Asian Sunday Newspaper issue 19 by Asian Standard News

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27 MAR 2016

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Issue 19

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One British woman’s life-changing visit to 10

Making Magic full-time after dispensing with life as a Pharmacist

Palestine Asian Sunday hears a first hand account of Kauser Jan’s trip to the West Bank By Alison Bellamy What is really going on in Palestine? It is one of those subjects that I might read about if I see an interesting article or catch the news on Channel 4. I know the basic situation, but it is not something I feel informed about.

Will new government ‘sugar tax’ make a difference in fight against obesity?

I recently saw a protest in Yorkshire urging people to boycott Israeli goods and it made me think about the wider Arab Israeli conflict. How long has this been going on for? It must be decades? Is there an end in sight?

‘Deadly’ Dublin

Read more on pages 6 & 7

A fact finding mission led me to the door of Bradford born Kauser Jan, an assistant head teacher at an inner-city school, who has just returned from a week-long visit to the heart of occupied Gaza. What she saw was something she could not have prepared for nor imagined. It has been life-changing.

Issue 19

ASIAN SUNDAY

NEWS Britain’s FIRST FREE Sunday Newspaper

Anti-Muslim graffiti gets swiftly corrected in the best way possible Some anti-Muslim graffiti that went up in Ireland this week was swiftly amended, and in the best way possible.

Deputy digital editor at Channel 4 News Brian Whelan posted a photo on Twitter off some unfortunate daubing on a wall near Croke Park in Dublin.

Asian Sunday Newspaper 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE Enquiries: T.0333 577 0046 info@asiansunday.co.uk

in Dublin. It read: ‘ALL MUSLIMS ARE SCUM.’ However, it didn’t take long for someone to make a few much-needed amendments. Now it reads: ‘ALL MUSLIMS ARE SOUND.’ Counteracting religious hatred at its best.

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Complaint from abuse victim forces Aldi to change the name of its ‘rape yellow’ paint Aldi will change the name of its ‘rape yellow’ paint after a complaint from a sexual abuse victim. The unfortunately titled paint is meant to be the colour of rapeseed flowers. Although the online name of the paint is ‘rapeseed yellow’, on the lids of the £4.99 tins it is shorted to just ‘rape yellow’. The Coventry Telegraph reported a customer who suffered assault in the past became ‘choked up’ when she noticed the name of the quick-drying gloss paint.. The fifty year old woman told the paper: ‘I looked at the paint and thought it can’t possibly say that, you have got to be kidding me, there’s no way they would sell that. I started choking. ‘I got straight out of there. I was furious and upset. An Aldi statement read: ‘This paint is a colour widely referred to in the industry as ‘RAL 1021 Rape Yellow’, which refers to rapeseed. ‘The colour name will be altered to rapeseed yellow for all future production of this paint.’ However, the customer told the Telegraph she still wasn’t satisfied it had ever been sold. ‘You wouldn’t sell something called abortion red or poo brown. To me it’s the same thing, it’s offensive,’ she said. ‘It is a word that is a problem. How many other words can you think of for yellow without using that one?’

Teenage girls set up Facebook page offering free kid’s clothes to mothers so they could kidnap babies A pair of teenage girls admitted to setting up a fake Facebook page offering free children’s clothes for mothers so they could kidnap their babies. The girls, aged 17 and 18, tricked parents into sharing their contact details over Facebook so they could build a list of ‘targets’. The younger of the two girls even posed as a social worker to try and abduct a toddler from her mother in her home. At Derby Youth Court, the pair admitted conspiring to kidnap babies, named by the initials, S, W and U, between September 14 and

September 23 last year. The mother of Baby U, from Normanton in Derby, contacted police when one of the girls turned up at her door posing as a social worker. The girl asked to hold the child and then told the mother she wished to take her away for a ‘medical check-up’. Police later found the Facebook page set up by the 18-year-old, from Evesham in Worcestershire, and the 17-year-old, from Wolverhampton

Guide LIFESTYLE Issue 19 TOP TIP FOR SKIN It’s not just women

men can also banish spots, signs of ageing and dry tight skin. The products we all shouldn’t go without

ASIAN SUNDAY | ISSUE 46

Your guide to the best eateries in Bradford & District

ASIAN SUNDAY by ZARA HASSAN

THREE FOODS TO TRY AN AVOID NEWS DURING FASTING

Through the decades, every era has had its own particular fashion trend focusing on prints and styles. We can now

If you’re planning on buying vintage I think you should always start small, shop with something in mind.

Three foods you’ve been item, told are ‘healthy’ that actually and can cause seriouspiece health New Zealand in my opinion would be aincrease coat. It’sweight something small yet amore statement toproblems. introduce to your othervotes clothes.to

Villagers of Vanuatu in South Pacific want to extend ‘toiletship’

keep British Union flag

cleanser, a good face w•asConcentrated h and an exfoliorange ator. juice – Most concentrated juices can cause problems around the waistline, which include, cranberry, apple and other fruit juices. ious elements outif of the fruit during the concentration process. You should also invest Buying vintage doesn’t mean designer labels but you’re into designer labelsNew lookZealand for Dior,has from the to 50’s orBritish Gucci Union and Jack on their voted water. So contrary to what adverts say it is believed starting your day with a big glass of concentrated juice is aa flag or replace it with in an eye cream just to keep its current flag by 57 really bad decision. silver fern. The results were brighten that area that New Zealand: "If you've used toilet in the South Pacific' to percent to 43 percent in a A village in the island nation . announced on Thursday. the public toilets in Port Vila will be gentle to skin. trigger something in the brain," nationwide referendum. of Vanuatu has opened what it

• Margarine, is another fat storing but has more serious health It canon cause you tostreet gain weight, out yourpiece good is cholesterol increase your bad cholesterol by A greatfood, modern fashion piece that werisks. still see our high and is wipe a timeless leopard print.

1902. More than 10,000 entries were submitted by the public before the final decision was made by a panel of experts.

you would gladly pay 50 vatu supporter Latimer told Butter More than people calls "the best public toilet in arteries. building up blockages in your Butter isRobert a better alternative. has fat in it too, but it’s a saturated fat that your body2m can burn for fuel instead of building up blockages The current flag has been Images asradio, earlyexplaining as those from women to useshow this one in therocking village."leopard spots. the that ancient once Egypt voted in the ballot to in your arteries, like trans fats can do. the South Pacific" in the hope PRODUCT the national symbol since the visitors have stopped, it's decide whether to keep the of attracting tourists to help OF THE easier to sell other services and Locals are so proud of their fund projects. • Atlocal number three it’s whole wheatoffer bread. Are you as area. shocked as we were? Bread is High in Carbs Can Spike Blood Sugar Levels facility that it now has itsand own tours of the WEEK Even whole grain bread usually isn’t made out of actual “whole” grains. website, which explains that Located on the opposite sideLeopard of Spending is not about prints always power the andlavatory femininity, pin just up girls like Marilyn Monroe celebrated glamour and sexuala pennyrepresent in The starchesmain in bread get to broken down quickly in the digestive tract and tapping enter theinto bloodstream as dollar. glucose. This causes a rapid spike in blood sugar and insulin levels. the country's island the tourist Paunangisu doesn't come cheap, ity in this way too. Even whole wheat bread sugar Visitors faster than many chocolateCash bars. raised from visitors will the capital Port Vila, the spikes blood are charged In his however. Little Dictionary ofeasily Fashion Christian Dior spike said “But wearand leopard you must have a kind of femininity which is a little Most breads are madehopes of pulverized wheat. They are digested and rapidly bloodtosugar village of Paunangisu for much-needed village insulin levels, which can lead to the notorious blood sugar “roller 200 vatu ($1.83; £1.30) to use the pay coaster” and stimulate overeating. Well, you’re probably all thinking those are the main foods you eat for Suhoor (The Pre-Dawn Meal). If you are fair and sweet, don’t wear it...” that the newly-opened blockbit sophisticated. projects such as water toilet, but get a 75 per cent will be a convenient stopping storage, education and job Be sure to choose yourself something leopard print from the rails next time you’re on the high street, add a bit of glam into discount if they are part of a Here are some tips for a healthy Suhoor point for visitors taking your wardrobe training. toilet's backers large group. with a leopard print dress, a shirt, The a cardigan and even some trousers (if you’re daring enough). Have fun round-the-island road trips, have even adopted a slogan: Suhoor (The Pre-Dawn Meal) with it and remember always try it on before youplace buy.to go when you Radio New Zealand reports. "It's thecarbohydrates, Even locals have to pay 50 vatu, For suhoor, it is imperative to drink plenty of water, eat a good blend of protein, and essential fat. That’s right, “good fats” have many fat-burning and muscle-building properties, and their imporneed to go". but as Mr Latimer told Radio tance is even greater during Ramadan. Some good suhoor foods include: Simple Kind that to Eyes Frustrated tourist buses • Protein shake • Raisins or dates • Olive oil – preferably extra virgin (which means it’s cold processed and the Soothing Cream, don't stop for their market • Egg whites (1 yolk) • Cinnamon • Fibrous vegetables –This will help inessential fatty acids are preserved) £3.99 from Boots. stalls, backers - which include • Chicken breast • Bananas crease the feeling of fullness as well. • Plenty of water a church in Melbourne • Oatmeal • Raw, dark Honey • All natural peanut butter Use all these products instead turned to an idea that • Cream of wheat • Flax seed oil – would drivers hit the daily ormake as advised and you’ll be amazed brakes. It is important to take a solid multi-vitamin, multi-mineral supplement with suhoor as well to make sure daily minimum requirements of key to how great your skin "There's nothing like a sign on nutrients are met. Avoid high sodium foods like soups, sauces, condiments, gravies, high sodium bread products, and canned meats. Of course looks andsaying feels. Also, the road 'best public

WEIGHT LOSS REVIEW- WAZN

remember to drink lots of water!

eating fried foods and heavy oil items can cause heartburn and problems for you all day so it is best to avoid those if possible!

Scientists: Shakespeare's skull could be missing from his tomb

certain ailments and diseases Bradford man sets on a mission of body. His unique formulations to help Bradford become more health aware. GMP approved laboratories in “I am a big fan of Dr Qazi’s work USA and has made him pioneer and that’s why I want to introSkin & Hair care products and products duce his non-surgical solutions products around the globe. for certain ailments and diseases manto sets on a mission to help BradBradford”, explained local "WAZN" weight loss manage- of body. His unique formulations has been fordArchaeologists become morewho health businessman Yasser Khan, and Trinity ment programme is the start of gotaware. 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Issue 19

ASIAN SUNDAY

NEWS

Nobel Peace Prize Laurette loses cool with BBC Muslim presenter

Pic credit: Youttube

Mishal Hussain interviews Aaung-san-suu-kyi

Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Myanmar politician Aung San Suu Kyi recently lost her cool during an interview with BBC’s Mishal Husain.

Suu Kyi to condemn antiIslamic sentiment and the wave of mob-led massacres of Muslims in Myanmar, and she declined to do so.

After getting grilled by the Muslim presenter, Suu Kyi considered a symbol of virtuousness in the West, angrily muttered off-air: ‘No one told me I was going to be interviewed by a Muslim.’

In response she said: “I think there are many, many Buddhists who have also left the country for various reasons,” she replied. “This is a result of our sufferings under a dictatorial regime.”

During the interview, 43 year old,Husain repeatedly asked

The Nobel laureate’s vague attitude towards the violence

suffered by Myanmar’s Muslim minority has alarmed even her most devoted fans. It is thought Suu Kyi did not want to alienate support from the majority Buddhist community in Myanmar, who are believed to dislike their minority Muslim community. Muslims make only 4 per cent of population in Myanmar. The Rohingya Muslims, who have stood the brunt of the violence, are an even smaller minority.

Airport In India Becomes First In The World To Run Entirely On Solar Power A woman has been refused entry to Thailand after ripping pages from a passport to use instead of toilet roll. The British traveller was turned back by border officers after they found missing pages, which she said she had used as toilet paper when drunk. Faye Wilson was escorted back to the UK when guards found the missing pages and she had tried to claim she had “lost” them. Wilson told ITV:

“We were walking from one bar to the next and we must have been desperate for a wee and obviously didn’t have any toilet roll.

“Thai immigration just opened my passport and started looking through it, and asked ‘what’s happened here’?

“It was maybe two or three pages. I was a bit drunk so didn’t even think about the consequences.

“I just said that I had lost the pages because I was too embarrassed to explain the real reason. Before I could explain more, they had deported me back to Dubai and then to Glasgow and confiscated my documents.”

Wilson has now returned to her home in the Lake District, and was planning on spending a month in Thailand before working in Australia for a year.

She will now apply for an emergency passport to continue the trip.

Tributes flood in for Muslim shopkeeper who was brutally stabbed to death in Glasgow SHOCKED residents have posted touching tributes to pay respect to a

popular shopkeeper who was brutally murdered Friday night in Shawlands.

Many have referred to Mr Shah as “a huge part of the community.” It is believed Mr Shah was attacked in a savage street attack in Shawlands Street shortly after 9pm. He was then taken to hospital and died shortly after. According to the Daily Recorder, eyewitnesses claim they saw two men standing over the shopkeeper. One said: “One was stamping on his head. There was a pool of blood on the ground. It was horrific.

Respected shopkeeper Asad Shah

Pic credot: Facebook

THE 40-year-old shopkeeper was believed to be a devout Muslim originally from the Pakistani city of Rabwah. His facebook account often

showed Mr Shah posting videos of him in prayer. His last post before his death was a heartfelt wishing Happy Easter message to his Christian friends. Asad Shah was known as a huge part of the community in the Shawlands area of Glasgow Many took to social media to express their grief. Michelle Dowell shared on her social media, “The world has gone mad, disgusting! hope the correct justice is done for this man! heartbreaking.” Another local, Claire Smith, who knew of the fun-loving self-employed shop owner said, “So unbelievably

disgraceful what happened to this poor man.” Human Rights Campaigner and Criminal Defence Solicitor Aamer Anwar also paid respect to devout Muslim Asad Shah on Twitter. He said, “Mr Shah was ‘a lovely man just doing his job” Mr Anwar also warned the public in another tweet not to jump to conclusions over the murder of Mr Asad Shah SNP member Humza Yousaf also tweeted to pay tribute to Asad Shah and his family. He said, “Simply awful news from Shawlands, am sure those responsible will be caught.”

Wan ted: Goo d co o A k p s p cook . l y s@a n ow sian su nda

y.co .u

The Desi Kitchenâ&#x20AC;Ś coming to a screen soon.

Issue 19

ASIAN SUNDAY

COVER STORY

One British woman’s lifechanging visit to Palestine. Asian Sunday hears a first hand account of Kauser Jan’s trip to the West Bank by Alison Bellamy

going on for? It must be decades? Is there an end in sight?

What is really going on in Palestine? It is one of those subjects that I might read about if I see an interesting article or catch the news on Channel 4. I know the basic situation, but it is not something I feel informed about.

A fact finding mission led me to the door of Bradford born Kauser Jan, an assistant head teacher at an inner-city school, who has just returned from a week-long visit to the heart of occupied Gaza.

I recently saw a protest in Yorkshire urging people to boycott Israeli goods and it made me think about the wider Arab Israeli conflict. How long has this been

What she saw was something she could not have prepared for nor imagined. It has been lifechanging. She flew to Tel Aviv as part of a National Union of Teachers

Kauser Jan with NUT delegation and local Palestinians in Gaza delegation, who visited Palestinian schools, met dignitaries such as the Mayor of Bethlehem, toured the sights and saw a destructive regime still talking place, almost 70 years since it began in 1948. They met Palestinians whose homes had been ‘occupied’ and others whose children had been ‘taken’ in the night and never seen again. As it is not a place that tourists visit and is deemed a security risk, the NUT group

attracted a lot of attention. Determined Kauser Jan, who is the NUT’s international solidarity officer and works at multi-cultural Bankside Primary in Leeds, has one thing on her mind: She wants to tell their story. In fact, she must tell their story as she promised she would. It is the story of how the Palestinian people are suffering. It is hard for her to put into words

what she has seen. I can see she struggles to express all she wants to say during our meeting and how best to summarise her experience. I asked her to recount her visit: “Nothing could have prepared me for what we saw. I feel the media is selective in what it says. The overwhelming feeling I have now is injustice. It was shocking, appalling and the trip has been life-changing.

Issue 19

ASIAN SUNDAY

COVER STORY Before the last election Jack Straw met him and had promised to help. But his ordeal has gone on for years, it is horrendous.

'The wall that dehumanises Palestinians'

“Nothing could have prepared me for what we saw. I feel the media is selective in what it says. The overwhelming feeling I have now is injustice. It was shocking, appalling and the trip has been life-changing. “Arriving at the airport we were warned to couple up as one white person, one Asian, and before we knew what was happening a man of Indian origin, who had been on our flight was pounced upon by customs he was man-handled as they searched his suitcase. Two of our group were also questioned, it was frightening.” Grandmother Kauser, 50, whose parents are of Indian origin, tells how they were met by guides who escorted them in a mini-bus to their hotel. “The scenery was indeed beautiful. I saw extremely plush houses with swimming pools and land and right next to them were run down homes, with black water tanks on top. I realised those with water tanks, or no running water, were the Palestinian homes. This was the first clue of the division. “Later, it was shocking to see the huge concrete wall or the West Bank Barrier. It is very high and there are checkpoints dotted along. What struck me most was the ‘watch towers’ which reminded me of the concentration camps in WW2 Germany.” The wall separates the Palestinian population in the West Bank and

Palestinians have to go through checkpoints daily to travel from one area to another

Gaza Strip, including 1.5 million refugees, who will eventually be encircled. In some parts the wall is up to 8 metres high and when finished, it will stretch for 400 miles. Kauser continues: “How can the persecuted become the persecutors? I am not sure how it has happened. “When people want to get to work or school there are huge queues with some leaving home at 2.30am as security checks take so long. And say for example, if a young boy slightly misbehaves, or throws a stone, he will be marked out and the military will descend on his home, maybe in the middle of the night, and take him to prison. Nothing will be explained. It is completely de-humanising.” She recalls meeting an elderly Palestinian man called Nabeel: “He told us that he had just finished building his house and was taking his wife and mother to look around for the first time – when the military appeared and ‘occupied’ his house, just like that. He now lives in a shed in his own back garden, while someone from Brooklyn in the US, lives in his home. People are given incentives to come and live and work there.

“The worst thing I heard about was what happens to children. They are innocent in all this. Many are shot or taken on a daily basis. We went to visit a girls’ school in east Jerusalem where staff have to deal with the aftermath when children are killed. There is no official counselling but they give comfort and simply talk. “We met the Defence of Children International charity which works against the imprisonment of the Palestinian children by the Israeli military. Many Human Rights laws are broken, where children are restrained using plastic ties, they are kept for 30-45 days in solitary confinement when no crime has been committed, and are forced to sign papers they don’t understand. “What struck me was the strength of the Palestinian women. One told me ‘we don’t want your dried milk, or dried eggs or even your tears, we want justice’. She asked me to tell their story. A woman warned me to be careful, saying ‘don’t go out on your own as you are a visitor, be very careful, and take care’. After all she goes through on a daily basis; she was trying to look after me. “We visited Damascus Gate and I saw three soldiers from the Israeli Military Forces standing next to a boy aged 15, they jostled him, searched him and pushed him around. He never said a thing. The next day I heard that two people had been shot dead, they blamed a risk to security. “The Israeli leaders want to get rid of the Palestinian people, and have 8 per cent of them remaining so they can carry out all the menial jobs no one else wants to do.” Kauser also visited the Aida Refugee Camp, but she said the eerie silence was disturbing, and on the floor, there were grenade pins, bullets and debris from

Arriving at the airport we were warned to couple up as one white person, one Asian, and before we knew what was happening a man of Indian origin, who had been on our flight was pounced upon by customs he was man-handled as they searched his suitcase. Two of our group were also questioned, it was frightening.

Gaza under attack in 2015

weapons scattered around. In July 2014, authorities said over 2,200 people were killed - most of them Palestinians - and many more injured, during 50 days of violence. A ceasefire was agreed between Israel and Hamas on 26 August. “I asked someone ‘How do you get through this?’ They said ‘this is our land; we cannot give up.’ You will never see a Palestinian homeless, there is lots of poverty but they care for each other.

Nabeel’s house was occupied by troops – he now lives in a shed in his own back garden

Why are Israel and the Palestinians fighting over Gaza? Israelis and Arabs have been fighting over Gaza on and off, for decades. It’s part of the wider Arab Israeli conflict. After World War II and the Holocaust in which six million Jewish people were killed, more Jewish people wanted their own country. They were given a large part of Palestine, which they considered their traditional home but the Arabs who already lived there and in neighbouring countries felt that was unfair and didn’t accept the new country. In 1948, the two sides went to war. When it ended, Gaza was controlled by Egypt and another area, the West Bank, by Jordan. They contained thousands of Palestinians who fled what was now the new Jewish home, Israel. But then, in 1967, after another war, Israel occupied these Palestinian areas and Israeli troops stayed there for years. Israelis hoped they might exchange the land they won for Arab countries recognising Israel’s right to exist and an end to the fighting. Israel finally left Gaza in 2005 but soon after; a group called Hamas won elections and took control there. Much of the world calls Hamas a terrorist organisation. It refuses to recognise Israel as a country and wants Palestinians to be able to return to their old home - and will use violence to achieve its aims. Since then, Israel has held Gaza under a blockade, which means it controls its borders and limits who can get in and out. Life for the many of the 1.5 million Palestinians who live in the Gaza Strip is difficult with restrictions on jobs and access to food and essentials necessary for everyday life. Israel controls its coastline and all the entry and exit crossings into Israel.

Issue 19

ASIAN SUNDAY

NEWS

British Pakistan Foundation hosted talk by Pakistani bankers by Itrat Bashir The British Pakistan Foundation (BPF) hosted the seventh edition of Business and Professional Club event

series, highlighting career journeys of leading Pakistani bankers residing in the UK. The event was led by Kashif Zafar, BPF Director and an Ambassador of the City Professionals Group. The event commenced with a panel discussion from five senior Pakistani bankers, including Kashif Zafar, CoHead of Global Distribution at Barclays Investment Bank, Rani Nazim, Managing Director and Co-Head of European Corporates Trading at Morgan Stanley, Ahsan Raza, Managing Director, Financial Institutions Group at Barclays, Khuram Yousaf, Head of Strategic Equity Transactions for EMEA at Deutsche Bank, and Tahir Wahid, Managing Director, European Banks and Credit solutions Coverage-Fixed Income at Credit Suisse. The speakers shared their

career journeys and offered mentorship through oneto-one advice given to young British Pakistani professionals and students who were hoping to pursue careers in the banking sector. The event was attended by students, graduates, entrepreneurs and professionals from leading financial intuitions, including Morgan Stanley, Imperial College Business School, Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, American School in London, UCL, British Pearl, Morgan Stanley, Cinven Partners LLP, BPP University, Deutsche Bank, READ Foundation, Coombe Advisors, Citi, HSBC, Ayyari Gallery, Glen Hall,Islamic Relief, Vanquis Bank, LSE, HRM International, The Shaw Trust, Bizas Coaching and Consulting Limited, Imperial College London,

University of Greenwich, Post Office GSK, ASOSM, JP Morgan, TLG Capital, London School of Economics and Political Science, RBC, PwC, MORGAN LEWIS, Umbrella, Standard Chartered Bank, Societe Generale, Smith and Williamson and Linklaters LLP. The British Pakistan Foundation is a not-for-

Man Arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred The man who confronted a random Muslim woman in Croydon demanding an explanation for the Brussels terror attacks is believed to have been arrested. Matthew Doyle, 46, swiftly became infamous on

Wednesday afternoon after tweeting about the encounter. The Metropolitan Police confirmed a man, believed to be Doyle, had been arrested at his home on suspicion of inciting racial hatred on social media.

profit, community-driven organisation dedicated to the empowerment and development of the British Pakistani diaspora. It aims to provide a platform for community building, and to act as a liaison between the British Pakistani diaspora and governmental and nongovernmental organisations in the UK and Pakistan.

Matthew Doyle

Brian Daly @briandaly_ie I confronted a Matthew Doyle yesterday in Croydon. I asked him to explain this tweet. He said “I’m an unintelligent man”. An accurate reply. Mr Binks @MrBinks Mar 23 I confronted an Englishman yesterday in London. I asked him to explain Matthew Doyle. He said “Please don’t associate with me” A fair reply. Jennifer Mills @jennffer Mar 23 Matthew Doyle’s getting his 5mins of fame today having taken stupid to a whole new level.. #Croydon #BrusselsAttacks

Initially Doyle - who works for a PR company - attempted to explain the tweet as a publicity stunt, which later back fired on him. He is due to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrate Court soon to face the charges.

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Issue 18

ASIAN SUNDAY

FEATURE

Making Magic full-time after dispensing with life as a Pharmacist by ALISON BELLAMY As a teenager Adam Patel would drive his family mad practising magic moves and card tricks while he was still at school. Of course he worked hard and got his qualifications, but now the hobby which started when he was around 14, has become the very thing which has driven this half-Indian Muslim boy from Dewsbury in West Yorkshire, to quit his ‘perfectly respectable’ job as a pharmacist to become a full-time illusionist. Adam, 30, who says he is ‘not married yet’ is now busy filming for a television series, with a documentary crew following him around for six weeks. The four-part series will be a follow-up to last year’s one-off special, Urban Illusionist, and has begun filming. The series is titled ‘Adam Patel: Real Magic’ and will follow him as he tours the country blowing the minds of celebrities and the unsuspecting public using his magic skills of sleightof-hand, perceptual manipulation and mind hacking. Fans can expect to see the show later in the year. Adam, who spends his time between London and Yorkshire, and has an Indian father and a white British mum, is to dedicate the first episode of his new television series to his hero and inspiration, magician Paul Daniels,

Performing magic in Oxford

who sadly passed away on Thursday (March 17) from a brain tumour.

England; and has also performed for a number of private clients including University College London, and performed at the British Independent Film Awards after-party.

“Like many, Paul Daniels was the first magician I ever saw when I was a kid,” says Adam, “And I was immediately intrigued by magic after seeing him. I immediately asked my parents how to become a magician.” He met Daniels last November when, Patel says in a blog post, Daniels was kind enough to give him some advice. “I feel very privileged to have met Paul and to have seen him perform his classic routines live. I also feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to talk to Paul and to benefit from the advice that only a seasoned master could give.” Daniels gave Adam advice about performing magic on television and about doing magic as a career. “What struck me most about Paul was his approach to professionalism. Paul was, in his own words, a ‘silly conjuror’ but beneath that exterior, he took magic very, very seriously. And while most magicians would hold back when giving advice, Paul didn’t. He spoke completely openly.” “I was deeply when I read of his death. Dedicating the show to him now seems like the right thing to do in light

Although Adam says he is sometimes known for his own brand of street magic, where he stops strangers on the street and performs card tricks or mind stunts, he stresses that he is keen to keep his options open.

Adam Patel of the recent sad news. I wouldn’t be where I am and the show wouldn’t be what it is without Paul’s advice. just wish he could have seen it.”

MAGIC HAS BEEN MY LIFE FOR THE LAST 18 YEARS AND DOING IT FULL TIME WAS A BIG DECISION, BUT ONE I’M REALLY PLEASED I DID

He said: ‘Magic has been my life for the last 18 years and doing it full time was a big decision, but one I’m really pleased I did. “As an Asian man, my family found it really difficult to support me at first because performing arts just isn’t the done thing, but they’re fine with it now and are fully behind me. They were surprised at first that I was actually leaving my job as a pharmacist is an aspiring role,” he said. He studied at Bradford University and worked as a pharmacist for six years, until recently. He spent last summer touring the country performing street magic in 11 different cities around

“At this stage in my career I am performing all kinds of magic and illusion and not just sticking to one kind,” he added. Watch this space. More details at www.adampatel.com

Issue 19 18

ASIAN SUNDAY

FEATURE

Juggy D amazes audiences with his cooking skills Punjabi Rockstar Juggy D’s appearance on the new groundbreaking online show ‘Easy Cooking Made Difficult’ with Raj Ghai & Pedro on Saturday 19th March left his fans amazed and delighted as Juggy created three delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and even found time to perform live in the kitchen with his guitarist!

entertainment programme on the Facebook Live platform. ‘Easy Cooking Made Difficult’ presented by Raj Ghai & Pedro has taken the Internet by storm resulting in an unprecedented number of views and an immediate cult following! Juggy seemed pleased with his performance: “I had such a great time. I can cook lots of different dishes including Mexican, Italian, Chinese and of course Indian but as I’m a little obsessed with fitness these days I thought I would highlight my love of healthy food – Raj and Pedro need it!” Easy Cooking Made Difficult brings together live cookery interspersed with entertainment from top musicians and celebrity guests all in the comfort of the show’s kitchen each and every Saturday at 10am.

The global star, known for his crazy dance moves and energetic performances, showed that he is a dab hand in the kitchen as well as on stage as he expertly created super healthy and balanced dishes including delicious egg-based pizza, juicy spicy chicken & avocado in pita and a mouthwatering baked garlic & tomato sea bass. Raj also created his own version of masala (spicy) chips and finished off with a serving of simple banana pancakes. This week’s episode drew in a massive viewership with the figures still rising on a daily basis. Reeling from the most recent episode Raj Ghai said: “Who knew that Juggy could cook? I love the fact that he’s so passionate about cooking and that he’s added his own ‘desi’ twist to all his dishes to give them their own personality!” Juggy D jumped on the opportunity to appear on the second episode of Britain’s first ever cookery &

Pedro, who managed to get through another episode without getting his hands dirty said: “I’ve taken on a new role within the show - I’m now in charge of quality control – I think it is critical that I taste every morsel of food that is produced in the kitchen and share feedback with our viewers. I’m taking my responsibilities very seriously – in fact I had to check the banana pancakes eight times on Saturday to make sure they were up to scratch.” The show has been inundated with requests and messages of support from viewers as well as from celebrities who also want to show their culinary skills off! Future guests have been confirmed and will be announced on a weekly basis. Easy Cooking Made Difficult with Raj Ghai and Pedro broadcasts every Saturday at 10am on www.facebook. com/easycookingmadedifficult

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Issue 18

ASIAN SUNDAY

OPINION

by Statistics one in six people fit the ‘overqualified’ description. Whilst this affects graduates across the board, it is often graduates from ethnic minority backgrounds, who may be less able to work in new locations, who are at the sharp end. This means that not only are large numbers of BME graduates leaving university in considerable debt, they are also subject to the misery of feeling misled about the value of the degree for which they worked so hard. Over the past couple of years, graduates have been steaming into good jobs at a healthy pace; a welcome change from the bleak prospects that graduates faced during the recession. Recent starting salaries are quoted as being in the order of £28K (according to the Association of Graduate Recruiters, which surveys the top 100 graduate recruiters)—not to be sniffed at. Yet, behind this rosy statistic lies a picture of stark inequality in three respects. Firstly, ethnic minority graduates in general are less likely to be in full-time employment than white graduates six months after graduating. If they do find work, it is more likely to be lower paid and possible not really a ‘graduate’ job. The Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex for the Observer found that British ethnic minority graduates are between 5 percent and 15 percent less likely to be employed than their white British class-fellows. Pakistani and Bangladeshi graduates were particularly disadvantaged. According to ‘Race into Work’ (Business in the Community) Bangladeshi students were also more likely to end up in lower-paid and part-time work straight after university—which makes progress up the career ladder difficult. Significant numbers of graduates are now overqualified for their jobs; with many graduates accepting jobs in call centres or coffee shops rather than be unemployed. According to the Office for National

Secondly, ethnic minority graduates in work earn significantly less than white graduates with the same qualifications, with the TUC saying that the pay gap between ethnic minorities and white people with the same qualifications actually greater for people with degrees compared to those with just ‘A’ Levels. The Observer study found that things are worse for ethnic minority female graduates. What’s more things get worse over time. Immediately after graduation the gap is 7-10 percent; three-and-a-half years after graduation, most categories of ethnic minority women graduates will earn 12 percent to 15 percent less than white British graduates. Thirdly, if you live in a disadvantaged area after your degree things are particularly bleak. The Resolution Foundation found that the employment gap between the best and worst performing regions of the UK was 11 percent, but for black, Asian and minority-ethnic (BAME) people the figure was 26 percent. If ethnic minority graduates can’t access jobs that meet their level of ability or if they are limited to parttime, insecure and poorly-paid roles, this will have profound impact upon their lifetime earning potential. In fact, students who can’t find a job on graduation typically end up with lifetime incomes which are 20-25 percent less than graduates who are immediately employed. Ending up performing tasks under your ability is also very frustrating and souldestroying, as any bright person will tell you.

The reasons behind the disparities are beyond the scope of this column and ultimately depend on recruitment bias, unconscious and conscious, being tackled at all levels. However, it is interesting that, in the past, the rationale for black and ethnic minority people to end up in lessgood jobs included our ‘lack of qualifications’ compared to white peers. This is now not only untrue but, as these figures show, directly contrary to our current reality.

The Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex for the Observer found that British ethnic minority graduates are between 5 percent and 15 percent less likely to be employed than their white British class-fellows Nyla Naseer is the founder of Advance Merit, a pre-university and higher education private tutoring agency. You can follow her on: www.facebook.com/advancemerit

www.twitter.com/advmerit

www.linkedin.com/in/nrnaseer or visit www.advancemerit.uk

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Issue 18

ASIAN SUNDAY

HEALTH

Will new government ‘sugar tax’ make a difference in fight against obesity? by ALISON BELLAMY We all like to make a fuss over a plump baby or chubby cheeked toddler, and rewarding a child with an occasional sweet treat is what some of us like to do – especially grandmothers it seems! But when a treat turns into a regular habit and an indulgent unhealthy lifestyle develops, this can cause major health risks and complications for overweight children, putting a strain on their young bodies. Indulging in the wrong kinds of foods and not enough exercise can lead to weight gain. The psychological effects on youngsters, coping with various health problems including type 2 diabetes and even bullying over their size, can be devastating. Today, British children are among the heaviest in the world, with one in three classed as overweight or obese. Research suggests that – if left untreated – 85 percent of these children will become obese adults, which can shorten life expectancy and guarantee poor health through heart-related problems, diabetes or stroke.

There are 13 million children in the UK. Around 4.3 million of them are overweight (33.4 percent). Out of this number 1.76 million are overweight; 2.5 million are obese and 140,000 are severely obese. Recent reports show that there are some extremely obese youngsters out there.

Children with obese parents are 12 times more likely to be overweight than if their parents were a healthy weight

As a parent of two young children, I know how difficult it can be to say ‘no’ to chocolate and sweets, but in moderation I feel they are acceptable alongside plenty of exercise plus eating healthily. The Government’s recent budget announcement of a new ‘sugar tax’ on fizzy drinks will be introduced from April in the UK. It is all part of a bid to help prevent children from being overweight. The government is still deciding on a new strategy to tackle the problem, but admits that ‘something has to be done’. Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, has described the rise in childhood obesity as a “national emergency” and recently promised a “game changing” response from the government.

1 in 3 British children are overweight or obese Image Credit: Tony Alter

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HEALTH He said: “We have got to do something about this. I’ve got a one-year-old daughter, and by the time she reaches adulthood a third of the population will be clinically obese. One in 10 will have type 2 diabetes. It is a national emergency.”

But with stranger danger prevalent and parents not letting kids out of their sight as a result, coupled with our changing world of technology use, it is no surprise that there are more overweight children than ever before.

He said he agreed with TV celebrity chef and healthy eating campaigner Jamie Oliver, who has already made changes with school meals, that he wanted “a robust strategy.”

MoreLife, at Leeds Beckett University, is now one of the largest specialist training and service providers for tackling childhood and adult obesity in the UK. It runs weight loss management camps in West Yorkshire and clubs around the UK for very overweight youngsters aged 8-17 years. They learn about a healthy lifestyle and diet, nutrition, how to enjoy exercise and maintaining a healthy weight in a positive way, attracting children from around the world.

He added: “The issue here is: do what it takes to make sure that children consume less sugar. Because we have got this terrible problem: we are the most obese nation in the EU.” The tax will see an extra charge on all sugar filled fizzy drinks. Some retailers are unhappy with the news, but when a single can of cola contains seven teaspoons of sugar, far exceeding the recommended daily allowance of sugar for youngsters, the amount we all consume undoubtedly needs to be cut somehow. As computer tablet and game app use becomes more popular and children as young as three or four are spending hours at a time using technology, our young people are moving less, meaning that we eat more than we burn off. At one time, youngsters would ‘play out’ for hours on the streets or run to their local park with pals.

A MoreLife spokeswoman told us: “Like adult obesity, childhood obesity has many influencing factors, but essentially is caused by taking in more energy than we are using up over a long period of time. “The biggest difference between childhood obesity and adult obesity is that, depending upon their age and circumstances, young people have generally less control over their food intake. Older children have more responsibility over their lifestyle choices than their younger peers, whose diet and exercise patterns are largely controlled by their parents or care givers.

She says that children with obese parents are 12 times more likely to be overweight than if their parents were a healthy weight. “It’s not just about food, it is about how active we are too. In reality children should be very active; it is recommended that young people should spend at least 60 minutes per day, or 7 hours a week, where they are being active to a level where they are out of breath. Research has shown that kids spend, on average, 52 hours in front of a screen each week. TV, internet, computer games are all taking time away from them being active,” she added. The Children’s Food Campaign aims to improve children’s health by campaigning for policy changes in schools and communities. The organisation has been calling for a sugary drinks duty in the UK since 2013. Co-ordinator Malcolm Clark said: “We welcome the recognition that the tax is a good starting point for reducing excess sugar consumption and that it will benefit households with children the most. “Evidence from Mexico and other countries who have done the same is clear: consumption of those drinks goes down, the price of diet drinks does not increase, and there is no evidence that consumption of sugary foods has increased. “Public Health England has published its revised Eatwell Guide, which gives clear guidance that chocolates, crisps and junk food are not an essential part of a balanced diet, but rather a treat on the side, and that the right kind of hydration – water, not sugary drinks – is important. It is only taken together, as a series of robust interventions and initiatives, that childhood obesity and excess sugar consumption may be effectively tackled.” More detail about childhood obesity and how to tackle it at www.more-life.co.uk and see www.childrensfood.org.uk

Case Study Yasmin Akhtar’s son Aziz weighed almost 15 stones by the time he was 13. She was got used to buying school uniforms in much larger sizes early, since he was around 5 years old. He was tall and they would joke he was ‘big boned’ and a ‘big boy’ but it was not until a routine health check at school that they were told he was severely obese. Mum Yasmin said: “He has always enjoyed his food and ate large portions of breads and rice along with curries. It was sweet treats that became a problem for him. He could not stop and would go in the cupboards and eat the lot when he came home from school. Things like biscuits, chocolates, crisps and he was always hungry. He would not just have a couple of biscuits, he ate the whole packet. My other children are not the same, in fact they are skinny.” She said he was beginning to struggle to even walk to school or the madrassah and could not keep up with his friends. He struggled to play sports or run around the garden without getting breathless. With type 2 diabetes already in the family, Yasmin knew it was time to take action. They sought help through their GP who referred the family to see a dietician and to their local sports centre for a special club which focused on those who needed to get fit and lose weight. “Small changes make a lot of difference. We have stopped the sweet treats altogether and try to encourage fruit and more vegetables. It has been difficult but he is losing weight and enjoys the sports club. It is for his long-term health and future and the whole family has had to get involved to encourage him. Eating too much was an easy habit to get into but we hope things will improve.”

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Issue 19

ASIAN SUNDAY

FEATURE

Holi:

The mythological story behind the festival of colours ‘Holi’ (Indian festival of colour) is celebrated at the beginning of spring. For most of us spring symbolizes rejuvenation, new beginnings and everything in life that is optimistic, sunny and brimming with life. The colourful Holi festival originated as an agricultural

festival, throwing away the gloom of winter and to rejoice in the colours and liveliness of spring. Holi, like all other Indian festivals, also has its fair share of mythological significance. However, from different parts of India have their version of celebrations

for this festival and their own mythological tale for the significance of Holi. One of the stories we have been told according to mythology, is that the festival is known as Holi, owing to the legend of ‘Holika’. In Vaishnava theology, Hiranyakashipu was the king

of demons, and had received the boon of immortality from Lord Brahma. As his power and arrogance grew, he began objecting to people’s belief in the divine power and demanded that they worship him instead. Hiranyakashipu’s son Prahlad was a devotee of

Lord Vishnu. The king tried numerous ways to destroy his son’s beliefs. When all else failed, the king ordered his sister to sit on a pyre with the young Prahlad. Holika was blessed with a shawl, which would prevent the fire from harming her. Prahlad happily followed his father’s

Issue 19

ASIAN SUNDAY

FEATURE

orders and prayed to the lord to save him. Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad and Holika was burnt to death. From that day on, the burning of Holika is an important part of Holi celebrations, which commemorated the end of evil. Another story according to another Hindu mythology, is that Lord Shiva nearly destroyed the world when he learnt about Goddess Sati’s immolation. Even after he controlled his anger, he renounced all worldly duties and went into deep meditation. The world’s balance soon crumbled in his absence and Sati took rebirth as Goddess Parvati to try and

win Lord Shiva’s heart and wake him up from his trance. When Goddess Parvati failed in her endeavours, she requested Kamadev, the Indian god of love to help her. Disturbed by Kamadev’s love arrow, Lord Shiva opened his third eye that fired anger and Kamadev was reduced to ashes. It is said that it was on the day of Holi that Kamadev had sacrificed himself for the good of all beings. Later, when Lord Shiva realised his mistake, he granted Kamadev immortality in invisible form. This legend also gave birth to the custom of offering sandalwood paste to Kamadev on Holi, to assuage the stinging burns.

There is another popular fable of ogress Dhundhi who devoured innocent children in the kingdom of Prithu. Dhundhi, had a boon from Lord Shiva that she would not be killed by gods or men, nor suffer from arms or from heat, cold or rain. These boons made her invincible but she also had a weak point. She was also cursed by Lord Shiva that she would be in danger from boys going about crazy. She was ultimately chased away by children’s pranks on Holi. This is the reason that rowdy behaviour is considered acceptable in many parts of the country on this occasion. But one of the most popular

and favoured stories of them all is the story of RadhaKrishna. Shri Krishna playing Holi on the banks of the river Yamuna with Radha and other gopis is also the most popular reason for celebrating this festival the way we do. In Vrindavan and Mathura, Holi is celebrated in memory of the divine love of Radha and Krishna. It is believed that when Lord Krishna was young, he often complained to Mother Yashoda about his dark complexion and wondered why Radha was so fair. One day, his mother playfully suggested that he can smear colour on Radha’s face and change her

complexion to any colour he wanted. Fascinated by the idea, Krishna smeared Radha’s face with colours and thus, introduced the colourful festival of Holi. Owing to this history, the festival of Holi, even today retains its flavour of naughtiness: smearing your loved one with bright colors and playing pranks on each other. Youngsters also engage in singing and dancing which is reminiscent of Shri Krishna’s Raas-leela with Radha and the gopis, during his time. Whichever story you prefer, here’s wishing all our readers a colourful Holi

ASIAN SUNDAY

OPINION

be ashamed of. Secrecy means that mental health cannot be discussed or accepted, and the negative impact this can have on the individual will only serve to further isolate a sufferer of an illness.

My columns are designed to explore topics, start a conversation and touch on real life issues that affect every community. The series is not designed to take the place of medical advice and if you do have any concerns of that nature then you should, as always seek advice from your doctor. Let’s start with a fact. One in four people will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Isn’t that a staggering statistic? Is it just something that happens to other people, or could it affect you? Not only is it so common, but so is the stigma and discrimination associated with it. This can vary across communities, where some reports looking into attitudes have revealed some very archaic and uninformed views that are still prevalent in 21st Century England. Mental illness is wide-ranging, covering problems related to the mind. These include depression, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, personality disorder and so on. Without going into details of each one of these – let’s today discuss the topic of mental illness as a whole. How well does the Asian community understand mental health? Evidence suggests that there is shame, fear and secrecy when it comes to this topic – there will be many people with mental health problems who feel they can’t share or discuss their issues with family, or friends in the community. Does this have something to do with family status and reputation? Mental illness is not something to

So why are there so many misconceptions in the Asian community when it comes to this? Is it a simple misunderstanding, or an engrained cultural belief system that mental illness has been caused by God, poor parenting, genetics or even black magic? In short, mental illness is a medical problem, which can and should be managed professionally. Family often will care for those affected, but may try to hide them away – isolating them further. No matter how good the intentions, such behaviour can only lead to further issues that isolation brings. Mental illness is a medical affliction like diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, high blood pressure and so on. Why is it seen as being outside of social and cultural norms? As a result of this kind of thinking, many ill people are inappropriately left to feel ‘abnormal’. There are certain achievements a parent may want ticked off in relation to their children such as academic success, marriage, having children and earning good money. If someone falls outside of this norm they may be labelled negatively, but why are we doing this in today’s forward-thinking society? Many doctors, dentists, and barristers, despite their ‘success’ as professionals will fall victim to mental health problems – after all, 1 in 4 people will experience it, regardless of background or lifestyle! Valuing people in our family and our community is a positive step to securing good relationships. It allows for cohesion within a group of people. People with mental health problems should be valued like everybody else, they should be listened to and receive the same attitudes as the next person. But still in 2016 this is often not the case.

And now to touch on marriage prospects. I am focusing on the Asian community here – but this could apply to any other group as well. Why would mental health problems affect marriage prospects and why are they linked so intricately? When one looks at a marriage proposal for their daughter or son, how high in the list of ‘undesirable’ attributes do mental health problems come, and is this fair? I have been very direct and posed some searching questions regarding this interesting topic. Recently the Duchess of Cambridge put her voice behind mental health awareness – and rightly so, it is becoming a topic we as a society are talking more about. The Asian community can bring a lot of positivity to this discussion. A close-knit community with core family values can play an important role in the care of an unwell person if done correctly. We should not allow misunderstandings from generations past filter through to today’s thoughts on mental health – what it was over a hundred years ago is not what it is today. People, if they receive the right help and support, can recover from mental illness, and they are victim to it through no fault of their own. It should not be a taboo subject, or one that brings shame to any individual or family. Mental health ignores social class, professions and geography. It is everywhere and the stigma can be defeated through informed education and changing attitudes. Our understanding of this type of illness has advanced significantly in the past century, and yet the stigma and behaviour attached to it have not in their entirety. One size does not fit all, and if you are uncertain about any mental health needs that you have – talk to your doctor.

Many doctors, dentists, and barristers, despite their ‘success’ as professionals will fall victim to mental health problems – after all, 1 in 4 people will experience it, regardless of background or lifestyle! I hope that leaves you with some questions, and some of which only you may have the answers. Reflect and enjoy your journey! You can follow my Twitter feed on @Faraaz_ Bhatti and let’s talk about important health issues. If you would like me to discuss any specific issue or get a conversation going then feel free to let me know.

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Issue 19

ASIAN SUNDAY

FEATURE

I’ll weep for Belgium AND Ankara, but I won’t buy into the grief industry by Aisha Iqbal Khan I won’t be raising the Belgian flag or putting it on my Facebook profile picture. In fact, I am done with flags entirely and may even have to lose my beloved Union Jack cushions. It is not because I do not weep for the victims of the recent terror acts in Brussels, I do. And it is not because I don’t love my country or the best values it embodies, I do, passionately so. But I have decided I don’t need to wave a flag - or use it as my screen saver - to illustrate or

prove either of those truths. And I also don’t need to be told which wasted life I should shed more tears over. Almost immediately after news of the terrible airport and train station attacks in Belgium broke, a now all-too-familiar pattern was playing out in the headlines and social media trends. Collective shock, grief, anger, then stories and pictures emerging of the innocent victims. Then the questions started, and then came the now all-toocommon ‘Muslims distance Deadly attack in Brussels

themselves from the bombers’ statements - with community leaders quick to issue press statements on behalf of 1.6 billion people.

Aftermath following attacks in Brussels

In an equally predictable way, it didn’t take long for the social media hordes to start complaining about how ‘Muslim lives don’t matter as much as

western ones’. and questioning the lack of headlines about Ankara and Istanbul. And the answer seems pretty obvious to me. We mourn for those we relate to and have solidarity with - historically, linguistically or culturally. If the French produce a cartoon comforting their immediate

neighbour and ally, it is completely understandable and natural. Who are we to tell others how and who to mourn? And anyway, isn’t the ‘selective grief’ accusation playing right into Daaesh’s divisive narrative? To make Western Muslims in particular think that they are perpetually ‘the other’?

Issue 19

ASIAN SUNDAY

FEATURE

Terrorist attack in Brussels

The truth is that lives elsewhere - in places we have less in common with - DO matter less. They always have. It is a sad reality of the natural, tribal human condition. And, in the same way that we may bemoan the Western media’s failure to value Muslim blood, aren’t we also playing the same comparison game? As much as the mainstream media machine may be a biased, geo-politically charged entity, it does British Muslims no favours at all to play into the ‘them and us’ narrative it feeds us on a daily basis. Collective hand-wringing isn’t very helpful at any time, because it plays straight into the hands of those who seek to divide us. I believe it is important to BE the change you want to see. Could it be a colonial hangover

Attack at Airport in Brussels

that is driving our need for even our grief to be validated by our former colonial masters? The aforementioned flags - or false flags to be precise - are a big problem in all our current collective confusions. Because, like so much of our public and private spaces, our collective and individual griefs, they have been hijacked. Whether it be the standard of the victim’s home nation, or of the death cult that killed them, the colonizers or the colonised, flags are increasingly used as an excuse for man’s wilful inhumanity to man. And now, we have a new layer in the cult of the false flag - the banner of collective grief, I personally am done with flags as I am done with faux outrage, with mawkishness and with being manipulated over again and again by dogma, dominant narratives and diseased minds.

Explosion in Ankara Turkey It’s nothing new of course. Throughout history, tribal standards were used in warfare and to mark magnificent human feats and acts of bravery. The latter two I have no problem with. But increasingly in this fraught post 9/11 world, publicly owned symbols are hijacked and reinvented to justify terror, warmongering, injustice, brutality and inhumanity. The tragedy in Brussels - as those before it in Ankara and

countless other cities European and non-European - has, at its heart, divisive, twisted notions of solidarity - that belonging to one group must necessarily exclude you from claiming allegiance to the other. All sides are guilty of playing that game. And waiting in the wings of this mawkish mess are the Facebooks and Twitters of the world, revelling in their pseudosubversiveness and apparent reclaiming of the ‘reasonable’

voice. After the backlash over selective grief, independent apps are now offering people the option to add any nation’s flag to their Facebook profile photo. But I say no thanks. I refuse to subscribe to this grief industry - or to let vested interests put a price on my tears. Aisha Iqbal Khan is also a full time reporter for the Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire Evening Post.

Vigils and prayers offered for victims of recent Brussels attack

Issue 19

ASIAN SUNDAY

FEATURE

The growing concern about carers by Ayesha Babar

What makes crime against children and the elderly so much more ghastly and upsetting is the fact that these are the most vulnerable segments of our society – and to exploit this vulnerabilty exposes gaps in the care that we provide to them. There is currently a growing outrage in the UK around the standard of care provided, especially to the elderly that are suffering from or receovering from illness and do not have family and friends around to look after them. Numerous incidents have come to light in the past few years none more shocking and than the one revealed last week where a 92-year old cancer patient was stolen from by the carer. The carer was caught on a camera, installed by the victim’s niece who suspected the theft after money had disappeared from her aunt’s bag a couple of times. The camera footage clearly shows the carer, Loraine Cenci, aiding the victim to go to the toilet and then leaving here there and returning back to rummage through her bag and pocket some cash from an envelope. Was this always the case and

is only being highlighted now with social media giving people more power to speak up? Not necessarily. Research shows that the standards of care have consistently dropped over the last few years as wages for carers have failed to keep up with other professions. This has resulted in many carers feeling disllusioned about their work and incentives with many high-quality workers leaving to pursue other careers. Some of those who are left behind are still in the field because of lack of options that they have. This encourages a vicious cycle – where poorerquality care workers do not feel like their wages match their work and so provide a lower level of service. It is the same phenomenon then that causes them to look elsewhere to make money and often times this is stealing from the very patients that they have a duty of care towards. Legal Aid workers have encouraged the use of a Lasting Power of Attorney for next of kin – this is can be of two kinds – an LPOA over health and wellbeing and/or over property and finances. If you believe that your parents or other relations close to you are vulnerable to such abuse and crime then speak to them about your concerns

and see if it is possible for you to help them arrange their care and financial arrangements better. As an elderly patient, if you suspect that you are a victim, it is important you raise an alarm. Remember help and advice is always available so do not let yourself be intimidated. Abuse may not be limited to just theft and finances - it may include sexual, physical and psychological harassment. Firstly, avoid confrontation with the carer if you are with the carer by yourself. The NHS advises that victims should try and contact someone who they trust as soon as possible and share their concerns. If that is not possible or you feel there is any immediate danger, the NHS runs a dedicated helpline at 0808 808 8141. At the same time, it is imperative that the concerned government departments take notice of the situation. New training programmes for carers need to be introduced and the incentive structure has to be re-structured. Carers provide an essential service to some of the most vulnerable members of our society and it is our responsibilty to ensure that it remains a viable profession. Only then will we see an improvement in caring standards.

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Poli Iain Duncan Smith resignation meets with scepticism and continued anger from benefits campaigners Iain Duncan Smith made headlines last week as he announced his resignation denouncing £4bn of planned cuts to disability benefits as “indefensible”. The former Work and Pensions Secretary said the way the government had planned to cut payouts to vulnerable people was “deeply unfair.” His resignation met with scepticism and continues to cause anger from some disabled people about how their benefits have been targeted in last week’s budget. In his Budget last Wednesday, the Chancellor, Mr Osborne had said the government would be spending an extra £1bn on disability but changes to disability benefits announced a few days earlier had suggested the government would save £4.4bn by 2020-21. They included changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which will replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in January 2017, that were expected to save £1.3bn and sparked outcry from opposition parties and some Tory MPs. Mr Duncan Smith, wrote in his resignation letter that the changes to disability benefits were “defensible in narrow terms, given the continuing deficit”. But he said they should have formed part of “a wider process” of finding the best way to focus resources on those most in need.

Many have attacked the former Conservative Leader, as they believe he had an ulterior motive for resigning. Iain Duncan Smith resigned after it had been announced that the plans on disability benefit were likely to be shelved. Sceptics believe the real reason for Mr Duncan Smith’s resignation is because he wants the UK to leave the European Union, while the Prime Minister wants to stay. The allegations have been denied by the former Work and Pensions Secretary. Replacing Iain Duncan Smith, is MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, Stephen Crabb. Mr Crabb has already sparked controversy as he inherits the bedroom tax case against his own constituents.

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itics Zac Goldsmith accused of ‘racial profiling’ over letters sent to ethnic minorities warning them that Sadiq Khan will put their family jewellery at risk Zac Goldsmith has sent out leaflets warning ethnic minority Londoners that a vote for Sadiq Khan could put their family jewellery at risk.

while Goldsmith would “protect your family’s homes from burglary” Khan’s party “SUPPORTS A WEALTH TAX on family jewellery.”

The Conservative London mayoral candidate has been accused of racial profiling and of “scaremongering” and “patronising” minority groups after suggesting that only Goldsmith could protect their family heirlooms.

A separate leaflet sent out to British Indians also focuses on this threat to jewellery, as well as attacking Khan for not being supportive enough of the Indian prime minister.

One letter sent by Goldsmith to British Tamils living in London, suggests a vote for the Labour candidate could lead to a new “wealth tax on family jewellery.” “As a government minister, Sadiq Khan did not use his position to speak about Sri Lanka or the concerns of the Tamil community in parliament. His party are beginning to adopt policies that will mean higher taxes on your family and your family’s heirlooms and belongings,” Goldsmith writes. The letter also suggests that only Goldsmith can protect their heirlooms from burglars. “The first job of the Mayor of London is to protect Londoners. I recognise that far too often, Tamil households are targeted for burglary due to families owning gold and valuable family heirlooms… “As mayor I will stand up to focus the Metropolitan Police on this issue and will fight to keep you, your family and your homes secure. On the reverse of the alleged leaflet it compares the Conservative candidate’s record in relation to Tamils with Khan’s. It claims that

“Sadiq Khan supported Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour party who wanted to BAN prime minister Modi from visiting the UK,” it claims. It adds that “Khan did not attend the ‘UK Welcomes Modi’” event at Wembley Stadium last year. Many took to twitter to share their disappointment at the recent campaign: Zac Goldsmith has sent out leaflets warning ethnic minority Londoners that a vote for Sadiq Khan could put their family jewellery at risk. The Conservative London mayoral candidate has been accused of racial profiling and of “scaremongering” and “patronising” minority groups after suggesting that only Goldsmith could protect their family heirlooms. One letter sent by Goldsmith to British Tamils living in London, suggests a vote for the Labour candidate could lead to a new “wealth tax on family jewellery.” “As a government minister, Sadiq Khan did not use his position to speak about Sri Lanka or the concerns of the Tamil community in parliament. His party are beginning to adopt policies that will mean

higher taxes on your family and your family’s heirlooms and belongings,” Goldsmith writes. The letter also suggests that only Goldsmith can protect their heirlooms from burglars. “The first job of the Mayor of London is to protect Londoners. I recognise that far too often, Tamil households are targeted for burglary due to families owning gold and valuable family heirlooms… “As mayor I will stand up to focus the Metropolitan Police on this issue and will fight to keep you, your family and your homes secure. On the reverse of the alleged leaflet it compares the Conservative candidate’s record in relation to Tamils with Khan’s. It claims that while Goldsmith would “protect your family’s homes from burglary” Khan’s party “SUPPORTS A WEALTH TAX on family jewellery.” A separate leaflet sent out to British Indians also focuses on this threat to jewellery, as well as attacking Khan for not being supportive enough of the Indian prime minister. “Sadiq Khan supported Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour party who wanted to BAN prime minister Modi from visiting the UK,” it claims. It adds that “Khan did not attend the ‘UK Welcomes Modi’” event at Wembley Stadium last year. Many took to twitter to share their disappointment at the recent campaign:

Primesh Patel @PrimeshPatel Absolutely disgusted by #ZacGoldsmith’s divisive, insulting and patronising leaflets, full of outdated stereotypes Manu misunderstands @manueky Manu misunderstands Retweeted Media Diversified #ZacGoldsmith thinks: ‘Those brown people love their gold, we’ll tell em #SadiqKhan wants to take it & we’re in!’ Media Diversified@WritersofColour Mayor hopeful Zac Goldsmith assumes that People of Colour living in London are pretty f*cking stupid

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Business Osborne gives a business friendly budget by ITRAT BASHIR Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne’s budget 2016-17 is widely hailed by the business community, seeing it as a pro-business budget and in particular it should put smile on the faces of small and medium enterprises (SME)’s owners. The budget 2016-17 proposes a cut in taxes for small businesses. From April 2017, small businesses that occupy property with a rateable value of £12,000 or less will pay no business rates. Currently, this 100 percent relief is available if you are a business that occupies a property (for an example a shop or office) with a value of £6,000 or less. There will be a tapered rate of relief on properties worth up to £15,000. What this means is that, in the word of the Chancellor, a typical corner shop in Barnstaple or a hairdresser in Leeds or a typical newsagent in Nuneaton will pay no business rates from April 2016. In his speech, Osborne told the Parliament that from April next year, 600,000 small businesses will pay no business rates at all. “That is an annual

saving for them of up to nearly £6,000, forever. Also, a further quarter of a million businesses will see their rates cut. In total, half of all British properties will see their business rates fall or be abolished altogether,” added. Meanwhile, to support all ratepayers, including larger stores who face tough competition and who employ so many people, the government will radically simplify the administration of business rates, and from 2020, switch the uprating from the higher RPI to the lower CPI. To further assist the small businesses as well as household budgets, the government has decided to maintain fuel duty freeze, which according to the Chancellor will save £75 a year to the average driver and £270 a year to a small business with a van. “We have frozen fuel duty for the sixth year in a row,” Osborne maintained in his speech.

Mike Cherry, Policy Director at FSB, said, “In a budget constrained by both the need to reduce the deficit and the economic outlook, the Chancellor has listened to our calls for the tax system to be made simpler for small businesses and the self-employed and taken important action on business rates.” “The combined measures announced on business rates, the single biggest tax cut in today’s Budget, will be viewed by our members as a welcome and important step on the road to fundamental reform. In addition, online retailers will benefit from steps to secure a level playing field for smaller online businesses on VAT,” he added.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) welcomed the measured introduced by the government for small businesses.

Dr Rami Ranger, a leading BritishIndian businessman, welcomed the budget by saying that it is good budget for the hardworking families. He said the budget is a business friendly with lower corporation tax and fuel duty freeze. He also welcomed the decision of increasing the Income Tax threshold, which in his opinion will allow people to keep more of their income in their hands. “Moreover, sugar tax will save the nation’s health and cut down the NHS cost of treating illnesses related to obesity,” he added.

The budget also proposes to cut Corporation Tax to 17 percent in 2020. The budget document states that the main rate of Corporation Tax has already been cut from 28 percent in 2010 to 20 percent the lowest in the G20. It will now be cut again to 17 percent in 2020, benefitting over 1 million businesses. The government has also decided to cut the higher rate of Capital Gains Tax from 28 percent to 20 percent and the basic rate from 18 percent to 10 percent from April 2016 (except for residential property and carried interest), and extend entrepreneurs’ relief to long term investors in unlisted companies.

“Altogether, these measures should help to drive productivity and boost small business confidence levels, which have faltered recently in the face of a number of domestic policy and global economic challenges.”

He also said freezing of fuel duty will be universally welcomed by small businesses right across the country. He also observed that the new devolution deals, alongside increased investment in roads, rail, and flood defences, should give a much needed boost to the UK’s infrastructure.

James Sherwin-Smith, CEO of Growth Street, an SME business overdraft provider (and an SME itself ), said as an alternative overdraft provider to SMEs and an SME themselves they are encouraged to hear the Chancellor’s plans for a more favourable environment for small businesses. “However the Chancellor neglects to address the biggest challenge faced by the UK SMEs, funding. He is doing nothing to address the unfair, unregulated SME finance market, which is stifling small business growth in the UK,” he added.

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) also gave the thumbs up to the Osborne’s budget business boost. Commenting on the budget, LCCI Chief Executive Colin Stanbridge said the Chancellor has delivered a budget that includes good news for London business. “Funding to move Crossrail 2 to the next stage is most welcome, this is a transport project that, once operational, will bring economic dividends well beyond London.” he added. According to him, the announcement to allow the Greater London Authority to retain all business rates revenue from April next year could see more effective targeting of resources towards local infrastructure that underpins local business priorities. Mihir Kapadia, CEO at Sun Global Investments, believes that this was clearly a budget designed for the saver, not the investor. “In fact, the downgraded growth figures and higher debt to GDP level gives investors reason to doubt that the government’s long term plan is increasing economic stability in the UK,” he added.

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Finance British Pakistan Foundation hosted talk by Pakistani bankers

Lebara wins ‘Innovative Service’ and ‘Best MVNO’ at industry night of the year

Mr. Yoganathan Ratheesan, Lebara Group Chairman and CEO

by ITRAT BASHIR The British Pakistan Foundation (BPF) hosted the seventh edition of Business and Professional Club event series, highlighting career journeys of leading Pakistani bankers residing in the UK. The event was led by Kashif Zafar, BPF Director and an Ambassador of the City Professionals Group. The event commenced with a panel discussion from five senior Pakistani bankers, including Kashif Zafar, Co-Head of Global Distribution at Barclays Investment Bank, Rani Nazim, Managing Director and Co-Head of European Corporates Trading at Morgan Stanley, Ahsan Raza, Managing Director, Financial Institutions Group at Barclays, Khuram Yousaf, Head of Strategic Equity Transactions for EMEA at Deutsche Bank, and Tahir Wahid, Managing Director, European Banks and Credit solutions Coverage-Fixed Income at Credit Suisse. The speakers shared their career journeys and offered mentorship through one-to-one advice given to young British Pakistani professionals and students who were hoping to pursue careers in the banking sector. The event was attended by students, graduates, entrepreneurs and

professionals from leading financial intuitions, including Morgan Stanley, Imperial College Business School, Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, American School in London, UCL, British Pearl, Morgan Stanley, Cinven Partners LLP, BPP University, Deutsche Bank, READ Foundation, Coombe Advisors, Citi, HSBC, Ayyari Gallery, Glen Hall,Islamic Relief, Vanquis Bank, LSE, HRM International, The Shaw Trust, Bizas Coaching and Consulting Limited, Imperial College London, University of Greenwich, Post Office GSK, ASOSM, JP Morgan, TLG Capital, London School of Economics and

Political Science, RBC, PwC, MORGAN LEWIS, Umbrella, Standard Chartered Bank, Societe Generale, Smith and Williamson and Linklaters LLP. The British Pakistan Foundation is a not-for-profit, community-driven organisation dedicated to the empowerment and development of the British Pakistani diaspora. It aims to provide a platform for community building, and to act as a liaison between the British Pakistani diaspora and governmental and non-governmental organisations in the UK and Pakistan.

Lebara, the universal brand for the world’s migrant community, was announced as Best MVNO at the UK Mobile News Awards at the London Hilton, Park Lane, on Thursday 10 March 2016, defending their leading position for the seventh year in a row. Lebara Play, the new entertainment service launched in June 2015, won ‘Innovative Service’ by impressing the industry expert panel of judges. The service was considered an ‘allround innovative product’, praised for serving a genuine need with strong content, with a flexible tariff, which is easy to buy with existing top-up vouchers. Lebara Play is providing the UK’s South Asian communities with exciting content and home entertainment including hit and latest Hindi/ Tamil/ Telugu movies such as Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Sethupathy and Size Zero. On selecting Lebara for Best MVNO, the judges recognised Lebara’s aspiration to be the ‘digital hub’ for the migrant community, and understanding and matching customer needs with an innovative solution to help drive revenue and ‘lock in customers’. No other UK operator has been able to win an award for seven years, let alone seven years in a row. Lebara has won Best MVNO every year since

the category’s inception. This award recognises operator differentiation, dealer, retailer and customer engagement as well as commercial performance. Mr. Yoganathan Ratheesan, Lebara Group Chairman and CEO, said “I am incredibly happy of Lebara’s double award win, especially as we continue our digital evolution to keep addressing the needs of a growing and prosperous community. Industry awards are important as recognition of excellence with endorsement from highly respected peers, and these go a long way for employee and partner engagement. I’m really grateful to the expert judges and thank the Lebara Team for making this all possible.” An audience of more than 750 industry guests flocked to the annual awards event, which was hosted by top comedian Lee Nelson. Lebara Play is the only multi-ethnic entertainment service bringing together top rated free and premium, fully licensed content in one place. Customers can watch content via smartphone, tablet (download the app via the iOS App Store or Android Play Store), desktop and set top box for a TV. For more about Lebara Play and a 7 day free trial, see www.play.lebara.com

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BUSINESS

The Budget: Winners and Losers I know some people will say it is not fair as higher rate tax threshold is increased, therefore the highest paid are benefiting, however the higher rate band has been squeezed since 2009 and it is about time people that the higher rate band is moved upwards. I say this because those on middle incomes have seen their net pay squeezed since 2009, and it is refreshing to see that the government recognise that many people earning circa £43,000 are not relatively well off.

Let’s start with the key positive points of this year’s budget: • Tax allowance will be increased to £11,500, with the higher rate band rising to £45,000 by April 2017 • Lifetime ISA – to use to buy your first house or save towards retirement. The maximum you can save is £4,000 of your own funds per annum • Business rates relief threshold increasing from £6,000 to £15,000 • A sugar tax, the funds from which will be used to fund sports in primary schools • HS3 between Leeds and Manchester • Incentive for lower income savers to save, which will be worth up to £1,200 per person • Freeze on fuel and alcohol duties, whilst increasing duty on cigarettes • School children will experience a longer school day Now the Key negatives are: • Disabled individuals will be heavily hit, with circa 300,000 people set to be hit by between £3,000 -£3,600 per annum • More cuts across the board as the government needs to save more funds • A tax rise for insurance premiums There are certain bits of the budget that I really like. As I work in finance I always am keen to see if the government is helping individuals by raising the threshold within which people pay tax. This is yet the case again, and I guess we need to thank the Liberal Democrats as well as the Conservatives for helping most of us, and taking millions of people out of paying tax.

Our columnist Mr Money Bags, who has decades of experience in finance, an MBA, an advanced diploma in financial planning and not to mention his super business skills each edition will give you, our lovely readers some valuable tips and advice on money and business matters. He is forthright and can sometimes be stern when it comes to your cash, but when it comes to finance he really is the expert. Read on for your business and finance advice.

Mr Money Bags

The other big news is for those of us that want to take a dabble online and make some cash. The government have given individuals a further £1,000 tax free for this purpose. I really like this idea as it might get people to think about new digital business ideas. This is especially the case since the first £1,000 is tax free. In terms of the sugar tax, I like the fact that the government will plough the funds to aid sports for primary school children. I guess the tax will make most of us more health conscious. The tax is based on drinks, however surely it needs to extend to cakes, and chocolates. In my view any item with 20% plus sugar content should be taxed, and healthy foods and snacks should be reduced in prices. The government however have left a sour taste in the mouth of many of us due to the cuts specifically aimed at those that get disabled benefits. I really feel for someone who is getting benefits due to a disability because for those genuine cases, the person is not able to work through no fault of their own. I must say Ian Duncan Smith resigning has heightened the debate, and for the right reasons. Perhaps the government should look at benefit fraud, and target fraud as a means of making cost savings, rather than hitting the most vulnerable in society.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the way forward Yaar

www.fevertvleeds.co.uk

Fever FM @ The Resource Centre 233-237 Roundhay Road - Leeds LS8 4HS Tel: 0113 380 5680 - Direct: 0788 170 1133 Email: radioasianfever@yahoo.co.uk - www.radioasianfever.co.uk

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TRAVEL

by RAHEEMA KHAN This edition we explore the fascinating land of the Irish – Dublin.

Many objects are being publicly displayed for the first time to tell the stories of the civilians, combatants and survivors caught

After all, this year marks the

up in the Easter Rising. Displays

centenary of the 1916 Easter

of personal belongings and

Rising, a crucial step towards Irish

memorabilia aim to give visitors

independence a few years later.

the ‘unique experience of physical

With lots of commemorative events taking place across Ireland, Dublin is definitely the place to visit these next few months. Some of the major events taking place this year include a major exhibition in Dublin’s National Museum of Ireland called ‘Proclaiming a Republic: The 1916 Rising’. The exhibition, which was opened by Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny on 2nd March,

proximity to the people and events’. A crucifix perforated by a stray bullet is among one of many objects illustrating the stories of civilians caught up in the crossfire. The stories also tell of those who died, or were imprisoned and interned for their part in the Easter Rising, notably through the last letters of the leaders who were sentenced to death. More details are available at www.museum.ie.

explores the events of Easter 1916

Other events taking place to

when republican rebels seized

commemorate the anniversary

including Dublin Castle, Trinity

Beach is the perfect spot. This dual

For the shopaholics amongst us,

key buildings in the Irish capital

include a day of celebration with

College and Kilmainham Gaol.

blue flag awarded Beach is located

don’t worry as Dublin really does

and declared independence from

music, theatre and dance on 28th

Afterwards, visit the new Teeling

in North County Dublin and is a

have it all. From department stores,

Britain at the height of the First

March and lectures and discussions

Whiskey Distillery, the first

2km stretch of sandy beach lined

to arts and crafts stores, to the

at Liberty Hall on 26 April. Historic

distillery to open in Dublin in 125

by sand dunes.

most exquisite jewellery stores,

World War.

events

years: tours include several tastings

come to life

of the golden liquor, of course!

on a 1916

If you’re peckish, try Dublin Klaw

Rebellion

for some of the freshest

Walking Tour,

seafood in town.

which visits landmarks

There is no vehicle access to this beach, however parking is provided at the pedestrian entrance. There is a National Heritage Area (NHA) to the

If you need a break from all of this

north of the beach, a site of local

culture and art, then don’t worry

importance as it is home to a

as for those who just want to relax

large colony of migrating birds

and unwind, Dublin’s Portrane

during winter.

you’re bound to find something, so take plenty of pocket money! The main city centre shopping areas are Grafton St and Henry St. Both are located roughly the same distance from O’Connell Bridge, with Grafton St. to the South, and Henry St. to the North. They are about ten to fifteen minutes on

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foot from one another so you can

it is recommended in particular

easily cover both in one afternoon.

to visit the St. Stephen’s Green

Traditionally Grafton St and the surrounding area was considered a high class area, with designer boutiques and exclusive stores, while Henry St was more accessible to everyone’s budget. This distinction has largely been blurred these days as the shopping areas fill up with large UK chain stores, franchise coffee shops, and mobile phone shops, making Irish shopping areas resemble similar areas in the UK and USA. However, there are still small boutiques in the streets around Grafton St, and

Shopping Centre, the Westbury Mall and the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. Off Henry Street, beside the ILAC shopping center, lies Moore Street with many stalls selling flowers and vegetables, and hawkers calling out in a distinctive Dublin accent and a wide range of ethnic food shops. Above all, Dublin is a friendly, cultural and happening city – most certainly a great place to visit for a short break.

TRAVEL

DUBLIN DICTIONARY

If you’re going to Dublin, chances are you’re going to hear some phrases that are unique to this magnificent city. Well fear not, as we have our ‘Dublin Dictionary’ of the most popular phrases to help you on during your travels... 1. ‘Story - Hello, how are you? 2. The state of yer one - She does not look very well 3. Deadly - Excellent 4. Keep sketch - Please make sure no-one sees what I am doing

Portrane Bay

Dublin Castle

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5. G’way outta that - I don’t believe you

6. Scarlet for ya - I am embarrassed on your behalf 7. Relax the cacks - Please calm down 8. Nice one - Excellent 9. Stall it for a jar? - Would you like to come for a drink?

Dublin is a bustling city, perfect for short breaks and relaxing getaways alike

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MOTORING THE NEW MERCEDES-AMG C 63 CABRIOLET: OPEN-AIR PERFORMANCE FOR THE C-CLASS exhilarating performance experience. The biturbo engine developed in Affalterbach is available in two output ratings with 350 kW (476 hp) or 375 Mercedes-AMG Mercedes-AMG kW (510 hp) C 63 S Cabriolet C 63 Cabriolet and provides performance 3982 cc 3982 cc on a par with 375 kW (510 hp) at 350 kW (476 hp) at a sports car. Flared wheel 5500-6250 rpm 5500-6250 rpm arches at 700 Nm at 1750650 Nm at 17504500 rpm 4500 rpm

The new C 63 Cabriolet combines an intensive open-air ambience with the AMG V8 engine to create an

Displacement Output Peak torque Fuel consumption NEDC combined

9.3-8.9 l/100 km

CO2 emissions

218-208 g/km

Efficiency class

Kerb weight (according to EC)

1925 kg*

1910 kg*

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

4.1 s

4.2 s

250 km/h**

Top speed

the front and rear, the wide track and the large wheels underscore the powerful looks. The agile longitudinal and lateral dynamics come courtesy of the sophisticated AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping adjustment, the rear-axle limited-slip differential and the dynamic engine mounts. Performance-oriented automotive enthusiasts can enjoy the largest selection in the market segment

with the Mercedes-AMG C-Class: it is now available in a total of twelve versions as Saloon, Estate, Coupé and Cabriolet; with a choice of V6 biturbo engine and all-wheel drive or V8 biturbo engine in two output ratings, rear-wheel drive and rear-axle limited-slip differential. “The C-Class is a decisive factor in our company’s success. The new combination of intensive open-air ambience and powerful V8 engine is unique in the segment and perfectly supplements

our large C-Class range,” said Tobias Moers, CEO of MercedesAMG GmbH. Extensive know-how from motorsport and the passion of the AMG engineers, designers and product managers form the basis for the emotive driving experience with the new Performance Cabriolet. It will be celebrating its world premiere on 23 March 2016 at the New York International Auto Show. The market launch will begin in August 2016.

* Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, with driver (68 kg) and luggage (7 kg)); ** Electronically limited; with AMG Driver’s Package 280 km/h

New Audi R8 Spyder V10: Debut At The New York International Auto Show Thrilling open-air motoring accompanied by the guttural roar of a mighty naturally aspirated engine – this is the essence of the Audi R8 Spyder, and the formula has lost none of its intoxicating purity in an all-new successor destined to make its debut at this week’s New York Auto Show. The latest R8 Spyder with naturally aspirated V10 power returns more technologically accomplished, more powerful and quicker against the clock, even more tightly pinned to corners and even more composed on the straights thanks to a 50 per cent improvement in torsional rigidity. “With its spontaneous throttle response, quick revving-up and inimitable sound, the 5.2 FSI naturally aspirated engine in the new Audi R8 Spyder delivers undiluted emotion,” remarked Dr.-Ing. Stefan Knirsch, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development. “Compared to the R8 Coupé, the engine sound in the open highperformance sports car now delivers an even more intense experience.” The dynamic character of the new Audi R8 Spyder V10 is immediately apparent at first glance. The forward position of the passenger compartment, the highly accentuated

wheel arches and the long back define the classic silhouette of a mid-engine sports car. The new R8 Spyder is 14 millimetres shorter than the previous model and measures an overall 4,426 millimetres in length. It has grown by 36 millimetres in width to 1,940 millimetres. The height of 1,244 millimetres is unchanged from the first-generation R8 Spyder, as is the wheelbase of 2,650 millimetres. Horizontal lines at the front and rear emphasize the width of the R8 Spyder, as does the large, lowheight Audi Singleframe grille with its honeycomb structure. Sculptural surfaces connect it to the wedgeshape headlights in each of which 37 light-emitting diodes generate bright LED light as standard. As a high-end option, Audi offers laser lighting for maximum visibility and range – identified by a blue anodized strip

in the headlights that is additionally lit. This cutting-edge technology is combined with the dynamic indicator lights. At the rear, it is supplied as standard on all versions. With its precise throttle response, free-revving ability all the way up to 7,800 rpm and stunning sound, the ten-cylinder engine is guaranteed to stir the senses. From its 5,204 cm3 displacement, it develops peak power of 540PS and peak torque of 540 Nm (398.3 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. Along with direct injection into the combustion chambers (FSI), the V10 adds fuel

injection into the induction manifold (MPI). The result is captivating performance: The new Audi R8 Spyder V10 accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 3.6 seconds. It races from a standstill to 124mph in 11.8 seconds. The speedometer needle only stops rising at 197mph. The roar of the V10 becomes more full-bodied and dramatic as the revs rise. Exhaust flaps are standard; the optional sport exhaust system with gloss black tailpipe trims gives the sound added edge. Compared with the previous model,

NEDC fuel consumption has been cut by ten percent – thanks to efficiency technologies such as cylinder on demand (COD), the dual injection system and the freewheeling mode in the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission: when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal at speeds over 34mph, the engine is decoupled from the drivetrain – the new Audi R8 Spyder then coasts. It returns up to 24.1mpg which corresponds to 277 grams CO2 per kilometre. Most definitely a car to watch out for when it launches in the UK later this year.

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ASIAN SUNDAY

MOTORING

The My17 Nissan Gt-R, Armed With A Fresh Look And More Power Nissan unveiled the new MY17 GT-R at the New York International Auto Show today; highlights include an exciting new look both inside and out, as well as major driving-performance enhancements and key new features. They represent the most significant changes made to the model since it was introduced in 2007. The new GT-R’s exterior gets a complete makeover across the front end. The new chrome matte finish “V-motion” grille represents one of Nissan’s latest design signatures. It has been enlarged to provide better engine cooling and features an updated mesh pattern. A new bonnet, which flows flawlessly from the grille, has been significantly reinforced, contributing to stability during high-speed driving. A freshlydesigned front spoiler lip and front bumpers with finishers situated immediately below the headlights give the new GT-R the look of a pure-bred racecar, while

generating high levels of front downforce. The GT-R’s familiar wind-cutting shape defines its profile, but the side sills have been pushed out to improve air flow. The rear of the car also received a thorough makeover. While the GT-R’s hallmark four-ring rear lights remain, look closely and you’ll notice new bodywork to help improve air flow, as well as side air vents next to the quad exit exhaust pipes. Also, the belt line that separates the lower black section from the body panel has been heightened to give the car a wider and more aggressive look from the rear. These exterior changes don’t just result in a sportierlooking

car; they create an aerodynamically efficient vehicle, with less drag but retaining the same amount of downforce as the current GT-R to keep the car stable at high speeds.

car’s front-seat occupants, while the line from the instrument cluster to the centre console provides a distinct driver-oriented environment for those behind the steering wheel.

Step into the cabin, and you’re greeted by a premium interior that is befitting a high-performance sports car of this caliber. The entire dashboard and instrument panel are new and covered with high-quality leather artfully stitched together with TAKUMI precision. The shape of the dashboard adopts a “horizontal flow” that delivers a sense of increased stability for the

The centre dashboard layout has also been improved and simplified. Integrated navigation and audio controls reduce the number of switches from 27 in the previous model to only 11 in the MY17 model. An enlarged 8-inch touchscreen monitor features large icons on the display screen to make it easy

to operate. A new display command control on the carbonfibre centre console allows easy operation. The paddle shifts are now mounted to the new steering wheel, allowing drivers to change gears in mid-turn without having to take their hands off the wheel. The paddles themselves, along with the ventilation controls, have improved feel and better sound when engaged or adjusted.

Mazda Debuts New MX-5 With Retractable Hardtop Mazda revealed the Mazda MX-5 RF (“retractable fastback”) on the eve of the New York International Auto Show. The latest version of the legendary sports car offers a new dimension of open-top driving fun while at the same time staying true to the purpose of Mazda’s previous retractable hardtop MX-5: Making the roadster experience accessible to a broader range of drivers. In doing so, Mazda has broken with conventional thinking to create something entirely new. Featuring fastback styling with a smooth roofline that slopes down to the rear, the MX-5 RF’s unique rear roof and retractable back window deliver a distinctive new convertible feeling. The power roof opens and closes with the press of a button while moving at speeds of up to 10km/h. The roof itself stows away compactly and efficiently: Despite the sleek design, the MX-5 RF offers the same boot space as the soft-top model. Also like the soft-top, the new version will be

available in Europe with a choice of two revvy petrol engines – the SKYACTIV-G 1.5 and SKYACTIV-G 2.0 – mated either to a delightfully crisp shifting six-speed SKYACTIVMT gearbox or – exclusively for the MX-5 RF – a six-speed automatic. Another highlight of the MX-5 RF is the selection of body colours. They include Machine Grey, a new premium colour specially designed to accentuate the subtle yet dynamic surfaces of Mazda’s KODO – Soul of Motion exteriors. Developed in the belief that colour is one of the elements of form, Machine Grey expresses the beauty of a machine’s strength and precision. By intensifying the contrast between light and shadow with a sleek, high-density finish,

it gives the impression that the vehicle’s body was sculpted from a solid block of steel. Paint application is crucial here. Mazda progressed its Takuminuri painting technology originally created for Soul Red, Mazda’s first premium colour, to achieve a precise, high-quality finish that looks as if it were hand-painted by

a master craftsman. The system uses a three-coat paint structure consisting of colour, reflective and clear coats. The reflective layer, which contains extremely thin, high-brightness aluminium flakes, shrinks during the drying process to about one-quarter the thickness of most reflective layers. This causes the flakes to lie flat with regular spacing between each

flake for a high-density finish that gives the entire surface a sheen when illuminated and a genuine metallic look. Jet black pigment, meanwhile, is used in both the reflective and colour layers. It is visible through the spaces between the aluminium flakes, giving them a black hue and thus heightening the contrast.

Issue 19

ASIAN SUNDAY

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ASIAN SUNDAY

Issue 19

JOBS

Reporters/Journalists wanted

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Hours of Work: Flexible Salary: £40k OTE (basic, plus car and expenses) Are you a self starter, ambitious, self motivator, have the hunger to achieve and increase earning potential? Then

our Managers at Asian Sunday want to hear from you

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Asian Sunday is expanding nationally and therefore is looking for journalists or reporters. We have a cracking news patch here and we want enthusiastic reporters who will get out and about bringing in exclusive stories and getting into the heart of our communities. You will have all your preliminary qualifications, including 100 wpm shorthand. The ideal candidates will have knowledge of Asian Communities living in the UK along with business and lifestyle. We are an equal opportunities employer and therefore accept

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Non-Executive Member wanted

– Inspirational Women Foundation

Inspirational Women Foundation is a not for profit organisation established to support, empower and inspire women of any age, any back-ground, whether in the home, at work, in the community or in business.

join the organisation and help make decisions which lead to equality for women locally, nationally and internationally.

Inspirational Women Foundation is looking for like minded individuals who have a passion for community and want to assist in building networks to help support and inspire women locally, nationally and internationally.

4 year appointment, approximately 12 days per year.

Inspirational Women Foundation is currently funded by the proceeds of the Bradford’s Inspirational Women Awards, (now in its fifth successful year) and various funding activities across the country. The foundation is now looking for Non-Executive Board members to

Non-Executive Member

Pay: Voluntary first year. Thereafter £150 per day plus expenses Number of positions: 6 The appointed candidate(s) will be expected to contribute to the strategic development and direction of the IWF, oversee the development and review of key performance targets, ensure the foundation complies with its statutory requirements and ensure that a high standard of corporate governance

Hiring?

are observed at all times. Candidates who are able to offer advice to senior management on a range of general management issues, such as HR matters and management best practice would be advantageous. We are looking for candidates with a background in business, HR, finance, law, training above all with the ability to perform at Board level. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate: integrity and a commitment to transparency of decision-making; effective communication, influencing and inter-personal skills; high level of analytical ability; and the capacity and temperament to work in an open, inclusive and collaborative environment. Previous experience as a Non-

Executive Director is not essential but an aptitude for strategic thinking, the ability to work as part of a team and a commitment to IWF’s objectives are. Applications are welcome from individuals of any background, gender and disabled people who are able to make a real contribution to this organisation. Members are expected to attend quarterly board meetings and to participate in additional meetings, conference calls and sit on ad hoc committees from time to time. Most meetings take place in the evening. Interested candidates should submit a CV to founder@ inspirationalwomenawards.org.uk with a covering letter explaining why you believe you are suitable for the role.

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ASIAN SUNDAY 37

Issue 19

MATRIMONIALs

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Issue 19

ASIAN SUNDAY

Sports

Young Brit Becomes Muay Thai World Champion by Ayyaz Malik Nine year old Muhammad Abu Bakr has achieved the impossible and become the WTKA Junior World Champion in Muay Thai. Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and consists of punches, kicks, knees and elbows. The nine-year-old, who trains at Eight Limbs Muay Thai Martial Arts Academy in Coventry, has been training from the age of five and in that time has won 12 championships belts and become the UK No1 at his age and weight. On Sunday 6th March, Abu Bakr went up against Ilaan Jardini from the famous Mahmoudi Gym based in Paris, France. Previously Abu Bakr had beaten llan’s stable mate for the ISKA European Championship so he expected a tough contest, and

Nine year old Muhammad Abu Bakr, WTKA Junior World Champion

boy did he get one! Ilaan came out very aggressive and closed the distance quickly, forcing Abu Bakr on the back foot, Abu Bakr was quick to react and used his footwork well to get off the ropes and threw cleaner techniques to score high in the judges eyes and winning a unanimous points decision, crowing him as the first Muay Thai world champion from Coventry. Instructor Raf Hussain said “I am extremely proud of what he has achieved and what we have achieved as a club, we have been running for six years and to produce a World Champion is just amazing” Abu Bakr, who attends Holbrooks Primary School in Coventry, will also be competing in the WTKA Sandee Intercontinental Championships in April which will be held in Sheffield.

Hart Act to Follow England has been rocked by the news that Manchester City number one and their number one Joe Hart will be out of action for up to four weeks. Hart came off injured in the Manchester derby and it was initially feared that former Shrewsbury goalkeeper could be out of action for longer. The news that Hart will be back in action in four weeks gives the

28-year old a chance of being available for his club’s quarterfinal tie against French side Paris Saint-Germain, which in itself will no doubt be a big boost for the Citizens.

As for now though, however, Hart’s injury will see him miss the upcoming friendly games for England against Holland and Germany. Joe Hart injured his calf after stretching to clear a poor back pass from defender Martin

Demichelis, in last Sunday’s derby defeat against fierce rivals Manchester United. Burnley’s Tom Heaton has been called up as a replacement.

City number two Willy Caballero will deputise for City’s next game away at Bournemouth on 2nd April, but come Man City’s next game against PSG on 6th April, it is expected that Manchester City’s regular number one will be fighting fit once more.

Derby game knocks injured Joe Hart out of action

Image Credit: Soccer.ru

by Ayyaz Malik

ASIAN SUNDAY 3 9

Issue 19

Sports

Kick Starting Girls Involvement in Martial Arts by Ayyaz Malik Asian Sports Foundation Ambassador and WKMF world silver medallist Harleen Kaur is hoping her experiences in martial arts can be an inspiration for other girls to get into the sport. The Appleton Academy student took up the sport almost eight years ago after accompanying a friend who had been gifted lessons for her birthday. Despite seeing her friend dropping out, Harleen continued to attend the classes and soon built up a passion for martial arts which is as strong today as it was from the start. Harleen, who trains at Legend’s Gym in Queensbury, is determined more than ever to get more girls into the sport. Aged just 17, Harleen is the WMKF World Champion Silver Medallist and

a very competent martial arts competitor. After nearly 10 years of hard work, Harleen is now second Dan black belt in her field; she currently trains in a combined programme of karate, kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu. Karate is not her only forte as she has competed in various tournaments, for example, Taekwondo Opens where she has come away with national titles. Kaur is one of a few in her niche field who is not only a world competitor in martial arts, but also a kickboxing and All Styles Champion. A student as well as being a competent athlete, Kaur is hoping to continue into further education by studying Sports Science.

belt, adding to her already bulging collection of belts and trophies.

At just 16 years old, Kaur was the youngest member at Jason Murray’s Martial Arts to achieve the accreditation of second Dan black

“I have built my confidence through the years and have the courage and ability to tackle almost any type of challenge in my life.”

“Karate has made me a mentally stronger person, as well as physically, as I have learnt a lot through this journey which is still ongoing,” she said. “However, the participation of girls is not enough. There are only two or three of us at the moment in my club and it is something I really think more girls should get involved with “It’s definitely not a ‘boy’s sport’ and teaches you so much. “Self-defence and discipline have been two of the most significant things I have learnt which can be applied to almost any situation.

WKMF World Silver Medallist Harleen Kaur is passionate about getting girls into sport

Al-Shabab Gains British Talent by Ayyaz Malik

Twenty-three- year-old left-winger Jai Verma, has agreed a two and half year deal with top-flight Emirates League club Al- Shabab, becoming the first UK player to do so. Semi-professional Verma who played for Forest Cavaliers FC was contacted by one of Dubai’s biggest clubs. Having enjoyed a lot of success in England’s Non-League , a professional contract from a ‘bigger side’ seemed like just a

matter of time, especially since last year the English striker boasted of a superb goal per game ratio. The Forest Cavaliers winger wouldn’t have been expecting a contract from Al-Shabab, however.

Birmingham-born Verma joins other Asian players such as Kaleemullah Khan, Mohammed Adil and Etzaaz Hussain as Asian stars who have been snapped up by clubs abroad. It’s fair to say that Jai Verma has achieved what others merely dream of achieving. This transfer to the Middle East will hopefully not only

be good exposure for his career, but this could also be a lucrative move for the 23- year old. In the longer, this opportunity in the Middle East could possibly see the chance of Jai competing against or maybe benefiting and learning from players like Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, who is signed to Qatari club Al-Sadd. A delighted Verma in reaction to his dream move tweeted: “I am delighted to have signed a professional contract with AlShabab. The hard work continues.’’

Jai Verma, 23, is the first British player signed by Al-Shabab

40 ASIAN SUNDAY

Issue 18

Sports

Jun-Derful! by Ayyaz Malik

It’s been a sport that has had to ‘sit on the sidelines’ and watch other sports take the limelight, but MMA is now well and truly and establishing itself as a sport in its own right. High profile fights from Ronda Rousey and Connor McGregor have really put Mixed Martial Arts on the map. With those high profile fights, this has seen the interest of MMA soar, in particular within the Asian community. In yesteryear, it seemed more common that aspiring Asian athletes were aspiring to be footballers, cricketers or boxers, but that’s not necessarily the case these days. In fact in recent times, the rise of MMA has seen fighters like Manchester’s Faz Ali make his competitive debut, and Huddersfield’s Junaid Cheema make his professional debut. Cheema, who has had to endure the frustration of seeing a couple of fights postponed, eventually was able to

arrange a fight with Ashley Gibson at The Bradford Hotel in Bradford and win emphatically. Here at Asian Sunday, the sports desk will also be keeping you up to date with other MMA fighters and their progress. Asian fighters Shoaib Yousaf and Saqib Khan, who train at the Muscle factory in Burnley will be fighting Beau Gavin and Lukas Skinsky respectively.

Both fighters will have their work cut out here. In Yousaf’s case, he will be up against an amateur fighter who boasts of the record of nine victories and just a single defeat. The other fighter on the card that night Saqib khan faces a fighter who has a 1-0 record. As tough as the assignments will be for both fighters, the fact that they work with inspirational trainer Tariq khan should help both fighters to be successful. These fights will be taking place this evening on Sunday 27th March at Holiday Inn in Bolton. Keep up to date with Asian Sunday, the place for sports news.

Mixed Martial Arts is gaining popularity in the UK

A Woman’s Touch With all the hype surrounding the men’s world cup cricket tournament, one might be forgiven for not knowing that there is a women’s tournament also taking place at the same time. In the men’s tournament, we are currently witnessing one of the best world cups in modern memory. The men’s game has been full of high-scoring games and low scoring games, but that’s not to say that the women’s tournament hasn’t been just as entertaining! Unfortunately almost always seen as an afterthought after the men tournament, the women’s world cup tournament has seen nearly as much drama as the men’s tournament. Just like in the men’s games, teams like Pakistan and India, Australia and New Zealand have had a chance to carry on their rivalries from the men’s side. Just like in the men’s side of the

tournament, New Zealand were able to get one over their arch-rivals. As for the other rivalry, Pakistan were able to do something their men’s side hasn’t been able to do, and beat neighbours India in a world cup game. The principal remains the same whether it be the men’s game or the women’s game, in T20 cricket any team can win. If form is anything to go by though, West Indies look to be the team to beat, but England’s defeat of the Caribbean side means that they shouldn’t be overlooked either. In the men’s tournament, many have India billed as favourites for the tournament, but sadly on the women’s side of the tournament they look to be on the verge of getting knocked out of the tournament after several costly defeats. For years, the women’s game has had to play the ‘supporting cast’ role in terms of people following the games, but with the quality of games

England Women’s Cricket Team 2016

that have been on show and strong sides such as New Zealand, South

Africa, and Australia, the women’s world cup deserves to be seen as

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Image credit: England and Wales Cricket Board 2016

by Ayyaz Malik

much more than just the ‘supporting cast’ role.