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2nd July to 8th July 2016

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

But We Shall Overcome...

Marcus Parekh

In a result almost no political pundit believed was possible, Britain has voted to leave the European Union. In the days that have followed, Britain has seen the resignation of its Prime Minister, the attempted coup against Jeremy Corbyn, a collapse in the value of the pound, the loss of the esteemed AAA credit rating, the push for independence by Scotland (and perhaps even London), the collapse of the property market and a sharp increase in racist abuse and hate crimes.

The breakdown of votes exposes how divided a nation Britain has become. London, Scotland and Northern Ireland all voted overwhelmingly in favour of Remain, yet the rest of England and Wales voted in favour of Leave.

Generationally the country is split also. Over threequarters of those aged 1824 voted to Remain while more than two-thirds of over 65s voted to Leave.

Middle England’s voting has created a powerful desire in Scotland to hold another independence referendum. First Minister for Scotland Nicola Sturgeon stated that Scotland would not be “dragged out of the EU against our will”, calling a second referendum “extremely likely”. In London, 175,539 people have signed an online petition demanding the capital declare itself an independent city state and rejoin the EU. Mayor Sadiq Khan dismissed these ideas but did say that London must “take back control of its own destiny “right now”.

Mr. Khan also demanded that London have a say in the terms of Britain’s exit, stating London “simply has to have a seat at those negotiations”.

Anguished Remain voters are also desperately trying to apply for citizenship in Ireland. The Irish Republic’s foreign minister says the country has Continued on page 6

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Corbyn loses no-confidence vote

Jeremy Corbyn has lost a noconfidence vote among Labour MPs, according to a report in the Independent.

The party’s parliamentarians voted 172 to 40 against Corbyn’s leadership in a secret ballot on Tuesday afternoon.

While there were four abstentions in the ballot, 13 MPs did not vote. Corbyn responded to the vote by saying he would

not resign, suggesting to do so would be a “betrayal” of the members who elected him by a landslide last year.

The leader's allies have told his critics to trigger a formal leadership contest if they want to challenge him.

The vote, which is not binding, follows resignations from the shadow cabinet and calls on Corbyn to quit.

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ONE ONE with Keith Vaz, MP

Asian Voice |2nd July 2016

www.asian-voice.com

to

AsianVoiceNews

Inderneel Singh, Managing Director, May Fair Hotel, London

Inderneel Singh is Managing Director of the May Fair Hotel. He is responsible for continuing the high standards of luxury experience at the five star hotel and emphasising its position at the heart of London’s most stylish district, as well as maintaining its crucial position within Edwardian Hotels London hospitality group. Inderneel Singh graduated from Warwick University in Management Science and qualified as a Chartered Accountant from KPMG where he worked for five years in both Audit and Advisory before joining Edwardian Hotels London.

1. What is your current position?

Managing Director of the May Fair Hotel, part of Edwardian Hotels London hospitality group.

2. What are your proudest achievements?

When it comes to my career, I would say I’m proud of having worked at KPMG for over 5 years and qualified as a chartered accountant. I’m also very proud of the role I have today.

We have a great team and have had great success with the recent refurbishments of May Fair Bar and May Fair Kitchen and overall growth of The May Fair hotel team. The design and menus in both have changed to excellent reviews. In my personal life, nothing makes me more proud than my two children.

3. What inspires you?

I’m inspired by my father’s vision for the hospitality group – he’s very forward thinking. My sisters and I are collectively building on the foundations he’s laid for the business and our ambition is to ensure that Edwardian Hotels London continues to grow.

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

There are of course challenges every day – much like any other workplace. I do think that as I have taken on different roles within Edwardian Hotels London, I have brought with me knowledge and experience from previous positions. I do think that helps with problem solving and seeking other solutions to support the business.

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

7. And the worst?

Two Indians receive Queen's Young Leaders Awards Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, accompanied by Prince Harry, hosted a special ceremony in the Ballroom at Buckingham Palace to present medals to the 60 winners of The Queen's Young Leaders Awards for 2016.

A visually challenged young man with a passion for education and a youth facilitator from Hyderabad are among the winners across the globe who were presented medals for their exemplary work by Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham Palace.

The two Indians are Kartik Sawhney (21) and Neha Swain (28). Kartik is described as being passionate about universal access to education. Although he was born blind, he excelled in science and technology at school. However, he discovered that blind students were prevented from pursuing science after Class 10.

After appealing, Kartik enrolled as India’s first Class 11 blind science student. He faced similar challenges when trying to enter engineering colleges, so in 2013 he took up a scholarship at Stanford University.

He founded Project STEMAccess, which offers hands-on science workshops in India, as well as virtual training sessions.

He is working on a portal that will allow students to convert textbooks into their desired accessible for-

ness and believe our new development in Leicester Square will be the most exciting product we’ve launched yet!

My father Jasminder Singh. He continues to set the direction, strategy, vision and culture for all of the team at Edwardian Hotels London. We talk every day and we regularly discuss how best to approach issues within the business. He’s a fantastic mentor and boss, as well as being an amazing father and friend to me. He helps to guide me through the work I do at Edwardian Hotels London and pushes me to grow as an individual. I think our combined thinking is incredibly beneficial for the group as a whole.

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

I would say that hands down it is meeting people from all over the world and enabling our clients to take advantage of all London has to offer, right on their doorsteps. I also thoroughly enjoy the collaborative approach we take to day-to-day life at the May Fair. As a team we work hard to ensure that we deal with any issues together – taking advantage of the wide-range of skills and abilities we have here.

Kartik Sawhney

Neha Swain

mat.

Neha has worked as a youth facilitator for five years. Two years ago, she co-founded an NGO called Rubaroo, which aims to provide an inclusive space for young people, irrespective of their socio-economic background to develop their leadership skills through interactive workshops.

The team provides workshops in schools which cannot afford such programmes free of charge.

It has so far worked with nearly 2,000 young people in Hyderabad.

The Queen’s Young Leaders Award is a prestigious Commonwealth project which recognises and celebrates exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth who are taking the lead in their communities and using their skills to transform lives.

Winners from 45 countries across the Commonwealth traveled to London to receive their Queen's Young Leaders Award and participate in a week long residential programme which included

visits to 10 Downing Street, the UK headquarters of Twitter and the BBC World Service. This year's winners, aged between 18 and 29, are working on a range of issues which includes education, climate change, gender equality, mental health and improving the lives of people with disabilities.

Launched in 2014 by The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, the first round of Queen's Young Leaders visited the United Kingdom in 2015. Each year from 2014 to 2018, 60 exceptional young people will be selected to receive a Queen’s Young Leaders Award and become ‘Queen’s Young Leaders’ – one for every year that The Queen had served as Head of the Commonwealth at the time of her Diamond Jubilee.

The Programme aims to discover, celebrate and support young people from every Commonwealth nation. The goal is to enable young people to take up leadership roles and improve the lives of people across the Commonwealth.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

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

This is a hugely topical question following the recent turn of events linked to the referendum.

My focus would be to ensure unity going forward. There are a number of unknowns, but as Prime Minister that would be my desire – to create cohesion within the country, but also on a global scale.

I can’t think of anything that I would say is the worst – perhaps trying to get round London in the pouring rain!

8. What are your long term goals?

For me personally, it’s about focusing on ensuring that The May Fair Hotel remains a destination within one of the most luxurious districts in London.

We are also growing as a busi-

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

His recent death emphasised just how iconic and well-respected he was – with that in mind, I’d say Mohammed Ali. Through his passion and commitment to sport, he was able to position himself as a political activist. I would like to spend some time with him to understand his conviction and purpose.

Man funded lavish lifestyle by avoiding child support and tax A Broadfield man whose "sheer greed" saw him avoid paying tax of more than £170,000 has been jailed for four years.

Hamauon Khan, also known as Billy Khanand Billy Love, was sentenced after an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation proved he had failed to declare his earnings.

The 46-year-old claimed he was unemployed for at least six years, in an attempt to avoid paying tax and National Insurance contributions.

The investigation revealed that he had actually been working as a selfemployed IT consultant since 2004. Joint investigations with the Child Support Agency revealed he also failed to pay child maintenance payments of £48,094.47 to his formerpartner for their child.

Khan was also jailed for this offence. Instead of paying his tax and child support, Khan, of Grace

Hamauon Khan bought a house in Grace Road, Broadfield with money he was meant to pay in tax

Road in Broadfield, spent the money to fund his lifestyle and purchased two properties – including his current home.

Khan was arrested in 2013 and pleaded guilty to the offences on September 4, 2015. Yesterday he was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court. He was jailed for four years; two years for the tax fraud and two years for the child support offences. Sentencing Khan,

Her Honour Judge Laing QC, said: "For a period of nine years through sheer greed you failed to pay tax.

Cheating the revenue is a very serious offence.

"There has been sheer greed for a substantial period and you have used the money for your own benefit for a lavish lifestyle and foreign holidays."

Confiscation will be sought to recover the proceeds of his crimes.

Walsall halal butcher 'flaming liquid' attack probed by police A bottle of "ignited liquid" thrown at an employee of a halal butchers is being treated as a potential racist attack.

West Midlands Police said the incident took place in Pleck, Walsall, at about 17:20 BST on Monday.

The worker was bruised by the bottle, while the shop suffered fire damage.

Officers are looking for a man described as white

and about 6ft tall who was seen on CCTV entering the shop.

A police spokesman said: "One of our lines of investigation is to determine if this is a raciall y - m o t i v a t e d A bottle of "ignited liquid" was thrown at an employee of a halal butchers assault."

C MMENTS

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Asian Voice |2nd July 2016

That Sinking Feeling... Shake it Off Sink or Swim is the Choice For better or worse British voters, though with a very thin majority, have decided to leave the European Union. Great Britain has gained a lot since joining the European Economic Community in 1973, not only economically but its voice became louder and more assertive in the international arena as a leading member of the EU rather than representing an island nation. Its tolerance, fair-mindedness and a balanced temperament was a boon to the image of this great country.

Many a people, even those who voted to Leave EU, have already expressed remorse or deep regret, fully realising the consequences of going it alone in the wider world where in business, commerce, defence, science, technology and many other fields, strategic alliances are found to give an edge over others. Sadly, one cannot retrieve or return to the glorious past 43 years.

Well-known Asian leaders from House of Lords, House of Commons as well as several others have expressed their views in this week's Asian Voice. One can surely appreciate their depth and wavelength. All departures are painful and have their own consequences. There is no birth without bloodshed.

Coming out of EU and going it all alone is nothing but traversing an unchartered territory filled with uncertainty and fear. Some speak about second referendum and the clerk of the House of Commons, Sir Malcolm Jack, has stated: “The referendum has no legal force; parliamentary sovereignty is the key principle in our constitutional arrangements.

Therefore prior to any action taken by the government on Article 50 there should be a decision in parliament and members should exercise their judgment, as our representatives, or a free vote.” But now, what's the use crying over the spilt milk?

Whether we like it or not, a drowning man will clutch at a straw to keep the head above water.

During the referendum campaign, some less knowledgeable persons spoke about Singapore, Hong Kong or other smaller nations. They were comparing cucumber with carrots.

Even a blind person with a special sense of smell or touch would have seen the difference.

One wish that the new UK has the potential to repeat the

success of some smaller nations but there is always the economy of scale. Former US President Bill Clinton summed it aptly, “It's the economy, stupid”. In Hindu shastras it's three words– धर्मस्य मूलम् अर्थ (Dharmasya Moolam Artha – economy is the foundation of civilisation or wellness).

This country, as per the reaction of stock and currency markets and the decision of credit agencies, is entering a phase of austerity where everyone will have to tighten their belts, some more than others.

The rich can fend for themselves but it is the 'have-nots' who suffer the most. Whoever runs the UK must be concerned about the well-being of the 'have-nots'. If such a precaution is not taken, the rupture in the social fabric resulting from the ill-fated referendum will pave the way to a perilous state. We need not worry about the future of 'Prime Minister' David Cameron. In a way he has accepted with grace and dignity the people's choice. Equally Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has to see the writing on the wall and it will be a futile attempt on his part to cling on to the party's top position claiming support of the vast majority of its members. If we had a strong opposition in the Labour Party led by a capable leader, perhaps this dire situation could have been avoided.

Let's look back and learn from the past crises. This country has shown steadfastness amidst the aggression from the invaders. During the last World War Hitler was unable to dictate in spite of heavy bombarding which decimated thousands and destroyed vast areas of the country. There is something especially unique and honourable of being British. As Sir Winston Churchill put it: “In war, resolution; in defeat, defiance; in victory, magnanimity.” It's that spirit of defiance, tolerance and steadfastness which will surely win the day.

Where the leaders fail, people can lead the renaissance.

Asian Voice believed in Remain but now the die has been cast. Like it or lump it, Brexit is a reality. There is no point crying over the spilt EU milk. The voice of the people has to be respected. But the new leadership must ensure that Britain lives up to its image of being a fair, caring, open and tolerant society.

ISRO in record satellite launch Fifty years of investment in money, human capital and resolute scientific endeavour provided its latest spectacular payoff when the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched 20 satellites from a single PSLV rocket.on June 22. The magnitude of the achievement may be gauged from the fact that only Russia, in 2014, with its launch of 37 satellites from a lone rocket, and NASA of the United States performed a similar feat with 29 satellites in 2013. India is thus third in this exalted league.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a warm congratulatory message to ISRO’s team of scientists and engineers on their superlative achievement. In so doing ISRO had exceeded its previous record of 2008, when it launched 10 satellites in a single mission. Besides the primary Cartosat-2 Series satellite, the PSLV C-34 rocket launched two satellites from Indian universities and 17 foreign satellites, including one from a Google company.

ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar announced the success of the launch.

The lift-off took place from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh. The Space Centre Director P. Kunhikrishnan termed the launch a ‘major milestone’ for ISRO. Sathyabamasat, the satellite of Satyabama University in Chennai, the Satyam satellite of the College of Engineering in Pune, LAPAN A3 (Indnesia), BIROS (Germany), M3MSat (Canada), Skysat Gen 2-1 (USA) of Terra Bela Google company GHGSat-D (Canada), and 12

Dove Satellites b(USA) were the other satellites launched.

Placing these satellites in different orbits during the first voyage around the earth was a considerable feat requiring precise mathematical calculation and complex technologies, explained Mission Director B.Jayakumar.

‘What we have achieved today shows we have the expertise to take up complex missions,’ he said.

ISRO Space Centre Director M.Annadurai said: ‘We have about 35 satellites in orbit and we need about 70 in the next five years. So, ISR%RO has to go for more fours and sixes instead of singles.’ ISRO’s commercial arm Antrix Corporation is in discussions with foreign companies, including Planet Labs of the USA and Algerian Space Agency Alsat, said Anttrix Chairman and Managing Director S. Rakesh. He said Antrix had generated Rs 1,800 crore during the 20014-16 fiscal and a major share was from the lease transponders. The cost for such launches by India ten times less than bids from the West.

India’s latest space venture is living proof of the transformative potential of science and technology. It is in keeping with the vision enunciated at the founding of the Republic by India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru who built the platform. The present generations of Indians are witnessing the take-off from that platform.

The men and women who kept faith with Indian dream as it unfolded, and is still unfolding, deserve the thanks of a deeply grateful nation.

India cricket has the right man Anil Kumble, cricketer extraordinary in his day, is India’s new coach. The choice was made by a committee specially chosen by the cricket board to make the final call. Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, all former colleagues of Kumble, listened to his presentation and were deeply impressed by what they heard. Kumble’s playing credentials brook no denial. He has taken 619 Test wickets with his legbreaks, top spin and googlies. He is the only bowler to stand on the same pedestal with the legendary Jim Laker (against Australia in 1956) by taking all 10 wickets in an innings of a Test match (against a strong Pakistan side in 1999). As a Test wicket taker he is third in line after Muttiah Muralitheran and Shane Warne. When his jaw was broken, while batting in a Test match in the Caribbean, he bowled bandaged and plastered and captured the prize wicket of Brian Lara.

Kumble is acquainted with all facets of the game at the highest level. He deserves to be coach and mentor to a new generation of Indian cricketers and guide them to new heights of endeavour.

India’s Test record since 2011 has been poor. After win-

ning the ODI World Cup in 2011, there has been nothing to shout about in the shorter formats of the game. The selection of confirmed mediocrities in Test matches has been the bane of Indian cricket. Why,you might well ask, with so much precocious talent waiting the wings. It’s a scam of sorts. A fog of obfuscation and mystery prevented disclosure to the paying public. Byzantine intrigues within the cricket board fed a speculative fever of which there was seemingly no end.

Anil Kumble’s appointment has met with a roar of approval on all sides: from hallowed names of the past, to icons of the present, such as captain Virat Kohli. India has a busy schedule of Test matches at home over the coming months. The Kumble-Kohli era will open in the Caribbean in August. The cricket board has given Anil Kumble a oneyear contract – which is right and proper. It will have enough data to assess performances of players and coach before moving on to next course of action. Kumble says he is honoured by his appointment, India will feel equally honoured if the results on the cricket field vindicate its decision.

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Lord Dholakia

Deputy Leader, Liberal Democrats

After Referendum – What Next The Referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union has exposed our democracy to its fundamental weakness.

We define our democracy as a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state who are involved in making decisions about its affairs typically by voting to elect representatives to a parliament or similar assembly. On the issue of our continued membership of the European Union, our government failed to give us a clear lead and opted for a referendum.

This process descended into a struggle for political leadership In the Conservative Party thus obscuring the real issues on which voters had to decide the outcome.

Oscar Wilde once said that "the truth is rarely pure and never simple."

The propaganda machines of the IN or OUT campaign were at full stretch and the debate narrowed on two issues. economy and immigration. The voters were confused. They succumbed to xenophobic reactions of politicians rather than take a wider view about the benefits of trade, Jobs, Investment and prices. This will have profound effect on our coming generations for years.

It is the duty of every government to provide security for all its citizens.

Global terrorism, crossborder crime and matters of human trafficking and drugs are real issues that can destabilise our communities.

The EU stands for many things, peace, equality, safety and opportunity, yet it will no longer play a part of Britain’s future.

With this vote, the very fabric of our country has changed, Nigel Farage’s vision for Britain has won this vote, but the Liberal Democrats will keep fighting against his dangerous and divisive world view.

The Liberal Democrats will fight for an open, optimistic, hopeful, diverse and tolerant Britain, a cause which is needed now more than ever. I write this as shocking news is coming in that reported hate crimes have increased by 57% since Friday morning’s result. We must not let this vote allow our country to turn to division, isolation and decline.

Europe and internationalism have always been in the Liberal Democrat’s DNA, just as isolationism and nationalism have been in UKIPs. At the next election – which could come soon after a Conservative leadership election later

this year – we will be the only party saying that if we are given a mandate, we will keep fighting for Europe and an international, outward looking future.

We will keep fighting for a future of cooperation, a future of openness with our neighbours. Now is not the time to start rebuilding the walls that divided us for so long.

Too often the European Union has been used as a distraction from failures in government.

The pressures on our schools, the pressures on our hospitals and GP surgeries, the pressures on our infrastructure are problems made in Westminster, in our own Parliament, by British politicians.

The insecurities from zero hours contracts, the housing crisis, the desertion of the industrial north, the expenses scandals and the banking crisis, these are all problems made in Westminster. No wonder people feel ignored and neglected by politics. They have seen their living standards falling further and further behind the rest of society.

They are angry. They are right to feel angry and I share that anger. But Nigel Farage is not the answer.

Throughout the referendum campaign the Liberal Democrats ran a positive, energetic, and hopeful campaign. We made sure that our efforts had a true Lib Dem stamp on them, we were unabashedly liberal, hopeful, and international.

Whilst other parties have collapsed following this decision we remain united, pushing forward with our fight to make the positive case for Europe.

There is a movement growing, as people are unhappy with the outcome of the referendum, and even those who supported leaving are feeling lied to.

As the Brexit camp renounce their promises on the NHS and immigration, it is now clear that the British people have been sold a lie. There are 16 million people who now feel lost, people are desperate for a rallying point to restore Britain’s place at the heart of Europe. And as the only national party committed to a future for Britain in Europe, we are that rallying point.

We have seen thousands join our Party, over one a minute, since the result came through last Friday.

People have flocked to our positive message, our unity, and our drive for a better future. This is an outcome I welcome.

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UK

www.asian-voice.com

Heroin drugs gang goes to prison for 20 years

Aquib Hussain

A drugs gang found with more than £300,000 worth of heroin and cocaine has been jailed for more than 20 years.

The dealers were caught after a police operation involving raids on properties in Walsall.

A police investigation Aqib Hussain, linked Mohammed Miah, Izrar Hussain and Omar Faroq to the network which brought misery to the streets of the region.

The four admitted conspiracy to supply drugs at Wolverhampton Crown

Mohammed Miah

Omar Faroq

Court Aqib Hussain and Miah were arrested leaving an address in Ampleforth Drive, Willenhall , on October 22 2015. Hussain had heroin worth £1,400 in cling film wraps, while drugs worth more than £30,000, along with £5,000 in cash, were recovered from the property. An investigation showed Hussain and Miah were making daily visits to their storage ‘safe house’ to load up on drugs to deal.

Police said Faroq had taken out the lease for the flat in his name and another address in Fellows Park

Garden, Pleck.

Officers had previously recovered cocaine and heroin worth £62,000, along with £12,000 in cash, from the Pleck property in January 2014 − an investigation that led to a five-year jail term for another man.

Izrar Hussain was arrested after evidence was found linking him to the 2014 offence, including his fingerprint being on items recovered in Fellows Park Gardens. An analysis of mobile phones for all four proved their association.

They all pleaded guilty at

Izrar Hussain

Wolverhampton Crown Court to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs − and on Friday they were put behind bars for more than 20 years.

Aqib Hussain, aged 23, of Southbourne Avenue in Walsall, was jailed for three years and seven months and 25-year-old Miah, of Wednesbury Road in Caldmore, handed a five year and two months sentence.

Izrar Hussain, 32, of West Avenue in Handsworth , was put behind bars for two years and Faroq, 28, was locked up for nine-and-a-half years.

Narrow escape for unborn baby in deadly knife attack An unborn baby was just 2 millimetres from death when her father carried out a frenzied street stabbing attack on his partner, a court was told.

Birmingham businessman Babur Raja who tried to murder his heavily pregnant partner and their unborn child in a “merciless” street stabbing has been jailed for 18 years.

Company director Raja, from Sutton Coldfield, admitted attempted murder, attempted child destruction, possession of a knife in public and the wounding and assault of two passers-by, in Sutton’s town centre on March 4.

The 41-year-old told Birmingham Crown Court

Babur Raja and Natalie Queiroz

that he stabbed his 24 times partner because he had been forced to choose between his

Brum men to stand trial after claims they met Brussels terror suspect Two Birmingham men who allegedly met a Brussels terror suspect and handed him cash in a city park are due to stand trial in November.

Mohammed Ali Ahmed and Zakaria Boufassil, both aged 26, are charged with giving money to airport bomb suspect Mohamed Abrini in a Small Heath park last year. They are accused of meeting Abrini between July 9 and 16 and allegedly handing over £3,000.

The pair face one count of arranging the availability of money for use in terrorism on or before July 7 2015 under section 17 of the Terrorism Act 2000. They appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday via videolink from HMP Wandsworth.

Ahmed wore a black jumper, Boufassil wore a stripy jumper and both spoke only to confirm their

In Brief

AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice |2nd July 2016

details. Boufassil was assisted by a French interpreter during the case management hearing. Ahmed and a third defendant, Soumaya Boufassil, 29, also from Birmingham, are charged with the preparation of terrorist acts between January 1 2015 and April 8 2016, under section five of the Terrorism Act 2006.

They are due to stand trial on November 14.

The trio were arrested on April 14 and 15.

The defendants were remanded in custody and ordered to appear at the Old Bailey on October 4 for a plea and case management hearing.

Abrini, who is in custody over the attack at Brussels airport in March which killed 16 people, is also a suspect in last year’s attacks on Paris, which killed 130.

Muslim mother’s faith and the “love of his life”.

The court heard that the

unborn baby came within 2mm of death and his partner, Natalie Queiroz, was saved by her breast implants and by brave passers-by.

In a statement read out after the sentencing Ms Queiroz said she had no idea the attack was being meticulously planned and described her relationship as ‘exceptionally happy and loving’.

Prosecuting barrister Benjamin Aina QC also told how had Raja plunged his knife just 2mm further into the abdomen of his helpless victim “it would have killed the (unborn) baby”.

The court heard the child was now doing well.

Two carers caught roughly handling and neglecting disabled pensioner Two carers have narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence after being caught on camera neglecting a 79year-old seriously ill disabled man.

Muhammed Azeem, Khalid 40, and Hussain, 29, both from Rochdale , were caught watching television, ‘grabbing and pulling’ the OAP and washing him in cold water.

The pair were employed by Premier Care, based in Swinton, to visit the man in his home. But poor hygiene and dirty bedding at his home had sparked concern from his son who set up hidden CCTV in Mohammed Azeem and Khalid Hussain ing a person without capacity. the house.

The pensioner’s issues were Azeem, of Roch Valley Way, extensive including, kidney and and Hussain, of Croxton heart disease, diabetes, demenAvenue, pleaded guilty at tia, hypertension and an ampuMinshull Street Crown Court to tated leg. ill-treatment or wilfully neglect-

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Moazzam Begg sues after terrorism trial collapse

Former Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg has gone to the High Court in a battle for government compensation after his terrorism trial dramatically collapsed.

Anti-terrorism laws were used to freeze the Birmingham campaigner’s assets before he was cleared of seven terrorism charges in October 2014. And now his legal team say HM Treasury should pay for the financial losses and inconvenience he endured.

Mr Begg, from of Boden Road, Hall Green, insists he has “never been involved in terroristrelated activity” and that the “unnecessary” freezing order violated his human rights.

He was held at the notorious US base in Cuba between 2002 and 2005 and was never charged with any offence. But he was arrested

by West Midlands Police in February 2014 and charged with the terrorism offences.

Evicted teacher vows to get her home back after conservation row over cottage roof stones

A teacher who was evicted from her cottage by bailiffs after a row over roof stones has vowed to reclaim her home.

Rekha Patel, 43, a maths teacher at Glossopdale Community College, was kicked out on June 10 after a row with her neighbour over building work ended up in court.

Rekha and a band of supporters begged enforcement officers to stop - but they hacked through the door of her Grade II listed cottage in Simmondley village, Glossop .

The eviction order, which Rekha contends is not valid, was over a debt of £72,000 in legal fees and court costs which she refused to pay.

But even now, and with the odds stacked against her, Rekha insists she will battle on.

She said: “I have no doubt at all that I will get my home back - the administrative system is to blame and the administrative system will have to correct itself. I’m taking further legal action.

“It was simply wrong. It’s like something out of a film that you’d never expect to happen.

I hear it’s quite common, people being made homeless for no reason. This could happen to anybody.”

Oldham councillor to appear before court

An Oldham Labour councillor is to appear at crown court after one of his employees fell 20ft from a scaffolding tower, fracturing his hip and both heels.

Abdul Malik Ahmed (56), appeared at Trafford Magistrates' Court last Friday where he pleaded not guilty to an alleged breach of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. An employee of Mr Malik Ahmed's Malbro Building Company claims the Coldhurst councillor failed to give him the relevant training for working at a height.

In 2013, that employee fell 20ft from a scaffolding tower while changing lightbulbs at the Oldham Bangladeshi Cultural Centre after being asked to do so by Mr Malik Ahmed. He fractured his hip and both of his heels in the fall. Mr Malik Ahmed, who denies the charges, has been accused of breaking section five of The Work at Height Regulations 2005, which states "Every employer shall ensure that no person engages in any activity, including organisation, planning and supervision, in relation to work at height or work equipment for use in such work unless he is competent to do so or, if being trained, is being supervised by a competent person."

Mr Malik Ahmed will now face trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, on July 22.

UK Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

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Nominations for Asian Achievers Awards 2016 now open The Asian Achievers Awards (AAA), also known as The People's Choice Awards, organised by Asian Business Publications Limited (ABPL), is a star-studded event where the renown and crème de la crème attend to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution and hard work of the nominees in society. The awards have been taking place annually; this will be the 16th ceremony and will be held at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel, in September 2016.

The awards recognises the outstanding work from the individuals from across all walks of life within the Asian community. Each year, the awards illustrate and celebrate a certain aspect of society, and this year there will be an emphasis on the Professional of the Year category.

British-Asian representation in Professional fields have increased over the last few years. The awards have chosen to pay tribute to those professionals in the UK who have contributed immensely to the betterment of the society.

There are ten categories for the Asian Achievers Awards. We shall tell you about the other categories in the coming weeks but this week we will talk about two categories: Achievement in the Media, Arts and Culture and Achievement in Community Service.

The Achievement in the Media, Arts and Culture is the given to someone who has made their mark in the field of media, including print and broadcast media: cinema, art, music, dance, literature and many other forms of culture. Last year the renowned Sri Lankan born British author, Romesh

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Romesh Gunasekra (centre), with DJ Neev (left) and Tony Lit, Managing Director, Sunrise Radio

Gunesekara took home the award. Shortlisted candidates included music producer, composer, award winning documentary film

Scout leader, Arun Patel from Polio Children and Husna Parvin Ahmad OBE, CEO of Global One 2015.

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director Deeyah Khan, Radio and tv presenter and actor Adil Ray and designer Asif Khan.

The Achievement in Community Service is given in recognition of an individual’s or organisation's service to the community.

Last year Jasvinder Sanghera CBE took home the award for being an outspoken campaigner and champion for the rights of those experiencing forced marriages and honour based abuse.

Shortlist included Amir Cheema MBE, a Muslim

There are many British Asians in the UK who deserve recognition for their contributions in their respective fields. If you know any such person who has contributed to the community, has broken glass cellings and deserves recognition then nominate her/him online at www.asianachieversawards.com or register their details on the nomination form of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar this week. Deadline for nominations is 31 July 2016.

Final delivery for Iver Post Office A much loved postmistress and her husband have made the sad decision to shut their post office for good. After six very rewarding years, Manvinder Virdee, 46, and her husband, Harvinder, 49, have decided to close the Iver Post Office, in Richings Park, due to being unable to facilitate longer business hours.

The couple, who will be celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary this year, made the decision to embark on the business venture together after Mr Harvinder was made redundant from his job as a pharmaceutical scientist.

Mrs Virdee, who previously worked as an accountant, said: "When we took it on it was a very small, tired Post Office and

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the most of the business and attribute their highlights to the wonderful community they have served. It has not always been easy however, particularly in the early days.

Just three months after taking over the Post Office, Mrs Virdee's brother and sister were killed in a car accident in Africa, a crash which also left her parents seriously injured. Mr Virdee was Harvinder and Manvinder Virdee left to man the shop on then we acquired the next his own, with no experience door room and expanded of accounts, muddling his and refurbished it. We had way through while his wife a small family at that time took care of her parents and we just wanted someabroad. thing that would be a nineJust a few weeks ago, to-five thing so at the end of the shop was the target of the day we would be back at robbers armed with a basehome for the children." ball bat - leaving Mr Virdee The couple have battered and bruised and worked very hard to make both of them very shaken.

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EXCLUSIVE

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Labour needs strong leadership to build bridges across parties Aaditya Kaza British Member of Seema Parliament Malhotra, pictured, won her seat of Feltham & Heston in 2011. She was appointed on the shadow cabinet of Ed Miliband as Shadow Minister for Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls.

Following the Labour leadership challenge, she joined the Shadow Cabinet of Jeremy Corbyn as Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

After the country voted out in last week’s EU referendum, Seema resigned from the shadow cabinet on 26th June among the swathe of prominent Labour resignations. Asian Voice contacted the parliamentarian for her views in an exclusive interview.

You tendered your resignation recently. What was the reason that made you take this decision?

I’m proud to have worked in Jeremy’s team to achieve what we all want to see: a fairer society and a more equally prosperous Continued from page 1 been overwhelmed by passport applications and is putting “significant pressure on the system”. The minister has appealed to Brits to stop applying unless the circumstances make it “absolutely necessary”.

David Politically, Cameron was the major casualty. In a dignified and emotional statement on Friday morning, Mr. Cameron said he “fought the campaign the only way [he] knew how” but does not “think it would be right…to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination”.

With his wife standing stoically by his side, the Prime Minister did not immediately enact Article 50 (as he had promised he would before the referendum campaign) instead choosing to allow his successor to carry out all facets of the negotiations.

The Prime Minister’s resignation not only shocked the nation, but also placed his wife under emotional stress. A family friend revealed in The Sunday Times that the Prime Minister’s wife had been “so stressed by it all that she has taken up smoking”. The source continued: “she doesn’t really smoke, but the stress has driven her to cigarettes”. A No.10 source added that Mrs. Cameron has begun drinking “the odd glass” of wine to try and calm her nerves.

With Mr. Cameron’s departure, there is political vacuum in Number 10 and at the top of the Conservative party. Three

Britain. But the challenges we are now facing are growing. Britain is a divided country and Labour is a divided party.

We face a period of economic and political turmoil, the prospect of the election of a new, rightwing Tory Prime Minister and an early General Election.

In the face of these new challenges the Labour Party needs strong leadership so we can build the bridges we need across our party, be an effective opposition and rebuild confidence in Labour amongst voters. For all his qualities,

MPs have emerged as the leading candidate to take his place. Boris Johnson, former Mayor of London, was seen as the face of the Vote Leave campaign. The charismatic MP has long been suspected of having his eye on the top job, despite his claims that he was more likely to be “reincarnated as an olive”.

Within the general public he is probably the most popular Tory MP, but within his own party he has a“likability problem” with the “Stop Boris!” movement gathering momentum.

Nonetheless, one minister says that Boris’s connection with the “grassroots” means “if he makes the ballot he will win”.

Another described Mr. Johnson as “box office”. The major question is whether Boris can make the transition from showman to statesman? He is the current favourite to be the next leader.

Michael Gove, former party whip and current Justice Secretary, was one of Mr. Cameron’s closest friends and allies. Despite a highly controversial reign as Education Secretary, Gove is seen as politically savvy. He is astute at making deals, and was smart enough to see which way the public was leaning on the EU vote, quickly attaching himself to the campaign. While it is unlikely that he will take over as the next leader, he will play the role of kingmaker. He is set to become the go-between of the two sides when negotiations begin.

Furthermore, in a statement delivered immediately after the vote, Mr. Gove

I don’t believe Jeremy is that leader.

In the event Jeremy Corbyn bows down to pressure and resigns, who do you feel should lead the party? Are there any prospective candidates?

Who would you back?

I have said that I believe Jeremy has taken the party as far as he can, and that we now need a fresh start. Candidates have yet to put themselves forward. Those who have been mentioned including Tom Watson and Angela Eagle amongst others are all strong contenders for reaching out across diverse areas and communities, bridging north and south, and driving forward a positive agenda of aspiration, shared prosperity and fairness.

Are you in the running for the top job?

I have ruled myself out of running for the leadership.

What do you think the next step is? What does the future hold, for you personally and for the party on the whole?

A political vacuum can compound an economic crisis. We need to now take a strong lead and move forward post-Brexit on a cross party basis with Labour having a strong voice at the table. We need to show a clear vision for Labour – our purpose and our project. We still have a vital job to do to scrutinise the Government’s record and that important work continues. In addition I am focussing on projects around how we share prosperity across the country, supporting women and entrepreneurship and the devolution challenge.

Could you provide an insight into the feelings among party members post referendum?

Most of my local members supported staying in the EU. Following the result, we recognise that we must move forward and use the opportunity to create a new relationship with the EU. There is great concern however about rising levels of racism.

As a prominent Remain campaigner what was your

BRITAIN SPLITS

appeared to be positioning himself as chief negotiator with Brussels, outlining his vision of a deal for Britain.

Finally, Theresa May, currently Home Secretary, quietly supported the Remain side, yet is now the most favourite for the job.

Mrs. May made sure she was not vocal in her support so as to not burn any bridges with her party colleagues. Seen as the prime “Stop Boris!” candidate, Mrs. May has seen an upsurge in popularity over the weekend. 31% of Conservative voters support her bid for Tory leadership (up from 14% in April) placing her 7 points clear of Boris Johnson, currently sitting at 24% (down from 36% in April).

One man who will not be fighting for the top job is current Chancellor George Osborne. Seen as the front runner prior to the referen-

ministers. As of Monday evening, only ten of the thirty members remained.

Corbyn saw 19 members resign immediately after he sacked his shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn. Mr. Corbyn was accused of running a pro-EU campaign that “failed” by Dame Margaret Hodge, while some sources within the Labour party have accused Mr. Corbyn of “deliberate sabotage”.

Throughout Sunday, many prominent ministers resigned including Heidi Alexander (Shadow Health Secretary), Lucy Powell (Shadow Education Seema Secretary), Malhotra (Shadow Treasury Secretary) and Chris Bryant (Shadow Commons Leader) As we went to press on Tuesday, Jeremy Corbyn had lost a no-confidence vote among Labour MPs,

dum to succeed David Cameron, Mr. Osborne has suffered a fatal blow to his candidacy after being a staunch Remain advocate.

In an article in the Times in Monday, Mr. Osbourne wrote that “I am not the person to provide the unity my party needs”. The polls reflect this, with only 4% of Tory voters backing the Chancellor as the right man to take over from Mr. Cameron.

The Tories are not the only party suffering through inner turmoil.

Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet is haemorrhaging

according to a report in the Independent. The party’s parliamentarians voted 172 to 40 against Corbyn’s leadership in a secret ballot on Tuesday afternoon. While there were four abstentions in the ballot, 13 MPs did not vote. Corbyn responded to the vote by saying he would not resign, suggesting to do so would be a “betrayal” of the members who elected him by a landslide last year.

The leader's allies have told his critics to trigger a formal leadership contest if they want to challenge him.

The vote, which is not binding, follows resigna-

MORE ON BREXIT SEE P14-18

initial reaction to Brexit on Friday?

I was deeply disappointed and upset. Not for me, but for my constituents and my country. Unlike some I am under no illusions of the economic and social implications of what leaving the EU will have for the British economy and the life-chances of current and future generations.

But I respect the decision of the British people and now we all have a responsibility to strive to ensure the best possible negotiated exit for the British people. We should also keep open the option of a second referendum in the future on different terms should there be a demand for it.

As Shadow Chief Treasury Secretary you must have seen figures on the state of the country's economy, could you please throw some light on the economic outlook for Britain?

New analysis by the OBR will revise forecasts for growth and we await those. However earlier this

week the concerns in the markets were already clear.

The pound dropped to a 31 year low against the dollar.

UK house builders have lost nearly 40% of their value since Brexit - £8bn has been wiped off the market capitalisation of the 4 biggest house builders.

Britain has also been hit with a two notch downgrade to its sovereign credit rating.

What is your feelings about the negotiating committee that needs to be set up for actual talks to Leaving the EU? Would you consider being on the negotiating committee?

I think it is vital the negotiating committee is cross party, and that it is connected to wider voices across the country. I would consider being on the negotiating committee and one of the first things I believe we should do is look for a way in the future by which we should be in the single market with greater controls if we or other nations states wish over freedom of movement of people.

tions from the shadow cabinet and calls on Corbyn to quit..

Perhaps most damaging of all the blows to his leadership came on Monday morning, when deputy party leader Tom Watson said in a meeting with Mr. Corbyn that he has “no authority” over Parliamentary MPs and that it “looks like we’re moving towards a leadership election”. Despite the Labour leader’s attempts to regain control of his party by announcing a dramatic cabinet reshuffle, it appears more likely that he will face a direct election for the leadership.

Such internal turmoil is caused by the apparent inability of many MPs to accept the result. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has joined calls for a second referendum after the terms of Brexit are formally negotiated with Brussels. Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Hunt believes any deal “should be put to the British people” either in the form of “another referendum” or a “general election”. While this is not a claim that the referendum result should be ignored, there are clearly grounds through which a potential Brexit could be blocked if voters continue to reject the deal future governments bring back from Brussels.

As political turmoil has erupted, so has economic.

The markets in the UK have been sent in to freefall, with the pound falling to it’s lowest level since 1985 (stooping to $1.3118 on Monday). The blue-chip FTSE 100 stock has fallen 2.6% since the vote, while the FTSE 250 has fallen by

14% since the vote (the largest collapse since the crash of 1987). All of the uncertainty lead to a hammer blow yesterday when Standard & Poor downgraded the UK’s credit rating two notches from AAA to AA. This has only compounded fears within the markets. Both George Osborne and Mark Carney have made statements to try and reduce fears.

Socially speaking, the result has created an ugly environment, with a sharp increase in the number of reported cases of hate crimes and racially-motivated attacks. In Hammersmith, the Polish centre was defaced with what Mr. Cameron described as “despicable graffiti”. Anecdotal evidence for the increase in such crimes has also been confirmed while the National Police Chiefs’ Council has reported a 57% increase in such crimes since last Thursday’s vote.

There are however, some small positives emerging from the result.

British tourism is expected to see a significant increase in revenue due to the decrease in value of the pound. This has had the dual effect of making Britain a more popular destination for foreign tourists, as good and transport become much cheaper with the foreign exchange rates, while also forcing more British families to take a “staycation” as foreign holidays become more expensive for Brits with the unfavourable currency exchange.

www.asian-voice.com Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

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By Keith Vaz, MP

Post Brexit - What will Britain do now?

Who we are isn't a rigid construct

Mona Dash: A Writer's Secret Sunetra Senior

Dash strikes that ever-sought after writer's balance between being true to personal identity and nuanced enough to resonate with a wider audience. Her first novel, ‘Untamed Heart’, tells of a young newlywed, Mohini, who travels the world in order to find herself even as she breaks away from the constraints of her particular marriage, while the author’s latest poetry collection - A Certain Way - was announced at a special poetry reading and awards ceremony – held at the House of Lords recently – wherein the book-loving public attending had the choice to themselves finance the work. “I have been told to make the cultural elements in my stories more exotic, louder, sensational or more community-specific” Dash told us, “but one can only draw from their own experience which is inevitably broad and varied. Who we are isn’t a rigid construct – you can’t predict people on their backgrounds – and I think my writing works because it reflects this: I talk about normal people who are always moving; whether it be through emigration or just travelling, and what they have in common is the journey within themselves.” *** Indeed what fascinates most about Dash’s exploration of ethnicity is that it is both deliberate and incidental. Her short story, ‘To London’, which was also recently published as part of a fitting anthology - ‘Love Across A Broken Map’ - highlights the conflicting pulls of lust and emotional stability as two competing constituents for love through the drama between two men of different backgrounds. We are given a universal truth which is not dependent on, but rather threaded through a fixed sense of identity. In her longer work ‘Untamed Heart’, it is also the deep desire to fight for and actuate ourselves that is most apparent through sensitive protagonist Mohini; not a tired comment on the oppressiveness of South-Asian marriages. As Dash herself stated: “it wasn’t so much about depicting a strong cultural self as depicting a strong person. I talked about embracing the new without compromising your roots. Mohini never loses her Indian self, but she isn’t bound by it either. ” Dhash is, in fact, currently on a scholarship-funded PhD in ‘Area Studies’ where she is continuing to investigate this as one of many observed themes with regard to people and their environments. In being sure of herself as a writer then, Dhash breaks through even the problem of writing social stereotypes. That she is a product of tradition and modernity, as most of us are in a globalised community, is communicated with enjoyable power.

Tell us more about the Geographic theme in your work?

Yes, the sense of place really influences your emotion. They are always effortlessly intertwined. For example, in my short story ‘To London’, the main character’s experience of love is very specific to the locations in London.

You have to ask yourself: ‘would she have felt the same way somewhere else? Would it be the same love?’ In my novel, ‘Untamed Heart’, Mohini wants to escape from her environment so it only made sense to have her travel away from India and chart her realisations from there. She goes to Singapore, Malaysia and France, and finally ends up in London. A story I wrote about Las Vegas used the superficiality of that landmark to provoke questions about the self.

What were you hoping to relay to the reader with your novel?

It is about perception: to be more sensitive to the Mohini characters in your life. I’ve heard from so many women, for example from family and friends in India, who’ve married and just transformed into muted versions of themselves. When you are having to per-

form many roles, there is a lot of pressure that’s at odds with your expectations to have been happily married in your twenties. Suddenly you have to take other people’s burdens on your shoulders. You might get into a slump. But it’s important to realise you can do more for yourself by remembering who you are. That’s what Mohini does when she tours the globe: makes more of herself.

On this note: let’s talk final lines? How do you edit and have that perfect round-up between the mystery so as to leave enough room for interpretation to the reader, while still providing enough closure about the themes of the story?

It helps to have a good editor as I did with Farhana for the anthology, but my advice would be to get feedback on and know -your beginnings and ends.

Sometimes it’s one line that makes the difference. Also, you can’t possibly take on board everyone’s input. If you feel strongly about an idea stick to it: see where it takes you.

Are you more a plot or a character-orientated writer?

Definitely character.

How did you become a writer?

I started off with poetry. As a child, I would be around my mother, who wrote a lot and organised poetry gatherings with her friends. When I went on to study Engineering at university I still continued to submit to college publications. Then after a long stint in business where I put the creative words on hold altogether, I started writing again seriously in London. I joined some writers groups, went to literary events, workshops, got rejected a lot and so on…

Finally, what would be the number one piece of advice you’d give to writers they might not otherwise have been told?

Read a lot. You have to love books to be able to write them. Practice as much as you can and send your writing out; even in the face of rejection.

Understand that it’s what you want to do too. It requires time and you don’t make yourselves too popular being hunched over a laptop; it’s not like baking a cake, where the result is for everyone to enjoy! Be prepared to give it attention. www.monadash.net @dash2mona

In the aftermath of the European Union Referendum, many people are wondering what the next steps are for the United Kingdom.

However it is vital that whatever our views, we must respect the will of the people and implement it.

The only sure action is to invoke Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon which triggers the mechanisms for departure, but a vote to leave by a Member State is unprecedented, therefore the rules for exit are brief and the strategy for such a move is unstipulated.

What has now become evident, is that the postBrexit strategy, which should be clear, is in fact most unclear.

This is a time of great political, economic and social uncertainty. As it stands we do not know who will be leading the country into exit talks or what the country expects from these negotiations.

With the Prime Minister’s announcement that he would step down, it will be up to the new Prime Minister to negotiate Britain’s exit.

This referendum has shown that the United Kingdom is a nation divided. Almost literally 50-50. Divided in its membership with Scotland and Northern Ireland voting to remain whilst England and Wales backed leave.

Divided between generations, with the youth feeling robbed at a decision overwhelmingly supported by older generations and divided along class

lines with many working class communities voting to leave. There is a North-South and a ruralurban divide. Division is also rife within the two main political parties.

A vile showing of racism and xenophobia that has seemingly been bubbling under the surface in many communities around the country has also been revealed.

By fighting a referendum on the premise of stemming migration, I believe the responsibility for this lies with the Leave campaign.

The future Prime Minister will be responsible for tackling the issue of EU citizens remaining in the UK and British citizens living abroad. There are currently 1.2 million British citizens living in the European Union and 3 million European citizens living in the United Kingdom. Their status will not be made clear until after the negotiations have been completed. I cannot begin to imagine how worrying a time this must be.

The nation’s relationship with Europe now hangs in the balance.

Planning beyond October 2018 is near impossible. As a nation we are taking a huge step into the unknown.

It is only through decisive leadership, a steady nerve and shrewd diplomacy that we will emerge from this unscathed. I just hope we can find a leader that is up to challenge. In a real sense it's "back to the people."

'Lord Aleem' spared driving ban

A 21-year-old 'Rich Kid of Instagram' has been spared a driving ban after he was caught doing more than double the speed limit.

Aleem Iqbal, who uses the name 'Lord Aleem' on social media, was seen speeding through the City of London in his father's £120,000 Porsche 911.

Police speed cameras showed he was travelling at 46mph in a 20mph zone shortly before 10pm on December 5, 2015.

Iqbal, of Westminster, had six points added to his licence. He already has three for using his phone while driving. He was also ordered to pay £650 at City of London Magistrates' Court.

Iqbal, who runs luxury car rental firm Platinum Executive Travel with his father, Saleem, did not attend court and was not represented.

PC Neil Hossack told

Caught speeding: Aleem Iqbal, 21

the court: 'Iqbal was caught using Speed Analysis Cameras travelling on London Wall between the junctions of Moorgate and Wood Street.'

Iqbal's social media feeds are filled with photos and videos showing him and his friends in a string of supercars. He has more than 530,000 followers on Instagram, 60,000 on Twitter, 270,00 on YouTube and 170,000 on Facebook.

UK Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

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Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Sharmila Chauhan; Scientist- screenwriter, playwright and prose writer A graduate of the Royal Court’s writing course, Sharmila Chauhan was shortlisted for the Asian New Writer award.

Sharmila’s themes are love, sex and the diasporic experience.

Her short film Oysters and Girl Like You were commissioned by Film London, and Make and Model (a sci-art collaboration) is also in production.

She was part of the Film London-Cinestan Microschool where she developed her feature Heart of the City.

Her plays include: The Husbands (an exploration of polyandry and matriarchy in India) / and Born Again Purnajanam. She is working on her novel Seven Mirror and is Artist in Residence at the Tagore Centre London.

Background Sharmila Chauhan’s parents were both born on the African continent “And so we are twice-migrants. My mum was born in Lusaka, Rhodesia (now Zambia) and my father was born in Kericho, Kenya.”

Sharmila was born in London at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

Early influences She remembers; “My father singing along to Rafi in the car – imbibing the melancholy. My mother’s

Sharmila Chauhan

stash of 70s vinyl at the back of the coat cupboard: Beatles, Elvis, Bob Marley.

My parents didn’t watch a lot of Bollywood – my mother’s stance on the female roles was quietly feminist and I absorbed that. Occasionally some

tragic, black and white film would come to pass. I watched religious films like Ram Weds Sita (if anyone has a copy of that I would love to see it again!) as much as Hollywood black and whites that I watched with my mother. I read A

LOT – European classics such as Jane Austen and Daphne Du Maurier. I was searching for experiences that I could relate to culturally (the morals of period dramas were reassuringly Asian). I read Salman, Hanif and Anita Desai. I was influenced by the music of Prince –the artistic, cultural and sexual freedom he embodied. “ Early challenges “As an artist I’ve had to find my own path to creativity from the outside.

Both my parents were in the medical field – my mother a nurse and my father a pharmacist.

Financial security was the most important thing, as well as a good education. I was blessed to be good at Science and English – at that age I probably would have succeeded in either path. I chose science – it seemed the most interesting and academically challenging. I wanted to help people and having worked in my father’s pharmacy from age 13 – I felt that would be the most rewarding way to do so,” Sharmila reveals.

The way in which Sharmila became a writer She tells us, “after working

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and have never regretted as a pharmacist, I returned that decision.” to school to complete a Sharmila’s Biggest PhD in clinical pharmacolChallenges ogy. Whilst writing my dis“Having confidence in sertation, a long term relayourself as an artist. I was tionship was coming to an once told: if you write, you end and conventional life are a writer. It took me sevpaths seemed claustrophoeral years to profess myself bic. I had always been writas a writer and in doing so ing but during this time I – enable others take me got the urge to document seriously. Having a strong and channel what I was mindset, determinagoing through. I was contion and tenacity scious about the lack of has helped me stories about the through times British Asian expeMy when a project rience. I started to write a novel – non-creative has taken a long time to called Devi – background come to which like many has given me fruition. I’ve first pieces, was discipline learnt to be autobiographical.”

Turning point patient and flexible: if one thing “After my PhD, I isn’t ‘working’ right travelled for a year and now – then it’s an moved to France to do my opportunity to try somepost-doc. It was an amazthing else! My non-creative ing but lonely time: I spoke background has given me no French and had also discipline and life experiembarked on a long-disence that helps me as an tance relationship with my artist. Having belief and now husband Courttia faith is paramount.

Newland – also a writer.

However, Sharmila Being out there alone gave reveals the sad truth that me time to write and comafflicts so many full time plete my novel. On my writers. “Although I make return to London I decided an income from my writing that if I was serious about I do have to supplement writing I would have to this with a day job as a choose between science or medical writer.” writing. I chose writing

count

photography Photography - Lets make it ‘Count’

ISIS-inspired jihadi jailed for plotting Lee Rigby-style beheading Nadir Syed, 23, had targeted a poppy seller before his arrest shortly before Armistice Day in November 2014.

He had sourced a large, sharp kitchen knife after listening to a speech by Abu ISIS extremist Muhammad al-Adnani.

Following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court last year, Syed, from Hounslow, west London, was found guilty of planning a terrorist attack.

Sentencing him at the Old Bailey to a minimum of 15 years, Mr Justice Saunders said: "I am satisfied like the killers of Fusilier Rigby, Nadir Syed followed the precept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

"In my judgment if he was released from prison he would go and try to carry out what he failed to achieve in this case – he would set out to kill in furtherance of his beliefs."

He added: "The defendant will remain danger-

CAGED: Syed targeted a poppy seller

ous until the threat from Islamic terrorists has gone."

Syed will stay behind bars "until he is safe to return to the community".

The court heard the Syed, with two of his cousins, had tried to travel to Syria via Turkey in January 2014, but was stopped from boarding a plane because he was on bail for a public order offence. Stuck in Britain, the fatwa to inspire supporters to attack the mili-

tary and police in western countries gave Nadir the justification for an assault on home soil.

He appeared before magistrates for a public order offence on November 6, and after being handed an Asbo, he walked out of court, watched by undercover police teams.

Officers arrested all three men that day - just three days before Remembrance Sunday and the potential bloodshed.

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10

READERS’ VOICE

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Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

Post EU Referendum The referendum result has been devastating for the ‘Remain’ supporters. The ‘Leave’ supporters have not realised the dire consequences both short and long term of quitting the European Union. It is retrograde step.

What contributed to the defeat of ‘Remain’ was the acrimonious in-fighting between the Tory heavyweights throwing killer blows at each other and hogging all the media attention. They were backed by right wing newspapers and tabloids who were peddling misinformation and playing on the fears of the people by highlighting the imminent danger of mass migration into Britain.

Brexit very cleverly played the emotive immigration card, their trump card, in diverting the attention of people from the important economic, social, environment, security and culturally issues.

It will take at least 5 to 6 years to complete the divorce proceeding with the E.U. This will be at a heavy cost to the economy and stature of U.K. for quite some time. The stock markets have fallen worldwide, pound is at its lowest, this has sent shockwaves globally. No doubt the future is uncertain and worrying.

The ultimate sufferers will be the working class and ordinary hard working people who will bear the burden if higher cost of living, lower wages, increase in taxes and higher mortgages. I hope Brexit will be able to fund the NHS by £35 million from weekly saving accruing from the E.U. They had made a firm promised to do so during their campaign. I very much doubt they will be able to do so. They have not seen the books so far. They have been strong on rhetoric but will they be able to deliver as promoted. I don’t think so.

Exit by the UK has removed one of the main pillars of European Union, thereby making it weaker and unstable. This also gives impetus to Scotexit. By exiting from E.U. the seeds for the break-up of United Kingdom have been sown. It will be difficult to stop the domino effect in Europe and United Kingdom. Nigel Farage (Ukip) says it is ‘Independence Day’ for Britain or is it ‘Isolation Day’. Britain has been independent for more than 300 years, what independence Day is he talking about? Did E.U. colonised UK.?

The young generation have lost big time, they will not be able of live, study, or work in Europe as they did before the break-up. The older generation in U.K. were not inclined towards Europe from the beginning and they got what they wanted at the expense of the younger generation.

Multinationals, finance companies, manufacturing industry, service industry, banks will have to restructure to fit in with the new situation. British pensioners, workers, ordinary people, young people and the British people settled/retired in Europeans will be the losers.

Baldev Sharma By email

Unbelievable

If what is happening on the UK political scene right now appeared on our television screens as a multi-part thriller I would have decided it was too far-fetched and switched off.

Such chaos, scheming, finger-pointing and backstabbing is unprecedented.

Where will it all end?

Vijay Joshi By email

ASIAN VOICE is published by Asian Business Publications Ltd Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080 Fax: 020 7749 4081 Email: aveditorial@abplgroup.com www: abplgroup.com © Asian Business Publications

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Get together for letter writers On 27th June 2016 Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar had planned to organise a get together for letter writers where they will be able to meet each other and have a golden opportunity to share their views.

Unfortunately it got cancelled due to Brexit developments.

Since the last 44 years so many people of the world have enjoyed these two newspapers and expressed their views in ‘Readers’ Voice’ and ‘Tamari Vaat’. We were in Nairobi for 44 years so we missed a lot. I subscribed in 2014 and since then 26 of my articles have been published in ‘Tamari Vaat’ and 2 articles in ‘Readers Voice’.

Sudha Rasik Bhatt Glasgow Dear Readers, We were all keen to meet and greet on Monday. But due to unavoidable circumstances in the aftermath of the EU Referendum, and the changing scenario in the main political parties, very reluctantly the event on June 27 was cancelled.

We will try to rearrange it as soon as possible and communicate in due course.

Once again thank you for your involvement as letter writers with Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar.

Warm Regards CB

What do you think?

We want to know your views on this subject Write to Asian Voice 12 Hoxton Market London N1 6HW or e-mail: aveditorial@abplgrou p.com

Brexit consequences

It is very unfortunate the UK has opted for Brexit. The voting statistics indicate quite clearly that the people most responsible for withdrawal from the EU are the English, especially the older generation, because England represents just over 80% of the total UK population. It was a vote dictated by ego and emotion. Some of the older population have openly said they are English, not European, and England is the land of hope and glory. It is rather unfortunate that they could not discard the old nostalgic attitude that they were the rulers of third of the world. They have divided the country right down the middle between the old and the young, for 75% of the young voted to remain within the EU. Just as all parents try their best for a better and brighter future for their children the duty of the older generation is to do the same for the younger generation. But they have done exactly the opposite. They have voted for not only to separate UK from Europe but also for its disintegration. Instead of working together for the common good of all Europeans including the British they have restarted the old age conflict between the Scots and the English and conflict of self-interest between England and the rest of Europe. The economic impact predicted by almost all experts in the field has already raised its ugly head.

Jatindra Saha By email

Brexit: tearing apart an already divided nation

On Friday 24-6-2016 a decision to exit from EU shocked nation and the whole world.

United Kingdom was not united via threatened referendum by Scotland to exit from Britain. Ireland was sad too. EU was threatened by exit referendums by at least 5 European countries. Post-Brexit developments raises doubt about wisdom to Brexit from E.U. United kingdom is not united, Britain’s credit rating slipped from AAA to AA., affluence wise Britain was pushed behind France etc., more than 3 million signatories have petitioned to reverse the referendum which is not binding. If they collect more signatures than Brexiters, referendum can be nullified.

David Camroon has resigned hastily, such cancellation is impossible. We must be optimistic in face of result that has gone against all expectations by bankers, journos, and bookies. All efforts must be made to rally support of national well-wishers countries. Six hundred years ago poverty ridden England looked towards India and established British East India Company. History is repeating itself, and time is ripe to look at India again. India has massive customer base and can open doors of SAARC organization and countries on the rim of Indian Ocean.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Unimaginable political upheaval

British people have spoken, given thumbs down to EU membership that has rocked the political establishment, forcing PM Cameron to resign and eventually bow out of politics that was his life as long as we can remember. This is indeed a stunning, unexpected verdict that will shape nation’s future for decades to come. While many of us voted for Brexit, we were not sure it would be the right decision. Only Kapil was sure of the outcome and lend his support to Brexit from the start, in his popular column “Kapil’s Khichdi.

In democracy, we have to accept people’s will, no matter how unjust it may sound to critics. People have right to settle their own destiny, not political elite who are isolated in their “Ivory Tower” and live in bliss of ignorance, unable and unwilling to understand the mood of electorate or their struggle to survive in ever changing world! There is wide, open world outside Europe, including our Commonwealth, with India and China fast becoming economic superpowers, in sharp contrast to near bankrupt European countries burdened with bureaucracy, obsolescent, unrealistic economic and political expectation that could never be fulfilled, with younger generation losing faith and hope, as most are unemployed.

Perhaps Brexit is an odyssey that will secure our future after short interlude.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Points to ponder

The sorry saga of the referendum has taken its first toll. The Prime Minister has announced his intention to step down as from October as the defeat is a drain on his authority. This is a devastating blow to the country. One wonders how many more casualties will follow in the wake of the defeat of the pro EU proponents. However, the vote has been cast and there is no going back.

The repercussions and adverse effect of coming out of the EU, in my view, would be that house prices will go up as many of the expatriates living in EU countries like Spain may want to return and buy properties here; financial institutions will want to move their businesses and headquarters elsewhere, which in turn, could pose a threat to our people who are employed in the financial industry; the free travel passes on the trains and buses for the elderly may be withdrawn; we will need visas to travel within Europe and the reciprocal free medical treatment which we receive under the EUHC will no longer be available.

A period of uncertainty will now follow until a new captain to steady the ship is selected. In the mean time all we can do is to hope for the best.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

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COUNCIL NEWS

Blue badge fraudster pays the price As part of a determined crackdown

by Ealing Council on the misuse of blue badges, council officers have been patrolling in the borough’s town centres catching drivers red-handed.

One of the recently seized badges was taken last August from a driver who was spotted by investigators displaying a blue badge when parked in Ealing Broadway. When the driver was challenged by undercover officers she

claimed that the badge was her mother-in-law’s who she had dropped off at nearby shops, but when the officers called the driver’s mother-in-law on the telephone she confirmed that she was actually at home.

The driver was found guilty in Ealing Magistrate’s Court of misuse of the blue badge in January 2016 and was fined £950 plus costs, a total of £1,395 and now has a criminal record.

Cigarettes and tobacco seized in Brent Two store owners in Brent have been handed hefty fines for possessing cigarettes without displaying the correct health warnings. Mr Mohammad Hashim Aryubi and Mr Karim Kedr were ordered to pay more than £3800 in total by Willesden Magistrates Court earlier this month.

Forty-two year-old Mr Aryubi, was fined £1000 and ordered to pay costs of £961 for the offence.

The court heard how in November of last year,

Brent Council Trading Standards Officers received a complaint and visited the supermarket, where they found large numbers of foreign labelled cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco pouches on display. In total, officers confiscated 83 pouches of hand rolling tobacco, 25 packets of shisha tobacco molasses and 133 packets of cigarettes, all without the correct health warnings in English, which is required by law.

Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

Teaching assistants face violence at work More than half (53%) of UK teaching assistants (TAs) have experienced physical violence at school in the past year, a poll by Unison has found.

The survey of more than 8,000 TAs found three-quarters (76%) had witnessed some form of physical violence. More than half (53%) had experienced, and 73% had witnessed, verbal threats at school.

Ministers say no-one should have to work in fear of violence or harassment, in or outside school or online.

Unison surveyed 14,514 members who work in school support roles such as technicians, administrative staff, caterers, cleaners, and librarians. Of these, 8,211 worked as teaching or classroom assistants.

It found that threefifths (60%) of TAs had experienced - and 69% had witnessed - other verbal abuse at school and more than a third (38%) had experienced - 79% had witnessed - bullying at school.

Unison said its study showed that teaching assistants were facing a "barrage" of verbal threats and abuse in their job.

TRAVLIN

11

Lord Karan Bilimoria

Founder and Chairman - Cobra Beer

Independence Day for Britain?

The 23rd of June was not Independence Day for Britain. It was the day the UK shot itself in the foot. The Vote Leave claims, of red tape from the EU costing British businesses £600m a week, are utter nonsense. I have not built Cobra Beer from scratch over the last 26 years worrying about red rape. If anything, it is our own – home-grown – regulations and barriers, such as our ever-increasing tax regulations – increasing in both complexity and size – our planning laws and our housing laws.

And then there was the biggest lie of them all - the £350 million that we give to the EU every week, emblazoned on the Vote Leave battle-bus, and that this would be saved by leaving the EU and put into the NHS to improve its services.

The Vote Leave advertising film was, quite frankly, not just misleading but shocking and should have been taken down by the Advertising Standards Authority. In reality, this £350 million per week is a gross contribution. We receive a rebate of almost £200 million, which equates to a net contribution per annum of £8 billion.

And what no one has mentioned during this whole campaign is putting this £8 billion per year into context; according to HM Treasury data, that makes barely one per cent of our annual government expenditure per annum of over £770 billion. This £8 billion is barely going to shift the needle, let alone save the NHS! To further put this into context, we send over £12 billion of aid per year around the world; this is more than 50 per cent higher than our net contribution to the EU! I would pay the £8 billion

every year to the EU just for the peace and stability that the EU, along with NATO, has brought to Europe that the UK has benefited from for the past seven decades.

I predicted that a Brexit would create huge uncertainty. Britain relies enormously on inward investment. Britain has acted as a gateway to Europe by countries like India and, in fact, 60 per cent of companies from all over the world outside of the EU have their European headquarters in the UK according to Deloitte. EY research shows that the UK is the second largest recipient of inward investment in the world and the highest in the EU by miles. Is this going to carry on after leaving the EU? Already credit rating agencies are talking about downgrading Britain’s coveted AAA rating and the pound has plummeted to a level not seen since the 1980s.

This reminds me of the time when I came as a 19 year-old student from India to a Britain that was the sick man of Europe, a country with a glass ceiling, a country where entrepreneurship was looked down upon.

Today, Britain is a country of aspiration and opportunity, where people can get as far as they want to regardless of race, religion and background, where entrepreneurship is celebrated. Do we want to wind the clock back to being the sick man of Europe again?

The uncertainties will continue for years to come with the protracted negotiations with the EU. All this will hamper inward investment, create uncertainty in business and hugely damage our economy, our businesses, our citizens, our stability and our standing in the world.

STYLE

12

MEDIA WATCH

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Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

The media went into overdrive when news broke that Dr Raghuram Rajan, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that he would not be seeking term after his present ended on September 4. He said he would return to the bowers of academe in Chicago, where had earned a global reputation as a banker and financial expert. He wished to rejoin the world of ideas where he was most comfortable. Dr Rajan shot to fame when he predicted the Wall Street crash and international economic crisis that followed several years before they occurred.

The Telegraph (June 19) carried an outsize, screaming frontpage headline, more proclamation than headline, ‘WRECKS IT’ with an equally eye-catching subtitle EXIt Comes TRUE: Rajan hounded out’. There was little sign that he was hounded out in Dr Rajan’s public statement that he was quitting his job. It read: While I was open to seeing these developments (creation of a committee to set interest rates and the clean-up of banks) through, on due reflection, and after consultation with the government, I want to share with you that I will be returning to academia when my term as Governor ends on 4 September, 2016. I will, of course, always be available to serve my country when needed.’

Amicable parting

It appears to have been an amicable parting of ways rather than the suggested witch hunt. BJP MP, Subramanian Swamy, who had sought to torment Dr Rajan with accusations that high interest rates had taken India into recession, that he held an American Green card, and much else that bore the Swamy trademark: irresponsibility and hyperbole. When was India in recession, pray? And did a Green card signal intent. Among the leading lights of the Indian diaspora, whom Prime Minister seeks to woo for his ambitious ‘Make in India’ project, are in possession of a Green card.

Irrepressible nuisance

Swamy overcooked his bile by setting his sights on Arvind Subramanian, the government’s Economic Adviser, with a swinging broadside against him. This time Finance Minister Arun Jaitley riposted with an equally ferocious rebuttal in defence of Subramanian.

The BJP spokesman maintained that Swamy’s views were personal and had no bearing on the party. It was a grave error of judgment by the BJP to have given him a seat in the Rajya Sabha. Long in the tooth as an irresponsible attention seeker, Swamy is unfit to hold any responsible office (Times of India, Hindu, Telegraph June 23)

Captains of industry

Captains of industry, in TV interviews, expressed dismay at the news of Dr Rajan’s departure.

They were agreed that he had stabilized the economy, reduced inflation through much needed fiscal discipline and cleaned up the banks. According to Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, CEO and Managing Director of pharmaceutical company, Biocon, Dr Rajan had created a momentum

Kudankulam scientist honored by Russia Russia has awarded the ‘Order of Friendship’ to R S Sundar for his role in the operations of the Kudankulam nuclear power facility in Tamil Nadu. The award was

which would take India forward if his basic measures remained unchanged.

BJP acknowledgement

The BJP spokesman, also on television, in a panel discussion, agreed that Dr Rajan had rendered sterling service to the country through his outstanding intellect and understanding of finance, that there was no question of his being forced out. But most of the panelists had a field day with conspiracy theories and dire predictions of the looming doomsday including chaos on the stockmarket.

Radical FDI reform

The country waited bated breath for the predicted financial slide.

Instead, awoke to news of a radical reform of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) laws. M The vast majority of pundits were wrong footed and reacted sheepishly. The Telegraph (June 21) in a banner front-page headline appeared to suggest, somewhat forlornly, that the measure was a ‘headline-grabber’ designed to douse the flames of the Rajan affair. A far-reaching reform such as this forethought and reflection, hence was planned with care.

Implications

FDI norms have been eased across sectors. Airlines: From 49 per cent to 100 per cent; Food retail: From zero to 100 per cent; Single brand for cutting edge products: Benefits Apple; Defence: Previous 49 per cent could be increased to 100 only if technology state-of-the-art; now requirement is simply ‘modern’ to allow greater flexibility; Brownfield airports: From 74 per cent to 100 per cent.

These are the most significant sectors that will see a new ball game. The government didn’t want the or the nation to believe Raghuram Rajan’s exit (RRexit) would lead to a change in the reform agenda (Times of India, Hindu, Telegraph, Business Line, Mint June 21)

and its gold reserves had to be delivered by hand in London before a loan could be negotiated.

It took a wise head and a firm pair of hands to bring the ship of state tyo an even keel.

Manmohan Singh, a previous Governor of the Reserve Bank of India was brought into the government and empowered to initiated fundamental economic reforms and put in on a higher growth trajectory never seen before.

R S Sundar head of Kudankulam nuclear facility

presented to him by Russian Ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin at a ceremony in the Russian Embassy in New Delhi.

Team effort

Speaking to the media after the award, an elated Sundar said: ‘It was really a great honor. It was entirely a team effort. Though I’m receiving the honor as a representative, it was largely this teamwork of all our employees. Credit is due to both the Indian side and the Russian side. It would not have been possible to implement such a huge project except for vthe cooperation extended by everybody.’ Unit 2 of the facility will ready for operation shortly.ussia India Report Moscow June 14) Rosneft, the Russian energy giant, is set to expand its footprint in India with plans to buy a stake in Essar’s Oil’s Vadinar refinery in Gujarat and seek new outlets for its crude. ‘’We do believe in the upside potential of the Indian market,’ said Rosneft Vice President Pavel Federov. The company says it hopes to acquire as much as 49 per cent of the 405,000-barrel-aday by the end of June. The deal comes with a 10 year contract to sell 100 million tonnes of crude in the Indian market, marking a significant expansion in a market where Russia has hitherto had a minor presence. (Mint June 16)

Ignored but not forgotten

Kashmir, Punjab insurgencies

In Kashmir jihadis had commenced a full blown insurgency ethnically cleansed the valley of its Hindu Pandit population. In Punjab, the Khalistani insurgents held sway, while from Pakistan, rogue nuclear bomb maker, Abdul Qadir Khan had announce to an Indian journalist that his country was in possession of such a weapon and was prepared to use it against India.

Crises weathered

Kashmir and Punjab were sorted, and India prepared to test its own nuclear bomb, but after Narasimha’s exit the test were conducted by the BJP dispensation led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Narasimha Rao, scholar, linguist and silent administrator led India out of real jam. His

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Congress party cold shouldered him and he retired to his home State Andhra Pradesh. Today, years after his death, he is widely acclaimed as a great PrimeMinister.

Labour reforms via textile package

The Cabinet has packaged forward labour reforms with its approval for Rs 60,000 crore deal in support of the textile and apparel industries A key element of this arrangement is that overtime for the workforce should not exceed 8 hours per week., which translates into an approximate 90 hours over three months. The current norm allows 50 hours overtime in three months. ‘It will be advantageous for industry as well as labour,’ said A. Sakthival, a representative of industry lobby groups. The aim is to give India pole position in this sector rivals Bangladesh and Vietnam (Times of India, Business Line June 23)

Mega auction for telecom spectrum

Mobile users can hope to get better quality services and access to high speed data, with Cabinet approval of the biggest ever spectrum auction. The auction is expected to generate over Rs 500,000 crore for the central government, and simultaneously allow operators to accumulate more spectrum, a factor in their plans to offer more bandwithguzzling services, such as videoon-demand and live television.

The auction is scheduled to start in September (NBusiness Line, Times of India June 23).

India’s 20 satellite space venture. see comment page 3

PM Modi denounces unfair criticism of Raghuram Rajan

P,V.Narasimha Rao became India’s eighth prime minister 25 years ago following the tragic assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.

His predecessors V P Singh and

India 10th in FDI inflows

According to a World Investment report, India continues to be among the top ten countries globally for direct foreign investment (FDI) inflows. It ranks fourth in Asia. India’s FDI inflows have increased from $35 billion to $44 billion from 2014 to the first four months of 2016.

This has been due largely to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, alongside the liberalization measures undertaken by the government.(Mint June 22)

Late prime minister Narasimha Rao

Chandrsekher had presided over a mess, politically and economically. The country was bankrupt

Attempts to question outgoing RBI governor Raghuram Rajan’s competence is “unjust” according to PM Modi. Mr Rajan who has decided not to renew a second term as the Reserve Bank governor faced calls by BJP Leader Subramanian Swamy and senior bureaucrats saying he was “mentally not fully Indian”.

The Prime Minister said “Those who are creating controversies are being unjust to Raghuram Rajan, I believe Rajan’s patriotism os no less than any of ours”. Speaking directly about the accusations the PM Modi said “ Whether it is someone from my party or not , I believe such things are inappropriate. The nation won’t benefit from such publicity stunts.” The Prime Minister made the comments during an interview with Arnab Goswami of Times Now.

UK Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

What the Heck Now? Right guys back to work and time to turn this all into an opportunity. The stock market falls will give you a chance to buy great British companies at a huge discount just as we did after 9/11 and the credit crunch...but first we kept selling...so buy slowly gradually. Pick the biggest ones.

Panic usually means overselling and an opportunity for those on the ball.

Next up...businesses. If you’re an exporter or have the potential to export, cancel everything and start looking at how to export the hell out of your products. For overseas buyers they are at a 10 percent discount to last week already.

If you’re worried about your job now is a great time to take your destiny in your own hands. Revisit that CV just in case.

Don’t wait you know the competition is.

Modern job search sites make it easier than ever...who knows with fewer immigrants you may be in more demand.

If you’re disillusioned working class fed up of no opportunities, don’t forget all the government programmes for retraining and reskilling. Use them before just in case there are big cuts. Hopefully there won’t be. But use those benefits now.

The experts who we hate predict a recession so save your money...good advice in all times not just these.

And look the pound is at a 30 year low, so scrap the foreign holiday and holiday in Britain instead...maybe Yorkshire...lovely folk weather is always good that way you help the country too.

If you’re an overseas investor...you’ve got once in a lifetime bargain low prices because of the exchange rate...buy when

others are fearful remember. If you’re big enough, hey takeover the whole company.

By investing here you secure more British jobs so thanks for that and then you can export cheaply globally. We still have the best talented skilled workforce.

And if you’re a foreign visitor...come pay us a visit...you’re money goes a lot further here now...and we still have Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar square Theatreland and London Bridge.

Got it. Back to work.

And for all those people who think democracy is about the losing side being quiet and then calling the losing side whingers and whiners…let me give you a lesson in democracy and history. Every single election in this country has resulted in a losing side.

That side never then joins the winning side to do their bidding. Indeed, in Parliament itself the losing side are Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition. They oppose they are vociferous and they do not go quietly into the night. Ours is an adversarial democracy not a passive one.

We have every right to fight including civil disobedience. Including exercising our free speech, so don’t tell us to shut up...we are the ones, the fighters and not the quitters, the loud not the quiet who make a democracy.

And if the results were the opposite I would have been proud of any Brexiter to have opposed and fought. The day you lose the spirit to uphold democratic traditions of opposition, and exercising your free speech you really will wish you could have your country back. Fight on.

Man jailed following fatal hit-and-run collision in Osterley Farhan Ali, 30, of Cole Gardens in Hounslow , has been jailed for six-and-ahalf years for causing death by dangerous driving in Osterley .

Ali, who drove at speeds of over 140mph, was jailed at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday (June 24). A second count PBV

of dangerous driving postcollision was also to lie on file.

Ali was also sentenced to an extended four years prison sentence should he commit any further offences when released on licence, and was disqualified from driving for 10 years with an extended

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13

What protection is available from Forced Marriages in the UK?

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Farhan Ali

retest, licence endorsed and victim surcharge of £120.

Just before 5am on Sunday February 8, police were called to the scene of a road traffic collision on the A4 Great West Road, near the junction with

“The definition of a Forced Marriage is breaching one’s Human Rights, without the valid consent of either party. In such cases an element of duress is always a factor”.

Krina Parmar The key difference between a forced marriage and an arranged marriage is the issue of consent. Forced Marriages can involve physical, psychological, emotional, financial and sexual abuse.

In the UK, there are no reliable statistics on the extent of Forced Marriages; it remains a hidden problem with cases existing but unreported.

There is a misconception that Forced Marriage only relates to young girls.

However, victims of Forced Marriages transcend our society and include both females and males of all ages including those with disabilities. In many cultures within the UK, Forced Marriages are considered as the cultural norm.

In 2008, the Forced Marriage Protection Order came into force (FMPO) offering protection to victims who had been or likely to be subjected to a Forced Marriage. The Order provides protection not only to those marriages that may occur in the UK, but also to victims that may be taken abroad and includes religious marriages.

A FMPO can be applied for in a designated Civil Court and any “interested party” can apply for such an Order, this includes the person being protected, relevant third party or by someone on behalf of the victim. The order can be made against anyone who is in or outside of England and Wales and can be made against more than one person.

Even if a person is not yet involved, it can be made on the belief that they may

Wood Lane, Osterley.

Officers attended and established that a blue BMW had been in collision with a male pedestrian.

The collision happened on the westbound carriageway and the BMW failed to stop.

become involved.

Since the introduction of the AntiSocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, once the respondent(s) have been effectively served with the FMPO, breaching the Order is a criminal offence which is punishable by 5 years in prison and/ or unlimited fine. The Act also made it a criminal offence to force someone into marriage or take them abroad to be forced to be married. If convicted it will carry a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment. The Act also offers protection to those without the mental capacity to consent to a marriage.

Victims can now pursue a civil or criminal option. On the issue of which option should be taken one needs to consider the type of protection the victim requires. The FMPO covers a wide range of orders. When considering this you have to establish what evidence is available. The burden of proof is higher for a criminal offence (beyond all reasonable doubt) whereas the civil burden is on the balance of probabilities. The civil process is lengthier and the victim is more involved. Action is often taken by victims against their parents and family members. Therefore, they would want the most effective order to protect them but the least invasive option.

At present there are no statistics available to consider how effective the protection available has been.

Awareness of how such protection can be accessed in the UK and repercussions of breaching, will hopefully increase its use and effectiveness in the future.

About the Author: Krina Parmar Family & Childcare Director Krina Parmar is recognised by Chambers UK 2016 for her expertise in family and childcare matters relating to forced marriages and international child abduction.

Ali was arrested on Monday February 9 after handing himself at a west London police station. He was charged the following day with causing death by dangerous driving.

Only four days later, Ali was arrested and

charged with another offence of dangerous driving having achieved speeds in excess of 140mph on the M40. For this offence he received 12 months imprisonment on Tuesday March 15 at Aylesbury Crown Court.

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14

BREXIT

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Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

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Brexit fallout on India limited Anand Pillai & Rupanjana Dutta As Britain and the world tries to come to grips with Brexit and the subsequent grim economic scenario, India, it seems, is economically in a better position to absorb and withstand the shock.

Ratings agency Crisil has said Brexit may not have a notable impact on India’s GDP growth in fiscal 2016. It retains its forecast of 7.9% growth, with agriculture as the swing factor.

“In the short run, we do not see a significant downside to India’s exports. UK accounts for 3% of merchandise exports from India. Further, India’s total trade with the UK is only 2% of its external trade,” the agency said according to a report in The Times of India.

But Crisil said: “Brexit has added to the weakness, fragility and uncertainty, and not surprisingly, riled markets. Companies in sectors such as automobiles, auto components, information technology services, textiles, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, leather, and leather products are most vulnerable to changes in demand and currency value.”

The UK accounts for about 17% of overall IT exports from India. “The economic uncertainty in the EU and the consequent

impact on discretionary spends such as IT would, therefore, hurt domestic software companies,” Crisil said.

The EU is the largest market for garment exports.

The UK is the largest market for Indian garments within EU. The weakening of the euro against the dollar would affect revenues in dollar terms, the report added.

Within the automobile space, component suppliers will be more adversely hit compared to original equipment manufacturers with the exception of the JLR business of Tata Motors, the ratings agency said.

Around a quarter of India’s auto component exports are to Europe. The UK has a share of about 5% in overall auto components exports.

As far as trade and business is concerned India has always maintained that the UK is a gateway to the EU. nIn November 2015 when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Britain, he said: “As far as India is concerned, if there is an entry point for us to the EU, that is the UK.” But on June 24, 2016, India had a rude awakening when it came to know that the entry point (UK) has now voted for Brexit.

India has a huge stake in the UK in terms of business and trade. There are around 800 Indian-owned companies in Britain

employing about 110,000 people, with many of them setting up units eyeing the European market.

The Tata group is one of India’s oldest, largest and most respected business entities. It operates 19 different companies in the UK, including automaker Jaguar Land Rover whose nearly 20% sales comes from Europe.

Following Brexit Tatas said they would review their strategies in the UK. “Each company continuously reviews its strategy and operations in the light of developments, and will continue to do so. Access to markets and to a skilled workforce will remain important considerations,” a spokesperson of the Tata group said according to a BBC report.

Many Indian IT firms too have invested in the UK. India’s software sector makes nearly £22bn each year from Europe.

Together, the UK and Europe account for over-aquarter of the country’s IT exports, worth around $30bn.

The National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) has said the falling value of the pound could render several existing contracts loss making.

But there are others who think otherwise.

“With the lower pound, if there are some hi-tech

assets which can be acquired in the UK, suddenly this makes the UK a much better shopping mall for Indian companies,” says Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, according to a BBC report.

Mr Sanjiv Chadha, Regional Head UK, State Bank of India told Asian Voice, “The State Bank of India has operated a successful banking offer in the UK and in parts of Europe for many years, and while we understand that the vote to leave Europe will create a high level of uncertainty in the coming weeks and months, we remain committed to our customers and do not expect the vote’s outcome to impact our operations in a significant manner. We operate in the UK as part of the largest commercial bank in India and are able to offer our customers a high level of protection and transparency.”

Like exchanges around the world, Indian financial markets too saw volatile trading following the referendum result.

India’s Sensex fell by 3.4% to 26,022.60 points soon after the outcome of the vote became clear.

Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has assured investors that India’s economic fundamentals are strong.

Jaitley even suggested that there could be an

opportunity in this adverse economic environment.

“As investors look around the world for safe havens in these turbulent times, India stands out both in terms of stability and of growth,” he said.

However, the finance minister acknowledged that “Brexit” would cause financial uncertainties for India and other markets around the world.

Writing on his Facebook page, Jaitley said: “As I have often said, in this globalised world, volatility and uncertainty are the new norms.

This verdict will, obviously, further contribute to such volatility not least because its full implications for the UK, Europe and the rest of the world are still uncertain.

The government and the Reserve Bank of India as well as other regulators are well prepared, and working closely together, to deal with any short term volatility.”

Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan has also said that India is capable of mitigating the Brexit “shock”.

“If we can manage properly it will be a non-event. A larger question is to find places where we can put money going forward,” he said according to the BBC report.

“If Britain decides to leave, market adjustment process will happen and the government will provide liquidity in close collaboration

with the leaders around the world,” Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha told CNBC-TV18. He added that India still remains a haven of stability in a troubled world. He also said that contingency plans were already in place and that the government would implement them “once the market resets”.

FICCI issued a statement and said, “...We would like to reiterate our strong commitment to work with UK business as the UK remains an important economic partner for India, and with 1.5million Indian diaspora, strong links between the two countries will continue.

“In this period of uncertainty, as investors look for safe havens globally, we would like to emphasise the Indian growth potential and reforms that have resulted in a stable policy and economic environment, and FDI policies that have made India more attractive for foreign investors.

Commenting on the outcome of the Brexit referendum in the UK, Dr. Naushad Forbes, President CII said, “The India-UK relationship is an important one, within or without the EU. CII reaffirms its commitment towards strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties and enhancing business linkages.”

WHAT MPS AND PEERS HAVE TO SAY Leaving EU was a disastrous decision for Britain.

Just look at the following consequences.

The referendum was unnecessary. Cameron thought that he could win it with great ease, and his confidence was so great that he even waived the principle of Cabinet’s collective responsibility. This decision has set a precedent that will haunt Britain for years.

The referendum continued to carry the stamp of UKIP and served its agenda.

At each stage of the campaign the UKIP dictated its language and issues.

The Leave coalition said that it was hostile to EU migration but not to that from outside it. Racial sentiments cannot be so neatly compartmentalised and have now begun to target non-EU migrants as well, leaving behind a toxic legacy.

The referendum campaign was suffused with the language of ‘our’ country, ‘our’ way of life, and displayed a narrow minded English nationalism not to be found elsewhere in the U.K. This nationalism is not going to go away and one shudders to think what pernicious forms it will take.

Britain’s reputation is in tatters.

During its 40 odd years membership of the EU it kept asking for special exemptions, modifications of treaties, etc. and yet it was never satisfied. Indeed it could never be a good partner. Worse, it even infected other EU countries with its mind set and threatened to break up the EU by encouraging them to go their own way.

Finally, even if Britain decided to leave EU, it could have done so with some

regret as all good divorces do. Instead there is unrepentant and unqualified triumphalism, a perverse pleasure at kicking the EU in its teeth and teaching ‘foreigners’ a few lessons. This shows how little good will there was for the EU, and how it was always treated as just a common market and an instrument of foreign policy.

- Lord Bhikhu Parekh

Last week’s referendum result is very disappointing. I very much supported the remain campaign’s message on the economy and I do worry about what may now happen.

The economic consequences could be very serious and – if we don’t now take the necessary steps to help the economy – could take a long time to recover from. We are entering a period of uncertainty and it is essential that, whoever now takes these matters forward, must do all they can to retain the foreign firms and investment that play such a vital role in our economy. In particular I feel that this will have a very harmful impact on our trade relationship with India, which invested heavily in the UK because of our place in the single market.

The other element that I’m extremely upset about is the resignation of David Cameron. He has been an outstanding leader and Prime Minister and a real friend to the British Indian community. Very few – if any – politicians have done more to engage with the British Indian community than him. I believe both my Party and my country will be weaker without him.

- Lord Dolar Popat

Britain will have a strong, secure and prosperous future outside of the EU. We will be able to establish trade deals with countries across the world, including India, and introduce a fair and balanced immigration system that welcomes the brightest and the best from around the world. There are fantastic opportunities for our country to take and in the weeks ahead it is important that the country comes together, respects the Referendum result and looks forward with hope and optimism for the future.

- Rt Hon Priti Patel, MP

instantaneously change and go back to how it was before we were part of the EU. Then I read an article about Norway which stated three things.

1. They have to pay a very substantial levy to trade with EU, 2. They have to abide by all the rules set by the EU and 3. They are not able to stop people coming from other countries of the EU. On this basis their feeling was that whilst they are out of the EU the only difference was they didn't have a voice in the EU. That made me realise that things will not revert to what they were but we will go through a period of uncertainty and probably great difficulty, and therefore it is best to stay in at this stage.

We are now beginning the long and drawn out process of leaving the European Union, turning our backs on Europe and saying that we want to look inwards not outwards. We are diminished as a nation.

But we have been given an opportunity to reset our relationships across the globe, and so from this disaster there may be a small glimmer of hope. We are now free to seek out new free-trade agreements wherever we wish. This is not without its challenges. British diplomats haven't negotiated trade deals for over 40 years, but if we think strategically we can gain something.

Brexit is just a decision thus far to,leave the EU.,but the process of withdrawal,will,take at least two,to three years and it will be only 2020"before we know the changes in the UK's relations with EU.there is time for calm thinking and making sure that we get the best deal.during our negotiations. While the Referendum decision is one I don't agree with, the task now is to make the best arrangement for British citizens.

Initially I was in favour of Brexit. I am sure like most other people who voted for Brexit felt that once we are out things will

(Please see page 3, 8 and 11 for Lord Navnit Dholakia, Rt Hon Keith Vaz and Lord Karan Bilimoria's opinion on Brexit)

- Rt Hon Virendra Sharma

- Baroness Shreela Flather

- Lord Meghnad Desai

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Challenges of integration Anand Pillai & CB Patel

way. The UK actually didn’t get in until 1972 (UK accepted in European Economic Community on January 22, 1972) and by then even the Brits were a little testy about the idea of their country joining the European Union.

In between ink was thrown in the face of British Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath when he arrived to

already that they held a national referendum on whether or not they should get out of European community right after they had got into it. That referendum in 1975 (Should the UK stay in the European community?) was not close (Yes – 67.23% and No – 32.77%) as was expected. Since then for the past 43 years Britain has been a cornerstone of the version of Winston Churchill’s United States of Europe. And that idea of something holding Europe together, ensuring peace in Europe through economic integration, making war between European countries unthinkable because they were so inter-linked that they could never see each other as enemies again and they could never afford to wage war within Europe again. That idea over the years has evolved from the

sign Britain’s treaty to join the European common market in 1972.

That joining up of the UK into European community became official on New Year’s day in 1973. But it was still controversial in Britain. By 1975 the Brits were so conflicted about it

initial industrial compact to essentially a trade zone to an uneasy political partnership of 28 different countries to now an economy that jockeys with China and the US for status as the largest economy in the world.

But on June 23, 2016,

The EU referendum revealed the fundamental concerns of British voters about the formation of the United States of Europe.

The iconic Sir Winston Churchill had called for the creation of a United States of Europe in his famous 1946 Zurich speech and presided the first European Federal Congress at the Hague in 1948. He was one of the key fathers of a united Europe and set in motion ideas and events which would develop and grow to become the European Union.

In his Zurich speech, Churchill said: “I wish to speak to you today about the tragedy of Europe. This noble continent…If Europe were once united in the sharing of its common inheritance there would be no limit to the happiness, to the prosperity and the glory which its three or four hundred million people would enjoy…We must recreate the European family in a regional structure called – it may be – the United States of Europe. And the first practical step would be to form a council of Europe. If at first all the states of Europe are not willing or able to join the union, we must nevertheless proceed to assemble and combine those who will and those who can.”

The European Council was founded on May 5, 1949. Two years later in 1951 Europe had its first cross-European industrial agreement specifically for coal and steel, the building blocks of rebuilding the devastated Europe (Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community signed in April 18, 1951).

That industrial agreement ended up being the building block for something much wider called the European Economic Community established on March 25, 1957.

It turned out that France was a little testy about letting the UK into the European Economic Community so the UK tried to join that in 1961 but France again came in the

everything changed. Britain decided to quit EU – the European Union that was born out of the ashes of World War II and probably kept the world from having a third world war. In EU’s history no country has ever left the EU after joining the union.

The Brexit vote will probably be the unravelling of Churchill’s great vision.

Economics proved too weak to keep Europe together. The consequences of the referendum will take Britain into unchartered waters. If the UK makes a success out of Brexit, many of the EU nations may go the UK way – that is they may seek referendum in their country just like Britain did and get out of the EU. Also, it is highly likely that Scotland may seek another independence referendum and break out of the UK as it wants access to the single market.

Northern Ireland too is likely to join Ireland proper if they don’t leave. In short, there could be disintegration of European Union and the United Kingdom.

Indian experience of “One Country” In third century BC the concept of Akhand Bharat (United India) was popularised by scholar-sage Chanakya. He found potential in young King Chandragupta to realise the dream of a United Bharat (One India), which was a necessity to save Bharat from foreign invaders. It

was Chandragupta who established the empire from Afghanistan to Bay of Bengal and from the foothills of Himalayas to the Indian Ocean.

When the East India Company power was taken over by the British Crown, British India was divided into what were called the British Indian Provinces and the Princely States.

The British Indian Provinces were directly under the control of the British government.

Several large and small states ruled by princes, called the Princely States, enjoyed some form of control over their internal affairs as long as they accepted British supremacy. Princely States covered one-third of the land area of the British Indian Empire.

In March 1947, the Indian Independence Act of the British Parliament announced that with the end of their rule over India, supremacy of the British Crown over Princely States would also lapse. This meant that all these states, 565 in all, would become legally independent. The British government decided that all these states were free to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent if they so wished.

The decision was left not to the people but to the princely rulers of these states. This was a very serious problem and could threaten the very existence

of a united India.

The interim government took a firm stance against the possible division of India into small principalities of different sizes.

Fortunately Sardar Patel had realised the dangers of such an eventuality and with the total agreement of the last Viceroy of India.

Patel headed the Department of Home Affairs in the interim government and was also ably assisted by Indian civil servant V P Menon in his effort to unite India. The formation of Indian Union has been described in great detail in V P Menon’s book “The story of the integration of the Indian states”.

Sardar Patel was India’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister during the crucial period immediately following Independence. He played a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of Princely States firmly but diplomatically and bringing them into the Indian Union.

Before 15 August, 1947, peaceful negotiations had brought almost all states whose territories were contiguous to the new boundaries of India, into the Indian Union. The rulers of most of the states signed a document called the “Instrument of Accession” which meant that their state agreed to become part of the Union of India.

Accession of the Princely States of Junagadh, Hyderabad, Kashmir and Manipur proved more difficult than the rest.

By the way, the integration of these 565 Princely States into the Indian Union happened not by force, unlike in Germany. It happened by the desire of people expressed in Independence movements based on peace and nonviolence. The United States of Europe idea lacks such an environment of people's deep desire.

'The rich voted in, poor voted out'- Brexit a child of class division in UK? The EU Referendum results have been a product of class division in the UK, critics have claimed. This referendum has been much more than the European Union. It is about class, and inequality, and a politics now so professionalised that it has left most people staring at the rituals of Westminster with a mixture of anger and bafflement.

Most of all, Brexit is the consequence of the economic bargain struck in the early 1980s. Look at the map of the vote results, the huge island of “in” voting is in London and the south-east; or those jaw-dropping voteshares for remain in the centre of the capital: 69% in

Tory Kensington and Chelsea; 75% in Camden; 78% in Hackney- mostly rich areas of London, contrasted with comparable shares for leave in places of the UK, such as Great Yarmouth (71%), Castle Point in Essex (73%), and Redcar and Cleveland (66%). Here is a country so imbalanced it has effectively fallen over.

While rich British Indians have also voted Remain, they felt shocked at the result of this Referendum result. A considerable large community 1.5mn, is the most successful among the ethnic minorities from South Asia and of course they voted Remain

for a certain economic benefits- as pointed by Lord Karan Bilimoria, Lord Navnit Dholakia and Lord Diljit Rana- all of Indian origin. Most areas with large British Indian population voted in favour of 'Remain'.

These include Brent (Wembley), Croydon, Ealing (Southall), Hounslow, Newham, Leicester, Harrow, Redbridge, Barnet and Manchester. But many areas that have a large population of Indians such as Birmingham, Nottingham, Milton Keynes have voted out, include Pakistani populated area of Bradford.

What has led to the poor to vote out is: a terrible shortage of homes, an

impossibly precarious job market and cut in all sorts of benefits.

Last year, 3.8 million people voted for Ukip. The Labour party- which has been a representative of middle and working classhas seen an unstoppable decline as its membership, especially with Jeremy Corbyn taking on- with politicians knowing far too little of their own supposed “core” voters. The trade unions, a symbol of the working class are nowhere to be seen, and the Thatcher-era ability of Conservatism to speak powerfully to working-class aspiration has been mislaid.

Anand, a lawyer, with

his own law firm in London, told the newspaper, “The departure from EU can definitely be seen as a class issue. My local taxi drivers who are from South Asian community have mostly voted 'Out'. They believe the job opportunities will be better for their children with less of EU immigrants coming in. What they don't understand, if not Britain, these children at least had an opportunity in Europe, which is now no longer possible.

“My business involves many clients from India.

They have set up business here because they have considered UK as a gateway to Europe. It's like killing two

birds with one stone. I have already had clients withdrawing from UK now, thinking it may be easier for them to set up a business in Europe directly. With Nigel Farage claiming we are heading towards Recession, it's not helping at all!”

Romina, an IT specialist from Milton Keynes said, “I voted out. Because I thought this helps we British better chances to do acquire business. The competition will be less- perhaps none from Europe. Our NHS will get the money required, the benefits will get boosts and commonwealth citizens better chances. I hope the leaders dont prove us wrong now!”

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BREXIT

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Immigrants face racist backlash post-Brexit Evidence is emerging of an increase in racist incidents in the wake of the Brexit vote. There have been more than 100 reports of racist incidents since Friday, causing alarm about increasing racial, religious and ethnic tensions. There have been instances of Muslims targeted in racist acts across Wales and in Birmingham. During a Channel 4 news interview, a voter in Barnsley, where the leave vote was nearly 70%, said he wanted “to stop Muslims coming to this country. Simple as that”.

Jahura Hussain, a 20 year old Scottish Muslim from Edinburh told the Guardian, “It’s a very sad time for British politics. As a Scottish Muslim, it will affect me the same as it will affect everyone else. I feel that Muslims have actively engaged in this campaign where young people have rallied together. I voted to remain in the European Union and I will most definitely be voting yes in the next Scottish referendum and working to ensure we return to the EU. 21 year old Hassan Qadri from York said, “It seems Project Hate has become Project Reality and has caused an unbridgeable chasm within society. The relentless fear-mongering,

Cllr Rishi Madlani

deceit and lies of the leave campaign have made this a dark time for British Muslims.”

Mahmud 49 year-old Choudry from London said, “The day after the result I was at Heston services for a coffee when I saw a car with a St George flag stuck on its side. Three white males, a woman and a small child saw me get out of my car, and one of them turned his back to me and shouted “fucking immigrants, we voted out!” “...This is the first openly racist incident I have encountered in over 30 years and it’s sadly looking like it is not just me....”

Remain campaigner Shazia Awan, a Welsh businesswoman, was told to "pack her bags and go home"

following the vote to leave the EU won by a majority on Friday.

She had written on Twitter: "Don't see how this country can heal itself. The UK is my home yet I feel alienated," to which a twitter user, responded: "Great news...you can pack your bags, you're going home...BYE THEN." In shock, she tweeted: "Campaign was vile and racist. #Euref has ruined country forever – someone just even told me to go home and am born in the UK." Awan also told the Independent she witnessed a white man calling a woman a "n*****" in Cardiff after she accused her of voting to stay in Europe and the victim had felt that she could not report it as a hate crime.

"Every ethnic minority, every 0decent person, everyone who is in a mixed race relationship or from a black, Asian minority ethnic background are going to feel this now,”she said.

A worried mother on Friday tweeted how her daughter saw a Muslim girl was targeted by a group of boys in Birmingham telling her to leave the country.

Other incidents included a British-born Asian who contacted a London radio talk show who claimed she

The people have spoken: Brexit it will be Dr Premen Addy The result of the Brexit election is certain to have a far-reaching fallout – for Britain, Europe and the world. First, it has reaffirmed the strength of British democracy. To have withstood the blandishments of the domestic and EU establishments the scaremongering might of the captains of industry, the big banks, the mostly failed politicians with their rancid shibboleths and clichés and spurious cajolery, is no mean feat. The people have risen, the people will not be bullied into subservience.

Britain witnessed its truly great eras in a non-EU world. Initially, it was the European Community, then the European Market – a trading bloc of sovereign nations Britain joined.

The European Union mutated into a political orgaization in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with the Maastricht Treaty and much else. Today, it a cartel of German banks and big business, and a stalking horse for the American Empire.

Membership of EU meant signing up to a broader package of Nato’s eastward expansion to the border of Russia and the very real possibility of

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another devastating war.

This is what George Kennan, the foremost American diplomat-scholar of the twentieth century warned against before his death in 1998. Now, Henry Kissinger has added his experienced voice to Kennan’s.

Euro sceptic opinion is spreading across Europe – a simmering fire now threatening to explode into an uncontrollable blaze later.

Greece, Italy, Hungary, Spain and France, not speak of Holland, and even Germany itself, are in varying states of disillusionment with European Union.

Many in the Remain party, driven by Cold War appetites perceived the EU as an instrument to bait the Russian bear.

David Cameron drew a parallel between the jihadi ISIS leader Baghdadi and President Putin, when the latter had made no public comment on the British referendum or its likely outcome. What need was there to make such provocative remarks and cause needless antagonism?

Mikhail Gorbachev, who did most to end the Cold War, lamented recently that American triumphalism had initiated the breakdown in Russia’s

relations with the West.

Messrs Cameron and Hammond played the Russophobic card with tireless zeal, but Russia is not to be confused with a banana republic of a Gulf sheikhdom to kick around.

Russia is a Great Power with great military might at its disposal.

Sir Henry Tizzard, the Scientific Adviser to the British Government prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, who had presided over the invention of radar, to which his country owed most for the victory in the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940, wrote a memo for Prime Minister Attlee in the aftermath of the war with Germany. He wrote: ‘We are not a Great Power and never will be again. We are a great nation, but if we continue to behave like a Great Power again we shall cease to be a great nation.’

For this wise counsel Tizzard was sacked and cast outside the pale.

The Brexit vote has given Britain an opportunity to be reunited with world and be great once more.

(The author is an academic, currently based in India; previously associated with Oxford University in the UK, as a professor of History)

Shazia Awan

was harassed by a man bellowing nationalist slogans whilst shopping with her child and reports of Muslim schools being targeted for low-level abuse.

Cambridgeshire Police are also investigating after signs reading 'Leave the EU - No more Polish vermin' were posted through doors in shocking post-referendum racism.Laminated cards were reportedly delivered to members of the Polish community in H u n t i n g d o n , Cambridgeshire.Meanwhile an account on Twitter has been set up, entitled Post Ref Racism, for people to report the rise in racism in the UK following the Brexit vote.

A Labour councillor has claimed he was questioned on why he should be able to vote in the EU referendum because he “doesn’t look English”. The Evening

Standard reported, Rishi Madlani, 34, who has represented Bloomsbury since 2014, said he was challenged on his eligibility to vote while canvassing at University College London.

On Thursday, Mr Madlani was at Ramsay Hall polling station in Maple Street, near Tottenham Court Road, when he asked a man for his polling number but was refused.

He said the man, who he believed was in his 30s, walked off but then returned and asked him why he was allowed to vote.

Mr Madlani told the Standard: “He hung back to wait until I was on my own and asked me why I should have a say because I wasn’t British. I told him I was born and bred in Britain and he said to me, well you don’t look English...”

An older woman was spotted to tell a young Polish woman and her baby to get off and get packing. Less than 20 hours after Brexit results were announced.

A South Asian man was called 'a Paki c*nt in a suit' by a homeless man. Outside a 78% Muslim school, a man was seen standing making victory signs at families walking past. Many more of such incidents were reported. Sadiq Khan urged Londoners to "stand guard" against hate crime following Britain's decision to withdraw from the European

Union. The Mayor joined Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe to warn there would be a "zero tolerance" approach to xenophobic attacks.

The anti-Muslim hate monitoring group ‘Tell Mama’ found a 326% increase rise in Islamophobic incidents since last year and the Muslim Council of Britain recorded a dossier of over 100 hate crimes over this weekend alone.

Shopworkers’ trade union John Hannett leader expressed deep concern about reports of threats and abuse against migrant workers and people from minority ethnic groups and called for calm and respect.

Commenting in response to reports of racist incidents following the EU referendum, David Isaac, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: "Britain has a strong and proud history of valuing diversity and challenging hatred and intolerance. We have important laws to protect people from discrimination, harassment and hate crime. Those who breach the rights of others should be challenged and held to account, and hate incidents should be reported to the police.”

If you have suffered abuse, you can report to 101.

(13.62%); Crawley: Turnout: 53,835 (73.18%).

Leave Majority 9,059 (16.83%); Epsom & Ewell: Turnout: 45,303 (80.36%).

Remain Majority 1,889 (4.17%); Guilford: Turnout: 78,613 (73.97%). Remain Majority 9,697 (12.34%); Milton Keynes: Turnout: 130,456 (73.61%). Leave Majority 3,670 (2.81%); Slough: Turnout: 54,542 (62.07%). Leave Majority 4,720 (8.65%); Reading: Turnout: 74,767 (72.47%).

Remain Majority 12,003 (16.05%); Swindon: Turnout: 112,965 (75.83%).

Leave Majority 10,525 (9.32%); Cardiff: Turnout: 169,604 (69.60%). Remain Majority 33,972 (20.03%); Swansea: Turnout: 120,243 (69.52%). Leave Majority 3,629 (3.02%); Birmingham: Turnout: 450,702 (63.73%). Leave Majority 3,800 (0.84%); Coventry: Turnout: 153,064 (69.19%). Leave Majority 17,130 (11.19%); Dudley: Turnout: 175,226 (71.67%).

Leave Majority 61,666 (35.19%); Rugby: Turnout: 58,549 (78.98%). Leave Majority 7,849 (13.41%); Solihull: Turnout: 121,950 (76.02%). Leave Majority 15,018 (12.31%); Walsall: Turnout: 135,579 (69.63%).

Leave Majority 48,435 (35.72%); Bradford:

Turnout: 228,488 (66.65%).

Leave Majority 19,338 (8.46%); Leeds: Turnout: 387,337 (71.33%). Remain Majority 2,389 (0.62%); Sheffield: Turnout: 266,753 (67.87%). Leave Majority 5,283 (1.98%); York: Turnout: 109,600 (70.64%).

Remain Majority 17,634 (16.09%)

HOW ASIANS HAVE VOTED

On Thursday the voters made the biggest decision on the country's future. By Friday the nation woke to the news that the we decided to leave the EU. We have selected few of the Asian dominant places at random out of the 382 local authorities to give a snapshot of the vote.

Asian strongholds nationwide

Luton: Turnout: 84,481 (66.21%). Leave Majority 11,065 (13.10%); Watford: Turnout: 46,586 (71.62%).

Leave Majority 252 (0.54%); Leicester: Turnout: 138,972 (65.00%). Remain Majority 2,988 (2.15%); Bolton: Turnout: 138,080 (70.06%).

Leave Majority 22,902 (16.59%); Burnley: Turnout: 43,316 (67.19%). Leave Majority 14,392 (33.23%);Liverpool: Turnout: 203,554 (64.03%).

Remain Majority 33,352 (16.38%);Manchester: Turnout: 201,814 (59.70%).

Remain Majority 41,832 (20.73%); Oldham: Turnout: 107,403 (67.94%).

Leave Majority 23,335 (21.73%); Preston Turnout: 64,745 (68.67%). Leave Majority 4,291 (6.63%); Rochdale: Turnout: 103,231 (65.92%). Leave Majority 20,797 (20.15%); Salford: Turnout: 109,815 (63.23%).

Leave Majority 14,955

Asian areas in London

Barking & Dagenham: Turnout: 73,880 (63.80%).

Leave Majority 18,380 (24.88%); Barnet: Turnout: 161,033 (72.06%). Remain Majority 39,387 (24.46%); Brent: Turnout: 121,404 (65.01%). Remain Majority 23,642 (19.47%); Bromley: Turnout: 182,432 (78.81%).

Remain Majority 2,364 (1.30%); Croydon: Turnout: 171,134 (69.76%). Remain Majority 14,692 (8.59%); Ealing: Turnout: 149,041 (69.98%). Remain Majority 31,007 (20.80%); Harrow: Turnout: 117,225 (72.19%).

Remain Majority 10,859 (9.26%); Hillingdon: Turnout: 133,022 (68.91%).

Leave Majority 16,942 (12.74%); Hounslow: Turnout: 115,076 (69.73%).

Remain Majority 2,434 (2.12%); Lewisham: Turnout: 124,473 (63.02%).

Remain Majority 49,437 (39.72%); Newham: Turnout: 104,699 (59.17%).

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

17

Indians in the UK divided on Britain's future outside EU Rupanjana Dutta The morning of 24 June came as a shock to many Britons, while some jubilated the victory of the Leave campaign, calling it 'Britain's independence', many shuddered in hopelessness and fear of what would come next. The pound and the market came crashing down, the banks in utter chaos- triggering paranoia in the City of London.

While many Indian companies have reassured that their business relation with the UK remains the same as ever, it is interesting to note, that many South Asian populated areas in the UK such as Birmingham, Bradford, Milton Keynes, Luton have actually voted to leave the EU. The resignation of David Cameron has also raised many questions- especially the question of a fresh leadership to steer this huge ship with no radar at the moment- the contestants being ex London Mayor and current MP Boris Johnson and MP Michael Gove. It is evidential Boris may have an edge above the other among Indians- with his India connection- especially a barrister wife Marina, who is half Indian.

The 48% of voters who wished to Remain in the European Union are so mortified by the Leave result that a parliamentary petition calling for a second referendum has been reportedly set up.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Tania Mitra Ghosh said, “David Cameron is on his way out. Well played Boris (leave campaign leader). Political ambitions seem to have over taken everything else.”

Ranjana Datta said, “This has been an absolute political, social and economic earthquake. Now Scotland will again demand a referendum, then may be Wales will follow or perhaps Northern Ireland. We will

crumble like a pack of cards. Unbelievable.

Now thousands of pounds will be spent to get experts and put the house in orderwhich will cost us tax payers more and more money. I fear another recession is on its way.”

Vikram Balan, told the newspaper, “This is a pretty clear signal for all clearly unwelcome migrants to get out. This is becoming a closed inward looking country.

Cameron's call for the Referendum has appeared to the concept of democracy. 52% have wanted this...Sad result though.”

Tikendra Dewan, a Retired Major in the Gurkha regiment said, “The UK has decided or at least England and Wales have decided to exit Europe. I feel it has been a pure emotional tidal wave led by the heart that won this referendum.

Here I pause to salute the Scottish people who despite valid grounds for independence chose to remain United and once again chose to remain within the EU framework. What next if a second referendum for independence is called for? This also now begs the question on Northern Ireland’s position.

“The only pure winner in this whole campaign is Nigel Farage, a man who lost his seat in 2015 and hopes for entry through the back door by immediately pronouncing a need for a Brexit government.

“The time has come for real, genuine, radical political reform” Nigel Farage said after losing his seat at Thanet South, 2015. Skip the pronunciation and his true ploy of real genuine radical political reform seems to have worked for him in this referendum.

And only 2 to 3 hours after the results were announced when questioned by Susanna on the ITV Good Morning programme

whether the £350m that goes to Europe will now go to the NHS, with a straight face his reply was NO and that it was a mistake made by the Leave party!!

“It is undeniable that Immigration swayed the poll. The Remain camp should have taken a more serious and robust response to this crisis. Jeremy Corbyn’s weak response to Andrew Marr’s question on immigration that there could be no limit imposed, reconfirmed his Labour followers’ fear. David Cameron too could not produce a confirmed answer to the problem.

Agreeing to the EU’s imposition that UK would honour the open door policy only if backed by a welfare fund from the Central EU Funds to assist the numbers flowing in could perhaps have been a solution? The overwhelming turn up of voters confirm this fear and had even 4% from the 28% that did not bother to turn up voted to Remain it would have been a different story today.

“There were many Nostradamus on both sides, we must therefore remain united and stronger than ever before to fight the predicted doom. The strength of the UK lies in its democracy, generosity, unity and firm belief in victory and it is every citizen’s responsibility to fight for these beliefs.”

But then not all Asians are skeptical of Britain's future outside the EU as an antiimmigrant, a racist or xenophobic nation.

Tanu Kurein told the newspaper, “This has nothing to do with migrants. It's about regulating free access to public funds and making a decision as a nation of how you'll run your country. Refuge and asylum was never the question. It'll be business as usual for non EU nationals. It also means that non EU nationals now have an equal chance to apply for jobs in the UK. Also just because UK is out of a free economic trade zone it doesn't mean that

they'll stop doing business. Have you seen the number of BMW'S, Mercedes and Audi's on the road? You think Germany will want to lose that revenue? Once the dust settle it will be business as usual. Or possibly at a better level. Status quo is not always the best answer.”

Similarly Bharat Vaswani added, “I voted leave and I have no issue with migrants. I am one too. This changes the playing field and I think it will be better for the UK in the long run. UK has business, innovation and a strong currency. Also it's not that UK has split from Europe, it has chosen not to be a part of a unions. Now let's hope that divisive politicians like Nicola Sturgeon would not try and milk this to actually split the country.”

Ujjaini Ghosh said, “Singapore faced a similar dilemma on separating from Malaysia in 1965, needless to say it did well under a prolific leadership of Lee Kuan Yew. What matters is who will lead Britain now? What is the underlying philosophy or strategy to be adopted by Britain?”

Nishma Gosrani added, “The British people have voted to leave the EU and their view must be respected. What's important now is that we reunite the country, we stabilise the markets and the economy and we reassure our allies that Britain is not turning its back on the world. We need to respect the democratic outcome of this referendum. (In my view, the referendum should have never taken place).

“However, with change comes a period of uneasiness, followed by huge opportunities.

Time to venture ahead into unexplored territories, find the opportunities, and secure a great future for GREAT Britain...”

United we stand, divided we fall Dhiren Katwa The Midlands played a key role in pushing the UK towards a surprise ‘leave’ vote in last Friday’s referendum on membership of the European Union. Our roving reporter Dhiren Katwa gauged the reaction of his fellow Brummies, and of those in neighbouring areas.

In the West Midlands, 59.3% of voters chose to go, along with 58.3% in the East Midlands – the two biggest ‘leave’ results in the entire country. Perhaps the most surprising result came in Birmingham – which voted for leave by a margin of just 3 , 0 0 0 .

According to polling by Lord Ashcroft, younger voters were much more likely to vote Remain than older voters. Overall, seventy-three per cent of 18 to 24 year-olds, voted ‘remain’.

Among this group, gap year student and aspiring dentist Jay Majevadia, aged 19, from

Birmingham, said: “I feel we would’ve been stronger and more stable as a member of the EU. It would’ve allowed students like myself to have greater job prospects, and visiting EU countries would’ve been much cheaper.”

Another ‘remain’ voter, T y r o n e Mitchell, 23, from Solihull, said: “It’s a mighty shame that we have just dissolved years of unity being in the EU, an ill-informed decision, I think. We are really little now. A massive backwards step that will solve none of the issues they hoped to remedy yet create many more that weren’t even considered.”

Suki from Birmingham who works in Hospitality believes “Britain gives false promises”. She had this to say: “United is stronger, we’ve much to learn from Sweden on work-life balance.

We need tougher sentences on crime, cleaner streets, improve Councils, control immigration, job security, better hospitals, schools, GP

surgeries and care homes.

Pension age needs to be 65.”

D a v i d Francis, a branch manager from Chelmsley W o o d , Birmingham, voted ‘Leave’. He explained: “Something so pivotal was always going to be divisive.

But the price of democracy is priceless. The people affected are working class and not the rich. The EU has changed many communities. Freedom of speech has perished. The referendum was to bring power back to the people.”

Tanveer Ahmed, a car dealership owner from Small Heath in Birmingham, chose not to vote. He was of the view that ‘remain’ would triumph. “I’d grossly underestimated the result,” he said. “When united, we’re safer and stronger, we can move around in Europe without restrictions.

I’m disappointed at the result, not a good idea at all.”

Jas Sansi, a professional photographer from

Handsworth W o o d , Birmingham, said: “We can only play the cards we are dealt. We have to face this challenge head on. The world goes on with us and without us. We will continue to produce the highest quality products and services and we remind the world, we are still here, still a trading partner.”

Piali Ray OBE, Director of Sampad, the Birminghambased South Asian arts organisation, said: “The referendum result is not what we expected.

However, we respect the democratic process and will work to ensure the best outcomes for the arts, and the South Asian arts sector.” She described the campaign as “clearly divisive” and said it had highlighted the disparity and inequalities across the nation – economically and culturally. “Only by working together on both sides of the Brexit divide can we maintain a tolerant and accepting society which we are happy

and proud to be part of,” she added.

Dr Jeff Shi from Wolverhampton, a ‘remain’ voter, said he was not surprised at the result. “The fact that we were presented with a ‘win’ or ‘lose’ situation, created a biased campaign, which was unhelpful. The result has caused chaos. Ultimately, ordinary citizens, the working class, will continue to suffer.”

J a f f e r K a p a s i , Honorary Consul General of Uganda in the Midlands, who voted ‘remain’ believes we are “a very divided country now”.

He explained: “Previously it was North and South. Now, Brexit and Remain. The result has created turmoil and chaos in both main political parties. There’s upheaval in Europe with some countries wanting us out immediately.” Mr Kapasi, who lives in Leicester, believes that the North East, Northern

Ireland and the East Midlands will be hardest hit by any increased barriers to trade with the EU and is of the opinion that uncertainty in business will mean entrepreneurs will not decide to invest or defer investment.

Sindhu Patil from Kings H e a t h , Birmingham, who works in H i g h e r Education, voted ‘remain’ “because having looked at the pros and cons of each it seemed the best choice. Also, I was aware of how much Birmingham had benefitted from the EU funding as had other parts of the country”.

So, what next? There will be no immediate change on the ground. A long period of negotiation lies ahead. We will remain a member of the EU until we leave it. The EU laws and policies that we implement will continue to apply until they cease to have effect. For better, or for worse, only time will tell whether our historic decision to leave the EU was a good one, or not.

16

BREXIT

Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Immigrants face racist backlash post-Brexit Evidence is emerging of an increase in racist incidents in the wake of the Brexit vote. There have been more than 100 reports of racist incidents since Friday, causing alarm about increasing racial, religious and ethnic tensions. There have been instances of Muslims targeted in racist acts across Wales and in Birmingham. During a Channel 4 news interview, a voter in Barnsley, where the leave vote was nearly 70%, said he wanted “to stop Muslims coming to this country. Simple as that”.

Jahura Hussain, a 20 year old Scottish Muslim from Edinburh told the Guardian, “It’s a very sad time for British politics. As a Scottish Muslim, it will affect me the same as it will affect everyone else. I feel that Muslims have actively engaged in this campaign where young people have rallied together. I voted to remain in the European Union and I will most definitely be voting yes in the next Scottish referendum and working to ensure we return to the EU. 21 year old Hassan Qadri from York said, “It seems Project Hate has become Project Reality and has caused an unbridgeable chasm within society. The relentless fear-mongering,

Cllr Rishi Madlani

deceit and lies of the leave campaign have made this a dark time for British Muslims.”

Mahmud 49 year-old Choudry from London said, “The day after the result I was at Heston services for a coffee when I saw a car with a St George flag stuck on its side. Three white males, a woman and a small child saw me get out of my car, and one of them turned his back to me and shouted “fucking immigrants, we voted out!” “...This is the first openly racist incident I have encountered in over 30 years and it’s sadly looking like it is not just me....”

Remain campaigner Shazia Awan, a Welsh businesswoman, was told to "pack her bags and go home"

following the vote to leave the EU won by a majority on Friday.

She had written on Twitter: "Don't see how this country can heal itself. The UK is my home yet I feel alienated," to which a twitter user, responded: "Great news...you can pack your bags, you're going home...BYE THEN." In shock, she tweeted: "Campaign was vile and racist. #Euref has ruined country forever – someone just even told me to go home and am born in the UK." Awan also told the Independent she witnessed a white man calling a woman a "n*****" in Cardiff after she accused her of voting to stay in Europe and the victim had felt that she could not report it as a hate crime.

"Every ethnic minority, every 0decent person, everyone who is in a mixed race relationship or from a black, Asian minority ethnic background are going to feel this now,”she said.

A worried mother on Friday tweeted how her daughter saw a Muslim girl was targeted by a group of boys in Birmingham telling her to leave the country.

Other incidents included a British-born Asian who contacted a London radio talk show who claimed she

The people have spoken: Brexit it will be Dr Premen Addy The result of the Brexit election is certain to have a far-reaching fallout – for Britain, Europe and the world. First, it has reaffirmed the strength of British democracy. To have withstood the blandishments of the domestic and EU establishments the scaremongering might of the captains of industry, the big banks, the mostly failed politicians with their rancid shibboleths and clichés and spurious cajolery, is no mean feat. The people have risen, the people will not be bullied into subservience.

Britain witnessed its truly great eras in a non-EU world. Initially, it was the European Community, then the European Market – a trading bloc of sovereign nations Britain joined.

The European Union mutated into a political orgaization in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with the Maastricht Treaty and much else. Today, it a cartel of German banks and big business, and a stalking horse for the American Empire.

Membership of EU meant signing up to a broader package of Nato’s eastward expansion to the border of Russia and the very real possibility of

BREXIT Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

another devastating war.

This is what George Kennan, the foremost American diplomat-scholar of the twentieth century warned against before his death in 1998. Now, Henry Kissinger has added his experienced voice to Kennan’s.

Euro sceptic opinion is spreading across Europe – a simmering fire now threatening to explode into an uncontrollable blaze later.

Greece, Italy, Hungary, Spain and France, not speak of Holland, and even Germany itself, are in varying states of disillusionment with European Union.

Many in the Remain party, driven by Cold War appetites perceived the EU as an instrument to bait the Russian bear.

David Cameron drew a parallel between the jihadi ISIS leader Baghdadi and President Putin, when the latter had made no public comment on the British referendum or its likely outcome. What need was there to make such provocative remarks and cause needless antagonism?

Mikhail Gorbachev, who did most to end the Cold War, lamented recently that American triumphalism had initiated the breakdown in Russia’s

relations with the West.

Messrs Cameron and Hammond played the Russophobic card with tireless zeal, but Russia is not to be confused with a banana republic of a Gulf sheikhdom to kick around.

Russia is a Great Power with great military might at its disposal.

Sir Henry Tizzard, the Scientific Adviser to the British Government prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, who had presided over the invention of radar, to which his country owed most for the victory in the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940, wrote a memo for Prime Minister Attlee in the aftermath of the war with Germany. He wrote: ‘We are not a Great Power and never will be again. We are a great nation, but if we continue to behave like a Great Power again we shall cease to be a great nation.’

For this wise counsel Tizzard was sacked and cast outside the pale.

The Brexit vote has given Britain an opportunity to be reunited with world and be great once more.

(The author is an academic, currently based in India; previously associated with Oxford University in the UK, as a professor of History)

Shazia Awan

was harassed by a man bellowing nationalist slogans whilst shopping with her child and reports of Muslim schools being targeted for low-level abuse.

Cambridgeshire Police are also investigating after signs reading 'Leave the EU - No more Polish vermin' were posted through doors in shocking post-referendum racism.Laminated cards were reportedly delivered to members of the Polish community in H u n t i n g d o n , Cambridgeshire.Meanwhile an account on Twitter has been set up, entitled Post Ref Racism, for people to report the rise in racism in the UK following the Brexit vote.

A Labour councillor has claimed he was questioned on why he should be able to vote in the EU referendum because he “doesn’t look English”. The Evening

Standard reported, Rishi Madlani, 34, who has represented Bloomsbury since 2014, said he was challenged on his eligibility to vote while canvassing at University College London.

On Thursday, Mr Madlani was at Ramsay Hall polling station in Maple Street, near Tottenham Court Road, when he asked a man for his polling number but was refused.

He said the man, who he believed was in his 30s, walked off but then returned and asked him why he was allowed to vote.

Mr Madlani told the Standard: “He hung back to wait until I was on my own and asked me why I should have a say because I wasn’t British. I told him I was born and bred in Britain and he said to me, well you don’t look English...”

An older woman was spotted to tell a young Polish woman and her baby to get off and get packing. Less than 20 hours after Brexit results were announced.

A South Asian man was called 'a Paki c*nt in a suit' by a homeless man. Outside a 78% Muslim school, a man was seen standing making victory signs at families walking past. Many more of such incidents were reported. Sadiq Khan urged Londoners to "stand guard" against hate crime following Britain's decision to withdraw from the European

Union. The Mayor joined Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe to warn there would be a "zero tolerance" approach to xenophobic attacks.

The anti-Muslim hate monitoring group ‘Tell Mama’ found a 326% increase rise in Islamophobic incidents since last year and the Muslim Council of Britain recorded a dossier of over 100 hate crimes over this weekend alone.

Shopworkers’ trade union John Hannett leader expressed deep concern about reports of threats and abuse against migrant workers and people from minority ethnic groups and called for calm and respect.

Commenting in response to reports of racist incidents following the EU referendum, David Isaac, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: "Britain has a strong and proud history of valuing diversity and challenging hatred and intolerance. We have important laws to protect people from discrimination, harassment and hate crime. Those who breach the rights of others should be challenged and held to account, and hate incidents should be reported to the police.”

If you have suffered abuse, you can report to 101.

(13.62%); Crawley: Turnout: 53,835 (73.18%).

Leave Majority 9,059 (16.83%); Epsom & Ewell: Turnout: 45,303 (80.36%).

Remain Majority 1,889 (4.17%); Guilford: Turnout: 78,613 (73.97%). Remain Majority 9,697 (12.34%); Milton Keynes: Turnout: 130,456 (73.61%). Leave Majority 3,670 (2.81%); Slough: Turnout: 54,542 (62.07%). Leave Majority 4,720 (8.65%); Reading: Turnout: 74,767 (72.47%).

Remain Majority 12,003 (16.05%); Swindon: Turnout: 112,965 (75.83%).

Leave Majority 10,525 (9.32%); Cardiff: Turnout: 169,604 (69.60%). Remain Majority 33,972 (20.03%); Swansea: Turnout: 120,243 (69.52%). Leave Majority 3,629 (3.02%); Birmingham: Turnout: 450,702 (63.73%). Leave Majority 3,800 (0.84%); Coventry: Turnout: 153,064 (69.19%). Leave Majority 17,130 (11.19%); Dudley: Turnout: 175,226 (71.67%).

Leave Majority 61,666 (35.19%); Rugby: Turnout: 58,549 (78.98%). Leave Majority 7,849 (13.41%); Solihull: Turnout: 121,950 (76.02%). Leave Majority 15,018 (12.31%); Walsall: Turnout: 135,579 (69.63%).

Leave Majority 48,435 (35.72%); Bradford:

Turnout: 228,488 (66.65%).

Leave Majority 19,338 (8.46%); Leeds: Turnout: 387,337 (71.33%). Remain Majority 2,389 (0.62%); Sheffield: Turnout: 266,753 (67.87%). Leave Majority 5,283 (1.98%); York: Turnout: 109,600 (70.64%).

Remain Majority 17,634 (16.09%)

HOW ASIANS HAVE VOTED

On Thursday the voters made the biggest decision on the country's future. By Friday the nation woke to the news that the we decided to leave the EU. We have selected few of the Asian dominant places at random out of the 382 local authorities to give a snapshot of the vote.

Asian strongholds nationwide

Luton: Turnout: 84,481 (66.21%). Leave Majority 11,065 (13.10%); Watford: Turnout: 46,586 (71.62%).

Leave Majority 252 (0.54%); Leicester: Turnout: 138,972 (65.00%). Remain Majority 2,988 (2.15%); Bolton: Turnout: 138,080 (70.06%).

Leave Majority 22,902 (16.59%); Burnley: Turnout: 43,316 (67.19%). Leave Majority 14,392 (33.23%);Liverpool: Turnout: 203,554 (64.03%).

Remain Majority 33,352 (16.38%);Manchester: Turnout: 201,814 (59.70%).

Remain Majority 41,832 (20.73%); Oldham: Turnout: 107,403 (67.94%).

Leave Majority 23,335 (21.73%); Preston Turnout: 64,745 (68.67%). Leave Majority 4,291 (6.63%); Rochdale: Turnout: 103,231 (65.92%). Leave Majority 20,797 (20.15%); Salford: Turnout: 109,815 (63.23%).

Leave Majority 14,955

Asian areas in London

Barking & Dagenham: Turnout: 73,880 (63.80%).

Leave Majority 18,380 (24.88%); Barnet: Turnout: 161,033 (72.06%). Remain Majority 39,387 (24.46%); Brent: Turnout: 121,404 (65.01%). Remain Majority 23,642 (19.47%); Bromley: Turnout: 182,432 (78.81%).

Remain Majority 2,364 (1.30%); Croydon: Turnout: 171,134 (69.76%). Remain Majority 14,692 (8.59%); Ealing: Turnout: 149,041 (69.98%). Remain Majority 31,007 (20.80%); Harrow: Turnout: 117,225 (72.19%).

Remain Majority 10,859 (9.26%); Hillingdon: Turnout: 133,022 (68.91%).

Leave Majority 16,942 (12.74%); Hounslow: Turnout: 115,076 (69.73%).

Remain Majority 2,434 (2.12%); Lewisham: Turnout: 124,473 (63.02%).

Remain Majority 49,437 (39.72%); Newham: Turnout: 104,699 (59.17%).

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

17

Indians in the UK divided on Britain's future outside EU Rupanjana Dutta The morning of 24 June came as a shock to many Britons, while some jubilated the victory of the Leave campaign, calling it 'Britain's independence', many shuddered in hopelessness and fear of what would come next. The pound and the market came crashing down, the banks in utter chaos- triggering paranoia in the City of London.

While many Indian companies have reassured that their business relation with the UK remains the same as ever, it is interesting to note, that many South Asian populated areas in the UK such as Birmingham, Bradford, Milton Keynes, Luton have actually voted to leave the EU. The resignation of David Cameron has also raised many questions- especially the question of a fresh leadership to steer this huge ship with no radar at the moment- the contestants being ex London Mayor and current MP Boris Johnson and MP Michael Gove. It is evidential Boris may have an edge above the other among Indians- with his India connection- especially a barrister wife Marina, who is half Indian.

The 48% of voters who wished to Remain in the European Union are so mortified by the Leave result that a parliamentary petition calling for a second referendum has been reportedly set up.

Speaking to Asian Voice, Tania Mitra Ghosh said, “David Cameron is on his way out. Well played Boris (leave campaign leader). Political ambitions seem to have over taken everything else.”

Ranjana Datta said, “This has been an absolute political, social and economic earthquake. Now Scotland will again demand a referendum, then may be Wales will follow or perhaps Northern Ireland. We will

crumble like a pack of cards. Unbelievable.

Now thousands of pounds will be spent to get experts and put the house in orderwhich will cost us tax payers more and more money. I fear another recession is on its way.”

Vikram Balan, told the newspaper, “This is a pretty clear signal for all clearly unwelcome migrants to get out. This is becoming a closed inward looking country.

Cameron's call for the Referendum has appeared to the concept of democracy. 52% have wanted this...Sad result though.”

Tikendra Dewan, a Retired Major in the Gurkha regiment said, “The UK has decided or at least England and Wales have decided to exit Europe. I feel it has been a pure emotional tidal wave led by the heart that won this referendum.

Here I pause to salute the Scottish people who despite valid grounds for independence chose to remain United and once again chose to remain within the EU framework. What next if a second referendum for independence is called for? This also now begs the question on Northern Ireland’s position.

“The only pure winner in this whole campaign is Nigel Farage, a man who lost his seat in 2015 and hopes for entry through the back door by immediately pronouncing a need for a Brexit government.

“The time has come for real, genuine, radical political reform” Nigel Farage said after losing his seat at Thanet South, 2015. Skip the pronunciation and his true ploy of real genuine radical political reform seems to have worked for him in this referendum.

And only 2 to 3 hours after the results were announced when questioned by Susanna on the ITV Good Morning programme

whether the £350m that goes to Europe will now go to the NHS, with a straight face his reply was NO and that it was a mistake made by the Leave party!!

“It is undeniable that Immigration swayed the poll. The Remain camp should have taken a more serious and robust response to this crisis. Jeremy Corbyn’s weak response to Andrew Marr’s question on immigration that there could be no limit imposed, reconfirmed his Labour followers’ fear. David Cameron too could not produce a confirmed answer to the problem.

Agreeing to the EU’s imposition that UK would honour the open door policy only if backed by a welfare fund from the Central EU Funds to assist the numbers flowing in could perhaps have been a solution? The overwhelming turn up of voters confirm this fear and had even 4% from the 28% that did not bother to turn up voted to Remain it would have been a different story today.

“There were many Nostradamus on both sides, we must therefore remain united and stronger than ever before to fight the predicted doom. The strength of the UK lies in its democracy, generosity, unity and firm belief in victory and it is every citizen’s responsibility to fight for these beliefs.”

But then not all Asians are skeptical of Britain's future outside the EU as an antiimmigrant, a racist or xenophobic nation.

Tanu Kurein told the newspaper, “This has nothing to do with migrants. It's about regulating free access to public funds and making a decision as a nation of how you'll run your country. Refuge and asylum was never the question. It'll be business as usual for non EU nationals. It also means that non EU nationals now have an equal chance to apply for jobs in the UK. Also just because UK is out of a free economic trade zone it doesn't mean that

they'll stop doing business. Have you seen the number of BMW'S, Mercedes and Audi's on the road? You think Germany will want to lose that revenue? Once the dust settle it will be business as usual. Or possibly at a better level. Status quo is not always the best answer.”

Similarly Bharat Vaswani added, “I voted leave and I have no issue with migrants. I am one too. This changes the playing field and I think it will be better for the UK in the long run. UK has business, innovation and a strong currency. Also it's not that UK has split from Europe, it has chosen not to be a part of a unions. Now let's hope that divisive politicians like Nicola Sturgeon would not try and milk this to actually split the country.”

Ujjaini Ghosh said, “Singapore faced a similar dilemma on separating from Malaysia in 1965, needless to say it did well under a prolific leadership of Lee Kuan Yew. What matters is who will lead Britain now? What is the underlying philosophy or strategy to be adopted by Britain?”

Nishma Gosrani added, “The British people have voted to leave the EU and their view must be respected. What's important now is that we reunite the country, we stabilise the markets and the economy and we reassure our allies that Britain is not turning its back on the world. We need to respect the democratic outcome of this referendum. (In my view, the referendum should have never taken place).

“However, with change comes a period of uneasiness, followed by huge opportunities.

Time to venture ahead into unexplored territories, find the opportunities, and secure a great future for GREAT Britain...”

United we stand, divided we fall Dhiren Katwa The Midlands played a key role in pushing the UK towards a surprise ‘leave’ vote in last Friday’s referendum on membership of the European Union. Our roving reporter Dhiren Katwa gauged the reaction of his fellow Brummies, and of those in neighbouring areas.

In the West Midlands, 59.3% of voters chose to go, along with 58.3% in the East Midlands – the two biggest ‘leave’ results in the entire country. Perhaps the most surprising result came in Birmingham – which voted for leave by a margin of just 3 , 0 0 0 .

According to polling by Lord Ashcroft, younger voters were much more likely to vote Remain than older voters. Overall, seventy-three per cent of 18 to 24 year-olds, voted ‘remain’.

Among this group, gap year student and aspiring dentist Jay Majevadia, aged 19, from

Birmingham, said: “I feel we would’ve been stronger and more stable as a member of the EU. It would’ve allowed students like myself to have greater job prospects, and visiting EU countries would’ve been much cheaper.”

Another ‘remain’ voter, T y r o n e Mitchell, 23, from Solihull, said: “It’s a mighty shame that we have just dissolved years of unity being in the EU, an ill-informed decision, I think. We are really little now. A massive backwards step that will solve none of the issues they hoped to remedy yet create many more that weren’t even considered.”

Suki from Birmingham who works in Hospitality believes “Britain gives false promises”. She had this to say: “United is stronger, we’ve much to learn from Sweden on work-life balance.

We need tougher sentences on crime, cleaner streets, improve Councils, control immigration, job security, better hospitals, schools, GP

surgeries and care homes.

Pension age needs to be 65.”

D a v i d Francis, a branch manager from Chelmsley W o o d , Birmingham, voted ‘Leave’. He explained: “Something so pivotal was always going to be divisive.

But the price of democracy is priceless. The people affected are working class and not the rich. The EU has changed many communities. Freedom of speech has perished. The referendum was to bring power back to the people.”

Tanveer Ahmed, a car dealership owner from Small Heath in Birmingham, chose not to vote. He was of the view that ‘remain’ would triumph. “I’d grossly underestimated the result,” he said. “When united, we’re safer and stronger, we can move around in Europe without restrictions.

I’m disappointed at the result, not a good idea at all.”

Jas Sansi, a professional photographer from

Handsworth W o o d , Birmingham, said: “We can only play the cards we are dealt. We have to face this challenge head on. The world goes on with us and without us. We will continue to produce the highest quality products and services and we remind the world, we are still here, still a trading partner.”

Piali Ray OBE, Director of Sampad, the Birminghambased South Asian arts organisation, said: “The referendum result is not what we expected.

However, we respect the democratic process and will work to ensure the best outcomes for the arts, and the South Asian arts sector.” She described the campaign as “clearly divisive” and said it had highlighted the disparity and inequalities across the nation – economically and culturally. “Only by working together on both sides of the Brexit divide can we maintain a tolerant and accepting society which we are happy

and proud to be part of,” she added.

Dr Jeff Shi from Wolverhampton, a ‘remain’ voter, said he was not surprised at the result. “The fact that we were presented with a ‘win’ or ‘lose’ situation, created a biased campaign, which was unhelpful. The result has caused chaos. Ultimately, ordinary citizens, the working class, will continue to suffer.”

J a f f e r K a p a s i , Honorary Consul General of Uganda in the Midlands, who voted ‘remain’ believes we are “a very divided country now”.

He explained: “Previously it was North and South. Now, Brexit and Remain. The result has created turmoil and chaos in both main political parties. There’s upheaval in Europe with some countries wanting us out immediately.” Mr Kapasi, who lives in Leicester, believes that the North East, Northern

Ireland and the East Midlands will be hardest hit by any increased barriers to trade with the EU and is of the opinion that uncertainty in business will mean entrepreneurs will not decide to invest or defer investment.

Sindhu Patil from Kings H e a t h , Birmingham, who works in H i g h e r Education, voted ‘remain’ “because having looked at the pros and cons of each it seemed the best choice. Also, I was aware of how much Birmingham had benefitted from the EU funding as had other parts of the country”.

So, what next? There will be no immediate change on the ground. A long period of negotiation lies ahead. We will remain a member of the EU until we leave it. The EU laws and policies that we implement will continue to apply until they cease to have effect. For better, or for worse, only time will tell whether our historic decision to leave the EU was a good one, or not.

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BREXIT

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Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

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Students react to Brexit, share their perspective Those planning to come and study, holiday or even immigrating to the UK need not worry about Britain’s vote to leave the European Union, a study has revealed. Soon after Britain voted to leave the European Union and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced his decision to step down, Indian students gathered around tables at the British Council in New Delhi and began examining what ‘Brexit’ would mean for them. With the falling value of Pound it’s evidential that education and tourism in the UK is going to become cheap for outsiders.

A newspaper wrote, Naina Gautam who had visited the UK in 2014 reportedly said, “Never saw EU sticking together.”

Gautam said the “vibe was one of segregation” in the largest EU city, London.

Preparing for the civil

services examination, at the council library, the students debated aspects of the vote — political, economic and personal.

Tamanna, enrolled in a three-month course to study German at the Max Mueller Bhawan in Delhi.

She is learning German to join her brother in Munichsaid, “In the runup to the vote, there was a lot of talk about Britain’s xenophobia emerging from the migrant crisis across Europe, I wonder if that will translate to other European countries.”

Shatabdi Ghosh-laskar, Head Language Courses & Examinations at the centre, said the effects of the Brexit vote would largely be economic, rather than political or cultural.

About 300,000 foreign students study in Germany, of whom 11,860 are Indians, according to the German mission. Most German universities are

sponsored by the state to keep study-fees affordable, “and the number of scholarships available keep increasing”.

Dame Julia Goodfellow, President of Universities UK said: “Leaving the EU will create significant challenges for universities. Although this is not an outcome that we wished or campaigned for, we respect the decision of the UK electorate. We should remember that leaving the EU will not happen overnight – there will be a gradual exit process with significant opportunities to seek assurances and influence future policy.

“Throughout the transition period our focus will be on securing support that allows our universities to continue to be global in their outlook, internationally networked and an attractive destination for talented people from

across Europe. These features are central to ensuring that British universities continue to be the best in the world.

“Our first priority will be to convince the UK Government to take steps to ensure that staff and students from EU countries can continue to work and study at British universities in the long term, and to promote the UK as a welcoming destination for the brightest and best minds. They make a powerful contribution to university research and teaching and have a positive impact on the British economy and society. We will also prioritise securing opportunities for our researchers and students to access vital panEuropean programmes and build new global networks. Universities UK is the representative organisation for the UK's universities.

Britons already regret voting for 'Leave EU' With sheer panic caused after Brexit, many people have turned up regretting their decision to Vote Leave and looking for a way to 'undo' their votes, and help Britain remain in the EU. Awakening to a stock market plunge and a precipitous decline in the value of the pound that Britain hasn't seen in more than 30 years, voters now face a series of economic shocks that analysts say will only worsen before they improve. It has also created a fear of rising racism among the ethnic minority like the British Indians, Pakistanis or Bangladeshis. Many of them who are born and raised here, consider Britain to be their mother country, only identity and home, but are now anticipating a growing xenophobic and racist attitude towards them from white natives, after this historic event.

There have been many developments, including a petition to have a second EU Referendum (which has already reached over 2 million signatures), a second Scottish referendum and even have an independent London- outside UK and inside EU, a 'noconfidence' motion against Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn and a call for a general election instead of second referendum. There also have been murmurs of the possibility of Northern Ireland voting to join the Republic after their own votes went a similar way to the Scottish.

Sadly the Brexit votes have mostly come from age group 50-65 year olds in England and Wales, whereas most youngsters have consciously voted

remain are now blaming the older generation for playing with their futurethe future they will be part of, for longer. Some have claimed to have been duped by alleged ‘mistruths’ of the leave campaign, some who voted ‘Leave’ but never expected the campaign to win, now suggesting that they had “no real reason” to vote how they did.

Leave voter Adam admitted on national television that he didn’t think his ballot would matter and was beginning to regret his decision. In a segment during the BBC’s rolling coverage of events, Adam was introduced as a Leave voter and asked for his reaction.

He said: “I’m a bit shocked to be honest. I’m shocked that we voted for Leave, I didn’t think that was going to happen.

“I didn’t think my vote was going to matter too much because I thought we were just going to remain.”

Adam added: “The David Cameron resignation has blown me away to be honest and the period of uncertainty that we’re going to be magnified now so yeah, I’m quite worried.”

Another Brexiter, a girl appearing to be BritishIndian, interviewed at an airport by 5News, said if there were “one thing” she could do it would be to “go back to the polling station

and vote to stay”.

She said: “This morning the reality is actually hitting in and the regrets are filling in that we have actually left the EU. She added that most of her family had backed the Leave campaign but were also regretting their decision. “[We’re] very disappointed. The whole family this morning, even though the majority of us voted to leave, we are actually regretting it today.”

A tearful woman also revealed she felt “a bit sick” and had a “lump in her throat” after voting for Brexit.

Susan, a caller into James O’Brien’s LBC radio show, accused leading Brexit campaigners of ‘conning’ her with the pledge to invest the UK’s £350 million weekly contribution to the EU in the NHS instead.

The woman demanded that voters be balloted in a second referendum so they could vote properly.

“I do feel a bit sick,” she said. “This big lie, this £350m pounds a day that we’re told was going to go into the NHS. Why haven’t we - we’re being conned and we need another referendum.”

Besides these many other took to twitter to complain that they feel conned into voting 'leave'.

More alarming has been the ignorance of many Britons who were not only mystified by what would happen if they left the EU— many seemed not to even know what the European Union is, and taken google to find it, after voting has been over.

On the other hand, the Cornish council has issued

a plea for “protection” following the UK’s vote to leave the European Union.

Cornwall, which has a poor economy and as such has received millions of pounds in subsidies from the EU each year for over a decade, voted decisively to Leave. But this money is now threatened following the severing of ties with the EU. John Pollard, the leader of Cornwall council said: “Now that we know the UK will be leaving the EU we will be taking urgent steps to ensure that the UK Government protects Cornwall’s position in any negotiations.

“We will be insisting that Cornwall receives investment equal to that provided by the EU programme which has averaged £60m per year over the last ten years.”

European money has helped develop infrastructure, universities and broadband internet in the county. From 2007 to 2013, 654m was given to pay for these projects, the Financial Times reported.

But a statement on the council website posted on Friday said prior to the referendum said the county was reassured by the Leave side that withdrawing from the EU would not affect the funding already allocated by Brussels.

Leave campaigners also promised the county would not be worse off in terms of the investment it receives. “We are seeking urgent confirmation from Ministers that this is the case,” the statement added.

The council said they will now be studying the impact of Brexit on Cornwall, “now and in the future”.

How have students reacted in Britain?

By Marcus Parekh

After last Thursday earth-shattering referendum result, we went out and spoke to some students and young people, asking them for their reactions.

Arjun Alimchandani, student, 19 - I am truly afraid that the nation will become divided along many lines. Not only will the nation is likely to split into several different countries with the departure of Scotland, but also along ethnic, generational and socio-economic lines. Even on the night of the referendum, my father suffered some abuse on a pub, when some Leave voters shouted “Trust an immigrant to betray our country!”.

I’m worried that the Indian community will face more targeted abuse.

I also feel this is a tragic loss for young people, who will now struggle to build future relationships with their European partners. When I visit the continent in the future, I won’t say I’m English. I’ll say I’m Indian. I’m slightly ashamed of our country.

Patrick Hannam, student, 19 - I voted on principle rather than over issues of economics or migration and while I’m happy to be on the winning side, I’m afraid of how severe market reactions have been. I’m also insulted by the aggressive reactions of many remain voters. The call for a second referendum is completely undemocratic.

The future of the Labour party also troubles me. I hope Jeremy Corbyn doesn’t resign as he has the greatest public mandate of any party leader.

Even if he ran again on another leadership ballot, I feel he would win again in a landslide, but if he resigns then Labour will be left with a choice of terrible, uninspiring candidates.

Freya Horsley, student, 19 - I voted for remain but I feel as if I learnt more after the result than I did before I voted. I think the media coverage was much better after Thursday than before. I’m worried as to how expensive and difficult travel will be to Europe. It will be much harder for young people to work in Europe and will also make holidays more arduous to organise. However, I under-

stand that property prices are likely to drop as a result of this referendum, which gives me some cause for optimism for young people looking to become first-time buyers. Also, while David Cameron’s resignation was shocking, I feel he had to go as there was an irreconcilable difference between his beliefs and that of the general public.

Alex Godfrey, insurance broker, 27 - While I feel this is an exciting opportunity for Britain to stand on it’s own two feet, I am fully aware that Britain’s position in the world economy is in jeopardy. What we’ve seen in the markets is that the FTSE ended last week only down 2%.

While this is a big move, it is only a shaking of the bed, not a shaking of the entire house. The markets are likely to be much more sensitive both to headline (shifts in political leadership) and regulatory (sector rules and laws) volatility. I’m concerned by the statements from HSBC and Morgan Stanley about their plans to outsource jobs to Paris and Dublin, but it is impossible to predict how many businesses will follow suit.

Rohana Mishra, student, 21 - I didn’t vote because I felt like I had a lack of real information and so thought it would be irresponsible to try and affect the result.

Nonetheless I’m concerned with issues over future travel as we’ll have to get visa’s to go to Europe and flights will cost more. I’m also troubled by the short-term economic impact, though from what I hear the country will be better off in the long-run.

What I would say is I find the reaction by young people who wanted to remain as somewhat irresponsible. They cannot blame the elderly who voted to leave, rather they should blame the apathetic young people who could not be bothered to vote.

While I myself did not vote, I find that many young people chose not to as they had little interest in the issue. If young people cannot make their peers interested, then the responsibility lies with them, not with the older generations who made the effort.

REAL ESTATEVOICE Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap London Property Investment

Uncertainty Brings Opportunity

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

19

I had a very excited Estate Agent calling me up on the morning of the 24th June 2016. He was excited because he could finally start tying some deals up; given the result for the UK to leave the EU. The uncertainty in the market could be used to reduce the amount vendors have been asking for.

We have also been on the receiving end of this activity, a written offer I was expecting to come in for a building finally came in, it was a cheeky offer in the first place to begin with when it came in verbally, however when it came in writing it was at even less than what was promised due to ‘the change in the market’ I was told.

What’s changed? The building is still standing, same as it was yesterday.

How much of this activity is due to actual reality and how much of it is due to perception? Or does is not matter as perception eventually creates the reality?

Times of uncertainty are the best for purchasing property. Those who purchased in 2009, are sitting on tidy profits now.

Here we have many uncertain variables. Namely the pound is at its lowest since 1985; stock markets have plummeted; prices of property stock has dropped, Foxtons fell by 25% on Monday (27th June) and trading had to be suspended. Suspension occurs when the stock drops by 10% from their closing price the previous day.

Many home builders have also taken hits.

This makes London property cheaper, I won’t say cheap.

Shrewd onshore buyers can benefit from the local instability.

Foreign buyers have an added advantage by benefiting from the low pound, according to one agent these factors combined could make certain transactions 50% cheaper than prior to Brexit.

Many properties in the UK are owned through offshore trusts, on these types of transactions the deal can be done offshore without it ever registering on the Land Registry. The transaction can also be done in a foreign currency, without the need to touch the currently unstable sterling.

Three types of sellers always exist in the market place, the distressed, the dead and the divorced. The distinguishing feature is all three have to sell.

These are the sellers to look out for. Not those who have no real motivation to sell and are dipping their toes in the market just to see what they can get, you may get a slight discount depending on when you catch them, but this is flippant, the focus needs to be on the ones who have to sell. There is no choice in the matter.

The trick or art is to identify these motivated sellers.

Generally there are two methods of sale one is the auction, this gives the vendor an almost guaranteed sale; the other is through the agents, for which you risk whether accepting an offer is actually going to lead to a sale, and then comes the time period taken to achieve the sale, this is the other variable. The deal could be done in a week or it could drag on for several months.

Real Deal The

Maida Vale, London, W2 Purchase Price: £250k

l A large one bedroom flat in a well maintained ex local authority block

l Long lease l Balcony l Lift

We purchased one building in Notting Hill for a client which was a probate sale valued at around £3m, which we managed to conclude at £2.5m. The property is freehold and just outside the station. We have some interesting plans for this property which are in the midst of being executed.

The uncertainty in the market exists partly because everyone else is uncertain, panic is infectious, no one knows what the prices should be post Brexit.

There is one person I know who wants to purchase a new build as a home to live in, he found a property he wanted to offer on. Pre Brexit vote the developers were playing hardball, increasing the price each time he put forward an offer and claiming other offers were coming in for the same property – the usual games agents like to play. However post Brexit vote, the developer is now chasing the buyer.

Now the issue is the buyer does not know what to offer as there is no ruler to go by. All the comparable are pre Brexit.

He was asking me if there was a way to find out what the price should be using a local agent. I told him the local agent will probably be as clueless as he is. The price of the property will be whatever someone chooses to pay for it and the sellers accepts.

The share price of this particular developer has been the most hit amongst all the listed property companies. Their share price has dropped by 40%, and also had to be suspended from the stock market.

This does not mean all their properties have dropped by this amount, merely there are more sellers than buyers for this stock and hence the price of the stock has dropped, probably in anticipation of a further drop in price.

As a consequence of the heavy reduction in share price pressure might be caused from the top of the company to start accepting reduced price on properties, in order to get the sales going and to start to build confidence and momentum post Brexit.

At this point after a long time, the planets have aligned with the buyer. This opportunity does not come often, so I advised him to use this situation to its fullest. It comes only a few times during one’s life. This is a buyer’s market now and he should exploit it to the fullest.

However there’s always a danger in overplaying this hand. This is a Buy to Live purchase, and so the main objective is not based on price as it’s a lifestyle purchase.

l Close to the amenities of Maida Vale l Excellent buy and hold opportunity

The current environment is a conducive one for buyers.

Remember to offer low, as you can always go up but you can’t come down.

Give us a call, let someone who knows the terrain do the work for you.

Call us now to reserve!!

0207 993 0103

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

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Tips of the Week

l Decision making and speed are two characteristics which separate the investors who make money and those who do not. More people lose money by not making a decision than making the wrong decisions when investing in property.

l A good location doesn't necessarily mean the best area in town when you are a developer. A good location could be somewhere on the fringes of a good area that, in time, can become part of that area.

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ASIANVOICE

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Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel

Dear Financial Voice Reader, Right listen up – this is once in a lifetime opportunity. Buy GBP – it may drop a bit more, but do not try to bottom pick and be greedy. I expect 1.5 to the USD within two years – the long term trade weighted difference, and exports from the UK are about to get a massive massive boost – so people are going to buy pounds.

Sell your overseas assets to buy Pounds if you want to get that return. Then buy what with Pounds? Well – our stock market has spiked lower even for great British companies. The ones that fell the most are not mortally wounded – even banks and house builders.

You see banks are international and foreign buyers will find housing cheaper. Plus you may not know but international debt markets are at all time low interest rates. That means I think mortgages are going to get cheaper.

This is not pro-British bluster. They are my views about the UK. The market has been oversold. Oh, also Gold has gone up and if it stays at these levels then gold mining companies will profit more and more.

What did hedge fund managers like me do? I’ve been telling everyone who would listen from my webinars www.alpeshpatel.com/latest to sell GBP on the result of the Brexit vote – and in this paper too. (Do send profits to charity please). Now we are near the bottom – sure could slide to 1.2USD to GBP. What’s our view on things like Barclays? Huge global bank earning in Dollars which translates into more Pounds when their profits are announced. After the credit crunch these banks are a lot more solid. This is a classic case of over selling. Say my stake goes back to what it was in the last 12 months, but takes 5 years, that is still more than 10% per annum return, let alone if the bounce is bigger.

I’ve also sold all my US holdings with the cheaper Pound, including Apple, Amazon, Google, and bought UK housebuilders and banks. I reckon a 50% return, including the currency change in about 12 months from those holdings. High risk? I will take 50% in 2 years then.

You see my protection is that the UK is actually a healthy economy thanks to the Tory policies of since the credit crunch. Also these are the biggest international global companies betting on growth globally and so diversified, plus Brexit is at least two years away and by then we should have multi-lateral trade agreements in place anyway possibly better than what we have now.

Of course I am an entrepreneur and see opportunity in every obstacle.

4 shortlisted to replace RBI governor The government has shortlisted four candidates to become the next governor of the Reserve Bank of India, a senior government official said. The official also said that a new Monetary Policy Committee will be chosen.

The chosen four include current RBI Deputy Governor Urjit Patel, former deputy governors Rakesh Mohan and Subir Gokarn and State Bank of India Chair Arundhati Bhattacharya. Another official from the Prime Minister's Office said that Rajan was expected to join the search committee to appoint three external members of the new Committee. The aim is to ensure the committee is constituted before the appointment of Rajan's successor, both the officials said. The three external members would be chosen by a search committee comprising Modi's cabinet secretary, the RBI governor, the secretary of the finance ministry's department of economic affairs

£1.30 bn black money unearthed from overseas bank accounts AsianVoiceNews

Income Tax authorities have uncovered more than £1.30 billion from just two sets of information received in 2011 and 2013, in a favourable outcome of the government's crackdown on undeclared income in overseas bank accounts.

In at least 400 cases of Indians with deposits in HSBC, Geneva, income tax authorities unearthed undisclosed income of £818.6 million, the highest disclosure ever from offshore bank accounts, and raised a tax demand of about £537.7 million against such account-holders till March 31, 2016, as per an IT assessment report. The government had received information about 628 bank accounts, out of which, 213 were found "not actionable" as they either had no money in them or they belonged to non-resident Indians. The report read, "Out of the

actionable cases, assessments have been completed in 398 cases, including those settled by the IT Settlement Commission as well as cases where assessment proceedings have been dropped."

Another set of disclosed information from 2013, on the website of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists said IT officials have detected undisclosed income of £500 million in foreign bank accounts

allegedly linked to 700 Indians. The IT department has filed 55 prosecution complaints before criminal courts in the ICIJ cases on charges of wilful attempt to evade tax, until now. The basis has been false statements made by these entities during the verification process. In the case of HSBC Geneva, tax authorities have launched prosecution proceedings in 75 cases, a majority for wilful attempt to evade tax.

Criminal courts have taken

Raghuram Rajan

cognisance in most of the prosecution complaint cases, paving the way for the Enforcement Directorate to initiate actions under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The recently enacted Black Money Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets Act has made the "wilful attempt to evade tax" as a predicate offence under the PMLA, giving the ED powers to attach and confiscate properties of an accused equivalent to the amount stashed abroad.

Indians whose names appeared in the ICIJ cases, had filed declarations under the black money declaration window scheme, which the government had launched for a limited period during 2015.

However, they were not eligible for any relief as the department had already launched probe against them.

Modi warns of crackdown on tax evaders Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a tax amnesty scheme for disclosure of undisclosed income and property would not be extended beyond the September 30 deadline, during his monthly radio address 'Mann ki Baat'. He added it was the "last chance" for people to join a "transparent system".

"For those having undisclosed income, the government has provided a special chance to declare it by September 30. I have promised that there will be no inquiry into the source of the undisclosed income and assets if the declaration is made voluntarily.

Narendra Modi

That is why I am saying it is a good chance for becoming a part of the transparent system. Let me tell the countrymen that this chance is till September 30. Consider this as the last chance," he

said. He said he had talked to MPs from the BJP and told them if they faced any problem after September 30 for not abiding by the rules, no help should be provided by them. Modi said there was a time when taxation rules were such that people would tend to avoid paying taxes. "But gradually, times changed.

Now, for a taxpayer, it is not much difficult to abide by the government rules.

Still, old habits die hard."

Modi said, "My plea is that by running away from rules, we lose our peace.

Any small person can harass us. Why should we let it happen? Why not ourselves give correct

Denied throne, Nikesh Arora quits Japanese giant SoftBank and three outside experts chosen by the government.

Failure of negotiation for a second term has sparked fears that Rajan's departure could put the inflation-targeting central banker's gains in stabilising Asia's third-largest economy over the past three years. "We are very hopeful that the present governor will be a member of this search committee," one of the officials said, also adding that if all goes well, the new panel would be formed by August 1. If the schedule is held, the MPC would be in place for the last bi-monthly policy meeting that Rajan is expected to chair in early August.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Mere days after RBI governor Raghuram Rajan announced his decision, Nikesh Arora, one of the world's three highest-paid executives, surprised everyone by announcing the end of his tenure as president and chief operating officer of Japanese telecom SoftBank Group.

Arora, who drew a salary of $208 million, had a few months back said he would be associated with the investment powerhouse for the next 10 years. He even bought $483 million worth of shares of the company, to show his commitment.

SoftBank chief Masayoshi Son has often liberally praised Arroa, saying he was "very lucky and happy" to have him. Arora reciprocated the feeling, calling Son a genius.

However, the mutual love

Nikesh Arora

ended when Son announced in Tokyo he wouldn't retire at the age of 60 as planned. "I'll be forever young... I want to keep holding to the rudder more and more as the day of retirement approaches."

Arora, known to be an openly aggressive person, responded by tweeting he didn't want to be a "CEOin-waiting past his sell-by date".

However, there is

much more to his departure than what's seen.

Several shareholders had levelled allegations against Arora's qualifications and conduct, especially about certain investments they claimed to be a conflict of interest. A special committee of independent SBG board members was even set up to probe the charges.

The committee exonerated him leading to speculation that a deal had been struck to let him go in exchange of a clean chit.

However, some people are saying there is no connection between them and the timing was just an "unfortunate coincidence".

Arora will continue for another year with the company, as an advisor.

During this time, he is expected to keep an eye on SBG's India investments.

information to the government about our income, about our wealth? For once, dispose of the baggage of the past. I appeal to my countrymen to get free from this."

Talking about his interaction with Income Tax, Customs and Excise officials lately, Modi said he told them they should not consider the countrymen as thieves, but should repose faith in them and 'hand-hold' them to encourage them to become law-abiding citizens. Modi said that the government wanted to give a last chance to people to come clean before the crackdown begins.

Tatas reviewing UK operations

One of the biggest foreign investors and employers in the UK, Tata Group, is reviewing its strategy and operations in the island country following Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. Shares of Tate Motors, Tata Steel, and TCS were down 8 per cent, 6 per cent, and 3 per cent respectively, in a weak Indian market during the weekend, provoking £3 billion loss in a single day in market capitalisation. The group has 19 companies operating in the UK currently, and are responsible for over 60,000 employees.

The group's automotive unit, Jaguar Land Rover will take a hit of $1.47 billion in the next four years owing to a 10 per cent levy on vehicles sold in EU nations and 4 per cent on imports of components. The company's steel unit could also suffer a setback with a change in the government.

CURRENCYVOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX,

Pound battered by Brexit result Currency Specialists.

In a historical move that shocked global markets, Britain has voted to leave the European Union, with almost 52% of voters opting to Leave. The British Pound hit lows to the US Dollar not seen since 1985, after hitting fresh 2016 highs yesterday. The fall was even larger than during the global financial crisis, when the currency was moving two or three cents in the blink of an eye. Global markets felt the pain as Britain’s vote on European Union membership affected every asset class. The victory for the "Leave" campaign will fan speculation that more countries could withdraw from the EU. Central banks are standing ready to intervene as reaction in financial markets proves reminiscent of late 2008, at the height of the global financial crisis. Moments ago David Cameron announced that he will be stepping down in October, as he believes that a new leader is needed to navigate the UK through the Brexit. After the UK historically voted to leave Eurozone on Friday the British public and wider economy face further uncertainty as both Major parties plunge into leadership turmoil. Both the Tories and labour are in open conflict on Sunday after a vote to leave the EU triggered an attempted "coup" in the main opposition Labour Party

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Foreign Exchange

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

and a bitter leadership contest in the ruling Conservatives. Prime Minister David Cameron has said he will resign prompting a fierce battle to replace him and several Labour lawmakers quit the party's top policy team to try to force their leader, Jeremy Corbyn, from office. Former London mayor Boris Johnson, whose support for the leave camp galvanized the "Out" campaign, is favourite to replace Cameron but media have reported that there is a group of pro-Cameron lawmakers looking for "anyone but Boris".

Meanwhile Scotland's parliament would consider blocking legislation on Britain's exit from the European Union if that were necessary to protect Scottish interests, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Sunday.

Scotland, voted to stay in the EU by 62 to 38 percent in a referendum on Thursday, putting it at odds with the United Kingdom as a whole, Sturgeon, leader of a party that wants Scotland to become independent of the UK while remaining in the EU, has repeatedly said since the referendum result was announced on Friday that she would take whatever steps were necessary to ensure that Scotland's democratic will was respected. Earlier on Friday, Bank of England governor

Mark Carney sought to calm financial market fears about the impact of the UK’s Brexit vote by insisting that they will take any measures needed to secure economic and financial stability.

Many analysts believe the Bank to boost the economy by cutting interest rates or embark on a further programme of quantitative easing, but Carney made it clear that the BoE would not be rushed into decisions by the shock nature of the referendum result.

Mario Draghi spoke at the Committee on Economic and monetary Affairs at the European Parliament. Draghi stated that “the recovery of the Euro area economy gained momentum at the start of the year” and “it is expected to proceed at a moderate but steady pace.” He also suggested that “further monetary policy stimulus is in the pipeline”.

Current measures Draghi argues, “been instrumental in putting the recovery on a more solid footing and thereby securing the conditions for inflation to rise towards levels closer to 2% over a not-toodistant horizon”. Going forward, the message was that “efforts should now concentrate on strong policy action to improve the business environment, favour investment and raise productivity”.

European Central Bank (ECB)

President Mario Draghi did not overly encourage investors with his latest pledge to support growth in the Eurozone, particularly as he reiterated the need for fiscal reform to complement monetary stimulus measures.

German Consumer Confidence figure for June was also released yesterday coming in lower than markets anticipated at -7.3 however markets movement were minimal. 10 year German Government Bonds hit new record lows as financial markets worried about what Brexit will mean for Europe’s stability. As the Pound plunged to record lows, the euro slid by the most since it was introduced in 1999.

The euro slumped 3.2 percent, while currencies in Norway, Sweden and Turkey posted even steeper losses. Japan’s currency, seen as a safe haven, jumped by the most against the dollar since 1998. Europe’s leaders are divided over how to negotiate Brexit and Britain apparently reluctant to initiate formal talks on leaving.

European countries are pushing for a rapid exit. The foreign ministers of the EU’s six founding members want Britain to start proceedings “as soon as possible” to avoid a long and potentially damaging period of uncertainty for the already weakened bloc.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 28th June 2016 @ 1pm

GBP - INR = 90.10

USD - INR = 67.47 EUR - INR = 74.79 GBP - USD = 1.33 GBP - EUR = 1.20

EUR - USD = 1.10 GBP - AED = 4.90

GBP - CAD = 1.73

GBP - NZD = 1.88

GBP - AUD = 1.80

GBP - ZAR = 20.326 GBP - HUF = 381.67

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Kenyan political unrest raises fears In Brief Pak qawwali singer Sabri shot of new flare-up in 2017 vote dead in Karachi AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

NAIROBI: "We nearly lost Kenya", said Kofi Annan, then UN secretary-general, describing the chaos that pursued disputed election in the region in 2007. Cut to nine years later, and the situation reads the same, with Kenya walking on similar lines. Tear gas attacks have become normal with Mondays, as a journalist reported, being referred to as "Machozi Monday", Swahili for "tear gas Monday".

In a style that was started off by former President Daniel Arap Moi, Kenyan politicians have often resorted to manipulate community grievances in exchange of their support. Criminals and young people are used as pawns to intimidate the competitions and wipe out their supporters from areas that have already been marked.

Now, with yet another election announced for next year, Kenyan residents are worried. Worried about their economic circumstances,

Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta

worried about the political fights that are almost confirmed to break out, and worried about the impact, the violence has on their lives and on their children.

"It's getting very nervy. The economy crashes and burns when we fumble these elections. What's worrying is that this is happening so early, that we already have this degree of contestation."

Businesses close down every Monday, parents keep their children away from school, people stay away from the streets. The opposition leaders thrive on the

fear, as a part of their agenda seems to be to slow down the economy. The entire gala surrounding the ballot reeks of hostility. Hate speeches circulate in the form of text messages, and Twitter/Facebook posts.

The opposition's poster boy, Raila Odinga leads the protests and has been calling for the appointment of new electoral commission personnel, amongst other demands. The 2017 elections are in all likelihood the last that Odinga will contest.

They pit him against the incumbent, Uhuru Kenyatta,

heir to the country’s most powerful political dynasty.

The stakes are higher than ever and the mood among younger Kenyans frustrated with the status quo is febrile.

Despite his advancing age, Odinga can still be a spoiler. The demonstrations have rattled investors and shaken the economy. Kenya has looked like a star performer - a rare exception on the continent - because it is diversified and largely unscathed by the collapse in global commodity prices.

The recent arrest of several politicians accused of using hate speech proved a sobering moment. Thanks to additional pressure from the UK and US, the rival forces have now agreed a means of negotiation.

It is vital this pressure is maintained until a set of measures is found to restore confidence in the democratic system. The protests may be legitimate. But too often in Kenya they result in violence that spirals out of control.

‘Faith healer’ jailed for £145,000 fraud Birmingham: A Birmingham man has been jailed for seven and a half years after pleading guilty to 22 offences under the Theft Act 1968 and Fraud Act 2006 at a hearing held in April this year.

Abdoulie Gassama of Slade Road, Erdington claimed to be a successful faith healer and defrauded several women of around £145,000.

"This man has cynically exploited three vulnerable women, who sought his help in what must have been very traumatic and trying times.

Not only did he make, and break, a string of empty promises, he gave them expensive false hope that their situations would improve, if they paid for extra prayers or sacrificial animals," said Cllr Barbara Dring, chair of the city council's Licensing and Public Protection Committee.

"Sadly it is easy to be seduced by the offer of a 'quick fix' but people should be very wary of paying any individual promising to solve their problems

100 homes destroyed in California wildfire

LAKE ISABELLA (CALIFORNIA): A massive wildfire struck California killing two people and destroying 100 structures, said officials.

They added there could possibly be an increase in the number of victims once the rubble is cleaned. The Erskine Fire, that broke out last week, began at the foothills of Kern County, about 42 miles northeast of Bakersfield, and charred more than 30,000 acres.

California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency.

Abdoulie Gassama

in this manner, instead they should seek advice through professional channels."

Birmingham City Council will now pursue confiscation proceedings against Gassama under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Gassama advertised his services under pseudonyms Shaikh Jammal and Shaikh Riyad in different local and Asian newspapers, claiming over 40 years' experience and guaranteed results. He met his clients at a flat in Malvern Road, Handsworth, initially charging £20 but later ask-

ing for extra money for prayers, special medicines and sacrificial animals, including cows and crocodiles. While there was no set fee structure, he would demand extra pay ranging from £377 to £17,000. This ended up with a woman handing him more than £134,000 over seven months, as she tried to make her husband quit alcohol.

Although a Muslim by religion, a raid at Gassama's property showed several photos and idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, proof of the

extent he went to influence people.

There are no lack of such healers in the UK, who claim to free the vulnerable of all their problems. While they exercise one faith, they cater to all, especially targeting women, making way for an expansive income. Such babas, faith healers or those who use black magic to make money are often endorsed by some newspapers, who feature their advertisement promoting a "permanent solution" to all problems, personal and professional. 'Asian Voice' and 'Gujarat Samachar' do not believe in such false claims, con men or persons who engage in emotional and other types of exploitation of vulnerable women.

If any of the readers have been deceived by similar frauds and/or 'healers', please contact Asian Voice or the trading standard department of your local council.

Your name and identity will be kept a secret.

New yoga room plans in Frankfurt Airport welcomed FRANKFURT: Frankfurt Airport in Germany has arranged for a rather welcome upgrade of the infrastructure, with an addition of yoga rooms with a $113 million investment. There already are two "professionally equipped" yoga rooms located in passenger terminals one and two, that are open around the clock and not chargeable. Authorities said the rooms have all the required equipment, including yoga mats, blocks, cushion, monitor screens, etc.

Taking a delight in the

news, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed released a statement saying the addition of yoga rooms in upgrading plan was a "step in the positive direction" for Frankfurt Airport. He urged all top world airports to provide yoga facilities for the passen-

gers if they wanted to help reduce their stress levels and be "world-class" airports. He added that yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilised by all.

As per US National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress.

Yoga was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche, Zed said.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

KARACHI: Well known qawwali singer Amjad Sabri was shot dead by yet-to-be-identified assailants in Karachi. Reports said Sabri, 45, was travelling in a car with an associate when unknown gunmen on motorbikes opened fire at his vehicle in the city's Liaquatabad region. "Three people including Amjab Sabri have been killed in a targeted attack on his car in Liaquatabad area. Sabri was shot in the chest and head and he was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed hospital immediately, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver and associate have been killed in the targeted attack," a senior official said. The deceased singer was the son of renowned Qawwal Ghulam Farid Sabri, whose family is known for its contribution to sufi art.

Sikhs, Hindus flee Afghanistan

KABUL: The growing atrocities on Sikh and Hindus in Afghanistan has led to insecurity amongst the minority communities. "This is how we begin our day, with fear and isolation. If you are not a Muslim, you are not a human in their eyes. I don't know what to do or where to go," said Jagtar Singh Laghmani, a businessman who was recently threatened by a random man at knife point to convert to Islam. Chairman of the National Council of Hindus and Sikhs, Avtar Singh said the community now numbers fewer than 220 families, compared with around 220,000 members before the collapse of the Kabul government in 1922. "Our lands have been taken by powerful figures in the government, especially by the warlords. We are facing threats, and this small community is getting smaller and smaller every day," he said.

Lanka arrests Pakistani for drug smuggling

COLOMBO: The Police Narcotics Bureau of Sri Lanka Police arrested a Pakistani national for attempting to smuggle in nearly five kg of heroin worth Rs 60 million. Identified as Roydad Khan, he is believed to be the main player of an international drug racket operating out of Rawalpindi in Pakistan and smuggling heroin of Sri Lanka through Qatar. Khan was arrested with the drugs at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake. Director of the Police Narcotics Bureau SSP Kamal Silva said the arrest was a result of extensive investigations launched against the suspect after he was found to be the supplier to two Maldivians arrested with 1.5 kg of heroin in March.

Hillary received money from Indian politicians: Trump

WASHINGTON: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has made fresh allegations on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton of receiving funds from Indian political leaders and institutions in exchange for support of the India-US civil nuclear deal. In a statement, Trump said the allegations, that were published in a 35-page booklet, is an indepth summary of the top 50 facts about Clinton's record. Citing a New York Times report, it is alleged that Indian politician Amar Singh had donated between $1,000,001 and $5,000,000 to the Clinton Foundation, as early as 2008. Also named is Indian-American Raj Fernando, with allegations citing he was appointed to the State Department's International Security Advisory Board by Clinton's chief of staff Cheryl Mills at her "insistence".

Pak court indicts 6 LeJ men for Lanka team attack

LAHORE: Six Lashkar-e-Jhanghvi's militants have been charged in the 2009 Sri Lankan cricket team attack case by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court. The members include Obaidullah, Javed Anwar, Ibrahim Khalil, Abdul Wahab, Zubair, and Adnan Arshad. While the first three suspects were on bail, the other three were held in Kot Lakhpat Jail; they all pleaded not guilty. In March 2009, a bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked by the Taliban and LeJ militants with sophisticated weapons and grenades at Liberty Chowk near Qaddafi Stadium Lahore. Seven players including captain Mahela Jayawaredene, Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, sustained injuries, while six Pakistani policemen were killed.

WORLD - INDIA Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

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Youth must involve themselves in religion: Ramanbhai Barber

AsianVoiceNews

"Religion and culture faces constant challenges these days, which is why all different sects need to stick together and encourage the youth to involve themselves with religious, social and educational organisations. We should also try and forward donations to our own institutions so the future of our women, children and elders remain secured," said president and founder member of Shree Sanatan Mandir, Ramanbhai Barber MBE DL in an interview with Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice.

Ramanbhai has given his legacy of serving the people, not only to his children but other young people as well.

His works of charity and public service have often been mentioned in news publications, including Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice.

Ramanbhai is involved in institutions like the Council of Health, Gujarat Hindu Association, Leicester Hindu Festival Council and National Council of Hindu Temple UK. "To me the definition of happiness is my family, an organised society and health. It is very important for us to maintain our culture and religion. As the shloka goes in Sanskrit, "Sarve bhavantu sukhi na..."

That is me. I want to see everybody prosper. Our past

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

generations have maintained our tradition, which is something our future generations will have to strive tirelessly to do," he said. "Even if different sects follow different beliefs, they absolutely have to respect the sanctity of other religions as well. It is written in the Bhagwad Gita that one should respect others' religion but also maintain his own," Ramanbhai said.

He has spent two hours of his life every day, for the past 45 years at temple. Talking about challenges faced by the Sanatan Temple, he said,

"The Sanatan Temple is built from an old church. In 1993, we wanted to build a domeshaped Hindu temple.

However, due to the lack of unity and different thought processes, it did not happen.

I want it to be a dome-shaped temple, which is only possible if other donors and the committee complies."

Ramanbhai has always been vocal about his opinions, just one of his many deeming qualities. "Saints who came to the UK back in the days were very loyal and of a gentle nature. Like Pt Rambhakt ji. He never took

Rushey Mead school seeks donations Rushey Mead School in Nagor village of Bhuj district, Gujarat has once again scored a 100 per cent SSC pass rate this year.

Sharing his gratitude to all the donors who have been making a steady flow of money possible for the functioning of the institution, Trustee Bhasker Solanki said, "The results of the SSC examination are out and I am very proud to say that this year we achieved a 100 per cent pass rate again. This would not have happened without your support, so a big thank you to all the donors."

Rushey Mead Foundation is a UK and India registered charity

Paresh Rawal points out lack of facilities at Ahmedabad airport

Actor and BJP MP from Ahmedabad, Paresh Rawal, held a meeting with top officials of the city airport lately, raising questions about the lack of proper facilities at the airport. With members of the Airport Advisory Committee, top officials from CISF, Customs, Bureau of Immigration and local police present, Rawal shed light on several issues.

He pointed at the general lack of cleanliness, stinky toilets, menace of cab drivers, lack of baggage scanning machines and said he was disturbed particularly with the last problem that remains unresolved after five months of his last visit. "We will urge both state and the Union government to solve the issues faced in the airport. In case of cleanliness at airport and toilets, the work contract had expired. New contract will soon be issued and it is likely that this will be resolved in two months' time," he said. In their defense, AAI officials stated lack of manpower, and tendering process and sought a month's time to solve the problems.

Rawal will reportedly chair another meeting in a month's time to check the progress. "The airport is short of staff. Officials have made some progress in solving the issues raised in the last meeting. This time, I will personally follow up on the progress," Rawal said.

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organisation that was established in 2009 after the devastating earthquake that affected Kutch region the most. The foundation is also openly supported by Dutchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.

Urging for more funds, Solanki said, "It's been 10 years, we need to do some refurbishment. We are spending around £500 to paint the school building and around £3,000 to

replace the ageing computers. We are also planning a celebration on 17th July to mark the 10th anniversary of the school. Those interested to forward donations, can get in touch."

For details of the organisation, visit www.rusheymeadfoundation.com, or contact Bhaskar Solanki at bhas.solanki@BBC.Co.Uk, rmsnagor@gmail.com.

BJP leader Vijay Jolly meets British envoy Senior BJP leader and president of Delhi Study Group, Vijay Jolly, met British High Commissioner to India, Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG, in New Delhi where he presented him with a coloured booklet, promoting people to people friendship between India and Pakistan.

Both the leaders discussed different topics during their one-hour long meet, ranging from the Indian Diaspora in Great Britain, boost the number

back anything with him from the UK. However, saints and religious leaders these days, they come with projects and take back donations with them, using the money for their India-based projects.

What if people began to invest in public services here, in organisations that deal with financial troubles?

Institutions and supporters need to awake. We need people like Pt Rambhakt who is capable of giving proper guidance and blessing to our kids. It is about time our religious institutions shifted their attention to students and education. If classes on Maths, English, Science are taken in such institutions, nothing will stop the kids from reaching the top and when they grow up, their donations is what will take the organisation forward."

"It is very important for the current generation to involve themselves with our centres. More the youth does volunteer work, the faster society moves forward. One of the reasons I suggested Vibhutiben's name for presidentship is because I intend to attract as many young people as possible. I believe we still need many young leaders. While there might not be any visible benefits of the services, but self-satisfaction is a guarantee."

cation, and potential places for British entrepreneurs to acquaint with PM Modi's 'Make in India' campaign.

Sir Dominic also fondly mentioned Modi's visit to the UK, his public address BJP Leader Vijaya Jolly preseting a at Wembley colored booklet to British High Stadium, London, Commissioner in India Sir Dominic and his successful Asquith KCMG meeting with of Indian students visiting counterpart David the country for higher eduCameron.

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Wodeyar scion ties knot with Trishika Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

BENGALURU: Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar, the 24-year old titular king of Mysuru and a Wodeyar dynasty scion, married Trishika Kumari Singh of the Dungarpur royal family in a traditional ceremony at Amba Vilas Palace in Mysuru on Monday.

The ceremony was officiated by a battery of priests in the presence of about 1,000 guests at the specially decorated ‘Kalyana Mantapa’ of the palace. Trishika is the daughter of Harshvardhan Singh and Maheshri Kumari of the Dungarpur family of Rajasthan.

Yaduveer is the 27th king of the Wodeyar dynasty. He was crowned titular head of the Mysuru royal family on May 28, 2015. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Cabinet colleagues, diplomats from

Wadiyar scion Yaduveer with bridg Trishika Singh

several countries, and erstwhile royal families have been invited for the wedding, and receptions to be held on June 28 and July 2 in Mysuru and Bengaluru, respectively.

Both Yaduveer and

Woman's peck leaves Karnataka CM blushing BENGALURU: Karnataka chief minister was shocked and embarrassed when a woman sprang a surprise on Siddaramaiah by planting a firm peck on his right cheek at a public function in Bengaluru. This leaves the CM blushing.

The event had been organized by a Kuruba organization to felicitate the newly elected members of zilla and taluk panchayats from the community. Siddaramaiah was there to inaugurate it.

Girija Srinivas, a member of Tarikere taluk panchayat from Amruthapura in Chikkamagalur district, was on the podium for a photo call along with other newly elected members who were offered felicitations. According to officials from the CM's office present near the dais, the woman sprang a surprise by planting a firm peck on the right cheek of Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramaiah quickly

wiped his cheek but not before flashing a smile. In minutes, the video footage went viral and set social media abuzz. The CM said: "The girl is like my daughter, and it was an affectionate peck." Girija said she couldn't hide her excitement of sharing the dais with the CM whom she described as "a paternal figure". Ruling out it was planned, Srinivas said she has been a big fan of Siddaramaiah since school days and said the Kuruba community hails him as "the lion". "I was waiting for this moment (of interacting with the CM) and couldn't control my emotions," she added.

Cong goofs up again on Punjab in-charge CHANDIGARH: It seems that Congress will never learn from the past mistakes and making one misstake after another. A fortnight after the party took flak for naming Kamal Nath as its general secretary in charge of the state, it kicked up a storm again by appointing Himachal Pradesh MLA Asha Kumari as his replacement.

Kumari is convicted by a Chamba court in a land grab case and is currently on bail.

Nath's appointment was criticized for his alleged role in 1984 anti-Sikh riots and Kumari, an MLA from Dalhousie, was named after Nath stepped down on June 15 following public outcry.

Kumari was accused of illegally transferring 60 bigha of forest land belonging to the government in the name of her husband, Brijender Singh, 18 years ago. Singh

belongs to the royal family of Chamba. She had to resign as minister after the court had framed charges against her.

Asha Kumari said, “Regarding the charges against me, the case pertains to land owned by my fatherin-law and has been under litigation even before my marriage. There was an adverse order from the lower court that has been suspended by the high court while admitting my appeal. It's my famil's property and not something I got using influence as a politician. I am my husband's wife and I can't wish it away.”

AAP spokesperson Himmat Singh Shergill said Kumari's appointment shows the Congress has no leader left with a clean image to take charge of Punjab. BJP said Congress doesn't have any clean faces.

Trishika completed the rituals that took more than an hour with shloka chanting and guidance from the priests.

Later, Yaduveer tied the 'mangalyam' to Trishika during the auspicious Savithri

Muhoorta of Karkataka Lagna. The couple, after completing the ritual of 'Sapthapadi', obtained blessings from Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, the wife of the late Narasimharaja Wadiyar.

The Boston-educated Yaduveer (24) was adopted as the scion of the former Wadiyar dynasty in May 2015 in an elaborate ceremony, again to re-emphasise the point that it is a 'royal' tradition. Sources in the family revealed that Yaduveer was engaged to Trishika much before his adoption as the scion of the "royal family".

No Hindu wedding in the 'royal' family is complete without the mangalasutra being tied twice. It's a ritual unique to the descendants of the former Mysuru royal family, one that Yaduveer too followed.

2 charged with attempted murder for ragging KOZHIKODE (KERALA): With justice that came over a month too late, two seniors have been charged with attempt to murder and ragging, after an 18-year old student in a Karnataka nursing college was forced to drink phenyl. The first year student, who also happens to be a Dalit, is currently in a hospital undergoing treatment. She reportedly cannot eat, drink or even swallow her saliva.

She named five to eight seniors in the police complaint, who allegedly forced phenyl down her throat on May 9. "They said you go and die drinking this. I tried to escape but they again caught me and made me drink the fluid," she said. Initially hospitalised in the state, she was moved to Kerala, her home

state, after her situation worsened. The un-named girl had joined Al Qamar college five months back and said she was harassed throughout.

She also alleged the college is complicit in the extreme ragging as it did not punish earlier incidents."It's been more than 40 days since I attended the college but no one from there has called me even once." Her mother, a daily wage labourer took a loan of Rs 300,000 for her education. Cases under various sections of IPC, including 307 (attempt to murder), 36 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) and 346 (wrongful confinement in secret) and various sections of SC, ST Atrocities Act have been registered.

Massive search operation launched in Pathankot PATHANKOT: A massive door-to-door search were carried out just a day after a parliamentary panel claimed some "terrorists were still hiding" in villages close to the "vulnerable" Pathankot airbase. Pathankot SSP Rakesh Kaushal said, "We conducted a search operation in 28 villages starting at 5 am for five hours. We asked people whether they have seen any person or suspect who is not from their village. They said they have not seen anyone."

A total of 300 policemen, including 2 SP-rank officers, conducted search operation in villages like Shira, Akalgarh, Tajpur and Chonga near the base. The team included highly trained and specially equipped Special Weapons and Tactics commandos. However, everything was found to be safe. "We found nothing suspicious," said Kaushal. He has nevertheless, intensified security in the area.

Chairman of

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, P Bhattacharya said, "After going back from Pathankot, we made our suggestions to the government and said that there can be further attack on Pathankot... We were told by the villagers that some terrorists were still hiding in the villages there."

Earlier this month, shootat-sight orders were issued at airforce station in Pathankot and security was stepped up following intelligence inputs.

Meanwhile, a meeting was held between officials of Army, BSF, Air Force and Punjab police to review security arrangements here, the Pathankot SSP said.

In Brief

AsianVoiceNews

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Techie working for TCS drowns in US

HYDERABAD: A 25-year old network engineer from Vanasthalipuram drowned in a water body in Arizona, United States.

Identified as Namboori Sri Datta, he was an employee with Tata Consultancy Services and was working on-site at CVS Health in Tempe, Arizona. Datta's family were informed by his friends in the US. "On Sunday, Datta and his friends went to a waterfall, which was threehour drive from Tempe. I was told that while playing in the water, Datta had accidentally drowned," his mother N Ragamani said. The family has appealed to the Union Government and state governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to ensure the body reaches the city early.

Insensitive people film, but don't help

HASSAN (KARNATAKA): In a brutal incident, a young man was beaten up, stabbed, and then assaulted again for a period of nearly 20 minutes on a crowded street as people stood there watching, and filming the attack on their cellphones. Identified as Dhanush, the man was allegedly staring at a young woman at a bus stop when two men took offense and got into a verbal spat with him.

He called his brother and two other friends for help which caused a fight between both the groups. Senior police officer Rahul Kumar said the attack only ceased when a police team arrived. "A case was registered and five of them have been booked and arrested," he said.

Top Bengaluru model arrested in drug racket

BENGALURU: A top model from the city was caught up on drug trafficking charges by the Narcotics Control Bureau. Darshitmita Gowda, 26, was arrested under different sections of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Officers claimed she was part of a gang supplying drugs to college students and working professionals, among others, in Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Goa. During the raid, 110g of cocaine, 19g of hashish, 1.2g of MDMA and one LSD blot were seized.

Amnesty seeks justice for 1984 riot victims

NEW DELHI: Amnesty International has called for action against the perpetrators of 1984 riots. Stating that successive Indian governments had "failed" in giving justice to the riot victims despite "evidence of political and police complicity" in killing thousands of Sikhs. Aakar Patel, Executive Director, said, "The survivors and victims of 1984 have not received justice primarily because the successive governments have failed to take action."

Speaking at an event called 'Insaaf84', he urged the NDA government to "finally deliver justice to the thousands who suffered in 1984." Several rights group and civil society members were present and made lists of recommendations for "effective investigations, comprehensive remedy and reparation, and legal and police reform," to submit to the Home Ministry.

India, Pak soldiers clash during retreat ceremony

CHANDIGARH: A video of a retreat ceremony at the Hussainwala border in Punjab has been doing the rounds on the internet showing a fight between Indian and Pakistani soldiers. While the authenticity of the footage is yet to be confirmed, the video shows an Indian soldier being elbowed by his Pakistani counterpart when both of them were carrying their flags. The mild contact angered the soldier who began to beat the other one up.

Soon enough, fellow jawans and officers present from both the sides, rushed to separate the two. While no official explanation has been given by the government, the video has been uploaded by a civilian on YouTube.

UK Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Founder of Just Egg (Chilled Foods) Ltd in Leicester, Pankaj Pancholi, like any other businessman, faced the trouble of disposing off waste. A firm that solely thrives on selling hard-boiled eggs, It costs the company £50,000 a year just to get rid of the messy and smelly left overs that were carted away to be buried. The tedious task at hand and the finances that were spent on it, made Pankaj look for an alternative that would help solve his problem.

Talking to Gujarat Samachar/Asian Voice about his business, he said, "My business is to hard-boil eggs and sell them on the market. We buy raw eggs in large quantities, from all over the Europe. The eggs are than boiled and used in various ways , such as Egg salads, Eggmayonnaise, pickled eggs, sandwiches, etc. We sell across the UK to supermarkets, and eateries. Normally if an egg weighs 35 gm, its shell takes up for 12 per cent, that is 4 gm of its weight. We sell 1,500,000 eggs a week. The entire collective waste was until now thrown away, and used as landfiller. Not only did it cost us £50,000 per annum but there was con-

Cracking a Fortune!

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siderable work behind the disposal. As we spent a lot of money every year, I thought why not make the best out of waste? I talked to Dr Andy Abbott of the Chemistry Department of the University of Leicester and also gave him the necessary funds to mend the situation."

Teaming up with Dr Abbott and the chemistry department, Pankaj was determined to find a way to earn revenue off recycling the waste. The team found out that waste egg shell can be separated from the egg white. The clean shell is mostly just calcium carbonate and can be used as a filler for plastics. They soon found a way to clean the shells and grind them into a fine powder that can be added to different plastics as a filler material to make them more hard-wearing.

The flakes are also rich in keratin, the main substance of human skin, which may be used for medical applications.

"Once the use was discovered, putting the process into practice was the next step. My factory is open from seven in the morning to ten in the evening. The expenses on such machinery was heavy. So, I contact-

PRESENTS

plastic packaging that we use for egg products, like our new hardboiled eggs in packs. This is a really eggciting project."

The whole process starts with the shells tipped into tanks along a conveyor belt, where they are mixed with water and then poured into rotating blades. The broken down product is then washed with a solvent to remove leftover protein.

Later, the shells are dried and ground into a fine powder, the consistency of which can be varied according to the type of plastic to be filled.

Supporting the project, Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall said, "Egg shell is classified as a waste material by the food industry but is in fact a highly sophisticated composite. The scientists at the university have identified a number of uses for egg shell waste and the Food and Drink iNet is very pleased to support a 'Collaborate to Innovate' research project to examine egg shell recycling solutions. This could have potential benefit on many levels, both for food manufacturers and a much wider industry."

Associated with Darpan Arts group, Pankaj

Pankaj Pancholi

ed my friend from Delta Engineering, Grimsby, Mike McNamara. He made the machinery needed and its total cost was calculated at around £300,000. We contacted Food and Drinks iNet, and received 30 per cent grant. We have put together all the machines and conducted trials. What was waste to us, is now a mean to earn a little something. This discovery is

profitable for me from all sides," Mr Pancholi said.

He said the research could bring big benefits to the food and drink sector.

"If I wasn't spending the money for landfill costs, I could employ another worker or two part-time workers, or invest that money in R&D and innovation. It would be great if the egg shells could ultimately be recycled to be used in the

ASIAN ACHIEVERS

AWARDS

The people’s choice awards

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Pancholi is more than just a sharp businessman. A microbiologist by education, he has enthusiastically participated in 30-40 theatre dramas for hobby. He lives with his wife Bina, father Ambalal Pancholi, mother Kanta and younger son Sagar. His eldest, Nishal is a project engineer with Siemens. Pankaj has been in the egg industry for more than 25 years, and his company specialises in all things associated with Egg. Just Egg is also said to be the first company to introduce ready-to-eat Twin Hard-Boiled Egg pack for the retail market, and the first to pack eggs for trade customers in cardboard containers, a move that aimed to reduce waste and save costs. "Over all the years, I always thought hard-boiled eggs could be sold in supermarkets, as a ready convenient nutritious food," he said.

One of the active readers of Gujarat Samachar, Pankaj has known editor/publisher CB Patel since his days in Bhavans.

He believes that nobody takes their knowledge to the grave. Pankaj said he does not need publicity, and is simply happy with the breakthrough.

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

NOMINATION FORM

The prestigious Asian Achievers Awards is hosted every year by UK’s leading news weeklies Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to honour British Asians par excellence. If there is someone you know who has broken boundaries and deserves recognition for their unique contribution to the community and the nation then please nominate them for one of the awards listed below.

Make sure that you fill in this application form and send it on or before 31st July, 2016 by post, fax or email to Mr. L George, Tel: 020 7749 4013, Fax 020 7749 4081, Email: aaa@abplgroup.com. If you are sending it by post the address is Mr. L George, ABPL Group, Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW.

Please tick the appropriate category Uniformed and Civil Services For outstanding achievements in uniformed and civil services or contribution to the community through any of the above services.

Entrepreneur of the Year Awarded to an entrepreneur with a proven track record of operating a successful business enterprise.

Achievement in Community Service In recognition for an individuals service to community.

Woman of the Year The award will recognise and honour a woman who has made a significant mark in any chosen field.

Sports Personality of the Year Awarded for excellence in sports.

Professional of the Year Professionals in the field of medicine, law, education, banking, finance and others, who have scaled the heights of their chosen profession.

Business Person of the Year Awarded to a business person who is a success in every sense of the word and can demonstrate a genuine passion for social issues.

Achievement in Media, Arts and Culture Someone who has made a mark in media including print and broadcast media; cinema, art and culture.

Lifetime Achievement Award To honour those individuals, who during their lifetime, have made immense contributions in any given field. This remarkable individual can be marked as an example for the younger generation.

Application Form Full Name of the Person you are Nominating: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ His/Her Contact Details (Tel & email): ___________________________________________________Occupation of the Nominee:____________________________________________ Please attach the Nominees's CV which includes the following information (Please do not exceed a limit of 1000 words) (1) Personal background (2) Most important career achievements till date.

(3) Nominee's contribution to the community and nation.

(4) Future Plans, ambitions and visions.

(5) Any notable obstacles in the Nominee's career that has helped him/her to reach where they are today.

Summary- (Please include a summary in not more than 150 words why the nominee is worthy of winning the particular award in a separate sheet) Your name and contact details: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your current Occupation/Company: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your contact ____________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________________

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INDIA

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Emergency - One of India's Darkest Times AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

The Emergency imposed in India in June 1975 till 1977 was one of the darkest times for the country. The 21-month period, when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi gave a brief vacation to the Indian democracy and took over the sole authority. The country observed the 41st anniversary of the Emergency last week with people, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi making a special mention of the day.

Indira Gandhi, who grew up in a rather radical background of democracy, was just a few steps short of registering the country in the list of regions ruled by a dictatorship.

Officially issued by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed under Article 352 (1) of the Indian Constitution for "internal disturbance", people faced severe consequences of the decision.

Media was censored, sterilisation was invoked, and elections were postponed.

Indira Gandhi, a strong figure, led to a lot of changes not only in the administration, but her own political party as well. As many members began to suc-

Indira Gandhi

cumb under her authoritarian style, the Congress party saw itself divided, and then separated into two parts. Gandhi's reign, however, continued uninterrupted.

Early 1974 brought bad times for India. Monsoon failed to arrive and the unemployment rate soared.

Industrial production was down, massive labour and students unrest spurred in several regions of the country and poverty refused to back down. Opposition was piling up against Gandhi, including socialist Jaya

Prakash Narayan, who openly led a movement against her, calling her corrupt and autocratic.

Insecure about the internal unrest getting out of her hand, Indira imposed the Emergency, at the nick of time, stalling civil liberties.

The Emergency draft was sent to the President, who signed it a few minutes before midnight, on 25th June 1975. She penned a '20 point' economic programme to increase agricultural and industrial production, improve public services and fight poverty

and illiteracy, through the "discipline of the graveyard".

Gandhi's second son Sanjay took charge of the administration and started throwing opposition leaders and workers to jail all across India. Leaders including Jaya Prakash Narayan, George Fernandes, Morarji Desai, Nanaji Deshmukh, Subramaniam Swamy, AB Vajpayee, LK Advani, HD Deve Gowda, M Karunanidhi, Jyoti Basu, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Sharad Yadav and others spearheaded the movement against the Emergency. They were, however, brutally oppressed.

Effects of the Emergency

Freedom of the press was curtailed. Within hours of declaration of the rule, power supply to all major newspapers was cut off.

Censorship was heavily imposed with every publication, regional and national, forced to praise the government and stay away from criticism. Even when mainstream newspa-

Vegan diet and yoga serve India misses NSG, hits us well: Rudimental bullseye with MTCR

Choosing to follow a vegan diet and yoga may seem like a daunting prospect but not for Rudimental member Amir Amor and his bandmates. Amor has persuaded his team members – Piers Agget, Will Heard and Bridgette Amofah – to swap the rock 'n' roll lifestyle for yoga and veganism to cope with their hectic tour schedule, according to a report in the Evening Standard.

Amor told the daily: “We tour a hell of a lot.

Yoga helps when we’re on the road. I was doing it twice a day. Getting up at 5.15am and again at night

pers tried to have their own way, they were hindered at every possible step.

All of the Prime Minister's political opponents were arrested within hours of the declaration, and the crackdown on protests continued.

Opposition leaders were jailed and parties like the RSS were banned. Four major religions were banned.

One of the bizarre moves made by the government was mandatory sterilisation. Led by Sanjay Gandhi, government officials were given 'targets' in which they were supposed to convince men into getting a vasectomy, in a bid to control population. While the administration maintained the programme was voluntary, there are several reports claiming the policy was misused by bureaucrats who coerced people into getting sterilised.

In a blatant abuse of power, the government's grip on the media was so strong that several incidents of suppression went unreported. Families of arrested leaders and protesters were often driven

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

out of their homes, questioned and tortured without charges.

However, the dark times soon ended and Indira announced the Lok Sabha elections in January 1977. Held in March, the same year, Indira Gandhiled Congress lost power as both the PM and her son Sanjay were defeated in their respective seats. The Janata Party came into power and Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister until 1980, after which, Indira returned to power and remained till her assassination in 1984.

The period not only affected the country alone, but also saw impact on its external relations and the Indians settled in other countries. In the UK, Gujarat Samachar, and Asian Voice ran the strongest and the most vocal campaign against the declaration of the Emergency. Repercussions of which, were seen years later, in 1986, when Editor and Publisher CB Patel was detained at Mumbai Airport, for being an "antiIndian", "pro-Pakistani" and, "pro-Khalistani".

India injects 20 satellites into orbit

Amir Amor

before bed. The whole point of yoga is that it fits around your lifestyle. Since I started doing yoga and went vegan the others have got into it. It doesn’t mean we don’t have any fun. But you need some balance.”

Recently Amor recorded an hour-long piece of music specifically for yoga.

“ They want to launch their satellite from our PSLV ”

Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar (L) receives the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) membership papers.

Just days after India failed to make the cut in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the administration managed to earn itself a Missile Technology Control Regime membership. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar signed the instrument of accession to MTCR, a group that controls the export of missile technology and aims at preventing unchecked proliferation of missiles and their delivery system.

The MEA thanked the other 34 members of the group, for supporting India's inclusion, in a statement released later on. "India's entry into the regime as its thirty-fifth member would be mutually beneficial in the furtherance of international non-proliferation objectives," it read. India had applied for the membership in 2015, however, the move was blocked by Italy citing issues of the marines.

It lifted its block only after the country agreed to send its marines home.

Hopes were raised rather high last week as India pitched aggressively for the NSG membership, which was blocked by a determined China. MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said it will continue to schedule discussions with the country at multiple levels. "We are going to continue discussing this with China. This is going to be an important element of our discussions with China. We will continue to impress upon them that relationships move forward on the basis of mutual accommodation of each other's interests, concerns and priorities," he said.

China is not a member of the MTCR as its membership request remains hanging since 2004. News of India's inclusion seemed distasteful to the Communist country.

India made a major leap in space technology when the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) used workhorse PSLV-C34 to launch 20 satellites, including 17 foreign satellites into the orbit in a single mission. Setting a new record, the 320-tonne Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle took off on its 36th flight at 9:25 am from Satish Dhawan Space Centre with 20 satellites, including its primary payload Cartosat-2 series.

Cartosat-2 was placed in the orbit at 9:44 am, after which PSLV lifted a total of 1,288 kg into space and began placing satellites 17 minutes later.

ISRO also gave a clear demonstration of the vehicle's capability to place satellites in different orbits as the vehicle re-ignited twice after its fourth and final stage and moved a few km ahead into another orbit. Scientists of the organisation said the demonstration is for the next mission when they

intend to inject satellites in different orbits using a single rocket.

ISRO set a world record for the highest number of satellites launched in a single mission when it placed 10 satellites in a PSLV on April 28, 2008. NASA placed 29 satellites in a single mission in 2013, and Russia, 33 satellites in 2014 in one launch. ISRO scientists said the vehicle had been pre-programmed to perform tiny manoeuvring to place the 20 satellites were places with enough distance to prevent collision. Apart from Cartosat-2, other satellites launched include LapanA3 from Indonesia, Biros from Germany, M2MSat from Canada, SkySat Gen 2-1, a Google-made satellite from USA, GHGSat-D from Canada, 12 Dove Satellites from USA, Sathyabamasat from Sathyabhama University, Chennai and Swayam from College of Engineering, Pune.

AsianVoiceNews

Best fibre-rich foods FOOD

FITNESS

HEALTH&WELLNESS

27

AsianVoiceNewsweekly | Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

www.asian-voice.com

LIFESTYLE

Drinking very hot beverages may increase cancer risk

he question of what are the best fibre rich foods is becoming more important; especially since we have increased our consumption of white bread, rice and pastas.

Refined ingredients tend to get logged in the colon causing grief, flatulence and restricting bowel movement. Hence high fibre-rich foods are highly recommended to keep your colon healthy. On an average, women need to consume 25 grams of fibre a day, while men need at least 38 grams. We take a look at foods that are at the top of the best fibre rich foods list and tell you how much you need.

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WHOLE GRAINS Ingredients like barley, oats, brown rice, wheat, corn are mostly an accompaniment with Indian dishes; for example, rotis are made from wheat,

while corn is either popped or mixed with rice and savoury dishes. Oats, on the other hand, make a great breakfast along with some juicy fruits.

Consuming a quarter cup of whole grains will give you two to six grams of fibre.

VEGETABLES

FRUITS

NUTS

Nuts always make a great snack, some thing to

fruits by themselves, or in a healthy dessert or snack.

For high fibre fruits consume raisins, dried peaches, prunes, and figs, apples, pears, oranges and banana.

These fruits will give you two to eight grams of fibre when you consume them whole.

Berries are fibrous in content and a really good source; indulge in strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries and blueberries.

One cup of berries will pump up your fibre content between four to eight grams depending on the fruit. You can simply eat

Spinach, turnips, potato and sweet potato, cauliflower, red cabbage, soy beans, pumpkin and lady fingers are rich in fibre.

These veggies should be consumed in time of bowel and colon distress. You are assured of fibre anywhere between two grams to 8 grams. You cannot go wrong with these fibre rich foods.

Indian scientists unlocking betel leaf's health secrets functional role the leaves have," Banerjee said, adding that focused biodiversity conservation policies should be a major thrust area.

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...

long run," Ena Ray Banerjee of the university's Immunology and Regenerative Medicine Research Laboratory said.

"Among the nine varieties, five showed antiinflammatory properties, one showed the tendency to cause inflammation and three didn't show significant anti-inflammatory activity," Banerjee said at a conference. According to Banerjee, the findings could pave the way for the "possible development of new

class of anti-inflammatory drugs".

Inflammation, such as pain, soreness or swellings, are important immune responses and several naturally occurring products as leafy greens have the power to curb inflammation and prevent diseases.

Banerjee said the study also links environmental influence to the anti-inflammatory attributes of paan.

"The soil and nutrient conditions, climate and farming profile impacts the kind of

Fresh Dosa.... Fresh Dosa.... Fresh Dosa.... Fresh Dosa.... Fresh Dosa....

ndian researchers claim that paan or betel leaf could provide the key to unlock an arsenal of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Scientists at University of Calcutta and Indian Institute of Chemical Biology have examined nine varieties of betel leaf and identified the ones that can reduce inflammation.

A part of India's food culture, ayurvedic texts have mentioned the medicinal properties and therapeutic effects of betel leaf. "Usually people generalise paan as one variety and don't know that some varieties could be causing them harm in the

I

he World Health Organization's research arm said that there was not enough evidence to suggest that coffee may cause cancer. But the International Agency for Research on Cancer, or IARC, said that drinking "very hot" beverages of any kind could potentially raise the cancer risk and classified them as "probably carcinogenic" to humans. In particular, it cited countries including China, Iran and those in South America, where teas are traditionally drunk at extremely high temperatures - above 65 or 70 degrees Celsius (150 or 160 Fahrenheit).

Experts concluded that there was inadequate evidence to suggest coffee might cause cancer. "I'm not really sure why coffee was in a higher category in the first place,'' said Owen Yang, an epidemiologist at Oxford University who has previously studied the possible link between coffee and cancer. He was not part of the IARC expert group. "The best evidence available suggests that coffee does not raise the cancer risk," he said. Drinking very hot beverages, however, just might.

Dana Loomis, deputy head of the IARC program that classifies carcinogens, said they began to look into

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a possible link after seeing unusually high rates of esophageal cancer in countries where drinking very hot beverages is common.

He said that even at temperatures below 60 degrees Celsius (140 Fahrenheit), hot beverages can scald the skin, and that consuming drinks at even higher temperatures could be harmful.

Loomis said very hot beverages might cause a "thermal injury" in the throat that could eventually promote the growth of tumors, but that evidence was limited. He said there wasn't enough evidence to suggest if eating very hot food might also be risky.

Other experts said that people should remain focused on the leading causes of cancers, including of the esophagus, and that there were more important changes they could make other than waiting for their drinks to cool.

"Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption are much more significant for reducing cancer risk than the temperature of what you're drinking,'' said Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society.

Brawley said the cancer risk posed by drinking hot beverages was similar to that posed by eating pickled vegetables.

Fresh Dosa.... Fresh Dosa.... Fresh Dosa....

Enjoy fresh DOSA in your own garden We prepare variety of fresh Dosa at your place for your guests.

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LEGUMES The Indian kitchen is legume-friendly and the best legume that is rich in fibre is channa or Bengal gram. Other fibre rich legumes include urad and toor dal, green peas, French beans and rajma.

One cup of these pulses and the amount of fibre you are consuming is anywhere between 14-17 grams. Besides, these legumes are a good source for protein and vitamins as well.

munch on between meals.

Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, groundnuts, and walnut are a good source of fibre. We can also mention that flax and sesame seeds also contain fibre that is good for your bowel movement. Twenty eight grams of these nuts and seeds will increase your fibre count from 1-8 grams.

Tel: 07748 63 62 64 / 020 8902 1515 www.sarashwathy.com Open 7 days a week

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Kajal Agarwal does it for the first time Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

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aging South Indian actress Kajal Agarwal will be dubbing her own voice in Tamil for the first time for her upcoming 'Kavalai Vendaam' across Jiiva. Directed by

Dhanush and Nayanthara in a cold war?

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

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here is no doubt that actors Dhanush and Nayanthara make a great on screen pair and ever since 'Yaradi Nee Mohini', their friendship has just grown stronger. The actress even appeared in a special item song for Dhanush's production 'Ethir Neechal', despite herself imposing bar on appearing in special item songs. However, recent reports suggest neither of the stars warmed up to the other during the making of 'Nannum Rowdy Dhaan', directed by Vignesh Sivan.

Adding fuel to the existing fire, Dhanush spoke in length on how Aishwarya Rajesh deserved the Best Actress Award, during his acceptance speech for the Best Feature Filmfare Award. In response, Nayan apologised to him during her acceptance speech for the Best Actress Award for 'Naanum Rowdy'.

Deekay of 'Yamirukka Bayame' fame, the movie also features Bobby Simha, Sunaina, Shruti Ramakrishnan, Karunakaran, RJ Balaji, Bala Saravanan, and Mayilswamy.

Chiranjeevi's Rajini-Kamal150th film Manirathnam starts influence in 'Kabali' rolling

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outh superstar Chiranjeevi's 150th film has finally went on floors. Tentatively titled 'Kathilantodu', the movie is the official remake of Tamil hit 'Kaththi'. A source from the unit said, "The shooting has started.

The first schedule will be shot in a prison set that has been specially erected for the movie." While the rest of the cast and the female lead for the movie are yet to be finalised, the film is jointly bankrolled by Lyca Productions and Ram Charan and directed by VV Vinayak. Chiranjeevi will be acting after a long gap of 2 years. While he has made several cameos in the past decades, he hasn't played a full fledged role in any of them.

Alia wants to better herself with every film

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'Shorgul'

A political drama involving the friendship between a Hindu boy and a Muslim girl.

hatt prodigy Alia gave quite the performance as a Bihari in A b h i s h e k Chaubey's 'Udta P u n j a b ' .

Unaffected by her success, the 23-year old said she wants to better herself with each film rather than being affected by success. "It's true that things aren't happening fast in my career but I am not scared of it right now. It's great. I feel very grateful and privileged to be able to work with so many great directors and actors. I want to do as many films and play as many parts as I can," she said.

Freida Pinto to get award at IIFA

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ith just weeks remaining before the film of the year 'Kabali' releases, Kalaipuli S Thanu reveals an interesting detail. In a recent interview, he let out that director Ranjith fashioned the story as a mix of Superstar Rajinikanth's 'Thalapathy' and Kamal Haasan's 'Nayagan', both directed by Maniratnam.

'Kabali' featuring Rajinikanth, Radhika Apte, Dhanshika, Riythvika, Kalaiarasan and Dinesh, is scheduled to hit the screens on July 15.

reida Pinto w i l l soon be making her debut at the International Indian Film Academy gala in Madrid, where she will be honoured with the International Icon award. With a career that kicked off with 'Slumdog Millionaire', Freida has made her own mark in the global film industry with movies like 'Miral', 'Day of the Falcon', 'Immortals', 'Desert Dancer' and 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes'. After the awards ceremony, she will fly down to Monrovie to join FLOTUS Michelle Obama for 'Let Girls Learn', a government initiative that helps girls get quality education. She will travel across Liberia, Morocco and Spain along with Michelle, her daughters Sasha and Malia, and grandmother Marian Robinson.

Jacqueline shot with real pythons

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acqueline Fernandez, John Abraham and Varun Dhawan shot with a real python for song 'Sau Tarah Ke' from their upcoming film 'Dishoom'. The actress said she and her co-stars were initially scared to shoot with the reptile.

"Shooting for the song was too much fun, though all of us were scared when we got to know that we had to shoot with real pythons," Jacqueline said. "But the people who were taking care of them made the process easy for us. They ensured that the shoot wasn't stalled." The things actors do for quality entertainment!

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My heart remains in India: Deepika AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

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recent interview quoted her as saying, "It was great fun. It was not about different people from different parts of the world coming together. We all came with our cultures to make a fun-filled and interesting movie. I am sure that will translate on screen too."

Deepika is not immediately looking to sign films.

She is looking forward to doing challenging roles. "You need to be excited about your work. Whatever I find next has to be bigger and better, and more challenging than what I have done.

You grow and learn with every film. I am not interested in churning out a certain number of films every year. For me, it's about the quality of work. It's about following your instincts and doing a film for the right reason.”

s B-town actresses look for higher stakes in the West, 'xXx:The Return of the Xander Cage' lead Deepika Padukone has made it clear that her heart remains India. After months of shooting in Toronto for her big Hollywood debut across hunk Vin Diesel, Deepika has finally wrapped up the project and returned back home.

"India is home, and that's never going to change. My roots are here, and at the end of the day, it's about your roots. You can't take India out of me. People go for holidays, but eventually, come back home. So, no matter where I go in the world, this is home, and that will never change," she said. Our beloved Mastani's social media accounts are more than enough proof of how much fun she had shooting with the crew of 'xXx'. A

Anushka is grateful to Khans

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racing herself for her wrestler drama across Bhaijaan, actress Anushka Sharma has a lot to say about the three main Khans of the film industry. The 'PK' actress who has worked along Shah Rukh, Aamir and now Salman, is grateful to them for helping her reach a wider audience.

"For me as an actor, it is great to work with the Khans, who have every possible experience one can have in a film industry. They have been around for more than two decades. There is a lot one can observe and learn when you are working with them. Apart from that, I am very grateful that because of them my work is reaching to more people," the 28-year old said.

Anushka plays a Haryanvi wrestler in the film and if the trailer is any proof, she seems to have done her character pure justice. With a challenging role, comes a gru-

elling preparation, and portraying Aarfa was no child's play. "I was up for the challenge. I really liked my role. The only thing that I was worried was that I didn't have enough time to prepare for the role. For a film like this you would want three to four months of proper training.

But I had less than six weeks to prepare. It was a very packed schedule for me. I don't know how this six months have passed but all in all I am very happy that people believe I am a wrestler."

She said she was trying to break the perception that female wrestlers are always bulky, with her role. "I knew I have a certain

'Raman Raghav 2.0' is a game-changer, Nawazuddin

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ontemporary actor Nawazuddin Siddique's acting skills is the rope t h a t pulls his career upwards. After 'Gangs of Wasseypur', his stint as a serial killer in A n u r a g Kashyap's thriller 'Raman Raghav 2.0' is considered to be a pivotal role for him. "I hope like 'Gangs of Wasseypur', even Raman Raghav is a game-changer for me. In my opinion this is one of the most interesting characters that I have enacted on screen. I hope people enjoy watching it," he said. The movie also features Vicky Kaushal and Sobhita Dhulipala.

perception to break. I look a certain way and I always have been lean. During my research, I found that you don't have to be wide-framed. There are many who are toned. I realised that is what I have to work towards."

Success won’t last forever: Priyanka

P

r i y a n k a Chopra is on the peak of her career with her Bollywood and Hollywood projects.

However, the 33year old is not reading too much into it as she believes all the fame and glory will go away one day. In an interview on the sidelines of International Indian Film Academy Awards, she said, "I believe that you have to be who you are. I don't take success for granted. Nobody should. It goes away in a wink. I am sure it will go away with me also. But I am someone who is an achiever, so you just have to be able to evolve into different things." She also asserted that she is not "afraid of having an opinion" and she isn't "necessarily being brash" because "she's a feminist". "I don't say things just because I'm a feminist and I believe in woman power. The word has been bastardised, there is no respect to it any more."

Everyone fears losing stardom: Salman Khan

Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

W

ith his upcoming movie 'Sultan' scheduled for an Eid release, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has pushed the peddles with the film's promotions. Also in news recently for his insensitive comments, Bhaijaan sure knows how to keep the paps busy.

Playing a professional wrestler in the film, Sallu underwent a rigorous training to master not only the perfect bod but also scenes for the shoot. "You need to have a certain physicality to train to be a pehelwan. Aamir Khan (who plays yet another wrestler in his next project) and I both have trained extensively to look the part. You look like a fraud if you don't train properly. If I had to pick up a 120 kilo person, I would have to do it 10 times for it to be shot in five different angles. In a wrestling match, it happens only once or twice," he said.

Talking about director Ali Abbas, he said, "Ali didn't know anything about bodybuilding, I don't think he has once gone to a gym in his entire life. So while shooting he wanted a different body type every 20 days. He sometimes wanted me to play the young bit, sometimes the old bit, sometimes he wanted the fit bit, and sometimes the unfit bit. In a span of two months he wanted four body types."

"It is the most difficult film I've ever done. There is no appreciation for the physical hard work that you invest in a film, today the technology has gone so far that even if you are not fit, one can use technology to make you look fit. I saw a film of mine, and I saw a close up and that is when I said to myself 'gaya bhai tu'. When I'm not liking the way I'm looking, how is anyone else going to like it. Everyone fears losing stardom, I would be lying if I said otherwise. It is not the stardom that I fear losing, it is the love and respect.

One day it hits you that suddenly it’s all over. But then you should be that man who knows how to deal with it. I have seen my father go through it twice in his life, I myself have gone through that. I think life is more than just being a star or a hero in movies.”

'Udta Punjab' won't be released in Pakistan

T

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he makers of 'Udta Punjab' have decided not to release the movie in neighbouring Pakistan, after their censor board refused to release the movie without the stated 100 cuts. Director Abhishek Chaubey said, "It definitely means loss of revenue if the film is not released in Pakistan. But more than that... it would make no sense to release it with the said cuts. The film is intended to convey something and make a point. There is no scope to fight our case in Pakistan. So, we decided not to release the film there." He said the movie was doing well but would have been better if the movie had not been leaked on the internet. "There was a bigger message that we wanted to convey with the movie and that was against drug peddling and drug abuse. The film had to reflect reality."

Tusshar Kapoor becomes a proud father

T

usshar Kapoor is the proud father of baby boy Laksshya, born through surrogacy. In a hurry to become a parent, he said, "I will be 40 this year and that is why I went ahead with what was told to me and I am happy that I took the right decision. My family is complete." Not many know that he was encouraged by director Prakash Jha who informed him about the medical process. The entire Kapoor khandaan is overjoyed about the new addition, including aunt Ekta, who can't stop beaming. "Both my son and Ekta are June babies. She calls him her twin.

She was the one who chose his name," said Tusshar. Stating that he has no intention of releasing any pictures of the baby, he said, "I am superstitious and weather outside is not quite nice. I will introduce him only after the passage of three or four months when he would be healthier."

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Asian Voice |2nd July 2016

Plans for Willesden temple improvements hindered by members of local community Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden, established over 42 years ago and one of the largest Hindu temples in London, plan an exiting project to upgrade its facilities to accommodate the needs of a thriving community.

The plans include the provision for extra car parking spaces within the compound, which will help alleviate pressure on local roads and help prevent the community from parking too far to attend for regular prayers. The plans also include an elderly care home, and an extension to the current temple to provide extra essential facilities for the community.

The Temple has been working hard for four years to get the plans underway but have come through several road blocks, mainly from selected neighbours who do not approve of the Temple.

With the car park being the main issue, Kanji Jesani, Temple planning committee member said: "We have worked hard in trying to work with residents, to listen to their concerns and have addressed them.

“We have, on a weekly basis, addressed the congregation to keep residents in mind when parking on the local roads and ensure we park appropriately.

We've also worked with the

Coming Events

l Cardiff Sanatan Mandir have great pleasure in inviting you, your family and friends to grace the inauguration ceremony of their Murti Pratishtha.

Venue: Sanatan Dharma Mandal & Hindu Community Centre, Seaview Building, Lewis Road, Cardiff, CF24 5EB Date & Time: Friday, 1 July 2016 from 1.00pm to 7.00pm ; Saturday 2nd July 2016 from 8.00 am to 3.00pm followed by Bhajan ; Sunday 10th July from 9.00 am to 2.30 pm and then after Ras Garba Programme includes: Ganesh Pujan, Sinhasan Inauguration, Thal , Arti, Maha Prasad Asian Holiday Club have arranged a coach trip from London on Saturday, 2nd July 2016 and on 10th July 2016. Pick points are West Norwood, Thornton Heath, Tooting, Kingsbury and will pick up from other destinations if 10 or more people attend. Contact: Anjitaben Rajbhai Acharya - 07931 650 337 or 020 8676 4411.

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council to double yellow sections of the road i.e. outside the temple and corners of roads to ensure easy and safe traffic flow.

“The Temple is investing in the car park to accommodate the current community and to keep residents happy. Its a win win situation, and to be honest we have many residents that support us, so its hard to understand why the objections are still aggressively put forward by these selected few.

“The Temple is also under going a process with consultants to develop travel plans to help reduce the number of cars to the temple during peak periods."

Selected members of the residents have also put forward other points rejecting the plans which the temple have addressed.

The Temple have employed independent surveyors to provide relevant reports all of which is openly available for all to view on Brent councils website and address all concerns.

With the Temple having received comments such as 'Temple looks ugly' 'temple numbers should be reduced and move the public elsewhere' 'why cant you send the old people to the new old peoples home down the road', 'the temple has been nothing but a burden to the community' its hard to ignore the fact that the Temple is being victimised.

Manji Hirani, President of the Temple, said: "We don't see this as commercial experiment, this is an investment to accommodate and provide the needs of our existing community and to ensure its thriving future.

“The elderly home provides specialist care which our community demands where other elderly care homes cannot provide. I know the Hindu community has supported us during this process and I encourage you to continue to stand by us especially when we are being unfairly and quite aggresively victimised."

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 highlights your solar eighth Your ruling planet Mars

house. Your attention turns inward on a deeper level to personal transformations. There may be a strong focus on other's money, such as the resources of a partner, inheritance, banking and loans, or taxes. This transit should be positively dealt with to achieve any benefits.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 An exchange of opinions

ought to prove very enlivening at this time. An influence that should help to enjoy the 'nicer' side of others as bring out the best in friends, colleagues and partners alike. A wind of change may be in the air; attention should turn to the wider world and benefits come from broadening of horizons and mental stimuli.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Relationships are complex

in the best of times, but Saturn's motion can make things even more complicated now. Misunderstandings can plague partnerships or potential romances - be more careful and forgiving. A good time for completing unfinished business and reassessing your future projects.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

You will probably have little cause to complain this week. Expect everything to run smoothly and luck to attend your efforts. However, underneath this positive surface you may be plagued by a feeling of restlessness.

Try to strike a balance between material and emotional affairs !

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

You may find yourself hard at work behind the scenes, although that may not be apparent to others. You may find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of activity, with opportunities to advance on both the inner and outer level. There’s a sparkle to your social life and you will have fun communicating with others.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

Efforts to restructure and transform your lifestyle are more likely to meet with success. Experience you have built up in the past will now stand you in good stead. If you are thinking of investments, then this is an opportune time to go ahead with your plans. Co-operative ventures are likely to generate financial success

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

Much enthusiasm goes into professional ambitions right now, but you need to be your own boss in many ways. You will be determined to place your lifestyle on a foundation of greater security. Taking a broad perspective on the prevailing cosmic pattern, far-reaching change begins to gather momentum.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

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Your horizons are most certainly expanding. Your philosophical thoughts will make your mind run wild.

With Jupiter transiting your Solar 11th house, there will be many opportunities. Your financial affairs are looking up. Do not miss out on ways to better yourself in the coming weeks.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

It is a particularly favourable time for dealing with financial interests with a long-term basis, such as investments, insurance and pension schemes, legacies and all jointly held resources. There may be a certain amount of unfinished business to be dealt with.

Therefore you will need to adopt a fairly flexible policy in order to accommodate the odd twists and turns of everyday life.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 There’s a sparkle to your social life and much enjoyment is to be had simply from being in touch with other people. You’re likely to receive insights into where everything is going in your life. Venus, the planet of love and romance throws a pleasing light on affairs of the heart. Existing emotional differences can be easily sorted out now.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 You could work with someone on a project that calls for clear communication and a high degree of cooperation. You may also find yourself thinking deeply about what it is you really want to do, and who you really want to be with. The decisions you make now will be important for the path you take.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 Extra energy and drive will serve you well in getting things accomplished. There appears to be a more successful trend coming into effect.

Amorous affairs continue to be highlighted - whether or not this leads to a lasting relationship depends much on your own personal maturity and circumstances.

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India win thriller to seal series against Zimbabwe AsianVoiceNews

India had won a sea-saw battle by three runs to win the third ODI and the series 2-1 against Zimbabwe.

Though Zimbabwe had never won a series against India, but they had an opportunity while chasing a target of 139 set by India. If Elton Chigumbura could have scored four runs in the last ball, Zimbabwe could have achieved the impossible. While four runs were needed in the last ball of Barinder Sran, Chigumbura could only manage enough power and elevation to hit a low, wide full-toss into extra-covers' hands. Thus India finally won by three runs and took the series 2-1.

Until this match, Sran had impressed with his new-ball swing, but had never really come under pressure. Now, India were bowling second for the first time on the tour, and were defending 138. A number of Zimbabwe's batsmen had got off to starts, but no one had carried on. They needed

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

21 off the last over, with Timycen Maruma and Chigumbura at the crease, both batting on 12. Maruma had shaved six off the target with a massive leg-side clout off Jasprit Bumrah in the penultimate over.

Now Sran sent down a length ball, and Maruma, clearing his front leg once again, clobbered it over the midwicket boundary. Then Sran brought square leg and fine leg into the circle, and, in looking to deny Maruma the scoop over the infield, slanted the ball too wide outside off stump. The pres-

sure was firmly on, and a high full-toss followed, providing width for a slap to the cover boundary. Noball, nine runs to get off five balls, free hit to come.

It was at this point that Sran pulled his death-bowling skills together, sending down three successive wide yorkers, all there or thereabouts: dot, dot, single.

Eight to get off two, and Chigumbura ran down the pitch, slogged, and streaked a lucky edge to the third man boundary.

The situation was something like the first ODI of

India's tour to Zimbabwe last year; then it was Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowling to Chigumbura with six to get off the last ball.

Chigumbura could only get a single, unable to get any elevation on a yorker despite batting on 103 at the time. Sran couldn't quite nail his yorker, but his full-toss was low enough to deny Chigumbura and Zimbabwe.

That India had 138 to defend was down to Kedar Jadhav, who scored 58 off 42 balls - his first half-century in T20Is - to lift a batting line-up that got into early trouble on a pitch with decidedly low bounce and inconsistent pace: some balls stopped, some skidded, and the batsmen came to realise that a stump-tostump line was rather difficult to score against. When Jadhav walked in, India were 27 for 3, with Manish Pandey's first-ball run-out adding to the early loss of both openers.

Messi quits international football A heartbroken Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi sensationally announced his retirement from international football after Argentina crashed to an upset defeat against Chile in the final of the Copa America.

Messia was distraught after missing a spot-kick as Chile snatched victory in a penalty shoot-out - Messi's fourth straight defeat in a major final while representing Argentina. "For me the national team is over," the crestfallen 29year-old told reporters.

"I've done all I can, I've been in four finals and it hurts not to be a champion.

It's a hard moment for me and the team, and it's difficult to say, but it's over with the Argentina team."

Messi's dramatic

Argentina in the final of the 2007 Copa America.

Despite a glittering career that has seen him be named FIFA World Player of the Year on no fewer than five occasions, Messi has often faced baffling criticism from Argentina fans. Although universally regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever, he has regularly been criticised for his failure to land a major title in the colours of Argentina.

Messi's failure to match the achievements in the Argentina jersey of Diego Maradona, who single-handedly carried the team to victory in the 1986 World Cup, has often been held against him.

Maradona himself has often taken potshots at Messi, criticizing him on the eve of the tournament

for a perceived "lack of personality."

"He's a really good person, but he has no personality," Maradona said in Paris shortly before the start of Euro 2016. "He lacks the character to be a leader." Messi's bombshell decision comes after a gruelling season which was disrupted by injury last year. He recovered to help Barcelona win the Spanish title once more and was relishing the prospect of leading Argentina to glory in the Copa America Centenario.

His commitment to playing for Argentina was reflected in his decision to fly from Spain to Argentina for a low-key friendly against Honduras shortly before the tournament, where he suffered a back injury.

Mohammad Anas

Dutee Chand

Olympics,� the Kerala runner gushed.

The 100 mark was soon crossed (103 at the time of writing) when the Kosanov Memorial Meet in Almaty, Kazakhstan, scene of Dutee Chand's history-making women's 100m qualification a day earlier, saw her training

partner and rival, Srabani Nanda complete a rare double by winning the Rio berth in the 200m.

The Odisha sprinter clocked 23.07sec, a good 0.13 seconds off the Olympic qualifying mark of 23.20, and won bronze at Almaty. Rachita Mistry was the last Indian woman

to qualify for the women's 200m, at the Sydney Olympics 16 years ago. Not to be outdone, Morena boy Ankit Sharma smashed the existing long jump national record with 8.19m to win the gold in Almaty and also ensure his passage to Rio. Ankit had earlier leapt to 8.17m, better than the qualifying standard of 8.15m.

Elsewhere, archer Atanu Das was selected for the men's recurve event following trials in Bengaluru.

With the Indian track and field numbers already at a high with 23 qualifiers, the Indian contingent could further increase in the coming weeks with

Lionel Messi

announcement followed Argentina's third loss in a major final since 2014.

They were beaten 1-0

by Germany in the final of the World Cup in 2014 and lost on penalties, also to Chile, in the final of the 2015 Copa America. Messi also tasted defeat with

SPORT Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

Indian woman cricketer signs path-breaking deal

Harmanpreet Kaur has inked a path-breaking deal with the defending Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) champions Sydney Thunder, becoming the first Indian women cricketer to be signed by a foreign Twenty20 (T20) franchise. Harmanpreet's deal has been confirmed by Anurag Thakur, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). As per reports, three franchises were in the race to sign the aggressive middle-order batter before Sydney Thunder sealed the deal. It is the first formal signing since the BCCI gave the green signal for women cricketers in India to participate in the foreign leagues, and agreed to issue the required no-objection certificate (NoC). Incidentally, Adelaide Strikers were keen on signing Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami for the 2015 edition of WBBL. However, their domestic teams did not give the consent. "I think we saw in the Indian team some very dynamic players, including Veda Krishnamurthy and Harmanpreet Kaur, I think these two stood out," Alex Blackwell, the Thunder captain, had noted. "We have a pretty solid team... but we have an opportunity to bring another overseas players in and we'll be looking to spend that spot wisely.

Hopefully we'll get one of the best players around the world."

Rajput named Afghan head coach

Former India cricketer Lalchand Rajput was named the Afghanistan team's head coach, two days after he lost to Anil Kumble in the race for the India coach job. The 54-year-old replaces former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, who stepped down in April to become the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief selector. His first assignment is a tour of Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands in July and August. "Rajput has coached the Indian Under-19 Cricket side as well as the Mumbai Indians franchise in the IPL. His experience is a key asset for Afghanistan Cricket," Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) Chairman Danish Nasimullah said in a statement. "Rajput is technically and professionally strong coach in cricket, I am sure his presence with Afghan national cricket team will benefit the team. He will be joining the team for the Scotland, Ireland and Netherland tour," he added.

According to ACB chief executive Shaiqullah Stanikzai, Rajput was chosen ahead of former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf, former South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs and former West Indies fast bowler Corey Collymore. The former opening batsman's name was reportedly recommended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Rajput, who was in charge of the Indian team during its World T20 triumph in 2007 and the controversial tour of Australia in 2007-08, also served as the joint secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association.

Indian squad for Rio crosses century mark

India's contingent to the Rio Olympics swelled to over a 100 - the largest ever for the quadrennial event - when quarter-miler Mohammad Anas, participating in a qualifying event in faraway Poland, made the grade to become the 100th Indian to seal a berth for Rio de Janeiro.

Anas clocked 45.40 seconds in the men 400m to equal the qualification mark and win gold in the Poland National Athletics Championships in Bydgoszcz. In doing so, the 21year-old also smashed his own national mark of 45.44s. “This has to be the best moment in my career.

It hasn't sunk in yet that I'm going to the

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more athletes likely to find themselves in the fray.

The boxing team could see three more qualifying at the final Venezuela meet next month. In aquatics, five swimmers have already made the cut, while the last qualifier in Hong Kong next month to determine how many swimmers go or whether India is awarded a wild card.

Despite the 36 hockey players - both men and women squads - forming the regular feature at the Olympics, the Indian Olympic contingent this time would be the largest ever. While the London Olympics four years ago saw a 83-strong Indian

contingent, in April, the then sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal told the Parliament that the ministry had forecast a team of around 90 athletes, with 10-plus medals being targeted.

Yet, in what can dampen the ministry's forecasts of a bullish medal tally, according to projections by Infostrada, leading sports database providers and forecasters, India would end up at No. 46th in the medals tally, with only one gold (mixed doubles tennis) and three bronze (women's archery, team; Shiva Thapa in boxing and Jitu Rai in pistol shooting) to show for its 100-plus presence at Rio.

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Asian Voice | 2nd July 2016

Kumble appointed Indian cricket coach

Anil Kumble

Former India captain Anil Kumble has been appointed coach of the national side for one year, the BCCI announced.

His first assignment will be India's four-Test tour of the West Indies. The question of who would take over as India coach has been a talking point since Ravi Shastri's tenure as team director ended after the World T20.

Some of the uncertainty was addressed when Anurag Thakur, after his appointment as BCCI president, said the vacancy

would be filled before the Tests in the Caribbean.

The BCCI put out an advertisement for a new coach in the first week of June and received 57 applications, including Kumble's.

However, it appears he was not among the 21 names shortlisted by the BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke's office.

The Cricket Advisory Committee, comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, assigned to pick India's next coach asked for Kumble's name to be included, at which point he became an instant favourite.

The committee interviewed Kumble and a handful of other candidates in Kolkata and made their recommendations to the BCCI. Thakur, along with Shirke, made the final call.

"The CAC recommended a few names to the BCCI. After discussions with various stakeholders, we have taken the final call that for next one year Anil Kumble will be the head coach."

Thakur said at a media briefing in Dharamsala.

The BCCI offered Kumble a one-year term to help him acclimatise to the job better and to give themselves the cushion to reassess if needed. When the final call came, there were three men left standing in a race that had begun with 57 candidates. There was Ravi Shastri, who had served as Team India's director for 18 months till the World T20, and Australian Tom Moody, whose glittering resume includes a coaching stint with Sri Lanka and guiding Sunrisers Hyderabad to the 2016 IPL title.

And then there was Anil Kumble, who joined the race for the job at the eleventh hour, but the game immediately changed once he entered it. With his record 619 Test wickets there was no contesting Kumble's stature. If at all there was doubt, it was about his lack of coaching experience. Indeed, that led to him not being included in the shortlist of 21 candidates when it was submitted to the cricket advisory committee of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman on June 21. But given his legendary career - and that he has mentored Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore - the panel asked for Kumble's name to be

included anyway.

At Kolkata, Kumble made a presentation on his vision for the future of Indian cricket, which is believed to have wowed his former team-mates. Given his reputation as a tech-savvy, articulate cricketer, that came as no surprise.

However, the committee did not indicate any preference while forwarding its list of three names to the BCCI bosses. That's when Thakur and BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke went into a huddle with the panel.

According to sources, Kumble soon emerged as the leading candidate, with Ganguly and Thakur particularly vociferous in supporting him.

Shastri was the second preference, with Tendulkar speaking about his contribution to Indian cricket as team director. However, after animated discussion, Sachin too cast his vote for Kumble and it became a unanimous choice.

Kumble is also understood to have enjoyed the support of a prominent, politically influential member of BCCI, who backed his candidature because of his “no-nonsense” reputation. “Kumble emerged as the clear choice because of his cricketing experience.

For this kind of job, experience on the field does matter a lot,” a source close to the development said.

BCCI plans ‘mini’ IPL abroad in September The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keen to hold a mini-IPL abroad in September. But BCCI will first have to fend off competition from the International Cricket Council (ICC), which itself is keen to hold an international T20 tournament in that period.

The BCCI has been eyeing the September slot since 2014, when it scrapped the loss-making T20 Champions League - which it owned along with its Australian and South African counterparts. Last year, it was keen to hold a mini-IPL, involving all its existing franchises, but postponed the idea after it plunged into crisis thanks to internal tussles and legal battles.

Now, with the BCCI preparing to toe the Supreme Court's line, the idea of starting a mini-IPL is once again gaining momentum. "It can be a great testing ground for what is possible in terms of reaching out to the Indian fan base abroad. It can be made financially viable if a

market like the US is explored. Frankly, if the broadcaster finds it appealing then a lot of things fall into place," a source close to development said.

A mini-IPL held overseas could help generate some much needed revenue and the broadcast rights could be offered to Star to assuage it for the losses suffered by restrictions on ads.

However, the ICC is also eyeing the September window. The ICC had decided that the World T20 would henceforth be held once every four years instead of every two years. But with the recent World T20 in India proving the most suc-

cessful ever, the game's parent body, under its new independent chairman Shashank Manohar, is learnt to be considering a swift rollback of plans.

According to some estimates, close to 85 million people watched the IndiaWest Indies semifinal on television, while larger figures were recorded digitally.

"Bilateral T20 Internationals are both rare and devoid of any context.

But international tournaments get great numbers. It makes sense for ICC to revert back to the old logic of having one ICC event every year and thereby one World T20 every two years,"

said a source.

A look at the tour programme reveals that there are only two windows every year over the next decade or so. One window is in AprilMay, but that would clash with the IPL. The other is in September. If the ICC wants to hold a World T20 every two years, that is the logical time to hold it.

The idea was mooted during a meet of the BCCI in Dharmasala recently and according to an official US was one of the country to host the event, adding that other venues, including those in the UAE where a part of IPL-7 was held, may also be considered.

Dhoni equals Ponting's record

The just concluded Zimbabwe tour helped India to break the record for most T20Is in a calendar year and helped MS Dhoni equal Ricky Ponting’s record of captaining in 324 international matches.

The match in Harare was India's 19th T20I this year, bettering Pakistan's record of 18 in 2010. The Dhoniled team also became the first to win 15 T20Is in a calendar year. India's thrilling victory margin by three runs is their third narrowest in T20Is. They had won two T20Is by one run margins - vs South Africa in Colombo on October 2, 2012, and vs Bngladesh in Bangalore on March 23, 2016. India, by playing 19 matches this year, have set a record in a calendar year, bettering Pakistan's 18 in 2010. India became the first team to win 15 matches in a calendar year in T20Is (lost four out of 19 contested) - win/loss ratio 3.750 per cent. Dhoni has led in 324 international matches, equalling Ricky Ponting's tally. Stephen Fleming (303) is the only other skipper to have led in 300 or more international matches. Dhoni and Bumrah have played all 19 matches this year to set a record for most appearances in a calendar year in T20Is. Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal and Umar Akmal had played 18 each in 2010.

Bumrah scales to No 2 spot in T20I rankings

Indian medium pacer Jasprit Bumrah's impressive show in the just-concluded series against Zimbabwe lifted him to a career-best second spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 International rankings. Bumrah, who took five wickets in the three T20Is vaulted six places to become India's highest ranked bowler in the shortest format after off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin slipped four places to seventh following his decision to miss the series. Bumrah now has number-one ranked Samuel Badree firmly within his sights. The West Indies wrist spinner leads Bumrah by 46 points. Bumrah's new ball partner Barinder Sran, who finished the series as the most successful bowler with six wickets, has broken into the rankings in 225th position. Among the batsmen, Mandeep Singh and Lokesh Rahul have returned to the rankings in 100th and 102nd positions respectively, while other notable movers are Manish Pandey in 152nd (up by 119 places) and Ambati Rayudu 217th (up by 133 places).

Maharashtra stumper Kedar Jadhav has also vaulted 181 places to 106th after finishing the third leading rungetter with 77 runs that included a match-winning 42ball 58 that helped India to set-up a winning score.

Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli continues to lead the batting chart in the shortest format followed by Australian Aaron Finch and New Zealander Martin Guptill at second and third respectively. In team rankings, India missed a chance to wrest back the top position despite defeating Zimbabwe by a 2-1 margin. India had started the series a fraction of a point behind topplaced New Zealand and needed to win the series 3-0 to perch itself at the top of the table. However, after Zimbabwe pulled off a thrilling two-run victory in the opening match of the series, India kissed goodbye to its chances of reclaiming the number one position which it had surrendered to the Blackcaps following the annual update in May. India is now on 128 points -- four behind New Zealand and six ahead of reigning ICC World Twenty20 champion West Indies.