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IS ‘crucifies abducted Indian Catholic priest’

P26 2nd April to 8th April 2016

SADIQ KHAN: TAKING THE MAYORAL BATTLE ON Vol 44 | Issue 46

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

P5 www.asian-voice.com

Royal Couple's Indian Odyssey

Easter bombing kills 75, hurts 300 in Pakistan

The Islamic State reportedly crucified kidnapped Indian Catholic priest Father Thomas Uzhunnali, 56, on Good Friday, confirmed by the Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna.

Father Thomas was abducted while the jihadists attacked a retirement home run by the Missionaries of Charity in Aden on March 4. The jihadists killed 16 people, including four nuns, during the attack.

The execution was symbolic as it is said to be done by the same method the Romans used to kill Jesus. While the Indian government is yet to confirm the killing, media reports said Father Thomas was tortured before he was crucified. Father Thomas is a Catholic priest from the Kottayam district of Kerala who worked with Mother Teresa's Missionaries Of Charity.

Sources from India’s ministry of external affairs said the Centre has been trying its best to get information, but is yet to get any confirmation. It also got in touch with the

Vatican, which remains just as much in the dark about the Father's whereabouts.

The news came to light after a South Africa-based religious group, the Franciscan Sisters of Siessen claimed in a Facebook post last week, that they were informed the priest was being tortured and that the IS has planned his crucifixion on Good Friday.

Christian website Aleteia published a handwritten account of the IS attack on the old age home, by a nun who witnessed the entire event. She claimed five young Ethiopian Christian men

Continued on p26

Father Thomas Uzhunnali

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Charusmita

A week prior to The Queen's 90th birthday, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will undertake official visits to India and Bhutan from 10-16 April. The Duke and Duchess are honoured to be carrying out this visit on Her Majesty’s behalf. This will be the first time The Duke and Duchess will be visiting either country. This tour is being carried out at the request of Her Majesty's Government.

In India, they will focus on understanding the country as it is today – a vibrant, entrepre-

neurial, aspirational nation that faces both its challenges and huge opportunities with confidence. Initiating a personal relationship with the country, The Duke and Duchess will pay respect to the historical relationship between Britain and India.

The visit to Bhutan comes less than a decade after the historic decision, led by the Fourth King, to establish a democratic, Constitutional Monarchy in the country.

The timing of this visit to build on the friendly relations between the UK and Bhutan is certainly propitious.

Continued on page 7

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ONE ONE with Keith Vaz, MP

Asian Voice |2nd April 2016

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to

John Wilkes

John Wilkes joined Scottish Refugee Council as chief executive in March 2008. He has a strong commitment to equality and human rights with long experience in the voluntary, statutory and private sectors. In 2014 he worked with the Scottish Government on secondment for six months to support them on policy initiatives linked to gender equality on public sector boards and developing ideas on an improved asylum system.

With a degree in chemistry he worked in the engineering and marketing in the electronics industry for over twelve years. His work as an active volunteer on lesbian and gay issues led him to a career in the voluntary sector as chief executive of Scotland’s leading HIV and AIDS organisation before joining Carers UK as Scotland Director. From 2001 he was Director of the Equal Opportunities Commission Scotland until the commission’s remit was taken over by the Equality and Human Rights Commission in 2007.

He has always been active in volunteering and other work. He has worked with many organisations including serving as the chair of the Glasgow Lesbian and Gay Centre and the chair of the Glasgow Council for Voluntary Sector.

From 1999 to 2003 he was a member of the Communities Fund (now the Big Lottery) Scotland committee and from 2004 to 2008 was a member of the board of Stonewall, the UK’s leading gay and lesbian advocacy and campaigning organisation. He has also served on the boards of the British Refugee Council, Scottish based Equality Network, the UK Sheila McKechnie Foundation and until April 2015 Citizens Advice Scotland. He is currently a member of the boards of the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations (ACOSVO) and has been Chair of the White Ribbon Scotland campaign since 2010.

1) What is your current position?

Since March 2008 I have been privileged to be the Chief Executive of Scottish Refugee Council. Scottish Refugee Council is Scotland’s leading independent refugee charity, established in 1985, and provides services and support for refugees, supports integration of new communities and advocates for better public understanding

3) What inspires you?

The continuing experience that the majority of ordinary people, when given the facts about refugees, respond in a warm, generous and positive way in keeping with the spirit of the Refugee Convention that civilised nations should offer protection and safety to those fleeing persecution and terror.

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

I have been extremely fortunate and lucky in that I have never felt any particular obstacles in what I have ever tried to achieve.

You may not always get exactly what you want out of life but so long as you value each experience it adds to your understanding and hopefully in the longer term some wisdom.

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

I have been inspired by a number of key people in my career.

Certainly in terms of the impact on human rights and what is possible to achieve against sometimes insurmountable huge odds I would rate Nelson Mandela, who was Honorary President of Scottish Refugee Council from 1993, while he was

Leicester's Golden Mile turns red with spit After a complaint from traders and residents, Council bosses are planning to take action to stop paan chewers from turning Leicester's Golden Mile red with spit.

If one goes around, they will reportedly see that an alleway on Belgrave road opposite Law Street has two large patches stained by red spit. Sections of the front doors of the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre arealso stained red and a fence near a bus stop at the junction of Doncaster Road and Melton Road has been discoloured.

The red spit is generated by people who chew

paan, which is sold by various shops along the Golden Mile. Paan, which is chewed as a stimulant and digestive aid, is a preparation The outside wall at T & F Cash combining betel leaf and Carry in Belgrave road area of Leicester with areca nut and lime sometimes also with A resident, who did tobacco. A city council not want to be named, spokesman reportedly told a local newspaper: said: "We are aware of "The alleyway has a 'no this problem which is spitting' sign painted on unhygienic and leaves the wall due to it being unsightly staining on used a spitting area. pavements. Officials at "It's awful. It's more Leicester City Council are like a crime scene from think about bringing a Jack the Ripper than a Public Spaces Protection driveway on Belgrave Order (PSPO) to try to Road. stop the spitting along "The Golden Mile parts of Melton Road and should be renamed as Red Belgrave Road.

Spit Road."

Lahore bombing news leaves Malala devastated Birmingham resident Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, pictured, says she is left 'devastated' at the news of the terrorist bombing in Lahore which has left at least 70 people dead and 300 injured. It is believed the bomb was targeted at Christian families who were in a park celebrating Easter. A proud Brummie, the Pakistaniborn education campaigner has lived in the city since

2012 and has called for unity in the face of the Lahore attack and expressed sympathy for the families of the victims. In a statement, she said: “I am devastated by the senseless killing of innocent people today in Lahore.

“My heart goes out the victims and their families and friends. “I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. We stand together with the families

of the victims.

“Pakistan and the world must unite. Every life is precious and must be protected.”

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

unfairness of the UK asylum process as Government Ministers and officials introduce more barriers and challenging legislation which seems to move away from the spirit of what the Refugee Convention is all about.

support so many refugees on a daily basis.

- to influence the Scottish Government to enact the New Scots refugee integration strategy in 2013 which is an leading model for holistic approaches to integration refugees into a new life in Scotland.

and legislation and policies.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

In my current role some of my proudest achievements have been; - to enable the organisation during a number of years of tight resources for charities and sometimes hostile public attitudes which confuse refugees and immigration, to continue to

AsianVoiceNews

8) What are your long term goals?

My long term goal is to see the UK return to a more humane approach to dealing with refugees and asylum and a much better public understanding of these issues.

South African President, until his sad death a couple of years ago.

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

The inspiration provided by the many refugees and people in the asylum process that we support and deal with on a daily basis.

Their determination, positive attitude amid stories of the many horrors they have faced and overcome remind you of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

Witnessing the response, decency and common humanity by a majority of the public in 2015 to the Syrian refugee crisis which led the UK Government agreeing to resettle 20,000 refugees in the UK. 7) And the worst?

The increasing harshness and

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

I would start a new more sensible debate on immigration in the UK, and the position of refugees within that, and try to address much of the misinformation and fear that currently exists around this.

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

Harvey Milk. He was a great community activist and fought for the liberation of minorities in San Francisco on the City Council in the late 1970’s in a time of great opposition. He was a great advocate of building alliances and partnerships among many different groups to achieve the common goal of better equality and human justice.

A tempest in a teapot

Paypal tycoon Elon Musk and Riley to split again

Getting angry is completely normal, but losing your temper over a cuppa is perhaps like a storm in a teacup.

This is what happened in Wiltshire when a man lost his cool over slow arrival of his afternoon tea.

Such was his rage that he assaulted two people and left a trail of destruction across the grounds of a stately home.

Marriage, divorce, remarriage and divorce again.

They had been there, done that.

Billionaire Elon Musk and British actress Talulah Riley are divorcing for the second time.

According to Actress Talulah Riley and magnate Elon Musk an Associated friends.

Press report, the Inception Musk earned a fortune actress has filed to divorce co-founding Paypal and the tech mogul, Elon went on to head the electric Musk, in Los Angeles car company Tesla Motors.

Superior Court.

He is also known for his Musk had earlier filed private aerospace company for divorce on New Year's SpaceX. Riley, who has Eve in 2014 before withappeared in Pride & drawing the request seven Prejudice, also wrote and months later. The magnate directed her first feature, and the actress first marScottish Mussel , in 2014. ried in 2010 before splitMusk and Riley do not ting in 2012. They remarhave any children together, ried in July 2013. although the tech giant has According to the AP five sons from a previous report, the pair have been marriage with Justine, a living apart for the past six fantasy novelist. months and will remain

According to a report in The Times, the man, who claimed that his order had been forgotten, became verbally abusive towards a waitress and pushed her. A customer who intervened was also assaulted.

On his way out he drove his car backwards and forwards, striking a passerby and a car before speeding away through a boundary fence. The report said the trailing rope and metal stakes also knocked a mother and her eight-year-old daughter to the ground. The girl suf-

fered minor injuries.

The incident took place at the Coach House Tea Rooms, near Swindon, on March 12.

Wiltshire police are appealing to witnesses to come forward and help in identifying the man.

Well, it seems the anger in the man cannot be justified, but every person has differing levels of tolerance, so what may seem like a “trivial” thing to one, may actually be quite a mountain of an issue to another.

C MMENTS

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Asian Voice |2nd April 2016

Darkness at noon in Brussels Islamic State bombers struck with deadly precision at the heart of the Belgian capital, Brussels, killing 31 innocent people and injuring many more, some seriously. The targets were the city’s airport and metro. There appears to be no end to Europe’s purgatory: Madrid, London, Paris and now Brussels. It brings to mind a memorable passage from Edward Gibbon’s epic work, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. There is contemporary resonance to his words describing the horror of the barbarian onslaught on the city in August 410 AD. ‘In the hour of savage license, when every passion was inflamed, and every restraint was removed …a cruel slaughter was made of the Romans, and the streets of the city were filled with dead bodies …Whenever the barbarians were provoked by opposition, they extended the promiscuous massacre to the feeble, the innocent and the helpless…’

Europe has fallen victim to the ineptitude of its rulers, of whom Messrs Cameron, Sarkozy and Hollande are standouts. They will be damned by the images of the first two hysterically acclaiming the death of the Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi and the arrival of Libyan democracy, when all that transpired was a failed state in the grip of jihadi terrorists. To their voices was added that of the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and her boss, President Barack Obama, recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace, bestowed on him by a clearly demented Norwegian Nobel committee.

Lest we forget, the culture of jihadi terrorism, though rooted in the history of the Middle East and the Greater Middle East, which includes North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, was helped to grow in the hot houses and green houses of the West as tools of its geostrategic diplomacy against the former Soviet Union, subsequently against the Russian Federation and India, whose studied aloofness from Westernsponsored pacts was frowned upon. Terrorism in the Moscow metro, for instance, was President Putin’s fault, just as the bombing of an Air India jet en route to Ireland from Canada, with the death of 329 passengers

and crew, was then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s fault. Double standards on terrorism in the Western media and among Western governments have become the norm Asymmetric resistance from the Afghan mujahideen ground down US and Nato forces in Afghanistan, then in Iraq, where the US overthrew the Saddam Hussain regime and left a desolation in its place. Syria and Libya were further ingredients to the toxic brew. It says something for the global order envisaged by the US and its EU satraps that jihadi terrorism causes anguish when directed at them, yet is received with near indifference in parts of the non-western world where Islamist depredations have caused infinitely more havoc. Nigeria, for example, is in paralysis from continuing Boko Haram violence. Readers will be lucky to see a short paragraph about this in the American, British or French media.

The jihadi attacks, mounted from Pakistan, on Mumbai in 1993, 2006 and 2008 were reported coolly with little sense of the outrage we see on Brussels or Paris.. Yet Mumbai’s casualties, overall, were an approximate 500 dead. Terrorism was condemned without reference to its origins in Pakistan, a Nato and US ally. You may have noticed the hostility shown by the Argentine people during Obama’s visit to their country.

Why so? Because in the 1970s the United States supported a vicious military dictatorship in that country, when thousands were murdered and thousands disappeared without trace. The same thing happened in Chile. The American record in South America has been, and still is, utterly appalling. It is just bad in Central America. American abominations in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia bear comparison with the atrocities perpetrated by Nazi Germany. American leaders never apologize for their country’s misdeeds because they believe that to do so would be demeaning, make them look like sissies. Only the truly great have the conscience and humility to admit to error. American leaders do not belong to this category, however much their absurdist boast that their country stands on a hill, a light unto the nations.

Time to end SAARC farce The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation [SAARC] was a concept first aired in 1980 by the then Bangladesh military dictator, Ziaur Rahman, and taken up a few years by then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of India. In the three decades of its existence SAARC has come to embody a nullity unique even for our desolate age. It needed only one member to put a spanner in the works, since the grouping works on the principle of unanimity. In time SAARC was reduced to a talking shop of pieties and slogans of good intent.

Trade, investment, power generation, irrigation and much else remained unclimbed peaks. Indian prime ministers and bureaucrats undergo the ritual of lighting candles at the altar of this spurious body. Narendra Modi has trodden the same path, to no effect.

India placed one of its space satellites at the service of SAARC members, hence named it the SAARC satellite. Pakistan said its distrust of India ran so deep that it couldn’t and wouldn’t sign up to the satellite’s SAARC label, which has now been rebranded as the

South Asian satellite. Such ballyhoo is scarcely worth the time and money expended on SAARC jamborees.

Either reform SAARC without Pakistan or else dissolve what is now a monstrous carbuncle of waste matter.

Cooperation between members can be better achieved through bilateral or trilateral accords. Foreign policy is a serious matter to be seriously pursued in the national interest. SAARC has long made this a mockery.

Pakistan, which has received Chinese largesse worth $46 billion, has argued for Chinese inclusion in SAARC, an utterly preposterous suggestion. That being so, it I drives Islamabad to act as SAARC spoiler.

Talking shop at SAARC Summits, playing cricket in a bid to improve Indo-Pakistan ties is delusional search for the legendary philosopher’s stone whose mere touch, claimed the ancients, would remove all obstacles. Let others, if they so wish, do the searching for this mythical object. India should concentrate on things that matter. Walk out of SAARC and leave what remains to its own devices, or China’s.

London calling Indian high-tech companies London’s charismatic Mayor Boris Johnson has always been a passionate advocate of closer Indo-British economic and educational ties. Now that he is to be the leader of Brixit campaign to withdraw Britain’s continued membership of the European Union in June referendum, and the possibility that his party will win the country’s majority vote, his decision to list 20 top hightech Indian companies for a berth in London is most welcome. Who are these companies? Here is a sample.

Uniphone Software, a speech recognition technology firm and Stelae Technologies, an artificial intelligence are among the companies Mr Johnson hopes to bring to the British capital and set up offices. He intends to be a catalyst in Indo-British partnerships by providing support on a variety of issues. This, Mr Johnson calculates, will hopefully attract greater Indian high-tech investment in London and the Greater London economy.

India is already the second largest international investor after the US, and ahead of China, according to the data made available by the Mayor’s investment office London and Partners.

Approximately 250 projects were set up by Indian firms in London during 2015, while over the past decade Indian conglomerates have created cover 4,000 jobs in London and its environs. The Indian tech sector

is the largest investor accounting for nearly half the overall Indian investment, followed by businesses and financial services.

Gordon Innes CEO of London & Partners, said he hoped to bolster ties with India, given recent efforts at the city and national level to engage in the process, and to consolidate and further London’s reputation as a global technological hub. London is now the world’s largest tech cluster. However, the Mayor’s plan for future growth and development has come up against the obstacle of the present UK government’s immigration policy, and the adverse impact this could have on the bilateral relationship between the India and the UK. Indeed, industrialist Lord Kiran Billimoria, a strong supporter of the Mayor’s initiative has warned of the derailing consequences of this immigration policy in the light of the proposals submitted by the government’s Migration Advisory Committee. Lord Billimoria concluded: ‘London is a welcoming place and has the right policies ...I’m afraid the Home Office has the wrong policies that have been hampering the economy.

London and Partners are showing what can be achieved in spite of the immigration rules but imagine what could be achieved if we had immigration policies on our side.’

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You will find yourself refreshed by the presence of cheerful people. Why not make earnest effort to confer that pleasure on others?

-Lydia M Child (1802-1880)

CB Patel

As I See It

Pakistan: A Failing State Pakistan, due to its geographic location, recent history of Islamic Extremism, terrorism and continuing bloodshed of the minorities (especially Shias, Christians, Hindus and Sikhs), is crucial to regional and global security.

A state which was founded with a bold promise to provide “adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards in its Constitution for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political and administrative and other rights”, has been performing completely contrary to the Lahore resolution of March 23, 1940, by the Muslim League which called for the creation of a homeland for Muslims.

At the time of the Partition, Hindus and Sikhs were 10.4% of the population, while Christians were a minuscule 0.5%. Over the last 69 years, due to its ethnic cleansing policies, Pakistan has today 0.6% Hindus and Sikhs, and though the Christians have survived in numbers, they are bearing the brunt of frequent bloodshed from the intolerant faction of the society, condoned if not outrightly aided and abetted by the Pakistan Army.

Pakistan has surrendered itself to the idea that it can support militant outfits operating outside its borders, especially in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, while deploring them at home. This deceitful state policy has turned Pakistan into a shadow country, ruled over by murky powers who speak in tongues, waging ghost wars. It is this deceit that

is responsible for the cycle of butchery.

(These are not my words) It is written by Fatima Bhutto, author of “The Shadow of the Crescent Moon”, and published in Financial Times of March 29, 2016.

The long running dispute over Kashmir has diverted the lion's share of the budget to the Army, leaving so little for schools that Pakistan now has one of the world's lowest levels of educational attainment, so said the leading article in The Times of March 29, 2016.

Terrorism has plagued Pakistan increasingly more over the past 20-odd years.

What began as Islamist movements in the forefront of the campaign to wage a proxy war against India, backed and financed by Pakistan's shadowy ISI security operatives, have split into more than a dozen militant groups, all competing to attack government buildings, target religious minorities (including Shia Muslims), export terrorism to the Indian mainland... writes The Times of London in its editorial.

The recent revelations, by David Coleman Headley (alias Daood Sayed Gilani) to the special court in Mumbai through a video link from his jail in the US, are very serious indeed. He has openly and unequivocally admitted that the 26/11 attack on Mumbai was not only planned with total involvement of ISI in Pakistan but the then Pakistan Prime Minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani, had even visited David Headley at his home after the ghastly attack.

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UK

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Asian Voice |2nd April 2016

Asad Shah murder: Police reassure Glasgow community after death of well-respected shopkeeper A newsagent murdered after posting an Easter greeting online was allegedly killed by a fellow Muslim who travelled from 200 miles away.

Asad Shah, 40, was stabbed to death with a kitchen knife and his head was stamped on in the brutal attack on Thursday 24th March in his shop in what is feared to have been a sectarian attack against the peace-loving branch of Islam he followed.

Hours before his murder, he had written on Facebook: 'Good Friday and very Happy Easter, especially to my beloved Christian nation.'

The bearded killer is understood to have travelled from his home in Bradford to Mr Shah's store in Glasgow.

Police suspect the incident was 'religiously prejudiced'.

Asad Shah

testing.

Forensic officers slowly drove a recovery truck into the cordon and winched the private hire saloon cab onto the back of it before driving away.

The vehicle seizure happened at 2.30pm on Friday afternoon outside Mr Shah's shop on Minard Road in the Shawlands area of Glasgow but has only just come to light.

News of the seizure comes 24 hours after reports that Mr Shah's killer had travelled to Scotland from Bradford.

An Uber spokesman said yesterday that the car was registered to a private A police officer at the shop where Asad Shah worked. hire cab driver in Bradford A man has been arrested in connection with the death who last used the Uber app on Monday, March 21.

The spokesman said the car had not It is claimed Mr Shah was set upon been used for any Uber trips in Glasgow because he belonged to the Ahmadi and said any driver given a private hire community, which promotes peace and licence by Bradford City Council had to tolerance but has been persecuted by pass enhanced DBS disclosure tests. members of orthodox Islamic sects in Detectives are investigating the thePakistan. ory that the attacker became enraged His murder is believed to be the first over faith-related messages that the major anti-Ahmadi incident in the UK, newsagent posted on his Facebook page. and has sparked fears Islamic sectarianMr Shah's family say they now live in ism has spread to Britain. fear of retribution in the wake of the Police have arrested a 32-year-old attack.

Muslim man belonging to the rival Speaking on the condition that his Sunni sect over the murder. name was not published, one of the An Uber taxi has been seized by shopkeeper's three brothers said: 'We police investigating the murder of have to be careful now about our own Muslim shopkeeper Asad Shah - who security. We are scared for our lives. The was stabbed to death after wishing police have told us to be careful about what we say.' Mr Shah's widow fought back tears as she described her husband as a 'kind man who was always smiling'.

Another of the victim's brothers, who now lives in the US, said the Pakistani family moved to Glasgow in the late 1990s and opened the shop in the Shawlands area.

'The people of People leave flowers in tribute to Asad Shah outside his shop Glasgow and friends and customers a 'very happy Shawlands were so welcoming and we Easter'. became part of the community,' he The grey Volkswagan Passat minisaid.'[Asad] knew all his customers by cab with Uber branding in the windname and sometimes they would just screen was parked opposite Mr Shah's come in for a chat. shop in Glasgow, where he was killed 'He was a calm and patient man and just four hours after posting his Easter did not mind where people were from or message to 'my beloved Christian what religion they were. He liked everynation'. one. He would give people cards for The vehicle - a private hire cab regisChristmas and for Easter as he knew it tered with the city council in Bradford, was important to them.'

200 miles from Glasgow - is feared to Another Ahmadi Muslim in Glasgow have transported Mr Shah's killer to the said: 'The last I've heard of people expescene, and is now undergoing forensic riencing sectarianism like we do was in

Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

Orthodox Muslims consider us to be blasphemers.'

Family friend Mohammad Faisal said a bearded Muslim man wearing a long religious garment spoke angrily to Mr Shah in his native language before stabbing him up to 30 times in the head.

He added: 'It was just a clear-cut revenge attack. For posting messages about peace, messages about greeting fellow Christians and Jews – other people from different beliefs.'

The suspect was due to appear in court Tuesday.

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Ruaraidh Nicolson and Commander Mak Chishty, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for race, religion and belief, have now written to communities in the south side of Glasgow vowing to deal “swiftly and strongly” with issues.

The letter read: “We would like to express our sincere condolences to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time. We would like to reassure you that we will be working very closely with all communities and any sectarian conflict, hatred or extremism will be dealt with swiftly and strongly. We are proud of our community cohesion.

“Through continuing to work and engage with our communities we will ensure they remain safe and are always protected. If you have any concerns, please feel able to contact your local policing teams, who will be happy to help. Additional patrols and police visibility have been arranged to help reassure you at this difficult time.”

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined an estimated crowd of 400 to 500 people for the vigil to show solidarity and remember Mr Shah

Meanwhile, more than £87,000 has been raised on an online fundraising page for the family of Asad Shah, the much-loved local shopkeeper who was fatally stabbed hours after posting an Easter message of inter-faith harmony on Facebook.

Over 4,500 people have donated on the GoFundMe page, which was created on Good Friday by some of his customers to raise money for his family.

Posts on the page describe the shopkeeper as a “popular, well-respected and much-loved” member of the community.

Two vigils were also held in the local area over the weekend.

A silent vigil on Friday evening was attended by about 400 people, including Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, whose constituency covers the area.

An event held on Saturday was organised by local teenagers on social media.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Birmingham mum dies at house fire A young mum has died while trying to escape from blaze at her Birmingham home.

Saika Parveen, 24, was overcome by smoke and was found collapsed on the landing by firemen who could not resuscitate her.

The fire was caused by a discarded cigarette.

According to the Saika Parveen Birmingham Mail, an inquest heard the former Tesco worker, who had a three-year-old son, was allegedly drinking and smoking with friends at her Bordesley Green home on November 18 last year. The guests left the property at around 5.30am.

In the afternoon when her father could not get hold of Parveen on the phone, he went over to the house and was greeted by thick smoke on opening the door.

Putting a scarf around his face, he had tried to look for Parveen, before retreating from the property and dialling 999.

The blaze had supposedly started in the lounge downstairs, which had been used as a store room, and had been smouldering for a considerable amount of time. Parveen had been asleep upstairs and and it appeared that after getting out of bed she had tried to get out of the house, but was overcome by smoke.

Area Coroner Emma Brown concluded that Parveen died as a result of an accident.

Oscar winning graduate named Alumni of the Year A graduate filmmaker has won the Alumni of the Year Award in the Professional Achievement category at the prestigious Education UK Alumni Awards in India.

N i s h a d Chaughule, who studied MA Filmmaking and graduated in 2013, Nishad Chaughule was presented with his award by the Mayor of London and Baroness Amos at a high profile ceremony in New Delhi, where he fought off stiff competition from hundreds of applicants and two other shortlisted candidates from The University of Cambridge and University of Cardiff.

Nishad, a youngster from Pune, is an independent filmmaker and producer who produced a film whilst studying which went on to win an Academy Award (Student Oscar) in the Student Foreign Language Film category in 2014. He produced the short film 'Border Patrol' with his fellow students while studying at our University. The students’ short film was shot in Germany and tells a story of two German border force officers, Karl and Franz, who, whilst working on patrol on the Austrian border of Germany, come across a dead body hanging in the woods.

In his acceptance speech at the awards Nishad said that his UK education gave him life skills and he is grateful for the friends and contacts he made during his time at Leeds which greatly opened up his mind and enabled him to become a better storyteller and filmmaker. Nishad also thanked his tutors at Leeds Beckett University the Leeds Beckett team in India team for their support.

Run by the British Council, the Education UK Alumni Awards highlight the outstanding achievements of international alumni who have studied in the UK, showcasing the benefits of a high-quality UK education through inspiring alumni success stories, and the positive impact they bring back to their community and country.

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UK Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

5

Sadiq Khan: Taking the Mayoral battle on AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

EXCLUSIVE

Meet Team Sadiq

Rupanjana Dutta

The starting gun for the London Mayoral election has been fired. The Labour frontrunner for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan who has a 6-point lead in the latest poll, has said that not only he would make London's homes genuinely affordable for people, but has also promised to promote a Metropolitan police force that looks like the communities it serves.

Khan was at the All hallows on the Wall, a home of the urban youth charity XLP on last Wednesday when Asian Voice got an opportunity to have an exclusive interview with him.

“I will be a Mayor for all Londoners and that means I am committed to promoting a police force that looks like the communities it serves,” he said.

He added, “If elected Mayor in May I will promote a Metropolitan Police force which reflects the city it is charged with keeping safe, with the aim of having a Met that is as diverse as London’s population.

“Under the Tories, neighbourhood policing has been decimated and it has become harder for the police to do their job.

Because of the Tory cuts, many communities have ended up feeling less safe with local police out and about on the beat a rare sight. Breaking the link between communities and the police and, weakening confidence in the police makes it less likely BAME (Black Asian Minority Ethnic) Londoners join the Met as a career option.

“With me as Mayor the police will always have the support they need. I will ensure frontline police have the resources to do the job, including investment in 21st century technology so they can be a modern police force. I will also ensure a greater police presence on public transport at key times to help combat violence against women and girls and implement a strategy to combat the knife crime that blights our city.

“The opportunity will be open to any Londoner who has been staying in the city for 3-5 years, particularly recruited from areas that are high on ethnic minority, encouraging the local population to join, and also mentoring them as needed.”

His statement comes in the wake of a gruesome terror attack that killed more than 38 people and injured many more in Brussels, increasing security risks and chances of an increase of hate crimes in all major

Sadiq with Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cllr Muhammed Butt, Navin Shah AM, Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Kamaljeet Jandu with worshippers at Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden

metropolitan cities of Europe, especially in London.

While he has faced severe problems from parties like UKIP for being a Muslim himself, Khan thinks terrorism like the one that shook Brussels or Paris has nothing to do with Islam.

“The attack on Brussels was an attack on our way of life, an attack on our values. They hate the fact that Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs, Buddhists, people of all faith get along so well together. They hate the fact that we are integrated.

They hate the fact that you could be a British, a Londoner as well be a Muslim. The best way to defy them is to show that you are a Londoner and you are diverse. I have two teenage daughters and there is no other city in the world that I will raise my daughters in. It is deeply worrying that there is a rise of hate crime, Islamophobia, anti-semitism, homo-phobia – and there should be absolute zero tolerance on these issues. However I have total faith in Londoners – and I proudly say that are very open minded and progressive.”

Discussing Opponent’s Campaign Policies

While Khan boasts of a unity in diversity among Londoners, it is Zac Goldsmith – his Tory opponent who has allegedly been on a spree of community-based divisive campaign during this election.

In fact, Prime Minister David Cameron, who has sent out letters in support of Goldsmith's campaign, has been accused of 'racial profiling' and criticised for sending out such letters targeted at London’s Gujarati Hindu and Punjabi Sikh voters, calling on them to back the Conservative mayoral candidate, Zac Goldsmith, at a

time when we need “to be keeping our streets safe from terrorist attacks”.

Talking about Goldsmith's campaign, Sadiq told Asian Voice, “In London's Mayoral Election history never has one witnessed such divisive campaign. The audacity of this man to divide our communities to win the election is outrageous. In the context of the Paris bombing in November, to describe a candidate who is clearly of Islamic faith is radical and divisive. What are you implying? No other mainstream candidate – Ken Livingstone, Boris Johnson, Steven Norris – nobody has stooped to this level. I thought Zac Goldsmith is better than this. The Zac Goldsmith who I knew before this election, would never allow these things to happen.”

Sadiq for SMEs & Students

However Khan is aware that no city can ever grow unless its business community has a chance to grow.

To support the British Indian businessmen, including Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Sadiq ensured that he is the most pro-business Mayor London could have.

“I used to help run a successful business so I know what it takes and what a big responsibility it is.” he said.

“With me as Mayor, business will always have a seat at the table and a BIG say in the best way forward for our city.

“Running a business myself, I have had sleepless nights thinking if the bank managers would do the overdraft, worrying over if I would pay the bills at the end of the month, worrying about business rates and taxes, and skilled staff – I know what it is like, and I have experienced the sacrifices the businesses make.

“I recognise the fact

that 99% of London's businesses are SMEs. Half of Londoners – 52% work for SMEs. I want to set up a business advisory board of business experts to advise me on my business policies and that would include SMEs. We are going to set up 'Skills for Londoners'– so that today's Londoners have the skills for tomorrow. Thirdly I am going to lobby the government to change their unfair visa rule. They are causing huge problems for skilled migrants. Fourthly, one of the great things about London is that students come here to study and then stay, work, pay tax and national insurance. It's a source of pride that world leaders like Nehru, Gandhi, Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, Bill Clinton have come to London to study.

“India trades more with the UK than all the EU countries put together.

Offering minority languages is very important too.

“The next Mayor is going to be in-charge of business rates. I want to give SMEs discounts on business rates, to help them expand and bring a digital revolution in London – make broadband one of the major utilities.

“Moreover the staff always complain that the cost of housing and transport in London is too high.

That's why I am setting up homes for London – helping Londoners genuinely buy. We are going to stop developers from selling offplan to overseas investors.

The first 6 months they will have to market in the city, so that Londoners can avail them first – serving their needs and housing crisis.

“I also have a fully funded package to freeze fair for the coming four years. And all these policies come from my experience.”

He also identified the issue of visa restrictions for foreign students leading to

There is a little over month left to this battle of control over London and Sadiq is of course not alone on this journey. He is surrounded by a very capable team, that includes names like: David Bellamy, campaign managerbringing extensive private sector experience to the campaign; Patrick Hennessy, communications director- The Sadiq with wife Saadiya highly respected spin doctor, a former journalist who jumped from the Sunday Telegraph to become Labour’s deputy director of communications under Ed Miliband; Jack Stenner, political director, Team Khan’s bright, energetic, urban and still in twenties chief strategist who helped Rajesh Agrawal Sadiq’s victory over Tessa Jowell; Dr Nick Bowes, policy director- The brains behind Sadiq’s “Manifesto for Londoners”; Leah Kreitzman, senior adviser- a useful link to London’s Jewish community, Alison Picton, senior adviser, a diary and office manager combined; Rajesh Agrawal, business adviser- The British Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist, who defended Labour against “antibusiness” accusations, helping Sadiq woo the City; Ellie Robinson, stakeholder director- in charge of getting him together with London’s huge range of interest groups and Saadiya Ahmed, the wife- a human rights lawyer, who has supported Khan's political career from the start- the successful woman behind this successful man. a fall in their numbers coming to the UK, damaging London's economy or cultural heritage. Sadiq believes that these international students are Britain's best ambassadors

to their native countries, and like Mayor Boris Johnson or even Secretary Sajid Javid, he endorses a change of rule, believing that could do London immense good.

10 year old raises money for charity

Anaiya Doshi with parents Varsha and Rajeev and brother Rian

10-year-old Anaiya Doshi has raised more than £1,000 for charity after completing a 2.5 km swimathon. A keen swimmer, the Year 5 pupil at Alpha Prep School in Harrow, signed on to take part in the Sport Relief Swimathon after being inspired by a friend.

Initially she had signed up for a 1.5 km swim with a £300 fundraising target, but she soon realised it may not be enough of a challenge, therefore increased the distance to 2.5km - 100 lengths of the

Canons Sport Centre pool.

Her parents Varsha and Rajeev Doshi reportedly said they are incredibly proud of her achievement.

Anaiya's little brother Rian, seven, has also started to look into what he might be able to do for charity and his current favourite is a sponsored tell-a-joke challenge.

To donate to Anaiya's fundraising effort for Sport Relief visit: http://my.sportrelief.com/ sponsor/Anaiya.

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www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice |2nd April 2016

Government launches review of Crematoria facilities The Department for Communities and Local Government has launched a review of crematoria provision and facilities, to make sure they are fit for purpose and sensitive to the needs of all faiths and communities.

Cremations are the preferred funeral for Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Zoroastrian faiths and have become increasingly popular in Britain. They are also widely used by Christian denominations and those with no faith. In 2014 over 390,000 cremations took place which represented 77.35% of all deaths in that year.

The Government has said that it would like to hear from all faith groups and communities about the cremation facilities available in their local area and also from the providers of crematoria, including local authorities and the private sector, as well as the Local Government Association

and industry representative bodies.

Baroness Williams of Trafford said: “Cremations have become the preferred choice of funeral over burials and the number of new crematoria in England has risen by over10% over the last ten years to meet this increased demand.

“In response to this growth in demand, it is important that there are high quality crematoria that respect cultural and religious traditions and provide tailored services that meet the needs of families at such a difficult time.

“We want ensure that local authorities and private providers take into account the burial prac-

tices of all local people in their area and provide the appropriate facilities that reflect the communities they serve.”

The Government will publish a summary of responses in due course and consider whether any policy changes are needed in light of the evidence received. In the July 2015 Budget, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that a review would be conducted following concerns raised about the capacity of crematoria, in particular to accommodate Hindu and Sikh cremations, at which traditionally larger numbers of mourners wish to attend.

In addition, there have also been concerns raised, that crematoria do not always pay sufficient regard to the cultural sensitivities of different faiths.

There are 232 crematoria in England. Of these, 77 are private businesses with the rest being owned and run by local authorities.

Muslim student faces Islamophobe on the Tube Hate crimes and Islamophobia has become just another part of our society with a recent example posted on the internet by a student. An unnamed Muslim, Sociology student posted a short video clip of an “ignorant” commuter branding all Muslims as “terrorists” on the London Underground.

In the wake of the Brussels attack, the 21 year old elaborated her ordeal saying, “I was on my way home, and got on the jubilee line, saw a vacant seat so I sat down.

Not long after I had sat down, one of them starts speaking really loudly. He goes 'all Muslims are terrorists.” Refused to be drawn into an argument with the man, her silence only seemed to provoke him. “He realised I wasn't saying anything so carries on with his abuse. So what did I do? Turned around

and smiled :)” she wrote.

“I thought to myself this guy is obviously quite ignorant if he's going to say such comments... but no point giving him an even bad impression of Muslims, than what he already has in mind.

Living in London, one would think that Muslims especially hijabis would get a lot of abuse because of the way we're dressed... and people always do ask me if I've experienced any islamaphobic comments...Up till today I could proudly say I hadn't, but thank you to the guy on the train for ruining that :))”.

Speaking to the press, she said a lot of people were present, but nobody said a thing, instead, choosing to ignore him. “I was shocked. I've never experienced anything like that. I've heard of it on the news but never thought I would personally experi-

ence it. It's become normal in society.” The video has been shared over a hundred times on social media with the Twitterati supporting the 21 year old.

One write, “I'm so sorry that happened to you. Stay safe. You took the high road by ignoring him.”

The video also caught the Police's eye who condemned the video and encouraged victims to report such incident. A spokesman of the British Transport Police said, “Everyone has the right to travel safely, and nobody should feel threatened or intimidated when using the rail network. Victims of hate crime should be assured that they will be taken seriously by the police and that we will not tolerate hate crime.

Anyone who has been a victim of hate crime or witnessed an incident should text BTP 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40.”

Croydon man faces flak for unsavoury, racist tweet Ignorance isn't necessarily bliss, and even more so for a Matthew Doyle who faced flak for his insensitive and crass tweet in the wake of the devastating Brussels bomb blasts. Partner at a South London-based talent and PR agency, Doyle posted a tweet that read, “I confronted a Muslim woman in Croydon yesterday. I asked her to explain Brussels. She had 'nothing to do with me'. A mealy mouthed reply.” Not only was the distasteful tweet retweeted a hundred times, it also led to his

arrest.

In an interview, he explained, “What everyone's got wrong about this is I

didn't confront the woman.

I just said, 'excuse me, can I ask what you thought about the incident in Brussels?'

She was white, and British, wearing a hijab, and she told

me it was nothing to do with her. I said 'thank you for explaining that', and her little boy said goodbye to me as we went out separate ways.” In another statement that dripped of naivete, he said, “I am not some far-right merchant, I'm not a mouthpiece for any kind of racism or radicalism. If I was xenophobic I wouldn't live in London,” however, adding that he does believe Muslims aren't doing enough to speak out against terrorism.

Doyle's tweet soon became trending on Twitter,

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

EXCLUSIVE

Survey shows British Sikhs choose to stay within EU Rupanjana Dutta In the run up to the EU Referendum on 23 June, a report of a kind launched at a Parliament event on Tuesday 22 March among MPs and Peers has announced that 57% of the British Sikhs would like to stay within EU, while 12% wants to leave and 31% remains undecided.

Compiled by a collective of British Sikh professionals and academics, the British Sikh Report (BSR) is the only strategic document of its kind, based on quantitative research, aimed at governmental bodies and national institutions alike, which draws atten-

tion to the aspirations of the British Sikh community across a range of areas and will be used to help better understand and meet the various needs of the Sikh community.

To reach its conclusion, an online questionnaire was first created by an independent team, using societal and community-based knowledge of issues effecting the Sikh population and over 1,400 Sikhs were surveyed for the report.

Academic bodies, third sector organisations and various corporations were then invited to give their input on questions within the report, before it was disseminated to the wider

Sikh population.

The BSR also found that the civic contribution

by Sikhs is immense, with the British Sikh community donating £125 million each year and volunteering for 65 million hours per annum in total.

Four out of five Sikhs (80%) consider caste to be an irrelevance, and almost 60% of British Sikhs believe that immigrants make a positive contribution to society.

However, over two-thirds of respondents want to restrict British welfare benefits to EU migrants.

Below is an exclusive article from Jasvir Singh, Chair of the City Sikhs Network, on the upcoming EU Referendum.

"Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the EU or leave the EU?" Jasvir Singh, Chair, City Sikhs Network We will all answer that question very soon. It may even be as early as June, when it is believed that the EU referendum could take place. David Cameron has spent the last few weeks desperately negotiating for reforms to the European Union, and he is now trying to get all of the other member states to agree to them. Whatever we may think of the outcome of the negotiations, there is a very real risk that the UK could leave the EU. Britain's exit from the Union, or as the press have endearingly nicknamed it, a 'Brexit', wouldn't just have an impact on our shores. It could lead to the break-up of the EU itself, and the repercussions would be global.

The EU referendum was promised by the Conservative Party manifesto last year, and it is a commitment that the PM has been eager to fulfil at the earliest possible opportunity. According to reports, he believes that a Brexit would be less likely if a vote was held very quickly. The reality, as well all now know, could be very different come the referendum.

We have all benefited from membership of the EU for the last 40 years.

Free trade between member states means we have access to affordable food

and goods in the UK, whilst over 50% of British exports of goods and services are sold to other member states. The EU is the world's most powerful trading bloc, allowing us to negotiate some of the best deals possible. One in ten British jobs is linked to Europe, and UK citizens have the right to work and live anywhere in the EU. That's before we've even taken into account the impact that our membership has on national security and global influence.

Being part of the EU has meant we can actively defend the rights of others who may be discriminated against in member states, including on issues of race and religion. We are able to lead by example and show how models of social cohesion and best practices in the UK can be used elsewhere in Europe by member states and their public institutions. EU membership has also given us leverage to impose basic standards of human rights and responsibilities on member states, something that we are sadly unable to do in regions such as South Asia or East Africa.

The EU has reduced our mobile phone bills when travelling abroad, prevented a collapse of economies across the continent, improved the pro-

tection of our electronic data, dramatically increased levels of recycling, and ultimately given us a platform on the world stage.

If Britain votes to leave, others could follow very quickly. The impact of the current refugee crisis on state resources and the 'open-border' policy has led some member states to question the benefits of remaining in the EU, and those countries may well have their own referenda on the issue of membership before the end of the year. The domino effect of a Brexit could ultimately result in the quick death of the European Union, and the consequences of that could be dire.

From a financial and moral perspective, we are much better off staying in the EU. The dangers of leaving would be uncharted territory for businesses, for communities, and for each of us. The risk is simply not worth it. Instead, we should celebrate all that we have achieved and will continue to achieve by being part of the European Union. We are an integral part of Europe, and as British people of South Asian backgrounds, we should be the ones to lead and shape the European dream for many years to come.

with people firing back with replies and retorts. Doylw even said someone who was so outraged by his comments, “turned up at my door, gave me a load of abuse and tried to throw a punch at me.” He claims the

statement was a joke and people who know him would understand. Some of the twitteratti even spoofed his tweet. “Confronted a white man in Croydon yday.

Asked him 2 explain Osborne's disability cuts. He

said "nothing to do with me." A mealy-mouthed reply” and “I confronted a woman in Croydon and asked her to explain shredless marmalade. 'Nothing to do with me'. A peelymouthed reply.”

UK Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

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Royal Couple's Indian Odyssey Continued from page 1 The tour will begin in Mumbai, India’s commercial and entertainment capital.

They will arrive at the Taj Palace Hotel on 10th April, following in the footsteps of other world figures, including The Prince of Wales and The US President who have both used their stays at the hotel to display solidarity with the people of this great city in light of the terrorist attacks in this Mumbai hotel in November 2008.

Alongside one of the most upmarket residential areas in Mumbai, they will meet people who are living in difficult circumstances in small slum areas and are working hard for their survival. The Duke and Duchess will also be introduced to some of Mumbai’s leading figures, including some well-known names from Bollywood and the city’s thriving business world. They will attend a glittering reception and dinner, hosted by The British High Commission in partnership with The British Asian Trust.

Kate and William will also meet young entrepreneurs to power the future of India’s massive economy. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Startup India campaign to encourage new businesses and job creation and this will be a chance to explore how the UK can work with Indian business to achieve these goals. Mr. Modi has described the UK and India relationship as ‘an unbeatable combination’.

From there The Duke and Duchess will fly to New Delhi. In the capital, they will pay respect to India’s military contributions, and also meet the men and women who currently lead the country in government and politics. They will begin their Delhi programme with a wreath-laying at

with a speech to the invited guests.

Further, they will visit the Kaziranga National Park in the state of Assam. The visit comes at the time of the Bohag Bihu festival, the celebration of the Assamese New Year. As per Kensington Palace spokesman Jason Knauf, “The Duke, President of United for Wildlife, has long wanted to visit Kaziranga and he will use this visit to speak out against the violence that threaten Rhinoceros as species.�

Before departing, The Duke and Duchess will put the finishing touches on an elephant sculpture to officially mark the ‘call for artists’ for India’s elephant parade, which will see Diana's visit to Taj Mahal in 1992 200 elephants decorated by artists and placed in 200 locations Next, Their Royal Highnesses will travacross India by the Elephant Family. These el to Gandhi Smriti (meaning: Gandhi parades have previously been staged in Memorial). Located in Old Birla House, London, Edinburgh, and New York. this is where Mahatma Gandhi spent the On the morning of 14th April, The last years of his life. They will pay their Royal couple will fly to Bhutan. On arrival homage at the memorial and then watch a at Paro airport, they will be ceremoniously choral performance from a group of young welcomed by senior state representatives people. That evening they will attend a before departing for a scenic drive to the birthday party for Her Majesty The Queen capital city of Thimphu. Next, they will at the residence of the British High travel to Thimphu Dzong where they will Commissioner. To be attended by huntake part in a Chipdrel, a traditional weldreds of VIPs from the world of governcome procession, complete with music, ment and politics, the event will be a ceremonial dress, and plenty of colour. chance to celebrate the links between The Duke and Duchess will then say Britain and India. The Duke will also pergoodbye to The King and Queen for the sonally pay tribute to his grandmother India Gate. As the world marks 100 years since the First World War, The Duke and Duchess will in particular honour the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives while fighting for the British Army during the conflict.

afternoon before heading to Thimphu’s open-air archery venue. Their Royal Highnesses will see first-hand Bhutan’s awe-inspiring national sport, where archers must aim at very small, brightly decorated wooden targets positioned 145 metres away from where they are standing.

That evening The Duke and Duchess will have a private dinner with The King and Queen at Lingkana Palace.

On 15th, they will hike to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest monastery which dates to 1692. The monastery is near the cave where Guru Padmasambhava – who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan – is said to have meditated for about three years, in the 8th century. Back in Thimphu that evening, The Duke and Duchess will attend a reception for British nationals in Bhutan and Bhutanese people with strong links to the UK. The next morning back at Paro Airport, The Duke and Duchess will say farewell and thanks to the people of Bhutan.

They will then board a flight to Agra, India, to see the Taj Mahal, and this will be the final leg of their trip. The Kensington Palace spokesman also said, “Prince William is proud to follow in his late mother Princess Diana’s footsteps by visiting a country where she was held in such high esteem�. In both India and Bhutan, The Duke and Duchess will seek to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s service and ongoing work as one of the world’s longest-serving heads of state. This will be the most ambitious tour Their Royal Highnesses have undertaken outside a Realm nation. It will mostly be focused on popular culture, frontline conservation, rural traditions, and forging long-lasting diplomatic relations.

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www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

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FICCI and MEA launch Know India Indian High Commissioner presents his credentials to the Queen Programme for diaspora youth FICCI along with Indian Overseas Indian Affairs (OIA) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is conducting the “Know India Programme” (KIP) for diaspora youth, to know their views, expectations & experiences and to develop closer bonds with the contemporary India. 30-40 youth of 1826 years of age will be attending this 3-weeks long orientation programme, to be conducted with a view to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields e.g. economic, industrial, education, Science & T e c h n o l o g y , Communication & Information Technology, culture.

FICCI along with Indian Overseas Indian Affairs (OIA) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is conducting the “Know India Programme” (KIP) programme for diaspora youth, to know their views, expectations & experiences and to develop closer bonds with the contemporary India. 30-40 youth of 18-26 years of age will be attending this 3-weeks long orientation programme, to be conducted with a view to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields e.g. economic, industrial, education, Science & T e c h n o l o g y ,

Communication & Information Technology, culture.

The objective of this programme is to expose Indian origin young people overseas, to India’s social and economic progress.

These young people have usually not visited India before. As a process, the Indian High Commission receives applications, and ratifies for their eligibility.

4-5 such programmes are conducted every year in partnership with one or two State Governments.

Currently there are 18 such programmess promised over the next one year, starting from May 2016, for which Maharashtra is the Partner State. The selected participants are provided with full hospitality in India during the duration of the programme. 90% of the total cost of air ticket (at lowest economy excursion fare) is refundable to the participants on successful completion of the programme by them.

Typically, a visit will contain: l Classroom presentations on India’s , political system, economy, society, and developments in various sectors etc l Interaction with students at University/ College l Visit to places of historical importance l Participation in cultural programmes, yoga

l Visit to industrial sites l Visit to a village l Interaction with nonprofits l Meetings with senior political leadership in India l Visit to a select state in India for 10 days l Eligibility Criteria The programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians) in the age group of 18-26 years as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to begin. It is open to PIO youths from all over the world. The applicant should not have participated in any previous KIP or Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth (IPDY) or Study India Programme of MEA. Students who have not visited India before will be given preference.

Minimum qualification required for applying is graduation from a recognised University /Institute or studying for graduation. applicants should be able to speak in English, should have studied English as a subject at the High School level or have English as the medium of instruction for undergraduate course.

There are a maximum of five candidates from any one country.

How to apply Get in touch with pratik.dattani@ficci.com for an application form.

Fill this in and send it to the Indian High Commission in London.

Anuradha Pal rocks Shishukunj Bhavan with an evening of inspired classical and contemporary music On a rainy Saturday evening - audience members were treated to a performance of sublime talent and skill as Anuradha Pal and her band Stree Shakti performed for Shishukunj London’s inaugural concert at its newly renovated premises in Edgware. On stage alongside Anuradha was Hindustani vocalist – Sharvari Vaidya, Kanjira player – Krishnapriya Rambha and Keyboardist – Tushar Raturi.

Anuradha is the disciple of tabla legends – late Ustad Alla Rakha and Ustad Zakir Hussein – and she is hailed as the first professional female table player by the Encyclopedia Britannica.

At times the performance left goose-bumps on the skin. In particular, the finale was breath-taking which saw the team take the audience on a tour of the different musical styles of India. The audi-

High Commissioner of India, H.E. Mr. Navtej Sarna presented his credentials to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom at the Buckingham Palace on 16 March 2016 at 1200 hrs.

He was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Avina Sarna, the Deputy High Commissioner and senior officers of the High Commission.

High Commissioner Sarna is the 25thHigh Commissioner of India to the UK since 1947. He was earlier Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs of India and took up his assignment as the High Commissioner of India to the UK in January 2016.

High Commissioner

to work towards implementation of the roadmap agreed to during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to the UK in November 2015.

After the presentation of Credentials, the H i g h Commissioner and Dr. Sarna hosted a reception at their residence for dignitaries i n c l u d i n g Members of HE Navtej Sarna with wife Dr Avina Sarna Parliament, senior officials from the conveyed greetings from UK Government, Heads of the President and Prime Diplomatic Missions in the Minister of India to Her UK and representatives Majesty the Queen and from business groups and reiterated the commitment media. of the Government of India

APPG hosts the new Indian High Commissioner at Parliament Virendra Sharma, Labour MP for Ealing Southall and Chairman of the Indo British All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), hosted a meeting for the new Indian High Commissioner, Mr Navtej Sarna, in collaboration with the Commonwealth All Party Parliamentary Group. The Chair of the Commonwealth APPG, Sir Henry Bellingham MP, was on the platform along with Mr Sharma and the High Commissioner.

Virendra Sharma welcomed the High Commissioner to Westminster and introduced him to both APPGs. He said that this was the main purpose and aim of the day’s event.

The role of the Indo British APPG is to discuss general issues about what is happening in India and the UK to see how parliamentarians can assist in promoting and strengthening the relationship between the two countries. Mr Sharma told the Asian Voice that they were working closely with the High Commissioner’s office in order to exchange

views and work together to find ways to take the relationship further.

Mr Sharma is proEuropean and talked about the importance of the Commonwealth, saying that he supports staying in Europe, but thinks that it is important to work to strengthen Britain’s relationship with the Commonwealth at the same time.

Also sitting in the room were India’s Deputy High Commissioner Virander Paul, and various peers including Lord Raj Loomba. Steve Pound, Labour MP for Ealing North, was present, as was the Conservative Mr Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East. Mr Blackman is also the Vice Chair of the Indo British APPG. There was a good number of other parliamentarians present too.

Pro-Europe Sir Henry Bellingham spoke after Virendra Sharma, welcoming the High Commissioner.

He discussed the importance of the Commonwealth and that it had a significant role in the current British debate

about whether or not the UK should stay in Europe.

He spoke about the continuing impact of the Commonwealth and the role of India.

The general view of the meeting was that members supported the UK remaining in Europe but that the UK should work with the Commonwealth to build trade, culture and tourism.

Questions came readily from members, with some of the more egocentric ones spending considerably more time than others providing long preambles about themselves before getting round to asking their question.

The questions were fairly vigorous and mainly centred on the issue of student visas and defence.

One of the MPs raised the topic of Kashmir and another asked about human rights. To both points, the High Commissioner, Mr Sarna, said that India “Was very comfortable with itself” in the way in which it was handling the respective situations.

UK charity builds a school for children with disabilities ence erupted when Sharvari started to sing some famous Gujarati folk songs before finishing with a rendition of Vande Mataram.

After the concert was over Anuradha said “I enjoyed performing at Shishukunj very much, in particular the intimacy with the audience created a wonderful atmosphere.”

Jagdeep Shah, one of the organisers from Shishukunj said, “this

concert is a great example of why we have invested so much in renovating the Shishukunj Bhavan. For me the best part was the fact that our young children were sat on the floor right in front of some of India’s biggest artists – they would not get the same opportunity anywhere else”.

For more information about Shishukunj – please visit www.shishukunj.org.uk

UK charity sewa UK are proud to announce the opening of a residential school for tribal children with disabilities in India.

The building of the school was made possibly due to the generosity of the people of UK. Bob Blackman MP will formally inaugurate the school on Friday 8th April 2016.

Bob Blackman Conservative MP and Chairman of APPG for British Hindus met with the International co-ordi-

nator of Sewa International Mr Shyam Parande on 1st February 2016.

Shyam (based in Dehli, India) briefed Bob Blackman on the work of Sewa International and various projects in India.

The discussions led to formally inviting Bob to the inauguration of the Divya school in Jawhar.

The Divya school is the first project following a decision by sewa UK in 2010 to focus its attention

on helping People with Disabilities (PWDs) Previously the school (known as Gulmohar School) housed 50 children in 3 dilapidated rooms with meagre facilities.

The Divya School will provide a cosy environment for 100 children with sufficient space to carry out all the activities in dedicated classrooms. The school will also have large play areas, and separate residential quarters with ample room for each child.

UK Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

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Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

FARRUKH DHONDY- Prolific Writer and Former C4 Commissioning Editor Among his screenplays are Bandit Queen, Split Wide Open, The Rising -Mangal Pande, Red Mercury, Exitz and Kisna.

Farrukh was Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor for Multicultural programmes, creating several landmark series like The Ramayana.

Backgrounder Farrukh’s Indian Army father fought against the Japanese for the British in the Second World War. His parents were from Pune.

“My earliest memory, age seven, was living in a house with my two maiden aunts and my grandfather because my parents moved about. We had a glorious, military brat childhood,” he told me.

Farrukh loved reading at Bishop School in Pune, but also observed poverty around him. “People died of hunger in the fifties.”

Put off writing by his family, Farrukh was determined to get out of Pune.

His peers all had inherited businesses and he didn’t.

Being short sighted meant he couldn’t go into the military as his father would have wished. He competed for a Tata Foundation scholarship for the Higher Education of Indians to study at Cambridge.

“There were twelve scholarships, with seventy thousand applicants. One had to impress the interview people. Having stood first in the University and got a medal for doing

Farrukh Dhondy

physics and getting my BSc, I was on top of the list.

The elderly lady interviewer said, ‘why Cambridge?’ and I said ‘because the best minds of the world are there,’ and she said ‘nonsense, you go to Oxford and Cambridge to make friends and cultivate people who will be useful to you in later life.’”

The lady asked Farrukh to go to the toilet to check if he used the flush and later kitted him out in tweed for the UK.

“Nobody would give me a scholarship to study English, so I came to study Physics, which is called Natural Sciences in Cambridge. I had a scientific rational mind and I started writing.”

Tough Times and Challenges After Pembroke, Cambridge, Farrukh went to London and worked.

“Painting the outsides of houses, walking dogs for women in Chelsea, cleaning dishes at kitchens,

washing up to earn money.

I started writing for Indian newspapers and for some British newspapers like The Listener.” At a Listener party, Farrukh met a Leicester University professor who offered him a scholarship to do a thesis there.

In Leicester, met British Asians, principally Indians, and helped the Indian Workers’ Association with political campaigns, fighting for immigrant rights.

Farrukh started writing short stories for a newspaper and joined the Black Panther movement. He was also a school teacher.

“In March 1973, I was living in Brixton above the Black Panther bookshop.

Some a---- threw a firebomb into the house and burnt me down. I had to jump out of the second floor window. Broke my ankles, bust this and that and got badly burnt. Those sorts of tough things happened but spiritually I never got dismayed in my life. I had those kinds of physical assaults. I was beaten up badly outside a club and was put into hospital for two weeks with brain concussion because some racist beat the hell out of me.”

One day, famous writer-philosopher C.L.R. James met Farrukh and encouraged him to start

writing about himself.

Road, a West Indian Dhondy later wrote a biogcomedy series. raphy of James.

“I wrote a reggae Farrukh also started musical called ‘Momma writing up stories about his Dragon” after life in a newspaper he editwhich Humphrey Barclay ed. of London Weekend “About thirty editions Television turned up and in, a young guy turns up at said ‘can you write us a my school in a three piece sitcom for television?’ suit, and says ‘where’s Mr Farrukh co-wrote No Dhondy?’ I said ‘depends, Problem for Channel 4, are you from the and then wrote police?’ and he Tandoori Nights says ‘no.’ after being asked Tough things I say ‘do I to write an owe you Asian sitcom. happened but money?’ and F r o m spiritually he says ‘no, there, C4’s I never got no I’m from chief executhe publishtive, Jeremy dismayed in ers. I read Isaacs invited my life your short stoFarrukh to ries and I want lunch at London you to write a restaurant, The Ivy. book.’”

“He said, ‘The multicultural commissioner There was an appetite editor is going away, we for multicultural literature need a replacement.’ I but no-one was writing it, said ‘I hope you liked my the publisher told him. work?’ and he said ‘well, Farrukh never had to we want you to do the chase or seek a publisher job.’ so I said, ‘me come or commissioner; just as into an office? I’m doing with Macmillan, they all very well with the writrun to him and he is feted ing.’ He said ‘it could dry the world over. up you know’ so I He was groundbreakthought about it and took ing too. The National the job.

Front protested against I couldn’t write televihis book “East End at sion series because I was your Feet.” working in Channel 4 but Farrukh was commisI did write under strange sioned to write stage names. I wrote ‘Bandit plays in addition to the Queen’ without putting books. He was invited to my name down and I BBC Birmingham to edited a lot of films.” write episodes of Empire

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He was attacked at Crowmwell Street in Gloucester around 7pm on Thursday, after the victim left his sheltered housing.

Police released shocking photos of the 59 year old man in an attempt to find the perpetrators. The images show the extent of the injuries suffered by the man.

Police say three people stopped the man demanding money, before breaking his jaw and eye-socket.

They are appealing for witnesses.

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READERS’ VOICE

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Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

Be part of an historic record for the Queen’s 90th birthday It is remarkable that, as her 90th birthday approaches, Her Majesty the Queen is still working so passionately for our country, and supporting the work of hundreds of charitable organisations. In recognition of her incredible efforts, I would like to invite readers to be part of an historic online commemoration at www.TheQueensBirthdayBook.com The Queen’s Birthday Book will form a huge digital collection of messages, photos and film to mark Her Majesty’s special day on 21 April 2016. Anyone can contribute for free by adding their birthday messages and personal stories of meeting the Queen, and they can also share photos and videos of their street parties and celebrations for her official birthday in June.

One of my own special memories is performing for the Queen and other members of the royal family at Her Majesty’s 16th birthday celebrations at Windsor Castle, a night which I hope she remembers as fondly as I do.

As well as a great digital archive for future generations to look back on, we’ve created this book to raise vital funds for the charities the Queen is patron of, through the sale of specially issued commemorative medals from the London Mint Office.

I do hope people will join me in wishing Her Majesty a very happy 90th birthday by sharing their messages, photos, drawings and videos, while also helping to raise money for some very deserving causes.

Dame Vera Lynn Burgess Hill

Popularity of Asian Voice

Although we knew Asian Voice is the most widely read ethnic newspaper, I did not realise how popular it is until my short letter was published recently, in praise of Bhupendrabhai which drew comments from friends.

The new layout under "Readers Voice" with star letter highlihted has given AV professional look and your initiative to honour regular contributors is well worth it.These contributors are unsung heroes who put efforts week in, week out, without expecting any reward.some have been with AV aslong as I can remember,few have climbed new heights and many have sadly passed away.

I would like to make one humble suggesion,to add "Lifelong Achievers Award" to go along "certificate of appreciation" and some "oscar" type token, as well as award for FEMALE writers who are thin on ground.

It would be wonderful if you could add some prestige to this event with small entrance fee so that someone like us who only indulge in letter writing occasionally, can attend and meet regular contributors as well as AV/GS employees who work late so that papers arrive at our door -steps on time Dinesh Patel Edgware

Our OAPs being caught off-guard

Reincarnation

In response to Kumudiniben’s well thought out question regarding whether there is life after death, I wish we had a clear cut answer to this age old question. If we knew the answer, many mysteries of the world will be solved. We know, however, that deeply rooted in India is the belief in reincarnation. The belief that the essential part of the individual, the soul, passes after death into a new body which is reborn as another living being, perhaps human perhaps something else. Thus we all pass through endless lifetimes from one form to another.

The nature of our rebirth, which may be favourable or not, is being determined by the accumulated effects of our karma, our good or bad actions, our mode of life in the present or previous lifetimes.

The Jains and also the Hindus believe that our physical body is only a container, an attire, to house something more important, for the soul inside it.

After death, this soul or the atma, will enter another new container and will be reborn. However some religions emanating from the west do not agree. They say that there is only one life and that there is no other life after death. They will argue that when the death of the physical body occurs, that is the end of the individual.

But is it likely that the all our thoughts and feelings, the ideas and ideals which we hold so dear will suddenly stop when the individual dies?

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Recent TV news item is worth giving publicity. An old lady was stopped by police who demanded to see her insurance certificate. Being law-abiding citizen of impeachable character, she told police that her car is insured but unfortunately she does not have certificate with her. Police accompanied to her home where she produced file with all documents going back five years. On checking certificate, police pointed out that registration number on certificate does not match that of her car. Obviously insurance company made mistake but onus was on her to check documents, rectify mistake. We all make such routine mistakes. The law do not take into consideration our age and infirmity. They put us in the same bracket as habitual law breakers!

Another common offence OAP motorist’s commit is failing to renew their licence, as after certain age, we are obliged to renew it every five years. DVLA do not send reminders. Onus is on us to check. But it is easier said than done, as we seldom look at our licence. Beware; law treats all with disdain, irrespective of age, health or disability.

We are all guilty until proven innocent! Councils are the worst offenders.

Kumudini Valambia By email

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Successful launch of ExoMars

I read joyful news about successful launch of ExoMars Trace Gas Obiter and contribution by Dr. Manish Patel. He deserves unanimous congratulations. We also had felicitated him at his success to launch Saturn lander, Cassini Huygens satellite in 2004.

I know one of his Indian/Hindu colleague who also must be very happy to contribute knowledge and skills in space projects. I also know one person with physicist degree but now successful in music industry. As science educated person myself, I feel happy to learn that our children are successfully pursuing not only theoriticist but also romanticist scientific subjects too, successfully translating pure knowledge into applied knowledge.

Such brilliant students and scholars must inspire youth to pursue globally useful planetary subjects that has brought kudos to all around them. Asian Voice/Gujarat Samachar can be useful for this. I am confident that Indian/Hindu children are capable to succeed in any field but they are shy and keep low profile.

Therefore any achievement is highlighted as British and or American. Our children must also be encouraged to mention Hindu or Indian origin too with same zeal as shown by Jews and Muslims. Best of luck to Dr. Manish Patel and his team.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Belgium attack

The big question is did these elected politicians in US and others learn the lesson from bombing in Iraq-Libya. And managed to stop the terrorists attack in US,EUROPE and across the globe?

As Hillary Clinton in race to white house campaign said the world is becoming more dangerous place to live yet US and its cronies not stop bombing indiscriminately and creating refugee crisis etc,despite warning by Col Gaddafi? #1 fact - latest Belgium attack warned by the Turkish government? #2 fact - there was an intruder got inside the residential building and hand over to police and he is keep on coming because of the open borders and EU free movement etc?

And I told the police the Gurkhas managed to control,thousands of illegal immigrants from the main land China and enhance Hong Kong to flourish economically and stability and also in the regions.

And I also suggest my MP to deploy the Gurkhas on the borders?

Hong Kong government funded all the costs for the Gurkha garrison.

UK government will not fund the Gurkhas and will not deploy the Gurkhas on borders?

And according to my experience the management and the so-called directors ignore the "Health & Safety issues' and I am still trying to cope with the civilian lives.

The point I am trying to make is every human lives matters and it is not the time to blame each others and find the adequate solutions and re-orient them into societies and learn the lesson from the past mistakes and move forward in this more insecure and more divided societies etc.

And stop another innocent lives been killed across the globe in this eve of Easter.

As Pope Francis said this is the time for "reconciliation"?

Yam Gurung (rtd) By email

Our Charley Chaplin EU Politicians

During WW2, American Japanese citizens were rounded up and confined to concentration camps. Even Northern Ireland saw Loyalists/IRA suspects detained without trial. These are only prototype, preparatory acts. Would our sanctimonious politicians wake up before crude atomic bombs explode with unbelievable casualties? They were caught sleep-walking by Hitler, than Stalin and now China who is taking over South China Sea. There are 1000 Jihadis roaming streets and thousands more in EU. It would be physically impossible to monitor them with hotchpotch security in most EU countries?

Belgium even released known Jihadis expelled by Turkey who carried out mass murders in Brussels. Yet our clueless politicians, who have no understanding of Islam, are responsible for radicalization Islam. Yet their priority is toppling Putin who could be valuable ally.

Detention camps should be last resource, secured “Sheltered Accommodation” where they could be kept under observation, in humane condition unlike “Guantanamo Detention Camp” that turned minor misguided jihadis into seasoned criminals who joined Al-Qaeda/ISIS on release.

Islam used to be broad-based peaceful religion with sub-divisions. These include Daudi Bhoras, Ismalis, Ahmedias and Shia Ithna-Asheris who are our loyal, peaceful, law-abiding citizens.

Late Lord Gulam Noon and ex Conservative MEP Bashir Khanbhai are prime examples. I am proud to call them and many more Muslims as friends who have loyally stood-by me in my hour of need, more than other Hindu friends.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

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EDUCATION

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LSE hosts prestigious conference on India's growing global footprint State, Corporate Affairs Start-up India Campaign: The London School of and Member of Indian Could it deliver on the Economics and Political National Congress shared promises made by PM Science’s Student Union his views on empowering Modi?, Discussions on the hosted its prestigious everyone with education announcements made in annual conference ‘India and also spoke about the Union Budget and Forum 2016’ on Saturday India’s strong global presViews on the JNU incident 19th March at the world ence. He said: “We are Dr Sambit Patra, famous London School of focusing on IIT, IIM. They National speaker of BJP, Economics in London. can take care of themhighlighted the achieveThis year’s theme was: selves. We need to focus on ments of the current Modi ‘India’s Growing Global primary schools in Footprint’, which shed India!" and added: light on the pertinent “We have our shorttopics affecting India comings, but we are a in relation to its place nation to be reckoned on the global stage, with. Parties are more particularly with referimportant than indience to its recent listviduals; but, the ing as ‘the world’s nation is far more fastest growing econoimportant than any my’. party.”

The conference Mr Manish saw a panel of India’s Sisodia, Deputy Chief eminent business figures, political leaders Mr Virendra Sharma - MP Ealing Southall Minister of Delhi and Member of Aam Admi and personalities from Party spoke of the dire government. He menthe Indian film industry, need for an anti-corruption tioned PM Modi’s Swacch who discussed and debated law and emphasised on Bharat, Startup India and keynote topics. This was bringing Lokpal bill into Digital India initiatives. He then followed by a Q&A action. He said: “We need also spoke about the session with the audience to have an institutionalized Indian Budget 2016 present to stimulate diaanti-corruption policy, emphasising that the curlogue. which we don't have so rent government's commitThe Financial Panel far.”

Underlining the ment towards farmers and was opened by Mr. Rana importance of education Kapoor, Founder & CEO of increasing the rural spend.

Manish Sisodia said: “We He said: “ Biggest accomYES Bank, India’s fifth should consider building of plishment of PM Modi’s largest private-sector bank. schools and classrooms as a government: no corruption Speaking about India's part of infrastructure or scams at the top level Resurgence as a Design, building. 25per cent of bureaucracy. The BJP Innovation, Creativity led Delhi government's budget Government has kept up to Entrepreneurship (DICE) is for education.” their attitude of Na Economy: Budget 2016 & The Entertainment Khayenege, na khane Beyond, Mr Kapoor said: “ Panel saw Mrs Anupama denge (Neither will take India is growing its global Chopra and ‘Bajrangi bribe nor will let anyone footprint and Yes Bank is Bhaijan’ director Kabir take bribe).” proud to be a part of this Khan talking about growth. There is a the Soft Power of perceptible, renewed Bollywood. Kabir energy in encouraging Khan spoke about and fostering entrehis experiences in preneurship in India. making films politI believe that a land of ically nuanced, a million believers is a such as Kabul land of a million Express, New York, opportunities and Phantom and most India is at an inflexrecently Bajrangi ion point to transform Bhaijan. He also it to a land of opporshared details tunities.” He also Mr Kabir Khan - Film director and Mrs about his involveadded: “Iconic instiAnupama Chopra - Indian Film critic ment as a documentutions like LSE can tary filmmaker and his love He also added: “The play a strong role in crefor making films on topics Indian Government's focus ativity led entrepreneurial that need to be given a in this budget is on farmtransformation in India.” voice. Anupama raised an ers. We have increased The Political Platform interesting point, asking their compensation. We saw three political leaders Kabir's views on how to promise that BJP will also from the front league par"mainstreamise" politicaldefinitely work on ties in India. The topic of ly-conscious films to a improvement of rural the political panel was national India audience, to roads.”

‘How has the Modi governwhich he replied that Speaking about the ment fared in its two years Bollywood’s formula of JNU incident, where the as the ruling party?’ modincorporating songs should students of the University erated by Mr Suhel Seth be used to tell the story, were alleged for passing with participation from Dr which is a sure way of Sambit Patra (BJP), Mr anti-national comments, appealing to the masses.

Sachin Pilot he said: “ There have been (Indian While speaking about singular incidence which National Congress) and Mr gender inequality both Manish Sisodia (Aam should not have happened agreed that this exists in but India is not burning as Aadmi Party). The key Bollywood and that more projected by the opposition touch points of discussion had to be done to counter and the media. Singular were The Goods and this. incidences happen everyServices Tax Bill: Dr Virendra Paul, where, but they don’t projPositive/Negative impacts Deputy High ect things as if the whole it may have on the econoCommissioner of India, country is intolerant.” my, Make in India formally brought the event Mr Sachin Pilot, Initiative: Has it been a to a close.

Former Union Minister of success or a failure?, The

Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

11

Anuradha Paudwal backs #SaveGujarati Campaign Bollywood star, Anuradha Paudwal is backing the #SaveGujarati campaign launched by Labour MP, Gareth Thomas. At a reception in Parliament as part of her UK Tour, Anuradha Paudwal met with Labour MPs Gareth Thomas, Virendra Sharma (Ealing Southall) and Jon Ashworth (Leicester South) to talk about her upcoming tour, their work in Parliament and the campaign to protect the teaching and examination of Gujarati in the UK schools system.

In the last two weeks, over 6,500 people have signed the open letter to the government calling for the support for the teach-

Harrow West said, “It’s fantastic to have such a big name from Bollywood back our petition to protect this vital language in the UK. I have been moved by the number of people who have signed the letter Anuradha Paudwal with Virendra or got in touch to Sharma MP and Gareth Thomas MP tell me their stories about how ing of languages like learning Gujarati has Gujarati to be protected as affected and benefitted they represent an importheir lives. I want to thank tant connection between Anuradha Paudwal for her the UK and India. The support of the campaign petition can be found at and I hope she enjoyed the www.gareththomas.org/sa event and tour in ve_gujarati.

Parliament."

Gareth Thomas, MP for

Youth power to you Eashan Only 18 years old, Eashan Thakrar is currently taking his second year of A Levels.

In 2014, at the age of 16, he started a charitable foundation called The Youth Project.

He has led this organisation from 5 people to over 1400 people, and from one town to 10 countries in 2 short years!

They have now run over 100 projects. He believes the youth are more powerful than anyone can imagine. He is extremely ambitious, and

tries to positively impact the world in everything he does.

Eashan has been featured on a number of radio and TV programmes, as well as securing partnerships with a number of important people and organisations. His achievements have not gone unrecognised as he has received a few awards including an award from UK's Prime Minister and Prince Charles, and been credited for what he has

done, especially at such a young age. His aim is to create a global movement of young people creating change, and he is making major leaps forward in his mission to do so. He spends a lot of time in India serving with an organisation called Manav Sadhna. He serves as ambassador/trustee for a number of other organisations that he believes in. He is also passionate about combatting human trafficking.

PRESENTS

YOUTH CONFERENCE 2016

On Wednesday 27 April, we will be hosting our annual Youth Conference networking evening. We have a fantastic line-up of speakers who will share their success stories, give motivational short talks to inspire and advise the younger generation, so that young people can fulfill their aspirations and get ahead in the world of work. There will be a scope to take part in Q&A and brief workshops.

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Date & Time: 27 April 2016, 5:30-9pm Venue: TBC Age: 15-40

April 2016

12

MEDIA WATCH

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Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

The curtain raiser to the West Bengal Assembler elections was the recent India-Pakistan cricket encounter at Kolkata’s fabled Eden Gardens which can accommodate a crowd of over 100,000. Only Australia’s iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) can hold such numbers, generate and create a comparable experience for players and spectators. The once-in-a lifetime excitement brought the great sand good from all parts of the Subcontinent to congregated to watch a game that meant so much to so many across these two nations separated at birth by caesarian section in August 1947.

Virat Kohli bowing in the direction of Sachin Tendlkar after India’s victory over Pakistan at Kolkata

The fevered speculation about the stars on show and their likely performances in the World Twenty/20 tournament went on all day and much of the night.

Former cricketers, some from Australia, West Indies, South Africa and England did the commentaries and gave us the benefit of their punditry on the possible outcome. Film stars and politicians, most prominent among them, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were much in evidence in this vast amphitheatre.

Incredible Kohli

The game itself was a pulsating affair, with India emerging victorious by six wickets, thanks largely to a superb undefeated 55 by Virat Kohli whose godly status after the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar was confirmed yet again. Australian batsman Glen Maxwell said Kohli’s knock – a superb display of skill and character – would be worth a double century on a normal pitch.

Improbable victory

The postscript to this match was the one that followed in Bangalore: India versus Bangladesh. Bangladesh had the measure of their opponents for the entire game, barring the last

three balls of the final over when, needing two runs for victory, the batsmen lost their nerve and the game - beaten by a solitary run in an encounter nobody who saw it is likely ever to forget. India’s captain, Mahindra Singh Dhoni kept his cool amid the din, running out the batsman on the final ball. Bangladesh had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

India on red alert

Following the the jihadi strike on Belgian capital, Brussels, acknowledged by Islamic State (ISIS) as its handiwork, the whole of India was put on red alert. Railway stations, airports, science research centres and other key national assets were put under tight security. This is, of course, no guarantee that terrorists will refrain from acts of violence. Belgium was on the highest state of alert when Brussels airport and metro stations were bombed, such being the nature of asymmetric warfare. Precautionary measures are all that can be undertaken (Hindu, Times of India, Telegraph, Mint March 23)

Naval outreach

As an earnest of intent, the Indian Navy, for the first time,

deployed its most advanced maritime surveillance P 81 aircraft on the Seychelles exclusive economic zone. The P 81 is equipped with anti-ship Harpoon missiles, antisubmarine torpedoes and Mark 82 depth charges; it can also carry out anti-submarine warfare and ship interdiction. In addition to these capabilities, P 81 aircraft can undertake electronics signals intelligence (Hindu March 22)

Arnvesh commissioned

Fast patrol ship of the Indian Coastguard, Arnvesh was commissioned at Visakhapatnam last week by Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command Vice Admiral HCS Bisht. The 50 metre-long vessel has speed of 33 knots and carries a crew consisting five officers and 26 ratings. Fitted with the stateof-the-art navigation and communications equipment, including night vision capabilities , it main armament comprises 40/60 Bofors guns. This is the sixteenth such vessel built at the Cochin shipyard. Vice Admiral Bisht dwelt on the need for coastal security in the face of terrorism. ‘Today, the coast is secure by the trilateral forces of the Navy, Coastguard and Maritime Police,’ he said. Also, there are coastal stations and coastal airfields to bolster coastal defence (Hindu March 22)

India to double missile output

India is looking to double its monthly production from the current 50 to 100. Distinguished scientist and Director of the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), K Jayaram said Bharat Dynamics Ltd, a public sector company under the Ministry of Defence, is currently manufacturing 50-60 Akash missiles per month. Hyderabad-based DRDL is a multi-disciplinary missile laboratory focused principally on design development and flight evaluation of various missile systems for India’s armed forces.

Foreign interest

A number of countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and others from South America, have evinced interest in India’s surface-to-air medium range Akash missile. Mr Jayaram said the new generation anti-radiation missile would be tested in the next two months. Basically, it is the anti-radiation missile airlaunched against enemy radar emitting targets.’

(Press Trust of India, March 16)

India, Russia firms in large oil deals Russian energy giant Rosneft will sell a substantial stakes in two Siberian oil and gas fields to India’s ONGC Videsh and Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Essar Oil in separate deals amounting to $4.2 billion. The significance of these arrangement elevates the strategic relationship between IIndia and Russia to a higher level.

Western sanctions

Faced with Western economic sanctions, Russia is looking increasingly to India – the world’s fastest-growing large economy as a lifeline for funds to finance its debt burden, with the closure of money markets in Paris, London, Berlin and New York etc Rosneft is the world’s largest publicly-traded oil company; and the presence in India of its Rosneft Chairman Igor Sechin - a close associate of President Vladimir Putin – in New Delhi to oversee the signing of these deals tells its own story (Times of India, Mint March 17)

India to host BRICS summit

India will host the eighth BRICS summit consisting Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa in October in Goa. India took over the chairmanship of BRICS from Russia in mi-February and is to hold it till December 31, 2016.

India’s External Affairs Sushma Swaraj thanked Russia for chairing the previous summit at the ‘beautiful city of Ufa.’ Institution building, economic growth, intensified cooperation in mutual trade and investment in infrastructure projects, implementation mechanisms, innovation will top India’s agenda. The logo for the summit will be a lotus with the colours of all its members and a traditional Namaste in the centre (Hindu March 17, 23)

Railways tie-up with ISRO on route surveys

The Rail Ministry has struck a deal with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to leverage space technology for passenger information in trains, map railway assets and help survey new route alignments.

Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha also requested ISRO aid to surmount the difficulties in travel during the ofbound months of December-

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January in northern India, when movement slows appreciably and scheduled journey times are frequently disrupted (Hindu March 17)

Air India disgrace

A Kolkata-Delhi flight normal journey time 2 hours) was delayed by 13 hours when a Dream liner aircraft developed a technical fault, for which there were no spare available to solve the problem, then followed news that the pilot had left because his duty had been completed and no substitute pilot was available to take his place. Air India staff lied to passengers in order to save money for their overnight stay at nearby hotels. The airline has long been a strain on the public purse with repeated government bailouts. Time surely to close down this wretched business (Telegraph March 20)

NIA snares Jihadi recruiter

The National Investigation Agency arrested a key recruiter for the Bangladesh Jamaat- ulMujahideen, Habibul Haque, 30, for his role in the Khagragarh bomb blast. A resident of North Parganas district in West Bengal, Haque had set up training camps in his village for terror recruits.

His wife worked as a teacher in a local madrassa. An entire terrorist ring was exposed and arrested in other areas of West Bengal (Times of India March 17)

Tibetan exiles to vote for new MPs

Tibet has groaned under Chinese rule since 1950, when Beijing sent in its army and occupied the country, forcing the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans to flee over the next several years, and seek sanctuary in India. The asylum granted by India were to vitiate Sino-Indian relations. Mao dzedong admitted that it was Tibet and not the boundary dispute that had muddied the waters between India and China.

Tibetan in exile will vote in mid- April for a new parliament in exile in Dharamsala. The present head of the Tibetan government in exile is the Harvard-educated Lobsang Sangay (Hindu March 21) As a Chinese-occupied province, Tibet is voiceless. But the Tibetan voice in India is a light that mocks the tyranny of China and keeps alive its hope of Tibetan freedom.

Indian entrepreneur a major force

Indian players including Hardik Pandya (L)and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C) celebrate the wicket that led to victory by 2 runs during the World T20 tournament match against Bangladesh, in Bangalore

The ‘emerging Indian entrepreneur is a force to be reckon with, a force that borders on the brilliantly frightening,’ said K M Mammen, Chairman and Managing Director, MRF Limited.

‘They are the future giants of Indian industry who are taking the world by storm, people look up to them and learn,; he said at at an awards ceremony for emerging Indian entrepreneurs Chennai (Business World March 23)

Infosys employee Raghavendran Ganesh had been killed in the Brussels terror attack. see comment page 3

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Medical tribunal allows doctor to continue work after sex scandal A doctor on duty in a maternity hospital hires the services of a prostitute and sleeps with her. The session goes for 40 minutes on the baby ward. If that was not enough, he even has a picture of an x-ray depicting a bottle up a patient’s rectum, shockingly abusing the privacy of the patient.

Surprisingly, he can continue to practise despite his “abhorrent behaviour” and being unprofessional to the core.

A Medical Practitioners' Tribunal Service panel decided striking him off would be ‘depriving’ public of a good doctor, although he deserved sanctions for “abhorrent behaviour”.

According to a report in The Times, patient groups reacted angrily after Dr Rupert Pemsel, 32, a trainee anaesthetist, was told he could return to his job after a ten-month suspension despite the “sordid sexual encounter”. Critics believe the temporary ban is insufficient for such lack of professionalism.

The incident took place at Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, in December 2013.

According to The Niall Times report,

Dr Rupert Pemsel

Dickson, chief executive of the General Medical Council, said: “Our role in statute is very clear, it’s about future protection.

We are not there to punish.”

The incident came to light after Dr Pemsel confessed the tryst with Leanne Kennedy, 29, to his wife Sheyi and called the police.

Sheyi, 40, who is also a GP, is said to be standing by him.

Meanwhile, a tribunal ruled that Dr Nanikram Vaswani, who mistakenly gave a patient a vasectomy at Broadgreen Hospital in Liverpool could continue practising, with a formal warning placed on his file, The Times reported.

Doctor’s son killed by legal highs to combat shyness Legal highs may give you a high for some time but its addiction can cost you dear, especially when the drugs are bought online.

A hospital consultant’s ‘shy’ son has died when he accidentally took an overdose of legal highs that he bought over the internet in a bid to tackle his shyness.

Legal high is a drug that is taken for pleasure and has the same effect as an illegal drug, but has not been made illegal.

Tom Elrington, 30, was found dead by a flatmate at his home in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, after taking a cocktail of drugs.

He had been suffering from social anxiety.

A report in The Times said Tom had become addicted to benzodiazepines and Pyrazolam, which can be bought for just a few pounds online, according to his parents – Giles Elrington, 59, a consultant at Barts Health NHS Trust in London, and Alison Elrington, 55, a former nurse.They believe he died as a result of taking a cocktail of drugs, although it is not known exactly what Tom had

UK Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

Suspected illegal migrants found inside 2 lorries in Kent

The possibility of illegal migrants sneaking into the UK as part of the huge flow of migrants from Syria and other countries continues to be a matter of deep concern for the British government. The recent discovery of suspected illegals stuffed into the back of two lorries in Kent has only added to the woes.

Over 50 suspected migrants have been found in the back of two lorries in Kent. Twenty-five people, including men, women and

five children, were discovered in the back of a truck in Bridge Close, Dartford, on March 21, while 26 others were found in a lorry in Coldharbour Lane, in Bridge, Canterbury, on March 23, police said.

The arrested groups have now been handed to Home Office immigration officials. They are from Iraq, Iran and Syria.

According to BBC, officers said that following the Canterbury discovery, a 27year-old man was arrested

on suspicion of assisting illegal entry into the UK. Those stowaways were found by workers at the Kent produce company, Gomez, who heard them shouting as they began to unload the truck at the depot in Bridge.

A spokesperson from the Home Office, according to a report by The Telegraph, said: “They are currently being processed by immigration officials.

Where someone is found to have no right to remain in

the UK, we will take action to remove them.”

Keith Vaz, chairman of the Commons home affairs select committee, said: “These revelations are astonishing. At a time when we should have heightened border security, to discover so many people coming in illegally is a cause for deep concern. The worry is that those who are not coming to work but are coming to cause security problems for our country may slip in this way.”

Kathak kaleidoscope presented in London A delightful Kathak showcase by about 30 students of Ashwini Kalsekar was presented at Watermans Art Theatre recently. The performance began with a presentation by very young performers and concluded with an exquisite dance on Shiva called Rudra, a choreographic piece presented by 3 senParbati ior artistes Choudhary, Nisha Radia and Vincent D. More than 200 audiences have attended the programme.

The dance presentation started with a Bandish by 10 young children aged between 6-8 years, symbolic of Guru Sishya Parampara, and a

Ganesha composition set by singer Prachi Ranade.

This was followed by Teen Taal. The presentation continued with a melodi-

First hip replacement going great guns after 67 years

Tom Elrington

taken before he died. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

His parents are now calling for more awareness of the dangers of buying legal and illegal drugs cheaply online.

These finely packaged legal highs may promise youngsters the time of their lives but don’t fall for them. Some websites sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs that may not be safe to use and could put people's health at risk. The US Food and Drug Administration warns that these rogue sites often sell unapproved drugs, drugs that contain the wrong active ingredient, drugs that may contain too much or too little of the active ingredient, or drugs that contain dangerous ingredients.

13

Norman Sharp

The first hip replacement done 67 years ago was a tall order in those days, but the patient is walking tall even today with no complaints. Not only that, the 91-year-old British engineer has walked into the record books with the world's longest lasting hip replacement. The world's oldest replacement hips are still serving him well.

Retired engineer Norman Sharp from Trowbridge, Wiltshire, was the first person to undergo a hip operation under the newly-formed NHS in December 1948 after suffering from septic arthritis as a child.

He now holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-lasting hip replacement and is still

looking sharp.

It’s amazing the implants have survived for almost seven decades – especially given that today’s hip replacements are expected to last just 10 to 15 years.

According to a report in The Times, the groundbreaking operation was carried out by Philip Newman, an orthopaedic surgeon at Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

Sharp said: 'It's incredible. It's fantastic. Even to reach this old age is an amazing thing. It's all just wonderful. The last doctor to inspect my legs was Mr Newman, the surgeon himself, the year after the operation. I haven't had any problems or pain since then.”

ous Tarana, syllables of which were originally invented by Amir Khusro and the bhajan Gaiye Ganpati Gaj Vandana of Tulsidas interspersed with Tukdas. Later in the evening, dance on another bhajan Jai Ganesha Gannath was presented. The most interesting piece presented was Jhaptaal, a 10 beat cycle and an intricate composition by renowned Guru Rekha

Nadgauda. Ginti, the presentation of different patterns and different numbers, a gift by revered Pandit Birju Guru Maharaj to the Kathak world has captivated the attendees.

Impressive choreographic presentation Rudra, a devotional tribute to Shiva, formed the climax of the recital, which included Tarana in 11 beats and Taandav.

Ashwini is a celebrated artiste who is famed for Krishna Priya musical composed by legendary Anup Jalota.

Kaleidoscope is Ashwini’s venture that encourages children to take to stage and exhibit their talents.

Queen’s rare night out in London Princess Anne and her first cousin Princess Alexandra.

She was seen arriving at Bellamy’s in Mayfair, the same restaurant she dined at last time some 10 years ago.

According to a report in The Times, her rare foray into the capital’s nightlife was to Bellamy’s in Mayfair to celebrate the 90th birthday of one of her oldest friends, Lady Penn, a former lady-in-waiting to the Queen Mother.

The monarch was her usual impeccable self, wearing a glitzy green dress and strands of pearls for Queen Elizabeth stepping out of the royal reunion. her car for dining at a London She did not leave restaurant. until well after 11. Some She is the Queen who lives 70 guests are understood like a King. The world is to have attended. her oyster. Along with her The Queen when she is daughter and her first not having to endure forcousin, she had a right mal banquets is only too royal night out last week. happy to dine quietly with Queen Elizabeth, 89, Prince Philip, The Times who rarely goes out to reported. dine at a restaurant in Lady Penn knew London, surprised everyPrincess Elizabeth when one as she went out for they were both teenagers. dinner with her daughter

14

CULTURE

The Making of India: BOOK REVIEW

Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

The Untold Story of British Enterprise Dr. Kartar Lalvani was born in 1931 in Karachi.

After the partition in 1947, he arrived in Bombay.

Dr.Lalvani came to Britain in 1956 and completed his post-graduation in Pharmacy from King’s College, London. Later, he went to Germany and completed his Doctorate with distinction from Bonn University, after which he returned to London and founded Vitabiotics in 1971, which became the UK’s leading no.1 researchbased vitamin company.

Dr.Lalvani notes sadly that he's been living in England for more than 50 years and in that time 'I have not encountered a single native Brit who has stated any form of belief that the British benefited India'. It was only after living in Britain that he came to appreciate the scale and depth of this country’s contribution in the making of India. The more he studied, the more he realised the necessity to explain this great untold story. He feels so strongly that British rule in India has been unfairly vilified that needs a scrupulously researched examination of its achievements.

He believes that now is the time to challenge the assumption that Britain is nothing but a colonial oppressor that robbed India of its resources and treasures, crushed the locals under their feet and gave absolutely nothing back. The sins of colonial rule are well documented.

But well over half a century after independence, are we not obliged to look back dispassionately and give credit where it is due?

When the British

arrived, India was a fragmented country of many kingdoms. First with the East India Company, and later with the Raj, the British helped to build a new nation in India. The audacity and scale of this endeavour, the courage and enterprise needed to deliver massive infrastructure more than 12,000 miles over an arduous fivemonth journey each way.

Within a century it was devastated by a series of Persian and Afghan invasions, in which the cities of Delhi, Lahore and Agra were looted of their wealth and treasures, including the Peacock Throne, now lost, and the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which forms part of the crown jewels; In the following decades three more looting invasions occurred, with each looting lasting more than a month while the British were still confined to Bengal. By the end of the 18th century the Hindi word “loot” was common in British vocabu-

lary. In fact, the British entered the shattered and devastated city of Delhi in 1803 and left the re-built and restored magnificent city of New Delhi as the new capital of the unified New India.

India has always been dogged by the most appalling poverty. Isn't that also a legacy of British rule? He points out, it's now almost 70 years since the British left India and the poverty is almost as bad as it's ever been. If there is a villain to be fingered here - someone responsible for keeping India bumping along the bottom - it's not a representative of British rule.

Instead, we should be pointing accusingly at none other than Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister. It was Nehru who sided with Stalin and his bankrupted Soviet Union.

'As a result, India's pace of industrial growth was seriously stunted, depriving the country of precious financial development funds from the U.S. and European nations and the benefits of the post-war business boom.'

There were two sides to British rule: one commercial and at times exploitative, the other liberal and high-minded. The latter meshed well with Indian culture and is easily underestimated. For instance, the East India Company eradicated the Thuggees who carried out highway

robberies, ensuring safe travel throughout the country. The company’s officials prohibited female infanticide and abolished sati - which no Indian ruler had done in a thousand years. The British abolished the hated “jizya” tax, payable by all nonMuslims.

The British further built a nationwide civil and physical infrastructure that continues to underpin the world’s largest democracy.

This included not only the famous all-terrain Indian railways, with their 45,000 miles of track and well over 100,000 bridges, but also the telegraph (which entered operation a year before New York’s), postal systems, canals, irrigation, water-treatment works and roads. In 1811, the first iron bridge in British India was built across the Gomti River at Lucknow - the design was based on a bridge over the River Wear in Sunderland. When it was shipped to India, it became the largest single structure ever exported from Britain. It consisted of 2,627 pieces, of which just 19 arrived broken. The 1,423-mile Grand Trunk Highway from Calcutta to Lahore, on which construction began in 1836, was grander than any roadbuilding scheme conceived before, even by the Romans. When it was finally completed almost 30 years later 'wheeled carriages could roll across the land' for the first time. Not only that, trees had been planted every 60 feet along the way 'to provide beautification and much-needed shade to travellers'.

Not only did the British give India a legal system,

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BOOKWORM

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Asian Business Publications Limited has recently received the following 5 books

l The Making of India (The Untold Story of British Enterprise) written by Dr Kartar Lalvani and published by Bloomsbury. (The review is published in Asian Voice this week). l Debating India (Essays on Indian Political Discourse) written by Lord Professor Bhikhu Parekh and published by Oxford University Press. (The review will be published shortly). l Black Taj written by Mohini Kent (Lady Noon) and published by hoperroad London. l Zerbanoo Gifford (An uncensored life) written by Farida Master and published by HarperCollins Publishers, India. l Remnants of the Sikh Empire (Historical Sikh Monuments in India & Pakistan) written by Bobby Singh Bansal and published by Hay House Publishers, India. an efficient police force, an apolitical powerful army and a smooth running civil service with fully functional nationwide network of Central and provincial governance . The British established India’s first universities in 1850s at Calcutta, Bombay and Madras, and went on to found the first museums, libraries, engineering and medical colleges and hospitals. They restored many ancient monuments such as the Taj Mahal. For the first time in 1,000 years people from all castes, creeds, cultures and religions could and did jointly work in hundreds of thousands together in railways, post & telegraph, army and administration to build India. And when the time eventually came for the British to leave India in 1947, power was relinquished with ‘good grace and mutual respect'.

This first of its kind book, Dr.Lalvani says, offers well defined, new

and accurate information in 22 succinct chapters in 430 pages. 21 out of 22 chapters are all about the colossal British contribution to the fully functional new India that the British left behind. The phenomenal Indian Railways is only one of the 22 chapters of doing good.

He has dedicated his new book to the spirit of everlasting friendship and prosperity between these two great countries.

When the former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh received his honorary degree from Oxford University in 2005, he quoted India’s great poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore:

“The West has today opened its door, There are treasures for us to take, We will take and we will also give, From the open shores of India’s immense humanity.”

Vaisakhi celebrations return to City Hall

Londoners are invited to the Mayor of London’s Vaisakhi Festival at City Hall and More London Riverside on Saturday 9 April, celebrating the holiest day of the Sikh calendar.

The family-friendly event is free to attend with activities inside City Hall as well as outside at the Scoop at More London and along the riverside.

They include outdoor performances, children's activities and an exhibition

by Sikh artists.

This year's celebrations will take place just before the official Vaisakhi festival on 13 April and City Hall has been working with representatives from

the Sikh community, including Singh Sabha London East, EY Sikh Network and other groups, to create a culturally rich, enjoyable day that represents Sikh identity and culture.

Vaisakhi commemorates the beginning of Sikhism as a collective faith and London’s celebrations are an opportunity for people from all communities, faiths and backgrounds to experience a festival that is celebrated by over 126,000 Sikhs who live in the capital and 20 million people across the world.

Highlights at the festival include a colourful programme of live performances, with folk dance, Gatka (martial arts), turban tying and Shabad Kirtan (Sikh spiritual music). Food (langar) will be prepared and offered by volunteers from the Sikh community, which will be represented by a variety of

information stalls.

The Mayor of Boris London, Johnson, said: 'Vaisakhi is the holiest day in the Sikh calendar and I am delighted that it is once again coming to City Hall. It is a festival celebrated by millions of Sikhs around the world and the values of respect and generosity for people of all faiths and creeds is one that is very relevant to our great city. We have been working closely with the Sikh community to create a wide-ranging programme of activities and I’m sure it will be a joyous celebration for all

Londoners.

Happy Vaisakhi!'

Mankamal Singh from the Gurdwaras, said: ‘The Gurdwaras are excited to be involved for the second year running in the Vaisakhi celebrations at City Hall. The Sikh community are an integral part of the London landscape, whilst maintaining our very visible and distinctive identity. This year’s event continues to give London the opportunity to celebrate British Sikh talent through spiritual music, art, and martial arts as well as other great community projects. We will also be offering some wonderful activities for Londoners to get involved

in.’

Manraj Singh Othi, from Ashurst D&I network and co-founder EY Sikh Network, said: ‘We are pleased and excited to be involved again in the organisation of the Vaisakhi celebration at City Hall. As both Londoners and Sikhs, we feel the grassroots approach to the programme focusing on Kirtan and Langar will create a day that is inclusive for both Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike. We welcome Londoners from all faiths, beliefs or none to enjoy, learn and celebrate together through a diverse range of colourful displays and engaging activities’.

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Gujarat's Pride: Sasan Gir

wild creatures, he declared Gir a protected area. While his rule in the area remained short-lived with India's partition in 1947, there was a significant increase in the population of the lions that stood at 170 at that time. Now a sanctuary, the GFD and the village residents together defend the animals. With a 20 km-per hour speed limit on trains that use a line passing through the area, some 300 rangers track the lions daily. Most of them are women and called 'Queens of the Forest'. They are mostly armed only with bamboo sticks. Madhu Karangia, who rides around on a motorbike said, “Protecting the lions is my passion.” Preserving the population includes lowering oneself into wells in steel cages, tranquillise and then extract lions or leopards that have fallen in.

The animals are usually returned to the wild.

Thousands of 'Maldharis' or cattle herders, who have made the Ranger Rasila Vadher with her rescue team sanctuary their home respect the animals' shaws, bicycles, sacks of territory. Their cattle are spices, maps, rangers' huts, occasionally killed by the etc., can possibly bring lions, but they regard that near justice to the lions as its due. The GDF pays and the locals of Gir. the farmers about £156 a The only place in the cow as compensation, what world, where Asiatic lions is considered a fraction of live in harmony with the what the beast is worth. A locals of the village, Sasan native, 70 year old Karim Gir has a history dripping said, “The lions are like in royalty. The lions who gods. They need food.” She once roamed across the sees lions most days, she Middle East and northern says. Her husband has India, were so aggressively twice been attacked by hunted for sport that barelions, both times when he ly 20 remained by the early was trying to save cattle.

20th century; all of them in But she is not afraid of Gir forest. It was the joint them. She is afraid only of efforts of an Indian prince, the forest’s many leopards, Gujarat Forest one of which had recently Department (GFD), and attacked her 10-year-old the village locals, that the grandson, Ravi. numbers gradually rose to A forester Dhiraj Dave 520. once fell asleep near the After British imperialforest one evening and ists and Indian Maharajas woke up to find a lioness indulged themselves in standing across his legs hunting the lions, killing and looking down at him. all in India except a handWhen his friends arrived, ful in Gir, the Nawab of all she did was walk away Junagarh, Saheb Sir calmly. Apparently, the Muhammad Rasul Khanji royals of the animal kingII took it in his hands to dom have rules and keep to save the last of Asia's lions. them.

In his bid to protect the Indian-inspired Asiatic lion exhibit, the 'Land of Lions' recently opened at London Zoo, inaugurated

by The Queen. A part of the zoo's long-term Asiatic lions conservation campaign, the exhibit includes three walkways over the 2500 sqm. Visitors who enter the amphitheatrestyle Temple Clearing are treated to the majestic cats roaming mere metres away, separated only by fine wires. The zoo, in its announcement said the special lion segment was created to transport visitors to the vibrant setting of Sasan Gir in Gujarat, native to the Asiatic lions.

As much energy and work was put into bringing together the marvellous corner, no amount of 'trademark Indian' rick-

SP

TLIGHT

Kavita Bhanot: Developing Cultural Character Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

15

What do you feel is the main issue with the definition of ‘British Asian’?

The category, as imposed externally upon us, has been a marketing category, it has been a part of the process of ‘depoliticising’ ourselves – so we only celebrate our ‘British Asianness’. To be British Asian is to be British first and foremost, and to subsume our specific identities into a broad ‘Asian’ label.

'In the process of performing our ‘south asianness’ we simplify it, exoticise it, mock it'

Do your own stories have a theme running through them?

While writing mostly about Punjabi lives in Britain, I have been consciously setting out not to privilege the white reader, writing, instead, for those I am writing about. This has changed my writing style greatly – there is humour, but I am not ‘laughing at’ my characters: they are more complex, there is more compassion. I have been interested in unpicking the layers of history, religion, politics, culture that forms each character, as well as exploring his/her psychology.

Sunetra Senior

Bhanot is the editor of the soulful and diverse anthology ‘Too Asian, not Asian Enough’ (2011). She has also had short stories published in journals such as the Asia Literary Review and Kindle Magazine, and been broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Unlike the usual, tired narratives of ‘comical or villainous figures’ who restrict the protagonist from ‘the pleasures of Western life’, or the pitiable portrait of sari-clad mother mourning an ancestral home, Bhanot’s fiction and compilation ‘Too Asian, not Asian Enough’ showcases original accounts of the British Asian experience, bringing to light nuanced and unexplored corners of this subjective cultural niche. “My own work often draws from my background as Punjabi working class, and I have been told my writing is ‘too Asian’” Bhanot explained to us. “This really prompted me to provide a space for writers to write from and through the specificities of their cultural, political background. This is an important distinction from the concept of writing ‘about’ our particular background. We write from a perspective because that is who we are. When we are writing ‘about’ a perspective we are framing it in a self-conscious way, as if it is something unnatural; we perform for white publishers and readers.” And this literary ambit extends from the political into the individual.

With a genuine interest in ‘the process of the written, new writers and new works’ – Bhanot is also a manuscript reader for The Literary Consultancy and sat on the editorial team for India’s first literary agency Osians – she sees the freeing art of storytelling as a means for British Asians to reinforce their individuality, independently of cultural influence. One of the premises in the anthology, for example, hinges around the mystery of ‘a collector of hair arriving at a European village’ while her own short work – Gust of Life – organically describes the unlikely friendship between an older woman and a local man she meets at the Gurdwara. Thus Bhanot makes fluid the definition of cultural identity through the depth of creative expression.

Tell us more about the impetus for compiling your collection: ‘Too Asian, Not Enough’?

I knew many wonderful writers who were having difficulty getting published: ‘Too Asian, Not Asian Enough’ is a response to the two kinds of response that writers of South Asian origin receive when their work is rejected; forming the parameters of what it is acceptable to write. I wanted to provide a platform in the anthology for writers to write what they like.

In the process of performing our ‘south asianness’ we simplify it, exoticise it, mock it. We don’t take it for granted and can’t write about it with the complexity that is there in our lived lives.

What would be your tip for writing good character?

It is impossible to truly capture the consciousness of characters who are different from yourself (and arrogant to assume that you can). You're limited by language, fictional form and your own point of view. I tend to focus on empathy, three-dimensionality, and spend a lot of time thinking about the lived life, the social, political, cultural, as well as psychoanalytical background of each character I create.

Do you hope to write a novel in the future?

I have written a draft of my first novel.

It’s the first of a trilogy I’ve been working on, on and off, for the last 12 years, that explores the lives of Punjabi immigrants in Britain over three decades. The first novel is primarily set in Handsworth, Birmingham, over the 1980s. It was actually a part of my PhD. I also wrote a thesis on contemporary British Asian literature, focusing on Punjabi, working class origin writers, whose background and writing most resemble mine. I argue this represents a departure from earlier ‘British Asian’ literature, partly because of the writers’ backgrounds. I am also exploring how this literature tends to be located in structures of whiteness, privileging the white reader, and adopting a white gaze while writing about the South Asian community to ridicule and simplify. It is important to unravel and ‘see’ this in order to act on it differently.

Finally, what is your advice to aspiring writers?

Practice! Keep writing, study the ‘craft’ of writing, and then play with it- question it, reject it. Think also about the politics of writing – who are you writing for? (There is always a direction, a certain kind of reader that our work faces), why are you writing? Finally, read critically, dissect the literature you read: if we don’t read critically, we can end up reproducing what is already out there.

It’s also important to take your time, to live, to feel, to understand yourself, others, the world around you, because that will bring depth to your writing. https://mediadiversified.org/category/kavita-bhanot/

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UK

www.asian-voice.com

Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

EXCLUSIVE

Marisha, a ray of hope for Lib Dems

Culture and the next generation AsianVoiceNews

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Most parents are keen to cultivate their own cultural traditions in different ways amongst their children as well as young generation.

This perhaps is a universal phenomenon. I can speak as a British Indian. By all accounts we as a community are performing comparatively well in Britain. Thanks to the British society, its willingness not only to tolerate but to accept positive traditions of the Indian culture going back over centuries, the British Indians feel at ease by and large.

The results are for all of us to see and rejoice. The educational excellence, pursuit of professional qualifications, developing enterprising skills, integration with the society in general with respect to the law of the land and especially their peaceful attitude of co-existence. Inspite of several challenges we have been able to play our rightful role in the society. Contribution of the age old wisdom of our culture and traditions played an important part in this happy situation. Nevertheless many times parents and the community leaders are concerned how to retain good aspects of our culture in Britain today. The Jewish activism and experience perhaps has a message. I am happy that Michael Whine (Government and International Affairs Director at the Community Security Trust, and a founding member of the Indian Jewish Association) has spent a special column which is published this week.

- Editor

Staying Jewish

Marisha with her mother Chaya, husband Neil and son Abrial

Rupanjana Dutta

Marisha Ray is a Greater London Authority (GLA) candidate for the Liberal Democratic Party in the upcoming London Assembly elections scheduled on 5 May. A former Councillor for 8 years, Ray stood as an MP candidate in the 2015 General Elections and is now making a return to local politics, urging people to vote for her in the forthcoming elections.

Born in Stamford Brook, in west London, Ray grew up in north London in Haringey, spending plenty of time with her grandparents who lived in Hendon (Barnet) as both her parents worked full time. Her family came to London from Bengal (Bangladesh and India) from 1920s onwards. But having close connections with her aunts and uncles in India, Ray travelled widely across North India and spent many of her summer holidays in Kolkata and New Delhi with family.

She studied Physics at Cambridge University and spent a number of years in academic and industrial research, in geophysics and low-temperature physics.

However it was while studying MBA at the College des Ingenieurs in Paris and Stuttgart, she realised that she wished to get actively involved in politics, though the interest was long-standing. Her family has always been politically active – her maternal uncle barrister Siddhartha Shankar Ray joined India’s Congress party and became the Chief Minister of Bengal from 1972 to 1977.

The portrayal of Gandhi in the eponymous classic impressed her considerably even when she was just 14, particularly the differences of the response of the cinema going audience in central London and central Kolkata, where the shock at certain scenes was audible. It was this that made Marisha far more

conscious of the differing political and other opinions of different communities. “Gandhi’s adherence to his principles – satyagraha – and his ability to mobilise followers have never ceased to fascinate me,” she added.

In an exclusive interview to Asian Voice, she candidly expressed her views on the importance of local politics and why should one vote for her.

She said: “Local politics is the lifeblood of democracy, our local communities steer us as politicians.

Local politics ensures that every Londoner can change their area for the better and that every person’s voice in London can be heard.

“I have a track record of raising the right questions, of liaising with all the organisations that are involved at a senior level.

My background in business analysis and real life experience of being in one of the fastest improving local authorities in the UK combined with board level experience of a variety of organisations provides me with a combination of experience that few, if any, have had and fewer still who are political candidates. Few have the breadth and depth of experience that I have.”

The choices were plenty, but when Marisha decided to join politics, she read up on the Lib Dem Focus leaflets and found a lot good sense in them.

“I had three reasons for supporting the Liberal Democrats at the time when I decided that I wished to join the party – their stance on Europe, favouring full UK involvement in Europe and insisting that we should negotiate effectively and use our active and senior position inside the union to the full; the long-standing priority they gave education had attracted me to the party while I was still at school myself and thirdly I was impressed by the local campaigning I saw around my home in London.

By Michael Whine

D

uring the Holocaust from 1939 to 1945 over 6 million Jews were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. This represented over one third the total number of Jews at the time, and it has taken over 70 years for world Jewry to regain its pre War size.

Jewry not only lost all those people, it also lost the centuries-old academies of Jewish learning which had flourished in northern Europe, particularly in Lithuania and Poland. In the years following the Second World War, the imperative was to rebuild shattered Jewish lives and re-establish communities, as well as support the birth and development of Israel. Then in the early 1970s and 1980s it dawned on some far- sighted Jewish leaders that if Judaism was to continue in Europe it needed to reignite the Jewish thirst for religious knowledge and culture. But now this had to be allied with schools that offered first class secular education and attractive modern facilities. In Britain this led to the founding of Jewish Continuity, established by the then Chief Rabbi, Lord Immanuel Jakobovits, which sought to build and fund secondary schools designed to equal of the best of British schools, so that parents would want to send their children to them. Gerald Ronson, the property magnate, has also endowed two major schools in North London in this spirit, Immanuel College and the Jewish Cross Community School. The result now is that 60 percent of Jewish children in Britain Needless to say, that I took for granted the fact that the economy was safer in Lib Dem hands than in that of any other political party,” she added. Ray is married to Neil and has a 12-year-old son Abrial, who is a Chorister, singing in the choir of King’s College Cambridge.

attend Jewish schools. And they do so because their parents want them to have a Jewish education, but also because these schools offer the highest quality education.

Ronald Lauder, a former US Ambassador and son of Estee Lauder, who founded the cosmetics company, endowed a chain of primary and high schools in former Soviet states where all Jewish education had been absent since the Nazi era. These too are flourishing.

Another series of successful ventures have been to do with promoting secular Jewish culture and the arts. Some of these initiatives have achieved world class stature.

Limmud, begun 20 years ago as a small residential conference for Jewish educators over the Christmas period, is now a firmly a highlight in the Jewish calendar. Over 2000 people now attend a week long residential annual festival of Jewish arts, culture, and religious learning, which attracts speakers, performers and participants from around the world. It has spawned offshoots recently in Russia, Israel, the USA, South Africa and Australia.

The Jewish Film Festival has also grown from small beginnings, to be a week-long celebration of films of Jewish interest from around the world, and occupying commercial cinemas in London and elsewhere.

Jewish Book Week, likewise has grown from small beginnings to a major cultural event on the London scene, attracting Jews and non-Jews to major London venues. It is accompanied by readings, lectures and public discussions by prominent and famous writers and critics.

The Jewish Music Festival is yet another cultural fixture, with performances in concerts halls and in one of London’s parks.

Some of these initiatives have been replicated elsewhere in Europe, even in countries where there are virtually no Jews left, but where they once constituted a significant minority. Jews were up to one third of the populations of Warsaw and Cracow before the Holocaust. Now, less than 10,000 Jews live in Poland, and the community is ageing, and therefore dying. However, the Cracow Music Festival has become a major event celebrating Jewish music in recent years, and there are other music and

literary festivals in Poland, which attract participants from all over the world. Recent government grants in other central European states, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, are leading to the renovation of ancient synagogues left partly ruined by the Nazis and then the Communists. They no longer support large local Jewish communities, because they were mostly murdered by the Nazis, but they are starting to attract the young descendants of the survivors, as well as tourists from Israel, the USA and the UK. But they also attract non-Jews, for whom it is now ‘cool’ to celebrate Jewish music and culture.

In these and other ways, today’s Jews are successfully combating the consequences of contemporary secularity, by combining a modern approach to religious teaching with the best of modern culture, in such a way that young people are keen to lear about their heritage. A unique example of this marriage is JW3, in Hampstead, and the result of a merger between the London Jewish Cultural Centre and JW3 itself. An attractive contemporary building hosting academic lectures, film shows, concerts, evening classes, gymnasia, cooking lessons and numerous events for kids and young people as well as a restaurant described by a national newspaper restaurant critic, as among the best of its kind in London, it is modelled on the successful Upper West Side Jewish Community Centre in New York. That in turn is similar to other Jewish community centres in, for example, Mexico City, which attract old and young to its libraries, cultural events and religious services housed in a magnificent parkland containing sports pitches and swimming pools.

Now Jewish successes at ensuring our cultural and religious survival is being recognised beyond the community. Lithuanian government representatives have sought out British Jewish activists who can help them ensure the survival of that country’s culture among its widespread youthful diaspora.

The author is Government and International Affairs Director at the Community Security Trust, and a founding member of the Indian Jewish Association.

Woolley condemns oldsmith's 'Divide and Rule'

Simon Woolley, one of the founders of and Director of Operation Black Vote, has spoken out against Conservative Mayoral Candidate Zac Goldsmith's election campaign strategy. He claims that Goldsmith's campaign, whether by design or default, is pitting certain ethnic and religious communities against each other for political gain. According

to Woolley, this style of political messaging is exemplified by a letter that was sent to him by an OBV supporter (remains nameless). It was addressed by PM Cameron and erroneously assumed they were Sri-Lankan, perhaps Tamil, because of their surname (sic). The letter said that the PM had met with the Sri Lankan Prime Minister and

raised concerns about Human Rights abuses in 2013. The PM, in the letter, mentions that Goldsmith has been a champion for the Tamil community.

Woolley points out similar tailored messages to the Hindu and Sikh communities with implicit messaging. He urges the 'politics of division' to be stopped immediately.

SPECIAL Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

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56 elderly people and 22 youngsters honoured with Shravan Sanman Awards AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, along with Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Ilford, organised the Shravan Sanman and Vadil Sanman Awards at Ilford Hall on March 19. Twenty two were honoured for their services towards their parents and elders. The awards also featured around 56 people over the age of 80, being honoured with Vadil Sanman. MD and Chairman of Trident India Ltd, Jatin Parekh was the keynote speaker of the event, besides chief guest, Leader of the Redbridge Council, Jas Athwal, and Councillor Dev Sharma were present.

The evening started with prayers by the children of VHP centre. A prayer was sung by Monaben of VHP, followed by prayers from Vinaya Sharma, Sheelaben Rupal, Darshan Lal Chodha and Manmohan Bhalla.

VHP Secretary Darshan Chodha gave a brief welcome speech. Elucidating the details of the event, programme co-ordinator and Gujarat Samachar News Editor Kamal Rao said, “In an effort to fill colours in the lives of our elders who give us their all, we started this award 5 years ago at Sangat Centre, Harrow. Ever since, Vadil Sanman has been held in Harrow, Croydon, Leicester, Preston and Manchester, where more than 500 elders have been honoured. However, taking inspiration from Jatin Parekh, we decided to honour people who lovingly and willingly serve their elders or 'challenged' people.”

Jatin Parekh said, “No matter how much a person strives, if his work is respected and finds motivation, it inspires him to do more. I am proud of the beliefs that are being put into practice here today and I know it will go a long way in future, for which, I congratulate Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar.” In his emotional speech, he said, “People grow up to become doctors, scientists, teachers, etc., but it is their parent's contribution that holds the real key to their success. Not even million pounds can give the gratification that is gained by serving your parents. A mother is someone who will whack you, yes, but she will never let anyone else lay a finger on you. She will stay hungry to feed you. A mother nurses us in her womb for 9 months. Tie a 6 pound belt on your waist and you will know what pains she went through. The second most important institution is our teacher. It is what they teach us that makes us the person the world sees. The third is the society; that provides us with schools, hospitals, libraries, etc. When ever you :reach your goal in life, I want you to reflect on these

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A Glimpse into Shravan Sanman

Awarding Nishit’s carer team: from left, Darshan Lal Chodha, Vinaya Sharma, Kokila Patel, Jatin Parekh, nurse Dennis Berarie, CB Patel, Nurse Albert Gatzi, Cllr Jas Athwal, Cllr Dev Sharma and Kamal Rao

Yatra Desai (top right), sister Poyani Desai Akande, mother Bhavna Desai, father Shirishkumar Desai and Grandfather Dr Shantilal Bhavsar

By Yatra Desai

Keynote speaker Jatin Parekh addressing the audience

Cllr Jas Athwal addressing the guests

Jatin Parekh presenting the award to Basheshar Nath Bhanot and his wife Krishna Bhanot

three institutions. I am thankful to Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar for such a beautiful programme and congratulations to all those honoured.”

Assistant Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Alok Upadhyay shared a few words regarding the significance and the works carried out by the VHP Ilford Temple. He said, “Both, the temple and the community run classes on different languages. Gatherings are held for youngsters of marriageable ages to socialise. The temple has engaged in several charity works over the years. Recently, a plot near the temple was bought, for which, several big-hearted people generously donated money, and leaders lent money on zero interest. Our institution needs and appreciates your generous donations, and I request all of you to donate with an open heart. The temple belongs to all of us and requires all of you to participate in the activities carried out by our community.”

Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, CB Patel addressed the guests saying,

“Vishwa Hindu Parishad is doing some major work here. Elders are often ignored. If you neglect your parents, your kids will do the same to you. Our guest Jatinbhai Parekh came all the way from India to attend Shravan Sanman programme, for which I can't thank him enough. He said beautiful things in his address. A temple is a significant part of the society. I am thankful to VHP for this evening and congratulate Kamal Rao and Kokilaben for the successful programme. I would also want to mention Bhikhubhai and Vijaybhai of Waymade Healthcare, for the way they serve their mother Shantaba.”

Councillor Dev Sharma said, “I am exceptionally happy to be a part of Shravan and Vadil Sanman, organised by Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice.

Indian culture promotes respect for the elders and taking care of them. This is what we have been taught and this is what we have followed for generations. Our scriptures dictate 'Matru Devo Bhava' and 'Pitru Devo Bhava'. There are no bigger

Cllr Dev Sharma addressing the audience

Gods than our parents. I congratulate Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice for a delightful event. I also extend my gratitude to Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Ilford, for their support.”

Country's youngest council leader and leader of the Redbridge council, Jas Athwal, greeted the audience with a cheerful 'Kem Cho?' “Our youths have contributed in a big way to our society. They have taken over the virtues of serving the society. Looking at our programme and our people today, I feel the tradition still cares for their relatives and family and make sure their quality of life is maintained. I am happy our society still believes in serving others. I respect every person who tends their family. I thank Vishwa Hindu Parishad Temple, Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice for honouring our unsung heroes.” Concluding the event, Managing Editor for Gujarat Samachar, Kokilaben acknowledged fellow colleague Surendrabhai Patel for doing his best in caring for his mother Manibaa, who lost her life recently. She also congratulated Dileepbhai and Pannaben Shah for taking care of the special needs of their differently-abled son Nishit, Rajshriben and husband Hiteshbhai for being attentive kids to their elderly parents Gordhandas Patel MBE and Kamlaben Patel.

At the end of the evening, Manmohan Bhalla thanked Yogesh Mehta for supporting the event and arranging sound system at the eleventh hour.

The hosting of the Shravan Sanman held in Ilford last month to honour those who have provided immense care for their loved ones or those in need was a moment of pride for the young generation. The event was not just about showing gratitude to others for their service but it was a chance to remind ourselves of the difference we can make to someones’ life by simply being there for others.

Among the nominees were me and my sister who had been nominated for the care we had provided to our deceased grandfather Dr Shantilal Bhavsar as young teenagers. Having developed epilepsy and dementia from the shock of losing his beloved wife and son in a short space of time, my grandfather had become both physically and mentally weak.

Over the years I realised that caring for someone is not just about physically supporting someone in their day to day activities but it is about the emotional support we can provide to alleviate the pain and loneliness that others may feel.

Observing all the daughters, sons, couples and even parents that had been the pillar of support for their families was an exceptional sight.

The event was a true depiction of the power and strength of our culture that has successfully been passed on to the younger generation through the teachings of our parents and senior family members. The importance of having elders in the family was also highlighted through the Vadil Sanman ceremony, where awards were distributed to those

individuals that were a true inspiration to the society. It was truly mesmerizing to see numerous grandparents proudly receive their awards for the valuable contribution they have given to both their communities and families. The liveliness and fitness of the nominees, especially those over ninety was highly astounding.

Despite being away from their ancestral background, our elders have adjusted to this modern day society; an indication of their strong will power and positive thinking. By providing immense knowledge and sharing invaluable experiences, our elders have continuously guided us to the right path and taught us how to live, love and laugh. They are the soul of our families and the key to our happiness.

All in all, the combination of these two honourable events symbolized the unity of the Asian community within Britain. By showing gratitude to the younger generation and respect to the elder generation, we have shown the strength of our values and cultural roots. In future events, it would be ideal to have some nominees speak out about their experiences and share some stories, as this would give a personal touch to the event. In addition, having a presentation of pictures in the background throughout the event would also be visually stimulating for the audience and give them a realistic view into the day of a nominee’s life.

Overall, the event was a success and I hope it will encourage upcoming generations to serve their community and families selflessly.

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BUSINESS

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14 Indians among world's top 100 venture capitalists AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

Sameer Gandhi

Deven Parekh

A list of top 100 global venture capitalists has made place for 14 investors of Indian-origin. Compiled by research firm CB Insights, the list was based on fac-

Promod Haque

Jai Das

tors such as investor exits and consistency of investments, along with others.

The report evaluated the investors on the basis of their investments since

Salil Deshpande

Navin Chaddha

Hemant Taneja

Neeraj Agrawal

2008. Sameer Gandhi of Accel Partners at rank 25 is the top-ranked Indian venture capitalist. He is followed by Promod Haque of Norwest Venture Partners

Ironing out the wrinkles in Talbot steelworks Iron and Steel have been the foundation of Britain’s industrial revolution. And with the likely shutdown of Port Talbot’s steelworks, the wheels have come full circle.

A government spokesperson on Monday gave a veiled threat to India’s largest multinational Tata group not to shutdown the Talbot plant in view of continuing and increasing losses.

On Tuesday, the final decision was to be made by the 11-member Tata Steel board, led by chairman Cyrus Mistry. The site is losing a reported £1m a day which is not sustainable.

Tata’s European operations had developed a turnaround plan that would require the company to invest £100 million to return to profitability in South Wales.

The Indian Financial

Press has called on Tata to pull out and focus on any investment available that’s more beneficial elsewhere.

Sir Jamsetji Tata founded the Tata Iron and Steel Company way back in the last decade of the 19th Century and the production began in 1905 at Jamshedpur. Earlier when Sir Jamsetji was buying machinery, equipment in England, a top Englishman vowed that “He will eat all

the rails himself produced by the Tatas.”

Some prophecy, some reality!

I am glad no British media has stooped so low to claim that Tatas are taking revenge when the British steel industry is almost dying. The reason for this is obvious. The dumping of the cheap Chinese steel imports in the UK and Europe has created the catastrophe.

Air India looking to restructure its bank loans Air India is looking for a restructuring of its loans from banks with intentions to reduce the interest burden and become profitable.

The national carrier is looking to get lenders to cut the interest rate on loans of Rs 10,500 Crore, on which it is paying 10.1 per cent.

Chairman Ashwani Lohani said, “Debt restructuring is a must. Every year, Rs 4000 Crore goes towards debt servicing alone. But we will seek restructuring only after becoming operationally profitable either this fiscal or next. We have so far not begun the process of debt conversion.”

The government sector airline is able to access funds at a much lower rate

than other players. Banks typically charge two per cent points higher than the base rate. SBI's current base rate is 9.3 per cent, Air India has loans of Rs 48,400 Crore, including working capital and term loans of Rs 22,000 Crore, aircraft-related debt of Rs 19,000 Crore and Rs 7400 Crore that it had raised via non-convertible debentures. In 2013-14, finance costs accounted for over 15 per cent of the expenses, and was the second highest spending head after staff costs, which made up for over 35 per cent of the total expenditure of around Rs 26,500 Crore. Sources said there were three options for restructuring the loans. One

was to get banks to convert a part of the loans into equity. The second was to swap the “high-cost debt” with non-convertible debentures, which AI executives said, would cost 7-8 per cent, resulting in an annual savings of around Rs 200 Crore. In the third model, banks could be issued preferential capital with a fixed rate of dividend payable.

An official said, “This way there will be no dilution of equity. SBI Caps had suggested this model but it did not find favour with banks earlier. Anyway, most of our loan is from government banks and converting to equity will still mean that AI continues to remain fully government-owned.”

at rank 32. Also on the list is Salil Deshpande of Bain Capital Ventures at 35.

Navin Chaddha, head of Mayfield Fund who invests in consumer, enterprise,

infrastructure and energy technology in the US, India and China ranks 45.

Asheem Chandna of Greylock Partners stands at 47. Born in India, Asheem

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Asheem Chandna

Krishna Kolluri

Chandna joined Greylock in 2003 after serving as vice president of business development and product management at Check Point Software.

Tata Sons to hike AirAsia India stake to 49% Tata Sons is all set to hike its stake in AirAsia India to 49 per cent by acquiring additional shares from Telestra, which will soon exit the no-frills airline. Telestra Tradeplace holds almost 10 per cent stake of the low cost airline. While Tata would buy 7.94 per cent shareholding, the remaining stake would be purchased by the carrier's directors; S Ramadorai and R Venkataramanan, in their individual capacity.

Chairman, Ramadorai would acquire 0.5 per cent and Venkataramanan, 1.5 per cent.

In a statement, Tata Sons said it would raise its

stake in the airline to 49 per cent from 41.06 per cent by acquiring 7.94 per cent equity stake from

Telestra. “S Ramadorai and R Venkataramanan, in their individual capacity, propose to acquire 0.5 per cent and 1.5 per cent shareholding, respectively of Telestra's remaining 2 per cent equity stake in the company.” The deal is expected to be completed next month, subject to relevant corporate approvals and processes, the release said. An agreement, in this

SC tells SEBI to sell Sahara assets to repay investors Sahara has submitThe Supreme Court of ted a list of 86 propIndia has asked the erties which it Securities and Exchange claims is worth £4 Board of India billion. However, it to start selling also claims that some of it has not Sahara's real been able to e s t a t e find buyers assets in for the the counproperties. try, to Sebi has help refund milSubrata Roy b e e n lions of investors. A directed to not sell the household name in India, properties for less than 90 as the former main sponsor per cent of the circle rate; of the Indian cricket team, the listed market value. If Sahara has many hotels bids are below 90 per cent overseas, including the of the circle rate, the reguPlaza in New York and the lator will have to take the Grosvenor House in permission of the court.

London, besides vast real Proceeds from the properestate assets in India. ty sale will be used to The SC had said in secure bail of Sahara chief June last year that the Subrata Roy who was put group needed to repay the behind bars in March entire £3.60 billion it owes 2014. investors in illegal bonds.

regard, was signed on March 14, by Tata Sons with Air Asia (India) Ltd, Telestra Tradeplace Pvt Ltd, Ramadorai and Venkataramanan.

Malaysia’s AirAsia Berhad would continue to hold 49 per cent stake in the airline.

The development comes after Arun Bhatia expressed dissatisfaction over the state of affairs at the budget carrier. Also, there were concerns in certain quarters about control and ownership at the airline.

Panda Express to enter India

Fast-food chain Panda Express, known for its American-Chinese cuisine, is planning to enter India with a partnership with JSM. Mumbai-based JSM that brought international chains like Hard Rock Cafe and California Pizza Kitchen in the country has apparently inked a master franchise agreement with Panda Restaurant Group which runs the food chain.

Sources said JSM is likely to roll out the first few outlets of Panda Express over the next six months starting with major metros. It plans to open over 50 outlets for the brand in the next five years. The company's cofounder Jay Singh has confirmed the development but refused to indulge in any details.

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Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

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REAL ESTATEVOICE Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

Time to get creative

19

As prices are dampening towards the upper end of the scale, it’s time to get creative. We had a beautiful property in St John’s Wood, freehold and with potential to extend to the rear up to the top and even out into the front garden. The property was purchased for £2.625m, we had comparables, both next door, in fact on one side a property had been sold for £3.9m and the other the property was being developed and due to go on the market for £4.5m. The deal was looking good.

We got the necessary planning and even did an internal strip out. We received quotes and even had a builder lined up for the job.

We were waiting for the development funding to come through.

However, I was getting cold feet because the property for sale next door hadn’t sold, and the market in general is getting a bit nervous towards the higher end, this is the word on the street.

From a rental perspective the yield would have been poor, maybe 2% at best. This would reduce the amount we could borrow on a BTL basis, as the borrowing is based on the rental income achievable.

Properties at £500k to £1m are still flying out the door. Therefore, it was time to revisit the drawing board before we started the work.

Through some investigation and research, we discovered you can get six rooms into a property with communal facilities and rent them out legitimately without the need to get licensing for use as a HMO. I had this point checked out by the planner and the architect. It was bona fide.

What made this even more suitable for this particular property was it had been purchased as two flats and not as one house.

Therefore, we could get 6 studios on the top flat and 4 on the bottom which would give a yield of approx. £250pw for each property, this means a rental income of £2,500 per week, which is £132k per annum which is an excellent yield given the location.

The construction cost would be less, as we would not need to extend the top, there would be no point as we cannot get more than 6 units in the upper unit. The bottom flat would be extended to accommodate an extra studio.

In a nut shell we would then end up with a property with lower build costs and a higher yield. The yield is important but so is the occupancy rate. Someone I know who focuses on studios commissioned a report which found that studios in London have an occupancy rate of 98.6%, the 1.4% time they are empty is apparently due to repairs and maintenance.

This seems the right direction to go in. The point here is the property does not get labelled as an HMO. This is a label which can be difficult to peel off once on there, and therefore to convert back into a house at a later date is viable if it’s done in this way.

It’s not just the solution we arrived at that’s interesting, but also the actual way these studios will be done. We have sourced a cabin

Real Deal The

style room where the bed rises with the press of a button. When property is being sold at £1,500 per sq. ft. and a bed occupies 28.125 sq. ft. the cost of this is £42,187!

The bed is only used for 8 hours, unless one is hung over, therefore the rest of the 16 hours it is a waste of space. This means 2/3rds of the time this space is not being used efficiently. A rising bed is the perfect solution. It rises on the press of a button, unlike the foldable ones where all the bedding becomes an issue when the bed is folded.

This represents an elegant solution, not just to this building but becomes a model for another couple of properties we manage on behalf of our investors. This sorts the rental yield problem out and allows a viable long term solution to holding property in Central London.

The plans have been drawn up and the pods have been sourced, we are just waiting for the development funding to come through and then we are good to go on this.

Planning is best in bite sizes, it makes it easier for the council planners to digest. Therefore, if it’s an existing house it is better to first increase the size as one house and then apply to chop it into flats. Especially as many of central London boroughs may be averse to the loss of single dwelling houses.

Kensington, London, W11 Purchase Price: £450k

After this the plans of mini studios can be implemented without the need for planning. This seems straight forward for one of the properties we have in Notting hill where we aim to pursue this model. Another property in W1 may be a little more challenging, as the property is in a conservation area, and therefore the council just seem reluctant to do anything. Their default position is to say no. Unless you can make a case to the contrary the onus remains on you. Our architect is good, that’s why we use him, but in order to get him more focused it often helps to incentivise him. Where there is a will there is a way, therefore on the last block I will be doing a deal where if he gets the planning he gains more than he ordinarily would and if he doesn’t he hurts, like I would. In this way he achieves a more solid focus on the goal.

At times things don’t always go to plan, therefore you have to go back to the drawing board and adapt to the current situation as it evolves. So it is not just about buying a property but the ability to squeeze the most out of a deal.

l A spacious studio flat in a popular modern block l Share of freehold l Lift l Designated off street car parking space l Low service charges l Close to the shops and amenities of Westbourne Grove, Portobello Road and Kensington Park Road l We expect the value of this property to be more than £550k and therefore it won’t be around for long!

Call us now to secure this deal!

0207 993 0103

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

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Tips of the Week

l While looking to invest in property keep an eye on transport and regeneration plans, as well as any employment initiatives, as these factors can give a boost to capital growth. l You don't need to own bricks and mortar outright to invest in property. There are a number of property funds which can give you very good returns without the hassle factor.

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Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

India will deliver on hope of driving global growth: Modi

Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India would live up to the global expectation of being a bright spot for growth with requisite policy as also administrative reforms on a sustained basis. "The world has much expectations from India in contribution to the global growth. I would like to place before you how India intends to meet the challenge," the prime minister told the Bloomberg India Economic Forum 2016, held to commemorate the media group's 20 years in India.

Modi said India was not just the world's fastest-growing economy but also has a low capital account and fiscal deficits, along with low inflation. "This is the result of good policies and not good fortune," he said, alluding to the achievements in the difficult times globally.

"Let me emphasise on our fiscal consolidation.

We have met the ambitious fiscal deficit targets in each of the previous two fiscal years," the prime minister said, adding: "We have reduced the deficit even while increasing capital expenditure."

He told the gathering that the country's net foreign direct investment inflow during the third quarter of the current financial year was an alltime record. "This is concrete evidence of the success of 'Make in India' policy in employmentintensive sectors."

As examples, Modi said motor vehicle production, which was a strong indicator of consumer purchasing power and economic activity, grew at 7.6 per cent this fiscal, furniture output grew 57 per cent and employment-intensive wearing apparel sector grew 8.7 per cent. "My goal is reforms through transformation.

Administrative reform is a start."

The prime minister said since a large share of

India's population still depended on agriculture, his government's target was to double the income of farmers soon. Towards this, he added, a big focus was being given to irrigation with a large budget.

"We are also creating a national agricultural market and removing distortions," he said, adding "Seeds have been sown for a new dawn for farming, and retaining the youth in the sector."

The prime minister said transparency was another hallmark of his government, giving the example of auction of resources such as coal through competitive bidding. "Our record on implementation in general and reduction in corruption in particular is now well understood."

Modi said his government would also work with the Reserve Bank of India to set inflation targets and that interest rates will be set by a Monetary Policy Committee - a panel that will have no representative from the government.

He also referred to the new norms for exploration and production of hydrocarbons assets by the private players. "We have introduced pricing and marketing freedom and also a transparent revenue sharing system.

This will eliminate several layers of bureaucratic controls."

He said in renewable energy India has grown from 1,500 MW of solar power to 10,000 MW per annum in a short span of time. People were surprised when the target of 175 GW of renewables was announced. But today, this stood to be recognised by the global stakeholders, he said.

Listing other initiatives, the prime minister said parliament had recently passed a new law on inland waterways to make it an efficient mode of transport and foreign investment limits in the stock exchanges were raised and they were allowed to be listed.

www.asian-voice.com

Pay dues or face coercive action: Arun Jaitley tells Vijay Mallya AsianVoiceNews

India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has warned wilful defaulters to settle their dues honourably with the banks or else prepare to face “coercive action” by lenders and investigative agencies. “I don't want to make any comments on individual cases but I think it's a responsibility of large groups to honourably settle their dues with the banks,” he said in an interview.

Jaitley also said that banks have certain collaterals of group companies of Vijay Mallya and will take legal action to recover dues that exceed £900 million. “Banks have some securities. Banks plus other agencies have also coercive methods available with them through legal enforcement... these are all being investigated by relevant agencies.” Vijay Mallya had left India days before the Supreme Court heard a plea from a clutch of state-owned banks seeking recovery from his group firms. Mallya and Kingfisher Airlines owed

Arun Jaitley and Vijay Mallya

£780 million to a consortium of 17 lenders led by State Bank of India, with

an exposure of over £160 million to the now defunct airline.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

The finance minister said the government has been trying to address the problem of NPAs in sectors such as steel, textile, highways and infrastructure, which are on account of economic slowdown. “I think the NPA resolution process will now begin.

The sectors which have caused distress...

I have always said that there are two kinds of NPAs. One is because of economic environment, the losses in certain categories of industry. Now those areas we are trying to address,” he said.

Govt not to coerce Vodafone, Cairn

Jaitley said that the government would not “coerce“ companies like Vodafone and Cairn Energy to avail of its one-time offer to settle their retrospective tax cases and it was for them to decide. The option before such companies was either to accept the offer of paying principal tax amount and get waiver from interest and penalty, or continue litigation, he said.

“This is an alternate route which I have suggested. The option is theirs.

Nobody is being coerced to accept one route or the other,” he said. The govern-

ment, he said, has no issues with companies not wanting to accept the offer and continue litigation. “If they want to continue with the litigation, so be it... the outcome of the litigation will determine (the fate of tax demand).” Asked about the tax notices sent to Vodafone and Cairn last month despite the issue being under arbitration and government commitment not to create fresh demand using retrospective tax law, Jaitley said notice would go if there are pre-existing assessment orders.

India ranks third globally in financial Trojan infections India is ranked third among countries with a high number of financial Trojan infections, where cyber criminals defraud customers of online banking services. In a report made by security solutions firm Symantec said, “Although global detections dropped, financial Trojans are becoming far more capable and criminals are increasingly targeting institutions directly... India was preceded by the US and Germany.”

India has consistently moved up the rankings for countries, from No. 5 in 2014, to 3 in the current

year. “For our research, we extracted configuration files from 656 active malware samples. Within

“Although global detections dropped, financial Trojans are becoming far more capable”

those files, we found 2048 URL patterns that show that the Trojans are targeting customers of 547 organisations in 49 coun-

tries,” the report said.

Total number of financial Trojan detections dropped in 2015, with a 73 per cent drop as compared to the previous year. “All types of financial institutions are targeted, from small local branches to big global players. Over 60,000 computers in India were compromised with financial Trojans in 2015.”

Globally, the financial sector was the highest targeted sector in January with 40.2 per cent of all spear-phishing attacks, it added. The report said the primary distribution vector for financial fraud mal-

ware is through malicious spam email attachments.

Symantec said users should exercise caution when receiving unsolicited, unexpected, or suspicious emails or phone calls.

“Keep security software and operating systems up to date. Also, enable advanced account security features, such as 2-factor authentication and use strong passwords for all accounts,” it said.

Users should monitor bank statements regularly for suspicious activity and notify financial institution of any strange behaviour while using their service.

Saab wants to make India its manufacturing base Swedish defence giant Saab has shown interest to be an “Indian company,” willing to transfer complete defence technology to the country, said Jan Widestrom, chairman and managing director of Saab India Technologies.

“I say that I want to be Indian. I want our country to be Indian, and in the right environment, we will be Indian,” he said. The statement comes as the aerospace and defence manufacturing company's JAS 39 Gripen aircraft competes for many of India's defence procurement deals while participating in the Defence Expo 2016 in Goa. This isn't the first time the company has

shown an eagerness to be 'indianised'. Last month, company CEO and president, Hakan Buskhe said Saab was ready to not only set up a base in India and manufacture the Gripen

aircraft, but was also ready for a “true transfer of technology”.

Widestrom said the government was working to make the environment right by measures such as

raising the FDI limit to 49 per cent and unveiling a new defence procurement policy. Regarding the Gripen aircraft, Saab has offered to help India's Aeronautical Development Agency build the next generation version of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. “We definitely see big prospects for the future.

We want to supply not only to the Indian market but also supply to other markets with India as the manufacturing base. We are offering our missile programmes and air defence programmes in line with the 'Make in India' concept,” Widerstrom added.

CURRENCYVOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

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

Brexit puts pressure on Pound With regards to the UK, British manufacturing output suffered its biggest decline since 2009 in Q1 of 2016, but production is still expected to rebound over the next three months. The Confederation of British Industry’s monthly survey showed manufacturing output volumes fell to -15 in the three months to March from 0 in February.

The Rightmove HPI (House Price Index) showed that house prices in the UK rose from 7.3% last month to 7.6% this month.

Rightmove’s Chief Economist commented that; ‘As we look ahead, the risks are skewed towards a modest acceleration in house price growth, at least at the national level and that the labour market appears to have significant forward momentum.

Employment has continued to rise at a robust rate in recent months and, while the pace of earnings growth has slowed somewhat, in inflation-adjusted terms regular wages continue to rise at a healthy pace.

With this trend expected to continue and with interest rates also likely to stay on hold for longer than previously anticipated, the demand for homes is likely to strengthen in the months

21

Foreign Exchange

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

ahead. For the British Pound in particular, the news out of Belgium, regarding the attacks represents a new piece of evidence for the 'vote to leave' camp for the upcoming EU referendum on June 23. These types of events can feed into a 'fear-driven' mindset when it comes to the June 23 vote. The initial reaction to the attacks has likely run its course, however over the coming days politicians will try to capitalize on the populist antiimmigration sentiment by endorsing ‘the leave’ campaign, this could mean further weakness in the pound in the coming days. In terms of data, the UK consumer price inflation (CPI) was unchanged in February on an annual basis, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed. The UK CPI rose by 0.3% year-on-year in February, maintaining the same pace of expansion recorded in the previous month and slightly below the 0.4% reading that analysts expected. The report added that the largest downward contribution came in the transport sector from price changes for items such as road passenger transport, second-hand cars and bicycles. That, however, was offset by an increase

in food prices, with vegetables recording the sharpest hike in price. On a month-on-month basis, CPI advanced by 0.2% in February, compared with expectations for a 0.4% gain and rebounding strongly from the 0.8% decline registered in January. Wednesday marked a three-month countdown to the U.K.’s June referendum on its membership in the European Union (EU), as fears of a Brexit, with a vote to leave the group is known, there is increased pressure on the pound. On Tuesday we saw the pound lose more than 1% and was driven to one-week lows, as terrorist attacks in Brussels sparked speculation that Britain’s would be compelled to leave the EU. Sentiment towards the pound has soured this week after the resignation of a senior pro-"Brexit" minister and criticism of finance minister George Osborne over his 2016/17 budget.

The latest ICM poll on the referendum released on Wednesday showed that 43% of U.K. respondents were in favor of a Brexit, compared to 41% who preferred to remain in the EU and 16% who were undecided.

In the US, the Chicago fed National Activity Index was

released, which is a monthly index designed to gauge overall economic activity and related inflationary pressure. This came out lower than expected at -0.29 from 0.41 the month before.

Existing Home Sales Change for the month of February dipped considerably from 0.4% to 7.1%. Analysts at Morgan Stanley released a paper stating that GBP/USD could fall to 1.35 in the weeks leading up to the June 23rd referendum, and as low as 1.15 by 2017 in the event of a Brexit.

Global equity markets fell and the dollar advanced on Wednesday as investors attempted to measure the path of interest rates by the U.S. Data released yesterday showed that the number of mortgage applications in the U.S. fell last week, as interest rates held steady. In the Eurozone, the ECB Current Account was released showing the net flow of current transactions. This came in considerably lower than expectations at €25.4B, which was a decrease from €28.6B the month before. ECB also released figures for Consumer Confidence, which again came in considerably lower than expectations at -9.7, a decrease from -8.8 the month before.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 29th March 2016 @ 4.20pm

GBP - INR = 94.83

USD - INR = 66.48 EUR - INR = 74.34 GBP - USD = 1.42 GBP - EUR = 1.27

EUR - USD = 1.11 GBP - AED = 5.24

GBP - CAD = 1.87

GBP - NZD = 2.09

GBP - AUD = 1.88

GBP - ZAR = 21.97

GBP - HUF = 401.10

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Information provided by RationalFX. None of the information on this page constitutes, nor should be construed as financial advice. The exchange rates used are the commercial foreign exchange rates provided by RationalFX. For a live quote or to find out more about how RationalFX can help you, call us on 0207 220 8181.

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22

WORLD

Infosys staffer confirmed dead in Brussels attack Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

BRUSSELS: Overcoming from the shock of one of the worst terror attacks in Europe, Indian passengers were flown from Brussels into Mumbai and Delhi as they left the nightmare behind them. Jet Airways flew 423 stranded passengers to Delhi, Mumbai and Toronto, with most of them having to leave their baggage behind.

Recalling the near-death experience, Venkat Narayan, whose flight from Mumbai had landed in Brussels just in time of the first blast, said, “I was looking for breakfast when I heard a mild boom.” A Francis D'souza said, “Before I could understand, airport loudspeakers blared 'Evacuate, Evacuate'.

I grabbed my phone and ran. It was a stampede.” Also a part of the 242 passengers and 28 crew members who arrived in Delhi, Satnam Singh said all had lost hope of returning home alive and had no clue whom to approach. In a harrowing incident that epitomised the fragility of human lives, Infosys employee Raghavendran Ganeshan, who had gone missing in the attack on the metro, has been confirmed dead.

Manjeev Singh Puri, India's Ambassador to Belgium addressed the press giving his statement. Belgian authorities confirmed Ganeshan was among the dead, using finger print analysis and DNA test taken from Ganeshan's brother, who had arrived shortly after his brother's whereabouts remained unsolved.

His family had taken possession of Ganeshan's remains and are being escorted by the police to the Belgian border, after which, they will go to Schiphol International Airport in Amsterdam, from where

Raghavendran Ganeshan

they will fly to Chennai. Infosys in a condolence message to the media said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Raghavendran’s family and with those who were injured or lost a loved one in these attacks.” Meanwhile, Nidhi Chaphekar, who became one of the iconic images of the blasts may take eight to 10 days more to begin recovery. An official from the Embassy said, “She is on anaesthesia and is in the ICU. The doctors are treating one problem at a time. Only her husband is allowed to see her.”

Post the attacks, a security footage seen after the blasts put three men under suspicion for the suicide attacks. While two of them blew themselves at the airport, the third one who remains at large, is believed to be a known Paris attacks suspect. Belgian media named the suicide bombers as Khalid and Brahim El Bakraoui and the third man as Najim Laachraoui. Meanwhile, it is claimed that the Paris terrorist attacks ringleader and a Brussels bombing suspect both visited Birmingham last year.

BRUSSELS AIRPORT ATTACKERS IDENTIFIED The two men who blew them-

selves up at Brussels airport were brothers known to the police and a third attacker, who is at large, is a known Paris attacks suspect, Belgian media said. The suicide bombers were named as Khalid and Brahim El Bakraoui and the third man as Najim Laachraoui.

Federal prosecutors declined to comment, but said they would provide information later. Laachraoui's DNA had been found in houses used by the Paris attackers last year, prosecutors said, adding that he had travelled to Hungary in September with Paris attacks prime suspect Salah Abdeslam.

Captured on a security camera photograph at Brussels Airport beside the El Bakraoui brothers, Laachraoui did not detonate a bomb and is still at large. A bomb was subsequently destroyed in a controlled explosion. Khalid El Bakraoui, 27, had rented under a false name the flat in the Forest borough of the Belgian capital where police killed a gunman in a raid last week, RTBF said.

Belgian newspaper DH said the Bakraoui brothers may have fled the flat in Forest after last week's shootout.

In the raid, investigators found an Islamic State flag, an assault rifle, detonators and a fingerprint of Abdeslam, who was arrested three days later.

Both brothers have criminal records, but have not been linked by the police to Islamist militants until now, RTBF said. Brahim El Bakraoui, 30, was convicted in October 2010 for firing a Kalashnikov assault rifle at police and wounding an officer after a robbery in Brussels earlier that year. He was sentenced to nine years in prison.

A prime suspect in Brussels bombings, Najim Laachraoui, was arrested in the city's Anderlecht district, several Belgian media said.

Police and prosecutors could not be reached for comment.

LABOUR MP SEEKS MORE INFORMATION Labour Party MP Steve McCabe called for more information from Theresa May after reports of Islamic State commander Abdelhamid Abaaoud and Belgian fugitive Mohamed Abrini had travelled to Birmingham surfaced.

French intelligence sources also say Abrini visited the place four months before involving himself in the planning of the Brussels attacks.

McCabe said, “We need a more explicit explanation of what the risk is in the West Midlands, what the connections are between people who are being watched and people who are known terrorists.

At the very least the government and police should be offering MPs and the representatives of the people of Birmingham, is a private security briefing that is a bit more explicit than the titbits they are feeding folk at the moment.”

Pak MPs put Hindu marriage bill on fast track ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Parliament's Law and Justice Standing Committee finally approved the Hindu Marriage Bill last month and is now expected to sail through with Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz lawmakers Ramesh Kumar Vankwani and Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk playing the main parts.

The bill that was first proposed in 2008, picked pace after Pak's top court ordered its approval within two weeks in January for immediate passage. With the sorting of a few issues, the bill will become more effective. Vankwani managed to get support from the human rights panel of the Pakistani Senate on Feb 17, regarding removal of a controversial clause in the bill. The provision says a marriage could be annulled if a spouse converts, to which he pointed out that the clause could lead to forceful conversion of married women, which remains a major Hindu concern in Pakistan. Senator Farhatullah

Babar of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) backed the lawmaker calling it a “grave rights violation”. Panel's chair person Nasreen Jalil, who belongs to Sindh-based Muttahida Quami Movement, called the clause repugnant.

The panel's backing is expected to fast-track the legislation that would make it mandatory for Hindu couples to register their marriages. It would address issues like difficulty in transferring properties and getting travel as well as identity documents, which require proof of marital status.

In the absence of legislation, widows are often deprived of the properties of their husbands. The bill makes opening bank accounts and obtaining visas easier too. It would allow a wife claim alimony and custody of children if her husband leaves her and check child marriages, which are common in Sindh, bordering Rajasthan.

Experts are worried about the Hindu community's opposition to the divorce clause in

the bill, saying there is no such concept in Hinduism. They say it could hurt the effectiveness of the legislation and reeks of patriarchy. Sindh, where the Hindu vote is crucial, consequently has done away with the provision of divorce in its law on Hindu marriages.

Experts have called for replication of legal provisions in India related to divorce and inheritance of property for daughters that overcame pressures from Hindu conservatives. The urgency related to the bill has coincided with a resolution passed in Pakistani parliament on March 8 to declare Diwali and Holi as public holidays. Vankwani moved the resolution, saying such holidays were essential for Pakistan's “good image.”

Earlier in November, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif flew to Karachi to take part in a Diwali function, where Gayatri Mantra was recited along with the Quran. He told Hindus he would support them even if their “oppressors

are Muslims while underlining he is their prime minister too.

Sharif's rival, Imran Khan, promised equal citizenship for minorities at a rally in Hindudominated Umerkot amid fireworks a day after Diwali.

PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari joined the Hindus for Diwali festivities in Hindudominated Mithi in Tharparkar. He cut a cake and enjoyed dandia performance.

Many credit steady democratization for the minority outreach besides the importance of Hindu votes in Sindh, where the community is concentrated in Umerkot (49%), Tharparkar (46%) and Mirpurkhas (33%). Political expediency aside, many believe the outreach is genuine as part of the anti-extremism efforts. It dovetails with the anti-terror National Action Plan formulated after the Peshawar school massacre in December 2014 that includes a pledge to “stop religious extremism and protect minorities.''

www.asian-voice.com

In Brief

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Syrian troops retake Palmyra city from IS

BEIRUT: Syrian government forces along with the help of heavy Russian air support, drove Islamic State out of Palmyra, dealing what the army called a “mortal blow” to militants who has captured the city last year and blown up its ancient temples. The loss is a major setback for the terrorist group since it declared a caliphate in 2014 across Syria and Iraq. Army general command said that its forces took over the city with support from Russian and Syrian air strikes. Palmyra would become a “launchpad to expand military operations” against the Islamic State in those two provinces, the general said, promising to “tighten the noose on the terrorist group and cut supply routes ahead of their complete recapture.”

Saudi reporter jailed for 5 years for insulting rulers

DUBAI: Saudi has sentenced a journalist to five years in jail for insulting the rulers and “inciting public opinion” on Twitter. In a statement, Amnesty has opposed the sentencing of Alaa Brinji and called it a “clear violation of international law”. It also said it showed intolerance of the right to peaceful expression. Brinji, worked for Saudi Arabian Newspapers al-Bilad, Okaz and al-Sharq and was found guilty on March 24.

Amnesty said the court also found him guilty of ridiculing Islamic religious figures and of making accusation against “security officers of killing protesters in Awamiyah.” Brinji was reportedly arrested in May 2014 and has been in detention since

Al-Jazeera to slash 500 jobs, many at Qatar HQ

DUBAI: Broadcaster Al-jazeera has announced cutting 500 jobs in a worldwide workforce reduction move, just a little more than two months after announcing the closure of its US offshoot. The network gave the news saying the cuts were part of a “workforce optimisation initiative” linked to changes in the media landscape. This will enable Al-Jazeera to “maintain a leading position and continue our recognised commitment to high quality, independent and hard-hitting journalism around the world,” said acting Director General Mostefa Souag. The move comes after Qatar refocuses its spending priorities amid a steep drop in prices for oil and gas.

Chinese flags defaced in Prague ahead of Xi's visit

PRAGUE: Dozens of Chinese flags hung on the streets of Prague in lieu of a landmark visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, were marred with black substance over night. Police spokesman Jan Danek said, “Several dozen Chinese flags were splattered with a black substance overnight. An inquiry has been opened, and police are going to examine video surveillance cameras from the streets.” Xinping will arrive for a two-day visit before he leaves for the US for talks on nuclear issues. His visit will be opposed

by Czech demonstrators who are against China's policies in Tibetm and, they are expected to put up protests. Rights groups have accused the country of suppressing Tibetan culture and freedom of expression.

Indian jailed for 14 years in jail for drug smuggling

DENPASAR: Indian Sayed Mohammed Said is sentenced to 14 years in jail for trying to bring crystal meth into Bali. The 30 year old was arrested with 53 ounces of the narcotics hidden inside his backpack when he arrived at Bali airport from Bangkok, in September. While he had claimed the package belonged to a friend and he wasn't aware it contained drugs, the court in Denpasar found him guilty this Monday and handed him a 14 year sentence. Said's lawyer Daniar Trisasongko said his client was still considering whether to appeal. Indonesian President Joko Widodo had launched a tough campaign against narcotics use in 2014, which also resulted in the execution by firing squad last year of seven foreign drug convicts including two Australians.

www.asian-voice.com

Prince Harry’s Nepal trip features philanthropic pursuits AsianVoiceNews

KATHMANDU: Prince Harry of the British kingdom is mostly known for his cheerful and outgoing nature. His recent visit to Himalayan country Nepal was closely watched by the global media. A reflection of mother Princess Diana, who is well known for her philanthropic ways and charitable nature, Harry not only mingled with Nepalese local like one of their own, he also carved a new respect for himself.

Arriving in Nepal on March 19 for a five-day visit, he surprised everyone with an announcement of extending his stay by 6 more days to help reconstruct a quake-damaged school in a remote district.

School Management Committee chairperson Suresh Gurung said the 31 year old joined hands with the people and his members from Team Rubicon charity to support the cause. A total of 11 rooms will be constructed for the school. He attended the Nepal Girl Summit in Kathmandu, on March 24, and gave a power-packed speech addressing the issue on child marriage and the lack of education. The British Royal stressed on the role of education in the transformation of

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Prince Harry at Durbar Square in Kathmandu's Patan district.

Prince Harry interacting with Nepali public during a visit

Prince Harry visits Nepalese families displaced by the 2015 earthquakes at a makeshift camp in Bhaktapur Prince Harry join Mrs. Mangali Gurugn, an 86 year-old Gurkha widow, and her family, for their evening meal.

lives of millions of people in the community, and ultimately the whole country. This isn't the first time Harry has promoted female education. In his

An editor in Bangladesh faces 175 years in prison DHAKA: Mahfuz Anam, the editor of Bangladesh's most popular English language newspaper, has been facing 79 legal cases 62 for defamation and 17 for sedition. If convicted, Anam faces a prison sentence of up to 175 years. In the meantime, he is obliged to criss-cross the country for hearings in 50 of the country's 64 judicial districts, and is petitioning the high court to consolidate them. In some instances, he said, “I might have to physically appear in more than one place on the same day.”

Officials say the government is not behind the barrage of litigation, though many of the cases were filed by activists with the ruling Awami League, and at least one by an assistant public prosecutor. They were filed after Anam made an unusual public confession, expressing regret over articles that his newspaper, The Daily Star, published years ago on uncor-

roborated allegations of corruption against the current prime minister, Sheikh Hasina. Hasina's control over Bangladesh's political system has tightened since 2014, when the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party boycotted parliamentary elections and the Awami League swept the polls, virtually unopposed.

With political opposition dwindling, it has become increasingly risky to publish material critical of the government. Twenty-five defamation cases are underway against Matiur Rahman, the editor of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star's sister paper and the country's second most popular Bengali newspaper.

Asif Nazrul, a law professor at the University of Dhaka, said, “These cases are a strong signal to not just Anam but to all media that if you go beyond the limits that have been set, then you too can be prosecuted for sedition.”

opening speech, he said, “We need to acknowledge that so many countries and cultures are failing to protect the opportunities of young women and girls in the way they do for boys. I believe it is vitally important for men like me to acknowledge this as loudly and openly as role models do like

Prince Harry at the Golden Temple in Kathmandu

President Bidya Bhandari, the US First Lady Michelle Obama and activists like Malala.”

When he wasn’t meeting with people, Prince Harry visited the Golden Temple in Kathmandu, tried the local cuisine, hiked in the Himalayas and celebrated Holi. He also visited the Byasi Earthquake camp, took part in a remembrance ceremony and flew over the mountains during his trek.

Calling women names could well lead to Trump's downfall WASHINGTON: The Republicans have clearly overplayed their 'Trump' card as the millionaire presidential hopeful takes the country by storm with his racist, misogynistic and violent campaigning. Not one to mince words, Donald Trump has made his views about women abundantly clear with his prolific insults and personal attacks on prominent female figures.

However, his recent feud with challenger Ted Cruz saw him descent to a new low, which wasn't deemed possible, as he took a dig at the Republican nomination's wife. Trump tweeted a picture of his third wife Melania, a former model, next to an unflattering photograph of Cruz's wife Heidi with the caption, “The images are worth a thousand words.” The image got the worse of Cruz as he hit back saying “Leave Heidi the hell alone. It is not

Donald Trump

acceptable for a big loud New York bully to attack my wife.”

This is not the first time Trump stooped to win an argument. With his nasty, degrading comments on the opposite sex, women might even be the reason of his downfall. A CNN/ORC poll has revealed that 39 per cent of Republican women have an unfavourable opinion of Trump. Another poll by Quinnipiac University found out that 60 per cent of women would “definitely not” vote for Trump.

Bangla HC rejects plea against Islam as state religion DHAKA: Bangladesh high court has rejected a petition sent by secular activists challenging the constitutional provision that recognises Islam as the state religion of the Muslim-majority nation.

Bench of Justice Naima Haider, Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Ashraful Kamal passed the order saying the petitioners do not have the right to file the writ petition.

15 well-known personalities had filed a public interest litigation challenging the state religion provision, after the passage of the Eighth Amendment Bill on June 7, 1988. Unfortunately, many of the petitioners are now dead.

The topic was off the table until August 1 last year, when a Hindu Supreme Court lawyer Samendra Nath Goswami filed another peti-

tion with the High Court questioning how Islam could still be acknowledged as the state religion despite revival of “secularism” as the state policy under a 2011 amendment to the Constitution.

Goswami had himself moved the petition which was rejected on September 7 by a bench of Justice Emdadul Haque and Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam

Sarkar, after a brief hearing.

Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha formed a new threemember bench on February 29, to hear the 1988 petition after a prayer was submitted on behalf of the petitioners.

However, a nationwide strike launched by the country's largest Islamist party, Jamaate-Islami, in protest to the legal move influenced the recent most judgement.

WORLD Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

In Brief

23

Two Bangladesh Ministers fined for contempt

DHAKA: Bangladesh Supreme Court has found two Cabinet Ministers guilty for committing contempt of court over statements about the Chief Justice. A full bench led by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha, ordered Food Minister Qamrul Islam and Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq to pay a fine of Tk 50,000 each. The court also said the ministers have been fined by the country's top court. They issued the contempt rule against the two ministers on March 8, and asked them to explain their “derogatory and highly contemptuous statements”. Qamrul Islam, on March 5, had called for a new bench that should exclude the chief justice to hear Jamaate-Islami leader Mir Quasem Ali's appeal.

Mozammel Huq had criticised the chief justice at the same programme.

Pakistan opts out of SAARC satellite plan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has “decided to opt out” of the ambitious SAARC satellite project, proposed in November 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for all member countries of the regional grouping. At the SAARC summit held in Kathmandu, Modi had announced India’s decision to develop the satellite to benefit all member countries in different fields including telecommunication and telemedicine. MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, “Pakistan has decided to opt out of the satellite project. So, it cannot be called a SAARC satellite. It will be a South Asia satellite.” The neighbouring country has expressed some reservations over the safety of its space programme data, conveyed during the SAARC meeting in Pokhara this month.

Pakistan, Sri Lanka to broaden economic, political ties

COLOMBO: Speaking at a ceremony marking the 76th Pakistan Day, High Commissioner Syed Shakeel Hussain said Pakistan and Sri Lanka have undertaken measures to further deepen and broaden their economic and political ties. He said both the countries were in the process of refining a free trade agreement, expanding the portfolio of tradeable items and encourage bilateral investments. He also expressed satisfaction on the traditionally close and mutually beneficial relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in all fields.

Indian appointed UN adviser on human rights and businesses

UNITED NATIONS: India-born academician Surya Deva has been appointed as the AsiaPacific representative of the UN Working Group by the UN Human Rights Council. An associate professor at the School of Law of City University of Hong Kong, he recently wrote a background paper for India's National Framework on Business and Human Rights.

He was also elected a Member of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Constitutional Law in 2014. President of the Human Rights Council Choi Kyong-lim informed in a letter to all permanent representatives to the United Nations Office at Geneva last week of Deva’s appointment.

Suu Kyi to be Myanmar's foreign minister

NAYPYIDAW: Aung San Suu Kyi will be the Foreign Minister in Myanmars' first civilian government for decades. This gives the democracy icon a formal post despite being blocked from the presidency. Her close ally Htin Kyaw has already been picked as president for the administration that will come to power next week. Nobel laureate, Suu Kyi was the sole woman and one of the only six members of her National League for Democracy party in a cabinet list read out by Parliament Speaker Mann Win Khaing Than. While he hadn't confirmed which position she or others would hold, NLD spokesman Zaw Myint Maung later confirmed she would lead the foreign ministry.

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INDIA

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Vijaykant seals poll pact with Vaiko, Left Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

CHENNAI: Former actor A Vijaykant has announced that his DMDK party would contest the Tamil Nadu assembly elections along with Vaiko's MDMK, the Left and Dalit party VCK. The newly formed alliance announced that Vijaykant would be the chief ministerial candidate of the People's Welfare Front.

The PWF which was until now made up of the MDMK, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of IndiaMarxist and the VCK, will be a major team to keep an eye on for the May electoral bat-

tle. The DMDK will put candidates in 124 seats and the remaining 110 seats will be contested by the MDMK and the other parties. Co-ordinator of the alliance, Vaiko said, “This is t h e alliance the people were looking for.”

A n enthusia s t i c leader

A. Vijaykant

Accident victims plea for help go unheeded MYSURU: In an incident that highlighted the lack of humanity in today's world, three people who met with an accident died with nobody reaching out to help. A video captured the grotesque scene of three men bleeding on the road after their motorcycle was hit by a bus, and one of them pleading passers-by for help.

In Kolagala village in Karnataka, the man was seen being questioned by a passerby about the village he belonged to, before he was offered water.

The injured man, along with another, succumbed to his wounds along with another, while the third had already died on the spot.

They were identified as Ramesh, Mahesh and Manjunath, all related to each other.

The police informed the victims were travelling on

their two-wheeler from their village Joganahalli to HD Kote.

Their family was contacted and it was known that the three men were agriculture labourers. A relative, Naveen expressed disgust over how nobody came to help them and instead just stood there making a video.

Doctors said the two could have been saved if they were brought to the hospital on time. A case has been registered and the bus driver arrested.

In a similar incident recently, a 26 year old's body was severed in half after being hit by a speeding lorry near Bengaluru.

The Karnataka government had launched a cashless treatment plan 'Mukhyamantrigala Santwana Harish scheme', for road accident victims in memory of Harish.

Badal adamant on scuttling Sutlej Yamuna Link canal

Parkash Singh Badal

ANANDPUR SAHIB: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is persistent on stopping construction of the Sutlej Yamuna Link canal saying it would not be “allowed at any cost and under any circumstance.” He even asked people to be prepared for a tough battle to safeguard river waters of the state. Addressing a gathering to mark the commemoration of the historic 'Hola Mohalla', Badal said it was high time to make 'supreme sacrifices' rather than allowing the construction of SYL canal as it would divest people of Punjab of their legitimate rights over river waters in “blatant violation” of the nationally and internationally accepted riparian principle. Badal declared that decisions aimed at “robbing” the state and its people of their “rights” would

said, “The election will now be like a Kurukshetra war.”

As per the alliance, there will be a coalition government in Tamil Nadu if the front wins the election. Calling the PWF a “people's party”, Vijaykant said, “My cadres wanted me to be the king. All t h e alliance partners

never be accepted by him and the SAD-BJP alliance.

Recalling the party's long ordeal of waging a relentless battle to protect the interests of the state, the CM attacked the Congress for “depriving the state of genuine rights” especially, related to river waters during their successive governments at the Centre.

Talking about the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act 2004, Badal said all the agreements which were terminated through this Act, were done by Congress governments. “Thus the Act was a mere admission of guilt by the Congress government headed

by Captain Amarinder Singh.

This Termination Act terminated nothing but the agreements signed by the Congress governments alone themselves.”

have asked me to be the chief ministerial candidate.”

The actor-turned-politician had floated his party as an alternative to two Dravidian parties; AIADMK and DMK, but relations with both the parties soured soon.

Vaiko said revolution took place the day DMK founder CN Annadurai became the chief minister after defeating the Congress. “Similarly, a day will come when Vijaykant will be the chief minister.” The BJP and DMK earlier tried to woo MDMK chief to join their alliance.

Temple gets a pat for defying 'jumbo' tradition TH IR UVANA NTHA PURAM: Starting a new tradition, a temple in Kerala has said no to the customary parading of elephants. Hailing the move, Union Minister Maneka Gandhi sent a letter of appreciation to the authorities who were so touched, they framed the letter.

Elephants are decorated and paraded in Kerala, and the event has made a massive part of the state's culture. However, the Koikal Palliyara Bhagavati Temple decided to defy tradition and for good reason.

Using elephants for their annual processions since 1980, the temple committee decided their idols will be carried on ornate palanquins and not elephants, for which nearly Rs 150,000 was also pitched in.

Head of the temple renovation committee, Ramachandran Pillai said, “Elephants brought to us used to be so tired and cruelly treated by their

mahouts. Government rules were not followed and many NGOs kept inspiring us to bring in the change. We were also concerned about the safety of the devotees.” An elephant, earlier this year, had gone on a rampage during a temple festival in Palakkad, injuring over 70 and causing damages worth millions of rupees.

An industry standing on its own, an elephant is hired at a minimum cost of Rs 25,000 for 12 hours. The temple authorities recollected an incident where an elephant hired by them for 12 hours was handed over to them straight after being put in service for 10 hours in a complete violation of government regulations.

Temple priest Kesavan Namboodhiri says, “Small temples should not have a problem in doing away with the tradition... They don't have elaborate kind of customs it's also financially draining.”

Haryana assembly passes Jat quota bill CHANDIGARH: Amidst opposition from leaders of other communities and even some Jat leaders and a BJP parliamentarian, the Haryana assembly finally passed a bill to provide reservation to Jat and other communities. The opposition Congress legislators kept away from the session when the bill was passed.

The Haryana Backward Classes (Reservation in Services and Admission in Educational Institutions) Bill, 2016, was passed by voice vote after it was moved by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

While the ruling BJP and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) legislators were present inside the assembly when the bill was passed, the Congress legislators were not present. The Congress lawmakers, according to party sources, kept away from the session to protest the six months' suspension handed down to three Congress legislators by the speaker on March 15. The legislators were suspended for tearing copies of the Governor's address. The Congress has 14 legislators in the 90-member house.

The state cabinet on Monday cleared the bill that

proposed to provide reservation to the politically-dominant Jat community and four other communities - Jat Sikhs, Tyagis, Bishnois and Rors.

Khattar, who claimed that the bill passage was a "historic day" for Haryana, said his government fulfilled the promise made to Jat and other communities for reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.

"The bill was brought after a lot of research. Every category will gain from this bill. It will be a win-win situation for all.

There will be no loss to anyone (community)," Khattar said after the bill was passed.

While Jat leader Hawa Singh Sangwan welcomed the bill, another Jat leader, Yash Pal Malik, said the bill has not done enough for the Jat community. Congress leader and former minister Ajay Singh Yadav, who is from the OBC community, described the passage of the bill as a "black day" for Haryana. BJP MP from Kurukshetra Rajkumar Saini, who has been opposing reservation for Jats, said it was a "murder of democracy". Saini has been opposing reservation to the politically-dominant Jat community in the state.

In Brief

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Cash worth £1.16 mn seized in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: Officials have seized cash worth £ 1.16 million in Tamil Nadu, which is bracing for assembly election, the Election Commission said. The cash without proper supporting documents, has been deposited with the government treasury and a probe started, Chief Electoral Officer said. A large quantity of foreign liquor, items like gas stoves, stainless steel pots, rice bags and cricket bats were among other things that have been seized. With the state heading for the Assembly elections to be held on May 16, the Model Code of Conduct was put to effect on March 4.

Hyderabad varsity bars student leader Kanhaiya

HYDERABAD: JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar was barred from visiting the Hyderabad Central University, shortly after he promised a “struggle” for Dalit PhD scholar Rohith Vemula, who took his own life over alleged harassment.

The student leader said the university's Joint Action Committee for Social Justice wanted the centre to enact a law called the 'Rohith Act', to fight against caste discrimination. “We have experience with JAC for various struggles and we will take this fight forward. This struggle will continue until 'Rohith Act' is implemented to fulfil his dreams of social justice on the campus,” Kumar said. With the ongoing protests in the university, outsiders are barred from the campus and classes have been suspended for four days.

Students arrested for cheering Pakistan

MANGALURU: Two students were arrested for posting pro-Pak slogans on Whatsapp during the India-Pakistan cricket match held on March 19. In Puttur town, Mangaluru, one of the kids of a local college posted 'Pakistan Ki Jai' on a group chat, to which his classmates objected. The debate heated up as some objected to the post while others supported it. Police said they took two college students into custody when the incident was brought to their notice, and released them later on a 'good conduct' bond. They, however, said prima facie they were mere comments with no hints of sedition.

Bharat Ratna demanded for Bhagat Singh

CHANDIGARH: Punjab deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has demanded a Bharat Ratna for freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. He raised the demand at a function held at the Bhagat Singh's ancestral village Khatkar Kalan on a day marking the martyrdom of the fighter.

Located along Jalandhar-Chandigarh highway, Bhagat Singh spent a few years of his life in Khatkar Kalan. His maternal grandfather's house in the village has been turned into a monument and a museum in Bhagat Singh's memory.

Sikhs can’t chant 'Bharat Mata ki Jai': SAD leader

CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) leader Simranjit Singh Mann said that Sikhs don’t worship women in any form thus they can’t chant 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', a report said. According to the report, Mann, who is president of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), said Sikhs can't say 'Vande Mataram'. Mann said the religious preachings of holy book Geeta shouldn't be enforced onto people from other religions as it has been done in Haryana. Last week, All India Majlis-eIttehad-ul Muslimeen legislator Waris Pathan was suspended from Maharashtra Assembly after he refused to say 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'.

Few days back, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi had said that he would not say 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' even if a knife is put to his throat.

"I don't chant that slogan. What are you going to do, Bhagwat sahab," the Lok Sabha MP from Hyderabad had said, referring to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remark that the new generation needed to be taught to hail "Mother India".

INDIA Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

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Padma awards given to Dhirubhai, Anupam Kher, Sri Sri & 53 others AsianVoiceNews

Industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani (posthumously), former governor Jagmohan, film personalities Anupam Kher, Ajay Devgn and Madhur Bhandarkar, former CAG Vinod Rai and Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar received their Padma awards on Monday.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee gave away 56 Padma awards at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Among the other eminent citizens honoured for distinguished performances in their fields were badminton star Saina Nehwal, renowned dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy, folk singer Malini Awasthi, `sage of agriculture'

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Bhikhudan Gadhvi

President Pranab Mukherjee with recipients of Padma Awards at Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Kokilaben Ambani receives the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband Dhirubhai Ambani.

Subhash Palekar, and celebrated chef Mohammed Imtiaz Qureshi.

US-based economist Avinash Kamalakar Dixit, architect Hafeez Contractor, construction major Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry, scientist Alla Venkata Rama Rao, and

the chairman of Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy are among the other recipients.

The President presented five Padma Vibhushan, eight Padma Bhushan and

Industrialist Mukesh Ambani and wife Neeta along with Anil Ambani and wife Tina at the Padma Awards function.

43 Padma Shri awards at a Civil Investiture Ceremony.The Padma Shri awardees include the director of Isro satellite centre, Mylswamy Annadurai, folk singer Awasthi, MasterCard president and CEO Ajaypal Singh Banga, har-

monium virtuoso Pandit Tulsidas Borkar, the chairman of Interventional Cardiology at Medanta hospital, Praveen Chandra, and Assamese social worker Ajoy Kumar Dutta.

Archer Deepika Kumari, paediatrician Shiv

Ajay Devgn and filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar

Saina Nehwal, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Anupam Kher during the ceremony.

Narain Kureel, theatre director and film-maker Naresh Chander Lal of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Supreme Court lawyer M N Krishnamani, environmentalist Mahesh Chander Mehta, Kerala industrialist Sundar Menon, Odiya poet

Haladhar Nag, and Gandhian and freedom fighter P Gopinath Nair are among the other recipients awarded the Padma Shri.

Actors Rajinikanth and Priyanka Chopra will receive their awards next month.

Gujarat police bust major Boy with cerebral palsy recites kidney racket in Anand district Sanskrit shlokas fluently Gujarat police have busted a major inter-state racket in trafficking kidneys, after five people complained of being victims to a gang engaged in the illegal activity. Thirteen people were brought to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on suspicion that they had sold their kidneys.

While the police have information of 80 similar cases, whether they were victims of the racket or just a part of it is yet to be confirmed. The work is believed to be of an organised gang with operations across Gujarat, Chennai and Sri Lanka. Dean of BJ Medical College, Bharat Shah, said it appeared the kidneys were taken out by experts. The first police complaint was lodged by Samir Badruddin Malek of Pandoli village. He was taken to Delhi and operated upon to remove a kidney. Yadav said that most people in the village are

daily wage labourers, and one told police that he decided to sell his kidney as he was in dire need of money, while another did so to finance his daughter’s wedding.

A Special Investigation Team has been formed by Anand district superintendent of police Ashok Kumar Yadav to further probe into the kidney racket. The team has spread across Delhi and Mumbai to see whether “big fish” are involved in it. Investigators have hinted of seeking help from the Interpol to look into the link of the kidney extractions carried out in

Sri Lanka. They have documents that confirmed that more than five people travelled to Sri Lanka with help from “agents” to sell their kidneys.

A senior investigating officer said, “More than five people from Pandoli have travelled to Sri Lanka for kidney extractions via Chennai, with help of agents. There are high chances that we will report this international link to the Centre and seek help from the Interpol after following the procedure of law. With help from Interpol, we will be able to probe this link.”

Gayatri mantra, Ganpati Vandana, Saraswati Vandana, Shiva Mahim stotra, Shiva Taandav stotra, Shaakradaya stuti, Dutt Baavani, Sundarkaand, Hanuman Chalisa, Sai Baavani, Kabirvaani, are just a few of the Sanskrit shlokas and stotras 9 year old Om Vyas from Ahmedabad, can flawlessly recite like his life depends on it. While this may not seem like a major feat, the reason this is great news is because Om is patient of Cerebral Palsy.

Commonly referred to as 'CP', Cerebral Palsy causes a bunch of permanent movement disorders that cause restrictions in sensation, vision, swallowing, hearing and speaking.

Despite the reservations brought to him by his illness, Om has a deftness unique even for his age. A pre-mature child, he was put on the incubator on

9 year old Om Vyas with his parents

birth, and suffered from epilepsy seizures. It was only 6 months later that he

“Om, even when he was 3, and could barely talk, recited stotras.”

was diagnosed with CP. Talking about his interest in Sanskrit verses, his father said, “Om, even when he was 3, and could barely talk, recited stotras.”

The wonder boy who cannot manage to eat by his own, is a recipient of several awards, including the Genuis Award given to him

by World Records India, in 2014.

INDIA

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Modi will try to renew ties with Europe

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to attend the EU-India Summit in Brussels amid heightened security threat.

As the city still copes from the terrorist attack last week, Modi's decision to go ahead with the visit highlights his eagerness to reestablish a relationship with Europe. Hosted by the EU, the European side will be led

by Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, and Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission.

Modi’s Brussels visit will include meetings with top Indian businessmen in Europe, including a delegation of diamond traders from Antwerp, where India’s Patel community dominates the diamond trading hub- the largest in

Continued from page1 ran to the sisters to tell them IS terrorists were coming to kill them. The article also describes the brutal killing of many people at the home.

“A neighbour saw them put Father in their car. They did not find a trace of Father anywhere,” it said. The article, written by Sister Sally, the superior who was the only one to escape, clearly states how the extremists weeded out the only

the world, with about 84 per cent of the world’s rough diamonds transiting through here. He will also hold separate meetings with members of the European Parliament, and a delegation of Indologists.

The 13th EU-India Summit will focus on counter-terrorism, along with trade and investment as a point of focus. EU officials also hope the summit gives

fresh political impetus to the free trade agreement that had started in 2007 and suspended in 2013. “There is a willingness on the EU’s side to support India’s and Modi’s initiatives, especially in the fields of energy, Swachh Bharat (Clean India) and water management, and we are very wellplaced to contribute to all these,” an EU official said.

The summit will also see both the sides discussing cooperation in fields of research and innovation, the digital market, and human rights.

With counter-terrorism high on the agenda, an EU official said, “The Indian side has been actively pushing for a counter-terrorism declaration, which is now expected to take centre stage in light of the recent attacks,

but was always on the cards.

This is a key challenge for both of us, and an area of cooperation which we would like to see significantly strengthened.”

India's ambassador to the EU, Manjeev Singh Puri said, “Counter-terrorism is something that is extremely crucial for us. We believe that as governments and government institutions, we have the great ability of largescale collaboration.” While the EU is India’s largest trading partner, largest foreign investor and largest foreign investment destination, India is only the EU’s ninth largest partner, accounting for a paltry 2.1% of the EU’s total trade.

However, the peak of his trip will as always be his interaction with the Indian diaspora.

Christians present in the old age home.

“They smashed the tabernacle, crucifix, statues, religious articles and religious books.”

The Missionaries of Charity were “the only Christian presence” in Aden, the letter says, “and ISIS wants to get rid of all Christianity.”

Captors send video demanding huge ransom Reports, meanwhile said that the captors of Father Thomas have sent a video to

the Indian government demanding millions of dollars in ransom. The video showed Father Thomas, a Salesian priest, asking for help with a man standing behind him. However, there is no confirmation on whether Father Thomas Uzhunnalil is now dead or alive. The Indian government has been in touch with several local agencies to get the priest rescued. The reports of his alleged crucifixion was also dispelled

after the government got in touch with ambassadors of the Catholic Church. The sources also added that the government is unsure whether the IS is involved since the terrorist organisation opts for beheadings and not crucifixion.

Taliban attack Lahore Park on Easter At least 75 people were killed and more than 300 people, including women and children, injured in a powerful blast triggered by a suicide bomber in a crowded park in Lahore on Sunday, where Christians had gone to celebrate Easter, officials said. Witnesses saw scattered body parts spread across the site of the explosion and a bomb disposal squad official said that 10 to 12 kg of explosives were used in the attack. Following the attack, Pakistan launched a major military operation in Punjab province of the country. Intelligence agencies along with the Army and Rangers personnel are conducting raids, making arrests, and carrying out a series of operations in different parts of the region. ce officer Haider Ashraf said, “It was a soft target.

Innocent women and children and visitors from other cities have been targeted. It seems like a suicide attack.”

Army media wing InterServices Public Relations Director General Lt Gen Asim Bajwa said, “A number of suspected terrorists and facilitators have been arrested during raids which were conducted in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan, after the Lahore suicide explosion.”

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack saying, “Terrorists and their facilitators will eventually meet their logical end. We have to win the war (against terror). Coward terrorists are targeting innocent children and women.

We must take this war to the doors of terrorist outfits before they are able to hit our innocent countrymen.”

Narendra Modi

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NIA gives proof of Pak hand to visiting sleuths In the first ever visit of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), India and neighbour Pakistan began formal discussions on the investigations into the terror attack at the Pathankot IAF base.

A five-member Pakistani JIT, headed by chief of Punjab's counter-terrorism department Muhammad Tahir Rai, Inter-Services Intelligence official Lt Col Tanvir Ahmed, military intelligence official Lt Col Irfan Mirza and Gujaranwala CTD investigating officer, Shahid Tanveer, was received at the headquarters of the National Investigation Agency by Inspector General Sanjiv Kumar Singh.

The team was given a

detailed presentation of the probe done by Indian agencies so far, along with evidences showing the attack was planned in Pakistan.

The NIA, in a day-long interaction with the team, showed them weapons like AK-47s and pistols, binoculars, GPS device, grenades, medicines, clothes, food packets, dates and dryfruits, wire-cutters, and shoes which either had a 'Made in Pakistan' marking or were procured from there. JIT was also shown phone numbers of Rauf Asghar, brother of JeM chief Masood Azhar. Top sources said the Pakistani delegation could not contradict any of the evidence and quietly took down notes.

Resolving once again to eliminate the threat of terrorism from the country, Sharif said winning the war against terrorism was “imperative” for the country.

The attacks were claimed by the Taliban. Ehsanullah Ehsan, a spokesman for the splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban known as Jamat-ul-Ahrar vowed such attacks would continue.

According to a report published in an American magazine, the Taliban, Islamic State, and other regional terrorist organisations have engaged in attacks against the West with a devotion that is at most, daunting. The repeated strikes have set off a domino effect with their

religious beliefs as expressed on social media in Easter greetings to customers.

Glasgow’s community has stood together in the face of that attack, rallying through the #thatisnotwhoweare campaign. The murder, by a Muslim, has been described as sectarian.

It has been condemned by bodies such as the Muslim Council of Britain and others. National faith communities in the UK seek to respond to incidents here and also to support those around the world whose religious freedom is truncated, often brutally, including through murders and terrorist attacks, such as, most recently, the appalling Easter day attacks in Lahore, and atrocities in other parts of the world.

Attacks on, or intimidation of, groups and individuals of other beliefs are an extreme form of restriction on the religious freedom of others.

We deplore these in the strongest terms.

A number of Inter Faith Network for the UK work to promote inter faith understanding and cooperation, make an important contribution to that. One of the key principles of the Network is to respect other people’s freedom within the law to express their beliefs and convictions http://www.interfaith.org.u k/code We must be free to disagree, including in relation to matters of religious belief, but, as the Inter Faith Network code also says, we should work to prevent disagreement leading to conflict and to avoid violence in our relationships.

Let us stand firm by these values, speak out against extreme voices and violent actions, encouraging education and dialogue, and working together on the basis of our common values for increased understanding, cooperation and harmonious coexistence.

- Co-Chairs and ViceChairs of the Inter Faith Network, UK

IS ‘crucifies abducted Indian Catholic priest’

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The Missionaries of Charity were “the only Christian presence” in Aden, the letter says, “and ISIS wants to get rid of all Christianity.”

beliefs and attacks as the rest of the world chooses to associate terrorist attacks with Muslims which, in turn, has resulted in attacks instigated by Islamophobia and ignorance. Terrorism is not an Islamic event. Those who are well-versed with the Holy Quran, will easily identify the difference between Islam’s teachings and the ongoing actions. Muslims are just as much victimised by the IS or the Taliban, as the others, maybe more.

Religious Freedom Religious freedom is an increasingly significant issue for the UK as for other countries around the world. The eve of Easter weekend saw the murder of a shopkeeper in Glasgow, Asad Shah from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which police said appears linked to his

HEALTH&WELLNESS

Why do we crave sugar, salt and fat?

FOOD

ou pick up that doughnut because you can't wait to bite into its spongy texture, let the sweet notes hit the right spot, and slowly carry you away to bliss land. But did you know that food manufacturers actually have a standard called Bliss Point. For every food there is an optimal concentration at which sensory pleasure is at its maximum. The bliss point pretty much determines what we eat and drink and how much. Food researchers say that people love sugar, especially kids.

So until the bliss point is reached, the more the sugar, the happier we are.

There is no doubt that sugar, fat and salt make food compelling. They make it tastier. They leave us wanting more. And there is a science behind this. Countless foods in grocery stores either have these loaded as a core ingredient, like in meats or bread. At other times they are loaded as a layered ingredient. Cheese coated chips for example.

When we put food rich

FITNESS

LIFESTYLE

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in sugar, salt and fat in our mouths, our taste buds in the tongue send a signal to the lower part of our brain.

The brain in turn stimulates neurons. The neurons in our brain are part of the "opioid" circuitory or endorphins. When we eat highly palatable foods, in other words, foods filled with sugar, salt and fat, they enable the body to perceive a highly rewarding experience.

Apart from sensory pleasure, our eating patterns are also influenced by our history of personal experiences. What we ate during our childhood could strongly influence us. If the circumstances around eat-

ing a rewarding food are pleasant, it becomes an emotional experience which gets stored in our memory. When we recall that food, it will stimulate desire.

But desire can also carefully calibrated. Sugar, salt and fat are not enough to make you eat. It has to be the right amount of each. It has to be the coming together of these tastes that can do the magic. A cream filled cookie is appealing because of the texture and the unique taste of crunchy biscuit combined with the sweetness of the cream filling.

The food industry employs people whose

main job is to get the desirable mix of attributes. A small group of scientists who create most of the food that is consumed in the USA are called flavourists.

The manufacturers of sugar products in India did not reveal how much sugar they add to their products or the amount of sugar that occurs naturally in their products.

Fast Food Nation, a book about the fast food industry in the US says, "A flavourist is a person with a trained nose and a poetic sensibility. In order to give processed food the proper taste, the flavourist must always consider the food's "mouthfeel".

It's the unique combination of textures and chemical interactions that affect how flavour is perceived. It gauges the most important properties of food - the bounce, creep, breaking point, density, crunchiness, chewiness, gumminess, rubberiness, lumpiness, springiness, slipperiness, smoothness, softness, wetness, juiciness, spring-back and tackiness."

Essential items you need while travelling

W

hile you travel, keep in mind to pack your bag with the following items which help you support your health and energy levels.

Protein bars: Skip the unhealthy food available on flight in favour of a protein-packed bar.

Protein bars have enough calories and substance to replace a meal, and the 30 grams of protein will fuel your energy and contribute to appetite control, so you’ll be less likely to make an unhealthy snacking choice.

Multivitamins: Multivitamin is a staple to any healthy lifestyle - and it’s especially crucial to a constant traveller.

Multivitamins help you get the combination of basic vitamins and nutrients you need when you’re living a fast-paced, stress-filled lifestyle that (sometimes) includes eating unhealthy or highly processed foods.

Vitamin B supplements: Most people take Vitamin B for its energy support and metabolic benefits - which are, of course, beneficial to the busy and frequent traveller.

Omega-3 supplements: Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that help main-

To Our Readers

We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement it. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

tain heart, brain, joint, eye and skin health. But it can be tough to find foods rich in omega-3s while you’re on the go. So carry enough capsules to avoid last minute problems.

Probiotics: Bacteria can be bad, but not all bacteria are bad. Probiotic supplements give you ample “good” bacteria that help bolster and improve your immune and digestive systems.

Immune health boosters: Airline travellers face less than ideal travel conditions given the inside of an airplane is generally lousy with germs. You spend hours at a time in an enclosed space with a bunch of other people (some of whom may be sick already), breathing in stale, recycled air. Taking a supplement that’s rich in vitamin C before a flight helps support your immune system so you can stay healthy and energized throughout your journey.

Natural sleep aids: Jet lag is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to potential travel-related sleep woes. You’re sleeping

in unfamiliar beds and environments, and spending long hours sitting in the air or on the road. So when it’s time to catch some Zs, it’s important to make it count. A sleep aid can help you fall asleep, or provide restful sleep.

Caffeine supplements: Caffeine’s positive effects on fatigue and focus are tried and true, but sometimes you don’t feel like nursing a cup of coffee, and it’s best to avoid sweetened sodas or energy drinks.

There’s a super convenient alternative: caffeine supplements. Keep a few caffeine tablets in your carry-on.

Lavender essential oils: A tiny bottle of lavender oil can go a long way for the frequent traveller. It’s most often used for its calming and stress-reducing effects.

Just rub two or three drops in your palms, cup your hands, and breathe in the soothing scent. It’s also calming to help you fall asleep. Just rub a few drops in your hands and pat them on your hotel pillow before you hit the sack.

Vitamin D supplements: We get most of our Vitamin D from the sun and it can be tough to absorb enough when you’re on a business trip and spending most of your day either in transit or in an office or conference room.

Vitamin D supports the immune system, brain and nervous system. As an added bonus, it helps keep your bones and teeth healthy. So pack some vitamin D supplements.

Hydrating beverages: Hydration is always key to good health, but it’s even more important when you’re travelling, especially by plane. In an aircraft cabin, humidity levels drop far below what the average human body is comfortable with. Before and during your flight, make sure you drink plenty of water.

After deplaning, grab a beverage with plenty of electrolytes. The electrolytes will help you bounce back from dehydration without the added sugar and calories found in sports drinks.

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Dementia

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Dr Bala Raju

Dr Bala Raju, Director of Advatech Healthcare has worked as a doctor for over 20 years and has been developing private healthcare services in India and the UK for the past 6 years. He is writing the columns on important topics in healthcare in association with UK Consultants and GPs who have good experience in these topics.

Lalitha is 76 years old and her children are worried about leaving her alone at home.

Normally, she is an independent woman but over the past few months she has become more forgetful.

Her daughter Padma, checked on her every morning and evening. Sometimes she had found that the front door had not been locked and on one occasion the door was actually open and her mother was not at home. She was found wandering outside, confused and without warm clothing. At other times Padma found her mother fast asleep during the day-time. The neighbor said that she noticed the lights were on late at night and believed that Lalitha was awake most of the night.

Occasionally, she appeared to be coping well by herself but on other days she did not seem to be aware of what she was doing. Gradually there were more bad days than good days.

After a couple of visits by the GP, she was referred to the memory clinic. This appointment took a while to arrange and in the meantime Lalitha became more forgetful. There was an incident where she claimed that her purse had been stolen and accused the neighbors of stealing the purse. It was embarrassing when Padma found the purse on the kitchen shelf.

Lalitha had also forgotten the neighbours’ names and her grandchildren’s names. The grandchildren were upset to see their grandmother like this and avoided visiting her, saying that she was getting angry and muddled and that she didn’t seem to

know who they were.

The memory clinic arranged for blood tests and a brain scan before the doctors confirmed a diagnosis of Alzhiemer’s disease. Dr Pradeep Arya, Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry stated that over 25,000 people from ethnic minorities suffer from dementia in England and Wales and that this number is expected to double over the next 10 years. It is well-known that patients from ethnic minorities are less likely to receive a diagnosis of dementia.

Apart from the stigma surrounding it, there are significant cultural barriers as many cultures insist on looking after their loved one instead of considering a care home.

The services are not exactly geared up for the challenge even though work is in progress in training staff understanding about the complex issues of race, religion, culture, language, and dietary needs. While the National dementia strategy noted that raising awareness was perhaps one of the most important steps to take, various charities and organisations such as the Alzheimer’s society and the Royal College of Psychiatrists have produced information materials in various languages.

At this time, the national level services are doing their best to provide person centred services and the private sector is playing an important role in setting up services addressing the needs of specific ethnic groups. The patients should be able to access such services and there is growing awareness in the healthcare and social services about them.

Please feel free to call 07510 888 300, if you have any specific questions relating to this article.

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Aishwarya Rajesh gets her Bollywood break

AsianVoiceNews

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ctress Aishwarya Rajesh is on Cloud 9 over her debut stint with Bollywood. Starring in 'Daddy', directed by Ashim Ahluwalia, featuring Arjun Rampal, Aishwarya thanks her hit 'Kaaka Muttai' for the role. The team got in touch with her after watching the film, and before she could even get her head in it, she was in Mumbai. Ecstatic over the project, the actress said, “I've already shot two days for the movie in Mumbai. It is a performance-oriented role, and I'm delighted to be making my

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Aishwaryaa Dhanush pens her autobiography

Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

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debut in Hindi. This is my first film outside of the Tamil film industry, and I'm excited about that. I'm learning Hindi now.”

Back in Chennai currently to shoot for her film with Sibiraj, Aishwarya has a lot going on for her. With more work for 'Daddy' pending, she also looks forward to the April 1 release of 'Hello Naan Pei Pesuraen', and has to dub for Seenu Ramasamy's 'Dharmadurai'.

Chiranjeevi Actress lashes out to undergo at makers of another morphed photo surgery

irector Aishwaryaa R Dhanush is on the edge of launching her autobiography 'Standing On An Apple Box', a story about her as celebrity child, a star's wife, filmmaker and a mother. After delivering two super hit movies in 2011 and 2015, writing a book is just another feather in her cap.

Aishwaryaa confirmed the news saying, “Yes, it's true I am coming up with my autobiography named 'Standing On An Apple Box' which is expected to come out by end of this year. This will be by debut book and will give the readers a glimpse about my personal life and incidents. I'm melancholic by nature so there are philosophical musings alongside a personal narrative which has a mix of different emotions, from highs and lows to anger and gratitude.” Aishwarya has inherited more than just her genes from superstar father Rajinikanth, and stands matching shoulders with her equally talented husband Dhanush.

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uperstar Chiranjeevi, who underwent a surgery on his right shoulder last month, looks forward to another on his left shoulder, as per a source. The procedure will take place soon after his second daughter Srija gets married next week. “After the wedding, he is expected to get operated in Mumbai's Breach Candy hospital,” the source said. The actor had been struggling with shoulderrelated problems for the past two years. “When he got his right shoulder operated, he wanted to get his other shoulder fixed too.

However, he was advised against it,” the source added. On the professional front, the shoot for his Telugu project, a remake of Tamil film 'Kaththi' has been pushed back a few months.

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he internet usually victimises celebrities, actresses in particular by constantly objectifying their bodies.

Malayalam actress Jyothi Krishna fell victim to a similar incident after the internet lit up with a morphed image with her face pasted on a pornographic photograph. Lashing out on social media, she said that while the face is hers, the body in question belonged to the mother or sister of the person who created it.

She wrote on Facebook,

“Hi friends, some boy/girl belonging to a good family has been circulating a morphed photo with my head and his/hers mother's or sisters' body though WhatsApp. I have nothing else to say to the one who created this image because his/her attempt to do something he/she wished has failed this time. I could see the immense support of many of my friends, who messaged me regarding this. I am so thankful to all my wellwishers who stood with me and supported me.”

Akshay Kumar plays scientist in Rajinikanth's '2.o'

T 'Ki and Ka'

A different take on the societal stereotype, watch Arjun Kapoor play the perfect house-husband to Kareena Kapoor in R Balki's unusual story.

he internet was lit w i t h leaked photographs of Akshay Kumar's crazy scientist avatar for his Tamil debut in Rajinikanth's '2.0'. The image shot at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi made the actor's fans go in a frenzy as the actor looked barely himself.

“Akshay plays scientist Richard who, after an experiment goes wrong, turns crazy and loses his appearance. Akshay has undergone complete makeover for his role,” a source from the film unit said. He also added, “The Delhi schedule will be wrapped up in the next two weeks. The team will next head to Morocco for another long schedule and will shoot important portions of the film.” The movie, directed by Shankar, also stars Amy Jackson.

Why Arbaaz and Malaika split?

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fter lot of speculations, it was recently confirmed that Malaika Arora Khan and Arbaaz Khan are certainly headed towards splitsville. Now, recent reports have claimed that the 'Munni badnaam hui' actress has already started the divorce proceedings, and has put in a couple of points she wants added to her petition. While she stated the reason for divorce on the lack of financial stability, Malaika also accused of her husband and 'his' family of wanting her to start leading a simple and domestic life.

The report also included a third point that said, “I shall never forbid my son from meeting his father after the divorce, but I should get his custody at any cost whatsoever.”

While it has been a year of break ups, we certainly feel for the once-happy couple.

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www.asian-voice.com

When Sunny Leone 'Free State' makes its mark in the film world lost her cool 'F AsianVoiceNews

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ctress Sunny Leone reportedly slapped a TV channel reported in Surat, Gujarat after being asked an inappropriate question. Visiting Gujarat for a Holi event, a journalist was quoted asking her, “You were a porn star earlier, now you are a film star. So how much do you charge now?”

Sunny gave him a befitting reply, leaving the reported literally red-faced.

While the event organisers were sceptical of her going ahead with the programme, Sunny did not let the pathetic incident come in the way of her professional commitments. Her husband Daniel Weber said, “Sunny has given an apt reply to the reporter so we are not filing any police complaint. The organizers w e r e

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also college kids so we do not want their careers to be damaged. But henceforth, Sunny will think a thousand times before coming to Gujarat.”

However, when contacted by a media source, Weber completely denied the incident, even shocked at his alleged quote. “There is not a single fact of truth to this.

It’s a shame that they did not check the facts when someone just tells any random story. Even the quote is complete lie. We have called him and proved he has lied.”

When asked what exactly happened at the Holi event, he said, “Nothing. We don’t know what this person is talking about as there were no interviews at the holi event. If anyone knows us then they would know this could never be true.”

Jacqueline plans to build houses for flood -hit

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ollywood has always come together for causes and initiatives, with celebrities and actors spending on charities. Actress Jacqueline who has actively promoted causes she believes in, said the film industry offers help for films, causes and charities. “Our fraternity has been very supportive of each other. Whenever there is someone from the industry who seeks help for their movies, or promotions or even causes, charities, I always feel like Bollywood or the film industry always stands up in solidarity, and I love that about my industry.” Talking about her own initiative, Jacqueline Builds, she said, “Already I have got a lot of support from a lot of my co-stars, people who have been working with me and who have worked with me.” The actress said she intends to build homes for at least 10,000 families in Tamil Nadu, who were affected by the floods last year.

Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

ree State', a film directed by award winning director Sallas De Jager, has created quite the buzz and has been selected for numerous film festivals around the world. The film featuring former model Nicola Breytenbach and one of Cosmopolitan’s sexiest men, Andrew Govender, is the story of Jeanette.

A beautiful love story set in Free State, it highlights the bias that was faced by interracial couples in the South African province.

The movie received its US premier at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, and has been selected for Cameroon International Film Festival, Chennai International Film Festival, Sangli International Film Festival, Kolhapur International Film Festival, Luxor African Film Festival, Vancouver South African Film Festival, Bengaluru Film Festival and latest, the Garden State Film Festival in New Jersey.

Also in the film is Tony nominee Leleti Khulamo, Deon Lotz, award winning actor Mangesh Desai and, Hemalit Juta-Pilay.

'Free State' is produced by Terwadkar Rajiv.

The torture Randeep Hooda underwent to lose weight

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ctors these days are known to go the extra mile, but Randeep Hooda supposedly overdid it for his upcoming movie 'Sarabjit'. Hooda lost 18 kgs in mere 28 days for Omung Kumar's next, which also features Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Richa Chadha in lead roles. Revealing details of the excruciating diet plans, he said, “I was a muscular 94 kg at the time and while it's easy to burn fat, it's hard to lose muscle.

I was expecting to shoot the portions when Sarabjit was a pahalwan in his village and then slowly shed weight. The decision came as a shock and led to a period of physical and mental torture.”

Hooda went on a strict diet supervised by his sister Dr Anjali Hooda-Sangwan which allowed him only 500-600 calories per day,

Katrina leans on 'rakhi' brother for support

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he year 2 0 1 6 did not really start on a good note for former lovebirds R a n b i r Kapoor and Katrina Kaif.

Post breakup, the actress has indulged herself in her professional c o m m i t m e n t s .

However, everybody needs a shoulder to lean on and as per a report, our 'Chikni Chameli' has looked up to her 'rakhi brother' Arjun Kapoor for support. Both the stars have known each other for many years and it was the cultural bond that made their friendship grow stronger. Reports suggest Arjun has always treated Kat like his own sister and is a big comfort to her.

with a few cheat days where he was allowed starch. His diet mainly constituted of proteins and greens. “Like I do with everything else, I overdid this too, going on a zero calorie diet without realising the body needs sugar to function. The lack of it almost drove me crazy. I was thinking about food all the time, there were days

when I was so hungry, I couldn't sleep. There came a point when I wasn't even allowed an apple and was so emaciated I could barely walk.”

The actor stopped socialising and a drink on New Year's Eve made him “dizzy” and forced him to return home.

This was the second of Hooda's physical transfor-

‘Sarfarosh’ sequel in pipeline

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irector John Mathew Matthan has given Aamir Khan fans something to chew over with his confirmation for a 'Sarfarosh' sequel. He said in an interview, “The sequel to 'Sarfarosh' will take some time, I am not ready with a proper script as of yet. It will happen next year. Presently, I am busy with two-three other scripts.” Not keen to giving out the details, he said, “The sequel will have a different story. We are yet to zero-in on an area around which the plot would revolve.”

Apparently, it was Aamir's idea to make a sequel of the 1999 hit. 'Sarfarosh' saw Aamir as a tough Crime Branch officer who cracks down on cross-border terrorism. The film saw actor Naseeruddin Shah play the antagonist. “Once I am ready with the script I will talk to Aamir about it,” John said.

mations last year, he'd earlier put on 17 kg for Deepak Tijori's 'Do Lafzon Ki Kahani', which is still to be released. Sarabjit Singh was and Indian national who was famously detained in Pakistan for 23 years. He was attacked by fellow inmates in a prison in Lahore and succumbed to his injuries on his way to a hospital.

Priyanka Chopra wins ‘sexiest eyes’ tag

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riyanka Chopra is now a part of lingerie giant Victoria's Secret's 'What is Sexy' list for this year. The 33 year old actress got the sexiest eyes tag and, her ABC thriller 'Quantico' got the sexiest TV cast title. Priyanka retweeted the link posted on Twitter by her fan page saying, “Sexiest eyes and sexiest cast!! Love it! @VictoriasSecret @JohannaEBraddy @MrJoshHopkins @jazmasri @tate_ellington” Other winners include Julianne Hough, Maria Menounos, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Hailey Baldwin, Rashida Jones and Olivia Munn. The list also awarded Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's French Bulldog the Sexiest Furry Friend title.

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Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

Asian women in the workplace

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Coming Events

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Contact: 020 8861 1207 l Smokeless Havan, Jaspar Centre, Every 3rd Tuesday of the month, 2.00-4.00 pm.

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Shireen Irani founder of i-probono, Amina Memon – founder of LAAW, Shona Baijal Managing Director of Wealth Management at UBS, Jyoti Shah- Consultant Urological Surgeon at Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Rima Amin On Friday 11 March, in partnership with the Asian Women of Achievement Awards, Southbank Centre’s WOW (Women of the World) Festival hosted a panel discussion on Asian Women in the workplace.

Chaired by Jyoti Shah from the NHS Foundation Trust, the panel which included successful leaders from UBS Wealth Management, Leadership Academy for Asian Women (LAAW) and i-Probono, tapped into how for Asian Women “the ‘glass ceiling’ is more a concrete ceiling one which cannot even be seen through.”

Asian women in workplaces are often labelled “over-achievers” simply for being there. Along with cultural stereotyping, some come from a culture where they are to “be seen but not heard” – a complete contrast to expectations held of what an ambitious

employee should be like extroverted.

This synergy makes it harder for women to firstly put themselves forward to progress but also for them to be recognised as capable to progress and produce quality work in more advanced roles. It results in an under-representation in senior positions – within UK’s higher education sector alone there are only 17 Black women professors.

Though overt prejudice still exists, it also exists through unconscious biases people hold on Asians and women, together and separately. Unconscious biases are difficult to combat as they are deep-rooted and part of a natural process human beings use to shape understanding of the world.

The panel explained that inside workplaces, Asian women are instrumental in creating change and should call inequality out when seen. It doesn’t

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have to be an act of hostility but can involve simply taking someone aside for a coffee and explaining the impact of these behaviours.

Other starting points include: finding an influential champion for equality, making sure the middle-managers are onboard, and introducing unconscious bias workshops to employees, especially recruitment staff. A multipoint collective strategy on recruitment and retention of diverse groups can also be implemented to create and maintain a healthy work environment where Asian women can thrive.

Asian women may seek resolve by compartmentalising culture and work into two different spaces which inevitably is a struggle as

these are both parts of one identity. Amina Memon, founder of LAAW said the academy’s upcoming programme “Living Between Two Worlds” will support women holistically with this challenge so that they can break down barriers placed in front of them.

Shona Baijal said that it is not only those in our workplaces we need to educate but the generation after us especially young men: “We must also impart what we’ve learnt to our young boys”.

Asian women must also remember to surround themselves with a diverse supportive network, use their unique attributes and perspectives to their advantage, and then help inspire those who come after.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 Saturn goes into retrograde

motion in the sign of Sagittarius up to August 13, 2016. Saturn is now transiting your solar 9th house. The ninth house signifies higher learning and expanding your horizons but Saturn here restricts and impedes your progress. You will go through a mental tug-of-war but you will emerge the wiser for your experience.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Saturn goes into retrograde motion in the sign of Sagittarius until 13th August 2016.

Saturn rules your professional sector in your solar chart, and its presence in your solar eighth house can indicate how well you manage others' resources. During this cycle you also need to deal with deep rooted emotions regarding your sexual relationships.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Saturn goes into retrograde motion in the sign of Sagittarius until 13th August 2016.

Saturn is now transiting your solar seventh house.

Relationships with others are very significant now. Saturn makes you re-assess relationships and those built on weak foundations have to go. This is a time to grow spiritually and be more independent.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 Saturn goes into retrograde motion in the sign of Sagittarius up to August 13, 2016. This transit is in your 6th house of health, work and daily routine. You need to re-assess your health as this is a good time for starting new healthy regimes as exercising, eating nutritious food and generally re-organizing your daily schedule.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 Saturn goes into retrograde motion in the sign of Sagittarius up to August 13, 2016.

With Saturn, moving through the 5th house of creativity in your chart, you might initially feel restricted and confined in expressing yourself. You will re-evaluate your talents express yourself in a more practical, useful manner.

Romances will also go through a tough time.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Saturn goes into retrograde motion in the sign of Sagittarius up to August 13, 2016. This transit falls in your solar 4th house. During this cycle, you are working on establishing your identity and exploring your roots. Saturn has a powerful and life-changing influence.

This is a learning process but at the same time there will emerge a structure to your life.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 Saturn goes into retrograde motion in the sign of Sagittarius up to August 13, 2016.

Saturn is now transiting your solar third house. This is a time to learn to network with people around you and at the same time gain information. You will at first struggle to structure your time and effort but soon learn to manage time to suit your lifestyle.

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SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 Saturn goes into retrograde motion in the sign of Sagittarius up to August 13, 2016.

Saturn is now transiting your solar second house. .Use this transit for getting yourself onto solid financial ground. Work out budgets and be sensible in spending your money.

Financial success will be steady rather than remarkable Some of you may invest in a property.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Saturn goes into retrograde motion in the sign of Sagittarius up to August 13, 2016. Saturn is now transiting your solar first house. The first house rules our personal self. During this transit your outlook on life changes as you adopt a more mature and responsible attitude. At times progress may be slow but don’t let that bother you.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 Saturn goes into retrograde motion in the sign of Sagittarius up to August 13, 2016. Saturn is now transiting your solar 12th house and it signals the end of a cycle. You need to tie up loose ends and finish with the past that has plagued you. You will go through a transformation which will test you but you will be the better for it.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 Saturn goes into retrograde motion in the sign of Sagittarius up to August 13, 2016.

Saturn is now transiting your solar 11thhouse. You will reassess friendships and the role you play in other people’s lives. During this transit you will take charge of your life and accomplish much along the way as long as you widen your horizons.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 Saturn goes into retrograde motion in the sign of Sagittarius up to August 13, 2016.

Saturn is now transiting your solar 10th house. You will shoulder immense responsibilities and work very hard. Now is your chance to build a secure foundation in your professional life. Take care not to take on too much at any given time.

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England women beat Pak, in semis AsianVoiceNews

With an unbeaten 77, Charlotte Edwards helped England progress to the semifinals of the women's World T20. England set a target of 149 for Pakistan.

With the West Indies defeating India by three runs earlier in the day, Sana Mir's girls needed to win the match in 18.1 overs to make the last-four stage. In the end, though, Pakistan batswomen crumbled under pressure and lost the match by 68 runs.

England, who finished on eight points after winning all their matches, will take on Australia in the first semifinal at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Wednesday. With four points, Pak finished third behind West Indies (six points).

Brief scores: England Women 148-5 (Charlotte Edwards 77 not out, Tammy Beaumont 37; Nida Dar 3-21) beat Pakistan Women 80 all out in 17.5

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overs (Nida Dar 16; Laura Marsh 3-12).

Indian women crash out : The Indian women's team blew away a position of strength, losing to West Indies by three runs in their last league match. The defeat also meant the Indian women crashed out of the tournament and their West Indian counterparts progressed to the semifinals. Allrounder Deandra Dottin starred for the Windies with both bat and ball. She scored a quickfire 45 (off 40b; 5x4) and followed it up with a match-

winning spell, picking up 316.

The match seemed to go India's way when Jhulan Goswami (25 off 19b) and Anuja Patil (26 off 27b) were going great guns.

India, at one point, needed 22 runs off 15 balls and had six wickets in the hut. But Patil was given leg-before off Shaquana Quintyne's bowling, though replays showed the impact was outside the off-stump.

Jhulan was unfortunately run out the very next over after a mix-up with Shikha Pandey. India

required 10 runs off the final over, which was bowled by Dottin. She gave away just six runs and also picked up the wickets of Ekta Bisht and Sushma Verma. India simply lacked a power-hitter in those end overs to see them home.

The start wasn't ideal either. Skipper Mithali Raj was caught behind off the first ball of the Indian innings.

Veda Krishnamurthy (18 off 16b) struck a few blows, but Dottin had her caught at mid-wicket. Middle-order mainstay Harmanpreet Kaur's dismissal had India tottering at 393. She played an uncharacteristic innings and could score just 7 off 20 balls.

West Indies could put up a competitive total of 1145 mainly due to a 77-run partnership between captain Stafanie Taylor (47 off 45b) and Dottin. The rest couldn't even reach the dou-

Sreejesh, Deepika get top accolades India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and women's captain Deepika won the Dhruv Batra Player of the Year award for men and women at the Hockey India awards ceremony.

The gala event in Bengaluru carried a total prize money in excess of £200,000.

Goalkeeper Sreejesh was the star of the show.

The Kerala lad set the stage on fire with some spectacular dance moves to some Bollywood numbers.

Sreejesh, who was given a cheque of Rs 2500,000, said, “I dedicate this award to all my coaches, family

Sammy to join Afridi at Hampshire

West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy is to join Hampshire for English domestic cricket's Twenty20 Blast competition, the southern county announced. Sammy is currently leading the West Indies in the ongoing World Twenty20 tournament in India and will be available for Hampshire duty until his Caribbean Premier League commitments start in July. The 32-year-old St Lucian also recently featured in the Pakistan Super League in a team captained by Shahid Afridi, who will be a teammate at Hampshire.

Sammy had a short spell in the T20 Blast with Nottinghamshire last season, averaging 41 with the bat in four matches. His first match for Hampshire will be against Kent on June 2, the club said in a statement. Sammy added: "I love playing in the UK and I'm really excited to have signed with Hampshire," he said.

tained Indian team to return to Olympics after a gap of 36 years, said, “The award will be a motivation for us to do well at Olympics.”

List of awardees: Late Shankar Laxman (Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement award, Rs 3000,000); PR Sreejesh (Dhruv Batra Award for Player of the Year. Deepika (Dhruv Batra Award PR Sreejesh and Deepika for Player of the Year.

Harjeet Singh (Jugraj members and friends who Singh Award for have encouraged me.”

Upcoming Player of the Deepika, who capYear (Men U-21). Preeti

Dubey (Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women U-21).

Savita (Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year). Kothajit Singh (Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year). Ritu Rani (Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year).

Rani Rampal (Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year). Baldev Singh (Jhaman Lal Sharma Award for Invaluable Contribution (for coaches and support staff). MP Academy (Hockey India President Award for O u t s t a n d i n g Achievement).

Zaheer named Delhi Daredevils captain

Former India pace spearhead Zaheer Khan was appointed captain of Delhi Daredevils for the upcoming ninth edition of Indian Premier League.

India’s best left-arm pace bowler ever, Zaheer, will be playing for Delhi Daredevils for the second successive season this year.

Speaking about the appointment, Team Mentor Rahul Dravid said: “Zaheer has been a leader for a very long time.

Anyone who has followed Indian cricket will know the impact Zak has had.

He has always proven himself to be one of the leaders. Zak has a big personality, but it is the focus and drive behind the outward confidence which I think he will bring to the captaincy and that I am sure will inspire the rest of the team. He has the respect of the dressing room and the franchise is proud to have him as our captain. I would like to congratulate him on the appointment and wish

Zarheer Khan

him, and the rest of the squad all the very best.”

Zaheer had earlier this season retired from international cricket, having played 92 Tests with 311 wickets. He took 282 ODI wickets in 200 matches.

He also played 17 Twenty20 Internationals for India.

Zaheer himself was delighted with his new role and said: “It is a huge honour to captain Delhi Daredevils. To get this responsibility is a way for

me to give back to the game. I firmly believe that with the players currently involved we have the makings of a very good side, a young side that can surprise people.

The potential of this group of players is immense and it is now up to us as players to turn that potential into consistent performances.”

Dravid also paid tribute to the work put in by last season’s captain, South African all-rounder JP Duminy.

“JP did a fantastic job last season. He will continue to be part of the leadership group. I am looking forward to working with Zak, JP, Paddy (Upton, head coach) and the rest of the support staff as we build towards this upcoming season,” added Dravid.

SPORT Asian Voice | 2nd April 2016

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British boxer in coma after injury

British boxer Nick Blackwell has been placed in an induced coma after losing a domestic title fight. The British middleweight belt contest at London's Wembley Arena saw Blackwell stopped in the 10th round by Chris Eubank Jr after the ringside doctor ruled a closed left eye meant he could not continue. It was not the first time a member of the Eubank family had been involved in a contest that ended with a boxer being taken to hospital. Michael Watson sustained brain injuries after being stopped by Chris Eubank.

Indian women's hockey team leave for NZ

A positive start to their Rio Olympics preparation would be key on their agenda when the Indian women's hockey team launches its campaign in the the Hawke's Bay Cup in Hastings, New Zealand on April 2.

Going into the tournament, there will be two things paramount on the minds on the team's think-tank - fitness and converting short corners into goal.

These are the two key areas that chief coach Neil Hawgood, his coaching staff and senior members of the squad, have singled out for special attention during the recent training and preparatory camp.

If India, placed 13th in the world rankings, are to outplay Black Sticks, ranked fourth, and China a place behind, the Indian eves would need to sustain their intensity for the entire duration of the match. Even Ireland, which is ranked below India, is capable of springing a surprise.

"In the past we have lost some crucial matches due to fitness and not being able to convert penalty corners. In this camp we have been paying extra attention to these two critical aspects. In fact, you can say that our chief coach Neil Hawgood is obsessive about improving the fitness levels of those in the camp," said Deepika, who will lead the Indian team in the Hawke's Bay Cup in the absence of Ritu Rani.

"In modern hockey, converting penalty corners makes a huge difference between winning and losing. We have to learn from the mistakes of the past and ensure they are not repeated." The New Zealand outing will also give the chief coach and selectors a chance to see how some of the junior players who have been drafted in the camp fare at the senior level ahead of the 2016 Rio Games.

"The Olympic squad has not been announced yet.

Currently, the entire core group is training at the camp.

So, everyone is very keen to perform in the Hawke's Bay Cup to brighten their chances for making the cut for the Olympics. This is good in long-term because we would have more options when selecting the side for Rio," said the skipper.

The prospect of taking on higher ranked teams in the Hawke's Bay Cup is not weighing down the 18-member Indian team.

India's Makhija wins silver in SA junior swimming

Indian swimmer Aryan Makhija clinched a silver medal in the 1,500 metres freestyle event in the Under-18 category at the South African Level 3 National Swimming Championships. The Mumbai kid clocked a time of 16.42.28 seconds while Johannesburg's Roberto Gomez won the gold, recording 16.21.93. Aryan and Roberto were engaged in a keen tussle at the halfway mark but the South African gradually built up a lead to finish strongly.

Aryan's prowess in the event was evidenced by the fact that the 16-year-old finished a full 13 seconds before Christopher Aubin, who won bronze.

Aryan is part of a seven-member contingent of Indian swimmers who are training under South African coach Graham Hill, who is Olympic champion Chad Le Clos' personal coach, on a year-long scholarship funded by the JSW Sports Excellence Programme. The seven train at Durban's Seagulls Swimming Club and study at Glenwood High School.

Hill said he was pleased by Aryan's effort and his commitment. "The 1500m event is always a tough one as it requires the swimmer to ration his effort and peak at the right moments. It looked like Aryan had a pretty good understanding of that. He did well but I believe that he can go faster in certain segments and we will work on that," he said.

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Kohli guides India to semi-finals

Title favourites India stormed into the semifinals of the World T20 cricket tournament with a sensational six-wicket victory over Australia in their final group match, relying on Virat Kohli’s batting heroics at Mohali on Sunday.

After restricting Australia to 160 for 6, Kohli (82 not out) provided the spark with a superlative display of batting to help India overhaul the target with five balls to spare in a thrilling showdown at the I S Bindra Stadium.

India turned the game on its head in the last four overs with Kohli unleashing a flurry of shots to take the game away from the Australians.

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (18 not out) hit the winning runs. India, who finished second in Super 10 Group 2, will take on the West Indies in the second semifinals in Mumbai on March 31. New Zealand take on England in the first semifinals on March 30 in New Delhi. Let down by a poor start, India were left to get 39 in the last three overs but Kohli got the team home to 162 for four in 19.1 overs. His 82 not out came

Brief Scores Australia: 160 for 6 in 20 overs (Aaron Finch 43, Glenn Maxwell 31; Hardik Pandya 2/36).

India: 161 for 4 in 19.1 overs (Virat Kohli 82 not out, Yuvraj Singh 21, MS Dhoni 18 not out; Shane Watson 2/23).

from 51 balls, studded with nine fours and two sixes.

The 18th over bowled

by James Faulkner went for 19 runs and that swung the game in the home team’s favour. The Indians lost openers Shikhar Dhawan (13) and Rohit Sharma (12), who both had not done much in the previous matches, leaving India at 37 for two in 5.5 overs.

All hopes were now pinned on Kohli, who has made it habit of chasing down targets in testing times. He started with a delectable flick and a square drive off Hazlewood, raising hopes of another successful chase through him. He stood strong as Suresh Raina (10) succumbed to the shortball again, bringing in

home hero Yuvraj Singh (21) at 49 for three.

The packed crowd at the stadium wore a nervous look when Yuvraj injured his left leg and a physio had to be called for him to treat the pain. The innings required a push with the hosts reaching 65 in 10 overs, needing 96 off the last 60 balls for a famous win.

Kohli found the much needed hit when he lofted Maxwell over long off for a maximum. Yuvraj followed his partner by sending leggie Adam Zampa’s full toss for a six between long on and deep midwicket.

The left-hander Yuvraj got the big shot but he was clearly struggling and was caught at extra cover to make way for Dhoni in the middle with the team needing 59 off the last 30 balls.

In the end, it proved to just another day in the office for Kohli and Dhoni.

Earlier, the Indian bowlers led by Hardik Pandya and Ashish Nehra made a remarkable recovery after leaking runs in the initial overs as they restricted Australia to 160 for 6 in the virtual knock-out match.

Anand bows out of world title hunt Viswanathan Anand

Viswanathan Anand will not be in the hunt for the World title for the first time since 2006. Instead, it will be Sergey Karjakin of Russia, the world's youngest GM ever (at age 12 in 2002), who will take on Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, the reigning champion and the world's third youngest GM (at age 13 in 2004), in the championship match in New York this November. Once Anand drew his 14th and last round with Peter Svidler in the Candidates tournament in Moscow on Monday, it was clear that Italian-turned American Fabiano Caruana needed to beat Karjakin to clinch the deal.

Caruana had stayed

unbeaten in this tournament, but the burden of winning with black pieces to stay afloat was too much to handle. He was well and truly silenced by Karjakin's brilliant end game skills in 42 moves. Caruana went on the offensive after getting a good position but Karjakin was upto the task.

Anand, the only player to beat Karjakin in this event, said: “I threw away a nice event (chance). It's a bitter-sweet feeling. On one hand, I am satisfied for being in contention (till the penultimate round). But I also wasted the opportunity.” The 46-year-old fivetime world champion was non-committal about his future vis-a-vis World title matches.