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5th November to 11th November 2016

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

In the past four months since the unrest that continues to burn Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, protesters have now resorted to attack the basic right to education. While the state government stand clueless on who remains responsible for the burning down of 27 government-run schools, they believe it is the work of the separatists.

A top police official said that schools were targeted across 10 districts in the area. On Sunday, Diwali day, the Higher Secondary Kabamarg School in Anantnag, South Kashmir, was targeted, along with three other schools.

Although nobody was injured considering schools remained closed amid the unrest, it makes one wonder, is education the price

to be paid for 'freedom'?

As the situation gets out of hand, the Kashmir High Court took a "suo moto cognisance" to order the state government to take preventive measures.

"Stop the enemies of education", it said. A judge in the high court agreed and called for a "collective effort" to save schools because "investment in education is an investment

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for future generations".

However, Education Minister Naeem Akhtar said it was impossible to provide security to all 12,000 schools in the region. Addressing the issue, Akhtar stated, "Education is like oxygen to any society. It should have nothing to do with politics. Obviously, those behind the burning of schools and vandalising

educational institutions cannot be called friends of Kashmir. Kashmiri society also has to take up ownership of educational institutions."

He also wrote an open letter to Syed Ali Shah Geelani, head of the Hurriyat Conference, a political umbrella of separatist groups in the Valley.

"I plead guilty to having the belief that whatever our political future, it will have meaning only if our children receive education and are able to engage with the world on their terms," the letter read. Responding, Geelani said, "If the authorities are indeed concerned about education and the future of school children, they should first release all people, particularly students, and withdraw all cases against them to create a conducive and peaceful atmosphere."

Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Nirmal Singh said, "This is very unfortunate and the responsibility is on the separatists, including Mr Geelani and other people who are giving this calendar and they are encouraging such elements to burn the schools. Ultimately, the future of the children of Kashmir is in dark." With the future of several Kashmiri children in the dark, the events have garnered a lot of attention.

Police sources said eight persons who were detained in Anantnag and Kulgam are currently being investigated, but so far, there is no substantial breakthrough in establishing who is behind the blastful burning. Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said, "This is a combination of madness and perversion, otherwise how can anybody Continued on page 26

UN celebrates Diwali

In a first, the United Nations headquarters celebrated Diwali with its building lit up in bright colors and the words 'Happy Diwali' along with an image of a diya projected on it. The UN Secretariat that remained illuminated from October 29 to 31, is the first time the world body celebrated the Indian festival of lights after the General Assembly adopted a resolution in December 2014 acknowledging the "significance of Diwali".

India's Ambassador to the UN, Syed Akbaruddin tweeted an image of the building saying, "Lighting up @UN lights up for #Diwali for 1st time." He also sent out another tweet thanking General Assembly President Peter Thomson for the initiative. It read, "Happy Diwali! @UN

celebrates Diwali for 1st time.

Thank you @UN_PGA for this initiative." Thomson too tweeted a picture of the UN building lit up in bright blue, with a caption that read, "Light over darkness, hope over despair, knowledge over ignorance, good over evilthe UN lights up. Happy Diwali!"

India dedicated this year's Diwali to the soldiers guarding the borders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent the festival with soldiers on duty, as he visited border posts in Himachal Pradesh. "they say you should celebrate Diwali with your people and that's why I have come here to celebrate Diwali with you all," he told soldiers of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police at the Continued on page 26

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ONE ONE with Keith Vaz, MP

Asian Voice 5th November 2016

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to

Dr Partha Kar

Dr Partha Kar has been a Consultant in Diabetes & Endocrinology at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust since 2008.

He has been the Clinical Director of Diabetes from 20092015, being part of a multiple national award-winning department (HSJ Awards / BMJ Awards) due to its services and care provided.

One of his main areas or passion is in helping to redesign diabetes care in an attempt to integrate chronic disease management across primary and secondary care. He is the pioneer of the Super Six Diabetes Model which aims to deliver diabetes care differently. He is an avid user of social media such as twitter (@parthaskar) to engage with patients - and been recognised as a "Social media Pioneer" by HSJ in 2014.

Recent innovations have involved the Hypoglycaemia Hotline, which was recognised in the Guardian Healthcare Awards 2013.

He is also the co-creator of TAD talks (Talking About Diabetes) and the Type 1 Diabetes comic (“Origins”)- while also involved in setting up a Type 1 Diabetes information portal (T1resources.uk) He is also Associate National Clinical Director, Diabetes with NHS England leading on digital innovation.

1) What is your current position?

I am a Consultant in Diabetes & Endocrinology- working at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust. I am also the Associate National Clinical Director, Diabetes with NHS England.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

Possibly ending up as a doctor and a Consultant- something my parents had always dreamt of.

Beyond that, setting up a different model of care for diabetes

patients- and seeing outcomes improve has definitely made me proud.

3) What inspires you?

Role models who have made it the hard way, in spite of obstacles and barriers. I always admire self-made peopleBollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan is certainly an inspiration.

I like his drive, motivation and never-say-never attitude.

4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

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

Without a doubt, it’s been my parents. Always been there, always working hard to ensure I had a decent life- irrespective of what they had to sacrifice to enable me to have that. They have and continue to be a guiding light for me- and their influence has been huge.

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

I suspect it's the ability to meet so many people from different walks of life. Listening to patients and their carers have given me the drive needed to try to make change. The opportunity to meet so many HCPs with similar focus has been very helpful- while this job also enables you to meet entrepreneurs and innovators- which can be a mixed bad- but nonethelessalways interesting!

7) And the worst?

Can’t say anything bad about it to be honest. So far, it’s been a fantastic experience- whether it be as a Consultant or working

trip worth £1,300 in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.

The delegation led by Conservative peer Lord Sheikh went to visit

refugee camps and met with President Assad, thanking him for housing 500,000 Palestinian refugees in 1948.

Historic HMRC prosecution fines accountant £25,000 An uncooperative accountant from Stanmore has been given a record fine of £25,000 in a historic prosecution.

Anil Shah is the first person to be prosecuted by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for failing to comply with a tax fraud investigation, he was sentenced on Wednesday (October 5).

The 66-year-old refused to help HMRC officers investigating suspected tax evasion by his clients, despite being served with the legally binding Disclosure Notices, which requires people to share paperwork and information with HMRC during a criminal investigation.

Shah made a number of false statements including

claims he did not act for the clients when questioned by investigators.

Shah pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a Disclosure Notice by making a misleading statement in July 2016. He was given the fine at the Old Bailey and has 28 days to pay the fine or face 18 months behind bars.

Simon York, from HMRC's fraud investigation service, said: "As a professional accountant Shah’s role was to offer sound advice to his clients and comply with HMRC regulations.

"Instead he abused his privileged position, knowingly broke the law, and failed in his professional duties.”

Head of the specialist fraud division at the Crown

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improving relations between the different silos of healthcare. If we can do even a part of that, care will improve a fair bit!

Working in this country, the racial bias has been an issueyou always seem to have to work doubly hard and there always seem to be the need to “prove” yourself- whatever stage of one’s career one has been in. Its perhaps improving but it’s certainly something which has been an obstacle.

Corbyn met Assad on Syrian trip paid by lobby group The Labour leader went on a free trip to Syria and met President Assad on the dime of Palestinian lobbyists.

The trip was a stunt to mark Balfour Day, the anniversary of the signing of the British declaration in 1917 supporting a Jewish home in Palestine.

The 2009 trip was paid for by the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) who have a history of hosting anti-Israel events featuring hardline speakers.

Jeremy Corbyn logged the

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with NHS England. If one had to pick one, its armchair critics who would pass judgementseither based on opinions without facts or indeed without having any experience of either working within the NHS or having any understanding of diabetes 8) What are your long-term goals?

I genuinely am keen to improve diabetes care- on many levels. I would like to raise awareness about clear distinction about the different types of diabetes, help to improve access to specialist care, try and modernise education programmes, help in improving prevention of type 2 diabetes- and simple things like

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

I would perhaps look at a wider debate regards funding of health & social care. Is the present allocation enough? Does it need to change? If not, do we need to stop something or prioritise certain areas ahead of others?

Involving all political parties would be key-as the issue of the NHS, in my opinion at least, should cut across political ideologies.

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

The man hasn’t been confined to history yet- but Barack Obama would be a choice without question. You talk about adversity, you talk about battling against odds…there’s a man for you..

Plus he is inherently cool, a man with style and panache- it would be a great fun time being on a desert island with him- chewing the fat, discussing politics, learning about strength of character- you may have guessed I admire him a fair bit.

Suspected wife beaters protected by UK sharia court It has been alleged that a top sharia court is “sabotaging” criminal proceedings to protect perpetrators of domestic violence committed against women. The Muslim Arbitration Tribunal (Mat) based in Nuneaton, Warwickshire is among the most influential of 80 Islamic “councils” in Britain.

The Mat rules on disputes among Muslim communities and according to its website, makes submissions to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to “reconsider” criminal charges of men accused of domestic violence.

In 20028 the Sunday Times reported that the Muslim Arbitration Tribunal got involved in the six cases regarding domestic violence. They ordered the six men to take anger management classes and seek mentoring from

community elders, with no further punishment given.

The women in all the cases later withdrew their police complaints.

Evidence given to the home affairs select committee by the Southall Black Sisters, a non-organisation which helps vulnerable women, describes the practice as an “attempt to sabotage criminal proceedings.”

In the evidence, they say: “The Mat actively involves itself in criminal proceedings on domestic violence. It uses its position of power to persuade the CPS to drop charges and to encourage women to rec-

oncile with abusive partners without reference to court orders they may already have or to risk assessments and safety planning.”

The former director of public prosecutions Lord Macdonald said: “When a formal criminal charge is laid it is not appropriate for an extrajudicial institution to bring the victim and her alleged attacker together to seek a ‘resolution’ beyond the control of UK courts and certainly not where that institution itself has a questionable approach to the rights of women and their supposed place in society.”

The CPS said: “Cases are kept under constant review and we discontinue proceedings if the evidence is no longer sufficient to provide a prosecution.

Arrest made in connection with murder of Pardeep Kaur

Prosecution Service, Kristin Jones said: "Anil Shah was an accountant who abused his position as a professional adviser and hid his clients’ criminal actions from the public eye.

This case demonstrates the repercussions of a refusal to cooperate with the authorities.”

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Pardeep Kaur from Hayes who was found dead waste land on Saturday October 22.

Ms Kaur, 30, was reported missing on the the evening of Monday October 17 when she did not return home from work as a housekeeper at a Heathrow hotel.

The suspect walked into a police station in

Slough at around 5pm on Monday (October 31) where he was arrested.

Ms Kaur was found dead by detectives on waste ground underneath Harlington High Street flyover in Hayes.

A post-mortem examination was held on Tuesday (October 25) but the cause of death is still unknown.

The arrested man is currently being held at a

north London police station.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday, October 19 but were released on Monday , October 24 and police said they were confident they could be ruled out of the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Metropolitan Police on 02083580200.

C MMENTS

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Asian Voice |5th November 2016

School burning in Kashmir Valley Some 30-odd years ago Palestinians invented the hijacking of passenger planes, destroying them not only in the sky but also assembling and burning many hijacked passenger airliners in the deserts of Jordon.

What did they gain? Perhaps a justifiable demand for a separate state only got delayed.

Tamil Tigers were the pioneers of suicide bombings. In more than three decades of bloodshed in Sri Lanka, thousands have perished, many were tortured both by the LTTE and the Mahinda Rajapaksa government in Sri Lanka. Finally, sanity prevailed on both sides and today Sri Lanka is on the path of progress and peaceful co-existence.

As you would have gathered from the Heritage/History column of Dr Hari Desai in Asian Voice dated October 8, 2016, (page 25) the accession of State of Jammu and Kashmir to India was legal and is a fact of life. No one should speculate whether the State of Jammu and Kashmir can be delinked from the Indian Union, least by the use of terrorists or proxy war.

The State of Jammu and Kashmir comprises three distinct areas – the Valley which is predominantly populated by Muslims; Jammu which mainly consists of Hindus and Sikhs; and Ladakh comprising mainly Buddhists.

Even in the Valley, as can be gauged from the elections last year, the great majority are committed to the secular and democratic India. Of course, black sheep are there in every family and the Valley is no exception. There are some hotheads and misguided separatists.

In the last 3 months at least 25 well-built schools were deliberately burned down by anti-social elements. Who are the sufferers? Not the children of leaders who are waging violence against the State.

Their offspring study in various schools and colleges in other parts of India or even abroad. None of the hundreds or so “protesters” who lost their lives are children of leaders or separatists or trouble-makers.

However, a school where the granddaughter of Syed Ali Shah Geelani – a Hurriyat leader – is studying is standing safe and education is going on as usual with exams conducted on time. How come when other schools were torched, this one was exempted?

Even though the situation in Kashmir has not been favourable since 1989, still Jammu and Kashmir could produce brilliant minds over the years. But the day may not be very far, when the pens in the valley will dry up if such situation continues unabated.

Intolerance, extremism leading to terrorism is the enemy of any civilised society. Those who fan the flames of hatred or encourage or abet such nefarious activities ultimately become victims of the flames they help to spread.

The Economist (dated October 29, 2016) touched upon a similarly related subject in a long article titled “India's Muslims an uncertain community”.

The world renowned magazine has clearly stated that India remains a secular country where the Muslims are not persecuted, hounded into exile or systematically targeted by terrorists, as have minorities in other parts of the subcontinent.

Let us quote straight away from the article, “India's Muslims have not, it is true, been officially persecuted, hounded into exile or systematically targeted by terrorists, as have minorities in other parts of the subcontinent, such as the Ahmadi sect in

Pakistan.”

The Economist has every right to comment in its own way. It is right that there are very few Muslim army officers, and their number in higher ranks of police too are few and far between. But then the Economist admits that the “Muslims were in general poorer, more prone to sex discrimination and less literate than the general population. At postgraduate level in elite universities, Muslims were a scant 2% of students.”

Surprisingly, the Economist has not spared a single word about the burning of schools in the Valley.

Why? If educational backwardness is at the root of lack of progress of Muslims, how can the Economist keep quiet, or is turning a blind eye to what is happening in the Valley? The reality is well-built educational institutes were burned down completely by antisocial elements and even the fire brigade or security forces were stopped from dousing the flames. No sensible establishment can afford to look the other way.

The Economist has also given details of the Muslim population in India.

In 1951 the Muslims were 35 million in a total of 510 million population, making them 9% of the aggregate. Based on the Census of India (2011) sources, the Economist says the total population of India in 2011 was 1.2 billion, of which 172 million were Muslims, which comes to just under 15% of the aggregate.

We recollect that in 2012 when the BJP demanded the release of data of 2011 Census, the same Economist was unhappy as it thought it will create anti-Muslim feeling in India or stoke sectarian unrest.

It is a fact of life that the growth of Muslim population in India, which is steadily accelerating, could and would raise eyebrows of other communities – just as we have seen in the UK, the concern of the local community looking at the rapid increase of non-white immigrants.

Nevertheless, one thing needs to be clear. India belongs to all Indians irrespective of caste, creed, race or religion.

But commentators, both from abroad and India, should have a more balanced overview before making any irresponsible statements.

The Economist has also illustrated with charts the education level of the Muslims and Hindus in India. It is sad and very worrying that the Muslim community is falling behind in education. What can be done about it? Who can help them?

If such places of formal education are burned down, what will happen to many thousands of students and their future? There is also a chart showing population living below the poverty line – the data is very encouraging. It can be said with great relief that their (Hindus and Muslims) economic status has improved relatively and the difference is very small.

As usual, the Economist took the opportunity to attack the BJP-ruled government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is looking to bring in reforms in India by trying to address issues of women's rights i.e. Triple Talaq. It seems the Economist sees the communal approach. Perhaps there is so much exaggeration in the way such commentators look at the causes and consequences of the ills of India, especially the problems and pains of a large and uncertain community like Indian Muslims.

3

The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

US Elections and UK PM in India Next week we have the US elections and the UK PM in India. I will be with the PM in India and have just returned from election fever New York where the Congressman I used to work for is based.

What does all this mean for the UK and India?

First, the Americans have only belatedly understood India. This is partly because of the Cold War. It’s partly because, as I discovered when I was a US Congressional Intern for Eliot Engel in 1994, the Indian Govt was then spending $0 on lobbying the US Government.

And whenever it received aid, the US Congressman who were anti-India (Pakistan spent millions on lobbying) such as Charles Wilson (remember the movie Charlie Wilson’s War) would make anti-India speeches.

Second, the other problem was the lack of mobilisation by the Indians in the US. They hadn’t made their billions yet so hadn’t decided to co-ordinate and organise.

You may think Democrats are natural friends of India, more so than Republicans. Eliot was pro-India, he lobbied the White House when I was in Congress to have Pakistan declared a terrorist state – that you may think does not make him pro-India necessarily – but it was 1994 – the terrorism he was talking about was in Kashmir. And how right Eliot was. He is still in Congress. But don’t forget it was the Republicans who signed the Nuclear Treaty with India, although it was the Democrats and Kennedy who told China to stop trampling freely through an ill-prepared India.

How will the new US President engage with India?

Well he or she will sign bigger arms deals than Britain does. This is partly because the US makes a broader range of defence equipment than the UK. But the new US President will face the same problem as the UK in trying to get closer to post-Cold War India.

Which is India evaluates words by how a country sits on the Pakistan-India security issue. India does not trust China because China funds Pakistan. India will not trust the new US President, regardless of what he or she says because they have foot dragged on Pakistan being openly declared a terrorist base.

India may say it supports US funding of anti-terror efforts in Pakistan, but India knows, as when the US did it in 1979 against the Afghans via Pakistan, that the US jumped in with money and the ISI kept 90% and sent 10% to the Mujahidin.

Obama has already made clear the US believes it cannot secure Afghanistan without Pakistan, and so it has to live with the consequences.

All this works out well for Britain, because when Cameron was in India, he made clear Britain is not on the fence anymore between India and Pakistan, and he did not backtrack in front of Mr 10% who landed in Britain asking for money a week later whilst his country drowned – I refer to the Pakistani PM. So what for India. Well, things would be better for India if the US was even closer an ally. India has made clear it sees China as the major threat in the region, which is why the US can excuse sales of arms to India over Pakistani objections.

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Mum-of three assaults pupil and teaching assistant after flying into fit of rage during school run A mother-of-three assaulted a teenage pupil and teaching assistant after flying into a fit of rage during the daily school run, a court has heard.

Amina Seedat (39), lost her temper in a confrontation outside the city's Crown Hills Community College. Charged with two counts of common assault, she appeared before Leicester magistrates last Thursday, where she changed her plea to guilty at the last minute before the start of a scheduled trial. The court was told the incident occurred at about 3.15pm on May 19 this year, as children were leaving school for the day.

Morag Lawrie, prosecuting, said: "This was a particularly unfortunate incident arising out of something very small getting out of all proportion."

Seedat, who was returning to her car after collecting her

Amina Seedat

son from a nearby primary school, became angry when her child was, she claimed, "barged" out of the way as a group of college students passed by.

Miss Lawrie said: "A teaching assistant was walking down the road with some of the pupils. The defendant confronted her saying words

to the effect of 'why don't you teach your students some manners!"

The court heard that Seedat was verbally abusive to the teaching assistant when told to take the matter up with college authorities.

Miss Lawrie said: "She punched out with car keys in her hand, making contact

with the forehead of one of the pupils, 16-year-old girl – causing her to stumble backwards and causing pain and bruising. The girl reacted by hitting the defendant to the shoulder area. The teaching assistant went to intervene and was slapped in the face."

Miss Lawrie said the teenage victim was still in pain five hours after the incident, while the teaching assistant had "reddening" to her face.

Charles Clark, defending, said Seedat has been angered by the "boisterous" behaviour of the older pupils. In mitigation, he said the defendant had been experiencing "stress and anxiety" due to being out of work at the time of the incident.

Seedat was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to each victim, £350 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Shopkeeper chased two robbers who claimed they were armed with ‘a knife and gun’ 6am.

They approached the shopkeeper, Sarabjit Singh, saying "Give us all the money."

One of the raiders said: "I have a knife and a gun."

The till, worth £400, was recovered after being dumped in a garden but was damaged beyond repair, and about

A shopkeeper gave chase to two robbers who threatened they were armed with gun and a knife, before making off with his till and cash.

One of the raiders, Steven Watkins, 23, was jailed for three years.

He pleaded guilty, at Leicester Crown Court, to robbery on May 21.

Sarah Knight, prosecuting, said the defendant and his unknown accomplice went into the newsagents at about

£200 cash it contained was missing.

Watkins who has more than 50 offences on his record, mainly for dishonestyrelated crimes, but including an arson, also admitted three thefts relating to two satellite navigations systems, two amounts of cash (£40 and £100) which were stolen from vehicles parked on driveways and handling stolen binoculars, between May and August.

Two charged with conspiracy to murder after man found dead in Leicester Two men have been charged with conspiracy to murder a man whose body was found in a city car park.

Ramandeep Dhaliwal (34) and Kehar Hayer (55) both from Leicester, have been charged in connection with the death of Promise Ndlovu.

The 40-year-old's body was found in Charter Street, Leicester, at 8.25am last Saturday.

Leicestershire Police said

that Mr Ndlovu was in contact with officers prior to his death, and as a result the force referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission Monday.

A police spokesman said: "As legal proceedings are active in this case, we are unable to provide any further detail at this stage about the nature or timing of that contact between Mr Ndlovu and

the police."

Detective Inspector Dave Swift-Rollinson said: "Our investigation into the death continues but I'd like to take this opportunity to thank those affected in the local business community for their support and patience while we continue to carry out our enquiries."

Part of the Kapital building in Charter Street remained cordoned off yester-

day as police continued their investigations. Mr Ndlovu's cause of death remains unknown after a post-mortem was inconclusive. Further tests are being carried out.

Earlier on Tuesday, police and a forensics team were still at the Kapital Building in Charter Street. A 44-year-old man, who was also arrested in connection with the death, was released on Monday night with no further action.

Muslim doctor who beat daughter over Halloween party banned from practice for a year Dr Gohar Rahman beat his 17-year-old daughter after she defied him by spending the night at a Halloween party last year and staying over at a male friend's house.

The married father-ofthree, who works as a Consultant Cardiologist at Wigan Infirmary in Manchester, accused his daughter of "bringing shame" to the family and branded her a "prostitute" before subjecting her to a beating.

He was previously given a 10-month suspended sentence at Liverpool Crown

In Brief

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Asian Voice |5th November 2016

Court in February after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but a medical hearing has now banned him from practising as punishment for bringing

"disrepute" to the profession.

The tribunal reviewed the case, in which Dr Rahman grabbed his daughter, smashed her head against a car seat, caned her on the bottom with a walking stick and then rained punches on her head.

He had believed his daughter was going to a friend's house and would be home by 9.30pm but was left incensed when she stayed out all night.

The 57-year-old and his wife collected their daughter the following morning, taking

her home before Dr Rahman assaulted her while his wife looked on.

He shouted: "I can't believe what you have done sleeping at a boy's house" and said that he no longer "recognised" his daughter.

After the beating, he ordered the girl to take off her party dress and don Islamic clothing, before telling her to pray.

The worried teen managed to send out an SOS social media message using a Nintendo DS before her friends alerted the police.

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Two arrested after immigration raid on sweet shop

Two people have been arrested at an Indian sweet shop in Handsworth by Home Office Immigration officers. Officers, who were acting on intelligence, visited Rams Sweet and Spice, in Oxhill Road, at 3.20pm on Thursday October 27 as part of an illegal workers operation.

Staff were questioned about their right to live and work in the UK and officers arrested two Indian nationals for immigration offences.

A 33 year-old woman was found to have overstayed her visa and a 41 year-old man was found to have entered the UK illegally.

The woman was detained pending removal from the UK and the man was ordered to report regularly to Immigration Enforcement while his case is progressed.

A 41-year-old Indian woman, who has an outstanding immigration application, which does not entitle her to work in the UK was also escorted from the premises.

Rams Sweet and Spice will now be served with a notice warning that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal worker employed will be imposed unless they can demonstrate that appropriate right to work checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work. This is a potential total of up to £60,000.

Teenager who went missing without medication found safe and well

A teenager who went missing from his Chorlton home without medication has been found safe and well.

Shahzad Afzal, 14, was last seen in Chorlton at around 4.30pm on Monday. He had gone missing from his home on Cressfield Way without his medication.

Police announced that he had been found on Tuesday afternoon. In the statement, issued this afternoon (Tuesday), a GMP spokesman said: “Shahzad Afzal, who was reported missing yesterday, Monday, October 31, has been found safe and well. Thank you for sharing the appeal.”

Armed police deployed to stamp out burglaries

Armed officers have been drafted into Saddleworth as an extra 'set of eyes' due to burglaries in daytime hours.

The move comes as the number of raids on homes topped more than 70 since the beginning of August.

Many burglaries followed a pattern of taking place in the mornings and up to lunchtime with valuables being stolen and homes being ransacked.

But Inspector Bash Anwar, relief inspector for Saddleworth, Uppermill and Lees, said: "I can assure residents their presence has absolutely nothing to do with any link between firearms and the burglaries.

"It just so happens that from the range of force resources available, only officers from the firearms unit have been free to come to Saddleworth.

"Members of the public should not be unduly concerned, in fact, armed officers are a very valuable resource as it deters people from coming and committing crime in the area and they should be welcomed.

"There is no need for any panic."

www.asian-voice.com Asian Voice | 5th November 2016 AsianVoiceNews

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Don’t put off the flu vaccination – it’s free because you need it The current Stay Well This Winter (SWTW) campaign encourages vulnerable people including people with long-term health conditions and anyone aged over 65 to get the free flu jab.

Flu is a highly infectious disease and can lead to serious complications if you have a long-term health condition, for example: chronic respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, or emphysema; diabetes; heart, kidney or liver disease; chronic neurological diseases, like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy; or have suffered a stroke. People with these and other long-term health conditions are eligible for a free flu jab through their GP or pharmacist.

The free vaccine is also offered to other groups at particular risk of infection and complications, anyone aged 65 and over; residents of long-stay care homes; carers and preg-

Mos st popu ular agen nt to IN NDIA nant women. Children aged 2, 3 and 4 and in school years 1, 2 and 3 are also being offered a free flu vaccination.

Last year 12.4 million people were vaccinated overall in England and It is estimated that several million people get flu each winter, leading to more than 2,000 NHS intensive care admissions across the UK last year.

The NHS and social care workforce is also being targeted to help protect them, and reduce the risk of frontline workers spreading infection to patients, particularly those in vulnerable groups. If you are eligible for the flu vaccine contact your GP or pharmacist to

the get the flu jab.

Dr Mathi Woodhouse, GP at Pinn Medical Centre, said: “Vaccination is the best protection we have against flu, which can cause severe illness and even death among those most at-risk. This group includes people with a long-term health condition, older people and pregnant women.

“I would encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated to help protect themselves and those around them. It is important to get vaccinated every year. Flu is unpredictable and previous years’ vaccinations may not protect you against the types of flu virus circulating this year.”

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Zayn Malik admits he would NOT sign for One Direction at 17 again Zayn Malik has become a global star since Simon Cowell put him in One Direction, but he insists he wouldn't sign for the band again at 17.

The Pillow Talk hitmaker , who sensationally quit the group in March 2015 after missing a number of live shows due to anxiety issues, was asked in an interview with ES Magazine what he would tell his younger self if he had a second chance, revealing: "Don't do it! I

would say: 'Do your research and be a bit more prepared about certain sit-

uations before you make a decision,'" he said.

"I was very ignorant at 17 — blind beyond my years. I thought going on X Factor meant you won a million pounds and got a contract at the end of it.

And I was like: ‘All my problems are solved. I win a million pounds and that’s it. Simple.' But you don't think about everything else that goes with it. You're only 17, your dreams are immature. You see what you want."

Victims of crime urged not to 'suffer in silence' with new online 'Live chat' launched by London Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a new online "live chat" service for victims of crime in the capital who might find it difficult to get help in person. London live chat launched on Thursday (October 27) and is the first service of its kind in the UK. It will be run by charity Victim Support (VS).

Funded by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), the text based live chat will give victims a place online to talk openly about their experiences anonymously. The tool's key feature lies in the quick response people can expect when needing emotional support, as well as the service being free.

Anyone who has been affected by crime in London, whether or not the crime has been reported to the police, can use the service.

Live chat users will be able to type their com-

ments or questions into the designated section and will receive responses "almost immediately".

The service operates Monday to Friday, from 12 pm to 7.30pm. The move comes not long after Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced two "child houses" are set to open in London, the first safe houses of their kind for young victims of sexual abuse.

In a statement about the £7.2 million project aiming to put victims first, the minister said: "As we

investigate and prosecute these crimes it is vital that victims, who have already suffered in ways most of us could never imagine, are supported and protected throughout the process."

London live chat can be accessed on Victim Support’s website, www.victimsupport.org.uk /livechatlondon and children and young people will have access to the live chat service via the charity’s youth programme website, www.youandco.org.uk/live chatlondon

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New measures recommended to protect London from terror attack Londoners could be alerted by mobile if there is a terror scare in new safety measures recommended by a report to protect the capital.

The proposal to introduce public text message alerts emerged from a major report launched on Friday (October 28) which examined London's readiness to deal with a terror attack amidst fears of the capital's safety.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan appointed Lord Toby Harris of Haringey to undertake the review as an early step towards protecting the capital following the attacks in Paris and Brussels.

Although recent measures have already been put in place to combat the threat, including armed police travelling on the tube , the report mentioned another 127 recommendations which could make the response to terrorism faster.

Lord Harris urged the

government to consider other changes, including: - CCTV to be installed on all underground and mainline trains and more easily accessible to emergency services in an emergency.

- The introduction of a new MOPAC (Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime) adviser on counter-terrorism. l The Home Office to fully fund the National and International Capital Cities Grant (NICC), which currently costs the Metropolitan Police approximately £340 million a year. l The Department of

Health should provide extra resources to the London Ambulance Service. l Security measures on the river Thames to be strengthened.

Last week, the Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police and emergency services dealt with a potential threat on a tube train , a stark reminder that the threat level in London remains at "severe" - which means an attack is highly likely. Lord Harris said: "A serious terrorist attack remains highly possible and we cannot be complacent.

"London needs to become a city where security and resilience is designed in and is part of the city’s fabric, and where everyone who lives and works here sees security and resilience as their responsibility just as much as it is for the emergency services and civic authorities."

Terror threat forces Monarch Airlines to cancel Sharm El-Sheikh flights Holidaymakers across Birmingham could see their plans for a winter break thrown into chaos after Monarch Airlines cancelled all flights and bookings to Sharm ElSheikh in Egypt.

The move from the airline - which has a significant presence at Birmingham Airport comes amid an ongoing terror threat in the Middle East.

Monarch have confirmed the decision affects this year's winter breaks and the 2017 summer season.

Customers who have existing flight and holiday bookings can re-book to an alternative Monarch destination, free of charge, say

Taxi driver Zaharul Hoque jailed for sex attack on passenger A taxi driver who launched a sex attack on a terrifed passenger – before ringing her to beg for mercy – has been jailed.

Zaharul Hoque pulled the victim back into his cab and tried to make her perform a sex act. But he later called to say sorry and urged her to “let me off this time”. He was convicted of sexual assault last month.

Now the 47-year-old, who had not told his family why he was on trial, has been jailed for three years and ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

The victim previously told Warwick Crown Court she feared for her life when Hoque dragged her back into the cab after dropping her outside her home.

She said: “His hands were all over me. Next thing, he pushed me towards the taxi door, opened the door and I was inside. I was scared, I didn’t know whether he was going to rape me. I was thinking: ‘I don’t know if I’m going to end up in a

Zaharul Hoque has been jailed for a sex attack on a passenger

ditch.’”

The victim escaped and called Atherstone Taxis, which employed Hoque, to report the attack.

The jury heard she then had the first of three calls from the driver, in which he pleaded: “I apologise. Do me a favour, don’t complain. I do apologise, I do apologise. Let me off this time.”

Her ordeal happened in April last year after Hoque collected her and a group of friends from a night out in Atherstone.

He later told police he had done nothing wrong

and there had been just a hug and a kiss on the cheek when he dropped the victim off.

H o q u e claimed she was lying about the attack and said he called her just once, to ask why she was making a com-

plaint.

Giving evidence, Hoque continued to deny making more than one call and claimed the caller was not him. After more than six hours, a jury convicted Hoque of sexual assault by a majority of ten to two.

Jurors cleared him of a second count of the same charge, involving an allegation he touched the victim’s leg.

The judge said young women getting into taxis alone were “vulnerable” and needed to trust the driver.

Britain First Deputy Leader stands trial for religious harassment the company.

The airline will also give holidaymakers the chance to obtain a full refund.

A Monarch spokesman said: "With no indication from the Government as to when the airport will reopen to flights from the UK, the airline is cancelling all flight and holiday bookings for winter 2016/17 and there are now no plans for the destination to be part of Monarch’s summer 2017 programme.

If Sharm El-Sheikh is re-

opened to UK flights in the future, we will re-assess flying there as a new route."

The airport was closed after a Russian airliner which had taken off from Sharm was brought down by a bomb just 23 minutes into its journey to St Petersburg in February.

Prior to the closure of the airport, roughly 700,000 Britons visited Sharm El-Sheikh every year, making it a popular and important holiday destination for the UK travel industry.

Britain First’s deputy leader stood trial on Wednesday accused of religiously aggravated harassment during one of her group’s “Christian Patrols” earlier this year.

Jayda Fransen, 30, is also facing charges of failing to surrender as part of her bail conditions and the wearing of a political uniform. She denies the charges and faces a fine or up to six months in prison if found guilty during the two-day trial at Luton Magistrates Court.

The alleged offences occurred in January of this

Man jailed for 1998 murder of Surjit Singh Chhokar A man has been jailed for life for the 1998 murder of Surjit Singh Chhokar after being tried for a second time.

Ronnie Coulter, 48, was originally cleared of stabbing the 32-year-old in Overtown, North Lanarkshire, following a trial in 1999.

The Crown was given permission to bring a second prosecution following changes to Scotland's double jeopardy laws.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Victim: Surjit Singh Chhokar

Following his conviction earlier this month, Coulter was told he must serve a minimum of 19 years and eight months.

This is the time he must spend in prison before he is eligible to apply for parole.

Family members of Surjit Singh Chhokar

Killer: Ronnie Coulter

Jailing him at the High Court in Glasgow, judge Lord Matthews said: "Chhokar was the victim of an ambush which cost him his life.

"The jury accepted you were responsible for his brutal murder over the theft of £100.70 Giro. You chose to involve yourself.

The evidence showed that what happened was not on the spur of the moment."

Speaking outside court, Chhokar family lawyer Aamer Anwar said: "In the 18 years it took to prove

Ronnie Coulter's guilt, he has never shown a shred of remorse or sorrow.

"Surjit Singh Chhokar was not his only victim. His two parents, a sister, two young children and his partner Liz had their lives devastated, but today the presence of justice has finally given Surjit's family peace."

The trial heard that Ronnie Coulter, his nephew Andrew Coulter and another man, David Montgomery, went to see Mr Chhokar on 4 November 1998 following a row over a stolen £100 Giro cheque.

After an altercation, Mr Chhokar collapsed in front of his partner Liz Bryce.

In 2011, changes were made to the double jeopardy law which prevented an accused person from being tried for the same offence twice.

year when about 20 members of the party recorded themselves walking through Bury Park. During the march they handed out newspapers and confronted local Muslims in what charity Tell Mama said was an “intimidating” fashion aimed at “inflaming” tensions.

Kassam drops out of UKIP leadership race The Asian candidate who was running to be UKIP’s leader has dropped out blaming the party and media. Raheem Kassam, the former aide to Nigel Farage quit the race, just three days after announcing his intention to run.

The only Asian among the 7 candidates vying for the top job, he was the bookies second favourite to win. Kassam withdrew from the contest, two hours before the submission deadline of nomination papers and the £5000 deposit. He said “the path to victory is too narrow” and blamed senior UKIP officials, who were manoeuvring against him, the media scrutiny and

fundraising concerns as reasons to step aside.

Kassam has urged supporters to back Peter Whittle in the leadership race.

Including Whittle, there are four candidates contesting for the top job.

The leadership results are expected to be announced on 28th November.

Debt collectors sent to NHS hospitals Debt collectors are being sent to hospitals to collect payments from foreign patients. This comes after a report revealed the NHS recovers only half of the money it's spent on foreign

patients. According to a report by the National Audit Office, NHS trusts collected only £255 million of the estimated £500 million spent on treatments to overseas patients last year.

UK Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

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First ever Jammu Kashmir Festival held in London The first ever Jammu Kashmir Festival was held in London from 21st Oct to 26th Oct. The festival curated and conceptualised by a leading Kashmir Pandit campaigner, Lakshmi Kaul is a unique way to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the state and showcase the pluralistic, varied cultural mix of its heritage to the British population.

The Jammu Kashmir Festival is being presented in association with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), The Nehru Centre, Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism & Culture), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), The Montcalm Luxury Hotels, Air India, Zee, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Here & Now 365.

The festival was inaugurated

by Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, Commissioner Secretary, J&K state government, Naveen Choudhary, Vice Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry, J&K and Padmashree recipient, Regional Director, ICCR J&K and also the Director of Natrang Music and Dance repertory that enthralled Londoners by their energetic folk dance performances throughout the festival including at Mayor of London’s Diwali on Trafalgar Square, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and The Nehru Centre. The festival, spanning over a week saw many dignitaries and guests from India including the grandson of Maharaja Hari Singh and Member of Legislative Council, state government of J&K,

Dance performers from Jammu & Kashmir, representing the state’s various districts

Maharaj Kumar Ajatshatru Singh, Kashmiri Pandit activist and media man, Mr. Sushil Pandit, Chairman of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mr. Sheikh Imran and a few local businesses and members of CII. The dance performances mesmerised the audience with the myriad colours, traditional costumes, props and the beautiful music that completed the journey into the folk traditions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

Congratulating the festival team, Bob Blackman MP spoke of how during his recent visits to India especially his maiden visit to J&K, the need for highlighting the potential of the state was felt.

He said, “the effort is most welcome by the people of J&K as it is a great way of changing the perception of the state in the world and showing them what the state

really is.”

Lauding the effort, Tourism & Culture Minister, J&K said: “I would like to congratulate the Jammu & Kashmir Festival team for bringing together the diverse

Lakshmi Kaul, curator of the Jammu & Kashmir Festival

communities from across the state in an effort to showcase the great potential, cultural richness and diversity of the state.”

Bob Blackman MP speaking at the launch of the Jammu & Kashmir Festival

Lalit Sharma, Director of Jammu Kashmir Festival speaking of the richness of the state said, “The festival will be an opportunity especially to showcase areas within the state that are safe for people to visit and explore. This will encourage tourists and visitors to consider J&K as their next holiday destination.”

In addition to the dance programmes, there an exhibition of artefacts and handicrafts along with a visual display of the history, heritage and arts from the state at the Festival that saw hundreds of visitors.

As part of the week-long programme, there was a business roundtable at the Houses of Parliament hosted by Confederation of Indian Industry and chaired by Bob Blackman MP. The meeting saw the participation of businesses from J&K as

well as London exploring future potential and growth opportunities. The conclusion of the Festival was on 26th October which is the anniversary of the signing of the instrument of accession by Maharaja Hari Singh acceding J&K to India. The date is being marked by community organisations as the Jammu Kashmir Day and the request for its official recognition is being sent to the Government of India.

The Festival is the brainchild of a Kashmiri Pandit activist from London, Lakshmi Kaul said: “Jammu Kashmir Festival has proven that there are more reasons to celebrate life, unity, diversity than give up and feel dejected. To change perception outside, the perception within must be changed. The lost pride of our roots has been rekindled. The tide has begun to turn, the perception has begun changing.”

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SPECIAL

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Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

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Sardar Patel: An Icon of National Unity

An extraordinary leader, freedom fighter and architect of the integration of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, better known as "Iron Man of India," remains an enduring icon of patriotism, nationalism and the spirit of public service. In a fitting tribute to this giant, India will be launching week-long celebrations on Sardar Patel's birth anniversary on October 31, which has been aptly designated as Rashtriya Ekta Divas or National Unity Day. Making of a Legend: Grit & Steel

A quintessential self-made man, Patel's life story exemplifies the sheer power of will, hard work and sincerity as he scripted a new life for himself first as a lawyer, and then as a freedom fighter and nation-builder amid trying circumstances. Born on October 31, 1875 in the influential Patidar community, he did his early schooling in Gujarat and decided to study law in London. But the untimely death of his father plunged the family into a financial crisis. Fired by his steely determination, which was to remain his defining trait till the end, the young Patel "studied very earnestly for the law examination and resolved firmly to save sufficient money for a visit to England." He finished his LL.B from the Middle Temple, England in June 1912 in a record two-and-ahalf years and returned to India.

His formidable legal acumen earned him a dedicated clientele, and he became a much soughtafter lawyer earning thousands of rupees every month. All this success and money, however, did not go to his head; on the contrary, it only kindled his thirst to do something for society and leave a lasting legacy. "No doubt, my practice is flourishing today. I am also doing something big in the Municipality. But, my practice may or may not be there tomorrow. My money will be blown tomorrow, those who inherit my money will blow it.Let me leave them a better legacy than money," Patel wrote later about this key moment which was to drive

concern for refugees, regardless of their religion.

Moved by their plight, Patel organised relief for refugees fleeing from Punjab and Delhi and spearheaded efforts to restore peace across the nation.

Patel: A social reformer

him to dedicate his life to the nation.

The Gandhi Moment

A chance meeting with Mahatma Gandhi at the Gujarat Club in Ahmedabad in 1915 strengthened his resolve.

Inspired by the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, Patel became Gandhi's ardent follower, and a fellow traveler in India's freedom journey. In 1918, Vallabhbhai Patel transformed into Sardar Patel when he led the farmers' agitation against the British who insisted on collecting tax despite a raging flood in Khaira, Gujarat.

He led a successful and peaceful "No Tax campaign" which forced the British authorities to return then land taken away from the farmers.

Patel's heroic efforts to mobolise farmers earned him the title of Sardar, which means 'chief' in Hindi and Urdu.

Sardar Patel later on deftly deployed the Gandhian methods of peaceful resistance many times in defending the rights of farmers, the subjugated and the exploited.

In 1930, Sardar Patel was imprisoned for participating in the Salt Satyagraha launched by Mahatma Gandhi. His eloquent speeches during the salt movement inspired thousands to join Gandhi's mission of emancipating India from the clutches of foreign rule.

Despite internal wrangling in the Indian National Congress, Patel remained a staunch supporter and ally of Mahatma Gandhi. The differences over the course of the freedom movement came out in the open when veteran

leaders questioned the logic and efficacy of civil disobedience movement linked to Gandhi's Quit India Movement in 1942.

Sardar Patel robustly rallied to Gandhi's defence, and eventually the All India Congress Committee was compelled to ratify and sanction the Quit India Movement.

Unifier of India: Iron Man

Given his formidable organizational abilities and unflinching commitment to nation-building, Sardar Patel was appointedas the first deputy prime minister and home minister of independent India, the crucial posts which brought out the best in him and help create an integrated and unified India as we know it now.

Patel the Unifier is justly remembered for his iron will and firmness with which he facilitated the integration of over 500 princely states into the framework of federal India.

Patel used his fabled powers of persuasion and diplomacy, and combined it with a judicious use of the threat of force to get 565 princely states to accede to India. This was a monumental feat which earned him mass adoration and gratitude, cementing his reputation as the Iron Man of India.

In the aftermath of Partition, Patel was to show his extraordinary

An appraisal of Patel's legacy would be incomplete without his role as a social reformer and thinker. His efforts to reform the Hindu religion went side by side with his unstinting commitment to religious freedom. In the economic realm, Sardar Patel tirelessly championed self-sufficiency and promoting the growth of domestic industries by harnessing indigenous resources, talent and expertise.

The idea of the state as an enabler of national development and resurgence animated Patel's thinking. His vision of the State was in tune with the political values he propagated. Nationalism and

Sardar Patel statue at Indian High Commission

focus, since its unveiling more than 14 years ago.

Dinesh Pattnaik,

India’s acting high commissioner, according to Hindustan Times said,

Patel the Globalist

A pragmatist and realist to the core, Patel was a sharp observer of the international scene and advocated a realistic foreign policy in place of a symbolic idealism. He consistently advocated that no move must be adopted that would compromise the territorial integrity of India, and in particular, cautioned against internationalizing the Kashmir dispute. "I should like to make one thing clear, that we shall not surrender an inch of Kashmir territory to anybody," Patel famously said.

While espousing friendly relations with India's neighbours, Patel was quick to recognize that warmth should not be interpreted as weakness. In November of 1950, Patel wrote a letter to PM Nehru outlining how the Chinese troops' entry into Tibet earlier that year resulted in a situation that "for the

role in the appointment of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar as the chairman of the drafting committee, and the inclusion of leaders from across the political spectrum in the process of scripting the constitution.

Not many know it, but Sardar Patel was the founding father of the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service, and introduced articles to protect the independence and impartiality of the civil services.

Besides his colossal achievements, Sardar Patel exemplified humility and Gandhian ideals of simple living and high thinking.

His personality was such that he inspired instant respect and affection, even amongst those who differed with him. He remained hugely popular till his dying day. More than a million people attended his cremation in Sonapur in Bombay, which included Prime Minister Nehru, C. Rajagopalachari, and President Rajendra Prasad. In a tribute to his role in creating civil services, more than 1,500 officers of India's civil and police services gathered to mourn at Patel's residence in Delhia day after his death and pledged "complete loyalty and unremitting zeal" in India's service.

Freedom Song

patriotism were not only the foundation stones of a state, but were the core elements holding it together.

In Patel's thinking, individual liberty had to be in consonance with the provisions of the Constitution.

To create a modern nation, he promoted the emancipation of backward communities and women through the Gandhian programmes and expertly utilized the higher castes for

Indian High Commission celebrates Sardar's 141st birthday On Tuesday evening the Indian High Commission had organised a reception to celebrate the 141st birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. It was a brief but moving moment when a speaker recalled that a statue of Sardar Patel was unveiled in the Indian high commission in 2002,

by LK Advani as deputy prime minister, and the gathering in Gandhi Hall cheered spontaneously.

It was the first time the Sardar Patel's birthday was celebrated and the statue was a matter of

social integration and political mobilisation.

Patel was a “strong proponent of liberal values”, and was at the forefront of protecting minorities. Patel was known more for unifying India after independence, but his achievements were equally exemplary before 1947, he said.

“We are a strong, diverse nation today because he created the framework of civil service.

He was never seen among the greatest heroes of our freedom struggle, but now on October 31 will be celebrated as national unity day,” Pattnaik added.

first time, after centuries, India's defence has to concentrate itself on two fronts simultaneously."

Patel had suggested that "we have to consider what new situation now faces us as a result of the disappearance of Tibet as we know it, and the expansion of China up to our gates". Patel's cautionary note was to prove prophetic when China invaded India in 1962.

Patel's Legacy: Nation-builder

Sardar Patel may have lived only two and a half years after India's independence, but in those few months, he shaped the narrative of a modern, strong and self-reliant India.

Often compared to Germany's legendary leader Otto van Bismarck for his key role in the integration of princely states into India, Patel contributed to nation-building in myriad ways. He was a leading light in the Constituent Assembly of India and played a pivotal

Decades after his death, Sardar Patel's absolute love and devotion for India continues to inspire all those who are engaged in the resurgence of India.

Tributes and honours continue to pour in for this legendary figure to this day. Time magazine put Sardar Patel on the cover in its January 27, 1947 issue, and called him "The Boss." Sardar Patel was finally conferred India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1991.

In his public life and as a founding father of the Republic of India, he tirelessly exhorted people to live true to their ideals and place country and society above self. In the conflicted times we live in, Sardar Patel's address at a meeting in Alwar in 1948 is an eloquent reminder to the people of the responsibilities of a free citizen to ensure their freedom and that of their country.

"Guns can protect freedom from aggressive designs of neighbours or other foreign states. But internally, it is the honest core of the people and the true realisation of the responsibilities of a free citizen that alone can save freedom from the machinations of self-seeking and interested parties and individuals."

UK Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

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was a prodigy operatic soprano - that’s how she and dad met - and is now an amazing educator and coach, with a deep passion for treating PTSD, including in military veterans.

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Father-son ‘team Cable’ reshaping education in India and Africa Paul and Ayrton Cable are the father-son team behind EnSo Impact, a chain of ‘changemaker’, schools for the developing world. After singing opera across Europe, Paul pioneered education in India and Africa to develop young people as socially conscious citizens and leaders, as well as offer world-class education to the poor through technology.

Ayrton, 13, is a poster child for such education: He spoke in Parliament at the age of 9, has appeared widely in the media, and has a cabinet full of social entrepreneur awards as well as nomination for the International Children’s Peace Prize. Paul’s father and Ayrton’s grandfather, Sir Vince Cable, is an angel investor in EnSo Impact.

Q. Where were you born and who are your parents?

Paul: I’m Scots, brought up in Glasgow in the early

Paul and Ayrton Cable

70’s. Dad was a lecturer at Glasgow University and cutting his political teeth in the Labour party. My mum, Olympia, who had Goan parentage and was born in Nairobi, was working on her PhD on Brazilian politics, and

teaching history in a seriously tough local state school.

Ayrton: Well you’re talking with dad right now, so I don’t really need to introduce him! Mum is Agnesa Tothova, who is Slovak born, the same as me. She

Imam loses libel case against the BBC An Imam lost his libel action against the BBC when the corporation called him an extremist on a broadcast.

Shakeel Begg, the chief Imam of Lewisham Islamic Centre, complained regarding a short segment of an interview on the Sunday Politics show.

The show in November 2013 featured

its presenter Andrew Neil and Farooq Murad, the

then head of the Muslim Council of Britain.

At the High Court, Mr Justice Haddon-Cave ruled in favour of the BBC saying that the words used of were to a large extent true.

Mr Justice said Begg was an Islamic speaker who embraced extremist Islamic positions and had promoted and motivated religious violence.

Asian MP to raise issue of knife crime after ‘masked attack at Ealing McDonald’s E a l i n g Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq said she was going to attempt to raise the issue of knife crime at Prime Ministers Questions this Wednesday after a 14-year-old boy became the latest victim of a stabbing in west London.

On Monday (October 31) the teenager was taken to hospital with non life threatening injuries after he was stabbed by an alleged masked attacker at McDonald's in The Broadway, Ealing, at around 9.30pm.

Another 16-year-old boy also suffered a minor cut to the head, but he was not taken to hospital.

Metropolitan police said

A 14-year-old was stabbed at McDonald's in Ealing

Wednesday that no arrests have been made following the incident.

Speaking after the stabbing, Dr Huq said she

would raise the issue of knife crime at Wednesday's PMQ's after a spate of stabbings across London and Ealing.

‘Ban pension cold calls’ A former pensions minister said that pension cold callers prey on the elderly and vulnerable because the government refuses to take actions against them.

Over 10 million per year are target following reforms as there is no ban enforced on cold calls leading to elderly being defrauded off their savings.

Q. What are your early memories?

Paul: Mum was a genius teacher. Her passion was classical music, and when I was 6, she asked me if I wanted to learn to play the piano. That started me on a 3 decade-long journey into music under her guidance. She was super strict, and would do whatever it took to get me to learn – including yelling!

Ayrton: Mum and dad always tried to make sure I grew up empathising with people and animals who suffered, so some of my earliest memories are of feeding homeless people and starving animals.

Q. What in your early life led you to doing what you’re doing now?

Paul: My early life had a huge impact on me. Part of it was having an amazing teacher - mum - as my own teacher, so I got to directly feel the difference a superb teacher makes.

Another part was seeing dad and mum focus so hard on service; dad’s service was through politics and it was inspiring to see that. When I was in my teens, the film ’Gandhi’

9

Parliament when I was 9 had a big impact on me, to launch a bill to end facand Gandhi’s message of tory farming and all the ‘being the change you suffering that that causes want to see’ resonated - that helped give me the deeply with me, and is a confidence that we young cornerstone of what we people are not just the are doing at EnSo Impact. future generation, but can Ayrton: When I was 8, be the ‘now’ generadad took me up to tion and make a difLondon and I ference now while really got to see homelessness ‘I needed to we’re still young. and hunger in create a new Q. What’s your ‘Cardboard path for biggest chalCity’ near lenge and how Waterloo myself; one have you overStation. That that made a come it? started me on difference’ Paul: One of my my efforts to most painful learnmake a differings has been that ence. I realised trying to make a differthat bringing attenence using a donor-based tion to issues through model is tough, and ultimedia e.g. films, is a powmately not very scalable. erful way to create change.

You end up spending most of your time fundQ. What was the biggest raising, and very few turning point in your life? organisations make it to Paul: When I was 30, I serious scale. That’s why was singing Mozart’s ‘Don we’ve taken a purposeGiovanni’ in Prague. driven for-profit model Although I was in a postfor EnSo Impact, in which card-perfect city and people can invest and see singing the title role of an a triple bottom line return opera I’d always wanted - social, environmental, to sing, I finished the perand financial. formance and felt a terriWe’re currently raisble emptiness inside. I ing £7mn in investment asked myself ‘If this is to expand in East Africa. what I’m going to do for Ayrton: I’m happy to say the rest of my life, will I that I haven’t had any look back on it and think I major challenges yet in really lived this life well?’ my life. I’m sure they’ll I realised I needed to crecome! So far, thanks to ate a new path for myself; some luck and hard work, one that made a differthings have worked out ence. pretty well.

Ayrton: Speaking in

10

READERS’ VOICE

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Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

Asian Voice - our favourite paper On Monday 31 October Indians and their friends celebrated 141 birth anniversary of Shri Sardar Patel.

For the first time ever the Indian High Commission organised a befitting event in the India house which was very welcome.

In Asian Voice, I read an informative article by Dr Hari Desai on Sardar Patel. I find his columns educating.

His first article was on Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Inspite of knowing so much about him, there was a whole new sea of information offered to us. Same with his piece on Shivaji.

I would urge that all your readers must read it and circulate to others, as well as post on social media, because these histories require retelling, in today's day and time. Especially as Jammu and Kashmir faces so much turbulence.

For last few weeks this column is becoming a big asset to Asian Voice- this is why Asian Voice is a complete newspaper for all of us.

I also like reading Alpesh Patel's column. It's quirky and gives insight to what today's generation may think about the world.

Asian Voice is a favourite in our household.

Ramesh Desai Edgware

Diwali - a time for celebration

Diwali is a festival that celebrates unity and love and involves fun lights and noise. But to other living beings, the thunderous firework celebrations can make it seem as if the heavens are falling.

Every year, countless companion animals disappear after firework displays send them running for their lives. This Diwali, make sure that the festivities are enjoyable for all living beings by keeping cats and dogs indoors when fireworks are going off, and double-check to ensure that they're wearing collars with ID tags.

Whenever possible, discourage friends, family, and neighbours from setting off loud firecrackers – as animals have far more sensitive ears than humans do.

Instead, encourage people to celebrate by lighting up their houses with flickering candles, oil lamps, and colourful rangoli patterns.

Sonul Badiani-Hamment By email

Supporting our businesses

After reading the article ‘Add a festive flavour this Diwali’, I was disappointed how Asian Voice could print such an article that is clearly an advertisement.

If Uma wants to keep the Diwali tradition alive in her family she should start at home and teach her family the values and traditions of Diwali as Asda won't do that.

She should also support the many fantastic independent indian grocers in Kingbury, Wembley, Southall, Leicester and many more areas, where you can find a wide array of products, rather than pandering to mega multinational companies.

Sachin Ashra By email

Dear Sachin, The article was a promotional piece by Asda, hence there was a special mention about it.

We do support independent grocers and happy to write about them, as we are aware of their contributions to our society.

- Editor

Asian Voice - providing a voice for Asians

A Happy New Year to all my Hindu friends. I usually don't write letters but I just received Asian Voice and their Diwali issue and found it fantastic. My father and my mother have been subscribing to Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar for years.

Our generation often finds ethnic weeklies obsolete as an idea. But on Diwali visiting my parents, I read your Diwali special and the Asian Voice newspaper and it was fascinating. There are in fact several stories that I have never read anywhere and it was exciting to read about Theresa May's Diwali message. Her fondness for India and the community obviously gets unnoticed because of her immigration policies. But reading about her celebrations, it makes me proud to be a part of this country and its diversity.

Besides the regular news on diaspora, I was mighty impressed with your range of columnists. Of course I realise no other Asian newspaper has such talented and well known columnists writing regularly.

The letters page is fascinating too. My daughter told about your website and I am mighty impressed with it.

Well done. Asian Voice's existence is valid in even today, with its gradual transformation to keep up with time- ensuring a voice is provided to all the Asians of this country.

Jay Bhatt By email

Diwali celebrations

Diwali is so widely celebrated across Britain today. The unfortunate financial cuts have resulted into councils around London abandoning the celebrations as they used to be.

But a massive celebration at the Trafalgar Square, a reception by the Prime Minister and the cross party Diwali at the Parliament by Hindu Forum of Britain is an example of the country's openness to culture and diversity. I was present at the Hindu Forum of Britain's Diwali celebration, sponsored by Karma Yoga Foundation. It was a proud moment to see that the Forum has been serving the community for last 15 years.

I remember the story behind the formation of the HFB and it is a story to be told for posterity. Drunkards had attacked the deity at the Sanatan Temple in Ealing Road.

People were shocked. But Meenakshiben Parmar, now Councillor, was brave enough to fight them, till Police came and arrested the vandals. That led to the formation of the Hindu Forum of Britain by Ramesh Kalidai, Venilal Vaghela, CB Patel, who took the initiative to form the forum.

An epic meeting was at the Kutch Leva Patel centre- and so many MPs, including the former attorney general Dominic Grieve QC was present there. The organisation has gone through many changes, so has the country. They were the first to start a cross party Diwali in Parliament, where irrespective of the Party, the MPs attended the event. It is a great achievement for the Hindus and I hope the good work be carried on forever.

Sanjay Budhia By email

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Priti Patel’s message to the World Bank

The International Development Secretary respectable Priti Patel has come out very effectively and wisely and at the right time to pass her very frank message to the World Bank. She has very sincerely and bravely advised the World Bank on its aid spending towards needy countries. She alerted to use the Births taxpayers’ money to help one y really poor countries. According to her opinion, it is not eligible to help developed nations like Brazil, China and India.

In her very impressive and worthy statement she reminds and confirms that Great Britain is the biggest contributor to the bank’s International Development Association which gives loans and grants to the poorest nations. Her message to the IDA is very clear and understandable. NO other International Development Secretary so far has shown such a deep concern towards the particular matter.

At the same time, she has very bravely and rightly warned the Department of Foreign Sectary not to waste the sincere taxpayer's money on not eligible projects. She has also alerted the IDA to scrutinise the need of a particular said poor countries’ need before approving Aid or Grant to them.

Further to her statement, her ministry was already preparing to underspend its budget and if possible to spend the so saved money to be redirected towards the true needy causes like peace keeping and humanitarian operations on the globe.

Honourable minster has really shown her deep concern on the possible misuse of funds given as Aid or Grant.

Respectable Priti Patel’s very sensible and important message has emerged during the right time when the Brexit issue needs the firm and appropriate grip over the funds, particularly over Aid and Grant. Each and every bonafide citizen of this lovely peaceful and generous nation should willingly appreciate and support Hon International Development Secretary’s deep concern as such.

Dr H.V. Kerai (PhD) Writer, lecturer & Critic Welling, Kent

Holy spirit of Navratri

It was a pleasure to read Rameshbhai’s articulate and amiable letter, explaining the propitiate spirit and ritual associated with celebrating Navratri. In common with all religious events grossly exploited by commercial interest, Navratri could not be spared, especially as it is an unique event that gives pleasure through celebrating, dancing where everyone, young and old, boys and girls mix with ease and grace. It is unique cultural heritage derived from our culturally rich Hindu religion.

In India, Navratri celebrated in streets are so often gate-crashed by people of other faiths who lack discipline and spiritual understanding associated with such celebrations, so often creating tension. But here in London, street celebrations are completely different, as it takes place in afternoons, due to cold climate, with middle-aged participants who observe and upheld spiritual atmosphere.

Yet Navratri is grossly exploited here by our fiduciary people who hire big “Town Halls” where only “Entry Criteria” is entrance fees and most attendees are young people from every culture who lack discipline, some are even high on drugs and drinks, as it completely lacks religious sentiments, adult participation. It is celebrated in carte blanche “Bollywood” style with lascivious phraseology film songs and promiscuous corrosive atmosphere alien to Navratri spirit. Perhaps alfresco “Street Celebrations” may be step in right direction.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Scotland providing doggy bags to reduce food waste

When it comes to implementing novel ideas to reduce waste and help environment, Scotland is first to legislate, followed by Wales and Northern Ireland. England is bottom of the list, as multinationals have undue influence on our politicians. Political parties, especially Conservatives depend on donations from super rich to survive and have enough funds to fight elections. Labour depend on Unions, although with unprecedented surge in membership, Labour will have good income from membership subscriptions, although most members are opportunists, becoming members with one lump subscriptions which give them right to vote electing Labour leader.

Scotland was first to ban plastic bags, smoking in pubs and restaurants, introducing minimum price on drinks to reduce binge drinking while we were the last to introduce charging for plastic bags. It is fudge with exemptions for small shop-keepers and certain food items and yet to introducing minimum price on drinks, sugar and salt contains in food, yielding to pressure from drink and food industries.

Now Scotland is providing free “Doggy Bags” to restaurants so that customers can take home extra food ordered that we could not consume, let it go to waste. It has reduced waste by 40% so far and when fully implemented, customers educated in eating habits, it could reduce waste by 80%. Do we have courage to act similarly?

Kumudini Valambia By email

Open as usual

I was pleasantly surprised to read in last week’s Gujarat Samachar that even though the ABPL’s Offices will be shut for Diwali celebrations during the period 28 October to 31 October, our next issue of GS will be published on 5 November as usual to help satisfy readers’/subscribers’ need for wholesome interesting news. This is good news for those who rely solely on AV and GS to quench their thirst for up to date news and informative articles. As we in this country do not have access to many Gujarati newsletters or magazines, GS is a God send for some of our elderly people who cannot read English.

It must be most remiss of me if I did not take this opportunity to thank ABPL for the publication of the glossy booklet entitled “Community organisations at the heart of the society”. It provides information on some of the many organisations providing voluntary service to us Indians in this country. I particularly liked the list of many local organisations at page 30 of the booklet under the appropriate heading of “For whom the Bell tolls.”

I now eagerly await my copy of the Diwali magazine and the ABPL calendar for 2017. The calendar is free to subscribers and comes in addition to the periodical supplements which we get from time to time. The calendar shows all our festivals with appropriate pictures or photos so that it is easy to identify them and make appropriate planning.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

/ COUNCIL Asian Voice |5th November 2016

EDUCATION

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Sharp drop in EU student applications to UK universities Numbers of EU students applying for the most competitive UK university courses have dropped sharply, new figures show.

The deadline for medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and Oxbridge passed on October 15 with EU applications down 9%, says admissions body Ucas.

The figures follow warnings that European student numbers could crash in the wake of June's Brexit vote.

A government guarantee on EU student funding came on 11 October - four days before the application deadline.

Applications from EU students for these very selective courses were down 620 on last year at 6,240 - ending a recent trend for annual increases.

However the number of UK students rose 3% to 39,440 and applications from outside the EU rose by 1%, the figures show.

European students currently pay the same fees and have the same access to loans as UK students but the vote to leave the EU left those considering courses starting in 2017 and 2018 unsure whether this would hold for the full duration of their courses.

The government's

announcement may have come too close to the deadline to reassure them, university leaders suggest.

Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of the vice-chancellors' group, Universities UK, said the applications window opened on 6 September, "but the government guarantee on fees and financial support for EU students for 2017 entry was not provided until 11 October, only days before the deadline."

A major faux-pas over Black History Month poster A university students union has apologised for using the faces of Zayn Malik and Sadiq Khan to celebrate Black History Month.

The former One Direction singer and the Mayor of London are neither black and have no African or Caribbean heritage, they both instead have Pakistani roots.

The Kent Union from the University of Kent has also chosen other leading public figures, including Dame Kelly Holmes and Sir Trevor McDonald. Rory Murray, the Union president has apologised for "not getting it right".

Social media posts released for the union's Black History Month campaign featuring Mr Malik and Mr Khan were withdrawn last Tuesday night.

The event's UK organisers

tweeted that they were "deeply disappointed at @KentUnion's ill thought and misdirected Black History Month celebrations".

Mr Murray said: "I want to apologise on behalf of Kent Union to any individuals who were upset, uncomfortable or offended by the image shared.There was no intent for this to happen and I am very sorry to anybody who felt this way.”

Issuing a joint state-

ment, the Kent Union and the University of Kent said the campaign was in accordance with the National Union of Students' position on Black History Month.

"In the planning stages, Kent Union worked with students to develop a campaign that celebrated a range of ethnic cultures.

However, we can see that many of our students disagree with the direction the campaign took and that a mistake was made," they said.

COUNCIL NEWS

Wembley shopkeeper fined for selling illegal tobacco products A Wembley shopkeeper has been fined after being discovered selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco products, for the second time.

Additionally, Jaydeep Bharat Thakker has been ordered to do 100 hours of community service after the Brent Trading Standards Team discovered the products for sale at Sangit Paan House in Wembley High Road.

Willesden Magistrates Court heard trading standards officers seized 260 packs of Chaini Khaini oral tobacco, 74 packets of cigarettes (20s), 67 Beedi’s of different brands and 104 Chewing Tobacco packs that didn't have the necessary health warnings on them.

Thakkar claims he wasn't aware it was illegal to

sell oral tobacco and believed the warnings on the cigarettes was sufficient. He was ordered to pay £557 costs, while Sangit Paan House Limited was fined £600 plus costs of £557 and a victim surcharge of £60.

Thakkar had been convicted of a similar offence in October last year.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, the leader of Brent Council, said: “This business owner showed a blatant disregard for the law, having previously been convicted and is now paying the price for his actions. The sentence showed how seriously the court took this matter by giving Thakker a community penalty.”

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IN SUPPORT OF PHARMACY Pharmacies are at the heart of communities and are a key source of health care and advice. Cutting funding at a time when the NHS is trying to find different and more cost effective care seems counter intuitive. If the NHS is to find ways of controlling the continuing growth in expenditure it needs to look at how it can increase prevention of illness and increase and improve health and wellbeing. We need to create a wellbeing service rather than the illness service that we currently have.

Community pharmacies see approximately 1.6 million people every day. A significant part of this number is the apparently well. In many cases, people are not exhibiting signs of illness but their wellbeing could be better.

If we could help people to maintain a healthy weight we reduce the risk of diabetes. If we help people to think about the alcohol they consume we can reduce the risk of liver damage and certain cancers. If we help people to quit smoking we reduce the risk of many different illnesses. If we help people to have the right blood pressure we reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. If more vulnerable people have flu vaccinations, we can reduce their risk of serious complications from the disease.

Unless we help people to look after their wellbeing and provide them with the support and information to understand how they can improve their Professor Ash Soni own health, the burden on the NHS will only grow. Community pharmacy provides the opportunity to have a huge impact on improving health and wellbeing. However, if pharmacies are forced to close, or try to provide these services with less staff because there isn’t sufficient income to employ more people, the capacity to do any of these things disappear.

We need to recognise that pharmacies are the heartbeat of communities and it is only by looking at how they can be better utilised to improve health and wellbeing that we can help the NHS to create a sustainable future. We risk all of this with the current reductions in funding by focussing on cost rather than value. Pharmacies are valuable assets that we should nurture.

About the author Professor Ash Soni OBE FFRPS FRPharmS, in his role as a member of the RPS English Pharmacy Board

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UK

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Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

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“The British Dream” - Maiden Speech, House of Lords

By Lord Jitesh Gadhia My Lords, I speak for the first time in this House with all humility - and respect - for an institution that has welcomed me so warmly to its fold.

I have only been here for a few weeks - yet it feels like several years and I do mean that as a complement to your Lordships.

The officials, clerks, attendants and doorkeepers have all been exemplary in their professionalism and courtesy. So professional, that on the day of my introduction, I was prompted discreetly with a firm tug of the ermine, not to forget my signature on the Roll of Peers and Code of Conduct.

All Rights of Passage require trusted guides to navigate the important journey ahead. And my entry to this House has benefited hugely from this tradition. I am indebted for the support and guidance of my two distinguished sponsors, my noble friends Lord Popat and Lord Fink.

I also acknowledge, with much gratitude, the wise counsel of my mentors, my noble friends Lord Borwick and Lord Geddes. And to top it all off I have benefited from the spontaneous generosity of an honorary mentor in the form of my noble friend Lord Leigh of Hurley, who has so eloquently introduced today's debate.

Life Journey

The topic of both debates in this House today - on championing global free trade and promoting social mobility could not be more intertwined with my own journey to these benches. My Lords, you will therefore get two

maiden speeches for the patience of sitting through one.

I am the very first generation of my family to be born outside India.

My grandfather took the brave decision to travel 3,000 miles across the Indian Ocean from the State of Gujarat, in North West India to Uganda, where I was born.

Gujaratis are well known as a trading community - for their entrepreneurial flair and godfearing modesty. We are often seen as pioneers establishing ourselves in new countries, businesses or professions and represent the majority of the 1.5 million British Indians in this country. I believe that globally connected communities will be of ever greater value as we forge new trading relationships with the rest of the world.

Had it not been for a twist of destiny, I would still have been in Uganda today. But the despot, Idi Amin, had different ideas.

In 1972, he served notice on 60,000 Asians to leave the country. We were forced to flee overnight leaving everything behind.

To his eternal credit, the then Prime Minister, Edward Heath, fulfilled his moral and legal responsibility to provide safe harbour to 30,000 of my fellow compatriots and we started all over again.

For most of us arriving here it was our third country and we had no choice but to get it right.

Migrants, as a group, are people who are prepared to uproot themselves, who want to improve their lives. They are already highly motivated. Those forced to be migrants more than once are doubly driven.

The story of the

Black people more likely to be stopped and searched

According to the Home Office, Black people were six times more likely to be stopped and searched by police as the gap between them gets wider. While the use of stop and search has fallen, Black and minority ethnic groups were three times more likely to stopped by the police.

In the year towards the

end of March, the police carried out 357,448 stop and searches in England and Wales.

The figure was a 12% reduction compared to the previous year. While searches fell across all the ethnic groups, stops of white people fell 38% compared to 13% for black and ethnic minority people.

legacy - and it will be my privilege to accompany her in 10 days time to India, on her first major planned official visit overseas, at the invitation of my fellow Gujarati, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Importance of Financial Services

Ugandan Asian community and its settlement and contribution to Britain has been the subject of important debates in both Houses of Parliament introduced on the same day, 6th December 2012 by my noble friend Lord Popat in this House and by my honourable friend Shailesh Vara in the other place. I would commend the respective Hansard entries as required reading.

Attitudes to Immigration

Immigration has become an emotive topic following the EU referendum. But let's not forget - immigration is one of the things that has made Britain great.

Britain is fundamentally an open, tolerant and welcoming nation. We look out to the world for trade, for skills, for friends.

We are not a small country, that closes our self off to the world - that has never been our outlook and must never be.

So I wear the badge of an immigrant with pride.

People want to come to this country because they see us as the land of opportunity. Somewhere to build a new life and secure better prospects for their families. My parents worked long hours and made sacrifices so that their children could enjoy a better future.

And I am standing here today precisely because Britain offered me those opportunities and I seized them with both hands.

I also had luck on my side. Luck in the form of an excellent British education.

And the fortune to work for a number of major global financial institutions over the last 25 years - and have survived that rollercoaster ride - and learnt the lessons too.

Connecting with Emerging Markets

I have focused on crossborder mergers and acquisitions, raising capital and making investments Frequently connecting emerging markets with western economies And I came full circle by leading some of the largest investment flows between UK and India, ranging from steel to pharmaceuticals.

This experience led me to work closely with the former Prime Minister David Cameron - who I believe did more than any other holder of his position to build a modern partnership with India - and also to engage proactively with the British Indian Diaspora I am pleased to say that our new Prime Minister Theresa May is building on this strong

Labour MP helps his laboured wife A Labour MP delivered his own child on the floor of their home as his wife went into labour sooner than expected.

32-year-old MP Conor McGinn delivered daughter Neasa Constance on the floor of their living room after receiving “a crash course in midwifery over the phone with a 999 callhandler”.

Announcing the birth

on Facebook, the MP for St Helens North said: “Those ‘Labour delivers all year round’ leaflets will take on a new meaning in St Helens.”

Church of England funerals falls to an all time low As congregations dwindle the number of funerals the Church of England conducts has fallen to under 30%, the lowest number on record. The number of people attending Sunday service fell to 752,460 last year, a drop of 12,000 since 2014. This from 120,000 over a decade ago.

Some 961,000 attend church services throughout the week and 1.3 million went to Easter service and 2.5million attended a Christmas service. These are some of the figures obtained in the annual survey of over 16,000 Anglican churches in England.

I am also proud of my background in financial and professional services.

It is our flagship export sector, generating a combined trade surplus of £72 billion, contributing £66 billion in tax revenues which pays for essential public services - and accounts for 2.2 million jobs, two thirds of which are outside London Whilst the complex City ecosystem is difficult to replicate and usurp we shouldn't be complacent either. Our position is hard won over decades and shouldn't be traded off lightly against misguided fears of immigration.

The City of London has also been one of the greatest engines of social mobility which our country has ever seen - because it is rooted in meritocracy.

So sacrificing a sector where we have a natural competitive advantage, which generates significant tax revenues to pay for public services and which underpins aspiration for so many - would be a triple travesty.

Championing Global Trade

My Lords, whether it is selling services or goods we are a trading nation first, last and always.

Total trade as a share of GDP, has increased from just over 50% in 2003 to over 60% today. But Germany is almost 90% and we should make that our long term objective

too.

And our natural instincts are supported by hard logic. The Brexit imperative is also an Economic imperative At a time when fiscal policy is still constrained and the efficacy of monetary policy has long since been exhausted, liberalising trade offers a policy lever which can lift economic growth potential around the world against the centripetal forces of deflation.

I also believe that with some deft footwork we can get to the front of the queue on trade deals.

Whilst we can't sign actual trade deals there is nothing to stop us agreeing MOUs as confirmed by my noble friend Lord Price in his recent evidence to the EU External Affairs Sub-Committee.

And I would make this exhortation to EU leaders - liberalising trade is a positive sum game. You may want to teach the UK a lesson for leaving the EU but don't betray your own self interests by being protectionist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my Lords, I am deeply honoured to have been introduced to this House and be given the opportunity to serve this great country. As a Hindu, the act of selfless service - or seva - combined with dharma - or right conduct - are amongst the noblest of Vedic traditions.

I truly believe that our best times lie ahead if we can capture the full benefits of being an open, outward looking country that embraces global free trade and welcomes new talent to our shores. Let us make that dream - a British dream - our destiny.

When space isn't enough for a family of 10 A family of ten who on benefits were moved to a house worth £425,000 costing the taxpayer £1,200 a month in rent because of a shortage of housing. 33-year-old Arnold Sube said the family’s four-bedroom house in Bletchley provided by Luton borough council was too small for him, his wife and their eight children.

Before being offered the £425,000 property in Milton Keynes the family had rejected several properties as they were not large enough. Mr Sube who left Cameroon in 2001 for France before coming to Britain in 2012. He was placed on an NHS funded mental health nursing

course at the University of Bedfordshire, the same year. The family is said to have received £14,000 in housing benefits along with £6,000 in child benefits and a further £22,700 in child tax credits.

In the UK around 358,000 households are said to be claiming housing benefit above the £26,000 annual cap. It expected 4,424,000 households this year will claim housing benefits under the £26,000 cap.

UK Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

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May confirms discussion on Kashmir not on agenda during India visit British Prime Minister Theresa May has said that the UK's stand on Kashmir remains unchanged and it is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan to address.

The issue was raised in the House of Commons during the weekly Prime Minister's Questions session on last Wednesday by Pakistani-born Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi, who asked if the Kashmir issue would form part of May's discussions during her visit to India next month, PTI reported.

"I take the same view as this government has since it came into power,

and indeed previously, which is that the issue of Kashmir is a matter for India and Pakistan to deal with and sort out," the British PM said in Parliament, clearly indicating that Kashmir was unlikely to be on the agenda during her bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when she visits India between November 6 and 8.

Qureshi, who represents a heavily Pakistaniorigin constituency of Bolton in north-west England, had questioned in the Commons: "Will the Prime Minister meet with me and cross-party col-

leagues to discuss the human rights abuses and the issue of self-determination for Kashmiri people, as was set out in the resolution of the UN in 1948 and can she raise this issue with the Indian Prime Minister."

May, while dismissing any meeting herself, said: "The foreign secretary [Boris Johnson] has heard her representations and I am sure will be interested in taking those issues up with her."

The British PM is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on November 6 for her first overseas bilateral visit outside Europe.

Young writers receive prizes at Buckingham Palace Award Ceremony On Wednesday 26 October the Winners and Runnersup of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2016 attended an Award Ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The special reception was hosted by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.

Junior Winner Gauri Kumar, 14, from Singapore; Senior Runnerup Esther Mungalaba, 19, from Lusaka, Zambia and Junior Runner-up Tan Wan Gee, 14, also from Singapore were each presented with their certificates by The Duchess.

Senior Winner Inessa Rajah, from South Africa, was unable to attend the Award Ceremony. She will, however, celebrate her achievement with the Royal Commonwealth Society during Commonwealth Week in March 2017.

The young writers were

flown to London for Winners’ Week – a weeklong programme of cultural and educational activities, including a tour of Parliament and a day trip to Cambridge, the latter organised by the competition’s sponsor, Cambridge University Press.

Among the 70 guests at the reception were Children’s Laureate, illustrator Chris Riddell and representatives from the Governments of Singapore and Zambia.

Commonwealth organisations were also represented with guests including Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Minister for the Middle East and Africa, Tobias Ellwood MP, Director of The Queen’s Trust, Nicola Brentnall MVO and other prominent figures.

Awarded for their submissions on the 2016 competition theme ‘An

Inclusive Commonwealth,’ the Winners explored contemporary topics including the struggle to find a diasporic identity, the importance of equality and the global migrant crisis.

Gauri Kumar said: “Winners’ Week has been amazing, Buckingham Palace is breathtaking.”

Gauri continued: “The topic of my essay is a very pertinent issue with my family and it comes up a lot.”

Claire Whitaker OBE said: “As the Chair of Trustees of the Royal Commonwealth Society, I am immensely proud of our work in facilitating this essay competition in the name of our patron, Her Majesty The Queen.

The success of this year’s competition is a testament to the continuing importance and relevance of the Commonwealth and its values for young people.”

A new hope for small companies A long-awaited scheme will now force banks who don't provide or turn down loan applications for small companies will now have to refer them to alternative finance providers.

The scheme would force

nine of the nation’s biggest banks to pass details of rejected business applica-

tions to three matchmaking online services. From this Tuesday, the Royal Bank of

Scotland, Lloyds, HSBC, Barclays, Santander, Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank, the Bank of Ireland and First Trust Bank must refer potential businesses to Funding Xchange, Business Finance Compared and Funding Options.

New £1 coin expensive for small businesses The Royal Mint said all machines which accept coins would need to be updated and companies must adapt cash handling equipment and retrain staff about the coins new features.

With the introduction of the new 12 sided £1 coin, coming March small and medium-sized businesses are likely to be burdened, the professional body for chartered accountants is warning.

Telecom companies pay the price for missed calls Telecom companies are suffering from £1.45 billion in lost sales last year due to dropped calls and fragmented broadband connections.

KPMG’s annual Telco Sector Report found that

while some customers cared about low bills, most would pay £900 million per year for more reliability and £550 million for more

services if there was reliable connectivity.

The report says companies could earn 10% more money per user.

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Ayurveda Day 2016 Speakers at Ayurveda Day

On Thursday 27th October 2016, under the aegis of Lord Stone and Rt Hon Tom Brake MP in the House of Lords Ayurveda Day 2016 was celebrated by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences.

Earlier in the day Amarjeet Bhamra offered Ayurveda treatments at the head office of NHS England to create awareness for the Ayurveda Day. Simon Recently, Stevens, head of NHS England designed a wellbeing initiative for NHS staff wherein Yoga was included, thus, highlighting the NHS's recognition of Yoga's benefit. Following this action, The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Indian Traditional Sciences is concentrating efforts towards the full-inclusion of Yoga as well as Ayurveda into the NHS for everyone and has tabled an Early Day Motion 507 on Ayurveda by its CoChairman Bob Blackman MP. The Ayurveda Day covered the theme of Prevention and Control of Diabetes through Ayurveda, and over a hundred visitors sat and listened inquisitively to a galaxy of Ayurvedic doctors from Europe.

Welcoming the audience, The Lord Stone gave an in-depth productive

experience to the meeting of the delegation he led early in this year to meet Indian Minister Naik with his AYUSH team in New Delhi.

Hilary Garratt Director of Nursing, NHS England was pleased to be present at such a gathering and supported the aims of the meeting. The Acting High Commissioner of India His Excellency Shri Dinesh Patnaik welcomed APPG Indian Traditional Sciences initiative to arrange the Ayurveda Day and elaborated on the focus behind the AYUSH Ministry.

Speakers included: Dr Shantha Godagama explained his role at the MHRA’s Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee, Dr Venkat Joshi Ayurveda scholar who shared his expertise on Role of Food Medicine in UK, Dr Athique Principal of Ayurveda College UK spoke on Health Promotion for Elderly Care, Dr Palitha

Serasinghe Lecturer at Middlesex University expounded on Prevention of Diabetes through Ayurveda, Dr Vijay Murthi of AyuWave London spoke on Rejuvenation for Diabetes via skype from India, Dr Naveen Gupta who arrived especially from Switzerland spoke about Ayurveda’s role of Prevention and Control of Diabetes.

Heather Mason from the Minded Institute offered her views on the recognition of Ayurveda by World Health Beverley Organization, Wright from Anglia Ruskin University shared her viewpoint on Preventative Medicines from an Educational Perspective, Specially received message were read from the Indian Minister of AYUSH Hon Shri Naik as well as, Virendra Sharma MP Chairman of APPG on Indian Traditional Sciences.

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TLIGHT

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Rina Sodha: Bringing You Yoganastics

AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

Giving Sight to Blind in India - SightLife UK officially launches in the UK

Sunetra Senior

For Rina, founder and fitness leader of the new and incredibly integrative, Yoganastics, the gentle power of yoga and yoga classes are more than just a daily routine or simple exercise; they are a consummate state of being. ‘Being introduced to Rina was a blessing’, reads one of her many recent, raving testimonials, ‘I have never practiced yoga quite like it. Her classes have taught me so much: awareness to my alignment, how to trust my own ability and living in the now’. Indeed, when Rina eagerly shared one of her favourite positions to teach the class with us – a pose which can easily be adopted for a long day in the city office – it reflected exactly this: “you can’t go wrong with ‘the tree pose” she beamed. “It really lifts the spine and releases your inner confidence and if you do it regularly enough, an overall sense of empowerment. I always tell my students, imagine a golden string is pulling you up, supporting you, no matter the situation, from above. Slouching too much, in turn, can induce the opposite effect.” *** Rina’s conviction about the long-term and positive effects of well-being training has profounder roots too.

Before going into teaching, within the more mainstream world of yoga– now taking on students of all abilities and ages – Rina witnessed the transformative, almost religious, value of her art-form in a very pinnacle way : “my previous experiences include working at Healing through Yoga - yoga classes offered to children and children with special needs. I often worked with youngsters, who were in wheel chairs and physically handicapped, moving them myself onto the exercise mats and helping them to move into the postures. Over time, their parents or carers too, couldn’t believe what was happening: these children were actually starting to move and do the various stretches by themselves! By stabilising their breathing and focussing on the guidance of my voice, there was also an emotional opening breath-taking to behold! Over time their confidence just grew and grew, strengthening their muscles, and eventually I started family sessions too. This really was physiotherapy for the soul!”

Now, just having opened her own private studio - the interior bathed in a cool mint blue - the pioneering yoganastic is making her holistic magic sustainably available to all: “it is my belief that the body and mind are intimately connected,” she aptly added.

“Yoga helped me realise this and I have felt so much more grounded, focussed and fulfilled since. I’m excited to be expanding out as part of this journey, and cannot wait to see where it will go. I don’t just teach you, but help you grow and foster a vital life approach.”

Tell us more precisely about some of the long-term benefits of yoga?

Where do I begin? In terms of the body, over time your joints and limbs might get stiffer and you become more prone to injuries. It’s especially important to keep flexible and continue moving. It also helps with regulating diabetes and high-blood pressure, to which the Asian community are particularly susceptible.

There are lots of poses that can strengthen your body and immune system; really open you up. Of course that yields mental benefits too. It relaxes the mind which is especially important as we live in such a stressful time.

Sometimes you just need that one hour to stay still and focus on yourself. I know it’s made me a lot more patient. I actually come from a corporate background, having owned and sold my own travel agency before going onto to work for Hilton hotels, and since turning to the well-being sector I have found calmness in the body,

spirit and mind.

Were you always interested in physical health?

Yes, I’ve always been into my fitness – I was a runner at school. But it tended to be more high impact fitness, such as going to the gym, running and doing weights. Now I’ve seen the broader benefit of doing gentler forms of exercise, and actually d o i n g intensive

Physiotherapy for the soul

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One Step Closer to Eliminating Corneal Blindness Worldwide

Karthik, Cornea Recipient

The first time Karthik saw the face of his mother he cried tears of happiness, and so did she. Twelveyear-old Karthik lost his sight at age six due to hereditary eye disease. His parents are field workers and had no hope for their son’s future without sight.

But when their family was referred to LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad, India, they learned Karthik was a good candidate for a corneal

training can damage your body more.

For me, it’s all about the breathing; tapping into the soul and activating the mind, as well as the sportier aspect of it.

There is more on that to do with chakras etc, but I’ll save that for another time!

Please share some more of your recommended yoga moves?

So I enjoy going into the ‘pigeon pose’, which goes really deep into your hip. In addition to the ‘tree pose’ (mentioned earlier), there’s also the ‘bow pose’, which opens up your chest and shoulders. If you’re getting that tight feeling, these are all good for your posture and personal well-being.

What have been some of the highlights of your career?

Definitely working with special needs children, and young people in schools to help them relax and succeed in exams. The work with Mencap has been especially rewarding: just being able to build the confidence of the children through simple movements.

Finally, what’s one notion that people may have about yoga that simply isn’t true?

Some men don’t want to do it because they think it’s too ‘girly’ so that’s rather bizarre. Also, some people have told me they think it’s people sitting around in a circle chanting! There’s certainly a soft, spiritual element to it, but it has a very useful and practical purpose.

You can see that from the set up of my new studio and my teaching, which is very grounded and helpfully hands on!

W

www.yoganastics.co.uk

Dr Catherine Beech OBE (Trustee, SightLife UK) and Supriya Mathur, (Director, Hume Brophy)

transplant. Through a partnership with Sightlife, a non-profit global health organisation focused on corneal blindness, surgeons at LVPEI were able to restore Karthik’s sight.

Thanks to these lifechanging corneal surgeries, Karthik is now a perfectly normal boy with dreams of becoming an artist and a scientist.

To restore sight to more children like Karthik, SightLife is pleased to have formally launched its UKbased charity, SightLife UK. The well-attended Sightlife UK launch event in the House of Commons in September, sponsored

by Virendra Sharma MP and kindly endorsed by CB Patel and Vijay Goel, marks an important milestone in achieving SightLife’s mission: eliminating corneal blindness worldwide by 2040.

Speaking at the event, Claire Bonilla a former General Manager at Microsoft and current Chief Global Officer of SightLife, told of the scale of the problem in India.

There are over one million people, like Karthik, who are blind in both eyes when

they do not need to be.

There are another five million who have corneal blindness in one eye that affects their ability to go to school, work and live independently.

She went on to speak passionately that this can only be solved if SightLife remains committed to building the most effective local eye bank programs and training surgeons around the world. This is done by sharing best prac-

Chief Global Officer, Claire Bonilla Speaking at the launch

tices with communities worldwide to provide leadership and infrastructure for local programs. By partnering with new and existing eye banks and providing—at no charge— training, resources and an efficient, comprehensive set of tools to help build capacity to meet the area’s needs.

Dr. Catherine Beech OBE, a new trustee, gave an emotional personal account of how blindness has affected her family, and how that had motivated her to get involved with the solution.

Every pound raised in the UK is matched by a donor in the U.S., so now is an exciting time to engage with the UK to address this global health problem, especially in India where the need is greatest.

SightLife UK would be pleased to hear from anyone who is interested in finding out more about the work, and how they can help make it possible for more people like Karthik to live with the gift of sight.

DIWALI CELEBRATIONS Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

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15

ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor embraces Diwali during their 50th Anniversary year This year is a very special one for The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON): It is exactly 50 years since the movement’s founder A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada inaugurated the society in New York.

Since those days, ISKCON has gone from strength to strength and it now has more than 600 temples all around the world and not only attracts the Hindu diaspora but participants from all cultures and backgrounds.

In the final few months of the year, leading devotees of ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor have been making a special effort to embrace the Diwali festive season.

Diwali in London

For this year’s Diwali in London (DIL) celebrations in Trafalgar Square, Sanjay Gadhvi was heading it up on behalf of ISKCON and was the Chair of the event’s Committee.

Both Sanjay and Srutidharma das joined the Mayor of London Mr Sadiq Khan and others on the main stage to wish everyone a happy and devotional Diwali. (pictured) Srutidharma das, Sanjay Gadhvi joined the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, the Deputy Mayor and the Deputy Indian High Commissioner to light the

Annakut on shrine

Dhruva-kusa (Head of Pandava Sena), and Braj-vadu dasi of Veda London.

Diwali at the House of Commons

Srutidharma das lighting the inauguratory diya with Mayor Sadiq Khan and Deputy Mayor for Business Rajesh Agarwal at Diwali in Trafalgar Square

profusely to everyone present.

Through these festivities, devotees sought to re-create in a small way the events which took place over 5000 years ago in Vrindavan, the place of Krishna’s childhood pastimes.

During this year’s Diwali event at the House of Commons, organised by the Hindu Forum of Britain, many ISKCON devotees were in attendance.

Devaki with Rt Hon Priti Patel MP

Srutidharma das at 10 Downing Street offering a prayer in presence of PM Theresa May and Acting Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Pattnaik

ceremonial Diwali lamp on the main stage in Trafalgar Square.

Srutidharma das was invited to the Diwali function at Number 10 Downing Street, the residence of the British Prime Minister, Theresa May MP. Along with the Prime Minister and other dignitaries such as the Indian High Commissioner Mr Dinesh Patnail, Srutidharma das was invited to speak and lead the Diwali prayers.

Echoing the Prime Minister’s own w o r d s , Srutidharma das added that the fact that the community is celebrating Diwali at the P r i m e Minister’s home is the symptom of “a A drama performance by fairer Britain.” devotees During the Prime Minister’s Diwali message, she made reference to Srutidharma’s speech and also gave reference to the government funded Avanti Schools Trust, of which ISKCON is the faith affiliate.

Jai Nitai das, the Temple President of ISKCON-London said "It's wonderful, that in celebrating 50 years of ISKCON that today the movement is recognised for its tremendous contribution for the spiritual life of the British people and thus involved to celebrate with the Prime Minister."

Other ISKCON devotees present at the function included Mahaprabhu das (Head ISKCON European Communications and Chair of the Hindu Forum of Europe),

At the House of Lords

CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar addressing the guests

Gauri das, the Managing Director of Bhaktivedanta Manor and Spiritual Commissioner of the Hindu Forum of Britain, led the opening Sanskrit prayers for the event. Priti Patel MP, the Secretary of State for International Development was pleased to receive a book about A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada from Devaki dasi, the UK Co-ordinator for ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary.

Manor building which was illuminated in purple, and with the adjacent trees adorned with psychedelic lighting!

Described as a “spiritual Disneyland”, the evening atmosphere was full of magic, and after a period of anticipation the night sky became the backdrop to a thrilling firework display.

Earlier guests were earlier treated to two different performances of The Ramayan: the Pandava Sena cast performed on stage in the field. Two hours earlier the Bhaktivedanta Players staged their version inside the main tent.

Invited guests included a host of community leaders including His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami, Editor of the Asian Voice Mr C.B Patel, Mayors; and many MPs and Lords including Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Richard Harrington MP, Oliver Dowden MP, Theresa Villiers MP, Barry Gardiner MP and others.

“The Diwali festival is all about lighting two lamps” explained Srutidharma das, “We light a lamp to welcome Lord Rama back home to Ayodhya after His exile, and other, internal lamp: the lamp of knowledge, inspiration and direction. These things will illuminate our lives for the upcoming year.”

The New Year

Bhakti Charu Swami addressing audience

ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary’s Magical Diwali

How apt it was to round off ISKCON 50th Anniversary public celebrations during the magnificent Diwali festival on Sunday 30rd October! In the evening thousands gathered on the front lawn for the Grand Firework Display, in front of the iconic

But that was not the end of Bhaktivedanta Manor’s celebrations! The following day, traditionally the first day of the Hindu New Year, the Temple’s celebrations included a magnificent array of vegetarian preparations offered to Lord Krishna during the Annakut festival. Govardhana Puja was also performed on the day, and the cows were honoured in a special ceremony, with swarms of devotees decorating the cows with traditional hand paints.

Devotees and guests all circumambulated the Govardhana Hill which was made of a huge variety and quantity of sweet prasadam and which was then distributed

Sri Radha Ramana das, an ISKCON priest and employee of HSBC Bank in Canary Wharf, organised a special event at the House of Lords in observance of ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary. The event was hosted by Lord Dholakia and Shalesh Vara MP was amongst the special guests.

Celebrations at House of Lords

Lord Dholakia spoke of ISKCON’s special contributions to British Hinduism, focusing on the campaign to save Bhaktivedanta Manor from public closure.

He also spoke in length about ISKCON’s disagreement with the RSCPA’s policy to put sick cows ‘to sleep’, and how he,

Dance performance

Shailesh Vara MP and ISKCON worked together to convince DEFRA to adapt its protocol to accommodate different cultures’ attitudes towards cattle.

Srutidharma das and Gauri das then praised Lord Dholakia and Shailesh for their support for the British Indian community by within the corridors of power.

The keynote speech by delivered by His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami, who spoke about the unique contribution of A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada for spreading Krishna consciousness all around the world.

16 DIWALI CELEBRATIONS Asian Voice |5th November 2016

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Diwali comes to UK Parliament The Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) celebrated its 15th Diwali celebrations at the House of Commons on 26th October 2016.

Diwali message. This line-up included the The Terrace Pavilion was transformed from Secretary of State for Communities and its House of Commons attire to a colourful, Local Government the Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid bright, luminescent, vibrant manifestation of MP, Secretary of State for International the very essence of Diwali. This was the fifDevelopment the Rt. Hon. Priti Patel MP, teenth consecutive year the HFB has held the Deputy Leader of Scottish National Party the Festival of Lights celebrations with great sucRt. Hon. Angus Robertson MP, cess. The event has now become the centreParliamentary Under-Secretary of State at piece of all Diwali celebrations in the UK. It the Department for Communities and Local commands support of MPs, Peers, Ministers Government Lord Bourne, Lord Dolar Popat from the Government Front Bench as well as leading lights from other political parties. If this is not enough, the event attracts huge support from dignitaries, leading business leaders, community leaders, Mandir Trustees and interfaith representatives.

Mrs Trupti Patel, President of the HFB, said, “The Hindu community represents one of the most well-integrated communities in the UK. It adds significant value to the very fabric of British society. The values of the Hindu faith are eternal. It promotes love, peace, righteousness, truth, justice and equalities in all its manifestations. It is therefore right that Diwali is celebrated with HFB president Trupti Patel, Acting High such splendour in the seat of modern- Commissioner of India to UK, Dinesh Patnaik, and

CB Patel with the HFB team.

tival and said, “It was a real pleasure to celebrate Diwali with the HFB and guests this week in Parliament. The Festival of Lights gives us all the opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contribution that those of the Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths make to our country.”

Communities Minister Lord Bourne said, “I was delighted to be able to share in the celebrations at the House of Commons this

Lord Popat reminded everyone of how British Indians make up a community group that contributes significantly more per capita to Britain’s GDP, consume minimal of national resources and have the lowest pres-

Lord Dolar Popat

the Chief Whip in the House of Lords, the newly appointed Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Rt.Hon. Dominic Grieve QC MP, Mr Shailesh Vara MP and even Lt Gen David Leakey CMG CBE, otherwise known as Black Rod, came as he does each year.

Tradition was followed this year with attendance by the Acting High Commissioner of India, His Excellency, Mr Dinesh Patnaik. Mr Patnaik lit the inaugural lamp along with Lord Popat.

Wonderful messages on the significance of Diwali were shared by all the speakKanti Nagda speaks about Karmayoga Foundation ers. as representatives from the Armed Forces look on Rt. Hon. Priti Patel MP said, “The day democracy, the House of Commons.”

This year’s Parliamentary hosts were Bob Blackman MP, Lord Navnit Dholakia, Virendra Sharma MP, Rt. Hon. Angus Robertson MP, Caroline Lucas MP and the Rt. Hon. Nigel Dodds OBE MP. The event was further supported with sponsorship from Mr C B Patel and Mr Kanti

Virendra Sharma MP helps to light the inaugural lamp

Lord Jitesh Gadhia speaks as Trupti Patel looks on

week. In celebrating Diwali we appreciate the diversity that enriches this country, the common values we share and the importance of coming together.”

Adding to this, Lord Gadhia stated, “As we look forward to the Hindu New Year ahead, my special prayer is that we can build more of the same ‘spirit of unity’ that has

ence in the prisons.

Bob Blackman MP, the principal sponsor of the Diwali at House of Commons, conveyed the Diwali message from the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP, and wished everyone a happy, prosperous and healthy Diwali.

The celebrations were enhanced with the beautiful chanting of Vishnu Stuti, Vedic prayers, by the students of Sai School in Harrow.

Smt Nrithya Rammohan gave an incredible classical dance performance based on Thillana, a pure dance form dedicated to Mother Goddess. If this was not enough, performers from the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir provided colour and vibrancy in a stunning dance performance that had the

Rt. Hon. Priti Patel MP, Rt.Hon. Dominic Grieve QC MP and Shailesh Vara MP

HFB is doing sterling work in liaising with both the community and parliamentarians and wish the team and my entire community Happy Diwali.”

Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid MP spoke of his childhood memories associated with the fesTrupti Patel, Deputy Leader of SNP Rt. Hon. Angus Robertson MP and Bob Blackman MP

Nagda of the Karmayoga Foundation, Mr & Mrs Solanki from Event Guru, leading Hindu businesses, Yogi Divine Society and Vascroft Foundation.

As with all Hindu celebrations, it started with prayers performed by Shri Gauridas Prabhuji, spiritual convenor for the HFB. A one-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect for our fallen heroes from the armed forces and the emergency services.

Politicians from all political parties lined up to be given an opportunity to give their

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government Lord Bourne speaks as Trupti Patel looks on

Shri Gauridas Prabhuji, spiritual convenor for the HFB

brought so many different Hindu organisations here today under one banner. It may be a cliché but: Unity is our strength.”

His Excellency Mr Dinesh Patnaik explained that Diwali is more than light over darkness, that we can also consider conquering misery and ignorance with knowledge and enlightenment.

Dance performance by Kashmiri artistes

audience in awe. This year was made extra special by the attendance of Maharaj Kumar Ajatshatru Singh (Jammu and Kashmir).

Mr Virendra Sharma MP thanked the HFB team for organising such a wonderful event and requested the team to organise more festivals at the Palace of Westminster.

Diwali has become a time when the world is reminded that it is in our common humanity, that we will find the light that will sustain humanity itself for the future. The eternal message of Diwali has stood the test of time and is as relevant today, if not more, than it has ever been.

The gathering dispersed with one thought, Diwali 2017.

Shubh Diwali and Nutan Varshaabhinandan

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Visitors from across the UK celebrate Diwali at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury

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DIWALI CELEBRATIONS

Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

17

Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrated at Neasden Temple

Diwali fireworks at the temple

Annakut to celebrate Diwali

Spectacular displays of fireworks and food drew thousands of visitors to Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury for a weekend of festivities celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali and New Year.

The weekend began with an evening of Indian music, dance and entertainment including the unique fusion

ever light and fireworks display, explosively lighting up this local landmark. Crowds were wowed by a colourful and dramatic show.

Festivities culminated with nearly 15,000 visitors who witnessed the truly awe-inspiring presentation of culinary delights, including traditional sweets, Indian street food and dish-

Birthday. Over 1,000 items formed this jaw dropping spectacle.

The final celebration will be a day of giving with a special blood donation session taking place on Sunday 6th November. People from all backgrounds will selflessly give to save lives. This aspect of the Diwali and New Year festival is inspired by the

Annakut at the temple

of bagpipes and dhol drums.

Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band and Dhol Academy brought the house down with their thunderous performance and amazing blend of East meets West. The evening concluded with the Mandir’s first

es from all over the world. A biscuit replica of Buckingham Palace; a chocolate sculpture of Tower Bridge; and a Crown made from cake to rival the Great British Bake Off; formed part of the Royal theme to celebrate the Queen’s 90th

Mandir’s global spiritual leader, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, who preaches, “Dedicating one's life to the service of others is the truest celebration of a festival”.

Spaces are still open to anyone would like to join by visiting blood.co.uk.

Diwali at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London – the ‘Neasden Temple’ – is an iconic community celebration, reinforcing charity, goodwill, family values and the love of God. Worshippers and visitors experienced the devotional vibrancy and rich culture of the Hindu faith at the Mandir on Sunday 30 October 2016.

The ‘Festival of Light’, as it is fondly known, was marked with dazzling displays of bright, intricate Indian patterns and flickering lamps. The murtis inside the mandir were also beautifully adorned.

Worshippers and visitors arrived at the Mandir throughout the day to offer their prayers and respects.

In the evening, a special ceremony for home and business owners was held in the presence of swamis (Hindu monks). The chopda pujan ceremony is an occasion for business owners to close their existing account books and open new ones in preparation for the year ahead. In doing so, they also reflect upon their spiritual relationship with God and Diwali’s values, such as giving to the needy.

The Hindu New Year on Monday 31 October (the year 2073, according to the Hindu calendar) was heralded with prayers for peace, prosperity and har-

The current spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj had sent his New Year blessings for one and all.

His Excellency the Interim High Commissioner of India to the UK, Mr Dinesh Patnaik, also visited the Mandir for the celebra-

engaged enthusiastically with visitors, encouraging all to donate generously in the spirit of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s message, “In the joy of others lies our own.” During the day, the visitors had the opportunity to pay tribute to His Holiness, who passed away in August. He was the creator of the Neasden Temple and the

CB Patel at the Neasden Temple with Yog Vivek Swamiji

tions. In his address, he said that it was “a proud moment” for him to be present at the Mandir on such an auspicious occasion. He also spoke about the “positive energy” created by the Mandir in “bring-

religious leader of millions around the world.

Pooja Patel, a young volunteer at the Mandir, added, “What makes Diwali and New Year so special is the fusion of spirituality and culture. It is a time

Guests offering pooja at the Neasden temple

Visitors at the temple

mony across the world.

Worshippers and visitors were captivated by the iconic Annakut, a sumptuous arrangement of over 1,200 freshly prepared vegetarian dishes offered in thanksgiving to God.

ing the community together in prayer and service.”

Children reinforced the message of thanksgiving for the New Year by collecting funds for victims of the recent earthquake in Italy.

The young volunteers

where one has an opportunity to reflect and give, and welcoming visitors to experience the vibrancy, the deeper religious significance of these Hindu festivals is a privilege that I look forward to every year.”

18

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

Fiery television journo quits

Arnab Goswami

Popular television journalist and anchor of Newshour, Arnab Goswami has stepped down from his post as editor-in-chief of Times Now. Sources said Goswami announced his resignation to the employees in Mumbai newsroom with other bureaus joining via video conferencing. Harini Rana, sports editor at Times Now confirmed the news with a tweet saying, "Its true, Arnab Goswami has quit @TimesNow an incredible journey comes to an end #NewsRoom #TimesNow #Mumbai."

He is quoted as saying, "Independent media is going to thrive. The game has just begun," hinting at his future plans at the meeting.

A media source wrote, "Sources within the Times Group indicate that Arnab

Goswami may have been in discussions with another organisation to set up a new television and digital news venture for the past six months. It was also indicated that at least a handful of Times Now employees will move to the new project along with him, In Arnab's words, the new project will be a 'formidable competition to BBC and CNN'."

Known for his 'loud' style of journalism, Goswami began his career at The Telegraph in Kolkata. He joined NDTV in 1995 where he rose as one of the prominent faces along with Vikram Chandra and Rajdeep Sardesai. He joined Times Now in 2006. He has a wide viewer base who almost religiously follow his interrogative style of debates.

India home to 1 bn mobile subscribers by 2020 A new study conducted by GSMA reveales that India is expected to have one billion unique mobile subscribers by the year 2020.

'The Mobile Economy: India 2016' said that at the end of June 2016, 616 million unique users had subscribed to mobile services in India, making it the second-largest mobile market across the globe.

"Almost half of the country's population now subscribe to a mobile service. Improving affordability, falling device prices and better network coverage aided by operator investment will help deliver over 330 million new unique subscribers by 2020, taking the penetration rate to 68 per cent (up from 47 per cent in 2015)," the report said. A unique mobile subscriber, according to the GSMA, is an individual who may be using multiple mobile connections. The report also said that the number of 3G/4G mobile broadband connections is forecast to reach more than 670 million by 2020, 48 per cent of the total connection base.

"There will also be an accelerating move to 4G

over this period. The number of 4G connections is forecast to grow rapidly, growing from just 3 million at the end of 2015 to 280 million by 2020," it said.

It further stated that the industry is set to invest heavily, with operator CAPEX growing to $34 billion for the period 2016 to 2020. In 2015, India's mobile industry generated economic value equivalent to 6.5 per cent of the country's GDP, a contribution that amounts to more than $140 billion. "The figure accounts for both the direct economic activity generated by mobile operators and the ecosystem of mobile industries in India. This contribution is expected to grow to $210 billion by 2020," GSMA said.

It also noted that mobile operators and the ecosystem provided direct employment to approximately 2.2 million people in India as well as indirectly supporting 1.8 million additional jobs in other industries and sectors that benefit from the activity of the mobile industry, particularly in the direct supply chain.

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16 Indian States make over 80 per cent in World Bank AsianVoiceNews

Addressing the 41st Joint Meeting of the India-Japan Business Cooperation Committee, Ramesh Abhishek, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion said the 'Make in India' programme launched by the Indian government has prompted competition among the States who work to improve ease of doing business and attract investments.

Abhishek said 16 states had scored over 80 per cent in the World Bank-DIPP ranking of States based on 340 parameters on 'Ease of Doing Business'. "We are trying to address specific policy issues that would hasten the pace of reforms and remain determined on taking up issues in areas such as infrastructure and taxation to improve the manufacturing competitiveness in States," he said.

He said that the landmark Goods & Services Tax which

will be put into practice from April 2017, would create a level-playing field for manufacturers in States.

The secretary added that the GST would speed up the movement of goods, there will be greater predictability in assured transportation that will bring down the cost of holding inventories.

Meanwhile, FICCI has decided to open a 'FICCI India Plus' office in Japan, which is set to launch soon.

The office will supposedly help grow interest of Japanese companies in doing business in India, and

vice versa. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog urged Japanese companies to rapidly move into the Indian market as the process of infrastructure creation and reforms will throw up ample opportunities for investment. He said they must learn from Maruti's India pitch which ushered in a culture of manufacturing excellence to India, adding that in the the governance structure in India today, there is consistency, clarity, and predictability of policy. Kant said the India story for Japanese compa-

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

nies has just begun and while they remain overexposed in China, their future lies in India.

JIBCC Chairman, and CEO/President of Mitsui & Co. Ltd., Masami Iijima said that both the countries involved have called for a special strategic global partnership. He said there was an overall improvement in the business environment in India, and the passage of the GST Bill in the Parliament holds out great hope for making the business environment more friendly. Rohit Relan, CoCHairman, IJBCC and MD, Bharat Seats Limited, said, "I hope Japanese businesses will take a closer look at these avenues for enhancing their activites and presence in India. I believe the way forward is to break new grounds of cooperation by exploring complemantarities in our economic strengths and plan investments accordingly."

Celebrating Diwali: The Indian Christmas Marketing Eye

people typically attending the switch-on of the lights on Belgrave Road, pictured.

Sanjay Shabi Board Director and Head of CultureCom at MediaCom Wouldn’t it be great if the UK population could enjoy more than one Christmas a year? In fact, many of us already do by celebrating our own, respective, cultural equivalents of Christmas alongside the traditional end of year event presided by St Nicholas!

In fact, there are about thirty different types of Christmas’ celebrated every year up and down the country by different ethnic groups.

Eid, Chinese New Year, Rosh Hashanah are just 3 examples. For Indians, Diwali is most synonymous in this respect as many of us happily experienced just last week! Quite often the sound of fireworks days before or after actual Guy Fawkes night are more than likely due to an Indian family celebrating the Festival of Lights locally in your neighbourhood!

Though this is often as prolific beyond the home.

Leicester's Diwali celebrations are among the biggest outside of India, with more than 37,000

On a cultural level, Diwali also helps bring communities together, even for those outside of Indian circles. Already there is evidence to suggest how Diwali is not exclusively the preserve of Indians, with anecdotal observations showing strong turn out from other South Asians notwithstanding even those communities that sit beyond those originating from the Indian sub-continent.

Similarly, London’s South Asian Mela, a late summer event completely disassociated with Diwali, attracts crowds of more than 1000,000 in one single day and in its 14 years history, has established itself as a bonafide inter-cultural festival.

What must not be missed however is the huge opportunity this represents for mainstream marketers, to tap into this key period when there is always a huge upswing in consumption of a myriad of relevant products and services. Many within the supermarkets retail sector

An Expert’s View

know this already, using this occasion to dial up festive grocery promotions for Indians.

Similarly, even some supermarkets are known to offer Asian confectionary pop-up counters during such key gifting periods like Diwali. Due to their popularity, these are prominently sited front of the house and not tucked away at the back of the store by the flour!

Within their ad promotions, cleverly designed with neat Diwali creative nuances, there are increasing instances where even mainstream products are being advertised alongside indigenous products more commonly associated with the Indian community.

For instance, mainstream, popular brand chocolates and soft drinks. Money transfer and international telecoms providers are also equally unequivocal in their support for Diwali, recognising its relevance for UK based Indians as an important time to reach out to extended family back home in their motherland.

These aside, the question remains, why is this Indian Christmas not capitalised upon by other categories? A complex topic in itself requiring wider considerations and discussion but at first glance, there is enough evidence pointing to how Indians are much more likely to be affluent and educated, suggesting they are ripe for all manner of relevant products and services to enjoy during Diwali. High

ticket items like premium watches, designer fashion labels, luxury fragrances and top grade jewellery are just a few obvious examples. There is even independent desktop research via Asian flavoured Experian mosaic profiles, which while not exhaustive and always robust, can still be used as a steering guide for advertising and media agencies looking to unlock these opportunities. While the Indian volume of opportunity comparative to mainstream Christmas is significantly shorter, this is offset by some degree by Indians’ far higher propensity to generally consume the aforementioned categories of products and services.

At a time of late where there is much discussion within business and political spheres about the UK’s future prospects postBrexit referendum result, understanding the marketing opportunity occasions like Diwali represent can provide a massive boost to the UK’s economy. Charles Darwin said it is those most receptive to change that are more likely to survive. Without this sounding overly dramatic but using this analogy, reconsidering the importance of Diwali and what this represent to the Indian community is a sure-fire way for all of us to enjoy this joyous time whilst reaping the cultural and commercial richness it can generate. After all, who needs an excuse to celebrate Christmas more than once a year?!

REALESTATEVOICE

www.asian-voice.com

DHANTERAS, A DAY OF PROSPERITY AsianVoiceNews

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap London Property Investment

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

On Friday we managed to complete two deals, one in St John’s Woods and the other in Quebec Court, W1. This day happened to be Dhanteras. This auspicious day is celebrated two days before the festival of lights, Diwali.

On Dhanteras, Lakshmi the Goddess of wealth - is worshiped to provide prosperity and wellbeing.

It is also the day for celebrating wealth, as the word 'Dhan' literally means wealth and 'Tera' comes from the date 13th.

The completion date was not arranged by design, but by coincidence. The property in Quebec Court was actually supposed to complete two days prior, however due to a contentious unforeseen service charge, the

REPAIRS, REPAIRS, REPAIRS As a landlord you are not just an investor, you have certain responsibilities to your tenants. Investors are just that, they invest in the property and then reap the rewards at the end of the investment. A landlord on the other hand must offer a property that satisfies basic requirements, such as adequate weather proofing, heat, water, and electricity, sanitary, and a structurally safe home.

This may seem like a big task to undertake as you look at the empty shell that you have just

acquired!

You could contact the local council, they typically set specific standards, such as the minimum requirements for light, ventilation, and electrical wiring; however this will more than likely put your head in a spin. It is important to make sure that before a tenant moves in to the property, you have done everything you can to reduce possible future issues.

Tenants also have the responsibility to keep the

BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY

Grove End Road, London NW8 Purchase Price: £2,500,000

completion took place later.

I have no doubt both properties will bring wealth for the investors involved. Both are below market value, the one in Quebec Court, in Seymour Place, has the added advantage of benefiting from the ability to short let which could return a rental yield in the double digits.

It’s location in Marble Arch is in the epicentre of the West End and is attractive to tourists; and offers a cheaper stay when compared to the Cumberland Hotel which is around the corner.

Another deal was also agreed on Friday, which is for a 38% below market value property, freehold in property clean and sanitary. If they do not, they can't simply call you and ask you to tidy up their mess as this will be down to their negligence.

Once a tenancy has started there will always be issues, but we will be there to sort out the issues as quickly as possible and determine if the issues are related to the tenant’s neglect or not.

There are a few steps that can be taken when the repair is your responsibility as you can usually request the tenant to repair in exchange for a reduction in rent. If the tenant fails to do the job well, however, you are not excused from your responsibility to maintain

l

Marylebone. The property is finished to a high standard, and is ready to rent with very little down side. There is no planning risk and being freehold no managing agents to contend with; it too can be rented very easily on a short term basis.

As property prices have increased strongly since 2009 with a dampening of the market only recently, rents have not kept pace with this rise. Typically, the rental yield on a centrally located property will now be between 2-3%.

This has severely impacted the amounts you can borrow. The amount one can borrow is now less based on the actual value and more on the rental of the property.

It used to be the case

Asian Voice |5th November 2016

19

where you borrow at 75% loan to value subject to a rental cover of 125%, meaning if your mortgage is £100 pm your rent needs to be £125.

As prices have increased now the rental cover decides how much you can borrow. This is going to increase even more. A major BTL lender is bringing in a rental cover of 145%, based on an interest rate of 5.5%. This is to accommodate the removal of the interest relief on rental income which is likely to be introduced in 2017.

The consequence of this policy will mean buyers will need a higher deposit

when purchasing property.

I suspect this will lead to a move to outside of London where yields are much higher, and also there will be an increase in investing in property through online platforms. The move to investing via online platforms will negate much of the risk in holding properties directly, making the process smoother and hassle free.

the property in a habitable condition. It is often quicker and more cost effective to arrange for a contractor to attend to the issue and have it resolved by a professional.

In a worst case situation if you ignore the repair issue a tenant can withhold the rent until the problem is fixed; call the Council, who can order you to make repairs; or even sue you for a partial refund of past rent, discomfort, annoyance, and emotional distress caused by the poor conditions!!!

Chances are that your investment that you thought would look after itself may involve a little

more hard work than you first expected, so you may want to use a full lettings management service to reduce your headache. At Sow & Reap not only can we find a suitable tenant for your investment but we can also take over managing your property.

So why don’t you allow us

Very impressive lateral building l Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, separate dining room and 25ft reception room l Long lease l Approx. 2,350 sq. ft. l Purchase price is £1,089 per sq. ft. l Property is selling in the block for £1,750 per sq. ft. l Resale value after small revamp is expected to be around £4M Call us now for more information!

to be the middle man and handle all issues that may arise, leaving you with more time and less stress.

Contact our office and have a chat with me to discuss your investment.

Richard Bond

Lettings Manager Sow & Reap

20

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel

Dear Financial Voice Reader, If you want to measure how far the Indian community has come along, I don’t measure it just by political high office held, or job titles, but by Indian businesses in the UK who are the very best in their field.

So when I look at one of the most ubiquitous – the Indian Restaurant – I am amazed there are Michelin star chefs owning restaurants as small businesses in the UK and indeed Geneva, Qatar, Dubai.

It is how our community’s small businesses perform that tells us the story of how far we have come. So I was very pleased to visit Vineet Bhatia’s new incarnation restaurant (previously Rasoi) now with revamped décor and menu called simply Vineet Bhatia London.

Running any small business is not easy. Running a restaurant in London is harder than most businesses.

Running a mini global Empire around the world and a global brand is even more difficult. But it is role models like these, in whichever business you are in, that are vitally important to our community. There is much to learn about a global brand from the books to the restaurants to the creation of the menu on Qatar Airlines. Seeing fellow business people do this from our own community makes all of us reach higher.

That is why I love supporting when I can such businesses.

Now I am not a restaurant critic. I know more about business than food, although my wife I am sure thinks I know as much about food as business. But I’ve always wanted to be a restaurant critic. So here goes – of the 10 or so courses I had, you can see why someone gets a Michelin star.

It is the clever way each dish is an innovation on a classic – whether the pani puri or for my non-Veg wife the lamb. It’s about the flavours, the clever touches and not just the ambiance – which was intimate and perfect for both family functions and business meetings. I could describe each course – but I think I would do them an injustice.

Being the best in any business means inspiration from any business and for me it was the way the brand delivered on the promise of an outstanding innovative experience that would always be memorable.

Vineet I hope will like the business icons we hear of such as the Chairman of Pepsi, be a more tangible, a more immediate role model for Indian businesses in the UK who aspire to be the absolute best in their field.

The restaurant is at 10 Lincoln Street, Chelsea. The website: http://vineetbhatia.com/

HMRC’s tax investigation of the wealthy The government's spending watchdog says the one in three of Britain’s richest is under investigation by HM Revenue & Customs over £2bn of unpaid tax.

The National Audit Office reports the inquiries concern avoidance and legs interpretation of complicated tax issues, rather tax

Abhishek Sachdev

The last few weeks have certainly been interesting in the world of Sterling.

We have had a flash crash, been compared to a thirdworld currency, almost run out of Marmite and now face the prospect of a full-

avoidance.

A specialist unit set up to look into taxes the super rich paid managed to get £416m of tax in 2015-16, an increase from the £200m they got in 2011-12. The unit looked at tax affairs of 6,500 super rich with assets over £20m.

www.asian-voice.com

FM presses on additional cess to cover revenue loss AsianVoiceNews

Speaking in favour of levy of cess on tobacco and luxury products, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said it was necessary to compensate state for loss of revenue on Goods and Services Tax. He said the cost of funding otherwise through a higher tax rate would be "exorbitantly high and almost unbearable".

Writing in a Facebook post, Jaitley said, "Different items used by different segments of society have to be taxed differently. Otherwise the GST would be regressive. Air conditioners and hawai chappals cannot be taxed at the same rate. Total tax eventually collected has to be revenue neutral. The government should not lose money necessary for expenditure nor make a windfall gain."

He informed that a four-slab structure of 6,12, 18, and 26 per cent is being considered for GST, with lower rates for essential commodities and higher bracket for luxury goods. Adding that if the Centre has to borrow money to fund states' compensation, it would add to its liability

compensation is Rs 50,000 Crore for the first year, the total tax impact of funding the compensation through a tax would be abnormally high. A Rs 1.72 Lakh Crore of tax would have to be imposed for the Central Government to get Rs 50,000 Crore in order to fund the compensation. 50 per cent of the tax collected would go to the states as their GST share and of the balance 50 per cent in the hands of the Central government and 42 per cent more would go to the states as devolution. So out of every 100 rupees collected in GST only 29 per cent remains with the Centre.

The tax impact of this levy

would be exorbitantly high and almost unbearable," Jaitley said. He also said that if cess is levied, states would benefit out of GST rollout do not have to compensate the losing states.

The finance minister stated that currently there are several items mainly used by the affluent which are taxed at a VAT of 14.5 per cent and an excise of 12.5 per cent. "If the cascading effect of these taxes and octroi is added, then range of taxation of these products is between 27-31 per cent. It has been proposed to the Council to fix the rate of these items at 26 per cent. Some of the items which are now being used by the lower middle classes will eventually be proposed to be shifted to the 18 per cent bracket. With regard to demerit and luxury goods which are taxed globally at a higher rate, no rebates are contemplated.

Each good would be taxed on the basis of its own demerit." Jaitley promised that the common man won't bear the brunt of the bill as the rate structure has kept out nearly 50 per cent of the weightage of the CPI basket out.

Virraj Jatania's Pockit – a bank for the unbanked Well, you can bank on this man (Virraj Jatania), and why not – when big names like Sir Alex Ferguson is investing in him.

Alex, the legendary Manchester United manager, is an investor in Pockit, a fintech start-up – co-founded by 28-year-old Virraj Jatania – offering banking services to the poorest people in society.

Virraj wants to give those with restricted access to bank services the same advantages that most in society enjoy, including lower bills.

An estimated four million people are excluded from mainstream banking, which can make life expensive. Pockit aims to fill the gap. In short, it is a start-up

September's release showing a year on year increase of over 7%. With this sort of price pressure, we could see headline inflation over the next year rise to over 3%, this is well above the BOE’s 2% target.

If you think the Marmite saga was upsetting, think of how many other companies that are using Brexit to exaggerate price increases. Unilever’s cost increases have been analysed and a figure of around 5% seems to be fair, not the 10% that was being forced upon Tesco.

How low can it go?

blown “Hard” Brexit.

Sterling is being driven purely by fear as the world awakens to the prospect of a full exit from the EU’s custom and the single market, with restrictions for foreign workers and foreign capital.

One side effect of Sterling's spectacular fall is inflation.

Namely imported inflation. This is where importers of foreign goods and services need to pay more to obtain the goods. This first appears in the ONS Producer Input Prices Index, with

Arun Jaitley

and increase cost of borrowing for the Centre, state governments and the private sector.

In the four-slab rate structure, items which are presently taxed at rates closer to the range of each of the slabs will be fitted into the particular rate of the slab. Those presently taxed below 3 per cent as the total tax of the Centre and the states will be taxed at a zero rate. Those between 3-9 per cent will be taxed at a 6 per cent rate, those between 9-15 per cent will be taxed at 12 per cent and there would be a standard rate of 18 per cent, he said.

"Assuming that the

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

targeting those excluded from mainstream banking.

The start-up has transacted over £100 million in the last year alone.

Pockit, founded in 2009, has had a decent run, picking up 100,000 customers since it began

trading in 2014.

The start-up charges a set-up fee of 99p. Salaries or cash can be paid in by bank transfer or at 28,000 PayPoint locations around the UK. Household bills can be paid and money can be transferred to other accounts. Pockit does not have a banking licence, instead using a cheaper but more restrictive e-money licence.

Pockit has raised £6 million.

Its investors include Virraj's family, Concentric Ventures, the venture capital firm, Jon Moulton and Mark Newton-Jones, chief executive of Mothercare.

Virraj's family set up the Lornamead Group, a multinational skincare and

soap business originating in Nigeria that they built up and were said to have made $190 million when they sold Lornamead in 2012. They were among the thousands of Asians expelled from Uganda by Idi Amin in 1972.

Virraj says that by the end of 2016 Pockit account-holders will be able to set up direct debits and to send remittances abroad, while “low-cost” overdrafts and insurance products will be added next year.

What sets Pockit apart is its social goal. Pockit is exclusively focused on the so-called “unbanked” — people shut out of the mainstream banking sector for one reason or another.

Inflation worries are one of the reasons why we have seen reasonable sell off in the UK Bond market, driving yields of government securities higher, to levels not seen since pre-Brexit (10yr gilt yields over 1.12% from a low of 0.52%). Whilst these moves don’t appear significant at first glance, the net effect has been a significant move in future interest rate expectations, and thus an increase in the cost of hedging products and fixed rate loans (The cost of hedging a 5yr interestonly loan has doubled in less than 1 month!)

The BOE has seen this

move and tried to quell the idea of higher rates but announcing they are prepared to ignore these inflationary concerns and let inflation overrun its target. This is all very well but the market is ignoring this and pricing in higher inflation and higher rates.

Whilst on the subject of the BOE, Theresa May had a few strong words to say about Carney and his ultra-loose monetary policy. May is blaming the Bank for the destruction of pension savers income and the shocking rise in pension deficits affecting most pension schemes.

A little harsh, as the bank's primary objective,

was to bail out the economy after the 2008 financial crisis and it's now easy to criticise with the benefit of hindsight.

So, as Sterling continues to drift in the sea of third world currencies, one fact remains, the lack of hard facts over Brexit is half of sterling's problem.

If you are concerned about higher rates, have variable debt and would like to explore your options, contact us to discuss further.

Virraj Jatania

Tel: 020 7183 2277 www.vedantahedging.com

CURRENCY VOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX,

Sterling dips further Currency Specialists.

India’s central bank has, for the first time in six years, decided to reduce its interest rate, including the repo rate, in an effort to bolster its economy. The interest rate was previously at 6.50% and has now been cut by 25 basis points to 6.25%. The newly instated governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Urjit Patel, made this decision along with the newly created 6 person monetary policy committee. Urjit Patel is wellknown to take a tough stance on the countries inflation which has for a while been an ongoing concern and investors will be keenly watching the committees further monetary policy statements for further comments on their ongoing attempts to remedy this.

Addressing the Conservative conference on Sunday 2nd October for the first time since becoming Prime Minister, Theresa May made it clear that Britain will leave the EU by 2019, after she announced that she will trigger Article 50 by March next year.

Sterling dipped below post Brexit lows, with fears of a 'hard' Brexit from the European Union (a total split from Europe's single market) pushing the currency to a fiveyear trough against the Euro.

The UK’s current account deficit widened in the second quarter of 2016, as the trade gap hit a 2 1/2-year high and Britain continued to record heavy outflows of investment income.

UK manufacturing activity grew at the fastest pace in more than two years in September, as the weak pound helped the sector to cement its

21

Foreign Exchange

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

strongest quarter of growth this year.

The construction sector has returned to growth. September data highlighted that there was an upturn in business activity across the UK construction sector for the first time since May, which was driven foremost by a recovery in residential building.

During October, a "flash crash" wiped out a tenth of Sterling’s value in a matter of minutes in early Asian trade. However sentiment towards sterling remained gloomy, with speculators' bets against it having reached record highs.

Speaking in Birmingham, The Bank of England Governor Mark Carney hit back at criticism from Theresa May regarding the central bank's low interest rates. Carney made it clear that he would not "take instruction" from politicians on such matters. Carney also said that he was willing to allow inflation to run "a bit" higher than the central bank's 2 percent target, in an effort to help employment and to stimulate the UK economy.

In early September the BoE said it was likely to cut rates again this year if the economy slowed as it expected. But sterling's weakness and unexpectedly robust economic data have prompted most to rule out a Nov. 3 cut - around three quarters of the 60 economists polled by Reuters in the past few days expect rates to stay at 0.25 percent for the rest of the year.

Mark Carney has said he will step down in June 2019 as Governor of the Bank of England. Mr Carney said the move 'recognised the importance to the country of continuity'

during Brexit negotiations. Prime Minister Theresa May said Mr Carney's decision to stay for an extra year would provide "continuity and stability as we negotiate our exit from the European Union".

There were still concerns about the generally weak economic backdrop facing Europe, with Britain's decision to quit the European Union adding another layer of uncertainty.

The European Central Bank's move to cut interest rates to record lows, with rates now in negative territory, has kept stock markets afloat.

However, negative interest rates also hit the profits of European banks, since they make less money from their lending activities in a negative rate environment.

According to central-bank officials the European Central Bank (ECB) will most likely wind down their bond purchases before quantitative easing matures. It has been suggested that this could be done in increments of 10 billion Euros however this does not exclude the possibility of moving the maturity date of QE back from the end of March 2017.

The minutes of the Federal Reserve’s September 20-21 meeting, at which rates were held steady, showed that several voting Federal Reserve policymakers felt that a rate hike would be warranted "relatively soon" if the U.S. economy continued to strengthen. However, doubts due to inflation remained.

Some members believe that with the US already near full employment, inflation could rise too quickly if rates are not hiked in the near term.

Three of the Fed’s voting members voted in favour of an immediate rate hike. Since the meeting, Fed Chair Janet Yellen as well as several other policymakers have said they expect a rate hike before the end of 2016, should the labour market and inflation continue to strengthen.

The greenback climbed against most of the major currencies, on speculation Fed Chair Janet Yellen would present arguments for a hike in a speech. Janet Yellen expressed the Fed’s concern that aggressive steps may be needed to rebuild US economic potential. The market took this to indicate a possible willingness to allow inflation to run beyond the Fed's 2.0 percent target.

The consumer-price index increased 0.3 percent in September showing prices have gradually increased as housing costs continue to climb and the drop in energy prices abates. The data, along with a still-strong labour market, may keep policy makers on course for a quarter-point interest-rate increase in December after holding off on hikes so far this year.

GDP increased at a 2.9 percent annualised rate, following a 1.4 percent gain in the previous quarter, the Commerce Department said on Friday in its first estimate. That was the strongest rate of growth since the third quarter of 2014, and beat expectations for a 2.5 percent rate of expansion. This figure is in line with the views of Federal Reserve policy makers, who believe that the economy is making slow and steady progress and that the fundamentals are strong. Although these views sup-

We e k ly Currencies

As of Tuesday 2nd November 2016 @ 1pm

GBP - INR = 81.93

USD - INR = 66.84 EUR - INR = 74.01 GBP - USD = 1.22 GBP - EUR = 1.10

EUR - USD = 1.10 GBP - AED = 4.50

GBP - CAD = 1.64

GBP - NZD = 1.68

GBP - AUD = 1.60

GBP - ZAR = 16.47

GBP - HUF = 341.34

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

port the case for an interest rate hike, the Federal Reserve is highly unlikely to make any move at its meeting until December, as there are a matter of days ahead before the U.S. presidential election.

S

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WORLD

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Fraud charges against Gordhan dropped Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

South Africa’s finance minister Pravin Gordhan is in the clear. He came out smelling of roses after the country’s chief prosecutor dropped contentious fraud charges against him.

The charges were dropped just days before Gordhan was due to appear in court.

Resultanly, the rand rallied rising 1.3 per cent to 13.6 against the dollar. The currency had plummeted almost 4 per cent when the charges were announced.

The original decision to prosecute Gordhan and his two former colleagues at the South African Revenue Service did not go down well with many South Africans.

The move was criticised by civil society groups, opposition leaders, and even senior members of the ruling African National Congress.

Over 80 CEOs wrote an open letter in support of the Indian-origin finance minister.

Gordhan had always denied any wrongdoing and described the allegations against him as “political mischief”.

Many suspected the

Pravin Gordhan

move to prosecute Gordhan was politically motivated by President Jacob Zuma’s intention to take control of the Treasury. There was speculation that Zuma wanted to replace Gordhan with a more pliant finance minister – something repeatedly denied by the President’s Office and the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shaun Abrahams.

Abrahams wrote to Gordhan’s lawyers on October 31, 2016, saying he would “overrule the decision” to press charges.

“As such, I have directed the summons to be withdrawn with immediate effect,” he told journalists.

US and UK troops deter Russia in the East BRUSSELS: Britain stated it will send fighter jets to Romania next year, and the United States promised troops, tanks and artillery to Poland in what is the NATO's biggest military build-up on Russia's Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama borders since the notorisend an 800-strong battalion ous Cold War. NATO to Estonia, supported by Secretary-General Jens French and Danish troops, Stoltenberg said the trop constarting from May. The US tributions to a new 4000will get its troops in position strong force in the Baltics and

by June. Fallon added that eastern Europe were a measLondon is also sending ured response to what they Typhoon fighter aircraft to believe are 330,000 Russian Romania to patrol around the troops stationed on Russia's Black Sea, partly to support western flank near Moscow.

Turkey. "Although we are "This month alone, Russia leaving the European Union, has deployed nuclear-capable we will be doing more to help Iskander missiles to secure the eastern and southKaliningrad and suspended a ern flanks of NATO," he said. weapons-grade plutonium Other NATO allies agreement with the United including Germany, and States," Stoltenberg said. The Canada also pledged forces at ballistic missiles can hit tara defense ministers meet in gets across Poland and the Brussels on the very day two Baltics, although NATO offiRussian warships armed with cials declined to say if Russia cruise missiles entered the had moved nuclear warheads Baltic Sea between Sweden to Kaliningrad. The NATO and Denmark. Canada said it plans to set up four battle was sending 450 troops to groups with a total of some Latvia, joined by 140 military 4000 troops from early next personnel from Italy. year, backed by a 40,000Germany said it was sending strong rapid-reaction force. somewhere between 400 and US Secretary of Defense Ash 600 troops to Lithuania, with Carter also announced a "batadditional forces from the tle-ready battalion task force" Netherlands, Norway, of about 900 soldiers to be Belgium, Croatia, and sent to eastern Poland, along Luxembourg. with a separate force NATO tensions with equipped with tanks and Russia began since Crimea other heavy equipment to and the West's decision to move across eastern Europe. impose retaliatory sanctions.

"It's a major sign of the US The US-led alliance plans are commitment to strengthening a little too much for the deterrence here," he said.

Kremlin considering Russia's Meanwhile British grievances at NATO's expanDefense Secretary Michael sion eastwards.

Fallon said Britain would

The fraud charges pertained to Gordhan approving an early retirement package for his deputy in 2010, when he was head of the South African Revenue Service. Crucial documents emerged last week showing Gordhan was advised that the move was legal.

On Monday Abrahams also said that the approval, even if wrong, “did not show evidence of criminal intent”.

The African National Congress released a statement on October 31 saying it stood behind Gordhan and noted that the fraud case “had a negative impact on the economy”.

Zuma had brought in Gordhan for a second stint as finance minister in December 2015 after he ousted finance minister Nhlanhla Nene, and replaced him with a little known and pliant lawmaker, leading to turmoil in the markets, angering many South Africans.

In a bid to restore calm and steady the plunging rand, Zuma brought back Gordhan to the Treasury and reappointed him as finance minister, a post he held

between 2009 and 2014.

Gordhan is against corruption and has come down heavily against the political influence of the Gupta family who are friends with Zuma.

It is alleged that the Guptas have been pulling strings using their friendship with the President to influence political appointments and win state contracts.

At present, Zuma faces nearly 800 counts of corruption, though the National Prosecuting Authority has fought to avoid prosecuting the President in the courts.

Zuma denies those allegations.

Meanwhile, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, set up to guard the legacy of Nelson Mandela, has called for a change in political leadership and urged the ruling ANC to “take the steps necessary to ensure that the vehicle of state be protected and placed in safe and capable hands”. The foundation has blamed President Zuma for things going haywire in South Africa. The 74-yearold Zuma has faced calls from several ANC members to quit but is backed by the party's top leaders.

The biggest corporate settlement over ‘dieselgate’ A court in the US has approved one of the biggest corporate settlements ever, forcing Volkswagen to pay $14.7 billion over the diesel emissions scandal. As per the settlement, Volkswagen has agreed to spend up to $10 billion on buybacks and owner compensation, while an additional $4.7 billion to be spent on programs to offset excess emissions and clean car projects.

Matthias Mueller, Volkswagen's CEO told reporters the approval was "an important milestone for us on the way toward clearing up the problem that we caused some time ago.”

The carmaker is expected to buy back the affected cars from mid-November.

Motorists can choose between having their cars bought at pre-scandal "trade in" value or repaired by VW and have regulators approve the fixes. They will also receive an additional com-

pensation ranging between $5,000 and $10,000.

As part of the settlement, Volkswagen will fund programs to provide better charging infrastructure for electric cars, the development of zero-emission ridesharing fleets and general efforts to increase the sale of emission-friendly vehicles.

The deal with the regulators followed the company’s admission last year that its supposedly “clean diesel” cars had been deliberately designed to cheat on emissions tests.

The German manufacturer is facing an additional 8.2 billion in damage claims from investors over their losses following the emissions scandal. In 2015, Volkswagen lost $6.6 billion after they admitted cheating in emissions tests, with nearly 11 million cars worldwide affected. The company has already put aside $25 billion for its global recall program.

Kolkata-born becomes Canada’s first Sikh senator TORONTO: Kolkata-based Sarabjit Singh Marwah has become the first Sikh to be appointed to the Canadian Senate. Marwah, who resides in Toronto, was among the six people appointed to the senate by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The PM lauded his efforts in showcasing the "rich diversity of Sikhand South Asian art and culture." One of the founders of the Sikh Foundation of Canada, Marwah joined as a financial analyst with Scotiabank in 1978. He soon

became the chief financial officer in the next 10 years.

He has served on the boards of several famous Canadian institutions like the Toronto Star daily, the Toronto International Film Festival, the CD Howe Institute, the Royal Ontario Museum, the United Way Campaign and the Hospital for Sick Children. While he remains the only Indian-origin member of the Senate, there are over 20 members of the community in the House of Commons.

In Brief

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Cancer woman wins £57 million over talcum powder use

CALIFORNIA: A woman who claimed years of exposure to Johnson & Johnson baby powder caused her cancer has received $70 million (£57.4 million). A woman who claimed years of exposure to Johnson & Johnson baby powder caused her cancer has received $70 million (£57.4 million). Deborah Giannecchini of California was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. Her’s is the latest in a series of cases concerning the effects of extended talcum powder use. Early this year two lawsuits in St Louis, Missouri saw the jury award a combined total of $127 million. Some 2,000 women have filed similar lawsuits and lawyers are getting thousands of more cases. Johnson & Johnson says its talcum powder is safe to use.

71-yr-old PIO runs for mayor in the US

DETROIT: A 71 year old Indian-American who intends to become the first mayor from the community in Michigan, has made a coalition of different ethnic and religious groups to help Democrats gain speed over the Republican town. Syed Taj, brother of Indian politician Syed Shahabuddin, had unsuccessfully run for the House of Representatives four years, will be running for the post of Canton supervisor, a position similar to that of a mayor. "We are running on the platform of diversity, transparency, and accountability," Taj said. He encouraged younger Indian-Americans to join the political mainstream, saying it took him over six months with the Democratic party to prepare a diversity coalition panel of seven top seats in the Canton township. "If we (immigrants) stick together, we can make a difference. Donald Trump wants to make America Great Again which means make America White Again. This is no longer possible. The US is a country of immigrants, and he should realise that," Taj said.

Fire burns through 'Jungle' migrant camp

CALAIS (FRANCE): Migrants were set fleeing as fire cut through the Calais "Jungle" last week, ahead of the demolition of the camp. The incident occurred just hours after workers, protected by police, moved in to clear the camp that is home to at least 8000 migrants who hope to reach Britain. Located neat the port of Calais, the Jungle has for years been a launchpad for migrants. A part of its clearance, 3242 adults were shifted to centres around France, and 772 unaccompanied minors were moved to shipping containers converted into temporary shelters in the area itself, the interior ministry informed.

Britain took in around 200 teenagers a week before the clearance began. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said all unaccompanied minors "with proven family links in Britain" would eventually be transferred, and that London had committed to reviewing all other cases where it was "in the child's interest" to settle across the Channel.

Man who burnt Indian-origin bus driver alive declared mentally ill

MELBOURNE: A 48 year old man who has been accused of murdering Indian-origin bus driver Manmeet Alisher in Brisbane, has been confirmed as a former mental health patient.

Authorities have ordered a time-bound probe into the treatment to be given to him. State Health Minister Cameron Dick said Anthony Mark Edward O'Donohue had undergone treatment at Queensland Health's mental health services, along with announcing an independent external enquiry into the treatment given to him. While Brisbane Mayor Graham Quirk believes the attack was not racially motivated, Alisher's brother Amit suspects it is. "We would like to see due process, we have faith in the Australian system," he said. The victim, who was driving a Brisbane City Council bus, was targeted by an "incendiary device" which sparked a fire. While he died on the spot, passengers on board managed to escape through the rear door.

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Letting Dalai Lama visit will damage In Brief Dubai-based Indian relations, China to India businessman spends $9 million AsianVoiceNews

BEIJING: In an open warning to India, Beijing said that the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh in March will damage the country's relationship with its south Asian neighbour. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the invitation to the "Dalai Lama for activity in the disouted areas between China and India will only damage peace and stability of the border areas as well as the bilateral relationship between China and India."

China has forever claimed authority over Arunachal,

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Dalai Lama

calling it South Tibet. Most recently, it had furiously objected to American ambassador Richard Verma's trip to the state, warning America to not "meddle" in the border dispute with India. Verma

has posted photos on his Twitter account of his trip, thanking Indian officials for their "warm hospitality", when Beijing asked the US to "stop getting involved in the China-India territorial dispute."

The Dalai Lama has been invited to Arunachal Pradesh

by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, whose coalition government includes the BJP. The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader had last visited the border state in 2009.

Denounced by China as a separatist for seeking independence for Tibet, had fled

from the country through Arunachal Pradesh in 1959 after an unsuccessful uprising against the Chinese rule.

He is expected to visit the famous Buddhist monastery of Tawang.

China claims more than 90,000 sq km (35,000 sq miles) of territory disputed

by India in the eastern sector of the Himalayas,much of which forms Arunachal Pradesh. India however, rejects the claim and says China occupies 38,000 square km (14,600 sq miles) of its territory on the Aksai Chin plateau in the west.

Indo-Canadian student 'Chai Walli' becomes invents $7 artery-disease Australia's Businesswoman screening test of the Year CALGARY: Zeel Patel, 16, impressed judges at science fair with his test for clogged arteries that is not only faster, but cheaper. The Calgarybased Indo-Canadian is already an expert in atherosclerosis- buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks, stroke or death.

Patel created a lowcost blood test for the disease he calls CADSense. The paper-based test is placed into a blood sample, and can detect an early biomarker of the disease called oxidised LDL. If the biomarker is present, the paper turns yellow or brown, indicating that the patient most likely has plaque in their arteries and should consult a doctor for further testing. The teen said his project can detect symptoms instantly, unlike current tests that have to be sent to a lab. And with the materials used being cheap, the test comes at a meagre price of around $7.

He has applied for a patent for CADSense and says the best part of the test is that anyone can take it.

"What my chemical reaction is based off of is that it

Zeel Patel

uses potassium phosphate and adds it potassium iodide, which targets the lipid peroxide, so molecules on the surface of the biomarker... and it produces a triiodide ion," Patel said. The 11th grader admitted that he gets excited when talking about his work.

"What I think my teacher would say about me is that I am the loudest kid in the class, the one who is always talking to classmates while he is supposed to be working.

Patel won a gold medal at the 55th annual Canada Wide Science Fair at McGill University in Montreal for his invention, also, the Canadian Medical Laboratory’s Health Sciences Award, which is given to a health sciences project- the best in its age division.

MELBOURNE: A successful IndianAustralian lawyer, Uppma Virdi, 26, has become A u s t r a l i a ' s Businesswoman of the Year. A prominent community and business leader, Virdi was given the award at the 2016 Australian Business and Community Awards last week.

Her passion for tea prompted her to open Chai Walli, a thriving online business that helps her share her passion for Indian tea.

"In the Indian culture, people come together through tea.

Whether it's a happy occasion or a difficult moment, tea is all pervasive. I tried, but couldn't find many good tea places in Australia," she said. Her journey began two years back when she sought something exciting.

Virdi said she inherited her love for chai from her grandfather, a doctor who specialises in herbs and spices. "My grandfather is an Ayurvedic

ue." The post soon became viral on the internet, and was 'liked' by more than 1.5 Lakh people and shared more than 33,000 times, overnight.

"To all who are celebrating the festival of lights across America and around the world, happy Diwali. As

Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists light the diya, share in prayers, decorate their homes, and open their doors to host and feast with loved ones, we recognise that this holiday rejoices in the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It

Pak asks Taliban to include them or leave

ISLAMABAD: Two senior leaders from Taliban stated that Pakistan has issued a stark warning, surprised over their exclusion from the militant group's secret talks with the Afghanistan government. They said that Islamabad told them to either include Pak in the negotiations or have all the top Taliban leaders leave the country with their families. The ultimatum was in reference to a three-person Taliban delegation visiting Pak from Qatar, where their political office is located.

Both the Taliban leaders who are familiar with the meetings in Islamabad, spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks. Meanwhile, the Pak government refused to comment, and denied Afghan accusations that Islamabad is providing a safe haven to the terrorist outfit.

Pakistan may expel two Indian diplomats for spying

Uppma Virdi

doctor and he used to make this Ayurvedic tea at his medical dispensary. He taught me the art of Ayurvedic tea," she said. Not only does she sell her teas through her online store, she also runs The Art of Chai workshops to teach people how to brew the perfect cuppa. "My real aim is to educate the Australian society about the Indian culture through tea," Virdi said.

Obama first US Prez to celebrate Diwali in Oval Office WASHINGTON: US President Barack celebrated Diwali this year by lighting the first-ever diya in his Oval Office. The first president to celebrate the Hindu festival at the White House in 2009, talked about it event in a Facebook post.

"I was proud to be the first President to host a Diwali celebration at the White House in 2009, and Michelle and I will never forget how the people of India welcomed us with open arms and hearts and danced with us in Mumbai on Diwali. This year, I was honoured to kindle the first-ever diya in the Oval Office- a lamp that symbolises how darkness will always be overcome by light. It is a tradition that I hope Presidents will contin-

on licence plate

NEW DELHI: A Dubai-based Indian property developer was trending on social media on Tuesday, after it was known that he shelled a whopping amount of $9 million for a coveted license plate for one of his six Rolls Royce cars.

Balwinder Sahni hooked the 'D5' plate at an October 8 auction for 33 millin dirhams. This however, isn't his first. He is known to have spent $6.7 million to buy an 'O9' plate in another auction last year. Calling himself a "simple man", Sahni said, "I always like to give myself a gift every year. When you work very hard, you need to present yourself something." He added that the purchase has garnered a lot of attention and while some people are impressed, many are not.

"It's hard, people giving comments without knowing the type of person I am," Sahni said.

also speaks to a broader truth about our shared American experience. It's a reminder of what's possible when we see beyond the differences that too often divide us. It's a reflection of the hopes and dreams that bind us together," Obama said.

ISLAMABAD: In its latest tit-for-tat measure, Pakistan may expel two Indian diplomats in Islamabad for allegedly spying, as per media reports. Officials revealed their names and believe while one of them worked for RAW, the other spied for India's Intelligence Bureau.

Spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup responded saying the ministry was "aware" of the reports. Adding, "We have yet to receive any official communication in the matter." Both the countries in question announced last week that they would each expel one of the other's diplomats over spying claims amid growing tensions. Relations between both the countries have been particularly strained since the Uri attack in September.

New MH370 report says plane rapidly descending when vanished

SYDNEY: Fresh reports into missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 said that the aircraft descended rapidly after it ran out of fuel with no human intervention. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau report, released last week said analysis of wing flap debris showed the aircraft was not configured for a landing. It added that satellite communications from the aircraft were consistent with it being in a "high and increasing rate of descent" when it vanished, colloquillay known as a death dive. ATSB search director Peter Foley said that the analysis of a wing flap had "enhanced certainty" at what had happened.

"It was probably in a non-extended position which means the aircraft wasn't configured for a landing or a ditching. You can draw your own conclusions as to whether that means someone was in control or not."

Saudi prince flogged in court-ordered punishment

DUBAI: A prince for Saudi Arabias' ruling Al Saud family was flogged in a prion in Jeddah, less than a month after the kingdom executed another prince for murder. While the offence for which he was punished is yet to be disclosed, a brief report said the unidentified prince was also ordered to serve a prison sentence. The lashes were given by a policeman after medical checks were conducted to ensure the prince was healthy.

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INDIA

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Yeddyurappa and sons let off in graft case In Brief AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

BENGALURU: Karnataka BJP president BS Yeddyurappa has been acquitted by a special CBI court in Bengaluru of charges of corruption, cheating, criminal conspiracy, and forgery.

Caught up in an alleged Rs 40 Crore mining case since 2011, when he was the chief minister. Also acquitted were his sons BY Raghavendra, and BY Vijayengdra, son-in-law RN Sohan Kumar, and nine others including top officials of JSW Steel.

The Central Bureau of Investigation had filed a chargesheet in the case on October 16, 2012, naming Yeddyurappa and 12 others,

BS Yeddyurappa

claiming evidence has been found on payment of Rs 40 Crore by affiliates of JSW Steel to personal bank accounts of the leader's family members, and family trust.

The CBI had charged that the personal bank accounts of

Raghavendra, now a BJP MLA in Karnataka, Vijayendra, and Kumar received Rs 20 crore between August and September 2010 from a JSW Steel-affiliate South West Mining Company.

It also claimed in its chargesheet that an additional sum of Rs 20 crore was donated by JSW Steel affiliates to the Prerana Educational and Social Trust run by the leader's sons.

These payments were cited as quid pro quo for mining-related favours granted to the firm by the then state government, including waiver of dues, supply of iron ore at concessional rates, and

imposing a ban on exports of iron ore. Yeddy's lawyers argued that the Rs 20 Crore donation to the trust was part of the company's corporate social responsibility initiatives. They also argued that the trustees were barred from using the fund for any other purpose other than charitable goals. While the CBI alleged that a forged no-objection certificate was presented to facilitate the transaction, the investigating agency did not provide proof to substantiate the claim as per the lawyers.

Following the acquittal, Yeddyurappa tweeted, "Satyameva Jayathe. Justice is done. I stand vindicated."

Telangana questions CM's Car blast outside Malappuram Collectorate new Hyderabad Office MALAPPURAM: A blast occurred in a car parked inside the Malappuram Collectorate premises on Tuesday. The explosion triggered high alert in the area, and soon the incident bomb squad and dog squad reached on the spot. No casualties have been reported.

Three cars were damaged in the blast, and apart from a few batteries and wires, the police recovered a paper box, a pen drive, and a printed paper calling the blast the Base Movement.

A similar "base movement/Al Uma" message was found after blast that took place at the Kollam Collectorate in June this year.

District Police chief Debesh Kumar Behera said remains of a pressure cooker were found,

and that gun powder/ammonium nitrate was used.

Eyewitnesses said a letter was also found that read, "Your days have been counted.

Mohammed Akhlaq's death will be avenged." It included a map of India and a photo of Osama bin Laden. However, Behera said he has not seen the letter so far and could only comment on it after the forensic examination of the same is conducted.

Outfit Al Ummah was banned after the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts, and is said to have been functioning as "base movement". All the blasts taken place this year, have been around the court and collectorate premises in Kollam, Mysuru, and Malappuram.

Deputy CM points his finger at Congress CHANDIGARH: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal launched a vicious attack on the Congress, saying the Gandhis were "against Sikhs". With the state polls around the corner, the region is at a temporary high. Badal however, remains confident of the ruling BJPSAD coming back to power.

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has launched a scathing attack on the Congress first family saying the Gandhis raised the issue of drugs in Punjab because "they are against Sikhs". In an interview with CNN-News18's Marya Shakil, Badal said the drug issue was raked up ahead of the polls by the Congress and spread by the media and that tests carried out by the Punjab government suggested otherwise.

Calling Congress their principle opponent, the leader said, "There is not a single scam or scandal against our government for the last 10 years. And every day you hear about the AAP MLAs and their ministers getting caught. How many have resigned from the cabinet? I think only Arvind Kejriwal and their deputy CM are left now. Everyone else had to resign."

When asked about drug abuse being the prime focus in

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad High Court has asked the state government to respond within 10 days, after hearing a case filed against Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrsekhar Rao's Rs 100 Crore plan to build a new Vastu-compliant secretariat. Filed by new Congress leader Jeevan Reddy, the petition says there is no need to demolish the existing structure and make a new building with crores of public money.

Rao has argued that the present secretariat, which seats the government, has "bad Vastu". Vastu is an ancient systen of architecture and is strongly believed in my the CM. "History is proof that no one has prospered because of this. Let Telangana not suffer," Rao had said recently.

Padmaja Shaw of the Telangana Democratic Forum

said, "KCR promised to reconstruct Telangana, but is this what he meant? Ever since this new government came, all we have seen is excessive focus on religious pomposity, donation to rich temples that don't need it and spending crores on religious beliefs of the chief minister like yagnas and vaasthu.

Where is the focus on real issues?"

Plans include demolishing the secretariat, some parts of which date back to 130 years.

The new building will be designed by famous architect Hafez Contractor. The state government argues that the secretariat buildings are not fire-safe and that is why the plan to demolish. Congress' Shabbir Ali said, "He can Vastu-correct his home and farmhouse spending his money. Not a public office, spending public money."

Sidhu to stand trial for electoral malpractice

Sukhbir Singh Badal

the election, Badal said, "We have proved it to the nation that it is a false propaganda against our state. Rahul Gandhi comes to Punjab, and somebody gives him a slip where he writes that 70 per cent drug addicts tested were youth. Instead of saying that, he said 70 per cent youth are on drugs. And the national media picked it up. And they have picked it up in such a big way that they started repeating it again and again... without even confirming it." The SAD leader said the issue was created by the Gandhi family, citing their reason as "hatred towards Punjab". "Their target was the Badals, the Akali-BJP government. Till date have you heard of any scam or scandal in Punjab? Only one issue, drugs again and again. This has been started by the Congress. The media lapped it up and without going deep into the problem, without SC giving a verdict."

Navjot Singh Sidhu

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court revived Navjot Singh Sidhu's trial under the election law in connection with alleged malpractice during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections when the politician was elected from Amritsar. A bench led by Justice Ranjan Gogoi dismissed charges of corruption against Sidhu, but said he will have to stand trial for allegedly getting a Punjab government official transferred to seek his help.

"The allegation in the election petition is that the post to which Jagjit Singh Suchu was transferred from the Punjab State Electricity Board was under the state government and the assistance received by the returned candidate from the said person is while he was

rendering service as Additional Superintending Engineer, while he was performing the duties in the state government. If that be so, the aforesaid issue also will have to go for a full trial as ordered by the High Court," the bench observed.

It rejected Sidhu's appeal as far as his trial for getting assistance by a government official was concerned and said the proceedings before the High Court will recommence. The trial was ordered by the Punjab and Haryana High Court under the election law on these charges. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had unsuccessfully contested from the Amritsar constituency for the BJP in 2014 after Sidhu's term ended, losing to Congress' Amarinder Singh.

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Kerala to be declared Open Defecation Free

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh, the next state to be labelled Open Defecation Free is Kerala. An event was organised which took place at the Central Stadium, on Tuesday.

The function will see Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, and Drinking Water and Sanitation, as the chief guest. With over 10,000 people expected to attend, the highlight of the event will be the eco-friendly pavilion. Civic officials who gave their full support to achieve the status will be felicitated. Programme officer Amir Shah said, "Though Kerala is the third Open Defecation Free state, it is the first high density populated state in the country to achieve this recognition. It was not an easy task for us to achieve this status since we faced many challenges. We gave each family a sum of Rs 15,400 to construct a toilet."

Siddaramaiah to boost regional languages

BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has pushed the state's demand to make it the medium of instruction for primary education. Speaking at the 61st Karnataka Rajyatosav celebration event, he said, "I have written two letters to the Prime Minister. I have also written to all Chief Ministers because the Supreme Court's order is causing a threat to all regional languages. We have to bring an amendment to the Constitution. It has to get declared in Parliament that regional languages are supreme in states. Amendments should be brought to make changes to the Supreme Court order. So the Prime Minister has to call a meeting of Chief Ministers of all states and decide." He said that the mother tongue should be the medium of instruction in primary schools, adding that it would help in development of regional languages and mental development of children.

Punj celebrates No Tobacco Day

CHANDIGARH: Punjab government observed November 1 as 'No Tobacco Day' in an effort to discourage consumption in the region. State Health Minister Surjit Kumar Jyani released an official statement saying, "Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has issued directions to all the Deputy Commissioners in this regard." He stated that the aim of the campaign was to reduce tobacco and nicotine use in Punjab in order to reduce prevalance of non-communicable diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. He added that the sale of loose cigarettes, tobacco, and E-Cigarettes is banned in the state. The extent of drug addiction in the region is alarming. Rate of heroin abuse among 15 to 25 year olds near the border areas, is as high as 75 per cent, where as it is 73 in other rural areas.

Mother awaits son's release

BABOWAL: Harbhajan Kaur, 49, desperately anticipates the return of her son Harsimranjit Singh, who was taken captive by the Islamic State in Iraq, along with 38 other Indians, in 2014. With the recent counter-operation launched in Mosul by Iraqi security forces, Harbhajan and husband Tarsem Singh have a reason to rejoice.

If the forces liberate the city, chances of the captured to return becomes high. "Someone has told me that air strikes are conducted after confirming the location, and civilians are not hurt. But then air strikes have hit the entire city of Aleppo in Syria," said Harbhajan. Mothers of other missing youths are in touch with her. "On October 6, we had a two-hour meeting with Sushma Swaraj, she showed us a two-page letter from her source which said 39 missing Indians were seen in Mosul. She also spoke to me separately. She is very confident."

HERITAGE - HISTORY Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

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Somnath, the Nawab and Accession of Junagadh State AsianVoiceNews

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Like Jinnah, Mahabatkhanji III also wanted to return to India!

Dr Hari Desai Pakistan still continues to claim Junagadh as her “legal territory” before the United Nations, although Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, the last Dewan of the Princely State, requested the Government of India on 8th November 1947 to take over the administration of the State. He initiated negotiations on 7th November with Samaldas Gandhi, who headed the Arzi Hukumat (Provisional Government), to avoid bloodshed when the Nawab had already reached Karachi, the Capital of the newly created Pakistan Union. The situation of Kathiawar was

explosive. Sir Bhutto took this decision with the unanimous approval of not only his State Council but also leaders of public opinion in the State, as noted by V P Menon in “Integration of the Indian States”.

Earlier Junagadh State, where Somnath temple, the glory of India, is situated, under the rule of the Nawab, Sir Mahabatkhan

Nawab Jahangirkhanji

was the last ruler of the Babi dynasty. He rushed to Karachi by plane on October 17, 1947, with his Begums, 8 sons and 10 daughters, as well as two doctors – Dr Jhaverilal Umiyashankar Vasavda and Dr Dilsukhrai Vasavda – as well as a veterinary doctor Dr Kantilal B Vyas, leaving out one of his Begums in order to accommodate his darling dogs and jewellery.

Like Jinnah, the Nawab of Junagadh also wanted to return to India. He did convey his wish to the High Commissioner Sriprakash in Karachi, but neither Indian government nor Pakistan government took Somnath

Samaldas Gandhi, Chief of Arzi Hukumat

Nawab Dilawarkhanji

Rasulkhanji III, had taken the decision to accede to Pakistan, keeping Indian leadership in the dark, following the advice of Sir Bhutto, the father of late Pakistan Prime Minister and President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and grandfather of late PM Benazir Bhutto.

Just before the Partition, the Dewan of Junagadh was Abdul Kadar from Sindh who favoured the State’s accession to Indian Union. But due to heart attack, he went to US for treatment on May 30, 1947, and Sir Bhutto influenced the Nawab in favour of Pakistan.

Sir Mahabatkhanji III

Sir Mahabatkhan Rasulkhanji III

him seriously. He died on November 7, 1959, at the age of 59. After his demise, his son Dilawarkhanji became ‘the 10th Nawab of Junagadh’. He was made the Governor of Sindh. He died in 1989. The next Nawab Jahangirkhanji, who could become the Federal Minister of Pakistan, continues to claim: “The people of Junagadh are eagerly awaiting the Nawab to take care of them…. Pakistan is incomplete without Junagadh, Manavadar and Kashmir.” Junagadh State has not formally withdrawn the complaint from

the UN as was done in the case o f Hyderabad, despite the neutral referendum in February 1948 favouring accession to India.

Junagadh is the land of AdiKavi (first among the poets) Narsinh Mehta of the 15th century whose Bhajan “Vaishnav Jan To” was the favourite of Mahatma Gandhi. Kutiana, which was under Junagadh State, was the native of the forefathers of Gandhiji. Though the Mahatma was busy with national and

international affairs, he definitely had a special attachment. Maybe due to that, he pronounced: “Junagadh se Pakistan jana chahie.” (Pakistan must be kicked out from Junagadh.) The Ambanis of the Reliance Empire and Shahs of Mukand Iron hailed from Chorwad of Junagadh.

A premier State of Kathiawar, bound-

Lesser known facts about the Nawab of Junagadh

Sir Mahabatkhanji III, known for his love for dogs, arranging their marriage ceremonies and sometimes declaring State mourning when his beloved dog died, earned a title of villain since under the influence of his Dewan, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, he consented for the accession to Pakistan.

Having many Hindu officials in his government, he hardly discriminated his subjects on religious basis. The Nawab loved to improve the breeding stock of the local Kathiawari stallions and the Gir cows. He preferred to name the cows like Ganga, Godavari, Kapila, Janaki, etc., used to take Darshan of Gaumata before going to the Durbar (Royal Court).

The Nawab used to address his favourite cows as “Maa” (Mother) and would never send any cow to slaughterhouse even if one did not give milk.

There was a ban to sell cows to Muslims. He banned slaughter of cows in Prabhas Patan, notes Shanbhuprasad Harprasad Desai, IAS and a celebrated Historian, in “Junagadh ane Girnar”.

Though the Nawab was fond of hunting the lions in Gir forest, none was allowed to kill animals without obtaining his permission.

Mahabatkhanji hardly took any interest in dayed almost entirely by other Indian States, except for the south and south-west where lies the Arabian Sea, the State had no contiguity with Pakistan by land; and the distance by sea was about 300 miles. More that 80% of the subjects were Hindus and without bothering to consult the people, the decision was taken, and the Governor General of Pakistan M A Jinnah gave assent on September 13, 1947, to the accession with effect from August 15, 1947.

The State remained as the territory of Pakistan only for 85 days!

On November 13, 1947, Sardar Patel visited “freed” Junagadh and was given a rousing reception.

The Deputy Prime Minister then visited the famous Somanath temple at Prabhas Patan and was moved to find the temple which had once been the glory of India, looking so dilapidated, neglected and forlorn,

to-day administration of the State as it was left to the Dewan. He stopped the practice of dance and Muzaras in Durbar. He never smoked or drank liquor. The Nawab was deeply interested in dramas and had established his drama troupe in the Palace, where he also used to perform the role of even Meera reciting ‘Pag Ghugharu Bandh Meera Nachi re’, keeping it away from public eyes. Parimal Roopani has brought out some new facts about the Nawab in “Narsaiyanee Nagari Junagadh”.

The Nawab would declare a compulsory wage cut for all his employees if there was no rain or not satisfactory rain, which led to the failure of the crops. He even deferred the marriage of his Crown Prince Dilawarkhanji for a year vide an official order dated January 2, 1942, when there was famine in the State, and the World War II was on. He had invited Lord Curzon and Lord Linlithgow, Indian Viceroys, to visit his State.

The Nawab would proudly display the Gir cows and the newly developed Kesar and other varieties of mangoes to his guests.

The State had the honour to offer hospitality to great Hindu personalities like Swami Sahjananda, Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi.

notes V P Menon. The Sardar declared that it was decided to reconstruct it so as to bring it back to its original splendor. PM Jawaharlal Nehru was keen to reconstruct it with government funding, but Gandhiji favoured it through public contribution by a public Trust headed by the Jam Saheb, the Maharaja of Navanagar (Jamnagar). The Somnath temple, the Shrine Eternal, is the first among the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Somnath means “Lord of Soma”, an epithet of Shiva. The legendary temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times by Islamic invaders and Hindu kings, respectively.

These days nearly 10 million people visit the goldplated Somnath temple every year, says P K Laheri, the Trustee-Secretary of Shree Somnath Trust, headed by former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel and even PM Narendra Modi is also a Trustee.

Next Column: Guru Nanak: The Founder of Self-respecting Sikhism.

(The writer is a Sociopolitical Historian. E-mail: haridesai@gmail.com)

26

INDIA - WORLD

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15 temples vandalised, Hindus looted in Bangla Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

DHAKA: At least 15 Hindu temples in Bangladesh were vandalised following allegations of disrespect shown to Islam on Facebook. The incident triggered massive panic among the minority community in the Muslimdominated region.

Paramilitary Borders Guards Bangladesh were deployed in Nasirnagar, and Madhabpur Upazila headquarters, along with the Rapid Action Battalion, police and Armed Police Battalion.

Temples in Brahmanbarhia district's Nasirnagar were vandalised, and 100 houses belonging to Hindus in the area were looted. The mayhem that continued for hours, also saw two temples in Habiganj's Madhabpur

come under attack, as per eyewitnesses. The violent attacks that left over 100 people hurt, were in response to a Facebook post that mocked one of Islam's holiest sites. The post showed a Hindu deity over a picture of the Kaaba, a large cube-shaped building in Mecca. While rioters tried to apprehend a 27 year old man they suspected of put-

ting the picture online, the police said they are yet to determine if he posted it.

Nine men have been arrested in connection with the incident, including a 30 year old Hindu who authorities plan on charging with "breaching internet laws."

Hindu leader Rana Dasgupta said, "We are tired of such repeated incidents. It is very unfortunate

that none of the culprits of previous attacks are brought to justice."

Nasirnagar Upazila Parishad Vice-Chairman Anjan Deb said, "The situation is apparently calm now but the Hindu community is still panicked."

Madrasa students protested on the premises of the Brahmanbarhia Press Club, while hundreds of people blocked SarailNasirnagar-Lakhai road, where they torched tyres.

The demonstrators, armed with local weapons, vandalised the temples at D u t t u b a r h i , Namashudraparha and Ghoshparha, and Jagannath Temple and Goura Temple. Several priests were injured in the bid.

UN celebrates Diwali Continued from page 1 Sumdo forward post close to the border with China.

"We the people of India sleep peacefully because you guard our borders," he said.

Modi had celebrated his first Diwali since coming to power in 2014 with soldiers posted in Siachen, and in 2015, he celebrated it at the India-Pakistan border in Punjab. The Hindu festival was celebrated with fervour all across the globe with fervour and charm. Diwali celebrations in the UK started with the Mayor's Diwali in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 16 October, followed by a reception by PM Theresa May. Most temples such as Neasden, Kingsbury, ISKCON celebrate Diwali at their premises, which was attended by thousands of devotees.

Ealing and Wembley in London flaunted the Diwali lights, while streets in Leicester and Birmingham were also decorated to celebrate the festival. Organisations such as Hindu Forum of Britain organised their Diwali reception at the Parliament (see page 15-17), while corporates like PWC hosted their Diwali celebrations at their offices, which was attended by many distinguished guests. Along with

Singapore MPs mark Diwali in sarees

The entire world was caught up in the Diwali festivities. Marking the Hindu festival, sixteen female members from the Singapore Parliament not only put on colorful sarees, but also posed for Singapore-based Tamil newspaper Tamil Murasu's special Diwali edition.

A report said the Members of Parliament readily agreed to be a part of the initiative which was aimed to "connect with the Indian commu-

nity." The members included veteran parliamentarians like Senior Minister of State for Finance and Law Indranee Rajah, and others such as Cheryl Chan, and Cheng Li Hui. Indranee, member for Tanjong Pagar GRC told a local media source that "she felt it was a very nice way for the MPs to connect with the Indian community, adding that the sari was a cultural symbol that could be shared with those of other races."

Diwali, UK also celebrated Kali puja in various parts of the country.

The US White House also marked Diwali, with President Obama lighting a tradition diya in the Oval Office. (See Page 23).

Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who enjoys a wide fan following in the Indian-American community, greeted Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains across the world on the occasion. Her office released a statement saying, "On Sunday, nearly a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists around the world, including more than two million Americans, will celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. For members of these faiths, lighting the lamp is a reminder that light prevails over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil." She added, "Here in the United States, it is a tribute to the Indian American community that Diwali is celebrated with such beauty and joy.

Regardless of our personal faith, Diwali reminds us that diversity is one of our greates strengths as a nation, that light prevails over darkness, and that dharma- righteousness or goodness, must guide us toward a better tomorrow."

Education takes a back seat in the Valley

Continued from page 1

think of setting fire to educational institutions.

People of the Valley should realise that these people have crossed all limits and they are acting at the behest of our enemy from across the border, who's aiding, abetting, funding and training terrorists regularly."

At the moment, blame game has become the only way to cope with the matter

at hand. The state government have nobody but the seperatists to blame, while the latter remain perplexed.

Separatist leader Yasin Malik said those attacking schools "must be unmasked and punished" and accused the government of inaction.

Even as, the students have another concerns. With the government indicating it would like to hold examinations in November, as scheduled, many ask for them to be postponed for at

least two months and allow them time to prepare. They feel the allowance needs to be considered given the fact that they have not completed even 30 per cent of their syllabus.

A class 12 student who spoke at the condition of anonymity, said, "We have not been to school since July. We have only witnessed killings, arrests, daily protests, and stone pelting incidents. I studied at home and sometimes

took private tuitions as well. But not every student has that opportunity.

Therefore, the demand for rescheduling exams is genuine." Patent and Trade Union leader Ghulam Nabi Shah said, "Our children have not been to school for the last four months. They have not completed syllabus. Government should not make it a political colour and should defer exams to March."

(See comments- Page 3)

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

LeT takes responsibility for Uri In a big slap to Pakistan's face, the nation-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba claimed responsibility for the Uri terror attack that killed 20 Indian soldiers in Kashmir last month.

Posters that were widely circulated on social media showed that funeral prayers in absentia for one of the Uri attackers, organised by LeT's parent organisation Jamaat-ud-Dawa, will be held in Gujranwala, Pakistan.

The online poster reads, "Funeral prayers in absentia for Mujahid Bhai Abu Siraqa Muhammad Anas martyr for having killed 177 Hindu soldiers in Kashmir." Written in Urdu, it also mentions a special

address by JuD chief Hafiz Saeed after the prayers.

This is enough proof that Saeed is working in Punjab with the cooperation of the civilian government.

Muhammad Aamir Hussaini, a journalist, said, "After such posters and such events organised by JuD, what will be the authenticity of claims made

by Pakistani Foreign Office in front of International community."

After the poster gained momentum online, JuD claimed it was a hoax.

However, Abbas Nasir, another journalist, posted a tweet confirming the authenticity of the poster, saying the funeral prayers were now postponed.

Modi tour to Japan on November 11-12 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Japan on November 11-12, during which he will hold the annual summit with counterpart Shinzo Abe. Announcing the visit, the External Affairs Ministry said the meeting will be an occasion for the two leaders to have "in-depth exchanges on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest to further deepen the broad-based and action-oriented partnership between India and Japan."

Other than boosting cooperation in civil nuclear sector, both the sides will also explore ways to boost ties in trade, including in high technology area, security, and infrastructure.

During the previous summit, held in December last year, both sides had reached a basic agreement on the pact and decided that the two sides will continue to

discuss the international civil nuclear cooperation framework with respect to India. Official said all efforts were being made to sign a pact during the PM's visit that would pave the way for Japan to export nuclear power plant technology to the fast-growing Asian economy.

If approved, it would be the host country's first nuclear cooperation pact with acountrh that has not joined the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty.

The only country to have bore the brunt of nuclear bombings, Japan has time and again sought assurance from India that it will not be used for military purposes or nuclear tests.

During Modi's first visit to the country, in 2014, the bilateral relationship was upgraded to a "Special Strategic and Global Partnership".

"Get down! News is Jayalalithaa is recovering now!"

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HEALTH&WELLNESS

AsianVoiceNewsweekly | Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

High-fat diet makes changes in the brain FOOD

FITNESS

LIFESTYLE

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n a recently conducted study, researchers have found a new mechanism to regulate obesity. Senior author of the research, Makoto Fukuda said, “It’s well known that the brain is involved in the development of obesity, but how a high-fat diet changes the brain so it triggers the accumulation of body fat is still unclear.”

The team involved, studied Rap1 gene, which is expressed in different tissues, including the brain where it is involved in functions like memory and learning. Not a lot was known on the role of the gene in energy balance.

The scientists selectively deleted the Rap1 gene in a group of neurons in the hypothalamus to explore the effects. With two groups of mice; they genetically engineered one group to lack the Rap1

R

gene, while the other had a functional gene.

The mice in both groups were then fed a high-fat diet in which 60 per cent of the calories came from fat. While the control mice with a working Rap1 gene gained weight, the mice without, had markedly reduced body weight and less body fat. However, when both the groups were fed a normal diet, both showed similar weights and body fat.

“We observed that the

mice lacking Rap1 were not physically active. However, they ate less and burned more body fat than mice with Rap1. These observations were associated with the hypothalamus producing more of a hormone that reduces appetite, called POMC, and less of hormones that stimulate appetite, called NPY and AgRP,” Fukuda said. The team was also interested to study whether leptin changed in mice lacking the gene. The ‘satiety hor-

mone’, Leptin produced by fatty tissue, helps regulate body weight by inhibiting appetite. Obese people however, do not respond to leptin’s signals of satiety, and the blood levels of leptin are higher than those in non-obese people. Leptin resistance is a hallmark of human obesity. "When we administered ESI-05 to obese mice, we restored their sensitivity to leptin on a level similar to that in mice eating a normal diet.

The mice ate less and lost weight," Fukuda said. The new mechanism shows how the brain can affect the development of obesity triggered by consuming a high-fat diet. Consuming a high-fat diet results in changes in the brain that increase Rap1 activity, which in turn leads to a decreased sensitivity to leptin, and this sets the body on a path to obesity.

kinases one by one and found one, called Nuak1, whose inhibition resulted in reduced levels of tau."

The involved scientists screened the enzymes in two different systems, cultured human cells and the laboratory fruit fly.

Screening the fly allowed them to assess the effects of inhibiting the enzymes in a functional nervous

system in a living organism. "Inhibition of Nuak1 consistently resulted in lower levels of tau in both, human cells, and fruit flies. Then we took the result to a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and hoped that the results would hold, and they did.

Inhibiting Nuak1 improve the behaviour of the mice and prevented brain degeneration," Zoghbi said. "Confirming in three independent systemshuman cells, the fruit fly, and the mouse, that Nuak1 inhibition results in reduced levels of tau and prevents brain abnormalities induced by tau accumulation, has convinced us that Nuak1 is a reliable potential target for drugs to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's."

New strategy to prevent Alzheimer's

esearchers at the Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and John Hopkins University School of Medicine took a threepronged approach to help subdue early events that occur in the brain long before symptoms for Alzheimer's disease appear.

Senior author Huda Zoghbi said, "Common diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Dementia, are caused in part by abnormal accumulation of certain proteins in the brain. Some proteins become toxic when they accumulate, they make the brain vulnerable to degeneration. Tau is one of these proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease and dementia." First author

Cristian Lasagna-Reeves said, "We tried to find clues about what is happening at the very early stages of the illness, before clinical irreversible symptoms appear, with the intention of preventing our reducing those early events that lead to devastating changes in the brain decades later." She added, "We inhibited about 600

Highly caffeinated drinks as strong as cocaine

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esults published in a science journal called Alcohol states that drinking highly caffeinated beverages mixed with alcohol trigger changes in the adolescent brain, similar to taking cocaine. "It seems the two substances together push them over a limit that causes changes in their behaviour and changes the neurochemistry in their brains. We're clearly seeing effects of the combined drinks that we would not see if drinking one or the other," said

To Our Readers

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

Richard van Rijn, Assistant Professor at Purdue University.

The calculation said that adolescent mice given high-caffeine energy drinks were not more likely than a control group to

drink more alcohol as adults.

But when those high levels of caffeine were mixed with alcohol and given to adolescent mice, they showed physical and neurochemical signs simi-

27

lar to mice given cocaine.

Researchers also detected increased levels of protein FosB, marker of longterm changes in neurochemistry, elevated in those abusing drugs like cocaine or morphine.

"That's one reason why it's so difficult for drug users to quit because of these lasting changes in the brain," van Rijn said. "Mice that were exposed to highly caffeinated alcoholic drinks later found cocaine wasn't as pleasurable. They may then use more cocaine to get the same effect."

www.asian-voice.com

Facebook may help spot mental disorders

A

s per a new study, the internet, more specifically, social media, can be detrimental in providing support and interventions to those suffering from mental disorders.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge, UK, said sites like Facebook can be used to provide data to help further understanding of the onset of mental illnesses.

Dr Becky Inkster, lead author of the study, said, "Facebook is hugely popular and could provide us with a wealth of data to improve our knowledge of mental health disorders such as depression and schizophrenia." She said Facebook can be used to help improve seeking mental health factors. Coauthor, from Stanford Graduate Business School, US, Michal Kosinski said data derived from the website can be more reliable than offline self-reported information, while still reflecting an individual's offline behaviours. It also

helps researchers measure content that is difficult to assess offline, such as conversation intensity, and to reach sample sizes previously unobtainable.

The researchers suggest that the use of therapies based on users' Facebook pictures and timelines could be used as ways to use online social networks to support individuals. This will provide access to autobiographical memories, which can be impaired in conditions such as depression, and improve cognition and mood with older patients, similar to offline therapies for early dementia. "Facebook relationships may help those with reduced self-esteem and provide companionship for individuals who are socially isolated. We know that socially isolated adolescents are more likely to suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts, so these online stepping stones could encourage patients to reform offline social connections."

www.asian-voice.com

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AsianVoiceNews

5th November 2016

K

a m a l Haasan and p a r t n e r Gautami Tadimalla have called their 13 year old relationship off. Both of them were in a livein relationship since 2005. The news came when the yesteryear actress released an elaborate statement. "It is heartbreaking for me to have to say today that I and Mr. Haasan are no longer together. After almost 13 years together, it has been one of the most devastating decisions that I have ever had to make in my life. It is never easy for anyone in a committed relationship to realise that their paths have irreversibly diverged and that the only choices in front of them are to either compromise with their dreams for life or to accept the truth of their solitude and move ahead.," the statement read.

It further said, "It has taken me a very long time, a couple of years at the very

M least, to accept this heartbreaking truth and come to this decision. It is not my intention to seek sympathy or assign blame. This decision to set forth on my own at this stage in my life is perhaps one of the most difficult decisions any woman will ever have to make but it is a necessary one for me. For I am a mother first and foremost and I have a responsibility to my child to be the best mother that I can be."

I would love to do a Hindi film: Baahubali actor Prabhas

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outh Indian hottie Prabhas, who has been in the industry for the past 14 years, is in no hurry to make a stint in B-Town. “I’ve got a few good offers, but I have two movies in the pipeline that are my own home productions. After completing those, if I get good scripts, I would love to do a Hindi film and work in Bollywood,” the actor said in an interview.

Even after more than a decade in the biz, the ‘Baahubali’ actor admits “it just feels like it all started a little while back.” He added, “Time does fly. It’s been a great journey too. I don’t think there’s anything more that I can ask for.” Talking about his wax statue set to be unveiled soon at Madame Tussaud’s in Bangkok, he said it was a huge surprise to him. “At first, it was shocking when I got a call from my friend it took some time for me to understand.

I asked him if it was real or if he was joking. I was shooting for ‘Baahubali 2’ and SS Rajamouli was the first one I broke the news to. He gave me a big hug.

We are all very happy.”

With his birthday just around the corner, Prabhas said he will spend it with his family. “As a kid, I’d get excited about gifts and cakes, but now it’s just another day. So, there

aren’t any special plans. I like spending time with my family and friends on my birthday. It’s sort of a tradition that I’ve followed for a while and I’m really looking forward to it.”

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Amala Paul in 'Thiruttu Payale' sequel

Kamal Haasan and Gautami split

Asian Voice

akers of 2006 super hit 'Thiruttu Payale' have announced a sequel, with a different cast.

Director Susi Ganeshan announced that the leads will be played by National Award-winning actor Bobby Simha, and Amala Paul, while Prasanna will make the antagonist.

He said that fans will see a new side of the actress. "She can be wild, and can look attractive while sporting a simple sari and bindi as well. My

producer Kalpathi Agoram had distributed 'Mynaa', so when I told him of my choice, he immediately agreed that she would be the right actress to play the role.

Ganeshan believes the appeal of his film just got bigger with Amala on board.

The movie is balanced on three characters, played by the actors, and it is their performance that will hold the film together, he said. The project went on floor on November 2.

Al Pacino to act with Dhanush?

W

hile it is already confirmed that south superstar Dhanush has joined hands with director Karthik Subbaraj for his next, latest buzz is the duo have tapped Hollywood legend Al Pacino to play an important role in the film.

Sources say makers of the film wanted to cast Morgan Freeman for the role but it failed to work out. If true, it will give Indian regional cinema a much needed boost.

This isn't the first time South reached out to the West. Director Shankar

had tried to rope in Arnold Schwarzenegger to play antagonist in his upcoming 'Enthiran 2', but the idea had to be dropped for various reasons. Dhanush himself is set to make his big Hollywood debut with a big banner movie where he will share screen space with Uma Thurman and Alexandra Daddario. He plays the titular role in 'The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir Who Got Trapped in an Ikea Cupboard', directed by Iranian-French filmmaker Marjane Satrapi.

‘Baahubali 2’easier than first: SS Rajamouli

D

irector SS Rajamouli, who is working on the second instalment of his magnum opus, said the love and acceptance of the audience for ‘Baahubali’ made it easy for him to work on the other. “Making second part was much easier than first one. For the first part, we had confidence but we were not sure how people will receive it. We had confidence in the subject,” Rajamouli said on the sidelines of an event.

“When the film released, and did well, it made it easy for us to shoot as people knew the characters and the basic story. But shooting for action sequences was intense,” he added.

Following the end of the first where Katappa kills Baahubali, a social media storm brewed up with every-

body asking the same question “Katappa ne Baahubali ko Kyun Maara?” (Why did Katappa kill Baahubali?)

“We did not expect Katappa to become popular. We felt it was a right end but we did not expect it will be such a big thing,” Rajamouli said.

While the director did a cameo in ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’, he said he is not too keen to act in the second part.

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Shooting for 'Rangoon' tough, says Kangana AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Anushka wishes a "PAWsitive" Diwali

'S

ultan' actress Anushka Sharma has urged her fans to celebrate Diwali keeping animals and birds in mind. Sharing a video on micro-blogging website Twitter, Anushka, seen seated on a sofa said humans can definitely communicate their problems, but animals can't which is why we need to be sensitive and make the festival comfortable for them.

"It's time your furry friends stopped hiding in some corner and joined you in your Diwali celebrations.

Have a PAWsitive Diwali," the video was captioned.

She said, "I can scream stop and some-

P

'Q

ueen' actress Kangana Ranaut was recently on the #NoFilterNeha podcast with Neha Dhupia, where she opened up about her experience shooting for upcoming movie 'Rangoon'.

"For 'Rangoon', we were taken to remote valleys in Arunachal Pradesh.

There were literally no villages, nothing, not even restrooms. I was peeing behind rocks and chang-

I

f reports are to be believed, our beloved Sidharth Malhotra is all set to play a double role in the action packed tentatively-titled 'Reloaded'. A part of the 'Bang Bang' franchise, the actor plays a man with a mission, and will be seen doing some raw hand-

one can help me and turn off this annoying and irritating sound.

Unfortunately, animals don't have a voice, so they cannot communicate for themselves.

Diwali is a very difficult time for them. I really want to request you all to help animals and birds by celebrating a noise free and pollution free Diwali. It is a festival of lights, so let's light up everyone's life. Wish you all a very happy Diwali and a very positive Diwali."

This isn't the first time the actress pitched for a safe Diwali for animals. Last year she lead a similar campaign, along with her pet labrador Dude in mind.

PeeCee gulps Tequila on 'Ellen'

ing behind rocks. My own people would just cover me. Everyone was- so was Shahid (Kapoor). There was nothing, so what do you do?"

Currently shooting for Hansal Mehta's 'Simran', the actor plays a divorced NRI Gujarati woman, Praful Patel. The movie is inspired from the real life story of US nurse Sandeep Kaur who was imprisoned for robbing banks to pay off her gambling bets.

riyanka Chopra was welcomed on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' with tequila last week. Priyanka, who found international acclaim with her American TV series 'Quantico' was asked to take a shot with the host, and of course she said yes!

Gulping down the drink like a pro, PeeCee said, "Thank you for that, this will be a really smooth interview." To which Ellen replied, "Yeah! It's good, this will be our tradition now. Whenever you are talking to me or anybody that's connected to the 'Ellen Show', you do a shot of tequila."

The remainder of the show was however not so smooth with Ellen throwing in some shade at the Bollywood actress.

Talking about Priyanka's Hollywood journey so far,

to-hand combat scenes.

Reportedly, both his characters onscreen will be completely opposite to each other. The Raj Nidumoru and Krishna DK's venture which is touted for a June release next year, also features Jacqueline Fernandez

rawling his way back from the MNS-prompted ban on his film, Karan Johar has teamed up with social media site Facebook for a first of its kind campaign called 'Ae Dil Ki Facebook'. The contest will give participants a chance to reconnect with someone special they have lost touch with. One of the biggest social media integration, the campaign will see actors Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma engage with fans.

"A unique activity that leverages the reach of Facebook to engage with the core TG and encourages them to reach out to their long

Sid to play double role in 'Bang Bang 2'

Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

Ellen said, "People were so excited because you are beautiful and can act..." when Pri cheekily cut in to say, "That doesn't happen

often." Ellen however correcte her saying, "It does happen often, happens all the time as a matter of fact.

I am just complimenting you, like I should.

That's all." She also said, "It's a miracle you made it this far."

Facebook and KJo tie up for online campaign

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lost connections," CMO of Fox Star Studios, Shikha Kapur said. She added. "By bringing in Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor to help these special relationships reconnect through Facebook serves a dual purpose : it mirrors the central premise of the film that relationships are precious and are to be nurtured through all odds, and it transcends the fan-star engagement experience to all new emotional level."

Produced by Fox and, Dharma Productions, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' is out on the big screen and is faring well.

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UK

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

Smartphones ruin kids sleep, even when switched off

A study has found smartphones and tablets disrupt kid’s sleep even when switched off. Researchers from King’s College London and Cardiff University reviewed studies of over 125,000 children to see if technology devices impacted on sleep.

They found that using smartphones and tablets doubled the risk of a poor night’s sleep and the

chances of falling asleep the next day. They also found sleep was significantly disturbed by just the presence of a device. They suggest that devices be removed from the bedroom.

Dr Ben Carter from King’s College London said the study proved “the detrimental effect of media devices on both sleep duration and quality.”

9-year-old boy set to embark on an epic swim A Nine-year-old boy from Slough wants to make a difference in the world by embarking on an epic swim for charity. Sahdev Rana wants to raise funds for those who have suffered in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew which hit Haiti.

Sahdev, from Cippenham Primary School, is set to take on a demanding 500-metre swim in less than 30 minutes. He said: “It’s not fair because in England we have everything, we have houses and TV and elec-

tronic things.”

Sahdev, who lives with his mum, dad, and youngster sister, will take on the challenge at the Copthorne Hotel on November 27.

With a target of £200 target, Sahdev has already raised over £160.

Boys can't open up about anxiety ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 You will make your best

progress by focusing your mental and physical energies on what you want to achieve.

The underlying trend seems to be pulling you into a much wider social circle now. This is bound to enrich your life and give you a deeper sense of purpose. The prevailing pattern of planets gives you a marvellous opportunity take advantage.

According to a study half of teenage boys don't talk to their fathers about stress, anxiety or feeling depressed. Most boys surveyed saying it's too awkward because their fathers never talked about their emotions.

The survey by the campaign group Time to Change found 54% of teen boys experiencing a mental problem “put a brave face

on it” or kept it to themselves.

The poll of 16-18-yearolds looked at to which adolescent boys’ attitudes and behaviour were shaped by their fathers.

Many considered talking about mental health as off limits, but the campaign group highlighted the positive impact fathers could have for their struggling sons.

A new status for Uber drivers In a landmark case, an employment tribunal ruled Uber drivers have the right to minimum wage and holiday pay.

The ruling is expected to have repercussions for the “gig economy”.

Gig economy is defined as an environment in which temporary positions are common and organisations contract independent workers on a short-term basis.

The verdict comes after two drivers brought their case to the tribunal

Don't take short-cuts in legal or official matters. It will be only too easy to feel exasperated by bureaucracy but you won't be doing yourself any favours if you lose your cool. This is a fine time for you to get away from the mundane realities of life and relax. Some of you will probably go abroad.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 You need to pay more attention than usual to your everyday work dairy.

Meetings, work hours and organised breaks could play havoc, unless you're prepared to re-group on the spur of the moment. Try to be meticulous but flexible about your schedule. Play your cards right and you can pull strings in you favour.

It is a great week for seeing real results. You can accomplish more than usual with a little elbow grease - the keyword here is discipline. Mixing business with pleasure will bring you benefits. You will achieve great success by being responsible and diplomatic.

Romance will have its pleasant surprises.

demanding workers rights and they not be regarded was self-employed contractors. Union leaders called the verdict a “monumental victory for the over 30,000 drivers in England and Wales.

l Opening ceremony of Shri Vallabh Nidhi UK’s Community Hall on Saturday 5th November 4:30pm7:00pm. At Shri Santa Hindu Mandir, Ealing Road, Alperton, Wembley, HA0 4TA. For further information call 020 8903 7737 or email info@svnuk.org

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TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 The prevailing astrological trend indicates increasing vigour and stamina, both mentally and physically. At an ordinary everyday level you can expect this to be a pleasant time, indulging in the good things of life and taking a much needed break. This will urge you towards creating greater independence in your lifestyle.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

If you're currently romantically involved, your lover could well go from strength to strength in the area of passion. The work that you are involved with at this time is likely to demand a great deal of energy and initiative from you. This will also involve a lot of moving around and a need to establish a wider network of contacts.

This is a good time to appreciate what you have already created in your life. Of course, there are still challenging issues on both a personal and practical level. It's a time of slow and steady progress that can set the stage for a long time to come. To get here you may have overcome obstacles by making important decision and choices that set the direction of your life.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

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It seems that you will be in gregarious mood, intent on cultivating a wider circle of acquaintances. Mentally you will be in good form to make on-the-spot decisions and also get your ideas across to the right people. Ideas that you have been juggling with for quite some time will now be easily pulled into shape, allowing you to push ahead.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 The cash situation continues to be rather erratic. However, problems can be avoided if you can curtail extravagant impulses and keep everything well organised. However, there are indications of favourable changes and developments in the areas of career and employment. Keep away from any emotional tensions with your partner.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

The need to push ahead with personal interests and to assert yourself with added force will take precedence over everything else for some time to come. Mentally you will be in top form, perhaps feeling quite passionate about expressing your ideas and views. This is also a time when you will develop fresh insights into other people.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

Amorous affairs continue to be highlighted - whether or not this leads to a lasting relationship depends much on your own personal maturity and circumstances. Efforts to restructure and transform your lifestyle are more likely to meet with success. Experience you have built up in the past will now stand you in good stead.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

Having all the major planets above the horizon chart shows that the general pattern of events will focus your attention on the need to make an impact on the world.

Although the very practical affairs of life continue to be highlighted, this does not mean that there will be all work and no play. In fact, you will be very much in demand socially.

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England Cric team meet acid attack survivors AsianVoiceNews

The England Cricket team who were in Bangladesh recently, took time out of their sporting tour to highlight Britain's efforts to stop horrific acid attacks against Bangladesh's most vulnerable women. The team attended a round table at the British High Commission in Bangla and learnt how the Department for I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development supports victims of acid attacks, and contributes to the prevention of further violence.

Over 80 per cent of women in the Muslimdominated nation experience physical or mental abuse in their marriages.

Acid attacks have become a prominent method for torture. The Team met with beneficiaries of UKfunded programmes, hearing how the UK provides victims with access to

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security, justice, and health services, and community leaders equipped to launch projects to tackle the root causes of the violence. "Countries like Bangladesh have made great improvements to the lives of girls and women in recent years, but many people still face a daily threat of severe and debilitating domestic violence.

Cowardly acid attacks are utterly unacceptable. They cause great suffering and

hold back entire communities from reaching their full potential. I am very grateful to the England Cricket Team for taking the time to highlight the vital work my Department is doing in this area. We will continue to work with local organisations to provide medical support and secure justice for victims, while reducing the vulnerability of girls and women in the future," said I n t e r n a t i o n a l

Development Secretary Priti Patel.

Tom Harrison, Chief Executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, said, "I’m pleased the England Cricket Team had the opportunity to learn more about the Department for I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development’s work in Bangladesh. We have been left in no doubt that the UK’s efforts in supporting victims of violence, particularly acid attacks that sadly see such prominence in the country, are changing lives and giving those affected the physical and psychological support they so desperately need. I am sure the visit, which was organised in conjunction with the British High Commission in Dhaka, has been a moving and educational experience for the players."

Mirza again on top in Women's Doubles Ace Indian tennis star Sania Mirza ended the season as World No. 1 for the second straight year. She completed the season with seven Women's Tennis Association, WTA titles, a Grand Slam, and a semifinal finish in the year ending WTA Finals in Singapore.

Defending champions Sania and Hingis had lost to Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina in the semifinals in the weekend.

Makarova and Vesnina

Sania Mirza

then defeated Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Lucie Safarova to life the doubles title, and denied Mattek-

Sands the Number One spot. "I am very happy. It's an amazing honour to be number one for the second year.

It has been an amazing journey for me," Sania said. She added, "For me, this has been an unbelievable journey and the kind of stuff that dreams are made of! I've always felt that reaching the pinnacle in any sphere of activity is a huge achievement but staying there for a prolonged period is even more

difficult than getting there for the first time."

"The fact that only 3 legends of the women's game- Navratilova, Black, and Huber, have had a longer consecutive stint at the top in the history of women's doubles tennis makes it even more satisfying for me," she said.

Throughout the year, Sania won titles including Australian Open with Hingis, and Cincinnati Masters with Barbora Strycova.

India's French Open quest ends India's hopes for the ongoing French Open Super Series ended early after Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu, and Swiss Open champion HS Prannoy suffered straightgame losses at the hands of their respective opponents in Paris last week.

World No. 8 Sindhu failed to replicate the form

she showed at the Rio Games, losing 20-22, 17-21 to He Bingjiao of China in the second-round women's singles that lasted 41 minutes.

Meanwhile, Prannoy made a strong start against fifth-seeded Chou Tien Chen, but broke under pressure

resulting in a 19-21, 16-21 defeat in the pre-quarterfinal contest that lasted 42 minutes. Earlier, sixth seed Sindhu had registered a 21-9, 29-27 win over Honk Kong’s Yip Pui Yin while Prannoy swept aside Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand 21-16, 21-18 to advance to the second round

SPORT

Heena Sidhu pulls out of Iran Airgun Championship Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

Pistol shooter Heena Sidhu has pulled out of the Asian Air Gun Shooting Championships that is settled to be held in Tehran, Iran.

She cited her withdrawal to Iran's strict rule that makes hijab mandatory for every female athlete. Sidhu wrote a letter to the National Rifle Association of India about her decision to withdraw. She has now been replaced with Harveen Srao for the Tehran bound squad. "Sport is an exhibition of sheer Human Effort Performance. Our ability to dig deep for Strength, Will Power and Determination. This is d reason I compete n I cannot compete for anything lesser than this. But I wud also not have my personal opinion politicised," Sidhu wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter. She posted a series of tweets explaining her point of view. She is the only shooter to have raised an objection to the rule, all other women shooters have agreed to wear hijabs. "I thank the NRAI for respecting my views n I wud also like 2wish luck 2 r team competing in Iran. Lets concentrate on competition dan hijab."

She also tweeted, "Im proud 2 b sportsperson coz ppl from diff cultures, backgrounds, sexes, ideologies, religion can cum 2gether n compete without biases."

Another tweet read, "Im not a revolutionary. But I feel dat making it mandatory for even a sportsperson to wear hijab is not in the spirit of a Sport." Heena came 14th after she was eliminated in the qualification round of 10m women's air pistol in Rio Olympics in August.

She had earlier won a gold at the 2013 World Cup as well as the Asia Rio 2016 Olympics qualifiers.

42 Russian athletes to get compensation for missing Rio 2016 Olympics

Around 42 leading Russian track and field athletes will be paid compensation from Russia's Olympians Support Fund for missing the 2016 Olympic Games, as announced by the President of the All-Russia Athletics Federation Dmitry Shlyakhtin. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said that the Fund would provide financial assistance to the athletes barred from the 2016 Olympic Games. Just one Russian athlete, Darya Klishina, made it to the Games, other 67 were barred as they were training for the competition in Russia, whose membership in the International Association of Athletics Federations had been suspended due to allegations of state-controlled doping programme before the Rio Games. Shlyakhtin said, "Financial compensation will be paid to 42 athletes and payments will be made to them simultaneously. The size of compensations will depend on the result a particular athlete could have achieved at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro."

He added, "As for the size of compensations, I consider it incorrect to say what sum each will get. But I can say that the leaders (four-five athletes) who would have completed for the gold medal at the 2016 Olympics will get a very good compensation." The list of candidates for compensation was drawn up after the sports federations gave their proposals and the Fund approved them.

"There was not a case when at least one of our proposal was rejected because we had submitted documents only for the worthy athletes," he said.

Pakistan’s mother-daughter duo knock out taboos

In a country that functions on rigorous and conservative Muslim values, 19 year old Razia Banu and mother, widow, Haleema Abdul Aziz are smashing taboos at the Pak Shaheen Boxing Club in Lyari, Karachi. Banu, who was drawn into the ring last year, after watching the grand funeral of legendary boxer Mohammad Ali, sought her mother's permission to join the club that started last year, the first for women in entire Pakistan.

Banu said Ali was her "favourite personality".

PV Sindhu

Haleema, worried about her daughter's request, weighed the financial aspects, and the fact that her husband had passed

away five years back. The deeply conservative Pakistani society, that witnesses women fight for their rights for decades,

was a major reason for her to support her daughter.

The 35 year old single mother said, "I believe that all the males become beasts when a woman goes out alone from her home. But I did not disappoint her (Banu) because I wanted her to be successful in her life. Males think they are strong so they could beat females and force them to be confined to the home." Her husband, she said, was a good man who encouraged their daughter to participate in sports.

"But I think that when

31

you have strength you should provie safety to people instead of beating them," she continued. It was banu's passion that inspired her mother to follow her daughter to join the club.

The place is sparse, with facilities limited to a ring, three punching bags, and a boxing balloon.

Founder and coach Yunus Qanbarami said money is tight.

"We don't even have a proper changing room for the girls to put their kit on. We don't have the right rubber mounting on

the ring ropes," he said.

He even talked about the social backlash. "At one point, some people plotted to attack the club to force me to close it down. But I am determined to carry on," he said. "I want our daughters to go to the international level and hoist the Pakistani flag in foreign lands."

While Haleema aims to become good enough to coach girls herself one day, Banu wishes to box in the Olympics. "I wish to box in the Olympics, and not just participate, but to win the gold."

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Asian Voice | 5th November 2016

India vs England: Yuvi out, Pandya in

The England cricket team led by Captain Alastair Cook arrived in South Mumbai for their five-Test series with the host team, set to commence at Rajkot on November 9. The tourists are scheduled to play at the Cricket Club of India's Brabourne Stadium on November 5. Other games are set to be played in Vishakhapatnam (Nov 1721), Mohali (Nov 26-30), Mumbai (Dec 8-12), and Chennai (Dec 16-20).

Indian selectors meanwhile, met in Mumbai to pick the Test squad for the series. While India won the recent series against New Zealand at home, and another against West Indies, earlier, England is expected to be a far tougher opposition. They had got the better of India in its own backyard in 2012, winning the set 2-1. With a mind to settle scores, the selectors and the BCCI seemed to have analysed England's tough series in Bangladesh last month. Mindful that the England batsmen would find it difficult to struggle against spin, the selection committee headed by MSK Prasad, has chosen to field

Hardik Pandya

an experienced spin attack, with Ravichandran Ashwin, as the undoubted leader.

The team includes three players from Gujarat; Ravindra Jadeja and Cheteshwar Pujara from Rajkot, and Hardik Pandya from Vadodara. Jadeja is expected to be a handful for the tourists. He bowls his brisk left-arm spin at the right pace and has the variations to probe and torment batsmen. A handy lower

middle order batsman, he could prove useful to the side. Pandya was named as Rohit Sharma's replacement who currently battles an injury. And Pujara has been trusted to play his role at number three. The Indian team will be led by Virat Kohli, with Ajinkya Rahane yet again named his deputy. Wriddhiman Saha will be the specialist wicketkeeper. The spin department will be led by the pro-

lific duo of R Ashwin and Jadeja. Amit Mishra has been picked as the third spinner while Jayant Yadav will play as the fourth spinner. In the pace department, Ishant Sharma returns after battling chickengunya which ruled him out against New Zealand.

He will be assisted by Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav. The committee however, could have taken the wrong call with Yuvraj Singh. The hard-hitting left-hander could have come in handy at number six against the likes of leftarm spinner Zafar Ansari and leg-spinner Adil Rashid. He could also have slammed them with the spin or even gone after the off-spinners Moen Ali and Gareth Batty on the relatively small Indian grounds.

ENGLAND'S STRUGGLE TO CONTINUE IN INDIA: HOGGARD The England team might not have the best preparartion in the lead-up to the series. While they managed to win the first Test against Bangladesh by a petty 22 runs, they saw humiliating defeat in the second and

final which has effectively demoralised the visitors.

England lost all 10 wickets for 64 runs in 135 balls as their batsmen were humiliated by Bangladesh’s spinners, who bowled them out in less than a session to win the second Test by 108 runs.

Before reaching India, Captain Alastair Cook had stated that his team could be psychologically scarred if they lose the series. "It could (have a damaging effect) and this is when we need to really stay strong as a group.

When stuff like this happens, especially away from home – when you’re at home, you can get away from it for a couple of days.

But we haven’t got that luxury. Where we are at the moment, with the security, getting out of the hotel is very hard. We have to watch guys and make sure we as a group stay together and put a few things on to take guys’ minds away from it and when we are training make sure we’re on the right track," he said.

Former England pacer, Matthew Hoggard, meanwhile believes the team's struggles will continue against India. "It's going to

be a very difficult tour for Cookie's side. We did very well on the subcontinent last time round and India will want payback. Add to that the conditions and our experience in Bangladesh and England are in for a stern test, particularly in terms of facing up to some high quality spin bowling, so we'll need to make significant improvements with both bat and ball. India deserve their place at the top of the Test rankings. I fear England's struggles will continue," he said.

England squad : Alastair Cook (captain), Moeen Ali, Zafar Ansari, Johny Bairstow (WK), Jake Ball, Gary Ballance, Gareth Batty, Stuart Broad, Jose Buttler, Ben Duckett, Steve Finn, H Hameed, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes.

India squad for first two Tests : Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, Gautam Gambhir, Karun Nair, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Pandya, Wriddhiman Saha (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra, Jayant Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Shamra