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Debacle in panchayat elections forces Siddharth Patel, Gohil to resign

Narendra Modi

with no alternate but to own the moral responsibility of the crushing defeat and resign from their posts.

The elections to the local bodies were held last week and results were announced on Saturday, 23rd October.

A total of 1890 representatives for municipalities were elected.

Of this, BJP won 1242, Congress bagged 416, Independents won 202 while other party nomi-

nees won 30 seats.

For the district panchayats, 803 representatives were elected with BJP’s share was 548; Congress had 244, other party candidates won on 7 while Independents won 4 seats. Of the 4047 taluka panchayat representatives, BJP walked away with 2456, Congress got 1438, Independents won on 94 and other party candidates won on 59 seats.

The Congress lost quite a few traditional bastions that it had controlled for many decades.

Continued on page 24

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PM Cameron to welcome Indian immigrants?

David Cameron

Vince Cable

The British government needs to decide what exactly they want of the immigrants. First they tighten the borders with changes in the rules that makes sure the immigrant flow from India and other Asian subcontinents reduce by at least 30%. Now PM David Cameron is planning to re-open the door to a new wave of immigration by signalling on Monday that the Government will let businesses bring in more staff from overseas.

The Prime Minister is

believed to have told business leaders the planned immigration cap will not ‘impede’ companies recruiting skilled foreign staff. His words brought claims that the Tories are watering down their tough stance on new arrivals to placate the Liberal Democrats.

Critics also warned that a Brussels trade deal with India, currently being drawn up, would lead to ‘British jobs for Indian workers’.

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30th October to 5th November 2010

Narendra Modi bulldozes Congress

The Modi magic has mesmerised Gujarat electorate. After sweeping the six major city polls earlier last month, the people of rural and semi urban Gujarat too have given a thumping mandate in favour of Narendra Modi and BJP. The Congress has been almost rendered irrelevant as its performance was poorer than the previous polls, held in 2005.

Gujarat Congress President Siddharth Patel and leader of opposition in the Gujarat assembly, Shaktisinh Gohil were left

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

one to one Keith Vaz MP with Nadhim Zahawi Member of Parliament for Stratford-on-Avon Q. What inspired you to begin your career in your chosen field?

I joined the Conservative Party after being accosted by a member of the socialist workers party at university. He was handing out magazines and couldn’t understand why I didn’t want to take one and decided to get physical. It was that confrontation that made me decide to see what the other side thought.

Q. What are your proudest achievements?

My proudest achievement in life is setting up YouGov and taking it from two guys in a shed to a multinational company that we floated on the London Stock Exchange. I am equally proud that I was chosen by the people of Stratford on Avon to represent them in Parliament as their MP. Q. What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

The biggest obstacle in

my career was brought about by family problems before I went to University. When I was 18 we lost our home and all our savings after my father made an investment in a new invention which failed to take off. I was days away from rejecting my university offer to get a job and help my family stay together. In the end circumstances changed to allow me to attend UCL and achieve a Chemical Engineering Degree and the rest is history.

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

The biggest influences in my life have been my business partner of 11 years and co founder of YouGov Stephan Shakespeare and my wife.

Q. What is the best thing about your current role?

The best thing about my current role is that I am able to make a real difference to people’s lives, it

the public purse while they spend hundreds of thousands of days working for their trade unions on ‘facility time’.

In just 13 Government departments and agencies, over 6,000 civil servants managed to rack up more than 170,000 days working for their trade union rather than doing their job.

What is alarming is that union members are abusing facility time to go on political demonstrations and they encourage others to do likewise.

The email responses of representatives from a range of unions to my enquiries about the use of facility time to attend demonstrations against the CSR, gives a clear insight into their sheer contempt towards taxpayers who pay their salaries.

Urgent questions must be asked about how many more union members are skipping work to attend political demonstrations and the dishonest way unions are acting must be investigated.

If we are to avoid the scenes of protest and civil disobedience as seen in France this week, the Government must act now and legislate to reduce the

Q. And the worst?

The worst thing is when you, try as you may, cannot help people who come to you. For whatever reason this occurs it is always disappointing and upsetting.

Q. What are your long term goals?

My long term goal is to be known as the Secretary of State for Stratford on Avon and in my role on the BIS Select Committee to continue helping businesses in this country to achieve their potential.

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

If I was Prime Minister I would try and change some of the outlooks that seem to prevail in this country. I would love to live somewhere where the spirit of entrepreneurship permeates every aspect of life, where we celebrate those that have tried, failed and picked themselves up to try again as well as those who have already succeeded. In Singapore for example they have the Phoenix Awards which are to celebrate those who have lost everything but who through trying again have found new success.

is fantastic when I can

Priti Patel: Coalition must not underestimate damage of trade unions The British public and the Government must not underestimate the damage trade unions are planning and the scale of their continued abuses of taxpayers’ money, writes Priti Patel MP for Witham.

She said, although the public will not be surprised by unions waging a political war on the Government, they will be appalled to know that public resources are being used to subsidise trade unions.

When Labour was in power they allowed the unions to line their pockets with taxpayers’ money through various funding streams.

Money was given to unions to help them modernise and organise while union leaflets attacking the Conservatives, promoting Labour and supporting the anti-cuts campaign have been sponsored by the Government, the EU and regional development agencies. Unions were even able to pillage millions of pounds from the Department for I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development.

It is simply shocking that throughout the public sector, thousands of union members are being paid by

cutting through the bureaucracy that so often holds people back.

help my constituents by

Priti Patel, MP

■ Britain has its first elected Mayor with Tower Hamlets backing the Independent Candidate Luthfar Rahman.

Mayor Rahman now becomes the most powerful Asian politician in Britain with an annual budget of 1Billion.

■ Leicester's Shree Sanatan Mandir will be providing the religious ambiance for the Diwali at Westminster celebrations. Chief Guests include Deputy Leader Nick Clegg and Labour Leader Ed Miliband.

■ Gordon Brown will be delivering this year’s keynote address at the Hindustan Times Conference. Previous keynoters have included Bill Clinton and Tony Blair. you like to spend your time with and why?

The historical figures I would share a desert island with would be Ian Macleod for his fantastic oratory and powers of description. He is credited with having come up with the term nanny state in 1965 and also the term stagflation. Also William Shakespeare the most famous Stratfordian, an extraordinary poet and someone I would love to be able to talk to about the constituency and life in general.

British Construction Industry gives Delhi International Airport global recognition

By Kartik.S.Raval

power of union barons to call strikes.

Labour leader Ed Miliband bottled out from attending the TUC rally this week, but has stated that “the real priority in this country is to say that trade unions are the cornerstone of a civilised society.”

Through their blatant abuse of taxpayers’ money the trade unions are demonstrating that there is nothing civilised about them.

The unions should face greater transparency over their use of public resources and any civil servant caught abusing taxpayers’ money should be among the first to be issued with their P45 during the cuts.

The public expects strong leadership at this time, which is why ministers in the coalition must fight back and take on the unions.

Q. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figures would

People

The British Construction Industry (BCI) has awarded the ‘International Award for 2010’ to the Delhi International Airport. The state of art features of the International Airport in the capital of India received high praise by the leading architects and contractors and also the super sonic speed in which it was built was applauded. The 23rd BCI Awards were announced in front of 900 industry leaders in London.

There were 13 different category of awards, out of which nominees only for International Award were not restricted to the UK-based construction. Various factors made the new Delhi International Airport bag this prestigious award says Professor Paul Jowitt, President, Institution of Civil Engineers.

“The new 4.4 Km runway and 35 million passenger capacity terminal makes the Airport a project of unprecedented scale in India. The project of this massive expansion was completed on time in 38 months, a target which

was unrealistic and impossible when work started.

But its size and quality is comparable to the new Hong Kong airport” reveals Professor Jowitt, Member of the Judging panel.

The judges were convinced that the British I n t e r n a t i o n a l Construction Award, is a further confirmation of the ability of this Delhi Airport to join the ranks of the finest airports in the world.

To be eligible for this award it was necessary to have an involvement of a UK-based company in the construction project and in the case of the Delhi Airport, the entry was submitted by Mott MacDonald, UK who worked along with the primary contractor Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

The competitors of Delhi Airport under the International category were UK Pavilion for Shanghai World Expo 2010, Dubai Metro, Kroon Hall- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale University, USA, The Third Karnaphuli Bridge- the first major cable supported bridge in Bangladesh,

Stonecutters Bridge in Hong Kong and also a few more which definitely gave the judging panel a tough time in shortlisting the winner.

Overwhelmed by the International Award, K V Rangaswami, Member of the Board and President (Construction), L&T said: “I am delighted that Delhi International Airport which was recently completed by L&T in record time and readied for the Common Wealth Games 2010 has received such an immense recognition at the prestigious BCI Awards.”

The construction of the airport regarded as an icon of infrastructure represented the successful outcome of a team effort involving GMR the commissioning authority, Mott MacDonald and HOK, the principal architects and Larsen & Toubro the principal contractor.

Rangaswami further reveals “In terms of speed, scale and sophistication, Delhi International Airport is the largest infrastructure project ever executed by L&T and the entire nation is proud of this achievement and proud of this Award.”

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

COMMENT

President Obama comes calling US President Barack Obama will come calling next week, the first stop in India, part of a grand Asian tour that will also take him to South Korea and Japan. Mr Obama will hope that this exercise in regional and global diplomacy re-ignites his presidency after the expected losses to his Democratic Party in the Congressional and gubernatorial polls. His own poll ratings are at a low ebb, but there are two more years left of his first term, and Bill Clinton showed how things could be turned around in that time. As Harold Wilson, Britain's Labour prime minister in the 1960s remarked memorably, “ a week is a long time in politics.” So it is. President Obama has all to play for.

That said, President Obama's Indian visit has been preceded by ill-informed talk that New Delhi urgently needs frontline US-manufactured aircraft and weapon systems to counter China's military buildup. It is part of the British (and American) media's three-card trick to put the frighteners on India. It would appear that the exercise has a resonance from a Hollywood western in which an itinerant cowboy seeks to make a quick-fix sale of snake oil, whisky and boxfuls of rusting rifles to a gullible Apache or Sioux chief, who often turned out to be smarter than they looked or sounded.

A number of British pundits – James Lamont and Amy Kazmin of the Financial Times, among them – detect easy pickings for the American guest. Mr Lamont wrote glibly of the obsolescence of the Indian Air Force (IAF), which only the prompt purchase from the US of the 126 multirole warplanes put out to tender by the Government of India would redress. The IAF is a highly professional body as its US counterpart should know, having witnessed at first hand the decisive defeat inflicted on USAF squadrons by IAF pilots in the wargame of 2005. Later, the RAF didn't fare much better either, and the results of the current IndoBritish exercise in India should make interesting reading when they are announced. The sort of patronising guff at which British reporters are particularly adept is unlikely to fool too many Indians in high places. These FT worthies and their transAtlantic cousins must be aware that India buys most of its foreign weapon systems from Russia (as was the case with the Soviet Union), with Israel next on the list and France in third place.

None of these partners has created a trust deficit in relations with India. The defence ties between India and Russia, India and Israel and India and France figure prominently in the Indian media, so there's no excuse for loquacious drivel. An inquiry, headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh into the aborted Chandrayan1 moon mission, a year short of two-year goal, revealed that the fault lay in the tiny malfunctioning110-gram called the $5000 'DC-DC converter', bought from an American company called Modular Devices Inc. Five of these failed sequentially and a $100 million programme was aborted. This could have been coincidence or something more sinister, like sabotage.

We will ever know.

India and the US need to overcome every scintilla of mistrust that bedevilled their relations during the cold war. There has indeed been an exponential change in Indo-US ties since then, but this does not mean that India must throw overboard the deep trust and confidence built over the years with its other partners. As we write, news on another FT page tells of huge arms sales to Pakistan. Need one say more. In this context Amy Kazmin, another of the paper's Delhi correspondents, proclaims brazenly that President Obama must bring up the question of Kashmir, even as she acknowledges that his attempt to do so during his presidential election campaign was rebuffed. She makes reference to David Miliband's egregious demarche on the subject, which was little nothing less than disastrous; his predecessor Robin Cook fared no better. Mired in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, with no exit strategy in sight, President Obama would be unwise to raise the issue of Kashmir in public. Behind-the-scenes discussion with his Indian hosts are another matter.

No Indian government, nor the Indian people as a whole, will countenance the creation of an Islamic state on India's borders. Hindus and Buddhists constitute a significant segment of Kashmir's overall population; they will not agree to accept the sharia. Kashmir's Hindu Pandits were driven from their ancestral homeland in the valley by armed jehadis and are now a an internally displaced population living in refugee camps.

India offers more rights and freedoms to its Muslim population than they would enjoy in any Muslim country.

Spending cuts no guarantee of economic recovery Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne's spending cuts amount to a substantial £81billion over five years. Welfare has borne the brunt of these economies, which means that the less well off will bear the greatest burden in proportion to their incomes and wealth. The segment of society with the highest earnings will pay more in taxes, but having the means to do so their pain will not be as great as their poorer brethren. This is an argument that will run and run, with the ultimate truth proving as elusive as ever. This is because economics is not strictly a science; its governing principles are not cast in stone. The behaviour of the people on which the market largely depends can be subject to whim and fancy, so economic prediction is frequently as chancy as a lottery.

Some economists look to the panaceas of Keynesian doctrine, it has little relevance say others. The public, like piggy in the middle are

bemused, not sure which way to turn. This then is the present scenario. Only time will tell if the Chancellor has got his sums right. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) says the country cannot cut its way to prosperity, it fears a double dip recession. Seasoned in the ways of business, its concerns deserve serious consideration from politicians and public.

Quantitative easing may not fulfil the expectations of its advocates, after all.

Among the foremost critics of Mr Osborne's spending cuts is the American Economics Nobel laureate Paul Krugman who said the policy of government austerity owed more to economic “fashion”, for which Britons would pay a high price. The policy rather than being based on rigorous analysis was “more like a fad, something everyone professed to believe because that was what the crowd was saying.”

Gujarat shows the way Wise people are never too proud to learn from the example of those with whom they normally are in disagreement. It would appear that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi decision to make development the cornerstone of his policy owed some of its inspiration to Indira Gandhi's Garbi Hatao (Abolish poverty) programmes decades ago. Mr Modi has made development cornerstone of his policy. It bore abundant fruit in two back-to-back state assembly elections, which his BJP won with a compelling majority, the second time with an increased margin of the popular vote, which

translated into more seats in the legislature.

In the recent elections to local and rural bodies, Mr Modi has repeated his earlier triumphs.

The opposition Congress party was routed.

Central government schemes for poverty alleviation were superbly organised and applied by Modi appointee R.M.Patel. The Muslims of Gujarat, whom Mr Modi was accused of oppressing, are supporting him in ever greater numbers.

The Congress party has much to learn from the Chief Minister.

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Thought for the Week If we work upon marble it will perish; if on brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds, and imbue them with principles, with the just fear of God and love of our fellow man, we will engrave on those tablets something that will brighten all eternity.

-Noah Webster (1758-1843)

Rt Hon Dominic Grieve, QC MP Conservative MP for Beaconsfield

Ahimsa Day in the House of Commons Ahimsa day in the House of Commons is different from any other Asian event that I ever attend.

This year I found myself very constrained for time, but about 20 minutes late I slipped upstairs to the Committee Room corridor where the meeting was taking place.

As usual the room was full of members of members of the Jain community, come together for the event.

Unlike many other such events this was not a place of formalised speeches lasting five minutes, but a serious and philosophical pause in the day.

We were treated first of all to a discourse by Mahavir on the principles of Ahimsa.

Introduced as a polymath we were soon given a broad overview of Ahimsa and its role within the Jain philosophy. It was, I have to say, a tour de force. I found the minutes slipping by very quickly as I listened to the discourse.

Next we had a French professor from the Sorbonne. I was fascinated by how she had come to become involved in Jainism.

Starting from a background as a classical scholar she graduated to looking at Sanskrit and then from there had become interested in the Jains and their beliefs.

Once again, we were treated to what I found to be a riveting 20 min-

Mahavir

utes.

By this stage my hour was up. I would have wanted to stay for longer but I could not.

But it made such a difference to those ritualised moments which one tends to have when as an MP one slips in for five minutes, says a few words and goes away again. Instead I have been taken away from my work for just over an hour, turned to something entirely different, but entirely interesting to my own philosophical viewpoint and sent away better informed and with some thinking to do.

I can only say that I am immensely grateful to the Jain community for this annual event. I somehow feel it should be obligatory for Members of Parliament to attend – although in this case it would need a much bigger hall for it to take place in.

We spend so much of our time in Politics, carrying on without any pause for thought at all Finding such a breathing space was indeed a breath of fresh air.

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YOUR VOICE

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Rohinton Mistrya and Book Ban Author, Rohinton Mistry has democratic right to express his opinions in a book “Such a Long Journey”. But NRI status is not licence that all ones views may be accepted. Author must remember sensitivity of public when writing about India.

Such opposition is not new to Indians.

Therefore, Shiv Sena also has democratic right to oppose the book especially when they have all round sympathy.

Book depicting Jinna as secular was opposed and author expelled from BJP. Pro Hindu books by P. N. Oak are banned in India. Valentine day cards are targeted.

Paintings that hurt religious sentiments of Hindus by M.F. Hussain are opposed.

Beauty contests and film maker who gave bad image to plight of widows were opposed, and were forced to move abroad.

Compared to above and fate of Salman Rushdie, Tasleema Nasreen and newspaper that printed cartoons of Prophet Mohamed, where protest has been underscored with death threat, assault and murders, Rohinton Mistry has got away lightly.

In fairness to author, we assume that his book “Such a Long Journey” is not banned from open market but banned only from history syllabus of Mumbai University. Thus he should not be alarmed by arm twisting by Shiv Sena.

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

Help Age UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Divide and rule policy in Sudan for Oil and Gas scramble For a few years, Western countries tried to discredit Sudan by fabricating horror stories about genocide in uranium and oil rich Darfur to get a foothold there. The conflicts there were mainly due to famine and poverty. Having failed there, now the regular story being fabricated is that Southern Sudan is predominantly Christian and Northern Sudan is predominantly Muslim.

I was born in the Sudan and grew up there before I came here in 1967. Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Animists are spread all over the country and live very peacefully together.

I did visit the country again in 1982 and 2007. I have lived both in North and South Sudan: All Sudanese are humble, cultured, hospitable and tolerant of other nationalities and races.

Kashmir was created from the divide and rule policy of the West. With the coming of a referendum in Sudan in January 2011 for independent rule in Southern Sudan, I hope both sides look back to their hundreds of years of history of living together and do not make the same mistake that India did in 1947.

Nagindas Khajuria Via Email

Gujarat sweeps municipality elections

I’m writing to remind readers that I’m helping Age UK and innocent to call on all knitters to get out their needles for one final push to help raise 200,000 to help keep older people warmer this winter.

People across the UK are supporting The Big Knit 2010 by knitting little woolly hats which will sit on innocent smoothie bottles in Sainsbury’s and Boots stores from 3rd November. For each be-hatted smoothie sold, 25p will go to Age UK to help fund winter warmth projects.

All funds raised for Age UK will help fund projects aimed at promoting winter warmth for people in later life. Winter can be hard when you are in later life, with many older people suffering needlessly. Age UK is working to ease the difficulties people face in winter by providing hot meals, electric blankets and information and advice on keeping well in winter.

For the hats you knit to raise funds locally, please send your completed hats to your local Age UK or Age Concern or call Age UK for more information on 0800 169 8787.

In a sensational election results, BJP painted all the major cities with saffron colour, capturing astonishingly 80% of the votes, making Congress a pauper, even in their old strongholds where BJP has never won.

Congress fought hard, bringing big guns, including Rahul Gandhi who made a big mistake by comparing patriotic and peaceful but stuck in the past RSS to SIMI, a terrorist outfit responsible for bomb blasts in Ahmedabad, Jaipur and other major cities.

This miscalculation misfired badly for Congress and played in the hands of Narendra Modi who fought the elections on economy, law and order and building of infrastructure, providing a clean and relatively corruption free administration.

The most pleasing aspect of this election was that slowly but surely Muslims are drifting towards BJP. Their first ever Muslim Councillor Sama Habib, a future BJP star was elected from ward 18 of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation.

If only half the States in Bharat have a Chief Minister as progressive and far sighted as Modi, India would not be lagging so far behind China but taking the West by storm as China is doing.

Roger Moore Via Email

Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email

Time to move the clocks back

British summer time ends on Saturday, 30th October.

All our beloved readers may please ensure that they put their clocks and watches behind by one hour on Sunday 31st October.

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Harvard and Indian billionaires Your report last week in the financial section mentions the $50m donation given to Harvard by Tata, there are concerns from and Indian perspective since the South Asian studies at Harvard are anti Indian and anti Hindu in particular.

A factor is Harvard’s studies are done in English not in an Indian language.

This is in contrast with Chinese studies which are conducted in Manderin also China vets visiting scholars to China unlike India.

Well known US Indian Rajiv Malhotra was asked by Dhirubhai Ambani when Harvard approached him for money but taking Mr Malhotra’s advise he did not donate.

Mr Mahindra of Mahindra and Mahinrda was similarly approached by Harvard but after consulting Mr Malhotra he did donate $15m because he studied at Harvard!. Indians are promoting their own negative image which the Indian government has shown little interest in promoting.

Jayesh A Patel Winbledon

Ban on Mistry’s book The banning of Rohinton Mistry’s book ‘ such a long journey’ has been blown out of proportion by the Indian media controlled by the West who are anti-Indians and anti-Hindus. The non-government organisations run by pseudo secularists are always take every opportunity to criticise Shiv sena for any issue raised by them which insults Marathi Manus( people) and their leaders.

The book contains lot of objectionable materials which are insult to Maharashtrians. Even though Shiv Sena did not ban the book, it felt that as a text book for students it may corrupt their mind. This is fully justified.

In some cases Indian government goes all the way to take the case of religious minorities that affect them in other countries. The Prime Minister of India to appease Sikhs took up the issue with French government to remove restrictions on wearing turban in France, even though it was an internal matter. India condemned the Danish government for allowing the publication of cartoons on Prophet Mohamed in order to please Indian Muslims even though it was the internal matter for the Danish government. The point is that it has become a fashion to bash Hindus and parties sympathetic to Hindus in order to appease religious minorities who rule india.

Arun Vaidyanathan Via Email

Disclaimer Asian Business Publications Ltd (ABPL) is not in any way responsible for the goods and services rendered by its advertisers. The ABPL management accepts all advertisements in good faith and it is entirely up to readers to verify advertisers’ products and services, should they feel the need to do so.

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Support WCRF I urge the readers of AV to pay attention to a letter from World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) that will be landing on their doormats in the next few days.

WCRF has a vital message that can help us all reduce our cancer risk. Following my own breast cancer diagnosis 12 years ago, WCRF gave me the information I needed to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Scientists estimate that about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented by following a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight. The guidance WCRF give is something I am able to pass on to my daughter Lisa and granddaughter Siena to help reduce the risk of cancer in their futures.

Please support World Cancer Research Fund. You can visit their website at www.wcrf-uk.org or call 020 7343 4205.

Maureen Sommerville WCRF UK Supporter

Rich can help The article ‘China, Pakistan better than India in global hunger index’ (AV 23 October) & a recent article in a national newspaper reported that the Dharavi slum in Mumbai has one toilet for 1486 residents. Another article in contrast with a national newspaper reports that entrepreneur Mukesh Ambani is to move into the world’s first $1 billion house.

As I’d mentioned in an earlier letter the only way India’s poor can be helped out of poverty is by men like Ambani who can divert a part of their huge wealth in re building these slums, creating proper homes with adequate sanitation & other basic needs (electricity, water etc), & re developing slums like Dharavi into modern townships, complete with schools, medical & social facilities etc, rather like rich Brits did in Victorian times, thus creating jobs & social welfare.

The benefits would be threefold common human decency, lifting India from a third-world nation into something better, & in so doing, creating a permanent legacy for the generous family (like Jamshedpur & Bourneville).

Harish Dave Via Email

Appalling acts by the peers I read your front page story about Baroness Uddin, Lord Paul and Lord Bhatia being suspended for expenses.

What I do not understand why was this step not taken beforehand. First these MPs were made free from all the charges. Then another set of investigation was made with more and more spending to finally suspend them.

This country on one hand is trying its best to cut off all sorts of extra expenses.

Some cuts are even impractical. In such a situation why can’t an unanimous decision be reached at one go? I am sure the recent findings have not been made free of charge.

Also the peers should realise they are answerable to us and will remain so. The ‘no less than God’ attitude has to change.

Priti Gill Via Email

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‘Smile Pinky’ too gets the Oscar Boyle says Mumbai dwarfed the statuette

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(Off Coronet Street)

Cricket crazy Indians for the first time was seen so euphoric on Monday morning, as they expected a couple of Oscars. British Indians in the UK, Dharavi slums, the shanty township of Mumbai, a village in Uttar Pradesh and almost the entire Bollywood waited in expectation, glued to their TV sets. They burst into celebrations as one by one, their heroes, the actors of the British Indian film and the music maestro, A R Rahman bagged the top awards in the world of entertainment.

British actress Kate Winslett also won the Oscar after having missed it almost five times earlier.

‘Smile Pinki’, a short documentary on a cleft-lipped Indian girl in Uttar Pradesh directed

by American director Megan Mylan, won the Oscar for the Best Documentary (Short).

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Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Leicester Voice

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Do you have any comments, news or photographs about Leicester? If you do, please send them to Leicester Voice at

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Diwali lights switch-on attracts nearly 35,000 to Leicester's Golden Mile More than 6,500 colourful bulbs lit up Leicester's Golden Mile last Sunday as massive crowds gathered to see this year's Diwali lights being switched on.

the street before a huge fireworks and laser display drew the festivities to an end.

Diwali – the festival of lights – marks the start of the Hindu new year but is

Leicester City Council Leader Councillor Veejay Patel flicked the switch to more than a thousand brightly coloured lights lining the city's Golden Mile

Close to 35,000 people crammed the streets of Belgrave Road and Melton Road for one of the biggest days in the city's calendar. dancers Bollywood and singers entertained revellers on stage, while people threw bangers and blew horns as the atmosphere began to build.

Leicester City Council leader Veejay Patel was given the task of pressing the button to illuminate

also celebrated by Sikhs and followers of the Jain religion.

Leicester's celebrations are the biggest outside India, with people coming from all over England and abroad to take part.

Sampat Patel, 46, from Stoke-on-Trent, came down to celebrate with family members from Belgrave.

He said: "I'll be coming back on Diwali Day as

well but we've come to see the light switch on to mark the start of the festival. t's always a great time. We eat plenty of food and the kids have a lot of sweets.

Leicester does really well to get so many people here, it's great."

Shash Suthar, 43, of Rushey Mead, came along with sons Riky, 10, and Jayan, 12, as they do every year, to celebrate the light switch on.

But this year held an added significance as their mum danced on stage with the Shree Prajapati Association's dance group.

Shash said: "She was really good. I think we could just make out which one she was on stage but we were quite far back. I've been coming down here since the 80s and it's amazing how popular it is now. The music, the crowd and the atmosphere is amazing and we really enjoy it."

Riky said: "I really like coming down for Diwali and all the noise and the lights. We've had some bangers to throw and they're a lot of fun."

Sunil Jhita, 42, and son Bavanraj, 12, were one of a large number of Sikhs in the crowd.

He said: "I've been

Happy Diwali!

years since we installed the Diwali lights and it's getting bigger and bigger."

Maganbhai Patel, vice-president of Leicester Hindu Festival Council, said: "Diwali is for many different religions and that's why we're all here tonight.

It's great that all religions are welPerformers took to the stage before the main event, offering the large come and that's crowd a mixture of traditional and Bollywood dancing and music why Leicester is so special." people come down to coming here for many Diwali Day celebraenjoy the evening. I'm very years now but I've never tions will take place along proud that Leicester is seen it so busy. It's great to the Golden Mile on Friday, able to put on such a big see so many people on the November 5. event like this. It's been 27 streets."

Following the switchon, a laser and firework display was held in nearby Cossington Street recreation ground.

Thousands packed into the park to watch the display, which could be heard across the city.

Leicester's Diwali celebrations are organised by Leicester City Council and the Leicester Hindu Festival Council.

City council leader Veejay Patel said: "It's a Thousands of people descended on Leicester on Sunday 24th October for the launch of the biggest Diwali fantastic event. The road celebrations outside India closes and thousands of

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6

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Kapil’s

Baroness Warsi plays the ‘Asian card’

By Vipul Ladwa For someone that has secured a career within the coalition government and does not have to worry about being reelected, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi comes across as a force not to be reckoned with. But then again, loose cannons fall under the same category. As the coalition government entrenches itself within British politics, it is becoming clear that the ‘hard-working Hindu community’ is being patronised and marginalised by constantly being referred to as ‘Asians’.

On Thursday 30th September 2010 in the Daily Telegraph, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi accused the Asian community of electoral fraud by saying that it occurs “predominantly in the Asian community”.

If Baroness Warsi is going to make such generic accusations which implicates the whole of the Asian community, the least she could do is to tell the whole story or pass her evidence to the Electoral Commission and the police. Such accusations require specifics.

Specifics that she has so far failed to give.

Ever since Baroness Warsi took her role alongside David Cameron, she instantaneously came to the limelight as a lady of political prowess and pragmatism. But now that she has attained political salvation it seems as though she can get away with stigmatizing the whole of the Asian community to draw the attention away from the real fraudsters.

Five Muslim Conservative Party members, including two Councillors, in Bradford have been jailed for just over seven years after being found guilty of largescale voter fraud. It is clear who the perpetrators are and yet Hindus are being bracketed as being in the same category.

The practice of cheating in Britain’s elections is becoming widespread. In Slough last year, six British Pakistanis were jailed for postal vote abuse. In an earlier case in Birmingham in 2005, local elections were voided and had to be re-run at a massive cost to the taxpayer, as several Pakistani candi-

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by Kapil Dudakia - email: kapil@abplgroup.com No Humanity in ‘Human’

Baroness Warsi

dates were found to be operating what was described as a ‘vote rigging factory’.

Whilst it is commendable that the issue of electoral fraud is highlighted and needs to be addressed, it is clear that Baroness Warsi is deliberately downplaying the prevalence of various forms of crime perpetrated by members of her own community by gross generalisations and classing these acts of fraud as being carried out “predominantly by the Asian community”.

On 21st July 2006, David Cameron attended a Hindu event in Leicester, where he said that “if you prefer to be referred to as British Hindus or British Indians rather than as simply Asians, we should welcome that as a positive thing”. However, the lady that he appointed, whose former title was Shadow Minister for Community Cohesion, seems to be conveniently going out of her way to brand all brown people as being ‘Asians’ when it concerns criminal activities but specifically makes references to ‘Islam and Muslims’ when trying to applaud her community. It is evident from Baroness Warsi’s appearances in the media that she is back-

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tracking and contradicting the views that David Cameron so eloquently expressed to the Hindu community prior to the election.

It appears that the only ethnic community the Conservative Party is concerned about is the Muslim community underlined by the fact that the Cabinet currently does not include any member of the other ethnic community as opposed to the non-elected appointment of Baroness Warsi.

The Conservative Party has taken a retrograde step. Law-abiding British Hindus/Sikhs are resonating grave concerns about being treated in this manner and if this is where the Conservative Party is headed, Hindus will have no choice but to question their support of the Party. It undermines the confidence of the hard-working, law abiding and respectable status that Hindus have within British society – such platitudes frequently made by Conservative politicians at our functions.

British Hindus/Sikhs strongly object to the deliberate attempt to generalise crime as that espoused by the Conservative Party Chairman Baroness Warsi.

Ordinary peace-loving British Hindus are feeling stigmatised and believe that their fundamental right to be free from being unjustifiably maligned ( by putting us in the same bracket as misbehaving communities) is being curtailed.

If the Conservatives are looking to stay in office for another term, marginalising a million or so Hindu community in the UK is probably not the best way of securing the tenancy.

The powerful nations of the world declare in unison that they want to eradicate poverty. The august UN pronounces that through a collective will it is possible to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). However as we make progress through the 21st Century is there any real momentum in righting the wrongs of humanity?

Let us consider some simple facts. Did you know that: n 3 billion people (almost half the world) live on less than $2.50 a day. n If we spent only one per cent of what the world spends on weapons, we could give every child an education. n One in every two children lives in poverty. That is 1 billion children. n About 25 000 children die EVERY DAY due to lack of shelter, safe water, medicine or food. That is like losing the total population of towns such as: Melton Mowbray, Congleton, Rushden, Farnworth and Didcot.

Imagine, everyday one such town disappearing for good.

When did we lose our humanity? Was it when nation rich decided that it was economic to ensure that most of the world remained in abject poverty? Was it when those with weapons of mass destruction decided that they were above natural law and could act like Gods? Was it when the people of the rich and powerful nations decided that it was none of their business?

For the western media it was more important for them to show a photo of a ‘dirty’ residential unit in Delhi for the Commonwealth Games then it was for them to reconcile that some 50% of the people in the world would give their all to have even a roof over their head.

Whilst we feed ourselves to proportions hitherto unknown (and I am as guilty as the next person), did you know that some 1.8 million children die each year as a result of diarrhoea?

The leader of Christians, the so called sole representative power on Earth of God can visit our shores in silks and splendour. And whilst we witness this grotesque show of wealth and power, the children of God die needlessly.

The World Domestic Product estimate for 2010 is in excess of 62 Trillion US Dollars (USD 62 000 000 000 000). The world spends over 1.5 Trillion US Dollars on military spend each year. To end poverty it would cost the world only 10% of that military spend!

So who is to be blamed for this sorry state of affairs?

The simple answer, we all are. All too often we have allowed our own inadequacies to give way to excuses by saying, ‘what can I do?’ Some 70% of the world believes in a God like entity. Yet, we do not ask the question, ‘which God has given us the commandment that we can exploit the poor, steal their resources, waste food, control water and medicine and ultimately, become the sole arbiters of who lives and who dies?’

Why is it that we do not have the faith leaders of the world take on the political leaders of the world and demand change? The Christians will give you a plate of food and educate your children if you convert.

The Muslims are still stuck in the 15th Century and fighting battles of yesteryears whilst the future is destroyed in front of their eyes. The Hindus, who should know better than anyone else, would rather stick their heads in their ‘sampradayic’ self serving interests than rise to the challenge of uniting

and doing their dharmic duty. Chanting ‘Lokha Samasta Sukino Bhavantu’ is easy – the role of dharmic individuals is to make sure it becomes a reality. It seems the God of the 21st Century is money and might. If you have that, who needs God! We can blame the dictators, but who put them there in the first place?

We can blame the poor by asking, ‘why are they still producing if they cannot even look after themselves?’

We can blame imperial masters who looted nations, carved them up arbitrarily and then left the mess for self serving interest groups and tribes to fight out and exploit.

We can blame the United Nations which can happily spend billions every year, yet are toothless to affect change of any merit.

We can blame the rich nations; surely they must have a conscience and can see the error of their corrupt practices?

We can blame, yes we can blame everyone until we understand the meaning of what Bapu said to us, ‘be the change you wish to see in the world.’

Can you imagine the transformation that could occur if people and nations adopted this simple philosophy?

Did you know that in 1820 the gap between the richest and poorest countries was about 3 to 1?

Since then this gap has increased to: in 1923 it was 11 to 1, in 1950 it was 35 to 1, in 1973 it was 44 to 1 and in 1992 it was 72 to 1. The richer the world gets, the greater the disparity between the haves and the have-nots.

The power and the resources to affect global change rest with humanity. It requires that we put humanity back into being human. In my view, when we eradicate poverty will be the day we usher in the age of peace.

Data/Information source: Anup Shah of Global Issues

XLN Telecom celebrates Diwali with the Hindu Council of Birmingham XLN Telecom – the UK’s leading provider of telecoms services to small business celebrated Diwali on the 21st of October alongside the Hindu Council of Birmingham, at a reception at the National Indoor Arena. James Wilson, Director of Marketing for XLN Telecom: said: “As never before, Britain needs the energy of small business owners and entrepre-

neurs to drive the country forward. Wherever Asian communities are, small business growth is at its strongest. The Asian communities of Britain have a long, hard earned tradition of work, struggle, achievement and success and we are proud to be here tonight.”

Founded in 2002, XLN specialises in providing small businesses in the UK

with high quality, low-cost fixed-line, mobile and internet services. Around 17% of its client base is Asian.

In the last three years, XLN’s revenues have grown substantially from £27 million in 2006/2007 to over £54 million in 2009/2010.

In the last year, the company successfully acquired and integrated One Bill into its operations.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Dentist tries to lure patient with indecent proposals A mother-of-five spoke of her trauma after an alleged dentist pestered her for sexual favours in return for discounted treatment.

Chammelle Courtney’s world had been turned upside down after her husband Mark suffered an asthma attack which stopped his heart and left him badly brain damaged.

But shortly after the 36year-old lorry driver was admitted to a nursing home for round-the-clock care, allegedly dentist Milan Shah propositioned her, reports a daily media.

The 37-year-old, who has decided to waive her anonymity to help others who may be suffering in silence, told how police refused to deal with the case because they said there was a lack of evidence. Two telephone conversations in which allegedly Shah, 43, tried to persuade Mrs Courtney to drop an official complaint were said to be inadmissible in a criminal court as he did not know she was recording them. But they were accepted by the General Dental Council – and after a hearing last month, the dentist was struck off.

Shah, who is married, had allegedly taken Mrs Courtney’s phone number from records at Alexander

Chammelle Courtney

Milan Shah

House Dental Practice, in St Albans, and began calling her at weekends.

She decided to confront him at the surgery, but he allegedly said: ‘When I arrived he kept coming closer and closer and told me he had an arranged marriage, that he and his wife led separate lives, and because of his religion he couldn’t leave her. That got him on to the subject of “helping each other out”. I told him I wasn’t interested and that he and his wife should see a counsellor.’

The phone harassment stopped. But it began again a month later.

Mrs Courtney, who cannot work because four of her children have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, continued to have dental care at the surgery, as Shah was professional on visits and had a female assistant.

A misconduct hearing was told on last

Wednesday that Milan Shah allegedly told the mother-of-five: ‘You are not getting any loving from your husband and I am not from my wife, maybe we can help each other out’, as reported by Daily Mail But when he allegedly told her she needed rootcanal surgery, with each procedure costing £390, he made the ‘conditional’ offer to cut the price. Her primary care trust told her the treatment was available for a nominal fee on the NHS, and she said: ‘I realised he was trying to blackmail me.’

A fitness to practise panel ruled that he was guilty of charges including making the phone calls and inappropriate comments, and telling his patient root canal treatment was not available on the NHS. Shah, of Pinner, North-West London, has 28 days to appeal.

Birmingham BBC star accused of benefit fraud A BBC Asian Network DJ has been charged with an alleged 18,000 benefit fraud, as reported by the B i r m i n g h a m Mercury.

Popular presenter Kanwal Qazi, 52, pictured, is due to appear at B i r m i n g h a m Magistrates Court next month – and could face a prison sentence if convicted.

The DJ, whose real name is Lubna Qazi, is charged with carrying out the alleged benefit swindle over seven years.

It is claimed she allegedly failed to declare her job as a BBC presenter, while receiving Carer’s Allowance for helping tend to her sick husband.

Carer’s Allowance is the main state benefit for carers and currently stands at a minimum of 53.90 a week.

Mrs Qazi has pleaded not guilty to the fraud charge and will next appear before Birmingham magistrates on November 23.

She presents a Bollywood music show

called Retro Selection on the under-threat radio channel, a programme billed as offering ‘timeless classics from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s’.

The presenter is described on her official BBC profile as ‘‘a tireless worker who gave up everything to become a DJ. ‘‘It was through sheer determination and belief in herself that made Kanwal’s dreams of becoming a presenter come true.’’

The glowing profile goes on to say that if Mrs

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Qazi had not become a DJ, she would have loved to have been a Bollywood star.

The Asian Network began life as a Radio Leicester show in 1976 before going national in 2002.

Yet the station, which has production centres in Birmingham, Leicester and London, has been described by some critics as a white elephant after seeing 25 million spent on it over the years.

Its average cost per listener is 6.9p – more than any other BBC station.

The under-fire BBC is aiming to save 1.9 billion from its budget and is currently being scrutinised on an unprecedented level. As part of the cost-cutting, it has frozen the licence fee at 145.50 for the next six years and has taken over the funding of the World Service.

Mrs Qazi was unavailable for comment.

A BBC spokesman declined to talk about the case, and said they ‘‘would not comment on private matters.’’

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www.incredibleindia.org

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Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Gandhi and Coconuts

Britain for jobs Working people in the UK are facing some seriously tough times in the near future and from this week members of Unite, Britain’s biggest and most powerful union, have a seriously big decision to make in electing a General Secretary to lead them through those tough times.

I’m sure readers of the Asian Voice are shocked by the cuts announced last week and are wondering what fate lies in store for them. Already the question asked by many is; “What are the unions, what is MY union, going to do about it?”

In my view, the cuts are economic madness and a social evil. They will plunge the country back into recession and hit the most vulnerable the hardest. Under my leadership, Unite will be at the forefront of a huge and popular movement of resistance that will call for those who created the crisis to pay for it.

Everyone knows it was the big city bankers that caused the crisis, but the government intends for low paid workers to pay the price in job losses and cuts in our public services.

It is not enough for us to be angry or to make empty threats of civil unrest and strikes. The

Unions need a measured strategy of resistance and above all they need to be in tune with their members concerns and aspirations.

We need to win hearts and minds and build a broad based support for an alternative economic plan. We need both an Industrial and a Political strategy. Ed Milliband’s new Labour leadership is beginning to design just such an alternative - one that has investment for economic growth and a fair tax system at its heart. Convincing our members and the general public that there is an alternative is where Unite must immediately put its resources and energy.

In the general election we were able to stop the Tories getting an overall majority, by talking to and listening to our members in the marginal constituencies, showing them why it was better to back Labour. We used the same techniques in the Labour leadership election to win for Ed Milliband. We can do the same again to oppose the cuts and return Labour to power at the next election with a radical new programme based on the needs of working families.

I will not flinch from defending our members when their jobs, wages

Les Bayliss

and conditions are under attack; whether this is in the Public or the Private sector. I will use the power of our union positively and constructively.

I will support Industrial action when all other avenues fail and when our members demand it. In future if we fight, we will fight to win.

I know that Unite members and their families will struggle over the next few years to keep their jobs and their pension and protect their wages. It’s a struggle they will not face alone

when I am General Secretary. I will introduce a 24-hour, 7-day a week support centre so that Unite members will always have someone to turn to when the going gets tough.

I want Unite members to be proud of their union, proud of its political influence, proud of its services and proud of it’s standing in the communities which we service. So when I’m General Secretary, Unite members will get the best service available – the service that they deserve.

Kali is the UK’s only theatre company dedicated to championing female writers of South Asian origin. Kali is twenty this year. In celebration, Kali offers readers of Asian Voice the opportunity to see Gandhi and Coconuts

by Bettina Gracias at the Arcola Theatre from the 24th of November to 18th of December.

Asha and Ajay lead a predictable married life. Every day Ajay goes to work, comes home, eats his dinner of curry (always with coconut), watches telly and goes to bed. Lonely and frustrated, Asha escapes to the world of her imagination.

Suddenly Mahatma Gandhi, Lord Shiva, and Kali Mai all arrive for tea and jelabies. When they refuse to leave the ensuing farce brings hilarious consequences. Shiva and Kali argue - and then make love. Gandhi is always hungry. Ajay tries to cling onto the wife he once had instead of the new woman she has become. But Asha has discovered happiness…

As reality and myth become blurred this witty, playful and poignant play asks, when you have to make a choice between the two – which is it to be – happiness or sanity?

Gandhi and Coconuts, directed by Kali’s Artistic

Director Janet Steel, is the final offering in Kali’s 2010 ‘London Tales’ season.

Tickets are 14 and at 10 Concessions for the readers of Asian Voice, who will get three tickets for the price of two by quoting ‘Birthday’ when booking. Offer subject to availability. n Previews 24-27th November - all tickets 10 n Venue: Arcola Theatre Box Office 020 7503 1646 www.arcolatheatre.com.

Arcola Theatre, 27 Arcola Street, London, E8 2DJ n Nearest Overground Stns: Dalston Kingsland and Dalston Junction (6mins from Whitechapel) Travelling

by Bus - 149 from Liverpool Street, 76 or 243 from Old Street, 38 from West End.

Mayor confirms plans for Diwali in the Square, the festival of lights

Diwali on the square in 2009

Diwali opening by Beeja Dance company in 2009

London’s Trafalgar Square will be a place for community celebration on Sunday 31 October, when it plays host to Diwali, the annual festival of lights.

Organised by the Mayor of London in association with the Diwali in London Committee, and with support from Lycamobile and Zee TV, the free event will feature a joyous mix of music, dancing and live performance,as well as displays and food stalls.

Diwali is an important five-day festival celebrated

by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, which occurs between mid-October and mid-November. It is cele-

brated throughout India and in many other countries.

On the occasion of Diwali lamps are lit to signify the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

The word Diwali or Deepavali, in its full form, means ‘a row of lamps.’

Diwali marks a new beginning, a renewal of commitment to family values, and represents the universally revered values of love, reflection, forgiveness and knowledge.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: ‘Diwali is a wonderful festival and, with its underly-

ing themes of peace, renewal and co-operation, it has relevance and meaning for all Londoners. I would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous Diwali.

‘The dynamism and contribution of the Indian community to London’s economic, social and cultural life and their commitment to this city never fails to impress me. It is with this in mind that I am calling on all Indian communities to get involved in volunteering during the 2012 Games as well as becoming mentors to work with young people, especially in uniformed groups such as the Scouts and the

Cadets.’

Statutory Deputy Mayor, Richard Barnes, said: ‘London prides itself on being one of the most diverse, tolerant and multicultural cities in the world.

London’s cultural dynamism is vital to its economic success and I take pride in the diversity of its multi-faceted communities. The Indian community adds a unique and important dimension to the cultural vibrancy of London, hosting events such as Diwali, as well as live music, films, dance and other celebrations throughout the year. I hope that the Indian community will go from

strength to strength and continue to excel in every field of influence and achievement.

‘I look forward to attending the event and hope everyone has a fantastic time!’

The Diwali in London Committee (DIL) said: ‘The performances will include a mix of traditional Indian dances to an array of diverse talents exhibited by the youth that have been cultivated in London, giving us a modern and diverse take on celebrating this ancient Hindu festival.

‘The DIL Committee wishes all Londoners a very Happy Diwali’.

Milind Kangle, Chief

Executive Officer, Lycamobile said: ‘We are proud to celebrate the festival of lights alongside the GLA and the Indian community. Diwali is an auspicious occasion for the Indian community and is always celebrated in such a vibrant and exciting manner by the UK diaspora.

During this years festival of lights we would like you to brighten up your Diwali, and we will be running some very special promotions throughout this festival month. Happy Diwali.’

Diwali on the Square takes place on Sunday 31 October from 2pm-630pm.

It is free to attend and open to all.

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

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UK/BOOKWORM

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Squadron Leader Mahinder Singh Pujji: fearless fighter pilot

By Anahita Hoose With Squadron Leader Mahinder Singh’s death at ninety-two, Britain has lost the last surviving Indian pilot of the eighteen who signed up with the RAF in 1940, to fight in the Battle of Britain at this country’s darkest hour in the Second World War. Prominent among the host of ribbons and medals that barely fitted on his always slim physique was the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), one of the highest military honours that was only bestowed on one other Indian airman and was awarded to Pujji for locating, with characteristic ‘perseverance and conviction’, three hundred American soldiers lost in the scarcely penetrable Burmese jungle.

Pujji was reportedly the only Sikh pilot to wear his turban throughout the war, keeping a spare in the cockpit and using a specially developed strap to hold his earphones in place. Unfortunately the turban precluded wearing an oxygen mask, too, and his son, Satinder, fears that flying constantly at high altitude with insufficient oxygen contributed to his father losing a lung to TB after the war. Pujji believed, however, that his turban, filled with blood, may on one occasion have saved his life when he limped back from France in a stricken plane to crash-land in an English airfield.

For King and Another Country, an autobiography Pujji related to the writer Graham Russell, describes how he wore the turban out of respect for his father, Sardar Sohan Singh, a superintendent in preIndependence India’s Education, Health and Lands Department, with whom he often attended the gurdwara although without great conviction (he admits) on his own part. In 1960, when he finally laid aside his turban - keeping faith with his own free-thinking self - he found it almost harder to confess to his wife than to his resigned father.

Engagingly, he professed almost as much pride in becoming a schoolboy prefect - “You have to be the best to get that accolade” - as in his later unrivalled achievements. In a 2006 interview played during BBC Radio 4’s obituary appreciation (8.10.2010), Pujji declared, “Today I’m over eighty-eight years and I’m

Squadron Leader Mahinder Singh Pujji

still not afraid of anything.

I’m fearless, you can say that for me.” Recalling in the book how he lost his childhood friend and then RAF roommate, GB Singh, who failed to return

from a flight, Pujji notes, “I would wake up at night and find the other bed empty. That gave me a feeling of sadness… But I always understood why I was sad and corrected myself.” He mastered his emotion by sheer willpower.

Born in India’s summer capital, Simla, and growing up in his family’s comfortable upper-midddle-class home in Delhi next door to the airport, Pujji was always deter-

mined to fly, overcoming his father’s objection to the expense by vowing never to touch the whisky that most pilots relied on, although his teetotalism later “irked many in the RAF”. In 1939, he “saw an advertisement in the national newspapers that

American, Polish and the RAF needed pilots” Czech pilots and we were and, he admitted, he one country.” signed up “not because Pujji was saddened in I knew much about later years by the shocking Hitler, but so that I neglect of the huge contricould fly without havbution made by Asian and ing to pay for it”. He black volunteers in both went on, however, to Britain’s twentieth-centuserve ‘another country’ ry wars. “The British peowith the utmost loyalty ple are foolish; they don’t and dedication. even know we Indians Arriving in London were there,” he commentat the onset of the ed in a 2009 Guardian Blitz, the handsome article that hailed the young Sikh in the strikexhibition, Diversity in ing turban “got a wonthe Royal Air Force, which derful reception”, being HRH Prince Charles meeting Squadron Leader Mahinder Singh Pujji told the story of these bundled to the front of a heroic, yet shamefully forcinema queue and given ed RAF officer used to their last chance, Pujji was gotten, men. Fortunately his ticket free: “You don’t hobnobbing with high told.’ After three waves of Pujji lived long enough to have to pay,” stated the society - his book is paired pilots and a twelvesee an improvement in booking-office girl, replete with photos of hour search drew a blank, and to play his own part in “you’re fighting for us.”

Pujji with international Pujji, not wishing to rectifying - this unjust Pujji for his part admired royalty, president and endanger another pilot, amnesia. the “fortitude and resolve prime ministers - never set out alone and, adoptAt the same time, Pujji of the British people”. prevented Pujji from taking a bold strategy that was no slave to the fashTrained to fly powerful ing a job to earn his own saw him almost grazing ionable political correctHurricanes, Pujji parliving. Thus at fifty-six, he the treetops, finally disness of the age, dismissing ticipated in the Battle cheerfully accepted the covered the Americans the then row over of Britain against the waving anxiously to an unguarded attempted German him from a clearing. remark by Prince invasion in the SouthUsing extreme flying Harry as “nonEast, then transferred skill to communicate sense”. “I’ve been to the Western Desert’s with them, Pujji called ‘Paki’ hunsearing heat, choking warned them of enemy dreds of times and I sand and poor diet - tea troops nearby and flew didn’t used to take and rock-hard ‘dog bisoff to fetch help. After offence,” he cuits’ as he didn’t eat a search party of US declared with his ‘bully beef’ - to pit his Dakotas failed to reloaccustomed canskills against the faster cate them, however, dour. “We used to Messerschmidt planes Pujji again led an aircall whites ‘you of the Germans and borne rescue party and limeys’ [i.e. their redoubtable comit was for this daring English/British, mander Rommel. After success that he was from the lime-juice a near miss, Pujji awarded his cherished given to prevent enjoyed rest and recuDFC. scurvy on long sea peration in Cairo, By war’s end, Pujji voyages]. It’s all where he loved the city was engaged to Amrit, Squadron Leader Mahinder Singh Pujji nonsense.” life - and got some decent such a lovely girl - as with his wife Amrit Indeed, in 1960, food at last! her photos show - that Pujji had become Promoted to Squadron Pujji must himself have ‘fast friends’ with Nazi Leader during his next wondered how he had ever challenge of settling in a Germany’s first female posting to Burma, Pujji thought (when his mother now unfamiliar UK and test pilot, Hanna Reitsch, “always put my name at first showed him her picafter stints as a Heathrow when she visited India and the top” of the daily flight traffic controller and drivture) that she “looked like then hosted his threerota, because “I was not ing instructor, not to menmy auntie”. Pujji finished month return visit to just going to send my boys tion taking up hang-glidthe war with his fiancée’s Germany where he qualito be killed” and thus he ing (“more dangerous name on his beloved airfied as an advanced glidflew a record number of than my previous purcraft - he refused to marry ing instructor. sorties. He was proud that suits”) - he set about manbefore he was disbanded Understanding that among his pilots in Burma aging a hotel, delighting in so as not to risk leaving a Hanna had only been a was H Moolgavkar, who the three-bed apartment young widow - before loyal German civilian later became Air Chief this afforded him on the entering an extremely when she helped design top floor. He was also in happy marriage that the very planes he had Squadron Leader Mahinder Singh Pujji lasted demand as a police interforty-five flown against, Pujji was meeting some RAF pilots preter providing a bridge years until Amrit’s able to help consolidate in particular to the death in 1989. the valuable post-war relaMuslim community.

On his return to tionship between India Honours duly followed India, Pujji was and Germany. as Pujji was made, among struck down with The full story may be others, an Honorary TB, and this was enjoyed in For King and when he lost a lung.

Freeman of the London Another Country (pubHe amazed his pesBorough of Newham and lished this year for £12.99 chairman of the simistic doctors by

by Arthur H Stockwell Undivided Indian Exhis survival, which Ltd., Torrs Park, Services Association, UK. he “put down to the Ilfracombe, Devon), Kent - where he had setlove and affection of although the word ‘anothtled in Gravesend - premy family” - and no er’ in the title while corsented him with a Black doubt that iron rect in context may be less and Minority Ethnic willpower, too. He so in the wider perspective Achievement Award, flew and worked of Pujji’s long life. So far while Kent Police paid with Air India from unexplored lands and peotribute to him at a civic 1946-7, until ples were merely friends centre event marking invalided out, not yet encountered by Black History Month. “I although this didn’t this genial, open-hearted have never been aware I’m hinder his finishing hero. a black man,” mused second in the Indian Squadron Leader Marshall of the Indian Air Pujji. “I was in the Air national air race in 1950, Mahinder Singh Pujji, we Force.

Force flying with British, winning it in 1960 over salute you.

One day, as detailed in 1,450 miles and again in Pujji’s autobiography, 1967 over 2,000 miles Field Marshal William and, in 1968, winning the Joseph Slim ‘passed on a world gliding champidesperate US request that onship, as nailbitingly Pujji and his “boys” seek described in the story of Dhiren Katwa is currently away. out their [three hundred] his life. lost troops. They were Back next week Being a highly-decorat-

Midland Voice

COUNCIL/EDUCATION

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Fee increase 'to deter students'?

The increased cost of some university courses could deter students from studying their preferred subject, a think tank has warned.

The Institute for Public Policy Research said it could make courses such as law and medicine prohibitive.

Lord Browne's report this week proposed lifting the cap on fees in England, allowing charges up to ÂŁ12,000 a year.

University body Universities UK said there were safeguards in place to avoid students being put off their course.

Under Lord Browne's proposals, top institutions could charge unlimited fees - his report sets out models for annual charges up to ÂŁ12,000.

Experts at the IPPR have predicted significant long-term shifts in course

popularity.

Mike Kenny from the institute said: "You may have students who think that the cost that some universities charge in medicine or law may be prohibitive, so they are not able to pursue their dream of becoming involved in that kind of profession. So

it could well be that we see a change in the pattern of choices that students make."

No one is sure exactly which courses or universities will end up charging students the most.

But based on what foreign students currently pay, the most expensive

subjects are pharmacy, engineering and business, along with medicine and law.

Lord Browne's review does include a suggestion that some priority courses could be subsidised by the government.

Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of Universities UK, disagreed with claims that students' subject choices could be affected.

She said: "I don't think they will be swayed to take a different course because of costs. Partly because of the protection that's built into the system, which means they will only repay if they have a certain income. Also because students will often choose what they genuinely want to do - because what university's all about is skills for life, it's not skills for a job."

Fifth of primaries full or overcrowded More than one in five of England's primary schools are full to bursting point, government statistics reveal. Some 20.3% of state primaries, 3,444 in total, are full or have more pupils than they should, Department for Education figures show.

The numbers are up on last year, when just under a fifth (19.8%), some 3,376 primaries were full. It follows claims any schools funding increases from the spending review will be wiped out by rising pupil numbers.

Analysis by the Institute of Fiscal Studies suggests per pupil funding will fall in real terms by 0.6% per year because of

expected increases in pupil numbers.

The new figures will also revive concerns about a lack of school places in some parts of England,

particularly in big cities such as London and Birmingham.

The statistics also show that 29.3% of state secondaries, 916 schools in total, are full or have pupils in excess of school capacity, compared to

28.8% in 2009.

The figures come as parents across England submit applications for secondary school places.

The deadline set by many councils for applications is the end of this week.

The Local Government Association has been estimated that around ÂŁ15bn is needed over the next four years to guarantee every child a school place in a safe environment LGA chairman Baroness Margaret Eaton said: "Everyone is well aware of the difficult financial climate in which councils are operating. We need to work even harder

to ensure that the money that is invested in school buildings represents the best possible value for the taxpayer. Our children need schools which are safe, clean and attractive places in which they can learn. Spending money to maintain or replace existing school buildings is unavoidable. Areas experiencing booming birth rates need to be able to expand primary schools so that every child has a place not too far from their home."

A survey earlier this month suggested that thousands of children were still waiting to be allocated a school place a month after the new autumn term started, as councils in many areas faced problems accommodating them.

Council News

Former restaurant owner pays the price for fly-tipping The former owner of a Hanwell restaurant will have to pay out ÂŁ6,399 after its staff were caught fly-tipping.

Mr Hamid Aria, who was the proprietor of a restaurant on Uxbridge Road appeared at Brentford Magistratesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Court on Thursday, 14 October to plead guilty to seven counts

of failing in his duty to ensure the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waste was disposed of correctly.

The prosecution follows an operation in July 2009 by the council's envirocrime officers. The team used CCTV cameras to catch restaurant staff repeatedly dumping black sacks full of the business' waste, just

metres from its front door.

Cabinet member for Transport and Environment, Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, said: "Ealing Council works hard to keep the boroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s streets clean and free from waste. I'm appauled that some businesses think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ok to dump their rubbish in the street which ends up

costing taxpayers. By pursuing irresponsible business owners who dump waste illegally through the courts we are sending a clear message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated."

He was fined ÂŁ250 for each offence and ordered to pay costs of ÂŁ4,634.59 plus a victim surcharge of ÂŁ15, totalling ÂŁ6,399.59.

Kosher deli fined for serving food â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;unfit for human consumptionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; A delicatessen has been fined ÂŁ2,000 and ordered to pay ÂŁ25,000 costs with a ÂŁ15 victim surcharge, after pleading guilty to supplying food unfit for human consumption due to its contamination with the potentially lethal food poisoning bug Listeria in a case taken by Barnet Council's Environmental Health team.

Kosher Deli UK Ltd, of Claremont Industrial Estate, Claremont Way, Cricklewood, admitted supplying a pot of chopped liver contaminated with Listeria to a residential care home in May 2008.

The investigation was triggered by a case of Listeriosis in an 89 year old resident at the care home.

The Judge said there

had been serious issues at Kosher Deli as set out in the audit reports completed by the Meat Hygiene Service, but considered the offence represented a lapse over a short period of time in a business which had been operating for 74 years. However he said the case was a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;salutary lessonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on how easily such a lapse could happen.

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Any commercial outlet selling food has an obligation to make sure their premises are scrupulously clean and any food which comes out of it is fit for consumption.

We will continue to prosecute anyone who breaches food safety regulations and their duty of care to customers.â&#x20AC;?

11

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official - online learning works A recent study conducted in America for the US Department of Education has reported that online education works â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and not only that it works but that it is even more effective than classroom style teaching.

This is an important finding, not only for me since I am running a company that delivers education via the internet, but also for every parent who has been wondering whether online education can truly deliver results for their children. For me it is a vindication of the faith that my colleagues have shown in supporting me on my quest to deliver access to superior teaching by harnessing the power of the World Wide Web. For parents it offers a route to increasing their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential to succeed.

Of course, the study did not conclude that you can rely on online education alone. We need to keep our schools, colleges and universities where students can interact with their peers and learn in a collegiate atmosphere.

However the study does conclude that online education not only supports the usual methods of delivery but can be even more

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MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Scrutator’s News from Bihar will be hailed by many Indians as a welcome antidote to the poison of gloom and doom spread about their country by certain India-based British correspondents. The Times of India journalist Swaminathan Aiyer (September 26) published a two-part analysis on dalit social and economic progress in Uttar Pradesh. He writes: “Are you those who think record GDP growth has done nothing for dalits? Think again. A seminal paper, 'Rethinking Inequality: Dalits in UP in the Market Reform Era' by Devesh Kapur, CB Prasad, Lant Prichett and D. Shyam Babu, reveals a veritable dalit revolution after 1990 in Uttar Pradesh, long viewed as a a sink of caste oppression....

Without doubt, dalits remain close to the bottom of the income ladder. Nevertheless, the new study reveals huge improvements in economic and social terms, based on realities that dalits themselves as important. The survey covered all dalit households in two blocks in UP, one in the relatively prosperous west (Khurja) and one in the backward east (Bilariaganj), between 1990 and 2008.”

Anatomy of change Swaminathan Aiyer continues: “The dalit proportion with pucca houses rose from 18 per cent to 64.4 per cent in the east and 38.4 per cent to 94.6 per cent in the west. TV ownership increased from virtually zero to 22.2 per cent and 45 per cent respectively. Cellphone ownership increased from almost nothing to 36.3 per cent and 32.7 per cent respectively. Fan ownership, curbed by electricity shortages, rose to 36.7 per cent and 61.4 per cent respectively.

Bicycle ownership has become ubiquitous, up from 46.6 per cent to 84.1 per cent in the east to 37.7 to 83.7 per cent in the west.....Dalits have switched from inferior foods (broken rice) to superior foods (whole rice, pulses, tomatoes)....Critics say the poor have been bypassed by economic reforms. But in this dalit survey, 61 per cent in the east and 38 per cent in the west said their food and clothing were much better.

Traditionally, dalits were mainly agricultural labourers. In the reform era, they have diversified into non-traditional work.

Migration and remittances have become engines of empowerment.”

The rise of the largely dalitbased Bahujan Samaj Party and the ascendancy of a dalit chief minister, Mayawati, in Uttar Pradesh have done much to transform social relations.

“Dalits can now look upper castes in the eye, and nothing will be the same again,”says Mr Aiyer.

Bihar surge A Reuter report (October 20) told how the Indian state of Bihar, once the most notorious badland in the country, was on an economic and political roll, masterminded by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Security in the state had improved exponentially and economic growth had surged by 11.35 per cent per annum (exceeding the national average) over the past five years of the Nitish Kumar government. A former engineer, Mr Kumar is given credit for rescuing Bihar from the brink. Now,

he faces the electorate, the result of the poll to be announced on November 24. The signs, however, are propitious.

“Under Nitish's rule, we feel safer,” said Munni, a 54-year-old fisherwoman in Mohankutiya village, on the banks of the Ganges, 25 kilometres north of Patna. “We saw 15 years of Lalu's rule [he being the previous chief minister], and what he didn't do, Nitish has done in five years, we expect he will do more

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar

if he comes back.”

Development, as in Gujarat, is the name of the game. Most political pundits are convinced Nitish Kumar will emerge victorious. “The days are gone when Lalu could clown and people would vote for him,” said 43year old Mukhtar Alam, referring to the former chief minister's trademark as licensed jester.

Nitish Kumar heads a local party allied to the opposition BJP at the centre.

Tata gift to Harvard A Times of India report (October 15) told of the Tata Group's endowment of $50 million to the Harvard Business School. This will fund a new academic and residential building on the university campus, to be called Tata Hall. This, the largest gift from an international donor, comes from Tata companies, the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Tata Education and Education and Development Trust, the Group's philanthropic entities. Tata Hall is to open in 2012.

Ratan Tata, who had attended Harvard's Advanced

Management Programme, said it was a privilege and pleasure to “give back to Harvard a little bit of what it gave to me. The Harvard Business School is the pre-eminent place to be exposed to the world's best thinking on management and leadership and we are pleased that this gift will support the school's educational mission to mould the next generation of global business leaders.”

Expressing “deep appreciation” of Tata's “generosity,” Harvard Business School's Dean, the Indian-born Nitin Nohria, replied that the “historic gift comes from an organisation “revered” for its significant economic, civic and philanthropic impact.

A few days before the announcement of the Tata grant, Ananda Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra Group donated $10 million to the Humanities Centre at Harvard University. A Harvard alumnus, Mr Mahindra named his endowment after his mother Indira Mahindra.

India in Vietnam The Hindu reported a gamechanging visit to by Indian Vietnam Defence Minister A.K.Antony (October 14), which has elevated ties between the countries. New Delhi agreed to expand assistance to Hanoi in its ongoing military modernisation.

The modalities were discussed in depth by Mr Antony and his Vietnamese counterpart General Phung Quang Thanh during the former's visit to the Vietnamese capital. Mr Antony later called on the Vietnamese President Nguyen Tan Dung and discussed regional and international issues of common interest.

Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar and India's Ambassador Ranjit Rae assisted Mr Antony in his talks with General Thanh, both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcome.

India has agreed to share its expertise in defence-related information technology and the use of English for military purposes.

In a press release, the Defence Ministry announced that India “will provide support to Vietnam to enhance and upgrade the capabilities of its services in general and navy in particular.

India has agreed to help Vietnam in its naval capacity-building for repair and maintenance. India will also host the Vietnam Army for joint exercises in mountain and jungle warfare next year at a suitable location. Co-operation between the defence institutes of both countries was also agreed upon, while Vietnam, for its part, expressed a desire for more

Indian Defence Minister A.K.Antony and Vietnam General Phung Quang Thanh in Hanoi

port calls by Indian warships, offering maintenance-and-repair facilities there.

General Thanh thanked India for its contribution to the success of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' conference in Hanoi, saying India occupied a special position in Vietnam's foreign policy framework. Earlier, Mr Antony had remarked that Vietnam ranked high on India's foreign policy priorities.

General Thanh was in invited to visit India next year.

Laser bomb Press Trust of India (PTI) reported (October 20) that India had developed its first Laser Guided Bomb (LGB), a weapon that can hit a target with greater accuracy, with technological support from Dehra Dun-based Instrument Research and Development Establishment (IRDE). The development of this technology is part of ongoing research towards achieving self-dependency in a crucial area of defence. IRDE is a laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

The LGB uses a laser designed to illuminate a target.

The reflected laser light from the

pound LGBs, these being designed to improve the accuracy of air-to-ground bombing by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The guidance kit of LGB consists of a computer control group guidance canards attached to the front of the warhead for steering commands and a wing assembly attached to the aft end to provide lift.

LGBs are manoeuvrable freefall weapons requiring no electronic interconnect to the aircraft and attack the target with higher accuracy and reliability.

LGBs were first developed by the US. Russia, France and the UK followed suit, so India has joined an elite club.

Diamond Bourse The Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), the world's largest, was inaugurated recently in Mumbai

by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma, who said: “Our relationship with the bourse back in history.” The BDB, located in the Bandra-Kurla complex, “has a main area of 20 acres , with 18 lakh [1.8 million square feet] of built-up area.There is 10 lakh [1million] square feet basement parking area which is unique, being the largest in the world.

The Bharat Diamond Bourse, world's largest, opened in Mumbai

target is then detected by the seeker which sends signals to the weapon's control surfaces to guide it to the designated point.

B a n g a l o re - b a s e d Aeronautics Development Establishment (ADE) has developed the guidance-kit for 1000-

This bourse is going to be an international, world-class diamond trading hub with facilities like banking, freight forwarding, consolidation, insurance, security surveillance etc, all in one complex,” said the Minister.

(The Hindu, October 17).

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Alpesh Patel’s Political Sketchbook: The Politics of Immigration This past week the key political debate at the CBI conference which the Prime Minister attended has centred on immigration caps. Why? Because business and indeed Nobel Prize winners are complaining such caps will hamper business growth in the UK and innovation. Yet this week the Commonwealth Business Council hosted with Alok Sharma MP an event on how to promote greater inward investment from India.

My thoughts for our goal of increasing inward investment from India into the UK in particular: Inform: Those Indian companies which have invested in Britain are usually very keen to inform others of their decisions and act as informal ambassadors.

They make better beacons to Indians than non-Indian UK investors. We must have a strategy of using them to the fullest in promotion in India. The UKIndia Business Awards in Mumbai by the BDHC were a good way of doing this through CNBC. Also US investors into UK resonate strongly to an Indian audience in India too.

Networks: We must liaise

Man found guilty of murdering young Reading woman

with the corporate advisors (eg KPMG) and Investment Bankers (eg Deutsche Bank) who are key in identifying opportunities for Indian clients to ensure Government agencies such as UKTI are aware well in advance of any issues which are shortterm or longer-term structural obstacles as they have their ears to the ground.

Visas: This came up as an issue at a recent CII delegation I co-hosted at Chatham House. We must clear up the misperception that skilled talent is being capped from entering the country.

High Labour Costs: As a high skilled economy this is undeniable, however, as the rupee is expected to continue to appreciate year on year for the foreseeable future due to relative growth rates between the two countries – this is a cost which can be hedged or even diminished depending on where the costs are being paid from (ie from UK earnings or from Indian parent).

Skilled Labour Shortage: Part perception, part reality but which should be seen not as a structural weakness but the fact that the best of the best are here and

in demand from around the world. Britain continues importing talent from around the world and providing it outstanding facilities so the skilled labour problem can be reduced in the longer term, but in the short term by hiring into Britain from abroad at the outstanding facilities here or by price competing(less attractive) but a reflection on the talent being vied for in the UK. Regulation: Britain has outstanding firms/consultants at reasonable cost who are very able at handling regulations for companies. Of course no one likes regulations and Britain probably has less than most. But a good advisor and accountant are a cost saving in relation to the necessary evils of regulation which exist in all countries.

EU is same GDP and population of the US. It is clear for Indian companies that the unique mix of economic, cultural and geographic benefits of the UK means it’s an ideal place for EU and US entry. But we shoot ourselves if we limit the talented people needed in the UK to run those foreign investments coming here.

Police urged to reopen prosecution into Baroness Uddin Police have been urged to reopen a prosecution into the expenses cheat peer who was this week suspended from the House of Lords after illegitimately claiming £125,000 in parliamentary allowances.

New evidence which came to light during the formal parliamentary sleaze inquiry into Labour’s Baroness Uddin, pictured, is being passed to the Metropolitan Police, who may now consider reviving the criminal case, which collapsed amid recrimination earlier this year.

Angus Robertson, the Scottish Nationalist MP whose complaint to police sparked the original criminal inquiry, confirmed that he would write to the Met asking police to reopen the case in the light of this new evidence.

On last Thursday, Lady Uddin was suspended from the Lords for a year and a half, and ordered to repay ￡ 125,349.10 in wrongly claimed overnight allowances after being found to have deliberate-

ly cheated the taxpayer-funded expenses system.

In a scathing report, the Subcommittee on Lords’ Conduct, headed by Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former head of MI5, found that she registered a flat in Maidstone, Kent, where neighbours claimed she had not been seen for four years, as her “main residence.”

This allowed her to claim lucrative overnight allowances on the house she shared with her family in London, along with travel costs she said she had incurred driving to and from Kent.

The original criminal case collapsed in March, after Michael Pownall, the Clerk of Parliament, for the first time issued a definition of what constituted a “main residence,” which he said could amount to a property which was “visited” as little as once a month.

Kier Starmer, the Director of Public Prosecutions, issued an angry statement, saying that Mr Pownall’s definition pre-

sented “real difficulty” for a successful prosecution, and that criminal proceedings would have to be dropped.

The police are understood to have received legal advice that the definition of “visiting” a so-called “main residence” could amount to merely driving past the property.

This week, however, when deciding punishments for Lady Uddin and two other expenses cheat peers, the Lords issued a clearer definition of the main residence rule, insisting that a “visit” had to include an overnight stay.

A CPS source confirmed that the revised definition could constitute fresh evidence, and would allow the police to resume their probe.

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Art & CultuRe

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Radhika Madlani

By Spriha Srivastava

Want some real Indian cuisine?

The Veeraswamy restaurant

When it comes to Indian food in UK, I am extremely choosey. Well it’s kind of obvious, isn’t it? Given the fact that I have spent my entire life in Delhi and being so used to original Indian cuisine, my taste buds are sure to throw tantrums in UK. Not to name them, but many of the restaurants I have come across serve mixed Asian cuisine in the name of India.

I mean, have you ever known Karahi Chicken to be sweet? I always thought it was supposed to be spicy? Or the deep orange colour of butter chicken which sometimes looks like the saffron colour coming out of the Indian flag. Sadly, it has become a money making business for many in the name of Indian cuisine.

But many of us who are very fond of Indian food and possess the original taste for it can differentiate the authenticity.

So the “so-called” Indian cuisine places that have sprung up like mushrooms in recent years can choose not to fool everyone.

Places like Masala Zone, Punjab, Cinnamon Club and Dishoom have always been on the top of my list whenever I craved for Indian food. Or how can I forget the most authentic cuisine at Southall? And then yesterday I visited the oldest Indian restaurant in UK – Veeraswamy and I was simply floored. Before talking about my experience at Veeraswamy, I must mention that these are my personal views

and it has nothing to do with Asian Voice as a publication.

I had always heard some great reviews about Veeraswamy from those who have visited and had always been looking forward to make a visit.

Walk-ins don’t work on weekends because the restaurant is always fullybooked. So this time around I tried booking in advance and was happily assisted by their efficient staff.

Located in the posh neighbourhood of Regents Street, the Veeraswamy building speaks for itself. With more than 74 years of existence, you are surely in for a lot of pampering and surprise. As I made my way to the building which many a times I have just admired from outside, a young British boy dressed as a Darbaan (doorman) welcomed us.

We made our way to the first floor of the building where the famous restaurant is located.

As we came out of the elevator, we were welcomed by the wonderful staff who took us to our table. Upon entering the place, I was completely mesmerised by the ambience and surroundings. A very comfortable dining place with dim lighting that changed colours every now and then welcomed us. The table was decorated with rose petals and added to the beautiful surroundings.

The walls were decorated with rich paintings and some old time pictures and I am sure each of

them had a story behind it.

And when it comes to food, I can openly claim that I had the best Chicken Tikka and Biriyani in London.

Served in the most enticing fashion, the food was truly Indian and the most unusual selection I have ever tried in London. The only thing they can probably expand is their vegetarian menu, even though the Koftas were simply delicious.

There is a personal touch that one experiences at Veeraswamy.

Not for a moment is your glass empty or you are left wondering what next.

The staff is extremely alert to ensure you have the best of the time and you are served in the most royal fashion. The menu and the ambience takes you back to an everlasting journey of authentic Indian cuisine that may have been served to the royal families in India. The menu is such that needs to be experienced sitting in the cosy and magnificent dining place.

All in all, Veeraswamy is an experience that one needs to have. A little on the higher side but worth every penny. And so here is one more addition to my list of favourite Indian restaurants – places that are truly Indian in decor, warmth, menu and the most important of all, taste. A wonderful dinner at Veeraswamy made my day. Now it’s time for you to indulge in a truly Indian experience. Are you ready for it?

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at spriha@abplgroup.com

Cultural Festivities For Rias first birthday, we took her to Rome for a short holiday. There is a saying in Rome, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans’. In my experience as a British Indian parent, I am finally starting to appreciate the dichotomy Indian parents face in trying to raise children to blend in with British society whilst desperately holding onto the little culture we can.

Celebrations in honour of the Goddess Durga, Navratri is one of the festivals I was excited to share with my young daughter.. Growing up in India, I recall the sand in my feet as I danced proudly in my new colourful chaniya choris and witnessed families and friends enjoying the tradition of ‘dandiya raas’. After moving to the UK as a teenager, I remember the contrast of turning up to packed community halls and taking off layers of shawls to reveal our colourful tradition. There was a sense of pride and joy associated with meeting with friends and family during these nine special days, of dressing up with cousins and dancing with the community, with people of all ages - what a lovely ritual!

How times have changed however.

Having juggled a hectic day at work and balancing the guilt of pushing my daughters bedtime back by a few hours to allow her to enjoy Navratri, I finally parked in my local community hall.

Instantly feeling deep sadness, I pull up to a parking space as in my line of sight, I witness a few girls standing (perhaps hiding) around the corner of the hall smoking cigarettes, dressed in their chaniya choris. As hard as I try not to stare, I conclude they are no

older than 15. I try to focus on enjoying my time with the family and taking photos of Ria who is dressed in her first pair of chaniya chori, courtesy of her luckyfui’s recent trip to India.

As much as I enjoy the ‘raas garba’ for the two hours I was at the hall, I witnessed a car full of young teenagers drinking beers as I leave the hall. I guess I was a little grateful for them turning their stereos down as they saw my family approach the car (which was parked quite close to theirs) out of ‘respect’. I sigh as I put Ria into the car seat and as I watched her sleeping on the journey home, I wondered what society will be like when she is older.

Instead of enjoying the sounds, colours and vibrancy of these cultural festivities, will Navratri just become another ‘night out’? I conclude there are no guarantees in life. I take comfort in the knowledge that we all go through some levels of confusion whilst growing up. We pay tribute to all forms of Goddess Durga, Kumari (as a child), Parvati (as a young girl) and Kali (as a mature woman); they are afterall different forms of the same Goddess. I can only hope that my little girl will go through the same passages of life and in doing so, will do things I might not always be proud of.

I hope the more I engage her in our culture, the more chances I have of bringing up a balanced adult who can stretch her boundaries whilst respecting our culture and traditions which make us unique.

“A culture is made or destroyed by its articulate voices” – Ayn Rand (Russian born American writer and novelist)

Pitla

Ingredient • 3 tablespoons besan (bengal gram flour) • 1/2 tsp hing(asoefetida) • 1 medium tomato chopped finely • 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves • 1 sprig curry leaves • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds • 1 small onion, chopped finely • 1 tsp roasted cumincoriander powder • 1 tablespoon lemon juice/tamarind juice • 1 tsp red chilli powder • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder • Salt to taste

Method • Fry the besan in a little oil till it turns light brown.

• Set aside.

• Heat some oil and add the mustard and curry leaves.

• When they crackle, add the onions and fry till they turn brown.

• Add the cumin-dhania, red chili and turmeric and fry for a minute.

• Now add the besan and keep frying

for 2 minutes.

• Add the tomatoes and the coriander and some water to get a liquid consistency.

• Add salt to taste.

• Now add the lime/tamarind juice and heat through till it boils.

• Add hing and serve hot with chapatis or white rice.

15

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

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16 Asian Voice Saturday 30th October 2010

Shruti Hassan writes lyrics for international hand Shruti Hassan becomes the first Indian to write lyric for international band. The singer-turned-actress is lending her voice and penning a song for a rock track with David Kushner of Velvet Revolver band.

Shruti says that she has been writing lyrics since childhood. The singer, who has passion for western music, got an offer from Kushner through one of her friends. Later, she interacted with Velvet team for about two weeks and finally wrote and sang a song for this hard rock band.

The 30-year-old songwriter is a big fan of American singer-songwriter and musician Bob Dylan. In fact, she wants to be a musical all-rounder like him.

Court serves fresh notices to Prabhu Deva and Nayantara A family court has issued fresh notice to Prabhu Deva and Nayantara after they failed to attend court hearing on October 19. The actors neither turned up nor sent their representatives to the court.

But Latha Prabhu Deva was present along with her counsel.

Meenakshisundaram, the principal judge for family courts, served notices to Prabhu and Nayan and postponed the proceedings to November 23. Earlier this month, Latha had filed two petitions in a family court in Chennai seeking to direct her husband to live with her and restore her conjugal rights.

However, Latha’s lawyer said that he has summoned Prabhu Deva. But he could not summon Nayantara because she does not have a permanent address in Chennai. The counsel added that he attempted to serve the notice to her through South Indian Film Artistes Association but it turned down his plea.

Surya and Reema Sen doing cameo in Avan Ivan Surya and Reema Sen are doing a cameo role in director Bala’s upcoming film Avan Ivan. The scenes involving the actor were shot for 3 days recently and Reema’s portions are yet to be filmed.

Following the grand success of Aayirathil Oruvan, Reema Sen did not signed any project in Kollywood as she didn’t come across any good offers. Since Avan Ivan is a big project involving biggest brand names of actors and technicians, the actress accepted the offer.

Sources reveal that the film’s shooting will be completed by first week of December and producers are planning to release the film on January 14, 2011 on the occasion of Pongal. The film is produced by Kalpathy S Agoram of AGS Entertainments and features Aarya and Vishal in the lead roles.

68-year-old Big B insists on doing stunts himself Santoshi, "This is Amitji's way of doing things. He keeps raising his own bar so quietly that outsiders don't even realise it. In Khakee, where he had to do some dangerous stunts, we had a bodydouble on stand-by who remained just that: on standby.

This time, for ‘Power’ we were pretty sure Amitji would agree with us on the danger posed by the stunts. But we underestimated his willpower."

Pausing to admire the mega-star's energy

The indefatigable 68-yearold Amitabh Bachchan has refused to take the help of a body-double who has been specially flown from Hollywood at a high cost and insisted on doing the heart-in-the-mouth stunts himself in the under-production film “Power.”

The plan was to gently let the body-double step in at the last minute so that the Big B wouldn't have to face any risks at all.

On the first day itself, when the Big B had to perform action scenes, he cleverly suggested that he start doing the scene... "And let's see how far I can go." Says director Raj Kumar

and courage, Santoshi adds, "Amitji tricked us. He continued doing the stunt and went further than he was supposed to."

Santoshi refrains from divulging the exact nature of the stunt. But stresses that it is exceptionally dangerous. The director is now planning his fifth film with the Big B. "Contrary to belief, Power is my fourth film with Amitji. I've done Family, Khakee and before that Ghatak where he had a cameo.

But I find him more agile and tireless now than before. He makes everyone on the set feel enthused."

I was a reckless girl, says Kangna Ranaut She started her Bollywood career at the age of 17, and over a period of four years, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut says, the industry has helped her realise the importance of being disciplined.

"I have definitely changed a lot. I mean from a reckless teenager, I have become a very well organised and disciplined person, " Kangana said in an interview.

"Moreover, when you are working, and for the fact that young people like me who have started at 17, they cannot afford to be themselves.

You have to really change with the time," she added.

The actress made her Bollywood debut with Mahesh Bhatt's "Gangster A Love Story" in 2006, which won her critical acclaim. She was later seen playing a mentally unstable girl in Mahesh Bhatt's another movie "Woh Lamhe".

Her stupendous performance as a drug addict model in Madhur

Bhandarkar's "Fashion" won her a national award. The actress was last seen in Hrithik Ro s h a n - B a r b a r a Mori starrer "Kites".

A l t h o u g h Kangana admits that her journey has so far been good, she says as an outsider she had to work really hard to make a place for herself in the industry.

"It is very difficult as an outsider as people don't support you, media also accepts those who come from a film background, it takes time, eventually you have to work very hard to sustain and if you are good at your work, you will succeed, " said Kangana, who was present at Kingdom of Dreams to promote her new film "Knock Out", which also stars Sanjay Dutt and Irrfan Khan.

Asked if in any way the industry has changed her outlook towards

Sanjay Dutt blessed with twins Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt's wife Manyata has delivered twins, a girl and a boy, in a Mumbai hospital on Thursday last.

The mother and babies are doing fine and celebrations have already begun, with congratulatory messages flowing in by the dozen.

Earlier, Manyata was rushed to a Mumbai hospital after she reportedly experienced premature labour pains. The star wife completed eight months of her preg-

nancy on October 10 and the delivery was expected in November.

Manyata is Dutt's third wife after Richa Sharma, who died of cancer, and Rhea Pillai. He has a daughter Trishala from his first marriage.

things, she said: "I am nobody to be judgmental, what matters more to me is what is the industry's perception about me, what do they think of me."

In most of the films, Kangana was seen doing tragic and serious roles, but with a slew of light-hearted films like "No Problem", "Rascals", "Double Dhamaal" and "Tanu Weds Manu", the actress is set to change her so-called serious image. "It was great working in a different genre. Although it is said that it is difficult to make people laugh, everything is tough. You have to really develop your skills, you are not born with dancing skills, comedy or serious acting, you have to make an effort to learn it,” she said. She might have played matured characters in her films but in real life, she is like any other normal girl, although she doesn't like to mingle a lot. "In real life I am like any other girl, very, very chirpy, talkative for my family and friends but I don't mingle a lot, " she said.

17

He would like to be reborn as Dev Anand A career spanning over six decades in Indian cinema, classics like "Hum Dono", "Jewel Thief" and "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" besides countless laurels seem to be not enough for Bollywood's evergreen star Dev Anand as he is in no mood to hang his boots.

The actor, who earned the moniker of being the youngest star in India at the age of 87, says he wants a second life to complete his unfinished work.

"I am always in a rush because time is slipping away fast and I am chasing it. I have so many stories to tell but where is the time. I wish I am born again as Dev Anand and you meet a young star 25 years later.

That will give me some time to finish what I want to do", said Dev Anand.

The veteran star, who ruled the hearts with his swagger and signature tilted hat, is releasing his 1961

classic "Hum Dono" in colour and cinemascope on December 3 world over.

Three weeks after the release of the SadhanaNanda starrer, the actor will come up with his new film "Chargesheet".

"The film is in colour and cinemascope with digital sound. You won't feel that it is an old film. It is

special to me because Sahir Ludhianvi put my life's philosophy in 'Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya'," Dev Anand says.

The actor himself stars in the new crime thriller along with Naseerudin Shah and Jackie Shroff. Politician Amar Singh has also done a cameo in the movie. "It is a suspense murder story and talks about police corruption.

It is not a thoughtless film. Without a reason, a story is a waste. When I make such film I will tell people in advance 'I am making nonsense'."

The Bollywood legend, who redefined and enriched cinema with everlasting classics like "Guide" and "Taxi Driver" has no plans to do remakes. "I already have six scripts ready. Why should I delve into the past when my

thinking is alive? I don't want to repeat my old stories. But yes, I would like to pick up segments from my films and make a movie called 'The Growth of Dev Anand as an Actor'. But I need time for that. Film making is a very involved craft," he says.

Dev Anand is confident that the two films will find people's affection. "I am not making films for the heck of it. I am a very involved man. I am also growing old but I won't say and I won't feel old," he says.

Questions like 'Is there anything that you still want to do?' are common with the star and his reply is equally teasing.

"Everything. There are billions of things that I have not done and want to do.

Every moment is new, is growth. You are great if you are growing. I am Dev Anand, dear," he says.

Vivek Oberoi yet to get into marriage mode Vivek Oberoi will be a married man soon but the actor, who is currently busy touring different cities to promote ''Rakta Charitra'', says he is yet to get into the marriage mode. The Bollywood star is all set to marry Priyanka Alva in a private ceremony in Bangalore on October 29, just a week after the film hits theatres.

Vivek says he is keeping his fingers crossed for both. "I am so preoccupied with 'Rakta Charitra' that I did not do any shopping for my marriage. Now my family is taking care of that. I will soon be a married man but the feeling is yet to sink in. Now that the film has been released, I

Neha makes her singing debut Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia, who recently recorded a song with singer Kailash Kher for her forthcoming comedy caper Phas Gaye Re Obama, is excited to make her debut in playback singing.

"I am super excited about the song and for getting an opportunity to sing along with a celebrated artist like Kailash Kher. It's not an everyday story for Bollywood actresses. I feel extremely lucky to be part of this

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

project. Hope everybody likes it," Neha said.

Neha plays a cruel don called Munni Madam who hates men in the film.

"At first, Neha refused. But after a couple of music sittings she finally agreed to record.

Surprisingly, she completed the recording in just one day which is commendable as she is not a professional singer," said Subhash Kapoor, the director of the film. Releasing on 26th November, the film also stars Rajat Kapoor, Manu Rishi Chadha, Sanjay Mishra, Sumit Nijhavan and Amole Gupte, among others.

will get into that mode," the actor said in an interview. Vivek says his fiancee, a business management graduate from London, has been very understanding about his preoccupation with the movie promotion.

"Priyanka has been very understanding and supportive. It is very unusual for a bride to be this practical and understanding about my career. She is really a lovely girl and means a lot to me. I thank Karnataka for giving me their most beautiful daughter," Vivek said.

When probed further about his impending nuptials, the actor said, "The wedding will be grand but

a very private affair followed by a reception in Mumbai with family and friends attending," he added.

Based on real-life incidents, the Ram Gopal Varma directed film will see the actor playing slain Andhra politician Paritala

Ravi. The 34-year-old star has teamed up with RGV after a long time for the multi-lingual, two-part film, which depicts the rise and fall of Ravi.

The duo fell out after working together in ''Company and ''Road''. "It is the most powerful film I have ever done,” Vivek said.

After his marriage, Vivek is planning a short break before returning to work again. "I am going to run away with my newly married wife for our honeymoon. I will enjoy the beginning of my new life and pamper my wife a lot to make up for my absence before our marriage," he said.

My new name is Wong Khan, says SRK Shah Rukh Khan is currently busy shooting for “Don 2” in Berlin with Priyanka Chopra and the actress had made Shah Rukh change his name!

Not that PC disapproved of the name Shah Rukh or disliked his iconic abbreviation SRK, it's just that so hell bent was the actress on making Shah Rukh taste various Japanese dishes, the superstar gave in and decided to give himself a Japanese name instead.

"Priyanka introduced me to Sushi. I got to see so many varieties of cold fish on a cold night!

Feeling Japanese! My new name now is Wong

Khan" wrote SRK on a micrblogging site.

We found SRK's

Japanese name damn cute.

Japan seems to be the flavour of the season in Bollywood. The ongoing MAMI (Mumbai film festival) too has been paying ode to Japanese cinema, by screening best of Japanese films in the festival.

If the Japanese delegates get to know about SRK's new name, we are sure they will be flattered. You never fail to amuse us Wong Khan, aka Shah Rukh Khan!

Maalik Ek It is a mythological film, based on the biography, preaching and philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi, revered as a great saint.

The film enlightens one of those spiritual experiences of Baba, known only to the blessed few. In order to enable the masses to experience this heart touching "Sai Baba's grace", Maalik Ek team has decided to dub the film in various regional and international languages. Maalik Ek takes to the era, during which the great fakir Shri Sai Baba was refused entry into various communities and villages surrounding Shirdi.

Produced by Kishori Shahane under the banner of Om The Mantra, the film is directed by Deepak Balraj Vij. He has written the story, script and dialogues.

Lead cast of the film consists of Jackie Shroff, Divya Dutta, Shakti Kapoor, Smriti Irani, Sudesh Berry, Vikram Gokhale, Parikshat Sahni, Anup Jalota, Zarina Wahab, Rajeshwari Sachdev, Kishori Shahane, Vidya Sinha, Rana Jung Bahadur and Rajesh Vivek.

Amit Khanna, Manoj Kumar, Sameer and Anup Jalota have penned the lyrics, while Jalota is scored the music. He has lent his voice for the play back too, alongwith Jackie Shroff, Jagjit Singh, Ghulam Ali, Anuradha Paudwal, Shreya Ghoshal and Pankaj Udhas.

New Hindi movies releasing this week 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Daayen Ya Baayen Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun...

Maalik Ek Musaa Nakshatra

Top 5 Bollywood movies for the week No. 1 2 3 4 5

Film Aakrosh Knock Out Robot Do Dooni Chaar Anjaana Anjaani

Last Week Total Weeks New 1 New 1 4 3 3 2 2 3

Pak popstar Ali Zafar saves Katrina Pakistani popstar Ali Zafar got a fitting reward for a daring rescue act on the sets of the film 'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan' when he stepped into save leading lady Katrina Kaif from a mishap. The 'Prince of Pop' jumped in to rescue Katrina when her hair got stuck in a pedestal fan on the sets of the Yash Raj movie which is being shot.

According to eyewitnesses, Zafar suffered minor bruises on his arm while Kaif who was terrified after the incident expressed her gratitude by giving the 'Tere Bin Laden' actor a big hug.

In the past, similar rescues on film sets have proved to be typically 'filmi', with the saviour and victim falling for each other.

A case in point being Sunil Dutt's courageous act to save Nargis from raging fire on the sets of 'Mother India'. The couple had soon tied the knot. But the 'Sajaniya' hitmaker is already married and is the father of a young child, while Kaif has been linked to Ranbir Kapoor after she reportedly split from Salman Khan.

18

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

KD Lamba takes charge of Bank of Baroda’s European operations

Alpesh Patel Consultant Editor Financial Voice Dear Financial Voice Reader, I gave a second talk at the Oxford and Cambridge Club this past week on the markets. I want to share my thoughts here. First, the dollar weakness will continue – so it is better to own Euro and Sterling. The reasoning is that the Americans have a big trade deficit, and budget deficit and will do more quantative easing (ie print more dollars – what happens when you supply more of something, it’s price goes down).

Normally the currency falling, for instance the Dollar, would mean that US exporters can export more as their products are cheaper. This is good for the US economy. But it will be limited in its positive impact for exporters because the Chinese are pegging their currency to the US. So as the US gets cheaper because it cuts it’s currency, so do the Chinese. Think of two stores selling in the high street. As one cuts its prices, so does the other. So the global buyers of American goods, look to China and see Chinese goods equally cheaper.

Compared to this the financial markets like Sterling because of the Government’s austerity cuts seen as being good longer term for the economy.

The Eurozone is seen as not as bad as once thought, and the July sales on the back of Greek worries as overdone. The Germans are the biggest economy in the region and far larger and important than the Greek or Portuguese so prefer the Euro over the Dollar.

Gold: Targeting $2000 by the end of next year.

Why? Well the Chinese are buying it because it protects the $2trillion dollars they have loaned the US government. You see if you are going to be repaid that loan you don’t want the money to be worthless. So you buy a commodity which is priced in Dollars because as the value of the dollar falls, the price (or amount of dollars you need) to buy an ounce of gold ofcourse rises.

But China is not the only reason for gold rises.

The other concern is that with all this quantative easing – that is putting money into the financial system there will be inflation. And again people buy gold to protect against inflation.

What about the stock market. Well India is getting overvalued. But the UK and the US has about another 10% to rise by year end. Sounds ridiculous given economic problems? Well companies are producing earnings (profits) greater than expected.

How? Sadly by cost cutting. You see the best type of earnings come from revenue growth ie more sales. And are visible, forecastable for a number of years. Sadly we have earnings from cutting costs.

Still they are earnings but not as good as sales increase ones. Also visibility is limited because we don’t even know if there will be a double dip recession.

More? Well I like the Malaysian and Columbian index trackers. Why? These are tier two countries.

They are ones to which the larger economies outsource. Brazil outsources to Columbia and India to Malaysia. How do you find such index trackers?

Exchange Traded Funds – Google it! Speaking of Google, if you want to cut to the chase and stop hunting for good investments just sell everything you own and put all your money in Google and Apple.

Alpesh.patel@tradermind.com

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Head of Treasury Operations and Chief Dealer, Foreign Exchange

Operations, all in Mumbai.

Mr. Lamba has also served as the Chairman & Secretary of Forex Association of India (Affiliated to ACI International Association of Financial Market Paris). He was also on the Board of Clearing Corporation of India Ltd, Central Depository Services (India) Ltd and Idea Cell (Providing Settlement of Payment through electronic media against various service providers).

Alumina refinery expansion plans scraped, Cairn deal sure to be delayed Vedanta Resources, an Indian minerals and metals group owned by UK based Anil Agarwal is in for more problems after cancellation of mining permission in Orissa. The Environment ministry of the Government of India has also scrapped the expansion plans for the alumina refinery in Orissa.

legal opinion that Cairn is bound to seek

prior approval form ONGC for stake sale to

Vedanta party.

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other

In a letter to the Vedanta group, the government has asked to maintain a status quo at the refinery and stop any further construction.

Vedanta was moving ahead with plans to expand the one million tonne per year facility to six mn tonnes a year.

Cairn – Vedanta deal likely to be delayed Vedanta’s deal with Cairn Energy for buying out a majority stake in Cairn India is also almost set to get delayed as they have yet to get regulatory approvals on a couple of issues.

Further, Indian regulator Sebi has also announced more measures aimed at protection of small or retail investors in matters corporate takeovers, which is likely to hurt the deal.

Further, ONGC, the Indian government oil major who is a key stake holder in Cairn India has also emphasized, based on

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Various responsibilities held by Mr. Lamba include a stint at the Bank’s International Operations,

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Mr. KD Lamba, General Manager of Bank of Baroda has taken charge of the Bank’s European Operations in London.

After a year long stint as Chief Executive of the Bank’s US Operations in New York, Mr. Lamba has now taken over the reins of the Bank’s European Operations in London from Mr. SS Mundra, who has been elevated as Executive Director at Union Bank of India.

Earlier as a Deputy General Manager, Mr. Lamba headed the Bank’s

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Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

19

Property Focus Suresh Vagjiani Managing Director of Sow & Reap, a Property Investment & Financing company.

Exploit the UK property downturn This week we had our first UK property investment seminar. We had a strong attendance in Blue Ginger, Kenton. We are planning to replicate this event off the back of the interest which is out there in investing into UK property.

Our next event will be in Croyden around the end of November, please call our office to register your attendance for this event.

People came for two reasons.

Firstly to see exactly what Sow & Reap do and to see how we can help them in their lives, to get from where they are to where they want to be.

In short Sow & Reap provide a turn key solution in investing into central London property. We can provide this because we source, fund and rent the property for you all in house.

We do this because central London is a bullet proof market which will be insulated from any down turn.

Though we have been doing this on an informal basis, we now wish to formalise the process in light of the level of interest that has been generated from the real life case studies we have been sharing with our readers.

The process we offer includes a financial review and taking a snapshot of where you are now and where you

want to get too. This is then translated into property investment and a strategy is formulated to follow.

This is an important step.

Unless you have an unlimited pot it is important on how you invest your lump sum and it should fit your situation.

What is a good investment for you may not be so for another person.

It is important to differentiate it is not the property we are speaking of here. The property will inevitably be a good buy as we only present properties we have carried out due diligence on.

What we are trying to ascertain is about the suitability of the property for you. For example a high yielding property may be good for someone who has no income but not so good for a high income earner, as the income would be halved by the tax the recipient has to pay. Therefore what may be more suitable is low yielding properties with a greater potential of capital growth.

Even if you consider someone who has say £200,000 to invest in property.

This is not a small amount. But when it comes to property this can soon disappear and after purchasing a couple of properties your purchasing power disappears unless you have a business which is supplying you with funds. So it is important to have a strategy.

Therefore we have put this in as a necessary step when you sign up for our sourcing service.

When one purchases a property it is typically paid for by a deposit from the investor and the majority of the funds are provided by the lender. This is an important point, the biggest investor in a property purchase is NOT you it is the bank. This proves property is a sound investment. Would a company lend you 75-80% on a the strength of a business idea alone? I think not. They pretty much do for property, despite the current environment. It is therefore important to ensure you have the right type of finance in place. It is not just a question of getting the cheapest rates as many seem to think.

We do not have only lenders which many of you are aware of but many more lenders who only work through certain channels and are not on the High Street, such as Societe Generale and Bank of China. These are not some random unusable lenders. We have actually used them for our clients, because they were the most suitable lenders for our clients.

The other point is way the finance is drawn. A lump sum being pulled

down may not be the most efficient way of starting a property portfolio. A better way would be perhaps to arrange an offset mortgage. This has two benefits, firstly the desired amount can be drawn down and paid back as and when you wish. You can take however small or large portion, as opposed to a conventional mortgage which only allows a fixed lump sum according to the mortgage contract.

The other aspect to this is a mortgage

contract is valid from 3 to 6 months, the drawdown will be a permanent feature of the offset mortgage.

The other main benefit an offset allows is it allows you to purchase immediately allowing you to exchange on properties straight away. This will allow you to purchase properties which are distressed or in an auction.

If you want to attend our next seminar or sign up for our property service call our office now on 0207 706 0187.

The only way is up The project we spoke about last week has now been launched officially and is an integrated township consisting of commercial as well as residential blocks in Sanand very close to Ahmadabad.

The project is fully integrated meaning it has schools, hospitals and commercial space. There will be enough onsite to meet all your needs Summary l This is the earliest point to get into this project , the only way prices will go from now on is up. l This part of India is developing fast, what is just coming up today will be the centre of gravity in years to come. This is important if you wish to retire in 5 to 10 years. l The recent rating by Forbes magazine rating Ahmadabad as the 3rd fastest growing city in the world will only serve to heat prices up - Now the area is under global scrutiny

We are organising Seminars in Nov 2010 through out the UK, call us if you would like to attend on 0208 369 6055 l The area of Sanand is coming up fast as highlighted in our previous articles l Consider the success of our first project, Nal Safari in Sanand, which started at Rs900 per Sq Yard the project is currently selling at Rs 2,800 and there will be further increases in price l

The Project: POPULAR SAGAR – SANAND This is an Integrated Township, one of a kind, with 2 BHK & 3 BHK apartments, Pent Houses, Showrooms, Shops and Offices located in Sanand the only town which is coming up as a Satellite City of India. POPULAR SAGAR is just 4 kms away from Sanand Industrial Zone where all major MNC’s are coming up with their plants.

Integrated town ship in Sanand POPULAR SAGAR SAGAR DEVELOPERS Ahmedabad – Viramgam Highway Sanand Sarkhej Road Sanand 24000 Sq. Yd Apox.

Scheme Name Developers Site Location Total Plot Area Residential 384 Apartments No. of Blocks Apartments 2 BHK Apartments 3 BHK Floors of Blocks Apt. per Floor Pent Houses : 0203 384 5323

12 Blocks 8 Blocks of 2 BHK D, E, F, G, I, J, K, L 4 Blocks of 3 BHK A, B, C, H 256 Apartments 128 Apartments Apartments Basement + Hollow Plinth +8 Floors 4 Apartments per floor 16 Pent Houses Email: info@sowandreapdesi.com

We have just launched in Dholera - Limited Availability Call now to book 0203 384 5323

n Mortgages n Commercial Finance n Property Sourcing n Gujarat Properties - Sale & Resale T: 0207 706 0187 F: 0203 014 8484

E: info@sowandreap.co.uk W: www.sowandreap.co.uk

31 Southwick Street, Paddington, W2 1JQ Registered in England No. 05083823

20

financial voiCE

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Leadership Matters

Missing the point, or avoiding it?

Maria Fernandes maria@abplgroup.com

Changes to English Language Test New regulations are due to come into force on the 29th November for spouses, civil partners and co-habiting partners who want to enter or remain in the UK. These rules were introduced following a 12-week public consultation which the UK Border Agency accepts is based on responses from 101 respondents who were a self selected group and not a random sample. They also accept that there was a mixed reaction to the proposals to introduce Language test. They went ahead with their plans.

The applicants must sit and produce an original English Language test certificate, which must show the Applicants name and the qualification, and must meet level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference(CEFR). The following are exempt: 1) Applicants aged 65 of over when the application is made.

2) Applicants who have physical or mental conditions that prevent him from meet-

ing the requirements.( medical certificates would be required to prove this).

3) Where there are "exceptional compassionate circumstances" ( not defined but will require a very strong case to be made out) 4) Those who are nationals of the following countries: Antigua, Australia, Bermuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and USA. 5) Where an applicant has obtained a academic qualification equivalent to a Bachelors Degree in the following countries provide a test certificate: Antigua, Australia, Bermuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St

Vodafone gets Rs. 112.18 billion tax notice in India Vodafone has finally got a notice from government of India to pay a tax of Rs. 112.18 billion on the stake it acquired from Hutchison for the later’s mobile services business in 2007. The Income Tax authorities have held that Vodafone was liable to deduct capital gains tax from Hutchison over the deal amount that Vodafone paid to

Hutchison, but it did not.

Hence, the authorities now claim that Vodafone is to pay the tax. Vodafone had appealed against the tax demand, but IT appellate authority, Mumbai High Court and event the Supreme Court of India gave no relief.

Subsequently, the Income Tax department last week served a notice on Vodafone.

Lucia, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, UK and USA (note Canada is not included).

6) The Applicant has obtained an academic qualification, which meets Bachelors degree, which UK NARIC has confirmed was taught in English.

Other news: Online application categories to be increased The UK Border Agency intends to increase the applications that can be made online and where this option is available it will be sign posted in the UK Border Agency website.

Maria Fernandes has been in practice exclusively in immigration for the past 25 years and is accredited in Immigration Law by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Fernandes Vaz is based at 87 Wembley Hill Road Wembley in Wembley and can be contacted by telephone on 020 8733 0123.

Indian tax concerns for NRIs – report soon Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have received anxious queries from readers over the implications of taxes applicable for NRIs visiting India for more than 60 days a year.

India has announced a new Direct Tax Code (DTC), under which, the new provisions are made.

We will seek expert opinion on the issue and come out with a factual, clearer picture on the matter in the next issue.

On a visit to Nebraska in 2005, George W Bush met a divorced mother of three who told him that she had to work three jobs just to make ends meet. Bush’s response was, "You work three jobs? …Uniquely American, isn't it? I mean, that is fantastic that you're doing that."

Now either he was genuinely missing the point she was trying to make or he was avoiding giving the answer she was looking for.

One of the most difficult things any leader has to do is face questions for which they are not prepared. I say it is difficult not because the questions can be so cleverly constructed that they are almost impossible to answer, but because most leaders are afraid to give straightforward answers which may involve admitting to some blame.

Last week while visiting personnel at Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) in north-west London, David Cameron invited

questions from the audience and even stated that he preferred such interactive sessions. The very first question was from Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander Kris Ward who said: “I am a Harrier pilot and I have flown 140-odd missions in Afghanistan, and I am now potentially facing unemployment. How am I supposed to feel about that, please, sir?”

While Cameron may not have chosen such an opening question, it gave him an opportunity to give a forthright answer in which he could address the three concerns raised in the question. First he could explain the rationale behind the cuts; second, he could show empathy for those affected; and third, he could give a pledge that his government would do its utmost to help those affected by the cuts, to find new job.

I imagine that he would have covered all of these points during a ‘pre-prepared’ live TV interview, but his actual response

Cap on employment of foreign employees in India scrapped High skills, fat salaries criteria introduced for employment visa The government of India has prescribed that only highly skilled foreign nationals, having a minimum of $25,000 monthly salary will be hence forth eligible for employment in India. At the same time, the cap of 1% of staff for foreigners has been removed.

"Foreign nationals being sponsored for an employment visa in any sector should draw a salary in excess of $25,000 per annum. However, this condition of annual floor limit on income will not apply to ethnic cooks, language teachers (other than English), staff work-

ing for the embassy/ high commission concerned in India," a circular issued by ministry of home affairs said recently.

Last year there was a furore from the labour unions and political parties after it was found that thousands of unskilled labourers from China were working in India, especially in the power sector, flouting employment visa norms.

The new criteria, issued by ministry of home affairs, takes into account the minimum annual salary of the foreign national working in India.

By Amit Patel

was somewhat lacking.

He thanked Lt-Cdr Ward for “everything” and stated how ‘proud’ he was of the service given by all Harrier crews. While he did explain why he was removing the aircraft from active duty, he did not speak about the consequences of unemployment for the Harrier crews or what his government would do to help them. Surely that was the answer Lt-Cdr Ward was looking for? Whether like Bush, Cameron missed the point of the question or whether he was avoiding the point only he knows. But in doing so, I think we all get the point.

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

Coal India IPO mobilised Rs. 2360 bn Indian and foreign investors showed tremendous interest in the biggest Indian IPO last week. Coal India Ltd. IPO mobilised a total amount of Rs. 2360 bn, ($53 bn) more than 15 times the initial target of Rs. 155 bn set by the govt of India.

The government decided on Monday that the shares of the government owned coal mine company will be issued at Rs. 245 per share. The huge success of the IPO is likely to bring more government owned entities to line up for IPOs, with atleast four rearing to tap the capital market in coming few months.

Credit crunch hurts British Asian businesses the most LABA survey says 70% do not take outside advice on closures A new survey by the Leicestershire Asian Business Association (LABA) highlights the worsening state of British Asian businesses in the Leicestershire region.

The research of nearly 500 businesses, carried out between May to August 2010 focused on the causes leading to business failure and the processes that are in place to alleviate these challenges.

To get a better understanding and the perspectives of the British Asian business community with regards to business failure within Leicestershire, LABA conducted a quali-

tative survey.

Mr. Jaspal Singh Minhas, the President of LABA said “The survey showed that causes of business failure are led by insufficient access to capital from the banks and lack of working capital, a lack of business advice, planning and training, limited business intelligence and access to procurement opportunities”.

More worryingly for banks, respondents to the survey stated that the disappearance of relationship banking, i.e. face-toface was a crucial trigger of the downward journey towards business failure.

In addition, respondents accused banks of applying a post-code lottery and stereo-typing.

The good news for local authorities is that one of the few areas that respondents had confidence in was dealing with local councillors who they found accessible.

When closing their businesses, only 30% of companies took advice from government departments and nearly half (48%) borrowed money or re-mortgaged family properties to pay off business liabilities as an exit strategy. It is important to note that this does not appear as a business fail-

ure in government national statistics therefore the true number of companies folding up with outstanding debts is much higher.

A sad reflection of the way we treat business failures in the UK is highlighted by respondents when they say they are stigmatised and discouraged from starting again – they feel once failed, they are more likely to fail again as have insufficient capital and limited opportunities. As a result, many entrepreneurs from the region have migrated to the USA and UAE and later found success, which has created a multiplier effect for other

marginal or failed entrepreneurs.

Referring to previous attempts to turn this around, many in the region feel that enterprise programmes were often ad-hoc, driven by shortterm funding and political priorities and without a clear economic framework.

They argue that simple measures, such as access to localised lending would make a real difference.

This research has shown that the British Asian business community has been hit disproportionately by the recession and lack of funding and support from the banks is

driving an all time low in the level of confidence in enterprise.

Mr. Minhas “urged the Business Secretary of State Vince Cable MP to take notice of the research and engage with LABA to develop solutions to the business challenges. I hope the localism agenda does include the diverse business communities as well”.

In order to turn things around, respondents to the survey urged the Government and the banks to place more value on self-employment, which is currently seen as a last resort activity for economic wellbeing.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

21

Foreign Exchange Rajesh Agrawal is the Chairman & CEO of RationalFX, Currency Specialists.

For any further information call 020 7220 8181 or e-mail info@rationalfx.com

Is UK Strong Enough For Long Haul?

After the announcement of the large cuts that the current coalition government is to make to reduce the UK borrowings, the question to be asked is the UK economy strong enough to take the cuts and still show growth.

The previous government tried alternative methods with their policy of spending to create projects which would try to keep the country employed, but the problem with that theory is if the economy is going to have enough growth coming out of recession to repay the debts that will be incurred by this method. The current government clearly thinks the previous ideas were pie in the sky and just delaying the inevitable of long term recession in the UK. Their view is that we have to work in unison to get the economy back on the right track, cutting as much waste as we can in the meantime. The UK has been showing small signs of growth ahead of the cuts but the fear of many analysts is that the cuts will lead to more unemployment and that will weigh heavy on any recov-

ery that we are achieving. The downside could be a double dip recession which has to be avoided but at a cost that could be affordable for the economy.

The BOE have to do their balancing act with regards to the monitory policy and take all these factors in to consideration before taking actions. It

does seem however that a low level of Sterling will aid our recovery and improve our exports worldwide. Mr. King has been very timely on his comments regarding the economy and always expresses caution when speaking about future growth, which almost inevitably weakens Sterling every time he speaks.

This though has had problems succeeding as the US seem to have the same theory as the BOE and are doing the same with the US Dollar, which as most things are priced in Dollars on a world basis hampering the BOEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S efforts.

When the US introduce their stimulus packages around November time, it will be interesting to see if the Dollar continues to fall further or the reverse actually occurs and regain some of its recent losses of dealers selling the greenback in anticipation of the stimulus package. Whatever the outcome is, it promises to be a turbulent time on the currency exchanges for the rest of the year.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 26th October 2010 @ 1pm GBP - INR = 70.45 USD - INR = 44.45 EUR - INR = 61.95 GBP - USD = 1.5843 GBP - EUR = 1.1364 EUR - USD = 1.3935 GBP - AED = 5.8258 GBP - CAD = 1.6181 GBP - NZD = 2.1068 GBP - AUD = 1.6024 GBP - ZAR = 10.94 GBP - HUF = 312.16

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

22

finAnciAl voice

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Osborne’s spending review - Are you affected?

On Wednesday 20 October 2010, the coalition Government embarked upon a review of Great Britain PLC’s spending habits and mapped out potential savings of in excess of £81bn over the next few years.

Undoubtedly, every single member of society will be affected by the reviews and, in reality, we would not be aware of the full effect of the reviews until the finer, and more painful details emerge over the coming weeks as the figures are calculated and tough decisions are made right across the United Kingdom.

There are, however, some certainties that were announced on Wednesday which will definitely affect the pockets of a number of people in different ways.

I intend to provide an overview of the likely effects of the various areas that were covered by Chancellor George Osborne in his spending reviews speech.

Law and Order One of the most controversial areas of the spending review is that of law and order which no doubt you will all appreciate affects everybody in one way or another.

Kenneth Clarke made a surprise announcement of the Government’s plans to reduce the jail population by approximately 3,000 over the next 4 years.

In addition, the Government has announced the postponement of their plans to build a 1,500 place “superprison” in Essex as part of the savings to be made in the Ministry of Justice.

One of the hardest hit areas of the spending review was that of the Criminal Justice System in which, the funding for police is being cut by approximately 20% and all officers by 24%.

Amongst some of the measures that the Government have announced, are their hopes of introducing a sentence discount of up to 50% when a criminal pleads guilty at the earliest opportunity. This is likely to lead to thousands of offenders escaping imprisonment.

In addition, fewer offenders who break the terms of their release from jail would be recalled under the reforms that are planned.

No doubt, the measures are likely to cause substantial concern for all law abiding citizens as, the practical effects of crime in the United Kingdom is currently adversely affecting all those who encounter it.

Pensions There was some good news for pensioners, including the better off.

Many universal benefits for pensioners such as free

eye tests, free prescription charges, free bus passes and free tv licences for the over 75s will continue to remain along with the winter fuel payments.

However, the good news was clouded by the fact that millions of men and women will have to work until they reach the age of 66 before receiving their state pension in the future.

In his spending review speech, the Chancellor announced that the pension age for men would start to increase gradually from 65 in 2018 until it reaches 66 in 2020. For women, who are currently able to collect their pension at the age of 60, the pension age would rise from 2016 so that they too reach the age of 66 before being able to collect their pension in 2020. This change has been announced and is being brought in six years earlier than was planned by the previous Labour Government.

In this surprise move, there is a danger that the Government have denied those likely to be affected by this change to plan properly for an increased period of work and delay retirement.

In addition, pension credit available to poorer pensioners have been frozen.

Elderly people who have a small private pension and a modest level of savings are then able to receive £20.52 a week on top of their basic state pension. This will not rise for the next four years.

This effectively amounts to a reduction in real terms of the value of the poor family’s pension income.

Health There are a number of pledges that were made by the previous Government such as the expansion of the free prescription entitlement and the provision of one to one nursing care for cancer patients. In his speech, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed that these will now be abandoned as part of the settlement that will increase the Budget by 0.1% a year in real terms.

The Department of Health will receive an extra £10bn in the current year and in 2014/15.

In addition to the above, certain elective operations such as hip replacements and cataracts will now be subject to increased rationing and this is only likely to increase the waiting time that patients have on these kind of operative procedures.

It appears from George Osborne’s review that the current Government has placed emphasis on the funding of social care and certain services such as carers and other facilities

Kiran Patel

that enable people to become more comfortable and able to stay in their own homes, equipment such as rails, stair lifts and other useful devices, will be readily available.

This will obviously come as a major blow for those who are awaiting some form of treatment and in light of current measures, it appears that the emphasis is on a basis that the prevention of an illness is better than its cure.

Education In a nutshell, the spending review and the actions to be taken will result in teachers facing the axe and a number of sixth formers will be likely the lose out. State schools with affluent children and big sixth forms are likely to suffer and the main beneficiaries will be those with a large proportion of deprived children and where there is a growing population in particular in towns.

The Government proposed to lift the cap on tuition fees and students will be expected to make up the shortfall themselves in higher education fees.

Students would only begin to repay loans once they graduated and earn above a threshold which has been predicted to rise to £21,000 a year.

Transport The largest cuts are likely to be in the funding for local roads and this is only likely to go towards increasing the number of potholes ever appearing

on all major and minor roads in recent times.

Rail fares will rise by at least 10% above inflation, meaning that commuters will have to pay £100s more for their season tickets from January 2011.

This will only be further increased from 2012.

Environmental issues A new carbon tax will be introduced which is likely to raise £1bn a year from businesses which fail to improve energy efficiency. The tax will be introduced next year through a revision of the carbon reduction commitment.

Thousands of households will also miss out on energy efficiency upgrades to cut their heating bills because of a reduction in the warm front programme. Investments to home owners and businesses investing renewable sources of energies will also be lower than previously pledged.

However, there was good news for wind turbines.

The Government have pledged to invest £200m in low carbon technologies.

The Royal Family In this unpredicted aggressive spending review carried out by the Government, even the Royal family did not escape George Osborne’s delivery.

The Government has announced that there will be a 40% reduction in spending over the next 2 years. In addition, the civil list, which is used to pay the Queen’s staff costs, will be replaced by a new Sovereign support grant. The grant will be linked to a fixed proportion of the revenue from the Crown Estate.

General There were a number of other areas that were reviewed and did not escape the spending review chop by the Government to include: housing, whereby housing benefit cuts will apply to a more aged population with the age qualification for

the full pay out rising from 25 to 35 years. This will in turn mean that the younger population will find it more and more difficult to acquire property.

The BBC too had its fair share of cuts with a deal being signed for a 6 year license fee settlement with a freeze at £145.50.

Other areas of consideration were the arts and heritage sector and defence and overseas aide.

Conclusion One can only predict that there are tough times ahead.

There are obviously a number of measures that individuals can take in order to cushion the blow and following are certain areas of consideration: Train fare increase A steep rise in rail fares could add approximately £1,000 to the cost of commuting over the next 3 years from 2012.

There are obviously a number of measures that passengers can take to reduce costs. Buying tickets in advance through the internet and review your options.

For example considering two single tickets instead of a return ticket could result in savings being made. In addition, considering renewal of season tickets prior to the rise in prices (normally in January) will no doubt save commuters a substantial amount.

Review mortgages For home owners with sufficient equity, interest rates on mortgages are at the lowest on record. In certain cases it may be sensible to consider dropping a fixed rate deal and paying the penalty and moving onto a variable rate mortgage is likely to improve the cash flow. In addition consideration in relation a flexible mortgage in terms of repayments both over and under payments could be considered in order to ease any cash flow burdens that may occur at certain times of the year.

Consider children’s savings In order to recoup some of the losses from the loss in the child benefit, parents may consider taking advantage of a children’s savings account which is likely to provide a tax free interest on the invested amounts.

Parents can pay into a child’s account and the interest would be accrued tax free on the basis that it does not exceed £100 a year.

If the interest received exceeds £100 a year, then tax will be levied at the parent’s highest rate of tax. Other family members or friends can pay into the child’s account and these amounts are not affected.

Timing of purchases With an increase in VAT rate from 17.5% to 20% in January 2011, it is worth considering prioritising large items of expenditure prior to the end of the year.

There are a number of other possible ways in which savings can be made and the impact of the spending review be reduced. It is impossible to consider every aspect in this article and the overall advice would be to obtain professional advice and review all aspects of your financial affairs as a matter of priority in order to avoid any unnecessary costs being incurred later.

Before taking any specific action in relation to any aspect contained in this article, you need to ensure the many factors that need careful additional consideration and research by you and your professional advisers have considered as in doing so, could pay handsome dividends for you later. The above information should not be relied upon on its own.

Kiran D Patel FCA is a partner at Weston Kay Chartered Accountants.

For specific advice, please contact Kiran D Patel on 020 7636 7493 or email him at k.patel@westonkay.com

Indian regulator announces a series of rules to protect investors Way for rights issue of MNCs registered in India with IDRs, Insurance IPOs cleared Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Indian regulator dealing with stocks and corporate investments as well as corporate affairs announced on Monday a series of measures to protect the interests of small investors or minority stake holders in companies. Sebi also announced the rules for Insurance companies to come out with IPOs. As per the new norms, small or retail investors in India can now subscribe in IPOs for an amount of

C B Bhave

upto Rs. 200,000.

Previously, the limit was half this amount.

At the same time, it paved the way for muchdemanded public offering

by insurance companies by issuing disclosure and accounting norms.

Sebi Chairman C B Bhave addressed issues ranging from abuse of issuance of preferential share norms in favour of promoters to role of media and agencies generating coverage for the public issues where risk factors are virtually hidden.

He, however, said that some more time would be needed to revamp the

norms for acquisition of listed firms.

The Sebi also asked the companies to announce a fixed date for payment of dividend and issue of bonus shares for the benefit of investors.

While clearing the much-awaited norms for insurance IPOs, it also paved way for rights shares issuances for companies listed in India through Indian Depository Receipts (IDRs).

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

23

Jill Beckingham to do a ‘Dandi March’ for charity

In divine light

Wife of UK Deputy High Commissioner to start the walk on 18th Nov. Mahatma Gandhi’s mission was to defy the British law on salt tax.

Now, a British lady is to replicate the famous ‘Dandi March’ next month.

Her mission though is different, to defy poverty and backwardness in India.

Jill Beckingham, wife of UK Deputy High Commissioner in Mumbai Peter Beckingham will start the 390 km march at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and will walk all the way to the coastal

foreigner to have town of Dandi recreated the in South Dandi march and Gujarat.

She also the second hopes to comperson after plete it in 14 Tushar Gandhi, days.

M a h a t m a The 60Gandhi's great year-old activist grandson, who will be doing so walked the disto raise funds Peter and Jill tance about five to help the betBeckingham years ago. Jill terment of lephopes her initiative will rosy patients, tribals, the strengthen Indo-British hearing impaired as well ties. Some representatives as for a school next to a of the high commission garbage dump in Mumbai. would also be present for If she succeeds, Jill the walk. would become the first

BA, Delta, Air France interested in Ahmedabad Airport AAI made a strong presentation for the city at Vancouver World Routes meet With the new state of art terminal, T2 already operational at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, passengers traveling to and from Gujarat may soon get more direct flights to UK, Europe and the USA. The importance of Ahmedabad airport can be gauged from the fact that apart from to major international airports of Mumbai and New Delhi, the city is ranked as the third busiest airport after

Chennai and Kolkata.

Further, Gujarat is an upcoming major aviation hub. All this has made major international airlines take notice of Ahmedabad airport.

With new international terminal T2 ready for operation, Airport Authority of India (AAI) is putting all its effort to promote the airport among the best of international airlines.

Ahmedabad Airport Director Anuj Aggarwal represented city airport at

World Route Development Forum in Vancouver, Canada last month.

Aggarwal was part of the group which participated in the event.

“We have told international airlines official about the strategic importance of Gujarat as scores of international fliers, who take flights from Mumbai, are from Gujarat. As of now British Airways, Delta Airlines and Air France have shown their interest in Ahmedabad airport,” Anuj Aggarwal said.

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By Rajen Vakil

Nine nights of dance and transformation What we call as the calendar year has a deep effect on the energies we work with. The earth breathes in prana from the sun for six months and exhales it for six months. Thus what we call as a year is the breath of the earth. The earth takes this prana into its core and rotates it through different layers in an upward movement, releasing it into the atmosphere. The quality of the prana changes every one and a half hour, these changes in the prana are called as ‘chaughadiya’.

When we study our inhalation and exhalation of breath, we can see that in each movement of the chest and lungs, there is a brief pause within the inhalation or exhalation.

With the inhalation is a sense of pause as the breath hits the lungs and the lungs in turn, the rib cage. With each exhalation there is a feeling of emptiness at one point as the lungs completely empty. These two pauses cannot be measured but can be sensed at the level of sensitivity. Truth can be sensed from two angles, one where it is full and whole and the other as emptiness or ‘shunyata’.

Thus, in our inhalations there is the feeling of filling in and in the exhalations that of emptying. In shastras, these two are called as ‘laya’ and ‘pralaya’.

When the earth inhales and exhales there are two brief pauses, each of which in our calendar days translates into two nine day periods. These are called as the Chaitra (spring) navratri (nine nights) and the Asho (fall) navratri. In Gurdjieff’s terminology, these are two intervals in the two octaves of inhalation and exhalation. In these intervals, the quality of the prana that the earth is either breathing in or breathing out changes radically. For every disciple or student of spirituality, these are good times to intensify their practices because the energies of the earth will help them to achieve a lot in very little time.

The fall navratri is marked by great dancing and celebration. The goddess Durga is worshipped and everyone dances the ‘raas’ or the dance of creative energies. Raas is the art of transforming the creative or sex energy into the energies of sensitivity.

As the dancer gets lost in his dance, the creative energy rises and is sensed at each sense organ and felt in the heart.

In its base-form, the creative energy is a victim of

excitement but in this transformation it is freed from being excited. This is a very powerful transformation and to the person who has engaged in this dance over nine days, the new energy lasts for the rest of the year.

The word ‘durg’ means a fort – something impenetrable. Durg also means a difficult demon and the goddess that kills this demon is called Durga. The name of this demon is ‘Mahishasura’.

Mahish means the male offspring of a buffalo. The buffalo symbolises ‘tamas’ or the prison of inactivity.

We are surrounded by the fort of our desires, attachments, and negative emotions; our whole life we have done nothing to be free of them. The goddess is our creative shakti (energy), which we use during these nine nights to free ourselves from the hypnosis of desire and attachment. Durga takes nine days to kill the demon and during these nine days, her shakti goes through nine different transformations, called the ‘nav durgas’. The word ‘shakti’ comes from the root ‘shak’ – to be able to do. Thus, Durga is the new will of the disciple to be free of negativity, desire, and attachment.

Mahishasura has captured ‘swarga’ or the heavens. This symbolises that our whole psychic space has been occupied by negativity and in nine days we transform these energies and free our psychic nature from their hold.

God Vishnu creates Goddess Durga by saying ‘AHH’. From his mouth, came an effulgence that gave birth to the goddess.

This is that moment in the life of a disciple when he is tired of the hypnosis of life and wants to work towards awakening.

Durga rides a lion, symbolising that she has tamed all the energies of the animal world. She has

three eyes representing the sun, moon and fire – channels where energy rises and is transformed. She is holding a shell which is symbolic of air and prana being turned into the mantra Om – the power of breath and mantra. She carries arrows signifying the one-pointedness of attention and a bow which is the symbol of the backbone where energies are channelized. She has a thunderbolt showing the intensity of power the student will need to have to achieve victory over negativity. The lotus in her hand stands for how the energy when transformed will bloom a thousand fold.

Her trident indicates mastery of physical, emotional, and mental centres.

She is in the pose of nonfear saying that to work with his negativity the student has to master fear.

Durga is a female, symbolising the feminine energy of receptivity and that surrender is the key to victory.

The fall navratri is the period of transformation of negative energies into positive ones and is a period of transmutation.

One changes the transformed energies into higher substances; in alchemy this is called turning mercury into gold. Every spiritual aspirant should diligently use these two navratris (periods) in our calendar year. The right thing to do would be to go into a place of isolation and solitude. For nine days, one should not use the phone or communicate with anyone one knows and all masks should be dropped for these nine days – stop being a father, a husband, a wife, a mother, so on.

Long walks should be taken and a sense of nature should be had.

One should then plan the day by deciding what practices one wants to do and intersperse the practices by some yogic exercises, preferably the refining exercises. The benefits and effects can be compounded if the practices can be synchronised with the three step rhythmic breathing.

Next week we will take the energies of each of the individual nine days and their importance in our spiritual progress.

(Edited by Chintu Gandhi)

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

INDIA

24

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Ajmer blast: Rajasthan ATS names senior RSS man in chargesheet Rajasthan Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), investigating the Ajmer Dargah blast has last week named a senior RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) leader Indresh Kumar, creating a political storm between the two major Indian parties.

The blast at the very popular Dargah happened in 2007. But the name of the RSS leader being dragged into the incident as late as last week had led to pointing fingures, as the BJP claims the Congress governments in Rajasthan and the centre want to tarnish the organisation and the BJP just as Bihar is in the midst of assembly polls.

In its the 806-page chargesheet filed in the court of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Ajmer last week, the

ATS has said that Swami Aseemanand and Sunil Joshi were the brains behind the Ajmer blast which was carried out to take revenge for attacks by Muslims on Hindu religious places. Indresh Kumar, as the chargesheet claims, was present at the meeting in Jaipur when the plans were made for the blasts.

Swami Aseemanand and Sunil Joshi held a secret meeting in Jaipur on October 31, 2005 with five others including Indresh Kumar and Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, an accused in the Malegaon Blast case.

The responsibility of carrying out blasts at the Ajmer Dargah, Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad and Malegaon was fixed at the meeting, the ATS has stated in its chargesheet.

Ahmedabad boy in International Astronomy Olympiad Sharad Mirani, a class XI student from Ahmedabad has reached for the stars, literally.He was part of a three-member Indian team that participated in 15{+t}{+h} International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO), held in Ukrain recently. Mirani is the first student from the state to achieve the feat. The other two students are Pritish Pati from Nashik and R S Bharadwaj from

Hyderabad.

Mirani's family and officials at Gujarat Science City (GSC) are elated by the feat.

Narottam Sahoo, senior scientist at GSC said “Mirani is participating in Junior high school class of 14 to 18 years. We are very proud of his achievement.

Incidentally, he also took part in International Earth Science Olympiad last year in Taiwan.”

Vibrant Gujarat Summit invites other states too Rajasthan, Karnataka and Goa have confirmed their participation; more states may join biennial event to attract investments Narendra Modi’s flagship biennial event to attract global investment and attention to Gujarat will be going national next year. Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors’ Summit (VGGIS) will accommodate other states too and help them attract investments and promote growth. All participants will be presenting their salient features and pitch for investments. 70 countries are expected to visit the January 2011 event.

Gujarat Industries Commissioner BB Swain said, “The idea behind inviting other states to

take part in Vibrant Gujarat Summit is to project it as the premier investment event of the country. Gujarat is already well recognized as a dynamic state for investments. The Summit in January 2011 will provide a platform to other states to invite foreign investment.”

According to officials, the idea has excited many foreign companies, who are keen to invest in India.

Officials said that states such as Karnataka, Goa and Rajasthan have already confirmed their participation in the event,

while Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, MP, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Orissa and Haryana are among the other states likely to take part.

Asked if such a move would not affect the number and size of MoUs signed by Gujarat with investors, an iNDEXtb official said, "We are looking at the bigger picture.

We have to compete with the world, not with other states. If some other state is getting foreign investment on account of its participation in Vibrant Gujarat Summit, we will be more than happy as the

benefit will ultimately come to the country." He said the idea of inviting other states was of chief minister Narendra Modi.

The Vibrant Gujarat Summit was first held in 2003, and the upcoming edition to be held on January 12 and 13, will be the fifth one. It is slated to be held at Mahatma Mandir coming up in Gandhinagar. “A total of 40 countries had taken part in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2009.

We are expecting the number to be around 70 this time as there is a lot of interest in the event now.”

Continued from page 1

Sanand also mauled BJP as Independents bagged 20 of the 36 seats, while BJP got the remaining 16.

Veraval, the coastal town adjacent to Somnath, the famous pilgrim centre was a shock for both – the BJP and Congress, as a new body constituting mainly fish exporters won the municipality, keeping both the parties at bay.

Overall, BJP captured power in 21 district panchayats of the total 24, gaining 3 more over the previous position.

Congress got just two, including Gandhinagar and Tapi. The opposition

lost 4 district panchayats.

In taluka panchayats, the BJP walked away to power in 163 of the total 208, a gain of 35. Congress was returned to power in 38, a loss of 43.

In towns with municipalities, BJP took 42 of the 43 that went to polls.

Congress got just 4, a loss of 7.

Savouring the sweet victory, Modi said 10 years of hard work has now paid dividends.

He claimed that even the traditional Congress vote banks of tribals, minorities, poor and women have changed their preference and supported

to the BJP’s politics of development.

Gujarat Chief Minister also said he has won in the politics of the 21st century and asked the political pundits to see the picture in the new light. He quoted the report of Forbes magazine that has said Ahmedabad is the fastest growing city in India.

Another significant aspect was that more than 100 Muslim a few Christian candidates too won on the BJP symbol.

These communities were considered averse to Modi and BJP as they suffered the most during the party’s rule in the state.

Narendra Modi bulldozes Congress

Anand and Bharuch districts were a shocking tale as they were Congress forts with the Solanki family being influential had held sway over the people there for many decades, while Bharuch was the fort of Ahmed Patel, a key figure in Gujarat Congress and a confidante of Sonia Gandhi for many years.

Sanand, the Nano hotspot however shocked BJP and Narendra Modi as the taluka panchayat went to Congress, though only with a slender margin of one seat.

Viramgam municipality, next to

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Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

25

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PM Cameron to welcome Indian immigrants?

Continued from page 1 Under the terms of the deal, Indian companies could transfer staff to the UK with no limit on numbers and no guarantee that the jobs would first be offered to homegrown experts. That could see thousands of Indian workers flock to the UK. The final details of the level of the immigration cap will not be revealed until Christmas.

It is expected to lead to a fixed annual limit below 100,000 for nonEU migrants, but Mr Cameron indicated that the number of business transfers of Tier 1, or highly-skilled, migrants is set to rise.

Since July there has been a limit of 600 Tier 1 migrants coming to Britain each month.

Business leaders have complained that the cap has limited their ability to recruit and transfer the staff they need.

Mr Cameron told the CBI conference in London: ‘As we control our borders and bring immigration to a manageable level, we will not impede you from attracting the best talent from around the world.’

Downing Street officials said there was ‘no change’ in the Government’s position.

But it appeared to be a concession to Liberal Democrat Business Secretary Vince Cable, who has been vocal in arguing that businesses are losing top talent because of the interim cap.

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26

Pakistan - Africa

In focUS Obama to skip Pakistan during his visit to India Washington: US President Barack Obama will skip Pakistan when he makes his first visit to India and East Asia next month as American officials sought Islamabad's support for peace talks with the Taliban and pressed the country to take firm military action against militant groups in restive north Waziristan. The White House said the president had committed to travel to Pakistan next year and was looking forward to welcoming Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari to Washington soon. Obama conveyed this to a visiting high-level delegation from Pakistan, who are here to participate in the US-Pak Strategic Dialogue, the White House said in a statement, scotching speculations that the president might make an unannounced visit to Islamabad and Kabul before touching down in New Delhi.

SC averts clash with government

Islamabad: In a continuing war of words between Pakistan's judiciary and the parliament, the supreme court last week directed parliament to reconsider a constitutional amendment dealing with procedures for appointing judges to the higher courts. But it did not strike the amendments down. Analysts saw the court decision as a middle ground in the current atmosphere of mutual suspicion and acrimony between the judiciary and the executive. Several petitioners had demanded striking down the constitutional amendments. The ruling came in response to legal challenges to a set of amendments to the constitution approved by parliament in April. The constitutional changes were hailed as a historic step in empowering parliament because they revoked unfettered powers accumulated by the country's past military dictators.

But the amendment that dealt with appointment of judges to higher courts was considered controversial.

Life expectancy highest in Tanzania among East Africans

Dar es Salaam: Tanzania has the highest life expectancy among the five East African Community (EAC) partner states, closely followed by Kenya, a new report says. The 2010 State of the World Population (SWP), which was launched in Dar es Salaam last week, says that while a Tanzanian woman is assured of living an average of 57 years and seven months, a man can live up to 56 years and one month. The life expectancy increased by six months over last year.

Then, the SWP report also ranked Tanzania first with a life expectancy of 57 years and one month for women, and 55 years and five months for men. This year, Kenya came second country in the region, with its women's average life expectancy standing at 56 years, and the men expected to live up to 55 years in the strongest economy in the EAC. Kenya registered an increase in life expectancy by seven months for women and five for men, while Uganda improved its situation by seven and six months for women and men, respectively. Women in Uganda, which is ranked third in the region, can live until they reach 54 years and eight months, which is one year and four months longer than their men.

Burundi came fourth with a life expectancy of 52 years and nine months for women, and 49 years and eight months for men.

Rwanda brought the rear, with women being assured of a life expectancy similar to that of their Burundi counterparts. Burundian men can also live six months longer than the Rwandese. Life expectancy in Burundi increased by five and four months for women and men, respectively, while Rwanda saw its life expectancy increase by four months for both women and men.

Japan has the highest average life expectancy in the world, enabling women to live up to 86 years and six months, seven months more than their men.

Afghanistan has the lowest average life expectancy, with women living one month less than men, who can live up to 44 years and seven months.

Central African nations to jointly combat LRA rebels Kampala: Central African nations affected by the activities of Uganda's notorious rebel group Lords Resistance Army (LRA) have agreed to form a joint military force to strengthen their fight against the group. The region also agreed on the steps required to declare the LRA a terrorist group, instead of a rebel group, in line with the relevant instruments of the African Union (AU). This step will enable the region to mobilise support from the international community to better fight the group. The AU will serve as the central organ, to coordinate the running of the joint military force that was agreed upon during a meeting held to discuss ways of dealing with the group in the Central Africa Republic (CAR), attended by President Françoise Bozize, the AU said in a communique.

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Pakistan gets $ 2 bn US military aid Washington: The United States on Friday announced 2 billion dollars package of military and security aid to Pakistan on the final day of the latest WashingtonIslamabad strategic talks.

However, unlike previous military aid approved on a yearly basis, this is a five-year package.

The aid will pay for equipment needed in counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations, among other things.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the United States would offer 2 billion dollars in fresh military assistance to Pakistan, hailing Islamabad's efforts against extremist groups.

The United States has "no stronger partner when it comes to counter-terrorism" than Pakistan, Clinton said at high-level talks between the two nations held in Washington.

The five-year deal is

Washington: Pakistan has piled the pressure on the US administration to mediate on the Kashmir issue, ahead of a crucial visit by President Barack Obama to India.

Speaking at the Brookings Institute here, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said US mediation is essential for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

“Pakistan is deeply interested in a peaceful and stable South Asia,” Qureshi said.

Qureshi spoke about the recent unrest in Jammu and Kashmir and said "any person of conscience cannot ignore the use of brute force against defenceless Kashmiri

youth." “That prospect is endangered by the recent events in Kashmir. It is in the interest of lasting peace, stability and development of the region that the US works for the resolution of disputes in South Asia. This has to begin with justice for the Kashmiri people," he said.

His comments came hours after the third round of the Strategic Dialogue between the US and Pakistan began.

Contending that Pakistan is "deeply interested" in a peaceful and stable South Asia, Qureshi claimed that the prospect, however, "is in danger again by the recent events.

The Pakistani Foreign Minister's comments have

subject to Congressional approval.

But the Obama administration is expected to make clear that it expects Islamabad to do more in the fight against Islamic militants.

The US has given Pakistan more than 1 billion dollars of military aid a year since 2005; last fiscal year, it gave nearly 2 bn dollars.

US officials said Pakistan needed further, specific assistance for the

fight against militants and needed to know it could rely on the US in the long term.

But officials in Washington have also been frustrated at the limits of Pakistan's desire and ability to help.

A White House report sent to Congress earlier this month lamented the Pakistani army's inability to hold territory it had seized from insurgents, a failure that means gains are likely to be short-lived.

Pakistan asks US to mediate on Kashmir

Shah Mehmood Qureshi

come despite US' repeated assertion that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and it has to be solved by the two countries.

In response to another question, Qureshi said Pakistan wants good neighbourly ties with India.

Kenya education minister suspended over fraud charges Nairobi: Kenyan minister William Ruto was last week suspended from Cabinet as minister for higher education, science and technology pending the hearing and determination of a Sh272 million fraud case against him.

President Kibaki made the announcement, ending days of speculation over the fate of the minister, who only four days ago swore not to resign from cabinet over the case.

The President used the opportunity to reshuffle assistant ministers.

Mr Ruto had gone to the Constitutional Court to challenge his prosecution over a land deal and the court last week ruled

William Ruto

he should stand trial.

Prof Hellen Sambili, the East African Community minister, was appointed to act as minister for higher education, putting her in charge of two dockets for the time being. A source at the

Attorney-General's chambers told the Daily Nation that Mr Amos Wako had advised Mr Odinga and the President that the law required Mr Ruto's suspension until the fraud case against him is determined.

Ruto maintains innocence Meanwhile, Mr Ruto has maintained his innocence and said that he respected the decision of the President and the prime minister until the case is heard and determined.

Speaking for the first time after his suspension, the Eldoret North MP said that even though he respected the decision, he did not agree with it.

"Pakistan wants a very good neighborly relationship with India. What we are saying is we have outstanding issues. Both sides have agreed that dialogue is the only sensible way forward," he said.

US rules out mediation Meanwhile, The United States has refused to intervene into the Kashmir, saying this should be resolved bilaterally between New Delhi and Islamabad.

"We recognise the importance of Kashmir to both countries.

We absolutely want to see tensions eased and ultimately a resolution to the situation in Kashmir," State Department spokesman P J Crowley said.

Niger junta confirms it crushed coup attempt Niamey: Niger's military government confirmed last week that it had put down a coup attempt earlier this month but said the transition to civilian rule would go ahead as planned. "The situation is under control and investigations according to the rules of military justice are going ahead to establish the implications of this," junta spokesman Colonel Goukoye Abdoul Karim told state television. Last week Niger announced that it had arrested the former number two official in the junta, Colonel Abdoulaye Badie, and three other officers. Niger is due to hold elections in early 2011 to return the country to civilian rule.

7 football fans die at Nairobi stadium stampede Survivors, relatives of dead hold football authorities responsible

Nairobi: Poor management resulted in a stampede at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi on Saturday last week, leading to death of 7 football fans and injuries to scores of others. The stamped took place during a match between two of Kenya's most popular teams.

Survivors, relatives and friends of those who lost their lives and football fans blamed the management of the game for the tragedy. They are pointing accusing fingers at Football Kenya Ltd, Kenya

Premier League Ltd and the Stadia Management Board for inefficiency.

Ticketing firm, Ticketmasters, too came in for blame in the mayhem.

“This was not the first time we were having crowd trouble at the same venue.

These people never learn and I believe it’s their joy to see Kenyans die,” Charles Omondi, who lost a friend, David Ochieng, in the stampede, told a local newspaper, ‘The Nation’ on Sunday in Gatwekera.

Former AFC and Kenya goalkeeper

Matthew Ottomax who invaded the pitch to have the match stopped over the stampede called on football administrators and the government to come up with a lasting solution to safeguard fans during matches. For his efforts, he earned a beating from security personnel who led him to a confinement in the match officials’ dressing room at the Nyayo stadium.

Organisers sold more tickets than capacity The Kenya Football Federation has blamed the

boards of Football Kenya, Premier League and Stadia Management for the stampede. "We are wondering why the people who lost their lives or injured in the stampede were still holding entry tickets to the stadium when in actual sense the facility was full to the brim," said KFF chairman Sam Nyamweya. "Someone is taking us for a ride here," he said, noting that Nyayo National Stadium was built to accommodate only 30,000 people yet the three organisations accept more than that number.

WORLD

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Asian companies prevail and flourish amongst the rank of top performing British firms Kartik S Raval

Asian run companies that has made significant progress in the current year. But what is most significant in this development is that three of these companies were not even ranked in the last year's top 250 and have solely boosted their performance in the year of global meltdown.

Dhamecha Foods once again is present in the top flight as its annual sales jump from £ 396.7 million of 2009 to £428.5 million of 2010. The increase in sales of this Cash and Carry Wholesale business controlled solely by Dhamecha Family has placed it on the 24 spot as compared to 36 in last year. The company has made an operating profit of £8.4 million. The main

The harsh economic conditions and the financial crisis prevailing has forced almost every type of business venture from local to multinational to hunt ways to cut down their spending. While these companies are finding it tough to balance their annual financial report, some others mid-market companies have thrived and flourished through their ambition to survive the recession and its aftermath. Fast Track, which is Britain's leading networking company that focuses on top-performing private companies and entrepreneurs, has listed 250 best performing mid-sized firms of 2010 out of which there are four well-known

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outlet is located in Wembley but it also supplies goods to its tens of thousand of customers through other five depots based within the M25.

Southall Travel witnesses its first year in the top 250 mid-sized firms in Britain. With a record margin sales of £203.1 million in 2010 as compared to £152.9 million of 2009, this Travel Agency and Tour Operator ranks 148 making an annual profit of £8.1 million.

Kuljinder Bahia, Chief Executive of Southall Travel took over the business at an early age of 24 in 1997 and gradually saw his company develop from booking flights for British Asians travelling to India to a travel agency that offers flights and holiday packages all over the world, car hire and also travel insurance. “Our proclivity, foresight and assertiveness in the market placed together with understanding the needs of our clientele in the changed economic scenario have enabled us to surpass the effects of recession and boost the sales” claims Kuljinder Bahia. During the time when majority of companies are bringing expansion plans to a hold, Asian Voice learned of his plans for expansion as he reveals, “we are looking forward to explore new markets by investing in technology, manpower and infrastructure and our new state of technology Call Centre is at construction stage and will be completed by mid 2011.”

Yet another business that has flourished during the year of financial crisis is Euro Car Parts, Wembley. This 32 year old business was founded by Sukhpal Singh and over the years has become one of the largest distributors of car and van parts in Britain with an annual profit of £16.1 million.

“We supply the best value for money in quality parts and during the times of recession that is what customers want. But our company's success is also

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directly reflected by the motivation and dedication of our massive staff” reveals Sukhpal Singh when Asian Voice asks for his secret to success in the time of recession. The sales for this car spares retailer in 2010 is approximately £186.9 million which ranks it 168 in the top 250 league. Mr. Sukhpal Singh comments when asked about any cuts and future plans, “We opened 15 new branches in 2010 and employed 1000 new personnel in the last 18 months and in the coming year I look forward to see a turnover of £350 million as Euro Car Parts see no reason to slow down and bring in any cuts.”

A cash and carry wholesaler from Glasgow, United Wholesale has also joined the rankings for the very first time as it rests on 218 in the league.

Though the company was formed in 1970s, Mohammad Ramzan split the business with his brother and made a new venture in 2002 and took total control of it. The sales and profit for the current year has been about £152.2 million and 1.2 million respectively.

These figures of the above mentioned midmarket private companies itself speak about the growth witnessed in the year full of economic challenges. But what is most heartening is the commitment to work-efficiency as companies like Southall Travel, United Wholesale and Dhamecha Foods work with a much smaller team of staff of about 30, 167 and 373 respectively as compared to others in the league which largely vary from 1000 to 22,000 staff members.

27

Paul the oracle octopus dies

Frankfurt: Paul the Octopus that gained world fame by correctly predicting World Cup results has died.

The German news agency DAPD says the death of Paul the Octopus was announced by the aquarium in Oberhausen. The aquarium could not be reached immediately. Paul correctly predicted all games involving Germany, and also picked Spain to win the World Cup final over the Netherlands.

Shoes hurled at former Oz PM John Howard

Melbourne: Former Australian prime minister John Howard on Monday joined the dubious list of world leaders on whom shoes have been thrown, as a protester shouted "That is for Iraqi dead" live on national TV. The irate man threw two shoes at Howard while he was answering questions about his decision to send troops to Iraq, while participating in ABC's Q&A programme.

Indian smashed with beer bottles in Oz

Melbourne: There has been yet another attack on an Indian national in Australia, this time in Melbourne. A group of over 10 teenagers attacked an Indian national at a fast food joint on Chapel Street. The Indian was smashed with empty beer bottles on his head at least thrice when he protested against derogatory remarks made by the teenagers, who also used aggressive body language and called Indians 'curry munchers.'

Death sentence for Saddam aide Tariq Aziz

Baghdad: Tariq Aziz, foreign minister of Iraq during Saddam Hussein’s rule, has been sentenced to death by the Iraqi Supreme Court. Mr Aziz was sentenced to death by hanging on Tuesday for persecuting members of Shiite religious parties under the former ruler. Iraq’s high criminal court spokesman Mohammed Abdul Sahib did not say when Mr Aziz, 74, would be put to death.

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Accountant and renowned businessman Dolar Popat has been appointed in the House of Lords this year by PM David Cameron. Lord Popat will be present this week at CB Live to discuss about the deficit cuts with CB Patel. The phone lines will be open for the viewers.

Sneh Joshi - 020 8518 5500 are subtle transforARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 There mations taking shape in

If you do not have a tv, go to www.tvunetworks.com and watch CB Live on TVU Player Channel 75203

To ask questions please call on: 020 8963 1001

For more information e-mail: cblive_matv@yahoo.co.uk

Don't miss !!!

Only on CB Live - MATV Sky 793 - Thursday 7:00pm to 8:00pm

Goodbye Subashiniji!

Mrs M Subashini, the Press and Information Minister, Indian High Commission, UK has been been transferred to Hamburg, Germany. She organised a good-bye press conference and introduced her successor, Mrs. Padmaja, First Secretary-designate to the media over coffee on Friday, October 22nd at the India House, London.

M Subashini

Competition Enjoy Diwali with Tilda and win a diwali hamper Celebrate Diwali, the Indian ‘Festival of Lights’, with Tilda Pure Basmati Rice. One lucky reader will receive a Diwali hamper, which includes a tasty and aromatic range of Tilda Basmati rice including some Tilda Steamed Basmati two-minute recipe rices, a set of Balti dishes, a sizzle platter, a revolving relish server and colourful diyas.

As Tilda Pure Basmati is the only rice that’s purity tested, you’ll always get fluffy, white, slender, separate grains with a wonderful aroma.

Visit www.tilda.com for more information and some delicious Diwali recipe suggestions.

Coming Events l The Commonwealth Fair to take place on Saturday 13th November 2010 from 11:30am-6pm at Kensington Town hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX. This is the highlight of the commonwealth countries league fund- raising activity organised annually with the help of the spouses of the High Commissioners of the Commonwealth and Local Residents here in the UK. It is a spectacular occasion which showcases the unique crafts, cultures and culinary diversity of the commonwealth. l The Journal of Health and Happiness to be launched at Nehru Centre on 12th November, Friday 6:30pm. Contact Vijay Rana 07850374595 l Jai Siya Ram Kamalbhai31 October 2010 108 Hanuman Chalisa 9 Georgian close, Off Gordon Avenue, Stanmore, Middx HA7 3QT Time: 11am5pm. Sponsored by: Shilaben & Ramanbhai Patel & family. Contact: 07973550310 l A Haveli based on the true principals of PushtiMarg is being established. Shri Yadunath Mahodayshri and Shri Dwarkeshlalji Mahodayshri are making a special trip to bless this very auspicious event. On 30th October. Venue: Shree Lohana Mahajan, Hildyard Road, Leicester LE4 5GG Tel: 0116 266 4642, 3pm to 6pm (no Prasad) Contact: Dalpat Kotecha - 07957170797 31 st Octomber London, Hatch End High School, Harrow HA3 6NR, 1:30-6:30pm

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar will be available for our readers on Diwali 2010 (5th November issue), along with our Diwali special magazine.

Due to unforseen circumstances the telecast for Asian Achievers Awards 2010 has been rescheduled to 31st October 2010 on B4U. Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 - Mobile: 07875 229 220 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Accounts Executive: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email:accounts@abplgroup.com Advertising Managers: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@abplgroup.com Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Advertising Sales Executive: Rovin John Goerge - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Business Development Manager: Nikhil Gor - Email: nikhil.gor@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4009 - Mobile: 07875 229 200 Business Development Managers: Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 - Email: george@abplgroup.com Design and Layout: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Saroj Patel Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel: +9179 2646 Fax: +9179 6061

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you life and a feeling of helpful influences in the background. There is much to suggest that you are in tune with your inner self and in touch with those hidden forces which often seem to take a guiding hand in one's life. Focus on essentials and establish a solid foundation.

The pace of everyday life TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 will gather momentum and there may be times when you find it hard to keep your act together. Any obstacles that have stood in the way of your heart's desires should melt into the background soon. Your self-confidence will be extremely high and this will be helped by various encouraging events.

It would be a mistake GEMINI May 22 - June 22 always to blame the other person if your experience and expectations of love turn out to be disappointing. It is said that if you do not learn from past experience you will be condemned to repeat it until you do learn. You now have an excellent opportunity to sort out where things may be going wrong.

Either you or your partCANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 ner have been going through a phase of inner doubts and uncertainties, and perhaps the main source of tension has simply been the need for breathing space in your relationship and a need to look at things more objectively. Wait before going full steam ahead with grand actions and gestures.

Love is liable to blow hot and LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 cold rather unpredictably. If so, then it might be a good idea to check your own behaviour and motives for it could be that you are already taking too much for granted. Avoid get-richquick schemes and be cautious about other people's enthusiasm which is likely to be misplaced.

Social commitments are VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 liable to increase considerably. At times this could lead to a conflict of loyalties and perhaps a degree of resentment that others are taking advantage of you. Make a very conscious attempt to stick to main priorities. Organise your time so that it is not taken up entirely by the demands of other people.

Life appears to be focusLIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 ing your mind on practical matters. So you will need to organise your time carefully if you are to avoid an "all work and no play" situation. Resist making any hasty moves when it come to finances - this is a time to focus on consolidation of current assets.

Guard against being too SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 impatient and restless.

You will need to exercise care in the use of credit. Extra energy and drive will serve you well in getting things accomplished, but try not to come on too strong when you deal with others. There appears to be a more successful trend coming into effect.

There is an element of SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 disruption or stress which may be hard to avoid, but it appears that there is a strong sense of purpose in the background. A certain amount of sheer hard graft will be necessary for a short while, but the final result will be extremely pleasing. An exchange of opinions ought to prove very enlivening at this time.

There will be increased CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 scope for varying your activities, widening your network of contacts and getting out and about. It is an excellent time for exercising your mental energies, claryfying your and other people's ideas and getting involved in discussion.

Exercise caution when it comes to making financial decisions.

It is essential that you AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 adopt a very open attitude now for this is a time of lucky opportunity and a chance to greatly enrich your working life and at home. New windows on the world are about to open and this will have a huge impact on you from now into the future.

There is a rather secretive aura surrounding new romance.

Co-operative ventures are PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 likely to generate financial success. So, if hoping to drum up support or backing, it would certainly do no harm to adopt a more pushy and outgoing approach to life. Social life will draw you into a wider circle and chances of meeting someone attractive are increased.

time

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

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Con jobs Ltr. Carriers Ocean extract George or T.S. Spiffy Tennis great Nastase Old-time typescript duplicate 19 “Sweater Girl” Turner 20 6-pointers 21 WBA Stats

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A L M L E A F I J O C D R L I D I N O N A M G H O

Duck Knit Killer whale Yearn for Thought out Lytton Strachery’s first name Put on Operating physician ISP biggle Draft choice Oh, yeah Determined

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These letters are all writeten with a combination of curved and straight lines

WHATZIT? - 111

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Find the familiar phrase, saying or name in this arrangement of letters.

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MINDBENDER-111

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Implant Furlough Carvey and Andrews Tragic fate Oak-to -be John__Garner Trepidation Comfort Follow secretly New York canal Plaza Hotel girl of comics Some pool balls Sign up: var Farm building Second-hand Enjoy some haikus, e.g.

Bancroft or Archer Actress Nazimova Italian writer Primo First place?

Nocturnal bird Allow to

Solution of Crossword-110

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22 “Hamlet” Oscar winner 24 Precious stone 25 Cut back 26 Fabled city of gold 30 Maroon 34 Brunch. e.g.

35 Completed 37 Lyrictist Hammerstein 38 Rock group 39 Soft drinks 41 Southern conbread

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Religious subdivison Dressed (in) Affectations Throng Dracula’s creator Ltr. extras Recent prefix Fog or mist Engraving tool Inherited wealth Jai ___ One’s occupation Symbol of sadness Wanderers Toward the center Trophy wives, perhaps 25 Mulls over

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Solution of sudoku-110 HOW TO PLAY Each row, column and square 3x3 box is a sub-grid of 9 cells. Fill in the grid so that each subgrid contains the digits 1 to 9. Every puzzle has one solution.

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Today’s Ratings: 05-average |06-good |07-outstanding

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How many words of four or more letters can you make from the letters shown in today’s puzzle? In making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each word must contain the central letter.

There should be at least one seven-letter word. Plurals, foreign words and proper U names are not allowed. British English T E Dictionary is used as reference.

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Solution of KAKURO - 110 20 12

The numbers in the pink squares refer

Example to the sums of the digits that you must fill into the empty spaces directly below or to the right of the pink square containing the number. For instance, in the given example, the 2 boxes below 12 must contain 2 digits that add upto 12, whereas for 20, the 3 boxes places horizontally next to it must add upto 20. No zeroes are used here, only the digits one through nine.

Note: A digit cannot appear more than once in any particular digit combination.

For instance in the example, we cannot have the combination of 8+4+8 for 20.

Solution of Spellathon - 110 kite, kitten, knit, rink, tinker, trek, TRINKET

By Dr Anil Mehta

Wellington – The Iron Duke Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington (17691852) was born in Dublin.

After military training he joined the army in 1787.

In his early career (17961805) he was posted in India where his elder brother Richard (Marquis Wellesley) was Governor General, and took part in Maratha and Mysore Wars achieving remarkable victories.

In his later military career Wellington served as a Commander of British forces in the Napoleonic Wars (180515) and won a series of victories in Spain and Portugal but his finest hour came at the Battle of Waterloo (a town in Belgium) in 1815 where as C-in-C of allied forces he defeated Napoleon I ending his reign over Europe. However, victory was achieved at a high human cost. There were

Duke of Wellington

him so unpopular that his London residence (Apsley House) was stoned and its windows broken. He had iron shutters fitted to protect his windows – hence the nickname the ‘Iron Duke’.

After retiring from politics Wellington was appointed C-in-C of British Army holding the position until his death.

He died in 1852 and was buried alongside Lord Nelson in St. Paul’s cathedral in London after a state funeral.

Apsley House, a g r a n d Regency town house in Hyde Park C o r n e r (known as ‘Number 1, London’ in Wellington days) is now a museum, open to visiElegant Apsley House tors (entrance by ticket, WWW.englishheavy casualties on both heritage.org.uk ). This sides; 47,000 died in all of elegant mansion plays which 15,000 were homage to the Duke’s Wellington’s soldiers. dazzling military career.

After seeing the carnage Built in 1770’s, it houses next day, Wellington Wellington’s impressive famously said ‘the next collection of paintings, silworst thing to a battle lost ver, porcelain, sculptures, is a battle won’. furniture, war memorabilWaterloo was a key ia (sword, medals, his turning point in European boots), and last but by no history which sealed means least, a large nude Wellington’s reputation as figure of Napoleon weara national hero and one of ing just a fig leaf the greatest soldiers of all (Napoleon didn’t like it, he time. Napoleon derided thought it looked too athhim as sepoy general letic). (because of his previous A triumphal arch in the posting in India), but middle of Hyde Park Wellington had a last Corner, erected in 1828, laugh at Waterloo. On the is popularly known as the battlefield he wore speWellington Arch. Take a cially made boots to keep lift to the top for fine views his feet dry and warm.

The ‘Wellington boots’ or ‘Wellies’ became highly fashionable after Waterloo.

In addition to being a brilliant soldier, Wellington was an able politician. After Waterloo, he had a long career in politics, rising from MP to PM (1928-30). As a PM he successfully steered through the Catholic Emancipation Bill allowing Catholics to have a seat in parliament.

Elegant Apsley House Although a skilful politician, he was deeply conof the park and beyond. servative and uncomproAn equestrian statue of mising at times. His the Duke stands nearby strong opposition to par(opposite Apsley House). liamentary reforms made

30

HEALTH WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Eating mostly whole grains, few refined grains linked to lower body fat People who consume several servings of whole grains per day while limiting daily intake of refined grains appear to have less of a type of fat tissue thought to play a key role in triggering cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests.

Researchers at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Researcher Center on Aging (USDA HNRCA) at Tufts University observed lower volumes of Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) in people who chose to eat mostly whole grains instead of refined grains.

"VAT volume was approximately 10 % lower in adults who reported eating three or more daily servings of whole grains and who limited their intake of refined grains to less than one serving per day," says first author Nicola McKeown, PhD, a scientist with the Nutritional Epidemiology Program at the USDA HNRCA. "For example, a slice of 100% whole wheat bread or a half cup of oatmeal constituted one serving of whole grains and a slice of white bread or a half cup of white rice represented a serving of refined grains."

McKeown and colleagues, including senior

author Caroline S. Fox, MD, MPH, medical officer at The Framingham Heart Study of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), examined diet questionnaires submitted by 2,834 men and women enrolled in The Framingham Heart

levels and insulin resistance that can develop into cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes," explains co-author Paul Jacques, DSc, director of the Nutritional Epidemiology Program at the USDA HNRCA and a professor at the Friedman School of

Offspring and Third Generation study cohorts.

The participants, ages 32 to 83, underwent multidetector-computed tomography (MDCT) scans, to determine VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volumes.

Visceral fat surrounds the intra-abdominal organs while subcutaneous fat is found just beneath the skin. "Prior research suggests visceral fat is more closely tied to the development of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors including hypertension, unhealthy cholesterol

Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts. "Not surprisingly, when we compared the relationship of both visceral fat tissue and subcutaneous fat tissue to whole and refined grain intake, we saw a more striking association with visceral fat. The association persisted after we accounted for other lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, fruit and vegetable intake, percentage of calories from fat and physical activity."

Published online Sept.

29 by The American Journal of Clinical

Nutrition, the present study builds on prior research that associates greater whole grain intake with reduced risk of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.

"However, because these studies are observational, future research that specifically investigates whole grain intake and body fat distribution in a larger, more diverse study population is needed to identify the mechanism that is driving this relationship," Jacques adds.

Additionally, in the present study, the authors observed that participants who consumed, on average, three daily servings of whole grains but continued to eat many refined grains did not demonstrate lower VAT volume. "Whole grain consumption did not appear to improve VAT volume if refined grain intake exceeded four or more servings per day," says McKeown, who is also an assistant professor at the Friedman School. "This result implies that it is important to make substitutions in the diet, rather than simply adding whole grain foods. For example, choosing to cook with brown rice instead of white or making a sandwich with whole grain bread instead of white bread."

HEALTH WATCH IN BRIEF Aspirin may cut colon cancer deaths Long-term use of lowdose aspirin reduces colon cancer risk, U.K. researchers find.

Low-dose aspirin takers have a 24% lower risk of colon cancer and a 35% lower risk of dying from colon cancer, find University of Oxford researcher Peter Rothwell and colleagues.

"The new findings on the effect of low-dose aspirin should be included in advice given to the public," Rothwell says in a news release.

The findings are based on analysis of 20year follow-up data from five clinical trials. All of the studies were performed before sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy became widespread methods of screening for colon cancer. It's not clear whether better screening reduces the benefit seen for aspirin.

And aspirin can have serious side effects, including severe stomach bleeding. While low doses of aspirin reduce this risk, people should consult a health care provider before adding aspirin to their daily

health regimen.

However, the findings suggest that aspirin has a particular effect on more aggressive and faster growing colon cancers, particularly those in the proximal colon, which can be detected by colonoscopy but not by sigmoidoscopy.

This makes the study findings significant, says Alison Ross, senior science information officer at Cancer Research U.K. "This is the first large study to show that low doses of aspirin may be effective in protecting against bowel cancer," Ross tells WebMD via email. "Once it’s confirmed that the benefits of taking low-dose aspirin outweigh the risks, clear guidelines will be needed to help doctors inform their patients about longterm use."

Alison Ross, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, says via email: "Aspirin can have side effects, including stomach ulcers and internal bleeding. It should not be taken regularly without first talking to your doctor."

Why probiotic drinks may not improve your health

Bitter tasting substances to relieve asthma Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore have discovered that bitter tasting substances can relieve asthma better than drugs currently available.

Stephen B. Liggett said his team found the taste receptors by accident, during an earlier, unrelated study of human lung muscle receptors that regulate airway contraction and relaxation.

In asthma, the smooth muscle airways contract or tighten, impeding the flow of air, causing wheezing and shortness of breath.

The researchers say that in the lung, the taste receptors are not clustered in buds and do not send signals to the brain, yet they respond to sub-

stances that have a bitter taste.

When the team exposed bitter-tasting compounds to human and mouse airways they found that they opened the airway more profoundly than any known drug that is used for treatment of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Even saccharin, which has a bitter aftertaste, was effective at stimulating these receptors.

"Based on our research, we think that the best drugs would be chemical modifications of bitter compounds, which would be aerosolized and then inhaled into the lungs with an inhaler," Liggett said.

Another paradoxical aspect of their discovery is the unexpected role that

the mineral calcium plays when the lung's taste receptors are activated.

"We always assumed that increased calcium in the smooth muscle cell caused it to contract, but we found that bitter compounds increase calcium and cause relaxation of airway muscle in a unique way," said Dr. Deepak A.

Deshpande.

"New drugs to treat asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis are needed. This could replace or enhance what is now in use, and represents a completely new approach," Liggett said.

The findings are published online in Nature Medicine.

Formula to run perfect marathon Marathon runners need never “hit the wall” again after a scientist devised a formula to ensure they always have a strong finish. Hitting the wall occurs when those stored carbohydrates are completely depleted, forcing the body to start burning fat.

When that happens, the runners’ pace can drop about a third and byproducts from the fat, start building up in the body, causing pain and fatigue -

and often forcing runners to pull up, according to the Telegraph.

A researcher has worked out a mathematical model that calculates how much carbohydrate each individual runner needs to eat in order to stop their body reserves running out during the race, reports the journal PLoS Computational Biology.

Benjamin Rapoport, a Harvard medical student,

has devised the Marathon Formula which uses simple factors such as body weight, age, resting heart beat and fitness levels, to work out range of times that can be achieved and how best to “load up on carbs” before the 26.2 mile (42km) race.

Using the calculator, which is available online, a 70 kg man, who is 35-yearold and wants to run 4 hours, 30 mins, is told to eat 1,600 calories of carbo-

hydrate - eight bowls of rice or five of pasta, in addition to their normal diet before the race. If he wants to run faster, it calculates he should eat 3,000 calories - 15 bowls of rice or 10 of pasta.

“People think hitting the wall is inevitable, but it’s not,” said Rapoport, who has run 18 marathons, including a personal best of 2hr:55min at this year’s Boston Marathon.

They claim to boost your immune system and help digestion.

But probiotic yoghurt drinks and supplements don’t live up to their promises, according to an EU watchdog. It concluded there is no scientific proof that products such as Yakult have any health benefits at all.

The watchdog dismissed more than 800 claims regarding the increasingly popular probiotic drinks, yoghurts and whey proteins, vitamins, supplements, ruling that suggestions the products could strengthen the body’s natural defences and reduce gut problems were either too general or could not be proven.

The supposed health benefits of probiotic goods enable manufacturers to sell them at much higher prices than normal yoghurts and milkshakes.

For example, a packet of seven 65ml bottles of Yakult costs up to £2.50 – double the price of the same quantity of chocolate milk.

Earlier this year, the Advertising Standards Authority watchdog banned a TV advert for

Actimel, manufactured by Danone, which suggested it stopped children falling ill.

It ruled that the promotion was ‘misleading’ and its claim that the drink was ‘scientifically proven to help support your kids’ defences’ was not supported.

Danone has subsequently dropped most of its claims that Activia yoghurts and Actimel drinks boost the immune system.

But other probiotic firms claim the European watchdog has been unnecessarily rigorous.

Last Tuesday, Yakult issued a statement saying the rejected claim was just one aspect of its research. A spokesman added: ‘The claim was supported by welldesigned, double-blind, placebo-controlled human studies.

In response to the EFSA opinion, the company wishes to discuss the evaluation process and this outcome with EFSA. With the benefit of further guidance, the company anticipates a positive EFSA opinion in due course.’

Sport worLd

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

Lalit Modi’s lone battle against BCCI, ED Even as the Supreme Court of India last week asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and former Vice President of BCCI, disgraced IPL boss Lalit Modi to work out for a compromise over the disciplinary committee for proceeding against Modi over alleged IPL wrong doing, the BCCI said no compromise was possible.

Further, the board has also filed a criminal complaint

against him at Chennai.

Modi, on the other hand has the government of India breathing down his neck through the Enforcement Directorate, as the ED has asked the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to cancel Lalit Modi’s passport.

It may be noted that Modi is reportedly in London and has shown no inclination to appear before the ED over money laundering investigations.

No surprises in Indian team for NZ tests Gambhir, Ishant, Laxman back; Cheteshwar, Vijay stay Having recovered from injuries, seasoned batsmen Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman have made a comeback, so has pacer Ishant Sharma for the three test series against New Zealand. S Sreesanth and Amit Mishra are in the reserves for the Indian team. The test series starts at Ahmedabad from 4 to 8 November. Cheteshwar Pujara, the debutant in the last test against Australia and Murali Vijay too have been retained in the 15 member squad.

Gautam Gambhir and Ishant Sharma had knee problems, while VVS Laxman was troubled by back spasms. In fact,

Ishant Sharma and Laxman defied their physical pains to help India win the first test match against Aussies in a nailbiting finish, as the visitors lost by the solitary wicket.

Skipper Dhoni too looks more confident, as India has picked up no 2nd wicket keeper.

Team: MS Dhoni (capt), Virender Sehwag (vice-capt), Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Cheteshwar Pujara, M Vijay, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Sreesanth, Pragyan Ojha, Amit Mishra

ED has already issued a ‘Blue Corner’ notice against Modi, which means he can be arrested at any airport or international border and handed over to Indian authorities.

Modi has slammed the ED, as he said he has responded to every notice and query of the body and provided all details and documents that were with him.

He said he has also explained his position

about not appearing before the authorities in India as he fears for his life.

Modi has claimed that his threat perception is corroborated by Mumbai Police.

In the Supreme Court case, Lalit Modi has sought a change in the composition of the disciplinary committee constituted by the BCCI to probe alleged financial lapses in the IPL.

Sri Lanka’s only gold at the CWG under cloud Boxer Wanniarachchi tested positive for banned drug He punched his way to a first CWG gold medal for Sri Lanka recently at New Delhi.

But Manju Wanniarachchi is about to lose his and the country’s first yellow medal in almost 70 years, as he has failed the dope test. His ‘A’ sample was found to have large amount of banned drug ‘Nandrolone’.

Welshman Sean McGoldrick lost the golden bout. Now, it is for Manju and boxing association to decide to go for a ‘B’ sample test.

Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee president Hemasiri Fernando said on Monday that a letter from the Commonwealth Games anti-doping committee

indicated that Wanniarachchi's 'A' sample contained a large amount of nandrolone.

"We have been made to understand that Wanniarachchi is an innocent victim of this sad state of affairs. He was injected with this drug six months ago having obtained it from a medical practitioner. If that is the case, we will try to mitigate with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for a lenient punishment."

The Sri Lankan becomes the fifth competitor to fail a drugs test at the Delhi Games, along with three Nigerian track runners and an Indian race walker.

Indian medal winners at CWG Gold Medal Name Women’s Recurve Deepika Kumari Rahul Banerjee Krishna Poonia Women’s 4 x 400m Relay Saina Nehwal

Ronjan Sodhi Men’s Double Trap Event Discipline Vijay Kumar Men’s 25m Centrefire Pistol Team Archery Shooting Women’s Recurve Archery Men’s 25m Standard Pistol Pairs Men’s Recurve Archery Tejaswini Sawant Women's 50m Rifle Prone Heena Sidhu Women's 10m Air Pistol Women’s Discus Throw Athletics India Women's Team Event Team Athletics Sania Mirza Women's Singles Women's Singles Badminton Soniya Chanu Women's (48kg) Women's Doubles Badminton Sukhen Dey Men's (56kg) Manoj Kumar Light Welterweight (64kg) Boxing Boxing Manoj Kumar Men's 84kg - Repechage Suranjoy Mayengbam Flyweight (52 kg) Paramjeet Samota Super Heavyweight (+91kg) Boxing Nirmala Devi Women's 48kg - Repechage Men's 10m Air Rifle Pairs Shooting Babita Kumari Women's 51kg - Repechage Women's 25m Pistol Pairs Shooting Anuj Kumar Men's 84kg - Repechage Joginder Kumar Men's 120kg - Repechage Gagan Narang Men's 10m Air Rifle Shooting Anisa Sayyed Women's 25m Pistol Shooting Bronze Medal: Omkar Singh Men's 50m Pistol Shooting Women's Compound Team Men’s 10m Air Pistol Pairs Shooting Dola Banerjee Women’s Recurve Men’s 25m Rapidfire Pistol Pairs Shooting Jayanta Talukdar Men’s Recurve Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions Pairs Shooting Omkar Singh Men's 10m Air Pistol Shooting Men’s Recurve Team Vijay Kumar Men's 25m Rapidfire Pistol Shooting Kavita Raut Women’s 10000m Men’s 25m Centrefire Pistol Pairs Shooting Harminder Singh Men’s 20 Km Gagan Narang Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions Shooting Seema Antil Women’s Discus Throw Harpreet Singh Men’s 25m Centrefire Pistol Shooting Kashinath Naik Men’s Javelin Throw Men'’ Triple Jump Women’s 10m Air Pistol Pairs Shooting Renjith Maheswary Women’s 4 x 100m Relay Men’s Doubles Table Tennis Men’s 4 x 100m Relay Somdev Devvarman Men’s Singles Tennis Weightlifting Kashyap Parupalli Men’s Singles Bronze Renu Bala Chanu Women's 58kg Category Ravi Kumar Katulu Men’s 69kg Category Weightlifting Amandeep Singh Lightflyweight (49kg) Ravinder Singh Men’s 60kg - Repechage Wrestling (GR) Jai Bhagwan Lightweight (60kg) Sanjay Men’s 74kg - Repechage Wrestling (GR) Dilbag Singh Welterweight (69kg) Rajender Kumar Men’s 55kg - Repechage Wrestling (GR) Vijender SINGH Middleweight (75kg) Geeta Women’s 55kg - Repechage Wrestling (FS) Ashish Kumar Artistic Alka Tomar Women’s 59kg - Repechage Wrestling (FS) Gurpreet Singh Men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol Women’s 10m Air Rifle Pairs Anita Women’s 67kg - Repechage Wrestling (FS) Men’s 60kg - Repechage Wrestling (FS) Manavjit Singh Sandhu Men’s Trap Yogeshwar Dutt Narsingh P Yadav Men’s 74kg - Repechage Wrestling (FS) Women's 50m Prone Rifle Pairs Sushil Kumar Men’s 66kg - Repechage Wrestling (FS) Samaresh Jung Men’s 25m Standard Pistol Prasanta Karmakar Para Sport-Men's 50m Freestyle Silver Medal: Men’s Team Men’s Compound Team Archery Sharath Kamal Achanta Men’s Singles Vikas Shive Gowda Men’s Discus Throw Athletics Women’s Doubles Men’s Doubles Prajusha Maliakkal Women’s Long Jump Athletics Women’s Doubles Mixed Team Event Badminton Sandhya Rani Devi Women’s 48kg Ashish Kumar Men’s Vault GymnasticsV S Rao Men’s 56kg Artistic Sudhir Kumar Chitradurga Men’s 77kg Men’s Team Hockey Men’s 50m Pistol Pairs Shooting Monika Devi Women’s 75kg Women’s 50m Rifle 3Positions Pairs Shooting Sunil Kumar Men’s 66kg (Repechage) Men’s Double Trap Pairs Shooting Dharmender Dalal Men’s 120kg (Repechage) Abhinav Bindra Men’s 10m Air Rifle Shooting Suman Kundu Women’s 63kg (Repechage) Rahi Sarnobat Women’s 25m Pistol Shooting Anil Kumar Men’s 55kg (Repechage)

Shooting

Shooting Shooting Shooting Table Tennis Tennis Weightlifting Weightlifting Wrestling (GR) Wrestling (FS) Wrestling (FS) Wrestling (FS) Wrestling (FS)

Archery Archery Archery Archery Athletics Athletics Athletics Athletics Athletics Athletics Athletics Badminton Boxing Boxing Boxing Boxing Gymnastics Shooting Shooting Shooting Shooting Shooting Swimming Table Tennis Table Tennis Table Tennis Tennis Tennis Weightlifting Weightlifting Weightlifting Weightlifting Wrestling (GR) Wrestling (GR) Wrestling (FS) Wrestling (FS)

31

Asif withdraws appeal against suspension Salman Butt, Amir to be heard on weekend in Dubai The Pakistani tainted trio for spot fixing is under provisional suspension, the Pakistan Cricket Board has barred them from using the NCA facilities at the Lahore stadium, Mohammad Asif has withdrawn his appeal before the ICC against his suspension. He later said he has done so to give his lawyers more time to prepare a Mohammad Asif detailed challenge against the charges. Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir’s appeals will now be heard by the ICC on Saturday and Sunday at Dubai, ICC said.

"I decided to withdraw the appeal against the suspension for now since we got the detailed documents relating to the case late from the ICC and my lawyers need more time to prepare for a detailed challenge," The News quoted Asif, as saying to a news agency. He said he had done nothing wrong, and would eventually contest both the suspension and the spot-fixing allegations. "I am innocent," he maintained.

Butt, Amir and Asif have been facing provisional suspension over claims that they had taken money to deliberately bowl no-balls against England at Lord’s last August.

ICC wants anti-corruption declaration from all cricketers Aimed at ensuring the integrity of the game of cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has requested all players to sign an anti-corruption declaration. An advisory to all members "about the need to root out corruption" has been sent, ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said.

"Such a declaration is intended to serve as an important reminder of the spirit in which the game is meant to be played, the importance of its integrity and their roles and responsibilities in this regard," Lorgat was quoted as saying. The issue of corruption has come into light after three Pakistan players were implicated in a 'spot-fixing' and were later suspension by the sport's governing body under its anti-corruption code. According to reports, the hearing is expected to take place on October 28 in London.

Pakistan – South Africa series Date Oct 26 Oct 27 Oct 29 Oct 31 Nov 2 Nov 5 Nov 8 Nov 12 – 16 Nov 20 – 24

Match 1st T20 2nd T20 1st ODI 2nd ODI 3rd ODI 4th ODI 5th ODI 1st Test 2nd Test

Venue Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Dubai Dubai Dubai Dubai Abu Dhabi

New Zealand tour of India Date Nov 4 – 8 Nov 12 – 16 Nov 20 – 24 Nov 28 Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 7 Dec 10

Match 1st Test 2nd Test 3rd Test 1st ODI 2nd ODI 3rd ODI 4th ODI 5th ODI

Venue Ahmedabad Hyderabad Nagpur Guwahati Jaipur (Day/Night) Vadodara Bangalore (Day/Night) Chennai (Day/Night)

Sri Lanka’s tour of Australia Date Oct Nov 3 Nov 5 Nov 7

Match T20 (One off) 1st ODI 2nd ODI 3rd ODI

Venue Perth Melbourne Sydney Brisbane

EPL games this week Saturday, 30 October Arsenal v/s West Ham Emirates Stadium Blackburn v/s Chelsea Ewood Park Everton v/s Stoke Goodison Park Fulham v/s Wigan Craven Cottage Wolverhampton v/s Man City Molineux Man Utd v/s Tottenham Old Trafford Sunday, 31 October Aston Villa v/s Birmingham Villa Park Newcastle v/s Sunderland St. James Park Bolton v/s Liverpool Reebok Stadium Monday, 1 November Blackpool v/s West Brom Bloomfield Road

15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30 12:00 13:30 16:00 20:00

32

Asian Voice - Saturday 30th October 2010

India clean sweep OZ Rains ruin 2 ODIs to give India 1 – 0

The Aussies are not known to experience such a poor show. But having lost both the test matches, they were hoping to fight back somewhat and salvage a bit of pride in the ODI series. Here too, a strong batting display by India’s young guns in the 2nd game at Vishakhapatnam resulted into a 5 wicket win for the home team, while the first and the third game were washed out by rains, leaving Australia blanked out in the entire tour.

In the only ODI that was played, Australia were put into bat and after faltering at the start, they managed a challenging 289 runs, with a whirlwind 89 of just 49 balls from Cameron White helped them smash 84 runs from the last five overs.

Before White exploded, captain Michael Clarke and Michael

MS Dhoni poses with the series trophy

Hussey steadied the boat.

Ashish Nehra dealt early blows, as he sent back both the openers with just 16 runs on the board.

Clarke remained unbeaten with 111 runs, while Hussey made 69. Cameron White though made the vital difference, as he hit the bowlers hard, belting

out six 4s and six 6s.

He helped himself and his team with 70 runs from the last 24 balls that he faced.

For India, a target of 290 runs looked a bit stiff, particularly with many seniors not playing, but Virat Kohli overshadowed Clarke’s century with a 118 run innings that made the chase easy. Yuvraj and Raina chipped in with useful half centuries to give India a comfortable 5 wicket victory with more than an over to spare.

The chase mirrored Australia's innings to an extent. Finally, Dhoni and Raina guided them home.

The chase stood out for India's calm approach.

At the half-way mark they had reached 117 for the loss of the openers and required another 173 runs.

Australia tried to keep it tight, with the seamers hitting the back of length and bowling as straight as possible. However, the errors in line and length started to creep in as the pressure increased, and with the spinners proving to be ineffective, Kohli and Yuvraj cruised along. The pitch had quickened up as the evening wore on and the ball started to come on nicely to the bat which also helped India's cause.

This change in nature of the wicket had helped Australia too at the end of their innings. Earlier, the first game at Kochi and later the third and last match at Goa were completely washed out.

(Brief scores: 2nd ODI - India 292 for 5 (Kohli 118, Raina 71*, Yuvraj 58) beat Australia 289 for 3 (Clarke 111*, White 89*, Hussey 69) by 5 wickets}.

Suresh Raina in a bookie link row ICC probing, though says the Indian cricketer not a suspect Suresh Raina, the Indian cricketer is now caught in a bookie link row as the ACSU of the ICC is probing the matter after a UK newspaper reported that Raina was caught on camera with a woman during Indian team’s recent tour of Sri Lanka. The ICC too has made it clear, according to the report in ‘The Sunday Times’ that Raina is not under scanner for any suspected wrong

doings, but ICC is probing why BCCI was silent on the issue and instead asked Cricket Sri Lanka to withdraw the report.

Sri Lanka authorities have also denied of having send any such report.

The investigation, led

by ACSU head Ravi Sawani is believed to be looking into why the Sri Lankans shared the report with the BCCI first when under ICC anti-corruption

rules it should have gone straight to the world governing body, the newspaper said.

BCCI rubbishes report The Board of Control for Cricket, however, rubbished this, saying that the woman in question was the agent of the Indian batsman.

“That is untrue and baseless. It’s all rubbish.

No complaint had ever come to the BCCI from

either the ICC or Sri Lanka Cricket. The BCCI had never received any complaint on this matter.

Actually, the lady is Raina’s agent,” said the BCCI media committee chairman, Mr Rajiv Shukla. Further, even Indian team captain M S Dhoni and fellow player Harbhajan Singh have come out in defence of Raina, claiming Raina was innocent.

Rooney saga exposes football’s seamier side

By Premen Addy Time was when English football's icons, such as Stanley Mathews and Tom Finney, earned less than the princely wage of £20 a week. Johnny Haynes was, as I recall, the first professional to break this barrier, while Jimmy Greaves and Denis law created something of a sensation when they each took home £100 per week. Alas, for those halcyon days of the early 1960s. Salaries for top stars in world football, it would appear, are now audited by star war astronomers rather than humdrum accountants.

Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United megastar, has signed a five year contract with his club that will net him some $250,000 a week and many millions of

pounds each calendar year.

There was much drama before the projected deal became a deed in law: first, came lurid media reports of sexual derring-do with prostitutes, when his wife was expecting the couple's first child, next came rumours of a bust-up between the player and United manager Sir Alec Ferguson over Rooney's fitness following an ankle injury; there was outrage at Rooney's statement that he wouldn't sign a new contract with Manchester United because he felt the club wasn't ambitious enough to attract new talent, wasn't hungry for more silverware. Speculation was rife that Rooney would be leaving United – and soon. Finally, the bombshell: Rooney

would be staying on at Manchester United; that he had put his signature to a five-year contract under which he would be paid a king's ransom of £250,000 a week. His club, like every other with a similar profile in England and Europe – Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona come readily to mind – are all in debt, the cross they carry reportedly heavier than that borne by Jesus Christ two millennia ago.

Football clubs today look for sugar daddies among the fraternity of Gulf sheikhs or American swingers on Wall Street, fixers who often promise the world and deliver a molehill.

The Glazier brothers, who own Manchester United, froze as Rooney threatened to depart, and coughed up the cash dou-

ble quick, thereby putting an end to a gripping saga that ran all of five days.

The teaser remains Rooney's elusive form: he looked a million dollars prior to the World Cup in South Africa. Then his form took a nosedive and it hasn't recovered since.

If Rooney continues in lacklustre mode, the Glaziers' books will not be worth a peep, unless you wish to shed buckets of tears.

Soccer's finances in these parts are in meltdown. You borrow, and borrow some more, the process continuing ad infinitum, as if there's no tomorrow.

The Beautiful Game has become pretty ugly, if the truth be told. It is a fit place for money-changers, with an eye to the main chance, and sleaze in all its forms.

Rajasthan Royals challenge BCCI over IPL franchise termination Kochi’s fate also under a cloud, Punjab fans angry over BCCI decision The IPL muddle is sinking deeper in legal tangles and problems with franchises.

I n d i a n Premier League (IPL) franchise Preity Zinta, Lalit Modi and Shilpa Shetty Rajasthan was not revocable.

Royals have moved the The Rajasthan Royals Bombay High Court have issued a statement against the expulsion order confirming that they have issued by the Board of filed a legal petition. A Control for Cricket in India spokesman said: “We have (BCCI). While for the tried to meet with the other cancelled franchise BCCI to understand the of Kings XI Punjab, the basis for the termination, owners doesn’t seem to be which was received withdoing much, fans of the out notice. We do not team have staged demonunderstand what we have strations against the BCCI done wrong, and it is thereand have also launched a fore our duty to the fans of signature campaign. the IPL, our employees, Even this much seems our players and our partnot enough, as Kochi, one ners to pursue the matter.” of the two new franchises Fans of Kings XI Punjab is also in trouble over the protest ouster from IPL ownership structure. The Dejected over the partners haven’t been able ouster of Kings XI Punjab to sort out the issue within (KXIP) from the Indian them and the BCCI is likePremier League (IPL), a ly to deicde on their fate on large number of fans of the Wednesday, 27th October. team last week held a masThe Royals took the sive demonstration outlegal route after BCCI side the PCA Stadium at president Shashank Mohali.The group includManohar said there was ed more than 2,000 stuno question on reversing dents from all over Punjab. the board’s decision The protesters raised sloexpelling the Jaipur team. gan against BCCI and Even a letter by partners burnt effigies of its offiof the team, seeking a cials. They had earlier meeting with the BCCI launched a signature cambosses to sort out what paign in different parts of they called “misunderChandigarh and have so standings” could not help, far collected over 15,000 as BCCI boss Shashank signatures and messages in Manohar said the decision support of KXIP. of franchise termination

Blackburn Rovers finally finds an Indian buyer Venky’s Ltd. close to strike the £40 mn deal in November Blackburn Rovers, one of the prominent English Premier League (EPL) football clubs looks to have finally found an Indian buyer in Venky’s Limited, a poultry firm engaged many other businesses too.

Venky’s Limited is likely to become the first Indian company to own an EPL club.

John Williams, Chairman of Rovers said the takeover is close to completion and both the parties hope to seal the deal in November, 2010. Due diligence process has been completed and the two sides also had a series of meetings over the prospective deal, valued at approximately £40 million.

Venky’s Limited, the flagship company of the Pune based Venkateshwara Hatcheries group is a Rs. 17 billion empire, set up in 1976. It is the largest poultry group in Asia. Other businesses of the group include processed food, animal vaccines, pharma and healthcare products.

In a statement on the Rovers website, VH Group chairperson Anuradha J Desai said, "We expect to be the first Indian company to acquire a Premier League team. We are particularly delighted that the team is Blackburn Rovers, with whom we believe we have shared many values and ambitions."