markers, prevents obesity and improves psychological function. Peter Schnohr, who led the

Copenhagen City Heart study, said, “We can say with certainty that regular jogging increases longevity. The good news is that you don’t actually need to do that much to reap the benefits.”

He added, “Mortality is lower in people reporting moderate jogging than in non-joggers or those undertaking extreme levels of exercise.”

The finding should help an average Indian get off her/his couch to catch up on a moderate jog for at least four times a week. Cardiology society of India president Dr Ashok Seth, however, says brisk walking that covers 5-6 km per hour is as good as jogging.

“Around 40 minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week, including five minutes of warm up and five minutes of cool down is a must.

All risk factors of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension are controlled by exercise,” Dr Seth said.

Calcium supplements taken by millions of people every day can double the risk of heart attacks, according to a study, while researchers say they do little to protect bones against fractures. Recommended by government advisors as a safe way to help fight osteoporosis, they are taken by up to 5 million people in Britain.

But researchers say a new study adds to mounting evidence that the supplements are "not safe or particularly effective." The latest study, which fol-

lowed 24,000 middle-aged and elderly Germans for 11 years, found taking calcium pills roughly doubled the risk of having a heart attack. Writing in the journal Heart, German and Swiss academics find that heart attack risk "might be substantially increased by taking calcium supplements".

They conclude the pills "should be taken with caution" because they raise the annual risk of a heart attack from about one in 700 people to one in 350.

Calcium pills 'double heart attack risk'

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Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

CB Live is only a Gujarati programme in UK on MATV SKY 793 Mr Bobby (Balwant) Grewal, Chairman of India Association will be interviewed by CB Patel on the excellent public services by his organisation and himself in providing charitable aid and raising huge amount of money for honourable causes.

Kokila Patel will interview Naina Patel, whose Gujarati novel based on life in Britain is being serialised in Gujarat Samachar.

If you do not have a SKY, go to www.tvunetworks.com and watch CB Live on TVU Player Channel 75203

Sneh Joshi - 020 8518 5500 Saturn continues to transit your solar 7th house for some time to come. Saturn motivates us to sort out the areas of life it touches. In your case, significant one-to-one relationships need to be considered and understood during this transit. However, you will have learned much about commitment and compromise by the time it is over.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

7pm to 8pm Every Thursday

CB LIVE Every Thursday on MATV (SKY 793) 7pm to 8pm For more information email: cblive_matv@yahoo.co.uk or call Alka Shah on 07944 151 893

India Association raises funds for a local hospice at annual Vaisakhi gala

The Bhangra competition by Virendra Sharma, Dominic Grieve at the event in presence of Baroness Verma, Dr Sahota and others

Continued from page 7 The very interesting feature on the evening was a Bhangra competition between Virendra Sharma and Dominic Grieve. The dance off between the two went on for at least an hour raising over £700 in the process. Catering was provided by Crown Conference Centre, and entertainment was Curious Events. The

evenings MCs were Arun Sandhu and Dalbir Sandhu. There were 3 auction prizes and 14 raffle prizes of very high quality were all donated generously by the members to Harlington Hospice. Funds raised through events in the UK are also donated to charities in India. Last year, India Association, helped a dental clinic in rural Punjab.

Coming Events l AV and GS presents Anand Mela, 9 and 10 June, 10am-8pm. Harrow Leisure Centre l Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Saturday 2nd June, 3pm. Queen's Gardens, Croydon. Contact: Nitin Mehta 07910875908 l Tribute to Dr Bhupen Hazarika at Nehru Centre on Tuesday, 26 June 2012 at 7:00pm. The Nehru, 8 South Audley Street, London W1K 1HF l The Winning Mindset – 9th Young Jains UK Convention, Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd Jul 2012, Canons High School, Shaldon Road, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 6AN l Lecture on Power of One by Mrs Jaya Row, Wednesday, 30 May, 7:30pm, Shree Sanatan Mandir, Leicester l Om Shakti day Centre and Senior Ladies Group celebrate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, 13 June, 10am-3pm, Byron Hall, Harrow Leisure Centre, HA3 5BD. Contact: Ranjan Manek: 07930335978 l Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Sunday 3 June from 11am to 4pm by Northampton's Hindu community, at Lings Way next to the Wildlife Trust.

Contact: 0788 758 0506 to arrange. l 2nd June- 5th June 2012, 8.00pm discourses of Shrimati Tarlaben Doshi, a Scholar in Jain Philosophy. Jain Centre, 64-68 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5DR from

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TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Venus, your planetary ruler, will occupy the sign of Gemini for a longer time than usual due to retrograde motion in 2012. This places special emphasis in your horoscope on finances and personal values. This is a good time to re-assess and reflect on these issues. For many, duty could come before pleasure, and a tendency to work more or harder is likely.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

The planetary activity in your chart signals a time of mixed emotions as well as personal issues to be dealt with.The accent’s very much on relationships. The outlook remains optimistic, so don't be afraid to act if your instinct tells you it's time for change. Professional and financial pressures will begin to ease.

Although there are very intense amorous energies indicated in your chart, the trouble is that these are likely to be marred by feelings of jealousy. Do not therefore dabble in anything that could harbour such negative potential, as it is bound to end in heartache. Existing emotional differences can be sorted out now.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

Anything or anyone that drains your time and energy should be re-evaluated.

It’s time to use that creative imagination of yours to create grandeur in your life. Don't get too carried away and lose sight of little things that mean a lot to you.

There are a lot of opportunities around you.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Your attention turns to money and finance this week. You are satisfied with your love life, but now you’ve got to get busy making cash. You have much professional territory yet to cover, with three planets in your work sector, there is not reason why you should not get there. Good period for communications.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 You will feel energetic and confident as the week begins. Developments during this week are likely to make you feel rather restless, perhaps because you have allowed yourself to fall into a routine that is now becoming jaded. If so, then the hint of change will be extremely welcome.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

The pattern of significant relationships in your life will continue to favour you. It seems that a great deal of mutual benefit will accrue because of various interactions. The underlying trend indicates that deep creative energies are stirring within you and that seemingly insignificant events will play a vital role in the future enrichment of life.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 It is certainly going to be a fortunate time for those already married or in an established relationship. The keynote is emotional enrichment through close interaction with a loved one.

Facets of your life that have been a source of restriction and dissatisfaction will begin to loosen their hold.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

You need to pay more attention than usual to your everyday work dairy.

Meetings, work hours and organised breaks could play havoc, unless you're prepared to re-group on the spur of the moment. Try to be meticulous but flexible about your schedule. Play your cards right and you can pull strings in you favour.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

With Sun, Mercury and Venus in your 5th house of romance and creativity, you should enjoy a very popular phase in your life where everyone wants to invite you to parties. This will give you a chance to meet people of your own calibre and pursue any romantic liaisons that might present themselves.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

Get out as much as possible. Do not be misled by inconsequential issues as you will have better opportunities if you stick to your main objectives. The domestic scene may prove to be active and harmonious as long as you use tact and diplomacy.

Mentally you will be in good form to make on-the-spot decisions.

Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

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Asian Voice - Saturday 2nd June 2012

Action at a Glance India to host New Zealand, England this year India, traditionally poor performers in overseas tours, will have an opportunity to improve their test rankings when they host New Zealand and current top-ranked test team England either side of the Twenty20 World Cup in September. New Zealand will play two tests in India in August before taking on the hosts in two Twenty20 internationals as part of their preparations for the World Cup. The fourth Twenty20 World Cup will be played in Asia for the first time when Sri Lanka hosts the tournament from September 18 to October 7. England, who replaced India as the number one test side last year, will play four tests and two Twenty20 matches before flying home for Christmas. The visitors will return in the new year to play a five-match one-day international series.

Federer equals Connorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record Roger Federer's bid for a record 17th major tennis title began with another landmark on Monday, when he won his 233rd match at a grand slam event, equalling the achievement of Jimmy Connors. Federer beat German Tobias Kamke 6-2 7-5 6-3 in the first round of the French Open and can surpass American Connors' professional-era record by continuing his progress here.

Women's world number one Victoria Azarenka was lucky to advance after being five points away from defeat against Italian Alberta Brianti in their first-round match, but turned the tables to scrape through 6-7 6-4 6-2. Novak Djokovic had a calm start to his bid to complete his grand slam collection and become the first man in 43 years to hold all four titles at the same time.

Shah Rukh Khan says sorry

An elated Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan on Sunday night apologised for his behaviour at the Wankhede Stadium with Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) officials. As his team lifted their maiden IPL title, Shah Rukh hoped fans would forgive him for the act that saw him being banned from the MCA for five years. "I want to apologise to the kids for my misbehaviour at the MCA. I apologise to all who saw me differently. I shouldn't have behaved in that manner. But today my team has won, so I guess, all you fans should forgive me. We have won at last," he said. Shah Rukh had words of praise for Man of the Match Manvinder Bisla, who scored a match-winning 89 off 48 balls.

Kolkata Knight Riders lift Indian Premier League trophy

Manvinder Sultansingh Bisla justified his late inclusion with a brilliant knock of 89 that carried Kolkata Knight Riders to a memorable fivewicket victory against Chennai Super Kings for their maiden trophy success in the Indian Premier League here at Chennai on Sunday.

The Super Kings, champions in the previous two seasons, looked to be in command when they posted 190 for four after batting first on winning the toss, and then dismissing Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir in the very first over.

But Bisla (89 of 49 balls) and veteran Jacques Kallis (69 off 49) put together a match-winning partnership of 136 runs to set up a deserving victory in the final over when Manoj Tiwary smashed two consecutive boundaries off Dwayne Bravo for the winning runs.

Kolkata's success was even more creditable considering they had to reshuffle their line-up in the wake of injury to seamer Lakshmipathy Balaji. They brought in Bisla while dropping opener Brendon McCullum and replacing the Kiwi big-hitter with allrounder Shakib Al Hasan.

In contrast, the Super Kings appeared a settled unit and after their top order batsmen - openers Michael Hussey (54) and Murali Vijay (42) and then Suresh Raina (73) - firing in unison, looked set to win the final until the onslaught by Bisla and Kallis who both batted out of their skins to guide their team to victory.

The Knight Riders went home richer by $2 million in prize money and the Super

Kings received $1.5 million as the runners-up.

Bisla was a revelation as he has had a very ordinary season with the bat, but on the big night, he stepped up to play a gem of a knock that took Knight Riders close to victory.

With Kallis proving to be an able foil, Bisla grew in stature. However, Bisla fell in the 15th over, just 11 short of a century. Thereafter, the Knight Riders lost a couple of wickets leaving them to get 20 runs off the last two overs.

Kallis departed in the 19th when he smashed a full-toss off Hilfenhaus to Ravindra Jadeja, but a lucky boundary off the last ball of that over left Kolkata to get nine off the last over bowled by Bravo with Shakib Al Hasan and Manoj Tiwary at the crease.

Tiwary swung the third ball to the square-leg fence and the Knight Riders needed three off the last three deliveries. He again pulled the next ball to the boundary for the winning runs and set off celebrations in the Knight

Riders camp.

At the start, it was Vijay and Hussey who, after a cautious start, opened up to put the Kolkata bowling to the sword with another wonderful exhibition of calculated hitting.

There were no wild slogs or unnecessary attempts at improvisation, but it was an attack that had some method as the duo batted with elan to post another half-century partnership.

The innings gained momentum when fast bowler Brett Lee and left-arm spinner Hassan were each hit for11 runs in the third and fourth overs. Thereafter, neither batsman was troubled by the Knight Riders bowlers, including Narine who was brought on for the fifth over.

The partnership flourished and raised visions of yet another big total when Vijay, the centurion in the previous game, holed out in the deep off seamer Rajat Bhatia in the 11th over.

In walked Raina and immediately forged an excellent stand with Hussey who cele-

brated his birthday with a halfcentury and seemed determined to stay on till the end.

Raina, struggling for runs this season, found his touch at the right moment and batted with rare freedom to pile on misery on the Kolkata bowlers none of whom made an impression.

Chaos at KKR felicitation programme There was chaos outside the Eden Gardens after an hour-long felicitation function of the IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders when a large crowd broke barricades and engaged in scuffles with the police in a bid to enter the grounds on Tuesday. Nearly 30,000 people were waiting outside the Eden Gardens as they were not allowed entry into the grounds which were already packed to capacity. As the surging crowd made a determined bid to have a glimpse of the KKR team as well as its co-owners Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla, chaos followed and several persons suffered injuries in the melee.

England crush West Indies to clinch Test series England beat West Indies by nine wickets to win the second Test with more than a day to spare at Trent Bridge here on Monday and take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in this three-match series. Set 108 for victory on the fourth day, England finished on 111 for one.

England captain Andrew Strauss, who made 141 in the first innings to follow his hundred in the fivewicket first Test win at Lord's, was out for 45 when he chipped part-time spinner Marlon Samuels to short extra-cover with his side just 19 runs short of victory. But fellow lefthander Alastair Cook (43 not out) and Jonathan Trott (17 not out) completed the win.

"We're delighted to get over the line," said Strauss. "It was quite hard work at times. It's been a hot, hard four days and there were some really good performances from the lads."

West Indies were all out for 165 in their second innings shortly after lunch.

Samuels made a dashing 76 not out, top-scoring for the tourists for the second time in the match after his first innings 117.

However, he merely delayed the inevitable and this loss extended West Indies' winless run in England to 16 Tests, with 14 defeats and two draws.

Man-of-the-match Tim Bresnan took four wickets for 37 runs in 17 overs for

Andrew Strauss celebrates a successful review against Kemar Roach

a Test-best match haul of eight for 141, while James Anderson was close behind his fellow paceman with a second innings return of four for 43 in 20.1 overs.

This victory meant Bresnan, who made a useful 39 not out in England's

first innings, had been on the winning side in all his 13 Tests. "Tim Bresnan was fantastic," said Strauss. "He showed what a good contributor he is for the side in both innings, and he chipped in with the bat as well."

Bresnan added: "It's quite

difficult at times when you've got a soft ball and a flat pitch but that's when you've got to step up and do it. "Consistency is my major weapon and to keep banging in that length."

Considering West Indies resumed on their overnight 61 for six, their second innings total represented a considerable recovery. "We've really got to consider how we go about playing Test cricket, something has got to be done," said West Indies captain Darren Sammy, who made a maiden Test hundred in the first innings. "We just have to be more focused and put a higher price on our wickets. We've been lacking top order runs for a while and it has set us back."

Samuels started the day on 13 not out and Sammy nought not out. They started positively, with Samuels clipping Bresnan for a legside boundary while Sammy drove him through extra-cover for four. But Bresnan had Sammy lbw his fourth leg before wicket of the innings - for 25.

Sammy reviewed the decision and replays showed the ball, which hit him on the back leg, would have just clipped the top of the stumps.

As Aleem Dar had already given Sammy out, the Pakistani umpire's call was upheld and West Indies were now 110 for seven after their two best batsmen of the match had only added 49 this time around.