AV 7th September 2019

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

R

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

7 - 13 SEPTEMBER 2019 - VOL 48 ISSUE 19

BORIS' SHENANIGANS

STALLED

We wish all our Jain readers

Micchami Dukkadam

inside: UK welcomes Ganapati Bappa in grandeur SEE PAGE 16

Priyanka Mehta Three years ago the UK decided to leave the EU. In the last three years, the UK saw three Prime Ministers at Downing Street. It now appears that No. 10 is potentially ready to see another leader considering Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government lost working majority in the House of Commons after Philip Lee defected to pro-EU Liberal Democrats. Even with the support of the Democratic Unionist Party from the Northern Ireland, the Prime Minister is now essentially running a minority administration. Johnson later lost his first vote in the House of Commons by a majority of 27 votes (328-301) and would table the motion for an early general election.

Continued on page 7

Chandrayaan-2 completes final milestone before Moon landing SEE PAGE 25

Jadhav under ‘extreme pressure’, repeats Islamabad’s claims SEE PAGE 26

2 UK

AsianVoiceNews

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

7 - 13 September 2019

onetoone WITH KEITH VAZ, MP

Kenneth Nathan-Amissah Kenneth Nathan-Amissah has spent the last 7 years working directly in the Airports and Airlines industry in senior international sales and business development roles and prior to this over 12 years in the IT and Telecoms sector.

He has recently taken up the dual role as managing director for Regula Forensics UK Ltd., and global director for delivering growth of the company’s security and verification products of hardware and software solutions across airports, airline customers and strategic partners. The opportunity to make a difference using my industry experience and the opportunity to work for and be part of a progressive international business that recognises and values talent irrespective, is both a motivator and driving force to succeed. I am hoping that this feature can inspire others.

Regula is a leading manufacturer of expert devices for authenticating security documents such as passports, ID cards, driver's licences, banknotes and securities.

1

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

I guess you could say Birmingham as I spent my formative years there from the age of 6 or 7 when we came over from Ghana. I've visited many cities and countries that I could easily see myself living in, perhaps that's why I enjoy the job that I currently do.

Meeting and marrying my wife almost exactly 12 months to the day we met. She deserves a medal and we have a son of 18 and blessed with a beautiful baby daughter.

I can say that finding a soul-mate and keeping faith has been the foundation for my career to blossom.

2

To be a role model and to inspire others. It sounds a cliché but Never Give Up! The

What are your proudest achievements?

3

What inspires you?

Rashid A Khan Solicitor (Principal)

Benefit from very competitive rates, tailored advice & service to suit your specific needs, 24 hour response to all online enquries and our many years of experience.

www.rashidandrashid.co.uk

• Asylum & Immigration • New Point Based System • Settlement Application (ILR) • European Law • Nationality & Travel Documents • Human Rights Applications • High Court of Appeals • Family Matters and Divorce

• Switching Visas • Over Stayers • Legacy Cases • Work Permits • Visa Extensions • Judicial Reviews • Tribunal Appeals • Student Appeals

Immigration - Family - Stateless Child Visa

020 8540 1666 / 020 8672 0666

more Nos you get the closer you are to a Yes.

4

What has been biggest obstacle in your career?

Interesting question! For me this would be being pre-judged by others at interviews or in the workplace and thereby doors and opportunities not necessarily being opened for you. So I had to kick my way through.

5

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

My parents divorced in my late teens and coming from an African family and being the eldest of five brothers, I felt duty bound to succeed in whatever way to assist my mother and to inspire my younger brothers. Also, with four brothers it was always a competitive household.

6

What is the best aspect about your current role?

I have a couple of uncles who were diplomats for the Ghanaian government and was inspired by their international travel and conducting business overseas. My current role affords me this and I get to meet some really interesting people and understanding different cultures and ways of doing business.

A bright Pakistani student has been awarded “Highly Commended Masters Student of the Year 2019” by FindAMasters which is a database of Masters degree programmes and related opportunities globally.

Bilal Bin Saqib was awarded for the contribution he made at the campus. FindAMasters says on its website: “Our Masters student of the year award honours those who are highly motivated and demonstrate exceptional competence and curiosity in their studies.”

In a statement, the London School of Economics’ Students Union said: “A big congratulations to your outgoing Postgraduate Students' Officer Bilal Bin Saqib for his recent award of highly commended Masters Students of the year! Bilal has worked so hard to give back to the LSE community throughout his time here

9

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

I would reverse Brexit.

10

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

For me it would be the genius Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci. With his wide knowledge on all aspects of modern science and art coupled with his creative ingenuity and inventions, I could never get bored and we could even escape our desert island isolation.

where he represented 7000 students (65% of student population) at both local and international levels.

Bilal Bin Saqib told this correspondent: “It means a lot to me as it celebrates not just my academic position but also the experiences that I gained throughout the year. This year my goal has not just been on self-learning but also on making an impact among the students’ community at LSE campus.

From getting invited by the CEO of Audemars Piguet to hosting Alexandre Arnault, Alex Partridge, Sadhguru on campus, getting the chance to meet other notable personalities from all over the world, reaching a figure of 40,000 individuals in terms of impact through Tayaba.org- the year 20182019 will be marked as one of the most incredible years in my experience diary.”

0208 901 3737 E: info@crystalfs.co.uk

We can help you with all your financial requirements

Investments - ISA's

I

Inheritance Tax Planning

I

211, The Broadway, Southall, Middlesex, UB1 1NB

RASHID & RASHID SOLICITORS

To make my own significant contribution to the success of Regula Forensics and for the company to challenge the dominant players in our market sector within the next 3 – 5 years.

Professional Financial Advice you can trust

I

1 minute walk from McDonald's

What are your long term goals?

Speak to us on

07878 335 000 / 07774 222 062

Southall Office:

8

Bilal Bin Saqib

Pensions

1 minute walk from South Wimbledon Tube Station

If you love what you do, there is no worst or downside. I work with a great bunch of ambitious, hardworking and equally committed individuals who share the same values as the company's founding directors.

and we're very proud to see that his efforts have been rewarded. Well done Bilal and we wish you all the best for your next adventures.

Established in 2005, it lists over 25,000 postgraduate courses at institutions around the world. Every year, they call for applications from around the UK from Masters Students and shortlist best candidates based on their nominations, experiences, leadership qualities and academic achievements.

Bilal Bin Saqib served as a Post Graduate Students’ Officer 2018-19 at the LSE

I

190 Merton High Street, Wimbledon, London SW19 1AX

And the worst?

‘Highly Commended’ award for bright Pakistani student

FREE LEGAL ADVISE Head Office:

7

I

Life Insurance & Critical Illness Cover Mortgage Brokers

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

UK

COMMENTS

3

7 - 13 September 2019

India-Russia: Reaching for the skies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vladivostok as the Chief Guest at its Economic Forum is of seminal importance. India’s Ambassador to Russia, D.B. Venkatesh Verma denotes: ‘Russia’s Far East is a priority for us, a priority for Russia... You can expect some major announcements on how India-Russia relations are going to be diversified. And cooperation in the Russian Far East will be a major component of that diversity.’

India’s 70-year relationship with the Soviet Union/Russian Federation has long been the hub of its external relationships, without which the wheels of the country’s strategic autonomy would have come off.

Relations between the two sides have been a seamless robe of trust and understanding, surmounting domestic crises both in India and in Russia.

V.P. Menon, principal aide to the redoubtable Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in his reflection on the significance of the Pakistan-sponsored tribal invasion of the Kashmir Valley, wrote: ‘Srinagar today, Delhi tomorrow. A nation that forgets its history or its geography does so at its peril.’ The last line is impregnated with a timeless wisdom.

Russia is the pivot of Eurasia, its sword and its shield against hostile intruders from West and from East, in the last century, most notably, Nazi Germany: India is its fulcrum, its land frontier to the north and Northwest runs parallel to that of China and Pakistan, its principal neighbours and adversaries.

Dr Ashok Parthasarathi, an astrophysicist, once Scientific Adviser, in a Republic Day newspaper article in January 2010, entitled, ‘From Russia with love, as always,’ provides a comprehensive list of critical Russian military and industrial aid, of nuclear power and much else down the years, and of critical intelligence inputs to keep India ahead of the game with those who wished her ill. One may add too, Moscow’s existential support to India during the East Pakistan crisis, leading to the India-Pakistan war in December 1971 and its outcome the emergence of a sovereign Bangladesh and the shift in the regional tectonic plates of power and influence.

It would be well to recall that the Nixon-Kissinger administration and Maoist China were the closest of collaborators in their bid to keep their military client in Islamabad alive as a restraining thorn on India. The foolhardy US administration dispatched its nucleararmed Seventh Fleet to the Bay of Bengal to browbeat India, but shadowed by Soviet nuclear submarines, called off the misadventure before events went out of control. The wisest statesmanship is to move on unshackled to the past as India and the US have commendably done, yet to ignore or forget its lessons is

an invitation to peril, whatever its shape or form.

That said, a postscript on the uncertainties and pitfalls of the current international order should bring into wider focus the obstacle in the West’s deepening crises with Russia, as their fallout has a significant impact on India as well.

The October Revolution of 1917, which brought the Bolsheviks to power in Russia – a world historical event like the French Revolution of 1789 - was perceived as a threat to the established European world order, as was once the case with France.

Contemporary Russia may have ceased to be Communist and Soviet, but the Soviet legacy was one of epic economic, social, scientific and military transformation, catapulting Russia to global superpower status. The new Cold War ignited by the United States and its European allies is driven by geopolitical considerations, as much the Old, obscured partially by the unyielding epiphanies of faith. Kipling’s Great Game in the nineteenth century appears to be a mutant infinitely more dangerous with nuclear weaponry, and a looming Armageddon.

The uni-polar world of America’s Manifest Destiny is clearly unfit for contemporary purpose; a genuine multi-polar substitute will be an unworkable parody without Russia’s active participation and support. The dilemma for the West is broadly similar to that confronting Nazi Germany in the late 1930s. The brilliant English historian Hugh Trevor-Roper made a memorable observation [The Last Days of Hitler, p 57]: Nazi Germany was prepared to underwrite the sanctity of the British Empire in exfor strict British noninterference in Continental affairs; a reduced France would be guaranteed survival as an imitation Croatia.

‘But the offence of Russia was the existence of Russia.’

Operation Barbarossa, the 4 million-strong invasion of the USSR, complete with tanks and aircraft, designed to exorcize the ‘Asiatic, Jewish, Bolshevik’ ghoul. Hitler, Goebbels and the German General Staff proclaimed triumphantly an astonishing victory after a fortnight’s campaigning, with a decimated Red Army in headlong retreat. The subsequent struggle was a draining Titanomachia for the Nazi conqueror. Among the many ferocious battles of the greatest war on planet Earth, Stalingrad stood out as the point of no return for the Nazi adventurer: Homeric, horrific, it ranks surely as a battle without peer in the annals of the pre-Atomic age. The tables turned, the Red Army marched into Hitler’s capital, Berlin – to strains of the Third Reich’s Gotterdammerung. Baiting the Bear has always been a hazardous undertaking. It still is.

A step too far Brexit is turning out to be the irresistible force and the immovable force of British politics, a phenomenon like no other in living memory. Under Theresa May, government was paralysed as she journeyed back and forth to Brussels talking interminably with EU leaders and nothing but platitudes on possible solutions that remained stubbornly elusive until her last day in office.

Her successor Boris Johnson starting with a new broom, brought in fresh faces into his cabinet, promising Brexit without a deal, if required by October 31. He then prorogued Parliament until mid-October, and all hell broke loose. The Speaker of the House of Commons was appalled by the decision, and so were significant numbers of hitherto Johnson loyalists in the Tory party.

Business too expressed disapproval, with appeals to the

High Court. Widespread demonstrations across Britain remind the powers that be that the civilised public are not an endangered species, as they appeared to be in America. President Trump’s sworn, unflinching support to his chum Boris Johnson appears to have had no effect in tilting the scales in his favour. Mr Johnson’s defence that MPs blocking the No-Deal Brexit will make it more likely to weaken Britain’s negotiating position has been dismissed as specious by growing numbers of his critics in Parliament and outside, increasingly concerned by the possible catastrophic economic impact on the British economy, and consequently on British living standards.

With a majority of one in Parliament, the Prime Minister’s mandate hangs by a thread. The story looks certain to run – and run.

Indian sports women make waves The national spotlight turned on P V Sindhu’s trium in the World Badminton Championship at Basel, and deservedly so. Hima Das has won gold in running at internal events, and Mary Kom did so in women’s boxing.

Indian women’s cricket, too, has come of age, reaching the final at Lord’s not so long ago, and losing a pulsating encounter to hosts, England. Now comes news of 18 year-old diminutive Mumbai-born Jemimah Rodriquez smashing a century in 51balls in a T20 league match to guide her side, Yorkshire Diamonds to a thrilling one wicket victory, remaining 112 not out at the end.

‘It feels great to achieve this feat. Every cricketer dreams of such a moment. I still can’t believe what happened...I want to stay focused and keep doing the

hard work,’ she told an Indian reporter. ‘The league has given me the opportunity to play alongside the best cricketers in the world.’ She received calls from family and friends back home.

Jemmiah made her international debut for India in February 2018 against South Africa. Her dedication has been exemplary, hence her career promises to be one to watch in the coming months and years.

A postscript: it is worth mentioning the role of Indian women scientists in India’s space ventures, and in military missile development. The operation’s chief of the country’s intercontinental missile happened to be a woman. Closing the gender gap is still work in progress, but significant progress has been made, is being made.

The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one - Elbert Hubbard (1859-1915)

Alpesh Patel

Scorecard: India v Pakistan A couple of weeks after Kashmir became news, it’s possible to take stock of messaging.

What is not working for Pakistan?

Twitter: What is not working for Pakistan, except to its domestic audience, and British Pakistanis, are PM Khan’s tweets calling PM Modi a ‘fascist’, ‘Nazi’ and the situation in Kashmir one of ‘genocide’. This is failing because unlike Trump using Twitter to call the North Korean President ‘Rocket Man’ when any other Head of Government does it, it just reinforces the unprofessional perception of the PM of Pakistan as someone who as a former sportsman is out of his depth, and not in control of his media messaging – especially as everyone on the internet you disagree with is a Nazi nowadays.

RSS Rants: PM Khan in an op-ed in the New York Times, used it as an opportunity to draw parallels between the RSS, Hindutva and the Nazis. This fails for several reasons. First, it was a boring article.

Second, to the neutral, it stretches incredulity.

Third, Pakistan, not recognising the State of Israel, using Nazi parallels appears opportunistic and hypocritical. Finally, the article came out the same week that PM Modi is bear-hugging Muslim leaders of the most devout Islamic countries in the world.

Palestine, Human Rights and BBC: Pakistan is trying to portray Kashmir as Palestine. The problem here is that BBC journalists investigating ‘alleged Indian Army brutality’ go up against several problems. First, the BBC itself, through it monitoring service notes that Pakistani journalists are manufacturing such stories. Second, BBC journalists are roaming freely to tell their stories. Third, the Indian Army, like the British, is known to be one of the most professional in the world, whereas Pakistan’s Army is known for the rape and genocides in Bangladesh back in 1971 and so now well documented by historians independently.

So the messenger lacks credibility as such stories smack of the ‘victim’ projecting their own way of operating on the alleged perpetrator. Add to that, that Indians, this writer included have holidayed many times in the past decade in Kashmir. But no one says that about Palestine.

Terrorism: Famously, an English King asked ‘who will rid me of this man’ and there soon, the man in question was soon murdered. So PM Khan’s equally uncryptic messages stating how he would not be surprised if terrorism increased, is simply a call for terror, only reinforces the belief the neutral public has that Pakistan is a State sponsor of terrorism. People see through it. Pakistan needs a more modern communications advisor.

Nuclear Blackmail: Pakistan may have a positive self-image as land of the pure, but to move the world in the month when unfortunately for them Brexit, Brazil wild-fires, Hong Kong protests are all jostling for headline space, means it had to be more shrill – so PM Khan tried to insinuate in his tweets and articles that Pakistan is being forced into a war with nuclear repercussions. He is ill-advised. The world is not as naïve to nuclear blackmail threats as his social media and communications advisors think.

Continued on page 6 Editor: CB Patel Asian Voice is published by Asian Business Publications Ltd Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080 • Fax: 020 7749 4081 Email: aveditorial@abplgroup.com Website: www.abplgroup.com INDIA OFFICE Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad-380 015.

Tel: +91 79 2646 5960 Email: gs_ahd@abplgroup.com © Asian Business Publications

4 UK

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

7 - 13 September 2019

London is 'acid attack hotspot of western world' with victims as young as 10 Acid attacks have soared to record levels in London, with some of those injured under the age of 10.

According to new statistics from the Metropolitan Police the number of violent corrosive liquid offences surged from 66 in 2012 to 752 last year. There has been a sharp rise in attacks in recent years with 616 recorded in 2017, up from 461 the previous year, 348 in 2015, 178 in 2014 and 159 in 2013.

Seventeen attacks have been carried out on children under 10, the 2012 to 2018 figures also show. They are known to include a twoyear-old boy who suffered burns to his face when acid was thrown while he was in his pushchair near his Islington home in April 2017 in which his mother, then 36, and father, 40, were also hurt.

One of Britain’s leading criminologists said: “London has sadly become the acid attack hotspot in the western world.”

Dr Simon Harding, associate professor in Criminology at the University of West London, said criminals had turned to acid because it is cheap, easily available and instils fear in both rivals and the public.

The analysis of data,

Two victims of an acid attack in 2017 being treated by medic

obtained also revealed that domestic violence and religious or racial hatred were among the motivations for attacks.

Newham topped the list of 32 boroughs with the highest number of acid attacks between January 2015 and December 2018.

There were 316 in Newham, compared with secondplaced Barking and Dagenham (146), then Tower Hamlets (113), Hackney (91) and Redbridge (88).

Among the attacks carried out during the timeframe was when Arthur Collins hurled acid across a packed Dalston nightclub in April 2017 for which he is now serving 20 years for the attack which injured 22 people.

In another incident robbers Antoine Mensah, 21, Miracle Osondu, 19, and Mohammed Ali, 17, maimed people with acid and alkaline in a series of attacks to steal items they were advertising on Gumtree. They were jailed for a total of 32 years last September.

Earlier this month fraudster Jovan Stanley was jailed for three years for hurling ammonia at a police officer trying to arrest him after a spending spree.

In November, it became a criminal offence for the public to possess sulphuric acid above 15 per cent concentration without a licence. Offenders face a two-year prison sentence and unlimited fines.

Provisions in the Offensive Weapons Act

2019, when implemented, will ban the sale of corrosive substances to under-18s and give police extra powers to stop and search those suspected of carrying acid.

Last week Scotland Yard said it would not tolerate attacks and had adopted new measures to deal with the aftermath of an incident. The Met is working with the Home Office, the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime and the National Police Chiefs’ Council to target offenders through intelligence.

Officers are also working with the Crown Prosecution Service to increase the number of convictions. The Met said the scale of attacks had now reduced despite last year’s record total.

The Home Office said: “The [2019] Act will also give extra powers to police to stop and search those they suspect of carrying acid.”

The number of acid attacks in capital include: - Newham 316 - Barking & Dagenham 146 - Tower Hamlets 113 - Hackney 91 - Redbridge 88 - Havering 68 - Waltham Forest 46 - Enfield 44 - Kingston-upon-Thames 43 - Westminster 32

in brief EIGHT YEAR SENTENCE FOR MAN WHO HID DRUGS IN CHOCOLATE BOXES A 64-year-old man has been jailed for eight years after concealing drugs in chocolate boxes.

Hassan Akhtar, from Maidenhead was jailed at Reading Crown Court Monday for one count of being knowingly concerned in exporting a class A drug.

He was convicted by a jury's unanimous verdict on July30 after a five day trial at the same court. Akhtar was arrested on February 27 this year and charged the next day.

Senior investigating officer Detective Sergeant Rob Hood, of the Serious Organised Crime Unit, said: “We hope that this sentence demonstrates that drug dealers will be dealt with robustly in the Thames Valley, and police will always investigate such reports thoroughly.

“Akhtar has been sentenced today after he attempted to export more than 5,000 MDMA tablets to Pakistan, which had a street value of £70,000. The drugs were hidden in six tubs of Celebrations chocolates, which he sent to Pakistan using a DHL courier. The drugs were discovered by a courier after he collected the parcel. Akhtar was later identified in CCTV footage.

“Akhtar was clearly looking to profit from selling drugs, and thought that by concealing them in chocolate tubs that they would not be detected. Thames Valley Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit carried out a detailed investigation into this incident and we are pleased that Akhtar will no longer be dealing drugs in our communities. We would always urge the public to report any issues of drug dealing, as your reports can help us to investigate crimes, bring offenders to justice and seek to prevent drug dealing in our communities.”

DEVASTED FAMILY MISS FLIGHT HOLIDAY AFTER COACH DELAY

Harrow Council revokes shop’s licence A newsagent lost his licence after police discovered he hired illegal workers and paid other staff less than minimum wage.

Harrow Council’s licensing panel decided to revoke Dijeet Singh Kapoor’s licence at HR Food and Wine, in High Street, Wealdstone.

It noted “very serious breaches” of the shop’s licence and said the objective of preventing crime and disorder had been “seriously undermined”.

The application for revocation had been put forward by the Metropolitan

Police who found Mr Kapoor hired people with no right to work in the UK. They also found he hired a student whose resident permit stated she could work no more than 20 hours a week.

However, she could not provide her employer’s record of her hours worked and said she works “whenever she is needed”.

Officers also noted that two other members of staff told them they were paid £6.50 an hour, in cash.

Minimum wage as of April 2019 is £8.21 per hour for those over 25 and £7.70 for

those aged 21 to 24.

“Employing someone with no right to work or who may be in breach of their working restrictions usually means they are poorly paid in cash, meaning tax can be evaded and minimum wage laws avoided by the employer,” the police application stated.

“There are considerable efforts being made by the police and partner agencies to improve the area of Wealdstone. However, this can only be achieved with a buy in from the businesses and residents in the area.

“By employing illegal

workers and not having a good grip of their licensing practices, business owners have a hand in allowing criminal activity and antisocial behaviour to continue.”

Mr Kapoor told officers he would not allow these issues to arise again, and his representatives asked the panel to merely suspend his licence for eight weeks to allow him to address the situation.

But the panel noted he had failed to act on previous occasions and decided revocation was “appropriate” in these circumstances.

Drug-dealer who rammed BMW into hero police officer jailed for more than 12 years A drug-dealer whose car crushed a police officer into a fence, causing fractures to her leg and knee, has been jailed for 12 years and nine months.

Stafford Crown Court was told Pc Claire Bond feared for her life and those of runners taking part in a nearby 10-kilometre road race, as she was thrown to the ground by banned driver Gurajdeep Malhi's rented BMW. Malhi, 26, was jailed by the Recorder of Stafford, Judge Michael Chambers QC on Monday and was also handed a nine-year driving

ban.

The court was told Malhi crashed into a garage and other vehicles and then tried to flee from a patrol car in Stafford last September, while on licence for committing a similar offence.

Prosecutor Stuart Clarkson said cocaine with a street value of more than £2,000 was found in the BMW after Malhi was picked up by his partner Lucy Bullmore, who drove dangerously in a Range Rover as he threw child seats at pursuing police vehicles.

Pc Bond, aged 47, was trapped against a fence,

dragged along for around six feet, and then thrown to the ground, moments after she had attempted to grab the keys from Malhi's BMW. In a victim impact statement read to Stafford Crown Court, the motherof-four, who is awaiting further surgery, thanked Pc Dave Mullins for pulling her to safety.

Looking up towards the dock, where Malhi appeared in a blue suit, white shirt and yellow tie, the officer added: 'Now I have to bear the burden of the aftermath of your selfish decisions.'

But the officer added:

'Better me than 20 runners with 20 families like mine. I believe it was luck that I did my job that day, otherwise you could be sitting through 20 statements just like mine.'

Malhi, from Stafford, pleaded guilty at previous hearings to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to resist arrest, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Bullmore, 31, also from Stafford, was jailed for two years for charges of conspiracy to supply cocaine and dangerous driving.

Abdul Choudhary with his three children who were left devastated when they missed their flight due to coach delay

A National Express coach delay caused a family-of-six to miss their flight leaving the kids falling on the floor sobbing.

Abdul Choudhury, his wife and their four children, from Etruria in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, had booked a oneweek holiday to Milan to visit relatives they hadn't seen for 10 years. But they were forced to scrap their trip after a National Express coach got them to Manchester Airport almost two hours late. They desperately sprinted to their boarding gate but by the time they got there were told their plane had already left.

Now Abdul, who has been left £274.56 out of pocket, wants the company to refund the cost of his flight, reports Stokeon-Trent Live. The coach had been scheduled to leave Hanley bus station at 3.15pm and arrive at the airport at 4.30pm - two-and-a-half hours before the family's flight at 7pm. However, it didn't leave until 4.50pm. The family were dropped off at Terminal 1 at 6.25pm - a 30-minute walk away from Terminal 3.

The family made it through security but as they ran to their gate they were told the Ryanair flight had left without them.

Abdul was offered alternative flights at a cost of £600, but this was not an option so the family got the train home and missed their one-week break.

National Express has offered to refund their coach and rail travel on the day - but 54-year-old Abdul believes they should also refund the £274.56 cost of his flights.

A National Express spokesman said the delays were "out of our control" because of an earlier crash on the M6. He added: "This was due to queuing traffic caused by a major accident involving a three-vehicle collision, lane closures and emergency barrier repairs between junctions eight and nine on the northbound M6 earlier in the day.

"Our recommendation to customers when booking travel to the airport is to plan to arrive no later than three hours before the departure time of their flight to allow for any reasonable traffic and ensure they can clear check-in and security.”

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

UK

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

5

7 - 13 September 2019

Indian-origin CEO wins award for Desi pubs to community investment in biotech industry hubs, revamping failing boozers in Birmingham Sunil Shah, CEO, o2h Ventures, has won the prestigious UKBAA Angel Investor of the Year Award for his active participation in backing high growth potential startups and early-stage businesses in the UK.

Sunil’s contribution has been instrumental in the growth of biotech in UK. He has been investing into the biotech therapeutics sector since many years – a sector from which traditionally many angel investors have stayed away.

Over the years, Sunil has championed Seed Enterprise Investment (EIS) Angel investing and biotech therapeutics to generate investment into companies.

The UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA) is the national trade association representing angel and early stage investment. o2h Ventures Limited has launched the o2h Therapeutics and Artificial Intelligence fund which is the first Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme fund in the UK solely focused on early stage biotech therapeutics and related AI

Recently, some British Asians in the midlands have been transforming the previously struggling boozers as community hubs by serving beer and curry.

Sunil Shah with award presenter Rita Dhut of Newable

opportunities.

Speaking about his win, Sunil Shah said, “I feel both privileged and delighted to win this award. I plan to use this award to champion Angel and Early stage investment into biotech companies.

“I believe this is an area in which Great Britain has world’s leading expertise, on par with the massive biotech base in Boston/San Francisco, however, comparatively, there is little appetite to invest in our early stage biotech compa-

nies. Large Pharma have publicly stated that they will seek to bring in large amount of innovation from outside (through research collaborations, option deals, and acquisitions) and so I believe this positively changes the investment rationale for Angels and early stage investors into biotech companies.

“In the UK, we also have a secret weapon of tax efficient investing through the Enterprise Investment Scheme.”

Thirty years ago, most racist jibes were about curry but the curries served up in old boozers are now bringing people together in a positive way rather than be used as a negative marker to highlight racial differences.

Bera is the landlord of The Red Cow pub and Grill in Smethwick, a town where decades ago, American civil rights activist Malcolm X witnessed first hand segregation in bars and pubs. Back then the old British boozer would not be such a welcoming place for the Black and Asian community but now things have changed.

"I think most racism comes from ignorance more than anything, Asians can be racist - we have stereotypes of other communities too.

"Desi means traditional and authentic to the

Bera Mahli at The Red Cow

Birmingham Live.

Bera and his brother Gamy Hayre took over The Red Cow in 2010.

They transformed it from a rundown drinking Satnam Purewal and Surjit Purewal owners at Red hole, returning Lion in West Brom it to former homeland, the Punjab and glory as a local landmark. that is what the food we Earlier pubs in the Indian serve here is all about. community were just for Most people, whether they men only. These days as are white, black, Asian they are no longer places enjoy a nice beer and with just to drink, and Asian Indian food it's even betgirls, aunties and grandter," said Bera Mahli, mas can also be seen at owner of The Red Cow to such places.

6 UK

AsianVoiceNews

7 - 13 September 2019

Story of a 14 year old girl, who’s life changed when the school got new toilets Name of Student: Chandervati Ahir (7th Standard) School: Khandwadi Primary School Life appeared a little too challenging in this village! Enter Chandervati, wanting to study, but her grandmother adamant on not letting her. “She never wanted us to dream big (I wanted to become a teacher) and even forced my elder sister, who had not even passed high school then, to get married”. Also we had only one school in our community village which did not had proper infrastrucutre. It consisted of one classroom and common single toilet for girls and boys which was in pathetic condition, just a flat surface with neither any WC or urinals nor any tap for water. Though her father, who could never himself study due to financial problems, desired to educate his children

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

Potential donors and community leaders can make the difference between life and death for many This week, which is an organ donation week (2-6 September) shines light on the generosity of donors and the incredible impact they have on transplant recipients, and an opportunity to educate, inform and inspire people, to help save and improve more lives.

Gurch Randhawa, Professor of Diversity in Public Health and Director of the Institute for Health Research at the University of Bedfordshire said, “...As these statistics reveal, more

needs to be done to increase awareness of the importance of organ donation in the UK. “One way this can be done is through promoting dialogue about organ donation with local communities and work with faith leaders across the country to raise awareness of this issue...As such, conversations on this subject need to reach a wide breadth of ethnic and faith backgrounds.

“But we also need to be able to identify ‘cultural’ as

opposed to ‘religious’ concerns. Within hospitals, there need to be clear guidelines on how to approach individuals with requests for the donation of their loved one’s organs, coupled with specific training and counselling relating to working with families from a range of ethnic and faith backgrounds.

“What’s more, the UK Government’s Organ Donation Taskforce - which was set up to identify barriers to organ donation and

recommend actions to increase organ donation within the current legal framework – in collaboration with partners such as the University of Bedfordshire has started a dialogue around organ donation with local communities and work with faith leaders across the UK. Put simply, the impact of these types of initiatives aimed at potential donors and community leaders can make the difference between life and death for many.”

Swaminarayan Temple - East London hosts organ donation and transplantation awareness

Despite her mother’s illness and high absenteeism from school as a result of this, Chandervati proved to be a brilliant student once she got admitted to a government school. For the little time she came to school, she hesitated to use the unusable (broken and unhygienic) toilet used in common by both girls and boys, worried about clean drinking water and the barren school walls eaten away by termites. “Our school toilet were out of use in majority of days. The girls especially, faced the problem year round”. And that increased the dropout rates among girls the most.

But, “not every school is as lucky as my Govt School”, cries Chandervati in joyfulness. Yuva Unstoppable and Beefy’s Charities Aid Foundation brought about this transformation in her life, and in that of many more girls’ and boys’, when it selected their school for transformation. The school has now got separate toilets for boys and girls, “so now we no longer have to stand in long queues for using toilets”,new drinking water area and separate hand wash station, also built in my school are three new classrooms to study out of which it has been converted into digital classroom. The beautifully painted classrooms with new black boards attract many students like Chandervati to come to school happily and regularly.

We were well aware that it was Beefy’s Charities Aid Foundation which was based in London,UK that had donated to create our school a new beautiful school. We were eager to share with them our story of change in one’s life, and it was one year later after transformation that Mr. Naynesh Desai with his family visited our school, and we couldn’t wait to interact and share our stories of school and express gratitude. We had so much fun and we were inspired by the stories Mr. Desai and his families shared with us especially on girls education – says Chandervati.

“I never imagined I would study in such a beautiful school and be able to live my dream of becoming a teacher; it is all because of Beefy’s Charities Foundation who donated funds for us and Yuva Unstoppable who helped in building this beautiful school we call it our second home now and its vision to create better future for children by providing schools with clean drinking water and washrooms is which we all students will be forever grateful for”.

Yuva Unstoppable has benefited over 5,00,000 underprivileged children across 40 cities of India. Yuva has been working with 100 top and have transformed 1000 government schools (better toilets, improved drinking water, scholarships, digital literacy, value based training's, etc.). KPMG audits finances & Deloitte audits processes. Vision is to impact 10,000 schools & 10,000 Scholarships in the next 5 years.

Sponsored Charity of Asian Achievers Awards 2019

To know more about Yuva Unstoppable please visit www.yuvaunstoppable.org.

Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple East London organised Organ Donation and Transplantation awareness event on Saturday 24th August 2019 on occasion of 32nd annual Patotsav ceremony of the Temple. The aim of the event was to raise awareness about living kidney donation among Hindus and to provide practical guidance on improving organ donation rates among the Hindu Community.

Kirit Modi, Vice-chair of a national group called the Jain and Hindu Organ Donation (JHOD) & Honorary President of the

Stephen Timms MP (centre) with Kirit Modi (first from left) with other attendees

NBTA and a kidney recipient emphasised the urgent need to raise awareness of living kidney donation. He explained how Hindu communities could avail of the growing number of

resources to improve education and awareness.

Shanti Priya Swami from Bhuj Temple-India endorsed the initiative taken by the Temple and hailed all the devotees to join for this

good cause and explained how organ donation is a selfless form of ‘daan’ (charity) which allows one to give the gift of life, and is fully endorsed by the Hindu scriptures.

Kirit Suhagiya, a lead volunteer from SKS Swaminarayan Temple, further reinforced the message of giving selflessly and emphasised that living organ donation should be considered by all Hindus.

Eastham MP Stephen Tims was also present and he thanked the temple for taking this initiative and involving community for better cause.

Out and abandoned: Home Office refuses LGBTQ+ asylum claims The UK Home Office has refused over 3,000 asylum claims from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) nationals of countries where consensual same-sex acts are criminalised, according to latest figures published.

Data published by the Home Office and analysed by the Liberal Democrats highlights that approximately 1,200 LGBTQ+ individuals of Pakistani origin were refused asylum after making a claim for protection on grounds of sexual orientation between 2016

and 2018. A further 640 LGBTQ+ individuals of Bangladeshis descent and 389 Nigerians had their claims on same grounds refused during the period.

In Pakistan, “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” is punishable with life in prison, while Amnesty reports that “transgender people continued to suffer harassment and violent attacks” there. In Bangladesh, Amnesty reports that “LGBTI activists continued to be routinely harassed and subject to arbitrary detention by state and

non-state actors”.

Applications for asylum on grounds of sexual orientation were also refused for nationals of Cameroon (136), Ghana (144), Iran (124) and Uganda (145). There were also refusals for nationals of Iraq, Jamaica and Malaysia.

In 2018 the Home Office refused 970 LGBTQ+ claims from nationals of countries where same-sex acts were criminalised, down from 1,096 in 2017 and 1,043 in 2016.

“This Conservative government is letting down every LGBT+ person and

every individual in this country who cares about human rights. We should be leading the campaign across the world against homophobia and transphobia. Instead we have a government that is turning its back and looking the other way,” said Christine Jardine, the Lib Dems’ spokesperson for Home Affairs. This is in light of recent controversy wherein an immigration judge rejected the asylum claim of a man from a country where homosexuality is illegal in part because he did not have a gay “demeanour”.

Scorecard: India v Pakistan Continued from page 3

They are not being out-manoeuvred by India, but instead, hanging themselves by their own words. The Indian strategy of non-engagement is the right one. It’s beneath the Indian PM. British Labour MPs are definitely working (overtime) for Pakistan. The call for protests, albeit in the case of Lord Ahmed (now ex-Labour) by a man going through a paedophile trial like many other British Pakistanis. Oh boy, have you got the worst possible messenger. Sadly, just as Parliament is focussed on Brexit, such Labour efforts to talk about Pakistan-India smacks of a lack of concern for your own country (Britain) by British Pakistani MPs. The Labour leadership falls into the oftstated accusation they have a knee-jerk extreme left-wing sympathy for terror-

ists such as Hamas, Hezbollah, IRA and never for the democratic state protecting law and order which are seen as ‘right-wing’ values.

What is Working for India?

America: The messages from the likes of the US Congress’s powerful Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives, Eliot Engel, a Democrat, stating that this is a matter for India and Pakistan to resolve and before dialogue Pakistan has to dismantle its terrorist infrastructure, is stronger than any message from a comparable European voice. This follows Republican President Trump’s Tweet of January 1st last year where he condemned Pakistan for their lack of help in the war on terror. It seems India has done what no other issue has done in this US Presidency – united

Democrats and Republicans.

United Nations: Also, the Indian Ambassador to the UN – in his speech at the UN, where he answered questions from Pakistani journalists and hitting them back on issues of Human Rights – revealed authenticity and reinforced what neutral observers believe about India – it’s a democracy respecting human rights. But like all such democracies may fail in practice at times.

Brand Equity: In the end, it is the people and history. The world has interacted with Indians and India and the country has a certain positive brand equity and Pakistan has a negative brand equity score. Unfortunately Pakistan, even if you were not crying wolf, you would still be seen as a Cassandra. What to do? It’s the price of past ills. Start the long journey to redemption.

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

UK

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

7

7 - 13 September 2019

BORIS' SHENANIGANS STALLED Continued from page 1

Johnson appears determined to leave the EU with or without a deal on 31st October. But over the last three years economists, parliamentarians and financial institutions have echoed concerns around the consequences of a crashing out of the EU without a deal.

When David Cameron had held the Brexit referendum, he had been expecting for the people to vote 'Remain'. However, majority voters believed propagandist claims made by Nigel Farrage and other such politicians driving the “leave” sentiment in the UK. Thus, Theresa May stepped in David Cameron's shoes at a time when there was no working formula around Brexit. The former Prime Minister had done everything in her negotiations with the EU to avoid a nodeal Brexit and in her attempts had even announced a general election in 2017 where Tories lost their majority in Parliament.

After Government lost the vote on Tuesday by 27 votes, Boris Johnson said, “Parliament is on the brink of wrecking any deal we might reach with Brussels. I don't want an election but then the public has to choose who goes to Brussels on 17th October. But if MPs vote tomorrow to stop the negotiation then I will table the motion for general elections and campaign for leaving the EU on 31st October.”

On Wedneday, Opposition MPs and rebel Conservative lawmakers will try to pass a bill that would prevent the Prime Minister from taking the UK out of the EU on October 31 without a deal.

Britain's opposition Labour Party wants an election as soon as possible but the "sequencing" has to be right to ensure a no-deal Brexit was blocked first, the party's top legal policy chief Baroness Shami Chakrabarti said on Tuesday. On the other hand she alongside Scottish Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC, who is Scotland’s senior law officer, and the Welsh Government have also been given permission to join Gina Miller's (who has Indian roots) legal action over the decision to suspend Parliament. The High Court, which will hear Ms Miller’s judicial review on Thursday, has granted permission to Sir John Major to intervene in the case in writing.

At a time when country seems to have a leadership crises, factions within the Tory party are struggling to keep the party intact.

Internal fights: Javid's media advisor sacked Tory Government's internal fights are brought to spotlight with the recent sacking

of Sonia Khan. A Treasury media adviser of Sajid Javid, she was escorted by armed police from Downing Street after a confrontation with Johnson's chief strategist Dominic Cummings. Khan was accused of lying about her conversations with chancellor Philip Hammond’s former staff member Poppy Trowbridge.

Cummings is understood to have found evidence which suggest that they had been in touch on her personal mobile phone.

Khan was the second adviser working for Javid to be sacked by No 10, leading to suggestions that Javid is becoming increasingly isolated from the core of the Johnson regime.

commit to our orders. It is difficult to assure them that business will continue without disruptions.

“In the last two years, we have set up more of a presence in Europe to ensure products are delivered on time at competitive rates and have opened up a Euro account. I have established a warehouse in Europe as well which means that the products do not have to come to the UK and can be shipped directly from our headquarters in Europe.”

Manufacturing index at the lowest in seven years In the meantime, political uncertainties have stumped growth. The country's manufacturing output has hit a seven-year low, and service sector has recorded the worst performances in the past decade. All the above is indicated by IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). IHS Markit, which compiles the monthly survey, said production had been stifled by “political uncertainty” and “global trade tensions”.

Another extension can result in the country potentially departing from EU in January 2020. A group of the world’s leading business organisations, including from the US, Japan and Australia, have warned the UK that a no-deal Brexit would damage its reputation with some of its biggest trading partners.

In an open letter signed by some of the biggest lobby groups in the western world, representing more than 4m companies from eight countries, the organisations said they had “grave concerns” about the rising chance of a no-deal departure on 31 October.

Amidst such chaos, businesses have echoed concerns around being jammed in administration and documentation procedures. Most firms that export only to the EU do not have the paperwork they need to carry on their business after a nodeal Brexit, government figures have suggested in the recent past.

Exports and European headquarters T-sticks is an award-winning FMCG start-up introducing an innovative teadrinking concept that removes the needs for strainers, tea-bags and spoons. Speaking about the challenges that Brexit has posed to his business, Ricky Kothari, owner and founder of T-Sticks says, “Over the last three years, our biggest challenge has been working with our distributors and partners in Europe and getting them to

Ricky Kothari

T-sticks prides itself in being a British brand and regardless of the circumstances will continue to base its headquarters in London.

However, terms and conditions around Brexit may favour for the development of their branch office in Europe. This will enable them to efficiently liase with their European clients as well as retain their employees from European countries. Currently, there is no clarity around the Government's proposed white paper and the freedom of movement of European citizens once Brexit happens, another concern among leading businesses. T-Sticks esti-

mates its trade with EU clients comprises approximately 45% of its wholesale and distribution business.

According to IHS Markit reports the amount of export trade fell at the fastest rate for seven years, with some firms reporting that EU-based clients were “routeing supply chains away from the UK” due to Brexit. New orders from the US and Asia have also fallen.

On 3rd September as we went to press, Sterling hit a three-year low against the dollar falling below $1.20 to its lowest level since October 2016. A slump in the Sterling, has favoured Tsticks to record a steady growth of business in light of their UK-EU exports.

“Currently, I have a shipment coming in from Europe to the UK. Owing to the Government's requirement for additional documentation, the shipment is delayed in its release from the customs department,” he says.

EORI registration number and license After the UK leaves the EU, firms that trade with their EU counterparts will need an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number to comply with customs rules. Firms that export and import beyond the EU already have an EORI number, but registration has become a pressing issue for the 245,000 companies who trade internationally only within the EU. A no-deal Brexit would be particularly difficult for them because, instead of having current rules apply during a transition, they could find their trading opportunities shut down after 31 October without an EORI number.

UK-India trade relations and storm over Kashmir

Boris Johnson has emphasised on his intent of strengthening UK-India trade relations and on his phone call to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his regret over the violence on Indians at the protest on 15th August outside the Indian High Commission.

On Tuesday, 3rd September, as we went to press there was another protest and violent attack on the Indian High Commission in London. This followed after the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said any allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir since India revoked the Article 370 of the Constitution must be "thoroughly, promptly and transparently" investigated.

Conservative MP from Harrow East Bob Blackman (Harrow East) has been a long-standing advocate for the rights of the Kashmiri Hindu Pandits. He asked, “It has been a long-standing policy of the Government

that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is a bilateral issue. It has also been this House that stands up for human rights and the protection of minorities. Therefore, does my right hon. Friend agree that the abolition of article 370, which discriminates against women and minority religions, is to be welcomed?” he asked.

Shailesh Vara, Conservative MP for North West Cambridgeshire also raised concerns around the recent protest and asked, “Will my right hon.

Friend confirm that the violence and abuse targeted towards the British Indian community on that occasion are completely unacceptable, as they would be against any community on the streets of the UK?” asked In response Raab had said any violence should be deplored and efforts made to promote good relations between communities in the UK.

8 UK

AsianVoiceNews

7 - 13 September 2019

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

As I See It

Shrinathdham Patotsav Mahotsav CB Patel

Dear Readers, Great Britain is "great" in every aspect of the word. It is one of the better countries to live in today. Over the years, it has welcomed people of all nationalities, faiths, skin colour, and tradition. It provides services to all its citizens equally. Be it law and order, health services or education, Britain has many unique services open for qualified people of all backgrounds to reach their highest aspirations. There is freedom of faith here. The country has over 200 Hindu temples.

Shrinathdham National Haveli is a Vaishnavite temple centered in Harrow.

It also has group assemblies in other towns and cities of the UK besides purpose-build and traditional havelis in the US, Australia and Kenya. The first Haveli in Leicester is quite active. Vrajdham Haveli, Leicester has its headquarter at Bhaktidham Haveli in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The new haveli's Patotsav Mahotsav was inaugurated on August 30.

It is a week-long celebration.

The inauguration was blessed with the presence of Vaishnavacharya Shri Dwarkeshlal Ji, popularly called JJ Shree.

Head of the mission, he was accompanied by his predecessor and father, and their divine family. Trustees Subhashbhai Lakhani, Jagdishbhai Patel, Minaben Popat, Dalpatbhai Kotecha, and Pramodbhai Thakkar serves very diligently. The National Haveli and Community Centre is located at 2a Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow, HA1 2SU. Phone number is 020 8861 1207, and for more information, one can e-mail them at info@shrinathdham.org.uk.

A rather unique Souvenir was published on the auspicious occasion. It is full of information on the Sampradaya of the Organisation. The issue involves information on Characters and history of Pushti Marg, introduction to Pushti Marg philosophies, Shrinathji- the Divine form of Lord Krishna, Shri Yamunaji, and various utsavs of Pushti Marg with extensive questions and answers that would prove to be very helpful for the young, old, and all those interested in the Sampradaya.

Dear Readers, I believe it would be Interesting for you to know that the three basic foundation stones of Pushti Marg are Gnan Marg, Karma Marg, and Bhakti Marg. All three aspects have been brilliantly expressed in the souvenir. In all honesty, the special souvenir deserves all appreciation and praise.

At the inauguration ceremony, the audience flocked in hundreds, included a

majority of young, educated people from UK and abroad. At the ceremony, JJ Shree delivered a very inspired address. He briefly narrated the discourse of the Sampradaya. He wholeheartedly appreciated the Souvenir board.

I was invited to speak at the event too.

I referred to the historical background of the Sampradaya. It began in the mid-16th century during the Mughal era. Among Emperor Akbar's wives were Rajput princesses, who were encouraged to follow Krishna worship. The King had also installed Hindu shrines where pooja and aarti were regularly carried out. It is also historically recorded that Akbar himself participated in them with full enthusiasm.

One of his wives, Begum Chand Bibi who was a Muslim, was a staunch believer of Vaishnav Pushti Marg and composed several hymns and bhajans that are popular even today.

I also mentioned well-known Pakistani-Canadian journalist Tarek Fatah's recent article from the Toronto Sun. He had written in favour of India's revocation of Article 370. The beauty of Bhakti Marg is that there are 80 per cent Hindus in India. Hinduism is a broad religion that exercises enormous harmony. It is non-violent. There is only one God but sages worship under different names.

Sanatan Dharma which is commonly called Hindu religion is a continuous faith tradition older than others. It has no one particular founder or book. It is like a big tree with its long roots that symbolise values, thoughts and principles. It's trunk supports the branches that are the Sampradayas. Sanatan Dharma is more a way of life than a religion.

I recollected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent 2-day visit to the Gulf, especially Bahrain and Dubai. He was felicitated as a friend of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with the prestigious 'Order Zayed' in Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed had said, "My brother Modi has arrived." With his visit, Modi has shown to the world that Islam in the Gulf is not as extreme as is viewed. I also mentioned the similar ceremony that was organised to welcome Modi at a Vaishnav Temple in Bahrain. He launched the $4.2 million redevelopment project of the almost 190 year old Haveli.

It is also worthwhile remembering there are centuries old temples in other places. There is a huge mosque near the Dham in Harrow. While this is unique in other countries, it is exceptionally normal in India. All religions live in perfect harmony, striking the perfect balance for a less-flawed society.

Launch of 25th Anniversary Celebrations of Neasden Temple

His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – popularly known as the ‘Neasden Temple’ – on 20 August 1995. Over the past 24 years, the internationally renowned Mandir – the first of its kind outside of India – has served the local community and inspired millions from across the world as a place of worship, learning, celebration, peace, and spiritual harmony.

To celebrate Mandir’s 25th anniversary in August 2020, a series of inspiring projects were launched on Saturday 31 August 2019 in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Swayamprakash Swami (Doctor Swami), Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, and other senior swamis of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha from India and the UK. The projects will comprise a year-long programme of inspirational initiatives to celebrate the 25-year milestone. They include ways in which individuals can grow in their personal spirituality and moral integrity, families can develop stronger bonds of respect, love and harmony, and the Mandir can serve the wider community with on-going educational, health and other charitable drives.

The special evening

began auspiciously with swamis and devotees lighting traditional oil lamps under the central dome in the inner sanctum and also in the assembly hall. As each project was introduced, volunteers and swamis placed a kalash and devotional offerings on decorative pillars, signifying the support the Mandir has provided to individuals, families and the communi-

while Pujya Doctor Swami spoke of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s tireless dedication and personal sacrifices to that vision and build a traditional mandir in London. Video blessings from Mahant Swami Maharaj brought the celebrations to a fitting conclusion, in which he urged everyone to heartily join in the celebrations and together build a better,

ty at large.

A series of discourses, video presentations and panel discussions illustrated the vision and construction of the Mandir and depicted many stories of selfless sacrifice and unsung commitment from dedicated individuals. Guest speakers also narrated the profound impact of the Mandir’s activities in their lives and in that of other individuals and families.

Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami recollected Yogiji Maharaj’s vision from his visit to London in 1970

stronger community by becoming better individuals first.

Earlier, in the morning, the 24th anniversary of the Mandir was celebrated with the traditional ‘patotsav’, a Vedic ceremony marking the anniversary of the Mandir’s opening. The ceremony included a panchamrut abhishek (ritual bathing) of the murtis and an annakut (offering of food). Devotees and swamis prayed for peace, progress and righteous prosperity to prevail in the UK and around the world.

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

UK

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

9

7 - 13 September 2019

LIVING BRIDGE A star is born, from humble beginnings in Kenya to stardom in the UK Brining the jewels of

Rohit Vadhwana

UK-India together The week began with International Jewellery London (IJL), a premier exhibition of gems and jewellery at the Olympia London from 1st to 3rd September. Jewellery is always an attraction for everyone, so it is difficult to say what particularly was the main attraction of the show. But there were certain Indian elements which I must bring to the forefront.

For the first time, there was an India-UK bilateral round table meeting where I held discussions on bilateral engagement in gems and jewellery sector with Simon Forrester, CEO of the National Jewellery Association. It was the first meeting, but a very fruitful one. It would not have been possible without the support and active efforts of Indian jewellers, especially Jayant Reniga of Pure Jewels.

Moving ahead, there was a panel discussion on the topic of ‘British Asian Jewellery Consumers and their Insatiable Love of Jewellery’ which was moderated by David Brough, Editor and Co-founder of Jewellery Outlook magazine.

Panellists were Paul Beesley, (Biard & Co.), Pravin Pattni, (Minar Jewellers), Manju Munot, (Dimee International) and Sameer Lilani, (Amrapali Jewels) where I delivered concluding remarks.

During the day, I interacted with several jewellers and designers to understand and also to promote India’s engagement in the sector. Very interestingly, there were some noticeable India-connected jewellery designers, more like start-ups. One of them was Kastur Jewels of Rajvi Vora. She won the ‘Fashion Fusion’ category in the first-ever ‘Leading Lights Awards’ held at the IJL. The brand derives title from her grandmother’s name and she creates fusions of classical designs with modern fashions.

Rajvi’s primary inspiration lies in Historical royal India, yes Maharajas and Maharanis.

While Indian origin jeweller Jayant Reniga’s company Pure Jewels was shortlisted for ‘Best Use of Technology’ category, a Delhi based blogger Preeta Agarwal won the ‘Blogger of the Year’ award.

Another interesting designer was Aurelie Dellasanta, a Swiss-French designer who has engaged with underprivileged children in India for making her jewellery. She also funds some children’s schooling in India. Dhrangadhra in Gujarat was the place where she learnt some techniques of jewellery making and she proudly displays them in her collection which is inspired by animal shapes. One of her collection – Jeevan – highlights Indian style and make.

A young entrepreneur Dhwani Bansal proudly exhibited her collection which she had brought from her Bangalore based showroom. She studied Jewellery Designing in UK, went to India and started her own brand which she aims to expand in the UK. Her promising work will certainly become favourite of many in the near future.

The gems and jewellery sector is very important in India with the domestic size of approximately USD 75 billion, having more than 300,000 players, generating 4.6 million employment and earning USD 32 billion in export revenue during FY 2018-19. Similarly, here in UK also, Indian consumers of jewellery provide a sizeable market in UK as they still retain insatiable love for jewellery. The craftsmanship of India, with a long tradition of jewellery making, can add a golden touch to the jewellery market of UK. Can we say, these jewellers and the connection of jewellery is a living bridge between India and UK?

(Expressed opinion is personal) Do you have a story or suggestion for this column?

Email at: livingbridgeasianvoice@gmail.com

Man has been jailed after admitting to coercive behaviour 34 year old Tarang Katira from Acton has pleaded guilty to one charge of controlling or coercive behaviour (contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015) at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday, 10 July. On Thursday, 29 August, he was sentenced to 22 months' imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay £1,500 costs, and a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim. On 29 April 2018, police were called to their home to a report that she had been assaulted by Katira following

Tarang Katira

an argument. Officers attended and Katira was arrested.

He pleaded guilty to a number of incidents between September 2017 and April 2018 of physical, verbal and psychological abuse.

Nitin Ganatra is a household name who needs no introduction. But very few are aware of the hardships that the EastEnders star and his family faced when they initially moved from Kenya to live in England.

Born in Kenya, Nitin was only three years old when he arrived in this country with his father Jayantilal Kakubhai Ganatra. Today, his father, recalls his emotional journey from the small village of Yala in Kenya to Coventry. Says Mr. Jayantilal, “We had a small general provisions business in Kenya where we used to supply infrastructure material from fertilisers, cement, barbed wires to building bricks.”

Jayantilal’s grandfather, Popatlal, was one of the thousands of Indians who came to East Africa, at a time when many were driven by famine at home, between 1896 and 1902 to work on constructing a railway to link Mombasa on the coast with Lake Victoria.

Conditions were so dire that, of the 32,000 Indian labourers who worked on the project, around 2,500 died.

Regardless of the conditions, Popatal looked at the optimistic note and stayed in the country when his three-year contract was up, went into business, and started a new store on one of the new towns, Broderick Falls, later known as Webuye, that was established along the railway line. The business was steady and growing but political atmosphere in Kenya shifted after 1963, when it achieved independence.

“We had good relations with the district officers and commissioners who assured us that we will not face any obstruction in business. But some of my well-wishers including some Parliamentarians advised to me that changing rules and regulations in the country may hinder the future of my children,” recalls Mr. Jayatilal.

Following independence, new laws were introduced where business had to renew their trading licenses annually and business ventures were encouraged to have African-origin stakeholders. In the meantime, there were noticeable tensions in the communities and many citizens were served with a “quit-notice” by the government. Amidst such tensions Nitin’s father chose to leave Kenya as opposed to surrendering his Commonwealth passport and becoming a Kenyan citizen.

Before joining the fami-

ly-run business, owing to his excellent skills in mathematics, Jayantilal had previously served at the Standard Bank of South Africa Limited in Kisumu.

Gradually, he expanded his family business but over the years his family’s assets were seized by the Kenyan government when they left in 1971 and, with the help of a £2,000 loan, he started out his business again in the UK. Today he reminisces the hard work behind setting up the family newsagents in Coventry. He says, “We came penniless from Kenya. I asked the bank manager for a loan of £2,000 and he refused because I had stayed in the UK for only a few days.

When I used my wife’s jewellery as a deposit, he gave me a loan for three years which I repaid within nine months.”

Overcoming the language and culture barriers, Mr. Jayantilal Ganatra with his wife Manglaben successfully ran the newsagents that continues to operate in Coventry even today. In the meantime, his son Nitin has found his calling in the performing arts and culture

Nitin Ganatra

industry. Over the years, a number of stories have focussed on Nitin's stardom and his acting career. Today, speaking about integration, and adapting to the British culture, he says, “We have come a long way in the UK today to

embracing a multi-cultural society. But it is equally important for one to understand their roots and heritage.” In 2013 series of Who do You Think you Are? Nitin explored his origins in Gujarat, India and Kenya, Africa.

10 READERS VOICE

AsianVoiceNews

7 - 13 September 2019

Islamophobia To: Rt Hon Anna Soubry MP- anna.soubry.mp@parliament.uk Dear Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group on Muslims, You may or may not be aware that two days ago a young Sikh girl was abducted in Pakistan, forcibly converted to Muslim faith and married off to a Muslim man.

All this against her will.

I have discussed this shameful incident with my family, friends and colleagues. I am sure many other people have as well, and will continue to do so for some more days to come.

Does our discussion mean we are Islamophobic?

Will we be castigated from the community of the UK? Will fatwa be issued against us?

I am confused and I will be grateful if you could put my mind at rest with your clarification.

I may share this e-mail and your reply with my family, friends and colleagues and others as we all are genuinely worried by this banana republic attitude by British parliamentarians and others.

Chuni Chavda By email (NB: At the time of printing the MP had yet to respond to my letter.)

Triple brain drain for BJP Although BJP is rich, affluent party when it comes to human resources, honest, efficient leaders, no political party can withstand such triple losses as BJP has suffered recently. First to depart was popular and extremely efficient administrator, Chief Minister of Goa, Manohar Parrikar, who was handpicked by PM Modi to be Defence Minister at the Center.

When BJP failed to get absolute majority, the Goa coalition demanded return of Parrikar as CM, one condition for their support. But his tenure was short lived; he perished at the age of 63, a victim of dreadful cancer that deprives India of many aspiring politicians.

Next to go was equally popular Sushma Swaraj, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the last BJP government. The diplomatic Swaraj was as popular in foreign countries she visited, as she was in India. No wonder so many foreign dignitaries lined up to pay their last respect. She had recently kidney transplant, was in poor health and did not contest the last parliamentary election.

The last, to complete the trilogy was the sad loss of Arun Jaitley, a remarkable politician who once held duel post of Finance and Defence Ministers, both demanding portfolios even for this giant of an intellectual.

I remember his last visit to London when OFBJP held small gathering at Sangat Hall where he spoke so fluently and elegantly that he put other equally brilliant speakers like Shri CB, Barry Gardiner and Lord Popat in shade!

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Arun Jaitley - The Master Strategist of the Bharatiye Nation India recently lost a nobleman, a rare unique breed who embodiment successful political structure of his country and led a foundation of wisdom and Law. From the young age, Arunji had a sound university education in political science, public relations and forming government policies. With his enormous experience, he was a great support for guidance to the Indian Prime Minister.

Arunji held various portfolios: - General Secretary of B.J.P. - Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.

- Prseident of the student union.

- Finance Minister, Minister of corporate affairs - Defence Minister. A Senior advocate in the Supreme Court - Former additional Solicitor General of India.

Arunji was born in a family of lawyers His children, Sonali and Rohan are both lawyers. He displayed through his entire political career outstanding gifts of intellect, political wisdom, his utter love of his Nation and his standing revels the heights the government enjoys to-day. He displayed not only tactical ingenuity and political ferocity, but also political sagacity and magnanimity.

Arunji's strategical projection of the national socialism and the art of government saw B.J.P making great strides towards a massive political win and thus form a dynamic government. His policies, guidance, foundation structure were capable of explicating reality (success) on all levels.

History will record Arun Jaitley with the likes of other master strategists- Sir Winston Churchill, President Eisenhower and Margaret Thatcher.

Ramesh Nehru By email

Onam, an Indian festival of Kerala Onam is a harvest festival celebrated by the Malayali people of Kerala. It is a state festival which falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (either in August or September) according to Malayalam calendar. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. The Malayalis celebrate this festival with unity without the difference of caste and religion.

Onam is a celebration of ten days. The festival is marked by various sports and festivities in Kerala, including worshiping, music, dances, games and boat races. People put flower mats in front of their houses on this day, to welcome the King Mahabali. Onam is celebrated with lots of cultural elements. This festival is the most important harvest festival of Kerala. Keralites all over the world celebrate this festival with great pomp and gaiety.

Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai, India

UK falls to bottom of G7 growth league in second quarter With uncertainty about Brexit and utter confusion on nodeal Brexit by PM Boris Johnson antics, United Kingdom falls to bottom of G7 growth table. The cumulative effect has led to Toyota car manufacturer to pause car production in UK, house price growth halted in August, business confidence is low and there is steep fall in lending to businesses and it is the ‘worst decline in the car industry since 2001.

All other advance economies performed better than Britain in the second quarter of 2019. Canada topped the G7 with strong growth of 0.9% in the second quarter. The US and Japan both posted solid, if unspectacular, growth of 0.5% and 0.4% respectively. Back in 2015, the then chancellor George Osborne proudly declared that Britain was “growing faster than any other major advanced economy”, after the UK outpaced the rest of the G7 in 2014. The present chancellor, Sajid Javid, cannot make such a boast when he presents the government spending review next week.

The UK’s second-quarter contraction was partly caused by stockpiling in the run-up to the original Brexit deadline at the end of March. This has dragged economic down. The solution for the down turn of the economy is the unresolved and lingering issue of no-deal Brexit. No one knows whether we are coming or going. It is time to take the bull by its horn and sort it before 31 October, otherwise the country will face mayhem.

Baldev Sharma Rayners Lane, Harrow

Children being robbed of their childhood joys Shortages of affordable homes in supposedly fifth biggest economy are not only a disgrace, but it robs children of their childhood joy, sentiments and memories that should serve these deprived children well in their adulthood.

We all know thousands of families live in overcrowded homes, converted office blocks where family of four share just one bedroom with common cooking and bathroom facilities, so often shared between a dozen families. Latest and most disturbing concept of lack of affordable homes is use of containers, described as “Hell Homes” not fit for animals, except for those animals being transported to slaughter houses!

These containers made of metal, get extremely hot in summer and freezing cold in winter, damp and mould infected, detrimental for human health, especially young and innocent children who do not understand why they are confined to such basic existence while most of their friends live in comfortable suburbia homes with big gardens. It is estimated 1:3 million live in such temporary accommodations that include hotchpotch B & B, overcrowded, filthy and neglected, Office Blocks and Shipping Containers.

No wonder many children suffer from asthma, lung problems and similar illnesses associated with poor, unhealthy accommodation, not fit for the purpose that puts avoidable stress on our already overworked NHS, although many feel that it is better than sleeping rough on city streets, what a low expectation in a modern, wealthy nation!

Most of these families are from war torn countries like Somalia, Eretria, South Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan and few more. Some of them have experienced such Container lifestyle in Calais but were expecting somewhat better living standard in hospitable England, supposedly “Land of Milk and Honey where streets are paved with gold!

It is time for government to divert hefty sum from our ever bulging “Overseas Aid Budget” of some £15 billion to home front; to take care of our own poor, deprived, homeless, sick and disable people living in unimaginable hell that is difficult to comprehend for our Ivory Tower living politicians out of touch with reality at grassroots’ level but propitiate on international stage!

Kumudini Valambia By email

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

Welcoming young readers to write in our Diwali issue Dear Readers, Diwali this year is on Sunday 27th October.

The New Year is knocking at the door waiting to bring in colours and light to our lives with fervour of joy and ever lasting happiness. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar will once again be publishing the ‘Diwali Special’ Magazine for our fabulous and supportive readers like yourself. This year we are once again inviting our young readers to send in their articles for the English section.

1. If you are between 5-25 years of age, write an article in English on either of the following topics in no more than 350 words, along with a suitable photo: l how do you celebrate your Diwali every year OR l Your most memorable Diwali with friends and family OR l how do you celebrate Diwali in your school'.

2. If you are 2-25 years of age, you can also draw/paint a picture of what Diwali means to you or your memorable Diwali, with a suitable photo caption, your full name, age; scan and send the picture to the the below address, by the mentioned deadline.

3. If you are within 9-25 years of age, you can also write a short story within 350 words or a poem within 150 words for our Diwali special.

4. If you are a part of an organisation, which has a youth wing or support youth activities, please tell us how your young members or youth wing celebrates Diwali in 300 words with 2 pictures (in no less than 300dpi).

Send your articles/stories/poem with your photo and/or painting/picture to aveditorial@abplgroup.com.

Last date of entry: 30th September 2019.

- Asian Voice

Deep roots of Sanatan Dharma festivals Recently, Bharatiya diaspora throughout the world celebrated Janmashtami, Raksha Bandhan and Onam for the golden rule of King Mahabali. Today (2nd Sep) Ganesha Chaturthi is being celebrated. Navaratri, Dussehra and Diwali will follow soon. The Sanatan Dharma festivals are punctuated throughout the year for cultural development, harmony and betterment of family and society. The mode of celebration varies for each region and each community.

The roots of all Sanatan Dharma festivals are embedded deep in ancient events which occurred thousands of years ago in the land of Bharat. Rama Navami, Navaratri, Dussehra and Diwali have their roots in Ramayana. Ganesha Chaturthi has its roots thousands of years before that in Rigved which was composed at least five thousand years ago.

A letter writer recently said that Raksha Bandhan was started by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Which is not true. Janmashtmi and Raksha Bandhan have their roots in Mahabharata. The first attested use of Raksha Bandhan in the English language dates to 1829, in James Tod’s Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan.

Narsibhai Patel New Malden

Five minutes of fame People who read my letters in AV and GS often ask me what monetary or otherwise rewards I get for my published letters in this column. I have to tell them that I write out of interest.

I do not expect or indeed get any financial benefits from this.

The immense pleasure and self satisfaction I get in seeing my name in the print cannot be described in words. What started as a first hesitant letter a decade or so ago has grown from strength to strength and now stands at over 500 published letters.

In my retirement from 35 years’ work in the Civil Service (Department of Education and Science) where my job consisted of drafting speeches, briefings and letters for ministers, the contributions in this column keep my brain ticking.

I feel proud when people recognise me as one of the writers on this page. In these days of fast moving life, if one does not keep the brain ticking, it would not be too long to succumb to diseases of the brain like Alzhameirs’ or dementia to take grip on the person who does not take positive steps to exercise the brain.

Many retired people do not take part in activities which challenge the brain and thus let the functions of the brain go downhill. I would encourage them to cultivate an interest like joining a club or going out and about. Perhaps join this column as a letter writer?

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

EDUCATION

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

11

7 - 13 September 2019

Teacher starting salaries could rise to £30,000

Ofsted inspections for toprated schools to be reinstated

Starting salaries for teachers in England could rise by up to £6,000 under new government plans.

The Department for Education said the move would make new teachers' salaries - set to rise to £30,000 by 2022-23 "among the most competitive" in the graduate labour market.

Unions say the increase is long overdue, and necessary, to attract enough graduates into the profession.

The proposal is the latest education announcement by the government.

On Friday, a multi-billion pound cash boost was promised for schools in England over the next three years, while Chancellor Sajid Javid also pledged to invest an extra £400m into further education for 16 to 19-yearolds.

The minimum salary for teachers in England and Wales, excluding London, is currently £23,720, according to the government's Get Into Teaching website.

Schools rated outstanding will no longer be exempt from inspections by Ofsted, under new plans announced by the Department for Education (DfE).

The move is part of proposals to help struggling schools in England.

The government stopped inspectors from carrying out routine inspections of top-rated schools in 2011, but the DfE said bringing them back would ensure parents had up-to-date information.

Ofsted called for their reintroduction after concerns about falling standards.

It highlighted the issue last year, saying that as some schools had not been inspected for a decade or more, there was a chance their ratings no longer truly reflected standards at the school.

The exemption, intro-

The minimum for inner London is £29,664.

Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said the proposed increase to teachers' starting salaries was "fundamentally necessary" if the government was going to get enough graduates to choose teaching.

She said: "Teacher training targets have been missed for six years in a row, and this announcement may go some way to making teaching more attractive."

However, she said it did not address the issue of retaining experienced teachers, adding that almost half of teachers in England leave the profession within

10 years.

The DfE said the investment announced by the prime minister last week would ensure that "pay can be increased for all teachers".

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will set out his proposal to increase teachers' starting salaries in a letter to the School Teachers' Review Body, asking for their recommendations.

He said: "I want the best talent to be drawn to the teaching profession and for schools to compete with biggest employers in the labour market and recruit the brightest and the best into teaching."

Half of parents 'want mobile phones banned in schools' Just under half of UK parents, 49%, think their child's school should ban mobile phones, a survey by price comparison site uSwitch suggests.

One in eight parents said their child's school had already done so.

The survey, of just over 1,000 people, also suggested that the average value of gadgets taken to school by each child was £301.

Last year, the then-culture secretary Matt Hancock said he admired

schools that had enforced mobile phone bans.

However, some have argued that bans prevent children from learning how to "self-regulate" their use of electronic devices such as smartphones.

The survey, carried out

by Opinium on behalf of uSwitch, suggested that the average cost of gadgets taken to school by children was rising.

Extrapolating across the total population of UK school pupils, uSwitch esti-

mated that the value of all gadgets taken to schools in 2019 will reach £2.3bn.

Plus, 43% of children now have a newer model of phone than their parents, and in total adults are spending £13bn every year on phone bills racked up by their offspring.

duced when Michael Gove was education secretary, aimed to focus resources on the worst-performing schools but was criticised at the time.

A National Audit Office report in 2018 found 1,620 schools, most of them outstanding, had not been inspected for six years or more, and 290 for a decade or more.

Earlier this year, England's schools standards watchdog re-inspected 305 schools rated outstanding that had specific issues, and 80% lost their top-level rating.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), which represents leaders in the majority of schools in England, welcomed the announcement to reintroduce inspections for outstanding schools.

However, he added that the NAHT remained concerned about Ofsted's ability to judge a school, saying "in the past outstanding judgements have been largely data driven".

As part of the plans to tackle underperformance, the DfE also announced: - more funding to help top performing academies to expand to support other schools - a new specialist academy trust will be set up to turn round the most challenging schools - it will be piloted in the north of England - a programme giving hundreds of schools consistently rated "requires improvement" more help from experienced school leaders The latest plan follows the government's announcement on Friday of a multi-billion pound cash boost for schools in England over the next three years.

Sajid Javid pledges £400m further education funding The chancellor is to announce £400m of additional funding for further education in England, as part of his spending review next week.

Writing in the Guardian, Sajid Javid, pictured, said the money - for the year 2020 to 2021 - would support the introduction of the new T-level qualifications.

He vowed to treat colleges "with the seriousness they deserve".

It comes after the government announced billions of pounds in extra funding for England's schools.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the

funding would help cover costs, including pensions, and would help young people "get the skills to get the right jobs".

T-levels are a new twoyear qualification being introduced in England next September. They will give 16 to 19-year-olds a mix of classroom learning and "on the job" experience.

The qualifications, in subjects including accountancy and catering, have been developed in collaboration with industry.

The £400m sum will help fund new technical and vocational qualifications as well as "more expensive" courses such as science, engineering and mathematics, said Mr Javid.

However, the decision has been met with scepticism from Geoff Barton, leader of the ASCL head teachers' union. He said there are already qualifications in place - such as BTECs - that are costly and require funding.

Gift your loved ones an Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar subscription for Birthday, Wedding & Anniversary Save lots of money by subscribing for both papers

l Exclusive news, Outstanding columnists l Excelent value for your subscription l For 50 weekly issues and several special magazines plus Annual Calendar

Your Voice for 47 years, 200,000 readers Please detach this form and send it with your payment or credit card instructions to address below

NAME ADDRESS

ear One y on for t d rip i subsc amachar an ly n S o t s i a Gujar oice in UK V Asian Please tick as appropriate:

❏ Gujarat Samachar & Asian Voice ❏ Gujarat Samachar RATES VALID FROM 1-2-2018

1 Year 2 Years

UK G.S. A.V. Both G.S. £30.50 £30.50 £36.50 £79 £55 £55 £66.50 £147

EUROPE A.V. Both £79 £131 £147 £252

Please Note: Subscriptions are non-refundable after 30 days

G.S. £95 £174

WORLD A.V. Both £95 £154.50 £174 £288

POST CODE TEL: Email: ❏ I’d like to be kept up to date by email with offers and news from ABPL I enclose a cheque/ postal order of £................... made payable to Gujarat Samachar Please charge my ❏ Visa ❏ Mastercard ❏ Credit ❏ Debit card for £ Card Expiry date Card No: Signature

Date

CALL NOW 020 7749 4080

or Email: support@abplgroup.com www.asian-voice.com www.gujarat-samachar.com

GUJARAT SAMACHAR & ASIAN VOICE Karma Yoga House, Unit 1 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW

12 MEDIA WATCH

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

7 - 13 September 2019

SCRUTATOR’S A record Rs1.76 lakh crore transfer from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to the central government should give it the financial muscle to reverse the country’s current economic slowdown through a crafted stimulus, with infrastructure the primary target. The paradigm was laid out by former RBI governor Bimal Jalan and a committee of experts. The sum transferred was the largest surplus in RBI history, and thrice the expected figure.

The exercise has been a huge Nirmala Sitharaman relief for the government, restrained, reasoned and which will now be able to control informed. None of these features the fiscal deficit without reducing were visible in former Congress the size of the stimulus package. party president Rahul Gandhi’s Market sentiment on the characteristic outburst , chor transaction was positive for the (thief), accusing the government second successive day following of ‘stealing money from the RBI.’ Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s first presentation of GDP growth at six-year low the government’s reforms’ agenda and the consequent market bull India’s Growth Domestic Product run. Market participants were (GDP) hit a six-year low of 5 per pleased by the RBI transfer would cent in the first quarter of the not only expedite recapitalisation fiscal year, ended June 30. The of state-owned banks, but also manufacturing sector took the keep the fiscal deficit steady at a biggest hit. The silver lining was low 3 per cent of GDP (Business power generation, said the Line, Times of India, Statesman, government’s Economic Adviser August 28).

Krishnamurthy Subramanian, which grew 8.6 per cent compared FDI eased to the 6.7 per cent for the same period last year. He said: In a bid to attract a greater inflow ‘Electricity and power generation, of funds from abroad, the a leading indicator across the government has eased cthe norms world grew 8.6 per cent, a good for Foreign Direct Investment sign of the green shoots towards (FDI) by relaxing several rules, higher growth.’ (Hindu, Business such as single brand retail, Line, Times of Indsia, Statesman, contract manufacturing, coal August 31) mining and digital media, all in line with the Budget presented to Merger of 10 public Parliament on July 5. The target is sector banks to instil further confidence in the Ease of Doing Business in India, In what is perceived as the second thus reviving growth (Business wave of reforms to energise the Line, August 29). economy, Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman announced a Rahul Gandhi’s intervention number of banking reforms, including the merger of 10 public Concern and criticism from a sector banks into four entities, range of sources, most with reducing their overall number certified commercial experience is from 27 to 12. These larger banks part of the public debate - the will have an an enhanced capacity hallmark of an open society, but for credit disbursements, compete its pitch, equally, should be with global banks and increase their operational efficiency OOHindu, Business Line, Times of India, Statesman, August 31).

Demonising Modi counter-productive

Rahul Gandhi

Jairam Ramesh, long the brightest and the best in Congress , IIT alumnus and much else, suggested wisely that defaming the M Modi regime day in and day out was unwise and counter-productive. It was time the party recognized that many of its policies were laudatory. Conclusion: Informed criticism, yes, irresponsible invective, no (Times of India, August 22).

JMB jihadi arrested A top recruiter of the Jamaat-ulMujahideen Bangladesh was tracked down in Bihar by the Special Task Force of the Kolkata Police. Ejaz Ahmed, an Indian national and principal recruiter of the organization, was on the wanted list, was produced at Kolkata’s Bankshall Court and remanded to police custody for10 days (Statesman, August 28).

Modi’s ‘historic blunder’: Imran Khan In an address to the nation, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, promised take up the Kashmir issue at every

bombs planted ironically in Christian churches claimed the lives of around 250 innocent worshippers. The Island’s Christian community, like its Muslim counterpart, is also a small minority (Hindu, August 27) Ahmed Shaheed’s logic in this instance made little sense, there being no Christian provocateurs.

Recently, a horrific bomb blast in a Kabul hotel, where a marriage celebration was taking place, resulted in 80 deaths. The victims targeted were Shia - their sole crime in the eyes of the Sunni bombers. Victimhood remains the abiding solace of Muslim leaders.

For the Kabul outrage, blame the Americans!

found to circumvent standard international banking systems.

‘Payment is no more an issue.

There were initial difficulties due to banking restrictions, but we were talking on a government-togovernment level, and we are now use different currencies. In the case of India, we rely on rupeerouble settlements,’ said Victor Kladov, Director, International and Regional Policy of Rostov Corporation. Defence will be high on the agenda of the Modi-Putin summit in Vladivostok (Business Line, August 29).

Chandrayaan-2 nears Moon Following a manoeuvre, Chandrayaan-2 drew closer to the Moon. India’s space agency said it had completed the third and forth orbits. A total of five manoeuvres are planned to make the lunar craft’s oval orbit circular, before the scheduled touch down on the Moon in the early hours of September 7 (Hindu, August 29, 31).

Seventy-five new Medical colleges The government has approved the construction of 75 neww medical colleges across India as part of an integrated plan to improve the nation’s healthcare system (Business Line, August 29).

PM Modi with US President Donald Trump at G7 Summit in France

international forum, including the General Assembly of the United Nations. Fat good it has done him thus far. US President Donald Trump stepped revoked his previous undertaking to mediate, telling Prime Minister Modi at the G7 summit, that dispute was best resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan, as did President Macron of France and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The Islamic world, as Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi complained bitterly to a domestic audience, the ummah [the world community of Muslims] preferred the fruits of the vast Indian market to Islamabad’s appeals against India (Hindu, August 26).

Plight of Sikh girl in Pakistan The abduction, conversion and forcible marriage of a Sikh girl to a Muslim in Pakistan’s Punjab province and similar accts involving Hindu girls in Sindh are cause for growing concern, and should surely be raised at the UN General Assembly (Times of India, Hindu, Statesman, September 2).

Need to think again, Shaheed UN Special Rapporteur to Sri Lanka, Ahmed Shasheed lectured his hosts on the perils of extremism as an incubator of violence. Few would disagree, as his message was directed at the fanatical Sinhala Buddhist clergy, who clearly have much to answer for in their turbulent past and present. Ahmed Shaheed was speaking in the context of the violent Sinhalese backlash was incubated in bomb factory of a local Muslim businessman; the

Indian astronauts to train in Russia Russia will select and train four of the 12 Indians for India’s first manned space flight scheduled for launch sometime in early 2022.

The training of those selected will last 15 months. During a recent meeting in Moscow between the Russian space agency Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin and India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the plan was discussed and agreed upon. Russia will also be helping with the mission simulator and with the selection of the module (Times of India, August 28).

Enhancing trade India and Russia are also setting their sights beyond energy and military hardware to expand their time-tested strategic relationship with mutual investments in diamond cutting and polishing, mining, dairy farming, pulp, as well as tourism and the hospitality. Prime Minister M Modi and President Putin will put their stamp on the direction of this iconic relationship at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on September 4-6, where the Indian Prime Minister will be the chief guest. On the sidelines of the Forum, the two leaders will hold their annual bilateral summit (Times of India, August 28).

India, Russia settle defence payments India and Russia have sorted the method of payments for Indian defence acquisitions. With US financial sanctions in operation against Russia, ways had to be

First public electric bus in Tamil Nadu An air-conditioned electric bus operated by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation was flagged off in Chennai by State Chief Minister K.Palaniswami. The bus, manufactured by Ashok Leyland, is equipped with automatic doors and GPS. Hindu, August 28).

Kerala children happiest According to the India Child Wellbeing report, children in Kerala are the happiest, and those in Madhya Pradesh, the least so. The report was compiled by non-profit World Vision India and the Institute of Financial Management and Research. Their report was based on 24 government data indicators.

The Northeast states also ranked high, with good family care, low child crime, balanced sex ratio and maximum birth registrations (Business Line, August 28).

Sindhu toast of India P.V. Sindhu did herself, her coach and India proud, being the first Indian badminton star to win the coveted gold medal at the BWP World Badminton Championship at Basel, Switzerland, beating Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara in straight sets 21-7, 21-7 in 36 minutes of a one-sided contest. It was also a triumph of character, for in the last world encounter in the final in 2017, the Japanese champion emerged the winner after a gruelling contest.

Indian newspapers and TV channels gave Sindhu pride of place in their coverage.

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

UK

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

13

7 - 13 September 2019

Double celebration for Ugandan tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia

The Ruparelia’s in London last Saturday

Dhiren Katwa To fight for justice, that too against the government in a third world country, and to be racing towards triumph so far in a complex legal battle is an extraordinary achievement. This is the story thus far of Uganda’s richest man, Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, who is currently in London.

The legal battle began in October 2016 when Bank of Uganda (BoU) took over Dr Ruparelia’s Crane Bank, citing undercapitalised. BoU reasoned that Crane Bank posed a systemic risk to the stability of the financial system and that the continuation of its activities in its current form was detrimental to the interests of its depositors. This started a process which has led to an epic battle with Dr Ruparelia for whom BoU has not just closed the bank but had shattered his prime possession. But he’s gleefully bounced back by winning his Crane Bank case.

Last Monday Justice David Wangutusi dismissed a suit by BoU against Dr Ruparelia for lack of legal basis to sue. What had begun as a strong legal case following the Central Bank’s closure of Crane Bank in 2017 ended up as a complete mess for the Central Bank.

Dr Ruparelia says that his firm belief and faith in Jalaram Bapa, a Hindu saint, continues to guide him and give him the inner strength to fight fearlessly.

Last Saturday he and his wife Jyotsna threw a party to mark the arrival of Arie, his first granddaughter. Held at his residence in Stanmore, London, the plush event brought together friends and family. Arie’s proud parents, Jay Sakari and Sheena Ruparelia-Sakari, were showered with bouquets of flowers, cards and gifts as well as blessings from elders.

Baby Arie was born at the Lindo Wing Maternity, St Mary’s Hospital, London.

Guests included Subhash Thakrar, Prakash Raja, Meena and Sailesh Devani,

Krishna Pujara, Mansukh (Mani) Jivraj, Rajni Hathi, Nilesh Dattani, Paresh Jansari – to list just a few. In a Facebook post, Shantu Ruparelia wrote: “What a fantastic evening hosted by my dugu (brother) Sudhir Ruparelia sooo happy for double celebrations for Arie and winning the Crane Bank case sooo happy for u proud of u as u know it well.”

In spite of what some may see as emotionally turbulent times for the Ruparelia’s, they continue to flourish even more. In May this year, Dr Ruparelia and his family officially opened Kampala Kingdom, a megamixed use mall in the city’s central business district which took over a decade to build at a cost of over $300 million.

Separately, just last week, The Indian Association Uganda bestowed the prestigious ‘upcoming sports personality’ Indian Achiever’s Award 2019 to Rajeev, Dr Ruparelia’s son, for outstanding performance.

Indian student's body found at a beach in Britain at Beachy Head, Eastbourne, Sussex. Police suspected that he may have ended his life. Uday Pratap,

Body of a 23 year old student from Queen Mary College, University of London, who came from Telangana, India has been found at a beach in Britain.

Ujwal Pratap graduated from BITS Pilani, Hyderabad and came to London last year to do MS in Artificial Intelligence.

His body was reportedly identified by his father Uday Pratap. The cause of the death is still not known.

Ujwal went missing on August 22 and his backpack was found at the top of cliffs

who is the President of BJP’s Khammam district unit, had earlier said Ujwal last spoke to his mother on August 21.

FINANCIAL A SERVICES MORTGAGES Residential Buy to Let Remortgages

PROTECTION Life Insurance Critical Illness Income Protection

Please conta act:

Dinesh S Shonchhatra Mortgage Ad dviser

Call: 020 8424 C 4 8686 / 07956 810647 77 High Street, Wealdston ne, Harrow, HA3 5DQ mortgage@majorestate.co om ~ majorestate.com

Law academic at Leeds University honoured with prestigious Hind Rattan Award for 2020 Dr Subhajit Basu FRSA, an Associate Professor of Information Technology Law at the University of Leeds, has been awarded the prestigious Hind Rattan Award for 2020, an accolade given to Indian nationals who have made exceptional contributions to society. Dr Basu, who grew up in Kolkata, studied at St Lawrence School, Kolkata before doing law at University College of Law, Faculty of Law, Calcutta University. He was called to the Bar in 1998 and worked as an Advocate specialising in Corporate Law in India.

His parents still live in Kolkata near Triangular park. He later moved to the UK and has a PhD from the renowned Liverpool John Moores University.

The Hind Rattan (a Hindi phrase, which translates to English as "Jewel of India"), is awarded by the NRI Welfare Society of India under the umbrella of the Government of India, and is one of the highest Indian diasporic awards granted annually to non-resident persons of Indian origin.

The award recognises Dr Basu's “outstanding services

and scholarly achievements in the field of Information Technology Law.” He will receive the award at the society’s Annual Congress in New Delhi on the eve of India’s Republic Day (26 January 2020) in conjunction with the national “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas” celebrations. Senior members of India’s government and Supreme Court, international ambassadors, scholars, and other dignitaries will attend the ceremony.

Speaking about winning this award, Dr Basu said, “I feel humbled to receive this award. I accept it with the understanding that everything I have managed to achieve is because of values my parents instilled in me, for my education both in India and in the UK and due to the brilliant teachers, I had in my life again both in India and the UK. It is really a proud moment for me to accept this award for my contribution to the development of Cyberlaw”.

He told Asian Voice, “When you are acknowledged by your 'mother country' for something you have done, it makes one feel

Dr Subhajit Basu

immense pride. It is a recognition close to my heart.”

Dr Basu’s research and writing focuses on “emerging technologies”, especially in the context of the “regulation of cyberspace”. He explores the challenges that the Internet has created while transforming our lives, especially in the area of governance and how we can update our legal framework to protect the privacy and equip the public with the knowledge needed to make informed choices. He is the Chair of British and Irish Law Education and Technology Association (BILETA) and the Managing Editor of the International Review of Law Computers and Technology (IRLCT).

14 COMMUNITY

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

7 - 13 September 2019

High-flying young women and girls celebrated at Downing Street reception Campaigners, teachers and young women were welcomed to Downing Street by the Prime Minister to celebrate the global achievements of girls in education and entrepreneurship.

Teachers and pupils mingled alongside guests including FGM campaigner Fahma Mohammed; Science Girl director Anna Zacharia; Amy Stephens, founder of ‘Chicks with Bricks’ – a network connecting women in the construction industry; and Belinda Parmar, activist and founder of ‘The Empathy Business’ – a organisation which aims to encourage companies to encourage compassion towards their employees.

The PM also met several Youth Advocates from Girl Guides, one of the UK’s most well-known charities for girls and young women.

These included 19 year-old Isla Gerrard, 17 year-old Emily Jenkins, and Kim Singh Sall, aged 18, who discussed their girl-led manifesto, ‘Future Girl’ with the Prime Minister, as well as sharing with him the findings of their ‘Girls’ Attitudes’ survey.

“Prime Minister Boris Johnson

said, “This event was a fantastic opportunity to meet so many trailblazers in the world of education and empowerment for girls and women.

“We’ve just seen a terrific set of GCSE and A Level results – a testament to the hard graft of young people, their dedicated teachers and their families.

“Girls are bagging the majority of the top grade 9 results at GCSE and narrowing the gap in subjects

like physics and maths at A Level.

“I’m passionate about making sure girls everywhere get access to a good education – and that’s why I announced funding for 600,000 children to have the chance to go to school for the first time at the G7 summit last week.

“I was tremendously inspired by the young women I’ve met and I’m confident their successes will encourage a new generation of female leaders.”

Other Ministers attending the reception included Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education, and Alok Sharma, Secretary of State for International Development; and Matthew Rycroft, Permanent Secretary at the Department for I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development.

Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education said, “This summer hundreds of thousands of young people received their GCSE, A Level and technical and vocational results, and showed what a pool of talent we have in this country.

“Girls in particular have excelled themselves: for the first time, girls are now doing more science A Levels than boys, the highest proportion of GCSE entries achieving grade 4 or above were from girls, and more A Level entries from girls received A* to A. “There’s always more to do though, and I’ll continue working

to make sure every child and young person is getting the education they deserve. That means continuing to attract and retain talented individuals in our classrooms, giving teachers the powers they need to deal with bad behaviour and bullying, and getting more young people to consider high quality technical and vocational routes so this country has the skilled workforce it needs for the future.”

International Development Secretary Alok Sharma commented, “Investing in quality education for girls isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.

“No country can truly develop and lift themselves out of poverty if half the population are locked out of economic opportunities. That is why UK aid is getting girls into school, giving them the skills they need to get a job and helping women with start-ups in Africa to grow their businesses.

“I had the pleasure of meeting not just hard-working teachers and students but also female entrepreneurs who are breaking down barriers and proving an inspiration to girls around the world.”

'Gen Next' takes on the responsibility of ecofriendly Durga Puja in London this autumn Rupanjana Dutta The London Sharad Utsav (LSU), a renowned Bengali organisation in the UK, promoting culture, heritage and traditions, has taken on the responsibility of celebrating an eco-friendly ‘green’ Durga puja this autumn. Promoting climate change and plastic free initiatives, the authority has also passed on the charges of this year’s successful puja to the hands of the youth.

The experiment with ‘Gen Next’, and their interest in promoting their roots, started with a football game, followed by a thrilling cricket tournament called Indian Professional Cricket League in Harrow, where the younger generation on Sunday has beaten one of the strong adult teams, on a momentous occasion.

Going beyond sports, the younger generation has now started taking ownership of the upcoming puja, specifically to raise awareness about climate change. As a precursor to the puja they organised a popular ‘DJ mashap’ on this Sunday, after the cricket tournament and the annual Sharad mela, which was a massive hit. They have therefore taken on the responsibility of recreating the same magic every evening of Durga puja from Friday 4th to Monday 8th October at Ealing Town Hall. The Green Puja team, under supervision of the experienced adults, will primarily take care of all the arrangements.

At this year’s puja, which is effectively called a ‘Green Puja’, LSU is also determined to keep up

Pritha Majumder

Aditya Mukhopadhyay

Sourav Niyogi

with London’s bigger commitments to reduce single use plastic.

Sourav Niyogi, who is a part of the Senior Advisory Body, LSU, told Asian Voice, “We believe the key to success in involving the next generation and let them organise the puja their way by nurturing their ideas and thoughts rather

than enforcing our ideas on them.

This new generation that was merely participants before, are now active organisers. Every youngster can be informally involved, but the ‘Gen Next’s’ active and formal involvement can only happen once you are 15 years old. “This year at our ‘Green Puja’,

we have committed to have zero consumption of single use plastic, wherever we can. But wherever we cannot, we will only be using recyclable plastic.”

In order to do so, the committee has actually decided to give up on plastic plates to distribute ‘prashad’ or ‘bhog’, and use plates made out of vegetable waste.

On 21-22 September, children will participate in a poster drawing competition.

These posters, will be exhibited at the puja and will be used to showcase the ‘go green’ initiative as well describe how harmful single use plastic can be- in a bid to generate awareness, developing consciousness in everyone visiting the puja.

17 year old Aditya Mukhopadhyay, whose father Anirban is the President of LSU, is actively involved in creating the schedule for this

Women Power: Ladies who take responsibility of every year's arrangements and execution of a successful Durga Puja

year’s cultural programme, including a medley of Bengali and Hindi songs from 1970s to 2019. He told the newspaper proudly how he was not pushed by the elders to take on this initiative. Instead, he had friends who were interested in performing and this made it easier to give their talent an opportunity as well as make them a member of the ‘LSU Gen Next’. When asked if he thought creation of the team ‘Gen Next’ was a good idea, Aditya added, “I honestly think it is a great way of showing us the ropes and giving us more responsibility, as we've spent a huge chunk of our lives watching it happen in front of us.”

21 year old Pritha Majumder who is also a part of the LSU Gen Next team told the newspaper, “I moved to the UK six years ago.

When I was in India youngsters being involved in Durga puja, especially cultural, was a very prominent concept. This gave me an opportunity to bring that culture forward, but not only in the traditional sense. We have introduced a new section, 'DJ Mashup' which was very much taken by everybody.

Gen Next as a concept should make such events we want to go to and not somewhere we have to go to under compulsion.” Like every year Pritha will also help others to execute the puja, but as a part of the 'green' initiative, she is insisting on cutting down waste. "Given LSU footfall during puja, it is very important we must consciously ensure there is absolutely no waste this year."

www.asian-voice.com

Mansukh Morjaria

Sunetra Senior

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

TLIGHT

UK

15

7 - 13 September 2019

Mansukh Morjaria

U-TURN ON END OF FREE MOVEMENT, GOVERNMENT ABANDONS PATEL'S PLANS

Contemporary Care for the Homeless

The government has been forced to scrap plans for the proposed end to freedom of movement in a no-deal Brexit scenario, reports suggest.

In a shift of policy, the home secretary, Priti Patel, had planned secondary legislation to stop freedom of movement for EU citizens into the UK, but has been forced to accept that the move could have landed the government in court.

As of today, free movement of EU citizens does not end automatically as a result of a no-deal Brexit as EU law continues to apply until its legal foundation is repealed.

Patel thought she could get around this using a so-called “Henry VIII power” but experts researchers believe that any such move “might run into difficulties”.

The sudden end of freedom to movement on 31st October would have caused major disruption for employers, citizens, university students among others.

The shift in policy did not involve any assessment of how employers, landlords or Border Force officials would be able to distinguish between EU citizens already legally resident in the UK and those coming to the UK for the first time after a nodeal exit from the EU.

young people onto the team,” Mansukh emphasised. “This opens up the youngsters’ eyes to another world, only growing compassion in the future. One of my loveliest memories has been when two children from our community donated their chocolate bars to the homeless, and promptly came back, wanting more food to give away! Many volunteers start out feeling that they will ‘just give it a go’, but then find that they can’t wait to return. We have quite a few young people helping out at our main location in Charing Cross.” Giving then need not be a chore: as Mansukh demonstrates, it’s more an untapped resource lying quietly within us: “I prefer to call my work a service to humanity.”

t a time when homelessness is on the rise, Mansukh and his diligent team of community guardians bring their much needed, unique ethos to the cause. According to the grass-roots research association.

The Connection 'rough sleeping in England almost tripled in recent years – where 27 people are sleeping rough in 2017 for every 10 who were doing so in 2010.’ Mansukh is a Trustee of Shree Jalaram Mandir (Temple) in Greenford and manages the Jalaram Homeless Sewa Team: a force of volunteers, largely hailing from Shree Jalaram Mandir & Community Centre, following a definitive spiritual calling. Unfettered by the distraction of long-term clinical targets, they are compelled by pure concern.

“Our ethos is simply to feed those who are in need,” Mansukh stated. “We don’t have a stipulated business plan, but rather provide for those who are socially vulnerable around us as we immediately see them.”

Formerly an IT consultant, Mansukh told us that the team uses tech to facilitate their charitable endeavour as opposed to primarily drivSo, being personally invested, the ing it: “apps certainly help with organiJalaram Homeless Sewa team ultimatesation and information on stock, but ly provides a valuable emotional home. we are primarily a face-to-face organiMansukh elaborated on the benefit of sation.” Currently travelling to central “giving a listening ear and understandLondon three times a week, the Jalaram ing,” in lieu of giving money, which volunteers supply the homeless there could be misused. “If you are in one of with basic amenities, distributing in the our queues, we won’t ask questions specially chosen locations of The because we know we are there to help.

Strand, High Holborn and Temple Empathy is integral to the service. A lot underground station. The former is of homelessness is, unsurprisingly, conclose to the famous St Martin-in-thenected to mental health.” The adverse field- Anglican Church in Trafalgar living condition both arises from and is Square, which offers the homeless a caused by the latter phenomenon. In large sleeping shelter by night. In a cofact, The Homeless Link reported that ordinated effort, the Jalaram team serve ‘the most common reason for homefood to those same rough sleepers on lessness is due to relationship breakweek days so they can fill their stomdown,’ while the Huffington Post statachs as well as getting a deserved night’s ed that ‘one in five homeless people sufsleep. “Many homeless people sleep fers from untreated severe mental illunder the Embankment bridges near ness.’ the Strand too,” Mansukh added, “so “You must be willing to talk to peowe’re providing for the needy as comple, learning about them and their bagpletely as possible.” gage,” Mansukh continued. “Over time, Similarly, the Jalaram team prioriI have identified four types of homeless tise serving the homeless in Holborn, people: those who prefer to sleep on the among other charitable enterprises who street because they don’t want to stay in distribute in that area, as one of the shelter homes, which they feel restrict wealthiest spots in London where the them – these people have friends who poverty gap is particularly stark. they move around with; there In terms of the finer practical are those who are in temdetails, Mansukh and his porary homelessness, fellow volunteers addi"There are passing through tionally offer free “bedbecause they might homeless people ding, such as sleeping have just lost their job bags and duvets, and who have a job, but in addition to other toiletries” as well as a still live below the possible reasons – variety of “hot and cold these people just want poverty line" food & drinks.” Indeed, a bit of free food; those what makes the Jalaram people who live in shelter team so special is their homes, who do have live-in incredible sensitivity to the kitchen and need food to cook; nuances. Their help is tailored for the and finally those people who have a job, contrasting seasons too. In winter, but live below the poverty line and need warmer clothes are sourced, including to save money to a shockingly crippling socks, scarves and woolly hats while the degree - we treat them all the same with summer means the team will stock up dignity and empathy". on fresh and revitalising fruit such as Significantly, Mansukh and his chopped pineapples, melons, and tropiteam also address the wider issue of cal mangoes and papayas. food waste by liaising efficiently with large food organisation such as Tesco *** and FareShare, food banks and The Working this way seems to come to the Felix Project. Unwanted produce from force organically by virtue of the fact supermarkets then still contribute to that it is based on love. “Actually, I vital community well being, effectively encourage volunteers to bring their tackling social tragedy. “We collect and children along, and openly welcome package the food from these big places,

A

SP

in particular, to distribute to the homeless. Of course, we welcome donations from individuals too. I have to say that the shops have been great in collaborating with us. If there is any issue, it’s a stagnation of volunteers to do the grittier tasks – such as the heavy-duty carrying and collecting. I actually have three large fridges in my garage myself to store donations: we do deal with essential greens, and dairy. We could always do with more help!”

Mansukh has recently been nominated locally by his team for Harrow's Heroes award, a platform which celebrate everyday acts of kindness. The group have also enjoyed a visit from the CEO of Tesco himself, Dave Lewis, for all their incredible work. Lewis picked the Jalaram team as one of three out of 2,000 charities who were doing outstanding work. “It was really an honour,” Mansukh beamed. To date, the tireless trustee has also successfully established a team in Leicester, in conjunction with his sister who wanted to follow in his sincere footsteps, “engaging between 80-90 volunteers in the major city.” Thus, finally, the momentum of Mansukh’s charity says as much about a modern zeitgeist of resistance as it does the issue of helping the homeless in 2019. At an increasingly interpersonal time, the traditional saying of the great role model, Gandhi, becomes aptly modified. More precisely than being ‘the change you wish to see in the world,’ one must, actualise, being dynamically active. As the soulful Jalaram Homeless Sewa mission shows, we must be as deeply involved as we are fretful if we want to see a large-scale shift towards the betterment of humanity. This requires a deep, emotive drive.

Tell us more about your food donations.

Helping the homeless and the needy is an extension of the work we do at the Mandir. We give to old people’s homes, orphanages, community centres, churches and other charities as well as the homeless centres. Working with the Mayor of London & QPR football club, we also provide lunches for the disadvantaged school children during school holidays.

Where do you think you inherited such a strong social conscience?

My faith: Virpur is the village of a Saint Jalaram in India. There they actually feed over 150,000 people every day.

We practice this in our Mandir, based in Greenford. At lunch times, we feed anyone of any faith who comes in. It’s a natural duty.

I also grew up with very generous, spiritual parents who would feed anyone who came into the house.

Are there any further highlights of Jalaram Homeless Sewa Team?

On our anniversary, we hired an ice cream van and distributed 400 icecreams, complete with chocolate flakes, to the homeless. It was so successful; we were sponsored in doing this for a second year!

If you’d like to contribute to this incredible, worthwhile cause, please email Mansukh on mansukhm@hotmail.com or GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/u3t5y-acause-i-care-about-needs-help

EUROPE RESEMBLES WORLD WAR II SITUATION, SAYS KHAN On 31st August at the commemoration of the second world war, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has warned that the rise of populists in Europe resembles the situation eighty years ago.

Speaking at an event in Poland alongside other world leaders, he emphasised on the divisive language being used by some leaders and hatred being spread against minorities.

“Are we living through times now similar to the 1930s?

Because if you look at the 1930s, what happened - the rise of charismatic leaders using the power of hatred to divide communities and to pick on the other.

“Look at some of the things happening (now) across Europe.

People are trying to divide communities using the language of hate, scapegoating people because of their sexual orientation, because of their ethnic origin, because of their faith, or because of who they are,” Khan said.

“Look at the language of Donald Trump and some other leaders who are winning elections across Europe, from Hungary to Poland, to France, to Italy, to the UK. They say Islam and the West are incompatible,” Khan concluded.

INCREASE IN ANTI-MUSLIM ATTACKS AFTER JOHNSON'S BURQA COMMENTS According to an annual report published by Tell Mama, Boris Johnson’s comments on women wearing the veil has led to a surge in anti-Muslim attacks and incidents of abuse.

In its annual report Normalising Hatred the group has laid the onus of the increasing anti-Muslim attacks on two events'Punish a Muslim day' and Boris Johnson's column in Telegraph last year where he had referred to veiled Muslim women as “letterboxes” and “bank robbers”.

In the week following that article, Tell Mama said anti-Muslim incidents increased by 375% – from eight incidents the previous week, to 38 in the following. Of the 38 anti-Muslim hate incidents, 22 were directed at Muslim women who wore the niqab, or face veil.

Johnson was subsequently investigated over the comments by an independent panel and was cleared of breaking the Conservative party's code of conduct. The investigation into whether he broke party rules was triggered automatically after the receipt of a number of complaints over the column.

In total Tell Mama recorded 1,072 verified anti-Muslim or Islamophobic reports. Of the 1,072 cases, 745 occurred at a street level and 327 were online.

MUSLIMS MUST ACT ON CLIMATE CRISIS TO PRESERVE HOLY PILGRIMAGE A charity organisation is calling on the British Muslim community to take action on climate change before it is too late. In a new article published by the AGU journal Geophysical Research Letters by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US, scientists show that rising temperatures mean holy pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) is likely to become hazardous to human health. Islamic Relief UK is drawing attention to climate crisis.

“This important research tells us that it’s now or never to take up the fight against climate change. Already it is one of the greatest threats to the lives of people we support. Floods and droughts kill people and devastate lives with disease, malnutrition, loss of income and mass migrations. And while impacting the poorest and most vulnerable the most, the climate crisis is caused by emissions released in the most part by people in more well-off nations,” said Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK.

! " # $

%

" " $% & '

" & ' )

! !

&

! '

/

! &

'*

! & ! !

!

&

" !

!

&

#

!

#

!

* ! !

+ !

!

! $ % & , !

! !

& '

&

'( , ) !

-

!

.! &

!

& "

! ! $

" "

<

!

"

# $ % "

(

'

* '

"

&

)

2 !

'

!

1

.

-

" / (

'

"

,

" *

2

3% % % "

" "

5 % % 4# % %

"

-

45

&

"

!

,

6

0

1+ , # "

!

& 3&

!

#

2

2

# $ % % "

!

" !

01

"

.!

!

+

,

-

*

+

' 7 4893 :1 ! ( : ( ; + (

'

45# %

( : (

:1

+

;

,

/ (

+

" "

"

"

. ; +

"

/

.

> "

!; ,

(

-

=

"

! "

#

$

&

" "

2

"

%

$

(

'

$

"

! ,

! ? /

+ B=

( "

!

# % 45 B= D "

, "

95 "

" ,

D

D&

9

" "

"

"

"

=

" ! "

"

B= @

?

"

7

9

?

,

"

E(

! " "

B=

? "

,

* "

*

FG3%

B

4% % % 6 E*

&

= 5 D:

!

;

E*

!

(

" "

D

H8% % % $

? /

"

"

7 ,

0&

"

" "

"

"

4$

B=

! D 4% %

,

" .

( H43% %

B=

# =

? /

" " " H$ % % %

+ " +

B7 "

" !

"

(

!

/

"

,

/ 7

"

, :

7

>

( ,

4# $

7

? *

(

" /

"

?

;

! " 4%

"

" !

!

, *

!

"

(

*

" "

>

>

&

" "

A > >

(

>

B

=

' "

( &

( 4@

!

/

!

(

"

>

" "

"

C

! " # $

%

" " $% & '

" & ' )

! !

&

! '

/

! &

'*

! & ! !

!

&

" !

!

&

#

!

#

!

* ! !

+ !

!

! $ % & , !

! !

& '

&

'( , ) !

-

!

.! &

!

& "

! ! $

" "

<

!

"

# $ % "

(

'

* '

"

&

)

2 !

'

!

1

.

-

" / (

'

"

,

" *

2

3% % % "

" "

5 % % 4# % %

"

-

45

&

"

!

,

6

0

1+ , # "

!

& 3&

!

#

2

2

# $ % % "

!

" !

01

"

.!

!

+

,

-

*

+

' 7 4893 :1 ! ( : ( ; + (

'

45# %

( : (

:1

+

;

,

/ (

+

" "

"

"

. ; +

"

/

.

> "

!; ,

(

-

=

"

! "

#

$

&

" "

2

"

%

$

(

'

$

"

! ,

! ? /

+ B=

( "

!

# % 45 B= D "

, "

95 "

" ,

D

D&

9

" "

"

"

"

=

" ! "

"

B= @

?

"

7

9

?

,

"

E(

! " "

B=

? "

,

* "

*

FG3%

B

4% % % 6 E*

&

= 5 D:

!

;

E*

!

(

" "

D

H8% % % $

? /

"

"

7 ,

0&

"

" "

"

"

4$

B=

! D 4% %

,

" .

( H43% %

B=

# =

? /

" " " H$ % % %

+ " +

B7 "

" !

"

(

!

/

"

,

/ 7

"

, :

7

>

( ,

4# $

7

? *

(

" /

"

?

;

! " 4%

"

" !

!

, *

!

"

(

*

" "

>

>

&

" "

A > >

(

>

B

=

' "

( &

( 4@

!

/

!

(

"

>

" "

"

C

18 FINANCE - UK

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

7-13 September 2019

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel Dear Financial Voice Reader, ‘What impact on India’s economy of the human rights situation in Kashmir’? That’s the question I was asked by the BBC on a interview about the Indian economy. And as so many readers of this paper will have financial interests in India let me expand upon what I told my interviewer.

1. The premise ‘of the human rights’ situation, if it is about ‘crackdown by Army’ is wrong. The human rights situation in Kashmir has been one about terrorism from Pakistan seeping not only into Kashmir but other parts of India from there. So to the extent the changes made mean less terrorism, then that is good for the economy.

2. The removal of Article 370 has led to jubilation in the country. That is good for the economy in two ways, first business see decisiveness. Without which economies falter. Second, it boosts moral and what Keyne’s called ‘animal spirits’. So again at worst, does not harm to the economy.

3. The liberalization of investment rules into Kashmir, for that’s what removing Article 370 does, means greater money entering the State. That opens up a whole new part of India to investment and growth and contribution to the country. Just as Northern Ireland has billions poured into it, and the terrorist guns fall silent. The peace dividend is a boost therefore for the economy of Kashmir and India as a whole.

4. Investment in India continues even after terror attacks, such as those in Mumbai, which from Mumbai when they happened the BBC asked me to comment on and their impact on the economy. So in London after IRA bombs, the investment did not stop. India growing at around 6% pa and aiming for much more with an Indian PM focusing more this term in his Premiership on jobs will make India a more compelling case for investment – as the recent Amazon announcement shows.

The bottom line is we can look at Kashmir in economic terms and see that capital moving into the territory will kill the independence move of an already very small minority (the ones not being paid to agitate) – probably the same numbers who in the UK if they were asked in Yorkshire would say they want a Republic of Yorkshire or in Scotland would say they want an Independent Scotland. Many countries have people who want their own nation. Even the Cornish have a movement. That you are violent does not strengthen your case. It weakens it, as Mahatma Gandhi knew and the IRA learnt.

British Steel subsidiary deal safeguards 400 jobs York-based TSP Projects, a subsidiary of British Steel, has been sold to the French company Systra Ltd preserving 400 jobs. The proceeds of the sale are likely to be allocated to lenders to British Steel, which collapsed into liquidation in May. The announcement was made by the official receiver, who has been managing British Steel since its collapse in May. Craig Scott, the chief executive of TSP Projects said, "Systra ownership will bring with it all the benefits of a global engineering business, including access to high-calibre technical expertise to complement and enhance TSP Projects."

Systra's chief executive, Pascal Mercier added, “This acquisition is a game changer for our UK and Ireland business, placing us among the leading UK consulting engineering firms. This is a good fit between two like-minded companies with a shared commitment to excellence, safety and innovation.”

Unlike the steelmaker,

TSP Projects is solvent. The sale has no impact on the ongoing process of selling the remainder of British Steel to an affiliate of Turkey’s military pension fund Oyak, the official receiver said.

Ataer Holdings, Oyak’s investment arm, has been picked as the preferred buyer for British Steel and it plans to complete the purchase by the end of the year, pending due diligence checks. Oyak has been less complimentary about the rest of British Steel.

TSP Projects works in the rail, renewable energy, security and aviation sectors and its clients include the Metropolitan Police, Network Rail and First Great Western. Systra Ltd is a transport consulting and engineering firm. It has worked on projects ranging from London’s congestion charge and Crossrail to schemes that facilitate walking and cycling. British Steel employs around 5,000 people, most of them in the UK. More than 3,000 work at the Scunthorpe plant.

Tata Steel to close Newport factory; 400 jobs at risk In yet another setback to UK’s stumbling steel industry, Tata Steel has announced the shutdown of its factory in south Wales with a potential risk of 400 jobs. The Orb Electrical Steels plant in Newport, south Wales, owned by a European subsidiary of the Indian conglomerate Tata, is to shut after 121 years of steel making. Tata will also close a service centre in Wolverhampton, which employs 26 people. The company said the closures had nothing to do with Brexit; competition from much larger players in China and Japan is understood to be the key reason.

Tata’s European boss, Henrik Adam, said: “I recognise how difficult this news will be for all those affected and we will work very hard to support them.”

Rebecca Long-Bailey, the shadow business secretary,

said: “This is yet another blow to the UK steel industry and the communities that rely on it.

This government’s reckless no-deal policy is hammering manufacturing before Brexit has even happened. The government must urgently work with steel unions and industry to implement an emergency strategy for the sector.”

The closures come after British Steel went into liquidation in May, but

ongoing talks between the government and a division of the Turkish military pension fund, Oyak, over a rescue deal that could save more than 4,000 jobs. Tata Steel previously owned British Steel before selling it to the investment firm Greybull Capital for £1 in 2016.

Tata is expected to offer workers at the plant the option to move to other parts of the business. Tony Brady, the national officer

for steel at the Unite union, said the closure of Orb, which makes steel for electrical transformers, was “yet another body blow for the economy of Wales.

Unite will be fighting for every job and holding Tata Steel’s feet to the fire over assurances that workers affected by today’s announcement will be redeployed,” he said.

Orb Electrical Steels is part of Tata’s Cogent subsidiary, which has been up for sale since last year.

Buyers were found for two other divisions but not for Orb. Upgrading the site to meet customers’ changing demands would have cost £50m, Tata said.

“Continuing to fund substantial losses at Orb Electrical Steels is not sustainable at a time when the European steel industry is facing considerable challenges,” said Adam.

Recession looming large over UK The prospect of a Brexitinduced recession is looming larger after a poll signalled that sales dropped sharply in August, dealing a blow to hopes that consumer spending can rescue Britain’s ailing economy.

Just 10 per cent of retailers surveyed by the business lobby the CBI reported sales had increased over the past year, while 58 per cent said sales were down. Outlook for the month ahead is to hit its lowest level as Brexit fast approaches. Respondents expect the sharpest deterioration in business conditions since February 2009 when the UK was in the middle of recession.

If a significant drop in consumer spending is confirmed in official data, it would spell bad news for the economy as a whole. While businesses have slashed investment in the face of continued uncertainty around Brexit, shoppers have been keeping the economy afloat. Anna Leach, CBI deputy chief economist,

said: “Sentiment is crumbling among retailers, and unexpectedly weak sales have led to a large overhang of stocks. With investment intentions for the year ahead and employment down, retailers expect a chilly few months ahead. “It is unsurprising that business confidence has deteriorated sharply, with a potential nodeal Brexit on the horizon.”

Retailers are also “buckling under the cumulative burden” of costs such as business rates and the apprenticeship levy, the CBI said. After a surprise

contraction in the last quarter, the UK is flirting with a recession, defined as two consecutive quarters of falling GDP. However, there is some disagreement among economists as to how closely the CBI’s figures reflect retailers’ actual sales. The long-running survey which has been a reliable barometer of retail performance, has increasingly diverged from official figures in recent months. Analysts at Capital Economics said they are “sceptical” that consumers will falter in the way that

manufacturing already has.

“In all our Brexit scenarios, we think households will remain the strongest part of the economy,” they said.

Capital Economics said the CBI survey covers less than 50 per cent of the retail industry and may focus more heavily on bricks and mortar stores. As these retailers are broadly experiencing more of a decline than online competitors, the CBI figures may exaggerate the severity of the overall picture.

Official data, which covers around 93 per cent of the retail industry but lags behind the CBI survey, showed household spending grew 3.3 per cent in July compared to a year earlier.

The question now is whether that performance will hold up. Capital Economics warned that, even taking account of the room for optimism, a nodeal Brexit would likely lead to a fall in spending of around half a per cent next year.

Brexit pushes 100 firms to move to Netherlands As many as 100 companies have relocated to the Netherlands, away from Britain, or set up offices there to be within the European Union due to the United Kingdom’s planned departure from the bloc on 31 October, according to a Dutch government agency.

Another 325 firms are thinking of setting up their bases in the Netherlands because of the same reason, the representative said. Both sets of businesses include

British firms as well as those from North America, Asia and Australia.

“Brexit undeniably has economic implications for international businesses because they do business everywhere in Europe,” said Jeroen Nijland, Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) commissioner. “The ongoing uncertainty in the United Kingdom, and the increasingly clearer possibility of a no deal, is causing major economic

unrest for these companies.

That is why more and more companies are orienting themselves in the Netherlands as a potential new base in the European market.” The overwhelming majority of those companies had offices in Britain but, since the 2016 referendum, have either relocated to the Netherlands or established offices there. The rest wanted to move into the UK but changed their plans due to Brexit. By the end of last

week, 98 firms had set up shop in the Netherlands mostly because they would otherwise have no access to the important EU market after a no-deal Brexit. They include media companies Bloomberg and Discovery, and financial firms MarketAxess and Norinchukin.

Other businesses attracted to the Netherlands because of Brexit are in the IT, advertising, life sciences and health sectors.

REAL ESTATE VOICE

DON’T BE LEFT WITH A BIG LEGAL BILL, AND NO DEAL

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

19

7 - 13 September 2019

We are currently analyzing a portfolio with a large number of mixed use properties. There are all sorts in this bag. Not simply in terms of types but also in terms of geography.

It is attractive to us, as there is a rental income, and it’s a piecemeal project; in contrast to planning, whereby you have no income, and God forbid if you have lending on the deal, or to compound matters if you have a bridge, even worse! You’re digging a hole for yourself, and your counter party the planning authorities are often a law onto themselves.

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap London Property Investment

With this portfolio you do not have the same pressure, as you will be slowly disposing of the assets, or enhancing them as the market permits.

The conveyancing on this deal is likely to reach over £100K, therefore it is vital to structure the deal in the right manner to ensure you’re not left with a big legal bill and no deal. Which could be one scenario. This should be done not only with the vendors but also with the lawyers. When the fee is agreed the upside and the downside should be negotiated. It would be wise to define the abortive costs upfront.

It will be interesting to carve up a strategy for this deal. Ideally, we should look to dump the dead weights in the portfolio. These can be defined as properties in locations where the growth looks flat for the next three years and there can be nothing to do in regards to enhancing these properties. The ones which can be uplifted should be, in terms of planning applications. Or even conversion into HMOs where possible; this is more so for houses.

AGONY AGENT IS HERE TO HELP! Q. My tenants have split up, what should I do?

A. Break-ups can be a mess and as much as your tenants might try and get you involved in the nitty-gritty of the split, don’t. It is not your place to do so. Stay professional. You let a property to responsible adults, so just stay out of the way and find out what the tenants want to do. Does one of them want to stay on?

If so, are you sure they will be able to afford the rent, plus bills?

If they can afford the rent and bills, you can let them stay on, but you may want to

I’m unsure what the now deceased vendor was thinking when he purchased this lump of properties. There is absolutely no common thread around what he was doing. It seems like he was purchasing on a whim, whenever he felt the urge. And perhaps the location of the portfolio spread follows where he has lived. This is the way many landlords start up, simply by purchasing in their locality. This gives them the comfort of proximity, so should anything go wrong it can be handled inhouse.

However, this is large price to be paying for comfort. The objective should purely be based on where the highest growth rate is going to be in the coming years.

We have just completed a deal last week, one of numerous deals in South East London. We have identified a location here which we believe will increase in the next 7 years back to back. This is backed by an 18 page indepth report.

If you would like us to match you with a property, please do get in touch.

change the tenancy agreement. If you do choose to change the tenancy agreement then you will have to refund any deposit taken and ask for a new deposit, which you’ll then have to re-protect. Please don’t miss out this step. It is very important to ensure any deposits taken from tenants are protected in one of the Government approved tenancy deposit schemes.

If they both want to leave, then you can accept a notice to quit from them, and end the tenancy in the normal manner. If there is still a fixed term to wait out, then you may still have a legal right to the rent.

You might want to negotiate with the tenants on this point though, because really your new focus now should be on getting new tenants in.

If you think the tenant who wants to stay can’t afford the rent on their own, and you have no legal right to chase the former tenant for rent, then you may be better off issuing a Section 21.

If there is a history of rent arrears or persistently late rent, then you may be able to use a Section 8 to get them out.

However, if you know the tenant can’t really afford to live in the property

BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY

Marylebone, London Purchase Price: £500,000 Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

There are many close to train stations. These should ideally be kept.

without the second income, but there have been no arrears in the past, you may have to sit and wait until the rent is sufficiently late to allow you to issue a Section 8, or until their fixed term ends.

If you can’t issue a Section 8, then issue a Section 21 as soon as you can, and as soon as you believe there may be a problem.

Whatever you do, always keep the lines of communication open between you and your tenants, just don’t get involved in the “he said she said”.

If it is getting too much for you, get in touch, we are more than happy to take over this situation and see it through.

l Large three bedroom flat with long lease and low service charges l Needs modernisation l Close to Marylebone and Edgware Road stations l Excellent yield of 5.5% per annum l Sustained long term growth due to the location Call us now for more information!

Sow & Reap Properties Ltd

0207 993 0103

info@sowandreap.co.uk www.sowandreap.co.uk 27 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8HU SowandReapProperties

Sowandreapuk

Turning land into cash Get in touch about our land opportunities

20 FINANCE - INDIA

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

7-13 September 2019

Govt eases FDI norms to perk up economy In a move to revive economic activity, the government has relaxed several rules in the areas such as single-brand retail, contract manufacturing, coal mining and digital media in order to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI). Most of the decisions are in line with the announcements made in the Union Budget last month.

In a fresh round of FDI reforms, the government allowed 100 per cent foreign investment in coal mining and contract manufacturing, eased sourcing norms for single-brand retailers and approved 26 per cent overseas investment in digital media as it looked to boost economic growth from a five-year low. Separately, the finance ministry has notified rules allowing 100% FDI for insurance intermediaries.

Although a decision on aviation is awaited. "The changes in FDI policy will result in making India a more attractive FDI destination, leading to benefits of increased investments, employment, and growth," Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said after the meeting of

Piyush Goyal

the Union Cabinet.

The easing of FDI norms comes days after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a raft of measures to provide a boost to a slowing economy. The moves come amid an anticipated slowdown in global FDI flows and are aimed at spurring investment, especially in new ventures, given that domestic companies are refusing to pump in money in expanding facilities, citing excess production capacity.

Also, 100 per cent FDI under automatic route has been allowed in contract manufacturing to give a big boost to domestic manufacturing. In single-brand retail trading (SBRT), the definition of 30 per cent local

sourcing norm has been relaxed and online sales permitted without prior opening of brick and mortar stores. "Online sales will lead to the creation of jobs in logistics, digital payments, customer care, training and product skilling," he said.

FDI rules relating to digital media have also been liberalised.

It has been decided to permit 26 per cent FDI under government route for uploading/streaming of news and current affairs through digital media, on the lines of the print media.

Presently, 100 per cent FDI under automatic route is allowed in coal and lignite mining for captive consumption in power projects, iron and steel and cement units. Now, the same has been allowed for sale of coal and mining, including associated processing infrastructure such as coal washery, crushing, coal handling, and separation (magnetic and non-magnetic).

‘Move to make Indian cos part of global value chain’ Piyush Goyal said the twin moves are aimed at making Indian companies part of the

global value chain at a time when international players are looking at expanding their footprint beyond China and locating in other markets. Goyal said decisions of the Cabinet are aimed to "liberalize and simplify the FDI policy to provide ease of doing business in the country, leading to larger FDI inflows and thereby contributing to the growth of investment, income and employment".

FDI is a major driver of economic growth and a source of non-debt finance for the economic development of the country.

The government has put in place an investor-friendly policy on FDI, under which investment up to 100 per cent is permitted on the automatic route in most sectors/ activities.

These reforms have led to total FDI into India reaching USD 286 billion in five years from 2014-15 to 2018-19 as compared to USD 189 billion in the previous five-years, Goyal said. At USD 64.37 billion, FDI in 2018-19 is the highest ever investment received for any financial year.

10 banks merged to form four large entities In a mega merger, 10 public sector banks have been merged to form four large entities, capable of meeting the higher funding requirements of the economy and acquiring global scale. The government, after 50 years of nationalisation of banks, unveiled the biggest overhaul in the public sector space, a week after announcing a slew of measures to boost consumer and investment confidence. Terming the move as ‘Building NextGen Banks,’ union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that from this consolidation will emerge big banks with enhanced capacity, strong national presence and global reach.

According to Sitharaman, Canara Bank and Syndicate

Bank will be merged into one entity which will make the fourth-largest bank, with Rs 15.2 trillion business. While Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank will be amalgamated into a single entity to build India’s fifth-largest public sector bank with Rs 14.59 trillion in business. Similarly, Indian Bank and Allahabad Bank will become one entity to make

India’s seventh-largest PSB with a business of Rs 8.08 trillion.

The Finance Minister further said that the Bank of India and Central Bank of India would remain independent. Following the consolidation, the country will be left with 12 public sector banks, instead of 18 at present, with the merged entity comprising Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India becoming the second largest lender after SBI. “Twelve solidly present, well-consolidated, energised, adequately capital endowed banks will now operate... Banks with a strong national presence and global reach is what we want,” Sitharaman said. She also announced the contours of a

£5.5 billion recapitalisation plan for the entities that are to be merged as well as the six - Bank of India, Central Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Uco Bank - which are not part of the consolidation plan.

No job cuts While announcing the amalgamation, the government assured that there would be no job loss. The government said banks have been asked to ensure that there is no disruption of banking activity and loan flow to the economy is not impacted.

“This is exactly the right time to do it. It will not cause any disruption, we will draw upon the experience of the BoB merger,” finance secretary Rajiv Kumar said.

ED seeks nod to sell Nirav’s paintings, cars The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed an application in the special court seeking permission to sell valuable articles recovered during raids from the home of absconding businessman Nirav Modi. According to the estimate made by the ED, the market value of the valuables seized from Modi’s residence, Samudra Mahal in Worli - including watches, jewellery and coins is over £46 mn. The ED claimed in its plea that the 173 paintings seized by the Income Tax Department were valued at over £60 mn, of which 55 were sold through an auction. ED also wants to sell Modi’s eight cars valued at £6 mn.

“The movable properties are perishable and prone to speedy and natural decay and the

Nirav Modi with his paintings

expense of maintenance shall exceed the value if they are kept idle for long,” ED said in its plea.

“Since the paintings at Samudra

Mahal are prone to speedy and natural decay if not kept in a climate-controlled condition, they have been shifted to a

climate-controlled storage house for safe keeping for the time being…if the paintings are not sold within reasonable time, they are bound to lose their value over a period of time,” the ED plea stated. “..the expense of maintenance shall exceed the value of the same if they are kept for long period of time.”

Special judge V C Barde adjourned the plea to September 5 and directed notices to be issued to the accused. The investigating agency said the articles were attached through a February 25 order. It said that in July, the adjudicating authority, Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), New Delhi, had confirmed the order for attachment.

in brief 2,000-RUPEE NOTES IN CIRCULATION SHRINKS

The 2,000 rupee note is seeing a sharp drop in print orders by the RBI. The number of outstanding notes has shrunk by 72 million to 3.29 billion in FY19. According to bankers, the RBI is shifting focus away from the Rs 2,000 note as the denomination was printed in large numbers to cope with the replacement of demonetised notes. After all demonetised notes were replaced in March 2017, the Rs 2,000 note accounted for half the total value of the currency in circulation. A year later its share declined to 37%. It now accounts for 31% of the value of total currency in circulation. All other banknotes saw an increase in the number in circulation. The biggest increase in share was by the Rs 500 note which now accounts for 51% of the banknotes in circulation. Notes of Rs 10 denomination are the largest in number with 31.28 billion in circulation. According to the RBI, indent (orders based on demand from banks) of banknotes for 2018-19 was lower by 5.6% from their level a year ago. However, the supply of banknotes during 2018-19 was higher than in the previous year.

2 INDIA INC LEADERS FIRED Corporate governance issues claimed two top leaders of India Inc. The board of CG Power & Industrial Solutions sacked its chairman Gautam Thapar for financial irregularities worth thousands of crores of rupees, spread over several years, which he denied.

Meanwhile, the board of ratings major ICRA, the Indian arm of global major Moody’s, fired its MD Naresh Takkar for allegedly using his influence and improving ratings for companies in return for financial and other gains. After Thapar - the scion of the L N Thapar group was sacked, the stock price of CG Power rallied 5%, the maximum possible, to close at Rs 10 on the BSE. “In cognizance of the current situation and recent developments...the board by majority consent has resolved to remove Gautam Thapar…with immediate effect,” CG Power said in a regulatory filing. The board said the decision was taken in the interests of the company and its stakeholders. In the case of ICRA, its board said it terminated the employment of Takkar as MD and group CEO, effective immediately.

The decision was taken “after due consideration and taking into account the best interests of the company and its stakeholders”.

FPIS PULL OUT £592 MN IN AUGUST Foreign investors pulled out a net amount of £592 million from the Indian capital markets in August even as the government rolled back enhanced surcharge on FPIs last week. The withdrawal from the capital markets (both equity and debt) in August is “contrary to the expectation” since the Centre last week announced revocation of enhanced super rich tax on foreign and domestic equity investors imposed in the Budget, said Himanshu Srivastava, senior analyst manager research at Morningstar.

According to the latest depositories data, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) withdrew a net amount of £1.75 billion from equities and pumped in a net sum of £1.16 billion in the debt segment, translating into a total net outflow of £592 million during August 1-30. In July, overseas investors had pulled out a net amount of £298.6 million from the capital markets. Prior to the announcement of enhanced super-rich tax in the Union Budget for 2019-20 in July, FPIs were net buyers for five consecutive months.

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

PAKISTAN

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

21

7-13 September 2019

in brief INDIAN-ORIGIN EX-TRUMP PARTNER ARRESTED FOR THEFT Dinesh Chawla, an Indian-origin developer who previously partnered with the Trump Organization to bring a series of new hotels to the state of Mississippi, has been arrested for allegedly stealing luggage from a Memphis airport, media reports said.

According reports, Chawla, 56, was arrested on August 22 and charged with one count theft of property $1,000 -$2,500 and one count theft of property $2,500 to $10,000.

Chawla was given a $5,000 bond and released later. According to reports, Chawla was seen taking a suitcase off the baggage claim belt at the Memphis International Airport on August 18. The police said that Chawla put the bag in his vehicle then went back inside to catch a flight. Police then searched his vehicle and found "several bags that had been stolen." The bags "contained thousands of dollars worth of items." Chawla told the police he stole the bags.

PAK PM IMRAN'S OFFICE FACES POWER CUT The effects of Pakistan's crumbling economy have now been visible in Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan's office too, with the Islamabad Electric Supply Company issuing a notice to the secretariat over non-payment of bills for the past several months. The Imran's secretariat owes electricity bills worth 41,00,000 Pakistani rupees to the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESC), say Pak media reports. The IESC has said that the secretariat has not paid its electricity bills for the past several months. Power cuts, especially during summers, have worsened in Pakistan in recent years. These regular power cuts usually lead to the suspension of work at factories and offices, thereby affecting the overall business activity.

LANKA COURT ORDERS REBURIAL OF SUICIDE ATTACKER A Sri Lankan court ordered police to exhume and relocate the remains of an Easter Sunday suicide bomber buried in a public cemetery in the eastern district of Batticaloa, after residents' protests stoked tension. Hundreds of people, including the relatives of those killed in the attack at Zion Church in Batticaloa, protested this week over the burial of the militant in a Hindu cemetery nearby, saying it hurt their sentiments.

Protesters blocked roads and law enforcement fired tear gas shells to disperse them, but an uneasy calm has prevailed since, police said. "The remains will be exhumed and kept in a mortuary until the government finds a suitable place to bury them," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. The bomber was buried in a Hindu public cemetery after Muslims declined to allow his burial in a community graveyard.

8,600 TROOPS TO STAY IN AF AFTER DEAL WITH TALIBAN President Donald Trump said that United States’ troop levels in Afghanistan will drop to 8,600 if a deal is reached with the Taliban and that a permanent presence will remain.

“We’re going down to 8,600 and then we make a determination from there,” Trump said in an interview. “We’re always going to have a presence.” Trump also said that if another attack on the United States originated from Afghanistan “we would come back with a force like... never before”. US troops were first sent to Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on US soil carried out by al-Qaeda, which was sheltered by the former Taliban regime.

Washington now wants to end its military involvement and has been talking to the Taliban since at least 2018.

Pak won’t start war or use nukes first against India, says Imran ISLAMABAD: Pakistan would neither use nuclear weapons first nor initiate any military action against India, Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan said while addressing the first International Sikh convention, arranged at Governor House in Lahore. “We both are nuclear armed countries. If these tensions increase, the world could be in danger,” Khan said adding “There will be no first from our side ever,” Denouncing the idea of war, Khan said: “I do not believe that war can solve any problem. Whoever thinks that it can is not sensible. He has not read the world history. If you solve one problem by waging war, you create four more.”

“Everyone who has tried to solve problems by waging war has lost, even in victory. It takes years for a country to recover from the losses inflicted by war,” he added. Khan, however, said that he will continue to raise his voice for the residents of J&K. Khan reiterated that India's RSS was following a “totalitarian and racist ideology” that was against the teachings of any religion.

Imran threatens nuke war Khan, who had initially claimed that India was going to carry out

made by Indian leaders periodically,” Khan wrote, without mentioning that Pakistan has an active firstuse nuclear weapons policy with a very low threshold.

Khan was quoted as having said that dialogue was Imran Khan possible only when India reversed “its illegal some action, in his words “more annexation of Kashmir, ends the sinister” than the Balakot curfew and lockdown, and strikes, upgraded the threat to a withdraws its troops to the possible nuclear confrontation barracks’’. when he gave an interview to the Pakistan ready for talks New York Times. Khan In an apparent turnaround, threatened the world with the Pakistan's foreign minister S M spectre of a nuclear war if the Qureshi said that Pakistan was global community disregards open to dialogue if India Islamabad’s dispute with New released J&K leaders and allowed Delhi over Kashmir. In an him to meet them. He also said overwrought New York Times that war was not an option to op-ed published online, Khan deal with the issue of Kashmir. wrote, “If the world does Notably, his statement comes nothing to stop the Indian after Khan ruled out dialogue assault on Kashmir and its with India until it reversed the people, there will be decision to revoke J&K’s special consequences for the whole status. This was even as India world as two nuclear-armed again underscored its position states get ever closer to a direct that talks were possible only in military confrontation.” an environment free of terror.

“India’s defence minister has Qureshi was quoted as issued a not-so-veiled nuclear having said that Pakistan had threat to Pakistan by saying that never said no to dialogue with the future of India’s “no first India. However, he added that use” policy on nuclear weapons “we cannot see the environment will 'depend on circumstances.' of dialogue being created by Similar statements have been

India.” External affairs minister S Jaishankar had said that India was willing to discuss outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.

Pak conducts ballistic missile test Viewed as a scaled-up effort to internationalise the Kashmir issue and raise the chatter of waging a nuclear war against India, Pakistan conducted a training launch of the surfaceto-surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. The director-general of the Pakistan army’s media wing ISPR, Major General Asif Ghafoor, posted a 30-second video clip of the missile launch and claimed the exercise was successful.

Pak minister sees war Pakistan Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed predicted a full-blown war in October between Pakistan and India.

Speaking on the Kashmir issue, Ahmed said that the time for a final freedom struggle for the Valley has come. Ahmed also appreciated its all-weather ally China, for its support to his country over the issue. He also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, callling him a "barbarian and fascist".

Hindu girls abducted, forcefully converted to Islam in Pakistan ISLAMABAD: Two Hindu girls were abducted and forcefully converted to Islam in Pakistan.

In the first case, Renuka Kumari, a Hindu girl was allegedly abducted from the Institute of Business Administration in Sukkur and was forcefully converted to Islam. Many such incidents are regularly reported in Pakistan, where Hindu, Sikh and Christian girls are forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men.

A non-profit organisation called All Pakistan Hindu Panchayat posted on Facebook claiming that the girl went missing on August 29 after leaving for her college.

Meanwhile, the brother of the girl, Vinesh said that his sister was involved in a romantic

relationship with a fellow classmate Babar Aman and the two are now in Sialkot.

However, sources confirmed that the couple has been taken to PTI worker Mirza Dilawar Baig's residence in Sialkot.

Sources added that Renuka was forcefully converted to Islam.

Meanwhile, the police had taken Aman's brother in to the custody, sources added.

In a similar case, earlier, 19year- old Jagjit Kaur who was also abducted and forcibly converted to Islam before being married to a Muslim man in the country's Punjab province. The incident came to light after a Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA, Manjinder Singh Sirsa shared a video of the girl's family alleging that the girl was abducted and forcefully

converted. The incident had drawn the attention and sparked anger in the Sikh community worldwide. The girl's father Bhagwan Singh, is a 'granthi' (priest) at Gurudwara Tambu Sahib in Nankana Sahib.

In a video, the family of the girl had complained to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan claiming that their daughter was kidnapped by six people at gunpoint on the night between August 27 and August 28.

Surinder Singh, brother of Jagjit Kaur said, "Our family has faced a tragic incident as some goons forcibly entered our house and abducted my younger sister.

They tortured her and forcibly converted her to Islam." He added, "We went to a police station to register a complaint.

We met many senior officials

but they have not listened to our complaint.

The goons again came to our house and forced us to withdraw the complaint and threatened that they will also force us to convert to Islam if we persisted with the complaint."

The family also appealed to Imran Khan and Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa for the safe return of Jagjit Kaur.

The kidnapped girl later emerged in a video in which she claimed she had 'converted' to Islam. The family of the girl begged Imran for justice, stating that they'd self-immolate if their daughter did not return.

The matter had raised a furore in India, with several political leaders across parties seeking action against the perpetrators.

Pak army manipulated polls with Imran: US report WASHINGTON: During Imran Khan's tenure as prime minister, the Pakistani military has retained the dominant influence over foreign and security policies of the country in a bid to oust former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, according to a US Congressional report.

The report prepared for US lawmakers by the bipartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) said Khan had no governance experience prior to winning his current office and analysts contend that Pakistan's security services manipulated domestic politics during elections with a motive of removing Nawaz Sharif.

Khan's "Naya Pakistan" vision which appeared to animate many younger, urban,

middle-class voters emphasizes anticorruption and creation of a "welfare state" that provides better education and health care, but his effort has foundered due to the country's acute financial crisis, and a need for new foreign borrowing and government austerity, the report said. "Most analysts see Pakistan's military establishment continuing to retain dominant influence over foreign and security policies," it said.

The CRS is an independent research wing of the US Congress, which prepares periodic reports on issues of interest for lawmakers. Its report are meant for US lawmakers to make informed decision and not considered as an official report of the US Congress. The CRS

said that many analysts contend that Pakistan's security services covertly manipulated the country's domestic politics before and during the election with a central motive of removing Nawaz Sharif from power and otherwise weakening his incumbent party.

A purported "military-judiciary nexus" allegedly came to favour Khan's party.

"Election observers and human rights groups issued statements pointing to sometimes 'severe' abuses of democratic norms, and the unprecedented participation of small parties with links to banned Islamist terrorist groups was seen to embolden militants (Islamist parties won a combined 10% of the national vote in 2018)," the CRS said.

22 WORLD

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

7-13 September 2019

Oz court halts deportation of Lankan Tamil family mid-air MELBOURNE: In a dramatic development, an injunction which was granted mid-air, temporarily spared a family of four - Nadesalingam, Priya, and their two daughtersfrom deportation to Sri Lanka.

Australian activists were successful in halting the midnight deportation of a Tamil asylum-seeker family as they were being flown out of the country.

The family's case has instigated nation-wide outcry since March last year, when authorities forcibly removed them from their home in Queensland. A petition for their return has attracted more than 120,000 signatures.

Australia’s conservative government had ordered the Tamil family to be Nadesalingam, his wife Priya, and their two daughters

taken from immigration detention in Melbourne, put on a plane and deported to Sri Lanka. But an injunction made by a phone call from federal judge Heather Riley after the plane took off forced pilots to land the aircraft and deposit the family in the far north city of Darwin. The parents arrived in Australia by boat separately in 2012 and 2013 seeking asylum.

Their daughters Kopika, aged four, and Tharunicca, aged two were born in Australia and have never been to Sri Lanka but do not have the right to Australian citizenship by birth.

Australia defended their expulsion, saying

they were not refugees. "They're not owed protection by our country," Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said. “I would like the family to accept that they are not refugees, they’re not owed protection by our country, they came here by boat and we’ve been very clear that they wouldn’t stay.”

Tamil Refugee Council spokesperson Aran Mylvaganam insisted the family “face danger to their lives in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a very dangerous place for Tamils.”

Shadow minister for home affairs Kristina Keneally called on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to intervene. “This is a family that was allowed to stay here for a period of time, allowed to set down roots, allowed to contribute to their local community and now, in the middle of the night, in dramatic scenes, being ripped out of this country,” she said.

Lanka seeks expertise in preventing violent extremism COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has sought expertise in preventing violent extremism (PVE) from the Global Community Engagement & Resilience Fund (GCERF) in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks, the foreign affairs ministry said. The GCERF is a Geneva-based public-private partnership that supports local, community-level initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience against violent extremism. At the invitation of the foreign ministry, the executive director of GCERF Khalid Koser was in Sri Lanka from 27 – 30 August, and met with political leaders, senior officials and other stakeholders with a view to ascertain possible programmes for GCERF assistance.

During his meeting with Koser, foreign minister Tilak Marapana pointed out that

addressing this issue in Sri Lanka must be done in the context where the majority Lankan Muslim community has collaborated with the government in apprehending the culprits connected to the dastardly attacks on Easter Sunday.

The minister further highlighted the value of community policing where extreme elements must be identified and dealt with at the early stages of radicalisation. He said that ordinary Sri Lankan populace is not extremist, but those vulnerable elements can be manipulated by interested parties in attempts to flare up situations for ulterior motives.

The Minister also raised the dilemma of dealing with individuals who return from conflict areas, which is an issue faced by many countries.

Koser underlined that national ownership, effective coordination and the local context for any PVE programme is central to GCERF assistance.

He briefed about GCERF engagement in comparable situations in Bangladesh, Tunisia, Mali, Nigeria, Kenya, the Philippines and Myanmar.

Koser also called on Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, where the latter briefed about his work in vulnerable hots pots through parliamentarians.

Chairperson of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga briefed about the work conducted by ONUR at the grassroots level with different communities on peaceful coexistence and social harmony.

At an interactive dialogue

with relevant government stakeholders at the Defence Ministry co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shantha Kottegoda and Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha, the Defence Secretary noted that the security forces and police were able to bring the situation swiftly under control after 21/4 and arrest suspects who could have carried out a second wave of attacks.

Now it was time to address those in detention to prevent further radicalisation and put in place an effective deradicalisation programme.

Kottegoda underlined the difference between LTTE rehabilitation which was a success and the nature of the issues involved in dealing with religious extremism which require a completely different set of tools and programme of action.

India, Pak spar in Maldives parliament over Kashmir MALE: India and Pakistan indulged in a heated argument over Kashmir at the 4th South Asian Speakers Summit in Maldives after Pakistan’s Deputy Speaker tried to draw attention of the delegates to “atrocities” in Jammu and Kashmir, veering off topic during a debate on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Addressing the Maldivian Parliament, Pakistan deputy speaker Qasim Suri tried to use the platform to talk about the Kashmir situation following nullification of Article 370, which granted special status to the state. A point of order was raised by India and a strong rebuttal was given by Rajya

Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh. In a swift intervention, Singh said “A country that perpetrated a genocide of its own people has no moral right to speak.”

Pakistan's deputy speaker first raised the issue of Kashmir. “We cannot ignore the situation of Kashmiris who are facing oppression. They are facing injustice,” he said. Singh responded strongly and said there was a need to “end crossborder terrorism and all kinds of state support for the same” for the interest of regional peace and stability. “We strongly object to the raising of internal matter of India at this forum.

We also reject

politicisation of this forum by raising issues which are extraneous to the theme of this summit,” Singh said.

Continuing his tirade amid strong protests from the Pakistani side, Singh said PoK was neither a country nor a province yet it was being governed through a prime minister, a president and a legislature. Singh added that the forum was only meant to discuss SDGs and the issues raised by Pakistan should not be part of the proceedings.

Responding to Singh, Pakistani senator Quratulain Marri said, “SDGs for women and youth, nothing can be achieved without human

rights. The atrocities being meted out on Kashmiris...”

This is when she was interrupted by Maldives speaker Mohammed Nasheed, who attempted to put an end to the heated exchange of words. However, sparring by both sides continued even after repeated interruptions by Nasheed with neither side willing to back down.

The summit is intended for speakers of the parliaments of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Indian delegation in the summit is led

by Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla.

in brief 7 KILLED IN TEXAS MASS SHOOTING Seven people were killed and at least 21others were injured in a mass shooting in the West Texas cities of Midland and Odessa, as a gunman drove on the highways and streets opening fire on residents, motorists and shoppers, the authorities said. The attack terrified the sister cities, less than a month after gunmen killed 31 people in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio, in back-to-back massacres. The Saturday attack brought the number of victims of mass killings by firearms to 53 for the month of August in the United States. The carnage was also the 38th shooting with three or more fatalities.

9-YEAR-OLD GIRL TOLD TO 'COVER UP' In a day and time when we talk of body positivity and encouraging women to be comfortable in whatever they wear, a 9-year-old's bodyshaming case in Florida school has left everyone enraged. The 9-year-old girl student was told not to wear a tank top in school as it "distract boys". The girl was allegedly told to cover her shoulders. The mother of the child was outraged and they protested wearing "right to bare shoulders" tees! The mother and her husband have decided to make their opinion heard. She and her husband agreed that the school's dress code was too outdated. She gathered a few other friends, classmates of her daughter and took a peaceful protest approach. They came up with T-shirts for girls that read "Right to bare shoulders," and for the boys' that said, "Real men aren't distracted by shoulders."

US NEWS ANCHOR COMPARES BLACK COLLEAGUE TO GORILLA A television news anchorwoman in the US apologised after comparing her black colleague to a gorilla, NBC News reported. Alex Housden of KOCO 5 News in Oklahoma City made the remark during a segment on an ape. When a video of a baby gorilla appeared on screen, Housden, who is white, turned to her black co-anchor, Jason Hackett, and said that the ape “kind of looks like you.” The following day, Housden apologised to Hackett, saying: “I said something yesterday that was inconsiderate, it was inappropriate, and I hurt people.”

IRAN PUBLICLY HANGS MAN FOR KILLING CLERIC Iran publicly hanged a man convicted of murdering the leader of main weekly prayers in the city of Kazeroun, state news agency IRNA said. Hamid Reza Derakhshandeh was executed at the scene where he killed the cleric on May 29. Mohammad Khorsand suffered fatal injuries when attacked with a “cold weapon” while returning from a ceremony during Ramadan. The cleric had been the leader of Friday prayers in Kazeroun, the capital of Fars province, since 2007.

10 STUDENTS INJURED IN CHINESE SCHOOL ATTACK At least 10 students were injured in an attack at an elementary school in central China. The attack occurred on the first day of the new semester in Enshi city in Hubei province. The wounded students were taken to a hospital. Media reports say police are holding the suspect for investigation.

The motive of the attack was unclear and no further details were immediately available. In June last year, two children were stabbed to death by a man outside an elementary school in Shanghai. In April last year, nine were killed and more than a dozen injured outside a middle school in northwestern Shaanxi province by an attacker who allegedly was a former pupil seeking revenge for having been bullied.

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

WORLD

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

23

7-13 September 2019

in brief DOG WHO STOPPED INTRUDER HONOURED A four-legged hero who saved then-US President Obama from a White House intruder is now an award-winner in Britain.

Hurricane, a former Secret Service dog, has earned the Order of Merit from British veterinary charity PDSA. He’s the first foreigner to win the honour, to be bestowed at a London ceremony in October. The Belgian Malinois intercepted an intruder who scaled the White House fence in October 2014. The intruder swung Hurricane around, punching and kicking him, but the dog dragged him to the ground, allowing Secret Service agents to intercept him. Obama, home at the time, was not harmed.

100 KILLED IN SAUDI-LED AIR-STRIKES IN YEMEN Airstrikes launched by the Saudi-led coalition on a detention center held by the Houthi rebels in Yemen's Dhamar province, have killed at least 100 people and injured scores, the International Committee of the Red Cross said. The attack has been termed as the deadliest till now by the Saudi-led coalition, which has faced massive international criticism for airstrikes that have not only killed civilians but also hit non-military targets. Yemen officials said the airstrikes had targeted the university in Dhamar that is one of dozens of detention centers run by the Houthis in areas under their control.

However, the Saudi-led coalition said it had hit a Houthi military structure used to store drones and missiles in Dhamar, “in accordance with international humanitarian law.” It said “all precautionary measures were taken to protect civilians.”

ATTACKERS SET MEXICO BAR ON FIRE, 25 KILLED At least 25 people were killed and 11 badly wounded when gunmen burst into a strip club in eastern Mexico, doused it with gasoline and ignited a raging fire, officials said. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador condemned the attack and said federal authorities would investigate evidence that it may have stemmed from collusion between the state prosecutor’s office and organised crime. The attack is the latest to rock the state of Veracruz, a flashpoint in bloody turf wars between rival drug cartels.

DEADLY TALIBAN ATTACK IN KABUL CASTS SHADOW ON PEACE DEAL A Taliban attack on a housing complex used by international organisations in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Monday killed at least 16 people and angered local residents who demanded the heavily fortified compound be moved. The blast, which shook buildings several kms away, happened just as Zalmay Khalilzad, the special US envoy for peace in Afghanistan, was outlining details of a draft accord with the insurgents in a television interview. Following major Taliban attacks on two northern cities over the weekend, the bombing of the Green Village compound added to questions around the peace deal reached between US and Taliban negotiators in the Qatari capital, Doha. Habib Jan, who was in his house nearby when the blast occurred, said the area has been attacked repeatedly and many residents wanted the compound, used by foreign staff of international groups including aid organizations, moved.

UAE crown prince calls PM Modi as his 'brother' ABU DHABI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Order of Zayed, UAE’s highest civilian award, by Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “I am humbled to get the ‘Order of Zayed’ a while ago. This award is not for an individual but for the spirit of Indian culture and is dedicated to the skills and abilities of 1.3 billion Indians. I thank the Government of the United Arab Emirates for this honour,” the Prime Minister said in a tweet.

Conferring the award on the Indian prime minister, the crown prince, also expressed gratitude to his “brother” for visiting “his second home” and

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with UAE Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

for his efforts to boost bilateral ties between the two nations.

PM Modi and Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed measures to improve trade and cultural ties between India and the UAE in Abu Dhabi. The two leaders also discussed the “full spectrum of the strong IndiaUAE partnership”, which has been “built over generations”, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

The award has earlier been bestowed on several world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Queen Elizabeth II and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Sikh man out on walk stabbed to death in US WASHINGTON: A 64-year-old Sikh man from India was stabbed to death by an unidentified person in California while he was on his evening walk.

According to a report, Parmjit Singh was attacked in Gretchen Talley Park in Tracy last week. He died from his injuries, it added.

Detectives say a passerby spotted the man bleeding on the ground and immediately called

Parmjit Singh

911. Police, who have launched a homicide investigation, don’t have any clear suspects just yet.

The police asked for the community’s help identifying a man captured on video hopping a fence and running away from the park around the time when the incident took place. “We just need to figure out who that is,” a police spokesperson said.

Singh wears a turban and some residents are worried that he may have been attacked

because he was Sikh. Police said they cannot say if it was a hate crime. “We have no information that would lead us to the motive of this crime. We’re keeping all possibilities open,” the spokesman said.

The victim’s son-in-law said Singh immigrated to Tracy from India three years ago and was an active member of the Sikh community. Singh is survived by two children and three grandkids.

HK protesters block roads to airport, damage train station HONG KONG: For almost three months, antigovernment protests has been a regular scene in Hong Kong. Transport to and from was halted for hours as protesters barricaded roads, leaving traffic gridlocked and stranding hundreds of tourists at the terminal.

The protesters blocked roads near Hong Kong’s airport with burning barricades and vandalized a subway station after a night of violent clashes with police. Train and some bus service to the airport on the outlying island of Chek Lap Kok were suspended. Some passengers had to walk to Pro-democracy protestors leave after riot police arrive outside the airport in Hong Kong the airport carrying taken in custody by the police. from the airport, some attacked luggage.

The authorities did not grant a train station in the adjacent The protesters threw petrol permission for a major march in Tung Chung area. They used bombs and set fires and police what appears to a harder line on metal bars to smash lights and responded with water cannon this summer's protests. The broke open a fire hose valve, and tear gas. Police were also organizers of the march said sending water gushing across seen rushing into a subway they were calling it off after an the floor. Protesters set up station to make dozens of appeals board denied barricades on two adjacent arrests. The government said permission. "The first priority of streets and set fire to some of some protesters threw objects at the Civil Human Rights Front is them. Protesters left the area police. It also said iron poles, to make sure that all of the after busloads of riot police bricks and rocks were thrown participants will be physically flooded into the train station. onto tracks of the airport train.

Activists arrested, protest march and legally safe. That's our first At least 26 flights from Hong banned priority," said Bonnie Leung, a Kong and 17 to the city had been leader of the group. "And Well-known activist Joshua cancelled. because of the decision made by Wong and another key player of After protesters began to flee the appeal board, we feel very a pro-democracy group were

sorry but we have no choice but to cancel the march."

It was unclear whether some protesters would still demonstrate on their own. Police have been rejecting many applications for rallies and marches, citing violence at or after earlier ones. They also are arresting people for protests held earlier this summer. Andy Chan, the leader of a proindependence movement, was arrested at the airport. Three others were taken earlier this week for vandalising the legislature offices on July 1. Police said that Wong and Agnes Chow are being investigated for their role in a June 21 unauthorized protest outside a police station. Both face potential charges of participating in the demonstration and inciting others to join it.

Wong, secretary-general of Demosisto, also is being investigated on suspicion of organizing it. He was one of the student leaders of the Umbrella Movement, the major prodemocracy demonstrations in 2014.

24 INDIA

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

7-13 September 2019

SOUTH INDIA

Karnataka govt won't pursue proposal for separate state flag BENGALURU: The BJP government in Karnataka indicated that it would not pursue the previous Congress government's proposal for a separate state flag that was pending before the central government. The government is also mulling over celebrating birth anniversary of prominent personalities in a "different way", as the present practice depicts them only as "community icons".

Tricolor is the only constitutional flag. There was no opposition for having cultural flag, but constitutionally there is only one flag for the country and that is tricolor flag," Minister for Kannada and Culture C T Ravi said in response to a question.

Speaking to reporters, after holding meeting with officials on assuming office, he said, "...

we can have Kannada flag as cultural flag, constitutionally there is no such provision for state flag according to flag code."

Asked whether the state government would not pursue the proposal that was before the central government, he merely said, "the country is one and we only think about unity."

Flagging off the "Kannadiga pride" ahead of the assembly

polls, the then Congress government headed by Siddaramaiah in March 2018 had unveiled the proposed official state flag for Karnataka, and had sent it to central government for approval.

Siddaramaiah government had requested the Centre to include the Karnataka flag in the schedule of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Misuse)

Act, 1950. The 'Naada Dwaja' (state's flag) in hues of yellow, white and red, had the state's emblem 'Gandaberunda' or the two-headed mythological bird, at its centre. A committee formed by the then government had recommended the separate flag for Karnataka, discounting any constitutional or legal hurdles for it.

Ravi also said, the government was mulling over celebrating birth anniversary of prominent personalities differently. "I'm told that the department celebrates jayanti's (birth anniversary) of 25 prominent personalities and most of the department's efforts are utilised for celebrating these jayanti's. While a few jayanti's are with public participation, the others are like government sponsored symbolic programme without any public participation," he said.

PUNJAB

SAD, Cong in credit war over Kartarpur corridor GURDASPUR: The Congress and the SAD-BJP alliance are in a political tug of war for the credits of the crucial 4.2-kmlong Kartarpur Sahib corridor, which on completion will allow 5,000 Indian pilgrims daily to pay obeisance at the revered Sikh shrine in Pakistan from India. SAD MLA Bikram Singh Majithia urged the stakeholders involved in establishing the Kartarpur corridor not to politicise the issue. He said the NDA-led central government was extending all possible help to build the passage on time.

Kartarpur Sahib Majithia, who was speaking to job to provide sand and gravel the media, said the present from nearby quarrying sites. The slowdown in the pace of work Amarinder Singh government is was due to the unavailability of not taking up the matter mining material, including sand seriously, which clearly shows and gravel. that the state government has no “It is the state government’s

interest in getting the corridor operational on time. Recently, Rajya Sabha MP Partap Singh Bajwa wrote to the CM, saying the construction work was suffering as the mining mafia was not allowing sand and gravel to reach the site on time.

This clearly proves there are fissures within the Congress.

One faction wants the passage to be built while the other does not. I request all stakeholders to refrain from giving political contours to the prestigious project,” Majithia stated. To this, Cabinet minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, MLA from Dera Baba Nanak, said work at the site was going on at full pace. “Majithia knows nothing. I would like to know how many times he has visited the site. He is being fed

misinformation by people with vested interests who know nothing about the progress being made by the NHAI, Land Ports Authority of India and the Ludhiana-based construction company. He has a knack of speaking the wrong things at the wrong time. The corridor has religious overtures and it will be better if he refrains from giving such statements,” Randhawa maintained.

Meanwhile, Majithia said whatever work had been completed till now was because the Central Government had released funds on time. “The Punjab Government has not released even a single rupee, though its ministers like to revel in glory by visiting the site every now and then and getting photographed.

WEST BENGAL

Mamata asks puja committees not to pay taxes KOLKATA: A month ahead of Durga Puja, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the second time asked the Puja Committees not to pay any income taxes. “I would like to tell all the Puja Committees not to pay any income taxes. We are fighting against this directive of the Income Tax department. We don’t charge taxes for any festivals. If the Ganga Sagar mela will be tax-free, then why will we pay tax for celebrating Durga Puja,” Mamata said while chairing an administrative and coordination meeting with the Puja Committees at Netaji Indoor Stadium.

The Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs 25,000 which was Rs 10,000 in 2016.

Additionally, the state

government also gave a 25% discount on total electricity bills and withdrew addition charges from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and for firefighting licenses. “Also, I would like to request all the VIPs not to visit puja pandals in a blue beacon fitted cars after 5 pm as this causes lot of difficulties to the common people. I would also request Puja committees not to issue any VIP passes this

time. Puja is for everybody and everybody will enjoy it equally,” she added.

Mamata and BJP have been at loggerheads over the allegation that the Income Tax department is issuing notices to Puja committees asking them to explain their expenses.

Earlier this month, Mamata claimed that Income Tax department is not even sparing the ‘purohits’ (priests), dhakis (traditional drummers) and artisans despite a top IT officer rubbishing the allegations terming them misleading. “We have not issued any tax notices to any of the Puja committees and Durga Puja Committee Forum (an umbrella body of a section of puja associations) in Kolkata. Some

people are raising their voice but it is not true. The report is factually incorrect and we strongly deny it”, the IT officer in Kolkata had said.

On the context of idol makers, idol buyers, dhaki, and priests, he had said, “TDS is not applicable to idol makers and idol buyers because the purchase is outright. I want to clarify that ‘pranami’/payment to priests, dhaki (drum artists) and payment to idol makers, buyers will not fall under section 133(6).” He further said, “You will be surprise to know that out of 42 puja committees (from whom we sought information on payments under section 133(6) of the Income Tax Act, 1961), five are already following this TDS norms for years and seven have started complying it.

in brief TAMILNADU TO BAN SEX REASSIGNMENT SURGERIES The Tamil Nadu government has banned sex reassignment surgeries for intersex infants and children, in a move which is being seen as progressive. The development comes after Madras High Court’s direction to the department of health family and welfare to issue an order ‘enshrining the mandate of the Supreme Court.’

The order, however, mentioned that the reassignment surgeries will be allowed in cases of life-threatening situations, which will be decided after the recommendations of a committee comprising of a paediatric surgeon/urologist, an endocrinologist, a social worker and a government representative not below the rank of Under Secretary. The committee will be constituted by the Director of Medical Education.

NO PAROLE FOR DERA CHIEF; HC DISMISSES FOURTH PLEA

The Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed as withdrawn a parole plea filed by the wife of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh who is serving jail term after being convicted of raping two of his disciples and for murdering a journalist. Harjit Kaur had filed the plea seeking three week parole for Ram Rahim to look after his ailing mother Naseeb Kaur (85).

'Dismissed as withdrawn, at this stage. In case the medical experts opine that the (Ram Rahim's) mother is critically ill then the withdrawal of the case today would not be an impediment in consideration of request in accordance with law', Justice Rajiv Narain Raina said in an order after Kaur's lawyers failed to convince the court for Ram Rahim's temporary release. Earlier, the Superintendent of Sunaria Jail in Rohtak where the dera chief is lodged, had rejected Kaur's plea.

WEST BENGAL PASSES ANTI-LYNCHING BILL After Manipur and Rajasthan, the West Bengal government introduced The West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Act, 2019, in the House, which was passed later. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed its provisions would be “sterner than the Indian Penal Code. From preindependence times, Bengal has showed the way for solutions to complex problems. Bengal led from the front to have Sati outlawed. Today, Bengal is again the first state to introduce a bill against lynching.” Mamata also urged the Centre and all states to pass laws to curb lynchings, calling it a “social evil”.

WEST BENGAL BJP CHIEF, PARTY WORKERS ATTACKED West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh was attacked by a group of people while he was out for a morning walk. According to a tweet, the mob attacked the BJP MP and several BJP workers at Lake Town. Reports say that the incident took place when Ghosh was on his way to take part in ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with several BJP workers. The attack comes two days after Ghosh stirred a row with his aggressive remarks by asking BJP workers to bash up TMC workers if they were attacked by them. While addressing party workers at an event in East Midnapore, Ghosh ordered them to beat up TMC workers and even police personnel if attacked. Ghosh also warned TMC workers of the same fate as senior Congress leader P Chidambaram over alleged corruption cases. The police registered a case against MP on the charge of trying to incite violence.

www.asian-voice.com

INDIA / HERITAGE & HISTORY

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

AsianVoiceNews

25

7-13 September 2019

Diary of a new Canadian Immigrant Mitul Paniker

Celebrating Hindu festivals abroad Dear Readers, The weather's getting cold here and fall seems to be on the horizon. We enjoyed two separate occasions in Markham in the last two weeks. The Saturday before last, we celebrated Krishna Janmashtami at the Markham Sanatan Mandir.

The celebration began late in the evening and by midnight, the tempo and vibrations inside the temple was one I will remember for years. The community centre was chock full of Krishna followers, many of whom had drove in from nearby cities.

At midnight, lights in the hall were turned off and the entire hall echoed with the sound of a storm. It was paired with brilliant flickering mini-lights. The scene of Vasudeva crossing Yamuna with baby Krishna in a basket protected from rain and storm by the hood of Vasuki was splendidly recreated and all those who witnessed it were awestruck, including me.

The arrangements at the temple were more than stellar and I was grateful to have participated in the celebrations.

The idea of Sanatan Mandir began in 1977 when the Gujarat Samaj realised the

need for a centre. After donations and collections, work on building the centre began in 1985. After years of hiccups, the committee began carrying out its religious activities out of a trailer. The years-long struggle for the Gujarati community came to an end in 1996, when the Sanatan Mandir community centre finally stood tall.

Yesterday, my husband and I were invited to a friend's place for their Ganesh sthapna. The entire ceremony was beautifully held along with an aarti and lunch. In the evening, we went to the derasar handled by the Jain Society of Toronto (JSOT). JSOT was founded as a non-profit organization in 1974, with one important mandate; to practice, promote and teach Jainism. JSOT is one of the first Jain organisations established in Canada and fifth in North America.

Hindu traditions abroad are just as rich and well-kept as in India. In the last couple of days, we have felt the most in touch with our culture as ever. To be honest, getting in touch with our vast community here is a breather.

19,00,000 left out, final Assam NRC elicits anger & sense of betrayal Assam’s NRC upgradation process ended with the rejection of the citizenship claims of a little over 19,00,000 people out of the total 40,00,000 who had not found a place in last year’s draft National Register of Citizens. Widespread anger and a sense of betrayal was seen among political parties and the people while many felt too few had been rejected.

Altogether, 33 million people had applied for entry into the NRC. A full list of those who qualified for the NRC this time and last year will be put online on September 7. A total of 3,30,27,661 people had applied to be included in the NRC. Of them, 3,11,21,004 have been included in the document and 19,06,657 excluded, a statement from the NRC State Coordinators office said.

Given the long process of litigation, there is a perception that it will take years to identify the Indians in Assam. After all, the upgradation of the NRC is a process to identify Indians, not illegal immigrants. The dissatisfied believe the NRC, billed as the country’s most complex and most controversial headcount, has legitimised the existing nature of Assam’s demography, the reason why the state suffered political and ethnic troubles. The low percentage of exclusion in Bengali-speaking Muslim migrant majority districts, particularly those bordering Bangladesh, has given rise to a belief among those calling the process “flawed” that most illegal migrants have made it into the NRC. ‘Re-verification should be allowed’ Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “The names of many Indian citizens who migrated from Bangladesh as refugees prior to 1971 have not been included in the NRC because the authorities refused to accept their refugee certificates.” “Many names got included because of manipulation

of legacy data, which occurred.” Sarma tweeted, “I reiterate that as requested by the central and state governments at least 20% reverification (bordering districts) and 10% reverification (remaining districts) should be allowed by Hon'ble Apex court for a correct and fair NRC.” A Kargil veteran, a sitting and an ex-MLA of the AIDUF were among those whose names were excluded from the final NRC. The daughter of Congress MLA Ilias Ali too found her name missing though the legislator and his other family members made it to the updated list. Kargil war veteran and retired army officer Mohammad Sanaullah, who spent a few days in detention in May after being declared a foreigner by a tribunal, was excluded from the updated list. Sanaullah's two daughters and a son were reportedly not included, though his wife's name appeared in the list, which validates bona fide Indian citizens in Assam. AIUDF MLA Ananta Kumar Malo, representing Abhayapuri South assembly constituency in Bongaigaon district, said he could not find his name in the final NRC. "My son's name also is not in the NRC final list," the legislator claimed. Malo's party colleague Ataur Rahman Mazarbhuyan is another prominent exclusion. The former MLA said he would take legal option and go to the Foreigners Tribunal to get his name included in the NRC.

Sardar Patel initiates Operation Polo • Calling Nizam a friend the Dy PM got him appointed as the Rajpramukh • The ‘butcher’ Razakaars also had many Hindu landowners amongst them So His Exhausted Highness is here.” Following Operation Polo and the Nizam of Hyderabad’s surrender, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, visited Hyderabad. The Nizam went to receive him at the airport. Patel’s dream of a unified India was complete after thirteen months on 17 September 1948 when defiant Nizam and the ‘butcher’ Razakars had to surrender after a brief 5-day Police Action carried out by the Indian army under direct instructions of the Sardar. It surprised many that after the operation was over, Patel called the Nizam a friend and got him appointed as the Rajpramukh or the Governor of the liberated Hyderabad State having 80 per cent Hindu population. Historian Rajmohan Gandhi nicely presents the picture of the last victory in “Patel : A Life” : “After his defeat the Nizam duly acceded to India, disowned the Razakars, withdrew the complaint to the UN, accepted a constitutional role, welcomed the representative rule and surrendered his vast holdings of land. He would have earned the goodwill of Hyderabad’s Hindus and gratitude of India’s Muslims, if he had made these gestures a few months earlier.”

“

Major General J. N. Chaudhari commanded the Operation Polo guided by Lt. General Rajendrasinhji. History records how the State’s last Prime Minister, Laik Ali, and Razakar chief Qasim Razvi had bolstered Patel’s resolve for military action.

According to some accounts, India sent 36,000 troops. In his HEH the Nizam receiving the Deputy PM Sardar Patel at the Hyderabad memoirs October Coup, airport after the Operation Polo author Mohammed Hyder, by the Indian Army after Operation Polo. who was a bureaucrat in Hyderabad, recalls The report, which saw the light of the day how he urged Razvi to take part in the only in 2013, gives “a reasonable and negotiations for annexation. Razvi scoffed, modest” account of the total number of “I only negotiate and haggle deaths somewhere between Next Column: when buying fruits.” During 30,000 and 40,000 and other the negotiation in August 1947 Periyar-Anna’s Dravida alleged atrocities in parts of the Movement with the Indian government, Princely State of Hyderabad the Nizam and Prime Minister along with names. Pandit Sunderlal was a Ali said Hyderabad would only give up Member of Parliament and a celebrated defence and partial foreign policy historian who wrote “Bharat mein Angreji autonomy to the Union. The State also Raj”. preferred to remain “neutral” in the event of Each year since Telangana’s formation future India-Pakistan conflicts. After the in 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has Operation Polo, Razvi was jailed till 1957 been demanding that 17 September be and then left for Pakistan. declared ‘liberation day’. The ruling Patel famously described an Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has, independent Hyderabad as “an ulcer in the however, remained mum on the issue. “The heart of India which needed to be removed Razakaars also had many Hindu surgically”. While initiating the opration landowners amongst them. Vishnu Ram H.M.Patel, the Defence Secretary, was kept Chandra Reddy was one who was killed by in loop. Another Patel loyalist K.M. Munshi the communists and B. Dharma Reddy was was posted as the Indian Agent General at also another Razakaar. Muslims are simply the Nizam’s capital who played a major blamed for what had happened, but the diplomatic role in the takeover of the largest truth is that the militia was created to Princely State. “And Hyderabad’s fate was protect the feudal lords," told M. K. sealed in September 1948”, sums up Moinuddin to media, who had joined the Daneesh Majid, a Hyderabad based writer in Communist Party of India in 1948 and took ‘when the troops were marching in’. part in the Telangana armed struggle as While there are accounts of killings by well. One has to see the holistic the Razakaars, particularly of Hindus, the picture of the historical events.

Sunderlal Committee was formed in 1949 Dr. Hari Desai by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru (The writer is a Socioto look into alleged atrocities like rape, political Historian. murder and looting of Muslims committed E-mail: haridesai@gmail.com)

Chandrayaan-2 completes final milestone before Moon landing The Chandrayaan- 2 spacecraft underwent a small, fifth and final orbit manoeuvre to refine its circular path around the moon. Vikram, the lander and Pragyan (rover), sitting inside Vikram, successfully separated from the orbiter in less than a minute at 1.15 pm taking India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission into its last and most crucial leg: a soft, controlled landing on Moon. With all spacecraft parameters normal, the lunar orbiter-lander now has an orbit of 119 km x 127 km. “Today’s operation was great in the sense that we were able to separate the lander and rover from the orbiter. It is the first

time in the history of Isro that we’ve separated two modules in space. This was very critical and we did it very meticulously,” Isro chairman K Sivan said after the separation.

Next, after two de-orbit manoeuvres, Vikram is scheduled to touch down on the unexplored southern region of the moon between 1.30 am and 2.30 am on September 7.

Isro had earlier announced it would touch lunar soil at 1.55 am. “We are looking at starting the powered descent at 1.40 am or 1.45 am and the landing should be 15 minutes after that,” Sivan explained.

26 INDIA

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

7-13 September 2019

Jadhav under 'extreme pressure', repeats Islamabad’s claims A senior Indian diplomat met Kulbhushan Jadhav, held in Pakistan since 2016 on the charges of "espionage and terrorism", appeared to be under "extreme pressure" as he repeated a tutored narrative intended to support Pakistan’s claim that he was allegedly plotting terror attacks. Islamabad granted consular access to Jadhav, who is on death row, after in line with the decision of International Court of Justice.

India had demanded “immediate, effective and unhindered” consular access to Jadhav from Pakistan and was in touch with Islamabad through diplomatic channels. However, it is not yet clear if the consular access provided was unhindered as demanded

by India.

“While we await a comprehensive report, it

was clear that Jadhav appeared to be under extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims.

We will decide our further course of action after receiving a detailed report from our charge d’affaires and determining the extent of conformity to the ICJ directives,’’ MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

India’s charge d’affaires in Pakistan Gaurav Ahluwalia met Jadhav after the government surprisingly accepted Islamabad’s consular access offer. On the face of it, though, the meeting proved to be disconcerting as a harried Jadhav repeated the “confession” that he had made after being held. This was Jadhav’s first meeting with any Indian government official after his arrest in March 2016.

Kulbhushan Jadhav

Foreign minister S Jaishankar also spoke to Jadhav’s mother and informed her about the developments. The meeting which took place at a subjail on the outskirts of Islamabad, started at 12 noon, and lasted for close to two hours. Pakistan’s foreign office said there was, on Indian request, no restriction on the language used for communication.

Pakistan had in 2017

prevented Jadhav’s wife from talking to him in Marathi. Pakistan also claimed it provided India “unimpeded and uninterrupted’’ consular access.

Like in his meeting with his mother and wife in 2017, Jadhav’s remarks seemed tutored and meant to buttress Pakistan’s claims that he was a serving Indian Navy officer out to carry out terrorist activities in

Balochistan. The meeting took place in the presence of Pakistani officials and was also recorded.

Both sides seemed restrained in their statements unlike when Jadhav’s wife and mother were heckled and humiliated.

Meeting important to gauge Jadhav’s health, wellbeing When asked why India had accepted Pakistan’s ‘offer’ after having earlier rejected it because of conditions, sources said the meeting was important to gauge the health and well-being of Jadhav. India had earlier told Pakistan in a note verbale that it wanted Islamabad’s failure to provide Jadhav consular access before his trial “remedied’’ in the form of “private’’ access.

India saw access only in private as fulfilling the

mandate of the ICJ judgment which held Pakistan guilty of violating the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations by denying Jadhav consular access. The ICJ had questioned the validity of Jadhav’s trial and death sentence before a secret military ‘black’ court.

On July 17, the ICJ ordered Pakistan to undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from the restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran. While India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.

Not enough evidence to prove Kashmir genocide: Pak ICJ lawyer In a major embarrassment to prime minister Imran Khan, Pakistan's lawyer in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Khawar Qureshi has admitted that there is no significant evidence with Pakistan to back its claims of genocide in Kashmir. "In absence of these evidences, it is extremely difficult for Pakistan to take this case to the ICJ," said Khawar Qureshi.

Pakistan has threatened to approach the ICJ over the Kashmir issue

while also approaching the United Nations with an aim to internationalise the Kashmir matter. Khan has knocked on the doors of several countries in the world, including the United States and spoke to President Donald Trump after which Trump offered to mediate in the matter.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Trump at the G7 Summit in France after which both the leaders agreed with India's stand that Kashmir is a bilateral

Khawar Qureshi

matter between India and Pakistan with no scope for any third party mediation.

Hours after PM Modi and Trump's meeting in France, Imran Khan

addressed Pakistan and said that he will raise the Kashmir issue at every international forum, including the UN General Assembly. Imran Khan assured the people of Pakistan that his government will stand by the Kashmiris till India lifts the restrictions in the Valley.

After Pakistan failed to draw international support on the issue of Kashmir ever since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, Imran Khan recently

invoked the nuclear powers of the two countries. "Will these big countries keep looking at their economic interests only?They should remember, both countries have nuclear weapons," Imran Khan had said last month. "In a nuclear war, no one will win. It will not only wreak havoc in this region, but the entire world will face consequences. It is now up to the international community," Imran Khan said.

SC to examine legality of J&K’s altered status The Supreme Court sought the response of the Centre and the Jammu & Kashmir government to a bunch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of two decisions - the presidential order scrapping the state’s special status under Article 370 and Parliament’s approval of a law splitting it into Union territories of J&K and Ladakh.

Deciding to refer the petitions to a five-judge Constitution bench which will hear the matter in October, a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S A Bobde and S Abdul Nazeer refused to reconsider its order on issuing a notice to the Centre. It brushed aside repeated pleas by attorney general K K Venugopal and solicitor general Tushar Mehta not to issue notice on the controversial issue.

“We will take a copy of the petitions and file our response. Please don’t issue notice. After the Centre files its response, the court can consider admissibility of these petitions. Issuance of notice on these petitions has cross-border ramifications. It will be immediately conveyed to international forums,” the top law officers said, but did not elaborate on whether the petitioners or the media could play mischief.

The CJI-led bench said given the importance of the issue, it was required to be adjudicated by a five-judge bench. The court asked the Centre to file its response and said the petitions will be taken up together for hearing in the first week of October - immediately after the SC concludes the day-to-

day hearing on the Ayodhya dispute case.

By that time, the UN General Assembly, where Pakistan is likely to raise the issue, will be over while some relaxation in current restrictions in the state can be expected, possibly cooling the political heat somewhat.

With the SC agreeing to test the constitutional validity of the August 5 presidential order - the Constitution (Application to Jammu &

Kashmir) Order, 2019 which superseded the Constitution (Application to Jammu & Kashmir) Order, 1954 - as well as the addition of Clause 4 to Article 367 making the Constitution of India applicable to J&K - the matter has now become sub judice. Before its defanging, Article 370, which was supposed to be temporary, was the provision from which J&K derived its special status for 70 years.

The petitioners have also challenged the J&K (Reorganisation) Act, which received the President’s assent on August 9, bifurcating the state into a UT of J&K with a legislative assembly and a UT of Ladakh without one.

They also challenged the validity of a declaration issued by the President on August 6, which read, “From August 6, 2019, all clauses of the said Article 370 shall cease to operate... and all provisions of this Constitution as amended from time to time, without any modification or exceptions, shall apply to the state of Jammu & Kashmir.”

The petitioners’ main argument was that the President did not have the power to change provisions of the Constitution, as applicable to J&K, and by

hollowing out Article 370, the government had seriously wounded the federal character of governance in India.

They said any alteration of the provision providing special status to J&K could have been done only with the concurrence of the state assembly. However, the Union government took the concurrence of the governor, the state being under central rule, which amounted to the central government consulting itself.

“This amounts to an overnight abrogation of the democratic rights and freedoms guaranteed to the people of J&K upon its accession to the Indian Union,” the petitioners said, and argued that reorganisation of J&K is also unconstitutional as it downgraded a state into UTs.

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

27

7 - 13 September 2019

Children who have afternoon breaks 'are in brief WORCESTERSHIRE ROYAL fitter and perform just as well in exams' HOSPITAL PATIENTS ALERTED

Afternoon breaks could make children fitter and do not take away from learning, research suggests.

Researchers from Swansea University looked at more than 5,000 primaryschool students from across Wales. They found those who had playtime in the afternoon, as well as a morning and lunchtime break, could run further.

This is compared to the youngsters who only had morning and midday breaks.

Critics argue too many breaks take away from time in the classroom. However, the researchers also found the children who spent longer on the playground performed just as well academically.

Afternoon breaks were

once a standard part of a child's school day, academics behind the study wrote in The Conversation.

However, concerns over poor behaviour and a lack of time in the classroom means they are now few and far between.

This is despite studies showing that playtime can play a critical role in a child's development.

Past studies suggest break time is when children

are most likely to argue during the school day.

When the HAPPEN team asked the children how they could be happier, some said they would like for everyone to 'get along'.

However, most answered more time and space to play.

The researchers stress interactions are important for a child's 'broader social development', however, it is important to create a 'positive environment'.

'If these breaks are to be given in more schools, more support is needed to help schools ensure play is meaningful, inclusive and encouraging of positive social relationships,' they wrote in The Conversation.

'Perhaps afternoon play times are the perfect time for independent activities.

'This could help children gain the benefits of better physical health and perhaps help deal with some of the difficulties associated with afternoon play.'

Some have called for play workers to oversee breaks rather than teachers.

Others argue a range of activities should be available to children during their 'time off' rather than just 'unstructured play'.

Cancer 'biggest middle-age killer in rich nations' Cancer now causes more deaths among the middleaged in higher-income countries than cardiovascular disease, a study suggests.

Globally, heart problems and stroke is the leading cause of death at this age.

But the researchers say people in rich nations are 2.5 times more likely to die of cancer than cardiovascular disease in their middle years.

In poorer nations, the reverse is true - with cardiovascular disease three times more likely to claim the lives.

The study, published in the Lancet, is drawn from a global research programme following the lives of thousands of people from across 21 countries. People from the UK are not involved.

Researchers led by a

team from Canada's McMaster University looked at the fate of 160,000 people enrolled in the programme, between 2005 and 2016.

These people had an average age of 50 at the start.

There were more than 11,000 deaths, with those in low-income countries nearly four times more likely to die than those in highincome countries.

In about 2,000 cases, the cause of death was unclear.

Of the others, cardiovascular disease caused more than 40% in middle- and lowincome countries but less than a quarter in highincome countries.

The researchers say this could be because richer countries provide more medication and treat more people in hospital.

Call for HPV vaccine to be offered to older boys The Teenage Cancer Trust wants the HPV vaccine programme to be extended to older boys and young men.

Strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) are linked to the majority of cervical cancer cases as well as oral, throat and anal cancers.

Teenage girls have been able to get the HPV jab in the UK since 2008 but now boys aged 11-13 will be offered it too. The government said that vaccinating older boys would only have "limited benefit".

From this term, boys aged 12 and 13 in England, Northern Ireland and Wales will be offered the vaccine in secondary schools, along with boys aged 11 and 12 in

high schools in Scotland.

Two doses are needed to be fully protected and the protection lasts for at least 10 years. If the first dose of HPV vaccine has not been given before the age of 15, three doses will be needed to be fully protected.

The immunisation programme for girls is already proving effective. A major study showed there has been a significant fall in HPV cases and in pre-cancerous growths.

The TCT says it is unfair that older boys and men who want the jab would have to pay around £150 per dose privately to be vaccinated. It says results from a survey of 2,000 people showed 76% of boys and

young men would want the HPV vaccine if it was offered for free - but only one in three would be willing to pay.

The survey also found low awareness levels, with half believing that HPV vaccination is only effective for girls and women.

Kate Collins, the TCT's chief executive, said: "The vaccine should be made available for free on the NHS to all men and boys up to the age of 25 who want it, as it is for women and girls.

"Parents of school-age boys may well find one child will get the HPV vaccine for free, whereas an older son will only be protected if they can afford to pay for it.

"That simply isn't fair,

and the cost of around £150 per dose is unaffordable for many."

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: "From this year, we are making the HPV vaccine available to all boys in Year 8.

"Extending the vaccine to boys aged over 13 would only have a limited benefit as older boys and young men are already protected by herd immunity - built up by 10 years of the girls' successful vaccination programme. Our vaccine programme has led to a significant fall in HPV infections in young women, which will help to prevent cancers in both men and women in years to come."

More pharmacies to offer free heart checks More pharmacies in England will start offering people free, on-the-spot heart check-ups from next month. Shoppers would have their blood pressure and cholesterol tested.

The programme, which could expand to every pharmacy in England, should prevent up to 150,000 heart attacks and strokes within a decade, say experts. It will be funded as part of a £13bn five-year contract for community pharmacies and, to begin with, will involve hundreds of pharmacies.

Select pharmacies have already been offering these types of checks as part of a

pilot scheme and say it works.

England's most senior doctor, NHS national medical director Prof Stephen Powis, said: "Heart disease and strokes dramatically cut short lives, and leave thousands of people disabled every year, so rapid detection of killer conditions through High Street heart checks will be a gamechanger."

Simon Gillespie, from the British Heart Foundation, said: "Millions of people in England are living with conditions such as high blood pressure which, if left untreated, significant-

ly increase the risk of having a potentially deadly heart attack or stroke.

"Reaching more people and encouraging them to check their blood pressure, working with them to lower it where necessary, will play an absolutely critical role in saving lives in the coming years.

"Giving a greater role to community pharmacists in helping increase early detection of heart and circulatory diseases is a very welcome move that will help the NHS deliver its Long Term Plan commitment to prevent 100,000 heart attacks and strokes over the next 10

years.

"Once people are diagnosed with high blood pressure, raised cholesterol or atrial fibrillation, they can then be supported to manage their condition, which will reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke, and ultimately could save their life."

People aged between 40 and 74 and who live in England are already routinely invited for free five-yearly health checks at some chemist shops as well as GP surgeries to spot early signs of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, kidney problems or dementia.

OVER STAFF MEMBER WITH TB A hospital has written to 349 patients and 129 staff over suspected contact with a healthcare worker with tuberculosis (TB), it has emerged. The letters gave helpline details to the patients treated at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust said it had not identified any patients or staff infected by the worker.

The trust, which was informed of the case by Public Health England in June, said the risk of developing TB was low.

But it urged anyone with symptoms to contact their GP. The trust added there was "no connection" between the alert at the Worcester hospital and one at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch last year.

TOO LITTLE SLEEP MAY RAISE HEART ATTACK RISKS - BUT MORE THAN 10 HOURS A NIGHT MAY DOUBLE DANGER Sleeping too much or too little - raises the risk of a heart attack, warns major new research. Less than five hours was linked to a 52 percent greater risk of heart attack, while those who slept more than 10 hours a night were at twice the risk. Even for non-smokers who exercise and have no genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease, skimping on sleep - or getting too much of it - increases the chances of a heart attack, according to the study of more than 460,000 British adults.

The findings, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, also suggest that, for people at high genetic risk for heart attack, sleeping between six and nine hours each night can offset that risk.

On one hand, sleeping too much may increase overall inflammation, but sleeping too little could damage tissue and trigger habits like poor diet that contribute to heart attack risks, the University of Colorado, Boulder, researchers suggest.

The study did not explore the mechanism by which short or long sleep may boost heart attack risk, but previous studies have pointed to a few explanations.

Sleeping too little can impact the lining of the arteries, or endothelium, impact bone marrow development of inflammatory cells, but also lead to poor dietary choices and ill-timed eating - which can in turn impact weight and, also, heart health.

The researchers said that too much sleep may also boost inflammation in the body, which is also associated with cardiovascular disease. They hope their findings will increase awareness about sleep's heart-health benefits.

SHORTAGES OF HRT COULD LAST UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR Women could be forced to wait up to ten months for some HRT products to return to the shelves. GPs and pharmacies are struggling to supply many leading brands due to manufacturing shortages and supply problems. Among the products expected to be out of stock soon are those manufactured by the companies Resource Medical, Themex and Mylan. Experts warn some might not be available again until ‘mid-2020’.

Zul Akram, of Resource Medical, said the company had been struggling to find a manufacturer for the UK market, adding that it had recently decided not to renew its Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency licence.

A shortage of the Themex products FemSeven Conti and Sequi has been caused by quality issues with the adhesive that keeps the patches attached to the skin. It said that the products are unlikely to be back in stock until next year and that it was unable to suggest alternatives.

Meanwhile supplies of Evorel, Evorel Conti, and Evorel Sequi, manufactured by Janssen-Cilag, are expected to run out by October. The company said it was experiencing ‘an unprecedented increase in demand for the Evorel range of products, due in part to the lack of availability of alternative HRT not produced by Janssen’.

To Our Readers

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

28 BOLLYWOOD

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

7-13 September 2019

Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira announces ‘career has begun’ Actor Aamir Khan's daughter, Ira has finally taken her first steps in the entertainment industry.

Sharing an Instagram picture that shows her on a set, Ira wrote, "I was sitting in the car with @daniellepereira_3 and she turned to me and said, 'Hey Iru, I just realized your career has begun.' And I realized it had." Ira also added hashtags like 'mind blown' and 'grateful' and 'director'.

The photo shows Ira with

her back to the camera, facing bright lights, as crew members stand in front of her. The picture has been 'liked' over 3,000 times. Her followers showed encouragement in the comments sections. 'That's a bloody great photo. Also.

Damn straight! Looks like we're celebrating tomorrow with some of that pear dessert" , a friend wrote.

Another wrote, "Wow that's a flex".

In an interview earlier, Ira had said that her true passion is not acting, but directing.

Speaking about directing a stage adaptation of Euripides' Medea, she said, "I've always felt more comfortable and enthusiastic about working off-stage or behind the camera rather than (being) in front of it. I've never felt the inclination to act except if it were in an action film, so I get to learn all the cool stunts.

Then again. I can just learn

how to do the stunts without a film to work on."

Just like other star kids, Ira's impending entry into the film industry has been much talked about. Her father Aamir hinted that she might be interested in filmmaking and said, "I'm not quite sure what she has in mind but I suspect that she likes the world of cinema and filmmaking. So maybe that's where she would want to go, I don't know."

Rahul Roy 'speechless' as Kareena calls him her first crush

Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan has shined spotlight on 90s actor Rahul Roy as she outed him as her first crush.

On the sets of a dance reality show, Kareena had confessed, "My first crush was the hero of one of my favourite films. I actually went to the theatre eight times to watch the film because of him and the songs of the film. This film's song had become a rage and I am a little nervous to say this after so long - my first crush was Rahul Roy. Everyone was in love with him during his film 'Aashiqui'."

Reacting to the news, Roy reposted a news article on Kareena's confession and captioned it, "I'm speechless." Several fans commented that he was their first crush as well. One Instagram user said, "Not only

Kareena, there are many." Roy rose to instant fame with Mahesh Bhatt's 'Aashiqui' in 1990. The film was a musical and also starred Anu Aggarwal and Deepak Tijori. He was last seen in reality TV show 'Bigg Boss' and emerged a winner from it.

Meanwhile, Kareena will be next seen in 'Good News', starring Akshay Kumar, Diljit Dosanjh and Kiara Advani.

It is slated to release on December 27 and will bring her back to the silver screen after a break of one year. Kareena will also be seen in 'Angrezi Medium' with Irrfan Khan and Radhika Madan. She also has Karan Johar’s 'Takht' with Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal and Laal Singh Chaddha with Aamir Khan.

Ranveer: I always wanted to be Alia loses two movies, a hero in a Rohit Shetty film including SLB's 'Inshallah' Eccentric actor Ranveer Singh reveals he always wanted to be a hero in a Rohit Shetty movie. He said, "Rohit is he king of the actionentertainment and the masala genre. I always wanted to be his hero and when I got this opportunity, I gave it my all.

Both of us are entertainers at our core- we like entertaining the audiences to the hilt."

Singh delivered S h e t t y ' s blockbuster f i l m

`Simmba', in which he played a cop named Sangram Bhalerao.

The actor said that the character has a special place in his heart. "Sangram Bhalerao will always stay extraordinarily close to my heart because I got to act in a film, in a genre which was my home territory. I'm thankful to Rohit Shetty for believing in me and making me part of his power packed cop universe."

Actor Sara Ali Khan, who played a pivotal role in the film was all praises for Rohit too. She said, "The way I define a masala Bollywoood film is a Rohit Sir film. I think it has every flavor depicted, and in a rather grand way, which makes watching a movie a f u l f i l l i n g experience."

She added, 'There's drama, romance, good music, large sets, cars are flying.

When you come with your friends and family for two hours you get fully transported into his grand largerthan-life world which makes the cinema-going experience totally memorable and fully paisa vasool."

Actress Alia Bhatt is upset as revealed by a source, and for good reason.

Alia lost not one but two important projects last week, with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Salman Khan deciding to shelve their upcoming 'Inshallah'. The second project was an epic romantic drama starring Aamir Khan, which she had turned down to be a part of the former movie. A source said, "Alia was approached for a film with Aamir Khan.

However, she had to decline the offer as she had reserved all the dates for 'Inshallah'.

Alia was looking forward to collaborating with Salman and SLB. The actress is very upset as she gave up on various other projects too during the period."

The Aamir Khan movie could possibly have been the long-rumoured Oshi movie that was being discussed last year. He was reportedly set to be playing spiritual guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho) in the film while Alia was expected to play his disciple and convicted attempted murderer, Ma Anand Sheela. Last year, Alia had even said she would like to play her character in a movie.

"I find that story super fascinating," she had said. Last week, Salman had announced that 'Inshallah' has been

pushed and will not release on Eid 2020 as expected. He tweeted, "The film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali is pushed but I will still see you all on Eid, 2020. Insha-Allah." He later hinted his other film 'Kick 2' would release on Eid instead.

According to a different source, Bhansali did not appreciate the constant interference in his process.

It has been reported that Salman had asked for certain changes to be made to the script. The source said, "Sanjay Leela Bhansali respects and loves his actors and suggestions are welcome but not if they aim to alter the narrative. Hence, he has taken the decision to shelve the film.

However, they are still friends and Sanjay Leela Bhansali has immense love and respect for him."

Meanwhile, Salman said, "Sanjay has a friend even before we started working on 'Khamoshi'. After that, we collaborated on 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'. When he came to me with this film, I liked it and we decided to work together again. One thing I can say is that Sanjay won't do gaddari with this film. I want him to make the film he wants to make. Nothing changes between us as friends and I'm sure nothing has changed in Sanjay's heart for me. I'm extremely close to his mother and sister. I wish him all the best. He and I still work in future on a film, 'Inshallah'."

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

BOLLYWOOD

29

7-13 September 2019

Taapsee confirms being in talks for Mithali Raj biopic

Mithali Raj

Actor Taapsee Pannu is one of the most leading actresses in the industry today. After convincing one and all with her portrayal of a hockey player in last year's 'Soorma', she will be next seen playing the role of a shooter, and is set to announce yet another sports film.

When asked if she will be doing a biopic on cricketer Mithali Raj, she said, "Honestly, I've stopped counting the number of sports films that have come to me! Maybe it's because people by now are aware about the kind of love I have for sports. Also the fact that I'm very inquisitive to learn sports, makers know I'll put in my 100 per cent to learn. But, I've chosen few out of all those. Yes, I'm inclined towards the theme, but my film choices will be more on the basis of what the story is. I probably admire and follow so many sports stars, but not everybody has a story worth making into a movie. It's a journey probably worth admiring."

She added, "Also, I'd say that I'd love to be part of the Mithali film, but it's too early right now to say it's happening. I'm in talks for it. I'm doing another sports film, which will be announced soon."

When asked if owning a badminton team and her boyfriend, Mathias Boe, being a sportsperson herself accentuates her love for sports, Pannu said, "Yes, you get to know a lot of things from the other side, which you'll not know just as a spectator or audience. You end up noticing or knowing things from the other side as well."

Shahid may not win award for 'Kabir Singh': Farah Khan Filmmaker Farah Khan has predicted that Shahid Kapoor might not win an award for his performance in the hit film 'Kabir Singh', which was this year's highest Bollywood grosser. She spoke extensively on how organisers of popular awards shows might think twice before giving an award to the controversial film.

"Every person with a phone is a critic. On social media, random people are giving their critical analysis but it's talking nothing about the film per se. There must be just one or two critics who evaluate a film like how was it shot, how was the direction, screenplay kaisa tha etc. I just feel that if your content is good and if people want to watch it, it will work. But it is harmful in some

ways. Like I was talking to Shahid Kapoor. His film 'Kabir Singh' has done so well. But because it got criticised so badly, I just feel that if he is going to win some award for it, then the organisers might have second thoughts looking at the barrage of criticism that the film got."

When asked if the criticism really matters since the film is a blockbuster with collections of around ÂŁ27.5 million, Farah said, "But it matters to the person who made the movie. When you get a harsh review and when people are not willing to see the business of the film, forget its merit, the one who made it can get affected." Shahid had confessed that 'Kabir Singh' was his most flawed character.

Vicky Kaushal reacts to drug-abuse accusations

Sonam praises Rajkummar, Dulquer and Ayushmann

In a recent interview, actor Sonam Kapoor said Dulquer Salmaan, Ayushmaan Khurrana and Rajkummar Rao enjoy success today as they understand the importance of storytelling and are not bothered about playing the lead in a film. She said, "It depends on the person and their confidence level, how they feel about themselves... My father did films like 'Beta', 'Ladla', and 'Mr India', where women had prominent roles and he was a superstar at that time."

She said because she had seen her father being so progressive in his choices and therefore she could not understand

why male actors today do not think the same way. She said, "I have been brought up to think it doesn't matter as long as the role is amazing. But there were a few, like Dhanush, Dulquer, Rajkummar and Ayushmann, who I worked with in a couple of films. There are a lot of these men out there and they are all doing better than everybody else right now."

She added, "Because they realised it's not about who's leading the film. It's about the film and what are you trying to say with the film. That's progressive, incredible and these days that's what's working- progressive, content driven cinema."

Sonam was speaking at the trailer launch of her upcoming film, 'The Zoya Factor' co-staring Dulquer. Directed by Abhishek Sharma, the film is an adaptation of Anuja Chauhan's book of the same name.

Actor Vicky Kaushal has finally reacted to the controversy caused by a video from Karan Johar's house party last month. Bollywoood stars including him, Deepika Padukone, Rambir Kapoor, Malaika Arora and others, were accused by BJP MLA Manjinder Sirsa of having taken drugs at the party in several tweets and an open letter. Kaushal in a recent interview said "factualising assumptions" is not fair.

"What I understand is that people who don't know you personally, see something and make an assumption..

That's completely fine. We all do that.

But factualising assumptions... It's a big leap to take and that's not fair all the time," Kaushal said. He added, "We all knew the video was being taken and five minutes before the video was shot Karan's mom was with us. The video was put up. Next day I leave for Arunachal Pradesh. I was with the army for the next four days in the hills where there is no network.

So I have no clue of what's going on."

Vicky was with Indian soldiers at the Indo-China border of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh as part of a show. The actor said, "I went to my room and checked my Twitter and I was like 'Hain Ji?' 'What?' FIR... Open letter... this that." He said he asked his parents if they knew about it. They said that they did but didn't want him to get hassled about it.

"Of course, it had a huge effect on me. It is not nice to be called those names by people. But there are certain choices you have to make at that point of time. Firstly,

what happens on Twitter, how social media trials take place is that it starts from 'Hahaha! They look drugged. Then it goes to 'Oh! They do look drugged! Then it goes to, 'They are actors! They must be drugged,' then to 'No no no! I've seen them taking drugs', then to 'how dare they take drugs', and then to 'shame on them!'," he said.

The actor however, agreed that a majority of people did not believe the rumours. He said he 'felt lame' to even defend himself for it considering how the country had bigger things to deal with.

Sirsa had retweeted Johar's video and written, "#UDTABollywood - Fiction Vs Reality Watch how the high and mighty of Bollywood proudly flaunt their drugged state!! I raise my voice against #DrugAbuse by these stars. RT if you too feel disgusted." The tweet attracted sharp criticism from many who wondered how the legislator arrived at the conclusion that the stars were doing drugs while some even argued that it was a private party.

30 KOLLYWOOD

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

www.asian-voice.com

7-13 September 2019

Nayanthara’s next film to feature a dog in a crucial role Actor Nayanthara, who was last seen in home invasion thriller 'Kolayuthir Kaalam' is all set too join hands with director Milind Rau for a yet-untitled project which will also feature a Labrador dog in a key role. It is rumoured that Nayanthara's boyfriend Vignesh Shivn will bankroll the project which is said to have already gone on the floors. Nayan will join the sets of this project upon completion of her portion in superstar Rajinikanth's 'Darbar', which is currently in its final leg of shooting.

Tipped to be a horror-thriller, the film marks the maiden collaboration of Nayanthara and Milind Rau, who rose to fame with Siddharth's Tamil-Hindi bilingual thriller, 'Aval'. The actress also has two other projects in her kitty, with Vijay's 'Bigil' and megastar Chiranjeevi's 'Sye Raa Narsimha Reddy' gearing up for release soon.

There are also reports that Nayanthara will soon sign the sequel to her political thriller 'Aramm'. While she played a district collector in the first part, she will be seen in an even more powerful role in the sequel. 'Aramm 2' was supposed to go on the floors from September last year.

However, due to Nayanthara's multiple assignments which include her recent releases 'Airaa', 'Viswasam', and 'Mr Local', the shoot had to be postponed to next year.

Mohanlal’s 'Kaapaan' in legal trouble Actors Suriya and Mohanlal's upcoming film 'Kaapaan' seems to be in legal trouble. Writer John Charles has reportedly claimed that the makers plagiarised his content for the film and has appealed for an interim injunction of the film in the Madras High Court. A report claims that John Charles narrated the story of his film titled 'Saravedi' to director KV Anand in January 2017 but never got a response from him. Charles claimed the story of 'Kaapaan' is lifted from his script. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for September 4.

In his complaint, John said he applied for copyrights registration of the story on September 20, 2016 at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion in Delhi and got it registered in 2017. John further cited examples from the teaser in which he saw similarities and said in the complaint that his 'Saravedi' hero also questioned the Prime Minister over division of water, like the 'Kaapan' hero in the teaser. John has reportedly sought the writer's credit and copyright fees from Lyca Productions, makers of 'Kaapaan'. Directed by KV Anand and co-written by Pattukkottai Prabakar, 'Kaapan' also stars Arya, Sayyeshaa, Boman Irani, Chirag Jani, Poorna and Samuthirakani. In the movie, Suriya plays a bodyguard to Mohanlal's character, who essays the role of the country's Prime Minister. It is set to hit the screens on September 30. Last seen in NGK, Suriya needs a good film as Selvaraghavan's directorial 'NGK' failed to impress at the box office.

New schedule of 'RRR' begins in Bulgaria The second schedule of SS Rajamouli's upcoming magnum opus 'RRR' began in Bulgaria last week where the team will shoot important scenes featuring Jr NTR. The film is being made on a budget of £30 million. Reliable sources reveal major action sequences and key scenes involving Jr NTR will be canned in this schedule.

It is rumoured that Jr NTR and Ram Charan play brothers in the modern day portion and will be seen as Komaram Bhheem and Alluri Sitarama Raju in the period portion which will be the flashback episode. In a press meet earlier this year, Rajamouli had said that 'RRR' will be a fictional story set in 1920s pre-independent era and it will be based on few years in the lives of two real heroes and well-known revolutionaries- Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem.

Rajamouli had said, "This will be a fictional story on the lives of Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem. There are gasps in the lives of these legendary freedom fighters that we don't know about. We don't know what happened in their lives in these years. It is through this fictional story we'd like to show what could have happened in their lives and what would have happened if they met and bonded." The movie also stars Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, and Samuthirakani in crucial roles. Alia will be paired with Ram Charan, while hunt for a foreign female actor is on to be paired with Jr NTR. 'RRR' will release worldwide on July 30, 2020 in 10 Indian languages.

Kamal Haasan joins the sets of 'Indian 2'

Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan has finally joined the sets of Shankar's upcoming magnum opus 'Indian 2', which will be wrapped up in the next three months without a break. The makers target to finish the shooting by November to enable Kamal to return to his political commitments. Sources said Kamal wants to be relieved from shooting by end of November as he has major plans for his party Makkal Needhi Mayam.

A sequel to 1992 Tamil blockbuster 'Indian', 'Indian 2' marks the reunion of Kamal and Shankar after two decades. The first poster of the film was unveiled on the occasion of Pongal earlier this year. The makers are now geared up to complete shooting the project as planned in a span of next three months across Chennai, Andhra Pradesh and

Taiwan. The first poster featured Kamal displaying his ‘varma-kalai’ skill as the octogenarian vigilante Senapathy from 'Indian'.

Produced on a lavish budget by Lyca Productions, the movie also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, and Priya Bhavani Shankar among others. It has music

by Anirudh Ravichander. About being signed on for the project, Rakul said, "It's a sequel to one of the biggest hits in Indian cinema and I'm really kicked about being a part of it. I was excited when I was offered the role because it's a Shankar-Kamal Haasan combination and getting a chance to work with legends like that so early in my career is an opportunity I did not want to miss."

In early August, Rakul had shared a boomerang video from the film's sets. In it, she was seen getting ready for shoot in the make-up room and has dialogue sheet in her hand.

TV Listing

* Schedule is subject to change

SATURDAY SEP 7, 2019 23:17 FILM: TRAPPED 01:12 FILM: 1920 LONDON 05:00 FILM: DAM999 07:13 FILM: AASMA 09:31 FILM: AGNIVARSHA 12:22 FILM: MAIN KHILADI TU ANARI 15:59 FILM: FOX 18:24 LIFESTYLE : STAR STOP 19:00 FILM: VIVAH 22:29 FILM: 1920 LONDON SUNDAY SEP 8, 2019 00:41 FILM: ZEHER-A LOVE STORY 05:00 FILM: HUFF! IT'S TOO MUCH 07:00 FILM: KHEL 10:30 FILM: ANDHA KANOON 13:53 FILM: VEER 17:11 FILM: TRAPPED 19:19 FILM: GRAND MASTI 21:24 FILM: VIVAH MONDAY SEP 9, 2019 00:43 FILM: SHOWBIZ 05:00 FILM: GOOD BUDDY GADBADI 07:29 FILM: NAZAR KE SAMNE 10:12 FILM: DHADKAN 13:22 FILM: KHILADI 16:44 FILM: BEWAFAA 19:56 FILM: HOLIDAY

TUESDAY SEP 10, 2019 23:12 FILM: KEEMAT 02:04 FILM: YEH HAI JUDGEMENT HANGED TILL DEATH 05:00 FILM: THE PERFECT GIRL 07:00 FILM: JAANE JIGAR 09:57 FILM: HAIR IS FALLING 11:46 FILM: MRITYUDAND 14:59 FILM: AWARAPAN 17:27 FILM: GRAND MASTI 19:28 FILM: HONEYMOON TRAVELS PVT LTD 22:00 FILM: EK SE BURE DO WEDNESDAY SEP 11, 2019 00:45 FILM: CHAAR DIN KI CHANDNI 05:00 FILM: BAS EK TAMANNA 07:12 FILM: NYAYDAATA 09:48 FILM: KHILADI 13:14 FILM: BEWAFAA 16:26 FILM: HOLIDAY 19:42 FILM: AAKROSH 22:39 FILM: TUMSA NAHIN DEKHA THURSDAY SEP 12, 2019 01:06 FILM: DHOKHA 05:00 FILM: THE SILENT HEROES 07:20 FILM: AAJ KA RAAVAN 09:54 FILM: KRISHNA ARJUN 12:44 FILM: HONEYMOON TRAVELS PVT LTD 15:18 FILM: RAJA HINDUSTANI 19:00 FILM: HAQDAAR 21:22 FILM: ANKUR ARORA MURDER CASE FRIDAY SEP 13, 2019 23:59 FILM: TUTAK TUTAK TUTIYA 05:00 FILM: BAAT BANN GAYI 07:12 FILM: TERI KASAM 10:26 FILM: KALYUG 12:40 FILM: PARDES 16:31 FILM: AAKROSH 19:25 FILM: ZANJEER 22:14 FILM: HAMARA DIL AAPKE PAAS HAI

MON 9TH SEPTEMBER - FRI 13TH SEPTEMBER

TIME

TV PROGRAM NAMES

18:30

VIGHNAHARTA GANESHA

18:00 19:00 19:30

* Schedule is subject to change

SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER TIME TV PROGRAM NAMES 17:30 ZINDAGI KE CROSSROADS 18:30 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW 20:00 SUPERSTAR SINGER 21:30 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW SUNDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER TIME TV PROGRAM NAMES 17:30 ZINDAGI KE CROSSROADS 18:30 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW 20:00 SUPERSTAR SINGER 21:30 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW

20:00

BEYHADH

MERE SAI

TARA FROM SATARA

ISHAARON ISHAARON MEIN

20:30

PATIALA BABES

22:30

TARA FROM SATARA

21:00 23:00 19:00

KAUN BANEGA CROREPATI CRIME PATROL

SONY MAX 2 PRIME TIME

MONDAY HUM TUMHARE HAIN SANAM

19:00 TUESDAY

GHAR EK MANDIR

19:00 WEDNESDAY BICHHOO 19:00 THURSDAY 19:00 FRIDAY

KHUBSOORAT

ARPAN

18:30: FEMINA MISS INDIA 2019 20:30: MOHE RANNG DO LAAL

21:00: BALIKA VADHU - LAMHE PYAAR KE

22:00: RED ALERT

SAT 31ST AUG 2019

18:00: RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI * Schedule is subject to change

MON 26TH - FRI 30TH AUG 2019

13:00: SWARAGINI

15:30: INDIA UNLIMITED

16:00: THE GREAT INDIAN GLOBAL KITCHEN 2

16:30: RASOI SHOW

17:30: CHHUTA CHHEDA

18:00: RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI

* Schedule is subject to change

MON 26TH - FRI 30TH AUG 2019 19:00: MERE HUMRAHI 19:30: CHOTI SARRDAARNI 20:00: SHAKTI ASTITVA KE EHSAAS KI 20:30: RAM SIYA KE LUV KUSH 21:00: GATHBANDHAN 21:30: BEPANAH PYAARR 22:00: BAHU BEGUM 22:30: VISH

18:30: RISING STAR (SEASON 3) 20:30: INDIA'S GOT TALENT (SEASON 8)

21:30: JAGTE RAHO

SUN 1ST SEP 2019

18:00: RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI 18:30: RISING STAR (SEASON 3) 20:30: INDIA'S GOT TALENT (SEASON 8)

21:30: JAGTE RAHO

SAT 31ST AUG 2019 19:30: DESI BEAT RESET 20:00: BFFS WITH VOGUE (SEASON 2) 21:00: DANCE DEEWANE SEASON 2 22:30: KAWACH MAHASHIVRATRI

SUN 1ST SEP 2019 19:30: DESI BEAT 20:00: BFFS WITH VOGUE (SEASON 2) 21:00: DANCE DEEWANE - SEASON 2 22:30: KAWACH MAHASHIVRATRI

www.asian-voice.com

AsianVoiceNews

Mahant Swami in Kampala

Mahant Swami arrived at Kampala from Dar es Salaam on August 29. While large number of devotees are visiting everyday to seek his blessings, various programs have also been organised in his presence. Mahant Swami stayed in Dar-eSalam from August 8 to 28. Mahant Swami inaugurated 'Pramukh Sadan' – a new building for the temple. On 31st, 'Swagat Din' was celebrated. Devotees and Saints welcomed Harikrishna Maharaj and Mahant Swami with Vedic ceremony.

Along with that, dialogue and dance were also presented. On September 1, 'Bal Din' was celebrated. On 2nd, 'Vachanamrut Dwidshabdi Din' was celebrated. On that occasion, Granth Palakhi Yatra was held. Also, a dialogue on 'Sadpursh no Mahima' was presented.

EVENTS

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

31

7 - 13 September 2019

Passing of CM Narayan It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing away of our satsangi Shri C M Narayana, West London (Bangalore).

Shri CM Narayana passed away on Friday 16 August 2019 at the age of 92.

CM Narayan was a wellwisher of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and supported many of our activities since the Mandir was built. He was blessed to have had the darshan of Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Pragat Brahmaswarup Mahant Swami Maharaj.

We pray to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj to grant his soul with eternal peace in Akshardham; and also offer prayers for the family to

Lost Time - Poem by Rabindranath Tagore On many an idle day have I grieved over lost time.

But it is never lost, my lord.

Thou hast taken every moment of my life in thine own hands.

Hidden in the heart of things thou art nourishing seeds into sprouts, buds into blossoms, and ripening flowers into fruitfulness.

bear this loss with courage and strength.

Funeral Details Date: Thursday 5 September 2019 Time: 12 noon Address: South West Middlesex Crematorium, Hounslow Road, Feltham, TW13 5JH Contact details Pravin Desai: 07909 698 239

I was tired and sleeping on my idle bed and imagined all work had ceased.

In the morning I woke up and found my garden full with wonders of flowers.

AJIT NINAN FOR TOI

Tribute to Pujya Goswami Shree Indirabetiji

Coming Events

l Chinmaya Mission UK presents, 'Awaken the Avatar within'

by Swami Swaroopananda, global head of Chinmaya Mission Date: Saturday 21- Sunday 22 September, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Date: Monday 23 - Thursday 26, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm Venue: Sattavis Patidar Centre, Fourty Avenue, Wembley Park, HA9 9PE, Contact: avatar@chinmayauk.org l 6 weeks free training 'Mothers Safeguarding Champions' From: 7 September, Saturday, Venue: VHP Ilford Hindu Center 43, Cleveland Road, Essex IG1 1EE To register contact avaria Coleridge 07943 936 125 l Amit Tandon's Stand Up Comedy Date: 12 September, Thursday, Time: 7:00 pm Comedy Drama starring Sanjay Gordia – 'Sunder Be Baydiwalo' Date: 13 September, Friday, Time: 7:45 pm Venue: The Bhavan - Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan 4A, Castletown Road, West Kensington, London W14 9HE -

Jayshree Radia addressed the audience on behalf of VYO (UK) in which she spoke of the void left by Jiji. Pujya Goswami 108 Shree Vrajrajkumarji had not even attempted to replace Jiji; instead he had carved his own place in the hearts of Jiji’s parivar and across the world in the form of VYO global community.

Madhuben Somani on behalf of Jiji Parivar UK recalled Pujya Jiji’s regular visits to UK, her discourses and how Pujya Jiji established and nurtured satsang mandals in this country.

The blissful day was further enhanced by the presence of Vaishnavacharya Goswami 108 Pujya Shree Vrajrajkumarji who praised the beautiful evening of sangeet.

Asian Business Publications Ltd (ABPL) is not in any way responsible for the goods and services rendered by its advertisers. The ABPL management accepts all advertisements in good faith and it is entirely up to readers to verify advertisers’ products and services, should they feel the need to do so.

On Sunday, 11th August, over 700 people attended "Jiji Prem ni Varsha," at the Dhamecha Hall in Harrow.

The programme honoured Pujya Goswami Shree Indirabetiji (Jiji) on her 80th birthday and was organised

by VYO (UK) and Jiji Parivar UK. The children from VYO’s Hinduism classes entertained the audience where the theme of the presentation was the life story of Damodardas Harsaniji.

This narrated the episode of Pavitra ekadashi and also the example he set of the importance of a Guru.“Shravani in Sangeet” brought Jiji’s poems to life, contributing to the divine and lively atmosphere in the auditorium. The program concluded with aarti and ashray.

l Beasts of London at The Museum of London Step into a tour through London’s history, narrated by the animals who once lived here. Beasts of London explores the fascinating role animals have played in shaping the capital. Be guided through time, from the Roman era through Medieval London and right up to present day, narrated by the beasts themselves. Discover how animals – from lions and elephants, to horses, rats and pigeons – have shaped the city and its beastly history. Some of these creatures might sound a bit familiar, too: Kate Moss, Brian Blessed, Pam Ferris, Nish Kumar, Stephen Mangan, Angellica Bell and Joe Pasquale voice some of the animals featured in the show.

Prices: Family tickets from £20 Venue: 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN l Traders: the East India Company & Asia Find out about Britain’s maritime trade with Asia in the Traders: the East India Company and Asia gallery at the National Maritime Museum. For over 250 years, the East India Company shaped trade between Britain and Asia, becoming enormously wealthy in the process and even taking on pirates with its own navy. The gallery features Japanese, Chinese and Burmese swords; beautifully crafted ship models and navigational instruments; Nelson’s Japan-pattern breakfast service; medals, journals and portraits of key figures in the company’s history. Visit and find out about how the East India Company brought exciting new spices to Britain, how the fabrics it imported shaped fashions, and how tea was transformed from a luxury to a national pastime.

Opening Times: 10am till 5pm Prices: Free Venue: Greenwich, London SE10 9NF l The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit Whizz down the UK’s tallest public artwork with a 40-second ride on the tallest and longest tunnel slide in the world. Twist and turn your way down the sculpture at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour (24 kilometres per hour) as you glimpse London’s skyscape passing by through sections of light. Anish Kapoor, creator of the ArcelorMittal Orbit, has worked in collaboration with artist Carsten Höller to create the 76-metrehigh (250 foot) and 178-metre-long (584 foot) tunnel slide that intertwines with his Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park sculpture.

The Slide is made up of 12 twists and turns, including a tight corkscrew named the bettfeder, and ends in a thrilling 50 metre (164 foot) straight run to the ground.

Prices: Child ticket (8-15 years old) : From £10.50 per ticket Family ticket (two adults and two children): From £52.00 per ticket Concession ticket: From £13.50 per ticket Slide ticket: From £16.50 per ticket Venue: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 2AD Public transport: Stratford, Stratford International l Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre Be wowed by the Royal Shakespeare Company's multi-award winning production of Matilda The Musical at London's Cambridge Theatre.Adapted from Roald Dahl’s beloved book by Dennis Kelly with music from award-winning musician and comedian Tim Minchin, the London show thrills both children

Disclaimer

What’s on

Editor: CB Patel Chief Executive Officer: Liji George Managing Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Deputy Editor: Urja Patel Advertising Managers: Kishor Parmar Head - New Projects & Business Development: Cecil Soans Graphic Designers: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 Email: support@abplgroup.com Leicester Distributors: Shabde Magazine, Shobhan Mehta Mob: 07846 480 220

Asian Voice Head Office Karma Yoga House 12 Hoxton Market (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080 Fax: 020 7749 4081 www.abplgroup.com

© Asian Business Publications

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar Switch board: 020 7749 4080 Advertising Sales: 020 7749 4085

and adults alike with the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

Prices: Adult ticket: £24.60 to £153.75 per ticket Venue: Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU l A Royal Childhood and Victoria: Woman and Crown at Kensington Palace Mark the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth by visiting Victoria: A Royal Childhood and Victoria: Woman and Crown at Kensington Palace. Step back in time as you explore the rooms where Victoria spent her formative yearsunder the watchful gaze of her mother, the Duchess of Kent. Delve into a scrapbook of mementos created by Victoria's German governess, Baroness Lehzen, to glimpse at the royal upbringing of a girl destined to be queen. Then make your way to the Pigott Gallery, where the second part of the exhibition looks at the private woman behind the public monarch, as well as her later life and legacy. Learn about Victoria's family life, friendships and interests, including her fascination for India, as you discover extracts from her diaries inscribed in Urdu and pieces from her private wardrobe, which go on display for the first time.

Prices: Child ticket: From £11.50 per ticket Concession ticket: From £18.30 per ticket Adult ticket: From £23.50 per ticket Opening Times:The exhibition runs until December 31 Venue: Kensington Palace State Apartments Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX Public transport Tube: Queensway/High St Kensington/Gloucester Road

32

Sport

www.asian-voice.com

7-13 September 2019

AsianVoiceNews AsianVoiceNewsweekly

India thrash Windies by 257 runs to win series 2-0 India produced a top-notch bowling performance in a clinical 257-run demolition of the West Indies in the second Test as a 2-0 series victory put them on top of ICC World Test Championship points table.

The victory was 28th in Tests for Virat Kohli making him the most successful Indian captain in the traditional format of the sport. Chasing a nearimpossible target of 468, West Indies batting once again failed to show stomach for a good fight as they caved in for 210 in 59.5 overs, well inside the fourth day. It was one of the most satisfying tours for skipper Virat Kohli as his team had clean sweep in two formats (3-0 in T20Is and 2-0 in Tests) while poor weather robbed them in another format (2-0 in 3-match ODI series).

The bowling quartet of Ishant Sharma (2/37 in 12 overs), Mohammed Shami (3/65 in 16 overs), Jasprit Bumrah (1/31 in 11 overs) and

lone spinner Ravindra Jadeja (3/58 in 16.5 overs) were relentless in their pursuit of maintaining a tight leash on the home team batsmen.

Such was India's dominance in the two Test matches that West Indies couldn't even cross 250 in any of their four innings and the only halfcentury was scored by Shamarh Brooks (50) in this game.

The win took India's points tally to 120 after two games and they lead the nine-team table even though Pakistan, Bangladesh and South Africa are yet to begin their bilateral campaign as a part of the championship. As the dark clouds hovered over the Sabina Park during the post-lunch session, the Indian bowlers upped the ante getting four wickets in the first hour after lunch to ensure that there isn't any inordinate delay in achieving the desired result.

There were a few gains from the series and the biggest being Hanuma

India team with trophy after winning on day 4 of the 2nd and final Test between West Indies and India at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica,

Vihari's performance as a potent middle-order option with a century and two halfcenturies.

Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane's welcome return to form, Jasprit Bumrah's phenomenal show, Jadeja proving his utility as an all-rounder and skipper Kohli lending solidity were the highlights.

The areas of concern

will be Rishabh Pant's shoddy show with the bat and KL Rahul's repeated failures in the red-ball format that could lead to selectors looking at other option when South Africa come calling later this month. As far as the match is concerned, the writing was on the cards and skipper Kohli effected a brilliant

run-out in the post lunch session. Starting the postlunch session at 145 for 4, West Indies lost five wickets in just over an hour adding only 65 runs as a physically indisposed Darren Bravo didn't come out to bat.

In the post-lunch session Jermaine Blackwood (38) got a a delivery from Bumrah that pitched on

length and moved a shade to take an outside edge which was gobbled up by Rishabh Pant. The Sharmarh Brooks (50)-Blackwood partnership yielded 61 runs for the fifth wicket. Brooks was lucky to survive in the pre-lunch session but not so much in the post-lunch session when Kohli's quick reflexes brought about his downfall.

Jasprit Bumrah in a different league After blowing away the West Indies in the first Test in Antigua last week with a return of 5 for 7 in the second innings, Jasprit Bumrah went a step further in Jamaica when he became only the third Indian bowler to take a Test hattrick.

If it were predominantly outswingers (to the righthand batsmen) that got him his wickets last week, it was his inswingers that caused havoc on Saturday. Having dismissed both Joel Campbell and Darren Bravo with sharp

inswingers last week, he took the ball away from them on Saturday and successfully found the edge of the West Indian lefthanders. He decided to operate with the inswinger against the right handed duo of Shamarh Brooks and Roston Chase, trapping them plumb in front off successive deliveries. And just to show that he can unleash the outswinger whenever he so wishes, Bumrah had Kraigg Brathwaite caught behind for his fifth wicket.

Talking about his game plan after the second day’s play on a Sabina Park surface with a lot of assistance for the pacers, it was revealing how simple Bumrah’s approach to bowling is.

“Sometimes when there is so much of help in the wicket, you can get greedy and look for wickets. You can try to be over aggressive. But at that time, you have to just try and bowl good balls and create pressure. That was the thing that was going on in

my head,” B u m r a h revealed.

“For any bowler to swing the ball both ways, is the most difficult thing to do because everyone has an action that gives them one swing.

To be able to swing the ball both ways, you need to have a really good sense of your action and great

Jasprit Bumrah

control over it. Bumrah has that right now. That is why he is consistently swinging the ball both ways,” Irfan,

the second Indian to take a Test hat-trick after Harbhajan Singh in 2001, said.

India sticks with Rishabh Pant as No 1 ’keeper The Indian team management and the selection committee have decided continue with Rishabh Pant as wicketkeeper across formats. After a rushed selection meeting for the upcoming three T20Is against South Africa at home, Pant was named as the solitary wicketkeeper in the 15-member squad. MS Dhoni, who had asked for a sabbatical of two months post the World Cup in England in July, has not been considered.

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been rested while Bhuvneshwar Kumar

has not been selected as he is ‘unavailable.’ Wrist-spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have also been excluded so that other spin options can be tried out ahead of next year’s World T20. Allrounder Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, comes back into the team after the World Cup. “The team management and the selection committee are on the same page about Pant. They want to give him ample opportunities to groom him for the upcoming big ICC events.

It’s clearly the time to move forward,” a source said.

“Bhuvneshwar has not been

Rishabh Pant

given rest. It is claimed that he is unavailable because he is unwell,” the source added.

Bhuvneshwar was not picked for the ongoing Test series in West Indies too.

According to sources, the focus of the selection committee is on the two World T20s in the next two years.

“The selectors want to

get a core of T20I players ready as soon as possible for the World T20 in Australia in November 2020. That’s why Pant has to be given as many opportunities to prove himself and the selectors are also looking for backup wicketkeepers like Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson.

Andhra’s KS Bharat is being seen as a red-ball option.

Same goes for the spinners,” the source said.

Kuldeep and Chahal’s recent T20 performances, including in the last IPL, have also not been very impressive. Their lack of ability with the bat and agility in the field is also a

point of deliberation.

Ravindra Jadeja fits the bill in this regard and Rahul Chahar is being seen as a good prospect.

The squad: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vicecaptain), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini.

Schedule: First T20I: Sept 15 at Dharamsala; Second T20I: Sept 18 at Mohali; Third T20I: Bengaluru on Sept 22.