Summer 2013 edition

NEW LOOK!

28

FREE The Magazine

RAMADHAN REMINDER

WITH AFTAB MALIK

FACE TO FACE WITH THE LORD MAYOR

POLICING

PSCO - Abdillahi Yusuf

CHILDREN OF THE RAILWAY WITH JUNIOR SHEIKH FASHIONISTA

HIJABISTAS

ENTERTAINMENT

KISHEN, PRITI - NEV SINGH & SHIKARI

BUSINESS PROFILE

WITH LETS RENT OWNER ADIL AYUB

The South Wests & South Wales 1st Asian Magazine

28

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CONTENTS Ramadhan Reminder With Aftab Malik Face to Face With the Lord Mayor - Faruk Choudhury Policing in the community PSCO - Abdillahi Yusuf Special Feature Abuse to women I remember Children of the railway Business Profile Lets Rent - Adilayub Silver Screen Classics The immortal Mohammed Rafi Fashionista Hijabistas Entertainment South West RSVP and Glastonbury Entertainment Kishen, Priti - Nev Singh & Shikari Nazma In the community Community Cohesion in Swindon In the community Bristol crowned Europeon green capital 2015 Out and about - In the South West People and places Courty of the big 5, Kenya Inspirations Abdul Malik Blast from the past Opening doors to the local community

After 77 years, 15 primeministers, 3 monarchs, Andy Murray take homes The Wimbeldon title!

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All over the world Muslims have begun their holiest month of the year by fasting from dawn until dusk each day, broken each evening by large, communal meals. The start of Ramadan is earlier each year because it is calculated based on the sighting of the new moon, which begins the Muslim lunar month. Muslims use the time to reevaluate their lives through the scope of Islamic doctrine.

In the South west the air-waves will be ringing with Islamic programming from RSL radio stations under the name Radio Ramadhan. This is the time of the year where Muslims in the UK feel that they have good mileage On Air. Radio Ramadhans are a good medium of educating both Muslims and other faith members of the virtues of Islam and help many of the young British born Muslims to understand the religion better. This is also the time when charity bodies seek donations for various projects in the UK and mostly outside the UK. I know with the conflict in Syria many of these charities will be collecting funds on Air and at various mosques. Donate you should if you are able to but let none of these organisations politely force out donations by way of promising “paradise” in the life after when you donate for a cause or make you feel guilty that you are not donating. It is also important that the different Radio Ramadhans check the authenticity of these groups before according them “air Time for what they call “Pledge Day”. Let us share this holy month with all including our neigbours from other faiths, this is a time to heal & share.

Cover: 1st Asian Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Faruk Choudhury Photography: Sanket Photo Edit: Mark

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A Ramadhan Reminder

Feature by Aftab Ahmad Malik FASTING DURING THE MONTH OF Ramadan not only tests how well Muslims can control their basic instincts, tongue and actions, but it serves a greater purpose: Ramadan actually moulds and shapes the individuals’ character into making them a vital and wholesome agent that contributes to society.

The spiritual training undergone during the days of Ramadan refreshes and reminds us of the obligations that Muslims have towards their fellow brethren. Allah reminds the believers in the Qur’an that He has bestowed dignity on the children of Adam and awarded on them special favours … (17:70).

The Qur’an, or the word of Allah as Muslims believe, is self-evident and comprehensive in its recognition of dignity for all human beings, regardless of limitations or qualifications of any kind. In other words, dignity is not earned, it is established as an expression of Allah’s favour, and this is a right to every human being, regardless of their colour, race or religion.

The Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, summarized the attributes Muslims should adopt when interacting with others, and which are pleasing to Allah, when he declared: “Allah is Compassionate and loves those who are compassionate.

Allah is gentle and loves those who are gentle to others.

Whoever is merciful to creatures, to him is Allah Merciful.

Whoever does good for people, to him will Allah do good.

Whoever is generous to them, to him will Allah be generous.

Whoever benefits the people, Allah will benefit him.”

The Prophet also said: “One who does not show compassion to the people, Allah will not be compassionate towards him.”

Needless to say, not all Muslims heed the teachings of Islam as far as compassion, mercy, generosity and kindness are concerned any more than do all followers of other traditions whose religion is based upon the two foundations of compassion and enlightenment.

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face to face with lord Mayor FarUK Choudhury Mr Choudhury, 38 originally from Bangladesh, has been a councillor in Easton since 2007, he became Lord Mayor on 21st May with former Lord Mayor Peter Main taking office as Deputy Lord Mayor.

Faruk is married to Shilpi the Lady Mayoress and are blessed with three children, Ishaac 10, and two girls, Sanyia (five) and Nusaybah (three). We were given an opportunity to have a first exclusive interview with the very first Asian Lord Mayor at Mansion House.

Q - Congratulations Faruk Choudhury on becoming the Lord Mayor of Bristol and welcome to Radio Mast.

FC - Thank you for having me.

Q - After all the excitement and now that you have kind of settled, how do you feel about your new role?

FC - It’s amazing! It was astonishing and an honour for me to be in this position. It’s really exiting to receive lots of good comments from my community, there is a real buzz on the streets, and I feel privileged to receive those comments from my community.

Q - Yes it is also a privilege for all the communities because with the history of Bristol, having a BME sit as Lord Mayor, everybody is celebrating. Looking back at your history, you started at a very young age as a politician, just give us a brief of that.

FC - My family has always been involved with politics. My uncle was the first chairman in Golopgonj Union Porishad and now they’ve got a Mayor. We supported local schools which, we still do to this day. I learnt politics from my parents and uncles, and was appointed assistant general secretary in my college having been elected by students. When I moved to the UK in 1999 I still carried on with politics joining the Labour party as soon as I arrived and since then I have been working for the community.

Q- That’s nice, how do you think you can assist the BME community and the wider community within Bristol in your ceremonial role as Lord Mayor?

FC - I will represent all communities in Bristol as a figure head. It’s about going to the different communities and bringing their profile to the forefront. As Lord Mayor my role would be building the bridges within different communities and listening to their needs. I will then pass those needs to the councillors who are responsible for making decisions, so that they may be aware of people’s needs and act on them.

Right: Lord Mayor at Raja food stores, meeting Easton residents

Q – We recently covered an event where the elected Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson was meeting community members and the cry of speaker after speaker in that community was “our funding has been cut, we are struggling, we are almost giving up now”, you as the Lord Mayor, though we know that George Ferguson has the pot with him as elected Mayor, how can you help these communities that are struggling?

FC- I will strive to work together with the communities, councillors and the elected Mayor to see how best we can assist.

Q- That’s great; we understand that you wish to promote organ and blood donations especially amongst the BME community, how do you intend to achieve this?

FC – The Black Ethnic Community is part of the British society, we live here, we work here and we have been living here for many years.

Many communities and nations fought for Britain during the First and Second World Wars so we are part of the British Society. I know for a fact that there is a shortage organs for our community so we need to increase awareness so as to have more organ donors. As a BME person myself I think it would be very useful if we reach out to all individual and communities and spread the word and show them how important being an organ donor as well as blood donor is. It’s a nationwide shortage amongst BME communities.

Q - As you are aware, the Asian community in Bristol, and in fact all over Britain, is very diverse, and bringing all these different groups together is not an easy task. How do you see yourself promoting community cohesion and bridging the many different Asian cultures and faiths?

FC - Again that’s about building bridges. Every community has a different identity, but what’s common amongst us all is that we are British. “Work for the society, look after the society” that’s the message I will be working on.

Q - And how do you hope to integrate the Asian community with the wider Bristol community?

FC - The Asian community are a long established community in Britain, it’s not a new community, as there have been third, fourth, fifth generations living here. I understand there is a difference but they relate when it comes to working for the community and when it comes to working for each other and living side by side as British people.

Q - Healthy eating is a major problem today all across the world, especially with the Asian communities because our style of cooking with too much oil, too much Massala to much Ghee. As Lord Mayor you will be attending many ceremonies and functions and enjoying many fine dining experiences, how will you get the healthy eating message across our community?

FC - I know the NHS is doing a great job on healthy eating awareness and wherever possible I will promote the message. I have to do it myself first and start running.

Q - We feel that this is a very proud moment in Bristol’s history for the Bangladeshi community, for the Muslim community, for the Asian community as well as the greater community. Much has been said, and rightly so, of the fact that you are Bristol’s first Asian Lord Mayor, how will you serve all the communities equally on a common platform?

FC - As a black ethnic minority it is a privilege to be in this position, it is a great honour and I can see the people are proud.

One of the tasks for me is to reach every community.

Q - Your predecessor who is now deputy Mayor Peter Main was always out and about, the Lord Mayor that would not turn down an appearance if at all possible and has set the bar.

What should we expect from you Lord Mayor?

FC - I pay my tribute to Councillor

Peter Main, he has done a wonderful job for the city as first citizen and I will be following in his footsteps.

Q - That’s very exciting to hear. As Lord Mayor can we ask you to help bring a wider understanding amongst the communities and the BME Communities?

FC - That would be one of my roles explaining to different communities about other communities. It’s about understanding and respecting each other and I will be promoting that throughout the city.

Q - On a closing note, what is your message as the first Asian Lord Mayor of Bristol?

FC - Please inform my office about anyone who is doing significantly good things for their neighbourhood and community. Secondly we have the Lord Mayor’s Children Appeal. Every year we raise money for disadvantaged children within our city and would like to raise more funds. I would also like to encourage people to register as blood and organ donors. That’s where you can help me as the media; to spread the word because we are doing this for all of us , we need enough organ and blood donors so if we need blood we know there is enough. Let me point out that although we don’t have a blood shortage, thanks to the NHS and the people of Britain, some blood groups are very rare especially amongst black ethnic minorities so we need to have those people who have rare blood groups to please donate.

Q - Your wife the Lady Mayoress and the children must be excited, has it settled in with them yet?

FC- They are still excited (said laughing). My family is really happy, really proud, my 5 year old daughter told me one evening “I’m really proud of you Dad” .

Q - Wow! That’s nice!

FC- And my youngest daughter, said, “Are you a winner Dad?” so it is an amazing feelings for us as family.

Q - Yes it is amazing; I have not seen a congregation of Bangladeshi Television channels and journalists as I saw in council house.

How does that make you feel?

FC - Very proud to be British Bangladeshi. Bangladesh is a small country, very small country. As I said when I was taking office, it would be difficult to point out on a map.

But when we see the people from Bangladesh or other nations doing really good things, that inspires others and that’s what we need. We are, as I said, part of the British community and we need to encourage our children to do well with their lives, inspire them to succeed and that’s one of the jobs I will be doing.

We are hardworking people, especially the first generation, they worked hard and we should acknowledge and recognise those people for their hard work.

Below: Kerry McCarthy MP, Ed Milliband & Councillor Faruk Choudhury

Q - Yes, you can be rest assured that we will propagate the message of organ and blood donation we will be part of that campaign and we wish you all the best, we wish your family all the best, we wish the BME community and the wider community well. This is history in Bristol, we hope we can all join together and make it a very memorable year for the entire community of Bristol.

FC - Absolutely, and thank you very much for the assurance you have given me, together we can make the year successful.

Q - Thank you.

Lady Mayoress Shilpi & her family

Q - Yes, their hard work, determination and dedication.

FC - Absolutely Deputy Lord Mayor Peter Main, Lord Mayor Faruk Choudhury and Bristol Mayor George Ferguson

not like it, but it’s worth a try. I already have two teenagers who have accompanied me to full council meetings and are interested in politics.

So if you are interested please come along, I will be more than happy and I will do everything I can to help you achieve that goal. I have been in office for 6 weeks now.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK Afzal Shah is the newly elected councillor of Easton on a Labour ticket.

Sometimes outspoken Afzal has been involved in the community assisting and advising where he can. He brings charisma and a hands on approach to the seat.

J: What drove you, what was your motivation to say “right do you know what, I think I can make a difference to my community I’m going to get into this?”

A: Well ever since I was a teenager I was interested in trying to make a difference to the community and making the community we live in a better place for everyone. I used to a be an independent custody visitor (looking after the welfare of detainees) with Avon and Somerset Police Constabulary when I was 19. I did that for seven years. I have also been involved with the Pakistan Association of Bristol and was elected General Secretary. I have also represented hundreds of families who have been targeted by the gold burglaries in Bristol. It’s really the later, you know, seeing the victims especially women and the devastation that it caused to families. I felt that the police were not doing enough to catch the perpetrators of these crimes so I spoke out and then I felt the only way to actually make a real difference is to have a platform.

Similarly there are huge challenges that need to be dealt with. The key challenge for me to do something about is to reach out to the youth and engage with them on issues such as access to education and training and also to do something about drugs. To sit down with these youngsters and say look there is another path and that path is education or training to give you a better chance in life. In England and Wales just to give you an example, nearly 24% of the young prisoner population is Muslim. That’s hugely disproportionate, they represent nearly 2% of the overall population in England of Wales, yet like I said nearly a quarter of all prisoners in England and Wales are Muslim.

J: That is a staggering figure, I’m very surprised!

A: I don’t represent just Muslims; I’m there for everyone no matter what faith. As a councillor this is my job, but this is one thing I would like to do something about. Why are there so many youngsters in prison, especially from the South Asian community? I think as a community we need to sit down and question ourselves. Is it that we are not pushing our children enough in terms of educational attainment and so on?

These questions can only be asked if we have some kind of debate.

The other thing is we’re also lacking in terms of BME communities is we are lacking in terms of educational attainment here in Bristol.

Certain communities are doing extremely well but unfortunately as a whole the BME communities are not doing so well and one of the big things that I really want to do is to get youngsters like myself to come forward and stand as councillors and come and represent the area that they live in. I say to any youngsters out there please come and see me if you are interested in becoming a councillor, come and see me and you can shadow the work that I do and get a feel for it, you may or may

J: In this time what kind of things have you been dealing with, are you enjoying it, and is it what you expected before you took the post?

A: Well you have to be cognisant of that fact that if you are elected as a councillor and become a representative of your community you have to be generous with your time. People have voted for you and entrusted their time and if you are really going to make a difference you have to do your best. The key thing for me is empowering the community. This goes back to what I said, trying to get youngsters access to education and training. Getting people in the community who feel their schools are not achieving enough to become parent governors. Getting people who are not happy with the criminal justice system to go and become magistrates. Getting people who are not happy with the policing to actually become a PCSO, and for those who want to get involved in political life here in Bristol, please come and see me. Selection is not up to me but the people, but I will do everything I can to help you and point you in the right direction.

J: That is fantastic thank you so much for your time; I like your ideas and wish you all the best for your time in office. I feel you’re someone who can help the community and be a good influence to others. The last thing I would like to know is what is your message to your constituents?

A: To the people of my ward remember we’re a hugely diverse and culturally rich area, you only need to look as far as St Marks or Stapleton Road to see this; the shops, the food, it’s all great. So let’s keep supporting our local businesses. The great thing about Easton is they are all independent local businesses. Everyone should work together from all communities and if there is anything that you feel we need work on come and tell me and let’s work together. Let’s put the unity, back into community.

J: So don’t be shy people; councillor Shah is available and ready to talk to you so when you have the chance go up to him, he’s a very nice approachable man. Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: Yes, I would just like to say that if anyone would like to address any issue to the full council meeting please let me know and I can arrange that for you. For example a lot of people are not happy with resident parking zones because of the way it’s going to affect them. These are the kind of things were you should be holding your elected representatives, including myself and our mayor George Ferguson, accountable. Judge me on my actions and remember the people are the boss, you are the ones who put us in office and we are here to serve you.

J: Thank you so much for your time and best of luck with everything!

A: Thank you.

Councillor Afzaal Shah & Junior Sheikh

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PCSO AbdillahI Policing is challenging anywhere in the country, anywhere in the world for that matter not just Stapleton Road

PCSO Abdillahi Yusuf is based at the Trinity Police Station, and his current beat is St Jude’s and Stapleton Road Easton. He is one of two Somali PCSO’s in England and the only Somali PCSO in the West Country. I managed to arrange an interview with PCSO Abdillahi and what better setting for the talk than in his Easton Beat area.

J: When did you join the police force?

A: I joined in April 2011 and have been a PCSO in this area for two years now.

J: Where did you start your policing career?

A: I started in Trinity police station as soon as I finished my training at headquarters, and I have really enjoyed my time here.

J: Looking at the areas that you cover, I’m interested in knowing how trying working in the Easton area must be. How do you cope?

A: No, it’s not really trying. Let me quote an Italian philosopher as I like philosophy. He talked about how the past refuses to die to give way for the future and Stapleton Road is only suffering from a bad past and reputation. Policing is challenging anywhere in the country, anywhere in the world for that matter not just Stapleton Road. This area suffers only from a bad reputation which is still dragging it down despite all the efforts from the police and council. If you look back to when I first moved to Bristol in 2000 and compare that with 2013 you can really see the difference. The number of shops opening, the number of businesses, and the number of people living and moving into the area have all increased. This reflects the success and peace in this part of Bristol which is only suffering from its past reputation.

J: We had a nice chat before we started the interview and you mentioned that when you first moved to Bristol you where a bit worried with the situation.

A: Yes. Naturally I followed the woman I love, so I moved from Reading to Bristol to be with the love of my life and was in the Easton and St. Paul’s area a lot. Moving from Reading to Bristol was a very big difference; Reading was a very sleepy town, so in the beginning I was a really shocked when I came here but I can really sense the difference now.

J: The area we are in now can be seen as the heart of the multicultural side of Bristol. What I want to know is how much have you learnt about the different cultures and customs of the many different people you serve.

A: Before coming to Britain I was only within the Somali community, which is natural as I was in my country. Since moving to Britain I have seen how a diverse community can live and work together. I was a postman for the Royal Mail before becoming a PCSO so I met a lot of people from different cultures from English, Polish, Caribbean and Hungarian backgrounds. At the time I was union representative at Royal Mail for a group called Dignitary Respect Work and I engaged a lot with the Sikh and Hindu community. Joining the police was a natural progression for me towards working with those communities again.

J: As the first PCSO in the Bristol area from the Somali community, what was the reaction from your people seeing one of their own in the police uniform?

A: The vast majority of people were welcoming and encouraging. I remember the first day I started; PSCO Dawn Pearce was my instructor, it was a Friday and I specifically went to the Mosque to pray with my uniform. Just imagine; I was already living in the area as Abdillahi and part of the Mosque and community, now here I am in Police uniform. It was quite a shock for a lot of them.

J: They were shocked a little bit surprised a little bit?

A: Yes, is was a big surprise and except for one negative comment I had from a specific person, the vast majority were really welcoming.

I didn’t get hurt by that comment when I saw the smiles and all the people welcoming me warmly in the mosque and encouraging me with my job. I did a lot of negotiations and public relations to make people understand what I’m doing, to understand that I’m not there to get them (laughs). So that was basically the only difficult part, to get them at ease and I feel I succeeded with that as now I see more and more youngsters asking me how to join the police.

J: Drugs and youth unrest is a major problem in many communities; the Somali community is no different. Being an officer from the Somali community who understands the community better what you are doing to help educate the youth and families that are affected by these habits.

A: Drugs are a problem regardless of the community. The police are doing a great job educating people about drugs. We are always giving leaflets with information and encouraging the community to share intelligence as to what is going on in order to tackle specific people.

At the same time we also engage with communities across the area, for example we deal with community resolve to take problems off the street. As a Somali PCSO and in general, I try to use prevention rather than cure. So I specifically target young children in order to give them a warning about drugs, and if I see one of them in a compromising area or in a dodgy area I try to warn their parents and I find parents are happy to tackle the issue before their children go deeper into crime.

J: That’s great, so you are actively trying to prevent this.

A: We go to schools and try to speak to people on the streets and I try to engage and approach young children telling them to think of their life in the next ten, fifteen, twenty years where would they like to be? Having problems with the police or having a job. I even bring to their attention that even to be a taxi driver you need to pass a CRB check. So I remind them how important it is to stay away from trouble and don’t make more barriers for yourself in life. I always try to talk to them in a friendly brotherly way, most of the kids know me now and call me uncle so I know were I stand and how I can talk to them and they are very receptive.

J: Just following on from drugs, we as a Magazine have been highlighting the effects of Khat in the Somali community. How are you assisting in your role to help curb this chronic unhealthy habit?

A: The Khat problem, we call it Mirra in East Africa, is not something illegal in this country. There are countries where it is illegal but not in this country. It is imported lawfully and is taxed properly. From my level and from the police point of view we try to deal with specific problems associated with it such as littering and people trading in the street without a licence. We sometimes have people complaining about others selling it in the street so we try to stop it and advise them to get a proper licence and proper insurance for trading.

J: You are seen as a role model for many in the ethnic community and a popular PCSO; I see this every time we meet. What you are doing personally to help bridge the gap between the police and the community.

A: As you know 80% to 90 % of the time I’m on the street walking and talking to people. I get a nice feeling with people saying hello and they feel good to see someone of their colour in the police uniform. At one music festival I met some people, who told me exactly that,’ it’s good to see you in that uniform’. It makes me feel proud to be wearing the uniform because when I see the reaction of people I see they needed to see people like me out in the street and taking time to talk to them.

People come to me and ask me all sorts of questions. I sometimes feel

like a walking citizen’s advice bureau. They even ask me how and where to pay for their electric! It’s not my job so it makes me giggle but I will always try my best to help them and take time for them if I can.

J: Do you feel that it would make more of a difference to the community to have more PCSOs like yourself from the same backgrounds as the people living in the area, and having said that do you feel the police are doing enough to encourage and recruit these people?

A: As far as I’m concerned in my short time with the police over the last 2 years, when there is a recruitment drive I have seen posters specifically targeting BME communities.

J: So in your opinion the police are trying hard.

A: Yes, I have put lots of posters up myself in cafe’s and shops along Stapleton Road and in Community Centres and we try to get them everywhere. I personally encourage the youth to join the police and I think the effort from the constabulary has been relentless as they are doing all they can. It’s on the community themselves to get over this mystification of the police.

J: So you could say it’s down to a bit of misunderstanding and mistrust of the police A: Exactly, I would say there are two types of people in the BME community; those who were born and grew up here, and those who came here, like me, as adults. Each perception is very different; those who came here as adults had a different view of the police in their own countries. Policing in some other countries is totally different where when they see uniform they have this fear and mistrust, so people are still living with this perception and those who were born and grew up here have a different view. From a sociological point of view this needs

PCSO Adriana & PCSO Abdillahi

to be addressed collectively from all sides. From the communities, from the police, the media, from the local leaders and councillors, there is a lot of work to be done.

J: I like what you are saying; it’s not just on the police to do all the work. It’s for the police to work with everyone and in turn everyone work with the police A: Yes exactly. I believe that my role means I have a heavy weight on my shoulders, I’m Muslim, Somali, PCSO, black (I describe myself as a black African) so it is a great responsibility for me.

J: I have to just say one thing for our readers because you can’t see us. PCSO Abdillahi is a very friendly person; every time I see him he has a smile on his face and has time to talk to you. This explains why he is so liked and popular around here. Just getting back on track, language is a major obstacle with many people coming from outside the UK to live here, as someone who has experience with such communication issues( when you are working) what do you think the system should do to tackle this?

A: I think that when it comes to policing, there are resources in place to deal with language barriers. There is an interpreter line that is available 24 hours and we have translators available. I think the police are engaging a tremendous amount of money and effort in order to do this, but sometimes when you’re dealing with, for example, a specific situation on the streets it’s hard. I remember once a polish male in a car hit a Somali female neither of whom could speak a word of English; luckily it was on my beat so we had PCSO Adriana who can speak polish and me speaking Somali so we managed to sort the situation.

Linguistics is a tremendous help as I speak Somali, Arabic, French, and a bit of Swahili. This has always helped me, just to be able to say one word can make a difference. I’m trying to learn some Urdu; I already know a few words. I think it’s always good to know a bit of language, it opens a lot of doors.

J: Because it makes a difference to someone?

A: Yes it makes them feel they can relate to you straight away and the police are putting in a lot of effort and resources into this.

J: Moving onto something a bit more serious, I would like to have your opinion on this. Recently we had a very sad incident in Woolwich, London. What do you think (living here in the community, being a Muslim man) could be done to stop vulnerable youth getting into such organisations that brain wash them, and it ends in tragedy.

A: I think it was a barbaric and despicable act, it left a deep scar and I was and am still saddened by it.

like killing the whole of mankind. It is especially bad because we consider this country as a host, welcoming us. If you do that to your host it is also un-Islamic. I think the best way to prevent this is for communities to work together, whether you are white, black, brown, or blue. We should all come together and work collectively.

J: Do you think it’s important to get to younger people earlier, I say this because to me it looks like it is young people that are a bit lost and confused being targeted by these groups because they are more easily influenced into doing things they don’t understand?

A: The police are already taking action to prevent this sort of thing and I think it is down to the families as well. These youth don’t come out of nowhere, they all have families. So I think we need to work together as a community. If anyone feels or senses that one of their youth is going in the wrong direction, they need to inform the authorities straight away and measures can be put into place. I think the only way is if the community works with the police more closely.

J: Ok. So things like what you are doing, bridging the gap between the police and the community is what we need.

Tell us a little bit about yourself A: Well, I love football and watch a lot. But my main passion is my children I love them a lot and of course my wife. I really like poetry and philosophy. I write some poetry and was influence by a French poet. Maybe I’ll write a poem about the magazine.

J: Just before we finish, what is your message to the people in your beat area?

A: Well first I would like to thank them for all of their support, they have been excellent. I have had encouragement from all different types of people regardless of their creed or colour so I just want to say thank you to everyone. I will also say to them I hope we will spend more time with them in the future, I’m not ready to leave I love my job and I hope to do it for a long time. Perhaps if I get the chance I will progress to a normal constable. My aim is to be there for everyone and I will keep doing this.

J: Thank you so much A: Thank you

J: You along with the majority of people around the UK! A: Yes it was really shocking; the feeling was overwhelming around the community. We couldn’t believe that such a thing would happen on the streets of this country. The intelligence community and Scotland Yard are doing a tremendous amount of work to try stop this from happening, but it is not easy to prevent ‘lone wolfs’ as they say from, committing acts independently. You can’t stop everyone but the police are doing a great job in order to stop these kinds of actions. When I look at it from my point of view and a Muslim point of view, this is something that is not allowed at all. The prophet Mohamed (saw) never said that this should happen. It’s something the Quran condemns; it’s something Allah (swt) condemns. Allah (swt) says killing one man is

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SPECIAL FEATURE If one section of society were to start physically beating up and assaulting another section of society, the police would declare it a riot, the state machinery would swing into action to take appropriate steps to bring an end to the violence and protect those that need help.

Thereafter the state might even set up refugee camps etc. to rehabilitate those affected. Well, when we set out to do our research on domestic violence, this is precisely what we found.

One section of society was physically beating up and assaulting another, there seemed to be a civil war like situation out there, only there was no Rapid Action to stop the violence. Two separate studies, one organised by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, and another organised by the Planning Commission, showed that anywhere between 40% and 80% of women in India are victims of domestic violence. Let’s take a conservative middle figure of let us say 50%. That's a huge percentage of women! And I'm afraid these figures don't speak very well of us men. As we write this feature we also look at our situation in the UK- domestic abuse is on the increase not only in the Asian community but the wider community – cases of abuse are rife.

What is this thinking that we have in us? What is this thinking that make us men believe that we have a right to hit a woman? And what is this thinking that makes many women accept this beating for years on end? Once again, it’s the good old ‘Patriarchal’ thinking. It is indeed alarming to discover how many different problems arise out of this strange animal called ‘Patriarchal thinking’.

Patriarchal thinking… men are superior to women! … men are the bosses! … they will decide what is good for their women… men will control women’s lives as they please and as they deem fit!!! And so we have Female Foeticide, Female Infanticide, the girl child is not fed properly, the health of the girl child is not a priority, the girl child is not given education or, less importance is placed on her education, instead she is taught to do just house work. Of course while all this is happening, she is often beaten! This thinking also results in child marriages, dowry, discrimination against widows, and of course unequal share in property, that is, if there is any share at all.

Reading this last sentence many will jump the band wagon and scream NO – not in the UK – yes it does happen everywhere the UK is no exception- girls forced into inter-bred marriages- not encouraged to pursue higher education and even forced into a certain mode of dressing – result when this girl walks out of the house she leads a

“different” life – 2 Do you as parents want that – of course not – so why don’t you treat them the same as their male siblings.

Leave alone empowering our women, why are we specifically disempowering them and have been doing so for millennia.

Let us examine some of the excuses that men put forth for assaulting the women folk in their family: “I am very short tempered”, “there's a lot of stress and problems in my life so it comes out like this”. So how come you don’t hit your boss? Why only your wife? Well you don’t hit your boss because if you do, your boss will take appropriate action against you. Are the women listening?

“I get violent with my wife because I love her so much”, “my love for her comes out in this passionate and violent way, it's because I care for and love my wife”. Well in that case, there should be an equal amount of beating coming from the women folk. She too loves you too much so take some beatings from her for her to satisfy her passion for her enduring love for you. You won’t allow that, you will immediately strike back and or even chase her out of your house and encouraged by your parents. “My wife asked for it”. Well she also asked for a diamond necklace…, and guess what you are asking for?!!!

There really does seem to be a civil war out there. Brothers hitting sisters, fathers hitting daughters, husbands hitting wives and in some cases, even sons hitting mothers. Our experts have explained how once domestic violence starts it gets worse with every encounter and never stops until you stop it! The woman has to say NO! Many countries have a fairly strong Domestic Violence Act and it is important for all women to be familiar with what the law says. It is stated specifically that the woman has the right to reside in, what is called, the shared household. Often a common fear among women is to be thrown out of her home. The system protects every women in this regard. No women, whether wife, mother, daughter or sister, can be thrown out of the house, even if the property is not in her name, and, is technically owned by some other member of the family.

Last year, around 1.2 million women suffered domestic abuse, over 400,000 women were sexually assaulted, 60,000 women were raped and thousands more were stalked. These crimes are often hidden away behind closed doors, with the victim suffering in silence.

Fewer than 1 in 4 people who suffer abuse at the hands of their partner - and only around 1 in 10 women who experience serious sexual assault - report it to the police.

The Home Office is determined to support victims in reporting these crimes, and to make sure perpetrators are brought to justice. We all must do much more to prevent violence against women and girls happening at all. The government’s approach to ending violence against women and girls involves a number of actions, including:

• allocating and protecting nearly £40 million of stable funding until 2015 for specialist local support services and national help lines

• ensuring victims of sexual violence have access to specialist support, by part-funding 87 independent sexual violence advisers and pledging £1.2 million for 3 years from 2012 to 2013 onwards to improve services for young people suffering sexual violence in major urban areas

• piloting an ‘Ugly Mugs’ scheme to help protect sex workers from violent and abusive clients

• announcing plans to make forced marriage a criminal offence in England and Wales

• piloting a domestic violence disclosure scheme where individuals have a right to ask about any violence in a partner’s past, funding independent domestic violence advisers and providing guidance for practitioners on conducting domestic homicide reviews

• widening the definition of domestic violence and abuse following a public consultation, to include coercive control and to cover 16 and 17 year olds

• publishing a pocket sized declaration opposing female genital mutilation document for girls and women to carry when abroad, explaining the law and potential criminal penalties

• running the teenage relation abuse and teenage rape prevention campaigns to prevent teenagers from becoming victims and perpetrators of sexual violence and abuse and directing them to places for help and advice

• providing protection for victims of stalking by introducing two new specific criminal offences, along with additional related police search powers and training for police and prosecutors

• signing the Council of Europe’s convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic

violence - the ‘Istanbul Convention’ - on 8 June 2012 Bills and legislation The Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Act was introduced in 2003 and came into effect in March 2004. The act: • makes it illegal to practice FGM in the UK • makes it illegal to take girls who are British nationals or permanent residents of the UK abroad for FGM whether or not it is lawful in that country • makes it illegal to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad • has a penalty of up to 14 years in prison and, or, a fine In November 2012 the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 was updated by provisions made in the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, creating 2 new offences for stalking. The new offences were made under sections 2A and 4A of the 1997 Act and cover: • stalking • stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm and distress The amendments also set out new police powers to enter and search premises (on provision of a warrant – section 2B) in relation to the offence under 2A. Historically, men have been a part of this problem, and now it is high time we men become a part of the solution. Men have to be proactive in putting an end to this illness in society. And, look at it this way, do you want to be a man who is feared and hated by your wife or other female members of your home? Or do you want to be loved, adored and respected? Do you want your children to run away from you or run towards you when you get home? DO YOU WANT TO BE A HOME MAKER OR A HOME BREAKER?

Every day, Mukhtar Mai, a tall, gaunt woman from a tiny farming village in Pakistan’s southern Punjab province, faces the trauma of what happened to her.

Nine years ago, to punish her for an affair her brother was accused of having, a tribal council ordered that she be repeatedly raped.

After the attack, she says she was paraded past scores of villagers.

It became the most infamous women’s rights case in Pakistan for years.In a country where getting convictions in violent crimes cases against women was notoriously difficult, six suspected rapists were caught, convicted and imprisoned.

Traumatised, abused and voiceless

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children of the railway With Junior Sheikh The origins of Asian migration to East Africa lie in the construction of the Kenya –Uganda railway, though most of the rail lies in Kenya, Uganda was the destination of the railway. The railway construction started in the then small port of Mombasa in 1896 when some 32,000 indentured laborers (coolies) were recruited from British India. The “Iron Snake” as it was referred to by the natives of Kenya was a remarkable feat of engineering, however resulting in some 2,500 deaths of the Indian coolies mostly from Gujarat and Punjab, India; these were Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. The construction suffered its biggest setback in 1898 at Tsavo River, because of the “Man-eaters” of Tsavo. These were two lions that stalked the campsite, dragging their victims and devouring them. It took nine months to eventually kill the animals and for work to progress.

On completion of the railway many labourers chose to settle in what was then East Africa Protectorate bringing their families from India and others inter-marrying with the Arab and African people.

The railway opened the interior to trade, and many Indians soon began migrating from the coast where the Arabs had established trade. Most Indians settled in the new town of Nairobi which was then the capital of the British protectorate since the arrival of the railway line in 1905.

Unlike the Africans, the Indians were permitted to legally reside in Nairobi in what was then a white settler town. Of the 32,000 contracted labourers for the railway about 6,700 stayed on to work as “dukawallas” (shop keepers) artisans (mostly the Sikhs), clerks and some as lower level administrators. The colonial government excluded them from senior and middle ranks and from farming which was a reserve of the white settlers, instead they could practice law, medicine and many were commercial middlemen.

My great, grandfather was one of the many who stayed behind and worked with the railways in Namsagali Uganda as a clerk and slowly rising to an administrator. Like most Indians then, he went back to marry in India in what is today Pakistan and made Uganda his home.

One of his children, my grandfather, joined the East African Railways in Kampala as yard foreman. Many other families were by now settling with some more Indian merchants arriving from India to this new “British Protectorate”.

Mandirs (Hindu temples), Gurudwara (Sikh temples) and Masjids (Mosques) were built close to each other in the railway quarters.

These were designated residential housing provided by the railways authority for their employees. My father grew up in the railway quarters, and fondly remembers these big well spread houses. The colonial government had clearly set living quarters apart, the African Quarters were small with hardly any space and the Europeans lived in their “lush” areas.

My father recalls, “These were big mansions. My father was part of the social circle of an English railway “boss”, therefore my mother had to make “special Indian “rotis” and curries during the many social evening that we were privileged to attend, of course dressed in shorts (me & my little brother), white shirt and tie.”

For recreation they had railway clubs and once again these were a preserve of the Europeans, the Indians had community clubs of their own, Sikh Union for the Sikhs, Patel Samaj for the Hindus, Goan Club for the Goans and Muslim Club for the Muslims.

The Indians, whether railway employees or “dukawallas” lived in harmony as one, Hindu, Muslim & Sikh, they celebrated Diwali and Eid

building of the Kenya Uganda railway

Hinda, Sikh and Muslim railway employees working and leaving together in harmony

Kenya Uganda railway crossing the Jinja bridge

together, and visiting each other’s places of worship. Rivalry only played a part in sporting activities.

Growing up in the railways life could change at any time as work transfers were regular. My father remembers growing up in four different towns in Kenya from the highlands, the capital and the coastal town.

Locomotive driver Karmail Singh

Indians in the rural areas became Africanised and those in the urban areas were somewhat Anglicized, but for the most part, Indians lived among themselves and felt superior to the Africans. This caused anger with the African community and there were incidents and seeds of discord slowly taking shape.

Besides the Indian Punjabis and Gujaratis, Kenya hosted a big Goan Community who were into the hotel service industry and tailoring.

The different Indian communities specialised in different trades. Their commercial skills contributed to the economic development and prosperity of Kenya and the rest of East Africa.

Interestingly by the 1940’s Indians had firmly established themselves in the commercial trade. 80-90% of the trade was in the hands of Indians; all but 12 of the 195 cotton ginneries in Uganda belonged to Indians.

As the 60’s approached many Indians in the three East African States pushed for equality, and assisted in the independence struggle.

Amongst the most prominent were Makhan Singh and Pio Gama Pinto.

Pinto went on to become a member of parliament after Kenya attained independence but was later assassinated.

Pre Independence, some of the African leaders recognized the efforts of these railway children and off-springs of the early Indian merchants in the struggle for independence from the British colonial government.

But as each of the three states gained independence, many politicians referred to the Indians and Arabs as people who had been milking their country and that they should pack their bags and leave the East African countries.

The Mackinnon railway line muslim mosque

Hindu Jain Temple. Mombasa

Sikh Gurdwara Temple, Iringa, Uganda

Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya achieved independence from Britain in 1961, 1962 and 1963 respectively, and thereafter followed a period of volatility in African and Asian relations, in Kenya the Indians were referred to as “Wahindi”. The Asians and Europeans in Kenya were given two years to acquire Kenya citizenship in which they would renounce their British Protectorate Passports. Out of an approximate 180,000 Indians and 40,000 Europeans only about 20,000 had submitted an application for Kenya citizenship, my grandfather was one of those that opted not to give up his British Protectorate Passport.

My father recalls him taking early retirement from the railways and preparing to leave for what is now Pakistan. The many “Wahindis” that refused to give up their British Protectorate Passports, were considered disloyal to the government and life was not made easy for them. They were forced into retirement or sacked from the railways and other government organisations. The Kenya Immigration Act of 1967 required them to acquire work permits, whilst the Trade Licensing Act passed in the same year limited the areas in the country in which non- Kenyans could engage in trade. Faced with an uncertain future many Kenyan Asians chose to utilize their British Protectorate Passports and settle in the United Kingdom with many East and Central African Asians settling in London and Leicester.

Not decided whether to go back to Pakistan or join his siblings in the UK, my grandfather opted to stay put in Kenya as did his sister in Uganda. I think that was a wise decision as my father, third generation Kenyan, was given all the educational opportunities that any indigenous Kenyan received. Despite the government forcing the Indians out of the civil service the private sector hired these Indians to manage businesses and encouraged them into owning their own firms.

The ‘Wahindis’ also played a great role in many sporting activities. In Kenya a Goan athlete, Seraphino Antao, won a double gold medal at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia. The Kenya national hockey team was managed by Indians most being Sikh; this was at a time when Kenya was dominant in world Hockey and cricket was also in high rankings. In motor sport three Indians featured prominently in the East African Safari Rally which was considered one of the toughest motor sport rallies in the world. Kenyan Sikh brothers Joginder and Jaswant Singh were the first Indians to win the rally in 1965, with

Joginder later winning the event three times. Later a Ugandan Indian, Shekar Mehta, won a record four times. Participation in these events and continued thriving of Indian business put the Indians firmly in control of most of these East African Economies.

Seraphino Antao double gold medalist 1962 Commonwealth games

In the other East African States life was not as stable for the Asians as it was in Kenya. In Zanzibar many Asians were forced to flee the country after the 1964 revolution. This was after incidents of rape and looting tore families apart, those who managed to flee into neighboring Tanzania & Kenya were lucky to be alive. In Uganda the Asians were thriving, they controlled commercial trade including in remote areas like Iringa and Namsagali. The big players were the Madhvanis & the Methas who controlled the cotton ginneries and sugar factories.

In 1972 General Idi Amin, who seized power after a revolution, ordered the Asians out of Uganda within 90 days. These descendants of the Indian coolies and dukawallas lost all they had, their businesses were “Africanised”, and the country lost professionals both Asians and Africans under Idi Amin in a civil war that claimed at least 750,000 lives triggering another exodus of Ugandan Africans to western countries.

They lost their homes, their businesses and all but a handful of possessions. Some didn’t know if they would survive the English winter.

But survive they did, and much more than that.

East African Safari rally winners 1965, Joginder & Jaswant Singh

The Ugandan Asians now make up one of the most successful and prosperous immigrant communities in Britain. Some 27,000 settled in the UK with others moving to Canada and the United States and other European countries. Many also opting to go back to India and Pakistan.

The Prime Minister in 1972, Edward Heath, said that Britain had a moral responsibility to help all those Asians who had British Protectorate Passports. The government prepared for their resettlement with centres across the country.

Leicester is now a thriving centre for British Asians, but in 1972 it was not such a hospitable place. As the resettlement started and many Asians tried to find friends and relatives in the UK who could help them, Leicester City Council, afraid that it could not cope with a large influx of Asians, placed adverts in Ugandan newspapers urging the Asians to stay away from Leicester. It was not until 2003 that the Leicester council officially apologise for its actions.

Cabinet papers released in 2003 revealed that during the 1972 exodus of Uganda Asians, the then Tory government tried to find a remote Island home for them with little or no success. This was due to race relations and the fear that Britain will be inundated with Asians from the other East African States.

My father’s aunt was one of the many kicked out of Uganda, having their very successful auto trade in the capital Kampala given to locals. They moved to the UK in refugee camps before finally finding settlement in Birmingham. They found a new home in the UK, a new beginning with some re-building their trade from the start and have proven very successful. Some of the success stories of the South West and South Wales are the Rajani’s, the Bristol Sweetmart Group, RJW wholesalers, Shaunak Chemist and the Vimla Patel family in Wales to name a few.

Today, however, many of these ethnic Indians have returned to Uganda.

In 1992, under pressure from aid donors and Western governments, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni simplified a then 10-year-old law letting Asians reacquire lost property.

While many black Ugandans have learned the art of business during the Indians’ absence, Indians today still run many shops, hotels, and factories in Kampala, the capital, as they do in Kenya and Tanzania.

Sikh and Hindu temples figure prominently in the East African urban landscape, as do Mosques, particularly those built by the large Ismaili Muslim community, which emigrated from Gujarat. Some extended families — the backbone of the Indian ethnic group — are prospering under Uganda’s new openness. Two families, the Mehta’s and Madhvanis, have built multimillion dollar empires in Uganda since the 1980s.

The Ugandan Asian exodus

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BUSINESS profile ADil ayub Adil Ayub of Lets Rent in Bedminster is a young successful business man. He started his journey to being self-employed at the age of 25 in 2009.

When he left school he took on a role as a junior apprentice, focusing on business administration.

Driven at a very young age, since he was 12, he tried buying his own things; at 17 he stepped into the property market, and at 21 he was a trainee manager in Bristol. When the recession came into play he realised it would be difficult to adjust with staff reduction and realising difficult times were ahead and hard work was the way to success he set up his own letting agency at 25. Single, motivated and self-driven, this was an ideal choice for our business profile. Junior met up with Adil at this sleek Bedminster office for a one to one talk.

what are your hopes for the future?

A: This is my second office, I started off from a small office on City Road, St. Pauls. At the time I wasn’t able to invest 30-40 thousand into the business so I had to start organically and worked very hard. It took us two years before we made our mark and here we are today.

Hi Ayub welcome to Mast The magazine, how are you this, morning?

A Not bad really, going through my third pint of coffee and that’s how my day starts.

How many properties do you manage?

A: At Lets Rent we manage around one hundred and thirty properties and that’s just the letting sides of things, we have several landlords that want us to find tenants so roughly we are dealing with several hundred properties a year.

Looking at your brief it seems almost out of necessity that you are where you are today?

A: Yes, I think you have got to have the fight, if you are a fighter you can achieve your goal.

I am sat in Lets Rent; tell us how you got this business started and

Lets Rent is not your only business, you mentioned about a cleaning business, tell me about that?

A: Our cleaning company is called Clean ‘N’ Clear. The way we formed the business was that I happen to have a brother who is fully qualified in the cleaning industry. With the letting agency already in place and us sending people to clean our properties, I thought, it was best to set up our own cleaning company and do the job ourselves. Slowly we expanded and here we are today. Clean ‘N’ clear is a professional Clearance & Cleaning Service and we have contracts in and around Bristol and Bath.

You said you were driven at a very young age; tell me a little bit about yourself, what gives you that drive, that motivation?

A: The biggest thing I realised going into business from the recession is that traditionally a lot of businesses just provided a service and now with the internet if you wanted to buy something you are inundated.

So I think one of the key things is personal service, if you are able to provide a service to a customer and they see you are passionate about it that gives you that extra edge.

With the Cleaning Company you talked about club contracts, what’s the full scope of the cleaning business?

A: The cleaning business is set-up for domestic and commercial. The actual contracts are from corporate businesses that want us to clean premises, and we are fully licensed for clearance services; that is to remove and dispose of any hazardous materials. This compliments the cleaning business.

Are you married?

A: I am actually single Single and looking?

A: Fair enough I am looking.

This might be a good reason for a visit to Pakistan.

A: You caught me there, maybe, but it all depends.

How many staff do you employ between the two companies?

A: We’ve got a total number of twelve staff.

I see here all your staff are very young, is that a way of giving opportunities to the youth?

A: Yes it is and I also have some older staff in the accounts and book keeping. I get lots of requests from parents asking us to give opportunities to their children, in fact my mum asked me if I could take on my younger brother and share some experience with him which I did so it’s my way of giving back to the community.

Let’s talk about Holistic Homes A: It is a new business I have recently launched. As a result of being in the property business for the last ten years, I have seen a lot of pitfalls in accommodations. What we are looking at doing is coming into the market with new concepts, which will be able to give guys who are currently in the scene a good run for their money.

I noticed a picture at the back of the office of you and Dragon Den James Caan, what was that all about?

A: When I became self employed I read one of his books whilst on holiday. Reading through that book I thought I need to meet this guy, his situation semi- resembled my start; I made contact and got to meet him; a very inspiring man.

What are your passions?

A: I have been very fortunate to have experienced peers around me. One of the things I personally believe in is while you are here in this world try and leave some sort of mark behind. If you can create work for hundreds of thousands of people then that is a legacy. My passion is to try and create businesses and expand myself to the best of my abilities. Amongst that I try getting to the gym every now and again but still find myself glued to my Mac balancing the profit and loss. Outside the office I make sure that mum is looked after, at home there is mum, my younger brother and me, my mum is top of the agenda and away from all that I like to travel the world.

What have been the top three counties you visited?

A: I’d say Dubai, Malaysia and I guess New York. I love architecture and New York has massive buildings and sculptures, that’s my top three.

Finally, what’s your message to the youth?

A: Mine is simple, especially if you are from an Asian family where the core focus is on education. Although I agree that education is very important do not allow it to bring you down, if you don’t have an education don’t you ever think it’s all over. There are a lot of very successful people who had no education. Don’t let anyone knock you down because of education, just ignore them. More important, just focus and follow your dreams. “Love what you do and make sure you do it well”.

Thank you Adil A: Thank you Junior.

What did you gain from him?

A: James Caan set-up EBA (Entrepreneurs Business Academy) to help ensure that businesses set-up during the recession don’t fail, and today you are sat in one of those businesses. Every time I go to London for an EBA meeting we cover different aspects of business and that helps a lot. As long as you know what a model and a template is in a business you will succeed. I think if I was not in the EBA I would not have been able to expand into several businesses.

Tell me a little about Property Options?

A: Property Options is the only training academy in the South West specifically for anyone who is looking to enter or maybe already in the property arena. We hold monthly events where we invite people with valuable knowhow of the property market to talk to participants; these are just like sizzles as such. If we find they are really interested we will then enroll them to a hands-on approach mentorship programme which will be to either expand a portfolio that they are building on or it could be somebody like yourself or a student who wants to enter into the property arena. One of the reasons we created this is to give them a good and realistic approach to the property market.

Adil and his team at lets rent

Tell me a little bit more about Adil, where are you from?

I was born in the UK, in Reading, my parents are both from Pakistan, my dad is from close to Islamabad and my mum is from Lahore. Have you been to Pakistan in recent years?

A: Last time I was in Pakistan was in 2005; it’s now close to ten years.

That’s quite a while, are you planning a trip soon?

A: It depends, we are looking at certain elements which may take me back, but I find I am getting busy and less able to get away but we are fortunate in that most of the family is in the UK.

Adil with Lord Mayor Geoff Gollop

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CLASSICS One of the greatest playback singers of India, Mohammed Rafi is considered no less than a genius when it comes to varied styles of music.

Born on December 24th, 1924, this great soul had the perfect blend of melody, emotions and energy, which reflected greatly in his songs. Be it the classically inclined songs of Baiju Bawara or the foot tapping songs of Kashmir Ki Kali, Muhammad Rafi gave each song the treatment it deserved.

His contribution to the Hindi film industry has been fabulous and perhaps no singer to date has managed to capture the hearts of fans the way Mohamed Rafi has. We capture the fascinating life history of Rafi in this short biography of Mohammed Rafi.

Muhammad Rafi was born in Kotla Sultan Singh located near Amritsar in the then undivided Punjab. Rafi had five older brothers ad his father’s name was Hajji Ali Mohammad. Lovingly addressed as “Pheeko” by his family, Rafi started showing his inclination towards music at a very early age when he used to imitate the chants of a wandering beggar in his village. In the year 1935, Rafi’s family moved to Lahore.

Rafi’s love for music was recognized soon by his family and he was encouraged to pursue it further. Thus, Mohamed Rafi went on to seek training in Hindustani classical music from eminent personalities like Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan, Pundit Jiwanlal Matto and Firoze Nizami.

Rafi’s first public performance was at the tender age of 13. One day Rafi along with his brother Hamid went to attend a performance by the

renowned K.L. Saigal. But there was a power failure at the venue and the legendary singer refused to sing. When the audience began to lose patience, Rafi’s brother Hamid requested the organizer to allow Rafi to keep the audience entertained till the power came back.

He was allowed to do so and it turned out to be the correct exposure for him. Among the audience was seated the great composer Shyam Sunder who immediately recognized immense talent and untapped potential in Rafi. He invited Rafi to come to Bombay for a recording.

From there on began the journey of the most versatile singer of India.

In the year 1944, Mohammed Rafi recorded his first song under music director Shyam Sunder. It was for a Punjabi movie named Gul Baloch. It was recognized by many and Rafi started to get more and more offers.

Rafi also sang songs composed by Naushad for the movie Pehle Aap in the year 1944. He also acted in a couple of movies namely Laila Majnu (1945) and Jugnu (1947). Another splendid performance was in the year 1946 when he sang the song “Tera Khilona Toota Balak” of the movie Anmol Ghadi. With the movie Jugnu (1947), Rafi bagged his first major hit. The song “Yahaan Badla Wafa Ka’’ with Noor Jehan under Feroze Nizami went on to become a major hit with the public.

His music in the movie Baiju Bawara proved critics wrong and he went on to become one of the most demanded playback singers of that time.

The film happened by accident. Talat Mehmood was the first choice for the film. Naushad, the music director caught Talat Mehmood smoking and was very annoyed.

He then gave all the songs to Mohammed Rafi and the results were outstanding. In the year 1949, his song named “Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki” of the movie “Dulari” went on to become an anthem of sorts. There was no looking back thereafter and Rafi went on to produce hits after hits.

He was the undisputed singer till the 70’s.

He was patronized as the voice of the great actor Dev Anand during 1950’s and 60’s. He became the favorite singer of director O.P. Nayyar and sang many beautiful songs for him. Rafi also produced some of the greatest hits with S.D. Burman, which includes films like Tere Ghar ke Saamne (1957), Pyaasa (1957), Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), Guide (1965), Aradhana (1969) and Abhimaan (1973). In fact, he even sang a playback number for the great singer Kishore Kumar for the movie Raagini. Apparently, O.P. Nayyar was so fascinated by Rafi’s music that he got him to sing “Man Mora Baawara” for this movie.

Rafi sang with Asha Bhonsle and Lata Mangeshkar and belted out hits after hits. Rafi became the voice of noted actor Rajendra Kumar and sang many romantic songs for his movies. His boisterous style of singing suited the versatile actor Shammi Kapoor. One could not imagine a reserved and gentle person like Rafi singing the “Yahoo” number. But then, that was Rafi.

During the 1970’s, Kishore Kumar came into the limelight with his hits in the movie Aradhana. Rafi’s output declined and Kishore Kumar started to overshadow his popularity. However, Rafi’s songs were still everyone’s favorite and he proved that no matter how many singers come and go, his position would remain undisputed.

During mid 70’s Rafi made a huge comeback with the movie “Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi” and won the national award for the song “Kya Hua Tera Waada”.

Mohammed Rafi with O.P Nayyar

Mohammed Rafi with Shammi Kapoor

His major hits in the 70’s include Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Sargam (1979) and Karz (1980). The Qawali song “Pardah Hai Pardah” of the movie Amar Akbar Anthony was a super hit. Other hit songs in the late 1970s include films like Laila Majnu (1976), Apnapan (1978), Qurbani, Dostana (1980) and The Burning Train (1980).

On July 31st, 1980, this great singer went back home early after recording and died due to a massive heart attack. His funeral procession was one befitting a king. Mohammed Rafi was a legend of legends and shall remain so till eternity.

Mohammed Rafi with Lata Mangeshkar

Mohammed Rafi and family

FASHIONISTA Hijabistas

When we look at Islamic fashion we first must understand the basic guidelines of modest Islamic dressing.

Muslim women are not allowed to show any part of their skin to people who are not their family or husband, affecting their daily fashion choices and limiting their freedom of expression. In order to stay true to their religion, Muslim women must cooperate with the many rules restricting what they may wear. The restrictions on Muslim fashion also affect some Muslim’s opinions about clothing restrictions. Some believe that in order to show your true faith to Islam, a woman must be very strict in covering all of her body (including her face). Other Muslim’s however, believe that being modest is good enough, and how true you are to your religion isn’t based on how much you cover.

However women are allowed to remove the veil around their immediate family or anyone who cannot legally marry them. It is said in the Holy Quran: “Say to the Believing Women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: and they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they must draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husband’s sons, or their women”. (Surah a Nur 24:30). In this verse it shows us that it is mandatory for a woman’s body to be veiled, as a form of modesty.

The Hijab refers to the Muslim tradition of head covering. The “hijab” is also used to describe the modest Muslim styles of dress in general.

The practice of the Hijab is based on the religious doctrine of Islam, but the Qur’an does not mandate it. While head covering is optional, there are many people who do decide to wear the hijab, as there are people who don’t too. There are many debates around Muslim head covering.

Similar to the issue around modest dressing, there are two opinions around head covering: many believe that head covering is necessary and it portrays your faith to Islam, while others wearing the hijab or not does not show the level of dedication to the religion.

Due to the fact that Islam restricts women from showing their skin in public, women are not allowed to wear regular swimsuits. Instead, they wear special modest swimsuits that cover their body from head to toe.

For people who wear hijabs, there are special swim hijabs too. The same is for on land sports, the uniforms cover the whole body.

With that brief on what the religion and the different opinions on Muslim dressing we now welcome you to the world inhabited by the “Hijabistas”, a trendy set of up and coming Muslim fashion designers who are doing their bit to forge an indigenous British Islamic identity.

Until relatively recently, young Muslim women who wanted to dress according to Islamic rules of modesty (hijab) had pretty limited options.

They could either adopt the type of immigrant clothing worn by

their parents, or try to cobble something together from high street chains, where modesty isn’t exactly seen as a best seller, especially in the summer.

Frustrated by this lack of variety, a small number of devout young Muslims are making their own way into the fashion industry to try and provide a middle road – sleek, elegant clothing that is both beautiful and Islamic.

The seeds of this particular sartorial movement have only just begun to be sown and the number of Hijabistas in Britain can probably be counted on one hand. But their arrival heralds a shift reflected in the wider Muslim demographic of a community making their way towards the mainstream and forging their own indigenous identity.

Critics of hijab often argue that Islam shuns a woman’s right to be beautiful, a myth that Tajima says she is keen to dispel.

“Islam has a really amazing definition of beauty,” she says.

“Hijab is about how a woman can be beautiful without placing overt emphasis on her sexuality. In western society it’s quite difficult to separate the two. I design clothes that are beautiful in the way that women find each other beautiful.”

“Despite what some people may claim Islam is not a religion that tramples over culture,” she says. “In China, mosques reflect

the indigenous culture. In India the clothes that we now think of as Islamic were originally taken from the Hindu culture. It’s only natural that British Muslims will begin to make their own creative choices that fuse both their nationality and religion. It’s not about choosing one or the other.”

Britain, she says, is a little less adventurous at the moment but she believes that will change over time.

“You’ve got to remember that the most of the people running fashion shops for Muslim women are first generation, older men and they’re reluctant to try anything too new” she says. “But people are crying out for more variety. As Muslims move towards the mainstream they’re giving up some of the more traditional clothes in favour of items that express who they are.”

She adds: “In the next decade or so we’ll get a lot more Muslim fashion designers. Many first generation parents wanted their kids to be engineers or doctors, but I think the second and third generations are a lot more open about their children’s careers.”

And it’s not just Muslims who are interested in hijabi fashion. Maxi dresses are a classic example of this cross pollination. This summer’s latest must-have is about more, not less fabric. For once Muslim women can walk down a high street and see that long skirts are back in vogue.

ENTERTAINMENT WEST

RSVP at Rugfest Bob Marsden Photography

RSVP launched launch new album KEEPING IT A LIVE on the 11 June as we are an intergral part of the local Bristol music scene. As you will be aware Bristol is renown for its diverse music scene and we very much looking forward to represent our hometown Bristol and the UK abroad. We are headlining local and international festivals, have many partnership projects in the UK and a project in India. In addition we have many bookings for educational cultural workshops, weddings and celebration parties in the UK. RSVP a Bristol based Bhangra band, the only one in the South West and is spearheading the renaissance of live Bhangra in the UK. Unafraid to innovate RSVP mixes music rooted within the authentic Punjabi folk traditions with Western genres and is introducing Bhangra to mainstream audiences. Their music is vibrant, their style unique and performances engaging. It is the ultimate celebratory Indian music with beats that get everybody dancing.

Its taken them 42 years!

Rolling Stones finally make Glastonbury debut!

The Rolling Stones have performed at Glastonbury festival for the first time in their 50-year career, headlining the iconic Pyramid Stage. The band played for over two hours with a set featuring hits from throughout their five decades together including Brown Sugar, Miss You and Start Me Up. Lead singer Mick Jagger told the audience of thousands: "After all these years they finally got round to asking us!"

After thanking those who had been to see them throughout the years he joked: "If it's the first time you've ever seen the band please come again!"

Former guitarist Mick Taylor joined his old bandmates on stage for a few songs and a choir accompanied them for You Can't Always Get What You Want.

The veteran rockers closed the night with a storming rendition of (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction complete with a spectacular firework display.

RSVP has a track record of performances at many major festivals ( Glastonbury, Larmer Tree etc ) and at venues big and small. The only band ever to be invited back to Port Eliot Festival 3 years in a row; festival favourites at many others. The grouped scopped the MTM South West Asian award for “Best Music Act”. Organisers said "the South West is blessed to have such a fantastic act based here!"

“Keeping is Alive” is the call to music lovers everywhere to keep the music live, alive and fresh and always developing.

The launch party was at the Koi Club, Bristol .

ENTERTAINMENT Mesmerising love duet "Tujhe Maan Loon" featuring Kishan Amin & Priti Menon

Ahead of his debut single due for release summer 2013, Kishan Amin gives us another taster of his musical creativity with ‘Maan Lu’ (I Accept You). Composed by Rax Timyr Productions, Kishan together with singer Priti Menon collaborate in this love duet revolving around the feeling that one gets after finding ones soul-mate.

Whether you have been in love or not, the mesmerising lyrics will want you to find love. Rax Timyr and Kishan Amin together had been composing this love song alongside lyricist Sunil Sirvaiya.

‘Sa Re Ga Ma’ India’s largest International music distributor took immediate interest of the song after it was released and since has signed up to re-release it under their label in August 2013 to mark India’s Independent Day, promising a bright future for the young stars.

With a voice textured to touch hearts, Kishan has begun his journey with an overwhelming response from the public and will soon be preparing for the release of his forthcoming debut single “Kabhi Na Jaana” in Summer 2013.

Priti started singing professionally since the age of 15 and has delivered songs in various languages from Hindi, English, Bengali , Gujarati, Tamil, Punjabi and Malayalam. Grown up learning Carnatic music, performing at community events in India and other musical projects as a playback singer she is often referred to as the singing nightingale. Priti has been compared to A-list Bollywood vocalists; Lata Mangeshkar and Shreya Ghoshal by leading critics. Big named artists Talvin Singh and Niraj Chag, who have created their own niche in the music industry have acknowledged Priti’s singing talent and expressed an interest in collaborating

Shikari!

After the mammoth success of his last release Patandra that topped the charts worldwide and ranked one of the most popular songs of 2012, Banger is back with Shikari! Banger is not only one artist that loves to sing but is also a well-known talented musician who plays Tumbi, Algozey, Tabla and Harmonium. Banger is very close to his roots, he is one artist who truly loves to promote culture and tradition via his music.

Shikari was released July 11th 2013, it is another dance floor smasher with the music produced by Suki Chand and female vocals of Jaswinder Jassi. This fun, catchy song will see another colourful music video shot in Punjabi with model Alisha Grewal and filmed by Real Vision UK.

Nev Singh Look out for a new producer on the block who is set to blow the dance floors this summer with ‘Party’. At just 21 years old, this young DJ turned producer has quickly made his mark in the music industry Djing with some of the Biggest names like Sukhshinder Shinda, Benny Dhaliwal and Raju Dinehwala.

Nev Singh born and raised in Coventry and studying construction management at university began his musical journey 5 years ago. Since then this young talent has Dj’d at some of the most prestigious music festivals and events across the world from Barcelona Catwalk Night Club, Pool Party Kavos and Oslo summer party. His knowledge of music from different countries and artists pushed him to step foot in the studio to make music for party goers.

“I have seen what the crowds want to dance; I want to make that music for them, its taken me 1 year to produce this track and make it for everyone who loves music not just Bhangra fans. Music is universal everyone should be able to enjoy the music even if they don’t know the lyrics” says Nev Singh (DJ/Music Producer)

Party was released on June 20th 2013 on ITunes is a song that will work at any party in any country, with electro beats fused with a traditional Boliyan sung by Hema Sharma the song leaves you know choice but to dance. It fuses electro house beat with Punjabi vocals which sets it apart from the music being released in today’s market.

Nev’s musical influences range from Aman Hayer, Lmfao, Honey Singh and Calvin Harris which sums up his forceful debut to the music industry with a classic vocal and new beats bringing a whole fresh sound to music lovers.

Nazma in the community Nazma Bibi Ramruttun is a lady of many caps. One of the few in Swindon that has dedicated her time with passion to better the lives of many in the Asian & wider community in Swindon. Now that the magazine is distributed at Tesco Extra Swindon besides the read only copy at the various libraries in Swindon, it was time to dig deeper into the different communities in Swindon to show case their passion and work to the other South Asian communities in the South West and South Wales. Nazma was born and educated in Port-Louis Mauritius.

She speaks three languages, English, French and Mauritian patois and understands Hindi and Urdu. In a one to one chat we started by asking, When did you first come to England and why you chose Swindon?

I came to England in 1972 to do my Psychiatric Nurse Training, (Mental Health) at Fair Mile Hospital near Oxford. I got engage to Darsun (Goolab) Ramruttun. After qualification I came to Swindon in 1976 to get married. I did my diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling and Couple Counselling Certificate with Swindon Counselling Service in 1994. During my courses and after receiving my certificates I had to work with Individuals and Couples. I stopped doing Counselling work since 2006 and became a Trustee on its Board.

What did you do then?

I worked with people with Learning Disabilities at Burderop Hospital, Autistic Children at West Stowel Clinic, Acute Mental Health and the Elderly at Seymour Clinic. I later owned and managed one of two small residential care homes, one with five residents and the other with three residents, for 22 years.

How long have you been involved with the community in Swindon?

I became involved with the Community since 1993. My first Organisation was Millen Advice Point where I was a Member then the Vice Chair, Shared Chair and Chair. Millen Advice Point was a unique organisation based at Broadgreen Community Centre, giving advice to Black and Ethnic Minority in Swindon. Our application was successful for a Lottery grant and we bought our own premises in Manchester Road.

As chair of the organisation I strived to achieve and this paid off as our organisation flourished but sadly it does not exist anymore.

What was involved with Millen Advice Point?

At Millen Advice Point, we identified a need for an Asian Women Group. Together with six other ladies we formed Swindon Asian

Women Association in 1997. “The Objects were to further such charitable purposes for the benefit of Asian women in Swindon, in particular, but not exclusively, by relieving poverty, sickness and isolation; the advancement of education by providing or assisting in the provision of advice and information, developing the capacity of Asian women in such a way that they are better able to identify and help meet their needs and participate more fully in society.” We had a Management Committee and a Users’ Support Group. We were running regular sessions that helped to promote Life skills, Confidence and Motivation. The group would meet every Thursdays Term time from 1pm to 3pm at Broadgreen Community Centre.

What other facilities did you provide?

We had crèche facility so the ladies could have the “ME” time. We had referral from GP’s, Social Services and Mental Health. I am very proud to say that a lot of our ladies went on to Full Time Employment and Volunteering. Unfortunately the crèche funding was withdrawn five years ago. Numbers in the group were dropping because of Health and Safety as we could not have the children in the same room. I managed to get funding from Zurich which we were very grateful for but when this funding finished we could not get any more funding. The numbers dropped. The Grant Officer from Swindon Borough Council suggested that we have 20 women doing the Child Care (crèche) training as vocational but it was difficult to get two ladies to do this. With numbers down we could not get funding. As a result we had to close the Organisation in April this year.

Do you expect to start up again if funding comes through?

We are hoping to re launch the Organisation at the beginning of next year with different Aims and Objective.

You mentioned as being chair of BOND, what is BOND? Broadgreen Organisation for Neighbourhood Development, BOND. Broadgreen area is the most diverse in Swindon. In 2002 Broad Street Community Council was invited to join Joseph Rowntree Neighbours Programme after a report describing Broadgreen of spiralling decline.

The programme worked with 20 County Neighbours across UK to help neighbourhoods achieve their goals. Broad Street Community Council wanted to work with all parts of the Broadgreen Community. With JRF’s (Joseph Rowntree Foundation) help it set up an informal group to allow

people from different communities in the Broadgreen area to meet up and learn more about each other and work on common issues.

How long was the project?

It was a three years project therefore the group met regularly and held successful Community food and music events, attracting large number of people from Broadgreen area and other parts of Swindon. The JRF programme came to an end and on 14th August 2006 and saw the launch of BOND, the Organisation continued the role of JRF Trust to provide a positive neighbourhood in the Broadgreen area.

How was life after JRF programme?

As chair of BOND since inception I can say with confidence that BOND has been going from strength to strength for the last 7 years, it has been working very hard in achieving its aim of bringing different communities and organisations in Broadgreen area together. The management committee consist of residents of Broadgreen and those who are interested in the area. We have an annual multicultural event when all the different nationalities and cultures meet.

As a person of many talents and loads of passion for the community, what has your role been in community cohesion in Swindon?

As past chair of Swindon Race Equality Coalition and vice chair of Women Equality Coalition with Swindon Borough Council, I have worked towards bringing a better understanding amongst communities and strive for racial equality and tolerance. I am also a member of the Swindon Equality Access Group.

You mentioned that you are a trained Psychiatric Nursing, how have you used your profession to help the South Asian community in Swindon?

With my psychiatric nursing background I am now a mental health act manager with Avon Wiltshire Partnership (AWP) and sometimes chair the hearings. I am also a community director and a special governor for International Project for Churchfields Academy.

What is your role as Governor for International project?

With the International Project I went over to France with the Headmaster and two staff in order to convince Jules Vern our other Twinning to join us in a bid for Comenius funding. Churchfields and Jules Vern have had exchanges of students. In April this year I organised a tour of the House of Parliament for 23 French students and 3 teachers.

Do you still keep contact with your mother country Mauritius?

I travel to Mauritius 2-3 times a year. In 2008 I was successful in doing a twinning between a School in Mauritius...Belle Rose State Secondary School and the then Churchfields School which is now an Academy.

Whilst there, I am invited to the school prize giving day to hand out Certificates and Prizes to Students.

In your capacity as community worker and enthusiast you have met many personalities but one person lifted your spirits off the ground, tell us your experience on meeting the Queen.

In 2012 I had an invitation from the Swindon Borough Council CEO’s office to attend the Queens Jubilee at Salisbury Cathedral. My invitation was in the VIP tent where the opening speech would take place. To my surprise I was given a special pass by the then Leader of Swindon Borough Council to be in the Swindon Tent which the Queen would visit. It was such a magical experience to be so near the Queen. I was right in the front to welcome her.

How do you feel about your work, your achievements and the way forward?

I am very passionate about my work with the community and take my role seriously. I have lots of skills and experiences that I bring to my groups. I like working with and helping people. I work closely with my MP, Mayor and other high rank Officers in the Council. I have been a trustee for Voluntary Action Swindon, an umbrella organisation for all the voluntary organisations, for the last 5 years and its vice chair for the last 2 years.

I have met many high profile personalities in England and Mauritius. I am proud and honoured that I could give back to the community and will continue doing so. I am proud that I have a supportive husband and family and I am confident that I can make a change in many people’s lives through community cohesion, though my psychiatric and nursing training and that I can pass on my skills to those who will and are willing to devote time with passion for the betterment of community cohesion.

It looks like your life is a handful, what are your hobbies?

I enjoy reading, swimming and playing with my grandchildren. I have 3 children and 8 grandchildren.

in the community Bristol Good Food Award 2013 Winners

Best local cakes winner, East Bristol Bakery, St Marks Rd. The bakery was nominated for best bakery together with Joes and Marks bread.

Left to right - Will Harding, Alex Poulter (Owner) and Nikki Harold

Maitreya Social Wnner Best Vegetarian Award. Speaking to Mast, owner Barney McGrath said, “I feel pleased and happy to be appreciated, it’s great to have 2 winners from St Marks Road”.

Commemorating 15 years of Bristol Farmers Market in Corn Street, a symbol of outstanding quality from local producers

Refugee week and United Nation’s World Refugee Day

Chinese guests from Guangzhou, Bristol's twinning city, hosted by the Bristol-China Partnership Bristol.

The group paid a courtesy call at Mansion House. Speaking later the group and Lord Mayor Choudhury said they were all excited about forging stronger links between the two cities in business, education and culture. the Guangzhou delegation to Mansion House later had a taste of local cuisine, culture & history! Guangzhou known historically as Canton is the capital and largest city of Guangdong province in China,it is located on the Pearl River about seventy-five miles from Hong Kong.

Bristol has been crowned the European Green Capital for 2015 The title rewards cities which consistently achieve high environmental standards and are committed to further improvement and sustainability. This is the third time Bristol has made the short-list & it is third time lucky.

Speaking to the press elected mayor George Ferguson thought the judges liked the city's "enthusiasm, ambition and achievements over the last few years". He added "You talk to all of the cities that have been green capital - they're all here with me tonight - and they say it's made a huge difference to their cities, to the perception of the city, to making sure it's a really good place to live in.

"They have absolutely no doubt that it's been a platform for taking their environmental policies one step further.

"It's something that's very close to my heart, so I feel very fortunate that we find ourselves in this position."

Bristol Mayor George Ferguson meets Bangladeshi Community in Bristol!

Bristol elected Mayor George Ferguson meets with Bangladeshi community at Bangladesh House Bristol. Flanked by President of Bangladesh Association-Bristol-Bath& the West Syeed Anwarul Haque and trustee Abdul Wahab MBE. Mayor Ferguson was introduced by Eastville Councillor Mahmadur Khan.

Arriving in a mini bus Mayor Ferguson stooped to chat with the Mast The Magazine team, spared a good moment to browse through the “New Look� Spring Edition and praised its contents and good print and layout.

St Pauls Carnival attracts thousands of revellers Tens of thousands of people turned out to celebrate African Caribbean culture at Bristol's St Pauls Carnival.

St Pauls Carnival started in 1967, but was cancelled last year because of a lack of funding and uncertainty over the safety of participants and spectators.

Gromit has been unleashed

Out and about with the Lord Mayor

80 Gromits, one city, 10 weeks, July 1st to September 8th 2013!

A series of giant Gromit sculptures, decorated by well-known celebrities and artists, are being "unleashed" in Bristol.

Eighty of the 5ft (1.5m) tall models of Aardman's famous canine character will form a "grand" arts trail. Designs include those from Sir Quentin Blake, Cath Kidston, One Direction's Zayn Malik, The Beano and Harry Hill. They will be on display for 10 weeks before being auctioned off in aid of the Bristol Children's Hospital.

Thirteen of the sculptures are being moved into their trail locations on Friday, with the rest put in place over the weekend.

Councillors Faruk Choudhury, Mhairi Threfall , Hibaq Jama and chair of Bristol Labour party Derren Lewis

Celebrating Refugee Week and United Nation's World Refugee Day, by no means a light hearted issue celebration taking place at the Mansion House, Bristol. Bristol City welcomes those seeking sanctuary from persecution, war and violence.

Neelam, Lord Mayor and Farhia

SAVE OUR LOCAL FACILITIES AT FELIX ROAD ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND Felix Road Adventure Playground, Easton, has been running for over 40 years providing a safe and enriching play environment with talented playworkers where children and young people can play, learn and have fun. The ‘Ventures’ or ‘playground’ as it is also endearingly referred to, has played a valued part in the local community life, contributing to the cohesive and vibrant aspect of Easton. Recent changes in provision of Youth and Play services is threatening it’s future. A number of parents, carers, and cross-generational users of the playground are calling on the Mayor and Elected Councillors to guarantee these services in the immediate and longer term.

The group have developed a petition calling for the playground and it’s building to be protected as a play space for children and young people.

If you would like to support, sign the petition by clicking on this link: epetitions.bristol.gov.uk/epetition_core/community/petition/2326

Syed Mumtaz, Lord Mayor, Mohammed Zufiqar & Chef Amir

Lord Mayor meeting Easton residents

Tandoori Garden The Finest Indian Food In Keynsham

The Rahman family have been in the restaurant business for many years and have learned from experience how to satisfy the most discerning of customers.

Introducing a new concept in style and presentation of exotic Indian dishes in a designer orientated environment affording the ideal atmosphere in which to relax and enjoy a sumptuous meal.

All our dishes are cooked to order using fresh vegetables, herbs and spices which our chef blends into the most watering exotic creations. Enjoy the range of the most tempting and never to be forgotten curries.

All our curries are spiced with specially selected ingredients freshly ground by us.

We have only recently introduced our exciting fish menu, a special selection of authentic seafood dishes which is traditionally eaten across India and Bangladesh. We invite you to come and taste our delicious food!

45 High Street, Keynsham, BS31 1DS, 0117 986 0986 info@tandoori-garden.com | www.tandoori-garden.com Open Monday to Sunday 5.30 – 11 pm

kenya people and places It is just past 6:30am in the morning. “Welcome to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport” announces the Stewardess and I am as excited as I was prior to starting my journey to Kenya. The security at London’s Heathrow Airport nor the eight hour journey dampened my excitement as I thought of all the wonderful animals and scenery that would unfold before my eyes in the days to come. I had heard of the thundering hoofs of millions of wildebeest and zebra as they trek hundreds of kilometers north from Serengeti to Masai Mara and down south again and seen it all on the Discovery Channel but I could not contemplate what the ‘real experience’ would be like.

I inch my way through immigration and customs and into the arrivals halls a little nervous as any traveler would be in a foreign country but wait……………..I see my name on a welcome board. As I nod to the person holding the welcome board a tall gentleman quickly introduces himself to me. Jambo and Karibu he calls out. I am Rahim from Twiga Tours and this is TJ as they help wheel the trolley towards the car parking area.

What a surprise! I have travelled far and wide across many continents but have not been so pleasantly surprised. Wet Towels are handed out and a bottle of champagne pops open and Rahim, with a chuckle says ‘it is party time in Kenya so enjoy the bubbly as the week is going to be a time for celebration” Oh wow I go! So what’s the occasion I ask? Your arrival is a celebration he says. Oh la la I go and if this is the way this is going to be then I am enjoying this I say to myself.

We leave the international airport towards the domestic airport a short distance away. My flight leaves at 10am so I have plenty of time to get to the nearby domestic airport. The flight to Masai Mara, Olkiombo Airstrip, was uneventful though a little longer than the estimated 45minute flight – that is because the airline makes its first stop at an airstrip in the Masai Mara and then hops to other airstrips dropping and picking passengers before it continues with its return journey to Nairobi but I didn’t mind this as I had a bird’s eye view of the large plains of the majestic Masai Mara. This is Olkiombo airstrip announces the Pilot and I find my way out of the Dash 8 aircraft. Ole Tome, dressed in his colourful Masai costume met me and led me to a waiting open sided vehicle and we drove off towards the camp. ‘How far is the Camp?’ I asked Ole Tome and he said with a laugh “Well it will be as long as you like”. Thousands of wildebeest and zebra, thompson’s and grant’s gazelle, tens of giraffe, beautiful and colourful birds – all to stop for and now I understood what he meant when he said “as long as you like”. I lost track of the number of photographs I must have taken

that morning. There was just too much to see and photograph and I thought this was the absolute excitement or was it?

The Camp is unbelievable – I had heard of luxury but this was beyond all my expectations. Mara Ngenche Camp is a small intimate Camp of just six tents built entirely from authentic canvas and lavishly furnished everywhere - the lounge, the dining area and the bedroom tents. The lounge and bar area was a mix of blending leather, suede and canvas furniture with a small wooden bar and lovely African artifacts whilst the dining tent had beautiful wooden furniture all neatly arranged to make it exceptionally inviting. The bedroom tent is very spacious with a four poster bed, an adjoining bathroom area with a bathtub and an outside shower with a view overlooking the Mara River. The Camp is well hidden by beautiful indigenous greenery and is totally immersed in the environment that it looks so natural and yet is absolutely private.

The location in the heart of the Masai Mara on the confluence of two rivers provides the perfect location. A small pod of resident hippos and a float of crocodiles basking in the warm sunshine provided the afternoon’s entertainment before the Host, Evans, made the call for an afternoon game viewing drive. “What do you think we will see. Do you think we might see a lion or a leopard or a cheetah? May be some elephants? Do you think we might see the wildebeest make the river crossing?” My eagerness gave me away. “Well”, replied Ole Tome, “let’s go look for these, shall we?”

It is 7pm this evening and I can’t wait to review the photographs I had taken so I rush to my ‘Tent’ upon our return to Camp and got busy looking at my prized collection. “Oh my god” I exclaim! I couldn’t have seen all these in one afternoon – a pride of lions with little teeny weeny cubs, several herds of elephants – I could swear there were at least 40 to 50 in a single herd, thousands of wildebeest and zebra, countless gazelle’s. Oh and look at these beautiful Masai Ostrich’s! And, the African Eagle. Ole Tome says they call it the ‘Nun’ because its plumage looks like the dressing of a nun or “the Bishop”, the warthog as it kneels to eat! What an afternoon of game viewing! Truly I must agree when I had heard my friends say that the game in the Masai Mara is prolific and it must be the highlight of any safari in Africa! I couldn’t agree more!

Stay tuned for more of my experiences in the Masai Mara in the editions to come!

By John Tucker (Papa Safari)

inspirations A Mexican grandmother has graduated from primary school at the age of 100.

Manuela Hernandez, who was born in the state of Oaxaca in June 1913, left primary school after just a year to help her poor family with the household chores. She only resumed her studies last October at the age of 99 at the recommendation of one of her grandchildren. She has now been handed her diploma at a celebration held in the southern Mexican state.

A brave mother dubbed the Angel of Woolwich because she risked her own life by comforting Drummer Lee Rigby as he lay dying said she did it because of a 'mother's instinct'. Amanda Donnelly, 44, and her daughter Gemini, 20, comforted the young soldier after he was targeted near Woolwich Barracks. The pair protected the 25-year-old father-of-one from further attacks and gently stroked his body. Their brave actions won praise from Downing Street, but despite calls for the mother and daughter to be given medals Amanda said they don't deserve them.

'I sat on the floor next to Lee's chest. I wasn't really aware of the danger, his body was still warm,' she said. 'I started thinking about his mum. I thought "This poor boy, his mother doesn't need to see this". So I just stayed there to protect him and rubbed his back. It was a mother's instinct really.'

Abdul Raoof Malik was born in Easton, Bristol, he is one of 7 children and he attended Whitehall Primary School. He left school after failing his GCSE's at the age of 16 and at the 17 he went to Pakistan and got married as per the wish of his parents.

He later returned to his education and gained 5 GCSE's and completed his further education whilst running his businesses. He started Pak Butchers at his locality in Easton where Abdul lived on Colston road. He realized the need for a traditional butchers that is able to cater for the Muslim community as well as the other diverse communities within this unique locality. He was the first Asian, Muslim between 2005 and 2009 to be elected on the Council and helped deliver a local 'PREVENT' program and was part of a 'Building the Bridges' conference. In 2008 he ran for the post of Lord Mayor, the 1st Asian to attempt to sit on the seat.

Haider Hussain, a seventeen year old Post 16 Cabot Learning Federation student, based at John Cabot Academy has flown out to America to take part in Callaway World Junior Championship.

The event is being staged at Torrey Pines Golf Course where the 2008 US Open was held. Haider qualified through at the Belfry through the British Junior Golf Tour will play three rounds from the 16th to the 18th July and is hoping to make the cut for the final round on Friday July 19th.

Haider plays his golf at the Kendelshire Golf Club, practices seven days a week, up to 60 hours per week and is coached by George Ryall.

Inspired by his dad, Shabbir Hussain, Haider started playing at the age of 12 and hopes to be offered a golf scholarship to study in an American University, with the aim of becoming a professional golfer.

We wish Haider all the best at the tournament.

Happy 1st Anniversary!

Bristol www.hazratbilal.org info@hazratbilal.org

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Mast readers gallery

MTM AWARDS

South West Asian Awards are back for it’s 2nd year!

Food Business World Foods Mini-Markets Butchers & Fish Suppliers Restaurants Fast Foods Indian Takeaway Best Chef Fashion & Beauty Best Hair Stylist Best Make-Up Artist Best Model Best Fashionista Best Henna Art Designer Arts & Entertainment Best Performer/Dancer Best Singer Solo/ Group Best Videography Best Photography General Business New Business Pharmaceuctical Auto Trade Furnishings & Carpets One Stop Service Personal Transport Special Award Public Service Community Service Young Achievers Award Unsung Hero Lifetime Achievement SPECIAL RECOGNITION Research & Medical Broadcasting Journalism IT & Web Design

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The Raj Mahal opened its doors to customers in 1992. Tucked away in Stapleton, just off the M32.

The Raj Mahal is renowned for its exquisite Indian cuisine. Raj, the proprietor is always there to welcome you as soon as you step into this Indian speciality. With over 25 years in the catering business Raj who started in London opening the prestigious Indian Palace. With passion, quality service and excellent dishes Raj turned The Indian Palace into one of London’s finest eating places. Having established himself in the restaurant industry Raj set foot in Bristol and launched Raj Mahal.

The restaurant has attracted clientele from all over the world and is reputed for its traditional dishes and celebrated for its house specialities. The menu is enticing and has a range of specialities. One such is House Kebab special, Murgi Kofta and Tandoori trout.

Raj has won many awards including a five star write up in the local Bristol Evening News.

So whatever the occasion, for that exquisite Indian Dining, unmatched service and a welcoming atmosphere

Raj Mahal is the choice.

Phone: 0117 983 3512 www.rajmahalbristol.co.uk 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm - 11:30 pm

6-10 Frome Valley Road, Stapleton 69 Clarence Road, Redcliffe BS16 1HD / BS1 6RP Bristol, United Kingdom

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