Asian Voice by Asian Business Publications Ltd

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Health & Healing Acupuncture a cure for arthiritis

See Page - 18

Family of Geeta Aulakh ‘living in a nightmare’ See Page - 6

VOICE

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

VOL 38. ISSUE 30

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BNP to appoint first Sikh candidate?

Liberhan report labels them as ‘pseudo-moderates’

The mask on Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s face, of being a moderate leader, has been torn to pieces by the Liberhan Commission. It may be recalled that first, it was a party colleague Govindacharya who described Vajpayee as the “Mukhouta” (mask) and now, the Liberhan report has labeled Vajpayee as “Pseudo Moderate”. The commission that probed the Babri demolition has perhaps paid back the BJP in the same coin for describing the Congress and other parties who

No punitive action recommended, none proposed by Govt.

File photo of Babri Masjid

shared the Congress ideology as “Pseudo Secularists”.

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The Liberhan report has, in fact labelled Atal Behari Vajpayee, L K

Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi as “Pseudo moderates”, indicting them for the demolition. The commission also held them culpable for leading the country “to the brink of communal discord”. Continued on page 24

Nick Griffin, party leader BNP

A Sikh man who has allegedly campaigned for the BNP in support of its anti-Islam stance has been put forward to be the party’s first non-white member. Rajinder Singh, who is in his late 70s, has twice lent support to Nick Griffin during the British National

Rajinder Singh

party leader’s court appearances and appeared in an election broadcast for the party in 2005. There have been suggestions that he could stand as a BNP candidate at next year’s general election. Continued on page 7

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Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

ONE ON ONE Keith Vaz MP with Madhu Mantena

2) What are your proudest life achievements? Well, I’ve several things that I’m proud of, both personal as well as professional. I wouldn’t ever really call them ‘achieve-

8) And the worst? It’s fun almost always actually. But let’s see…well at the time of release of a film, it’s extremely vulnerable. There’s so much riding on it and so much time, money, effort invested into its release. But often at this time, sometimes one finds one’s self faced with false allegations and claims that often threaten to derail all of this. These times can be very trying for a producer.

ments’ and neither are any of them totally mine. Most of life’s joys are collaborative efforts. I’ve been fortunate through life to be surrounded with wonderful, talented people. But, if I had to single out one ‘achievement’ I guess I would have to say the all the friends I’ve made over the years.

9) If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change? I don’t think I’m ready for that kind of power. I’m not sure I want it either.

3) What has been your favourite project to work on? The current film I’m producing 1-800-LOVE which is being directed by my best friend Abbas Tyrewala. It’s shaping into such a fantastic film and it’s also been such

an enjoyable process. 4) Is there anyone you are desperate to work with but haven’t yet had the chance? Aamir khan once

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again…and again…and again…and again…and again…you get the idea… 5) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

10) If you were marooned on a desert island, who would you like to spend your time with and why? My girlfriend! I’m not sure I really need to validate that with a reason, now do I? She’s simply the best thing in my life.

People

! Simon Woolley the CEO of Operation Black Vote has been appointed by Harriet Harman to be one of the new Commissioners for the Equality Commission. Harriet has also re-appointed Trevor Phillips for a second term as Chairman. She has also advertised for the post of CEO of the Commission at a salary of £185,000 per annum. ! Rami Ranger has won yet another Award. (Are there any left that he has not won?!) He is to host a dinner to bring Britain’s Pakistani and Indian communities together. This important event will take place at the House of Lords on 3rd December 2009. ! The world premier of Amitabh Bachchan’s film Pa is to take place in Mumbai also on 3rd December - so you will have to chose whether to back Rami or Amitabh (the House of Lords is closer). ! Marrying a Brit Cit means that Shilpa can come and live in the UK. Great news. I understand from a source at the wedding that Leicester may be on the list!

Karishma Raichada wins Brent Got Talent 2009 On Saturday 21st November 2009 Brents Got Talent 2009 talent show tool place where over 100 acts auditioned within the age range of 5 18 years old to make it to the finals. There was a total of 30 acts which made it to the finals. The event took place at Copland School, Wembley, Brent. Karishma Raichada age 11 who attends Claremont High School was the overall winner winning fist prize in the 11 -13 year old category. Karishma performed a mix medley bollywood L to R: Danny John Jones Actor, Barry Gardiner MP, Dawn Butler MP, Egypt Singer / Songwriter, Lady Chann Artist.

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6) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date? Mr. Allu Arvind. He’s guided me through my entire career from my earliest days in Hyderabad and still continues to do so. 7) What is the best thing about your job? That it’s fun! I love it.

Madhu Mantena is one of the youngest and most dynamic new age producers in Indian cinema. He has been a part of the Indian Film and Entertainment industry for the last 15 years, and during this time he has had extensive experience with distribution, marketing and production in the Hindi, Tamil and Telugu film industries. With Studio 18, Mantena produced the highest-grossing film in the history of Indian cinema, ‘Ghajini’, starring Aamir Khan. Mantena founded Big Bang Media, which currently has some remarkably lucrative and muchawaited projects in its slate of upcoming releases, including “1-800 LOVE”, starring John Abraham, “Rann” starring Amitabh Bachchan, Paresh Rawal, Riteish Deshmukh, Gul Panag, Neetu Chandra, Sudeep, Suchitra Krishnamoorthy as well as Ram Gopal Varma’s ambitious two part film - “Rakta Charitra” starring Viviek Oberoi and South India’s SuperStar - Suriya. 1) What inspired you to begin a career in film? Cinema has always been something that fascinated me. Even when I was a little boy, I refused to eat any of my meals until my mother put a movie on the tube. So getting into films was as natural as a fish to water. In fact I began my own music company straight out of school. Since then there’s been just no looking back!

My laziness!

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dance. Karishma said: “I really enjoyed this performance opportunity the audience really enjoyed my dance and I got some great feedback from the judges. I was delighted to win the first prize.”

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

COMMENT

Mature US-India relationship looks to the future The Financial Times duo of Amy Kazmin and Edward Luce (November 23) agonized on India’s supposed angst at losing its previous place with the Bush administration to something less exalted in President Barack Obama’s pecking order. The title of their piece - “India feels the chill as US warms to China”- appeared oddly at variance with its content, which was mostly upbeat. Even if their title was designed to convey a message, this was counter-productive. India has weathered American disapproval and anger, in the 1971 crisis on Bangladesh and its war with Pakistan, for instance, with significant aplomb; today, she is a far stronger power and has the necessary reserves to withstand the worst case scenario, if this were to come to pass. There is not the slightest evidence that such a scenario is likely. Just the opposite, in fact. There is mercifully no “special relationship” that requires ritual and routine Indian prostration - described as a kowtow by those knowledgeable in such matters - before an American president. Truth is that IndoUS ties have never been healthier or more cordial, and every indication suggests that these are set to become closer still. Trade, investment, science and technology and intelligence co-operation are humming along nicely and President Obama has no reason whatsoever to risk these assets with an uncertain throw of the dice in China’s direction. Let him spin separately with Beijing; the Indo-US diplomatic bonding promises its own harvest of opportunities for both nations. “Any perception that you might have that Abeam is not warm towards India,” was dismissed by Indra Nooyi, one of India top business brains and chairperson of the US-India Business Council, who went on: “The focus of both countries in the coming years must remain closely tied to three broad areas - job creation, infrastructure development and inclusive growth where collaboration is

very much needed. Although we have made some great progress in recent years, a great deal more remains to be done. But with the vibrancy of our newly elected governments, we are tremendously optimistic that the nations’ two leaders will use the state visit to set a new course to fully capture the growth potential of our two economies.” William Burns, US Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs, provided the American perspective. “Few relationships matter more to our collective future, or hold greater promise for constructive action on the challenges that matter most for us, than the partnership between the US and India.” India and the US reached a landmark civilian nuclear accord that permits the former to participate in the commerce of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes. As Karl Inderfurth, a former US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, suggested in a column in the Financial Times, the two countries should take this relationship forwards into outer space, where they would make ideal partners since India had the proven scientific expertise in the area. There are myriad issues - Afghanistan, for instance – where their national interests converge. A peremptory US withdrawal from that long suffering country would have an adverse affect on regional security and beyond, with terrorists raising the stakes. Prime Minster Manmohan Singh made this abundantly clear in a wide-ranging interview with a Newsweek correspondent on the eve of his departure for the United States. The results of the Obama-Singh talks should be known soon. The signs thus far are propitious. As propitious as they were when Prime Minister Singh stood firm against Chinese threats over his and the Dalai Lama’s recent visits to Arunachal Pradesh. India will not be bullied into submission, for which the Tibetan leader expressed his appreciation on television.

First anniversary of Mumbai’s 26/11 terror The first anniversary of 26/11 is upon us. Armed gunmen came across the water from Pakistan and subjected a great metropolis, which is India’s financial centre, to an ordeal of agony. The gunmen, shooting from the hip, killed and maimed whoever stood in their way. They entered two of the city’s best known hotels, the Taj and the Oberoi, in a murderous spree; they fired into crowds homeward bound at the principal railway station. In the end some 170 innocent men, women and children lay dead. Many more were injured, some seriously. But the citizens of this great city were unbowed. The courage of the staff at the two hotels exceeded every call of duty. Some of them performed acts of heroism - saving the lives of guests that have already passed into legend. The manager of the Taj, Karambir Singh Kang, was at his desk throughout, even as his wife and children lay dead. The Taj was back was back in business in weeks. This week it will open new and sumptuous wings. Its story rolls on, as does its magic and majesty. The goal of the terrorists and their controllers was to cripple India and eventually destroy her. Theirs is an undeclared war. It has been well and truly joined. Pakistan-based jehadis whose tar-

get is and always has been India roam free, simply changing their labels in continuing acts of reinvention. For example, Hafiz Moha Saeed is neither in hiding nor in jail. The founder of Laskay-e-Taiba preaches his sermons of hatred and violence to followers in the on Lahore’s Jamia al-Qaidsia mosque without let or hindrance. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the US Newsweek magazine that a stream of intelligence reports were coming to hand which showed that Mumbai-type attacks were being planned for other Indian cities. Pakistan was a “criminal enterprise” from birth, commented Nobel laureate V.S.Naipaul. Quite so. Criminal it was and criminal it is. Pakistan’s AngloAmerican mentors haven’t done nearly enough to disarm their rogue client. The situation in the country worsens by the day, while the West rings its hands. Kemal Ataturk in his first speech to the National Assembly of the new Turkey way back in the early 1920s spoke of the Ottoman Empire’s folly in promoting Pan-Islam as a instrument of state policy. It ended in military defeat and political dissolution. It is a lesson Pakistan has yet to learn.

Immigration: Tell as it is Election time in Britain, as in other places where such exercises are held, is one for politicians with a readymade cause: one calculated to fixate voters. It could be bankers’ bonuses and greed and financial impropriety in high places one day, something else the next as the bandwagon keeps moving. But immigration is a statistic that has an enduring appeal for the public. Fears of being ‘swamped’ (Margaret Thatcher’s elegant expression) by hordes of aliens are recurring nightmares. Mainstream politicians appear to play it both ways. They praise the general run of immigrants

for contributing much to Britain’s economic and social well-being, having done so, they list the barriers being promulgated to prevent further entry into this country: a contradiction, you would think. Who cares about logic when fears can be aroused and votes gained. Truth is that in the current recession, with jobs difficult to find, immigration levels have declined substantially. However, it is easier to find foreign scapegoats for the loss of jobs, more difficult to pinpoint domestic managerial failings as the true cause of the trouble. This, alas, has been the way with the public.

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Thought for the Week

Your time has a limit set to it. Use it, then to advance your enlightenment; or it will be gone and never in your power again." -Marcus Aurelius

“Our London” CIIr Navin Shah AM London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow

Ill-conceived proposals for expansion Like most readers of this papers I visit the Brent Cross Shopping Centre and accept that it is ‘old’ and can do with a ‘facelift’. I also agree that like many areas in London, Cricklewood near Brent Cross could do with regeneration. This important issue has been subject of planning, discussions and debate for about ten years in the London Borough of Barnet and the neighbouring areas like Brent and Harrow which I represent. After exhaustiove deliberations, last week an outline planning application was considered by the planning committee of Barnet Council and permission was granted. Amongst other 23 objectors I was one of the objectors who spoke at the planning committee meeting. With me there were many residents, organisations like Campaign for Better Transport, Brent Friends of the Earth, Brent Cyclist Campaign and Coalition for a Sustainable Brent Cross and Councillors & MP who objected. The proposal estimated to cost some 4 Billion pounds is the second biggest scheme in London after the London Olympics. The key proposals include doubling of Brent Cross Shopping Centre with additional car parking spaces, new Jobs, 7550 housing units including 1000 (13%) affordable housing, mixed uses including offices, schools, community facilities, new food superstores and small retail uses. Public transport facilities include new railway station and a bus station. Why protest against what looks like a worthy project? Thrust of our objections to this mega development relate to the matters such as traffic congestion with estimated 9000 to 29000 car trips every single day, poor public transport, proposed incinerator, low level of affordable housing, unacceptable high-rise buildings and detrimental impact on small shops and high streets.

The concept of a Super Hub like the one approved by Barnet Council is an outdated and discredited concept but, the Council in its own wisdom has approved the application which will degenerate and not regenerate this part of North London and this includes the neighbouring areas of Brent and Harrow I represent. In my view the approval of this project amounts to a complete travesty of any form of justice. On all counts the so called ‘High Street’ proposal is ill-conceived and should have never been allowed. The proposal if it goes ahead will devastate the quality of life of the existing residents, seriously affect small shops in local high streets and create slums of the future from the 60’s like high-rise 25 storey blocks of flats. The proposed 13% affordable housing target is woefully short of 50% required by the London Plan. Waste recycling facility described as a ‘dump’ will mean more lorries on the North Circular and local roads in Brent. There are further serious flaws like the very location of the facility, confusion over the type of plant technology – environmental impact, dangerous access from Edgware Road and proximity to the residential accommodation. There is no support for a 140 meter high chimney stack. There is no support for such a structure which will be equivalent of a 50 storey high tower block. I’m very concerned about the damage this project would inflict on my residents in Brent, Harrow and even Londonwide detrimental impact. Whilst the Council has delivered its verdict the Coalition Group, my residents and I shall be taking the fight to the Mayor of London who has powers to direct refusal of this application and of course ask the Secretary of State to call-in the application and have a Public Inquiry. For further information please contact me on navin.shah@london.gov.uk

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

Mahabharat- a great epic I feel inspired to learn more about one of our greatest epics Mahabharat- after reading Shri Rajen Vakil’s article. His take on this great epic is quite unusual. He is not just telling a story but relating it to our daily lives which is something we hardly encounter. His character portrayals are also very unique and well etched! Arnav Patel Via Email

Modi takes Russia by storm While Modi has been demonised and crucified in Western media by corrupt politicians and their allies, in the pay of petrodollar billionaires, Modi is well respected in Russia, China and the Tiger economy states of South East Asia where he is treated as an honoured guest and a man of vision. It is widely known in Russia that Gujarat, under the stalwart leadership of Modi with his wisdom and undoubted administrative skill has turned Gujarat as the most dynamic, advanced, well governed and corruption free State in the Indian Union. Modi invited the Russian State owned IT firm Sistema’s Technology to set up a telecommunication, Sim Card and IT Chips production facilities in Gujarat, as Sistema has an excellent record in providing marine telecommunication equipments that would be ideal to safeguard Gujarat’s 1600 km long coastline, some within a stone throw distance from Pakistan border and their territorial waters. Russia, with the longest coastline by far, some in hostile climate and politically sensitive borders, stretching from the frozen waters of the Arctic Ocean bordering Norway, Sweden and Finland in the North to Bering Sea and Sea of Japan in the East where China is flexing its muscles with the largest naval fleet in the region, Russia has to be alert and need the latest marine technology to safeguard her borders and stay one step ahead of her enemies that would like to see Russia further disintegrate, after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Gujarat and Modi is burdened with the security and safeguarding borders and coastline, a duty and responsibility of the Union Government that has failed Gujarat due to internal political divide and corruption throughout the administration. Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email

Correspondents wanted If you live in Leeds, Manchester, Bradford or Edinburgh and are interested to be the Asian Voice 'Community News Correspondent’, please send your CV to Rupanjana at rupanjana@abplgroup.com.

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Shame on India

Air India and Us!

A Boon to the Readers

A woman was paraded naked in UP for objecting to the illegal encroachment on her land. India- the world’s greatest democracy, it is hailed. A population of 1.2 Billion who are supposed to live free from any tyranny, fear and who elect the government of the people, by the people and for the people. The entire world is looking at India these days to bring the world economy back on track, where we pride on our culture, tradition, our proficiency in English and our diversity. Alas, the one thing which is still lacking is the literacy, decency and respect to the women of our beloved country. A land where goddess Laxmi, Durga, Kali are worshipped with gaiety, India is also the country where such shameful acts happen. The perpetrators did not have any regard for parading her naked, but also overlooked the fact that she was pregnant. News reports from India suggest that after the incident the woman had a miscarriage which is such a big loss to her. It is a cold blooded murder which has been committed and these people should be hanged. It is time that we stop self praising about the greatness of our country and take a look at the rural India where the true essence of India is still nurturing in the far away locations.

I read the news about Air India passengers left high and dry, get luggage after two days in AV (pg 24, 21st November). Such incidents are very common amongst other airlines too. We Indians tend to make plenty of noise when our own carrier is involved. I am a frequent flyer and have noted many passenger- friendly measures by Air India too. My question is what legal procedure have been undertaken for inconvenience caused by delivery of luggage? I had a similar experience in an nonIndian airline for which I had to spend 24hrs in Mumbai. I presented following documents: Airline’s ticket, luggage delay confirmation from the airport, receipts of all expenses in Mumbai. Correct procedure was appreciated by the airlines and all expenses were reimbursed. I am sure that all 80 passengers can follow the same procedure. Air India cannot and must not deny reimbursement of basic expense in Mumbai.

I read with interest the various comments made by your readers about the Diwali magazine. Some have expressed anger about the late delivery; some have praised it through and through, while others say it should be a half and half affair. That is, half of it should be in Gujarati and the other half in English. Some would read it from cover to cover, and others - selected articles. Being a non-reference booklet, it would then be discarded, hardly ever to be looked at again. This, however, does not apply to ABPL’s beautiful gift to the readers – the yearly calendar. Asian voice/ Gujarat Samachar’s calendar is very useful indeed! People will consult it again and again throughout the year. Besides giving details on Hindu festivals and British holidays, it also provides useful information on special and important events which may be occurring on the day. Being heavily involved in voluntary work with two local organisations, one Jain and the other Hindu, I find it useful to elicit information on various holidays and other notable events taking place immediately or in the near future in order to plan outings, excursions or functions. The calendar is a useful source of information and comes handy in planning one’s diary for the future. It is indeed a boon to the readers!

Dr Hemal Desai London

PM, ministers and expenditure on chauffers Once again our PM Gordon Brown lectured on the need for bankers to be “socially responsible”! What does that really mean? He and his Government is wasting money on ministerial cars and chauffeurs. Ministers have spent almost £24 million on ministerial cars and chauffeurs. £24million is unacceptable,clearly excessive, and a waste of taxpayers’ money. Last year, the PM and his Ministers were driven around in 93 ministerial cars, at a cost to the taxpayer of £6.3 million – an average cost of £67,500 per car. The Home Office and the Cabinet Office have racked up the highest bills, both spending over £1.8million each on a combined fleet of around 13 cars. The cost is even less justified considering that everyone is making their own sacrifices in these difficult economic times. In a time of recession the PM and his ministers should tighten their belts rather than splurging on such luxuries. Ravi Shah Harrow

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Yes you are correct about the expenses. However, it’s not always about money! It is our duty to point out where our ‘own air lines’ is going wrong. Socially speaking, we always try and improve our own children’s behaviour first and not our neighbour’s! Same applies here. We appreciate Air India for all its goodness, but a little criticism can always make the air lines more efficient! - AV

Franchising: is it right for you? I read an article on page 16 in your last week’s paper (AV 21/11/09) viz. “Franchising: is it right for you?’. I have never read an article of the kind in your paper earlier, and it was extremely helpful as a source of information. I have a few local run small businesses. Though this may not be the correct time to invest in expansion and franchising, but this article has given me an insight to a careful investment. As it has been stated by the article by Mr Tom Endean, the obvious question that lingers on is what kind of franchising would suit me or my business! I also visited the website mentioned, but frankly being a part of the first generation, I prefer to read it on print. Also a personal touch by the BFA members, make our research easier. I was hoping, as a reader’s favourite paper, you will continue to give us more of such insightful articles from the BFA!

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Vegetarianism, protein and climate change It is true that protein is the principal building material for the growth in children and maintenance of our bodies in adults. However, it comes in varying amounts from meat and fish, from cereals and pulses (dry beans, peas, broad beans, lentils and chick peas) and from nuts, oil seeds and oil containing fruit. Milk, closely followed by eggs, is a complete food. See below where M means Meat, F means Fish and PR means Protein Retention. Some nations by overeating meat continue to damage the environment irreversibly. Americans North: M 19.4% F 0.8% PR: 11.9%; rest of protein is flushed in toilet; Central: M 5.1% F 1% PR: 10.1%; rest of protein is obtained from vegetarian sources; South: M 8.5% F 0.5% PR: 10.3%. Europeans North: M 13.4% F 1.4% PR 11.3%; South: M 6% F 1.3% PR 12.1%. African N M & E: M 3.1% F 0.2% PR: 11.1%; African tropical: M 2.3%, F 1.3%; PR: 9%. Indian: M 0.3%; F 0.2%; PR: 10.3%. Indonesian: M 1.1%; F 1.1%; PR: 8.9%. Australasian: M 20.7% F 0.7 PR 11.6%. Russian: M 9.9% F 0.5% PR: 11.4%. Japanese: M 2.2% F 3.5% PR: 12%. Chinese: M 6.6% F 0.7%; PR: 11.6%. Time is running out. Nagindas Khajuria Via Email

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Boyle says Mumbai dwarfed the statuette

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Karma Yoga House 12 Hoxton Market (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 28th November 2009

Family of Geeta Aulakh ‘living in a nightmare’ The family of a mother left dying in the street after an attack in which her hand was cut off have said they feel like they are "living in a nightmare". Mother-of-two Geeta Aulakh, 28, was attacked with a sword-like weapon in Greenford, west London, on 16 November. Ms Aulakh's sister Anita Shinh said telling the children that their mother had died was heartbreaking. Sher Singh, 18, of Southall, west London, has appeared in court charged with Ms Aulakh's murder. Speaking at a press conference, Miss Shinh, of Southall, said: "Listening to them ask for their mummy breaks our hearts and finding the words to tell them that their mother is no more words cannot describe it. When one of Geeta's boys asked where his mummy is, I told him she is the brightest star in the sky

now." Miss Shinh said the family were trying to stay strong for Ms Aulakh's sons, Tejdeep, eight, and Karam, 10. But she added that the two boys may be too young to understand what had happened. Miss Shinh said: "They have lost their mummy. Obviously they do not know the ins and outs of it all, but they know that mummy is not going to tuck them into bed tonight. One said 'is she going to come one final time to say goodbye?' I just do not think they believe it, they expect her to come through the door. They are just too young to understand." She described her sister as "everyone's friend", adding that she was "beautiful, loving and caring". She added: "It's like something you see on TV. You can't believe it's happened to your family, to your mother, your sister,

Maneck Dalal (OBE), Bhavan’s chairman, Joginder Sangar, Bhavan’s fundraising committee chairman and Nalin Surie, High Commissioner of India

Geeta Aulakh with her ex Harpreet Aulakh taken at an office party

your brother. We can't believe it. My younger brother is still in shock. We do not know what to do with ourselves, we can't eat or sleep." Ms Aulakh's parents, father Lakhwinder Singh Shinh and her mother Nardesh Kumari Shinh, were also present to appeal for information over the murder. Mrs Shinh added: "I just want her back. I

expect her to call and I am still waiting for her to call. Geeta had the biggest smile that melted everyone's heart and she was cruelly taken away, leaving two gorgeous little boys who are without their mummy." In court on Monday, Mr Singh was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 1 March. Eleven others are on bail.

West End celebrates ISKCON’s 40th anniversary It has been forty years since ISKCON made its first mark on the streets of London. The unmistakable sounds of cymbals, saffron and shaven heads charmed and startled Oxford Street in London’s West End, reaching the Evening Standard with the headline "Krishna Chant Startles London". The first ever Radha Krishna deities in ISKCON were in London and Srila Prabhupada installed them in Bury Place, the first ISKCON temple in the UK near the British Museum. In 1979 the Temple moved to Soho Street, just off Oxford Street which is Europe's busiest shopping street. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, the RadhaKrishna Temple celebrated with a week of festivities with special presentations from senior

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High Commissioner of India stresses importance of Gandhian values

The High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Sri Nalin Surie was the Chief Guest at the Bhavan’s annual fundraising Diwali Banquet on Wednesday 18th November. The Millennium Mayfair Hotel in London was the setting for the dinner which was attended by many distinguished guests from all walks of life, including members of both Houses of Parliament. In his speech of welcome, the Bhavan’s Chairman, Mr Maneck Dalal OBE, paid tribute to the close co-operation between the Indian High Commission and the Bhavan. Mr Dalal also acknowledged the close ties between the Bhavan and the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and welcomed the

Borough’s Mayor, Cllr Alex Karmel. In his speech, His Excellency Sri Nalin Surie commented on how India and the United Kingdom had impacted on each other in a manner which very few countries had. India and the UK had established a strategic partnership and were in the process of adding content to this partnership in as many diverse sectors as feasible. Both countries were determined to fight the scourge of international terrorism. Both countries were also grappling with the global economic crisis and it was important co-operation be that strengthened in this endeavour. His Excellency concluded by wishing everyone a happy Diwali as well as peace and happiness for the New Year.

Baroness Uddin to face jail?

Dancers entertaining the audience during the 40th anniversary celebrations (Photo courtesy: David C Photography)

ISKCON devotees including Yamuna dasi, Shyamasundar das, Gurudas and Malati dasi ending with the final official celebration on Sunday the 22nd November. The main event was a cultural evening at the renowned Troxy Theatre in London on 21st November 2009. The event celebrated the Hare Krishna's arrival in London and their achievements in the fields of art, culture, spiritual education, Vedic philosophy, food and ecology.

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The Troxy theatre, a huge and classy venue, was vibrant with atmosphere as devotees, Patrons, VIPs and wellwishers poured inside. Hundreds of volunteers were present, who were an essential part of the event. The evening included a three course meal which was provided by Soho Street and Bhaktivedanta Manor. The stage program included performances by The Radha Krishna Temple Band, the Subadra dancers, Krishna Club and not least the Gauravani and his talented band, which included young devotees from the US and Britain. “As the Member of

Parliament for the Cities of London and Westminster it was a pleasure to take part in the celebrations marking the 40th Anniversary of ISKCON in London,” said Mark Field MP, key note speaker at last Saturday's Gala Dinner. “The chanting processions of the orange-garbed devotees in Oxford Street have become a welcome and indeed exotic part of the city's multi-cultural landscape. The help that members of the Hare Krishna movement have given to the homeless has been much appreciated and I hope that they will continue their good work for many years to come."

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Facing prosecution: Lord Clarke of Hampstead, Baroness Uddin, Lord Hanningfield, Elliot Morley, David Chaytor, Jim Devine

Four parliamentarians could face jail terms of up to 10 years if convicted in the expenses scandal after detectives handed their case files to the Crown Prosecution Service as reported by national media. Detectives from Scotland Yard have been looking at a series of individual cases after disclosures of MPs and Peers’ expenses earlier this year. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer, is expected to decide within a month whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute individuals, and whether trials would be in the public interest. The politicians could face charges of fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, or false accounting, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years. The cases relate to four people, including

members of the House of Lords and House of Commons, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said. It was not clear which four individuals were at the heart of Monday’s development, but police were known to be looking at six cases – those of Labour MPs Elliot Morley, David Chaytor and Jim Devine, Labour peers Baroness Uddin and Lord Clarke of Hampstead, and Conservative peer Lord Hanningfield. Baroness Uddin allegedly claimed £100,000 in allowances by registering as her main home a property in Maidstone, Kent, that was apparently barely occupied. A CPS spokesman said a decision on whether to charge the four individuals under suspicion will be made “as quickly as is reasonably practical”.

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Cllr Anjana Patel Portfolio Holder!for Schools and Children's Development Harrow Council

A Day in the Life of an Opposition Leader With the expenses crisis still fresh in the mind, and Harriet Harman trying to close Parliament early for the Christmas recess, people can be forgiven for thinking that MPs still live charmed and easy lives. But hearing David Cameron talk about his day-to-day work, as I did at a Conservative function a few days ago, goes a long way to casting those assumptions aside. The fundraiser, for Barnet Conservatives, was packed with faces of all ages, colours, creeds and backgrounds. On my table, as well as esteemed Asian Voice editor C.B. Patel, there was a 17-year-old activist who couldn’t have been more enthusiastic about politics – despite not being able to vote himself. And David Cameron relayed a conversation he’d had with a lady in her 90s about the 1931 general election; the last time the Conservatives won back the number of seats they’ll need to win in 2010 if they’re going to form the next government. This says something about the challenge facing the Conservatives, but David Cameron did not seem phased by it at all. That’s not to say he seemed arrogant or complacent – far from it – because what really came across was his determination and his focus on winning the election, and putting forward the right policies for Britain. He told us about his diary for the day which, as usual, was absolutely packed. After meeting with a delegation from

Dubai, he gave an important speech to the Confederation of British industry – highlighting the importance of reducing the budget deficit. He then had various meetings at the House of Commons, paperwork to plough through, a reception in honour of Lady Thatcher at 10 Downing Street and one of his ‘Cameron Direct’ sessions – where members of the public get to fire questions at him for a whole hour. His refusal to take anything for granted probably means he’d hate me saying that his conduct and manner seemed ‘Prime Ministerial’, but it’s the truth. It was obviously pleasing that this event was so well attended, and that so many people had come from other areas of London as well. I was fortunate to be invited by Jayesh Patel of Abbey Ravenscroft Park Nursing Home, and it was good to see old friends like Cllrs. Andrew Harper and Mukesh Depala, who attended with his wife. And to discover a little bit more about how senior political figures like David Cameron spend their time gave me a greater appreciation of just how hard they have to work, and just how dedicated they need to be.

Sparkling Reception and Supper By Alexander Hughes, 17 The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Given the brevity to cover the Conservative Party’s Sparkling Reception and Supper, it was in short, a fantastic and very successful evening. The event acted both as a fund-raising initiative for the Conservative Party and as an opportunity for the discourse of politics among the guests of the event. Attended by The Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP, Thersa Villiers MP (MP for Chipping Barnet), Cllr Mathew Offord (Parliamentary Candidate for Hendon) and Cllr Brian Coleman (Mayor of Barnet,) to name a few, the event featured some great Conservative forces in

British politics. There were speeches by Cllr Brian Coleman and Cllr Mathew Offord, and an address by the Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP, where he laid out not only his political outlook, but also made clear the great adversity in winning a majority in the looming general election. As, by my presumption, the youngest guest there, I was glad to be so warmly greeted by many that I had never met before and I was surprised by the level of interest many took into my experience of the effects of politics at a youth and schooling level. I very much hope to attend again and encourage other young people to take a more curious look into the world of politics.

Immigrants make Britain sustainable During election every time, there is a huge upheaval about immigrants, especially from non EU countries and the rules applicable to them. Eamonn Butler in an article in FT viz. ‘Politicians must tell the truth: immigrants help society’, wrote: “For most of this year it has been the evil of bankers and their enormous bonuses. Now it is immigration. Neither are popular when people are taking pay cuts and losing their jobs. So, whatever the reality, politicians on all sides strive to show how in tune they are by sounding tough.” In reality immigration has actually fallen by about 40% from last year. Reason could be anything- from tough labour laws to recession. Alan Johnson, the home secretary, now admits Labour’s policy on

immigration has been inept. The government’s new points-based system is trumpeted as bringing order to this bureaucratic chaos. But barring unskilled workers from non-EU countries does our businesses and public services huge damage. The Home Office is completely inflexible on how the rules are applied. The Conservatives are proposing much the same – that immigrants must “benefit the economy” – but with an overall cap just to make it even more arbitrary. Nor is the new system welcoming to the 250,000 non-EU students who want to come here. Foreign students at least bring in an estimated £8bn a year, paying much chunkier fees than domestic students, adding to Britain’s reputation as an international

learning hub. Now they need to show bulging bank accounts, produce biometric ID and fill out 50-page visa forms without error. Rakhi Bhatnagar, originally from Mumbai, studying law at a London university said, “Immigrants are not just mouths to feed: they have brains and hands as well. They take less from the state than natives do – being 60 per cent less likely to be on benefits or in social housing – and contribute tens of billions to the economy.” Karan Mehta (name changed on request), a city banker said, “the immigration figures that are quoted by Home Office are not accurate. Our country needs highly skilled migrants. They are not just immigrants. I came here 7 years ago, and I have contributed more to this economy than most of the natives of my age. They live

on benefit and are factually unskilled. Can Britain actually reveal, how many highly skilled citizens have they produced? If at all, they are mostly non Caucasian and their parents or forefathers were immigrants at one point of time!” Aditi Mathoor, an architect from Manchester said, “Every government in this country changes its rules for the immigrants. It is not only expensive, it is also impractical. All of them are hostile towards us. But ultimately they don’t understand one thing. With barring the non-white population to settle here, they are making their own position vulnerable. The government in is disturbing reality Britain’s social fabric. This country rests on a social equilibrium of skilled non EU migrants and non skilled locals.”

BNP to appoint first Sikh candidate? Continued from page 1 Guardian reports that Singh, who came to Britain in 1967, used to pen a regular column for the party’s Freedom newspaper and has spoken at BNP meetings where he has been vehement in his criticism of Muslims, talking about his experiences at the partition of India in 1947. He was born in Lahore, which became part of Pakistan after partition, and allegedly blames Muslims for the death of his father during the bloody split of India. The BNP’s members voted last week to hold a party-wide ballot on whether to allow nonwhite people to join. That allegedly followed the

party’s agreement to a court order last month to use all reasonable endeavours to revise its constitution so that it did not breach the equality bill in the face of a challenge to its membership policy by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Singh, a former teacher from Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, said he would be “honoured” to become a full member of the BNP, according to British daily media. “I got in touch with the BNP on certain core policies that appeal to me,” he told the Independent. “I also admire them since they are on their own patch and do not wish to let anyone else oust them from the land of

their ancestors.” In 2001, after the September 11 attacks on the US, he said he wanted to set up an Asian Friends of the BNP group to act as a supporting body and conduit for funds for people sympathetic to the party’s anti-Islamic stance. Martin Wingfield, the BNP’s communications and campaigns officer, is apparently already preparing to welcome Mr Singh into the fold. He wrote to members on the party’s website, as reported by Daily Mail: ‘I say adapt and survive and give the brave and loyal Rajinder Singh the honour of becoming the first ethnic minority member of the BNP.’

However, Breakingnews.ie, an online media from Ireland reported, that the British National Party denied suggestions that an elderly Sikh was set to become the party’s first non-white member. The BNP insisted this was not the case, owing to an agreed membership freeze. Mainstream Sikh groups said they were appalled by Mr Singh’s involvement with the BNP. Dr Indarjit Singh, director of the Network of Sikh Organisations, told a daily media: ‘Sikhism stresses equality for all human beings. Therefore Sikhs who are true to their faith, will having nothing whatsoever to do with any party that favours any one section of the community.’

NHSF (UK) inspires Hindu students at a successful conference The National Hindu Students Forum (UK) held a very enlightening and successful conference for students at the City University on Saturday 21st November. Titled as the Hindu Times, it was much more than just a conference. It was a platform where speakers and students interacted and discussed about the Hindu Dharma- the philosophy, the life, the society and politics. The conference started with a prayer and ‘aarti’ and was followed by a lecture on spirituality by Anuradha Dooney, who presented a microscopic analysis of the philosophy of Hindu Dharma. It was followed by workshops and two more lectures, one about Samaj (society) by Sachin Nandha and the last one about Politics by Janhavi Dadarkar. The workshops includ-

ed interesting topics conducted by renowned facilitators such as Rickie Sehgal, Nishma Gosrani, Milen Shah and many more. The workshops included topics such as ‘Stuck in a Kitchen’, ‘BollyDharma’, ‘BNP: Our Future’ etc. Attended by 355 students, the conference was fresh, full of life and very informative. Appreciated by Tony Blair, PM Gordon Brown, Nick Clegg and David Cameron, it was indeed a spectacular event. Kajal Valani, the President of NHSF (UK) in her concluding speech said, “You are today, you are tomorrow and you are the future. I am not telling you to become experts in either of the fields we have covered today- spiritual, samaj or politics, I am asking and telling you that each British Hindu student present at this con-

ference must go away touching every field and unite to stand on a world platform to be the news you wish to see in the world.” Kishan Bhatt, Public Relations Officer for NHSF (UK) said, “I am truly inspired and proud to see our Hindu Youth use our Dharma to first change themselves and then be empowered to change our community for the better and British politics in the future. One stu-

dent came up to me in the end and said she entered the conference with no purpose or idea of any issue and she has now left determined for the chance to stand up and speak up about the issues raised her statement sent a chill down my spine.” The NHSF members showed high level of efficiency and the event was truly ‘engaging, empowering and inspiring’ for all the attendees from every age group.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Rights

and Wrongs

By Dr Raj Joshi

The True Cost of Love I have to say the fact that the former porn-star Jordan’s departure from “I’m a celebrity – get me out of here” made the news amused me no end. Whilst the world wrestled with all manner of global crises, people here were concerned about a woman whose claim to fame is her obsession with the pneumatic ability of her upper torso. Yes, of course there are those who speak of her “skill and ability“and those that suggest that the mere fact that she is a celebrity speaks of some inherent merit. I am told of her legion of fans and the fact that her books are bestsellers, as though that demonstrates her talent. I am told that at her public appearances that people gather as flies round jam. Flies also gather around other things. It transpires that for all the fame and money that this Jordan has accumulated she is unhappy. Her second marriage is on the rocks and she comforted herself by cavorting in the public gaze with a variety of friends in sunny climes – a sure sign of sadness. Her most recent appearance is adding a further few hundred thousand to her capacious coffers. The cost of love in monetary terms has been very profitable. The moment you trawl the tabloids you see that every other celebrity is hell-bent on sharing their woes in angst in relationships with the world. The reason is simple, money. I wonder how many of them would talk about these things if the media said “yes, thank you for telling us, we’ll donate the fee that we would have paid you to charity”?

The Cost to Society Love is big business and from a marketing perspective it is the ultimate cash cow. Think about the cost of phone calls, texts, cards, flowers, gifts, films and all this just on Valentine ’s Day. The

lines used are so simple “show somebody you care” and by the way spend money. Now my ranting doesn’t mean I don’t approve of love or that you shouldn’t show love – I’m one of the most emotional and consequently saddest individuals on the planet. I just don’t like the commercialism of love and I hate the media’s exploitation of love. Forget about the monetary cost. The real cost of love is when illusions fragment, when stereo-typical happy couples separate and when families are torn apart. The media creates expectations of relationships without problems, without difficulties, of sunny days or snowy days by the fire, of long walks and happy families. Anyone who’s just been through the typical family Diwali or is looking forward to a family Christmas or Hanukka or whatever will know of the pressures that arise. One of my favourite comedy films is “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” which depicts the exaggerated but funny reality of a family Christmas where the image gives way to chaos and crisis. And, in the real world when the crisis starts the cost is of broken lives and shattered dreams. As a jobbing criminal hack, on a daily basis I see the effect on children, couples and families of love gone wrong, of love destroyed. I see the opposite of love, I see frustration, I see anger and I see hatred manifest in violence. You may say that this has nothing to do with love that this is due to socio-economic problems, this is due to lack of standards, due to a lack of values and all my experience is anecdotal. I am, as you know, a simple man. I believe that if you show love, you learn to give love and you learn (and this for me is most important) how to receive love, then you can change the world. The cost of doing otherwise is apparent all around us.

Midland Voice Dhiren Katwa is currently away

The Cost to You So what does it actually cost the individual? Well the first thing is not to count the cost. I always remember a line from the TV series (and you see I don’t hate all media) “Mash” where a young man is going through the pain of first love and asks “what do you do if you love someone and it hurts?” The wizened old colonel who has been married for countless years replies, “Son, all you can do is love them more”. The real issue in love becomes one of self sacrifice. In our modern 21st century society we are not only conditioned but expect instant gratification. As soon as that instant pleasure doesn’t transpire we’re taught there must be something wrong. In the films and the adverts couples immediately fall in love and live happily ever after, children are brought up without pain in happy families. Nobody has to work really hard. Love is instantly given and received. The most fulfilling, satisfying things in life take time and effort – in short, showing love, giving love and receiving love is hard work. It requires effort, tolerance and understanding. In our present society the attitude is “the relationship wasn’t right, it didn’t give me what I wanted so I moved on”. The moving on, particularly in relation to families leaves a trail of destruction which costs the individual and everyone around them shattered lives. So what brought all this on for me? A case at court where I was defending a young man whose life had spiralled into crime and who really had become a man hated and full of hate. A sadly “typical case” of a man from a broken family of whom I asked what would have made a difference and who replied, in anger, “I never had nobody. Nobody cared”. A young man who knew the true cost of love.

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Housewife Daksha Kumar, 65, launches food empire Who says you have to retire by 60? At 65, sprightly Daksha Kumar has just been signed by Tesco to be the sole supplier for its new range of chilled home-style ready-made Indian foods, available in select Tesco stores nationwide. So impressive is her home-style range that even producers of the hit TV show Dragons’ Den once approached her to pitch on the show - but Daksha refused. And her decision to stay out of the Den has paid off, as she launches her vegetarian range, Kitchen Express, her non-veg halal range, Maryam’s and her beverage range, Rani exclusively into Tesco. A bundle of energy and vigour, Daksha is a charming Indian housewife based in Wembley. Her 50-strong product range of chilled starters, main meals, desserts and beverages is inspired by the food that she prepares at home for her family. “Cookery is one of my biggest passions,” Daksha says, “and getting handpicked by Tesco to be its sole supplier of

chilled Indian food is a huge testament to that passion, especially since the range is inspired by recipes that have been in my family for generations.” Daksha’s gastronomic passion has made her a regular fixture at four of London’s major farmers’ markets, where she sells her delicious homemade fare to food lovers across the Capital. The vibrant packaging of each brand reflects the colourful Indian culture – and her personality - and will be displayed in specially designed fridges. Andreas Grammatis, Tesco’s buyer for the Chilled Ethnic range said:

“Tesco’s objective has been to launch a range of products that replicate home-made recipes. Our new ranges target our core South Asian customer by serving their shopping needs as well as catering to their personal tastes. Daksha’s range of authentic dishes serves this purpose as she has a real passion for home-style quality Indian food and her successful venture in farmers’ markets demonstrates her talent in exceptional, cooking home-made Indian dishes.” The Kitchen Express, Maryam’s and Rani range for Tesco includes: Samosas and Dhokra’s, Onion Bhaji’s and Chilli Paneer in the starters, Daal Makhni, Methi Chicken and Kadhai Fish for mains, Gulab Jamun and Halwa for dessert and Salt Lassi to wash it all down with. Other products in the Tesco ethnic food range include Tahira, Thamina and AlFalah cooked meats, Dairy Farm and Dairy Pot yogurts, Shagun Paneer and Cypressa and Taverna cheeses.

Four remanded over terror charges Four men have been remanded in custody accused of terror-related offences after raids in Greater Manchester. Israr Malik, 21, of Fallowfield, Manchester, is charged with intending to commit acts of terrorism. Matthew Newton, 27, of Stalybridge and Haris Farooqi, 26, of Levenshulme, Manchester are accused of assisting others to commit acts of terrorism. Munir Farooqi, 52, of Longsight, also faces terror charges. All of them appeared in court in London. They are due to

appear at the Old Bailey on 4 December. Munir Farooqi, Haris Farooqi's father, was allegedly charged with three counts of soliciting or encouraging another to murder on 6 July, 15 October and 16 October this year. He also faces alleged charges of assisting others to commit acts of terrorism. The four men appeared before the City of Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. Unarmed officers from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit detained

the men last Monday in what was described as a "low-key operation". It followed a 15-month investigation into alleged terrorist activity overseas. A 62-year-old, who was arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences has been released without charge. He is understood to be a Muslim cleric from Bolton. About 120 people took part in a protest over the raids outside Greater Manchester Police's headquarters on Sunday. A force spokesman said it recognised the community had some concerns regarding the investigation.

FA attacks BNP video about Wembley The Football Association last Friday demanded that a BNP promotional video featuring Wembley stadium be removed from the internet. The film uses the home of English football as a backdrop for a diatribe about immigrants in London. The venue was chosen to illustrate the far-Right party's view that the "iconic" neighbourhood had been "colonised" by black and Asian people in recent decades. Barry Gardiner, MP for the Brent North constituency, called the film "vile" and condemned the BNP for suggesting ethnic minority residents were "not British".

The five-minute YouTube video, called The True Face Of Immigration, can be viewed by clicking on a link displayed near the top of the BNP website's homepage. So far more than 140,000 people have watched it. An unidentified presenter, who says he represents BNP South Wales, boasts that he has set out to prove party leader Nick Griffin's recent claim that "London is no longer a city for the British". Standing in front of Wembley's landmark arch, he says: "Wembley stadium is iconic, the heart of British football ... What we're about to show you

is a Wembley that you're not likely to recognise. What you're about to see is horrific." The film takes viewers on a drive along Wembley High Road, with the camera focusing on dozens of people of African and Asian descent. The presenter mocks one man's clothes as "pyjamas", and adds: "I feel like I'm abroad on holidays ... Look at this. This is just total colonisation." An FA spokesman said: "The FA condemns the comments made in the video and immediately contacted the relevant authorities for it to be removed."

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

St Luke’s Hospice Providing free hospice care to the people of Harrow and Brent

‘We are honoured to have been chosen as the sponsored charity for this year’s Awards. The evening will provide us with an opportunity to let members of the community know about the services we offer, break down any barriers that

may prevent people from accessing the care that is available, and help open up our services to all who need them. St Luke’s is a people organisation, we recognise that each of our patients is a unique individual with particular physical, cultural, and psychological needs. Each of our staff members and volunteers has their own unique contribution to make to meeting those needs. Without the commitment of our individual people we could not do what we do. St Luke’s is reliant upon the support of our communities for over 70% of our funding – we need to raise over £3 million each year through fundraising in order to maintain our services. We hope that the AA Awards will enable us to fund at least one of our specialist Palliative Care nurses.’

Services at St Luke’s

St Luke’s – a patient and family perspective

The sponsored charity for this year’s Asian Achievers Awards is St Luke’s Hospice. Thousands of patients in Harrow and Brent have been helped or supported by St Luke’s and most families in the boroughs will know someone who has used, or who will need the services of the hospice at some time in their lives. Chief Executive of the Hospice, Mike Coward said:

The 12 bedded In-Patient Unit offers assessment, symptom management and control, and end of life care. Many patients are admitted for short periods only, for a specific problem, and are able to go home again following assessment and treatment. Day Care. Day Care may offer medical Out-Patient treatment, emotional and psychosocial support through doctors, counselling, nurse advisors, volunteers and complementary therapists, as well as the chance for patients to talk to and gain support from other patients Care at Home. Many patients would prefer to spend as much time as possible at home. The Hospice at Home team provides personal care packages, responding rapidly to patients’ needs so that they can remain at home or be discharged rapidly from hospital or hospice

and die at home if that is their wish. The Community Palliative Care team provides advice and support to GPs and District Nurses as well as providing skilled care to patients in their own homes. Family Support Services. When someone has a life threatening progressive illness, relationships may come under pressure and additional emotional and practical support is provide to encourage and enable families to adapt and find a way forward together. Complementary Therapies. Complementary therapies including acupuncture, aromatherapy, crystal therapy, reflexology, relaxation, sound and music, and spiritual healing, are offered to help deal with a range of issue including pain, anxiety, breathlessness, and sleep disturbances.

St Luke’s – a nurse’s perspective ‘I wanted to work in an environment where I could devote time to providing a high quality of care to patients as well as to families. It is good to be able to support families, during what can be a very difficult time and emotional time. The nurses work closely with other members of the multidisciplinary team (doctors, social workers, complementary therapists, spiritual care co-ordinator and physiotherapists) to ensure patients and their families receive the highest standards of care.’

The hospice is not about death, it’s all about life, and making the quality of life better for the patients in the last stages of their illness. The care I received was tailored to me physically, mentally and emotionally. We felt we had time just to be together, without worrying about hands-on care or chores. My mum was a Hindu and she was able to have her gods out, and read her prayer book – the hospice catered totally to her individual spiritual needs. We could come in when whenever we wanted, day or night; my brother stayed with my mum all seven nights she was here. One of my best memories was when the music therapist played Bhajans for my sister and the whole family – it was beautiful, a really powerful moment to remember. Without St Luke’s I don’t know what we as a family would have done. The care and respect given to dad at this final stage of his life was exemplary. I couldn’t believe that this haven was on our doorstep and we didn’t even know it. St Luke’s didn’t give up on me, and that helped me not to give up either. Nothing was too much trouble for those nurses.

To find out more about St Luke’s please visit www.stlukes-hospice.org or phone Pam Russell or Chhaya Parmar on 020 8382 8000.

St Luke’s would like to thank the generous companies and individuals who have contributed to the AAA Auction

25 Health Club Robert Segal Michael Earl

www.skylinkworld.co.uk 020 8902 3007

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Spriha’s

Kapil’s

Corner

KHICHADI

By Spriha Srivastava

A glitzy evening at Mint Leaf

Models wearing satya paul’s and design by Deepika Gehani (Photo Courtesy: Sohail Anjum)

It was a colourful evening with lively music, a glass of champagne and some canapés. But the actual treat to the eyes was a ramp walk by smart and extremely talented models who were draped in traditional Indian saris along with the most beautiful accessories. Yes, it was indeed a beautiful evening at the delightful Mint Leaf Restaurant in Haymarket where India’s first fashion conglomerate, Genesis Colours (P) Ltd. brought to London its finest designers – Satya Paul and Deepika Gehani, to showcase their Fall Winter 09 collections. The event showcased a range of traditional Indian saris with a touch of modernity to it. It was a very subtle way of connecting the traditions and customs of an Indian woman to the world outside. The traditional Indian sari is very close to the heart of an Indian woman and it defines her identity. The attire characterises dignity, pride and a sense of individuality. But most importantly it shows that she is still very much rooted to her culture. One could notice these glimpses in the entire fashion show. “Maya,” the exquisite collection presented by Satya Paul was the ultimate thing to look out for in the evening. The range was colourful yet sober, ornamental yet classy. Maya, according to the Satya Paul group is an illusion. The inspiration behind the Maya collection is this ‘illusory’ world. This illusory life is portrayed by the use of colours on the fabric as if refracted through a prism.

Maya is all about colour! It is Satya Paul’s way to court glamour and fantasy in the form of colourful patterns on saris and garments. With a deft use of pattern and colour, a beautiful collection of easy to wear pieces make up Maya and ornamental designs, layers, shadows and contrasting elements render Maya a bold graphic look. The same can be said about Deepika Gehani but with a tinge of difference. Deepika’s creation was more focused on being stylish and sexy as compared to Satya Paul which was more traditional and classy. The stylish drapes, in vibrant hues shaded from Ruby-

Jacqueline Fernandez

Coral, SapphireEmerald, embellished with Zardosi embroidery & ‘Gota’ work and encrusted with Swarovski evoked a feel of glamour. Traditional yet trendy, Deepika’s collection personified the character of the modern Indian woman who has adapted to the western lifestyle and yet is very deeply rooted to her culture. The Gossamer Tulle drapes are inspired from the cuts and silhouettes of the Sari. The dress with the skirt really close fitted around the waist and the hips and then flared at the bottom,shoulder drapes is not only extremely flattering to the Indian body types, but alsoIndian flavour – very much in keeping with the Indian revival that the world is currently seeing. Infact during a brief conversation with Deepika, she mentioned that her aim was to connect the traditional Indian wear with the international audience. That is the reason why most of the saris have been designed in such a way that they can be worn like a skirt since it has been stitched together with the pleats and then the pallu can be taken from the other end. This will be very easy for many women from other countries who are quite fascinated by saris but haven’t ventured into buying one because they don’t know how to wear it. The special guest for the show who showcased some of the garments for these designers was Jacqueline Fernandez, who has recently made her bollywood debut in ‘Aladin’. “My association

by Kapil Dudakia - email: kapil@abplgroup.com NHSF – Jai Ho! When I published my review of leading national Hindu organisations in AV several months ago, I gave my one and only commendation to the National Hindu Students Forum (NHSF). On Saturday they proved me right when our youth put together an incredible conference of daring proportions to discuss issues that would frighten the day lights out of most of us. If you have not logged onto their website then I advise you all to do so now and see for yourself the quality and range of their work to protect and preserve our d h a r m a (http://www.nhsf.org.uk /hindutimes/). I also noticed that there were two strategic advisers who tend to gather information for the Tories and Labour on what is happening on the ground. No doubt with the election pending the student vote is crucial and both parties will endeavour to be seen in the best light possible. Such is the prominence of the event now that all three party leaders sent a written message of support. If that was not enough, the one and only ‘Tony Blair’ sent a video message (see website) which said it all, and frankly, overshadowed all other messages. It seems Hindu students have arrived and in their words, “Be the news you wish to see in the world” are apt. One thing that did become clear was how strongly some of the students felt in relation to the many Hindu organisations and their inability to work together with any level of coherency. I do hope that those who should know better take note, and prove their credentials as Hindu leaders by showing how they intend to instigate better governance and work collaboratively for the common

with Satya Paul and Deepika Gehani is an old one. I have shot many campaigns for the two design labels and their support has been great. It gives me great pleasure to adorn their exquisite collections once again and walk the ramp for them

good. The tag line that caught my eye was, ‘Engage, Empower and Inspire.’ Well, the Hindu youth of today did exactly that for me and I congratulate their executive for a job done well. Jai Ho!

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams made an astonishing statement when he recently talked about the Church and how it uses aid money in developing countries around the world. He said, 'There is always going to be the shadow of a suspicion that they will favour their own instead of working for universal benefit, or that they are using aid and development as a vehicle for propaganda on behalf of their convictions, a

cloak for proselytism.’ Well it seems the penny has finally dropped. There have been claim after claim that such aid and its associated missionary zeal has in fact been used to increase the rate of conversions, particularly in Africa and India. It is imperative that any faith that indulges in heinous acts such accepts responsibility and take steps to stop it immediately. I often wonder why the Church, or for that matter other faiths who wish to give aid need to have their name plastered all over it? Surely this goes against the very essence of charity and giving. The insidious nature of conversions, the underhanded tactics deployed and the vast sums of money dedicated for such purposes is a source of great concern. Conflicts continue to arise around the world because so often certain faith communities over indulge and frankly go against the very essence of ‘the word of God.’ Their continued pursuit of numbers suggests that somewhere in all this they seem to have forgotten what ‘faith’ is all about. ‘Faith’ needs to come from within and it needs to be natural and the very embodiment of love. A father with wife and children, poor and destitute, no roof over their heads and no realistic hope for the future will convert to another faith not because he has any love for that faith, but because he loves his family and the promise of food, shelter and education. Is this to be the legacy of such faiths where claiming millions of converts gets you a pat on the back from the Pope? At such times you begin to recognise the warmth and enlightenment of Sanathan Dharma when it states, ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbikam’, meaning “the world is one family.”

here in London.” Jacqueline Fernandez said on her association with the show. Well, what can one say apart from the fact, that the evening was very meaningful. Not because of my glass of champagne but because of the mes-

sage that the Indian designers are sending out. It is indeed a fact that the modern Indian woman knows how to strike the right balance between tradition and modernity. And it is very important that such a message is conveyed to the world.

Polls, and more Polls This week one of the national polls published came back with an astonishing figure of the Tory lead having been cut to only 6%. No doubt some in the Tory party would have had kittens by now, however closer scrutiny showed that in another poll conducted on the same day gave the Tories a lead of 13%. Yes, an astounding variation of some 7% between the two, and it is this unreliability of the polls that may well give the next election a unique signature of how the different parties strive to garner support. If the next few polls confirm the 6% margin then we could start talking about a possible hung parliament. Now that would not only be a disappointment to the Tories, it could potentially give the balance of power to the LibDem’s and possibly even to UKIP. What an interesting proposition, a nightmare for the main parties but a great deal of fun for the rest of us.

Aid for conversions

Let us know what you think. Email Spriha at spriha@abplgroup.com

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Panel begins inquiry on Iraq war

David Burrowes MP Member of Parliament for Enfield & Southgate, Shadow Justice Minister

British soldiers in Basra

A year of remembrance

Sir John Chilcot

The inquiry into the events surrounding the Iraq war began in London on last Tuesday. Over the course of the next few months, Sir John Chilcot's panel will hear evidence from senior civil servants, intelligence officials and ex-military commanders. In opening the Iraq Inquiry, Chilcot vowed that he would "get to the heart of what happened" before and during the war and "will not shy away" from criticizing anyone who made mistakes. The inquiry chairman said he and his team, which includes Baroness Prashar, would be "thorough, rigorous, fair and frank" throughout the long-awaited hearing, which aims to "piece together from the evidence" what went right and what went wrong. He also insisted that as well as hearing from politicians and military officers, "we want to know what people across Britain think are

the important questions", and invited anyone who felt they had "relevant" information to contact the inquiry. The five-strong panel has already held meetings with the families of servicemen killed in Iraq, and with Iraq veterans. According to official Defense Ministry documents leaked to a British newspaper Monday on the eve of the inquiry's opening there was a climate of stark animosity among senior British officers toward American military commanders. The revelations published in the Daily Telegraph show deep divisions existed between the two allies. It is revealed that British officers' refusal to carry out American orders resulted in a formal State Department rebuke in 2004 to Britain's ambassador in Washington, Sir David Manning. The newspaper quoted the British commander in

Tony Blair

southern Iraq at the time, Major General Andrew Stewart, as saying he spent "a significant amount of my time 'consenting and evading' U.S. orders" to take military action against a powerful Shiite militia in the south, and engaging in negotiation instead. The inquiry, which is being held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster, is expected to hear at least six months of evidence before Sir John publishes his report at the end of 2010 or early in 2011. Tony Blair, the former prime minister who contro-

This has been a year of remembrance. 75 years since the outbreak of the 2nd World War, 65 years since the D Day landings and of course the loss of lives in Afghanistan this year. From the Cenotaph in Whitehall to the simple plaques in the smallest village, war memorials are symbols of remembrance to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It is therefore deeply shocking and disturbing when they are desecrated. My attention was first drawn to this problem following the theft of bronze plaques from Broomfield Park war memorial in my constituency. National media coverage sought to portray the desecration in Palmers Green as a oneoff unique event. However this sadly could not be further from the truth. Up and down the country, from Plymouth versially took Britain to war in Iraq in 2003, will be among the scores of witnesses who will give evidence, but he is not expected to be heard until next year. One of the key questions which the inquiry will

to Glasgow, there are incidents of war memorials being damaged, bronze plaques stolen and melted down for scrap and even occasions where they have been defecation by drunks. Following research I have discovered that the equivalent of one memorial a week is desecrated across the country. A particularly shocking incident occurred in Wales earlier this year. Bronze plaques, inscribed with the names of those who had died, were stolen from 3 different war memorials, in Gnoll, Briton Ferry and Llantwit. The police stated at the time that these incidents were perpetrated by one group of people who were taking the bronze plaques to melt down and sell as scrap. Although thankfully the local council were able to replace them, there are situations were the names have to answer is whether Blair misled parliament in any way over the threat posed by Saddam Hussein, who was said at the time to be in possession of weapons of mass destruction which could be deployed at 45 minutes' notice.

on the plaques could be lost forever. The number of these incidents is a matter of national shame. The law as it stands does not properly recognise criminal damage to war memorials. A maximum of 3 months imprisonment is not enough for desecration of war memorials. Such acts are more than vandalism but are attacks on our values and country. I will introduce a bill in this Parliamentary session to allow these cases to be dealt with by Crown Courts where the judges will have access to more severe punishments that crimes of this nature deserve. The law needs to reflect the public’s concern about these acts of desecration which show little honour for the brave men and women commemorated by the war memorials in our communities. The intelligence about Iraq's military capability, set out in the so-called "dodgy dossier", proved to be wrong, and the decision to go to war became one of the most controversial foreign policy decisions in living memory.

TOP TIPS FOR LADDER AND STEPLADDER SAFETY

Rhaynukaa Soni Outreach Executive

Ladders and stepladders are very common and enable construction workers to work at height. They are also the most misused pieces of equipment. Between 1997 and 2008 104 workers died falling from ladders while working on construction sites. A third of those who died were painters and decorators. Almost half of the accidents happened because

the ladder fell or slipped. Accidents can also happen if the rungs or the uprights are damaged in any way so that the strength and stability of the equipment is massively reduced. It is also very common for workers to reach too far away from the ladder so that it falls over sideways. Ladders are very cheap and simple to use but it is also very easy to get complacent about the risks. How can the risk of an accident be reduced?

The law

First, is it really necessary to use a ladder? There are many much safer pieces of equipment for working at height, including a tower scaffold, or podium steps which have small platforms and guard rails, or a mobile elevated work platform (commonly called a cherry picker). Health and safety law requires people in charge of construction sites

to think about the safest alternative before a ladder or stepladder is used. But ladders and stepladders are not banned. A ladder or stepladder can be used for work that lasts a short time – maybe 15 or 30 minutes – and for light work only. They should never be used for strenuous or physically awkward tasks or for carrying materials. Domestic steps should never be used on a construction site. Check the label. A ladder or stepladder must never be overloaded – always check the maximum it can carry. You must never reach too far – always keep your belt buckle between the uprights and both feet on the same rung throughout the task. Stepladders in particular are easy to overturn. Never work off the top three rungs – you need the

Tying part way down

Securing at the base

extra metre to provide a handhold. If you need both hands to do the work a ladder is not the right equipment to use. When climbing a ladder you should always keep three points of contact with the ladder. If one hand is carrying a load then the other hand will sometimes not be holding on – only your feet will be touching the ladder so that it is easy to lose your balance.

A good ladder angle is important – for every 4 metres up, place the bottom of the ladder 1 metre away. You must make sure the ladder is secure. Tie the ladder to a strong fixed point at the top. If this is not possible then use an effective ladder stability device which prevents it slipping or keep the ladder secure at the bottom by wedging it against a wall. ‘Footing’ the ladder, in which a colleague holds the bottom of the ladder, is a last resort. The ground should always be firm and level, and not slippery. Never place a ladder on a brick or plank of wood – you are asking for an accident!

Think before you climb

You should always do a daily safety check on all ladders and stepladders. If rungs, uprights, or rubber

Helpline: 0207 556 2181 e-mail: desi@hse.gsi.gov.uk Website: www.hse.gov.uk/construction/gujarati

Stand-Off Device and working meximum height on a ladder

feet are damaged in any way do not use it or try to repair it. Get a good one. Many construction workers are too relaxed about using ladders and stepladders. There is usually a much safer alternative. The person in charge of your site should not use cost as a reason to avoid the safest option. Don’t take a fall – think about the best alternative before using a ladder or stepladder.

MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Scrutator’s President Barack Obama's much trumpeted visit to China is over; his G2 summit with President Hu Jingtao ended with a warning shot across India's bows, with Beijing accorded a peace-keeping role in the politics of South Asia, Kashmir et al. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs was quick with its riposte: “A thirdcountry role cannot be envisaged, nor is it necessary.” Necessary or not, it is a reality that Delhi must face in the weeks, months and possibly years to come.

U.S. President Barack Obama (right) meets with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao

President Obama has done what one of his predecessors, Bill Clinton, did in 1998, and the Nixon-Kissinger duo established in 1972: but this is 2009 and the prescriptions must keep pace with the changing times. A G2 condominium will not work. The Financial Times duo of Geoff Dyer and Edward Luce (November 20) produced a full-page analysis of Mr Obama's stoop to conquer and concur with his hosts in the heart of the Middle Kingdom. Referring to Mr Obama's declaration, they opined: “The timing is awkward. Next Tuesday [November 24] Manmohan Singh, India's prime minister, will visit the White House, hot on the heels of Mr Obama's overture to neighbouring China....Mr Obama has accorded him the first full state visit of the administration – partly to make up for lavishing so much attention on China at a time when New Delhi's relations with Beijing have taken a sharp turn for the worse”- indicated, among other things, by Beijing's description of the Dalai Lama as “a jackal in monk's clothing.” The FT reporters mentioned recent sharply critical editorials on Prime Minister Singh in the People's Daily, the official Communist party newspaper. His sin was his visit to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, to which China has laid claim. The language of these attacks was reminiscent of those mounted in 1962, prior to China's attack on India in the region. As a long-standing friend of China, the newspaper is possibly relaying a message to the lesser breeds, who were once hewers of wood and drawers of water for the vanished Raj.

Indo-US nuclear deal The FT analysis includes a sly reference to the IndoUS nuclear, signed under the Bush dispensation, which the Obama Administration is pledged to uphold, but may be noticeably lukewarm in doing so. That could well be the case; however US backsliding would surely be counter-productive as it has passed muster internationally and is thus legally valid. Any US obstructiveness now would effectively rule out US companies bidding for lucrative civilian Indian nuclear contracts, to the considerable advantage of Russia and France, who will enjoy a monopoly. “The Indians don't trust this White House,” remarked a South Asia expert to our two correspondents. However, a

senior adviser to the administration, Ben Rhodes, told his FT interlocutors that “we are not seeking partnership [with China] at the expense of our traditional allies.” A Shanghai student at Fudan University took issue with President Obama for lecturing the country's youth on China's internet censorship. Messrs Dyer and Luce conclude: “But in adopting a more pragmatic approach [to China] than his predecessors, he runs the risk of being naïve about how his new partner will respond.” Like Imperial Japan before the Second World War, maybe. Who knows.

Behind China The FT's Alexandra Stevenson (November 20) offered a Cassandra insight into India's failure

to compete economically with China, even lagging the Middle behind Kingdom in fluency in English: India's talent pool, she said, was drying up. Unless, presumably, India caught up with China in the public sport of peasant shooting such as the world witnessed on June 4,1989 on Beijing's Tienanmen Square. Speaking at the launch of English Next India, by David Graddol, Nandan Nilekani, the co-founder of IT firm Infosys, had highlighted “the great potential for the Indian economy because its youth population would be the largest in the world in a few decades.” However, “this demographic dividend” could become a “demographic disaster” if English language education failed to receive a prominent place nationally.

Billionaires ahoy An arresting tailpiece was by James provided Fontenella Khan, who said: “Billionaires in India and China outperformed their US peers this year, according to the Forbes rich list. Their fortunes rose sharply a year on from the global financial crisis, underscoring the rebound of the world's two biggest emerging economies.” In 2009 China's 100 richest have seen their net worth nearly double to $170 billion, from $89.4 bn last year, and India's top 100 reached $276bn, up more than half. The total net worth of the 100 richest Americans fell 18 per cent, although they were still the wealthiest national group with $775bn.

Pakistan, CIA ties Reporting from Washington for the Los Angeles Times (November 15), Greg Miller, writes: “The CIA has funneled hundreds hundreds of millions of dollars into Pakistan's intelligence service since the September, 11 attacks, accounting for as much as one-third of the foreign spy agency's annual budget, current and former US officials say. [Pakistan's] I n t e r - S e r v i c e s Intelligence agency also has collected tens of millions of dollars through a classified CIA programme that pays for the capture or killing of wanted militants, a clandestine counterpart to the rewards publicly offered by the [US] State Department official said. “The scale of the payments showed the extent to which money has fueled

Nandan Nilekani former CEO of Infosysi

an espionage alliance that has been credited with damaging Al Qaeda but also plagued by distrust. The complexity of the relationship is reflected in other ways. Officials said the CIA has routinely brought ISI operatives to a secret training facility in North Carolina, even as US intelligence analysts try to assess whether segments of the ISI have worked against US interests.” Running an empire an American empire, most of all – is a mighty expensive and uncertain business. The Pakistan terrorist nexus of government, military and jehadis is funded by fistfuls of dollars and protected by Chinese muscle. That is the bottom line for India.

More nuclear reactors The Hindu (November 17) reported that Dr Anil Kakodkar, Chairman and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy had issued a statement in Kolkata, which assured the country that the 2020 national target 40,000MW for nuclear power generation would be fufilled, with the establishment of nuclear power parks and plants with international civil nuclear co-operation. “In the next two-andhalf years to three years, an additional 3,160 MW of power will be produced. With this, our nuclear power generation capacity will cross 7,000 MWQ,” Four more units would be ready in five years from now. Construction was on at 24 sites and new projects would commence shortly at another eight places. The main focus of the Department of Atomic Energey (DAE) would be on nuclear reactors and waste, industrial and environmental safety, Dr Kakodkar said.

Hypersonic missiles With the Dragon breathing

fire next door, India's defences have to be primed for action. According to an Economic Times report (November 2), Indian Institute of Science boffins in Bangalore (IISc), along with Indian defence agencies, are developing technology to build recoverable hypersonic missiles which will be half the size of the present numbers. The new missiles will have the ability to target objects 5,000 km away at more than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) and also launch satellites at low cost, said a top scientist worhing on thwe project. Defence and D e v e l o p m e n t Organisation (DRDO) sources confirmed that this technology was being

outsourcing software and electronics for the space projects like Chandrayan-2. “We are in discussion with ISRO to collaborate in the area of robotic design, as they plan to in a motorized rover on the Moon by 2013,”said Wipro vice-president for aerospace and defence Shiva Kumar Tonthanahal. Larsen & Toubro, India's largest engineering company said it was making significant contributions to ISRO's space launch vehicles. “We started by making small components. Today, a complete motor is built by us, which includes its testing. We will be making significant contributions to the development of ISRO's next twenty satellites,” says company vice-president Jayant Patil.

Space India's new space chief, Dr K.Radhakrishnan, in an upbeat interview with the Times of India (November 2) spoke of the preparations underway for the launch of the 4-tonne GSLV Mark 3 powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine. He said the launch would enable ISRO to test several critical technologies like the solid strap on motor 200 tones propellant and liquid stages with 110-tone propellant. The engine was being integrated in the launch pad, he said. Asked about India's

K Radhakrishnan, a renowned avionics expert, has assumed charge as Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization

developed, although this was still at a preliminary stage.

ISRO work outsourced According to a Times of India report (November 11), IT giant Wipro is in discussion with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for

achievement in the remote sensing field, Dr Radhakrishnan replied that this was “on par with the other global powers, But we still need to develop satellites that look mat the atmosphere, study cloud movements etc. Our Cartosat 3 ranks among the best in the world,” he opined confidently. Enough said.

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Alpesh Patel Consultant Editor Financial Voice Dear Financial Voice Reader,

As if this economic journey has not been long and uncomfortable, you would be forgiven asking “are we there yet, is there light at the end of the tunnel, or is that a train heading straight at you?” The US Dow Jones index at the end of 2008 had fallen to a level last seen in February 2003 despite a 2.25% reduction by the Federal Reserve on US Interest rates. With more medicine needed by February 2008 interest rates were cut further to 3% and still the Dow was in free fall, with index levels at more than a 10 year low, last seen in 1997. Large scale co-ordinated rate cutting by central banks, with the Fed cutting interest rates further to 0.25%, the ECB to 1%, Bank of England 0.5% and Bank of Japan 0.1%, the Dow Jones has responded returning more than 50%, at the same time the US Dollar has lost around 20% of its value against the Euro and 10% against the Japanese Yen. Such rapid increases in asset values have been assisted by the huge global stimulus measures; these have the potential to create an unmanageable risk bubble. The US and Eurozone has finally reported positive Gross Domestic Product the UK has lagged behind reporting another poor quarter, to the UK’s defence it was one of the last economies to enter the recession therefore may be awarded one more quarter to emerge. With positive growth the world’s central banks will need to address their loosening of quantitative easing, the purchase of financial liabilities assets by central banks, and the impending risk that higher inflation can unsettle sustainable growth therefore higher interest rates, while inflation may appear a longer term risk for these economies, they should not be dismissed since commodity price inflation is growing in Asia and will ultimately be exported to Western economies through the higher cost of goods. This gives rise to the next challenge for policy makers; Asian demand for commodities has been relentless, the Indian Rupee, a free floating currency, has strengthened to levels reminiscent of pre credit crunch. The Chinese Yuan having weakened against the US Dollar throughout the mid 2000’s remains pegged to the US Dollar at around 6.83, thus giving China a competitive edge in global trade although any appreciation of the Yuan may is seen by some as detrimental to the funding of the US current account deficit, US asset values and the longer term prosperity of the West. Therefore higher interest rates around the world are necessary in the medium term when we also take into account that low interest rates are responsible for bubbles, although normally associated with cheap money, the recent rise in asset values can be attributed to the purchase of stock with available cash, since leveraged finance and hedge funds have become something of the past. This negative view is consistent with our assessment that of tighter monetary policy combined with a loosening of quantitative easing will create additional strains in a sector which often underperforms when the economy is recovering. We expect that there is a medium term bearish outlook for unemployment which will impair the performance of loans recent data from the United States of America reported a steep increase to mortgage delinquencies to almost 10%. In conclusion, the road to economic recovery is heading towards the end of the dark tunnel. The path has been strewn with the debris of 18 months financial fallout and central bank repair work has made the path smoother however the shining light of hope at the end of the tunnel may be obscured two factors; rising unemployment, its social cost and unsettling economic short term implications, i.e. lower consumption, rising bad debts. Inflation needs to be kept in check, while poor consumption can keep some prices down, the risk of higher wages, the pass through effect are of greater consequences for central bankers. If you want to follow my CNBC appearances go to www.cnbc.com and search under my name.

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ArcelorMittal gets FDI nod for stake in Uttam Galva Decks for Lakshmi Mittal led ArcelorMittal to acquire 35 stake in Indian steel manufacturer Uttam Galva have been cleared with the approval of foreign direct investment (FDI) proposal for more than Rs. 5 billion. The Indian finance ministry disclosed the approval in a statement last week. The FDI was approved by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board. ArcelorMittal had last month threatened to abandon its 20 billion dollar steel projects in Orissa and Jharkhand over delays, but said it will look for new sites within the country. The Uttam Galva deal is also currently awaiting a nod from market regulator SEBI.

99 deals of RIL DRs at LSE cancelled BNYM would decide the record date for bonus issue in RIL DRs

Some 99 deals in RIL depository receipts carried out at the London Stock Exchange were cancelled, a release by the LSE said. These were the deals done through automatic trades. The LSE made this decision under the rule 2120, wherein the exchange has the powers to enforce cancellation of trades that it finds are erroneous. “Following the decision of record date for the bonus issue in the above stock and the subsequent trading that has taken place this morning, the London Stock Exchange has cancelled all automatic trades that took place prior to 08.36 hrs,” LSE said in a statement on Monday. As per rule 2120, the

exchange may, in absolute discretion, cancel trades across all its markets, either in response to a request from a member firm or its own volition. The exchange’s decision regarding an exchangeenforced cancellation is final. “Trading was halted in this stock (Reliance) at 8.36”, the statement added. Bank of New York

M e l l o n Corporation (BNYM), the overseas depository of RIL GDR facility, would distribute bonus GDRs in proportion to the outstanding GDR holding as cut off date to be announced by the BNYM, the LSE added. The RIL board had, last month, approved 1:1 issuance of bonus shares after a 12-year hiatus. The last time RIL announced a bonus issue was in October 1997. November 27, 2009 was decided as the record date for determining the shareholders who will be entitled to bonus issue.

Premier Inn of Britain opens first hotel in India Whitbread Plc. group also has plans for Delhi, Pune and other cities A part of the Whitbread Plc. of Britain, the Premier Inn hotel chain has opened its first hotel in India, in Bangalore last week. The group also has plans to set up more hotels in India, with Delhi and Pune being the next targeted cities. They will also reach out to more cities in India in the

coming years. Premier Inn at present has 590 hotels in Britain and Dubai. Aly Shariff, Premier Inn India managing director, in a chat with media at the opening ceremony of the Bangalore hotel said, “There is a huge demand for cost-effective and quality rooms from both cor-

porates and individual travelers.” At Bangalore, the 105room-hotel offers facilities like a multi-cuisine restaurant, gyms, bar and conference halls and is primarily targeted at corporates from the IT industry. It has also confirmed two other properties, he said

but did not elaborate. "We also subsequently plan to look at other metros and tier-2 cities", Aly said, adding the group would be investing around Rs 4 bn to develop these properties in the next three-five years. Together these five hotels would offer around 750 rooms.

Global HQ operations of Suzlon back to India Suzlon, the India based wind turbine maker and a global major has shifted most of its top management operations back to its headquarters in Pune, from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The company had moved to the European location two years ago. It had set up a Group Management Centre in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to run its global business, spanning 21 countries. Now, Suzlon will soon inaugurate a new campus in Pune with a ‘world class work environment’ for about 2,500 employees, named ‘Suzlon One Earth’. This Centre will act as the new global headquarters and the hub for its operations worldwide, company sources have said.

In the past 12 months, most of the 25-plus top executives who were operating from the Centre in Amsterdam have moved to the current corporate offices in Pune. The exit of some senior non-Indian management professionals also forced Suzlon to operate from India, since their replacements were India-based professionals, they added. “The Group Management Centre in Amsterdam is still operational and is an important part of our global operations,” said an executive. Amsterdam currently houses only certain sections of human resources management and research and development. However, Suzlon’s marketing operations in Europe continue to be

coordinated from Aarhus, Denmark, said sources. Tulsi R Tanti, chairman and managing director, had said in January last year that while the corporate headquarters would remain in Pune, the global business would span out from Amsterdam, since that offered locational and operational advantages for Suzlon’s business. Europe is the largest market for wind energy players, as it generates half of the total global wind power. In December last year, Suzlon re-jigged the top management responsibilities and Tulsi Tanti, who mainly operates from Pune, took direct charge of operations. He divided the role of CEO between himself and Sumant Sinha. Toine van Megen, who had replaced Andre

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Horbach as CEO of Suzlon’s wind energy business, was entrusted with supervisory responsibilities at the group level. Suzlon is undertaking a series of cost and operational improvement initiatives with the help of Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and has recently hired John O’Halloran, former executive director of engineering at Cummins as President–Technology. It has brought in former Ford India president and managing director Arvind Mathew as president, Nacelle manufacturing, and Nicholas Archer from Edelman as head of its global public relations, replacing Vivek Kher, who was mainly operating from Amsterdam.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Siddharth Tiwari succeeds Shailendra Anjaria as Secretary at IMF Siddharth Tiwari, an Indian economist with a proven track record in managing complex work programmes, has been named as the Secretary of the IMF by its Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn. He is working with the IMF for more than 20 years now. At present Director of the Office of Budget and Planning, Siddharth Tiwari is set to assume the position, which was held by Shailendra Anjaria before his retirement from the IMF earlier this year. “Mr Tiwari has the experience and skills” to promote consensus building, which is a critical goal of the IMF Board and Management, StraussKahn said in a statement.

“He is widely respected throughout the institution. He has a proven track record in managing a complex work programme, in particular as Director of the Office of Budget and Planning during a very difficult time for the institution,” he said. In the Secretary's position, he will play a role that involves active work with the International Monetary Fund’s Executive Board and its daily interactions with Management and staff. Tiwari holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Delhi, a Master’s from the London School of Economics, and a doctorate in economics from the University of Chicago.

ICICI Bank, HUL among Fortune’s world best companies Leading private sector bank of India – ICICI Bank and Hindustan Unilever Limited, the Indian subsidiary of the global FMCG manufacturer Unilever are among the top 10 list of world best companies for leaders, as compiled by business magazine Fortune. At the top of the list is IBM, the global technology giant. P&G occupies the second spot, followed by General Mills and McKinsey at third and fourth position respectively. Fortune said the list has been compiled by ranking the most successful businesses that are the best at developing employee talent. With a revenue of $7.4 billion and 36,335 employees, ICICI Bank has been ranked at the fifth position. Hindustan Unilever, the Indian arm of Unilever, has been

ranked 10th. About ICICI Bank the magazine said, “ICICI doesn't just have recruiters trolling for talent outside of the company; it also has 600 employees who act as talent scouts internally, identifying coworkers with leadership potential.” The internal recruiters tap 5,000 candidates a year, adding that these trainees are the only employees who get company stock options, the magazine said. Hindustan Unilever, which has 15,000 employees, likes to think of itself as a talent factory. And with more than 1,000 alumni sitting on boards globally, it can certainly make a strong case for that, the magazine said.

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Sri Lanka secures US$ 329.4 mn IMF loan

Sri Lanka secured US$329.4 mn from the stand by loan agreement that it had signed with the IMF after the Fund completed a review of the country’s economic performance. The IMF announced the release of the loan last weekend. The IMF board also approved Sri Lanka's request for a waiver on certain performance criteria. “Sri Lanka's performance under the stand-by arrangement is encouraging,” said Takatoshi Kato, IMF deputy managing director. "Recent economic developments have been stronger than expected, and the near-term outlook has improved. While the Fund-supported program had helped Sri Lanka avoid a balance of payments crisis, fundamental vulnerabilities remain to be addressed. Strict adherence to the program targets and steadfast implementation of the reform agenda will be essential," he said.

Barclays sued by Lehman brothers over windfall profit BaCap believed to have earned US$ 4.2 bn gains on the 1.75 bn purchase Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., the collapsed US financial major has claimed back billions of dollars of excess profit that Barclays Capital has earned from the purchase of Lehman’s US brokerage business in a law suit, court documents show. The suit has been filed by the lawyers of Lehman Brothers in a US bankruptcy court in Southern district of New York. Lehman lawyers claimed in September that BarCap, the investment bank arm of Barclays Plc, received an $8.2 billion “windfall profit” from excess assets it took control of in the fire sale of Lehman's US brokerage business in September 2008. "The windfall to Barclays was not disclosed

to the Court, the Lehman Boards or Lehman's lawyers so as to allow the transfer to Barclays of billions of dollars in excess assets, without consideration, in a manner designed to avoid judicial, corporate and creditor oversight," Lehman said in a court filing recently. A spokesman for BarCap in New York declined to comment. In the lawsuit, Lehman requested the court to order Barclays to “disgorge to Lehman any ill-

gotten gains it obtained” and pay punitive damages. Lehman's bankruptcy on Sept 15, 2008, was the largest US bankruptcy in history. Its flagship US brokerage business was sold to Barclays less than a week later in a hurriedly assembled deal. The charges come after Lehman received approval in June to probe whether Barclays got "too good of a deal" when it bought Lehman's brokerage business, as the British bank was able to quickly book a $4.2 billion gain on its $1.75 billion purchase. Barclays said at the time that it did not expect the probe to result in any additional claims.

Vijay Goel honoured with India’s National Law Day Award At a glittering, well attended conference of eagle-eyed legal luminaries represented by the most hon’ble and eminent noted jurist of India at Vigyan Bhawan on 21st and 22nd November, 2009 – Mr. Vijay Goel, a high-profile London based NRI, partner with the most reputed Singhania & Co Solicitors & Indian Advocates and also the founder of the IndoEuropean Business Forum has been awarded the ‘National Law Day Award’ from Her Excellency, Smt. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, the Hon’ble President of Republic of India for his most exemplary contributions in strengthening Indo-UK business relations. President Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil inaugurated a two-day International Conference of Jurists on Terrorism, here on November 21. It was jointly organized by International Council of Jurists, All India Bar Association, All India Sr Advocates Association and Indian Council of Jurists (ICJ). Chief Justice of India, Dr. Justice K. G. Balakrishnan was in the chair for the inaugural ses-

Vijay Goel receiving the award

sion while Union Minister for Law and Justice Dr. M Veerappa Moily, Chief Justice of Singapore, Hon’ble Mr Justice Chan Sek Keong and Judge, International Court of Justice, Hon’ble Justice Awn S. Al-Khasawneh were the Special Guests. Apart from Mr Vijay Goel, many others were also honoured with different awards for their contribution in their respective areas of expertise. Mr. Vijay Goel has a rich experience in Corporate Law, laws related to Joint Ventures and Foreign Collaborations. Mr. Vijay Goel is also an exponent of real estate transactions in India, UK

and USA. Mr. Vijay Goel has earned a wide acclaim and global fame for advising private equity funds to invest in India. Mr. Vijay Goel has also played a role of a catalyst in listing some noted Indian and US Corporate Giants on AIM, London, which has made him one of the most sought after legal maestro, according to some reliable sources in the ICJ. Moreover, he has demonstrated matchless advisory capabilities in assisting Indian Companies to acquire both Indian and European Companies in UK. Mr. Vijay Goel has been at the forefront of

mobilizing charitable funds as a renowned philanthropist and has been the recipient of “Glory of India Awards” besides many more other awards conferred upon him year after year. After receiving this prestigious award, Mr. Vijay Goel said “I am delighted to receive this award. Today, India has embarked upon to become a ‘Knowledge Superpower’ amongst the committee of developed nations and the Indian economy has to be accorded utmost priority in becoming the champion of Asia Pacific rim in the Corporate and Business World. As the torch bearer and the founder of a top business platform better known as “Indo-EU Business Forum” in 2007, Mr. Vijay Goel has been a guiding light for the top notch galaxy of members of the House of Lords, Indian and European Parliamentarians besides top business tycoons and Corporate Moghuls from India and all across the globe. He is also a special advisor to Commonwealth Business Council.

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FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Moody’s continues negative outlook for Indian banking system Asset quality deteriorating, profits going down International rating agency Moody’s has sounded warning over the credit concerns for the Indian banking system, as it fears that bad debts may be on rise and profits may be going down as the volume of restructured loans is increasing even as the asset quality is deteriorating. Moody’s has stuck to a negative outlook inspite of the fact that India’s largely state-owned banking system has emerged relatively

unscathed from the financial crisis and has won applause from regulators and policymakers for its conservative approach. The broader economy has also proved resilient, buoyed by domestic demand. The agency’s warning perhaps is directly related to the rise of gross npas of the commercial banks. Bad loans have gone up from 11.9 per cent last year to 22.5 per cent this year.

India is one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world and is forecast to grow at 6.5 per cent this year. Almost 72 per cent of India’s banking system assets are in government hands. The private sector holds close to 20 per cent, leaving foreign banks with about 8 per cent. Nondas Nicolaides, senior analyst at Moody’s and author of the report, said: “The rapid expan-

sion of retail lending in recent years, combined with the slowdown of the Indian economy, has led to increased delinquency rates, especially for unsecured retail loans.” While ICICI Bank, a private sector bank, was exposed to a higher proportion of unsecured personal loans, Mr Nicolaides said public sector banks faced bad debts from export-led industries, such as jewellery and textiles.

Air India likely to cut more than 600 flights a week The Indian national flag carrier, Air India is likely to reduce the number of flights it is operating by almost 25 per cent in the months to come. The axe is likely to fall on one of the most prestigious yet highly loss making – Mumbai or New Delhi to New York daily flights. Air India at present operates just under 2,500 flights a week and the rationalisation would bring it down to a figure of less than 2,000 per week. The cut has become imperative after the government of India has made it plain to the Airline that it will help out, but the carrier also has to come up with a plan

to make the operations economically viable. Cutting down on the loss making routes is a critical part of the plan. AI’s management has reported to the GoM that it loses Rs 30 billion annually on just 30-odd routes. AI’s most prestigious flights - daily non-stop to New York from Delhi and Mumbai on the latest Boeing 777-200 (long range) - lose Rs 7.50 billion annually. “We have been categorically directed to cut loss-making routes. So, the airline will witness at least 10-20% reduction in flights by 2009-end. The AI-IA combine incurs a

cash loss of Rs 4 billion every month and this can be halved by axing the bleeding flights,” said a top government official on the directive to cut flights on loss-making routes. Air India has 229 weekly flights. Now a part of the single entity, but when seen in segregation, the no. of flights for Indian Airlines, Indian Airlines (international) and Alliance Air is 1,369, 568 and 329 respectively. So the combined weekly flights of almost 2,500 could drop to less than 2,000 in coming months. The steps could be part of a civil aviation ministry restructuring plan that

Vikram Pandit to continue at Citi with $1 salary Indian-American Chief Executive of the US banking giant Citigroup, Vikram Pandit will continue to work for an annual salary of $1 even as the group raised the annual base salary for two of its executives. Pandit had voluntarily agreed to accept $1 per year in January this year, until the bank returned to profitability. He also didn't receive stock awards, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission last week. Chief Financial Officer, John Gerspach was given a $100,000 rise over his $400,000 salary, while Co-Head of Global Markets, James Forese

participating in received a boost the Troubled from $225,000 to Asset Relief $475,000. The Programme, the bank said both New York-based increases were bank said. approved by The awards, administration's termed a "stock compensation salary," are czar, in an Oct 22 restricted until letter to the Citi. 2011. A third The two execcould be sold utives also Vikram Pandit then, another received compathird in 2012 and the ny stock, with $2.92 milremaining third in 2013. lion going to Gerspach Citigroup received a and $5.44 million awarded $45 bn govt bailout last to Forese. Vice Chairman year. It has pledged to keep Stephen Volk also paying employees competireceived $3.4 million, tively. Treasury paymaster according to the filing. Kenneth Feinberg on Oct The stock awards were 22 approved a total of also compliant with the $118.4 mn of payouts to government's compensation guidelines for banks 21 executives.

Equitable Life Assurance Society strikes outsourcing deal with HCL Technologies of India The 30 year deal is worth US$ 200 million Equitable Life Assurance Society, a UK insurance firm has entered into a 30 year deal with HCL Technologies of India for policy administration, finance, actuarial services, IT operational support and call centre services. The deal is worth about US$ 200 million. Giving brief details of the outsourcing deal, HCL Technologies’ senior vice-

president Stuart Drew said, ‘The contract is ‘evergreen,’ it is for a period of 30 years. The revenue from the deal will come (mostly) in the first five to six years and decline gradually as policies decline. HCL will provide complete solutions.’ The deal has been awarded to HCL Insurance Business Services, the IT firm’s UK-

based life and pensions administration business. Currently, about 340 people are working for the servicing of accounts. “We expect about 100 people will be taken in by Equitable Life, rendering about 240 people surplus. They will be relieved under suitable schemes,” Equitable Life Chief Executive Chris Wiscarson said.

will be taken up by a Group of Ministers (GoM) next week to decide on Air India’s future course and its immediate demand for the Rs 50 bn equity infusion. A senior official said that the carrier plans to scrap 650 flights that fly on what he described as non-essential routes. Such sectors bleed the company by Rs 20 billion per year, he said, requesting anonymity. The carrier is estimated to have accumulated losses of Rs 72 billion as on March, 2009. Among the laggards are the non-stop flights it launched to New York from Mumbai and New Delhi.

Chinese investment in Taiwan to face curbs Telecom, finance and aviation industries to have a 10 pc cap

Taiwan has plans to keep control of its economy with itself amid rapidly growing economic ties with mainland China. For this purpose, Taiwan is to restrict Chinese stock investment in strategic sectors, Taiwanese media reports said last week. Chinese institutional investors will be allowed to hold no more than a total of 10 percent in listed companies in the telecommunications, aviation and finance industries, the Commercial Times reported, citing unnamed sources.

The paper also said the Financial Supervisory Commission will meet with relevant agencies soon to discuss what cap should be set on Chinese investments in less-vital sectors, according to the paper. The report was published a week after Taiwan and China signed three landmark memorandums paving the way for growing cooperation in banking, insurance and securities. The agreements will enable Chinese institutional investors to buy shares in Taiwan's stock market for the first time.

Kerala IT park projects get SEZ status The central government has formally notified the third phase of the Technopark IT campus in Kerala’s state capital and that at Kollam as special economic zones (SEZ), according to the Kerala government. The IT department said the third phase of the Thiruvananthapuram Technopark will be developed over 92 acres, where the construction of a signature building with one million square feet built-up area has already

commenced. Technopark Kollam will be developed on 40 acres on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake. The project once complete will have 2 million square feet of built-up space and will provide employment to around 15,000 people. "Conceptual design for a modern IT building incorporating the green building concept has already been approved for Technopark Kollam," state IT Secretary Ajay Kumar said.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Alpesh Patel’s Political Sketchbook: Alpesh Patel’s Political Sketchbook: Nukes and China “Now I am become the death, the destroyer of worlds’. These were first words uttered in awe when man first saw the devastation of an atomic detonation. They were spoken by the scientist that led the Manhattan Project to create the atom bomb – J Robert Oppenheimer. He spoke them as the mushroom cloud rose on July 16th 1945 upon the detonation of the first ever atomic bomb. He was of course quoting from the Bhagavad Gita. I was reminded of this quote this week because co-incidentally I watched two movies in which this quotation was repeated. The first was the latest Indiana Jones film, the other was the 1990 film – ‘The Hunt for Red October’. Both American films dealing with nuclear oblivion. Equally by co-incidence this week, the Pakistani nuclear physicist AQ Kahn, father of the Pakistani nuclear bomb, admitted in an interview with the Washington Post that the Chinese Government in had provided Pakistan with both the raw materials to make atomic bombs and the DIY kit with which to do it. That AQ Kahn, Pakistan and China are nuclear proliferators leaves the United States powerless. After

all the former is an ally in the war on terror and the latter the bank to America. When I was an intern in the US Congress for Congressman Eliot Engel in 1995 I used the extensive facilities of the Library of Congress to research the lobbying work of the Government of Pakistan in Washington as part of my degree thesis. I stumbled upon a document in which AQ Kahn boasted Pakistan had the bomb – a document I still possess. Working with the Congressman and with the then Minister Political and First Secretary at the Indian Embassy, my Congressman sponsored resolutions in Congress and to the White House and State Department to have Pakistan declared a terrorist State. Those efforts fell on deaf ears. Make no mistake – the US Government knew in 1995 if not earlier that Pakistan not only had the bomb but Kahn was proliferating. For those who are interested the full version of what Oppenheimer said is, "If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the mighty one. We knew the world would not be the same. A few people

laughed, a few people cried, most people were silent. I remembered the line from the Hindu scripture, the BhagavadGita. Vishnu is trying to persuade the Prince that he should do his duty and to impress him takes on his multi-armed form and says, "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." I suppose we all thought that, one way or another.” Oppenheimer is quoting from the 1944! Vivekananda! Isherwood!translation of Bhagavad Gita. This is a line spoken by! Krishna, who is revered in Hindu traditions as one of the major incarnations of Vishnu. It is ironic in 1947, knowing that American scientists had developed the atomic bomb two years earlier, that Britain in bitterly partitioning India, did not foresee Pakistan would one day posses the same weapons and point them with animus at her mother India. The columnist is a former Visiting Fellow at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. He read Philosophy, Politics, Economics at St Anne’s College, Oxford when he also interned in the US Congress and read Law at King’s College, London, qualifying as a barrister.

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Mukesh Ambani beats LN Mittal to top India’s rich list Sudhir and Samir Mehta of Torrent, a Gujarat based group are the new entrants A healthy trend at the Indian stock markets that made two third gains over the past year plus an economic growth of 6 per cent has pushed the net worth of India’s richest people, says the latest India rich list compiled by Forbes. The combined net worth of India’s 100 richest people is 276 billion dollars, almost a quarter of the country’s GDP. The richest newcomers are two brothers from Torrent Power-Sudhir and Samir Mehta, ranked 23 at 2.02 billion dollars. The number of billionaires in India’s rich list also has almost doubled – from 27 last year to 52 this year. The Reliance Industries head, Mukesh Ambani, is once again the wealthiest person in India. His net worth is put at 32 billion dollars, an increase of 54 percent from nearly 21 billion dollars last year. Trailing behind him are Lakshmi Mittal with a net worth of 30 billion dollars, up 46 percent from 20.5 billion dollars, and

Mukesh Ambani

globally." Indrajit Gupta, Editor of Forbes India, said: "The substantial jump in net worth is clear evidence that entrepreneurial capitalism is alive and kicking in India. What's more, the growth in wealth creation has been broad-based. Entrepreneurs from a wide variety of sectors comprise the list." Though the top ten positions remain largely unchanged, there are some shifts in fortunes across the list. Sunil Mittal has moved down from Number 4 to Number 8 and Azim Premji has moved up to Number 4 position.

Mukesh's estranged brother, Anil, whose net worth of 17.5 billion dollars, 40 percent, higher than before, puts him in the third place. Naazneen Karmali, India Editor of Forbes Asia and Mumbai bureau manager for Forbes magazine, said: "Happy days are definitely back again for India's richThe top 10 richest in est. This year's list shows yet India in dollars are: again that when 32 conditions in 1. Mukesh Ambani 30 the financial 2. Lakshmi Mittal 3. Anil Ambani 17.5 markets and the 14.9 economy are 4. Azim Premji 5. Shashi and Ravi Ruia 13.6 right, India has 13.5 the scale and 6. K P Singh 7. Savitri Jindal 12 resources to pro8.2 duce billionaires 8. Sunil Mittal 7.8 faster than most 9. Kumarmangalam Birla 6.4 of the countries 10. Gautam Adani

bn bn bn bn bn bn bn bn bn bn

BA goes for merger with Iberia to take on competition Deal likely to close by end 2010; holding pattern will be 55:45 The beleaguered British carrier, British Airways has announced a merger with Iberia of Spain, which will create the world’s third largest airline by revenue when the merger finally comes off. The two entities have reached a preliminary agreement. The deal is expected to be closed by the end of 2010. The deal ends the British flag carrier’s long pursuit of Iberia to create an enlarged group, able to cope with the industry's

largest downturn in decades. BA shareholders will have 55 percent of the combined firm, to be headquartered in London with 419 aircraft flying to 205 destinations, while Iberia shareholders are to get 45 percent. In a joint statement, BA and Iberia said the merger would provide “enhanced scale to compete with other major airlines and participate in future industry consolidation.” Iberia's chairman

Antonio Vazquez will be chairman of the new company, while BA's Chief Executive Willie Walsh will be CEO. Each airline will have seven members on the new 14-member board. The deal will create a new holding company, which will own the two airlines. The two companies will have dual hubs in London and Madrid, and will keep their own licenses, codes and brands for the first five years of the merger.

ArcelorMittal now eyes Karnataka for another steel plant in India ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel company owned by UK based steel tycoon of Indian origin – L N Mittal has said it has approached the Karnataka government for setting up a steel plant in the state. The steel project in Karnataka will be in addition to ArcelorMittal’s existing plans to build steel plants in Orissa and Jharkhand, a company statement said. Although the company didn’t disclose any details, reports said that ArcelorMittal could be looking at a minimum size of 6 million tonnes. According to industry thumb rule, such a plant would cost about £ 3.12 bn.

“The company has sought approval for its proposed steel plant in Karnataka from the single window clearance committee of the state government. Setting up an integrated plant in the state would depend finally on a host of techno-economic factors,” the company’s spokesperson said. The details on plant’s cost, capacity and timeline will be known in the next three to four months once the technical studies are done, he said. The announcement to set up a new plant in Karnataka comes at a time when work on the two greenfield projects of 12 million tonne each in Orissa and

Jharkhand is yet to take off. The company had earmarked a total investment of £ 13.01 billion for the steel projects. Early this month, Luxembourg-based company said it was looking for alternative sites to set up a steel plant in India, after delays in getting land at existing locations in the two states. ArcelorMittal broke a string of three straight quarterly losses and posted a $903-million profit in the quarter ended September 2009 on the back of recovery in steel demand. Third quarter profit was down from the same period last year, when the company made $3.82 bn.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

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

Put your equity to work I have a client who has been in business for a long time. It’s a family run business where they have been successfully running for 30 years, and have now approached Sow & Reap with a view of diversifying their wealth into residential properties in Central London. He had already used our services to purchase from auction, which was locally in North London where we sourced and completed a freehold property consisting of two flats. This was purchased for £377,500 and has an valuation estimated of £460,000 and is currently generating about £2,600pm. Having established a relationship they were keen on utilising current unencumbered properties to take advantage of the current lull in the UK property market, specifically in Central London. They have four properties, two flats and two freehold houses they wished to refinance. After several meetings to thrash out exactly what they were after and the type of investment they required we finally set up the parameters on how Sow & Reap can work with them to make the best use of the funds buried dormant in their properties. With their current business occupying so much time it was decided they wanted to have a complete turnkey solution, so that the funds would be invested with the minimum input required for the client. The course of action was to purchase high yielding properties in strong locations, to provide a buffer for the family should they ever need it. If the funds were not required they could be reinvested. In order to do this we ensured our interest is completely in line with the client’s interest. Hence Sow & Reap would not have any room to make money unless it was in line with the client’s aims. All sourcing fees and commissions would be waived

and if due would be reinvested into the pot. We also agreed to abstain from investing for anyone else until the funds had been fully invested. The two properties in Harrow have been valued at £330,000 each and the two flats at £460,000 combined. So the total value of the properties is £1.12m, with a gearing of 75% this would release £840,000. Taking off 5% for purchasing expenses this will leave roughly £800,000 this would give us a purchasing power of £3.2m. This would be 10 properties priced roughly at £320,000 each. With each one generating £15k after all expenses and mortgages this will give an income of £150,000. Considering this was buried money it is amazing how this kind of income was buried in the properties laying dormant. The buried funds combined with Sow & Reap’s services has been able to generate these kinds of returns. The important factor here was the solution must be fully managed and under no circumstances did the client want to be involved in the day to day running or with any problems should they arise. There are only two ways to make money from a property: rental and capital growth. In order to ensure that both these were paid attention to in the purchasing of the properties, our interest was aligned with both these aims. Not that the properties were bought purely for their yield, the aesthetics, views and of course locations were paid attention to. Even though all the flats are in Central Locations, we wanted to ensure only the crème de la crème properties under the parameters given were picked up. Capital growth is a post dated cheque. We were aiming for monthly returns of £12,500 as soon as all the properties had been bought. We get returns month to month hence positive rental was

to be generated from day one. One three bedroom flat, which whilst in the process of buying, attracted the attention of another purchaser so we are considering selling. Currently we have chosen four properties. One of the best is a three/four bedroom property in fashionable Little Venice with views of the canal. When we came across this property another buyer was on the scene, through our relationship with the agent we were able to swing this deal towards our way. The second is a three bedroom in the Church Street area which looks and feels more like an independent town house rather than a flat, as the entrance is on the street and it has no communal parts. The third is a three bedroom in Camden though location wise it is only a stone through from St John’s Wood, and the fourth is currently being negotiated. Whilst we’re in the midst of these acquisitions I have come across a beautiful two bedroom property in which a sitting tenant has just passed away. We where the first to see this property, the agent called me straight away and I was at the property within the hour. It was on the market for £650,000 though dilapidated it is cheap for an 860 Sq Ft ground floor apartment in fashionable Bayswater. It has high ceilings, original fireplace and large bay windows, facing the greenery of a square and access comes with the purchase. A rarity to get a blank canvas in this location and with these features. It also comes with the benefit of a long lease and is being sold by the freeholders. When properties like these need work it is often the case that any internal alterations would require the consent of the freeholder. Of course the freeholder would make a charge in granting this consent. It is for this reason we made the offer sub-

Mortgages Commercial Finance Gujarat Properties - Sale & Resale Property Sourcing

ject to the freeholder granting consent, if the offer was not made subject to this condition, we may be facing a hefty fee further down the line. Clearly this was not the original plan. Properties like these will not provide a high rental yield but this will be compensated by more aggressive capital growth. This is a diversion to the original plan and we are currently considering how and if

this will fit in. It is a question of how quickly money could be put in and taken out of the project. Now is not a time to sell, it’s a buyer’s market. Therefore we would purchase, decorate and remortgage the property to try to get the bulk of the money out so it could be reinvested. The rental yield would be poor, I estimate around the 6% mark. A resale would be considered in about two and a

half years time leading up to the Olympics. Every country which has hosted the Olympics have had price increases beyond the normal rise, this is proven. So it reasonably safe to assume this will be the case in London. If you would like Sow & Reap to work hard for your dormant money, call us now for a tailor made solution to help you, call 0207 706 0187.

SALES MANAGER REQUIRED Can you provide excellent customer service and close sales? If so we want to hear from you! We are looking for a sales manager for our India Property Sales. Previous property sales experience is required, as is fluency in Gujarati. Email your CV to eana@sowandreap.co.uk with a covering letter explaining why you would be suitable for this role. Notice to readers: TEJAS MEHTA no longer works with Sow & Reap and has NO association with Sow & Reap whatsoever.

Sow & Reap Call On: 0207 706 0187 Email at: info@sowandreap.co.uk

Sow & Reap Properties Limited is trading as Sow & Reap. Registered in England No. 05083823 Registered Office Address: 31 Southwick Street, Paddington, W2 1JQ

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Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Acupuncture a cure for arthiritis Acupuncture treatment for arthritis and joint pain has been with us for centuries. Acupuncture provides many arthritis pain sufferers with an alternative (or an addition) to modern arthritis medication – which can at best be unpalatable and, at worst, potentially toxic. Acupuncture arthritis treatment may not work alone for joint pain but it can result in powerful pain relief if your joints are angry or inflamed. Acupuncture has been used for arthritis pain relief in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It has recently become a

widely used technique in western medicine both by doctors and others. The use of acupuncture is not limited to joint pain – many other medical specialists now apply acupuncture's benefits to a variety of diseases. Many people who suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, degenerative arthritis and gout seek pain relief from acupuncture either alongside, or instead of, their arthritis medication or other arthritis treatment. Acupuncture

involves the insertion of very fine needles into several points around the body. These acupuncture points are often near to the site of arthritis pain and may be very tender to touch

before the needle is inserted. Other acupuncture points used for arthritis pain relief may be quite a way distant from the affected j o i n t acupuncturists usually call these areas d i s t a l points. It depends on the particular style of practice used by your acupuncture specialist but you should expect to have anything between

Life style

SWATI BHAN

two and twenty needles inserted each time you go for arthritis pain relief treatment by acupuncture The needles used for acupuncture are extremely fine not much wider than a human hair and they are often left in your skin for more than twenty minutes during an acupuncture treatment session. On average one needs between three and six acupuncture treatments before beginning to get relief of joint pain. The number of sessions needed varies. Long-standing and complex chronic pain problems like arthritis might need one or two treatments a week for several months. There is no way to predict how much pain relief one gets after one session. When one first goes for acupuncture treatment, the ini-

tial session might last about an hour. Follow on appointments are often shorter in length. Anything between two and twenty very thin needles are put in place and left in the skin for several minutes. Having needles stuck in the body may not sound like fun but most people say that there is only a slight stinging sensation as the needles enter, and no pain at all after that. The acupuncture specialist may stimulate the needles by turning or rotating them quickly during your treatment session. Most people do not experience side effects from acupuncture therapy but a few can have problems such as bleeding or mild allergy. Some feel dizzy after the first session if acupuncture treatment is being done for the first time.

By Mamta Bhatia, Psychologist

Tips to be tops! You are born with two fears in life, falling over and loud noises. Every other fear you have is learnt and man made. It is important that you stop relying on the approval of others to justify who you are, what you are and how you choose to live your life. When you use others opinion of you as a barometer of your self worth you are at their mercy. Revise your strengths and stand up tall. We all have faults, no one is perfect, and we know this. But, remember, you have strengths too. List 50 reasons why you are excellent, read this morning, day and night. See it and believe it, be your own best friend, not your own worst enemy. Think about what you stand for and represent. Being clear on your personal branding, know that by having this you immediately gain confidence. One creative way of defining this

is by spending some time alone reflecting. Make the choice to have confidence to discover your strengths. Remember the positive truth about you and have the courage to believe, draw and trust that it is true. Challenge the negative voices in your mind and be your own best friend not your own worst enemy. Notice the noise in your mind and write down what are you telling yourself. Split your thoughts into two categories: positive – helpful to me, negative – unhelpful to me. Focus all your energy and attention on the positive; make the most of these thoughts and the least on the negative. Scrub them out and realise that they are like a disease, carrying pollution that will definitely impact and stop you from being the best you can be. The only person you can change and control is you. Think about what

you are going to do that will catapult you out of your comfort zone and how this will this help you leave your legacy. Visualise your funeral, and what people are saying. Work backwards and plan about what you need to do to create this impact. Learn to pay attention to opportunities that will and grab them because if you don’t somebody else will. You’ve got what it takes and you’re worth the effort it will take to find your truth and build a successful life, remember, nobody is going to give you confidence on a plate, you have to do it for you, remember its okay, you don’t need anything that you don’t have within you to be confident. The quicker you understand, acknowledge and accept accountability for your life the quicker your results will be as you desire. Go for it now. The future is promised to no one!

If you have any questions write to mamta@abplgroup.com

Silk Silk, at the Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton, is a classic venue for a quiet and private dinner. Used as a magistrates court, till recently, the restaurant still preserves the ambience of a historical building. Tucked away in an elegant dining room just off the hotel lobby, the combination of Silk's exclusive courtroom setting and innovative Asian-fusion cuisine, offers a fine-dining experience with unique appeal, quite unlike any other venue in central London in terms of ambience. Lit by a stunning vaulted glass ceiling and framed in English Oak panelling, the vibrant eatery features the original judge’s bench, dock and witness stand from its days as the Great Marlborough Street Magistrates Court, which witnessed the trials of Oscar Wilde, Mick Jagger and John

Lennon. Now a destination for more culinary pursuits, the restaurants’ past has been superbly incorporated to create a charming, romantic dining venue. Sampling flavours from the ancient oriental

trade pathways, expertly prepared by Head Chef Rajesh Parmar and his talented team, the dishes served are quite exquisite and unusual. Harking back to the days when spices were traded as precious commodities across the sub-continent and beyond, dishes are infused with the treasured tastes of the east, focusing on Chinese, Indian and Thai accents paired to create arresting flavour compositions.

As the menu is reworked two to three times per year, the flavours and themes are constantly fresh and exciting, promising a sensational dining experience on every occasion. The taste of the food is a little unusual. It may not appeal the mass, but it definitely attracts people with a passion for exclusive and off-beat cuisine. The restaurant has an extensive wine list, including sweet wine and some tempting cocktails. The hospitality and quality of food are second to none. However, as far as the quantity are concerned, it is meant for small eaters, or if I may say for petite eaters only. The food is value for money and well explained on being served. Ratings

Food Taste: Food Quality: Hospitality / Service: Quantity: Décor:

✷✷✷ ✷✷✷✷ ✷✷✷✷ ✷✷ ✷✷✷

Silk, Cost: !35-!45/head Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton 19-21 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7HL Phone: + 44 (0) 20 7297 5555 If you want to get your restaurant reviewed call Rupanjana at 020 7749 4098 or write to rupanjana@abplgroup.com

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

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Big B enjoys experimenting with his roles Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who plays a 13year-old child in the upcoming film 'Paa', feels that freedom from playing the leading man has given him the leisure and choice to experiment with his looks and roles. "I am happy that I am getting strong character roles. When I was younger I was the leading man for which you have to look good... woo a leading lady... there is a villain. Now because of my age I can't do these roles. Not being the leading man anymore gives me freedom to experiment with different roles and looks," Bachchan said in an interview. The 67-year-old actor plays Auro in 'Paa', a 13-

year-old child suffering from progeria, which accelerates ageing. Bachchan has also done the role of 'genie' in film 'Aladin' and a ghost in 'Bhootnath. "It is very challenging to be offered these kind of different roles. For an artist every day is a challenge and it is good to try out different genres. Earlier, it was said that you are doing the same kind of films and now I am told that there is a lot of experimentation," he said. 'Teen Patti' has Bachchan playing Venkat, a Mathematics professor, 'Rann' will see him as Vijay Harshvardhan Malik, a media baron and 'Johnny Mastana' has Big B as John

Pereira, an elderly man on a journey of self discovery and penance. But the most challenging role in the actor's four decade long career seems to be enacting the role of a child, where his father's role is played by none other than his real life son A b h i s h e k Bachchan. "It was a challenge to get into the make up and playing the role of a child. The make up made life easier while playing the character," Bachchan said.

Sanjay Dutt’s beard plays villain Sanjay Dutt's schedule has gone haywire, all thanks to the beard that he has grown for his role in Mani Shankar's 'Knock Out'. The beard was supposed to come off this month after the completion of the schedule for Shankar's film. But Sanjay's mentor, Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, played the spoilsport when he asked him to campaign for the assembly elections in Maharashtra and it affected the shooting schedule. 'Sanjay Dutt was sup-

posed to complete the current schedule of 'Knock Out' and then move on to Indra Kumar's 'Dhamaal Part 2', the next schedule of Anees Bazmi's 'No Problem' and the remaining portion of Bunty Walia's 'Lamhaa'. 'But suddenly Sanjay got a call from Amar Singh asking him to campaign for

the assembly elections in Maharashtra. Sanjay immediately gave the dates required. As a result, his schedules were thrown off by two weeks,' said the source. T w o weeks in i t s e l f would've not been such a setback were it not for the b e a r d .

Apparently, Sanjay refused to shave off the beard to work on other pending projects simultaneously with 'Knock Out'. 'Sanjay feels a false beard would cut into the authenticity of his character in 'Knock Out'. He refused to shave off the beard and take on the other projects after the delay caused by the assembly elections. He requested other producers to push dates until he could finish with his bearded look,' said the source.

Ranbir is getting closer to Shazahn Padamsee now? It’s the season of break ups it seems. First there were reports of Shahid Kapoor breaking off with Priyanka Chopra and now there are reports coming in of Ranbir Kapoor breaking up with his actress girlfriend Deepika Padukone. However, it is learnt that he is finding solace in another close friendship with a co-starlet. Insiders claim the reason for Ranbir –Deepika’s

love story allegedly going kaput was being attributed to Ranbir’s mother Neetu Singh and his friendship with co-star Katrina Kaif, we hear that there is one

more girl in the picture now and it is Ranbir’s film “Rocket Singh’s” co-star Shazahn Padamsee. According to sources, "The two met on the sets

of the film and hit it off instantly. They are pretty close now and Deepika is not too happy. Ranbir and Shazahn enjoy each others company and they keep in touch constantly. They also make it a point to meet up whenever they are free. There’s already so much speculation about the rift between Deepika and Ranbir and this new friendship has only made things worse."

Rahman to headline Sydney Festival 2010

Oscar winning musician A.R. Rahman will headline the world famous “Sydney Festival 2010” in Australia on January 16. Rahman’s two-and-ahalf hour free and exclusive music-dance performance will also see over 40 Bollywood dancers, singers, and musicians at outdoor Parramatta Park near Sydney. Festival website says about Rahman: “Sydney Festival is proud to celebrate this inspiring and

multidimensional artist”. New South Wales Premier and Festival President Nathan Rees reportedly described Rahman as “without doubt one of the world’s

great talents”. Acclaimed IndoAmerican statesman Rajan Zed has applauded Rahman for creating a bridge between the music of east and west and for strengthening the worldwide market and stature of Indian music. F o r t y - t h r e e Rajasthani musicians from India will also stage during this Festival “The Manganiyar Seduction” concert in a whimsical custom-built ‘magic box’. Directed by Roysten Abel, the repertoire

ranges from ballads about kings to mystics written Sufi songs and songs marking marriage-birthfeasts-rains; and the ensemble spans three generations. Showing multi-cultural Australia, Festival First Night will include music-dance performances by “Bobby Singh & Friends”, including Australia’s leading table player Bobby Singh, S a r a n g a n Sriranganathan, The Bollywood Sensations, Rasa Duende, etc.

Nikhil Advani hunts for a teen-actor Nikhil Advani is on a quest for a teenactor to play A k s h a y Kumar at 17 in his next film Patiala House. The director, who has worked with Akshay in “Chandni Chowk To China,” has decided to launch a national hunt to find a young boy to play the younger Akshay Kumar. The contest will start on December 1 and go on till December 15 and the finalist will be selected by Nikhil Advani and Akshay Kumar himself. “Patiala House” will go on floors in December this year and will be shot extensively at South Hall, London. It's a story of Gurkreeat Singh Kalon (Rishi Kapoor) who rules his family with an iron hand. Akshay Kumar plays his son. Besides Rishi and Akshay, the film also stars Anushka Sharma and Dimple Kapadia. Scheduled for a 2010 Diwali release, the film is produced by Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Talreja.

Drunk Delhi girl slaps Salman Khan Bollywood star Salman Khan got a shock of his life in Delhi when a local builder's drunk daughter Monika allegedly barged into Salman's private party and slapped him. All this happened in the presence of Sohail Khan, Sushmita Sen, Raima Sen, Ria Sen, Amaan Ali, Ayaan Ali, Shibani Kashyap, Vijender Singh and other dignitaries from Delhi social circle present on the occasion. To everyone surprise, Salman Khan, at his chivalrous best reacted calmly and instructed the security guards to escort the lady out. A source said, “After the fashion show by Sanjana Jon, a private party was being held at a five-star hotel in Delhi. A sloshed Monika accompanied by a male friend first tried to forcefully enter the party venue. She was too loud and completely out of control because of her inebriated state. Sohail Khan, who was standing close to the entrance, saw the hungama and asked the security guards not to let Monika in. Meanwhile, Salman heard the commotion and walked to where Monika was making a fuss. She was misbehaving and started bragging about her connections and abused Sushmita Sen. When Salman very politely asked the girl to leave, she suddenly slapped the actor,” adds the source. But that wasn't all. Monika also ended up abusing Sushmita Sen, Sohail Khan and other guests who were present at the party before she was finally thrown out.

Nana Patekar to launch his son Nana Patekar is launching his son, Malhar as an actor, with his second directorial venture which will be based on autism. “Prahaar” (1991) was Nana’s directorial debut. Prakash Jha will be producing the film, despite claims that he had broken off all ties with Nana. The presenter of the film will be Reliance Big Pictures. The film will be a story about a father and his autistic son and stars Nana, Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah and Atul Kulkarni. The female lead of the film is yet to be chosen. Prakash Jha confirmed that he will be producing the film but Reliance Big Pictures has rubbished the rumours about them presenting it, claiming it is all speculation.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Shilpa-Raj: A couple now Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty on Sunday exchanged wedding vows with London-based businessman Raj Kundra in a close-knit family affair in Khandala, a hill station in Maharashtra. "Everything went very well. All parents want their children to get married happily and that goes the same for Shilpa's parents as well. They are very happy, " said Kiran Bawa, Shilpa's friend and business partner, after the wedding. "Raj and Shilpa both

Aish is the new boss of ABCL Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the daughter-in-law of the Bachchan family, has taken up the responsibility of reviving the Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL) which was in the doldrums. According to sources, Bachchans are extremely confident about “Paa” made under ABCL after a series of flops, doing well at the box-office. Aishwarya has played a pivotal role in planning the marketing strategies of “Paa.”

So, to continue with some good projects they have chosen Aishwarya to head the banner for the reestablishment.

Zoya Akhtar all ready to start her next venture Zoya Akhtar, who earlier this year made an impressive debut with “Luck By Chance,” is all set to start her second directorial venture “Running With The Bulls” (working title). While her first film had quite a few bigwigs of Bollywood make a fleeting appearance, her second film too has quite a stellar cast. Running With The Bulls stars Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol in lead roles making it an extremely interesting casting coup of sorts. Shooting for the film begins in January 2010 at various locations such as Greece, Turkey, Thailand, UK and India. Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under their banner Excel Entertainment, the film will have lyrics by Javed Akhtar. Other crew members include Carlos Catalan as the DOP, Suzanne Caplan Merwanji as the production designer, Nandini Shrikent as the casting director and Arjun Bhasin as the costume designer. The film is expected to be released in December 2010.

were very nervous before the marriage but now they are happy. We are going straight to Raj's house in Mumbai, " she added. Wearing a red sari designed by Tarun Tahiliani, the 34-year-old exchanged vows with Kundra as per the Bunt tradition, according to the Mangalorean community that the Shettys belong to. The groom was sporting a maroon sherwani with golden embroidery and

a turban with his face veiled by a sehra (string of pearls). He was also holding a sword in his hand, as per Indian tradition. Kundra left Amrit Villa, located about five minutes away from Bawa Villa, where the wedding was held, in a two-horse chariot. Sunday's wedding was the climax of the two-day festivities that included a sangeet ceremony on Saturday night.

A son like Abhi: Vidya’s wish Vidya Balan, who plays Amitabh Bachchan’s mother in “Paa”, was so impressed by Abhishek’s caring behaviour towards his father during the shooting that she confesses she would like to have a son like Abhishek in real life. “I would prefer a son like Abhishek. I have seen him with his father on the sets… he was so nice to his father that I was touched,” Vidya told reporters. Director R. Balakrishnan’s “Paa” is an emotional story of a father-son relationship and Amitabh will be seen as Abhishek’s 13-year-old son Auro who is suffering from a rare disease progeria, that accelerates age-

ing. The film releases on Dec 4. “The film is all about Auro and all through the film there is a certain sensibility about Auro, but no sympathy is shown towards the 13-year-old progeric child in the film,” said Vidya. When the director approached her for the

role, she wasn’t sure about playing the mother of a progeric child. “Initially, I wondered how to do the role as I didn’t have that motherly instinct. But while working on the film I realised what motherhood is,” said Vidya. She says p l a y i n g Amitabh’s m o t h e r wasn’t difficult a t all.

Madhuri all set to play Indira Gandhi in new biopic Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit is all set to essay the role of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in a two-part biopic by filmmaker Krishna Shah. The Golden Globe nominated Shah has been writing the script of the film for last 23 years and he now plans to bring it onscreen by the end of 2011, Variety magazine reported. The renowned director-producer, who has earned critical acclaim both on Broadway and in Hollywood, has roped in Dixit to play the lead in his ambitious project. Shah hopes to begin shooting in April in India and also plans to shoot some parts in the US, UK and Russia. "It's such an exciting, dramatic story. The canvas of her life is too

big to be contained in one film," the writer-director said. "It will be in Hinglish," Shah said, adding that the film will have no songs and will be different from a Bollywood-style movie. Shah's direction credits include films like “Hard Rock Zombies,” “American Drive-In,” “Cinema Cinema” and “Shalimar.” The 42-year-old Dixit is known for her roles in blockbusters like Beta, Tezaab, Dil and Devdas. Her last Bollywood film was Aaja Nach Le, which did not do well at the box-office.

“I was a bit concerned initially but it was smooth sail once we started working together.” Asked if it wasn’t a risk to play a mother so early in her career, she said: “I didn’t see any risk, rather it was a lifetime opportunity to get to work in such a wonderful film.”

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

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BollyKats

Kareena wants to hide her lovemaking scene from mother

A Venus production by Ganesh, Girish and Ratan Jain, presented by Eros International, De Dana Dan is a comedy flick with a huge star cast and some what crazy storyline. Nitin Bankar is a personal butler, cook, driver, watchman, gardener to a wealthy female industrialist in Singapore. Like all young men, Nitin too dreams of a better life, but misfortune is his constant companion and his reality is his job under the wealthy lady. He is desperate to get rich and marry his love, Anjali Kakkad. She is also his constant source of support, financially. Ram - Nitin's best friend also came to Singapore with the dream of striking it rich, but ended up as a courier delivery man. He falls for Manpreet Oberoi but her wealthy parents will never approve of marriage, not unless Ram has lots and lots of money. In the midst of all this, Harbans Chadda, a shrewd businessman, is looking for ways to multiply his income and avoid his debtors. He thinks the best way would be to marry his son off to a girl whose parents can give him a huge dowry. He is introduced to Manpreet’s parents at a Diwali function and is impressed by their social status. He introduces himself as a well-established businessman, impresses them and they decide to get Manpreet and Harbans' son (Chunky Pandey) married. With many factors against them, Nitin and Ram soon reach a dead end in their relationships. As both receive ultimatums from their girlfriends, they realise that only a life of vice can help them out of their misery. They come up with an audacious plan to kidnap someone important and demand a ransom. The kidnapping goes well, and both hide out at a local hotel while waiting for the ransom money. But misfortune is chasing them closely, and the kidnapping spirals out of control. Meanwhile, Manpreet's wedding reception is being held at the same hotel that Nitin and Ram are hiding in. Soon, they are joined by a motley set of characters including a Chinese Don, a hired assassin, an ACB police inspector, a club dancer, an ambassador, a young frustrated double crossing wife, a letch, a drunken waiter.... The film is full of twists and turns, it remains to be seen if it can evoke laughter from the audience and fill the coffers. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film has music by Pritam, Rdb and Ad Boyz. The lead cast includes Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Neha Dhupia, Sameera Reddy, Johny Lever, Archana Puran Singh, Manoj Joshi, Tinu Anand, Chunkey Pandey, Asrani, Vikram Gokhale, Rajpal Yadav, Aditi Govitrikar and Supriya Karnik.

New Hindi movie releasing this week De Dana Dan

Top 5 Bollywood movies for the week ended 20th November No. Film 1. 2. 3 4 5

2012 Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani Tum Mile Aao Wish Karein Jail

No. Last Week New 1 New New 2

Total weeks 1 3 1 1 3

Kareena Kapoor, who is jittery about her bare-back scene, has requested Karan Johar to delete the love-making scene in just the one show which would be attended by her mother Babita and her friends. Kareena said, “I asked Karan if he could hide that one reel only from mom's trial”. However, Karan flatly turned down Bebo’s request. The director

reportedly told her, ” Shut up Bebo, and go take a walk. I'm doing no such thing.” Bebo is in Sydney now shooting for Johar's “Step Mom” with Kajol. But insiders said, she was totally worried about the fact how her immediate family would react to this one scene, right till the time she boarded her flight. But perhaps the

actress didn't know that her mom and her pals are not the only ones to have an exclusive dekko at the film. There is an unconfirmed buzz in the tinsel town that Rensil D’Silva will hold an exclusive premiere for the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in New Delhi as well.

Farah Khan dumps SRK for husband, picks Akki Has Farah Khan dumped SRK for Akki? Eveyone is asking the same question in tinsel town these days and why not? The choreographer-cum-director has chosen to stand by her husband Shirish Kunder’s decision to make her next directorial, ‘Tees Maar Khan’, with Akshay Kumar and not with best pal Shah Rukh Khan. Incidentally, Shirish has also written “Tees Maar Khan” and will be producing it along with Akshay’s production house, which confirms the rumours that Farah’s hubby and SRK don’t share the best of rapport. SRK had also given the nod to “Tees Maar Khan” to be directed by Shirish initially, then later had second thoughts about it. Shirish was also in talks with Shah Rukh Khan for another film- “Joker,” but that didn't work out as well. Confirming the news a source said, “Farah was busy scripting her film, ‘Happy New Year with

Katrina to sing for A R Rahman Katrina Kaif, who admits that she is a bathroom singer only, is set to sing for A R Rahman’s album. It is a children’s nursery rhymes album, which was supposed to actually feature Katrina in a video. However, she has now been asked to sing a few songs in the album. However, here’s the catch. The songs will be in Hindi. And Katrina has taken up the challenge gladly. Katrina stated that while it will be challenging to sing in Hindi, she is ready for it. It would have been easy if it was in English, but she has no qualms over Hindi either. She is tired of people making remarks about her Hindi and is working on it now. Katrina is now practicing for her singing debut.

SRK in the lead when Shirish managed to convince Akshay for ‘Tees Maar Khan’. He has been working on the subject since a long time. The film

will go on the floors in March next year. This is the first time that Farah will be directing a film without SRK.” Farah was almost

ready with her script for “Happy New Year” but the film got delayed. The source adds, “SRK is set to start working on Ra. One from early next year. It will be followed by Farhan Akhtar’s Don 2. It obviously means that Farah’s film will not start before 2011. Ask Farah if everything is well between SRK and Farah and she says, "There’s no stress between SRK and me. In fact, he’s very happy for me and our production house and has offered every kind of help that I might need while doing the film.”

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

NASA signs agreement with ISRO for use of Indian satellite US space agency NASA has signed an agreement with ISRO to use data from Indian satellite Oceansat-2, for various American agencies for research activities, including weather forecasting. Launched on September 23, 2009 using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle from Sriharikota, Oceansat-2; is designed to provide service continuity for operational users of the Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) instrument on Oceansat-1. The agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation will lead to the use of data from Oceansat-2 for various US agencies for research, education and other activities of public good including weather forecasting.

The Letter of Intent in this regard was signed by Michael H Freilich, Director Earth Science Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Mary E Kicza Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information Science of the Oceanic and A t m o s p h e r i c Administration; and R R Navalgund, Director, Space Application Centre, ISRO. The signing ceremony was done in Washington on the sidelines of Sixth Plenary Session of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO). The Deputy Chief of Mission, Indian Embassy, Arun K Singh; and Deviprasad Karnik, Counsellor (Space) were

also present on the occasion. The Letter of Intent signed between ISRO, NASA and NOAA under the overall Joint Civil Space Cooperation agreement promotes opportunity for receiving Oceansat-2 data by the US agencies for research, education and activities of public good. The joint activities would include calibration, validation, algorithm development, scientific investigations and operational applications. While ocean colour data is envisaged to be useful for fisheries, monitoring of harmful algae and in studying global carbon cycles, wind vectors from scatterometer would be useful in facilitating better weather forecasting.

7,700 couples tied the knot at TTD sponsored mass marriages in Andhra Pradesh As many as 7,700 couples tied the knot recently at the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams (TTD) sponsored programme of mass marriages Kalyanamastu - all over Andhra Pradesh. Both the TTD and the State Government made elaborate arrangements for the programme on 28th October. These weddings were conducted at the auspicous muhurtham between 9.20 a.m. and 9.32 a.m., amidst chanting of vedic hymns. These marriages were conducted at TTD

Kalyana Mandapams, temples and in select places all over the State. The TTD provided free of cost, for each couple, a golden mangalasutra, silver mettelu, new clothes and lunch to the relatives of bride and bridegrooms. In the State capital Hyderabad, Governor Narayan Dutt Tiwari, Chief Minister K Rosaiah, a host of ministers, TTD chairman Audikesavulu Naidu and senior bureaucrats attended the function at Lalithakala Thoranam in Public Gardens. The dignitaries

blessed the newly-wed couples. Among other places, 363 couples in Nalgonda district, about 500 couples in Adilabad, about 660 couples in West Godavari and 425 couples entered the wedlock in the East Godavari district. In Kakinada, it was 425 couples, while it was just 10 in Rajahmundry district. The Kalyanamastu programme was organised with a view to help poor people save expenses of marriages.

Taj Mahal was perhaps conceived in Ahmedabad Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and one of the world’s most beautiful architectures, was perhaps conceived in Ahmedabad, if historian James Douglas is to be believed. The greatest monument of love anywhere in the World, one of the eight wonders of the world for long now, Taj Mahal though is built in Agra on the banks of river Yamuna, but it is believed that the Moghul King Shah Jahan who built it there, was in Ahmedabad for a few years before he was crowned king. In Ahmedabad, he was serving as the governor of Gujarat for his father, Emperor Jehangir. Mumtaz Mahal was also with him in the city, where he had his early training as an architect. He was very much inspired by the marvels of building art in the city. Shahibaug area of the

city is named after him. The Sardar Patel Smarak, which had once also served as the Raj Bhavan of Gujarat before Gandhinagar shaped up, was Shah Jahan’s creation. According to a report in ‘The Times of India’, Douglas notes in his book ‘Western India’ published in 1893 that the Moghul king acquired a taste for architecture and cultivated it during his stay in this

city. The Azamkhan Sarai built near the Bhadra Fort in the old, walled city area of Ahmedabad was also built by Shah Jahan. He ruled as the emperor from 1627 to 1658. Paying the ultimate tribute to the city of Ahmedabad, Douglas has noted: “The bud was here: The blossom and fruit to be in Agra? Everything has a beginning, Greece before Rome, Damacus before Cairo, Agra follows Ahmedabad.”

In divine light

BY RAJEN VAKIL

Duryodhana, negativity personified Scriptures say we have been born upon this planet earth to play a certain role; to act a part. Instead, we take this part to be ourselves. The symptom of this is that we react to every event in life, and this very reaction hypnotizes us to the event. Sadly, we are in this semi-sleep state all our lives. Swami Ramdularay used to tell his disciples to go to a theatre and instead of watching the movie take a chair and sit near the screen facing the audience; then one can see the kind of hypnosis everyone lives in. Spirituality is to wake up from this hypnosis and to do that can take a lifetime of effort. This means making an effort to remain awake in every event of life. There are two centres within us. The first is the attachment centre, which has always been with us. It gains strength every time we are hypnotised by an event and keeps us bound to the sleep of life. The second centre is born when we make a decision to wake up from this sleep of life. This is the detachment centre and this centre has to be made strong as we relate to each moment of life. If we observe correctly, we will see that we are most hypnotised by life when we go along with our negative emotions or our mechanical reactions to life. Whenever we pause before reacting, and allow consciousness to enter rather than going with our automatic negative reactions, our detachment centre becomes stronger. Duryodhana is the epitome of negativity within us. This negativity, and thereby, our hypnotic attachment to life, is so strong that the scriptures very aptly describe Duryodhana as the warrior that cannot be defeated. If we look within, Duryodhana is present in all of us. • He hates being laughed at, and stops us from laughing at ourselves. • When two people are whispering in a corner, he feels they are talking about him. • When a few friends

gather, he always feels they should talk about him. Similarly, every event talked about should reflect upon him. (Instance: He does not want to share even a pinpoint of land with the Pandavas.) • He feels the need for people to admire him. Deep down, he actually feels that people should bow to him. • He has a continual feeling of being hurt when people do not praise him. • If anyone even slightly criticises or makes fun of him, he feels deeply offended; even more so if it is done in the presence of an audience. (Instance: He feels hurt when Draupadi jokingly says ‘a blind man’s son is blind’ when he mistakenly slips in the water.)

A baby in his cradle is the centre of attraction of a household. He feels hungry and his mother runs to feed him, his nappy gets soiled and is changed immediately. The whole family is running about for him. He starts feeling he is the centre of the world – a king and everyone else his subject. This Duryodhana is born very early in us and most of us don’t realise we spend our lives as his slave. This is our lowest form of ego consciousness. To walk on the spiritual path, this inner Duryodhana must be done away with. We have to mature from those attitudes, prejudices, and habits that were formed in the cradle. It is said that vultures, jackals, crows, and donkeys howled when

He cannot take any insult or injury and is smugly satisfied at putting someone right. And if he is wounded he can be burning in intense anger, which can easily turn into hate and violence, He enjoys extracting his revenge and will go to any ends to achieve it. He cannot accept anyone saying that he is selfish or haughty. On the other hand, to those who praise him, he portrays the very epitome of modesty. For his own self-interest and to be admired as a great donor, he will donate money to schools and hospitals. Just to appear honourable, he will speak the truth and behave well. He always wants to have his own way and will not listen to any one. Here is a man governed by his vanity and sadly, he is in all of us and controls us. He is the person who feels resentment within us.

Duryodhana was born. This signifies that our psychic nature is animal. This has to be refined and purified so that the energies can rise to higher spiritual centres within us. My teacher taught us the refining exercises which purify our base energies. Duryodhana symbolises that man whose energies remain animal and are not refined to be human. These animal energies form tendencies which lie in our psychic structure and bind us to animal-type behaviour. Every time we fall a victim to a negative emotion we reinforce our animal tendencies. If we can become aware of the Duryodhana within, throw the light of observation on his workings, and slowly let him die completely, then we will have taken a big step in the journey to awaken our consciousness and be free from the slavery of our psychic nature.

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

The Taj Mahal hotel is seen engulfed in smoke during a gun battle in Mumbai a year ago

A seen at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station in Mumbai a year ago.

Security budget for Mumbai Rs. 2.16 bn NSG hub already operational, Force One also starts on Tuesday Even as many of the Mumbai citizens feel they are no more safe than a year ago, the Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said the state government has allocated Rs. 2.16 billion for security after the 26/11 tragedy. “More funds would be made available if necessary,” Chavan told reporters. Chavan released a booklet Mumbai Shapath (pledge), express-

ing the government's resolve to fight terrorism. “The first batch of Force One, an elite force of 204 commandos under the state government would be operational from Tuesday and the Centre has also started an NSG hub at Mumbai,” Chavan said. A Quick Response Team (QRT) has been prepared to deal with emergency situation and the police force is now better

equipped to deal with any such incident," the chief minister said. On strengthening of coastal security, Chavan said 12 new police stations have been set up in coastal areas and 36 speed boats would patrol the coast. A team has been trained at the Intelligence Training Organisation at Pune, Chavan said. All security agencies have better communication now, he said.

Meanwhile, home minister RR Patil assured to look into pending cases of compensation to families of martyrs and victims of the terror attacks within 15 days. "Almost all the families have got help from the State Government and the prime minister's office. Families of four martyrs have received petrol pumps and Railways has offered jobs to 46 people," Patil said.

Sonia shares the pains of 26/11 martyrs’ widows Three days before the first anniversary of the 26/11 terror strike on Mumbai, Kavita, widow of the then Mumbai anti-terrorism squad chief Hemant Karkare, spent about an hour with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi, sharing her problems with the UPA leader. There were moments, according to sources, when the two talked about the similar situation inflicted by fate on them. “I also went through a similar situation,” Sonia reportedly told Kavita, recalling the time after Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. She suggested that Karkare’s widow get herself busy in social activity to leave her sense of loss behind. Accompanied by Ravi Rana, an independent MLA from the Amravati area, Kavita told Sonia

about the difficulties her family has been facing in the year since her husband’s death in the terror attack. “Come to me whenever you have any problem,” Sonia told her. Smita, widow of Vijay Salaskar, another senior police officer killed by the Pakistani terrorists, was also part of the group. Rana later said that Kavita had set a goal of meeting Sonia one day.

It may be recalled that Kavita Karkare had raised uncomfortable questions on the Maharashtra government for making purchases of sub standard bullet proof vests and the Mumbai Police handling the calls of reinforcements by Hemant Karkare on the fateful days. She was also very unhappy that a vital piece of evidence, the bullet proof vest that Hemant Karkare had used on the

Silent Vigil at London’s Sanatan Mandir on First anniversary of Mumbai attacks London MP Barry Gardiner is organising a silent candlelit vigil in memory of those who died in the Mumbai attacks a year ago this week on Thursday 26th November. Religious and community leaders will be attending

the vigil at 5pm at the Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir on Ealing Road, Wembley. All are welcome to attend the vigil to commemorate the first anniversary of the attacks in Mumbai.

day was missing, as it was allegedly of an inferior quality.

Mumbai mayhem case to conclude on first anniversary Trail about to be completed in 6 months: Nikam The trail of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone survivor terrorists who attacked Mumbai last year and the entire terrorist conspiracy case will perhaps be concluded on 26th November, the first anniversary of the tragic day, special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam has said. “We have examined 265 witnesses and about ten more are left...the case would be wrapped up by November 26, a year after the terror attacks.” "The trial began on May 8 and in about six months we are ready to wind up the case", said Nikam.

Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab is facing the trial along with two Indians, Faheem Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed. While Kasab faces charges of multiple murders, others are charged with conspiracy. After prosecution closes its case, defence lawyers may exercise their right to examine their witnesses. Then the accused would give their statements to the court on what they have to say about the evidence adduced against them. Finally, the court would give verdict after hearing arguments.

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INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Cong targets Atal, Left says Rao equally responsible BJP wants Chidambaram to resign for leaking Liberhan report With the Liberhan Commission report on Babri Masjid demolition stirring the political scene, Congress on Tuesday kept Atal Bihari Vajpayee on its radar saying it was a “guilt by association” while his party BJP demanded the resignation of Home Minister P Chidambaram over its leakage to the media. The CPI-M feels the late Prime Minister who held the reins of the country than – P V Narasimha Rao was equally responsible. CPI leader A B Bardhan went even a step ahead, as he said while

Atal Bihari Vajpayee cannot be held responsible and Narasimha Rao cannot he exonerated. The Telugu Desam Party led by Chandra babu Naidu said Congress and BJP both are equally responsible. The BJP rallied behind Vajpayee and said the report violated the principles of natural justice by naming the former prime minister among the indicted persons without summoning him for a hearing. The CPI-M said the Liberhan Commission "only confirms the preplanned conspiracy" to

P V Narasimha Rao

P Chidambaram

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

demolish the Babri Masjid by saffron outfits but felt that the late premier P V Narasimha Rao was equally responsible for the incident by not being able to

prevent it. Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi commenting on the finding that the top leadership (of BJP) could not but have

known it (demolition) said of Vajpayee, "That is guilt by association." Asked whether Congress was responsible for the demolition, Singhvi said "I am

The list of those indicted for Babri demolition Apart from Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani, the Liberhan commission has indicted 66 more people for the razing of the disputed mosque at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. The list is as follows: 1. Acharya Dharmendra Dev (Member, Dharam Sansad) 2. Acharya Giriraj Kishore (VHP Leader) 3. A K Saran (IG. Security, UP) 4. Akhilesh Mehrotra (Additional SP, Faizabad - UP) 5. Ashok Singhal (VHP Leader) 6. Ashok Sinha (Secretary Tourism, UP) 7. Badri Prasad Toshniwal (VHP Leader) 8. Baikunth Lal Sharma (VHP Leader) 9. Bala Saheb Thackeray (Shiv Sena Leader) 10. B P Singhal (VHP Leader) 11. Braham Dutt Dwivedi (Revenue Minister, UP) 12. Champat Rai (Local Construction Manager) 13. Dau Dayal Khanna (BJP Leader) 14. D B Roy (SSP, Faizabad district - UP) 15. Devraha Baba (Leader, Sant Samaj) 16. Gurjan Singh (RSS - VHP Leader) 17. G M Lodha (BJP Leader) 18. Govindacharya (BJP, RSS Leader) 19. H V Sheshadri (RSS) 20. Jai Bhagwan Goyal (Shiv Sena) 21. Jai Bhan Singh Pawaria (Bajrang Dal) 22. K S Sudarshan (RSS) 23. Kalraj Mishra (President, UP unit of BJP) 24. Kalyan Singh (Chief Minister, UP) 25. Khushabhau Thackray (RSS) 26. Lalki Tandon (Energy Minister, UP) 27. Lallu Singh Chauhan (MLA BJP) 28. Mahant Avaidhyanath (Leader, Hindu Mahasabha) 29. Mahant Nritya Gopal Das (Ram Janmbhoomi Nyas) 30. Mahant Paramhans Ran Chander Dass (VHP) 31. Moreshwar Dinanant Save (Shiv Sena)

32. Morpanth Pingale (Shiv Sena) 33. Murli Manohar Joshi (BJP) 34. Om Pratap Singh 35. Onkar Bhava (VHP) 36. Pramod Mahajan (BJP) 37. Parveen Togadia (VHP) 38. Prabhat Kumar (Principal Secretary, home) 39. Purshottam Narain Singh (VHP) 40. Rajendra Gupta (Minister, Uttar Pradesh) 41. Raju Bhaiyya (RSS) 42. Ram Shankar Agnihotri (BJP, VHP) 43. Ram Vilas Vedanti (Leader Sant Samaj) 44. R K Gupta (Finance Minister, Uttar Pradesh) 45. R N Shrivastava (District Magistrate, Faizabad - UP) 46. Sadhivi Ritambara (Leader Sant Samaj) 47. Shanker Singh Vaghela (BJP) 48. Satish Pradhan (Shiv Sena) 49. Shri Chander Dixit (BJP) 50. Sita Ram Aggarwal 51. S P Gaur (Commissioner, UP) 52. Sunder Singh Bhandari (BJP) 53. Surya Pratap Sahi (State Minister, Uttar Pradesh) 54. Swami Chinmayanand (VHP) 55. Sakshiji Maharaj (BJP) 56. S V M Tripathi (DGP, UP) 57. Swami Satmit Ram Ji (Leader, Sant Samaj) 58. Swami Satyanandji, (Leader, Sant Samaj) 59. Swami Vam Devji (Leader, Sant Samaj) 60. Uma Bharti (VHP) 61. U P Bajpai (DIG, Faizabad - UP) 62. Vijayraje Scindia (BJP) 63. V K Saxena (UP) 64. Vinay Katiyar (RSS) 65. Vishnu Hari Dalmia (VHP) 66. Youdh Nath Pandey (Shiv Sena)

Atal, LK indicted for Babri demolition Continued from page 1 The Justice M S Liberhan Commission of Inquiry also attacked former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh saying the destruction of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992 was carried out in a "duplicitous and under-handed manner" which was not worthy of a democratically-elected government. But, the Liberhan Commission and the government as well (in the

• Kalyan Singh also held responsible • It took 17 years for the commission to complete probe; • Report consists of four volumes, more than 1,000 pages Action Taken Report) have not recommended any punitive action against those named, so

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no fresh cases would be filed against those indicted. In effect, the law will take its own course in the lower courts in Uttar Pradesh. In all, 68 people have been held responsible by the commission, prominent among them being Uma Bharti, Acharya Giriraj Kishore and top Uttar Pradesh officials. Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackrey is also among those held responsible. The four-volume report, running into over

1,000 pages, and the government's Action Taken Report (ATR) on it were tabled in Parliament by Home Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday, a day after the report was allegedly leaked and published in “Indian Express.” The Commission, which was set up 10 days after the incident and got 48 extensions, recommended a law providing for exemplary punishment for misuse of religion for acquiring political power and disqualification of political parties and candidates who have religious agenda. It its ATR, government promised that a bill to check communal violence was being contemplated which will include provisions on some these recommendations while the Election Commission would also be moved to look into them.

touching my heart that Congress is not responsible". Upping the ante, senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said, "The report is leaked from not the Home Ministry but from the Home Minister. We demand that the Home Minister take full responsibility and give his resignation." The BJP also demanded a CBI probe. Kalyan Singh, who was the Chief Minister of BJPruled Uttar Pradesh in 1992 at the time of the demolition, showed no remorse and did not regret the incident.

Who all are culpable? to what extent? The Liberhan Commission has fixed layers of culpability. With exclusive access to the 900-page report, NDTV has summaried these findings as follows: The Radicals: Referring to the role played by ex-RSS chief Sudarshan, Uma Bharti, Govindacharya, Kalyan Singh and Shanker Sinh Vaghela (than the chief of Gujarat BJP and now a Congress leader), the report says: • The primary and greatest responsibility for the events of December 6, 1992, lies with the radicals. • They Had 'complete knowledge of the events as they were scripted' • And they had the means to prevent the assault The Pseudo-Moderates: Referring to Advani, Vajpayee and Joshi, “who could not have defied the diktat of the RSS”, the report says: • The physical, ideological and intellectual responsibility lies with the 'pseudo moderates' • It 'Was their sworn and statutory duty to prevent' such an incident • They gave false assurances to court, people, nation • But since persons/organisations 'were not decision makers', they could not change the course charted by those bearing primary responsibility • They may or may not be part of Sangh Parivar The Sangh: Referring to the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the report says: • The RSS was the “author of the movement behind Ayodhya”. The Top Leaders: On the role of the RSS and BJP top leadership, the report says: • Blame or credit of the entire temple construction movement at Ayodhya must necessarily be attributed to the Sangh Parivar • As inner core of the Sangh Parivar, the top leadership of the RSS and the BJP bear primary responsibility • It cannot be assumed even for a moment that Advani, Vajpayee or Joshi didn't know the designs of the Sangh Parivar

Indian navy now has women pilots for patrol aircraft A first in the armed forces in India, two women pilots have been inducted in the Indian Navy last week at Kochi. This is 56 years after the Naval Aviation unit was established. Two women aviators have joined the navy, a first in the armed forces that comes as the air force debates whether to allow women fighter pilots. Sub Lieutenant Seema Rani Sharma and Sub Lieutenant Ambica Hooda have joined as observers — essentially airborne tacticians — on Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). Seema and Ambica

were picked for shortservice commission initially and put through a naval orientation course at the Indian Naval Academy, followed by a stint at the Observer School at INS Garuda. “This is a great and proud moment for us, including our instructors and parents,” Ambica, who hails from Haryana, said after the two women were awarded the “Wings” by Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai during a ceremonial parade at INS Garuda.

WORLD

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

India is indispensable to the US: Obama Manmohan for deepening partnership with America Washington: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was on Tuesday given a rousing welcome at the White House where he was received by US President Barack Obama before they sat down for bilateral talks during which the two countries are expected to take their strategic ties to a new level. Obama and First Lady Michelle personally welcomed Singh, the first State guest of the Obama Administration, and his wife Gursharan Kaur at the White House. Singh's visit is the first state visit hosted by the administration, the highest honor extended to a foreign dignitary, and the two would discuss a wide range of bilateral issues and the situation in

Pakistan and Afghanistan during their one-on-one meeting. Speaking at the White House, Obama said: "India is indispensable to the US and the Indian Prime Minister's visit reflects abiding friendship between the two countries." "Ours is a story of two great economic marvels. India is a leader in Asia and around the world and the two nations are dedicated to lib- Manmohan Singh, accompanied by erty, equality". Barack Obama, listens to the Stating that American national anthem as they India and US are participate in a state arrival bound together by ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Tuesday values of democracy Manmohan Singh and deepen our strategic said, "We seek to broaden partnership with US."

India-US must work together: Manmohan Noting that there was growing "convergence" in national interests of India and the US, Mr Singh said the two countries "must work together" to effectively tackle the multiple challenges confronting the world. "The India-US partnership can promote global cooperation in dealing with issues that the world has to face together, whether it is hunger, global security and terrorism, nuclear disarmament, climate change or spread of pandemics," he said. Singh said he saw the future of the India-US partnership with "confidence and optimism". "There is a growing convergence in our national

China refuses to be party to Kashmir conflict Beijing: China on Tuesday refused to be drawn into the renewed controversy over Kashmir, which has been ignited with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, saying that Beijing should act as it had a stake in the region's peace. "The Kashmir issue is an issue between India and Pakistan left over by history. We hope the two

sides could properly resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiations," Qin Gang, the foreign ministry spokesman said in reply to a question seeking his response to Farooq’s remarks. Qin’s statement is significant in view of India’s unhappiness over one portion of the joint declaration issued by China and the United States during Barack Obama’s recent

visit to China. The statement said the two countries supported “the improvement of relations between India and Pakistan”. The foreign ministry spokesman was asked to comment about the snag developed during the launch of the Agni-II missile on Monday. “It is an internal matter for India. We hope India would contribute to

regional peace and stability,” he said. Qin told a journalist he had not read reports about New Delhi denying visas to 3,000 workers. But China always supported development of trade and economic relationship with India. Trade and business relationship will also contribute to better neighborly relationship and help resolve pending issues, he said.

100,000 Indian students studying in US Washington: The number of students from India enrolled in US universities and colleges crossed 100,000 for the first time ever this year even as international enrollments in America registered the largest percentage increase since 1980, defying broad economic trends. As the number of international students at colleges and universities in the US increased by 8% to an all-time high of 671,616 in the 2008/09 academic year, students from India made up 103,260 of the overall number, according to the Open Doors report, which is published annual-

ly by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in collaboration with the US government. The Indian numbers went up 9.2 per cent from 94,563 in 2007/2008 to cross 100,000 for the first time to retain its position as the top place of origin for international students in the United States. China remained in second place, although there was a sharp 21 per cent spike in students from China, going up from 81,127 last academic year to 98,235 this year. South Korea (69,000 to 75,000) remained in third place. This is the eighth con-

secutive year that India has remained in the top spot. In course of a preview of the forthcoming visit to Washington of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh next week, Indian officials said on Monday that Indian student inflow contributed nearly $ 3 billion to the US economy last year. Overall, international students contribute $17.8 billion to the US economy, through their expenditures on tuition and living expenses, according to the US Department of Commerce. Authors of the report said the findings do not reflect the full impact of

the past year's economic downturn, since decisions to come to the United States to study were made before the financial effects were fully felt in the sending countries. They also reported that the largest growth this year was seen in undergraduate enrollments, which increased by 11%, compared to a 2% increase in graduate enrollments. This growth was driven largely by increases in undergraduate students from China, they said, suggesting that increased affluence is enabling Chinese to send their children to US for undergrad education.

Nepal Maoists to go on warpath again Kathmandu: Three years after they signed a peace agreement with the main political parties and agreed to work together to build a new and prosperous Nepal, the Himalayan republic’s former Maoist guerrillas on Saturday announced they would start a third “People’s Movement” from later this month as talks with the multi-party government broke down. “We held several rounds of talks with the government but failed to reach an understanding on rectifying the unconstitutional step taken by the President, Dr Ram Baran

Yadav,” Maoist chief and former prime minister Pishpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda said. After a week’s respite, fresh street protests will resume in Nepal from Nov 22 when the various organisations affiliated to the former guerrillas – unions of students, women, teachers, workers and others – will be holding street movements phasewise. From Dec 11, the Maoists have threatened to resume their earlier announced plan to declare the division of Nepal into nearly a dozen autonomous states, a move

the parties have warned goes against the peace pact and will invalidate the new constitution that alone is mandated to restructure of the new federal republic. From Dec 20-22, the former rebels have called a general strike that will affect all segments, from industries to transport and educational institutions. Prachanda warned that if the new protests fail to move the government, his party would work on an indefinite general strike nationwide. However, the Maoist supremo said that contrary to the government,

that was “anti-people and harming the interest of the nation”, his party, remembering its commitment to the people and being the largest party in parliament, would lift its parliamentary blockade for three days to allow the budget to be passed. Currently, the government is plunged into a grave financial crisis since the budget has been held up and its coffers are empty. Civil servants and security forces have not received salaries for two months while districts are running out of food supplies and state hospitals of medicines.

interests, both within bilateral framework and on regional and global issues," Mr Singh said in his address to the Council on Foreign Relations, a Washington-based think tank. Pressurise Pakistan to rein in terrorists Denouncing Pakistan's "selective" approach on the fight against terrorism, Mr Singh asked the world community to mount pressure on it to desist from such a behaviour and rein in those elements who continue to target India. He expressed readiness to pick up the "threads of the dialogue" with Pakistan, including on Kashmir, so that they can "write a new chapter" in South Asia's history, but made it clear this

could not happen till Islamabad abjures terrorism and comes to the table with "good faith and sincerity." N-deal pact will take time Foreign secretary Nirupama Rao said that India was not looking at finalising negotiations with the US on a pact on reprocessing of spent fuel, a key step in implementation of the nuclear deal, during summit talks between Mr Singh and US President Barack Obama here. “As far as arrangements for reprocessing talks are concerned these are ongoing. We are not looking at finalising them on Tuesday in any case,” she said hours ahead of Singh-Obama talks at the White House.

Roundup China coal mine blast claims 104 lives Hegang (China): The death toll from a coal mine blast in northeast China has climbed to 104, local authorities said on Monday. China's state-run Xinhua news agency said four workers were still trapped in the mine shaft. The explosion on Saturday tore through the state-run mine in Heilongjiang province near the Russian border, one of the largest and oldest in China, after a build-up of gas, survivors said. The explosion occurred when a total of 528 miners were in the pit, according to a statement by the State Administration of Work Safety. The accident was the deadliest of its kind in the energy-hungry nation since an explosion killed 105 miners in Shanxi province in December 2007. "I was with a group of 10 miners.... Right now I don't know if they made it out," mining veteran Fu Maofeng, 48, told the East Asia Trade News from his hospital bed.

Bangladesh SC upholds death penalties of Mujib killers Dhaka: Bangladesh's Supreme Court last week upheld a High Court verdict that confirmed the death sentences of 12 retired and dismissed army men involved in Sheikh Mujibur Rahman assassination on August 15, 1975. The five-member bench comprising Justice Md. Tafazzul Islam, Justice Md. Abdul Aziz, Justice BK Das, Justice Md. Muzammel Hossain, and Justice SK Sinha delivered the verdict while dismissing appeals filed by five convicts against their death sentences. n line with the apex court judgment, all 12 exarmy officers would have to walk to the gallows. In 1998, a Dhaka court had sentenced the men to death for the killing Rahman. The five petitioned the Supreme Court to commute their sentences. Seven others who were also convicted are fugitives abroad.

New Zealand PM refuses to meet Dalai Lama Wellington: New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said last week that he would not meet the Dalai Lama when he visits the country next month. "The reason simply is I've decided that I wouldn't get a lot out of that particular meeting," he told reporters. "I don't see every religious leader that comes to town. I've seen him in the past, I may see him in the future." Key, who said before he was elected a year ago that he would meet the Dalai Lama on future visits, denied that China had pressured him to boycott the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader. He said the issue was not raised by China's President Hu Jintao during a regional summit in Singapore at the weekend, and no other Chinese government agency had asked him not to meet the Dalai Lama.

WORLD

Africa Focus EU gives Nigeria $1bn for promoting peace Abuja: The European Commission has signed a $1bn (ÂŁ602m) development pact with Nigeria, aimed at tackling corruption and promoting peace. A major chunk of the assistance will be spent on resolving conflict in the oil-rich and crime-plagued Niger Delta, the EU's development chief said. The money will also target electoral reform and improving human rights. But many Nigerians doubt whether the assistance would have the desired results. According to reports, corruption touches the lives of everyone in Nigeria and leaves the vast majority of people in poverty. Majority of the people believe that the government is losing the fight against corruption. Almost a third of the EU money is devoted to the Niger Delta region. For years militants have blown up pipelines and kidnapped foreign oil workers, demanding a fairer share of the wealth. "I'm delighted that a substantial amount of this financing will go to support conflict resolution and the peace process in the Niger Delta which has been ravaged by years of unrest," said the EU's development commissioner Karel De Gucht.

Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bid to cut powers of president Nairobi: Under a newly published draft constitution, Kenya's president faces a huge reduction in his powers. The plans would put the prime minister in charge of day-to-day government business, while the president would be nominal head of the government. Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki have a history of bitter rivalry. Neither one has said whether they would back the plans. Kenyans could vote in a referendum on the constitution by next March. After the draft was published, a 30-day public consultation begins, to be followed by highlevel discussions and a vote in the national assembly before the referendum. Imperial president According to the draft constitution, it is an attempt to end the "big man" syndrome, where the winner of an election is all-powerful and virtually impossible to remove. One of the members of the committee who drew up the draft constitution said the days of the "imperial president" were over. Kenya has suffered from horrendous bouts of political violence in recent years.

Zimbabwe troops leaving Marange diamond field Harare: Zimbabwe say it is pulling soldiers out of a diamond field in the country's east, after global diamond trade chiefs alleged abuses were taking place there. Mines Minister Obert Mpofu told state-run media Zimbabwe had complied with 90% of demands made by trade watchdog the Kimberley Process group this month. Activists had wanted the group to suspend Zimbabwe, saying troops had killed 200 people at the Marange field. But instead it urged Zimbabwe to reform, giving a June 2010 deadline. The Herald newspaper quoted Mr Mpofu as saying the government had achieved a lot in its attempts to comply with the Kimberley Process, which regulates trade in so-called blood diamonds. "As is evident at these fields, there are no army officers or police details," he said.

Somali woman stoned to death for adultery Mogadishu: A 20-year-old woman divorcee accused of committing adultery in Somalia has been stoned to death by Islamists in front of a crowd of about 200 people. A judge working for the militant group alShabab said she had had an affair with an unmarried 29-year-old man. He said she gave birth to a still-born baby and was found guilty of adultery. Her boyfriend was given 100 lashes. It is thought to be the second time a woman has been stoned to death for adultery by al-Shabab. The group controls large swathes of southern Somalia where they have imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law which has been unpopular with many Somalis. According to reports from a small village near the town of Wajid, 250 miles (400km) north-west of the capital, Mogadishu, the woman was taken to the public grounds where she was buried up to her waist. She was then stoned to death in front of the crowds.

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Lanka to go for snap presidential poll Former military chief Fonseka to take on ex-boss Rajapaksa Colmbo: Former top military commander, general Sarath Fonseka will take on his ex-boss Mahinda Rajapaksa as battle lines for Sri Lanka's Presidential elections early next year were drawn. The candidature of Fonseka, the hero of the war against LTTE was endorsed by a key leftist hardline Sinhala group JVP and the main United National Party (UNP) said he would be their choice of a joint opposition nominee. President Rajapaksa on Monday had called for a snap poll which according to election department officials would take place between January 11 and February 13 with the final date set to be announced within the next two weeks. On Monday Rajpaksa signed a decree calling for early elections, hoping to take advantage of his pop-

Sarath Fonseka

Mahinda Rajapaksa

ularity after ending the country's 25-year civil war to win a new six-year term. Rajapaksa met with leaders of his United Peoples Freedom Alliance and told his political allies that he would hold the elections two years before the end of his term, according to a statement posted on the president's Web site. The president can call an election after serving four years in office.

Through a quirk of the constitution, Rajapaksa would be able to serve the final two years of his term regardless of the outcome of the vote. Tamil refugees to be freed by December-end Meanwhile, a top Lanka official said that 136,000 Tamil refugees still in the squalid government camps would be released next month. Some 300,000 war

refugees were forced into the camps after fleeing the final months of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decades-long war with the separatist Tamil Tiger rebels, which ended in May. The ethnic-minority Tamils are being held against their will. More than half were released in recent months amid pressure from rights groups and foreign governments. Authorities say nearly 136,000 people remain detained in the camps, which are guarded by soldiers and strung with barbed wire. Basil Rajapaksa, a senior adviser to his brother, President Mahinda Rajapaksa, said on Saturday the refugees will be free to return to their villages after December 1, and the camps will be completely closed by January 31.

Karzai sworn in Afghan leader, vows to fight graft Kabul: Hamid Karzai, who was sworn as the new Afghanistan president for the second term last week, pledged to tackle corruption which has left his reputation in tatters. He added that the troops should be ready to take over security in Afghanistan in five years. Karzai was sworn in as Washington decides whether to send tens of thousands more troops to fight an increasingly unpopular war. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was among foreign officials at the ceremony.

Hamid Karzai, center, is flanked by first Vice President Qasim Fahim, left, and second Vice President Karim Khalili during his inauguration on November 19

Karzai, 51, also called for a "loya jirga," a traditional grand assembly, which under Afghanistan's constitution can take precedence over all government institutions, including the presidency

itself. His inauguration for his second five-year term came against the backdrop of a rising Taliban insurgency, doubts over his legitimacy after an election tainted by fraud, and

complaints his government is riddled with corruption and mismanagement. "We are determined that by the next five years, Afghan forces are capable of taking the lead in ensuring security and stability across the country," Karzai said. He said Afghanistan's security forces should be able to assume responsibility of unstable areas in three years. US officials say Afghan forces must be able to take over security across the country before foreign troops can leave.

12 couples arrested for partner swapping in Iran Tehran: Iran's moral police have arrested a dozen couples for engaging in illicit sexual acts, including swapping of partners, the conservative Jomhuri Eslami reported on Monday. The report said the couples and another individual were running a website, Iran Multiplication, which was aimed at promoting illicit sexual relations. The couples were said to have carried out sexual

acts in the presence of each other and several times with multiple partners, the report added. Those arrested held university degrees, while some were government employees and had children. The paper gave no further details about their identities or when or where they were arrested. Extra-marital sex is illegal in Iran where Islamic sharia law is the

principal source of legislation. If found guilty of adultery, those arrested in the crackdown face being stoned to death. Reports of partnerswapping are a rarity in conservative Iran, but in March the elite Revolutionary Guards said it had launched a crackdown on several groups who had set up antiIslamic and pornographic Internet sites. The Guards, set up to

defend the ideals of the Islamic republic, said they have "dismantled several networks that had set up anti-religious, anti-revolution and obscene Internet sites." Among those also targeted are people deemed to be Satan worshippers, while moral police often also carry out raids on concerts and parties as part of their tough crackdown on "un-Islamic" attire and behaviour.

Attackers of Indian-origin doctor in OZ jailed

Melbourne: Terming the street crime against Indians as "cowardly" and "despicable", a Victorian court last week handed out long imprisonment sentences to attackers of an Indian-origin doctor. State County Court Judge Joe Gullaci jailed 20-year old Alfer Azzopardi who bashed Mukesh Haikerwal with serious blows with a baseball bat, for 18-and-a-half years with a minimum of 13-and-a-half years, media reports said. Former chief of Australian Medical

Association Haikerwal was walking through a park in the bayside suburb of Williamstown on September 27 last year when he was set upon and bashed by the men. Another co-accused Michael Baltatzis, 20, of Glenroy, who together with Azzopardi took part in 23 armed robberies over a two-month period, was jailed for 16-and-a-half years and must serve 10and-a-half years before being eligible for parole. A third man, Sean Gabriel, 20, of Hoppers Crossing, was jailed for

nine years and nine months with a minimum of six years, report said. Announcing the sentences, Judge Gullaci dubbed the attacks as cowardly and despicable. "Each of the victims was selected at random, but each had a common feature, that is they were vulnerable and alone and in parks or (other) public places," he was quoted by an AAP report. Haikerwal was not in court for the sentences. The court was told Haikerwal's skull was heard to crack after

Azzopardi took a swing like he was "hitting a six at cricket", causing a severe head injury to the doctor. Azzopardi laughed as he fled the scene, before minutes later joining in on an attack on another man. Haikerwal required emergency surgery and was placed in an induced coma for 24 hours. He remained in hospital for many weeks. The attack came towards the end of a two-month armed robbery spree by Azzopardi and the group that involved more than 30 victims.

PAKISTAN

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Mush was a US stooge, alleges A Q Khan Italy arrests two for Islamabad: Calling Pervez Musharraf an American stooge, disgraced nuclear scientist AQ Khan has accused the former President of transferring very sensitive information on Pakistan's atomic programme to the US. He also confirmed a recent media report, which cited an account provided by him as saying that China provided Pakistan enough weapons-grade uranium for two atomic bombs and the blueprint for a simple nuclear weapon in 1982. "The nation must know that national secrets were handed over to Washington by the former President (Pervez Musharraf) who was an American stooge," Khan said. He also confirmed a media columnist's observation that Musharraf was hell bent on handing him over to the US. Former Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali had confided to the scientist that he was under

severe pressure to sign an exit order to hand him over to the US. However, Jamali refused to do so after taking his cabinet into confidence, Khan said and claimed that Musharraf had kept a C-130 military transport aircraft ready to take him to the US. Confirming that the Washington Times report on China providing uranium to Pakistan was true, Khan said it was based on a letter he had handed over to his daughter Dina Khan in 2004 as a precautionary measure. Khan claimed one-sided action was taken against him during Musharraf’s regime and a deliberate and wellcalculated policy was implemented to brand him a culprit. He also claimed a comprehensive strategy against him and Pakistan's atomic programme had been drawn at a secret meeting between Musharraf and former CIA director George Tenet

Pervez Musharraf

in New York on September 24, 2003. Khan demanded an inquiry and the trial of Musharraf and his coterie. Khan was placed under house arrest after he confessed to running a clandestine proliferation ring in early 2004. Pakistani courts eased restrictions on his movements last year though Khan remains under the surveillance of security agencies. Mush quizzed by UN panel on Bhutto murder The UN investigation body probing former Pakistan Prime Minister

Benazir Bhutto’s assassination has met and questioned former President Pervez Musharraf in a frank and cordial conversation. “The body, looking into the facts and circumstances behind the assassination, has met dozens of officials during its investigation,” a spokesperson from the Secretary-General’s office told . “The Commission of Inquiry says it had a frank, open and cordial conversation with former President Musharraf, having been able to pose to him many queries on issues central to its mandate,” the spokesperson said. While the UN did not reveal the location of the meeting, a media report in Pakistan quoted Musharraf ’s spokesperson Nasim Ashraf as saying that the meeting took place in Philadelphia on October 27.

Pakistan has more N-weapons than India: US experts Washington: Pakistan is estimated to have more nuclear warheads than India and the two Asian neighbours along with China are increasing their arsenals and deploying weapons at more sites, two eminent American atomic experts have claimed. While Pakistan is estimated to possess 70-90 nuclear weapons, India is believed to have 60-80, claims Robert S Norris

and Hans M Kristensen in their latest article 'Nuclear Notebook: Worldwide deployments of nuclear weapons, 2009'. The article published in the latest issue of 'Bulletin of the Atomic Science' claimed that Beijing, Islamabad and New Delhi are quantitatively and qualitatively increasing their arsenals and deploying weapons at more sites, yet the loca-

tions are difficult to pinpoint. For example, no reliable public information exists on where Pakistan or India produces its nuclear weapons, it said. "Whereas many of the Chinese bases are known, this is not the case in Pakistan and India, where we have found no credible information that identifies permanent nuclear weapons storage locations," they said.

"Pakistan's nuclear weapons are not believed to be fully operational under normal circumstances, India is thought to store its nuclear warheads and bombs in central storage locations rather than on bases with operational forces. But, since all three countries are expanding their arsenals, new bases and storage sites probably are under construction," the two nuclear experts said.

Mumbai attack mastermind Saeed freely roaming London: The alleged mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in which more than 179 people died was openly spotted in Lahore delivering the Friday sermon to thousands of people at the Jamia al-Qadsia mosque. The chief of terror outfit Lashakar-e-Taiba, Hafiz Mohammed Saeed, is neither in hiding nor in jail. "God has promised to make Muslims a superpower if we follow the right path," Saeed told his followers. "Our rulers are the slave of America and have sold their conscience for a few dollars," The

Hafiz Mohammed Saeed

Times quoted the founder of LeT, as saying. Meanwhile, US Ambassador to India

Timothy Roemer has backed Indian calls this week for Pakistan to bring Saeed and six other Mumbai terror suspects to justice. "We need to see actions and results from Pakistan," he said after India handed Pakistan a seventh dossier of evidence on the Mumbai terror attacks. The real problem lies with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency, which backed Saeed when he founded LeT in 1990 to fight India in Jammu and Kashmir, according to analysts. Under pressure from the US, Pakistan banned

the group in 2002, but it continued to operate under the banner of Jamaat-ud Dawa, which Saeed also founded and calls a charity organisation. A UN Security Council resolution last December declared Jamaat-ud Dawa a front for Lashkar-eTaiba, forcing Pakistan to freeze its assets and jail many of its activists. Saeed was put under house detention, but released after a few months when a court ruled that action against him and his group was illegal.

Mumbai attack links

Rome: Italian anti-terrorist police have arrested two Pakistanis suspected of helping to finance the Islamic militant group responsible for the attacks on Mumbai in November 2008, that killed 166 people.Police said in a statement on Saturday the men, identified using leads from Indian authorities and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, sent funds overseas using the money transfer busi-

ness they owned in the north Italian town of Brescia. Shortly before the Mumbai attacks, the two men transferred money to pay the Internet phone calls of individuals in direct contact with the militants, the statement said. Two other Pakistani citizens were arrested in the investigation, accused of links to illegal people trafficking.

19 killed in courthouse bombing Peshawar: At least 19 people were killed when a suicide bomber blew up himself outside a courthouse in north-western Pakistan last week. The bombing was the sixth in less than two weeks in and around Peshawar, the largest city in the northwest. At least 80 people were killed in the recent past in suicide attacks by the militants. The bomber, who arrived in a taxi, was being searched by police officers at the gate of the city’s lower court when he detonated explosives on

his body, government official Sahibzada Anees said. Several damaged motorbikes were strewn about the site. Dr. Saib Gul of the city’s Lady Reading Hospital said 19 people were killed in the attack and 51 had been wounded. At least three of the dead were policemen. “These attacks will not deter us in our fight against these beasts who are killing our children,” said Bashir Ahmad Bilour, senior minister of the North West Frontier Province.

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Taliban threaten to contaminate water with poison Islamabad: Pakistani Taliban have threatened to contaminate water sources and reservoirs with poisonous materials to pressurise the army to stop military operations against them in South Waziristan tribal region. The cantonment boards of Rawalpindi and Chaklala, located near the federal capital, received the threat from the banned Tehrik-eTaliban Pakistan. A letter in which the Taliban purportedly

threatened to contaminate water sources was faxed to the Directorate of Military Lands and Cantonments in Rawalpindi. The letter said the Taliban had procured 200 litres of poisonous materials that would be used to contaminate water sources and reservoirs in Rawalpindi and Chaklala, official sources were quoted as saying. The letter also warned the government to stop the military operations

against the Taliban in South Waziristan, the sources said. Confirming reports of the threat from the Taliban, Rafiq Adil Siddique, the CEO of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, said the Directorate of Military Lands and Cantonments had taken “effective security measures”. All six wards in the area have been divided into four zones headed by engineers, supervisors, directors, tube-well operators

and valve men to ensure the security of water sources. Tube-well operators and valve men have been issued special instructions to keep the doors of their offices closed and boundary walls of tube-well sections are being raised, the daily reported. The military claims over 500 Taliban militants have been killed since the operation was launched in South Waziristan last month.

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Coming Events

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

This week meet Dr Anantrai Patel, who climbed Mt Kilimanjaro to raise fund for a charity. Last week's guests Shri C J Rabheru and Smt Anitaben Ruparelia will be available to answer question on the NCGO National Conference of 6th Dec.

Sneh Joshi - 020 8518 5500

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Only on CB Live - MATV Sky 793 - Thursday 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm 1. Sophusion launch exhibition: western fusion dresses and tunics, funky Indian sarees, gorgeous trouser suits, all at competitive prices on Sat 5th Dec Willa’s, 9 Swallow Street, Mayfair, W1B 4DN ; Sun 13th Dec Best Western Cumberland Hotel, St Johns Road, Harrow, Middx, HA1 2EF. Contact: 07958 959 104/07967 634 124 2. Harrow Remembers: Candlelight vigil in memory of the victims of the Mumbai massacre 6pm-7pm Friday 27th November 2009, Slopes of Harrow-on-the-Hill, opposite Harrow College, Lowlands Road, Harrow. For more information contact Gareth Thomas MP on 020 7219 4243. 3. DFID presents The Balancing Act: A Film Festival exploring Gender inequality in South Asia, 28th November 2009, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 4a castletown Road, West Kensington, London W14 9HE 4. Mahabharat’s- Krishna proudly presents “Nazrana Masti bhare Lamhon Ka’ on Saturday 28th November, 6:30pm till late. Club Zoo Banqueting Suite, Wembley HA9 0HB. Contact: 07960 851 205 5. Friday 27th November 6:30pm: Lecture- DeMystifying Astrology ; Tuesday 1st December 6:15pmExhibition of photographs: Indian visions ; Tuesday 1st December Traditional Bharatnatyam/Dance Theatre: Shaki ; Thursday 3rd Dec 6:30pm: Book Launch.

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Amazing predictions Sneh Joshi, the UK’s leading Vedic astrologer, writer and TV personality can answer questions on: ! Health Problems ! Investments ! Married Life ! Children’s matters ! Marriage Compatibility ! Love Affairs ! Court Cases ! Any other problems

Venue: Nehru Centre, 8 South Audley Street, London W1K 1HF, Contact: 020 7491 3567 6. Sadler’s Wells presents Svapnagata: A Festival of Indian Music and dance curated by Akram Khan and Nitin Sawhney, Monday 16- Saturday 28th November, Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, Islington EC1 , Contact: 0844 412 4300 7. National Conference of Gujarati Organisations by NCGO, Sunday 6th December, kadwa Patidar samaj hall, Kenmore Avenue, Harrow Middlesex HA3 8LU, Contact: C B Patel at 020 7749 4080 8. Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 7LP, Contact: 020 7307 5454, Pakistan Now presented by Asia House and Ylva Taseer, 12th Nov till 8th Dec 9. Blue Ginger- 383 Kenton Road, Harrow HA3 0XS. Contact: 020 8909 0100, Christmas party 1pm10:30pm ; New Year party 8pm till late 10. Blue Zenzer: Playgolf Northwick park, Christams party booking- 280 Watford Road, Harrow HA1 3TZ Contact: 020 8864 2922 11. Vanik Association of the United Kingdom AGM, St James’ Church hall, 236 Mitchan Lane, Streatham. London SW16 6NT Saturday 5th Dec, 3:15pm to 5pm, Contact: 020 8677 0774

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TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21

You’re likely to find yourself doing a lot of thinking about both new and existing partnerships, and maybe toing and froing in one relationship in particular. Home and family duties and responsibilities may weigh heavy on you. In effect, you’re building a new foundation, so the work you put in now will pay off in the future.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

This week should see you at the peak of your creative powers and at the height of a romance. It’s an exciting, expansive time, when you should find it easier to be who you are and do what you want : you may be surprised by just how far you can go. This is a tremendously exciting time for you, in which you can embrace changes you might not even consider at other times.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

Love is liable to blow hot and cold rather unpredictably. If so, then it might be a good idea to check your own behaviour and motives for it could be that you are already taking too much for granted. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes and be cautious about other people's enthusiasm which is likely to be misplaced. Travel and social life combine to bring a lively time ahead of you.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 It is an excellent time for exercising your mental energies, claryfying your ideas and getting involved in discussion. Exercise caution when it comes to making financial decisions as being hasty will cost you ! Wait before going full steam ahead with grand actions and gestures. Focus on essentials and establish a solid foundation, so that you feel secure. The fiery planet Mars is the moving force in regard to amorous experience, giving more than just a hint that links between lovers will be rather intense and passionate. Your attitude to material interests is likely to undergo some deep change. On a material level the trend greatly favours anything geared towards establishing greater financial stability.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 You could work with someone on a project that calls for clear communication and a high degree of cooperation. You may also find yourself thinking deeply about what it is you really want to do, and who you really want to be with. The decisions you make now will be important for the path you take. With all this extra work you should adopt a new health regime too. SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

Saturn continues its journey through the sign Libra, lending its support for you to redefine your sense of self, in a way that will give you a greater understanding of yourself. You’re being prodded to live your life in a more fluid way. This may be disconcerting to a fixed sign like yourself, especially as you don't welcome change, but ease up and go with the flow. From a financial point of view take stock of where you’re at rather than to launch any ambitious new business plan. Opportunities abound, professionally and socially, so make the right choices. There may be something to sort out with a partner, particularly of a financial nature. Please ensure that it won’t be all work and no play: there’s fun in the romantic department, too.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

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Hard work and a disciplined approach keep your head in the right place. You will continue to be in a restless mood for some time to come. This makes you impatient with restrictions and even more determined to cut your own path. Do not get over-anxious if everything seems to be in slow motion - it is time to pull a few strings.

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Your career seems to take a new positive direction now. Opportunities for promotion and financial gain present themselves throughout this period. Self improvement and discipline with health and diet have just become easier. You have changed your habits and made it a new way of life now. Inner growth continues for some time to come.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

You’re likely to receive insights into where everything is going and these may shape your life for months to come. Aquarians can look forward to advancing both personal and professional ambitions from now onwards. There are opportunities to expand your sphere of operations and you and a partner could really go places. Professional and financial pressures will begin to ease.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 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 much enjoyment is to be had simply from being in touch with other people.

TIME

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009 2 tempe sch. 3 Skull-and-crossbones site 4 Genetic surprise 5 Coors product 6 Part of DNA 7 Prefix with cab or cure 8 Minimal 9 Hidden away 10 Former NYC Mayor Ed 11 Resignation declaration 12 Gang territories 13 Old Pac. pact 21 Shipping dept. stamp 23 Inquired 24 Took an oath 28 Quick trip 29 Weeding tool 30 Reflection 31 Actor Alejandro 35 Six-pack abs? 36 Zestful 37 Brushes away 39 Solidify 41 Cavs, on a scoreboard 42 Run smoothly 45 Burst into laughter 47 “Voice of Isreal” author 50 Dazzle 51 Showtime original series 52 Had words 53 __Filipinas 54 German city 55 paltforms 59 Skelton’s Kadiddlehopper 60 Bee’s residence 62 Forestry tools 66 Church sister 67 Bottel of brew

C R O S S W O R D - 64 1

20 23

31 34

49 53

57 60

general Righty and lefty Boxer’s stat Tragic destiny Outstanding loans Greek cupid Georgia fruit Uh-huh Star in Cygnus Sticky stuff Composer Brian Import-export restriction 53 AOL, e.g. 56 Be indebted 57 Mealty fast-food

Across 1 Damage 5 uses a laser weapon 9 Burlesque bits 14 Biblical twin 15 Reykjavik’s isl. 16 Brimless hat 17 Mixed breed pooch 18 South of France 19 Legend automaker 20 Change in basic assumptions 23 All together 25 I doubt it! 26 Chinese menu

27 32 33 34 38 40 43 44 46 48 49

chain Wall Street fixture Soup dispenser Cereal for kids Forearm bone Nice farewell? Singular roof overhang 70 Jewish month 71 Philatelist’s puchase 72 Deli breads 73 Unit of force Down 1 Cloth border

58 63 64 65 68 69

SPELLATHON - 64 Today’s Ratings: 04-average | 06-good | 07-outstanding. 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 L should be at least one Y L seven-letter word. Plurals, Y foreign words and proper O names are not allowed. R British English Dictionary A is used as reference.

Solution of Spellathon - 63 ANSWER : petty, peotry, POTTERY, potty, pretty, prey, pyre, ropy, type, typo, tyre, yore

Solution of Crossword-63 G U E S S O N T H E R I C H A E S S W S A H A P P Y A B L E B A I N I C E D B I R T H H E O P E R A R E S I L G R A F T Y O U T H

Sudoku-64 9

5 3 7

5 6 4

6 7

C R U D E N E S S

H O O I R V D S E E C R S R E S I X R E A M I P E R B O A T A Y L O K D B A P O R A L O W I L

E L E C T I O N D W A A Y N K C Y V L I

L I C K

E S T E

T E S T

E P O X Y

T I E I N

H A L V E

R H E A

N O R M

S P A S

Find a five geopraphical terms by adding one of the given letters to each word and rear-ranging the letters. Each letter will be used only once. FIOPY 1. Steep + ? = 2. Raven + ? = 3. Store + ? = 4. Along + ? = 5. Serge + ? =

7 9

Example

4 1 6

9 4

6 8

2 5 3

2 1

5 3

7 9 8

3 7

1 6

9 4 2

1 6

4 2

3 8 7

4 9

8 7

1 6 5

8 5

3 1

6 2 4

6 3

2 4

5 7 9

7 2

9 5

8 3 1

American War of Independence I : Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence by 13 American colonies in July 1776 and their subsequent victory in the War of Independence was a key movement in the history not only of America but also for Britain and the wider world. The colonies in question were Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, M a r y l a n d , Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia. The colonies were prosperous and mainly self-governing. Having grown apart from the mother country, the concept of liberty in them was fully embedded. They were beginning to resent being merely regarded as Britain’s profitable possessions. A number of issues provoked the conflict. Firstly Britain’s success in North American Wars (1756 – 63) with France and native tribes brought peace and security to the colonies. Britain perhaps reasonably felt that the colonies should now bear a fair share of their future defence. Over the next 12 years it imposed a series of revenue and tax measures on a range of items such as legal documents, sugar, metals, and tea which led to fierce opposition including a skirmish between colonists and British soldiers in Boston causing the death of five citizens (Boston Massacre). Many taxes were repealed in the face of protests except the unpopular Tea Act. The result was the Boston Tea

Party in 1773 when rebels disguised as native Indians threw part of a tea cargo into the Boston Harbour. Washington said ‘the cause of Boston will now be the cause of America’. Other issues at stake were restrictions on colonies over trade and manufacturing which limited economic growth, land settlement in the American West, and above all the resentment of the colonists over their lack of representation in the British Parliament and participation in the political process that affected their interests.

initial armed confrontation between the colonial militia and the British regulars (redcoats), at Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill in Massachusetts, the situation drifted into a fullscale war with the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia on the 4th July 1776. Sadly Britain had forgotten its own natural belief in liberty, fair play, and tolerance. Support for the conflict had never been strong in Britain where many sympathised with the colonists. Though many Americans were loy-

Boston, birthplace of the United States

There were yet more protests and ‘no taxation without representation’ became the colonists’ battle cry to which Britain refused to back down. Despite opposition from notable politicians such as Pitt (elder), King George III and PM Lord North were intent on suppressing the colonists and responded with even more stringent measures such as closing port of Boston and cancelling Massachusetts’ Charter. For colonists this was too much to bear and after

alists (pro-Britain) in sentiments, British government’s intransigence and failure to reach peaceful agreement took Americans to revolution and the Declaration of Independence. While in USA, it’s worth visiting Boston and its Freedom Trail – a two and a half mile self-guided walking tour that links the important locations related to Boston’s revolutionary history. The Trail is clearly sign-posted (pictured). Bus tours are also available.

WHATZIT? - 64 Find the familiar phrase, saying or name in this arrangement of letters.

Solution of - 63 :

Solution of 63 :

By Dr Anil Mehta

90 Degrees in a Right Angle

4 5 8

M A R I S T

Solution of sudoku-63 HOW TO PLAY Each row, column and square 3x3 box is a sub-grid of 9 cells. Fill in the grid so that each subgrid contains the digits 1 to 9. Every puzzle has one solution.

W A R E S

MINDBENDER - 64

PASS

Glove puppet

KAKURO - 64

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, Solution of KAKURO - 63 the 2 boxes below 12 must contain 2 4 20 15 4 20 7 digits that add upto 6 8 3 9 5 1 7 1 12, whereas for 20, 12 the 3 boxes places 15 15 1 2 13 8 3 4 11 9 6 horizontally next to it must add upto 20. 19 7 No zeroes are used 8 9 2 13 1 2 4 here, only the digits 5 15 one through nine. 1 4 12 1 5 9 Note: 7 1 4 2 4 A digit cannot 16 19 appear more than 23 11 9 6 8 3 8 once in any partic19 23 ular digit combina11 19 9 7 3 3 1 7 tion. For instance 10 4 6 in the example, we 10 6 9 8 2 1 7 1 5 cannot have the combination of 4 12 1 6 3 9 3 1 8+4+8 for 20.

7 16

22 7

15 21

11 17

3 16

15 30

HEALTH WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

Skin color gives clues to health Researchers from the universities of Bristol and St. Andrews in the UK have found that the color of a person's skin affects how healthy and therefore attractive they appear, and have found that diet may be crucial to achieving the most desirable complexion. The work will be published in the December issue of Springer's International Journal of Primatology. Using specialist computer software, a total of 54 Caucasian participants of both sexes were asked to manipulate the skin color of male and female Caucasian faces to make them look as healthy as possible. They chose to increase the rosiness, yellowness and brightness of the skin. "Most previous work on faces has focused on the shape of the face or the texture of the skin, but one of the most variable characteristics of the face is skin color. We knew from our previous work that people who have more blood and more oxygen color in

their skins looked healthy, and so we decided to see what other colors affect health perceptions. This has given us some clues as to what other skin pigments may relate to a healthy appearance," said Dr. Ian Stephen who is now at the University of Bristol. Skin that is slightly flushed with blood and full of oxygen suggests a strong heart and lungs, supporting the study's findings that rosier skin appeared healthy. Smokers and people with diabetes or heart disease have fewer blood vessels in their skin, and so skin would appear less rosy. The preference for more golden or 'yellowtoned' skin as healthier might be explained by the 'carotenoid pigments' that we get from the fruit and vegetables in our diet.These plant pigments are powerful antioxidants that soak up dangerous compounds produced when the body combats disease. They are also important for our immune and reproductive

systems and may help prevent cancer. They are the same dietary pigments that brightly colored birds and fish use to show off their healthiness and attract mates, and the researchers think that similar biological mechanisms may be at work in humans. "In the West we often think that sun tanning is the best way to improve the color of your skin, but our research suggests that living a healthy lifestyle with a good diet might actually be better," said Ian Stephen. Melanin, the pigment that causes the tan color when skin is exposed to

the sun makes the skin darker and more yellow, but participants in the study chose to make skin lighter and more yellow to make it look healthier. "This discovery is very exciting and has given us a promising lead into cues to health. What we eat and not just how much we eat appears to be important for a healthy appearance. The only natural way in which we can make our skin lighter and more yellow is to eat a more healthy diet high in fruit and vegetables," said Professor David Perrett, head of the Perception Lab at the University of St. Andrews, where the research took place.

New Hepatitis C information website launches for South Asians The Department of Health has launched a new hepatitis C information website aimed at the South Asian community www.nhs.uk/hepc/southa sian. The new site, which is part of the Department’s national hepatitis C awareness campaign, provides specific advice and information relevant to South Asian communities. Emerging evidence suggests they may be at a greater risk of contracting the virus compared to the general population in England. The easy-to-use site provides the key facts about hepatitis C and

includes a simple online questionnaire for people to assess whether they may have been at risk of infection. Visitors to the site will also be able to watch the latest television adverts for the campaign and download an information leaflet in several South Asian languages, including Urdu, Gujarati and Punjabi. Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus that can cause chronic infection and lead to serious liver damage. It is mainly spread by contact with the blood of someone who has the infection. Many people are unaware that they have hepatitis C, as symptoms

often do not occur for many years. If left untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure. Although there is yet no vaccine for hepatitis C, there is treatment available which is effective for many patients. Dr Jahangir Rehman, a hepatitis C specialist at Bradford Royal Infirmary, whose specialist interest is hepatitis C in South Asian patients, said: “The new hepatitis C site is a great resource and shows that the Department of Health is committed to raising awareness and tackling this disease amongst South Asian communities. People who think they or a

member of their family may have been at risk or have the disease can visit the site and get the key information they need. The site is a very useful tool in helping people to avoid the risk of acquiring the infection and tackling misconceptions the South Asian community still associate with hepatitis C - especially when it comes to how easy it is to test for the disease and the effective treatment that exists for the virus.” A confidential and free phone hepatitis C helpline is available for people who want to talk to someone in their own language on 0800 181 4774.

News in Brief Morning is best for cancer tests, how a cup of tea could prevent flu and the earpiece that prevents falls Health stories from around the world this week include a new American study that finds screening for bowel cancer should be done in the morning, how tea compounds can help prevent influenza infection, an earpiece that can warn of potentially fatal falls and why drinkers exercise more than teetollers.

Morning is best for cancer tests Patients being tested for bowel cancer should request an appointment in the mornings. A new American study has found that screening for the disease, using a test called a colonoscopy, is much more effective if given early in the day, when doctors are more likely to discover precancerous growths, called polyps. Bowel cancer kills around 16,000 people a year in the UK, mostly over 65. Researchers studied the results of tests on 477 patients and found those done by 8.30am revealed 27 per cent more polyps than those carried out later. With each passing hour, the numbers declined. Although the study was done at one clinic, researchers at the University of California in Los Angeles say the results are likely to be similar elsewhere. One theory is that doctors perform less well as they tire through the day.

A cup of tea could stop you getting flu

New antioxidant compounds identified in foods Scientists at the University of Granada have identified and characterized for the first time different antioxidant compounds from foods such as olive oil, honey, walnuts and a medicinal herb called Teucrium polium. They have used two new techniques, capillary electrophoresis and high resolution liquid chromatography, that have enabled them to identify and quantify a great part of the phenolic compounds contained in these foods. Functional foods such as olive oil, honey, walnuts and a medicinal herb called Teucrium polium are able to provide different health benefits, so their study and character-

ization is of great interest. Among the compounds that give such functional characteristics to these foods are phenolic compounds that have generated great interest due to their antioxidant capacity, which endows them with a chemopreventive effect in humans and causes them to have a great influence on the stability of oxidation present in food. Therefore, according to UGR researchers, the "identification and quantification [of these compounds] is a good means for the characterization of foods that contain them." This work has been performed by Ana María Gómez Caravaca, and directed by Professors Alberto Fernández

Gutiérrez and Antonio Segura Carretero, from the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the UGR. Scientists stress that phenolic compounds have a high antioxidant power and also influence the organoleptic properties of food. Therefore, studies such as the one carried out at the UGR are of great interest because they can determine the amount of these compounds present in foods, and also what compounds are included in every matrix, being able to even determine which one presents a higher activity and its concrete action. Information obtained by scientists from the UGR is useful because

these compounds have many beneficial health properties. It is widely reported that they have a high antioxidant activity and are able to positively influence the organism by preventing the onset of certain diseases (diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, arterial hypertension, etc.).

The latest treatment to prevent flu could be a cup of tea.Recent laboratory studies have found that compounds in tea, known as tea catechins, can help prevent influenza infection. It's thought they work by boosting the immune system. In a new trial - the first to test this theory on humans - men and women will take 540mg supplements every day for five months. At the end of the trial researchers will compare incidence rates of influen-

za infection in those taking the active treatment with those given a placebo. In a second study, also at the University of Shizuoka in Japan, around 160 people will wear face masks containing tea catechins to assess their ability to prevent flu.

Earpiece that prevents falls A new device, worn like a hearing aid, could warn of potentially fatal falls - the major cause of death for the over-75s. The Ear Worn Activity Recognition Sensor (eAR) measures a person's stability by recording the amount they sway. The device has a sensor that measures shockwaves due to tiny changes in acceleration. Its findings are sent to a computer which doctors use to determine the wearer's risk of falling. The patient can then be given extra care or offered home adjustments to prevent falls. The device could even be used to detect when the wearer has actually fallen setting off a remote alarm. It weighs just five grams and is currently being tested at Charing Cross Hospital, West London. The device should be available for use in homes early next year.

Drinkers are more likely to exercise than teetotallers Regular tipplers are more likely to work out than teetotallers, according to research by the University of Miami. It seems the amount of time they devote to exercise tends to rise in accordance with the number of drinks they consume. Heavy drinkers - men who took at least 76 drinks per month and women who consumed 46 - totted up an additional 20 minutes of physical activity per week compared with those who drank nothing. Drinkers were also more likely to do vigorous exercise, including jogging, than abstainers. But researchers stressed their findings are not a sign that alcohol is key to an active lifestyle, they say: 'Even if you exercise, excessive drinking has serious psychological and physical consequences.' And many of the drinkers admit they exercise through guilt and as a means of counteracting the alcoholic calories they consume.

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

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Sport in Action

Lee Westwood wins Dubai golf tourney

USA to develop cricket with NZC help

Lee Westwood of England won the Dubai World Championship golf tournament on Sunday. Ross McGowan, also of England was at the second place, while Rory McIlroy of Northern Lee Westwood Ireland was third. With the win, Westwood also won the inaugural Race to Dubai, the new name for the European Tour's Order of Merit crown. The last time he had finished No1 in Europe was way back in 2000. Westwood's win was worth a total of 2.75 million dollars - 1.25 million for the Dubai World Championship, and 1.5 million for the Race to Dubai Bonus Pool.

New Zealand Cricket is about to enter into a partnership with the USA Cricket Association. The deal is to cover a host of activities, including staging of international cricket matches in both the countries, sharing of coaching and development resources.

Don Lockerbie, the chief executive of USACA said last week, “We are very positive and excited about the benefits our relationship with NZC can bring to USA cricket.” He added, “USA cricket can learn to a great extent from the experience and knowledge of NZC, and

we believe there are real and significant cricketing benefits and commercial opportunities possible through this partnership.” NZC chief Justin Vaughan, responding to the development, said, “We are looking forward to a long-term partnership with USACA. Cricket in

the United States is at a very exciting stage, and we are enthusiastic about the prospect of helping USACA grow the game in their country. The benefits of cricket becoming more established in the USA are also globally significant for the sport.”

David Beckham is an asthmatic British soccer star, now playing for a US club L.A. Galaxy is an asthmatic, his spokesman was quotted saying so in a British newspaper on Tuesday. The revelation came after Becham was pictured using an inhaler in an MLS championship game in Seattle on Sunday. According to the mid-

David Beckham

fielder’s spokesman Simon Oliveira, Beckham was suffering from a mild form of asthma since childhood. He went on to say that his health problem didn’t have any effect on his game. “He has never sought to make it public but if it does inspire any sufferer to think they can achieve

great things like many other sportsmen have done then so much the better.” The former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder will rejoin AC Milan on loan in January. He is also in contention to make it to England's World Cup squad for next year's finals in South Africa.

Kallis out for ODIs, Gibbs to play for SA South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs has been confirmed as Jacques Kallis' replacement for the remainder of the ODI series against England. Kallis fractured his rib during last month's Champions Twenty20 League in India and is also doubtful for the opening Test in Centurion on December 16. Kallis played the second Twenty20 international in Centurion and scored 7, but did not bowl.

Gibbs will join the squad in Cape Town on Wednesday, ahead of the third ODI which starts two days later. He last played for South Africa during the Champions Trophy in September but failed to make the squad for the limited-overs games against Zimbabwe and England. He also had a forgettable outing in the Champions League in India, scoring just 43 runs in four games for the Cape Cobras.

Herschelle Gibbs

He scored 42 of those in the semi-final against Trinidad and Tobago, but prior to that he had

recorded two first-ball ducks. However, he was in good form for the Cobras in the MTN 40-over competition at home, scoring 163 runs in four games. He was given a lifeline by the selectors when he was picked for the A squad to play England in Potchefstroom last week, where he scored 24. With Kallis on the sidelines, Gibbs will have a second chance at regaining his spot.

Peter Fulton makes a comeback to the NZ test squad Shane Bond also named in the team to play Pakistan at home Jesse Ryder and Craig Cumming are the two players that have not found the NZ selectors’ nod for the home test series against Pakistan, starting on Tuesday, 24th November at Dunedin. Ryder is injured and hence not considered. Cricket New Zealand

have named a 13 member team for the first two test matches. Peter Fulton has made a comeback after his Australia tour earlier this year. Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey are the two other players who are back on national duty after being sidelined due to their association with the

banned ICL events in India. Allrounder Grant Elliot also is back with the test team after having recovering from the injury. Seamer Daryl Tuffey has earned his recall in particular for his maximum success against Pakistan. Till the date, Tuffey has 66 test scalps to

his credit and 24 of them are Pakistani batsmen. Squad: Daniel Vettori (capt), Shane Bond, Grant Elliott, Daniel Flynn, Peter Fulton, Martin Guptill, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum (wk), Tim McIntosh, Iain O'Brien, Jeetan Patel, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey.

Cricket umpires hail it; the DRS is on The most talked about use of technology into cricket, the decision review system (DRS) has become operational at Dunedin on Tuesday as New Zealand is playing at home as a visitor team against Pakistan for a three test series. Australia playing against the West Indies at home also start their test series from Thursday at Brisbane. That will be second game where the DRS will be used. A majority of cricketers and match officials are in favour of the system. Nine of the 10 full members of the ICC have also voted in favour of the DRS. The idea of the DRS is to eliminate obvious umpire errors. “We are

excited about the introduction of this ground-breaking system,” said David Richardson, ICC general manager Cricket. “With the improvement of technology, umpires' mistakes are exposed and scrutinised like never before. This system will help alleviate the problems created when mistakes which appear obvious on replays are made. The system allows television technology to be used in a way that will not result in too many delays, will not de-skill the umpires and will take some pressure off them. The fact is that trials showed that the system improved player behaviour and led to a significant

reduction in the number of umpiring errors,” Richardson added. In his report to the ICC following the trial, Billy Bowden from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires was glowing in his praise for the DRS. “Personally, having the DRS trial was the best thing since sliced bread,” said Bowden. "From an umpires point of view I embraced it, lived it and loved it. The effect was all positive for me but I wasn't surprised one iota. Why? Well, it gave me confidence to make good, strong umpiring decisions and I did not fall in to the trap of relying on the DRS to bail me out. I felt in control, relaxed and happy umpiring in the

Tests every day. “I’m excited about DRS and I believe it will benefit the game. I am 100% behind the ICC’s decision so bring it on!” he said. Another umpire in agreement with the introduction of the system is ICC Umpire of the Year 2009 Aleem Dar, also of the elite panel. “I think it will help reduce the chances of mistakes made on the field," he said. "I support the introduction of this system as it is designed to help umpires. It is a tough job out there nowadays, and the review system is helpful for the umpires. It will be good for the game,” said Dar.

The 32 teams who will play FIFA WC 2010 The final list of 32 teams who will play the World Cup Football 2010 in South Africa was decided after last Wednesday's playoffs in Europe. The final draw to decide who plays who in the World Cup group will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 4 December, exactly six months before the tournament kicks off. The 32 teams are - Europe: England, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Serbia, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Slovakia, Portugal, Greece, France and Slovenia. Africa: South Africa, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Nigeria and Algeria. Asia/Oceania: Australia, Japan, South Korea, North Korea and New Zealand. Concacaf: USA, Mexico and Honduras. South America: Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay.

Soccer match fixing probe leads to arrest of an Italian football club president The soccer match fixing scandal that rocked Italy in 2006 has resulted in arrest of nine people, including the president of Italian football club Potenza. Italian police said all were arrested in connection with an investigation into possible match-fixing and illegal betting, though no one has still been charged. In 2006, following the expose of the scandal, Juventus were demoted. German prosecutors last week said more than 200 people had fixed or tried to fix about 200 football matches across Europe. Three of the Champions League matches were also in the fixed games list.

Umpire ruling referrals now for hockey also After cricket, its now hockey’s turn to go for referrals over umpire’s rulings. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced on Monday that field hockey teams unhappy with umpire’s ruling will now have a right to demand a video referral of the decision. Teams will be allowed one referral per match over umpire’s decisions on awarding or disallowing goals, penalty corners and penalty strokes. For a referral, the captain of the team has to request the review immediately after the incident. The FIH has further said that if the referral comes out in favour of the team, it will be allowed one more referral in the same match. The system will be put on trial at the men's Champions Trophy in Melbourne from November 28, before the FIH takes a decision on introducing it at the next World Cup in New Delhi in February-March. Match umpires can already consult an off-field colleague watching a video replay if they feel they may have erred in awarding or disallowing a goal. "The primary purpose of the video umpire is to reduce major errors which may impact upon the result of a match," FIH competitions committee chairman Ken Read said in a statement.

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"#$% !"#$%&! England start SA ODIs with a bang

Asian Voice - Saturday 28th November 2009

!!!"#$%&'()*%"+),

Dead wicket, tons of runs in Ahmedabad Lanka piled up a record 760 runs, match ends in a tame draw

Ahmedabad was flooded with runs last week. After the first hour on day one – Monday, it was batsmen who dominated the game all the way. There was a double century and six centuries in the five day game. Though India stood the risk of losing the match, till well past the first session on the last day, that was only possible if the batsmen lacked in application and concentration. But almost each and every batsmen contributed to make it a dull draw with more than one innings remaining incomplete. There were also quite a few new Sachin Tendulkar takes the records. Sachin Tendulkar added a applause for his 43rd Test century couple to his credit. at Ahmedabad on November 20 also contributed to the In all, just 21 wickets fell – visitors’ woes. Murali four of them in just the went without a wicket in first hour of the first day. the entire second innings. Paul Collingwood and Jonathan Trott's partnership of 162 from 30 overs took On the final day, England to the verge of victory at Centurion on Sunday. Previously, it has hapGautam Gambhir scored a pened only six times. and he was instrumental in Collingwood refused to opening in place of century (7th overall), Tendulkar had started the early extraction of allow themselves to be Jacques Kallis had while Sachin Tendulkar off fluently, driving Murali Smith for 12, as he persisthurried. chugged along to a serene registered another ton, his against the spin for two ed with a slip to Tim There was just time half-century, and JP 43rd test century and also boundaries, and punching Bresnan, and was rewardbefore the end for Eoin Duminy had just belted completed 30,000 runs in Mathews for one. Once he ed with a well-channelled Morgan to reprise his forthe legspinner Adil Rashid international cricket (tests was comfortable in the delivery and a simple edge midable finishing skills out of the attack in a preand ODIs combined). middle, he too opted to into his midriff. with a classy 27 not out meditated assault, when India saw four of its play for time. And Strauss's decision from 18 balls, but happily Andrew Strauss opted for batsmen score tons – Sri Lanka tried one of to turn to Trott was a masfor all Englishmen in the a double bowling-change. Rahul Dravid and skipper the last gambles, taking terstroke. South African ground, he wasn't able to Amla was instantly Dhoni registering centhe new ball and asking batsmen allowed him to deny Collingwood a richly unsettled by the lack of turies in the first innings, Prasad to bowl despite the rumble through seven deserved milestone, which pace, and having survived while it was Gambhir and injury. But neither he nor overs for 21, with just a was brought up six balls a tough caught-andSachin in the second Welegedara could find solitary boundary coming before the end. England's bowled chance from innings. Sri Lanka had enough from the pitch to from his final over. improbable record against Collingwood's fifth delivthree, with Mahela disturb Tendulkar or England’s chase for the South Africa has now ery, he immediately Jaywardene having scorLaxman. For a while 251 runs started with Trott been extended to six wins popped a looping chance ing a huge double century. Tendulkar shut shop comand Strauss sharing a 28in seven games that were to Strauss at short cover. For the bowlers, it was a pletely, scoring three runs run stand for the first played completely. Tactically, Strauss pure leather hunt. in 26 deliveries. By that wicket. But it was {Brief scores: 2nd could hardly be faulted. He Sri Lanka started the time he had reached Pietersen’s dismissal that ODI - Eng 251 for 3 correctly gambled on bowlday 144 ahead, and need30,000 international runs, was the most instructive. (Collingwood 105*, Trott ing first at the toss, despite ed eight Indian wickets to and it seemed torturous to He aimed a slog at Albie 87) beat SA 250 for 9 vivid memories of what force a result, but met a make the fast bowlers Morkel and lost his leg (Petersen 64, Amla 57) by Smith and the absent docile pitch and deterkeep bowling on this 7 wickets. 1st ODI – stump for just 4 runs. Loots Bosman had done to mined batting. The hampitch. abandoned} his team earlier in the tour, From then on, Trott and string injury to Prasad Post tea session, both Tendulkar and Laxman batted with more intent, in the knowledge that the game had been saved. Sri Lankan bowlers tried various angles of attack, but there was little left to play Ingram Winter Green of London to handle the litigation against the three bodies for, and both the batsmen cricketers not named India had engaged in a League has served notice The ICL is still fighting. duly reached personal have been mentioned as range of activities clearly to the ICC, the ECB and In fact, it has just started milestones. the first and the second calculated to deter and the BCCI. the legal battle over what {Brief scores: India claimants respectively. prevent prospective playA London based legal it calls the ‘unlawful’ ban 426 (Dravid 177, Dhoni The legal proceedings, ers and others from havfirm Ingram Winter on players associated 110, Welegedara 4-87) if any, are expected to ing any association with Green has given the with the event that was and 412 for 4 (Gambhir take place in the UK. The the ICL. notices to the three bodalways considered hostile 114, Tendulkar 100*) respondents have been ECB is the first ies citing violation of by the official cricket drew with Sri Lanka 760 asked to respond by 7th respondent, while BCCI England’s restraint of establishment. for 7 decl. (Jayawardene December. An injunction and ICC follow as second trade laws. The notice Essel Sports Private 275, Prasanna 154*, and unspecified damages and third respondents. has also claimed that Ltd., the body that runs Dilshan 112)} have been sought. ESPL and professional BCCI, the official body in the Indian Cricket

Collingwood, Trott script a comfortable win Rains did not allow a ball to be balled in the first ODI on Friday at Johannesburg. England started the ODI series against hosts South Africa with a bang on Sunday at the Centurion. They first did the credible job of restricting the home team to 250 runs and than, went past the post with 7 wickets in hand. They had four overs to spare. Paul Collingwood and Jonathan Trott had plenty to celebrate in this victory and the pair duly set about doing so in style. England's most experienced one-day cricketer joined one of the country's newest recruits to produce a brace of allround performances that smothered South Africa's ambitions on a sluggish rain-affected track, and guided their side to an improbably comprehensive victory. It turned out to be a cakewalk. Chasing a meagre target of 251, Collingwood and Trott came together in the 12th over with England teetering a bit on 45 for 2. But thereafter, they blinked rarely. A third-wicket stand of 162 in 30 overs put the result beyond doubt. It was a disappointing end for Trott. He opened the innings in place of Joe Denly and Alastair Cook. He anchored the chase with an unflustered 119ball innings of 87. The main man for England on Sunday however, was their newly confirmed record-holder. Collingwood has now played in 171 ODIs - one more than Alec Stewart. His day began with a stunning two-handed pounce in the gully to intercept an AB de Villiers cut, and it was crowned with a drive through mid-on to bring up his fifth ODI century. But in between, it was his canny spell of mediumpace (6-0-24-2) that really disturbed South Africa's momentum. To all intents and purposes, the match was won and lost in those habitually becalmed overs in the middle of South Africa's innings. Hashim Amla -

ICL sounds the battle bugle: Notices to ECB, BCCI and ICC