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HOLLANDE WITNESSES R-DAY AS INDIA FLEXES ITS MILITARY MUSCLES

Axiom Stone Solicitors is the trading name of Axiom Stone London Limited. Company Registration No. 6546205. We are Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

30th January to 5th February 2016

Vol 44 | Issue 37

Diaspora to get help from India on doing business

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

www.asian-voice.com

Rupanjana Dutta

Pranab Mukherjee, Hamid Ansari, Narendra Modi and Francois Hollande at the saluting dais, at Rajpath

India celebrated its 67th Republic Day with a grand display of its military might and achievements in different fields, state-ofthe-art defence, diverse cultural and social tradi-

French President has put an end to all speculation, giving a definitive shape to India's willingness to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets. Report on page 28

tions and the government's emphasis on self-reliance.

For the first time in the history of India’s Republic Day Parade, a 76-member French Army contingent Continued on page 28

Check out the special feature on SPA & FITNESS to chase your January blues away. >> See p16 - 17

Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC), a Private Public Partnership (PPP) between the Government of India, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) & Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), have signed an MoU with the Indian School of Business to launch a specially designed programme for the young Indian Diaspora business owners & professionals in decision making capacity, to familiarise them with doing business with India.

Called the “India Fellows Programme” under OIFC’s India Connect initiatives, the programme aims to

familiarise the young Indian Diaspora who wish to do business with India and/or invest but are hesitant to do so owing to lack of familiarity with the Indian economy.

The “India Fellows’’ Programme will help them gain an understanding of aspects critical to gaining market entry into India; practical insights about doing business with India, understanding the legal & regulatory environment, exposure to Indian economy and an insight into the emerging opportunities in the world’s fastest growing economy.

Mr Geetha Krishnan, Director, Centre for Executive Education,

Continued on page 2

2

ONE ONE with Keith Vaz, MP Asian Voice |30th January 2016

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to

Pragnesh Modhwadia

Pragnesh Modhwadia is the Managing Partner of Axiom Stone Solicitors and also one of its founding partners. Pragnesh represents various clients including, high net worth individuals, blue-chip companies, hedge funds, foreign companies, SME’s, property developers and pharmaceutical companies, specialising in both real estate, property law and litigation.

Pragnesh has acted on several developments, dealing with matters from initial planning permission to through to disposal of the units. He has acted for various clients on property acquisitions ranging from single sites to the acquisition of a portfolio of properties. He has vast experience representing clients in a wide range of commercial and civil disputes, having appeared before the Court of Appeal, all divisions of the High Court and various County Courts.

What is your current position?

Managing Partner of Axiom Stone Solicitors What are your proudest achievements?

Professional: I am a family man, I see my achievement as a direct correlation to how proud my family and parents are of my achievements and the firm.

In preparation of this interview I called my parents and asked them what would be their most memorable and proudest achievement of me. They said "being on the TV and in the papers". Of course, every parent wants to see their children do well, as do I when my son is older, but beyond "being in the paper or on the TV" I think what they are most proud of is that over the last 8 years we have

developed a practice which is positively recognised within the profession, local communities and reputable third parties. To kick start the New Year, my management committee and I met to discuss, plan and roadmap 2016 for us as a business. 8 years ago we didn't have a meeting, a committee or a roadmap, but here we are in 2016, blessed with a fabulous, experienced team who all contribute and share the same vision of success in providing legal services.

Personal: The birth of my son, Yuvan. Notwithstanding professional achievements, I am a firm believer of having a balance. My son reminds me each day that whilst we may have professional accomplishments and aspirations, having a family and

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loved ones to share those moments with makes our successes that much more pronounced and rewarding.

ics, teaching me that you need both confidence and humility in equal measures to succeed

What inspires you?

My son, smiles and those who have the courage to pursue their dreams.

What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

As with any business, there are always obstacles to contend with on a daily basis.

I have been fortunate, in that we approach obstacles very pragmatically so challenges are either turned around to positively impact the practice or we use them as lessons in life and business, which is equally valuable to us. The fluidity of the economy since I founded the firm has been challenging at times, but we have used this as incentive to avoid complacency and to motivate us to plan for the future and constantly reevaluate the political and economic sphere, so that we are always one step ahead.

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

My family, in particular, my brother; His relentless work ethic, devotion both to family and friends alike and his support since the inception of the firm.

Honestly speaking, my family are my most avid supporters and simultaneously my biggest crit-

What is the best aspect about your current role?

Seeing the team at Axiom Stone Solicitors grow and the brand being recognised across the industry, both domestically and in international communities. I love hearing all the positive feedback about the firm and our teams, as it is a testament to all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

And the worst?

There are so many opportunities, but not enough hours in the day. I have a great team around me, supporting the firm both operationally and strategically so we are making inroads into most, if not all, of these.

What are your long term goals?

Professionally I’d like to be in a position where we can provide a

Immigration minister, James Brokenshire

The leader of Newcastle city council, Nick Forbes, allegedly claimed that Stuart Monks is earning a hefty amount of money yearly by “dumping the poor on the poor”. He said that the underprivileged areas where the company purchases properties at a low cost have sustained serious outcomes for community cohesion.

Nick Forbes said, “There is widespread community concern about poor, vulnerable people being dumped in poor neighbourhoods without any planning or social support.”

Jomast, which is paid

by G4S to house asylum seekers in northeast England, have currently housed 2,646 people. Over 1,500 asylum seekers have been housed in Middlesbrough and

behind red doors. When people see them, everyone knows it means asylum seekers. It's like saying we're not the same as you.”

However, a G4S director, John Whitwam, stated that there was “absolutely no such policy”.

G4S and Jomast have both denied deliberately placing asylum seekers in properties with red doors.

G4S claimed that they have not received any complaints from asylum seekers, and that they were allegedly told by Jomast that the company “does not distinguish between those properties that it rents to private tenants and those... used to house asylum seekers”. Jomast has stressed that it “takes its legal and other responsibilities both to its commercial partners and to those that it houses extremely seriously”.

The immigrations minister, James Brokenshire stated, “I expect the highest standards from our contractors. If we find evidence of discrimination against asylum seekers it will Asylum seekers allegedly claimed be dealt with immediof being targeted ately.”

Stockton-on-Tees, where over 500 of those properties are owned by Jomast.

517 have been placed in homes in Newcastle upon Tyne.

As per The Times Newspaper, G4S were aware of concerns regarding asylum claimants feeling “branded” by the red door homes four years ago.

Many asylum claimants have spoken about the harassment that they have endured, which include having eggs and stones thrown at their windows, as well as having dog excrement smeared against their doors. One of the victims shared, “They put us

multitude of services to our clients, by extending our current offerings, and enhancing some of our current practices too. We are always looking for ways to improve our services, whether regarding our IT systems, office locations, experience of our staff etc, which we will continue to monitor and evaluate to ensure we remain innovative and competitive.

Personally I’m having so much fun with the journey that I’m already on, I want that to continue and I want to keep developing myself as an individual.

both in business and in life.

Alleged 'red door apartheid' for asylum seekers There was a time in the 20th century when Jews were forced to wear yellow stars in Nazi Germany, and now it has emerged that a secret apartheid policy marks many asylum seekers in poor towns in England by housing them in properties with red front doors. It would not be farfetched to claim that “branding” the asylum seekers by the red door of their houses is similar to the Nazi movement.

The red doors, which are found on terraced streets in the deprived areas of Middlesbrough, make asylum homes easy to identify. They could also be blamed for the several harassment, abuse and attacks.

These properties are owned by Stuart Monks, who according to The Sunday Times Rich List, is worth approximately £175 million. It is said that he is paid millions a year to supply housing for numerous asylum seekers, which include some who have fled from Syria. Monk's company, Jomast, is a subcontractor for G4S, the global security group, which has the Home Office asylum contract for northeast England.

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

Quite controversially I would want to reconsider the current tax regime to encourage investors to invest in the UK. Some of the recent tax changes could have an adverse effect on the UK as being the preferred choice, which could have far reaching effects on individuals and businesses.

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

Oscar Wilde. He is one of my favorite writers, simultaneously a romantic and a cynic. Whilst there are so many of his quotes I love, one of my favorites is: “Be yourself, everyone else is taken”

Diaspora to get help from India on doing business Continued from page 1 Indian School of Business said, “The ten – day residential programme will be an experiential oriented mix including exposure to the touch & feel of the Indian market, connect with senior Govt officials dealing with investment policies, domain experts, captains of the Indian industry and a curated networking opportunity with potential business partners.”

Selected candidates who complete the programme will become members of the OIFC India Entrepreneurship Fellows (OIEF) Club, which will receive support & facilitation from OIFC in doing business in India.

The India Fellows Programme is open to young Indian Diaspora entrepreneurs/professionals in decision-making capacity/potential investors & international partners of Indian companies (21-39 years of age); with minimum 3 years of entrepreneurial experience.

Scheduled to begin in mid-2016, the programme is being offered at a special

introductory fee of US $5,000 per participant plus service tax. Fee includes boarding & lodge, programme-related learning material, field visits & webinars. Participants will have to bear the cost for travel and local conveyance.

Mr Anil Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs said, “We hope that OIFC’s India Fellows programme will serve as a first step for familiarizing those Diaspora Businessmen and professionals who wish to explore doing business with India and are looking for a sound introduction on how to.”

Overseas India Facilitation Centre was setup by the Government of India, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry, to facilitate economic engagement of Overseas Indians with India.

The Indian School of Business is a premier tier-1 Business School of India and ranks high on the top global business schools. It is the first Business School in South Asia to receive the AACSB accreditation.

C MMENTS

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Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

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India, Israel: Relationship whose time has come India’s Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj made a hugely significant visit to Palestine, then Israel. She reassured the Palestinian leadership that India was committed to a two-state solution which would permit a fully sovereign State of Palestine to co-exist with the State of Israel. Indian support to and cooperation with Palestinian civil society institutions will prevail as they have in the past.

The Minister’s next stop was Israel, where she received a warm welcome. Past and present are conjoined to make the India-Israel relationship very special in a crisis-scarred world order. The Jewish footprint in India is ancient and revered; and the needs of each side in the strength and stability of the other is now recognized as never before. General JFR Jacob, who died recently, was Jewish in every fibre and equally Indian to the core, wished to be interred in Indian soil, which he was with full military honours. Asked about the state of ties between the two countries, he said he would give it nine of a possible ten points. Ms Swaraj can play her part in making it 10 out of 10.

The American writer Martin Sherman’s policy paper co-authored with the late JNU professor and BJP MP, M.L. Sondhi, in 1998, was the first major study, in Sherman’s words, ‘to identify the ascendancy of India as a strategic power, and the profound significance of this for Israel – recognized both the necessity of and the mutual benefits entailed in joint Indo-Israeli development initiatives.’

The successful testing of the Barak 8 longrange surface-to-air missile somewhere in the Indian Ocean, from the Indian Navy’s stealth destroyer, INS Kolkata, brimming with cutting edge technology, is the product of a joint Indo-Israeli development endeavour. The naval sphere is of particular promise: sea power is a factor of increasing significance for Israel’s long-term strategic need to strengthen its navy, which dovetails India’s desire to extend its maritime capability.

Bilateral Indo-Israeli trade has grown exponentially, from $200 million in 1992 to

$5 billion today, underscoring the transcending national interest of the relationship for both parties. For Israel, this opening has been timely, given the chill winds blowing from the European Union, with threats of applying economic sanctions against Israel because of its settlement policy on the Arab-populated West Bank. In these circumstances the growing Indian middle class and the Indian market are a magnet for Israeli businesses in every field, from agriculture, animal husbandry, crop selection, water management, pharmaceuticals, high tech cooperation in space and close consultations on the emergent jihadi terrorist threats to the well-being of both countries.

India is faced by a terrorist threat from across the border in Pakistan. The Hindu newspaper (January 18) has supplied a full list of terror operatives and handlers, from those responsible for the Mumbai attacks of March 1993 and November 2008 to the recent assaults at Gurdaspur and the Pathankot air base, and demanded their extradition to India without result. Many of these individuals walk free in various cities, unfettered in their recruitment activities. The progressive Pakistani writer Farahnaz Ispahani and the authoritative American academic Christine Fair have written and spoken extensively of the culpability of the military-intelligence nexus in Islamabad as funder, promoter and trainer of terror groups operating against India. The latest suicide bombing of a Pakistan university built in the revered name of Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan and devoted to the study of non-violence, which claimed 21 innocent lives tells of the climate of impunity that drives the country’s military and political establishment.

China is Pakistan’s ‘all weather friend,’ the United States prefers the role of passive spectator. In the face of these existential challenges, India’s ties with Israel are of paramount importance. Prime Minister Modi’s projected visit to Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s to India, should bring the IndiaIsrael relationship out of its closet.

Indian scientists, engineers empower America The American dream may have turned into a near nightmare for some the country’s diverse communities, but not for Indians, who have thrived in the scale of its opportunities including the careers open to talent. According to a report by the National Science Foundation, a key funder of research in the United States, as well as a monitor of demographic change among scientists and technologists, the 950,000 Indian scientists and engineers in 2013, the cut-off for data, which represents a 85 per cent growth from 2003. In 2003, Indians in these disciplines constituted 2.5 per cent of the US research workforce, in 2013 it had risen to 3.3 per cent. The report says that ‘Indians ‘continue to be the single largest source of such professionals populating the American

workforce.’

The rapid rise in the numbers of expatriate Indian technologists comes in the decade when an India concerned at the brain drain, launched multiple schemes to lure these brains back to India. Professor Wadhwa of Duke University, in a joint project with Harvard, has revealed significant Indian numbers returning home. The reasons are as follows: the US job market is tighter, while the openings in India under economic liberalizing regimes are greater now and increasing.

The challenges are a spur; and the cultural roots are strong. Financial security after long years in the US is assured in India’s relatively Spartan environment. These considerations play well with the returning native.

From the sublime to the ridiculous India’s ODI cricket tour of Australia attained pinnacles of batting glory before crashing ignominiously to earth. Virat Kohli’s bejeweled willow held spectators in thrall, Rohit Sharma was sublime, Shekhar Dhawan and Ajinka Rahane were on par. The others came to the crease and departed like headless chickens. The barrow-boy bowlers served up trash; and the catching and ground fielding were poor. Mahendra Singh Dhoni – ‘Captain

Cool’ to his admirers - could do with some display of shame and rage, is the eternal Mr Micawber - detected positives in the debacle.

His leadership and performances with the bat in the one-day format have been farcical.

Under his captaincy, India has lost ODI series to Bangladesh, South, and now, Australia. Sink with Dhoni than win without him. (This was writtern prior to the fifth and final ODI)

There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.

- John Albert Holmes (1904-1962)

Zac Goldsmith MP Conservative London Mayoral Candidate

We need a mayor who can get things done. That’s the mayor I want to be

From left: Narendra Modi, David Cameron, and Zac Goldsmith

Since the start of this campaign I’ve met award-winning British Asian businesses, I’ve celebrated Rath Yatra in Harrow, Janmashtami in Watford and Diwali in Kingston. At Wembley I’ve seen proud Brits give a rapturous welcome to an Indian Prime Minister.

The story of British Asians in the capital is, in many ways, the story of our capital. The business success, the fusion of cultures, the ties that bind us with the rest of the world: these all combine to make London the greatest city on earth.

The task now is to make London a great city for everyone to live in.

London has boomed under Boris. But while it may be a great place to start a business, it’s not a great place to start a family. Too many Londoners are being priced out of the life they want, unable to afford a home, commuting for longer to get to work.

I’m standing for mayor because I want to fix those problems.

Last week I set out my Action Plan for Greater London: more homes, better transport, cleaner air and safer streets.

As an MP, I’ve delivered on my promises. Just ask my constituents. At the

last election they backed me with one of the biggest increased majorities in the country. If I’m mayor in May, I’ll bring the same dedication and commitment to City Hall.

I’ll start to fix our housing crisis, doubling housebuilding to 50,000 a year by the end of my term. For too long we’ve simply not been building enough houses to keep up with demand, so delivering on this is my number one priority. My plan includes building on publiclyowned land, using new transport links to unlock new sites for development, and making sure a significant proportion of homes are for rent and not for sale.

Next I’ll take action to get our city moving, boosting the capacity and reliability of our transport system. This is essential to drive up house-building, but it’s also about quality of life. Too many people in Greater London are spending more time commuting than with their families. So I’ll work with government to get the funding for Crossrail 2, I’ll deliver major rail upgrades, make the night tube happen, and I’ll protect the freedom pass that’s so important to older citizens.

Continued on page 6

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Tareena Shakil posed toddler son in IS clothes as he 'loved wearing hats' A Birmingham mum accused of taking her toddler son to Syria to join a terror group told a court she posed him in photos wearing Islamic State clothing because he “loved wearing hats”.

Tareena Shakil, who travelled to the self-declared caliphate in October 2014, accepted she had put a black balaclava bearing the IS logo on her boy. But the mum denied the move was aimed at supporting IS, pointing out that in another image her son was wearing a Thomas The Tank Engine hat.

The photograph, found on her phone, was taken in a mansion where she and her boy were living with other single women in the IS capital of Raqqa, she said.

Shakil, of Beechfield Road, Sparkbrook, and said a group of youngsters, including her toddler, had gone into

Tareena Shakil

a grown-ups’ room to get the hat and were taking turns wearing it.

The former college student today told a Birmingham Crown Court jury: “I said to a little boy, ‘can I just put it on (my son)’?

He loved wearing hats.”

She added: “That’s why he’s laughing in this picture, because he likes wearing hats on his head. It’s nothing to do with what’s printed on it,

Tareena Shakil is a balaclava with IS name

even if it didn’t have that (IS) logo on it, I would still have taken this picture.”

The 26-year-old denies a charge of joining proscribed terrorist group IS, and another allegation of encouraging acts of terrorism through Twitter. Shakil also said a picture of a woman holding a pistol on her phone was actually of her IS minder, who watched her all the time she

lived at the former city governor’s mansion - known as the Maqqar. She added that a comment home to relatives saying “I have a gun” was only sent because she was told what to say by the minder.

The former health worker flew from East Midlands Airport to Turkey on October 20 2014, telling friends she was going on a family beach holiday.

But she ended up living in the IS capital of Raqqa, after being driven across the border and Syrian countryside in secret.

She returned home with her toddler in February 2015, when she was arrested off a flight landing at Heathrow airport.

Last Thursday, Shakil said she had gone to Syria to live under sharia law but denied she was a terrorist.

Winning lotto ticket washed away What would you do if you were told that you had won the £33 million lotto? Most probably, scream and cry out of elation, right? That is exactly what a divorced German grandmother did.

Susanne Hinte (48), screamed and cried, but not due to happiness.

Hinte, lives in a rented three-bedroom semidetached home in Worcester. She claims that she had bought one of the two winning tickets, and has not been able to sleep since finding it in the pocket of her washed pair of jeans.

She even claims that she has been receiving begging letters from people, asking her for money.

Two tickets matched for the £66 million jackpot on Saturday 9th January. While half of it was won by David and Carol Martin from Hawick, Camelot are examining Hinte's claims.

Alleged lotto winner: Susanne Hinte

The grandmother had bought the alleged winning ticket from Natu Patel (64), a shopkeeper who runs Ambleside News, in Worcester.

She had returned to the newsagent with her ticket.

The numbers were visible, however, the date and barcode were partially erased. Natu Patel said, “We have sent off her ticket to Camelot and they will carry out tests.”

About Susanne Hinte, Natu Patel said, “She is a

Hundreds attend tea party at bacon-attacked Bristol mosque

Members of the mosque said they were overwhelmed by the support of the community

Hundreds of people have been to a tea party at a Bristol mosque, which had bacon sandwiches thrown at it last week.

Jamia Mosque in Totterdown opened its doors to thank the local community for its support following the attack.

At one point more than 200 people queued outside to get into the party.

Secretary Zahir Shabir said he was overwhelmed: "A week ago we experienced

shock, anxiety and fear, a week on we feel cuddled by love and blessings."

Mr Shabir said there had been hundreds of "heart warming" messages of support from the community.

Two women and a man have been charged with a racially-aggravated public order offence in connection with the alleged offences.

Another man has been charged with a raciallyaggravated public order offence.

In Brief

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Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

Shopkeeper Natu Patel, with wife Hansa

pleasant, friendly person and would be a deserving winner.”

Natu Patel's shop is considered as a lucky lottery shop in Worcester. He said, “We have had a £25,000 winner, a £20,000 winner and a string of £1,000 winners.”

A spokesperson for Camelot said, “Without a serial number, almost more

important than a ticket are the details surrounding its purchase, exactly when it was bought, what time, where, whether it was a lucky dip.”

Susanne Hinte will just have to wait until July to know whether Camelot will be paying out the winning amount to her or not. That is, indeed, a nerve-wrecking wait.

Brum Central Mosque Chairman calls for boycott of 'racist' Prevent programme Lord Mayor in The Chairman of May, claimed the Birmingham ‘disgraceful’ legisCentral Mosque lation was discrimhas called for a inatory against boycott of counterMuslims and terrorism procalled on gramme Prevent Birmingham MPs after claims it is to fight against it. unfairly targeting He hit out during a Muslims, includmeeting jointly ing schoolchildorganised with ren.

Councillor Lord Stand Up To Future Mayor Muhammad Muhammad Afzal Racism (SUTR) in Afzal also labelled David Highgate, attended by almost Cameron an ‘Islamophobe’ 100 people.

Coun Afzal said: “I think over the government stratethe Prime Minister is an gy, designed to help authoriIslamophobe, he never talks ties identify people at risk of about anything else but radicalisation.

Muslim extremism. It is Prevent has now been ridiculous that the governextended to include Ofsted ment is saying Muslims are inspections of out-of-school becoming radicalised. David education settings including Cameron says 500 people madrassas - Islamic religious have gone to Syria to become schools - which the chairman radicalised, but where is the labelled 'racist'. evidence?”

Coun Afzal, who becomes

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Two men jailed for sexual assault in Birmingham nightclub

Two men have been jailed for mugging and sexually assaulting a woman with learning difficulties after she left a B i r m i n g h a m Yasser Mahmood (left) and Abdi Seerar nightclub.

Detectives have described the attack in January last year as a “despicable crime” and said Yasser Mahmood and Abdi Seerar preyed on their “vulnerable” victim.

Birmingham Crown Court heard how the 20-year-old woman had left a night club in Hurst Street when the duo struck on the night of January 27.

They sexually assaulted her and ransacked her handbag before taking her purse.

Mahmood, aged 23, was caught in the act by the girl’s mother who reported what she had seen to police.

The pair will also be required to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Husband jailed for six and a half years after stabbing wife

An angry husband embedded a knife into his wife's side – penetrating her ribs, lungs and heart – during a row.

Bharat Patel, 51, an accountant at Loughborough University, was jailed for sixand-a-half years, after admitting wounding Taruna Patel with intent. He stabbed her up to the hilt, as she was sitting down making sweets for Diwali.

The couple's 15-year-old daughter witnessed the first part of the attack when Patel hit his wife over the head with a wine bottle.

Mrs Patel, 38, asked the teenager to go and call for the police, before she was knifed at the family home in Sywell Avenue, Loughborough, on November 18.

Coroner's child seat warning after girl, six, dies in crash

A coroner has urged parents to properly fasten children’s seatbelts and wants safety improvements at a busy junction after a little girl died in a road crash.

Aleeza Ahmed, six, had been sitting on a booster seat but without Aleeza Ahmed a belt and was thrown from a car at Crookilley Way, Bredbury, near the M60 an inquest heard.

The Vauxhall Astra, driven by her father, Ahmed Hussain, slid on a bend, hit a steep kerb and flipped over as it crossed the central reservation, landing upside down on a car coming the other way.

He has no recollection of the incident but said he would always strap his daughter in safely.

Leeds shopkeeper’s disgust at violence of raid gang

A shop worker who was savagely beaten when masked robbers raided an off-licence has branded his attackers “animals”.

Tandeep Singh Saggu, 33, was set upon by three youths at Cottage Stores, in Tandeep Singh Otley, who pulled his Saggu, who was turban off and repeatedly punched and attacked by robbers kicked him before steal- at Cottage Stores ing cash, alcohol and cigarettes.

He said: “I tried to defend myself against one of them, but then another one joined in and covered my face with his hands. One of them was telling me if I moved they would stab me. They were just like animals.”

The incident happened at about 8.50pm on Sunday night at the shop in Newall Carr Road.

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Asian Voice |30th January 2016

Winston Churchill Memorial Trust discuss issues affecting the BAME community

Rani Singh

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust (WCMT) organised an event at the Conway Hall, SOAS, to bring together Churchill Fellows who are interested in issues affecting BAME communities in the UK, and provided an opportunity for the Fellows to share best practice and learning from their global travels. The BAME network is aimed at encouraging collaboration and support for each other’s work in communities across the UK. The WCMT funds British citizens to investigate inspiring practice in other countries, in order to return with innovative ideas for the benefit of people across the UK. It supports individuals, whatever their background or qualifications, to become leaders within their own communities, helping to transform and better many aspects of today’s society.

Baroness Valerie Amos is the 9th Director of SOAS, University of London. The former politician and senior UN official took up the role in September 2015 and was present at the event, speaking about the network.

Asian Voice had the privilege to interview her about the launch and her role.

AV: Why did you choose to launch the BAME Network of the WCMT? BA: For those of us from an ethnic minority background, the opportunity to go through experiences and then come back and think how they apply in our professions, and how collectively they can make an impact on our communities, is important.

AV: What has the Winston

Baroness Valerie Amos

Churchill Fellowship got to offer the Asian Community?

BA: Confidence building. It gives the opportunity to go into depth in an area you care about. It gives you the ability to come back and apply that in the community.

AV: What sights have stayed with you from your foreign travels as Under Secretary General?

BA: Seeing the horrors of malnourished children, and their incredible resilience. Seeing them displaced, in camps.

Traumatised, not able to go to school. The way they try and play and laugh. We see if it is possible to set up a play area.

I remember going to the Central African Republic at the height of the violence. I recall going to an inland hospital, outside the capital.

There were bedsteads, one or two had mattresses.

There were many without.

There was a woman who had just given birth. She had not eaten since she had given birth. There was nothing for her to eat.

She was trying to feed her baby. You go and see the resources we have. You look at that woman, her child and aid workers that

are trying to work with her.

AV: What would you do if you could fix things?

BA: There needs to be greater accountability.

Countries that have signed up to the UN have signed up to international human rights law. Yet we have seen pictures of food, starvation and siege being used as weapons of war in Syria.

This is something I was reporting on every single month to the Security Council when I was at the UN. Sometimes it made news and sometimes it did not.

It’s a violation of international humanitarian law. Holding a government that says its first responsibility is to its people to account, is critical. This is not happening in so many countries across the world and it would make a tremendous difference to our ability to get aid to people.

These are countries that have signed up to the UN Charter. If you read the UN Charter you can’t get much better than that.

The people who drew up the Charter were very forward looking.

We should all be appalled at how slow it is to get a resolution to these conflicts, which are having such a devastating impact.

For the first time, we have the highest number of people displaced as a result of conflict and disasters.

It requires strong political leadership and political solution. The action is like sticking plaster and doesn’t stop these things happening. It deals with the symptoms, not the causes. If I were able immediately to produce ceasefires and bring people to the negotiating table, I would do it.

We need a mayor who can get things done.

That’s the mayor I want to be

Continued from page 3

A decent of quality of life also requires a healthy living environment. Levels of pollution in some parts of London are just not acceptable, so as mayor I’ll clean up our air with support for cycling and tough new rules on HGVs. I’ll also invest in London’s green space and I will absolutely defend our precious green belt.

The fourth part of my plan is about security. At a time of heightened threats, I want everyone in Greater London to feel safe. As mayor I’ll make sure our police have the tools and the budget they need. I’ll put more police on public transport at night. And I’ll tackle gang culture, investing in the great prevention work being done by grassroots organisations across our city.

I want to win so I can deliver that plan. But I’m not waiting till polling day.

Since the start of this campaign I’ve been working round the clock to get things done for Greater London.

So far I’ve convinced the Government to protect the police budget, I’ve had the tube classified as an essential public service - meaning a strike only goes ahead if it has clear support among union members - and I’ve secured a deal to put suburban rail services under mayoral control, so we can bring an Overground level of service to South London.

I’ve been able to deliver because unlike my Labour rival, I’m ready and willing to work with this Government. In a system where the Chancellor controls 93 percent of London’s funding, the next mayor has

to be able to make deals with David Cameron and George Osborne. It’s why there’s a real choice at this election.

The alternative is Jeremy Corbyn’s candidate Sadiq Khan. This is a man with no record of working with other parties, who in all the time I’ve been in Parliament has never voted against his own party. If he wins, we’d see the same chaos and infighting that’s engulfed the Labour Party played out in City Hall. It would mean four years of inaction. Housing getting even more unaffordable, major rail improvements put off, the night tube cancelled.

We can’t afford to waste the next four years. We need a mayor who can get things done. That’s the mayor I want to be, delivering for Greater London.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

MPs warn Charities not to squeeze donors Legendary Mrs Oliver Cooke, aged 92, who sold poppies since 1938, took her life last year in Bristol by jumping into the Avon gorge, after overcoming with guilt on being sent 260 letters from charities every month asking for money.

She had to stop 27 direct debits to charity after she was struck with breast cancer and found it difficult to manage her finances. She also felt distraught after £250 she sent to her son went missing in the post.

Her ill health escalated from the stress of coldcallers.

Her grieving son Del Whelan, 62, told the Guardian: “She thought she had done something wrong.”

“It was the constant drip of the begging letters. I think she found it difficult to say no. She had just had enough.”

Britons are notably charitable people. Millions quietly give away time and money and seek nothing more in return than the satisfaction of having done so.

UK is in fact Europe's most charitable nations- in 2012 we have given away £9.3 billion to charity.

Mrs Cooke was an extraordinary woman. She was 92, she held more than 2 dozen debits and she took the streets to sell poppies even at such an advanced age showing an selflessness far beyond the norm. Yet for too many charities, people like Mrs Cooke are not donors to be proud of, but assets to be sweated. Kind hearted, vulnerable older people are subjected to hard sell tactis, constantly badgered, their repeated requests not to be contacted for more money are ignored. Personal data is

Mrs Oliver Cooke

passed on to other organisations, unscrupulous people get involved. The result is that many charitable souls find themselves being punished for their generositypressured, cajoled and cornered by those organisations- they had originally set out to help. It's an unfortunate irony, that those who profess high moral values, forget about them when asking for money. And culprits include even some of the biggest and best loved names in the sector.

The report commissioner by the government in responses to the tragic case, has set across technical changes to self regulation of fund raising. The report published on Monday 25 January, by the Common's Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee places the responsibility of aggressive fund raising tactis as a responsibility of the charity trustees. The committee has set that the moral contortion stems from the very top. Trustees see their role as a badge of honour. But the committee has pointed out that it is a serious responsibility and needs to be carefully discharged.

MPs have warned that

some of the chairities think that the Cooke scandal was due to “excusable oversight.

Unfortunately the question of how a charity should behave during fundraising is much more than just the behaviour or responsibilities of trustees. All charity workers should live up to the organisational values, but it is evident that without leadership it quickly becomes too much to ask.

Soliciting donations soon become harassments, more as evidents surface where charity committees admit that they have failed to scrutinise subcontractors adequately.

MPs backed plans from a government review chaired by Sir Stuart Eteringtron to tackle the problems, including a new regulator, but could not go far. They have therefore asked the Charity Commission to keep a tighter check on the sector, asking people to report dubious practices and the government unused law that lets Information Commissioner protect personal data.

Charities are not commercial entities. While a large charity is increasingly competitive and can spend £20million a year trying to boost its coffers, many small ones without vocal celebrity support battle ferociously just to stay afloat- which may leads to alleged rigorous fundraising tactis. The committee has made clear that charities have one more shot at regulation. They better put their house in order. If they do not, they are bound to poison the well of public trust and goodwill from which they drink, which at one point ran over- but now risks to run dry.

Parliamentary enquiry to investigate 'illegal profit recovery' failures from big crime bosses A Parliamentary inquiry into the inability of law enforcers to seize illegal gains of criminals like Mr Bigs was announced on Friday, as figures showed that organised crime bosses now owe more than £770 million in unpaid court orders.

Commons Home Affairs Committee said, “proceeds of crime” investigation will analyse weaknesses in how confiscation orders are enforced and gaps in legislation that make it easier for criminals to keep illicit gains. It will also evaluate the need for new laws and whether harsher penalties for nonpayment should be imposed or not.

Committee Chairman Keith Vaz said: “Measures to deprive criminals of

Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP

their proceeds has long been a point of frustration for the police and other agencies.

“Officers are often forced to watch as loopholes in the system are exploited. It is crucial authorities can put forward a message that crime does not pay.

“This inquiry will investigate weaknesses in the current system — including the limited use of con-

fiscation orders, poor datasharing and enforcement — to identify how we can prevent Mr Bigs benefiting from their victims.”

Mr Vaz further added that the committee was also asked to hold the inquiry by the findings of a National Audit Office report which revealed the inadequacies of the confiscation order enforcement.

These inadequacies included poor IT systems, a lack of knowledge by law enforcers on relevant legislation and the failure of different government agencies to share data about cases adequately. Written evidence will now be sought before parliamentary hearings at which ministers, lawyers, police, accountants and other experts are set to testify.

UK Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Indian origin Parliamentarians appointed as PM's special envoys Alok Sharma appointed as David Cameron's Infrastructure Envoy to India and Lord Dolar Popat as his Trade Envoy to Uganda and Rwanda Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Infrastructure Envoy to India. The Prime Minister has also appointed Lord Dolar Popat as his Trade Envoy to Uganda and Rwanda as part of the Government’s new drive to boost exports.

Alok took part in the 8th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue, led

by UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and Finance Minister of India Arun Jaitley, during which Alok’s new role was formally announced.

The Joint Statement by Chancellor Osborne and Minister Jaitley issued after the Dialogue noted the “beginning of a strategic partnership between India and the UK” on matters related to infrastructure. In respect of Alok’s new role the Joint Statement noted: “Both sides welcomed the recent appointment of Alok Sharma MP as the British Prime Minister’s Infrastructure Envoy, to act

Alok Sharma MP

as the key contact between our two governments, Indian public and private sector infrastructure companies and British financial practitioners.”

Following his appointment Alok said, “...The Indian government has a hugely ambitious programme of infrastructure projects and I look forward to working closely with colleagues in both governments to ensure that we develop rupee-linked debt markets and build closer ties between the UK and Indian capital markets.

Ultimately, the aim is to

facilitate capital-raising for Indian infrastructure projects in the London market.”

Lord Popat, who was born in Uganda before moving to the UK in 1971, will be overseeing the Government’s trade approach to both Rwanda and Uganda. Both nations boast strong economic growth, with Rwanda averaging GDP growth of 7.5% over the past five years and Uganda growing by 5% last year.

Speaking shortly after his appointment, Lord Popat said “it is a tremendous honour to be serving the country and the Prime Minister in this new and challenging role. My interests in the Lords have revolved around building stronger ties with Africa, supporting SMEs and increasing exports; this role allows me to do all three.

“Africa’s economic potential is very well documented and it’s important to remember that the continent has roughly the same population as India,

Visit eoy.co.uk to enter or nominate an entrepreneurial business leader. #EOY2016UK

yet we do twice as much trade with Africa. Whilst people regularly talk about India as a target market, we overlook Africa’s huge potential, and particularly fast-growing markets like Uganda and Rwanda.

“Whenever I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Africa I hear about the desire for more British goods, and I look forward to using my Swahili and business experience to deliver, both for Uganda and Rwanda and for Britain.”

David Cameron has also promoted ten other Trade Envoys.

Do you know someone who is reshaping the future?

EY is on the lookout for inspiring entrepreneurs For the last 17 years EY has been recognising exceptional UK business leaders through EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ awards. In 2016 we have once again started our search for those entrepreneurs with the vision and passion to reshape the future.

Seen as the most prestigious global business award in the UK, the programme starts at a local level, with regional award ceremonies taking place in Scotland, the North of England, the Midlands, and London & South.

Regional winners then progress to the UK finals in October, and the overall UK winner will go on to compete for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year in Monte Carlo.

Programme alumni include: Nitin Passi (CEO and Founder, Missguided), Ashok Lakhani (Founder and CEO, Kolak Snack Foods), and Dilshad & Barinder Hothi (CoFounders, The Knowledge Academy).

Winners are selected by an independent judg-

ing panel, against criteria including: entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, strategic direction, global impact, innovation, personal integrity and influence. Our judge alumni include: Dr Jason Wouhra (Director and Company Secretary, East Ends Foods), Majid Hussain (CEO, Accrol Paper), and Mohsin Issa (Co-Founder, Euro Garages).

By entering the Entrepreneur Of The Year programme you will not only have the opportunity to celebrate your success and your team’s, you will also be joining an elite group of some of the UK’s most exciting entrepreneurs. You will benefit from the opportunity to share ideas, learn from others, and have access to EY’s in-depth knowledge from working with exceptional entrepreneurs globally.

Entries are now open until 11 March 2016. Join us as we begin the search for the UK’s most innovative entrepreneurs.

Please visit eoy.co.uk to make a nomination or submit an entry form.

© 2015 EYGM Limited. All Rights Reserved. This image is only an artistic impression and is not a true historical representation.

Like Anandi Gopal Joshi, do you believe in your power to make things better?

Lord Dolar Popat

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UK

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Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

Asian Voice Charity Awards powered by Charity Clarity launched to showcase the best charities Just 1% of charities in England and Wales hold 71% of the income, or a staggering £50bn. That’s almost enough to wipe out the entire British national budget deficit. By contrast the smallest 66,838 charities have less than 0.3% of the total income for charities.

Charitable organisations do great work all around Britain every day.

The inaugural Asian Voice Charity Awards powered

by Charity Clarity, to be held at an exclusive blacktie event on 20 May 2016 at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel in London, are about rewarding charities that think big.

The Awards are about charities seek to solve the most pressing social issues of our time, both in Britain and globally. That seek to innovative and strive for excellence. Whose success is judged by their end results.

In other words, the largest ones have budgets for marketing, for fundraising and for promotion of their activities. The smallest do not, but we want to we want to showcase the excellence that exists in so many charities, social enterprises, CICs, unincorporated companies, projects and individuals.

These Awards are unique in that winners get a package of support that could be worth more than £20,000, including their profile in Asian Voice, free Charity Clarity services including grant applications, a free cost audit, and access to specialist trustee insurance products and exclusive participation in a fundraising event with The Funding Network just for the charity, including presentation training to get the organisation ready to pitch to potential donors.

Patron Michael Norton OBE, the co-founder of Unltd and well know social innovator and entrepreneur says: ““The Asian

presence in philanthropy in the UK is growing in significance, and I welcome the Asian Voice Charity Awards with its emphasis on charities operating internationally to encourage and showcase the many creative initiatives that people in the UK are taking to create a better world.”

Kate Marsh, CEO of The Funding Network, says they are partnering with the Charity Awards because they “looking to honour those who work to achieve excellence in their field.”

Funke Abimbola, General Counsel and Company Secretary for pharmaceutical major Roche and also a Patron, says: “Awards such as these are very important – to make sure a wide range of diversity champions, hardworking individuals and organisations are recognised for their efforts.” She has been recognised by Brummells magazine as one of the top 30 women champions of diversity in the UK. These Awards are important and unique not just for the Patrons and Partners involved, but also to encourage charitable giving to good causes in the country. The Charities Aid Foundation found recently that 21% of people do not give to charity or take part in any social actions at all.

Religious causes just the most money, followed by medical research and hospitals/hospices and children and young people.

Older, richer women are the demographic most likely to donate. Those aged 16-24 are the least likely to be involved in charitable giving or social action.

The Awards are for rewarding organisations for progress towards their dreams, regardless of whether they are small or big. You can submit your nomination at www.asianvoicecharityawards.com.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Nomination deadline

All entries and nominations must be received before midnight on 29 March 2016.

Finalists will be announced in May 2016.

NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW!

Are you a UK Based Charity who seeks to solve the most pressing social issues of our time, both in Britain and globally?

Nominate yourself for the Asian Voice Charity Awards 2016 by visiting our website www.asianvoicecharityawards.com

The Awards ceremony will be held on Friday 20th May 2016 at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel, London

Award Categories

For Charities and Not-for Profit Institutions

n Charity of the Year

This award recognises a UK-registered charity for their outstanding work and contribution to society, as well as demonstrated excellence service and achievement in its work over the last five years.

There is are no criteria on the annual income, but the charity must demonstrate consistently delivered outstanding service for their size and yearon-year-growth n Start-Up of the Year This award is similar to Charity of the Year, but specifically for charities that have been operational for three years or less.

n Outstanding Achievement

This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated dedication, professionalism and integrity throughout their career, and who has produced an identifiably profound effect on the sector in the UK or otherwise through their work and management over at least a 15-year period.

n Most Enterprising

This award recognises a social enterprise or the trading arm of a charity that has made a significant difference to beneficiaries through its ability to generate income to meet its social goals over the last two years.

n Fundraising Campaign This award awards an overall campaign that used a variety of innovative fundraising approaches to display real quantifiable results to achieve or exceed its targets in the last 12 months.

n Outstanding PR Team

This award recognises excellence in charity PR, either in-house at a charity, or an agency undertaking a PR campaign on behalf of a charity.

Benefits of the specific PR campaign must be proven to show extensive press and media coverage in the last 12 months.

For Charity/Corporate Partnerships:

n Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility

This award recognises the best corporate partnership and corporate responsibility programmes. It honours a company which goes beyond simply CSR projects to engage in partnerships in the last two years with either UKregistered or international charities, social enterprises or unincorporated charitable projects, to demonstrate quantifiably positive impact to the community.

The partnership should demonstrate significant positive outcomes and impact, as well as innovation in its approach

n Consultancy of the Year

This award recognises a consultancy firm that has demonstrated a real commitment to the sector and sector organisations in its work, showing a real

worth in sharing its expertise during the last 12 months.

The work could take a range of forms: such as on the overall strategic direction of a charities, advisory services for philanthropy, social impact assessments, M&A activity, change management, leadership and development, business planning for charities and social enterprises. It could also relate to work not for one organisation, but more widely, such as thought leadership that has driven positive change in the sector.

n Investment Management Award

This award recognises excellence in the professional services offered to the sector, showing evidence of real quantifiable investment returns, especially within the last 12 months, but also within a wider timeframe context, and show a real understanding of the investment needs of charities, with which they work.

FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND OTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 020 7993 8987 or 0207 749 4085 or email: moeketsi@economicpolicygroup.com

Men jailed after drugs and firearms Police hunt man over attacks and robbery on Wembley night bus found hidden in flat's ceiling Two men have been jailed after firearms and drugs worth over £20,000 was found hidden in a ceiling in Paddington.

Hamza Malik, 26, and Payam Mufty, 27, had both had been found guilty of three firearm offences (possession with intent to endanger life), supply of £21,000 of Class A drugs and possession of ammunition, after a two week trial at the Isleworth Crown Court in November 2015, and subsequently sentenced on January 22.

Hamza Malik and Payam Mufty

Malik was jailed for 16 years, while Mufty received a 10 year sentence. The convictions follow an investigation by detectives from the Trident and Area Crime Command.

The court heard how in February last year detectives went to a block of flats in Bourne Terrace, Paddington after investigating criminal activity in the Westminster area.

Police have released images of a man suspected of carrying out attacks and robberies on passengers travelling on a night bus to Wembley last year, leaving one victim needing stitches. Officers from Brent’s safer transport team are appealing for help in identifying the suspect seen punching a 44-year-old man in the face as he waited to get off a Route N18 bus from Piccadilly to Wembley.

The alleged incident took place on June 11 at

Police want to speak to this man after a series of attacks and robberies on night bus passengers en route to Wembley in June last year

around 4:40 am. After giving the 44-year-old man a bloody nose, the suspect got off the bus and then reboarded, armed with an object. He then attempted to attack the victim with the object, who shielded himself with his rucksack.

The victim did not require medical treatment.

The suspect is described as Middle Eastern man in his 20s with short dark hair and a goatee beard. He was wearing a camouflage hat and dark clothing.

UK Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

One of the Youngest Winston Churchill Fellows, Deepesh Patel, and the Amazon Rainforest Deepesh Patel is one of the youngest people to be awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling Fellowship (WCMT).

At 18 he travelled to Canada and Peru to work with researchers to investigate the ethnobotanical potential of flora and fauna in the Peruvian Amazon (mainly in the Manu Biosphere Reserve).

Taking the Challenge "Applying to be a Fellow of the WCMT was life changing. I was funded to travel to one of the most remote areas of the diverse Amazon rainforest with scientists and pioneers,” he told us.

The WCMT funds British citizens of any background to investigate inspiring practice abroad and return with ideas to benefit British communities. There are no qualification or age limits, just drive and a commitment to help others is needed.

Fellows gain perspec-

Deepesh Patel

tive on their own field and return with enhanced expertise, more effective at work and in their community.

Before becoming a Fellow, Deepesh was a winner of the National Science and Engineering Competition and studied Natural Sciences at Durham University. When he applied for the Fellowship, he was leading

the student-run ‘Canopy to Cures', a science education project for schools. This led to his Amazon project.

The Churchill Fellowship involved Deepesh working with indigenous communities, mapping the distribution of useful plants in the Manu National Park, and asking indigenous village Andean communities about their reliance on

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Biological Diversity.

Science Box was his most recent project, which grew out of Canopy to Cures. It was a social enterprise which provided interactive science workshops for young people. It delivered workshops to over 60 schools, inspiring students in STEM. Science Box was featured on the BBC News and in The Guardian.

How Deepesh’s learning is "We are doing a lot but helping his community. it is nowhere near what Canopy to Cures proshould be happenmoted the use of plants ing.

I think as natural remedies. is It demonstrated I think England is England the importance of doing well but there doing well but there is more e t h n o b i o l o g y is more to be done. to be done. and continued Science used to be Science used plant science the driving force of to be the drivresearch.

The our economy ing force of our expedition was economy but it documented on the has really slowed Canopy to Cures blog. down. I think there is not Deepesh contributed to a enough exciting science botanical inventory which education in the UK." identified nearly 500 plant How Deepesh won the species, many with medicibursary and then tackled nal properties. The knowlhis project- both tough edge of indigenous comchallenges. munities played a crucial "The Winston part in the study.

Churchill Memorial Trust On his return, Deepesh process is tough, as you're worked with the London competing with great peoFilm School, the Rotary ple from different niches.

Foundation and the Royal But the actual execution of Society of Arts to create a the project, representing film on medicinal plants, the UK overseas at the which was showcased at United Nations film festivals, the prestiConvention on Biological gious British Science Diversity, and following up Festival and at UK schools with a national educational and colleges. His research outreach programme was has also taken him to exhilarating and rewardMontreal's Secretariat to ing.

In Winston the Convention on

medicinal plants in their rainforest.

"It was shortly after a trip to the Peruvian Amazon three years ago that I decided to show that science is more than wearing white lab coats. I could see that kids really related to my experience in the rainforest."

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Churchill's words - With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility" How Deepesh sees the future "I have always considered myself as entrepreneurial, and following my Churchill Fellowship I joined the New Entrepreneurs Foundation working for a growing fintech company. That's where I got into technology and digital. I'll continue to support STEM education."

Deepesh is currently an advisor to the Youth CREST Panel of the British Science Association. He is an active STEM Ambassador and has spoken to over 3000 students throughout his career. He also sits as a Digital Advisor for the London International Youth Science Forum.

Deepesh recently became a School Governor for a primary school in Lambeth, South London.

In 2013, Deepesh was selected as one of only forty young people to join the New Entrepreneurs Foundation – a prestigious scheme to equip entrepreneurs with hands on experience, skills and networks to build scalable businesses. He now works in the Digital Team at Travelex.

For further information, or to apply yourself for a Travelling Fellowship visit www.wcmt.org.uk

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READERS’ VOICE

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Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

Don’t stand by this Holocaust Memorial Day The theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day on Wednesday 27th January is ‘Don’t stand by’. At over 3,500 events across the country, hundreds of thousands of people will hear about bystanders, those whose silence and indifference allowed dreadful persecution, and ultimately genocides to take place. And we will honour the rescuers and resisters, people who not only saved individuals, but who took action against bigotry and hatred.

We know that silence and indifference in the face of discrimination and hatred allows persecution to take root, so we want to encourage people to stand up and speak out, in the way many brave souls have in the past.

As well as taking a stand in our own communities here in the UK today, we also need to be mindful of the fact that genocide is continuing in Darfur, where thousands of people have been murdered and millions have been forced to flee to makeshift refugee camps. We all need to reflect on the fact that the path to genocide begins with exclusion and discrimination, and that standing by allows hatred to take hold.

In our film for Holocaust Memorial Day 2016, Susan Pollack, a survivor of the Holocaust, tells for the first time a surprising and unique story of surviving genocide. Please visit dontstandby.hmd.org.uk , share the film using social media, and sign up to our Thunderclap, so that Susan’s story is shared as widely as possible at 1pm on 27 January.

Olivia Marks-Woldman Chief Executive Holocaust Memorial Day Trust London SE1P 5BX

Still time to have your say over the future of Fire Service The London Fire Brigade is consulting over changes to the fire service to meet £13.2 million of budget cuts demanded by the Mayor - but the consultation is about to close, on 1st February. With frontline services at stake, it’s hugely important that local people are given the opportunity to make their views known, so if you haven’t responded I would urge you to do so.

The consultation is available on line and you can give your views very easily through the Fire Brigade website: https://app.citizenspace.com/londonfire/operational-changes-for-budget-2016-17/consultation/intro/view You can choose from two options: ‘option B’, which will see the permanent removal of 13 fire engines; and ‘option A’ which focuses on back office efficiencies and crewing arrangements, allowing the 13 engines to be retained.

I believe cutting more fire engines would exacerbate the recent rise in response times across the capital. 16 wards in Camden and 5 in Barnet saw a rise in response times in 2014/15 when compared with the previous year, as a result of Boris Johnson’s then closure of 10 fire stations and scrapping of 14 engines.

However, Option A, the alternative plan which I have developed as Chair of the Fire Authority’s Resource Committee, would meet the savings target and balance the books through back office efficiencies and changing working patterns, enabling the 13 engines to be kept.

I would urge you to complete the simple survey on line before the consultation closes on 1st February to ensure your voice is heard.

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A trip down memory lane

Asian Voice in UK for only £29 for one year

Sonia Gandhi

Dinesh Sheth’s trip down memory lane inspired by “Jivant Panth” is engrossing.

I had a parallel experiences in Bombay of those days. Our dreams were made of stuff of Bollywood films.

Many stars shone and faded, but their impact on our minds will remain forever.

These stars are responsible for molding our tastes about music, ethics and various values compatible in multicultural society Furthermore, I would remember stars like John Kavas, Nadia, Chhagan Romeo, Babu Raj, Shorab Modi, and Dhumal.

I later grew up to admire Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Ashok Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Meena Kumari, Nargis, Nimmi, Nalini Jaywant, Kamini Kaushal etc. Admired skills of Honey Irani, Daisy Irani, Baby Tabassaum, baby Nanda, Sabu etc.

I liked “Junglee”, “Tumsa nahi dekha”, “Love Marriage”, “Paying Guest” etc.

Films like “Pamposh”, “Geet gaya pathharoney”, “Navrang”, were awe inspiring.

“Chalti ka naam gadi” was superb.

In 1970s Amitabh Bachhachan, a dazzling star burst in Bollywood firmament.

He has unquestionably entertained with films like “Muquaddar ka sikadar”, “Mr Natwarlal”, and many others.

He continues to outshine all the three Khans.

All happiness from Bollywood would be incomplete without remembering Om Prakash, Johnny Walker, Mukree, Pran, Mahmood, TunTun, Mohan Choti, Sunder etc.

Andrew Dismore Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Dr Moorthy claims that Sonia came from a noble dynasty which is not true. and she is perceived as a low class European girl. she said she had no ambition to enter politics.

She used political blackmail to get support from the public. She helped two sisters resident in Singapore to summugle antiques to Dubai. without paying any duty.

Nobody knows how many times they went to Dubai at the expense of Tax payers.

Sonia Gandhi is much more richer than Ameile Marcos and she had so much of saries filled in one room.

The point is why renegade Indian reporers like boot licking Burka refused discuss about her family in the Television. None of the books published in India mentioned about her family ,the childhood and her family involvement in the second world war and they wanted to hide all the facts about t her family. We should know something about her family., She is politically novice she does not know the difference between Holocaust, Genocide and communal riots.

I do not know why the bootlickers of Sonia Gandhi banned Javier Mooro’s book on ‘ the Red Sarai’ which has sold more than 100,000 copies in Europe alone. It is a disgrace on the part to burn the book and Hindus worship books as Saraswathi.

The point is that the Renegrade members of the Congress party and Sonia Gandhi should explain her background and not to hide them.

Arun Vaidyanathan By email

Misuse of the word ‘Asian’

As per 'New Year Resolution' of Jatindra Saha of the 16th Jan., Mis use of the word 'Asians' is also haunting me. But it seems not feasible that many Hindu Organisations. would unitedly raise this Issue. We, GS & AV Readers should write about it to BBC, The Times and some Ministers. I did write against ' The Stain on India' to The Times in last Sept. and since then it hasn't written any bad against India!!!

'Asians' implies South Asia, originally India and Sri Lanka. Post-Independence Pakistan and Bangladesh created to make it 4.

In EU or USA when something good/bad happens, BBC, Times, other British Media and Ministers specifically name the country like Greece, France, etc.

But when rape, abuse, trafficking of children and women and terrorist crimes in Rotherham, Rochdale, Oxford, London were effected mainly by Pakistanis, they just say by 'Asians' without specifying their original country, I wonder if it's wilful. Result is that they carry on committing crimes without any fear! Neither their country takes any measures to stop them to improve the country's image abroad!

First three girls who left London to join IS were Bangladeshi, if their country specified, more Bangladeshi would have been stopped to go to Syria.

Hence we, some Hindu and other organisations ought to write to BBC, The Times and Ministers to specify country of any criminal of South Asia instead of saying merely 'Asians' as crimes by Indians are very rare!!!

Upendra Kapadia By email

Going down memory lane

Reading Dineshbhai’s letter “One whole edition of AV” took me Down Memory Lane. AV is fortunate to have talented, regular, loyal contributors. This is not by chance but due to CB’s encouragement, appreciation and AV’s popularity at highest level.

When I was depressed due to hospital negligence that ruined my life, forced me to retire as accountant, I took up writing as therapy. I am the original contributor when AV was part of GS. Besides letters, I have written articles, short stories, poems, interviews and regular travel briefs under “Arm-Chair Travellers” column. I stopped counting when I crossed 1500 mark, stopped saving copies of AV after ten years except special issues, rest on computer.

My success even surprised me; as I went on to write two novels, “Ivory Tower” and “Olive Grove” over 1000 large pages. I have my own column “From Far and Near” in a popular magazine.

I am indeed in debt to CB whom I know from back home, to throw me lifeline in my hour of need. Perhaps I may be the only armature contributor whose short autobiography published in AV. (Mind over Matter AV 12/08/2000) I support Dineshbhai’s suggestion that we should be presented with “Certificate of Merit” signed by Av editor CB after crossing 500 mark! It would be “Badge of Honour” proud possession for our declining years.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi (Point taken - Editor) By email

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Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

National Hindu Students Forum (UK)

Muslim scholar suggests exam schedule needn't be changed for Ramadan A lot has been said in regards to the rescheduling of the GCSE and A-Level exams, so that it does not affect Muslim students who may be fasting for Ramadan.

Instead of rescheduling the exam period, Khola Hasan, a scholar at the Islamic Sharia Council, in London, has suggested an alternative option. She proposed an alternative interpretation of Sharia in which pupils would be allowed to eat before going to school, at start to fast before full sunrise, (at about 5am), rather than

Khola Hasan

before first light, which is around 2:40am. She said, “Islam allows you to look at what is moderate.”

However, not all Muslim scholars have agreed with her proposal.

Sadiq Khan visits Barking to talk ‘affordable’ regeneration After a tour of Barking Riverside and the Gascoigne Estate with council leader Cllr Darren Rodwell this morning, the MP for Tooting said Barking had an “exciting” future.

He said if he was elected mayor of London on May 5 he would build affordable houses rather than repeating the mistakes of regeneration in west, north and south London.

“Too many Londoners are missing out,” he said.

“If you think of London, most of it has been regenerated badly in a way that’s incredibly inaccessible to the public.

Sadiq Khan

“Nobody’s against independent coffee bars and nice places to eat and drink but I am against the area being hollowed out.

“In Barking and Dagenham we need to address the needs of today and tomorrow with genuinely affordable homes.”

11

From Fear to Trust

By Rupal Maru, International Officer – NHSF (UK

We stood but a few yards away from the actual site of attack. A sobering moment in the city vigil.

Paris, the latest high profile target of terror. The atmosphere was tense, tangible and heavy, unbearably so - almost burdensome. A shared guilt amongst the supposedly unaffected. I pondered for a moment and caught the eye of a Syrian friend. The guilt deepened. Here we were commemorating, lamenting an isolated and rare attack in Western Europe, but what of those who are affected daily, afflicted by the actual conflict regularly?

Those who have no voice, silenced by the blissful ignorance of Western existence. The problem was bigger than Paris, not an anomaly, but a distinct characteristic of a material world that is so proudly “advancing” towards bitter oblivion.

Just a few weeks prior to these horrific events in France, we (Religions for Peace) had met in Rome at a conference entitled “Welcoming each other from fear to trust.” We spoke of solidarity; religious and spiritual collaboration to eliminate hatred and foster peace.

We dared to plan for a bet-

ter world, hearing from inspiringly sincere and active leaders, such as Jay Shetty, Bharti Tailor and Yolande Illano. Much to the irony, merely a few weeks later, everything we had discussed had been refuted. You know that the world is in a bad place when ironies like this have become clichés, because of how often they happen.

Consequently, the recent conference in Paris held much more importance, because the hypothetical reverse of our work had materialised and become a very real danger.

The meeting was poignant and dialogue is an absolute necessary for any healing process, it perhaps is not enough.

Einstein famously said: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Rather than temporary external change, what is needed is a global evolution of consciousness, a focus on internal development. Our governments have tried war, they have tried bolstering defences, played the blame game and have failed at every obstacle.

Superficiality is the brand of our generation. We have to change.

Unsurprisingly, spiri-

tual doctrine has the best practical solutions, providing this alternative mind-set that Einstein has referred to.

Coincidentally, it was recently the festival of Gita Jayanti, a celebration of the Bhagavad Gita (the song of the Lord, sung some 5,152 years ago), and, fittingly, it is this brilliant scripture that presents a viable way of thinking that can bring about peace: “The humble sage, by virtue of true knowledge, sees with equal vision a learned and gentle br hma a, a cow, an elephant, a dog and an outcaste.” Bhagavad Gita 5.18 If we cultivated this soulful appreciation for every living entity, this beautiful equal vision that does not discriminate, by colour, caste, sexuality or religion, but by the strength of a person’s character and their soulful nature, hatred would be an alien concept and terrorism would be an inconceivable impossibility. It is there… the answer is there, but most of us will ignore it.

The National Hindu Students’ Forum is a partner organisation of Religions for Peace; one of the largest international

coalition of representatives from the world’s great religions, dedicated to promoting peace.

Religions for Peace is active on every continent and in some of the most troubled areas of the world, creating multi-religious partnerships to confront our most dire issues: stopping war, ending poverty, and protecting the earth.

NHSF has had an active contribution in the General Assembly of World Religious Leaders in Vienna, the “Say No to Hate Speech” summit in Budapest, “Welcoming the other from fear to trust” summit in Rome and the Religions for Peace Global Interfaith Youth Network summit and COP21 events in Paris. It has representation on the International Youth Committee, European Interfaith Youth Network and the European Interfaith Women’s Network.

For a full report, information on upcoming campaigns and collaborations please visit: *https://www.facebook.co m/rfp.eiyn/?fref=ts *http://www.religionsforpeace.org.uk/about/ *http://www.religioniperlapaceitalia.org/?p=2216

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Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

The government’s plan to stimulate startups could well be a game changer for the Indian economy. Young entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and policymakers working in tandem will be a great boon to further the cause of this ambitious project.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the startup action plan announcing measures, including Rs 2,500 crore annual fund for the next four years, exemption from capital gains tax on investments via this fund, self-assessment for three years and expeditious patent applications. So far so good: there is a sense of buoyant optimism tempered by the realization that much hereon will depend on implementation.

government around $1 billion annually by curbing corruption as it proved that digital technology can promote inclusion, efficiency and innovation. ‘India’s Aadhaar digital identification system has already reached close to 1billion people enabling many of the poor to access services more easily and making it possible for government to deliver welfare services more easily,‘ said World Bank Chief Economist Kaushik Basu (Business Line January 15)

Digital India: Tata take

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, finance minister Arun Jaitley, commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman and delegates pose at the launching of the Start-Up India action plan at Vigyan Bhawan

‘This is a great step in creating awareness. The impact of specific announced measures will become clear after their on-theground implementation,’ said Deepak Gaur, Managing Director of SAIF Partners. Sudhir Singh, a partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers India, echoed these sentiments ‘The government has an ambition of creating 30,000 startups and for that, one needs basic infrastructure like electricity, Internet and roads. The direction the government has taken is positive.

However, a lot of clarity is still required,’ he said. There is indeed.

While investors are exempted from paying tax on long-term capital gains in the case of listed companies in India, they have to pay 20 per cent tax on such investments in privately owned firms. Hence, most foreign investors in Indian startups prefer the Mauritian route, where they are exempt from capital gains tax because of the Double Tax Avoidance Treaty with India.

These are early days. There is time for fine-tuning before the national Budget is placed before Parliament on 29 February.

Startup bandwagon

The States, taking their cue from the central government, have joined the bandwagon. Kerala was the first State to embrace the project with a policy that included the setting up of Kochi Startup Village in partnership with the central government’s Science and Technology Ministry. Since then, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra have joined the startup trail. ‘We are seeing great interest among State governments…even Uttar Pradesh is working on a startup policy, while West Bengal has created a Rs 150 crore fund,’ said an official. Uttar Pradesh has emerged as India’s leading State in computers, electronics and optical products. The State’s IT Department has recently invited inputs from industry bodies for the formulation of a startup policy (Times of India, Mint, Hindu

January 17, 18)

India astir

The Times of India take (January 18) was noteworthy: ‘It seems startups are experiencing something like the Cambrian explosion, where planetary life forms suddenly multiplied into a blaze of amazing variety. A similar entrepreneurial explosion in India has seen startups in the technology space leap from 501 to 4,500 in the last five years.

Nasscom [industry body] estimates funding for startups jumped to $4.9 billion in 2015 compared to cumulative funding for the four preceding years being $3.2 billion With 72 per cent of founders being below the age of 35, India is the youngest startup nation in the world.’ Improved infrastructure and quickening deregulation and dismantling the licence and permit raj should be the government’s primary priority. India’s present place of 130 for ease of doing must be reduced to 50 within a reasonable timeline.

And so say all of us.

IIT Bombay initiative

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has raised the stakes for startups onthe-spot funding initiative.

Around 500 startups which have registered with the Entrepreneurship Cell will get 10 minutes each to make their pitch to a panel of angel investors to raise Rs 100,000. ‘Raising money is still difficult for most startups...What we have found is that most startups need a push and this initiative will revolutionize fund-raising. Last year we were able to attract startups with valuations Rs 1 to 2 crore [100-200 million], said Shreya Gupta, Marketing Manager, Entrepreneurial Cell (Business Line January 15)

World Bank praises Aadhaar

Hailing India’s Aadhaar digital ID, the World Ban said the initiative is estimated to be saving the

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

In an interview with Business L i n e (January 19), Ratan Tata, Tata Trust Chairman, said: ‘The transformation to a digiRatan Tata tal economy has already begun. It’s quite heartening to see what has been done to the average Indian: it’s given him stature, ownership and identity. It has transformed the marketplace….It’s not a bubble… digital India is here to stay.’

Remote cardiac monitor startup

Cardiac Design Labs, a startup has innovated to help cardiac patients in rural India to access critical care through a wearable device, triumphed at a live contest hosted by high tech firm Google at the startup event in Delhi. The Bangalore-based firm combines communications and heart monitoring technology for use in a rugged rural environment (Business Line January 17)

Anti-tank Nag success

India’s third generation fire-andforget anti-tank missile scored a ‘bull’s eye,’ hitting the target at a 4 kilometre range during a night trial in a Field Firing Range, Rajasthan. Scientists said the trial validated the enhanced 4kilometre capability of ImagingInfrared seeker, which guides the missile to its target after the launch ((Hindu January 15)

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India attaches the highest importance to its ties with Israel as she called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) to discuss the entire spectrum of the relationship. see comment page 3

charges, the P81 can neutralize enemy submarines and warships, if required. Another four of the aircraft are on order (Times of India January 19)

Reliance surge

Reliance Industries third-quarter profit October-December) has surged 39 per cent to Rs 7,200 crore, an eight-year high.

Reliance headed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, is an oil-toretail conglomerate headquartered in Mumbai. Reliance is readying itself for the commercial start of its ambitious telecommunications venture.

(Hindu January 20)

Softbank CEO’s optimism

India may become the world’s largest economy in the next 25 to 30 years, said Softbank CEO Masayoshi Som, Japan’s secondrichest man, speaking at the startup event in Delhi, said: ‘I believe that the 21st century belongs to India as its people are smart, young, speak English and are IT proficient. However, the country needs to resolve issues relating to infrastructure and slow mobile broadband speeds.’

(Hindu January 17)

India orbits GPS satellite

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched 1,425 kilogram IRNSS-1E, the fifth of the seven-satellite Indian Regional Navigational System from the Satish Dhawan Space

between 19 and 23, who, guided by handlers in Syria and Iraq were planning to launch terror attacks at Republic Day targets in selected New Delhi shopping malls, and the Kumbh Mela at Haridwar. Of the four detainees Akhlaq ur Rehman was a third year engineering student at a Roorkee polytechnic, Osama and Aziz were undergraduates at a local college, while Mehraj was an ayurvedic student. They lived in villages near Roorkee (Times of India January 21)

Dalit suicide

The suicide by a Dalit student at Hyderabad University has led to an uproar that refuses to die down.

The PhD student Rohith Vemula who, with four other students were expelled from their hostels and were sleeping rough.. A case, filed against four demonstrating Dalit students, was later withdrawn.

The government has set up a judicial inquiry into Venmula’s death.

Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani dispatched two civil servants to enquire into the affair. The minister denounced what she claimed was a ‘malicious attempt’ to make it a caste issue, saying Vemula’s suicide note made no mention of any MP or minister.

Vemula was the subject of multiple probes.

RSS take on Ambedkar

A Dalit booklet has censured the RSS for describing Dalit leader leader and India’s first Law Minister, B.R.Ambedkar, who

Andaman-Nicobar strategic plus

India has begun deploying its latest long-range maritime aircraft as well as spy drones at its forward military base in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. ’The Navy and Air Force are now also deploying their (Israeli) Searcher II unmanned aerial vehicles to the islands on a temporary basis,’ said an official.

India has inducted eight P-81 aircraft US company Boeing. With an operational range of 1,200 nautical miles and a maximum speed of 907 kilometres per hour, the radar-packed P81s are especially tuned for intelligence deterence detection threats.

Armaments

Armed with Harpoon Block II missiles, MK54 lightweight torpedoes, rockets and depth

An Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle lifted off Jan. 20 carrying IRNSS-1E, the fifth satellite in the seven-spacecraft Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System

Centre at Sriharikota. IRNSS will provide accurate position service information to Indian and regional users up to a ranger of 1,500 kilometres (HJindu January 21)

IS arrives in India

Delhi Police have arrested four members of Islamic State aged

died in 1956, as a ‘Hindu reformer’ when he and a multitude of his followers had converted to Buddhism. ‘Ambedkar can neither be adopted nor appropriated by the Hindutva elements,’ said the booklet. The BJP fears that the row will hinder its attempt to broaden its social and political base (Hindu January 19-21, 22, 23).

UK Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

www.asian-voice.com

Making the Decision: Fiancé or Spouse Visa?

In this article, Duncan Lewis Immigration Director Solicitor Lucy Philps- Tate discusses the difficult decision faced by many couples of choosing between a Fiancé visa or Spouse Visa

The Politics of the Republic ‘The State of our Union is Strong’ proclaimed Barack Obama last week. This past week also saw India celebrate Republic Day. On January 26th 1950, some two and half years after becoming a British Dominion (or ‘independent’), India became a Republic. As a Republic, she removed the British King as Head of State, something which she did not do at Independence in 1947 and adopted a new constitution.

As the American President does annually, perhaps India too should analyse the State of the Union, and to what extent the Constitution is being upheld to the original vision of the founding fathers of mother India.

After all some 70 years is long enough to ensure the Constitution is being executed faithfully. Article 15 states, ‘The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.’ Okay, well India has had women and untouchables as Prime Ministers. It took the Americans 200 years of their Republic to have a black man as President – so perhaps India can be forgiven.

The Indian Constitution goes on to say, ‘Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the

Scheduled Tribes’. Not even the American have at their dream founding allowed for positive discrimination for their ‘scheduled castes and tribes’ which were the ‘negro’ and the ‘Red Indian’.

Article 17 says:’ “Untouchability” is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden.’ The country recognised the importance of doing something about this.

Article 19; “All citizens shall have the right— (a) to freedom of speech and expression; (b) to assemble peaceably and without arms”. The exact opposite of the American constitution which grants the right to bear arms. Maybe Indians knew their citizenry all too well.

Article 21A; “The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine” All Constitutions are a roadmap of the present, and a promise to the future.

Article 23; “Traffic in human beings and begging and other similar forms of forced labour are prohibited and any contravention of this provision shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.” Some problems take generations to solve, even the most powerful country in the world, America, has not solved its problems of segregation.

Continued on page 30

Lucy Philps- Tate

For many couples in the UK one partner is originally from outside the EU. For most of the couples that this applies to who wish to settle in the UK there comes a point where they have to decide the most appropriate visa option for the nonEU partner to remain in the UK. This is often a difficult decision to make as the two obvious options available are the Fiancé visa and the Spouse visa. In this article, we will consider the two types of visas and approach how to make that all-important decision.

The process of moving to the UK from a non-EU country can be a complicated one. There are essential conditions set by UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) that must be satisfied in order to make a successful application as a spouse or fiancé.

The first and foremost important condition is the financial requirement of an annual salary of £18,600 to be met by the sponsor (UK settled partner) alone.

This requirement is relevant for both Fiancé and Spouse visas. In the absence of the required earnings there are savings and benefits that can be taken into consideration which can be considerably higher. The settled partners in the UK are required to show earnings in the form of comprehensive evidence for a term of 6 months as a salaried employee and 1 year for self employed.

There has been a recent introduction of the NHS Health surcharge on Spouse visa applications where the amount is payable at the time of application calculated at £200 per year. This enables the

Two companies have raised more than £12,000 for St Luke’s Hospice. Managers at the Harrow hospice thanked TNV Construction and Wellness Chiropractic for donating money raised at their Christmas parties.

Wellness Chiropractic chose to support St Luke’s Hospice at their Christmas charity event for the second Maya year running.

Varsani, area manager, said: "We had collection boxes and Christmas badges up at the front desk in both our practices located in Harrow and Shepherds Bush.

“We are very humbled by the work of the volunteers and we are proud to support such a fantastic organisation. We choose to support St Luke’s Hospice because we share a common value - enabling people to achieve the best pos-

13

non-EU party to access NHS services during their stay in the UK. However, this is not the same in a Fiancé visa as it is only valid for 6 months and the couple are required to get married within that period. However, the fiancé will not be able to work and gain any income during this period and the UK based partner must provide poof of income and accommodation.

The law is slightly different if a couple are applying for a Fiancé or Spouse visa.

When applying for a spouse visa as long as the property has a bedroom for both parties concerned as well as individual rooms for any dependants, then this will be sufficient. When applying for a Fiancé visa the property will need to have a separate bedroom for both parties regardless of use.

In both applications it is important to show substantive evidence of a lasting relationship along with sufficient accommodation.

The implication of choosing either of the routes is dependant upon the individual. Entering the UK as a spouse as opposed to a fiancé bypasses repeating the whole process twice. The costs in both applications are similar and upon transferring from a fiancé to a spouse visa the NHS fees also becomes payable.

In balance the main difference between the two is the cost element as a fiancé is required to pay the Home Office fees twice.

It is worth noting that that all applicants from Pakistan are now required to submit all their supporting documents in Sheffield, UK rather than sending these to Pakistan. This is said to make the process easier and quicker as documents can be returned directly to the UK sponsor upon a decision being made.

Altogether, the application process can leave a couple feeling stressed, though in most cases there is excellent help out there. At Duncan Lewis we pride ourselves in providing you with exceptional service from the start till the end of the process. For all visa enquiries, please contact us.

TNV construction cheque presentation

sible quality of life."

TNV Construction in Edgware also held its annual December party in aid of St Luke’s Hospice. Some £5,000 was raised on the night, which the company doubled, to give a grand total of £11,122.

TNV Construction’s employee, Vanisha, said: "For two years running, TNV Construction has introduced charity

fundraising to their annual party. The charity is selected by the employees of TNV and the company donates a range of raffle prizes to encourage donations on the night. The generosity of the director to double all proceeds raised, further encourages donations. It is a great feeling that we can enjoy a party and at the same time be raising money for charity."

14 COMMUNITY

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

Nobel Prize petition for selfless man The work of the selfless ought to be appreciated and recognised. Four months back, Rubena Kashwar, set up a petition for Abdul Sattar Edhi to be awarded the next Nobel Peace prize.

Edhi, has been a great inspiration in Rubena's life. She shared, “I started doing charity work almost a year ago. My inspiration was Abdul Sattar Edhi. I never knew who Edhi Saab was until I watched a documentary on TV about him. I looked further into his life and was amazed by this mans selfless devotion to helping others. He spent most of his life helping others. This made me look at myself and my life.

I was blessed with everything but had never really thought about helping the needy.”

Rubena set up her own voluntary organisation

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

'Beat the New Year's blues' with Moresand Group Reshma Trilochun

Malala Yousafzai (Center), holding a photograph of Abdul Sattar Edhi. Rubena Kashwar (L), and Ziuaddin Yousafzai (R)

called, Humanity against Hunger, where she has helped the homeless, contributed to food banks, helped Syrian orphans, as well as visited Calais twice to distribute aid to the refugees.

The petition for Edhi to receive the Nobel Peace prize garnered 50,000 signatures in two weeks.

Four weeks back, Nobel Peace Laureate, Malala Yousafzai's father, Ziuaddin Yousafzai, also set up a petition for Edhi,

for the same cause. Malala and her father got in touch with Rubena and decided to unite for the same cause. They have so far managed to garner 126,000 signatures, and are looking for more people to sign the petition, as they have about a week left for the petition to be sent to the Nobel committee in Norway. If you would like to sign this petition, please visit: https:// www.change.org/searc h?q=rubena%20kashwar

On Wednesday 13th January 2016, Moresand Group held its annual “Beat the New Year's Blues” luncheon at The Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch, London. In attendance were many esteemed guests from the travel, tourism and airline industries, among others.

Moresand Group is the mother group of Crystal Travel and Sam Travel.

This was Crystal Travel's 19th annual celebration which had a great turnout of nearly 150 guests.

Battling the cold winter afternoon, respected individuals made their way to the venue to chase the New Year's blues away, and to participate in the

Asif Benares, Elizabeth Gayle, John Kalia & Sukh Kang

On Left, Roy Pascal, John Kalia & P.S. Kang (on far right)

celebrations for the success of Moresand Group over the years. As well as a presentation of the past successes, and the future targets and objectives, there were two beautiful dancers who entertained and mesmerised the crowd, encouraging many to join them.

One of the directors, John Kalia, addressed the attendees. He said, “It's been a year of focus on profitability rather than turnover. Our emphasis has been focussed on adding value to the ticket sales that we make through packaging products.”

P.S. Kang stated,

“Every year has been tough ever since we had started.

But at the end, we came out great. We would have a good year, and we had a very good year last year as well... and we hope to do even better.”

The company's turnover in the last 12 months has increased to over £125 million. They deal with over 100 airlines and yearly, they handled about 265,000 passengers.

Moresand Group has over 450 employees, in the UK and internationally.

The company deals with flights, holidays, hotels, weekend breaks, car hires and travel insurance.

Exhibition on Kolam South Indian floor art at Harrow Arts Centre

Yasmin Hales launched her exhibition - Talking Streets

Architecture, art, music, food and stories are the essence of what forms and keeps a community together, says social anthropologist Yasmin Hales, who has launched her exhibition Talking Streets - at the Harrow Arts Centre.

The exhibition, which focuses on the meaning and expression of Kolam South Indian floor decoration, aims to raise awareness of community heritage and cultural diversity.

Yasmin, who received

various awards for her doctorate research on ‘Talking Streets: The Experience and Expression of Space and Place in Tamil Nadu’, has always had an interest in why different cultures decorate their walls and floors in different ways.

Her latest work is an intergenerational community heritage project, exploring the features of tradition with particular emphasis on the daily street applications of ritual Kolam floor decorations.

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Sunetra Senior

Reshma Trilochun

Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith have boycotted the Oscars

been questioned over the past few years, due to the lack of recognition of black actors.

Actors, such as Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, and filmmaker Spike Lee, are amongst those who are boycotting the awards.

Jada Pinkett Smith, stated in a video on Facebook that she will not be attending the Oscars out of principle.

She said, “Begging for acknowledgement or even asking diminishes dignity and diminishes power, and we are a dignified people and powerful.”

The president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, said that she felt disheartened by the lack of diversity. She said she was “both heartbroken and frustrated about the lack of inclu-

sion... This is a difficult but important conversation and it's time for big changes... Change is not coming as fast as we would like. We need to do more, and better and more quickly.”

She added, “In the 60s and 70s it was about recruiting younger members to stay vital and relevant. In 2016, the mandate is inclusion in all of its facets: gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation.”

For the second year in a row, all twenty acting nominations have been given to white actors, undoubtedly causing an outcry, also leading to hashtags on social media of #OscarsSoWhite.

As per a study conducted by the Los Angeles Times in 2012, approximately 94% of the Academy voters are white and are predominantly men. The study also found that 2% of the votes came from black voters, while less than 2% from Latinos.

Filmmaker Spike Lee, won an Oscar last year for his lifetime achievements as an actor and filmmaker.

He blamed the executives who run Hollywood studios for the exclusion of ethnic minorities in contending roles. Announcing that he'll be boycotting the awards on Instagram, he questioned, “How is it possible for the 2nd consecutive year all 20 contenders under the actor category are white? And let's not even get into the other branches.”

Continued on page 30

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A powerful fusion of the lyrical and the sparse, the evocative and the omitted, the regional and the grand, emerging writer Khalique’s short stories effuse the sort of tightly talented promise that is subtly but surely addicting : ‘As we set off, splitting into smaller groups to better navigate the narrow space and passersby ’ reads one of her pieces, detailing an otherwise typical day trip to Southend – it was published as one of a handful stories in The Asian Writer’s debut collection Happy Birthday To Me, in a celebration of contemporary BritishAsian fiction - ‘the winds renewed their attention, licking at hands and coattails, breathing in our ears (...) we watched them make snaking mists on the water’s surface; ghost water’. *** “I do love the brevity of the short story form,” Khalique told us. “It really packs a punch. You can convey so many big ideas and feelings in one, magnificent burst. It also feels more natural compared to modern life; that sort of fast-paced, social media-influenced lifestyle is a common experience.” Indeed part of the artist’s charm is her own multi-dimensional milieu. Also working as a regular voice over artist for the Channel 4 Group (a continuity announcer on Channel 4 and More 4), while teaching further education level English and making use of her 1st in English Literature from Queen Mary University, the spirited young wordsmith challenges the age-old writer’s paradox of trying to live a diverse life and finding the time to draw from it: “playing with and re-discovering language and feeling the pull of endless possibilities is important, and I’m excited to see where it all takes me.” Feeling inspired long after our time was up, the curiosity of wanting to explore an inner world seemed worthy of pursuing in all professions, and not just for those producing art.

The Academy award has caused an outcry among people, leading us to think whether equality is subjective

Priyanka Chopra at the People's Choice Awards

TLIGHT

Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

The Oscars and Beyond...

It's the year 2016 and people are pledging to make a better person of themselves this year. There have been many instances in history where men and women alike, have had to fight for their voice to be heard, and fight for equality. Those past examples have not been alien to any of us as we are reminded about them in our History lessons at school. However, if we were to look back and analyse the past with the present, will it be feasible to say that equality is no longer an issue in today's day and age? The recent Oscar Academy Award controversy has raised many eyebrows, due to the non-inclusion of black stars in this year's nomination.

The Oscars is the most prestigious and awaited event for not only film buffs, but for the Hollywood film industry as well, where the crème de la crème and the who's who of the business attend the award ceremony. However, the authenticity and the fairness of this award has

SP

Farhana Khalique Channel 4 voice-over work

London Short Story Festival Worksho

Pretty Prose You Can Drink

Have you always been interested in fiction writing?

Yes since Primary School! I have been picking it up more seriously recently, and am feeling more galvanised as a writer. There are so many ways to develop your craft. For example, last year at a workshop chaired by The Asian Writer’s editor Farhana Shaikh, there was this great idea of passing around a bag full of objects – I picked out a small, single packaged Mint Imperial – and what you do is create a quick 6 word story which you can then delve into later.

Does your writing have a central theme?

What I find fascinating are moments; slices of life. My time frames and descriptions revolve around that. I am inspired by people’s inner conflicts and these particular colours. Life is so busy and it is precious when you can capture that. I am of course still working on and developing my themes as a growing writer. I hope to collaborate with others in the future too, and hopefully down the line compile my own book. However my main priority right now is to focus on honing the craft.

In your brief story ‘Too Soon’, you’ve managed to balance description and dialogue: with this it is possible to become too obvious, or too understated. How did you tackle this?

It is different to some of my other stories because it actually has more dialogue v description, but conveying meaning through speech is a great way to quietly but clearly express your character’s

What I find fascinating are moments; slices of life

feelings. It is tempting to think that what makes good writing is lots of flowery description, but toning it down and only communicating what you need to is good practice. Ask yourself what clues can I give to stoke my reader’s interest?

It’s also more fun to read a story that encourages you to piece the plot together.

What genres do you enjoy?

I like drama and literary fiction, but also chick lit and thrillers. I do enjoy what has been crafted and well-written.

Writers who do that really grab my attention e.g. I enjoy early 20th century Modernist fiction: James Joyce, Katherine Mansfield, Jean Rhys, and Chekhov’s short stories. In terms of new

literature, there is a new novel by Ayisha Malik, Sophia Khan is Not Obliged, which has been described as a Muslim Bridget Jones’ Diary.

Do you want to experiment with form?

I would definitely keep to the genre of drama/ literary fiction, but I would love to experiment with time and with space: for example flashbacks, dream sequences, elements of Magical Realism. The writer Haruki Murakami, for example, portrays modern day life in Japan often with a lot of pages that simply (but beautifully) describe a chap making a bowl of pasta, but then you also have these David Lynchian moments with characters going through walls...

What are some of your favourite creative tricks?

I enjoy using visual prompts, sometimes even with fantastical monsters and creatures, but as I tell my classes at college, the most important technique is to keep it personal. The first story I wrote that was published had fairly generic characters. I had names such as Jane and Lydia, very Pride and Prejudice! But then as you become more confident, the nuance of your own experience comes into it. I started to draw more from my own cultural background and this makes it more original.

Finally, what would be your advice to other young aspiring artists?

Don’t give up and surround yourself with positive people.

theasianwriter.co.uk/tag/farhana-khalique/

SPA & FITNESS

ENOUGH OF CELEBRATING

16

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Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

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It's that time of the year where one sets out new year's resolutions, vowing to become a bett year for gyms as scores of people enrol into fitness classes to do away with the post-Christ insight into some of the benefits of going to a spa or getting involved in fitness, as well Reshma Trilochun

Hen-Do

SPAS

The use of spas has gained immense popularity in the last decade, even though different forms of spas have been around from a long time. As an Asian, one is usually skeptical or cautious regarding the use of certain products on their skin and body which would make them think carefully before indulging into a spa treatment. However, there are specific treatments and products that cater to an Asian

customer's needs; such as the treatments and products at Ayurveda Pura's Health Spa & Beauty Centre, situated in Greenwich, London. Spas have been around before the existence of you and I. From the Roman Baths, to the Turkish Hammam, as well as the Moroccan Hammam; spas have been catering to the public's needs by rejuvenating them and vanishing their stress away.

Ayurveda

Roman Baths

The Roman Baths was voted the most romantic building in Britain in a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) poll. The Thermae Bath Spa, which is included in the Spas Ancient and Modern Special package, combines the best of the historic Spa with the contemporary design of the New Royal Bath. You can bathe in the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters of the Minerva Bath, relax in the aroma steam rooms and enjoy the open-air rooftop pool with its magnificent views over the city and surrounding hills.

Products at Ayurveda Pura are certified organic and are designed to follow the principles of Ayurveda, where individuals are given products and treatments bespoke for their body types. They have a unique range of Ayurvedic skincare and cosmetic which include natural, organic vegetarian products. Their specific treatments which has proven to be beneficial for the South Asian communities are the Pinda Sveda treatment, which was the Ayurveda herbal bolus bags in hot oil treatment as part of a massage routine.

Nowadays, going to the spa is a much common and popular choice for a hen party, instead of doing the rounds of nightclubs and downing a few tequilas.

Many spas have special packages for hen parties for the bride-to-be and her special bridesmaids. There are many treatments where you and your friends can indulge in together; like a facial, or a manicure and pedicure. What's more, is that you will most definitely not leave without a goodie bag to take home with mini beauty products for you and your clan.

If you are clueless about where to find yourself the perfect spa at the nth moment, look no further as the internet has the best results. One of the most popular domains where you can search for fantastic spa deals is on lastminute.com.

You'll be surprised with the special offers on spas available throughout the UK.

Runnin' runnin' runnin'...

If you do not want to spend a penny on gym memberships, or if the confide space of a room is not your ideal choice, then the outdoor is your oyster, so to speak! Going to the park for a run could be the best way to destress, exercise and while getting some much needed fresh air. Running works as a good cardiovascular exercise.

Fitness

Taking care of ones body and wellbeing is an essential part of life. Many people take this for granted.

Fitness is much more than just bulking up muscles or fitting into your skimpy bikini. It is more about your internal wellbeing that reflects externally. There are many ways you can become a fitter person by altering your lifestyle, making exercise compulsory, and amending your eating habits.

Yoga Yoga has many benefits, not only on the body, but on the mind as well. It is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing. Yoga originated from India about 5,000 years ago. It has been adapted and altered in many countries in various ways, such as Power yoga or Yoga and Hot Yoga.

There are many evident benefits of doing yoga.

Regular yoga practice has proven to be beneficial for

Hot yoga Hot yoga has emerged as another popular contemporary form of exercise over the years. The name pretty much sums up the exercise- this yoga is pretty hot! Hot yoga is basically you practicing yoga postures in a room that has been heated to 37 degree celsius. If you can embrace

people with heart disease, high blood pressure, lower back pain as well as other aches and pains, depression and stress.

One is never too old to start yoga. One can always join a class suitable for their age and their fitness level. It is rare that one is injured due to yoga.

However, some injuries can be caused by repetitive strain or overstretching.

the heat, then this exercise is just for you. But do bear in mind that it is IMPORTANT that you remain well-hydrated before your hot yoga class. People with high or low blood pressure are advised to attempt an easier form of yoga. If you have any worries regarding your health and whether it would be best for you to practice hot yoga, then you ought to consult with your doctor for the best answer.

Detox

Spas also give you the option of detoxifying. After having indulged to your heart (and to your stomach's) consent, one not only tends to feel bloated but sickly internally.

Detoxing helps you cleanse yourself internally, getting rid of all the toxins and impurities.

You know it is the right time to detoxify when you start getting symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, menstrual problems, mental confusion, and allergies, among many other symptoms.

There are many benefits of detoxing. It can help the body's natural cleansing process by resting the organs through fasting, stimulating the liver to drive toxins from the body,

improving circulation of the body, and refuelling the body with healthy nutrients.

People tend to misunderstand detox with starving yourself. There are certain fasts that one is recommended to undertake, but that does not mean you should not consume anything at all; that is a tad outrageous. There are certain detox diets that could aid with cleansing your system; diets like the fruit and veg detox, juice cleanse or the hypoallergenic detox.

However, with all things new, one must consult with their doctors first. No two people are the same, so it is advised that you get the consent from your doctor before trying a new exercise regime, or a new diet.

SPA & FITNESS Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

, TIME FOR REJUVENATING

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er version of themselves compared to the previous year. It's probably the busiest time of the tmas weight. This week's feature is a special on Spa and Fitness, where we will give you an as inform you about the many ways where one can keep fit and rejuvenate themselves.

Walk it off

Now for those who have difficulties in running due to joint problems, age or other ailments can always opt for walking.

Good diet

There are many benefits of walking, apart from it toning your bum, tum and legs. It also helps you lose weight, lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 60%, strengthens your heart and boosts vitamin D (that's if you choose to walk outdoors while ditching the treadmill). A bonus is that it makes you happy!

That's right, exercise is known as a great booster for mood, and studies has shown that brisk-walking is as effective as antidepressants in some cases of depressions.

Walking also released feel-good endorphins while reducing anxiety and stress.

Meditation Not many people associate meditation with fitness, however, it is an essential part of your well-being. A fit and balanced mind will reflect on the outside, while working its magic internally as well. 10-20 minutes of meditation can do the trick. Meditation makes you focus better, become less anxious and helps you have a better memory.

There are many forms of meditation; such as the guided meditation which is a session conducted with verbal instruction from a teacher; moving meditation, which is the act of quieting the mind and directing your complete attention to whatever you are doing at the moment; sensory meditation,

where the mind is focused on sights, sounds, tastes, scents and other physical stimuli; and in mindfulness meditation, the key is to realise that we are not out thoughts, emotions or actionsthe focus of the mind is the mind itself.

Dance the blues away

Dancing is an extremely fun for of exercise that even people with two-left feet will enjoy!

Zumba has become an international rage in terms of a fitness routine. It's an extremely energetic and fun-filled exercise routine, plus a great way of making new friends and socialising. Plus there are other different

forms that you could opt for, such as salsa, street dance, or even Kathak if Indian classical dancing is more your thing. Plus, it is not necessary that you leave the comfort of your home to dance, you could always choose to do some Bollywood moves or Bhangra while in your bedroom. Every small dance routine makes a big difference in attaining your fitness goal. The beginning is always tough, so don't give up; you're nearly there!

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Take the plunge!

Swimming is a great form of exercise. It is a far more effective way of toning your muscles than any other cardiovascular exercise you may do on land.

For those who do not know how to swim, worry not! Here is where aqua-aerobics comes to the rescue. It provides a full body workout, and it is no longer a form of exercise for grandmas. Working out in water is also great for your internal organs and lymphatic system.

Hit the Gym

time, rather than throwing yourself completely into a diet, especially a diet which may not even be near to possible to keep.

Remember to stay hydrated and opt for more fresh food; avoid processed and junk food.

Going to the gym is one of the most popular choices amongst people as a way of getting fit, probably due to the full body workout options available, from cardio workouts to high intensity muscle-building exercises. For those who are unsure of how to lose weight or tone up can always opt for the option of having a personal trainer as well. Most gyms have personal training options. They can help you achieve your desired fitness goals, as well as put you on a tailor-made diet that would aid you in achieving your dream body.

Fitness blogs

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Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

Secret report says Labour heading in the wrong direction under Corbyn Finally, the Labour Party's mess has come to the fore.

A secret report commissioned by Labour to explain its General Election drubbing has revealed the basic problems the party has faced.

The unpublished report suggests that Labour is moving in the wrong direction under Jeremy Corbyn.

According to The Telegraph, the report called “Emerging from the Darkness” gives a full picture of Labour Party's poor show in the elections. The report was commissioned

by Labour, details of which were leaked to the media over recent weeks.

The report warns that “Labour negatives are deep and powerful”.

The report, obtained by ITV's Robert Peston, says crucial swing voters see the party as “nice” but “in thrall to the undeserving” and “in denial” about its “appalling” track record on the economy”.

To rebuild Labour's reputation, it would need to “atone for its past”, the report says, “redefine and revitalise its brand”, “be for middle class voters, not just down and outs”, “above all, be competent, especially on the economy” and “show it takes Scotland seriously”.

It recommends commissioning an independent review of the party's economic performance in government, “ideally headed by a Tory”.

'Coup Against the Leader' Meanwhile, a Labour MP told The Times that Michael Dugher could

Jeremy Corbyn

launch a leadership coup after the May local elections. “Dugher could go for a shot after May on a suicide bomb mission. It might raise his profile, if he spins it as doing something honourable for the sake of the party. He might win a senior job out of it,” the MP said.

Michael Dugher was sacked as shadow culture secretary in Corbyn's reshuffle and has been a vocal critic of the party leader.

However, friends of Dugher have said that he will not accept a “suicide bomb mission” to challenge Corbyn for the leadership in May, The Times reported.

Speaking on the BBC's Sunday Politics, Dugher, said the Labour leader “faces a big test” in the May elections. Dugher said Corbyn had to be given a chance because of his “huge mandate from party members”, but said he had to show he could convert this into support from the public, including Conservative voters.

Corbyn Counters Corbyn, however, remains

cool and optimistic.

Corbyn told ITV's This Morning: “I'm doing my best to campaign for Labour to win the General Election in 2020 on a policy of investing in housing, education, health. Party members are very happy. I have some of the most fascinating debates you've ever heard in your life with some of my colleagues in Parliament but we're getting on fine. Listen we defeated the Government on tax credits, we defeated them on police cuts, we defeated on that appalling idea of running Saudi Arabia's prisons on behalf of their royal family. We are making progress as a party, don't worry about that. Everybody is getting along just fine.”

Greater Control of Party Structures The Times reported that Corbyn is expected to bolster his position as Labour's ruling body considers taking greater control over party appointments and policy making.

Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) is due to vote on new terms of reference that could include authority over party jobs and policy.

This development, however, hasn't gone down well with everyone.

“A new NEC staffing committee to directly recruit members of staff would make staff recruitment political and divisive, putting our wish to be a great employer at risk,” Bex Bailey, a moderate youth representative, wrote on her website last week.

British Asian Trust to host star studded annual dinner in London

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Not 'traditionally submissive', Muslim women to PM Many British Muslim women have expressed that they were “extremely hurt” after the Prime Minister, David Cameron had allegedly privately suggested that the “traditional submissiveness of Muslim women” could be blamed as one of the reasons for young men becoming radicalised.

Several women have taken to Twitter to highlight their achievements, and have used the hashtag #traditionallysubmissive.

This trend has caught on and one can find many such tweets of women holding up sheets of white paper, with their successes written on them as well as the hashtag.

In the previous week,

the Prime Minister had pledged £20 million on English lessons for Muslim women in Britain. He also stated that there would be fear of deportation for people who fail to learn the language.

GP and political activist, Dr Sukaina Hirji had worked hard to try and get the hashtag trending on Twitter by reposting other people's achievements. She said, “I wanted the Prime Minister to take notice that we, Muslim women, are diverse in our backgrounds, talents and roles, and are absolutely NOT traditionally submissive.

We take our inspiration 'traditionally' from Khadija; employer, businesswoman and wife of

Prophet Muhammad and the contemporary Tawakkol Karman, a Muslim woman who has won the Nobel Peace Prize.”

Dinesh Dhamija appointed as Lib Dem Leader's adviser on enterprise Liberal Democrat Leader Tim Farron has appointed Dinesh businessman Dhamija as his advisor on enterprise. In a recent speech to the Institute for Public Policy Research Tim said that he wanted to make the Liberal Democrats the ‘party of entrepreneurship’ .

He added: “It is a matter of great credit to the party that someone with Dinesh’s outstanding commercial record is willing to give his time to advise the Liberal Democrats.

“A nation's wealth is in the jobs it creates.

Supporting and encouraging entrepreneurship is one of my top priorities.

“His appointment is evidence of our ability to offer a credible, businessfriendly opposition to the government, which is in stark contrast to Labour’s anti-business rhetoric.

“Dinesh has been a very committed supporter of the Liberal Democrats and I look forward to being able

Dinesh Dhamija

to draw on his vast business experience and his strong belief that it is in Britain’s best interest to remain in the European Union.”

Dinesh Dhamija is one of the UK's leading international business people and currently president of TiE London (The Indus Entrepreneurs).

Dinesh founded ebookers.com in 1999, the first interactive British travel website, and took the company public on the US Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange. Ebookers

established a market of 300 million people, by opening offices in 11 countries of Europe, taking sales from 0 to $1Billion in 5 years. Ebookers created 2000 jobs, of which 700 were in the UK. Ebookers was sold for $471 million.

Dinesh’s work takes him around the world and he is determined to maintain Britain’s role as a global leader, including at the heart of a successful European Union. In recent years, this has led to an increased interest in, and involvement in, politics.

Having initially supported the Conservatives, in 2014 he switched allegiance to the Liberal Democrats, realising that only they shared his core values of entrepreneurship and internationalism.

Since then, he has demonstrated his whole-hearted commitment to the party, becoming one of its key donors and joining its fundraising advisory board in 2015.

Immigrants in London schools score better than native speakers, study reveals

Preeya Kalidas, Kailash Satyarthi, Rani Mukerji, Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Sair Khan, Gurinder Chadha and James Caan

The Prince’s Charities, the British Asian Trust, UK’s leading organisation for British Asian philanthropy, will be hosting it's third annual gala dinner on 2 February at the Natural History Museum and will be attended by its Founder and President HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.

The event, which raises awareness for the charity’s work across South Asia will

once again host celebrities from the world of film, TV, music and sports as well as some of the leading names in British and international business and enterprise.

The British Asian Trust’s first ever ambassador, British TV star Sanjeev Bhaskar OBE will host the special evening for 450 supporters and ambassadors.

The night will also feature a musical performance from British chart-topping sen-

sation Leona Lewis, who has sold more than 20 million records worldwide.

Richard Hawkes, CEO, the British Asian Trust said: “We are looking forward to organising another fantastic gala event for our friends and supporters.

This powerful gathering will be an evening of celebration about the tremendous impact we make to the lives of millions of people across South Asia."

Prime Minister's argument against immigrants, especially women's lack of speaking English, has been weakened by a report that suggests that London school children whose first language is not English are getting slightly better overall grades than pupils who were brought up speaking it.

The statistics, complied by the Department for Education, came out on the same day when Government released details of a crackdown on immigrant mothers with weak English skills.

Prime Minister David Cameron announced last

week that spouses who came to the UK on a visa to live with their partner would have their English tested after living in the UK for several years. If they failed the test there was “no guarantee” they would not be deported, even if they had children who were British citizens.

To Mr Cameron's surprise, the capital's GCSE figures have suggested that being brought up with another language is not necessarily a major disadvantage to academic success– in fact could be an advantage in some areas.

The 2014-15 figures

show that 61.3% of pupils whose first language is not English meet the benchmark – compared to just 60.7% who were raised speaking the language.

The difference is even more pronounced in some communities with high proportions of ethnic minority pupils. In Tower Hamlets, where over twothirds of the population belong to ethnic minority groups, mainly Bangladeshi, 67.1% of pupils whose first language is not English reached the benchmark.

This is compared to just 57.8% who grew up speaking English only.

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

R EALESTATEVOICE Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

Profit, from St John’s Wood

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We have just taken on a property in St John’s Wood, a large spacious one bedroom property which comes with share of freehold and is 631 sq. ft., which is large for a one bedder. The price is £750K, this equates to £1,188 per sq. ft. It comes with car parking which makes the deal very good; considering that car parking alone in this location is worth £50K. It is minutes away from the Station and is on the highest floor of the block.

In fairness this is not a bargain basement property, it is well priced and the future growth will be strong. The block, the upkeep of it, the location and you’re getting a share of freehold, makes this very attractive.

Put into perspective ex-council properties are selling for around £1,000 per sq. ft. in this location, in my opinion ex-councils have always been underpriced due to the label put on them. This is no longer the case, the divergence between the two is getting closer.

In fact I would even say as far as a BTL investment goes ex-councils make more sense. The lease is long to begin with and is cheap to renew, service charges tend to be low and rooms tend to be spacious. This is often not the case with private properties where the service charges are often extortionate, and you do not see where the money is being spent. It seems the contractors, the freeholders and the managing agents have a cosy relationship. Technically the leaseholders can get together and purchase the freehold, they have the right to do this but to make this happen in reality is no easy task. Some landlords may be abroad, others may not have the money or the inclination.

We purchased a property in St John’s Wood not very far from this one, in November of 2013. The couple who purchased this property were a semi-retired couple who had never purchased a BTL investment in their whole lives, and at this ripe age they wanted to take the plunge.

Their motivation was partly driven by the paltry returns the banks were giving, and partly by the fact that they wanted to leave something for their offspring.

The property was bought blind, meaning they didn't see it until we were about to exchange. In truth the communal areas were very typically ex-council, with dark corridors and exposed dustbins in the forecourt. The flat however was stunning, it was on the top floor, with a balcony. The views were impressive, the interiors were dated and required work. We had builders ready on completion, on certain deals we have managed to commence works on exchange if we have been able to get access.

The property was purchased for £580,000 and consisted of three bedrooms in 773 sq. ft., this equates to £750 per sq. ft. This puts the above deal into perspective, which is a private property and comes with share of freehold.

A nominal amount was spent on the works, the property was valued again by two agents; three months after the purchase the valuations came in at £650K and £675K. The investors were very pleased as they had not expected the price to come in so high in such a short amount of time, it was beyond their expectations.

At the time of purchase the amount of money required was £145K for the 25% deposit. The rest was mortgaged. What’s interesting is the property was recently remortgaged at a valuation of £725K. When the mortgage company does the valuation it is normally very conservative. At this point you could extract 75% of the valuation which comes to £543K. This means there is only £37K of the initial £145K left in the property, the rest has been extracted.

The property has very little of your investment trapped in it. If this exercise was to be done again in two to three years who knows, you may even be able to extract some equity out of the deal.

In this situation the clients did not want to take any funds out of the deal and preferred to leave them in there. The property is currently rented and is achieving £2,275 per month; and the mortgage is £1,080 per month. Therefore it is cash flow positive, generating £1,000 per month before costs.

This live example puts the deal we’re proposing this week into perspective, the growth rates on this property will be strong, and to get share of freehold, car parking and a top floor flat which is well maintained is a rarity. To have this many boxes ticked on an investment makes it a gem.

There are two points to watch out for in the housing market, one is the rise in stamp duty which will be a hike of 3%; in this example this will equate to £22,500. The second is the mortgage interest element against which only a maximum of 20% of the basic rate of tax can be offset.

Purchasing property now will save you the 3%; and with the other point there are ways and means around this, which can be put in place and will ensure you have a tidy investment.

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20

BUSINESS

www.asian-voice.com

Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel

Dear Financial Voice Reader, I write to you on my way to Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan before a trip with my wife to Silicon Valley (she’s the one working, not me!).

As mentioned last week, each January since 2005 my investment software selects my stocks for the year ahead. This is then independently audited by FT award winning company Sharescope.

Over that term I have more than outperformed Warren Buffet the world's richest man's investments.

So for 2016 – and remember my rule – it’s all the stocks as a whole you look at, not any individual one, divide capital equally and if any falls 25% hold its cash for the rest of the year. These are all based on my APSE Value Growth Income search ie those with sold valuations, growth and income. I have over decades analysed data and academic research to see what the most relevant data points for a company are to determine whether the stock will rise. I do this better than Buffett because I have outperformed him since 2004 when I began publishing my results.

1. Sanderson Group 2. Waterman Group 3. St Ives 4. Bilby 5. Idox 6. Inspired Energy 7. Macfarlane 8. MJ Gleeson 9. Private and Commercial Finance Group 10. Frenkel Topping 11. International Greetings 12. Murgitroyd Group 13. St Ives 14. Treatt What about oil? I have to say what I said last month was perfect: “Well, it would be obvious to say oil will keep falling as clean tech diminishes our reliance and supply is flooding the market. However, the point of oversupply is to make demand for alternatives non-economic and push up oil demand. But, but, but, the supply is endless presently. Of course not in the long term. And given the members of OPEC are pretty poor at co-ordinating, I am going to go with falls in 2016. However, I think the smart money will actually make a month to month decision. Why would you make a prediction for the whole year when you don’t have to?”

RIL plans to raise $2.2 bn to finance Reliance Jio Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani is planning to go for a rights issue to raise $2.2 billion to partly finance the forthcoming Reliance Jio wireless broadband venture. Jio is expected to be launched around April this year and Reliance Industries has ploughed in at least $16bn.

The launch is also long-delayed - its introduction was first mooted in 2012 - while details of the business, which will provide high-speed broadband connections to India’s growing population of smartphone users, have been shrouded in secrecy. Jio’s arrival marks Mukesh's re-entry into the country’s telecoms market after a hiatus of about a decade.

To meet some of costs of its new venture, Reliance Industries said in a stock exchange filing that it would issue 15 billion shares at Rs10 each to existing shareholders. The issue is slightly smaller than a £1.67 billion offer-

ing from State Bank of India in 2008, the country’s largest.

Meanwhile, Reliance also released third-quarter results that exceeded analysts’ expectations, with net profits up 39 per cent year on year. The increase was driven largely by an improvement in margins at Reliance’s main oil refining division, which accounts for about twothirds of group revenue.

However, the company’s share issue came amid a flurry of developments for Jio, as Mukesh’s venture limbers up for a launch that has been a major focus for its founder over recent years, and which is expected to set off a new wave of rivalry in India’s already competitive telecoms sector.

In late December, Reliance staged a starstudded private launch for its new network, attended by the likes of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and musician AR Rahman, along with tens of thousands of employees.

Retrospective tax won’t be imposed: Modi AsianVoiceNews

French President Francois Hollande's visit to India has brought in an investment of over $10 billion in India in a span of the next five years.

“Over the last five years, French companies have invested more than $1 billion per year in India. We estimate that they will continue to invest at least $10 billion over the next five yeas,” said French Finance Minister Michel Sapin, in a speech to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the controversial retrospective tax, which set off a scare among foreign investors after it was introduced in 2012 by the then UPA government was “a matter of past” and “a chapter (that) will not be opened again”. Addressing business leaders of both the countries, and the French President, Modi said his government would ensure that foreign investors were clear about tax systems that would prevail in India over the next 15 years.

“Retrospective tax is a matter of past. That chapter will not be opened again. We are

Francois Hollande and Narendra Modi ensuring that neither this government nor future governments can open this chapter.” The PM said his government was working towards a stable and predictive taxation system in the country. “Whosoever makes investment in the country should know about the taxation system in the country over the next 5 years, 10 years, 15 years,” he said.

Calling both the countries natural partners, Modi said. “It is like made for each other. What you have is our requirement and what you need is the market which we have.” In addition, India also offered a low cost manufacturing destination with

an abundance of skilled manpower. He invited French companies to make in India, especially those in the defence sector. “India wants to enter the field of defence manufacturing... I assure French companies present here, especially in the field of defence manufacturing, that we can do a lot in the area of defence manufacturing.” India had seen a 40 per cent increase in foreign direct investments and established itself as an important destination for foreign capital, Modi said, pointing out that the country's 'Ease of Doing Business' ranking had improved by 12 points after

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his government took over.

“The inflow of 40 per cent FDI in short period of time is proof that the world has recognised India as an important decision. We are working towards improving quality of life. We are working on good governance.

These are the two initiatives that the world is attracted towards,” Modi said, adding, “Ultimately, good governance is the essence of our efforts.” Hollande said there were many sectors in which France could help India make progress, including rail transport, maritime transport, Information Technology, space and defence. He said his country would be pushing for investments worth $ 1 billion per year. Referring to the Chinese growth of 9 per cent per year, he said the level of growth of Chinese economy has slowed down. “There can be many reasons for this. India is an economy which is growing fast and France wants to invest in India. We will be pushing investments worth one billion US dollars per year,” Hollande said. He also offered help to manage the rapid growth of urban India.

Indian economy needs multiple growth engines: Jaitley India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the Indian economy needs multiple engines of growth while the government focuses on reviving private investments. “We have a very noisy democracy, but I am finding that there are more people who want to support growth while others are a very minuscule minority.

Any economy needs multiple engines of growth,” he said, at a session on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting at Davos.

“In the past, we had fewer such engines and we need a few more. Public investment is one that we are doing. We are concentrating on infrastructure and for the first time in history, we have been able to rationalise the subsidies.

India is a noisy democracy but I am sure that we would

be able to get all of them through. Some measures have got delayed but none of them actually hit a complete roadblock,” he said.

About the proposed Goods and Services Tax Bill that stays pending in the Rajya Sabha, Jaitley said the GST legislation would go through as the numbers in India's upper house of parliament will change favourably soon.

“The paradox is that the

party which drafted GST is not on board. But then the numbers in the Rajya Sabha are going to favourably change soon and I am hopeful that the GST would get through.” The BJP-led government expects the numbers to improve in the Rajya Sabha in April 2016, since a number of Congress members will retire in March and April. “Most states that grow will actually add to the country's growth rate. We

are asking people from all over the world to become partners in India's infrastructure growth story,” he said. “I have always said the current rate of 7-7.5 per cent growth rate is not our real potential. We have the potential to add 1-1.5 per cent to this figure. There is still head space that we have and I am sure we would be able to reach that. We were expecting to grow over 8 per cent, but inadequate monsoon not only led to fall in agricultural production but also hit the consumption power of the rural economy.”

In a video message sent to a global conference in Singapore earlier, Jaitley said India was changing its taxation laws towards greater stability and predictability in the tax regime and trying to settle pending disputes.

Tata’s JLR becomes UK’s largest car maker Jaguar Land Rover has become UK's largest car maker, beating long-time industry leader Nissan to second place, building 489,923 cars in the UK in 2015 compared to the Japanese automotive giant's 476,589.

“Britain is the beating heart of our business, so becoming the country's largest vehicle manufacturer is a remarkable achievement, demonstrating our steadfast commitment to the UK manufac-

turing sector,” said Wolfgang Stadler, JLR's executive director of manufacturing. “Year 2015 was a challenging one for the industry against a backdrop of socio economic instability, but it is a testament to our strong product range and dedicated team of employees that JLR has delivered year-on-year growth, with more exciting products come,” he said.

Last year the company bought 11 new and refreshed cars to market,

including the Jaguar XE and XF and the Halewoodbuilt Land Rover Discovery Sport. The company also invested 1 billion pounds in a state engine manufacturing centre in Wolverhampton to build the high technology, low emission Ingenium engine.

Together, these facilities have created more than 10,000 manufacturing jobs in five years, with the overall UK workforce more than doubling to 35,000.

The turnaround came

under the Tata Group, which had acquired the struggling brands from Ford in 2008 in a USD 2.3 billion deal, which was called “an expensive mistake” by many analysts at the time.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “Despite export challenges in some key markets such as Russia and China, foreign demand for Britishbuilt cars has been strong, reaching record export levels in the past year.”

CURRENCYVOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

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

Sterling loses considerable ground against dollar and euro It’s been a mixed week for sterling, initially losing and then gaining slightly against the Euro, Dollar and Japanese Yen. The FTSE had a bad day on the 13th however it has so far managed to fend off falling into the bear trap, trading around 19 per cent off its all-time high of 7,103 in April last year. A key measure of a bear market is an index trading 20 per cent lower than its peak. This fueled fears that this we might be entering a bear market. Most notably, on Thursday we had the monthly inflation figure form the UK that came in better than expected at 0.2% versus an expected 0.1%.

However, sterling continues to be put under pressure as Mark Carney spoke a few hours later and said that ‘now is not yet the time to raise interest rates.’ This is because of a ‘renewed collapse in oil prices, the volatility in China, and the moderation in growth and wages here at home since the summer’. For Carney, there is ‘not enough cumulative progress … to warrant tightening monetary policy.’

Consequently, sterling lost considerable ground against dollar and euro. Also, last week wage growth in Britain slowed in the three months to November even though unemployment fell to its lowest since early 2006, underlining why the Bank of England is saying it will

21

Foreign Exchange

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

take its time before raising interest rates. The tail end of the week saw some ground gained as Sterling edged up as investors focused on strong job creation that took the unemployment rate to 5.1 percent.

The rapid fall in joblessness since 2013 has wrong footed the British central bank, which had expected wage growth to pick up more quickly than it has. Lastly, the UK’s retail sales figure showed consumers reined in their Christmas spending by the biggest amount in over six years but there was more cheer for Chancellor George Osborne after government borrowing dropped sharply. The retail numbers added to signs that Britain's economy slowed late last year and Osborne will still struggle to meet his budget goals for the tax year which ends in March.

Turning to the other side of the Atlantic, the US Dollar continues to the weather the storm in worldwide currency markets. Given near record low oil prices and a slowdown in China, greenback is being viewed as a safe haven currency allowing it to hold its own against its major peers in recent weeks.

Over the last week, manufacturing activity contracted less than expected in January according to the latest survey from the Philadelphia Federal Reserve.

Looking at the Eurozone, there has been some salient data out and Mario Draghi, like always, made remarks that moved the Euro markets. To begin the week, French President Francois Hollande has declared that France, one of the largest Eurozone economies, was in a state of Economic emergency, with unemployment at 10.6%.

Hollande will introduce a €2bn job creation plan. Under a two-year scheme, firms with fewer than 250 staff will get subsidies if they take on a young or unemployed person for six months or more. This shows that the French economy is in a potentially dangerous position, with high unemployment and public debt, with France being one of the EU’s biggest economies this could cause worry in financial markets.

Furthermore Germany, the largest Eurozone economy, released its ‘ZEW Economic Sentiment that came out at 10.2 against an expected 8.2. This is a gauge of the sentiment of investors and analysts for the next 6 months on the outlook of the German economy and is a good indication of economic health and future economic activity. Euro’s ability to stand its ground against dollar given such divergent monetary policies has proved surprising over the last

month. With regards to interest rates, they were left unchanged staying at 0.05% and the overnight deposit rate again left unchanged at -0.3%.

Again, the recent fall in oil prices is what is being sighted as the biggest cause for concern for the ECB and all central banks. In December when Draghi threw a massive curveball out there and said the Eurozone economy was performing well, he expected inflation to read 1% in 2016. However that forecast was generated on the assumption that oil prices would average more than $50 a barrel but now its at $30 a barrel. The Euro lost ground during Friday’s session after French and German manufacturing figures disappointed and Mario Draghi said he would act to improve the Eurozone’s disappointing inflation levels. Sharp falls in the price of oil, slowing growth in China and steep drops in financial markets have raised new questions about the strength of Europe's economic recovery and the ECB's ability to steer inflation back up to its target level of close to two percent.

Lastly, the IMF has cut its world growth forecast for the next two years by 0.2% and warning that the recovery from the financial crisis could be derailed if key challenges are mishandled.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 26th January 2016 @ 2pm

GBP - INR = 96.68

USD - INR = 67.84

EUR - INR = 73.43 GBP - USD = 1.42 GBP - EUR = 1.31

EUR - USD = 1.08 GBP - AED = 5.22

GBP - CAD = 2.01

GBP - NZD = 2.19

GBP - AUD = 2.03

GBP - ZAR = 23.42

GBP - HUF = 411.96

www.rationalfx.com

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

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22

WORLD

In Brief

Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

South African virgins offered scholarships

UTHUKELA: In a not-so-right move to reduce unwanted pregnancy and HIV, a South African mayor has given college scholarships to 16 young women for remaining virgins, to encourage others to be “pure” and focus on school.

Introduced this year, the scholarship has been awarded to young women from Uthukela district in the eastern KwaZulu-Natal province, mayoral spokesman Jabulani Mkhonza said. An estimated 6.3 million people in South Africa are HIV-positive, with more than one in 10 people living with the virus. Several rights groups have condemned the move, saying the conditions of the scholarship were a violation of the dignity of the young girls.

Europe to end passport-free travel

BRUSSELS: Europe is set to suspend passportfree travel for two years after EU ministers have demanded a stop to the inflow of migrants. The European Commission will consider plans that would see the Schengen zone moved north to exclude Greece. Ultimately, it is said that Greece will have its borders sealed off from the rest of Europe, as the country had failed to prevent or register the influx of migrants.

Socialist mayor forced to increase his pay

PARIS: French mayor, Stéphane Delpeyrat, had decided to set an example by slashing his salary, only to be told that his pay cut was illegal and he had to double his pay. On his election in 2014, the socialist had announced to the 505 villagers of Saint Aubin, Aquitaine, that he would make his monthly income €400 (£303).

However, he received a letter which advised him that mayors of villages with less than 1,000 residents cannot be paid less than 800 monthly, under a law that came into force at the start of January.

Yoga teachers ask classes if they could stretch to a beer

NEW YORK: A number of American yoga instructors vouch by a newly discovered ancient practice which may help students achieve a perfectly calm state of consciousness. Drink beer.

An early pioneer of the “Beer and Yoga” movement, Beth Cosi, 46, said that she had sometimes struggled to persuade friends to come to her classes, but found that they confirmed if she held them inside a brewery. She is convinced that beer prolongs the relaxed consciousness achieved on the mat. “It just allows an opportunity to continue the great feeling and the communion, in a sense, that naturally happens in a yoga class,” she said.

14,000 Indians overstayed in US last year: Report

WASHINGTON: Over 14,000 of the 880,000 Indians on business or tourism visas overstayed in the US last year according to official figures.

Overstaying means a non-immigrant who was lawfully admitted to the US for an authorised period but stayed or remains in the country beyond his or her lawful admission period. The 'Entry Exit Overstay Report' released by the DHS, in fiscal 2015, of the nearly 45 million non-immigrant visitor admissions through air or sea ports of entry that were expected to depart in FY 2015, 527,127 individuals overstayed their admission, for a total overstay rate of 1.17 per cent.

Pupil thrown out of school for saying ISIS

WASHINGTON: A 15 year old student at a US school has triggered a federal probe after he allegedly substituted ISIS for the 'United States of America' during the morning pledge of allegiance. A minor, the student is said to have committed the act before the Christmas vacation, according to the Connecticut Post. He is currently being educated separately in a Board of Education annex building. Ansonia police said their probe is complete and that it was referred to Homeland Security, per protocol.

www.asian-voice.com

Nasheed undecided on returning AsianVoiceNews

LONDON: Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed, who is in London for medical treatment, said that he had not yet decided whether to return to his country. Flanked by his legal team including Amal Clooney, Nasheed said he would need to consult on his next move. Addressing a press conference he said, “I know the question you all want to ask is will I go back. This has been more eloquently answered by The Clash in 1982 when I was doing my A-Levels - “should I Stay Or Should I Go?” Nasheed, who was educated in Britain, told reporters.

But he added: “Let me be clear. I will go to the Maldives.

I will definitely go to the Maldives, there is no doubt about that. But only the ques-

Mohamed Nasheed tion is how and when.”

Nasheed, 48, arrived in London last week after being granted 30 days of leave from the Maldives for spinal cord surgery in a deal brokered by Sri Lanka, India and Britain.

He and his lawyers visited 10 Downing Street on Saturday, where Prime Minister David Cameron pledged support. Nasheed

became the first democratically-elected president of the Maldives in 2008 and served for four years before he was toppled in what he called a coup backed by the military and police. Last year, he was sentenced to 13 years in jail on terrorism charges.

During her husband’s imprisonment Mrs Nasheed expressed fears that his life was in danger and that his enemies might try to assassinate him and make it look like suicide.

The United Nations ruled Nasheed’s detention as “arbitrary” and ordered his immediate release. But the Maldives' regime refused to comply with the UN ruling.

Cherie Booth attacked for advising ‘terrorism hotbed’ Cherie Booth’s role in

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

advising the Maldives regime at a time of “burgeoning terrorism activity” has been attacked

by Clooney’s legal team and the former president. Omnia Strategy, Ms Booth’s law firm, is working for the Maldives government, which jailed Nasheed. Speaking in London at the Doughty Street chambers of Ms Clooney, he said: “I think it is very sad that the former prime minister’s wife has decided to work against the people of the Maldives.”

Nasheed and his legal team are urging sanctions against those in the Maldives responsible for “gross” breaches of human rights. All opposition leaders have been jailed and there are also some 1,700 political prisoners facing charges, Ms Clooney said.

Octogenarian accused of gross indecency towards child LONDON: A local newspaper in North London has reported that 88-year-old Pradobh Shukla, from Enfield, North London, was accused of alleged gross indecency towards a child and indecent assault, but has been spared jail as he suffers from dementia.

It is alleged that Shukla had abused Rita* and Rani, who were aged seven and nine at the time. The girls, who are now aged 23 and 25, attempted to take the former treasurer of the Enfield Over 50s Forum to court, only to be told that he was not fit to stand trial.

At a four-day trial of facts in September 2015, at Wood Green Crown Court, jurors unanimously agreed that

Pradobh Shukla Shukla allegedly “did all the acts charged against him”.

The two sisters, Rita and Rani were left sorrowful from this verdict. Rita, who accused Shukla of allegedly abusing her when she was seven said, “I knew it was wrong. Once he did it in front of people- he is

fearless- but I was too young to understand. I told my sister and said I wanted to tell mum and dad- but she was scared and stopped me. But then we saw him in India and he did it in a temple, so I spoke up.”

The judge banned Pradobh Shukla from being in the same room as a child under the age of 16 without their parent or guardian, or spending the night in the same house with a child under the age of 16. He also has to sign the sex offenders register.

Regarding the verdict, Rani said, “It was a relief when he was found guilty, but a strange feeling. We feel as though we haven't got justice because he's not in prison.

He's out there and can go to

Asians shine in Britain's 500 most influential LONDON: In a list of Britain's most influential 500, Times has named a few Asians in different areas. The list is attributed to those shaping our national life, is compiled by Debrett's, presents a fascinating kaleidoscope of individuals who have a real impact on every aspect of our lives. While areas like Broadcasting, Education, Stage, Architecture & Design, Engineering & Technology, Fashion, Advertising, Marketing & PR, Finance and Retail, Digital and Social Media, Music and Sport have mention of no Asians at all, other areas are spotted with some key people from the community.

War and Peace: Sara Khan, co-founder, Inspire, who seeks to counter extremism in Muslim women Shuja Shafi, Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain Mona Siddiqui, theologian, Edinburgh University, an aunthority on classical Islamic law and Christian-Muslim Relations.

Art: Anish Kapoor, sculptor, known for public work such as London's Olympic tower Books: Sir Salman Rushdie, novelist, saw his 2015 novel two years eight months and twenty-eight nights hailed as a 'modern Arabian nights'

Philanthropy: Malala Yousafzai, education and women rights campaigner in Pakistan, is the youngest Nobel prize winner and influential global voice.

Business & industry: Lakshmi Mittal, chief executive, Arcelor Mittal, heads the biggest steelmaker in the world.

Politics: Sajid Javid, business secretary, son of a Pakistani bus driver, was Vice President of Chase Manhattan bank at 25. He overseas the governmental department responsible for business, consumers and training.

Sadiq Khan, Labour MP and London Mayoral candidate, is another bus driver's son of Pakistani origin. Worked as a humanitarian lawyer before entering politics.

Entrepreneurs: Nish and Sach Kukadia, co-founders, Secretsales.com, sell designer fashion brands at low prices to more than 3mn members.

Logan Naidu, Founder and Chief Executive, Dartmouth Partners, a financial recruitment firm that identifies 'elite talent' for junior positions.

Nitin Passi, founder Missguided, sells clothes and accessories aimed at women aged 16-25 in 80 countries.

Rohan Silva, cofounder, Second Home, is a formal political adviser, in an old London

carpet factory, a place where entrepreneurs and creative businesses can come tohgether in pursuit of great work.

Science and Medicine: Sir Harpal Kumar, Chief Executive, Cancer Research UK, worked as a healthcare consultant before joining charity.

Dr Aseem Malhotra, cardiologist, was a founding member of Action on Sugar voicing concerns at bthe effects of a high sugar diet.

Proferssor Waseem Qassim, immunologist, is a professor of cell and gene therapy. His work helped in last year's treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, president, Royal Society is a Nobel prize winning biologist.

Journalism: Mishal Husain, Today presenter, a powerful female voice, with family roots in Pakistan.

Food & Drink: Nadiya Hussain, The Great British Bake Off winner is the sixth champion of the BBC Series.

Karam Jyotin and Sunaina Sethi, owners, JKS Restaurants, run Indian restaurants Trishna, Marylebone, Gymkhana in Mayfair and Hoppers in Soho.

Law: Shami Chakrabarti, Director, Liberty, stepping down after 12 years leading the human rights camoaign group.

the library or wherever he wants... He is out and free to do whatever he wants, and he is mobile. That isn't fair.”

A representative of Pradobh Shukla issued a statement to Asian Voice which read, “The court decided that Mr Shukla was unfit to stand trial due to his poor health.

This meant that a trial of facts was carried out where only one side of events was heard, therefore, Mr Shukla did not have an opportunity to state his case and defend himself against these allegations. Mr Shukla strongly denies all allegations and his whole family stand by him.” *Names have been changed to protect their identities.

Sikh man evicted from Trump rally IOWA (US): The one thing Presidential candidate Donald Trump has trumped at, is making people hate on him with a vehemence which is beyond repair. A Sikh protester was recently evicted from his election rally in Iowa as the man held up a placard that read “STOP HATE”.

Sporting a red turban, Arish Singh held up the poster when Trump was speaking of 9/11. “We have radical Islamic terror going on all over the place, all over the world, and we have a president that won't say it.” He interrupted his address to the rally as Singh, 35, was ejected along with a friend as the crowd reportedly chanted “USA USA”. Watching as the Sikh protester was forced out by the security, Trump told his audience, “He wasn't wearing one of those hats was he? And he never will, and that's okay because we got to do something folks because it's not working.” A few minutes into the incident, he went on to talk about terrorism and referred to 'hats' several times.

This is not the first time somebody protested at a Trump rally. A Muslim woman named Rose Hamid who demonstrated wearing a T-shirt that read “Salam! I come in peace!” was similarly evicted.

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

The ABC of Davos

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

CB Patel & Anand Pillai What is Davos?

Davos is a municipality in the district of Prattigau/Davos in the canton of Graubunden, Switzerland.

Davos is host to the World Economic Forum (WEF), an annual meeting of global political and business elites (often referred to simply as Davos) and the home of one of Switzerland's biggest ski resorts.

What is World Economic Forum?

The World Economic Forum is a Swiss non-profit foundation based in Cologny, Geneva. Recognized by the Swiss authorities as the international institution for public-private cooperation, its mission is cited as “committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas”.

WEF has Come a Long Way The World Economic Forum has grown from a small huddle in the 1970s, when it was started by the academic Klaus Schwab, to hosting more than 2,500 participants, of which more than 1,000 are chief executives or company chairs and more than 40 are world leaders.

What Happens in Davos?

There are lots of meetings. Anyone can attend the public meetings. The closed ones – only those with a white badge can attend (i.e. they've paid to attend the conference or have been invited). The private ones – you don't come to know about them. Those are where the big deals are discussed, behind closed doors.

Inside Story Apart from all the talking there is a lot of ‘partying’ and mostly you don't have to pay. Companies attending the conference put on dinners and drinks to provide a networking opportunity for their clients.

So yes, there is food and drink on tap, but they're not exactly parties. Occasionally big name bands will show up to liven things up.

Podium for Ideas The purpose behind the congregation is to spark ideas and conversations – it doesn't pretend to solve them there and then. The BRICS New Development Bank – an alternative to the World Bank and the IMF launched last year – was conceived during a conversation between economists Lord Stern and Joseph Stiglitz in Davos in 2011.

How to Go About It? You either have to be invited – and to do that, assuming you’re not a world leader or chief executive, you probably need to be running a socially minded company or an NGO – Or you can get your company to pay CHF 27,000 (£19,000), plus membership of the World Economic Forum and a very expensive hotel.

One famous venture capital firm spends at least £500,000 keeping its investors happy at the event.

If you don’t have that kind of money, you can still just turn up in a camper van, and attend the fringe events.

Advance Planning People leave no stone unturned to get within a snowball’s throw of the movers and shakers. Planning is the key. You can get what’s known as a “hotel badge” which does not give you access to the conference itself, but gets you past hotel security where the parties are held.

India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

What you need to know?

The day usually starts with a breakfast invite for 7am. It's cold – ski gear is ideal.

But this is a conference and as soon as you get inside it’s really warm. Many people carry a change of shoes in their bag.

Winter Gear & Wardrobe For starters, pack the right kind of clothes. Davos is high up in the Swiss mountains, above 1,500 metres.

In January it is cold, especially at night time. Temperatures can drop to minus 20 Celsius. You need some serious winter gear, and good boots to trudge through the snow and ice.

Your wardrobe should strike the right balance between keeping warm and what's loosely termed “business casual”.

Most men wear suits or smart jackets, but ties are optional.

Be Smart The biggest problem for a newcomer is to avoid being overwhelmed.

Hundreds of official sessions have been crammed into five days, and then there is the lure of dozens of private parties and networking events every day.

Work out which sessions you really want to attend.

Reserve a place at your key sessions early. Some events are full within 15 minutes after booking starts.

Controlled Chaos Don’t be intimidated when everybody seems to be striding through the conference centre full of purpose. Even Davos regulars can get lost at times.

If you move between buildings, say the Congress Centre and the Belvedere hotel (where most parties are held), always allow for some extra time to get through security.

Networking Strike up a conversation with people you've never met before.

There are no public relations managers and no personal assistants. Just you and about 2,500 of the who’s who of the world.

It is here that social entrepreneurs, young executives and technology pioneers make the contacts that can change their lives and the fate of their companies.

Talk, listen, learn; be open to surprises and be prepared to surprise others.

Emotional Intelligence The event is not just about talking shop. Its founder and executive chairman Klaus Schwab says that one benefit is that those attending can develop “emotional intelligence”.

Basic Data Population of Davos – 11,000 Population during WEF – 30,000 Chief executives or chairmen – 1,074 World leaders – 40 plus Women – 18% (Source: World Economic Forum)

One-Stop Platform for Meeting Clients India at the Davos It’s easier to meet all your clients at one place than flying all around the world to meet them.

More needs to be done on ‘ease of doing business’ with India, says Jaitley India’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

UK Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

has said India’s ranking has improved on ‘ease of doing business’ in the last one year, but more needs to be done on that front and necessary steps are being undertaken.

Speaking at Davos at “The Global Economic Outlook” session on the last day of the WEF Annual Meeting, Jaitley said the political opposition is unlikely to obstruct the reform process, including on the direct and indirect tax reforms.

Jaitley said the Goods and Sales Tax (GST) remains very high on the government’s priority, while the new bankruptcy law is another major reform measure, going ahead.

Confident of pushing GDP growth higher and continuing the reforms agenda, Jaitley was hopeful about the GST getting through which is one of the few reforms that has been held up.

The panelists said India remains a bright spot in the global economy with a growth rate of over 7 per cent, the highest

for any large economy.

The other panelists in the session included IMF chief Christine Lagarde, British Chancellor of Exchequer George Osborne, Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda and Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse's CEO Tidjane Thiam.

To a question on whether there were any problems, Jaitley said there are “quite a lot” still and one of the basic problems remains that a large population still lives in poverty.

“To take them out of poverty, we need a sustained high level of growth for a long time. There is an increasing realisation in India that given some favourable conditions, we can grow at a much faster pace,” he said, according to a PTI report.

Besides global factors, Jaitley said, there have been two successive bad monsoons which have hurt rural demand and therefore, the growth rate.

“On global situation, oil price has been quite helpful, but shrinkage of exports has been an adversity,” he said.

Jaitley said the government has taken a number of steps and some more are in the pipeline, including some legislative reforms. “If we get through with that, we can grow at a much faster pace in coming years.”

23

Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan

Asked about his high priority areas, Jaitley said, “I think what is extremely important is that all steps that the government has taken have been in one direction. We have not made any mistake. States have also become very competitive and that is also a very good news for India. Also, it is only one or two legislations, including GST, that has been held up, but it is very high on our priority.

The direct tax reforms we are undertaking should not have any problems. We are also hopeful of the indirect tax reform.

Then, we have new bankruptcy law. One main reform which is still work in progress is ease of doing business in India. We did not have a great track record on that, but our rankings have improved there also. Still, it remains a work in progress and we will continue to take steps on that front.”

On technology, Jaitley agreed that the new trends in this area and the fourth industrial revolution would indeed benefit India. “Indians over the last one decade or so took naturally to IT. This was because of energy unleashed within and outside the country. The new Startup India campaign is targeted at that again.

We have announced tax breaks and many more benefits and the government will adopt a no-interference approach. These measures would unleash the entrepreneurial energy of Indians in the technology space,” Jaitley said, according to the news agency report.

RBI boss Rajan upbeat about India’s future Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan is very hopeful of the Indian economy and believes that India will lead in years to come.

Speaking to NDTV in Davos, Rajan said the current market situation is very volatile. He says India is in the process of recovery and limits of certain policies are worrying.

Rajan ticked off the rich by saying, “This is an issue about the wrongdoers amongst the community who raised the cost of borrowing for everybody. This is saying if we can get those guys to behave.”

On banks, he said, “We are in process of cleaning them up, we spent quite some time giving them the powers to take actions, now that they have those powers, they have a lot of flexibility on dealing with loans.”

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24

INDIA

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Probe ordered into Dalit scholar’s suicide Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

NEW DELHI: The Modi government has decided to set up a judicial commission headed by a retired high court judge, to probe the chain of events leading to the death of Rohith Vemula, the University of Hyderabad (UoH) research scholar, while also spelling out a protocol to sensitise university administrators about problems faced by socially, educationally and economically disadvantaged students.

The decisions came barely two days after HRD minister Smriti Irani said Rohith Vemula's suicide shouldn't be made out to be a “Dalit vs non-Dalit” issue and hours

after a two-member fact-finding team of the ministry submitted its report. In fact, HRD ministry's statement talks of evolving better mechanism to address problems of disadvantaged sections.

Sources said the change in the ministry's stand comes in the wake of reservations

Another Kerala minister quits over bar bribery case KOCHI: Kerala's excise minister K Babu has resigned after a court directed vigilance and anti-corruption bureau to register case against him over alleged corruption charges in the bar bribery case. The vigilance court also ordered that the first report in the case should be filed by February 22.

Babu is the second minister in the UDF government after former finance minister KM Mani, to resign from the post following their alleged involvement in the bar bribery case.

Babu told newsmen that he had handed over the letter of resignation to the chief minister Oommen Chandy before he came to meet media. Babu has accused the CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan of playing dirty games in the bar bribery case episode. "Kodiyeri met 4-5 bar hotel owners on December 15 at the residence of CPM MLA Sivankutty in Thiruvananthapuram.

K Babu Kodiyeri there asked the bar owners to raise allegations against more ministers," said Babu, explaining how his name popped up in the case.

He said he would fight for justice and rights in the court. The court also ordered that a case be registered against Biju Ramesh, bar hotelier, who had levelled the bribery allegations against the minister.

Biju Ramesh, also the working president of Kerala Bar Owners Association, had alleged that £1 million was given to Babu for renewal of licences of liquor bars.

expressed by a few allies like Ram Vilas Paswan and even some within BJP that the incident could have been handled more sensitively.

Just before announcement of the judicial commission which is to submit its report in three months, Irani spoke to Rohith's mother and offered her condolences. The judicial panel will review the entire sequence of events and the circumstances leading to his suicide. The panel, to be notified after the local body

and assembly by-election, will either be headed by a retired chief justice or judge of a high court. It will also establish the facts and correctives in the context of the university.

Though the two-member fact-finding team has not blamed VC Appa Rao Podile directly, he was asked to go on indefinite leave amid protests by student groups demanding his resignation.

Pressure was mounting on Appa Rao after a probe conducted by the Union HRD ministry found flaws in the way the five Dalit students were suspended from the hostel by the university and forced to sleep in the open.

BJP gearing up for assembly poll in Kerala KASARGOD: BJP has slammed the ruling Congressled UDF and opposition CPI(M)-led LDF for 'ruining' the state, in its much hyped political yatra ahead of the Assembly elections in Kerala.

Senior BJP leader and Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu flagged off the 'Vimochana Yatra' led by the party's state president Kummanam Rajasekharan at Uppalla. The yatra will cover 140 constituencies across the state and end in the state capital on February 10.

Speaking on the occasion, Naidu accused both the fronts of ruining the state over the years. He said the leaders of both the UDF and the LDG were involved in corruption and follow the appeasement policy. He said the BJP stressed on all-round development and justice for all, devoid of special affinity towards any particular section, adding the party-led central government's aim was to have housing for all by 2022.

Naidu also took a dig at Congress and CPI(M), who are rivals in the state, but are joining hands in West Bengal and New Delhi. Calling the recent Dalit student's suicide in Hyderabad “unfortunate”, he charged the Congress with indulging in “misleading propaganda” over the incident. The authorities will take action on the basis of the investigation report, he said.

Noted film actor Suresh Gopi read out a pledge at the function presided over by senior party leader O Rajagopal.

The political yatras of Congress led by KPCC President VM Sudheeran and CPI(M) led by politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan are presently winding up across the state.

Punjabis consume Pak drugs Sex ratio in Haryana crosses worth £750 mn per year 900 mark after a decade CHANDIGARH: A new study by AIIMS has found that opioids worth £750 million were consumed in Punjab annually, of which, heroin's share is a whopping £650 million. The news comes as shocking as almost all the heroin that comes to the state is through the Pakistan border, supplied by smugglers allegedly aided by the ISI. Security agencies have so far insisted that Pakistani heroin is not consumed in Punjab; it merely passes through to bigger cities like Delhi. But this first of its kind survey by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) at AIIMS has effectively put an end to the myth. The study covering 10 districts says in a population of around 2.77 crore people, there are more than 1.23 lakh heroin-dependent people.

Previous studies conducted in several districts of Punjab

had shown widespread use of synthetic or pharmaceuticalopiod drugs. The survey reveals that opioid-dependent people are spending approximately £20 million daily on these drugs.

Based on the previous studies, Punjab's opioid dependants are four times more than the global average. In effect, not only are the drug smugglers being used to push jihadis into India, they are also creating an army of drug addicts in Punjab.

CHANDIGARH: Haryana has seen significant improvement in the state's sex ratio, with the number of girls crossing 900 mark in December. “The sex ratio in Haryana has shown an upward trend as for the first time in 10 years, in December 2015, it has crossed the 900 mark with 903 girls per 1,000 boys,” said Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Crediting the success to the state's multi-pronged strategy implemented under the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' campaign, Khattar recalled that the Prime Minister had on earlier occasions appreciated the state's efforts to this effect, including 'Selfie with Daughter' both in the country as well as abroad. While 12 districts have recorded sex ratio above the 900 mark in December, Sirsa topped the list where the number of girls stood at 999 per 1000 boys.

Panchkula has registered sex ratio of 961, Karnal 959,

Fatehabad 952, Gurgaon 946, Sonepat 942, Jind 940, Rewari 931, Mewat 923, Bhiwani and Mahendragarh 912, and Hisar of 906, the CM said. Jhajjar stood lowest with 794 girls.

The CM also said tough measures were taken while implementing the PreConception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, and Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971. As many as 58 and 72 FIRs were registered under the provisions of the PCPNDT and MTP Acts, respectively, from June, 2015, till date. As many as 18 cases of sale of sex selection drugs to ensure birth of male child were registered and about 50 FIRs were lodged for illegal sale of MTP kits.

Apart from this, prominent personalities like ex-MLA, Indri, Karnal, who was caught red-handed while getting a sex detection test conducted, were put behind bars, he said.

In Brief

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‘Amma Call Centre’ launched

CHENNAI: In a bid to make governance more accessible to the public, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has launched the 'Amma Call Centre', which would function round the clock to receive calls from citizens. The call centre would receive calls made through the toll-free number 1100, manned by 138 people in the initial phase, to receive at least 15,000 calls per day.

“Based on the need, more persons would be added to the call centre,” an official release said. Details of the grievances from callers would be sent to officials concerned, through e-mail, phone call and text messages.

IBM employee allegedly killed by her social media friend

BENGALURU: An IBM employee living in her Bengaluru apartment has been murdered by a man she befriended on social media. Kusum Singla, 31, was found dead in her apartment by her flatmate after the latter returned from work in the evening. She had been hit with a sharp object and was strangled with the cord of her laptop, the police said. The murder was quickly solved, followed by the arrest of a man called Sukhbir Singh. “She was lying in a pool of blood. Our team spent six to seven hours at the scene of crime and identified the suspect,” said senior police officer P Harisekharan. The case, he said, was cracked in three hours and Sukhbir was tracked through social media posts and cell phone records. Sukhbir Singh was arrested from Haryana for the murder.

Akali sarpanch shot dead at Sangrur village

SANGRUR: Akali Sarpanch of Balra near Lehragaga has been shot dead during his after-dinner walk at the village. Jagsir Singh, 36, who is accused in more than 10 criminal cases, some of them of a serious nature, took 11 bullets. He had made many enemies, and the police believe the three attackers to be among them. The killers managed to flee under the darkness. A police official said that a case had been registered and investigation progressing.

Le Corbusier's furniture stolen in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH: A theft of Le Corbusier's furniture has come to light, as the city busies itself with preparations prior to French President Francois Hollande's visit.

The theft has brought to light, some serious security issues as it took place at the Chandigarh College of Arts, located close to the Government Museum and Art Gallery in Sector 10. The stolen furniture, designed by Chandigarh creator Le Corbusier and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, includes 15 wooden armchairs and a table, which, experts believe could be auctioned for over £100,000. “There was dense fog at night.

The main concern is the timing of the burglary, with the French president about to visit Chandigarh,” a senior police officer said. DSP (central) Satish Kumar said, “An FIR was lodged against unknown persons.”

HC rejects liquor baron's bail petition

CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed an anticipatory bail petition moved by liquor baron Shiv Lal Doda, accused in the murder of a Dalit, Bheem Taank, on December 11 last year.

Justice MMS Bedi dismissed the bail petition, observing that as per prosecution, Doda is required for further detailed investigation in the case. Doda had submitted that he manages a liquor business from New Delhi across North India, including New Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, and that the current turnover of the business is £140 million.

INDIA Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

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Modi opens Loomba Foundation's project for widows in Varanasi AsianVoiceNews

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched Loomba Foundation's project to empower 5,000 widows in Varanasi recently. This project will not only help the widows but it will also support 50,000 of their children and family members. Each widow will receive training in tailoring for two months. Once the training is completed, the Loomba Foundation will give each beneficiary a sewing machine so that they can start their own business or work in a factory to earn money, and become self-reliant. They will be able to educate their children and support their family members.

The widows come to Varanasi to spend the rest of their lives after being ostracised by their families and society. According to the 2011 census more than 90,000 widows are there in Varanasi. Modi, who represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha said, “I met Lord Loomba about a year ago in Delhi and he mentioned that his foundation would like to support 5,000 widows in Varanasi.

I met him again at the House of Lords during my visit to London in November last year. He told me that the Varanasi

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project had started and it was progressing as planned.

Both Lord Loomba and his wife are dedicated to help the widows in India. I am pleased to launch their project here today. I commend their work and feel happy that both of them are present at this event here today”.

Lord Loomba CBE, founder and chairman trustee, thanked the Prime Minister for launching the project and presented a copy of the Loomba Foundation’s recently published “World Widows Report” to him; it is the most authoritative and comprehensive countrywise data source on the plight of widows. The Report reveals that the number of widows in the world has gone up by 9% since 2010. There are over

258 million widows and their 585 million children worldwide.

Lord Loomba also appealed to the Prime Minister saying “since there are over 46 million widows and over 100 million children in India who need support from all of us as individuals, policy makers and corporates alike, the Indian Government should establish a ‘National Commission for Widows’ to help them.” He also added that unless the Indian Government comes forward to help widows, India will never be able to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals which have been signed by all the governments, including India, at the 69th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York in September 2015.

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LONDON HA1 1LG

RUISLIP HA4 7AA

ANDOVER SP10 1NF

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50 High Street, Hampshire Let to Burton/Dorothy Perkins Properties Limited t/a Dorothy Perkins guaranteed by Arcadia Group Limited Rent £55,000 p.a.x.

BRIDGEND F31 1EJ 6 Adare Street Let to Thomas Cook Retail Limited Rent £45,000 p.a.x.

EVESHAM WR11 4SQ 41 Bridge Street Let to Salvation Army Trading Company Limited until 2020 Rent £25,000 p.a.x.

BIRMINGHAM B17 9PU 334 / 348 High Street, Harborne

Retail unit let to Baleday Ltd until 2025 with Fixed Rental Uplift in 2020 Rent £36,559 p.a.x. rising to £41,769 p.a.x.

Two Retail Units and Two Residential Flats on Busy Pedestrianised Street Rent £46,314 p.a.x.

PORTSMOUTH PO2 0LN

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54 - 56 London Road

2 Coldharbour Lane

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Let to Power Leisure Limited until 2024 (subject to option) Rent £52,750 p.a.x.

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TAMWORTH B77 5AD

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Let to Kwik-Fit Properties Limited (Guaranteed by Kwik-Fit Holdings Limited) until 2030 (no breaks) Rent £81,014 p.a.x.

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45 High Street, Harborne

12 Nottingham Street

BIRMINGHAM B17 9PU

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125 High Street, Harborne

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Let to Lloyds Bank Plc Rent £75,000 p.a.x.

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25

Authorities flayed for failure to probe rape charges against cops Authorities in Chhattisgarh will have to conduct a swift, thorough and independent investigation into the refusal of police officials to investigate complaints of rape by the police, said Amnesty International.

Thirteen Adivasi women said they were raped and sexually assaulted by police and security force personnel during search operations in Nendra village in Bijapur district of the state, between 11-14 January. The men have also allegedly raped or sexually assaulted other women, threatened to beat up villagers, and steal poultry, other food and money.

However, when the women tried to file an FIR at the office of the District Collector, the police recorded the women's statements saying they could not register a report. It took a press conference by activists for the police to finally register a First Information Report

against unnamed police and security personnel for offences including rape, gang-rape, and sexual assault. Amnesty India Women's Right Campaigner, Gopika Bashi said, “The unnecessary delay in registering complaints of sexual violence against police and security forces is extremely worrying. The authorities must thoroughly investigate both the allegations of abuse and the delay. The repeated allegations of sexual violence by security forces in Chhattisgarh point to a disturbing trend.

The Chhattisgarh government needs to independently investigate these allegations, and ensure that anyone found responsible is swiftly brought to justice.”

One of the statements made by the women reads, “Two men caught hold of me and dragged me inside my house. They took off my clothes, tore my blouse and

pressed my breasts. One policeman raped me and said 'we will burn down your houses. If it wasn't daytime, we would have killed you.'” The women's lawyer said, “The women who were raped were not able to even walk properly.

Despite that, they went to file and FIR, but police officials refused to register an FIR unless the Superintendent of Police was present.”

This is not the first case of alleged sexual assault by security forces. Six Adivasi women from Kunna village, Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, alleged that security force personnel had stripped and sexually assaulted them on 12 January. The police are yet to register an FIR in the case.

Women from Pedagelpur, Bijapur district of Karnataka, filed an FIR alleging rape and sexual violence by security officers between 19-24 October.

Modi declassifies 100 secret files relating to Netaji Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declassified 100 files on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, in a move welcome by the freedom fighter's family.

His death remains a mystery seven decades after he was believed to have died in an aircrash. Modi released digital copies of 100 files on the birth anniversary of Bose, at the National Archives of

India, following the government's decision to declassify files.

He also launched a webportal https://netajipapers.gov.in, to release digital version the files.

The leader's family members, who were present at the event, were overwhelmed and called it a “great day for the entire nation.”

26

SPECIAL

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The legacy of Gandhi will live on AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

CB Patel & Anand Pillai

found influence on our own liberation movement, and on my own thinking.”

Gandhian philosophy, he said, had enabled them to mobilise millions of people in the defiance campaign. It “contributed in no small measure to bringing about a peaceful transformation in South Africa and in healing destructive human divisions that had been spawned by the abhorrent practice of apartheid.”

Mandela said: “In a world driven by violence and force, Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence holds the key to human survival in the 21st century.”

Yes, you read it right.

Gandhi is relevant in 21st century. At a time when the world is plagued by terrorism & extreme fanaticism, ecological destruction, consumerism, materialism, greed, religious conflicts, revenge & counter-revenge and threatened by nuclear war, Gandhi and Gandhian values of simple living and his message of peace & non-violence is the need of the hour to overcome intolerance & violence. This is a modest attempt to let the world know that “You can kill Gandhi but you can't kill his legacy”.

GUJARAT BORN Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in Porbandar in Gujarat on October 2, 1869.

POWER OF PEACEFUL PROTEST When Gandhi was leading the struggle for Independence, he insisted that the means of protest used by his followers should be non-violent, even if violence was used against them. In this way they were able to change the heart of the opponents and make their point. Gandhi called this method of protest “satyagraha”. In today’s struggles for justice and peace, the moral force of truth and non-violence can win victories in the court of world public opinion.

SOLUTION TO UNEMPLOYMENT In order to solve the problem of unemployment in rural India, Gandhiji urged that Indians should stop buying imported cloth from England, and should instead spin and weave their own cloth. His message is so relevant today.

REDUCE CONSUMPTION After Gandhi was gone, it was found that his possessions included just his glasses, a pair of sandals, a homespun cloth (his only garment) and a watch – the bare minimum needs.

What Gandhi had tried to show is that the commonly assumed connection between wealth and merit is false. At a time when we are facing a crisis of diminishing resources, Gandhi’s philosophy of simple living and high thinking is very relevant.

Fossil fuels, water, metals, land – everything will become scarce in the future. This will force a change in lifestyle – more towards simplicity and less towards consumerism.

FOR THE POOR Today's world is characterized by intolerable economic inequalities, both between nations and within nations. The rich are becoming richer, while the poor are getting poorer.

Nearly half of the world’s population – more than 3 billion people – live on less than $2.50 a day. More than 1.3 billion live in extreme poverty – less than $1.25 a day. 1 billion children worldwide are living in poverty. According to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty.

Gandhi’s concern for the poor can serve as an example to us today, as we work to achieve a more equal world. He said, “There is enough for every man’s need, but not for every man’s greed.”

BRIDGING RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES One big problem he faced to free India from British rule was disunity and distrust, even hate, between the Hindu and Muslim communities. Each community felt that after the British are gone, they might face violence from the other. His struggles with this problem are highly relevant to us today when there’s so much religious and ethnic differences in the world.

GANDHI AND RELIGION Gandhi finds kindred spirits in the vegetarian movement and at the Theosophical Society which help him to return to the traditional Hindu principles of his childhood: vegetarianism, no alcohol and sexual abstinence.

Influenced by the society, Gandhi formulates his own ideas about the essential unity of all peoples and religions.

Gandhi has often acknowledged Bhagavad Gita’s profound effect on his life. Gandhi interpreted that action without expectation of fruit was the essence or quintessence of the entire work. Self realization or liberation may be the goal of Hindu philosophy. But for Gandhi, Gita’s stress is on attaining liberation through selfless action.

Renunciation of all desires of action was ultimate message, according to Gandhi.

RELIGIOUS VALUES Gandhi believed all religions are based on the concepts of truth, love, compassion, non-violence and the Golden Rule. When asked whether he was a Hindu, Gandhi answered, “Yes I am. I am also a Christian, a Muslim, a Buddhist and a Jew.” Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

At a time when there are conflicts based on religious differences, Gandhi and his thoughts are so relevant today. The need of the hour is to have a leader like him in the world.

ENDS AND MEANS For Gandhi the “means to the end” was more important than the end itself.

Gandhi’s advocacy of nonviolence is closely connected to his attitude towards ends and means. He believed using violent methods for achieving a desired result would invariably result in an escalation of violence.

To the argument that “the end justifies the means”, Gandhi answered firmly: “They say that ‘means are after all means’.

I would say that ‘means are after all everything’. As the means, so the end. Indeed, the Creator has given us limited power over means, none over end...The means may be likened to a seed, and the end to a tree; and there is the same inviolable connection between the means and the end as there is between the seed and the tree. Means and end are convertable terms in my philosophy of life.”

INFLUENCED LEADERS

WORLD

Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Tibetan Dalai Lama, Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi were greatly influenced by Gandhi’s thoughts and principles.

US President Barack Obama too was deeply influenced by Gandhi. He said, “I might not be standing before you today as President of the US had it not been for Gandhi and his message he shared that inspired America and the world.”

MANDELA ON GANDHI

SOUTH AFRICA IN 21ST CENTURY Once ruled by the white minority, South Africa today is a parliamentary representative democratic republic with a black person at the helm (President Jacob Zuma).

Their Finance Minister is an Indian-origin (a Gujarati), Pravin Gordhan. Till a few weeks ago, their national Test cricket captain was Hashim Amla, an Indianorigin Gujarati Muslim.

If Gandhi and Mandela’s principles were not implemented to the core in South Africa, these positive changes in the

Nelson Mandela and Gandhiji Mandela learned from Gandhi the essential virtues of forgiveness and compassion, values that served him and his country very well on his assumption to power.

The world marvelled when Mandela and his colleagues eschewed any spirit of revenge and achieved the “miracle” of national reconciliation as they proceeded to establish a non-racial democratic government in May 1994.

Mandela, who had become the symbol of resistance even while imprisoned for more than 27 years, said in the 1990s: “The values of tolerance, mutual respect and unity for which he (Gandhi) stood and acted had a pro-

Dr Martin Luther King Jr was inspired by Gandhiji

rainbow nation would not have taken place.

KING ON GANDHI Interest in Gandhi spread widely in the West in the 1950s with the civil rights movement led by the Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, in the US. In the famous “I have a dream” speech in 1963, Dr Martin Luther King Junior said: “I have a dream that one day this nation (America) will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.”

It was Martin Luther King’s dream that saw Americans break the walls of racial discrimination and prejudice. Americans of colour finally stood shoulder to shoulder with others. Many years later (in 2008) it was that dream that saw a man of colour run for presidency and win.

Barack Obama made history by becoming the first black man to rule from the White House.

Martin Luther King

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had fought a hard long battle to ensure integration of African American community into the mainstream.

And his inspiration was none other than Mahatma Gandhi. “I was so deeply moved by Gandhi and Gandhian techniques. I was deeply influenced by Gandhi.”

GANDHI ONLINE Another testimony of the influence of Gandhi is the countless number of scholarly studies on his life and thought published each year. The number of websites on Gandhi and the content of those websites have greatly risen over the years, and the number of those accessing those websites too has increased.

GANDHI’S PHILOSOPHY Satyagraha is the philosophy of non-violent (or “passive”) resistance employed

by Gandhi in forcing the end of the British Raj – but first wielded against racial injustice in South Africa.

The interest in satyagraha led to the study of the views of Gandhi on other aspects of life and encouraged movements for simple life, deep ecology, animal rights and respect for all religions.

THE INCIDENT THAT CHANGED HIS IDENTITY When Gandhi started off, he was a man of limited talent. He could not make a living, even though he was a qualified lawyer.

When he went to fight his first case in a court in India, he said: “I stood up to argue my case and my heart sank into my boots.”

This was his expression.

And, of course, he lost the case. Then he decided that law is not for him. He must seek some other profession because he doesn’t have the courage to stand up and speak in a courtroom.

Now, does this sound like the tall leader that we all know today as the Mahatma – the man who moved millions of people?

He then went to South Africa. He was doing okay as a lawyer. And one day he bought a first class ticket in a train and got in. After some time a white South African got in, but he didn’t like a brown-skinned man (Gandhi) sitting in the first class compartment. So he called the ticket collector who asked Gandhi to get out.

Gandhi said he has a first class ticket. The ticket collector said it doesn’t matter. “Just get out”.

Gandhi said: “No, I have a first class ticket, why should I get out?”

In no time, they threw Gandhi out of the train with his luggage. Gandhi fell on the platform.

Bottling up his anger, he sat there for hours. He thought to himself:

SPECIAL Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

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India's national flag (Tricolour) was hoisted at the Indian High Commission in London at 10am.

Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in association with India League has organised a function at Tavistock Square in the London Borough of Camden on January 30 to mark the Martyrs' Day. Navtej Sarna, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, will preside the function. India League Chairman CB Patel, MPs, Peers, Mayor of Camden and others will be the other dignitaries on the dais.

The function will kickoff by paying floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi which will be followed by speeches by the dignitaries on the dais.

A one-minute silence will be observed to mark the Martyrs' Day. Students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's will recite Bhajans on the occasion.

and many others. The sight of women in professions which were restricted to men even half a century ago is now common. The Chipko Movement was led primarily by women both at the grassroots level and also at the top by personalities like Gauri and Ganga Devi.

WHO KILLED GANDHI? On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi walked to his evening prayer meeting. It was 5.10pm. Leaning on his two young friends (grandnieces), Abha and Manu, he crossed the lawns. A man came forward as if to greet him.

A film scene of the train incident that changed Gandhi's life took the less trodden path “Why did this thing happen to me? I have got a first class ticket, why was I thrown out of the train.”

Suddenly he identified himself with the large predicament of the society at large. Till then his survival, his job, earning money was everything to him. All of a sudden he identified himself with a much larger problem that existed and this skinny person from Gujarat became an unstoppable colossus.

He broke that little identification and move into a much larger identity.

Probably there has never been another man on this planet who moved as many people as Gandhiji moved, that too applying non-violent means. Never before a conquering force Gandhiji with his grandnieces Abha and Manu (the British) has been made and set an example by to vacate the land they held Gandhi responded with a doing something more sway for years without firNamaste. Just then the than survival. ing bullets at them or using man took out a gun and In short, there’s no violent means. We know shot Gandhi in the chest problem if you don’t do from history that people three times at point blank what you cannot do. But if who have conquered land range. Gandhi stood still you don’t do what you can won’t give up easily. But for a second and murdo, that’s tragic. the British leaving India mured “He Ram!” and fell was made to look as if they on the ground.

UPLIFTMENT OF WOMEN went easy. Although it didThe assassin was Equality for women within n’t happen so easily, there Nathuram Godse, a Hindu the Indian society was a was no fighting or bloodfanatic, who plotted the principle Gandhi passionshed.

That’s because assassination with ately believed in and Gandhi could move people Narayan Apte and six preached. Although the sitinto that kind of action, a others.

Nathuram uation of women, especially kind of passive action.

Godse and Narayan in rural areas need to be Shooting other soldiers Apte were hanged on improved a lot more, sigwho are carrying guns is November 15, 1949, in nificant improvements in one thing, but standing on the Ambala Jail in the status of women has the street and willing to be Punjab. taken place throughout beaten down on the heads, On Gandhi’s death, India. falling down, then another Pandit Jawaharlal Women are now freline of people coming and Nehru said: “The light has quently participating at the giving their skulls to be gone out of our lives…Yet I top strata of society and broken again and then am wrong, for the light that politics alongside men – a another line and so on – is a shone in this country was few notable examples completely different kind no ordinary light… and a would be Indira Gandhi, of strength. This is not thousand years later that Uma Bharati, Sushma easy. It takes a deep inner light will still be seen in this Swaraj, Arundhati Roy, strength to do that. country and the world will Mayawati, Mamata Fighting and dying is difsee it. For that light repreBanerjee, Jaya Lalithaa ferent, but without fightsented the living truth.” ing, going and getting killed is a different thing.

And that’s what he managed to do.

The change in him was – from a small identity of himself, his family and wanting to make a living, his identity just exploded identifying with the larger problem of people that was there at the time.

The message of his life is this transformation in him. He could have just survived like any other lesser mortal of his time and perished, but no – he did not succumb to the temptaPandit Nehru with Gandhiji tions of easy life. Rather he

27

Gandhiji during the Dandi Salt March in 1930 however, Gandhiji supWell, Nehru couldn’t ported Pattabhai have been more apt in paySitaramayya forcing Bose ing tribute to Gandhi with to resign. these words. As long as the • Sardar patel was electideals remained in our ed by majority as the first hearts, Gandhiji’s light Prime Minister but would live.

Gandhiji insisted on However, it is so ironiNehru. cal that the apostle of peace and non-violence had to WARMING & NUCLEAR meet such a violent death.

WAR Gandhi’s thinking could WHY GODSE KILLED not be more relevant at a GANDHI? time when we fear we are A few of the reasons moving closer than ever for killing Gandhi were: towards nuclear • Gandhiji supported Armageddon and irrethe idea of a separate State versible global warming. for Muslims. In a sense he Also, if humans are ever to was responsible for the creachieve a stable global sociation of Pakistan. ety in the future, they will •In spite of the have to become much more Pakistani aggression in modest in their economic behaviour and much more peaceful in their politics. For both modesty and peace, Gandhi is a useful source of ideas.

Kashmir, Gandhiji fasted to compel the Government of India to release an amount of Rs 55 crores due to Pakistan.

• The belligerence of Muslims was a result of Gandhiji's policy of appeasement.

• In 1919 people of India wanted General Dyer to be tried for the Jalianwalla Baugh massacre. Gandhiji refused to support this demand.

• The whole of India wanted Gandhiji to intervene and save Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev from the gallows.

Gandhiji stubbornly refused on the grounds that they were misguided freedom fighters, and theirs was an act of violence.

• During the Tripura Congress, Subhash Chandra Bose was elected as president with majority,

SOLUTION TO CONFLICTS Today we read about killings in Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Middle East and other places which is nothing but part of revenue and counter-revenge. Gandhi's experiences both in South Africa and in India convinced him that the solution to this problem is by an unilateral act of kindness and understanding from one of the parties involved in the conflict.

Gandhi’s famous quote – “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind” – just sums up the story.

Martyrs' Day: January 30 is observed as Martyrs' Day in India. The date was chosen as it marks the assassination of Gandhiji in 1948.

Flag hoisting at Indian High Commission: As part of Republic Day celebrations on January 26,

India League: India League is a Britain-based organisation that evolved from the Commonwealth of India League, which was established in 1922 with the aim of campaigning for complete independence for the Indian people.

The League remains internationalist in its outlook, reaffirming its view that India's fight for independence was a part of the larger global campaign against imperialism and capitalism prevalent today.

His Life is His Message: Gandhi's is the extraordinary story of how one man's indomitable spirit inspired a nation to triumph over tyranny.

Albert Einstein A man who owned nothing and gained everything. With his philosophy of simple living and high thinking, the apostle of peace and non-violence spread the message of Satyagraha to counter injustice and oppression.

He was like a candle that enlightened the world and sacrificed his own life.

The greatness of this man was his simplicity.

Asian Voice takes this opportunity to pay tribute to him by laying a wreath lifted from Albert Einstein.

“Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.”

INDIA

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India, France sign 14 pacts, but Rafale deal delayed Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

be taken against “Lashkar-e-Taiba, J a i s h - e Muhammad, Hizbul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network and other terrorist groups such as al Qaeda.” The statement read, “Condemning the recent terror attack in Pathankot and Gurdaspur in India, the two countries reiterated their call for Pakistan to bring to justice their perpetrators and the perpetrators of the November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which also caused the Narendra Modi with French demise of two President Francois Hollande French citizens, and days.” Manufacturer of to ensure that such attacks Rafale, Dassault Aviation do not recur in the future.” said in a statement, “We are It also said the two counvery pleased with this tries also resolved to “step progress, and are actively up” their bilateral cooperasupporting French authorition through annual strateties in their efforts to gic dialogues and meetings finalise a complete agreeof the joint working group ment within the next four to counter terrorism. weeks.” Both the sides also “From Paris to agreed to renew their bilatPathankot, we saw the grueeral agreement on defence some face of the common cooperation, which was challenge of terrorism… I signed in 2006, by another also commend the strength 10 years. New Delhi and of your resolve and action to Paris issued a stronglythese terrorist attacks. worded joint statement on President Hollande and I counter-terrorism, and have agreed to scale up the asked for decisive action to range of our counter-terror-

French President Francois Hollande has put an end to all speculation, giving a definitive shape to India's willingness to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets. While both the countries signed the Inter-Government Agreement, which will form the basis for the commercial deal, the pricing however, is yet to be resolved which, Hollande said, would be sorted out in a “few days”.

The pact was signed by Defence Ministers of both the sides, in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hollande.

Modi announced, “We are very happy that we have formed an agreement for purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft with France.” He added there are “some financial issues” which will be sorted out soon. “Leaving out the financial aspect, India and France have signed the IGA on the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets. We expect that even the financial aspects pertaining to purchase of Rafale jets will be resolved as soon as possible,” he said. Calling the MoU as a “decisive” step and stressing that the Rafale jets have been “proving their efficacy in targeting the ISIS”, Hollande said, “Some financial issues remain that will be sorted out in the next coming

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ism cooperation in a manner that helps us tangibly mitigate and reduce the threat of extremism and terrorism to our societies,” said Modi. “Daesh has attacked us. The ISIS is provoking us but we are determined to take the right decision. We will strike them time and again, those who kill our children. I would like to thank you for the support in dire circumstances. France will never forget. We have decided to strengthen our cooperation against terror,” said Hollande.

On civilian nuclear cooperation, Modi and Hollande agreed on a roadmap to “speed up” discussions on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project in 2016. “Their shared aim is to start the implementation of the project in early 2017,” the joint statement said.

Expressing hope that the issues pertaining to nuclear reactor plants would be settled within a year, Hollande said, “There is no better trust than sharing civil nuclear technology.”

“India and France underscored their determination to achieve the accession of India to the NSG in 2016,” the joint statement said. Apart from the MoU on Rafale jets, the two countries signed 13 agreements, including space, railways, culture and science and technology.

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Peace cannot be discussed under shower of bullets: Pranab Indian President P r a n a b Mukherjee's address on the eve of the 67th Republic Day focused on terrorism and was based on the recent Pathankot attack, as he said terrorism is war beyond any doctrine, and is a “cancer which must be operated out with a firm scalpel.” He said that ideally dialogue should be a continual engagement for resolving disputes among nations but peace cannot be discussed under a “shower of bullets”.

“There is no good or bad terrorism; it is pure evil,” the President said. “If outlaws are among nations; and, as is well known, the closer we are to a neighbour, the higher the propensity for disputes.

There is a civilised way to bridge disagreements; dialogues, ideally, should be a continual engagement. But we cannot discuss peace under a shower of bullets.”

Mukherjee said that nations will not agree on everything, but the challenge today is existential as terrorists seek to under-

Pranab Mukherjee mine order by rejecting the very basis of strategic stability which are recognised borders. “We must attempt to resolve the complex edges of the emotional and geo-political inheritance with neighbours through a peaceful dialogue, and invest in mutual prosperity by recognising that human beings are best defined by a humane spirit, and not their worst instincts. Our example can be its own message to a world in anxious need of amity,” he said.

“There is unprecedented turbulence across vast regions, with alarming increase in regional instabilities. The scourge of terrorism has reshaped war into its most barbaric manifestation. No corner can now consider itself safe from this savage monster.”

Hollande witnesses R-Day as India flexes its military muscles

Continued from page 1 led by a French military band consisting 48 musicians marching on Rajpath presented a ceremonial salute to the President of India. The French Army contingent was led by Lt Col Paul Bury. French President Francois Hollande who was the chief guest at the parade watched and clapped seated next to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Another first, after a gap of 26 years, was the march by an Army dog squad drawn from the Remount Veterinary Corps along with their handlers. Sticking to the 66-year-old tradition, the colourful Border Security Force regiment consisting of 56 camels also marched down the Rajpath.

For the first time, the parade also witnessed an ex-servicemen tableau where army veterans showcased their role in nation building.

Among the weapons on display were the army's missile firing capability T-90 Bhishma tank, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP II (Sarath), Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Akash weapon system, Smerch Launcher Vehicles and Integrated Communication Electronic Warfare System.

An Indian Air Force tableau, themed 'Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

Operations by IAF: In Service of the Nation and Beyond' showcased models of C-17 Globemaster, C-130 Hercules and MI-17V5 aircraft, emphasising its use in the IAF's recent rescue and relief operations in Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Yemen and Nepal.

The Indian Navy's tableau displayed flight deck operations on the new aircraft carrier Vikrant, under construction at the Kochi shipyard, and the indigenously constructed submarine Kalvari by Mazagaon Dock, Mumbai, having a Made in India tag on them.

There was a scintillating display of folk and classical dances and performances by school children from Delhi and other parts of India.

One of the highlights of the two-hour event at Rajpath was the stunts by daredevils belonging to the Army Signal Corps as they made various formations on motorbikes. The parade ended with flypasts and stunts over Rajpath by Jaguars and other aircraft, though low visibility due to fog made it difficult for thousands of cheering spectators below to enjoy the display. The celebrations begin at the Amar Jawan Jyoti where Prime Minister Modi led the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the memorial. A spectacular flypast by the IAF commenced

with the ‘Chakra’ formation, comprising three Mi-35 helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation, followed by the ‘Hercules’ formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in ‘Vic’ formation. A breath-taking ‘Trishul’ formation comprising three Su-30 MKI of No. 24 Squadron flew over the Rajpath, and once in front of the saluting dais. Trailing them was the ‘Globe formation’ comprising one C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30s, followed by the fighters, where five Jaguars flew in Arrowhead formation, another five MiG-29 Air Superiority Fighters called the ‘Tridents’ flew in Fulcrum style. The motorcycle display team of Corps of Signals was a major attraction of the parade. They performed different stunts like ‘Salute to President’, ‘Signal Rocket’, ‘Signal Fighter’, ‘Abhimanyu’, ‘Shradhanjali’, ‘Commando’, ‘Lotus formation’, and ‘Human Pyramid’, etc. on moving motor cycles.

Twenty three of the twenty five children selected for the National Bravery Award–2015 participated in the parade. Two children got the award posthumously. In the children’s pageant section, about 500 boys and girls drawn from five schools in Delhi and a group of school children from South Central Zone Cultural Centre performed colourful dances.

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Indians back Leone, attack 'misogynistic' Chaubey questioning AsianVoiceNews

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Indians have come forward to support Bollywood actress Sunny Leone, after she was hounded over her past as a porn star by a television journalist in India.

Leone was born as Karenjit Kaur Vohra in Canada to a Sikh immigrant family and has become one of the most controversial and provicative figure in Bollywood, since her arrival in India. In fact she has been the most searched person on google in India for the past 3 years and has even faced deportation calls from conservatives for alleged 'corruption of Indian's morals'.

The latest storm began when Leone gave a television interview to CNN-IBN anchor Bhupendra Chaubey who persisted on asking questions about Leone's past in an apparent attempt to have her to apologise for her pornographic career. In fact he asked 'what her greatest regret was', clearly trying corner her for her former choice of career, but was left dumbfounded when Leone replied that her greatest regret was 'failing to reach before her mother died'.

In another attempt to allegedly malign Leone, Chaubey asked her, if she was responsible for a surge in pornographic consumption in India. He went on to ask, “I am thinking, am I being morally corrupted if I am intervieweing you?”

While Leone kept her calm through out the interview, Chaubey has been accused of misogyny. Many Indians voiced their support, including Bollywood actors like Aamir Khan.

In a tweet Aamir mentioned: “I think Sunny conducted herself with a lot of grace and dignity. I wish I could have said the same about the interviewer.” He further added, “Sunny, I wil b happy 2 wrk wid u.I hav absolutely no problems wid ur "past", as the interviewer puts it.Stay blessed.Love.a.2/2” To that a jubilated Leone

added, “I think my heart just dropped seeing this!! Thank you so much for the support. It means the world and beyond to me!”

Daniel Weber, Sunny Leone's husband, has also come out and reportedly condemned the interviewer. Weber who is a journalist and actor, said he came to know about the interview after Sunny called him. She told him that if he would have been there, he would have dragged her out of the inter-

Aditya Roy Kapur trying to pacify Katrina and Ranbir?

W

view.

By labeling the interviewer as "unprofessional", Weber has hit out at the journalist for not abiding by the ethics and having preconceived notions about the actress. He has also praised Sunny's sporting spirit for handling the issue. But he added that such things do bother Sunny, for which he feels sad.

There were also speculations about the interview being a pub-

Asin marries Rahul Sharma

A

hile we all are shocked with Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif's alleged break up, fellow actor Aditya Roy Kapur seems to be in the works of patching things up for them.

Adi, Kat's co-star in the upcoming movie 'Fitoor', is reportedly trying to sort things out between the alleged estranged lovers.

As he is spending time with the actress due to the film promotion commitments, he is trying to mend things between Ranbir and Katrina.

Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

sin Thottumkal has tied the knots with beau and Micromax co-founder Rahul Sharma, in a Christian wedding ceremony which was followed by Hindu rituals.

In a closed affair with only family and close friends present to witness the 'Ghajini' actress walk down the aisle in a white gown, close friend Akshay Kumar marked his presence.

“It was a beautiful wedding. Everyone looked amazing. It was Asin's idea to have a Catholic wedding. We all are very happy,” said a close relative of Rahul. “Everything went great at the wedding. We played 2-3 songs. Asin looked beautiful in her white gown,” said a member of the Elhohim Worship band that performed at the wedding. The evening ceremony was everything a typical North Indian wedding usually is, including jai mala and pheras.

Dancing at marriage below my dignity: John Abraham

O

be taken away unless it is surrendered. @SunnyLeone im a fan!

Dia Mirza: He asks the same question for 20minutes. Because she doesn't satisfy him with the response he's looking for. #Respect Genelia Deshmukh: So disappointed to see such disrespect towards a woman.. Is this Journalism??.I don't know @SunnyLeone personally but what a dignified lady.

Gaurav Kapur: As a live broadcaster, you must be objective & rid yourself of all bias before an interview. Bhupendra's every word reeks of a dodgy agenda.

Radhika Apte: Appalled by the journalist and his lack of intellect, humanity and respect. Bravo @SunnyLeone in complete support.

Mastizaada Milap: She is a rockstar!

My #MastizaadiSunny Love her!

Shruti Haasan: Well done @SunnyLeone keeping it together in the face of opinionated misguided questions #mortifyingjournalism Vir Das: Here's hoping Mr Chaubey's next interview explores something other than his own prejudice.

Sushant S Rajput: How beautifully u held your own in that stupid interview @SunnyLeone .Some1 should have taught him how to respect a woman when he was a kid.

Shabinaa Khan: Sick that a journalist @bhupendrachaube should conduct such a disgusting, patronising , sexist interview@sunnyleone Mini Mathur: Yes and such stupid questions!He is so googly eyed & patronising while @SunnyLeone holds her own so beautifully Shruti Seth: A rockstar being interviewed by a misogynistic idiot. You owned this one @SunnyLeone with your grace & poise. Bravo!

licity stunt to promote Sunny's upcoming sex comedy 'Mastizaade'. Weber has rubbished off such theories as he feels nobody would like to be in the position of Sunny.

Some of the questions Chaubey asked were: • There are lots of married women who look at Sunny Leone as a threat to their husbands, do you not care about all this?

• A member of parliament, in his speeches, has held you responsible for corrupting Indian morality. How do you deal with that?

• If Sunny Leone is becoming brand ambassador of New India, is that a dangerous trend to have?

• Since you have come to Indian cinema, the number of people watching porn has increased proportionately to the extent that we are now the world’s largest consumer of porn. Can you respond to that?

Bollywood stars' reactions to Leone's interview on twitter: Shahid Kapoor: @SunnyLeone respect. Few could have been as composed dignified and classy as you were. you sure showed men it's a woman's world. Boom!

Alia Bhatt: That was literally NOT an interview.. Just hyper opinionated statements with a question mark at the end!!! No Grace? Chivalry? Ridiculous!

Anushka Sharma: This downright distasteful interview shows d journalists intellect & lack of basic human respect & nothing else.kudos @SunnyLeone Rishi Kapoor: Very unfair & rude interview with Sunny Leone on CNN IBN. She is taking it on her chin sportingly, obviously in the interest of her coming film.

Armaan Malik: SO much Respect to u Sunny @SunnyLeone the way you handled that stupid Interview! Do what you love and Don't stop.

Farah Khan: One's dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but it can never

ne of John Abraham's principles in life is to avoid dancing at marriage functions, as he believes the act is below his dignity. “Definitely, one thing that I will not do and you can hold against me is that I will not dance at marriage functions. That is below my dignity. I have got very strong principles and I live by them. Also, I don't have any endorsement agent so I operate on my own. I do brands only if I believe in that,” he said.

John, who maintains a low profile, is hardly seen at Bollywood social gatherings and award functions. “There is one common thread that holds all actors together and that's insecurity. I can't be a part of that, hence I am content in my space. I feel uncomfortable at award functions and I don't go for award functions. Also party for me is definitely no,” he said.

Farhan Akhtar, wife Adhuna part ways

B

ollywood actordirector Farhan Akhtar has confirmed split with wife of 15 years, A d h u n a Akhtar. While the media has already started concocting different stories for the reason behind the split, the Akhtars maintain it is just a matter of growing apart over the years. The couple first met on the sets of Farhan's directorial debut 'Dil Chahta Hai', which was also Adhunas' debut as a hair stylist.

After dating for three years, the couple tied the knot in 2000. Even though Adhuna is six years older than Farhan, it never was an issue for the couple who seemed blissfully happy till the stories of their rift started making the rounds.

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Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

Hackney-born star warns MPs about the lack of diversity Hackney-born star Idris Elba addressed 100 MPs in parliament to warn them over the lack of diversity in British television – both in front and behind the camera.

In his speech, the 43year-old star of BBC’s Luther, said the lack of opportunities for black actors was leading them to be “thrown on the scrapheap”.

This lack of opportunity led Mr Elba to the USA, where he was cast in the hit crime series The Wire.

MPs heard the actor

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The Politics of the Republic

Idris Elba

say how the American Dream was the “most famous diversity policy of all”.

The Oscars and Beyond...

Continued from page 15 Some of the names that did not receive a nomination include Will Smith for Concussion, Idris Elba for Beasts of No Nation, Michael B Jordan for Creed, Teyonah Parris for Chi-Raq, and Jason Mitchell for Straight Outta Compton.

69-year-old British actress, Charlotte Rampling, who has been nominated for the best actress award for her role in 45 Years, has criticised the boycott as she “found that... racist, racist for white people. One can never really know if it is the case but sometimes, perhaps, black actors did not deserve to be in the home straight.”

She further stated, “There will always be problems: he is too black, he is too white. There will always, always be someone about whom they are going to say, 'He is too [something]'. And we are going to classify all that to have thousands of little minorities everywhere?”

This recent controversy does make one wonder

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whether we are actually living in an equal contemporary world, or whether there is still a long way to go until we reach that stage. While many black stars have opted to boycott the awards, what springs to my mind is that there is yet an indian actor who is to make their mark in Hollywood. Yes, we've had Aishwarya Rai, Irrfan Khan, Gulshan Grover, Amrish Puri, plus many more who have been in several “foreign” productions, and most recently, we've had Priyanka who has done remarkable well in her debut US TV show, Quantico.

Priyanka Chopra even won the people's Choice Award. But how likely is it that we will be seeing an Indian name amongst the nominees in the near future? Who knows, the boycott by black stars could just the much needed eyeopener and henceforth, a new wave of ethnic actors may be able to make their mark in Hollywood while receiving great recognition for their work.

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Continued from page 13 Article 24: “ No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment.”

I won’t go on. No Constitution ever realises the dreams of its aspirations. But those few Articles would have been a good start. As mentioned, it even took the mighty US 200 years and it is still far from realising its Constitutional American Dream.

How will this all happen? I tell you this, America had Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. India had Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. Is India any less capable of producing greatness? No, until one of her sons and daughters rises to be a Lincoln, Washington, Gandhi or Patel, let us keep reading the Constitution, because one in six humans on this planet lives under that Constitution and it matters.

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of planets in your chart throws a significant light on material concerns. The cash situation continues to be rather erratic. However, there are indications of favourable changes and developments in the areas of career and employment. Keep away from any emotional tensions with your partner.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 It would be unwise to take

any risks, particularly in regard to joint interests and investments. Expenses and outgoings are likely to become heavy. So be extra careful if you need to deal with complex legal matters and necessary red tape. Plan your spending and set sensible budgets to reach your financial goals. Associate with people that you are comfortable with.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Work is going to play a

great part for some of you, who are widening their horizons. An important time to build too, as Saturn can be very severe and cold especially regarding relationships. Regardless of the limits, you have the capacity to turn the course of your life in a more fulfilling direction.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 The Sun highlights your solar eighth house. Your attention turns inward on a deeper level to personal transformations. There may be a strong focus on other's money, such as the resources of a partner, inheritance, banking and loans, or taxes.

This transit should be positively dealt with to achieve any benefits.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 Responsibility is your key word, especially at work. Set your own goals, rather than trying to meet those set by someone else. You will achieve a lot more, especially when you're motivated by your own desires. Your ability to manage what you have on your plate earns respect from others around you. You will benefit in every way if you learn to selfdiscipline and pace yourself wisely.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 You know you have no choice but to streamline and re-assess your priorities before haphazardly saying yes to everything that smells like a potential opportunity. Try to create a balance between expansion and conservation. Jupiter in your sign makes you feel invincible, base your decisions on facts.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 Start the week by inviting comments and criticism of what you have in mind financially, but do not lose your temper when you get others' views. Instead, use them to advantage. A friendly relationship or marriage of people you know could be wavering or on the point of break-up. Try to understand things.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 You will feel energetic and confident as the week begins. Your thinking is inspired, so listen to your thoughts. This may be a time of expansion and improved opportunity and it would be unwise to let yourself become complacent. A good time for restructuring and rethinking your aims and interests.

Affairs of the heart are likely to flourish.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Relationships are complex in the best of times, but Saturn's motion can make things even more complicated now. Misunderstandings can plague partnerships or potential romances - be more careful and forgiving. A good time for completing unfinished business and reassessing your future projects.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 This week you will make your best progress by focusing your mental and physical energies on what you want to achieve. The underlying trend seems to be pulling you into a much wider social circle now. This is bound to enrich your life and give you a deeper sense of purpose. Many opportunities ahead, take advantage.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 The pace of everyday life 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.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 An exchange of opinions ought to prove very enlivening at this time. An influence that should help to enjoy the 'nicer' side of others as bring out the best in friends, colleagues and partners alike. A wind of change may be in the air; attention should turn to the wider world and benefits come from broadening of horizons and mental stimuli.

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Shuttler Sindhu wins Malaysia Masters title AsianVoiceNews

Two-time World Championship bronzemedallist, India’s shuttler P V Sindhu made a rousing start to the new season as she clinched the Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold title after defeating Scotland’s Kristy Gilmour in straight games in the final in Penang on Sunday.

The third seeded Indian had lost to Gilmour in 2013 French Open in their only meeting but on Sunday she showed why she is considered to be one of India’s most revered women’s singles shuttler as she avenged her loss with a dominating 21-15 21-9 win in a 32minute clash to clinch her

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

P V Sindhu

fifth Grand Prix Gold title.

This is her second Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold title, having won it in 2013 as well. She also completed a hat-trick at the Macau Open Grand Prix Gold in November last year. Sindhu, who had an unbeaten streak at the Premier Badminton League (PBL), produced a dominating performance as she showed better court coverage and cut down on her errors to outclass her opponent in the summit clash.

In the opening game, Sindhu made early strides, moving to 5-2 and then sped away with her superi-

or game plan. She had a healthy 12-6 lead which she increased to 18-10.

The Scottish shuttler, on the other hand, reeled off four straight points but could never threaten Sindhu who closed the game without much effort.

In the second game, Sindhu once again opened up a slender 5-2 lead which was quickly erased by Gilmour.

But the Indian then changed gears and moved to a 9-5 and then jumped to a huge 16-5 lead. Gilmour tried in vain to narrow the gap but the Indian slammed the door on her rival.

Jack Petchey awards recognise young sports stars Sporty youngsters have been recognised for their commitment at an awards evening.

Redbridge Sports and Leisure Centre, Forest Road, Barkingside held a special ceremony celebrating the achivements of 27 children.

The centre is participating in the Jack Petchey Achievement Awards Scheme, which provides more than £20million each year to support schools, sports clubs and other organisations who work with young people aged between 11 and 25.

Awards were presented

by Redbridge Sports and Leisure’s deputy chairman John Fortescue.

During their speeches, the pair gave an insight into the Jack Petchey Foundation and the centre,a nd spoke of how the achievement awards

Jack Petchey Achievements Awards at Redbridge Sports and Leisure

scheme continues to grow as well as how fantastic it is to see children in Redbridge having a positive impact within the local community.

RSL’s Lions Gymnastics Club gave a brilliant display

of their skills at the start of the award ceremony’s evening. The display was organised by Beth Lion, gymnastics development officer and head coach.

The 2015 winners included 8 Asians who were:

Badminton: Dilan Parmar & Varsha Sethuramen Netball: Malathy Nithiyananthan, Kiran Patel Squash: Jake Waghela Tennis: Taymur Asif, Keerath Virdee Football: Arjun Sharma.

Southall based football project to assist EU tackle youth extremism

A West London youth project that formed to protect young Muslims from internet extremism and joining the war in Syria, will be launched in Molenbeek, that was home to suspects, who lived in or had connections with the Brussles suburb, and were involved in the brutal Paris attack last year killing 130 people.

Players and organisers will travel there in February to play a match with local youngsters and talk about their experiences. They will also meet EU leaders.

TUFF FCwhich stands for The Unity of Faiths Foundation – was set up by Dr Shamender Talwar, a psychologist along with Anna Prior, and have been invited by the US President Barack to the White House in April as a thank you for helping to tackle Islamic State recruiters. The club is seeking help to pay for its trip to the US to see Mr Obama.

The ambassador for the

Dr Shamender Talwar with co-founder and trustee Anna Prior project is legendary footballer Diego Maradona and the FC is being taken to Brussles by London MEP Syed Kamall. Trustees of the club also includes renowned solicitor Sarosh Zaiwalla. Famous Indian lawyer Ram Jethmalani is also a part of the committee as an advisor along with international award-winning producer/director and media executive Paresh Solanki.

The junior football club, TUFF FC has been credited for diverting about a dozen teenage boys and girls away from the Jihadi path, including some who had expressed interest in joining the Isis. Classes are led by youths who have expressed jihadist ideas in the past, including a 15 year old girl who was a target of social media grooming by radicals, and had considered to move to Syria

to be a jihadi bride.

The Southall based scheme will also expand across London. Dr Talwar, speaking about the role of the FC said, “What can be more British than football?

We use it to teach teamwork, fair play and respect for the rules. It's about inculcating youngsters with wghat values and reinforcing that while their religion may be Muslim, their identity is British.

The most important thing is to create an atmosphere of trust, wherethey are able to confide in us about any radical ideas they may have.”

Speaking about her experience and identity, the 15 year old young girl and ambassador said, “There are a lot of vulnerable people targeted by extremists taking advantage of the fact that they are confused about their identity. Are we British or Muslim? Because of TUFF, I've realised I can be both.”

SPORT Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

31

Lanka to play T20 series against India in Feb

India and Sri Lanka have agreed to play a threematch Twenty20 series as preparation for the ICC World T20 2016, to be played in India in MarchApril. The series offers Lanka and India, finalists of the 2014 edition of the World T20, an ideal platform to regroup ahead of a hectic season of limited-overs cricket. The two teams have endured a wretched run of form that has seen them drop series in New Zealand and Australia respectively in rather emphatic fashion. Pune will host the first match on February 9.

It will be followed in Delhi (February 12) and Visakhapatnam (February 14) before the teams fly out to Bangladesh for the Asia Cup, also scheduled to be played in the T20 format for the first time.

Rohit jumps to career-best 5th spot in ODI rankings

India's Rohit Sharma jumped eight places to a career-best fifth position in the International Cricket Council (ICC) One-Day International (ODI) batsmen rankings having aggregated 441 runs in the just-concluded five-match series against Australia Down Under, while his captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni dropped seven places to 13th spot. The Mumbai right-hander had scores of 171 not out, 124, 6, 41 and 99, respectively, in the series which the world champion and number-one ranked side won 41. Rohit, who played in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2006 in Sri Lanka, has now become India's second highest-ranked batsman behind Virat Kohli (second), with captain Dhoni slipping seven places to 13th position in the latest rankings. The 34year-old could manage only 86 runs in five matches.

Rohit, who was declared Player of the Series, earned 59 points for his performances and he is now 64 points behind Kohli, who trails number-one ranked AB de Villiers of South Africa by 75 points. Shikhar Dhawan, the left-handed opening partner of Rohit, maintained his seventh spot after scoring 287 runs in the series. Outside the top 20, Ajinkya Rahane has moved up three place to 25th after contributing 141 runs. India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has dropped two places to 11th, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has slipped seven places to 20th, James Faulkner has plummeted seven places to 28th, Axar Patel has fallen four places to 33rd and Umesh Yadav has plunged five places to 41st.

Two women boxers make India proud

Two women boxers, Soniya and Sakshi have made India proud by clinching the gold and bronze medals respectively in the 5th Nations Cup, a prestigious international boxing tourney held in Serbia, which saw the participation of over 250 boxers from 34 nations. The Nations Cup, the first event in the International Boxing Association's (AIBA) 2016 calendar, took place in Ruma, Serbia from January 8 to 12. Soniya Gothra (18) took gold in the youth category, while Sakshi Dhanana, a 15-year-old bagged bronze in the junior girls category. The young girls are from Bhiwani, Haryana. Both of them are funded by Asbah, India's 1st social brand. This year's Nations Cup has been the biggest so far with participation from 34 nations belonging to all five AIBA confederations. In all, 151 elite, 60 youth and 45 junior boxers took part, and both Soniya and Sakshi had to contend with a large field in their respective categories.

Chanderpaul retires from international cricket

Shivnarine Chanderpaul has called time on his international career after making his debut nearly 22 years ago. Chanderpaul notified West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) about his decision through an email. "The WICB acknowledges the invaluable contribution Shiv has made to the game globally and we wish him all the best," said WICB President Dave Cameron.

Chanderpaul featured in 164 Tests and 268 ODIs for West Indies. The formal announcement comes close on the heels of the ICC's decision to look into the players playing in the Masters Champions League (MCL).

A formal retirement is a must for those who participate in the league. ICC had been notified by a few boards that currently active players in the domestic circuit too were being wooed into the league, which left the governing body unimpressed. A No Objection Certificate from the home cricket board is a must for players participating in the league, which was pitched as a tournament exclusively for retired players.

32

SPORT

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Asian Voice | 30th January 2016

India win 1st T20 against Australia www.asian-voice.com

A strong bowling performance, coupled with a quickfire half-century by Virat Kohli helped India to a 37run victory over Australia in the first Twenty20 International at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

Chasing 189, Australia started strongly before losing wickets at regular intervals to slump to 151 all out in 19.3 overs. Young pacer Jasprit Bumrah had a memorable T20I debut, returning figures of 3-23 in 3.3 overs.

Ravindra Jadeja (2-21), Ravichandran Ashwin (228) and another debutant, Hardik Pandya (2-37) also bagged a couple of wickets each as India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Ashish Nehra (1-28) gave away a lot of runs in his first spell before clinching a wicket towards the end. Earlier, Kohli stitched together a 134-run stand with Suresh Raina which brought the Indian innings back on track after the visitors had suffered a couple of early blows.

The Delhi batsman remained unbeaten on 90 runs, smashing nine fours

and two sixes during his 55-ball stint. Raina batted well at the other end, scoring 41 runs off 34 deliveries with three hits to the fence and a six. The duo helped India post 188/3 in their 20 overs. Kohli was adjudged the man of the match. Captain Aaron Finch was Australia’s highest scorer with 44. He had four boundaries and a couple of sixes in his 33-ball innings.

Put in to bat by Australia, India were off to a flying start with Rohit Sharma producing the early fireworks.

The Mumbai right-hander took

a special liking to Shaun Tait’s bowling, hitting the pacer for a six and a four in the first over and then another couple of boundaries in the third.

With opening pacers Tait and Kane Richardson unable to control the Indian batsmen, Australia captain Aaron Finch was forced to make a bowling change, bringing James Faulkner and Shane Watson into the attack.

Watson dismissed Shikhar Dhawan just four balls later with a slower, one as the Delhi batsman’s mistimed shot offered an edge to Matthew Wade

behind the stumps.

That saw Kohli and Raina come together and they handled the Australian bowling with ease and by the time the partnership came to an end in the final over, they had already guided the visitors to a big score.

Pandey hundred gives India consolation victory Earlier India chased 331 for the loss of four wickets and with two deliveries to spare on the back of Manish Pandey's first ODI hundred after sparkling fifties from Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma and denied Australia complete whitewash of India in the five match ODI series. Rohit soaked up the pressure and Pandey, in his fourth match, ensured their aborted innings did not hurt India, scoring an unbeaten 104 from 81 balls that was exciting both for the sizzling shots on view and the youngster's composure. His special effort sealed the highest successful chase in and against Australia, as well as India's first win in six ODIs.

Indian women stun Australia

The Indian women's cricket team produced a superb all-round performance to chase down a record total and upstage world champions Australia by five wickets in the o p e n i n g T w e n t y 2 0 International of a three-match series. Electing to bowl after winning the toss, the Indians did well to restrict Australia to 141, before romping home in 18.4 overs. In the process, the Indian women managed to chase down the biggest victory target against the mighty Aussies.

The series now moves to Melbourne for the second game on Friday followed by game three in Sydney on Sunday.

The decision to put the Aussies in after winning the toss was proved right early on for Indian captain Mithali Raj when the home side were reduced to 17/2.

However, debutant opener Beth Mooney's run-a-ball 36 followed by an entertaining knock of unbeaten 41 by Alyssa Healy lower down the order helped Australia post 140/5.

The Aussies were in a spot of bother before Healy's 15-ball blitzkrieg, which included five fours and a couple of sixes. For India, leg-spinner Poonam Yadav was the top wickettaker, scalping 2/26 in her 4 overs. Veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami, Shikha Pandey and Anuka Patil also picked up a wicket each in a consistently tight bowling performance.