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Hague confirms Thatcher's involvement in Operation Blue Star

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Hyderabad-born Nadella named Microsoft CEO Software giant Microsoft announced Hyderabadborn 46-year-old Satya Nadella as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He is all set to take charge from Steve Ballmer, who shown his intention to retire in August. Nadella is only the third CEO in the history of Microsoft, following co-founder Bill Gates and Ballmer. He joined Microsoft in 1992 and his long career as a Microsoft insider saw es. Microsoft also him promoted to numerannounced that John ous high-level positions. Thompson, lead indePreviously, he was execupendent director, will suctive vice presiceed founder dent of See comment and board chairMicrosoft’s man Bill Gates on page 3 Cloud and as chairman. Enterprise group, responGates will assume a new sible for building and runrole as "technology advining the company’s comsor," the company said in a puting platforms, developstatement. er tools and cloud servicContinued on page 26

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It has come as a shock to the British Sikh Community after UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has confirmed in the Parliament on Tuesday, 4th February 2014, that an official investigation has shown that Britain did advise India on planning the controversial Operation Blue Star against Sikh separatists at the Golden Temple in Amritsar (also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib) in June 1984. Though British military's role was "limited" and "purely advisory", Hague emphasised that the UK played no role in the actual operation that took place at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Continued on page 2

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Keith Vazwith MP

Keith Vaz MP

Steve Mody

5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date? My business partner and university, Peter Millington, who has always helped to provide steady support through difficult times.

Steve Mody was born in 1957 in India, the youngest child of three brothers and two sisters, and came to England in 1965 with his family to settle in Leicester. Steve graduated with an accountancy degree and went on to train as a chartered account. Unfortunately he didn’t manage to qualify as an accountant and decided to start his own business, Gandhi Wines, in 1985. He married his wife in 1990 and they have two kids, who are now aged 21 and 20. 1) Please tell me about your current position? I am the managing director of Gandhi Wine Suppliers (Imbibe) Ltd, a drinks distribution company. I am also the chairman of Mongoose Partnership. 2) What are your proudest achievements? In business terms, my proudest achievement has been managing to break into the mainContinued from page 1 The row over how much the British knew and helped in the incidents 30 years ago threatens to derail the Tory party attempts to attract Sikh voters, who play a major role in marginal seats in London, Birmingham and Leicester in any election. Hague's words are likely to provoke a strong reaction from Sikh groups in the UK who have been saying that they're shocked by the idea that Britain may have been involved in the attack. In a letter to PM Cameron, Sikh Federation UK Chairman Bhai Amrik Singh reportedly said: "We are dismayed the terms of the review were only formally made available almost three weeks after the review was announced and only days before an announcement of the results of the review are expected in Parliament." Revelation by the Government In his speech Mr William Hague informed that on Tuesday the Cabinet Secretary has concluded that there is no evidence of British Parliament being misled. He emphasised that there is no record of a specific question to Ministers about practical British support for Operation Blue Star, and he added that there was one instance of a Written

stream market; a task which was proving very difficult until a change of the company name from Gandhi Wines to Imbibe. On a personal note, seeing my two boys get into Eton and Harrow secondary schools. 3) What inspires you? The greatest inspiration is seeing people from humble beginnings and backgrounds being successful and achieving great things in their life despite adversity.

6) What is the best aspect about your current role? As the head of the company, the freedom and ability to make decisions and lead the challenge of taking the business through the current challenging environment. 4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career? The biggest struggle has been to find enough of the right people to help drive the company forward.

7) And the worst? The worst issue is having to deal with the everyday nuisances and distractions that come with having to run a company leaving me less time to

Hague confirms Thatcher's involvement in Operation Blue Star

Question to Ministers related to discussions with the Indian government on behalf of the Sikh Community after the Operation. However, in sum, the Cabinet Secretary’s report found that the nature of the UK’s assistance was purely advisory, limited and provided to the Indian government at an early stage; that it had limited impact on the tragic events that unfolded at the Temple three months later; that there was no link between the provision of this advice and defence sales; and that there is no record of the Government receiving advance notice of the operation. An analysis of nearly 200 files and 23,000 documents has confirmed that a "single British military adviser" travelled to India between February 8 and 19, 1984, to advice Indian intelligence services on contingency plans that they were drawing up for operations in the temple complex, including ground reconnaissance of the site. "The cabinet secretary's report includes an analysis by current military staff of the extent to which the actual operation in June 1984 differed from the approach recommended in February by the UK military adviser. Operation Blue Star was a ground assault, without the element of surprise, and

without a helicopter-borne element," Hague said. Hague further said "The adviser had made clear that a military operation should be put into effect only as a last resort when all attempts of negotiation had failed. It recommended the inclusion in any operation an element of surprise and the use of helicopter forces in the interests of reducing casualties and bringing about a swift resolution." "This giving of military advice was not repeated...and the cabinet secretary found no evidence of any other assistance such as equipment or training," he added. "The Cabinet Secretary's report concludes that the UK military officer's advice had limited impact on Operation Blue Star. This is consistent with the public statement on 15th January this year by the operation commander, Lt Gen Brar, who said that 'no one helped us in our planning or in the execution of the planning'," he said. Hague said this conclusion is also consistent with an exchange of letters between former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Thatcher on June 14 and 29, 1984, discussing the operation. While admitting that some military files covering various operations

were destroyed in November 2009, as part of a routine process undertaken by the ministry of defence at the 25-year review point, copies of at least some of the documents in the destroyed files were also in other departmental files. The report by Cabinet Secretary Jeremy Heywood includes the publication of the relevant sections of five extra documents that shed light on this period, but which would not normally have been published, the minister told MPs. British Prime Minister David Cameron had ordered the inquiry after documents released under the 30-year declassification rule here implied British SAS commanders had advised the Indian government as it drew up plans for Operation Blue Star in February 1984. Sikh groups in the UK have criticised the scope of the inquiry and claim it focuses on a very "narrow period". Britain's only Sikh MP, Paul Uppal, reportedly said that the revelation makes clear that the UK played no "malicious" role in Operation Blue Star and called on the government to work with Sikh groups and the Indian High Commission in the UK to work towards a "process of truth and reconciliation so that the

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focus on more important matters. 8) What are your long term goals? My long term ambitions are to establish Imbibe as one of the leading national drinks distributors and to develop brands to a high level, such as Mongoose beer. 9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change? I would provide more financial support and make funds more readily available to small and medium sized businesses. 10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why? A tough choice but I’d pick Nelson Mandela. I have always greatly admired his character, his perseverance and the way he never gave up fighting for the causes for which he stood.

community can finally begin to feel a sense of justice". A few months after Operation Blue Star, then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated on 31 October 1984 by her Sikh bodyguards in an apparent revenge attack. Indira Gandhi's letter to PM Thatcher The Economic Times reported that the Former Indian Prime Minister wrote a personal letter to her British counterpart Margaret Thatcher soon after the 1984 Operation Blue Star in an attempt to justify her decision to send army to flush out militants from the Golden Temple, Amritsar. The letter, dated June 14, 1984, was made public for the first time on Tuesday. "It is never easy to undertake security action involving a place of worship... but this place, so sacred to the people of the Sikh faith, had been converted by terrorists into a base of operations," wrote Gandhi just days after the operation that left more than 1,000 people dead. "We did know that arms were being collected there. But only after last week's action did we realise how vast and sophisticated these weapons were... For months a reign of terror was unleashed from the

temple complex, holding all Punjab to ransom. We had no choice but to send an army unit which exercised the utmost restraint, using a minimum of force," she added. The former Indian PM also shared her regrets over the fallout of the military action with Thatcher, one of her close political allies. "Many in the Sikh community have been shaken by this traumatic event. The process of healing and conciliation will take time but we shall persevere," she wrote. Damage control efforts The Foreign Secretary said, that the government is keen to discuss concerns raised by the Sikh community. "The Minister responsible for relations with India, My Rt Hon Friend (Hugo Swire) the Member for East Devon (and Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office), will speak to the Sikh organisations on Tuesday to assure them about the strong, positive relationship the government has with the British Sikh community which plays such a positive role in so many areas of our national life." He also hopes that the investigation and the open manner in which it has been conducted will provide reassurance to the Sikh community and to the public.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

COMMENT

Logjam in Indo-Pakistan ties

Déjà vu. India-Pakistani ties are in logjam yet again - the most boringly predictable relationship conceived by God or man is true to type. The media hype about a possible turn in relations, now that Nawaz Sharif, a ‘democrat,’ had taken over the reins in Islamabad as his country’s prime minister has yielded few results on the ground. Husain Haqqani, the exiled former Pakistani ambassador to the United States, had warned, from long personal experience of the man, that Nawaz Sharif having had strong links with the military as a whole, his India policy, shorn of its rhetorical verbiage, would be broadly similar to that espoused by the generals. Mr Haqqani was spot on. Not the slightest advance has been made in bringing those responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks to account, and leaders of the terror groups who organized them travel freely, speak freely and recruit freely for their continuing jihad against India. Normal trade ties with India are still a pipedream. When a deal was reached on trade routes between the two halves of Kashmir, the exercise shuddered to a halt within a day. The reason? A Pakistani truck driver was caught with drugs, which he was attempted to smuggle through the customs check post. The man has been arrested and will be put on trial. Pakistan has questioned the evidence against the truck driver, ensuring an impasse. Turn the revolving stage to Washington, where Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s National Security Adviser, Sartaz Aziz, addressing a US-Pakistan security dialogue session, issued the customary whine that Washington favoured India over Pakistan, taking little account of Islamabad’s security concerns on its southern borders, and ignoring Pakistani interests in Afghanistan, which fell within Pakistan’s special sphere of influence for reasons of “strategic depth.” Which, in plain man’s language, meant a Pakistani veto over Afghanistan’s relations with India and recognition

of this reality by America. It is not, however, America that is the sticking point, it is Afghanistan. Pakistan is loathed and reviled in the country, by ordinary people to politicians and the intelligence services, for having brought misery and bloodshed to the country through its use of jihadi terror groups as proxies. With the US and Nato coalition forces preparing to leave Afghanistan, Pakistan wishes to fill the vacated space. In other words, to repeat its past follies in the country. Pakistan is in a parlous condition, financially and economically. The mounting death toll in Pakistan itself from terrorist bombings has reached alarming levels. There is a policy paralysis, with neither government, nor opposition any the wiser on how best to halt the carnage. Any fresh Pakistani asdventure in Afghanistan will surely result in a disaster of epic proportions, destabilizing Pakistan in the process, destabilizing Afghanistan and causing mayhem in the entire region. Nawaz Sharif and his close aides and military planners should sit down and think this through. The US as Pakistan’s largest aid donor needs to be firm on the issue: the financial tap in Washington to be turned off, in case of a Pakistani foray across its northern borders. If Secretary State John Kerry were to make this clear to Sartaz Aziz, if President Obama were to call up Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and spell out in detail the consequences that would follow such action by Islamabad the dissuasive diplomacy might prevent a looming catastrophe. Years of US indulgence has neither calmed Pakistan’s manic fears nor reined in its absurdist ambitions to extend its political reach into alien territory. Former US Defence Secretary and a CIA chief, Robert Gates, has revealed in his memoirs that he lied repeatedly to Congress on Pakistan, whether it be on nuclear weapon development or exporting terrorism. The time to abort this tradition has arrived. There can be no state of denial in the Washington now.

Kerala has long been a leader in welfare, women’s empowerment, literacy and healthcare and much else. Its economy, shackled by years of Communist Left Front (as in West Bengal), is emerging from the shadows under a different political dispensation. Its communications are praiseworthy – a new metro is coming up in Kochi overseen by E.Sreedharan, the man most responsible for bringing the ultra modern Delhi metro to life – and new self financing airports, allied to good roads are taking the State forward into a buoyant future. With more money in the exchequer, the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment has decided that the time for enhanced investment in science education and research has arrived. The Council has devised a two-pronged strategy for the reorientation of the education network and the creation of new institutions, the aim being to attract more students into the science stream. Schemes like Sasthraposhini for the strengthening school laboratories and other parallel schemes such as Students Programme for Excellence in Experimental Design and Nurturing Excellence in Science Teaching are providing an environment that will persuade new the student genera-

tion to take up science as a first option at school and later to specialization at college. “The variety of opportunities available for higher education, research and employment is not known to the student children, teachers, parents and society at large,” says V.N.Rajasekhran Pillai, Principal Secretary, Science and Technology, Government of Kerala. “What is required is a scaling up of these approaches reaching the entire school education network.” This cellular approach to popularizing science through good teaching practices, proper institutional networks and readily available equipment will surely pay rich dividends. A cursory look at the list of scientists and engineers involved in India’s space, nuclear power and defence technology ventures shows a disproportionate numbers from the southern states. The numbers of students from the south going to the United States has risen by 15 per cent year-on-year. Small wonder that the world’s major powers, the US,UK, Israel, Russia, Germany et al are expanding consular staff in this region with education,science and industry specialists, for this where India’s real future is taking shape.

The answer is pretty well, but could do better. Honourable ambition is no bad thing, for those without it will rue missed opportunities as they get stuck in the mud. India’s economic downturn is the moment of seed-time and remedy. In the slackening pace, companies have the time to reflect and plan going forward, entrepreneurs are able to spot potential in the vacant spaces and supply new products or designs or come up with inventions that hit the ground running. Many of India’s leading companies now rival their global peers in the scale and range of their operations, but in key financial parameters they lag behind. These companies grew exponentially in the decade from 200313, when India’s growth rate was the second fastest in the world. The Tata brand, for instance, is global. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in one symbol, Tata Consultancy Services is the other, and so it goes, but new stars are emerging such as Anand Piramal of Pirmal Realty, Dilip Shanghvi of Sun Pharma, which is now India’s largest drug maker and among the ten most valuable companies globally, and Hindustan Uniliver’s Sanjiv Mehta, which is India’s fastest moving consumer goods company, to name just a few of the new stars on the Indian busi-

ness firmament. And then there are Indian-born CEOS who are making waves in the global marketplace, notably in the United States. CEOs have become a prized Indian export. Time Magazine, in 2011, wrote: “Unlike, say, a Swede or a German, an Indian executive is raised in a multiethnic , multifaith, multilingual society, one nearly as diverse as the global marketplace. Surely, sky is the limit for Indian CEOs.” With Hyderabad-born Satya Nadella set to become CEO of Microsoft, those already there include an impressive line such as Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo), Shantanu Narayan (Adobe Systems), Rakesh Kapoor (Reckitt Benckiser Group), Ajit Jain (President, Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance), Anshu Jain (Deutsche Bank), and Ajay Banga (President & CCE) Mastercard. Satya Nadella, 47, is a Microsoft insider, who heads the company’s cloud and enterprise group, but 41 year-old Chennai-born Sundar Pichai, currently the boss of Google Chrome could be the dark horse, since he is believed to in close discussions with Microsoft. Whatever the outcome, both heavyweights are Indian-born and educated, and in pole position in their profession – some achievement, this.

Kerala: Roadmap for science education and research

How is India Inc doing?

3 A stumble may prevent a fall - English proverb

On Democracy and Education Redistribution

More so now than ever the child in the village can get an education and become a billionaire in his or her own lifetime. What does it mean for us and the children in our society? For your children. It used to be you would have great ideas but the technology did not exist. Now great technologies exist quicker than we can come up with great ideas to make use of it. I want to paint you a picture of wealth redistribution through education redistribution using technology. A picture we can all take part in, from housewife/husband to investment banker. A picture which Education Secretary Michael Gove much in the news today ought to consider as part of his party’s Big Society initiative. As a child growing up under Thatcherism, I believed in a ‘share owning democracy’. The idea that property owners have a stake in society and therefore want society to prosper. It wasn’t about greed, it was about hard work, saving and investing. Boy did we realise in the credit crunch that debt was bad! But the problem with wealth redistribution through property ownership, as anyone renting or without a pension plan owning shares knows, it is impossible unless you have a little wealth or savings to begin with. And those are hard when living costs seem to rise, but salaries don’t. And there is always some treat, holiday being advertised to tempt us to spend. What can be done by society and the population at large? Education redistribution through technology is a concept I have come up with and implemented – and it works. If education is the route of wealth, then surely, education redistribution is the route to wealth redistribution. Ever since I heard about the term ‘share owning democracy’ I’ve thought long about what it really means. It means people, common, regular people, people who take the tube like me, who like me were not born with a silver spoon, having the ability to buy property. The problem is most people lack education in skills that would help them get on in life. Whether it is business skills, investment skills, and financial skills. Again, didn’t we learn that the hard way over recent years? The internet has changed that. I’ve devoted a lifetime of creating free resources to redistribute education to everyone. The cost personally financially is immense because as everyone knows the secret to wealth is private information. When you start sharing information, you are sharing wealth and not hoarding it. Others have used technology to spread wealth and information too – Khan Academy for instance with its free educational videos used by Bill Gates’s children. I went as far to cut out the rich brokers and fund managers all together by empowering the common person through free educational videos on how to invest. Until each of us shares our skills, our knowledge, our private information, we cannot redistribute wealth. Whoever you are, you have skills, knowhow. Just look at Facebook for promoting YouTube videos you can make to teach people something to improve their lives. Instead of showing them your dinner, why not teach them how you made it so quickly. Or how you write an article? Create a blog. It’s all easy and free to do – most importantly you will be part of the Big Society and you will redistribute wealth through redistributing education. And guess what – it may just mean a smaller Government too! By the way, if you want my education – it is on www.alpeshpatel.com

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AV_P4_6 temp 04/02/2014 14:12 Page 4

MIDLANDS VOICE

A voice vibrating the hearts of garba fans

Dhiren Katwa

Since joining Echoes International, an established British Indian band in 2004, then aged 16, Chetan Amliwala has come a long way. And heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still rising. Singer and musician Chetan, from Hall Green, Birmingham, has earned his popularity and reputation through raas and garba, traditional Gujarati folk songs. He attributes his success to Ramesh Jilka, founder of of Echoes International, and colleagues. According to him, not only have they provided him with a platform to showcase his natural flair but have also continued to help him tune even finer his confidence and ability to capture the hearts and minds of audiences. Chetan usually performs at the Arya Samaj and Shri Lakshminarayan Temple in Birmingham during Navaratri, the annual nine-night Hindu festival. Much credit to his late grandmother, he says, for encouraging him to learn the raas garba. He explained how sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d flick through a Gujarati newspaper which featured the lyrics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As they were in Gujarati, I could not read these,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So I used to get her to read these out and I used to transcribe into

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

English.â&#x20AC;? Asked how important earning from his singing was, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the money is an added bonus,â&#x20AC;? he said. Getting the right audience can be the highlight of his performance. He explained: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the crowd is right and they appreciate and enjoy your singing and performance, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that vibe that drives me, or any music artist. People who appreciate you for who you are and your talent.â&#x20AC;? Chetan describes himself an â&#x20AC;&#x153;IT geekâ&#x20AC;?. He enjoys music, naturally, and watching and making films. He has a younger sister, aged 21, who is in her final year at Nottingham University studying Medicinal Chemistry. Armed with a BSc (Hons) in Film Production Technology from Staffordshire University, Chetan currently works as a technical production assistant in Westminster, London. A key part of his role entails encoding digital files from big name Hollywood studios for broadcast and online use. Chetanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancestral roots lie in Amri, Navsari, in Gujarat, India. His father was born in the Kenyan capital Nairobi and came to the UK in the 60s. His mother hails from Mumbai, India. Chetanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aspiration: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, I would like

Mum Rosie Kular

Aspiring musician and singer Chetan Amliwala

to become a well-known musician one day releasing plenty of albums and hit singles.â&#x20AC;? But, he adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;until that day I aim to do just what I do best and hope I can help others in the process.â&#x20AC;?

Mother-of-three in ÂŁ25,740 benefits fraud avoids jail term Leicester: A mother-of-three who claimed ÂŁ25,740 of benefits she was not entitled to was given a suspended jail sentence. Bilquis Patel, of Forest Road, Belgrave, Leicester, failed to notify the authorities she had more than the ÂŁ16,000 threshold allowed for making a claim. The 33-year-old admitted three counts of benefit fraud relating to income support, as well as housing and council tax benefit, between January 2007 and February last year. Recorder Simon Ward said: "You continued to claim benefits when you should have told the authorities that you had money in your bank accounts and you admit failing to do that. I'm told the

reason you got into trouble was because of difficulties you have coping at home with a disabled husband and three very young children. I can understand that made life difficult, but it's no excuse for committing fraud of public funds." He said: "Schedules show it was a lot more than ÂŁ16,000 for a long time. Because of your personal circumstances I'm going to suspend the sentence." Patel was given a three-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. James Bide-Thomas, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court that Patel began claiming benefits in December 2006. She said at that time she only had one bank account with ÂŁ300 in it. But within a month she had savings in

excess of the ÂŁ16,000. James Varley, mitigating, said: "She had to give up work because her husband had a dreadful accident and he was incredibly ill and she cares for him at home, with three children. She initially claimed benefits she was entitled to. Sometimes, money was coming in and she didn't take sufficient control of her finances and it may have been she was eligible for other forms of benefit, such as a carer's allowance. They borrowed money to buy their council house and once they accumulated enough they bought the house. Although they don't have a mortgage, ironically, she's now entitled to benefits. It's a family hovering on the breadline."

Offers flood in for lightning-hit temple Leicester: Sikh temples have offered to stage functions to help a gurdwara whose roof was blown off. Indy Panesar said he had been inundated with offers of help after Ramgarhia Sikh Temple, in Meynell Road, off Uppingham Road, Leicester, was damaged during a thunderstorm at 3pm on Saturday. He said worshippers had a miracle escape when part of the ceiling caved in on a group of women singing hymns. One woman was taken to hospital after being hit by falling timber, while the others escaped with cuts and bruis-

es. Mr Panesar said: "The lady who taken to hospital is now home and making a good recovery. It was miracle noone was seriously hurt or even killed. Lots of people heard about the roof being blown off and have called offering to stage functions such as weddings and birthdays parties. We may need to take up some of those offers of help but we are open almost as normal." Shafqat Waseer, supervisor at Payne's Dairies, which is next to the temple, said he was amazed no-one died as a result of the lightning strike.

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Mother of murdered toddler Mikaeel appears in court

Timbers from the roof were thrown up to 40 yards away

He said: "I was at home on Saturday afternoon when I got a call telling me the fire service needed to get into our yard. I drove there and could not believe my eyes when I saw the hole in the roof. How no-one was killed amazes me. I let the firefighters in and they set about making the building safe."

Mikaeel Kular

Edinburgh: The mother of 3 years old Mikaeel Kular, whose body was found in a woodland near Edinburgh, appeared in a private court for a procedural hearing last week. After being remanded in custody on January 20, mother Rosedeep or Rosie Kular, 33, has been on a suicide watch at a prison in Stirlingshire. On her first court appearance, Rosie was charged with murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice. She made no plea. Mikaeel, was reported missing from the family apartment on January 15, that sparked a massive manhunt involving dozens of police officers and hundreds of volunteers.

Six youths in court over harassment of worshippers at mosque Birmingham: Six youths have appeared before magistrates charged in connection with a police inquiry into alleged harassment of worshippers travelling to a mosque in the West Midlands. Five of the teenagers, aged between 15 and 17, pleaded not guilty to causing criminal damage to a car during a lengthy court hearing in Oldbury. The sixth defendant, aged 14, denied a charge of racially aggravated harassment. Sandwell Magistrates' Court heard that the youths are alleged to have been involved in public order offences committed against members of the Muslim community over a 10-day period in October last year. None of the accused, who all live in the Sandwell area, can be named for legal reasons. Magistrates were told that some of the defendants face further charges, including several allegations of racially aggravated assault, which are expected to be formally put to them at a further hearing next Monday. West Midlands Police announced last week that it was investigating alleged assaults on an eight-year-old schoolboy and two pensioners near the Plant Street Mosque in Cradley Heath.

Hassan Mahmood murder: seventeen-year-old found guilty of fatal stabbing

Birmingham: A 17-year-old has been found guilty of fatally stabbing Birmingham schoolboy Hassan Mahmood in a city park last year. A jury at Birmingham Crown Court convicted the teenager of murdering 15-year-old Hassan in Oaklands Park, Yardley, in July. After the trial, police revealed that the murderer had shown no remorse over his actions - and laughed when he was told of Hassan's death. A 16-year-old, who was accused of assisting an offender, was cleared of the charge. Both defendants cannot be named for legal reasons. The court heard earlier there had been previous ill feeling between the murderer and the victim's older brother. There had also been angry Facebook exchanges between the defendant and Hassan. They agreed to meet at Oaklands Park, in Wash

Lane, where Hassan was stabbed. Witnesses described how Hassan tried to back away when he saw that his attacker was armed but the pair ended up fighting on the floor, during which Hassan was stabbed in the back. When an onlooker intervened, the teenager Hassan Mahmood was murdered in Oaklands Park, Yardley ran away, leaving his jackidentified as a suspect at the time et, cigarettes and a bus pass at the and when he refused to say what had scene, which officers immediately happened to him, the officers agreed used to identify him as a suspect. to drop him off at his friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house. Hassan was treated by paraWhen police became aware that medics, but died a short time later at he was the prime suspect for the nearby Heartlands Hospital. stabbing, they returned to the propThe defendant was picked up erty and found him cleaning himself along with a friend, aged 16, on a and his clothes in the bathtub and nearby street, by passing police offihis friend just coming out of the cers in the minutes that followed the shower. Both were arrested straight stabbing, after they saw that he had away. The judge adjourned sentencinjuries to his face. He had not been ing until February 28.

Indian High Commission hosts a gala reception to celebrate India's 65th Republic Day

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Rupanjana Dutta

On Tuesday 28 January, the Indian High Commission organised a gala reception at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel to celebrate India's 65th Republic Day. Attended by many dignitaries, the evening started with some music including Indian drums and bhangra, followed by canapes, drinks and a lavish buffet dinner. As people walked into the Great Room, they were personally greeted at the doorstep by the High Commissioner Mr Ranjan Mathai and Mrs Geetha Mathai, Deputy High Dr Commissioner Virander Paul and wife Rachel, along with officers from the Indian High Commission. Present MPs and Peers of Indian origin included Virendra Sharma, Paul Uppal, Priti Patel, Lord Navnit Dholakia, Lord Raj Loomba, Lord Paul, Lord Gulam Noon, Baroness Shreela Flather to name a few. The Chief Guest was Rt Hon Gregory Barker, MP, Minister of State for Climate Change and Minister for Business Engagement in India. Shri Ranjan Mathai, High Commissioner of India welcoming the

HE Ranjan Mathai, Indian High Commissioner and Mrs Geetha Mathai with Chief Guest, Rt Hon Gregory Barker MP

are grateful to all others who have joined us to make this possible. This day commemorates a great moment in history when a

CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice being greeted by Dr Virander Paul, Deputy High Commissioner, Indian High Commission and his charming wife Rachel

nation carrying one-sixth of humanity with it set out on its independent cause for the democratic consti-

Deepa Sugathan, Partner, Silk Route Legal, well acclaimed journalist Tilusha Vyas, Dr Pushpinder Chowdhury, Festival Director, Tongues on Fire and Rupanjana Dutta, Associate Editor, Asian Voice

guests said, "We are privileged by the presence of other ministers and all others from public life from Friends of India in this country. It is an honour to greet all of you have come here to celebrate India's republic day. We

republic, to secure for all its citizens justice and equality, we undertook to promote among all citizens fraternity the dignity

tution and as our president said, on the eve of this republic, “On this day, 64 years ago in a remarkable display of idealism and courage, we people of India gave to ourselves a sovereign democratic

and the unity of a nation.” Over the course of 65 years ago of celebrating this day in this manner, we have witnessed great transformation and the last decade has seen us (India) as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. This period has also seen our engagement with the outside world grow. We are happy our relations with the UK have done so well, but are aware of enormous potential that still exists and the work that still remains to be done. We were indeed privileged to have received His Royal Highness Prince Charles and then later PM David Cameron in our country just last November and may many more visitors come to our country. We would like to assure out friends in the

Cultural programme presented to entertain the guests

UK in the years ahead that we will work closely with you in all the areas of our engagement. To the members of our Indian community in the UK, I take this opportunity to salute your contribution, you have demonstrated that you bring with you a legacy of a great civilisaition and culture and to quote our President again, 'India is not just a geography, it is also a history of ideas, philosophy, intellect, craft, innovation and experience. Your participation in the democratic life of this nation has enriched both of us." Rt Hon Gregory Barker said, "May I congratulate you all on India's 65th Republic Day and also a celebration here tonight of our partnership, that is increasingly guided by our shared values, interests, and familial connections. The people of UK join the people of India in celebrating the deepening of our partnership to increase both our country's shared prosperity and also our wider aspirations. Tonight reminds us of the strong and deep ties between, not just in our governments and the strategic partnerships but between our people, people of the oldest and largest democracies in the world and what strikes me, when I visit India and this job I now have, I get to visit India quite frequently. What strikes me is the

vibrancy of India's democracy, the strength of India's diversity, the tension of India's growing economy. India has identified what it needs to realise its economic ambitions and is uniquely placed to help meet its needs with world-class technology. I'm glad to say, the High Commissioner is absolutely right to point out that we need to do much more. I am proud to say that bilateral trade and investment is thriving, more indian investment now comes to the UK than almost all of the EU Combined, there is a natu-

Invited guests at the Grosvenor House celebrating India's 65th Republic Day

ral bond between the UK and the Indian economy, there are now over 900 Indian companies in Britain, for example the fabulous Tata, investing over £3 billion a year in British institutions Jaguar Landrover and haven't they done amazing things? They are the largest for-

Rapist, who used emotional blackmail on victim, jailed for 17 years

A man who used emotional blackmail and the threat of shame in order to carry out a painful campaign of sexual and emotional abuse on his victim has been jailed for 17 years. Mohammed Fakhrul Islam, aged 33, of Stewart Street, East London, was sentenced on Thursday 9 January, at Snaresbrook Crown Court for 3 counts of rape, 1 charge of battery and 1 charge of voyeurism. He was sent to jail on Thursday 30th January

2014. Islam began his campaign of abuse after meeting the victim in Bangladesh in 2008. Nothing happened at that time but they remained in touch and in 2010 the victim, then 18 years, came to the UK to study, staying with a relative. Not knowing anyone in the country she gave her number to Islam believing him to be trustworthy. They became friends but after a while Islam became threatening

when he saw her talking with other men. From thereafter, the victim suffered numerous rapes at the hands of Islam, who used the threat of shame to keep her quiet. Only when he attacked her and a male colleague, was she encouraged to report the matter to the police. She told them of the months/years of mental and sexual abuse she had been subjected to at the hands of Islam. On 5th March 2013 Islam was

eign manufacturer employer in the UK and the largest investor in the renaissance of British manufacturing business. This is a dynamic relationship which is reciprocated both ways, British companies like BP is now the largest single foreign investor in Indian Energy sector. But don't just think it is the story of big companies that grab the headlines. SMEs are also increasingly part of this... Finally in this year we're going to see a really exciting development: important UK-India project of the 21st Century, the development of the

arrested and subsequently charged on 5 December 2013. Since initially reporting to police the victim has been supported throughout the process by a dedicated SOIT officer from the Met's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, as well as from The Ashiana Network - a London-based charity which offers help and support to victims of abuse within Asian, Turkish and Iranian communities.

Mumbai-Bangalore economic corridor with major participation from the UK, sponsoring, working with the state governments and federal governments. I think, this will be a global empire for commercial and sustainable development." photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, Prmediapix

Anger after Muslim guests are told to use a bar to pray

Muslims attending an event in Parliament were told to use a bar as a prayer room, despite alcohol being forbidden by the Quran. An organisation, which booked a reception in the Commons, was appalled to find staff had set aside a room often used as a bar for champagne receptions as a prayer room. The complaint was revealed

through a Freedom of Information request. The email reveals anger at the bar being offered as a prayer room, guests being shouted at, food being taken away before it could be eaten and no provision for kosher food from the in-house kitchens. The House of Commons insisted it had dealt with the complaint quickly, on Wednesday 29 January.

Spriha Srivastava

The brand called ‘Salman Khan’ Anti-corruption movement, problems of a common man and a bad system are some of the top themes of movies in Bollywood ever since the India against corruption movement started. Last year there was Prakash Jha’s Satyagraha which got fairly satisfactory responses at the box office. Adding to the list

Overseas volunteers for a better India hosts Jagruti concert

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Superman is unable to feel pain. Taking cue from Dabangg, brother Sohail Khan has milked every opportunity to keep the real Salman Khan in front of audiences in the way they like the most. I spoke to a few cinemagoers to find out what they had to say about the film. Here are some inter-

terms of story if we had someone like Ali Zafar or Sonu Sood. With such actors you automatically start following the storyline. When Salman comes on screen there is nothing else that people bother about. It’s almost like a countdown till he unbuttons his shirt,” said Payal, who calls herself a Bollywood buff.

CB Patel with volunteers of OVBI

Jai Ho is this year’s Jai Ho. A Salman Khan-starrer, the film focuses more on actor’s dabangg like style and is far away from the entire anti-corruption drama. But it still managed to cross INR100 crore and has become the first film of 2014 to enter this esteemed 100 crore club. How did it manage to do that? Bollywood is a funny world. Even though Jai Ho had a theme close to everyone’s life, the biggest attraction in the film remained Salman Khan. After watching Dabangg 1 and 2 audiences now crave for more such Salman Khan action and this movie gave them everything they wanted. Who cares about the theme then? So, in the film, Salman Khan plays the ex-army turned social worker who wants to something good for the society. And then from there he becomes the Indian version of Superman without a cape or an emblem. He is a self appointed do-gooder who punishes the bad guys by roaring in their ears, smashing their head on anything nearby, kicking them so hard that they don’t have the will to stand up and despite all this our Indian

esting responses: “If you like Salman, you will like this film. There is not much in terms of script but the action scenes are too good,” said Amit, who calls himself a semiSalman fan. “The film is extremely good. I loved every bit of it and did not even go to get pop corn or coke for myself, which I normally do in every Bollywood film because they are so long. This one stuck to its theme and the best part about the movie was Salman Khan. He is god when it comes to Indian cinema,” said Prerna, a British-Indian hairstylist who is a die-hard Salman fan. However, there were some who thought because of Salman Khan’s action-packed scenes, the focus on story faded. “Towards the second half of the film, I totally forgot what the story was because there was just way too much drama and action. The film could have done much better without Salman because then people would have at least focused on the story,” said Rohit, a London-based market professional. “The film could have done much better in

The film is also called flop actors galore. From Sunil Shetty to Mukhul Dev, Aditya Pancholi and Ashmit Patel – all have small roles in the film. How can we forget the ladies? We have Tulip Joshi, Genelia Deshmukh and Nauheed Cyrusi who play minor roles in the movie too. The sole reason why Jai Ho managed to cross Rs. 100 crore mark during its first week is Salman Khan. The success of the flick has nothing to do with the writer/director Sohail Khan who has delivered more flops than hits while at the helm, and has so far survived in the industry because of his family connections. The aam-aadmi turned Superman who kicks, punches and still never gets hurt would have never been able to drag his film into this 100 crore club, had it not been played by Salman Khan. This was Salman’s first film after Dabangg 2 and it took 14 months for him to come back. Sometimes I feel Aamir Khan is right when he says Salman Khan films don’t need marketing and promotion. All they ever need is Salman Khan and his sunglasses!

Let us know what you think. Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

The Overseas Volunteers for a Better India (OVBI) celebrated India’s 65th republic day with the launch of their UK chapter. The evening was marked by soulful music by London’s leading South Asian artists and an inspiring rendition of India's national anthem and Vande Mataram by volunteers of the OVBI. The launch was attended by over 200 Indians from all parts of London including community leaders, members of the press, corporate executives, professionals and business people. Inspired by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s message for all Indians to vote for candidates of good character and a track record of service, the Volunteer for a Better India movement was started in India in Feb 2013, which was soon followed by the launch of the OVBI in the USA. The OVBI is a social, apolitical movement that aims to create a platform for all NRIs worldwide to join hands and address social, economic and political challenges facing Indians at both home and abroad. One of the first initiatives undertaken by the OVBI is the Vote for a Better India (VBI) initiative which aims to register 30 million new voters for the upcoming Indian elections, remove 30 million bogus voters from the voting rolls and educate 100 million voters in India on their rights and duties as voters. Addressing the gathering, Mr. C. B. Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujrat Samachar said that usually when he attends events focused on improving the social and political environment in India, he only gets to meets people who are more than forty years old. He said VBI is doing a wonderful job by awakening the younger genera-

tion of the people of Indian origin to contribute to nurturing their roots. Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the guests present, Ajit Tripathi, president of OVBI UK said that even a small country like Israel is so powerful today because Jewish people living abroad take every opportunity to give to the country they come from. Even in India, Gujarat and Kerala are both peaceful and growing rapidly because of the contribution the non resident Gujratis and Malayalis have made to their home states. Therefore there is no reason why people of Indian origin living abroad can not play a big role in addressing the challenges of poverty, inflation and corruption that hold India back. He said that in a world connected by the internet, the image and fortunes of Indians living in England are directly affected by what happens in India and therefore the Indian community in the UK must join hands and start working towards improving the current social and political situation in India. Mr. Tripathi also described how initiatives such as the VBI Android Application developed and bringing them back into the democratic process. Mr. Tripathi said that the Overseas Volunteers for a Better India by NRIs in California had dramatically simplified voter universities across India were removing apathy amongst voters registration in

India and how VBI initiatives in villages and will continue their launch concert tour in Leicester, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and several other cities across the UK to increase awareness of OVBI initiatives amongst NRIs. OVBI is also organising social media events for NRIs such as Google Hangouts with Chetan Bhagat, Kiran Bedi, Balasaheb Darade, Harsha Bhogle and other opinion leaders in India. He stated that OVBI will soon be launching initiatives to simplify voting for NRIs and a campaign to influence political parties in India to only nominate ‘clean’ candidates with a reputation for probity and good character. He urged people of Indian Origin to connect to the OVBI via the OVBI website at http://www.overseasVBI. org and social media such as Facebook (http://facebook.com/OverseasVBI), Twitter(http://twitter.com /OVBI) and Youtube (Channel OVBI UK) to get involved. The launch of OVBI was also marked by an entertaining and inspiring musical concert performed by some of the leading South Asian musicians from London such as Dev Joshi, Alok Verma, Hinal Pattani and Rajiv Chande. These artists had the audience tapping their feet throughout with a string of patriotic, soulful and sufi songs by Pankaj Udhas, Jagjit Singh, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Kailash Kher and Kishore Kumar.

Britain and India to build partnership in skills industry To improve collaboration within the framework of UK India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI), Britain and India have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi. Focus of this MOU signed after a bilateral meeting between the delegations led by Indian Minister of State (Labour & Employment) K. Suresh and Matthew Hancock, Minister of State for Skills & Enterprise, UK was aimed to collaborate and build partnership in the area of skills development and employment services.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Daughter charged with attempted murder of her magistrate mother with poison

Police have charged daughter Kuntal Patel, 36, with the attempted murder of magistrate mother Meena Patel, 54. Detectives believe Meena Patel was the target of an intended attack with a substance abrin, described as ‘more poisonous than ricin’. Kuntal Patel is accused of spiking her mother's Diet Coke with the toxin after allegedly buying it from an underworld website based in the US. The victim, who works at Thames Magistrates’ Court, allegedly drank the substance at her home in Stratford, East London, but survived. Abrin is derived from the distinctive red seeds of the rosary pea plant, a subtropical perennial commonly found in Peru. It attacks the liver, stomach and kidneys, and leads to vomiting, seizures and an painful death within 72

Kuntal Patel

hours. Experts say a dose as small as three millionths of a gram can kill if it enters the bloodstream. Kuntal Patel, who works for Barclays in Canary Wharf, appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, on Wednesday 29 January. She is accused of attempted murder between December and January 26. District Judge Jeremy Coleman refused an application for bail and sent her case to the Old Bailey for a hearing next month.

Veiled woman admits witness intimidation

Rebekah Dawson, 22, who made headlines when she refused to remove her veil in court when asked to give evidence in September, has now admitted to the charge of witness intimidation. The jury at Blackfriars Crown Court was discharged when they failed to reach a verdict. But after a short break, Dawson returned to court and admitted the charge, which she had initially denied. Dawson, of Hackney, East London, admitted intimidating security guard Daudi Yusuf at the Finsbury Park mosque in north London in June, after he was involved in a row with her husband, Royal Barnes. Judge Peter Murphy had ruled in September that Dawson could wear her niqab in court but said she would have to let the jury of five women

and seven men see her face if she gave evidence. But she responded by saying it was against her religious beliefs to show her face to men. In the first weeks of the trial, the judge warned jurors to put aside any feelings they might have about her appearance because it would have nothing to do with the case. Dawson was released on bail ahead of her sentencing, the date of which has not been confirmed.

Dental student kills herself on unlit motorway after being dumped by boyfriend Lena Begum, 18, who was dumped by her 'controlling' boyfriend, committed suicide by deliberately stepping into the path of traffic on a dark motorway, a court has heard. Lena, pictured, who studied at Blackburn College, had been wandering around the three lane motorway for up to two hours during which she recorded a 3am voicemail message for Quzlam Ahmed say-

ing: 'You will probably love me one day the way I loved you, but it will be too late.' Moments later, the dental student was killed after walking in front of a van traveling at almost 60mph along the inside lane of the M65 near her home in Burnley, Lancashire. Her parents, who are from a traditional Bengali family, became concerned about the relationship and had

Shrien Dewani loses bid to block extradition to South Africa

Honeymoon murder suspect Shrien Dewani is to be extradited to South Africa until he is fit to stand trial for allegedly organising his wife's murder, after a panel of three judges ruled on Friday 31st January, that it would not be 'unjust and oppressive' to force him to leave Britain. Dewani, who is compulsorily detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act, is accused of ordering the killing of his new bride Anni, 28, who was shot as the couple travelled in a taxi on the outskirts of Cape Town in November 2010. Anni's family welcomed the ruling on Friday but it is believed that Shrien could launch one final appeal to the Supreme Court to stop

the extradition. Dewani, who is from Bristol, has been fighting removal from the UK to face proceedings over wife Anni's death until he has recovered from mental health problems, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. His lawyers have stressed at various hearings that he will be willing to defend himself at trial once he is fit to do so, but they say he is unfit to plead English law under and his 'prognosis is not certain'. Anni’s father Vinod, reportedly said, on Friday: 'Since she was taken from us, life has been practically unbearable. I don’t know how we have managed to

Shrien and Anni Dewani

carry on. But the fact that we need Dewani to explain what happened on the night she was murdered has driven us each and every hour.

I feel no joy whatsoever at today’s decision. But I do thank the judges and the British courts for being absolutely fair and proper in considering all the details'.

NHS staff urged to report female mutilation Staff working for the NHS have been informed that they will now have to formally log any women or girls who have undergone female genital mutilation. Staff will be trained to identify the practice and will be told they must report concerns to social services and the police. Ministers are aware that the topic of female genital mutilation is fragile indeed and that doctors, nurses and midwives are reluctant to tackle the

issue for fear of being accused of racism or cultural insensitivity. Health chiefs are planning to create compulsory data codes so that frontline staff can no longer cover up the issue and must record when a woman has had female genital mutilation. Categories to differentiate between different types of mutilation are also being drawn up to help the NHS and social services spot trends in the practice.

Lords back a ban on smoking in cars carrying children

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, as well as many Lords, are controversially supporting a ban on smoking in cars carrying children, despite opposition from the government. Labour peers Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, Lord Faulkner and Baroness Hughes tabled an amendment to the Children and Families Bill detailing their proposal for England, which they said was about "protecting children". The amendment has since been approved by the House of Lords but has attracted strong critics, who claim that this is unenforceable and an extension of the nanny state. Mr Hunt had initially rejected Labour’s proposed change in the law, saying it was not the Government’s place to dictate what people did in private places. But the father of two has changed reported Lena missing several times from the family home. Lena was pronounced dead at the scene despite attempts to

his mind over regulations that would make it an offence for a driver to ‘fail to prevent smoking in the vehicle when a child or children are present’, with parents who defy the ban facing a £60 fine. The Government opposed it in the Lords but David Cameron has since said he would look again at the issue. The amendment provides the government with the chance, at a later date, to make it a criminal offence for drivers to fail to prevent smoking in their vehicle when children are present. Labour has said that if the measure does not become law before the next election, it will be included in its manifesto. Smoking was banned in England in workplaces and most enclosed public spaces in July 2007 following similar legislation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. save her. Records showed she had spoken to Ahmed twice on the phone for around 30 minutes before she died.

The extent of FGM in Britain is still unclear, with best estimates suggesting that 66,000 women have undergone the mutilation and 23,000 children are at risk.

On Saturday 1 F e b r u a r y , held Midwives talks with NHS England, which is preparing to announce fresh measures to tackle the problem in the coming weeks. They are thought to include an overhaul of the NHS system of registering disease to include female genital mutilation as a separate condition for the first time.

23-year-old woman breaks world record lifting 5-stone weights using ears

Dubbed the 'Iron Queen' 23-year-old Asha Rani has set two world records for lifting weights with her ears and hair, and is aiming to break one with her eyes. Rani has made her way into the Guinness Book of Records after setting the new record in a leisure centre in Leicester. Not only her ears, Asha managed to lift 8st 7lbs with the strength of her hair,

which she wore in plaits, beating the record of the previous holder, who managed 8st 4lbs in 2012. For both astounding records, Asha had to raise the weights 10cm off the ground for an agonising five seconds. Asha recently appeared on Britain's Got Talent and shocked the audience at the Cardiff auditions by lifting the presenter up using her ears.

As I See It

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Generation Gap - A bridge too far ?

Being member of the yuppie brigade with a confidence and higher expectations, sometimes the parents have differing views ‘How to handle their children’. Children of successful parents are naturally like to be rebellious- some more, some less. Only when the family is hand to mouth or the struggle for existence and survival is ever present, the generation gap is inevitably lot less than otherwise. A toddler of today will reach the university over next 15-20 years. He will also be the part of ever-changing society and challenges become more and more acute to overcome. That’s where perhaps the real questions arise. The generation gap is age-old phenomenon. It was always there and perhaps it will be always present even in the CB with volunteers at the Run For Unity event organised by i4Unity next millennia. Better India (OVBI) started in The ethnicity, color and relithe USA in 2012. Shri Shri Ravi gion of one or both Shanker is the inspiration, parents also raise very which has already recruited important questions. 30,000 volunteers (You may see In Britain almost 93 a report OVBI in the Asian per cent are of Voice). Christian faith, it is a About one hundred years Christian country and ago Servants of India Society no doubt so it should was formed by Gopal Krishna be. Hindus, Jains and Gokhale and actively supported Sikhs by and large by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and have no problem with later on by MK Gandhi. In that reality. Followers those days of the British Raj, of Islam have certain the Servants of India Society reservations or disencouraged and energised many agreements and one thousands in Western India, should also accept Rt Hon Michael Gove, MP especially in Maharashtra. them as a matter of In 1925 Rashtriya fact. In the primary schools in All the good intentions are Ashpal Kaur Bhogal speaking at the Youth 4 Gandhi Foundation launch Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) England, especially, in metrowelcome but as The Financial of Gandhi portal at India House on 31 January, in presence of Sam was founded in Nagpur (now in politan area with larger Asian Times says, “The blunt style Pitroda, Janhavi Prasada, HE Ranjan Mathai and Sangeeta Bahadur Maharashtra, by Dr. Hedgevar). number of children, I very often sharpens critics’ claws”. now as result of 10 or 15 famigious organisations. Several It is the largest Hindu oriented hear about different situations. Whether the parents have born lies in that locality with comtemples, Gurudwaras etc have organization and its basics are Christianity and Islam even and brought in Britain or overmon traits who like their chilweekend schools or camps in the unity, activism, energising more attention. The visits to seas, by and large they are very dren to remain in touch with the holidays for their own chiland empowerment and it had church or mosque is much more keen to give their children not their heritage and values. dren. provided yeoman service at a encouraged or explained and only the best education but the Shishu Kunj had been active One may or may not agree large number of natural calamieven a small matter of eating a one which will influence the for over 70 years. It was started with this focus of nurturing our ties allover India and several character and life of the stuin Karachi, in the pre-partition roots. All the same, I times abroad. It has its own dents. days, then through India it believe the stronger critics but perhaps its own sucThe perennial questions like migrated to east Africa with and deeper the roots cess invariably incurs the wrath the purpose of life, why are we centers in Kenya, Uganda and the tree lives longer of certain sections of the sociehere, where are we going – are Tanzania, along with the migraand becomes livelier. ty. That is also a democracy. very relevant today as they were tions of the community to UK. As Hindu I have Recently a unique organisaalways of significant imporShishu Kunj is now well organmore acquaintance as tion has been launched in tance. For grownups, the ised in London. It has three what is happening to London – Youth 4 Gandhi. options are different, very often centers; it is by and large incluIndian children, Hopefully you will also read the adults can choose their sive for Indicts faith traditions especially Hindu, about that in Asian Voice in path. The American University (In Asian Voice recently there Jain and Sikhs. There more detail. All parents and (Seton Hall University) has have been several articles on are several initiatives those who are not parents taken more ‘radical’ steps. This Shishu Kunj). I personally which are not necesthemselves, wish that their chiluniversity is a catholic universiknow, several hundreds if not sarily concentrating dren are intelligent hardworkty founded in 1856 and the thousands Indian grownups on their own faith all ing, well-mannered and peace number of students there are graduated from Shishu Kunj the time but they loving citizens. This are all very 10,800. It is reported that the centers and are active as sucimbibe universal valwelcome aims and the rising translations of Bhagavad Gita cessful, loyal and progressive ues which is more expectations are praiseworthy. by Stephen E Mitcheel is comOverseas Volunteers for a Better India (OVBI) welcome. citizens of the country. But we also know that the pulsory for every student joinat their Indian Republic day celebration Recently I4Unity a Run for Up and down the things can go wrong. There can ing the University. the Statue of Unity planned for United Kingdom, there are perbe many factors for the digresgelatin free chocolate creates It could also be a fact that construction near Sardar haps 600 to 800 week-end sion or the pursuit of downsome anxieties and dilemmas of most of the parents wish deep Sarovar dam on the River schools where they teach Hindi, ward trends. But a strong founthe children of Hindu, Jain and down that their offspring are Narmada in Gujarat. It is one of Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi or dation in the initial phase of Sikh families. brought up in more modern the pet projects of Gujarat Urdu. They also provide some that child, of that toddler can Special problem of Indict environment to achieve much Chief Minister Narendra Modi education and training in the perhaps be more a bull work Faith Traditions (Hindus, Jains, more than themselves and at and this project is propagating music, painting, dancing and against the damaging and Buddhists and Sikhs) are being the same time to retain their Mr.Modi’s ideology very activeseveral other artistic pursuits. destructive distractions. tackled almost exclusively in own “outlook” wherever possily. Some of them having old estab‘the private sector’ of the relible. This is again a catch-22. Overseas Volunteers for lished, some are developing - CB Education and upbringing of their children is a very important subject for all parents. Through the children, toddlers or even middle age grownups, the parents have some questions, some anxieties and even some guilt feelings about the upbringing of their offspring. In Britain, with its reforming zeal in the Department of Education, there are always variations in the interpretations or opinions. The Secretary of State for Education, Michel Gove has been very active – some say hyperactive ‘to reform’ the entire education gamut, especially primary education and particularly of even children as young as two. Recently Mr. Gove is thinking about children to start school at the age of two. He also recommends a ten hours school day ‘to broaden’ education.

An alarming 15,000 illegal foreign drivers avoid tax, fines and MOT Thousands of foreign motorists may be driving illegally in Britain, allowing them to avoid paying road tax, escape fines and skip safety checks. DVLA officials have admitted that they do not hold records of cars’ entry to the UK so it is impossible to prove how long drivers have continued to use foreign

plates. Owners of cars with foreign number plates are supposed to register them with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency within six months to ensure that they are taxed, insured and safe to drive. However, no motorists have been prosecuted for failing to do so in the past year, despite repeated warnings that thou-

sands are flouting the law. Ministers said they had no idea how many people are driving illegally, but reports suggest that as many as 15,000 motorists may be exploiting the loophole. The figure came to light after Andrew Percy, the MP for Brigg and Goole, asked how many people had been

prosecuted for failing to register a foreign car over the past 12 months. A DVLA spokesman said: “We are working with the UK Border Force and the police to explore how data can be used to identify foreign-registered vehicles that have been in the UK for longer than six months.”

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Leading Lights

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Minister Gregory Barker Visiting India British Ministers from the Prime Minister downwards (who has visited an unprecedented three times) regularly journey to India, demonstrating the importance Britain attaches to its relationship with the country. Mr Gregory Barker regularly visits India in his role as the Minister responsible for Business Engagement with India and as Minister of State for Climate Change. He visited India three time last year; in F e b r u a r y with Prime Minister David Cameron and a delegation of over 100 businesses, in July, and again in November with the Prime Minister. I was able to talk to him ahead of his imminent visit to India and he told me that this time round his visit is for the following reasons; l To build on the trip of the Prime Minister and I in November particularly on taking forward key collaborations on renewable energy, low-carbon urban development and climate resilience

l To champion the Bangalore Mumbai Economic Corridor l To advance energy and climate change priorities with Ministers and attend Delhi's S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t Summit. I asked Mr Barker how long he would be in India for and whom he would be meeting with. He told me, “I will be in India from 6-10 February to meet a variety of Ministers and businesses. My itinerary Gregory Barker takes me to Delhi, K o l k a t a Training.” and Mumbai. For examI then asked about the ple, I'll be attending the extent to which Mr Delhi Auto Expo and forBarker’s visit was driven mally launching by the UK’s need for busithe SMMT pavilion. I'm ness from an emerging really looking forward to market. The minister meeting UK auto manureplied, facturers looking “My visits are driven at India. I'll also be going by the deep ties between to the Kolkata GREAT our people and our govtrade roadshow, joined by ernments and our stratea number of UK compagic partnership. As a nies expert Government we have set in Infrastructure and ourselves the target of Education, Skills and doubling bilateral trade by

2015. The UK is among the biggest investors in India. And we now have more Indian investment now coming to the UK than almost all of the rest of the EU combined. For example, as the Prime Minister said in Davos, we are proud of the Indian investment in Jaguar Land Rover. We attach great importance to business partnerships with India and investing in each other's prosperity to generate growth and jobs.” I also wanted to know about the BangaloreM u m b a i E c o n o m i c Corridor, The Prime Ministers of both countries in February 2013 welcomed the development in cooperation on infrastructure. Mr Barker said that he hoped that working together on the development of a new BangaloreMumbai Economic Corridor (BMEC) will be a key part of that. “The Government of India launched the tender for the Feasibility Study last November so we are obviously at an early stage, and these projects

are long-term. My vision for BMEC is that it will be a model for commercially viable sustainable development, which integrates economic development, mitigation and reduction of emissions and adaption to climate change. Like much of our cooperation, I believe this project will help both India and the UK meet the twin challenges of creating green and sustainable economic growth while tackling dangerous man-

“India has an important role to play and is pioneering many exciting policies at a state and national level around renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean energy access.”

made climate change.” Like all countries, India faces the challenges of ensuring energy security at a time of increasing energy demands. Mr Barker commented, “The UK faces a similar challenge and is keen to share experience with India BP is one of the biggest investors in India, helping India to meet its

energy needs. Other companies like BG and Shell also have significant interests in India.” Mr Barker feels that transitioning to a low carbon model of growth is important for tackling climate change as well as enhancing energy security and accelerating economic growth. He feels that the best chance of securing cost-effective action at the global scale necessary is through a global deal to reduce emissions. “An international agreement will provide greater transparency and confidence for investors around the world and ensures a level playing field in competiveness, reducing the cost of capital and boosting investment, innovation and jobs in low carbon sectors and reducing the overall costs of mitigation. Both India and the UK (through the EU) want to raise ambition in the process. That involves us all taking more domestic action. India has an important role to play and is pioneering many exciting policies at a state and national level around renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean energy access. The UK sees low carbon growth as key to competiveness in an increasingly resourceconstrained future.”

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YOUR VOICE

Islamic invasion of India

Burjor Avari in his letter (a/v 11th January 2014) is critical of Mr Gandhi’s letter regarding Islamic invasion and rule in India. It is right on the part of Mr Gandhi to state that India was ruled, subjugated, exploited and looted by Moghuls who were Muslims with the help of renegade Hindu kings in the North. Hinduism is one of the oldest religion in the world. During Muslim invasion areas where Buddhists ruled did not fight Muslim invaders resulted into conversion to Islam. It is true Muslims annexed or subjugated most of India’s Hindu Kingdom. India was united only during the British rule and they brought proper governance and introduced proper education. It is pointless exercise to publish GDP of four main regions between AD 1 and AD 2003. The currency and coins were introduced properly only during the British rule. Hindu kingdoms like Pallavas, Pandyas and Cholas built several cultural centres by means of temples including mandaps, where music concerts were held and started Tamil sagams. Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta caves represent Buddhist art and culture. Gupta dynasty was considered as golden age of Hinduism and Ram Raja also existed free of Muslims. Sikhism was started to fight against Muslim tyranny and several founders of Sikh religion were executed. However Ramesh Jhalla was wrong in stating that Muslims have a role in moulding India. They introduced Sharia law and allowed Muslims to have four wives with several children. They introduced beheading of people using sword. Guru Govind Singh was beheaded and they allowed people stone to death for stealing and adultery or chopping the hand for petty crimes. They made Indians poor and brought a new primitive religion to India, that resulted in the formation of truncated India. Arun Vaidyanathan Via Email

Jains declared as minority

I am regular reader of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. Recently the news about Jains given a minority status is totally gross of Congress, who has minority mentality. Their policy is like imperial colonialism to divide and rule and playing dangerous game to win vote. Who asked for this minority status? Did the Congress ask any one before declaring this policy? India is divided by placing one Indian against another Indian. They have now given this status on the basis of religion which is dangerous and in no country such formal divisions exist. Jains were not discriminated in India, so why giving them this status? After 65 years why do Congress need to give them a new status?

Blaming the Moguls or the British

Axis of peace, progress and prosperity

Who is a real religious person?

Mr Ramesh Jhalla writes in his letter of 18 January that “later British ended Mogul dynastic rule and helped Hinduism to enter 20th century with dignity that was trampled by Moguls. Mr Burjor Avari disproves this statement by his letter of 25 January claiming that Indian share of world GDP remained the same during the Mogul era between 1500 and 1700 at 24.4%. Here I agree with Mr B Avari. However, when Indian share of world GDP is compared with Western Europe, I am not convinced that comparing the whole of Western Europe is synonymous with comparing Britain with India. Thus here Mr B Avari’s presentation of statistical data is misleading. Taking these statistics between 1820 and 1950 further, while India’s share decreased from 16.0 per cent to 4.2 per cent or 11.8 percentage points, China’s share went down from 32.9 per cent to 4.6 per cent or 28.3 percentage points. China was not ruled by the British then. During the same period, Western Europe’s world share went up by only 3.2 percentage points and North America’s by a staggering 28.7 percentage points. So “our good old British friends could not have trampled India’s dignity” (Mr Avari’s statement). Finally, to present statistics that do not add up to 100% is also misleading. To my mind, both the Moguls and the British have enriched India’s cultural heritage, religious diversity, dynamism and the links India now has with the entire world including the British and the Christian and Muslim world.

Once US described friendship between Iran, North Korea and Libya as axis of evil, conveniently forgetting real axis of evil between Pakistan, Iran and China that was primordially responsible for these States having or acquiring nuclear weapons of mass destruction they are willing to use as weapons of first choice. In sharp contrast India, Japan and South Korea, three democratic, economically vibrant nations are coming together to counter China’s evil intention in colonising South East Asia, having laid claims on vast areas of land and sea, bullying neighbours with her military might, waiting for undignified American exit. To thwart China’s evil intentions, these three nations, with the tacit support of Vietnam, Burma and Philippines are forming axis for economic prosperity with visit of Japan’s PM who was an honoured guest at Republic Day celebrations. Japan announced $1:8 billion grant to expand Delhi’s metro network and cooperation on space research and exploration. Japan is quietly shifting her manufacturing base from China to India with Gujarat its main target. If Modi becomes PM, this process will accelerate, bringing millions of jobs, creating unprecedented opportunities for Indian labour-force. Indo-Japan alignment will bring stability, be guardian angel for weak and oppressed. Irony is that West is ignorant, unaware and unconcerned, wrapped in moralistic nonsense, oblivious to Chinese menace. China, with her $2 trillion reserve and progressive, far-sighted leaders has ambitious space programme to colonise moon with human colonies by 2050 that would make China permanent super-power, dwarfing even American achievement.

During our recent visit to India we witnessed two different acts- one of honesty and the other is of bribery. We landed at the New Delhi Airport in November 2013 from Canada. As we were walking to immigration section, we were offered ride in a “Golf type cart” by it’s young operator , since we are elderly people, knew the walk is long for us. As he dropped us near immigration section I tried to give him a tip in Canadian dollar that I had with me. He refused it and said, “No sir. This is free service by Delhi Airport Authority and we are not suppose to take any money.” I insisted but he went off to drop other passengers wishing us nice stay in India. The second act we witnessed was at the holy city of Puri. From our hotel we were going in an auto rickshaw to the Jagannath temple for darshan and 2 kilometres away from temple at a traffic circle our rickshaw driver gave Rs.20 to the police as bribe as otherwise he wouldn’t allow it to go near the temple. Before entering temple we were asked to leave cameras, mobile outside but inside the temple we saw ‘Pandas’ (priests) freely using mobiles for personal chats and also eating Pan Parag (chewing tobacco) and spitting around the temple complex. Here is the big question. Who is a real religious person? One who is at Delhi Airport or others who are at the holy place of Puri?

Nagindas Khajuria Via Email

Modi’s challenge

Rudy Otter’s usage of the word “assuming” in the statement, “that N. Modi becomes next prime minister” has cleverly hinted that Modi may not become next prime minister. We should be prepared to swallow bitter pill if he is NOT selected. Remember, how Vajpyee’s party was knocked out even after “India shining”! Also remember, less than one year old, Aam Admi party snatched victory from Modi wave? This can be replicated on national level, hidden behind press blitz to promote N. Modi; false security balloon can be pricked by foreign money and international espionage agents. Yet we must maximise optimism to categorise tasks propriety by Modi ji. Top job must be eradicating postGodhra riot blot with iron hand. Next job must be generating wave of “Indianism” whereby uniform civil law can be implemented. Armed with this law, Modiji must garner confidence of all minority religious elements. This confidence must be used to eliminate Pakistan ethos from Kashmir issue, and firmly integrate Kashmir in India and open Kashmir to all Indians. Resultant harmony and unity of thought can resolve Ramjanmabhumi imbroglio to suit all.

Subscribe Today Pankaj Morjaria Via Email

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Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email Gaining and dictating, pro India, terms to neighbours is essential. This can be achieved by bold/ realistic measures instead of soft and timid diplomacy. Modiji must seal porous borders and retain only essential, pro India links. Corruption must be eradicated. Motivate foreign account holders to repatriate funds and invest in pan national projects eg inter-river networks, build silos, cottage industries, halt inane imports of luxury goods etc. Ramesh Jhalla Via email

The Shower that Rules Following on from previous discussions on this page, one wonders how comes we, a country which was much civilized and advanced in science, philosophy and mathematics (Remember we gave the most important ‘zero’ to the world?) than many others in those days, let foreigners rule over India? This week

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Suresh and Bhavna Patel Canada we celebrated India’s attainment of republic status (26th January) by singing patriotic songs and praying for our motherland. Isn’t it time to take stock and reflect on why we let first the moguls and then the British and the Portuguese trample over us? We have not learnt from past lessons and now we let a shower of ministers and politicians to divide and rule the country and thereby line their own pockets at the expense of the masses. Every year we celebrate India’s Independence on 15 August and its attainment of Republic status on 26 January by singing patriotic songs. But what has India given us? In a land of corrupt politicians, would we have owned our own houses and be driving our own cars if we had stayed there? What could a hard working honest person achieve there? Our forefathers left India for greener pastures in East Africa which was then a British colony. Most of us were either born or brought up in Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda and came here in search of even greener pastures. Given half a chance, many people living in India would want to come and settle here. Although our roots are in India, we have adopted Britain as our abode and have thrived here as we would probably not have done in our motherland. Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

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Schools in Britain with English no longer as first language on the rise

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Latest researches have revealed that English is no longer the first language for the majority of pupils in more than one in nine schools in the UK. In 2013 the majority of children in 1,755 primary and secondary schools spoke another language at home following a sharp increase in the number of pupils with foreign born parents. To help cope with the growing diversity of their pupils, schools have apparently engaged interpreters to help on parents evenings and bi-lingual teaching assistants for reception classes. In more than 200 schools nine in ten pupils do not speak English as

their mother tongue, with children speaking as many as 14 different languages. Across England, the number of pupils who have English as their second language has risen by a fifth to almost 1.1million in the past five years.

Of the ten schools with the highest proportion of children who do not speak English as their first language, all but two are outside London. All but one are rated as either good or outstanding by Ofsted, the schools watchdog.

Tories plan everyday 9am to 6pm school for children Paul Kirby from Prime Minister’s Policy group in the Cabinet, has made a proposal to consider plans to extend the school hours from 9 am to 6 pm for upto 45 weeks a year, allowing the parents to work full time without any additional childcare. He is also hopeful that this would prepare children for the workplace in the future, cutting down youth crime.

A Government source said that ministers were keen for more schools to experiment with different hours, but said Mr Kirby’s call for a compulsory 45hour week went ‘well beyond’ anything being considered. He has also suggested that long summer holidays and short working days for teachers should be scrapped. Schools already have the

freedom to set their own term dates and vary the length of working days. However, teachers’ leaders have warned that many children are already tired at the end of the school day, and need regular breaks to help them process what they have learnt in the classroom. School hours are usually from 8:30/9am till 3/3:30pm.

UK university applications rise by 4% Applications to universities in the UK have risen by 4% compared with this time last year - with many more women than men applying. There are warnings that men are becoming a "disadvantaged group" in terms of going to university because they are less likely to apply than women. The figures, from Ucas, show 87,000 more women than men applied this year. Ucas chief Mary Curnock Cook said this "stubborn gap" needed urgent attention. In total, 580,000 people have applied to start undergraduate courses at universi-

Boys fall behind girls in higher education Higher education chiefs have warned that young men are falling behind as more and more young women go to universities. The number of girls seeking a university place in 2014 is more than a third larger than that of boys. The chief executive of Ucas, the universities admissions service has said that the growing divide is becoming a more pressing issue than the number of applicants from poorer homes.

ties in the UK for the next academic year, compared with just under 559,000 last year. The figures include people applying from overseas as well as from within the UK, but a similar rise was seen in both cases. There was a slight fall in applications from people in Northern Ireland, but otherwise, numbers were up across the UK. The figures measure applications to 15 January, a key date for those applying, although students can still apply for courses starting this autumn. Ucas says that given that the number of 18year-olds in the popula-

tion has fallen, application rates for that age-group in the UK are at or near the highest levels. It says 35% of 18-year-olds in England have applied to university. There had been fears that the higher tuition fees introduced in autumn 2012 would put people off applying. Numbers applying from the UK did drop that year, but they have been recovering, although not to the levels seen in 2010 or 2011. According to Ucas, young people from disadvantaged areas in England are almost twice as likely to apply as they were in 2004.

Britain launches 370 scholarships for Indian students Around 370 scholarships worth almost a million pounds for Indian students have been launched on last Friday to allure students in UK universities. This was announced as a part of the ongoing Great Britain campaign to prop up the country’s global reputation. These scholarships will be made available to Indian students, applying to 260 undergarduate and postgraduate courses in law, engineering, business, art and design, biosciences

and information technology in 36 UK universities. This step comes after a recent study revealed that there was a 25% decrease in the number of Indian students studying in the UK Universities in 20122013 compared to the previous year. These scholarships are seen as a measure to draw more students and allow them to study in the UK. The scholarships will be tenable for the September 2014 and January 2015 student intakes.

EDUCATION/COUNCIL VOICE

Children aged 4 are to face compulsory reception tests

Changes are being proposed to early years and primary education in England, as announcements are being made that it will include compulsory national testing for 4 and 5 year olds from 2016. The decision to introduce tests at the start of the first year of schooling comes after a Department of Education consultation exercise in 2013, which first included suggestions of a brief baseline test. The Times reported that the government is expected to shortly announce the results of the consultation and officially reveal the new reception class test. The tests will take place in the first weeks of

reception class, when most children will be 4 years old, and will reportedly be designed to give teachers and schools a clearer idea of each child’s abilities at the start of their formal schooling.

To counter the likely criticism from parents, unions and academics concerned at the additional stress for pupils and teachers, the DfE is likely to abolish the current key

stage one tests that take place at the end of year two, when most pupils are 7. The Times report also speculated that the timing of the tests may be difficult for children born in summer, given that they may start reception only a few weeks or even days after their fourth birthday – and so may struggle compared with children who may be nearly a year older. However Russell Hobby, head of the National Association of Head Teachers, which represents many primary school leaders, reportedly said he saw no problems with reception tests, providing they were carefully managed.

Brent’s sham marriage crackdown given thumbs-up by Chief Inspector In a new report published into crackdowns on sham marriages by the Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, Brent Council registrars have been described as 'professional' and 'effective' in tackling the illegal practice. The report, which showcased the work of

Brent Registration and Nationality Service, was presented to the House of Commons and the Home Office last week. The report focuses on a raid and arrests carried out in October of last year in Brent where two 'couples' were caught pretending to be in a relationship in order to get married and

gain citizenship rights. Leader of the Council, Cllr Muhammed Butt, said: "Sham marriages have no place in Brent and I am delighted that the Chief Inspector has found that our registrars are some of the best in the country in tackling this illegal practice.”

Research based writers and advertising personnel required

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have an excellent record in publishing theme based special issues besides the two newsweeklies. In 2013 we published British Punjabis, Finance, Banking and Insurance, Diwali Special, Asian Achievers Awards, Asian House and Home from our UK offices and from India offices we published several special issues such as Rajkot, Anand (Charotar), Vadodara, Medical Tourism, to name a few. Asian Business Publications special issues are not only full of informations but they are also preserved by a large number of readers as a resource for future use. We have been approached by several readers to put together a very informative and useful special issues on:

a. British Lohanas b. Leicester Special

We have been preparing on these projects for some time. These special issues will provide attractive reads for individuals in London, Leicester and other places. Research based writers and marketing and advertising personnels are much needed for the above projects. If you think you are able to embark on an additional career, full time/part time, you are invited to write to L. George, Chief Operating Officer on george@abplgroup.com.

MEDIA WATCH

National Congress Minister Praful Patel whose party, led by Sharad Pawar, is a coalition partner in the Congress-led UPA government in Delhi, has asked that accusations of complicity in the Gujarat communal riots of March 2002 against Chief Minister Narendra Modi, should cease forth, as Mr Modi had been absolved by a court of law of being the mastermind behind the violence. That decision, said Mr Patel, should be respected. Those who were tried and found guilty of their participation, included a number of State ministers, who were duly sentenced to varying terms of imprisonment. All that can be said by way of criticism is that these events occurred on Mr Modi’s watch. It is time for closure on MrModi’s direct involvement. There is wisdom in Mr Patel’s words. He was clearly making an oblique reference to Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi’s recent allegations against Mr Modi. A truce in this unseemly war of words will surely be an opportunity for politicians to focus on issues rather than personalities in their respective campaigns. The personal element will inevitably be present but constant mud-slinging diminishes the dignity and seriousness of the process. A plague on both your houses, said Bihar Chief Minister Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who pronounced Congress guilty for the antiSikh riots of 1984 and the Bhagalpur riots [in Bihar] of 1989, and the BJP guilty for the anti-Muslim riots of 2002. They have all said their piece. Hopefully peace will follow.

Muscle-flexing in Kolkata

A monster rally by West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) at Kolkata’s Brigade ground almost brought the beating heart of this eastern metropolis to a stop. TMC supporters were bussed in from all parts of the state, those who were not took the route by rail. They started arriving from the morning before the day of the event (January 30), a notable feat of organization and crowd control. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directed her usual broadsides at the Congress and BJP, but reserved her most powerful volleys for the Communist-led regime, whom she accused of reducing the state to penury in 34 years of misrule. She has created a party from scratch and rode to power on the back of

February 5 for the BJP rally, while the Communist Party (Marxist) plan to hold theirs on February 9 (Telegraph, Hindu, Times of India January 31, and local Bangla TV channels)

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

and truly under control. For manufacturing industry the pain continues as the higher cost of borrowing impedes investment (Business Standard, Mint, Times of India, January 29)

Suzuki plant for Gujarat

Suzuki the parent company, not Maruti Suzuki, its offspring, will be setting up a new motor manufacturing plant in Gujarat. Under the new plan, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC)

Interest rate rise

“It is the economy, stupid,” remarked the canny Bill Clinton on his presidential campaign trail to a US reporter who asked what his priorities were. People respond most instinctively to price rises at the marketplace, to job opportunities and health care and so on rather than to the speeches of politicians. Public perception allied to ground realities normally win the day, but communication skills also play their part in election outcomes. Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan’s announcement of an interest rise by 25 basic points to 8 per cent, his third hike since he took office in September. As the rate of inflation had declined recently, led by a significant fall in food prices, there were hopes of a modest reduction in the interest rate. Instead, this has risen if only modestly.

Rajan explains

Raghuram Rajan

Mr Rajan explained: “There is no trade-off between growth and inflation. If we cut policy rates, do you think banks will also cut rates? A policy rate cut is not going to create immediate demand.” The perception is that the RBI is waiting to see if the

centration on roads, agricultural facilities, forestry, water supply and sewerage. China has laid claim to Arunachal Pradesh and Indian security services have long tracked Chinese weapons to insurgents. Japanese assistance for the Chennai port should strengthen Indian naval power in the seas to the east, and Japanese involvement in the construction of a highway linking India, Myanmar and Thailand will bring India closer to its foremost Southeast Asian partner, Vietnam (Times of India, January 28)

BSNL boosts Northeast

Suzuki

which holds a 56 per cent stake in Maruti, will become an exclusive contract manufacturer for Maruti. Suzuki will own 100 per cent of the new unlisted venture, Maruti Gujarat Pvt Ltd, a company headquartered at Ahmedabad, will manufacture passenger vehicles and components. The Gujarat plant is expected to be operational within three years. (Times of India, Mint January 29)

Relationship with Japan

The Hindu newspaper’s editorial (January 29) on the India-Japan relationship, following Prime Minister Shizo Abe’s recent visit to India, where he was Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade, is well worth reading. It was at the heart India’s Look East policy and part of a national consensus. “The strategic component of the relationship has increased dramatically over the last few years. Besides an annual summit, an institutionalized multi-layered strategic dialogue at several levels” – between Defence Ministers and Defence Secretaries and Foreign Ministers and Foreign Secretaries of both sides, one on maritime security, the other on the trilateral strategic accord involving India, Japan and the United States is in place. As significant is the agreement to open regular consultations between the head of Japan’s newly established National Security Council and India’s National Security Adviser. Mr Abe arrived in India with an impressively large business delegation to reinforce the economic dimension of the relationship. India and Japan are clearly in business. Big business.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is to complete its Rs1,500 crore 2G and 3G telecommunications network in India’s Northeast and east by the middle of this year. Its senior official Gautam Chakravarty said that once the project was fully implemented, service quality and capacity in the east, consisting West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jhartkhand, and the Northeast would increase exponentially. BSNL is expanding its capacity by 10 million GSM lines (2G and 3G) to help extend its subscriber base across the country (Hindu, January 28)

Mumbai Monorail

India’s first monorail in Mumbai was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. With this, India joins the US, Germany, Japan

kilometres and taking 15 minutes (travel by local train takes 40 minutes) between the central suburb of Wadala and the eastern suburb of Chimbur. Six trains have started operation at 15 minute intervals, but their frequency will gradually be increased. The overall project will cover 19.17 kilometres, the second and final stage scheduled to open in a year.

Consortium

The monorail was built by a consortium of engineering conglomerates,Larsen & ToubroLtd and Malaysia-based Seomi Engineering Bhd. Owned and operated by the Mumbai Metropolitan Development Authority, the project cost Rs1100 crore. “We are in the process of connecting the monorail stations to the existing stations and upcoming metro stations,” said a senior official.

Airtel surge

Bharti Airtel, India’s largest mobile phone operator, has more than doubled its net profit to Rs 630 crore in the third financial quarter ending December. Airtel said the data customer base increased 31 per cent to 54 per cent. A senior company official said: “There is still enough headroom for cutting discontinued minutes, that is something we will continue to look at.” (January 29)

Mindtree scale-up

Software services exporter Mindtree plans to scale up its US operations through more local hires and US delivery cen-

Mumbai Monorail with Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan

Japan enters Northeast

Mamata Banerjee rally

tsunami of popular discontent, resulting in the defeat of every Communist minister in the State elections of May 2011. Narendra Modi will be visiting the city on

fall in inflation is sustained. If it is, the RBI will reduce the interest rate appropriately. Before that, there could be a couple more interest rate increases to ensure that inflation was well

Japan is entering India’s northeast region in a big way, investing in and building overland infrastructure in forward areas abutting the Chinese military presence in Tibet. Japanese companies will play a major role in development projects in this sensitive strategic location, con-

Mumbai Monorail

Australia and Malaysia to opt for this mode of mass urban transport . Eight years in the making, this, the first part of the project, is a 15 minute run covering 8.93

tres. The midsized firm has just one delivery system at present, but will open two more, one in the West coast, the other in the mid-West. (Hindu January 30).

SMEs: Access to finance debate

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Bus driver/Magistrate criticises Britain's "slap on the wrist" justice system Abid Sharif, pictured, 36, from Burnley in Lancashire, has warned that Britain's "slap on the wrist" justice system risks making vandals out of householders after extreme cuts have been made to the police force. He also claims that criminals know more about human rights laws than their solicitors. Sharif was the victim of a daytime burglary in which thieves stole almost £10,000 worth of items. The bus driver, who sits one day a week at Burnley Magistrates’ Court, described police cutbacks as “crazy” and said it can take 45 minutes for officers to arrive at the scene of a crime. His comments come

just days after it emerged the number of police officers in England and Wales had fallen by more than 16,000 since the Coalition came to power. There were 128,350 offiat the end cers of September last year, a fall of nearly 3,500 in a year and the lowest number since September 2002.

Self-service machines are turning shoppers into thieves One in five customers have admitted that they fail to pay for some items when using self-service machines, according to a survey taken by VoucherCodesPro.co.uk. From the 2,634 people questioned, the most common reason for failing to pay was simply because customers found it very difficult to get the scanners to work properly. Rather than spend time trying to get the scanner to work or looking around for a member of staff to help, they just put the

item in their bag. Some 19 per cent of shoppers say they take items every month with a typical value of £15. According to these figures, the total losses via these tills could result in a staggering £1.6billion a year, with the cost transferred to customers higher through prices.According to the poll, the most common items stolen through selfservice checkouts are fruit/vegetables, bakery items, confectionary and toiletries.

Ukip Commonwealth spokesman forced to resign

Mujeeb ur Rehman Bhutto has admitted being the 'boss' of a high-profile kidnapping gang. Ukip campaigner Mujeeb ur Rehman Bhutto, who helped to boost the party’s m u l t i cultural credentials, has been revealed as the former leader of a Pakistani kidnapping gang. Mujeeb ur R e h m a n Bhutto, the party’s Commonwealth spokesman, organised a visit to a mosque for Ukip leader Nigel Farage and helped canvass in a key by-election in which the party came close to gain-

ing its first MP. But revelations have emerged which have caused the 35-year-old to admit to being the leader of a high-profile gang which were involved in a kidnapping in Karachi in 2004, which brought him a £56,000 ransom payment. B h u t t o admitted charges in a British court the following year and received a sevenyear jail sentence. On Tuesday 4 February, Ukip announced his resignation from the party after he was confronted about his criminal history.

Access to finance for businesses is small improving through a range of Government schemes, the House of Lords heard in a debate last week. Answering a debate to assess the access to finance to small and medium-sized busi(SMEs), the nesses Government’s Business, Innovation and Skills spokesperson Lord Popat said that confidence was beginning to return, but that financial challenges still remain for small businesses. Lord Berkeley who introduced the debate, criticised Government schemes for failing to reach the businesses that needed assistance the most. Accordingly to Lord Berkeley, businesses were still being held back by a lack of finance made worse by a lack of competition in the banking sector. Referring to recent examples, Lord Berkeley outlined that businesses were still unable to access finance as easily as they could before the recession. Lord Bilimoria, an established entrepreneur also took part in the debate and outlined a number of issues which continue to hold businesses back, “I do not want to banker bash but a number of issues need to be raised, including

Lord Popat

poor banking lending practices, punitive charges, interest rates, difficult guarantees, the exclusion of certain loans from approval and the changing relationship with banks.” Lord Bilimoria said that businesses continue to be bullied by banks through either restrictive covenants or excessive charges and also touched on the changing relationship between consumers and their banks, an issue widely felt by many. Lord Popat, responding for the Government, outlined a number of Whitehall measures to improve access for small and medium-sized businesses through schemes such as Funding for Lending and the creation of the British Business Bank. “The British Business Bank will support economic growth by bringing together public and private sector funds

Lord Bilimoria

Lord Sheikh

to create more effective and efficient finance markets for our small and medium-sized businesses. It will do this by bringing together the management of existing government loan guarantee and investment schemes and it will have the flexibility to develop new initiatives to form a comprehensive package of support for UK businesses.” Lord Popat acknowledged the overreliance on Britain’s five biggest banks, which between them accounted for 85% business current of accounts and confirmed that two new banks, Williams & Glyn Bank and TSB were being spun out of RBS and Lloyds Bank to add significant pressure to the banking market, along with other challenger banks such as Metro Bank, Shawbrook, Aldermore and Cambridge & Counties. Lord Taylor touched

on the tremendous contribution that ethnic businesses minority made to the economy at about £30 billion per year. Lord Stoneham, Lord Sheikh, Lord Leigh, Viscount Hanworth and Lord Story also took part in the debate. Lord Popat stressed the need for banks to have a good relationship with their customers, and took on board the issue of excessive fees, “the banks should really give their customers a choice, whereby those customers can negotiate legal and valuation fees helping to builder a brighter, secure future for all. SMEs are the engine of our economy and since 2010 about 460,000 more have been created helping to drive forward our recovery.” Do you have face any similar problems with your bank? If so we would like to hear, email aveditorial@abplgroup.c om

Police are not doing enough to tackle ‘honour' crimes

Police are facing a national inquiry into their handling of, what is come to be known as, 'honour' crimes in minority communities. Honour crimes can range from domestic violence and forced marriage to female genital mutilation and murder. The calls come amid concern that the reality of such crimes is hidden and many incidents are dealt with by smaller community forums that ignore the police and criminal justice system. Police chiefs said that any inquiry should also examine what other authorities, including health, education and social services, could do to combat “honour” crimes. The call for an inspection comes from Tom Winsor, Chief Inspector of Constabulary,

“that there is still much to be achieved if victims are to feel empowered to come forward and seek help”. The Karma Nirvana charity said that its helpline had taken 734 calls this month about “honour” crimes, including many from police officers who said that they had Keith Vaz received almost no training. who has also claimed that “There hasn’t been a there are British cities review of the where “communities from police approach to honother cultures . . . our-based violence since would prefer to police 2008, the policy is dorthemselves”. mant and there is no leadIn a consultation paper ership,” Jasvinder regarding his Sanghera, the charity’s inspection programme for chief executive, reportedly 2014-15, Mr Winsor says said. that police acknowledge “We have been asking under-reporting of “honthe Home Secretary our-based violence” and

for action so we’re pleased Mr Winsor wants to do a proper inspection because we know that only what gets inspected gets done. We need some drive and leadership from police forces. They need to listen to what the victims are telling them and pay less heed to cultural sensitivity issues.” Keith Vaz, the Labour chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, has reportedly written to Mr Winsor asking for an explanation of his comments about “cities in the Midlands where the police never go because they are never called”. Mr Vaz said: “He has made an assertion specifically about the Midlands which he has not backed up with any evidence.”

Britons who wish to join war against Assad face courts on their return Britons who choose to travel to Syria to fight the war against Assad will be “robustly” investigated and prosecuted when they return, a top anti-terrorism lawyer said on Monday 3 February. Sue Hemming, the senior terrorism lawyer at the Crown Prosecution Service, said that the law was clear that receiving terrorist training was an offence, no matter how ruthless the dictator might be. “It is a crime for people from this

country to go out and get into a conflict or go out for terrorist training,” Ms Hemming said. “We will look at the facts in each case, but ultimately it is potentially an offence and if it’s right to prosecute then we will.” Security sources estimate that up to 400 Britons have travelled to Syria to fight or take part in humanitarian relief work. About 200 are said to have had direct contact with groups such as the alNusra Front, which is allied to al-Qaeda

and may aspire to attack the West. There has been an increase in arrests of people trying to go to or returning from Syria since the start of the year. Security agencies are concerned that the conflict has become the “jihad of choice” for hundreds of young men who could be indoctrinated by al-Qaeda-style groups.

COMMUNITY/CULTURE

Punjabi Circle International organises its first gala UK cultural awards in Hounslow

The vision of Mr Nirpal Singh Riat OBE (Paul) the first UK cultural awards which needed months of planning including visits to India, took place on Sat 25th Jan 2014 at the prestigious Venue, Riverside Hounslow, Middlesex. The function was attended by 400 guests from around the UK. The high interest and to this event forced the organisers to close the entry 4 days prior. This was the first time an organisation had organised such an event. The Punjabi Circle International founded by Mr Paul Riat OBE in 2009, promotes punjabi culture through music and at the same time raises much needed funds for charities in the UK. The evening's Chief guests included Rt Hon Dominic Grieve attorney general, Seema Malhotra MP, Mayor of Hounslow Sachin Gupta, Cllr Santokh Chokkar, Cllr Jagdish Sharma and many community leaders from the London area. A message was received from the Prime Minister David

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Anshul Gupta

Deena Mistry

Dipti Vyas

Rakhee Shah

Devan Somaia Prinal Nathwani Shefali Davda Krupali Bhagani

Surinder Shinda, receiving a lifetime achievement award for services to Punjabi culture from Kurran Riat, with Seema Malhotra MP, Rt Hon Dominic Grieve MP and Paul Riat

Cameron. Through the past experience gained over 33 years in the music industry Mr Riat along with his team organised the event, which awarded persons who had contributed to the Punjabi culture. The recipients of the awards included Channi Singh OBE, Balwinder Safri, Deedar Singh Pardesi, Kumar and Dhami of Heera, Shin of DCS, Rahi Raghbir, Johnny Kalsi Dhol Foundation, Tony Patti,

Sathi Ludhianavi, Pritam Chaggar, Tochi Chaggar, Chaman Lal Chaman, Mrs Mohinder Bhamra, Jandu Lithrawala, Kurran Riat, Desi Radio, Pardes Weekly, Des Pardes, Venus TV and PTC. All the above awards were services to Punjabi Culture. The lifetime achievement award was given to folk legend Surinder Shinda, who flew down especially to receive this award. The function was well streamlined by presenters Tony Patti,

Kundan Bola, Gurnam Grewal and Kurran Riat. This event supported First Step Foundation, charitable organisation focusing on empowering communities against addiction in West London, of which Mr Riat is the Chairman of Trustees. The Cultural awards has been declared to be an annual event and will take place between the months of Jan and April each year. More information: http://www.punjabicircle.com/

A weekend of British Asian Cinema comes to your doorstep

The British Asian Film Festival is a great opportunity for film fans and budding film-makers to view the best of British Asian cinema and gain an insight into the films and the industry from the talent behind them. Rifco and Watford Palace Theatre present a weekend of the very best British Asian cinema, with film screenings, exclusive talks and special guests. The inaugural festival kicks off on the evening of Friday 28 February with a special chance to hear writer and director Atul Malhotra and cast talk about new coming-of-age comedy drama Amar, Akbar & Tony. The cast includes Sam Vincenti, Rez Kempton, Martin Delaney, Karen David, Laura Aikman and Goldy Notay with music by Rishi Rich. The film also fea-

CHN appoints new Chairman and Projects Team

tures actress and writer Meera Syal, who will also be attending a separate talk at the festival, discussing her career and the film adaptation of her self-penned book Anita & Me before a screening of the comedy-drama. On Saturday 1 March, the festival celebrates the career of talented film-maker Gurinder Chadha with screenings of family favourites Bend It Like Beckham, Bride and Prejudice and a short documentary by the director called I’m British But. Gurinder will also be joining audiences for a talk, giving insight and anecdotes about her career. The last day of the festival -Sunday 2 March, features a screening of Brick Lane, a drama adapted from the book by critically acclaimed

British writer Monica Ali. Actress and writer Harvey Virdi who plays Mrs Malik in BBC One's comedy series Citizen Khan and is currently playing The Landlady on Sky 1's comedy chat show - The Kumars, will be sharing her experience of working in the critically acclaimed film and other projects.

The festival comes to a close with a screening of the comedy West is West, the sequel to East is East, the hit film about a dysfunctional multicultural family from Bradford. Rifco and Watford Palace Theatre the team that brought you Britain’s Got Bhangra, Break the Floorboards and MummyJi Presents, are very excited to partner up once again to bring audiences the British Asian Film Festival.

Please visit www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/ BAFF for film listings and booking information.

City Hindus Network (CHN) is a not-for-profit organisation that was estabNaveen Ganpat lished in 2006 with the aim of bringing together an active network of Hindu professionals working in the City, and inspiring this network to undertake various activities for the betterment of the Hindu community, as well as of wider British society. CHN provides a platform for engagement in fields such as politics, charity, volunteering, education and

personal development, allowing its members to develop skills and undertake activities that benefit those around them. CHN is currently chaired by Prinal Nathwani, who was previously General Secretary of the National Hindu Students Forum (UK), with Naveen Ganpat holding the role of Vice-Chair and Treasurer. Prinal and Naveen are strongly supported by the CHN Projects Team, which includes Krupali Bhagani, Shefali Davda, Anshul Gupta, Deena Mistry, Rakhee Shah, Devan Somaia and Dipti Vyas.

I4Unity to introduce Modi Tea Club in Hounslow I4Unity is introducing Modi Tea Club, UK, on Sunday, 9 February 2014 at Kingsway Banqueting, 270 - 272 Bath Road, Hounslow, TW4 7DF from 12 till 3 pm. The organisation will distribute free tea and express their support for the Indian Prime Ministerial candidate Honorable CM of Gujarat, Shree Narendra Modi, pictured. Senior leader from BJP, India would be

live on google hangout. Shri Lalubhai Parekh OFBJP UK president will be the Chief Guest. To register log on to www.i4unity.org.

Vaishnavs gathered for the monthly Satsang of Vaishnav Sangh of UK and had the pleasure of participating in the Manorath of Shree Gusainji Pragatya Utsav with excellent presentation from Mehul and Vishal. The event concluded with Jalebi Prasad for all attendees.

Playback singer Chithra to perform in London Chithra, an Indian playback singer with many Bollywood hit numbers, is going to perform live with UK’s most popular Live Band “London Beats” along with Super Singer fame Sathyaprakash and Anakha. The show is to be held on Saturday 19th October, 2013 at the prestigious Fairfield Concert Hall, Croydon, London. Padmashree K.S

Chithra, pictured, has sang many Indian classical, devotional and popular film songs and she has lent her voice to Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Oriya, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali and Punjabi films. She has received six Indian national film awards – the highest by any female singer so far, have bagged five Filmfare Awards and more than 30 state film awards.

As part of India's 65th Republic Day celebrations, Anoopam Mission UK organised a 3km run/walk to Uxbridge Town in support of the 'Run for Unity' Project to commemorate the life and work of Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Despite the rain, the small but inspired run/walk was successful and the message behind the 'Run for Unity' Project was celebrated by all.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

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VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL

Aqua shard, located on level 31 of The Shard serves innovative contemporary British cuisine. The restaurant boasts breath-taking views from its main dining room, private dining room and a spectacular three-storey high all-day atrium bar.

Have a Valentine’s evening with the Stars this Valentine’s Day. Visit the Royal Observatory which is hosting an evening of romantic events where beaus can stargaze through the 18tonne Victorian telescope, enjoy the view (and a glass of bubbly) standing on the Prime Meridian of the world and watch a planetarium show about the breath-taking sights the night sky has to offer. Times: 5.30am and 6.50pm Price: £28 Contact: 020 8858 4422 Chocolate Making Valentines Workshop

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Celebrate this Valentine’s season with the release of Dharma Productions must-see romantic comedy film of-the-year Hasee Toh Phasee, which releases nationwide on 7th February 2014 through Reliance Entertainment. Set across Mumbai, over a decade, the film is about the relationship between the quirky, rebellious Meeta (Parineeti Chopra - Ishaqzaade), and the mischievous Nikhil (Sidharth Malhotra – Student Of The Year) struggling with their respective families to fit in. Nikhil bumps into Meeta on the occasion of her sister Deeksha’s wedding, while Meeta is on the run. He falls in love with Meeta’s sister Karishma on the same day. The film jumps to the eve of Nikhil an d Karishma’s engagement. Karishma’s wealthy father, Devesh Solanki, does

not approve of Nikhil as he finds him to be a no-good young man. On the day of his engagement, Nikhil promises Karishma that he will prove himself to be worthy of her within the next seven days. The truth about relationships is unfolded; the strength of unions is tested and love triumphs.

ELECTION SPECIAL

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Congress spews venom: Modi

Taking dig at Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s barb on him ‘Zaher ki Kheti’, BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi said that the Congress sow and spews poison and reaps the harvest from it by its divisive politics. Speaking at a mammoth rally at Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Modi accused the Congress of putting one religion against another, one caste against another and one state against another. Modi's counter-attack came a day after Sonia Gandhi at a rally in Karnataka accused Modi and BJP of indulging in divisive politics by "sowing seeds of poison" (zeher ki kheti) and instigating violence in their "hunger" for power. "People are asking Sonia Gandhi why farmers are committing suicide, her reply is people are sowing seeds of poison," said the Gujarat Chief Minister adding, “Sonia has told Rahul Gandhi that power is poison. Who has been in power for most of the time during the last 60

years? In whose stomach has this poison gone? Who is spewing this poison? Who is harvesting the poison?” In fact the Congress is the party which sown the seeds of poison, he said. Giving example of his home-state Modi said that he had made Gujarat free of riots, now he would like to see riot-free UP. Citing the recent murder of an Arunachal Pradesh student "under the nose of Sonia Gandhi" and the reported beating of a

Narendra Modi

Manipur girl in the capital, Modi said such incidents have dented the image of Delhi and India. Delhi should be seen as a global city, he said. He also accused Congress of deliberately not doing enough to mark the 150th anniversary of India's first war of Independence in1857which had been sparked off from Meerut. He claimed that Congress wanted to propagate a narrative as per which only the party made sacri-

Sonia puts most trusted sergeant to capture tribal belt in Gujarat

AV Correspondent

In order to get 272-plus seats in the upcoming general elections, BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is leaving no stone unturned to win all 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat. Knowing the fact, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Chief Sonia Gandhi has put non-other than her most trusted sergeant Ahmed Patel to capture maximum votes from the tribal belt – Ambaji to Umargam – which influences minimum seven Lok Sabha constituencies. The political secretary to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson, 64-year-old Ahmed Patel is already on mission mode. Last month he addressed a huge rally of tribal people at Virampur in North Gujarat’s Banaskantha district. On Thursday, the crisis man of the Congress party addressed a public rally of almost 20,000 people near Jhalod in tribal dominated Dahod district, just 30 km away from the Madhya Pradesh border in Rukhdi village. “Ahmedbhai is set to address many more rallies in the tribal belt in coming days. Already three rallies have been planned in Chhota Udepur in

Ahmed Patel with Sonia Gandhi

Central Gujarat as well as Bardoli and Mandvi in South Gujarat in February,” said Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) spokesman, Manish Doshi. The emphasis on nearly 500 km long tribal belt spread across Northern, Central and Southern parts of Gujarat put by the Congress party is an obvious move. The tribal belt consisting 17 per cent of total voters in Gujarat and they are having sway in at least seven Lok Sabha constituencies – Sabarkantha, Godhara, Dahod, Chhota Udepur, Bharuch, Bardoli and Valsad. Of these, four seats are completely dominated by tribal voters. In the last Lok Sabha elections in 2009, Congress secured three out of these four constituencies

including Dahod, Bardoli and Valsad and BJP managed to win in only one – Chhota Udepur. Patel, who has camped at his hometown Bharuch, described the rally organized by ‘Gujarat Adivasi Manch’ for tribal farmers and women on Thursday in Dahod district as ‘non political’, saying, “I have come here to solve your problem. The rally has nothing to do with elections”. However, he made it a point to convey message on how UPA government ‘worked’ for people through schemes like MANREGA, Right to Education and Food Security Bill. He also criticized Gujarat government on electricity to tribal people and diversion of Tribal Development Authority’s fund for other purposes.

fices during the freedom struggle and the role of others is ignored. Launching blistering attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Modi the recent “humiliation” of an African woman by its government in Delhi brought “discharge” to India globally. He said that Delhi should be seen as a global city. He termed Samajwadi party as ‘Samaj Virodhi’ party in context to increasing crime in UP under SP’s rule.

Azhar likely to contest from West Bengal

Former captain of Indian cricket team, M o h a m m a d Azharuddin is likely to contest in the general elections from a Lok Sabha constituency in West Bengal. Sources said that the former skipper was believed to be close to the senior Congress leader from West Bengal Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who is also Minister of State for Railways, was backing him. “In fact, Azharuddin had campaigned for Chowdhury in the last Lok Sabha elections,” said a source in West Bengal Congress unit. M e a n w h i l e Azharuddin was quoted as saying that his constituency in the state will be decided by Chowdhury and Shakeel Ahmed, who is also Congress observer in West Bengal. The cricketer on the recent opinion polls predicting likely defeat of the Congress party, said.

Mamata begins campaign

Trinamool Congress chief, Mamata Banerjee initiated Lok Sabha campaign by addressing massive rally in Kolkata on Thursday. She also reiterated her idea of third federal front saying that her party was the only alternative for the country. "Our fight is against BJP, our fight is against Congress, and our fight is against CPM. Our fight is also against corruption," she said. Bengal will show the way to India in the coming days, she said adding, "We do not want a government which encourages riots.” She also claimed that her party would play decisive role in the formation of a government after t he Lok Sabha election.

No alliance with BJP: NCP

Sharad Pawar’s political outfit, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) clarified confusion over party's alliance with partner Congress in Maharashtra in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections. NCP also made it clear that there was no move to join BJP led NDA. NCP legislator and Maharashtra unit’s executive president Jitendra Awhad clarified that NCP would definitely go with the Congress. He also indicated that the seat sharing negotiations between the two can be completed in the near future. Statements of NCP chief Sharad Pawar and party leader Praful Patel in Narendra Modi's support with regard to 2002 riots in context to the court judgments delivered so far raised speculation over the stand of NCP. Pawar’s party is in alliance with the Congress since last 15 years.

Nitish not to join NDA

Nitish Kumar’s political outfit Janata Dal – United popularly known as JD-U would not become part of BJP led NDA in view of upcoming general elections. Clarifying his party’s stand, the Bihar Chief Minister said there was no question on returning to NDA. Nitish clarification came after his party’s President Sharad Yadav allegedly indicated return of his party in NDA after the result of Lok Sabha polls. However, Yadav denied that he had given any such statement. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar said that he was seeing a possibility of a new government without either the Congress or BJP. The chief minister said his party along with the Left parties, including the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), had been working on forming a new political formation. Known Modi detractor, Kumar decided to go out of NDA after BJP declared Narendra Modi as the Prime Ministerial candidate in June 2013. His party’s association with NDA was almost 17 years.

Bappi Lahiri joins BJP

Well-known Music director and singer Bappi Lahiri joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of Lok Sabha elections. Known for his iconic style, the Kolkata born music director is resident of Mumbai for over four decades. Speculation has already started that Lahiri may contest from West Bengal and would be used for campaigning for the saffron brigade in the coming days. According to sources BJP would induct more celebrities in coming days in view of upcoming general elections.

GANDHI SPECIAL

The Indian High Commission and Y4G Foundation launch Gandhi portal for British Indian children

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Rupanjana Dutta

The first ever portal window to carry one history's most iconic figure- Mahatma Gandhi's life for the youth and children across the world (5-16 years), was launched at a high profile event, on Friday 31 January, at the Indian High Commission in Aldwych, by the Youth 4 Gandhi Foundation (Y4G). A freedom fighter, a visionary and a leader, Gandhi's life is filled with lessons that are imperative even in today's days and age and in these times of global unrest, his principles of Satyagraha and Ahimsa hold more value than even before. Now Y4G brings him in a new avatar to educate and inspire the future of tomorrow through its new age digital portal searchforgandhi.in. Moving with the times Y4G will reach out to school children and give them an opportunity to apply basic values of peace to their daily lives, in both English and Hindi. The Times of India reported that with the younger generation in mind this user friendly website will consist of fun banners and illustrations which will enhance the Gandhi experience. Games and quizzes have been designed to drive the visitors to know more about Gandhi and how much they can put to practice his teachings in their own day to day routine. The website would contain five main sections. The 'Know Gandhi' section will go through Gandhi's journey as a writer, philosopher and leader. In depth information about his life, struggles, learnings and discoveries from childhood till his death will be made available. 'Meet Gandhi' will take children on an online tour of Gandhi Smriti where he spent the last days of his life and his belongings and glimpses of his life on display. The website will take the children through a virtual tour of Raj Ghat where Gandhi was cremated. 'Gandhi Gaming' will bring out the fun quotient carrying games and quizzes that will educate youngsters about Gandhi through entertainment. The portal will also allow one to watch Gandhi's iconic videos and hear the audios of his most famous speeches. The endeavour to bring Gandhi's basic values to every school and youth all over the world is supported by renowned personalities from every walks of life, including advisor to Prime Minister of India for PII and Innovation- Mr Sam Pitroda, Indian origin international British hockey player and a London Olympic torch bearer Ashpal Kaur Bhogal and the Honb'le High Commissioner of India to the UK Mr Ranjan Mathai. Speaking at the launch, Sangeeta Bahadur, Director of the Nehru Centre said: "Those of you who have grown up largely in the 20th century, are very aware of the status Gandhi holds in the world, in our hearts. In in many ways he was instrumental in changing the map of the world

Ashpal Kaur Bhogal, Janhavi Prasada, Sam Pitroda, Ranjan Mathai and Sangeeta Bahadur

and its destiny as well, because without him, the world may have been a very different place to what it is today. His values, methodology, philosophy continues to guide and inspire not just individuals but nations as well around the world. However, the increasing materialism and self-hope characterises in the world of today, and the kind of change in which our children are growing up today have caused a distancing perhaps among the young people from the ideals and values of Mahatma Gandhi. They feel they cannot really relate to Mahatma's values, they apply to the tenets of a bygone era. This is of course untrue and completely untrue in terms of the universal values that Mahatma Gandhi espoused. One must admit with passing time, Gandhi has received in history for a lot of young people in an absence of a sustained effort by teachers parents, who project the applicability of Gandhian ideology and ideals to the evolving global order. This launch of this portal is an attempt to remedy the situation and acquaint youngsters with what are the real internal values that Gandhi taught all these years and that are as applicable today as they were 50, 60, 70 years ago." Talking about Mahatma Gandhi's relevance Sam Pitroda said: "Mahatma Gandhi is more relevant today than any time before in the history. Gandhiji is not only important to India and Indians but also important to the global community and in particular to our young. The Gandhi portal is really designed in a very special way to reach out to young people; its not a standard portal with just some information on Gandhiji, it has a very creative way of presenting material through animation, graphics, video content and make it a little interactive to make children take interest and explore. So we want to create once a year. We will have the first one in January 2015. For the last 5 years, I have been working on four programmes with the Government of India on Gandhi. One is to launch a portal. It is now live, I encourage you to look at it, we have 500,000 documents and it is the best live portal you can find on Gandhi. We have also identified 2000 heritage sites where Gandhi visited and we have selected 40 such sites. We have a Gandhi University in Gujarat, but why can't we take Gandhi's work and translate it in all languages and offer Gandhi

University in Kerala, Bengal, in UP and elsewhere? Finally, we want to create once a year, a Gandhi intellectual heritage conference. The most important part of Gandhi was his intellectual heritage. To be a Gandhian is not just about looking like Gandhi." Speaking about the event, Y4G Foundation's founder, Janhavi Prasada said: "Gandhi in India is the most popular brand yet most often misunderstoof not only in India but throughout thje world. And that is the challenge that we in our foundation in our

little way seek to address. Children are the future of any nation their character needs to be shaped with these values! It is the need of the hour, the onset of violence in every form around us, be it exploitation of nature, at home, violence in video games, in films, we have to encounter these with positive Peace valuesthese values exists you may feel they are outdated but it's the only tool that works. It worked for Gandhi too!" Ashpal Kaur Bhogal, speaking about relevance of Gandhi in her life said: "As a growing teen, I come across a lot of children and lots of child aggression, and I see that this is dominating children's behaviour more and more as you go down the age generations. Not only is it expressed through actions and behaviour but also through their aggressive language. This portal has generated a foundation stepping stone to help promote and bring back the values of peace and non-violence that Gandhi expressed. Youth 4 Gandhi is doing a great work to promote peace and

non-violence and we think it is an area that very much needs to be addressed. Without realising it, Gandhiji has played a significant part of the development of me as an athlete and has influenced me in my thought process and way of life. Peace and violence is something that has always been present in my life. Through out the sporting world, it is present whether you are on or off the field. My ultimate goal is to be an olympic athlete and to be the first British Asian in the national teams at the Olympic games." The High Commissioner of India, Ranjan Mathai, who hosted the evening, congratulated Janhavi and the team for launching the portal. He also said that people today are very often sen to use the phrase 'be the change you want to see in the world.' Gandhi said that 18-19 years ago. There must have been something in the message, that makes it relevant even today. He wished this new initiative by Y4G his very best.

India League and Indian High Commission observe Gandhi Martyr's Day in London

Tanveer Mann

Gandhi Martyr's Day was observed on Thursday 30th January, 2014 at Tavistock Square in the London Borough of Camden. Despite the heavy rain, many esteemed members of the British Indian community gathered at the iconic statue to pay tribute to Gandhi on his death anniversary, organised by the Indian High Commission in association with India League. Attendees included: Mr Ranjan Mathai, High Commissioner of India, Mayor of Camden, Councillor Jonathan Simpson, British Indian MP Virendra Sharma, CB Patel, Chairman of the India League and Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, Sri Joginder Sanger, Chairman of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and Amit Roy, the President of Indian Journalists’ Association as well as many other senior representatives from Indian organisations based in Britain. The programme began with dignitaries paying a floral tribute to the statue followed by short speeches, bhajans and vedic prayers by students of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (UK). The compere for the event was Dr Nandakumara, Executive Director, Bhavans. CB Patel introduced the programme by saying, “This is a very humbling moment, this is the first time ever that the Indian High Commissioner Ranjan Mathai is in attendance.” He extended his gratitude to the India House personnel, which regularly looks over the maintenance of the statue, and concluded by saying, “Gandhi's teaching, message, example was a beacon for Mr Mandela and many other people around him.” The Indian High Commissioner Ranjan Mathai

Indian High Commissioner Ranjan Mathai paying floral tribute to Bapu’s statue

followed CB Patel and said, “this is indeed a very solemn occasion and I am very honoured that you have all gathered here.” He paraphrased the words of Pandit Nehru and said,“Gandhiji did not want to

ourselves to the great ideals he espoused of truth, love and nonviolence and to overcome hatreds in himself including the type which led to his own brutal assassination.” Mr Mathai then concluded with a quote from Pandit Nehru: “For the light that shone on this country was no ordinary light, the light that illuminated this country for these many years, will illuminate this country for many more years and a thousand years later, that light will be seen in this country and the world will see it and get solace in our hearts.” Councillor Johnathan Simpson then spoke on the privilege of having the statue of Gandhi in Camden. He said: “We are stood in a square/garden which is very special indeed. Having Gandhi here as the person who kind of looks over

CB Patel, Chairman, India League, Cllr Jonathan Simpson, Mayor of Camden, HE Ranjan Mathai, Indian High Commissioner, Virendra Sharma, MP, Joginder Sanger, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Amit Roy, President, IJA, Bhanubhai Pandya and Ilaben from Mahatma Gandhi Foundation

be embalmed and to have millions of mourners to see his mortal remains. He would've wished to be remembered in the spirit and for his message and it is his message that we remember today and to pledge to dedicate

things and sends a message about peace and non-violence, I think its very special and its great to be here to honour him on the 65th year of his passing. Continued on page 30

FINANCIAL VOICE Financial Voice

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Dear Financial Voice Reader,

During the previous week investors were initially focused on the emerging markets' currencies selloff and didn't react to the encouraging news from the US. However, this was until Thursday when Dollar picked up pace and started gaining against its peers. Retail Sales in Germany fell 2.4%on Friday and more importantly Euro-zone's inflation missed the target for a second month in a row and printed at 0.7%. This means, in simple terms, that Euro-zone has issues moving forward with its recovery, a low inflation number is not a good indication for an economy that tries to grow out of a recession and this worries investors. On Monday, the surprises in the PMI and ISM reports drove the Euro and the Pound in different directions while the Dollar was under pressure. The European currency received some much needed lift from the better than expected Manufacturing PMIs allowing the Euro to run a short relief rally up to 1.3540. The numbers printed strong across the board and that is an encouraging sign for the Euro area that is struggling to find its pace on the recovery race. On the other hand, the Pound came under selling pressure when the Manufacturing PMI disappointing coming at 56.7, lower than the 57.3 previously eyed. Investors and traders sold off the Pound aggressively as fears for a peak in the recovery came back in the forefront. The fact of the matter is that the underlying components in the PMI report were better than the headline figure reveals but traders sold off the currency anyway, hinting us that it's the future expectations that worry them rather than the number itself. Dollar was also under pressure as the ISM Manufacturing report came in a lot lower than expected printing at 51.3 from the 56.0 expected, which is one of the largest drops in over 20 years. Analysts made word of the weather conditions that prevented people from going to work and tampered with production but still the weather can't account for this drop entirely. With the NFP miss last month, the deteriorating conditions in emerging markets and the drop in the Manufacturing activity the Dollar really needs something solid to hold on to. Might that be the NFP report later this week? The fact remains that confidence among investors has taken a hit and a stabilizing factor is needed. Janet Yellen, the new head of the Fed, is expected to play a vital role in bringing back confidence in investors' hearts and I'd like to see how the new Chairwoman will cope with this mission. Definitely the event of the week will be the NFP release on Friday and investors are eager to see whether the previous miss in the employment figures was nothing more of a blip on the radar or more weakness should be expected in the jobs sector in the US.

Paul Singer joins Vyman Solicitors

Paul Singer, commercial lawyer and B r i t i s h Hospitality Association board director, has been appointed as head of commercial property at Vyman Solicitors in Marylebone High Street. Senior Director, Anup Vyas, said, “Paul has a

wealth of knowledge, experience and connections in the property, restaurant and leisure market, particularly in Central London. We are confident that his involvement will add considerable value to our clients and a unique extra dimension to our advisory services in these sectors.”

India has overtaken Japan as the world's thirdbiggest crude oil importer in 2013, data showed. India imported 3.86 million barrels-per-day of

crude oil last year. India's imports were nearly 6 per cent higher than Japan's customs-cleared imports of 3,648,372 bpd (211,716,710 kilolitres).

India overtakes Japan as world's No.3 crude importer

Alpesh Patel’s trading system outperforms all UK fund managers

Alpesh Patel, the wellknown asset manager, developed a software for the private investor, the ‘Sharescope Alpesh Patel Special Edition’ trading system, which has achieved a return of 351% over 10 years compared to 56.5% for the FTSE AllShare. It has also beaten the 10 year return of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (one time the world’s richest man and best known investor) which only rose 100% in that time. Patel has also beaten all the top performing managers in the UK over the 10 year period. The’ Value/Growth’ system developed by Alpesh Patel targets companies with an outstanding combination of valuation, growth and dividend characteristics. The system maintains an up-todate shortlist of companies that meet his criteria. He said. “I grew up under Thatcher’s vision of a share-owning democracy, so I’ve always believed in the public owning shares – that is a true capitalist democracy where entrepreneurs can go to the public not just banks for money. I’ve always wanted to share professional-standard research with private investors and help them generate a market-beating return without the legwork or costly fund manager fees. ShareScope is the perfect vehicle for my system because it provides high quality data and the powerful tools which enable the system to be automated. When the credit crunch happened, I was even more keen to make sure the public didn’t have to rely on overpaid bankers, brokers and fund managers who got paid for underperforming. Now a machine proves it! It’s especially sweet because after I left Oxford and the Bar I was rejected by all the big banks.” He continues, “Sure I could have become ridiculously rich by charging huge fees to manage the portfolios of the super-rich and keeping my expertise to myself, but that was fundamentally against my vision for a share-owning democracy where everyone can participate. Personally it’s been a huge financial sacrifice, but I’ve been motivated by the political fairness of the idea as much as solving a major problem private investors face: huge fees, and which stocks to buy.” Patel says “Buy the stocks on the shortlist on any day of the year and

hold for 12 months. Sell any stock that falls 25%. It’s that easy. I target 25% per year return but this is a guide. Over a ten year period which has included the credit crunch, I‘m very happy with 16.3% annualised return.” His story of how he invented the software can be found at: http://storify.com/alpeshp1/top-market-tips.html The system has been measured independently by Sharescope by doing just this. Usually, Alpesh highlights the stocks in his filter in January – in the newsletter he writes for subscribers to the system. The performance of the stocks is measured form the closing price on the date of publication to the close on the last trading day of the year. Any stock that has fallen 25% from the start price, at any time during the year, is logged as a 25% loss. The annual picks have achieved a total 351% increase over ten years given an annualised return of 16.3%. Patel added “Despite the recent market sell-off I remain bullish for 2014. This could be an excellent time to buy into the stocks in my Value/Growth screen”. Private investors can download and try the software for themselves by v i s i t i n g : www.sharescope.co.uk/al peshpatel As further free resources for private investors Patel also launched www.investingbetter.com offering free daily market tips and w w w. a l p e s h p a t e l . c o m which gives investment educational videos. “I want others to learn and do it themselves too,” says Patel. What next for Patel, “Well DeepMind the algorithm maker just got bought for $400m by Google. My company TraderMind makes algorithms, so maybe it’s time I got rich – but off Google, not the public. I’ve been Co-Chair of the Loomba Trust over the past few years which looks after widows and orphans, so that would be a good thing to focus on as soon as Google buy my company out!” Alpesh Patel: Alpesh Patel is the founder of a FCA regulated asset management firm managing millions of dollars in investments. He won the Financial Times competition to ‘predict the FTSE 100’ over a 12 month period beating other City professionals and traders to

come within 0.5% of the final value. Each fortnight he appears on the BBC to provide his much soughtafter analysis of global events – reaching 280 million viewers worldwide. He is invited regularly on Bloomberg, CNBC, CNN, Al Jazeera and other major networks and has given investment speeches in US, China, India, Guatemala, Thailand among many others. He is the author of 18 books on trading published which have been translated into German, French, Mandarin, Russian, Polish, Korean and Thai. His book Trading Online hit number 2 on the Amazon bestseller list, just behind ‘Harry Potter’. S h a r e S c o p e : ShareScope has been voted the UK’s “Best Investment Software” for nine years running by

readers of Shares magazine and eight out of the last nine years by readers of Investors Chronicle. It is also widely used by investment journalists and writers, pundits and trainers. ShareScope covers equities, indices, funds, investment trusts, ETFs, bonds, forex, commodities and economic data. It provides comprehensive portfolio management facilities and a powerful stock screener. ShareScope runs a fortnightly sentiment survey which typically receives around 900 responses. If you would like to pose a question in this survey to gauge investor sentiment on an issue, please contact us. The survey is delivered electronically via ShareScope on a Monday with results available to you on the Thursday. 70% of our customers invest and 70% trade.

India to create 100 mn jobs: Anand Sharma

Anand Sharma, India’s commerce and industry ministry, while addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos said that the country would be aiming to create around 100 million skilled jobs by 2022 in the manufacturing sector by raising its share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 16% to 25%. A large delegation of ministers as well as business leaders from

India attended this annual meeting. Sharma also had interactions with some top executives of large companies from across the world and met around 80 business leaders from India and abroad at an investment roundtable. He also met top executives of global firms, including Diageo, Heineken and Shell, and pitched about the growth of India.

The luxury car markers are planning to launch more high-end cars in India this year. Hyundai is likely to launch three new cars, Sedan of the Hyundai Grand, the proposed multipurpose vehicle (MPV) and the refreshed new Santro. Maruti Suzuki is also looking forward to launch face-lifted version of Swift, SX4 and Dzire. Even Honda, Datsun,

Tata Motors are planning to launch new cars this year. Tata Motors will be launching new Vista and Manza this year. Mercedes Benz could be the first to launch its new model this year, the new S-Class. BMW is planning a slew of new launches, the new X5, 3GT and MINI. Porsche will be launching the new Mecan and Mecan Turbo later this year.

NASDAQ OMX, the American stock exchange, has opened a new office in Bangalore which will focus on developing new technologies, including the next generation investors relations platform. NASDAQ had shut its operations in India in 2009. This is the second time they have entered the Indian market

and are looking to deepen their business relationships and outreach within the Southeast Asia region. NASDAQ’s technology solutions are used by over 10,000 customers in 60 countries including public and private entities, exchanges, regulators and broker-dealers and powers over 80 marketplaces worldwide.

Luxury car makers focus on Indian market

NASDAQ opens office in Bangalore

FINANCIAL VOICE

Leaving some meat on the bone

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

Being a Gujarati from India it causes me a lot of emotional and physical pain to leave money in a property when I’m the one selling it. However it is something I have been almost forced to do. In fairness we have been on the receiving end of good deals many a time. So perhaps I should learn to spread the wealth. However this is a painful lesson for me! A building we acquired in Earls Court for £4.877m is being resold for £5.5m or perhaps a touch more, if we negotiate well. This equates to only £1,180 per sq ft. The property next door has been agreed at somewhere near the asking price of £1,523 per sq ft. This means our building is worth £7m on a straightforward break up, without any sq ft added or much money spent. What’s more this area is on its way up, being ear marked for one of the most aggressive regeneration programmes in London. It’s not just the numbers, the property also has many aesthetic qualities, the sun shines right into the property throughout the day, you get access to the Square, which is over an acre, which the property faces. It has high ceilings on most of the floors and it has a feel good factor about it. This is something end users will pick up when coming to purchase the property. Why may you ask are we selling this building knowingly cheap? The answer is the fund we have purchased it in is in the business of flipping properties. The purpose of flipping is to resell prior to completion and not to complete. Flipping properties it can be argued is not even classed as property investments. As the aim is to increase the percentage of the seed investment, as opposed to completing on assets and holding them or improving them, which is what typical property companies do. We are trading with the option to purchase a property, not the property itself.

W e have done no thing to ad d value to this property, the value was in t here when we purchased it. We have bou ght this way be low market value , he nce we are abl e to le ave some me at on the bone o n t he resell. It can be asked why we don’t hold on and realise the full potential. The reason being the completion will add about 4% in stamp duty and 1.25% in finance costs, this means the profit margin will decrease by nearly £300,000. Hence reducing the profit to £1.2m, that is assuming we get the funding in the first place. We will be incurring financing costs every month we hold it and what’s more we will be out of the market for purchasing properties with this fund anyhow. Trading the properties also means you’re always a buyer in the market, you always have cash in your back pocket. The cash is continuously being recycled. An agent we have bought some stock from commented to me today that we seem to have very deep pockets, money on tap. The secret is we recycle a lot of our funds. Before we enter a deal we can see the exit in place already. We have been in and out of deals as quick as 3 days. We purchased a block in Maida Vale for £1.1m and three days later we had resold this at £1.3m. This was purchased straight from the auction, it was there for everyone to bid on. However we did have some inside knowledge regarding the property, the property was listed as having unknown tenancies, however through a local agent we knew they were all standard tenancies. The market is currently on your side for doing these types of activities as its lifting prices upwards month by month. This game can however prove to be a double edged sword. The market can also

move downwards and the price agreed can end up being higher than what it’s worth. You need to be able to read the trend, the trend is your friend. When prices went down in 2007 what many investors were caught out on was new build properties, where the exchange would happen prior to the property being built and on physical completion some years later the rest of the money became payable. They had exchanged with 10%, however at the time of completion the prices for these properties went down to way below the price they were purchased at. Most of the investors thought they could simply walk away from the investment and dump their 10%. Not so, in one famous case the developer sued the purchaser into completing the flat and won the case. In all fairness if the purchaser made a gain they would not share it with the developer so why when they make a loss do they put it all on the developer’s head? We will be closing our deal in Earls Court in a day or two. The way we close is not to entertain the offer and wait several weeks/months for the deal to happen. Our lawyer has the full legal pack ready and the buyer will walk into his office and do the deal within 48 hours of having it agreed. This is the basis with which we offer the deal. We have other flips already lined up and therefore will need the cash available to be always in the position of a buyer. And cash is always king.

The Real Deal

W e have al so ag reed man y d eals in the past couple o f days, f rom an ex-coun cil in Quee nsway for £315k wort h £400k, t o a be aut iful share of free hold fl at in Mayfair for £1.5m worth ove r £1. 8m, with a f ew bit s in bet ween . Th e price of e x co uncil flat s have g one thro ugh the roof, two bedroom pro pe rties wh ich we sourced f or clien ts for £315k only 2 and a h alf years ago are now worth £450k, and it look s like t hey’ re still risin g.

Burwood Place, London, W2 Purchase Price: £565k l A bright one bedroom apartment in this highly sought after location l Excellent buy and hold opportunity l Massive capital growth potential in the future l Close to the beautiful open spaces of Hyde Park and shopping amenities and Marble Arch tube station l Worth £625k and is on its way up!

To get discounts on properties in these locations is extremely rare. We are able to do so due to the time we have been in this locality and the contacts we have built up, as well as executing on deals time and time again. We all get the emails where you are promised a property which is 25 to 40% below market value, most of these are in the North of England, generally with high yields. However, chances are they may never rise and if they do it will be a miserly rise in value. When the prices go down these sorts of properties are often the first to be hit. Always remember the first mantra of property investment: Location, Location, Location. Keep repeating this mantra - it will liberate you financially.

Call us now to reserve!

0207 993 0103

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

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Central London Property Sourcing

info@sowandreap.co.uk

www.sowandreap.co.uk

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Tips of the Week

l Decision making and speed are two characteristics which separate the investors who make money and those who do not. More people lose money by not making a decision than making the wrong decisions when investing in property.

l While renovating a property, try to get multiple quotes. But always be mindful of not just the quotation but the time period as well, as the delay will be costing you in interest and losing you rental income.

FINANCIAL VOICE maria@abplgroup.com

Double standards?

Maria Fernandes

This week the debate on the Immigration Bill has focused on human rights in two areas with divergent views expressed in each and emphasis placed on the political rather than the legal position. On the one hand British citizens who obtain their citizenship in the UK can be stripped of their citizenship even if it leaves them stateless. This measure flies in the face of international law where attempts are being made to prevent this. It should not be forgotten that statelessness was used by Germany to strip Jewish people of their right to citizenship of Germany and as a result of the “evil of statelessness” (a term used by the Supreme Court recently),this led to the development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which stated that no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of citizenship. The U.K. are signatories to a Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. The law that developed, upto a point, was that Parliament was keen to honour its international obligations. There were sharp moves to the right to deprive citizenship by making inroads into the meaning of statelessness. One such case came before the Supreme Court where it was argued on behalf of the Secretary of State that the ability to obtain citizenship is enough reason to strip it from the individual. Not so ruled the judges. A person is either

a citizen of another country or not. If the latter applies then that is the end of the matter. They would be stateless and could not lose their right to British citizenship. The Government have just passed an amendment to the Immigration Bill which will now permit the stripping of citizenship of a non-UK born person whether or not this results in statelessness. The practical effect of this is not just a right to live here but this will pervade every area of that person’s life including that of children. As all this was going on in one area, Dominic Raab MP re-introduced an amendment to the Bill that would have the effect of preventing foreign criminals from benefiting from human rights legislation. The Secretary of State, rightly, argued that this would result in a number of expensive challenges before the European Court. In the end, the Government were asked to abstain from voting on this issue despite the groundswell of opinion that the UK should sign out of the European Convention of Human Rights. The amendment failed to make it to the books. The moral of this story? British citizens will lose important rights whilst foreign nationals who are criminals will not. Double standards? Maria Fernandes can be contacted by telephone on 02087330123, or by email on info@fernandesvaz.com

Coke’s expansion plans halted in India

Coca-Cola, the USbased soft drinks company’s expansion plan has been halted following agitation by local farmers for causing water shortage in Medhiganj. The company has already been operating a plant in Medhiganj and wanted to expand its bottling capacity. The company applied to India’s Central Ground Water Authority in June for permission to begin running a new $24m bottling line. The government has yet to give permission for expansion, leaving the new line, which has the potential to produce 600 bottles a minute, doubling

the plant’s existing output – idle for the past eight months. CocaCola and its rival Pepsi have both announced plans to invest $5billion in India by 2020, as they seek to tap into growing demand from increasingly affluent consumers. CocaCola says India could be one of its five biggest markets within the next couple of years. However, analysts say India’s worsening water shortages – and the highly-emotive politics over access to water – could pose an increasing problem to these companies’ ambitious plans.

Labour MPs meet CII members to discuss UK-India trade links

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Last week a delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry were welcomed to Parliament by Feltham and Heston MP Seema Malhotra for a discussion on how to increase the partnerships and business relationships between the UK and India. Discussions addressed the challenges and priorities for the British and Indian economies. Particular priorities for Indian businesses included opportunities for small and medium enterprises, regional investment strategies in the UK and India, areas for increased support from UKTI, increased promotion of the entrepreneurship and investor visa opportunities, and higher education partnerships. Key Labour business

figures attended the meeting including Shadow Business Secretary, Chuka Umunna MP; Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Chris Leslie MP; Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Catherine McKinnell MP; and Virendra Sharma MP, Chair of Indo-British APPG. Seema Malhotra MP, Chair of the

Parliamentary Labour Party Business Interest Group, said: “I was delighted to host the second in a series of successful roundtable discussions on behalf of the Labour Party which has established an important dialogue between business in Britain and India. “India and Britain have a strong and important

relationship and we look forward to working with the CII on how Government can better support the needs of business and investors, as well as opportunities to discuss how our two nations tackle broader social issues we face and economic regeneration. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the development of India, partnering industry, Government, and civil society, through advisory and consultative processes. Attendees included representatives from Tata Limited, Life Insurance Corporation of India, State Bank of India, Khaitan & Co, Kingston Smith LLP, Infosys Ltd, Indiabulls and Hinduja Group (Sangam).

AlphaOne’s shopping festival ends with R-Day fete

Gujarat’s largest retail and lifestyle destination, AlphaOne celebrated the 65th Republic Day with a variety of programmes. The festivities began with flag hoisting and national anthem. The day also marked the culmination of the ongoing 16-days AlphaOne and Vodafone Shopping Festival from 11th January to 26th January, 2014. In the evening, Team Talwalkar took up the stage with dance performances and fun games. Vocalist and Musician, Binny Sharma also mesmerized the audience with his soulful voice. The Winners of the “AlphaOne – Vodafone Bumper

Lucky Draw Contest” are Parth Mehta and Deepak Gupta who became the proud winners of a Mahindra Rodeo and a Mahindra Centuro respectively. Other 4,000 gifts were also given away at the function.

Sudhir Choudhrie, Vice Chairman, Alpha G:Corp, said, “On this landmark day, we affirm our commitment to optimum customer delight as an unconditional priority in all operations and promotions thereby making

AlphaOne, the pride of Gujarat.” Jayen Naik, VP Malls, AlphaOne, gave away several other gift hampers to the winners of daily and weekly competitions held during the Shopping festival.

nated, as it was during the crisis when emerging markets helped industrialised nations cope with their weakening economies. “Emerging markets tried to support global growth by huge fiscal and monetary stimulus,” he said, adding that if industrialised nations insisted on developing countries going it alone, then they “may not like the kinds of adjustments we will be forced to do down the line”. “We need better cooperation and unfortunately that has not been forthcoming so far,” he said. Rajan’s words will carry force: he has taken radical action since his appointment last September to restore investors’ confidence in India. His comments underline the bitterness felt in many emerging markets that have struggled to manage both the inflows of hot money, while the Fed was ramping up its stimulus programme, and the prospect of their withdrawal.

After the US Department of Justice imposed a fine of $ 500 million on Ranbaxy in May 2013 for distribution of adulterated drug between 2002 and 2007, the company has imposed a new code of conduct for the staff and clear accountability. It is a different company now, said Arun Sawhney, the chief executive of the Indian drugs group. “All Ranbaxy products currently in the global market are safe and effective,” he said. A key question is how these lapses have persisted under Daiichi Sankyo, Ranbaxy’s Japanese majority owner, given that country’s reputation for highquality, precision manufacturing? Meanwhile, the US Food and Drug Administration has banned imports from another Ranbaxy facility for violating quality standards.

Raghuram Rajan hits out at industrialized countries

Raghuram Rajan, the governor of India’s Reserve Bank of India, hit out at the US and other industrialised countries for running selfish economic policies as their recovery leads to turmoil in emerging markets. Speaking a day after the US Federal Reserve moved to withdraw more of the monetary stimulus which fuelled strong inflows into developing countries, Rajan said emerging markets had helped pull the world out of the 2008 financial crisis and should not be ignored now. “International monetary co-operation has broken down,” Rajan said in interview, two days after RBI raised its main interest rate by 25 basis points to 8 per cent. India, Turkey and South Africa have all raised interest rates this week. This was in part to stop sharp devaluations fuelling inflation as investors switch into recovering developed countries such as the US, which reported annualised growth of 3.2 per cent in the last quarter of 2013.

Raghuram Rajan

“Industrial countries have to play a part in restoring that co-operation, and they can’t at this point wash their hands off and say, we’ll do what we need to and you do the adjustment.” Rajan’s comments reflect the growing dysfunction of the international G20 process now it lacks the urgency of crisis summits in 2009 and 2010. The US Congress recently refused to ratify a longplanned quota increase for the International Monetary Fund that would give more say to emerging markets. Rajan said policy making should be more coordi-

Sudhir Choudhrie

Ranbaxy imposes new code for staff

FINANCIAL VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Foreign Exchange

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX, Currency Specialists.

Global Slowdown Driving Stock Market Down Fears of an emerging market crisis and a global slowdown have driven world stock markets down into correction territory, as investors begin the week in a nervous mood. The outbreak of nervousness in risk assets has been attributed mainly to a combination of Fed tapering, slower Chinese growth concerns and emerging market currency volatility. All of these factors have contributed to investors moving to the safe haven of the US dollar. Further bad news from the US showed that manufacturing output fell to a three-month low of 53.7 in January, down from December's 55.0. That suggests the pace of expansion slowed during the rough winter weather, with some firms blamed disruptions from the extreme weather conditions at the start of January. This also spooked investors, causing them to seek the safety of the US dollar. The pounds recent strong run seems to have run out of steam as recent optimism of a hike in interest rates has subsided and as a result we are seeing profit taking. As well as this, it appears that markets seem to

be getting nervous ahead of the next quarterly inflation report from the Bank of on 12th England February. Mark Carney has hinted that the Forward Guidance plan that they put into place back in August 2013 may need to be amended given the uptick in the UK economy. Under the current guidance, the Bank of England will only consider a hike in interest rates should the UK rate of unemployment reach and sustain at 7% or better. Recent data has shown that unemployment has come down to 7.1%; an improvement far quicker than the Bank of England envisioned. As a result of the uncertainty surrounding what may be announced on 12th February (whether the Bank changes its guidance), investors are selling out of the pound waiting for a firm decision to be made. Expectations of a potential interest rate cut being made by the European Central Bank

increased recently, following a fall in the rate of inflation in the Eurozone to 0.7%. As a result, the euro has also been under selling pressure, as an interest rate cut would take out some of the return investors could get on their euro deposits. The fall has meant that inflation has remained below 1% for the fourth consecutive quarter in the Eurozone and remains well below the ECB target rate of just below 2%. Adding to the negativity surrounding the euro, German retail sales have unexpectedly fallen by 2.4% in December suggesting a lack of spending in

Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest economy and Eurozone unemp l o y m e n t remained at a record low of 12%. The euro fell to a one month low against the US dollar and attempted to fall to the yearly low that we saw on January 22nd against the pound as markets speculated that European Central Bank President Mario Draghi may be forced to lower interest rates in the Central Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next Monetary Policy Meeting. Despite the general fears over the emerging markets, which would typically devalue such currencies such as the Thai baht and Indian rupee, the rupee has managed to stay well supported following the decision made by the Reserve Bank of India to hike up interest rates to 8%. The pound has weakened back down after recently reaching a 6 month high against the rupee.

Weekly Currencies

As of Tuesday 4th February 2014 @ 6pm

GBP - INR = 101.57 USD - INR = 62.28 EUR - INR = 84.12 GBP - USD = 1.63 GBP - EUR = 1.21

EUR - USD = 1.35 GBP - AED = 5.99

GBP - CAD = 1.80

GBP - NZD = 1.99

GBP - AUD = 1.82

GBP - ZAR = 18.09

GBP - HUF = 372.59

www.rationalfx.com

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

WORLD

IN FOCUS

Budget cut affects police force adversely

London: Home secretary Theresa May’s 20 per cent cut in police budget has adversely affected the force. Over the past one year there is a further reduction in the number of officers by 3,488. From the historic peak of 144,353 in September 2009 now the number has reduced to 15,995. The statistics show that the number of officers in England and Wales fell in the 12 months to September by 2.6%, or 3,488, to 128,351 or their full-time equivalents.

Doctors allowed to conduct operation on psychotic woman

London: A British high court judge has allowed the doctors in the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to carry out a caesarean section on a 25-year-old pregnant woman who is suffering "a profound psychotic episode." The judge directed the doctors to use only minimum necessary force and reasonable steps should be taken to reduce her distress.

Drunk man arrested for obstructing police officer

London: Paul Harbord, who was on a drinking session for the whole day was arrested for obstructing police in Old Shotton in Durham in December. He mistook the policewoman for a stripper. When a female officer arrived to investigate “rowdy” behaviour, Harbord shouted: “Look, here is one of the strippers!” He then danced around her. He was arrested and was given a six-month conditional discharge.

Pak Taliban begin peace talks with govt

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Islamabad: Negotiators from Pakistan Taliban and officials of Nawaz Sharif’s government are meeting in Islamabad to finalise the roadmap to hold peace talks. This the last attempt by Sharif for a negotiated settlement with the terrorists who have killed tens of thousands of people during their seven-year insurgency. His move dashed hopes in some quarters that Pakistan had tired of waiting for the movement to come to the table and was about to launch a military offensive against militants in North Waziristan. Sharif said he would personally supervise the talks process. “It is my utmost desire that the

committees formed by the government and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan make a headway in the talks,” he said. The first step will be to agree a mechanism and for location for talks proper when the two sides meet at a religious party’s office

No help for kin of Bangla garment factory fire victims

On the spot promotion for army man

London: It was a proud moment for rifleman Gigar Das, 31, when he was given the first on-the-spot ‘field promotion’ in the British army in more than 60 years. He was promoted to Lance Corporal after General Sir Peter Wall was impressed by his teaching of Malian troops to fight. L Cpl Das, of London, has served in the Army for eight years and has been deployed on three tours in Afghanistan and one of Iraq.

Malala book launch abandoned

Islamabad: A function to launch Malala Yousafzai’s memoir in her home province was to be abandoned following pressure from the local government and police. Sarfraz Khan, director of the Area Study Centre at the University of Peshawar, said he received telephone calls from two provincial ministers asking him not to go ahead with the book launch. They include a minister from Imran Khan’s Movement for Justice and one from its coalition partner, Jamaat-i-Islami, a religious party.

Elderly losing faith in care outside hospitals

London: The elderly and vulnerable patients are losing faith in care outside hospitals. The number of elderly people being taken to accident and emergency units has doubled in five years. Official statistics showed a 93 per cent rise in the number of patients over the age of 90 going to casualty. Dr Cliff Mann, president of the College of Emergency Medicine, said millions of frail and vulnerable patients were being treated as an emergency because neither they nor those employed to care for them had confidence in out-of-hours care.

Householders using more energy to heat rooms

London: The comfort of warm rooms is going to cost the householders dearly. A poll shows that the average household thermostat is set at 23C (73F) – a degree or two above the average summer day in south of England. Such heating will skyrocket the energy bills with every degree adding 10 per cent to already crippling energy costs. This means that £65 will be added to the average annual heating bill for each degree Celsius that the thermostat is turned up, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Middle-aged narcissists opt for Facebook

London: According to a study by researchers at the University Of Michigan the people who use the Facebook to update their latest exploits are narcissists. They found that the more one posts on social media the more self-involved one may be. The researchers examined whether narcissism was related to the amount of times people posted messages on Facebook and Twitter and compared this activity to the amount of time spent on social media sites.

at a shopping centre. Taliban commanders have circulated 10 demands they will pursue. They include a ban on women wearing jeans in public or appearing without head scarves and the withdrawal of the army from tribal areas.

However, other militant figures have distanced themselves from those goals, suggesting the movement is divided it what it hopes to achieve. They have named three public figures for the talks, including a senior cleric, Maulana Sami ul-Haq, who is known as the “father of the Taliban”. Imran Khan, who has led calls for peace talks, declined their invitation to join the team. Opponents of talks point to a bloody campaign of bombings in January – in which more than 100 people died – and insist the Taliban must lay down their arms before any negotiations can begin.

London: A legal test case has been filed in a court to make women guilty of criminal act for damaging the unborn by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. A council is going to the Court of Appeal to establish that a six-year-old girl

who suffered brain damage from her mother’s drinking during pregnancy is the victim of a crime. It argues the mother criminally “poisoned” her unborn child because it has evidence she was warned of the risks if she continued to drink.

Islamabad: Pakistan authorities are planning to ask India to return the famous 'Dancing Girl' statue from Mohenjo-daro. "We are writing to the federal government to help us repatriate our exiled hero-

ine back to us from India," an unnamed member of the cabinet of southern Sindh province said. The 10.8-cm bronze statue, made in 2500 BC, is on display at the National Museum in New Delhi.

Connecticut: The parents of a 19-month-old boy in the US state of Connecticut, who died from head injuries after his babysitter allegedly slammed him to the floor, have been arrested. The parents, Thenmozhi Rajendran, 24, andSivakumar Mani, 33,

of New Haven, were charged with risk of injury to a child and interfering with police, the Hartford Courant newspaper said. Police, however, said the baby sitter Kinjal Patel, who was arrested and charged with manslaughter last week, is the prime suspect.

Houston: An Indian-origin woman Pallavi Dhawan, 38, has been accused of killing her 10year-old son and then dumping his body in a bathtub. She has been charged with murder of her son at their suburban Dallas home and police said she nodded her head when asked if she had killed her son. According

to police, Pallavi's husband, Sumeet Dhawan, returned home after a business trip and found his wife gone. Pallavi returned after some time and during conversion, the boy's father grew upset and directed police toward a locked bathroom door. Police found the child's body in the tub, covered in a sheet up to his neck.

Pretoria: Former South African President Nelson Mandela in his will has left nothing to his second wife Winnie, to whom he married for nearly 40 years before they divorced in 1996. He has left an estate worth £2.5m from which he made cash bequests to his family totalling the equivalent of £1.1 million. None of the three children received

any money and neither did his two eldest granddaughters, because each of the five had been made gifts worth £165,000 in the years before Mandela’s death in December. His oldest grandson Mandla who had public disputes with the rest of the family, will now also receive £165,000 but it will be controlled by a family trust.

Case filed to make drinking during pregnancy a crime

Pak wants ‘Dancing Girl’ statue

Dhaka: Families members of workers who died in garment factory fire in Bangladesh are languishing in acute poverty. They were making clothes for sale in British high street stores, but the store owners are not forthcoming to help the families of the victims. Now they are struggling to survive on handouts from neighbours and friends. Hundreds of them have yet to be compensated either by their own Government or from a fund established by Western retailers. “I have not received a thing,” she the wife of a victim, cradling her two-monthold son. At least 1,135 people died when the eight-storey Rana Plaza factory building collapsed on April 24 last year. Western retailers had not contacted the victims. The Rana Plaza factory was making clothes for Bonmarché, Primark, Loblaw and El Corte Ingles. Emma Harbour, an

activist with the Clean Clothes Campaign, which champions better pay and conditions in the industry, said that hundreds of people are facing acute poverty. “Compensation is taking too long to reach people,” she said. Many of the Western companies that have donated money have done so on an ad hoc basis, so no full record exists of who has received compensation and who has not. “A lot of people have not been identified yet,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, Asia director of Human Rights Watch. “The tendency is always for these companies to try and distance themselves from the accident.” A spokesman for Primark said that it had paid out $2 million to victims of the disaster. It is one of four companies to have recently signed up to donate to a £24 million fund to compensate injured survivors and the families of victims.

Washington: The Seton Hall University in America has made learning Bhagavad Gita compulsory for its students. This is a catholic university founded in 1856. The translation of Bhagavad Gita has done by Stephen E Mitchell and none of the teachers are Hindus. The university wanted a

transformational course that will influence the character and life of the students. It wanted a course that seeks answers to perennial questions like the purpose of life, why are we here and where are we going. America is becoming increasingly more spiritual as predicted by Swami Vivekananda over 120 years ago.

American university teaches Bhagavad Gita

Indian parents held in US for death of baby

Indian-American woman accused of killing her son

Mandela leaves nothing for Winnie in will

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

IN FOCUS

Cameron’s EU referendum bill delayed

London: David Cameron’s referendum bill on Britain’s European Union membership is “unlikely” to become law because of delays in the House of Lords, peers have warned. A House of Lords committee has cast doubt on the prospects of the bill the Conservatives are seeking to use to guarantee a European referendum in the next Parliament. Cameron has promised to renegotiate Britain’s relationship with the EU then put the new deal to the people in a referendum after the next election. The Conservatives will make that promise a central part of their campaigning until the next general election.

No ticket for Tory MP Anne McIntosh in next election

London: Tory MP Anne McIntosh was praised in the Commons by the Leader of the House for her “very important work” on behalf of constituents. But she was subjected to a barrage of dirty tricks, snide comments and hostile letters by her own ranks. Following this campaign, a majority of the local party members in Thirsk and Malton has decided not to select her as Tory candidate for the next general election.

American Apparel in trouble again

Washington: The American Apparel has been in trouble again with advertising watchdog for posting the provocative picture of 62-year-old Jacky O'Shaughnessy sporting a lace bra and kickers (and nothing else except for a slick of red lipstick) on Instagram and Facebook, with the caption: "Sexy has no expiration date. Jacky in Floral Lace Lingerie."

Mothers leaving workplaces to care for children

London: Working mothers of higher income group are not happy with childcare centres and leaving their workplaces to take care of their children. There is a 10 per cent fall in the number of families depending on childcare centres.

Togetherness is key to happy married life

London: Sex is not the most important aspect for a happy married life, according to a survey. Being patient and being honest with one another are the keys to a happy marriage, the survey suggests. Talking and compromising were the most popular choices, with recommendations to persevere with the marriage, listen to one another and be patient all featuring highly in the survey by the law firm Slater & Gordon.

Britain planning to reform divorce law

London: Britain is planning to reform the divorce law in order to make pre-nuptial agreements binding on the couples. This will reduce the number of damaging court battles between former partners. The country’s leading law reform watchdog rewrites the rules on how money and property should be shared after marital breakdown. They were planning to bring an end to the old idea that maintenance - usually to the wife - is a “meal ticket for life”.

Govt trying to control charities

Charity organizations in Britain receive huge funds from the government, local authorities and the European Union to push causes favoured by the public sector. A report by the Institute of Economic Affairs claims that “lobbying by government” results in some charities receiving far more money than would be justified by their level of public support.

Older mothers to have less malformed babies

London: A study has found that women who become pregnant over the age of 35 will have lesser risk of having babies with congenital malformations. Having babies later in life has long been known to raise the risk of having a child with a chromosomal defect. However, the impact has been less clear when it comes to other kinds of defect, such as spina bifida, club feet or cleft palates, which form during the development of the foetus and are not related to chromosomal or genetic defects.

Corrupt detectives shielding crime lord

London: A network of corrupt Scotland Yard policemen has helped the crime lord David Hunt to evade justice, a secret report has revealed. Hunt is moving freely despite Justice Simon, a high court judge, said that he was involved in fraud, money laundering and vilence. Keith Vaz, chairman of the Commons home affairs committee, said that he would write to Sir Bernard HoganHowe, the Met commissioner, to demand that the corruption allegations were properly investigated.

WORLD

Pak court issues arrest warrant against Musharraf in treason trial

Islamabad: A special court constituted for the treason trial against Pakistan's former president Pervez Musharraf has issued an arrest warrant against him rejecting his plea to be allowed to go abroad for treatment, reports said. Musharraf had suffered a severe heart attack and was admitted in Rawalpindi's Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology, after he complained of chest pain on way to the special court for treason trial earlier this month. As per reports, for further treatment Musharraf was supposed to be shifted abroad. The former Pak president had missed the trial for the third time as he was taken to the hospital after which the special

treason here. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to death or life in prison, reports said. Musharraf faces treason charges for having abrogated the Constitution on November 3, 2007 by imposing an Emergency and is liable to face life imprisonment or death penalty if found guilty. Musharraf's review petition rejected In a setback to, Pakistan's Supreme Court dismissed his petition seeking a review of its verdict that declared as unconstitutional the 2007 emergency imposed by the embattled former dictator. A 14-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, said the time period for fil-

ing an appeal has lapsed. It further said the review petition was not maintainable as it did not fulfil the criteria of merit. The bench said arguments presented by 70-year-old Musharraf were irrelevant to the case. In an order issued in July 2009, the apex court had declared the emergency proclaimed by Musharraf in November 2007 as unconstitutional. On December 23 last year, Musharraf filed a petition after a delay of over four years seeking a review of the apex court's verdict. The petition stated Musharraf was facing trial in a special court on charges of high treason on the basis of the apex court's July 2009 order.

Group at MassMutual. "With the current cost of a college education, it can be challenging for parents to provide for several children's education and still be left with a surplus for their own future." Indian Americans' savings rate is not coincidental; as a group they are hands-on, when it comes to their finances. An overwhelming 70 per cent of IndianAmerican respondents want to be actively involved in all decisions regarding their finances, while just over half indicated that they tend to do

their own research and make their own decisions about insurance and investments. IndianAmericans are more likely to own mutual funds, individual securities and college savings plans than any other group, according to the study. Despite such solid financial planning, only about a third are satisfied with their current financial situation and one third are worried about being able to meet their long-term financial goal. Other key findings from the survey further illustrate Indian-Americans' strong tendency to put family first:

Washington: BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is free to apply for an American visa and a decision on it would be made on the process that we have in place, according to a senior US official. "We said he (Modi) is free to apply for a visa, and we'll make a decision based on the process that we have in place here," state department deputy spokesperson Marie Harf told reporters. In 2005, the state department had revoked a visa that Modi had for travelling to the US in the wake of the 2002 riots in Gujarat. The US has repeatedly said there was no change in its long-standing visa policy relating to Modi but he was free to apply for a visa and await a review like any other applicant.

governments are forced to cut spending in other fields it is difficult to argue to spare defence. “But of course it is a matter of concern taking into account that other powers invest more and more in defence and at the end of the day it means we will have less influence on the international scene, the vacuum will be filled by other powers and they do not necessarily share our interests and our values.”

The switch means the “centre of gravity of defence expenditure is expected to continue to shift south and east”, according to defence consultancy IHS Jane’s. According to its latest annual defence budgets review, global defence spending will rise slightly to £945 billion this year, after four successive years in which the total fell from just over £1 trillion, its 2009 peak. Within that, China’s planned spending on its armed forces will for the first time eclipse the combined budgets of Britain, France and Germany. Beijing has set aside £90

billion ($148 billion) for its military, up more than six per cent on last year, continuing its long-running trend of growing defence spending. American spending - at £351 billion, still the highest in the world - is falling by 1.3 per cent this year, while Britain, which ranks in fourth place behind China and Russia, will spend £35 billion, 3.6 per cent less than last year. China is speeding ahead with a wide-ranging modernisation of its forces as it upgrades and replaces a broad range of military hardware, at a time of strained relations with its neighbours as acrimonious territorial disputes in both the East and South China Seas have flared.

Pervez Musharraf

court had warned him to face the trial or be prepared for the arrest warrant. However, Musharraf still can avoid going into custody if he files a bail application on time since the warrant issued is bailable. Musharraf is the first former military ruler who has a history of army background to face trial for

Indian-Americans save most for children's education

Washington: IndianAmericans save much of their income for the education of their children, a study shows. The study of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) shows that one third of IndianAmericans set aside six months or more of their monthly living expenses as savings. The top two financial priorities for their savings are for their children's college education and keeping the family financially shielded. As a result, one quarter of IndianAmericans struggle between saving to pay for their children's college education and saving for their own retirement, the study notes. "Being an Asian Indian myself, I know and understand the importance that the community places on putting family first," said Nimesh Trivedi, director of multicultural market support, US Insurance

Modi free to apply for visa: US

Defence spending by Russia, China rising

Washington: Global defence spending is growing for the first time in five years following higher defence budgets by China and Russa. While military spending in Asia and Middle is soaring, Europe and US were forced to cut down its defence budgets for austerity reasons, contributing a change in the balance of military power. Secretary general of Nato warned that the influence of the West will diminish because of its falling spending. Anders Fogh Rasmussen said he was concerned about falling funding in Washington and European capitals while there was a military spending spree in Russia and China. He said that when the

INDIA

South

BJP wants Yeddyurappa to contest Lok Sabha polls BJP is pressing former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa to contest the coming Lok Sabha election from his home turf Shimoga. Yeddyurappa is reportedly reluctant to contest from any of the segments in the state and his son BY Raghavendra, sitting MP from Shimoga has also towed in line with his father. However, during the core meeting to discuss on probable candidates for 12 Lok Sabha segments, including Shimoga at party office, party leaders reportedly said that barring Yeddyurappa, chances in Shimoga are bleak if any other candidate contests from the party.

Skydiver plunges 10,000 ft to her death

A 26-year-old woman practising skydiving over Salem airport plunged from a height of 10,000 feet and died after her parachute malfunctioned. The woman, V Ramya, was told by instructors to pull the cord on the parachute at a height of 6,000 feet, but was unable to spread it open after she jumped from an aircraft over Omalur near Salem, police said. Ramya was practicing skydiving with others before attempting a dive from such a height, police said.

SC asks Jaya to face trial in income tax case

In a setback to Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, the Supreme Court asked her to face trial for not filing income tax return for three years in her capacity as a partner of Shashi Enterprises which she jointly owned with her aide Sasikala. The apex court bench headed by Justice KS Radhakrishnan directed the trial court to complete the trial within a period of four months. Jayalalithaa along with Sasikala had set up Sashi Enterprises wherein neither the enterprise nor its both partners filed their income tax return for year 199192, 1992-93 and 1993-94.

Punjab

Canada honours eminent activist Raghbir Singh Bains

Adviser, Nishan-E-Sikhi Charitable Trust Khadur Sahib Dr Raghbir Singh Bains has been honoured with the 'Governor General's Caring Canadian Award' in recognition of his long years of selfless service and help offered to the people of Canada and beyond its borders. Raghbir Singh Bains is an eminent community activist, dedicated environmentalist, reputed philanthropist, encyclopaedist, known museologist, an eminent drug therapist and lifetime crusader against the global menace of drugs and other social evils. Bains did an extensive research on HIV-AIDS in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya to curb the menace.

Youth held for trying to slap Haryana CM Hooda

An unemployed youth tried to slap Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda at Panipat, leaving the police red-faced. The incident took place when Hooda, accompanied by MLA Balbir Pal Shah, was heading towards Sabzi Mandi from Shah’s residence in an open jeep as part of a road show. As the procession reached a gurdwara on Sanauli road, the youth, Kamal Mukhija, slipped through the inner circle, jumped into the jeep, and let fly his hand at Hooda’s face. But Hooda’s reflexes were quick; he pushed the assailant away and the commandos soon pinned him down.

AAP shortlists 31 aspirants for Chandigarh LS seat

The Aam Aadmi Party has uploaded on its website the list of applicants keen to contest parliamentary polls from Chandigarh on party ticket. The party's official website shows that 31 aspirants have been selected and none of them is a famous name. The party's volunteers said except two or three, none of them had done enough ground work and many joined the party recently.

AIADMK ties up with CPM, CPI for Lok Sabha poll

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa inked a pact with the CPM to contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections together roping in another partner for the AIADMK-led alliance that could set the stage for a national third front. On Sunday, Jaya had struck a deal with the CPI. Announcing the tie-up with CPM, Jayalalithaa ruled out discussions on a prime ministerial candidate ahead of the elections despite some leaders in the state pitching her for the top job. "It is pointless for any political party to enter into such discussions now. The question of discussing and deciding who the next PM will arise only after the election results are out," she told reporters at after holding

alliance would emerge a winner in Tamil Nadu, Karat said the partnership would also contribute to providing an alternative in the country. "As far as we are concerned, issues like PM candidate will be decided after the elections," he said. "Wait for a Jayalalitha with Prakash Karat few more days," he said in reply to a question talks with CPM general secon reaching an understandretary Prakash Karat. "We ing with like-minded parties expect that this alliance will for putting together a "formibe very successful," dable third front". The CPM Jayalalithaa said. Expressing hope that the leader said the party was in

Amid the simmering sibling rivalry in the DMK’s first family that triggered the suspension of his elder son M K Alagiri from the party, DMK chief M Karunanidhi has written to the Prime Minister seeking additional security for his younger son M K Stalin. Party sources said the DMK president had recently written to Manmohan Singh seeking increased protection, “after the Alagiri incident,” in an apparent reference to escalation of tension in DMK’s first family involving Alagiri. Sources declined to divulge the contents of the letter. Stalin has been provided security cover of armed CRPF commandos after an alleged attempt on his life at Madurai railway station in June 2006. Accusing Alagiri of nurturing “unknown hatred” against his younger brother, Karunanidhi had stated that his Madurai-based son had even said that Stalin would die in three months.

The Seemandhra-dominated Andhra Pradesh assembly has rejected the AP Reorganization Bill, 2013. Amid pandemonium and with almost all the members having converged at the well of the House, speaker Nadendla Manohar put the resolution moved by chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy opposing the division of the state to voice vote and declared it as passed. The 294-member assembly has an effective strength of 279 members of which 160 are from the Seemandhra region, including the speaker and the chief minister. The bill has been sent back to President Pranab Mukherjee and it is slated to be tabled in Parliament in February. The House was adjourned for an hour minutes after it met in view of protests by the members. While the Seemandhra members rushed to the well of the House demanding that the resolu-

discussion with various secular and democratic forces in the country. As to how the third front be different this time when the country has seen many of such experiments in the past, Karat said there were a large number of political parties with substantial support and strength in the country. "This will be reflected in the coming elections," he said. Earlier Jayalalithaa parried queries on her "good rapport" with BJP especially the party's PM candidate Narendra Modi. On Sunday, Jayalalithaa held discussions with a CPI team led by senior leader A B Bardhan and including general secretary Sudhakar Reddy and state secretary D Pandian before signing a deal.

Karunanidhi writes to PM Andhra Pradesh assembly rejects Telangana Bill seeking security for Stalin

M Karunanidhi

No father can tolerate such words against a son. As the party chief, I had to tolerate them,” Karunanidhi had said even as the allegations were refuted by Alagiri. The Alagiri-Stalin rivalry has plagued the DMK for a long time, and Karunanidhi has managed to keep a fragile peace. Karunanidhi said as a party leader he cannot tolerate any member predicting the death of another.

Delhi - Amritsar bullet train plan revived

As the Japan government funds the pre-feasibility study of the first-ever bullet train corridor between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, Railways has gone ahead and revived plans for a second one on the DelhiChandigarh-Amritsar stretch. The newly created High Speed Rail Corporation has called for international bidders for carrying out the pre-feasibility study of the 450-km-stretch project, which is expected to bring Delhi closer to Amritsar by 90 minutes by trains running upwards of 350 kmph. The pre-feasibility study gives the detailed idea about the cost and other detailed technical parameters to be achieved in the execution of the project. This comes after Railway Board’s efforts to get this study done derailed a couple of years ago as they

could not finalise the tender. Internal estimates had valued the project at Rs 700 to 800 billion. In the meantime, the priorities of Railways had also changed with subsequent political dispensations placing the bullettrains project in the backburner because a financing

model could not be firmed up for the costly project. The High Speed Rail Corporation, floated late last year, was mandated to carry out the execution of bullettrain projects in India. Japan has indicated that a joint-venture company could be floated to fund the Ahmedabad-Mumbai corridor although it is not yet finalised.

Kiran Kumar Reddy

tion moved by the CM be put to vote, those from the Telangana region did the same with the demand that there should be no voting. The House met again after which it was adjourned again. Later in what appears to be a coordinated strategy between the speaker, the chief minister and the Seemandhra legislators, all the members from that region converged at the well of the House and formed a wall around the speaker even as Manohar read out the resolution, put it to voice vote and declared it as having been passed.

Khalistanis planning attacks on Badals: Intelligence Bureau

Several pro-Khalistan terror outfits are plotting to attack Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal and state DGP Sumedh Singh Saini, according to eight terror alerts that were issued by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) last year. The revelations come at a time when the Supreme Court has just stayed the execution of Khalistani terrorist Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, a convict in the 1993 Delhi blast. The alerts mention that the terror outfits have the “military and financial” support of Pakistan’s spy agency, the ISI. The most recent alert, dated December 3, from the office of the home ministry’s joint director said the terror outfit Khalistan Liberation Force had been assigned the task to eliminate Saini. “The ammunition, including a suicide jacket, has been pushed into the Indian territory via Rajasthan border and has

Parkash Singh Badal

reached Chandigarh,” it said. According to another alert, both Parkash Singh Badal and Sukhbir Singh Badal “were facing increased threat from Punjab terrorists, including Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), while they were attending public rallies, meetings during assembly polls in Delhi”. It said the threats came after the ISI held at least two meetings with the BKI in Pakistan in February and March 2013 to foment trouble in Punjab and take military assistance from jihadi groups in Kashmir.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Ideal Destinations for a Dreamy Valentine’s Day Treat in Europe

INDIA

Gandhi tour in Gujarat: A peek into the Mahatma’s lifestyle

Gujarat is the birthplace of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi -the Father of the Nation. Before going out and after coming back in India, Mahatma Gandhi left many memories after him for the new generations to emulate. Right from Gandhi’s birthplace Porbandar or his ashram on the banks of River Sabarmati, Gandhi tourism circuit covers 22 places over 372 km in Gujarat.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and all those spirited hearts have already started planning how they are going to make this special day a unique affair for their loved one. Well, here’s something to help you treat your partner in the most beautiful settings in Europe

Mayuri Dave

termed as the "Little Paris of Middle Valletta – Malta The capital of Malta,with its spell Europe", for its spectacular architecbinding historic monuments, isthe turalbeautyand imperial landscapes perfect place to walk along the classic full of heritage museums, art galbackdrop of a regal interior that leries, churches, palaces andnatural recreates the magic of a romantic baths which together sketch a Hollywood flick. Take your valentine cityscape hard to resist. out for awarm city tour on a horse driven chariot moving alongside strik- Marrakech – Morocco ing votive statues, liveA city that intoxicates ly fountains, westyou with its sheer sophistication and ern cafés and scenic charm, trendy stores Marrakech holds a packed with Take your valentine out world of opportuniclothes, jewelfor awarm city tour in Valletta- ties.This Moroccan ryand much more. Malta, Lisbon - Portugal, urban boasts an astounding garland Lisbon – Portugal Budapest - Hungary, of luxury hotels and A trip to Lisbon gives Marrakech - Morocco restaurants amid you ample space to set or Vienna numerous ornamental the tone for a reverie lakes offering an candle lit dinner along the - Austria ambiance perfect for a multi-hued expanses of the romantic milieu. River Tagus or an exotic heritage palace. Lisbon’s dynamic nightlife, sensuous riverfront,Belém Vienna – Austria and Parque das Nações, glitzy restau- Soak up the magnificence of the land rants, luxury hotels, spas and shop- that inspired legendry artists and ping centers have enough to help you musicians like Mozart, Beethoven, strike an impression you aim to create Haydn, Brahms and many more to fall in love with the place. The city thatin your beloved’s heart. boasts 50 theaters, 100 museums and countless recreational hubs in a picBudapest – Hungary Budapest is the place to head if you ture perfect setting could be your to an unforgettable want to make it a royal indulgence on answer your valentine’s day. The cityis Valentine’s Day with your loved one.

A choice of flights and hotels are available starting from just £ 175 pp for a 3 night’s stayin any one of the most romantic & beautiful settings in Europe.Call Brightsun Travel on our dedicated tours line 0208 819 0531 or visit

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After Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) has roped in Bollywood film icon Amitabh Bachchan as brand ambassador, tourism activities in the state has increased by leaps & bounds. Many tourists are opting to see Gujarat through Gandhi Circuit, especially highend domestic tourists, expats and foreign visitors. Gandhi Circuit, predominantly covers nearly 22 Gandhi related places spread over 372 km in the state allowing tourists a peek into Gandhi’s life as well as other exotic places in the state including scenic coastal area, Lion sanctuary in Gir, the tallest Girnar Mountain of Gujarat, heritage places in Ahmedabad, textile museum and many more. The Gandhi Circuit focuses on Gandhi heritage in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Porbandar and Dandi. Generally tourists begin their tour from Gandhi’s birthplace Porbandar. He was born in the coastal town in October 1869. His family home has been converted into a memorial place (Kirti Mandir) with an adjoining museum, picture gallery and library depicting glimpses of his life and thoughts. Another heritage site situated on the rear is Kasturba’s ancestral house, which has also been kept open for visitors. Besides two important Gandhi heritage, the coastal town is having a beautiful beach locally known as ‘Chaupati.’ Famous Gir Sanctuary – the only abode of Asiatic lions is also in the proxim-

ity of Gandhi’s birthplace. From there, the Gandhi Circuit extends towards Rajkot, where Gandhi’s alma mater – Alfred High School now known as Mahatma Gandhi Vidyalaya situated. He did his schooling there before going to London. Founded in 1853, the school was the region’s first Englishmedium school. The tour takes you around the school and shows you other attractions in the city of Rajkot. Mahatma Gandhi’s house known as ‘Kaba Gandhi No Delo’ in Rajkot has also been converted into a museum. Another two attractions related to Gandhi in the commercial capital of Saurashtra peninsulas are Rashtriya Shala and Kasturba Dham where Mahatma and his wife Kasturba were kept in house arrest by the British government. In Bhavnagar there is an important Gandhi related monuments – Gandhi Smriti. The memorial built in remembrance to the Father of Nation started various activities. The Gandhi museum on the first floor takes one on a dramatic journey through the life of the Mahatma. After Gandhiji came back from South Africa, he used to stay at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, situated on the west bank of River Sabarmati. Earlier known as Satyagraha Ashram, this ashram was witness to many historic events that shook up the British Empire. Set up in 1915, the Ashram was also a perfect example of a modeal community based on rules and values.

The Ashram premises houses a museum, which has five units – office, library, two photo galleries and an auditorium. It is perhaps having the largest number of original manuscripts of Gandhiji’s letters and articles. The museum has eight life-size colour oil paintings and an exhibition on Gandhiji’s life “My life is my message” and “Gandhiji in Ahmedabad.” An archive has also been set up, which has 34,066 letters written by Gandhiji, manuscripts of his 8,633 articles, negatives of 6,367 photographs, 134 reels of microfilms of his writings and 210 films on Gandhiji and the freedom struggle. The library has over 30,000 books, 155 letters of felicitation received by Gandhiji besides miscellaneous memorabilia comprising coins, postal stamps and the like. Other important places in Ahmedabad are Gujarat Club where Gandhi first time met Sardar Patel as well as Kocharab Ashram, which was also one of the important places from where Gandhi used to run freedom movement against the British government. On 12 March 1930, Mahatma began his Dandi march to protest against the British salt monopoly. The non-violent protest began from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi. Once there, Gandhi and his followers produced salt and addressed meetings against the British regime. This movement has great historical importance as it brought worldwide attention to the Indian struggle for independence.

INDIA IN FOCUS

Delhi named most polluted city

A comparative study of 178 countries on nine environmental parameters released earlier this month by the US-based Yale University shows that one of the world’s fastest growing economies is a disaster on the environmental front. A deeper look at the data gathered by a NASA satellite showed that Delhi had the highest particulate matter 2.5 pollution levels followed by Beijing. Delhi, with 8.1 million registered vehicles, has repeatedly beaten the Chinese capital on particulate matter pollution. What’s worse, India’s pollution levels could be playing havoc with the health of its citizens.

NC-Cong ties sour

Jammu & Kashmir’s National Conference (NC)-led ruling alliance seems to be on the verge of collapse with chief minister Omar Abdullah digging in his heels over the creation of new administrative units despite Congress’s opposition to it. Sources said Omar might quit as a result, paving way for NC and Congress to contest the Lok Sabha elections separately. In that case, the assembly polls, due by the end of the year, may be brought forward to coincide with the LS polls.

Fake gold offered to goddess Vaishno Devi

An RTI application revealed that 43 kg of gold and 57,000 kg of silver offered by devotees at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir have been found to be fake. The RTI query elicited the information that 193.5 kg of gold and 81,635 kg of silver was offered at the shrine at Katra town in the last five years.

BSP MP Charge sheeted in rape case

BSP MP Dhananjay Singh has been chargesheeted by Delhi Police in a court for allegedly repeatedly raping a 42-year-old railway employee for nearly four years. The complaint was filed against Singh by the woman after the MP from Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur constituency and his wife Jagriti, a dental surgeon at a government hospital, were arrested in November last year in connection with their maid's murder case.

Arunachal Pradesh MLA's son lynched in Delhi

Arunachal Pradesh Congress legislator Nido Pavitra’s son Nido Taniam, lynched in Delhi at a market place in Lajpat Nagar. Taniam was attacked after an altercation broke out between him and a shopkeeper over his hair colour. The police are yet to arrest anyone in connection with the case. The incident has once again raised concerns over the security of students from the north-east in the Capital. The deceased had gone to Lajpat Nagar to visit a friend.

Uttarakhand gets new CM

Union Water Resources Minister Harish Rawat was sworn in as the eighth Chief Minister of Uttarakhand replacing Vijay Bahuguna. The 11 Cabinet Ministers, who were a part of the Bahuguna government, were also sworn in on Saturday. In his first public address after being the Chief Minister, Rawat said the rehabilitation of the population of the Himalayan State affected by the June 2013 deluge was the utmost priority for his government. This decision of the Congress to make Rawat the Chief Minister of the State comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections to strengthen the chances of the Congress in the Lok Sabha where the State has five seats. A formal announcement on Mr Rawat’s selection as the new leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) was made by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Janardan Dwivedi. The decision was taken after the CLP meeting. Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, and AICC general Secretary Ambika Soni were also present during the CLP meeting as central observers to the State. Rawat, 67, who has been in politics for more than three decades, is a Congress MP from Haridwar. He was a strong contender for the post of the Chief Minister when the Congress formed a coalition government in the State in 2012.

Delhi govt. clears Jan Lokpal Bill

The Delhi Government cleared the final draft of the Jan Lokpal Bill. The Chief Minister's office will fall under its ambit. The bill was one of the main issues in the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) manifesto. "There will be a 10-member Lokpal panel, with the investigation wing and the prosecution wing being independent from the government. The special part is 'certainty and swiftness in punishment" said Manish Sisodia, Delhi Minister. The selection committee of the 10-member Lokpal panel would include only one member of the ruling party, viz a viz the chief minister.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Chennai boy develops mobile app for women’s safety

Chennai based S. Arjun has developed a mobile app, which would help women in distress. The app named as i-safe, when activated, will constantly send SMS alerts to family and friends whose numbers have been pre-fed, about location details. Last year the 14-yearold boy had developed a Bus Locator called Ez School, which won him the first place in an app contest organized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This app helps parents to locate their children’s school bus and also calculate the time that it will take to reach the destination.

EC appoints observers in four states

The teenager’s latest app i-safe can be very helpful amidst increasing atrocities against women. He is also working on adding a function to rope in the local community, so that when a woman is in distress, people nearby are automatically alerted and reach out the person in danger. The class VIII student, who is also a winner of

App Inventor Bug Finding Contest organized by MIT said that he wanted to have his own company called Laterologics to make it something like Google and Microsoft. His father Santoshkumar says that Arjun spends nearly three hours online to keep abreast from latest development and to learn programming languages. “We tried to make the right kind of tools available to him. Programming helps children develop many life skills like problem solving, decision making, etc. and that’s one reason my wife and I encouraged him towards this”, said Kumar. Apart from computer, robotics, chess and badminton are Arjun’s hobby.

The Election Commission of India has appointed special observers for the biennial Rajya Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, and West Bengal on Feb 7, a statement said Tuesday. "The duties of the special observers will be to keep a watch on electoral malpractices including role of money power. In case specific complaints are received, the same will promptly be looked into," the Commission said. "The observers will also keep constant watch on the news and media reports related to biennial election."

Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar and noted scientist professor CNR Rao were conferred with India’s highest civilian honor ‘Bharat Ratna’. President of India Pranab Mukherjee honored them on Tuesday. CNR Rao and Sachin Tendulkar 40-year-old Tendulkar, known to set to join the exclusive club new records in the internaof 43 Bharat Ratna tional cricket has also broawardees till date, which ken the record of India’s includes presidents, prime former Prime Minister ministers, Nobel laureRajiv Gandhi and became ates, scientists and youngest recipient of artistes. ‘Bharat Ratna’. Gandhi Professor Rao is an became Bharat Ratna eminent scientist and a awardee at the age of 47. well-recognized internaHe is the first sportspertional authority on solid son to receive the most state and materials chemprestigious honor. He will istry. He has published over 1,400 research also become the ninth papers and 45 books. person from Maharashtra

As many as 37 new members of Rajya Sabha elected unopposed that include NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Congress leaders Motilal Vora, Digvijay Singh, Murli Deora and Kumari Selja, RPI’s Ramdas Athavale and Vijay Goel of BJP from different states. However, elections of remaining 18 seats will be done on February 7 in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam. In Maharashtra, apart from Sharad Pawar and Murli Deora, NCP’s Majid Memon, Hussain Dalwai of Congress, Rajkumar Dhoot of Shiv Sena, Sanjay Kakade (Independent) and Ramdas Athavale from BJP elected. In the case of Rajasthan Ram Narain Dudi and Narain

Pachariya from BJP got entry in the upper house of the parliament apart from Goel. Bihar sent five candidates — three from ruling JD (U) and two from BJP. The five are — Ramnath Thakur, Harivansh, Kahkasha Parveen (all from JD (U)), C P Thakur and R K Sinha (BJP). All the three JD (U) candidates are new faces. In Tamil Nadu, the ruling AIADMK bagged four seats while DMK and CPI(M) got one each. Sasikala Pushpa, Vijila Satyananth, S Muthukaruppan and AK Selvaraj (AIADMK), DMK’s Tiruchi N Siva and TK Rangarajan of CPI(M) were elected. While Mr. Rangarajan has been reelected, Mr. Siva had been a member of the Upper House in the past.

Continued from page 1 The company generates around $78 billion in a year and is currently facing a number of challenges in the market where Apple and Google have emerged more exciting and innovating technology companies. Bill Gates while announcing Nadella as the new CEO, said that in the transformation time of the company, there was no better person than Satya to lead Microsoft. “Satya is a proven leader with hardcore engineering skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together,” said Gates. After a selection period that saw numerous outside candidates drop off, the Microsoft Board signaled its intention to focus on innovation by selecting the man credited with developing the company's cloud computing and Bing search engine businesses.

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is married and has three children. Growing up, playing cricket was his "passion", and he played it competitively as a member of his school's team. "I think playing cricket taught me more about working in teams and leadership that has stayed with me throughout my career." Nadella worked with Sun Microsystems, as a member of its technology staff, prior to joining Microsoft. The company was building an operating system that ultimately would be known as Windows NT, and needed team members who understood UNIX and 32-bit operating systems. He wanted to complete his master’s degree & take the Microsoft job. He did both.

T h e Supreme Court of I n d i a stayed the exe c u t i o n of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar while agreeing to review its judgment by which it had rejected the Khalistan terrorist's plea to commute his death sentence, according to reports. The apex court also sought a medical report on Bhullar's mental health in a week. Earlier Bhullar's family had pleaded that he should not be hanged as he is mentally unwell.The SC last year refused to commute his death sentence to life term on grounds of mental illness. Earlier the Supreme Court had commuted the death sentence of 15 convicts, including Bhullar to life sentence on grounds of delay, mental illness.

S. Arjun

Sachin, CNR Rao conferred Bharat Ratna

37 elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

Hyderabad-born Nadella named Microsoft CEO “Today is a very humbling day for me. It reminds me of my very first day at Microsoft, 22 years ago. I saw then how clearly we empower people to do magical things with our creations and ultimately make the world a better place,” Nadella said in an email to Microsoft employees. He was born in Andhra Pradesh’s capital Hyderabad. His father B.N. Yugandhar hails from Guntur district and was member of planning commission during 2004-09 under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Satya attended the Hyderabad Public School in Begumpet before attaining a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics & Communication degree from Manipal Institute of Technology in Karnataka. After moving to the US, Nadella earned an MS in Computer Science from the

SC stays execution of Bhullar

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Arvind Kejriwal announces corrupt leaders’ list

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejrial’s list of ‘India’s most corrupt’ created ripples in the political circles of India. The list include some of the top leaders from the Congress, the BJP and other prominent political parties in the country. In the list announced by the Delhi Chief Minister, BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, Suresh Kalmadi, Nitin Gadkari, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Praful Patel, BS Yeddyurappa, Anant Kumar, Veerappa Moily, HD Kumaraswamy, P Chidambaram, GK Vasan, Jaganmohan Reddy, Anurag Thakur, Kamal Nath, Sharad Pawar, Alagari, Kanimozhi, Salman Khurshid, Annu Tandon, A Raja, Tarun Gogoi, Kapil Sibal, Mayawati, Mulayam Singh, Sriprakash Jaiswal, Pawan Bansal, Farooq Abdullah and Naveen Jindal are included. "Don't let a single corrupt politician enter Parliament," said Kejriwal while advocating anti-graft Jan Lokpal Bill that seeks to punish corruption with a maximum sentence of

No space for women in AAP

INDIA

Indian women light up their world thanks to UK charity

A UK based charity organization – The Shining Hope Foundation transformed lives of three illiterate families belonging to remote villages in Bihar and North-East India by introducing reliable solar-powered electricity in their communities. The Foundation, which provides grants to

women are in the process to learn to install and maintain solar panels. After six months when these women will return to their villages they would be called as ‘Solar Grandmothers’. Phoolmanti Devi and Puja Devi from Chando will be able to supply electricity to 140 homes and Lakshmi Devi will

listening and memorizing, using colour-coded charts to learn the permutation and combination of the wires without needing to read or write. “Life without electricity is a harsh reality for many villages in rural India, making simple tasks such as studying, reading, or even going to the bathroom, very diffi-

AAP founding member Madhu Bhaduri quit the party with a remark that the Kejriwal’s outfit is having ‘antiwomen attitude’. Her resignation came two days after she was allegedly heckled at AAP’s National Council meeting for seeking to move a resolution apologizing to the Ugandan women harassed by Law Minister Somnath Bharti in a midnight raid last month.

BJP trying to topple govt: AAP

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP of trying to bribe some of its MLAs in a bid to topple its newly formed government in Delhi. The AAP alleged that Narendra Modi in collusion with Arun Jaitley was trying to topple the one-month government. AAP MLA Madan Lal in a press conference said: 'I was offered Rs. 20 crore to be a part of the BJP government. I don't have recordings of these calls but I hope you believe what I say.'

life in jail. "They spent Rs 500 crore for image make over...To prepare brand Modi and brand Rahul, they are spending Rs 500 crore. Can these people,

who spend Rs 500 crore for branding, give an honest government? After they come to power, they will recover that money from us," he said.

Baba Ramdev to reach 500 mn voters through followers

Yog Guru Baba Ramdev on Monday said that he plans to reach more than 500 mn voters across the country, through his lakhs of followers to ensure BJP wins over 300 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Talking on the sidelines his Gujarat Region workers’ meeting in Ahmedabad Ramdev termed the upcoming general elections as ‘Dharm Yudh - 2014’, in which his followers all over the country would kick-off door-to-door campaign from March 1, 2014 to campaign to ensure that Narendra Modi will become the next Prime Minister. From 17th March Baba’s trust Bharat Swabhiman will initiate ‘Yog Mahotsav’. As part of

the week-long festival, he plans to gather 20,000 to 50,000 people in each Tehsil of the country to perform Yoga. “On the Martyrs’ Day (Shahid Din) on March 23rd (The day commemorate death sentence to Shahid Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev), 10 crore people will perform ‘Yoga’ simultaneously. I will co-ordinate the event sitting in New Delhi,” he

said adding that the event organized to show the India’s spiritual power, will also be registered in the Guinness Book of World Records. Taking dig at Congress led UPA government, Ramdev said that the current rulers had brought down India’s prestige and in order to bring back the lost glory, his organization is supporting Modi. He termed current tax structure as ‘taxation terrorism’. He went on to saying that some Congress leaders including that of ministers and MPs had met him and asked him to get BJP ticket in the Lok Sabha elections. “They know it very well that Congress ticket is nothing but certificate of defeat in the general elections,” said the Yoga Guru.

Election Commissioner of India, Dr. Nasim Zaidi launched the website http://indiavoting.org/ to bring voter registration at the doorstep of Corporate India in order increase voter turnout. Addressing at the ‘Voter Awareness and Registration Initiative Launch Ceremony’ organized by FICCI, Election Commission of India (ECI) with Centre for Ethical Life and Leadership (CELL) and

NASSCOM, Dr. Zaidi said that gender gap in registration and voter turnout, urban apathy to electoral participation and youth disconnect with the electoral process have emerged as the biggest challenges. Meanwhile ECI found poll preparedness in Gujarat satisfactory in view of upcoming general elections said deputy election commissioner of ECI, Vinod Zutshi after having a day-long review

meeting with district electoral officers (DEOs), district superintendent of police (DSPs), police commissioners of major cities and top officials of the state. He said that he has also instructed chief electoral officer (CEO), Gujarat, to start voter helpline in all districts within a week as well as to organize special training for police officials in connection with Lok Sabha elections.

Baba Ramdev

EC launches voter registration portal

Puja Devi, Phoolmanti Devi, Marie Saint-Arnoult and Lakshmi Devi

specially selected projects across the world, has partnered with charity Karuna-Shechen to fund Phoolmanti Devi, Puja Devi and Lakshmi Devi to attend the Barefoot College in Tilonia, Rajasthan - 760 miles from their homes – so that they can train to become solar engineers. These

work between the two villages of Kadul and Barsurdi, light up 80 homes. These three women will play important role in future to train other women also. Besides, they would get a monthly salary for their work too. During the programme, the women learn through

Proverbial saying ‘Love is Blind’ is completely fitting in the love story of 41year-old Adriana Peral, who met her hubby – 16 years younger than her Mukesh Kumar on Facebook. Peral not only decided to marry Kumar but also choose life of a rural Indian housewife over comfort of California. Just like any other countryside Indian homemaker, Mukesh Kumar’s American wife has assumed her new role as a doting housewife sweeping, cooking, cleaning and mucking in on the family's farm in an impoverished rural community in Haryana. The new life chosen by Adriana is complete contrast from that of in California – parties with friends and her daughter Lucy. “I love my life here with Mukesh I wouldn't exchange it for anything in the world,” said former receptionist, who is happier than ever before despite the radical lifestyle change. Unlike average Indian women, Adriana had plenty of relationships in the US. However, she admits that she had never found true love the way she is getting from 16-year-younger partner. “Mukesh declared his love to me over the

phone. I didn't know how to react, and at first just laughed it off. But after we talked some more, I realized he was serious and so I said if you win my heart, I will consider marrying you. We spoke for around three more weeks and it was during that time I decided to move to India to be with him,” she said. Her parents were also

US woman became Housewife in rural India

Adriana and Mukesh

wary over the safety of Adriana in India. Besides, leaving behind her 25year-old daughter Lucy Cortez was a heartwrenching moment. “Some people thought Mukesh was a fake, an online scam and that he didn't really exist. I can't describe the moment when I finally saw him at the arrivals gate of Indira Gandhi airport - it was a big relief to finally see him in person,” she asserted.

cult. These women are going to change lives of people surrounding them,” said Marie SaintArnoult, Trustee and Cofounder of the foundation adding that Children will be able to study in the night, midwives can deliver babies safely and villagers can walk safely at night without fear.

Bihar minister quits JD(U), may join AAP

In a surprise move that came as a jolt to the ruling JD(U) in Bihar, state social welfare minister Parveen Amanullah resigned from the Nitish Kumar cabinet. She also announced quitting her assembly seat and resigning from the primary membership of the party. Amanullah said she informed the CM about her decision a few hours back and sent her papers to the CM’s office. She said she would submit her resignation from the assembly to the Speaker and from the primary membership of the party to state JD(U) president Bashistha Narain Singh. Amanullah neither revealed the reason behind her decision nor disclosed the contents of her resignation letter to the CM. Sources close to her said she might join Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and contest the Lok Sabha election. A well-known RTI activist who was handpicked by CM Kumar to contest the assembly election from SahebpurKamal constituency in Begusarai district in 2010 and made a cabinet minister, Amanullah did not give specific details about her future plan. "I will explore options," she said.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

Simbu-Nayan movie has a title now T

his is probably the much talked about movie lately as Simbu and Nayan are coming together after a long time. There was quite confusion about giving a name to the movie and finally the director has zeroed in on the name “Idhu Nama Aalu.” The film is touted to be revolving around couples and relationship. Petty fights, abduction, ego clashes are said to be the key plot. The shooting has already commenced with Simbu's brother Kuralarasan composing music for the first time.

It's Hansika Again

he damsel is back and she is all set to woo the audience, romancing Arya once again. Director Magizh Thirumeni is gearing up for his next project titled 'Meegaman' with Arya in the lead. It was first reported that Shruthi Hassan will pair up with Arya for the first time in this film. But her

name was dropped from the buzz, citing that Taapsee will be playing Arya's heroine. Now it is confirmed that the lead lady is Hansika who will be playing Arya's love interest in the film. After their successful outing in 'Settai', the pair is up for some interesting reviews once again.

Ajith to work with Siva again? T

hala Ajith is happy with the box office performance of his latest film “Veeram,” directed by Siva. The film that released on January 10 has been declared a super hit already and still running to packed houses in the fourth week of its release. Latest news is that impressed with the working style of Siva, Ajith has reportedly expressed his wish to work with him again. As a result, a possible reunion of the Ajith-Siva duo is in the final stages of materializing and industry insiders say that it will be the next project of Ajith after completing his work for the Gautham M e n o n directed flick.

Shruthi Haasan upset S

hruthi Haasan was a hot topic for discussion last year over her bold acting with Arjun Rampal for 'D-Day'. The Bollywood flick which released last July portrayed Shurthi in the role of a sex worker, and the film was received with healthy response in general. Now the film is planned to be dubbed and released in Tamil, titled 'Dawood', which is precisely where Shruthi's disappointment lies. The actress says that nothing regarding the dubbing or Tamil release was discussed with her or sought permission from, which have clearly upset her. If need be, the cross Shruthi may even file a case for not having discussed the matter with her.

New Relesse

Movies releasing on 7th Feb

‘Ya Rab’ The movie has been directed by H a s n a i n Hyderabadwala starring Ajaz K h a n , Arjumman Mughal, Raju Kher, Vikram Singh and others. The film shows the battle between two ideologies. One group represents the Islamic principles of compassion and respect for human life, while the other incites youth to avenge alleged atrocities on Muslims. It is a genuine effort to show the right face of Islam and to guide the misguided to the right path.

‘Babloo Happy Hai’ It is love story of today’s youngsters and what they think about love and sex in the times of multiplexes and fast cars. The film features Sahil A n a n d , E r i c a Fernandes, Sumit Suri, Amol Parashar and Preet Kamal in pivotal roles.

‘Heartless’ The film is directed by Shekhar Suman. It stars Adhyayan Suman, Ariana Ayam, Shekhar Suman,

Deepti Naval, Om Puri and Madan Jain. It has been g r e a t l y inspired by t h e Hollywood m o v i e “Awake.”

‘Hasee Toh Phasee’ It is a romantic comedy film directed by Vinil Mathew and produced by Karan Johar and Anurag Kashyap. The film features Sid h ar th Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra in the lead roles.

Hrithik Roshan back in action rithik Roshan who was missing from film circuit following his H head injury and separation from

wife Sussanne is back in action. The actor flew out to Shimla for a fresh schedule of Siddharth Anand's “Bang Bang” during which he is expected to perform some action sequences. Earlier, this shoot was to happen in Kashmir but was later shifted to Shimla. Says Siddharth, "Kashmir was an ideal location for my film. But the shoot had to be cancelled after infiltrators attacked a C R P F camp. Also, Hrithik h a d some health issues.

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Latest I am not over-weight now: Parineeti

ctress Parineeti Chopra has lost a few extra pounds and become Athinner with her rigorous work-

outs. "When I had entered the industry I was big and used to fit into that size category. Now, I feel I am not, as I have lost much more weight and look better. I don't want to be in that weight category... I am working very hard to become thin. I feel I am skinny now," Parineeti said. Not everyone in Bollywood is ready to shed weight. Actresses like Sonakshi Sinha, Huma Qureshi

and Vidya Balan are comfortable in the way they look. Parineeti says she always felt uncomfortable with her extra pounds. "The body type affects what I wear and I can't get best dresses for myself. I can't wear sleeveless, because I would look fat in it. I want to lose even more weight and look better in real life. On screen if I have to wear shorts or bikini for a scene I should have the body for that," she said. "I am 25-year-old and there is no reason for me to look fat. I want to look great. I am taking care of myself and I am losing even more weight because I want to look better," she said. "I think size zero is extreme. Even if I starve and stop eating I don't think I would ever reach size zero in life," she adds.

Alia Bhatt sings lullaby for Rahman

ollywood actress Alia Bhatt has sung one of the songs in Imtiaz B Ali's new film, “Highway.” The

music has been composed by A R Rahman and he's got Alia to sing a very soulful lullaby, "Sooha Saha." Pakistani duo Zeb & Haniya also sung in the song. In the film Veera (Alia's character) and Mahabir (played by Randeep) take the road and traverse through six states of northern India. As the journey moves from the plains of Punjab to the hills of Himachal, Veera sings this lullaby, which reminds Mahabir of his childhood. Both Imtiaz and Rahman agreed that if Alia sang a stanza herself, it would add more poignance to the scene. We have this lullaby, Sooha Saha in ‘Highway.’ Imtiaz said Alia has a great voice and I didn't trust him. Then she learned the song and sang to me and I was pretty impressed with her natural ability too. We guided her a little bit to perfect the singing. She did it twice and then we got it almost right and now it sounds great," said Rahman.

4 distinct looks My strength is for Shashid in writing & direction: Farhan Akhtar ‘Haider’ fter givctor Farhan Akhtar says ing a A though he is enjoying A cult movie acting, his real potential lies in

i n “Kaminay,” V i s h a l Bharadwaj and Shahid Kapoor join hands with UTV to prod u c e “Haider.” It is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s play ‘Hamlet’ set against the backdrop of militancy in Kashmir. Shahaid has four distinct looks in the film. There were reports that Shahid will go bald in the movie. The other actors include Tabu, Shraddha Kapur and Kay Kay Menon. “We believe 'Haider' will be a worthy successor to 'Maqbool' and 'Omkara'," says Amar Butala, creative director, UTV.

writing and directing films. Before venturing into acting, Farhan, 40, directed, produced and wrote films. "I wanted to be associated with films, my strengths were in writing and direction. When I did films like 'Dil Chahta Hai', 'Lakshya' and 'Don', I was working closely with actors. I felt I should try my hands in acting as I would learn lot of things as a director," Farhan said at a promotional event of his upcoming film 'Shaadi Ke Side Effects'.

Katrina Kaif did it again! atrina Kaif has been named the K most beautiful

woman by Femina Magazine as she stuns on the cover sporting an Atsu Sekhose creation. Remarked Katrina, "It's nice to bag the title again. It's always a nice thing to be called the most beautiful woman. But I also realize it's in connection with the work I do. So I know I can't be too caught up with the title.” While Femina Editor, Tanya Chaitanya observed, "Cover girl Katrina Kaif looks stunningly beautiful sans an iota of makeup and can coax men and women alike by the sheer force of her pretty pout. She is drop-dead gorgeous, sensuous and super stylish with appeal that cuts across genders."

Emraan Hashmi calls Ash 'plastic'

ahesh Bhatt's outspoken ways seem to have rubbed off on his usually reserved M nephew Emraan Hashmi. The duo took on

actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Imran Khan and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Karan Johar's talk show and their take on the four were candid. While Bhatt labelled Bhansali an "overrated filmmaker", Emraan went on to say that Aishwarya Rai is "plastic", Aamir is "boring" and then used the "overrated" adjective for Imran. A source said that jaws dropped when the duo gave these damning reviews with a straight face. When contacted, Bhatt retorted, "Does this nation have no sense of humour? Or is the nation awed by their nonexistent greatness? Koffee with Karan is a lighthearted show on which you are asked frivolous questions which you are expected to answer honestly. People have an opinion about Emraan and me, ditto for us. But this is all in context of the show." Mahesh added that he did not spare himself too. "When asked which director's career should be put in the graveyard, I answered 'Mahesh Bhatt', since that's where it had gone 15 years

ago. I may have shown irreverence to some people but I have also demolished myself," explained Bhatt.

Ash voted 4th most beautiful woman ishwarya Rai Bachchan has been voted the fourth most beautiful women of the world in A a recent poll conducted by Hollywood Buzz. The survey saw participation from more than four million people, who selected the most intelligent, desirable and successful women of 2013-14. Aishwarya was only beaten by Monica Belluci, Kate Upton and Angelina Jolie. Reacting to the selection, Aishwarya said, "Believe it or not...and I must admit it's overwhelming to hear that over 4 million people across the globe have voted and listed me amongst their top choices."

Coming Events

l Sunday 9 February 2014 – Asian Women in Business Afternoon from 1.30pm – 6pm at Ealing Golf Club. Tickets £8.75. Contact: 07930 384 197. l Sunday 9 February 2014 – Bhajans at 3pm followed by Shree Budhdevbhai finishing with Arti at 5.30pm followed by Maha Prasad prepared by Sunitaben Patel at Adhya Shakti Mataji Temple, 55 High Street, Cowley, Middlesex UB8 2DZ. Contact: 07882 253 540. l Sunday 9 February 2014 – MODI Tea Club, UK from 12pm – 3pm at Kingsway Banqueting, 270272 Bath Road, Hounslow, London, TW4 7DF. Contact: 07550 772 888. l Monday 10 February 2014 – KPMG Islamic Society hosts a graduate recruitment event at 6:30PM – 8:30PM. An opportunity for graduates to meet auditors and consultant from all parts of the firm and ask questions informally and get an understanding of KPMG’s recruitment process. Contact: 0207 694 8812 l Wednesday 12 February 2014 - Dance: Nrityanjali- A Bharatnatyam Recital by Ananya Bora at 06:30 pm at The Nehru Centre, 8, South Audley Street, London W1K 1HF. Contact: 020-7491 3567 l Monday 03 March 2014 - Exhibition: Gauge The Gaze by Vikash Kalra at 06.15 pm at the Nehru Centre, 8, South Audley Street, London W1K 1HF. Contact: 020-7491 3567

Sri-Lankan gang jailed after Channel port arrests Four Sri Lankans have been jailed for charging illegal immigrants to help them smuggle into the UK through Channel ports The illegal immigrants were smuggled in vehicles and were Chubramanian Vignarajah, charged £4,500 each for Amarjit Mudhar and the service, according to Kamalanesan Kandiah the Home Office. Many Croydon, also pleaded of the smuggling attempts guilty last year to the same were foiled by Border offence and was sentenced Force officers who discovto three years and four ered stowaways hiding in months imprisonment. vehicles stopped at ports years including Calais, Dunkirk, K a m a l a n e s a n Coquelles and Dover. Kandiah, 39, from Hayes, The gang's ringleader, London, John Anes 37-year-old Sudharsan Soundaranayagam Uvais, Jeyakodi from Luton, 41, of East Ham, London, pleaded guilty in August and British national last year to conspiring to Amarjit Mudhar, 46, of facilitate illegal immigraNortholt, London, were tion and was jailed for five found guilty of the same years and four months. charge on 17 January folC h u b r a m a n i a n lowing an eight-week trial. Vignarajah, 42,from Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Editorial Executive: Tanveer Mann Tel: 020 7749 4010 - Email: tanveer.mann@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 Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 Mobile: 07875 229 220 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Chief Accountant: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email:accounts@abplgroup.com Business Manager: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@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 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. Tel / Fax: +91 79 2646 5960 Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (M) +91 94266 36912 Email: nilesh.parmar@abplgroup.com

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India League and Indian High Commission observe Gandhi Martyr's Day in London

Continued from page 17 We are proud of his heritage and proud that he looks over Camden and hopefully gives a message and that will continue for years and people will learn from it.” Sri Virendra Sharma said: “Bapuji stood for peace, non-violence, freedom, equality but at the same time he also hoped for the future where the generations could live in peace. That we could have a casteless society. That is a dream Bapuji had and I can say with pride that people like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King and many other people, who may not be as known in the public but in their own small way have carried Bapujis message in their own countries. I feel proud to be an Indian, that I come from a country where Bapuji was born. I hope and wish that the whole world will follow Bapuji's teachings, his vision for the future, where we can all live in peace and harmony. Amit Roy, poignantly, said: “As journalists, we are always writing about things that are happening now in the present. The other day when Mandela passed away, David Cameron put out a little message. He said 'the light had gone out'. Obviously, that had a familiar ring.

That was the memorable speech that Nehru made when Gandhi was assassinated on the anniversary of this day. Nehru went on to say something else. He said this was no ordinary light, I paraphrase, it will illumine the world for the next thousand years. The message of the Mahatma is as relevant today as it was over seven decades ago. I was too young when he was assassinated but my mother told me a story. We were living in Patna, the capital of Bihar, when we found out about Gandhi's death. That day, we didn't put the lights on and there was no food cooked and that is the same thing tht happened in millions of homes in India. I think it was Einstein who said 'it was hard to believe that such a man walked this earth'.” Sri Joginder Sanger concluded the programme by saying, “We all know what a great soul Gandhi was. What a vision and light he showed to India and the world to follow the path of peace and violence. I encourage all you friends to come on 30th January every year and let us not forget to pay our respects to the man who not only gave us the freedom in India but he showed us a new way and vision to the a peaceful world.”

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 This week you will make your best progress by focusing your mental and physical energies on what you want to achieve. Intense focus is what is needed now. The underlying trend seems to be pulling you into a much wider social circle now. This is bound to enrich your life and give you a deeper sense of purpose.

Your social graces will serve you well careerwise. Mixing business with pleasure will bring you benefits. All things considered, your health should be robust. The more you live up to your own set of principles the more you’ll gain. A good time for restructuring and rethinking your aims and interests.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21

Give top priority to important written work. This applies particularly to financial and commercial interests. If you can manage to get away from usual routines, this will prove to be highly enjoyable and have a beneficial effect on your physical and psychological well-being. Loved ones will be looking after you.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

Venus, the planet of love and romance throws a pleasing light on affairs of the heart. It is certainly going to be a fortunate time for those already married or in an established relationship. The keynote is emotional enrichment through close interaction with a loved one.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

Your energy and attention will be very much devoted to financial matters. The tide of fortune continues to run strongly in your favour for some time to come. You will be working harder than usual, intent on getting thing done. Close personal relationships may come under some stress and strain.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

You will find added scope and greater incentive to push full steam ahead with your cherished aims. You must be careful not to tread on other people's toes. This is the right time to talk things over with your loved one - especially anything that has been worrying you or making you feel insecure.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

Decision making will prove to be a bit of a bind because of your wavering mind - seek professional advice and then steam ahead. Be careful with your expenditure as you have a tendency to be extravagant. Relationships need to be scrutinised carefully. Sometimes it is a good idea to take stock.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 There seems to be a danger of conflicts of duty between home and work. Your work is likely to take up a lot of your time which may generate some domestic strain. Try to balance these areas of your life. Some of you will be intent on expanding their mental horizons through meditation, yoga or by travelling.

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SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

It's a time of slow and steady progress that can set the stage for a long time to come. Of course, there are still challenging issues on both a personal and practical level. To get here you may have overcome obstacles by making important decision and choices. You will achieve a lot more, especially when you're motivated by your own desires.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 All close ties of love and affection will benefit from the gentle influence of Venus. If you are married or have a well-founded relationship, it seems that the pattern of events will somehow draw you closer together emotionally. Capricornians who are not sure of their career, this is a fine time to do some serious thinking.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 If you're currently romantically involved, your lover could well go from strength to strength in the area of passion. The work that you are involved with at this time is likely to demand a great deal of energy and initiative from you. This will also involve a lot of moving around and a need to establish a wider network of contacts. PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 You may find yourself hard at work behind the scenes, although that may not be apparent to others. You may find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of activity, with opportunities to advance on both the inner and outer level. There’s a sparkle to your social life and you will have fun communicating with others.

SPORT WORLD

England end Oz tour with another defeat

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 8th February 2014

England's Australia tour finally ended with a whimper Sunday - a crushing 84run defeat to give the hosts a clean sweep of the threegame Twenty20 series. The Australians, with man-of-the-match George Bailey smashing an unbeaten 49 off 20 balls, scored 195 for six after winning the toss in Sydney. The home side then dismissed the psychologicallyscarred tourists for 111 in the 18th over to sweep the series. It marked the end of a disastrous 103-day tour for England, who lost the Ashes Tests 5-0 and the one-day international series 4-1, meaning Australia won 12-1 across the three formats. In between the losses, the international careers of spinner Graeme Swann and coach Andy Flower have been ended. The future is also uncertain for Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior and Jonathan Trott while Alastair Cook's Test captaincy is far from certain. "It's been good fun throughout the tour. We've been hugely disappointing, not at the races for three

months, but you have to give credit to Australia," said England T20 skipper Stuart Broad. England beaten by 8 wickets in second Twenty20 In the second Twenty20 at Melbourne, Australia won the match by 8 wickets. Captain George Bailey made 60 not out from 28 balls and Cameron White 57 in an unbroken 78-run partnership which guided Australia past England's paltry 130-9 with 5.1 overs remaining. White was 41 not out, having set the hectic tempo

of the Australian innings, when he was joined by Bailey at 53-2. He was then outdone by his captain who completed a half century from 24 balls, with five fours and three sixes, while White took his score from 41 to 53. "Another great performance with the ball, I thought, that really set the game up," Bailey said. "I thought it was a pretty allround good performance with us tonight." Bailey said Australia's performances in all formats are being fueled by rising

confidence. "It's a magical juice (confidence)," he said. "I think it makes such a big difference. The greatest thing about that is we're seeing it from guys who are coming in for their first game. James Muirhead, I thought bowled absolutely beautifully in his second game. That to me is a sign of a really good player and hopefully a really good team environment." England's defeat was made more bitter by the fact it won a toss which seemed influential and chose to bat first on a dry, firm pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Regular wicket falls ensured its innings never gained momentum and Jos Buttler's 22 from 27 balls was the highest individual score in a feeble collective effort. Michael Lumb, Joe Root, Tim Bresnan and captain Stuart Broad, who was the not out batsman, all made 18 and Alex Hales 16 but no England batsman was able to take the decisive or dominating role the innings demanded.

India fail again against Black Caps

A Ross Taylor-inspired New Zealand crushed India by 82 runs in the fifth and final one-day international in Wellington to extend the tourists' miserable run against the Black Caps. India could manage only 216 in reply to New Zealand's 303 for five, slumping to a 4-0 series loss despite a battling 82 from Virat Kohli. Veteran batsman Taylor blazed his second successive century to set India the imposing run chase before seamer Matt Henry skittled the world champions' top order in a dream debut, claiming four for 38. The result completes New Zealand's best one-day winning streak against India in 33 years and provides a huge psychological boost ahead of a two-Test series. Meanwhile, India's failure to perform against modest opposition has seen them ousted from top spot in the one-day rankings by Australia, and will raise questions about their form away from home ahead of next year's World Cup. Taylor, fresh from an unbeaten 112 in the fourth

Andy Flower steps down as England coach

Andy Flower quit as head coach of England's Test team in the wake of a humiliating Ashes whitewash by Australia, ending a five-year reign in which he oversaw the most successful period in the national side's recent history. The Zimbabwean said in a statement that it was time for the team "to rebuild with a new set of values and goals" and "start with a clean slate." Flower took charge in 2009 and led England to three straight Ashes series wins against its fiercest rival, and also the World Twenty20 title in 2010. Under Flower, England has been top of the rankings in all three formats - Test, one-day and T20.

Dhoni completes 8,000 runs in ODI

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni completed 8000 runs in One-day International cricket. He became the 7th Indian to reach the landmark, after Sachin Tendulkar,, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, M o h a m m a d Azharuddin, Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag. The Indian captain is the 4th fastest to get to 8,000 runs in ODI history, which he accomplished in 214 innings. The 3 men who did it in quicker time – Ganguly, Tendulkar and Brian Lara – were all toporder batsman, something that makes Dhoni’s accomplishment even more special. Dhoni is also the only batsman who has got to the feat with an average of over 50.

ICC approves new women’s competition

match, laid the foundations for victory with a commanding 102, receiving able support from Kane Williamson (88), who has posted a halfcentury in every match of the series. India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni urged his pacemen to "use their brains" after losing the fourth match, and the new-ball pair of Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar initially responded to the challenge. Shami began with two maidens, while Kumar

showed improved accuracy as the New Zealanders were restricted to just 10 runs in the first five overs. The hard work paid off when Jesse Ryder (17) snicked an outside edge from Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane at gully and Martin Guptill was out for 16 after hitting the ball straight to Shami, who took the chance after a nervous juggle. That brought the in-form partnership of Williamson and Taylor together and they immediately lifted the glacial run rate, scoring more

boundaries in their first three overs at the crease than New Zealand managed in the previous 12. India's top order again threw away their wickets cheaply, with Rohit Sharma dismissed for four by Kyle Mills and Henry coaxing an edge from Shikhar Dhawan (9) in his second over of international cricket. India's run chase effectively ended when Kohli holed out charging Nathan McCullum in the 37th over, with skipper Dhoni (47) the only other batsman to fire.

The ICC Board has approved the introduction of an International Women's Championship, wherein bi-lateral competition involving the top eight ranked teams will determine qualification for the next Women's World Cup. Competing countries will include Australia, West Indies, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, India and Pakistan with promotion and relegation at the end of the first cycle. Each team will play the others in a series of matches between mid-2014 and the end of 2016, with the top teams qualifying automatically for the ICC Women's World Cup in 2017. ICC chief executive David Richardson said: "This is a very positive step for the profile and competitiveness of women's cricket.”

ICC defers decision on Big 3's takeover plan

Facing stiff resistance from some member boards, the International Cricket Council (ICC) executive board decided against taking any hasty decisions on the proposed plan by Indian, English and Australian cricket administrators to radically revamp the functioning of the world body. Following a heated six-hour meeting in Dubai

on the first day of the ICC conference, the controversial 'Big Three' proposal to take over the functioning of the ICC and allot a larger share of the profits to itself could not even be brought to vote. A follow-up meeting will be held next month to further discuss the proposals, according to an ICC statement which listed some key ingredients of

a tweaked and somewhat conciliatory 'position paper' which have ostensibly found acceptance among members. The proposal, when it does go to vote, requires the support of at least seven of the 10 full-member countries. The statement also revealed that the proposals had been drawn up with the full consent of ICC president

Alan Isaac. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf said that Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka were opposed to the proposals and would 'stick' to their 'stance'. The ICC statement suggested that though some of the original proposals have been diluted, several new ideas may

soon come to pass. These include, among others, "mutually agreed bilateral FTP agreements which will be legally binding and bankable and a Test cricket fund for the remaining seven members". A "central leadership responsibility for the BCCI", which generates about 80% of the game's revenues, seems on the cards. There will also be

space for two more members apart from the 'Big Three' in a new executive committee (Ex-Co) and finance and commercial affairs (F&CA) committee. There is also a proposal to replace the World Test Championship with a revived Champions Trophy. The plan for a two-tier Test format was, interestingly, missing from the list.

SPORT