Asian Voice

British Punjabis 2010

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Cameron in India Expecting big Hawk Aircraft deal

As British Prime Minister David Cameron reaches Bangalore on Tuesday night on a two day visit to India, in the air is a lot of expectation in Britain for a giant push to the bilateral relations, trade and industry in particular. On Friday, Cameron is expected to sign an MOU with Karnataka government.

Later, when he meets his Indian counterpart, Dr. Manmohan Singh, UK expects to finally clinch a huge, £700 million deal for 57 BAE Hawk Jets.

It is significant to note that while British media has given a good amount of space on Cameron’s visit in the past few days, in India there was very lit-

tle or no coverage for the forthcoming visit.

Apart from the bilateral trade and business issues, the two will also discuss many other issues, including the situation in Afghanistan.

Asserting that "this is a visit of unique scale and ambition", British high commissioner Sir Richard Stagg told reporters that the aim was to start the process of building an even closer and more pro-

ductive relationship between the UK and India.

The fact that India is the first country Cameron is visiting for a bilateral visit, apart from his compulsory visits to EU countries as also the US and Afghanistan, indicates the importance the UK attaches to its relations with this country, sources said.

Singh and Cameron will hold talks on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues, besides focusing on giving a fresh impetus to trade and investment between the two countries. Sources have also indicated that Continued on page 24

English test must for non-EU migrants who settle in the UK The English language test announced by the British government for all non-European migrants applying to come to Britain to join or marry their settled partner will become compulsory from November 29 this year.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) Monday announced that from this date, any migrant who wants to enter or remain in the country as the partner of a British citizen or a person settled here will need to show that they can speak and understand English, by taking an English language test with one of the test providers approved by the agency.

This means the applicants will have to

demonstrate basic English at A1 level, the same level required for skilled workers admitted under Tier 2 of the points-based system.

The test will be compulsory even for people applying from within Britain, UKBA said in a statement. The government announced the new stipulation last month.

Partners who apply for settlement after completing their two-year period of temporary residence will still need to meet the "knowledge of language and life in the UK" test. This is in addition to the new basic English language requirement, which forms part of their initial application.

It’s time to make the call.

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Great Ormond Street apologises for fatal delay to save teenager Children’s hospital Great Ormond Street has apologised after a teenager died while waiting for a simple operation that could have saved his life, reports the Sunday Mail.

The hospital was repeatedly warned that Arvind Jain, 13, needed urgent surgery to help him swallow because he suffered from a musclewasting disease.

But surgeons at the hospital failed to arrange the operation or turn up for vital meetings about his condition and after six months of waiting Arvind died from complications.

Arvind’s parents, Ashok, 63, a retired engineer, and Mridula, 49, a civil servant, have been too upset to discuss their son’s death.

The family, from Cricklewood, North London, say the surgical team at the children’s hospital failed to respond to urgent requests for their son to have the operation to insert a feeding tube into his stomach.

They also say they

Arvind Jain with his family during his birthday

failed to turn up to two meetings to discuss the procedure and no explanation was given.

In a complaint to the hospital, they say doctors assessing Arvind at Great Ormond Street told them the operation meant he ‘would be OK and would be able to go to school in September’, and it would give him ‘quality of life’.

Instead, they were forced to watch as his condition deteriorated because he was not receiving adequate nutri-

tion and had to resort to placing ice cubes in his mouth to help him drink.

Arvind was diagnosed at the age of three with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which causes muscles to gradually weaken.

Sufferers are usually confined to a wheelchair by their teens but they can survive to around 40 with good care.

In December 2008, he was admitted to his local hospital, the Royal Free, with feeding prob-

lems.

Despite recommendations Great Ormond Street’s own neuromuscular doctors sent to its surgical team that it should carry out what is a standard procedure, there was no response and subsequent letters sent within Great Ormond Street went unanswered.

The family say Arvind was no longer able to use a temporary feeding tube and an intravenous drip, set up to give him essential fluids, could not be inserted into his veins as they had collapsed. He died on August 9.

After an internal review, Great Ormond Street offered its ‘sincere apologies’ and said it accepted that management was poor and letters should have been answered.

However, it added that while the feeding tube would have ‘been effective in treating Arvind’s specific problem with feeding’, other problems contributed to his deterioration.

£17,500 fine over 'spiritual healer' advert The TV watchdog imposed a £17,500 fine for "spiritual healer" advertising which was found to be capable of exploiting vulnerable people as per the British n e w s p a p e r Independent.

Ofcom disciplined licensee DM Digital Television Ltd in respect of its DM Digital service.

In February 2009 the Manchester-based digital station, which broadcasts mainly in Urdu to the UK Asian communi-

ty, allegedly aired an ad for a "spiritual healer" called Professor Mohammed Zain.

Advertising regulator the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), as the newspaper suggests received a complaint from Manchester Trading Standards, which had been contacted by the social worker of a viewer who had approached Prof Zain after seeing the advert. The viewer allegedly said she twice paid money to Prof Zain

Urges to the fasting Muslims to quit smoking during Ramadan The Co-operative Pharmacy is extending its award winning Ramadan campaign to encompass stop smoking advice to Muslim patients during Ramadan. A total of 82 Co-operative Pharmacies located in areas with a high proportion of Muslim customers, have been specially trained to offer a free tailored “medicines check” service which now incorporates stop smoking advice.

Although Muslims who are ill can be exempt from fasting, many continue to observe the fast. This can mean that oral medicines are not taken at the correct time intervals, or that their effectiveness is altered due to drugs’ interactions with food.

The pharmacist will ensure that if the patient needs to

change the times they take their medicines they continue to manage their condition effectively and safely and will also identify those who are looking to stop smoking.

The Muslim Council of Great Britain supports the initiative, commenting, “We welcome the effort by The Co-operative Pharmacy and will recommend it to our communities living locally.

We urge all fellow Muslim brothers and sisters not to make their own decisions to alter doses or timings of medications without the guidance from their doctors or pharmacists and ask local health practitioners to liaise with mosques and Islamic centres to educate the public on this important information.”

for help in finding a partner.

According to the viewer, Prof Zain told her to credit his account with £110 and to pray for one week and then to call him back.

When she did this, he allegedly told her to credit his bank account with a further £1,400 and in return he would find her "a prince" and the viewer transferred the requested cash.

The ASA found the advert breached the CAP (Broadcast) TV

Advertising Standards Code.

It concluded that the advert was "likely to exploit the hopes and fears of vulnerable viewers".

Ofcom considered the breach was serious because it resulted in actual financial harm to the viewer.

Ofcom also concluded that the breach showed a repeated failure by DM Digital to ensure that material met the requirements of the TV Advertising Code.

Teenage 'happy slappers' jailed, but could walk free in months Two teenage members of a 'happy slapping' gang who attacked and killed a 67-year-old man as he stood with his his young granddaughter were locked up on last Monday.

But Leon Elcock, 16, and 15-year-old Hamza Lyzai could walk free within months after they were sentenced to fourand-a-half years and three-and-a-half years respectively over the death of retired careworker, Ekram Haque.

The teenage thugs admitted attacking Mr Haque as he stood outside a south London mosque with his threeyear-old grand-daughter, Marian.

The 67-year-old cracked his head after being struck to the ground, suffering irreparable brain damage, and died a week after the assaThe pair admitted their parts in other assaults in which, the court heard, they had 'targeted people for fun'.

The pair had already carried out a number of attacks on elderly Asians, and Elcock was even on bail at the time of the killing for an assault just five days before.

Each will only have to serve half before being released on licence. They spent nearly a year on remand.

Driver jailed over death of Josh Callaghan in Gravesend

Koaldeap Singh Lit Josh Callaghan

A construction worker who lost control of his car and caused the death of a teenage boy in Gravesend has been jailed for threeand-a-half years.

Koaldeap Singh Lit, 35, from Cliffe Road in Strood, mounted the pavement and struck 16year-old Josh Callaghan on 24 January last year.

Josh, of Canon Road, Bromley, south-east

London, was taken to hospital but died a few hours later.

A jury at Maidstone Crown Court delivered a unanimous verdict.

Lit was also banned from driving for five years.

Josh was a popular pupil at Ravens Wood School in Bromley, southeast London Pc Andy Gallon said he hoped the sentence would discourage drivers from driving when tired.

Crime profits returned Convicted Leicestershire tobacco smuggler Mohmed Safi Patel, was today ordered to re-pay crime profits of almost £370,000 within six months or remain in prison for an extra four years, following a successful investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Patel was jailed for six years in 2008 for smuggling 27 million cigarettes and four tons of hand rolling tobacco following a two week trial at Leicester Crown Court. His codefendant Anis Vohora absconded in 2007 prior to the trial and was sentenced in his absence to four years in prison. An international arrest warrant was issued and Vohora was extradited back from the United States last month June 2010. He received an additional three month jail

Mohmed Safi Patel

term for bail offences.

John Kay, Assistant Chief Investigation Officer for HMRC said: “This was a sophisticated, well planned and large scale smuggling operation which resulted in substantial prison sentences.

However, this case also highlights our determination to pursue their crime profits, depriving them of returning to a life of luxury and recouping money for investment in our country’s public services.”

Michael Lyons may have raped dozens more women Police fear dozens more women around the world have been raped by cult leader Michael Lyons.

Officers said many victims were too scared to come forward after falling into the clutches of his intimidating group.

They said Lyons, known in spiritualist circles as Mohan Singh, was a calculating criminal masquerading as a healer.

Lyons was jailed for 10 years after being convicted of raping one woman and assaulting another.

However police say many more women around the world may also have been victims.

London detectives investigating two rape complaints issued a warrant for his arrest in 2007.

After being held at

Michael Lyons

Heathrow Airport, he was questioned about a third alleged attack in 2002 which had been investigated and dropped through lack of evidence.

He said Lyons travelled widely between London, Paris, Miami and New York, spending only a few months in each place.

Mr Giles said the complex and unusual case created many difficulties, including persuading the jury how dangerous Lyons was.

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

COMMENT

Passage to India: UK seeks new relationship Prime Minister has embarked on a journey to India, accompanied by five Cabinet ministers including Foreign Secretary, William Hague, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and Treasury and Business Secretary Vince Cable, and a party of 95 CEOs. This truly is formidable line-up of heavyweights and is evidence of intent. The message is: Britain is ready for business, and beyond finance and commerce, seeks to partner with India in every conceivable field, from politics to education, from science and technology to culture and the arts. With vision, imagination and mutual self-interest that translate into administration and the appropriate institutional framework, plus a personal chemistry between the British and Indian prime ministers and their colleagues, the relationship beween the two countries can take a great leap forward.

It maybe that Britain has no game changing proposition to offer India such as the US-India civilian nuclear accord which originated with the George W.Bush administration, but Britain has its special strengths which should not be overlooked. History and tradition have bonded Britain and India. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Britain need look no further than India's parliamentary system of government underpinned by the rule of law. The founding fathers of independent India were conscious of the positive aspects of the British legacy in the Subcontinent, hence on the attainment of freedom on August 15, 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister, invited the last British Viceroy Lord Louis Mountbatten, on behalf the new government, to stay on as the first Governor General of a sovereign India, which offer was graciously received and accepted. India's leaders were keen to put the troubled past behind them and chart a creative relationship with the country's former rulers. It was time to move on, and India joined the Commonwealth in free association with Britain, thus ensuring its transformation into the multiracial body it is today.

There were, however, impediments to a closer relationship, notably the Cold War and its myriad ramifications. India sought to forge a series of critical relationships which transcended the Cold War paradigm to safeguard its national interest. History has shown that, warts and all, the decision was wise and beneficial. In time, the Cold War came to an end, and it was again time to move forward.

Here, there is a convergence between the British and Indian viewpoints. Prime Minister Cameron, while keeping faith with Britain's 'special relationship' with America, wishes to redefine it in way that would not impede Britain's efforts to forge ties with nations – among them India - whose rise is likely to determine the course of the 21st century. International politics and trade have given Britain and India the necessary space to forge a relationship appropriate for our time.

The previous Labour government did little of substance in this regard. Its successor happily is keen to

put this right. With an ample fund of goodwill on both sides there is no reason why this endeavour should not succeed and its expectations realised over a reasonable timeline A number of excellent special reports in the British press have flagged off the Cameron visit to Delhi, the most eye-catching and rounded, arguably, by Dean Nelson in the Daily Telegraph. Editorials in the Daily Telegraph and the Times have been penned with measured optimism; both have underlined the common dangers posed by international terrorism, both have shown an appreciation of Indian concerns over the present unstable situation in Afghanistan. This is destined to exercise minds in London and Delhi for the foreseeable future.

The heart of the projected Indo-British relationship will be trade and investment, on which Mr Nelson has expended valuable insights. Time was when India was perceived in the UK as an exotic basket case. He reminds us of the new reality. He writes: “For those whose recent glimpse of India was the brutal poverty shown in Slumdog Millionaire or believed you had just elected a government committed to clamping down south Asian immigration, think again and steel yourselves. Mr Cameron's visit with the largest senior Cabinet delegation in recent memory heralds the arrival of the Indian century.”

Indian poverty was undeniably a grim statistic, but it “is not as urgent as other developments: India is the world's second-largest economy. It is expected to overtake China as the fastest-growing within 40 years, and also replace it as the world's greatest population with more than 2 billion people by 2050. As its population rises, so too will the number of highly educated graduates and skilled engineers – already qualifying at the rate of 160,000 per year.....Britain's largest manufacturer (Tata, owner of Jaguar Land Rover and Corus steel) is Indian, India's 700 companies are our largest job creators, UK businesses owned by British Indians generate £10 billion in turnover and our richest man, Lakshmi Mittal, is an Indian.”

Beyond the obvious issues of trade and investment, there are areas of common security concerns, none more so than global terrorism and the threat it poses to international order. The UK and India have experienced terrorist attacks – 7/7 in London and 26/11 in Mumbai – so there has to be greater intelligence sharing between the two countries. With the recent WikiLeaks internet revelations carried in The Guardian, The New York Times and Der Spiegal, of covert Pakistani aid to the Afghan Taliban (even accepting that some incidents were of questionable authenticity) surely requires a long overdue decoupling of the India-Pakistan construct in Whitehall.

This is a pre-requisite for deepening Indo-British trust.

A good start has been made in opening a new dynamic era in the evolving relationship between Britain and India. Long may it endure.

Wizard of spin required no spin Muttiah Muralitheran, 38, retired from Test cricket last week after helping Sri Lanka drub India by 10 wickets at Galle. He was the principal architect of that victory by capturing 8 Indian wickets in both innings and reaching the astonishing Test aggregate of 800 wickets in a glittering career spanning 18 memorable years.

On figures alone, Muralitheran can claim to be the greatest spinner in the game's history. Allowing for changes in society and the sport itself, it may be safer to place him among the first five of cricket's immortals in the magical art of spin bowling. A freak action based on a glitch in his bowling arm enabled him to rotate his wrist 360 degrees and impart phenomenal turn and zip, not to speak of baffling syncopations of flight which bewitched, bothered and bewildered batsmen throughout the world. He clearly was a one-off who gave the Sri Lankan attack a cutting edge unique in cricket's

annals.

There was much controversy about Muralitheran's action, with some claiming that he threw, and that this gave him an unfair advantage over orthodox purveyors of spin. But Mike Atherton, the former English Test captain, disputed this in his insightful article in The Times. He told how he got a well known English spinner to throw: he did, without turning the ball an inch, or controlling line and length. Murali's gift was thus a blessing from the gods. Period. In any case the biomechanics of his action were subjected to the closest scientific scrutiny at a reputable Australian university, and he was duly cleared. Houdini was an illusionist, so was Muralitheran. Both deceived the human eye.

The Sri Lankan champion was also a pearl among men; his smile was infectious and his sportsmanship beyond reproach. We are unlikely to his like again. Thank you, Murali.

Law must be above suspicion The arrest of Gujarat Home Minister Amit Shah for the deaths, of Sohrabuddin, his wife Kausarbi and their associate Tulsi Prajapati, in what was allegedly a fake encounter with the state police, is making media headlines. Mr Shah behaved with commendable propriety: no sooner were the allegations laid at his door by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) than he tendered his resignation to Chief Minister Narendra Modi and accepted police custody.

The disturbing aspect of the case concerns the conduct of the CBI. For weeks and months on end it ran a disreputable campaign of media leaks against Mr Shah. He was not formally charged, but a media

trial based on hearsay, gossip and innuendo went on regardless. Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram has claimed that the CBI acted independently as an arm of the judiciary in keeping with its instructions.

This may be the theory, but CBI worst practice tells of ruling party interference at the Centre with due process. This appears to have become a habit, irrespective of the party party in power in Delhi.

The proper procedure is for Mr Shah's interrogation to be video recorded. The rule of law requires that due process be applied and seen to be applied.

Meanwhile, the CBI's reputation has been seriously tarnished.

www.abplgroup.com

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Thought for the Week Discovery consists of seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no- one else has thought - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (1893-1986)

Alpesh Patel’s

Political Sketchbook: East India Companies A BBC journalist asked me – ‘is there money to be made for British companies in India?’ I replied he should consider that the Indian defence budget is larger than the UK’s defence budget and yet Britain is in Afghanistan and Iraq! Consider that inward investment from India to the UK is greater than the other way round.

So why does the PM need a super-large delegation? What are the obstacles to British companies?

The obstacles are not truly Indian, but those of other nations knowing how to leverage the opportunities.

Take SMEs in the UK. Thanks to the energetic UK Trade and Investment providing access and knowhow on exporting from the UK into India, or the vitality of the UK India Business Council providing a softlanding in India, SME access to India has become easier. If SMEs from Britain do not come out to India to become more productive and tap growth, then competitors from around the world will swarm upon the weakest British companies and through corporate Darwinism extinct them. The obstacles are not in India, but in the exporting or investor country, knowing how to leverage the opportunities.

But if you want statistics, consider theses: India has among the higher returns on foreign investment than China according to the US Department of Commerce. By 2032 India will be one of the three largest economies in the world. Indeed today on purchasing power parity it already is the third largest economy in the world and one quarter the size of the US economy. With 300m consumers and the world’s largest pool of English speaking scientists and engineers. A place where 75million phone subscribers annually, 8 million TV sets are sold annually. By 2015 over 63 million households are expected to have income over $30,000 in PPP terms.

India, although the seventh largest country in the world, has the second largest area of arable land in the world – it feeds the world – as the world’s largest producer of milk, sugarcane and tea and the second largest producer of fruit, wheat, rice, vegetables.

Comparisons to the US are obvious. An economic superpower needs not just persevering and innovative peoples, but abundant natural resources and an openness to the capitalist ideal – India, like the US of last century, fits the bill.

Investment needs the assurance of heritage. And for investors in India, lies more than any country a heritage of innovation. After all this was the land of medicine and astronomy before the Greeks, navigation before the Romans. Their number system allowed the rest of the world to count. Or as Dan Sheinman of Cisco put it, ‘ We came to India for the costs, stayed for the quality and are now investing for innovation.’ Indeed one fifth of Fortune 500 companies have set up R&D centres in India and India is among only 6 countries in the world to have satellite launch capabilities.

Little wonder then this nation had the greatest GDP of any country on the eve of the formation of the British East India Company. There is nothing to suggest her people will not return to resume their destiny.

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

YOUR VOICE

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Nikhil Gor Project Co-ordinator Asian Business Publication Ltd Unit 2, Karma Yoga House 12 Hoxton Market London N1 6HW 20th July 2010

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Andrew Stunell MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Department of Communities and Local Government Eland House Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU Tel: 0303 444 3440 Fax: 0303 444 3287 Email: andrew.stunell@communities.gsi.gov.uk www.communities.gov.

Our Ref: P1/P1/016659/10

Dear Nikhil Gor, Thank you for your letter of 29 June, inviting the Prime Minister to write a message of support for inclusion of your publication “British Punjabis 2010”. I am responding on the Prime Minister's behalf as I am the Minister with policy responsibility for race equality and social cohesion issues.

I am sorry that we were unable to provide a message of support in time for the launch event. However, I should like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the highly significant contribution the Punjabi community has made over the many years to the life and culture of the UK. That contribution, which demonstrates the growing achievements of the Punjabi community and the development of their own situation within our society, is an inspiration to Government.

The Big Society and Localism, two essential priorities for this Government, are both about inclusiveness and fairness, giving ethnic minorities huge potential to influence decisions. The Big Society is about huge culture change where people, in their everyday lives, in their homes, in their neighbourhoods, in their workplace, don't always turn to officials, local authorities or central government for answers to the problems they face, but instead feel both free and powerful enough to help themselves and their own communities. I am determined to push the race equality agenda forward and to improve opportunities for people of all backgrounds.

The Prime Minister and I wish you every continued success.

Yours sincerely

Andrew Stunell MP

Well done AB, well done Lord Popat I write to congratulate the Asian Voice team of dedicated journalists around the country covering stories from within the Asian community. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Asian Voice journalist in particular for writing such an in-depth article about Lord Dolar Popat who was inaugurated into the House of Lords on Monday 12 July (Asian Voice, Saturday 24 July 2010, Page 13).

In the presence of Param Pujya Sant Shree Morari Bapu, a humbling Sant who has recited the Ramayana to millions of people throughout his life has graced the UK once again, but this time into the senior most house in the United Kingdom to bless an occasion to mark a lifetime of seva by an equally humble man, Lord Popat.

May Lord Popat continue to serve the our community and may Asian Voice continue to keep us in touch with our community through dedicating coverage to such occasions.

Shimal Thakrar Edgware

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

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Why propagate burkha?

Ban on burkha is contentious subject. It is hard to please all. Burkha is as valid as beard and turban of Sikhs.

It has popped up again in Britain following recent burkha related events in France, Spain and Syria.

Burkha may be used to hide weapons is futile argument. Fanatic terrorist would need no camouflage. There are no evident rampant crimes associated with burkha in Britain, a la knives and guns.

Eye to eye contact for teaching is dubious argument. There are correspondence courses, television classes, open university where teachers do not see pupils. In remote areas of Australia radios are used to educate pupils.

Thus both excuses against burkha fail.

Burkha has positive points. It is symbol of Islamic religious identity and culture which ladies wear with pride, and commendable adherence to discipline, in view of overall prejudice.

However, even in absence of any law banning burkha, it must not be worn in exceptional situations, as common sense judgement and personal understanding e.g. airports, immigration points, emergencies, medico-dental surgeries, etc.

In order to assuage all, guidelines must be laid to wear burkha within homes, mosques, Muslim gatherings etc. When in public hijab may be worn as token of discipline.

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

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Swami Ramdevji’ s Crusade You rightly say in your last week’s Column “As It Is” that India with all its moralistic preaching is yet to give a suitable shelter, education, and other amenities to 60% of its population.

The main cause is of course the rampant corruption raging wild since its Independence..

By now the corruption has plagued politics judiciary, trade and commerce, police administration, gram panchayats, educational establishments like schools, colleges and universities, and all religious establishments and temples.

As a result, the Politicians and the rich have enriched the Swiss bankers by the millions. The ochre coloured sadhus, gurus swamis, bapus are hypocrites who have no qualms in exploiting the faith and superstitions to the fullest It is unfortunate that the elites and the intellectuals who spare no efforts to preach, with the only agenda to seek honour and garlands, have failed to bring about any social change in our society.

In India of today, 230 million people are malnourished and 50% of the children meet early death as a result..

Of The Government’s annual food subsidy of 32 crores for 7 crores of below poverty line people, 75% of it is stolen, resulting an average family of four receiving Rs 94 instead of Rs 375. The crusade announced by Swami Ramdevji by launching a new Political party whose only aim will be to eradicate corruption and bring back the Ramrajya is praiseworthy.

He is fired up sufficiently to carry out his ideal. He has all the resources: enough wealth, his own TV channel and substantial following. We NRIs should give whatever support Swamiji needs from us.

G Mistry London

Indian first Muslims second It is more than likely that the the infamous ISI had links with the Mumbai terrorist attacks of 2008; but it should not be forgotten that there are many fundamental young Muslims all around the world, & not just Pakistani Muslims.

Which brings me to my real point. The ease with which the terrorists worked their evil, & the intimate knowledge they seemed to have of their targets would suggest complicity & collaboration from 'within'. Did they?

In earlier days, Indian Muslims 'were Indian first & Muslims second'. Is this still the case? Has Islamic militancy affected their mind-set? I believe the authorities have a major task in striking a right balance between (a) keeping a close watch on militant Islam within India, & (b) but in so doing, in not alienating Indian Muslims with too heavy-handed an approach. Not an easy task, but I believe a very very important one.

UK EUROPE WORLD 1 Year £25 £55 £70 2 Years £45 £100 £125 £225 £300 *5 Years £110 £450 £550 *10 Years £200

Harish Dave Via Email

Qureshi's arrogance and Indo-Pak talk It was very disappointing to read the news on front page of Asian Voice that Qureshi's arrogance marred Indo-Pak talks. Democratically elected leaders must understand what their people want and it should reflect in their actions.

Ordinary people of India and Pakistan do not want wars but wish their leaders should work to improve their living standards. Pakistan has been recognised country in the world and therefore need not to worry from India. India recognise Pakistan and that should be well understood.

People like Qureshi should see the programme on Star Plus- Chhota Ustaad and learn lessons from the artists singers of India and Pakistan what people of both the countries want. Please do not become the obstruction between the honourable work being done by the ordinary people and their children. Leave your selfishness and see what are the wishes of people.

Dharam Sahdev Ilford

Bible Bashing British Soaps If some one wonders why British people are turning their back on their noble Christian religion and age old customs and traditions, then they do not have to look far. It seems British television, through their popular and widely watched serials like Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders do not miss a single opportunity to bash and portray Christianity in poor taste.

The EastEnders is the worst offender.

Over the years it has introduced Padres, Chaplains, Reverence and Clergymen in the soap but always in poor light. They are either gay priest, as if it is the norm, serial adulterers, drug addicts, misfits and now a serial murderer.

Lucas, who is the central figure and a pleasant character until he turns into a mass murder, is the ultimate insult to the Christian faith. No other faiths would denigrate, portray their followers in such a poor taste.

What better than showing religion with a human face, feeding the poor, sheltering the homeless and nursing the sick back to health that was the hallmark of Christianity and still is in many parts of the developing world with the late Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King and Bishop Desmond Tutu a cult figure loved and respected by all.

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

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(Off Coronet Street)

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

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

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

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

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Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Kapil’s

Panellists gather for discussions on India Pakistan relations

KHICHADI

By Maninder Kaur The Commonwealth Journalists Association hosted a public discussion, 'India and Pakistan: Enemies forever?' on Monday 19th July, at the House of Commons. The talks were chaired by Brian Hanrahan, BBC D i p l o m a t i c Correspondent, with panellists M J Akbar, Editor India on Sunday and Sunday Guardian, Dr Maleeha Lodhi, journalist and academic, formerly Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, and Sir Hilary Synnott, Consulting Fellow International Institute for strategic studies, author and former diplomat.

Amongst the issues discussed, Dr Maleeha Lodhi said the demonstrations of Kashmiri youth in the Indian valley, has exposed Indian control over the state. Making reference to the on going street tensions, she said terrorism in South Asia has not appeared by itself, but is a result of the Kashmir dispute.

However, M J Akbar argued that the anger of

by Kapil Dudakia - email: kapil@abplgroup.com Death by a Thousand……

Sir Hilary Synnott addressing the public at the House of Commons

the Kashmiri youth didn’t suggest a hatred for India.

“The Kashmiri youth are eager to join India in security services, they want to be a part of the entertainment industry and it was imperative they were accommodated.”

Sir Hilary Synnott came to the conclusion that none of the Western powers are seriously interested in resolving the Kashmir issue.

Dr Lodhi later went on to compare India and Pakistan relations with that of Israel and Palestinians, where the more powerful force always tries to dictate its own terms. Talking on

the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, she said India put far too much emphasis the attacks, whilst ignoring the core issues.

“You cannot hold Pakistan hostage to your own demands and seek a favourable outcome.”

Concluding the discussions, the speakers agreed that the present unrest in Kashmir is due to the governments failure in introducing democracy to the state. Also in agreement was that both countries knew there was no military solution to the Kashmir problem, and so they should brush aside their differences and strive for peaceful solutions to the disputes.

NPIMR celebrates the first anniversary of the Heart and Stroke Research campaign The Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP hosted a dinner celebrating the first anniversary of the Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research’s (NPIMR) Heart and Stroke Research Campaign at the House of Commons.

Over 130 guests attended including the Deputy Indian High Commissioner, Mr Rajesh N Prasad.

The new Attorney General welcomed his guests saying: “I have followed the work of Northwick Park for many years and I am honoured to help celebrate the first anniversary of the Heart and Stroke Research Campaign.”

Professor Shervanthi Homer-Vanniasinkam, a Consultant Vascular Surgeon and the Director of NPIMR spoke about her daily encounters of treating heart disease and stroke patients and how developments at the Institute would help prevent these diseases as well as help treat them.

Professor HomerVanniasinkam described NPIMR’s research programme in “proteomics” – a relatively new field of medical research looking at proteins in disease states.

The dinner was sup-

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The NPIMR dinner at the House of Commons celebrating first anniversary of Heart and Stroke Research campaign

ported by Barclays Bank. Dr Rami Ranger then spoke of his long association with NPIMR and spoke to the audience about the prestigious Golden Hearts Club, an exclusive group of Heart and Stroke Campaign supporters committed to funding research for two years.

Six new Golden Heart members were recruited during the evening.

Ms Sonal Dave, who was the MC for the event, then called on Mrs Jayshree Shah from NPIMR who spoke about the charity’s other fundraising activities.

Professor John Nicholls, the Chairman of the NPIMR Board of Trustees, gave a vote of thanks to Mr Dominic Grieve, Barclays Bank, the Deputy Indian High Commissioner, the vol-

unteers and, most importantly, all the guests for making the evening such a success.

Following a successful auction compéred by Mr Rumit Shah, the event raised over £25,000 for the Heart and Stroke Research Campaign at NPIMR. If anyone wishes to support this campaign, please call Jayshree at NPIMR on 0208 869 3284 or email: j.shah@imperial.ac.uk

On 5th May the Lib Dems were flying high with 27% in the polls.

Now in less than three months they stand at an almost all time low of 13% (recorded on 21st July). Looking back over the past 5 plus years they have been as low as 11% and whilst I don’t see it going further below this, I believe the message from voters is loud and clear. Lib Dems have damaged their party in the pursuit of power to such a degree that it may take a generation or more to recover. Will it continue to endure this death by a thousand cuts, or will the party faithful rise and reject the alliance?

November will mark the season of fireworks in more ways than one.

Haste to Please The Tory government are in an undue haste to please. My one issue is, ‘Who are they trying to please?’ Is it their core supporters, the financial markets, their friends in the city or is it the wider public? In this confusion what comes across as decisive action might turn out in the longer term to be unwarranted haste.

The changes being put forward in education, defence, the police, the NHS, local councils and the civil service to name a few might seem great, but in time each of these can potentially come back and bite them hard.

Taking the public for granted or as fools has always been a favourite pass time of politicians, and of successive governments. For example, if you introduce devastating cuts to the police – simple logic dictates that frontline services will be affected and it will adversely impact on the effectiveness of the how they do their job. So let us not pretend that everything will be alright on the night. 12 months from now when the crime figures come out, let us not be too sur-

prised if they become worse. Let us also not be too surprised when those who should be behind bars are let out under the guise of efficiency savings and cuts – only then go on and commit further crimes.

If I was advising the Government, then it would be simple – haste to please the various factions in the short term could turn into a millstone in months to come.

It might be wiser just to step back and see whether it is dogma driving the changes, or common sense?

The War is Over?

When the Deputy Prime Minister stands up in the House of Commons and tells the public that troops will be out of Afghanistan by 2014/5 – is he telling us the whole truth?

Listen to his statement again, what he actually said was, ‘combat troops’ will be out by that deadline. The US and British presence will continue in Afghanistan for decades to come, and that my friends is the bottom-line. Thousands of British troops will continue to stay in the country, with many more thousands joining them from the civil contingent.

Britain and the US cannot afford to come out of Afghanistan for at least two good reasons. One, that it would be seen as a humiliating defeat for the two most powerful armies in the world, and that by a bunch of terrorists on foot. Second, Afghanistan has got huge mineral deposits that both the US and Britain would want to control and therefore we will see puppet governments being supported as long as they do what they are told.

Our presence will be there for quite a while; only it will be called by a different name. The only question is, ‘How gullible are the British public?’

Lead me, not into Temptation!

The Labour Party is on

the verge of selecting their new leader. There are the usual suspects, the ones who stand a chance and those who are there to make up the numbers and even bring some colour to the proceedings.

I can’t help but feel that no matter who they choose, there is something not quite right with the group that has been shortlisted. Under normal circumstances David Miliband would be the obvious choice – but he did not take the opportunity when the time was right. His brother has slowly but surely built up his support, but to what end? He is linked to Gordon Brown to such an extent that it will be difficult for him to disassociate himself from the memory of that failing tenure.

Ed Balls is even more of a Brownite than Brown himself. Getting that side of the Party to support him might be easier than convincing the voters in years to come. Andy Burnham is too much of a light weight. His heart may well be in the right place, but is he ready for the role today? And that leaves Dianne Abbott. I am all for people from the BME community having high aspirations but let us also be honest – there really is nothing in her armoury that will get her elected as leader of the Labour Party.

Overall, Labour is on the verge of making a grave error. No one has come through who is not tainted with the mess of a rudderless dying Government. Their only saving grace, the Tory Government is making too many hasty decisions that are fraught with danger. If they cannot find a way through this coming winter and survive the strains on the coalition, then that just might give that glimmer of hope to the new Labour leader. Will the Labour left lead the Party into temptation of the 70’s?

Or have they grown up and matured to fight another day?

David Miliband tops two Labour leadership opinion polls David Miliband, the shadow foreign secretary, is the preferred choice of business leaders and ordinary voters to secure the Labour leadership, two opinion polls have found.

However, most people are yet to make up their mind between the five contenders for

the Labour crown. In the first poll, 53 per cent of voters said that they were undecided, including one in three Labour voters. Mr Miliband was named as the best leader of the party by 17 per cent, with Diane Abbott, the Left-wing backbencher, in second place

on 10 per cent. Ed Miliband, the shadow energy secretary and brother of the former foreign secretary, was third with seven per cent.

The remaining candidates, Ed Balls, the shadow education secretary, and Andy Burnham, former health secretary, were

each named as favourite by six per cent of voters.

Members of Labour’s electoral college begin voting next month in the contest to replace Gordon Brown as leader, with the result announced at the party’s annual conference in September.

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MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Scrutator’s Dean Nelson, the Daily Telegraph's man in India, turned in another insightful report on the new. unfolding relationship between the UK and India (July 21). It is possible that the Cameron-led government will do for British-India ties what George W. Bush did for US-India relations. Time will reveal all, but hope springs eternal.

Mr Nelson's opening paragraph set the scene. “Britain and India are to establish a new forum of each country's six leading chief executives to boost bilateral trade and investment. Anand Sharma, India's commerce minister [in an interview], said the forum would be announced during David Cameron's visit to India next week as a centrepiece of the new 'special relation- Prime Ministers David Cameron and Manmohan Singh ship' he is seeking with the world's second-fastest growing economy. Mr Sharma said he and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh... shared Mr Cameron's goal, but warned new immigration restrictions on Indian business leaders and professionals must be lifted for the relationship to thrive....the commerce minister after confirming the forum with Mr Singh, said the new body would play a significant role in overcoming regulatory hurdles in both countries and encouraging investment. Both Britain and India are now selecting potential candidates for the forum, but RollsRoyce's Sir John Rose annd BAE Systems' Ian King have been mentioned as possible members, along with Indian motor manufacturer Anand Mahindra and Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Group.”

Removing obstacles A British source said: “The idea is to get together the people directly involved and for ministers on both sides to listen to what they say on what needs to happen to remove impediments to growing investment.” Dean Nelson again: “The UK government and its business chiefs want India to remove caps on investment in the Indian defence, supermarket, higher education and legal and professional sectors. India is pressing Britain to accept Indian professional qualifications in accountancy, law and information technology.”

Competitive global list The Business Standard (July 19) reported that “India has been ranked second, ahead of the United States and South Korea, in terms of manufacturing competence globally.” The paper was quoting the US investment firm Deloitte. According to Deloitte, China, India and South Korea are first, second and third respectively, in the 2010 Global Manufacturing Competitive Index, the result of collaboration between Deloitte Touche Tomatsu and the US Council on Competitiveness.

“In less than a decade a new world order for manufacturing competitiveness has emerged along with a tectonic shift in manufacturing competence,” the 50-page Deloitte report said.

It added: “The rise in the manufacturing competitiveness of three countries in particular – China, India and South Korea appears to parallel the rapidlygrowing and important Asian market.

Whilst China's place was expected, “perhaps the most surprising is that India is now positioned at number two and will gain an even stronger foothold over the next five years,” saying the country's talent pool of scientists, researchers and engineers along with the largely well-educated English-speaking workforce and democratic regime make it an attractive destination for manufacturers.

Noting that India's software had reached new heights since the 1990s and post-economic liberalisation had opened new vistas for Indian manufacturing.

Indian manufacturers had moved from low-cost products, having gained experience in in quality improvement and adopted Japanese principles of quality management.

Deloitte said: “The country is also rapidly expanding its capabilities in engineering design and development and embedded software development, which form an integral part part of many modern-day m a n u f a c t u r e d products....Manufacturing executives [around the world] increasingly view India as a place where they can design, develop and manufacture innovative products for sale in local as well as in global markets ”In five years, China would head the table with 10 points, but India would move up from its present 8.15 to 9.01points.

The Financial Times Lex Column (July 14), apropos of India's IT sector commented: “The sector, having outperformed the broader Indian market massively last year, is pacing it this year but global IT spending is expected to grow by 9 per

cent. It will be hard as ever to keep the irrepressible bulls down.”

New India in creation The Hindustan Times (June 18) wrote: “The touch-scree on an iPod, the engines in a jetliner – swathes of the world's technology have been conceptualised, designed, modified or stresstested in a laboratory somewhere in India....India is moving beyond manning help-desks, booking airline tickets and coding reams of software to making planes safer, medical devices more precise, car engines more efficient and life-saving drugs more accessible. Silently and rapidly, India has used innovation to move being the the world's back-office to becoming a global hub for research and development.

Professor Vivek Wadhwa of Duke and Harvard universities (US) writes: “Just ten years ago, Indian IT companies such as Infosys Technologies Ltd, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Wipro Ltd were bidding for small contracts to help Western companies fix the Y2K bug in their computing systems. Their customers were desperate to fix this ticking time bomb.... despite severe hesitations, Western companies sent their mission-critical systems to India for repair.

Indian outsourcers used this opportunity to expand operations, build new skills and, most importantly, get to know their customers. The catastrophe was averted and both sides benefitted. Indian firms used this as a launching pad for bigger projects and entry into more strategic ventures.”

Initially there were shortages of skilled engineers, as the country wasn't producing them in sufficient numbers – 76,000 in 1999. The figure went up by 2004, but at the expense of quality. There was a further increase to 220,000 engineers by 2007.

The five IT majors and smaller IT firms stepped in and devised their own in-house training systems on the basis of best practice methods As innovation rapidly settles in as a business concept, it encourages previous timorous Indian companies to spread their wings and go global. Also, it is encouraging a reverse traffic as global companies seek to enter the Indian market in ever increasing numbers.

Whether in automobiles, in chemicals, or in telecommunications, a new India rises, stronger and more vibrant.

Kutchi Kesar is now in demand in the Gulf and UK

bles. Now think Kutch, that region of Gujarat which evokes images of aridity, where the newest great leap in Indian agriculture is taking place. It's nothing short of a miracle and it looks like it is here to stay.”

It all began in the 1990s with Batuksinh Jadeja who bought a patch of land and planted the famous Kesar mangoes. Today, his orchards cover40 acres and “the Kutchi Kesar is now in demand in the Gulf and the UK and Buckingham Palace as well.” Drip irrigation and kindred measures have saved grondwater. If the Gujarat state government were to sell all the wasteland in Kutch to private farmers, the whole of Kutch could be transformed into India's foremost orchard.

Sukhois for IAF The Times of India (June 26) reported the purchase by India of an additional 42 frontline Sukhoi MKI warplanes from Russia to the 230 aircraft contracted for from Russia. The Sukhoi, which is highly regarded throughout the world, is expect-

using the world's most airlifter,” said a press release.

India and Canada have signed a civilian nuclear accord under which the latter will supply nuclear reactors to India for power generation. The safeguards will be closely monitored by the International Atomic Energy Authority (Times of India June 28).

Interceptor missile News agency reports (July 26) said the successful test of an interceptor missile capable of destroying an incoming ballistic missile. The test was carried out from a range in Chandipur in the eastern coastal state of Orissa.

The missile, developed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), destroyed the incoming target missile at an altitude of 10 miles ( in the 15 kilometres) in the Bay of Bengal.

This was the third test firing of the missile, following launches in 2006 and 2007. The nest test in March 2009 went awry, while the one scheduled for March this year was aborted at

Good earth India has successfully tested Intercepteor anti-ballistic missile

Kutch was long known as the most barren area in the state of Gujarat. Not any longer. India Today magazine (July 5) produced a report by Uday Mahurkar which pointed to a new Kutch dawn. He opened thus: “You can call it a Green Revolution; an improved, compacted and eco-friendly miniature version of Punjab's late 20th century agricultural renaissance.

Think Kesar mangoes, Israeli dates, succulent sweet lemons and organically grown vegeta-

ed be the mainstay of the Indian Air Force over the next decades.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd is now producing the aircraft at its Bangalore facility.

Production has been raised from 23 planes a year to 28 annually.

India is also buying six C130J Super Hercules air-lifters from the US in a $1 billion deal.

The plane will provide the Indian Army and Air Force “new special operations capabilities

the last minute because of a technical glitch.

While this latest landmark test is evidence of India's technological capabilities in the field, it will be yet awhile before the final product is ready for induction by the country's armed forces. However, only the US and Russia have a proven antiballistic missile capability. China and Japan are believed to be working on their systems.

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

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Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

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Are you more likely to be hired if you’re good-looking?

As a society, we’re obsessed with looks and reward attractive people accordingly. So, are good looks more important than qualifications?

Yes, according to a social experiment carried out by Gumtree.com, the marketing portal. The survey, which questioned 1,006 adults, showed that 41 per cent of men and 26 per cent of women admit hiring someone they fancy. The poll revealed that a young, attractive woman posing as a cleaner attracted 16 times more job offers than an older, larger lady. It also found that a pretty woman tends to do better than a handsome man in the career stakes. This was despite all job-seekers offering the same qualifications and experience.

Furthermore, up to 80 per cent of secondary pupils and young adults reported an appearance concern.

Separate research showed that attractive children got higher evaluations of their work from teachers, and were more popular.

Attractive people were less likely to be found guilty in court and received less severe sentences. Given this, it’s hardly surprising that one survey claimed workers spend a fifth of their salary “tarting up” trying to look good in the office, believing that image is increasingly important to

their career.

The Gumtree.com survey also found that 83 per cent of employers admit first impressions really do influence their decisionmaking. This suggests that if someone does not “fit in” they may immediately be rejected.

This “lookist epidemic” could explain why an increasing number of people are prepared to spend ridiculous sums of cash to undergo operations, thus attempting to brush up their looks in the hope that they can “fit in”.

Earlier this month the news that Facebook users in India were being urged to make themselves appear whiter online caused a big row. This was part of a marketing campaign by Vaseline to take advantage of the £325 million market for skinlightening creams in the country. In a separate poll of nearly 12,000 people conducted last year by the online dating site Shaadi.com, skin tone was considered the most important criterion when choosing a partner.

Cosmetic surgery, although relatively new, is a boom industry in India, with an increasing number of foreigners seeking operations at a fraction of

Medic admits to indecent text A Midland doctor who texted photos of his private parts to a female colleague has been given a five-year warning over his “disgraceful” behaviour, as reported by Birmingham Mail. Married trainee psychiatrist Dr Surya Prasad Nivarti, pictured, was working for Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust when he shocked a doctor with three images of his genitalia.

He sobbed while giving evidence to the General Medical Council and admitted sending the text at 1.34am in March last year. “I ended up drinking a bottle of beer, it’s not a regular thing for me, and there was something on television that excited me in an erotic way,” said Nivarti, who came to the UK in 2004 from a small south Indian village. Nivarti, whose doctor wife was based in Liverpool, blamed stresses of working at Reaside clinic in Rubery, while also studying for an MBA at Keele University. The GMC has allowed Nivarti to continue working.

Grand temple opening Scores of people will descend in Birmingham next month for the official opening of a ‘reincarnated’ Hindu temple, one of the UK’s oldest. The opening of the Shree Krishna Temple in West Bromwich (B70 9SZ), which was destroyed in an arson attack in December 1992, will be marked with a nine-day free festival beginning August 22. The temple, which features five separate shrines, is believed to be the first of its kind in the country. All welcome. To find out more telephone 0121 525 9577 or visit www.skm-wb.org

the cost in Europe or America. Some observers fear that, although exceptional today, such surgery could become broadly accepted among India’s growing middle classes.

According to Sunayna Gupta, 19, “beauty is everything”. She recently paid 35,000 rupees for work on her eyebrows. “You have to face so many people and they judge you, especially your face.”

According to B Narayanaswamy, Delhibased director of market researchers Ipsos, the trend

is driven by the example set by role models on television and in films, many of whom increasingly are honest about undergoing cosmetic surgery. “You get any possible advantage you can. So much depends on networks, not merit, that you need to make the right friends, go to the right parties and get the opportunities you might otherwise not get,” said Narayanaswamy.

So, are good looks more important than qualifications? Email me your thoughts, viewpoints.

Royal recognition Congratulations to Deirdre Figueiredo and Janti Champaneri, both from Birmingham, who have been honoured by Her Majesty. Deirdre, director of Craftspace, an arts and education body, has received an MBE for her services to the visual arts.

Through her work at Craftspace, Deirdre, pictured left, promotes craft skills in schools and communities as a way of developing enterprise and other transferable skills that employers are looking for.

Kenyan-born Mr Champaneri, pictured right, has been awarded an OBE for his services to local government.

In March this year, he took early retirement after 27 years with Birmingham City Council. He began his career as a care assistant, and became a senior man-

ager in the Adults and Communities Directorate. Mr Champaneri, one of six siblings, came to Birmingham in 1967, then aged just eight. He was educated in the city and devoted much of his spare time as a carer for his disabled mother, Bhaniben, until her recent death.

Mr Champaneri was due to be honoured by veteran headteacher Ramanbhai N Parmar on behalf of the local Hindu community at a ‘Kavi Samelan’ Indian poetry event at Shri Krishna Temple, Birmingham, this Thursday (Jul 29).

Top student in dock over gambling An accountancy student with a “deep rooted” addiction to gambling stole more than £43,000 from her parents to pay off her debts and travel to New York. Jayna Patel, 24, of Wardlow Close, Wolverhampton, had secured an £80,000-a-year job and thought she could pay off the cash before her parents noticed, the city’s crown court heard. But the offer was withdrawn before Jayna could stop the fraud coming to light. She admitted six charges of fraud involving £21,129 and asked for 14 similar offences to be taken into consideration totalling a further £21,998. Patel was given a 12-month jail term suspended for two years, placed under supervision for 18 months and ordered to carry out 150 hours community work.

Cancer victim gives back to community An annual fundraising breakfast hosted by Birmingham couple Chimanbhai and Anilaben Paw, aged 61 and 59 respectively, has raised £2,300 for Cancer Research UK, the charity. They offered a traditional Indian menu to anyone who dropped by in return for a donation in an anonymous collection pot. The event was held at St Agnes Church Hall in Moseley. Mr Paw said: “My wife had breast cancer 12-years ago but she had excellent treatment and fully recovered her health. This is just our way of giving something back to the community.”

News in Brief Poisonous bet An Indian man, Zaver Rathod, nearly died after eating a poisonous snake for a bet. Rathod, 35, had killed the viper after it bit one of his friends. He then swallowed it raw when his work colleagues wagered 100 rupees (£1.40) he wouldn’t. After Rathod began to vomit violently, he was rushed to hospital where the reptile was removed from his stomach

MoT nonsense More than a third of cars are failing their annual MoT test. The AA warns darkly of “a motoring underclass who are driving cars with crumbling tyres and brakes.” Then again, it might be that recent changes in the rule force garages to fail cars for the stupidest reasons. Saddest case from one Midland driver whose car was failed because its number plate did not have the postcode of the supplying dealer on it.

GP in charity bike ride Three cheers for Dr Suresh Babu, consultant radiologist at Birmingham’s City Hospital, who has completed a 350-mile charity bike ride. With more than 100 others, he cycled 90 miles a day, as part of the London to Paris Cycle Ride, to raise money for the U Foundation, a charity that builds schools in Zambia.

He has so far collected a third towards his £3,000 target. To donate, log on to www.justgiving.com/sureshbabu

Cuckoo numbers decline The numbers of cuckoos in the West Midlands has declined by 63 per cent in 13 years. Wildlife conservationists are also concerned about the decline of the kestrel which have gone down by 20 per cent across the UK.

Cabbies pay tribute to colleague Taxi drivers across Birmingham last Thursday held a minute’s silence in memory of colleague Mohammed Arshad, pictured, on the first anniversary of his death. Father-of-three Mr Arshad, 36, was stabbed in the head and left for dead in a Midland country lane after picking up a passenger. A 28-year-old man charged with Mr Arshad’s murder is due for trial at Birmingham Crown Court in January.

Identity theft alert Identity thieves in Birmingham are buying birth certificates for as little as £9 and using them to help illegal immigrants move to the city, according to a council report. Trading Standards officials have outlined how fraudsters are misusing the readily available certificates to also secure fake passports, credit cards or mobile phone contracts.

Halal cosmetics launched A Muslim businesswoman from Birmingham has launched Britain’s first range of halal make-up.

Samina Akhter set up the venture at her home because she felt ‘uneasy praying while wearing non-halal make-up’. The cosmetics use plant extracts and minerals instead of alcohol and animal products, such as pig fat. There are almost one million Muslim women living in Britain and it is a growing population.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

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Health care for all in India Millions of people in poor countries around the world have no medical help when they are sick or injured. Hospitals and clinics are too few, fees are too high, and a lack of medical staff means people struggle to get treated.

To prevent millions of people dying early or living lives blighted by illness requires a massive expansion of public health services.

ment into the public sector in the world, with less than 20 per cent of the government's health care budget going to public sector hospitals and clinics, healthworkers and life-saving medicines.

Clinics and hospitals are useless if people can’t afford to pay for medicines. According to the World Health Organisation 65 percent of India’s population lack

Oxfam urges developing country governments to to invest more money in their health and education services, and demands that rich countries support poorer nations with an increased and long-term aid commitment targeting these essential services.

Oxfam estimates that six million more nurses, doctors and teachers are needed around the world, of which one and a half million are needed in India alone. Currently, there are more Indian doctors working in the UK's NHS than in Indian public hospitals.

India has some of the lowest levels of invest-

regular access to essential medicines with the cost of one of the biggest factors.

Health care costs are the second greatest cause of rural indebtedness in India today.

Some suggest that the solution lines with private sector. But all the evidence shows that when it comes to providing essential services such as health and education for poor people, it is the public service that delivers better results. Too often the private sector either excludes the poorest or provides them with a substandard service.

In India, 82 percent of outpatient care is provided by the private sector

Specialists in Education Law HAS YOUR CHILD BEEN ADMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF YOUR CHOICE? MATCH SOLICITORS DISCUSSES SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

Jonaid Jilani

and the number of first class private hospitals is rapidly increasing. Yet this same system denies half of the mothers in India any medical assistance during childbirth.

Health care for all is a massive challenge, but an achievable one. We must keep the pressure on governments to spend more on health and education, and to spend it better.

Across the world campaigners are coming together to demand change and to challenge governments when they fail to support public services. They are also calling on drugs companies to ensure developing countries get cheaper and better medicines quickly.

And this campaigning has helped change lives.

In Zambia for instance, people no longer have to pay for health care, because of debt cancellation and an increase in aid.

Good health care is a fundamental right, not a luxury. People everywhere should be able to visit a local clinic or hospital and get care and affordable medicines, whenever they need them and Oxfam is determined to make this a reality.

Janaki- A rising star in Kathak

By Rupanjana Dutta

Photo courtesy: Sharad Rawal

On Sunday 25th July, Janaki Mehta, a young British Indian made her first debut as a solo Kathak dancer on the the stage of Fairfield Halls, Croydon, in presence of hundreds of audience.

Fresh as a breeze, she was not only graceful on stage, but the command with which she performed her dance, never for a moment made us feel that she is a debutant.

Janaki has performed on Gujarati folk and Bollywood dance since the age of 7. But this was her first classical enactment and it definitely stole hearts of the viewers.

Janaki, currently a gap year Law student, who plans to finish her final stage of education at BPP Law School from September 2010, is a King's College LLB alumnus.

Janaki's love for performing arts helped her secure a First Class in Kathak diploma from Bhavans. She aims to continue her study and devel-

Bright in red, Janaki's expressions were excellent. It was followed by Ghazal- a light hearted number that was added to Kathak culture during the Mughal empire. Though most ghazals emphasise on the negativity, this one was on a positive note, followed by Tarana, which were a garland of musical lyrics that accessorised the main pieces, even further. After a fairly longish interval, Janaki performed Nartan, followed by a Holi Thumri, that celebrated the love between Lord Krishna and Radha.

The last piece was Nritolaas, a composition, set to fast tempos, that display speed, stamina, strength and balance in dance.

Janaki Mehta Malcom Hunt Wicks, an MP from After a sumptuous dinCroydon (North) and Exner, catered by Shayona, Energy Minister was the as the audience settled in chief guest for the event their comfortable desigand was honoured with nated seats, Janaki started flowers, just before the her show with Vandanainterval. He added a Durga Chalisa, an invocahumorous speech, as he tion and offering to God in congratulated Janaki for the form of Durga Chalisa. op her understanding of Kathak dance under the guidance of her Guru, Shri Abhay Shankar Misra, a disciple of PadmaVibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj.

Admission to a good school is a growing concern for all parents in the country. Every year in March, parents across the country receive letters confirming whether or not their children have secured the school place that they were hoping for.

Unfortunately, thousands of children are not allocated the school of their choosing. There is much debate about the new Admissions Code and the manner in which decisions are made about which child should be allocated to which school.

The key question that arises is what can parents do if their child is not allocated the school of their choice?

The law is quite clear that parents have a right of appeal to an Independent Admissions Appeal Panel.

The process for appeal is more complex than it needs to be and it is often helpful for parents to seek assistance from lawyers or, indeed, non-legal advi-

weigh up the evidence presented and to decide whether admitting the child to the school will prejudice the efficient use of resources in the school or whether the child will be more prejudiced in not admitting him/her, than the school. This is a very important test and must be applied fairly.

Once the Panel has made its decision, it must convey this decision in writing to the parents, setting out reasons for the refusal to admit, or confirming admission. If parents wish to take it forward they must apply to the High Court or the Local Government Ombudsman but can do so only on procedural grounds.

sors who understand the system, before launching into their appeal. When a parent receives the letter confirming the school place, they will also receive a form that they need to complete if they wish to appeal. This form provides an intention to appeal to the Admissions Authority.

Thereafter, detailed grounds of appeal will need to be submitted to give the parent the best chance of success. These grounds will be prepared only after investigative steps have been undertaken such as whether the oversubscription criterion has been applied correctly. It is advisable to collate as much evidence as possible.

At the Admissions Hearing, parents are entitled to be legally represented or can represent themselves. There is a clear test in law that must be applied by the Panel before any decision is made about the admission of children to the school. The Panel must

For more information on admissions and admission appeals please contact: Match Solicitors 3 Bolt Court, Fleet Street, London EC4A 3DQ T: 0207 353 6881 F: 0207 353 6882 E: website@matchsolicitors.com www.matchsolicitors.com

Our reporter inspires Hindu youth Pupils from a specialist voluntary Hindu school in Birmingham paid a glowing tribute to their mentors as part of an annual celebration to recognise and reward teachers. Budding learners, all aged under ten, from the Radhe Krishna Balagokulam, the local kids arm of national charity Hindu her wonderful performance and wished her all the best for the coming years.

Janaki was joined by her Guru- Shri Abhay Shankar Mishra on pakhawaj, Debapriya Sircar on Sitar, Pooja Anga on vocal, Jonathan Lawrence on flute and Hiren Chate on tabla. The guest of the show was the tiny son of Pandit Mishra (around 5-6years old), who accompanied his father on stage with immense pride and elegance. Though Pandit Mishra, Debapriya and Hiren Chate gave a commendable performance, Jonathan's flute needed a little better tuning while Pooja was much less lively than others in the group.

Overall it was a good event and we hope to have more of such performances from Janaki in the coming years.

Swayamsevak Sangh, dotted a ‘good luck’ mark on the foreheads of their teachers, a sign of respect, and presented each with a gift. The event saw a variety of performances by the youngsters. It was a shining example of the dedication and contribution of parents and teachers and how they can work

together to influence and improve lives and help nurture and develop young Hindu citizens, who are the future. The chief guest was our Midlands reporter, and Asian Voice senior news editor, Dhiren Katwa, who gave an inspirational speech. Also present was Lorely Burt MP (Lib Dem, Solihull).

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Asian Achievers Awards

10 Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

The past shortlisted and the winners - Asian Ac We have been receiving enquiries from readers about the nomination process for the AAA 2010 Awards.

We understand that the sheer number of prominent Asians in so many walks of life can make the nomination process an overwhelming one.

Having said that, we would like to remind readers that the Asian Achievers Awards, unlike so many others, has always been a 'peoples' awards and we leave it entirely to the prerogative of the readers to exercise their discretion whilst making their choice.

As you can see from the names below the nominations and winners come from various walks of life. It is entirely possible that a colleague at work, a family member, a friend or a neighbour could be worthy of being nominated. Or it could be someone who has already carved out a niche in business, the professions, civil or uniformed services. There is bound to be someone you know.

If you require any further assistance in this regard please feel free to speak to L George at 020 7749 4013.

Business Person of the Year Short listed Dr Kartar Lalvani Vitabiotics Ltd Sir Anwar Pervez Bestway Cash and Carry Thakrar Brothers - Tilda Rice Ltd Kirit Pathak - Patak Spice Jayendra Ravjibhai Patel Sherwood Agencies Ltd Firoz Kassam - Firok Group Sir Anwar - Bestway Holdings Ltd George Jatania Lornamead Ltd Hitesh Chandra Patel Director at Carwarehouse Group Moni Varma - Chief executive - Veetee Group D.K Kewalramani Travelin Style Pramod Thakkar - Meera Nursing Home Kantesh Popat - Finance House Ltd Ravi Gill - London College of Accountancy Arvind Halai - GXI Janak Ondhia - Locum Express Ltd Kishor Patel - Nisa Local stores, Bedfordshire Pradeep Pandya - Baba Holidays Ltd Dr Kartar Lalvani Vitabiotics Ltd Parween Warsi - S&A Foods Mukesh Nakar - Chatham Printers Bikhu and Mr Vijay Patel Waymade Plc Navin Engineer Chemidex Karamjit Khera Hyperama Cash and Carry Vijay and Bhikhu Patel Waymade Healthcare Plc Bharat Shah - Sigma Pharmaceuticals Ltd Bharat Shah - Sigma Pharmaceutical George Jatania Loranamead Group Surjit Singh Pandher Himalaya Carpets and Furniture Ltd

Tavi Thevarajah - Carlton Leisure Bemal Patel - Pharmacist Hasmukhbhai Patel Director of Mukti Tea Dolar Popat - Founder of TLC Group Thariq Mohammed – Director – T&M Investment, City Express, Sajways Koolesh Shah – Director LTH Kirit Patel – Chief Executive – Day Lewis Pharmacy Group

Winners Lakshmi Mittal - Mittal Steel Company Kartar Lalwani Vitabiotics Rami Ranger - Sea, Air and Land Forwarding Ltd Ranjit Baxi - J & H Sales International Ltd Nat Puri - Purico Group of Companies Nadir Lalani - 99p Store Manish Shah - Sigma Parmaceuticals Sir Mohammed Anwar Pervez OBE - Bestway Holdings Ltd Ashok Patel - Travelpack Sir Gulam Noon - Noon Plc Yogesh Mehta Managing Director of Amertrans Shipping Anil Maneklal Solanki – Director – Taj Group of co.

Professional of the Year Short listed B N Patel - John Cummings Ross Subhash Thakrar BlackStone Franks & Co Kapil Dudakia - OFSTED Inspector of Schools Dr Navnit Shah - ENT Specialist Dr Sadru Kheraj - GP, Herne Hill Group Practise Prakash Patel - Senior Partner Magwells Solicitor Anuj Chande - Business advisory partner Grant

Thronton Dr Simon Singh - Science Journalist and Broadcaster Harin Thaker - CEO, Europe, Hyo Realestate Bank International Shami Chakrabarti Director of Liberty Jiva Odedra - Executive Of Lesestershire Asian Business Association(LABA) Reena Ramesh Shah Veterinary Surgeon Parm Sandhu Metropolitian Police Services Puneet Arora - Bombay Halwa Ritu Sethi - The Sethi Partnership Dr Satya Narayan Agarwal - Orthopaedic Surgeon Naguib Kheraj - Barclays Capital KB Shankar - HSBC South Asian Banking Vinay Pattni - Business Manager Abbey National Dr Kamlesh Chandra Chakrabarty - Bank of Baroda Sunil Patel - RA Insurance Rajesh Patel - RJ Insurance Brokers Tiku Patel - Managing Director of Barclays Premier Banking Anuj Chande - Grant Thornton UK LLPRaj Joshi - Red Lion ChamberDr Akbar Ali Malik -Solicitor Supreme Court Cheryl Dhillon – COOOtsuka Mohammad Asghar Accountant Zafar Siddique - CPS

Winners Vijay Acharya - Director of Indian Banking at Credit Suisse KB Shankar - Head of South Asian Banking HSBC Jitesh Gadhia - ABN Amro Bank Naynesh Desai - Ellis Taylor Capt Ashvini k Sharma -

Air India Dr Jatin Pandya - GP Shany Gupta - Founder, Duncan Lewis Dr Madhusudhan Gandhi Dentist Nishma Gosrani Consultant at Price Waterhouse Coopers Dr Manjul Vasant Dentist

Achievement in Community Services Short listed Bhanubhai Mehta Samanavaya Parivar Ram Gidoomal - Inlaks Group Ishwar Tailor - Gujarat Hindu Society Pravin Amin - Community Worker Rati Shah - Active involvement in Chartitable organisation.

Ramesh Vala - Asha Foundation Vilasgauri Dhanani Social Worker Shahida Parveen Jamal Social Worker Nalini P Mandalia - Social and Health Services Officer Vijey Ratan - Actice Campainer for Women and Children rights Ramesh Gandhi Mahendra Jadeja Madat Ahamed Manubhai Makwana Gopalbhai Popat & Induben Mehta - Asian Foundation for Help Raj Loomba - Founder of Shrimati Pushpawati Loomba Trust Shaunaka Rishi Das Director of Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies Vinod Kapashi - President of Mahavir Foundation Bobby Grewal - Voluntary Charity Worker Bhanumati Piparia Community Worker Chandrakalaben Patel Community Worke Vinod Kapashi - Literary Fugure Bhadresh Trivedi - Hindu Chaplain Gordhandas S Patel Voluntary Services Chhotalal Narottam Chauhan – Community & Charity Worker Madhurika Patel – Social Activists Chhotalal Limbachia Community & Charity Worker

Winners Viral Acharya - Founding Memeber/President of Pratham UK/USA Rati Shah Dr Shiv Pande Firoz Kasam APS Chawla - Chairman of MKC Kanti Nagda - Sangat Community Centre Dr Rami Ranger Chairman of India, PAK, UK Friendship Forum Vraj Pankhania – Wescombe Group

Achievements in Media, Arts and Culture Shortlisted Avtar Lit - Sunrise Radio Raj Kumar - Spectrum Radio Amit Roy - Journalist Javed Hussain - Media Reach Advertising Reginald Massey - Art Critic Bhupendra Desai - Artist Rasik Patel - Artist Manish Patel - Jounalist and Author Shanti Panchal Painter/Artist Chandu Matani - Founder of Sona Rupa, leading music company Sanjay Suri - Jounalist OutLook Vijay Dutt - Senior Editor, Hindustan Times Javed Hussain - Media Reach Honey Kalaria Choreographer Mira Kakad - Fashion Designer Ravi Sharma - Presenter, Sunrise Radio Mira Trivedi - BBC Radio Leicester Rakhi Sood - Professional, Teacher, Performer, Choreographer, Model and Actress Ashish Joshi - Sky News Dr Nanda Kumar Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Lisa Aziz - Broadcaster Javed Hussian - Media Reach Advertising Raza Jaffery - Actor Nitin Sawhney - Musician Avtar Lit - Sunrise Radio Jay Kumar - Bollywood Dance Choreographer Nikita Thakrar - Finest Dance Artists Paresh Shah - Musician, Entertainer, Magician Ashish Amrit Kotak – Writer Jeet’s Screenidolz – Dance, Drama Artist Jasvinder Singh Bal – Director Brit Asia TV

Winners Sonia Deol - BBC Asian Networks Raghav - Singer and Performing Artist Dr Avtar Lit - Sunrise Radio Renu Patel - Kaybee Pictures Mihir Bose - Reporter Telegraph and at present BBC Sports Vikram Jasani - Forefront in the development of Asian Music Circuit Gurinder Chadha - Film Director Alpesh Patel - Tradermind Ravi Sharma Radio Ambassador India & UK Chamanlal Chaman – Broadcaster – Panjab Radio

Achievement in Sport Short listed

2010 Chunilal Jobanputra World Wheelchair Bowls Game Fauja Singh - Marathon Runner Ajit Medtia - Polo Player Arvind Parmar - Tennis Player Aman Dosanj - Footballer Ajmal Shahzad - Cricket Player Owais Shah - Cricketer Saima Hussain - Rugby Player Kiran Mathru - Golfer Kamlajit Singh - Martial Arts Champion Micheal Chopra - FootBall Harpal Singh - Football Monty Panesar - Cricketer Sajid Mahmood Cricketer Prince Naseem Hamed Boxer Shivam Shah - Guinness World Record holder Rashmi Yadave - Marathon Runner Manjit Singh - Record Holder Guinness Book Ashwin Bhatt - Cricket Shivam Shah – Play Bridge Samit Rohit Patel - Cricket

Winner Hunisha Bharat Patel Karate Isa Guha - Cricketer Monty Panesar - Cricketer Amir Khan - Boxer Vikram Solanki - Cricketer Maiyuran Ratneswaran Fencing Rajeev Bagga – Badminton Champion

Women of the Year Shortlisted Usha Dhirajlal Pandya Barnet Women Association Surekha Mehta - Navanat Vanik Asociation Cllr Ansuya Sodha Shobha Tailor - Shobha Tiffin Jyoti Taglani - Joshiv beauty products Ritu Sethi - The Sethi Partnership Solicitors Smita Oza - Corporate Lawyer, Hilton Group Plc Afsana Shukur - Head of the Ethnic Minority Employment Unit, Deratment of Work and Pensions Trupti Patel - Acting assistant director and Salford Council Mrs Deepak Patel - Golfer Gita Jobanputra Practitioner in Head Massage Nilam Patel - Partner,Wine Cellar Consolidations Dipa Jethwa - The Taj Medical Group Ltd

* Please note that the prize winners of past Awards should not be nominated. There may be many more Asians who deserve this honor .

Please send your nomination and let your friends know.

Asian Achievers Awards

10 Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

The past shortlisted and the winners - Asian Ac We have been receiving enquiries from readers about the nomination process for the AAA 2010 Awards.

We understand that the sheer number of prominent Asians in so many walks of life can make the nomination process an overwhelming one.

Having said that, we would like to remind readers that the Asian Achievers Awards, unlike so many others, has always been a 'peoples' awards and we leave it entirely to the prerogative of the readers to exercise their discretion whilst making their choice.

As you can see from the names below the nominations and winners come from various walks of life. It is entirely possible that a colleague at work, a family member, a friend or a neighbour could be worthy of being nominated. Or it could be someone who has already carved out a niche in business, the professions, civil or uniformed services. There is bound to be someone you know.

If you require any further assistance in this regard please feel free to speak to L George at 020 7749 4013.

Business Person of the Year Short listed Dr Kartar Lalvani Vitabiotics Ltd Sir Anwar Pervez Bestway Cash and Carry Thakrar Brothers - Tilda Rice Ltd Kirit Pathak - Patak Spice Jayendra Ravjibhai Patel Sherwood Agencies Ltd Firoz Kassam - Firok Group Sir Anwar - Bestway Holdings Ltd George Jatania Lornamead Ltd Hitesh Chandra Patel Director at Carwarehouse Group Moni Varma - Chief executive - Veetee Group D.K Kewalramani Travelin Style Pramod Thakkar - Meera Nursing Home Kantesh Popat - Finance House Ltd Ravi Gill - London College of Accountancy Arvind Halai - GXI Janak Ondhia - Locum Express Ltd Kishor Patel - Nisa Local stores, Bedfordshire Pradeep Pandya - Baba Holidays Ltd Dr Kartar Lalvani Vitabiotics Ltd Parween Warsi - S&A Foods Mukesh Nakar - Chatham Printers Bikhu and Mr Vijay Patel Waymade Plc Navin Engineer Chemidex Karamjit Khera Hyperama Cash and Carry Vijay and Bhikhu Patel Waymade Healthcare Plc Bharat Shah - Sigma Pharmaceuticals Ltd Bharat Shah - Sigma Pharmaceutical George Jatania Loranamead Group Surjit Singh Pandher Himalaya Carpets and Furniture Ltd

Tavi Thevarajah - Carlton Leisure Bemal Patel - Pharmacist Hasmukhbhai Patel Director of Mukti Tea Dolar Popat - Founder of TLC Group Thariq Mohammed – Director – T&M Investment, City Express, Sajways Koolesh Shah – Director LTH Kirit Patel – Chief Executive – Day Lewis Pharmacy Group

Winners Lakshmi Mittal - Mittal Steel Company Kartar Lalwani Vitabiotics Rami Ranger - Sea, Air and Land Forwarding Ltd Ranjit Baxi - J & H Sales International Ltd Nat Puri - Purico Group of Companies Nadir Lalani - 99p Store Manish Shah - Sigma Parmaceuticals Sir Mohammed Anwar Pervez OBE - Bestway Holdings Ltd Ashok Patel - Travelpack Sir Gulam Noon - Noon Plc Yogesh Mehta Managing Director of Amertrans Shipping Anil Maneklal Solanki – Director – Taj Group of co.

Professional of the Year Short listed B N Patel - John Cummings Ross Subhash Thakrar BlackStone Franks & Co Kapil Dudakia - OFSTED Inspector of Schools Dr Navnit Shah - ENT Specialist Dr Sadru Kheraj - GP, Herne Hill Group Practise Prakash Patel - Senior Partner Magwells Solicitor Anuj Chande - Business advisory partner Grant

Thronton Dr Simon Singh - Science Journalist and Broadcaster Harin Thaker - CEO, Europe, Hyo Realestate Bank International Shami Chakrabarti Director of Liberty Jiva Odedra - Executive Of Lesestershire Asian Business Association(LABA) Reena Ramesh Shah Veterinary Surgeon Parm Sandhu Metropolitian Police Services Puneet Arora - Bombay Halwa Ritu Sethi - The Sethi Partnership Dr Satya Narayan Agarwal - Orthopaedic Surgeon Naguib Kheraj - Barclays Capital KB Shankar - HSBC South Asian Banking Vinay Pattni - Business Manager Abbey National Dr Kamlesh Chandra Chakrabarty - Bank of Baroda Sunil Patel - RA Insurance Rajesh Patel - RJ Insurance Brokers Tiku Patel - Managing Director of Barclays Premier Banking Anuj Chande - Grant Thornton UK LLPRaj Joshi - Red Lion ChamberDr Akbar Ali Malik -Solicitor Supreme Court Cheryl Dhillon – COOOtsuka Mohammad Asghar Accountant Zafar Siddique - CPS

Winners Vijay Acharya - Director of Indian Banking at Credit Suisse KB Shankar - Head of South Asian Banking HSBC Jitesh Gadhia - ABN Amro Bank Naynesh Desai - Ellis Taylor Capt Ashvini k Sharma -

Air India Dr Jatin Pandya - GP Shany Gupta - Founder, Duncan Lewis Dr Madhusudhan Gandhi Dentist Nishma Gosrani Consultant at Price Waterhouse Coopers Dr Manjul Vasant Dentist

Achievement in Community Services Short listed Bhanubhai Mehta Samanavaya Parivar Ram Gidoomal - Inlaks Group Ishwar Tailor - Gujarat Hindu Society Pravin Amin - Community Worker Rati Shah - Active involvement in Chartitable organisation.

Ramesh Vala - Asha Foundation Vilasgauri Dhanani Social Worker Shahida Parveen Jamal Social Worker Nalini P Mandalia - Social and Health Services Officer Vijey Ratan - Actice Campainer for Women and Children rights Ramesh Gandhi Mahendra Jadeja Madat Ahamed Manubhai Makwana Gopalbhai Popat & Induben Mehta - Asian Foundation for Help Raj Loomba - Founder of Shrimati Pushpawati Loomba Trust Shaunaka Rishi Das Director of Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies Vinod Kapashi - President of Mahavir Foundation Bobby Grewal - Voluntary Charity Worker Bhanumati Piparia Community Worker Chandrakalaben Patel Community Worke Vinod Kapashi - Literary Fugure Bhadresh Trivedi - Hindu Chaplain Gordhandas S Patel Voluntary Services Chhotalal Narottam Chauhan – Community & Charity Worker Madhurika Patel – Social Activists Chhotalal Limbachia Community & Charity Worker

Winners Viral Acharya - Founding Memeber/President of Pratham UK/USA Rati Shah Dr Shiv Pande Firoz Kasam APS Chawla - Chairman of MKC Kanti Nagda - Sangat Community Centre Dr Rami Ranger Chairman of India, PAK, UK Friendship Forum Vraj Pankhania – Wescombe Group

Achievements in Media, Arts and Culture Shortlisted Avtar Lit - Sunrise Radio Raj Kumar - Spectrum Radio Amit Roy - Journalist Javed Hussain - Media Reach Advertising Reginald Massey - Art Critic Bhupendra Desai - Artist Rasik Patel - Artist Manish Patel - Jounalist and Author Shanti Panchal Painter/Artist Chandu Matani - Founder of Sona Rupa, leading music company Sanjay Suri - Jounalist OutLook Vijay Dutt - Senior Editor, Hindustan Times Javed Hussain - Media Reach Honey Kalaria Choreographer Mira Kakad - Fashion Designer Ravi Sharma - Presenter, Sunrise Radio Mira Trivedi - BBC Radio Leicester Rakhi Sood - Professional, Teacher, Performer, Choreographer, Model and Actress Ashish Joshi - Sky News Dr Nanda Kumar Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Lisa Aziz - Broadcaster Javed Hussian - Media Reach Advertising Raza Jaffery - Actor Nitin Sawhney - Musician Avtar Lit - Sunrise Radio Jay Kumar - Bollywood Dance Choreographer Nikita Thakrar - Finest Dance Artists Paresh Shah - Musician, Entertainer, Magician Ashish Amrit Kotak – Writer Jeet’s Screenidolz – Dance, Drama Artist Jasvinder Singh Bal – Director Brit Asia TV

Winners Sonia Deol - BBC Asian Networks Raghav - Singer and Performing Artist Dr Avtar Lit - Sunrise Radio Renu Patel - Kaybee Pictures Mihir Bose - Reporter Telegraph and at present BBC Sports Vikram Jasani - Forefront in the development of Asian Music Circuit Gurinder Chadha - Film Director Alpesh Patel - Tradermind Ravi Sharma Radio Ambassador India & UK Chamanlal Chaman – Broadcaster – Panjab Radio

Achievement in Sport Short listed

2010 Chunilal Jobanputra World Wheelchair Bowls Game Fauja Singh - Marathon Runner Ajit Medtia - Polo Player Arvind Parmar - Tennis Player Aman Dosanj - Footballer Ajmal Shahzad - Cricket Player Owais Shah - Cricketer Saima Hussain - Rugby Player Kiran Mathru - Golfer Kamlajit Singh - Martial Arts Champion Micheal Chopra - FootBall Harpal Singh - Football Monty Panesar - Cricketer Sajid Mahmood Cricketer Prince Naseem Hamed Boxer Shivam Shah - Guinness World Record holder Rashmi Yadave - Marathon Runner Manjit Singh - Record Holder Guinness Book Ashwin Bhatt - Cricket Shivam Shah – Play Bridge Samit Rohit Patel - Cricket

Winner Hunisha Bharat Patel Karate Isa Guha - Cricketer Monty Panesar - Cricketer Amir Khan - Boxer Vikram Solanki - Cricketer Maiyuran Ratneswaran Fencing Rajeev Bagga – Badminton Champion

Women of the Year Shortlisted Usha Dhirajlal Pandya Barnet Women Association Surekha Mehta - Navanat Vanik Asociation Cllr Ansuya Sodha Shobha Tailor - Shobha Tiffin Jyoti Taglani - Joshiv beauty products Ritu Sethi - The Sethi Partnership Solicitors Smita Oza - Corporate Lawyer, Hilton Group Plc Afsana Shukur - Head of the Ethnic Minority Employment Unit, Deratment of Work and Pensions Trupti Patel - Acting assistant director and Salford Council Mrs Deepak Patel - Golfer Gita Jobanputra Practitioner in Head Massage Nilam Patel - Partner,Wine Cellar Consolidations Dipa Jethwa - The Taj Medical Group Ltd

* Please note that the prize winners of past Awards should not be nominated. There may be many more Asians who deserve this honor .

Please send your nomination and let your friends know.

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

hievers Awards Manisha Tank - BBC Reporter Cllr Anjana Patel Councillor Harrow West Shahin Badgar Shashi Kiran Gossain Honey Kalaria Manula Sood - Lord Mayor of Leicester Sangeeta Patel - M.D. of Post Offices Anita Chopra - Solicitor Salima Mawji – Solicitor Parveen Hassan - CPS Dr Monika Khanna - Dentist Honey Kalaria – Dancer , Choreographer

Winner Jasuben Seghani Dr Usha Menon - Senior Lecture UCl Elizabeth garrett Anderson Institute of Womens Health, Head of the Gynaecological Cancer research Centre.

Shriti Vadera - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development Kamleshben Patel - founder and senior adviser Anasad Milan Kendra Trupti Patel - Pharmacist Dr Bela and Dr Ashi Arora Presidents of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Birmingham & Manchester Kamel Hothi Lloyds TSB Uma A Mehta – Director – Rak Telecommunication

Young Entrepreneur of the year Short listed Mayank B Patel - Currencies Direct Nainesh Patel - Farsan Ltd Ashok Rabheru - Genisys Group and Subsidiaries Chirag Shah - Trading Partners Mayank B Patel - Currencies Direct Ltd Dr Diljit Singh Rana Andras House Ltd Jojar Dhinsa - Athlone Group Lopa Patel - Redhotcurry.com Kal Kaur Rai - Fashion Designer Shahsi Gossain Pharmaclinix Nikunj Shah - Sugam Paneer Sanjay Vadera - The fragrance Shop Shamir Shah - East India Tea House Vikkas Puri - Academic College London Vikas Pota - Saffron Chase Suresh Vagjiani - Sow & Reap Ltd Jess Kaur - PR Vibe Raj Bakrania - PR Vibe Rajesh Agrawal - Founder and CEO RationalFX Devin Chawda - Founder YCam Solution LTD. Suraj Gokani - M.D. of Excel Currencies Nina Kabra – Director – Nina UK Property Snahal Patel – Director – Masti.co.uk Bhavisha Patel – Director – WeComeOne Group

Winner Manoj Ladwa -Saffron Chase Dalip Kumar - Travlin Style Arvind Malhotra - GapGuru Viresh Chandarana - V-Tech Manubhai Ramji - Kings Kitchen Plc

Presents

Karan Bilimoria - Cobra Beer Kuljinder S. Bahia, Director of Southall Travel Rishi Lakhani – Director – City Pavilion

Uniformed and Civil Services Short listed Gurbux Singh - CRE Tarlok Singh Bagga - Services to elderly people Raja Singham Jayadevam Tamil Housing Community Housing Association Sergeant Ramesh Kumar Darlaston Police Station Salim Ismail Kholwadia HM Revenue and Excise PC Taruna Mistry Northwest London Mahesh Nandha - Harrow Metropolitan Police Manjit Singh - Longest Serving Fire Fighter Bhimji Vekria - Community and Partnership Officer Anil Patani - Westmidlands Metropolitian Police Balihar Singh - Greater Manchester Police Force Gurupal Virdi - Metropolitain Police Nita Jhanji Garrod - Greater Manchester Police Pirthipal Singh Kang Community Laison Officer Supt Raj Kohli - MET Police Dr. Kadaba S V DL Consultant Pathologist Ajit Patel - Royal Guard Bhimji Vekaria – Metropolitan Police Natu Patel – Civil Servant Shilpa Solanki – Metropolitan Police

Winners Navin Shah - Cllr Kenton East Ward Taruna Mistry - Wembely Metropolitian Police Farhad Ahmed MBE Metropolitan Police Sergeant Gurpal Virdi Dr Sushil Wadhwani Member of Monetary Policy.

PC Mebs Ahmed Chaiman of Lancashire Black Police Association Capt Sandip Patel – Royal Military

Achievement in healthcare and education Short listed Dr Reshma Ramesh Gandecha - Pharmacist Arun Patel - Chartered Accountant Dr Satyanarayan Agarwal Orthopaedic Surgeon

Winners Dr Dak Patel - Director London SAM

Business in community

2010

The 10th ASIAN ACHIEVERS AWARDS (AAA) 30th September 2010 NOMINATION FORM The prestigious Asian Achievers Awards is hosted every year by UK’s leading news weeklies Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to honour British Asians par excellence. If there is someone you know who has broken boundaries and deserves recognition for their unique contribution to the community and the nation then please nominate them for one of the awards listed below.

Make sure that you fill in this application form and send it before the 20th August 2010 by post, fax or email to Mr. L George, email: aaa@abplgroup.com, Tel: 020 7749 4013 fax 020 7749 4081. If you are sending it by post the address is Mr. L George, ABPL Group, Unit 2, Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW.

The theme for this year Asian Achievers Awards is “British Asians Turning ADVERSITY into OPPORTUNITY through RESILIENCE, SACRIFICE and DETERMINATION”

Award Categories ●

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AAA Platinum Award for Business Person of the Year A Business Person who is a success in every sense of the word and can demonstrate a gen uine passion for social issues.

AAA Gold Award for Professional of the Year Professionals in any field who have scaled the heights of their chosen profession.

AAA Gold Women of the Year In recognition and honour of a woman who has made a significant mark in any chosen field.

AAA Gold Award for Sports Personality of the Year Awarded for excellence in sports.

AAA Gold Award for Achievement in Community Service In recognition of any individual’s service to community

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AAA Gold Award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year Young entrepreneur with a proven track record of soperating a successful business. Must be aged below 35 yrs.

AAA Gold Award for Achievement in Media, Arts and Culture Someone who has made a mark in print and broadcast media, cinema, art and culture.

AAA Gold Award for Achievement in Health and Education For demonstarting passion and concern for healthcare and education.

AAA Gold Award for Uniformed and Civil Services Outstanding achievement in uniformed or civil services or contribution to the community through any of the above services.

Application Form Name of nominee Award category nominated under Present occupation/profession

Contact details (address/tel/email/fax)

Your name and contact details

Please explain briefly why you wish to nominate this person.

(Use a separate sheet)

NOMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS a This is a unique event where readers nominate and an dependent panel of judges comprising of eminent personalities selects the winner. a Judges’ decision is final. ABPL Group will not entertain any dialogue with members of the public regarding the judging process. a In order to ensure a high degree of transparency and fairness, the management and members of the staff of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar will play no role in the nomination or judging process. a You can nominate yourself if you wish to. a Nominations and entries must follow the prescribed format and bear the signature of the applicant.

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a You may use an additional sheet if the space provided is insufficient. a The winners will be announced at the AAA Awards ceremony on 30th September 2010. a Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar will publish the names of the short listed candidates and winners after the event. They will also appear in our e-edition www.abplgroup.com a All nomination forms must reach our offices on or before the 20th August 2010.

Note: Any changes to the above including changes to the categories will be published giving sufficient notice to respondents.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Zoroastrians

Fire Temples for the Parsis Zoroastrian fire temples were initially built during the early Achaemenian period. By the end of that dynasty the three types of fires, Atash Behram, Atash Adaran and Atash Dadgah, had a recognised place in Zoroastrian society. During the Parthian period 248 BCE to 224 CE the three great fires of Zoroastrianism, Adur Farnbag, Adur Gushnasp and Adur Burzen Mihr, were installed.

Over the years, these great fires, as well as others were moved to various places or cojoined with one another and it is impossible to trace their whereabouts through the centuries.

Most of the fire-temples were destroyed through successive conquests of Iran by Arabs, Turks and Mongols.

More than a hundred years after the defeat of the last Sassanian King, Yazdagird III, by the Arabs, a group of Zoroastrians from the Iranian province of Khorasan (ancient Parthia) decided to leave Iran because of religious persecution.

They made their way south, to the port of Hormuzd on the Persian Gulf, where eventually they secured a ship to take them

Fire Temple Yazd

came to be known as the Parsees.

Within a hundred years of their arrival in India, the Parsees fulfilled their promise and consecrated a fire temple in Sanjan in honor of Behram Yazata.

Contrary to popular belief, no consecrated fire has ever been brought from Iran, only the ash, alat and nirang were brought to maintain ritual continuity.

History of Fire Temples in India

overseas. They sailed from Iran and landed on an island known today as Diu, near the west coast of India. They lived on that Island for 19 years, after which, they set sail once again to reach mainland India. At sea, they got caught in a fierce storm and they prayed for divine help. They promised to build an Atash Behram if Behram, the Yazata of Victory, saved them from the ferocious storm. Their wish came true and they landed safely in Gujarat, the west coast province of India. The Hindu King Jadav Rana of that time, 936 CE, granted them refuge in his kingdom. He gave them fertile land to live on and the Zoroastrian pilgrims called their new abode Sanjan, in memory of the place they originally came from in north-west Khorasan.

These Zoroastrian immigrants

The Sanjan Atash Behram was the first sacred fire of the Parsees in India. Three hundred years after it was installed, Sanjan was invaded by Muslims, but the Sanjana priests managed to rescue the Atash Behram and carried it about 14 miles from Sanjan to a cave on an isolated hill named Bahrot,. Here, protected by jungle and sea, they guarded it for the next 12 years, and then when conditions were quieter, they took it to Bansda, a little town some 50 miles inland, where it remained for two years.

During this time, the fire was kept in a metal vase so that it could be transported easily and the tradition of enthroning a sacred fire on a stone altar was broken. The Atash Behram was for some years without a fixed abode until Changa Asa, a layman from Navsari, came to Bansda to pay homage to the fire. On his return he proposed to the Bhagarias, a group of Parsees living in and around Navsari, that they should invite the Sanjana priests to bring the sacred fire to Navsari. The Bhagarias sent the invitation which the Sanjanas accepted and the fire was safely installed in Navsari. Ever since the establishment of the community's sacred fire in Navsari, the town became the center of Parsi religious life and the Bhagarias and Sanjanas lived together harmoniously. The Sanjana priests tended the fire and supported themselves from the offerings made to their fire, while the Bhagaria priests performed all other rituals and ceremonies for the Zoroastrian laity of Navsari.

The first Dar-i-Mihr was founded in Navsari in the early 12th century.

In 1572 CE Emperor Akbar of the Mogul Dynasty of India took over Gujarat. He was a wise Emperor who was interested in the various religions of his subjects and he held a religious discussion at his court. Meherji Rana, a learned Bhagaria priest, was selected by the Zoroastrians to represent their community.

He impressed the Emperor so

Jizyad, a tax imposed on all nonmuslims, was also abolished for the Parsees.

As Navsari prospered, the Parsi community grew and the Sanjanas began to encroach on the Bhagaria's rights to perform all ceremonies. Friction between the two groups increased and led to a law suit before a Hindu court which gave a decree that

Today there are eight Atash Behrams in India: 1. Udwada Anjuman(Shenshai) built in 11th century CE 2. Navsari Anjuman(Shenshai) built in 1765 3. Surat Vakil (Kadmi) built in 1823 4. Surat Mody (Shenshai) built in 1823 5. Bombay Dady Seth (Kadmi) built in 1783 6. Bombay Wadia (Shenshai) built in 1830 7. Bombay Banaji (Kadmi) built in 1894 8. Bombay Anjuman (Shenshai) built in 1898 The first two and the last Atash Behrams listed above are called Anjuman, meaning society, because they were built from donations made by various Zoroastrians. All others were entirely financed by private donations made by the respective families.

Shenshai and Kadmi are the different calendars followed by the Zoroastrians. favorably, that Akbar ordered that the sacred fire be kept burning at his court day and night, according to the custom of the ancient Persian Kings. The

the Sanjanas must keep to their original agreement to serve the fire only. The Sanjanas decided that they would rather leave Navsari and in 1741 did so, tak-

ing the Atash Behram with them. A year later they installed it in a new temple at the village of Udwada, where it burns to this day.

The removal of the sacred fire distressed the Bhagarias and they resolved to consecrate an Atash Behram of their own in Navsari. With the help from the Parsi community and the priests of Surat, a new Atash Behram was enthroned in 1765. The Sanjanas were naturally a little jealous of this new Atash Behram, for it became a rival to their own 800 year old fire. They feared that fewer pilgrims would now come to remote Udwada, and so they evolved a legend to enhance its dignity. They created the new word "Iranshah" for it and humors were spread that the first Parsi settlers had brought it with them from Iran and it was somehow linked to the Xhavarenah of the ancient Kings of Persia. This legend is widely believed among the Parsees who continue loyally to make the pilgrimage to this day. ln the eighteenth century, Surat became an important port of trade and commerce and during the next century and a half it was the largest center of Zoroastrian population in the world. The earliest consecrated Adaran fire was founded in Siganpur, not far from Surat, by Lovji Wadia, (shipbuilder) in the later half of the eighteenth century and another one was founded in Surat proper in 1771 CE. An Atash Behram was installed in Surat in 1823 CE. Meanwhile, Bombay became a British possession in 1661 and the East India Company set out to make it the most flourishing port of India. This brought in a steady flow of Parsi settlers and Dar-i-Mihrs were established in 1672 by Hirji Waccha and in 1709 by Banaji Limji and the second Adaran of India was founded in 1735 by Maneckji Seth.

Between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, more than 50 Adarans were established in India as far a Karachi (1848) and Calcutta (1839).

Message from Lord Karan Bilimoria The first three Asian MPs in Westminster, starting from 1892, were all Zoroastrian Parsis.

I am extremely proud to follow in their footsteps as the first Zoroastrian Parsi Member of the House of Lords. This tiny community has continually punched above its weight, to the extent that I say that in per capita of achievement it is the most successful community in the world.

However, more importantly the Parsi community has always been renowned and respected in putting back into the wider community wherever they are.

Here in the UK the Parsis number under 10,000, and yet members of the Parsi community are excelling and reaching the top in so many fields, be it the arts or finance. As President of the UK India Business Council and as a Zoroastrian Parsi, it gives me great pride that the Tata Group, a Zoroastrian Parsi controlled company, are now the largest manufacturers in

the UK as owners of Corus Steel and Jaguar Land Rover.

Most importantly the Tatas are renowned for practicing corporate social responsibility for over a century.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, â&#x20AC;&#x153;In numbers Parsis are beneath contempt, but in contribution, beyond compare - Lord Bilimoria, CBE DL, Founder and Chairman Cobra Beer, President UK India Business Council, and Independent Crossbench Peer, House of Lords.

ZOROASTRIANS

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Parsis in this World

Zoroastrian Origins and Key Organisations in the UK

Parsis founded the first Zoroastrian religious society in London in 1861. A number of 19th and 20th century Parsis achieved renown as London’s first Indian MPs. Today’s most famous Parsi is probably Freddie Mercury, who was buried in a London cemetery.

Demographics of Parsis around the world Worldwide Britain USA Canada Australia Pakistan Hong Kong Kenya India

100,000 5,000 6,500 4,500 300 3,000 150 80 76,000

Zoroastrian Organisations

Local Regional UK

2 2 2

Zoroastrian places of worship

UK (England)

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The Zoroastrian Association, under the presidency of Mancherjee Bhownaggree, became the I n c o r p o r a t e d

Mancherjee Bhownaggree Dadabhai Naoroji

ParseeAssociation of Europe.

The Association, in addition to its religious, educational and welfare role, organised social outings, river trips and banquets, bringing Parsees together.

Zoroastrianism is the religion of around 100,000 Parsis worldwide. Some scholars believe it dates as far back as 1500 BC. Zoroastrianism was the religion of Persia, now Iran, prior to Islam.

Most Parsis emigrated to Gujarat, the west coast of India due to Muslim persecution, and their name refers to their original homeland.

Bombay (Mumbai) has the largest modern community of Parsis, many of whom

achieved prominence as businessmen under British rule.

Small communities also exist in Karachi in Pakistan, East Africa and the western Iranian desert.

Parsis have lived in London since at least 1861 when the Communal House of the Religious Society of Zoroastrians was founded in Kensington.

The Indian MPs Dadabhai Naoroji, Mancherjee Bhownaggree and Shapurji Saklatvala were Parsi. They were the first Asians to be elected to political office in the UK during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The lead singer of ‘Queen’, Freddie Mercury, was born in Zanzibar into a

Some of the Famous Zoroastrians l Cyrus the Great (580-529 BC) - founder of Persian Empire l Darius I of Persia - King of Persia l Xerxes the Great (519-465 BC) - king of Persia l Freddie Mercury - British rock star. Front man for the band Queen l Zubin Mehta - World famous conductor.

Currently with Israel Philharmonic. Has led the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Montreal Symphony. l Rohiton Mistry - Novelist l Firdaus Kanga - Writer; author and star of the movie Sixth Happiness. l Feroze Gandhi - prominent Indian politician; husband of Indira Gandhi; might have become Prime Minister if he hadn't died suddenly in 1960.

Shamak Davar

l Soli J. Sorabjee - India's attorney general l Farrukh Dhondy - Channel 4 editor and scriptwriter (Britain) l Dadabhai Naoroji (Lib Dem)- MP for Finsbury 1892-95. Liberal. Britain's first Asian MP. l Mancherjee Bhownagree (Tory)- MP for Bethnal Green 1895-1905. Tory. Britain's second Asian MP. l Shapurji Saklatvala (Labour, Communist)- MP for Battersea 1922-29.

Socialist. Britain's 3rd Asian MP. l Sam Maneckshaw - Field Marshal l Homi Jehangir Bhabha - physicist; founder of India's nuclear program l Tata family - one of the world's richest families with holdings in steel and manufactured products in India l Bharat Ratna J.R.D. Tata - Indian industrialist. Founded Tata Airlines, India's first major airline. In 1991 he received the

Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. l Adi Godrej and Godrej family - "well known for manufacturing household items and healthcare products" l Farokh Engineer - world-class cricketer l Byram Avari - world champion yachtsman

Kaizad Gustad

l Alexander Bard - Swedish musician and philosopher l Bejan Daruwala - famous Indian astrologer (lives in Washington D.C. area) l Persis Khambatta (1950-1998) - actress (best known as "Lieutenant Ilia", the bald Deltan woman in Star Trek: The Motion Picture l John Abraham - Bollywood Actor l Bapsi Sidhwa - writer whose books include story of Parsi girl entranced by American culture in An American Brat l Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji - musician, composer l Cyrus Todiwala- Famous UK chef l Firdaus Kanga- Author l Kaizad Gustad- Film maker l Shamak Davar- Choreographer l Cyrus Broacha- MTV VJ and Actor

Rohinton Mistry

l Shenaz Treasuryvala- MTV VJ and actor l Lord Karan Bilimoria, CBE DL, Founder and Chairman Cobra Beer, President UK India Business Council, and Independent Crossbench Peer, House of Lords. l Boman Irani, Actor, Bollywood

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Shapurji Saklatvala

l The majority of early Zoroastrian migrants were of Indian origin and known as Parsees or Parsis. l The first three Members of Parliament of Asian ethnic origin were all Parsis, the first of which was (in 1892) Dadabhai Naoroji, elected as a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party. l In more recent years an Iranian Zoroastrian presence has also developed as a result of refugee movement and migration following the Iranian revolution. l Parsis form the majority of Zoroastrians in the UK, with Iranis in a minority. While there are many things that are shared, there are also a number of differences between the two groups. l The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (Incorporated), established in 1861, is the oldest Zoroastrian organisation in the UK (known since 1978 under its present name). l The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (Incorporated) has a centre in Rayners Lane, London and has recently opened a new Centre in which it is hoped to have a fire temple. l The World Zoroastrian Organisation is also based in London.

Lord Karan Bilimoria

Parsi family. When he died, his funeral was conducted by a Zoroastrian priest at Kensal Green Cemetery.

Karan Bilimoria, the founder of Cobra beer, became the first Parsi to take a seat in the House of Lords in July 2006. He is one of Britain’s youngest peers. The most recent census counted a total of about 5000 Zoroastrians in Britain.

Important dates in Zoroastrian calendar: March 21:

Jamshedi Noruz - New Year’s Day, according to the Fasli calendar of Iran May 29: Zartusht-no-diso - commemorating the death of the prophet Zarathushtra August 19: No Ruz - New Year’s Day on the Shenshai calendar August 24: Khordad Sal - commemorating the birthday of Zarathushtra

History of the Parsis

Arrival in Gujarat since it allowed them to represent themselves as being like the British, which arguably they did more effectively than perhaps any other South Asian community.

1600s between Mughal In the 18th and 19th cenemperor Jahangir and turies the Parsis had James I of England, the emerged as frontrunners British East India in India in educational, Company obtained rights industrial, and social to build factories in Surat matters, and became an and other areas. Many age of self-awareness as a Parsis, throughout community. They were Gujarat, moved to the no longer The early years weavers and The next several petty mercenturies were full chants, but had of hardships before established themselves to Zoroastrianism run banks, gained a real standmills, heavy ing in India. Two industry, shipcenturies after their yards and shipmigration, the ping companies.

Parsis began to setToday, the tle in other parts of Gujarat, which led to The Parsees and the Towers of Silence at decline of the Bombay, India by William Thomas Fee priesthood and difficulties in definthe global dispersion of ing the limits of priestly British run settlements to remaining Zoroastrians jurisdiction.

However take the new jobs offered. has become a serious these problems were For the new generation, issue for the survival of resolved by 1290 through the British schools prothe Zoroastrian faith. the division of Gujarat vided Parsi youth with Nevertheless, their insisinto five districts, each the means to be educated tence on remaining true under the jurisdiction of not only to read and one priestly family and to the values of write, but to become their descendants.

Zoroastrianism prevails, familiar with the quirks and it is these values of the British establishThe age of opportunity which have ensured its ment. This was particusurvival for the last 3000 Following the commerlarly useful to Parsis, years. cial treaty in the early In the 10th century a group of Iranians fled Iran as refugees in search of somewhere to practise their religion freely.

The refugees ended up in Gujarat, where they were granted permission to stay by the local ruler Jadi Rana, on the condition that they adopt Gujarati culture. The refugees accepted the conditions and founded the settlement of Sanjan.

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ZOROASTRIANS

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Parsis in entertainment Theatre The whole concept of modern theatre in Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu is argued to be accredited to the work of the Parsis. In 1853, with inspiration from English plays, they started staging their own Parsi Gujarati plays in Bombay. Their first drama company was named Parsee Natak Mandali, with Faramjee Gustadjee Dalal founding this drama company. The first Gujarati drama they staged at the Grant Road Theatre in Bombay was “Rustam and Sohrab”.

The years 1853-1869, saw twenty more Parsee drama companies being formed, giving a further momentum to the theatre activity.

Their dramas went to Surat in Gujarat and also to other places around India. The repertoire of these drama companies included adaptations of English plays, mythological, historical and social dramas. The Parsi Theatre along with providing entertainment to Indian masses also played a role in their cultural moulding and promotion of social reforms.

The Parsi theatre communicated many different dramatic genres which included the four languages of English, Gujarati, Urdu and Hindi, historical, mythological, social, and political story lines and varied musical scores drawing on Western, Indian and Arabic music heritage.

The Parsee Theatre took a new turn in post-independence India and its standard-bearers were Adi Marzban, Jimmy Pocha, Feroze Antia and Dr. Ratan Marshal. It was Adi Marzban who reed Parsee

drama from the shackles of tradition and brought realism to Parsee Theatre. He bid farewell to the revalence of songs and music in the plays.

Films In 1918, the Parsi pioneer of cinema in Calcutta, J.F. Madan claimed to control over one third of the 300 cinemas in India. With contracts for the supply of films with both British and American companies, his audience was generally comprised of British officials, troops and Anglophile Indian elite's.

Jamshed Boman Wadia and Hila Wadia (JBH) were argued to be one of film industry’s most daring pioneers, in that he introduced a foreign woman to Indian Cinema, but he did so in such a way that could have shocked people at the time, but instead charmed and captivated them.

JBH were also responsible for giving several major stars their early breaks. Among them were Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapur, Nargis and Helen.

Then it was Homi Wadia who noticed talent in the great singer, Mohammed Rafi and insisted that he sing for his forthcoming film Sharbati Ankhen. The talkie era introduced a completely new style of acting. The earlier muscular actors like the Billmoria brothers and others were edged out in favour of new stars who had command over the language.

Sohrab Merwanji Modi was argued to be the master of the historical genre. Though highly influenced by Parsi theatre, he man-

aged to make his scripts look cinematically exciting - with an eye for detail, his films were always visually grand. However since 1931 with the advent of the sound film, theatre was declining. To rescue this dying art, Modi set up the Stage Film Company in 1935.

Modi even tackled such themes, ahead of his times such as illicit passion Jailor (1938), remade in 1958, and incest in Bharosa (1940).

He also directed India’s first film in technicolour Jhansi ki Rani (1953) After 1947, there was a lull in the contribution of the Parsi community to cinema and theatre.

Then began plays by Adi Marzban, which were thrillers and sex come-

dies.

Dinyar Contractor began in 1967, and he has been in theatre for thirty five years, and is famous for his ’Hinglish’ plays.

Now an Octogenarian, he is still going strong.

Boman Irani, a photographer by profession who has clicked the portfolios of most of the Miss India contestants ventured into theatre and acting with an Alyque Padamsee musical production called ’Roshni’.

His performance was appreciated and he went on to do several other plays.

Music

Peenaz Masani entered the world of ghazal music in 1981 and has sung in over ten languages.

Penaz has also firmly established herself as a playback singer for the Indian Cinema and has performed under the music directors like Jaidev, R D Burman, Usha Khanna, Chand Pardesi, Nadeem Shravan, Raaj Kamal, Rajesh Roshan and Anu Malik.

Others who stand out in the field of music are the New York Philharmonic orchestra conductor Zubin Mehta, Gary Lawyer and the international singer, Freddie Mercury of the group Queen.

The Parsi community has contributed tremendously in the entertainment industry and continues to do so. We hope that this fun-loving community will continue to shine on the silver screen and beyond.

Parsi Zoroastrians in Britain The Parsis formed the first Asian religious tradition in Britain in 1861, though the first Parsi known to have visited Britain came in 1724 to protest against injustices done to his family by the East India Company. He stayed for a year and won his case, returning to India a vindicated and wealthy man. The first Indian firm to be opened in Britain was started

by Parsis in London and Liverpool in 1855; thereafter individuals came for education and trade. The numbers are unknown, but probably there were only around 150 at any one time until after the Second World War when several retired here from the Medical Corps,

and more came in the 1960s for education and trade. They currently number approximately 5,000. They are centered mainly in London, especially in the Harrow area, but there are small groups in many other large cities. The principal point of architectural interest in Rayners Lane area, Greater London, is the former cinema, an Art Deco building featuring a curved projection on the front somewhat resembling an elephant's trunk. This is a listed building. It is currently being occupied by the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe, and is used as a Zoroastrian centre the only official temple of its type in the UK.

The fact that they are so few in number, and so little is known about them, means that they are a vulnerable group subject to media disparagement.

There have been a lot of unwanted controversies due to that.

Since the mid 1990s Parsi Zoroastrians have become active in inter-faith activity, and this has given them recognition in the outside world, so that they are now one of the nine ‘official’ religions of Britain, being invited to public functions such as the Commonwealth annual service in Westminster Abbey and to meet members of the royal family (see more on page 13).

Face to face with renowned Parsi Lawyer, Sarosh Zaiwalla Internationally acclaimed Lawyer, Sarosh Zaiwalla began his career in shipping law and arbitration, after which he founded Zaiwalla & Co. Solicitors in April 1982. Over the years Mr. Zaiwalla has been involved in over 1000 International Energy, Maritime and Construction Arbitration's in London and worldwide. He has acted for many prestigious clients including the President of India, the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Iranian Government.

To name but a few of his achievements, Mr. Zaiwalla was made a Freeman of the City of London by the Lord Mayor of the City of London in 1998, and in October 2007 he was invited by the United Nations Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki Moon for an extensive one-to-one consultation on issues relating to World Order.

AV spoke to Mr. Zaiwalla about his work, his faith and his future goals.

What are you most proud of about of your Solicitors firm, Zaiwalla & Co.?

That it is the first home grown British-Asian firm in the City of London. I am proud of the fact that I started the firm with my Indian surname and did not find it necessary to run my firm with an English sounding name. I am also proud of the fact that there are over ninety reported cases in English and

International Law Reports that feature my firms name. Only major cases, that clarify or actually change the law, are reported.

We also won for the Indian government its first success in the House of Lords, in a case concerning a ship called La Pintada.

In that case we had instructed Tony Blair as Counsel for our client, the President of India and in the House of Lords we instructed Nicholas Philips QC, who is now the President of the Supreme Court.

origin. The trial in this case lasted for fifty-five days in the English Courts, and we won on the grounds that the Nataraja was a consecrated idol and therefore has a juristic personality of its own and is entitled to ask the Court as a juristic personality to go back to its home.

The English Court, in its judgement, opened by saying "the plaintiff at its maximum is the God almighty and at its minimum a mere stone," and we showed it was not a mere stone”.

What's the secret of your success?

What is your success rate?

We win seventy to eighty per cent of our cases. In those cases where we see a risk of losing, we advise clients to settle.

Your religion is the Baha’i faith. What impact does that have in your life, and how important is it to you?

The teachings of the Baha’i faith have been the most important guiding factor for me. The Baha’i faith recognises all the previous prophets including Zoroaster (Zarthoost). Its beliefs centre on the oneness of mankind and equality of men and women. It also does away with the need for priests, temples or churches, and believes that, today, human beings can and should communicate directly with God without the need for temple or churches. An essential principle of the Baha'i faith, something which greatly attracts me to it, is "what matters is the

Sarosh Zaiwalla

colour of the heart, not the colour of the skin or religion."

The Baha’i faith also upholds trustworthiness and integrity as of paramount importance. These are principles I have always sought to adhere to.

Which has been your most challenging case and why?

We won a case surrounding the Nataraja Idol for the Tamil Nadu government on the instructions of the High Commission of India. This was the first time that an attempt was ever made to bring an antique artefact back to its country of origin from the United Kingdom, on the grounds that the artefact was unlawfully smuggled out from its country of

I’m not sure I have any great secret. I do my best in every situation, with a clean heart and without selfish motives. I believe the most important thing for any human being is to have purity of heart, with which come good and powerful thoughts. It is those thoughts that, in the end, materialise good results.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is Mahatma Gandhi. His greatest strength was that he was honest to himself. He was not a great philosopher, author or orator.

His principles of "ahinsa" and peaceful resistance were influenced by his exchange of correspondence with the Russian Philosopher and Author Leo Tolstoy, who in turn was influenced by Bahaullah, the founder of the Baha’i faith. Gandhi had a

unique gift of honesty under every circumstance and with that honesty he was able to deal with the strength of the British Empire and succeed in the struggle for India's independence.

When you get the time, what do you do to relax?

I meditate regularly and that generally keeps me calm and relaxed. I enjoy being with nature and I try and spend every weekend at my seaside country home in West Sussex.

What are the future plans for yourself and your company?

I hope to see my firm continue to grow in size and reputation. It already has the status of a niche firm, handling the kinds of work only usually handled by big city firms. I have thought hard about why is it that English and American firms grow large, whereas Asian firms normally remain stunted. I came to the conclusion that big firms do not centre on their founder, but rather have totally transparent dealings with their own Solicitors, and follow the policy of rewarding pure merits.

Solicitors working in a firm are professionals, and they have to be encouraged to see themselves as professionals and achieve a high degree of competence in their work for their own satisfaction. We try to encourage this and we have recruited many young Solicitors, always teaching them to strive to be the best.

ZOROASTRIANS

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

15

Nowruz, the celebration of Parsi honor Nowruz is the traditional celebration of the ancient Iranian New Year. Nowruz is also widely referred to as the Persian New Year.

Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in Iranian calendar. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on March 21 or the previous/following day depending on where it is observed. As well as being a Zoroastrian holiday and having significance amongst the Zoroastrian ancestors of modern Iranians, the same time is celebrated in the Indian sub-continent as the new year. The moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator and equalizes night and day is calculated exactly every year and Iranian families gather together to observe the rituals.

Originally being a Zoroastrian festi-

val, and the holiest of them all, Nowruz is believed to have been invented by Zoroaster himself, although there is no clear date of origin. Since the Achaemenid era the official year has begun with the New Day when the Sun leaves the zodiac of Pisces and enters the zodiacal sign of Aries, signifying the Spring Equinox. The Jewish festival of Purim is probably adopted from the

Persian New Year. It is also a holy day for Sufis, Ismailis, Alawites, Alevis, and adherents of the Bahá'í Faith.

Today, the festival of Nowruz is celebrated in many countries that were territories of, or influenced by, the Persian Empire: Iran, Various Iranian Peoples including Kurds, Afghanistan, parts of the Middle East, as well as in the former Soviet republics of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. It is also celebrated by the Zoroastrians as well by certain Iranic inhabitants in Pakistan's Chitral region and Northern Areas. It is also celebrated by the Iranian immigrants from Shiraz in Zanzibar. In Kurdish communities located in parts of western Iran, the holiday is referred to as Nuroj, which literally means New Day in the Kurdish language.

Countries that have Nowruz as a public holiday: l Afghanistan (22 March) l Albania (20 March to 23 March, total of 4 days) l Azerbaijan (20 March to 26 March, total of 7 days) l Iran (20 March to 23 March) l Kazakhstan (21 March to 24 March, total of 4 days) l Kyrgyzstan (21 March) l Tajikistan (20 March to 23 March, total of 4 days) l Turkmenistan (20 March to 23 March, total of 4 days) l Uzbekistan (21 March) New Year dishes l Sabzi Polo Mahi: The New Year's Day traditional meal is called Sabzi Polo

(!02%0%$ ##.3-2!-21 %')12%0%$ 3$)2.01 %$&.0$ .5 .-$.%+ !6 ,!)+ ,2 ,%(2!2%-'0! #. 3*

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Mahi, which is rice with green herbs served with fish. The traditional seasoning for Sabzi Polo are parsley, coriander, chives, dill and fenugreek. l Reshteh Polo: rice cooked with noodles which is said to symbolically help one succeed in life. l Dolme Barg: A traditional dish of Azeri people, cooked just before the new year. It includes some vegetables, meat and rice which have been cooked and embedded in grape leaves and cooked again. It is considered useful in reaching to wishes. l Kookoo sabzi: Herbs and vegetable souffle, traditionally served for dinner at New Year. A light and fluffy omelet style made from parsley, dill, coriander, spinach, spring onion ends, and chives, mixed with eggs and walnut. l Haft Mewa: In Afghanistan, they

prepare Haft Mewa (Seven Fruits) instead of Haft Sin which is common in Iran.

Haft Mewa is like a Fruit salad made from 7 different Dried fruits, served in their own syrup. The 7 dried fruits are: Raisin, Senjed (the dried fruit of the oleaster tree), Pistachio, Hazelnut, Prune (dry fruit of Apricot), Walnut and whether Almond or another species of Plum fruit. l Samanak: It is a special type of sweet dish made from Wheat germ.

Women take a special party for it during the night, and cook it from late in the evening till the daylight, singing a special song: Samanak dar Josh o m Kafcha zanem - Degar n dar Khw b o m Dafcha zanem

Navroz celebration by Parsis In the Fasli/Bastani variant of the Zoroastrian calendar, Navroz is always the day of the vernal equinox (nominally falling on March 21). In the Shahenshahi and Kadmi calendars, which accounts for leap years, the New Year's Day has drifted ahead by over 200 days. These latter two variants of the calendar, which are only followed by the Zoroastrians of India, celebrate the spring equinox as Jamshed-i Nouroz, with New Year's Day then being celebrated in July–August as Pateti "(day) of penitence" (from patet "confession," hence also repentance and penitence).

ZOROASTRIANS

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Parsis in this World

Zoroastrian Origins and Key Organisations in the UK

Parsis founded the first Zoroastrian religious society in London in 1861. A number of 19th and 20th century Parsis achieved renown as London’s first Indian MPs. Today’s most famous Parsi is probably Freddie Mercury, who was buried in a London cemetery.

Demographics of Parsis around the world Worldwide Britain USA Canada Australia Pakistan Hong Kong Kenya India

100,000 5,000 6,500 4,500 300 3,000 150 80 76,000

Zoroastrian Organisations

Local Regional UK

2 2 2

Zoroastrian places of worship

UK (England)

1

The Zoroastrian Association, under the presidency of Mancherjee Bhownaggree, became the I n c o r p o r a t e d

Mancherjee Bhownaggree Dadabhai Naoroji

ParseeAssociation of Europe.

The Association, in addition to its religious, educational and welfare role, organised social outings, river trips and banquets, bringing Parsees together.

Zoroastrianism is the religion of around 100,000 Parsis worldwide. Some scholars believe it dates as far back as 1500 BC. Zoroastrianism was the religion of Persia, now Iran, prior to Islam.

Most Parsis emigrated to Gujarat, the west coast of India due to Muslim persecution, and their name refers to their original homeland.

Bombay (Mumbai) has the largest modern community of Parsis, many of whom

achieved prominence as businessmen under British rule.

Small communities also exist in Karachi in Pakistan, East Africa and the western Iranian desert.

Parsis have lived in London since at least 1861 when the Communal House of the Religious Society of Zoroastrians was founded in Kensington.

The Indian MPs Dadabhai Naoroji, Mancherjee Bhownaggree and Shapurji Saklatvala were Parsi. They were the first Asians to be elected to political office in the UK during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The lead singer of ‘Queen’, Freddie Mercury, was born in Zanzibar into a

Some of the Famous Zoroastrians l Cyrus the Great (580-529 BC) - founder of Persian Empire l Darius I of Persia - King of Persia l Xerxes the Great (519-465 BC) - king of Persia l Freddie Mercury - British rock star. Front man for the band Queen l Zubin Mehta - World famous conductor.

Currently with Israel Philharmonic. Has led the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Montreal Symphony. l Rohiton Mistry - Novelist l Firdaus Kanga - Writer; author and star of the movie Sixth Happiness. l Feroze Gandhi - prominent Indian politician; husband of Indira Gandhi; might have become Prime Minister if he hadn't died suddenly in 1960.

Shamak Davar

l Soli J. Sorabjee - India's attorney general l Farrukh Dhondy - Channel 4 editor and scriptwriter (Britain) l Dadabhai Naoroji (Lib Dem)- MP for Finsbury 1892-95. Liberal. Britain's first Asian MP. l Mancherjee Bhownagree (Tory)- MP for Bethnal Green 1895-1905. Tory. Britain's second Asian MP. l Shapurji Saklatvala (Labour, Communist)- MP for Battersea 1922-29.

Socialist. Britain's 3rd Asian MP. l Sam Maneckshaw - Field Marshal l Homi Jehangir Bhabha - physicist; founder of India's nuclear program l Tata family - one of the world's richest families with holdings in steel and manufactured products in India l Bharat Ratna J.R.D. Tata - Indian industrialist. Founded Tata Airlines, India's first major airline. In 1991 he received the

Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. l Adi Godrej and Godrej family - "well known for manufacturing household items and healthcare products" l Farokh Engineer - world-class cricketer l Byram Avari - world champion yachtsman

Kaizad Gustad

l Alexander Bard - Swedish musician and philosopher l Bejan Daruwala - famous Indian astrologer (lives in Washington D.C. area) l Persis Khambatta (1950-1998) - actress (best known as "Lieutenant Ilia", the bald Deltan woman in Star Trek: The Motion Picture l John Abraham - Bollywood Actor l Bapsi Sidhwa - writer whose books include story of Parsi girl entranced by American culture in An American Brat l Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji - musician, composer l Cyrus Todiwala- Famous UK chef l Firdaus Kanga- Author l Kaizad Gustad- Film maker l Shamak Davar- Choreographer l Cyrus Broacha- MTV VJ and Actor

Rohinton Mistry

l Shenaz Treasuryvala- MTV VJ and actor l Lord Karan Bilimoria, CBE DL, Founder and Chairman Cobra Beer, President UK India Business Council, and Independent Crossbench Peer, House of Lords. l Boman Irani, Actor, Bollywood

13

Shapurji Saklatvala

l The majority of early Zoroastrian migrants were of Indian origin and known as Parsees or Parsis. l The first three Members of Parliament of Asian ethnic origin were all Parsis, the first of which was (in 1892) Dadabhai Naoroji, elected as a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party. l In more recent years an Iranian Zoroastrian presence has also developed as a result of refugee movement and migration following the Iranian revolution. l Parsis form the majority of Zoroastrians in the UK, with Iranis in a minority. While there are many things that are shared, there are also a number of differences between the two groups. l The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (Incorporated), established in 1861, is the oldest Zoroastrian organisation in the UK (known since 1978 under its present name). l The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (Incorporated) has a centre in Rayners Lane, London and has recently opened a new Centre in which it is hoped to have a fire temple. l The World Zoroastrian Organisation is also based in London.

Lord Karan Bilimoria

Parsi family. When he died, his funeral was conducted by a Zoroastrian priest at Kensal Green Cemetery.

Karan Bilimoria, the founder of Cobra beer, became the first Parsi to take a seat in the House of Lords in July 2006. He is one of Britain’s youngest peers. The most recent census counted a total of about 5000 Zoroastrians in Britain.

Important dates in Zoroastrian calendar: March 21:

Jamshedi Noruz - New Year’s Day, according to the Fasli calendar of Iran May 29: Zartusht-no-diso - commemorating the death of the prophet Zarathushtra August 19: No Ruz - New Year’s Day on the Shenshai calendar August 24: Khordad Sal - commemorating the birthday of Zarathushtra

History of the Parsis

Arrival in Gujarat since it allowed them to represent themselves as being like the British, which arguably they did more effectively than perhaps any other South Asian community.

1600s between Mughal In the 18th and 19th cenemperor Jahangir and turies the Parsis had James I of England, the emerged as frontrunners British East India in India in educational, Company obtained rights industrial, and social to build factories in Surat matters, and became an and other areas. Many age of self-awareness as a Parsis, throughout community. They were Gujarat, moved to the no longer The early years weavers and The next several petty mercenturies were full chants, but had of hardships before established themselves to Zoroastrianism run banks, gained a real standmills, heavy ing in India. Two industry, shipcenturies after their yards and shipmigration, the ping companies.

Parsis began to setToday, the tle in other parts of Gujarat, which led to The Parsees and the Towers of Silence at decline of the Bombay, India by William Thomas Fee priesthood and difficulties in definthe global dispersion of ing the limits of priestly British run settlements to remaining Zoroastrians jurisdiction.

However take the new jobs offered. has become a serious these problems were For the new generation, issue for the survival of resolved by 1290 through the British schools prothe Zoroastrian faith. the division of Gujarat vided Parsi youth with Nevertheless, their insisinto five districts, each the means to be educated tence on remaining true under the jurisdiction of not only to read and one priestly family and to the values of write, but to become their descendants.

Zoroastrianism prevails, familiar with the quirks and it is these values of the British establishThe age of opportunity which have ensured its ment. This was particusurvival for the last 3000 Following the commerlarly useful to Parsis, years. cial treaty in the early In the 10th century a group of Iranians fled Iran as refugees in search of somewhere to practise their religion freely.

The refugees ended up in Gujarat, where they were granted permission to stay by the local ruler Jadi Rana, on the condition that they adopt Gujarati culture. The refugees accepted the conditions and founded the settlement of Sanjan.

14

ZOROASTRIANS

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Parsis in entertainment Theatre The whole concept of modern theatre in Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu is argued to be accredited to the work of the Parsis. In 1853, with inspiration from English plays, they started staging their own Parsi Gujarati plays in Bombay. Their first drama company was named Parsee Natak Mandali, with Faramjee Gustadjee Dalal founding this drama company. The first Gujarati drama they staged at the Grant Road Theatre in Bombay was “Rustam and Sohrab”.

The years 1853-1869, saw twenty more Parsee drama companies being formed, giving a further momentum to the theatre activity.

Their dramas went to Surat in Gujarat and also to other places around India. The repertoire of these drama companies included adaptations of English plays, mythological, historical and social dramas. The Parsi Theatre along with providing entertainment to Indian masses also played a role in their cultural moulding and promotion of social reforms.

The Parsi theatre communicated many different dramatic genres which included the four languages of English, Gujarati, Urdu and Hindi, historical, mythological, social, and political story lines and varied musical scores drawing on Western, Indian and Arabic music heritage.

The Parsee Theatre took a new turn in post-independence India and its standard-bearers were Adi Marzban, Jimmy Pocha, Feroze Antia and Dr. Ratan Marshal. It was Adi Marzban who reed Parsee

drama from the shackles of tradition and brought realism to Parsee Theatre. He bid farewell to the revalence of songs and music in the plays.

Films In 1918, the Parsi pioneer of cinema in Calcutta, J.F. Madan claimed to control over one third of the 300 cinemas in India. With contracts for the supply of films with both British and American companies, his audience was generally comprised of British officials, troops and Anglophile Indian elite's.

Jamshed Boman Wadia and Hila Wadia (JBH) were argued to be one of film industry’s most daring pioneers, in that he introduced a foreign woman to Indian Cinema, but he did so in such a way that could have shocked people at the time, but instead charmed and captivated them.

JBH were also responsible for giving several major stars their early breaks. Among them were Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapur, Nargis and Helen.

Then it was Homi Wadia who noticed talent in the great singer, Mohammed Rafi and insisted that he sing for his forthcoming film Sharbati Ankhen. The talkie era introduced a completely new style of acting. The earlier muscular actors like the Billmoria brothers and others were edged out in favour of new stars who had command over the language.

Sohrab Merwanji Modi was argued to be the master of the historical genre. Though highly influenced by Parsi theatre, he man-

aged to make his scripts look cinematically exciting - with an eye for detail, his films were always visually grand. However since 1931 with the advent of the sound film, theatre was declining. To rescue this dying art, Modi set up the Stage Film Company in 1935.

Modi even tackled such themes, ahead of his times such as illicit passion Jailor (1938), remade in 1958, and incest in Bharosa (1940).

He also directed India’s first film in technicolour Jhansi ki Rani (1953) After 1947, there was a lull in the contribution of the Parsi community to cinema and theatre.

Then began plays by Adi Marzban, which were thrillers and sex come-

dies.

Dinyar Contractor began in 1967, and he has been in theatre for thirty five years, and is famous for his ’Hinglish’ plays.

Now an Octogenarian, he is still going strong.

Boman Irani, a photographer by profession who has clicked the portfolios of most of the Miss India contestants ventured into theatre and acting with an Alyque Padamsee musical production called ’Roshni’.

His performance was appreciated and he went on to do several other plays.

Music

Peenaz Masani entered the world of ghazal music in 1981 and has sung in over ten languages.

Penaz has also firmly established herself as a playback singer for the Indian Cinema and has performed under the music directors like Jaidev, R D Burman, Usha Khanna, Chand Pardesi, Nadeem Shravan, Raaj Kamal, Rajesh Roshan and Anu Malik.

Others who stand out in the field of music are the New York Philharmonic orchestra conductor Zubin Mehta, Gary Lawyer and the international singer, Freddie Mercury of the group Queen.

The Parsi community has contributed tremendously in the entertainment industry and continues to do so. We hope that this fun-loving community will continue to shine on the silver screen and beyond.

Parsi Zoroastrians in Britain The Parsis formed the first Asian religious tradition in Britain in 1861, though the first Parsi known to have visited Britain came in 1724 to protest against injustices done to his family by the East India Company. He stayed for a year and won his case, returning to India a vindicated and wealthy man. The first Indian firm to be opened in Britain was started

by Parsis in London and Liverpool in 1855; thereafter individuals came for education and trade. The numbers are unknown, but probably there were only around 150 at any one time until after the Second World War when several retired here from the Medical Corps,

and more came in the 1960s for education and trade. They currently number approximately 5,000. They are centered mainly in London, especially in the Harrow area, but there are small groups in many other large cities. The principal point of architectural interest in Rayners Lane area, Greater London, is the former cinema, an Art Deco building featuring a curved projection on the front somewhat resembling an elephant's trunk. This is a listed building. It is currently being occupied by the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe, and is used as a Zoroastrian centre the only official temple of its type in the UK.

The fact that they are so few in number, and so little is known about them, means that they are a vulnerable group subject to media disparagement.

There have been a lot of unwanted controversies due to that.

Since the mid 1990s Parsi Zoroastrians have become active in inter-faith activity, and this has given them recognition in the outside world, so that they are now one of the nine ‘official’ religions of Britain, being invited to public functions such as the Commonwealth annual service in Westminster Abbey and to meet members of the royal family (see more on page 13).

Face to face with renowned Parsi Lawyer, Sarosh Zaiwalla Internationally acclaimed Lawyer, Sarosh Zaiwalla began his career in shipping law and arbitration, after which he founded Zaiwalla & Co. Solicitors in April 1982. Over the years Mr. Zaiwalla has been involved in over 1000 International Energy, Maritime and Construction Arbitration's in London and worldwide. He has acted for many prestigious clients including the President of India, the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Iranian Government.

To name but a few of his achievements, Mr. Zaiwalla was made a Freeman of the City of London by the Lord Mayor of the City of London in 1998, and in October 2007 he was invited by the United Nations Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki Moon for an extensive one-to-one consultation on issues relating to World Order.

AV spoke to Mr. Zaiwalla about his work, his faith and his future goals.

What are you most proud of about of your Solicitors firm, Zaiwalla & Co.?

That it is the first home grown British-Asian firm in the City of London. I am proud of the fact that I started the firm with my Indian surname and did not find it necessary to run my firm with an English sounding name. I am also proud of the fact that there are over ninety reported cases in English and

International Law Reports that feature my firms name. Only major cases, that clarify or actually change the law, are reported.

We also won for the Indian government its first success in the House of Lords, in a case concerning a ship called La Pintada.

In that case we had instructed Tony Blair as Counsel for our client, the President of India and in the House of Lords we instructed Nicholas Philips QC, who is now the President of the Supreme Court.

origin. The trial in this case lasted for fifty-five days in the English Courts, and we won on the grounds that the Nataraja was a consecrated idol and therefore has a juristic personality of its own and is entitled to ask the Court as a juristic personality to go back to its home.

The English Court, in its judgement, opened by saying "the plaintiff at its maximum is the God almighty and at its minimum a mere stone," and we showed it was not a mere stone”.

What's the secret of your success?

What is your success rate?

We win seventy to eighty per cent of our cases. In those cases where we see a risk of losing, we advise clients to settle.

Your religion is the Baha’i faith. What impact does that have in your life, and how important is it to you?

The teachings of the Baha’i faith have been the most important guiding factor for me. The Baha’i faith recognises all the previous prophets including Zoroaster (Zarthoost). Its beliefs centre on the oneness of mankind and equality of men and women. It also does away with the need for priests, temples or churches, and believes that, today, human beings can and should communicate directly with God without the need for temple or churches. An essential principle of the Baha'i faith, something which greatly attracts me to it, is "what matters is the

Sarosh Zaiwalla

colour of the heart, not the colour of the skin or religion."

The Baha’i faith also upholds trustworthiness and integrity as of paramount importance. These are principles I have always sought to adhere to.

Which has been your most challenging case and why?

We won a case surrounding the Nataraja Idol for the Tamil Nadu government on the instructions of the High Commission of India. This was the first time that an attempt was ever made to bring an antique artefact back to its country of origin from the United Kingdom, on the grounds that the artefact was unlawfully smuggled out from its country of

I’m not sure I have any great secret. I do my best in every situation, with a clean heart and without selfish motives. I believe the most important thing for any human being is to have purity of heart, with which come good and powerful thoughts. It is those thoughts that, in the end, materialise good results.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is Mahatma Gandhi. His greatest strength was that he was honest to himself. He was not a great philosopher, author or orator.

His principles of "ahinsa" and peaceful resistance were influenced by his exchange of correspondence with the Russian Philosopher and Author Leo Tolstoy, who in turn was influenced by Bahaullah, the founder of the Baha’i faith. Gandhi had a

unique gift of honesty under every circumstance and with that honesty he was able to deal with the strength of the British Empire and succeed in the struggle for India's independence.

When you get the time, what do you do to relax?

I meditate regularly and that generally keeps me calm and relaxed. I enjoy being with nature and I try and spend every weekend at my seaside country home in West Sussex.

What are the future plans for yourself and your company?

I hope to see my firm continue to grow in size and reputation. It already has the status of a niche firm, handling the kinds of work only usually handled by big city firms. I have thought hard about why is it that English and American firms grow large, whereas Asian firms normally remain stunted. I came to the conclusion that big firms do not centre on their founder, but rather have totally transparent dealings with their own Solicitors, and follow the policy of rewarding pure merits.

Solicitors working in a firm are professionals, and they have to be encouraged to see themselves as professionals and achieve a high degree of competence in their work for their own satisfaction. We try to encourage this and we have recruited many young Solicitors, always teaching them to strive to be the best.

ZOROASTRIANS

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

15

Nowruz, the celebration of Parsi honor Nowruz is the traditional celebration of the ancient Iranian New Year. Nowruz is also widely referred to as the Persian New Year.

Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in Iranian calendar. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on March 21 or the previous/following day depending on where it is observed. As well as being a Zoroastrian holiday and having significance amongst the Zoroastrian ancestors of modern Iranians, the same time is celebrated in the Indian sub-continent as the new year. The moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator and equalizes night and day is calculated exactly every year and Iranian families gather together to observe the rituals.

Originally being a Zoroastrian festi-

val, and the holiest of them all, Nowruz is believed to have been invented by Zoroaster himself, although there is no clear date of origin. Since the Achaemenid era the official year has begun with the New Day when the Sun leaves the zodiac of Pisces and enters the zodiacal sign of Aries, signifying the Spring Equinox. The Jewish festival of Purim is probably adopted from the

Persian New Year. It is also a holy day for Sufis, Ismailis, Alawites, Alevis, and adherents of the Bahá'í Faith.

Today, the festival of Nowruz is celebrated in many countries that were territories of, or influenced by, the Persian Empire: Iran, Various Iranian Peoples including Kurds, Afghanistan, parts of the Middle East, as well as in the former Soviet republics of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. It is also celebrated by the Zoroastrians as well by certain Iranic inhabitants in Pakistan's Chitral region and Northern Areas. It is also celebrated by the Iranian immigrants from Shiraz in Zanzibar. In Kurdish communities located in parts of western Iran, the holiday is referred to as Nuroj, which literally means New Day in the Kurdish language.

Countries that have Nowruz as a public holiday: l Afghanistan (22 March) l Albania (20 March to 23 March, total of 4 days) l Azerbaijan (20 March to 26 March, total of 7 days) l Iran (20 March to 23 March) l Kazakhstan (21 March to 24 March, total of 4 days) l Kyrgyzstan (21 March) l Tajikistan (20 March to 23 March, total of 4 days) l Turkmenistan (20 March to 23 March, total of 4 days) l Uzbekistan (21 March) New Year dishes l Sabzi Polo Mahi: The New Year's Day traditional meal is called Sabzi Polo

(!02%0%$ ##.3-2!-21 %')12%0%$ 3$)2.01 %$&.0$ .5 .-$.%+ !6 ,!)+ ,2 ,%(2!2%-'0! #. 3*

%(2! %-'0! 5!1 %12!"+)1(%$ )5)2( ! 4)%5 2. /0.4)$)-' !- )-2),!2% !-$ /%01.-!+ 1%04)#% 2. )21 #+)%-21 2(%0 2(!- 2(% 20!$)2).-!+ 3$)2)-' ..* *%%/)-' !-$ !6!2).- 1%04)#%1 5% !0% !"+% 2. /0.4)$% !$4)#% !-$ /0!#2)#!+ 1.+32).-1 .- !++ .- .,)#)+% )113%1 )-#+3$)-' .4%01%!1 "!-* !##.3-21 !-$ .4%01%!1 )-4%12,%-21 !-$ #.,/!-)%1 % !+1. (!4% #.-1)$%0!"+% %6/%0)%-#% )- $%!+)-' 5)2( )-4%12)'!2).-1 )- 0%1/%#2 .& .0/.0!2% %01.-!+ 2!6 )-#+3$)-' 3-$)1#+.1%$ )-#.,% !-$ "!-* !##.3-21 +%!1% #.-2!#2 %(!-')0 %(2! .0 %0.1(! %-'0! &.0 ! &0%% !-$ #.-&)$%-2)!+ )-)2)!+ $)1#311).-

Mahi, which is rice with green herbs served with fish. The traditional seasoning for Sabzi Polo are parsley, coriander, chives, dill and fenugreek. l Reshteh Polo: rice cooked with noodles which is said to symbolically help one succeed in life. l Dolme Barg: A traditional dish of Azeri people, cooked just before the new year. It includes some vegetables, meat and rice which have been cooked and embedded in grape leaves and cooked again. It is considered useful in reaching to wishes. l Kookoo sabzi: Herbs and vegetable souffle, traditionally served for dinner at New Year. A light and fluffy omelet style made from parsley, dill, coriander, spinach, spring onion ends, and chives, mixed with eggs and walnut. l Haft Mewa: In Afghanistan, they

prepare Haft Mewa (Seven Fruits) instead of Haft Sin which is common in Iran.

Haft Mewa is like a Fruit salad made from 7 different Dried fruits, served in their own syrup. The 7 dried fruits are: Raisin, Senjed (the dried fruit of the oleaster tree), Pistachio, Hazelnut, Prune (dry fruit of Apricot), Walnut and whether Almond or another species of Plum fruit. l Samanak: It is a special type of sweet dish made from Wheat germ.

Women take a special party for it during the night, and cook it from late in the evening till the daylight, singing a special song: Samanak dar Josh o m Kafcha zanem - Degar n dar Khw b o m Dafcha zanem

Navroz celebration by Parsis In the Fasli/Bastani variant of the Zoroastrian calendar, Navroz is always the day of the vernal equinox (nominally falling on March 21). In the Shahenshahi and Kadmi calendars, which accounts for leap years, the New Year's Day has drifted ahead by over 200 days. These latter two variants of the calendar, which are only followed by the Zoroastrians of India, celebrate the spring equinox as Jamshed-i Nouroz, with New Year's Day then being celebrated in July–August as Pateti "(day) of penitence" (from patet "confession," hence also repentance and penitence).

Bollywood

16 Asian Voice Saturday 31st July 2010

Priyanka to do daredevil stunts in ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ Prabhu Deva to direct Vishal Vishal is hoping his film directed by Bala will take his career to the next level. He is said to be doing an author backed role in ‘Avan Ivan’ which will be appreciated by both connoisseurs and his fans. And that is a powerful performance oriented transgender role, sources said.

‘Avan Ivan’ also has Arya and a recent buzz suggested that Arya and Vishal have tonsured their heads for the movie.

Meanwhile, reliable sources say Prabhu Deva will direct Vishal in his next home production.

The film is expected to be an action flick and Prabhu

Deva has already got a name for slick action flicks with films like ‘Pokkiri’.

Vishal’s home production GK Films Corporation last produced ‘Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai’ starring Vishal and Neetu Chandra.

‘Kadhalar Kudiyiruppu’ gets U certificate

Director A.M.R. Ramesh of Kuppi fame is back with his next venture, “Kadhalar Kudiyiruppu,” a romantic tale based on a real-life Hindu-Muslim riot incident that took place at the police quarters in Bengaluru. Newcomers Anish Tejeshwar and Shruti play the lead roles and veteran actress Saranya plays a prominent role in the film.

James Vasanthan of Subramaniyapuram fame has composed five songs.

“I have tried out a new narration and fresh ways of depicting the communal clash. The story spans three different periods: 1968, 1992 and the present time.

Cinematographer Dwarakanath has used different tones for the three periods,” the director said.

“The film is about a Tamil boy living in police quarters in Bangalore, who suddenly goes missing. The rest of the story is about him and

his past. We have shot the film in real locations,” he added. The Censor Board has cleared the film with a ‘U’ certificate, without any cuts.

According to director Ramesh, the film is from the point of view of journalists and it will answer the five Ws and one H of journalism.

“Kadhalar Kudiyiruppu” is all set to grace theatres in August.

“I’ve shot a riot scene that takes place in Bengaluru during the Babri Masjid demolition.

In fact, the riot plays an important role in taking the story forward,” he revealed.

Cheran’s Dream Theatres is all set to start their next production venture: “Muran.” Cheran and Prasanna will play the lead roles in this big budget film which will also feature two newcomers as heroines and Jayaprakash in a prominent role.

Rajjan Madhav, son of acclaimed Malayalam music composer Raveendran, will wield the megaphone. Rajjan Madhav has earlier worked as co-director with Mysskin in Anjaathaey, Nandhalala

and Yudhan Sei. Rajjan’s brother Sajjan Madhav will compose music for the film.

Muran is about two contrasting characters and the events in their life.

Prasanna, who played a powerful role in Anjaathaey, will repeat the act in Muran.

tion she adds, "I am getting ready by going to the gym regularly. And I hate gyms!

It's an occupational hazard. If I wasn't an actress, I wouldn't ever look at the gym.

But I have to be fit, and I think its more important to be healthy than fit. Right now am working on building my stamina because I will perform some serious stunts."

When asked why the schedule was delayed she says, "Actually there's no delay, we were always supposed to shoot in August. We are not having cricketers anymore, we were supposed to have them but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had some problems.

So now we have dropped that idea and have taken on celebrities from different walks of life. My dates were always in August, after I wrap Saat Khoon Maaf. We leave on August 15 for Brazil."

Priyanka Chopra will thrown herself in a vigorous workout schedule to build stamina for the third season of reality show “Khatron Ke Khiladi.”

PC will perform some daredevil stunts and challenge the 12 male contestants competing for the title.

The team leaves for Brazil on August 15 to shoot for the action-adventure reality show.

A source reveals, "Priyanka loves performing her own stunts. Even during “Don,” she was keen on doing all the action herself.

She has taken her role as a host and plans to go all out."

W h e n asked about the level of stunts she would be performing, Chopra says, "To the highest level! I am going to make the boys feel very bad. They would be like 'if a girl can do this, I can definitely do it!"

Describing her prepara-

My journey has just begun, says Sonam

Muran: Cheran’s next production!

Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor has become famous on the society circuit for her sense of style. The young actor, who is still planning to launch a fashion label, has extravagant plans on how to expand her business.

According to reports, Sonam will be joining hands with fashion labels from Paris and London and Milan for her pret line to make it a global venture.

“I always feel that if you want to do something, do it big. I believe in taking time and preparing myself by researching and then going for it. That’s what I’m doing right now. Launching a fashion line is a huge decision for me and I want to be sure about what I’m doing. If I have to open it on a national level, why not take it interna-

tional? I will look at opportunities to broaden my horizon,” she says.

Sonam recently saw her film “I Hate Luv Storys” get a favourable response as it

clocked a hit at the box office. The actor says she as an actor is looking to experiment constantly.

“I did not become an actor to limit myself. My journey has just begun. I will do all possible genres to test myself out. I want to learn from them. I want to overcome my limitations as an actor by bettering myself with every single movie. I enjoy the process of filmmaking and if a film has a great script, I will jump to it no matter whichever genre it is. But I do have to admit that I do love romance. I have seen so many romantic films it’s not funny,” she says.

Sonam, who is set to become an author soon, says she is a voracious reader but loves the classics a bit more.

Vidya demands `15 mn fees Vidya Balan will not be seen in the sequel to Dhamaal. Apparently the actress was unhappy with the remuneration offered to her and the way her character has been developed.

After the success of “Paa” and “Ishqiya,” the actress hiked her price to that of other top actresses - which is rumoured to be around Rs 15 million.

That's the asking price for Kareena and Katrina too.

However, the makers of “Dhamaal 2” refused to meet Vidya's asking price or reach for a compromise and instead let her exit the project.

However, those close to Vidya insist that the actress opted out of “Dhamaal 2” not because of monetary reasons but because she was unhappy with the way her character has been developed.

where I need a different kind of make-up and he is trained in it so he told dada (Pradeep Sarkar) that he will do my makeup and he did.

Another day where I was doing...not exactly an action sequence, but lot of cable work and all of that, he choreographed the entire act. So I think in every way he was there for me," Deepika said in an interview.

Set in the mean streets of Mumbai, "Lafangey Parindey" is a love story where Neil Nitin Mukesh plays the character of Nandu, a fighter who pummels his opponents in the ring and

Deepika Padukone plays Pinky Palkar, a dancer who is blind but ambitious and dances with roller skates on her feet.

He teaches her to see and she teaches him how to love.

Neil used to be around Deepika, even on his off days.

"I can confidently say that he has been the most supportive and encouraging co-star, with whom I have worked so far.

Even on days when he was not required, he would be there," said Deepika.

Deepika believes that regardless of his experience in the industry, Neil has every quality of being a director.

Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor top Filmfare Power List Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has made it to the top in the Filmfare Power List for the third time in a row. Beating his close competitor superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir has retained his top position of last year.

The last three films of Aamir, which includes 2007 hit “Taare Zameen Par,” “Ghajini” and 2009 super-hit “3 Idiots,” garnered about Rs 8,250 million. Aamir has managed to be on top with this huge success.

His film “3 Idiots” earned more than Rs 3,750 million, which is the biggest hit in the history of Bollywood so far.

Shah Rukh Khan has also maintained to be on the second position in the ranking for the third time.

In fact, SRK had not much work in 2009 apart from a small act in “Billu Barbar” and a cameo in a flop film “Dulha Mil Gaya.” But still he managed to retain the second position.

Katrina, Abhishek to romance again Abhishek Bachchan and Katrina Kaif would soon be seen together on the silver screen, after a hiatus of about five years.

They will be seen as a couple, much in love with each other in as many as three forthcoming films.

They would be seen romancing together in the sequel “Dostana 2” right after Katrina returns in the first week of August so as to shoot for “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.”

Abhishek Bachchan and Katrina Kaif will shoot a song together in Mumbai, which will be followed by a long stint in London.

Earlier, the two actors have only done one movie together, Ram Gopal Varma's “Sarkar.”

Katrina, however, reveals that she hardly knows Abhishek, but whatever little she knows, she has liked and is excited to do projects with him.

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, who had done hat trick with the success of his two Munnabhai films and then “3 Idiots,” has made it to the third position beating big names like Yash Chopra, Aditya Chopra, and Karan Johar.

Music maestro A R Rahman, who earned the country two Oscars, has taken the 4th position jumping from his 8th position in the Power list of 2008.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who had not directed any movie in 2009, has managed to reserve the 5th position in the Power list with his production house Dharma Productions, which earned accolades for making Ranbir Kapoor starrer film “Wake Up Sid.” In 2008, Yash Raj Films was in the 3rd position and this year, it has moved to the 6th position.

The Aamir Khan's production house has been placed at the 7th position as it has become renowned for making quality and box office hit numbers.

Another superstar Akshay Kumar is missing from this year's power list.

He was at the 7th position in the list of 2008.

Bollywood diva Kareena Kapoor has taken the 8th place but she should worry now as her closest rival Katrina Kaif has made it to the No 10 position this year. Last year, Kareena was only women in the list.

Hrithik Roshan has maintained his No 9 position though he had no film apart from a cameo in “Luck By Chance.”

Shah Rukh, Gauri to act together Now that Shah Rukh is taking time off from shooting for his various endorsements to concentrate on “RA.One,” wife Gauri Khan is exploring unchartered territory.

She has bagged her first brand endorsement with her husband.

Very soon, the couple will be seen in a television commercial. The buzz in the industry is that they will endorse a very popular furnishing house. The shoot for the commercial is likely to take place in Mumbai.

Ad filmmaker, Sunhil Sippy, (who directed Snip) will be directing King Khan and his wife in this commercial.

Gauri, who has always maintained a very low profile in the industry, is known to

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Once Upon A Time In Mumbai

Deepika Padukone finds a friend in Neil Nitin Mukesh Working together in director Pradeep Sarkar's forthcoming film "Lafange Parindey", actress Deepika Padukone has found a friend for life in Neil Nitin Mukesh.

Neil once went out of his way to do her make-up personally, which was somewhat different, required for an accident scene.

"I think I have made a friend for life and I think that's what I cherished the most because he is a wonderful human being and that comes across on screen. We got along really well, " said Deepika.

"There is an accident scene,

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

have designed costumes for her husband during his “Baazigar” (1993) days. She turned producer with “Main Hoon Na” (2004) and “Om Shanti Om” (2007). According to a source Gauri is finally letting go of her shell.

“Gauri has been approached for commercials earlier but somehow things never worked out.

This commercial with Shah Rukh will be her first full-fledged assignment in front of the camera,” added the source.

Be it Saif Ali khan and Kareena Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai or Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna, star couples have always sizzled on the small screen.

An action and romance flick from the Balaji banner, the famed Indian production house that has to its credit most of the popular and long running tv serials on Star tv channels, Once Upon A Time is based on the so-called true life story of one of Mumbai’s underworld lords of the 70’s.

It is a story seen through the eyes of a police officer. It traces the changing face of the Mumbai underworld and how it all started.

The film, set primarily in 1970s Mumbai, follows the rise of Sultan (Ajay Devgn), and the conflict, when his protige Shoaib (Emraan Hashmi), challenges his supremacy, and usurps power to rule the murky underbelly of Mumbai.

The film is presented in a retro chic style and is a glamorous and powerful rewind to the golden era.

Produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, the film is directed by Milan Luthria. Rajat Arora has written the story, screenplay and the dialogues.

The lead cast of film consists of Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Kangna Ranaut, Prachi Desai, Randeep Hooda, Gauhar Khan, Avtar Gill, Naved Aslam, Sanjeev Wilson, Mehul Bhojak, Ravi Khanwilkar and Amy Kingston.

Amitabh Bhattacharya, Nilesh Mishra and Irshad Kamil have penned the lyrics, while Pritam Chakraborty has composed the music.

Mika Singh, K K, Dominique Cerejo, Karthik, Sunidhi Chauhan, Mohit Chauhan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Tulsi Kumar have lended their voices.

New Hindi movies releasing this week Once Upon A Time In Mumbai

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

Film Lamhaa Tere Bin Laden Udaan Milenge Milenge I Hate Luv Storys

Last Week New New New 1 2

Total Weeks 1 1 1 2 3

Ajay Devgn is the hottest man Ajay Devgn is at his hottest best on the cover of the latest issue of Man's World. In the accompanying interview, he did not boast about his success.

"Being underrated has its virtues. The pressure is far less. I have worked on my own terms. I refuse to sell myself or put myself out there, in full public view. I feel lucky to have survived this long. My career has been one happy accident after another. There were loads of mistakes I made, some films which I shouldn't have done, some that turned out bad. Before Zakhm, I wasn't growing...

After Zakhm, the desire to explore the actor in me got more intense." he said.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Alpesh Patel Consultant Editor Financial Voice Dear Financial Voice Reader, As the British Prime Minister concludes his visit to India consider the size and scale of the economics: never before has any country outside the US had as many of its corporate leaders in the Forbes Rich List top 10 as India has today. Not even Japan in its heyday or China matches the feat. To make the case for opportunities in India would seem self-evident then.

After all, if a nation’s own people, who know the country the best, can make fortunes to compete with the world’s largest economy, then surely outside investors too can do very well there. Yet, misperception still obstructs many investment decisions concerning India.

Let’s eradicate them.

Meeting a California Silicon Valley billionaire who has re-emigrated back to India is perhaps one of the more striking proofs of India’s potential. These, the most successful of Indians, who moved to the US in the 1960s from an opportunity-shorn India, return today with their millionaire colleagues, to capture the types of opportunities few, if any places on earth can match.

After, all, no other major capitalist economy will even come close to matching India’s growth for decades.

Imagine a business person with a time machine.

They would probably choose to go back to the beginning of last century to the US to make their fortune – the time of Rockefeller and Getty.

Consider during that century, the Dow advanced from 66 to 11,497. This gain, though it appears huge, shrinks to 5.3% when compounded annually. And that nevertheless was the American century – the century when the US became a super power. Consider that that growth rate transformed a backward nation from the horse and carriage to one which freely sent man to the moon. Yet India today exceeds and is projected to exceed for our working life times that return-rate of 5%. The baton of Rockefeller and Getty is truly carried

by Ambani and Tata.

If your investment options were binary: US, the world’s largest economy, or India, think now about this century. For investors to merely match that 5.3% market-value gain, the Dow – recently below 10,000 – would need to close at about 2,000,000 on December 31, 2099. We are nearly a decade into this century, and we have racked up none of the 1,990,000 Dow points the market needed to travel in this hundred years to equal the 5.3% of the last.

Whereas, India, with the real economy targeting 8% for the foreseeable future is far more likely to provide the types of returns to match the transformation the United States had since 1900. Where would you invest?

What is sadly striking is how few smaller British companies know about the Indian opportunities. Was it like this in the late 1500s before the East India Company was established? For smaller business getting the information about the opportunities is costly and time consuming that is where the FCO, UKTI and UK India Business Council comes in. We have to make even more of a connection between our Government bodies and our businesses to leverage the size and scale of the British presence in India – just as they did in the past!

And if you are individual – why have you not bought some Tata Motors shares? They are listed on the New York market – speak to your broker!

Airbus to sources parts from a Bangalore firm Quest, a Bangalore based Indian firm manufacturing aircraft parts has been listed by Airbus, the European plane maker as one of their ‘preferred suppliers’. Aravind Melligeri, chairman of the leading private aerospace engineering company disclosed this last week.

Quest is the first private company from India

to be selected, after a stringent process. It is engaged in designing and making aero structures, accessories, plane interiors, actuation systems and ground support systems.

Quest facilities are located in Belgaum, north Karnataka. The company has a joint venture with Magellan Aerospace, Canada.

India operations could turn taxing for UK law firms ITAT ruling says tax payable, another case pending in the Supreme Court If UK law firms are operating in India, even without an office there, profits from the Indian operation are liable to Income tax there. Mumbai bench of Income-Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has recently giving such a ruling in a case of Linklaters, while another case of Clifford Chance is pending with the Supreme Court of India.

The stance of the ITAT

in the Linklaters case is that under the India-UK double taxation avoidance treaty, even profits earned from indirect Indian operations are liable to income tax in India. Whether the work is done in India or not and whether the firm has an office in India or not is of no consequence.

A two member bench of Pramod Kumar and R S Padvekar gave this ruling for profit of Rs. 230 mil-

US will soon savour Pakistani mangoes Three years after George Bush facilitated Indian mango exports to the USA, it is now Pakistan’s turn to tap the American markets.

This time, it is Hillary Clinton playing the mango diplomacy. While India had agreed to allow Harley-Davidson motorcycles in exchange, in Pakistan, it is US effort to improve its image in that country.

The ultimate goal, though seems to be making things better for Pakistan government to play its role in the Afghanistan war.

Hillary assured Pakistan of making export of mangoes possible during her visit to that country last week.

Indian and Pakistan have also tried mango diplomacy, but with very little or no success. In fact, on the exports front, mangoes are a matter of competition and possibly some tensions too.

The US plans trial shipments of Pakistani mangoes later this year

Yorkshire, Clydesdale Bank home mortgage customers in trouble for bank miscalculation Almost 18,000 home mortgage customers of Yorkshire Bank and its sister Clydesdale bank are now facing trouble in the form of higher mortgage payments for which they are not responsible.

It was a miscalculation by the banks that has spelt problems for the home owners as now they will be paying higher amount every month for possibly the entire remaining period of their mortgage terms.

While about half of the customers will be paying an amount of less than £25 per month, while for about 700 customers, it will be an extra £200 every month, a spokesman of the bank said.

Borrowers with fixed rate mortgages will however, not be effected.

and has pledged to support a three-year program to promote the export of Pakistani mangoes by sea to America, the world's largest importer of the fruit.

The initiative is part of a $21 million program to boost Pakistan's agriculture. The US will help finance hot water treatment facilities, sorting and grading machines and cold storage facilities.

India is the world's largest mango producer with about 13 million tons each year, far exceeding all other countries. Pakistan comes in fifth place with about 1.6 million tons.

lion that Linklaters earned in the year 1994 – 95, but if upheld in any further legal challenge or accepted, this would be applicable for all other years also.

The tribunal, in the judgement running over 100 pages, held that Linklaters should pay income tax in India on all its India-related income, on account of the retrospective amendment in the last budget to section

9(1) of the Income Tax Act. The tribunal held that Linklaters had a permanent establishment in India under the India-UK treaty, as its partners had spent more than 90 days in India in a year.

In the Clifford Chance case, the Supreme Court has asked for billing details of 12 years. The verdict, when it is out, could perhaps be applicable to Linklaters too.

Khazanah of Malaysia beats Fortis in Parkway acquisition Indian chain to go for Singapore listing after Parkway exit Even as Fortis, the India based chain of hospitals lost the battle for acquisition of Parkway, the Singapore based healthcare major, the company is to benefit from sale of its entire stake in Parkway.

Fortis is likely to become debt free after the proceeds of the sale are received, though promoters have indicated that the money freed will be used other possible takeovers.

Khazanah, owned by the Malaysian government beat Fortis with an offer of Singapore$ 3.95 per share of all of Parkway’s remain-

ing shares. Fortis was prepared to buy Parkway stake at S$ 3.80. Both the bidders already hold around 25% stake in Parkway. The Singapore based chain owns and operates hospitals in Singapore, Malaysia, India and China. For Khazanah, it is their biggest acquisition overseas. Fortis has also said they have plans to go for a Singapore listing, though Indian listing will continue. It is going to earn profits worth Singapore $116.7 mn from the sale of Parkway stake to Khazanah.

Grand opening of Infinity Property Solutions’ branch in Kenton Infinity Property Solutions Ltd., one of the prominent professionals working in the areas of North West London and Hatfield Hertfordshire, opened their branch in Kenton, Harrow in a grand ceremony on Saturday, 24th July. The firm is engaged in providing clients with services in Residential letting and sales, independent mortgage advise and portfolio management and Landlord business insurance.

The firm, established in December, 2008 is already managing more than 250 properties.

Infinity offer total property solutions, including Is free EPC and gas safety certification for every 3 bedroom and larger properties that are available with them for let. The friendly and personal services have earned them complete satisfaction from almost all of their clients.

Mr. Kamlesh Manji Padhra is the director of the firm, while Mr. Satish Patel is an independent Mortgage consultant working with Infinity. The firm charges fees that are very competitive, at just 6% + VAT. Mr. Kamlesh Padhra can be contacted on Tel: 020 8907 4665; Fax: 020 8907 9958.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

19

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

It’s not the size of the step that matters But the direction in which you take it We provide our clients with a full turn key solution to property investment. There is something for all budgets and all types of clients. We will look not just at your financial situation but understand your comfort levels and establish a common ground to work from. This is how we operate and if this suits you call us and let’s see if we can grow together.

The following is an actual example of what we have done for a family with a very modest income and assets.

The husband and wife and their two children are originally from Gujarat. It was the Mrs of the family who originally contacted me. The four of them were living in a two bedroom property, and the wife had been reading our articles for many years and even cut out and saved some of them.

The husband and wife had come from India about 8 years ago for their children’s education. Both had working class jobs and came to the UK to enhance prospects for their children. With their savings they had managed to purchase a two bedroom property walking distance from Ealing Road.

Due to its location it had risen well in value.

The aim now was to purchase a family home.

They wanted to sell their current property and purchase a larger home. After looking at the figures we suggested not to purchase family home right now. But rather that they invest into a smaller property for investment and so when they do purchase the family home it will not be a strain on them. This will mean they will have to wait for a couple of years, but after the wait the strain on their finances will not only be less but they will have assets growing for them. If they purchased a home at the stage they were at, this is all they would have. A home.

The ultimate aim is not to sell anything. These two properties, their current flat and the one we proposed for them to purchase, can be remortgaged to provide the deposit for them to fund the larger family home. Not just this, these properties will be providing an income for them which can be used to pay the mortgage of the family home.

The location of their current property has strong demand for rental and capital growth. The demand for this location has been driven by Ealing Road. It is odd what occurs in this pocket, there is a bubble here which is unique to this area. The demand for rental is astonishing.

Properties are let in days here. One of the driving forces is the unofficial subletting market. The properties are taken and then rented on to PG – short for paying guests. It is easy to see the market for this when you consider the numbers. A three bedroom property can be rented for £1350 per month to one party. This party would then sublet as a 4 bedroom property placing 4 people per room this means 16 peo-

be willing to risk her £50,000 on my say so....and she replied yes. This was not a spare £50,000 she had on the side. This was what they had worked hard to save up and was their life savings.

This meant the property would not be in central London, which in truth is our main field of focus. Nonetheless through our contacts we do get properties, which are lower in price time to time in outside areas. It just so happened at this time we had a property, a two bedroom flat close to Preston Road station, a nice residential area with plenty of open space. The size of the flat would have easily enabled it to be a three bedroom property. It was on the first floor purpose built property in a

ple paying £55 pw per person. This means the income from 16 people will be £880 pw. This equates to £3813pm. From this all bills will need to be paid for and food is normally provided. So it can be seen why these numbers would encourage a secondary rental market to develop. This would of course destroy the property considering the numbers of people occupying the property.

The rental on each property for the family will be £900pm, and the corresponding outgo very low.

The wife called me and said she had previously tried to get in touch with me personally and was not able to get through. Now we had a chance to speak.

They had £50,000 saved up from 8 years of her and her husband working hard.

They were not in the best of health and were still working hard.

Their two children were in college and were about to enter university. The quality which struck me about her was her audacious spirit. I asked her if she would

block of flats. Purpose built as opposed to a conversion, whereby a house or building has been chopped up into flats.

The ‘issue’ with the flat was it was a short lease on the property, one of only 27 years. This was putting off buyers. This should not be the case. A lease extension cost is defined by a formula. There are two variables in this formula, one the cost of the property currently and the other the value of the property post lease extension.

In a block of flats these values are easy to see. Simply look at the value of the flats sold to get direct comparables. Therefore the room for variation is not as large as many think.

In this purchase however the property was being sold with the benefit of a confirmed lease extension value of £22,000.

The property was being purchased for £127,500 with the lease extension this will cost £150,000. The property would be worth at least £185,000.

The clients I like to have are not those just with huge funds to spare, but those

who are committed to moving forward and taking a step, walking their talk.

So the property was purchased in Third Avenue, the lease extension is being worked on and the flat is rented bringing in an income of £900pm. The £50,000 was split into 25% deposit which came to £32,000 and the rest will go to the lease extension. The remaining funds were borrowed at a rate of 5.5% and costs them £438pm. This means they have an income of £450pm. The aim will be to extend the lease and then refinance the property, we estimate the value to be £200,000. This means £50,000 will come out again.

Which means very little money is tied up in the deal.

The new figures will be £687pm for a borrowing of £150,000. This will still bring some income in and they have the original funds still available and a growing asset as well as their new family home.

Their current property will also be remortgaged to fund the deposit, we didn’t want to touch the property as the interest rate is on a base rate tracker and is currently very favourable.

As the rate rises we will look to refinance and extract a lump sum from this property to put towards the deposit of the new property.

We advised them not to sell property in this area, if they do I cannot see them getting another investment property coming from their background it would be difficult for them to purchase another property in the future should they let go of this one. Better keep hold of it for the long term.

We provide a full turn key solution for property investment in the UK. All you have to do literally is sign a few bits of paper.

You simply need to make a decision to invest through us. Once this is done we do all the work.

We finance, source and rent your property. We are a one stop shop for UK property investment.

We offer the highest level of service, in all areas and aim to build long term relationships with all our clients. All services are independent the financing, rental and sourcing, because we want you to use us only if you are happy with our service.

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

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

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

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finanCial voice

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Leadership Matters Maria Fernandes maria@abplgroup.com

The 2 immigration Caps On the 28th June 2010 the Home Secretary announced that the Government intended to introduce an annual immigration cap to take effect in April 2011.

However in the meantime in order to prevent the sudden rise in applications, a temporary cap has been introduced which come into effect on 19th July.

INTERIM (TEMPORARY) CAP This takes effect from 19/07/2010 to 31st March 2011.

Immediate Effect There will be a reduction in the number of Certificates of Sponsorships (CoS, formerly work permits) granted to licence employers.

The interim limit applies regardless of the sponsor’s renewal date.

Sponsorship Action Plan for ‘B’ Rated Sponsors Sponsors who are downgraded to or are granted a ‘B’ rating will not be allowed any CoS allocations until they sign up to (and pay a fee) for a sponsorship action plan. Full details of this are not yet available.

‘B’ rated sponsors cannot apply for exceptional consideration for CoS whilst they remain ‘B’ rated.

This means that any CoS granted can no longer be used.

New Sponsors New Sponsors will not be awarded an automatic number of CoS. They will have to apply on a separate form to request CoS and justify the need. It will be necessary to show why the role is critical to the business.

Additional Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) For those who do not have any CoS (or who have had their CoS removed) and want to apply for additional CoS the following conditions must be satisfied:• Sponsor must ‘A’ rated • The number of CoS requested must take into account any

available CoS remaining in the existing allocation. CoS will then be ranked and granted in the following order :1) Work Permit or Tier 2 (General) for an existing sponsor.

2) Work Permit for Tier 2 (General) Extension for new Employer 3) A new shortage occupation post for a new sponsor 4) A non-shortage occupation post for an existing sponsor 5) A non-shortage occupation post for a new sponsor This means that extensions will take priority over new grants of CoS, and that shortages will take priority over non shortages. Looking at the list, it appears existing sponsors will not have priority where they want new staff even if there is a shortage.

A CoS can only be requested for an extension where the migrant’s leave is due to expire within the next 60 days.

Any CoS granted following a request for exceptional consideration must be used for the role for which it was requested.

Process UKBA Managers will meet on a monthly basis on the 1st working day of each month to consider requests for CoS. Requests must be received before 25th of each month.

Sponsors will be notified within 5 working days of the panel meeting.

Where the request has been successful the Sponsor Management System will be updated.

Urgent decisions will be made by the Deputy Director for Sponsorship.

The decision is final.

There is no appeal or reconsideration process.

The guidance indicates that • There will be very few CoS which will be available mainly for new Sponsors.

This means that employers who wish to open or expand businesses may not be able to do so.

• That no reasons will be given you refusing applications and no

appeal or review process. This would mean applying to the High Court if there are grounds to do so.

This limit will provide learning for the new permanent cap planned from April 2011. These changes are a blueprint for the future.

The Hospitality Industry will need to brace itself for major change.

Tier 4 changes English tests From 12th August 2010 all students studying below degree level or foundation degree level (NFQ level 6) will need to pass a secure English test unless they are from a country where English is the language spoken.

No country in South Asia qualifies for this.

This will affect all students applying or extending their leave from this date.

Change of provider From October 2009 students who changed providers had to obtain permission before starting the course. This caused difficulties for students as they missed the start of courses. The regulations will now permit students that change courses to Highly Trusted Sponsors to begin their course before permission is granted.

International Baccalaureate students These students will not receive their results or transcripts until the end of August and to enable them to enter the UK for their degree courses provision is being made for them to make their application by producing a print out from UCAS or IB office online checking service confirming their results.

Maria Fernandes has been in practice exclusively in immigration for the past 25 years and is accredited in Immigration Law by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Fernandes Vaz is based at 87 Wembley Hill Road Wembley in Wembley and can be contacted by telephone on 02087330123, by email on info@fernandesvaz.com

When the world is against you I recently read a Chinese proverb, “A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion”. Last week David Cameron publicly stated that, as far as he was concerned, the decision of the Scottish Government to release the Libyan bomber Abdelaset Al-Magrahi was ‘totally wrong’. This was followed by more prominent fingers being pointed at the Scottish justice secretary Kenny MacAskill, the man who made the decision. When leaders of nations, the media and the general public criticise you, it can be difficult not to question yourself. One may even feel compelled to state that they may have got it wrong.

Irrespective of how you feel about the decision to release a convicted bomber on compassionate grounds (I’m sure there is a contradiction in there), one can only but admire Mr. MacAskills’ resolve to stand by his decision and the principles upon which it was based upon even the midst of such intense

scrutiny. All too often, as all politicians know only too well, when the majority of opinion begins to sway towards a different direction to our own, we are tempted to put our head down and quietly sway in the same direction. Hence the term, ‘bowing to pressure’.

So according to the proverb, does this make Mr MacAskill a wise man? After making such an inconceivable decision words such as arrogant, or at the very least stubborn seem to be more apt. We all make decisions and some are more controversial than others.

It is great when we are applauded, but how about when we are not?

Most people react in one of three ways – they either become defensive and try to suggest that it wasn’t totally their decision in the first place; or they become defeated and back down and say they were wrong; or they stand by their decision and state that they made their judgment based on the information they had at the time and they would do the same again.

By Amit Patel

When leaders make decisions, they are held to account by everyone and how they respond to praise or criticism can have a profound effect on their credibility. If we have made the wrong decision, it is always best to admit it – Alan Greenspan did and he is no lesser a man because of it. If it is someone else’s fault then as the leader you have to take responsibility – as they say, ‘the buck stops with you’. If however, you believe that you made the proper decision based on your principles and values and experience, then stand firm – or do ‘a MacAskill’. That would be the wise thing to do.

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

BP posts record £11 bn losses, Dudley new CEO Tony Hayward to step down in October British Petroleum, the embattled company reported record losses of £11 bn for the April – June 2010 quarter, the highest for any British company owing to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill crisis. Following weeks of speculation, it was finally decided that Tony Hayward, the chief executive of the company will relinquish his post in October. Bob Dudley will takeover from him. Reports also suggested that Hayward will be retained

by BP and will be given the responsibility of the Russian joint venture at the non executive director.

Bob Dudley, the newly nominated CEO who is currently in charge of the Mexico clean up, told ABC that the oil spill crisis is a terrible tragedy and not just the company, entire industry would learn a lot from it.

With plans to sell off many of the overseas assets, BP according to Dudley will emerge as a smaller and a wiser company and also be able to keep growing.

BP Chairman CarlHenric Svanberg said the company is still in ‘grand shape’.

Tony Hayward said that, now oil had stopped spilling from the Macondo

Tony Hayward (L), Carl-Henric Svanberg (C) and Bob Dudley pose for the media outside BP's headquarters in London on Tuesday

well, it was a good time to leave his post.

"With the leak now capped, we have reached a significant milestone. This provides a firm basis to reshape the company," he said.

On Monday, the BBC

revealed that 53-year old Mr Hayward will receive a year's salary plus benefits, together worth more than £1m.

He will also be entitled to draw an annual pension of £600,000 once he reaches the age of 55.

Invest for a Life in the US The United States of America, often referred to as the land of opportunity, has been taking in immigrants at the rate of more than one million every year for over a century.

Unfortunately, because it is so popular, it has become progressively harder to secure a visa for those who wish to live and work there on a permanent basis.

Most visas are either difficult to obtain or unsuitable, because they need to be reapplied for, which carries risks. Noone wants to emigrate

only to lose their visa after a year or so.

The most popular choice, for those in a position to invest $500,000, is the EB-5 investment visa.

In 2003 the US Government reintroduced the Regional Center program. Investments into an approved Regional Center qualify an investor, spouse and all children under 21 to Green Cards (Permanent Residency).

Citizenship can be obtained after 5 years.

For information, visit eb5-visa.net.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

21

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

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

When Will Normal Trading Markets Return?

The financial markets as a whole are undergoing a complete overhaul at this point in the time. Every financial market whether it be currency exchanges, equities or commodities are all being scrutinised on procedure. There are new regulations being implemented to try to ensure we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see a repeat of the financial chaos of the recent crisis.

The world recession by many has been solely caused due to the irresponsible behaviour of banks and their dealers.

They have handled their affairs by over lending in the sub-prime markets and with their gunho attitude to trading by their dealers and taking uncalled risks on the financial markets to try to accumulate bigger profits which in turn would give them bigger bonus payouts.

Although many outsiders would not condone the bonus culture of the financial industry, it seems harsh to completely take that element of salary assessment away from traders if they do constantly make money for the bank or institution.

With the financial meltdown there has been many major market moves with nervous traders reluctant to hold onto any big positions and

reacting probably more so than before to any news releases that could affect the rates.

There have been joint efforts from the G.20 nations to try and bring some stability back into the markets.

Confidence in the financial system worldwide has to be restored. At this moment that seems to be a long way away as your everyday man in the street

still have big reservations regarding how the big financial institutions are looking after customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard earned money.

Many feel they are paying the price for the fat cats errors in the last few years and many feel their everyday quality of life is suffering from no fault of their own.

We have seen major economy leaders take steps to stop

the short selling of currencies and equities by greedy traders.

They are trying to stop the dealers having a run on a currency or stock to try to make big profits. They seem to have complete disregard for the ethical side of that type of trade and what effect their actions may cause on an economy or company.

In some cases their actions have led to a very viable company being virtually wiped out or left companies with the only options being to go belly up or allow them to be taken over by another institution in a less than favourable deal than before. The regulators have to be careful not over-regulate as this could end market trading as we know it, the everyday trader will end up just filling customer orders probably on online dealing systems with no real feel for the market, the days of dealers dealing on their instinct and gut feeling for the market will cease to exist and this could also damage banks growth.

As things in the market place get better there will be no real speculation, which has in the past reaped bigger rewards than just filling orders and stability needs to be restored sooner rather than later to get back to normal trading.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 27th July 2010 @ 2pm GBP - INR = 72.2804 USD - INR = 46.68 EUR - INR = 60.70 GBP - USD = 1.548 GBP - EUR = 1.1925 EUR - USD = 1.3005 GBP - AED = 5.6859 GBP - CAD = 1.5949 GBP - NZD = 2.1046 GBP - AUD = 1.7114 GBP - ZAR = 11.354 GBP - HUF = 339.08

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

22

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Sohrabuddin: A terrorist, extortionist or police informer?

Former Gujarat junior Home Minister Amit Shah arrested in Sohrabuddin fake encounter case Ram Jethmalani appears for Amit Shah; CBI to interrogate the accused for 3 days in judicial custody

Sohrabuddin with his wife Kausarbi

Sohrabuddin Sheikh, the alleged terrorist was in fact, a small time criminal hailing from Madhya Pradesh. He later shifted base to Gujarat. He is also said to have turned a police informer and was used by the very police officials who are now accused in his fake encounter killing.

But, he was definitely an extortionist who had troubled wealthy and influential builders in Gujarat and marble traders in Rajasthan.

The man, whose alleged murder has created a political storm in Gujarat was in his midthirties, a native Jharnia village in Madhya Pradesh and was an established criminal. He operated in Udaipur, Ahmedabad and Ujjain. Sohrabuddin was travelling with his wife Kauser Bi in November, 2005 from Hyderabad to Sangli in Maharashtra.

Mid-way, the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) of the Gujarat police stopped the bus and took them away.

The couple was kept locked at a farmhouse outside Ahmedabad. Three days later, a police team led by the ATS Chief DG Vanzara took Sohrabuddin away and

killed him, claiming he was a terrorist trying to attack Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Sohrabuddin's wife Kausar Bi went missing. A state CID report said she was last seen a white Maruti car with Gujarat policemen in plain clothes. The Gujarat government later said Kausar had been killed and her body burnt.

A year later, on December 28, 2006, Sohrabuddin's partner in crime, Tulsiram Prajapati, was also killed by the Gujarat police in an encounter in B a n a s k a n t h a .

Investigations reveal that he knew about the Sohrabuddin encounter.

Since then it has been established that policemen of three states, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat carried out the killings at the behest of political bosses to silence men who knew too much.

After the arrest of senior IPS officer Abhay Chudasama in the case a few months ago, the CBI alleged that the policeman ran an extortion racket with Sohrabuddin Sheikh and was the prime conspirator in his abduction and murder.

Former UK tax authority official receives £50,000 a month after leaving job Deepak Singh, former chief information officer at HM Revenues & Customs was paid nearly £50,000 a month by the tax authority, after he left his job because they could not find a replacement in time.

As soon as Singh's three year contract came to an end in June last year, he stayed in his post being paid as a contractor until September.

Before becoming a contractor, Singh, 46, was paid approximately £16,000 per year. The Revenue paid him almost as much as his annual salary to do the same job for three months, with his fee similar to the rates charged by senior IT experts hired out by KPMG, Deloitte and other consultancy firms.

Accounts filed by the Revenue last week read: “For the period June 19, 2009, to September 18, 2009, £149,500 was paid to Orwell Consulting for the services of Deepak Singh.”

A partner at a leading accountancy firm said, “The revenue has hit people hard who are paid through service companies but who are effectively employees in all but name because it allows the employer to avoid National Insurance and the workers to pay less income tax.”

The Sunday Times reported that as the result of being paid through a service company, Singh could be liable to corporation tax of up to 28% rather than income tax at 40%.

After days of hide and seek, former Gujarat junior Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday surrendered before the CBI in the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case.

On Monday, India’s one of most prominent criminal lawyer and BJP MP Ram Jethmalani appeared for Amit Shah in a local court.

Waving to the mediapersons after getting out from his car at the CBI office, he found that officers of the probe agency were waiting for him.

He was whisked in a car from the CBI office to the residence of judicial magistrate A Y Dave by the agency officials, including IG P Kandaswamy. He was taken to magistrate's house as courts were closed on Sunday, sources in the CBI said.

Earlier in the morning, Shah dramatically surfaced at a BJP media brief-

Amit Shah

ing in Ahmedabad.

Presenting a point-topoint defence, Shah said he was being framed by the CBI and was being presented as a goon by the agency.

"All the allegations against me are politically motivated and fabricated.

None of the allegations are true," Shah had told reporters. "It is a conspiracy against the BJP and a Congress government motivated move," he added. The former minis-

ter was not seen in public for two months.

"I haven't got the chargesheet copy, but from the contents which are coming in the media I want to say that the accusations against me are fabricated, politically motivated and framed on the behest of the Congress government," Shah had said. Shah at the media briefing said the haste on part of the CBI proves that the chargesheet was premeditated. Shah added that he could not respond to the summons by the CBI due to paucity of time. "I received the CBI summons at 11 am to appear at 1 pm on July 22".

The 2,000-page CBI chargesheet says Shah had entrusted the task of eliminating Sohrabuddin, an alleged gangster, to IPS officers DG Vanzara, Rajkumar Pandian and Abhay Chudasama.

Sohrabuddin was killed in

an encounter near Ahmedabad on November 26, 2005. Later, Shah allegedly ordered elimination of Sohrabuddin's wife, Kauserbi, described as a witness to her husband's slaying.

46-year-old Shah, who had tendered his resignation to Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, said he will fight against the conspirators. "I have full faith in the judiciary and I am sure the allegations against me will be cleared by the courts," he said demanding that his entire questioning by the CBI should be videographed.

Meanwhile, the CBI did not seek for his remand or custody for interrogation, and allowed Shah to be put into judicial custody. Later, the investigation agency sought permission from the court to quiz him in the court custody.

Owner of farmhouse arrested in Sohrabuddin case Raju is brother of BJP corporator Surendra Jirawala

The CBI made another major arrest after the former Gujarat minister of state for home, Amit Shah in the Sohrabuddin fake encounter and killing of the gangster’s wife Kauser Bi case. Raju Jirawala, brother of a BJP corporator (counselor) and owner of the Arham farm was arrested on Tuesday.

Kauser Bi and her husband Sohrabuddin were kept at the farm house in illegal confinement.

Sohrabuddin was taken out and killed elsewhere, while Kauser Bi was allegedly killed at the farm

house, located on the outskirts of Gandhinagar.

When the luxury bus of Sangeeta travels was intercepted on November 21, 2005 in Sangli in Maharashtra and Sohrabuddin was taken into custody, Gujarat Police had asked Kausar Bi who was travelling with him, to get back into the bus, the charge sheet said.

But Kausar Bi refused to leave her husband and so Gujarat Police officials decided to take her along, it said. Sohrabuddin and Kausar Bi were kept in Disha Farm till night of

November 25, 2005, and then they were taken to Arham Farm, from where Sohrabuddin was taken to Ahmedabad and killed in a fake encounter, it said.

Meanwhile, Amit Shah was to get a copy of the CBI charge sheet on Tuesday, a day before he faces questioning by the agency. Shah on Monday had moved the special CBI court for bail, which said it would hear his plea on August 2. Veteran lawyer Ram Jethmalani will assist Shah's advocates in the plead for bail.

Jethmalani accused the

CBI of leaking to the media details of the charge sheet against Shah. “The accused does not have the charge sheet but the media has it. This is the CBI's design,” Jethmalani alleged.

Earlier, former Gujarat Deputy Superintendent of Police, M K Amin turned approver against Shah in connection with the fake encounter case.

Amin is one of the three main accused IPS officers involved in the encounter case. The other two are D G Vanzara and R K Pandian.

Amit Shah involved in Ketan Parekh’s stock scam too?

State CID had recommended an inquiry into the alleged bribing in 2005 Amit Shah seems to have more trouble waiting for him, after his arrest in the fake encounter case. A report in one of the English dailies from Chennai, ‘The Hindu’ says Amit Shah helped Ketan Parekh in the Madhavpura Bank case after the expose

of the stock market scam.

Many small investors in India had gone bankrupt due to the scam that almost led to the Madhavpura bank also into liquidation, but was saved later with efforts and contribution from the Reserve Bank of India and

co-operative banks in Gujarat.

Amit Shah reportedly received bribes from Ketan Parekh in the case, which was a part of Rs. 1.2bn.

Further, the newspaper report says the then Additional Director General of Police had sub-

mitted a report about the same to the Chief Secretary of Gujarat, recommending a CBI inquiry into the bribery allegations. But the officer was shunted out soon from the CBI. No investigations were ordered by the State too.

That many Pakistanis and Bangladeshis are staying illegally in India is known to most of us. What many might not be aware is there are a number of nationals from first world countries too who have overstayed their welcome here, for various reasons.

The arrest and subsequent interrogation of David Headley, an American nationalturned-LeT jehadi, has put the spotlight on the grave threat to India’s national security from outsiders over the last few years var-

ious police agencies have booked foreigners from more than 45 countries living illegally in India.

Information compiled by the Union home ministry shows that in 2008, 65,149 foreign nationals were found living in India even after their visas had expired. The same year, 13,995 foreigners had to be deported from the country. The figures for 2009 are still being compiled.

What comes as a big surprise is that a few thousand citizens from several

first world countries like the USA, UK, New Zealand, Germany and even Japan and South Korea are living illegally in India. The list also included 479 Chinese. “Not all of them may be as innocent as it seems. It is not enough to say that they stayed on with friends or relatives, lost track of time exploring India or overstayed a work permit which are the usual excuses,” said a police officer.

“Headley has redefined the meaning of India’s threat perception,” said an

intelligence official.

He said that for long citizens of friendly or developed countries were not on the radar of security agencies.

“It is because of this reason that terror groups are increasingly turning to recruits from these groups to carry out their work.

This was shown in the case of Headley in Mumbai and in America where the failed Times Square bomb attack was carried out by their own naturalised citizen,” he explained.

Many US, UK, Chinese citizens living illegally in India

23

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Kingfisher staff beat up passengers at Ranchi Airport In a worst of its kind behaviour with passengers, ground staff of Kingfisher Airlines at the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand beat up passengers who were complaining for no food and accommodation facilities after their flight to Mumbai was delayed due to a bird hit.

The spokesman of the airline however rubbished the claims of the incident, even as CISF personnel at the airport confirmed of misbehaviour. A police complaint has been filed against three employees and one is arrested, while two others fled the scene.

The plane landed at Ranchi airport at 4 pm on

Monday, 30 minutes late.

The pilot sensed a snag, possibly caused by a birdhit. After being promised food and accommodation, as nothing was made available to them even by 8.30 pm, a few passengers complained to the ground staff.

There were 170 passengers for the flight. As the passengers voiced protest about lack of facilities, heated arguments followed and that ended into a scuffle. Arun Yadav and three others of the ground staff threatened the complaining passengers and even assaulted one of the passengers, Dr. Ashok. As per reports, five passengers were beaten during the scuffle. A Bihar MLA,

Tripathi Neeraj Kumar of the JD (U) was also among the passengers and he confirmed that the airline staff did beat up the passengers.

One of the victims, Ashok Tiwari somehow managed and called up Jharkhand police boss and informed him. He sent one of the senior officers to the airport after which, an FIR against the Kingfisher staff was registered. The Bihar MLA went on to the extent of saying that if the airline is saying their staff has not misbehaved, it is the biggest lie.

All the passengers have lodged a complaint against Ranchi ground staff of Kingfisher Airlines at Dorunda police station.

Indian computing bonanza for students globally A $35 laptop unveiled last week promises to be cheaper in future Making a laptop within the reach of possibly every student who needs one anywhere in the world, India last week unveiled a touch screen laptop that is cheapest in the world, at just US$ 35.

Developed by research teams from two of India’s top technology institutes – IIT and IISc, this laptop is likely to become more

cheaper in a few years, going down to almost US$ 10. India’s HRD minister Kapil Sibal said global manufacturers will be taken on board the project for mass production.

“We have reached a stage that today, the motherboard, its chip, the processing, connectivity, all of them cumulatively cost around $35, including

memory, display, everything,” Sibal told a news conference.

The touchscreen gadget was packed with Internet browers, PDF reader and video conferencing facilities. Its hardware was created with sufficient flexibility to incorporate new components according to user requirement.

In divine light

By Rajen Vakil

Story of Drona and Dhrupad What in us is together in childhood but separates as we grow older and moves in opposite directions? A child does not know the difference between what pleases him and what is good for him.

Wherever there is external excitement, he runs behind it, not knowing whether it is right or wrong, advantageous or disadvantageous to his growth and development.

In the Bhagwad Gita, Sri Krishna uses two words – ‘Shreya’ and ‘Preya’.

Preya is that which pleases and Shreya is that which leads to a higher level of understanding and maturity. Sri Krishna is not interested in pleasing Arjuna, but in doing that which is right for him.

These two paths are beautifully depicted in the story of Drona and Dhrupad. Previously, we had seen that Drona was born out of excitement. His father, Rishi Bharadwaj, saw an apsara and his semen fell into a pot from which Drona was born.

We have also seen that Drona represents the habit mechanism, which through repetition becomes behaviour. Our habits always follow the path of least resistance, i.e. towards external excitement and pleasure.

Prushad, the king of Panchala and Drona’s father, was a great friend of Rishi Bharadwaj, Drona’s father. Dhrupad and Drona grew up together in Rishi Agnivesh’s ashram.

There they became very good friends, where Dhrupad promised Drona that when he became king of Panchala, he would share with Drona his kingdom, along with all its wealth, glamour, and comforts. After they left the ashram, Drona learned the art of archery from Parshuram, married Kripi and had a son called Ashwathama. On the other hand, Prushad died and Dhrupad came to the throne of Panchala.

Drona was very happy at having a child but at the same time he was living in deep poverty.

When Ashwathama saw other children drinking cow’s milk, he also expressed his desire for the same.

Drona went from kingdom to kingdom to obtain a milk-producing cow as diksha (alms) but he could not get one. His wife started mixing water with flour and fed Ashwathama with it under the guise of giving him milk. Drinking this, Ashwathama would dance thinking he too had his fill of cow’s milk, whereas other children ridiculed him for only having drank

water mixed with flour.

This hurt Drona and he decided to go, along with his wife and child, to Dhrupad to ask for a cow.

When they reached Panchala, Drona addressed Dhrupad, reminding him of their friendship and Dhrupad’s promises. Instead of welcoming Drona, Dhrupad ridiculed him saying that there could be no friendship between the poor and the wealthy and as all things decay with the passage of time, so had their friendship. Drona was furious at this and when he left Dhrupad’s kingdom, he vowed to look for disciples who, after their training in the art of warfare, would take revenge on Dhrupad for him.

It was at this time that he came to Hastinapura and the Kaurava and the Pandava princes started training under him. He told them that he would teach them the mastery of weapons to fulfil an aim of his, which they must deliver. Out of all the princes, only Arjuna vowed to fulfil his wish. After many years of training, when the princes were ready, he asked for them to bind King Dhrupad as a prisoner and bring him to Drona as Guru Dakshina. Initially, the Kauravas attacked but Dhrupad, with his mighty army, vanquished them completely. Then the Pandavas attacked and Arjuna fell Dhrupad from his elephant and captured him, taking him to Drona as Guru Dakshina. When Dhrupad was brought as a prisoner to Drona, Drona addressed him saying “You insulted me, but I will honour our friendship by giving you back half of your kingdom.” He added, “The kingdom to the south of the Ganga is yours and to the North, mine.”

We have seen that a child does not know the difference between excitement and sensitivity. The child’s attention gets seduced by whatever excites him. As his understanding grows, he can discriminate between right and wrong. In childhood, excitement and sensitivity were friends but as they grow up, they follow separate paths, depicted by Drona and Dhrupad and the way their lives shape up from after their days together in the ashram. At the time of adolescence, the sex centre becomes active and the body’s energies (the five Pandavas) follow the path of excitement (Drona) and have victory over the power of sensitivity (Dhrupad). The sex centre being in the south, Drona

gives that part of the kingdom back to Dhrupad, so that the power of sensitivity can never rise again.

Dhrupad comes from the word ‘dhru’ meaning fast and ‘pad’ meaning feet, the one who walks with fast feet. A student on the spiritual path who wants to shift from excitement to sensitivity has to work really hard because it takes a trivial matter to excite the sex centre. After losing half his kingdom, Dhrupad practices deep austerities – tapa, i.e. he does a big yagna, and from these sacrificial fires was born a son, Drishtadyumna, who kills Drona in the Great War. Also, from these fires was born a daughter, Draupadi, who marries the five Pandavas - the very princes who had vanquished Dhrupad. This represents the Pandavas completing a cycle and maturing towards sensitivity and away from excitement.

We have seen that Drona was born out of excitement but Dhrupad created the fire of sensitivity. We spend our whole lives following excitement looking for something new to tingle our tastes every day. On the spiritual path, we create the fire of tapa within us, not by doing anything new, but by doing the same things every day, albeit with a renewed deeper sensitivity. If this fire is properly created within us, then from these fires is born a special power of discernment (or viveka), which helps us free ourselves of habits.

Our psychic nature is bound by many habits – from simple gestures and body movements, to emotional attachments, to the thoughts we form. To be free of habits, a special inner light or intelligence is needed which comes only through deep austerities.

As we go deeper into sensitivity, the sex energy within us instead of flowing out starts rising up the five chakras, represented by the marriage of Draupadi to the five Pandavas. If this can happen in our lives, the very creative energy that has gone in the making of this universe returns to its source, fulfilling the purpose of birth and death.

(Edited by Chintu Gandhi.)

The author is in the U.K. to provide practical yoga (through rhythmic breathing) sessions and talks up to the 19th of August. These will be free to attend. For details, please email 3srb@live.com or call Chintu on 079 04981705

24

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Gujarat University MOU with BP for Jatropha development The Gujarat University in partnership with the British Petroleum (BP) has identified the use of microbial inoculants to provide holistic health and sustainable crop yields of Jatropha which can produce 1.2 tonnes of biodiesel or one hectare of Jatropha yields two tonnes of biodiesel.

“The memorandum of understanding signed between the GU and the BP is the first of its kind and aims at developing a innovative biotechnological package which will help in the establishment of wastelands and help develop the potential of Jatropha,’’ said Vice Chancellor of GU Dr. Parimal Trivedi.

He said that for this purpose an assistance of over Rs 5 million was provided by the BP. Dr. Trivedi said that the key aim of the research is to develop a package of consortia of beneficial microbes as well as practices appropriate for development of Jatropha seedling particularly in the wastelands of Gujarat.

Dr. Trivedi said that the research would be

Anshul Gupta

Parimal Trivedi

directed at soil physical and chemical factors that influence both the establishments in the rhisophere and the expression of traits fully for benefiting the biofuel plant. He said that the plant growth promoting microorganism have been deposited by the GU at a repository as a part of the Budapest Treaty on international recognition of deposit of microbes for the purpose of patent procedure. “As an outcome of this programme excellent research lab and facilities has been developed for benefit of students aiming to work in a field of renewable energy in the future,’’ said Dr Trivedi.

He added that a nursery plantation of Jatropha has been operating in full swing and all trials relating to saline and wastelands have shown promising results.

Indo-UK joint naval exercise on in Mumbai Submarines to engage from Wednesday British Royal Navy and the Indian Navy will begin a joint submarine exercises from Wednesday on the West Coast of India from Wednesday, 28th July, Commander PVS Satish of the Indian Navy has said.

HMS Talent, a Trafalgar class hunter killer submarine, of the Royal Navy will take part in the three-day exercise with a Shishumar class submarine of the Indian Navy. Meanwhile, the naval table-top exercise continued for the second day at the Mumbai port.

The seventh edition of the Konkan series of the exercise began on Monday.

The Konkan 2010 is being conducted as a table-top exercise at the tactical simulator located

at Maritime Warfare Centre in Mumbai.

A table-top exercise is one without actual participation of ships, but with participation of planning staff of both countries.

The aim of this exercise is to exchange operational planning concepts, maritime domain awareness procedures and to test these plans through simulations of a maritime scenario at sea.

In 2009, Konkan was conducted off the southern coast of Britain during the deployment of Indian ships to the Mediterranean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean. The Konkan series of exercises is a part of the continuing and growing constructive engagement process between the two navies, the spokesperson said.

Kerala MP disqualified for fake caste certificate The challenge from the losing candidate about the winner producing a fake caste certificate led to disqualification of Congress Loksabha MP from Kerala, Kodikunnil Suresh by the Kerala High Court.

K Suresh represents Mavelikkara Loksabha constituency, a reserved seat for SC candidates till date. K Suresh is a Cheramar Christian, but allegedly produced a fake caste certificate, claiming

The Start of Something Special?

to be Cheramar Hindu.

This caste is classified as a scheduled caste.

As one of the losing candidates who fought from the same seat in the last elections told the court that as per the school leaving certificate, K Suresh is a Christian and not a Hindu as claimed by him, the disqualified him.

The Congress MP can still challenge the High Court verdict.

British Prime Minister David Cameron is already on his historic visit to India, leading a big, high level delegation.

This delegation is almost unprecedented in size, being twice the size of that that accompanied him to New York and Washington, and also notably significant as it comes so early in the lifetime of the Cameron administration, this clearly emphasises just how important Britain regards its former colonial dominion in Asia. All in all, five members of the Cabinet, two Ministers of State and more than fifty FTSE 100 Executives and leading businessmen will accompany Mr Cameron.

To underline India’s importance, the recent Queen’s speech following the installation of Mr Cameron and his Liberal Conservative Coalition in Downing Street gave India unique status as it singled out the bilateral UK-India relationship of being of special importance to his government going forwards.

If one considers the development of the UKIndia relationship of the past fifteen years, there has been a general sense of declining importance and falling standing as the UK has been losing share of trade in India, all the while as India’s GDP and economy has been growing healthily at an average of 8 to 9%. In the past decade, the UK has gone from being India’s fourth most important source of imports, to eighteenth; and its influence has been declining as the share of foreign direct investment received by India from the UK has also fallen.

Britain would be greatly mistaken if it thinks it can rely on past ties, and a shared history and a com-

mon language to support its presence and economic importance in India.

Whilst the British educated Manmohan Singh and Montek Singh Ahluwalia probably are still mindful of all the possibilities that Britain offers, in a country where the average age is under twenty-five, the British are not at all relevant and the younger generation look to the USA and Australia or the Hong Kongs and Singapores of this world for education and a natural trading relationship.

If this trip is to be a success, Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne must capitalise on the strengths that the UK still offers to India and Indian companies.

The UK is the natural choice for many Indian companies that wish to access the European market, and the London Stock Exchange offers a very competitive place for an Indian company wishing to list or go public in an IPO. Furthermore, the affluent classes like to enjoy their Summer here, often have relatives here and usually like to buy their first property outside of India here too.

India notched up economic growth of 8.6% in the final quarter of 2009, and thus the government is well aware that if the UK is to rebalance its economy and return to healthy growth, we must boost exports and engage with emerging markets.

Currently our largest export partners are the US and the Eurozone, which are both mired in slumps and in no position to help catapult us of stagnation and avoid a double dip recession. All of this belies the underlying point, which is that we need India, with its population of 1.1 billion people, more than it needs us.

By 2050, India’s economy is set to eclipse that of

the USA, and this could well be just the start of the Indian Century.

Mr Cameron’s aim will be not to just win contracts between British and Indian firms, but also cement a strategic relationship in which all parts of our economy and population can work with their Indian counterparts to build and sell products and services to the rest of the world – combining British innovation and high-tech development with Indian low costs of manufacturing and manpower.

However, India is the world’s second fastest growing economy and produces a huge quantity of highly educated, Englishspeaking graduates at a rate of 160,000 per year.

Furthermore, the new British government has been stressing the shared history of the two countries, and the 1.5 million British resident of Indian descent who have made the UK their home.

Blue-chip companies such as BT, Vodafone, Tesco and JCB have been quick off the blocks to realise the potential for growth and opportunity with Indian businesses; as too have British Universities. The newly formed India Institute at King’s College, London has been trying hard to develop academic and cultural ties between the UK and India; and this is not the only Higher Education institution.

There are many UK Universities who are keen to attract Indian students to swell their enrolment numbers with fee-paying foreign students; although there are sadly proportionally few who are signing up for courses at the elite Russell Group of universities, where the number of Chinese-born students exceeds those from India by a factor of ten.

Anand Sharma, India’

commerce minister, last week spoke of a ‘Chief Executive’s Forum’ that will be announced during Mr Cameron’s visit, as India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh shared his vision of a ‘special relationship’ between the two countries.

Mr Singh though was mindful of immigration restrictions on Indian business leaders and professionals that must be lifted by the UK for the relationship to thrive. The purpose of the Forum would be to overcome regulatory hurdles in both countries and encourage investment.

For their part, British business chiefs want to remove caps on investment in the Indian defence, supermarket, higher education, legal and professional services sectors. India is pressing Britain to accept Indian professional qualifications in accountancy, law and IT. Mr Sharma believes the Forum would significantly boost trade and investment, and he says, “We have seen it make a difference with the US, Russia and France.”

However, he was wary of the new immigration cap brought in by the Coalition government in the UK on non-EU migration. He added, “The changes would affect adversely the professionals, Indian doctors and engineers who have made a notable contribution to the UK; at the same time Indian IT and other executives have to travel, many of them use the UK as a hub to Europe.”

What is on the cards is a £500M order for BAE Hawk trainer aircraft. Mr Cameron is also expected to press India to be more vocal in supporting the efforts to prevent Iran from building a domestic nuclear weapons programme.

Cameron in India: Expecting big Hawk Aircraft deal Continued from page 1 there was a possibility of the finalisation of some civil nuclear research projects after the meeting between the two leaders, who will also look at enhanced collaboration in education and technologies between the two countries.

India was also expected to raise the issue of the British government's cap on non-EU immigration of skilled labour, which could come in the way of ambitions to energise business ties. However, Stagg ruled out that the issue could hinder the relationship.

Apart from the delegation-level talks with the Indian prime minister,

Cameron will call on the president and the vicepresident, according to an official release.

Besides, foreign secretary Hague, senior ministers accompanying Cameron include chancellor of the exchequer, George Osborne, secretary of state for business, innovation and skills, Vincent Cable, and secretary of state for culture, media and sport, Jeremy Hunt.

National security adviser Peter Ricketts is also a part of the delegation.

Insiders said Mr Cameron would aim to establish an “aspirational special partnership” between Britain and the rising economic power.

Mr Cameron will be

accompanied by the chief executives of more than 50 of Britain’s biggest companies, who will be trying to forge trade links.

The calibre of companies, including Barclays bank, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, underlines Mr Cameron’s intention to refocus foreign policy towards trade. A string of deals are also likely to be unveiled. Mr Cameron and Dr Singh are also expected to announce a forum of top British and Indian executives who will explore how to reduce regulatory barriers to trade.

Mr Cameron is expected to press for India to be more vocal in supporting the effort to stop Iran from building nuclear weapons.

London 2012 Olympics representatives including Lord Coe, Sir Steve Redgrave and Dame Kelly Holmes are also to be part of the trip.

In Bangalore On Wednesday, Jul 28, British PM will meet Karnataka Governor HR Bhardwaj and later he will visit India's second largest software exporter Infosys and defence production unit HAL. It is expected that Britism PM would sign a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Karnataka. By this MoU, the British business process outsourcing (BPO) firm Xchanging Plc will set up 2,000-seat processing centre at Shimoga Special Economic Zone.

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ISI paid Taliban to hit Indian missions, workers in Afghanistan Kabul: Backing New Delhi's finding that the ISI was actively involved in attacks on Indians working in Afghanistan, intelligence documents leaked on Sunday reveal that the Pakistani spy agency paid the Taliban and the Haqqani terror network to target Indian missions, road workers, doctors and engineers working in the country.

US military documents, part of over 90,000 internal logs made public by website WikiLeaks, reveal that intelligence agencies received regular inputs on the ISI paying terror outfits to plan and execute attacks against Indian interests in

Afghanistan.

A March 2008 intelligence report said the ISI paid the Haqqani network $15,000-30,000 to eliminate Indian nationals working on the key ZaranjDelaram road project and target engineers and road workers.

The report said that "in one particular case, it was reported that the ISI ordered Serajuddin Haqqani to eliminate Indian nationals working in Afghanistan" and to kidnap "doctors, officers, engineers and labourers" working on the road project.

A month later, two engineers of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) working on the

project were killed in an attack by a suicide bomber that also left six Indians injured, including three road workers. The attacker was one of the Afghan labourers engaged for the project.

Another intelligence report, that came from the Polish a week before the July 2008 attack on the Indian mission in Kabul, warned that the Taliban was planning an attack on the embassy and would use a stolen car to strike.

The report said the budget of the operation was $120,000 and would be carried out to "show TB's abilities to carry out attack on every object in Kabul" - TB is a reference

to the Taliban.

"TB designated an engineer - to take this action. He intends to use stolen ANA/ANP car, and wear stolen uniform. He speaks Dari with distinct Iranian accent."

India lost two officers, including an IFS officer and a Brigadier, in the attack that almost brought down the mission building in Kabul. Investigations revealed that the attackers used explosives and tank shells in the suicide vehicle that had been manufactured in Pakistan.

The most direct report on the connection between the ISI and the Haqqani network is a "threat report" that the US

2010 could be the hottest in 130 years Washington: The world is on course for the hottest year since records began in 1880 after record-breaking temperatures in four of the first six months of the year, according to meteorologists. The first six months of 2010 brought a string of warmest-ever global temperatures, not only was last month the hottest June ever recorded, it was the fourth consecutive month in which the standing high mark was topped, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The records show that 2010 has surpassed 1998 for the most record-breaking months in a calendar year. The January-to-June period registered the warmest combined global land and ocean surface temperatures since 1880, when reliable temperature readings began, NOAA said. The combined land and ocean temperature for the first six months of 2010 are 57.5F (14.2C), which is 1.2F (0.68C) above the 20th century average for the January to June period. In June the combined land and ocean

temperature was 61.1F (16.2C), which is 1.2F (0.68C) above the 20th century average of 59.9F (15.5C). Arctic ice cover – another critical yardstick of global warming – had also retreated more than ever before by July 1, putting it on track to shrink beyond its smallest area to date, in 2007.

On the face of it, these numbers would seem to be alarming confirmation of climate models that put Earth on a path towards an environmental catastrophe. Without steep cuts in greenhouse gas emis-

Air hostess steals money from sleeping passengers London: An Air France air hostess is facing 10 years in prison in France after admitting stealing money, credit cards and jewellery from business class passengers as they slept on long-haul flights.

The 47-year-old airline employee dubbed the "Mile High Pickpocket" was caught following complaints about missing money, credit cards and designer jewellery.

She would rifle

through pockets and handbags, helping herself up to 3,700 pounds on one single flight, reports said.

"It would all go missing on the routes she was working on," said a source close to investigators, who looked at 142 flights attended by the woman, who is married with children.

"She knew that many of the passengers would fall asleep following a large meal and lots of alco-

hol. This is the time that she would start rifling through their property, helping herself to whatever she could find."

The woman, identified as Lucie R, was arrested when she got off a Tokyo to Paris flight last Friday.

When confronted with the evidence, she confessed to 26 different thefts, during which everything from antique watches to cheque books were taken.

In the study, published by the American Psychological Association, participants participants answered a questionnaire about their histories of arthritis, chronic back or neck problems, frequent or severe headaches, other forms of chronic pain, seasonal allergies, stroke and heart attack.

They also disclosed whether a doctor had told them they had heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes or high blood sugar, ulcers, epilepsy, seizures or cancer.

The results showed that "anxious attachment" was positively associated with a wider range of health conditions, including many involving the cardiovascular system including stroke, heart attack and high blood pressure. “The findings also raise the possibility that interventions aimed at improving attachment security could also have positive health outcomes.”

Anxiety, bad relationship can trigger heart problems

Toronto: A new research in Canada suggests that people in a bad relationship bear the risk of a literal heart break. Those people who feel insecure or anxious about their lovers stand a 50 per cent higher likelihood of getting a heart attack or stroke, as compared those in a happier relationship.

In a study of more than 5,600 adults in the age group of 18 to 60, Dr. Lachlan McWilliams from Acadia Uni. of Canada found that people insecure in their relationships or avoiding getting close to others are likely to be at a higher risk of developing many chronic ailments.

sions, the global thermometer could rise by 6 C (10.8F) compared to preindustrial levels, making large swaths of the planet unlivable, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned.

Voluntary national pledges made after the Copenhagen climate summit in December would likely cap that increase at 3.5 C to 4.0 C (6.3 F to 7.2 F), still fall far short of the 2.0 C (3.6 C) limit that most scientists agree is the threshold for dangerous warming.

military received in November 2007, seven months before the first attack on the Indian mission. It revealed that the ISI gave orders to one of its agents to orchestrate an attack on Indian consulates in Afghanistan.

The ISI, the report says, gave orders to an agent identified as Sarkateep to establish relations with local Afghans to conduct attacks against Indian consulates in Jalalabad, Kabul, Herat, Kandahar and Mazar-e-Sharif. It said Sarkateep "established relations with a driver whose name is Sardar Shah (an employee of the Indian consulship in

Jalalabad) and he is going to establish relations with another Afghan employee.

After that he will go to Kabul".

While there are several reports that indicate links between the ISI and the Taliban - one talks of a plot to import poisoned alcohol from Pakistan to kill Afghan and coalition troops - some which mentioned Indian interests were shared with New Delhi.

These leaked reports are the first official confirmation that the US had leads on the links between ISI, Taliban and the Haqqani network in coordinating attacks against Indians in Afghanistan.

For a first, black man elected to office in Russia Novozavidovo (Russia): For the first time in the history of Russia, a black man was elected to office.

In a country where racism is entrenched and often violent, Jean Gregoire Sagbo’s election as one of Novozavidovo's 10 municipal councilors is a milestone. But among the town's 10,000 people, the 48-year-old from the West African country of Benin is viewed simply a Russian who cares about his hometown. He promises to revive the impoverished,

garbage-strewn town where he has lived for 21 years and raised a family.

His plans include reducing rampant drug addiction, cleaning up a polluted lake and delivering heating to homes.

"Novozavidovo is dying," Sagbo said in an interview in the ramshackle municipal building. "This is my home, my town. We can't live like this." "His skin is black but he is Russian inside," said Vyacheslav Arakelov, the mayor.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Pakistan secretly backed Taliban, says US daily In focUS New York: Pakistan has been double-crossing the United States by secretly supporting the Taliban while taking massive US aid, the New York Times said on Sunday, citing documents leaked by the group WikiLeaks. The White House responded with a strong condemnation of the leak, saying it could threaten national security and endanger the lives of Americans and those of its allies.

"These irresponsible leaks will not impact our ongoing commitment to deepen our partnerships with Afghanistan and Pakistan," President Barack Obama's National Security Advisor Jim Jones said in a statement.

Obama is sending thousands of additional troops into Afghanistan to

combat a resurgent Taliban, despite disquiet at home over rising military casualties and debate within his own administration about the right way to fight the 9-year war.

The New York Times reported the 91,000 documents, collected from across the US military in Afghanistan, showed Pakistan actively collaborating with the Afghan insurgency. "The documents ... suggest that Pakistan, an ostensible ally of the United States, allows representatives of its spy service to meet directly with the Taliban in secret strategy sessions to organize networks of militant groups that fight against American soldiers in Afghanistan, and even hatch plots to assassinate Afghan leaders," the Times

said. The documents were also made available to Britain's The Guardian newspaper and German weekly Der Spiegel.

Jones said the documents covered a period from January 2004 to December 2009, when Obama launched his new Afghan strategy.

"President Obama announced a new strategy with a substantial increase in resources for Afghanistan, and increased focus on al Qaeda and Taliban safehavens in Pakistan, precisely because of the grave situation that had developed over several years," Jones said.

"We know that serious challenges lie ahead, but if Afghanistan is permitted to slide backwards, we will again face a threat from

violent extremist groups like al Qaeda who will have more space to plot and train," he said.

WikiLeaks promotes the leaking of information to fight government and corporate corruption.

Earlier this year it leaked a classified video showing a 2007 helicopter attack that killed a dozen people in Iraq, including two Reuters journalists.

Pakistan's ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani said leaking unprocessed reports from the battlefield was irresponsible.

"These reports reflect nothing more than single source comments and rumors, which abound on both sides of the PakistanAfghanistan border and are often proved wrong," he said in a statement.

Hillary rules out India like nuke deal with Pak Islamabad: Ruling out any possibility of an India like civil nuclear accord with Pakistan, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that there are issues which are yet to be resolved, and unless the international community and the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) are satisfied on the matter no progress can be made.

Addressing journalists and members of civil society here last week, Clinton

highlighted that the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) has raised a number of questions over any nuclear deal with Pakistan.

"NSG has posed series of questions that need to be answered ... there are clearly reservations.

Pakistan knows that. I'm looking forward to the answers to the questions," she said.

Referring Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan's nexus, she said that Pakistan has a history of proliferation,

Hillary Clinton

which can not be ignored.

"The problem with A Q Khan raises red flags for people around the world,

not just in the US, because we can trace the export of nuclear information and material from Pakistan through all kinds of channels to many different countries. That cannot be overlooked or put under the carpet," The Dawn quoted Hillary, as saying.

"Pakistan, right now, is the only country standing in the way of the Conference on Disarmament pursuing something called the Fissile Material Cut Off Treaty," she added.

Confidants see no ‘political’ role for Musharraf Islamabad: Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf might have vowed to return to the country's political stage riding on his newly floated political party, however, his former colleagues, whom Musharraf trusted to help him in his motive, are not very enthusiastic about the general's future.

Musharraf recently held meetings with several of his former confidants and leaders of like minded parties in Dubai.

Insiders in the Musharraf camp revealed that Musharraf met several PML-Q leaders, including Raza Hayat Hiraj,

Pervez Musharraf

Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Chaudhury Shahbaz, Ishaq Khakwani, Raees Munir Ahmed and others, but several leaders in PML-Q and other leaders have denied meeting Musharraf.

PML (Zia ) chief Ejazul

Haq and Humayun Akhtar Khan, president and secretary general of PML-Q (like-minded group) have also denied reports of making any contact with the retired general.

Sources close to Musharraf disclosed that the politicians who met Musharraf in Dubai told him that there was not a single political personality of international stature in the newly formed alliance of three Leagues, and Musharraf was the only person who could lead the proposed coalition or the greater political alliance likely to be formed this year.

Musharraf would make

public his vision and manifesto and the date for his return only after final efforts about the formation of greater political alliance, as he was solely banking on the support of the stated coalition, The Nation reports.

Insiders quoted leaders who took part in the Dubai meeting, as saying that efforts to form a larger political alliance are likely to take a practical shape by the end of August following which Musharraf could announce a date for his return from London, where he is currently living on an unannounced self-exile.

US slaps sanctions against Taliban, Haqqani network Washington: In a move against the Haqqani network, the US has slapped financial sanctions against three top Taliban leaders, including Nasiruddin Haqqani, a brother of key Taliban leader Sirajudin Haqqani.

The sanctions announced by the Department of Treasury, besides Nasiruddin also target Gul Agha Ishakzai, a top aide of the outlawed organisation's chief Mullah Omar and Amir Abdullah, former treasurer to senior Taliban leader Mullah Baradar.

The move could be a big setback to Pakistan army which has been cozying up to President Hamid Karzai to involve the Haqqani faction in the proposed new set-up in Afghanistan, post US and NATO withdrawal from the country. The Treasury Department's step will freeze the assets of these militants, ban their travel and trigger an arms embargo. The action comes after a senior Senator Carl Levin, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee called for sanc-

tions against the Haqqani network.

Together with US sanctions, the new action prohibits any financial transaction of these terror leaders in member countries of the UN, which is likely to put pressure on Pakistan to initiate operation against the group.

"The sanctions placed on the three leaders as terrorists would deprive them of the assets they need to fund the terror operations," said Adam Szubin, Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control.

"We will continue to

aggressively work to expose and dismantle the financial networks of terrorist groups in support of the President's goal of a stable Afghanistan," Szubin said.

Ishakzai is the head of the Taliban's financial commission and is part of a recently-created Taliban council that coordinates the collection of zakat from Baluchistan Province. He has collected money for suicide attacks in Kandahar and has been involved in the disbursement of funds for Taliban fighters and their families.

Kayani gets 3-year extension as army chief Islamabad: Pakistan's powerful army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was given a three-year extension of service by the government to ensure continuity in counterterrorism operations, ending months of speculation over his continuance. The 58-year-old Kayani, who replaced former President Pervez Musharraf as army chief in 2007, was to retire on November 28. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced the government's decision to extend his tenure during a televised address to the nation last week. "In the best interests of the country, I have decided in my capacity as Prime Minister to give Gen Kayani an extension of three years from November 29, 2010 while relaxing the existing policy and after consulting President Asif Ali Zardari," Gilani said.

7 members of a Hindu family killed Islamabad: Seven members of a Hindu family were killed when they were caught in a gun battle between two factions of the Bugti tribe in Pakistan's Balochistan province, media reports said last week. A couple and their five children were killed in the incident that occurred in Suhbatpur sub-division of Jaffarabad district, the reports said. District police chief Javed Iqbal said the members of the minority Hindu community died during an exchange of fire between two rival groups of the Bugti tribe. Ten members of the Hindu family were sleeping outside their hut when the gun battle erupted. Shankar, his wife and their five children died on the spot while three others were injured. Iqbal said the dead were residents of Bakhshpur town of Sindh province.

Father sells teenage daughter to 55 year old for 70,000 rupees Lahore: In what can be described as a blot on the fatherdaughter relationship, a Pakistani man sold his 13-year old daughter for 70, 000 rupees for marrying a 55-year old man. Now, the girl, Sadia, has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking protection and action against her own father and other family members. Sadia had escaped from her father's custody just three days before she was about to be married, but what is more shocking is that even the local police officials sided with her family and have been constantly harassing her, The News reports. Later, the Judicial Activism Panel (JAP), a human rights and public interest litigation association, came to Sadia's rescue enabling her to file case in the Lahore High Court. JAP's chairman advocate Muhammad Azhar Siddique filed a petition in the court on the girl's behalf, stating that Sadia's family members were constantly managing police raids in search of her.

Taliban claims responsibility for killing minister’s son Islamabad: The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan has claimed responsibility for the gunning down of the son of a provincial minister, who was threatened by militants for criticising suicide attacks. Mian Rashid Hussain, the only son of Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, was killed by militants in Nowshera district on Saturday. After distancing themselves from the attack, the Pakistani Taliban later claimed responsibility. Taliban spokesman Azam Tariq initially telephoned some reporters in Peshawar and expressed his regret over the killing of the minister's son.

Later, the Tehrik-e-Taliban's deputy spokesman Ahsanullah Ahsan called some journalists and claimed responsibility for the murder.

Zardari directs action in temple demolition, Christians’ murder Islamabad: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari last week directed authorities to take action on the murder of two Christians accused of blasphemy and the demolition of a temple in Rawalpindi. Taking note of reports about the gunning down of two Christians outside a court at Faisalabad in Punjab recently, Zardari directed provincial authorities to take "every measure for the arrest" of the killers. He gave an assurance that justice would be done.

Rashid Emanuel and his brother Sajid were arrested earlier this month for allegedly authoring a blasphemous pamphlet on Prophet Mohammed. Police said members of a banned religious group were believed to be involved in their killing. In a statement, Zardari strongly condemned the incident and said it had brought a bad name to Pakistan. "The life of every person is sacred and no one would be allowed to take the law into their hands," he said. The President expressed sympathy with the families of Rashid and Sajjad Emanuel and directed the Punjab government to pay them suitable compensation.

Zardari also took note of reports about the demolition of part of a Hindu temple in Rawalpindi and asked Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti to investigate the matter and report the factual position.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Common market protocol is a reality in East African countries

In foCus

A historical development for Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi Nairobi: For citizens of five countries of East Africa – Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, a new revolution process has already set in with the launch of Common Market Protocol.

Effective from 1st July, 2010, the new era means goods and services would become better and cheaper across the borders.

Even citizens of all the member countries will be able to move about more freely and be able to do business, take jobs in any of the countries.

Setting off the common market in Nairobi, Kenyan President Kibaki ordered waiver of work permit fees for all East Africans coming to the country.

“I am directing the Minister responsible for Immigration to waive fees on work permits for all East African citizens,” the President said.

He also directed Attorney-General Amos Wako to use Parliament to harmonise conflicting laws with EAC countries for the smooth implementation of the protocol.

Speaking at Nairobi's Kenyatta International Conference Centre, the President said the expanded market will increase opportunities for trade in goods and services.

Experts say the protocol will bring down barriers to movement of labour and goods in the region and that will be a boon to

the people of the bloc.

Other benefits expected to accrue are lower prices due to enhanced competition and job creation. “With the free movement, lowly paid workers will discover better paying prospects across borders,” Prof Inonda Mwanje, the executive director of the Africa Public Policy Institute argues.

Upon retirement, the workers will also enjoy social security benefits such as pension and health insurance within their adopted countries, just like the citizens of that country. “Partner states shall ensure nondiscrimination of the workers of the other partner states, based on their

nationalities, in relation to employment, remuneration, and other conditions of work and employment,” the protocol indicates under the article on free movement of workers.

However, it will take time before this translates into action due to the drawn out process that involves amending various laws.

However, enjoying of all these benefits is not automatic. The partner states still retain the right to admission, according to the protocol: “The free movement of workers shall be subject to limitations imposed by the host partner state on grounds of public policy, public security, or public health.”

US vows to push reforms in Kenya Nairobi: The US is adamant that it will not shy away from nudging Kenya towards the path of reforms.

Ambassador Michael Ranneberger said he shared in President Barrack Obama's wish to see a prosperous Kenya, whose destiny would be greatly shaped by the enactment of a new constitution.

'We have made it clear that a new constitution is absolutely essential for the future, security and prosperity of this great nation," said Mr Ranneberger during the swearing in of 36 peace corps volunteers at his Nairobi residence.

"As our Vice President said during his recent visit, the country will only attract foreign investments unless the country deals with issues of corruption. This will only come about with a new constitution in place."

In reply to allegations that his government was funding campaigns for the proposed constitution, the envoy said he won’t be drawn into a political war of words with the No camp and US Congressman Chris Smith, a Republican. "I have neither responded to the Congressmen nor to the opponents of the draft law nor do I plan to," said

Mr Ranneberger.

Mr Smith has alleged that the United States has spent $23 million through USAID, some of which has gone to support Yes campaigns.

This, he says, makes the US actions illegal through an American law called the Siljander Amendment that bans the United States from lobbying other countries on matters related to abortion.

The same allegation was repeated by the No camp lead by Higher Education minister William Ruto.

Quoting President Obama, the envoy said

putting a new constitution in place was the only way structures on better governance would be put in place.

"I therefore urge all Kenyans to take advantage of this opportunity.

Kenya is poised at the most important moment of change since independence." he said.

Mr Ranneberger also used his speech to the US Peace Corps volunteers to shore up American support for Kenya.

He stressed the historic partnership between the United States and Kenya, especially the US support for Kenyan multiparty democracy.

Mandela’s daughter, grandchildren attacked Cape Town (South Africa): A daughter and some of the grandchildren of former South African president Nelson Mandela were attacked by gunmen in Johannesburg as they returned home from a weekend birthday party for the 92-year-old statesman, police confirmed last week.

Zindzi Mandela and her children were approached by the two armed strangers in the driveway of their home, according to police spokesman Govindsamy Mariemuthoo.

He said the driver of the car, Mandela's daughter and the children were first ordered to lie on the

Zindzi Mandela shows her father Nelson Mandela birthday cards in Johannesburg in this handout picture released by the Nelson Mandela Foundation on July 17

ground. The attackers then reportedly walked away, but returned shortly after to search them.

One of the men suddenly fired a shot, leading the driver to return fire, Mariemuthoo said. No

one was injured and the attackers fled.

Zindzi Mandela, 49, and the children had previously been at her father's house to celebrate his birthday.

The day was also marked by numerous events throughout South Africa in honour of the increasingly frail national hero.

It is the second blow to the Mandela family within a six-week span. Zenani Mandela, the 13-year-old great-granddaughter of Nelson Mandela and granddaughter of Zindzi Mandela, died in a car crash shortly before the June 11 opening of the World Cup.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu ‘to withdraw from public life’ Pretoria: Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu who played a prominent role in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid said that he would “withdraw from public life.” After his 79th birthday in October, he said, he would reduce his work-load to one day a week before retiring. That work would be devoted to The Elders, a group appointed by former President Nelson Mandela to tackle the world's most pressing problems. During the 27 years that Mr Mandela was in prison, Archbishop Tutu spoke out against apartheid and won the Nobel peace prize in 1984 for his efforts.

He was chosen by Mr Mandela to chair South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission and investigate the crimes committed by all sides during the apartheid regime. The former Archbishop of Cape Town, the first black cleric to hold that position, said his career highlight was introducing Mr Mandela as South African president in 1994. He said he wanted to spend more time sipping tea with his wife, watching cricket, or visiting his grandchildren, although he added that he would honour his existing appointments.

Kenya torture victims get compensation Nairobi: Kenyan judges have awarded 21 former political prisoners almost $500,000 (£330,000) between them in compensation for torture they suffered in the 1980s. They were among hundreds of people who were illegally detained and tortured during the government of President Daniel Arap Moi, who retired in 2002. Their lawyers, who first brought the case in 1988, said the constitutional court had made a landmark ruling. The victims had described spending days in waterlogged torture chambers. As long as Mr Moi ruled Kenya, Nyayo House in Nairobi became an unutterable synonym for torture, terror and detention. The upper floors of the building housed the department of immigration, but beneath them in the basement worked the special branch of internal security - Mr Moi's secret police. His government always denied torture, but more than two decades ago, while he was still in power, 21 former prisoners tried to sue the administration for violating their fundamental rights.

African Union pledges to reinforce its Somalia force Kampala: African Union leaders have agreed to reinforce the AU peacekeeping force in Somalia to tackle alShabab militants. At a summit in Uganda, they approved a request to send 2,000 more troops to the Somali capital Mogadishu. Rules of engagement are to be changed to allow the troops to fire first if they are facing imminent attack. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni had wanted a tougher mandate to "eliminate" the al-Qaeda linked group that allowed forces to go on the offensive. He said that AU peacekeepers were "confused" by the current mandate. "They don't understand what they are doing.

So they need a robust answer, a robust incisive answer," he said. Dozens of people were killed two weeks ago in twin bomb attacks in Uganda's capital, Kampala, which al-Shabab said it had carried out. With a limited mandate the AU peacekeepers have almost been sitting ducks because they could respond only after being attacked by al-Shabab and other insurgents.

Angered by the bomb attacks in Kampala, President Yoweri Museveni wanted the green light for an all-out offensive.

Zimbabwe court acquits Tsvangirai ally Harare: Zimbabwe’s high court last week dropped terrorism charges against a senior official of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The court ruled that the state had failed to prove its case against MDC treasurer Roy Bennett. Bennett was arrested last year and charged with illegal possession of arms with terrorist and insurgent intentions. The MDC claimed the accusations were a political ploy by President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF to prevent Bennett from taking up his designated post as a deputy minister in a unity government.

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28

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

In this week’s CB Live Rajesh Patel from RJ Insurance will talk about importance of insurance in today’s world. Also, Induben Amin, Vice President of Harrow Women’s Association will talk about women’s issues.

Sneh Joshi - 020 8518 5500

If you do not have a tv, go to www.tvunetworks.com and watch CB Live on TVU Player Channel 75203

To ask questions please call on: 020 8963 1001

For more information e-mail: cblive_matv@yahoo.co.uk

Don't miss !!!

Only on CB Live - MATV Sky 793 - Thursday 7:00pm to 8:00pm Police joins Sikh community festival The Metropolitan Police Service (Met) took the opportunity to engage with Sikh and other communities this month at a special festival in Hillingdon. The event saw over 6000 people from around the world attend the special festival PC Dhinsa with a youngster at of Prakash, which feathe event tured a spiritual reading from the Sikh holy book as well as singing of hymns.

Local Hillingdon officers were joined by colleagues in the Met's Special Constabulary (MPS), Ealing and SO18 who were all on hand to talk and give advice to the community about crime prevention, knife crime, forced marriages, as well as to promote the MPS as an employer of choice for recruitment in volunteer roles.

Consequently, around twenty five community members showed an interest in volunteering with the Met, either as a special constable, cadet or volunteer.

Punjabi speaking officers proved a hit with the visitors and they seized the chance to further develop a good relationship with the Sikh community. Also at the festival, which was organised by Guru Nanak Sikh School, was trainee police constable Gurbinder Dhinsa - the first baptised female Sikh police officer wearing a turban in the Metropolitan Police Service.

British Tamils gather for midnight vigil A “midnight vigil” was held outside Downing Street on Friday 26 July to demand an independent inquiry by the United Nations into alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka. British Tamils gathered in their hundreds carrying candles and banners, expressing their feelings.

As reported by the Hindu Times, the vigil marked the start of a “walk for justice” which would culminate into a rally at the UN Office in Geneva on August 6.

A spokesman for the British Tamil Forum said the walk was aimed at highlighting the “plight” of the displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka. It called for independent monitors to be allowed access to those detained by security forces after last year’s military operation.

The Forum in a statement said, “The walk for justice coincides with the recent appointment of a UN advisory panel by Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. Sri Lanka must be reminded it is a democratic country which has subscribed to UN covenants and Geneva Conventions and is obliged to comply with the obligations to which it has signed up to”.

Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Anne Hoose Deputy Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 - Mobile: 07875 229 220 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Accounts Executive: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email:accounts@abplgroup.com Advertising Managers: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@abplgroup.com Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Advertising Sales Executive: Rovin John Goerge - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Nikhil Gor - Email: nikhil.gor@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4009 - Mobile: 07875 229 200 Business Development Managers: Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 - Email: george@abplgroup.com Design and Layout: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Saroj Patel Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel: +9179 2646 Fax: +9179 6061

Do not kid yourself that emotional problems can always be solved by material means. This only covers the cracks and does nobody any good in the end. Be prepared to confront the issues. If love has left you feeling rather dejected or cynical, it looks as though soon events will pull you out of this mood of despondency.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

Coming Events l Gujarat Samachar, Asian Voice and Lohana Mahajan Trust (UK) organises Gujarati Poetry and Literary Programme on Saturday 31st July 2010 between 3-6 pm at LMT Lounge (Lohana Mahajanwadi, WASP, Repton Avenue, Sudbury, Wembley, Middx HA0 3DW).

Mr Krishna Dave, a well known Gujarati poet from Gujarat will talk about his literary works and recite extracts from his Gujarati poems. Other Gujarati poets will also be present to recite their poems. For further information or to attend this event contact Pankajbhai Vora (01923777702) or Mrs Jyotsna Shah (020 7749 4091). l Quiz and Games night, Saturday 31st July, 4pm, Jain Samaj Manchester, Contact: Piyush Mehta, 07815906402 l The Wanza Samaj UK presents a hilarious comedy natak- 'Dhama dham Mast Kalander', Sunday 8th August 4pm, Winston Churchill Hall, Ruislip, Middsx HA4 7QL. Contact: Sharad Vaghela- 020 8904 4930 l Guru Purnima Bhajans, On Sunday 1st August, 2010 from 2.30 to 3.30, Adhya Shakti Mataji Temple, 55 High Street, Cowley, Middlesex UB8 2DX. Tel: 07882 253 540 l Best of India Property Expo 2010, Alexandra Palace, Wood Green, London, 24th and 25th July. Contact: 01732 362 845 or visit: www.boi-propertyexpo.com l Samakti Mission, Pujyashree Bhupendrabhai Pandya, Spiritual Jamming, Saturday 21st July-Sunday 22 August, 9am-5pm, JFS School, Kenton, HA3 9TE. Contact: Avani- 07810123400 Ram Katha, Aug 7th and 8th, 1:30-6pm, 9th Aug-13th 48pm and Sat 14th and 15th Aug 1:30-6pm. Raas Garba8pm. Venue: Byron Hall, Harrow Leisure Centre., Middsx HA3 5BD. Contact: Paresh Pandya 07590060300

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Try to take things in your stride rather than anticipating what might happen. Keep calm as conflict and disagreement could be sparked off by your short-sightedness. Think carefully about the implications of your actions. Intense focus is what is needed now so do not let yourself be distracted by non-essentials.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Now is the time to cultivate an easier relationship with life, get out and about, explore fresh possibilities and make new friends. Any effort to enrich your life by making changes is almost certain to work in your favour and you will be surprised how circumstances help you once you make the initial move.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 Try to take things in your stride rather than anticipating what might happen.

Keep calm as conflict and disagreement could be sparked off by your short-sightedness. Think carefully about the implications of your actions. Intense focus is what is needed now so do not let yourself be distracted by non-essentials.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 Guard against being too impatient and restless. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes and be cautious about other people's enthusiasm which is likely to be misplaced. Make a very conscious attempt to stick to main priorities. Organise your time so that it is not taken up entirely by the demands of other people.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 If lately you have had all sorts of demands being placed on you from all sides, don't despair. Try and work out where you want to make changes in your busy life. Once you know, don't hesitate to implement it. The planetary activity in your chart signals a time of mixed emotions as well as personal issues to be dealt with.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 You are endowed with a level of determination that others sometimes find formidable. Once you set your mind on a goal you stay the course no matter what obstacles you encounter.

Saturn's placement in your Solar 1st house often denotes a phase of restriction, sometimes frustration, in one's life.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 You may find yourself hard at work behind the scenes, although that may not be apparent to others. You may find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of activity, with opportunities to advance on both the inner and outer level. There’s a sparkle to your social life and you will have fun communicating with others.

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Asian Voice switchboard: 020 7749 4000 Gujarat Samachar switchboard: 020 7749 4080 Sales: 020 7749 4085

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Your energy and attention will be very much devoted to financial matters. The tide of fortune continues to run strongly in your favour for some time to come. You will be working harder than usual, intent on getting thing done. Close personal relationships may come under some stress and strain.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 You will find added scope and greater incentive to push full steam ahead with your cherished aims. You must be careful not to tread on other people's toes. This is the right time to talk things over with your loved one - especially anything that has been worrrying you or making you feel insecure. .

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 It is certainly going to be a fortunate time for those already married or in an established relationship. The keynote is emotional enrichment through close interaction with a loved one.

Facets of your life that have been a source of restriciton and dissatisfaction will begin to loosen their hold.

An inspiring boost to matters of communication but make sure your curiosity on a range of topics does not lead to a scattering of mental energy. With a surge of enery and enthusiasm, this is a favourable time to make fresh starts. Personal relationships may be more intense.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

time

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

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1 Capital city of 15A 8 “The Consul” composer 15 Infamous dictator 16 Protein in cereal grains 17 Rhode Island city 18 3-D miniature scene 19 Healers’ grp.

20 __up (united) 22 Hindu sect member 23 City in NE France 25 Death rattles

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Pizza purchase Subcontinent leader?

Adriatic seapoet Seed covering Batting posture Up to the patellae Omnispective Paginated Sounds Cricket segments Big book “The Lion King” Character

sCRAMBLE - 60

Rearrange the letters in the four word jumbles, one letter to each square/circle, to make four ordinary words GLAAE

How to play

Now arrange the letters in the circles to form the answer to the riddle or to fill in the missing word as indicated

DEORR CGNLOU

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Floor cover __New Guinea Nixon’s V.P. Tenth of MDXL Lumberjack’s two-man tool 57 Leno or North 58 Otological problem 60 Bereft 62 Commonplace 63 Cutting tooth 64 Nerve connection 65 Suppurates Down 1 Worldwide service club 2 Bullheaded 3 “Right to remain silent” warning 4 Cat’s foot 5 Cordiality 6 Tiny parasites 7 Turkish capital 8 Kahn of “Blazing Saddles” 9 Slur over 10 “The Matrix” role 11 Mine and thine 12 Gad about

13 1992 U.S. Open winner 14 Randomly piled 21 Delineated 24 1997 Nicolas Cage Movie 26 Gregg user 29 Wallop 31 Abutting 33 Cleanch 35 One from Germany 37 Carefully planned and executed performance 38 Medical implement 39 Of plant seeds 40 Shackle 42 Califormia city 43 Rigby of song 44 Lumberyard employees 47 Isolated mountain 51 Plant pest 52 Aircraft surveillance acronym 54 Swedish ship that sank on maiden vouage 56 First-rate 59 Price ceiling 61 Ignited

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LOOP THE LOOP - 60 Rules Connect adjacent dots with vertical or horizontal lines, creating a single loop.

(Fig A).

Crossovers or branches are not allowed 3 2 2 3 (As shown by dotted lines in Fig B).

3 2 1 Numbers in the puzzle indicate the 3 3 number of lines that should 3 1 1 1 3 surround it, while empty cells may 3 3 2 2 be surrounded by any number of 2 lines.

You can’t draw lines arround 1 2 zeroes.

Each puzzle has just one unique solution.

How to begin: Example (Fig A) - Begin with the zero next to 3. Since no lines can be drawn around zero, mark crosses around it, as shown. Now there is a cross in one space around 3. So we know the three lines of 3 can only be drawn in the remaining three spaces. Next these lines can only be extended in one direction each. Continue, using the same Solution of LTL No. 59 logic. x x Hints: Keep elimix x 2 2 3 nating possibilix x x x x ties by marking x x 2 3 1 crosses in x x x spaces between x x x 2 x x 1 x dots where a line x x x isn’t possible, x 3 2 x 3 i.e., if you have x x x x already completx x x 0 x x 3 x 1 ed required lines x x x or where a line x x 3 2 3 3 2 extension may x x x create a branch x x x x x x or cause a deadend (Fig B)

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___ ___and character go hand in hand. A man of real character is consistently courageous, being imbued with a basic integrity and a firm sense of principle. (5.7)

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Given below are three pairs of words. Each pair sounds similar, but have different meanings (they are homonyms). Can you find them? Burial/Cremation formalities - Uses a pen and paper and forms legible words To communicate with God - Carnivore’s target Watery part of milk that separates when milk turns to curds - The route or the course Traveled from one place to another

INOCGM

Words: Oaken, burnt, bedpan, roomer.

Answer: The manner in which it is given is worth more than the gift

sPELLATHON -98

WHATZIT? - 98

Find the familiar phrase, saying or name in this arrangement of letters.

solution of 97 : Our solution: 4!*4! + 4+4=584

sudoku-98

Today’s Ratings: 06-average | 07-good | 09-outstanding

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How many words of four or more letters can you make from the letters shown in today’s puzzle? In making a word, each letter may be used once only.

Each word must contain the central letter. There should be at least one seven-letter word. Plurals, foreign words and proper names are not allowed.

British English Dictionary is used as reference.

solution of spellathon - 97 :

chore, CROCHET, crotch, echo, etch, hector, hero, ochre, other, retch, torch 20

2 Sollution-97: Baker’s dozen

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The numbers in the pink squares refer to the sums of the digits that you must fill into the empty spaces directly below or to the right of the pink square containing the number. For instance, in the given example, the 2 boxes below 12 must contain 2 digits that add upto 12, whereas for 20, the 3 boxes places horizontally next to it must add upto 20.

No zeroes are used here, only the digits one through nine.

solution of KAKURO - 97

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solution of sudoku-97 HOW TO PLAY Each row, column and square 3x3 box is a subgrid of 9 cells. Fill in the grid so that each sub-grid contains the digits 1 to 9.

Every puzzle has one solution.

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A digit cannot appear more than once in any particular digit combination. For instance in the example, we cannot have the combination of 8+4+8 for 20.

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TRAVEL & LIFE STYLE

By Rupanjana Dutta

Bombay comes to London I have always felt that most of the Indian restaurants in the UK never do justice to Indian cuisine.

But after tasting some of the appetisers at Dishoom, during its formal launch on the 14th of July, I am strongly of the opinion that, finally, India has reached the heart of London.

In India every city and its cafes have a particular essence.

Though the idea is decaying with time, in Kolkata, talk about Flury's or Coffee House, they have their unique style, unique food and many loyal customers. A bridge between the west and the east, they have their charm, never observed elsewhere. Bombay Cafes also follow similar trends.

Dishoom, a Bombay cafe, serves a menu that incorporates city’s street grills and food stalls – think of Bademiya and Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai. Whether it's the breakfast menu or dinner at Dishoom, the touch of old Bombay and new Mumbai under one roof is an impressive effort to preserve old memories with a 'London twist'.

British Indian wins prestigious award at IFA 2010 Ekta Solanki, a London College of Fashion graduate has won the 'Collection of the Year' award at the International Fashion Awards 2010, which was held at the London Hilton Metropole on Friday 9th July 2010.

Ekta Solanki, who launched her own design house in 2005, was singled out for her ‘stand-out’ collection, which combined the eastern and western influences including bridal gowns, evening wear and statement designs for contemporary, fashion conscious women.

Ekta, who grew up in Zambia and

has worked for both Burberry as a Brand Specialist and managed Selfridges’ women’s fashion account before setting up her own label, said, ‘I feel humbled at having been selected by the Ekta Solanki IAFA judges for such a prestigious award. The last few years have been very busy but also a lot of fun. The success of the label and vision for the Ekta Solanki brand has allowed me to dedicate all of my time to what I love, and this award is the icing on a very wonderful cake. My work has always been about creating bespoke designs for each of my clients, which reflects their unique style and personality.’

(Visit www.ektasolanki.com. for more details on Ekta and her collection)

Check your documents to avoid last moment hassles UK citizens as well as other passengers travelling to India or any other country should check their basic documents to avoid last moment hassles. Any lapse may lead to the person being forced to cancel back visit or even being sent back from the airport here in UK itself.

Such a lapse could also cost you the loss of the ticket amount fully.

Those travelling should see that these papers are in proper order: 1 – The duration and validity of your passport. It is important that the validity of your passport is longer that your planned date of return.

2 – Check that you have proper visa for the country to visit. Particularly, if you have plans to travel to India or other countries which stipulate the necessity of a visa, don’t purchase your flight ticket till you have secured your visa.

Certain countries also have made it mandatory that you should have got yourself vaccinated for particular illnesses. Hence, when you plan a travel, you should also check these require-

ments before hand.

3 – It is important that you check all the details on your e-ticket. Important details include your name, address, the baggage allowance (how much weight you can carry), reference numbers if any of the flight, the terminals of departures and arrivals etc.

4 – If you intend to buy a ticket from online, may be the ticket rules do not provide any refunds in case of cancellation of your trip or extra charges for any change in dates or flights. In certain cases, such tickets do not allow any changes and you may need to buy a new ticket in case of any changes. Please take advise.

5 – A better, rather convenient option is that you buy the ticket from your old and trusted travel agent. Also see that you communicate with them in your own language while you give him the details of your travel plans. Though some believe 'online purchase' is cheaper.

Be Carefu l!

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

By Spriha Srivastava

Sahara & Safesky join hands for solar plant in India It is seldom that one comes across a successful and well known industrialist with an absolutely humble personality. I had started to think that modesty and humility are adjectives that existed in history. But when I came across Mr. Subrata Roy, Managing Worker & Chairman, Sahara India Pariwar, and his ever charming and down to earth attitude, I was absolutely floored by him. He came across not only as a person with immense intellect but also as someone who loves to interact and know more and more people.

It is also seldom that one meets a Genius Innovator of Technology and a renowned Doctor in the same meeting. Safesky is relatively a younger company but have a huge potential for the future with its modern technology.

Sahara India Family, known to be the world’s largest family is an Indian multi-business conglomerate with diversified business interests. The company is headed by Saharasri Subrata Roy who has been named by Time Magazine as the “Second largest employer in India” after the Indian Railways.

Currently they employ one million people.

I had the privilege to meet Mr. Roy last week during his business visit to London in a lunch party hosted by Mr B P Bhattacharya, Senior Partner of B S S Associates Chartered Accountant, one of London’s registered auditors and Mrs Susmita Bhattacharya, a renowned Rabindra sangit singer and Managing Director of Gresham Hotel, Sussex Gardens, London.

The lunch was also to welcome a genius of a man - Mr Arik Klien, President and Founder of Safesky Israel and Dr Amos Bouchnik, Chairman of Safesky Israel and a famous dentist in his own right. Safesky have invented a Solar System of converting sun rays to electricity in a most advanced technological way. The Plant is 40% cheaper then ones available in the market and performance in high calibre.

The lunch in London was to formalise the setting up a 5 MW Solar Plant in Aamby Valley, the dream city near Mumbai. Aamby

Sahara and Safesky discussing the project during a lunch meeting at La porte des Indes in London.

Valley was declared an Eco Centre of India two years ago. This Plant will provide all the Electricity that Aamby Valley will require.

In May 2010; Sahara India Power Corporation Limited (SIPCL) which is a subsidiary of Sahara India Group signed an MOU with Safesky Software of Israel for promoting and manufacturing advanced solar power and other technologies for Indian users. The MOU was signed between Ashok Bhargava, Chief Executive Officer of Sahara and Dr. Amos Bouchnik, Chairman of Safesky Israel and Founder President Arik Klien, in the presence of Saharasri Mr. Subrata Roy Sahara.

The project was initiated by Mr. B P Bhattacharya who along with Safesky associates visited Aamby Valley in June 2010 to look into the project. A number of meetings have already taken place in India between Sahara and Safesky.

This project will be an icon in showing to the rest of India the capability of Sahara and Safesky to venture. Safesky with such advanced technology and Sahara with such a huge name and expertise will together become a milestone industry in India in time. India’s appetite for energy is huge. The current rate of growth is 9.5% and this can multiply manifold with cheaper and better type of energy.

This is however the first solar power plant that this partnership will be setting up. Following the successful launch of this project, Sahara-Safesky will venture into other projects in and around India.

Safesky has advanced technologies in solar power, communication and water desalination, which will be available to Sahara for marketing and manufactur-

ing in India.

A very impressive aspect of this project is its aim to bring about an electricity revolution for those in the rural areas. In a company press release that I came across before meeting Mr. Roy in person, he had said, “This new technology is definitely going to benefit our country in a very big way. In our country, particularly in rural areas with 500 million people, the power deficit is very high and I am sure this product will definitely help our country immensely. I am very happy to be associated with this development” Such is the kind of spirit that we need in the present Indian set up, especially with relation to our rural population. The project will be financed on a 50-50 basis between Sahara and Safesky. While Sahara will be raising 50 percent of the entire cost of the project, there are reports that both the Central and the State governments in India will back this project since it is in the interest of all.

The project also aims to reduce carbon pollution.

Since electricity is produced by coal and petrol or through the atomic power stations, the carbon emission level is high and it is extremely harmful for the environment for many reasons. However, solar power on the other hand converts sun light to electricity which is one of the oldest and the most natural way of power generation. This will cut carbon emission and make the surrounding better and healthier.

The plant in Aamby Valley is expected to be fully operational by December 2010. As of now the equipments are being loaded and the project is in its working stages. One can expect that once this project takes off, the power deficit problem in India can slowly start to shrink.

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at spriha@abplgroup.com

Sport world

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

Ravi Bopara ignored for 1st test Morgan, Shahzad picked up to play Pakistan Ravi Bopara’s sparkling form with bat – two centuries on a trot for Essex in the county championships didn’t move England selectors. Tim Bresnan also did not find favours with the panel, as Eoin Morgan and Ajmal Shahzad have been retained their places in the England team to play the first test match against Pakistan at Trent Bridge

HI for police probe into Kaushik misconduct Even as former coach of India’s women’s hockey team M K Kaushik declared that he withdrew himself after one of the players, Ranjitha complained against him for sexual harassment, Hockey India inquiry panel found the complaint credible and recommended police probe into the matter.

Hockey India has decided not to re-appoint former coach MK Kaushik and videographer Basavraj in the future on the basis of the recommendations made by the inquiry panel. Kaushik has however said he will fight to clear his name and says he is innocent.

"We backed the version given by women players," Hockey India general secretary Narendra Batra said at a press conference on Saturday.

"Hockey India finds complaints against coach Kaushik credible and refers the matter to Delhi Police for investigation.

Case needs action under provisions of IPC," added Batra.

The inquiry panel formed by Hockey India was headed by vice-president of Hockey India, Rajiv Mehta. The other members include Anupam Gulati, Sudarshan Pathak and former players Zafar Iqbal and Ajit Pal Singh.

Ravi Bopara

next week.

Middlesex seamer Steven Finn returns to the England squad following a successful Test series against Bangladesh.

The attack will be led by the mercurial James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

With Paul Collingwood back into the squad after being rested for the last two Tests, Morgan was

selected as Ian Bell suffered the broken foot at Bristol that has ruled him out of the full four-Test series.

Team: Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, Steven Finn, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior (wk), Ajmal Shahzad, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott.

“I am very happy that God has given me everything - eight wickets, a victory, basically everything. This is one of the greatest moments in my life, retiring this way," Murali said.

"I am not emotional in a way, frankly, I am happy that I have done it. I trained really hard. Even last week, I trained hard to play in this Test match

and take it very seriously.”

Murali’s 133 test match career has 22 hauls of 10 or more wickets in a match, while 5 wicket hauls stand at 67, a record for any bowler. He has more than 100 wickets against three countries, only behind Shane Warne.

Murali was the fastest man to scalp 400, 500, 600 and 700 wickets.

Murali says 800 wickets and victory greatest moments The Sri Lankan spin maestro termed ending his test career with the magical figure of 800 wickets and a victory against India was one of the greatest moments in his life. Murali taking Pragyan Ojha’s wicket was the last batsman to be dismissed at Galle in that match. Sri Lanka scored the 95 runs needed to win without losing a wicket.

Sporting flavour to Cameron’s India visit

It’s a deadly combination of politics and sports.

British prime minister David Cameron, who arrives in India on Tuesday on his maiden trip to the country, will be accompanied by a 100member delegation, including Olympic medalwinning athletes. The three-day visit is aimed at forging a “special relationship” with India, which Britain sees as a rising Asian power.

Among Cameron’s entourage will be legendary middle distance runner Sebastian Coe, who won the 1,500m gold

medal at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics. Coe, a former Tory MP and chairman of the London organising committee for the 2012 Olympics, will hold talks with officials of the Commonwealth Games, scheduled to take place in Delhi in October. Security arrangements during the Games will be discussed and Cameron may visit a stadium being built for the event.

‘Tanni’ GreyThompson, one of the most successful disabled athletes in the world, and Steven Geoffrey Redgrave, hailed as Britain’s greatest

Olympian and one of the world’s four Olympians to win a gold at five consecutive Olympic Games, and Kelly Holmes, a top middle distance athlete, are among the attractions in Cameron’s contingent. Sir Richard Scudamore, chief executive of the English Premier League, will be part of the delegation.

“The idea behind bringing in sports icons is to underline the special nature of the people-topeople relationship between India and Britain, home to a 1.5 millionstrong Indian diaspora,” a diplomatic source said.

Preity, Ness face arrest for IPL team accounts

After a complaint by the Registrar of Companies (ROC), Punjab for not filing annual returns and balance sheets of the Kings XI Punjab IPL team owners, a Chandigarh court last week issued arrest warrants against the owners, including Bollywood star Priety Zinta and industrialist Ness Wadia. The bailable warrants were issued by Chief Judicial Magistrate J S Sidhu after neither the three co-owners nor

their counsels appeared before the court.

However, another co-owner and industrialist Karan Paul's counsel appeared before the court and submitted that he would appear in person on the next date of hearing.

The court later adjourned the case till October 4. The court had in April issued notice to the four co-owners of KXIP and fixed July 24 as the next date of hearing.

TfL and Barclays Cycle Hire get enthusiastic response Scheme for cycling to Central London opens this week

Membership applications for the Mayor’s flagship Cycle Hire Barclays scheme opened Friday last week and within hours, more than 1,700 people signed up as members for using London’s newest public transport system.

People have the options to sign up for daily, weekly or annual memberships for the Mayor and Transport for London’s cycle hire scheme, at w w w. t f l . g o v. u k / barclayscyclehire.

Membership will enti-

tle them to an electronic key, which they will be able to use to take a hire cycle from one of hundreds of locations across central London from next Friday (30 July).

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “We’re offering Londoners their very own keys to the city, in the guise of Barclays Cycle Hire membership. For as little as 12p a day, members of this fantastic new addition to our transport system will have the freedom of central London.

This scheme is set to

become a new icon of the Capital and will enable thousands more people to cycle in our magnificent city.”

TfL’s Managing Director of Surface Transport, David Brown said: “Barclays Cycle Hire will revolutionise how we get around central London.”

Chief Executive of Serco Civil Government, Tom Riall, said: “After so much anticipation, we’re proud to be delivering Barclays Cycle Hire for the Mayor and Londoners. We will con-

tinue to take registrations throughout August and then open the scheme up to casual users.”

A membership key costs £3 with membership costs at £1 for a 24 hour membership, £5 for seven days and £45 for an annual membership.

The first 30 minutes of any journey will be free.

For more information on how to become a member of Barclays Cycle Hire and advice on how to use the scheme visit w w w. t f l . g o v. u k / barclayscyclehire

31

CWG face terror strike threat Punjab police have sounded a warning that Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in New Delhi in October face the threat of terror strike.

Khalistani activists have been reportedly roped in for the task, while another report by a US thinktank – Stratfor has also warned that Pakistan based terrorist outfit LeT is planning to attack the CWG. Reports from Punjab also suggest that about 15 kg of RDX explosive has already been sneaked into the state from across the border.

IOA President Suresh Kalmadi had also met with Home Minister P Chidambaram to discuss the security arrangements for the mega event.

Kalmadi, who is the chairman of Organizing Committee Commonwealth Games 2010, wants to ensure fool-proof security for the event, which is being hosted by the country for the first time.

The Indian Home Ministry has said that the warning was a matter of great concern as the Babbar Khalsa International retains the potential to carry out a strike.

The Home Ministry also added that both, the Delhi and Punjab police have been told to coordinate fully and leave nothing to chance.

Ranjit Singh Neeta of the Khalistan Commando force has been assigned the task of targeting the Commonwealth Games.

No beef at official CWG venues The organising committee of the Delhi Commonwealth Games has finally decided that beef will not be prepared or served at the CWG venues by the organizers.

Suresh Kalmadi, the chairman of the committee said last week that catering contractors have been informed of the decision about no beef decision.

Following some perceptions of cow meat to be served, the main opposition party in India, the BJP had raised the issue and asked the authorities to ensure that beef is not prepared or served at all official CWG facilities, including for the athletes and the officials.

Pakistan reverse Test slide Things were looking gloomy for Pakistan a fortnight ago following their 12th consecutive Test defeat at the hands of Australia at Lord's. The margin of defeat – by 150 runs – was huge, and its scale inflicted in less than the allotted five days was humiliating, to say the least. The reverse persuaded the Pakistan captain, Shahid Afridi, to fall on his sword and resign within hours of the result, an unprecedented gesture which deepened the despondency in the team and among the country's fans.

The 25-year old opening batsman Salman Butt stepped into the breach at Headingly and, against the odds, did the trick, if only just. Under leaden skies and a green wicket, the Australian skipper Ricky Ponting won the toss and chose to bat. Under such conditions it was assisted suicide, as shell-shocked Australia collapsed to 88 all out. Aamar, Asif and Gul seamed and swung the ball both ways and between them demolished the Australian batting.

The Australian pacemen, for their part, were nowhere near as effective, and it was left to part-time seamer Shane Watson, with 6 for 33, to keep Pakistan in check. However, their 258 total guaranteed a sizeable 170 run lead, enough to put the Pakistanis in the driving seat. Australia fought back with 349 in the second innings, but it wasn't enough as Pakistan reached the victory target of 180 runs for the loss of seven wickets. It may have been a fairly close call, but it was a victory to savour.

Pakistan are back in business, but Australia must embark on critical repairs if they hope to beat England in the Ashes series Down Under in December.

Meanwhile, India are on a hiding to nothing in Sri Lanka. They were crushed by 10 wickets by the hosts in the opening Test at Galle. It was to be spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan's farewell, and he didn't disappoint. He improved his Test haul of 792 wickets by returning figures of 5 for 63 and 3 for 120 respectively in India's two innings. The visitors were dismissed for 276, and following-on, scored 339, their reply to the home side's massive 520 for 8 declared. The 95 victory target was rattled off in 14 overs.

The Indian bowling was abysmal, the batting little better. The team carries too many laggards who don't earn their keep. Harbhajan Singh is a nullity with ball and bat and should be dropped. Captain M.S.Dhoni, having acquired a mega-buck contract, is hanging by his finger-tips. He'd better watch out.

32

Asian Voice - Saturday 31st July 2010

India mauled at Galle Sri Lanka win by 10 wickets Even as Muttiah Muralitharan ended his test carrier in a fairy tale style, capturing the record 800th scalp with the last wicket in the match, India were mauled by the spin wizard and pacer Lasith Mallinga in both the innings. Sri Lanka finally registered a comprehensive 10 wicket victory on the last day, Thursday last week.

Murali began his last day in Test cricket needing two wickets and took one.

After that, his partner threatened to take everything else and he could do nothing but keep on bowling, and wait. The umpire denied him a palpable lbw.

VVS Laxman, who kept him at bay for so many hours, ran himself out and there was only one wicket left to take. He waited and perhaps even fretted. He nearly ran out the last pair himself, twice. After 23 wicketless overs with perhaps growing doubt about whether it would come at all, the moment arrived, and Muttiah Muralitharan was there, where no man had gone before. The long wait for the 800th wicket only exemplified the toil that went into the preceding 799.

Murali is 38. Yet he produced magical deliveries and took a five-for in his last Test. On the fourth day, he removed Dhoni with a magical offbreak and twice made Yuvraj

A group of school children and teammates raise cricket bats in honour as Muttiah Muralitharan makes his way to the field at the start of India's first innings at Galle on July 20

Singh look like a tailender.

On the last day, he didn't have to do anything special and just remain patient. The temptation to produce something magical, something unplayable to reach the landmark would have been there but he didn't show it. Murali kept delivering offbreaks, the occasional doosra and varied his pace and trajectory.

Fielders crowded the bat, appeals were made and Murali trapped Harbhajan Singh in front.

Abhimanyu Mithun offered unexpected resistance and time wore on.

Malinga stayed out of the attack. India took the lead.

Murali changed ends.

Then it happened.

Malinga eventually

returned to knock out Mithun with an inswinging yorker. Barring a delivery that was pushed well outside off, Malinga was on target ball after ball but Laxman and Ishant Sharma stood firm. He did the same when he returned to bowl at the last pair Ishant and Pragyan Ojha. It felt right.

Malinga bowling wides might have seemed like he was giving Murali time.

Sangakkara opted for the new ball, and Murali very nearly made his tryst with destiny. A ripping off break from round the stumps had Laxman in front but umpire Daryl Harper didn't budge.

Perhaps he thought it was missing leg stump.There was more nail-biting

drama after lunch.

And just when the fans watching began to fear it would not come, it did.

Ojha edged a flighted offbreak to slip where Mahela Jayawardene grabbed his 77th catch off Murali's bowling. Murali roared, his team-mates hoisted him on their shoulders, his wife and mother jumped out of their seats, the crowd cheered and the fireworks exploded. All seemed well with the world. {Brief scores: SL 520 for 8 dec (Paranavitana 111, Sangakkara 103) and 96 for 0 (Dilshan 68*) beat India 276 (Sehwag 109, Murali 5-63) and 338 (Tendulkar 84, Laxman 69, Malinga, 5-50, Murali 3-128) by 10 wickets}.

Pakistan finally beat Australia

After losing at the Lords, Pakistan came out as surprise winners against Australia in the second test match against Australia at Headingley on Saturday, the fourth day of the match.

It was the end of a long wait for Pakistan to register a test match victory against Australia. Prior to the final match, Australia had won 13 test matches against Pakistan on a trot.

The final day had some tension for the winners under their new skipper Salman Butt, yet they romped home with 3 wickets in tact.

Australia had crumbled badly in the first innings, losing all the wickets for a paltry 88.

That gave Pakistan an opportunity and but for the last day drama, Pakistan were almost on course for a win.

The morning had begun amid scenes of rau-

2 test series squared

Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Aamer walk the ground after the win at Headingley on July 24

cous optimism from the noisy knots of Pakistan fans in the Western Stand - lured by five pound tickets and the prospect of a chance to witness history and there was an early moment of poignancy as well, as Rudi Koertzen was given a guard of honour to commemorate the final day of his 108-Test umpiring career.

Australia resumed their attack with the same vigour that had hauled

them back into contention in the final moments of the third evening's play. Doug Bollinger, who had jolted Pakistan with two wickets in seven balls, made it three in 17 as the overnight anchor, Azhar Ali, feathered a length delivery through to Tim Paine, only moments after spanking a full toss through the covers to bring up his maiden Test half-century.

North spins Australia to massive win In the first test match at the Lords, Marcus North claimed the remarkable figures of 6 for 55 to join Shane Watson on the brand-new neutral honours board at Lord's, while Steven Smith chipped in with three key scalps in his first innings as a Test bowler, as Pakistan hurtled to defeat by 150 runs on the fourth afternoon of the first test against Australia. {Brief scores: 2nd Test - Pak 258 (Watson 6-33) and 180 for 7 (Farhat 67, Azhar 51) beat OZ 88 and 349 (Smith 77, Clarke 76) by 3 wickets. 1st Test - OZ 253 and 334 (Katich 83, Hilfenhaus 56*, Gul 4-61) beat Pak 148 and 289 (Butt 92, North 6-55, Smith 3-51) by 150 runs}.

No blood, no autobiography It’s a photographic publication, says Sachin The Indian little master cleared the air, as he said there will be no blood on the pages, also it is not his biography or autobiography. Tendulkar Opus is only a photographic publication, Sachin said from Galle after the first test between India and Sri Lanka ended on Thursday last week.

“The book is basically a photographic publication that celebrates my life and is not an autobiography or a biography.”

Even the publishers of the book, Kraken Media and Karl Fowler, director clarified that thought of Fowler have been misunderstood. The book will carry no blood.

The Tendulkar Opus, being touted as a definitive photographic publication celebrating the cricketer’s career from the early years till date, will be pre-

sented on an unprecedented scale measuring half a metre and will weigh over 40 kg, claim the publishers.

For the benefit of those who may not be able to afford the book, Tendulkar said, “The book will be available at different price points and in various new media formats which will be easily accessible and affordable for all. Free copies will also be given to libraries all over India.”

Mani says he would be happy if CWG are spoilt Congress MP is outspoken in his opposition to the extravaganza

Even as the two Congress governments – the centre and the Delhi state and a huge fraternity of sports persons as well as sports lovers are praying for the success of the Delhi Commonwealth Games, the outspoken Congress leader and a known opponent of such extravaganzas, Rajya Sabha MP Mani Shankar Aiyar said on Tuesday he would be unhappy if the CWG were a success.

He argued that had the huge amount of expenses, Rs. 350 billion being spent for the CWG were to be spent for Indian kids, we would have been able to train a lot of champions in many sports. Further, he

Mani Shankar Aiyar

said a successful CWG would lead to more such extravaganzas such as Asian Games and other events. That is the reason he would be happy if the CWG are spoilt.

Aiyar was speaking to reporters on Tuesday outside the Parliament house.

Tri-Golf for Birmingham youngsters Rose Hill Golf Club’s 6 hole course for families, children

Built by Rose Hill Golf Club with an all grant Sport England Award, a new, pioneering tri-golf course is now attracting the new generation of Birmingham youngsters.

Birmingham City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture Cllr Martin Mullaney believes the sixhole Tri-Golf facility at Lickey Hills Golf Club signals a fresh start for

municipal golf in the city.

The par 24, 220 metre 6-hole course with tees, bunkers, scrubs and trees, the course has been set-up to provide access for children and families looking to play golf away from the larger and more difficult 18-hole courses.

At a cost of just £1.80 for adults and £1.20 for children, the facility looks set to be a summer holiday hit.