AV 7th March 2015

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VOL 43. ISSUE 42

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

80p

7th March to 13th March 2015

"#$ ! % & % ' ' (

Jaitley goes for high growth

!" # $

India's finance minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday announced a budget aimed at high growth, saying the pace of cutting the fiscal deficit would become slow as he seeks to boost investment and ensure that ordinary people would benefit.

Jaitley, delivering his first full-year budget

Five years in jail for failing grooming victims

Full Story on page 13

since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landslide election victory last May, said growth would accelerate to between 8 and 8.5 per cent in the fiscal year starting in April. A pace of 7.4 per cent is expected for the current year.

"India is about to take off," Jaitley, 62, said early in his speech to lawmakers. "The world is predicting that this is India's chance to fly." He forecast inflation at 5 per cent by the end of the fiscal year ending March 2016, undershooting the Reserve Bank of India's 6 per cent target and creating room to cut interest rates. Annual inflation was 5.1 per cent in January.

Jaitley said he would Continued on page 26

!

Indian Finance Minister to visit UK next week Following the Union Budget of India on Saturday, Mr Arun Jaitley, Honourable Minister of Finance, Government of India, is coming to the UK next week.

Continued on page 2

Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards celebrate achievements of outstanding individuals

Rt Hon Nicky Morgan winner of Cabinet Minister of the Year addressing the guests

Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP receiving Shadow Cabinet Minister of the Year award from CB Patel Full story on page 16-17

UK

2

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

Sacha Deshmukh, Smart Energy GB

Sacha Deshmukh is currently Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB, the independent organisation tasked by government to deliver the consumer engagement campaign during the roll-out of smart meters across Great Britain. He is also Vice Chair of Citizens Advice England & Wales, and Chair of War Child UK. Until summer 2012 Sacha was Senior Partner of the Engine Group, one of the UK’s leading advertising agencies, and a non-executive Director of Consumer Futures. Sacha’s marketing, communications and business expertise will play an important part in getting Great Britain on board with smart meters. This nationwide roll-out is the largest upgrade to our energy infrastructure in a generation.

Smart Energy GB will reach out to over 26 million households and small businesses across the three nations of Great Britain throughout the roll-out from now to 2020.

1) What is your current position?

As Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB I am part of the team delivering the national public engagement campaign for smart meters. We have a particular duty to ensure that low-income, prepayment and potentially vulnerable consumers benefit from the smart meter roll-out.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

We spent a large part of last year talking to consumers about their experiences of buying gas and electricity, and how they thought that smart meters could transform those for the better. It was one of the largest

listening exercises that I have ever been involved in. I am not sure I deserve to feel proud, but I can certainly say that I was truly humbled by the time that people across Great Britain were willing to give up to talk to us, and also by the extent to which they wanted to work closely with us to design our approach to engaging England, Scotland and Wales with this vital technological change.

3) What inspires you?

My inspiration has come from local campaigners who are making real change happen on the ground, in local communities, and often against the toughest odds. I am very much

shouldn’t try to achieve all their career goals on their own 5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?

My great grandfather, who arrived in Karachi at the start of the 20th Century with hardly a penny to his name and built up a successful business. It reminds me to keep all my career-related worries very firmly in perspective!

inspired by local campaigners across the country – those who work hard, often in the evening and at weekends.

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

I am very lucky to have always had the unwavering support of family and friends throughout my career. The biggest obstacles have only ever arisen when I have been too silly or stubborn to turn to them for advice or help. So, the biggest career lesson I take from this is that everyone should remember that they are not alone and

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

I am part of a team made up of some of the most dedicated and skilled individuals working in public engagement and communications today. Every day in the office feels exciting because I know that we are making a genuine difference to people’s lives as well as helping to reduce the amount of energy we use as a nation.

7) And the worst?

The real heroes of the smart meter roll-out programme are the installers: many thousands of people, a great number of

Indian Finance Minister Jaitley to visit UK

Continued from page 1

He will be inaugurating the much anticipated

Gandhi statue at the Parliament square on March 14 in presence of UK Prime Minister Mr

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This statue was made possible after donations to the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust passed £1 million. Donors included Business tycoons Rami Ranger MBE, Vivek Chadha, Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy, Rahul Bajaj and Deepak Yadav.

The sculpture by Philip Jackson is inspired by photographs of the civil rights leader outside 10 Downing Street in 1931.

Gandhi will be the first Indian to be honoured with a statue in the square, making it the second statue of him in

London.

His memorial will stand alongside those of Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, David Llyod George, Jan Smuts, Henry John Temple, Edward Smith-Stanley, Benjamin Disraeli, Sir Robert Peel and George Canning, opposite the Houses of Parliament.

On 13 March Mr Jaitley will be attending an exclusive event organised by FICCI, the High Commission of India and the UK India Business Council.

FICCI President Dr Jyotsna Suri said: “FICCI compliments the Finance

Minister for his foresight and for presenting a highly progressive and visionary budget.” She is leading a highlevel delegation of CEOs from India to the UK alongside the visit.

Sources revealed, that the Union Minister is also meant to officially inaugurate UK operations of a popular Indian bank in London, during this visit.

Panoramic view of the Parliament Square

whom are being given new skills and qualifications. The worst aspect is that I can only squeeze so much into each day; I wish I could spend more time with installers, visit homes, and directly help householders myself.

8) What are your long-term goals?

I want to see smart meters play a part in a long-term transformation of the whole energy industry, to one that truly puts the consumer first and helps to deliver a more sustainable future for our planet.

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

I don’t believe that we ever listen to children enough, so I would give children a much greater say in the policies that govern their lives and determine their future.

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

Thomas Jefferson. I would want to hear every story he had about what it was actually like to try and create the first country built around the idea that all people are created equal and where, at least in theory, for the first time it would not matter if you were born prince or pauper.

Mahatma Gandhi statue in the Square

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

COMMENT

Railway Budget: Prabhu breath of fresh air

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu was the man chosen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give a long moribund system a new lease of life. Backing his judgment, Mr Modi chose the right man at the right time for the job over the fierce opposition of the Shiv Sena, the party to which Mr Prabhu formerly belonged before falling out of favour with the leadership. As a coalition partner in the NDA government, the Sena blew hot at Mr Modi’s choice, but having made his decision for very good reasons, the Prime Minister displayed the mettle of a true leader: It was Prabhu, come what may, the Sena could lump it if it wished, but that there would be no climb down. Mr Modi had clearly given serious thought to his government’s reforms agenda: Key choices had to be made if India was to be placed on the cycle of sustainable economic growth. The railways – the country’s largest employer and its most extensive transport network, had to be put on the road to modernization, as befitted a country desirous of joining the exclusive league of advanced economies; second the General Services Tax (GST) had to be made viable if India was to become a single marketplace instead of the confused jumble of multiple markets along state lines as it currently is. The GST is work in progress and will take a few more months to become operational. But this is the finance minister’s brief.

Suresh Prabhu has made the right start. Unlike his predecessors, he has not treated the railways as if it were a cash cow to be milked to satisfy every populist whim or fancy. Previous ministers who barely had a clue about proper management simply kept expanding the network to keep their local constituencies happy. The railways debt spiraled out of control and the quality of services was shambolic. Mr Prabhu’s Budget has made a significant start in putting things right. Investment in the railways over the next five years will amount to a massive Rs 8.5 trillion. There are to be no new line extensions, the emphasis being consolidation,

efficiency, improved services, cleaner platforms, modern amenities in stations, and newer technologies to reduce travel time on long journeys, from Kolkata to Delhi to be reduced to 12 hours from the present 17 hours, for example. Complementary measures include improved security, replacement of 17,000 toilets, monetization of assets instead of sales, new window for institutional investments in projects, setting up an infrastructure fund, open WIFI in 400 stations, all with a view to giving the passenger value for money. There has been no increase in passenger fares – setting India Inc pundits grumbling – but a step by step approach is what the minister has widely set his sights on, because in a democracy governments are best served when they carry the public with them.

Once the common man and woman is able to experience the change, the enthusiasm for more of the same will be released.

Summed up, it will take passengers five minutes to buy unreserved tickets; hand-held terminals will be available for TTEs for verification and charts; SMS alert on arrivals and departure of trains; Online ordering of wheelchairs for the elderly and disabled. Minister Prabhu referred to the planned introduction of super fast bullet trains, for which nine corridors have identified - the signal Japanese, Chinese and French companies have been waiting for to get their plans off the ground.

This has been a thinking man’s Budget.

Opposition MPs booed Mr Prabhu, perhaps realizing that the good times to make easy money are over for them. India Inc, has responded positively to the Budget, which it has termed an innovative, comprehensive plan for the modernization of infrastructure and improvement of customer experience. It’s early days, but if the implementation proves to be as good, it will surely be a defining landmark in India’s development. The political future of the implementers will be assured since it will include the vast majority of Indian pockets, across every income variable.

Who is the weightier, the taller, of Pakistan’s two functioning Sharifs? Is it Nawaz, the Prime Minister or Raheel, the Army chief? Pakistan being Pakistan, the answer lies not in the protocol laid out under the proper constitutional arrangements, nor will any reference to the stars above shed light on the truth we seek. Tarot cards or tea leaves are unlikely to clear up the mystery. The surest way to discover these Pakistani mysteries is to examine the quality of the reception with which the two men are received by the country’s closest international partners, those whose oxygen cylinders constitute the client’s survival kit. While Nawaz Sharif was in Saudi Arabia for the funeral of King Abdullah – the same who had interceded with General Pervez Musharraf and saved the fallen prime minister from the gallows – to pay his respects to his savior, his Army chief was in Washington, treated to the boast of heraldry, the pomp and circumstance deserving of one carrying true authority. The US secretary of State – one of the authors of the Kerry-Lugar Senate resolution authorizing a financial and military aid package worth $20 billion for Pakistan - engaged his guest

in a long and detailed conversation on the regional and global aspects of the Pax Americana. Having assured his patron that all was well at home, that peace and stability were being maintained with more guns than butter, General Raheel Sharif took off for London, where he was received personally at 10 Downing Street by Prime Minister David Cameron for more high-level talks. Thence to Beijing, where the general was received by China’s General Fang Chanlong, a member of the all powerful Central Military Commission, and also by the head of the Chinese People’s Conference, Yi Zhengsheng, Politburo member Meng Jiangshu, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Indian Foreign Secretary Subramanyam Jaishankar will be leaving for a tour of the SAARC circuit, which includes Islamabad, to assess things. He will be alert to the signals, of course, but would do well to carry a long spoon. Global disorder is a sign of the times.

India’s navigational chart and instruments must be kept in sound working order. Sri Lanka and Bhutan will be welcoming,, Nepal likely a difficult stop, and Islamabad the most stubbornly impossible – the story, alas, of the past 67 years.

Rahul Gandhi, the Congress Party Vice President, upped sticks on the eve of Budget day and, as a newspaper put, “bunked” one knows not where.

A terse press statement issued after his disappearance simply said that the party heir apparent had taken time off to “introspect.” Then what? He has been introspecting for the past few years and remains as mysterious as the Sphinx. If the truth be told, Mr Gandhi has not turned out to be what the party top brass had said he was. He has been awfully ordinary, adept at boring those near and far with a series of rancid clichés, then repeating them after an indecently short interval. He has declared ad nauseam that he was pro-poor, that he was resolutely opposed to the super rich and was committed to wealth redistribution. Is there anyone in the land who isn’t pro-poor, who isn’t a committed to these high ideals? Sufficient wealth has to be created first before redistribution can take effect.

Rahul Gandhi has outlived what little usefulness he had. He owed his position not to any spe-

cial merit, but to the fact that he was Mama’s boy.

That might have passed muster in the age of the divine right of kings, but in the contemporary world – certainly that of India – this will no longer do. Sometimes politics can be too serious to be left to the not so tender care of politicians. The principal opposition party must be responsibly led; its policies must be coherent and comprehensive, and as is the case with a mature parliamentary democracies, the party has to have a tried and tested team ready to take the reins of office when called upon to do so.

Rahul Gandhi has been largely anonymous during his time as Congress party vice president.

He preferred to maintain distance from UPA government, although he did occasionally blow his top on a particular subject dear to his heart. The Congress party has a set of young men, well spoken, informed and capable of handling a variety of searching questions. They have waited long enough in the wings. Time for them to take centre stage.

Sharif major versus Sharif minor

Time to say goodbye, Rahul

3 People often tell me that motivation doesn't last, and I tell them that bathing doesn't either. That's why I recommend it daily - Hilary Hinton "Zig" Ziglar

Alok Sharma MP

for Reading West, Co-Chairman of Conservative Friends of India

You deserve to retire with dignity If you’ve worked hard all your life, paid your taxes, looked after your family, done the right thing – then you deserve to retire with peace of mind and with dignity. That’s what I believe, and that’s what the Conservative Party believes. And it’s why our Prime Minister David Cameron has said he will be protecting pensioner benefits in the next Parliament if Conservatives win the election in May. I’m incredibly proud of what the Conservatives have already done in this Parliament to ensure older generations living in Britain will have a secure retirement. We’ve guaranteed the value of a state pension with the triple-lock – meaning it will always increase in line with the largest of earnings, prices or 2.5 per cent. As a result, the annual basic state pension has risen £800 since 2010, when we came to power.

We’ve also simplified the state pension so people know exactly what they’ll get, how they’ll get it, so that no-one misses out. And while many people will want to retire when the time comes, we’ve abolished the default retirement age for those people who want to continue to work and enjoy the same job security as young people.

One of the boldest reforms we’ve made to pensions is giving people more freedom over how they access their savings. From April 2015, 18 million people retiring will have total freedom over how they spend their pensions. Gone are the days when people are forced to buy an annuity and we’ve scrapped the unjust 55 per cent tax rate people had been

charged for taking out more than their taxfree lump sum.

We’ve also made sure people don’t have to sell their homes to pay for social care.

From April 2016 the Government will pay for people’s care once the cost to them hits £72,000. And we’ve introduced a £140 discount on electricity bills for the most vulnerable.

Speaking in Hastings, Kent, last week, David Cameron said he will give everyone the help they deserve in later life by protecting pensioner benefits like the free bus pass, TV licences and winter fuel payment. I think that’s absolutely right and I’m appalled at Labour’s reaction which has been to threaten to take away free bus passes from some pensioners and cut the basic state pension by £234 a year.

That said, what can you expect from a party who failed the older generations?

When in power, Labour gave pensioners insulting pension rises as low as 75p; pensioners who wanted to work were forced to retire; and thousands of people a year had to sell their homes to pay for social care.

I know how hard my parents worked and the sacrifices they made to give me a good home and help me to succeed in life.

We all owe so much to our parents and to older generations and want them to have a happy and secure retirement. Only a C o n s e r v a t i v e Government can ensure Britain has a strong economy, so we can ensure our parents, our grandparents and future generations of older people in Britain retire in comfort and with the dignity they deserve.

4

MIDLANDS VOICE

A Passage from India: Migrants' tales lead to unique International Project

A tale of two cities has brought together two international universities in a unique collaboration to explore their common histories. The cities are Baroda in Gujarat, India, and Leicester in England – two cities united by a story of migration.

The University of Leicester hosted a special event and workshop “Migration Stories: South Asian Histories and Cultures” in Leicester on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 March. The event at the University of Leicester School of Museum Studies and Centre for Urban History was sponsored by the British Council.

This was part of a programme of collaborations between the University of Leicester and Maharaja Sayajirao University Baroda which will lead to the establishment of a Centre for Urban Studies in the Indian university.

Professor Martin Halliwell, Deputy ProVi c e - C h a n c e l l o r, International, said: “The theme of this event – South Asian migration and diasporas – is of great significance for understanding the complex and historically evolving relationship between the Indian subcontinent and

the wider world.

“We hope that the event – comprising a workshop, screenings and the 100 Stories of Migration exhibition – will pave the way for closer interaction and collaboration between researchers based in both universities and will engage the broader communities in the Midlands and the Gujarat region.

“The event focuses on the complex histories and cultures of South Asian migrants told through screenings, objects and discussion and will therefore speak directly the lived experience of many people living in Leicester and the Midlands. It also includes a keynote address from Dr Anshuman Mondal from Brunel University who is an expert on postcolonial culture, Muslim identities and free speech...”

Professor Sharad Bansal, Director of International Affairs at MSU said: "The MS University of Baroda and the University of Leicester enjoy a very active academic partnership. In a short span of less than two years, scholars from a range of departments at both universities have initiated very fruitful intellectual conversations.

MSU Baroda is committed to set up the Centre for Urban Studies in collaboration with the University of Leicester, and the approvals for setting up the Centre are at a very advanced level."

Dr Prashant Kidambi, from the Centre for Urban History and the current International Director for the College of Arts, Humanities and Law at Leicester, said the University and city of Leicester were ideally

placed to engage in this project: “Contemporary Leicester is fascinating for the extraordinary diversity of its population. In particular, the city is home to many migrants from South Asia. Their presence has made the city truly multicultural. In that sense, it is an obvious choice to think about the theme of South Asian migration and diasporas within the context of an evolving urban environment.

“The University of Leicester has a rich tradition of engaging with this subject.

Its world renowned departments of English, History, Sociology, Museum Studies and Geography – among others – have long engaged with the themes that form the focus of this workshop. This project builds on that expertise and seeks to take it forward in a creative and comparative fashion.

“The project is interesting for its content and the range of participants, bringing together scholars from Leicester and Baroda working on the theme of South Asian migration and diasporas in different disciplines and thereby seeks to foster an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas...”

A debate on racial integration was hosted by one of the country’s leading counter-terrorism experts at Birmingham City University on Tuesday, as coalition ministers continue to argue over free speech on campuses.

Imran Awan, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and counter-terrorism expert at Birmingham City University, told the event that higher education critics frequently misunderstand the vital role universities play in encouraging

social cohesion through the exploration of issues affecting faith communities. Held in conjunction with the Department for Communities and Local Government, the event follows accusations by Conservative ministers that Dr Vince Cable, Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Business, watered down legislation on ‘hate preachers’ by restricting a ban to those who directly incite terrorism.

The row has reignited

debate on what constitutes free speech at UK universities.

Mr Awan said: “The Integration Roadshow encourages a frank and open exchange. We are delighted to be hosting this event, and welcome the opportunity to bring people together from across our faith communities.

“It is vital we protect free speech and we must ensure that legislation is fair and proportionate to the risks posed. Otherwise

this could damage social cohesion and could have serious consequences.”

The debate explored the fallout of the Trojan Horse scandal in the city, which concerned allegations about the increasing influence of Islamic conservatives within Birmingham schools. The one-day conference examined the role of faith in schools, the rise of Islamophobia and the relationship between the police and faith communities.

University academic defends freedom of speech on campus

Beheading demand a ‘moment of madness’ A father-of-two who went online and offered a £1,000 reward for the beheading of a man who burgled a Werneth mosque has avoided prison.

Mohammed Bashir (26), of Monmouth Street, Oldham, uploaded a CCTV image of a man stealing from Werneth’s Jamia Masjid Mosque offering £1,000 for someone to behead him.

Bashir had been smoking cannabis with his friends in January while discussing a robbery at his mosque the day before.

On his return home he posted the message on personal sales site Gumtree. A member of the public saw the post and contacted police.

Bashir pleaded guilty at Oldham Magistrates’ Court early last month to sending a menacing message. Since then his family and the mosque has condemned his action and he has been suspended from one of his two jobs.

Naila Akhtar, defending Bashir, told Oldham magistrates last Tuesday the post had been made in a moment of stupidity, influenced by his friends and by smoking cannabis.

He tried to remove the post but saw it had already been removed.

Magistrates handed Bashir a 12-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £145 in costs and charges.

Landlord let immigrant workers live in squalor

A landlord who allowed a group of worlers to sleep in squalid conditions on the floor of his former pub has been ordered to pay £4,800 in fines and costs by Oldham magistrates.

Mohammed Aslam (76) pleaded guilty to 11 offences under the Housing Act 2004 and was ordered to pay £2,200 with £2,600 costs. Officers, police and firefighters visited the premises last July 1 when the owner had arrived back at the pub with the men, all of them his employees. Officials found the unheated pub had been crudely partitioned to make bed-

rooms. Washing was limited to the original pub toilets, there was no bath or shower and the pub kitchen was boarded up.

There were no fire alarms and the fire exits and escape routes were blocked. But while his tenants lived in squalor, Aslam lived on the first floor - which had been renovated to a high standard. When interviewed, the men - mainly from Eastern Europe - said they worked for Aslam picking coriander in North Wales and East Yorkshire. They were taken in the back of a van and paid £30 a day - of which Aslam took a day’s pay a week for electricity.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

Shruthi UK to host Music Festival

Budding artists from the Midlands will this Sunday (March 8) showcase their talent as part of a vibrant South Asian music festival.

The Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival, which this year coincides with International Women's Day, will see aspiring singers, musicians and dancers bring to life the songs and teachings of Thyagaraja, one of the legendary composers of Indian and Carnatic classical music. Thyagaraja, also known as the singing saint, composed thousands of devotional hymns, most in praise of the Hindu God Lord Rama. The festival has been organised by Shruthi UK, a Solihullbased South Asian arts organisation.

Shruthi UK, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary, is the brainchild of Chithra Ramakrishnan, pictured, who hails from a family of talented musicians and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Her Majesty's LordLieutenant of the West Midlands, Paul Sabapathy CBE, said: "Music has no boundaries. The dedication and commitment of Chithra Ramakrishnan in raising awareness of the rich Carnatic music tradition deserves our strong sup-

port and much applause.

It is part of the strands of South Asian music and its legends, past and present, across our region and beyond deserve much credit. It is through such events that we can bring together people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to celebrate our rich heritage."

The free familyfriendly programme, will feature children's activities, a writing and colouring competition, a special quiz, certificate and other presentations and a South Asian vegetarian meal.

The Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival will take place from 9.00am till 3.30pm at The Shirley Centre, 274 Stratford Road, Solihull, B90 3AD. To view a prelude to the event, which will be livestreamed, and for more information visit www.shruthiuk.com

Man charged with causing crash which killed Harjit Singh Thaliwal

A motorist has been charged with causing the crash which killed popular young businessman Harjit Singh Thaliwal last year, police said.

The 27-year-old man, whose details have not been released by police, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and being over the legal alcohol limit.

Mr Thaliwal, pictured, died in hospital after his car was involved in a collision with the charged man’s car on the A6 near

Mountsorrel on Saturday, September 6.

The driver is due to appear at Loughborough Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 1.

A man who assaulted a woman on a Birmingham bus has been banned from the route for 18 months.

Ashiq Hussain, pictured, from Saltley, repeatedly rubbed his leg against the terrified 22-year-old passenger on the number X51 bus as it travelled along Walsall Road in Perry Barr.

The 52-year-old ignored the woman’s pleas to stop and, when she reported the unwanted

advances to a ticket inspector, Hussain jumped off and disappeared down a back street.

Birmingham man banned after assaulting passenger

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

5

6

UK

Murty Classical Library of India launched in London

Rani Singh On Friday 27th February the High Commissioner of India, H.E. Mr Ranjan Mathai, hosted the London launch of the Murty Classical Library of India. It was founded by Rohan Narayana Murthy and is published by Harvard University Press.

The mission of the Murty Classical Library of India is to present the greatest literary works of India from the past two millennia to the largest readership in the world.

The series aims to reintroduce these works to a new generation.

The High Commissioner chaired a panel that was in conversation with the audience.

On the panel were Rohan Murthy and his editor Professor Sheldon Pollock from the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Oxford. Roly Keating, Chief Executive of the British Library, also answered questions.

During the conversation, it was suggested that much of Indian learning could be more open and more imaginative rather than the narrow rotelearning model set by Lord Macaulay, still used today.

The distinguished audience included academics and journalists, and the Deputy High Commissioner, Dr Virander Paul was present. Dr Richard Blurton, former Head of the India Section at the British Library and Dr

14 Year old girl agonised by drunken plane passenger

Manjit Singh Sidhu (38)

Manjit Singh Sidhu (38) from Leicester was convicted by a jury in a London court of sexual touching and has been jailed for four months.

On a Jet Airways flight from New Delhi to London, Sidhu was under the influence of alcohol and started to pester a 14 year old schoolgirl who was sitting in the seat behind him. Sidhu came and sat beside her and started to touch her and said he wanted to have sex with her. He also spoke about prostitutes, drugs and Bangkok's red-light district.

The 14 year old also

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

Cllr David Perry Leader of Harrow Council

Both positives and negatives in this year’s Council Budget

London launch of inaugural five volumes of Indian classics by Murty Classical Library of India (MCLI) at High Commission of India took place on 27 Feb; seen from L-R are General Editor, MCLI, Prof Sheldon Pollock; Founder of MCLI, Dr. Rohan Murty; High Commissioner of India Mr. Ranjan Mathai and Chief Executive, British Library Mr Roly Keating and Minister (Press) Prashant Pise

Christopher Shackle, former Professor of Modern South Asian languages at SOAS, were on hand.

Later, the Asian Voice interviewed Sharmila Sen, Executive Editor- atLarge for Harvard University Press, who said, “It’s a great privilege for Harvard University Press to publish the Indian classics- which helps us broaden our scope of publishing the classics which we have been doing for a hundred and three years with the Loeb Classical Library [a pre-existing series].” This paper asked about market potential and the editor replied, “It will be as big as the market for the Loeb Classical Library. It will

have that kind of vision; expensive and that long period of time.”

The Asian Voice also interviewed Professor Pollock about his experience editing the series.

“It’s been a real challenge editing the Murty Classical library as translating Indian languages is more of a challenge than translating from Spanish or Italian or German.

Partly this is because Indian writers have often felt the most interesting subject to write poetry about is language itself.

I have been blessed with great collaborators [like] Christopher Shackle, they made my life a lot easier. It’s difficult to work with Indian languages partly because

of the distance from the language, partly because of the conceptual difference, but sometimes because language itself is the object of the poetry and that can be difficult to bring over into another language.”

All present agreed that the Murty Libary is a significant milestone in bringing world literature’s treasured heritage to a wider audience than before.

On Thursday the 26th of February Harrow Council passed its budget for 2014/15; over the next four years Central Government has imposed £83m of cuts on Harrow Council and our residents, with £25m of savings coming in the budget just passed.

Unsurprisingly, I have mixed emotions about this budget - both positive and negative.

Firstly, positive because of the achievements this Council has worked towards over the past 9 months, from investing over £700k in social workers, £200k to tackling domestic violence in the Borough and nearly a million pounds supporting residents and families who have been made homeless.

However, I also have negative emotions because of the scale of budget reduction which this Council has a duty to pass following the huge cuts imposed on our community by central Government. My

Poetry Delight

When I came from Nepal

Voicing Asian Opinions

Mukahang Limbu with the Duchess of Cornwall

Jitesh Gadhia

Shashank Joshi

Asians are an important part of British society, yet when it comes to voicing your opinions, there tends to be a shortage of Asians who get their thoughts across in the media.

However, with changing times, Asians too are getting there thoughts across in different British Mediums. Two examples are of Jitesh Gadhia and Shashank Joshi. They have both spoken about different topics and given

an insight as well as their opinions. Jitesh Gadhia speaks about the Barings by the Board of Banking Supervision in The Daily Telegraph; speaking about the Barings which happened on 26 February 1995. Shashank Joshi deplores people who come in defence of “Jihadi John” as well on The Daily Telegraph. Both speak on diverse topics and give a coherent and informative opinion.

allegded that Sidhu hit her on the bridge of nose.

The schoolgirl, who was on her way back from a school trip to Nepal with her teacher and fellow students

informed her teacher of Sidhu's behaviour. She reported Sidhu's behaviour to her teacher. The police was waiting for him once the flight descended.

Flight attendants

colleagues and I take no pleasure whatsoever in passing millions and millions and millions of cuts onto our community which have been forced on us as a Council.

Over 50% of the savings laid out in the budget are back office savings and efficiencies, through cutting managers and sharing services with other councils.

The budget also contains an additional £2.5m of income already predicted from our ambitious regeneration plans that are just getting underway, with resident engagement and building social and affordable homes at the heart of this.

Despite this, we have still had to make tough decisions, and we will be working with residents, local businesses and the voluntary and community sector over the coming months to protect our most vulnerable residents from the worst of these cuts.

Mukahang Limbu (13) has become the first winner of the national writing competition sponsored by The Sunday Times.

His story was one of more than 3000 poems with the theme “home”, submitted by state school pupils.

Mukahang Limbu, who is a student at Oxford Spires Academy moved to the UK after spending his early formative years in Nepal. His poem, “When I Came From Nepal”, is an account of his personal experience and feelings of leaving home and adapting to a new places, eventually making it his new home.

The competition was organised by the charity, First Story and was judged by a panel. The prize was presented by the Duchess of Cornwall.

informed that Sidhu was abusive and would abuse when they would refuse to give him more alcohol as he seemed disorderly.

Although he was charged with sexual

touching, Sidhu has been cleared of assault.

He will also have to sign the sex offenders register for the next seven years, as well as serve his four month jail sentence.

As I clutched my suitcase... thick hot sweat built in the slits of my palms, which shook holding its cool metal brace. We walked into dry-winds, thick as dried-out paint on unwashed canvas.

The sky was painted daffodil yellow. The ground was a dirty grey.

There was a metal bird: an array of fearful, forgotten paint.

Missing the feeling of home I smell the iron rust of the Municipal Gardens.

The sour tang of home still sits on the tip of my tongue like the zest of sweet citrus fizzling.

I did not know of grey, gravel roads, or the bright buzzing, of scarlet cars.

I did not know of lonely red-bricked houses, gazing strangers, standing next to next, military officers, in endless rows.

I did not know, of silence in the streets, or the secret whispers on the buses, or the sly gestures of restaurants.

I know now In this place, Where I did not know, the things I did not know embrace me in the ways I didn't know.

7

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Indian troops engagement in First World War to be immortalised

As I See It

Budget, budgeting and the proof of the pudding...

The eagerly awaited first full Modi Government budget was presented by the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to the Indian Parliament last Saturday. It is indeed not as per the expectations of certain circles. At the same time, surely, it appears to be a sensible budget and the priorities are more proper and timely. The Finance Minister must be credited for shunning the roots of populism or focusing on vote bank politics. In India, of all places, the main emphasis for the national economy is proper and correct emphasis on wealth creation and, at the same time, to be concerned about those who are in the lowest strata of society.

Budget and budgeting is a part of our everyday life. Even the smallest projects or enterprises need to have a detailed strategy with clear destinations and the best route to follow. A budget is a blueprint. Whether it will achieve the bottom line in black or deep red depends on many factors. The BJP-led NDA Government has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha (the Lower House of Parliament). The Upper House has overwhelming strength of the opposition. On Tuesday 3rd March, as could have been seen on TV, the opposition does not only oppose on principles or issues but has no qualms to throw fair or unfair obstacles in the path of the government. This should be taken in stride.

India has, after all, opted to develop through democracy.

l differing the implementation of the General Anti-Avoidance Rules by two years l commitment to a national goods and service tax system from April 2016 l enactment of a comprehensive bankruptcy code which would inevitably enable speedy reorganisation of failed businesses l plans to de-risk private investment in infrastructure through auctioning mega projects in ‘plug-and-play’ l allowing salaried persons the choice between making mandatory contributions to the Employees Provident Fund and potentially higher return-generating New Pension System l establishment of a separate holding investing company for public sector banks and corporatisation of state owned pots

There are some issues which are inevitably more like short comings of the budget. They are:

l the focus to boost investor sentiment l a four year road map to lower basic corporate tax to 25% from the present rate of 30%. It appears to be the correct international competitive rate

l extending timeline for meeting the 3% of the GDP Fiscal Deficit target. This could be understood given the private sectors continued reluctance to invest l the continuation of the subsidies on food and fertiliser which are in a way unavoidable l targeting welfare schemes to the truly needy using the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-mobile (JAM) platform. Though there is no attempt at rationalisation Finance Minister Jaitley had to juggle many dreams. He also had to remember the promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the election campaign as well as later on in Parliament. It is right and proper that the old slogan of ‘garibi hatao’ has been replaced convincingly by emphasis on wealth and job creation.

India needs at least 12 million new jobs a year for the eager youth com-

Britain's immigration system is broken. More than that, it is so biased, confused and politically troubled that the Coalition Ministers seldom want to speak about it. Nobody can deny that Britain is an open society, and our economy thrives on the energy of

immigrants and the taxes they pay.

But the undercover investigation by Channel 4 in Yarl's Wood Immigration removal centre has been the prove of this government's failing values. It revealed a culture of racism, sexism and threats of violence in

The provisions of this budget are clear, more welcome and some of them are as under:

ing to the market.

Another important part of the budget is the Center/State relationship and the allocation of higher percentage of the national resources into the States. Now the Central Government will retain 38% and the States will receive 62%.

Another very admirable approach is more equitable distribution even where the BJP is not in the government as for example, West Bengal, Orissa, and other States. Of course some would argue that it may be a long term strategy of the Modi government to push for BJP in such states of India. Even if it is true there is nothing ignoble about it.

There is another area of concern about smart city concept. Last year the budget gave much importance to this topic.

In this budget there is no mention of it - perhaps it is better to grow from the bottom up than the other way round.

Of course some commentators would have their own views about the proposed big goals such as 100,000 kms of new roads, 60 million new houses as well as medical and educational facilities in rural areas.

The concern is right if it raises issues such as who will do it, how it will be done, in what time frame the first steps will be taken etc.

Overall, surely this budget is a positive one for sustainable growth over a longer period of time but the most important question is how it will be implemented.

Fulfilling the promises on land reforms for industrial development has several challenges. This is not China. An ordinance can not acquire the land for industrial or infrastructure projects but equally it will be good to proceed with the consent of the stakeholders and it will benefit the environment and ecology.

- CB

UK immigration system has lost sight of human lives at its heart

Britain's most notorious detention centre, where footage revealed prisoners throwing themselves off the staircase to commit suicide.

Responding to this report released from a cross party-group of MPs which called for an end to the indefinite deten-

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), as part of the Government’s programme to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War, will be hosting a multi-faith cultural evening at IWM North, part of Imperial War Museums, in Manchester on Tuesday 10 March, marking centenary of the second Battle of Neuve Chapelle – the first major engagement of Indian troops on the Western Front.

This aims to ensure that the contributions of people of all faiths and ethnicities during 191418 are properly honoured.

The event will be attended by Culture Secretary Sajid Javid, and include reciting of a statement honouring the contribution of Indian troops and committing British Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs to work together for the good of the country.

It is expected to be attended by 400 people including military personnel, civic dignitaries, religious leaders from the Muslim, Hindu and Sikh faiths, representatives from the Undivided Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Association, the Royal British Legion, school children from the North West region and representatives of other projects around the country looking at the Indian contribution to the First World War. On March 5th, in Staffordshire, as many as 17 Indian soldiers, who won the Victoria Cross (VC) during the First World War will be immortalised through a unique walkway of paving stones.

It will be unveiled to the world at the National Memorial Arboretum to recognise the courage and sacrifice made by 145 soldiers who were born outtion of migrants and to the suspension of two member of staff from the Yarl's Wood detention centre Steve Symonds Amnesty UK’s Refugee and Migrant Programme Director, said: “It’s clear that the immigration detention system in this country is used, as

side the UK - from 19 different countries who were awarded the VC, Britain's highest military honour, during the First World War. The laying of these paving stones will be a permanent memorial marking their bravery.

The first Victoria Cross Paving stones were laid on August 23, 2014 to mark exactly 100 years to the day that the first Victoria Crosses were awarded during WW1.

The last stones will be laid in November 2018.

As many as 469 stones will be laid in communities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland over 4 years period.

In August 2013, Communities secretary Eric Pickles announced a nationwide campaign to honour those who received the VC. Under the campaign, over the next four years on the date corresponding to when they were awarded the VC, commemorative paving stones will be laid in their place of birth or where they lived following the war.

Around 1.2 million soldiers from undivided India fought for the British Empire during the war, of whom 74,000 died.

One of the remarkable stories that will be unveiled on March 5 will

be of Indian war hero Chatta Singh who was awarded the VC for his actions at the Battle of Wadi on January 13, 1916 in modern-day Iraq.

Singh showed extraordinary bravery in leaving cover under heavy fire to assist his commanding officer, who was lying wounded and helpless in the open. On reaching his officer, Captain Sinton (a fellow VC recipient), he tended to his wounds before digging out cover with his entrenching tool - all the while coming under heavy rifle fire.

Singh remained with Captain Sinton for a full five hours until nightfall shielding the Captain's exposed side with his own body - before going to get help under the cover of darkness and bringing his wounded comrade to safety. Singh was born in Cawnpore, Uttar Pradesh India in 1886.

The paving stones are made of Scoutmoor Yorkstone a hard-wearing British stone that is quarried near Ramsbottom. Each stone will include the name of the individual, the rank and regiment of the individual (at the time the VC was awarded) and the date of the action for which the VC was awarded.

today's all-party parliamentary group report says, disproportionately and inappropriately...

“The Channel 4 exposé of Yarl’s Wood gave a grim glimpse of the sort of treatment people locked up in detention are subjected to and it was truly shocking...

“Every year tens of thousands of people are held in these centres for the convenience of the administration of a system that has lost sight of the human lives at its heart.

“The reform of this system, promised today, is long overdue.”

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

Leading Lights

Rani

strength. It handled the Cricket World Cup opening in 2011. Taposh explained, “It was a big, tri-nation Singh, Special Assignments Editor show. The largest event in the history of Bangladesh.

The three hosting countries were there; India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Anushka 2013, Gaan Bangla Sharma all shared the was, one year later, stage with our own given the TV celebrities. One More Channel of the Year Zero communications award by was in charge of all Bangladesh’s events; 90 concerts Information and get togethers, Minister, Hasanul with fireworks, for the Haq Inu, in the World Cup Ceremony, presence of the all in one day.”

Honourable Indian Bengali Secretary of the songs feature frePrime Minister. quently on the chanTaposh was a nel, so it’s not surprismusical child ing that Gaan Bangla prodigy and is popular in West released his first Bengal. solo singing album “Celebrities in aged eight. He won Kolkata tell me it’s multiple awards, their favourite music and soon became channel. We speak the Kaushik Hossain Taposh one of the best same language. We musical directors ness; I moved into the also plan to have more and composers in a counfinancial sector. Merchant international songs on the try famous for its music. banking, insurance, asset channel.”

In order to advance the management, stock broTaposh is on track to music industry in kerage. Through honesty grow the Bangladesh Bangladesh, Taposh knew and hard work, I got a lot media industry, now that he would need to create a of success quickly. his event company is a music channel, a film and Gaan Bangla is funded market leader. event management comby the One More Zero “After our event and pany. group. Revenue is growTV company success, I’m “I needed money to do ing, so we can now go to looking forward to launchthis, so I stopped my the next level.” ing a film company. music for some years,” he Events are proving to Bollywood has gone so far said. “I stepped into busibe the group’s great - it is now an industry. In

The Patriotic Music Genius who is Building a Media Industry 31-year old Kaushik Hossain Taposh, known as Taposh, is Bangladesh’s youngest TV channel and media company owner.

A dedicated, patriotic and gifted musician, musical director and composer, Taposh founded and runs Gaan Bangla. It is Bangladesh’s first specialised TV HD channel airing entertainment, music and lifestyle.

Interviewing in a Selfridges coffee shop, London, Taposh said of Gaan Bangla; “In the last 43 years of independence in Bangladesh, there has never been a dedicated music channel. We use full high definition, state-ofthe-art quality, with equipment comparable with MTV, VH1, or any international music channel.

We are, in fact ahead, as we have new equipment. I never expected people would receive us so warmly. We have lots of multinationals and big corporates joining us.”

Officially launched on Victory Day, 16 December

Bangladesh we are lacking quality control in the film arena; as in budgets, and the selection of locations.

We’ll be doing big budget movies and as an experiment this year I’ll be doing three movies. They are already being scripted.

We hope we’ll get success because people want quality. We are also launching a monthly English language magazine called “Oxygen” for the Bangladeshi crowd.

We will feature our Bangladeshi celebrities, try to affiliate with international groups, and work to an international standard. Our One More Zero group is expanding like anything and also launching a radio wing this year.

“I want to do a lot for my country and to take our media industry forward” Taposh.

The comfort zone for doing sustainable business in Bangladesh is good and to the entrepreneur’s advantage. I have reached the entry gate of my destination so I am now set enough to take things forward.”

Taposh often works through the night on music with his colleagues.

He was moved by the recent humanitarian crisis

9

in Palestine to create a song called “Let’s Pray Together” within 36 nonstop hours. It was one of the first international English language songs on the topic. It was well received by Dhaka’s ambassadors and the international community.

There is evidence that Sheikh Hasina, the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, likes Taposh’s music. “The Prime Minister is a music lover and I am lucky my music is appreciated by her,” he said, modestly.

Taposh’s passion for his country oozes from his every pore. He is inspired by the founding father of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was tragically assassinated with much of his family on August 15th, 1975. PM Sheikh Hasina is his daughter.

“Because of his tragic history, I have great love for the current family. As a tribute to him, and to them, I wrote a song called “You Will Always Remain.” There has been an unbelievable response to the song both inside and outside the country.

I want to do a lot for my country and to take our media industry forward. It is possible to make more quality channels, to work more internationally, so that the flag of Bangladesh can be presented to the world.”

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Changes to visa system

Hindu Manifesto for May

“Dekhaya te hotu nathi”

Sikh regiment in the Army

I am referring to the recent changes that have taken place for applying for visas, Oci and Indian passports at the Indian High Commission from 2nd March 2014.

Now the Indian High Commissioner has outsourced all services to VFS and want us to apply in person for the above services with our children and families.

High Commissioner do you have young children at school in the UK? The rules are that if we take them away from school we have to pay a fine. Would you pay the fines for our children so that they can attend the VFS centre for their visas?

High Commissioner do you know or have you thought of how much revenue will be lost for tourism to India by making it difficult to get visas for India?

People are already fed up of getting visas for India and you are making it tougher by making us visit your appointed VFs centres personally.

We supported the new BJP government and were joyful that things would become simpler and easier now to visit India.

Vinod Dattani Wellingborough

I fully support Kapilbhai’s 10 Points' Hindu Manifesto for the May General Election this year.

I am proud and happy that people like him are raising the awareness of the feelings of Hindus and invaluable teaching and preaching of Hinduism! Like Birmingham Hindu Council and many other Hindu organisations will also join him in his undaunted spirit.

Last July I was very encouraged to read Kapilbhai’s article on Swami's Galore apprising about the British Board of Hindu Scholars started under the auspices of the National Council of Hindu Temples UK and many Swamis, Gurus, Conservative MPs and other Celebrities joined hands to work for Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma.

Please allow me to submit a translation of Ilaben Trivedi’s letter in last week’s Gujarat Samachar. In modern times when newspapers are full of salacious, futile, traumatic sound and fury, this letter is a breath of fresh air. It boldly sublimates views about St. Valentine day celebrations.

Here is a translation for Asian Voice’s readers: On St Valentine’s day, an aged couple in a temple, strolled down hand in hand towards icon of deity. The old lady was holding an object in her hands which amused youthful worshippers. The old lady was oblivious to this scoffing, offered the object to the priest with some instructions. The curtain closed and when it reopened, a teddy bear was revealed near the icon of Sri Krishna.

This teddy bear was holding a heart inscribed with the words “I Love you”.

Current views about lascivious, permissive, promiscuous love was given a body blow by frank minded old lady. The lady deserves fullest admiration and Ilaben deserves kudos for such remarkable observation, bringing it to notice of readers.

But such maturity comes after good, bad and ugly experiences of life. It also stresses the fact that God becomes personalised irrespective of icon which may be displayed in a temple.

I am delighted with the announcement that the MOD is considering forming a Sikh Regiment in the British Army. It will draw upon their reputation of fearless military prowess in much the same way as it has done for the Ghurkhas. The Sikh Regiment was the most decorated in the British Empire. They were awarded more Victoria Crosses per head than any other community. Until today, it remains the most decorated regiment in the Indian Army and it is only right that we re-enact this regiment which has such a proud history and heritage.

Sikhs are settled in Britain in considerable numbers and are now nearing 800,000 strong. As a result, it would not be difficult to recruit them locally. This will also help improve social cohesion in Britain where Sikhs live in significant numbers make a huge contribution in every field.

Why not extend this to other faiths and cultures residing now in Britain. We already have separate regiments for the Scots, the Irish, Welsh and the Ghurkhas so we can extend this to other communities living in the UK.

New visa system not well thought out

I have read the recent announcements that a person applying for Indian Visas have to appear in person for finger prints and photos. This is completely unfair and the Indian High Commission are putting old peoples lives at risk.

I have never seen this with other countries. You can apply online for an Australian, Turkish, USA and other countries online without any problem.

Has the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Modi, given the High Commissioner permission to do this or was this idea the Minister’s who has no knowledge of how to treat Overseas Indians?

Instead of making life easier for Indians and tourists, you are making their lives more difficult to obtain visas to India. On one hand Mr. Modi tries to liberalise the Indian visa system and on the other hand the High Commissioner’s office is trying to make life very difficult.

Laxmichand Shah Edgware

IS vandalism

The recent destruction in Iraq by IS of historical artefacts, ancients statues and burning of thousands of manuscripts and books some of which might have been copies of the Holy Quran is not only most insensitive, but is nothing short of wanton vandalism. They represent Iraq’s history and heritage for many thousands of years. To destroy them is to deny the very existence of Iraq itself. This is not the only act of vandalism that Islamists have perpetrated in their history. They did the same thing to Bamyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan.

In India Kutubuddin Ibak destroyed 27 Hindu temples to build the mosque Kutub Masjid adjacent to Kutub Minar near Delhi. From the year 997 to 1030

Upendra Kapadia By email

Almonds for Dementia?

The Prime Minister has allocated £300 million into research on dementia. He wants Britain to be the best place for researching, diagnosing, finding a cure for and treating dementia. The money is to be spent over the next five years on research, medical trials and training to tackle dementia.

Dementia is a term used to describe progressive loss of cognitive function which include loss of memory, mood changes and problems with communication and reasoning. These symptoms occur when the brain is damaged by certain diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, and damage caused by a series of small strokes.

There are over 830,000 people in the UK with dementia, and mainly affects people over the age of 60. Most form of dementia cannot be cured although resesarch is continuing into developing drugs, vaccines and other treatments.

Our sages and our ancient methods of treatments like Ayurveda placed great importance on the consumption of almonds which they thought was brain food. If their claims can be authenticated, then we may consider adding almonds to our breakfast cereals or eat more “badampak”.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford Sultan Mahmud, king of what is now Afghanistan, invaded India 17 times killing thousands of Hindus and each time damaged, desecrated and looted the Somnath Temple in Gujarat. In Pakistan they have damaged and desecrated Hindu Temples, mosques of Sufi, Ismailia and Ahmedia Muslims and Sikh Gurduaras.

In historical terms this is an endless story. Today the Islamists complain of destruction of the so-called Muslim lands by the West. The way forward is to study Islamic history impartially and objectively. If they abandon destructive and inhuman actions things will naturally settle down for the good of everyone in the world.

Dr Jatindra Saha

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Ramesh Jhalla By email

University tuition fees

Ed Miliband vowed to reduce university tuition fees from £9,000 to £6,000 per year. There are more than 500,000 students studying in higher education institutions in this country. The reduction in tuition fees is going to cost £3 billion a year. The party intend to raise £2 billion a year by curtailing pension tax reliefs.

The Labour party thinks raiding pension funds is a way to do it and this plan would target nurses, teachers and firefighters. SAGA said Labour was playing ‘Russian roulette’ with people’s future and robbing pensioners was the wrong decision. This policy will leave universities out of pocket in the long term.

Labour created several new universities and several private colleges/universities. At least 25 percent of students studying in private/polytechnic universities are from overseas and European countries. In one private institution the number of students has gone up to 40,000. Most of them are from Europe since they need not pay tuition fees and are entailed to council grants and loans.

Universities are starved of money for research in science and engineering subjects and there are too many colleges running business studies.

It seems politicians have come to see the retirement savings as a convenient piggy bank which can be raided. The pensioners should oppose strongly on this proposal.

Arun Vaidyanathan By email

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Racial prejudice

In his letter last week, Devang Bhatt blamed Sureshbhai Patel's son and daughter-in-law for not teaching him basic English skills which resulted in the brutal attack by Alabama police officers.

I have to disagree with Mr Bhatt.

Even those who are very fluent in English are most likely to be arrested and killed by American police officers. As per USA Today nearly twice a week in U.S a white police officers kills a black/coloured person. According to most recent accounts of justifiable homicide reports to the FBI during a 7 year period ending in 2012 18% of those killed were under 21.

The attack on Sureshbhai Patel was a crystal clear case of racial and prejudice minded attitude of police officers who reacted upon a call from a man about a black person walking suspiciously.

In spite of the massive training given to become police officers it is pity that police officers cannot differentiate between an ordinary simple man going for a morning walk and a person about to commit a crime.

On all police cars in Toronto a nice slogan is written - To serve and protect and also on York Region (where I live) police cars - Deed speaks.

May be all American police officers should learn from this and try to put in to practice leaving aside racial attitude.

Suresh and Bhavna Patel Markham, Canada

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BAME Journalists scoop awards

From left: Reni Eddo-Lodge, Yetunde Yusuf, Tracey Murigi, George Viner’s daughter Carole, Sangita Lal, Michelle Stanistreet, Anne-Marie Abbasah and Seung Yoon Lee. Absent: Rahul Vashisht

Five aspiring Black and Asian journalists have been honoured as part of the annual George Viner Memorial Fund awards.

The Fund was set up in 1986 in honour of the late George Viner, one of the first English journalists to proactively target under-represented Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, or BAME, students in journalism training. The bursary now provides financial assistance as well as mentoring to successful applicants.

The Fund is an important part of the National

Photo courtesy – Mark Thomas Photos

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

Union of Journalists’ commitment to diversity in the media. This year’s successful candidates were Tracey Murigi, Sangita Lal and Yetunde Yusuf – all studying an MA in Broadcast Journalism at Nottingham Trent, Cardiff and City universities, respectively.

Also Rahul Vashisht who studied a NCTJ Multimedia Foundation Diploma at the Press Association, London and Anne-Marie Abbasah, who is studying the NCTJ Multimedia Diploma at News Associates,

London.

The ceremony, which was attended by around 100 guests including Asian Voice’s Rani Singh and Dhiren Katwa, was held at the NUJ’s headquarters in London. Panel speakers included Fund Trustee Michelle Stanistreet, freelance writer and black feminist Reni Eddo-Lodge and Oxford University Student Union’s first East Asian President Seung Yoon Lee. To find out more about the awards visitwww.georgeviner.org. uk

your pity. But because I don’t want to be written off another right winger who doesn’t understand what it’s like to be poor.”

Ameet Jogia is a rising star within the Conservative Party and is commonly referred to as the “Tory blue eyed boy” within Conservative circles. Ameet has been a

long standing Tory activist and signed up to the Party on his 16th birthday, working and climbing his way up the Tory ranks ever since. Ameet is already an approved candidate on the Conservative Party Candidates List and is tipped to stand for Parliament in the future.

Speaking after the debate, Cllr Jogia told Asian Voice, “Being vulnerable, poor and homeless are terms which are often used very loosely. I wanted to use my maiden speech to retell my story in the hope that it would encourage and empower more young people to take part in the political process.”

EDUCATION/COUNCIL VOICE

11

Government boosts volunteer English teaching project in Birmingham and Leicester Birmingham and Leicester.

Many of the learners are Muslim women aged 19-40 from the Bangladeshi, Somali and Pakistani communities whose new-found English skills are enabling them to do vital, everyday things like visit the doctor or communicate with their children’s schools.

Not speaking English can lead to isolation and make it hard for people to take a full part in British life. The 2011 census figures showed that across England 1.7% of the population have either no, or poor spoken English, rising to 9% in some London boroughs.

The new award will enable TimeBank to expand its language project across the Midlands, launch new projects in London and reach 414

TimeBank, the national volunteering charity, is set to expand its English teaching project in Birmingham and Leicester after receiving a quarter of a million pounds from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

In November 2013, TimeBank was awarded £1.12 million from DCLG to bring English language learning into the heart of the community and encourage long-term residents with little or no knowledge of English to take a full part in British life.

Since then it has recruited and trained 90 volunteers and worked with 14 community organisations to deliver informal and flexible English language teaching that has transformed the lives of more than 1,000 people in

more learners, supporting more than 1,700 nonEnglish speakers in total.

Communities Minister Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon said: “Already, just one year into these fantastic communitybased English language projects, we have helped thousands of people take a more active role in British life. This new funding will help us reach even more.

“It is vital that everyone is able to read and write in English, which is why we have also asked councils to stop translating documents into foreign languages. Such translation diverts taxpayers’ money away from frontline services, and actively discourages integration. Learning English is essential to get a job, and move on and up in life.”

Cllr Ameet Jogia: The Tory Blue Eyed Boy

Matrimonial

Gujarati male aged 37, educated from a cultured family background seeks a hindu bride age between 28-34 from a similar background for matrimonial.

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Cllr Jogia, pictured, a Conservative Councillor, was elected into office in May last year, receiving the highest number of votes than any other Councillor in Harrow.

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12

MEDIA WATCH

In the run up to Budget day, came sensational reports that senior executives of some of India’s largest companies had connived in the leaks of confidential papers from key ministries, including some from the Ministry of Defence, were disturbing, to say the least. Important arrests have been made.

An investigation had apparently begun some four months ago, initiated by Ajit Doval, the National Security Adviser to the government. Alarmed by possible breaches of security following classified subjects appearing on national television networks.

Doval brought in the Research & Intelligence Wing (RAW), the agency dealing with external espionage to conduct the investigation.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

Prithvi II missile tested The Strategic Forces Command made a random selection of the nuclear-capable missile, Prithvi II, from its inventory and fired it with a dummy warhead that splashed into the sea. Fired from a roadside mobile launcher, the duration of the flight took seven

Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work on aircraft engine upgrades. HAL has been forging alliances and establishing chairs at four other IITs, with Roorkee for aircraft subsystem research, and with IIT Bombay for the communications systems. It is also working with the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, DRDO Laboratories and private sector companies on various research and development projects (Business Line February 21)

AMCA on track

Arun Jaitley on Budget

Executives from five energy companies - Shailesh Saxena, Manager, Corporate Affairs, Reliance Industries Ltd. Vijay Kumar Deputy General Manager, Essar; KK Naik, General Manager, Cairns India; Subhash Chandra, Senior Executive, Jubilant Energy; Rishi Anand, Deputy General Manager, ADAG Reliance, together with former newspaper reporter and Energy Consultant, Santanu Saikia, have been arrested. Also arrested is a messenger in the Ministry of Defence, Virender Singh, who is accused of passing on sensitive documents to outside associates. In all 14 arrests have been made so far in the ongoing inquiry. (Times of India, February 20, 21,25)

Madhya Pradesh Governor charged

Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav has been charged by the police for his alleged involvement in the multi-crore rupee Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board scam along with 101 others including former state technical education minister Laxmikant Sharma and mining baron Sudhir Sharma.

Governor Yadav, the first governor ever to be charged in a criminal case, is accused of misusing his office by writing letters on his official letterhead recommending the selection of particular candidates. He has also been charged with corruption. Yadav was a Congress appointee to the post and was sworn in by President Pratibha Patil in 2011. (Times of India February 25)

Road to Devolution

The Union Government has decided to increase the states’ share of Central taxes rising from 32 per cent in the 13th Finance Commission to 42 per cent in the 14th, for the period April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2020.

The government’s decision is in line with the Finance

Commission’s recommendations. In a letter to Chief Ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi explained that the move was aimed at getting away from rigid centralized planning with its “one size fits all” approach. The disbursement of funds will be determined by the needs and capacities of State. Hindu, Times of India February 25)

India best bet

India is the best bet among world economies, said Jim Walker, founder and Chief Economist of the Hong Kong based Asianomics, a research and consulting firm. “India is one of our conviction global strategic calls……one of the key features is that we are long on India. it is not even relative to the rest of the region, it is relative to the rest of the world,” he said in an interview with a reporter (Mint February 25)

Green shoots visible

Arvind Panagriya, the newly appointed Vice Chairman (with Prime Minister Modi as Chairman)of NITI Aayog (the replacement of the Planning Commission), looking at the Indian economy, said: “The economy is without doubt on the path of recovery……the growth rate, however measured, is moving steadily in the upward direction. Add to this the sharp decline in and low level of inflation, low current account deficit, rising inflows of foreign investment, rapidly accumulating foreign exchange reserves and near 30 per cent savings and investment rates and you have the inescapable answer to your question: Yes, green shoots are visible……huge challenges remain. Nevertheless, I now feel hopeful that it is possible to climb the mountain in front of me step by step.” Dr Panagariya was Professor of Economics at Columbia University in the United States (Times of India February 24)

Prithvi II test-fired

minutes and was described as “copy book flight,” by the team of scientists and military personnel present. A hybrid GPS-INS (inertial navigation system) took the 500 kg warhead to within 20 metres of its target. The Prithvi missile was designed and developed by the Defence Research and Developed Organization (DRDO) (Hindu February 20)

Huge naval expansion

India is tripling its fleet of nuclear submarines in the costliest naval expansion in five years.

A Cabinet Committee approved the plan to build six nuclearpowered submarines and seven stealth warships at a cost of Rs 1 trillion. This is in line with government’s goal to modernize the country’s armed forces. More submarines and frigates will help counter China’s heft in the Indian Ocean, apart from bolstering defence industry.

Production sites

Four of the planned frigates are to built at the Mazagaon Dock in Mumbai, with the rest to be manufactured at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd in Kolkata. The submarines will be built at Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.

Submarines and frigates will come into service from 2020-2030. Plans are afoot to strengthen the Indian Air Force with new fighter aircraft, with the Army to acquire 146 howitzer guns from BAe Systems. As of now, India has 136 warships of varying capabilities,two aircraft carriers, and 6,400 tanks and infantry combat vehicles. India and the US are to set up a joint working group to share aircraft carrier technology.

(Mint February 19)

HAL-Madras IIT cooperation

India’s public sector defence company Hindustan

India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft is on track with Russian cooperating in a number of critical technologies, such as thrust vectoring, apart from stealth and super cruise, which is in India’s purview, said Dr K Tamilmani, Chief Controller, Defence Research and D e v e l o p m e n t Organization (DRDO in Bangalore recently. “The basic technology required for AMCA is already with us,” he said. The goal was to build on the experience acquired in the development of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft and in the manufacture of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aiurcraft being jointly developed with Russia.

(Hindu February 20)

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu See comment page 3

Technology. Enjoying the status of a university, the Institute was founded in 2007 with the aim of keeping a steady bstream of available talent at the disposal of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), which oversees the country’s space programme. (Hindu February 22)

Kumar back at Bihar’s helm

Nitish Kumar returned to power as Bihar Chief Minister a week or so ago. It was followed by his public acknowledgement of the support he had received from diverse quarters, from the Shiv Sena, Bahujan Samaj Party, and the Trinamool Congress. Jitan Ram Manjhi , the previous chief

India, Russia sort out FGFA differences

India and Russia have ironed out their work sharing differences in the research and development in the of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). A contract is being prepared and should be ready for signing sometime this year., said Yuli Slyusar, President and Chairman of the Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation at Aero India, Bangalore. FGFA is crucial for the Indian Air Force’s evolving force structure, as was stated recently by Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha. The final announcement of the agreement could come during President Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Russia on June 30 or on one of Prime Minister Narendra Modio’s two visits to the country this year (Hindu February 22)

Young hopefuls of India’s space science

In a simple, yet elegant convocation ceremony in Thiruvanthapuram (Kerala) 100 young men and women, who will carry forward their country’s hopes and aspirations in space, were awarded their degrees from the Indian Institute of Space Science and

Nitish Kumar

minister resigned after failing to command sufficient support on the floor of the State Assembly.

Nitish apologized for his impulsive resignation following the poor performance of his Janata Dal in the general election in 2014 (Business Line February 21)

Keralan Jesuit released

Father Alexis Premkumar, a Jesuit priest from Kerala kidnapped by the Taliban from the school in Afghanistan, where he taught, was released after eight months in harrowing captivity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke the news of his release to his family with a telephone call from his office in New Delhi.

Father Premkumar’s family thanked the Prime Minister and the government for their efforts to free him. The Afghan government also played a critical role (Hindu February 23).

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

In Defence of the Faith - My Hate Speech

The irresponsibility in this day and age, to exploit religious differences where none exist is both negligent and dangerous. ITV have done this by putting young Hindu adolescents in harm’s way. The idea that a TV channel would inflame any part of the world, particularly Britain, for selling TV viewers should be criminal offence – wait, it is – incitement to hatred.

ITV did exactly that in broadcasting secret filming of a guest speaker at a Hindu charity, HSS. One for whom I too have been a guest speaker. The guest speaker, in talking to adolescents spoke of Christian strategies of colonisation in India during the Empire and of problems within Islam.

He spoke not as an academic. He spoke in generalisations. Like your grandfather might, or President Obama admitted his white grandmother did of black people. That ugly hidden ill thought out prejudice which comes out in private conversations that does not represent our better selves in public. Which is why ITV had to use secret illicit hidden recordings to find it.

But from one individual, or even a hundred like him, how dare you innuendo my faith institutionally intolerant? How dare you slander a billion people? Where is our ISIS? Where is our Al-Qaeda, our Taliban? Where were our Crusades, our Inquisition? Where by sword and invasion and Empire have we ever sought to conquer and convert?

What have we ever done than assimilate, integrate, fight bravely for your freedoms, alongside your soldiers, who we called our brothers, as they marched to the battle hymn ‘onward Christian soldiers’ for you in the global wars you brought to us, in colonisations we did not ask for.

What did we do but bring you the notion of non-violence, our mothers, sisters, daughter die at the end of your bullets, so you may live, and we uphold our belief in non-violence, until you realise from our spilled blood – not yours – that you were wrong to consider us backward, worthy of subjugation.

Where did we use our faith to claim the moral right of occupation? To be slave masters, Imperialists? Where were our genocides through colonisations based on God’s work? When? How dare you have the audacity to call us intolerant? This, I hate. This is my hate speech to you.

And this same week a Christian Priest in Northern Ireland says Hinduism’s practice of Yoga is Satanic. Is that hate

speech? No. Is Christianity institutionally hateful? No. It is free speech, not hate speech. Why – because we know the good Christianity does around the world. And hateful things, spoken without incitement to violence fall within ignorant free speech – even if malicious.

But of Hinduism when the public are largely ignorant you make broadcasts, so there is no context of all that is good that Hindus do, then only your voice is heard.

Only your voice paints a singular picture.

Tell me, had you recorded that Christian priest, would it have been a story? No. You knowingly used the public’s ignorance of Hinduism to create a story, to divide where there were no divisions. We live in dangerous times, and you have sought the power of media to add to them.

And where was the incitement to violence of your secret recording? None came. None could. This is the faith of Gandhi.

You should recognise your friends and allies. You – who are the largest commercial media operation in Britain and come as close as it is possible for being the voice of a nation. How dare you use your megaphone to create religious differences when knowing full well we live in a time when the responsible thing is not to stir such hatreds? You spoke to 5 million, the person you reported on spoke to 25. They say journalism is power without responsibility – well this is a case if ever there was one.

Your megaphone distorted and sought to divide. But I tell you this about Hindus – you will not divide us within or from the rest of Britain. We will ensure, as we always have, that our actions speak louder than your words as an integral part of Britain – British culture being ours, and God knows from curry house to tea house, Hindu culture being Britain’s – inseparable, intermingled and unified.

You failed to report, it was Hindustan which gave refuge to Jews when they persecuted as far back as Roman times.

Sound silly to bring that up now? It was Hindustan that gave refuge to Christians, from St Thomas onwards when they were persecuted. And when Persian persecuted the Parsees, home they found in Hindustan.

It was Hindustan that carved herself up in three to give birth in 1947 to one of the largest Muslim countries in the world – Pakistan. And it is Hindustan, who has within her borders one of the largest number of Muslim populations anywhere in the world.

Continued on page 30

UK

13

Five years in jail for failing grooming victims

Many revelations have shown that the social services and the police were not taking any notice of grooming accusations, hence, a new law is being passed by the Prime Minister, David Cameron.

The law is being proposed for a five year jail term for care professionals who neglect such cases and who fail in protecting young girls from sexual grooming gangs.

New statistics reveal that more than 370 children have been abused by a group of seven men, in the span on 16 years in Oxford. This grooming gang consisted of seven men, two of East African origin and 5 of Pakistani origin. These men were sentenced in 2013 for their role of grooming girls as young as 12 over a course of 8 years. 5 of the 7 men were given life sentences.

The Oxford grooming case has put light onto similar cases across the nation where the children were deemed as “troublesome” and their plight were not taken seriously. The Home Secretary, Theresa May has revealed that from 1997 to 2013, there have been at least 1400 girls who have been subjected to child-sex crimes in Rotherham. With these new laws coming into force soon, it will not only help protect girls but would also make people aware that no negligence will be tolerated when it comes to eradicating this problem. David

Cameron has said that these child-grooming crimes should be prioritised as they are a “national threat”. Additionally, £7 million will be designated in 2015 and next year to care centres for victims of sexual abuse.

These grooming cases have created havoc amongst innocent Pakistani men in Oxford, who are looked upon as potential perpetrators.

Many British Pakistani taxi drivers face discrimination as many of the clients specify that they do not want a Pakistani being their chauffeur. This leaves them help-

less and makes them feel like they are facing the brunt for a crime they have not done. The men in the grooming scandal have tarnished the names of other Pakistanis and it would not be farfetched to say Asians as well, as many are having to face consequences for the heinous crimes these men did.

This prospective new law brings hope that those who do not fulfil their responsibilities of protecting children, whether the care services or the police, are punished as they are equally responsible for the state of them.

Applications are invited for Jain Minister of Religion at

Mahavir Swami Jain Temple

in Harrow Wealdstone. Applicant should be a male, follower of Digamber Jain religion and proficient in performing daily Abhishek, Puja and Digamber Jain rituals.

The part-time job is seven days a week morning 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Evenings (only on weekends and special occasions) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Salary above national minimum wage.

Apply before 20-March 2015

at SDJA, 1 The Broadway, Wealdstone, Harrow, Middlesex HA3 7EH info@mahavirjaintemple.com Please telephone

Dr Dinker Shah on 0771 255 2973 for further information

14

CULTURE/COMMUNITY

Have a Ragamama time at your wedding

Gurdeep Bains &

Reshma Trilochun When one thinks of weddings, a joyous occasion is what usually springs to mind. People who have tied the knot will tell you that although their wedding day was an unforgettably special day, it was also one of the most stressful times of their lives.

Most of them will probably say it was all worth the commotion and their only regret is that they didn't take the time to enjoy themselves, soak in the atmosphere and cherish the moment.

If you're yet to get married, you should be made aware of all the available options out there to opt for while planning your big day. You could even choose to get a wedding planner instead, who will not only take care of the details of the wedding and reception, but would also look into the small details in order to perfect your wedding day. Additionally, it would save you from constantly running after the caterers and florists as the wedding planners would sort out the food, venue and decorations for you to ensure you have a stress-free day.

Organising a wedding in London can magnify the scale of the problems so if you're getting hitched in the capital, then an event planning company is almost essential. One such event planning company who would not disappoint is Ragamama Ragasaan.

Ragamama is an event planning company based in Northolt and it has been building its reputation and expertise for over a decade. Ragamama began as a specialist caterer and has now gone on to build links with some of the most prestigious venues in the Southeast, as well as in places like the Midlands, Luton and Berkshire.

In 2005, the company expanded to become Ragamama Caterers and Event Managers and now provides services for corporate functions, VIP parties, product

Arun Luthra

launches, charity events and birthday celebrations. This fully encompassing service takes all the worry away from the occasion that should be enjoyed and savoured.

Ragamama has specially trained wedding planners who have the experience and know how to guide the bride and groom from the first meeting up till the end of the wedding day.

For Ragamama, it means much more than just providing a service to a customer; it is more about making a promise and fulfilling it. Additionally, if you have family or friends who have travelled for your wedding, Ragamama can arrange special wedding rates for the hotel rooms so that your family and friends would not have to worry about finding their own place to stay.

Ragamama is a family run business with catering in their DNA. Brothers Arun and Rocky Luthra learnt about the industry from their parents in Delhi. They have a history which goes back seven decades to just after the Raj ended in India. All these years of learning are being put to good use here in the UK helping happy couples make the most of their special day. A focus on high quality fresh food remains at the centre of the Ragamama ethos. The chefs they hire are selected from the cream of indi-

an talent to ensure that only those with the right skills and way of thinking are added to the company. A key part of the Ragamama style is the focus on cross cultural combinations, fusing food types to give a unique taste experience.

Ragamama has years of experience and expertise in Indian dishes, however their group of world class chefs have the skills to prepare a range of menus from across the globe that can cater to a wide variety of tastes.

Including knowledge of Thai, Italian, Chinese and Mexican menus.

One of the key services, the company provides is the expertise of an experienced event manager; someone who will personally oversee every aspect of your special day who will be available to you before and throughout the events and you can call them as often as you

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

in the entrance or foyer of your chosen venue you can wow them with a number of eye catching features to greet them.

Ragamama are famous for their champagne (or punch) fountain. It's a fantastic way to catch the eye and set the mood and tone for an exquisite day. And it gives your guests something to discuss as they get ready to enter the main room. You can also choose a cocktail reception with drinks selected specially for you. Your manager can offer a package for unlimited alcohol so and your guests can enjoy yourselves without worrying about overspending. If you are having a tee total wedding there a range of tropical and exotic fruit displays.

The specialist décor staff who work for Ragamama have spent years perfecting their skills so that they can maintain a balance between eye catching

A spectacular Ragamama wedding

wish, as per your needs. You may want to give your inputs for the wedding preparations or may feel it would be best suited if the event planners take the lead; either way, the event manager respects your opinions and will work according to your needs and within your desired budget.

When guests begin to arrive at your reception you want to ensure you give them a great first impression. As they arrive

features and displays. Whilst keeping the small details and personal touches that make your day unique and special.

You can work with them to include little stories and anecdotes from your personal story.

For the staff their goal is to always put the client at the centre of all their decisions. Its all about making your dream day come to life.

No Asian wedding would be a success without a memorable

Story of global icon King Shivaji to be staged in June in London The famous theatrical biopic depicting the landmark events in the life of the powerful Indian King Shivaji will be staged for the first time in the UK at Wembley Arena in London on 20 and 21 June. Written and directed by renowned historian Babasaheb Purandare, Jaanta Raja, the People’s King, has already clocked over 1000 shows attracting 15 million audience.

The world premiere of this show has over 200 artists, horses, elephants and camels appearing on a specially designed colossal 55-feet-high revolving multi-dimensional stage. While all the main characters of the play will travel from India, other British/Indian characters will be played by local tal-

ent from the UK. The Arena has special tracks on which animals can walk. King Shivaji is a global icon who founded the great Maratha Empire and established a competent and progressive civil rule with the help of a disciplined military and well-structured administrative organisation.

Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North, gave his best wishes for this event stating “For all people who are interested in cultural history this is going to be a fantastic event. I hope that all my constituents will get involved and make it a wonderful success.”The show is organised by LondonBased Om Events supported by Gujarat Tourism and Bank of Baroda.

soundtrack. And with your event manager by your side you be sure you can get exactly what you need. The company has a recommended list of DJ's and music professionals, and only the very best make it onto that list. However if you have someone specific in mind they can set that up too. There are also a number of live performers who you can choose to grace the stage before you hit the floor.

It's the same for the photographers and cameramen. Only the top professionals make the list and that means those with a proven track record of delivering a quality product and the time and at the price they promised.

Once your big day is over and you have had the chance to see the Ragamama staff in action you can still use them again for another special day in your future. Perhaps the first year wedding anniversary, a birthday party for someone special or even a small secluded dinner party. You could even use them in a professional environment by hiring them to arrange a corporate event to impress your prospective new clients.

For Ragamama there are four key words that sum them up. Design, everything from the colour scheme, décor, displays and tables.

Locate, only the very best high quality venues, along with a history of cooperation from both sides.

Manage, from your first meeting with the staff to the very end of your wedding day and the important days after that. Cater, top notch fresh food made by the very best world class chefs and served just minutes after its prepared.

So for all those who are about to take the plunge and are clueless who to hand the responsibility for their wedding day, look no further; Ragamama is the place to go and surely the safest and best bet.

This week paid subscribers of Asian Voice will receive a copy of the Political and Public Life Awards magazine with their newspaper

Organ donation MoU signed There is a glimmer of hope that the number of organ donors from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic, or BAME communities may increase, thanks to a new initiative.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the NHS Blood and Transplant, the organ donor organisation for the UK and MOHAN Foundation, a not-forprofit organ donation

charity based in India. The MoU was signed at the House of Lords last Thursday. Retired GP from Wolverhampton Dr Satya Sharma is actively supporting this initiative, as is Dr Sunil Shroff, managing trustee of the MOHAN Foundation, among many others.

There are currently 6,871 people on the transplant list, including 1,071 British Asian people.

15

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

"As long as you have a curiosity about taste, it is EASY to cook."

With a character as sizzling her beer stir-fry with Oyster Sauce, Shrimoyee or ‘Shrim, Shrimpy, Shrimmy’, according to her trendy food blog ‘Eat with Me’, is the next young entrepreneur to watch. Quite literally with the host of ‘how to’ videos and quirky review pictures that can be found on her colourful website. Not only is she an emerging chef and restaurateur, but a writer, entertainer, businesswoman and general inspiration to the twenty-something post recession generation. We were lucky enough – or unfortunate if you factor in the hunger pangs - to catch her during a lunch break. Speaking from her current position as marketing manager, an effervescent Shrimoyee told us of the journey she has taken to be as accomplished as she is at the tender (loin steak) age of twenty-five: Sunetra Senior

First and foremost, you are launching a pop-up restaurant Calcutta Street - at Zensai Bar in Camden. Tell us more please?

A. Yes. It will be on the 7th March, and it is an awesome place. It’s about Asian fusion food, so it’s a perfect match for me. I’m bringing Calcutta street food to the West. The venue is spacious and there will be live music, and cocktails flowing.

The Bengali dishes on the menu include: lamb curry, my speciality luchis – no one in London seems to be doing that – the Kolkata egg roll which will have lots of chilli sauce, greasy but wonderful with coriander, chick peas etc, and finally Pav Bhaji which I know is from Mumbai but is also popular in Calcutta! To book please see Event: http://www.kweekweek.com/events/12786

So the Zensai extravaganza is your first big step into the professional world of cooking?

A: Yes! It’s the culmination of all my experience and research. I’ve been blogging since university and that has been my main outlet this far. After completing my MA from Manchester Business School, I have been working in marketing where I have done food reviews for YELP, The Sunday Times and Zomato. A huge part of my job was helping restaurants market themselves. Alongside that I’ve been exploring the food markets and gathering info. There is an in-house chef here at Asia House, the wonderful Paul Bloomfield, who I observe frequently in my lunch hours. He has inspired me and given me some valuable advice, like with the Menu for Calcutta Street. He’s a real mentor! I’ve also appeared on food shows for Channel 4 as well as travelling the world and seeing what it can offer.

Could you draw from your expertise and tell us what makes a good restaurant?

A: It’s a combination of good environment and quality of the service, together with the cuisine. A great example of this is Dishoom. I feel they embody what I stand for: breaking the stereotype for Indian restaurants.

Usually, there’s a corny Bollywood song playing in the background and we are not in the 18thcentury! Oh, and the elephants ornaments and sari-clad women

serving you food etc.

No places show the real India: the modern place with women like you and me! It’s either Michelin stars which is really posh, or just really tacky. As well as the food being authentic, the environment of contemporary Kolkata or Mumbai should be real too. English people also associate Indian food with curry and it’s not the only thing we eat! I love Flesh and Buns in Covent Garden which is fusion food: Chinese buns with meat and cucumber fillings etc. On the higher end price-wise there is Notting Hill Kitchen, but again they have excellent preparations and service.

really useful when I trav-

"A Fresh Mojito with any dinner is refreshing and light while giving a buzz ;)"

You are very stylish; I wonder, is having a creative eye a big part of cooking?

A: (She laughs) Thank you, and yes definitely. I went to a Vietnamese pop-up recently and they just told me the basic ingredients which I then tailor-made for myself – using Chinese noodles etc. As long as you have a curiosity about taste, it is EASY to cook. Actually, that’s part of the idea I have for for an app: a hand-held one which helps innovate dishes as you shop. Go with what you have and create from there.

I never follow the recipe, adding my own touch. But maybe that’s just me being ambitious too, haha, because I want to gain the credit for what I’m doing!

Your blog tells us you came over from Calcutta with ‘suitcases and

spices’. Tell us about your love for cooking?

A: Well, I grew up in Calcutta, and moved out to Mumbai when I was sixteen.

Growing up, my mum was a fantastic cook and not everyone is good at it. I know it sounds typical to say your mother is the best, but she really is great! At sixteen/seventeen, food isn’t the first thing on your mind and you do take it for granted so it wasn’t until I did move out that I appreciated the difference! Making quality dishes is really difficult. I’ve watched my mother cooking from a young age and that was

elled to England to pursue my degree. Reality struck as things were really expensive as a student.

I was cooking for myself. From there, my friends began to ask me for help with little dinner parties and gatherings. In fact the mother of the fella I was dating at the time encouraged me to start a video blog – of course she didn’t say that in so many words because she didn’t know what that meant; it was more like “you should set up so people can watch you cook.” (I laugh). People were saying “this is good Indian food”.

So I bought a little web-cam, up-graded to a better camera and off I went.

So, from the past to the present: Where do you see yourself in the near future?

A: Pop-ups over the next six months, and then my own restaurant. I will also do more TV work as I have a passion for presenting. I don’t like the idea of secret recipes. Every time I have the knowledge, I want people to know.

Finally, what is your advice for other young entrepreneurs?

A: Do your research properly but then it’s time to be fearless. Don’t be scared.

’s my cret Welcoming as she is, Shrim left us with a mouth-waterm i r Sh ure se ing recipe for one of her most-in-demand dishes: “there has n at not been one time when someone has disliked it!” – Sig Pav Bhaji: Pav: Get some tiger buns or regular buns, break them into halves and heat them in the pan with some butter. You want the inside to turn sort of red and slightly crunchy.

Bhaji: Chop veggies – Onions, peppers, tomatoes, chillies Boil and Mash Potatoes Add butter in a pan (2 tbs) and saute the veggies start-

ing with onions Add the mashed potato and then add some garam masala, salt and lemon juice. Mash the whole thing up together and then add a dollop of butter, chopped raw onions and some fresh coriander leaves.

Serve with the buttered buns.

For more info see: @shrimoyeec

W

http://eatwithmes hrimoyee.com

Political & Public

ASIAN VOICE POLITICAL AND PUBLIC L ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDI

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

Rupanjana Dutta

Rt Hon William Hague MP addressing the audience after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Politics

Ali Soufan receiving International Award for Counter-Terrorism from Rt Hon William Hague

Ibrahim Dogus receiving Community Service Award from Rt Hon Andy Burnham

Vishal Vadgama receiving Achievement in Arts and Culture award from Michael Ellis MP

Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP receiving Shadow Cabinet Minister of the Year award from CB Patel

T

he evening of 26th February saw the Members Dining Room in the Palace of Westminster bursting with excitement, to celebrate the achievement of 27 individuals from different walks of life at the 9th Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards.

These awards represent a modest effort to honour number of outstanding individuals who serve society in their own special way, and who contribute significantly, in whatever they do, towards

Emma Lewell-Buck MP addressing the guests after receiving Labour Backbencher of the Year award

making a better world today and for the future.

Owing to the century old tradition of participation in the political process in the UK, Women and Men equally participate in political and public life in a number of ways, from holding office as political representatives, to exercising citizenship rights such as voting, and to playing an active role in community and voluntary organisations.

These awards are given annually to individuals who have made a special impact

Michael Ellis MP receiving Campaign of the 2010-2015 Parliament award from CB Patel

Bhasker Patel receiving Actor of the Year award from Michael Ellis MP

Doug Wills, Managing Editor of London Evening Standard receiving Newspaper of the Year award from Rt Hon William Hague

in the preceding 12 months, ranging from international politicians to individuals who have made a big difference in their local communities. As in previous years, the competition for awards is extremely strong. This is a unique event where readers nominate and an independent panel of judges comprising of eminent personalities selects the winners.

The comperes for the evening were Nina T Pirani and DJ Lora and DDO Solicitors was the key sponsor.

John Cooper QC receiving Lawyer of the Year award from Rt Hon Andy Burnham

Prakash Patel receiving Young Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ian Paisley MP

CB Patel, Publisher/ Editor of Asian Voice said: “Our awards this year recognised some incredible people who have made an enormous contribution to public life. I am so proud that we can celebrate those who have made a positive difference across all walks of life, regardless of political party, race, colour or religion. “Award winners such as William Hague, who received our Lifetime Achievement Award, are instantly recognisable as people who can name so

Martin Horwood MP receiving Liberal democrat Backbencher of the Year award from CB Patel

Award winner Vishal Vadgama with mum Hina, fiance'e Janki & sister Sonali at the Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards

Life Awards 2015

IFE AWARDS CELEBRATE ING INDIVIDUALS

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

This year's distinguished winners are:

l

Rt Hon William Hague, Leader of the House of Commons

l

Michael Essien (Humanitarian Campaigner of the Year)

l l l l l l l l l l l

Presedintele Camerei Deputatilor Valeriu Zgone winner of European Understanding Award addressing the audience

many incredible achievements.

“I am proud that we these awards also celebrate those individuals who make just as significant a contribution to their communities, such as our Business Person of the Year, Paul Luther. I congratulate all of this year’s winners and urge them to keep up the good work.”

Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP, Chairman of the Panel of Judges said: “I am delighted that we were able to celebrate some superb achieve-

Gill Punt, Development Manager receiving School of the Year Award on behalf of Chigwell School

ments at this year’s Political and Public Life Awards.

After so much hard work, the achievements of towering figures and rising stars in British politics were deservedly celebrated. I am delighted that individuals as respected as William Hague, Nicky Morgan and Andy Burnham were all honoured tonight.”

Rt Hon Nicky Morgan winner of Cabinet Minister of the Year giving a speech

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

Vinod Shetty Claudio Fernandes, Arjun Anand from Madhu’s Sheraton Heathrow recipient of Restaurant of the Year Award

Wife of Michael Essien receiving Humanitarian Campaigner of the Year award on behalf of her husband

Bhupinder Singh, Managing Director of PNB receiving Professional of the Year award

Dr Amit Lamba winner of the Doctor of the Year award

Ambassador Dr Ion Jinga, winner of Diplomat of the Year award giving a speech

Winner of the Business Person of the Year, Paul Luther, CEO, Curry Special

Baroness Oona King of Bow winner of Diversity in the Media Award

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(Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Politics) Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP, Secretary of the State (Cabinet Minister of the Year)

Rt Hon Andy Burnham, Shadow Secretary of State for Health (Shadow Cabinet Minister of the Year)

Presedintele Camerei Deputatilor Valeriu Zgonea (European Understanding Award)

Madhu's Sheraton Heathrow (Restaurant of the Year) London Evening Standard (Newspaper of the Year)

Zac Goldsmith (Conservative Backbencher of the Year) Ian Paisley MP (Northern ireland MP of the Year)

Martin Horwood MP (Liberal Democrat backbencher of the Year)

Emma Lewell-Buck MP (Labour Backbencher of the Year) Chigwell School (School of the Year) Bhasker Patel (Actor of the Year)

Michael Ellis MP (Campaign of the 2010-2015 Parliament)

Baroness Oona King of Bow (Diversity in the Media Award)

Toyota Prius (Car of the Year)

Lawrence Ward (House Officer of the Year)

Ali Soufan (International Award for Counter-Terrorism) John Cooper QC (Lawyer of the Year)

Ibrahim Dogus (Community Service Award)

Tessa Jowell MP (Award for Outstanding Political Contribution)

Ambassador Dr Ion Jinga (Diplomat of the Year) Paul Luther (Business Person of the Year)

Vishal Vadgama (Achievement in Arts and Culture) Prakash Patel (Young Entrepreneur of the Year) Dr Amit Lamba (Doctor of the Year)

Bhupinder Singh (Professional of the Year)

Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, Prmediapix

Lawrence Ward, winner of the House Officer of the Year award

Sophie Ogunbiyi receiving Car of the Year award on behalf of Toyota Prius

Zac Goldsmith, winner of Conservative backbencher of the Year award

Ian Paisley, winner of Northern Ireland MP of the Year award addressing the audience

18

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

Dear Financial Voice Reader, During my speeches in London, Dubai, Kolkotta, Delhi and Mumbai(!) I met a lot of people that kept asking me the same question and I thought it would be a nice subject for my article. The question was pretty simple: is it better to trade confined inside the four walls of your home or should one try and trade while on work or on the bus? The true question behind this dilemma is whether trading requires a complete focus on it or it can be done while having a morning job or taking care of other things during the day.

The answer I gave to these hungry-for-knowledge folks is that trading is not like every other business, there are no “standard operating procedures” on how to trade and what’s the best setup to do so. There is no one answer to whether 2 or 4 screens are needed or a laptop or a tablet is all you have to have. Trading offers you the freedom to adjust your tactics and your expectations around the time that you have available and you can combine it with your everyday schedule.

So the real question one needs to ask himself is what kind of trading does he want to do. If he wants to actively trade the markets, focus on small intra-day opportunities to get in and out of the market quickly and make a small profit and then repeat it time after time then definitely this requires time and focus. It requires being in front of a monitor for the better part of the day to find these opportunities, take advantage of them, manually manage these trades and try to end the day in profit.

However with the advances of technology and the amount of resources provided by so many providers out there trading can definitely be done on the road as well, via an iPad or even from your mobile. You can have different ways to take advantage of everyday’s price action, you can set your trades in the morning with their pre-set levels and let them play out during the day, you can have intra-day signals coming to your mail that you can execute from your tablet or mobile phone and you can even focus on economic events and try to trade during these volatile minutes after each event.

You see the important thing with trading for yourself is to understand that it should be done in a way that fits your own, unique lifestyle. A busy businessman has a totally different day from a stay-home mum or a college student and thus their approach to the markets needs to be different. One thing that I always found disturbing with several seminars or courses I have being invited to in the past is that they all tend to teach everyday people to “trade as professionals”. This can’t be further from the truth.

This is due to the fact that professionals dedicate a full working day to nothing other than trading, they arrive very early in the office and stay until late, stuck in front of the monitor to make sure that they capitalize on every opportunity they find, no matter how big or small. Everyday retail traders however don’t have this opportunity or luxury because they have other things to attend to everyday.

And this can be good because a bit of detachment from the market action gives you precious clarity to understand the general theme and not get “analysis paralysis”. So my advice to these people and you is to find your own comfort zone, your own unique way to approach the markets and benefit from them. The resources and the technology are out there so all you have to do is mix and match and create your own trading style.

Sadly most people have not realised the full opportunity. They still think you have to be in front of four screens in your home to make the most out of trading.

No longer.

Vodafone challenges Trai's move to lower termination charges

Vodafone, India's second biggest telecom operator, has challenged the decision of telecom regulator Trai to lower termination charges for fixed-line and mobile calls in Supreme Court, seeking a stay on the move that will see consumer tariffs coming down.

Vodafone argued that Trai's new regulation on lowering

Inter-Connection Usage Charges has been taken in “undue haste,” which is uncalled for, and at a time when some of the issues pertaining to the matter are already pending before the apex court. The application said, the decision would lead to a “grave and irreparable prejudice” to its business interests.

Prabhu promises modern, global network for Indian railways

Keeping passenger fares unchanged, India's railway minister Suresh Prabhu presented his maiden budget, promising to balance passenger needs and long-term interests of the organisation to benchmark it globally on quality, safety and reach.

Nine more high-speed trains, faster speed of existing trains, Wi-Fi in 400 stations, user-friendly ladders to mount upper berths, easier norms for unreserved tickets, 17,000 bio-toilets in trains, better connectivity in north-east, and cameras for safety of women travellers are among the other highlights of the budget.

"There will be no hike

Suresh Prabhu

in passenger fares. We will focus on improving passenger amenities, including cleanliness," Prabhu said in a 66-minute speech in the Lok Sabha. Prabhu sought to hike goods rates on a host of items between 2.1 and 10 per cent to gar-

ner 13.5 per cent additional revenues on this count.

The minister also promised a vastly improved operating ratio, which spells out how much money is spent on day-to-day operations to earn revenues - an indication of the funds left for safety and expansion. He targeted to bring this down to 88.5 per cent, or the lowest in nine years, from an unsustainable level of 93.6 per cent in 2013-14 and 91.8 per cent for this fiscal. This is better than what the prime minister had asked the railways a few days ago. Globally, a 75-80 per cent or lower is seen as a healthy benchmark.

Aims to invest $137 bn in next five years Prabhu said that the government would make an investment of Rs 8.5 trillion ($137 billion) over the next five years. Prabhu said it would "set the direction of a long and difficult road of reform." Over the next year, investment in the railways will increase by about a half to 1 trillion rupees ($16.15 billion) including funds raised by market borrowing. To meet the five year target, investment will have to speed up more after that. Prabhu said he would raise funds from multi-lateral lenders, infrastructure and pension funds, as well as "monetising" railway assets.

executive than Buffett," Munger said in his letter to the shareholders. He added that he believes that neither Jain nor Abel would leave Berkshire, "no matter what someone else offered" or desire much change in the Berkshire system.

Munger said 63-yearold Jain "created out of nothing" an immense reinsurance business that produced both a huge "float" and a large underwriting gain. i Buffett also lauded Jain's "unmatched" underwriting skills, saying he insures risks that no one else has the desire or the capital to take on.

"His operation combines capacity, speed, decisiveness and, most important, brains in a manner

unique in the insurance business. Yet he never exposes Berkshire to risks that are inappropriate in relation to our resources," he said.

Jain's "mind, moreover, is an idea factory that is always looking for more lines of business he can add to his current assortment," Buffett said.

Jain was born in Odisha and is an alumnus of IIT and Harvard. Long been the front runner to succeed Buffett, Jain has been associated with Buffett for nearly three decades.

The 84-year old investor and philanthropist said Berkshire is "ideally positioned" for life after he and Munger leave the scene.

India-born Ajit Jain in race for Warren Buffett successor

Warren Buffett-led Berkshire Hathaway dropped one of the biggest hints about a possible successor to the billionaire investor, describing Indiaborn Ajit Jain and Greg Abel as "world-leading" performers who are "better" business executives than the octogenarian. In his much-anticipated annual letter to shareholders, Buffet praised Jain, who manages the Berkshire Reinsurance Group, for the way he has grown the business over the years.

While Buffet stopped short of naming his successor, company Vice Chairman Charles Munger named Jain and Abel, who heads Berkshire's energy business, while talking about possible successors

Ajit Jain

to Buffett.

"But, under this Buffett-soon-leaves assumption, his successors would not be 'of only moderate ability.' For instance, Ajit Jain and Greg Abel are proven performers who would probably be underdescribed as 'world-class'.

'World- leading' would be the description I would choose. In some important ways, each is a better busin e s s

Sarah Teather MP Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central

Tackling the tax dodgers

When it comes to tax, everyone should be playing by the same rules. The recent revelations that HSBC has been helping some of their wealthiest customers dodge their tax has again shown us that this is not always the case. Not only are tax avoidance and evasion morally wrong, they also do significant damage to our economy.

This is particularly difficult to swallow when times are still tough for many families. It’s simply not right that the rich can get away with dodging

their taxes while middle and low income families struggle to get by.

We need a tax system that is simple, competitive and fair. The vast majority of people and businesses in the UK pay their tax, but there are some people and companies who try to get away without paying. In government, my Liberal Democrat colleagues and I have been able to make some progress to make our tax system fairer by raising the threshold at which a person starts paying tax.

We have also worked since 2010 to close many of the loopholes exposed in the HSBC report and get back money lost in Swiss bank accounts. We have made over 40 changes to the law to stop people being able to slip through the net. This has made the system simpler, but it also means it is harder for people to avoid paying the tax they owe.

Making technical changes to the tax system may sound remote from most people’s lives, but tax evasion and avoidance affects us all. The amount of tax the Government will receive this year will be £9 billion more than when we came into office – and this is money that can be used to fund tax cuts for the lowest paid and support vital public services like the NHS. It would be wrong to

see this just as a problem in the UK. The HSBC revelations showed tax evaders were hiding assets in Swiss bank accounts, so we need coordinated international action to properly address the problem. Poorer countries are at particular risk of being exploited by tax cheats, so I am pleased the UK is working to provide tax assistance and expertise to developing countries.

The Liberal Democrats have proposals to do even more in the next Parliament, including spending an extra £6 billion on tackling tax avoidance and evasion as we finish the job of cutting the deficit. The most important thing is that we don’t let up in the fight against those who seek to avoid or evade paying tax here in the UK and abroad.

REAL ESTATE VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

19

The first drug is always free Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

The first property I bought was a two bedroom flat in a conversion in Wembley, on the market for £175,000, this was back in April 2004. It was in poor but liveable condition with one small room and the other a good size.

I was told to offer £155,000 for the property by the Mrs, which I personally thought was way too low and was actually embarrassed to make the offer thinking the agents will not take us seriously. Surprisingly the sellers accepted. This was my first practical lesson, you cannot go down from an initial offer, only up, so it’s always better to start low, and you never know they may just accept. Of course when they do you always wonder, perhaps I should have started even lower! Being embarrassed is an emotion, it isn't worth £20,000.

At the time I didn't have any money with which to purchase a property, just a lot of enthusiasm. I had a job where my salary comprised of a fixed salary plus bonuses. The funds to purchase the property would need to be entirely borrowed as well as the stamp duty and the legal fees.

At t h e t ime o ne b ank was givi ng 95% lo an to val ue m ort gages, sub jec t to a p h o n e c a l l t o t h e e m p l o ye r t o c h e c k y o u w e re i n f u l l t i m e e m p l o y m e n t . W h e n t h ey say v alue t hey meant value. T his m ort gage co ul d h ave b een based o n t he v a l u e n o t t h e p u rc h a s e p r i c e , m e a n i n g a ro u n d t h e £1 7 5 , 0 0 0 l e v e l i f s t r u c t u r e d i n a c e r t a i n m a n n e r, i f i t wa s d o n e i n t h i s w a y I wo u l d h a v e s e c u re d £ 1 6 6 , 2 5 0 a s a m o rt g a g e , l e a v i n g m e wi t h e n o u g h c a s h b a c k t o c o v e r a l l t h e e x p e n s e s a n d s o m e m o re . H o w e v e r a t t h e t i m e I w a s n ' t p r i v y t o t h i s k n o w l e d g e a n d s o t o o k th e conventional approach.

The other 5% for the deposit as well as expenses came from a credit card, not mine but someone else’s, so as not to disturb my credit report during the application process. I had a good broker at the time who guided me through the whole process.

Even before completion, I was scouting around to find who would offer me the highest rental on this property, ringing agents, councils and housing associations to get the highest rent possible.

At the time I discovered it was the council who had a desperate need for two bedroom properties, so much so that they were offering cash incentives just for giving them the property. This type of property was highest on their list, I got them around to the property prior to completion to get their opinion. I wanted to ensure there was a tenant in place prior to the first month’s mortgage coming out.

They gave me a pretty simple list of their requirements: a gas and electric certificate, and some fire proof furniture and they were ready to offer me £850pm on this property, which net was more than the market level.

The gas certificate was given, but the electric certificate failed, the Jamaican chap who did it was a local and told me exactly what to do to ensure it passed. I basically had to run a wire from the attic so there would be some earthing. I did this myself in order to save money, it was a rubbish job as the wire was tied to the drain pipe on the outside of the building and was dangling off it, but it was safe and as promised it was passed.

T h e n e x t i t e m o n t h e l i s t w a s t o g e t t h e f u r n i t u re i n , wh i c h I o b t a i n e d f ro m T h e L o o t n e w s p a p e r, w h e r e I t r a c k e d s o m e o n e d o w n w h o wa s o f f l o a d i n g t h e i n s i d e s of a h ouse. Th e plac e was in Queensb ur y and th e ti me o f c o l l e c t i o n w a s i n t h e e v e n i n g . I m a n a g e d t o b o r ro w a v a n f o r t h e e v e n i n g f o r t h e re m o v a l . I c a n n o t re m e m b e r e xa c t l y h o w m u c h I p a i d b u t I m a n a g e d t o f u r n i s h t h e wh o l e f l a t f o r l e s s t h a n £ 1 0 0 .

However it was during the next day in the daylight that I discovered the sofas had been kept outside and so had mould growing in between the cushions. There was no way I was going to buy more sofas, these then had to be scrubbed and washed, in time for the tenant.

When the council came to inspect the property, because I had done all the ground work I got the go ahead and they approved the property for their scheme and now they were ready to introduce tenants to the property.

Surprisingly the first tenant who came to see it said she liked it, and wanted to take the property! Just because I had complied with the council’s guidelines doesn't mean it wasn't a dump, it was.

Unsurprisingly she called me a couple of days later and asked if she could get rid of the sofas and replace with her own. Of course I acted like as I was doing her a favour and reluctantly agreed.

The property did well for me, at the time I took a fixed rate mortgage of 5.09% for 7 years, this meant my mortgage was fixed at £625pm and my income was £850pm. So I was making over £225pm which came to £2,700 p.a. I was very impressed with my return, especially as I had put none of my own money into the deal.

My deposit was only £7,750. The tenant being a council tenant stayed there for nearly ten years straight, so there was no expense in refurbishing the property and it required very little maintenance apart from the annual gas certificate.

The Real Deal

Westbourne Grove, London, W2 Purchase Price: £625k l A beautiful one bedroom flat in the heart of Westbourne Grove l Long lease l Low service charges l High ceilings l This property is coming at around £990 per sq. ft. while properties in this l location are being sold for around £1,500 per sq. ft. l Massive capital growth potential in the future l We expect this to be sold quickly because of the massive discount Call us now to secure this deal!

T h e p ro p e r t y w a s s o l d i n 2 0 1 4 f o r £ 1 9 1 , 0 0 0 t h i s m e a n t on average it increased in value abo ut £3.5k per annum; if you incl ude t he inco me I was making t his wo r k e d o u t t o £ 6, 2 0 0 p e r a n n u m .

Looking back there are a few things I would have done differently. The major one being how I financed the deal, I could have not only bought the property with no money but I would have got a cash back too, but hindsight is a wonderful thing.

This was my first dose of doing a property deal, and thereafter it gets into your blood, and you become an addict, it’s not necessarily the money but the high you get doing it. I have spoken with others who suffer the same illness and the symptoms are much the same.

0207 993 0103

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in

Central London Property Sourcing

info@sowandreap.co.uk

www.sowandreap.co.uk

55 Bryanston Street, Marble Arch Tower, London, W1H 7AA

Follow us online:

Sowandreapuk

SowandReapProperties

Tips of the Week l Buying at auction is a good way to pick up a bargain, provided you don't get carried away with the emotion of the auction itself.

Set yourself a limit and stick to it and don't get carried away with winning at any cost. l In an auction if the bidding doesn't reach the reserve price, try and negotiate with the seller afterwards. The property wouldn't be at an auction in the first place if they weren't very keen to sell.

20

BUSINESS

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

India defers implementation of GAAR by 2 years

In line with his promise that India will not levy any tax with retrospective effect, finance minister Arun Jaitley announced that the government would delay by two years the implementation of the planned General AntiAvoidance Rules (GAAR), which will be applied prospectively from fiscal 2017-18.

"It has been decided to defer the applicability of GAAR by two years," Jaitley told the Lok Sabha while presenting the NDA government's first full budget. "Further, it has also been decided that,

when implemented, GAAR would apply prospectively to investments made on or after April 1, 2017," he added.

GAAR, proposed by then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee in budget 2012-13, is an anti-tax avoidance rule, which prevents tax evaders from routing investments through tax havens like Mauritius, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

It evoked sharp reactions from foreign as well as domestic investors who feared that the law could be misused by taxmen to

harass investors. The finance ministry had earlier said it would implement GAAR from April 2014.

The provisions will, when implemented, apply to tax benefits arising from transactions valued at above Rs 30 million ($500,000). Retrospective taxation has evoked much criticism from domestic and overseas investors, notably Britain-based telecom major Vodafone.

Jaitley in his maiden budget speech in July last year had assured that India would not resort to retrospective taxation randomly.

brought in the ongoing budget session of parliament, he said. The issue of black money, unearthing which was a major election promise of the Bharatiya Janata Party, figured prominently in Jaitley's speech.

Not filing income tax returns or filing them with inadequate disclosures would lead to rigorous imprisonment up to seven

years, Jaitley said, giving details of the proposed bill on money stashed abroad.

Undisclosed income from any foreign assets would be taxable at the maximum marginal rate. It also becomes mandatory to file returns vis-a-vis foreign assets. If an offence is detected, banks, financial institutions and individuals will all be liable for prosecution and penalty.

Concealment of income or evasion of tax in relation to a foreign asset will become an offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PML Act), 2002, the minister said.

Jaitley’s steps to battle black money

India's finance minister Arun Jaitley unveiled a slew of steps to battle black money stashed abroad, including a new law that will entail rigorous imprisonment of up to 10 years and a penalty of 300 per cent on its perpetrators.

Those evading tax by sending money to foreign countries will not be allowed to approach the Settlement Commission too, Jaitley told parliament while presenting his 201415 annual budget.

Two bills - one on illegal money stashed abroad and another to curb benami transactions within the country - are likely to be

Restriction on pension withdrawal

Come 6th April, new rules will come into force regarding pension withdrawals.

From 6th April 2015, there will be a new rule that will affect pensioners. A survey by pension providers by Money reveals that the pensioners may be forced to preserve a sizable minimum balance, would have to post a signed request for each withdrawal or it may also be restricted to only having as few as two withdrawals per year.

The pension minister, Steve Webb had stated that when the new rules come into force on in April, people aged over 55 ought to “stay in bed' or “take the grandchildren to the seaside” instead of rustling out to withdraw their

money.

Many times in the past, there have been many accusations that pensioners have been using their pension money as a normal bank account and these new rules have been put to make sure people are not going to be misusing this scheme. A Partner at the pensions consultancy Hymans Robertson, Chris Noon states, “Come April, there will be a lot of disappointed people who won't be able to access their pension savings in the way they anticipated”.

Many pension providers have revealed new flexibilities that they

will be offering from April.

Five providers, Interactive Investors, LV, Scottish Widows, Hargreaves Lansdown and Standard Life are going to allow full leeway on drawdowns; they will allow customers to withdraw around £1000 on the first day, then £50 in the moth after and then a further £81 two days after the £50 withdrawal.

However, some have stated that withdrawal will only be paid on a set date once a month. Chris Noon also adds that although the new rules will be taking place next month, there will not be a limit on fees for drawdown policies.

Families have been outraged by banks and their ageist attitudes towards elderly people. There have been many instances where elderly people have been mistreated or scammed by banks or building societies. They have either been informed that they were closing their online account from one that used to pay a rate of 0.75% and asked them to open a branch account instead, which has a rate of 0.1%; or they would either be told that their account was untraceable, making them lose out on all their savings and hard earnings

of several years.

Many of these elderly victims' children have been enraged at the way their parents have been conned and the lack of resource or willingness to help which they have received; hence, they have taken the responsibility of dealing with the banks themselves, discussing what the scenario is and what help is on other.

However, the elderly people who have no children have found it difficult to fend for themselves. This money helps the elderly with their day to day lives and restricting them or

making them have no access to their account is bringing many difficulties into living their daily lives.

A customer had not accessed their account for nearly seven years and her daughter filled in an unclaimed assets form from Halifax in April 2014.

Within a week, Halifax had contacted them after thorough investigations and claimed that there was nothing that they could do as the account was not traceable. However, after several letters and visits to the bank, the elderly person finally received £10,479 in January 2015.

Outraged families over ageist banks

Making prosperity a reality for all

Priti Patel, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, the Prime Minister’s UK India Diaspora Champion and Conservative MP for Witham Britain is recovering from Labour’s great recession. And the benefits of our longterm economic plan are being felt in every corner of this country. Back in 2010, we had one objective: to pull this country’s economy back from the brink. Fast forward five years, and we’ve scored some spectacular successes. Our growth rate stands at 2.6%, the highest of any major advanced economy.

Thanks to the stability we have put in place, businesses have created 1.75 million private sector jobs, each and every one representing someone in the United Kingdom who is now standing on their own two feet. This record rate of job creation means unemployment is falling across the country. Young people, abandoned by the last Labour Government, are finding meaningful employment and apprenticeship places, and we’ve helped more women, people with disabilities and those who had never worked find jobs. We have also been supporting business growth and enterprise. 2.1 million entrepreneurships have been set up under this Government - enough to fill Wembley stadium twenty-three times over.

And since 2010, people in the UK have started no fewer than 2 million businesses.

This has truly been a business-led recovery. We have cut taxes, cut rates, and cut regulation, allowing businesses to expand and succeed. And businesses have risen to the challenge magnificently. By contrast, the Labour Party want to increase tax and red tape on business, which will stop business growth and cost jobs. Clawing our way back from the economic mess this country was in was by no means easy. It involved sacrifice, and endeavour, on the part of the British people. I know many have found it hard.

A priority for us was to put more cash in people’s pockets as Conservative believe that people should be free to keep more of what they earn and should pay lower taxes. That’s tough to do when you’re emerging from an economic crisis, but I am proud of what we have achieved.

We have already helped 26 million people keep more of their pay by raising the tax free personal allowance from £6475 which we inherited in 2010 to £10, 600 this year, which means they have £800 more to spend how they see fit. A Conservative Government elected in the General Election in May will go further by raising the tax free allowance to £12,500 – enabling workers to keep £400 per year more of their own money – and by increasing the threshold at which people begin to pay the 40% tax rate to £50,000.

Low and middle income earners will continue to be better off under a Conservative Government.

Motorists are also better off, with them paying over 20 pence per litre less in fuel

duty than they would have done under the plans that Labour wanted to impose. This means that families and businesses have been saving money because of the success of our long term economic plan. We have frozen council tax and increased the national minimum wage. Over half a million small businesses are benefitting from relief on business rates. 1.3 million businesses have seen the cost of the national insurance contributions reduced because of our £2,000 Employment Allowance. And the British Business Bank, which we have set up, has already facilitated £3 billion of lending and investments, benefitting over 43,000 smaller businesses.

This Government has reformed the welfare system to ensure that work pays and that no one can earn more by choosing to stay out of the labour market. We’ve made fantastic strides forward on employment, on childcare reforms, on apprenticeships, on education, on infrastructure, and on helping our smallest businesses thrive.

And our promise is that as the economy gets healthier, we’ll keep reducing taxes and keep getting rid of the costs imposed on businesses, allowing you to continue spreading prosperity around the United Kingdom. If you want to start a business, whatever it is, whether it’s serving local needs or exporting to the other side of the world, whether you’re building or inventing or assembling or distributing or consulting – we will help.

Members of the diaspora can play a particularly important part here, because the bonds you have with family and friends overseas are stronger than any links Governments can make. Around 300,000 (6.2%) of SMEs in the UK are minority ethnic group led in 2013. I am ambitious about getting that number much higher, reflecting the reality of the UK’s ethnic makeup. As the daughter of a shopkeeper, I have seen at first hand the hard work and pride we put into running our businesses and know from my visits to Indian diaspora communities that our spirit of entrepreneurism is legendary – so let’s make the most of it! For the Government’s part, we will keep on working with countries across the world as they develop policies for their own prosperity.

And if you want to play a part in that, we will support you every step of the way.

Just over the course of this Parliament, for example, UK Trade and Investment have almost doubled the number of companies they help export.

We’ve turned round the economy and we’re looking towards a new era of employment, jobs and prosperity. I am proud of the fantastic part you have played in delivering this success and am confident that together we will keep on innovating.

The challenge for the coming years will be to keep up the pace – cementing our recovery, and making prosperity for all a reality. This means that at the next General Election in May there will be a clear choice for voters between the competence and economic growth being delivered by the Conservatives, and the chaos and economic ruin which Labour offer.

Law to ease doing business

Aiming to improve the ease of doing business in India, finance minister Arun Jaitley proposed appointing an expert committee to prepare a draft legislation for obtaining regulatory clearances expeditiously.

The minister observed it took years to get permissions to start a project.

"I intend to appoint an expert committee for the purpose to examine the possibility and prepare a draft legislation where the

need for multiple prior permissions can be replaced with a pre-existing regulatory mechanism," he said while presenting the Budget. Jaitley said that investors spent a large amount of time and resources in getting multiple permissions. The government aims towards ease of doing business, he said adding he has recently launched an e-biz portal which integrates 14 regulatory permissions at one

source. He added that some states may soon join this platform. "However if we really want to create jobs, we have to make India an investment destination which permits the start of business in accordance with publicly stated guidelines and criteria," Jaitley said. India has been ranked 142 among the 189 countries in the latest World Bank report, falling two places from last year's ranking.

CURRENCY VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

21

Foreign Exchange

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX,

Economists raise question over recovery Currency Specialists.

UK retail sales fell 0.3% in January from the previous month, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. The decline in sales follows a 0.2% rise in December 2014. The January figure was a 5.4% rise on a year earlier. UK High Street shops have been reducing their prices in an effort to attract customers, the figures indicate. Average store prices were 3.1% cheaper than last January.

This was the largest year-onyear fall since consistent records began in 1997. On-line sales in January were also up 12% compared to January 2014.

GDP between October and December grew by a quarterly 0.5 percent. That was the slowest growth rate in a year, although there have been signs the economy started 2015 more strongly.

Economists said the second consecutive quarterly fall in business investment raised questions about the recovery. The 1.4 percent drop in business investment was the biggest since mid2009. Economists had expected it to rise slightly.

The slowdown in overall growth at the end of last year has not prevented Prime Minister David Cameron from putting the economy front and centre in the

campaigning by his Conservative Party ahead of national elections on May 7.Britain's economic growth of 2.6 percent in 2014 as a whole was the fastest in seven years.

A busy week for the Euro, The Purchasing Managers' Index, based on surveys of thousands of companies and seen as a good growth indicator, rose to 53.5, its best since July 2014, from a final reading of 52.6 last month. That beat even the most bullish forecasts and marked the 20th month above the 50 level that separates growth from contraction.

In a positive sign for future activity, the gauge of new orders growth at services firms rose to 53.3 from 51.7. Growth in order backlogs rose to the highest level in nearly four years.

Data out from Germany last week showed that the economy expanded by 0.7% in the three months through to December.

Private consumption climbed 0.8 percent, capital investment rose 1.2 percent and exports jumped 1.3 percent. This has been partly attributed to the trickle down effects from a lower oil price and a weak Euro.

According to reports out, Greece will struggle to make repayments to the IMF and ECB this year. Stating they will not

have liquidity problems for the public sector but will definitely have problems in making debt repayments to the IMF and ECB in July. These remarks come a day after the Eurogroup of finance ministers agreed to a four month bailout extension for Greece. Greece has to pay an IMF loan of 1.6B Euros that matures in March and 7.5B Euros in maturing bonds held by the ECB in July and August.

German consumer sentiment jumped to its highest level in more than 13 years heading into March as low oil prices benefited households, That was the highest reading since Oct. 2001 and topped the Reuters consensus forecast of 9.5 points.

In other news, German unemployment dropped twice as much as forecast in February after the country returned to its position as Europe’s economic powerhouse. The number of people out of work declined a seasonally adjusted 20,000 to 2.81 million. The adjusted jobless rate remained at 6.5 percent, the lowest level in records going back more than two decades.

Consumer prices from Germany, Italy and Spain signalled an easing of deflation risks in the euro area. In Germany prices fell 0.1 percent,

less than the 0.5 percent drop forecast. Italian inflation was 0.1 percent this month better than the minus 0.3 percent rate predicted while Spanish prices fell less than estimated.

In the US The Federal Reserve is preparing to consider interest rate hikes "on a meeting-by-meeting basis," The lack of inflation has made some Fed policy makers hesitant to commit to raising rates until they are more certain the United States is not headed down the same path as Europe or Japan, mature industrial economies that are struggling to maintain growth.

The CPI dropped 0.7 percent from December, the largest fall since December 2008. It had slipped 0.3 percent in the prior month. Fed officials, who have long viewed the energy-driven drop in inflation as transitory, could take comfort from a rise in underlying price pressures last month.

Core CPI, which strips out food and energy costs rose 0.2 percent in January after December's 0.1 percent pain.

Economists, however, believe the effects of lower energy prices and a strong dollar still have to work their way through to the core CPI, which could mean tame readings ahead.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 3th March 2015 @ 4.30pm

GBP - INR = 95.01

USD - INR = 61.82 EUR - INR = 69.17 GBP - USD = 1.54 GBP - EUR = 1.37

EUR - USD = 1.12 GBP - AED = 5.65

GBP - CAD = 1.92

GBP - NZD = 2.03

GBP - AUD = 1.96

GBP - ZAR = 18.09

GBP - HUF = 420.96

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22

WORLD

'Jihadi John' killer from Islamic State unmasked as Londoner

London: The masked "Jihadi John" killer who fronted Islamic State beheading videos has been identified as Mohammed Emwazi, a British computer programming graduate from a well-to-do London family who was known to the security services.

The black-clad militant brandishing a knife and speaking with an English accent was shown in videos released by Islamic State (IS) apparently decapitating hostages including Americans, Britons and Syrians.

The 26-year-old militant used the videos to threaten the West, admonish its Arab allies and taunt President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron before petrified hostages cowering in orange jump suits.

Emwazi's name was first disclosed by the Washington Post, citing unidentified former associates. Two US government sources who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that investigators believed Jihadi John was Emwazi.

Dressed entirely in black, a balaclava covering all but his eyes and the bridge of his nose and

a holster under his left arm, Jihadi John became a menacing symbol of Islamic State brutality and one of the world's most wanted men.

Hostages called him John as he and other Britons in Islamic State had been nicknamed the Beatles.

Emwazi was born in Kuwait but came to Britain aged 6 and graduated with a computer programming degree from the University of Westminster before coming to the attention of Britain's main domestic intelligence service, MI5, according to an account given by Asim Qureshi, the research director of the Cage charity that campaigns for those detained on terrorism charges.

Emwazi, a fluent

Arabic speaker, said MI5 had tried to recruit him and then prevented him from travelling abroad, forcing him to flee abroad without telling his family, Qureshi told a news conference in London.

Emwazi travelled to Syria around 2012, Qureshi said. MI5 does not publicly comment on the identity of militants or their backgrounds while an investigation is still ongoing. The British government and police declined to confirm or deny Emwazi's identity, citing an ongoing security investigation.

"We don't confirm or deny matters relating to intelligence," said a spokeswoman for Prime Minister David Cameron, who has ordered spy agencies and soldiers to track down the killer.

Most wanted man "Jihadi John" rose to notoriety in August 2014 when a video appeared showing a masked man raging against the United States before apparently beheading US citizen James Foley off camera.

Intelligence services in the United States and Britain used a variety of investigative techniques including voice and facial recognition as well as interviews with former hostages to identify the man, intelligence sources said.

But security officials made great efforts to avoid publicly naming Emwazi, fearing that would make him more difficult to catch. Two intelligence sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were uneasy that the name had been revealed.

There was no answer at two addresses in west London where Emwazi was listed to have lived.

Neighbours described the family as "normal people" and "friendly".

"This is the first time anything like this happens in this neighbourhood," said Fatima AlBaqali. "We have to be careful now. I didn't know this family and I usually know everyone here."

Another Hindu temple vandalized in US

Los Angeles: Yet another Hindu temple in the US was vandalized, with several windows broken and the word “fear” painted on its wall. This is the second such incident in America's Washington state this month.

Members who came to worship at the Kent Hindu Temple on Friday night said they were greeted by shards of broken glass windows. Regular visitors at the temple said they were not sure if they had been targeted for their faith or if neighbourhood teens were causing trouble, local KOMO-TV reported. The FBI and Kent police have been informed. The Kent temple does not have security cameras and information on the vandals remains elusive. This is the second such incident in recent days in the Washington state.

In the earlier incident on February 15, unidentified miscreants had sprayed swastika and painted “Get Out” on one of the walls of the Bothell Hindu Temple in the Seattle Metropolitan area.

Executive Director of the Washington chapter of Council on AmericanIslamic Relations, Arsalan Bukahari, said such acts of aggression target small religious groups.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

Jihadis or Victims?

When terrorists become heroes An insight into the minds of people who actually support terrorist attacks.

There have been many terror related instances in which there term “Islam”, “Jihadis” or “Islamaphobia” have been conveyed. Many people, both Muslims and non Muslims have shown displeasure regarding the negative coverage of Muslims in the Media and most Muslims feel targeted for practicing their faith and having a different belief. However, many attacks have taken place in the name of religion. Nonetheless, you know as much as we do that we cannot lament a whole race, religion or nation because of a few rotten apples.

There are many people who get defensive in the name of religion as well and are quick to defend their stance, or play the “religion card” as per their convenience. “I'm being looked at because I'm Muslim” or “I'm being ignored because I am Muslim”. Nevertheless, do you think it is fair to condemn someone with violence because their views are different to yours? For example, the Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris. A new poll reveals that one in four British Muslims sympathise with the attackers behind the Charlie Hebdo assassinations. The poll shows how a compelling majority of Muslims ratify or advocate terrorist barbarousness against those who who mock the Prophet Mohammed. There have been many reactions to the attacks which took place in Paris. 27% of British Muslims sympathised with the motives behind the attack, 32% were not surprised by these attacks, however, 11% believed that the magazine was at fault and were deserving of these attacks for publishing satirical images of Prophet Mohammed. On the other hand, there are high percentage of British Muslims who believe that British Laws should always be obeyed and how they show a high degree of loyalty to Britain.

Another interesting case is of Mohammed Emwazi, whom you and I famously know as “Jihadi John”. He has been in the spotlight for his barbaric actions, yet there are people defending him. Asim Qureshi, from the campaign group Cage was quite vocal in defending Emwazi and deemed him to be the victim in the whole situation. It was since Emwazi was questioned by the security services that he had to travel back to Syria and was left with no other option but to become a member of Islamic State, consequently beheading seven people. Who was at fault? Can Emwazi really be deemed as a victim, especially after killing those innocent people? There still are people who defend his actions and somewhat portray his “sob story” to make the general public show sympathy, if not empathy towards him.

As much as some people like to blame the media for negative portrayals of Islam and advocating Islamaphobia, what is even more worrisome and alarming is that there are a majority of people who support such terrorist attacks and advocate further events such as people who actually feel that death was the right answer for the people working in the Charlie Hebdo magazine.

In Brief

New technology helps Domino's to attain great sales

London: Following introduction of a new technology, the profits of Britain's number one pizza chain sky rocketed from £21.6m to £53.8m last year as the number of people who downloaded the Dominos app rose from 3.2m at the start of 2014 to 8.2m customers by the end. Over the 12-month period, the company delivered 75m pizzas in the UK and Republic of Ireland equivalent to an average of 1.4m a week. Annual group sales rose 10 pc from £266.8m to £294.3m. All this was possible because the company has adopted new technology, including a new phone app and a revamped website with 70pc of delivered sales now generated online. In an attempt to pull in even more young customers, Domino’s has teamed up with Microsoft so orders can be made through an Xbox games console.

Major reshuffle in Standard Chartered bank board London: There is major reshuffle in the board of Standard Chartered bank. Peter Sands, chief executive, will step down in June while Sir John Peace, chairman, will leave his post in 2016. Bill Winters, the former head of JPMorgan's investment bank, will join in May, and take charge as chief executive when Sands departs. The bank's three longest serving non-executive directors will also leave, while Jaspal Bindra, the head of the bank's Asian operations, will step down from the board.

The dramatic news comes less than a month after the bank's two largest investors - Temasek and Aberdeen Asset Management - had told Sir John that a plan to replace Sands must be enacted by the end of this year.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

23

24

INDIA

SC refuses to stay hearing in Jaya’s case

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has termed the Rs 666.5 million disproportionate assets case involving the former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa as a “hot cake” and decided to hear DMK leader K Anbazhagan’s plea to remove Special Public Prosecutor Bhavani Singh on March 9 after properly studying the case records.

A bench, led by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, however, refused to stay the ongoing hearing of the appeals in the Karnataka High Court. The next date of hearing in the high court

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

Jayalalithaa is March 4. Justice Ghose said the bench needed to go through the case files before hearing Anbazhagan’s plea and passing an impartial and fair order.

“We don’t want to be a politician. We are not political men. We have never

taken up or decided any matter because the person involved in it is a politician,” Justice Ghose observed, before adjourning the case.

Anbazhagan had moved the Supreme Court on February 20 against two orders passed by the high court earlier this month. In the first order of February 5, the high court dismissed Anbazhagan’s plea to help the prosecution in the appeals, observing that he was a “political opponent” and had no statutory right.

On February 11, the court rejected his challenge and held that Singh was entitled

to appear as Special Public Prosecutor in the appellate stage without any written authority.

Anbazhagan recounted that 2013, he had given “a representation to the government of Karnataka and the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the High Court of Karnataka against Bhavani Singh, detailing the allegations of collusion with the accused.”

Anbazhagan denied that his view was coloured by “political vendetta. In a democracy, political opponents play an important role both inside and outside the House,” he said.

police. Activists belonging to the same group, along with pro-Hindu groups, allegedly hounded Perumal Murugan at his h o m e t o w n Madurai recently, driving him to Murugan withdraw all books, short stories and poetry he has written so far.

In mid-January, he wrote on his Facebook page: "Author Perumal Murugan is dead.

Only the teacher Perumal would be alive. People could have issues with my other books, that's why I've decided to withdraw them all...I shall pay due compensation to publishers..Don't indulge in protests and let me go."

Murugan's drastic step followed protests against his book, 'Madhorubagan', by local groups who alleged that it defamed the town it is based in, and its women.

The author, a university professor, had to leave his home town because of the protests.

Chennai: Amid the growing clamour for his son M K Stalin to take over the mantle from him, DMK chief M Karunanidhi said he did not wish to become chief minister again. Karunanidhi had served five tenures as chief minister since 1969. His admission comes close on the heels of PMK leader S Ramadoss announcing his son, Anbumani Ramadoss, as chief ministerial candidate of the party for the 2016 assembly elections.

The DMK patriarch has had a six-decade long political career. "The speakers before me said I should become chief minister for the sixth term. I do not wish to do so. I am not driven by that desire any more. My desire is to ensure that the party is protected from rivals," he said, participating in the birthday celebrations organized by the district unit for Stalin, who turns 62 on March 1.

The 91-year-old leader

was elected party chief for the 12th term in a row at the recent general council meeting amid growing demands for elevating Stalin in the party hierarchy. Even as the feud between his sons, M K Alagiri and Stalin, continued to pose a threat to the party's unity, the nonagenarian leader asserted his position and kept the power struggle at bay. While Alagiri was expelled from the party in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections on charges of anti-party activities, Stalin was re-elected treasurer for a second term in January.

"Till the last cadre remains, we will not concede an inch to rivals," Karunanidhi said, exhorting leaders and workers to protect the party for the welfare of society and for their own sake. The members should realize that the party was working for the betterment of socially and economically weaker sections, he said.

Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention to include the state in India's flagship ’Digital India’ programme. Badal urged Narendra Modi and Parkash the Prime Minister to Singh Badal fund the state governbring paradigm shift in citiment’s ambitious prozen service delivery and gramme for establishing Government functioning.

2,174 Unified Citizen The state has been a Service Delivery Centres at front-runner in implementa cost of nearly Rs 5.50 biling various Mission Mode lion under integrated Projects under National eapproach towards eGovernance Plan-eGovernance, according to District, State Service an official statement.

Delivery Gateway, State The Digital India proWide Area Network and gramme includes projects State Data Centre, the that aim to ensure that govstatement said. ernment services are availIn order to provide able to citizens electronicalbroadband connectivity to ly and people get benefit of more than 12,000 gram the latest information and panchayats of the state communication technology. under National Optical In a letter to the Prime Fiber Network (NOFN) Minister, Badal shared his Project, Punjab has already view with the former saying approved free Right of Way Punjab is emerging as one to implement the project in of the leaders in implementhe state at a faster pace, tation of e-Governance inithe Chief Minister said in tiatives in every sphere of his letter. governance in order to

Amritsar: An American woman was arrested at the Amritsar airport after 25 live cartridges were allegedly recovered from her baggage during checking, police said. The woman identified as Manjita Kaur Dhillon (52), whose grandparents hailed from Punjab, was arrested at Guru Ram Das International Airport here when she was preparing to board a Jet Airways flight to Delhi, they said.

Confirming the arrest of the woman, Airport police station in charge Mohan Singh said that Kaur was nabbed after 25 live imported cartridges were recovered from her baggage during frisking by the Immigration Authority at the Airport. Singh said the American Embassy had been informed about the development.

He said on being questioned about the recovery of live cartridges in her luggage, the woman expressed

Another Tamil author attacked

Chennai: Last month, Tamil author Perumal Murugan's self-proclaimed "death" following protests against his books spurred a debate about freedom of expression.

Now another author has Perumal been attacked in Tamil Nadu's Karur by activists who allege that his book has portrayed their community in poor light.

Pulliyur Murugesan's book, a collection of short stories, has upset members of the Kongu Vellalar community, who have demanded a ban on it. The short story in question of the book 'Balachandran Enra Peyarum Enakkundu,' sources close to the author say is on the plight of transgenders. The police have arrested seven people for the attack on Murugesan. The protesters allegedly also damaged buses. The author is now in hospital but he is not seriously injured, say the

Include Punjab in ‘Digital India’ programme: Badal

No desire to become CM again: Karunanidhi

US woman arrested with 25 live bullets

South Brief

AIADMK to counter DMK with youth resurgence rallies

Chennai: In a bid to counter arch rival DMK which is harping on youth mantra, ruling AIADMK said that it would hold massive youth resurgence rallies across Tamil Nadu on March 7.

AIADMK chief Jayalalaithaa has directed party MLAs and MPs to participate in the rallies and asked youth functionaries to coordinate with all other party wings and hold rallies in their respective areas to make it a big success. Party youth wings or "camps" as it is called in Tamil "Ilangyar Pasarai" and "Ilampengal Pasarai" for men and women were founded on March 7, 2008 by Jayalalithaa when it was the main opposition party to infuse new blood and rejuvenate it.

Singapore diplomat to advise AP govt

Singapore: The Singapore government has named Gopinath Pillai, Ambassador- at- large as special envoy to Andhra Pradesh to advise the state government on various issues pertaining to capital region development, including capital mobilisation and tourism. This was announced

by Singapore Minister for Law and Foreign Affairs K Shanmugam at a joint media conference he addressed along with chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

School student punished for wearing 'tilak' on her birthday

Secunderabad: An 11-year-old girl in Telangana was allegedly made to stand for two hours outside her school principal's room as punishment for wearing a "tilak" on her birthday.

The child, a student of St Ann School in Tarnaka area of Secunderabad was so badly affected by the incident that she refused to go to school for a few days, her parents have complained to the state human rights commission. The school principal allegedly refused to listen to the explanation of the girl's mother.

North Brief

Haryana raises cash reward for inter-caste marriages

Chandigarh: The Haryana government said it had decided to raise the cash reward under the inter-caste marriage scheme from Rs 50,000 to 100,000. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said with the hike in the reward money, the number of inter-caste marriages would go up and help in removing caste discrimination. He said that such assistance should be provided through bank accounts under the Pradhanmantri Jan-Dhan Yojana.

Reviewing the implementation of provisions of SC/ST Act, the Chief Minister said the meetings of district level vigilance and monitoring committees should be held on schedule, and directions in this regard should be issued to Deputy Commissioners.

SAD, BJP to have three mayors each in Punjab

ignorance. “Investigation is under progress as to how cartridges were smuggled inside the airport,” he said.

Singh also said that the woman passenger was repeatedly asked to produce any legal documents or weapon license but she insisted that the bullets did not belong to her and she had no knowledge as to how the bullets made her way into her luggage.

He said that Kaur, against whom a case would be slapped under the provisions of the Arms Act besides under other provisions of the law, had come to Amritsar from Chandigarh via Nawanshehr to board Jet Airways flight for Delhi.

Ludhiana: Ruling SAD-BJP alliance have decided to nominate three mayors each for the six Municipal Corporations (MCs) of Punjab.

Punjab BJP chief Kamal Sharma said the mayors for Pathankot, Hoshiarpur and Phagwara Municipal Corporations will be from the saffron party, while SAD's mayor will be from Mohali, Bathinda and Moga. On the victory of the alliance in the civic polls, Sharma said that the people of the state had voted for development, peace and communal harmony.

He said that "by and large the Akali-BJP alliance had worked well except a couple of places, including Tarn Tarn".

Hardliner Sikh taken into preventive custody

Ludhiana: A hardliner Sikh who had been sitting on an indefinite fast here for the past nearly 40 days demanding release of 82 prisoners, including some terrorists lodged in various jails of Punjab, was taken into preventive custody by police. "Surat Singh Khalsa (70) was taken into preventive custody," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana, Mukhwinder Singh said, adding that while his son Ravinder Singh who arrived here from Chicago, America was rounded up for questioning.

INDIA - TRAVEL

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

All 6 accused acquitted in British nationals' killing case

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A special trial court in Himmatnagar acquitted all six accused in the 2002 post-Godhra riots case in which three British nationals and their Indian driver were killed at Prantij town in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district, for want of evidence.

The UK government had then taken a policy decision not have an active engagement with Gujarat government after the three British nationals of Indian origin were killed. UK decided to resume engagement with Gujarat in October 2012.

Pronouncing the order in the case investigated by Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team, Himmatnagar Principal District Judge I C Shah stated that the prosecution failed to prove the charges levelled against all the accused under IPC sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder).

"I have no option but to order that the accused are acquitted from the charges," the judge observed. On February 28, 2002, a day after the

Godhra train burning incident, Imran Dawood and his UK-based uncles Saeed Dawood, Shakeel Dawood and Mohammad Aswat were attacked by a mob at Prantij in Sabarkantha.

Saeed, Shakeel, Mohammad Aswat and their car driver Yusuf Piraghar, a local, were burnt alive by the mob on National Highway No. 8, while Imran managed to save himself with the help of police.

Those acquitted in the case are - Mithanbhai Patel, Chandu alias Prahlad Patel, Ramesh Patel, Manoj Patel, Rajesh Patel and Kalubhai Patel, all residents of Prantij. In its 182-page order, the special trial court observed that the SIT had made several emotional arguments.

It also noted that the witnesses had failed to identify the accused persons. In such circumstances, when there is lack of sufficient evidence against the accused, they are acquitted, the court said.

The apex courtappointed SIT had charged the six accused with the killing of four persons, including the three British nationals. The SC had started monitoring the progress of nine cases of the post-Godhra riots - of Prantij, Gulberg Society, Naroda Patiya, Naroda Gaam, Ode village (two cases), Dipda Darwaja, Sardarpura and Godhra after the National Human Rights Commission and various NGOs termed the probe by Gujarat police as shoddy and unreliable.

Mufti Sayeed takes oath as J&K CM In what may be called a great reconciliation between two politically divergent ideologies divided on regional lines, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on Sunday was sworn in as state chief minister along with Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh and 23 other ministers from both PDP and BJP. With this, there will be no possibility of any further expansion in the Mufti’s ministry as going by the strength of 87-member Legislative Assembly, there can be maximum of 25 ministers including Chief Minister in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president Amit Shah, former president Lal Krishan Advani, union ministers Murli Manohar Joshi, Dr Jitendra Singh, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar were among various dignitaries including senior BJP and PDP leaders leaders present on the occasion.

Significantly, giving enough signals of their disapproval to the great reconciliation between different political ideologies vis a vis two regions who always looked at each other with suspicion, both the National Conference and Congress including former chief minister Omar Abdullah stayed away from the swearing in function.

Mufti’s ministerial team has 16 cabinet ministers including Deputy Chief Minister and eight ministers of state. Two nominated women MLAs

Narendra Modi and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

were also sworn in as ministers of state. Peoples Conference chairman Sajjad Lone too was among those newly sworn in cabinet ministers. While Mufti, Nirmal Singh and others took oath in English, Hindi and Urdu, Lal Singh took oath in Dogri.

Sources say that Mufti initially wanted to begin with a small team, but agreed to have his full team on day one. The idea behind it was to avoid any further speculations and infighting in the party.

Meanwhile, the CM's statement crediting "people from across the border" for the smooth conduct of elections in the state has created a controversy. "I want to say this on record and I have told this to the PM that we must credit the Hurriyat and militant outfits for the (smooth) conduct of elections in the state," Sayeed said at a press conference.

BJP disagrees with Mufti, credits EC, troops

for polls While the BJP central leadership said it was the efforts of the Election Commission and the security forces that ensured peaceful elections, the Congress slammed Mufti, calling his comment a cruel joke on the people of the state and the security forces. "J&K CM's statement is most unfortunate and mocks the overwhelming public mandate," said Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala. "With one stroke, the PDP-BJP alliance has taken away the credit from people of J&K for participating in historic polls, and from the EC and security agencies for conducting them. The PM and BJP must answer whether they stand by such unflinching support for Pakistan, Hurriyat and militants," Surjewala added. Former chief minister Omar Abdullah, who skipped the swearing-in ceremony, hit out at Mufti as well, asking the BJP to explain its stand.

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INDIA

Grosvenor House Hotel put up for sale

The landmark Grosvenor House Hotel in London with 420 bedrooms, 74 suites, 27 meeting rooms and the largest five-star ballroom has been put up for sale after its owner was placed into administration. The five-star hotel, on Park Lane, is expected to fetch more than the £470 million Sahara Grosvenor House Hospitality Limited paid for the building in 2010 - a record for the capital.

Deloitte was appointed administrators to Sahara

runs parent c o m p a n y Sahara India P a r i w a r group, has tried to mortgage the Grosvenor and New York’s Plaza hotel in a bid to raise Rs 100 The entrance to the Grosvenor House billion (£1bn) Hotel is seen in Park Lane in London to bail himself on Monday night after it out of prison. defaulted on debts tied to Roy was jailed in the hotel. Indian billionMarch last year for conaire Subrata Roy, who tempt of court after he

failed to return more than Rs 200 billion with interest to investors who were sold illegal bonds. He bought the Grosvenor from Royal Bank of Scotland five years ago in the largest London hotel deal on record, although it fell short of the £ 600 to 700 million price tag that was being talked about at the time. RBS had purchased the property in 2001, when it paid £1.25 billion for 12 Le Meridien hotels as part of a saleand-leaseback deal.

Faced with criticism that he was soft on Hindutva hardliners, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that as the head of the government, he was obligated to ensure the primacy of the Constitution and rein in those making provocative communal statements.

“This country can only be run in accordance with the Constitution. It is the expression of the ethos the country has followed for thousands of years, and reflects hopes and aspirations of the common man.

The country cannot be governed by disregarding its tenets. No one can take law into his hands and nobody can discriminate against anyone on grounds of faith. Those making

irresponsible statements should remember that being the head of the government, it is my responsibility to determine how it functions,” Modi said even as he rejected the “soft -on-communalism” charge against his government as “imaginary.”

Replying to a debate on the motion of thanks on the President's address in Lok Sabha, Modi reiterated that he was commit-

ted to follow the Constitution, not to discriminate among people on grounds of religion and work for the development of all.

“I have repeatedly said that my government has only one religion, the one which puts India above everything else. It treats the Constitution as its sole scripture and its devotion is only to the country. It worships only the cause of the welfare of all the 1.25 billion citizens. Its style of functioning is geared to achieve objective of `sabka sath, sabka vikas',” Modi said.

Modi also said he was opposed to the imposition of unity, saying this country was defined by diversi-

ty.“We have been defined by unity in diversity. This has been our strength and it is only in India that diverse faiths can flourish,” he said.

Although just a reiteration, the comments take on significance because it came against the backdrop of a flurry of statements from Hindutva hardliners and the resultant perception that the Modi government was indulgent of them.

The PM had spoken in a similar vein while addressing a gathering of Christians on February 17.

His speech stood out because it was the first time he had addressed the concern about his government's stance on communalism in Parliament.

Continued from page 1 stand by the fiscal deficit target for the 2014/15 fiscal year, which ends March 31, of 4.1 per cent of gross domestic product.

But he pushed back by a year, to 2017/18, a deadline for cutting the deficit to 3 per cent of GDP. In 2015/16, the deficit will be 3.9 per cent of GDP, above the 3.6 per cent target inherited from the last government.

India's budget concentrates on a year's economic policy, making it into a single speech. The range of measures Jaitley announced included a monetary policy overhaul, a bankruptcy code and the creation of a public debt management agency.

Reaping the benefits of low global prices for oil, India's main import, Modi's nationalist government says it is in a sweet spot with spare cash to modernize roads and railways without busting fiscal deficit and inflation targets.

Jaitley announced an increase of Rs 700 billion ($11.4 billion) in road and rail investments next year and announced that the government would commission five "ultra-mega" generation projects to end chronic power shortages.

The government would seek to boost the efficiency of a rural job creation scheme that is India's costliest welfare

programme. It would also boost direct welfare payments into bank accounts and gradually replace benefits in kind.

An overhaul of economic data has propelled India to the top of the league of fast-growing major economies, and the current account deficit is projected to fall below 1 per cent next year, which would help stabilise the rupee and build up reserves.

But expectations for a further shift in expenditure from subsidies to infrastructure are sky high among investors who made India the best performing stock market in Asia after China last year on hopes Modi's government brings sweeping reforms to labour, tax and land laws Steps to battle money stashed abroad Jaitley unveiled a slew of steps to battle black money stashed abroad, including a new law that will entail rigorous imprisonment of up to 10 years and a penalty of 300 per cent on its perpetrators.

Jaitley said, those evading tax by sending money to foreign countries will not be allowed to approach the Settlement Commission too. Two bills - one on illegal money stashed abroad and another to curb 'benami' transactions within the country - are likely to be brought

in the ongoing budget session of parliament, he said. The issue of black money, unearthing which was a major election promise of the Bharatiya Janata Party, figured prominently in Jaitley's speech.

Individual tax payers to benefit, no change in tax rate While not changing the income tax rates or increasing the exemption limits for individuals, Jaitley proposed increasing the range of tax deductible investments /spend. Jaitley said the government was proposing to rationalise various tax exemptions and incentives to reduce tax disputes and improve tax administration. The proposals mentioned by the finance minister made clear the government's focus on enlarging the taxexempt investments/ spend. Jaitley said the proposals would result in tax deductions to the tune of around Rs 4,400 billion.

Jaitley said in order to encourage savings and to promote health care among individual tax payers, it was proposed to increase the limit of deduction on account of health insurance premium from Rs.15,000 to 25,000 - for senior citizens this limit is to be increased from Rs 20,000 to 30,000.

For senior citizens above the age of 80 years -

who are not eligible to avail of health insurance deduction will be allowed for medical expenses up to Rs 30,000.

Cut in corporate tax Jaitley announced a 5 per cent reduction in corporate tax over next four years, abolished wealth tax and replaced it with an additional 2 per cent surcharge on super-rich individuals, while increasing service tax that will result in higher cost on a variety of services. With the levy of 2 per cent additional surcharge, the total surcharge on 'super-rich' individuals with an income of over Rs 10 million, becomes 12 per cent as against 10 per cent now.

In the case of domestic companies having income between Rs 10 million and 100 million, it will be 7 per cent and 12 per cent for firms with income above Rs 100 million.

Raises defence budget Jaitley announced a modest 7.9 per cent increase in defence spending for the fiscal year starting April 1, suggesting that it will move only gradually with the military's long wish list for fighter jets, ships and artillery. He said defence spending will rise to $ 40.07 billion and for the current fiscal year, the allocation was 2.29 trillion rupees, a jump of 12 per cent over the previous year.

My govt's only religion is India first:Modi

Modi in Lok Sabha

Jaitley goes for high growth

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

In Brief

Fall in number of teenage pregnancies

London: Official figures show that the number of teenage conception in England and Wales are now at their lowest, while pregnancies among older women are at their highest. The data from the Office for National Statistics show a 13 per cent drop in conceptions for women under 18 in 2013 in one year, and a 14 per cent fall among those under the age of 16. In total, there was a rate of 24.5 conceptions per 1,000 women under the age of 18 in 2013 - amounting to 24,306 conceptions, compared with 27,834 in 2012, the figures show. Meanwhile, 28,665 women aged 40 and over conceived in 2013, compared with 12,032 in 1990. The 2013 conception rate was 14.2 per cent per 1,000 women - twice the rate of 6.6 per 1,000 women in 1990, and the highest since records began in 1969.

Scientists ‘grow’ replica of the Crown Jewels

London: Scientists, working with the Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair, have grown a replica of the Imperial State Crown, a key element of the world famous jewels held in the Tower of London. They have also managed to reproduce the Duchess of Cambridge's engagement ring. They grew their own jewels from ingredients included in common household items such as drain unblocker, sandpaper and antiseptic cream. The project saw scientists grow exact replicas of some of the most famous jewels in the world. The "crowning glory" of the Imperial State Crown, the St Edward's Sapphire, was made from a common cleaning powder mixed with boiling water to create a copper sulphate crystal. The experiment, which children can try themselves in the classroom, shows the science behind acid-base reactions which form the basis of nearly all biological processes in living things.

Douglas Carswell for a points-based immigration system

London: Douglas Carswell, the country’s first MP representing the UK Independence Party, has praised the controversial politician Enoch Powell but said he was wrong on immigration policy. Carswell, who defected from the Conservatives in October, said the party would introduce a points-based system for immigrants, allowing those with the skills needed by the British economy to be given priority.

Remains of a 1,000-year-old mummified monk found in Buddha statue

London: Scientists who conducted tests on an ancient Buddhist statue found that it contains the perfectly preserved remains of a 1,000-year-old mummified monk. The monk, who is sitting in the lotus position, is thought to have starved himself to death in an act of extreme spiritual devotion in China or Tibet in the 10th century. His preserved remains were displayed in his monastery. Some 200 years later, perhaps after his remains started to deteriorate, his mummified body was placed inside the elaborate, lacquered statue of Buddha.

The unusual contents of the statue were discovered in the 1990s when the statue underwent restoration.

Experts were unable to remove the mummy due to the risk of disintegration. Now, an international team of German, Dutch and Italian scientists has conducted a CAT scan which revealed the monk's skeleton in perfect detail.

Avalanches kill 216 in Afghanistan

Kabul: More than 216 people have been killed in north Afghanistan in some of the worst avalanches there for 30 years, officials said. Officials warned of an imminent humanitarian emergency in areas most severely hit by the bad weather, with snow sweeping through villages and blocking off roads."We haven't seen this much snow, or this many avalanches, for 30 years," said Abdul Rahman Kabiri, acting governor of the mountainous province of Panjshir, north of Kabul, where 216 people were killed and more than 100 injured in avalanches.

Despite bringing misery to so many people, the snow is vital for Afghanistan, where much of the rural population dependent on agriculture relies on snow melting in the mountains to sustain crops in the spring and summer.

Farming drives the troubled Afghan economy, with about three quarters of the people living in rural areas.

US issues travel warning for Pakistan

Washington: The US has warned its citizens to defer non-essential travel to Pakistan due to a threat posed by foreign and local militants throughout the country. The US continues to provide consular services for all its citizens in Pakistan, Geo news reported a statement from the state department.

"The US consulate general in Peshawar no longer offers consular services and the US consulate general in Lahore remains temporarily closed for public services," added the statement. Travel warnings have also been issued for Americans in Saudi Arabia and Algeria.

Reshma Trilochun Rupanjana Dutta

&

8th March marks International Women's day. We all have an inspirational woman in our lives, who've not only motivated us but also encouraged us to fulfil our dreams or to become a better person.

Many women have strived for excellence by prevailing in their chosen field, be it politics or the media. We take a look at few individuals living in the UK, from different walks of life, who have not only garnered success and appreciation for their hard work, but also continue to inspire us with their contribution to society.

Malala Yousafzai,

Equal Right Activist: This name needs no introduction. Nobel prize winner Malala Yousafzai is a global phenomena, a true embodiment of hope and courage, while also being the youngest ever Nobel Prize Laureate.

Of Pakistani origin, Yousafzai was shot in the head by the Taliban as she demanded the right for females receive an education. She underwent treatment in Birmingham, where she now resides and goes to Edgbaston High School.

Ayesha Vardag,

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Inspiring British Asian Women

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

in 2010. The stunning actress managed to create a niche for herself while inspiring many other British Asians to pursue performing arts as a career option.

Lawyer: Britain’s top divorce lawyer Ayesha has acted for and against heirs and heiresses, tycoons, i n t e r n a t i o n a l footballers/polo players, celebrities and royalty.

The Evening Standard called her ‘one of the star lawyers turning London into the divorce capital of the world’, while Easy Living Magazine March 2012 featured her as ‘The Diva of Divorce’. She rose to fame for winning the landmark Supreme Court case of Radmacher, changing the law on prenuptial agreements.

Archie Panjabi, Actor: A graduate from Brunel university in Management Studies, Archana “Archie” Panjabi has left her mark in films such as East is East (1999), Bend it Like Beckham (2002), starred with Angelina Jolie in A Mighty Heart (2007), as well as the American series, The Good Wife for which she received the best supporting actress in a drama series at the Primetime Emmy awards

Meera Syal CBE, Comedian, Actor and Writer: Famously known for her appearances on Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42, Meera Syal (born Feroza Syal) is not only an actress or comedian, but is also a writer. She has written the screenplay for Gurinder Chadha's directorial film Bhaji on the Beach (1993) and was a scriptwriter for the A.R. Rahman and Andrew Lloyd Webber's collaborative musical, Bombay Dreams (2002). She has also written the semi autobiographical novel, Anita and Me. Syal has also been honoured with a CBE and was previously awarded with an MBE as well.

Indiraa Batra, singer/ songwriter: Though she suffered from severe bouts

of depression, singer songwriter Indiraa has had top-20 dance hits in the UK and US club charts, using her music as a form of therapy. With a firstclass bachelor’s degree in psychology and statistics, and as a qualified gym instructor, chef and passionate animal rescuer, Indiraa is an all-round star.

Anjali Pathak, Chef and Author: Anjali Pathak is the new face of the Kenyan-Indian family which took Indian curries to supermarket shelves around the world. She took over as the culinary expert and brand ambassador for the Patak's brand only after it was acquired by the Londonbased international food and retail group Associated British Foods in 2007. Anjali has recently launched her book Secrets from my Indian family Kitchen

Shazia Mirza, Comedian: Shazia Mirza is an English stand-up comedian and columnist

of Pakistani descent.

Mirza was born as the eldest daughter in Birmingham, England.

About a year into her stand-up comedy career, Mirza gained UK-wide publicity in the months when the world was coming to terms with the 11, 2001 September attacks. This was because at this time she would perform her act in recognizable hijab dress and begin with the deadpan remark, "My name is Shazia Mirza.

At least, that's what it says on my pilot's licence".

Mirza is a regular panelist on the Channel 5 topical discussion series The Wright Stuff.

Ruby McGregorSmith CBE, CEO: Ruby is the CEO of Mitie Group PLC, a strategic outsourcing company headquartered in Bristol, UK. She joined Mitie as Group Financial Director in 2002 and was appointed CEO in 2007. She is the only Asian female chief executive of a FTSE 250 company.She was awarded a CBE in 2012 for services to business and promoting diversity. Her ten years at Mitie have seen a £1.5bn rise in the firm's turnover, which passed the £2bn mark for the first time in 2012.

Dr Geeta Venkat, Doctor: Dr Venkat has more than twenty years of

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experience in various fertility clinics around Harley Street. Her focus has been to tailor treatments to the needs of her patients while incorporating the latest developments in the discipline. Dr Venkat presents her work regularly in conferences and has published articles in many peer reviewed journals. She has also contributed two chapters to the authoritative book on ‘Donor Egg IVF’, published in 2008. She offers advice to the community on fertility matters in television and radio programs.

Isa Guha, Cricketer: Isa Tara Guha is an England cricketer of Kolkata Bengali descent[ who played in the 2005 Women's Cricket World Cup in South Africa. She cites winning the World Cup in 2009 as a career highlight. Guha writes a column for the BBC Sport website She rose to global fame as a Co-presenter for ITV's coverage of the Indian Premiere League Cricket.

Honour-based violence: Breaking the cultural and religious glass ceiling

Tanveer Mann

Whilst many women are celebrated and respected in society, there is still a large majority of women who live in fear and are not given the freedom they deserve. Gender inequality against women is an ongoing battle, whether it may be sexual discrimination or violence, forced marriages or female foeticide.

According to a report published by the Forced Marriage Unit, the majority of forced marriage cases dealt with in the past originate from Pakistan (42.7%) and India (10.9%) and the top two cities where it is found in the UK is London (24.9%) and West Midlands (13.6%).

Figures from the Metropolitan Police show that there are approximately 12 cases of honour killings each year and thousands of cases of honour-based violence. The actual figure is unknown but is likely to be much higher due to many victims not coming forward for fear of ostracizing their

Gender inequality still exists and crimes against women are still a constant battle; whether it may be sexual discrimination or violence, forced marriages or female foeticide.

entire family and being disowned.

These heinous crimes may not seem like a relatable concept to some, however, it is the harsh reality of many living in the UK; one prime example being Neda. Neda is one of over 3000 victims who suffer honour-based abuse each year and are faced with a glass ceiling that is instigated by culture and religion.

As a teenager, all Neda ever wanted to do was study. Sadly for her, her family had other plans.

Aged 11, she arrived in the UK with her family as a refugee but lost her mother to Leukaemia shortly after. Everything changed when her father remarried and the abuse started. “My stepmother controlled what books I read, everything was about learning to cook and doing housework. It was so humiliating to have those limitations simply because we were girls.”

When she discovered that her parents were making plans to force her 16-

year-old sister to marry a man in his forties, Neda called the police.

However, rather than offering support, the girls were dismissed with the words, ‘we can’t do anything, this is your culture, isn’t it?’

Neda was forced to take action that day realising that there was nobody to help. She ran away with her sisters, and with almost no support, raised them both on her own.

During this time, she says, she started losing faith in God. “It was after my mum passed away,” she says.

“Perhaps it was my anger at my mum’s death but also by looking at the way women were treated, not

in my religion, which was Islam, but in Iran in particular, the way men used religion as a way of repressing women. I started seeing that more and more and couldn’t accept it as a religion anymore.”

What is honour-based violence and why does it occur?

Polly Harrar, founder of Sharan Project, a charity that supports vulnerable women who have left home forcefully or voluntarily, says it sadly begins in the home with your own family. Family members, usually men but sometimes women, come together to deem someone’s behaviour as unacceptable and “seek their own justice by deciding or self-policing their own punishment on that person.” There is not one type of honour-based violence, she says, but it varies depending on a “case-bycase basis”.

Honour-based violence typically takes place when someone defies parental control, becomes too ‘westernised’, has sexual relationships before

marriage or uses drugs or alcohol. Forced marriages are also a large instigator for this abuse. Because there is an invisible cultural barrier, the abuse is often overlooked and can lead to thousands of women slipping under the radar.

Human rights activist, Mandy Sanghera, who has been supporting women and vulnerable adults for the last 24 years, has called for more awareness.

“We need to tell the perpetrators that some of these values they hold dear in their community will not be tolerated. People are hiding under the umbrella of ‘honour’ to repress women. But there is nothing honourable about killing or abusing someone in the name of honour.”

This type of violence can typically include physical or emotional abuse, forced marriages or female genital mutilation (FGM) and can occur in any community. Most of the known cases, however, have taken place in the South Asian and Middle

Eastern communities, which have strong influencing cultures and a shared belief system that often prioritises the view of society over the rights of a human being.

Within these cultures, the idea of honour comes from the perception that a woman is not an individual, but part of a united identity, identified and bound by her family surname. Women are often seen as possessions of the male members of the family and therefore, anything they do impacts the family.

The wider community then fail to acknowledge the barrier these women face, because the perpetrators’ use the argument that it is ‘part of our culture’ or ‘part of our religion.

For Neda, who is now ambassador for the Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO), religion is no longer in her heart. “Deep down I know it's not religion but I don’t want it. I know what I’ve been told all my life and religion has certainly been used to oppress women, if it’s not itself oppressive”.

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Shriya returns to Hindi S

hriya Saran will play the female lead in the remake of Malayalam thriller' 'Drishyam'. She will essay the role played by Meena in the original while Ajay Devgan will play the lead role.

This movie has been remade in all the southern languages with Kamal Hassan currently starring along side Gauthami in the Tamil remake under the title 'Papanasam'. The Tamil version is being directed by Jeethu Joseph who also directed the Malayalam original. Nishikant Kama, who directed 'Force' will be directing the film in Hindi. Tabu plays the role of the police officer. The makers are in the process of deciding the other cast & crew.

Suriya to work Rajinikanth spends time 24x7 for '24' with fans F

O

n his 34th wedding anniversary last week, superstar Rajinikanth briefly spent some time with his fans at his residence. Several of his fans came to convey their wishes to the ‘Thalaiva’. “Rajini sir spent a few minutes with his fans assembled outside his residence. They met and greeted him on his anniversary. People had come with garlands, gifts, photos and life-size cutouts. He thanked them for showering their love on

him,” a source close to the actor said. Rajinikanth married Latha Feb 26, 1981. They have two daughters - Aishwarya and Soundarya. The 64-yearold, who has over 100 films to his credit, was last seen in Tamil film ‘Lingaa’.

or his first sci-fi film '24', it seems Suriya is ready to work without any break. Shooting is expected to commence in Mumbai in April, and from then on, it would go on in full swing as plans are on to release the flick for Deepavali. "A grand set will come up at a studio in Mumbai and major portions of the movie will be shot there. Certain scenes will be canned in Chennai too," sources say. Directed by Vikram Kumar of 'Yaavarum Nalam' and 'Alai' fame, the film has music by Oscar-Grammy winner A R Rahman. Produced by Suriya himself, it is tipped to provide a different experience to the audience. Suriya is currently busy with 'Masss' directed by Venkat Prabhu.

Shruti sings for self

S

hruti Haasan who is a trained classical singer has already sung two songs this year for other actresses.

The first for Sonakshi Sinha in 'Tevar' and then for her younger sister Akshara Haasan in 'Shamitabh'. The actress has finally sung for herself in her upcoming film 'Gabbar' opposite Akshay Kumar.

The song is described as a modern, edgy, rock-pop love song and will be picturized on Shruti herself. Just goes on to prove she's as multi-faceted, versatile and multi-talented as her daddy.

Akshay Kumar learns Arabic for ‘Airlift’

A

fter “Baby” which did good business at the box office, Akshay Kumar is busy with other films in hand and one of them is “Airlift,” a real life story on the biggest human evacuation during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Akshay Kumar will be seen playing the role of an Indian-Arab billionaire Ranjit Katyal who plots a brilliant plan to save the lives of 1,70,000 Indians while they are stranded in Kuwai.

Since Akshay plays the role of a UAE resident, he has decided to take diction classes for learning the nuances of the Arabic language. In fact, from what we hear, the actor will also be required to speak the languages for certain sequences in the film and hence in order to deliver the lines appropriately, the actor has been undergoing a training session in the language for the past three weeks.

Rekha’s grace floors Katrina Kaif

A

ctress Katrina Kaif, who will be seen sharing the screen space with Bollywood’s evergreen talent Rekha in upcoming film ‘Fitoor‘, says she is amazed by how graceful the veteran is. Katrina, who is yet to shoot with Rekha, said: “Every time I have met her, I have been amazed by her warmth, her grace and her immense enthusiasm towards life. I am sure we will have a great time filming together and I am looking forward to it.”

Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, ‘Fitoor’, also features Aditya Roy Kapur. After debuting in Bollywood in 2003 with ‘Boom’, Katrina cemented her space in tinsel town by delivering six back-to-back hits in ‘Namastey London’, ‘Apne’, ‘Partner’, ‘Welcome’, ‘Race’ and ‘Singh Is Kinng’.

She has featured in some of the best new age item numbers, and is among the leading actresses in Hindi filmdom today.

Bipasha Basu on Peace trip

Genelia D'Souza ready to make a comeback

A

c t r e s s Genelia D'Souza, who has been away from the big screen post her marriage to actor Riteish Deshmukh in 2012, says she is now ready to make a comeback in Bollywood and will focus on her acting c a r e e r .

Genelia, who has starred in movies like “Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na” and “Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya,” was present at a promotional event when she was asked about her comeback to the film industry. To that, she said: "I don't think I ever left it, but yes I am on a break, I would love to be back, I would love to do something that makes me happy, that makes people happy and I am ready now for comeback." Genelia and Riteish became proud parents to a son on Nov 25, 2014.

A

fter her sensuous act in “Alone” it was curiously the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas for the beautiful Bipasha Basu. The actress headed for a week long trip to Anand Ashram, apparently a spiritual centre in the hills for a period of ‘rejuvenation’.

Basu posted her picture on Instagram with…’The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature-Wise Words:)’. Way to go Bips!

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Age gracefully, don't cover the lines: Kareena

B

ollywood actress Kareena Kapoor who will turn 35 soon is clear about not attempting to be 22! She feels the key to ageing gracefully lies in letting the "lines" be, especially when it comes to men. "I think one should age gracefully. I am proud to be 34 and I think ageing is wonderful. I hate it when I look at somebody and know that they have tried to cover the lines," Kareena said.

"I find men with lines on their faces more intelligent and sexy. Even for women, I think Maharani Gayatri Devi was very graceful.

A

Amitabh named Timeless Fashion Icon

part from his memorable performances on screen, Indian megastar Amitabh Bachchan is also known for making style statements with designer jackets, suits, sherwanis, kurtas and pyjamas off screen. No wonder then that he was honoured with the 'Timeless Fashion Icon' accolade by Filmfare Glamour Style and Fashion.

Big B took to his official blog to share his views over the award ceremony.

“Filmfare Glamour Style and Fashion holds an award ceremony for the stylish and awards me with ‘Timeless Fashion Icon’.

“Strange are the ways of life. From ‘time’ to ‘timeless’. Time passed in one.

Timeless recognition in another! Dear Lord...what

prisms you put us through,” Amitabh posted on srbachchan.tumblr.com.

I am not in any kind of a rush now: Lisa Ray

A

The way she aged with the grey hair - that is elegance," added the wife of actor-producer Saif Ali Khan, who is 10 years elder to her, and daughter-in-law of Bollywood's ageless beauty, Sharmila Tagore. There's a notion that "Never ask a woman her age", but Kareena asks "What's wrong in saying your age".

"I don't want to be an 18year-old or a 22-year-old girl. I am just done with that phase of my life. That is why I don't even try to be 22," added the actress, who was in Delhi to launch an icecream. "I'm 34 but I'm still endorsing an ice-cream, which people enjoy from 6 to 60. That is an achievement in itself," she said.

When it comes to endorsements, Kareena has a long list that include brands like Lakme and BoroPlus. Her criteria is to choose a brand that reflects a little "bit of her personality".

ctor Lisa Ray may have had a successful acting career with critically-acclaimed films including “Water” (2005) and international TV shows such as “Blood Ties” to her credit but the 42-year-old says that she matured as a performer only after she battled cancer six years back. Lisa underwent treatment for Multiple Myloma in 2009. The actor says that she’s a calmer person now and not in a rush to prove herself. “To a certain extent I believe that ever since my treatment got over, I have opened up more, creatively. I am more self conscious now. I am not in any kind of a rush anymore and I am much more relaxed. I have matured a lot as an actor. In fact I am a damn good actor now,” says an upbeat Lisa.

The 72-year-old, who was known for his bell bottoms style in 1970s, was touched by the hugs he got from the young generation actors.

“An evening of warm embraces and love... Aditi Rao Hydari ...

Ta b u . . . P r e i t y Zinta...Eliana deCruz...Karan J o h a r. . . Yu v r a j Singh... And Akshay, Alia, Siddharth, Kareena, Shruti, Nargis Fakri… and a host of others. The list and its respect is endless...it makes one so humble and honoured when the generation next gives its affection

Shraddha Kapoor gets her first GIMA award

B

ollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor is all smiles at the moment.

Reason being that the talented girl who made her singing debut with “Teri Galiyan” from her movie “Ek Villain” received the GIMA ( Golden Indian M u s i c Academy) award for the “ B e s t Celebrity S i n g e r. ” The elated actress took to Twitter to share her happiness and also thanked her mother.

and love the way it does (sic),” he added.

He also pointed out the irony of life and the revelry around the event as he attended a funeral earlier that day. “A dear friend passes away to inhabit his ‘final’ journey in Chennai and I travel there early morning to lend a hand and embrace, to those that mourn in the family... And then as you tear yourself away from the depths of remorse, you find yourself back in environs that depict the reverse- a celebration,” he said.

Meanwhile, after garnering plaudits for his critically acclaimed performance in “Shamitabh”, Amitabh is prepping up to regale cinema lovers with “Piku” and “Wazir” this year.

Dev Patel, Frieda still fond of each other

E

x-lovers Frieda Pinto and Dev Patel are still very fond of each other, says a report. Dev and Frieda's love story was nothing less than a fairy tale, so when the duo decided to part ways, it came as a huge shock for all their f a n s .

H o w e v e r, unlike many other celeb couples who have parted ways, there is no bad blood between the two. In the same report, Dev also said that Frieda has had quite an impact on his life. But on being asked the reason behind their break up, Dev refused to comment.

In an industry where relationships change overnight, it's great to see the ex-lovers still being so cordial. While Frieda is undeniably emerging as the next big thing in Bollywood, she hosted her colleagues in Hollywood yet again at the Vanity Fair Pre-Oscar party on February 20, 2015 in LA during the most attended Pre-Oscar weekend bashes. This was the second time she hosted this event because of her special and committed connection to “Girl Rising.”

The occasion was also a platform to build awareness and benefit the cause of Freida's non-profit production venture “Girl Rising,” a movement centred on a film with stories of nine girls born into

unforgiving circumstances. According to a report, Tina Desai, who co-stars with Dev Patel in “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” admitted that he tried to woo both Lillete Dubey and her.

Tina admitted that Dev, who is enjoying his singleton status, tried to flirt with her, but his charm didn't quite work. “Dev is a cartoon... A total clown.

I don't know how Frieda fell for him. We were all very sad when he broke-up with Freida, they looked so cute and adorable together," the report quoted Tina.

“He was besotted with Lilette Dubey and was all flirty and charming around her," Tina further revealed.

Remo to put on H1N1-affected Sonam Kapoor flown to Mumbai his dancing shoes

B

ollywood star Sonam Kapoor, who tested positive for swine flu on Saturday, was flown back to Mumbai in an air ambulance on Sunday morning.

Sonam, who was undergoing treatment at Sterling Hospital, left at around 8 am. She was camping in Gondal for shooting of Sooraj Barjatiya’s “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo” film which also features Salman Khan.

District health officials also visited the location of the film shooting in Gondal and inquired if anyone else had symptoms of flu.

“Sonam had stayed in a city-based hotel on February 25 and in Gondal on February 26 and 27 for shooting. When inquired, it was found that she accompanied her trainer in Mumbai on February 20 when he was tested positive for H1N1.

R

e m o D'Souza, who is busy with his directorial "ABCD 2", says the audiences will not only get to see a glimpse of his dancing in the film, but also a lot of international dance.

"This film ("ABCD 2) is very special to me and I have given in (a lot of) myself (to it) as well. I'm trying to give such stuff to the audiences that they won't have seen yet," Remo said. "ABCD 2" is a sequel to Remo's directorial venture "ABCD-AnyBody Can Dance" and features Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Lauren Gottlieb, Prabhudheva and others.

Remo revealed that "ABCD 2" will have many special performances.

UK Southall Lad Befriends and Robs

30

Satpal Jassal (27), of Southall has been convicted to six years imprisonment having found guilty for blackmail and robbery.

Jassal befriended the 24 year old victim and had brutally beaten him with a baseball bat and extracted £500 from him, while also threatening to harm his family if he refused to hand over his life savings.

Detective Constable Tony Williams, of Hounslow CID, said "The victim of this robbery is often referred to by those who know him as someone who is very trusting and Jassal took advantage of this. He befriended the victim and over a fourmonth period gained his trust only to then go and rob him and use a frightening level of force on him.”

Satpal Jassal

Constable William goes on to add, “throughout the investigation, Jassal continued to deny his involvement, however, the bravery of the victim, and the strong and clear evidence presented to the court ensured that this violent offender will now be serving a significant jail term for his awful actions."

Satpal Jassal was found guilty on 20th February at Isleworth Crown Court.

Coming Events

l Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar with Shree Sanatan Mandir Leicester will honour Octogenerians in Leicester on Saturday 21 March, 2:30-7pm at Mahatma Gandhi Hall, Shree Sanatan Mandir, Weymouth Street, Off Catherine Street, LE4 6FQ. We welcome anyone of the age 80 or above willing to receive this award to register.

Families welcome to join. Refreshments will be provided along with Bhajan by Chandubhai Mattani and group. Must register before. Please email a short biodata of the willing recipient to kamal.rao@abplgroup.com. Last date 17 March 2015. For more details Contact: 020 7749 4001 l In aid of Dushyant who has been diagnosed with Dyskeratosis Congenita, an event has been organised at Swaminarayan Temple Neasden to find him a blood stem cell donor on 7 March 3-8pm, Neasden temple, London Nw10 8LD. Twitter: @DeleteBC l Om Sharavanabhava Seva Trust organises regional programme in presence of Satguru Sri Sharavana Baba's spiritual discourse. Saturday 7 March, 2pm onwards, Nagrecha Hall, London E15 1DT. Contact: 07958026374. l Jasper centre celebrates Mother's day concert 13 March 8pm till late. Contact 020 8861 1208 l The Bhagavad Gita- A Story of The Universe by Prof Jatindra Saha, Sat 28 March, 3pm, Bhavans, 4a Castletown Road, W14 9HE l Sampad presents Rang Barse (A Rain of Colour) Sunday 29 March 2014, 4pm. The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, B'ham B6 4UU. Contact: 01213332444 Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Chief Accountant: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email:accounts@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Sales Executive: Daxa Gami - Email: daxa.gami@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Graphic Designers: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad.

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In Defence of the Faith - My Hate Speech

Continued from page 13

It is Hindustan that gives the world its largest democracy choosing to enshrine minority protections in its constitution – not a theocracy – no established Church in India, no Head of State legally charged to defend one faith alone. I hate talk of Hindus being intolerant of other faiths.

So should news organisation never report? Of course they should – but was this Abu Hamza, was it some cleric preaching people to join the Hindu equivalent of ISIS – no because they scoured our Temples surely and found no such cleric, no such incitements to violence.

None. So instead they pick on some elderly man who speaks in generalisations about Islam.

Probably like millions do,

wrongly, in their homes to their children, every time they see the news.

When I was 16, after years of late nights, and weekends and summers spent studying, I topped all my exams at my school in Leeds. The first organisation to recognise my achievements was HSS. It’s what they do. I felt, I knew, from that day, I was a member of a community, a family. My duties extended to being a role model. My siblings went on to be taught by HSS – they are today consultants at Deloitte, a journalists at Sky and another at CNBC, another sibling works at Google. Their weekends were spent in character building social activities and fund raisers to make our community a better place for young and old, regardless of faith.

Newsagent Robbed Twice in the Span of Five Days

Ghanshyam Patel, a newsagent from Heston was robbed for the first time in 25 years. He was robbed twice at knifepoint in a span of five days. Andre Rose (27) from Hounslow attacked Shreeji Newsagents twice.

He had made the first robbery on 1st November; he held the 12-inch knife to Ghanshyam Patel's throat while he stole from the till and also stole cigarettes.

He again returned on 5th November and scared cus-

Jai Hind. Jai Britain.

tomers with his knife while telling Patel to “let me do my job” as he continued with the robbery.

After hearing the appeal from the police, Andre Rose was persuaded by his family to hand himself over. He was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on 27th February to 40 months in prison. He revealed that he committed robberies to clear his debts.

Ghanshyam Patel wishes him no harm.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 Venus and Mars in your sign continue to favour your love life. If you are still seeking the ideal partner, things are definitely looking up. An increase in your social life is likely to bring you in touch with someone attractive. At work you need greater flexibility as well as a degree of patience. Do not step on any one's toes.

You are likely to be lucky in terms of opportunities and meetings with helpful persons.

Whatever you are aiming to achieve at this time will suddenly take a leap onto a new level. If you are hoping to move up the ladder of success, this is definitely a time to be on the alert for new openings.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21

It's time when experience will enable you to enrich your inner mind and personality. You are moving into a new phase of life which will bring wider scope for developing your unique qualities and talents. You are likely to move around more than usual. Life will become very lively and there will be a lot of social interactions.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

Your urge towards greater freedom and independence is very strongly accentuated. In intimate affairs, the prospect appears entirely favourable. In work matters you can expect a progressive phase. Efforts to bring about desirable changes in your working life are more likely to be positive.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

Don't take short-cuts in legal or official matters. It will be only too easy to feel exasperated by bureaucracy but you won't be doing yourself any favours if you lose your cool. This is a fine time for you to get away from the mundane realities of life and relax.

Some of you will probably go abroad.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

Jupiter, is transiting your solar twelfth house.

This transit brings benefits to activities that take place "behind the scenes". Meditation and retreats may be particularly helpful to you now, as they regenerate and invigorate your spirit.

Love and close personal relationships will occupy the centre of your attention this week. With Venus and Mars remaining in your opposite sign, any emotional tensions will be smoothed out easily and harmony will prevail. On a purely practical note, you can expect your financial affairs to take a turn for the better.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

Health is an important area that you will take seriously. It is likely that you may embark on a course of physical exercise and diet. It could be quite a difficult week psychologically with increased danger of misunderstandings arising and not being able to see the wood from the trees. Try to be diplomatic.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

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The prevailing pattern of planets gives you a marvellous opportunity. Take time out to strengthen close ties of affection, sort out emotional differences and proffer the olive branch to anyone who may have caused you pain in recent months. Venus throws an easy light on affairs of the heart - prime time for engagements and weddings.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

You can expect a sustained and quite hectic flow of visitors to contribute greatly to a very buoyant atmosphere. If you are ambitious, this promises to be an important time in your life. You are likely to get the lucky breaks and reach a wider audience no matter what your aims.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 You can expect a lively and varied time ahead. Communications will be free and easy, making this an excellent time to deal with important matters. Also, you'll find that people you meet, perhaps especially newcomers, will be a stimulating influence and may encourage you to dabble in new interests.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 Your charisma, appearance and self-expression are to the forefront as Sun is transiting your sign. This transit heightens your optimism and generosity, and the entire cycle has the potential for being a relaxed, fortunate, and hopeful time in your life. Furthering your personal ambitions comes more easily.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

Dalmiya returns as BCCI president

Veteran cricket administrator Jagmohan Dalmiya was unanimously elected president of the BCCI while N Srinivasan camp suffered a setback with rival faction's Anurag Thakur beating Sanjay Patel for the post of secretary at the Board's Annual General Meeting at Chennai. Barring Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association chief Thakur's surprise win, ruling camp loyalists swept the elections for the other posts at the much-postponed AGM, where Srinivasan himself could not contest for the president's post owing to a Supreme Court directive.

Jharkhand Cricket Association's Amitabha Chodhary was elected joint secretary beating Goa's Chetan Desai, belonging to the anti-Srinivasan faction, while Haryana's Anirudh Choudhary won the treasurer's position by defeating Rajiv Shukla.

SPORT WORLD

Jagmohan Dalmiya While three vice-presidents were elected unopposed, the two other positions also went to the Srinivasan faction with TC Mathews (Kerala, west zone) and C K Khanna (Delhi, central zone) winning the polls. Khanna defeated the influential Jyotiraditya Scindia, while Mathews edged past Ravi Sawant. The three who were elected unopposed are Andhra's Gokaraju Gangaraju (south zone), Assam's Goutam Roy (east) with ML Nehru of Jammu and Kashmir representing the north zone.

The road for Dalmiya

was cleared after Pawar failed to get a proposer from east zone, prompting the Maratha strongman to pull out of the race. BJP leader Thakur, it is learnt, won by just one vote over Srinivasan loyalist Patel, a scenario unlikely to have emerged had there not been cross-voting during the election process.

However, the fact that other anti-Srinivasan camp candidates lost the elections proved that cross-voting took place only for Thakur.

The 75-year-old Dalmiya, president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), was unanimously accepted by all the units loyal to Srinivasan to return to a position he held more than a decade back.

Dalmiya's bid got a boost after Pawar failed to get any proposer from the East Zone, whose turn it was to nominate the president. The former ICC president had

held the top post in BCCI between 2001 and 2004.

All the six state units from the East Zone owed allegiance to the Srinivasan camp when his loyalists met here on Sunday. Maratha strongman Pawar, who was projected as possible candidate for the president's post, had also met his supporters.

Dalmiya's elevation to the position was necessitated after Srinivasan was forced to stay away from the election owing to a Supreme Court directive, which reduced his role to merely voting. In fact, the AGM itself was delayed several times due to the legal battle that Srinivasan is fighting in the top court.

The apex court is currently hearing the IPL spotfixing scandal in which conflict of interest with regards to Srinivasan's position as BCCI president and IPL team owner came in for sharp criticism from court.

Kevin Pietersen back is play county cricket.

England had sacked Pietersen in 2014 and he was later released by Surrey.

Responding to Graves'

comments, Pietersen said that he was pleasantly surprised and now needed to go away and make a few decisions. Pietersen has not played a competitive game in a longer format than Twenty20 since the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney in January 2014, his final game for England. Since then, the batsman has appeared in domestic T20 cricket for Delhi Daredevils, Surrey, St Lucia Zouks and Melbourne Stars.

Pietersen left Surrey last

autumn and is currently without a county contract.

Graves, who takes up his new ECB post in May for a five-year term, replacing Giles Clarke, claimed that he would not be involved in any final decision regarding Pietersen.

Graves said that it's down to the selectors, down to the coaches, of what they see, what is best for English cricket, adding that they would make the decisions and he would support them when it comes to that decision.

Indian batsmen Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni slipped down the ladder to be fourth and tenth respectively, while Shikhar Dhawan retained his seventh spot in the latest ICC ODI batsmen’s rankings.

In the ODI bowlers’ chart, however, Indian pacer Mohammad Shami and Ravichandaran Ashwin made upward movements.

While Shami gained as many as 14 places to be at 11th now, Ashwin’s eight wickets in the ongoing cricket World Cup so far helped him climb six spots to 16th.

There have been plenty of reshuffles in the rankings at the end of 23 pool matches in the World Cup. Kohli has slipped a rung but is still the best-placed Indian batsman at fourth position, while skipper Dhoni has lost two places to be at 10th.

Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina are the other Indian batsmen to be figuring in the top-20 list. Even though Rohit has lost three places to be at 16th, Raina has climbed up four positions to be at 20th.

Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, who is currently the leading run-scorer in the cricket’s biggest spectacle with 268 runs, has

moved up two places to join South Africa’s Hashim Amla in second place. The batting table is headed by South Africa captain AB de Villiers, who leads by 49 ratings points.

While none of the Indian bowlers figure in the top-10, both Shami and Ashwin’s progress has been significant. However, injured Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja have both lost four places each to be at 17th and 18th.

The bowlers’ list is still topped by Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal, even though he is not a part of the squad in the mega event.

Meanwhile, India’s Jadeja has managed to retain his seventh position in the ODI allrounders’ table, which is

Pietersen may return to England squad

Sacked England batsman Kevin Pietersen might return to the squad after all, as incoming England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves has refused to rule out a return for the South-Africa born cricketer.

Graves has claimed that England must be more aggressive in one-day cricket. He revealed that selectors and coaches would make any final decision on Pietersen. Graves said that the first thing Pietersen has got to do if he wants to get

Mary Kom to quit boxing

Olympic medallist pugilist M C Mary Kom on Monday said she has decided to quit boxing after the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as her body would not be able to cope with the rigours of the sport any further. The 32-year-old has been giving hints for some time that she may hang up her boxing gloves but on Monday she made it clear that the Rio Games next year will be her last competitive event.

"I have decided that I will quit after 2016 Olympics. Rio Games will be my last competitive event and I will not continue after that," Mary Kom said at the launch of a social media campaign.

"My third child is two years old and I think it's enough for me. Who would have faced the rigours of competitive boxing after having three children? I want to bring happiness to the people of this country by winning a gold in Rio. I want to win a gold there and so I thought of continuing till 2016 Games," said May Kom who won a bronze medal in 2012 London Olympics.

Shami gains 14 places in ICC rankings

now headed by Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan, who has become No. 1 following his 229 runs with the bat and three wickets with the ball in the World Cup so far.

In team rankings, Australia continues to lead the field with 120 ratings points, while world champion India is second, four points behind. South Africa, on 113 ratings points, is third and Sri Lanka fourth.

Following New Zealand’s four wins in as many matches and England’s three defeats in four games, the two sides have swapped places. New Zealand is now fifth, just one point behind Sri Lanka, while England is now sixth, eight rating points ahead of Pakistan.

31

India sign 3-year hockey series pact with Australia

The Indian hockey team will tour Australia to play Test series' for the next three years, starting 2016, following the signing of a bilateral agreement between Hockey India (HI) and Hockey Australia (HA).

As part of the agreement, HA will release its national squad for the cash-rich Hockey India League (HIL) for the next three editions. HI chief executive officer (CEO) Elena Norman and HA CEO Cam Vale completed the formalities at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium before the HIL semi-finals.

The agreement will see the World Champions face India in a six-match Test series in Australia in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

"We know that the Australians are world champions and India has proved itself to be a formidable team in the last year. We are happy with the commitment of HA to release its players for the next three seasons," Norman said.

Norman added that the two federations are also discussing a possible bilateral series between their women's teams as part of preparations for the Hockey World League (HWL) Round 2. "This is a milestone moment for Australian hockey. This agreement is the first step in honouring our commitment to building a calendar of top class events for Australian hockey fans and raising the profile of the sport," said Vale.

World Cup 2015 Results

Date

Teams

25 Feb UAE v/s Ireland IRE won by 2 wickets Brief scores: IRE 279/8 (49.2 overs); UAE 278/9 (50 overs) 26 Feb Scotland v/s Afghanistan AFG won by 1 wicket Brief scores: AFG 311/9 (49.3 overs); SCO 210/10 (50 overs) 26 Feb Sri Lanka v/s Bangladesh SL won by 92 runs Brief scores: SL 332/1 (50 overs); BAN 240/10 (47 overs) 27 Feb South Africa v/s West Indies SA won by 257 runs Brief scores: SA 408/5 (50 overs); WI 151/10 (33.1 overs) 28 Feb Australia v/s New Zealand NZ won by 1 wicket Brief scores: NZ 152/9 (23.1 overs); AUS 151/10 (32.2 overs) 28 Feb UAE v/s India India won by 9 wickets Brief scores: IND 104/1 (18.5 overs); UAE 102/10 (31.3 overs) 1 March England v/s Sri Lanka SL won by 9 wickets Brief scores: SL 312/1 (47.2 overs); ENG 309/6 (50 overs) 1 March Pakistan v/s Zimabwe PAK won by 20 runs Brief scores: PAK 235/7 (50 overs); ZIM 215/10 (49.4 overs) 3 March South Africa v/s Ireland SA won by 201 runs Brief scores: SA 411/4 (50 overs); IRE 210/10 (45 overs)

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

Teams

Match Won Group A New Zealand 4 4 Sri Lanka 4 3 Bangladesh 3 1 Australia 3 1 Afghanistan 3 1 England 4 1 Scotland 3 0 Group B India 3 3 South Africa 4 3 West Indies 4 2 Ireland 3 2 Zimbabwe 4 1 Pakistan 3 1 UAE 3 0

Lost

Points

0 1 2 1 3 2 3

6 6 4 4 2 2 0

0 4 1 1 2 3 3

8 6 3 3 2 2 0

32

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 7th March 2015

South Africa humble Ireland by 201 runs

South Africa's Hashim Amla became the fastest player to reach 20 ODI centuries, setting South Africa on course for its second 400-plus total in an as many World Cup matches and a 201-run win over Ireland. Amla (159) and Faf Du Plessis (109) shared a 247-run secondwicket stand before Rilee Russow (61 not out) and David Miller (46 not out) added an unbroken 110run stand in the last eight overs to lift South Africa to 411-4, beating its own mark set last Friday for the second-highest total ever at the Cricket World Cup. Ireland, which had chased totals to win its first two matches of the tournament, crumbled to 21-3 by the sixth over and was all out for 210. Kyle Abbott returned figures of 4-21.

Pakistan down Zimbabwe: Pakistan got their World Cup campaign back on track on Sunday when the 1992 champions downed Zimbabwe by 20 runs to claim their first win of the tournament. Led by some patient batting from captain Mizbah-ul-Haq, who made 73, Pakistan recovered from losing their first two wickets for just four runs to post 235 for

seven from their 50 overs.

Towering left arm paceman Mohammad Irfan then took full advantage of the lively Gabba wicket to claim the first three Zimbabwe scalps on his way to a career-best 4-30.

Irfan troubled the Zimbabwe openers with his bounce, both Chamunorwa Chibhabha and Sikandar Raza guiding lifting balls to Haris Sohail at second slip.

Hamilton Masakadza (29) and Brendan Taylor saw off Irfan and settled the Zimbabwe innings, adding 52 runs without trouble. However, when they lost Williams for 33 after he hit Rahat Ali straight to Ahmad Shahzad at backward point with the score on 150 the run chase began to fall away.

Sri Lanka extend England's agony: England's horror World Cup run continued when Sri Lanka smashed the third-highest run chase in the tournament's history to clinch a nine-wicket defeat in Wellington on Sunday.

Centuries by Kumar Sangakkara and Lahiru Thirimanne ensured Sri Lanka overhauled the 310run target set after England

won the toss and elected to bat. The pair were unbeaten as Sri Lanka ended the innings on 312-1 with 16 balls to spare, Thirmanne carrying his bat on 139 and Sangakkara scoring 117 for his second successive century. The loss leaves England with a solitary World Cup win against minnows Scotland after they were well-beaten by co-hosts Australia (111 runs) and New Zealand

(eight wickets) in their opening matches. A tally of two points with two pool games left to play means their quarter-final hopes are hanging by a thread, while Sri Lanka are on the verge of the last eight.

India maul UAE for third win in row: India on Saturday virtually assured themselves of a quarter final berth in the cricket World Cup after spanking minnows UAE by nine

wickets, recording their third successive win with yet another flawless display. After the bowlers led by off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (4/25) bundled out UAE for a paltry 102 in only 31.3 overs, the batsmen made short work of the target knocking off the required runs in only 18.5 overs in a completely lop-sided Pool B contest. India thus maintained their grip on the top spot in the league table with three wins from as many matches which took their points tally to six.

With three matches against West Indies, Zimbabwe and Ireland left, Dhoni and his boys, are well on course of topping the group.

New Zealand beat Australia in thriller: New Zealand became the first team to enter the Cricket World Cup quarter finals, clinching a nerve-wrecking one-wicket triumph over four-time champions Australia after dismissing them for their second lowest tournament total in a pool A thriller on Saturday.

In a low-scoring match that went right down to the wire, the nervous Kiwis huffed and puffed to victory after man of the match pacer Trent Boult's career-

best five-wicket haul had helped bowl out the Aussies for 151 in 32.2 overs at a packed Eden Park. Chasing the modest target, New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum, playing through a swollen arm after being hit by a Mitchell Johnson bouncer, whacked a 24-ball 50 to lay the foundation of the victory.

SA overwhelm West Indies by 257 runs: AB de Villiers confirmed his status as the most destructive batsman in cricket with a magnificent unbeaten 162 from just 66 balls to lead South Africa to a record 257-run victory over West Indies in their ICC World Cup 2015 Pool B match on Friday. South Africa's tally of 408 for five was the second highest posted in a World Cup match and a shell-shocked West Indies could only manage 151 in reply, Chris Gayle backing up his record 215 against Zimbabwe on Tuesday with a paltry three. It was the joint fourth largest margin of victory by runs in an one-day international and also equalled the largest margin in a World Cup match, matching India's 257-run win over Bermuda in 2007.