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VOICE

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

VOL 39. ISSUE 31

India + Mobile

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Tragic end to a fairy-tale wedding

Spotlight continues on Nira Radia, her exploits

The showdown between the government of India and opposition in the parliament and also outside continues with no signs of any side prepared for a climbdown.

In the midst of all the outrage, Nira Radia, an Indian lobbyist, reportedly a British passport holder and citizen continues to be under the media spotlight for her alleged role in lobbying the ministry berth to A Raja and the

Nira Radia

Telecommunications ministry to helping business interests of her clients and roping in retired top bureaucrats to help her firms.

After Pranab Mukherjee, the union finance minister and Sonia Gandhi’s key trouble shooter failed to convince to opposition on agreeing for anything but a JPC probe, an attempt by Loksabha speaker Ms. Meira Kumar on Tuesday

also yielded no results, leaving the parliament logjam to continue and no signs of any relenting from either sides.

About 80 MPs belonging to non-NDA Opposition parties on Tuesday marched to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to urge President Pratibha Patil to "advise" the government to set up a JPC. Continued on page 24

Shrien and Anni Dewani on their wedding day

By Rupanjana Dutta The most tragic death of Anni Dewani, a hopeful and beautiful bride at her honeymoon has raised many questions about human integrity.

Continued on page 6

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

one to one Keith Vaz MP with Kathleen Cronin

What are your long term goals?

Throughout her career, Kathleen has worked with young people and focussed on their involvement in decision making, about their own lives and the world they live in. She developed substantial experience in mentoring and coaching a wide range of young people.

Kathleen worked for the Children's Society and led the Children in Neighbourhoods programme in London involving children and young people in the regeneration of their neighbourhoods. She then moved on to the National Children's Bureau to lead their youth participation work and established the Participation Unit, working with government and other partners on developing youth policy.

After NCB Kathleen became the Chief Executive of British Youth Council a national, youth umbrella organisation which provides support for youth led organisations and campaigns for young people.

Kathleen is also a Director of Beyond Youth and an alumna of the Windsor Leadership Trust. She lives in Cambridge with her husband.

What inspired you to begin your career in your chosen field?

I am passionate about access to affordable career development opportunities for girls and young women. I believe strongly that all young women should have access to support to become strong, independent young women no matter what their social background. In a society which hyper sexualises women, a counter force is needed to present strong, positive role models and life choices.

To grow Ignite so that all girls and young women can access our services. I’d also like to write a book for girls which brings together all the inspiration and good advice from the girls and women involved in Ignite and GirlsCan. If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change?

I would focus international development efforts on the health and education of girls.

The recent book Half the Sky makes such a good case for this focus.

Please tell us about your current role at Ignite?

I am the Director of Ignite, which means I am responsible for the strategic direction and development. I also deliver our GirlsCan programmes and provide 1:1 coaching to young women in the early stages of their careers.

Tell us about GirlsCan project?

the

GirlsCan is for girls 1618. We have just set up a website called GirlsCan.co.uk which has videos of women

Setting up Ignite, I have experience growing organisations, but starting something from scratch is completely different and I have learned (and am still learning!) a huge amount.

talking about their career and life journeys. They are ordinary women who show how they developed self-belief, and through determination and hard work and achieved their dreams. We also provide our Inspire workshops which bring our role models to schools and youth groups, and the Aspire to Achieve programme, which works with girls to develop their self belief and achieve their dreams.

What are your proudest achievements?

Taking the leap to move out of secure employment and set up Ignite.

What is the best thing about your new role?

Every time I finish delivering a GirlsCan programme and the girls feedback what they have learned, it’s great to see how much they have grown and I know the leap was worth it.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career?

People ■ Conservative MP Adam Afriyie is leading the Commons revolt against IPSA the new body which governs the payment of allowances to MPs. He has an excellent claim to do so. He does not claim any expenses.

■ Business Secretary Vince Cable has won the battle over the new Immigration Cap. There

Vince Cablea

will be exemptions for companies that wish to bring in employees so long as they earn 42k.

■ Britain's newest peer Lord Gulam Noon of St Johns Wood is to be installed on 6th December. He will be

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

Tough question, I find the stories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things most compelling. I’d love to hear stories from those who experienced a historical event, and get a feel of what it was like to live in those times.

Lord Gulam Noon

introduced by two old friends Lord David Sainsbury and Baroness Margaret Jay. Curry will be the main dish of the day in honour of the "Curry King".

Shopkeepers advised how to prevent robberies in run up to Christmas Shopkeepers across London are to receive expert advice on how to avoid becoming a target for criminals as part of a crime reduction project by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Flying Squad.

In the run up to Christmas, Flying Squad officers, working together with Safer Neighbourhoods teams, will visit shops across the Capital to offer specialist guidance on how to reduce the risk of attacks by robbers.

Officers will talk to business owners about security measures and will

hand out advice leaflets setting out a number of simple steps they can take to improve security and deter criminals. They will also direct people to the Metropolitan Police Service website crime prevention pages where more in-depth crime prevention advice and information is a v a i l a b l e : www.met.police.uk/business.

The visits will be supplemented by a number of training seminars for all business owners, to be held at venues in Southwark, Lambeth, Haringey and Newham.

Each session will last approximately 1hour and 15 minutes and is completely free.

DCI Ian Corner from the MPS’ Flying Squad, said: “Experience has shown us that Christmas and the mid winter months are the times of year when commercial premises are more likely to become a target of robbers. We recognise that local shops provide vital services to the local community and if they become vulnerable, coupled with the current recessional climate, it can become difficult for small businesses to carry on.

“We are committed to supporting all lawful businesses no matter how large or small. We want to educate them on how to best protect themselves and would encourage them to attend a seminar and log onto our website for more information.”

Police now hope to persuade smaller business owners that introducing a few common-sense meas-

ures could protect them from becoming victims.

These include: l Removing advertising

and posters from windows to ensure that staff can see any potential threat and

take action. l Not holding large amounts of cash in tills l Not to count cash in public view l Always use two people for opening and closing Officers will also give

advice on what to do in the event of and in the wake of a robbery.

Anyone with information about such criminality should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Mumbai carnage anniversary observed in House of Lords It was a solemn occasion in the House of Lords when the second anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks was observed, with the response and attendance at the Cholmondeley Room quite overwhelming.

At the commemorative event hosted by The Baroness Shreela Flather DL, Deepak Kuntawala, founder of The DVK Foundation presented a cheque of 10,000 pounds to Survivors of Terrorism,

500 pounds to William Pkye, who is wheel-chair bound following the attack and 500 pounds to

Rabbi Sudak, Head of Chabad House in Mumbai for setting up a new kitchen there.

Baroness Flather, the first Asian woman to receive a peerage in 1990, complimented Deepak who along with his father Vinay Kuntawala was a victim of the Mumbai terror attack, for setting up the charity to help survivors of the tragic event.

Receiving the cheque from Baroness Flather, Sudak said despite the attack, the Chabad House has rededicated itself to promote peace all over the country.

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

COMMENT

WikiLeaks exposes lies and subterfuge of US policy Asked by the BBC World Service whether he agreed with the Obama Administration's censure of WikiLeaks release of confidential diplomatic documents as a threat to innocent lives, Daniel Ellsburg, a famous whistleblower in 1971 who exposed the double-talk behind America's Vietnam policy in the Pentagon Papers, dismissed this as nothing more than the usual cant. If anyone had put US and other lives at risk, it was the “criminal and irresponsible policies of the US government in Iraq and Afghanistan.” Just as he had exposed US policy in his time by going public, he lauded WikiLeaks for doing the same. He said that the US authorities had reversed their earlier position over WikiLeaks previous released by accepting that no lives were lost by this action and no lives put under threat. It was US governments that were responsible for the Iraq-Afghanistan quagmire.

Things had happened, and were sill happening, in both countries that were America's shame, he opined. Torture, unlawful killings, rapes and much else besides are part of a seamless robe of malfeasance without official accountability. The mainstream US media were complicit because they accepted without question Pentagon and State Department explanations of developments. The Fourth Estate was now a fourth-rate estate lacking credibility and conviction. Today, the American people and people throughout the world are aware of the terrible deeds that occurred in the American Abu Gharaib detention centre in Baghdad, they know in gruesome detail the appalling cowboy behaviour of the privately contracted security firm

Blackwater, as its gun-toting personnel went about maintaining law and order. Some law, some order.

There is something rotten in American governance, the rot beginning decades ago, as revealed

by Mr Ellsburg and the Jack Anderson papers.The latter exposed the twisted workings of the Nixon Administration during the Pakistan's military's massacres in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), which claimed three million Bengali Muslim and Hindu lives and led to the Indo-Pakistan war in December 1971. The Anderson transcripts revealed the duplicity of President Nixon and his National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger. Democratic America and totalitarian Communist China were willing partners in the same bloody bed, resolutely opposed to India, favouring Yahya Khan, the Pakistani military dictator, something no knowledgeable Indian with an elementary grasp of real politik can afford to forget.

Instead of railing at WikiLeak, Washington's great and good should devote their best energies to curing the militarising cancer in America's political life. The grammar and spirit of American democracy must be restored to health in the interests of the nation and the world. The rest is trivia, tittle tattle and gossip that entertains but scarcely enlightens.

That Saudi Arabia wants Iran bombed should be no surprise to those aware of the Saudi role in the George W. Bush Administration's decision to topple Saddam Hussain in Baghdad and occupy Iraq. US best-selling author Bob Woodward's State of Denial is a troubling read. The political system is clearly in crisis.

Time to heal Sri Lanka's wounds The healing process in Sri Lanka has still to takeoff despite the buoyant rhetoric emanating from the Colombo government. But a start has been made.

The camps housing Tamil refugees in the country's north are being wound up, people are slowly returning home, while commissions of inquiry are making progress as Tamil witnesses bear witness to their experiences. Sri Lanka's friends abroad, notably India, have started pitching in with rehabilitation and infrastructure aid, especially for the Tamil-populated northern region. India's External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna has just completed a successful three-day visit to Colombo, where he met President Rajapakse and the top leadership.

However, community reconciliation has a long way to go. Old wounds are still raw, and it will take inclusive dialogue and understanding before a new chapter in the country's history can begin. Which is where the Tamil diaspora in Britain can play a creative role. Sri Lankan Tamils are in evidence in all walks of British social and economic life, from business to the professions. They are widely respected.

They are therefore in a unique position to liaise with the Sri Lakan High Commission in London in arranging meetings and cultural programmes for all Sri Lankans irrespective of their ethnicities and religious faiths. The ice must be broken in the

national interest. Sri Lanka is a land rich with promise, but still some distance from fulfilment.

Silence breeds resentment, old grievances deepen and new ones are seeded. The mould needs to be broken.

Let us for start be honest and accept that the Tamils of Sri Lanka were more sinned against than sinning, that their political and civil rights were frequently disregarded and sometimes trampled upon

by Sinhalese politicians and their constituencies.

On the other side the Tamil Tigers performed an immense disservice to the community they claimed to be protecting with their campaign of violence and terror, which included suicide bombings, the scourge that has taken hold in other corners of the world.The Tigers lost the support of every section of the international community, their assassination of Rajiv Gandhi made them untouchable in India.

Having lived by the sword the Tigers died by the sword and brought untold suffering to Sri Lanka.

Having said that, one cannot go on living in the past. It is time, therefore, to embrace the future and make it work for the entire nation. The Tamil diaspora can give a lead, they have it in them to be an early light that dispels the darkness. The Sri Lankan government and its High Commission in London must act. Now.

India's scams darken its politics A series of scams continue to deepen the gloom in India's politics. The 2G telecoms licence auctions led to the fall of the minister in charge Andhimutu Raja, but the scam still send shock waves across public life. Journalist have been drawn in with charges of improper conduct, and some among them have seen their reputations in free fall.

Now, one of the biggest names in corporate India, Ratan Tata, no less, has decided to take up cudgels against the leaks of a private conversation he held with London-returned lobbyist Nira Radia.

It is the publication of the transcript that has aroused Mr Tata's ire. Justifiably so, as rumourmongering has become a distasteful national pastime befitting a “banana republic,”said an indignant Mr Tata. He has petitioned the country's Supreme Court claiming that his right to privacy has been infringed. He has made the Union Government a party to his petition; the Union Home Secretary, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Income Tax Department, the Department of Telecommunications and the Deportment of Information Technology are listed as respondents.

Mr Tata was not against the inquiry into the teleoms scam, he simply opposed the character assassination based on hearsay and innuendo. In

his view, “Banana republics are run on cronyism.

People of great power wield great power, people of lesser power or people out of power, go to jail without adequate evidence, or the bodies are found in the trunks of cars.”

The use of official phone taps, he opined should be restricted to national security or kept confidential, except in prosecutions. He was angered by leaks of a private nature in his conversation with Ms Radia which had nothing whatsoever to do with the investigation into the telecoms scam.

In a conversation – 'Walk The Talk' - with TV journalist Shekhar Gupta, Ratan Tata remarked: “Well, we have endeavoured to uphold a value system that that has been part of our [Tata] tradition.And we've been disadvantaged repeatedly. In that we have lost projects, projects have been delayed....but we will stay the course.... keep going ferociously protecting this one asset that we have.”

He felt [India's] prime minister should be concerned at the present direction. “And he's a tremendously good man. We are lucky to have him as PM.... his face has been the face of transforming India....he doesn't deserve to face this kind of humiliation.”

The country's Augean Stables need to be cleansed – which is the work of a lifetime.

www.abplgroup.com

Thought for the Week The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.

- 'King of the blues' B B King

Sarah Teather MP Minister of State for the Dept for Education Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central

Aung San Suu Kyi is a reminder to us all not to take democracy for granted The last few weeks have been momentous weeks for Burmese democracy.

The release of Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s opposition leader, was a spectacle that I found incredibly moving. Thousands gathered outside her house, some waiting for hours to be able to see her walk to freedom Her story is an immensely inspiring one.

Aung San Suu Kyi has spent most of the last 20 years in some form of detention after her party the National League for Democracy won an overwhelming victory in the 1990 Burmese general election. Such was her popularity that her party won the 1990 election despite her having already been placed under house arrest and disqualified from standing by the military junta.

She has never been allowed to take up the post of prime minister.

Suu Kyi’s determination and fortitude in continuing to campaign for democracy the face of such injustice should be an inspiration for us all.

This was recognised in 1991 when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for “one of the most extraordinary examples of civil courage in Asia in recent decades”. I passionately hope that her release will be the first step on Burma’s road to a democracy that treats its citizens as equals.

What does this have to do with British citizens? We’re incredibly lucky to live in a democratic society with a strong independent press. But that doesn’t mean we should take our democracy for granted.

Democracies wither when entrenched interests take over from public authority and when our elected representatives

forget that their power is to serve those who put them there.

Successive governments in Britain have become complacent about our own democratic inequalities.

The expenses scandal, which was still ongoing this time last year, exposed some of the cracks in our democracy. Parliament has yet to regain the trust of the British people who were rightfully angry at MPs and Peers, some who had benefitted to the tune of thousands of pounds, from playing the expenses system.

This is why I am backing the ‘Yes to Fairer Votes’ campaign. Next year’s referendum on how you elect your MPs might appear separate from democratic failures such as the expenses scandal but in reality they are closely connected.

Voting yes to change our voting system to AV would make a huge difference to the way political power is used in this country. AV would mean for the first time that MPs would need to get 50% support from those who voted for them. This would make MPs work harder for your vote and we wouldn’t have the embarrassment of MPs being elected with anything less than a majority of their constituents voting for them.

AV will end the idea that MPs can get a seat for life. Statistics show that those with safer seats were more likely to abuse their expenses during the expenses scandal last year. It is vital that we end this culture of complacency.

I hope all readers will get involved in the yes campaign and make a real and lasting difference to British democracy.

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

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Leicester Voice

By Kartik S Raval

Failed this time but will come back stronger, promises Manjit Singh One of Britain's strongest men has failed in a bid to break a world record by pulling a double-decker bus using his ears in London's Hyde Park. In front of the judges from the Guinness Book of Records, the 60-year-old, who lives in Highfields, Leicester attempted to pull a double-decker bus with his teeth at Leicester Airport in Stoughton.

With relatives, supporters and Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Collin hall cheering him on, Manjit tried to accomplish the feat several times.

Manjit Singh hoped to pull the 7.5 tone

Routemaster at least 10 metres (33ft) to kick off the third annual Guinness World Records Day, but only succeeded in moving the vehicle part of the way.

Earlier this year, Mr Singh, from Leicester, succeeded in pulling a passen-

ger aircraft weighing 7.4 tonnes for a distance of 3.4 metres using his ears.

He already holds several other records, including one for pulling a doubledecker bus with his hair and another for lifting 85kg with his ears.

Bankers panel up for local businesses Federation of Small Businesses and Leicestershire Asian Business Association (LABA) combined their efforts to bring together the British Bankers Association and local bankers on a panel to explore challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their dealings with the banks. In wake of the recession, and the banks’ aspirations to lend again, the panel explored various strategies and relationships that can be reformulated in support of SMEs. The panel chaired by LABA’s Vice President Uday Dholakia comprised of Eric Leenders, Executive Director for

Retail with British Banking Association, Peter Ibbetson, Chairman for Small Businesses for NatWest, Mark Gilleard representing Lloyds TSB, David Beaty, Regional Commercial Director for HSBC Bank plc , Carl Dickinson, Managing Partner for Yorkshire Bank, Adrian Forsell, member of Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Rajesh Modha, member of Leicestershire Asian Business Association (LABA).

Prior to the meeting, Uday Dholakia said “The interactive session will give local businesses an opportunity to vent their frustration and challenges with the bankers, howev-

er, it will give us an important opportunity to start to draw a line in the sand and start building on relationships and products that will lever lending to kick start the economy and create local jobs as part of the government’s localism agenda”.

Maxine Aldred of FSB, said “we welcome the opportunity to work with LABA in our efforts to support local businesses and create alliances to further enhance the economic well-being for the region. Building trust between businesses and banks is of prime importance to help push forward the economic wealth creation plans for our county.”

Iconic event for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Two star-studded glittering fundraising events were held in the stunning surroundings of the world renowned Windsor Castle to raise awareness and funds for leading UK youth charity, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (the DofE) in the presence of HRH The Earl of Wessex and many well known celebrities.

The charity’s work is supported through fundraising and the DofE was delighted to be given the opportunity to hold the Icons’ Dinners at Windsor Castle. The dinners raised vital funds for the DofE to ensure the charity can continue to improve and transform young people’s lives.

Icons who attended the events included Buzz Aldrin, Sir Terry Pratchett, Rolf Harris and Cilla Black.

Attending an Icons’

Dinner, DofE Trustee Ashok J Rabheru said: “The great thing about the DofE is that its aim of getting young people to fulfill their potential is so universally accepted. The DofE has proven itself to make such a difference to so many young people. It has been a privilege to be able to work alongside so many dedicated people and witness the most remarkable growth and being able to contribute over the past ten years as a Trustee.”

Since 1956, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has been dedicated to the personal development of young people from all backgrounds. With the widest reach of any UK youth charity, 275,000 young people undertake inspiring DofE programmes to achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Awards every year. Out of

Your Voice has now moved to page 10

these 30,000 youth are from under privileged background.

DofE has helped four million people in the UK and demand for DofE programmes continues to grow every year. In 2009/10 14% of participants were from a minority ethnic background, of which almost half were from an Asian or Asian British background.

Recently, Aswad Hameid took judo lessons, and after developing an interest in fitness and health, completed his Bronze DofE. Aswad revealed “the DofE has helped me to work in the community, as well as find a job. Before I was involved in the youth service I used to be hanging around the streets until the late hours. I was doing nothing useful or anything that was benefiting the community. Now I am aiming to become an Asian Mountain Leader as well as lead my very own DofE group.”

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

kartik.raval@abplgroup.com

Northampton to soon witness contemporary Hindu temple complex worth $18.7 million Proposal of $18.7 million Hindu temple and hightech community complex in Northampton has been approved and the construction is soon to be underway.

Named as “Kutumbh Centre”, the complex will have a spectacular Hindu temple, a state-of-the-art sports centre, crèche and nursery, housing complex for seniors, elderly daycare, library, recreation, education, enterprise and entertainment facilities. Spread over massive 4.3 acres of land, it will also be providing venues for events, exhibitions, meetings, indoor

and outdoor sports and much more by using solar and geo-thermal pump technology.

It is being built by Indian Hindu Welfare Organization, a voluntary charity organization that focuses on enriching the lives of Northampton’s Hindus by meeting their social, cultural, welfare and health needs.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed applauded efforts of Northampton and surrounding community to realize the possible worth of this wonderful and all-inclusive Hindu temple complex.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism said “it is important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and I hope that this new temple complex would focus in this direction.”

Northampton, about 67 miles north-west of London, has a huge Hindu community that has been residing there for more than three decades and hindu religious festivals are held on a large scale.

No roaming around for rowdy romeos cleaner, and Two men who Liaqat, 28, who roamed the city’s has a conviction streets at their own for racially motisweet will to groom vated assault young girls for rape against a white and abuse were man, found the among eight convictims by cruisvicted of offenses ing in a BMW linked to the and stopping to exploitation of 15 flirt. The girls children. were initially flatThe case was the Mohammed Liaqat Abid Siddique tered to be treated latest in a series of as adults. prosecutions involvNottingham and ing vulnerable girls who Their new “friends” Leicester.

All were were targeted for sex by texted them to meet up, prompted by the biggest men across the Midlands plied them with alcohol and child sex abuse investigaand the North. In the drugs and later took them tion in Derbyshire overwhelming majority to “parties”, where men Police’s history. passed the children around of the cases, including Operation Retriever and abused them. Sex acts trials this year in began in 2008 after Abid were also carried out in Sheffield and Siddique and parks and cars. Often, the Manchester, the victims Mohammed Liaqat were abuse was filmed. were white and aged 12 arrested for shoplifting.

Thirteen men, all from to 15, while those conTwo missing girls were in Derby, were charged in relavicted were mostly of their car. A wide-ranging tion to the case and nine South Asian origin. The investigation developed were convicted of offenses pattern is unlike that in involving more than 100 including rape, sex with a other child sex crimes; in police officers who idenchild, sexual assault and cases involving younger tified 27 victims, all from making child pornography. children, lone offenders Derby and all but two of Derby Safeguarding or online grooming, the whom gave evidence Children Board carried out vast majority of offenders against their abusers in are white. a review that recommends court. Three were black The trial that was further research into and two were Asian but held at Leicester Crown whether the ethnic origin most were white.

Court was linked to two of the victims was signifiThe ringleaders, earlier cant. trials in Siddique, 27, a contract

Search for a leader begins as Hindu School start planning Due to open by next september, Krishna-Avanti Primary School has launched a global hunt for a head teacher to lead their Hindu school. The primary school, which is being set up by education charity the I-Foundation, is located in Evington, Leicester.

The school will provide 420 seats for children aged four to 11 years old and it will follow the national curriculum.

However enough attention is likely to be laid on

imbibing the young generation with Hindu culture and ethos.

Pleased with the progress and the pace of development, Project Director Pradip Gajjar said: "We very much want to be a part of the family of schools of Leicester so the role will require the head to work with other schools, other heads, governors, and so on.

As the selected head teacher will be expected to lead the Hindu school from day one and make it

a renowned institution with time, Mr. Gajjar says the Head will be a very busy person. The search is for a leader that will be able to appropriately balance the provision of national curriculum academics and Hindu culture. He adds, “the opportunity to shape a school from the very beginning is likely to be hugely appealing.We're casting our net widely because we want to attract the very best candidate."

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Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

3000 minutes to call abroad From your mobile. To 3 numbers. £10 a month

(that’s “good” in Hindi)

Text WORLD to 61002 For O2 mobile customers. You can call up to 3 standard landlines in selected countries from the UK. See o2.co.uk/terms for full terms and list of available countries.

We’re better, connected

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

As It Is

Tragic end to a fairy-tale wedding

The tragedy and its aftermath To the best of my memory, never before has the British Press, particularly the reputed and the quality dailies from London have gone after in such a detailed coverage of (news and views included) a personal tragedy of a young couple as the recent case of a newly wed young woman’s unfortunate death in South Africa.

The British Press has refrained so far from identifying them as Gujarati Hindus or Lohanas. However, some people say bad publicity is also good publicity. A lot of others may disagree with the view, though speculation of any sorts hurt the innocent.

Be that as it may be. I would like to speak about the British Lohana Community. It does not require much research on my part to dwell on the subject. Last month, the Lohana Community UK directory (fifth edition) was released by Lord Dolar Popat. He is the first ever Lohana enobelled very recently. The event was also a celebration to commemorate the foundation of LCUK, established way back in 1978, though the first Lohana community association was established in Leicester in 1968. “With the winds of change”, Lohanas settled in East Africa mostly in the 19th century and predominantly British citizens began migrating to UK from the late 1950s.

The LCUK directory is bulky indeed. The A4 size glossy publication, perhaps larger than a normal telephone directory is a 594 page book, well printed and more than a kg in weight.

It has family details of perhaps all Lohanas residing in the UK. It has much more than that, even some interesting revelations. The directory has photographs of all the past presidents of LCUK over last 32 years. It has a lot of information too. The directory enlists manifold activities of the community, including the consolidation and bonding of the community associations and include religious, cultural, sports and charitable activities.

It is perhaps noteworthy, that among the British Indians, Lohanas are reknowned for creating wealth and philanthropy. Amongst the other interesting facts is the study of the census report, which says that the total population of the community is only 24,720. Inevitably, the study may not have enlisted all the Lohanas. There are also some very interesting statistics about various occupations that the community is engaged in. These include business, jobs, retired and so on.

A quick glance on the various facets brings out the gradual change in the occupational preferences.

Traditionally, a trading community from India and East Africa of the yesteryears, Lohanas are getting more and more into professions like doctors, lawyers, accountants, pharmacists et al. But simultaneously, there is also a rapid rise of Lohanas into the corporate world, in the UK as well as abroad. Lohanas emphasise on education and self employment and most of them marry within the community.

Lord Dolar Popat said in his speech during the directory launch ceremony that in the top British Universities like the Oxford, Cambridge and London, Lohanas are found more in proportion to their overall population amongst fellow Indians. According to Lord Popat,

Indian population in the UK is approximately 2 per cent, whereas Lohanas at the top Universities are nearly 5 per cent. Research by Lord Popat also reveals that Oswals and Patels, though numerically a larger communities, are lagging behind the Lohanas at the top universities.

This is not surprising at all. Some 20 years ago, a report was published about ethnic students in inner London boroughs. In the Rampton report, there was also included a previously published report in ‘New Life’ news weekly (forerunner of today’s Asian Voice). Asian shopkeepers’ families, predominantly of East African origin, worked enormously hard, many long hours a day to ensure, among other things that their children go to private schools. Sacrifices of that generation have brought rich dividends for the Lohanas and other communities.

Patels are numerically large in numbers in the UK. Some say, they are about 200,000. Patel is the most common surname, though there are also some Amins and Desais.

This refers to only Hindu Patels, the community I know very well.

Lohanas have many surnames, but to mention a few prominent ones, the number of families with these surnames are Kotecha (354), Karia (176), Dattani (148), Radia (139), Ruparelia (126), Morjaria (117), Nathwani (114) and Raja (110). I am afraid I have not been able to enlist all the surnames of the community as they number more than 250.

One more very interesting statistic from the LCUK is the place of origin of British Lohanas. The community’s basic origin is traced to Saurashtra and Kutch area of Gujarat in India.

British Lohanas and their parents have descended here from various places. By their own disclosures, the origin list has Uganda (32%), Kenya (20%), Tanzania (9%), Malawi (2%), India directly (2%) and especially ‘No response’ (32%). The last category, comprising almost 1/3 of the community seems to convey that UK is their country and no other.

The LCUK President currently is Pannaben. It is for the first time that they have a lady at the helm. She and her editorial team, comprising of Ashok Rach (Convenor), Hitesh Thakker, Bharat Sodha, Narendra Popat, Amrutlal (Anil) Rach, Kirit Karia, Kantibhai Savjani and Ajay Jobanputra all deserve hearty congratulations for such an informative directory.

LCUK also has its own website: www.lcuk.co.uk. As a community, the British Lohanas are small, yet their contribution to the overall society is great, not just in the UK, but worldwide.

The worldwide size of the community numerically is less than 750,000 but they are well spreadout all over the world, including Gujarat, India, UK, USA, Canada, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania and Portugal as well as other far off countries. The vibrancy of the community is commendable.

CB

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of kidnapping and murderple on the aeroplane or at ing Mrs Dewani in a townany other point during the There has been so much ship near Cape Town honeymoon is completely speculation in the daily false.’ She added: "The appeared in court on media regarding Anni's Dewani family are upset Monday. husband's involvement in about the Press intrusion The driver of the car this murder. Though into their grief at this very that the couple were travTuesday the media widely difficult time." elling in, Zola Tonga, 31, reported that the South However, National Xolile Mngeni, 26, and African police has insisted Prosecuting Authority Mzwamadoda Qwabe, 26, that Shrien Dewani, spokesman Eric appeared at Wynberg Anni's husband is not a suspect in his wife’s honeymoon murder “for now”.

What remains unclear and unanswered is- why did Shrien hire a PR firm in London, why hire such a big lawyer in South Africa and Britain to represent him for an allegation he claims to be false?

The subsequent questions that have been raised by the daily medias and our readers are- why is Anni's father Vinodbhai Hindocha has not been Anni and Shrien Dewani with family on the day of wedding involved in the investigation and paperwork at all?

Ntabazalila told the Regional Court in Cape The Sunday Mail on national newspapers on Town.

28th November reported Monday 29th November The proceedings got that Anni’s father, allegedin South Africa that off to a late start due to ly telephoned The Mail on despite ongoing speculathe delayed arrival of the Sunday and said: ‘We have men from Pollsmoor tion about Mr Dewani’s heard that the air hostess Prison. During their brief role in the November 13 noticed they were sitting appearance, it was decidattack on his new bride, separately and Anni was ed the three would remain Anni, he is not considered crying. in custody until their next a suspect in the Cape The air hostess apparcourt appearance on Town murder, "for now". ently asked Anni if she Ntabazalila said Mr December 6. The hearing would like to sit with Dewani is innocent in the has been adjourned till Shrien, but Anni said no." eyes of investigators but then.

It is not clear where that police may still need Abul Taher in Sunday this information originatto question the 30-yearMail further reported that ed from, or indeed how it old from Westbury-onShrien Dewani was previwas passed to Anni’s famTrym, who returned to the ously engaged in 2008 to ily. Pressed to elaborate by UK three days after the the daughter of a tycoon The Sunday Mail, Mr tragic event. who founded the Indian Hindocha allegedly said: Max Clifford, the PR budget airline SpiceJet. ‘We are not sure, it is representing the Dewani In February 2009 Mr something you will have to Dewani suddenly canfamily told the Asian check out.’ celled plans for the wedVoice, "The daily medias Asian Voice tried to ding, despite protests from are publishing figments of contact Mr Hindocha in his fiancee, Rani imaginations. Shrien has Sweden but was unavailKansagra, and her family. neither been summoned able for any It was around comments. this time that he Anni's materbegan dating Anni nal uncle Mr after meeting her Piyush Chotai through a relative told Asian Voice, in London. They "Anni's father is married in a lavish very distressed. ceremony in It has been a Mumbai a few massive loss to weeks ago. the family. In a Miss Kansagra, moment of such 26, lives with her agony anybody family in can be misquotThe two men arrested being taken by the police Northwood, ed. However, it is Middlesex. Her father is by the South African in the hands of South multi-millionaire busipolice nor questioned by African government to nessman Bhupendra them. In fact the police find out the real culprit.

Kansagra – who met gave a statement saying For us whenever we think Barack Obama when the that Shrien is not a susof Anni, we remember her US President visited India pect. happy face from the wedlast month.

Daily Mail has written ding. We can't believe she Mr R Kansagra, that Anni sat separately is no more amongst us."

Bhupendrabhai's brother on the flight to South What raised doubts when contacted by Asian Africa and was seen cryabout Shrien's intention Voice refused to comment ing. Shrien has confirmed was when Simbonile on this matter. nothing of that sort hapMatokazi, the first witness Shrien must underpened. Also, the daily to find Shrien Dewani stand that it is a very medias have written that minutes after he was mirky world. With so Anni's father thinks he is dumped by his wife’s many loose ends, the murbeing kept in the dark etc. killers told the Sunday der mystery remains That is completely untrue Mail that, the businessunsolved. At such a tragic and he called up Shrien's man did not appear to period when the family dad to apologise for being have been thrown from should be supported greatmisquoted by the media. the car on to sand, as Mr ly by the nation let alone This is an awful situation.

Dewani initially claimed. the community at large, Shrien is still distraught The Sunday Mail questions continue to be and grieving. Such horrireports further that Mr raised about the groom's ble things are said about Dewani’s British lawyer, intentions, despite of him that have no credibiliCharlotte Harris said: ‘Any repeated claims of his ty at all." suggestion that there was innocence.

The three men accused hostility between the cou-

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

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Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

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Businessman knifed to death ‘in front of children’ A shopkeeper stabbed to death in Birmingham during a suspected armed robbery has been named as Suppiah Tharmaseelan. A local man, 26, has been charged with his murder The incident happened at the Select Convenience Store, pictured, also known as Haresh’s Superstore, in College Road, Kingstanding, at 9.50pm last Saturday. The 48year-old victim, known to his customers as Tom, was pronounced dead at the scene. And it is feared that the terrified teenage daughter of the victim watched the stabbing on the store’s security camera system as

she sat in the family flat above the shop. It is believed she raised the alarm.

Abid Hussain, owner of a store on the same street as the shop, described the victim as a “very sensitive, hardworking, friendly family man”. He said: “I was told that some people burst into his shop with black bags and told him to fill them up with cigarettes but he tried to stop them and that’s when he

Campaigning for World Peace Good Samaritan Patricia Earle from Birmingham is encouraging people to join her on a three-day conference in the Netherlands next week. The symposium, entitled Innovative Approaches to World Peace, from December 10-12, will focus on ways of uniting all people. It has been organised by the Universal Peace Federation. The lineup of speakers includes Former Dutch Premier Dr Dries van Agt who will talk about the ‘Peace Process in the Middle East’.

To find out more visit www.upf.org Separately, Indian mother, Sonal Vimal Ambani, and her two children, Anjali, 18, and 17-year-old Amar, pictured, are encouraging people to join them on their mission to achieve world peace through their disciplined approach. They have set up a portal, www.worldpeace2040.com, which has already been endorsed by global leaders including the Presidents of Chile and China, also the Premiers of Australia and Mauritius. Their aim is to get the United Nations to pass a Resolution on World Peace.

Overcrowded homes Nearly 10,000 Birmingham families are claiming they are living in overcrowded homes – with more than 3,000 in ‘severely cramped’ conditions. The complaints have prompted the city council, Europe’s largest, to try to find more four, five and six-bedroom homes.

Free crafts event

Suppiah Tharmaseelan

was stabbed. It’s unbelievable that he has been brutally killed over a few boxes of cigarettes.”

The victim, who leaves behind three children, two sons and a daughter, and wife Sangeetha, was Sri Lankan-born and had lived in France for a number of years before moving to Birmingham to run the store with his family around two years ago.

One customer said: “I’m in shock – I brought some milk from him just hours before and now he’s dead. What is the world coming to?” Another, a neighbour, said: “Tom had three young children and just after it happened they were stood outside the store shouting and screaming hysterically. My sister said that the youngest son, who’s about nursery school age, had seen it all happen.”

Paramedics also revealed they had treated a second man, aged 19, at the scene, who was suffering from head injuries and was later taken to hospital for treatment.

Kingstanding, an area in the north of Birmingham, has a 26,000 population of which 11 per cent are from ethnic minority communities.

Detectives have launched Operation Skyblue to investigate the attack.

Acting Superintendent Richard Youds said: “At this stage the motive for the attack seems to be robbery of the store.” A man and a woman, both in their 20s from Kingstanding, were arrested shortly before 7am on Sunday (Nov 28) on suspicion of murder.

Anyone with information should contact Force CID on 0845 113 5000.

Improving healthcare through innovation

Kids to raise cash for homeless A budding orchestra, the Young Strings Project, pictured, will be performing at St Luke’s Church Centre in Birmingham next Friday (Dec 10) at 7pm to raise money for Christian Aid, the international development charity. Funds raised from ticket sales will go towards helping families who are displaced from their homes. The Project teaches music to children aged 3 to 11.

To find out more visit www.christianaid.org.uk/bigsing

Young people aged 16-25 are being invited to a free fun and crafts event this Saturday (Dec 4) at The Custard Factory in Birmingham (B9 4AA) from 1pm5pm. Free activities will include t-shirt printing, DIY gaming, graffiti and more. For more information call 0121 608 6668 or visit www.craftspace.co.uk

Mayoral Race The battle for Birmingham’s first elected mayor has begun. ExErdington MP Sion Simon, pictured, is the only declared candidate in the contest. Sir Albert Bore, former leader of Birmingham City Council is also believed to have entered the contest.

Back on track Sukhjinder Grewal-Dosanjh, a teacher and science leader at Westminster Primary School in Handsworth, Birmingham, who drove to school while disqualified, has been allowed to continue in the profession.

Learn about autism A seminar about educating pupils with autism will be held on Monday (Dec 6) at the Birmingham and Midland Institute (B3 3BS). The event will feature a range of speakers, a discussion and debate. To book a place or for more information email wendy.symes@manchester.ac.uk

Asian DJ’s £18k fraud BBC Asian Network DJ Lubna Qazi, pictured, from Birmingham who illegally claimed Carer’s Allowance for looking after her sick husband, who suffered a stroke in 2002, will be sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Dec 21. Lubna, 53, from Kings Heath, who cunningly called herself Kanwal Qazi, admitted fleecing the state out of £18,000.

Talk on Hinduism Birmingham couple Nitin and Meena Sodha are inviting people to a talk entitled ‘Ours is this Self, and it is Our World: Asceticism and spiritual practice in the Upanishads’ by Rembert Lutjeharms, pictured, from the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS). The 7pm-9pm talk - part of a series of monthly talks organised by the Birmingham branch of OCHS - will take place this Saturday (Dec 4) at 1 Hamlet Road, Hall Green, Birmingham (B28 9BG).

News in Brief

Women honoured Winners, runners-up and finalists, pictured, of the sixth annual MidTECH West Midlands NHS Innovation Awards were announced at a prestigious ceremony at The Botanical Gardens in Birmingham last Thursday.

Twelve entries, of over 50, were shortlisted as finalists.

The competition seeks to identify and reward innovative individuals and teams within NHS Trusts and PCTs in the West Midlands, and to promote innovations which have the potential to lead to improvements in healthcare for patients in the region and beyond. To find out more visit www.midtech.org.uk

‘Cop’ caught out A wannabe traffic cop fitted blue flashing lights to his Ford Focus and pulled drivers over in the West Midlands after failing to get a job in the force, reports the Express and Star. Daniel Bunce, pictured, a 20year-old unemployed security guard from Tipton, was arrested only after he was spotted ticking off a motorcyclist by someone who knew him from school.

Awards were bestowed on five of Leicestershire’s unsung female heroes as part of LeicestHerday Trust’s annual Jubilee Awards. There were originally four categories, but after hearing about Velma Simms Stewart’s career as a firefighter and her passion for youth work, judges decided to create a new prize – the Milgram Forrest Award – especially for her. Velma, 47, pictured, has been a firefighter for 18 years and is currently part of the Fire House Project, working with troubled children who have a fascination with fire, to teach them discipline.

The ceremony, held at the Curve theatre on Friday a fortnight ago, brought together around 700 people.

Entertainment included Cuban salsa dancers. Guests included Bala Thakrar, director of Asian Foundation for Philanthropy, Sandra Pollock, National Chair for Women in Management and Liz Kendall MP. Rajinder Bhuhi of Leicester University stood in for Sheila Lock, Leicester City Council’s chief executive, who was absent due to illness. To find out more visit www.leicestherday.org.uk

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Thank you, England, thank you for everything

By Premen Addy All good things come to their inevitable end, including my time in the UK as an adult education lecturer in international history and politics. The experience for me was most rewarding.

I was privileged to interact with classes at Kellog College, University of Oxford, and with equally lively groups from the WEA (Workers' Education Association) in different parts of the south east, not too far from London. Students were inclined to be Eurocentric in outlook, so with my upbringing in India, I was able to leaven this with an approach that took on board the view from South Asia and its neighbourhood.

Our conversations were vigorous and hugely enjoyable, it opened up new vistas for the students and enabled me to rethink, where necessary, old, entrenched positions. In such ways do we start arriving at something approximating truth. Honest investigation in the truie spirit of rational enquiry certainly helps.

I discovered this

(Library today), the Public Record Office in Kew, and university libraries in London, Cambridge, Oxford and Edinburgh introduced me to another set of

cence, would happen.

Life is full of surprises, and this, clearly, is one of the most exciting. I have been associated with Indian enterprises in the UK and with the Indian diaspora. I was involved for a time with India Weekly and its remarkable editor, the late Iqbal Singh, who taught me so much. I am privileged to be a contributor to Asian Voice and hope to continue my association with the paper from India. Its editor C.B.Patel is a valued friend of longstanding.

Farewell luncheon for the writer, who is third from left, by members of his WEA class England has been kind and generous; she the historian of India, remarkable people has taught me a great the Dr Perceval Spear, devoted to a life of many things, broadenwho became my guide, scholarship.

Beyond ing my horizons with counsellor and friend. these cloisters, the her unique charm and My tutorials in world of the theatre and cubits of wisdom includEuropean political cinema beckoned and ing that wonderful sense thought and economic was existentially enrichof humour which ing. The sixties, in and political history scarcely has a parallel which I grew up, was an took place in separate elsewhere. If I am a betexhilarating period, locations outside my which I wouldn't college, but the ability to ter and more rounded exchange for another. question and the analytperson on leaving these However, the time ical rigour this required shores than I was when has come to close this has been an abiding I arrived more than forty particular chapter in my experience. years ago, it is surely life and open its squeal.

I was fortunate to because of all that have had this training as England gave me. I shall I plan to return to India I embarked on my postbe ever grateful for these permanently in the next graduate studies, at the gifts.

Thank you, few months. India is end of which I earned a England, and may you expanding rapidly in Ph.D. Years of research continue to be the rock direction I never at the British Museum of ages. thought, in my adolesduring my years as an undergraduate at Cambridge University reading for the Historical Tripos degree in Modern History. I did my weekly tutorial with

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Lord Prof Parekh identifies cultural challenges at a LSE lecture Professor Lord Bhikhu Parekh delivered this year’s highly prestigious Jim Rose Memorial Lecture at the London School of Economics, before an audience of over 200 distinguished intellectuals, academics and students. He identified four important cultural challenges that Britain is likely to face during the next few years.

The first is about the rise of religion in public life. This is not so much because of Muslims, who have more or less accepted that they would be living in secular state, but rather because of the Christian pressure. Some Christian leaders have been saying that Britain should not be a secular state, not even a neutral state, but one that broadly reflects the Christian sensibility.

Some of them have also been opposed to human rights on the ground that these rights compel churches to treat gay couples on a par with heterosexuals, something that goes against their beliefs. There are many such issues where some group of Christians are likely to make unfamiliar demands on the state.

The second challenge, according to Prof Parekh, has to do with how best to combine common values with respect for diversity. We need both and need to strike a balance. We may disagree about the nature of the balance, but cannot avoid some form of multiculturalism. Lord Parekh argued that multiculturalism as advocated in his Report on the Future of Multi-Ethnic

Lord Bhikhu Parekh

Britain published ten years ago provided the best answer.

The third challenge related to the Muslim youth. Terrorist attacks have taken place in the past and there is no reason to believe that they would cease in the immediate or long term future. Their causes will have to be addressed more fully than has been the case so far.

Finally, Professor Parekh said that the question of Britishness is important. A society cannot be held together unless its members share a common national identity. How should we define being British so that it includes everybody and evokes their warm and enthusiastic response? Professor Parekh suggested various ways in which this could be done.

The lecture was followed by questions and comments and a reception. Many commented afterwards that this was a profound and inspiring lecture and that it had alerted them to many of the issues that they need to face.

INDIA VISA APPLICATION CENTRE !

The new online application form, which will need to be completed when submitting documents for a visa to India, begun from 23rd November 2010 across the United Kingdom and will be mandatory for all applications made at the India Visa Application Centers (IVAC) on behalf of the High Commission of India (London) and the Consulate General of India (Birmingham and Edinburgh).

From this date onwards, the new format of the visa application form shall be available on the VFS website for the India Visa Application Centers, http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk. If there is any information that you would require – please email us on info.inuk@vfshelpline.com .

All applications made on and after 23rd November 2010 would require applicants to follow the new application form and duly sign on the same.

Applicants are required to submit two photographs along with their applications – a) one photograph pasted on the application form and b) second photograph stapled on the reverse of the form. No new handwritten application forms will be accepted at any of the India Visa Application Centers effective from 23rd November 2010. The existing application form will be unavailable on VFS Global’s website after 23rd November 2010, except

! the additional information forms (Non-UK form, Colombo form, Beijing form and Additional information form for Employment Visa etc).

Internet kiosks are available in the IVACs for easy access to the online form.

# Please ensure to note the interim unique reference number generated at the start (and seen on each page) of the online application form Please record/ note the final reference number that is generated upon completion of your application Provide an email address in your application so that information on your unique reference numbers can be sent Applicants are advised to schedule an appointment through the website though this is optional Please submit a confirmed and detailed itinerary if applying for a double/triple entry visa. However, this does not guarantee the issuance of a visa and the decision would still remain subject to the discretion of the High Commission of India (London) and the Consulate General (Birmingham and Edinburgh).

Applications MUST be signed by the applicant him/herself and not by any representative For Postal Applications – please allow 10 to 15 days, from the date it is posted,

!

before the application can be processed Before submitting your visa application, please check your passport(s) to ensure there is no valid visa for India All fields on the Online Application Form must be completed in as much detail as possible.

When entering address information, please ensure that you provide the Post Code as well.

# Offline/handwritten application forms will not be accepted at the IVACs for applications made on or after 23rd November 2010 Photographs with colored background will not be accepted. Photographs only with a white / off white background will be accepted at the IVACs Please do not staple both photographs to the application Form. One must be pasted to the front of the Form while the second must be stapled to the reverse side Please ensure all applications requiring additional documents are completed prior to submission at the IVACs. Information to this effect is given on the website http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk In case you wish to use the SMS service (optional additional service at a nominal charge) the format of the number that you would enter must be as per the instructions given against that field. Please note that the SMS would not be

triggered if the format of the number is incorrect

Log on to the website http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk Click on the link to begin filling an online visa application form Please note the interim Unique Reference Number located at the start, and on each page, of the Online Form once you begin. Guidance notes are also provided Complete all the required fields as specified.

Upon completing and saving the Online Application Form, applicants will receive an email with details of the final Reference Number, providing an email address has been given while filing the Form.

Applicants will also have the option to Download/Print the application form at this stage Upon clicking Save, applicants would be redirected to the module that allows selection of the center for submission, mode of collection and the option of SMS At this stage, applicants will also have the option to make an appointment or make an online payment. Both of these are optional services and one can also submit the documents without an appointment or make a payment at the IVAC Upon completion, applicants

" will receive another email with details of the application made All applicants will be required to download and sign a Declaration Form, which is made available on the website http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk and submit it along with the application at the Visa Center.

Please submit all documents at the IVAC along with all other required documents

Under normal circumstances, most visa applications will take a minimum of 2-3 working days to process. This may vary for specific visa categories, non-UK passports and certain nationalities, where the turnaround could be much longer. This decision is at the sole discretion of the High Commission of India and its Consulates.

All visa seekers are recommended to confirm their travel plans only after obtaining the visa.

For more information please visit http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk VF Services (UK) Limited will be responsible only for accepting and processing applications. All applications will continue to be assessed by the High Commission of India, London and its Consulates General in Edinburgh and Birmingham. Timelines for turnaround of visas are as per the discretion of the authority.

YOUR VOICE

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Row over Asian identity I am sure Baroness Sayeeda Warsi must be aware that some British Hindus very much resent to be generalised as Asians, because, while illegal acts are committed by certain members of one Asian community, the other Asians have to bear the brunt.

She ought to have realised, deliberate utterances, such as “electoral fraud occurs predominantly in the Asian community” were uncalled for. Generalising the whole Asian community could obviously exacerbate the situation of ill feelings. Baroness Warsi should have been bold and brave enough to pinpoint and accuse, those known fraudsters who were none other than Muslims.

Mr Nanak Garg has queried (AV 20/11/2010) as to whether or not the authorities in Baroness Warsi’s party have asked for her explanation, or the chairman had stopped her from using the word Asian? Since it is not an offence for any one to categorise members of any Asian community as “Asians”, in my opinion there was no need for any action from the party authorities or the chairman.

Lastly, I should perhaps remind Vipul Ladva (AV 30/10/2010) that those who had cheated in Birmingham in 2005 local elections were British Muslims and not “ Pakistani candidates”. He should therefore stop being biased against Pakistanis.

A.M.A. Pira Via Email

Counterproductive I was absolutely appalled to see the violence at the student demonstrations against the proposed hike in tuition fees.

If students are the country’s future, it does not take much imagination to envisage what they would lead the country into. I can see their point that in a family with more than one child going into higher education, it would be difficult to sustain the fees of two of more. But then there must be alternative ways to make their point rather than resorting to violence or destruction. The damage caused to buildings could have been avoided and the demonstration could have been more peaceful.

Further and higher education in this country was once the envy of the world and students from all over would give an eye and a tooth to come to the UK. I am sure they would be put off by the violence seen at the two protests by students here.

I have a question here. Which countries provide free education? While in India and Africa, we had to pay fees not only to receive further and higher education but even for primary and secondary education.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Gujarat not a terrorist state I refer to the recent visit to Gujarat by the General Secretary of Congress, Rahul Gandhi. I am disappointed by his remarks that Gujarat is a terrorist state and compared our Shri Narendra Modi with Mao of China and Hitler. His attention must be drawn to Delhi where no lady can walk safely in the dark. While in

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

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Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

72 million children are out of school worldwide

Lohana Community complex in Croydon

Freedom fighters and India's contribution

December the 3rd is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and that is why we are issuing an urgent call to ensure that disabled children in developing countries are not left out of school.

Without an education children miss out on lifelong benefits – better job opportunities, greater participation in their local community, improved health and clearer understanding of their rights. At Leonard Cheshire Disability we believe that education for all is a basic human right.

Children like Mohammed, from Sierra Leone, seemed to have little hope of an education. The long war left him, and thousands of other children, disabled and without any access to education. However, things are starting to change. Leonard Cheshire Disability, along with other organisations, is creating inclusive schools, training teachers, and encouraging parents to send their disabled children to school.

Mohammed now attends his local mainstream school, and greater disability awareness among staff and students now means he is benefiting from a full education. Disability has not been included in the eight Millennium Development Goals agreed by world leaders. This means disabled people are largely ignored. Visit www.LCDisability.org/international for more information.

Clare Pelham Chief Executive, Leonard Cheshire Disability

Initiative to open P.V.Raichura Centre, in true spirit of communal care, is happy news for all Indians in Croydon.

This will be additional Community Centre which may synergies with preexisting 13 Indian Community Centres in Croydon, adding to services available.

I hopefully assume that Centre will be innovative and will not duplicate activities undertaken by other centres.

Professionalism and altruism of Lohana philanthropists may create programmes that may reduce impact of national recession on Indian community of Croydon, e.g. redundancy, homelessness, steep college fees, cuts in care / legal aid funding etc., and envisage long term self financing programmes.

Suggested activities: l Free meals or on token charge for jobless, those on any kind of benefit or at the discretion of office bearer. l Affordable housing especially for those who become homeless due to unavoidable circumstances. Shared home ownership for first time property buyers. l College fees may be made available to needy and or bright students, in form of easily repayable loans or non returnable scholarships / grants. l Generous non returnable funding for care of elderlies of needy families. l Free prescription collection / delivery service. Transport to elderlies to and from the Centre. l Free Legal-Aid. We wish Lohana Community best of luck.

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

Before we get carried away about the Indian contributions to the two world wars as Steve Pound MP's mentioned (AV 20.11.10) it is important to realise that at that time Britain was India's enemy. And yet unimaginable support, by way of monies and materials came from India. What is also not realised is the fact that at the time Nehru and other Indian leaders were locked up in prison by the British for demanding Indian freedom.

How did he and others view the circumstances India was dragged into the war?

During the time of 'Quit India' movement in 1942, relations between the two countries were at a low. Miss Eleanor Rathbone MP wrote a conciliatory open letter to some friends in India in May 1942, by way of an appeal to the emotions of non cooperators' for their help in the war efforts. A copy of the letter was received by Nehru in the jail. His over 6000 words reply to Ms Eleanor Rathbone can be summed up in one sentence: "Is it satanic for us to want to free our own country?" He sympathised with the British for their hardship during the war but it was he who was in the jail.

Tagore too dismissed Miss Rathbone's letter as a 'gratuitous' sermon.

While paying tributes to our war heroes, there is need also to study and acknowledge the sheer hardship and punishment Britain inflicted on the leaders of India fighting for their own freedom.

Manmohan Singh and UPA government In India corruption, nepotism and favouritism starts from the top politicians including Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh. Since Manmohan Singh is Sonia Gandhi's turncoat, he never opens his mouth. Manmohan Singh even failed to take against persons who are involved in corruption in commonwealth games. The corruptions charges were published two months before the start of the game in Western press.

In the case of Spectrum 2, Sonia Gandhi should have called the members of the coalition partners and discussed what action should be taken against Raja before he resigned. The family got away with it since the CBI was manipulated by Sonia Gandhi's family. Mr. Thomas, who was involved in corruption charges, was appointed as the Chief Vigilance Commissioner in spite of strong opposition from the press and the opposition parties.

Arun Vaidyanathan Via Email

Ahmedabad people even women can stay out till late.

I think Mr Gandhi has no idea how many have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan- definitely much more than Godhra. People must not be misguided.

CM Modi was greeted by Delhi in a big way recently, he cannot be termed as a head of a terrorist government.

Ramnik Ganatra Beckenham

Please detach the form and send it with your payment or credit card instructions to address below

Improving the education system in UK

Kusoom Vadgama London

Our economically illiterate politicians

The White Paper does not go far enough. There are several areas where more could be done: 1. Competition between pupils by setting examinations at end of every term and at year end and awarding marks out of 100 rather than just fail, pass, credit or distinction.

2. Ranking students top of the class, second, third, etc. to encourage completion and recognize talent by producing school term end and year end marks and ranking reports for parents.

3. Key Stage 1 and 2 for 5-11, Stage 3 for 11-14 and Stage 4 for 14-16 year olds could be idea could be abolished. Those who fail repeat the class.

4. Five Core subjects is too restrictive.

Many students may be more suited to Art or vocational subjects.

5. Currently we have famous boarding; academy; free; independent (2,067); Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Anglican, grant maintained community (13,790), voluntary controlled (2,795) and voluntary aided (4,272, foundation (839) and American schools. This is very divisive.

6. One publicly funded and one privately funded LOCAL school should be the future system.

ConDem’s latest act of mindless industrial vandalism is to float the idea of privatising Royal Mail and the Port of Dover that will most probably grabbed by the French. It seems our dumb politicians learn nothing from their past mistakes, letting private sector build our hospitals and leasing them, paying mortgage that now consumes some 10% of the hospital budgets. This is a failed right-wing free market ideology that is shunned by most successful European nations like Germany and France.

The private sector who invested £2 billion in hospital building will collect £6 billion, a bonanza beyond their wildest dream. Our airports and utilities, such as water, electricity and gas are all owned and controlled by European governments who would jealously guard their own utilities like national treasure.

I would like to applaud the Shadow Chancellor Alistair Darling for warning the government that it would be economic suicide to break-up our successful banks like Barclays and HSBC which will be picked up by successful overseas banking giants to the detriment of the City of London.

I hope our national newspapers and Unions will fight tooth and nail to save our few national assets from falling into foreign hands who are only interested in milking this country dry.

Nagindas Khajuria Via Email

Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email

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

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(Off Coronet Street)

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

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

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

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

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11

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Euducation/Council Voice

By Kartik S Raval

University education: Yet another thing of the rich?

A lot of controversy, political unrest and student protests have surrounded the government's proposed policy of increasing the annual tuition fees from £3,500 to £9,000.

Regardless of these resolute protests from the student unions, universities and pressure groups, no amendments have been seen to be taken into consideration yet.

If the government actually goes ahead with this change of tuition fees, then disaster can hit the entire education system as it will disable thousands of lower and middle-income students to receive higher education. This will either force them to take up education in a non-accredited college or give up higher education and jump directly into the work force.

Whichever path they choose to opt, these students will be entering the professional world that is

already under the furnace, without a proper university education or no higher education at all. This will congest the workplace and add up to already increasing unemployment.

But, the government seems to be in a denial of the fact that this very proposal of burdening the young generation with massive tuition fees can affect their entire career even before they start working for it. Though the

violence demonstrated by students outside the constituency office in London misses to prove the point, the anger that was witnessed amongst the worried students is surely justified.

The government also needs to realise that UK's educational system is the third highest earner for the country and their plans of increasing the tuition fees that will be accompanied with reduc-

Time for the inactive Student Union to rise Almost every university has a student union while the National Union of Students (NUS) collectively represents the voice and concerns of all these unions and students from almost every university.

But, unfortunately this platform that can influence and give opinion to government's policy making hasn't been fully utilised. The

students themselves need to take the blame as there has been a sheer lack of participation in the working of the student union.

This can be reflected in the fact that it took only 440 votes for Aaron Porter to be elected as the NUS president when there are hundreds of thousands of students present. Probably, if it was active enough the current proposal of raising the tuition fees would have

been demolished or at least mellowed right in the parliament before it lead to protests on the street. But one good thing this has done is, it has united the

students to take a collective stance against the government’s autocratic plans that will take higher education out of reach of many of them.

tion of university funding can severely paralyse the current academic hub.

The funding to universities is proposed to decrease from £7 billion to £4.5 billion. This will corner the universities as it will have no option but to lose its charitable status which currently enable the students that cannot afford the fees to receive education.

The parliamentary vote on the issue which is due to take place before Christmas is likely to decide the fate of tens of thousands of students who will by no means be able to afford £9,000 of annual tuition fees.

Pharmacist Umesh Patel to shine at the Stadium of Light A board member of National P h a r m a c y Association (NPA), Umesh Patel is to be awarded an H o n o r a r y Doctorate of Science by the Umesh Patel University of Sunderland at the city's centre, the Stadium of Light.

Mr Patel, who is chair of Sunderland Local Pharmaceutical Committee, will be presented the award for his outstanding contribution to the pharmacy profession and in recognition of his professional standing in Sunderland and in the North East Region.

Highly pleased by the acknowledgement, Mr. Patel reveals “I am delight-

ed for this recognition and I see it as being a very positive achievement for the community's pharmacy profession as a whole. I have found that there are tremendous opportunities in this country and feel that people of any background can achieve their goals through hard work and determination.”

Originally from Uganda, Mr Patel, who is the former chairman at the NPA, obtained his pharmacy degree at Sunderland Polytechnic.

He has worked in Sunderland for 22 years and has community pharmacies which he runs with his wife Damini Patel, who is also a pharmacist.

12

MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Scrutator’s It is the ringing victory of the Nitish Kumar government in the Bihar state elections that should persuade the most stubborn sceptics, at home and abroad, that India's time has surely come. A man of modest bearing, the Bihar Chief Minister, with his engineering background, has engineered a political coup that is truly staggering. Long written off as the country's endemic badland, where crime and corruption were endemic, where administration, education and infrastructure were perceived by people near and far as jokes in poor state, Mr Nitish Kumar and his colleagues have presided over a truly dramatic turnaround. His first five-year term in office saw an average yearly 11.5 per cent economic growth, a remarkable perform-

Nitish Kumar, who led the NDA to a thumping victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, being sworn in as chief minister for a second consecutive term in Patna

ance exceeded only by Narendra Modi's Gujarat. The Bihar Chief Minister JSD and its BJP coalition partner in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 206 seats of the legislative assembly's 243 seats, a feat even greater than Narendra Modi's.

The self-correcting mechanism of democracy has done its cleansing: Bihar's law and order situation in today a model for the rest of India, as was the smoothness of the election process: people in the state speak admiringly of the power and water and good roads that have transformed their lives.

Administration has been toned up and education has taken a massive stride forward. As in Gujarat, development is the name of the game. Its demonstration effect is set to change the face of Indian politics. Fratricidal conflicts of caste and religion have clearly had their day. The Indian story grows ever more remarkable. (See The Hindu, The Times of India et al)

Mumbai 26/11 anniversary The BBC World Service took note of the second anniversary of the terrorist attack, incubated and organised in Pakistan, on Mumbai. It broadcast Indian Foreign Minister S.M.Krishna's words that Pakistan had to bring to justice the people responsible for this dastardly deed; no mean-

like this while we honour those who laid down their lives, while we renew to our people our pledge that we will do everything in our power to secure this country.....it is my duty to caution the people that we have a neighbour who has not yet fulfilled the promises made to us.”

The Home Minister emphasised the need to modernise the nation's police force with better equipment and training, better

Home Minister P. Chidambaram laying a wreath for the 26/11 Mumbai victims of terror attacks

ingful Indo-Pakistan dialogucould take place without this.

Also reported was Mr Krishna's visit to Sri Lanka and the significant tranche of Indian aid to the country for infrastructure development, especially in the Tamilpopulated north of the country.

The Hindu (November 26) told of Home Minister P. Chidambaram's said: “On a day

housing and improved salaries etc.

Besides Mr Chidambaram, those attending the wreath-laying ceremony in Mumbai for the victims of the terrorist attack, were Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chauhan, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and the state Home Minister R.R.Patil.

Mr

Chidambaram later reviwed the the advanced security weapons and vehicles procured by the Mumbai polixe.

US blacklists Falah charity James Lamont, the Financial Times bureau chief in India, reports that “the US Department of State marked the the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Mumbai by imposing sanctions on an extremist group it considers a global menace.” (November 26) Accordingly, “Washington put on its terrorism blacklist the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, a group that came to the aid of Pakistan flood victims but which the US views as a front of the Lashkar-e-Taiba. a militant network held responsible for the audacious Mumbai strike.”

Pakistani officials were in denial over their country's terrorist networks with Islamabad's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), they deny also that these terrorist groups enjoy considerable public support despite evidence to the contrary.

An unmamed Islamabadbased Western diplomat was quoted as saying that any moves by the Pakistani government to crack down on terrorist groups fighting India in Kashmir and other parts of the country would result in increased violence in Pakistan itself. Stephen Cohen, the American authority on the subject, claimed the Mumbai attack was the work of a maverick group since the assault was against Pakistan's interest.

Saving Pakistan's bacon is the prime objective of specious Anglo-American 'scholarship'.

Agni missile test-fired James Lamont produced a second article on the same FT page on the test of India's 700 kilometre Agni-1 missile off its east coast. “The 12-tonne nuclearcapable missile, which was indigenously developed, is part of an arsenal intended as a deterrent towards Pakistan and China, its nuclear-armed neighbours....the latest launch is expected to be the first of a series conducted by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), which specialises in missile technology research, over the next two months.” The US had lifted the ban on the export of sensitive dual-use technologies to DRDO. Mr Lamont noted that it was fired on the “eve of the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Mumbai, the country's financial capital.”

He went on: “Senior Indian officials regard Beijing's grip on Islamabad as firmer than on neighbouring Burma's military rulers.....India's armed forces have taken steps to strengthen air defence capabilities in the Himalayan region, and are boosting the number of troops trained to fight in hostile, mountainous terrain. This month, the Indian army raised a new battalion to defend Arunachal Pradesh (which Beijing claims)

Agni-1 missile successfully test-fired

in a sign of increased militarisation of the border.”

India's concerns about China had been discussed internationally, most notably with President Obama during his recent visit to New Delhi.

Reporting the test, The Hindu (November 25) quoted Avinesh Chander, Director of the Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), which is part of DRDO, as saying, “the launch went off perfectly well and it was a fantastic flight.” These tests were routinely carried out to see that the systems were in full working order.

The launch operations were supervised by Project Director J.Chattopadhyay, and the flight witnessed by V.K.Saraswat, Scientic Adviser to the Defence Ministry.

Neutered history Praveen Swami, The Daily Telegraph's newly acquired Defence Correspondent (Nopvember 25) in a tour d'horizon of the arc of crisis involving China, the two Koreas, Vietnam and India, reported inaccurately that the Soviet Union had backed off when China invaded Vietnam in January-February 1979 to punish Hanoi for overthrowing the genocidal monster Pol Pot, who was supported by Beijing.

Mr Swami makes no reference to this. He must surely know that US president Jimmy Carter was told on Moscow's hotline to Washington that unless Chinese forces withdrew from Vietnam's territory by March 1, 1979 the USSR would intervene. Beijing duly did, but not before General Giap's battle-hardened legions had taken heavy toll of the People's Liberation Army. The USSR provided Hanoi with substantial military aid in this brief encounter just as it had in its earlier war against the US. The USSR had given China a merciless drubbing along the Amur-Ussuri border in 1969 (See George Walden, China: A Wolf in the World?). Mr Walden was a British diplomat in Beijing

and later became a Foreign Office minister in the Major government.

Mobile phone scam in India James Fontenella Khan writes in the Financial Times (November 25): “Indian and foreign phone companies could be forced to pay more than $1billion each to the New Delhi government after a critical audit of a controversial allocation of mobile licences....The report by India's national auditor concluded that the country's telecoms ministry allotted spectrum to existing operators Bharti Airtel, MTNL, BPL, BSNL and Vodafone....and six other companies that received additional spectrum were Idea, MTNL, BPL, Aircel, Reliance and Spice”.

A senior Indian official commented: “This is payback time.

Those who were given more at less will have to pay something back to the government.....the exact amount is being worked out but BSNL, Bharti and Vodafone could be fined more than $1 billion each.”

India's auditor had put the cost of lost revenues at $39 billion.

The FT editorial “Licensed to bill”- opined: “The telecoms scandal is particularly worrying because it hits one of the most dynamic sectors of the Indian economy. In the race to lift its population out of poverty, India cannot afford such selfimposed handicaps. Corruption will only bercome harder to fight as India's economy expands, the spoils of graft will grow too. The sooner Delhi confronts it, the better.”

Kenyan Asians The Financial Times Kenya supplent - “Doing Business in Kenya”- amid its copious information says not a word on the role of the country's Asian community in sustaining the national economy. It's the supplement's black hole.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Direct flight between London and Ahmedabad crashes before taking off By - Kartik.S.Raval Leader of opposition for Gujarat, Shaktisinh Gohil during his visit to London reveals his take on direct flight proposal, unexplained rejection, Gujarat that was and that has become and the need to oppose the dangerous direction which Narendra Modi is taking the prosperous state of Gujarat.

Shaktisinh Gohil visited London primarily to attend Commonwealth Parliamentary seminar where 50 delegates from 33 countries shared their experiences as a host in order to make the future events bigger and better.

However, during the stay Mr. Gohil further extended his support to the proposal of initiating a direct Air India flight between Ahmedabad and London for the tens of thousands of people who travel to and from Gujarat. From the very day the proposal was made by C.B.Patel, Editor and Publisher of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, Shaktisinh Gohil offered his full support and also discussed the need with Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi, Praful Patel, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Harin Pathak, M.P for BJP. Though initially Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar's proposal seemed to be have taken into consideration as it was announced by Praful Patel in a public event on 4 July that direct flights will be launched from October 2010. Praful Patel also went ahead to announce on 15th July in Amreli that the direct flights will be launched

Shaktisinh Gohil

earlier than planned. But, unfortunately like many other ministerial promises, this one was also meant to be broken as the plan of initiating direct Air India flight was scrapped

by Praful Patel himself after suggesting that the cost would jump in absence of high demand from the passengers even though Asian Voice supplied the documentation to reflect that enough traffic was present to travel on the selected route. In 2004, two direct flights per week were started and due to high traffic it was soon increased to five flights per week.

Moreover, he also received support from Narendra Modi as he suggested that if there is a demand then a direct flight by a British company should be initiated as most of these travelers pay their taxes in the UK. Mr. Gohil is opposing this stand as people who travel from Gujarat also include students, visitors and many more and talking about tax would be absurd. “I am going to again speak with Praful

This week the subscribers of Asian Voice will receive their free copy of AAA post event magazine.

This magazine will give the readers an insight to our10th Asian Achievers Awards that was held at the prestigious Wembley Hall on September 30th.

This also to initiate more readers to take part in nominating more and more contenders next year.

Patel and make him understand the need of a direct flight. I have committed my support to this proposal and will keep pushing through political pressure till the needful has been done”, reveals Mr. Gohil.

When asked about Gujarat, Shaktisinh Gohil who became the youngest Minister for Gujarat in 1992 says there is a huge misunderstanding with development of the state as he explains “I don't government's oppose action just because I represent the opposition. I have supported and moreover solicited the required funds from the central government for essential proposals like increasing the height of Narmada Dam, Emergency service line 108, Urban Area Development plan, BRTS service and many more that are intended to benefit the society.” But discontent with the current state of Gujarat which definitely looks booming from the outside, Mr. Gohil says there is no transparency in the current administration and

there is likely to be a huge crisis in 10 years if the state keeps heading in the same direction.

According to Mr. Gohil many acts of Modi's BJP urgently requires critical evaluation and opposition. He ridicules the Government for using Rs 5,000 Crore without tender procedure for exploring the possibility of oil in the sea. Also, giving 330 % loan to TATA to develop a Nano factory on a huge landscape in the heart of city needs to be questioned, says Mr.Gohil. “Initially, 70% of workers employed at TATA Nano factory needed to be taken from the local area to increase employment rate but now even that is scrapped. No benefit at all is going to be gained by this deal and above that Gujarat has lost a massive area of land at a very cheap price.”

According to Shaktisinh Gohil people of Gujarat have been kept away from the real picture as the state that was once known for its tolerance and non-violence level through Mahatma Gandhi has been linked with violation of human rights in the presence of the current government.

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Second Ambedkar Memorial lecture held in IHC The 2nd Dr Ambedkar lecture was organised in Indian High Commission on November 25th. With a powerful speaker like Gopal Krishna Gandhi, the evening was spectacular as he was joined by a mesmerised audience including eminent personalities like Baroness Flather, Judge Mota Singh, QC and many more.

Gopalkrishna Gandhi was the governor of West Bengal serving from 2004 to 2009. He is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, and son of Devadas Gandhi and Lakshmi Gandhi. His maternal grandfather was C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji).

As a former member of the Indian Administrative Service, he served as Secretary to the President of India and as High Commissioner to South Africa and Sri Lanka, among other administrative and diplomatic posts.

After a formal welcome

by HE Nalin Surie, the Indian High Commissioner, Mr Gandhi started his lecture saying that Dr Ambedkar had died two centuries ago but the political parties in India cannot ignore Dr Ambedkar's contribution.

He added, Dr Ambedkar is not accessed as a mental phenomenon only the people whose problems he solved, but

Gopal Krishna Gandhi

also by people whose life he touched with his ideology.

Mr Gandhi then went on to talk about the Indians today- the localism and liberal Indians. He said there is a lot of anger amongst people of India today due to the rapid growth of prosperity that is increasing the disparity amongst people. He emphasised that 25% still remains middle class and the problem of women continue.

After the lecture the floor opened for Q&A. Baroness Flather rightly pointed out how domestic violence and honour killing still continue and has to be tackled by the civil society.

She spoke about the women who remain poor and backwards. Some audience raised questions regarding the contribution of Dr Ambedkar which gets less importance than Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Nehru and demanded better acknowledgement.

The lecture was followed by a greet and meet session with some tasty meals and drink.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

14

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Diwali in the House of Commons held by HFB Most Wednesdays in the House of Common are associated with Prime Minister's questions, but last week of October proved to be a very special Wednesday indeed - the Hindu Forum of Britain's annual Diwali celebrations was held in the House of Commons. The annual celebrations are now in their ninth year and are renowned for lighting up the Houses of Parliament with festivity and colour. There were a number of distinguished guest including Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband and Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Prickles and the Attorney General Dominic Grieve. This year the annual Annakut offerings were organised by the Shree Sanatan Mandir Leicester.

The Diwali celebrations in the House of Commons are renowned for its cross-political rep-

Forum of Britain and asserted that this was the country he wished to represent, - an integrated, diverse community. Other guests included Lord Popat of Stanmore, and Vijay Mallya MP from India.

The evening Nick Clegg receiving special gift from was enjoyed by all Luke Vaz and guests, the resentation. The celebraHindus in particular felt tion was co-organised proud to have the opporwith the help of Rt Hon tunity to mark this holy Keith Vaz MP, Sarah festival in the House of Teather MP and Paul Commons. Overall, the Uppal MP. evening represented an Nick Clegg acknowlopportunity for Members edged that Diwali was a from all sides of the vital celebration, especialHouse to come together ly during these difficult to celebrate the victory of times. Mr Clegg also congood over evil, - a message gratulated the Hindu which is relevant to all Forum of Britain for parties. organising the celebraThe event was organtions for the benefit of ised by HFB, in partnereveryone and applauded ship with Silver Star and the cross-party organisaSponsored by Incredible tion between his peers.

India and Colors TV. Ed Miliband also congratulated the Hindu Fun filled Rotary

evenings

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Vasi Hollinghurst-Daniel

Rotarian Vasi Hollinghurst-Daniel organised a fun filled evening as the Chairman of the Entertainment Committee of the Rotary club of London. She is very active and every 7-8 weeks organises a Rotary evening at different venues.

This is specially designed for those members who are unable to make the Monday Rotary Lunch Meetings due to work and other commitments. It is also a good way of bringing interested people to join in and mingle with the Rotary members and in time they might want to become part of the Rotary Club of London.

The next Rotary Evening will be on 2 February 2011. The venue is the Bombay Brasserie in Courtfield Road, London.

The Rotary Club of London is the oldest and biggest club in Britain.

There are at present 140 members. At present the President is Mr. Hiyohiko Tanaka. Baroness Doreen Miller of the House of Lords will be President in 2011.

Subhash Thakrar climbs the ladder at London Chamber of Commerce

Clockwise from the speaker at the top table: Mr Subhash Thakrar, Mr Mahesh Patel, Lord Dolar Popat, Dr Ramani, Mr Jayesh Patel, Mr Rajni Thakrar, Mr C.J Rabheru, Mr Suresh Vagjiani, Mr A Patel, Mr C.B Patel, Dr Merul Patel, Mrs Jyotsnaben Shah and Mr Alpesh Patel

By Kartik.S.Raval With Subhash Thakrar elected as the Chairman of London Chamber of Commerce, he was acknowledged at Shakti Hall on 24 November, within the premises of Asian Voice Press Office and in presence of business and political leaders that represent the Asian community. An entrepreneur, business consultant and chartered accountant to say the least, Subhash Thakrar has been involved with much of the upbringing of the Asian community over the years in the British society and people from various walks of life were present to congratulate him for his new accomplishment.

Subhash Thakrar has been involved with a lot of influential work as Alpesh Patel, writer with Asian Voice reveals “I have known Subhash Thakrar for years and he has accompanied former prime minister for visits to India. He has also made reports for the mayor on how to boost entrepreneurship and increase inward investment. But what is most fascinating is his spirit of service for the community, society and the country as a whole without expecting any titles or awards in return.”

Mr. Thakrar who has been involved with Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar through most of its journey says “It is like coming home when I come to Asian Voice. I have witnessed the evolution of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar and it has today become an institution which plays a significant role in Asian community and a wider British society.”

London Chamber of commerce has played an influential role in the last 100 years in speaking for the medium and small size enterprises in the city of london and also influence the authorities that operate in the city.

Most recently it has also

started representing large businesses. It has also been active with the immigration issue and has influenced the government to shape the restriction for the betterment of the prevailing businesses. One of the report that Mr. Thakrar prepared for the then Mayor of London Ken Livingstone highlights the role played by Asians in the business sector as they contribute to 13 percent to London's economy, account for £60 billion of value each year, represent 4,000 businesses and employ more than 210,000 people. It also stated that Asians are most likely to set up their own business as compared to any other ethnic community.

But he reveals “from chamber's perspective I feel Asians are not participating enough. But, I hope in the coming months I will be able to inculcate more Asian participation and convince them to get engaged in our events.”

London Chamber of Commerce, which is the only accredited chamber in London by British Chamber of Commerce has been very active in the international business arena and also was the first to acknowledge and formally help in forming Asian Business Association.

Lord Dolar Popat who also holds the responsibility of small and medium size businesses in London agreed to offer all the support that Mr. Thakrar would need and further said “Subhash has been working with the chamber for 15 years and I personally believe no one is better to deal with the London businesses than him.” Discussing this with David Cameron as well he adds “liquidity of the banks is the biggest problem faced today.

London is supposed to be a centre for businesses and financial services, and it is a task Subhash needs to accomplish.

Bank planning is

required and how it can support small businesses.”

These influential people collectively acknowledged each other's achievement and ways they have helped the large Asian community to evolve and come to strength. But, they took the opportunity to thank C.B.Patel for providing them the platform for so many years to recognize these achievements and bringing the vast Asian community together.

C.B.Patel, editor and publisher for Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar proud to see the Asian community flourish said “Participating in business, education and all walks of life, while excelling wherever possible has given our community immense credibility. One of the reason we have gathered today is to influence role model and Subhash has broken the glass ceiling with this accomplishment and london chamber of commerce is not any other body, and to have one of us present on the board brings great feeling to all of us.”

Subhash Thakrar who is said to be a spiritual man has helped many to grow with him and it was reflected in the great response of participation of the event.

Mr. Mahesh Patel of Systemationeuro and Bridgen holding who has known Subhash Thakrar for 20 years, helped to organize the event and congratulated him on climbing the higher heights and echelons of the corporate ladder. He adds “it is a great honour for the Asian Community to have Subhash Thakrar as the Chairman of the London Chamber of Commerce.” Other chief presentees at the event were Dr. Ramani, Mr. Merul Patel, Mrs. Jyotsna Shah, Mr. Jayesh Patel, Mr. C.J.Rabheru, Mr. Suresh Vagjiani, Mr.Rajni Thakrar and Mr. A. Patel to name a few.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Haj: The ultimate pilgrimage for Muslims

Alpesh Patel’s Political Sketchbook:

By Yusuf M. Sidat

Wikileaks, Ratan Tata, Corruption, Diplomacy and Privacy Wikileaks. Ouch. We’ve all done it. Said something in private which we would never want to get out. Or accidentally emailed the person we were speaking about rudely. Or even as in my case had 10 years of private personal and financial data stolen. So does it matter? Is privacy irrelevant?

It’s funny but most people I have spoken too, including government officials (not via email) can’t understand why the Americans have not simply assassinated the guy behind Wikileaks.

Now, to make clear, I am not inciting murder. I am reporting. But the point is, people don’t want this information. They know why it is confidential. They know diplomacy and international relations work on this basis. And they have worked out this is character assassination which invariably fails as we turn on the assassin.

Well that’s Governments.

What of businesses, before we deal with individuals? Well Mr Tata has asked that secret wire tapped conversations of his with a lobbyist be restricted. Those tapped conversations regarded the allocation of telecoms bandwidth by the then Indian Telecoms Minister Raja. They too

have been published. One thing is for sure – MBA classes are going to be learning a lot more. The counter-argument is that those conversations should be published because they relate to a criminal corruption investigation.

Mr Tata agrees – he disagrees they should be published for titillation and ‘character assassination’.

And surely no one would turn on Mr Tata.

In the case of individuals your political right to privacy is also protected. Take the case of Tchenguiz v Imerman this year where the divorcing wife took years of private and personal and financial data belonging to the husband to boost her financial claim against the husband. The Court of Appeal ruled the wife was in criminal breach of the law, could be imprisoned and also breached the husband’s right to privacy under the European Convention on Human Rights. So spouses are protected from appearing on Wikileaks, or Facebook for that matter.

Oh, and what did I do about my personal and financial data being stolen? Well, I had to go to court, seek a court order – the breach of which would be con-

15

tempt of court and imprisonment for the persons who handled my personal data, and I am considering sending the file to the police too for criminal prosecution on top of the confidentiality order I won. Little wonder, this is now my email footer. Maybe the diplomats should have done the same.

(Like the Americans I too have resisted the option of assassination).

“This message may contain confidential and privileged information. It is intended solely for the recipients addressed by the sender. If it has been sent to you in error, please reply to advise the sender of the error and then immediately delete this message.

Any breach shall in the UK be subject to potential criminal prosecution under the Computer Misuse Act and the Data Protection Act and in certain other jurisdictions under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights protecting the right to privacy. We have in the past and will continue to take legal action for such breaches including court orders for confidentiality the breach of which would amount to contempt of court and potential imprisonment.”

Mecca in Saudi Arabia is the destination that every pious Muslim aspires to visit atleast once in his or her lifetime. Islam, the muslim religion is resting on five pillars, each of that considered as five basic things that every muslim is expected to observe in day to day life. ‘Imaan’ (honesty and acceptance of the fact that there is only one God – Allah) is the first thing, doing five times namaz a day is second, observing fasts during the holy month of Ramadan is third, ‘Zakat’ (philanthrophy) is fourth, while the fifth and final is the Haj pilgrimage. In Islam, it is mandatory for every able bodied, financially capable and mentally sound adult Muslim to atleast perform the Haj pilgrimage (Haj yatra) atleast once in the lifetime. Quran-e-sharif, the holiest of the religious scriptures in Islam is also very categorical about this.

Payagamber Mohammed has also endorsed and underscored the importance of Haj yatra, as this pilgrimage gives an opportunity to the the ‘Haji’ or ‘Hajiyani’ (terms used to described the man or women respectively who has completed the pilgrimage) to experience proximity to Allah, to adopt

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humility and awe towards Allah and move forward; usher in a new chapter in life. Kaba Sharif is so sacred for all devout Muslims all over the world that wherever they are, they offer the Namaz, siting with their faces in the direction of Kaba Sharif.

The main rituals of the Haj yatra are performed during the dates of 8 to 12 in the last month of Muslim calendar Zilhaj. The government of Saudi Arabia takes care of all the facilities for the Haj yatris. The pilgrimage has a message that all people globally belong to the same family, that all Muslims should follow all the tenets of Islam and never believe or practice apartheid, discriminate human beings on any basis including caste, creed and language.

Among the devout Muslims who have performed the Haj yatra, the event brings so much of joy and peace to his/her mind and heart that the sacred influence of the same lasts for the lifetime.

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www.incredibleindia.org

16

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Alpesh Patel

The NEST Pension and the small employer National Employment Saving Trust (NEST) is a new pension scheme which is due to come into effect from October 2012 and which is going to have dramatic effect on many small employers.

Due to the lack of saving for retirement by many low paid employees a crisis is brewing in terms of how people will fund their lifestyle in retirement.

With the prospect of the state pension scheme being ever eroded in value and date of entitlement being ever delayed many people may end up in poverty during their final years of life.

The Government estimates there are over six million people who have not made sufficient saving for their retirement and the NEST scheme has been brought into existence as a way in which the Government wishes to remedy the situation as well as reform the state pension scheme.

So what’s the change and what or why will it have such a dramatic effect on employer? Well as with many other matters the Government is moving the implementation and some of the administration burden of

ry enrolment requirement.

So what’s in it for the employee? Well for one thing the scheme provides a vehicle for low paid employees to have what is hope to be a simple and low cost way of investing for their retirement. The scheme achieves this by having: low charges A limited choice of investment funds with a default for those who do not want to make a choice.

Hirji Patel is a Senior Tax Manager at John Cumming Ross Limited

the pension scheme onto the employer. The employer will be required to automatically enrol employees into a ‘qualifying’ work place pension scheme.

This automatic enrolment would be into an existing scheme that the employer already has in place, provided it meets certain criteria’s. If a scheme does not exist or does not meet and will not meet the required criteria then they must ensure that the employee is enrolled into the NEST scheme which is in some way like the old stakeholder pension scheme but with mandato-

Mandatory employer contribution The NEST pension scheme will be operated as a centralised scheme which is run by a not-forprofit trustee corporation known as the NEST Corporation and will be regulated by the Pensions Regulator. The administration of the NEST will be operated by the Indian conglomerate TATA. So what’s the problem? Based on the above it would seem to be a wonderful scheme. Well the problem is that although for the employee it would on the surface seem to be a win win situation, for the employer it is going to be a considerable

headache to run and will create further costs that the employer will have to incur to run the scheme.

In these times of financial difficulties this added burden may well tip a number of employers over the edge into bankruptcy or for them to fold their business as the costs now considerably outweigh the benefits. The scheme may be of benefit in retaining staff, but as it will be transportable with the employee, even the staff retention benefit may just not be worthwhile to the employer.

The employer will not only have to bear some of the administrative burden but also will have to contribute towards the scheme which will result obviously in a corresponding increase in the cost of the employee, which will then beg the question as to whether some employees will need to be laid off to offset the increased costs. The Government has set a minimum contribution limit of 8% (represented by the employer and employee and tax relief) of the qualifying salary when the system is fully operational, how many employers will be able to bear such added cost without their businesses being affected? The cost for non-compliance is: a fixed penalty of £400, followed by penalties of £50£10,000 per day and the ultimate penalty could be two years in prison.

Therefore, before it is too late, all employers really need to factor into their future plans the impact of the NEST or as a minimum get up to date on how the changes will affect them before it is too late.

Hirji Patel is a Senior Tax Manager at John Cumming Ross Limited, Chartered Certified Accountants and can be contacted on 0208 864 6689 or e-mail hirji.patel@jcp.uk.com The material within this article does not constitute financial or other professional advice. You should consult an Independent Financial Adviser if you require further information on the above matter.

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Dear Financial Voice Reader, I have had three College reunions in the past month held by three of the five colleges where I have studied. (Yes I know five!) And all gave me the opportunity to discuss the economy, the Euro, and the future of the world in general!

The Euro will be a better bet than the Dollar over the next 6-9 months. This is because as I explained on BBC the Euro may feel like it is going to collapse, but in the markets this is exactly how assets look and feel when they reach a turnaround point. Moreover, the Euro is higher against the Dollar now than it was in May when the Greek crisis occurred. In other words the market is less concerned relative to the Dollar than it was back then.

You see the Americans with Quantative Easing are flooding the world with Dollars. Not Dollars they are printing. No the Dollars the US Federal Reserve creates electronically buys assets from banks. This frees up banks to use their money to flood the market with Dollars by lending to business for instance of funding mergers. And if you oversupply anything, its price falls.

This is more important than worries about the Euro. Why? Again, let’s go back to what I said on the BBC. It’s Economics and Game Theory. But don’t let that scare you. It’s how you conduct yourself too. You just don’t realize it. You see the European Central Bank is saying to those who are pushing down the Euro and are valuing the risk of default of Ireland, or Portugal, by increasing how much interest those countries have to pay to borrow money. But that makes it self-fulfilling.

Imagine you could service your debt. But all of a sudden the papers say you can’t and so your credit card company increases your interest payments. Even if you could afford to pay before you can’t now. The credit card companies for countries are the ‘bond markets’ and lenders are banks and their clients.

But the European Central Bank is saying it will do whatever it takes to support all its member countries.

A bit like your rich guardian angel telling the credit card company they will guarantee your credit card payments. What does that do? It avoids the credit card company hiking your interest rates.

You see the markets are like a battle. You don’t need to go to war if your threat is credible. The European Central Bank does not need to go to war and actually use money to protect Portugal if it’s threat to use monies is credible because the rates will never rise needing it. And its threat is credible as long as Germany back it up.

This is why in the original Wall Street movie Gordon Gekko quoted Tsun Tzu’s Art of War – for those old enough to remember. And economics has moved on from Keynes to being about threats and credibility.

Our thinking as in all sciences has evolved. We understand economics is about behavior.

Ford looking to Gujarat for their second India plant Ford, one of the US car companies that has been the least affected by the global meltdown is upbeat on the Indian market. The company is working on plans to set up the second plant in India and is close to finalise the site in Gujarat.

Sources in knowledge also say the company has already

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approached the Gujarat government for a suitable site and they have been suggested Sanand, near Ahmedabad. It is the place where Tata Motors are already present with their wonder small car Nano.

Ford has announced eight new models for India by 2015.

Ford’s first plant is near Chennai that has a peak capacity of around 2 lakh units. A source said the company also wants to "de-risk" its business by moving out of the Chennai region, which is facing labour union problems. "It will also get locational advantage by moving out of the southern region. A plant in the West will help the company cater to markets faster and more efficiently."

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

17

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

When Time Is Of The Essence It Pays To Have The Right Team We recently reported a freehold four bedroom property we exchanged on for a client in Wembley for £250,000. We managed to exchange within 24 hrs of the deal being agreed. This speed was essential as there was another offer on the table. From the date of exchange we had five weeks to complete in. To date Sow & Reap have never failed on getting funds for completion. This does not mean we never will, and in all fairness some of this process is in our control and some of it is not. All we can do is do the best we can with the bits we have in our control.

However this deal was unusual in that the current seller had told me that he had told his solicitors to remove the normal conditions for serving notice.

Normally if a buyer is unable to complete on the completion date the seller is required to serve a notice of completion. This will give a further 10 days for the purchaser to come up with the funds. If the purchaser cannot come up with the funds to complete, in short they will lose the property.

The implication of not completing is actually more severe than simply losing 10%. The significance of this has been realised by many purchasers who in the height of the market had exchanged on off plan properties, and as the properties went down in value they decided not to complete. They were under the illusion they would simply lose their 10% and that would be the end. Not so.

If the purchaser does not complete they will also be liable for the difference, if any, in the eventual sale price and the price they had agreed to purchase the property at, as well as their 10% already lost.

In times like these the small print comes out of the page and becomes a hard hitting reality.

On our deal, time started ticking as soon as the exchange occurred. We quickly put a mortgage application through on the day of the exchange. We knew from our sources the previous purchaser had done a home buyers report which is one stage up from an ordinary mortgage valuation and nothing had showed up on the valuation.

Therefore we were reasonably confident the valuation would be a formality. The purpose of an ordinary mortgage valuation is to check whether the mortgage company can get their money back if the property was to be repos-

sessed - nothing more. This valuer however decided to analyse whether the rear extension had planning permission or not, which perhaps can be argued is within his remit as this would have an effect on the security.

To counteract this objection our solicitor, whose firm focus is purely on property, simply got an insurance policy which would cover any expenses associated with the council insisting the property should be put back to its original state. This was quicker than researching whether the property had or even required planning. So the solicitor gave his opinion to the valuer to say now his issue was covered.

The valuer did not accept this policy, instead giving his opinion on the policy. His opinion was the policy did not provide sufficient cover. As far as both I and the solicitor were concerned he has no right to express an opinion on an insurance policy. He had over stepped the mark.

As the clock was ticking we did not have time to go into this issue, and so it was put on the back burner. Our focus was getting funds for completion.

A last resort is always to provide bridging finance, this is a quick and short form of funding, which can be arranged in 24 hrs based on the valuation of a property. This form of funding is however is expensive, snd so our client was not keen on using these types of funds.

Though the seller thought once the completion date came he could simply keep the 10% and sell the property to someone else - this was not to be. Our lawyer who is very experienced saw they would eventually be forced to serve notice as the sellers solicitor’s removal of the notice period was flawed and eventually we would have our 10 days period, this would give us ample to complete the purchase. In fact he suggested he could get a further 28 days to complete and would reject the 10 days notice!

On this basis we spoke to the purchaser and decided to take a gamble.

The completion day came and went with no response from the seller. Sure enough after a few days a notice to complete was served and we had got our 10 days. Our solicitor rejected this 10 days and requested a further 28 days.

In the interim we got another valuation which was fine and were able to

put a mortgage through in time for the new completion. The moral of the story? When dealing with property it pays to have an expert team on your side.

As Indians we are prepared to pay for goods like gold or a Mercedes but

do not generally value advice and service.

If you are interested in what Sow & Reap can do for you call our office or register for our coming seminar on the 8th December 2010 in Croydon, call 0207 706 0187.

Beware when buying land in India

An NRI or PIO cannot purchase or get as gift a farm house, agricultural land or plantation property.

Only a farmer can own agricultural land. For non-farmers, the land must have a Non-Agricultural (or ‘NA’) certificate.

Before buying land in Gujarat, make sure that you see the ‘NA-certificate’.

Many developers are selling projects with a promised NA-certificate, will they say will be obtained at some time in the future. But if this does happen, you could find yourself in a lot of trouble, legally and financially.

All Sow and Reap land investments already have an NA-certificate. Our projects are fully-checked and also attractive investments. We have the

experience and expertise to ensure your purchase in India is not only profitable but safe.

Forthcoming events Come to our events throughout the UK in the coming weeks for more advice.

Birmingham

5th December 2011

Croydon

6th December 2011

Leicester

7th December 2011

Croydon

8th December 2011

Northwood (London) 9th December 2011 Call and register on 0203 384 5323.

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

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

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

18

FInancIal voice

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Leadership Matters

India continues strong growth for Q2

First Impressions

8.9 per cent GDP achieved; FY 10-11 hopes are bullish The output of manufacturing was up 9.8 percent, while trade and communications expanded 12.1 percent during the quarter under review.

This apart, the construction industry grew 8.8 percent, financial services 8.3 percent and mining 8 percent.

Chief Economic Advisor in the Finance Ministry Kaushik Basu said he was himself surprised, though pleasantly with the kind of growth achieved.

'This growth rate has not only beaten market expectations, but much better than my own expectations. In the third quarter we are expecting to do better, Basu added.

Even the Indian industry was caught by surprise by the numbers, especially in the farm sector's output, even though they expected some more fire-

Beating Government of India’s own expectations, the emerging Asian giant clocked 8.9 per cent GDP growth for the period of July to September, 2010 or the second quarter of financial year 2010-11, official data released on Tuesday said. The government has projected a growth rate of 8.5 per cent for the full year ending 31st March, 2011.

The Q2 growth maintained the same level as in the previous quarter, while it was 0.2 per cent higher over the same period last year.

According to the Central Statistical Organisation, the most impressive aspect within the national income data was the 4.4 percent growth logged by the farm sector during the second quarter as opposed to a mere 0.9 percent in the like period of last year.

works from the manufacturing sector, which expanded 9.8 percent in the second quarter.

'Although there has been some moderation in industrial growth compared to the first quarter, agriculture and services have both recovered,' said Chandrajit Banerjee, director general of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

According to Tushar Poddar, economist with leading investment banking firm and advisory Goldman Sachs, the growth during the second quarter was expected at 8.2 percent from clients and their own prediction of 8.1 percent.

He said having realised 8.9 percent in the first two quarters, the overall growth for the year as a whole could be well above the 8.5 percent predicted earlier.

India’s JSW buys Canadian coal company with assets in Botswana the Mmamabula coal and power station project in the African country.

The deal is JSW's second acquisition in the coal sector in southern Africa within a year. Earlier, it acquired a stake in South African Coal Mining Holdings.

JSW joins the Aditya Birla Group, Vedanta and the Tata Group to enter

JSW, one of India’s leading corporate houses has struck a deal for CIC Energy, a Canadian coal company that also owns assets in south African country of Botswana.

The deal is worth $422 mn, at $7.42 a share. CIC is listed in both the countries – Canada and Botswana.

CIC Energy operates

the Canadian resource market over the past two to three years.

While the Tatas own the iron-ore Millennium Corporation in Nova Scotia province, the Aditya Birla Group controls an iron ore mine near St. Johns.

Vedanta has bought a stake in Manitoba-based HudBay Minerals.

Cairn – Vedanta deal clearance delayed India to decide on the issue by February end Government of India has given indications that a decision on whether to approve the Cairn India stake sale to Vedanta will be taken by February end.

Oil secretary S Sundareshan said on Monday that as the government received an application for approval last week only, the process will likely be completed by February end.

Cairn India has finalized a deal to sale stake to Vedanta Resources for $9.6 billion.

Earlier, Vedanta had also tied up with banks and institutions for funding the deal.

After months of dither-

ing, UK's Cairn Energy on November 25 applied for government nod to transfer control in its three producing assets, including the prolific Rajasthan fields to Vedanta Resources.

Sundareshan said the oil ministry had told Cairn that it would have to apply for approval in all of its 10

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assets for the government to consider giving consent to the deal.

Three separate applications were made for the Barmer oilfields in Rajasthan, the eastern offshore Ravva oil and gasfields and the Cambay fields off the west coast, which had previously been omitted from the applications for government approval.

Cairn Energy had on August 16 announced sale of 40-51 per cent stake in its Indian unit to Londonlisted Vedanta, but has been selective in approaching government for approval for the deal.

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‘If you can speak what you will never hear, if you can write what you will never read, you have done rare things.’ - Henry David Thoreau. From the outset, every new leader strives to immediately stamp their mark, set the tone and make a lasting impression. To emphasise that he would take America in a new direction, one of the first acts

by Barack Obama was to sign an order to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. (The facility is still open, but then it’s the thought that counts.)

First impressions last and that is why it is important, but not essential, to get it right. But the greater challenge is to follow up on that initial promise, to make the visions real and to actually do ‘rare’ things – not rare as in something different for the sake of being different, but rare in the sense of doing something truly groundbreaking.

Rahul Gandhi has been touted as the future ‘heir’ to the congress

throne and potentially the prime ministers seat.

He has been styled, by his own choice or by others, as the definitive young and modern leader. In his first speech to parliament he spoke of two India’s – one of the empowered and one the disempowered. He stated that his party’s policy was not to choose one over the other but to work for both. He even promised some tribal communities that he would be their soldier in Delhi. Stirring stuff.

However, he went on to equate the RSS, an organisation founded on the spirit of volunteering and national service (somewhat like the ‘big society’ concept) with SIMI, an organisation believed to have links with terrorism; and on a recent visit to Gujarat, he compared Narendra Modi with the founder of communist China, Chairman Mao (who incidentally, was accused of having his opponents murdered – read into that what you will). This

Amit Patel has over 15 years experience in the field of Leadership and Human Resource Management doesn’t sound like bringing ‘his’ two India’s together?

First impressions last – but only as long as the next speech or act. The mistake some leaders make is that they focus so much on that first impression that they do not consider if it is consistent with their own views or what is realistic.

Rahul Gandhi is saying some things which we have never heard before – but will he go on to do things which have never been seen? Will he achieve something ‘rare’?

The first impression suggested he might. The second one didn’t.

Montek Singh may be the next IMF chief Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India and right hand man of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ahluwalia is tipped to be among the probables to head International Monetary Fund (INF), the New York Times has reported.

Other contenders include Mohamed A El-

Erian, the American-born son of an Egyptian diplomat and an economist who leads the giant bond investor Pimco and Arminio Fraga and Guillermo Ortiz, former heads of the central banks of Brazil and Mexico, respectively, the US daily has said.

Noting that the clout and role of the interna-

tional lender has increased substantially in the emerging markets, the New York Times reported that someone from the developing world was likely to succeed IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

Incumbent IMF chief is likely to contest the French presidency in 2012.

Bilimoria set to sell stake in Cobra Beer India Molson Coors of USA to help out

After allowing the US player to have a stake in the UK operations, Cobra Beer of UK, owned by Lord Karan Bilimoria is also seeking to sell some stake in Cobra Beer India to Molson Coors with the aim to rescue his business that is facing trouble from majority shareholders, who are dissatisfied.

North American beer giant Molson Coors Brewing Company may step in to buy a majority stake in Cobra Beer India, as its founder Lord Karan Bilimoria attempts to rescue his floundering beer

interests in the country.

Bilimoria, who is the largest shareholder with a 49% stake in the Indian operations, is making an offer to buyout dissatisfied majority shareholders following a tacit clearance from Molson Coors, said two separate sources directly involved with the development.

Cobra Beer India is 51%- owned by New Yorkbased Brahma Management and the Katyal family, which has brewing interests in Patna.

If deal remains on course, Molson Coors, listed on

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New York and Toronto stock exchanges, will take a significant majority stake in the company, including parts of Bilimoria's stake, as the company requires fresh capital infusion urgently.

The financial details of the privately-held Cobra Beer India were not available, and the size of the transaction under discussion could not be ascertained immediately. Molson Coors is the world's fifth largest brewer and its entry could see the arrival of beers such as Coors, Coors Light and Carling in India.

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FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

19

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

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

The Euro Crisis The much-publicised problems in Ireland look as if they are about to spread to Portugal, Spain and possibly Belgium.

There is a school of thought that the Euro could fall in value as much as 10% against the US Dollar to $1.20 The major problems in Europe lie with the banking system, which is supported by the regulators of sovereign credit, coupled with the fact that sovereign debt is owned by

the banking system, led to a situation where at one time Ireland and Germany had the same credit rating. A policy that was clearly wrong.

The current Euro crisis has led to the cost of borrowing for Ireland, Spain and Portugal, and despite the huge quantitative easing policy that has been restarted by the Federal Reserve Bank of America. The US

Dollar touched a nine-week high on Friday 26/11/10 of $1.3199 against the Euro, without any good news for the Euro it may well depreciate even further to $1.25 or even $1.20.

The European Central Bank is now pushing Portugal to become the third Euro zone country to accept an EU-IMF bailout, because the belief is that the Portuguese debt crisis will sink its near neighbor Spain, Europe’s fifth largest economy.

A Spanish bailout could be enough to dismantle the single currency.

Major European Stock Markets have fallen sharply on talk of the EU bailouts and borrowing costs in Portugal and Spain have climbed although the Portuguese government is aiming to cut its deficit to 4.6% of GDP against 7.3%.

This leads us to wonder how much weaker the value of the Euro would be if not for the QE policy being implemented by the US government which in effect has weakened the value of the dollar.

The single currency is in an exceptionally serious situation, as the huge build up of debt over the last 10 years comes to

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 30th November 2010 @ 11am GBP - INR = 71.401 USD - INR = 45.97 EUR - INR = 59.89 GBP - USD = 1.5532 GBP - EUR = 1.1937 EUR - USD = 1.3033 GBP - AED = 5.7035 GBP - CAD = 1.5853 GBP - NZD = 2.0885 GBP - AUD = 1.6181

fruition. Greece, Belgium, Portugal and to a lesser extent Spain, have worryingly high public sector borrowing, all have a very large exposure to toxic bank loans, all have budget deficits that are well in excess of the 3% Euro zone limit.

Portugal is the next Euro crisis waiting to happen, although the much-feared problems in Spain are more similar to the problems we have just witnessed in Ireland. Ireland’s domestic banks have assets five

times the size of the national economy; Spain’s bank assets are three times the size of their respective economy.

Portugal will need to raise more than twenty-five billion euros from investors to service its debts next year if they are to avoid a bailout. Analysts believe that a Portuguese rescue package might require less than fifty billion euros, less than either Greece or Ireland.

The package to rescue Spain would have a much higher and far reaching cost.

GBP - ZAR = 11.0755 GBP - HUF = 337.28

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

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Pakistan-Bangladesh-sri Lanka

In focus Lynching incidents on the rise in B’desh

Dhaka: A total of 126 people have been lynched in Bangladesh this year, which indicates people are losing trust in the authorities' capability to book law breakers, a media report said on Saturday.

The repeated incidents of lynching and the attackers' ferocity are causing concern among lawmen, psychologists and sociologists who believe people are taking law into their own hands because their confidence in law enforcement agencies and the justice delivery system is waning, the New Age said on Saturday.

Police are concerned at the rising number of incidence of mob justice. Investigations in such cases make little progress due to lack of confidence in them shown by the people engaged in it.

According to human rights watchdog Odhikar, 119 people were killed in mob beating during JanuarySeptember this year. Seven more were added to the toll in the last six weeks.

'People take law into their own hands when they lose confidence in the law enforcement agencies, and the primary responsibility lies with the agencies simply because they have failed to enforce laws,' Mokaddem Hossain, professor of sociology at Dhaka University, was quoted as saying.

'The number of different types of crime has increased alarmingly in recent times. People are regularly becoming victims of snatchings, robberies and other crimes which are making them helpless and often desperate. As a result, they turn cruel on crime suspects,' he said.

Zardari barred from pardoning Christian woman

Lahore: A Pakistani court on Monday barred President Asif Ali Zardari from pardoning a Christian woman sentenced to death on charges of insulting Islam, in a case that has sparked criticism over the country's blasphemy law. Asia Bibi, a 45-year-old mother of four, requested a pardon from the president after a lower court sentenced her to death on Nov 8 in a case stemming from a village dispute. The Lahore High Court barred Zardari from pardoning Bibi in a petition filed by Shahid Iqbal, a Pakistani citizen. Iqbal's lawyer Allah Bux Laghari said a pardon was illegal as the court was already hearing an appeal against her sentence. We believe it is the court's duty to evaluate the evidence against her, not individuals, and if she is found innocent, she should be freed," he said. Human rights groups have demanded the repeal of the law, which they say discriminates against religious minorities who make up roughly 4 per cent of Pakistan's 170 million population.

India, Lanka to resume ferry service soon

Colombo: Indian foreign minister S M Krishna, who was on a visit to Sri Lanka last week, announced that the ferry services between India and Sri Lanka and reconstruction of harbours would soon be resumed.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to reach out to the Tamils in Sri lanka, Mr Krishna handed over hundreds of tractors to Tamils in Jaffna province so as to revive agriculture in the region.

Pak woman's nose chopped off by in-laws

Islamabad: A Pakistani woman's nose was hacked off and her head tonsured by her in-laws who then locked her up for three days as they suspected her of having an affair with a neighbour. The incident was reminiscent of the treatment meted out to a young Afghan woman whose nose was chopped off by her husband sometime back. The incident took place in Gujranwala district of Punjab province. Aasiya Bibi's brother-in-law Anwar, his wife Kalsoom and sons Waqas and Awais caught hold of her and cut off her nose and shaved off her head, alleging that she had an illicit relationship with a local man. “Aasiya has been living with her in-laws for over seven years and her husband works in Multan, so he rarely manages to visit,” the Express Tribune quoted Aasiya's neighbour Nida as saying. Nida said that Aasiya's in-laws were often cruel to her. Police said that the family locked up Aasiya in a room where she lay for three days after the incident, till a police team rescued her after being tipped off.

Pak not to allow drone or chopper strike

Islamabad: Drone or helicopter attacks inside Pakistan's territory will not be allowed, as that would be an attack on the country's sovereignty, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir has said, according to a TV channel. Bashir made these comments while talking to journalists, the Daily Times reported. His remarks came in the wake of reports that the United States has renewed its pressure on Pakistan to expand the areas where CIA drones can operate inside the country.

According to US and Pakistani officials, although the United States' appeal has focused on the area surrounding the Pakistani city of Quetta, where the Afghan Taliban leadership is thought to be based, it also seeks to expand the boundaries for drone strikes in the tribal areas, which have been targeted in 101 attacks this year.

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Rajapaksa holds talks with Tamil leaders Assures them that the govt would soon address their grievances Colmbo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa last week assured the country's main Tamil political parties his government would soon address grievances of the Tamil minority.

The assurance came during meetings between two different political parties representing the Tamil community in parliament.

The groups are the Tamil National Alliance, a one-time proxy of defeated Tamil Tiger rebels, and the Eelam People's Democratic Party, a partner of the ruling party United People's Freedom Alliance.

"Trust me. We can find a solution to the problems faced by our people," Rajapaksa told the Tamil MPs during a meeting at

Mahinda Rajapaksa

his official residence in Colombo.

In any political solution affecting the communities, Rajapaksa said, "the people must get the feeling that they are also participating in the solution."

This was Rajapaksa's first meeting with Tamil

National Alliance parliamentarians since the Lankan security forces militarily defeated Tamil Tiger rebels.

Tamil National Alliance parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said "we agreed to work out a joint mechanism" to explore solutions to Tamil grievances as well as resettlement of remaining internally displaced persons in camps. The government says that over 30,000 internally displaced persons still remain in camps after the end of the separatist war last August.

Lanka’s assurance to India Meanwhile, Lanka has assured India that all homeless Tamils would be resettled by the end of the

Bid to attack Pakistan parliament, mosque foiled

Islamabad: Security forces in Pakistan thwarted an attempt to attack the parliament and a mosque by arresting two would-besuicide bombers in Islamabad on Friday.

Security forces launched a manhunt for others who may have been involved in the alleged plot, which officials said could have caused chaos in the heavily guarded capital where bombings have targeted Westerners in recent years.

"We have foiled a plot

to attack parliament and surrounding buildings, and a mosque and arrested two militants," Pakistan's interior minister Rehman Malik told state television.

The minister said one of the men came from the northwestern town of Bannu and intended to carry out a suicide attack on a mosque in F8-1, a neighbourhood of sprawling villas where many Westerners and wealthy Pakistanis live. The second man wanted to attack parliament, surrounding

buildings in the heavily fortified government enclave and "important personalities," Malik said.

Senior Islamabad police official Bani Amin confirmed the arrests and the intention to attack the mosque. "The arrests were made in Islamabad. They had suicide jackets. Their target was a mosque in Islamabad." Asked if there were other militants on the run, Amin said: "Obviously such people do not operate alone and there is a whole network."

year. India and Lanka also signed a credit arrangement for $416.39 million for a railway project in the island's north that was formally launched by India's External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Saturday.

The two sides exchanged instruments of ratification for operationalising the agreement on transfer of each other's prisoners sentenced to jail terms and of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in the presence of Krishna and his Sri Lankan counterpart G L Peiris.

Krishna and Peiris concluded the seventh session of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission that covered an entire range of issues including intensification of trade and defence ties.

34,000 women paramedics go missing after Pak floods Islamabad: Around 34,000 women paramedical workers have gone missing from the flood affected districts of Pakistan, media reports said on Saturday quoting UN sources.

Noted social activist Tahira Abdullah said the mindboggling disclosure in the UN report has so far failed to have an impact on the government, The NewsInternational reported.

"Even the provincial governments are silent on this report, which should have been enough to shake the entire set-up," she said.

Bangladesh apex court upholds Khaleda’s eviction Dhaka: Bangladesh's opposition leader Khaleda Zia on Monday lost her appeal before the country's Supreme Court against her eviction by the government from her Dhaka cantonment house.

The apex court dismissed the leave-to-appeal petition filed by the former prime minister. The petition challenged the Dhaka High Court verdict earlier that had declared valid the government notice asking her to leave the Dhaka cantonment residence, the Star Online, website of The Daily Star reported.

Khaledia had lived in that house since 1972.

The three-member full bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice A B M Khairul Haq also turned down the petitions filed by Khaledia for staying the higher court verdict and seeking status quo over the house issue.

The court verdict could be a major political setback for her as she plans a dawn-to-dusk strike against the Sheikh Hasina government.

Khaledia on Nov 8 filed two petitions with the apex court challenging the high court verdict that declared as valid the government notice to her to

vacate the Dhaka Cantonment house.

She also filed two other petitions with the Supreme Court on Nov 23. She claimed she was evicted illegally and

prayed for status quo over the house issue and an order so that she can return to the house.

Khaledia said she had been "forced out", and the government's action was criticised as being "crude" by sections of the media.

Khaledia came to live in the house as wife of then deputy chief of the army, General Ziaur Rahman, who later became the army chief and staged a military coup to grab power. Gen Rahman eventually became the country's president. He was killed in another military-led coup in May 1981.

He said his party was not against creation of more provinces in the country.

Musharraf has selected Chitral in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to contest for a seat in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament.

Mush to ignore questionnaire on Benazir slaying Pervez Musharraf will not respond to any questionnaire sent to him by Pakistani authorities regarding security lapses linked to Benazir

Bhutto`s assassination, a close aide of the former president said.

Chaudhry Fawad, who is also Musharraf's legal adviser, told the media that Musharraf would simply decline to receive the questionnaire. Officials of the Federal Investigation Agency, which is probing the gun-and-bomb attack that killed Bhutto in December 2007, have said that they have framed a 32-point questionnaire that they intend to send to Musharraf, living in selfexile in Britain.

Khaleda Zia

Pervez Musharraf vows to return to Pakistan

Islamabad: Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf has said that "nobody can restrict" him from coming back to the country and taking part in the general elections.

"Nobody can restrict me. I will come back to the country and take part in the elections. If people voted me to power, I would change fate of the nation," Musharraf told a public meeting in a village near Mansehra city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province by phone.

Musharraf ruled the

country for nine years after taking power in a coup in 1999. He stepped down in 2008 and left Pakistan. He now lives in London and has launched the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML).

He said that on his return he would launch the 'Pakistan Bachao' Movement.

"The country is passing though a difficult stage of its history and my party will pull it out of the current crises," the News International quoted Musharraf as saying.

World

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Post cablegate, us welcomes India’s global leadership role New Delhi: The United States on Tuesday said it welcomed a greater global leadership role for India, two days after its Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s remark describing India as a “selfappointed frontrunner” for a permanent UNSC seat was leaked.

“We regret and condemn any unauthorised disclosures of confidential information and sensitive national security information,” US Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer said while reacting to the release of diplomatic cables by whistle-blower Website WikiLeaks.

“By releasing these documents, WikiLeaks puts at risk the cause of

human rights, the lives and work of dedicated individuals, and threatens our ability to conduct essential private and diplomatic dialogue,” he said.

As part of its massive leak of a quarter million classified documents of the US government, the Website released a “secret” cable issued by Ms Clinton where she has described India as a “selfappointed frontrunner” for a permanent UNSC seat.

She had also directed US envoys to seek minute details about Indian diplomats stationed at the United Nations headquarters, according to classified documents released

by WikiLeaks.

Mr Roemer said, “The US welcomes a greater global leadership role for India and values its perspectives on how to meet common challenges, including countering terrorism, securing our maritime domains, and working together to promote democratic, political and economic development around the world.”

In an apparent damage control exercise, Mr Roemer said during Barack Obama’s visit to India, the US President “reiterated that the relationship between the US and India, bound by our shared interests and our shared values, will be one of the defining part-

nerships of the 21st century.”

Mr Obama’s stay in India, the longest foreign trip of his Presidency to date, underscores the US commitment to a long term strategic partnership with India, he said.

The President supports responsible, accountable, and open government at home and around the world, but this reckless and dangerous action runs counter to that goal, he said.

“The US government is committed to maintaining the security of our diplomatic communications and is moving aggressively to hold accountable those responsible,” Mr Roemer said.

Debate over patenting The Indian Government is keen on patenting yoga postures.

However, there is an ongoing debate over the matter.

Dr Vinod Kumar Gupta, of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library is of the view that patent-

ing would deny other people the right to practice without obtaining permission. Swami Pragyamurti, a yoga teacher, expressed concern over the whole plan of patenting yoga as according to him it is not bound to a country. He further adds that today, Yoga is practiced all over the world.

An Indian Government body has been set up in this regard.

The body films hundreds of asanas - yoga poses .This is being done in order to provide indisputable proof for anyone who hopes to patent a new style of yoga which the Indians have discovered.

Debate rages in US over yoga’s roots

Washington: An American Hindu group is calling for yoga fans to be more aware of what it says are the practice’s roots in Hinduism - and the suggestion has ignited intense reactions and a debate over yoga’s origins, the New York Times reports.

Those weighing in on the matter include a Southern Baptist leader, New Age writer Deepak Chopra, and even the government of India.

“Our issue is that yoga has thrived, but Hinduism has lost control of the brand,” says the cofounder of the Hindu group whose Take Back Yoga movement prompted

the furor. But “nobody owns yoga,” argues a yoga instructor. Meanwhile, the head of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary says the practice is indeed Hindu and puts Christians’ souls at risk; others argue the campaign needs a fact-check.

Kenya PM threatens to arrest gays Nairobi: An official with Kenya's largest gay rights organization said on Monday there is panic among its members following remarks made by Kenya's prime minister that homosexuals should be arrested.

The office of the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya received calls from concerned members, some of whom are HIV-positive

and fear they will be arrested when they collect life-prolonging medicine from government clinics, board member Nguru Karugu said.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Sunday said homosexuals who are found in the midst of sex acts will be arrested.

Odinga's spokesman said in a statement on Sunday night that the prime minister was quot-

ed out of context. In an audio recording of Sunday's speech heard by members of the media, the prime minister says in the Kenyan language of Kiswahili that "if a man is caught having sex with the other we jail them, or if a girl is caught with the other... we will jail them."

In the latter part of his statement he used profanity to explain lesbianism.

100 children hurt in China school stampede Beijing: Nearly 100 children were hurt in a stampede on Monday at a primary school in China's farwestern Xinjiang region but no deaths have been reported, state media reported. The accident occurred in the city of Aksu as school children were rushing outside to a playground around lunchtime when some students in the lead tripped and fell, Xinhua news agency said.

US court summons ISI chief, Saeed over Mumbai attack New York: A US court has issued summons to Pakistan’s senior InterServices Intelligence officials including its powerful chief Maj Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha, along with Mumbai attack masterminds and Lashkar-eTaiban leaders Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rahman Lakhvi in response to a lawsuit filed by relatives of two American victims accusing them of providing material support for the 26/11 attacks.

The 26-page lawsuit was filed before a New York Court on November 19 against the ISI and LeT by the relatives Rabbi

Hafiz Saeed

Gavriel Noah Holtzberg and his wife Rivka, who were both gunned down by militants at the Chhabad House in Mumbai.

Their son

Moshe was saved by his Indian nanny.

The 26-page lawsuit accusing the ISI of aiding and abetting the LeT in the killing of more than 160 people was filed before a New York Court on November 19, following which the Brooklyn court issued summons to Major Samir Ali, Azam Cheema, the ISI, Major Iqbal, Lakhvi, LeT, Sajid Majid, Mr Pasha, Saeed and Nadeem Taj. “The ISI has long nurtured and used international terrorist groups, including the LeT, to accomplish its goals and has provided material support to the LeT and

other international terrorist groups,” said the lawsuit filed by relatives of the slain Rabbi.

Mr Pasha, who has been director general of the ISI since September 2008, has been summoned, so is Nadeem Taj, the director general of ISI from September 2007 to September 2008.

Major Iqbal and Major Samir Ali are other ISI officers who have been issued summons.

The one of its kind lawsuit also brings as defendants Lashkar operatives like operations commander Lakhvi, JuD chief Saeed and Azam Cheema.

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In focus Top Iran nuclear scientist killed, Israel blamed

Tehran: Twin blasts in Iran's capital killed a prominent nuclear scientist and wounded another on Monday, said state media reports that promptly accused Israeli agents on motorbikes of attaching the bombs to their cars. "In a criminal terrorist act, the agents of the Zionist regime attacked two prominent university professors who were on their way to work," the website of Iran's state television network reported, referring to arch foe Israel. "Dr Majid Shahriari was killed and his wife was injured. Dr Fereydoon Abbasi and his wife were injured," the report said. Fars news agency said the scientists were targeted in two different locations by men on motorcycles who approached their vehicles and attached bombs to their cars. Shahriari was a member of the nuclear engineering department of Shahid Beheshti University in northern Tehran.

Suicide attack at Afghan police HQ kills 12

Kabul: Two suicide bombers wearing police uniforms blew themselves up at an Afghan police headquarters on Saturday, killing at least 12 officers and wounding 16, officials said. The blasts occurred within 20 minutes of each other in Paktika province, said Gen Daud Andarabi, the spokesman for the regional police commander in southeastern Afghanistan. Nawab Waziry, the head of Paktika’s provincial council, said both men wore police uniforms and made it through three security gates before reaching the main building on the police compound. One attacker denoted his explosives inside the police headquarters building, the other blew himself near the entrance, he said. “There are lots of casualties,” Mr Waziry said.

Nigeria to hold presidential election on April 9

Abuja: Officials in Nigeria have said the country would hold a presidential election on April 9 next year, ending months of uncertainty. The poll had originally been scheduled for January, but was postponed after parliament approved constitutional changes. Officials said the delay was needed so they could amend the voters' roll, which they described as deeply flawed. Nigeria's previous elections have been marred by violence and alleged fraud. The Independent National Election Commission said a parliamentary election would be held on 2 April, a week before the presidential vote. The governing PDP (People's Democratic Party) has won all of Nigeria's presidential elections since military rule ended in 1999. The candidacy of President Goodluck Jonathan has been challenged by four PDP members, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

All 29 NZ miners declared dead

Greymouth (New Zealand): All 29 miners trapped underground following an explosion last week in a New Zealand mine are dead, the official in charge of the rescue attempt said. "There was another massive explosion underground, and based on that explosion, no one survived," Gary Knowles, superintendent of Tasman Police Command, told reporters. "We're now going to recovery mode." Knowles said he was at the mine when the second explosion occurred. "The blast was horrific - just as severe as the first blast," he said. Knowles said he did not know and would not speculate on the cause of the blast.

Sarkozy calls journalists ‘paedophiles’

London: French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is known for his mercurial nature, has lost his temper and branded a group journalists “paedophiles” for quizzing him over a corruption scandal. In a furious off-therecord exchange at the Nato summit in Lisbon last week, the French President targeted a reporter who asked him a specific question about the ‘Karachigate’ scandal, which threatens to engulf him personally.

Dismissing the allegations as “crazy”, Sarkozy angrily told the reporter: “You talk rubbish, you verify nothing.”

Microphones at the off-the record briefing recorded him going on: “You are a paedophile, I’m deeply convinced.

I’ve seen the secret services but I won’t tell you which ones. I’ve seen someone but I won’t tell you who. But I’m deeply convinced that you’re a paedophile! "

Somali pirates convicted of attacking US Navy ship

Norfolk (Virginia): Five young Somali men face life in prison after being convicted of piracy in the April attack on a US Navy ship. Prosecutors said the men attacked the USS Nicholas after mistaking it for a merchant ship and were out for as much as $40,000 (£24,800) in ransom money. But the men's lawyers maintained the five only fired their weapons to attract attention and get help. The verdict is the first in a piracy case in the US in nearly 200 years. The men face a mandatory life sentence. The five men were convicted of piracy, attacking to plunder a maritime vessel, and assault with a dangerous weapon. They were arrested in April, along with six others who were captured a few days later in waters near Djibouti after allegedly shooting at the USS Ashland, an amphibious vessel.

INDIA

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Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Vibrant Gujarat Summit a serious competition for Davos

In divine light

Narendra Modi’s mega plans has many takers Having achieved a lot of success with the previous four Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors’ Summit (VGGIS), Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has decided to make the forthcoming event capture a larger audience and clientele, inviting other Indian states also too come and grab investors’ attraction and strike deals.

Going by indications, Modi now aspires to turn the Gujarat event into a global forum, prepared to help not just Indian companies get in touch with MNCs, but also help other countries to come to Gujarat and seek partnerships with other nations, some serious competition for the World Economic Forum, Davos.

When it comes to hard selling, Modi seems to be the unbeatable political leader. It was his idea to widen the canvass to encompass the whole world.

Slated for January 1011 next year, Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors’ Summit (VGGIS), 2011, actually promises just that—a ‘Davos in Action’ kind of destination, where global deals can be struck.

For the January 2011 meet, Gujarat is set to provide a conducive environment for the striking of deals between international and domestic investors, and with other states as well.

In the words of the CM himself when addressing a gathering not so long ago, “Earlier, our focus had been for the benefit of Gujarat (alone) but now we feel the event should help all our Indian states to seek investment. If any state wants to come and sign an MoU with any global company, we will be happy to facilitate this through the event.”

Further, domestic companies are being invited to use the Vibrant Gujarat

platform to network with other companies and sign agreements with foreign firms.

“If Sri Lanka wants to invest in Nepal, they can come to Gujarat to commit to one another. We will provide a platform for the whole globe”. This is Modi’s publicly stated vision. The marketing plank, formulated with the assistance of no less than the Washington-based Apco, a top-of-the-rung event management and PR firm, is to remodel the summit as a global business hub where deals are made. Emphasis will be laid on providing an ideal platform for facilitating investment alliances and exploring business opportunities in Gujarat, in India and across the world.

Not surprisingly, the positioning of the event has managed to get Gujarat a host of international partners for 2011, including Japan, Canada, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, the Japan External Trade Organisation and the Commonwealth Business Council.

Karnataka, Goa, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh have already confirmed their participation.

Talks are in advanced stages with Tamil Nadu, Punjab, MP and Chhattisgarh.

At VGGIS 2011, more than 20,000 delegates from about 80 countries are expected to participate, which would include 100 eminent political lead-

ers and diplomats.

But it’s not like the Gujarat CM is completely overlooking his regional constituency’s aspirations either. Gujarat is still being projected as the ideal destination for investors. Here too, Modi is in overdrive to move beyond the conventional catchment areas for investment. So, going beyond the concepts of industrial estates, special economic zones and special clusters, the CM is now working on a much bigger concept for attracting investment into the state. This includes the special investment regions or SIRS, which will involve massive urbanisation of areas where residents would have the advantage of walk-towork.

One such SIR is being developed at Dholera, located about 140 km from Ahmedabad in the Gulf of Khambhat. As part of its integrated development, it will have an international airport and a metro rail line connecting it to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.

A summing up of the expectations from the mega event by a senior state government official is like this: “We are past the stage where we need to run after investors.

Investors are queuing in to enter Gujarat. It’s therefore time to spread our wings and take the next big leap into the future by welcoming the whole world to experience the phenomenon called Gujarat.”

Following a court order, the Delhi Police on Monday registered a case of sedition against writer Arundhati Roy, hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, revolutionary poet Varavara Rao and others on charges of giving “anti-India” speeches at a convention on Kashmir, “Azadi: The Only Way”, held in New Delhi on Oct 21. The case has been registered at Tilak Marg police station under different sections of Indian penal code.

Joint Commissioner of Police (New Delhi Range) Dharmendra Kumar said the complaint filed by

Sushil Pandit in the court has been converted into the First Information Report (FIR) after taking legal opinion on the matter. With the registration of the case, the police have initiated investigations.

They have already obtained footage of the speeches made at the convention. “We will closely examine the speeches and file a report in the court by January 6, 2011 (the next date of hearing),” said Mr Kumar.

The others named in the complaint include Delhi University professor S A R Geelani who was acquitted in the

Parliament attack case, Kashmir University law professor Sheikh Shaukat Hussain, Shuddhabrata Sengupta and Sujato Bhadra.

A Delhi court had, last Saturday, ordered the police to register the FIR against Ms Roy, the Hurriyat leader and the others for allegedly making anti-India statements at the convention.

Directing the police to register the case under relevant provisions, Metropolitan Magistrate Navita Kumari Bagha had noted that there was prime facie cogent evidence against the accused.

By Rajen Vakil

The Politics of Kanika

Arundhati, Geelani face sedition charges

There is a Sanskrit saying “Vyasa uchishta jagat sarvam”, which means that the whole world has been tasted by Vyasa.

This suggests that Vyasa has written on everything that is possible and if it is not found in his writings, it is nowhere. Much before the works of Machiavelli, or Chanakya, or even Sun Tzu, the great Rishi Vyasa had written a wonderful political commentary in the Mahabharata.

He put the words in the mouth of Kanika, a minister of the king Dhritarashtra.

The fame of the Pandava princes started spreading far and wide once they had undergone training at the hands of Guru Dronacharya, alongside the Kauravas.

People had especially started loving Yudhisthira. This made King Dhritarashtra jealous and he called his minister Kanika to advise him. Below is a close English translation of the Sanskrit sentences that Kanika spoke with the King Dhritarashtra: O King, please listen to my words but do not get angry with me. A King should always popularise his achievements, and see that they are well advertised. At the same time he must be ready to punish when necessary.

He should never allow another to see his own weaknesses, while he should always be aware of the weaknesses of others. He must use the instrument of punishment; people should remain afraid of a king who punishes easily. Like a tortoise retracts his limbs, a king should keep all his activities as secret as possible.

He must always be aware of his enemies and be ready to finish them, when needed. Whenever your enemy is in some difficulty or facing an emergency, attack and destroy him. Even if the enemy is weak, never ignore him as even a small cinder can burn a whole forest. Even if he has won over an enemy with consolation and praise, never rely on him and at the first opportunity finish him off. Never think that he has surrendered and that he should be treated with sympathy.

When a king is rid of enemies, he sleeps in peace.

He should destroy them completely, unearth their roots, see who their sup-

porters and well-wishers are and destroy them too.

To his enemies the king is always unseen but to him they are always in focus, especially their weaknesses.

A king should know when to become blind and when to become deaf. In times of danger even with a sword hanging over his head a king should learn to sleep but sleep like the deer with full alertness. To achieve his aims, he must make a show of purity, humbleness, innocence and friendliness, using it as a cover to hide his aims.

The king must learn the art of keeping the enemy on his shoulder just as when we pull a branch to pluck ripe fruit from a tree and pluck the enemy when the time is ripe.

Some people will stoop very low and say many things against the king, never get rid of him immediately, but also never bestow him with favour. An enemy must be finished whether by consolation, charity and gifts, or by creating divisions in his house. A king can give false promises.

Use his wealth to pacify, he can secretly poison the enemy, whether by any cunning or unfair means, the enemy must be killed. A time may also come when the guru becomes egoistic and works against the king, the king should punish him too.

Whenever a king is angry he should never show it but appear totally calm.

Whenever he speaks, he must use a lot of humour but never criticise the other. While speaking, the king may be psychologically stabbing the other but he should use sweet words of flattery. After hitting the other hard, show sympathy, and even cry for him, if needed. He should earn the trust of his enemies by getting up when they come and giving them a seat of honour, by bestowing them with gifts, but always awaiting for the right time to destroy them.

The king should build gardens and resting places for travellers, temples for worship, water fountains and wells. At all these places he should have well placed spies to hear what people say. A king should doubt every-

one even those he trusts totally, because when danger comes from someone he trusted it can destroy the king completely.

There are three kinds of fulfilment and these come with three kinds of sufferings and a king should know them and how to use them. Man aims for fulfilment through dharma or religion, artha or money, and kama or sexual pleasures. Those who follow religion suffer from the weakness of money and sex. Those who run after money suffer from lack of religion and sex and those who live for sexual pleasure lack money and religion. By using this knowledge, the king can learn to torment and control any person.

To run the kingdom the king always needs wealth. For this he, through his spies, should know who among his enemies is the richest, and he needs to be cruel and like a fisherman, obtain wealth from the other even if it requires killing him. There are times when the enemy’s army is without food and water and their spirits are down – this is the best time to attack. The king must know that a person who has wealth will rarely ask for wealth as a favour, as also whenever a person’s work is done he loses interest in keeping a friendship. So whenever a king does some favours for others, he must leave a part of the work incomplete so that person has to maintain his friendship at all times.

Even when there is no danger to his kingdom, the king should always work as if danger is at his doorstep and when danger really comes, he should meet it with bravery. Whenever the king gives hope to someone, he should give a long time-frame and then keep on throwing obstacles and giving excuses with reasons why he cannot fulfil his promise.

“In this way, O King, deal with the Pandavas and bravely stand by your decisions.” We shall take up explanation of the above in further articles to come.

(Edited by Chintu Gandhi)

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

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

23

British Pakistanis, Indians emphasise friendship for both countries Leading British Pakistani and Indians emphasised the fact that “Friendship is the only way forward” for the two countries. At the Pakistan, India and UK Friendship Forum’s 5th Annual Dinner at the House of Lords, it was a usual cordial atmosphere of friendship and mutual respect. The event started with the national anthems of Pakistan, India and Britain and one minutes silence was observed in the memory of the victims of the horrific floods in Pakistan.

The host, Lord Popat, welcomed the guests and commended the initiative designed to build bridges between the British communities of Pakistani and Indian origins. He said he was delighted to support and endorse this initiative as it benefitted society as a whole.

The Rt. Hon. Tony Baldy MP was appointed as the next President of the Forum.

In his

response, he said he was delighted with his appointment and promised to work hard to strengthen ties between the three communities.

Dr. Ashraf Chohan, Secretary General stressed that all the pending disputes between India and Pakistan should be resolved peacefully in a friendly manner as it will bring a lasting peace in the Sub Continent.

Lord Nazir Ahmed also emphasised that everything could be resolved peacefully but with mutual respect.

Lord Diljit Rana gave the example of Northern Ireland where political boundaries remain but signs within Ireland have been removed so people can now move within the provinces freely and unhindered without any animosity or threat.

Sir Gulam Noon praised the initiative of the organization. He stressed that it was in the interests

had gone the extra mile for Britain.

MKC Trust, Sterling Media, Dr. Yasmin Sheikh MBE, Mr Ikram Khan, former President of the UK Pakistan Chamber Of Commerce and President of the Pakistan Cultural Society were among those honoured.

A special award was presented to the British Armed Forces for their immense sacrifices, gallantry and valour. The award was received by General Sir David Richards, Chief of Defence Staff. He thanked the Forum for recognising the

contribution of our Armed Forces who serve everyone regardless of race or religion.

A cheque of £3500.00 was presented to Mr Waqas Chughtai on behalf of the Edhi International Foundation UK to support the relief efforts for the victims of the floods in Pakistan.

Mr. Arif Chaudhry, Founder of the Forum said on his visit to India he was convinced that our people needed “bread and not bombs” and as a result, he started the organization to bring the two communities closer for the benefit of mankind.

Ms Norma Stevenson, Chair, Labour NEC, was delighted to support the friendship initiative and said that she has attended many events and dinner but never attend one like this which was designed to build bridges in our fractured society.

The vote of thanks was given by the Co-Chairman Dr. Ahmed Shahzad OBE.

Nitish Kumar sworn in UK group to set up 5 schools in Gujarat Level (A-level) for the stulearning.

Countrywide, Edexcel, UK's largest Bihar CM for second term awarding dents of class X and XI. Edexcel has a base of 40 body and a part

‘Beti bachao’ campaign bearing fruit in Gujarat

Modi was Janata Dalsworn in as a U n i t e d cabinet min(JD(U)) leader ister.

Mr Nitish Kumar Modi will be was on Friday the deputy sworn in as chief minister chief minister of the state. of Bihar for a Besides second consecMr Kumar utive term at and Mr Modi, the historic 18 MLAs G a n d h i Nitish Kumar from the Maidan. The JD(U) and 10 oath of office from alliance partner BJP was administered by were also sworn in as minGovernor Devanand isters by the Governor.

Konwar in the presence of Another significant thousands of people. aspect of the recent polls Nitish Kumar, who is was the severe rout faced Bihar’s 32nd chief minister, steered the National

by Lalu Yadav’s RJD. His Democratic Alliance wife and former chief min(NDA) to an incredible ister Rabri Devi lost from victory - winning 206 of both the seats she contest243 seats. ed. Her two brothers also BJP’s Sushil Kumar were defeated in the polls.

Kiran Kumar Reddy is new Andhra Chief Minister

Fifty-year-old Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy was sworn in as the new chief minister of Andhra Pradesh by Governor E S L Narasimhan on Thursday last.

At a brief function on the lawns of the Raj Bhavan, Mr Reddy took the oath of office and secrecy to become the 16th chief minister of the State. Earlier K Rosaiah resigned from the post citing health reasons.

Jagan quits Cong, Lok Sabha seat Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, son of former Andhra chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, and his mother Vijaylakshmi have quit Congress.

They are expected to launch a party of their own.

Jagan and Vijaylakshmi, who have also resigned their seats in

Kiran Reddy

the Lok Sabha and state assembly respectively, immediately went on an overdrive to muster the required numbers to topple the Congress government in the state. Jangan also started horse-trading to lure SC and OBC Congress legislators to his side with various inducements.

Meanwhile, Congress is trying to woo PRP of cinestar Chiranjeevi.

The host, Lord Popat welcoming the guest

of both the countries, India and Pakistan to forge better relationships with each other in order to strengthen each other’s economies with mutual co-operation which would also bring about respect and harmony. He said that no benefit could come from conflict.

The Chairman, Dr. Rami Ranger, spoke about our founders who made two countries to benefit their people and not for them to become rivals.

This rivalry was not only damaging each other, but also effecting relations in countries where we had

of the Pearson group, is in talks with five more schools in Gujarat for expanding their base from the existing eight schools where they run education related programmes. The company is in talks with St Kabir, SGVP, Ahmedabad International, Mahatma Gandhi International School and Riverside School.

Edexcel head of International Academic Program David Davies said: "We feel Ahmedabad is an excellent place to begin our relaunch as it is a familiar terrain open to new ideas and global

President The Rt. Hon. Tony Baldy MP

settled in considerable numbers.

Cllr.

Kemal Butt, Patron of the Forum, praised the work being done by the Forum.

The Guest of Honour the Rt. Hon, Dominic Grieve MP, Attorney General, presented the awards and congratulated everyone for their achievements. He praised the contribution of British Indians and Pakistanis and acknowledged that their presence has enriched Britain in many ways.

The forum presented awards to individuals who

schools and by next academic year, we plan to increase the base to 60 schools or more. The expansion plans are focused on Chennai, Delhi and Kolkatta apart from Ahmedabad."

Elaborating on the programs offered by Edexcel, Davies said, "We provide vocational qualifications to children right from the age of 7 till their masters level. Edexcel provides International General Certificate of Secondary ( IGCSA) programme for class IX and X. We also have University entrance qualificationAdvance

The A-level is accepted by various renowned universities across the globe."

Pointing that US and Australia give extra credits to students who have qualified the A-level examinations, he confirmed that it is also recognised

by Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

On employment opportunities, David said, "The A-level students get into the best universities across the globe and get the best jobs. About 90 per cent of students of vocational courses get employed as soon as they complete their studies."

Gujarat is now promising a safe cradle for girls to be born. The latest civil registration system (CRS) data released by the government said the sex ratio has gone up to 905 girls per 1,000 boys as per births registered in 2009.

This is the first time that the number of girls in the 0-6 year age group has risen above the 900 mark in the past decade.

Based on the 2001 census data there were only 883 girls against 1,000 boys in the state, leading to a severe shortage of brides in certain communities.

CVC under attack from apex court over 2G scam supervision After seeking Prime Minister’s affidavit over the 2G scam, the Supreme Court of India caused more embarrassment for the UPA government, as it questioned the moral right of Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) P J Thomas to supervise the CBI probe into the 2G scam, as he was secretary in the telecom ministry during the time the scam was happening.

“He had justified the actions which are being subjected to scrutiny by this court and CBI. It would be difficult for him to objectively supervise,” a bench comprising Justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly said.

The bench, which termed as "mind-boggling" the country's growing corruption, also sought the Centre's response to preserving tapes relating to corporate lobbyist Niira Radia's recorded conversa-

P J Thomas

tions after an apprehension was raised that it could be destroyed as it exposed the nexus between politicians, bureaucrats and journalists.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the NGO, Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) which has submitted the recorded conversations before the court, said the CBI should be directed to place in a sealed cover the original copies of tapes and questioned the opposition against their disclosure by a noted industrial-

ist -- an obvious reference to Ratan Tata who had moved the apex court raising certain objections over the leaks.

The day also saw a sudden shift in the stand of government, which contrary to its earlier strong objection agreed to the apex court monitoring the investigation. This change in stand comes in the backdrop of the growing clamour for a JPC probe an issue which has paralaysed Parliament for the past 13 days.

Though Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium tried his best to convince the court that there was no violation of rules and the government had only displayed dynamism, the bench minced no words in expressing displeasure at the manner in which the spectrum was alloted.

The bench took a dig at former telecom minister

A Raja, whose involvement in the scam has come under its scanner, by saying that he was also dynamic.

"That gentleman (in an obvious reference to Raja) was dynamic. The CAG report reflects about his dynamism," the Bench observed.

While Bhushan was reading purported extracts from the Radia's conversations with Ratan Tata, MPs, former bureaucrats and journalists, the bench observed, "Not only we are talking about pollution of the Ganga for the past 2830 years. This pollution is mind-boggling. We do not live in a world of illusion.

"It is the concern (pollution) of the entire community," the bench said.

It may be recalled that the UPA government had went ahead in appointment of Thomas as CVC, ignoring objections from the opposition.

24

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Mirwaiz gets eggs for anti-India speech Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq faced protests and slogans by activists of BJP’s youth wing for his anti-India statements at a seminar in Kolkata on Sunday.

This is the second such incident with the Mirwaiz in 72 hours. On November 25, he and fellow separatist leader Bilal Lone were heckled by activists of right-wing Hindu organisations and Kashmiri Pandits during a seminar in Chandigarh after which 21 people were arrested for rioting.

Farooq was in Kolkata on Sunday for a seminar ‘Kashmir - A Way Out’ at the Academy of Fine Arts.

In his speech, he said Kashmir is a “disputed land” and the Indian government “should realize the strong sentiments of ‘azadi’ of the people of the Valley”. As soon as he left the auditorium, a group of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists blocked his way and threw eggs at his car. The protesters had banners, saying ‘Bharat Ek Hai’ and ‘Mirwaiz Murdabad’, and waved sticks with shoes tied to them. Securitymen whisked away the Mirwaiz.

Some 22 activists,

including a woman, were arrested for unlawful assembly and obstructing public way.

During the seminar, when former army chief Shankar Roy Chowdhury asked him if he considers Kashmir a part of India, the Mirwaiz promptly said: “No, Kashmir is a disputed land and we want a solution.”

Roy Chowdhury, who fought in the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pak, was quick to counter Farooq’s allegation.

“Huriyat asks for Azadi, Omar Abdullah asks for autonomy and Mehbooba Mufti asks for self rule and everything can be done but under the framework of Indian Constitution. There is no place for secession and the people of India will never allow this. Kashmir is a part of India and it will continue to be so. The fate of Kashmir cannot be decided by the whims and fancies of some people like the Huriyat leaders and the designs of Pakistan,” the retired general said.

“Pakistan is trying to take revenge for Bangladesh (the 1971 Liberation War) and we will never allow it to happen,” Roy Chowdhury added.

IPS officer Amar Pratap Singh was on Tuesday appointed the new director of the Central Bureau of Investigation for two years succeeding Ashwani Kumar.

The Appointments' Committee of the Cabinet headed by prime minister Manmohan Singh cleared the name of 58-year-old Singh, a 1974 batch IPS officer from Jharkhand cadre, for the post of the new chief of the elite

investigating agency.

Singh was serving as Special Director of the agency. He has also held post of additional Director General in BSF and is a recipient of Indian Police Medal and President's Police Medal.

Ashwani Kumar, whose term comes to an end on Tuesday, took over as the director on August 2, 2008. He held the position for a period of two years and four months.

A P Singh is new CBI director

More trouble for Kalmadi: CBI raids on Bhanot, Verma residences Both key aides of CWG OC boss booked on various charges Lalit Bhanot and V K Verma, two more top aides of tainted CWG OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi were booked by the CBI for criminal conspiracy, cheating and alleged irregularities in a Rs. 1.07 billion contract with a Swiss company over time keeping and maintaining of various records.

The agency carried out searches at 11 premises in the national capital region including residences of both Bhanot and Verma besides some other officials including R K Sacheti, Joint Director General (Coordination) and Sangeeta Welingkar,

Suresh Kamladi

member of the Games Image and Look Group.

The agency claimed that "voluminous incriminating" documents have been recovered during the searches.

Ratan Tata seeks apex court intervention on Radia tapes leak Tata group head says media exposure breaches privacy; govt. orders probe Ratan Tata, the head of Indian industrial conglomerate of Tatas on Monday filed a petition before the supreme court of India, seeking a stay on any further exposure of the tapes in media. Even as Attorney General and Law Minister said that would not comment on the issue, the government has ordered a probe to find how the tapes were leaked.

While Ratan Tata has said he does not want to hamper the investigations into the 2G scam or any other matter, he has emphasised the point that the tapes should be used only for the purpose they were meant, and should have been restricted to be presented to the court. He has also sought action against those responsible

Ratan Tata

for the leaks.

Attorney General GE Vahanvati, said he would not be able to shed any light on the government's response as he had not had the opportunity to consult the state. His boss, law minister Veerappa Moily, said he would not be able to comment.

Prashant Bhushan, a well-known lawyer who has filed a public interest

litigation seeking the prosecution of former telecom minister A Raja, said he would robustly contest any injunction sought by the 72-year-old industrialist. "We are seriously considering filing an application in the SC to ensure there is no injunction against these tapes and these recordings are put out in the public domain."

"These are not private conversations. These are conversations between a lobbyist and her clients... bureaucrats, journalists and ministers. These show glimpses of all kinds of fixing and deal-making and show how the whole ruling establishment functions. There is enormous public interest in putting these tapes out. It is absurd for Mr Tata to say

Finally, NRIs secure voting rights in India A longstanding wish of millions expats for voting right in India has come true with the government of India issuing a notification to this effect to enable them to exercise their franchise.

Parliament had in the monsoon session passed the Representation of People (Amendment) Bill, 2010 to allow expats to vote in Indian elections and now government has issued a gazette notification in this regard.

“Gazette notification has been issued giving voting rights to Indians settled in foreign countries,” overseas Indian affairs minister told Lok Sabha, replying to a question.

An estimated 11 million expats are living in various countries across the world.

However, the person will be able to exercise the franchise only if he or she is present in the constituency on the polling day.

Ravi said expats, “who have not acquired citizenship of any other country and are living abroad owing to employment, education or otherwise, are now eligible to register their names in the electoral rolls” in their places as mentioned in their passport.

He said the Election Commission is likely to soon finalise the rules and regulations prescribing modalities for entry

of names of expats in electoral rolls.

The government had decided to allow the expats to participate in the democratic process to further boost the twoway engagement.

As per the existing rules, an expat’s name gets deleted from the voters’ list if he or she stays outside the country for more than six months at a stretch.

The new law will allow an Indian citizen residing abroad to enroll in voter’s list and exercise his franchise even if he or she remained away from place of residence in India for more than six months owing to employment, education or otherwise.

that this is invasion of privacy," Mr Bhushan said.

The tapes, which are widely available, feature conversations between Tata and Radia in which the head of India's largest conglomerate appears to express his discomfiture at the prospect of Dayanidhi Maran, a politician from Tamil Nadu's DMK Party, becoming minister.

The phone conversations of Radia were originally tapped by the government as part of an investigation into tax evasion. Tata Group's Tata Teleservices, along with other telecom companies, are being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate, which investigates violation of foreign exchange laws.

Ban on mobile phones for unmarried girls A village panchayat in Muzaffarnagar has banned the use of mobile phones by unmarried girls, a move they feel would prevent them from eloping with their lovers.

The all caste and community panchayat met here at Lank village of the district recently and discussed the "bad effects" of mobile phones on youngsters and passed the order.

"The panchayat has imposed a ban on the usage of mobile phones by unmarried girls to prevent them from eloping with young boys against the wishes of their parents," panchayat spokesman Rajender Malick said.

Earlier, all khap panchayats opposed same gotra marriages, demanding an amendment in the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

2G scam: Indian parliament paralysed Continued from page 1 "All Opposition parties demanded a JPC and if the government can't give JPC, the Parliament would not be able to function. We have told this to the Speaker too," Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj told reporters after the two-and-a-half hour meeting.

Besides leaders from Congress and BJP, the meeting was attended by representatives of parties like JD(U), AIADMK, Left parties, TDP, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress and the National Conference.

Marching to Rashtrapati Bhavan from Parliament House, the Left parties, AIADMK, MDMK, TDP, BJD, AGP and RLD wanted the President to follow the precedents set by her pred-

ecessors Shankar Dayal Sharma and K R Narayanan, who had asked the then governments to probe the Babri Masjid demolition and Gujarat communal riots respectively.

sonality and a self made professional. According to various media reports in India, her maiden name is Nira Sharma. She shifted to India after divorce and gradually scaled up the social ladder with her com-

Opposition MPs seek Presidential intervention Nira Radia Meanwhile, Nira Radia, the lobbyist and a corporate communications magnet continues to be in the media spotlight after media expose of her telephonic conversations with a host of politicians, leading and senior journalists and a few industrialists created a furore. Married to a Gujarati entrepreneur in UK, Nira Radia is a Kenya born and UK educated lady with a charming and a very convincing per-

munication skills and proximity to powerful people.

According to Ratan Tata, he assigned the role of corporate communications consultant to her as the group was facing a lot of problems with various government agencies in the late nineties. A British citizen and still holding the British passport, Nira Radia enjoys the status of a PIO (person of Indian Origin). She has already been interrogated by the

Enforcement Directorate of India. She reportedly had very close contacts with Non-Congress leaders and ministers in the erstwhile H D Deve Gowda, I K Gujaral and later A B Vajpayee governments. She also held the brief of consultancy for international clients like the Singapore Airlines and others.

She was also reportedly present in Ratan Tata’s meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, when Gujarat offered land for the troubled Nano project. It is also significant that Ratan Tata doesn’t the least of discomfort or embarrassment that the firm handling his group’s entire corporate communications assignment and the boss of the firm is in the eye of the storm over questionable deeds and deals.

WOMEN/ART

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Lady Kishwar Desai's take on woman woes in modern India

By Kartik.S.Raval With this year's nominees for prestigious Costa Book Awards announced, there is a reason for all the Indians to be proud as books by three Indian authors are up for the chase.

Lady Kishwar Desai's Witness The Night, Aatish Taseer's The Temple-Goers and Nikesh Shukla's Coconut Unlimited are all nominated under the First-Novel category.

Desaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Witness The Nightaddresses issues like unwanted girl child, gender prejudice and bias and imbalance in men-women equality prevalent in the Indian society. In an exclusive interview with Asian Voice, Lady Kishwar Desai reveals the significance of the issues she has addressed, other work she is involved in and reflection of Indian authors entering the mainstream.

How did the idea of writing a book on female infanticide and gender prejudice evolve?

Gender prejudice and the problem of female foeticide is well known and widespread in India. In my years as a journalist, producer and broadcaster I would encounter it whilst reporting stories or producing programmes. And so I think the idea was in my mind for a long time. In the summer of 2007, I felt I had to write about it, but as a novel this time so that people could engage with the problem at the emotional level. I think when your hearts are involved a story has a more lasting impact.

Have you personally witnessed the issues that you have mentioned in the book?

Oh yes. The most prominent is the example of a woman who actually had been fed opium as a child by her family who wanted to kill her at birth.

But she survived. None of the characters in the novel, as a matter of fact, are made up. The characters and the incidents which take place are based on reality, but of course I have changed locations and identities.

Which are the main issues you have addressed through Witness The Night?

The main issues were gendercide and the cruel discrimination that most girls suffer in India almost from birth.

Have you ever been involved in working towards eradicating these societal vices?

I believe that we can contribute towards social change by the way we lead

Lady Kishwar Desai

our own lives, and through our own work, whatever it may be. I have always tried to highlight these problems through my articles or TV programmes, and have also tried to help in other ways when I was working in an organisation or running my own production house. I always hired more women than men as I think ultimately economic independence will force the Indian society to respect women. I would encourage other organisations to follow a conscious policy of inclusion of Indian women at all levels.

Two books on India and three books by Indian origin author's nominated for Costa Book Awards.What does this reflect about the community?

This means that we are very much part of the mainstream discourse now.

We are no longer an 'exotic ' species writing about distant lands. We are writing about a society and about issues which are crucial for readers everywhere. The Indian/Asian writer has matured and so has the awareness about Asia, which is respected as an economic powerhouse today.

Have you read the other two books - The Temple Goers and Coconut Unlimited?

Sadly, no. I do want to, but I am traveling right now and will pick them up when I am back in the UK. I believe, Lord Desai has been actively involved in community service. Did he motivate you to write on this topic?

My husband, Lord Desai, has been an example for many through his own life. He has pursued intellectual excellence wholeheartedly and with rigorous honesty, as a professor of economics, as a writer and as a Member of the House of Lords. He is a completely self-made person, coming as a young man to the UK and facing all kinds of problems to be globally respected as an intellectual today. It is men like him who have helped Indians to carve out an intellectual space for us in a very tough and rigorous

25

Be the change you want to see

By Rupanjana Dutta Kim Hollis QC is an award winning barrister, who became UK's first female Asian QC when she took silk in 2002.

Now practicing for around 30 years, a radiant and lively lady, she agrees it has never been a cake work. In an interview with Asian Voice, Kim told how she started her journey in 1979, almost 30 years ago. She believes Asian community, comprises of very strong, very powerful and dominant women like herself who act as role models and follow their own wills to bring about changes in the society. A firm believer of Mahatma Gandhi's famous quote, "Be the change you want to see", Kim told Asian Voice, "During my pupillage there was a lady who took dislike towards me. So at a party, she cornered me and said, you dare think you can get into these chamber. I was a young girl, and I thought to myself, I would never want to join one of these top chambers anyway. I could do well anywhere!

But then at the end of the term of my pupillage, I landed up with no tenancy. I kept writing to the chambers, but nobody even bothered even to write back.

So one August afternoon when I was feeling incredibly low about myself, I thought to myself, I must be more realistic and stop aiming for the top most. I thought let me aim a little lower. So worried I sat in the middle temple and looked up the bar list. I found one of the chambers, which read like a mini UN. It had people from every nationality. I environment in the UK. So yes, I have been encouraged by his example, as have thousands of other Asians all over the world.

Can you tell us about your previous book Darlingji as it also received great acknowledgement and addresses societal issues prevailing in India?

My first book was nonfiction, Darlingji : The True Love Story of Nargis and Sunil Dutt, was the detailed biography of these two very iconic Indian film stars and parliamentarians.

Yes, it also dealt with societal issues because one was a Hindu and the other was a Muslim. So Darlingji told the story through cinema and politics of a very secu-

wrote a letter to that chamber but carried it around for a week in hopes to hear from one of the top chambers in the mean time. However finally I posted the letter and the next day I heard from Tunji Sowande, who at the time was one of the first nigerian

judges in the crown court in the UK. He persuaded me to go and see him. He said they were not one of the biggest or most successful, but he would like to give me one chance. I would have two briefs per week and if I am capable I could make a career from there.

So in two minds, I called my father.

Explaining the situation, he said "Fantastic darling. You are brilliant, you will succeed, go out, take the opportunity and make it. So I took the tenancy in 1980 and became head of chambers in 1988. When I left in 1991, it was 20 very successful members of the chambers.

She added, 30 years ago it was a very different situation at the bar. I was an Asian woman, with 2:1 fro, Queen Mary's, University of London. I was not a double first from Oxford or Cambridge.

It was incredibly difficult. But I succeeded. Never give up lar India.

Are you apparently writing any book, if yes what is it about?

My next book is the second in the series after Witness the Night. Yes, since readers have liked the character of the social worker,Simran Singh, a great deal, my publisher suggested that she becomes the central character in a book series. So now I am writing the next book in which Simran deals with another social problem. But of course, these books are written as novels, so if you don't want to be involved in the social problem, you can just read it or enjoy it as any other piece of fiction.

if you get that one chance."

Half English and half Punjabi, Kim is proud of her Indian roots. Her grandfather was a freedom fighter with Gandhi.

He was also jailed during independence struggle and was a barrister in middle temple. So Kim's father always said, "one day you will be a barrister like your grandfather."

But Kim wanted to be an actress. Her father, who was incredibly dear to Kim told her to first become a barrister and then pursue whatever career she wanted to.

Eventually Kim landed up becoming a successful barrister but Bollywood and India are still very close to her heart. In fact she chose criminal law since criminal jury is the closest to being on stage.

Regarding her Indian lineage and family, she said, "I am very close to my father's sister who lives in Delhi. My father passed away 3-4 years ago. I go back to India with my two sonsJames and Anthony almost every year. James is a politician and coming to the bar and Anthony is an actor, and currently studying at the Oxford school of drama. I try to steer him towards Bollywood. He has the Indian features and I think he will really do well for himself in Bollywood.

My grandmother was incredibly religious and our family home is right next to the Golden temple. I feel the Golden temple is one of the most spiritual places I have ever been to. Whenever I am in India I go back to Amritsar and the Golden Temple and I feel totally at home there!"

On asking about the government and the cuts, Kim looked concern. She said, "Small firms serve

very special needs within community. They will fall due to such cuts. They have close community ties. They are what the city firms are not.

Ultimately with small firms closing down, it will lead to more people being wrongly convicted, due to lack of legal support.

Britain is admired throughout the world for its legal system and democractic process. If the cuts start to affect the quality of justice it will be very alarming indeed.

Kim, an advocate of women's issues, has worked greatly with women prisoners. Kim said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;women prisoners suffer from what is called revolving door syndrome. You have a woman, who as a child comes from a broken family, violently sexually or physically abused. She becomes a drug addict, then have children, she commits petty offences to support her habit, she is jailed and her children are taken to care. So the revolving door continues. This has to stop.

The children part from their mothers and the cruelty involved in it is not worth speaking about. It is important that mothers and children are not separated just for petty offences."

In a concluding note Kim added, "I emphasise on networking. It is really importnat to network well. The first year you apply for a QC, if you don't qualify you can call for feedback. I realised the reason I did not get it, 'cause the referees could not remember me.

So I made a promise to myself that by the end of the year, all would know me. As a tip or suggestion, I would tell the young readers of Asian Voice, if you are dedicated, you work hard and persevere- you will make it. But don't forget the networking."

Winter season at Patidar House In the heart of Wembley, a new space, a new venue is ready to welcome local, regional and national artists to its stage. The Patidar House theatre is unique: it brings the global to the local and the local to the global. It was launched on 1st December

by Cllr Harbhajan Singh, Mayor of Brent. The launch also marks performance space in Wembley, a 240 seat dedicated for dance and theatre. It began this winter bringing the wealth of South Asian arts together with new developmentsUK Gharana featuring a defining moment to a style created by UK based

Anusha Subramaniyam

South Asian music and dance artists; a reworking of a pioneering Asian comedy show, Gujarati drama on the cusp of taking its place amongst professional Asian theatre, children's activities, a talent night and writers exploring their identity. For the events held at this venue please see our coming events list on page 30.

Bollywood

26 Asian Voice Saturday 4th December 2010

Kamal Hassan still romantic at 56!

Shilpa gets a home in Burj Khalifa Husband Raj Kundra has gifted an apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai to Shilpa Shetty for their marriage anniversary.

Shilpa spent her first wedding anniversary in Dubai with husband Raj at her new home on the ninetieth floor of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Says a source close to the actress, "Shilpa was thrilled when Raj gifted her the luxury apartment. It was his wedding anniversary gift to her. He gifted her the keys in Mumbai a week ago. She had visited Dubai a few months ago, had loved the building and expressed a wish of staying there.

The couple has taken a threeday break to celebrate their first wedding anniversary there. Raj also organized a lavish dinner with a few surprises thrown in."

Shilpa will design the interior of the apartment while she's there. She then heads to Bangkok.

“Shilpa’s Dubai trip was almost cancelled. She had an attack of pharyngitis just before the trip and had to postpone the trip for a day. Finally, her temperature come down a little but her voice has gone completely. She was in much pain but they didn't want to cancel their trip. Raj and Shilpa finally left for Dubai."

Kamal Hassan has crossed the prime years of his life. But he is definitely not prepared to lie low, nor are the producers prepared to let him go, considering that the actor is still cast in lead roles in many films down south.

Ask the actor, whether he still enjoys romancing a young girl, when he is above 50 years of age. He says that he still loves to love and is still capable of loving.

However, Kamal also makes it clear that the roles offered to him do not portray him as the out-of-college guy that he previously played in number of films in his career.

Hailed as one of the most versatile actors not only in the south but also in Bollywood, Hassan feels that one should not differentiate between the different film industries that function in our country. Rather, he is of the opinion that India has a single entertainment industry and it is only the languages that are different. The veteran actor also feels that such discrimination may sometimes fail to bring out the best performance in an actor.

Nayantara has no right to play Sita: HMK In the wake of her controversial affair with choreographer-director Prabhu Deva, Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK), a leading Hindu political party in Tamil Nadu, has objected to reigning actress Nayantara donning the role of Goddess Sita in veteran Telugu actor Balakrishna’s mythological film ‘Sri Rama Rajyam,’ based on a chapter in the great epic Ramayana.

Describing the epic Ramayana as a “book of morals” that insists on the principle of “one man, one woman” in life, HMK state organising secretary Kannan asked what right Nayantara had to act as Sita while she “tried to steal another woman’s husband in real life?”

HMK is widely known for its stand against a number of actresses, including Shriya Saran and Mallika Sherawat for their short dresses in public functions.

Mumaith Khan’s bitter experience in Hyderabad

Popular item specialist Mumaith Khan recently had a bitter experience at a Hyderabad pub. The actress went to a pub in Banjara Hills to enjoy the weekend along with two of her friends. When she entered the pub, the DJ was playing her most popular number ‘Naa Peere Meena Kumari’. Mumaith was very pleased to hear her song and started to dance. Seeing this, some brats high with money power and alcohol started to pass inappropriate comments on her figure. Though Mumaith initially ignored them, they continued to tease her. After a while, she suddenly stopped dancing and began arguing with the guys. Finally, the security personal of the pub intervened and defused the tension.

Though the site appeared to be tension-free for a while, it became worse when some girls returned from the toilet with a paper reading: “Mumaith @ Rs.100/hr.”

Mumaith and her friends were enraged, but it was later revealed that the rich brats somehow disappeared from the pub after leaving the said note in the toilets.

Mumaith is said to have wept at these insulting remarks and left the place without speaking to her friends or to anyone in the pub.

Thumbs down to Rani’s middle finger Ever since the promos of “No One Killed Jessica” went up on YouTube, Rani Mukherjee has been getting many compliments. But a scene in which her character shows her middle finger in an office corridor has now got the film stuck with the Censors. The Censors found the promo too offensive for family viewing and are insisting it be screened only if Rani’s middle finger is blurred.

Says a source, the channels were shocked at Rani displaying her middle finger so explicitly on screen.

Even if the Censors hadn't objected to the promo, some channels would have chosen not

middle finger scene cannot be shown in the promo on television unless it is blurred. Guess they better not raise a fing e r against t h i s Censor Board ruling.

Plans are being put together at a frantic pace to bring “Housefull 2” on floors. Meanwhile, Sajid Khan has made a promise to make the sequel 10 times more funnier that the first in the series.

"The entire team is quite gungho about the sequel to ‘Housefull.’

The script has come up pretty fabulously. God willing, ‘Housefull 2’ will be biggest 'paisa vasool' entertainer for the audience", says Sajid confidently.

“Housefull” stays on to be one of the top money spinners of 2010 and also the film that boasts of highest collections of an Akshay Kumar starrer. Though Sajid isn't quite pointing on any particular milestone that he has in mind for “Housefull 2,” he doesn't deny the fact that sequels always rake in manifold collections than the first in the instalment.

Whether it is “Dhoom 2,”

Manisha Koirala moved to her parents' place in Kathmandu days before she put up the Facebook status (about her wanting a divorce).

After Manisha Koirala's Facebook status of "divorce on my mind" ('Married but it's Complicated'; HiTLIST, November 22), there is a new development.

Sources reveal that Manisha had moved in with her parents days before putting up a statement on her profile page about an impending divorce from her husband Samrat Dahal. Talk of marriage trouble had been brewing for the last one month.

A source reveals, "Manisha had already moved out of her house with Samrat (Dahal) days before putting up the post on the social networking site. She was living with her parents in Kathmandu and had told them she had some issues with Samrat."

However, friends close to the actress reveal that she attributed her stay at her parents home to 'ill health.'

“Krrish,” “Lage Raho Munnabhai,” “Golmaal Returns,” “Golmaal 3,” “Phir Hera Pheri” each of these films have done double (and at number of instances even triple) the business of their predecessor. "Well, such statistics are always good to know. Going by that logic, I guess I should be confident of ‘Housefull 2’ also doing three times the business of Housefull", smiles Sajid.

Seems like the Germans couldn't get enough of Shah Rukh Khan and were willing to break their own rules for him. Recently, the actor had been allowed to smoke in his hotel room in Berlin, where smoking is strictly prohibited.

Germany banned smoking in public and private restaurants in 2008 and anyone caught smoking is fined up to 100 euros.

But they were willing to bend rules for King Khan. SRK, who has been shooting in Berlin for “Don 2,” has got special permission to smoke at the Hotel Mandala for the entire duration of his stay there, reports said.

Khan has been provided with an ashtray to ensure he doesn't damage the linen in his suite.

Apparently, the hotel considers SRK, who is a chain smoker, their

Shooting of “Housefull 2” will kick start in middle of 2011 and wrap up in three months flat. Yet again, producer Sajid Nadiadwala would be making “Housefull 2” a lavish affair by taking the film to some of the most exotic locations worldwide.

"Every product demands a certain budget and with the kind of setup that we have brought together for ‘Housefull 2,’ there has to be certain expenditure involved", says Nadiadwala who has put his money yet again on Sajid Khan after “Heyy Babyy” and “Housefull.”

Talking about the film's setup, it indeed is turning out to be the biggest ever for a Nadiadwala production. From the original cast of “Housefull,” Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Deepika Padukone, Boman Irani and Chunkey Pandey have been retained. Though Lara Dutta and

Freida says no to Bollywood “Slumdog Millionaire” star Freida Pinto has ruled out plans of starring in Bollywood films as she is interested in more real cinema rather than the song and dance routines.

She has been offered several "stereotypical" roles for "a girl from India" since finding fame but she's adamant she will avoid parts in all-singing, all-dancing Bollywood movies.

"I wouldn't want to do a Bollywood film per se, but I would like to do an Indian language film. For some reason I think Bollywood has become synonymous with commercial cinema, which is song and dance and everything that is larger than life. I am interested in the reality," she said to a magazine.

27

SRK allowed to smoke in Berlin special guest and willing to make an exception for him.

Ritesh Sidhwani confirmed the news and said, "Shah Rukh's suite has a terrace attached and they (the hotel authorities) were kind enough to allow him to smoke only on the terrace."

It is a known fact that the Germans love SRK and Berlin's mayor Klaus Wowereit personally gave him a tour of the majestic Town Hall, the Rotes Rathaus. There was a regular stream of fans outside SRK's hotel waiting to get a glimpse of their favourite actor.

Incidentally, when Hollywood hottie Orlando Bloom was staying at the same hotel as SRK, he thought he was being followed by paparazzi only to be informed that all that crowd was for SRK and not him.

Sajid plans snazzier, funnier ‘Housefull 2’

Vinod Khanna is critically ill Manisha Koirala’s marriage in trouble Veteran actor Vinod Khanna is unwell and has opted out of Anuj Saxena's film “One And Only” due to health reasons.

Apparently, Khanna has developed a severe back problem and will have to go overseas to attend to it urgently. Kabir Bedi has replaced him in the film. A source said, "Vinod Khanna and Poonam Dhillon were supposed to play the parents of Ram Vilas Paswan's son Chirag. For the first time, Poonam Dhillon and Vinod Khanna were paired opposite each other. But Khanna had to opt out." While Vinod Khanna remained unavailable for comments, the producer of the film Anuj Saxena said, "We had signed Vinod Khannaji for the film, ‘One and Only,’ but certain dates were re-shuffled and he couldn't adjust to the new schedule due to his other commitments, so we had to find an alternative. Kabir Bedi has started shooting for the film."

to screen it. The Censor Boards decision has come as a shock to the director, Raj Kumar Gupta, and the producers, UTV. The source argues, The Boards decision is unfair. Today, kids have easy access to the internet.

How does not showing a promo like this serve the purpose.

A harrowed Rajkumar Gupta said, “I am very disappointed.

The trailer should be seen in the right context and not in isolation. But the makers of the film apparently agree that very little can be done at this stage about it.” An official from UTV confirms, Rani’s

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

"It is great to have entertainment, but I think there needs to be something that also makes you want to go back and think about what you've seen," she added.

"Mindless cinema is not my cup of tea...I could get into trouble for saying that. I don't think Bollywood is only mindless cinema, but a lot of films they churn out are not films that I completely enjoy watching," the actress said.

"I say hats off to them for doing what they do, because it takes a lot of courage. It is easier to stand and deliver dialogue. Imagine dancing a song out and kind of expressing through it. I think it is a challenge and requires you to lose your inhibitions," she added.

Jiah Khan are not really making the cut in the sequel, there are good chances of Arjun Rampal finding his way into the film. However, John Abraham is the confirmed new entrant in “Housefull 2.”

Says a source, "It is anyways a huge cast that Housefull 2 is boasting of. The makers are also planning to rope in Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar as well as Paresh Rawal along with two other girls."

If that indeed turns out to be the case, “Housefull 2” could well be the biggest ever film till date for both Sajid Khan as well as Nadiadwala. "Of course to hear something like that always feel good. Having said that, all my concentration is on making a hugely entertaining film for the audience.

First and foremost the product should be terrific enough for people to crave for it. I am working in that direction", assures Sajid.

Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey A period film, thriller based on one of the forgotten incidents of revolt against the British rule in India, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey a flick jointly produced by Ashutosh Gowariker and PVR Films.

It brings back to the memory the Chittagong uprising that happened between 1930 and 1934. The place, than a part of Bengal is now in Bangladeh.

In the province of undivided Bengal lies the sleepy, peaceful port of Chittagong. In this unassuming little town a revolution is about to begin; a revolution which will forever wake all of Chittagong and inspire the entire nation. On the night of April 18, 5 simultaneous attacks were planned. A band of 64 people - 56 innocent yet fearless young boys, 5 defiant revolutionaries, 2 determined young women, and an idealistic leader Surjya Sen, a school teacher by profession were on this mission. This group of 64 represents a little-known chapter in history; a forgotten night that reigned terror on the British through a series of calculated attacks.

Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey is a true story of these forgotten heroes and the narrative takes us through every step of the action from the initial trepidation, to the thrill of the attack, to the underground movement, daring escapes and tragic captures, and most importantly, their undying legacy.

The film is based on the book 'DO and DIE: The Chittagong Uprising 1930-34' by Manini Chatterjee.

The film has screenplay by Ashutosh Gowarikar and is also directed by him. The cast is made up of Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Vishakha Singh, Sikander Kher, Amin Gazi and Vijay Maurya.

The story and lyrics are penned by Javed Akhtar, while dialogues are by Vijay Maurya. Music is scored

by Sohail Sen. Sohail Sen, Pamela Jain, Ranjini Jose and Suresh Wadkar have given the playback.

New Hindi movies releasing this week 1. 332 Mumbai To India 3. Phas Gaye Re Obama

2. Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey 4. Rakht Charitra - 2

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

Film Guzaarish Golmaal 3 Action Replayy

Imran shifts to Avantika’s house The romantic relationship between Imran Khan and Avantika Malik is perhaps the most endearing Bollywood love story in present times.

It is fact that Imran has been able to maintain a steady relationship with his girlfriend Avantika for the past eight years is surprising itself, considering that Avantika does not even hail from the film industry.

The couple has experienced their personal highs and lows in the course of the eight-year relationship, with Imran and Avantika finally deciding to get engaged this year. The latest reports suggest that Imran and Avantika have moved in together.

According to reports, the actor's bungalow is presently under renovation and therefore, he has shifted base to Avantika's house along with mother Nuzhat.

Last Week Total Weeks New 1 1 3 2 3

Pam never stayed in the Bigg Boss house E v e r y o n e agrees that P a m e l a Anderson's debut on Indian television was pheeka. But here's some news about her that's sure to jolt you.

The Baywatch babe never stayed in the Bigg Boss house.

While she was shown entering a special room without cameras, the truth is that she never spent any time in that room. She used the room to exit and was whisked away from there, to a five-star hotel in Khandala. A source reveals, "Pam had stated that she wouldn't stay with the house inmates under any condition."

28

Review page

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

The tale of Shaikh Shuja

Sursinh Takhtsinh was a Thakor, the Raja of Lathi in Saurashtra region in western India.

He belonged to the GohilKshatriya dynasty. He was born in 1874. His father Takhtsinh died in 1886 and his mother died two years later. A year after the death of his mother, he was married to two princesses of different families; one was Rama and other was Anandba.

Sursinh was a student at Rajkumar College in Rajkot. He gave up his studies and at the age of 21. In 1895, he became the ruler of Lathi in his own right. On assuming kingship, the young prince went on an extended tour of northern India, including Kashmir for a period of five months. This tour was of great educational and spiritual value to the King. Thereafter in a matter of few years, Sursinh could claim to have read all the leading writings in Gujarati literature. He took great interest in reading the great English poets, Shelly, Wordsworth and Keats. He was so impressed by them that he composed some of his poems inspired by their poetry. Sursinh’s great quality was that he was largely a self- taught person. He did have literary mentors, who were Manilal Dwivedi and Goverdhanram Tripathi, the author of the classic Saraswatichandra.

Composing poetry came natural to him. His love of

Wedding

day Birth

literature took him in search of beauty in Urdu poetry and he freely used Urdu to enrich his composition of Ghazals (romantic poems). Indeed he was the father of ghazals in Gujarati. Sometime in 1896, Sursinh adopted the poetic title of Kalapi and since then he has been famous as Kalapi.

Kalapi's spirituality became a driving force in his personality to the extent that he was much perturbed by the worldly life, which he found as a great physical and emotional burden. So very often he suggested that he should leave the kingship and devote his life to poetry and through it to his spirituality. In 1900 he was so much disturbed that his great friend Goverdhanram Tripathi advised him to go for a retreat to Panchgani, a hill station in Maharastra.

This Kalapi did. He came back in April 1900. Soon after that he fell ill and few months later on 10 June 1900, Kalapi died at the

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age of 26. So soon and so abruptly ended the glorious life of the young royalty of Saurashtra, who can be without doubt considered as one of the geniuses of the Gujarati literature.

Kalapi left a beautiful legacy of his poems, which could have been much greater and richer if he had lived longer.

On his marriage to Princess Rama, she brought with her a young maid called Monghi.

Monghi was about ten years old. Kalapi at that time was fifteen years of age. He fell in love with Monghi. No doubt Kalapi loved his wife Rama and he wrote several poems addressed to Rama. But Kalapi had a very special place for Monghi, whom he called Shobhna.

Shobhna was an extremely charming and intelligent girl. She responded to Kalapi's passionate love for her. Not only that, there was a wonderful spiritual communication between them. An attempt was made to separate Shobhna by getting her married with a young man of her caste. Kalapi could not live without Shobhna.

A divorce was arranged for Shobhna. Soon after the divorce Kalapi married Shobhna.

Shobhna, though not an educated woman, was a natural poet. Kalapi recited his poems to her extempore and Shobhna responded him on the spot with her poems extempore.

Kalapi was influenced

by Swedenborg philosophy and was interested in the Theosophical Society in India, His keen interest in Urdu poetry made him interested in the concepts of "Ishqe Majazi" (material love) and Ishqe Haqiqi (spiritual love). Kalapi wrote so many letters to his great friends including Goverdhanram Tripathi and Manilal Dwivedi and to Rama. His letters are fascinating and reveal his ideas and his spirituality.

Kalapi's account of his visit to Kashmir is not only vivid and a beautiful piece of literature but it also reveals the social conditions in the life of Kashmir.

In this short narrative, it is not possible to give a full account of the beauty and charm of Kalapi's poetry. Therefore, it is hoped that the following couplets will give some idea of spirituality of Kalapi. "(Beloved's) heart was like a gentle lotus From It dropped nectar of sweet god-like love" And "Wherever I see, I see Thee, Tears of my eyes remind me of Thee" Again "No, No Thy (the divine's) elements, Are not compatible with this world"

Tamil Silk sari

Tamil Nadu, the land of ancient history of fine arts, dancing and old music, women of south India tie sari differently according to religious trends. Yet, all of them wear very long Tamil saris that are about nine yards instead of six.

Women of Tamil Nadu wear south silk saris on special occasions.

Both pictures in this page show you a simple sari tie style but in South India Tamil sari is tied in a complicated way. Utsav saris is Tamil saris online store for shopping where you can find south silk saris, south India saris, silk saris from Tamil Nadu, also you can learn more about Tamil Nadu handloom and saris manufactured here and complicated sari wearing style of south India - After the Sari is tied around the waist for the first time, it is circled and folded so that all folds are put to the left leg. While the rest of it is hanged around the left shoulder therefore it is circled once more around the waist then provided with waistband to the left side. This sort of sari wearing is not familiar in India today due to the difficulty of wearing it, however, wearing it is obligatory in weddings. Women of south India wear south silk saris on special occasions. The Brahmin community wear the sari in a slightly different way without wearing the long skirt. The length of the sari which they wear is longer (nine yards) than the usual one.

It is wound separately on both legs in a proper way without restricting the person's free movement.

Silk and cotton is sourced from Bangalore and Surat is the only place where zari is brought. The recent development in the designing field shows the introduction of computerised Jacquard borders in Kanchipuram silk saris.

Though the techniques and the materials are changing with the market demand; the motifs are still conventional and traditional in order to hold the custom and tradition of a Kanchipuram sari.

Kanchipuram saris are very heavy and gorgeous and are used specially for weddings in South Indian region as their traditional wedding sari.

Madurai is also famous for saris which is also located in Tamil Nadu.

Madurai has many weavers in the city and surrounding villages. The classic Madurai handloom is woven from very shiney, highly mercerized cotton with glistening silky borders, which used to be made of silk, but are now mostly polyester or shiney cotton. The cloth is airy and lightweight, perfect for the very hot climate.

Madurai also produces very beautiful block printed saris called "Sungari".

They are usually printed on fine cotton cloth and feature small printing on the field in simple one or two color motifs.

They are affordable and durable for every day wear and you see many women wearing this style on the street.

Utsavsaris.com is a shopping service provider for the large Indian community residing in USA, New York, Los Angeles, California, Chicago, Illinois, Houston, Texas, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Phoenix, Arizona, San Diego, California, Dallas, Texas, San Antonio, Texas, Austin, Detroit,

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Tips for identifying good silk If budget is lavish, then a south silk sari with pure gold thread work on it maybe just right for you. Remember that silk is expensive. So watch out for throw away priced silk saris which is unlikely to be the real thing.

•Check the weight of the silk, the heavier the silk, the longer it will last.

•Of course, best bet always will be to buy silk from a reliable and established outlet. Be sure to look for the hallmark of authenticity on saris.

• It is also a good idea to consult professionals in this arena, who can advise you about style, color, fabric etc.

Additionally online portals and catalogues are helpful.

Armed with such practical tips you are sure to make an informed choice of the best wedding silk sari. Most importantly enjoy the shopping experience and make it a fun event, which you will cherish.

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

By Radhika Madlani

Family Values There is a saying that we often use to express our frustrations with our families; “You can choose your friends but not your family!” As silly as it seemed to google the definition of ‘family’, I am glad I did.

“Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another”.

Hmm...

Look around you as read this paper and ask yourself whether those you live with have the same goals and values as you? If not, this might explain why our friends mean more to us than family.

I feel embarrassed at how proud we claim to be of our family values yet I see examples in daily life where we could not be bigger hypocrites. I guess some of this may be down to the society we live in and the change in our lifestyle. When it matters the most, who do you turn to?

Your friends or your family?

Like most to-be parents, I used to have a rose-tinted view of the ‘family values’ I wanted to raise my children with but when I look around me now, I find that we spend most of our time with friends that share common goals and values and not the extended family. Is it because it is harder for us to raise our children with the family values that we were raised with or is it because our families don’t necessarily share the same values? Is it because our friends appreciate us more than our family? Is it because we are too scared to care for those that can hurt us? Is it because there are no expectations

from friends but too many from our family?

Or is the real reason because those unwanted friends of ours, ‘pride’ and ‘ego’ stop us from asking our family for help but make it easier to ask our friends? I guess modern living makes it more convenient to ask friends or even strangers for help by paying them rather than turning to our family for help and support. After all, you never know when those favours from family will come back to haunt you, it might be prudent to pay someone to fulfill their duty without future repercussions. What a sad reality to live in.

What is the point in holding our heads up high at social functions and giving each other bear hugs when in reality, family members cannot be there for each other in times of need? It is definitely something to think about over the coming holiday season. I do want Ria to have friends to support her when she is older but I desperately hope that in her times of need, she can turn to her family just as much as her friends. It is after all in good times that friends are always present but in bad, isn’t it family that always surround you with support? That has certainly been my experience which I am eternally grateful to my family for.

“Don’t judge yourself with the number of friends you can invite to a party, judge them by the number you can turn to in your time of need.” – Advice from a wise man (my father).

Should you have any comments or want to get in touch with me you can email on avmamaria@gmail.com

Health Watch

29

Lifestyle changes bring myriad problems. But, holistic remedies laid down by Ayurveda and Naturopathy remain potent and relevant. These days, a number of

hospitals across India are looking for modern avatars of these traditional therapies; naturopathy is attracting many young students.

Among the numerous forms of medicine, Naturopathy has come a long and successful way in diagnosing and prevention of illness using natural remedies. The treatment which has been practiced for thousand of years has now become a popular accepted as a serious mode of treatment by the mainstream society. Unlike, allopathy, medicines used in naturopathy are natural as well as non-toxic. And this is the only reason for its rapid popularity.

Naturopaths are the professionals who treat patients using natural methods. While treating patients, naturopaths focus mainly on motivating the body and allow it to heal itself. Naturopaths use different modalities to help the body heal itself with the powers of nature.

Naturopaths generally diagnose the patient's illness by looking at family history, lifestyle, diet and environment and visible

helping people and their families r e s o l v e health issues is critical. A good naturopathic practitioner should have a passion for lifelong learning.

As a naturopath one can specialise in one or more fields of healing.

These include homeopathy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, traditional chinese medicine, massage therapies or exercise programmes. One can specialise in other areas such as AIDS or cancer treatments.

Naturopathy is getting increasingly popular in all countries across the globe including India. Its equally popular among people who wish to escape the various side effects and symptoms caused by allopathic system of medicine.

Some naturopaths conduct clinical research

symptoms.

Naturopathic practitioners change the diet and lifestyle of the patient and make people feel the responsible for their health.

They bring patients close to nature.

Licensed naturopathic doctors work as general physicians. They first diagnosis the problem and then discuss about possible treatments. They counsel the patient about their lifestyle and refer them to other medical specialists if necessary.

Good clinical observation skills are required to become a naturopath.

Knowledge of biology, botany and chemistry can be very helpful. Interest in

while others may establish private naturopathic practices. Naturopaths may teach at universities or write for health and naturopathic publications.

Naturopathic practitioners may work with doctors in hospitals or nursing homes.

Even in developed countries like the UK and US, naturopaths are in demand. Medical treatment is generally costly in foreign countries. So, the concept of going to a distant place for health check-up is on rise. India is among the top destinations that are famous for world class medical facilities. The tourists around the globe come to India not only for its exotic culture, magnificent monuments and beautiful temples but also for better medical treatment at a lower cost.

Besides allopathy, ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy are also playing important role in booming medical tourism in India.

Fight BP, heart problems with orange juice A new finding by scientists says those having low blood pressure and heart disease problems should help themselves with two glasses of orange juice daily to fight these health issues.

Herperidin, a natural plant chemical is found in oranges. A part of a class of disease-fighting compounds, it is also present in other food plants like tea, soya and cocoa. It helps in fighting low blood pressure and lowers risk of heart disease resulting from low BP. Scientists discovered that middle-aged men who

it. "The main result was that four weeks of consuming orange juice, or purified hesperidin, significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure in healthy men," the Daily Mail quoted the researchers as saying.

"A three to four point reduction in diastolic blood pressure would reduce the incidence of coronary artery disease by 20 per cent. Hesperidin could be responsible for the observed effects," the researchers added.

The finding has been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

entists at the University of Auvergne in France recruited 24 overweight but otherwise healthy middle-aged men.

Each one spent four weeks drinking half-a-litre of orange juice every day, followed by four weeks where they drank sweetened water and took a capsule containing hesperidin.

In the final four weeks of the experiment, they drank the same water and took a dummy capsule that had no hesperidin in

drank half-a-litre of juice every day for a month, equivalent to about two glasses, saw a significant decline in their blood pressure readings.

To test their theory that it is hesperidin that gives orange juice its cardiovascular benefits, sci-

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Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

This week on CB Live - By public demand, the entire program is available to the viewers of MATV to have their views and dialogue with C.B in Gujarati (if fluency is a problem- in Hindi or English)

Sneh Joshi - 020 8518 5500

If you do not have a tv, go to www.tvunetworks.com and watch CB Live on TVU Player Channel 75203

To ask questions please call on: 020 8963 1001

Don't miss !!!

For more information e-mail: cblive_matv@yahoo.co.uk

Only on CB Live - MATV Sky 793 - Thursday 7:00pm to 8:00pm

Chak 89 enjoys a starry night

Coming Events

The stars keep descending on Chak89. And no they are not all from Bollywood. The most happening names from the X Factor were seen enjoying a curry at the extremely popular Chak89 Restaurant.

Jamie Afro and Stacey Solomon were seen enjoying their meal at the south london based Chak89 restaurant.Stacey Solomon was heard saying “ This is my kinda curry”. Jamie Afro, a sensational singer in his own right was seen having a tete a tete with Satcey before they parted ways.

You may remember that Chak89 has been hosting a whole range of artists from the Hindi Film Industry, Pakistan Music Industry, Sports Stars and now they have added some local favour to their ever growing popularity by having had Satcey Solomon and Jamie Afro.

Also seen was Mahima Chaudhary, enjoying a moment at the Restaurant last week. She was more than happy to pose for pictures with guests and staff at the restaurant and Bar. Chak89 is one place you should be if you would like to be pleasantly surprised by celebrities on your ordinary night out.

l Dec 4th- Murugan Margam by Anusha Subramaniyam, Rdhanariswara by Arunima Kumar Dec 7th- Do you Guru by Bishaka Sarkar, Parampara by Sujata Bannerjee Dec 5th- Urja Desai Thokore by Anant, Mrityunjaya by Sushmita Ghosh Dec 12- Mirage Patidar House, Wembley Central.

Contact: 020 8795 1648 l Pankaj Sodha and Levenes Solicitors bring Never Before Never Again- "Zindagi Ka Safar"- a live concert in tribute to Kishor Kumar by his sons Amit and Sumeet Kumar at Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE on December 10th and 11th, 7pm onwards.

Contact: 020 8907 0116 l Anandabawa Seva Sanstha at Jamnagar, Gujarat, India Medical, Dental & Eye Camp January 2011, Sponsored By Indo-Africa Charitable Society (Canada), 10 Villages in Jamnagar District, January 24th - February 4th, 2011 Contact: Sarla Morton (H) +44 (0)1753 883295 Email: sjgoldmine@aol.com l Sun 5th Dec, 2010 to Pitru Tarpan at 1:30pm.

Yoga 3pm onwards by Shree Saileshbhai Gohil, 3:15pm. Bhajans by Shree Budhdevbhai, Subashbhai Sharma, 5:30pm followed by Arti and maha prasad. 55 High Street, Cowley, Middsx UB8 2DX. Contact: 07882253540 l Wed 08 Dec 6.30 pm Storytelling: Henna Peter & Gorg Chand Nehru Centre, 8 South Audley Street, London W1K 1HF. Contact: +44 (0) 207 491 3567

COMPETITION Pankaj Sodha and Levenes Solicitors bring Never Before Never Again- "Zindagi Ka Safar"- a live concert in tribute to Kishor Kumar by his sons Amit and Sumeet Kumar at Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE on December 10th and 11th, 7pm onwards. Answer the following simple question and the first two winners will receive two tickets each to the show, completely free:

You will feel confident as the week begins. The cosmic energies are decidedly invigorating at the moment. If you are taking a holiday, so much the better ! Not only do you have Sun putting a favourable emphasis on travel but, with Mars you can be sure of deriving the utmost pleasure from adventures and excursions.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

In which of the following movies did Kishor Kumar act as a hero a. Guide b. Sita aur Gita c. Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 The accent’s very much on relationships. The opening up of a more diverse social life is a point in favour of romantic attachments, if this is what you want. You will achieve a lot more, especially when you're motivated by your own desires.

The general pattern of things continues on a progressive and buoyant theme.

An inspiring boost to matters of communication but make sure your curiosity on a range of topics does not lead to a scattering of mental energy. With a surge of enery and enthusiasm, this is a favourable time to make fresh starts. Personal relationships may be more intense.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 As social life is likely to gather a pleasant momentum throughout this week, this is bound to present a better prospect, not only for striking up new friendships but also romantic encounters. This is going to be one of those times when insignificant events give rise to unexpected developments especially regarding work and health.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 It seems that the winds of change begin to gather momentum and put a strong focus on domestic and family matters. The outlook remains optimistic as developments point the way forward and bring you a sense of real achievement. Don't be afraid to act if your instinct tells you it's time for change.

At home, be at your diplomatic best and try not to tread on anyone's toes. Passions will run from hot to cold, and relationships may suffer. Even the most strong-willed Virgoans will be more open to compromise to keep the peace. All things considered, your health should be robust.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

Jupiter's transit in your solar 6th house, you will find it easy to do well at work and rise to great heights.

During this transit you will enjoy robust health and find physical activities very enjoyable. Plan your spending and set sensible budgets to reach your financial goals.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

Jupiter, the planet of abundance, is transiting your solar 5th house. You have plenty of romantic options. Financially you are still not out of the woods as Sun and Mars are transiting your financial sign. At work you will experience a relaxed atmosphere and this will help you to get on with everyone.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

Please send your correct answers by Monday 6th December at aveditorial@abplgroup.com.

Decision making will prove to be a bit of a bind because of your wavering mind - seek professional advice and then steam ahead. Be careful with your expenditure as you have a tendency to be extravagant.

Relationships need to be scrutinised carefully.

Sometimes it is a good idea to stand back and re-assess life.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 - Mobile: 07875 229 220 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Accounts Executive: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email:accounts@abplgroup.com Advertising Managers: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@abplgroup.com Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Media Consultant: Rovin John Goerge - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Business Development Managers: Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 - Email: george@abplgroup.com Nikhil Gor - Email: nikhil.gor@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4009 - Mobile: 07875 229 200 Design and Layout: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Saroj Patel Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel: +9179 2646 Fax: +9179 6061

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Although the very practical affairs of life continue to be highlighted, this does not mean that there will be all work and no play. In fact, you will be very much in demand socially. From a financial point of view take stock of where you’re at rather than to launch any ambitious new business plan.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 Resist making any hasty moves when it come to finances - this is a time to focus on consolidation of current assets rather than attempting to make any new investments. Guard against being too impatient and restless. Any obstacles that have stood in the way of your heart's desires should melt into the background soon.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 Much enthusiasm goes into professional ambitions right now, but you need to be your own boss in many ways. You will be determined to place your lifestyle on a foundation of greater security. Taking a broad perspective on the prevailing cosmic pattern, far-reaching change begins to gather momentum.

Sport worLd

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

Bangladesh bag Asiad’s first cricket gold Silver for Afghanistan, bronze for Pakistan Bangladesh extended their surprising run of success in cricket to China as they beat Afghanistan in the finals of Asian Games on Friday.

For Bangladesh, it was their first ever gold medal at Asian Games too.

Helped by most of the countries fielding their second rung teams, Bangladesh recorded a five wicket victory.

Middle-order batsman Mohammad Shabbir (33 not out) hit successive straight sixes off Karim

Bangladesh players celebrate their win over Afghanistan in the cricket gold medal match at Guangzhou on Nov. 26

Khan Sadeq's 19th over as Bangladesh raced to 119

with only a few balls to spare.

Afghanistan made 118 for eight off 20 overs, thanks to an unbeaten 38 off 36 balls by Mohammad Asghar.

Needing 19 runs off the last two overs, offspinner Sadeq conceded 17 runs in the penultimate over.

Afghanistan defeated favorites Pakistan in the semifinals while Bangladesh stunned strong Sri Lanka.

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in the bronze playoff.

IPL Kochi suspense drags on for one more week Just a couple of days ago, the four investors in the Kochi IPL team had wrote a letter to the BCCI informing them of their withdrawl from the Kochi team, but on Saturday last week, just a day before the BCCI was to meet and decide on their fate, the Gaekwads wrote another

letter, claiming that the dispute has been settled and the Kochi team should stay. Finally, on Sunday, the BCCI met a Nagpur and decided that they will take another week to decide on Kochi fate, as the board has sought the opinion of their lawyers on the papers submitted

by the Kochi franchise.

Shashank Manohar, the BCCI president, said that the Kochi owners had submitted their reply on Saturday evening to the board's termination notice. As the IPL governing council did not have enough time to review Kochi's response at its

meeting in Nagpur on Sunday morning, opinion of the lawyers of the BCCI is sought before taking any decision.

"They submitted a new ownership pattern," Manohar said at a media conference, immediately after the hour-long meeting.

Rain plays the spoilsport at Colombo too Second Lanka – West Indies test ends in a draw After gaining a vital first innings lead of more than 100 runs, Sri Lanka captain went in for a daring declaration in the second innings at Colombo on the fifth and final day on Saturday last week, but rains ensured that West Indies were not in some real trouble.

In a game that contained several fine performances; Kemar Roach's fiery opening spell, Kumar Sangakkara's dazzling century, Darren Bravo's valiant 80 and Rangana Herath's final-day burst it was the rain that proved to be the definitive factor in the second Test at the Premadasa Stadium.

Sri Lanka mopped up the remaining West Indies first-innings wickets in

Bravo for a six and a four in his first over of the day, and reaped the rewards in his second.

Bravo advanced, attempting to repeat the fireworks, but was completely foxed by the flight. Prasanna Jayawardene Play was called off due to fading light with made no mis11 overs remaining at Colombo on Nov 27 take behind the less than two hours in the stumps. afternoon, but not before a The Sri Lanka batscomposed half-century men made a solid start in from Carlton Baugh took the evening session the visitors well past the against a West Indies follow-on target, effectiveattack that lacked intensily removing any chance of ty, perhaps in light of the a result. Herath continued stale state of the Test to toss the ball up despite match.

Several of being slammed by Dwayne Tillakaratne Dilshan's

trademark flashes outside the offstump found themselves rocketing to the fence before he was dismissed by Dwayne Bravo, and Kumar Sangakkara made a surprise declaration soon after, with his side 201 runs ahead and too little time left in the day to realistically push for a win. The ploy paid off for the hosts, however, as they put pressure on the West Indies top order with ten overs of testing bowling, and gained a psychological upper hand going in to the last Test of the series. {Brief scores: SL 387 for 9 dec (Sangakkara 150, Samaraweera 80, Roach 5-100) and 57 for 1 dec drew with WI 243 (Darren Bravo 80, Baugh 50) and 12 for 2}.

For one gold medal, China sponsors an entire Indian team No better demonstration of Chinese quest of grabbing every single medal winning opportunity than this. As China was confident that their women’s water polo team was almost sure to win a gold, they sponsored the entire Indian team just to ensure

that the event is not eliminated for want of the minimum number of participants.

Only three teams had registered their entries for the event. One more was needed and women’s water polo was making its debut at Guangzhou.

Hence, China sponsored the Indian team, helping itself with a gold, while India ended up a poor fourth. China processed the entire travel plans and papers with such a speed that Indian team made it.

They also paid for the air fare and helped the team

with accommodation at the Games village.

Media reports also suggest that Indian equestrian team, considered a strong contender, was denied entry, while China successfully lobbied for inclusion of Weiqi and Xianqqi, popular Chinese sports.

China Asiad Final Medals Tally No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Country China South Korea Japan Iran Kazakhstan India Chinese Taipei Uzbekistan Thailand Malaysia Hong Kong North Korea Saudi Arabia Bahrain Indonesia Singapore Kuwait Qatar

G 199 76 48 20 18 14 13 11 11 9 8 6 5 5 4 4 4 4

S 119 65 74 14 23 17 16 22 9 18 15 10 3 0 9 7 6 5

B 98 91 94 25 38 33 38 23 32 14 17 20 5 4 13 6 1 7

Total 416 232 216 59 79 64 67 56 52 41 40 36 13 9 26 17 11 16

No. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

Country G Philippines 3 Pakistan 3 Mongolia 2 Myanmar 2 Jordan 2 Vietnam 1 Kyrgzstan 1 Macau 1 Bangladesh 1 Tajikistan 1 Syria 1 United Arab Emirates 0 Afghanistan 0 Iraq 0 Lebanon 0 Laos 0 Oman 0 Nepal 0

S 4 2 5 5 2 17 2 1 1 0 0 4 2 1 1 0 0 0

B 9 3 9 3 2 15 2 4 1 3 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1

Total 16 8 16 10 6 33 5 6 3 4 2 5 3 3 3 2 1 1

31

IPL IV: Sachin, Dhoni valued at more than 18.4 million Ganguly, Dravid likely to be left out by KKR, RCB Even as there is no certainty of how many teams will be participating in the IPL IV, the ball has already been set rolling, as the players and their price brackets have been announced. Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni are put in the base price of Rs. 18.4 mn, alongwith Sehwag, Yuvraj and Harbhajan Singh.

A bit of surprising development or indication is that Kolkata Knight Riders may leave out Sourav Ganguly and likewise, Royal Challengers Bangalore may not prefer to continue Rahul Dravid for the next season. Around 62 Indian cricketers will be up for auction for the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The second bracket is that of Rs 11.3 mn where T20 specialist Yusuf Pathan finds a place alongside speedster Zaheer Khan and the talented Suresh Raina.

Similarly stand-in ODI captain Gautam Gambhir, who didn't have a great IPL-II and III, has been priced in the third bracket at Rs 9.2 mn along with the likes of Virat Kohli, Irfan Pathan, Robin Uthappa, Ashish Nehra, Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar and veterans such as Ganguly, Kumble, Dravid and Laxman. The fourth bracket is of Rs 4.6 mn which consists of domestic cricketers and the fringe India players who have represented the country since 2005.

The fifth and final bracket is of Rs 2.3 mn where there are India discards such as Manpreet Gony, Sudeep Tyagi, Sridharan Sriram to name a few.

Among the other Gujarat players up for the auction are Parthiv Patel, Siddharth Trivedi, Ravindra Jadeja and Cheteshwar Pujara.

Sammy to lead WI for ODIs West Indies selectors have retained Darren Sammy to lead the team for the ODI series in Sri Lanka too. Ramnaresh Sarwan has still not found favour, even as this the last ODI contest for West Indies before the World Cup next year. Kirk Edwards is a new face picked up.

No deputy has been named to Sammy, while Adrian Barath, Carlton Darren Sammy Baugh and Devon Smith are back to the squad.

West Indies play five ODIs and one Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. The series begins on December 9 with the first one-dayer at Hambantota.

Team: Darren Sammy (capt), Adrian Barath, Carlton Baugh (wk), Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Kirk Edwards, Chris Gayle, Nikita Miller, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Devon Smith.

NZ rope in former England coach Duncan Fletcher for India tour New Zealand Cricket has roped in former Zimbabwe player Duncan Fletcher as a consultant to help head coach Mark Greatbatch during their current India tour for the remaining ODIs. Fletcher is working as full time coaching consultant.

He has also worked with South African team.

England reaped the best rewards when Fletcher was the team’s coach, as the team rose from the rock bottom ranking to no. 3. In 2005, it was under him that England regained the Ashes in 2005. Previously, the England team had won the Ashes way back in 1986-87.

EPL matches this week Saturday, 4 December Arsenal v/s Fulham Emirates Stadium Birmingham v/s Tottenham St. Andrews Ground Blackburn v/s Wolverhampton Ewood Park Chelsea v/s Everton Stamford Bridge Man City v/s Bolton City of Mcr. Stadium Wigan v/s Stoke DW Stadium Blackpool v/s Man Utd Bloomfield Road Sunday, 5 December West Brom v/s Newcastle The Hawthorns Sunderland v/s West Ham Stadium of Light Monday, 6 December Liverpool v/s Aston Villa Anfield

15:00 5:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30 13:30 6:00 20:00

32

Asian Voice - Saturday 4th December 2010

India bag a record medal haul at Asiad Claims 6th spot with 64 and 14 yellow medals

Friday, the penultimate day turned out to be a record breaker for India at Guangzhou, as the athletes captured 6 more medals, including three golds to add to the Indian kitty. 14 golds and a total haul of 64 on day 14 is the new record for India as their best show ever in the Asian Games.

Hosts China, as expected, were at the top, with a total of 416 medals and of them, just one less than 200 being golds. On Saturday, the curtains came down on with a spectacular closing ceremony.

Kabaddi teams performed as per the expectations and without much efforts to win their golds,

Mandeep Kaur, Ashwini Chidananda Akkunji, Sini Jose and Manjeet Kaur of India win the gold in the Women's 4 x 400m Relay Final at Guangzhou 2010 on November 26

womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5000 m event.

Rollersports fetched India a couple of unexpected bronze medals with Anup Kumar Yama bag-

China tops the table with 199 gold and a total of 416 medals but it was boxer Vijender Singh who helped India with the third gold.

Long distance runners Preeja Sreedharan and Kavita Raut had their moment of glory by winning the silver and bronze medals respectively in the

ging one in men's single free skating before combining with Avani Panchal to finish third in the pairs skating event.

India's best medal haul till date was recorded in the 1982 Games in Delhi when they had won 13

gold, 19 silver and 25 bronze for an overall tally of 57.

India had finished tenth on the medals table in the last edition of the Games in Doha with a tally of 10-17-26.

The men's kabaddi team maintained their impeccable track record by winning the gold medal for the sixth time on the trot, demolishing Iran with a facile 37-20 margin what turned out to be a lopsided contest.

The script unfolded on

expected lines for the women's kabaddi team also as they completed a memorable Asian Games debut by clinching the gold medal with a comprehensive win over Thailand in the final.

Two bronze medals came from rollersports with Anup Kumar Yama bagging one in men's single free skating before combining with Avani Panchal to finish third in the pairs skating event.

Nine countries, including Sri Lanka drew a blank, while Pakistan was at no. 20 with 3 golds and a total of 8 medals, Bangladesh at

Pakistan with 8 medals at no. 20, Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;desh with 3 at 28, Sri Lanka draw a blank no. 27 with one medal each in the three categories, while Nepal with the consolation of a solitary bronze ranked at the bottom of the medals tally at no. 36.

Kohli, Yuvi, Ashwin clip Kiwi wings NZ beaten in the first ODI, both teams without key players Young gun Virat Kohli took the centre stage at Guwahati on Sunday after senior team members failed to perform with bat.

Later, Yuviraj Singh, like Bhajji proved a bit of his worth with the ball instead of the bat, as he and rookie offie R Ashwin kept New Zealand batsmen under tight leash to achieve a 40 run victory for India in the first of the five One day internationals and take the crucial 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 0 lead.

For Kohli, it was his second ODI century on a trot and first as an opener.

Initially, it was his batting that gave India a fighting chance, as the team faltered during the last 10 overs when batting and also when fielding as well.

First, the Indian batting failed to last the full 50 overs and also ended up with around 30 runs less than what they could have achieved. Later, after having sent back 8 of the Kiwi batsmen back to the pavilion for less than 170 runs, the Indian bowling struggled to capture the last

Virat Kohli celebrates his second successive ODI century at Guwahati on Sunday

two wickets. As the 9th wicket pair put up a fighting partnership of 67 runs, at one point of time India looked at the risk of allowing the game out of its grasp. It was in the 46th over that Gambhir ran backwards for a fine catch, removing McCullum that the threatening partnership was broken and the last man was sent back immediately on arrival.

Ashwin captured the big wickets of Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor to put the visitors under pressure.

All the Indian batsmen got good starts. Kohli wasn't as flashy as the others, but he was the only one to have converted the start.

He batted a bit cautiously, hitting only 10 boundaries in his 104, as opposed to Yuvraj Singh's seven in 42, Gambhir's six in 38, and Murali Vijay's five in 29.

Yuvraj took time getting started. India's runrate dipped below six as he scored seven off his first 28 balls. Then he started timing well, hitting boundaries at will. By the time he fell to Tuffey's

remarkable knack of picking up wickets in the first overs of new spells, India were 179 in the 35th over.

Unnoticed, Kohli had reached 63 off 73.

Upon Yuvraj's dismissal, he did take charge, but didn't seem to make any drastic change, getting 42 off the last 31 balls he faced.

Kohli hit two boundaries in the 90s. When Martin Guptill beginning the chase with five boundaries in the first six overs, it seemed New Zealand had shifted the momentum.

Ashish Nehra responded by shortening his length, getting Jamie How's wicket. Gambhir introduced Ashwin early, and the bowler delivered.

He beat Guptill in the flight, getting him to hit straight to the deep fielder, signalling a start of a period where India choked the run flow. {Brief scores: India 276 (Kohli 105, McKay 462, Mills 3-42) beat NZ 236 (Taylor 66, Yuvraj 343, Ashwin 3-50) by 40 runs}.

Cook, Trott frustrate OZ at Brisbane Records tumble, first Ashes test ends in a high scoring draw Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott paired up to thwart Australian efforts for a victory at Gabba.

Cook registered his first double century in test cricket and produced an unbeaten partnership of 329 runs to guide England to safety.

On the final day, there was never a realistic chance of a result with England 296 in front, but they wanted to try for a psychological advantage.

On the final day, Cook and Trott extended a stand that was already worth 121 overnight.

Alastair Cook reaches his first Test Cook broke a double hundred at Brisbane on Monday record held by match was summed up Don Bradman for the when he sprayed a terrible highest individual score at bouncer miles down the the Gabba, while his leg side against Trott match aggregate bettered which flew for five wides. that of Matthew Hayden He ended wicketless in a in the 2002-03 Ashes Test for the first time. encounter. Trott, meanPonting, though, has while, continued the prodetermination in bucketlific start to his Test career loads and was desperate and made it two secondnot to hand England his innings hundreds in two wicket during the final Tests against Australia folsession. lowing his debut ton at The quick bowlers The Oval. tried to pepper him with The partnership ratshort balls, and Finn tled through the records. struck his helmet, but the It became the highest for pitch was too docile to England in Australia and cause major concerns. banished the Michael James Anderson, meanHussey-Brad Haddin while, had plenty to say to alliance to second place both batsmen and had to for any stand at Brisbane be spoken to by Aleem less than two days after it Dar. Graeme Swann was was set. They finished denied a confidencewith the highest-scoring boosting scalp when Paul innings for the loss of a Collingwood spilled single wicket. For the Watson at slip in what England fans, who far outproved to be the last signumbered the locals on nificant chance they creatthe final day, it will have ed. Ponting sped to a 40been the performance of ball half-century to ease Ashes dreams. his tension a little.

England began the day At the start of the final knowing they weren't out hour Strauss approached of danger. Cook and Trott his opposite number and continued as they had the two captains shook on done the previous evening a draw but, once again, by scoring at a rapid pace the final outcome doesn't against unthreatening reflect the drama of the bowling and by lunch it five days. Battle will be was just a question of how resumed in Adelaide, on many overs England wantFriday, where it's unlikely ed at demoralised oppoto be any easier for the nents. Ponting set fairly bowlers. defensive fields and a {Brief scores: England number of edges flew 260 (Bell 76, Siddle 6-54) through gaps in the slips. and 1 for 517 dec (Cook Mitchell Johnson went 235*, Trott 135*) drew through a horrid spell to with Australia 481 give his confidence anoth(Hussey 195, Haddin er pounding. He tried over 136, Finn 6-125) and 1 for and round the wicket to 107 (Ponting 51*) both batsmen, but his