Asian Voice

SEE INSIDE ....

Protests in London as Queen meets Rajapaksa

!!!

For report see page 13

VOL 41. ISSUE 6

80p

Viswanathan Anand retains world chess crown

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe 9th June to 15th June 2012

Proud Britons celebrate Queen's Diamond Jubilee Commonwealth countries also join the jubilation

Queen with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

. $! - -) / #&

#&#-1

India’s Viswanathan Anand lived up to his reputation as the best rapid player of his generation when he routed challenger Boris Gelfand of Israel 2.5-1.5 in the four-game tiebreakers in Moscow to win his fifth World Chess Championship title last week.

The 8.5-7.5 overall win (including 12 classical games) gave Anand Rs 86 million while Gelfand took home Rs 64 million ($1.02 million).

By winning the title, Anand automatically qualifies for the next year's World championship to be played in India. Anand had won the WCC title in 2000 (Tehran), 2007 (Mexico), Bonn (2008) and Sofia (2010).

Continued on page 26

#+! - "+)' *!(

1, 0!!%

2

The future of the Union has been under much deliberation off lately. Probably to avoid any later criticism, the Royal family and the Government doubly ensured that this jubilation remained a truly British event as opposed to just an English one.

Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish accents could be heard more often in the capital over the last few days. Hundreds and thousands of people travelled all the way to London to take part in this festivity.

The Queen was joined by her consort as she began her celebrations at the Epsom Derby on Saturday. The jubilee celebration kick started with a 41-gun salute that was fired at the Tower of London while other gun salutes echoed across Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast on the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were driven onto the course with racegoers cheering as the Royal motorcade reached the winning post.

Continued on page 13

2

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

one to one Keith Vaz MP with

6) What was the best thing about your job?

I found enormous job satisfaction being a family doctor, despite long hours of work.

Dr Nagendra Sarmah Nagendra was born in Assam, in North- East of India. He completed his medical training at Assam Medical College and came to the UK in 1965. After qualification in India he had conducted some training in gynaecology and came to the UK to continue with study in this specialism, settling initially in Cheshire and working as a Senior House Officer at Nantwich Hospital.

Though a small hospital, Nagendra found himself working up to 120 hours a week. He then worked in a teaching hospital in Manchester completing a 6 month post as a house surgeon and then went on to the Wittingshire Maternity Hospital nearby. He worked at the junior doctor level for 2 years trying to get Registrar posts without an interview. He decided to change specialism to anaesthesia but continued to apply for jobs in obstetrics and gynaecology and eventually found a registrar’s position in Liverpool. He took over a practice in Chorlton-cum-Hardy in surburban Manchester, working extremely hard and building up a practice list to 3200 by 1977, taking on a further 1,200 and employing another GP at the request of the health authority. He was elected to the local medical committee and also to the Manchester University medical school selection board, winning an award in 1984 from the Manchester Community Health Council for a good service to his patients. He retired in 2001.

1) Please tell us about the work you are currently doing?

I am a Retired GP. But I am involved with the newly formed Stockport4Health, under the supervision of the NHS. I have been

selected as the Team Leader for the Care of the Elderly 2) What are your proudest achievements?

Recognition of my hard work and care for my patients; I was awarded

My previous Consultant Obstetrician in Bolton, Lancashire. He was a good teacher and taught me to treat a patient holistically.

7) And the worst?

There was risk of professional isolation and unable to participate in continuous career development, being a single handed GP. There was too little time for family activities.

8) What are your long term goals?

I would like to continue some kind of community care work, such as involving myself in the newly set up GP Commissioning Group or as a Member of the Care Quality Commission. I do find it difficult to get into these organisations though.

a ‘Silver Award’ by the Community Health Council of Manchester. I was also appointed as a Member of the Selection Board for the Manchester Medical School, University of Manchester.

3) Please tell us about your community in Chorlton?

Chorlton-cum-Hardy is situated in the South of Manchester.

Residents here are predominantly white middle class com-

munity. But we managed to establish a Hindu Temple here.

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

As a single handed GP career progress was difficult. I also felt that being an Indian doctor, I had to work extra hard to gain their confidence in me.

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

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

I would make sure that the bureaucratic element from the NHS is removed and the Government works in consultation with the doctors working in Hospitals and in Primary Care 10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figures would you like to spend your time with and why?

Mahatma Gandhi ji

Asians- beware of burglars Police have issued a warning to Asian families over the huge influx of criminals that could target their valuables during the summer months.

Officers fear that the number of burglaries could soar during the traditional wedding season when a large number of relatives arrive with gifts including gold for newlymarried couples. Many towns and cities are already being targetted in Slough, for example, Asian gold thefts totalled more than 300 last year, a third of all burglary offences reported to police. Police say the thefts are carried out by organised criminal gangs from overseas, London and the Midlands.

Uddin back in the Lords Baroness Uddin was suspended after a Sunday Times investigation. But a Labour peer and the controversial boss of a Muslim television channel have apparently helped Baroness Uddin return to the House of Lords following her suspension over a 125,000 expenses fiddle. Uddin has received interest-free loans totalling 124,000 from four supporters to enable her to pay back the money she cheated from the taxpayer. Uddin returned to the Lords last month after repaying the money in a lump sum. Last week she declared on the register of interests that she had financed the move through loans that do not have to be repaid for five years.

Victims claim torture after deportation by Britain Lord Rana cleared of assaulting The British government is estranged wife forcibly deporting asylum seekers who are then tortured in Sri Lanka, according to the testimony of a victim who was left scarred and suicidal after a brutal two-week ordeal.

'Hari' a Tamil asylum seeker from Sri Lanka described a two-week ordeal of torture after he was deported, including beatings on his back with electrical wire and being suspended upside down by chains around his ankles.

Hari's back displays a welter of scars and the Guardian has seen medical reports supporting his claims.

The victim told the Guardian newspaper that he was tortured over the space of 17 days after being deported from the UK last year. His torturers accused him of passing on to British officials information about previous beatings at the hands of state officials and other human rights abuses, to ruin diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The revelations come as Sri Lanka's head of state, Mahinda Rajapaksa, have lunch with the Queen and other heads of

Protests in City of London against Rajapaksa’s scheduled speech (see page 13 for full story)

Commonwealth states as part of jubilee celebrations on Wednesday. The coalition is coming under increasing pres-

sure to revisit its policy, which suggests it is safe to return Tamils to Sri Lanka. Last

week the high court halted the deportation of 40 people to the island at the last minute, citing human rights concerns.

Hari managed to bribe his jailers and escape back to the UK via Russia and is now filing a second claim for asylum. lt flights in the face of mounting evidence that UK and European returnees have been tortured.

The Home Office has insisted it is safe to return Tamils to Sri Lanka after the end of a long civil war and quotes a European court ruling that "not all Tamil asylum seekers require protection".

However, officials are now facing increasing pressure to change their policy.

One of Northern Ireland's bestknown businessmen, Lord Diljit Rana, has been cleared of assaulting his estranged wife. A judge dismissed allegations that the multimillionaire had subjected Lady Shruti Rana to a "brutal and sustained" attack at his Belfast offices.

Lawyers for the hotel owner, who is 73, said his high reputation had been restored by the acquittal.

Lady Rana had claimed her husband was angry and grabbed her under the arms.

She had claimed he had forced her against a wall after she accused him of lying about a business meeting. Earlier, Belfast Magistrates Court heard allegations that the Indian-born hotelier twisted her flesh during a disputed confrontation at Andras House, his hospitality and property company headquarters, on April 1 last year.

But the businessman, who was made a life peer in 2004 and serves as the honorary consul of India to Northern Ireland, insisted his wife had told a pack of lies about him.

She was also accused of trying to blackmail him in a bid to secure a better divorce settlement.

Following two days of evidence, Deputy District Judge Neil Rafferty returned a not guilty verdict on the assault charge.

This week paid subscribers of Asian Voice will receive a copy of our Discover India magazine along with their newspaper.

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

COMMENT

Pomp, pageantry mark Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the British throne 60 years ago this week. Her diamond jubilee celebration has commemorated this rare feat. Millions of Britons and citizens of the other 15 states of the Commonwealth Realm also joined in the festivities, marking 60 years of her continuous reign. Throughout history, few monarchs have reached that milestone.

This year’s celebration was quite a spectacle. Parades, concerts, festivals, and street parties were organized throughout the year and across UK. Coupled with the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, this will be a year that, in the words of Prime Minister David Cameron, “Britain sees the world and the world sees Britain.”

The four-day celebrations concluded on Tuesday with a church service and carriage procession through central London. A million people gathered for a spectacular 1,000-vessel pageant on the River Thames on Sunday and hundreds of thousands more packed the road leading to Buckingham Palace. In a tribute to his mother delivered from the concert stage late on Monday, Prince Charles sought to sum up public affection for a monarch who is a symbol of stability at a time of economic gloom and political disillusionment.

"As a nation this is our opportunity to thank you and my father for always being there for us, for inspiring us with your selfless duty and service and for mak-

ing us proud to be British, proud at a time when I know how many of our fellow countrymen are suffering such hardship and difficulties." His speech was followed by the national anthem and a spectacular fireworks display. The jubilee celebrations end with the royal family made an appearance on the balcony of the palace.

Polls suggest the crown and the queen herself are more popular than they have been for decades. Queen Elizabeth II is an extraordinary person. Before coming to the throne on February 6, 1952, the young Princess Elizabeth served as a driver and mechanic in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Force during World War II. Even at age 86 the Queen has barely slowed down.

She continues to travel the globe promoting noble and just causes in the name of the United Kingdom. And she remains one of the most respected and recognized faces.

At home, she is just as popular. A recent poll shows that 69 per cent of respondents believe that Britain would be worse off without the monarchy. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee river pageant reached its end as a world record-beating 1,000-strong flotilla passed under Tower Bridge. One of the great things that a monarch brings is the sense of national unity and stability, someone who the whole country can identify with.

Baroness Warsi lands in more trouble Baroness Warsi, the co-chairman of the Conservative Party, has landed in more trouble. It was alleged that she had profiteered from parliamentary expenses by charging the taxpayer up to £165 for overnight accommodation despite staying at a Premier Inn for less than half the cost. The cabinet minister received more than double the amount she incurred in hotel costs in order to attend sittings at the House of Lords soon after she became a peer. The disclosure follows revelations last week that Warsi stands accused of claiming overnight allowances while living rent-free at the home of a former friend in Acton, west London. The Lords' commissioner for standards is expected to launch a full investigation into her expenses claims after carrying out an initial assessment. Warsi is also facing the prospect of a police inquiry after Scotland Yard received a complaint from a member of the public. The minister has said that she made "an appropriate payment equivalent to what I was paying at the time in hotel costs" to a Tory official who was also living in the Acton property.

However, the owner of the house, Wafik Moustafa, has denied receiving any money from either of them.

Under the expenses regime at the time, peers could claim up to £165.50 a day in "overnight subsistence" to cover accommodation costs while attending the Lords if their main home was outside London. No receipts were required. Warsi did not break any rules by using a cheap hotel. However, claiming the maximum allowance - and pocketing the difference - is likely to provoke allegations of seeking to profit from expenses rather than cover costs. The move could have earned her many hundreds of pounds and appears to contradict her insistence that her conduct has always been within "the spirit of the rules." Public records show that Warsi claimed £12,247 in overnight subsistence from October 2007 to March 2008. She also claimed £6,518 in "day subsistence" – the maximum, given

her number of attendances and the daily rate of £82.50. David Cameron has so far backed Warsi despite calls for her resignation.

This weekend it also emerged that an aid foundation set up by Warsi in 2002 has been operating in breach of Charity Commission rules. The peer was until 2010 chairwoman of the Savayra Foundation UK, which helps destitute women in Pakistan, and she remains a trustee. Another long-standing trustee is Tabasum Aslam, a former Liberal Democrat councillor from West Yorkshire, who was convicted of a housing benefit fraud in 2007. People who have been convicted of an offence cannot normally retain such a position, according to Charity Commission guidelines. She also failed to declare to parliament that she had been receiving thousands of pounds in rent since moving out of her Wembley flat.

PM denies double standards Cameron has denied that he is deploying a “double standard” by subjecting Warsi to an independent inquiry into whether she broke the ministerial code while denying the need for a similar probe into the culture secretary’s dealings with News Corporation.

The prime minister’s decision to investigate allegations that Warsi allowed a business partner to accompany her on an official trip to Pakistan has been seized by those concerned that Cameron is protecting his close ally Jeremy Hunt from a formal inquiry.

Defending his actions Cameron said they were “two very different cases. In the case of Jeremy Hunt, obviously all of that has been gone through by the Leveson inquiry,” Mr Cameron told Sky News. “In the case of Warsi, I am very happy with the explanation she has given. She has apologised for the mistake she has made but I think it right for Sir Alex Allan [the independent adviser] just to see if there are any loose ends that need to be picked up.”

A new beginning in India-Myanmar relations “Everybody is interested in Myanmar. If you are late, all opportunities will be gone,” said a Malaysian diplomat recently. That sentiment must have been high on Prime Minister Manhoman Singh’s mind when he embarked on a visit to Myanmar last week. It was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 25 years, but he was already one among a host of other world leaders who have been beating a path to Myanmar after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit last year signalled the approval of the country’s political reforms. Following the EU and other countries, the US announced that except arms sale, it would suspend all sanctions against Myanmar. The move came after the Myanmar government initiated a series of political reforms that have seen the release from nearly two decades of house arrest of Aung San Su Kyi, and her election to parliament last month.

Except a short period of disengagement in the 1990s, India assiduously competed with China to cultivate the Myanmarese military rulers. But such is the rush to Myanmar that despite its early mover advantage, India which shares a 1,600-km boundary with the country, and has long ethnic, religious and cultural links, still finds itself scrambling with not just

China, but the rest of the world for a share of the pie.

A delegation of 25 Indian CEOs, representing all sectors of Indian industry, also visited the country along with Mr Singh’s three-day visit.

During the visit Mr Singh met President Thein Sein and Suu Kyi. Mr Singh had announced a credit of $ 500 million while the two countries signed agreements on a range of sectors, including air service, beginning a “new journey” of bilateral cooperation.

The new political climate is abviously one in which New Delhi feels more comfortable doing business with Myanmar. India believes it has no choice but to engage with its neighbours and is convinced that it was this policy and the pressures it exerted privately on the military junta to undertake a political reforms that have been vindicated. In a country where the people have grown only too conscious that the military rulers signed away too many of the country’s resources into outside hands, particularly to China, India’s engagement with Suu Kyi, who is undeniably the only people’s leader in Myanmar, would be important for its economic ambitions there. It is a new beginning and both countries would benefit from the new found relations.

www.abplgroup.com

3

Thought for the Week

Discovery consists of seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (1893-1986)

Political Sketchbook Alpesh Patel’s

Homelessness Dear Mr Winner, You wrote in the Sunday Times recently, ‘Leslie has so many residences he could single-handedly house the homeless in India. He’d love to do this but he’s afraid they might make a mess of the carpets.’

As someone who has worked with the Big Issue Foundation and hosted a Parliamentary discussion on homelessness with Zac Goldsmith and Nic Careem I consider this a political issue impacting not only India, but Britain and other nations too.

When your ancestors wondered homeless through the desert freed from Pharaoh’s slavery my ancestors had already given the world navigation; and then they gave the world numeracy, astronomy, surgery, calculus.

The motions of the planets had been calculated long before your holiest scriptures had been written.

As you write of the correct temperature at which a lobster should boil before putting it on a plate; my homeless under a boiling sun toil knowing not what will be provided that day by fate.

Yes many of my peoples are incapable of putting a roof over their heads. When your great and ancient peoples throughout history were persecuted they found a home of solace and protection in India and to this day, for over two thousand years, have made their homes as part of India – never once were they made homeless by the homeless natives.

And when your peoples were not able to protect themselves from extermination it was my peoples who raised the largest volunteer army in history to save your race from annihilation. We volunteered. Queued to meet our deaths carrying Victoria Crosses for bravery to our graves to protect your freedom to live and speak as you wish. So tread softly with words you use so freely about my peoples. It was they who gave you that gift. Neither abuse it or them.

You speak of homelessness. When after millennia your people finally had a home nation of their own, Israel, the man your people’s asked to be their first president, Albert Einstein, said of the father of my nation, Mahatma Gandhi, ‘generations to come will scarcely believe one such as this of flesh and blood walked this earth.

The greatest your nation and civilisation has had to offer have looked up in amazement and wonderment and total awe at the greatest mine has had to offer.

So how is it a nation which was the richest on the planet in 1700, the year the British arrived, carries so many homeless?

Perhaps the answer comes from the British army officer Warren Hastings who when tried in the British Parliament for impeachment on the grounds of grand larceny and looting of my nation’s coffers replied 'the immense wealth I found before me, it is a wonder I was able to control myself and not take even more'.

So today as you enjoy the fruits of British wealth and mock my homeless know from where a tiny island off the western coast of the smallest of all continents managed to be so wealthy such that you may write restaurant reviews.

So should a homeless Indian visit your home consider it a privilege. We have a custom as Indians to touch the feet of our elders - be so humble as to wash his feet for he carries with him the heritage and lineage of the most ancient and revered of civilizations – that the greatest minds in history have valued.

When you look at India you see unimaginable poverty. When I look at India I see wealth beyond measure. I hope you will one day recognize riches are measured beyond material possession.

Alpesh Patel www.PoliticalAnimal.me

4

LEICESTER

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

Delight at progress of first free school Teachers, parents and children at Leicester's first free school say they are delighted with the progress in transforming its building.

Krishna Avanti primary, in Evington, opened in September in a grade IIlisted building, formerly occupied by Leicester Grammar Junior School.

Youngsters have been working in temporary buildings put up on the site while thousands of pounds of refurbishment and extension work got under way.

The work is due to finish in August, in time for the autumn term, when pupils numbers at the school will increase from 30 to at least 75.

Head teacher Christopher Spall said: "We're thrilled with the way work's progressing.

It's going to look amazing with a square piazza being created and cloisters around it – it's got a real spiritual feel to it."

Free schools are set up by charities, parents or teachers outside local

authority control, but paid for by the state.

The building work at Krishna Avanti includes the creation of a classroom block for years one and two, refurbishment of the existing building inside and outside, with new windows, carpets and redecoration. The square piazza is being built towards the back of the school and a garden area for the children to grow their own vegetables will sit to one side of it, alongside a newlook outdoor area with

play equipment. There are still 15 places left for parents who wish to send their children to the school.

Sabrina Braithwaite, from Narborough Road, in Leicester, is sending her son, Jahziah, five, from September. She said: "I've looked around the school before but I wanted to bring my son so that he could get used to it. I'm very impressed with the school's calm ethos and its vegetarianism. I like the fact that children do yoga

and I think he'll be happy here.

Jahziah said: "I really like the school playing field."

Pargan Dhadda, from Queen's Road, has a son, Angath, five, at the school, and another son, Aaryan, four, who will start in the new academic year. He said: "I was a little bit worried at first because it was a new school but I've been really pleased with how it's been run. The grounds are very impressive and far better than any other school we looked around and because it's a small school the children get lots of individual attention."

The primary, which will eventually have places for 420 children, is sponsored by education charity the I-Foundation. It has a Hindu ethos but children of all faiths attend and follow the national curriculum.

School governor Pradip Gajjar, pictured, said: "We're very happy with how the school and the work is progressing."

'Regulator racist,' says snooker ace Asian snooker ace Joe Jogia, pictured, has accused the games regulators of racism after he was suspended.

However, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) has denied that race played a part in their decision.

Leicester professional Joe, 36, was referred to the WPBSA after a lot of money was bet against him in Leicester ahead of a match in January. He told the Leicester Mercury the betting had probably occurred because acquain-

tances had found out about a leg injury he had suffered and spread the word he was in bad shape.

The match against

Matthew Selt in Blackpool never went ahead because of his injury.

The WPBSA announced an official hearing would take place on July 25, and Joe would be banned from all World Snooker Tour matches until the issue was resolved. It said in a statement that Jason Ferguson, the chairman of the WPBSA, had taken the decision to suspend Joe. Joe said: "It's a joke.

I've done nothing wrong.

There are three other players who have been put under investigation

recently and none of them has been suspended. I've never played the race card, but I think it's racist.

When Stephen McGuire, Jamie Burnett and Stephen Lee were investigated for the same thing there was no suspension."

A spokesman for the WPBSA denied the decision was racist. He said while Stephen Lee was not suspended, another white player, John Higgins, was. He said Stephen McGuire and Jamie Burnett were investigated by the police, not the WPBSA.

Basra reveals 'fantastic' result of bone marrow op Doctors have told leukaemia sufferer Rik Basra, pictured, his lifesaving bone marrow transplant has been a complete success.

The Leicestershire police officer and his wife, Kas, were given the "fantastic" news on Wednesday, five months after he underwent the procedure.

Thursday, Rik wrote on his Facebook page: "Hi, everyone, got some absolutely fantastic news, been waiting for some really crucial medical results and they finally came through yesterday. I was told my transplant has grafted 100 per cent, absolutely over the moon.

Still a way to go but it is a really big step in the right direction."

Rik, who has served with Leicestershire police for 26 years, learned in 2009 he had acute myeloid leukaemia – a form of cancer which affects the body's ability to produce

healthy blood cells. After undergoing several courses of chemotherapy, he thought he had beaten the disease. But when he started to feel unwell again last year, he went for tests which revealed the cancer had returned.

Doctors said he would need a bone marrow transplant and, following a worldwide search for a donor, a match was found in Germany.

Since the procedure,

which took place on Christmas Eve, Rik has been in isolation at home.

Speaking to the Leicester Mercury yesterday, Kas said: "It was fantastic news after such a long time. "We had been warned by the consultants at the Leicester Royal Infirmary that if the transplant was less than 70 per cent successful then it would have failed. We were told to expect somewhere between 70 to 80 per cent. To get 100 per cent is more than we could have hoped for. As soon as Rik found out, we contacted his colleagues in the police, who have been tremendous, and they were thrilled."

Since his diagnosis, he and Kas have been working hard to get more bone marrow donors from the South Asian community to join the Anthony Nolan Trust bone marrow register. Kas said: "The longterm aim is that Rik is fit enough to go back to

work. In the meantime, we are working on fund-raising events for the campaign."

Anthony Nolan spokesman Ann O'Leary said: "Over the past six months they have worked so hard to recruit people to the Anthony Nolan register, during what was obviously a stressful time for them. To help others like Rik, we still urgently need more people from ethnic minority backgrounds to join the register."

Ms O'Leary said that in the six months from October last year, the number of Asian donors who signed up to the register was 300 per cent more than the previous six months.

For information on Rik's campaign, visit: http://rikbasra.com For information about joining the bone marrow register, visit: www.anthonynolan.org

Shopkeeper stands up to armed raiders - again A defiant Leicestershire shopkeeper who was stabbed by a robber four years ago fought off two knife-wielding youths in another raid at his store Grange Drive, Melton, last week.

Jitu Patel, pictured, grabbed a parcel containing a metal bar and bashed it against the floor to scare off the would-be robbers, who were pointing kitchen knives and demanding the contents of the till.

The 55-year-old has been praised by police for his actions. He said: "I didn't let them take anything. This has happened to me before, when I was stabbed twice by a robber in my shop. I wasn't going to be in the same situation again."

Last time, Mr Patel, pictured above, tried to stop the raider from grabbing money out of his till and ended up with a puncture wound in his left arm and a cut to his right hand.

The man got away with a "substantial amount", but only after Mr Patel gave chase. He said at the time: "He realised I wasn't going to give up.

He never expected me to try to fight back."

Following the latest raid on Mr Patel's shop – Supamac, in Grange Drive, Melton – he said: "I was worried at the time about what might happen, but you take your chances. I took a parcel, which was a car roll bar wrapped in brown paper, and I banged it onto the floor to show them it was metal. I was not going to open the till."

When the robbers, who were wearing balaclavas, burst into the shop at about 9.30pm on Wednesday, Mr Patel thought it was a joke. But then he saw they were both armed with kitchen knives.

One approached him at the till while the other moved around him to cover his exit. At that point, he pushed the alarm to alert police and grabbed the car roll bar.

The youths ran off and officers arrived five minutes later.

Mr Patel insists he still feels safe in the shop, which he has owned for 25 years. He said: "This estate is safe and I won't worry about what happened. I know my customers would have helped if any were around."

However, his wife Illa, who also works in the shop, said it was difficult coming to terms with what had happened. She said: "We've been here 25 years and it's been fine most of that time, but recently we've had these two robberies. It's terrifying – we're just getting over the last robbery, and those knives could have been lethal."

In the first incident, which happened in September 2008, the robber pretended to buy two packets of crisps but, as Mr Patel opened the till, the man lunged at him, stabbing him twice before grabbing £670.

Two males, aged 14 and 18, have been arrested following the latest robbery.

Detective Constable Carolyn Boyce appealed for anyone with information about the latest incident to contact police on 101.

Attacked cabbie could quit trade A cab driver who was beaten and robbed by a group of passengers is considering quitting the trade.

Harun Shah Zaman, 31, was headbutted and punched before his attackers took his phone, takings and satellite navigation system earlier last month.

Last Thursday, Mr Zaman received a £500 cheque from well-wishers at a city centre club to make up for his lost earnings.

However, the fatherof-two, from Humberstone, Leicester, said: "I think I am leaving because of what happened to me. I've tried but it's not good anymore. I've been a

taxi driver for five years and nothing like this has happened to me before. I just feel that I have to look for another job because I don't want to go back out as a taxi driver."

The owners of the Spearmint Rhino lapdancing club in Leicester were inspired to donate £500 to Mr Zaman after reading about his ordeal in the Mercury.

The club was not involved in the incident, but bosses said they wanted to show their appreciation for the work taxi drivers do.

The company's national vice-president, John Specht, travelled to Leicester from London to hand over the cheque.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

Baroness Warsi apologises; Cameron demands further investigation The Cabinet Secretary has been urged to investigate new allegations about Baroness Warsi, the co-chairman of the Conservative Party. The peer has been accused of failing to register a holding of 60 per cent of the shares in a spice manufacturer called Rupert’s Recipes. Under House of Lords rules, peers have to declare if they have a controlling stake in a company. She has denied any wrongdoing.

Questions have also been raised about Lady Warsi’s business partner in the organisation, Abid Hussain. The Sunday Telegraph claimed that he travelled with her on a ministerial trip to Pakistan, where she met leading politicians.

The newspaper also said that he had been a member of Hizb utTahrir, a radical Islamic group that the Prime Minister wanted to proscribe.

The MP also referred to reports that Lady Warsi made two trips to the Middle East funded by the Government of Saudi Arabia.

The Labour MP Karl Turner has written to police about separate allegations that Lady Warsi claimed expenses of up to ￡165 a night for accommodation despite staying in a Premier Inn that charged ￡75 for a room. The move follows allegations that she was claiming expenses while staying with a friend in West London.

On the expenses allegations, Lady Warsi said that membership of the Lords was a “privilege”, and that she had referred the allega-

that there are questions that have been raised and there are questions which have to be answered. I am satisfied that will happen.”

The Prime Minister has taken this unusual step of immediately referring the Conservative cochairwoman to his independent adviser on minisDavid Cameron with Baroness Warsi ters’ interests after tions to the Commissioner for she apologised to him in a letter.

Standards. She denied the claims It is the first time that Mr relating to Rupert’s Recipes.

Cameron has asked Sir Alex Allan Sources said that the peer had a to assess if a minister has broken minority shareholding in the comthe rules of the Ministerial Code, pany, below the threshold for regdespite coming under intense istration although it had been pressure to do so in the case of disclosed to the Cabinet Office Jeremy Hunt, the Culture and in her declaration of ministeriSecretary, who faces criticisms al interests. about his conduct during News In February this year another Corporation’s BSkyB bid. Sir Alex shareholder in the company transwas also not called upon to look ferred his shares to others, includinto the scandal that resulted in ing Lady Warsi which appeared the resignation of Liam Fox on the company’s annual return. as Defence Secretary.

However, she then immediately Labour said that the move transferred those shares to her drew into “sharp relief” the differhusband. She added: “I am not ence in the way that the Prime aware of any involvement between Minister handled his ministers.

Abid Hussain and Hizb ut-Tahrir, Lady Warsi wrote to Mr and no such relationship has ever Cameron following allegations been suggested previously.” about her links to Abid Hussain.

David Cameron said at a No She admitted that the community 10 Jubilee party: “I am satisfied activist, who is also her husband’s

second cousin, had joined her on a visit to Pakistan soon after her appointment to the Cabinet.

She accepted that her failure to disclose that they had a “common business interest as minority shareholders in a small food company” known as Rupert’s Recipes was a mistake.

Lady Warsi stressed that her own involvement in the company had been declared to the Cabinet Office but apologised for not telling officials about the link to Mr Hussain. “For this I am sorry. I regret that this failure may have caused embarrassment to the Government,” she wrote.

However, Lady Warsi argued that Mr Hussain had not gained any financial or business advantage from the trip, was not part of the official delegation and was in no way funded by the British Government. She added that her trip came after William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, spoke of an “appetite” within Pakistan for her to visit.

The Prime Minister responded, taking on board Lady Warsi’s explanations but adding that she “should have raised pro-actively with the FCO and the Cabinet Office” the business link. “There are clearly some lessons for future handling and I have asked Alex Allan, my adviser on ministers’ interests, to consider the issues that have been raised with respect to the Ministerial Code and to provide advice to me as rapidly as possible,” he said.

FROM 26 JULY

THE COURTYARD THEATRE STRATFORD-UPON-AVON TICKETS FROM £16

www.rsc.org.uk 0844 800 1110 PHOTO OF MEERA SYAL BY JILLIAN EDELSTEIN

5

Britain’s first white honour killing victim named Laura Wilson, 17, who has been described as Britain’s first known white honour killing victim, was killed by Ashtiaq Asghar after she told his relatives about their affair.

She may have been subjected to sexual grooming by British Pakistani men from her early teens, and when she was 16 became pregnant

by Asghar’s friend, Ishaq Hussain.

Asghar was told he would serve at least 17and-a-half years behind bars after he pleaded guilty to murdering Miss Wilson in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in October 2010.

He killed the teenager just days after she revealed her affairs with him and Mr Hussain to their families.

Asghar lured her to a secluded canal and stabbed her repeatedly in the head with a knife before leaving her dying in the water.

Miss Wilson’s mother, Margaret, said earlier this year: “I honestly think it was an honour killing for putting shame on the family. They needed to shut Laura up and they did.”

6

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

The Roti Revolution:

Can't cook / won't cook?

"Can you cook?" is a question usually asked by grandmas and aunties...with an ulterior motive.

If they had asked me in my late teens, you would have got an abrupt "No!" If you had asked me in mid20s, you would have got the response "Yes, but I won't". Ask me now and you'll get the response "Yes, but it depends what?

Italian?

Chinese?

Spanish? Thai?" You'll notice everything in that list but the type of food they are actually asking about... Indian i.e. dhokla, kitchri, saag, masala dosa, daal, rice and curry.

Working in the City, living at home partly and sometimes away from home, the chances of me making my own, traditional Indian meal are very slim. I'll admit first and foremost, my rotis are never round, I can do diamonds, squares and even rotis in the shape of India (these are better thank you think!) but never round. Imaging bringing out a tawa, velan, patlo and kneading dough at 10pm. Actually even worse, packing it in your suitcase with a kilo of flour (there goes the easyjet luggage allowance), every weekend to take a little bit of home with you – not my idea of a good evening.

So why does this matter? When I was younger, my grandma and mum worried I couldn't cook (even though I could but didn't want to, which my mum realises now). I was constantly reminded of how girls aged ten in India could feed a whole family and the closest I'd get to a velan was eating my kitchri off it (kitchri which I didn't make).

So what are the expectations of girls cooking

Indian food today, let alone making round roti?

Seems like society (represented by our beloved aunty-jis) judge girls by the roti they make and think our future families will go hungry if we can't cook or won't cook Indian food all the time. In fact they think the ability to find a potential partner will be impacted by this.

Have they not heard of takeaways? Even better with the wonders of frozen paratha, packet dhokla and ready-made saag, food can be on the table in 20 minutes with a lot less washing up and you’ll have enough time to say “maine banaya hai, Gits se!”

I'll be honest – I love cooking, I never follow a recipe or cook the exact same thing twice but I can cook (much to my aunty's surprise). But (and this is quite a big but) ask me to choose between my laptop (i.e. time spent on work) and my cooking pan – I'll choose my work because at this point in time my career is important to me.

This constant dilemma exists for women to make a choice, a choice between making a perfect home and being a good partner or spending time on your career. I refuse to believe this has to be a choice, hence my Roti Revolution!

I am by no means a feminist but considering woman sit on the boardroom of multi-million dollar companies, why can’t we come home and put our feet up if we need to?

With the power of modern day tools we have available to us today, I believe women can have their careers and a great home life, so “Can you cook?” should never be a pre-requisite with the implied notion you (and only you) must cook when you get

married.

A significant part of this is finding a partner to support your goals and not only your partner but his family as well. I can go through countless times when I’ve come home and feel bad I’ve not been able to help my mum cook. Yet my mum doesn’t say anything to make me feel that way. The scary thing is will I get the same treatment after I’m married?

I’d like to think I’d be judged by the contribution I make to the success of the family as opposed to the Indian food I make.

We live in the UK with all the conveniences of the 21st century to help us.

Husbands, in-laws, brothers, sisters, housekeepers, huge corporate organisations (making quick, easy and ready-made food) are all available to help. As with everything I think my home-life and my career is a balance not a choice to pursue one or the other. I believe we need to embrace where we stand now, where we want to get to and know that we should surround ourselves by the people that will help us get there, without feeling guilty about spending time on our careers. No doubt as we establish ourselves in our families and careers we will find more time to perfect out rotis. So next time, when you are introduced to a potential partner ask him “Can you cook?”, because it is a question the aunties haven’t asked.

Shonal Tankaria is the Social Events Lead for the City Hindus Network (CHN). You can sign-up to be a member or find out more about the CHN at www.cityhindusnetwork.o r.uk. You can get in touch with Shonal at chnshonal@gmail.com.

Big Ben may have a new name

• OCI Applications • Wills and Probate • Private Tax Planning • Immigration Visas (including appeals)

• Property • Divorce 502-504 Honeypot Lane Stanmore Middlesex HA7 1JR

020 8951 6959 • info@pindorialaw.com

www.pindorialaw.com

“60 for 60” event held successfully at Burnley Hospital Path to Success, a London-based charity, funds towards projects which have an immediate and demonstrable positive impact upon the health, welfare and educational prospects of young people and adults with disabilities, mental health and shelter concerns. Support is provided through fund

Mrs Choudhrie, founder of Path to Success

raising and grant-giving to organisations and individuals who fulfil their charitable objectives. Path to Success has joined forces with Miriam Gonzalez Durántez, Chief Patron to provide 60 NHS Hospitals with wheelchairs, in time for the Queen’s 60th Diamond Jubilee year. “60 for 60” is Path to Success’ flagship Campaign, spearheaded by founder Anita Choudhrie whose vast experience of the charity world led her to extend her vision of philanthropy to the UK. “We are aware of the great work that the NHS

honour and celebrating this wonderful personal and National event. Our philosophy is to help those who are so keen to make a success of their inability into ability. We hope the growth of Path to Success will help achieve a change in the destiny of a targeted society or a single individual.

In this event hosted by East Ms Hazel Harding –Chair of East Lancashire NHS Trust, Burnley MP Lancashire NHS Gordon Birtwistle, Valerie Bertenshaw, Trust at Burnley Director of Operations of East Hospital, we are Lancashire NHT Trust and Mrs donating fifteen Choudhrie, founder of Path to Success wheelchairs to hospitals in the is doing to help cover North Region who have patients’ requirements accepted our donation. It across the UK and we is a wonderful feeling to wanted to collaborate with be able to help and conHospitals and help some tribute to the welfare of of the patients by providthe society and individuing the Wheelchairs. We als. Our special thanks to have been fortunate to East Lancashire NHS witness Her Majesty’s trust for hosting this many years of service durevent.

Mr Gordon ing which time her comBirtwistle, MP, and all our mitment to Home, the suppliers for their full supCommonwealth and hunport and help in making dreds of Charitable interthis event a great ests, have supported and success. We have three inspired generations of more events during 2012 Britons. We wish to conwhere we will be donating tribute in the lead up to wheelchairs to other this momentous event by regions in England. running a campaign in her

East London comes to the West End in a brand new British Bollywood musical Centring on the British Asian experience and set against a vibrant East End backdrop in 2012 Wah! Wah! Girls, coming to the Peacock Theatre for a limited run of four weeks, is part of World Stages London’s celebration of the capital’s diversity as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

When beautiful runaway Sita breaks into an East End mujra dancing club, she sets in motion a series of events that change the lives of this close knit community forever. On this rollercoaster ride of a Bollywood musical, a group of young girls take on the world as friendships are forged, love and aspirations tested, long buried secrets revealed and danger lurks

around every corner.

Directed by Kneehigh’s Emma Rice (Brief Encounter), written

by Tanika Gupta (Sugar Mummies, White Boy) and composed by Niraj Chag (Rafta Rafta) with additional music from classic Bollywood films, Wah! Wah! Girls is a passionate, stirring and fun musical about family, friendship, betrayal and love, brought to life with

Kneehigh’s trademark inventiveness, humour and wit.

Don’t miss the riot of swirling colours, clever sets, lavish costumes, pulsating music and breathtaking dance scenes that is Wah! Wah! Girls. (Until 23rd June ).

Contact Peacock Theatre on 0844 412 4322 for other information and tickets.

Theresa May orders Lawrence murder review Britain’s famed parliament clock tower Big Ben is set to be renamed the Elizabeth Tower in honour of the queen’s diamond jubilee , a report said on Friday. Prime Minister David Cameron is among 331 lawmakers who have signed up to a campaign to bestow the tribute to Queen Elizabeth to mark her 60th year on the throne, the Daily Mail reported.

Stephen Lawrence, 18, was stabbed twice after he was attacked in Eltham, South London in 1993 A new review has been ordered into claims police corruption impeded the original Stephen Lawrence murder investigation.

Home Secretary Theresa May has appointed a leading

barrister to carry out an independent probe, despite Scotland Yard and the police watchdog, the IPCC, concluding last week they could find no new evidence.

Mark Ellison, QC, who earlier this year secured the conviction of David Norris and Gary Dobson for the 1993 racist gang mur-

der, in Eltham - 19 years after the crime will head the review.

The move was welcomed by Stephen’s mother Doreen, who had called for a fresh public inquiry after it was claimed the Metropolitan Police withheld paperwork about the extent of corruption from the Macpherson Inquiry.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

Man admits shooting Anuj Bidve Kiaran Stapleton, 21, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but denied murder when he appeared at Manchester Crown Court.

His “mad not bad “ defence of diminished responsibility was not accepted by the prosecutor Brian Cummings QC and Stapleton will face a murder trial on June 25.

Stapleton,dressed in grey jogging top and bottoms, made a 20 minute appearance before Mr Justice Henriques at a plea and case management hearing.

The judge said:”The defendant has admitted the killing and the trial will be whether he was of diminished responsibility.

It is plainly now within public knowledge that this was a shooting at very close range of a complete stranger.”

Stapleton, who is represented by Mr Simon Czoka QC, was remanded in custody until the trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Student Anuj Bidve, 23, (pictured) had arrived in the UK from his home town of Pune in India in September 2011 to study on a micro electronics course at Lancaster University.

He died on a Christmas break and

shopping trip to Manchester when he walked with friends through the Ordsall area of Salford in the early

Yogini

hours of Boxing Day on their way to the sales.

His father Subhash, who runs an air conditioning firm, and mother Yogini, who runs her own business logisitics company, flew from their home in Pune for the hearing.

They were led into the court by police officers but were blocked from Stapleton’s view by the dock, which was screened by opaque glass.

Mr Bidve, dressed in a grey suit, white shirt and pink tie, and his wife, in

traditional Indian dress, listened intently to the proceedings but showed no emotion.

In a statement issued after the case,the couple said:”We have made the journey from India to the United Kingdom because it was very important to us to hear, in person, Kiaran Stapleton’s plea.

“This is the first time we have returned to the UK since Anuj was taken away from us on Boxing Day last year and the first time we have come face to face with the man charged with his murder. So clearly this is a very emotional time and difficult time for us.

“We have today heard in Subhash person that Kiaran Stapleton has admitted killing Anuj.

We know that there is a tremendous amount of interest both at home in India and here in the United Kingdom.

“As there will be a trial later this month, we cannot say anything further at this time and we would ask that the media respect both our privacy and the integrity of the court process.

“At the conclusion of the case, we will be happy to speak to the media.

Thank you.”

Royal Academy of Arts exhibit Indian boy’s work In an extraordinary recognition from one of the world’s renowned art galleries, the Royal Academy of Arts here began exhibiting the works of nine-yearold Maximilian Ghose along with those of two other young talents.

Ghose, of half Indian origin, is the youngest, and his paintings will hang alongside contemporary greats.

The Royal Academy’s summer exhibition is famous across its 244-year history for pitching emerging talent, but never before has the emerging talent included school-age artists, let alone under10s. This year, there were 11,000 applicants.

Maximilian Ghose, pictured, painted his work, ‘Atlantis’ , on a day when he wasn’t well enough to go to school.

He was only eight then. “I

said to Max we’d better find something for you to do so you don’t get bored,” said his mother Alexandra, who is French and an artist. She said, “He did this piece using oils on linen, and managed to ruin his pyjamas in the process.

It’s quite abstract, he’s used a lot of colour.”

I n t e re s t i n g l y,

Alexandra put one of her works up for consideration by the Royal Academy’s selection committee.

Hers was rejected, while Max’s was accepted.

Ghose’s father, Ronit, is a banker.

His parents don’t want to think he is an artistic genius.

“He’s a normal, rounded little boy. We do visit a lot of art galleries, and he loves art at school, but if he had a choice between being the next David Beckham or the David Hockney, it’s Beckham he’d choose,” said his mother. There are 1,474 pieces, about 350 more than in last year’s show.

Caan teams up with Herman

Mr James Caan has teamed up with Paul Herman, a former leading partner at Cavendish Corporate Finance, to set up Bluebox.

The advisory company’s core product will be its “pre-sale planning programme”, whereby the firm works with companies on key issues

for three years prior to a sale of the business.

Mr Herman, the chief executive of Bluebox, said: “The difference to any existing offering is the structured approach we are taking and the focus on the presale planning process itself.”

Mr Herman has con-

vinced leading entrepreneurs to work with him, including James Averdieck, co-founder of the dessert firm Gü, which was sold for more than £30m in 2010. Mr Averdieck said: “Without question I would have benefited from the Bluebox programme.”

Help us deliver the highest professional standards Fitness to Practise Medical Panellists – Manchester Minimum 20 days pa When a doctor’s fitness to practise is called into question, we call upon firm but fair procedures to resolve the situation. These can include an adjudication stage where hearings take place before a Fitness to Practise Panel and sometimes an Interim Orders Panel.

These are made up of medical and lay (i.e. non-medical) panellists.

This summer, we will be establishing the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) to take on the responsibility of the adjudication stage and we are therefore looking to increase the number of medical panellists who will work in the MPTS Hearings centre in Manchester. We are also interested in appointing candidates with chairing experience in order to act as Medical Chairs.

We’re holding a number of awareness sessions in Manchester for those considering applying for a Medical Panellist role. If you are interested in attending such a session please contact awarenessevent@gmc-uk.org For this role, we’re looking for people with demonstrable integrity and objectivity, along with the ability to reach considered, unbiased decisions affecting other people. As part of our commitment to diversity we seek candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and actively encourage applicants from BME doctors, women and doctors with a disability. A daily fee and expenses are to be paid and a full training programme is provided.

To find out more please visit jobs.gmc-uk.org Closing date for receipt of applications: 1st July 2012

7

8

www.abplgroup.com

Dee Katwa

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

Midland Voice Contact: Dhiren on 07970 911 386 or dhiren.katwa@abplgroup.com

Divine chant connects devotees to Lord Krishna

Taxi driver fined

Hundreds of Hare Krishna devotees bathed in an ocean of divinity, as part of Sounds for the Soul, an annual 24-hour recital festival held in Birmingham last weekend.

The repeated mass chanting, at varying speeds, of the Hare Krishna mantra, with the accompaniment of instruments including the harmonium, guitar, cymbals and Indian drums, created spiritual waves, the vibrations and energy of which was felt within. Devotees, mainly Hindus, male and female of all ages and race backgrounds, sang and danced to the beats of the mantra. Dressed in traditional Indian attire, many wearing T-shirts with “I lost my heart in Vrindaban”, and the holy mantra emblazoned on them, and sandalwood marks on foreheads, carrying rosemary beads in pouches, everyone was mesmerised by the intoxicating atmosphere. A live broadcast on Mayapur

TV was watched by scores more, around the world. This year’s VIPs, who were hosted by a team of health professionals, included MEP Mike Natrass and his wife Joyce, Sewa International’s Bharat Vadukul, Amrick Singh Ubhi from the Nishkam Centre, temple chairman Dr Narayana Rao and me on behalf of my editor and guru Mr CB Patel.

VIPs were each introduced by Ravi Prabhu, the eloquent master of ceremonies. It was amusing to observe MEP Natrass, whose ignorance of Hinduism, let alone of ISKCON, shone through brightly. Also, he was unashamed to admit that this was his first visit, ever, to a Hindu temple.

Mike, who is “working to

A private taxi driver who admitted unlawfully plying for hire in Walsall while he was uninsured has been fined £1,380. Mohammed Kasim, 28, of Gordon Street, Darlaston, was also given six penalty points on his DVLA license.

New e-book venture Hari Bol: Worshippers chanting the holy mantra

make all UK MEPs redundant” described the event “brilliant”, adding, “I enjoyed every moment and learned a great deal and made real friends”.

Keynote speaker, again, was Sachidananda Swami, a senior teacher with the Movement since 1971. In his hour-long discourse he told attendees: “Don’t space out, space in,” adding, “don’t be absent-minded, be present-minded, and you’ll eventually connect to your soul, hence to God.” The event, now in its 13th year, was held at

the Shri Balaji Temple in Dudley. It was organised by the Birmingham branch of ISKCON – International Society for Krishna Consciousness which was founded by Swami Srila Prabhupada in New York in 1966.

Separately, volunteers are required for Rathyatra, ISKCON’s popular annual chariot festival, which will take place in Birmingham on July 22.

To sign up, call Mohan Nandi on 07966 238 376 or visit www.iskconbirmingham.org

What does it mean to be a British Pakistani male today?

Plaudits are being bestowed, rightly so too, on a talented Birmingham photographer, Mahtab Hussain, for his creative portfolio, which aims to shed light on the growing Pakistani population in the city.

Mahtab’s exhibition, What does it mean to be a British Pakistani male today?, his first of many, is on display at mac birmingham in Cannon Hill Park, till Sunday (Jun 10). “My work is all about opening up the debate,” says Mahtab, pictured, who was born in Glasgow, moved to London when he was five, then to Bradford and is now settled in

Birmingham. Much of Mahtab’s psyche was shaped by working at the National Portrait Gallery, where he met Lucy Macmillan, his English wife of Scottish descent, who is a ‘curatorial researcher’ there.

Mahtab, 31, who express himself through making images is fast becoming a career, studied photography at Joseph

Curry voting bid

Wolverhampton is vying to become the Curry Capital of Britain for 2012. For the last two years, the city’s bid has come third. A launch event to encourage more people to vote for their favourite curry house will take place in the Mander Centre this Friday (Jun 8) from midday until 2pm. To find out more visit www.currycapitalwolves.co.uk

Nurse suspended

A nurse, Sarita Mittal, who slept while on duty and threw medication into residents’ mouths to avoid catching germs at Poplars Nursing Home in Smethwick, Birmingham has been suspended for 12 months. Some of the patients were left spluttering on their medication and care assistants had to stop them choking. Mittal, 46, did not attend the hearing but sent a letter denying the charges.

Follow-up with Bore

Readers may recall from three weeks ago Asian Voice requested a meeting with Sir Albert Bore, the new leader at Birmingham City Council. In a follow-up call on Jun 1, his PA, Hayley, said she could not find the email, and asked, as was expected, to re-send. Done.

Will keep you posted.

News in Brief

Chamberlain College before taking a BA degree in History of Art at Goldsmith’s College. He is one of five “strongminded” children. Elder sister Shella is a financial adviser, while twin sister Henna is completing her PhD in psychology.

Younger brother Aftab, 25, works in banking; and Amraz, 15, having been adopted when he was just four days old – has his heart set on computer games/animation and graphic design. His mother, Imtiaz, came over to the UK in her late teens and went through a divorce a few years after arriving in Birmingham.

She currently works as a

foster carer. “Mum taught me to work hard , stay focused,” said Mahtab, who hasn’t seen his father Shoukat - an accomplished qawwali singer - ‘for years’.

Mahtab’s exhibition is being supported by mac birmingham and funded

by Arts Council England.

After London, Birmingham has the second highest population of Pakistanis in the country.

In addition, there are more than 100 British Pakistani millionaires in the country. One day, In’shallah, let’s hope Mahtab features on this list too. Good luck! To find out more visit www.mahtabhussain.com

Faiths join to celebrate Jubilee People of all ages and faiths joined together for a fun-filled family celebration for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The event, organised by Sandwell Multi-Faith Network and Sant Nirankari Mission, featured live music, street dancing, kids’ activities, stalls, world cuisine and more. Also a procession was followed by the raising of the Union Jack and the national anthem played by the Salvation Army. Photo: King Gurcharan Mall leads the street procession.

Gay community celebrate Pride Thousands of revellers from across the country descended on Birmingham last weekend to take part in Pride, the annual festival which celebrates the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The event began with a raucous parade from the Council House to the Gay Village in around Hurst Street. A spokesman from Saathi, the monthly club night for gay Asians, said: “It’s great to see so many more Asians take part, but most of them are from outside Birmingham. Barriers are being broken, but the issue still remains taboo, even in this day and age.”

A mum-of-two from Birmingham has launched a new £40,000 online venture to inspire the next generation of young readers. Librarian Naida Bano, 36, from Moseley, and her husband have created www.likeabook.co.uk, an electronic bookshop created for children - and their parents - to ensure they become fully fledged booklovers of the future.

Cops to watch you on A38 A clampdown on motorists flouting the law is to be carried out at a Midlands accident hotspot. Police will target speeding drivers, those using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts in the coming weeks on the A38 near Burton after a series of accidents.

Parking fines raise £234m Parking wardens issued nearly 133,000 tickets to drivers in Birmingham last year – the third most in the country outside London. A ticket was issued every 4.6 seconds, and more than £234 million was raised. One in four tickets was disputed, with those appealing having a 39% success rate.

Thieves target tools Heartless thieves have stolen tools used by disabled gardeners from a Midland site. Intruders forced the padlock on a storage shed at Goscote Greenacres in Walsall and stole more than £1,000 worth of tools.

They also broke into the community cabin and cut through a polytunnel to steal a hosepipe. “Thieves won’t beat us – we will pick ourselves up and carry on,” said an emotional member of the green project.

Craftspace scoops award Well done to Deirdre Figueiredo, pictured, and her team at Craftspace, who notched up the Volunteering and People Development trophy at an Arts and Business Awards ceremony in London.

Craftspace, the Birmingham-based crafts charity, was recognised for its long-term partnership with its corporate partner VSM (UK ).

“The crafts has an important role to play in strengthening and revitalizing communities,” said Deirdre, “credit to my team for their efforts, we’re delighted to win this award.” To find out more visitwww.craftspace.co.uk

Tribute to Sikh Martyrs A delegation of Sikhs from Birmingham visited Cyprus to pay tributes to Sikh soldiers who were killed in the Second World War. The delegation was led by Dal Singh Dhesy, Charanjit Singh and Amarjit Singh Johal, from the Sikh Community and Youth Service UK, in Handsworth. They joined members of the Royal British Legion to salute the fallen at the Nicosia Cemetry.

Sisters in dock over assault Two sisters who “humiliated” a grandmother by ripping off her wig in Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre have each been given an 18-month conditional discharge. Ferzana Kosser, 29, and 27-year-old Zehra Bibi, pictured, had both denied assault on their 37-year-old heavily pregnant victim Gullmena Begum. The city’s magistrates’ court was told there was a “history of bad blood” between Mrs Begum and Kosser.

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

Leading Lights

by Rani Singh

Special Assignments Editor Mia Gulati, 29

Born in London to Indian parents, Mia Gulati looks after Individual Membership and Patrons at Asia House. At the age of 14, she moved to New Delhi as her liberal socialist parents wanted Mia and her siblings to experience living in India. There, Mia worked as an artist and curator and also taught art at a private school. She moved back to London in 2007 and has been working at Asia House since 2010 in the Cultural and Memberships team.

Mia has a BA in Fine Art and is a double MA; in History of Art and Visual Culture.

Q What range of countries does Asia House cover?

Asia House is a nonpolitical, non profit organisation that covers over 40 countries from Iran to Japan. Our aim is to increase engagement with the UK and the countries of Asia through both culture and business events.

Q What is the Young Leaders Programme?

The Asia House Young Leaders Programme is a social network for young professionals who have a clear interest and engagement with the countries of Asia. It is a thriving group of motivated, dynamic achievers, for whom Asia House provides specially tailored programmes and events.

Q Why did you set it up?

We wanted to create a platform whereby young people could engage with what we do here at Asia House. We wanted to create a new group that was very much about contemporary arts and culture and business and politics.

Asia House has a very interesting supporter baseusually older patrons- and we recognised we needed a way for young people to be involved.

Q How do you decide on who is a Young Leader?

It’s generally not us that decide, we are very accessible!

Potential young leaders often find us and there is a real sense that connecting through Asia House is valuable and worthwhile.

We receive enquiries from prospective young leaders and then I meet with them for a tea at the Asia House Cafe and we generally just have a chat

about what that person is looking for and hoping to gain from the young leader group and what we can offer in return. For example we have a newly signed member that owns a company that represents Chelsea FC and the Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt globally; after the meeting it was apparent that our programme was what he was looking for.

He was enthusiastic about sharing his experience and contributing to the network. At other times we may not feel that this membership is suitable for someone but we’ve been very lucky so far in recruiting quite outstanding individuals.

There is a real sense that connecting through Asia House is valuable and worthwhile Q Isn't the money you get from Young Patrons much less than the amount you earn from the older, established ones?

Yes, because this group’s members are still in the early stages of their careers. However, it is a more specialised group than our traditional membership base of Asia House Friends.

Q What disciplines do the Young Patrons come from?

The Young Leaders come from very varied walks of life. We have gallery owners, writers, bankers, barristers, jewellers, sports managers and many others. It reflects the diversity of Asia House- business, policy and culture all coming together to develop a deeper understanding of each other.

Q What nationalities

Mia Gulati

do you have in the YP? To name a few, European, Indian, Indonesian, Chinese, Mauritian and American.

Q What is a typical event like?

There is no typical event! A range of events in the past year include a curator talk on Contemporary and Experimental Art in Hanoi, Vietnam; A Panel Discussion on Nuclear Weapons: Peace and Stability in Asia twinned with a series of plays about the Bomb at Tricycle Theatre; a private dinner with notable Asian authors in which we did a seating shuffle to encourage everyone to make new connections.

We are looking forward to a drinks evening this month with Lord Wei, the youngest member of the House of Lords and the first British born person of Chinese origin in history to have become a member. Young Leaders also have access to a majority of our business and policy events as well as cultural events.

Q Isn't everyone out to just sell their own product and network?

No. What distinguishes the members of the Young Leaders is that they are very passionate, committed to making a difference and want to give back and share their knowledge and experiences.

Ease visas for businessmen India asked the UK to ease visas for businessmen and entrepreneurs and students and the declining Indian investment climate and a burgeoning economic relationship with the UK formed part of the IndiaUK foreign office discussions, between foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai and his counterpart 0.

The engagement is impor-

tant because the Indo-UK economic relationship is now several notches above political ties.

According to official sources, India said it was open to more investment from the UK. Bilateral trade in 2011-12 exceeded $16 billion up from $12.5 billion in 2010-11.

The UK is the fourth largest investor in India, and New Delhi is the

third largest investor in UK. About 700 Indian companies are operational in the UK. Sources said there was an "extensive exchange of views on developments in West Asia, including Syria, the situation in Afghanistan and other developments in South Asia and Europe, including the Eurozone crisis".

9

Hindus withdraw from 'A Year of service' A national project set up to coordinate charity work between religious groups during 2012 to celebrate Her Majesty's 60 years, has been marred by conflict.

The Hindu contingent in 'A Year of Service' has withdrawn from the scheme over questions about its funding.

Sewa Day – a charity which organises an annual day of voluntary work – said its enquiries about the project's finances were "stonewalled" by officials at the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

During inception, representatives of the groups were told that the Government would play a supporting role but could not provide funds for the individual projects.

But a discrepancy

arose when it emerged that Mitzvah Day – the Jewish charity administering the project – was apparently given grants totalling £65,000 for its work on the scheme.

Arup Ganguly, the chairman of Sewa Day learnt about the funding when it was referred to in a letter sent in March to the Hindu Forum of Britain by DCLG. He was later told it was for overall management of the project, including a website and a full time member of staff.

But his repeated requests for a detailed breakdown of the proposed spending were refused because he was a "third party".

He has now withdrawn Sewa Day from the project, leaving it without any formal involvement from the

Hindu community (refer to our report on page 14, June 2, AV).

A DCLG spokesman told The Sunday Telegraph that the project had already proved successful and it was still hoped that Hindus would take part.

"The Department has always replied promptly to communications from Sewa Day and has always made clear that the grant was to allow the Mitzvah Day Charitable Trust to take on the administration and promotional role for the whole of the programme.

"We are very happy with the work Mitzvah Day has been doing on A Year of Service and are continuing work with all the other faith groups involved, and very much hope that British Hindus will play a part in that."

Gujarat and Sea: Seminar at the Nehru Centre A Seminar and book launch of “Gujarat and Sea” is organised on 13th June, Wednesday 6 in the evening at Nehru centre.

The function is organised

by Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice, and will be graced by dignitaries like Prof.

Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Darshak Itihaas Nidhi (Foundation for studies in history), Chairman Hashmukhbhai Shah and Prof. John Carswell (Research Associate, SOAS), Dr Claire Dovmeet (Academic Publication editor), Dr Edward Simpson (Professor, SOAS).

Popular writer, novelist Shri Gulabdas Broker has penned the amazing bonding of Gujarat and the Sea. He has researched has revealed that Gujaratis connected with other countries through seas.

Unfortunately, no one has ever taken interest regarding this subject. In order to enlighten people regarding this rich history, initiative had been taken

by Baroda-based Darshak Itihaas Nidhi. They had organised a grand International conference in 2010 in Mandvi,which was attended by 40 dignitaries, scientists, researchers and academicians from all around the world and there were 38 research articles presented to raise awareness.

The collection of such informative material and much more is covered by this book ‘Gujarat and Sea’. Prof. Lord Bhikhu Parekh has written the Foreword. The Chairman for the Darshak Itihaas Nidhi is Shri

Hashmukhbhai Shah, former personal assistant of Honarary Morarji Desai.

Everybody is invited to attend this book launch and Seminar at the Nehru Center. The book throws light on many countries and Gujaratis who have settled there, on Gujaratis like Bhatia, Lohana, Khoja, Ishnasari Vora, Kharwa, Gurjar Shatriyo, Koli Patel and many more who have ventured across seas and have done some

very outstanding work. In order to know more about their ventures, struggles and stories, do not miss this function.

Anyone interested to participate in this function, please register yourself at kamal.rao@abplgroup.com or rovin.george@abplgroup.com

by Monday-11 June, 4pm.

Entry is free. Limited seats available on first come first basis.

Private Muslim schools asked to promote British values Private Islamic schools face being required to promote “British values” as part of a new Government drive to combat extremism. For the first time, they will be forced to meet new rules introduced to ensure schools respect the criminal and civil law,

"(

'& ")"'&"&

') $ $"% )

present political issues in a balanced way and promote tolerance of other faiths.

The change – applying to all independent schools in England – comes amid concerns that the curriculum in some schools may encourage the development of radical beliefs.

("

( )"'&

'% '() )!('* !'*) )! -

$ +++ !&

, "( '& ' *#

(

YOUR VOICE

10

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

BJP’s ineffectiveness

Freedom for choice

In my letter under ‘BJP’S ineffectiveness’ I used the wrong name Sushma Suraj instead of Smita Irani who is also a senior member of the BJP who attended the party hosted by the British Asian Conservative party. In spite of the fact that all charges levied against Narendra Modi during the riots have been dismissed by the courts in India, still America and Britain is refusing to give visa to Mr Modi. This is due to pressure from Indian Muslims and from some renegade members of some Indian political parties.

Mr. Modi is the most popular Chief Minster of India and also most popular figure in the BJP. However the old guards in the BJP like Advani and Sushma Suraj are still clinging to power without giving due credit to young and articulate BJP Ministers like Ram Singh, Narendra Modi, Yadurappa and so on. Mr. Advani wants his friend Anand Kumar to become the Chief Minster of Karnataka even though he does not have much support among BJP members in Karnataka.

Advani does not like Mr. Gadkari since he is a young and popular figure in BJP. Mr Advani did not want him to continue for another three years since he has lost his power base.

Mr. Advani should know that corruption is rampant in the ruling UPA government and corruption charges are levied against 13 senior cabinet Minsters. In stead of exposing corruption in the ruling Congress party, Mr. Advani is sabotaging his own party chances of winning the election by criticising BJP Ministers and failing to attend the BJP national Committee meetings.

The BJP is not acting as a sensible opposition party and unless there is a radical change in the party hierarchy there is no chance of coming to power in the near future.

New rules have just been passed in the European Parliament which will force many existing health food supplements out of the shops. The over-zealous new EU labelling laws will require any claim made on the label of a health food product to be subjected to detailed scientific tests.

This could force many alternative health food shops, such as increasingly popular Chinese health food shops, from selling centuries-old remedies in which many people store great faith. My view is that people should be free to choose to take whatever vitamin supplements and health tonics to help boost their immune system or to give them confidence to take exercise, so long as the supplements are safe to human health. Yet common sense was blocked by an alliance of Labour and Liberal Democrat MEPs who insisted that claimed health benefits for the supplements must be backed by a programme of detailed scientific tests proving their effectiveness beyond any possible doubt. Among the popular generic products affected by the new rules are glucosamine and chondroitin, taken to help the suppleness of joints, lutein which is said to improve resistance to eye disease, and dietary fibre - eaten to promote a healthy digestive system.

Unfortunately, Labour and the Liberal Democrat MEPs have fallen into the arms of “big pharma” businesses who would benefit from wiping out competition from smaller alternative health food shops. It is utterly disproportionate to apply the same standards we set for cancer drugs to people’s everyday health supplements and tonics.

I have been overwhelmed by the number of consumers and small businesses who have contacted me to support my stance. London and its Conservative MEPs will continue to stand up for freedom of choice - and for our country to stand out in Europe, as ever, as a beacon of freedom.

Arun Vaidyanathan Via Email

Boris’ Broadside I was saddened to read in last week’s AV that Boris, the newly elected Mayor has appointed his ex wife on Muslim engagement task force but no similar appointment to facilitate other ethnic minorities, namely Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Jews. He has already removed Mr Ranger, the only Sikh in his think-tank from the Transport Advisory Board.

Perhaps Boris is fulfilling the promise made by Ken Livingstone to turn London into a beacon for Islam. He should remember that the en-masse voting by the Indian community, especially by the Jewish community with high turnout that put him on the pedestal.

Perhaps Boris has written us off as a lost cause and who can blame him? While individual person from Indian community, even without any association with the Conservatives worked hard for Boris, we as a community failed to support Boris in a manner Jewish and Muslim communities supported Ken and Boris respectively. Our miserly 20% turnout and solid vote for Ken in Southall, Brent and

Syed Kamall Conservative MEP for London Harrow, areas dominated by us did not bode well for the Indian community, as mentioned by me in my various letters to AV. The fault line runs deep, inbred in our culture, religion and upbringing and the blame should be laid fairly and squarely at the foot of our temples, community leaders, elders and even Indian members of the Conservative party who failed to contact us, thus keeping most of the community in the dark about Ken’s appeasement for one section of the ethnic minority.

As you rightly point out that the unity, awareness and determination on the part of Muslim community gives them an opportunity to represent themselves widely on the political and social bodies in this country. The saying “God helps those who help themselves” is an apt reminder to all of us.

Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email

Who should be the next President of India?

The present President is due to retire and India will elect its new president shortly. Any person with a neat and clean record who is qualified to vote can stand to be elected as the President of India.

Apart from eligibility, the candidate need necessary support from the present sitting MPS and MLAS. It has become a normal practice to choose as a candidate a person who is a retired politician and in the good books of the Congress President. The system needs improvement. It is not that one is against all the politicians but to select for election a person who has his loyalty to Congress president as the only qualification is dangerous trend set up in India.

The nation did elect a person of highest quality in Shri A.P.J.Abdul Kalam.

India definitely needs the next president who is noncontroversial and highly placed in public life.

We can have a non political person as the president.

We have to set certain basic rules by convention for electing the person for election to the post of the President .

1) One should be highly reputed person 2) One can be a person from the cultural side, business, educational field, scientific field etc, 3) One should be non controversial, 4) One should not be preferably attached to any political parties, He/she should be a person for whom every Indian will feel proud.

It is with this intention, if we can have a person from Business:- Ratan Tata, Narayan Murthy, Azim Pemji, Adi Godrej, Rahul Bajaj, Army chief :- V. K.Singh, Politician:- A.B.Vajpayee, Technocrst:- E. Sridharan (retired Delhi metro chief) Cultural:- Pandit Ravishanker, Dr. Pratap Reddy, Judiciary:- Jagdish Bhagvati, Economist:- Amartya Sen, Alternatively let there be a panel of eminent personalities who will recommend a short list of such persons for consideration by the MPS and MLAS. Ashwin Sanghvi Vadodara, India

Need of balanced view in lending If the foreign debt of the Indian nation is increasing, the treasury of the Reserve bank of India might be emptied rapidly through various other banks allowing disproportionate lending to entertainment sectors such as film industry and sports instead of appropriate lending to the sectors of industry like farming, health, education and other essential services which require the prime importance in helping them to flourish, thereby to strengthen national economy to get rid of massive poverty.

The government in power is trying to solidify their voting bank keeping in sight the vast majority of youngsters who tend to think more of their luxuries rather than their necessities.

Please detach the form and send it with your payment or credit card instructions to address below $%&

)! &

&$ ! "$ !$

"$

"%& % !

* ! '$"#

)))

# $"'# "

Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman ensure victory for India in first test

$ !

)0 '

, .)

' $ & ! %& $ $ ! $ " '$ ! % "'$& ( % & &" ! "! & !( & & "! " " '! %& $&* " ! ) $ ! " % '%% "! ) & &"# ! % $% # Consultative Conference, (and a member of the politburo of Communist Party of China), Modi showcased Gujarat as a destination with a conducive environment to invest and work. He also explained Gujarat becoming a major tourist destination. He brought out the richness of Buddhist culture in Gujarat which solicited very keen interest among Chinese leadership. He also dwelled upon the ancient Indian and Chinese ethos, relationship, friendship, cultural and business ties.

While showcasing

(!

(! 0#

" #,' ( ) ." .#)( & )''#.. ) ." )(-/&. .#0 )( , ( -" % - " ( - 1#."

"#( , ( ,

)*& - )&#.# ) #

&

."

)0 '

)(.#(/

)( * !

# &" "" & % "! * !'& % "!

#(! #-" , #,&#( - #- !)#(! .",)/!" .,)/ & .#' - - )0 , *#&).- " 0 +/#. . , ." 2 1 , (). * # ." #, - & ,# - 0 ( - ." )'* (2 ( && )0 , &#!".- #( ." & -. .1) 2The cancellation of 80 flights in the past couple of days left thousands of passengers in the lurch prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to demand an explanation from Kingfisher.

The cash-strapped airline claimed that it had to drop flights as the company was trying to reconfigure its aircraft.

There was chaos at several airports after passengers complained that they were not intimated about the Kingfisher cancellations. )(.#(/ )( * !

UK EUROPE WORLD £25 £55 £70 £45 £100 £125

,

Brand ‘Gujarat’ – which is equated with Guangdong of China, he invited Chinese business community and public enterprises to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors’ Summit- 2013.

He highlights Gujarat’s special investment regions as areas where Chinese companies could invest. He called on China to invest in infrastructure and power projects in the state, wooing potential investors with a sales pitch that showcased Gujarat as a state with levels of “governance, transparency and stability” that they could not find elsewhere in India. He declared that “the two great countries will make Asia the centrestage of the global economy.”

#$ 2

&&2

A new theory says that any physical activity for 15 minutes every day is a good insurance against a plethora of health problems, be it related to the heart, the brain or even cancer.

A study published in The Lancet, a British medical journal, said that just a quarter-hour of physical exertion a day could reduce a person's risk of death by 14% and increase life expectancy by three years compared to inactive people.

Incidentally, another theory published in a different British journal said daily TV-viewing for six hours could take

away five years from your life.

Adding and subtracting years from your life has never before been quantified in such medical terms, say doctors.

The 15-minute short-cut to good health, in fact, changes the most fundamental rule that was approved by the World Health Organizationthat 150 minutes of activity a week is needed to stay healthy. )(.#(/

)( * !

E-mail: support@abplgroup.com

As the country was gearing up to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee earlier in the week- marking her 60 years on the throne, and the first in the UK since that of Queen Victoria in 1897- not everyone was happy. As much of the country was celebrating the event with parties, people who are opposed to monarchy were stepping up their protest.

These kill joys say that in these days of recession and austerity when people have little money and no jobs, are we justified in spending money on celebrations?

Having spoken with Her Majesty twice at Royal Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace which I had the privilege to attend at the invitation of the Lord Chamberlain, I must say that I was struck by the grace and dignity with which she carried herself. We Asians from East Africa must not forget that when we were kicked out of those countries, it was the Queen’s regime which gave us shelter and we came here and prospered. I feel that we, East African Asians, owe much to the Queen and must celebrate being British.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Muslim Task force According to news report on page 9 (AV, June 2), ex-wife of Boris Johnson was invited to join Muslim Engagement Task Force, it appears that such Muslim task force already exists in the City Hall.

It is not clear whether it is formed with consultation or concurrence with all members? No such overt or covert task force exists for various communities, indicates that representatives of these communities are caught napping. Did they know about task force and accepted it as normal, or did not understand implications to take advantage of such force?

They should investigate and inform their voters when, how and under what procedures, this task force was formed, and how that force can used to gain advantage for their community. Needs of Londoners are same to be catered by task force. All Londoners voted with full confidence in Boris Johnson as guardian for all. All ethnic minorities must prevail upon Mayor to modify this force to include all other communities. Any trace of favouring a single community must be eradicated. Boris Johnson floated on goodwill based upon impartial treatment of all, which he must reinforce. All communities must unite for collective show of confidence to boost morale of newly elected mayor.

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email Though some entertainment in public life is necessary, but the creation of markets of entrainment requires to be checked to see that their economies are within the limits so as to conform to the prime economic requirement of the nation’s essential productive sectors such as industry, farming etc. Moreover it is believed that usually money drained outward returns as debt to the nation.

R N Patel Essex

Visit our website: www.abplgroup.com

*Subscriptions paid will not be refunded ."

*

In a rare gesture, China’s top leadership hosted his delegation at Great Hall of People and had a free and frank discussion and exchange of ideas on a range of subjects including trade, industry, socioeconomic development, investment, and prevailing global economic scenario. Modi emphasized about the shared heritage of India and China, and common vision for improved quality of lives of their people.

In his meeting with the Mr Wang Gang, Vice Chairman of the China People’s Political

1 Year 2 Years

The Party-Poopers

!

EDUCATION / COUNCIL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

COUNCIL NEWS

Restaurant owner fined £5,000 A Boulevard restaurant owner has been fined £5,000 following a successful prosecution by Crawley Borough Council Environmental Health Officers.

Mrs Niru Ratnam, operator of the Sagar restaurant on The Boulevard, received her

fine at Haywards Heath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 16 2012.

She pleaded guilty to eight offences under the Food Safety Act 1990. Three of the charges related to offering unsafe food for sale and the remaining five to lack of training, poor standard of cleaning and a failure to

Bhalla, aged 74, nominated for his fight over adversity having had a liver transplant still won gold medals for badminton at the World Transplant Games.

Also from Brent, but

'Brent Celebrates the Flame' event in King Edward V11 Park in Wembley.

Local torchbearers who will be carrying the torch in Brent inlcude: Inderjit

carrying the torch in Harrow, are two 16-yearold school pupils: Jai Padhair, nominated for raising £4000 for charity.

Jai is also a volunteer Young Games Maker.

Off licence owner fined for underage tobacco sale An off licence owner, whose staff sold tobacco to an underage girl, has been ordered to pay over £1,500 after being convicted of the offence.

Manjit Singh of Khera Off Licence, 235 Uppingham Road, appeared before Leicester magistrates on Monday, May 28, where he pleaded

guilty to an offence under section 7 of the Children’s and Young Person Act 1993. It is illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18-years.

The offence related to a test-purchase carried out by Leicester City Trading Standards on August 8, 2011. An assistant employed by Mr

Singh sold cigarettes to a 15-year old girl without asking for age or proof of ID. Mr Singh pleaded not guilty to the offence at a hearing on February 10, claiming the sales person was fully trained and he had therefore shown due diligence.

The city council's

prosecution showed that Mr Singh had not trained the assistant satisfactorily.

Following two adjournments, Mr Singh changed his plea to guilty for the final court hearing on Monday. Magistrates fined Mr Singh £500, and ordered him to pay £1,000 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Rise in financial hardship for Hull University students The number of Hull University students facing financial hardship increased by 54% over the past four years, its union said. The student union said 2,300 students had contacted its advisors for support last year compared to 1,500 in 2008.

About 22,000 students study at the university.

Four years ago, there were 21,000. The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) said "generous packages of financial support" were available.

Gina Rayment, from Hull University's student union, said: "They're coming to us with quite serious problems such as possible rent arrears where they could actually lose a roof over their heads. It isn't just that they need some money for a Friday night, it's actually that they need money for food, they need money to pay their bills and they need money for rent."

The union said there were a number of reasons why students were facing hardship including mismanagement of money or loss of parental incomes.

"One of the main reasons here in Hull is that there are no part-time jobs that students used to rely on to get themselves through university," said Ms Rayment.

The rise in financial hardship has also led to an increase in the number of food parcels it provides to students.

Last year the union distributed 70 food parcels to students compared to

30 in 2008, the union said.

A spokesperson from BIS said: "There is a generous package of financial

*

support to help with living costs in the form of loans and non-repayable grants.

Our reforms will offer

&#!

"

'(& )(#&' # +

# '

"

&

more financial support and lower monthly repayments once you are in well paid work."

" &# &- ' #$'

"#+" & " '

"%) & ' +

#!

,

Universities fear drop in overseas students

they eat out. When the rules are flouted so flagrantly we will prosecute in the interests of public safety.”

Council officers obtained a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order from the Magistrates’ Court to close the restaurant last July (15 July 2011).

provide a documented food safety system. Mrs Ratnam was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £2,500 costs.

Cllr Ken Trussell, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “The public has a right to expect a high standard of food hygiene when

Brent looks forward to its moment to shine The Olympic Torch is now well on its way on its 70 day tour around the country. The Torch is due to reach Brent, on 25 July where, after the flame passes, we will be holding a

11

#* & (

!$#&( &

'(& )(#&' #

&#!

)&#$

University vice-chancellors are warning the Prime Minister that a crackdown on immigration could lead to foreign students going elsewhere.

Professor Dominic Shellard, from De Montfort University, Shirley Pearce, from Loughborough University and Roger Bettles, Chairman of Council at the University of Leicester, added their support to a letter to David Cameron from senior education figures.

Prof Shellard said: "We don't want to be in a position where students are put off from coming to our universities and that's what's in danger of happening. We don't want to send out a message to the rest of the world that Britain is closed for business and I think this is an unintentional conse-

quence of the crackdown.

They make a valuable contribution, not just to a university's finances but to the local economy and shouldn't be treat as net migrants, alongside bogus asylum seekers.

The letter called for international students to be removed from net migration statistics for policy purposes and said there should be a differentiation between temporary and permanent migration.

Professor Pearce said: "We're already seeing a drop in students, particularly from India."

Immigration minister Damian Green said: "There is no limit on the number of genuine students who can come to the UK and our reforms are not stopping them. But we're determined to prevent the abuse of student visas."

12

MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

Scrutator’s The late John Arlott remarked towards the end of his distinguished broadcasting career that “cricket reflects its society”, the theme of CLR James’s “Beyond the boundary,” a classic study of the game’s social and cultural setting of the Caribbean. The conclusion of the IPL in India must make aficionados take pause and reflect on the way cricket refracts the ongoing transformation of Indian society. Once an urban sport restricted mainly to the country’s metropolitan elite cricket today is an all-India activity, its aspiring stars to be found in almost every corner of this diverse land, an inebriating social leveller. Indian politics may be messily fractious, but cricket bonds; it is an emotional experience in which all Indians can share.

The IPL winners this year were the Kolkata Knight Riders who beat their more fancied rivals, the Chennai Super Kings by five wickets, and that too in Chennai. The pulsating final could have been scripted by the gods. The Times of India came out with this jackpot of a banner headline, “A Midsummer Knight’s Dream” (May 28) as the City of Joy surrendered to a carnival of celebration at the famous Eden Gardens with a participating cast of thousands. The great and good mingled with the lowly in fellowship, making the spectacle truly memorable. As memorable as the IPL itself, where young talent met opportunity, took centre-stage and became household names.

Throughout its two-month duration in boiling pre-monsoon heat the tournament drew vast crowds who clearly revelled in the glitz, glamour and scintillating cricket. Millions watched on television screens in India and across the oceans. In India cricket pays, and pays handsomely, hence a multitude of foreign stars now come to the fest. India’s cricket board, in a thoughtful and imaginative gesture, invited the country’s former stars to the end games, presenting them with cash awards in appreciation of their services when the material rewards were relatively scarce.

Kolkata celebrations at KKR IPL victory

Media headlines in the country are much given to predicting a calamitous end to India’s economic growth. True, all is not well with its economy, but there is no sign as yet of the recession, let alone a double-dip recession, that darkens the streets of the comatose Eurozone. India’s GDP, warts and all, grew by 6.5 per cent in 201112, significantly slower than in the previous year, but eminently respectable in the global context.(The Times of India, The Telegraph May 28, 29, 30).

Mixed signals Even as the rupee sank to an alltime low of 56.24 to the US dollar, and the growth figure for the last quarter of 2011-12 plunged to a disappointing 5.3 per cent, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherrjee announced a series of measures designed to reassure nervous investors. A day after the announcement of significant relaxation in investment norms for overseas entities, Mr Mukherjee sought to allay the anxieties of domestic and foreign investors about the country’s taxation norms owing to retrospective amendments requiring further payments to those already made. He assured investors that their worries were misplaced as the tax authorities would not reopen cases where assessment procedures were finalized before April 1, 2012.

Antwerp invests In Essar One hopeful sign for the future was Essar Ports Limited’s entry into a long-term strategic alliance with the Port of Antwerp International (PAI) involving an investment of Rs 175 crore by the latter in Essar Ports.

PAI is the international investment arm of of the Antwerp Port Authority, the second largest port in Europe handling 187 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2011, and a gateway to important European economies.

Another positive development is Mahendra & Mahendra’s fourth quarter net profit (2011-12) which has grown by 44 per cent, with diesel car sales increasing by 27 per cent. For the whole of 201112, Mahendra & Mahendra reported an 8 per cent higher standalone net profit. The company has expanded exponentially from the manufacture of cars and SUVs to IT, the last under the Mahendra Satyam brand has opened a centre in France (The Hindu May 31).

and global impact and to the close ties between her family and India’s first prime minister whom she came to know and call “Panditji,” when her mother was Burma’s (the term prevalent then) ambassador to India. Aung San Suu Kyi had her schooling and early college education in Delhi in the 1960s, before she left for Oxford to pursue further studies (The Hindu and Times of India May 28,29,30).

Cracking Newton’s puzzles Sixteen-year-old schoolboy Shouryya Ray who left Kolkata for Germany four years ago and now Manmohan Singh with Myanmar democracy icon lives in Dresden, Aung San Suu Kyi where his father is eventually come, freeing its peoan engineer, has caused a stir by ple from the grip of a seemingly solving two fundamental particle unyielding dictatorship. This did dynamics theories, which physinot constitute “support” for the cists had previously been able to military as stated by the BBC calculate with the aid of powerCorrespondent covering Dr ful computers. His solutions Singh’s visit. It never does to be mean scientists can now calcueconomical with the truth. late the flight path of a thrown There were pressing geopolitical ball and then predict how it will factors informing Indian policy hit and bounce off a wall. He and the current hopeful situathus cracked puzzles left by tion vindicates the wisdom of Isaac Newton more than 350 the Indian approach. years ago that had baffled mathThe anticipated change in ematicians ever since.

Myanmar arrived with the During a visit to Dresden release of the country’s democUniversity with his school party, racy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, and Shouryya was told by professors the holding of nationwide electhere that the puzzles were tions to convene a national parunsolvable. “ I just asked myself, liament. Myanmar may not as ‘why not?’ I think it was schoolyet be the complete democratic boy naivety, I didn’t believe article but it is now open for there couldn’t be a solution”, business, with doors and winsaid the modest teenager who dows ajar for re-energizing influbrushed aside claims that he was ences near and far to play their a genius. He wished he was betpart in the country’s renewal ter at football.

However, he did admit to be in thrall to the “intrinsic beauty” Trade deals of maths (Daily Mail and Sunday Times, UK, May 28, 27 Prime Minister Singh, accomparespectively, and Sunday Times, nied on this seminal visit by the India, May 27). captains of Indian industry, signed 12 deals with his Myanmar hosts worth some $500 million. India will contribute substantially to the building of Myanmar’s infrastructure.

Oil exploration and major highways through Myanmar linking India to Thailand and Vietnam will be part of New Delhi’s “Look East” policy whose goal is to be an effective player in the Asia Pacific region.

Indian PM In Myanmar

Meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made a long overdue visit to neighboring Myanmar to press the reset button to a historic relationship that had gone cold, thanks principally to the Myanmar ruling military’s decision to close the country’s doors to the outside world. New Delhi chose to engage with the Myanmar government in the hope that political change would

Prime Minister Singh called on Aung San Suu KIyi at her Yangon residence for a conversation that lasted an hour. He described her as an “inspiration” and extended an invitation to her to visit India and give the Jawaharlal Nehru Lecture in the Indian capital. Aung San Suu Kyi referred to India’s independence struggle and its regional

Chess champion Viswanathan Anand Viswanathan Anand, Indian Grandmaster, did his country proud by retaining his world chess crown for the fourth time, on this occasion against the formidable Israeli challenger Boris Gelfand in an epic encounter in Moscow. After the regulation 12 matches ended with a victory

apiece for the pair, and the remaining games drawn, the two men resolved the issue in four games of rapid chess, which ended one nil in Anand’s favour.

At the end Anand exclaimed: “The match was so even that I had no sense of what shape the tiebreak would take. Right now the only feeling I have is relief. I am too tense to be happy, I am relieved.”

Anand took front-page headlines, which the IPL had previChess is a ously enjoyed. demanding sport. It is cerebral like no other and requires also a unique confection of patience and nerves of the sternest steel.

It is, to quote the title of Stefan Zweig’s memorable short story, “The Royal Game.” Most remarkable has been Anand’s domination of chess in all its formats. He has been world champion for the past five year.

Congratulations have poured in from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to cricketing megastar Sachin Tendulkar a multitude of other notables. Anand and challenger Boris Gelfand were invited to tea by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who happens to be a chess fan (The Hindu, Times of India and Telegraph May 31, June 1,June2).

Bikram Singh General Bikram Singh took over as India’s new Army chief from General V.K.Singh in Delhi following a ceremonial handover of authority on the afternoon of May 31. General Bikram Singh will have his hands full ending the spate of damaging controversies, factionalism and declining discipline that have sullied reputation of the 1.3 million force, the second largest in the world.

He will also have to oversee improved procurement procedures to keep the Army in a constant state of repair.

Furthermore, he must bridge the chasm of misunderstanding and suspicion between Army headquarters and the civilian bureaucracy. (The Times of India May 30, June 1). Bikram Singh, commissioned into the Sikh Light Infantry in 1972, will need all the luck there is to fulfill his mission.

Meanwhile, the Naresh Chandra Committee on national security has recommended a unified command structure for India’s special forces and the creation of a Chief of Defence Staff (a post common to most modern military establishments), to go with the chiefs of the army, air force and navy staffs (The Times of India May 27).

Viswannathan Anand (right) playing Boris Gelfand in world chess championship in Moscow

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

13

Proud Britons celebrate Queen's Diamond Jubilee Continued from page 1 Katherine Jenkins sang the National anthem as the Queen climbed out of her car to join around 130,000 people at Epsom.

On the rainy Sunday, one thousand boats of all shapes and sizes made their way down the Thames, headed by the royal party in the Queen's barge.

Commonwealth flags were on display on small boats taking part in what is expected to be one of the largest flotillas ever assembled on the river.

The Jubilant Commonwealth Choir sang 13 traditional folk songs drawn from across the Commonwealth on one of the musical barges.

Following a speech by Prince Charles on Monday June 4, in which he described his "mummy" as "a very special person",

The Queen's speech The events that I have attended to mark my Diamond Jubilee have been a humbling experience.

It has touched me deeply to see so many thousands of families, neighbours and friends celebrating together in such a happy atmosphere.

But Prince Philip and I want to take this opportunity to offer our special thanks and appreciation to all those who have had a hand in organising these Jubilee celebrations.

It has been a massive challenge, and I am sure that everyone who has enjoyed these festive occasions realises how much work has been involved.

I hope that memories of all this year’s happy events will brighten our lives for many years to come.

I will continue to treasure and draw inspiration from the countless kindnesses shown to me in this country and throughout the Commonwealth.

Thank you all.

normally restrained sovereign appeared to blink back tears.

The balcony scene was a tight-knit affair with just the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry present.

It was markedly different from the Queen’s Golden and Silver Jubilees, when more than 30 royals appeared with her at the palace. Sources suggested it was a conscious effort by the sovereign to focus attention on her immediate successors.

Prime Minister David Cameron summed up the mood of the nation when he said the celebrations had shown the ‘best of Britain’.

He hailed the Queen as ‘a real inspiration’, and, in a reference to the Duke of Edinburgh’s illness and the wet weather, praised the ‘great resilience’ of both the sovereign and her subjects.

US President Barack Obama, with whom the Queen has developed a warm relationship, sent a video message from the White House, saying: ‘While many presidents and prime ministers have come and gone, Your Majesty’s reign has

Indian connection Twelve-year-old Kevin John, an Indian-origin youngster from Kerala on Tuesday sang in the choir at the thanksgiving service to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at St Paul's Cathedral.

Kevin is a pupil at the St Paul's Cathedral School with a chorister scholarship and is in the St Paul's choir. Kevin's parents Saro and John (Jibu) are from Pathanamthitta. Kevin's grand parents have flown in from Kerala to see young Kevin singing in front of the Queen. The Jubilee Choir is made of 40 specially selected choristers from across the UK aged between 11 and 13.

Overseas The oldest British international school in Malaysia, the Alice Smith School celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee commemorating her 60-year reign over the United Kingdom and as head of the Commonwealth countries.

Commonwealth flags, Union flags, balloons and buntings added to the merry atmosphere as everyone came dressed in hues of red, white and blue for the occasion.

The day kicked off with a whole school assembly at the primary campus, followed by a traditional "street party" at lunchtime. The celebration was marked earlier with a series of events.

endured.’

Queen continued the jubilation, without the Duke at a lunch with Commonwealth leaders, including Prime Ministers and Governors General.

The meal, at Marlborough House on Pall Mall, in central London, followed four days of public celebration described by the Queen as "a humbling experience".

However a shadow has been cast over celebrations as ministers have been urged to investigate claims that allegedly unemployed people from across England were bussed in to steward the concert unpaid and made to sleep under London Bridge.

Protests as Queen meets Rajapaksa

more than 4,000 beacons were lit across the UK and the Commonwealth, leading up to one final beacon lit at 10.30pm outside Buckingham Palace

by Queen Elizabeth II, at the Diamond Jubilee concert which included Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Jessie J and Paul McCartney. The concert was attended by 12,000 ticket-holders and thousands more spectators lined the Mall.

As the concert began, one of the presenters asked those from each of the four countries which make up the United Kingdom to make themselves known. And to much surprise there were so many people from as far as Norther Ireland, cheer-

ing for Her Majesty.

Although no Northern Ireland artists performed, it was a Commonwealthwide event, with musicians from as far away as Kenya, Australia and Jamaica.

However amongst the peers from Indian background, it was only Lord Bilimoria who could be seen with the Queen, celebrating with much jubilation.

There were thousands of street parties that were organised all over the UK, especially in London, where in many quarters Asians took special initiative to pay a tribute to the Queen in their own way (see page 14-15).

On Tuesday, the Queen attended a thanksgiving service at St Paul's

Cathedral where Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams paid tribute to her "lifelong dedication".

She stoically chose to go ahead hours after her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, was taken to hospital with a bladder infection.

The couple have been married for 64 years and the Queen openly credits him as being her ‘strength and stay’ for the six decades of her reign.

As she stepped on to the balcony at the palace to a deafening roar of applause, she turned to her grandson Prince William and said wistfully: ‘I wish Philip were here.’

Then, as the National Anthem echoed out, the

The Queen shook the hand of President Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka at a Commonwealth leaders’ lunch as thousands of Tamil demonstrators protested outside.

Mahinda Rajapaksa is the focus of international controversy after being accused of presiding over mass human rights abuses of ethnic Tamil civilians during the Sri Lankan army’s campaign to obliterate the 25 year Tamil Tiger rebellion. More than 330,000 people were trapped between the army and the rebels as Sri Lankan forces closed in.

On Wednesday morning the Sri Lankan leader was been forced to cancel a scheduled speech in the

Queen greeting President Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka

the Queen offered her hand to Mr Rajapaksa as she welcomed him to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (Chogm) that took place inside the building.

Continued on page 30

City of London for fear of protests.

As thousands of angry Tamils marched through Central London (see page 2 pic) to stand outside Marlborough House in Pall Mall waving placards,

* ' - ' $+ ' & )!!, $ )% #!, & * ! ! #! " ( & '' % # # $)&' $# ,' ($ & ,' " ($ %" !$' $# ()& ,' )# ,' # %) ! $! ,'

'

! # +" ( *

!) &+%* &( * ( () & $ ( )! % &!

! !!

! ! %

" $$$

# !!

"

Queen's Diamond Jubilee

14

Last weekend people celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee across the whole of UK. An estimated of 780,000 people flew in to the UK to celebrate it and an image of the Queen was unveiled at Heathrow.

Elizabeth II appeared at the centre of a 30 metre wide Union flag painted on the airfield as Britain geared up for four days of partying to mark her 60 years on the throne. More than 400 litres of red, white and blue paint were used to create the 540 square metre artwork, which is 10 metres taller than Buckingham Palace and three times the width of an A380's fuselage.

Hundreds of communities, including the Asians, got together over the holiday weekend to mark the Queen's 60 years on the throne with street parties.

We at Asian Voice had the privilege to collect information on some of such Asian or Indian celebrations held in Greater London.

If you have organised a street party for the Queen, and would like us to cover it, please email a photo and some details (100 words) about it by Monday 11 June 10 am to aveditorial@abplgroup.com.

Asian street parties and Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration in London Brent Party fever took over Brent this weekend as people decorated their streets and businesses in Jubilee decoration. The royal excitement resulted in 15 street parties being organised across the borough with a main celebration between midday and 4pm at Wembley Arena Square on Sunday.

Up to 1,000 people took part in the huge street party with food, entertainment and enough bunting to make Buckingham Palace look bland.

Harrow

Harrow Asian Deaf club organises Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration With British weather, early morning rains dried up, and came out a day of sunshine, Harrow Asian Deaf Club had a huge turnout of over 220 people at Bentley Day Centre on Saturday 2nd June to celebrate Queen Diamond Jubilee celebration!

The Centre was beautifully decorated with British flags, balloon in red, white and blue and the artwork of fantastic local Deaf young students of Hatch End School with drawings of The Queen on displays across the Centre.

The programme started off with family fun day for all including Bouncy Castle for kids, BBQ, face painting and henna art and rounded it off with delicious cupcakes in colours of British flags with Queen’s crown motif on it, made by one of the committee member Sankeetha Balakrishnan.

With the arrival of the special guests John Purnell GM QPM Deputy Lieutenant for Harrow with his wife, Margaret Purnell and Councillor Nizam Ismail, Mayor of Harrow with his wife, Deputy Mayoress Mrs Zahafaran Ismail, everyone lined up to greet them, waving British Flags, giving them a warm welcome and presented them with a large bouquet of flowers each. Deputy Mayoress was presented with the bouquet of flowers by Renuka, Chairperson of HADC whilst two of girls, Fatima Ahmed (9) and another girl (6) presented a large bouquet of flower to Margaret Purnell.

John Purnell and his wife Margaret were then introduced to people at HADC

including the art work student Kathrene Borland (15) Ammaar Hussein (13) and Rochna Hay (13) of Hatch End High School who explained about their artwork including a portrait of Her Majesty the Queen. John and Margaret were amazed and impressed with their artwork. They were also introduced to HADC committee members who displayed their HADC’s creative collection of achievements.

The celebration were also joined by Navin Shah, London Assembly Member with his wife, Councillor Rekah Shah; Councillor Husain Akhtar; Sonoo Malkani, Chair of the Harrow Police & Community Consultative Group and saw HADC kicked off with entertainment provided by Nehal Bhogaita, Bollywood Dancer, Just Dance UK Finalist in the UK’s final 14 and Won the title of 'Miss Talent' in the beauty pageant 'Miss Deaf UK'.

Kids can achieve For the Diamond Jubilee, many Harrow residents were having street parties. In Sefton Avenue, HA3 5JP there were no such parties arranged.

Nupur Morzaria, aged 11 therefore organised a Indian buffet lunch for local residents in aid of a local children's charity, Kids Can Achieve. The charity suffered flooding and fire recently that resulted in loss of vital children's equipment. This was the motivation for celebrating the Diamond Jubilee and raising money at the same time.

On Sunday, she served over 80 people the home prepared lunch by her mum, Darshna. The lunch was free but people were asked to donate money for the charity. In two hours, a total of £250 was raised for the charity. If you need more information, please contact me on: 07932 623852.

Guests attending St John’s hall to celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee

British flag white, red and blue. The hall was decorated with the posters of the event, banners and the British flag. Two hundred and fifty people of a variety of nationalities including Indian, Mauritius, Pakistani, Srilankan, Sikh, Nigerian and many more attended the event filling the hall and contributing to the lively atmosphere.

The celebration began with all the guests standing to the national anthem which was then followed by lunch consisting of an array of vegetarian Indian food. Live entertainment was provided by the music group, Man from Africa and a dance performance by the Sitare dancing group was also enjoyed by all the guests.

Naree Shakti were honoured to have The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Enfield, Kate Anolue and Counsellor Yasmin Brett participate in the celebration. Both appeared to have enjoyed the lively entertainment and presented certificates to the children of Sitare dance group, Man from Africa and Hari Aum for his contribution to charities within the Borough.

The event was a great success with many guests requesting another event to take place.

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

Cllr. Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council together with his colleagues, Cllr. Ketan Sheth, Cllr. Zaffar Van Kalwala and Cllr Krupa Sheth joined in the festivities on Sunday. Lord Dolar Popat also visited the event on Saturday and was happy to see everyone enjoying themselves.

A large screen showed the Queen’s coronation from some 60 years ago. The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant was broadcast live. Visitors were also shown footage of the visit of HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to the school and the mandir in 2009 and 2007 respectively.

Southall Southall celebrated Queen's diamond jubilee with a range of activities, including 86 street parties, and a free public event in the Southall park. It was a free public event, where families came togeth-

Diamond Jubilee Party at Gifford Primary School in Northolt

Neasden

BAPS Swaminarayan Temple and School celebrate Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration The local community joined devotees of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden and parents, teachers & pupils of The Swaminarayan School to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The two day event attracted hundreds of visitors.

Both the mandir and the school had buntings tied to the fences and large Union Jacks were flown from various parts of the complex creating a carnival atmosphere. Even the deities in the mandir were suitably dressed for the occasion in the red, white and blue of our national flag.

In keeping with the theme of The Big Lunch, the two day event had cuisine from all corners of the world. All the visitors were enthralled by performances from pupils of The Swaminarayan School through live music and dance.

er to enjoy themselves. There were stage performers and artists came from as far as India to celebrate this glorious occasion.

Though 25000 guests were expected, the weather reduced the numbers. The event was organised by Harry Randhawa with assistance from Virendra Sharma MP. Present in the event was Mr Sharma, his wife, other family members and Cllr Julian Bell.

Hounslow The Borough of Hounslow dressed up up for a four-day party to mark Her Majesty’s 60th year as queen, with at least 39 street parties and many more

Enfield

Naree Shakti celebrates Queen's Diamond Jubilee On Sunday 20th May 2012 Naree Shakti (Women’s strength) a registered charity celebrated the Queens Diamond Jubilee at St. Johns hall in Palmers Green, Enfield. The event was organised by Vijey Rattan, the chair person of Naree Shakti along with the other committee members who dressed in traditional colours of the

A traditional family fun fair with exhilarating rides ensured that children as well as adults were kept entertained throughout the weekend. The younger children headed for the giant slide whereas others tried their skills at the Laser Tag and Bungee running. A variety of stalls offering arts & crafts, fashion and face painting & henna were available for all to visit.

larger events planned.

A Mad Hatter’s tea party, fire-breathing dragons and stilt-walkers were some of the activities planned at venues across the borough.

On Monday night, in Lampton Park, Hounslow’s new mayor Pritam Grewal lit

Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth, Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry look on to the crowd gathered under Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, June 5

a ceremonial beacon – one of 4,000 across the country, including the one being lit by the Queen herself near Buckingham Palace. Inwood park and Brabazon green areas had some gala street parties too.

Croydon

Indian Cultural Centre Celebrates the Diamond Jubilee The celebration started at the Queen's Gardens Croydon at precisely 3pm and right on cue the sun shone through! The event started with the Hare Krishna chanting party led by Nabinandan Dasa (Nipan Malde). This was followed by the Swaminarayan Balika Mandal prayer and song. The children from Oshwal Association Gujarati Classes sang beautiful devotional songs. The Jagruti Ladies

Croydon Evengical Church.

The Mayor of Croydon Eddie Aaron and his wife Judith Aaron congratulated the Indian community for its positive contribution to Britain. The Mayor urged the community to keep alive culture and languages.

Redbridge The borough witnessed 30 or more street parties around the area.

Traditional party games, bouncy castles and plenty of food have all helped make parties a huge success, even with many having to battle through Sunday’s rain.

The parties began on Saturday. Music and laughter could be heard from several streets away as families left their Union Jack-decked homes to get to know their neighbours in Glencoe Avenue, Seven Kings on Sunday. The incredible atmosphere and community spirit could not be ignored as the whole street came out to chat, eat and play a variety of traditional party games under the homemade bunting.

Newham Newham borough started the party season in style by organising 249 Jubilee cel-

Dandiya to celebrate Queen's Jubilee celebration at Croydon

group then presented garba and dandiya.

MP for Croydon Central Gavin Barwell joined the dancing party. The Brahma Kumaris had a stall and they gave a message of upholding spiritual values. A prayer was also read by a bishop of a

15

Jubilee Flotilla: Thousands of boats in river Thames to mark Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on Sunday, June 3

ebration events - the highest in the capital.

The events were part of Newham Council's Let's Get the Party Started initiative, spearheaded by Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales, that saw thousands taking to the streets across the borough this weekend.

Pupils at St Stephen’s Primary School, in Whitfield Road, enjoyed jam sandwiches and other traditional picnicking fare in the grounds to celebrate Queen's Diamond Jubilee.They had their faces painted and made crowns so they too could be a King or Queen for the day.Royalty was a big part of St Stephen’s Jubilee celebrations and they were also visited by Cockney favourites the Pearly Kings and Queens of Newham. Proving that a proper celebration involves all the community, parents of the pupils pulled together to make

bunting for the event. Special appearances were also made by local firefighters and policemen who came to join in the festivities.

Tower Hamlets Residents across Tower Hamlets organised parties to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.

The party kicked off on Monday, June 4 from 1.30pm, and included fun-fair rides, sports games and arts and crafts.

Ocean Youth Connections, an organisation set up to help disadvantaged youths from the Ocean Estate, were planning a barbecue. The group hopes to educate young people and prevent them from falling into trouble, and youth worker Imran Khan believed events such as Tuesday’s can help bring the community spirit back to Tower Hamlets.

16

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

I will be in Kollywood till I can: Shriya Sharan Shriya Sharan entered into acting career through Kollywood blockbuster 'Unakku 20 Yenakku 18'.

Then she acted in several movies in Kollywood.

Later she moved to Telugu and north Indian movies.

Now, she is without any job and said to be on the edge of announcing her retirement plan from acting and getting married. Speaking about this, Shriya said, "I will continue acting as much as I can. I never care or bother about rumours. When I entered in cinema as a newbie, lot many people welcomed me in to this, in the same way I too welcome new faces. I never consider them as my competitors."

Rajini's classical dance with Deepika It is known that superstar Rajnikanth is currently busy with the shaping up of his ambitious project “Kochadaiyaan.” He is pairing up with Deepika Padukone in this one. Now, it is learnt that recently a song was shot on the lead pair and this was completely a classical dance number. This was choreographed by the famous Saroj Khan and the shoot is happening at Kerala. The film is directed by Soundarya Ashwin and this is the first Indian 3D film being made using motion capture technology.

The music for the film is by A R Rahman.

Nayanthara sets conditions to pair with Simbhu Nayanthara was one of the top actresses as far as South Indian film industry is concerned. When she was in great heights, she fell in love with Prabhu Deva. Prabhu Deva also divorced his wife in order to marry Nayanthara but he couldn’t avoid seeing his kids.

Seeing this relationship, Nayanthara broke away from her lover Prabhu Deva. She had also stopped acting in films in order to marry him. The last film she had acted was the Telugu film “Sri Rama Rajyam.”

Because of the love failure, Nayanthara has decided to act in films again. When Nayanthara was approached for the female lead role which had Simbhu in the lead role, she has stipulated three conditions. One of the conditions is that she has demanded a salary of Rs 30 million which no other South Indian actresses have demanded so far. The second condition is that Simbhu except acting should not speak or behave closely with her. The final condition is that Simbhu should not enter her caravan at any cost.

Hot Garam masala Why should women look like men: Vidya Balan Vidya Balan has made fat look fabulous in “The Dirty Picture” and ever since there's no looking back for the pretty woman. Vidya has donned a nine yard Maharashtrian sari for her Marathi item song in “Ferrari Ki Sawari” which is being talked about a lot lately. Few have loved the song, singing and dance, rest have showed concern over Vidya's excess weight. The actress unabashedly dismissed the weight issue saying, "A woman needs to be curvy! If a woman sheds all her weight and the curves she would end up looking like a man! Why should women look like men? I have failed to understand this. I don't find that attractive at all."

Shah Rukh Khan won't attend IIFA Superstar Shah Rukh Khan will not be attending the IIFA ceremony in Singapore this year as the actor will be busy shooting in London for YRF's untitled next. Shah Rukh will be leaving for London this weekend where he will be joined by his family and his kids Aryan and Suhana. "The rumours of Shah Rukh and his family being at IIFA has got many of his fans excited and they have been making constant inquires but this is to clarify to everyone that Shah Rukh is in London shooting for Yash Chopra. He will be joined by Katrina Kaif and Anushkha Sharma a few days later," says a source close to SRK.

Is Parineeti Chopra getting pricey?

The industry grapevine is buzzing with news that post the success of her debut film “Ishaqzaade,” Parineeti Chopra is taking her newfound stardom a bit too seriously. While she has hiked her fee for endorsement deals, it looks like there are few takers. According to a source in the advertising sector, a reputed cosmetic brand approached the actress with an offer to endorse their personal care range of products. When it came to discussing the money, the brand custodians were shocked to hear what the actress would be charging. “They were surprised to hear that her representatives were asking for at least `5000,000 per day. The brand managers felt the asking price was beyond their expectations,” reveals the source, adding that they weren’t willing to pay her more than `2500,000 per day.

Katrina cool to RanbirDeepika tales

Katrina Kaif is not known to lose her poise easily. Even in the most tumultuous times, she is known to remain cool, composed. It may come as no surprise to her followers that the actress, who is now ensconced in Thailand with Salman Khan for “Ek Tha Tiger,” chooses to sound unperturbed at the rumours of Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone's unmistakable camaraderie.

Ranbir, who has been travelling around the country with his former girlfriend for “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,” has reportedly rekindled a fair bit of their old bond.

Their being thrown together for the film was one of the many things that made Sidhartha Mallya uncomfortable.

According to sources from the unit, Ranbir and Deepika are enjoying their stint together.

After shooting in Himachal, they shot extensively in Rajashtan.

And now they will travel together to Argentina. All this while, Katrina has been locked up with Kabir Khan's unit, finishing of the last leg of her film. If she is insecure about Ranbir, Kat is definitely not showing it.

17

Kareena keen to work with Emraan in Karan Johar's next

Kareena Kapoor is pulling all stops to ensure that her clashing dates don't jeopardise her film with Emraan Hashmi in Karan Johar's next film. If sources are to be believed, Kareena is taking keen interest in the film and is looking forward to working with Emraan given his recent spate of back-to-back hits. Apparently, Emraan is fast becoming a favourite in the Karan camp and has already signed his first film with the production directed by Renzil D’Silva. According to the source, Kareena’s date was initially not fitting into Karan’s schedule. But she is said to be reworking on it to be able to shoot with Emraan. After all, Karan happens to her best buddy in town. She also recently postponed her flight by a day to go to Karan’s birthday bash last week.

Interestingly, Emraan Hashmi’s career graph in Bollywood has witnessed a northward trend. Although he made a noticeable entry thanks to countless onscreen smooches, a turning point in his career occurred with Milan Luthria’s “Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai.” It brought the actor critical acclaim apart from raking in moolah at the box office. The source adds, “As Kareena and Emraan are a very fresh pair, she’s very keen on working with him.

She is excited to be part of the Karan film.”

Vivek Oberoi takes a dig Sony TV Asia becomes the home of at Salman Khan musical entertainment with ‘Indian Idol 6’

Having paid the price for being too outspoken, Vivek Oberoi had been keeping a low profile of late. In fact, the actor had also apologised for his decade-old verbal attack on Salman Khan. Needless to say, Salman hadn't been too receptive. But, Vivek too seems to be going back to his bratty ways. While visiting a radio station on World No Tobacco Day, the actor who has recently signed a film titled “Sher” took a dig at Salman Khan's YRF project “Ek Tha Tiger.” A source said, "A journalist asked Vivek which film he thought was bigger Salman Khan's Ek Tha Tiger or his Sher. At first Vivek smiled and then said, "Sher tiger se bada hota hai. And then he winked."

The actor, however, followed it up by talking about his bond with Salman's good friend

Sanjay Dutt. "He's like an elder brother to me," said Vivek. Having shot one film, “Zilla Ghaziabad” together, Vivek said how he was now looking forward to working in Sher with the actor.

But Vivek did not stop at that. When he was asked about Shah Rukh Khan's smoking habits, he promptly answered, "Whenever Shah Rukh bhai meets me, he says that he wants to quit smoking. For him, I want to request his fans to pray that he eventually gets rid of this habit." "Main personally kisiko nahi bolta to not smoke," continued the actor and added, "I simply tell them the pros and cons. After visiting the Tata Memorial hospital and seeing cancer patients, anybody would give up smoking."

Rozlyn strips for MS Dhoni The Gladrags model has followed in Poonam Pandey' footsteps and stripped off. While the latter did it to celebrate Kolkata Knight Riders winning the IPL trophy, Rozlyn Khan has did it for the skipper of the opposing team – Chennai Super Kings’ captain MS Dhoni. The model-actress, who is acting in a yet-to-be-released film ‘Dhama Chaukdi, tweeted, “As I promised did a full monty for Dhoni!” and “jo darr gaya wo ghr gaya (Whoever is afraid dies).” Rozlyn had announced that she would do a bikini photoshoot with Dhoni and go on a date with the CSK skipper if his team won the IPL, “if mahi wins i vil take him on a date n vil do a sexxxyyyy bikini foto shoot with him....love u csk (sic)”. She had even tweeted, “sexy treat for dhoni event if he lost.”

Sony Entertainment Network’s flagship general entertainment channel Sony TV Asia has now kicked off with Indian Idol for yet another season!

Following the phenomenal success from its last season, Sony TV Asia guarantees that “Indian Idol” will be bigger and better for its sixth season.

Started on 1st June, “Indian Idol 6” will dominate the television landscape worldwide every Friday and Saturday at 8.30 pm.

The new season of “Indian Idol” will bring together the three original music gurus: Sunidhi Chauhan, Salim Merchant and the music maestro Anu Malik. This musical extravaganza will bring audiences from all around the world together to make one lucky individual’s dreams come true. Hosted by Indian Idol’s two favourite presenters Hussain Kuwajerwala and Mini Mathur will set the stage on fire once again.

Based on one of the most popular global musical reality shows ‘Pop Idol’, “Indian Idol 6” will follow a similar concept as its previous seasons. All contestants will audition in-front of the three celebrity judges, followed by the gala rounds. The top contestants will then compete

with each other in the live public votes to win the title of the ‘6th Indian Idol’.

For the first time ever, Indian Idol has undertaken an adventurous path of allowing participants to audition online, reaching out to a much larger audience. This unique initiative will also allow people worldwide to view the audition videos and add further anticipation of who the next Indian Idol will be and from which part of India.

All three judges have expressed their excitement for the launch of the musical reality show. Salim, Sunidhi and Mini are all constantly tweeting and commenting on the social media site Twitter. ‘The talent we’ve found this year is incredible. Our country will be proud of its singers,’ commented Salim on his Twitter account. While Sunidhi has been constantly updating her followers with images throughout the city auditions.

Sonam wants to follow Meet the latest item girl in Bollywood-Alesia Raut a different path Actress Sonam Kapoor, who stars as a small town belle in her upcoming film 'Raanjhana', says she likes to follow a different path and is pitted against no one but herself in Bollywood. “I never compete with any of the heroines, whether I am starring alongside them or not. I don't think there is any reason to look at any competition and work. I truly believe that I am my own competition and that's the way I wish to be,” the actress said. My life is not only movies, I have a life beyond movies also,’ she says.

Post motherhood, model Alesia Raut, who featured in music videos "Meri beri ke ber" and "Ek aankh maro", puts on her dancing shoes once again for an item number in "Karu Toh Kya Kaaru" and says it will be the next big thing in Bollywood. The half-Indian-and-half-Russian model has done 11 music videos; she did a cameo in Madhur Bhandarkar's "Fashion" and also appeared in season four of "Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi." "I did my first music video in 2003 and that's when I broke a myth that models can dance. I did 11 music videos. After having a baby, I was only doing ramp modelling because my priorities changed. But now he is big and the desire to dances is back," said Alesia who has a five-year-old-son. "After so many years, I got a call from a dancer named Rajiv. I worked with him in the past and he is the one who forwarded my number to director Chetan Singh. He called me for audition and later I got a call of confirmation," she added.

18

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

Pranab offers new reprieve on retro tax

Dear Financial Voice Reader, I write to you having just returned from India. I can tell you that the forecasts from Goldman Sachs about India and the resurgence of the Empire and BRIC domination are overdone. Her growth has sputtered and halved from the vaulted target she sought to have of 10% per annum. Critical to the reason for this is the political freezing at the centre. India will have pockets of wealth. It will by sheer numbers have some who will be billionaires based on their grandparent’s early starts, and others who for their billions will have their businesses bailed, like Mr Mallya, and the masses who will go from scooters to cars. But I was not surprised to meet Indian returning to the UK. Returning because quite frankly there is more money and a better lifestyle here for many of them.

Earning in Rupees is fine, but putting up with the corruption is not. This may surprise those who’ve rushed to get overly excited about India. It should not. Whilst it is a positive story, rather like Facebook, it is not all positive. There remain huge gaps in wealth creation.

Overnight successes take a lot longer.

And statistics mislead too. So whilst India may produce thousands of engineers annually – how good are they? Are they MIT, Imperial? Some are. Some are the best in the world. But not thousands. And the wealth of a nation is measured by the patents it files – India has yet to respect intellectual property the way the Americans do. There is a correlation between the wealth of nations and the patents their corporations file.

You can no longer mine wealth from natural resources – but you can harvest wealth from human intellectual resources. You see, cheap money from overseas can flood a market and cause a stock market rally, but real long-term sustainable wealth comes from economic and political culture. Britain has it, tiny little 60m person island. The US was born with it.

India’s political culture is definitely not global business minded. What in India’s history was global? It’s history has never been to set sail and discover new lands – for better or for worse – the consequences are that discovery, and creation of wealth from it remain limited. For sure, India has the great thinkers and mathematicians – but the exploiters of intellectual property – that make a nation rich – the inventors – where are they? If only the copyright on the number zero could bring royalties – but it doesn’t and couldn’t.

So yes, India will continue to moderately grow and get wealthier but as I look at my invitation from Edmund de Rothschild to discuss their investment objectives – I know India is not where old European money – and despite Greece there is trillions of it – puts its money.

Until an entrepreneurial economic and political culture encouraging enterprise without obstacle or corruption lasts three generations, India will remain a small to mid-size economy – from whom the foreign investors will make the best returns as they have the best expertise on return on capital.

Alpesh Patel (alpesh.patel@tradermind.com) www.InvestingBetterBlog.com & www.alpeshpatel.com

Difficult times for economy: Manmohan Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday warned that the Indian economy was passing through "difficult times due to influences beyond (our) control".

Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC), he urged Congress activists to educate the public about the "canards and falsehoods" spread against the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. "These are difficult times for our country and the economy caused to a large extent by circumstances over which we have little or no control," he said. Without naming anybody, Manmohan Singh refuted allegations that the government was corrupt and not serious about bringing back the black money stashed by Indians abroad.

# " #

$ !

# #

!

India’s finance minister Pranab Mukherjee last week said the income tax department would not reopen cases where assessment proceedings had been finalized before April 2012, a statement which is aimed at providing fresh comfort to investors jittery about retrospective amendments to the law that will enable the government to tax overseas deals involving foreign assets.

“I gave a commitment in Parliament with regard to retrospective amendments that CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) will issue a policy circular to clarify that in cases where assessment proceedings have become final before April 1, 2012... such cases shall not be reopened. Now

CBDT has issued a circular in this regard,” he said.

The reiteration of sorts comes amid suggestions by tax department officials that they would look at all transactions that took place over the last six years to see that nothing escapes the net. But more than the smaller cases, the focus is on a dozen-odd large transactions, including Vodafone’s stake acquisition of Hutch stake in the Indian telecom venture, to raise up to Rs 400 billion.

The amendment, which has set the stage for a fresh demand on Vodafone, has been criticized by domestic and international companies although the government has held firm that it was only a clarification.

Pranab Mukherjee

Apart from M&As, Mukherjee also sought to comfort software companies as he promised that the government will ensure that companies don’t have to deduct taxes (TDS) at multiple levels.

“This will remove hardship in case of software distributors,” he added.

Due to the stipulation, 10% TDS was being

Anshu Jain takes over as co-CEO at Deutsche

Deutsche Bank chief Josef Ackermann officially stepped down last week, ending a decade-long reign as head of Germany’s biggest bank during which he repeatedly courted controversy. At the end of Deutsche Bank’s annual shareholder meeting at Frankfurt, Swiss-born Ackermann, 64, hands over the reins to his two successors, Anshu Jain and Juergen Fitschen. While for many, Ackermann personifies the arrogance and greed of the banking sector, in his 10 years as chief executive, he succeeded in transforming Deutsche Bank into a truly global player.

In addition, Ackermann successfully steered his bank through the 2008 global economic and financial crisis without any major mishaps when he also acted as unofficial advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel and her then finance minister Peer Steinbrueck.

Anshu Jain

With the Eurozone crisis showing no signs of abating, the challenges facing Deutsche Bank, like the rest of the banking sector, are daunting. So it can hardly come as a surprise that Ackermann is being succeeded not just by one, but two chief executives.

Jain, a 49-year-old British citizen of Indian origin, and the 63-year-old German Fitschen will press ahead with the internationalization of Deutsche Bank without ignoring German sensibilities. They will also have to reassure shareholders,

customers and markets.

The backgrounds and personalities of the two men reflect those very different challenges facing the bank.

Jain is a high-flying investment banker from London and, with no spoken German, very much personifies the international or “Anglo-Saxon” way of doing business. Fitschen, for his part, with his intimate knowledge of the German corridors of power will be responsible for reassuring and maintaining the confidence of the bank’s major domestic clients.

“Here in Germany, Fitschen has an excellent reputation. He will do everything so that Deutsche Bank fulfils its role as financier of the German economy. In tandem with Jain, they should make a good team,” said the head of the DIHK federation of German chambers of commerce, Hans Heinrich Driftmann.

deducted at every level of software distribution chain - from master distributor to reseller and channel partners. The government decision follows a recommendation by an expert group and representations by Nasscom.

Mukherjee’s statement also had a word of caution for his officers with the minister instructing them to refrain from moving high courts unless the question of law is not involved in the disputes. “Normally my advice would be that if there be no point of law, if it’s a matter of fact, then I think with the two appeals at the commissioner’s level the department need not rush to the high court if there be no point of law concerned.”

Jaguar named No 1 brand in UK in customer satisfaction Tata Group's marquee car Jaguar has been named as the numero uno brand in the UK in terms of customer satisfaction. The '2012 UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS)' - that covered nearly 18,000 individuals - was conducted by research firm JD Power and Associates along with 'What Car?' magazine, Tata Motors said in a statement.

The study took into account various factors including performance, reliability, quality, cost of ownership, dealer service satisfaction, design and comfort. "It's tremendous to have such customer recognition of our commitment to delivering quality, technology and a world-class ownership experience," Jaguar Cars Global Brand Director Adrian Hallmark said. In the 2012 first quarter, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) reported an over twofold rise in net income.

India's GDP growth dips to 9-year low of 5.3% India's economic growth slumped to 5.3 per cent in January-March quarter, the slowest in nine years, due to poor performance of manufacturing and farm sectors, official data showed.

For the whole of 201112 financial year, the gross domestic product (GDP) growth slumped to 6.5 per cent. This is the slowest pace of expansion in India’s economy since 2002-03, when it had registered a growth of just 4 per cent.

"This is the lowest in the contemporary period.

It has been substantially down because of the very poor performance of manufacturing sector," finance minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters while reacting on the data.

During January-March 2012 quarter, manufacturing sector contracted by

0.3 per cent as against a growth of 7.3 per cent registered during the corresponding period of previous year.

"Because of the manufacturing sector, the overall growth of the GDP has come down substantially," the finance minister said.

The GDP growth data is down from the government's estimate of 6.9 per cent announced earlier this year, and sharply down from the previous year's growth of 8.4 per cent.

The GDP at factor cost at constant (2004-05) prices in the year 2011-12 is now estimated at Rs 52,025 billion as against Rs.52,220 billion estimated earlier on Feb 7, 2012, showing a growth rate of 6.5 per cent, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) said.

In the quick estimate

of GDP released in February, the CSO had projected 6.9 per cent growth for 2011-12.

"The downward revision in the GDP growth rate is mainly on account of lower performance in 'manufacturing' and 'trade, hotels, transport and communication' than anticipated," the CSO said.

Economic policy makers as well as industry bodies have termed the data disappointing and shocking.

"This is obviously disappointing. Decline in industrial production has not been offset by growth in agricultural production," said C Rangarajan, chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council.

Rangarajan said farm sector was likely to do better this year on the back of

good monsoon. "This is the fourth straight quarter of decline and quarterly growth dipped to the same level during Q3 of 2008-09 (5.6%). Nevertheless, this decline in growth is not surprising as FICCI had forewarned in April that the Q3 growth did not represent the bottoming out of the economy," said Rajiv Kumar, secretary general, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

19

Fertile ground for investment

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

Today I write from Tbilisi, Georgia, next door to Russia and previously part of the Soviet Union. This country is populated by only just over 4.5million people and geographically is stuck roughly in between Russia and Turkey.

Mr Bidzina Ivanishvili is Georgia’s richest man, with a net worth of $6.4billion according to Forbes magazine March 2012. His plush office is in the capital, Tbilisi. His net worth amounts to half of Georgia’s GDP. In the recent months he has become a fierce critic of the current government and has started a political party called Georgian Dream, with the aim of running for presidency. The rivalry is all the more bitter given previously he was friends with the current President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Mr. Ivanishvili announced in October 2011 that he would use his fortune to oppose the government and finance his own political ambitions.

It was a shocking challenge to Mr. Saakashvili, who has comfortably dominated politics here since the 2008 war with Russia, and the authorities took immediate steps to stop him.

Georgia’s government acted immediately after Mr. Ivanishvili’s bombshell.

Just four days later, the billionaire was stripped of his Georgian citizenship, on the basis that he had never informed officials that he was a citizen of France. (Georgian law permits dual citizenship only with special permission. Mr. Ivanishvili also had Russian citizenship, though he renounced it in December). Two weeks later, the central bank seized millions of dollars as part of a money-laundering investigation of his bank. The governing party then introduced limits on corporate campaign financing, which would prevent his companies from bankrolling candidates.

Last mon th 21 te ache rs were fired be cau se t heir family me mbe rs were members or support ed the opposition party Georgian Dream.

An employee of a bank called Privat-Bank was also fired because his sister and mother attended a Georgian Dream meeting. He was formally considered as one of the banks most valued employees. He was told he was fired because ‘members of his family think in an opposition way’.

This is very briefly the current political situation in Georgia. The original purpose of my visit was to hold a seminar on investing in Central London property. Given the current situation we were advised people would be very hesitant to attend. The reason is the current government needs funds and with the current situation people with money do not want to be seen openly to be investing overseas. Hence the sem-

The Real Deal This week we bring you a deal with meat on the bone ready for the taking. The property is a freehold period conversion consisting of two one bedroom ground floor flats and one two bedroom first floor flat. The upstairs flat has development potential to turn into a three bedroom by going up into the loft. Others on the street have done so, and this may come under permitted development. The property is located on 47 Blomfontain Rd, Shepards Bush W12 close to White City underground station.

The property is being advertised by agents Faron Sutaria in Shepards Bush for £375k for the two bedroom and £250K each for the ground floor flats.

The offers expected realistically are £350K for the top floor and £240K for the two ground floor flats. This comes to a total of £830k.

The block comes with the benefit of a rental income though it is currently under rented. The current rent is £35,000 per annum.

Given the locality the flats are in a strong area for both rentals and resales.

The vendor wants a quick exchange on all three flats and is prepared to take £700k from someone who can exchange straight away on 10% deposit. The property can be sold as one freehold title, or three leases can be granted.

There are two options to this investment, either purchase and resell straight away or rent

as a long term BTL investment. If the properties are held long term, after a six month period you will be able to refinance at the market valuation currently at £830,000 and extract most of the deposit put in to purchase the property. At 75% LTV you will get £622,500 which means you will have only £80,000 buried in this project.

If the development on the top floor flat is undertaken within the six month period this amount will be further reduced.

The cherry on the pie is there will only be 1% stamp duty when purchasing this deal as opposed to the 4% normally payable, this translates to a saving of £21,000. If this is a bit rich for you, why not group together? With three people this will only be £233,000 each. Call the office now to view this deal.

inar would not be well attended. It seems to be a very cloak and dagger situation.

Instead what has been proposed is separate meetings, one on one, in order to give the discretion required.

From one perspective this is fertile ground to encourage people with funds to invest in London, given the current instability in the country.

London has also been highlighted in the global arena, given the Queen’s jubilee and the imminent Olympics.

Most business people around the world like the idea of owning property in London. They have no doubt about its growth potential.

According to Cluttons Residential Investment Monitor Q1 2012 amid concerns about a double-dip recession and nervousness over GDP figures, long-term overseas investors are continuing to seek out prime Central London residential stock.

Doubts over Eurozone growth, political uncertainty in France, and the potential implications for robust responses to future sovereign debt crises have created uncertainty in stock markets.

Despite this, investors continue to look to London residential property to protect and grow wealth.

Cluttons’ latest research has found that gross yields for residential property in Central London stand at 4.06%, the lowest figure since the end of 2010. Average rental values have fallen by 0.6% and capital values have grown by a further 1.9%.

The report’s findings indicate that although short-term rents are readjusting, the long-term trend proves London remains hugely attractive.

This is despite the new £2 million Stamp Duty tax rates; 7% for properties bought by individuals and 15% for properties bought through or in the name of a company. Cluttons is clear that demand will remain, particularly from overseas investors who are continuing to track opportunities.

Clearly it is not rental yield investors are going for, it must be sheer capital growth. Prices have increased by 20% from the peak of 2007.

Foreign buyers account for 62% of purchases in Central London.

I would sugg est g iven the backgroun d o f tho se investing in Ce ntral Lon don, the main reason is n ot eve n capital g rowth. T he main re ason is the st ability an d tran sparen cy o f the Lond on propert y market.

Though the growth haves been huge in Central London, many of the investors are likely to be in business and are probably making these if not higher returns from their businesses.

Investing in Central London is a means of diversifying their wealth and more importantly getting it out of unstable countries to a more stable country is the real aim.

Given the current turmoil around the world this trend is likely to increase. In short you have a lot of money around the world chasing a finite amount of property in a small location. This will cause property prices to increase further, despite the recent ruling regarding stamp duty.

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

0207 313 4595 Westbourne House, 14-16 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 5RH

Tips of the Week l In times of financial instability it is sometimes best to put your money in real assets, which have been real for millennia l Don't get carried away with rental yield, capital growth is how you make the bulk of your money in property

20

fInancIal vOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

India announces 7-point strategy to boost exports Amid global economic problems, the government of India on Tuesday unveiled 7point strategy to boost exports which include extension of interest subsidy scheme by one year till March 31, 2013.

"We have now decided to extend the scheme (interest subvention) for another year till March 31, 2013 and expand its coverage to include other labour-intensive sectors namely toys, sports goods, processed agricultural products and ready made garments", commerce minister Anand Sharma said while releasing annual supplement to the foreign

growth in the current fiscal.

"It is our expectation that with these measures, we shall be able to sustain an annual export growth of 20 per cent this fiscal", he said. India's exports grew by 21 per cent in 2011-12 to touch USD 303 billion.

To encourage exports, the government came out with an interest subvention scheme under which 2 per cent interest subsidy was given to handlooms, handicrafts, carpets and SME sector.

The scheme, which has been extended by a year, was to end on March 31, 2012.

trade policy here.

"The underline philosophy of this year's supplement is based on seven broad principles", he said, adding these would include added thrust on employment-intensive industry and continuation of market diversification strategy. The minister also exuded confidence that India would be able to sustain 20 per cent export

Mark Zuckerberg faces insider-trading lawsuit

Facebook investors have filed a class action lawsuit against the social network's co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, alleging that he had inside information that the company's stock was overvalued that led to his dumping of shares ahead of their post-IPO collapse.

According to TMZ, the suit alleged that Zuckerberg hid from most investors the fact that the Facebook business model was not built to sustain enough advertising revenue to support an IPO price of 38 dollars a share.

Underwriters Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs all warned Zuckerberg before the IPO that the company was overvalued, but that the information was 'selectively disclosed' to only the

Anand Mahindra to take over as Keshub retires Keshub Mahindra will retire as chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and will be succeeded by his nephew Anand Mahindra, who will take over from August 8 after the conclusion of the company’s annual general body meeting. Keshub will become chairman emeritus of the company.

Anand, who is currently vice-chairman and MD of M&M, said Keshab has been a role model for business leaders and a true statesman. Keshub had joined the M&M board in 1948 and was elected chairman in 1963. During the 48 years of his chairmanship, the Mahindra Group expanded from being an automobile manufacturer to other business segments like IT, real estate, financial services and hospitality.

social network's largest investors, the lawsuit added.

Meanwhile, Facebook's stock fell three per cent and closed at a new low, News.com.au reports. The firm's shares slid 82 cents to close at 26.90 dollars, after briefly trading as low as 26.44 dollars. Facebook shares have fallen nearly 30 per cent since their May 18 debut.

Facebook selects Kerala IT firm for programme Kreata Global, an IT company headquartered at Kerala's Kochi Infopark campus, has been selected as a Facebook preferred marketing developer (PMD), said an infopark official. The PMD programme aims to better represent the various technologies in the Facebook ecosystem and to recognise companies that develop holistic solutions.

Kreata is just the second Indian company to be picked for the programme.

executive director, Kreata Global, said they were really excited about becoming a Facebook PMD. "This is definitely going to be an inspiration for developing more engaging and innovative apps," said Parameswar.

The company that was formed in 2010 has developed engaging Facebook applications for popular brands such as Ford, Panasonic, Samsung, Levi's, Clarins and Parachute.

It has qualified for the PMD badge in the apps category for building socially enabled integrations.

Infopark chief executive officer Gigo Joseph said: "It is an honour for an IT company to be chosen as a Facebook PMD." The Facebook PMD programme also endeavours to help developers build products that make social marketing easier and more effective.

Deepan Parameswar,

*& ) %

(

%*

Amit Patel has over 15 years experience in the field of Leadership and Human Resource Management

Sing – Unity, Equality & Duty The Queen’s jubilee has certainly captured most people’s imagination this weekend. Whatever your views on the monarchy, one would be hard pressed to deny that she has demonstrated a remarkable commitment and dedication to her duty.

There are many who claim that the monarchy has little purpose except serve as an expensive, tax payer funded, tourist attraction.

They do not govern, they do not protect, they do not develop industry or shape policy. People speak about democracy and independence and suggest that the principle of monarchy contradicts these. However, I would say that Queen Elizabeth’s greatest achievements are that she has demonstrated that the two can be consolidated and in fact how valuable the monarchy can be to a democracy. As a leader (albeit a mostly ceremonial one) she has established three pillars of leadership.

Unity – The last general election highlighted what a divided country we are. Critics say the monarchy is not synonymous with democracy. But in the same vein one could then argue that democracy is

not synonymous with unity. India claims to be the greatest democracy in the world, but today the role of President, created to inspire and engender unity has become a political sideshow.

Equality – Over the last 60 years the world has changed. But racism still manifests itself in football (the global game?), ethnic cleansing became a well known term and immigration is a hugely divisive issue as it was in the 60’s.

Duty – In times of adversity it is important that everyone fulfils their duty. Yet duty has become subjective. There is no starker illustration of this than the Doctor’s who are threatening to go on strike over their pensions.

Statistics show that hospital patients are more likely to die on a weekend as many consultants only work from Monday to Friday – this gives new meaning to the term ‘work – life’ balance.

Through all of this, Queen Elizabeth the second has continued in her service – to unify a country which is politically deeply divided. From the age of 26 she has travelled around the world, meeting people from dif-

By Amit Patel

ferent cultures and shown that by reaching out and trying to gain an understanding of other cultures, we can strengthen common values and beliefs.

And most important of all, she has shown that in an age when the term duty is termed by some as archaic and even perhaps even misguided, she has been the example of duty.

She has never refused to meet anyone, she has supported whatever government has been elected (irrespective of her own personal views) and she has done whatever has been asked of her regardless of the circumstances.

This is duty. So to all of those who oppose the monarchy there is one only thing to do, in the words of the Jubilee tribute song – ‘Sing’.

Amit Patel has over 15 years experience in the field of Personal Development and Human Resource Management.

He has delivered speeches on People Management and Development throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. To contact Amit, email amitpatelmail@gmail.com

BSE sensex rallies over 450 points

A benchmark index for Indian equities markets was trading over 450 points up in the closing hour of trade on Wednesday owing to the stabilising rupee and good buying support in automobile, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and metal stocks.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,100.36 points, was ruling at 16,471 points in the afternoon session, up 450 points from its previous close at 16,020.64 points.

Similarly, the widebased National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 144.20 points, to 5,008. The rupee recovered by 16 paise to 55.48 against the US dollar. The automobile index was trading 264.90 points up, the FMCG index was trading 124.16 points up

& +$ %* &(

Air India gets `12 bn from govt

The government of India pumped in `12 billion as equity in cash-strapped Air India on Monday. The airline will now pay `2.50 billion as salary to all employees - except the 400-odd pilots who have been on strike since May 7. The rest will be used to pay vendor dues. With the latest infusion, the Maharaja has got `18.67 billion as equity this fiscal.

A pilot, who is still flying, said the move to deny pay to the striking Indian Pilots’ Guild (IPG) may create more problems.

AI’s executive pilots have had hectic parleys since last week when the government declared that the Dharmadhikari committee report will be implemented. Since one knows its exact implication for different sections of employees, erstwhile AI pilots are apprehensive they may have to take a 30% cut.

and the metal index was trading 237.32 points up.

Hero MotoCorp rallied 4.68 per cent at `1,953.05; Tata Motors was up 4.65 per cent at `231.85; ITC, was up by 3.90 per cent at `234.65.

Other major Sensex gainers were Sterlite Inds, up 3.50 per cent at `93.10; Jindal Steel, up 3.40 per cent at `427; Maruti Suzuki, up 2.86 per cent at `1,109.50; Hindalco Inds, up 2.65 per cent at `120.25; Hindustan Unilever, up 2.65 per cent at `418.90; Tata Steel, up 2.61 per cent at `408.90.

(

# *&

&(# ," , !' !,0% !

"()* #" !* &+(" () )%.

#

*/)-'*1 /-%)!--

,&

'% !

3

+(&' */)-'*1

* %

2

( %' - '!- "%,-."'%#$.!/ )!.

"*, + , !'-

*0!

&%'*-

financial VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

21

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

Markets eagerly wait on European Central Bank monthly rate decision UK enjoyed a long 4-day weekend as the Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, but as the UK markets awaken for trading today we see Egan Jones’ downgraded UKs credit rating on Monday from AA to AA-, leaving a “negative� outlook on the country. The risk event for GBP this week is the BoE’s interest rate decision on Thursday.

Market participants are expecting policy to remain unchanged, with rates at 0.5% and QE at ÂŁ325 billion. Reports are highlighting that the UK could push the BoE towards an expansion of its asset purchase program in June.

Despite concerns with the UK credit rating the UK Stocks advanced before European Central Bank (ECB) rate decision, which is out shortly this, saw many of the major banks including Barclays Plc and Lloyds Banking Group Plc gaining 4.5%. Also the FTSE 100 index has seen the biggest rise since May 24th by 1.5% to 5,337.99 at 10.33am in London.

As a result of this the GBP/USD has seen some strength today.

A rate cut would be a relief to the struggling economies in the region especially Greece,

Ireland, Portugal, Italy, and Spain. Despite this, the ECB is expected to hold its interest rates at 1 percent and an inflation target of 2 percent. A rate cut will be bullish for the euro and would alleviate some of the fears in the market. It would also increase investor confidence in the euro region.

Six German bank groups downgraded by Moody’s means long-term debt and deposit ratings for 6 groups and 1 German subsidiary group have declined 1 notch. The rationale for the German bank downgrade was driven by the increased risk of further shocks emanating from the euro area debt crisis. The main event today is the Euro area rate decision that will be announced at at a press conference today by Mario Draghi.

Meanwhile, Spain's economy minister has dampened speculation that the country is about the seek a bailout of its bank sector. However, speculation remains that Spain's bank sector is too weak to escape an eventual bailout. Spain is trying to find more than 80bn euros ($100bn; ÂŁ65bn) to strengthen its banks' capital buffers. A key test will come on Thursday, with

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 6th June 2012 @ 5.30pm GBP - INR = 85.33 USD - INR = 55.15 EUR - INR = 69.24 GBP - USD = 1.55 GBP - EUR = 1.23 EUR - USD = 1.26 GBP - AED = 5.68 GBP - CAD = 1.59 GBP - NZD = 2.01

Spain due to auction up to 2bn euros of bonds.

Household spending was flat last month but the amount of cash splashed on the high street and online fell, figures show. There was a three percent drop on the high street from a year earlier and a 2.1 per cent fall in online expenditure.

But the good weather boosted spending on clothing and footwear, which was up 2.3 per cent.

US stocks also gained further today on the back of the eagerly awaiting decision from the ECB’s monthly rate decision

0 8 0 8

$ 0 4 5

including Bank of America and Citi Group both climbed 1% to 1,298.3 at 10.38am in London.

Yesterday saw the US stocks climb also on the back of the cheapest valuation for the S&P 500 in size months, after a measure of service industries increased more than economists had estimated. On the other hand the Dollar Index fell after Chicago President Charles Evans from the Federal Reserve Bank said in a speech in New York late yesterday that recent U.S. economic data warrants “extremely strong accommodation.�

GBP - AUD = 1.56 GBP - ZAR = 12.85 GBP - HUF = 367.19

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.

PX XJ S F U S B OT G FS

G FFT

B OE OP IJ EEFO D PT U T

22

PAkiStAN-BANglAdeSh-Sri lANkA

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

US seeks clarification from Pakistan on Afridi's sentence

Washington: The US has sought clarification from Pakistan on reports that a doctor who helped it track Osama bin Laden was given a harsh sentence because of his links with militants and not for his involvement with the CIA. "We are actually seeking clarity on those latest reports.

I'm aware of what you're talking about, so we've raised those with the government of Pakistan," State Department spokesman Mark Toner had said.

It had previously been reported by Pakistan's staterun APP news agency that Dr Shakil Afridi had been con-

Dr Shakil Afridi

victed for helping the CIA track bin Laden by running a fake vaccination campaign in Abbottabad. Pakistani media reported that Afridi was sen-

tenced by a tribal court on charges of links with the banned Lashkar-e-Islam militant group and its chief Mangal Bagh Afridi and not for his involvement with the CIA. "It seems to contrast previous reports about his conviction and the basis of it, so we're trying to get clarity," Toner said when asked about the new reason being given

by Pakistan for sentencing Afridi.

"I mean you know other than raising it very publicly as we've done via Secretary (of State, Hillary) Clinton you know and raising it consistently in our meetings with

Pakistani government officials. It's unclear to me what else we could do for his case, but we certainly take it very seriously, the secretary's very clear in her remarks saying that you know, that there's not any basis for holding Afridi," Toner said.

Meanwhile, a senior Administration official said that he does not agree with the argument that Afridi had links with certain terrorist groups. "We do not believe in this new story," the official said, adding that the State Department has sought clarification from Pakistan on this confusing reports.

Pak tests 5th N-capable Security forces trying to kill missile in just 45 days me, says Pak rights activist Islamabad: Pakistan on Tuesday tested its fifth nuclear-capable cruise missile with a 700-km range that can deliver a oneton nuclear warhead. A statement issued by the military said the indigenously developed Cruise Missile Hatf-VII (Babur) is a low-flying, terrain hugging missile with high maneuverability and pinpoint accuracy. It can avoid being detected by radars. It can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads and has stealth capabilities.

"It also incorporates the most modern cruise missile technology of Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM), Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation (DSMAC), which enhances its precision and

Pakistan summons US envoy Islamabad: Pakistan's foreign ministry on Tuesday summoned US Charge d'Affaires Richard Hoagland to lodge a formal protest over the series of drone strikes in the country, the ministry said. The protest came a day after two US drones killed at least 16 people in North Waziristan on Monday, the third strike in the area over the past three days. At least 151 people have been killed in 20 drone strikes launched this year.

"US Charge d'Affaires Ambassador Richard Hoagland was called to the ministry of foreign affairs today (Tuesday). He was officially conveyed the government's serious concern regarding drone strikes in Pakistani territory," Xinhua quoted a ministry statement as saying. "He (Hoagland) was informed that the drone strikes were unlawful, against international law and a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty," the ministry said.

effectiveness manifold," the statement said.

On May 31, Pakistan test fired nuclear-capable HatfVIII cruise missile with a range of more than 350 km.

Islamabad tested its quick reaction tactical nuclearcapable Hatf-IX missile with a range of 60 km on May 29.

Before that, Pakistan conducted a test of the nuclearcapable Hatf-III ballistic missile with a range of 290 km on May 10. On April 25 it tested an improved version of nuclear-capable Hatf-IV intermediate range ballistic missile with 1,000 km range.

Islamabad: Renowned Pakistani human rights activist Asma Jehangir on Monday night said that the country’s powerful security establishment was planning to get her killed using one of the many jihadi outfits operating in the country.

She spoke out on a couple of primetime talk shows; stating that the military – particularly the Inter Services Intelligence – was upset with her for picking up cudgels for the Baloch people and speaking out against the role of the security establishment in the restive province of Balochistan.

Ms Jehangir went public with her fears after an “information-leak from a responsible and highly credible source.” Alarmed by this leak, leading members of Pakistan’s civil society said: “What makes the reported conspiracy to liquidate Asma Jehangir especially serious is, firstly, the environment of target-killings, in which dissident persons’ dead bodies are

Asma Jehangir

being dumped all over, and, secondly, the fact that the finger of accusation has been pointed at the extraordinarily privileged state actors.”

In a statement issued through the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, they said this was not a conspiracy against one individual alone but a plot against Pakistan’s future as a democratic state.

“We wish to make it clear to all and sundry, especially those who preside over the security apparatus, that they must not under-estimate the consequences of any harm being caused to the life of Asma Jehangir.”

Al -Qaeda No 2 killed in drone strike Islamabad: In what US officials described as a major blow to al- Qaeda, the group's second-ranking leader, a militant known as Abu Yahya alLibi, was killed in a strike by a missile fired from a US-operated drone, an official confirmed on Tuesday. The official said the Libyan-born Libi, a cleric, was killed in a drone strike on Monday morning.

Abu Yahya al-Libi is the pseudonym of Mohamed Hassan Qaid, a Libyan chemistry graduate who travelled to Afghanistan in the late 1980s.

There he joined the Libyan Fighting Group, who battled Soviet troops and sought to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi.

Later he studied Islam in Mauritania before returning to Afghanistan. He used his religious credentials to justify acts of extreme violence and denigrate moderate Muslim scholars.

He spoke Arabic, Pashto and Urdu and worked as a webmaster for the Taliban before Pakistani intelligence arrested him in 2002. In 2005,

Abu Yahya al-Libi

he escaped from Bagram, considered the most secure US prison in Afghanistan, along with three cell mates. The dramatic escape was recounted by Libi later in propaganda videos. Libi was a top cleric and propaganda chief for alQaeda, releasing around 70 messages on behalf of the organisation.

A militant commander in North Waziristan closely associated with foreign fighters however said: "He has not been killed. This is not the first time claims have been made about his death. The

Americans are suffering heavy losses in Afghanistan so they have resorted to making false claims." It can take months to confirm whether drone strikes have killed an Islamist militant leader because the area of the attack is often sealed off by the Taliban in the lawless northwest of Pakistan. Burials are quick in order to hide casualties and identities. If a drone strike did kill Libi, it would bolster the American argument that drones are a highly effective weapon against militants.

The Pakistan government says that, while the CIA-run pilotless drone campaign has some advantages, it fuels antiAmerican sentiment in the country and is counterproductive because of collateral damage. Drones are a sticking point in current talks between the United States and Pakistan aimed at repairing ties damaged by a series of events, including the recent imprisonment of the Pakistani doctor who helped the CIA hunt down bin Laden.

In Focus Pak minister Malik ousted from House for dual citizenship Islamabad: In a jolt to Pakistan’s interior minister Rehman Malik, the Supreme Court suspended him from the membership of parliament on the ground that he had failed to provide proof of renouncing his British citizenship, raising questions over his continuance as a minister. A three-judge bench led by chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry issued the interim order while hearing a petition challenging the dual nationality of several members of the two houses of parliament.

The bench had earlier given 60-year-old Malik time to produce a declaration issued by the UK Border Agency regarding the renunciation of British citizenship. Malik’s counsel submitted various documents and declarations to the court but did not furnish the declaration from the UK Border Agency.

24 killed in attack on Pakistan check-post Islamabad: At least 20 militants and four soldiers were killed after an army checkpost was attacked in Pakistan's northwest tribal region early on Tuesday, a media report said. The attack occurred in the wee hours when an unknown number of militants stormed an army check-post in Salala area of Mohmand Agency, a tribal region along the Pakistan- Afghanistan border, Xinhua reported. According to Dawn news, four soldiers lost their lives in the attack and 20 militants were killed in the retaliatory attack by the army. Geo News reported that the insurgents wounded at least four soldiers at the outpost, which has seen much bloodshed in the past. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

China top leader snubs Zardari Beijing: Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi snubbed Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari by refusing to travel from Islamabad to Karachi for a meeting, according to Pakistani media. Zardari tried to make lastminute changes in the venue and invited Yang to meet him in Karachi instead of Islamabad, where the meeting was originally planned. Yang declined, obviously viewing it as a ploy to test China's dependence on Pakistan for strategic reasons. Zardari was forced to rush back to Islamabad, the Online news reported, which was also published on the website of 'The Nation' newspaper of Pakistan.

Suicide bombers kill 22 Afghan civilians Kandahar: Two suicide bombers blew themselves up in a market area in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing at least 22 people wounding about 50, authorities said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the explosion, which occurred near small shops in a parking and waiting area for trucks that supply logistics to Kandahar Air Field, a massive military installation run by the US-led coalition. One suicide bomber detonated his motorbike filled with explosives first. Then, as people rushed to assist the casualties, another suicide bomber on foot walked up to the area and blew himself up, said Javid Faisal, a spokesman for Kandahar province. He said the death toll stood at 22 and that 50 were wounded. All the dead were civilians, he said. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi claimed responsibility for the attack.

Cricketer Umar Gul's brother arrested Islamabad: Pakistan Army commandos raided cricketer Umar Gul's house in Peshawar and arrested his brother on charges of harbouring a wanted militant, according to a media report. The fast bowler's brother, Meraj, was arrested with two other men on charges of providing shelter to his uncle, Haji Daly, believed to be an active member of the banned Lashkar-eIslam. Two paramedics, Younas and Shakil, were among those arrested. They were moved to an undisclosed location. An official of the local police station claimed Haji Daly was injured in an operation by armed forces at Bara in Khyber tribal region, and had fled to Peshawar and lived with Meraj for several days before leaving the city.

WORLD 23

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

In Focus

Curtains down on Bhagvad Gita row in Russia

Nigeria crash: Two Indians among 153 dead Lagos: Rains hampered rescue effort at the devastated site of an air tragedy in Nigeria on Tuesday as emergency workers looked for more bodies through the rubble, even as it emerged that two Indians were among the 153 people on the ill-fated flight that crashed following engine failure. Rescuers have recovered 137 bodies from the site of the crash, in which the toll is expected to mount to up to 200.

Indian-American girl spells success with ‘guetapens’

Washington: Indian-American 14-year-old Snigdha Nandipati, who correctly spelled the French word ‘guetapens’, has won the prestigious Spelling Bee title along with two of her compatriots who bagged second and third spots. Snigdha, an eighth grade student from San Diego, California, beat eight other finalists in the competition to become the fifth Indian-American to win the venerable competition in as many consecutive years. As the winner Snigdha will take home $30,000 in cash, a trophy, a $2,500 savings bond, a $5,000 scholarship, $2,600 in reference works from the Encyclopedia Britannica and an online language course.

Namaste London!

Kesari Tours has established her unique identity in the Indian tourism industry through innovative ideas and excellent services. The forte of the organization established 28 years ago by the tourism maestro Kesari Patil has been, the distinctive combination of professional services and the warmth of our family experienced by the Guests.

Your experience of Indian beauty whether it is the Houseboats of Kashmir, the Backwaters of Kerala or the Royal Palaces of Rajasthan, with Kesari, it will be certainly unique.

Many non resident Indians do visit their homeland for reasons ranging from spiritual to adventure. There are those who visit religious places such as Vaishnodevi, Char Dham, Somnath temple and Meenakshi temple whereas others wish to come face to face with a striped tiger or an Asian lion in the forests of Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Gir. The other must sees like the Taj Mahal of Agra, the Qutub Minar, forts of Jaisalmer, the Golden temple of Amritsar, the Surya Temple of Konark and the Mughal gardens of Kashmir add to the desire of visiting Mother India. Your experience of discovering the glorious history of our mother land, its diversified geography and eye-catching landscapes will be enhanced with Kesari. Special tour packages have been designed considering the tastes and requirements of the non resident Indians.

Just as Kesari commands a leading position in the Indian tourism industry, it also occupies a prominent position internationally. Be it the hot favorite destinations of South East Asia, Japan China, Australia New Zealand or Scandinavia, South Africa or USA Antarctica – you can discover the world with Kesari’s ‘Aapla Manus’ and be rest assured that you are in safe hands.

The specialty of Kesari

is the Unique Specialty Tours designed for special segments of Guests, right from a school student to the senior citizens. Kesari has the ‘My Fair Lady’ – exclusively for women, ‘Second Innings Celebration’ – gives senior citizens a chance to celebrate life, ‘Student Special – Masti ki Pathshala’ – the carnival of fun for children and ‘Prince Charming’ – exclusively for men.

If you don't like to travel in a group, ‘Strawberi Holidays’ a division of Kesari will tailor make your tour as per your requirements. Similarly, KesariMICE fulfills the travel needs of the Corporates. Be it the pilgrimage tours of Marigold or a romantic honeymoon, the success of all these tours is due to perfect planning combined with personalized services.

The excellent performance of Kesari tours which is due to the love and trust of our Guests have won us a number of prestigious awards. They include the 'Best Domestic Tour Operator' conferred by Galileo and Travel World (2006-07), Rotary vocational excellence award for distinctive performance in domestic & international tours, 'Best Performance Award' by Jammu-Kashmir Tourism Board and Travel Society of Kashmir, 'Star Performance of the Year'

by Thai airways (2007), ‘Best Outbound Tour Operator – western region India’ by Galileo Express Travel World Award (2008), 'Best Brand of Asia' (2009) and ‘Best Outbound Tour Operator of India’ Times travel honors (2010-11). The icing on the cake is the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' conferred upon Kesari Patil by Bird Travel World Express.

We have been spreading smiles and happiness in the lives of our Guests through our tours and now are in London to serve you. Our experienced Tour Managers who can read your heart and speak your language will take you on wonderful tours.

So, accept the invitation of Kesari and embark on a beautiful and unforgettable journey.

Tomsk (Russia): Russian prosecutors have decided against taking forward their case seeking a ban on a translated version of Bhagvad Gita, bringing down the curtains on the sensitive issue that had enraged Hindus globally and even threatened to strain Russia's ties with India.

State prosecutors in the Siberian city of Tomsk will not challenge a lower court decision to refuse to declare the translation of the Hindu scripture as "extremist", RAPSI legal news agency reported. The Tomsk Region Prosecutor's Office had initiated the case in June 2011 follow-

ing its inspection of the Tomsk Society for Krishna Consciousness. They had claimed that the text of 'Bhagavad Gita As It Is' - a translation and commen-

tary on the original scripture - was "extremist" literature full of hatred and insult to non-believers which promoted social discord. The petition has already been dismissed by two courts.

In December last year, the Tomsk District Court refused a request to declare the book extremist, as it found no grounds to satisfy the lawsuit. The prosecutor's office did not appeal the decision, but the Tomsk Region Court upheld it without amendments on March 21. Vasily Voykin, a regional prosecutor, was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti that

the Prosecutor's Office will not appeal the court's decision. The case had drawn a flurry of criticism from Hindus across the world. When the petition was dismissed by the lower court in Tomsk in December last year, India had welcomed the verdict as a "sensible resolution of a sensitive issue." India’s external affairs minister S M Krishna had asked the Russian government to help resolve the issue quickly. Bhagavad Gita was first published in Russia in 1788 and since then it has been republished many times in various translations.

Egypt court jails Hosni Mubarak for life Cairo: Hosni Mubarak, toppled by an uprising last year after 30 years ruling Egypt, was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in killing protesters after a trial that sets a precedent for holding Middle East autocrats to account.

But it was not enough for thousands of Egyptians who poured onto the streets after the verdict.

Some wanted Mubarak executed, others feared the judge’s ruling exposed weaknesses in the case that could let the former military strongman off on appeal. Protesters gathered in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, focus for the uprising that drove Mubarak, now 84, from office on Feb 11, 2011. Others in the second city of Alexandria chanted:

5

“We are done with talk, we want an execution!”

The ruling came at a politically fraught time for Egypt, two weeks before a run-off in its first free presidential poll that will pit the Muslim Brotherhood, banned under Mubarak, against the deposed autocrat’s last prime minister.

Mubarak was wheeled into a courtroom cage on a hos-

pital stretcher to join codefendants, including his two sons Alaa and Gamal, former interior minister Habib al-Adli and six security officials. “The court has ordered a punishment for Hosni Mubarak of life in jail based on charges of participating in crimes of killing and attempted killing,” judge Ahmed Refaat told the hushed courtroom.

!. -% +0-.6 * *

-!.!*/.

!(

0& - /

"

-# *%4!

)

$ -

!

3

.% * +% !

"

$

$

1%* 0* -

1%*

3

$ $

+*!3 ( -%3

%, '

!/ * ' *. -

"!

" /*/*% +/)',$ #&- $&,(.

!

"

+/)',$#.

Ticket price £2.50 per person per day (( % '!/ "

!

" "

!

!*/+* --+2 0!!*. 0-3 %*#. 0-3 #2 -!

-+3 !* 0 0-3 3*!-. *!

" !

#

"

% '!/. 1 %( !) (!3

+*!3 #+%*# "+- $ -%/3

(! /

* $ * * - . * -(+0% !+- ) ( - ) $%1 ) * -(+00*-0, .$ --3 +((32++ * !!* 1!!/ !2.

- %* %(( +-*!- $+, +#% % !+ ( - ) 2 %.$ 2!!/ 1+-%!.

!(+2

!*/%+*!

(

( - ) * (%*# !2. * +*!3 - *."!- * )%(/+*

children below 12 years

- !( !-1% ! .$%+* .$+2 * * !. $+-!+#- ,$!

3 0*/ ( * 0(' -

!2.

* % * 0.% 0 * * * %* $!(3 !*/- ( ++/%*# +0*.(+2 3 +-/$

!. Free entrance for

++

--+2 (

1 *

/+-! +-/$

--+2 2%./

24

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

MP Sachin Tendulkar vows to bat for other sports Sachin Tendulkar took oath as Rajya Sabha MP on Monday, making it clear that he does not intend to reduce his focus on cricket although he now looks forward to helping the cause of not just cricket but all other sports in India.

The cricket icon’s much anticipated visit to Parliament saw him being mobbed by media cameras as he emerged with wife Anjali surrounded by security staff after being sworn in as MP in vicepresident Hamid Ansari’s office. Determined to stick to a brief statement, he left without taking questions.

In the few comments he offered to speak as he walked to Ansari’s office.

Tendulkar said he did not intend to stop playing cricket just yet, emphasizing he did not want to spark any speculation on this score.

The day and date of his becoming an MP had no particular significance, he said answering a query on sporting superstitions.

“I have always felt that

Bikram Singh assumes charge as new Army chief

Lt Gen Bikram Singh, a veteran infantry officer, took over as the 25th Chief of the Indian Army succeeding Gen V K Singh whose 26-month tenure was mired by controversies. He will have a tenure of two years and three months in the top post.

Prior to his appointment as Army Chief, Gen Bikram was commanding the Kolkata-based Eastern Army Command. He has held several important appointments in counter insurgency areas as the Corps Commander of Srinagar-based 15 Corps and Akhnoor-based 10 Division as Major General.

The officer, better known as 'Bikki' to his friends, was commissioned into the Sikh Light Infantry regiment on March 31, 1972 after attending the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA). At the IMA, he held the appointment of battalion cadet adjutant and was awarded the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles gold medal for 'tactics and leadership' and the Shriganesh Trophy. He was awarded the 'Commando Dagger' and the 'Best in Tactics' trophy during his young officers' course at Infantry School. He also served as an instructor at the Commando Wing of the Infantry School in Belgaum.

I would like to give back to cricket in the later part of my life… I would be really, really happy if I can be remembered for my contribution to other sports, not just cricket. That is something I want to do and that is why I accepted this,” said Tendulkar.

While his cricketing engagements will keep him busy, by outlining sport as his priority as a parliamentarian, Tendulkar indicated he is not likely to alter his record of avoiding controversy and will not to be drawn into political or contentious matters. The emphasis is significant in context of criticism that his nomination will provide some shine to a beleaguered government.

Tendulkar began his innings as a parliamentari-

an by taking his oath in Hindi. He then took a tour of the Upper House and Central Hall before facing the cameras waiting for him. Sachin will be the only ‘active’ sportsperson in Parliament. He could not take oath earlier due to his commitment to IPL cricket matches that ended on May 27. Surprisingly, Tendulkar is the only first cricketer among 121 members “nominated” to Rajya Sabha since 1952.

He said: “I believe there might be few obstacles along the way and a few challenges along the way. And I need help from my fellow parliamentarians, administrators, media and our countrymen. I think, together we can make a lot of changes.”

There are other sportspersons in Parliament, including hockey player and former India captain Dilip Tirkey in Rajya Sabha, and former cricketers Navjot Singh Sidhu, Mohammed Azharuddin and Kirti Azad in Lok Sabha.

`510 bn annual plan for Gujarat approved The Planning Commission of India has approved an annual plan of `510 billion for 201213 as against `505.99 billion approved during the budget session of Gujarat state assembly this March. The approval, which came following a high-level meeting between chief minister Narendra Modi and commission vice-chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia in Delhi on Friday afternoon, is 34.21 per cent higher than the annual plan for previous year, Rs 380 billion. The high-level meeting, which saw Planning Commission members and senior state bureaucrats discuss contentious issues that Gujarat faced, led the commission to approve a new `12 billion project on coastal tourism.

“The project was prepared by Gujarat government,” said a senior official, adding, “The Centre will allocate the amount in five years. An amount of `3.06 billion will be disbursed this year, out of which `700 million will be one-time grant immediately.” “Under the coastal tourism project, the state government plans to develop tourism infrastructure and home stay facilities, even as creating centres for capacity building in order to provide employment to the local youth for coastal tourism,” the official said, adding, “It will now form part of the Sagarkhedu project, under which people living in coastal areas are sought to be devel-

oped in an integrated fashion.”

During the meeting, several Planning Commission members raised concern over poor nutrition levels in Gujarat, as noticed in the recent India Human Development Report.

Modi agreed, but said, “Gujarat government has begun a survey of its own for this. In order to fight the problem, we have formed Gujarat State Nutrition Mission.” He added, it will adopt “multi-sectoral approach to the problem. Already, energy dense, fortified blended food has been provided to12.6 lakh children under six, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers.”

When some Planning Commission members tried raising issues like only 41 per cent of schools having girls’ toilets and poor quality of education in Gujarat, Modi said, “You are armed with old data of 2005-06 and 200607. There should be a well worked-out mechanism under which new data are made available from the states.”

Modi referred to the Centre’s “lopsided textile policy” which led to Gujarat’s cotton growing farmers losing `140 billion, even as protesting against its latest move to take complete control the “entire cotton trade.”

Modi also raised the issue of failure of the Centre to declare the Sardar Sarovar Project as a national project and fund it.

In divine light

By Rajen Vakil

The description of the four yugas When Hanuman told Bhima that he could not show him the grand form he took when he jumped over the sea because of the dictates of the Age, Bhima said, “Please describe to me in detail the number of yugas; the customs in each, the aspirations of the people and how each Age or yuga is born and dies.”

Hanuman replied, “O dear one, the first Age or yuga is called ‘Krut' or 'Sat’.

In this yuga, all people lived in a state of grace and gratitude. That is why it is called ‘Krut'. Religion was supreme and not even a single person went against it. No one ever died in an accident. There were no clans. That is, there was no difference between the gods, demons, yakshas, and nagas. The scriptures were not divided into the four Vedas. The very thought of anything led to its fulfilment immediately; so, man did not have to desire. There was no disease and no one lost any of his senses. There was no casting of blame, no pain or crying, no cunningness, revenge, jealousy, fear, laziness and resentment.”

“In that Age, everyone realised the truth and lived

in the state of supreme Brahman. Everyone was engaged in increasing their knowledge and understanding of the supreme truth. There was only one practice - to worship one god, which was done by all the four castes together, led by the Brahmins.”

“Now let me tell you about the next yuga, called Treta. This was the Age of yagnas or sacrificial fires. Religion went a step lower and the formless god took on the form of red statues. Still, people spent all their time in worship. In the previous yuga, there was no desire and no one ever expected the fruit of their actions. Now, people started charity; with that came the expectation that 'I will receive the benefit of my giving'.”

“The next yuga was called Dwapar and religion in this Age went a step lower. That is, it was now two steps away from the supreme truth. One Veda was divided into four. There was now a division among Brahmins. The one who knew one Veda was called

Veda; the one who knew two, Dwivedi; three, Trivedi; and four, Chaturvedi. For each of the Vedas, a different set of ceremonies and customs were created. Soon, out of the one supreme religion, many religions were born.

Ceremonies for fulfilment of personal desires were created and man started going a long way away from god.

The real esoteric ceremonies were lost and a different set of rites were born only to fulfil man's lust and desires and had nothing to do with realising the truth.”

“The last yuga is called ‘Kali’ or the yuga of time.

In this yuga, god is born as Keshava or Krishna. His colour is dark. This yuga has one predominant characteristic: people want to achieve without working.

They want shortcuts.

There are natural calamities and mankind suffers from disease, laziness and anger. The Age of that one supreme god and one scripture is so far away.”

Thus, Hanuman concluded the description of the four yugas.

All past articles on the Mahabharata can be accessed from http://epaper.asianvoice.com or from http://www.3stepbreath.com/mahabharata.html

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

25

RSS mouthpiece bats for Narendra Modi as PM candidate Days after he was supposed to have been pulled up by BJP mouthpiece Kamal Sandesh for being a man in hurry, Narendra Modi received a shot in the arm with another Sangh Parivar publication, Organiser, saying that only the Gujarat CM has the potential to catapult the party to power single-handedly, just like Atal Behari Vajpayee did in the 1990s.

An article in the latest issue of the RSS' mouthpiece in English describes the controversial CM as

"by far the most popular leader in the country", who as BJP's mascot for 2014 parliamentary polls has the ability to expand the BJP's appeal and vote base across the country much like Atal Behari Vajpayee did in the 1990s.

Although the write-up by psephologist GVL Narasimha Rao contrasts with the criticism in Kamal Sandesh as well as RSS' Hindi weekly Panchajanya, sources in the Organiser said that the endorsement for the

Gujarat strongman in its latest issue mirrors the official stance of the publication. "We have been consistently praising his achievements in Gujarat and the decision to publish the article should be seen in that light," said a source.

The view is significant

because BJP has shied away from spelling out its choice for PM, and because of the assessment in the political circles that the projection of Modi as the candidate for the top job is going to gain momentum and may become virtually unstoppable if he wins the assembly polls slated to be held later this year.

Will swing votes in BJP's favour The Organiser article takes head on all the arguments marshaled by those who feel that Modi's pro-

jection will hurt the BJP; chiefly that tagging the hardliner as the prime ministerial candidate would further undercut its already restricted social appeal and putting off NDA allies like Bihar CM Nitish Kumar who hope to win over the Muslim vote.

Rao builds his case by saying that while there is nationwide anger against Congress, this alone cannot guarantee BJP-led NDA's return to power at the Centre. He stresses that NDA is a major polit-

ical force only in 272 of the Lok Sabha seats, leaving Left and regional parties as the likely beneficiaries of erosion in Congress's support in the rest of the 545 Lok Sabha constituencies.

He argues that the limitation can be overcome by projecting a strong leader "whose appeal transcends state boundaries," and who "would give BJP's campaign a nationwide momentum and help it make substantial gains even in non-BJP strongholds".

In Focus Delhi MLA Bharat Singh shot at in office A day after Delhi legislators expressed concern over their security, Indian National Lok Dal MLA from Najafgarh Bharat Singh was shot at thrice by unidentified assailants inside his office. His uncle, Dharampal Singh, too received two bullet injuries when at least five assailants stormed Bharat Singh’s Dichau Kalan office in southwest Delhi and fired at least 12 rounds from revolvers and a pistol.

Police sources said the probable cause for the attack was the longstanding enmity over a property.

Heat wave kills over 100 in Bengal Heat wave caused over 100 deaths in Bengal in this week. Eight deaths were reported on Wednesday. In Bengal majority of deaths were reported from Asansol -Durgapur belt. There had been 43 deaths from Durgapur and Asansol belt of Burdwan. Asansol and Durgapur is having a temperature of 47 degree Celsius. Even Midnapore (west) is having a temperature of around 44 degree celsius. Midnapore (west) recorded 18 deaths and similarly Purulia had 18 deaths, where the temperature is hovering over 46 degree. Even in Kolkata there had been seven deaths.

Aarushi murder: Nupur's bail plea rejected The Allahabad High Court has rejected Dr Nupur Talwar's bail plea in connection with the four-year old double murder of her teenaged daughter Aarushi Talwar and domestic help Hemraj. The court has charged her with murder and destruction of evidence. Nupur Talwar was arrested on April 30 and has been lodged in Ghaziabad's Dasna jail.

Dentist couple Nupur and Rajesh Talwar was, earlier, charged of murder and destruction of evidence by a Sessions Court in Ghaziabad on May 24. The court's decision had come after Talwars' counsel produced a golf club in court to dispute allegations that the couple used a similar club to kill Aarushi and Hemraj.

Air Force version of 'Akash' missile successfully test-fired India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed surface-toair 'Akash' missile of Air Force version from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur near here, the fifth trial of the anti-aircraft system in the last fort night. "The Air Force version of Akash missile was test-fired from the ITR. The trial was successful and met all the mission objectives," a senior defence official said. The antiaircraft missile, with a strike range of 25 km and capable of carrying warhead of 60 kg, was test fired from a mobile launcher at launch complexIII of the ITR.

Presents

12th Asian Achievers Awards 14th September 2012 NOMINATION FORM *' 24'56+)+175 5+#0 %*+'8'45 9#4&5 +5 *156'& '8'4; ;'#4 $; <5 .'#&+0) 0'95 9''-.+'5 5+#0 1+%' #0& 7,#4#6 #/#%*#4 61 *10174 4+6+5* 5+#05 2#4 ':%'..'0%' ( 6*'4' +5 51/'10' ;17 -019 9*1 *#5 $41-'0 $170&#4+'5 #0& &'5'48'5 4'%1)0+6+10 (14 6*'+4 70+37' %1064+$76+10 61 6*' %1//70+6; #0& 6*' 0#6+10 6*'0 2.'#5' 01/+0#6' 6*'/ (14 10' 1( 6*' #9#4&5 .+56'& $'.19 #-' 574' 6*#6 ;17 (+.. +0 6*+5 #22.+%#6+10 (14/ #0& 5'0& +6 10 14 4 '14)' '. #: /#+. ### #$2.)4172 %1/ #&&4'55 +5 4 '14)' 4172 #4/# "1)# 175' 1:610 #4-'6 10&10

$; 2156 (#: 14 '/#+. 61 ( ;17 #4' 5'0&+0) +6 $; 2156 6*' !

Please tick the appropriate category Sports Personality of the Year............................................

Woman of the Year ................................................................

Awarded for excellence in sports.

The award will recognise and honour a woman who has made a significant mark in any chosen field.

Business Person of the Year ..............................................

Awarded to a business person who is a success in every sense of the word and can demonstrate a genuine passion for social issues.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year ......................................

Professional of the Year ......................................................

Uniformed and Civil Services ............................................

Professionals in the field of medicine, law, education, banking, finance and others, who have scaled the heights of their chosen profession.

For outstanding achievements in uniformed and civil services or contribution to the community through any of the above services.

Achievement in Community Service................................

Awarded to those who have acclaimed popularity internationally for his/her contribution in any particular sector and is recognised for their timeless philanthropic activities.

In recognition for an individuals service to community.

Achievement in Media, Arts and Culture ....................

Someone who has made a mark in media including print and broadcast media; cinema, art and culture.

Award for Entertainment ....................................................

For outstanding performance by Asians in the field of Dance and Music.

Awarded to an young entrepreneur (less than 35 years) with a proven track record of operating a successful business enterprise.

International Personality of the Year ............................

Lifetime Achievement Award ............................................

To honour those individuals, who during their lifetime, have made immense contributions in any given field. This remarkable individual can be marked as an example for the younger generation.

Application Form

Name of the Nominee: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Details of the Nominee (Tel & email): _______________________________________________________________ Present Occupation of the Nominee: _______________________________________________________________________ Please attach your CV which includes the following information (1) Personal background (2) (3) (4) (5)

(Please do not exceed a limit of 1000 words)

Most important career achievements till date Your contribution to the community and nation Any notable obstacles in you career that has helped you to reach where you are today Future plans, ambitions and visions

Summary- (Please include a summary in not more the 150 words

why the nominee is worthy of winning the particular award in a separate sheet)

Nominators name and contact details: _____________________________________________________________________ Nominators current Occupation/Company: __________________________________________________________________ Tel/Mobile: _________________________________

Email: __________________________________________________

NOMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS This is a unique event where readers nominate and an independent panel of judges comprising of eminent personalities selects the winner. Judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; decision is final. ABPL Group will not entertain any dialogue with members of the public regarding the judging process. In order to ensure a high degree of transparency and fairness, the management and members of the staff of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar will play no role in the nomination or judging process. You may use an additional sheet if the space provided is insufficient. The winners will be announced at the AAA Awards ceremony in 14th September, 2012. Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar will publish the names of the short listed candidates and winners after the event. The winners names will also appear in our e-edition www.abplgroup.com You can nominate yourself if you wish to. Nominations and entries must follow the prescribed format. All nomination forms must reach our offices on or before 12th July, 2012

210514

8'06

#0#)'& ;

((+%+#. ((+%+#. #6'4'45

((+%+#.

'&+# #460'4

((+%+#.

0.+0' #460'4

210514'& *#4+6;

26

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

Baba Ramdev seeks political support A day after he publicly snubbed Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal for personal attacks on politicians, Baba Ramdev extended his anti-graft diplomacy by seeking political support for his campaign. The yoga guru met BJP president Nitin Gadkari and has sought time from political leaders across the spectrum.

Ramdev, who was known for his vitriolic speeches after he was evicted from Ramlila Maidan last year, appeared to have softened his stand on the political establishment unlike activist Anna Hazare who continued to hit out at the PM reiterating the demand for an independent probe.

Reacting to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s statement that allegations

Gadkari seeks blessings of Yog Guru Baba Ramdev.

against the PM were baseless and part of a conspiracy, Team Anna in its core committee meeting said they would send all the documents to Gandhi. The group also announced that they will participate in the August 9 protest by the yoga guru, who has also

been invited to join their agitation from July 25.

Hazare told reporters that it was unanimously decided to invite Ramdev for Team Anna’s protest from July 25.

“We have also decided to participate in the agitation called by Ramdev from August 9. They will participate in our programme and we will do the same by taking part in their protest,” Hazare said.

Kejriwal said it was decided that Hazare will not sit on fast from July 25 on health grounds, but he will be attend the programme.

Meanwhile, Gadkari did not think twice about diving at the yoga guru’s feet to seek his blessings in full public glare. He later defended it by saying it was “our culture” to touch the feet of men dressed in saffron robes and accept

their blessings. Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said, “It is their mindset and Baba Ramdev has never criticized the corruption of BJP. It appears that they are playing this game together.”

Saying corruption was the biggest problem facing the country, former army chief General (retd) V K Singh on Monday came out in support of social activist Anna Hazare’s and Yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s ongoing agitation for a stronger Lokpal and campaign to bring back black money stashed in foreign banks. Speaking to reporters at Vrindavan in Mathura, where he was on a private visit, Gen Singh said the government must find a way to tackle corruption which is hitting the common man.

UP by-poll: Dimple Sonia pulls up set for record win as Congress, to pick rivals 'surrender' presidential nominee

Dimple Yadav, daughter-inlaw of Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, is all set to create history in the Kannauj by-election with only two independent candidates in the fray against her after last day of nomination and all major political parties in the state virtually surrendering before her.

However, what could act as a blot are the allegations on SP leaders of pressurising and forcing some candidates of smaller parties for not filing nominations.

In fact, the run up to by-polls was more dramatic than the election. After announcing not to field candidate for by-poll, the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) on Wednesday took a U turn and decided to field Jagdev Singh Yadav but he failed to file the nomination on time. On the other hand, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which was expected to put up fight has decided to keep out of

fray. The Congress in view of its new found bonhomie with SP has already announced not to contest.

With this, the 'Samajwadi Bahu' is all set for a record win with a huge margin in a one-sided match. She may even create history by getting elected unopposed if the SP manages to persuade the two independents withdraw their candidature or their nominations are cancelled during scrutiny of papers.

On Tuesday, Congress and BJP had announced not to contest by-poll.

While the Congress said that it had not contested Lok Sabha election in Kannauj in 2009 as well, the BJP had said that its priority is urban local bodies elections due from June 24. However, the new found bonhomie between Congress and SP was said to be reason behind Congress's decision.

Political analyst also saw Mulayam's 'PR efforts' for a smooth ride for daughterin-law behind UP BJP's decision.

But on Wednesday the BJP national president Nitin Gadkari gave approval to Jagdev Yadav's candidature but he could not reach before deadline for nomination.

On a day she was authorised to select the presidential candidate, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi asked party colleagues to shun infighting if they needed to win the 2014 general elections.

Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Gandhi also defended Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from attacks by the opposition and the civil society over corruption charges.

Manmohan Singh also hit out at his critics, accusing them of spreading "canards and falsehoods" against the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Both Gandhi and the prime minister sounded combative at the meeting also attended by senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi, party chief ministers as well as special invitees at the Parliament House Annexe. Even as she

targeted the opposition and vocal critics such as Team Anna, Gandhi focussed on the faction fighting within the Congress that has been blamed for its poor showing in recent state elections.

Speaking in Hindi, Gandhi asked party members to shun factions and start preparing for the Lok Sabha ballot only two years away besides elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh this year. "If we utilise half the energy we spend on infighting, we would be able to double our strength," she said, in one of her harshest critical remarks on her own colleagues.

"We need to get ready for the Lok Sabha elections in 2014." She cautioned colleagues that voters will treat them guided by the image they form of the party. "It will be a big mistake to miss this fact." She defended Manmohan Singh and attacked the opposition and the civil society for hurling "baseless" charges on the Congress and the government.

At the end of the conference the CWC authorized Gandhi to pick the presidential and vice presidential candidates for next month's elections.

Viswanathan Anand retains world chess crown Continued from page 1 Anand won the second game in the four-game rapid series after drawing with black in Game 1 and held on to the lead. The first game set the tempo as Gelfand was better until he pushed his queen-side pawn on move 19. After that the Israeli played wildly hoping that Anand would make a mistake and then in time trouble, Anand as usual held his nerve.

Anand played a new

move in the second game in the Rossolimo and immediately got the desired result. Though the game went on for 77 moves, Gelfand fell in time pressure while trying to find the accurate moves.

Anand won a pawn and then quietly used his time advantage to get what he wanted.

In Game 3, Gelfand looked at his best when he got the advantage but again he landed in time pressure. Anand used all his experience to neu-

tralise Gelfand's advantage and drew the game.

Anand adopted the Rossolimo again in Game 4 and found the clock his ally as he almost got a four minute advantage when the rook and oppositecoloured bishop endgame arose. That meant, the World champion had used up only the incremental time and a minute for the 56 moves that he had made.

In the post-match press conference, Gelfand said he could not quite

cope with the time control.

"It's difficult to find the best moves in time pressure. That was how I made the blunder in the second game (tiebreak)." Anand said he was not unduly worried about his opponent's match strategy.

"I have been following Boris' games and I had the impression that it was going to be a tough match.

But he wasn't getting anything going in any of those drawn games nor was I getting any clear-cut advantages," he said.

% ##$ *#( '# ""#(" ' %% ) # ' % &#" '# ' % ! + " *#( '# ' " ) %+#" #% ' % ## * & & " && " & &$ + %( (& "( "" " # & " " %' # ' & ( " "! & " $! & %#' % " & & + ") ' ! + " % " & #%

(

%#" *#(

'#

In Focus 7 killed, 24 injured as Doon Express derails

At least seven people killed and 24 others injured after five coaches of the Doon Express derailed near the Mahrawa railway station in Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur District. Prelimanary investigations suggest that the five bogies of the train skidded off the track. The train was heading towards Varanasi at the time of its derailment. Medical teams from Lucknow and a rescue team from Jaunpur have been sent to the accident site. This is the second rail mishap in this month of May. On May 22, Hampi Express train rammed a stationary goods train Penukonda station in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur District, killing 25 passengers.

Gadkari invites Manmohan to son's wedding

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadkari met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and invited him for his youngest son's wedding later this month.

This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the BJP asked for an investigation into the alleged role of the Prime Minister's Office in what is being called "Coalgate". Gadkari has already invited Congress president Sonia Gandhi for the wedding in Nagpur and the reception in Delhi on July 2.

V S Sampath is new Chief Election Commissioner

Election Commissioner V S Sampath was on Wednesday appointed the new Chief Election Commissioner who will preside over the next Lok Sabha General Elections in 2014. The 62-year-old Sampath will take over as CEC after incumbent S Y Quraishi demits office on June 10. Brushing aside BJP Leader L K Advani's suggestion for a collegium to decide on appointment of CEC and CAG, the government went ahead and named the 1973-batch IAS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre. President Pratibha Patil cleared his appointment, official sources said.

Vice Admiral D K Joshi new Navy chief

The government of India cleared the name of Vice Admiral Devender Kumar Joshi as the new Navy chief after Admiral Nirmal Verma retires on August 31. With the Navy slowly emerging into a powerful three-dimensional force capable of responding to India’s geostrategic demands from the Persian Gulf to Strait of Malacca, Admiral Joshi’s three-year tenure will be crucial for this “transformation’’ underway.

Gunmen kill Ranvir Sena chief

Brahmeshwar Singh, who headed the outlawed private militia of landlords, Ranivr Sena, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Bhojpur district last week, triggering tension in the area where authorities have clamped day-long curfew. Singh was taking a stroll when the unidentified gunmen pumped several bullets into him, killing him on the spot at Katira Mohalla under Nawada police station, 71 km from Patna, the police said. Singh, alias Mukhiya ji, who faced life imprisonment in several cases of carnage he had perpetrated on the lower caste landless poor, including in Laxmanpur Bathe where 61 Dalits were massacred in December, 1996, was acquitted and released from jail in April this year.

Italian marines get bail

The Kerala High Court last week granted bail to two Italian Marines in the Feb 15 fishermen shooting case.

The Marines, Latorre Massimillano and Salvatore Girone, were granted bail on the conditions that they each pay a fine of Rs 10 million as penalty and provide two Indian sureties. Besides, their passports would have to be surrendered and they can not leave the area falling under the jurisdiction of Kochi city police commissioner.

CBI court allows A Raja to visit Tamil Nadu

A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special court on Wednesday allowed former Telecom Minister A. Raja to visit Tamil Nadu. Special CBI Judge O P Saini gave the permission for visits between June 8 and June 30.

Earlier, while giving bail to Raja on May 15, the court had said that Raja cannot visit Tamil Nadu, his home state, without the court's permission.

travel & women

asian voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

PuRvi’S TRavel Bag

By Purvi Apurva Shah

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is ranked as the "Best Heritage City of India." The city is a regular tourist hotspot and home to many historical sites and places of interest, including the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage site of Chowmahalla Palace, other famous landmarks include the Charminar and Golconda fort.

Hyderabad is home to numerous museums, Bazaars, galleries, libraries, sporting events and other cultural institutions, including the Salarjung museum, Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) and Shilpakala Vedika.

Hyderabad is a city with a deep-rooted history. The elegant buildings and monuments stand testimony to it. The 400 year old city was named after Hyder Mahal, wife of the ruler Qutab Shah.

Hyderabad today is the fifth largest metropolis of India and the capital of Andhra Pradesh state in southern India.

It is known for its history, culture, heritage, monuments, crafts and dance.

Hyderabad, which has earned the epithet of the Istanbul of India, is a place of dualistic character, manifesting both Hindu and Muslim traditions.

Hyderabad showcases the royal life of the Nawabs and there is no end to the sightseeing places here.

Must See Places Golconda Fort - This is one of the most famously known monuments in Hyderabad. It is a majestic monument located on a granite hill 120 metres high.

The fort has 8 gates which are called darwazas in local language. The fort was built by Qutub Shahi monarchs who built the fort during the 16th century.

Char Minar - Char Minar, another well-known structure in Hyderabad, is an Islamic architectural splendor. Built in 1591, it is a wonderful monument with its four arches which are proportionally planned. The minarets of Char Minar are more than 55 metres high and have double balconies.

Paigah Tombs - These are the tombs of the several generations of the Paigah nobles of Hyderabad. These nobles had close relations with the Nizams, the rulers of Hyderabad, and enjoyed high social status. The tombs are specimen of extraordinary artistry. Geometrical patterns and designs of these tombs are unique.

Salarjung Museum - One of the oldest museums in India, Salarjung Museum holds great collection of rare antiques. The museum has collection of approximate 40,000 items, which have been brought in from every possible place in the world.

Mecca Masjid - One of the largest mosques in India, Mecca Masjid has a capacity to accommodate about 10,000 worshippers. Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah started the construction of this mosque and the work continued during the reigns of Abdullah Qutub Shah and Abul Hassan Tana Shah and was finally completed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1694.

Birla Mandir - A modern temple on the shores of Hussain Sagar Lake, it pro-

women achievers Amrita Patel - a name that goes beyond the boundaries of Gujarat

By AV Correspondent

the best heritage city of India vides an excellent view over the city from the summit. The magnificent marble structure stands atop a hill and it is believed that the marble used in its construction was brought all the way from Rajasthan.

Mecca Masjid

Qutub Shahi Tombs

Ramoji film city

Dr Amrita Patel is a name synonymous with Anand and the white revolution in India.

The current National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) chairperson has lived life on her terms, carving a niche for herself in a field where even men once feared to tread.

Though her first term as NDDB chairperson will perhaps be remembered more for her sparring bouts with her mentor, the grand old man of the cooperative milk movement Dr Verghese Kurien, it will also be remembered as a time when she finally came out of the shadows of her father, H M Patel, the former ICS-officerturned politician who was among the ablest finance ministers of the country.

However, her move to professionalise ailing milk cooperatives through joint ventures with NDDB has been roundly criticised by those from the old school who are accusing her of “corporatising cooperatives.” Whether her decisions on milk cooperatives in India are correct or not, what it does reveal about Amrita is her determination to fight for causes.

“From an accidental girl child to an accidental job with the NDDB which was the sole domain of men, the important things in my life seemed to have happened accidentally,” she recollects. Coming from a conservative Gujarati family, young

Muslim girl can marry at 15 if she attains puberty: HC Birla Mandir

Chudi Bazar

Shopping: General Bazar for clothes for men and women. Sultan Bazar for the cheapest clothes and accessories for women. Chudi Bazar at Charminar, exclusive for wedding shopping.

Dilshuknagar for exclusive sarees for special occasions and weddings.

Exlusive bakery items can be purchased at Karachi bakery, Mozamzahi market.

Hyderabad is known as the 'pearl city' exclusive pearls shops are available in almost all the streets.

27

Ruling that a Muslim girl can marry as per her choice at the age of 15 years if she has attained puberty, the Delhi High Court has held the marriage of a minor girl valid and allowed her to stay in her matrimonial house. “This Court notes that according to Mohammedan Law a girl can marry without the consent of her parents once she attains the age of puberty and she has the right to reside with her husband even if she is below the age of 18....,” a bench of justices S Ravindra Bhat and S P Garg said.

Citing various Supreme Court judgments on the issue of minor Muslim girls' marriage, the bench said “In view of the above judgments, it is clear that a Muslim girl who has attained puberty i.e. 15 years can marry and such a marriage would not be a void marriage. However, she has the option of treating the marriage as voidable, at the time of her attaining the age of majority, i.e 18 years.”

Amrita was the youngest in a family of five daughters. They had hoped she would be a boy. Her parents wanted her to be a doctor, but she had set her heart on becoming a vet, a desire born out of the distress she felt as a child each time one of their dogs fell sick. There were few vets then, she says, and it was this lack of care for animals which strengthened her resolve to become one.

Following her father’s retirement and their shift to Anand back in 1959, young Amrita, came into contact with her father’s friend Dr Verghese Kurien, by then neck deep in the Operation Flood movement and the setting up of Amul. “Whenever the dogs fell sick, we had to seek Amul’s assistance, since they were the only ones with a vet service in Anand. Seeing my interest in animal care, the vet taught me how to inject dogs,” reminisces Amrita.

Injecting sick dogs, especially the pampered pets of rich Parsis fed on cakes and puddings, however, had her itching for more, and soon enough she started accompanying the vet on his field trips to farmers. “It was here that I realised what a cow or buffalo meant to a farmer. For him, it’s not just an animal, it’s his livelihood,” recalls Amrita.

This strengthened her resolve to become a vet - which only made her mother more unhappy. No man would ever marry a girl who was a vet, she feared.

Nevertheless Amrita proceeded to Mumbai for her course in veterinary sciences. The sole girl in her class, she was ostracised by her male class fellows. She had to do her practicals alone since no boy was willing to pair with her. On field visits to nearby towns and villages, while all the boys stayed together, Amrita was forced to stay with some obliging family.

Occasionally she contemplated quitting. “But I wanted to be a vet enough to go through all that,” she says.

When she first approached Dr Kurien for a job at Amul, he told her that Amul did not recruit women even as telephone operators. She volunteered to work gratis for 11 months before she was offered a three-month temporary position which later got converted to a full-time job accidentally simply because nobody was willing to work in such a godforsaken place.

Later, Amrita was handpicked by the same Dr Kurien to be groomed for administrative assignments. One of these was to organise India’s firstever International Dairy Congress - with over 3,000 dignitaries - in Delhi, a job she got because many seniors had quit. Amrita distinguished herself in this and that’s when perceptions changed. Apart from her focus toward dairy development, ecological issues and working for the poor keep her engaged.

Savory Bread (Bread Upma)

A unique and interesting way of enjoying the humble bread with upma variation.

Serves: 4 Cooking time (approx.): 13 minutes Ingrediants: Six big bread slices cut fine, 1 cup yoghurt beaten well, 1 big tomato finely chopped, 1 teaspoon each of mustard and cumin seeds , ½ teaspoon each of turmeric powder and chilli powder, 4 green chillies finely chopped, 6 curry leaves 2 tablespoons of oil, salt to taste, finely chopped coriander leaves to garnish.

Method: Soak the

bread pieces in yoghurt for about 10 minutes.

Keep aside. Heat the oil in a pan and toss in the mustard seeds followed by the cumin seeds. Fry till the seeds splutter fully.

Add the curry leaves, chopped green chillies and tomatoes. Stir fry on medium level for about 3 minutes or till the tomatoes are cooked and soft.

Add the bread, salt, turmeric and chilli powders. Mix well. Cover and keep for some time before serving. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with: Onion Chutney.

28

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

Come and Celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee

Presents

Anand Mela 2012

Join Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar at the Anand Mela to celebrate

40 years of our community service Harrow Leisure Centre, 9th – 10th June Asian Business Publications Ltd has a proud history of publishing the popular Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice national newspapers – the largest sold Asian news weeklies in the UK. The publications are now into their 41st year and to commemorate this milestone occasion, the reputed publishing group is hosting a special Summer Mela (festival) on 9th and 10th June 2012,10am-8pm, at Harrow Leisure Centre, Christchurch Avenue, Harrow HA3 5BD. The Anand Mela promises to display the diverse colours and rich heritage of Indian culture, particularly from the Gujarat region, by bringing people and communities together in a festive ambience where everyone can enjoy food, music, dance, community spirit and an abundance of family activities besides.

The Anand Mela will be divided into stall zones spanning Food & Drink, Education and Entertainment, Health & Medical, Travel & Tourism, Property & Investment, Banking & Finance, Fashion & Wedding and many more. Visitors will enjoy a weekend of endless fun and activities, have the opportunity to do some shopping, witness each day's entertainment line-up, be spoilt by a choice of delicious food from an array of tempting stalls, spend quality time with near and dear ones, make new friends and acquaintances, as well as dance or sing along to their favourite folk or Bollywood songs. The event is expected to attract more than 5,000 visitors over the two-day period.

The entertainment line-up will include captivating dance performances by Mandhata Youth Community Organisation, Kuntal Dance Academy, Honey’s Dance Academy, Chana Dance Academy, Yax and Diya and Hemina Shah, plus Bollywood and folk songs performed

by Avina Shah, Pooja and Depala (Southall Sangeet Vidhya Program), Bhavin Hariya, Madhuleena 9 June, 2012

Chattoraj, Navin Kundra, Maya Dipak, Amit Kansara, and Achala Hiran Miyani. A world-class, bridal fashion show by Kuntal and presentation by Akshaya Patra and Kesari will indulge all followers of fashion while a women's play will also be performed by the acclaimed Mahavir Foundation.

Local MPs, councillors and community leaders will be in attendance during the morning of 9th June to interact with guests and visitors. There will also be seminars for the elderly (taking place in Mansfield Suite) to discuss health matters as well as consultation and advice provided by experienced professionals from relevant fields regarding issues such as visas, welfare benefits and writing wills. Professionals like Jayashree Shah, Dr Sandeep Bhalara, Kanti Nagda, Bhavini Kalaria, Avani Modasia will be giving advices on the relevant topics.

Anand Mela will provide a unique opportunity to connect with India’s rich heritage and culture while having unadulterated fun with family and friends old and new. Proceeds raised through ticket sales will be donated to Asian Business Publications Ltd’s nominated charity for the Mela – Akshaya Patra Foundation – dedicated to helping underprivileged children in India with education and mid day meals.

Dates: Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th June 2012 Time: 10am-8pm (both days) Venue: Harrow Leisure Centre, Christchurch Avenue, Harrow HA3 5BD Tickets: £2.50 (Available on the door or from select outlets. For details call: 020 7749 4085)

Programme

Opening Ceremony and Speech by VIP guests and CB Patel Dance Performance by Mandhatha Youth Community Children Dance Performance by Prithvi & Shayan Dance Performance by Kuntal Dance Academy Sponsor & Charity Presentation Performance by Avina Shah Performance by Honey Kalaria Dance Academy Music Program by Southall Sangeet Vidhya Fashion Show Bollywood Mimic by Bipin Master Hindi Songs by Arun Dodia Singing performance by Navin Kundra Music Performance by Bhavik Hariya Gujarati Garba by Navanat Bhagini Group 10 June, 2012 VIP guests and CB Patel’s interaction with participants and stall holders.

Dance performance by Yax and Dia Dance Performance by Kuntal Dance Academy Sponsor & Charity Presentation Lokgeet and Sugam Sangeet by Maya Dipak Play by Mahavir Foundation Hindi Cinema Songs Bollywood Dance Performance by Hemina Shah Performance by Honey Kalaria Dance Academy Indian Wedding Costume Show by Kuntal Fashions Bhuli Bisri Yaadey by Achala Hiran Miyani Vote of Thanks N ote : Sequence of program may change

Anand mela, a festival of happiness is an age old tradition.

People from various walks of life will get together and rejoice a particular theme or festival.

Anand mela in association with several organisations and artists is a festival of diversity too. It celebrates 40 years of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, but more importantly it celebrates Her Majesty's glorious Diamond Jubilee. We all salute and wish her a long, hearty and happy reign.

There is something in the Anand mela on 9 and 10 June for every one- young or old without any discrimination of creed and colour. A nominal entrance fee of ￡2.50/person is mainly for administration purposes and the entire proceeds will be handed over to Akshayapatra- a very well organised and unique educational charity.

Best Wishes C B Patel Publisher/Editor

Name of Stall holders Akshaya Patra Sena Khakhra Jalaram Jyot Mandir Education Now Pandit UK Ltd Northwick Park Institute of Medical Research UAE Exchange & Xpress Money PD3 - O2 Lyca Mobile VFS Global Venisons Stroke UK Go Dharmic GG Jewellery Citibank Zamir Telecom ACE Communications Plush India Vibrant Events Ltd Sweta Vajir Forever Living Neem Tree Care Ltd Rita Fashions My Silk Skin - IPL Creative Desire Pushaben Tailoring Aanikastyles Colour Sarees Naresh Vanza - Vanza Garments ICICI Bank EzRemit Sankara Eye Foundation Europe

SnS (Shawls and Stoles) Haathee Group Asset India K P Engineering Works Ltd Terra Viista Realty HDFC Reliance Home Improvement BLA Learning and Immigration Kiritbhai Accounting Service Telpack Mobile Skylink Tours Sona Tours Ltd Hari Aum Travekl Holidays Aschfords Law Taj Tours Illusion Photography and Hoor Beauty Swaadish Sweets & Savouries Kool Cakes Unic Tea and Ramdev Khakhra Hamilton Food & Drink Twiss Drink Ltd Metropolitian Police Shri Hari Kulfi Spire Bushey Hospital Pohwar Ashoka Food Nytec Ltd Chennai Sangeetha Raj Caterers Maruti Food Corner Gujarat Samachar & Asian Voice Navrang Chaat

How to get there: By Tube: The nearest station is Harrow Wealdstone (Bakerloo Line) & by British Rail. By Bus: H9 from Harrow on the Hill Address: Harrow leisure centre, Christ Church Avenue, Harrow, Middlesex HA3 5BD

HealtH Watch

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

29

Foods that make Sleeping pills may up death risk you look younger

Growing older is inevitable, but looking younger and slashing years off your aging body starts with eating the right foods.

A healthy diet loaded with lean protein and whole grains will allow you to retain muscle tone but lose excess fat as you age, while plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies will help stave off those wrinkles.

Here's a list of simple to-dos to keep you younger: Say yes to whole grains: The waistlines of middle-aged people who ate white bread and other white carbohydrates expanded three times more than those who ate whole meal foods, according to an American research.

See fish as your ally: Fish is a great source of the protein leptin, which acts like a hormone in the body and controls your appetite so you don't overeat. Oily fish such as salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are potent wrinklefighters at any age. In fact, the 'fish facelift diet' was created as a result of this.

Bacteria buddies: After you turn 35, levels of friendly gut bacteria drop significantly, leaving you at an increased risk of sluggish digestion and bloating. To combat this, have a probiotic drink or yoghurt every day.

Moisturise from within: As you get older your skin becomes drier and flakier as the oil glands produce smaller amounts of natural moisturiser.

Your skin also becomes less elastic, causing fine lines to develop. Eating foods containing healthy, natural oils, such as avocado, nuts, seeds and olive oil can have a softening and plumping effect on skin.

Ditch the biscuit: For every decade you age

once you turn 30, your body needs around one per cent fewer calories.

The good news is you can easily drop these calories just by stopping your mid-morning biscuits or not having that extra slice of toast.

Snack with care: Treats between meals tend to have heaps of calories crammed into small mouthfuls and will ensure you pile weight on around your middle and thighs - a dead giveaway of your true age. Foods such as ice cream, crisps, chocolate and fizzy drinks all fall into this category, so limit them to a twice-a-week treat and snack instead on a platter of brightly coloured fruits.

Go easy on the booze: Reduce your alcohol intake to a small glass of red wine with dinner at weekends only. Not only is booze brimming with calories, drinking too much alcohol dehydrates skin and can age you prematurely.

Stop skipping meals: This is a habit women tend to hang on to all their life, but you can get away with it in your 20s.

In your 30s and 40s, all those decades of emergency dieting will have slowed your metabolism down permanently, making it tough to stay slim.

Never go without food for more than three hours.

Antioxidant-rich foods: Fruit, veggies and nuts contain powerful anti-ageing chemicals to keep you youthful.

Slash your salt intake: Too much salt is bad for your body, as it causes water retention, leaving you heavy and sluggish. Besides, with age, the body's ability to shift excess fluid also slows down. Cutting down salt will decrease this bloating. Beware of hidden sources of salt often found in ready meals, soups and bread.

Prescription sleeping pills may help you get some much needed rest at night, but their regular use might also make it more likely that you will die or develop certain types of cancer, researchers have warned.

A new study by Scripps Clinic researchers has found a 4.6 times higher risk of death and a significant increase in cancer cases associated with regular pill users.

"What our study shows is that sleeping pills are hazardous to your health and might cause death by contributing to the occurrence of cancer, heart disease and other ailments," said author Daniel F Kripke, MD, of the Viterbi Family Sleep Center in San Diego.

The research is the first to show that eight of the most commonly used hypnotic drugs were associated with increased hazards of mortality and cancer,

including the popularly prescribed medications zolpidem (known by the brand name Ambien) and temazepam (also known as Restoril), Dr Kripke said.

Those drugs had been thought to be safer than older hypnotics because of their shorter duration of

cal strategy to make these associations go away, thinking that they could be due to use by people with more health problems, but no matter what we did the associations with higher mortality held," said coauthor Robert D Langer, MD, M.P.H., of the Jackson Hole Center for Preventive Medicine in Jackson, Wyoming.

Even among patients who were prescribed 1 to 18 sleeping pills per year, the risk of death was 3.6 times higher than among similar participants who did not take the medications. The study looked at patients aged 18 years and older, and found the increased risk in all age groups.

Rates of new cancers were 35 per cent higher among patients who were prescribed at least 132 hypnotic doses a year as compared with those who did not take the drugs.

action.

Study participants who took sleeping pills were matched with control patients of similar ages, gender and health who received no hypnotics in order to eliminate the possibility that other factors led to the results.

"We tried every practi-

Eat apples, green peas and beans to reduce big tummy

Are you tired of having belly fat? Now, eat two small apples, one cup of green peas and one-half cup of pinto beans and exercise vigorously for 30 minutes, two to four times a week.

According to the researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centre, vegetables, fruit and beans contain more soluble fibre and will help reduce visceral fat, or belly fat, around the midsection.

They found that for every 10-gram increase in soluble fibre eaten per day, visceral fat was reduced by 3.7 per cent over five years.

In addition, increased moderate activity resulted in a 7.4 per cent decrease in the rate of

visceral fat accumulation over the same time period.

“We know that a higher rate of visceral fat is associated with high blood pressure, diabetes and fatty liver disease,” said Kristen Hairston, assistant professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest Baptist and lead researcher on the study.

“Our study found that making a few simple changes can have a big health impact,” he added.

The researchers examined whether lifestyle factors, such as diet and frequency of exercise, were associated with a five-year change in abdominal fat of African Americans and Hispanic Americans.

At the beginning of the

Ragi is good for breakfast If you are exploring for a healthy breakfast alternative and do not know which cereal or whole grain to look up to, you can think of ragi or finger millet as one of the options. Including ragi will not only let you experience different taste but also different texture.

While whole grains like wheat, oats and brown rice come across as other health food options, ragi occupies its unique place.

One way is to cook ragi in water with garlic, salt and some masala and ginger if you like that taste.

Teaming the cooked ragi along with curds is also another healthy breakfast option. Many housewives and chefs also have come up with innovative recipes with ragi. Ragi dosa is an option. The ragi dosa tastes different and also looks different. But it makes for a healthier alternative to rice if diet food is what interests you.

study, which involved 1,114 people, the participants were given a physical exam, an extensive questionnaire on lifestyle issues, and a CT scan.

Five years later, the exact same process was repeated.

T h e researchers found that increased soluble fibre intake was associated with a decreased rate of accumulated visceral fat, but not subcutaneous fat.

“There is mounting evidence that eating more soluble fibre and increasing exercise reduces visceral or belly fat, although we still don’t know how it works,” said Hairston.

The results are published in the June 16 online issue of the journal Obesity.

" $

&($$ % # " ) % ,

*.$'" ('! ,$(' *0 (!! (( ' -+,*$ + & $' *$',

DIMPLE SELF DRIVE HIRE LTD

DIMPLE VANS - CARS - MINIBUS

Competitive prices No hidden extras Unlimited mileage 3 days & over Special weekend rates Minibuses 8, 12, 15 & 17 seaters Vans & estate cars

Mini Bus (8-17 Seater) 8 Seater from £60 12 Seater from £65 15 Seater from £70 17 Seater from £80 Small Cars from £25 Medium Cars from £30 Large Cars from £35 Large Vans from £40

Tel: 020 8205 1200 / 7898 Fax: 020 8200 7426 www.dimpleselfdrive.com Email:dimplemotors@aol.com 19 Varley Parade, Edgware Road, London NW9 6RR

,#'$ !& /$ &

+ %&

' *" '$ % "$'"

-))&0 & # $% "' ! # #''#! & " #* & #" $ & ' " & '& " & & #") %& #" # ! "'#

#$ " & # ,$%#$, " & * & ! %#"' & # $#( & ' " $ $#( & * &' % $

(', *** "#%! " "

,

'& #!

&

* ++ &

&

"#%! " "

'& #!

30

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

CB Live is the only Gujarati live programme in UK on Television In this week CB Live, CB will speak to former Assembly Member of Kutiana (near Junagadh), Vajabhai Ravadia (Kambadia) and Leicester's renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Durlabhbhai Lakhani (Pauls Fruits and Vegetables). This will be followed by a discussion by Kokilaben Patel, Alkaben Shah, Jyotsnaben Shah, Kamal Rao, Nihir Shah and George on Anand Mela organised by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar on 9 June and 10 June at Harrow Leisure Centre.

If you do not have a SKY, go to www.tvunetworks.com and watch CB Live on TVU Player Channel 75203

Sneh Joshi - 020 8518 5500 Decision making will prove to be a bit of a bind because of your wavering mind - seek professional advice and then steam ahead. The Lunar eclipse falls in your solar 9th and 3rd houses, affecting travel and communications. You will also be in great demand socially, mixing with like-minded people.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

7pm to 8pm Every Thursday

CB LIVE Every Thursday on MATV (SKY 793) 7pm to 8pm For more information email: cblive_matv@yahoo.co.uk or call Alka Shah on 07944 151 893

Protests as Queen meets Rajapaksa Continued from page 13 Mr Rajapaksa had been set to give the keynote speech at a special Diamond Jubilee meeting of the C o m m o n w e a l t h Economic Forum on Wednesday morning, but the event’s organisers, the Commonwealth Business Council, said on its website: “After careful consideration, the morning sessions of the forum … will not take place.”

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said that the Met had agreed to guarantee the President’s security, but that the CBC had “decided it was not in their interest to stage the event” because of the extent of the policing required and the probable disruption to the City of London.

Fred Carver, campaign director of the Sri Lanka Campaign, welcomed the news, calling it a “testament” to the cam-

paign.

At the same time as Wednesday's London protests, there were coordinated Tamil demonstrations in other Commonwealth countries, includingNew Zealand. Further protests are expected outside the Hilton hotel on Park Lane where the President is staying.

Last Friday the protest group Tamils Against Genocide submitted a formal complaint to the

Metropolitan Police about Mr Rajapaksa’s alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. TAG, based in the US, said that its aim was to bring justice to the victims.

Wednesday's Chogm meeting was intended as a opportunity for more than 60 Commonwealth leaders, including prime ministers, governors general and high commission representatives, to mark the Queen’s 60th anniversary on the throne.

Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 Mobile: 07875 229 220 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Accounts Executive: 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 Nihir Shah - Email: nihir.shah@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Design and Layout: 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.

Coming Events l AV and GS presents Anand Mela, 9 and 10 June, 10am-8pm. Harrow Leisure Centre l Tribute to Dr Bhupen Hazarika at Nehru Centre on Tuesday, 26 June 2012 at 7:00pm. The Nehru, 8 South Audley Street, London W1K 1HF l The Winning Mindset – 9th Young Jains UK Convention, Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd Jul 2012, Canons High School, Shaldon Road, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 6AN l Om Shakti day Centre and Senior Ladies Group celebrate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, 13 June, 10am-3pm, Byron Hall, Harrow Leisure Centre, HA3 5BD. Contact: Ranjan Manek: 07930 335 978 l 9th June Diamond Jubilee Mela held at the Oxford Spires Academy. 12:50-6pm. Oxford Spires Academy, Glanville Road, Oxford, OX4 2AU l Love of Faith. A Landmark charity walk in Cemtral London embracing six great world faiths Jainism • Buddhism • Hinduism • Judaism • Christianity • Islam led by Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai, Founder, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur supported by the Jain Community of UK. Saturday, June 30, 2012 l Beyond Time music concert: Popular ghazalgeet of Jagjit Singh on Sunday, 17th June at the Lowry, salford Quays. Contact: 0843 208 6010 l London rathayatra, Sunday 17 June, Hyde Park Corner 12pm, Trafalgar Square 2-5pm. www.rathayatra.co.uk

The Lunar eclipse on the 4th falls in your financial axis of solar 8th and 2nd houses, highlighting wills, legacies, taxes and joint resources. You need to reassess your future with this in mind. Do not get overanxious if everything seems to be in slow motion - it is time to pull a few strings.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21

Lunar eclipse on GEMINI May 22 - June 22 the The 4th focuses on your

solar 7th and 1st houses. This can affect your standing in the community and any partnerships you may have. Focus on essentials and establish a solid foundation, so that you feel secure in every sense. Wait before going full steam ahead with grand actions and gestures.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 The Lunar eclipse on the 4th falls in your solar 6th and 12th houses highlighting health matters, behind-the-scene activities and losses. This is a favourable time for getting away from usual routines and seeking a retreat for a few days. All the better if you are interested in alternative therapies.

The lunar eclipse falls in the solar axis of 5 and 11 in your chart, affecting your investments, frienships and romantic relationships. Frienships need to be scrutinised carefully. Sometimes it is a good idea to stand back and get a more objective view of the pattern of your life.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

It seems that the winds of change begin to gather momentum, with the lunar eclipse on the 4th, putting a strong focus on family and career matters.

Besides spending more time tending to domestic affairs, the focus can be on cultivating and nourishing your inner foundations, so to speak.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

The Lunar eclipse on the 4th June highlights your solar 3rd and 9th houses of communication, travel and spiritual knowledge. it is a sobering influence and you need to be aware that you have to overcome certain hurdles before you achieve your goals. It signals a time of mixed emotions.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

Be careful with your expenditure as you have a tendency to be extravagant, especially as the Lunar eclipse on the 4th June falls in your financial axis. This is an excellent time for dealing with long-term money matters. You may find that you can enrich your lifestyle by simplifying your priorities.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel/Fax: +91 79 2646 6061 Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (M) +919426636912 Email: nilesh.parmar@abplgroup.com Consultant (P.R): Kamlesh Amin Tel: +91 922 710 4308 Email: kamlesh.amin@abplgroup.com Consulting Editor (BPO): Bhupatbhai Parekh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Tel: +91 79 2630 4142 Mumbai: Kanti Bhatt, Hemraj Shah (Jumbo Advertiser) Horizon Advertising & Marketing: 205 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad Tel / Fax: +91 79 2646 5960 (M) +91 9913346487 Email: horizonadvt2009@yahoo.in Neeta Patel, (Advertising Manager) (M) +91 98255 11702 International Advertisement Representative: Jain Group(South India) Tel: +91 44 42041122/3/4 Fax: +91 44 25362973 Mumbai: +91 222471 4122 Email: jainmedia@eth.net

Asian Voice Main Office Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080, Fax: 020 7749 4081 www.abplgroup.com © Asian Business Publications

Asian Voice switchboard: 020 7749 4000 Gujarat Samachar switchboard: 020 7749 4080 Sales: 020 7749 4085

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 The Lunar eclipse falls in your solar 1st and 7th houses. The focus will be on yourself and your relationships.You will continue to be in a restless mood for some time to come. You are likely to experience some tension in close relationships. Use tact and diplomacy to smooth and ruffled feathers.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 There are subtle transformations taking shape in you life and a feeling of helpful influences in the background. There is much to suggest that you are in touch with those hidden forces which often seem to take a guiding hand in one's life. The Lunar eclipse on the 4th highlights your health issues and daily routine.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 A busy social calendar is likely to lead to a hectic time ahead, leading to new friendships and possibily even romantic liaisons. Once you set your mind on a goal you stay the course no matter what obstacles you encounter. The Lunar eclipse on the 4th puts an emphasis on the above areas.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 The Lunar eclipse falls in your solar 10th and 4th houses, focusing on your home and work issues. You need to strike the right balance between the two, if you want peace and harmony. Work out where you can make changes in your career path so that you can spend quality time at home.

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

31

32

Action at a Glance Windies recall Chris Gayle to one-day squad

West Indies has announced their one-day squad for the threematch one-day series against England, scheduled to be played later this month, and includes a host of players, who performed brilliantly for their franchisees in the Indian Premier League. Dwayne Bravo returns as vice captain, while fellow all rounders Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell and Dwayne Smith were also named in the squad, which would be once again led by Darren Sammy. Former captain Chris Gayle, who performed magnificently for the Royal Challengers Bangalore during the IPL, also made a much-awaited return to the one-day squad, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Opener Lendl Simmons has been picked again after recovering from a finger injury that ruled him out of the home series against Australia in March. There was no place for Test openers Adrian Barath and Kieron Powell, who haven't performed up to the mark in the first two Tests in the series in England.

Afridi helps Pak level T20 series with Lanka

Shahid Afridi’s superb all-round performance helped Pakistan post an easy 23-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second and final Twenty20 international and level the series 1-1. Hosts Sri Lanka were shot out for 99 as they collapsed, their lowest T20 total against Pakistan, after restricting the tourists to 122-6 in Hambantota. Man-of-the-match Afridi was the star of Pakistan’s victory in a low-scoring match, hammering a 33-ball 52 not out and then grabbing two wickets for 17 runs in his four disciplined overs. Afridi, who becomes the first player to appear in 50 T20 internationals, hit one six and five fours in his fourth half-century.

Yuvraj nears full fitness, set to play again soon The 2011 World Cup's 'player of the tournament' Yuvraj Singh is likely to return to the cricket field very soon as the latest CT scan of his chest has revealed that the 'scarring tissue' close to his lungs is almost gone.

According to sources close to the cricketer, the scan report came on Monday morning and the entire family is elated with the news.

Yuvraj spent around five days at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore last week, where his fitness was assessed by the medical team of the cricket board. He is expected to rejoin the NCA for more fitness drills. Most importantly, he has already started batting and even took part in a four-anover match against Ishant Sharma, who is also going through fitness drills at the NCA after his ankle surgery. Sources said that Yuvraj batted and bowled in this short match and even smashed seven sixes against Ishant's bowling.

Asian Voice - Saturday 9th June 2012

Kevin Pietersen retires from limited-over cricket international schedule and the increasing demands on my body, approaching 32, I think it is the right time to step aside and let the next generation of players come through to gain experience for the ICC World Cup in 2015.

"I am immensely proud of my achievements in the oneday game, but still wish to be considered for selection for England in test cricket.

Pietersen, who made his ODI debut in 2004, said he would still have been available for England's Twenty20 world title defence in Sri Lanka in September but ECB selection policy states that any player making himself

unavailable for either of the one-day formats rules himself out of consideration for both.

Hugh Morris, managing director of England Cricket, said he was disappointed.

"The ECB is disappointed by the timing of Kevin's decision less than four months before we defend our ICC World Twenty20 title," Morris said.

"Kevin is a world-class player and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his efforts and we look forward to his continued contributions to the test match side."

Pietersen played 36 Twenty20 internationals, scoring 1,176 runs at an average of 37.93.

Azlan Shah hockey: Bronze for India

Support & survival kit for Euro 2012

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has retired from all forms of limited over international cricket with immediate effect, the England and Wales Cricket Board said last week.

The 31-year-old, who will continue to play tests, cited the increasing demands of international cricket on his body for his decision to quit one-dayers. "After a great deal of thought and deliberation, I am today announcing my retirement from international one-day cricket," Pietersen, who has played 127 ODI's, scoring 4,184 runs at an average of 41.84, said in a statement on the ECB website.

"With the intensity of the

India staged a superb secondhalf rally to floor Great Britain 3-1 and bag the bronze medal at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Ipoh on Sunday.

New Zealand won the title with a 1-0 verdict over Argentina in the final, Andy Hayward fetching the matchwinner in the 18th minute.

Trailing by a penalty corner goal by Ashley Jackson, five-time champions India pieced together telling moves in the second half to slot home three goals.

Shivendra Singh (43rd) scored off a S K Uthappa cross, Sandeep Singh (52nd) converted a penalty corner and Tushar Khandker (69th) nudged the ball into an open goal as India avenged their 23 defeat at Britain's hands in the league stage.

Tushar's goal was gift that Britain could well have

avoided. But with three minutes to go for the hooter, desperation was writ large on Britain's faces as they looked for the equaliser. Deciding to go with 11 field players, Britain substituted their goalkeeper James Fair despite facing the risk of playing the last few minutes with an open goal. Tushar made the most of it, trapping an aerial ball from Sandeep.

India’s chief coach Michael Nobbs was delighted with the victory. “It's a good

win and a medal here was what we were aiming at. We played some good hockey for long periods. The defence was sound and compact and provided a great back-up to the forwards,” Nobbs said.

Special awards: Fairplay: Great Britain. Best Player of Tournament: Sardar Singh (India). Best Goalkeeper: Kyle Pontifex (New Zealand). Topscorer: Ashley Jackson (Great Britain). Man of the Match (Final): Kyle Pontifex (New Zealand).

A support and survival kit for Euro 2012 – including a 99p anti-snoring spray called ‘Silence’ for those fans’ who dare to doze off during games, has been introduced.

The kit, ten 99p items under a tenner, was launched on Thursday by 99p Stores.

The 99p anti-snoring spray has been timed to go on shop shelves to coincide with the marathon month long soccerathan. The kit comprises the spray, a swear box, an England cap, England socks, an England cushion, champagne flutes, flags, a whistle and vuvuzela-type plastic horns.

99p Stores boss Hussein Lalani stresses, in true retail ‘Two for One’ style, that the socks can double up as gifts for Fathers Day (June 17th) which falls in the middle of the tournament. The socks are cotton rich and you get two pairs for 99p.

Australian players may boycott England ODI tour

Unhappy over performance related payment issues, Australian players are planning to boycott the ODI tour of England next month but the Cricketers Association (CA) said they have contingency plans in place in case the industrial stand-off is not resolved.

According to 'The Australian', the cricketers are mulling to go on strike during the one-day tour of England scheduled to be held from June 29-July 10 or the World Twenty20 at Sri Lanka in September-October.

“Relationships between players and management are heated and threatening to become as ugly as the standoff surrounding the first player contract negotiations during Mark Taylor's captaincy (1994-1999),” the paper said.

“Cricket Australia is playing hardball in negotiations

and has frozen all state and Big Bash (domestic T20) contract talks under the threat of a Aus$50,000 ($48,400) fine until the new agreement is in place,” it added.

However, Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) has made some contingency plans if in case the stand-off is not resolved before July 1 with Cricket

Australia.

“There's only 29 days of negotiations left to run, so of course we are preparing for the eventuality of not having a deal in place before the end of July,” ACA chief Paul Marsh said.

“We are looking at all of our different options,” he added. The paper said that the players and Cricket

Australia were progressing towards an agreement on a controversial shift to performance-based pay when CA tabled a demand to change the definition of cricket revenue. “The association considers that a Aus $ 30 million cash grab and there is frustration that the bid was tabled late in negotiations,” the paper said.

“The players argue they are not asking for more money, but want to ensure they do not receive less at a time when the game is in reasonable financial health.”

The main sticking point in the negotiations has been the move to adjust the players' revenue share according to performance, it said. “At the moment the players receive 26 per cent of all cricket income but that would move to a sliding scale under a new deal,” the paper said.