AV 5th May 2018

First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe

R

Vol 47 Issue 1

5th May to 11th May 2018

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side 80p

A MAN FOR THE JOB SAJID AT THE HOME OFFICE

Modi, Jinping vow to reduce border tensions

Rupanjana Dutta

Rt Hon Sajid Javid has become the first Home Secretary from an Asian background, as he takes up the post following Amber Rudd's resignation. Son of a bus driver, whose family migrated to the UK in 1960s, is the first ever Muslim and Punjabi speaking MP to have held this position in Britain's history.

The Bromsgrove MP, a former managing director at Deutsche Bank, has risen swiftly through the ministerial ranks and is tipped by some as a potential future leader.

As the fallout from the Windrush scandal continued over the weekend, he spoke movingly in the Commons just hours after replacing Amber Rudd. He said how it "could have been me, my mum or my dad", but insisted the government was making efforts to "put things right". He rejected the 'hostile environment' phrase used by Mrs May during her six years as Home Secretary and emphasised that his immediate priority was to ensure the Windrush families were treated with 'fairness and decency'.

Continued on page 13

Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP being presented with the Cabinet Minister of the Year Award by CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar at the 12th Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards on 1 March 2018

For full report see page 26

Jaguars owner Shahid Khan offers to buy Wembley stadium

For full report see page 32

Peer accused of racism after calling Irish PM 'typical Indian' See page 5

VAISAKHI IN LONDON Prime Minister Theresa May celebrated Vaisakhi at 10 Downing Street, on Monday 30 April.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also celebrated Vaisakhi on 28 April at Trafalgar Square, in presence of the Sikh community.

For full report see page 6

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Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

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to

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with

Keith Vaz, MP

Karan Modha Karan Modha is a young businessman, and the third generation of a family that believes that businesses should be an intergral part of the local community.

Karan is the owner of a successful local business, on the Belgrave Road in Leicester known internationally as "The Golden Mile."

At the age of 31, Karan offers a winning combination of business knowhow and youthful vigour.

Karan was educated at Loughborough Grammar School and went on to gain a degree in business and management from Brunel University. He is a third generation businessman and is currently a management and marketing executive in the family retail fashion business. He is married to Krupali Modha and lives in Leicester with his family.

1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?

I feel most at home in my birth city of Leicester.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

The achievements I am most proud of are helping the community with no recognition needed and also gaining my university degree.

3) What inspires you?

My late grandfather Mr Gokaldas Modha was a great inspiration on my life, as he fought obsta-

run a business and raising 3 kids at the same time.

Therefore, my studies were put on the back burner as I wished to help mother in the family business. I am sure that story is related by other people.

I have always put my family first.

cles that were much harder when he moved to this country. I have huge admiration for that first generation who came to settle in the UK. I call them the pioneers. They achieved so much. We sometimes take this for granted. But it must be very very hard when you come to a new country.

4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?

The biggest obstacles in my career has been when my father fell ill with a stroke, 16 years ago and my mother was trying to

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

The biggest influence on my career has been Nelson Mandela, as he was a great believer in justice and peace and never gave up, which is what my motto is to date.

Also in the fashion industry Dolce & Gabbana – as they have always been at the forefront of the industry and are still developing latest designs which are an inspiration to all, as well as staying rooted to their true traditions and heritage, which I like to bring into my business also. I believe that fashion should be about traditional values in a modern setting.

6) What is the best aspect about your current role?

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The greatest aspect about my role is seeing happy clients leave with a bespoke outfit that they always dreamt of for their wedding day. As well as seeing their pictures on their magical day, as they will always remember ‘Anokhi’, as we designed their perfect outfit.

Recently, ‘Anokhi’ was the set for a play ‘Handlooms’ written

by Rani Moorthy, which is the journey of an Indian mother and her son, who wants to take the Sari business into mass production, online sales and couture. The play upends the usual stereotypes of Asian mothers. The storyline very much related to my family. It was great seeing a play in a retail shop surrounded by all the sarees. I had to pinch myself to realise that this was actually happening.

7) And the worst?

I do not have any worst aspects due to the love of what I do.

8) What are your long term goals?

To be a good husband, son and father. I also want to

see our country develop.

This is our country and I want us to be in the driving seat for the future.

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

The only aspect that would need to change is helping the younger generation; there is not enough help out there for them. They need guidance and support.

10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with

and why.

Mahatma Gandhi. Who was a great freedom fighter and non-violent activist who always followed non-violence all though his life while leading India to independence and inspired the world with his great works. I know a lot of people quote him as their desert island figure but that is because he such a unique and exceptional figure. There are no Mahatma Ghandi figures in the world today.

I am glad we have his statue on the Belgrave Road, we got it before Parliament Square in London!

Leicester’s Lord Mayor Rashmikant Joshi cleared of corruption The Lord Mayor of Leicester has been cleared of corruption allegations by a police investigation.

A letter sent to Leicester City Council claimed Rashmikant Joshi used his influence to push through planning applications, with payments received by an unnamed employee.

Leicestershire Police said "no criminal offences

have been identified".

A city council spokesman said the letter was found by police to be "a malicious fabrication".

Peter Soulsby, mayor of Leicester, said he is "pleased" Mr Joshi had been "totally exonerated".

"It was obviously right for these allegations to be properly investigated, but those of us who know Rashmi know he would not

have acted as was alleged," he said.

Inquest told Gurpreet Kaur 'took own life' A woman whose body was found ablaze in the garden of her £1 million home, prompting police to launch a murder investigation, took her own life, an inquest heard.

Three days after Gurpreet Kaur was found dead next to a petrol can and neighbours reported hearing screams, a man was arrested and quizzed by murder squad detectives over her killing – but no charges were ever brought.

The 30-year-old was living with her aunt and uncle at their gated home in High Beeches, Gerrards Cross, when her burning body - next to a petrol can - was discovered in the garden. When emergency services arrived a flip flop she was wearing was still on fire and had to be extinguished and nothing could

Gurpreet Kaur

be done to save Miss Kaur.

After the initial post mortem examination a 58year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was later released with no further action taken.

The inquest into Miss Kaur’s on Wednesday heard that she had written notes on her phone saying she had had enough of life and could not carry on living.

Senior Coroner for Buckinghamshire Crispin Butler was told how Miss Kaur's uncle Harcharanjit Matharu was in his study

working with his headphones on her body was only discovered when her aunt Baldev, returned home from a shopping trip.

Just ten minutes before it was believed she set herself on fire she recorded an argument with her uncle about education fees as she was in the process of applying for university courses for which she had been told by the Home Office she had to pass a English proficiency test to extend her student visa.

She also wrote a note on her phone five minutes before the fire started said that Ms Kaur did not want to live anymore.

Mrs Matharu, who attended the inquest, and her husband said their niece had previously shown no sign of depression or self-harm.

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COMMENTS

Geopolitical challenges: Resetting the Sino-Indian button Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met in Wuhan in a free-wheeling Summit without a formal agenda or an official statement at its conclusion. This was a wise and carefully calibrated decision. In essence this was an exploratory exercise in which neither party was expected to abjure publicly stated positions on a wide range of subjects. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) of Foreign Ministers, India’s Minister of External Affairs made it abundantly clear that there could be no improvement in relations with Pakistan until Islamabad ceased aiding and abetting jihadi terror groups to infiltrate and attack targeted Indian sites.

China’s Foreign Minister, for his part, assured his country’s ‘all-weather friend, Pakistan’ of Beijing’s unwavering and resolute support for its ally; that such support was ‘rust’-free, transcending time and circumstance. There is substance behind such expectation. Pakistan’s China policy commands almost universal approval across Pakistan, matching the paranoid hatred of India, making the China-Pakistan axis uniquely durable. Which is why the agreement by India and China to cooperate on Afghanistan is of far-reaching significance: It sidelines Islamabad.

Nothing now is cast in stone, not even India’s opposition to China’s One Belt One Road project. There is a dawning realization in both New Delhi and Beijing that their relationship needs to open doors to the future instead of being rigidly anchored to much that was negative in the past. The Doklam crisis at the tri-junction of Sikkim, Bhutan, and Tibet, which provoked high octane rhetoric in China, gave way to a new Chinese attempt to understand Indian reality. Scorn was replaced by a measure of respect. The trust deficit was well understood, as India stood its ground. The change was detectable in China’s pronouncement on Nepal. It stressed common ground, which tied in with the policy of the new government in Kathmandu.

Beyond the region, India and China have been alarmed at the tectonic pressures applied to the geopolitical template by the capricious mood swings of US President Donald Trump and his administration. The traditional

courtesies of diplomatic discourse have been replaced by coarse threats and intimidation, disrupting in an already fragile global order. The breach was the US invasion of Iraq in 2004, followed subsequently by a similar intrusion into Libya, these tragedies compounded in Afghanistan to this day. The loss of lives, the destruction of property and the scale of human displacement have been truly horrendous, without a tremor of remorse from America’s hubristic political class.. The wanton bombing of Syria by the US, France and Britain has been a wake-up call for much of the international community beyond the narrow, conceited confines of Europe and North America.

We come thus to the formation and development of BRICS, the acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. BRICS, the brainchild of President Putin, has come a long way since its foundation a decade and more ago. There is now a BRICS bank. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a significant offshoot. The Western media in their arrogance are prone to confine the term international community to the European Union and North America. India and China are the two most populous countries in the world, with the Chinese economy second only to that of the United States Russia is a military superpower with a unique range of nuclear weaponry on land, sea and air.

Within BRICS is the strategic core of the Russia, India and China dialogue, with the parties meeting jointly and separately; it has a trilateral security architecture with two sets of bilateral relationships. Russia is the cog, with close ties to India and to China, and hence is a discreet catalyst in smoothening Sino-Indian relations. Zero sum games are yielding space to new diplomatic explorations.

North and South Korea engage with each other directly; Japan and China are in close consultation on deepening their economic ties, even as the US initiates a tariff war with China, and espouses protectionism as a general policy. President Xi emphasized that China and India were current drivers of international growth, thanks to their robust economies. These discrete issues are in play as India and China seek to forge greater bilateral trust and understanding.

Dangerous signals from Washington A new US law called ‘The Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) mandates the UJS President to impose sanctions states with transactions with Russian defence and intelligence entities. India, taking exception to such legislation, has lodged a strong protest to the US State Department. Voices within the Trump administration, such as Defence Secretary James Mattis, have appealed to Congress to exempt India and Vietnam from its provisions. This should be no consolation to India. The law will still exist and can be impose at any time of American choosing, a Sword of Damocles over India’s head.

There are commercial considerations behind such legislation. The United States desires a monopoly of global arms sales, as the dominance of its military industrial complex is eroded by Russian weapon systems, which in many cases is of superior quality to those of its American rivals. Imposing arbitrary sanctions is a gross violation of acceptable conduct and conforms to the laws of the jungle where might is right. Caprice towards Russia or Iran through the imposition of arbitrary sanctions is hugely counterproductive. Neither country is likely to bite the dust.

Baiting Russia, ascribing to it the ills and difficulties plaguing the West, has become a popular sport in much of North America and craven Europe,

as pointed out in an edit-page article in an Indian broadsheet by Kanwal Sibal, once head of the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. The personal abuse heaped upon President Putin in the Western media is clearly choreographed by their political establishments. The virulence of the language extends to the people and culture of Russia through well funded state broadcasters, and bears comparison with that of Nazi Germany. Asiatic Mongol Russia is the common message of Western air waves. Russia is well equipped to combat contemporary challenges, as it was in meeting those of the Teutonic Knights, Napoleon and Hitler and Hitler’s myriad allies.

The challenge for India is not simply the source of its weapons acquisitions; it is to withstand a disguised attack on Indian sovereignty, its traditional strategic autonomy, which in recent years elicited the admiration of the former US National Security Advisor and subsequently US secretary of State, the redoubtable Dr Henry Kissinger.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would add to his stature by standing tall in defence of India’s national interest, as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee did in their time. Mr Modi would be speaking up for all of India, and not simply for the BJP.

Gambhir a sporting exemplar Gautam Gabhir, erstwhile captain of the Delhi Dare Devils stepped down after a run of disappointing defeats for his team in the 20/Twenty Indian Premier League (IPL). His own loss of form with the bat was affecting team morale, hence he made a dignified statement, acknowledging his responsibility and handing over the reins to his younger 23 year-old successor Shreyas Iyer. Iyer made a dream start with a memorable unbeaten 93 from 40 ball , which took the Dare Devils to 219 for 4, and a massive 55-run victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Also on show for the Dare Devils was the precocious 18 year-old opener Prithvi

Shaw, whose innings of 62 was studded with strokes of the highest class.

Iyer, Shaw, Gill and Sanju Samson embody a rich vein of young Indian talent. To their number must be added Ambati Rayudu whose resurgence with the Chennai Super Kings deserves recognition in the highest format of the game. As a 19 year-old in England in 2003, he smote 177 in an innings hailed by former England Test star David Lloyd [now an expert commentator]as truly superlative. Lesser beings have hogged the headlines, but at 32, Rayudu’s time has surely arrived. His panache deserves the highest international stage.

Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

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There is no bad weather, only bad clothing - Norwegian proverb

Alpesh Patel

K and K – the Two Obsessions Pakistan is increasingly obsessed with ‘Khalistan’. That’s a word I thought we had long buried. But the useful fools promoting it are indeed useful for Pakistan. They have made allies with Pakistan and tried to connect it with Kashmir. Just as we discovered the supporters of ‘free’ Kashmir were State sponsored terrorists, so too are the supporters of Khalistan – they are useful idiots at best for Pakistan and at worst State sponsored terrorists.

Do not be fooled by dotty old uncles on Parliament Green whilst their younger relatives take down the flag of India and burn it. This the modern useful idiot and their criminal friends.

Criminal damage, incitement to racial hatred and I bet you, if we dig a little deeper into their sources of funding and friends – a little deeper into social media – incitement to violence and religious hatred too. Criminals.

So we continue pressuring the police to prosecute. They think it’s a bunch of ethnic rag heads bringing their Asian disputes to Britain.

They thought that with Islamic fundamentalism too until 7/7. Maybe the police are being politically correct? Didn’t help with ISIS. ‘Free’ Kashmir and Khalistan supporters are both the same: useful idiots and bedfellows with terrorists sponsored by a State – Pakistan. One of the other – which is it?

UN Security Council Resolution 47 – of 1948 – concerning Kashmir is a Chapter 6 Resolution – therefore without mandatory enforceability and non-binding. So when it required that Pakistan ‘withdraw all nationals who entered the region’, it could be safely ignored by the Pakistanis. Let me say that again, Pakistan ‘withdraw all nationals’.

India’s error was not that it filed the dispute in the UN, as is commonly thought, after all it sought to be a leading light in the world – this was a nation in which Gandhiji still lived – but that it filed it under Chapter 6 – which simply does not require any mandatory enforcement.

If ever you want to know whether the West is going to War – just ask if it is seeking a Chapter 7 UN Security Council Resolution. Iraq II, was the same in 2003. UN Security Council Resolution 1441 of 1992 was also a Chapter 7, peace and security, Resolution demanding ‘a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations’. It was the breach of this, incidentally, WMD, or not, had nevertheless occurred and military force was legally warranted under the Resolution (and that is the response to all those who say it was an illegal war, or ask why did we go to war). All 15 Security Council members voted in favour of this Resolution – including China and Russia and Syria.

Editor: CB Patel

Asian Voice is published by

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Foreign Office diplomat apologises for calling Sikh temple the “golden mosque” Head of the Diplomatic Service, Sir Simon McDonald has extended his apologies for calling one of the most revered Sikh temples in the world a mosque.

The Permanent Undersecretary admitted he was “wrong” when he mocked to Amritsar's Golden Temple.

The move came as Jeremy Corbyn pledged to launch an independent inquiry into Britain's military role in the Indian army 1984 raid if he became prime minister.

Sir Simon had tweeted a picture from the Queen's birthday celebrations organised by the British deputy high commissioner in

Chandigarh. He tweeted, “At QBP in Chandigarh @SinghLions presented @DHCAndrewAyre with picture of HM The Queen at Golden Mosque in Amritsar in 1997, a permanent momento for Deputy High Commissioner's wall @UkinIndia.” After realising his mistake, he tweeted, “I was wrong: I am sorry. I should of course have said the Golden Temple or, better, Sri Harmandir Sahib.”

Bhai Amrik Singh, chairman of the Sikh Federation said, “This was a major gaffe by a top civil servant and totally unacceptable. It demonstrates a remarkable

level of ignorance from someone in his position. In our view, a public apology and admitting the mistake is not enough. What we need is a commitment from the UK

Journalist Balvinder Sidhu has been shortlisted for an Asian Woman of Achievement (AWA) award for her work in the media industry.

Balvinder, pictured, has worked with ITV News for over a decade. Graduating with a degree in Psychology in 2001, she worked within the public sector focusing on domestic violence. In 2007 she re-trained as a journalist, and after completing a postgraduate Diploma in Journalism, secured a place

on the highly competitive ITV News traineeship.

Currently Balvinder, from the Midlands, works as an early presenter and reporter for ITV News Central, a regular face on Good Morning Britain, ITV’s flagship breakfast programme. An investigative journalist, Balvinder has tackled complex and often controversial subjects.

She led the first television investigation into protests over inter-faith marriages inside gurdwaras and a three-part series on men’s

mental health including the rise in suicide rates. She has covered post-natal depression as well as eating disorders amongst men. More recently Balvinder investigated the grooming and sexual exploitation of Asian girls by gangs of men in Britain.

The AWAs were founded in 1999 by Pinky Liliani, CBE, DL, to celebrate the contribution of diverse cultures and talents to British society.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London next Wednesday (May 9).

When Gurpreet Sidhu and his business partner, Jeewan Sagu, bought domain names easyfood.co.uk and easyfood.com as a way to break Just Eat’s stranglehold on the online food delivery market the last thing they expected was to unwittingly become embroiled in a legal skirmish with Sir Stelios HajiIoannou.

It was not long before they received a “cease and desist” letter from the billionaire’s lawyers, who zealously protect the brand.

When they finally met up

with Stelios and his legal team the three men had joined forces to serve up something radically different.

In their sights are the juicy fees charged by the likes of Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Gurpreet Sidhu, left, and Jeewan Sagu, right Pic courtesy: Richard Stanton Just Eat, in particBritish curry houses, kebab ular, has devised a highly shops and pizza joints. profitable recipe. Its £5bn Sidhu and Sagu aim to empire is built on the 14% shake up the booming sector. commission it levies on

Murder accused 'hears voices'

Government and senior civil servants to root out such ignorance and discrimination or we will continue to face hate, abuse and threats of violence.”

Balvinder Sidhu

EasyFood will charge restaurants and takeaways a flat monthly fee and help them build their own websites and apps.

The company began trading with a soft launch in Birmingham last Thursday. Two hundred takeaways and restaurants in and around the city have signed up, and 800 more are expected in the coming months. It will charge them £100 a month or £195 for a premium service, which comes with payments and data hardware.

Midland Mayor Andy Street hosts Vaisakhi

- Dhiren Katwa

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, 3rd from left, with guests

networking followed by a prayer by Ajit Singh, priest from a Walsall gurudwara.

Then, a brief welcome speech by 15-year-old Ambreece Mangat who invited host Andy Street on to stage.

“Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji Fateh’, Andy began. “Today is not about politics, it’s about celebrating Vaisakhi and I’m genuinely delighted to welcome

A Derby man accused of beating his partner and leaving her to die in a bath suffers from hallucinations and hears voices, a court has heard.

Atual Mustafa's defence called three consultant psychiatrists who all said he showed signs of paranoid schizophrenia. Derby Crown Court heard his symptoms included laughing, delusions and believing there was a plot against him. He had previously been diagnosed with the condition, the jury heard. The court had been told earlier that Mr Mustafa, who denies murder, subjected Sobhia Khan to beatings as soon as she moved into his Normanton home in April 2017. Trial continues.

Two bailed over hit-and-run crash outside mosque

EasyJet’s Stelios joins up with Asian chefs to challenge Just Eat

Taunque, Paul Sabapathy CVO CBE, Director of the recently opened Centre for Sikh & Panjabi Studies Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, recruiter Kash Dhaliwal, Dr Paschal Anosike and Nirmaljit Singh – to list just a few.

The Indian Consul General Dr Aman Puri also made a brief appearance for the photo shoot.

The evening began with

Bogus faith healer Komar Uddin jailed for rape

A bogus faith healer has been jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of raping a "vulnerable" teenage girl. Komar Uddin, 68, of no fixed address, claimed he could get rid of "evil spirits" that he said were affecting the 19-year-old's state of mind. After the attack in February 2015, Uddin fled the country while on police bail, but was found in Germany. Uddin was also found guilty of sexual assault, assault by penetration and causing a female to perform a sexual act without consent.

Reporter Balvinder up for AWA award

The Sikh community has made Britain an even greater place to live and work: This was a key message from West Midlands’ Mayor Andy Street who hosted a special reception to celebrate Vaisakhi, the annual Sikh festival.

Held at a banqueting suite in Edgbaston, Birmingham – constituency of Preet Gill, Britain’s first female Sikh MP, who was absent - last Tuesday the event brought together movers and shakers from the region’s Sikh community, which make up 2.4% of the total 5.6 million population.

Guests included former MP and now Small Business Commissioner Paul Uppal, Ninder Johal of Signature Awards, Sarinder Singh Sahota, Jagjit and Satinder

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you all,” he continued. A vegetarian meal was served and Andy went around meeting guests.

Andy, who this month marks his first year as elected Mayor, has been working tirelessly since his triumph to actively engage with diverse communities, an action some may argue he had overlooked in his previous role as MD of John Lewis.

Two men, arrested by police investigating a hitand-run crash outside a mosque in Birmingham, have been released on bail. The collision took place in Ettington Road in Aston on Friday afternoon. The car involved failed to stop, police said. A 19-year-old man was left with head and back injuries and a 17-year-old with head and leg injuries. Both remain in hospital. Police arrested the men, aged 22 and 20, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

DJ found in contempt of court after NHS compensation bid

A DJ who tried to claim £837,000 from the NHS for negligence has been found in contempt of court. Sandip Singh Atwal, 33, from Birmingham, went to hospital for injuries to his hands and lip after being attacked in 2008. He said the treatment he received was negligent, and had left him unemployed and dependent.

But the DJ was filmed working as a courier and dancing in a music video for a single he also released. It is thought to be the first time an NHS trust has brought such proceedings. Atwal - whose stage name is Sunny - was found in contempt of court on 14 counts.

Manipulative pervert groomed vulnerable teen

A ‘manipulative’ pervert groomed a vulnerable teenage girl and then called her from prison to ask her to lie to police. Waheed Jahangir, 37, from Longsight, has now been jailed for three years and eight months after pleading guilty to child sexual exploitation offences. Manchester Crown Court heard how officers first spotted a missing 16-year-old girl in Jahangir’s car in May last year. On Monday, he pleaded guilty to grooming, possession of indecent images of a child, sexual activity with a child and perverting the course of justice.

Siblings with deadly nut allergy told to 'spend seven hours in loo'

A brother and sister were told by Emirates cabin crew to 'sit in the loo' after informing flight staff over their severe nut allergies at 36,000 feet.

Shannen Sahota, 24, and Sundeep, 33, were made to head to the toilet when cashews were served on their seven and-a-half hour flight.

The pair - who flew from Birmingham Airport say they warned the airline three times about their allergies. The duo were shocked when the fried nuts were served 40 minutes into the flight, leaving them "panic stricken".

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Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

Peer accused of racism after calling Irish PM 'typical Indian' A UK Peer has been accused of racism on Tuesday after he branded Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar a “typical Indian”. It is the second time the peer has been criticised over a tweet about Mr Varadkar. 80 year old Lord Kilclooney (John Taylor) was reacting to a news report about criticism of Varadkar's visit to Northern Ireland on Monday. A member of Parliament in that article had accused Varadkar, who is half Indian, of 'poor manners' and disrespect, for not informing a local representative about his trip on Monday. Last November, a tweet in which Lord Kilclooney referred to the Irish prime minister as "the Indian" was described as racist.

He later withdrew the tweet, though a complaint to the House of Lords standards commissioner was dismissed.

Mr Varadkar was born in the Republic. His father is Indian, originally from Maharashtra and his mother is Irish. He was elected taoiseach (Irish prime minster) in June 2017.

Leo Varadkar

Lord Kilclooney who said he would withdraw the tweet, told the BBC that Mr Varadkar had been the "most provocative" over the course of the Brexit negotiations and had "misunderstood the views of many unionists". He also added that Mr Varadkar had a "dismal lack of knowledge" about Northern Ireland affairs.

Lord Kilclooney further wrote on twitter, "It is not racially abusive as he himself has confirmed he is half Indian" but that Mr Varadkar "has damaged North/South relations by being continually offensive and provocative to the Unionist majority in NIreland".

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said Lord Kilclooney was "an embarrassment".

She reportedly told the BBC

5

Lord Kilclooney

that the comment was a "slur on all Indian people with his use of the word typical". She also added that she wants the speaker of the House of Lords to raise the matter with Lord Kilclooney.

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MLA Christopher Stalford tweeted: "I don't know what John Taylor (Lord Kilclooney) thinks he's playing at but he doesn't speak for me. Absolutely ridiculous behaviour."

Irish senator Niall O Donnghaile, of Sinn Fein, said he would ask the speaker of the Irish senate to contact the speaker of the House of Lords "urging him to take appropriate action regarding yet another offensive tweet from a member of the House of Lords regarding An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar".

Trump may meet the Queen during July visit Reports suggest US President Donald Trump may call upon Her Highness the Queen during his long-awaited visit to the UK on July 13. It was confirmed by Kim Darroch, British Ambassador to the United States, who confirmed that the Prez will make a “working visit” to the UK, following a Nato summit in Brussels. The meet will also include bilateral talks with Theresa May. While full details of the trips are yet to be announced, several reports have suggested that Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and Balmoral are locations for the royal encounter. There are also reports that it won't be a full state visit Trump was promised when May visited Washington last year.

However, Downing Street has insisted the invitation for a full state visit still stands, but there is no timetable for it to take place. A spokesperson said, “Further details will be set out in due course.”

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson welcomed the visit by tweeting, “FANTASTIC

the visit.

A m n e s t y International UK's director Kate Allen said, “When Donald Trump arrives on these shores, we and thousands of our supporters will very definitely be making our voices heard.

Theresa May & Donald Trump Since moving news that President @realinto the White House, Mr donaldtrump will at last Trump has shown an impacome to Britain on 13 July. tience bordering on intolerLooking forward to seeing ance towards peaceful our closest ally and friend protests, the media and on the GREATest visit ever.” even the democratic proLondon Mayor Sadiq Khan, cess itself. So his visit to who has had past brush ups Britain will be an important with Trump, tweeted, “If he opportunity to underline comes to London, President the importance of free Trump will experience an speech and the right to open and diverse city that protest.” has always chosen unity Also, six conservative over division and hope over groups wrote a letter to the fear. He will also no doubt President recommending see that Londoners hold him to focus his visit on his their liberal values of free“ancestral home” of dom of speech very dear.”

Scotland. Notorious for his Also, Trump has been aggressive and rash mouth, warned to expect protests Trump had canceled a trip during the trip. His supto London to open the new porters have also been US embassy in Vauxhall urged to stay away from earlier this year, stating the London in a bid to avoid move to an “off location” mass demonstrations. south of the Thames had Human rights groups have been a “bad deal”. vowed to protest against

6

VAISAKHI

Asian Voice |

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

5th May 2018

Thousands celebrate Vaisakhi in Trafalgar Square

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British PM hosts Vaisakhi at Number 10

Photo credit: GLA/Caroline Teo

Dhiren Katwa

Rupanjana Dutta Thousands gathered at the Mayor of London's Vaisakhi festival, held on Saturday 28 April. The celebration of Sikh culture and heritage took place in Trafalgar Square following the successful return to the central London location last year. The square became a beacon of culture as it celebrated Vaisakhi this year, in a combination of Sikh and Punjabi tradition, culture and heritage.

The event, coordinated by a Sikh group, commemorates the birth of the Khalsa (the inner core of the Sikh faith) over 300 years ago as well as marking the Punjabi New Year. The Khalsa was founded and led by the Five Beloved Ones, who sought to protect Sikhism which suffered oppression after it was born in 1469.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan attended the event, which boasted of stalls high-

was something for everyone. There was an Army-led obstacle course too.

The world-class musicians leading the dharmic and Gurbani kirtan music-making, included the internationally renowned Lehmber Hussainpuri, London’s own Golden Roots and QiRattan. Younger performers included Manvir Singh Mani, who made the 2017 final of Voice of Punjab and Karanjit Singh from Dharam Seva records.

The event also paid a tribute to the Sikh soldiers who exhibited extraordinary bravery and sacrifices in the service of Great Britain during both World Wars, through a WWI Sikh soldier re-enactment.

To mark the centenary year since the first women secured the right to vote, and as part of the #BehindEveryGreatCity campaign, the Vaisakhi celebrations sone a light on the great female figures of Sikh history and reflected on the role played by

London Mayor Sadiq Khan with members of theUK Armed Forces

lighting the Sikh culture, including live stage performances of kirtan and dharmic music and volunteers from the Sikh community treated the audience to langar (free food).

The food was made fresh on the day and was distributed to everyone joining the celebrations in the Square, and there was also a range of street food stalls, selling sugar cane, ice golas and coconut milk.

London Turban Day, tribute to Sikh soldiers and women suffragettes Guests included famous writer and journalist Anita Anand and City Sikhs Chairman Jasvir Singh OBE, to name a few. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the Sikh community through a range of stalls and art exhibitions by Sikh artists from around the world. With turban tying demonstrations, sports activities and children’s arts and crafts, there

Princess Sophia Alexandra Duleep Singh in the Suffrage Movement 100 years ago.

Addressing the crowd, Mr Khan said, "When I think of the Sikh community in London and the contribution they have made to the capital - socially, culturally and economically - I feel proud."

He added, "What an incredible atmosphere in Trafalgar Square today...It was wonderful to see people from all backgrounds coming together to embrace this important Sikh festival."

Manraj Singh Othi, Vaisakhi Steering Group, said, “As both Londoners and Sikhs, we feel the grassroots programme focusing on seva, kirtan and langar will create a day that is inclusive for both Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike. We welcome Londoners from all faiths, beliefs or none to enjoy, learn and celebrate together through a diverse range of colourful displays and engaging activities including a Sikh art exhibition and the first ever London Turban day”.

Theresa May has paid a glowing tribute to British Sikhs for their "immense contribution" to Great Britain.

Addressing guests at a special reception at Number Ten to mark Vaisakhi, the annual Sikh festival, this Monday (Apr 30), Mrs May said: "So today, as we celebrate this special occasion, let us also remember the values that bind us together. For Sikhs, the enduring values of the Khalsa - truth, compassion, hope and renewal."

Media representatives were told that Mrs May was no longer able to join the gathering and that she had nominated David Lidington CBE MP as her deputy. However, Mrs May did turn up. Following her five-minute speech, she spoke briefly with a handful of guests and was quickly ushered away.

The few she spoke to were Rami Ranger CBE, founder and chairman of Sun Mark, and Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh from the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha in B i r m i n g h a m .

Representatives from City Sikhs, a professional Sikh network, attempted to present a hard copy of the latest British Sikh Report but were told to do so on another occasion.

Mrs May began her speech with the traditional, “Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru ji ki Fateh,” and shared nuggets from her recent experiences of visiting gurdwaras in her constituency, Maidenhead, also in the Midlands.

“Everyday British Sikhs play a fundamental role in the life of this country – whether it is working hard in business, law, medicine, media, sport, public service or so many other areas,” she said. “Sikh charities in particular are renowned for helping the vulnerable and those in need – from supporting people affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster to assisting and feeding the homeless on our streets in keeping with the Sikh tradition of providing free Langar meals.”

Mrs May reminded guests of the sacrifices made by Sikh soldiers: “From the Great War, the Second World War and other military campaigns, to those who serve in the British Army today – Sikh soldiers have fought valiantly to stand up for what is right and to protect our freedoms.”

“And in return Britain

Members of City Sikhs outside 10 Downing Street before attending Vaisakhi celebrations holding the British Sikh Report, which they presented to Mrs May. In centre Jasvir Singh OBE with Kamel Hothi OBE and Param Singh

has always regarded the Sikh military tradition with the greatest of respect – a tradition that has its roots in Vaisakhi and the teaching by your faith to fight boldly against injustice and oppression. Which is why I am so proud that this Government is supporting the efforts to get a National Sikh War Memorial in the heart of London, sending a strong signal that we are a country united in our diversi-

Guests included: Former MP, now Small Business Commissioner Paul Uppal, Ninder Johal, Manjit Kang, Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, Cllr Narinder Kaur Kooner, BBC World Service’s Mandeep Rai, Deep Dhir from LycaMedia, Rupinder Bains, Jaz Singh, Navjot Singh, Kam Singh from the Sikh Channel, Senior Aircraft Woman Suman Garewal from the Royal Air Force, former Lloyds TSB financier Kamel

Prime Minister Theresa May helps with making rotis during her visit to the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, in Walsall to mark Vaisakhi

ty.” Her latter words won rapturous applause.

Unlike previously, this week’s Vaisakhi celebration saw fewer guests, no prayer and no spiritual music. Also, a large majority of key movers and shakers from the British

Hothi OBE, Randeep Sidhu, Manpreet Singh from Punjab Times and Sangeet from Wise Kids.

The youngest attendee was 16-year-old Devan Singh Wasan who was accompanied by his sister and grandfather, Lord

High Commission of India to UK, His Excellency Y K Sinha with Ranjit Singh Baxi, Co-Chairman, Conservative Friends of India at 2017 Vaisakhi celebration in 10 Downing Street

Sikh community, from across all professional sectors – including leading British Indian politicians - were absent.

Interesting.

Indarjit Singh.

This event took place on the same day as the announcement of a new Home Secretary, Rt Hon Sajid Javid.

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Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

UK MP launches Amritsar-London direct flight parliamentary campaign in House of Commons Rupanjana Dutta Slough MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi along with Seva trust & Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM) have formally launched a London-Amritsar direct flight Parliamentary campaign at the House of Commons in the UK on 24 April.

To fulfil this long pending demand of over half a million Indian Punjab diaspora settled in the UK, Dhesi hosted the UK Parliamentary launch campaign demanding direct non-stop flights between LondonAmritsar.The event was organised by UK based NGO Social Education Volunteer Association (SEVA) Trust and Amritsar Vikas Manch.

A memorandum to the PM of India urging for this direct flight was handed over to the Indian High Commission in London and to BJP UK President

MPs Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and Seema Malhotra (standing in the centre) with London-Amritsar direct flight campaigners

Mr Kuldeep Shekhawat. A second memorandum was handed over to Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh and Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla by the SEVA Trust UK and AVM. Speaking at the occasion, MP Tan Dhesi said, “In 2016, even with no direct connectivity, approximately 188,869 passengers (517 per day) travelled between Amritsar Airport & UK as

transit passengers via other Indian & foreign airports. The demand is there and we hope the supply will come soon.”

This event was also supported by other British & Indian MPs, leading Indian political parties, community and faith leaders, student organizations, business leaders, tourism and travel operators.

Addressing this meeting, British MPs Seema

Government departments demand relaxation of visa to recruit doctors from overseas lenge Mrs May on the issue.

Tory tensions over Brexit escalated after the Government suffered a

heavy defeat in the Lords.

Peers voted by 335 to 244 to give Parliament a decisive say on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.

NOTICE

Last week in Asian Voice, our Editor CB Patel wrote about the State of Gujarat in page 4 (AV issue 28 April 2018). If you would like to write about your state in India, whichever that may be, please contact our team at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

Prime Minister Theresa May faces a new immigration crisis after it emerged that she overruled Cabinet ministers demanding for more doctors from overseas to fill empty NHS posts, The Evening Standard has reported.

At least three government departments lobbied for a relaxation of visa rules to let in desperately needed doctors as well as specialist staff sought by businesses, the Evening Standard has learned.

The issue erupted on Friday when the NHS confederation said seven London trusts had reported that 53 doctors had been denied visas. More than 30 health trusts in the North-West have written to the Government demanding that around 100 junior doctors from India be allowed to work in their hospitals and health centres.

New Home Secretary Sajid Javid, will now have to decide whether to chal-

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Malhotra, Mohammad Yasin and Derek Thomas said that in addition to the direct connectivity for millions of passengers, this direct air link has immense potential to boost trade, economy, tourism, and strengthening Indo-UK relationship.

SEVA Trust UK chairman Charan Kanwal Singh Sekhon said that his organisation has been interacting and working with the leading charitable organisations in the UK and Punjab. One of the most common issues faced

by NRIs are supporting the

youth development & educations projects in Punjab and this lack of direct connectivity is resulting to long and stressful journeys.

Sameep Singh Gumtala, Overseas Secretary, Amritsar Vikas Manch presented various facts and figures about the Amritsar Airport including traffic statistics, passengers and aircraft movements.

London Heathrow being one of the world’s biggest aviation transit hub, this could also provide onward connections to Europe, Canada,

United States of America.

He added that it will also enable farmers and business men of Amritsar and adjoining regions to resume dry & perishable exports to the UK. He further said that the AVM is overwhelmed by the huge support received from Overseas organisations willing to support this common cause.

Bhai Mohinder Singh, Chairman Nishkam Sewak Jatha, UK extended his full support to the campaign.

On behalf of community groups who attended the meeting, Yograj Ahir, President Sri Guru Ravidas Sabha and Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Southhall President Gurmail Singh Malhi urged the Indian and UK government to take swift action to fulfil this very genuine demand of large number of NRIs. The Marketing representative of Air India, Deepak Chudasama said that they are fully aware of this demand by the community. They assured to forward the proposal to their senior management in India to decide it accordingly.

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As I See It

Asian Voice |

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5th May 2018

Immigration scaremongering has to stop

Amber Rudd has resigned or if she was forced to do so, is not the question. Who will be the next on the crucifix? This is a serious problem for those who enter the public service with high ideals and noble intentions. Time has come to look at the root cause for this disease. The whirlwind created by the mentality behind the Windrush episode needs some serious scrutiny.

For last seven decades the echelons of powers in British politics in both Labour and Conservative governments have umpteen number of victims of this disease called 'obsession with immigration', especially the number of immigrants which can be allowed to enter the UK. The added zest of repatriating ‘illegal’ migrants is also causing a lot of anxiety, both to the victims and the momentary victors. Why immigrants were invited to UK in the aftermath of the devastation of the World War II? Who recruited those demobbed soldiers from British Indian Army, beginning with the rubber factory in Southall, where the British natives were unwilling to work, due to the atrocious condition of the industry? Who placed adverts in the Caribbean press in mid 50s inviting gullible people from there to come and serve in ‘their country’?

The first lot happened in the Labour government of Earl Attlee and second in Churchill's cabinet, where Enoch Powell was a junior Minister, which tempted the victims of the Windrush ship, that arrived with a few hundreds. Subsequently in government of both parties, some serious games were played.

At one stage, the Commonwealth citizens were told from the roof top that your right to unhindered entry and settlement in the UK remained intact. Then by 1960/61 with about 2 percent of non white residents, vociferous cries of 'stop immigrants, start repatriation', forced Tory government to bring Commonwealt immigration Act of 1962, leading to the 1968 Enoch Powell speech, who spoke of the 'catastrophe'.

East African Asians were encouraged to opt for British citizenship, mainly because of their savings of £250mn (in those days), of foreign currency that were saved in the British banks, especially when Britain was short of it, and Chancellor went to the IMF with a cap in the hand for emergebcy funds in Dollars.

Once the crisis was over, these British passport holders of Asian background in East Africa were more or less told that their passports were devalued as they were of brown skin, and without British patriarchy.

Such an uncivilised and unBritish action eventually set aside by the European Court of Human Rights caused immeasurable hardships for hundreds if not thousands who were treated as shuttlecocks while entering into Britain. The silly, dangerous and painful rule changes in immigration laws prevailed upon many thousands, causing unbelievable misfortunes and pains, which are too ghastly to describe.

Who needs immigrants?

Why need them?

The British businesses, Institute of Directors, Confederation of British Businesses and many other employers and organisations crave for foreign labour. In the 50s and 60s it was unskilled man power shortage. Now it is skilled man power shortage, who is much needed in our niche fields like IT, financial services, health services, scientific and academic establishments and alike. Some of them

CB Patel

Passengers disembarking HMT Empire Windrush

were availed from Eastern Europe but in today’s world the British power that may be, can bite the bullet and admit that the largest source of such skilled workers is from South Asia especially India. The immigrants come because they are needed, because their skill and dedication benefits not only themselves but their employers immensely.

Who resists immigration? Who is worried about immigration?

I for one cannot in all honesty recommend uncontrolled immigration for UK or any other country. It depends on the situation. But about 12 percent of the British residents who are labelled as ethnic minorities and also increasing number of mixed origin, the largest and the silliest concerns come from political circles bent upon cheap popularity, who saw an opportunity to gain or retain their power.

David Cameron, a good man, kept on barking upon reducing the number of immigrants. His Home Secretary for many years and the present day Prime Minister Theresa May was perhaps more emphatic than her boss. Even in the EU referendum campaign of 2016, the immigrant number game was played with plenty of falsehood. One of the main reasons for people voting for leave was the immigration scare.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Lord Loomba participates in a debate on the long-term sustainability of NHS and Adult Social care Lord Loomba CBE, speaking during a debate on the House of Lords report on the Long-term Sustainability of the NHS and Adult Social Care, which comes "at a crucial time for the NHS and for adult social care," said "it is widely recognised by many that there is a need for immediate action to sort out the main difficulties that plague both the NHS and adult social care."

Expanding his point, Lord Loomba emphasised the need "to look at better long-term sustainable funding so that the NHS can get on with its work in a more secure way than at present."

Citing the Report's main thrust that the NHS and adult social care "should be brought together to tackle the problems in tandem so that the most apt solutions for both sides are put forward," Lord Loomba noted that "there has been some movement on this front as the department has now been renamed the Department of Health and Social Care."

The Report also recommended the "Department of Health should have budgetary responsibility at national level for adult social care"; but, Lord Loomba pointed out that "confusingly, .., Jeremy Hunt said in his evidence to the House of Commons Health Committee in March that while he now

has responsibility for adult social care, funding would continue to flow through local government, which delivers adult social care."

Added to this, Jeremy Hunt "now has responsibility for the proposed Green Paper on adult social care," which, as Lord Loomba noted "at the moment ... will not cover the NHS." Highlighting that many peers have commented on the "numerous commissions and consultations over many years [that] have not resolved the issues, " Lord Loomba stated: "clearly, no business can run without an eye to the future, and an organisation as vital as the NHS needs a clear strategy of where we are, what the problems are, what needs to be achieved and the steps needed to achieve it."

"It is not insurmountable," he said, "but it will take willpower on all sides and agreements to be reached that allow for the patients who need assistance to be at the forefront of the change, so that they are given the best health and social care possible."

Citing Age UK’s briefing that "highlights the interconnectedness of the problem," Lord Loomba stressed "it should not be forgotten that problems with the care system in turn create further pressure on the NHS." "Delayed discharges are a good example of this," he said,

"where older people are unable to be safely discharged from hospital because adequate social care plans are not in place." "The bottom line," Lord Loomba argued, "is that while all this prevarication continues, the people who need help are suffering the most, as they are let down by a system that is not fit for purpose." In this situation "comes low morale and a depleted workforce that needs uplifting, for without them it would be a much bleaker picture."

Addressing the Minster, Lord O'Shaughnessy, Lord Loomba stated: "I am aware that waiting times in A&E are coming down.

"However," he stressed, "we need to reduce them further so that no one is forced to wait for more than four hours to be seen, and especially to improve matters so that there is not a repeat of this winter’s acute problems, when ambulances at some hospitals were forced to wait outside and unable to deliver their patients due to lack of capacity." "What actions are the Government taking," Lord Loomba asked, "to increase the number of doctors and nurses working in the NHS, and how can immigration policies be amended to accommodate more doctors and nurses from overseas to help to fill the shortfall in staffing levels?

An audience with the Queen Asians arriving from East Africa after Idi Amin's expulsion

David Cameron paid the price. Today Amber Rudd has paid the price for the sins of the present boss Theresa May. The simple economic fact is that when you exchange your goods and services with one country or another, inevitably it involves exchange of people- the immigrants and expatriates. Amber Rudd an intelligent, hard working, efficient woman has now left. We wish good luck to the incoming Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who has boldly spoken about his first priority- to give justice to the windrush victims. The irony is the burden of the 'immigration' problem is now on the shoulders of an immigrant, that too of South Asian origin.

I respect the British values. And the problems Mr Javid may face tomorrow may not be of the colour of the uniform he wears. But he has a really big challenge to fight with the misguided attitude of political opportunism. The British people as such, to their great credit and admiration, are incredibly tolerant once they know their neighbours, even if they are non whites. It is to their commendation, the British values and traditions that this country can walk tall among the comity of nations, and in the multicultural environment which is there for all to see.

Sruti Dharma das with Her Majesty the Queen

Sruti Dharma das, Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor, joined 1000 dignitaries from across the British Commonwealth at Buckingham Palace.

He was then invited to have a private audience with the Queen and other members of the Royal family.

Upon meeting Her Majesty, he discussed her visit to the Krishna Avanti School in 2015, which she remembered well. She

also confirmed that the tapestry of Lord Chaitanya gifted to her hung on one of the walls of the Palace.

Sruti Dharma then spoke to Prince Charles about all the activities at Bhaktivedanta Manor, especially organic farming and its reliance on oxpower. The Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles, was particularly impressed with the humanitarian work of ISKCON. Further meetings

were with Prime Minister Theresa May and the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. Boris recalled his student days when he used to visit the ISKCONLondon temple. He would go there for a vegetarian lunch and simultaneously learn about the Hare Krishna mantra. Boris then requested for some prashadam (temple cooking) to be delivered to him at Parliament, and for Sailesh Vara MP to help him organise a special visit to the Manor.

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Asian Voice |

5th May 2018

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar @ 46

Mitul Paniker More than four decades ago, a group of ambitious people joined hands to create a voice, an identity for the South Asian community based in the United Kingdom. Their vision was clear: To make a difference. On May 5, 1972, Gujarat Samachar was launched as part of one of the most powerful sectors in the world, and it has only grown since. A lot has changed in the past years and even though both the newspapers have evolved and adapted in accord with time, I find it remarkable that their raisons d'être remain the same.

It was in the May of 2015, that I joined Asian Voice, and in my limited association with the newspaper, I have witnessed several campaigns, all carried out for the British Indian community. It is in the last three years that I realised just how powerful words can be. We had saved a temple, put a special international flight in motion, first-handedly sought justice for the immigrants. I found that every time our pens worked, we made a visible difference. Ink, as I discovered, is invincible.

Gujarat Samachar was launched by then Indian high commissioner Appa Saheb Pant. In his speech, Appa Saheb told the team to serve the community.

He asked them to highlight their problems, take their responsibility, but most importantly, not to blame the colonial rule and use it as an excuse. He ever so graciously had pointed out that the duty of a newspaper is to raise its voice, energise the community, and prevail on the powers that may be used to provide level-playing fields. Years later, while the team is no longer the same, the sen-

timents are, and so is the urge to do what is right.

With a strong and progressing list of subscribers, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are now as vocal as ever. We have some of the very best people in support with us. Well-known leaders from across different sectors contribute to our papers. Padma Shri Vishnu Pandya, Dr Hari Desai, Prof Chandrakant Patel, Tushar Joshi, are only some of the very talented persons to share their insight in Gujarat Samachar. Similarly, Asian Voice has leaders like MP Keith Vaz, Rani Singh, Alpesh Patel, Suresh Vagjiani, and others, all more potent than the other.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Martin Luther King Jr. Since the day Appa Saheb inspired an entire generation, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar has found the clarity to register right from wrong. Which is why, it has been easier for those running the newspapers to raise their voice when they witness injustice. One of the most effective campaigns was the 'SAVE THE TEMPLE' campaign. Over 35,000 people sat outside the Parliament on March 14, 1994, to protest the closure of the Hare Krishna Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples outside of India. Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities came together to stand in solidarity with ISKCON, proving how strong the public voice can be. Lords, MPs, Councillors, and key members of the Hare Krishna community came together to share their memories of the first ever campaign that brought the entire British Indian com-

munity together. CB Patel, Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice, was not just a key figure behind the successful campaign, he was also the one to move the crowds, use the newspapers as a weapon to unite generations and communities.

The second most moving campaign was the 'AHMEDABAD-LONDON DIRECT FLIGHT' campaign. Asian Voice issue dating December 19, 2015, featured an article titled 'Gujaratis flying high as dream flight takes off' on Page 1. After years of campaigning, calling upon Indian ministers, the Gujarat Chief Minister, bureaucrats and other people of importance, demanding a direct flight to run between Ahmedabad's Sardar Patel International Airport and London's Heathrow. To say the announcement of the campaign's success was glorious, is an understatement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UK for the first time as a leader of one of the world's leading nations, in November, 2015. In his first speech as the PM at the Wembley's overflowing stadium, Modi said that his dear friend CB used to “catch hold of my collar” on this matter, which is why, the Indian government has resumed the Ahmedabad-London direct flight from December 15, onwards.

CB Patel's relationship with Modi goes back a long way. However, the PM's mentioning of CB's name in front of a crowd of 600,000 was not just a source of respect, but a sign of just how many efforts he has put, and how active he has been in making traveling back to India convenient for the Gujarati community in Britain.

There are several other campaigns run and initiated by CB and his team, both in the UK and Ahmedabad. Listing all of them here wouldn't be necessary as all you readers, must already be aware of AV and GS' influence and integrity in the country. Campaigns for immigrants have run long and triumphant. All immigrants, be from East Africa, India, or the Middle East, have found a voice in us every time injustice has been meted out. The change of fare in the HSMP (Highly Skilled Migrant Programme) visa scheme was viciously protested against by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. One of the many things to drive a person or company, is purpose, and ABPL is lucky to have never found a lack of it. While we petition and protest against bias, we do so with complete respect towards the government. We ensure that while we voice our community members' complaints, we never overstep our boundaries.

Dear friends, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar turns 46 on May 5.

It has been a long and rather bumpy ride. We have seen ups, and downs. But in all of that, we have found the courage and determination to do what is right.

To stand up for justice, and to raise our voice for the voiceless. CB's undeterred leadership has over the years, boosted our will to concrete-like stability, and made us sure of what we stand for. As we say, Let noble thoughts come to us from every side. Our greatest asset is the the high number of our readers, their trust and confidence. We are most grateful for these. We will strive our utmost to keep on serving you to the best of our ability, for a very long time.

INTERNATIONAL WIDOWS DAY 2018 Deeds Not Words: The Quest to Leave No Widow Behind Why widows need your help in India International Widows Day, the United Nations ratified day of action to raise awareness and help millions of widows around the world With President of India, Ram Nath Govind

The Loomba Foundation launched 23rd June as International Widows Day in 2005 which was adopted by the United Nations in 2010 There are 46 million widows in India. Many are humiliated, abandoned, ostracised or discriminated against, raped, tortured and even murdered

Shrimati Pushpa Wati Loomba

www.theloombafoundation.org safdar.shah@theloombafoundation.org UK Registered Charity No. 1064988

9

With Ban Ki Moon, UN Secretary General, World Widows Report presentation 2016

20th Anniversary of The Loomba Foundation 2017, London

10

READERS’ VOICE

Asian Voice |

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

5th May 2018

Stop this flag desecration

Your coverage of tearing of India’s national flag was good. You have spread awareness about events and repercussions on Indian Community. All Indians, irrespective of passport and signatories to petition have full right to feel anguish at such sacrilege.

You mentioned urgent replacement of the flag, and apology by U.K. at highest level. It was also noteworthy that many Indian organisations have also demanded relevant action, being supported by 12000 signatures.

I do not understand why our Indian Lords were passive/apathetic when active aggressive Lord Nazir Ahmed successfully organised anti Modi demonstration. If British government permitted Lord Nazir to organise demonstration to insult India’s Prime Minister, Indian Lords must have initiated counter demonstration or at least voiced strong opposition to Lord Nazir’s patent malafide intentions. Everyone in Parliament campus knew in advance about Lord Nazir organising a demonstration, but Indian Lords did not raise a finger.

Rapid action by various Indian organisations denotes shift of younger generation from meek observers to result oriented aggression. British government and police/ law and order personnel must also note total absence of any sort of violence by Indians, on the spot or later. Compare this with violence by culprits, who were supposed to win sympathy of British government and public. Their violence have proved harmful to their cause.

But that does not mean any punitive action will be taken by British government or police. There is no indication that police will scan the video, identify the culprits, and prosecute them. There is also no indication that Indian’s High Commissioner or government of India will ask for punitive action by British authority. To me file will remain open with no one booked for punishment.

Older generation of Indians are easily placated by lip sympathy, but I hope youthful top brass Indians will press the matter till satisfactory result is achieved, even if Indians in House of Lords have to be pulled in this endeavor.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Long live the Queen

Last week, on 21 April, HM the Queen celebrated her 92nd birthday. She celebrates two birthdays every year. Her actual birthday is on 21 April and her official birthday on the second Saturday in June. This year it falls on 9 June. She has now ruled the country for over 66 years.

After witnessing many tragedies in her personal life during her reign, what with the untimely death of her daughter-in-law and her sister, she had some comfort when she participated in the wedding of her grandson and celebrated her diamond jubilee on the throne few years ago.

We, Asians from the East African countries, should be particularly grateful to her, for it was during her rule that we found shelter in this country after being expelled by the ruthless ruler like Idi Amin of Uganda. On this special occasion let us wish her well.

Having spoken with Her Majesty a couple of times at Royal Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace which I had the privilege to attend at the invitation of the Lord Chamberlain, I must say that I was struck by the grace and dignity with which she carried herself.

I also had the privilege of speaking with Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister, when she made a whistle stop visit to my place of work at the then Department of Education and Science accompanied

by Margaret Thatcher, who was at the time Education Secretary, and she too oozed charm and dignity.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

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The Bard of Bengal

Whilst working as a financial accountant in 1966 my husband was presented with GITANGALI by the departing chief accountant. We were overwhelmingly touched and treasured the memory and book dearly. The most acclaimed book of sensitive and beautifully written poems by our Shree Ravindranath Tagor, The Nobel laureate for literature in 1913, the first Indian and Non-European to receive the honour.

He published his first book of short stories at the age of 16yrs. He wrote 8 novels and 4 novellas, Chaturanga, Sheshner, Kobita, Ghere Baira which criticize rising nationalism and religious zeal in the Swadesh movement. In addition to GITANGALI he wrote further collection of 4 books of poetry. He was prolific writer of songs who wrote 2230 songs with lyrics and Ragas. Furthermore, he travelled tirelessly to many countries and wrote travelogues. In the later years he also took up painting, the credible work was displayed in the exhibitions in Europe including London and Paris.

The creation of his song JAN GAN MAN ADHINAYAK was approved by a committee and U.N. as our National Anthem, his song Amar Shonar Bangla is the National Anthem of Bangaladesh and SriLanka`s National Anthem was inspired by his song.

Though he ridiculed the Swadeshi movement, he opposed Imperialism and supported Indian nationalists. He was key in resolving Gandhi-Ambedkar dispute regarding separate vote for untouchables.

Following Jallianwala bag massacre Tagore renounced his knighthood.

Born in a wealthy family, his father wanted him to be a barrister and enrolled him at a public school in Brighton where he owned a house but Tagor only stayed there for several months and left to graduate independently. It is an honour to pay homage to our Ravindranath Tagor, one of the greatest writers, on his birthday, 7th of May. Ila Kapadia By email

Peace in our life time?

Who can forget these famous words uttered by British PM Neville Chamberlain, waving a piece of paper he signed with Hitler, “An Anglo German Declaration” on 30th September 1938, also known as “Munich Agreement.” In less than a year, Hitler invaded Poland and France and Britain declared war on Germany. Some sceptic compares the declaration by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un to make Korean peninsula a nuclear free zone and to live in peace and harmony with South Korea, empty words not worth the paper it is written on, of no more than ironic value! Scrutinizing Kim’s past history, his ruthless elimination of anyone who may pose slightest threat to his regime, including murder of his half-brother and uncle, makes it difficult to trust such a tyrant. No one can doubt that Kim is the World’s most enigmatic and ruthless leader.

Then Kim is no Hitler and North Korea is certainly no Germany, one of the mightiest nations in Europe.

Even after WW2 devastation, Germany is today workhorse of Europe and one of the richest nation on earth. Sometimes we may wonder who actually triumphed in WW2! Now that Kim has cemented his position as “The Supreme Leader” in charge of “Workers’ Party”, perhaps he may be ready for peace, progress and to improve living standard of his long suffering people. Kim was educated in Switzerland where he spent some fruitful time. So he is familiar with Western democracy, capitalism and the high living standard people in the West enjoy, compared to his own country where people struggle to put three square meals on the table. He is also aware of South Korea’s economic might, freedom and democracy.

It seems South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in believes that it is possible to have cordial relations with Kim, especially after his declaration that he would close nuclear testing site in front of “International Observers” and will never use nuclear weapons against South or even US. Perhaps meeting between Kim and Trump will clarify the situation one way or another!

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

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NHS recruitment crisis

It was shocking news to know that the Home Office refused to issue visas to 100 Indian doctors who were recruited for the NHS to relieve pressure on the health services in 30 NHS trusts in the north west of England. NHS directors revealed limits on the number of non-EU doctors have led to longer waiting lists for patients. UK Chief executive of NHS Employers Danny Mortimer told the BBC since December there were 400 cases of blocked visas of overseas doctors.

There are currently 100,000 vacancies across England in the NHS, and 234 in acute, ambulance and mental health trusts. This is an absurd situation when there is such a chronic shortage of doctors, nurses and support staff in the NHS, the Home Office has become an stumbling block for the long suffering patients. This action does not make any sense, to cope with the immediate requirement. So the Home office need to look urgently into this matter and not get bogged down by red tape and bureaucratic hurdles. They have to give top priority to issuing the visas to fill in the much needed vacancies of doctors and nurses. The standard of medical care is deteriorating and NHS is struggling to cope with growing and changing pressures.

GPs are another in-demand specialty, with The Independent revealing numbers fell by 1,000 fulltime staff despite a pledge to increase them by 5,000 by 2020. Professor Martin Marshall, vice chair for external affairs at the Royal College of GPs, said: “These BMA findings are the latest example of how desperate we are for more doctors and other healthcare professionals across the health service, and more funding for general practice and the NHS generally.

Dr Nagpaul added: “As doctors, we want to be able to provide the best possible care for patients, but access and quality of care are being affected by staffing and financial pressures.

What is needed now is long term planning and proper funding of the NHS. The present situation is not sustainable and conducive for running a good health service.

Baldev Sharma Rayners Lane, Harrow.

Change of spelling in surname

Mr Nehru's the only daughter Indira's surname 'Nehru' was changed to 'Ghandy' the surname of her husband Firoze - a Zoroastrian Parsi - who changed it to 'Gandhi' simply by changing the spelling, as it is said, for political reasons. It is quite distinct from Mahatma Gandhi's surname and religion.

Due to Firoze's eldest son Rajiv's marriage to a Christian lady Sonia, and, in turn, their daughter Priyanka's marriage to Robert Vadra, a Christian by religion, it seems that their son Rahul naturally tends to be leaning towards Christianity.

As such, in an indigenous Hindu society his recent visits to Hindu temples, while he himself being beef eating non-vegetarian, claiming to be a Brahmin wearing Janoi - a sacred thread - are prone to many questions regarding his sincerity ; more over his mother Sonia, being an I.N.Congress leader, had made blaspheme negating the existence of the Hindu Lord Rama, and thereby Setu pool( Setu bridge) built

by Him. It was observed by many that once in a Congress conference Rahul, under the false idea of successor to Nehru dynasty, craving for the post of PM of India, had become over-zealous in announcing delivery of more cheap gas bottles to the needy in presence of PM Manmohan Singh, who was shocked by the encroachment of his authority which was felt being remitted. He totally lacks governmental administrative experience, and, yet, his supporters who are themselves experienced and dynamic enough to replace him,install him as their leader degrading themselves,as they cannot make claim to be descendants of Nehru dynasty in any way.

Mahatma Gandhi had told to disperse I.N.Congress after independence to save the country from being governed by undemocratic principle.

Mr Modi's government is best suited for broader democracy and overall progress, as he has no low and selfish motives.

R.N.Patel By email (See page 8 - As I See It)

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Bright Little Stars Nursery celebrates 5th anniversary with prestigious guests

11

5th May 2018

Asian Voice is your Voice Help us to make it even better Dear Friends, My name is Dipali Limbachia and I am a final year journalism student at the University of Westminster.

I am doing work experience at Asian Voice/Gujarat Samachar and I am carrying out market research. It would really help me if you could kindly take out a few minutes of your valuable time and fill out this questionnaire. Not only will this improve the quality of our newspapers, but it will allow me to understand the people I will be writing for in the next couple of weeks.

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BLS Directors with Lord Popat of Harrow and Lord Agnew, Minister and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education

On Wednesday 25th April 2018, Bright Little Stars Nursery celebrated their 5th Anniversary with a reception and Afternoon Tea at the House of Lords bringing together key individuals from across the early years sector.

Hosted by Lord Popat of Harrow and bustling with prestigious guests, the afternoon was a wonderful way to celebrate the achievements of the nursery group. Speeches were made by Lord Popat of Harrow, Amol Devani (Director and Co-Founder of Bright Little Stars), Lord Agnew (Minister and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education) and Purnima Tanuku OBE (NDNA Chief Executive).

Also in attendance was well known Early Years expert Penny Tassoni,

Baroness Dorothy Thornhill MBE, local Members of Parliament for all the nurseries and many Heads of local Schools.

Purnima Tanuku OBE said “It is a challenging time for the Early Years sector at the moment and to deliver high quality takes a lot of investment and commitment.

Congratulations to Bright Little Stars on this wonderful occasion.”

Opened in 2013, Bright Little Stars Nursery group aims to provide exceptional care and learning whilst supporting each child to reach their own individual potential in a happy, healthy and safe learning environment. Bright Little Stars respect children as individuals and encourage them to follow their ethos of truth, love and compassion. The unique Bright Little Stars Learning Programme, purpose built

modern facilities, generous outdoor provisions and on-site freshly prepared food makes this nursery group one of the most renowned in North West London.

Over the last 5 years Bright Little Stars have cared for almost 1000 children, created 150 jobs, been recognised for providing Outstanding Early Years Care and Education

by Ofsted and acknowledged for making a real impact on the lives of the children we care for and our staff teams and parents through winning ‘The Teresa Graham CBE People Award’.

Speaking about the Early Rears Sector during the event, the Directors of Bright Little Stars said, “We are an integral part of the UK economy, our local communities and educators for the future of our nation.”

Critical window for learning a language There is a critical cut-off age for learning a language fluently, according to research. If you want to have native-like knowledge of English grammar, for example, you should ideally start before age 10, say the researchers.

People remain highly skilled learners until 17 or 18, when ability tails off.

The findings, in the journal Cognition, come from an online grammar test taken by nearly 670,000 people of different ages and nationalities.

The grammar quiz was posted on Facebook to get enough people to take part. Questions tested if participants could determine whether a sentence written in English, such as: "Yesterday John wanted to won the race," was grammatically correct.

Users were asked their age and how long they had been learning English, and in what setting - had they moved to an Englishspeaking country, for example? About 246,000 of the people who took the test had grown up speaking only English, while the

rest were bi- or multilingual. The most common native languages (excluding English) were Finnish, Turkish, German, Russian and Hungarian.

Most of the people who completed the quiz were in their 20s and 30s. The youngest age was about 10

and the oldest late 70s.

When the researchers analysed the data using a computer model, the best explanation for the findings was that grammarlearning was strongest in childhood, persists into teenage years and then drops at adulthood.

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MEDIA WATCH

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5th May 2018

Indian politics witnessed a new farce engineered by the Congress party and its allies – the move to impeach the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Dipak Misra. The constitutional procedure requires that the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) approve the measure before it can go further. Rajya Sabha Speaker and Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu quashed the resolution, ending, thereby, the ill advised caper. Curiously, the Congressled resolution against Chief Justice Misra was bereft of the signatures of its two foremost senior leaders, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and former finance minister and Venkaiah Naidu home minister P. Chidambaram.

Addressing a group of lawyers, Mr Venkaiah Naidu said his decision was ‘timely and not a hasty one,’ and followed a month of due diligence. ‘I have done the just thing in the best possible manner expected of me, he was quoted as saying. Mr Naidu defended his stand, it being in ‘strict conformity with the provisions of the Constitution and the Judges (inquiry) Act of 1968.’

Judges seek harmony Differences between the four most senior Justices of the Supreme Court, Justices Jasti Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi,, MadanLokur and Kurien Joseph, who had differences with the Chief Justice’s ways of functioning, decided to come together and resolve these issues in the larger interest of the court they have the privilege and honour to represent. The Justices proposed an informal meeting be held for a free and frank exchange of ideas to improve the court’s ‘institutional strength.’ The contending parties, it would appear, have been shaken by recent developments leading to the demand for Chief Justice Misra’s impeachment. One must hope that their forthcoming deliberation yield the desired results (Hindu April 26).

Villain brought to justice

parties, the self-styled godman, Asaram Bapu was sentenced last week by a Special Court in Rajasthan to life imprisonment with no remission until his death. Two of his close associates were sentenced to 20 years in jail. The evidence against Asaram Bapu was damning, and it is unlikely that appeals to the higher courts will save him from the sentence pronounced upon him by the Special Court. There is much to ponder on this case, not least the vast network of irregular power wielded by politicians of every stripe (Hindu, Times of India April 26).

IAF exercise elicits Chinese praise The Indian Air Force’s recent exercise, Gagan Shakti, the most ambitious in its scope and territorial range in IAF history appears to have attracted the attention of China’s state media, the only show in town. A report in Zhaizao stated that the scale of the operation matched that of the United States of America and was thus no mean feat. The bald facts that 1,100 aircraft, surveillance planes, air refuellers, helicopters, AWACS etc required a serious Chinese reassessment of India’s military capabilities, developed over the past ten years. A broad translation of the Zhaizao reads: ‘We cannot but affirm India’s progress during these years . In 2008, India had said that the

LCA R&D fructifying India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas, which had taken decades to conceptualize and develop and attracted widespread domestic criticism on cost and timeline has developed a formidable platform of engineers and technicians. The Gagan Shakti exercise, the Chinese report explained, was to test the IAF’s capability to sustain a ‘short, intense and swift’ war of the future. ‘In terms of scale, magnitude, timeframe, geography, and activation of component of the IAF’s fighting machine, Gagan Shakti 2018 was a monumental one, where the entire range of IAF assets including light, medium and heavy variants of various aircraft were used. It is clearly the simulation of a swift, intense and short two-front conflict. It is not just an exercise but an actual real- time simulation of a war, ‘ said retired Air Vice Marshal Kapil Kak (Asian Age April 18).

TCS entry into $100bn club confirmed Speculation and rumour became established fact with the official announcement that the crown jewel of the Tata Group, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s foremost IT giant had joined the $100 billion market capitalization club, becoming the first Indian company to do so.

Media acclaim was both warm and broad-based. TCS reached its pinnacle 14 years after it had listed its shares on August 25, 2004 to reach its present position. During the past several years, TCS has opened a substantial gap between its nearest Indian rival, Infosys , having added $10,9 billion in revenue today, compared to $1.46 billion it enjoyed in 2008.

Digital key TCS CEO Rajesh Gopinathan said: ‘Digital is at the core and we see increasing traction in it.

Enterprises are moving from experimenting with digital on the periphery to adopting it at the core. And that is a different ball game compared to early adoption of digital. The full spectrum of services has positioned us beautifully in this space.’

(Business Line, Economic Times, Times of India, Mint, Hindu April 24).

Infosys charts turnaround

Arrested godma Asaram Bapu with police escort at Jodhpur jail

A Rasputin-life figure, accessory to murder and extortion, a rapist of young girls in his ashram, wielder of extraordinary power and authority through his access to senior politicians and racketeers from the major

operation availability of its frontline Sukhoi-30MKI in 2008 was 50 per cent of the fleet, now it had reached 90 per cent, which demonstrates the improvement of its maintenance and logistics systems.

Infosys new CEO Salil Parekh has charted a three-year timeline to restore the company’s previous pre-eminence in software. ‘The first year in fiscal 2019 will be to stabilize. The second year, we will start to build momentum. And in the third year, we will start to accelerate.’

These include looking at new markets in Europe’s Nordic north, Canada and Latin America, and building a team of leaders to help the company bag mega IT orders, that is larger than $500 million. The benchmark has been laid out by the man at the helm. Watching the result promises to be fascinating. Two mega IT

companies waving the flag for India is assuredly better than one, with others hopefully joining the queue into the future (Mint, Business Line April 24).

Nokia to focus on North-East Mobile phone maker Nokia of Finland, which re-entered the Indian market in June 2017, is looking for faster growth by focusing on the small towns of the North-East, which includes Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Sikkim.

The company has been ramping up its distribution network, particularly in smaller towns, said Amit Goyal, the regional Business Head (Business Line April 25).

Start-ups the future US-based NVIDIA’s inception programme, a virtual accelerator that supports 2,800 deep learning and and Artificial Intelligence (AI)start-ups globally, has built up a base of 200 start-ups in India, in less than two years, Arjun Dutt, Director, Inception, N VIDIA spoke to reporters on how these start-ups were selected and supported, and his long-term vision for the programme.

Arjun Dutt said: ‘Our belief is that the next giant corporations are going to come out of this pool of start-ups today…. AI is the future and some of these entrepreneurs … will become incredibly successful and scale up at an unprecedented level.’

(Business Line April 21).

2.2 million jobs in Sept-Feb India’s economy added 2.2 million jobs between September 2017 to February 2018, according to payroll data released by the Employees Provident Fund Organization and National Pension System for the first time, bolstering the government’s credentials on job creation (Economic Times April 26).

Hyderabad Metro stations parking complexes Hyderabad Metro stations are to get multi-level parking complexes in public-private

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partnership mode.

The municipal administration is coordinating work on the project by bringing together the different departments to avoid bottlenecks (Business Line April 27).

IIT Kanpur to build cyber security system Government has awarded a Rs33.4-crore contract to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur to conceptualize and build a robust blockchainbased digital platform and software that can be used by the central and state government departments for transparent eGovernment initiatives. The is to be executed by a team led by Manindra Agrarwal, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT-Kanpur (Business Line April 27).

Russia offers India MiG-35 With reports coming in of possible US economic sanctions against India on account of its defence ties with Russia and Indian concerns, leading to a strong protest to the Trump administration, Russia’s offer of its latest model MiG-35 with advanced avionics and weapon systems. Ilya Tarasenko, Director

MiG-35 warplane

General, ISC, Russian Aircraft Corporation, was in New Delhi hoping to tender for the Indian Air Force’s requirement for 110 state-of –the-art warplanes to make up for its depleting squadrons. Apart from supplying the aircraft, the company was willing to transfer the plane’s entire technology on a local platform to conform to the government’s ‘Make in India’ programme. This is best served by making up the mind expeditiously, as time is of the essence (Business Line April 27) See Comment Page 3.

Modi-Xi Summit encouraging

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President Xi Jinping in Wuhan

The Wuhan Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese P:resident Xi Jinping was an encouraging exercise, with Mr Modi inviting President Xi to visit India next year to continue the informal dialogue. (See Comment page 3).

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A man for the job Sajid at the home office Continued from page 1 His rise in politics is often believed to be an example of Britain’s true multiculturalism.He received the Cabinet Minister of the Year Award at the 12th Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards, hosted by Asian Voice newsweeklies at the House of Commons on 1 March 2018. Speaking at the awards, about UK and its diversity he said, “(Britain is) a country that just does not celebrate diversity but we actively thrive on the diversity of our country. “...I want to dedicate this award to my parents and also your parents, because its our parents and sometimes our grandparents that left our homes long time ago, took great risks to come to this country and built not only a better future for themselves, but their children and grandchildren. Today is the opportunity, to remember our heroes, which are our parents.”

Though he himself experienced bouts of racism in the past, Mr Javid described Britain as the "world's most tolerant country", adding "if you have talent, colour and gender is less important".

He backed the Remain campaign like Prime Minister Theresa May during the referendum campaign and is a father of four who reportedly made more than £20 million during his high-flying banking career, which took him round the globe. But the 48-year-old turned to politics after that to "give something back" to the British society.

Outside politics, he has a long track record of fundraising, including £710,000 in one go, for the Disasters Emergency Committee and heading up a trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro for Help the Aged.

Mr Javid and India connections Mr Javid has made several visits to India and also interacted with the Indian functionaries in his previous role in the Departments of culture and business. He was also closely involved in developments related to the sale of Tata Steel’s operations in Britain.

The Minister's father Abdul Ghani is originally from India and his mother from Pakistan. A bus driver, his father arrived in Britain in 1961 fwith just £1 in his pocket and earned the nickname "Mr Night and Day" because he worked all hours.

"My dad lived through

Theresa May and Sajid Javid

the winter of discontent and used to vote Labour, but switched to Thatcher, saying, 'look how she's sorting out the country'. I agreed," he told the Mail on Sunday in an interview.

The family lived in Rochdale before moving to Bristol, where Mr Javid attended Downend School, a comprehensive, before going on to study politics and economics at Exeter University.

What does this appointment mean for the ethnic minority?

Amber Rudd was the fifth Cabinet Minister to resign after Prime Minister Theresa May formed her minority government following the 2017 general elections. One of them was Priti Patel, who left following her unauthorised meetings with Israeli officials while on a holiday.

Speaking at the House of Commons right after replacing the former Home Secretary, Mr Javid reportedly said, “I think the terminology (hostile environment) is incorrect. It's a phrase that is unhelpful and does not represent our values as a country.” His appointment could shift the balance in the Cabinet on Brexit.

Mrs Rudd was forced to be a human shield for Mrs May. She was bound to defend the Prime Minister's record from her time at the Home Office.

Mrs May has of course made a sensible move by choosing Sajid Javid as her replacement. He is more open minded on immigration than the Prime Minister and he should be able to ensure his tenure is not defined by Mrs May's legacy at the department which was focussed on bringing net migration down to the 'tens and thousands'. The diaspora hopes he would argue that international students are taken out of the net migration statistics that and will focus on promoting something that drives economic prosperity, rather than hitting arbitary targets. The Home Office should also find better ways of tracking who resides in the UK, through exit checks or

identity database.

The fact that Mrs May has appointed Mr Javid as Britain's first Asian Home Secretary means she knows how damaging the recent revelation have been both for her and her party.

In an interview, Mr Javid has recognised the concern that ethnic minority voters have about the Conservatives. He reportedly said, “I do accept that there may be ethnicminority voters [for whom] that will cause them concern. “Please look at the response to Windrush, and the apology, in terms of trying to put things right.

"And, secondly, the bigger picture about how this Government has been committed to trying to deal with the injustices in society, some of which matter more to people from ethnic minorities.

"It felt very personal to me as well and that’s why I’m pleased that as soon as it came to light, that the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary in particular acted so decisively.”

Mr Javid also led criticism of Donald Trump's immigration ban, saying: "These are not British values".

Liberal Democrat leader Dr Vince Cable and Home Affairs spokesperson Ed Davey have already written to the new Home Secretary to protect people’s fundamental rights when their data is being processed for immigration purposes.

Many immigration decisions are overturned at appeal because the Home Office has made mistakes. But the bill puts at risk the right for individuals to see what information the Home Office holds on them and the Lib Dems are pressuring the government to make a concession on this point.

The letter also urges the Home Secretary to publish a Foreign Office report that allegedly shows Philip Hammond warned the Home Office about possible deportations of the Windrush generation in April 2016, when Theresa May was the Home Secretary.

13

5th May 2018

The broken immigration system is much more than one person

Maria Fernandes Vaz

The broken immigration system is much more than one person. Amber Rudd may have gone but the problem that the Government faces is its own policies and an inefficient Home Office that appears never to be accountable for its mistakes.

Although appeals have been slashed, the proportion of successful appeals still stands at 40% and is indicative of the fact that there is a significant lapse in effective decision making. What has happened to the Windrush generation is just the tip of a very deep iceberg. The problem is that the Government lost their humanity a long time ago. Remember the bus that went round the country telling people they had to go or Capita given a contract to harass individuals on a daily basis?

What is worrying is the process that is currently followed in relation to perfectly legal applicants. The Home Office has become a business, albeit a poorly run one, in which premium fees are paid to fast track applications that are not fast racked at all.

The guidance provides a list of documents that should be provided in support of applications yet

applications are routinely refused for reasons that are purely in the mind of the officers concerned and could not have been anticipated.

The drive to decide without requesting evidence is routine in this Department.

There is more than a suspicion that applications are refused, with no accountability by senior Managers, in order to attract fresh fees.

What is particularly worrying is the fact that applications for Entrepreneurs, our much needed investors, are refused for petty reasons in some cases following interviews by inexperienced officials. The success rate of such applications has plummeted on the basis that this category is “abused” although there is no concrete evidence produced of this. One suspects that this is in order to soften up the case for getting rid of this category completely. There is a serious disconnect between what the Government says it wants, ie more investment and what the Home Office does.

Another area of concern which is a bubbling volcano concerns sponsor licences.

Officers who attend visits of employers in order to decide whether they are compliant with the regulations take it upon themselves to make

value judgments about what employers should or should not do, often with very little experience of business or an understanding of cultural issues which do exist in business run by Asians. The system is geared towards shutting down smaller businesses and it works very efficiently in doing its job.

The worst aspect of this are the allegations that employers are “cheating” the system because they have not followed practices akin to bigger businesses. The only recourse for employers is judicial review which has a high bar. It cannot investigate the merits but merely the reasonableness of the decision. It is an expensive and time consuming process and employers do not want the costs or distraction of proceedings.

As for visitors, there is no process at all to review a wrong decision other than through judicial review. Not even an administrative review. Bad decision making is allowed to continue with impunity.

And so the list goes on.

Until the next scandal. And the next. And the next.

Maria Fernandes Vaz is an Immigration Lawyer at the Fernandes Vaz Solicitors.

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Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

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TLIGHT

TWO BROWN GIRLS

Sunetra Senior

one's life. It would make sense then that since the success of their buzzing blog, our two resident Creators of the boldly named culbrown girls have also gone on to tural blog, Two Brown Girls, best affect ‘real-life’ social initiatives friends and professional duo, and concrete, grass-roots change.

Aaminah and Seetal, have used Approached by New Jersey City the booming digital era to address University to fly out and speak in the contemporary issue of an New York, and then shortly by underdeveloped cultural quandary: “Seetal and I met at SAYA – South Asian Youth Action university, which is a very experia new journey began for Aaminah mental time,” Aaminah told us. and Seetal into official funding Along with the usual worries, curioswhich allowed them to conduct ity and self-reflection talks, conversational workthat comes with being in shops in schools and panel one’s early twenties, the discussions for the more mature public. This aspect of girls found themselves their thriving project is aptly “at odds with a western dubbed: ‘Forward Culture’. secular environment “We are speaking to young while trying to reconcile people to encourage multicultheir traditional South tural discussion early on, being Asian heritage.” The only proactive about our ideas. We two visibly ‘brown’ women in their halls, discuss topics such as: the they “found the few generational gap between chilAsian women that they dren and parents, modern did meet were struggling South Asian attitudes towards to bridge that gap of livsex and relationships and the ing in the perceived West way our culture views difficult and being able to flaunt topics such as mental health.” their colourful heritage.

Thus, these two vibrant Seetal and I wanted to thinkers not only claim a find a way to allow these deeply personal selfhood but develop the sociological women to feel more consphere through the innovative fident about their heruse of tech. Among the online itage while staying in entrepreneurship and practical touch with the present.” problem-solvers come these This came through the emotional blueprint of conceptually conscious crecelebration. Using the atives whose sole aim is to blogging and social connect people by meaningfulmedia site, Tumbler, ly connecting them to themAaminah and Seetal selves. “We might be producing gradually established a a more dynamic view of diverplatform that allowed “other imagisity in the media,” Aaminah concludnative, outspoken and intelligent ed. “For example, we’re showing South Asian women to come togethwomen with headscarves, and differer and embrace their Indian identity” ent skin colours in adverts and the via a variety of original ways. South media, but there is still some way to go. There are still western conAsian women across the fines on ideas of minority world could share and be There beauty, though the coninspired by “thoughts cept as a whole is becomon issues that were are still ing trendier: though unique to them such western confines you have people of as colourism within on ideas of minority diverse backgrounds, the community or seeing artwork beauty, though the one still needs to be hairless, dark but not such as Mendi concept as a whole ‘too dark’ and you designs on Nike can’t be too open about trainers. We ended is becoming individual political up having a forum trendier views. The next step is to that could unite smash entire stereotypes.

South Asian women This can only happen when we across the globe.” As is have more minority women in evident in the multitude of power.” Good then to know that our beautiful, stylish images on their future potential leaders are in strong website, the girls also introduced elements of subjectively incisive and agile hands. fashions and music into their online dialogue: “I think we are always Some people feel identity disevolving,” they told us. “Modern course can be regressive, even those trends and wider issues need to be who identify as liberal. Do you have incorporated into the anchor of traa comment? dition. Culture is not stagnant. The Personally, this doesn’t make socio-political landscape is always sense. If you look at historic social morphing and we’re not always in structures, human beings have the same position as our ancestors. always existed within groups: it’s a Post-Brexit etc. we will find ourperfectly acceptable way of being. selves with new challenges that must Those who lean towards the idea of be addressed in order to really move ‘one culture’ are not accommodating for specific needs. It’s not about diviforwards.” sion but seeing nuance and creating *** personal empowerment. Different cultural groups have varying conIndeed, to be progressive is to be cerns. There’s no point in denying authentic: for both ideology and race – it’s about saying: ‘I can see

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UK The Chattri in Brighton to mark 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War and is therefore, a significant milestone in our homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.

The Chattri Memorial Group has organised a Memorial Service at The Chattri, in remembrance of the Indian Soldiers who were cremated in Brighton during the First World War. The memorial is unique and the commemoration is believed to be the only one of its kind in Britain. This service is due to take place

line with religious custom.

In August 1915, soon after the last cremations at the ghat site, a lieutenant in the Indian Medical Service and the Mayor of Brighton, Sir John Otter, planned the establishment of a memorial to the soldiers who had died in Brighton. Lt Das Gupta made the proposal, but Otter took on the project almost single-handedly; after leaving his position as Mayor he chaired Brighton's Indian Memorials Committee.

In December 1915 he made a proposal to the

on Sunday 10th June 2018 at 2.30 pm at the Chattri, Patcham, Standen Lane, Brighton including prayers and laying of wreaths. An exhibition which traces the role of the soldiers from India to the Western Front will be on display too.

India was part of the British Empire during the First World War, and more than 800,000 Indian soldiers fought for the Allied Powers. Some 12,000 troops were brought over from the Western Front and hospitalised in Brighton to recover from their wounds. Three were established in Brighton.

In December 1914, 345 injured soldiers were transported to Brighton by train and were transferred to the hospitals. The King and Queen, Mayor of Brighton, Chief Constable of Brighton and other dignitaries visited frequently, and careful arrangements were made at the Royal Pavilion to provide for the different dietary and other cultural requirements of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims.

Although the great majority of soldiers recovered from their injuries, some died. Muslim men who died were taken to the Shah Jahan mosque in Woking, Surrey, and buried in accordance with Islamic tradition in a new cemetery. The bodies of 53 Hindus and Sikhs were taken to a remote location high on the South Downs above Brighton, where a ghat (funeral pyre) was built so they could be cremated and their ashes scattered in the English Channel. This funeral rite was again carried out in

India Office for a memorial on the ghat site and another in Brighton town centre; Sir Austen Chamberlain, the Secretary of State for India agreed this in February 1916, the land on which the ghat stood, and the immediate area around it, was transferred to the ownership of Brighton County Borough. At the same time, the India Office agreed to share the cost of building and erecting the memorial with Brighton Corporation.

Funds were raised during 1917. A young Indian architect E. C. Henriques from Mumbai, who was completing his studies in England designed The Chattri; Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, provided guidance. The Chattri was unveiled on 1 February 1921 by Edward, Prince of Wales.

By the 1930s, the memorial had fallen into disrepair. The India Office, then liaised with the Corporation and the Imperial war Graves Commission and planned a new maintenance policy.

But the Second World War intervened, and the whole area was requisitioned by the Army. By the end of the war, The Chattri was covered with bullet holes.

After the war, the War Office agreed to pay for repairs, and The Chattri was restored to its original condition. Starting in 1951, the Royal British Legion undertook annual pilgrimages to the memorial, and also contributed to its upkeep. Although the pilgrimages ceased in 1999, the Sikh community has led a similar annual ceremony each year since 2000.

you’re a black or brown woman, let’s talk about your particular needs.’

So, in a way, stating that you’re completely ‘colour-blind’ is as generalised as a more right-wing monoculturalism?

Yes, exactly.

What’s a long-term hope for Forward Culture?

Continuing to foster sisterhood and help springboard creative and intelligent South-Asian women. It would also be great to lead longer workshops.

Aaminah, tell us a bit about your background and how you met. What are you both doing now?

My mother is Pakistani and from Lahore so I am a Muslim. Seetal is Sikh, Punjabi. Her family moved to Kenya before coming to the UK. We were both born and brought up in England. When we were connecting at university, it was quite organic.

Strange and right all at the same time: we were both born in the same hospital in East London! We got on as if a house on fire: we lived together for both our second and third years. As well as the Two Brown Girls project, I am a part-time Arabic teacher. Seetal is training in Kathak dancing and is a freelance digital marketer. She has also written for Pulse magazine.

Your Website is excellent. What can you tell other women launching social projects?

Attitudinally: be genuine. It wasn’t easy for us starting out. About 8 years ago, it wasn’t ‘cool’ to be a modern brown woman – you were either a ‘coconut’ or a ‘freshie’. We were passionate and weren’t swayed by superficial motivations such as glamour or money.

A technical tip: we live in a very visual culture so use high quality photos for a website and express yourself as creatively as you’re able.

Finally, what’s your advice to young women who might be feeling culturally disconnected?

Try and understand why you are feeling that way. What are you externally consuming? Perhaps you’re following too many Instagram accounts which promote a certain biased standard of beauty or correct behaviour.

You must constantly surround yourself by people and places that inspire you. That’s where you’ll find pride in culture and close the gap between background and who you are.

W: http://two-browngirls.com/

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Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

Chance for voters to make their voices heard

This Thursday saw Britain vote for the local elections, with more than 4,000 council seats up for grabs across 153 councils in England. More than 22 million citizens could register their votes in the first local elections since last year’s snap general election. The election is set to be a test of political feeling in Britain, with Labour expected to secure a victory. Make sure you all make your voices heard and vote. New rules are being rolled out in some areas for the upcoming local elections that mean voters will have to prove who they are before casting a ballot.

Constituents in Watford, Hackney, Newham, Lewisham and Tower Hamlets will also be choosing a new local authority mayor. And voters in Sheffield will be electing a “metro mayor” for the first time. In London, Labour is predicted to register its best performance for 40 years, with Jeremy Corbyn proving particularly popular among residents of the nation’s capital. The latest polls show that Corbyn’s party currently holds a 22 per cent lead over the Conservatives. Following on from last week we continue with the final list of Asian candidates in London.

Name Sukhbir Singh DHALIWAL Poonam DHILLON Sangam GUL Iman MALIK Khulique Ahmed MALIK Sukhdev Singh MARAS Renu RAJ Aqsa AHMED Zufiqar ALI Komal Absid CHAUDRI Anand Kumar RAI Koisor KHAN Tayyaba Noshin KHAN Hina MIR Mohammed UMAIR Hamid CHAKER Samia Zafar CHAUDHARY Jayawardana JASING Nigar ALI Sukhy BAHIA Puneet GREWAL Bishnu Bahadur GURUNG Parmod Kumar KAD Hanif Ahmad KHAN Daljit Singh RANDHAWA Kuldeep TAK Harleen ATWAL HEAR Harry BOPARAI Muraad Ali CHAUDHRY Shivraj Singh GREWAL Mala KAUR Surinder Singh PUREWAL Narinder Singh GREWAL Kamaljit Kaur JOHAL Gurmail Singh LAL Amrit MANN Vaibhav MISTRY Zohaib SHAN Rajinder Singh BATH Satnam Kaur KHALSA Vishal KUMAR Aniq Ahmed NAWAZ Ank RAJ Shantanu RAJAWAT Ajmer GREWAL Pritam Singh GREWAL Pras KANNAN Serena Tara LIT Nisar Ahmed MALIK Vrajeshkumar M PANDYA Vickram Singh GREWAL Afzaal Ahmad KIANI Hina KIANI Hina MALIK Syed Muzammil ALI Mohamed JARCHE Sana JARCHE Shaida Begum MEHRBAN Pawan SAUNYA Sukh SETHI Haresh BHALSOD Bandna CHOPRA Nital Viral DOSHI Adamya RAJ Jagdish Rai SHARMA Sohan Singh SUMRA Chandra Sekhar ALAPATI Henna Noor ASGHAR Daanish SAEED Salman Haroun SHAHEEN Unsa Kaiser CHAUDRI Maneesh SINGH Satvinder Pal SINGH Ranjit GILL Jilani CHOWDHURY Hamir PATEL Ketish S POTHALINGAM

Party Borough.

Labour Hounslow Labour Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Labour Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Labour Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Labour Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Labour Hounslow Labour Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Labour Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Labour Hounslow Labour Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Labour Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Labour Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Labour Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Labour Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Labour Hounslow Labour Hounslow Labour Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Labour Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Labour Hounslow Labour Hounslow Labour Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Labour Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Labour Hounslow Labour Hounslow Labour Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Labour Hounslow Green Hounslow Trade Unionist & Hounslow Socialist Coalition Conservative Hounslow Labour Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Labour Hounslow Labour Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Labour Hounslow Labour Hounslow Lib Dem Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Conservative Hounslow Labour Islington Lib Dem Islington Lib Dem Islington

Ward Cranford Cranford Cranford Cranford Cranford Cranford Cranford Feltham North Feltham North Feltham North Feltham North Feltham South Feltham South Feltham South Feltham South Hanworth Hanworth Hanworth Hanworth Park Hanworth Park Hanworth Park Hanworth Park Hanworth Park Hanworth Park Hanworth Park Hanworth Park Heston Central Heston Central Heston Central Heston Central Heston Central Heston Central Heston East Heston East Heston East Heston East Heston East Heston East Heston West Heston West Heston West Heston West Heston West Heston West Hounslow Central Hounslow Central Hounslow Central Hounslow Central Hounslow Central Hounslow Central Hounslow Heath Hounslow Heath Hounslow Heath Hounslow Heath Hounslow South Hounslow South Hounslow South Hounslow South Hounslow South Hounslow South Hounslow West Hounslow West Hounslow South Hounslow South Hounslow South Hounslow South Isleworth Isleworth Isleworth Isleworth Osterley & Spring Grove Osterley & Spring Grove Syon Syon Barnsbury Caledonian Canonbury

Name Party Borough Ward Alan Shan MUHAMMED Lib Dem Islington Clerkenwell Kadeema WOODBYRNE Labour Islington Clerkenwell Asima SHAIKH Labour Islington Finsbury Park Riddhi BHALLA Conservative Islington Highbury East Zak VORA Conservative Islington Hillrise Rakhia ISMAIL Labour Islington Holloway Baani SINGH Lib Dem Islington Mildway Satnam GILL Labour Islington St George’s James KANAGASOORIAM Conservative Islington St Mary’s Nurullah TURAN Labour Islington St Mary’s Muhammad Abul KALAAM Conservative Islington St Peter’s Anjna KHURANA Labour Islington Tollington Manju GREGORY Labour Kensington Abingdon & Chelsea Sharda ROZENA Labour Kensington Abingdon & Chelsea Kasim Mohamed ALI Labour Kensington Chelsea Riverside & Chelsea Nadia Elrashid NAIL Labour Kensington Colville & Chelsea Amir TAYEBI Advance Kensington Courtfield Togethe & Chelsea Deeply NANGIA Advance Kensington Holland Together & Chelsea Max CHAUHAN Conservative Kensington Queen’s Gate & Chelsea Mohammed BAKHTIAR Labour Kensington St Helen’s & Chelsea Sushi ABRAHAM Lib Dem Kingston -Berrylands Thames Raju PANDYA Conservative Kingston-Beverley Thames Tariq SHABBEER Green Kingston-Beverley Thames Khadija RAHMAN Conservative Kingston-Canbury Thames Shiraz MIRZA Lib Dem Kingston-Chessington Thames South Rowena BASS Conservative Kingston-Coombe Hill Thames Gaj WALLOOPPILLAI Conservative Kingston-Coombe Hill Thames Saleem ARIF Lib Dem Kingston-Coombe Hill Thames Lubna MAKTARI Lib Dem Kingston-Coombe Hill Thames Roy ARORA Conservative Kingston-Coombe Vale Thames Munir RAVALIA Lib Dem Kingston-Coombe Vale Thames Jamila BIBI-SARWAR Conservative Kingston-Grove Thames Deepa VENEIK Kingston IndRes Grp Kingston-Grove Thames Shahzada SAEED Green Lambeth Clapham Town Rashid NIX Green Lambeth Coldharbour Leila FAZAL Women’s Lambeth Ferndale Equality Irfan MOHAMMED Labour & Cooperative Lambeth Ferndale Samar RIAZ Lib Dem Lambeth Gipsy Hill Shiraz ENGINEER Lib Dem Lambeth Knight’s Hill Saleha Begum JAFFER Labour Lambeth St Leonard’s Ward Mahamed HASHI Labour Lambeth Stockwell Mohamed JASER Labour Lambeth Stockwell Rezina Akhtar CHOWDHURY Labour Lambeth Streatham Hill Kushal Kanak PATEL Conservative Lambeth Streatham Hill Mohammed SEEDAT Labour & Lambeth Streatham Wells Cooperative Anja THIES Green Lambeth Thornton Harvir SANGHA Green Lewisham Brockley Ward Skip AMRANI Labour Lewisham Catford South Tauseef ANWAR Labour Lewisham Crofton Park Vijay NAIDU Lib Dem Lewisham Whitefoot Sivas RANJAN Conservative Merton Abbey Muhammod Motiur RAHMAN Labour Merton Cannon Hill Laxmi ATTAWAR Labour Merton Colliers Wood Shipra GUPTA Liberal Democrat Merton Colliers Wood Quresh Shehab MUKADAM Liberal Democrat Merton Greveney Asif ASHRAF Liberal Democrat Merton Lower Morden Hamna Humayun QURESHI Conservative Merton Lower Morden Amer Najeeb LATIF Conservative Merton Village Abdul Aziz ATCHA Labour Merton West Barnes Syed Hussain AHMED Independent Newham Beckton Ayesha CHOWDHURY Labour Newham Beckton Md Fall KARIM Conservative Newham Boleyn Sayadur RAHMAN Conservative Newham Boleyn Harvinder Singh VIRDEE Labour Newham Boleyn Chisala Tiffany KUMALINGA Christian Peoples Alliance Newham Canning Town North Shaban MOHAMMED Labour Newham Canning Town North Bapu Victoria RANI Christian Peoples Allianc Newham Canning Town North Rohit Kumar DASGUPTA Labour & Cooperative Newham Canning Town South Sharmila Sundar SWARNA Christian Peoples Allianc Newham Canning Town South Rafeh AHMED Conservative Newham East Ham Central Bishwajit BAL Conservative Newham East Ham Central Sabir Ibrahim Akuji BANGLAWALA Conservative Newham East Ham Central Aisha SIDDIQAH Labour & Cooperative Newham East Ham Central Karunakaran Sugathan THEKKEPPURAYIL Labour & Cooperative Newham East Ham Central Naveed AKBAR Lib Dem Newham East Ham North Mohammed AZHARUDDIN Conservative Newham East Ham North Zuber GULAMUSSEN Labour Newham East Ham North Duraimurugan KANNAN Conservative Newham East Ham North

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Asian Voice |

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5th May 2018

Name Party Borough Firoza Ahmed NEKIWALA Labour Newham Ilyas SHARIF Conservative Newham Syed Kamal Uddin KABIR Conservative Newham Mostafizur RAHMAN Conservative Newham Lakmini Sewwandi SHAH Labour Newham Md Abdul Quadir CHOWDHURY Conservative Newham Labour & Cooperative Newham Sasha DAS GUPTA Labour & Cooperative Newham Anamul ISLAM Ariful ISLAM Conservative Newham Shaeb KHAN Conservative Newham Masihullah PATEL Labour Newham Tahmina RAHMAN Labour Newham Muhammad Abdhul ALI Labour Newham Nilufa JAHAN Labour Newham Newham Kirankumar Ramanbhai PATEL Conservative Mohammad Anisure RAHMAN Conservative Newham Mohammed Muzibar RAHMAN Labour Newham Hanif ABDULMUHIT Labour Newham Muhammad Naeemulhaq CHISHTI Conservative Newham Mushtaq HUSSAIN Labour Newham Mumtaz KHAN Labour Newham Newham Kamran QURESHI Conservative Abdul Karim SHEIKH Conservative Newham Nazir AHMED Labour Newham Pushoa Dipaklal MAKWANA Labour Newham Riaz Ahmed MIRZA Labour Newham Ravindrareddy NANDIVELUGU Conservative Newham Zillor RAHMAN Conservative Newham Kashem UDDIN Conservative Newham Ibrahim AMANJI Conservative Newham Mariam DAWOOD Labour Newham Md Afzal HOSSAIN Conservative Newham Nasima KHATUN Conservative Newham Salim PATEL Labour Newham Fokoruddin AHMED Conservative Newham Zulfiqar ALI Labour Newham Walye Ahmed Jahedi Conservative Newham Farhana FIRDOUS Conservative Newham Newham Kamran Pavel HUSSAIN Conservative Md Nazrul ISLAM Conservative Newham Rois MIAH Conservative Newham Mohammed ALI Conservative Newham Omanakutty GANGADHARAN Labour Newham Mufti Ariful ISLAM Conservative Newham Amalraj KAKUMANU Christian Peoples Alliance Shashir Raj KAKUMANU Christian Peoples Alliance Mohammad Masbah Uddin KHAN Conservative Newham Abul Kashem Mohammed ABDULLAH Conservative Newham Kash AKRAM Conservative Redbridge Jyotsna Rahman ISLAM Labour Redbridge Mohammed Khaled NOOR Labour Redbridge Hannah Amirah CHAUDHRY Labour Redbridge Mohammed Nazim UDDIN Conservative Redbridge Chowdhury Hafiz RAHMAN Labour Redbridge Labour Redbridge Gurdial Singh BHAMRA Sunita Kaur BHAMRA Labour Redbridge Pranav BHANOT Conservative Redbridge Mohammed Jamal UDDIN Labour Redbridge Zulfiqar HUSSAIN Labour Redbridge Muhammed JAVED Labour Redbridge Chaudhary Mushtaq AHMED Labour Redbridge Syed Shamshia ALI Labour Redbridge Varinder Singh BOLA Labour Redbridge Conservative Redbridge Matthew CHAUDHARY M Nirojan RAVEENDRALINGA Labour Redbridge Kris SANGANI Labour Redbridge Vanisha Surendra BHARTI SOLANKI Labour Redbridge Sanjib BHATTACHARJEE Conservative Redbridge Jeevah Daniel HARAN Conservative Redbridge Sham ISLAM Labour Redbridge Sadiq Yahub KOTHIA Labour Redbridge Namreen Battol CHAUDHRY Labour Redbridge Rash MAHAL Conservative Redbridge Kam RAI Labour Redbridge Seed Saima AHMED Labour Redbridge Mona AHSAN Conservative Redbridge Shoaib PATEL Labour Redbridge Meenakshi SHARMA Independent Redbridge Hasnain AHMED Conservative Redbridge Syed Muhammad Mustafa ALI Green Redbridge Redbridge Chaudhary Mohammed IQBAL Labour Saira Yasar JAMIL Labour Redbridge Taifur RASHID Labour Redbridge Jas ATHWAL Labour Redbridge Wilson CHOWDHRY Conservative Redbridge Ayodhiya PARKASH Labour Redbridge Tareq CHOWDHURY Labour Redbridge Baldev Singh BAINS Conservative Redbridge Amritpal Singh GILL Independent Redbridge Afsor HUSSAIN Conservative Redbridge Thavathuray JEYARANJAN Labour Redbridge Dev Raj SHARMA Labour Redbridge

Ward East Ham North East Ham North East Ham South East Ham South East Ham South Forest Gate North Forest Gate North Forest Gate North Forest Gate North Forest Gate South Forest Gate South Forest Gate South Green Street East Green Street East Green Street East Green Street East Green Street East Green Street West Green Street West Green Street West Green Street West Green Street West Green Street West Little Ilford Little Ilford Little Ilford Little Ilford Little Ilford Little Ilford Manor Park Manor Park Manor Park Manor Park Manor Park Plaistow North Plaistow North Plaistow North Plaistow South Plaistow South Plaistow South Plaistow South Wall End Wall End Wall End Newham Wall End Newham Wall End Wall End West Ham Aldborough Aldborough Barkingside Chadwell Chadwell Churchfields Clayhall Clayhall Clayhall Clayhall Clementswood Clementswood Cranbrook Cranbrook Cranbrook Cranbrook Fairlop Fairlop Fullwell Fullwell Fullwell Fullwell Fullwell Goodmayes Goodmayes Goodmayes Ilford Town Ilford Town Ilford Town Ilford Town Loxford Loxford Loxford Loxford Loxford Mayfield Mayfield Mayfield Monkhams Newbury Newbury Newbury Newbury Newbury

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Name Party Borough Ward Mosheraf Mohammad ASHRAF Conservative Redbridge Seven Kings Sareena SANGER Labour Redbridge Seven Kings Liberal Democrat Redbridge South Woodford Nat PABLA Khayer Muhammed CHOWDHURY Labour Redbridge Valentines Farah Khanum HUSSAIN Labour Redbridge Valentines Sachin PATEL Labour Richmond Barnes upon Thames Saba SHAUKAT Conservative Richmond upon Thames Fulwell & Hampton Hill Richmond upon Thames Hampton North Harpreet Kaur GILL Labour Richmond upon Thames Heathfield Ranjeev WALIA Labour Richmond upon Thames Heathfield Buddha WEERASINGHE Conservative Richmond upon Thames South Twickenham Manju WALIA Labour Richmond upon Thames Whitton Jasmin Karen ATHWAL Labour Aman THAKAR Labour Southwark Borough & Bankside Labour & Cooperative Southwark Chaucer Sirajul ISLAM Gulnar HASNAIN Green Southwark Dulwich Village Liberal Democrat Southwark London Bridge & West Bermondsey Humaira ALI Anood Al-Samerai Liberal Democrat Southwark North Bermondsey Shahina JAFFER Labour Southwark North Bermondsey Sunil CHOPRA Labour Southwark Nunhead & Queen’s Road Jasmine ALI Labour Southwark Rye Lane Jagan DEVARAJ Green Southwark Rye Lane Conservative Southwark St George’s Kishan CHANDARANA Liberal Democrat Sutton Beddington North Nighat PIRACHA Liberal Democrat Sutton Beddington South Mo SAQUB Carshalton South & Clockhouse Anas Ahmad KHAN Labour Sutton Param NANDHA Conservative Sutton Stonecot Cumar SAHA Green Sutton Stonecot Liberal Democrat Sutton Sutton Central Ali MIRHASHEM Mukesh RAO Conservative Sutton Sutton West Liberal Democrat Sutton The Wrythe Nali PATEL Liberal Democrat Sutton Wellington South Muhammad Izhar SADIQ Ahmad Nawaz WATTOO Labour Sutton Wandle Valley Farhana AKTHER Aspire Tower Ham Bethnal Green Radia ALAM Conservative Tower Ham Bethnal Green Jamir Hussain CHOWDHURY Aspire Tower Ham Bethnal Green Md Amadul Hoque CHOWDHURYAspire Tower Ham Bethnal Green Syed Johurul HAQUE People’s AllianceTower Ham Bethnal Green Shamsul HOQUE People’s AllianceTower Ham Bethnal Green Mohammed Ahbab HOSSAIN Labour Tower Ham Bethnal Green Sirajul ISLAM Labour Tower Ham Bethnal Green Ehtasham HAQUE Labour Tower Ham Blackwall & Cubitt Abdul MALIK Aspire Tower Ham Blackwall & Cubitt Shahena NESSA People’s AllianceTower Ham Blackwall & Cubitt Mohammed Iqbal Morshed PAPPU Labour Tower Ham Blackwall & Cubitt Mohammed Aminur RAHMAN Aspire Tower Ham Blackwall & Cubitt Muhammad Bellal UDDIN Aspire Tower Ham Blackwall & Cubitt Amina ALI Labour Tower Ham Bow East Koyes Uzzaman CHOUDHURY Lib Dem Tower Ham Bow East Foyzul ISLAM Aspire Tower Ham Bow East Mahamed Ahmed ISMAIL Aspire Tower Ham Bow East Mohammed Ataur RAHMAN Aspire Tower Ham Bow East Asma BEGUM Labour Tower Ham Bow West Altaf HUSSAIN Lib Dem Tower Ham Bow West Habibur RAHMAN Aspire Tower Ham Bow West Mohammed Kamrul Islam TANIM Aspire Tower Ham Bow West Uddin Khales AHMED People’s AllianceTower Ham Bromley North Ahmed Nehad CHOWDHURY People’s AllianceTower Ham Bromley North Nazrul MANNAN Aspire Tower Ham Bromley North Mufti Mohammed MIAH Aspire Tower Ham Bromley North Zenith RAHMAN Labour Tower Ham Bromley North Islam Bodrul CHOUDHURY Aspire Tower Ham Bromley South Kabir Hussain Aspire Tower Ham Bromley South Helal UDDIN Labour Tower Ham Bromley South Ras UDDIN People’s AllianceTower Ham Bromley South Enayaat Yusuf AHMED People’s AllianceTower Ham Canary Wharf Rahman Anisur ANIS Labour Tower Ham Canary Wharf Mohammed Maium Miah TALUKDARAspire Tower Ham Canary Wharf Sadiqur BABLU Aspire Tower Ham Island Gardens Solid CHOWDHURY Aspire Tower Ham Island Gardens Shubo HUSSAIN Labour Tower Ham Island Gardens People’s AllianceTower Ham Island Gardens Abdul MANIK Mumshad AFRUZ Conservative Tower Ham Lansbury Abul Monsur Ohid AHMED Aspire Tower Ham Lansbury Shuily AKTHAR Aspire Tower Ham Lansbury Jahed CHOUDHURY Aspire Tower Ham Lansbury Kahar CHOWDHURY Labour Tower Ham Lansbury Muhammad HM Harun Labour Tower Ham Lansbury Tara HUSSAIN Lib Dem Tower Ham Lansbury Ahmed Monsur KHAN Tower Ham Lansbury Ansar Syed MIAH People’s AllianceTower Ham Lansbury Salam Abdul SHEIKH People’s AllianceTower Ham Lansbury Fakat Muhammad UDDIN People’s AllianceTower Ham Lansbury Shaheen RASHID Aspire Tower Ham Limehouse Shah Alam People’s AllianceTower Ham Mile End Asma ISLAM Labour Tower Ham Mile End Helai MIAH Aspire Tower Ham Mile End Puru MIAH Labour Tower Ham Mile End Obeaidur Mohammad RAHMAN People’s Alliance Tower Ham Mile End Mile End Sajjadur Mohammed RAHMAN People’s AllianceTower Ham Ahmed SYED Aspire Tower Ham Mile End Sufia ALAM Labour Tower Ham Poplar

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Name Party Borough Ward GUlam Kibrit CHOUDHURY Aspire Tower Ham Poplar Dulal UDDIN People’s AllianceTower Ham Poplar Rahul AMIN Labour Tower Ham Shadwell Rabina KHAN People’s AllianceTower Ham Shadwell Ana MIAH People’s AllianceTower Ham Shadwell Harun Mohammad MIAH Aspire Tower Ham Shadwell Bodruzzaman SHAMIM Aspire Tower Ham Shadwell Suluk AHMED Aspire Tower Ham Spitalfields & Banglatown Anwara ALI Conservative Tower Ham Spitalfields & Banglatown Kalam M. A. T CHOUDHURY Aspire Tower Ham Spitalfields & Banglatown Uddin Shad CHOWDURY Labour Tower Ham Spitalfields & Banglatown Omar Leema QURESHI Labour Tower Ham Spitalfields & Banglatown Sumsul TALUKDER People’s AllianceTower Ham Spitalfields & Banglatown Mahbub ALAM Aspire Tower Ham St Dunstan’s Momina BEGUM Aspire Tower Ham St Dunstan’s Dipa DAS Labour Tower Ham St Dunstan’s Zakaria Muhammad HUSSAIN People’s AllianceTower Ham St Dunstan’s Ali Shahar IMRAN People’s AllianceTower Ham St Dunstan’s Ayas MIAH Labour Tower Ham St Dunstan’s Masuma BEGUM People’s AllianceTower Ham St Kath & Wapping Abdillan Al Mohammad Mamun Aspire Tower Ham St Kath & Wapping Altab MIAH Aspire Tower Ham St Kath & Wapping Abdal ULLAH Labour Tower Ham St Kath & Wapping Uddin Akram AHMED People’s AllianceTower Ham St Peter’s Sulaman Muhammed ALIPIR Aspire Tower Ham St Peter’s Talha Abu CHOWDHURY Aspire Tower Ham St Peter’s Rahman Azizur KHAN People’s AllianceTower Ham St Peter’s Ahmed Tarik KHAN Labour Tower Ham St Peter’s Ansar Muhammad MUSTAQUIM Aspire Tower Ham St Peter’s Sabina AKHTAR Labour Tower Ham Stepney Green Ahbab MIAH People’s Alliance Tower Ham Stepney Green Akhlaqur RAHMAN People’s AllianceTower Ham Stepney Green Habibur RAHMAN Aspire Tower Ham Stepney Green Oliur RAHMAN Aspire Tower Ham Stepney Green Motin UZ-ZAMAN Labour Tower Ham Stepney Green Elaahi Mohammed Fazleh ELAAHI Aspire Tower Ham Weavers Abul Mohammed HUSSAIN Aspire Tower Ham Weavers Begum Halima SHOPNA People’s AllianceTower Ham Weavers Taj UDDIN People’s AllianceTower Ham Weavers Mahfuz Faroque AHMED Labour Tower Ham Whitechapel Uddin Shafi AHMED People’s AllianceTower Ham Whitechapel Shofor Syed ALI Aspire Tower Ham Whitechapel Suhel Shah AMEEN Labour Tower Ham Whitechapel Abud Muhammad ASAD People’s AllianceTower Ham Whitechapel Dipu JAIGIRDAR Aspire Tower Ham Whitechapel Rashid Aminur KHAN People’s AllianceTower Ham Whitechapel Ami AMLAN Green Waltham Forest Cann Hall Faiz FAIZ Lib Dem Waltham Forest Cann Hall Muhammed SHAIKH Conservative Waltham Forest Cann Hall Fatima AHMAD Conservative Waltham Forest Cathall Naheed ASGHAR Labour & Cooperative Waltham Forest Cathall Zarif ISA Conservative Waltham Forest Cathall Mostakin MIAH Conservative Waltham Forest Chapel End Shaheen Rafique Labour Waltham Forest Endlebury Shabana Dhedhi Labour Waltham Forest Forest Munish CHOPRA-EVANS Conservative Waltham Forest Hale End & Highams Park Zia-Ur REHMAN Labour Waltham Forest Hale End & Highams Park Liaquat ALI Labour Waltham Forest High Street Raja ANWAR Labour Waltham Forest High Street Shahnaz Shaheena MALIK Lib Dem Waltham Forest Higham Hill Ahsan KHAN Labour Waltham Forest Hoe Street Saima MAHMUD Labour Waltham Forest Hoe Street Rehana Begum ALI-RAHMAN Labour & CooperativeWaltham Forest Larkswood Shumon ALI-RAHMAN Labour & CooperativeWaltham Forest Larkswood Masood AHMAD Labour & CooperativeWaltham Forest Lea Bridge Zeshan AHMED Lib Dem Waltham Forest Lea Bridge Mohammad ASGHAR Labour & CooperativeWaltham Forest Lea Bridge Irfan KHADIM Conservative Waltham Forest Lea Bridge Jemima MIAH Lib Dem Waltham Forest Lea Bridge Was Ul-Farooq QURESHI Lib Dem Waltham Forest Lea Bridge Mohammed SHAIKH Conservative Waltham Forest Lea Bridge Farooq QURESHI Lib Dem Waltham Forest Leyton Muhammad Afzal CHOUDHRY Lib Dem Waltham Forest Leytonstone Saima ISLAM Conservative Waltham Forest Markhouse Johar KHAN Labour Waltham Forest Markhouse Asim MAHMOOD Labour Waltham Forest Markhouse Afzal AKRAM Conservative Waltham Forest Valley Aktar BEG Labour Waltham Forest Valley Zaheer KHAN Labour Waltham Forest Valley Umar ALI Labour Waltham Forest William Morris Suleman Naseem AHMED Lib Dem Waltham Forest Wood Street Moufazzal BHUIYAN Conservative Waltham Forest Wood Street Humayan IKRAM Conservative Waltham Forest Wood Street Sadia MIRZA Lib Dem Waltham Forest Wood Street Ravi GOVINDIA Conservative Wandsworth East Putney Raaid Ahmed CASOOJEE Lib Dem Wandsworth Furzedown Mohammad MASOOD Conservative Wandsworth Roehampton & Putney Heath Mohammad Zaheer Labour Wandsworth Shaftesbury Vijay THUMAR Lib Dem Wandsworth Tooting Marium IRFAN Labour Wandsworth Wandsworth Common Yasin INAN Labour Wandsworth West Putney

17

Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

Latest predictions on what will happen and key seats to watch

Although there are no polls in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, there is plenty of action in England - with seats on about 150 councils up for grabs.

These are a mixture of metropolitan, unitary, borough and district councils. In some, all the seats are up for grabs while in others a third are being contested.

In 2014, the last time most of these seats were contested, Labour did well gaining control of six councils and adding more than 300 councillors to their ranks. In contrast, the Conservatives lost 236 seats and relinquished control of 11 councils. This means that Labour has more councils and seats to defend this time around.

Labour is defending about 75 local authorities, including Manchester City Council, where it holds 93 out of the 94 seats. The only other representative is former Lib Dem MP John Leech, who represents Didsbury West.

Other Labour strongholds being contested include Liverpool, Sandwell, Sunderland and Birmingham, where the Conservatives will be making the most of a recent bin strike.

A better indicator of Jeremy Corbyn's prospects at a general election

may come in the Midlands, the east and the south, where Labour will need to pick up seats if he is to get into Downing Street.

Councils on which the Conservatives are the largest party and which may possibly be within their grasp include Basildon, Colchester, Pendle and Portsmouth. Other results to watch out for include Peterborough, where the Conservatives are seeking to regain the control they lost following a by-election held on the same day as the general election last year.

The Liberal Democrats are defending six councils, including their Eastleigh and Cheltenham strongholds, and will be hoping to improve on their 2014 showing - at a time when they had spent four years in government with the Tories.

The Green Party says it is contesting 2,200 seats this time, more than half of the total. These include defending seats in Norwich and Solihull, where it is the official opposition party.

As for UKIP, their prospects could not be more different than four years ago, when they were riding high and about to win the largest share of the vote in the European elections.

Government plans to make people prove their identity before voting are "deeply flawed", the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) has warned.

The scheme, which is being piloted in Bromley, Gosport, Swindon, Watford and Woking for the local elections on 3 May, is designed to combat voter fraud.

But the ERS says the new system could be a "calculated effort" to make voting harder for some citizens. Voter ID fraud was "incredibly rare", it said.

The claim comes after a leaked letter from the Equality and Human Rights Commission warned the change could have a "disproportionate impact" on voters from minority groups, who may not possess appropriate ID. "With millions of people lacking the right photographic ID - and no govern-

ment plans for a universal, free alternative - this can only mean another barrier for honest voters. Mandatory voter ID is a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It's time for an evidence-based approach instead," said ERS chief executive Darren Hughes.

On Monday, Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith told the House of Commons no one would need to buy new ID documents to be able to vote.

"We already ask that people prove who they are in order to claim benefits, to rent a car or even to collect a parcel from the Post Office, so this is a proportionate and reasonable approach.

Democracy is precious and it is right to take that more robust approach to protect the integrity of the electoral process," Ms Smith told MPs.

Voter ID plans 'deeply flawed', says Electoral Reform Society

Election hopefuls with criminal records given second chance to prove their worth Would-be councillors from Labour party, in this year's local elections on Thursday 3 May, are changing their 'not so great past' to serve UK's citizens.

According to a story in The Sunday Telegraph, it includes names like Balbir Sandhu, who was imprisoned in the 80s over drugs offence and Ali Salamat, who was fined after a court heard that he failed to notify his council of earnings he received as a taxi driver. It also includes Mathew Uberoi, who was jailed for passing insider tips from a City bank and Munir Malik who stood down from the board of the Co-operative group after being accused of lying about his qualifications.

The disclosures are of course questioning their credibility as political candidates, but 34 year old Mr Uberoi, who is representing Hammersmith and Fulham addressed such concerns in a blog admitting to his conviction, stating that his three months had a “profound and lasting effect,” which promted him to turn his life around. He added, “You can turn your life around even when you have lost everything. If elected I will be using my experiences to help reduce reoffending.”

Mr Sandhu, who is standing in Derby,

spent two years in prison aged 25, after being found in possession of heroin. He said, “I got mixed with the wrong crowd one summer and it was the biggest mistake of my life.”

Mr Salamat who is a candidate in Oldham, was fined in 2007, after a court heard that he failed to notify the council on which he was a representative. At that time he was a Lib Dem Councillor and he moved to Labour thereafter. He told The Sunday Telegraph, that the allegations against her were “politically motivated” and he was a victim of “institutional racism.” Ultimately he was only convicted over a total of £15 he said.

However critics have attacked them raising questions about their suitability of a job in public offices as they were a part of series of Labour candidates who have past convictions, or been previously suspended from holding offices in the party over their behaviour. But others are of the opinion that everybody deserves a second chance. If these candidates don't reoffend or misuse their power, Labour is then doing a 'noble' job in giving them a chance to turn into a new leaf.

From London alone there are more than 700 Asian origin candidates participating in this year's local elections.

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LOCAL ELECTION

Asian Voice |

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

5th May 2018

Name Party Borough Firoza Ahmed NEKIWALA Labour Newham Ilyas SHARIF Conservative Newham Syed Kamal Uddin KABIR Conservative Newham Mostafizur RAHMAN Conservative Newham Lakmini Sewwandi SHAH Labour Newham Md Abdul Quadir CHOWDHURY Conservative Newham Labour & Cooperative Newham Sasha DAS GUPTA Labour & Cooperative Newham Anamul ISLAM Ariful ISLAM Conservative Newham Shaeb KHAN Conservative Newham Masihullah PATEL Labour Newham Tahmina RAHMAN Labour Newham Muhammad Abdhul ALI Labour Newham Nilufa JAHAN Labour Newham Newham Kirankumar Ramanbhai PATEL Conservative Mohammad Anisure RAHMAN Conservative Newham Mohammed Muzibar RAHMAN Labour Newham Hanif ABDULMUHIT Labour Newham Muhammad Naeemulhaq CHISHTI Conservative Newham Mushtaq HUSSAIN Labour Newham Mumtaz KHAN Labour Newham Newham Kamran QURESHI Conservative Abdul Karim SHEIKH Conservative Newham Nazir AHMED Labour Newham Pushoa Dipaklal MAKWANA Labour Newham Riaz Ahmed MIRZA Labour Newham Ravindrareddy NANDIVELUGU Conservative Newham Zillor RAHMAN Conservative Newham Kashem UDDIN Conservative Newham Ibrahim AMANJI Conservative Newham Mariam DAWOOD Labour Newham Md Afzal HOSSAIN Conservative Newham Nasima KHATUN Conservative Newham Salim PATEL Labour Newham Fokoruddin AHMED Conservative Newham Zulfiqar ALI Labour Newham Walye Ahmed Jahedi Conservative Newham Farhana FIRDOUS Conservative Newham Newham Kamran Pavel HUSSAIN Conservative Md Nazrul ISLAM Conservative Newham Rois MIAH Conservative Newham Mohammed ALI Conservative Newham Omanakutty GANGADHARAN Labour Newham Mufti Ariful ISLAM Conservative Newham Amalraj KAKUMANU Christian Peoples Alliance Shashir Raj KAKUMANU Christian Peoples Alliance Mohammad Masbah Uddin KHAN Conservative Newham Abul Kashem Mohammed ABDULLAH Conservative Newham Kash AKRAM Conservative Redbridge Jyotsna Rahman ISLAM Labour Redbridge Mohammed Khaled NOOR Labour Redbridge Hannah Amirah CHAUDHRY Labour Redbridge Mohammed Nazim UDDIN Conservative Redbridge Chowdhury Hafiz RAHMAN Labour Redbridge Labour Redbridge Gurdial Singh BHAMRA Sunita Kaur BHAMRA Labour Redbridge Pranav BHANOT Conservative Redbridge Mohammed Jamal UDDIN Labour Redbridge Zulfiqar HUSSAIN Labour Redbridge Muhammed JAVED Labour Redbridge Chaudhary Mushtaq AHMED Labour Redbridge Syed Shamshia ALI Labour Redbridge Varinder Singh BOLA Labour Redbridge Conservative Redbridge Matthew CHAUDHARY M Nirojan RAVEENDRALINGA Labour Redbridge Kris SANGANI Labour Redbridge Vanisha Surendra BHARTI SOLANKI Labour Redbridge Sanjib BHATTACHARJEE Conservative Redbridge Jeevah Daniel HARAN Conservative Redbridge Sham ISLAM Labour Redbridge Sadiq Yahub KOTHIA Labour Redbridge Namreen Battol CHAUDHRY Labour Redbridge Rash MAHAL Conservative Redbridge Kam RAI Labour Redbridge Seed Saima AHMED Labour Redbridge Mona AHSAN Conservative Redbridge Shoaib PATEL Labour Redbridge Meenakshi SHARMA Independent Redbridge Hasnain AHMED Conservative Redbridge Syed Muhammad Mustafa ALI Green Redbridge Redbridge Chaudhary Mohammed IQBAL Labour Saira Yasar JAMIL Labour Redbridge Taifur RASHID Labour Redbridge Jas ATHWAL Labour Redbridge Wilson CHOWDHRY Conservative Redbridge Ayodhiya PARKASH Labour Redbridge Tareq CHOWDHURY Labour Redbridge Baldev Singh BAINS Conservative Redbridge Amritpal Singh GILL Independent Redbridge Afsor HUSSAIN Conservative Redbridge Thavathuray JEYARANJAN Labour Redbridge Dev Raj SHARMA Labour Redbridge

Ward East Ham North East Ham North East Ham South East Ham South East Ham South Forest Gate North Forest Gate North Forest Gate North Forest Gate North Forest Gate South Forest Gate South Forest Gate South Green Street East Green Street East Green Street East Green Street East Green Street East Green Street West Green Street West Green Street West Green Street West Green Street West Green Street West Little Ilford Little Ilford Little Ilford Little Ilford Little Ilford Little Ilford Manor Park Manor Park Manor Park Manor Park Manor Park Plaistow North Plaistow North Plaistow North Plaistow South Plaistow South Plaistow South Plaistow South Wall End Wall End Wall End Newham Wall End Newham Wall End Wall End West Ham Aldborough Aldborough Barkingside Chadwell Chadwell Churchfields Clayhall Clayhall Clayhall Clayhall Clementswood Clementswood Cranbrook Cranbrook Cranbrook Cranbrook Fairlop Fairlop Fullwell Fullwell Fullwell Fullwell Fullwell Goodmayes Goodmayes Goodmayes Ilford Town Ilford Town Ilford Town Ilford Town Loxford Loxford Loxford Loxford Loxford Mayfield Mayfield Mayfield Monkhams Newbury Newbury Newbury Newbury Newbury

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Name Party Borough Ward Mosheraf Mohammad ASHRAF Conservative Redbridge Seven Kings Sareena SANGER Labour Redbridge Seven Kings Liberal Democrat Redbridge South Woodford Nat PABLA Khayer Muhammed CHOWDHURY Labour Redbridge Valentines Farah Khanum HUSSAIN Labour Redbridge Valentines Sachin PATEL Labour Richmond Barnes upon Thames Saba SHAUKAT Conservative Richmond upon Thames Fulwell & Hampton Hill Richmond upon Thames Hampton North Harpreet Kaur GILL Labour Richmond upon Thames Heathfield Ranjeev WALIA Labour Richmond upon Thames Heathfield Buddha WEERASINGHE Conservative Richmond upon Thames South Twickenham Manju WALIA Labour Richmond upon Thames Whitton Jasmin Karen ATHWAL Labour Aman THAKAR Labour Southwark Borough & Bankside Labour & Cooperative Southwark Chaucer Sirajul ISLAM Gulnar HASNAIN Green Southwark Dulwich Village Liberal Democrat Southwark London Bridge & West Bermondsey Humaira ALI Anood Al-Samerai Liberal Democrat Southwark North Bermondsey Shahina JAFFER Labour Southwark North Bermondsey Sunil CHOPRA Labour Southwark Nunhead & Queen’s Road Jasmine ALI Labour Southwark Rye Lane Jagan DEVARAJ Green Southwark Rye Lane Conservative Southwark St George’s Kishan CHANDARANA Liberal Democrat Sutton Beddington North Nighat PIRACHA Liberal Democrat Sutton Beddington South Mo SAQUB Carshalton South & Clockhouse Anas Ahmad KHAN Labour Sutton Param NANDHA Conservative Sutton Stonecot Cumar SAHA Green Sutton Stonecot Liberal Democrat Sutton Sutton Central Ali MIRHASHEM Mukesh RAO Conservative Sutton Sutton West Liberal Democrat Sutton The Wrythe Nali PATEL Liberal Democrat Sutton Wellington South Muhammad Izhar SADIQ Ahmad Nawaz WATTOO Labour Sutton Wandle Valley Farhana AKTHER Aspire Tower Ham Bethnal Green Radia ALAM Conservative Tower Ham Bethnal Green Jamir Hussain CHOWDHURY Aspire Tower Ham Bethnal Green Md Amadul Hoque CHOWDHURYAspire Tower Ham Bethnal Green Syed Johurul HAQUE People’s AllianceTower Ham Bethnal Green Shamsul HOQUE People’s AllianceTower Ham Bethnal Green Mohammed Ahbab HOSSAIN Labour Tower Ham Bethnal Green Sirajul ISLAM Labour Tower Ham Bethnal Green Ehtasham HAQUE Labour Tower Ham Blackwall & Cubitt Abdul MALIK Aspire Tower Ham Blackwall & Cubitt Shahena NESSA People’s AllianceTower Ham Blackwall & Cubitt Mohammed Iqbal Morshed PAPPU Labour Tower Ham Blackwall & Cubitt Mohammed Aminur RAHMAN Aspire Tower Ham Blackwall & Cubitt Muhammad Bellal UDDIN Aspire Tower Ham Blackwall & Cubitt Amina ALI Labour Tower Ham Bow East Koyes Uzzaman CHOUDHURY Lib Dem Tower Ham Bow East Foyzul ISLAM Aspire Tower Ham Bow East Mahamed Ahmed ISMAIL Aspire Tower Ham Bow East Mohammed Ataur RAHMAN Aspire Tower Ham Bow East Asma BEGUM Labour Tower Ham Bow West Altaf HUSSAIN Lib Dem Tower Ham Bow West Habibur RAHMAN Aspire Tower Ham Bow West Mohammed Kamrul Islam TANIM Aspire Tower Ham Bow West Uddin Khales AHMED People’s AllianceTower Ham Bromley North Ahmed Nehad CHOWDHURY People’s AllianceTower Ham Bromley North Nazrul MANNAN Aspire Tower Ham Bromley North Mufti Mohammed MIAH Aspire Tower Ham Bromley North Zenith RAHMAN Labour Tower Ham Bromley North Islam Bodrul CHOUDHURY Aspire Tower Ham Bromley South Kabir Hussain Aspire Tower Ham Bromley South Helal UDDIN Labour Tower Ham Bromley South Ras UDDIN People’s AllianceTower Ham Bromley South Enayaat Yusuf AHMED People’s AllianceTower Ham Canary Wharf Rahman Anisur ANIS Labour Tower Ham Canary Wharf Mohammed Maium Miah TALUKDARAspire Tower Ham Canary Wharf Sadiqur BABLU Aspire Tower Ham Island Gardens Solid CHOWDHURY Aspire Tower Ham Island Gardens Shubo HUSSAIN Labour Tower Ham Island Gardens People’s AllianceTower Ham Island Gardens Abdul MANIK Mumshad AFRUZ Conservative Tower Ham Lansbury Abul Monsur Ohid AHMED Aspire Tower Ham Lansbury Shuily AKTHAR Aspire Tower Ham Lansbury Jahed CHOUDHURY Aspire Tower Ham Lansbury Kahar CHOWDHURY Labour Tower Ham Lansbury Muhammad HM Harun Labour Tower Ham Lansbury Tara HUSSAIN Lib Dem Tower Ham Lansbury Ahmed Monsur KHAN Tower Ham Lansbury Ansar Syed MIAH People’s AllianceTower Ham Lansbury Salam Abdul SHEIKH People’s AllianceTower Ham Lansbury Fakat Muhammad UDDIN People’s AllianceTower Ham Lansbury Shaheen RASHID Aspire Tower Ham Limehouse Shah Alam People’s AllianceTower Ham Mile End Asma ISLAM Labour Tower Ham Mile End Helai MIAH Aspire Tower Ham Mile End Puru MIAH Labour Tower Ham Mile End Obeaidur Mohammad RAHMAN People’s Alliance Tower Ham Mile End Mile End Sajjadur Mohammed RAHMAN People’s AllianceTower Ham Ahmed SYED Aspire Tower Ham Mile End Sufia ALAM Labour Tower Ham Poplar

LOCAL ELECTION

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Name Party Borough Ward GUlam Kibrit CHOUDHURY Aspire Tower Ham Poplar Dulal UDDIN People’s AllianceTower Ham Poplar Rahul AMIN Labour Tower Ham Shadwell Rabina KHAN People’s AllianceTower Ham Shadwell Ana MIAH People’s AllianceTower Ham Shadwell Harun Mohammad MIAH Aspire Tower Ham Shadwell Bodruzzaman SHAMIM Aspire Tower Ham Shadwell Suluk AHMED Aspire Tower Ham Spitalfields & Banglatown Anwara ALI Conservative Tower Ham Spitalfields & Banglatown Kalam M. A. T CHOUDHURY Aspire Tower Ham Spitalfields & Banglatown Uddin Shad CHOWDURY Labour Tower Ham Spitalfields & Banglatown Omar Leema QURESHI Labour Tower Ham Spitalfields & Banglatown Sumsul TALUKDER People’s AllianceTower Ham Spitalfields & Banglatown Mahbub ALAM Aspire Tower Ham St Dunstan’s Momina BEGUM Aspire Tower Ham St Dunstan’s Dipa DAS Labour Tower Ham St Dunstan’s Zakaria Muhammad HUSSAIN People’s AllianceTower Ham St Dunstan’s Ali Shahar IMRAN People’s AllianceTower Ham St Dunstan’s Ayas MIAH Labour Tower Ham St Dunstan’s Masuma BEGUM People’s AllianceTower Ham St Kath & Wapping Abdillan Al Mohammad Mamun Aspire Tower Ham St Kath & Wapping Altab MIAH Aspire Tower Ham St Kath & Wapping Abdal ULLAH Labour Tower Ham St Kath & Wapping Uddin Akram AHMED People’s AllianceTower Ham St Peter’s Sulaman Muhammed ALIPIR Aspire Tower Ham St Peter’s Talha Abu CHOWDHURY Aspire Tower Ham St Peter’s Rahman Azizur KHAN People’s AllianceTower Ham St Peter’s Ahmed Tarik KHAN Labour Tower Ham St Peter’s Ansar Muhammad MUSTAQUIM Aspire Tower Ham St Peter’s Sabina AKHTAR Labour Tower Ham Stepney Green Ahbab MIAH People’s Alliance Tower Ham Stepney Green Akhlaqur RAHMAN People’s AllianceTower Ham Stepney Green Habibur RAHMAN Aspire Tower Ham Stepney Green Oliur RAHMAN Aspire Tower Ham Stepney Green Motin UZ-ZAMAN Labour Tower Ham Stepney Green Elaahi Mohammed Fazleh ELAAHI Aspire Tower Ham Weavers Abul Mohammed HUSSAIN Aspire Tower Ham Weavers Begum Halima SHOPNA People’s AllianceTower Ham Weavers Taj UDDIN People’s AllianceTower Ham Weavers Mahfuz Faroque AHMED Labour Tower Ham Whitechapel Uddin Shafi AHMED People’s AllianceTower Ham Whitechapel Shofor Syed ALI Aspire Tower Ham Whitechapel Suhel Shah AMEEN Labour Tower Ham Whitechapel Abud Muhammad ASAD People’s AllianceTower Ham Whitechapel Dipu JAIGIRDAR Aspire Tower Ham Whitechapel Rashid Aminur KHAN People’s AllianceTower Ham Whitechapel Ami AMLAN Green Waltham Forest Cann Hall Faiz FAIZ Lib Dem Waltham Forest Cann Hall Muhammed SHAIKH Conservative Waltham Forest Cann Hall Fatima AHMAD Conservative Waltham Forest Cathall Naheed ASGHAR Labour & Cooperative Waltham Forest Cathall Zarif ISA Conservative Waltham Forest Cathall Mostakin MIAH Conservative Waltham Forest Chapel End Shaheen Rafique Labour Waltham Forest Endlebury Shabana Dhedhi Labour Waltham Forest Forest Munish CHOPRA-EVANS Conservative Waltham Forest Hale End & Highams Park Zia-Ur REHMAN Labour Waltham Forest Hale End & Highams Park Liaquat ALI Labour Waltham Forest High Street Raja ANWAR Labour Waltham Forest High Street Shahnaz Shaheena MALIK Lib Dem Waltham Forest Higham Hill Ahsan KHAN Labour Waltham Forest Hoe Street Saima MAHMUD Labour Waltham Forest Hoe Street Rehana Begum ALI-RAHMAN Labour & CooperativeWaltham Forest Larkswood Shumon ALI-RAHMAN Labour & CooperativeWaltham Forest Larkswood Masood AHMAD Labour & CooperativeWaltham Forest Lea Bridge Zeshan AHMED Lib Dem Waltham Forest Lea Bridge Mohammad ASGHAR Labour & CooperativeWaltham Forest Lea Bridge Irfan KHADIM Conservative Waltham Forest Lea Bridge Jemima MIAH Lib Dem Waltham Forest Lea Bridge Was Ul-Farooq QURESHI Lib Dem Waltham Forest Lea Bridge Mohammed SHAIKH Conservative Waltham Forest Lea Bridge Farooq QURESHI Lib Dem Waltham Forest Leyton Muhammad Afzal CHOUDHRY Lib Dem Waltham Forest Leytonstone Saima ISLAM Conservative Waltham Forest Markhouse Johar KHAN Labour Waltham Forest Markhouse Asim MAHMOOD Labour Waltham Forest Markhouse Afzal AKRAM Conservative Waltham Forest Valley Aktar BEG Labour Waltham Forest Valley Zaheer KHAN Labour Waltham Forest Valley Umar ALI Labour Waltham Forest William Morris Suleman Naseem AHMED Lib Dem Waltham Forest Wood Street Moufazzal BHUIYAN Conservative Waltham Forest Wood Street Humayan IKRAM Conservative Waltham Forest Wood Street Sadia MIRZA Lib Dem Waltham Forest Wood Street Ravi GOVINDIA Conservative Wandsworth East Putney Raaid Ahmed CASOOJEE Lib Dem Wandsworth Furzedown Mohammad MASOOD Conservative Wandsworth Roehampton & Putney Heath Mohammad Zaheer Labour Wandsworth Shaftesbury Vijay THUMAR Lib Dem Wandsworth Tooting Marium IRFAN Labour Wandsworth Wandsworth Common Yasin INAN Labour Wandsworth West Putney

17

Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

Latest predictions on what will happen and key seats to watch

Although there are no polls in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, there is plenty of action in England - with seats on about 150 councils up for grabs.

These are a mixture of metropolitan, unitary, borough and district councils. In some, all the seats are up for grabs while in others a third are being contested.

In 2014, the last time most of these seats were contested, Labour did well gaining control of six councils and adding more than 300 councillors to their ranks. In contrast, the Conservatives lost 236 seats and relinquished control of 11 councils. This means that Labour has more councils and seats to defend this time around.

Labour is defending about 75 local authorities, including Manchester City Council, where it holds 93 out of the 94 seats. The only other representative is former Lib Dem MP John Leech, who represents Didsbury West.

Other Labour strongholds being contested include Liverpool, Sandwell, Sunderland and Birmingham, where the Conservatives will be making the most of a recent bin strike.

A better indicator of Jeremy Corbyn's prospects at a general election

may come in the Midlands, the east and the south, where Labour will need to pick up seats if he is to get into Downing Street.

Councils on which the Conservatives are the largest party and which may possibly be within their grasp include Basildon, Colchester, Pendle and Portsmouth. Other results to watch out for include Peterborough, where the Conservatives are seeking to regain the control they lost following a by-election held on the same day as the general election last year.

The Liberal Democrats are defending six councils, including their Eastleigh and Cheltenham strongholds, and will be hoping to improve on their 2014 showing - at a time when they had spent four years in government with the Tories.

The Green Party says it is contesting 2,200 seats this time, more than half of the total. These include defending seats in Norwich and Solihull, where it is the official opposition party.

As for UKIP, their prospects could not be more different than four years ago, when they were riding high and about to win the largest share of the vote in the European elections.

Government plans to make people prove their identity before voting are "deeply flawed", the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) has warned.

The scheme, which is being piloted in Bromley, Gosport, Swindon, Watford and Woking for the local elections on 3 May, is designed to combat voter fraud.

But the ERS says the new system could be a "calculated effort" to make voting harder for some citizens. Voter ID fraud was "incredibly rare", it said.

The claim comes after a leaked letter from the Equality and Human Rights Commission warned the change could have a "disproportionate impact" on voters from minority groups, who may not possess appropriate ID. "With millions of people lacking the right photographic ID - and no govern-

ment plans for a universal, free alternative - this can only mean another barrier for honest voters. Mandatory voter ID is a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It's time for an evidence-based approach instead," said ERS chief executive Darren Hughes.

On Monday, Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith told the House of Commons no one would need to buy new ID documents to be able to vote.

"We already ask that people prove who they are in order to claim benefits, to rent a car or even to collect a parcel from the Post Office, so this is a proportionate and reasonable approach.

Democracy is precious and it is right to take that more robust approach to protect the integrity of the electoral process," Ms Smith told MPs.

Voter ID plans 'deeply flawed', says Electoral Reform Society

Election hopefuls with criminal records given second chance to prove their worth Would-be councillors from Labour party, in this year's local elections on Thursday 3 May, are changing their 'not so great past' to serve UK's citizens.

According to a story in The Sunday Telegraph, it includes names like Balbir Sandhu, who was imprisoned in the 80s over drugs offence and Ali Salamat, who was fined after a court heard that he failed to notify his council of earnings he received as a taxi driver. It also includes Mathew Uberoi, who was jailed for passing insider tips from a City bank and Munir Malik who stood down from the board of the Co-operative group after being accused of lying about his qualifications.

The disclosures are of course questioning their credibility as political candidates, but 34 year old Mr Uberoi, who is representing Hammersmith and Fulham addressed such concerns in a blog admitting to his conviction, stating that his three months had a “profound and lasting effect,” which promted him to turn his life around. He added, “You can turn your life around even when you have lost everything. If elected I will be using my experiences to help reduce reoffending.”

Mr Sandhu, who is standing in Derby,

spent two years in prison aged 25, after being found in possession of heroin. He said, “I got mixed with the wrong crowd one summer and it was the biggest mistake of my life.”

Mr Salamat who is a candidate in Oldham, was fined in 2007, after a court heard that he failed to notify the council on which he was a representative. At that time he was a Lib Dem Councillor and he moved to Labour thereafter. He told The Sunday Telegraph, that the allegations against her were “politically motivated” and he was a victim of “institutional racism.” Ultimately he was only convicted over a total of £15 he said.

However critics have attacked them raising questions about their suitability of a job in public offices as they were a part of series of Labour candidates who have past convictions, or been previously suspended from holding offices in the party over their behaviour. But others are of the opinion that everybody deserves a second chance. If these candidates don't reoffend or misuse their power, Labour is then doing a 'noble' job in giving them a chance to turn into a new leaf.

From London alone there are more than 700 Asian origin candidates participating in this year's local elections.

18

FINANCIAL VOICE - UK-INDIA

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

Indian investments in UK firm despite Brexit dilemma

A new report, India meets Britain Tracker 2018 was launched by Mark Byers of Grant Thornton and HE Y K Sinha, High Commissioner of India in London on 26 th April. The tracker offers latest trends on Indian investment in the UK and is published by Grant Thornton UK LLP in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The report, which monitors Indian businesses operating in the UK with an annual revenue growth of 10% or more, shows that the 87 fastest growing companies achieved an average annual growth rate of 44%, with seven companies seeing Shuchita Sonalika, CII; Mark Byers, Grant Thornton; HE YK Sinha, High Commissioner of India; Anuj Chande, Grant Thornton UK LLP. turnover growth of more than 60% increase in companies making turnover (£46.4bn) and employment 100%. This year’s tracker sees an the list. A key factor of their success is numbers (105,000) remained stable increase of nearly 60% in companies that they have established themselves year-on- year, appetite for investment making the list (55 in 2017) and a in growing markets where they have has risen. The UK attracted four of the 13pp increase in annual growth rate the relevant expertise for example, in top ten largest European deals, as (31% 2017) showing the growing the technology and telecoms sector Indian corporates were able to take strength of Indian businesses operatand this year, in particular, the engiadvantage of up to a 20% fall in the ing in the UK. Of the 87 that made the neering and manufacturing sector. value of the pound against the rupee list, 22 featured in last year’s list with The report clearly shows that the since the UK’s vote to leave the EU. one-third of the total number recordUK remains a highly attractive destiMoreover, investment by Indian coming a growth rate of over 50%. nation for Indian investors. Following panies in the UK has increased, with Top Sectors the Brexit vote, the UK economy is in capital expenditure (capex) rising Companies in the technology and a period of flux as it looks at how to from £4.25bn in 2017 to £4.69bn this telecoms, and pharmaceutics and reinvigorate its role as a global tradyear. chemicals sectors have again featured ing nation and seeks to forge new London strongly and this year make up 20% trade deals.

At a time where, in the face of and 16% of the list respectively. For With India’s growing wealth and Brexit, there are concerns that comthe first time, this year, companies increasingly important role on the panies will leave the city, London has from the engineering and manufacworld stage its position in the strengthened its dominance as the turing sector came joint second in the Commonwealth is growing, coincidleading destination for Indian investnumber of companies in the Tracker. ing with the UK’s aims to revitalise ment in the UK. Of the fastest growing Indian companies and the UK trade and investment with Indian companies, over half are now economy Commonwealth countries." based in the capital, up from 44% in Uncertainty over the outcomes of H.E. YK Sinha, High 2017 and 39% in 2016. Anuj Chande, Brexit negotiations does not appear Commissioner of India stated, "The Head of South Asia Group at Grant to have negatively affected Indian findings of the report demonstrate Thornton UK LLP, commented, companies’ enthusiasm for the UK as how well Indian companies are doing "Indian companies are going from an investment destination and in the UK. Equally, UK companies are strength to strength in the UK, with around 800 Indian companies are now doing exceedingly well in India." this year’s tracker showing a nearly operating in the UK. Whilst combined

AI, Drones, Blockchain to change the future – TiE London TiE London hosted an event, The Future's Coming, on 25 th April at The Chesterfield, Mayfair. The event looked at the changing face of finance, engineering and the workplace through AI, Drones and Blockchain.

The speakers, Forbes 30 Under 30 listed Ankur Modi from Status Today, Tom Pocock of Credit Mint and Pae Natwilai of Trik, took TiE Charter Members present at the event through the amazing possibilities that their technology allows.

TiE London President Nina Amin said: “The exponential rate at which technology is advancing is mind boggling. And the rate of advance is not going to slow down any time soon. Businesses that keep up with the advancing technologies will benefit whilst those that don’t will fall

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Business leaders debate the future of organisations at Imperial College

Jana Blount, Legal Innovation Manager at DLA Piper, Professor David Gann - Vice President, Imperial, Rajive Kaul - chairman of Nicco Group, GP Hinduja, TV Mohandas Pai, President of AIMA, Rekha Sethi - Director General, AIMA, Baroness Sandip Verma, Dr Sankalp Chaturvedi –Gandhi Centre for Inclusive Innovation, Imperial College, HE YK Sinha - India’s High Commissioner to the UK and Prof Francisco Veloso - Dean of Imperial College Business School

Leaders from business, politics and academia debated the future of organisations at Imperial College Business School at the second annual joint conference between the Business School’s Gandhi's Centre for Inclusive Innovation and the All India Management Association (AIMA). It attracted prominent CEOs and innovation experts from the UK and India. The speakers included GP Hinduja, Co-Chairman of Hinduja Group, India’s High Commissioner to the UK His Excellency YK Sinha, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Chairman of Cobra Beer Partnership, and Baroness Sandip Verma.

The conference shed light on the impact of digitalisation and artificial intelligence on methods of future trade, the role of government in planning and how advances in technology will affect social values.

Dr Sankalp Chaturvedi, who leads the Gandhi Centre for Inclusive Innovation and compered the summit, and a key organiser said: “The world is changing, wherein technology, automation and artificial intelligence are creating disruption and becoming integral to growth and development strategies of new organisational forms.

"Whether we talk about technology with business or reimaging global organisational relationship. Now, more than ever, we need to proactively think and consider several dimensions of these new forms of organizational evolution.”

Lord Karan Bilimoria,

Chairman of Cobra Beer Partnership, spoke about the impact of conflict and protectionism on globalisation. The panel ‘Disrupting the Organisation: Remodelling business with technology’ was chaired by Dr Mark Kennedy, Director of Imperial Business Analytics. It included TV Mohandas Pai, president of AIMA, Jana Blount, Legal Innovation Manager at DLA Piper, and Imperial’s Vice President (Innovation) Professor David Gann.

Baroness Sandip Verma, Chairperson of the European External Affairs Committee, spoke about the impact of recent political and privacy issues.

The audience and panellists during the wide-ranging discussion, covered topics including Brexit, Trump and populism, data privacy, corporate social responsibility, technological diversity and the future of the Commonwealth.

Daljit Bamford, Director of Strategic Programs, EMEA at Salesforce, said she was struck “by how AI and machine learning played such a dominant role in the discussion, but that technology is only a tiny component. What’s missing is the person at the heart of technology: the user, consumer, worker or leader.” Imperial alumnus and chairman of Nicco Group, Rajive Kaul drew on his experience utilising technological solutions, including cloud computing, AI and VR to offer richer consumer experiences as well as manage a smarter business.

ED to seize assets of Mallya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi

TiE London President, Nina Amin addressing members and guests.

behind.” The dinner and networking event was held in partnership with TiE London sponsors, BDO LLP.

TiE is a nonprofit venture with a global reach devoted to entrepreneurs in all industries. TiE has been

supporting entrepreneurs by offering education, mentorship, networking and funding opportunities.

India's Enforcement Directorate has swooped in to confiscate properties of businessmen Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Mehul Choksi, following powers provided in the just-promulgated Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance. Sources said the ED decided to approach the Prevention of Money Laundering

(PMLA) court to seek that the three be declared “fugitives” who had defied non-bailable arrest warrants to stay put abroad.

The decision was made following deliberations over 48 hours. The ED will argue that they are liable to be covered under the stringent provisions of the new law against economic offenders.

REAL ESTATE VOICE

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Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap London Property Investment

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An astonishing opportunity to buy into one of London’s best located developments, early, with a superbly structured highly competitive offer.

SUMMARY AT-A- GLANCE l l l l l l l l l l

The Jacquard, Whitechapel, E1 A stone’s throw from Crossrail 2 minutes from The City of London 3 minutes from Canary Wharf 20 storey state-of-the-art tower 10% deposit required to exchange contracts Estimated 19.8% capital growth Forecast pre-completion returns 99% Completion Q4 2021 Special Sow & Reap 5% discount off listed prices

Asian Voice |

19

5th May 2018

employment hub from 205,000 to 234,000 between 2017 and 2026.

Given that these two high employment districts will be 2 minutes and 3 minutes in travel time from 2019, this means the Silk District Development is ideally situated to benefit from these dynamics.

And Rental Growth JLL also forecast rental growth of 15.3% for those investors who wish to hold on for longer term returns.

Very Competitive Prices Whitechapel, as an area, is set for a jump in prices as it catches up with its neighbouring areas. The table below illustrates the current price comparisons per square foot:

THE DETAILS Location Location Location 2 minutes from the City; 3 minutes from Canary Wharf When Crossrail opens in 2019, this development will be within 2 minutes travel time from The City of London and within 3 minutes of Canary Wharf.

The Silk District Development is literally a block from Whitechapel station on Crossrail. Just a 200-metre walk!

Highly Beneficial Deal Structure The development is due for completion in 3.5 years.

Investors are required to deposit 10% to exchange contracts in 21 days from reservation. This means that every 5% in capital growth will deliver a gross return of 50%.

Therefore, a 10% increase in prices will deliver a 100% return.

No stamp duty is due until completion. Therefore, any contracts sold on before completion will incur no stamp duty to the original investor.

This structure provides the investor with leverage without any interest payable, or the hassle of obtaining a mortgage.

And Regeneration As well as Crossrail and the employment growth, a £300 million regeneration project is being implemented to deliver on four promises: l l l l

Make Whitechapel a destination shopping area 7 stunning public squares and spaces New schools Upgrade of Whitechapel station

Top Developer, Top Specification This project is the creation of well renowned developers Mount Anvil and L&Q, founded 27 years and over 50 years ago respectively.

The specification is a suitably high specification and has been defined in detail.

To reserve your unit, £2,500 is payable to the developer now. 10% deposit minus the £2,500 is payable within 21 days. After 6 months, 5% is payable and then another 5% is payable in 18 months.

What is Available?

This development at The Jacquard consists of just 130 units and over half of them have been sold in less than a fortnight.

Completion is due Q4 2021.

And that is before the launch in China.

This is 3.5 years away, providing every investor a unique opportunity to make a leveraged return forecast to be very significant indeed.

We have reserved 10 units for our clients as follows:

Major Capital Growth The global property firm, JLL, forecast price growth of 19.8% between now and 2021.

Assuming the full deposit of 20% has been paid, this would result in a gross return of 99%.

This is a stunning opportunity.

Massive Employment Growth; Chronic Under-Supply 500,000 people work in the City. Over the next 5 years, employment growth is forecast to surge 27%, that is 100,000 more workers.

Only 7,400 live in the City.

Meanwhile, Canary Wharf is set to grow as an

Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

Estimated Return on Capital The example below shows the estimated return on capital, for a buyer who deposits the full 20%. If the investor sells the unit on before the full 20% is due then returns could be higher if the capital growth is 19.8% or more.

This is a 20 floor tower, and the 16th floor has not even been released yet.

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Other Key Information

Address of the development – Raven Row, Whitechapel, London E1 l Local Council – Tower Hamlets l Architect – Stockwool l Landscape Architect – Fabrik l Interior Design – Suna Interior Design l Developer – Mount Anvil & L&Q l Completion Date – Estimated Q4 2021 l Tenure – 999 years leasehold l Building Insurance – 2 years fixtures & fittings plus 10 year NHBC l Service Charge – estimated £4.25psf l Total number of homes: 31 studios; 56 1-beds; 31 2-beds and 12 3-beds l Facilities: gym & spin room; cinema room; residents’ lounge & flexible workspace; landscape & rooftop gardens; 24-hour concierge

Turning land into cash Get in touch about our land opportunities

20

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Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

12 Asian innovators celebrated in this year's Maserati 100

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel Dear Financial Voice Reader, Success is in the mind it is often said. One of the most important mentors I ever had to help me in finance and trading and then set up my hedge fund was Bill Lipshutz. He taught me being too successful is a problem too.

Bill Lipschutz was Global Head of Currency Trading at Salomon Brothers at the end of the 1980s. If ever there was a right time and a right place for a trader, that was it - then and there.

Jack Schwager in The New Market Wizards described Bill Lipschutz as ‘Salomon Brothers’ largest and most successful currency trader.’ That’s not surprising when you consider that a single Lipschutz trade might be measured in billions of dollars, and the resulting profits in tens of millions of dollars.

Schwager estimated Bill’s trading alone accounted for more than half a billion dollars profit for Salomon in the 8 years he was there. That’s the equivalent of $25,000 profit each and every trading day for 8 years.

I interviewed Bill Lipschutz twice, on both occasions in London. The first interview was conducted by the side of the open air roof swimming pool of the Berkeley Hotel, overlooking Green Park and Knightsbridge. The second interview took place in Surrey at the home of Mark Slater, one time Head Currency Trader at Salomon Brothers’ in London.

It is often not realized that the source of trading funds can affect one’s trading style and performance. As Bill Lipschutz explains, this fact is something even the most experienced traders do not appreciate until they experience it.

“I was unaware that there were these differences. Seven years ago, I had a naive view that you get the money from here, or from Salomon Brothers’ proprietary capital, whether it is ten high net worth individuals or a fund of funds I felt it was all the same; let me see how much I can extract from the market. The big issue in leaving a major firm is that I did not foresee that that is something that is learnt, that it is a series of experiences. It’s all very well for me to sit here and attempt to articulate it, but it is something you have to experience.”

“At Rowayton, we had three different products, if you will. As a side, my experience is that managing people’s money and trading for a company, while on the surface one might think they are the same, and I certainly did at one time, they are so vastly different, particularly the motivations. It is not simply a questions of saying, ‘oh, I have some capital. It doesn’t matter what the source is. I will go out and I do my best and at the end of the day try to make some money.’ It is not like that. There are many, many different strengths that come from being a corporate entity. Whereas dealing for high net worth individuals, you do live and die by your monthly numbers. It is much, much different from being a money manager.”

“The whole money-management game is a difficult game. It has not only to do with how well you perform, but what kinds of results people are looking for in their portfolios.

Absolute performance is a real misleading thing. I can say to you, ‘we were up 600 percent’ over five years in our most aggressive program, and you might say, ‘wow 600 percent’.

But that does not necessarily mean that much in and of itself, without knowing how well other currency-only managers performed. For example, say a guy is managing $200 million, and $120 million of it is a fund that he runs with a very specific mandate. If he made 600 percent over four years in that particular fund, he may have people pulling money out from that particular fund, because they are nervous, because that really was not the kind of variance they were looking for. So, it is very complicated.”

Sometimes, too much success is not good either – it scares people.

Alpesh B Patel For a free online trading www.alpeshpatel.com/apprentice

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course

visit

Former BT finance chief faces £500,000 loss over Italian fraud

The former BT finance chief Tony Chanmugam who failed to uncover massive fraud in the company’s Italian unit will be stripped of bonuses worth more than half a million pounds, reports said. It is understood that BT’s remuneration committee has decided to scrap more than 208,000 shares due to Tony Chanmugam, who served as chief financial officer between 2008 and 2016. The application of “malus” provisions in the company’s deferred bonus plan is due to be revealed alongside annual results next week and at current prices Chanmugam stands to lose £518,000.

The entrepreneurs recognised by this year's Maserati 100 in The Sunday Times are essentially innovators - from start ups and beginners to founders who have scaled heights of the FTSE 100 and 250. The list has been first time open to public nominations and innovation has been the key focus (The People's Choice). As times change, many are frustrated that people don't view innovation as part of the bigger

2012. Improbable, which created platform for simulations for ganes developers, raised $500m from SoftBank last May, making it a $1bn-valued “unicorn”.

JOSH RATHOUR, Unidays 35 year old Rathour started his Nottingham based online identification company in 2011, to help brands offer specific discounts for students. A year later, he teamed up

Manoj Badale

Mahmud Kamani

Nisha Katona

Rishi Khosla

Herman Narula

Josh Rathour

Gordon Sanghera

Mandeep Singh

Sanjay Vadera

Azmat Yusuf

Abbas Kazmi

Anil Stocker

picture. Natalie Turner, author of Yes, You Can Innovate, a practical guide said, “We have got to demystify innovation.

It is not just about being creative. It's actually about being really good at spotting opportunities that are ripe and ready, and getting the right investment and getting good implementers. People need to realise that they can contribute to making ideas work.”

The Maserati 100 is now its third year, and is dedicated to celebrating the positive impact entrepreneurs have on the economy and society as a whole. There are around 12 Asian-origin entrepreneurs named out of 100 and we have reproduced their details as below: MANOJ BADALE AND CHARLES MINDENHALL, Bleinheim Chalcot 50 year old Badale and Mindenhall, 46 have been building digital ventures for 20 years. Part- private equity firm and part incubator, London based Bleinheim Chalcot has invested in 40 companies.

CAROLE KANE AND MAHMUD KAMANI, Boohoo.com Kamani, 53 and Kane, 51 sell own label fast fashion to online shoppers typically under 25. They flaoted the Manchester based in 2014, and sales last year topped £280mn.

NISHA KATONA, Mowgli After two decades a a barrister, 36 year old Katona set up Mowgli, a chain of Indian street food restaurants in Liverpool four years ago. It has 5 restaurants already, with 6th opening in Leeds later this year.

RISHI KHOSLA AND JOEL PERLMAN, OakNorth Bank 42 year old Khosla and Perlman who is 43, set up their London based bank to provide loans of between £500,000 and £25mn to fast groing businesses. The pair are frugal with costs, and made pre-tax profits of £10.6mn in its second year, with a loan of £850mn.

HERMAN NARULA, Improbable 30 year old, Computer game obsessive Narula founded his virtual world venture with a friend from Cambridge in

with fashion retailer Asos and today he has links with brands like Apple and Nike. Unidays has 10m students signed up.

GORDON SANGHERA, Oxford Nanopore Sanghera, 57, founded Oxford Nanopore after a successful career at Medisense. The Cambridge graduate transformed the idea born out of an Oxford laboratory into a handheld device used across the world to sequence genes in minutes.

MANDEEP SINGH AND ALEX LOIZOU, Trouva 34 year old Singh and Loizou, 30 created an online marketplace that promotes and delivers goods from more than 350 independent boutiques across Britain. It lists more than 75,000 products and raised £7.6mn last year.

SANJAY VADERA, The Fragrance Shop 50 year old Manchester based Vadera bought the Frangrance Shop in 2006 and has defied high street gloom to turn it into UK's biggest independent perfume retailer, with more than 200 stores and £112m sales last year.

AZMAT YUSUF, Citymapper 38 year old Pakistan born Yusuf, developed an app to calculate the most efficient routes for commuters by public transport using up-to-the-minute data. The London based company has raised $50mn and today 20mn commuters in 39 cities around the world use it.

THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE ABBAS KAZMI, Collegiate Capital 26 year old former BlackRock asset manager Kazmi, left it to join the world of venture capitalism. His London company has raised £70mn and invests in financial technology, cyber-security and energy start ups. It has a team of more than 100 mentors, and is linked with 37 universities worldwide.

ANIL STOCKER, MarketInvoice 34 year old Stocker has provided funding worth £2bn to more than 5000 small businesses and turns over £5mn. The peer-to-peer lender, based in London has dragged invoice finance, where cash in advanced against an order book, into the digital world.

WORLD

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PAKISTAN

BANGLADESH

Imran Khan draws huge crowd as Myanmar ready to receive ‘verified’ Pak parties launch campaign drives Rohingya refugees, says Suu Kyi I S L A M A B A D: Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in Lahore to greet opposition lawmaker Imran Khan as the country’s political parties launched their campaigns for the upcoming national elections. Khan, a former cricket star who heads the opposition Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party, on April 29 launched his drive to become the country's next prime minister ahead of the national elections in July.

Khan and his party have emerged as key challengers to former premier Nawaz Sharif, a three-time prime minister who was ousted by the Supreme Court last year but whose Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) party retains power.

The rally in a Lahore took place around a grand minaret built at the spot where, in 1940, the resolution was adopted to demand independence from British rule. "I pledge here to work till my last breath and last drop of my blood to make this nation and this country great and

Imran Khan addressing supporters in Lahore

prosperous," Khan told the cheering crowd while presenting an 11-point agenda. Khan's agenda includes reforming the country's health and educational systems, control over corruption, providing lowcost housing, and women empowerment.

"It is time to change our destiny and think big," he said. Khan said he would push to bring about “peaceful political change” and to defeat the country’s "corrupt" politicians. Rallies were also held by Pakistan’s other political parties on April 29.

The Pakistan People Party of former President Asif Zardari rallied in

Karachi, while the newly revived alliance of seven religious parties - the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) - gathered in Mardan. The leader of the MMA, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, said he would not allow anyone to impose a Western agenda on the country if his party should win.

Supporters of Aftab Sherpao, former interior minister and lawmaker, rallied in the northwestern city of Swabim, while the Pashtun Protection Movement - a group that advocates for missing people and criticizes the army for its treatment of Pashtuns - gathered in the Swat Valley.

Big hike in Pak defence budget ISLAMABAD: Pakistan finance minister Miftah Ismail announced a big hike in military spending for the next fiscal year in a chaotic budget session marred by lawmakers’ jeers and scuffles ahead of an expected election. Opposition lawmakers objected to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) presenting a full-year budget so close to the election, likely in July, and staged a walkout. Others tried to storm the podium to physically disrupt Ismail’s speech, but were blocked by a human chain of PML-N parliamentarians.

Pakistan’s economy has rebounded in recent years due to a drop in militant violence and vast investments by China that have helped alleviate power shortages.

Growth is projected to hit a 13-year high of 5.8% in 2017/2018 (July-June) before accelerating to 6.2% next fiscal year.

A government document put the total budget outlay for 2018/2019 at 5.9 trillion Pakistani rupees ($51.06 billion). Ismail also set aside 1.1 trillion Pakistani rupees for the defence budget, increasing it by about 20% from the 920 million that the government had budgeted for the military to spend.

Revised figures from a budget document suggest military spending will hit 1 trillion this year anyway.

The US has announced a suspension of military assistance to Pakistan totalling about $2 billion, though it was not clear whether this was why Pakistan’s military budget exceeded its planned outlay.

Washington suspended the assistance due to claims that Islamabad was either assisting or turning a blind eye to Islamist militants who use Pakistan’s soil as a launchpad for attacks in Afghanistan.

BBC reporter, AFP photographer among 31 killed in Kabul attack KABUL: Ten journalists were among 31 people killed in a series of attacks in Afghanistan on Monday, including a BBC reporter and well-known photographer. Nine journalists were killed in suicide bombings in the capital, Kabul. Shah Marai of Agence France Presse was among a group of journalists who died when a bomber disguised as a TV cameraman detonated a second bomb at the site of an earlier explosion. Both attacks were claimed by Islamic State.

In a separate incident, Ahmad Shah, a 29-year-

Ahmad Shah

old reporter with the BBC's Afghan service, was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Khost province. Najib Sharifi, director of the Afghan Journalists Safety Committee, said Shah was on his way home when the

NAYPYIDAW: Myanmar state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi said on Monday that her country was ready for the return of “verified” Rohingya refugees and sought more cooperation from Bangladesh for the repatriation to begin after delays since early this year. During talks that lasted over an hour with a UN Security Council delegation, she also said violence in the area could recur “any time,” an official release from her office said without further elaboration.

The Security Council team comprising representatives from the five permanent members and 10 non-permanent member states arrived in Naypyidaw on Monday afternoon for a two-day visit to investigate the Rohingya refugee crisis.

Army chief denies rape of Rohingya women While addressing the UN delegation, Myanmar's army chief denied his forces committed rape and other sexual abuses during a crackdown he ordered on Rohingya Muslims. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing heads an army accused of "ethnic cleansing" by the United Nations, including the widespread rape and murder of civilians in its "clearance operations" ostensibly targeting Rohingya militants.

Launched in August 2017, that campaign drove around 700,000 Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh, fleeing burnt villages and army atrocities. Denied access to Myanmar in the months immediately after the crisis, a UN Security Council delegation is making a belated first visit to Myanmar to ratchet up pressure for a safe and dignified return of the Muslim minority.

"The Tatmadaw (army) is always disci-

organised by

Suu Kyi

plined... and takes action against anyone who breaks the law," he told the delegates.

Rohingya women and girls in Bangladesh have provided consistent accounts of sexual violence but Min Aung Hlaing said his forces have "no such history of sexual abuse." "It is unacceptable according to the culture and religion of our country," he said, adding anyone found guilty of crimes would be punished. He also repeated the official line that Myanmar was ready to take back the refugees who could be verified as residents as per a repatriation deal with Bangladesh.

Several months after the deal was signed, no refugees have returned. That has enraged Bangladeshi officials, who accuse Myanmar of pretending to cooperate for the benefit of the international community. Calling the refugees "Bengalis" Min Aung Hlaing blamed "terrorists" for causing the violence.

The UN delegates will later travel over the Rakhine state. Their visit to Myanmar comes after an emotionally-charged stay in Bangladesh where Rohingya refugees told delegates of their trauma including sexual abuse.

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UK

AFRICA

13 Indians selected for Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Uganda on high alert after new polio case in Kenya

Thirteen Indians are among 92 scholars from 28 countries selected for the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship to pursue postgraduate study in various subjects at the University of Cambridge from the academic year beginning later this year. The 2018 cohort comprising 49 women and 43 men will pursue PhD and MPhil courses.

The scholarship programme, established in October 2000 by a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the university, covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including fees, maintenance, travel and allowances for family, fieldwork and visas.

It aims to select applicants who are academically outstanding and are likely to be transformative leaders. They were selected from 5,798 applicants for intellectual ability, commitment to improving the lives of others, leadership potential and academic fit with Cambridge.

Seven of those named

Selected Indian Americans, Neil Davey, Ayan Mandal, Pranay Nadella , Vaithish Velazhahan, Kaamya Varagur and Monica Kullar

come from India and are Mohammed Uzair Belgami (PhD in social anthropology), Ramit Debnath (PhD in architecture), Pooja Gupta (MPhil in biological science), Vineet Jagadeesan Nair (MPhil in energy technologies), Senthil Sharadkumar Pandian (MPhil in history, philosophy and sociology of science, technology and medicine), Rhea Parande (PhD in medical science) and Vaithish Velazhahan (PhD in biological science).

Six remaining scholars

were selected from America and are: Neil Davey (Applied Mathematics/Economics), Ayan Mandal (Neurobiology and Physics), Pranay Nadella (Biology and Statistics), Vaithish Velazhahan (Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology), Kaamya Varagur (Neuroscience) and Monica Kullar (B.Sc. in Psychology).

The 2017 cohort of Gates Cambridge scholars included three Indians: Yaikhomba Mutum, Saloni Atal and Akhila Denduluri.

Asda, Sainsbury’s plan to merge Asda, the wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart, has prepared for a merger with Sainsbury’s. Asda says its 255 pharmacies “remain an important part” of its offering. Sainsbury’s announced last week that it has “agreed terms in relation to a proposed combination of Sainsbury's and Asda Group Limited.

Asked if this means Asda will follow Sainsbury's lead and sell off its pharmacy business, Asda said that if the merger went ahead, it “will continue to operate as Asda – and our pharmacy offer remains an important part of our customer offer”. The

merger will require approval by the Competition and Markets Authority watchdog, Asda added, “so this is the beginning of a process – nothing will change dayto-day”. Sainsbury’s sold its 281 pharmacies to Lloyds pharmacy for £125 million in 2016. Two of these pharmacies that have since been earmarked for closure as part of the multiple’s decision last year to divest 190 “commercially unviable” branches.

Views on the merger Asda president and CEO Roger Burnley said the merger “will be great news for Asda customers, allow-

ing us to deliver even lower prices in store and even greater choice”. “Asda will continue to be Asda, but by coming together with Sainsbury's, supported by Walmart, we can further accelerate our existing strategy and make our offer even more compelling and competitive.”

The resulting “complementary network” of more than 2,800 Sainsbury's, Asda and Argos – which the supermarket bought in 2016 – stores, along with “several of the UK’s most visited retail websites”, will oversee a combined 47 million customer transactions per week.

SRI LANKA

18 Ministers join Lanka Cabinet

CO LO M B O: Eighteen Cabinet Ministers were sworn in by President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday morning. This was the second Cabinet reshuffle that took place within the first four months of the year. Also, four acting Cabinet Ministers were sworn in on April 12 following the resignation of six SLFP Cabinet Ministers.

At Tuesday’s reshuffle, former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe who was

divested of the portfolio in August last year, was appointed as the Minister of Higher Education and Cultural Affairs. The Higher Education portfolio was previously held by Minister Kabir Hashim who was appointed as the Minister of Highways and Road Development.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka who was the Regional Development Minister, was sworn in as the Minister of Sustainable Development, Wildlife and Regional Development.

UPFA General Secretary

Mahinda Amaraweera, who was the Fisheries Minister, was appointed as the Minister of Agriculture while SLFP General Secretary who was the Minister of Agriculture was appointed as the Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management and Disaster Management.

Meanwhile, the two portfolios of Social Empowerment and Labour Relations which were previously held by UPFA Ministers, were given to two UNP Ministers.

KAMPALA: Uganda is on high alert after new cases of the polio virus were discovered in neighbouring Kenya and the DRC. Uganda was first certified as a polio-free country in 2006 but in 2010 had a case in eastern Uganda that was imported from Kenya. The influx of refugees and the recent discovery in Kenya has put health officials on alert and planning to step up vaccination campaigns.

Polio is a highly infectious viral disease which mainly affects young children and can result in permanent paralysis. There is no cure and it can only be prevented through immunization. “While we had made great strides against Polio, there’s a circulating wild polio virus that has been detected in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There’s an ongoing meeting to be able to avert the same from reaching Uganda,” said Dr Bernard Opar, the Program Manager Uganda National Expanded Program on Immunization (UNEPI).

He said Uganda has maintained case based

Polio vaccine being administered

surveillance since 1996 while environmental surveillance for polio has been ongoing since May 2017 with currently 5 sewage sites. Ministry of Health officials also explained the various immunization programmes being undertaken countrywide. They explained the supply chain for vaccines, measles outbreak, introduction of Rota Virus in routine immunization schedule, HPV Vaccination, Integrated Child Health Days and other updates on Immunization.

Dr Opar said one of the success of the UNEPI programme has been the introduction of new vac-

cines that have increased the number of antigens provided under the routine immunization programme to 12 and implies Ugandan children are protected from more Vaccine Preventable Diseases VPDs. Vaccination is one of the key strategies that the Government of Uganda is implementing in its roadmap to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal three, (SDG 3) which underlines the need for good health and well-being. Currently, the sector has made good progress in child immunization increasing from DPT3 coverage of 52% in 2012 to current coverage of 97%.

Odinga ends products boycott NAIROBI: The National Super Alliance leader Raila Odinga has ended the boycott of different companies' products that began when Kenyans were bracing themselves for the repeat poll in October 2017. Raila told supporters that they are now free to use products from Safaricom, Bidco, Haco and Brookside following the handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta that put an end to rising political temperatures in the country. “I, therefore, lift the boycott order we had issued against the four firms. We’ve forgiven Safaricom, Bidco, Brookside and Haco. Our people can now trade, use and buy products from these firms,” said Raila.

Speaking during the Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, Raila said they are working together with President Uhuru to iron out issues that arose from the disputed election. “We’ve even

Raila Odinga

formed a committee which will see peace and reconciliation reached among our supporters,” he added.

Raila urged the Government to reduce prices of basic commodities instead of increasing workers’ pay as manufacturers tend to recover labour costs through price hikes.

The NASA leader maintained that corruption had contributed to unemployment crisis in the country rendering many Kenyans jobless.

“We have a big workforce in our country and most of

them are youthful and looking for jobs. This is why we in NASA are in agreement with Jubilee in matters of job creation, universal healthcare, poverty and food security,” he said. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli hailed the Uhuru-Raila unity deal saying it has boosted the economy.

“The economy is now up, our unity as a nation has earned us much as COTU, we must support the four pillars mentioned by our president. They are close to our hearts,” he said.

“Let President Kenyatta know or his aides inform him that when you are with Raila Odinga you do not need any support in Kenya,” added Atwoli.

Atwoli also urged the Government to gazette the 2016 President’s directive to remove taxations on benefits bonus and overtime performed for those earning less than Sh100,000 in a bid to improve workers welfare.

Kenya bans film about two girls falling in love NAIROBI: The first Kenyan entry ever nominated for an award at the Cannes Festival will debut in France in two weeks - but it is now illegal for Kenyans back home to watch it. The Kenya Film Classification Board has banned the film, ‘Rafiki’, a drama about two Kenyan girls who fall in love. Ezekiel Mutua, the board’s chief executive officer, said the film “legitimises homosexuality against

the dominant values, cultures and beliefs of the people of Kenya.” Mutua said the film board’s ruling did not represent a ban on homosexual content. “Homosexuality is a reality,” he said. “What we are against is the endeavour to show that as a way of life in Kenya.” In the film, directed, written and co-produced by Wanuri Kahiu, the girls are separated by their communities, which oppose their relationship.

WORLD

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Canadian police detain Khalistani Shubham Goel, 22, running militant Hardip Singh Nijjar for governor of California OTTAWA: Canadian authorities arrested Hardip Singh Nijjar for allegedly running training camps for terrorists in Canada and his alleged links with the ISI in Pakistan.

Nijjar, who is one of the most wanted Khalistani terrorists

by Punjab police, was rounded up on the basis of some crucial intelligence input provided by the Indian Government and later released after questioning.

He has been put under strict surveillance for his anti-India activities.

Punjab police had earlier alleged that Nijjar was organising training camps in British Columbia at the behest of the Pakistani spy agency ISI and has made several attempts to book him in the past. He was one of nine people on the list of wanted Khalistanis that was handed over by Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau during his recent visit to India.

In 2010 Punjab police filed an FIR against Nijjar for his role in the bomb explosion near Satya

Hardip Singh Nijjar

Narayan Mandir in Patiala on April 21, 2010. UK based Paramjit Singh Pamma was one of the main accused in the case.

In 2015, another FIR was filed against Nijjar for his alleged role in ‘targeting Hindu leaders’ and yet another case was lodged against him in 2016, pertaining to his alleged ‘involvement in the training and funding to Mandeep Dhaliwal & hatching conspiracy for killing of Hindu leaders’, as per the FIR. A 'Look Out Circular (LOC) and a 'Red Corner Notice' (RCN) were also lodged against the Surrey resident in 2015 and 2016 respectively with regard to

earlier charges. Nijjar is also accused of raising a five-member module of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and also of attacking Hindu leaders in Punjab.

‘Sikhs for Justice,’ a rights advocacy group, has said that they would defend Nijjar against the Red Corner Notice (RCN) issued by Interpol at the behest of the Indian Government.

SFJ’s legal advisor and New York based lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is representing Nijjar in the case, said, “We have full faith in Canadian legal system which is not going to succumb to Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh’s pressure to stop Nijjar, who is supporting the Khalistan movement democratically.

Nijjar is being termed as a “terrorist” and framed in false cases only because he is engaged in a political campaign for a referendum in Indian Occupied Punjab.

We will defend Nijjar against any attempt to extradite him to India.”

Obituary Aksharnivasi Mahendrabhai Patel (Barrister) passes away With our deepest sympathy, we inform the passing away of nishthavan satsangi from Nairobi, Mahendrabhai Mithabhai Patel, on April 26. A staunch and dedicated devotee, Mahendrabhai came to London in 1950 during the time of Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj, and was involved in the early days of Satsang in London in the 1950s.

Former trustee of UK Satsang Mandal, he was one of the pioneers who founded the Sanstha in the UK and organised Satsang gatherings in Kent, Finchley Road, Belsize Park, and Hyde Park.

He later settled in Nairobi, where he was a leading devotee of Africa Satsang Mandal and served in many capacities for the Sanstha including his role as a core trustee of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha around the world. He also held the post of Chairman of Kenya Satsang Mandal and East Africa Satsang Mandal for several years.

Mahendrabhai was well respected by all for his seva, katha-varta, and his unmatchable dedication towards Satsang. Also notable was his involvement in managing events, including the birth celebrations of Brahmaswarup

Mahendrabhai Mithabhai Patel with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Nairobi in 1975 and 1988, Sagar Yatra in 1995, and the more than grand opening of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Nairobi in 1999. A blessed man, Mahendrabhai received vartman from Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj, who he had served in his early years. He continued his seva and received the blessings of Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj, Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and Pragat Brahmaswarup Mahant Swami Maharaj.

BAPS UK expressed its condolences on the bereavement. It said, “We pray to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Guruhari Mahant Swami

Maharaj to grant his soul with eternal peace in Akshardham; and also offer prayers for the family to bear this loss with courage and strength.

Mahendrabhai is survived by daughter Rena Amin, son-in-law Piyush Amin, and grandson Niravand Dharmic Amin.

Mahendrabhai's antim vidhi ceremony was held on April 29, at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, and funeral was held the same day at the Hindu Shamshan Bhumi Kariokor.

Mahendrabhai's family are currently in Kenya paying their respects. They will arrange a special remembrance parayan in London on their return.

CALIFORNIA: Shubham Goel, a 22year-old Indian American graduate of UCLA, has announced he intends to run for governor of California to fix a plethora of issues that have troubled the city for some time now. Goel is the son of Indian immigrants from Uttar Pradesh. He graduated from UCLA with a degree in economics and a minor in film and TV. He’s running for governor - in a packed field that includes Democratic candidates Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, California state Treasurer John Chiang, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and GOP candidate state Assemblyman Travis Allen, among many others. “I’m an everyday born and raised Californian who has lived all throughout California including the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Central Valley and San Francisco who wants to fix the issues for all Californians with practical and feasible solutions,” Goel said.

“It is tough to see everyone in this state suf-

Shubham Goel

fer at the hands of the few ineffective bureaucrats in power, which is why I have decided to run and make the changes I want to see,” he added. Goel admittedly said that he faces an uphill battle against the career politicians and well-known names in business and entertainment, but wanted to throw his name in the race to voice his concerns on various issues, including a struggling economy and housing crisis, among others.

“I want to show people that you don’t need to have a huge political backing or large amount of wealth to make a change, but rather, all you

need is conviction and grit,” he said.

“Also, I wanted to help represent the Indian community and help make our voices much more heard in discussions regarding public policies and state decisions.”

The Indian American said he chose the post of governor because it has considerable clout in “critiquing and promoting bills in the legislature for approval,” as well as the power to veto bills.

Additionally, Goel said the seat holds the power of nominating the board of regents for the University of California system - a privilege he hopes to remove. Other issues Goel intends to address include California housing, the water problem, government transparency, tax cuts to help residents and small businesses thrive, banning social media for kids in K12 to help address mental health, defunding the high-speed rail, creating a venture fund to invest in California companies, and keeping the film industry in Hollywood.

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INDIA

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SOUTH

AIADMK talks about joining hands with BJP CHENNAI: In a major move in politics, Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK said signs of its working together with BJP were visible and “no one can sever ties” between the two parties. In a bold move against the opposition DMKled group's persistent protests over the Cauvery imbroglio, the AIADMK said, “Whatever be the number of protests and demonstrations, no one can sever the ties between the AIADMK and the BJP.” It added that no one can weaken the bond between the central and the state governments either.

Talking in its Tamil mouthpiece 'Namadhu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma', the AIADMK said the protests by the DMK, its allies and friendly parties on the Cauvery issue were only aimed at spoiling the warmth between it and the

Narendra Modi with Edappadi K. Palaniswami

BJP. “The signs are (increasingly) becoming visible for the AIADMK and the BJP to work like a double-barreled gun in Indian politics. The pathway is clear,” it said. The party stressed on the need for a leadership of both the parties to chart out a roadmap for the purpose.

The mouthpiece said, “A roadmap for it should be thrashed out by the high commands of both the par-

ties. That is the need of the hour. The state and central regimes led by the AIADMK and the BJP respectively are working responsibly and are headed towards a final resolution of the issue.”

It said under such circumstances, the main opposition DMK was holding “unnecessary protests” as it was “apprehensive” that both the governments, working in cohesion, would

succeed in resolving the Cauvery issue. It also hit out at the other party for trying to get an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue after attempting to show black flags to him recently.

AIADMK mouthpiece said no other party could indulge in such politics burying its self-respect. The government allowed protests like black flag demonstrations keeping democratic ethos in mind, and AIADMK asked if the protesters succeeded in showing even a single black flag to Modi.

The assertion comes several days after asking the Centre to change its mindset over the Cauvery issue.

“Without waiting anymore, it will be good if the Central government changed its mindset and avoided partiality,” the mouthpiece said.

HC dismisses pleas to disqualify OPS and team of MLAs CHENNAI: Madras High Court has dismissed writ petitions filed by DMK whip R Sakkarapani and some of the 18 disqualified AIADMK MLAs, including P Vetrivel, to disqualify Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and his team of MLAs for having voted against the Edappadi K Palaniswamiled government during a trust vote held on February 18, 2017. Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose, in their verdict, maintained that

O Panneerselvam

issuing such a direction to the Speaker would amount

to judicial overreach and encroaching upon the powers of the legislature.

They also held that the court could not issue a direction to the Speaker to act upon representations made by the petitioners when he, in his discretion, had chosen not to act.

While the petitioners had attributed malafide intention on the part of Speaker P Dhanapal in not having initiated action against OPS and his team, the Division Bench refused to go into the veracity of such

allegations.

After the verdict, the judges, however, accepted a plea made by senior counsel R Shanmugasundaram, representing the DMK whip, and gave liberty to the petitioner to file an appeal before the Supreme Court challenging their verdict since the case involved interpretation of constitutional provisions.

Judgment has been reserved in the case since last month after hearing elaborate arguments advanced by both sides.

PUNJAB-HARYANA

Punjab cabinet expansion challenged in high court CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana High Court advocate Jagmohan Singh Bhatti has challenged the recent Punjab cabinet expansion citing Article 163 and 164, according to which, only 15 per cent of the total MLAs can be inducted as cabinet ministers. Bhatti said, “The recent cabinet expansion has added nine ministers in Punjab and the total strength of cabinet ministers in Punjab has now touched 18 which violates the provisions of article 163 and 164 and is illegal and unconstitutional. The court has issued notices to the Centre, Punjab and Haryana. I hope that the court will take a suitable action.”

The Punjab government responded by denying any violations while inducting the ministers.

State advocate General Atul Nanda said the recent expansion was within the limit and the state government will soon file its

reply in the court. The Opposition, meanwhile, jumped on the opportunity, and criticised Captain Amarinder Singh for ignoring Doaba region from where only one minister has been inducted besides ignoring the scheduled caste and backward classes communities.

Spokesperson of Shironmani Akali Dal (SAD), Daljit Singh Cheema said, “Captain Amarinder Singh's decision to expand its cabinet has not only sparked dissidence in his own party but has also exposed the stepmotherly treatment meted out to various regions of Punjab, including the Doaba from where only one minister has been inducted. This shows the anti-people face of Punjab government.” Bhatti had earlier also challenged Haryana cabinet expansion and the matter is still pending in the High Court.

Hearing of the petition will come up on May 5.

Haryana govt cancels award function for CWG medalists C H A N D I G A R H : Haryana government has canceled the felicitation function for the state's Commonwealth Games medal winners after top athletes threatened to boycott the programme over a proposed cut in prize money. National level athletes like wrestler Vinesh Phogat, Javelin-thrower Neeraj Chopra and boxer Manoj Kumar, all refused to attend the function that was scheduled to be held in Panchkula. The athletes are miffed with the cut proposed for those employed with sectors like Services and others.

Haryana Sports Minister Anil Vij said, “We have decided to cancel the programme. We will be holding a meeting soon wherein we will review the existing policy. Under our sports policy, it is quite clear that we have to give award money to those who have won from the state.

There is no provision in the present policy to give

Vinesh Phogat

award to those who have represented bodies like the Railways or the Army.” He added, “We gave relaxation to our policy and considered even those players who play for bodies like the Railways, lest they feel that they got less than what their counterparts who represent the state get. Everyone is aware that Haryana gives highest award money. What we had said is that we will deduct the prize money that they get from their employer, in case of any, from the total reward money.”

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WEST BENGAL

Bangladesh, Nepal trial bus service through India

These two buses left BRTC International Depot, Motijheel, Dhaka, with 80 delegates of Bangladesh, Nepal and India during the trial run of tri-nation bus service

SILIGURI: Two buses carrying delegates of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh were launched between Kathmandu and Dhaka through India, as part of a trial bus service from Bangladesh and Nepal. The delegation comprised of 25 Bangladeshis, 12 Indians, six Nepalese, and one official of Asian Development Bank (ADB). The aim of the trial run is to establish communication with Nepal by road, Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) chairman Fariduddin Ahmed, who led the delegation said.

“A protocol is expected to be signed on the basis of the delegation's report for launching a regular and

direct bus service between Dhaka and Kathmandu,” he said. Ahmed added that the service will boost tourism, help tourists and businessmen associated with the tourism industry. It will also help people who come to West Bengal for medical tourism. Bangladesh Road Transport and highways Division Secretary Nazrul Islam said, “This marks a good beginning of subregional connectivity.”

The proposed commercial bus service comes under the purview of Bangladesh-Bhutan-IndiaNepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement. It was signed in June 2015 to enable movement of passenger and cargo vehicles.

TMC wins more than 34% panchayat seat without contest KOLKATA: Even before casting of votes for the May 14 local body elections began in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's party has won 34 per cent seats unopposed. There were no opposition candidates for these seats by the time nominations closed on Saturday, which means the Trinamool Congress has won over 20,000 of 58,692 Panchayat seats in the state - the highest number to go uncontested in Bengal's history. In all these seats, the opposition either withdrew candidates or had failed to complete paperwork.

"This is a glaring example of the mockery of democracy, an eloquent testimony of the butchery of electoral rights of the common people," Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said.

Ever since the polls were announced, opposition parties have been in and out of court claiming their candidates were unable to file nominations because of violence and "terror" by the ruling party.

The election body accepted the nomination of nine candidates on WhatsApp after they complained that they were not being allowed near the filing centre. Earlier this month, bikers waving swords, daggers, knives and axes drove into the

office of a district magistrate in Birbhum just before the filing of nominations were to start for the day. It is not known what party they belonged to.

The election commission that day scrapped nominations, seemingly under pressure from the government. The court ordered an additional day of nominations to help candidates who couldn't submit their documents.

But there was violence again on the new date, and one person was killed in Birbhum.

By then, the ruling party had filed over 72,000 nominations, the BJP around 35,000, the Left 22,000 and the Congress 10,000. Birbhum is among the districts with the highest number of uncontested seats. On Saturday, the last day for withdrawing nominations, the Trinamool took back 10,000 nominations.

This is not the first time seats have been won uncontested by ruling parties in the Panchayat polls.

In 2013, the Trinamool had won over 10 per cent of the seats unopposed.

Ten years before that, it was the Left that had won 11 per cent of the Panchayat seats without contest.

Mamata Banerjee's party has surpassed the Left's record three times over.

HERITAGE HISTORY

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Dr. Hari Desai

Elder Brother Gandhi as Patel’s lieutenant • ‘If you wish to fight a war, you cannot afford to celebrate weddings’ • Vallabhbhai called the Government composed mainly of ‘outsiders’ Part II of IV s we have seen in the last installment that it was inevitable for Vallabhabhai Patel to take leadership of the Bardoli Satyagraha, he decided to launch it from 12 February 1928. Once set to take the lead, Barrister Patel would not look back.

He decided to have support of respectable landholders of all the communities of the Bardoli Taluka, Patidars, Vanias, Christians, Muslims and backward classes. He kept an eye on everything that went on in every part of the Taluka. Half of the 87,000 inhabitants were Dublas (now Halpatis) and tribals; a third were Patidars; Muslims and Anavil Brahmins were 4 per cent each; and Vanias

A

against the efforts which Government officers had already begun to make to break the unity of the people and to recover the land revenue by recourse to various methods of persuasion, pressure, etc.

Another object of these camps was, of course, also to encourage the few who were hesitant or afraid of consequences and to achieve and maintain complete unity among the different caste and creed.

Each of these camps was placed in charge of selected workers, workers from outside also started pouring in: they were placed in charge of camps at different places.” Four ‘Ks’ were already in action: they were Kalyanji Mehta, Kunvarji Mehta, Keshavbhai and

Vallabhbhai with Bardoli Satyagrahis

and untouchables 2 per cent each. But the Dublas, tribals and untouchables were a small minority among the 17,000 landholders.

Patidars, Brahmins, Vanias, Muslims and a sprinkling of Parsis owned most of the land, records Rajmohan Gandhi in “Patel: A Life”.

Following the decision to launch the Bardoli Satyagraha, Patel worked out the plan. Narhari D. Parikh describes in “Sardar Vallbhbhai Patel”: “The battle was joined. Camps were opened at different places to warn people

Khushalbhai Patel.

Uttamchand Shah too.

Mahadev Desai was shuttling between Bardoli and Ahmedabad.

Vallabhbhai was the sole in charge or the Commander-in-Chief for the entire Satyagraha. He had allotted various departments to his lieutenants. Manilal Kothari was to collect funds for the campaign. Pyarelal took charge of the English publication Section. The leaflets issued daily by this department were to keep the people informed.

Jugatram Dave was in

Vallabhbhai Patel with Swami Anand and Manilal Kothari at Bardoli in 1928

charge of the bulletins or Patrikas.

The sole spokesman for the movement was Vallabhbhai himself. Swami Anand was to be his Personal Assistant.

Vallabhbhai was to direct every activity from Bardoli’s Satyagraha Ashram. One of Mahatma Gandhi’s sons, Ramdas, was to manage the Ashram refectory with other helpers. Darbar Gopaldas Desai, Mohanlal Pandya, Ravishankar Maharaj, Balwantray Mehta, Dr. Sumant Mehta and a team of women workers consisted of Maniben, Shardaben Mehta, Bhaktiba Desai and Mithuben Petit joined the team of Vallabhbhai.

Abbas Tyabji,73, a retired Chief Judge of Baroda State as well as Imam Saheb Abdul Kader Bavazir, who was with Gandhiji in South Africa, joined the Satyagraha to encourage Bardoli’s Muslims.

The beginning of the campaign coincided with the marriage season.

Vallabhbhai issued a leaflet and warned the people against succumbing to any temptation. The leaflet declared: “If you have any marriage to celebrate, you will have to see that you are through with very quickly. If you wish to fight a war, you cannot afford to celebrate weddings. Pretty soon you will have to lock up your doors

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machinery started organizing auctions to sell off the attached land to outsiders. There was total non-cooperation from the local people with the Raj.

Ravishankar Maharaj

Even when the Collector of Surat went on visit of Bardoli Taluka, he could not get any bullock-cart to travel. The movement was becoming an all-India issue as Gandhiji wrote about it in “Navjivan”.

Even pro-Government newspapers like “Times of India” reported the impact of the Satyagraha. There was an indication of Vallabhbhai being arrested by the authorities. At this juncture, “Elder Brother” Gandhiji decided to go to Bardoli as “a solder of Vallabhbhai” to carry out the responsibility, in case Patel was arrested. Earlier the Mahatma had kept Darbar Gopaldas himself out of Bardoli.

Both Gandhiji and Patel knew, in the words of was able, therefore, to Mahadev Desai, that “seize” Rs.1,500 from one Vallabhbhai, “who of them and Rs.785 had in him the from the other.

Next Column: blood of generaThe villagers tions of peassaw through HMG concedes ants”, could t h e Victory of "Lenin" organize the stratagem Patel Bardoli populace and were furi“in a form in which ous.

Rejecting (Gandhi) could never have Vallabhbhai’s advice, they done”.

Unlike the extracted “penance” from Mahatma, he spoke the the two Vanias: one paid language of the soil and as Rs. 800 towards the a Patidar, he belonged to Satyagraha campaign and the community that comthe other Rs. 651. prised the Satyagraha’s To teach a lesson to the backbone.ing all conpeople of Bardoli, the cerned.

Government had brought the troops of Pathans.

(The writer is a SocioEfforts were made to political Historian. attach the land of the E-mail: defaulters. The official haridesai@gmail.com )

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from dawn till sunset and wander about in the field.

You will have to lead a camp life. Let everyone concerned men, women, children, old and young, understand this. Rich and poor of all classes and all communities must work in complete harmony.

Everyone must come home at night. Arrange matters that the Government would find it impossible to discover a single man to help them in carrying away any confiscated property. That must be the condition throughout the Taluka.”

After the declaration of war, Vallabhbhai received a letter on 17 February from J. W. Smyth, Revenue Secretary to the Government of Bombay branding him and others as “outsiders” instigating the people of Bardoli not to pay up the land revenue.

Not only Patel but even Gandhiji objected to the leaders of Bardoli Satyagraha being called “outsiders”. After thanking the Government for their threats to the people, Patel said: “You regard me and my colleagues as outsiders. I am helping my own people and am bringing to light your misdeeds.

You are forgetting that you speak on behalf of a Government which is composed mainly of outsiders.

Let me assure you that though I claim to belong to Bardoli as to any other

part of India. I have come to Bardoli at the request of the distressed people of the Taluka, and it is open to them to tell me to clear out at any moment.”

So furious was Smyth with Vallabhbhai’s reply that he directed him to deal with the Collector of Surat. The Government machinery initiated aggressive campaign to issue threats of attaching the movables and buffaloes of those who withhold the tax. The Raj pressurized the Deputy Collectors, Revenue officers and even Talaties to collect the tax by hook or crook. Their soft targets were some Vanias. Acting in collusion with a revenue officer, two Vanias “accidently” left their dues near their windows and “neglected” to shut the windows when a drumbeat announced the arrival of an attaching party. The Raj

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Modi, Jinping vow to reduce border tensions Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned from yet another explosive and much-talked about international bilateral visit, this time, to China. Modi went on a two-day visit to the neighbour's and arrived in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, where he was welcomed warmly. Modi later met Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed him with a warm hand shake and hosted grand welcoming ceremony for him at the Hubei Provincial Museum. The Indian PM was greeted with a classical Chinese dance opera performance, after which, Jinping took him around some of the most historical art collections and cultural relics of the country's ancient civilisation.

The bilateral summit, for which Modi crossed the seas to meet with an otherwise frigid neighbour, has been touted to be unique as both the leaders were under no pressure to sign any agreements nor make any kind of big announcements. This was perhaps one of the rare times when both the countries in focus could hold candid discussions on solutions to the issues at hand.

Avoid future Doklam situations and build trust In the meet, both Modi and Jinping made strong commitment to avoid future Doklam issues and reduce border tensions. They issued “strategic guidance” to their militaries to build trust and enhance “predicability and effectiveness” in managing border affairs. The Indian statement on the Modi-Xi informal summit said, “The two leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in all areas of the India-China border region in the larger interest of the overall development of bilateral relations.” The statement, in a detailed paragraph devoted to the border dispute and military frictions, said the leaders urged the special representatives of India and China working on the “boundary question” to intensify efforts to seek a “fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable” settlement.

Specific issues were not brought to light, as was agreed upon, however, China's preparedness to acknowledge a direction to the Chinese military comes as a significant move. Modi said the first-ever summit between the two countries can now define the relationship between the countries and can be the building blocks of a future that emphasises a convergence of interests. He told Jinping that the “positives” characterising bilateral ties are soch, sampark, sahyog, sankalp, and sapne. The meet which was initially scheduled to be held for 30 minutes, reportedly lasted for about two hours as both the leaders promoted a desire to impart a new pace to ties and preventing disputes from holding relations to ransom.

Xi emphasised on the need to build a common understanding, adding that he hoped friendship between the countries will continue to flow like the Ganga and Yangtze.

India-China border likely to cool down Following the meeting, it is speculated that the heightened military tensions along the Line of Actual Control since last year's 73-day long Doklam confrontation will de-escalate now, even though constant troop confrontations continue to take place. Senior defence officials said the decision at the informal summit between Modi and Jinping to issue “strategic guidance”

Prime minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping vowed greater cooperation and a reduction in border tensions

to their militaries has simplified to ordering their troops to defuse confrontations during patrolling.

A senior officer said, “There will be some cooling down of operational tensions. There are enough mechanisms in place, from banner drills, flag meetings and border personnel meetings (BPMs) to the WMCC (working mechanism for consultation and coordination) and diplomatic channels, to manage and defuse face-offs.”

However, it is also to be noted that the implementation on ground has not been very effective. The 2013's Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA), for instance, is not completely operational to this day. Reports say there are 23 “areas of dispute” identified along the 4,057 km LAC, stretching from Ladakh to Arunachal, where patrols constantly tail rival patrols, triggering face-offs.

The officer said, “Hopefully, the two sides will now show restraint to avoid major confrontations, return to their posts, and raise and resolve the incidents in flag meetings or BPMs at the local level itself. We will, of course, not let down our guard.” Both the countries now look to set up the long-pending hotline between the operations directorates of their central military headquarters. The officer said, “China initially said it did not have a counterpart to the Indian DGMO, while also seeking a 48-hour notice to activate the hotline. But the PLA now has its own service headquarters and can identify an equivalent to our DGMO.” India and China unite for Af project A major takeaway from the Modi-Xi summit, India and China have agreed to work jointly on an economic project in Afghanistan. The development has expected to put Pakistan on the edge as it has worked extra hard to exclude India from a region it considers to be its strategic backyard. An official source revealed that both the coun-

UK court admits evidence against Mallya

The Westminster magistrate's court has admitted all evidence presented by the Indian government in its attempt to extradite businessman Vijay Mallya, except emails that the defence claimed were privileged interaction between Mallya and his lawyer about “legal advice”. Chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot said she was “Still sitting on the fence about them.” She said closing submissions in his extradition trial will take place on July 11 with the judgment expected soon afterwards.

“Everything is in except for LPP (legal professional privilege),” she said. Arbuthnot's reference was to the emails. The prosecution had sought for those emails, which would normally be privileged, to become part of their evi-

dence, claiming they proved the businessman had fraudulent plans to

Vijay Mallya

avoid his liabilities to the banks. However, Mallyas' lawyer Ben Watson pointed there was still no “log from a police officer” on much of it. Arbuthnot responded saying, “I am

content on admissibility if it is covered by a statement from an officer.” She also asked for affidavits regarding money laundering which remain missing.

Mark Summers QC, who represents the Indian government, undertook to get statements attesting to the accuracy of their evidence within seven days, to which Watson would have 10 days to respond.

Mallya, who is wanted in India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to £900 million, had his £650,000 bail extended until the next date of hearing on July 11.

Oral submissions will be made on closing arguments to be submitted to Arthbuthnot over the next two months, when the court reconvenes. Then, the judge is expected to

indicate plans for a verdict in the case at the next hearing.

The trial, which opened at the London court on December 4 last, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against Mallya, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016. It also seeks to prove there are no “bars to extradition” and that he is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines’ alleged default of over £900 million in loans from a consortium of Indian banks.

The CPS has argued that the evidence they have presented establishes “dishonesty” on the part of the businessman and that there are no bars to him being extradited from the UK to face Indian courts.

tries discussed participation in a project and that details are being worked out through diplomatic channels. They said, “It's a sign that the two leaders, to an extent, did manage to address the distrust which has marked ties in the past few years.”

It is understood that officials from India and China will identify the project in following up discussions and work out modalities. This will be a first such project in the war-torn country where China while trying to expand its influence has tacitly backed Pakistan, which has been accused by Afghanistan and the US of backing the Taliban and its most violent attacks in the country destabilising any attempts to restore peace.

Obituary

Amratlal Ghelabhai Desai It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing away of Amratlal Ghelabhai Desai, on April 17, at Newham General Hospital. Former manager of Brent Indian Association, he was made MBE in 2004 for his outstanding community work. Amratbhai was a member of the Brent Racial Equality Council, and Labour volunteer at

elections. He is survived by wife Urmilaben Desai, son Unmesh and his daughter Kavita.

Dr Leela Bhupendra Patel It is with immense sadness that we announce the demise of Dr Leelaben Patel on April 23. A humble, modest, and polite person.

Throughout her life, she has undertaken and supported several noble initiatives. In her last act of generosity, Dr Leelaben donated her eyes following her death. Her spirit

continues to inspire us to this day.

Jashu Gunvantrai Desai In unfortunate news, Jashu Gunvantrai Desai passed away on April 23, in Dubai. Born in 1938, she married Gunvantrai Lallubhai Desai and moved to Zambia in 1959, where she ran businesses with her husband.

The family later moved to the UK in 1973. Jashuben had lived a full life, and was blessed to have peacefully passed away in

her sleep. She is survived by her sons Naynesh Desai, and Kamal Desai.

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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To Our Readers

We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement any advice. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

New study finds boss should let workers have lie-in to stop them dying early

Researchers have found that that bosses should let workers have lie-ins in order to stop them from having an early death.

A new study found that night owls are putting their health at risk by excessive working hours, and are more likely to die sooner when compared to early risers.

According to researchers from the University of Surrey and N o r t h w e s t e r n University, Chicago, more employers should offer staff the chance to have a lie-in to reduce “psychological stress” that can affect exercise and eating habits.

Having early starts at work and the lack of sleep has previously been shown to increase the risk of people devel-

oping heart disease or other conditions. The new study has found that diabetes and mental health disorders were also common among night owls, and have warned that lack of sleep could also fuel unhealthy consumption of alcohol and drugs.

Malcolm von Schantz, Professor of Chronobiology at the University of Surrey said, “This is a public health issue that can no longer be ignored. We should discuss allowing evening types to start and finish work later, where practical. And we need more research about how we can help evening types cope with the higher effort of keeping their body clock in synchrony with sun time.”

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Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

Search engines likely to cause pregnancy anxiety

According to a new report, search engines like Google and Bing are more likely than any other source of information to provoke anxiety during pregnancy. A survey of 300 UK mums who have given birth in the past five years published in the UK Maternity Report by the private midwifery services provider, Private Midwives, revealed that search engines were more likely than any other source to provide information which causes further worry and anxiety. The news comes following midwife, lecturer and advisor to BBC’s Call the Midwife, Terri Coates, revealed that the internet was stopping women from turning to their professional midwife for advice.

As many as 41% reported this was the case, while almost the same number (38%) said they had read information about pregnancy in online forums such as groups and chat boards which had caused them concern. Despite this, 89% admitted that they had consulted the internet for nonemergency health advice or information about their pregnancy, and outside of midwife appointments, mums-to-be are more likely (53%) to turn to the internet for non-emergency advice or information than anyone or anything else.

Any quest ions

By Mamta Saha Psychologist

Be peaceful-Be happy-Be you Dearest Readers, It has been a good few years since I have written.

I have missed you and it’s been lovely knowing that you have missed me too. I am now back with my column on how you can achieve peace, happiness and contentment in your life. I want you to know that it all starts with you and it all ends with you. I will help you take back the power and the control that you may have given to others in order for you to live your life in a way that brings you calm and contentment with every breath that you take.

This week I would like you to turn your focus inward on yourself and to think about the energy that you carry with you.

When you go anywhere how do you show up? Do you show up with a positive attitude or a negative attitude? Is your mind already made-up about how a conversation or situation is going to go? Do you go with a preformed

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[Mamta Saha is a qualified Psychologist and Coach with over 15 years international experience.

She is a wife and mother of 3 girls under 6. If you have any questions or are interested in being coached feel free to email her at: mamtasaha@icloud.com]

SATURDAY & SUNDAY at 8pm DANCE INDIA

ZINDAGI KI MEHEK (ORG) KUMKUM BHAGYA (ORG)

is a chance to turn it around’. Create a vision of how you would like it to be, not how you think it will be. Often the images that we have in our head can be somewhat negative and paint a grey picture of how things will end up.

Change your internal dialogue and brighten up your picture to make it kinder to yourself and to those involved. Try to focus on the qualities and strengths that you have and magnify these in your mind. Send out love from your heart and breathe, you will notice yourself feeling better already. Let me know how you get on and email any questions, good luck.

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picture in your head about how it is going to be? By noticing these things you can raise your awareness over the impact you have and ultimately the results that you get.

Every single human being carries with them an energy that is not seen but it is felt. Sometimes we are around an energy that can feel suffocating, sometimes we maybe around an energy that empowers us and energies us to another level. It is easy to point a finger at others and hold them accountable for the energy that we may notice but the real power comes when we become aware of what we are contributing to the dynamic and the impact that this is having on the overall experience.

Here are a few simple things that you can do before you embark on a situation or interaction that may leave you feeling down. Think about a personal mantra that will get you through it: ‘I create how I feel’, ‘every second

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Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

‘102 Not Out’

Dattatraya Vakharia (Amitabh Bachchan) is a 102 year old man who wants to break the record of oldest living male.

However, he must find a way to change the grumpy nature of his 75 year old son Babulal (Rishi Kapoor).

Suriya's sister Brindha follows his footsteps

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Radhika Apte has signed her first Hollywood film R

adhika Apte has signed for her first Hollywood movie, an untitled female-driven World War II spy drama. She will reportedly play Noor Inayat Khan, a pacifist of Indian descent worked as a British spy. The film revolves around British Intelligence officer Vera Atkins, who will be played by Stana Katic of 'Castle' fame, and what happens when she sends Apte and Sarah Megan Thomas, who will play Virginia Hall, to France as spies.

Also part of the caste are actors Linus Roache and Rossif Sutherland, who will reportedly play real-life spies in Winston Churchill’s “secret army”. The film will be directed and produced

by Lydia Dean Pilcher of 'Queen of Katwe' fame, and screenplay written by Thomas herself.

After Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, Apte is also hopeful of a successful stint in the West. On the work front, she was last seen in 'Pad Man' which was a raving hit. She will soon be seen in Saif Ali Khan-starrer stock market thriller 'Bazaar' and Vikramaditya Motwane, Anurag Kashyap's 'Sacred Games'.

Pooja Hegde thrilled to join Prabhas-starrer bilingual

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fter Suriya and Karthi, yet another gem from the Sivakumar family has joined the film industry.

Brindha, sister to the talented brothers, will make her debut as a singer with Gautham Karthik's 'Mr Chandramouli'. She has sung the title track which features lyrics by Vithya Damodharan in Sam CS' music.

The music was launched at Sathyam Cinemas last week, where Suriya was present to celebrate his sister's debut. In her first ever film stage speech, Brindha thanked Sam for the opportunity.

“Sam sir made me feel so comfortable, and the whole arrangements were made as per my comfort level. I told Sam sir, to have this song in the film, only if the output had come well. But, he was very sure that I will do well, and the song will be well received. Thank you Sam sir, and the whole team of 'Chandramouli' for having me,” she said. A regular singer in Suriya's Agaram Foundation events, one of Brindha's songs was chanced upon by 'Mr. Chandramouli' producer Dhananjeyan, who offered her the part.

Why Kamal Haasan apologised to Sivakarthikeyan

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ur forever 'Baahubali', Prabhas is now part of a Hindi-Telugu period romance with none other than Pooja Hegde of 'Mohenjo Daro' fame. The yetuntitled film will be directed by Telugu director Radha Krishna Kumar. “I knew Prabhas was already on board when the makers approached me for this entertaining love story. It has a beautiful role for me and I'm really excited,” Hegde said. She added, “Since 'Mohenjo Daro' took two years to complete, people assume I've done a lot of work down south but I'm still a new entrant. I was intimidated by Hrithik (Roshan) since it was my first Hindi film but this time, I am more excited. I've only heard great things about Prabhas and his work ethic.”

Hegde added that she will also be

attending workshops that involve her rehearsing some action and musical sequences along with her co-star. The film will go on floors in Europe in June, and while Hegde will reportedly begin the shoot then, Prabhas will only join the team in July after wrapping up 'Saaho'.

Vijay Sethupathi to star in Rajini’s next

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amil film industry is just as dramatic as any other, and has witnessed its own set of fan wars.

Actor Sivakarthikeyan hit the headlines in 2015, when he was allegedly attacked by Kamal Haasan's fans in Madurai. A video of fans manhandling the star even went viral on the internet. While the reason behind the attack was still unclear, it is believed he was attacked for being a die-hard Rajini fan.

The incident was brought up recently during an interview. While Siva had no idea why the people acted that way, he also revealed that Kamal personally apologised to him later that day on behalf of his fans for their unruly behaviour. While fandom is any celebrity's prime goal, there are times when the public goes overboard and causes unnecessary havoc. On the work front, Siva awaits the release of 'Seema Raja', directed by Ponram.

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ijay Sethupathi is officially joining superstar Rajinikanth's upcoming mammoth-sized project with Karthik Subbaraj. The news was announced by Sun Pictures, which will bankroll the movie. “We are happy to announce that for the first time, Vijay Sethupathi will be acting with Superstar Rajini,” they tweeted. It is most likely that he will play the antagonist in the film. The project has several big names associated to it, including Anirudh Ravichander, who has been brought in to compose the music. Counting this, Vijay now has over nine films to look forward to this year. Rajini, on the other hand, despite entering Tamil Nadu politics, is no where close to retiring as an actor. He has two films slated for a release this year, including Pa Ranjith's 'Kaala', which will release on June 7, and Shankar's '2.0'.

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Deepika is ‘protective’ about Ranveer

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hile Deepika Padukone and rumoured boyfriend (fiancé?) Ranveer Singh have never openly accepted (nor denied) their relationship, their fondness for each other have never been in the shadows. While Dippy has openly gushed over the eccentric hunk, there was something different in the way she opened about her equation with him and a possible future work collaboration.

Praising Ranveer's portrayal of Sulan Alauddin Khilji in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavat', Deepika said, “The first time I watched him onscreen since we never had any scenes together. I cannot think of any actor who would have done this role and brought in the kind of intensity he did with Khilji. It was an actor backed part but he made Khilji his own. He gave justice to the menacing part of Khilji. Audiences had to hate him to love his work. Actors are usually scared of doing negative roles for the fear of being typecast.” She added, “But today the audiences have evolved. They are more aware. They hated Khiljis character but loved Ranveer in it.”

When asked whether she is critical of his work, she said, “I am very protective about Ranveer. When the world gushes on him, I am honest with my feedback of him.”

On the work front, Deepika was last seen in 'Padmavat', and was scheduled to shoot for her film with Vishal Bhardwaj and Irrfan Khan, but the film has been reportedly postponed due to Khan's ill health.

Kalki to rap in 'Gully Boy'

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Priyanka to attend the royal wedding on May 19 Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

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ttention. This is not a drill.

Priyanka Chopra has been invited to the royal wedding, and, she is going! Guest starring on 'Live With Kelly and Ryan' last week, the actress finally confirmed that she will be a guest at the highly anticipated wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The confirmation came after weeks of speculation, given PeeCee's growing friendship with the soon-to-be bride. “I mean, because of the fact that I'm promoting 'Quantico', which airs tonight by the way... and I can't avoid the question... Yes I'm going. But that's all,” Priyanka said to loud cheers from the audience.

All over Hollywood promoting the new season of her FBI show, Priyanka admitted on 'Good Morning America' that she's having a hard time figuring out what to get her friend as a wedding gift. “I've been struggling with that myself. I think you just have to think about the person you're getting the gift for. What do you get a princess? Do you think I should get the princess a frog? Most princesses like frogs I heard. I don't know, we'll have to think about that one.” While the question to whether she will attend the wedding was answered, doubts on whether Priyanka will be one of Meghan's bridesmaid at the St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle were raised.

The actress clarified that she is not and will only attend as a guest. Priyanka said a wedding isn't just life-changing for the couple tying the knot, but also for the world to see strong women icons, and Meghan has the potential to be that.

Shreya Ghoshal set to rock the UK in May

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That's when I decided to have a grand symphony with strings, piano, and a choir section along with my core band,” she said.

Shreya added, “I will present songs that I've recorded in the previous songs. Songs by Lataji, Ashaji, Madan Mohan Saab, RD Burmanji, Salil Chowdhury, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal are close to my heart. Music became my first love after I heard their tracks. It will be an honour to sing their songs live.”

The 34 year old is a household name in India, and one of the very few musical prodigies Bollywood has produced. She rose to fame in 2000 when she won then popular singing competition 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa'. The singer made her debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bollywood epic 'Devdas', and has not turned back ever since.

ne of the biggest playback singers in B-Town, Shreya Ghoshal has rendered her beautiful voice to numerous songs, in almost all Indian languages. Every year the 'Ghoomar' singer returns to the UK to give some power-packed performances, and 2018 is no different. Ghoshal is all set to perform some of her most memorable hits along with a full symphony orchestra and 40 musicians, on May 6, at The SSE Arena, Wembley, and on May 7, at the De Montfort Hall, Leicester. Back for yet another sell-out show, fans of the singer can expect a lively evening full of filmy hits.

The beautiful concerts, organised by TLC Events, will catch Shreya recreate her own hits and other classics to the sounds of the symphony orchestra. “I've done so many world tours, but none have come closer to this one. I wanted to offer something unconventional to my fans.

Kareena is Sonam's ‘favourite hero’

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K

alki Koechlin is all about “desi” rap these days, as the actress gears up to record a song with Ranveer Singh for Zoya Akhtar's upcoming 'Gully Boy'. The film is based on the lives of rappers of Dharavi, Maharashtra, Vivian Fernandes or Divine as he is known, and Naezy. “We did not prepare much except that we listened to a lot of rap. I started listening to Divine, Naezy, and tried to understand where this voice was coming from. My character has studied music in Berkeley and she comes back and is producing a video, she also writes music as well,” Kalki said.

“I listened to a lot of rap, especially to get into that zone because Ranveer and I have to sing a song together. Anand Tiwari is doing the music of the film, so he is teaching me the song,” she added. All praises for director Zoya, Kalki said, “I love Zoya, she is so much fun.

She is tomboyish, playful on the sets. She has a great sense of humour and timing and that shows in her script. At the same time, she is specific with what she wants as a director.” Set to release on February 14 next year, the film stars Ranveer and Alia Bhatt in the lead.

pcoming 'Veere Di Wedding' has an all-female cast and features four of the industry's best actresses. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar, and Shikha Talsania launched the movie trailer last week, and when asked what was her experience like working without a male lead, Sonam was quick to answer, “My favourite hero I have ever worked with is Kareena Kapoor. I am telling you, it is the easiest thing to work with other women.”

Unrelentingly blunt, Sonam went on. “Unfortunately, our conditioning is sch that people expect women to pull other women down and compete with each other. But what's amazing is to actually work towards the same goal and create the best possible version of something. If all girls come together, they can literally move the world.”

Talking about the movie, Sonam said, “This film is an ensemble film that is about each girl's journey. Each of us has an equally important story to tell. Of course, the story is about one of the friends getting married

and it is from her perspective. It is a story about friendship, about girls... and I don't think such a film has been made before where it is entertaining, it is fun, it has got romance, dance, and drama.”

“It has got everything. Why can't women headline a female commercial film which has a

story about girls? Hopefully, with everyone's support, I think this will bring about a change in the kind of films which are made and the kind of roles written for us,” Sonam said.

Directed by Shashanka Ghosh, 'Veere Di Wedding' is set to release on June 1.

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UK

Asian Voice |

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

5th May 2018

Water, Health and Dance Day celebrated Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence has organised World Water Day at the House of Lords, World Health Day at the House of Commons and International Dance Day at the landmark Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in East Ham recently. While the Water Day was hosted

by Baroness McIntosh and Lord Jitesh Gadhia, the Health Day was hosted by Virendra Sharma MP and the Dance Day was attended by Stephen Timms MP. Various aspects pertaining to the importance of water, plastic pollution, health and well-being that matter to communities were presented by experts in the field.

In addition, a tribute to water conservation through dance and the

Lord Gadhia with Sanskruti and Sur Bharti Team

impact of dance on physical and mental health were choreographed and presented at both the Houses of Parliament, while a tribute to Gurus was paid through Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak and Bharatanatyam by exponents in these art forms from London and beyond was presented on

Coming Events

l Tarapur UK presents the Five Bridges London Charity Walk, on May 13, Sunday, 1.30 pm onwards, from Tower Hill Welcome Gardens to Jubilee Gardens. l Shree Bharatiya Mandal presents The Amazing Little Stars, on May 19, Saturday, 7.00 pm onwards, at the Indian Community Centre, 103 Union Road, Ashton under Lyne, OL6 8JN. l The Leicester Friends of the OCHS presents Pathways to Purusha: The What, How, and Why of Meditation in the Yoga Tradition- a talk by Dr Ramesh Pattni DPhil, on May 5, Saturday, 6.30 pm to 9.00 pm at Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, Rothley Street, Leicester LE4 6LF. Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha's head Param Pujya Mahant Swami is currently in New Delhi conducting his vicharan. There, he celebrated several occasions including a special day for children, for youths, and God's tulavidhi. He also conducted a Satsang Shibir l XXXXXXXX for which, Haribhakts from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh gathered in large numbers.

Mahant Swami welcomed every one and spread a message of peace, unity, and love. He also consecrated the BAPS temple in the state on May 1.

Coming

Sneh Joshi

the occasion of International Dance Day. Founder of Sanskruti Ragasudha Vinjamuri highlighted that dance can be a powerful tool to highlight social, environmental & cultural challenges in the society and must be judiciously used for

improving civic and social responsibility..

The events were conceived and organised by Sanskruti in collaboration with Sur Bharti Women’s Collective which has been in the forefront in promoting Indian culture and heritage in the UK.

The Indian Association Oldham triumphantly celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a weeklong celebrations ending on Sunday.

Thousands of people joined in the celebrations which turned out to be the biggest event of its kind ever staged in the North West.

Programmes included spiritual discourses by HH Shri Shastri Swami Narayancharandasji (from India), Indian classical and Bollywood dances, music, songs, plays with fabulous colourful costumes, fireworks, Kids Zone, Fifty Years of History Exhibition, and free meals.

The Association founded in 1968 by Late Mr Jagatsinghji M Sisodia

and now boasts a purposeful community centre having a Temple, large Hall for community activities which include sports and recreational facilities, etc.

A large number of VIPs attended the celebrations including Mayor of Oldham Cllr Shadab Qumer, Rt Hon MP Mr Jim McMahon.

The event saw a grand procession through the town centre under sunny skies. There were traditional dances and music with drums etc in the procession with several floats magnificently decorated with self built colourful structures depicting Indian culture. Everyone joined in the procession creating a vibrant happy

Indian Association Oldham celebrates Golden Jubilee

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you feel that you're being kept in the dark. You will probably find that worries have been unfounded. Although you may be faced with a difficult decision concerning your career or employment, this is not the time to hide. Don't waste time if you can improve matters.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 You’re likely to find yourself

weighing practical considerations with long–term goals.

Certainly you’re entering a very important period of your life where, by working hard and being focused, you can go a long way towards realising your ideals. Currently your ruler Saturn is helping you to define who you really are.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Jupiter is transiting your

work and health sector. You are likely to see benefits in these areas, as well as daily routines. Benefits may come through work itself, co-workers, or employees during this cycle. You might be especially interested in the healing arts during this cycle, such as massage or aromatherapy.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 There are subtle transformations taking shape in your life and a feeling of helpful influences in the background. There is much to suggest that you are in tune with your inner self and in touch with those hidden forces which often seem to take a guiding hand in one's life. Focus on essentials and establish a solid foundation.

Responsibility is your key word, especially at work. Set your own goals, rather than trying to meet those set by someone else.

Your ability to manage what you have on your plate earns respect from others around you. You will benefit in every way if you learn to self-discipline and pace yourself wisely.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

Relationships are complex at the best of times, but Saturn's motion can make things even more complicated now. Misunderstandings can plague partnerships or potential romances - be more careful and forgiving. A good time for completing unfinished business and reassessing your future projects.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

Your communications are at their peak and any initiatives you take now will be well received by people in authority.

An exchange of opinions ought to prove very enlivening at this time. Although the very practical affairs of life continue to be highlighted, you will still be very much in demand socially.

Venus highlights your solar eighth house. Your attention turns inward on a deeper level to personal transformations.

There may be a strong focus on other's money, such as the resources of a partner, inheritance, banking and loans, or taxes. This transit should be positively dealt with to achieve any benefits.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

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linkedin.com/company/asian-achievers-awards atmosphere in the town.

Saturday proved to be a spectacular day with a grand procession through the town centre under sunny skies. There were traditional dances and music with drums etc in the procession with sever-

The UK’s leading Vedic writer and TV personality

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 Don' t get over- anxious if

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al floats magnificently decorated with self built colourful structures depicting Indian culture.

Everyone joined in the procession creating a vibrant happy atmosphere in the town.

020 8518 5500

Venus, the planet of love and romance throws a pleasing light on affairs of the heart. It is certainly going to be a fortunate time for those already married or in an established relationship. The keynote is emotional enrichment through close interaction with a loved one. Finances should be reassessed especially long term investments.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 Venus puts a spotlight on your solar sixth house. This is a busy period that finds you tending to many different aspects of your daily routine and health matters. You are in a very fortunate position to be able to improve your health and diet and also tackle any problems at work, which have been a source of irritation for some time.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 The prevailing pattern of planets gives you a marvellous opportunity. Take time out to strengthen close ties of affection, sort out emotional differences and proffer the olive branch to anyone who may have caused you pain in recent months. Venus throws an easy light on affairs of the heart - prime time for engagements and weddings.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 Venus continues to put a spotlight on your solar fourth house. This is a time to recharge yourself, get in touch with your innermost feelings, connect with your roots, and spend more time with your loved ones. Use this opportunity to find ways to improve your family relations and your home environment.

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CHANCE FOR AMAR VIRDI TO SHINE AsianVoiceNews

Four youngsters - Ollie Pope, Amar Virdi, Sam Curran and Ryan Patel – got chance to play together for Surrey in the county cricket last week. Thanks to major contributions by Ollie Pope and Amar Virdi Surrey beat Hampshire. These youngsters got the chance because of the absence of regular players for various reasons. This quartet has already taken the field together in a match against Middlesex last August. It was the first time four teenagers had played together for any championship side since 1939.

With the growth of short-form tournaments, opportunities for youngsters will expand. Their path will not always run smooth because emerging talent requires patience and lot of courage. But clubs who back them will surely be reward-

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Amar Virdi

ed. Surrey must soon decide whether they continue to pick Virdi when Batty, the team’s senior off-spinner with more than 650 firstclass wickets to his name, is fit again. Virdi has only played four first-class matches but has generated rave reviews, in part because of the dire state of English spin bowling and Moeen Ali’s stated desire to

win back his Test place primarily as a batsman. But he still has a lot to learn and selection for a Lions training camp last winter may have come too soon. “He’s got good natural skills,” said Gareth Townsend, Surrey’s academy director. “He spins it, he’s got nice flight and he bowls at good pace. He’s passionate and talks intelligently. The modern young player doesn’t always communicate but he has developed a nice way about him.

He’s got an opinion and there’s a good character in there.” Townsend also highlighted Virdi’s tribulations.

“He’s had to battle his way through. I picked him as a 14-year-old to make his second XI debut at Northamptonshire and then he dropped out of the system for a year or two. But he kept coming back, wanting to get better. We worked

hard to keep him doing the right things and in the past 12-18 months he’s flourished.

“With the way he bowls, his fitness and mobility are important, because they help him get through the crease. Historically, if he hasn’t worked hard in those areas, it affects his action and he’s not as effective.”

With Zafar Ansari having retired and Batty now 40, Virdi can establish himself as Surrey’s premier spinner and put himself in the frame for England. “We need a young spinner to take over from Gareth Batty,” Townsend added.

“With the dearth of spin resources England have, he’s got an opportunity. If Virdi keeps developing, there’s a bright future for him. He will be successful if he keeps his work ethic high,” Townsend said.

BAPS annual charity challenge raises funds for Carers UK and other worthy causes

More than 1,500 people in London – from toddlers through to senior citizens – joined the BAPS Annual 10K Challenge on Sunday 29 April 2018.

The annual charity Challenge organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) brought together more than 3,000 enthusiastic participants from towns and cities across the UK for a fun and healthy way to raise money for various worthy causes and local charities.

The funds will go towards supporting BAPS’s multifarious educational, community and spiritual activities serving children, youths, families and the elderly. The 2018 Challenge will also be supporting BAPS’s national charity partner, Carers UK, the country’s only national membership charity for carers. It aims to make life better for the 6.5 million people in the UK who are supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill.

Previous national partners for BAPS and BAPS Charities have included

present were MPs Dawn Butler and Bob Blackman, Leader of Brent Council Cllr Muhammed Butt, and several other esteemed guests. Addressing the gathering, Ms Herklots said, “It’s wonderful to join you and see so many of you here. Thank you all for the partnership you have with Carers UK. We are delighted and honoured to be working with you. We’re here to champion the support for caring and look forward to our year together working with you.”

After the opening ceremony, walkers, joggers and

runners moved to the Gibbons Recreation Ground (opposite BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London) to complete their 10 kilometres.

Young children completed a number of circuits of their own around the perimeter of the Mandir while participating in various entertaining activities en route.

Jay Patel, a lead volunteer, shared, “Caring for the elderly is an important service which His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj encourages.

We are delighted to have an opportunity to help carers perform their noble work to the best of their ability.

A special thank you to all the members of the local community who have come out today in support of the event.”

Vandan Patel, a young participant aged eleven, added, “It’s really fun to walk and race with my friends and help to raise money for charity. Helping other people is something we learn at the Mandir every week so this is our chance to do it.”

Virat Kohli

Dhawan for the Arjuna Award, in recognition of the exuberant performances.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has recommended the names of Shahzar Rizvi, Shreyasi Singh, Pooja Ghatkar and Ankur Mittal for Arjuna award.

The Indian Weightlifting

Bob Blackman MP, Cllr Muhammed Butt, Dawn Butler MP and other dignitaries

Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, the Anthony Nolan Trust, Barnardo’s, Breast Cancer Care, the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK, KIDS and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The event kicked off shortly after 10.00am from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, in the presence of Ms Heléna Herklots CBE, CEO of Carers UK, Cllr Bhagwanjibhai Chohan, the Mayor of the London Borough of Brent, and Cllr Margaret Davine, the Mayor of the London Borough of Harrow. Also

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Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

Sreejesh, Rani to lead Indian hockey teams

P.R. Sreejesh

Hockey India has named P.R. Sreejesh and Ritu Rani as captains of senior men's and women's national teams, respectively, until the end of 2018. Sreejesh returns to the leadership role after coming back from a knee injury that he sustained at the 2017 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Meawhile, Rani continues in her position for all the tournaments in 2018 including Hockey Women's World Cup London 2018 starting in July and 18th Asian Games in Jakarta.

Sreejesh was given the captaincy in 2016 for the FIH Champions Trophy where India, under his leadership, won a historic silver medal. He was entrusted the leadership mantle for the Rio Olympics. During the 2017 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, the experienced goalkeeper tore his ligament in his right knee.

Sreejesh returned to action at the four-nation invitational hockey tournament in New Zealand in January 2018, putting up a strong performance where India finished second. Rani, meanwhile, stepped up in to the role of captain guiding India to an Asia Cup win. Under her leadership, the team climbed from 12th to the 10th position. Always leading from the front, Rani also led the team to make a semi-final appearance, first in 12 years, at the 21st Commonwealth Games 2018.

55 players called for national camp Meanwhile, Hockey India has called 55 players for the men's national

Ritu Rani

camp to be held in Bengaluru from April 27 to May 18. The list which will be pruned to 48, features all the 18 players who were part of the Indian men's team that participated in the Commonwealth Games and includes players from the domestic circuit who showcased outstanding performance.

The full list: Goalkeepers: P.R. Sreejesh, Suraj Karkera, Krishan B Pathak, Vikas Dahiya, Jagdeep Dayal.

Defenders: Rupinder Pal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Gurinder Singh, Kothajit Singh, Varun Kumar, Surender Kumar, Amit Rohidas Birendra Lakra, Dipsan Tirkey, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Jarmanpreet Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Amit Gowda, Pardeep Mor, Anand Lakra Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Sumit, Simranjeet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Lalit Upadhyay, Sardar Singh, Hardik Singh, Manpreet (Jr.), Somjeet, Raj Kumar Pal, Amon Mirash Tirkey, Dharminder Singh, V. Veerthamizhan Forwards: Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Ramandeep Singh, SV Sunil, Dilpreet Singh, Sumit Kumar, Mohd.

Umar, Abharan Sudev, Mohd. Raheel, Pardeep Singh, Ajay Yadav, Armaan Qureshi, Sukhjeet Singh, Gagandeep Singh (Sr.), Harish Mutagar, Abhilash Stalin C, Kartik Yadav, Pravakar Minz, Maninderjeet Singh.

Kohli recommended for Khel Ratna award

Indian skipper Virat Kohli's name has been recommended for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.

The Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) has also recommended the name of Rahul Dravid for the Dronacharya award following the amazing success he's had with the India A and Under 19 side - that

won the World Cup in New Zealand/Australia. Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar's name has been recommended for Dhyan Chand Award, which is India's highest award for lifetime achievement in sports and games. The BCCI has also recommended cricketers Smriti Mandhana and Shikhar

Federation has recommended the names of Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, Sanjita Chanu and Venkat Rahul Ragala for Arjuna award while chief national coach Vijay Sharma's name has been recommended for Dronacharya award.

The Wrestling Federation has recommended the names of

women freestyle grapplers Ritu Phogat and Jyoti. In the men’s freestyle, the names of Pawan Kumar, Vinod Omprakash and Sumit have been recommended The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has decided to recommend the names of Rohan Bopanna and Yuki Bhambri for the Arjuna Award.

Sport 32

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Asian Voice | 5th May 2018

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JAGUARS OWNER SHAHID KHAN OFFERS TO BUY WEMBLEY STADIUM

The English Football Association (FA) has received an offer from Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan to buy the Wembley national soccer stadium for about 600 million pounds. Khan said after the sale the stadium would continue to host England games and major cup finals. Wembley has staged regular-season National Football League games since 2007 and Khan's Florida-based franchise started playing at the 90,000-capacity stadium in 2013, the year Khan bought London soccer club Fulham.

Wembley stadium

He is expecting to own the stadium in eight to 12 weeks. However, there has not yet been any “formal

approval” of the offer. At the same time it has emerged that for the past six months the FA has

been advised by Rothschild & Co on the deal being proposed by Khan. There is little chance that a deal will go through on the “eight to 12 week” timescale suggested by Khan.

The FA are nevertheless hopeful that a sale will be agreed but neither have they entered into an exclusivity agreement with Khan and are also yet to work through all the protections that need to be in place over the future use of Wembley for football – including cup finals, England internationals plus Rugby League’s

Challenge Cup final. The FA will also demand the retention of the “Wembley” name in future naming rights deal with their own agreement with EE expiring in 2020.

It makes it possible that a counter-offer might be made by another bidder, now that the news is out, but the FA is acutely aware of the size of the opportunity presented by the Khan deal with the proceeds being ploughed back into the grassroots of the sport with 1,500 3G and 4G pitches being built around the country and facilities upgraded. The

idea of setting up a trust is to ring-fence the money.

Khan’s offer would also release the FA, whose headquarters would remain at Wembley for the foreseeable future, from the burden of running the stadium – around £10million a year – and the expensive prospect of having to upgrade it. The FA’s pledge to use the money in this way is partly why it is proposing putting the proceeds into a trust and this was explained in a letter to FA councillors from chairman, Greg Clarke which has been released.

Dhoni magic floors Delhi Daredevils

Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni's changes in the order of playing XI helped his team to score a 13-run victory over Delhi Daredevils. It all started with Dhoni’s decision to make four changes to the playing XI. While Faf du Plessis, who was drafted in to open the batting with Shane Watson blunted out Delhi pace attack, pacer Mohammed Asif in place of Shardul Thakur accounted for the dangerous DD openers Prithvi Shaw and Colin Munro. After Watson and Du Plessis put up 102 for the first wicket, it was Dhoni’s magical finishing touch that took the game away from Delhi. When Dhoni had walked in, CSK were 130-3 but he had the company of in-form ‘opener’ Ambati Rayudu. The two launched a brutal assault on the Delhi attack in the finishing stages and the likes of Boult just didn’t know where to hide.

The Kiwi pacer who was looking impressive till then went for three sixes and once the score soared to 211-4, there was no looking back. Delhi’s only hope was Powerplay, but there too, Dhoni’s tactical changes stifled the visitors.

Sunrisers batsmen fail to strike Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers once again proved lethal and defended yet another low score against Rajasthan Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Sunday. After setting a target of 152, SRH bowlers applied the choke on the Royals with crucial wickets and some tight bowling to leave hosts skipper Ajinkya Rahane a task that was too tall.

Rahane, unbeaten on 65, was a lone warrior, with accomplished batsmen failing to fire. A partnership of 59 with Sanju Samson for the second wicket was the only notable point of mention as the Royals finished at 140 for 6, 11 runs short. Sandip Sharma and Siddharth Kaul were the pick of SRH bowlers, giving away just 15 and 23 runs in their four overs each.

Lynn powers KKR to six-wicket victory An unbeaten 62 off 52 balls by opener Chris Lynn took Kolkata Knight Riders to a comfortable six-wicket win against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday. Chasing a target of 176, KKR reached the target in 19.1 overs. KKR captain Dinesh Karthik relishing his new found role as a finisher, played his part with a 10-ball-23 to make it easy in the end. KKR with eight points remained in fourth place while Virat Kohli's men slumped further with their fifth

Victorious CSK team

defeat in seven games.

Rohit keeps MI breathing With 22 to get off 12 balls, the match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians could have gone either way. But CSK skipper MS Dhoni, hoping that he will have at least 10 to play with in the last over, threw the ball to Shardul Thakur to bowl the 19th. Rohit was waiting for this opportunity. He didn’t lose his cool, nor did he try any monstrous shot. He just looked for the gaps in crunch moment and threaded three beautiful boundaries that tilted the game in MI’s favour. In all, Rohit (56 not out off 36 balls) got 17 off Shardul’s over that virtually made the last over academic. Dhoni gave the ball to leggie Imran Tahir with the hope that he could take a couple of wickets, but Rohit and Hardik walked away to the victory target.

Delhi beat Kolkata by 55 runs Thrust into leadership role in a grim situation, young Shreyas Iyer responded with a whirlwind 93-run knock as Delhi Daredevils hammered Kolkata Knight Riders by 55 runs, on Friday night. Sent into bat, the Daredevils batsmen fired in unison to put on board a massive 219 for four with the two young batsmen Iyer (93 off 40) and Prithvi

w w w . d u b a i h olida y s .c o

Shaw (62) enthralling the fans with their elegant knocks. Iyer and Shaw added 68 runs for the second wicket after the latter had shared a 59-run partnership for the first wicket with Kiwi batsman Colin Munro (33). Batting like a man-possessed, Iyer hammered young pacer Shivam Mavi for four sixes and a four in the last over of the innings as Daredevils collected 76 runs from the last four. Knight Riders batsmen failed to rise to the occasion except Andre Russel who scored a 36 ball 88 to take knight Riders to 202.

Sunrisers prove master defenders again Sunrisers Hyderabad yet again proved that they are master defenders. After scoring 132 runs, a vibrant bowling performance, led by Rashid Khan, helped Sunrisers to defeat Kings XI Punjab by 13 runs.

Despite a half-century opening stand between KL Rahul and Chris Gayle, Kings XI could manage only 119 runs, because of accurate bowling by Sunrisers. In doing so, they snapped KXIP's four-match winning streak and swapped places with them on the points table, moving up to second.

Rayudu, Dhoni floor Royal Challengers The 34-year-old AB de Villiers slammed a 30-ball 68 to power Royal Challengers Bangalore to 205 against Chennai Super Kings. It, however, was not enough as CSK opener Ambati Rayudu and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni took the fight to the opposition camp and emerge victorious. CSK initially lost four wickets for 74 before Rayudu (82) and Dhoni (70) took the game away from the hosts. Needing 16 runs off the last over, CSK coasted home with two balls to spare.

IPL, 2018 - Points Table

Teams Mat Won Lost Tied 2 0 Chennai Super Kings 8 6 Sunrisers Hyderabad 8 6 2 0 Kings XI Punjab 7 5 2 0 Kolkata Knight Riders 8 4 4 0 Rajasthan Royals 7 3 4 0 Mumbai Indians 7 2 5 0 Royal Challengers Bangalore 7 2 5 0 Delhi Daredevils 8 2 6 0

Pts 12 12 10 8 6 4 4 4

NRR 0.553 0.514 0.228 0.110 0.751 0.033 0.447 0.509