10 Why is the World Turning a Blind Eye To The Violence Against The Rohingya in Burma?
ASAD KHAN:
A TRAGIC REALITY By FATIMA PATEL
A year ago, this month a mother lovingly prepared her 11-year-old child ready for his first day at secondary school. Sadly, the caring mother will never see her child, Asad Khan again. Little Asad’s case touched thousands of people not just in his home town Bradford, but across the globe.
22
EXCLUSIVE: Bollywood star Farhan Akhtar speaks about his latest Lucknow Central
The bright young boy was found by his mother hanging in his bedroom at their family home in Tile Street, Bradford on Wednesday, September 28, 2016. Mum, Farina Jan forced her way through Asad’s locked bedroom door and tried to resuscitate the unconscious child, but he was later pronounced dead in hospital. The 11-year-old had attended Beckfoot Upper Heaton school in Bradford for just three weeks before he died last year. Whilst the youngster’s death was not believed to be suspicious there were many allegations of bullying and videos of assault circulating on social media.
28 FLASHBACK: What was life like 50 years ago this month?
BRADFORD
bai u D 2 to r more r o f p fo A tri inside ils See deta
SEPT 2017
W
FREE
Britain’s FIRST FREE Sunday Newspaper
!
IN W ! IN
West Yorkshire Police, opened an investigation, to look into these allegations. Detective Inspector Alan Flynn, of Bradford District CID who led the investigation told media in October 2016 they were receiving reports that there may have been a bullying issue, which he said he couldn’t corroborate.
Continued on pages 6 & 7
AWARD WINNING CATERER. BOOK NOW 01274 488874
www.azizcatering.co.uk . Follow us on Facebook
2
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY
NEWS Youngsters hold charity football tournament to help raise funds for orphans Britain’s FIRST FREE Sunday Newspaper
Contact Us Asian Sunday Newspaper 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE Enquiries: T.01274 735 657 info@asiansunday.co.uk
As part of ongoing efforts to raise funds for the KORT orphanage in Mirpur, Pakistan youngsters in Keighley got together over a friendly game of football. The charity football tournament was played at Marley Sports complex in Keighley. The event was organised
by Faizan Ghani and Muhammed Ibrahim. £700 was raised by the youngsters who were commended by Bradford Lord Mayor Abid Hussain and Keighley MP John Grogan. Nadeem Malik, who is an active volunteer for KORT charity said, the youngsters have done
very well, raising much needed funds for the orphanage which has a capacity of around 1500 orphans "I visited the orphanage in March last year and I was gobsmakced at how much need there is for these children. "I was also pleased to see that the money that gets
raised her is put to good use at the KORT complex. "The standard of education the children receive there is on the same levels as you would get here and your money helps these orphaned children have access to Free education" A previous fundraiser for the same charity raised in excess of £50,000
Advertising and Sales Sales@asiansunday.co.uk
News newsdesk@asiansunday.co.uk
Editor Editor@asiansunday.co.uk
Managing Director Fatima Patel
Publisher
RF Publishing Ltd
Design & Artwork Karthik Ramamurthy
Reporters Mo Bhana Itrat Bashir
Raheema Khan
Columnists Shabab Gulfraz Dr Faraz Bhatti
Photography Riaz Ahmed
Accounts Barry Smith
Distribution Ibram Shah
Join us on /AsianSundayNewspaper @AsianSundayNews
Bradford Odeon gets a new lease of life as NEC Group sign 30 year lease to run as a live music venue NEC Group International have managed to secure a 30 year lease to run Bradford Odeon as a live music venue. The company behind the Birmingham NEC has been announced as the operator of the new venue and are expecting to open in 2020. They will partner with Bradford Live, the group that has campaigned to secure the Odeon's future, investing £2 million towards the renovation work needed to get the building ready for its new use. Alongside converting the main auditorium to a performance space, the 1930s art deco ballroom is to be fully restored and put to use as a venue for weddings, banquets, conferences and corporate events. It's hoped the venue will attract big name bands to Bradford, and today's plans have been welcomed by Leeds arena-fillers Kaiser Chiefs along with Bollywood shows.
ASIAN SUNDAY 3
September 2017
NEWS It’s lights, camera, China for Bradford City of Film
Bradford City of Film is making waves internationally as its set to launch a film office in Qingdao, China as part of a developing relationship between UK and China film industries. The office will launch as part of the Qingdao Film Trade and Domestic Film Promotion Festival which takes place between 18 and 22 September 2017 and showcase Qingdao as a fastgrowing city of film.
talks about Chinese and international films. Headline topics for debate will include “how to develop Chinese film with craftsmanship”, “how to set up a new industrial standard for Chinese film”, and “how to achieve film industrialisation”.
attend the conference to communicate with high-ranking members of the Chinese film industry and give an opening speech for the Qingdao Film Museum. “The establishment of a Bradford Film
Office in Qingdao will enable the UK to have a portal to promote UK co production opportunities, and wider business opportunities particularly in Leeds City Region and the North of England.”
In a reciprocal arrangement Qingdao will also open a UK China Film Bureau in Bradford in the coming months. As a result of the growing relationship between the two cities Qingdao University of Science and Technology The high-profile event attracts 500 and the University of Bradford are delegates, including government developing a number of collaborations officials from State Administration of in the areas of science and technology Radio, Film and Television, Shandong as well as film and TV production. Provincial Government, Qingdao Municipal Government. David Wilson, Director of Bradford International industry experts will UNESCO City of Film said: also attend including heads from 48 cinema chains, major domestic “We’ve been working with Qingdao for distribution companies, film some time now and I was very production companies, as well film fortunate to have visited the city stars, directors, screenwriters and earlier this year and see first hand the production teams. scale of ambition for film. I am delighted to have been invited to The festival will feature a series of
Bradford Odeon gets a new lease of life as NEC Group sign 30 year lease to run as a live music venue
4
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY
NEWS
New blood pressure machine saves valuable time thanks to Friends
The Friends of Airedale charity which supports Airedale Hospital has provided a new state of the art blood pressure machine costing over ÂŁ1500, which will save the staff valuable time when checking patients in the pre-operative assessment unit. Checking blood pressure is one of the many vital checks that staff do during the assessment to ensure they are as fit as possible for surgery before being admitted onto the ward on their operation day. Patients will also have their pulse, height and weight checked and a nose swab taken. There will also be a health
assessment questionnaire and medication prior to surgery a check of a patient's Corrine Malloy, Healthcare Support Worker at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust says: "We use this machine all the time, constantly, every day. We don't stop because we do everyone's blood pressure that comes through pre-operative assessment. This machine is brilliant because it's so much quicker, just changing the pads on the older machine can take so much time up because of the system to change the cuffs for different people or children. On the new machine it is very easy to change. I can do over 30
blood pressure checks a day and may need to do multiple checks for each patient so it will save valuable time." Eileen Proud, President of Friends of Airedale, said: "Any piece of equipment bought by the Friends of Airedale for the comfort of patients makes our hard work a pleasure. We have 350 volunteers who work tirelessly to raise money for the extras the NHS can't always supply". In 2015-16 the Friends charity donated almost ÂŁ300,000 to patient care and comfort at the hospital.
WINNER - THE FOOD AWARDS ENGLAND WINNER - BEST RESTAURANT IN YORKSHIRE WINNER - CURRY KING OF ENGLAND WINNER - ENGLISH CURRY AWARDS 2015 &
2016 2016 2016 2016
Want to know what award winning food tastes like?
BURNLEY 45 Church St Burnley BB11 2D W T.01282 426786
SHIPLEY/BRADFORD KEIGHLEY “My two nephews, their heads 14 South Stwas six years old69 Otley Rd were off. One and the other was nine years Shipley Keighley old. My sister-in-law was shot BD18 2BJ BD21 1LJ with a gun.
T. 01535 602040
T. 01274 599800
NB. We have no other branches in Bradford
www.shimlaspice.co.uk
6
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY
COVER STORY
ASAD KHAN: A Tragic Reality
by FATIMA PATEL Contd from cover..... He said at the time: "If we receive information that he was being bullied, we will look into that. "Bullying is not a criminal offence. But if there is criminal behaviour like assault, we will look at it." It is indeed true bullying is not a criminal offence, however proequality and anti-bullying charity Ditch the Label say that 1 in 2 have experienced bullying, with 1 in 10 saying that they have been bullied in the past week. With alarming statistics and a number of claims about bullying relating to Asad’s death, it was a natural reaction for Asad’s parents to want a thorough investigation into what led to their eldest son’s demise. Have they had that? They don’t think so. Asad Khan’s inquest opened at the Coroners Court in Bradford on Monday 3, October 2016, and ever since it seems Asad’s family have faced a catalogue of concerns,
which has ultimately resulted in the family walking out of the most recent pre-inquest hearing held on 16 August 2017. The walk out was due to a direct conflict with the coroner Mr Martin Fleming, who had refused to consider the statement of a ‘vital’ witness citing speculation as the reason, whereas the family solicitor Ruth Bundey gave six points challenging the coroner’s view. The family strongly believed that all six points raised were importantly interlinked and deserved further investigation and provide evidence which should be included at the inquest into Asad’s death, whether visually, by video interview, or in person, subject to special measures. Mr Fleming however, responded that all these six points whether combined or taken individually were only speculative and would not form part of any further inquiry or indeed part of the inquest proceedings at all. Asad’s family felt there was no point in continuing any involvement whatsoever with the Inquest, and that what was likely to ensue .
The coroner needs to listen and address the evidence we have presented before him. He (the coroner) keeps saying this is a limited inquiry, and dismissing ‘vital’ evidence as speculative. So, what does he want me to do? Get my son out of his grave and ask him directly? Asif Khan - Asad's father
would be an insult to Asad’s name. The family have told Asian Sunday, they feel the coroner Martin Fleming has been unfair, in his investigation and feel ‘insulted’ by the coroner’s refusal to hear crucial witness statements. They feel they have lost faith in the justice system and are concerned that they will ever get justice for their son Asad Khan. Anyone hearing this story, will agree that there is no doubt that the family have indeed faced a heartrending and torturous year and with Asad’s death anniversary just around the corner you can’t help but feel the family’s pain. Particularly, as the family are facing conflict with the investigation into their son’s death and they strongly believe that there has not been a thorough investigation and a fair hearing into their son’s untimely and tragic death. Asad’s family have spoken to Asian Sunday at length about the challenges and difficulties they have faced during the investigation. It’s been a tough and daunting journey but they share that they
September 2017
have managed to some how get through it, thanks to the outpouring of grief and support from the community both locally and nationally which has been in its thousands. Asad Khan’s funeral saw hundreds of people turn up and his parents were inundated with mourners visiting them for months from all corners of the country. Fundraising campaigns raising thousands for charity in memory of Asad were being completed and the grieving for the handsome youngster continued to grow across the world. Whilst the local MP, Naz Shah has shared the family’s grief, she also expressed to media at the time of the tragedy that we shouldn’t assume the cause to be bullying and allow the police to continue with their investigations which she told
ASIAN SUNDAY 7
reporters she believed to be "very thorough". The family however, disagree with this and have told Asian Sunday about their horrific ordeal in simply trying to get a fair and transparent inquiry into their son’s death. Following two pre-inquest hearing’s Mr Khan felt unhappy with how the police were investigating his son’s death. He was unhappy that any information he gave the police was ‘misconstrued’ or being ignored. He and his wife expressed their concerns very quickly to the coroner’s office, by writing to the coroner’s officer on 8 February 2017 telling the office, they were not happy with the investigation.
The emailed letter describes how the family were extremely upset upon being told by DC Holdsworth that he had already ‘spent 500 hours on this case, more than he has done on any other child’s case’ and how DC Holdsworth ‘talks down’ to them.
COVER STORY
Asif Khan, Asad’s father speaks limited English and often has to speak via a translator. Mr Khan, feels that the police take advantage of this fact and he feels they therefore, talk down to him as a result of his poor English.
The family told Asian Sunday that since this issue had been raised, they feel relations have continued to decline with the police and they The email which has been seen by now strongly feel that if their Asian Sunday, describes how views and key witnesses are not unhappy the family were with the going to be heard then they may approach of liaison officer, PC Jaz as well not participate as they Gill and the investigating officer DC don’t feel the investigation to be Holdsworth towards the fair. investigation. Mr Khan explains in detail about a seies of incidents that have occurred over the past year which has led him to feel this way. One of his main gripes is the issue of the school and bus CCTV footage. The family have had several debates with the coroner and the police over the school CCTV footage. At the pre-inquest hearing in February this year, Mr Fleming had agreed for the police to allow the family to view school CCTV footage of Asad’s last day at school and the CCTV footage of the bus journey to school. The CCTV footage for the bus journey home, was not available. Upon receiving the initial CCTV copies, Mr Khan said: “Asad was not in any of those CCTV recordings they gave me. How can that be possible?” It was later learnt at the preinquest hearing in June this year, that DC Holdsworth admitted and apologised for the fact that the family were sent the wrong CCTV downloads and it was an error on the police’ part and that correct copies would be issued. This aside the family were already in a conflict with the coroner as to why they couldn’t also see CCTV footage from the days before Asad’s death to track his movements. Moreover, because witnesses claimed to have seen Asad go to the school’s student manager, Ms Berry with a complaint about being bullied it was important they explored CCTV footage to see if this did in fact happen. Especially as the preinquests have already heard that this incident was also described by PC Gill in a conversation with the family, that CCTV footage has been seen where Asad is seen speaking to Ms Berry at Beckfoot
School, though without sound, therefore it cannot be evidenced that Asad was speaking to Ms Berry about bullying.
Ms Berry, Beckfoot school’s student manager had told DC Holdsworth on 30 January 2017 a game called ‘choking game’ was ‘all over the school’ at the time of Asad’s death.
PC Gill has denied this conversation in a statement, but the family have a recording of her conversation with them which Asian Sunday has heard. The family solicitor Ruth Bundey further notes that DC Holdsworth also claimed on oath at a preinquest on 27 February that there was no such footage. It becomes clearer from a pre-inquest hearing on 3 July 2017, that DC Holdsworth had never examined or been asked to examine any footage at the
The family were hugely shocked at the revelation and even more because it took six months for DC Holdsworth to reveal this information. The family asked for the inquest to be adjourned in light of the new evidence, which the coroner refused initially, stating that the adjournment was being sought on speculative grounds, but was later adjourned following a judicial review request by family solicitor.
Asad was not in any of those CCTV recordings they gave me. How can that be possible? Asif Khan In light of the new evidence of the ‘choking game’ coroner Mr Fleming wanted to explore if Asad had known Therefore, is it right for Mr Khan to about the ‘choking game’ a game where two or more participants play, ask for footage prior to 28 September be viewed to see if this one participant intentionally tries to choke the other with the goal of footage exists? inducing temporary loss of Mr Khan feels further agitated on consciousness. The other participant the issue of a summons he and his can either go all the way till he passes out, or till he feels he can’t take wife received from the coroner anymore and taps his opponent for investigating their son’s death. release. In order to understand if Just as soon as the family had got Asad Khan did know of the game Mr Fleming asked to examine the family over their first Eid without their eldest child, a notice to produce for mobiles and laptops to explore this. examination (summons) was Despite the family never denying issued upon them. access to the devices rather more a The summons came about, after a concern over how the downloads of dramatic claim by DC Holdsworth, their personal data would take place and how long they would be without made on the morning of the preinquest hearing of 5 June 2017, that their mobile phones, which school apart from that of the very day of 28, September 2016.
8
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY
COVER STORY were the only means of contact between the family, as they did not have a landline, the family were issued with a summons to produce.
No explanation or apology has ever been given for the waste of time and failure to investigate crucial issues over the six-month period by the police and instead Mr Khan told Asian Sunday he has been made to feel like a criminal during his own son’s inquest. Mr Khan recalls an incident where he had to go to Trafalgar Square Police station to drop off his mobile phone to be sent off for data download and was made to wait over an hour, before someone came to collect the mobile phone. No special arrangements were made for him, and he was left to wait where another individual was also waiting for the same, but the difference here was whilst the other person was under investigation himself, Mr Khan wasn’t – he was a grieving father. Mr Khan told Asian Sunday that all he has ever wanted is to have a fair investigation, hoping to get answers as to why his son died. Mr Khan feels the investigation by the police has been unfair, flawed and deeply distressing for him and his
wife.
He feels the Coroner has also been unfair in terms of not allowing crucial witnesses to the case to be heard and for CCTV footage to not be viewed. He told Asian Sunday via translation: “The coroner can waste a huge amount of the tax payer’s money to examine mine and my wife’s devices, but when it comes to viewing CCTV footage he thinks it’s going to waste valuable police time. “The coroner needs to listen and address the evidence we have presented before him. He (the coroner) keeps saying this is a limited inquiry, and dismissing ‘vital’ evidence as speculative. So, what does he want me to do? Get my son out of his grave and ask him directly?” Said the destitute father. Mr Khan and his wife are also increasingly concerned that despite the outcome of their son’s death, no lessons seem, to have been learnt in relation to findings during the course of this case. As soon as the family were made aware of the ‘choking game’ they felt obliged to safeguard others and via their solicitor Mrs Bundey
wrote to Bradford Council Safeguarding and Children’s services to ask them to investigate if any other children knew of this game and to safeguard them from playing it. The response which has
been seen by the family, states that for the council to take any action they would need to refer the matter to Mr Fleming, who is investigating this case. The family’s response to this has been of grave concern, they
worry, that whilst safe-guarding decisions are not being made, let’s just hope no other child loses their life and parents like them are not left with this emptiness for the rest of their lives.
10
ASIAN SUNDAY
September 2017
FEATURE
Why is the world turning a blind eye to the violence against the Rohingya in Burma?
According to eye witness accounts, Burma's military and paramilitary forces are committing "genocide" or a "pogrom" against the Muslim minority in the country’s western Rakhine state.
Bangladesh financially if it accommodated more refugees, but the south Asian country, which is already home to 400,000 displaced Rohingya, has been reluctant to allow more in.
Around 60,000 refugees are believed to have fled over the country’s western border into Bangladesh in a just a week following a clampdown on the minority Rohingya population.
On recently, however, Mr Johnson, followed Erdogan’s lead and appealed to Aung San Suu Kyi, the former dissident who won the Nobel Peace Prize and is now the country's State Counsellor, to intervene.
Francis Wade, the author of a book about violence against the Rohingya, wrote on Twitter: “What's happening in Myanmar can be dressed up as counterinsurgency campaign, but in design and purpose, it's a pogrom and has popular support.” There are around a million Muslim Rohingya people in Burma but they have faced years of mistreatment at the hands of the government, which does not recognise them at citizens. They also face widespread discrimination from Buddhist majority population and are often referred to as Bengalis, alluding to a common myth that they are illegal immigrants. The British Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, called for the violence to end, saying the treatment of the Rohingya was “besmirching the reputation of Burma”, also known as Myanmar, and appealing to Aung San Suu Kyi to act. Turkey's President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has however been more damning. He said there was a “genocide” occurring in Rakhine. He has accused Burma's forces of genocide and saying those who turned a blind eye to events were complicit. “Those who close their eyes to this genocide perpetuated under the cover of democracy are its collaborators,” Mr Erdogan said. Turkey has offered to assist
“Aung Sang Suu Kyi is rightly regarded as one of the most inspiring figures of our age but the treatment of the Rohingya is alas besmirching the reputation of Burma. She faces huge challenges in modernising her country,” he said. “I hope she can now use all her remarkable qualities to unite her country, to stop the violence and to end the prejudice that afflicts both Muslims and other communities in Rakhine. “It is vital that she receives the support of the Burmese military, and that her attempts at peacemaking are not frustrated. She and all in Burma will have our full support in this.” Observers say the number of displaced people is likely to increase. The Burmese military said 400 militants had been killed in clashes with their forces. Civilians who escaped gave horrific accounts of violence and destruction by Burmese soldiers and other armed groups. A man named as Abdul Rahman, 41, said he had survived a fivehour attack on Chut Pyin village. He told Fortifiy Rights, a charity working in the area, that a group of Rohingya men had been rounded up and detained in a bamboo hut, which was then set on fire. “My brother was killed, [Burmese soldiers] burned him with the
group,” he said.
My brother was killed, [Burmese soldiers] burned him with the group. “We found [my other family members] in the fields. They had marks on their bodies from bullets and some had cuts. “My two nephews, their heads were off. One was six years old and the other was nine years old. My sister-in-law was shot with a gun.
Abdul Rahman, 41,Burma.
“We found [my other family members] in the fields. They had marks on their bodies from bullets and some had cuts. “My two nephews, their heads were off. One was six years old and the other was nine years old. My sisterin-law was shot with a gun.” Another man from the same village, named as Sultan Ahmed, 27, told the charity: “Some people were beheaded, and many were cut. We were in the house hiding when [armed residents from a neighbouring village] were beheading people. “When we saw that, we just ran out the back of the house.” “When we saw that, we just ran out the back of the house.” Survivors from other villages in the region also described seeing people being beheaded or having their throats cut. “We can’t stress enough the urgency
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY 11
FEATURE urgency of the situation,” said Matthew Smith, head of Fortify Rights. “The Myanmar authorities are failing to protect civilians and save lives. International pressure is critically needed.” Satellite imagery released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) showed 700 buildings burned down in another Rohingya village, Chein Khar Li. “This new satellite imagery shows the total destruction of a Muslim village, and prompts serious concerns that the level of devastation in northern Rakhine State may be far worse than originally thought,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for HRW. “Yet this is only one of 17 sites that we’ve located where burnings have taken place. Independent
Farhan as Kishen in Lucknow Central
monitors are needed on the ground to urgently uncover what’s going on.” The Burmese government has denied access to the affected areas to journalists and observers. However, a petition to take Aung San Suu Kyi to the international court of justice is gaining prominence, with over 400,000 people signing the petition thus far.
12
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY
INTERVIEW
In conversation with
Maher Zain Humanitarian aid charity Penny Appeal and Maher Zain have teamed up to organise the musician’s biggest ever UK tour this October. Actor and comedian Abdullah Afzal was in conversation with him, in the prelude to his latest tour.
and try to maintain my health as much as possible.
We managed to catch exclusive snippets of their ghap shap. Here's what they had to say.
What kind of sports are you into then?
What’s been your favourite performance in the UK? I’m not just saying this because I’m in the UK and my upcoming tour is in the UK, but the tours that I’ve had here have probably been the best out of all the ones I’ve done. It was so much fun. It’s hard to pick one, because I’ve always enjoyed performing for the UK public. I’m really looking forward to the next tour. Everyone knows that Maher Zain loves to sing, but what do you do in your own time? I travel a lot, so I like to spend time with my family as much as I can. I like fishing and sports – I work out a lot
Are you a football fan? Not really, I wish! I try, my friends like to sit down and watch it, but I just don’t get it.
You won’t believe it but I love MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), I’m a big fan. I practice it a little bit, I think it’s a fun workout. You seem to have tapped into a market where your music is universal, enjoyed by people young and old across the world. How have you managed to do that? Music is an international language. It speaks to you even when you don’t understand the lyrics. People can relate to a slow song, a ballad, an emotional song, a happy song, because it’s an emotional experience. So when you write music it’s about that inspiration. You ask yourself, what mood are you in right now? Even if people don’t understand the words, they can understand the feelings behind a
song.
Everything you do in these young years is so important.
What advice would you give Insha’Allah we shall get some for people who want to get into youngsters, especially girls, inspired Nasheed? and take care of their education. Music is a hard business, you need people who support you. You shouldn’t go into it unless you’re very committed. There’s a hadith that says that Allah loves it when someone does the best that they can do at something, and he will perfect it. So identify your talent and just work hard, because nothing will come without working hard. Did you always want to be a singer when you were younger? I didn’t even know I could sing until I started in 2009. I still don’t find it natural for me to sing, I think I can do more. I’m taking lessons you know! So the tour is raising money to give disadvantaged girls an education. Why is this cause so close to your heart? MZ: Education is very important, especially if you’re young because those years are so critical, they will form your future and your personality.
The debut tour of Maher Zain’s latest album ‘One’ takes place in October this year, spanning 10 locations in the UK. Tickets are available now from Penny Appeal’s website.
rnaher za1n on,=. uk l'cfQ17 ," � ·,,
1n
aid -of
,
1s g1reducation
Early Bird discounts until 10th Sept*
book online at pennyappeal.org or call 03000 11 11 11
R�istered Charif½ No:
14
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY
HEALTH
Unravelling the health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar How many of us search through magazines and the wonderful
world web to find that one product that will solve all our hair and beauty problems, our aches and pains and treat those recurring ailments?
It has properties which balance your scalp and hair pH level. It's particularly good for those who suffer from dandruff or itchy and dry scalp conditions, due to it's anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
Well, you might find it hard to believe but the good old Apple Cider Vinegar has been rising in popularity for many of the above reasons. Here at Asian Sunday, we explored further and unraveled just exactly what the benefits were of this wonder vinegar.
Why not try washing your hair after your regular shampoo, apple cider vinegar can do wonders to your hair retaining the pH level of your scalp and leaving you with soft, shiny and smooth hair, taming those rough hair cuticles and split ends.
Vinegar is something that can be put to a lot use altogether. Unfortunately, Vinegar is not frequently used in South Asian diets compared to some western diets hence why perhaps it's important to present some of the surprisingly miraculous properties and benefits of vinegar.
HAIR TIP: Add 1/4 cup of water to 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, apply it onto your scalp. Wrap around a towel and let it sit about 20 minutes. Wash off and repeat twice a week for best results.
The most popular vinegar in the natural health community is the Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is derived after an elaborate processing and fermenting of apple pulp. There are a plethora of benefits that this nature's elixir encompasses in it from promising you with lustrous hair, radiant skin to warding off health risks and being the ultimate aid in resolving some of your toughest household tasks
It doesn't just stop at haircare, yes it can be used to help with skincare too. Apple Cider Vinegar is great for treating warts, sunburn, age spots and acne. Gentleman if you want smoother softer blemish free skin, then you might want to use apple cider vinegar as an alternative to to a regular after shave lotion.
SKIN TIP: Apply a little on your face and leave it overnight. You can also dab a little onto warts and wrap it with a band-aid, much to your surprise, those warts will fall off in a few weeks' time.
infection and constipation, ensuring proper digestion.
It's not just beauty experts who are loving this vinegar, but also health experts. Health experts vouch for the wonderful properties of apple cider vinegar. From weight loss, lowering blood pressure and sugar levels to treating cold, high cholesterol levels, diabetes and cancer.
HEALTH TIP: Dilute in warm water and gargle twice a day to get rid of bad breath. Add a couple of teaspoon in warm water and sip on it 30 minutes before your meals; it can do miracles to your metabolism and weight issues. This also keeps you satiated and help avoid overeating, keeping your appetite in control. It's also known to curb extreme food cravings.
Its anti-bacterial properties can boost your immune system and help fight against intestinal infection and constipation, ensuring proper digestion. Its anti-bacterial properties can boost your immune system and help fight against intestinal
It is known to reduce glucose levels and fight cancerous cells. It can also aid in detoxifying your system.
Give your teeth a nice rub with apple cider vinegar, rinse off thoroughly and repeat for a few days to get that sparkling white smile.
Wait, we are not finished yet! Apart from looking after your insides and outside, it's also very useful around the home. You will definitely want to buy a bottle of this miracle vinegar when we finish with our final benefits around the home. Apple cider vinegar when mixed with baking soda, lime juice, washing powder or with just warm water, can be used to clean anything and everything around you, from old wares, to tough stains on clothes, mats, curtains, window panes, rugs or carpets. Mix it with lime juice and sprinkle around to use it as a natural room freshener, its anti-bacterial properties, seal your surroundings against any bacterial invasion and help detoxify your home.
Saveco Cash & Carry Ahmed Buildings, Thornbury Road, Bradford, BD3 8HE 01274 665 555 Monday – Saturday 8am -8pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm
16
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY
RECIPES
All things This week we’re looking at all things rice. The perfect accompaniment to any meal, Rice is the main food for half the world’s population and is grown on every continent
except Antarctica. word for ‘rice’ is the Traditionally this same as their word for grain is seen as a ‘food’! symbol While some home of life and fertility, cooks may shy away which is why it was from cooking it historically thrown themselves in fear of at weddings. In fact some cultures love it so soggy or undercooked grains, cooking much; the Chinese delicious
TURMERIC RICE
To prepare: 1.Heat a saucepan with a tight fitting lid and add the butter. 2.Once the butter has melted, tip in the onions and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Add the Basmati rice and carefully mix well.
Ingredients 40g butter 1 onion, fi nely sliced 280g basmati rice, rinsed ½ tsp Ground Turmeric ½ tsp salt
3.Fold in the turmeric and salt and add 650ml of just boiled water. 4.Cover and simmer for 10-13
minutes until all the water has evaporated. 5.Serve hot with a cucumber raita or any curry or lentil dish.
rice dishes is really easy. Whether it’s a simple side dish for your evening meal that you’re after, or a complex and beautiful biriyani centrepiece for your next celebration, you too can achieve
great flavour without spending heaps of time or effort. This issue we’ve teamed up with Tolly Boy Rice to share some super easy recipes that anybody can enjoy – why not give them a try?
EASIEST CHICKEN BIRYANI
Ingredients
2 thinly sliced chicken breasts 150g of uncooked Basmati rice 1 jar of Biryani Sauce Chopped red or green chillis (optional) 4 tbsp of water
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/ Gas Mark 4 2. In a saucepan, stir fry the chicken breasts in a little oil
for three minutes. Add in the chopped chilli if using, for a kick of extra heat. 3. Pour over a jar of Biryani Sauce and add the uncooked Basmati Rice and 4tbsp of water. 4. Bring to the boil, pour into an ovenproof dish and cover with a tight fi tting lid. 5. Place in the oven for 35 minutes and serve hot. 6. Serve with raita
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY
17
RECIPES
All things
rice INDIAN MIXED VEGETABLE RICE
(SLOW COOKER)
Ingredients 300g basmati rice 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 large onion, sliced
NAWABI BIRYANI
125g unsalted mixed nuts, chopped 25g sultanas 1 tbsp desiccated coconut 3 tbsp Biryani Paste 400ml hot water Method:
Ingredients 250g Basmati rice 1 tbsp vegetable oil ½ tsp cumin seeds 100g carrot, diced 100g green beans, trimmed and cut in half 100g cauliflower florets (medium size) 2 tbsp Balti Paste 600ml hot water Method:
1. Rinse the basmati rice in cold running water then cover
2. 3.
4.
5.
1. Wash the basmati rice in several with cold water and leave to changes of water soak for up to 20 minutes. and leave Heat the oil in a pan, add the to soak cumin seeds and fry gently 5. Add the Biryani Paste and water, for 30 minutes. until they start to crackle. stir and bring to the boil, lower Add the carrot, green beans, 2. Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the heat and cover. Continue to the onions until golden brown. cauliflower and Balti Paste cook for 15 - 20 minutes until and fry for a further 3 - 4 3. Add the washed drained rice, minutes. the water has evaporated. Turn stir and fold gently until all the Drain the rice of excess off the heat and stand for 5 rice grains are coated in oil. water and transfer it to your minutes. 4. Add half of the nuts, all the slow cooker and add the hot 6. Gently fluff up the rice with sultanas and coconut and water. a fork and garnish with the continue tossing gently for 2 - 3 Add the vegetables and mix remaining chopped nuts before minutes. well with the rice. Cook on serving alongside your favourite high for 1½ - 2 hours. curry Recipes and images courtesy of Tolly Boy Rice.
September 2017
18 ASIAN SUNDAY
FEATURE
Buy a meal, feed a hungry child, campaign launched in Bradford A local Deli in Bradford has collaborated with Charity Right, an international charity, which provides regular meals to children and families in the most neglected parts of the world to launch its ‘Feed a Child with Gustoso’ campaign.
Gustoso is one of Bradford’s newest deli bar, offering a range of fresh salads, panini’s, wraps, steaks and a range of healthy oriental cuisine. The small family business will be offering a free meal to a child, for every meal
purchased at their Deli, based on Kirkgate, Bradford.
Here in the UK alone figures indicate that nearly one in five UK children under the age of 15 suffers from food insecurity – meaning their family lacks secure access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food. With the ‘Feed a Child with Gustoso’ campaign for every meal deal purchased, which costs only £2.95, a hungry child will be fed through Charity Right.
The city centre business which opened less than a year ago, has also refreshed its menu by adding new items, so that they can be successful in feeding as many hungry children as possible.
Alesha Akbar, the owner of Gustoso said: “I have two children of my own, and I think it’s very important not just for their physical wellbeing, but also their mental wellbeing to give them good wholesome nutrious food. So, when I read about how many children across the world go hungry, it really makes my heart
Gustoso 87 Kirkgate Bradford BD1 1SZ
Farhan as Kishen in Lucknow Central
( beside Mario's hairdressing salon)
Deliveries also accepted, whether at home or at work. Call us now T. 01274 734013 \Gustoso
bleed. I have always wanted to do something and give back to the community.
“I set up my business Gustoso, with the intention of serving healthy meals, and so when Charity Right came knocking I thought this is the perfect partnership. “I can serve healthy, fresh, nutritious meals and also feed a hungry child at the same time. I am so glad Charity Right agreed to
collaborate with the ‘Feed a Child with Gustoso’ campaign” A spokesperson for Charity Right said: “We are delighted to be partnering up with Gustoso for this feed a child programme. Their food is delicious, healthy and extremely fresh and therefore, it’s the perfect fit for our charity in terms of good business ethics and playing your role in social responsibilities.
#Challenge3000 PRESENTS
BREAK THE SILENCE! BREAK THE RECORD! JOIN US IN THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST BULLYING & HELP US ATTEMPT TO BREAK THE WORLD GUINNESS RECORD FOR THE LARGEST MARTIAL ARTS CLASS
In memory of Asad Khan
Wed 27th September 2017 | City Park | Bradford Event starts 1pm Performances & speeches 2pm Record attempt 2.20pm Finish 3.15pm T. 01274 735 657 or 01274 307639 E.martialarts@asiansunday.co.uk
supported by:
20
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY
FEATURE
Muslim Mum of 3 defies careers teacher’s advice and graduates with a law degree. making notes and coming back feeding back to solicitors and studied while working as a YTS trainee. I got a distinction in my BTEC national.” Sawaiz told Asian Sunday A few years later, the mum of three managed to get a job with Bradford Council, where she beat 130 people for the post. As years progressed Sawaiz moved into other fields, one of which was early years and childcare service. Sawaiz worked there from 2000 to 2003. She went on to pioneer a project on child care for Asian families. “I was the first person to look for childcare for Asian families” she said with excitement. The children of Bradford mum, Tazeem Sawaiz are indeed very proud, as their entrepreneur mum has recently graduated with a law degree. The accomplishment comes ahead of her fiftieth birthday. Running two businesses, managing a household with three children and a sick father to care for, is not an easy task, but then to add to that and to commit to a law degree at the age of forty-six you know there is something special about this woman. Now forty-nine, Sawaiz has always wanted to fulfil her lifelong ambition of getting a degree. However, as a young girl, cultural and social barriers prevented her from pursuing her dream.
always wanted to get a degree. During my growing up years, as a second generation British Muslim it was frowned upon for women to go into further education. “Not only that, I was put off by my careers teacher who told me to go work in a factory and that there were plenty of packing jobs available.” At the age of twelve Sawaiz was sent to Pakistan and didn’t return to the UK until after she celebrated her fifteenth birthday. She did two terms at school and then got married at the age of twenty- one.
Even now the journey hasn’t been easy, as Sawaiz was laughed at by many for being too old to do a law degree, but the proud mum pursued and has succeeded.
Yet, despite being behind academically Sawaiz defied her careers teacher’s advice and went on to do a part time BTEC national in public administration and enrolled onto a Youth Training Scheme with a law firm. Sawaiz, took on the role of a clerk/typist and started interpreting in courts focusing primarily on family law
Speaking exclusively to the Asian Sunday Sawaiz said: “Ever since the age of sixteen I have
“I started interpreting in courts, particularly for family law. I started to go to crown court,
Following many successful positions and establishing sustainable projects in 2003 Sawaiz became a magistrate, it’s no surprise then that she chose to do a law degree. 2012, however was the breaking point when Sawaiz had finally decided that despite having lifelong experience and doing CPD along the way, not having a degree deterred her from getting senior jobs, even though she had a wealth of experience. So, she went back to university in 2013 and did her GCSE English where she successfully achieved a grade A. Not afraid of hard work, she also did her GCSE maths in the evenings, whilst still running her creche business and looking after her family. During this period Sawaiz’s father had a stroke in 2003 and his health deteriorated further in 2012. So, entrepreneur became his unofficial carer, whilst also running her creche and studying and looking after
her children. Still determined Sawaiz balanced work, family and student life and eventually took the step of enrolling for her law degree. “At the time, I didn’t care I just wanted a degree.” She quipped. “To pay for my living and study my degree I needed to keep up with my finances so I then developed my own brand of spices, which initially I started selling just to family and friends. In between all this I went through depression. I couldn’t decide what I needed to do, I needed to keep myself busy, in case one failed the others would continue spinning for me. To help keep me occupied and pay my debts etc. “So, I developed the spices and it took off really well and the orders started pouring in. I started in 2014, just before my law degree. I was selling spices at the car boot in Otley. I was shocked at the positive response, as a result of trying it there for three months, I then brought it to the Bradford markets to see what the response would be here. I started with a six-week agreement at the market. Three years on I now have a
permanent stall at the market, I also make and sell stuffed parathas and home-made curries. My creche business is also running well and I now have a law degree. “It was something I had to do needed to do and I did it.” Sawaiz, may not have had the opportunities as a young girl to pursue further education, but she ensured her children didn’t miss out. The forty-nine-year-old isn’t the only one with a degree in the household, but her twenty-twoyear-old daughter, Maryam became the first girl in their immediate family to get a degree. Maryam qualified as a social worker last year and is pursuing a successful career in the field. The proud mum advises Asian Sunday readers to never say never and that you are never too old to learn. Sawaiz says she feels liberated and more confident in herself after graduating and now intends to pursue her LPC, employ staff to run the businesses, continuing caring for her family and hopes to qualify as a lawyer.
We let our food do the talking....
Kulcha naan | Charga | Handmade mango lassi | Chana Pilau | Nihari | Haleem | Karahi | And much more...
Pind Restaurant - A True Taste of Lahore UNIT 1 Bowland Street | Bradford | BD1 3BW T. 01274 729 450 | Open 7 days 5pm - MIDNIGHT
22
ASIAN SUNDAY
September 2017
INTERVIEW
Film and family with Lucknow Central actor Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar is going to be seen in a film titled ‘Lucknow Central’ for which promotions have been in full swing. The actor is going to play a UP guy in the film, which is set against the backdrop of a jail and features him as a prisoner who forms a music band along with other inmates. We caught up with the Rock On star, to talk about his latest outing. What attracted you to the script of the film? I liked the world that it’s set in, I liked the character that Ranjeet and Nikhil asked me to play. It’s a very relatable story. Although it’s set in a prison it leaves you feeling very very positive. It leaves you feeling very optimistic about things. And just overall the journey of all the characters, of the way the screenplay I was constantly engaged and at the end of the narration, there was no reason in my mind for me not to even really think about it. I just instinctively felt that I really would like to be part of this film.
It’s quite an intense and gritty film, how did you prepare for your role? There was a lot of detail in the writing. Aseem Arora is the screenplay writer and the dialogue writer, so there was a lot of detail in the writing. There was a lot of research done by Ranjeet Tiwari the Director. He had been to UP, spent a lot of time there. In areas, especially that he wanted to shoot in. The area that he wanted the character of Kishen to be from. So, there were character sketches drawn out. There were video and picture references. So, a lot of that work was already been done by them. So, I did take all that material from them and then of course I did work with a dialogue coach, because there is a certain dialect and flavour in the film, so just to be true to that. But I didn’t want to research the jail, beyond a certain point because Kishen is very new to that world, you see him going to jail, he is not a harden criminal. He is not somebody who has been in there for a long time. So, when you see him go in there, I didn’t want to be
Farhan as Kishen in Lucknow Central
too aware of every single thing that happens. It was nice to discover that as I went along. So, it was really a mixture of these two different aspects. Lucknow Central is inspired by a true story and is lightly based on a band called Healing Hearts. Have you met them and if so did they give you any tips in preparation for your role? Yes, I did. They didn’t give us any tips, but they played music for us and they were really really good. So, it was just nice to have met them, because the film is inspired by their story. There wasn’t much exchange because of the nature of where they were and the kind of access we had to spend time with them. It had to be supervised and had to be in the presence of the officers of that prison. Ranjit I think whilst he was researching got a bit more time with them, he got special permissions, but when we went to
September 2017
meet them, it was just an introduction that these are the people whose life the film is inspired by.
There’s a lot of talk in the media about the cost of your 5000 rupees costumes in Lucknow central. Have you ever worn clothes from a flea market before? Absolutely, of course.
You are known for your fitness regime. How do you manage to balance, directing, acting, writing and fitting in such a strict regime? You always make time for things that you really enjoy doing. So that’s how it really happens. So, if I have to work early in the morning I make sure I can get some time in the evening to work out, if I have
ASIAN SUNDAY 23
INTERVIEW
to work later in the night then I get some training in the morning. It’s just that it helps me keep my energy levels up and keep my positive frame of mind.
and I had the opportunity to visit that little town just a few weeks ago and there are a lot of extended family and a house that my ancestors built and lived in.
We heard that whilst filming you also got the opportunity to explore more about great great grandfather Fazl-e-Haq who had died serving life imprisonment in cellular jail (Kala Pani) in Port Blair. How was the experience?
So, it was very emotional to go back. It was quiet an overwhelming experience.
That’s right, he was sent to Nicobar Islands by the British, where anyone who was against the British and wrote against them was considered a criminal. So, he was sent to this place and it was called Kalapani (cellular jail). My great great grandmother is buried in UP in this small little place and it’s called Khairabaad
As someone who has directed and written scripts, when working for other film companies, do you ever have the temptation to offer input and make changes to a film? Not to the extent where I feel like I am impinging on somebody else’s job or up to the extent it could damage a film. But of course, as a creative collaborator on the film as an actor. All actors have a certain idea of maybe things that they would like to try or do
Farhan as Kishen in Lucknow Central
differently, that doesn’t happen all the time, but you know your role in the larger scheme of things and you know the vision set out by the writer and the director and you just try to stay as true to that. But to also make that vision your own because you have to perform it, you end up asking a lot of questions, you end up making suggestions. All of this is part and parcel of film making.
curve ball and your dreams don’t play out the way you had imagined them to. You should not be disheartened by it, because there are things in life that nothing is constant things can change and how you adapt yourself to still try and find a way to be able to do what your heart was set on doing all those years, if you can do that.
You’ve said in an interview that Lucknow central has a message, what can people take back from this movie?
So that’s what this film is about, it’s about realising your dream and your potential to the fullest, but maybe not in the way that you had imagined it to be. That’s the larger message in the film.
I think the biggest thing I took back when I first heard the script and read it was how important it is to have a passion in your life for something that you enjoy doing. At times life can throw you a bit of a
Lucknow Central releases in cinemas worldwide on 15 September
ASIAN SUNDAY 24
September 2017
SHOWBIZ
Show Though it was a serious injury, according to leading news daily, she was actually happy experiencing Rani Laxmi Bai’s life.
Kangana ‘thrilled' to have battle scar on face! Kangana Ranaut escaped a near-fatal accident while shooting an intense sword fighting scene for her upcoming film 'Manikarnika- The Queen of Jhansi.'
"I am a bit embarrassed to be thrilled to have a battle scar on my face. Also, people from my team have been telling me that it's like that Peshwa teeka that Manikarnika wore. It's a bit dramatic but I am excited that my face was covered in blood and I got a genuine and authentic glimpse of the Queen's life," she told Mid-Day. The 'Queen' star was rushed to Apollo hospital, Hyderabad and got 15 stitches on her forehead. She will be kept under observation for some time. Directed by Krish, 'Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi' will reportedly release in April next year.
Reportedly, she was engaging in a fierce battle scene with costar Nihar Pandya, when the latter's sword hit her forehead, leaving her covered in blood. Presently, the shooting of the film is taking place in Hyderabad.
Clooney to sue French magazine for publishing photos of twins Hollywood heavyweight George Clooney is not happy with the French magazine ‘Voici’ for publishing photos of his twins. According to The Hollywood Reporter, George Clooney has fired back at paparazzi pictures of his twin babies with wife Amal. The pictures were plastered on the cover of France’s Voici magazine and are making the rounds online. The ‘Money Monster’ star issued a statement regarding the matter and warned the photographers to get ready to face some legal action. The statement read, “Over
the last week photographers from Voici magazine scaled our fence, climbed our tree and illegally took pictures of our infants inside our home. Make no mistake the photographers, the agency and the magazine will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The safety of our children demands it.”
The photos feature blurry images of George and Amal Clooney, each of them carrying one of their babies, that the magazine says were snapped in Lake Como, where Clooney has a home. The magazine touts the images as the first photos of the twins.
The Clooney’s welcomed twins Ella and Alexander on June 6, saying in a statement that the babies and Amal “are all healthy, happy and doing fine.” An official photo of the twins has yet to be released.
On the work front, George Clooney’s directorial ‘Suburbicon’ is scheduled to hit the theatres this fall.
September 2017
wbiz
Karan Johar would not have made ‘ADHM’ without Aishwarya The gorgeous Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is on the list of every director. One such filmmaker is Karan Johar, who was so keen on working with her in ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ that he would not have made the film without her! At the recently held BIG Zee Entertainment Awards, when Aishwarya came on stage to collect awards for her role in the Karan Johar-directorial and ‘Sarbjit’, KJo, the host of the evening, couldn’t stop admiring and praising the actress for her talent. Talking about working with her in ‘ADHM’, Karan said, “I wanted to work with her since 1997. I narrated the script of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hota Hai’ but due to some reason things didn’t work out back then.” Adding, “Hence, after almost a decade, when ‘Ae Dil..’ was being planned, I was pretty sure, Aishwarya would make for an indispensable fit for this role. If she would have declined this role then I would have never gone ahead with it.” The ‘Jazbaa’ star, overwhelmed by his comment, replied, “Thank you Karan for giving me the role of Saba. It has helped people wake up to many other possibilities that they can choose from. I am glad to have such an amazing team. I thank the entire cast and crew for their immeasurable support and hard work.”
ASIAN SUNDAY
Salman Khan’s movies to debut on Amazon Prime Video before hitting TV
#SalmanOnPrimeVideo.” Salman Khan said, “Amazon Prime Video reaches over 200 countries and territories and I am happy to collaborate with Amazon Prime Video and expand the reach of Indian cinema. Fans of Indian cinema will discover my movies on a new platform and the platform will also help new fans discover our cinema.” James Farrell, Head of Content, Prime Video, Asia Pacific, said, All films from Salman Ventures “Salman is a huge star with a massive released after ‘Tubelight’ will premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime global fan following. This exclusive worldwide Prime Video streaming deal Video first, straight after the with him is one of the biggest star theatrical release and two months before Satellite/Television broadcast deals to have ever been done in the world. India is a top priority market for or any other form of distribution. Amazon and we believe that this love India has for films, the passion, the Apart from the new releases, existing energy and the talent of India needs to blockbuster titles like ‘Bajrangi be on a worldwide stage for global Bhaijaan’, ‘Kick’, ‘Jai Ho’ and ‘Hero’ audiences to see. “ will also be available on Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Prime Video has the largest selection of latest and exclusive movies While sharing his happiness, the ‘Kick’ and TV shows, stand-up comedy, adactor took to his Twitter account and free across Indian and Hollywood shared, movies, US TV shows, top/popular “??????? ????? ??????? ??? ?? ?? ?? Indian and international kids’ shows, ?? ???? ! ?????? ???? ??????? ?????? award winning Amazon Original shows @AmazonVideoIN ?? along with content from top. Amazon Prime Video have announced a first-of- its-kind, worldwide exclusive content deal with Salman Khan Ventures. This landmark deal with the ‘Sultan of Bollywood’ makes Amazon Prime Video the exclusive streaming home of future titles of Salman Khan commencing with the recently released ‘Tubelight.’
25
26
ASIAN SUNDAY
OPINION
However, evidence suggests that there are a group or cohort of people who smoke and deny that smoking affects their health or could do in the future. This can present a challenge as public health strategies may find it difficult to engage with these particular people. Hi! Let’s talk about a very important topic this week - smoking. The article, as with all of them in this 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 some facts. South Asians are up to a shocking six times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to the general UK population. They have almost double the risk of having a stroke and yet many will smoke. You might be surprised to know that a striking 25% of Pakistani men, and 36% of Bangladeshi men smoke. See where I am going with this? In this country, fifteen million Britons are living with a long-term health condition, yet studies show living healthily in middle-age can double your chances of living healthy when you are 70. Smoking can cause a whole host of health problems and it increases risks of heart attacks, strokes and many other health conditions. So why do people smoke? Whether you are a smoker, or non-smoker, this article is for you. We are ambassadors for change, and we will influence the future health of our communities directly by encouraging for example health education. Some smoke cigarettes, others roll-ups, hookah etc. but whichever way you wrap up the tobacco, smoking is smoking. The health hazards will remain, and people will inevitably become sick and some will die. We all know about nicotine dependence and how cigarettes are ‘addictive’.
Interventions exist to get people off the tobacco and to live healthier lives. So let’s see how smoking kills not only the smoker, but also the people around them and the economy! I think it’s fair to say that public health campaigns, and general health education is improving and therefore we can see a decline in smoking. But – perhaps I should capitalise this – BUT, smoking is a key contributor to disease and death in this country, even today. Some sources say that NHS costs can amount to £2.7 billion per year, with a £2.5 billion cost to the economy either through sick leave or lost productivity. We are improving as a whole with less people smoking, and here is an absolute shocker: in 1948, 82% of men smoked, which is the highest level recorded in the country. It has taken half a century to reduce that figure to where it is today, but it still isn’t zero is it? So let’s have a whistle-stop tour of smoking. Smoke – it contains thousands of chemicals, many of them are harmful yet smokers inhale them with every puff. Two of these chemicals are nicotine, as I have mentioned and carbon monoxide – the colourless, odourless gas that kills! Smoking increases blood pressure and heart rate as a result of nicotine, whereas the carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. In an attempt to compensate for this, the heart races a little faster damaging arteries and leading to cardiovascular disease. It isn’t just the heart that is at risk though. It is every organ in the body from stroke, to periodontitis, to lung cancer, COPD and emphysema etc.
It’s not all doom and gloom however as it still isn’t too late. Stopping smoking can cut your cardiovascular risk after just 1 year of quitting. The risk of stroke falls as does that of cancer. So now is the time to quit! And what about the people around smokers? Well they inhale second-hand smoke and therefore are passive smokers. To protect those around you if you smoke, is to stop. The harmful effects as I have already mentioned exist in tobacco smoke, and therefore anyone inhaling it can potentially become ill. Babies and children are at particular risk of this. Smoking in pregnancy is a health risk to the baby as there are increased risks of complications.
smoke a pack a day, you could be looking at spending over three and a half grand a year – that’s about £36, 500 in 10 years. There are definitely better ways to spend that hardearned cash. The government is trying its best to cut smoking out. Whether this is by increasing price of cigarettes, or having plain boxes without any advertisement, one thing you will always see is a large warning about the health risks. We have in recent years seen smoking banned from public places, and rightly so. So what can you do to stop? Well there is a whole list of help that you can get. The first advice is to speak with your GP who can give you information on quitting smoking – one of the best decisions you could possibly make if you smoke. There is also a NHS Smokefree helpline that you can call. You may be signposted to certain products that may help, but again, talk to your doctor! Whichever way you go about it, wouldn’t it be better to breathe in fresh air?
And not only does it harm your health, but also your wallet or purse. Costs of cigarettes is always on the up, and a pack of 20 could set you back just less than a tenner. If you
So why are the Asian community more susceptible to developing certain diseases? Well it’s a mix of nature – or genetics, and nurture – lifestyle. So whilst diabetes,
ischaemic heart disease and the rest are more prone to be found in the Asian community, there is a lot we can do to prevent such diseases from occurring including stopping smoking. How many family members and friends do you know that smoke? And if you are a smoker, what motivates you and what is getting in the way? If you think there are things you can do to change with some professional help then why don’t you start? Just because both of your parents smoked, had diabetes and coronary stents, it does not necessarily mean that you will inherit all their diseases. The genetics may be there, but you are in charge of your own lifestyle! One size does not fit all, and if you are uncertain about any health needs that you have – talk to your doctor. I hope that leaves you with some questions, and some of which only you may have the answers. Reflect and enjoy the 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.
“Defending Serious Crime” Yasmin & Shaid Solicitors is a leading criminal defence law firm based in Leeds specialising in dealing with only serious criminal cases. We have successfully defended some of the biggest and complex criminal cases in the country but pride ourselves on providing tailored, skilled and robust professional representation for all our clients. With over 25 years experience we are able to represent clients throughout the UK.
Our 24 hour free police station advice and assistance provides you with immediate expert legal advice and representation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. At Yasmin & Shaid Solicitors you will be dealt with by an experienced solicitor from the police station stage of the case untill the conclusion of the case.
Let Defending the Midland Hotelinhelp you create your perfect Wedding Day investigations : • • • • ••
Conspiracy to Defraud Offences VAT & Tax Evasion OffencesThe Princes Ballroom • High ornate ceiling a glittering chandalier • Fully air conditioned • Money Laundering • Drugwith Importation Terrorism Murder & Manslaughter • Nine •phase mood lighting • The perfect suite to add glitz and glamour • Sexual Allegations People• Trafficking One of Yorkshire's finest ballrooms & historic venues • Catering up to 300 •guests
Tel : 0113 2713 939 • Fax : 0113 714 200 Web www.yasminandshaidsolicitors.co.uk • email. info@yasminandshaidsolicitors.co.uk 237 Dewsbury Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5HZ • DX : 14077 Leeds Park Square
28
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY
FLASHBACK
Back to September 1967
If you're under the age of 50, you won't be able to recall what life was like 50 years. In our special monthly series of going back into the past, this issue we look at what was in trend , what made headlines and what new invention came out in September 1967 .
NEWS STORIES FROM SEPT 1967
29 September – Cult television series The Prisoner was first broadcast in the UK on ITV 20 September – The RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 (the QE2) was launched at Clydebank by Queen Elizabeth II, using the same pair of gold scissors used by her mother and grandmother to launch the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary respectively.
e h t in s t r a ch Sixties music was hip and happening. Th top 5 songs in the charts at the time were: 1. Scott Mckenzie - San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Some Flowers In Your Hair) 2. The Beatles - All You Need Is Love 3. Tom Jones - I'll Never Fall In Love Again 4. Dave Davies - Death Of A Clown 5. Stevie Wonder - I Was Made To Love Her
KerPlunk is a children's game first marketed by the Ideal Toy Company in 1967.[1] The game consists of a transparent plastic tube, plastic rods called straws (normally numbering 26 to 30 in total and of various colours – yellow and red predominantly) and several dozen marbles. The base contains four separate numbered trays and the straws are passed through holes in the middle of the tube to form a lattice. The marbles are then placed in the top of the tube and held in place by the lattice.[2] The onomatopoeic name of the game derives from the sound of the marbles tumbling to the base of the tube during play. At the start of play, the entire tube is rotated so that a hole in the base of the tube is aligned with the active player's tray. Players take turns removing a single straw from the tube while trying to minimize the number of marbles that fall through the web and into their tray. Once a player has committed themselves to a particular straw by touching it, they must remove it. The player who accumulates the fewest dropped marbles wins.
21 September – The Conservatives gained Cambridge and Walthamstow from Labour in by-elections. 9 September Uganda group,” he said. declares independence from Great Britain “We found [my other family
members] in the fields. They had marks on their bodies from bullets 30 September and some had cuts. BBC started
its own popular music
“My two nephews, their heads were radio station 1) off. One was six years(Radio old and the other was nine years old. My sisterwaswas launched in 1967 to Itin-law shot with a gun.”
meet the demand for music Another man from the same village, generated by pirate radio named as Sultan Ahmed, 27, told the charity: “Some people were stations, when the average beheaded, and many were cut. We age ofthethe UKhiding population were in house when [armed from a in wasresidents 27. Specialising neighbouring village] were modern and current beheading people. popular music and chart “When we saw that, we just ran out the back of the house.” the day. hits throughout Radio 1 provides “When we saw that, we just ran out the back of the house.” genres after alternative 7:00from pm,other including Survivors villages in the region also described seeing electronic hippeople hop, throats cut. dance, being beheaded or having their rock, indie or interviews “We can’t stress enough the urgency
IGZQQI
City Centre
ver 100 shops... Bringing you th best in:
Simes Street, Bradford, BD1 3RB. Find us on facebook
/The Bazaar
10 ASIAN SUNDAY 30
September 2017
a You know what they say a problem shared is a problem gossiped. Gossiped!! Did we say that? What we meant was a problem shared is a problem halved and in some cases solved even. Each edition, we look to give you our ear and our shoulder to help you off load and unburden to our panel of self proclaimed experts, who will do their best each issue to try and help you solve some of your lives most challenging and in some cases life changing issues. So write to us and let us look at your problem through the eyes of our panel, you never know the advise could be helpful. Please note if you do not wish for your problem to be published or to remain anonymous, please mark as private. You can email us with your problems with full confidentiality to askas@asiansunday.co.uk
Dear AS I have been seeing a girl for almost two years and everything has been good with us until she dumped me. The reason she gave was that she is shia and I am sunni and her parents want her to marry a shia. She is now going out with the man who her parents have chosen and she told me she loves him and will be marrying him. How can someone fall out of love with you so suddenly? I still love her and I feel she loves me too. What should I do? I can't get her out of my head. I am heart broken. Should I fight for her?
Anonymous
A
Make changes to your social media life. Social media is great for staying connected with friends, but the last thing you need after a break up is to see photos of your former partner appearing in your feed. As soon as possible after you’ve split up, go through the accounts you’re connected to them on and either unfollow or unfriend them. If any of your profile photos are of the two of you, consider changing them. Avoid venting online or using social media to tell the world what an awful person you think your ex is. This won’t make you feel any better and may give your social network a negative impression of you.
AS Panel Says: Firstly, very sorry to hear about your heart break. It's not easy when you break up with someone you love and then to see them with someone else. I think your ex-girlffriend has made her choice and as horrible as this sounds, it's not you. She seems to have moved on and is planning her future with someone she claims to love. Love is not something you can force and so my advice would be to move on like your ex has. From what you have shared with us, it sounds as though getting over this relationship is going to be tough for you, so here are some tips and advice I can In fact, you may want to think about offer you in helping with the recovery taking a break from social media for process.
a few days, especially if your feeds are normally filled with images of happy, smiling couples. Embrace your emotions and talk about them with those who are close to you. Give yourself time to heal. Avoid binge eating and letting yourself go. Give yourself something to focus on, a holiday, a new hobby, taking up a sport etc can all help. It can be very tempting to keep going over all the details of a break up, trying to work out who was at fault or what you could have done differently. However, these types of thoughts have a tendency to go round in circles and can leave you feeling regretful, sad or angry… So do your best to let go, because the sooner you do, the quicker it will allow you to move forward.
September 2017
Q A
Dear AS My hair tends to become very flat during the course of the day, no matter how I style it. What can I do to increase the volume in my hair? (Sophie K ) AS panel Says: Dear Sophie, Voluminous hair is every woman’s envy! Depending on the texture of the hair, choose a shampoo that
provides a deep clean. Clean hair provides lift from the root and volume that will last till your next wash. Also, keep your hair hydrated. It might sound surprising but oiling it before washing it will give it a deeper clean.
Dear AS
Q
ASIAN SUNDAY 3 1
My problem is rather embarrassing. I am 16 years old and have been suffering from body odour for a few years. I use a deodorant but still I would like some kind of a solution that will reduce it naturally. (Imran)
A
AS panel Says: Dear Sana,
There are a few other things to keep in mind that will help. When drying your hair, turn your head upside down, and then blow your hair on a medium setting.
You are not alone in this. Body odour is something that affects many people. Puberty and adolescence are especially difficult times as our bodies are undergoing hormonal changes, and one of the main changes that occurs during this time is that our body starts producing odour.
Change your parting often as having the hair parted the same way makes it flatter over time. Changing the part will ensure more volume on the crown.
The odour is usually caused by bacteria that grow in different areas on our body, especially the areas where we tend to sweat more. This is why the problem is usually worse in the warmer summer months. The key to minimising body odour is hygiene. Washing the affected areas daily will also help. Wearing natural fabrics such as cotton and silk instead of nylons and polyester allows the skin to breathe and reduces sweat and thus odour. For smell emanating from your underarms, take a piece of cotton wool and dab tea-tree oil daily. Tea-tree oil is extremely effective in getting rid of odour-causing bacteria. Mixing one tablespoon baking soda with one tablespoon of lemon juice and dabbing (not rubbing) it on your underarm area for a few minutes daily before you shower will also reduce odour considerably. Disclaimer: All content within ASK AS is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for face to face counselling, medical or legal advice. Asian Sunday and it's publisher RF Publishing are not responsible or liable for any action made by a user based on the content of this page or from correspondence with ASK AS or Asian Sunday.
32
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY
Money Talk with our finance expert
Shabab Gulfraz
Money Under The Mattress
It has been some years now since I met a client who saved his hard earned cash in his house. Why you may ask would he do such a thing, well his reason was he knew no better, he did not trust the banks, and neither had he ever visited a financial adviser, nor had he thought about doing something with his cash.
So what would I advise someone to do?
Some ten years later, now that we are probably going into nearly a decade of v low interest rates, whilst inflation has been eating into our funds, perhaps its time one wonders what can be done with cash other than property, which now is not really a favoured approach due to tax issues, tenant issues, as well as generally the fact that property is illiquid.
1. Short term – the pantry, We all need access to cash therefore it is advisable to hold 3 months net income in a deposit account, just like ones pantry – providing easy access to your cash. I would say save short term what you feel realistically you would need if the worst was to happen, and you have little or no income.
Coming back to the chap I met ten years ago, I would not advise his method of saving for the future. Why you may ask, well because money loses its intrinsic value over time due to inflation i.e. £10, 000 in cash ten years ago, would need to be circa £13,000 today to have the same purchasing power. Not only does money lose value, it does not grow hidden underneath a mattress/ floorboards and more
Well everyone is different, and have different financial planning needs. Nevertheless all individuals needs to split money into three different pots: worryingly is prone to theft/fire damage etc. All facts that started worrying my client.
2 Medium term – the fridge, is monies that are saved for a set goal such as a deposit on a property etc. As this money is not needed immediately it should be placed in an investment that is suitable for you in line with your individual circumstances, just like you would place items in a fridge that you would not use straight away. In my view this type of money could be a Stocks and Shares ISA, in funds that are typically suitable for a medium term investor. I would throw caution and say a high equities portfolio is not suitable, due to investment volatility, and the
fact that if you do suffer a fall, and yes this can happen, you need the time horizon to be able to ride out the falls. 3. Long term – the freezer, is where you place monies for the future, this could be ten years plus away. This is money for the future; it is
money you would not touch unless it is to meet your goal. In terms of long term this for me is saving for kids in the future i.e. house purchases, weddings, university costs etc. The financial services industry has significantly
developed since I met my client. There are safeguards in place to protect people who wish to save, to ensure that their capital is guaranteed. He needed advice to plan his and his families’ future, and the advice made a difference to him. For me, the key to good advice is making sure your comfortable with what you are doing, and are not being sold to.
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY 33
LUKE PATEL
LEGAL
Luke Patel is a Partner at Leeds law firm Blacks Solicitors LLP specialising in commercial dispute resolution and heads up that team. Luke was the winner of the Best
Professional in Business award at the Asian English Business Awards 2013. Described in the Legal 500 as “exceptional” he primarily acts for individuals, owner managed businesses and SME’s in a wide range of sectors including financial, insurance, property and construction.
“Private Parking” means private parking The ruling by the Court of Appeal in the case of Winterburn v Bennett will be welcomed by landowners who suffer unauthorised parking on their land.
In that case Mr & Mrs Winterburn, the owners of a fish and chips shop in Keighley, claimed that they had acquired a right by prescription (i.e. through long use) to allow their suppliers and customers to use the car park of the adjacent building previously owned by the local Conservative Club. The chip shop’s customers had been openly using the car park since it opened in the late 1980s. Before then, the Conservative Club had erected a sign at the car park entrance which said “Private car park. For use of club patrons only. By order of the Committee”. The sign was clearly visible to users of the car park and remained in place until 2007 and so was present throughout the period relevant to the Winterburns’ claim. A further sign had been displayed in the window of the Conservative Club building and from time to time the Club’s stewards had complained to the Winterburns about their customers’ use of the car park but no further action had been taken to prevent the unauthorised parking. In 2010 the Conservative Club sold the building to Mr & Mrs Bennett. In 2012 the Bennetts let the building and the car park to a tenant who closed off access and prevented the unauthorised parking. The Winterburns therefore brought an action claiming that they had, over the years, acquired a legal right for their customers and suppliers to park on the
Bennetts’ land.
To succeed with that claim the Winterburns had to show that for more than 20 years the parking had been “as of right” i.e. without force, openly and without permission. The Court of Appeal decided that the putting up of signs by the owner of the car park stating that the car park was only for use by the patrons of the Club was sufficient to make the use contentious and not “as of right” and that there was no requirement for an owner to reinforce his objections by either installing physical obstructions or by taking legal action. The Court held that as long as a warning sign was clearly displayed and maintained, it would constitute sufficient objection by the legal owner to prevent an easement (a right of way) coming into being and that those who chose to ignore such signs should not be entitled to obtain legal rights over the land. This ruling will prove helpful for landowners who might otherwise have to take action against neighbours to prevent them from gaining a right over their land. Where there is open land which is exposed to trespass or unauthorised parking, landowners should ensure that there are clear signs visible to anybody entering upon the land without their permission. If you are involved in any disputes regarding land and require assistance, please contact Luke Patel of Blacks Solicitors on 0113 227 9316 or email him at “LPatel@LawBlacks.com”
India On Film We’re proud to present India On Film, a film season exclusive to Bradford that marks the 70th anniversary of Indian independence. From Fri 8 Sep Hotel Salvation (PG) Wed 13 & Thu 14 Sep Court (PG) From Fri 15 Sep Victoria And Abdul (PG) Wed 20 & Thu 21 Sep Charulata (U) Sun 24 Sep Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (PG) Plus Q&A Wed 27 & Thu 28 Sep Silent Waters (12A) Wed 4 & Thu 5 Oct Bajirao Mastani (12A) Coming Soon Dr LS Live Performance at the National Science and Media Museum In partnership with Kala Sangam Book tickets at www.picturehouses.com/indiaonfilm
Supported by Film Hub North, led by Showroom Workstation. Proud to be part of the BFI Film Audience Network. In association with Asian Sunday, Asian Style, and Asian Standard.
Pictureville, BD1 1NQ 0871
PicturehouseatNationalMediaMuseum
0871 902 5756
@mediamuseumPH
www.picturehouses.com
Supported by
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY
COMPETITION
WIN 2 TICKETS TO DUBAI
Fancy winning two tickets to Dubai?
To celebrate SIX years of Asian Sunday, we are giving away two return flights to Dubai. But to WIN these flights, you will have to work for it. Across Bradford and District we have hidden BLUE ENVELOPES which are marked with the Asian Sunday logo. All you have to do is find the envelope with the tickets to Dubai and you're a winner. But beware, as there are 100 envelopes in total and whilst there are lots of amazing runner up prizes, such as cinema tickets, meal out for two, and shopping vouchers, there are also booby prizes, such as a toothbrush, bin liners, and the very handy toilet roll. Clues of where the envelopes are hidden is in our six year milestone video. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=C8uqHSOB5eY In the video we have filmed in six iconic locations of Bradford and that is where we've hidden our nvelopes where one of those is hiding the BIG DUBAI prize. Get searching! GOOD LUCK! Competition terms and conditions apply.
Find the BLUE ENVELOPES hidden across Bradford to WIN a host of prizes, with the top prize, two flights to DUBAI
35
36 ASIAN SUNDAY
September 2017
JOBS
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Hours of Work: Flexible
communication skills and be Salary: £40k OTE (basic, plus car and educated to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s at grade C or above and have a can expenses) do attitude. You will be required to Are you a self starter, ambitious, self travel nationally and with positions in motivator, have the hunger to achieve London and Yorkshire. and increase earning potential? Then our Managers at Asian Sunday want to For the right candidate full training will be given hear from you Two positions has become available To apply or for more information for Business development Manager to email a covering letter with your CV help sell our services to Business to jobs@ asiansunday.co.uk with Sales Executive in the subject field or clients. post to Asian Sunday Newspaper 1st You must have a minimum of one year’s Floor, 18 East parade, Bradford, BD1 experience selling to B2B customers. 5EE You must possess excellent
REPORTER /JOURNALISTS wanted Asian Sunday is expanding 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
applications from all backgrounds. Flexible working hours. Pay scale according to NUJ guidelines and based on experience. To apply send your CV with a covering letter to editor@ asiansunday.co.uk or post to Asian Sunday Newspaper 1st Floor, 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE
DISTRIBUTORS wanted Asian Sunday is expanding and therefore are looking for more distributors. Asian Sunday is now approaching its fourth year and has now launched nationally. Therefore, we are looking for distributors in London, Leicester, Birmingham, Yorkshire, Newcastle, Lancashire and Manchester. If you want to earn some extra cash and have a few spare hours over the weekend to deliver the Asian Sunday newspaper to businesses, then we want to hear from you.
NON-ExEcUTIVE MEMBER wanted
You must have your own van or car. Pay: Full car allowance and salary will be paid to the ideal candidates. Hours: Flexible In the first instance please apply with a letter of interest to jobs@asiansunday. co.uk with Distribution as your subject or post letter of interest to Asian Sunday Newspaper 1st Floor, 18 East parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE
– Inspirational Women Foundation
join the organisation and help make Inspirational Women Foundation is decisions which lead to equality a not for profit organisation for women locally, nationally and established to support, empower internationally. and inspire women of any age, any back-ground, whether in the home, NoN-ExEcutivE MEMbEr at work, in the community or Farhan in as Kishen in Lucknow Central business. 4 year appointment, approximately
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.
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.
Number of positions: 6
We are looking for candidates with a background in business, HR, finance, law, training above all with the ability to perform at Board level.
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
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.
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
12 days per year.
Pay: Voluntary first year. Thereafter £150 per day plus expenses
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.
Do you enjoy watching recipes, Bollywood interviews, food reviews? Then why not visit our YouTube channel. AS TV
38
September 2017
ASIAN SUNDAY
SportS
Blind American Footballer Makes Winning Debut by MO BHANA
Twenty year old Jake Olson made history by becoming the first ever blind American footballer to take part in a competitive match as his University of California side overcame Western Michigan 49-31. Olson was playing in his first regular-season game and his big chance came after Marvell Tell III returned an interception for the game’s final touchdown. Olson jogged onto the field, one hand on the shoulder of holder Wyatt Schmidt. When the kick by Chase McGrath was good, Trojans players danced and cheered and fans hugged. The “perfect snap” was, as Coach Clay Helton put it, “beyond words.” Olson lost his left eye to retinoblastoma. when he was 10 months old. The cancer forced doctors to remove his right eye when he was 12 — and he asked to watch the Trojans’ practice on the night before his surgery.
of high school football in his native Orange County. He has worked out with the Trojans Since 2015, enrolling at the school with a scholarship for physically challenged athletes and gradually persuading his USC coaches and team-mates that his dream was far more than just a stunt. USC’s coach, Clay Helton, vowed to get Olson into a blowout game against an opponent that would agree not to do anything that might injure the long-snapper. Western Michigan had no problem after the Trojans’ final touchdown essentially put the game out of reach.
An agreement between the teams that made the historic moment possible - in a deal between the head coaches, Helton had agreed not to rush Western Michigan on its first extra-point attempt if Western Michigan would return the favour for a blind centre who had worked hard to make the team. Coach Clay Helton was complimentary of Western Michigan coach Tim Lester for signing off on Olson's debut. “Very special moment for us with a very special guy at the end of the game,” Helton said. “I commend and I thank Coach Lester and the entire Western Michigan family for the honour of getting what I think is a very special person in Jake Olson in.”
By the age of 12, he had to have both his eyes removed, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his athletic dreams. Olson has been around the USC football program since 2009 thanks to former coach Pete Carroll – now head coach of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks – who first heard about Olson’s cancer and his love for the Trojans. ampionship over all. “To take a situation, and then to fast-forward eight years and to have that same kid be able to snap on the football field with the team that really got him through that time, is just beautiful,” Olson said. “It’s emotional. Incredible.” “I tried to suppress my emotions as much as I could because I have a job to do, and I wanted to make sure I got that done. Then tonight I can look at videos and get all emotional over it. It was very special, hearing my name being called over the P.A. system.” Although he is completely blind, Olson managed to play two years Image: Getty
ASIAN SUNDAY 39
September 2017
SportS
Gareth Southgate: “England Will Prove The Doubters Wrong” by MO BHANA
turn the tables on the fans and excite the Wembley crowd in the future. “We have some exciting players and we want to show that,” said Southgate. “We have a responsibility to get the Wembley crowd on their feet but equally, everywhere we go in the world the home crowd give the team a lift. It will be great if we can get the level of support that stadium can bring. “The whole country wants to be at the World Cup. It is a great opportunity for us. “We are playing good opposition so we have to make sure we are tactically prepared, which we will be, but also have belief in the team we have got.” Southgate also revealed that he would make some changes for the next game but that the core of the side would remain the same.
England Manager, Gareth Southgate has rubbished concerns over England’s sluggish performance against Malta, insisting talk of disconnect between fans and players is way of the mark. Southgate felt his side put on a “professional” performance in the game against Malta, who put up a resilient display until they tired late on to allow England to exert their authority, with three late goals gave them a flattering 4-0 victory. However, they were criticised for the display, with former national captain Terry Butcher suggesting that they lacked the kind of gifted individuals capable of unlocking the best defences. In addition, many England fans made clear their disgust at the side’s and many left well before the final whistle and described the suggestion his players are not proud to play for their country as “outrageous”. “The notion the players aren’t proud to play is outrageous really,” the manager said. “They’re unbelievably proud to play for England. Yes, they might not play as well as they’d like to sometimes, not converting all their chances, but there’s no one not giving their
100%. “I guess what I’d say to the supporters is every team has new players. Whatever your feelings have been about the team, can you give the next generation of players the support that any English sports team craves? To be successful is going to mean more if we are all in it together. That is the pride of playing for England. “These guys are the best in the country. They’re there on merit. They are proud to play. They are doing what everyone at home wants to do, and we want to deliver. It won’t be for lack of effort or preparation. “All of them give everything they have. We’re not demanding they’re here. They want to be here. The easiest thing in the world would be to pull out but we picked 28 players and 28 turned up. That’s a really good sign and it hasn’t always been the case. It’s a shame the guys who come get the stick and the guys who duck out escape all that.” Southgate insists his side will
All 26 squad members trained in the build-up to the match. Tottenham's Eric Dier is back from suspension and the England boss said the midfielder's return to the
starting XI was one option he is considering, as is a first Wembley start for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
“I’ve played in teams where people were there every time and other players weren’t. It’s not important who they are. But that’s why some people get 50, 60 or 70 caps and “He is a talent with high others, who may be good potential and we really like his players, don’t get that many. mentality,” said Southgate. “He The important ones, for me, has been playing very well for are those who get the 70 caps. Manchester United this season “This is the same narrative I and we wouldn't hesitate to heard when I was playing, so start him. I’m able to contextualise and rationalise it. Every England “Starting him was a possibility team I played in, the lads in Malta but he missed some of could never quite get their the training, not only with us heads round why that was. but the week before with his Maybe we had bad days when club. We have been looking after I was playing. him a bit. “Maybe it looks as if you can’t “I have a lovely dilemma with get to things, you’re not as regard to our attacking sharp, so people perceive positions. We made three you’re not trying, and the excellent changes the other easiest, basest reaction is to night and got a very positive say: ‘They don’t care.’ But, reaction and I also had Daniel more often than not, players Sturridge and Jermain Defoe have cared too much; been sat next to me.” wrapped up in the experience too much and not been able Southgate, who will retain to give their best for that Jordan Henderson as captain reason. Having worn the against, was asked whether shirt, that’s where I think I players had chosen to withdraw can bring some context to it. from squads during either his It’s not about ‘not caring’.” playing or coaching days. “Yes, yes, absolutely,” he said.
40
ASIAN SUNDAY
September 2017
SportS
Women increasing ‘Onna’ in sport
It was 2012 before women were able to compete in every event on the Olympic programme, 2014 before they could play professional cricket in England, 2016 before they could play professional rugby, and in 2017 they were finally allowed to join Muirfield golf Club. Women have always had to play catch up where sports have been concerned not just on a local level but on an international level. Thank goodness things are changing not just internationally but also locally. Local Ju-Jitsu club, Onna in Bradford proves the case. Onna (which means honour) Ju-Jitsu started in 2000, by Mumtaz Khan, (professionally known as Sensei Mumtaz) and have really started to change the playing field. Mumtaz came across Ju-Jitsu by accident and pursued the sport after rigorous training, and attaining her Sandan (3rd) Yondan (4th) and Godan (5th) degree blackbelt and then set up her club which started with just two students. The club now has a regular membership of over 500 students built from networks within the community and local schools.
Whilst the club attracts people of all age groups, genders and backgrounds, you can’t help but notice how the club is hugely influenced by its female members, who are not only training, but competing and winning at national competitions. The British Ju-Jitsu National Championships were held in April this year and Onna Ju-Jitsu Club came away with eight medals (three Gold, two Silver and three Bronze) with women sitting firmly at the top of these accolades. One of the worthy medalists was Jabila Khan, who won gold in the continuous fighting category. Jabila is a teacher at St Bede’s and St Joseph’s College. She has been doing Ju-Jitsu for around twelve years. The 44-year-old teacher explains that she had always wanted to take a martial art but
finding one that fitted around her hectic lifestyle and family commitments was quite hard. She told Asian Sunday that there was also a fear of what her family and people would think.
However, when her son started Ju-Jitsu a few years later, she said she couldn't stop herself and thought she couldn’t spend the rest of her life thinking about what other people would say and think. Jabila said: “I worked and lived for my family and this was something just for me. I feel I can be myself openly when I am training and I felt good. Watching me train motivated my daughter who is now 14 years old to also start training. She is so committed and dedicated now to Ju-Jitsu that she gets quite upset if she has to miss any sessions for any reason.
Gold medalist Jabila Kha n of Onna Ju-Jitsu
“This year in my second attempt at competing at the nationals I achieved a gold medal which I was completely over the moon about. All that hard work had paid off. “Working with Sensei Mumtaz has taught me so much but most of all she has helped me believe in myself and due to this my confidence has grown so much. She is truly an inspiration and a role model to me and other women who don't think they can achieve at such high levels.” Also competing in the same category, was Insurance broker Nargis Zeb, who won a silver. “Nargis’s opening fight was one of the best fight's I've ever seen. It was so exciting to watch and all her hard work during squad training sessions paid off on the day.” Said Sensei Mumtaz Nargis has been doing Ju-Jitsu for two and a half years. She tells us that she has always wanted to do a form of martial arts and when she tried Ju-Jitsu she fell in love with it. The thirty-six-year-old moved to
Silver medalist Nargis Zeb
Silver medalist Iqra Khan
Gold medalist Eesa Yunis
sport shows we (Muslim women) can also look after our health strive to achieve other things and and fitness and be good role sports is one of them” models to our children. There is no end to what we can achieve if Jabila identifies with this and we don't limit ourselves to the said: “In today's climate where stereotypical image that has Islam is shown in a negative light been upheld and demonstrated “Taking part in a sport like Juat every opportunity it is for so many generations.” Sensei Jitsu can help massively with fantastic for the media to show Mumtaz, says she is extremely confidence. You meet new people, you interact and work as a team. It some positive angles particularly proud of how well Team ONNA performed at the Championships teaches you to focus on the things poor old Muslim women doing a sport that isn't typical for an representing Bradford and how you want and off the things you Asian woman. well women are doing in this don’t want.” Said Nargis sport. “I’m in my thirties and have “As Muslim women, we can achieved something so wonderful achieve everything that any other The next Inter - club through Ju-Jitsu and so can male or female, Muslim or Nonchampionship is taking place everyone else.” She adds. Muslim can. We need to stop this November where the club thinking about what others will will be selecting students to As Muslim women, both Nargis think of us and move forward develop for the next and Jabila feel that there is too with the times. We can be championships and we’re pretty much stereotyping in the media. educated, hold down a job/career sure there's going to be more Nargis says, “Being part of this and look after our families. We badass winners. Bradford after marrying and didn’t really know anyone in the city. So, to network and make new friends, she chose to enroll on a JuJitsu class.
Published by RF Publishing Ltd, 1 Edmund Street, Bradford, BD5 1HA Company Reg No. 9615401