Issue 197 by The Asian Today

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INSIDE: DESIXPRESS

APRIL 2015 ISSUE No.197

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DESI XPRESS

NO.1 FOR ASIAN ENTERTAINMENT

GUZZY BEAR

being funny with a purpose PG.

YOUR MONTHLY SHOWBIZ FIX! GOSSIP • INTERVIEWS • MUSIC • MOVIES - & MUCH MORE! TURN TO PAGES 37 - 44

HAPPY VAISAKHI TO ALL OUR READERS

SUNNY & SHAY PAGE 45

PG. 41

Banging the Drum for Local Culture

eading South Asian entertainment channel, COLORS TV have launched a new and unique locally produced show. Named ‘Desi Beat’, the show started late last month with a view to showcase the best of local Asian culture. Desi Beat will showcase UK’s most exotic and preferred trends in food and lifestyle. Celebrity host Raj Ghai will embark upon a fascinating journey of the finest destinations known for their cuisine, apparel and accessories and impeccable travel experiences across the United Kingdom in his truly ‘Desi’ and unmatched style. From the most authentic 'lehenga' to the spiciest 'Indian Curry', every Sunday, Raj will unravel a new mystery that a new destination presents – its wide array of local & international Desi trends – in his inimitable style. In Raj’s own words, “If it’s made it to my list, it’s a MUST visit!” On the launch of the show, Govind Shahi, Business Head, IndiaCast Media, Europe, says “COLORS TV has been a frontrunner in differentiated content, admired by South Asian

audiences across the UK. As a network, we offer broadcast channels such as Rishtey that offers a wide variety of

entertainment for the entire f a m i l y, a n d News18 India, the world’s window to India. It gives me great pleasure to announce the launch of our new local production, Desi Beat on our flagship channel, COLORS. Extensive research was carried out to deduce our viewers’ areas of interests. Desi Beat has been conceptualised and developed to suit preferences of Desi television audiences in the UK. The promos of the show have already gained remarkable traction on social media, crossing the 5000 views mark in just two days. We hope that our audiences will embrace this fresh and innovative format with open arms.”

DESI BEAT IS PRODUCED BY CUTTING CHAI PRODUCTIONS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

SPECIAL FEATURE: VAISAKHI: PG 26 -31 GENERAL ELECTION BUILD UP TO THE ELECTION: PG 32

PG. 39

SUPER SINGH WORLD'S NEWEST SUPERHERO

Martin Delaney Talks Movies, Hollywood and being a CaucASIAN

DESI BEATS!

www.theasiantoday.com PROMOTING EDUCATION, DIVERSITY & INTEGRATION NEWSPAPER YOUR FREE ASIAN COMMUNITY

OUR RELATIONSHIP EXPERTS

APRIL 2015 DESI XPRESS 37

INSIDE

PRIME MINISTER TANDON PG. 38

WHAT'S ON PG. 44

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NEWS HUZAIFAH'S FUNDRAISING DESIXPRESS: DESI BEATS - PG 37 SPORTS CRICKET WORLD CUP - PG 63

BIRADARI POLITICS STRIKES ASIAN COMMUNITY I

44% of Asians are currently registered to vote

50% said their family tended to vote for the same party

VAISAKHI OPEN AIR CELEBRATIONS AND PROCESSIONS

40% do not think there will ever be an Asian PM

n many areas across the UK, that have a high population of Asians, unemployment, poor education and poverty are major issues. However, fears have now been raised of how biradari voting, or clan voting, is starting to get in the way. By definition, the word ‘biradari’ is a Persian term, which means a brotherhood or an allegiance to a particular clan. When Migrants first arrived to work in the UK, they had no intention of staying. They were here to make money to improve living conditions back home. They quickly realised the benefits of living here and decided to settle. They then soon realised that they needed planning permission for mosques and other buildings, so they sought out, from amongst them, the most educated who could help them to do this. These people were then referred to as

community leaders in what is now seen as the birardari network. In its origin, they were a democratic system where Asians were heard. Now it is a fight for power, ego and political gain. It is important to note that women at that time played little or no role in any of the decision-making; many of them were new to the UK and were expected to care for the extended family and the children. In addition, it was seen to be a man's job to make the decisions and a woman's voice was neither appreciated nor welcome. Politicians soon recognised the influence of the community leaders; they realised that these appointed men could effectively grant them a block vote of the same kind to that of trade unions. The block vote is secured by the heads of clans telling their families who to vote for. Continued on Page 2

SUNDAY 26TH APRIL 2015 FREE FAMILY EVENT: HANDSWORTH PARK 11AM - 6:30PM 0121 523 4144 | www.vaisakhibirmingham.org

APRIL 2015

GET IN TOUCH: EDITORIAL Got a story? E-mail it to us at: editorial@theasiantoday.com

Political tactics, that’s what they do. They bring over their tactics from Pakistan and that is all it is. I think biradari politics elects people who are not fit to represent us

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INSIDE THIS MONTH LOCAL NEWS

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WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM Continued from front page One of the biggest controversies of the current election campaign came in Bradford. It has to be seen as one of the shortest careers in politics. 72 hours after being chosen as the candidate for the Bradford West constituency, Aminah Ali stepped down. Speculation as to why she left swirled around as rumours started to gather after councillors started to speculate. Councillor Ishtiaq Ahmed, “I don’t think she was expecting the vote she got, but that’s because the local dynamics was candidates that, perhaps, were not the preferred choice of the Labour Party. So therefore it was almost a protest vote to say ‘well, if we can’t have our choice, then we will vote for somebody that, perhaps, is not from the area. At that point, I think they backed her, they block voted her in.”

Dr Parveen Akhtar, a researcher at University of Bradford, said, “The use of patronage politics, or the use of gate-keepers, to mobilise a block vote has been used by all of the main political parties. It has been an effective mobilisation because it always delivers election after election. However, young people were keen to stress that biradari politics would soon fizzle out as the young replace the old and move away from clanbased loyalties. As one young man wrote on Facebook, "2 fingers up at the 'Mirpuri village politics' imported to the UK... where voting is about who you know, financial and personal gain for the candidate...” Whilst, another said, “There is no place for it here anymore. I want to elect someone who will make society a better place for me and my kids and not someone who asks for my vote

BRAVE LIFESAVER Baldev Singh Thwarted Attempted Assassination

AWARDED

THE TEAM EDITORS

Ifraz Ahmed Anita Chumber

SENIOR JOURNALIST Hifzha Shaheen

ASSISTANT JOURNALIST Husna Anjum

SALES Anita Chumber

CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Ley

DISTRIBUTION Door Drop Solutions

CONTRIBUTORS Manisha Tailor Anita Champaneri Manish Gujjar Sunny Malik Mita Mistry Sara Khan Sunny and Shay Dal Dhaliwal Mark Hands Manish Patel Kam Chopra Suri Singh Mohammed Zafran Sharon West Cricket Association Deepali Nangia Pam Malhi South & City College

GRAPHIC/WEB D. Patel Raz Zubdah

man who risked his life after stopping an attempted assassination attempt has been recognised at a police awards ceremony. In 2013 Siri Sat Guru Uday Singh’s life was put at risk during a religious ceremony. The Guru is worldwide leader of the Namdhari Sikh Faith, over from India for the first time on a highly publicised visit to the UK. Due to the quick thinking and fearless actions of his Secretary, Baldev Singh saved the life of His Holiness who received a broken arm and a cut to his nose. Baldev Singh who travelled from India to collect his Commendation for Bravery award, said, “I had a feeling that something wasn’t right but no one had any idea that something like this would happen within a religious ceremony.

“If I hadn’t intervened the situation would have been very different and there would have been a lot of upset within the community. It was my natural instinct to save His Holiness Sri Sat Guru Uday Singh Ji “I feel very happy and appreciative about receiving this award. We would like to thank the Force for all the hard work that has been put into the case and subsequent legal proceedings. Bravery and exceptional work has been commended during a two day award ceremony at Leicestershire P o l i c e ’ s headquarters. Over 50 people from within the organisation and members of the public received Outstanding Work, Bravery, Crown Court and Coroners Commendations.

If I hadn’t intervened the situation would have been very different and there would have been a lot of upset within the community. It was my natural instinct to save His Holiness Sri Sat Guru Uday Singh Ji

simply because he is related to me or of the same colour." Another added, “Political tactics, that’s what they do. They bring over their tactics from Pakistan and that is all it is. I think biradari politics elects people who are not fit to represent us.” This is a time for reflection. A time for voters to think about who they want to represent them in Parliament. Rise up against an one-age system of deference which has dominated so many lives, for so long. A system which has mutated into a vast network of patronage and corruption. The 2015 general election brings the opportunity of participation in a democratic process as independent citizens. We live in a country where each citizen has their own voice and make their own decisions, free from the interference of others. On May 7th, use that voice to make your country better.

OUT-OF-HOURS BURIAL CONFIRMED After consultation and a number of requests from the community, Walsall council has announced that Streetly Cemetery will be running an out-of-hours burial service. Streetly Cemetery will be able to carry out burials up until 8.30pm at night and on bank holidays under the new move, which comes into force this month. Officials at Walsall Council – which operates the Little Hardwick Road site – said it will result in bereaved residents having more options when making funeral arrangements. Cllr Khizar Hussain, portfolio holder for communities, leisure and culture at Walsall Council, said he hoped it would help families trying to cope in difficult circumstances. "The death of a loved one is, understandably, a traumatic event for family and friends. They have to make necessary arrangements while coping with their grief and anything that can be done to ease this difficult period is welcome. "As portfolio holder I have

had many discussions with our borough communities and understand that an extension to the council's burial service will go some way towards making things easier for residents who find themselves in these circumstances." Under new measures, which will be brought in from Friday, April 20, the out-of-hours service will be provided between April and September. The new arrangements mean that the service has the capacity to carry out two interments each day after 5pm. Councillor Hussain said days available for burial will also include bank holidays, except for Christmas Day however; deaths will need to be notified to the register office by 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, to enable an appointment to be made for the death registration to be completed. Councillor Hussain added, "I thank all of those residents who have raised this issue with us and worked with us to find a solution."

• BURIAL: Councillor

Khizar Hussain, has announced the new out-of-hours burial service at Streetly Cemetery

IN THIS MONTH:

2002 General Pervez Musharraf wins a referendum thus ensures 5 more years in office.

2007 India's first commercial space rocket is launched, carrying an Italian satellite.

2009 Trial of sole surviving suspect in Mumbai attacks begins.

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NAZIR AFZAL RESIGNS

DAYLIGHT BEATING IMAGE REVEALS EXTENT OF VICTIMS INJURIES

Detectives investigating a baseball bat attack in a Sparkbrook street have issued images of the victim’s injuries in the hope it will persuade someone to speak out. Jamil Ahmed was walking along Ladypool Road on the evening of 15 December last year when he was set upon by three masked assailants. The 27-year-old, from Sparkbrook, was left with a bleed on the brain and required hospital treatment for more than two weeks before finally being discharged on New Year’s Eve. A police investigation has so far been unable to identify those responsible or confirm a motive for the beating. Investigating officer DC Michelle Akers, said, “This was a targeted attack, nothing was stolen and it appears Mr Ahmed has been assaulted by someone with a grudge against him, but precisely what’s prompted it

remains unclear. “There can be no justification for an assault of this nature. It was a cowardly attack by three people, armed with baseball bats and with their faces covered. Mr Ahmed stood no chance of protecting himself and has been left with lasting physical, emotional and psychological scarring. “This has happened during a busy time of day on Ladypool Road in full view of members of the public. Somebody must have seen something, or suspects who is involved, and I would appeal to their consciences to come forward with information. “They can speak to me in confidence or they can call Crimestoppers and provide information anonymously." Mr Ahmed - who’s been unable to return to his restaurant job due to his injuries - was in Ladypool Road at around 6pm on December 15 when the attack happened.

A police trawl of local CCTV cameras reveals one offender wearing a black face covering, gloves, a long-sleeved grey top, and grey Adidas tracksuit bottoms with light blue stripes on the side of the legs. Anyone with information is urged to call DC Michelle Akers at West Midlands Police on the 101 number or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The head of the Crown Prosecution Service for the north west of England has resigned after being cleared of an allegation of impropriety. One of Britain's highest-profile prosecutors, Nazir Afzal, OBE, was at the centre of an investigation into a text message he allegedly sent to a defendant in a court case in Manchester. The CPS insist that his resignation, which will be effective from the end of March, is not linked to the unfounded allegation. A spokesman for CPS said: “We are continuing to reduce the number of staff employed across the organisation and Nazir Afzal is leaving the Service as part of this ongoing drive for efficiency. "This is entirely unrelated

to any issue of conduct and we are satisfied that there has been no impropriety on the part of Mr Afzal.” One of the region's top prosecutors, Mr Afzal has prosecuted and advised on many high profile cases. He began his CPS career in 1991 in central London and has led approximately 700 lawyers, legal staff and administrators. He took up his post in 2011 and was responsible for all criminal prosecutions across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Cumbria. Earlier this week, his staff received an email stating his intention to resign in 2015. Mr Afzal wrote in the fourline email that there was “no secret reason” behind his resignation following a 25-year-long career with the CPS.

Election date in diary.. Ready for my say on national issues.. Ready for a say on the future of Birmingham..

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APRIL 2015

WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM

Sharmila Ullah Death

The family of a 30-year-old woman who died whilst in police custody have spoken of their disappointment with the findings of a coroner following a two-day inquest. Sharmila Ullah, from Wolverhampton, had been held at Bloxwich Police Station in July last year after being arrested for shoplifting. Smethwick Coroners Court was told the motherof-four, who was known as Millie, had been taken to Walsall Manor Hospital after suffering abdominal pain and vomiting on July 9. Senior coroner Zafar Siddique was told she was assessed and given medication before being discharged back to custody. She was also examined by a nurse at the custody suite on July 10. The inquest was told her condition had deteriorated

and she was later found to be unresponsive in her cell. Paramedics were called and she was taken back to the hospital but efforts to revive her were in vain. Her death sparked an independent investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which said she had been inspected by nurses who said she was ‘fit to detain’ in a cell. At the inquest, her family said they were worried there had been a ‘lack of communication between the hospital staff and police officers’ which may have contributed to her death. The inquest was told she had long-standing problems with drug and alcohol abuse. But at the conclusion of the hearing, Mr Siddique said while there may have been some ‘individual failings’ in regards to observations while she was in custody he was not satisfied they had contributed to her death. He said that post-mortem evidence suggested her sudden death had been due to long-standing alcohol misuse and alcohol withdrawal. She also had arrhythmia and liver damage.

NEWS

LEADING IMAMS LAUNCH HAQIQAH MAGAZINE Welcome Drive to Show Real Face of Islam Online

eading Imams from the UK and Europe gathered in London at a summit to announce the launch of a digital magazine to support a wider drive by Muslims everywhere to reclaim the digital space from those who wish to tarnish their faith. Shaukat Warraich, Chief Editor of Imamsonline.com, an organisation providing a voice for Islamic religious leaders, and host of the Imams Online Digital Summit, said, "The magazine 'Haqiqah' which translates as 'The Reality' is aimed at young people and will counter the extremist narrative used by groups such as ISIS." The digital magazine, developed with contribution from Imams and

scholars will deliver a clear and positive to log on, get informed, and share the message for readers with information magazine with all your friends and family online." that they can share easily across their social media network. Highlights of the The summit was honoured by the magazine include a section providing attendance of various highly respected Imams including, Sheikh 'correct' The new digital magazine 'Haqiqah' is context Abdallah Bin Bayyah, available to download exclusively from President of the Forum to specific www.imamsonline.com and will be shared by v e r s e s for Promoting Peace, and the delegates on social media using #haqiqah of the Hamza Yusuf, leading US Imam and co-founder of Quran, regularly twisted in extremist material. California based Zaytuna College. Qari Asim, Senior Editor of Warriach concluded, "We're turning Imamsonline.com and contributor the tide - though we still have a way to to the magazine added: "We are go, we know that by taking efforts to reclaiming the online space, but support and mobilise the huge online Muslim population we will eventually we need absolutely everyone to get involved in this effort. So this is a call drown out the violent voices".

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THE 10K HERO Walsall Man Praised For Honesty

A taxi driver has been praised after handing a bag of money back to a customer who left it in his taxi. Mohammed Nisar picked up one of his regular customers at Walsall train station and drove him to his regular destination at the British Car Auction. However, that same day, a call from the council changed his day after they informed him that “something important had been left behind.” Looking in his cab, Mohammed reached for the bag and simply placed it on the front passenger seat. Half-an-hour later, the

very worried looking man came back in another cab to pick up his parcel. "He nearly had a heart attack, he was really worried," said Mr Nisar, aged 55 from Hatherton. “He came up to me and said 'do you realise what is in that bag?'. He later realised the bag was full of money, about £10k. "He was very, very thankful. He had just bought a car but forgot the money. At the end of the day honesty is the best policy. There are some drivers who don't return things but what is the point."

THOUSANDS ATTEND AMAAN’S FUNERAL

Toddler Died After Wall Collapsed on Him

APPEAL FOR CALM AFTER BRUTAL ASSAULT Police in Birmingham are appealing for information after a video – currently circulating on social media – appears to show a man being assaulted outside the Jury’s Inn in Broad Street.

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Despite comments on the video saying the assault happened the a couple of weeks ago and that it is religiously motivated, officers are keen to stress the video appears to have been first uploaded at least six months

ago and that the motivation for the attack remains unclear. Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bill said: “We are aware of this video which, for some reason, is only being widely shared now.

“This assault could have taken place any time before the video was uploaded and we are currently working to establish if we have any existing crime reports which correspond with what happened.

he funeral of a toddler who died after a recovery truck, driven by his father, hit a wall which then collapsed on him, has taken place. Amaan Yaseen, who was 19 months old, suffered a serious head injury and was pronounced dead at the scene. Nineteen-monthold Amaan Yaseen suffered a fatal head injury at his home in Queens Road, Stechford, Birmingham, on 16 March. Described as a “tragic incident", West Midlands Police said they “continue to support the family and establish what exactly happened." The funeral was held at the Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Shareef in Small Heath. It was followed by a burial service at Handsworth Cemetery. Paying tribute to Amaan, the famiy said, “"Amaan was a lovely little boy, who brought with him a lot of joy and happiness for the entire family; particularly his parents and he will be deeply missed. The family would wish to thank the efforts of the West Midlands Ambulance Service for their efforts and the police for their co-operation and understanding. We now ask for the media to respect the family’s wishes to be left in privacy to mourn their loss.”

“There are suggestions on social media that the person being assaulted was attacked because of his religion. However, we are unsure where that allegation has come from as the video itself offers no direct evidence of that being the case. “While the circumstances around this video remain

so unclear, I would urge people to remain calm and not to jump to conclusions. “I would also appeal to anyone who knows anything about the original incident captured in the footage to contact us so we can get to the bottom of what has happened here.”

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exclusive after-care package as a fundamental part of the service, which they say goes that extra mile for their customers. Raj Singh, Senior Partner at Lion Investigations, said, “This is an exciting time for us as we have a completely new look, new equipment and more staff. It means we can now further our reach across the country and offer a national service and a fantastic After-care package.” “People react in different ways by what we find out on their behalf and sometimes it leads to life-changing consequences. The after-care service is free of charge for our clients and is our way of ensuring they can get on with their lives.” “It's us building a bridge for clients, and we have fantastic relationships with our panel of Solicitors, Counsellors, Social workers and Women's Aid workers. What this means is the client will not only benefit from knowing that these firms are hand-picked by us, but also get discounted rates on specialist services.”

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BRAVE HUZAIFAH’S FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

11-Year-Old Heart Patient Aims to Raise £30,000 Birmingham’s newest restaurant has opened, themed with a Great Gatsby setting. Edgbaston’s Praza, which is owned by award-winning owner of Pushkar’s, Rai Singh, came alive with a VIP launch which included Birmingham’s elite. A rickshaw was brought in to carry diners from Broad Sheet and nearby hotels, the Plough and Harrow and The Edgbaston. Creative director Rai Singh said, “This is going to be Indian cuisine at a different level. “We’re stepping away from the norm with a seasonal menu, changing every four months. “Pushkar is very north Indian, decorated in gold and white, but Praza is sassy and edgy, in keeping with the Edgbaston feel. Praza, opening with a VIP party, is the newest neighbour to The Edgbaston cocktail bar, Simpsons restaurant, The High Field, Norjske bar, The Blue Piano and Waters on the Square in Edgbaston, a suburb being labelled “the Mayfair of Birmingham.”

• JOY: Huzaifah Valli has helped to raise

£3,700 for Alder Hey Children's Hospital

schoolboy who suffers from a heart defect has asked schools to join him in his fundraising efforts for a children’s hospital. 11-year-old Huzaifah Valli, from Blackburn, has been raising money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for the last two years, following three major operations at the specialist centre. His previous efforts revolved around Feniscowles Primary School, where he inspired pupils to wear red in the second week of February, which is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. But this year, after moving up to St Wilfred’s CofE Academy, he wants children across Blackburn with Darwen to get involved, and has written to the borough’s education chiefs to spread the message. Mum Shamira, of East Park Avenue, said, “It’s gone really well in previous

years and Huzaifah has been made an ambassador for Alder Hey. But we’re hoping to get all the schools involved this time, using his primary school’s motto ‘Together We Achieve More’, and will try to raise £30,000.” The youngster was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at just two days old, and underwent open heart surgery six days later, which was then followed by a second operation after 18 months. In August 2012, doctors noticed his heart was skipping a beat and fitted a pacemaker to regulate his heart beat, during further surgery which lasted nine hours. If he was to fall ill again, however, he will require a heart transplant. Last year, football-mad Huzaifah, who cannot play sport as he struggles to breathe, raised about £700 by walking his own ‘marathon’, in which he circled the pitch at Ewood Park for nearly two hours with his classmates. This brought his fundraising total to nearly £4,000, which has gone to the Heart Centre at Alder Hey, the referral centre for congenital heart defects in the North West. He was also recently chosen as a ball boy at the recent Liverpool FC All-Stars game at Anfield.

If you would like to donate, go to justgiving. com and search for ‘Huzaifah Valli’.

NEWS

WORKPLACE TURBAN LAW ENFORCED

•

TURBAN: Jatinderpal Singh Bhullar Became the First Guardsman to wear a turban and not a bearskin

A new employment regulation which will allow Sikhs to wear turbans in all workplaces has come into force, to the relief of campaigners. It follows a 10-year campaign by Sikh groups to address a loophole in the law, which led to turban-wearers facing discrimination in the workplace. Employment laws had excused turban wearers from the requirement to wear a safety helmet on construction sites. The Sikh Council UK, which is the largest representative body of British Sikhs, said the 1989 Employment Act created an irregularity which allowed Sikhs to wear turbans, in place of safety helmets, in environments where there was a high risk of head injuries, but the immunity did not extend to relatively safer environments. An amendment to extend the exemption in the Employment Act was introduced to the Deregulation Bill following lobbying by Sikh groups. Secretary General of Sikh Council UK, Gurmel Singh said, "We are pleased that our long campaign has enabled a vital change in the law."

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design choices. There’s something quite special about being the very first person to cook a meal in a kitchen or enjoying a long soak in a bath no one else has used before.”

The design of the homes also offers the best of both worlds – the traditional charm of ‘period’ style properties and the modern styling and convenience of being brand new. Tonia Tyler, sales director for Redrow Homes (South Midlands), says: “People often romanticise about the ideal of buying an older property and renovating it, but generally underestimate just how much work’s

Hamilton Park offers a choice of four and five

dryer out of the kitchen, plus there’s a downstairs cloakroom for added convenience.

bedroom properties with current prices from £269,950. Among the homes available is the four

Upstairs, the master bedroom benefits from an en-

bedroom detached Cambridge, priced from £289,950. It features a generously proportioned, separate

suite, with the remaining three bedrooms sharing the family bathroom.

lounge to the front of the property, while a family area is part of the open plan kitchen and dining room to the rear. The handy utility keeps the washer and

Whichever style of home is chosen, buyers can be assured that each and every Redrow property will be

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finished to the same high standard that’s helped earn the homebuilder a fifth consecutive five star award in the HBF’s annual customer satisfaction survey. Visit Hamilton Park, off Bryony Road, where the showhomes are open daily from 10am to 5.30pm. For details of the latest availability and pricing, call one of our sales team on 0116 3674 093 or visit www.redrow.co.uk/hamiltonpark.

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APRIL 2015

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Families Matter Campaign

Extent of Crime Revealed in West Midlands

Families from Leicester are being urged to take action if they suspect a loved one might be planning to travel to Iraq or Syria through an innovative nationwide campaign. The Families Matter campaign was welcomed to Leicester at an event hosted by the Federation of Muslim Organisations; part of a national community tour across the UK, including Leicester, Leeds, Liverpool, Luton and Stoke-on-Trent. Launched in July 2014 by community based organisation FAST (Families Against Stress and Trauma), the Families Matter campaign is based around a powerful film which reveals the pain and suffering felt by those family members who have lost loved ones to Syria and Iraq. The regional tour

also supports the launch of a new website ww.familiesmatter.org.uk that has been developed to help give parents the tools and information they need to be able to spot the signs that their child is being targeted by extremists and is the only one of its kind in the UK. Through a series of workshops, film showcases and one-to-one advice, each of the events aim to reach out to parents and families to empower them to tackle this threat to children. The Leicester event was attended by FAST’s founder, Saleha Jaffer, who said: “The Families Matter campaign tour aims to highlight the importance of the issue of radicalisation and we hope that today we provided helpful practical advice to families concerned about a loved one.”

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n assessment into the extent of child sexual exploitation (CSE) in the West Midlands has been published to coincide with national CSE Awareness Day. Led by regional strategic lead on preventing violence against vulnerable people, Stephen Rimmer, it sets out the latest understanding across the region of victims, offenders and locations, how the police, local authorities and partners are dealing with the issue and what happens next. Stephen Rimmer said, “This assessment (attached) gives us a proper picture for the first time of the scale and nature of the CSE threat across the West Midlands. Since this snapshot we have put into practice common standards and a shared regional approach to coordinate our operational activity, we have launched an awareness raising campaign to inform young people, parents and communities and we have engaged directly with front line staff – teachers, GPs, taxi drivers and many others. “This is to improve our support to children and young people at risk and to make life increasingly difficult for perpetrators of this crime – our number of investigations is growing as

a result. “If you’ve been abused or affected by exploitation, or are concerned for someone you know, there are a range of services you can contact – your local council Children’s Services, police, Barnardo’s as well as others on our website. I am clear that victims can now feel more confident than ever that they will get a proper and caring response from these services. CSE thrives in the dark and we are determined to expose it and tackle it

wherever we find it” This assessment showed that during the first 6 months of 2014, 488 young people throughout the West Midlands were sexually exploited or were at serious risk of sexual exploitation. The assessment sets out key features of this exploitation, the considerable work undertaken since then and the challenges ahead. Commenting on behalf of the seven West Midlands local authorities, Solihull’s Chief Executive

purpose to protect children and young people is crystal clear. Working together with our communities and partners across the West Midlands has to be the way to go. So we can say today that some progress is being made, whilst being clear there is so much more we must do. " Detective Chief Superintendent Danny Long, West Midlands Police Public Protection Unit said,” Child sexual exploitation remains a top priority for

This assessment showed that during the first 6 months of 2014, 488 young people throughout the West Midlands were sexually exploited or were at serious risk of sexual exploitation.

• CSE: Solihull Council Chief Excutive Nick Page

Nick Page, said, "Today's assessment describing our collective work to tackle the perpetrators of Child Sexual Exploitation and protect children and young people is an important staging post. We have moved some way from having a collective will to now having some tangible evidence of our impact. “However we cannot be complacent in any way. The perpetrators of this horrendous abuse are, whilst evil, very adept at disguising their activity. As the statutory agencies our duty, responsibility and

West Midlands Police. “Over the past 12 months our Public Protection Unit has been doubled in strength to some 800 officers and staff. This means around 10 per cent of the entire force are engaged in the fight and shows just how committed we are to tackling CSE. “There is nothing more important than safeguarding children and our continuing work with all local authorities and other partner agencies strengthens everybody’s ability to stamp out the problem.”

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There is nothing more important than safeguarding children

Afzal Amin Resigns Tory Candidate Suspended for Trying

to Fix Election

CHILD SEXUAL

EXPLOITATION Your local ‘outstanding’ adoption agency Successfully placing children with people like you www.adoption-focus.org.uk info@adoption-focus.org.uk Tel: 0121 779 0891 | Address: Adoption Focus, TS3 Pinewood Business Park, Coleshill Road, Marston Green, B37 7HG Adoption Focus is the registered adoption agency of Family Society, a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England & Wales no: 6869556; Registered Charity No: 1129095. Registered Ofﬁce: Kemp House, 152 City Road, London EC1V 2NX

candidate for the Dudley North seat at the next General Election has been suspended with immediate effect over claims he tried to set up a ‘fake’ English Defence League (EDL) march in regards to the town’s ‘mega mosque’. Conservative candidate Afzal Amin was secretly filmed by the Mail on Sunday trying to persuade the leader of the EDL, Tommy Robinson, to create a fictitious English Defence League protest in his intended constituency and then to scrap it – allowing him to take full credit of the u-turn. In return for the odd proposal, Mr Amin, a former Army captain, promised Mr Robinson that the EDL members and himself would become ‘unshakeable allies’ who would help bring their radical views into the mainstream, when elected to Parliament. Mr Amin said the accusations were an “inaccurate picture of reality”. In a statement, the prospective parliamentary candidate, who is currently in Dubai, said, “Today's allegations are part of a much wider story which has been grossly misrepresented. The Mail on Sunday has provided small snippets of over 27 hours of sensitive meetings between

• FIX: Afzal Amin resigns Tommy Robinson and I, which have led to a manipulation of events. “The point was to announce a march that would bring people together to discuss, and through discussions, tensions would be resolved. I wanted to see these two communities really learn more about each other through face-to-face discussion." However, Mr Robinson said that Mr Amin had tried to use the organisation. “‘I was stunned that this respectable man was talking about bribing members of the EDL and organising fake marches. I was equally alarmed when he said he had violently attacked someone. I haven’t been an angel, but this man could win his Election and I felt I had to do something.” Prime Minister, David Cameron, has promised swift, decisive action into the allegations.

SAY ‘YES’ TO ADOPTION WITH ADOPTION FOCUS

Adoption Focus, a Midlands-based adoption agency is running a campaign to encourage more people to enquire about adoption. Potential adopters who can answer yes to all three of these questions fulfil the basic requirements needed to take the first steps towards adoption: • DO YOU WANT TO BECOME AN ADOPTIVE PARENT? • ARE YOU OVER THE AGE OF 21? • DO YOU HAVE A SPARE BEDROOM?

The campaign is designed to demonstrate that the key requirements for adopters are relatively straightforward. There needs to be space for a child in the applicant’s home, applicants need to be old enough to legally start the process, and those who enquire must aspire to become a parent to an adoptive child. Adoption Focus CEO Anna Sharkey commented: “We know that potential adopters are often discouraged by thoughts that they won’t be eligible to adopt. With

our ‘Say ‘Yes’ to Adoption’ campaign we hope to assure couples and individuals that with their commitment, we can support them all the way through the adoption process and beyond.” Adoption Focus is an experienced and dedicated Ofsted Outstandingrated Voluntary Adoption Agency with offices in Birmingham, Staffordshire and Oxfordshire. They are currently recruiting adopters. Call 0121 779 0891 or visit www.adoptionfocus.org.uk for more information.

APRIL 2015

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FROM OUTSTANDING TO INADEQUATE

GOING GLOBAL NEWS

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A Birmingham school which was once rated as outstanding during the recent "Trojan Horse" affair is to be put into special measures by Ofsted. Inner-city Small Heath School has been labelled "inadequate", after Ofsted noted on staff morale being "very low" along with escalating tensions that were damaging its progress. The allegations came to light after reports circulated of leaked documents that clearly showed that Islamic extremists had been targeting Birmingham schools trying to oust head teachers and other members of staff through a â&#x20AC;&#x153;dirty trick campaign.â&#x20AC;? Dubbed the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Trojan Horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, an investigation by Ofsted said that the quality of the school's management was "outstanding" under the previous long-serving Headteacher, Peter Slough, However, after a recent investigation, it said that the current headteacher, Shanaz Khan, had "not provided a clear vision or inspiration for improvement". Ms Khan has been in post since September following Mr Slough's retirement and "since the end of the last academic year, three other senior leaders have left." The report said, "The current tensions between the school's new senior leaders, including the headteacher, and longer-established senior and middle leaders, are damaging the school's progress and capacity to improve." A council spokesperson said: "We are working with the school and governors to secure leadership at the school and make the rapid improvements needed, including applying to establish an interim executive board." Small Heath School is described by Ofsted as being much larger than the average-sized secondary school with almost all students from minority ethnic backgrounds, with most students of Pakistani or Bangladeshi heritage.

Midlands charity has extended its services by offering to feed the homeless on an international level. After taking its philanthropic resources across the UK, the Midlands Langar Seva Society, which is one of the largest Sikh organisations in the UK, has now embarked to India to deliver their aim to help the homeless and provide to those that need really need it. According to the charity, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Langarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is the term used in the Sikh religion or in the Punjabi language for general or common kitchen, where food is served for free. The organisation, which was formed in Walsall to provide food and shelter to the homeless by Randhir Singh Heer and co-founder Parmjit Singh Bahyia along with two other volunteers, receives food donations by daily worshippers at Sikh Temples across the Midlands. The first feed was started by providing a total of 15 meals to those that needed it. The gesture was then introduced to Birmingham, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton and Coventry, all within three months providing over 800 meals per week. Through growth and donations this has then stretched to Leicester, Northampton, Ilford, Fulham, Stoke, Huddersfield, Newcastle, Manchester, and Cardiff with locations of Bristol, Liverpool, and Bradford to be introduced very shortly. Midlands Langar Seva Society has approximately 100 Volunteers on a weekly basis giving out over 2500 meals per week. Talking to The Asian Today, Randhir Singh Heer said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;On a typical day we get people who are homeless, vulnerable, have mental health problems, and are traumatised, along with single parents, alcoholics, drug users and generally lonely people who have illnesses such as cancer or HIV. The society provides hot meals, drinks, snacks, warm clothing such as hats,

Midland Langar Seva Society Heads to India gloves, socks, blankets and also everyday toiletry bags.â&#x20AC;? We do not accept money as donations, just food, time and clothing. We have support from organisations such as Homeserve, Tesco, Fareshare, local schools and the NHS. Statistically, thousands of people are served Langar a day throughout the world with 100,000 a day at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most people from other backgrounds in the UK are not aware of the concept of langar and do not know that they are welcome to any Gurdwara for a meal. MLSS is taking this initiative to the streets to individuals who need it which was 500 years ago by the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have volunteers from all religions, backgrounds, and of all ages to come and help distribute food. Some people even book to serve food for birthday celebrations and other occasions or in memory of a loved one. â&#x20AC;&#x153;MLSS is now not just about giving food to homeless it's about giving the opportunity for others to serve other individuals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last week MLSS was formed in Delhi, India which was a very big success. We provided food for over 400 individuals from very poor backgrounds.â&#x20AC;?

POLICE APPEAL: THREE-YEAROLD IN TAXI COLLISION Police are appealing for witnesses after a three-year-old girl was involved in a collision with a taxi in the Lozells area of Birmingham. The collision took place in Gerrard Street, Lozells around 8.30pm Sunday 29 March. A Volkswagen Passat private hire vehicle was in collision with a three-year-old girl. The child was taken to Birmingham Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital with serious internal and head injuries and her condition is described as serious but stable. The driver of the car, a 30-year-old man, was not injured. PC Dave Bickley from Force Traffic said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are investigating the circumstances of the collision and would like to appeal to anyone who was in the Gerrard Street area last night and who saw what happened to contact Force Traffic in Aston on 101."

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APRIL 2015

LEGAL COLUMN FIXED FEE DIVORCE For some time now I have advocated the need for the profession to implement a more flexible and modern way of charging legal fees. There is a growing dissatisfaction amongst the public with the traditional way of structuring legal costs. Clients, understandably in my view, are craving more certainty with what a divorce is going to cost. The problem exists in the very nature of the proceedings. Decisions made in divorce and family law cases are often shrouded by emotion. A difficult opponent, intent on making sure his or her spouse does not receive a fair share of the assets, does nothing to dilute this toxic mix. Throw in expert fees and suddenly you have a recipe for growing costs. Against this background, it remains very difficult for a family lawyer to provide a truly accurate estimate at the outset. It is a fair point to say that a fixed fee, particularly in money cases, is unworkable where the future costs can be so uncertain. But actually – with a leap of faith – is it so difficult after all? The main stages of a money case are in all but exceptional cases: 1. Preparing a Form E (financial disclosure); 2. Preparing and providing representation at the First Appointment; 3. The instructions of experts; 4. The second hearing known as the Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing (FDR). This is where about 85% cases settle. In my own caseload, I would say about 95% cases settle at this stage – if not before; 5. The Final Hearing. Going as a far as a final hearing is extremely expensive and particularly unpleasant. In my view it should be avoided where possible. I tailor my charges to these key steps. This usually works well for the client. They know how much it is likely to cost to complete the Form E, then to represent them at the First Appointment and finally how much it will cost to the FDR. I therefore read with interest the recent comments of Justice Mostyn in the case of J v J. He said as follows: “In this case, since the failure of the FDR a mere eight months ago, the parties have between them spent on costs the

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@mhandsfamilylaw

Award Win for IRWIN MITCHELL Mark Hands Wins Assistant Solicitor of The Year At Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards

FAMILY LAWYER Winners List Trainee Solicitor of the Year Katie Willems, Higgs & Sons Solicitors Barrister of the Year Tariq Sadiq, St Philips Chambers Chartered Legal Executive of the Year Alison Hancock, SGH Martineau LLP

Paralegal of the Year Natalie Moustache, Anthony Collins Solicitors Assistant/Associate Solicitor of the Year Mark Hands, Irwin Mitchell Solicitors LLP

• LEGAL - Mark Hands

staggering sum of just under £700,000. I must confess to have been almost lost for words when the scale of this madness was revealed to me. They have spent a total of £920,000 in costs…” He quoted Lord Neuberger, who stated: “That no-one has suggested a viable alternative is something which needs to be remedied, and the sooner the better. "An approach to litigation costs based on value-pricing rather than hourly-billing is one which urgently needs to be worked out and applied. Rather than treating time as the commodity which is being sold, we should be adopting an approach where skill and experience are the commodities which are sold….” Mostyn J continued: “Two and a half years later nothing has happened …Perhaps the culture is just too ingrained to be reformed. In my opinion, a litigant should be able to demand a fixed price for each of the three phases of an ancillary relief case namely (1) Form A to First Appointment, (2) First Appointment to FDR and (3) FDR to trial…” Fixed Fee Future? Fixed fees are a great way to provide certainty to both the client and the lawyer seek. I am always happy to discuss and consider with the client a fixed fee pricing structure and, at the very least, structure costs to the stages of the cases so that the client can manage a budget. Keeping costs estimates up to date and making sure prior approval of the cost being incurred is sought by the client helps to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises. Being treated as you would like to be treated must also be the driving ethos behind delivering a service.

If you would like to discuss fixed fees or any other matters, please feel free to get in touch with me on 0121 203 5309 or mark.hands@irwinmitchell.com

International Lawyer of the Year Michael Stephens, Kings Chambers

• LEGAL AWARDS: Mark Hands (top right) with other winners

West Midlands family lawyer from Irwin Mitchell has been named Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards Assistant Solicitor of the Year. Mark Hands is a Solicitor in the divorce and family law team at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office and specialises in a variety of family-related issues from straightforward divorce cases, to complex financial claims concerning business assets. He also acts regularly in cases involving the Children Act, child abduction and claims concerning property

trusts. Mark is also a registered lawyer with the Football Association and has specialist expertise in cases involving professional footballers and has built up a strong reputation advising families within the Asian community. More than 500 guests attended the ceremony at the ICC in Birmingham which was hosted by Joshua Rozenberg, a legal commentator and presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Law in Action programme, with England rugby legend Brian Moore as the guest speaker.

Nicola Walker, Partner and Head of the Birmingham Family Law team at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Mark is a very deserving winner of this award and we are proud of his work on behalf of his clients. Our job as family lawyers is to help our clients deal with the legal, emotional and practical consequences in the immediate aftermath of a separation. “It’s not always easy but Mark has shown that he is willing to put his clients first and achieve excellent results to help them come through a difficult time in their lives.”

Partner of the Year Derek Adamson, DWF Corporate Social Responsibility/ Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Ian Henery, Ian Henery Solicitors Ltd Law Firm of the Year (sole practitioners to 4 partners) Averta Employment Lawyers Law Firm of the Year (5 to 15 partners) Sydney Mitchell LLP Law Firm of the Year (16 plus partners) Eversheds LLP Lifetime Achievement Award Bernard Shepherd

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A self-employed courier from Leicester has been given a non-custodial sentence for stealing 120 Apple iPhone 5s with an estimated worth exceeding £51,000. Deep Adhiya, 20, pleaded guilty to the theft of the smart phones which he was subcontracted to transport from Hinckley to London by the parcel delivery service TNT. Deep accepted the charges but maintained that a second person, who had been travelling with him in the delivery van on the day, had taken the boxes containing the phones. He also insisted that the phones had been taken as a result of a cannabis debt amounting to £800 which Deep owed him. The defendant, who had no previous convictions,

received a sentence of 12 months community service and was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. Judge Nicholas Dean QC said: "I accept you were persuaded to behave as you did by someone who must have been more criminally sophisticated than you. "You were persuaded into stealing high value goods." Lynsey Knott, prosecuting, said the defendant had made “no comment” in an interview regarding the crime and had also refused to provide details to the police about the identity of the person he said had taken the phones. Miss Knott said: "The phones haven't been recovered but 33 of them were later activated in various countries, from France to Vietnam."

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facilities for parking, disabled access and offered the flexibility of being able to use their own suppliers. Nav and Pally had over 400 wedding guests. The day started with a champagne and canapé reception in the 1882 Club overlooking the iconic pitch. Guests then moved into the Banqueting Suite where they enjoyed a feast of sublime authentic dishes from Premier Catering, and DJ entertainment and light show from Kudos DJ’s. The Banqueting suite looked stunning as it had been transformed into an Enchanted Garden by Essential Event Group. Nav and Pally had an amazing wedding day and praised Navneet Mangat (the Wedding coordinator at Edgbaston Stadium) as ‘very approachable and helpful, so much so that we were able to discuss any anxieties with her. Wedding planning is stressful as it involves a lot of trust being put in your suppliers’. We wish Nav and Pally the very best for their future and hope they have a long, happy and prosperous marriage. If you would like to find out more about our wedding packages or how we can make your wedding day unique please contact Navneet on 0121 446 3632 or email navneetmangat@ edgbaston.com

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Chain-Snatch thug on the run

Muslim Community Raises £1 million for Penny Appeal

A shopkeeper in Leicester was left wounded after being stabbed multiple times by a man who tried to snatch loose a gold chain from around his neck. The owner of Mansi Music, based in Belgrave, Leicester was stabbed in the side, chest and stomach as he struggled to force the robber out of his shop. The 42-year-old victim, who was taken to hospital after the attack and kept overnight, said: “This man came in and was looking around. “He was white and spoke English and was looking at Indian films, so I showed him some of the English DVDs we have in stock. “As he was looking at them, he came behind the counter and tried to pull my chain off my neck. “He was swearing at me and telling me to give it to him, but because it’s quite thick it wouldn’t break. “I pushed him away and came out from behind the counter to get him out of the shop. “I thought he was punching me because I didn’t know then that he had a knife. A police spokeswoman said: “Officers were called to a shop in Dorset Street, Leicester, at about 4.20pm last Wednesday (Mar If you have any information 4) following a report of an please contact Detective attempted robbery. Sergeant Mick “The suspect left the Perkins on the premises empty handed, Homicide Team at Harborne he was last seen making off Police Station 101 or call on foot towards Catherine on Crimestoppers Street. Contact police on 101 anonymously on or Crimestoppers on 0800 0800 555 111 555111.”

Penny Appeal raises £1 million to help desperate orphans around the world, thanks to the exclusive American Sharia film tour. The new Muslim comedy movie was screened 23 times up and down the country and helped to raise over £1 million in donations and commitments, which will go towards building orphanages and supporting orphans worldwide. This means vulnerable orphans in Bangladesh, The Gambia, India, Pakistan, Palestine and Sudan can be given a route out of poverty through the sponsorships

£1 Million Worth of Smiles MAN FOUND DEAD IN CAR PARK A Sri Lankan national was found collapsed in a Birmingham car park after having travelled from London via coach the night before. The 39-year-old man was found in the car park on Bordesley Street by a security guard.

Despite emergency services coming to his aid, he was unable to be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. Detective, who initially had treated the death as unremarkable, are now investigating the death and are trying to put together the

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final movements of the man. Detective Sergeant Mick Perkins, from the West Midlands Police Homicide Team of Force CID, said: "Initially the man’s death was treated as natural causes, but a post mortem examination suggested otherwise and a full inquiry has now been launched.

raised. Each Penny Appeal orphan sponsorship, costing just 50 pence a day, goes on to provide food, clothes, healthcare, education and a dedicated foster mother – all in a loving and caring home. The film tour was a huge success and was part of Smile Relief, the charity’s extravaganza month to raise money for orphans. Smile Relief also saw fundraising from volunteers, along with a live, comedyenriched appeal telethon on British Muslim TV. The American Sharia movie premiered at Hackney Empire on February 11th before being shown around the UK at special screenings in towns and cities up and down the UK including Manchester, Luton, Birmingham, Liverpool, Derby, Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle. Omar Regan, who wrote, directed and starred in the film, attended every screening to introduce the movie and speak to the audience about future plans for his production company, Halalywood Entertainment.

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There are many reasons why a person can start losing their hair. Research has shown that stress plays a vital factor in determining hair condition. Poor hair care, environment, lifestyle and diet too has its effect on hair growth. It is very important to ascertain what kind of hair you have and then look after it accordingly. Dry hair for example, would need plenty of nourishment; the roots would need extra oil and feeding”, Oily hair on the other hand requires a completely different therapy, she adds. Hair loss falls into two categories, where it is distributed over the whole scalp and where hair loss is limited to localised areas. Hair loss is often more than a beauty problem. In some cases of alopecia, the condition is caused by bacteria or other infection or may even indicate a

severe systematic disease, adds Neeta. Neeta has seen clients walking in with utter hopelessness and pessimism, but walk out with a whole different attitude. However Neeta stresses that science would only work if clients are cooperative, patient and possess a healthy attitude. Apart from hair care, Neeta’s also administers treatment for skin problems such as acne, black heads, white heads, scars, wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, pigmentation and other skin disorders.

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Primary School to Teach LGBT Issues • LGBT: Clifton Primary School Parents have reacted angrily and have signed a petition asking for a Birmingham primary school to stop teaching their children about homosexuality. Worried parents of students from Clifton Primary School in Balsall Heath are asking the school to end plans which would teach their children about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues. In a petition addressed to the school, parents said the subject “conflicted” with

their religious beliefs of the children, who are predominantly Muslim – along with the fact that they believed fouryear-olds were too young to be taught the subject. The petition was brought to the school after it held meetings with parents to said it would be implementing the Challenging Homophobia in Primary Schools (CHIPS) programme. The programme would use books, music and videos to explain to pupils about children that grow up in all types of families - including those with LGBT parents. One parent, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s not just a Muslim issue, it is an opinion shared across all faiths. “The material needs to

be age appropriate and we do not feel it is. Four-yearolds should be allowed to be children, this is taking their innocence away. They should go to school to play with their dolls or play in the playground. I know it’s part of life and they need to learn about it, but I feel it would be more appropriate when they are in Year 5 or Year 6.” Headteacher Christine Mitchell said: “We have had three consultation meetings with parents where we explained how CHIPS worked and showed them the books we will use. “We explained we were planning to introduce this in line with advice from the local authority. We have been open and honest and are trying to have a dialogue with them. We have always taught diversity and equality and it is important that the wider public know that.”

Hailing Success An open day at Dudley Central Mosque has attracted over 200 visitors who were eager to find out more about the Muslim faith. The event, which was held this week, was the first event to be held at the mosque, which organisers have deemed a success. The included a tour of the facility with visitors having an opportunity to ask questions they had about the faith and plans for the new mosque being built. Mosque chairman, Mohammed Aurangzeb, used the event to thank people for standing together in solidarity during the recent EDL protest in the town. He said: “We wanted to be proactive and open our doors to whoever wanted to come and see what great work is done in education, faith, training and developing facilities for the community. “I was encouraged by the level of interest

• CAPITAL: Susan Perks a local resident and member of Hope Not Hate in Dudley visits the Open Day at Dudley Central Mosque

shown and the support from local people." “It was an "enjoyable" event and it was "most reassuring" to receive positive feedback, adding there would be plans for similar events in the future. Councillor Shaukat Ali, said, “I was most impressed with the arrangements in view of the short time the community had to plan all of this since the recent march in Dudley. "It was a fantastic day with lots of people from different backgrounds taking up the community’s offer to visit the facilities and to ask questions." He continued: "I believe everyone went away knowing a little more information than what they bought with them. "The atmosphere was very positive and I hope that the community will continue with their efforts in organising similar events in the future to promote understanding and good relation.

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AUTISM

HEALTH COLUMN LIVING WITH BOWEL CANCER Known as colon, rectal or colorectal cancer, bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United Kingdom and is a general term used to describe cancer that begins in the large bowel. Over 40,000 people living in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year and 72 percent of bowel cancer cases develop in people who are aged 65 and over. If you have recently been diagnosed with the condition, support and advice is available to help you cope. Talk to your friends and family as they can be a powerful support system. Talking to others who are in the same situation as you can also be a good way to learn about your condition. Reading about the symptoms and treatments available to treat bowel cancer will help you gain a better understanding of the disease. Initial symptoms of bowel cancer may include: Blood in your stool (faeces) or bleeding from your rectum. Changes in your normal bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation, which persevere for more than three weeks. Stomach pain. Unexplained weight loss. See your local GP if you have any of the above symptoms. The sooner bowel cancer is detected before symptoms occur; the better the chances are of recovering from the disease. More than 90 percent of people survive at least five years when bowel cancer is found at its earliest stage. Depending on the type and size of cancer as well as your general health, doctors will decide what treatment is best for you. Undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are some of the treatments available to help tackle bowel cancer. People can also receive biological therapy treatment. Biological

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• Sharon West, specialist bowel cancer screening practitioner at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust

therapies are drugs that can help the body control the growth of cancer cells. Here are the best ways to help minimise the risk of developing bowel cancer: Diet – eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as whole grains can help reduce your risk of getting bowel cancer. Avoid having a high sugar diet. For British Asians, eating jelabis and barfis regularly can not only lead to you having bowel cancer, you could also develop other types of cancer and heart disease. Exercise – people who exercise for at least 150 minutes a week will have a lower risk of developing bowel and other cancers. Healthy weight – making changes to your diet and an increase in physical activities will help you keep your weight under control. Smoking – smoking can damage your heart and blood circulation. Giving up smoking will help reduce your risk of developing bowel and other cancers. Another step you can take in order to prevent bowel cancer is to have regular screenings. Bowel cancer screening is the bestway of detecting bowel cancer at an early stage. Men and women aged 6074 who are registered with a GP will automatically be sent an invitation for screening through the post. Those who are aged over 74 can opt-in by calling the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060. Bowel Cancer Awareness Month takes place every year in April.

utism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means, while people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light

•

by Pam Malhi

www.hope-love-autism.com

so they to feel a part of our include these children in community. Together we our community. Please do support autism awareness can all support and raise awareness and acceptance and learn how with your of autism not just in April support we can change but also all year round. lives. Autism is an extremely difficult disability and can be hard to understand, but education is the key. We can change the mindset by helping this generation to understand autism and we can help improve the lives of those A COMMON DISODER - Autism affects many living with autism. • children from all backgrounds with oneLearn more about in-68 people disgnosed autism and include these children and adults

MAKE A DIFFERENCE Raising awareness is just the first step

SADAQA LAUNCHED DAY Communities Launch Annual Volunteering Day

Are you on Twitter? To find out what is going on around our hospitals, and for latest news and updates follow us @ heartofengland. Join our conversation today! Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust staff provides general and specialist hospital care across Heartlands Hospital, Solihull Hospitals, Good Hope Hospital and Birmingham Chest Clinic. The Trust also provides community health services across the borough of Solihull. The Trust employs more than 10,000 members of staff, making it one of the top five employers in the Midlands.

or colours. Autism affects many children from all backgrounds. The Asian community seem to have much less of an understanding of autism and very little support is available in our community. Autism is the fastest growing disability. One-in-68 people are diagnosed with autism. April is autism awareness month, a month where we try to raise awareness and acceptance of the condition. Learning about autism is vital for those living with autism. We need more awareness and understanding of this condition. We also need more available support for the families of these children and we need to

LIVING FOR HOPE AND LOVE

ommunities Minister Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon has welcomed the launch of Sadaqa Day - a day of positive social action designed to bring the whole community together through volunteering. The inaugural Sadaqa Day was held on 22 March and saw local communities and faith groups working in partnership on locally focussed projects and charitable initiatives. Led by British Muslim communities, Sadaqa Day will be a date in the diary where everyone - individuals, places of worship, schools,

women's and community groups, scouts and guides groups -- can get involved and contribute towards making their neighbourhoods a better place, irrespective of colour, creed, faith or background. Volunteering activities could be anything communities want to donate their time and energy to from helping the homeless, park clear-ups, collections of items for womens' shelters, hospital and elderly people visits and more. Lord Ahmad said, "People of all faiths have a strong history of positive

• A MULTIFAITH INITIATIVE: Sadaqa Day brings together

people from different faiths in service to the community

contribution to life in Britain and Sadaqa Day is another shining example of this tradition. "There is no better way to break down barriers and form friendships than by mucking in and working hard on a shared interest - and that's why my department is proud to be supporting the inaugural Sadaqa Day. "I'd urge everyone in the

community to roll up their sleeves and get involved in practical positive social action." Sadaqa is an Islamic term that means voluntary charity - encompasses any act of giving out of sharing reflecting compassion, love, friendship and generosity. Find out more about Sadaqa Day by visiting www. mysadaqaday.org

“THE GAME IS UP” NEWS

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We will no longer tolerate your behaviour. We will expose your hateful beliefs for what they are. Where you seek to spread hate, we will disrupt you. Where you break the law, we will prosecute you. Where you seek to divide us, we will stand united. And together, we will defeat you

The Home Secretary has today told extremists that the “game is up” when unveiling the Tory manifesto on tackling extremism, particularly Islamist extremism, within the country. Theresa May has outlined the future Conservative government's plans for a crackdown on extremism, touching on issues of Sharia law courts, hate preachers, extremist groups, immigration and honour crimes. The MP for Maidenhead has said that the government will conduct an independent review into Sharia law courts operating in the UK, particularly looking at their discrimination against women. The new counter-extremist policy is aimed at tackling home-grown terrorists by targeting radical preachers

and will allow radical individuals to be barred from working unsupervised with children following fears that young Muslims are being brainwashed into embracing extremist views. She has said that councils will be ordered to "take steps to ensure the safeguarding of children in hithero unregulated places", such as tuition centres, and has also introduced “banning orders” for extremist groups, which would make it a criminal offence for individuals to be part of or fund raise for groups which spread or promote hatred. The manifesto is also proposing an alteration in the rules governing citizenship grants to foreigners to ensure that people seeking residency in the country will embrace the British

APRIL 2015

WALSALL MAN JAILED FOR GROOMING SCHOOLGIRL FAMILY RAISED CONCERS WITH POLICE

values, stating that the country's national values will be "an integral part of applying for a visa" which even visitors will have to act in compliance with. In a speech in London, Mrs May said that a “small but significant” number of people in Britain are attempting to undermine the nation's values and create a “clash of civilisations” in the country and has called on “every single person in Britain” to celebrate British values and defeat ignorance. She has invited all moderate British Muslims to join in partnership with her and the government to expose the "hatred, bigotry and ignorance" of these extremists who challenge and pose a threat to democracy, equality and free speech.

A homeless man has been jailed for seven years after admitting grooming a Walsall schoolgirl and inciting her to begin a sexual relationship. Banti Singh was arrested by police in Bloxwich in September last year after the 14-year-old girl’s family raised concerns with officers about her behaviour and contact she was having with an older man. Inquiries at the family home caused officers to investigate the true identity of a man who’d made contact with the teenager via Facebook, calling himself ‘Velly Boy’. Subsequent inquiries identified him as a Londoner who was travelling up to meet the youngster in Walsall. On 4 September the girl was reported missing by her mother and despite her return later that day she then went missing again a week later, only to be found outside the Premier Inn in Walsall with a man, who ran

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• JAILED: Banti Singh

off when approached by the girl’s family. Police subsequently interviewed the teenager who admitted to a sexual relationship with the man she knew as Randeep, who had first contacted her online when she was 13. The following month the girl’s relatives followed her to a local train station and contacted police to raise concerns that she may be meeting the older man again - leading officers to quickly visit the station and detain a man nearby, on suspicion of grooming. The suspect turned out to be Singh, now aged 30, who had travelled from the capital to meet the teenager. Despite denying a relationship, officers found a bag he’d tried to hide in the police car on his arrest which contained toiletries, a piece of paper containing passwords to the teenager’s social media accounts and mobile phone, as well as a fake passport.

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SIGNING INTO THE HISTORY BOOKS P 22

aul Sabapathy, Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, has claimed that British Asians should be proud of their contribution to British life, however, there is more to be done. There were roles at local schools, local colleges and other public appointments where British Asians could still play a greater role. Mr Sabapathy then continued to outline the difficulties faced by the first influx of Asians in the 1950’s and 1960’s but re-iterated that this was no longer the case and that they were participating fully and should continue to do so in British life. He finally spoke about the need to celebrate success and lamented on the fact that very few British Asians and in particular the West Midlands region were being recognised in the honours list. This, he argued, was largely due to a reticence to be recognised for all the good work that happens with Asian

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Tommy Sandhu & Rai Singh

Tommy Sandhu, Brett Murray & Mandeep Rajput

Tommy Sandhu, Manjit Kang & Enes Bayrak

Tommy Sandhu, Satvir Bungar and Adrie Voges

LIST OF WINNERS: Excellence in Finance: Satvir Bangar (BDO) Excellence in Law: Narita Bahra (2 Hare Court)

Tommy Sandhu, Naheed Afzal & Ninder Johal

Tommy Sandhu, Narita Bahra & Sundeep Soor

Excellence in Banking: Mandeep Rajput (Yorkshire Bank and Clydesdale Bank) Young Professional of the Year Sukhjeevan Nat (Santander Bank)

Tommy Sandhu, Dean Chudasama & Narinder Johal

Tommy Sandhu, Sukhjeevan Nat & Rana Singh

communities and in the West Midlands region as a whole. The inaugural Signature awards celebrated a number of awards included excellence in a number of categories including finance, law, banking, land, architecture and Property development, business, owner practice and finally an award for excellence in diversity. Other awards categories also included Young professional of the year and a final award for the business professional of the year. The headline sponsor for the event was BooomTV and other sponsors included: Cartwright King, Quick books, Divya Group, East End foods, Printmedia, Winter Palace, Turkish Airlines and Jaguar. Mr Ninder Johal of Nachural, the organiser of the event and who is also president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and a Black Country LEP board member spoke about the positive growth of the UK over the last

12 months but warned about the slowing down of the global economy and in particular the problems surrounding the Eurozone. He also emphasized the need to concentrate on the importance of education and how this will impinge on the ability of the UK to remain competitive in the global marketplace. He warned on the need to have a balanced economy both in terms of sectoral coverage but also from a geographical basis where London was still seen as overheating. He also warned the region to collaborate and work together in order to safeguard funding for crucial issues such as transport infrastructure and local skills development. Lovebrum was the charity on the night and where over 300 people attended. Host for the evening was BBC presenter Tommy Sandhu and music was produced by Achanak.

Inaugural Signature Awards are a ‘Celebrated’ Success

Excellence in Land, Architecture and Property Development: Dean Chudasama (Damson Homes)

Excellence in Professions for Owner Practice: Kavita Kaur Bachada (PEL Solicitors)

Excellence in Business: Rai Singh (Pushkars)

Diversity Award: Manjit Kang (Natwest)

Business Professional of the year Naheed Afzal (IT Contracts)

MEND LAUNCHES MUSLIM MANIFESTO

EAST END FOOD’S

RAIDED Police Appeal for Information

Parliamentary Event Asks for a Push on Issues Affecting Community

Police in Birmingham are appealing for information following an armed robbery which took place at a cash and carry in Highgate in the early hours of this 31 March. Three masked men, one carrying a handgun, forced their way into East End Foods in Darwin Street, just after midnight. They threatened staff, smashed a window to the cashier desk and fired a gun into a wall as a warning. The men then stole over £5,000 before escaping in a

car, possibly a silver Ford Focus C-Max. No-one was injured during the robbery. DC Neil Western from Force CID said: “We believe the car used may have been parked up for some time in Salop Street before the robbery took place. I would appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time or anyone with information about this offence to contact police at on 101 or call Crimestoppers, confidentially on 0800 555 111.

ritish Muslims and MPs from all three main political parties gathered in Westminster today for the launch of the MEND Muslim Manifesto 2015. The MEND Muslim Manifesto 2015 covers policy areas of interest and significance to Muslims and sets out campaign pledges we are seeking from the major parties on a range of policy issues from tackling Islamophobia to counterterrorism policy and faith schools to labour market discrimination faced by British Muslims. The event was hosted by Yasmin Qureshi MP. MEND’s Chief Executive, Sufyan Ismail, said, ‘This

is an historic moment for British Muslims. The 2015 General Election comes at a critical and difficult time for British Muslims as they face the strain of those who peddle messages of rejection and exclusion, whether from al-Qaida inspired extremists or the far right. “Our manifesto reinforces the Britishness of British Muslims – their interest in political, social and economic integration and we are calling on the mainstream parties to heed their concerns.” Baroness Sayeeda Warsi welcomed the Muslim Manifesto and spoke of the rich diversity among British Muslim communities. She said it was important for

elected representatives to do more to reach out to minority and Muslim voters and encouraged parliamentarians to use the manifesto as a means to understand and engage with some of the issues that matter to British Muslims. She said it was the responsibility of all MPs to reflect the views of their constituents not for it to be left to Muslim or minority parliamentarians to do the outreach work. British Muslims are Britons and should matter to every MP Lord Qurban Hussain attended and spoke for the Liberal Democrats. He referred to issues that had arisen with Muslim constituents during his

time as Deputy Leader of Luton Borough Council urging politicians to end the “double standards” sometimes observed in our politics. Several other MPs attended the event to welcome the launch of the manifesto saying problems such as Islamophobia in schools and in the media had cropped up in conversations with their constituents. MPs who were present and spoke at the launch event include Rt. Hon. Sir Gerald Kaufman MP, Kate Green MP, Mark Hunter MP, Rt. Hon. Stephen Timms MP, Jon Ashworth MP, Karen Buck MP, Andy Slaughter MP, Heidi Alexander MP and Sir Edward Garnier MP.

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AN UNPRECEDENTED STEP AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSE

Metropolitan Police and London Mosque Team Up Against Abuse

MUSLIM CEMETERY PLANS P

lans for a Muslim cemetery in a Solihull village have been submitted for an unprecedented third time.

The application for the graveyard at Woodhouse Farm, named ‘Thaqwa Cemetery’, in Catherine-deBarnes was rejected twice

In an unprecedented step, east London police joined forces with a mosque in the capital to raise awareness of domestic violence. Officers from the Metropolitan Police worked alongside members of the Minhaj Ul Quran mosque in Newham to organise a woman-only workshop. Women from South Asian communities were targeted as they face greater difficulty in getting the

last year after planners said the development would disfigure greenbelt land. However, Cemetery Development Services Ltd, who is working on behalf of the applicant, has stressed the need for a Muslimonly cemetery in Solihull – claiming ‘there is a shortage of burial plots to cater for the faith.’ The first application for planning permission for the cemetery was for 7,000

necessary help and guidance due to language barriers as well as the culture of honour and shame existing in Asian societies. Through the event, women were given the chance to discuss issues relating to a topic which is usually considered taboo in the South Asian communities, and were able to talk freely, ask questions and gather information during the workshop. One of the female attendees said:

burial plots, which was then reduced to 4,000 in the next application. This was then further reduced to a 3,333 plot cemetery, which is the current number, along with storage and toilet facilities and a garden. There would also be space for parking, if planning permission is approved. Coun Bob Sleigh (Con, Bickenhill), who has fought against the two previous

"By holding it in a mosque, women feel safe to come out and talk about domestic abuse because they feel they're not going against their religion." Event organisers are hoping to partner up with other mosques in London to encourage them to hold workshops tackling domestic violence. If successful, the project will roll out nationally.

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the world, we acquired a plot of land in the Catherine-DeBarnes area of Solihull after consulting and obtaining positive response from Solihull Metropolitan Borough. It is also an established fact that there is a shortage of burial places across the country." “Thaqwa Cemetery is a positive endeavour in meeting the community burial need.”

applications, said: “This is simply not an appropriate place to site a cemetery." Trevor Eames, secretary of Solihull Ratepayers, said: “At this stage we see no obvious difference in this application to the earlier plans or for planning to draw a different conclusion.” The report says, “Muslims have always maintained the ancient burial system. “To preserve this centuries old tradition in this part of

PG. 41

Banging the Drum for Local Culture

audiences across the UK. As a network, we offer broadcast channels such as Rishtey that offers a wide variety of entertainment for the entire f a m i l y, a n d News18 India, the world’s window to India. It gives me great pleasure to announce the launch of our new local production, Desi Beat on our flagship channel, COLORS. Extensive research was carried out to deduce our viewers’ areas of interests. Desi Beat has been conceptualised and developed to suit preferences of Desi television audiences in the UK. The promos of the show have already gained remarkable traction on social media, crossing the 5000 views mark in just two days. We hope that our audiences will embrace this fresh and innovative format with open arms.”

DESI BEAT IS PRODUCED BY CUTTING CHAI PRODUCTIONS

PG. 39

SUPER SINGH WORLD'S NEWEST SUPERHERO

Martin Delaney Talks Movies, Hollywood and being a CaucASIAN

DESI BEATS! eading South Asian entertainment channel, COLORS TV have launched a new and unique locally produced show. Named ‘Desi Beat’, the show started late last month with a view to showcase the best of local Asian culture. Desi Beat will showcase UK’s most exotic and preferred trends in food and lifestyle. Celebrity host Raj Ghai will embark upon a fascinating journey of the finest destinations known for their cuisine, apparel and accessories and impeccable travel experiences across the United Kingdom in his truly ‘Desi’ and unmatched style. From the most authentic 'lehenga' to the spiciest 'Indian Curry', every Sunday, Raj will unravel a new mystery that a new destination presents – its wide array of local & international Desi trends – in his inimitable style. In Raj’s own words, “If it’s made it to my list, it’s a MUST visit!” On the launch of the show, Govind Shahi, Business Head, IndiaCast Media, Europe, says “COLORS TV has been a frontrunner in differentiated content, admired by South Asian

APRIL 2015 DESI XPRESS 37

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IN THE

EVENT INCLUDES PROCESSION OF NIGAR KIRTAN

rganisers of Birmingham’s annual Vaisakhi parade and festival have announced dates for the next event to take place. In a statement, organisers have stated that, “The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham, with our partners, organises two Nagar Kirtans (holy street processions) and a community celebration in Handsworth Park, Birmingham to celebrate this event. This year it takes place on 26th April 2015, although the actual date of the Sikh festival is 14th April. “Everyone is invited to join us in our celebration of the spiritual harvest of Vaisakhi. The celebrations promise to be a family geared free event. Sangat (congregations) from Gurdwaras throughout Birmingham and Sandwell,

in line with Sikh custom and values will share Langar meals, to overcome differences of creed and cultures and to break down the barriers, which so often divide us. People from diverse communities every year join in the festivities at the park & share a meal (Guru Ka Langar) with members of the Sikh community. “This is an event which principally promotes social cohesion and human love. The langar will be served next to Guru Da Darbar (Guru’s Court), just as it is in Gurdwaras every day of the year. In Guru Da Darbar you will be able to partake of a spiritual feast of kirtan (hymns sung to ragas). There will also be an opportunity to watch an exciting array of sports activities. There will also be an opportunity join in with the

interactive family orientated races; so come prepared with your running shoes. “The bazaar stalls, offering a delight of vegetarian food, custom and specialist arts and crafts are always popular and you will be able to pick up information from public and service agencies all geared to helping people get better access to their facilities form the information and display marquees. Whatever you do don’t wait too long to head for the interactive armed forces displays if you don’t want to spend most of your day queuing up to have a go at their activities. “We hope you will enjoy the Vaisakhi day with us at Handsworth Park. Most of all we pray that you have an inspiring and uplifting Vaisakhi.”

HOUNSLOW’S ANNUAL PROCESSION Huge crowds are expected in Hounslow for a parade marking one of the highlights of the Sikh calendar. The streets will be covered with orange as the Vaisakhi procession once again winds its way through the borough's streets to the sound of beating drums. More than 7,000 people attended last year’s lively celebrations and similar numbers are expected this weekend for the annual parade, now in its 17th year. The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan will leave the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, in Hanworth Road, Hounslow, at 1pm. Participants will head west to the

Gurdwara Guru Nanak Nishkam Sweak Jatha, in Martindale Road, Hounslow, where they are due to stop briefly at 3.45pm. They will then return to the starting point, where celebrations are set to continue until 7.45pm. Road closures will be in place during the procession and drivers have been warned to expect delays in the area. Vaisakhi is a harvest festival commemorating the initiation of the first five members of the brotherhood of the Khalsa, which took place on April 13, 1699 - a key date in the development of the Sikh faith.

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The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras In Birmingham

Mayor Unveils ‘New Look’

2015

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• VAISAKHI: Boris Johnson enjoying Vaisakhi celebrations in previous years

he Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced a new look Vaisakhi Festival, which will enable a wider array of cultural activities to be presented. Following consultation with the Sikh community, the popular free event will take place on Saturday 11 April 2015 at City Hall and in The Scoop at More London, next to historic Tower Bridge. Vaisakhi is the most important day in the Sikh calendar, commemorating the beginning of Sikhism as a collective faith. London’s Vaisakhi celebrations are an opportunity for people from

all communities, faiths and backgrounds to experience a festival that is celebrated by over 126,000 Sikhs who live in the capital and 20 million people across the world. All are welcome to attend the family-friendly event, which as well as music and performance, food and children’s activities, will for the first time include films, talks and an exhibition. This year’s celebrations will also take place much closer to the official Vaisakhi festival – 14 April – than it has in previous years. City Hall has been working with representatives from the Sikh community, including Singh Sabha London East

Gurdwara, EY Sikh Network and other groups, to create a culturally rich, enjoyable day that represents Sikh identity and culture. The new location will enable a range of additional new activities to take place, such as film screenings, cultural talks and poetry readings, alongside a colourful outdoor programme of live performances. Visitors will be able to enjoy traditional dance, turban tying and Sikh spiritual music (Shabad Kirtan). Food (langar) will be prepared and offered by volunteers from the Sikh community. The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said, ‘Vaisakhi is the holiest day in the Sikh calendar and I am delighted that it is coming to City Hall and The Scoop. We have been working closely with the Sikh community to create an even more wide-ranging programme of activities. It will be a joyous celebration and all Londoners are welcome. Happy Vaisakhi!’ Mankamal Singh, Gurdwara Singh Sabha London East, said ‘The Gurdwaras are excited to be involved in this year’s Vaisakhi celebrations at City Hall. The Sikh community are an integral part of the London landscape, whilst maintaining a very visible and distinctive identity. This year’s event gives London the opportunity to share British Sikh talent as well as offering great activities, that all Londoners can get involved in.’ Manraj Singh Othi, Cofounder EY Sikh Network, said ‘We are pleased to be part of the organisation of this Vaisakhi celebration. As both Londoners and Sikhs, we feel the grassroots approach to the programme that has been created in collaboration with City Hall will produce a day that is inclusive for both Sikhs and non-Sikhs, and be an opportunity to learn and celebrate together through a diverse range of displays and activities.’

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Bhangracise! 30

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A dancer who performed at the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony and has appeared on TV with Strictly Come Dancing winner Alesha Dixon is the first act to be announced for Manchester's first indoor Mela festival in Stretford Mall. Bhangra instructor Rajeev Gupta says he's excited to bring a troop of dancers to perform, and even teach shoppers some of his high energy moves, at the Vaisakhi Mela 2015 festival of Asian music and dance in May. The festival will bring together traditional Indian and Pakistani performers, as well as Manchester grown Asian fusion acts, at Stretford Mall, for two days at the end of the spring half term – Friday May 29 and Saturday May 30. It is being organised by Asian Arts UK and sponsored and hosted by Stretford Mall. Rajeev's weekly Banghracise class at Gorse Hill studios in Stretford is gaining popularity as a way to keep fit and socialise without going to a gym. He also coaches workshops and organises performances in venues around the country. Among his high profile events were two appearances on national TV. The first was

Local Dancer Becomes First Act at Vaisakhi Mela

VAISAKHI

Leicester’s Food Drive

Charity Invites Public to ‘Fun’ Food Drive A Leicester charity is asking the public to help them with their latest food drive. Leicester Sikh Alliance’s latest food drive will be taking place later this month with the intention of a fun and entertainment “This year’s Vaisakhi Food Drive will be taking place on Sunday 12th April at the Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara in Leicester. “Fun activities aimed at kids will also be taking place on the day. All money raised

at the London 2012 Olympics for which he led a troop in a specially choreographed piece to celebrate Britain's multicultural roots. He also appeared as a coach and guest judge on CBBC Dance Show "Alesha's Street Dance Stars" alongside Strictly Come Dancing winner Alesha Dixon. Now he's preparing a special programme of moves to perform at the Stretford Mall event, which is a harvest themed Vaishakhi Mela (Vaishakhi means harvest in Punjabi). The Vaishakhi Mela is particularly important in the Sikh calendar, but it is

also marked by the Hindu and Pakistani community. Rajeev will also be bringing along some Dhol drummers to provide an upbeat musical rhythm for the dances. He said: "It's a fantastic thing that can only be good for Stretford and the wider community across Manchester. "The Vaishakhi is about people coming together from all parts of India to celebrate the harvest, to dance and to eat, and to bring good fortune and wealth for their communities and culture. "I think we could do with more of this in Manchester, and so to create a happy

atmosphere and bring the community together can only be a good thing. "We'll be at the Stretford Mall Mela to perform some Bhangra dance and hopefully do some workshops to get the audience involved. "We'll be doing some traditional harvest dances from the Punjab northern region of India, and a lot of the moves are quite symbolic of farming, things like throwing seeds and collecting in the harvest. "It's very high energy, when you finish you almost feel like it's an energetic high, perfect for a Mela."

LAST YEARS 'FUN' FOOD DRIVE

from activity stalls will go to Basics of Sikhi (educational charity) and Unique Home for Girls (provide for abandoned young girls in Punjab). The Basics of Sikhi Team will also be present on the day. So come along with your children, say ‘Hi’, and please donate generously. The recipients of the food donations will be Midlands Langar Sewa Society, Kirpa Foodbank, and Leicester Charity Link & Trussells Trust.”

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APRIL 2015

General Election 2015 P A R T Y

M A N I F E S T O

Come May 7th, millions of people from across the United Kingdom will descend upon polling stations to cast their vote on who should be making Number 10 their home. Both the Conservatives and the Labour Party are, at current, the two main parties, which are tied in every major poll. With each party currently writing their manifestos, we take a look at what the top four have to offer on three key issues.

WHO WILL YOU VOTE FOR? Immigration

Immigration

Introduce an Australian-style points policy, used to select migrants with the skills and attributes needed to work in the country covering people from inside and outside the EU. Bring net immigration down to 50,000 people a year. Priority lanes for UK passport holders. Increase UK border staff by 2,500. Tougher English language tests for migrants seeking permanent residence.

"Stronger" border controls to tackle illegal immigration with "proper" entry and exit checks. "Smarter" targets to reduce low-skilled migration but ensure university students and high-skilled workers are not deterred. Employment agencies who only recruit abroad will be outlawed while the fines for employing illegal immigrants will be increased.

David Cameron wants to make migrants wait four years before they can claim certain benefits, such as tax credits, Universal Credit, or get access to social housing. He wants to stop migrants from claiming child benefit for dependents living outside the UK, and remove those that have failed to find work after six months. Mr Cameron has promised to put reform of EU free movement rules at the heart of his renegotiation of Britain's relationship with the EU. The party has a continuing goal to bring net immigration down to below 100,000 people a year (it currently stands at 243,000).

Reintroduce exit checks at borders, so the government can identify people who are overstaying their visa. Will require all new claimants for Jobseekers Allowance to have their English language skills assessed, with JSA then being conditional on attending language courses for those whose English is poor. Ensure that EU migrants have to "earn" their entitlement to benefits.

Taxation

Taxation Increase the personal allowance to the level of full-time minimum wage earnings, about £13,500, by 2020. Abolish inheritance tax. Introduce a 35% income tax rate between £42,285 and £55,000, at which point the 40% rate becomes payable. Set up a Treasury Commission to design a turnover tax on large businesses. Cut foreign aid budget by £9bn a year. Scrap HS2.

Get the current budget into surplus and the national debt falling "as soon as possible in the next parliament". Cut income tax for 24 million people by bringing back the 10p rate, paid for by scrapping the Married Couples' Tax Allowance. Bring in a "mansion tax" on properties worth over £2m, to raise £1.2bn. A tax on bankers' bonuses. A 5% pay cut for every government minister.

NHS

NHS An extra £3bn per year in NHS funding paid for by quitting the EU and through "middle management" cuts. Keep NHS free at the point of delivery. Stop any further use of PFI, and encourage local authorities to buy out their PFI contracts early where it is affordable to do so. Ensure all visitors and migrants who have been here for fewer than five years have NHSapproved medical insurance as a condition of entry to UK, with £200m of the £2bn saved to be spent on ending hospital parking charges in England.

Shadow chancellor Ed Balls said Labour would commit an extra £2.5bn a year above Mr Osborne's plan. The money will come from three sources - a new "mansion" tax, clamping down on tax avoidance by big corporations and a new tax on tobacco companies. Patients in England would get a GP appointment within 48 hours and would not have to wait longer than a week for cancer tests and results. Scrap the Health and Social Care Act and end "creeping privatisation" of the NHS. Integrate health and social care services into a system of "wholeperson care".

UKIP

LABOUR

Taxation Eradicate the deficit by 2018 and secure an overall budget surplus by 2019-20. Achieve this by spending cuts, not tax rises, while raising NHS spending. An income tax cut for 30 million people by 2020. Tax would start to kick in at £12,500 a year, instead of £10,500. This will cost £5.6bn. The higher tax rate, 40%, would start at £50,000 instead of £41,900, again by 2020, at a cost of £1.6bn.

NHS Chancellor George Osborne says he will put an extra £2bn into frontline health services across the UK, which he described as a "down payment" on a plan drawn up by NHS bosses calling for an extra £8bn a year above inflation by 2020. In England, everyone would be able to see a GP seven days a week by 2020. Recruit 5,000 more doctors.

CONSERVATIVE

Taxation Raise the personal allowance - the point at which you start paying income tax - to £11,000 in April 2016 and then to £12,500 by 2020. "Strict new fiscal rules" to ensure the deficit has gone by April 2018, with the wealthy contributing the most. There are also Lib Dem plans to increase capital gains tax - paid on profits from second homes or shares - from 28% to 35%.

NHS An extra £1bn for the NHS every year, to be funded by - amongst other things - making higher earners pay more tax on their shares. Half of this will go towards mental health. Ensure that spending on the NHS rises in line with growth in the economy. People who need therapy for conditions such as depression will be guaranteed treatment within 18 weeks.

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

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WINNERS LIST Social Cohesion Award Sulaimaan Samuel Muslims Making a Difference Award Muslim Association of Hall Green led by Hafiz Muhammad Isaaq

NEWS

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APRIL 2015 Supporting Muslim Women Award Amirah Foundation Outstanding Citizen Haroon Rashid Police Community Service Award PC 1043 Sultan Uddin (WMP Soho NHT BWC)

Special Recognition Award Retired Detective Chief Inspector 6360 Adrian Atherley Special Recognition Award PC Naseem Ahmed 21852 (Investigation Team Sandwell LPU)

C ELEBRATING C OMMUNITY C OHESION

Special Recognition Award Sergeant 1265 John Tooms (Police Federation Guardian House) Excellence in Service Delivery Naila Suleman (Police Staff Centro House)

community group that facilitates vulnerable women to play a more active role in society has been recognised for its tremendous contribution in not only re-housing women but helping them to become selfsufficient. Amirah Foundation was one of 13 police officers, police staff, young people, and community groups who scooped honours at the second awards ceremony of the West Midlands Association of Muslim Police (WMAMP). Haroon Rashid security manager at Millennium

Point won the award for Outstanding Citizen. Haroon has supported the police in numerous ways including acting as a custody lay visitor for suspects in custody for terrorism cases and acting as an appropriate adult for people with learning difficulties. He will often attend at very short notice to support the most vulnerable in society whose rights need protecting. Among the police accolades was Sgt John Toons, discipline representative for the police federation. Positive feedback has been received about his high standards of professionalism

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on many occasions supporting members in his own time. He has an excellent reputation amongst WMAMP and continues to work tirelessly to address BME misconduct disproportionally. Naila Suleman EDHR Coordinator and Vice Chair of WMAMP was recognised in the Excellence in service delivery category. Naila leads on the Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) progression strategy which is a historic issue for forces across the country. Working closely with the Learning and Development department significant improvements have been seen in the PC to Sgt and Sgt to Inspector promotion processes. As Vice Chair of WMAMP, Naila has initiated and led sub groups for key WMAMP events such as member development days; inter faith events, community networking events and the Police & Community awards. The ceremony was attended by the Cllr Shafique Shah Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thompson and many other leaders from the region. The event, funded through donations from sponsors and from ticket sales, was held at the Crystal Plaza in Small Heath, Birmingham.

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EDUCATION

APRIL 2015NEWS

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EDUCATION GAINS AUTOMATIC PLACE AT UNIVERSITY

Student Wins Millennium Point Young Innovator Prize

‘FOOD FOR THOUGHT’ AT STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR CLUB South and City College Birmingham have launched a ‘Student Entrepreneur Club’ as part of their wide programme of initiatives to get students ‘work ready’. The Entrepreneur Club is part of a strategy linked to the College’s InBusiness Network , which already has over 300

Aksar Khan , a franchisee with Subway. Aksar is also a member of InBusiness and regularly attends the college network events - also providing Subway food for the students. Aksar recently won a college award for ‘student contribution’ at the Sir Doug Ellis InBusiness Apprenticeship Awards evening at the Macdonald

I am so thankful that I can carry on my passion for mechanical engineering at Birmingham City University

ne talented student from St Alban’s Academy in Birmingham has been awarded the Millennium Point Young Innovator Prize - an initiative which has secured them a place on a sponsored undergraduate degree at Birmingham City University in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment (CEBE). Malik Sheryar-Karamat competed against three other finalists in a nail-

biting live final at Millennium Point on Tuesday, 17th March, where he presented to an audience and an esteemed judging panel in order to win his place on a threeyear course starting in September. The judging panel was made up of Philip Singleton, CEO at Millennium Point, Paul Glennon, assistant director for partnerships and collaboration from Birmingham City University and Lauren Deere, visitor services manager at Thinktank and Birmingham Museums. The 18-year-old winner who impressed the judges with his presentation on ‘will robots save or destroy us?’ will also gain

experience in the workplace through a summer placement with Millennium Point. Malik Sheryar-Karamat says, “Taking part in the Young Innovator Prize final has been so rewarding but to win the prize is definitely a dream come true. I am so thankful that I can carry on my passion for mechanical engineering at Birmingham City University. “I am very grateful to be given the opportunity, which will give me the chance to broaden my knowledge and expand my education and hopefully lead to a career in a science-based subject.”

CELEBRATING CULTURAL DAY

• SCCB: Group picture of college student entrepreneurs - and speakers members. InBusiness was launched 3 years ago by their Honorary President , Sir Doug Ellis OBE. The network develops many B2B opportunities, and crucially creates numerous platforms for South and City College students – improving their ‘employability skills’ and generally preparing them for work. Many of the college’s young people are interested in starting their own businesses and the Student Entrepreneur Club helps open doors and also offers real advice from InBusiness members from across our region. This week the college’s guest speaker was author and entrepreneur Nyla Naseer. Nyla explained the ethos of being determined, along with setting goals with a sensible business plan in place. Nyla was joined this week by entrepreneur

Burlington Centre.

Hotel,

City

• SCCB: Aksar Khan with two

students enjoying Subway food

If any businesses out there are interested in joining the South and City InBusiness Network, please email Steve or Dawn on – steve.dourass@sccb.ac.uk or dawn.edwards@sccb.ac.uk

See you next month in the South and City College InBusiness column! Steve and Dawn

www.sccb.ac.uk Tel: 0800 111 6311 @southandcitycol

/southandcitycollege

Students at a Birmingham college have celebrated a cultural day. Pupils presented a lively afternoon of cultural vibrancy at Abbey College Birmingham's Cultural Fair. The event included various stalls with presentations, flyers, pictures and food from students' home countries. Staff and students were able wander around the stalls and ask questions and eat an array of delicious international food from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Libya, India, Pakistan, Britain and Thailand. The display of foods and different dishes from around the world was impressive and matched only by the students' enthusiasm for eating the various offerings! It was easy to see how food can help unite cultures and showed how we love to enjoy the culinary delights of other countries and cultures as well as our own. On display were leaflets, that were produced, in which students wrote about a particular country, with a number of students choosing to wear their national attire.

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RIGHT FOR THE JOB AHEAD

RIGHT

BIRMINGHAM • AWARDS: Overall winner apprentice of the year - Ben Deakin

APPRENTICESHIP

AWARDS Businesses and apprentices recognised at South and City College's awards ceremony

oung people and businesses in Birmingham have been recognised in South and City College Birmingham’s apprenticeship awards as part of National Apprenticeship Week. The awards evening celebrated the success and achievements of apprentices, trainees and employers, with 17 awards given out in total. Young apprentices were recognised for their hard work, attendance, time keeping, motivation and work ethic. The apprentice award winners were: Business and IT Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by The Asian Today: Joseph Ellis Construction Craft Apprentice of the Year, sponsored Keepmoat: Tom Hall Construction – Building Services Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Edwards Plumbing & Heating Supplies: Ben Deakin Creative Studies Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Ice7Media: Lewis Jones Health and Social Care Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Morgan Hunt: Nazmin Khanom Service Industries Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by OCNWMR: Catherine Orsborn Motor Vehicle and Engineering Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by AB Waste Management: Christopher Edwards

The Male Brain

MUMBAI

count, Mumbai has witnessed extreme change over the last decade. The iconic sea-link, a new metro system, the transformation of its International airport, not forgetting the rise of luxury apartments and offices across the city. Aesthetics aside – what other impact has this had on the city and it’s ever growing population? ‘Mumbaiites’ have an increased sense of style, a sureness of themselves and what they want, and, of course, the money to makes this happen. Walking through Bandra – an array of coffee shops, restaurants, bars and salons welcome you – Mumbai’s very own ‘Boulevard’. Elite nightclubs, incredible rooftops, theatres, art galleries and, not to forget, the endless shopping avenues its home to. Bollywood being India’s cultural ambassador instigates the change that spreads across the country. Inspired by global influences – shot, canned and eventually screened - its movies inspire

ALL ABOUT THAT BAY

ndia – the world’s largest democracy The word ‘superpower’ has been affiliated with it now for quite some time – and deservedly so. Significant change across the country has taken place, transforming and redefining it. Having spent some time a while back in the place we affectionately called the ‘Bay’, it is evident that strategic change to one of India’s most metropolitan cities has firmly placed Mumbai in the International eye. It’s not all poverty and corruption when we talk Mumbai – let’s start by setting that record straight. Take away the ‘slumdog millionaire’ stereotype and there is so much more to this city than you could

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imagine. We’ve all heard of the ‘American Dream’ – but today the dream is much more than just American. Last year the world celebrated 100 years of Bollywood –hundreds of dreamers land in the city every day with their very own ‘Indian Dream’. It’s not only fame that attracts these dreamers to the city – Mumbai is the commercial, financial and entertainment capital of India. In the last 10 years the world has exploited gaps in the Indian market, bringing more International brands than ever before. The ambition alone in India is higher than ever, which clearly reflects the global importance of India and its wealth. Ranked 6th among the top ten global cities billionaire

Overall Apprentice of the Year, presented by Sire Doug Ellis and The Lord Mayor of Birmingham: Ben Deakin Traineeship of the Year: Amy Braithwaite, who now works as an apprentice at Birmingham City Council The National Federation of Builders Excellence in Construction Award: Romel Stewart Local businesses were also recognised. The award winners were: The Apprentice Large Employer Award: National Express West Midlands Apprentice SME Employer Award: Braywhite & Co Employer Partnership Award (Business): Birmingham City Council Employer Partnership Award (Construction): Kier Partnership Homes InBusiness Student Experience Award: MG Motors UK Ltd InBusiness Student Contribution Employer Award: Aksar Khan, Subway InBusiness Special Recognition Award: National Federation of Builders Mike Hopkins, Principal of the college said: “Congratulations to all the award winners, but also to everyone that the college works with to make apprenticeships possible – both the young people and the businesses.”

Suri Singh, born and raised Londoner and media head who once lived the dream in Bollywood. One time Associate Editor of a National lifestyle magazine, giving you his perspective on all things relevant. Share his world on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @aboycalledsuri an approximate 2.7 billion audience every year, as reported by Forbes. Films have changed and evolved dramatically, creating a much more International form of cinema. Recent releases such as NH10 or the upcoming ‘Bombay Velvet’ are prime examples of this. It’s true that nepotism in this industry exists explicitly. New talent is finally finding a voice via limited avenues, however, the majority of the Indian film industry remains made up of the offsprings and relations of the yester-year stars - The Khans, Kapoors and Bhatts of Bollywood. Alternatively, I’ve heard that sleeping your way through to the top or becoming Salman Khan’s girlfriend (if you’re lucky enough) are other options. With all this change in the city, it’s ironic that the change in the film industry is the slowest – opening only select doors for select people. Whilst struggling actors are running from pillar to post to seal themselves that long awaited ‘break’, the ‘starkids’ are being interviewed by a host of channels discussing the hardships they had to endure to reach this level.

Without isolating this to the film industry when we look at mentality as a whole - undoubtedly the mentality in India itself can sometimes fail to see its own beauty. A country that fought so hard for their independence – nevertheless relies heavily on the West and recreates their behaviours. In 1958, Frank Sinatra sang – ‘There’s always an exotic bar in far Bombay’. The air in Mumbai holds something different. Walking along some of the Bays iconic coast line picks, the vibe and energy is infectious. Every city has

its offerings, but the Bay is different - it serves up exactly what you want – if you search deep enough to find it. What Mumbai has achieved in a decade is still slow if you were to compare this against the change and growth of Dubai for example. However, though time taking, these changes are deeper than just cosmetic – they are embedded into more than just the visuals of the city – They are the language of the city and its people.

Hundreds of dreamers land in the city every day with their very own ‘Indian Dream’

• TOURISM HUB : Mumbai is home to elite night-clubs and incredible rooftops

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PRIME MINISTER TANDON

After weeks of speculation and reports circulating about Vidya Balan being offered to play slain Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, speculation is now rife about veteran actor, Raveena Tandon being approached about the role. A source says, "A couple of days ago, Raveena had a meeting with the scriptwriter and he narrated the subject to her. She has read the script and liked it too. It is a powerful character and she is keen to take it up. Rumours are also going around that the 40-year-old is said to be also interested in producing the project. The source added, "The story is loosely based on Bhutto's life. Raveena has suggested some changes in the script and once they are accommodated, she will start looking for a director and finalise the rest of the cast as well."

ACTRESS IN LINE TO PLAY BENAZIR BHUTTO

THE REAL FAIRYTALE

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SONNA RELE

THIS HAS BEEN A REAL- LIFE 'FAIRY-TALE'... IT FEELS LIKE A "FAIRY TALE" TYPE OF DAY...SO HAPPY TO SHARE A LITTLE "DREAM COME TRUE" WITH ALL OF YOU!! Disney’s newest movie soundtrack, Cinderella, will be featuring the vocals of British Asian Sonna Rele. Having preformed with the likes of John Legend, Maxi Priest and Ne-Yo, the R’n’B singer was selected for the soundtrack, singing Strong. Writing on her Facebook page, Sonna revealed her delight at the recording. “So excited to share with you the theme song "Strong" I did for the Cinderella movie. This has been a real- life 'fairy-tale'... It feels

like a "fairy tale" type of day...so happy to share a little "dream come true" with all of you!! The lovely, amazing and Oscar nominated Kenneth Branagh asked me to perform the end-title theme song "Strong" in the Disney movie Cinderella which he beautifully directed! I'm so proud and honoured to be a part of it! “ The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving

father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother and her daughters Anastasia and Drisella into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honour her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.”

ZEUS BREAKS HIS SILENCE Beparwaiyan truly is a magical song, the poetry in its writing is reflective of the era of love letters...

Jaz Dhami’s emotive performance on the song solidifies him as the UK’s finest Asian singer.

JAZ’S MELODIOUS JOURNEY Jaz Dhami returns to mesmerise audiences with another magical love song. Jaz Dhami, always thinking out of the box brings the song Beparwaiyan stripped back from any fancy packages. Following on from Zulfa an upbeat modern day love song, Beparwaiyan brings back the simplicity of old school love songs, with an Indie fusion inspired by Ed Sheeran. Jaz’s soulful rendition of the heartfelt words will give you the impression that he’s performing Beparwaiyan in the same room as you. This storytelling heart felt melody shows how Jaz can adapt his style across the board. Jaz has once again teamed up with producer Steel Banglez, worlds apart from their last release together Pasina. The romantic sound of the Spanish guitar, heart wrenching flutes and subtle violins takes the listener to another world.

Singh is Bling Cast Kriti Sanon REPLACED!

Amy Jackson has been named as Kriti Sanon’s replacement in Akshay Kumar’s forthcoming movie Singh is Bling. Talking to reporters, Kriti said, “"I'm not doing Singh Is Bling now. I think you all must have read. The film was getting delayed for many reasons. Now when the film is starting, its dates are clashing with my other projects, so I chose not to do it," BROKEN HORSES RELEASES APRIL 10TH 2015

SONNA RELE’S DELIGHT AT CINDERELLA SOUNDTRACK

Vikesh Champaneri’s musical journey started way before he became a contestant on this season’s ‘The Voice.’ He’s been singing Indian folk music for 12 years. Vikesh, who made it through the blind auditions and joined Team Ricky and then went on to be stolen by Team Will, is said to have a major shopping addiction and his biggest extravagance is a designer suitcase that his parents bought him. “'I don't really know your story but you seem like "I love music so much that I don't care what anybody thinks and I'm going get up there and show the world, even if I have to come here alone",' he explained, upon learning Vikesh didn't have the 'full support' of his family.

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BOLLYWOOD TO BHANGRA: Asian Entertainment Lowdown

"THE STORY IS LOOSELY BASED ON BHUTTO'S LIFE"

VIKESH’S VOICE

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It’s fair to say that music producer, Dr Zeus, has not been very happy with certain comments made about him. His one time colleague and friend Kanika Kapoor branded him a “cheat” on a live television show. Talking about the track 'Lovely' which was composed by him and sung by Kapoor for last year’s ‘Happy New Year’, Zeus said, “My job as a producer is to make the vocals shine which I think I have accomplished, given what was first sent to me”. He added, “I don’t want to even mention her name. All I can say is that this is the last song I will produce for her”.

INDIAN DIRECTOR BREAKS HOLLYWOOD

Agent Deep Singh

Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan were both on hand to unveil the much anticipated trailer of legendary filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra's maiden Hollywood venture Broken Horses. Vidhu Vinod Chopra has always set benchmarks for the Indian film fraternity and has made some of the most memorable movies that India has cherished such as the Munnabhai series, 3 Idiots, Mission Kashmir,

and Parinda. With Broken Horses, Vidhu Vinod Chopra has become the first Indian filmmaker to produce, direct and write a Hollywood film. Speaking at the event, Vidhu Vinod Chopra said, “I am grateful to Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan who agreed to launch the trailer of my first Hollywood film Broken Horses. It is a very special film for me and special people launching the trailer will make the moment even more memorable." Set in the shadows of the US–Mexico border gang wars, Broken Horses is an epic thriller about the bonds of brotherhood, the laws of loyalty, and the futility of violence. Broken Horses’ cast features - Vincent D’Onofrio, Anton Yelchin and Chris Marquette. The cast includes popular Spanish actress, Maria Valverde, Thomas Jane, and Sean Patrick Flanery.

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JAZZY B:

BOLLYWOOD is UNPROFESSIONAL

Punjabi singing-sensation, Jazzy B, has branded Bollywood “unprofessional” whilst at the music launch of ‘‘Dilliwaali Zaalim Girlfriend’. On the night of the launch, the singer was asked why he doesn’t do much work in Bollywood, to which he replied with “Bollywood to me is very unprofessional. Everything is last minute here. ‘Abhi gana chahiye, kal banake doge?’ is what people want here. That is not how a song is made.” “Sometimes we even take two or three months to make a song. I have got a name to protect.

I made a couple of songs but I wasn’t satisfied with the music. So I didn’t go ahead with it. I have done this film because the production is very good. I do little work to protect my image.” “It took them six months to make the beat of this song. Then they sent it to Hard Kaur. Then she changed the rap and then even Japinder Kaur (film’s director) gave her inputs for the rap. Then I did my vocals again. So when something takes time to make, the result shows. I’m very happy the way the song has turned out.” said Jazzy.

SUPER SINGH THE ELVIS-LOVING, TALIBAN-FIGHTING SUPERAGENT Move over Batman and Superman, the world has a new superhero in the form of Agent Deep Singh. A modern day hero in a turban who loves Elvis and hates bad guys, and will uphold his Sikh values even while he is living in a modern world with all of its complexity. The brainchild of Oklahoma based writer, Eileen Alden and Californian executive Supreet Singh Manchada, the crime fighting hero supports a traditional Sikh turban and beard. The first issue of the comic, which released last month and was titled Super Singh, sees Agent Singh travel to Graceland and fight off Taliban operatives. The whole project started when Alden and Manchada launched a Kickstarter campaign early this year to help bring the first turban Sikh 'super hero' to life. In just 27 hours they had enough to produce the first issue. By February, they exceeded their original goal of $5,000, raising more than $22,000. They brought in awardwinning illustrator Amit Tayal, whose work has been published internationally. The Kickstarter money ensures at least three issues of the series.

R SINGH

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BOLLYWOOD

TOP10 WITH KAMAL CHOPRA

KAM CHOPRA

BOLLYWOOD 1 Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan - Roy

Saif Ali Khan Becomes ‘Tour Guide’ for Visit Britain Saif Ali Khan has been named as spokesperson for a new campaign launched by Visit Britain. The 'Bollywood Britain' campaign showcasing Romance is the latest evolution of the Bollywood themed campaigns that the tourism board has undertaken in India over the past years. With over 50 movies filmed in Britain, mostly themed around romance, the destination provides the perfect setting for couples to celebrate love and romance whilst on holiday. Aimed at honeymooners and couples seeking a romantic getaway, the campaign highlights different movie locations featuring some of the most popular Bollywood blockbusters starring the

biggest names in Bollywood including Saif Ali Khan. Speaking on the occasion Saif Ali Khan said, "My family and I have a deep connection with Britain. A number of family holidays across Britain, watching my father and grandfather play cricket at famous cricketing grounds like the Lords, and of course studying there, has created a bond for me with the place that is unlike my relationship with any other country. I think there is so much that Britain has to offer a visitor - from breathtaking countryside, to shared history; the finest in culture that's so interwoven with our own in many ways, food to thrill any gourmet, theatre, music, festivals and more.”

2 Jee Karda - Badlapur 3 Tu Hai Ke Nahi - Roy 4 Khamoshiyan - Title 5 Sooraj Dooba Hai - Roy 6 Katra Katra - Title 7

10 Superman - Tevar

BHANGRA 1

Jaz Dhami - Beparwaiyan

Diljit Dosanjh - Ishq Haazir Hai

Kanwar Grewal & MoneySpinner – Ticketan

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AAMIR KHAN APOLOGIES FOR OFFENDING VIEWERS

Phatte Tak Nachna - Dolly Ki Doli

8 Jeena Jeena - Badlapur 9 Tu Har Lamha - Khamoshiyan

Dil Bankeh - Sunny Hayrre Time Table - Kulwinder Billa Kaash - Bilal Saeed Buk Len De - Kay V Singh Law - Preet Harpal Yaari - Jay Kadn and Kan D Man

10 Diljit Dosanjh - Patila Peg

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Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars – Uptown

Hozier – Take me to church Fergie – L.A. Love (La La) 4 Meghan Trainor – Lips are movin 2 3

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I’m Sorry for PK Aamir Khan has apologised to viewers who may have been offended by her recent movie, PK adding that there was no intention to hurt religious sentiments. The 49-year-old’s movie went onto become the highest grossing film in Indian cinema. Speaking at the PK DVD launch, Aamir said, "The film has been loved by the majority. Personally I want to say I feel bad if I hurt a single person; that was not my intention at all. What we wanted to tell we told that because it was an important point. But I want to apologise if I hurt people." "Yes, we never expected this business.

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When we make a film with such effort and hard work and when people connect to the film emotionally you feel so good and fulfilled," he said. "Roughly the net collection in India is around Rs 340 crore and overseas is Rs 170 crore. So the net business is over Rs 500 crore and the gross may be Rs 600-650 crore," Aamir informed. "We are actually pushing our limits, with every film we do we try to make new grounds. We almost spent almost five years to make this film and another six-seven months in the editing room perfecting every scene. This DVD is very precious," he said.

Kanye West, Rihanna & Paul McCartney – Four Five Seconds Phillip George – Wish you were mine Karen Harding – Say Something Ed Sheeran – Thinking out loud Olly Murs & Demi Lovato – Up Avicii – The Nights

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CAUGHT FAWAD KHAN TO PLAY VIRAT KHOLI

Pakistani actor, Fawad Khan has been reportedly cast as Virat Kholi in Neeraj Pandey's "MS Dhoni - The Untold Story". Rising star Fawad is fast becoming Bollywood’s latest heartthrob with the actor being rumoured to be the industry’s first choice. MS Dhoni - The Untold Story" is scheduled to hit screens on 22 October 2015.

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BRITAIN’S GOT BHANGRA After acclaimed runs in 2010 and 2011, the five-star hit musical Britain’s Got Bhangra will return for a UK Tour this Autumn in a brand new production, opening at Manchester Palace Theatre on Thursday 3 September,

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Your YouTube character has become an internet hit. Where did the idea come from?

Does it come naturally or do you have to really try? A lot of my comedy is off the cuff, full on gangster activity, recorded in one take. I developed a sense of humour as I was one of the only brown kids at primary school, it was either fight my way to the top, or make them giggle. I was really fat so humour had to be the way. However my love for the funny stuff lies in the stand-up comedy. And when I construct stand up it really challenges me, which is why I think I love it What’s life like behind the stand-up comedy? Life, Alhumdulillah is good homie. Faith, Family and the crew come first. I am a full time secondary teacher, so that keeps me on my toes more than anything. But that is a whole different interview!

ELECTION

DXUPCOMING ARTISTS SHAHROZ IQBAL

Election Crisis is out now, via iTunes and all other digital stores.

@adarsh902002

Apache Bids to Raise Voting Issues are confused about who to vote for or just not bothered about politics in general". The singer has definitely caught the mood of the nation by highlighting that the elections are in a crisis! The song itself is very hard hitting. The dancehall ragga style is infectious and definitely catches your attention. The lyrics get straight to the point and cleverly address issues that we hear everyday regarding immigration, unemployment and cuts to public services. Apache himself has worked very closely with his community in Handsworth, Birmingham over the years. Two years ago Apache set up his own music academy to help young people in the area. The Academy called the 'Apache Indian Music Academy' (A.I.M) is based at South and City College on Soho Road, Handsworth. He runs

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with a press night on Monday 7 September. Britain’s Got Bhangra is written and directed by Pravesh Kumar of award-winning British Asian Theatre Company Rifco Arts. Rifco’s other productions include The Deranged Marriage, Happy Birthday Sunita and Break the Floorboards.

FEVER Birmingham Reggae artist Apache Indian has released his sensational new tune 'Election Crisis'. The song is creating ripples across the country and has caught the ears of many people as it raises issues regarding the upcoming General Election in May and the importance of making the right choices when voting! Apache who is famously known for his huge hit song 'Boom ShackA-Lak' (which featured in the Dumber & Dumber movies), is also known for writing songs tackling the social issues of Arranged Marriages, Aids, Alcohol & Drug misuse, the Caste System and more. Apache says: "The song wasn't easy to write but I felt it was important to write a song about the elections to raise the issues that need to be raised! People either

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being funny with a purpose

The characters are essentially the multiple personalities that I have in my head, I need some medical attention as there are a lot of voices kicking about up there. The first ever video that went online was uploaded by one of my friends, we generally have an excellent level of banter between us, and he felt after 10 years this needed sharing with the world. Stand-up comedian Guzzy Bear became an over-night All of the characters hit with his YouTube channel. Depicting different types of are based around people Asian characters, the full-time secondary school teacher who might not necessarily has been able to draw on his culture to create hilarious have a voice in our society. characters for his audience. Notching up over 2,800 And giving life to these subscribers on his channel along with 253, 994 views, characters is really cool. the comedian sat down with DesiXpress to talk about his success, the journey and future plans.

Please use the hashtag #ElectionCrisis on your social networks.

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it completely on a voluntary basis and helps young people with music and life skills every Wednesday from 12pm to 9pm. The Academy is run completely FREE and now draws up to 70 young people weekly! AIM has become very popular and successful in the community and is now supported by various local sponsors that provide food, water, clothing and various other things that benefit the young people on a weekly basis. The college offers further support by encouraging youths to enrol on courses and provides advice on apprenticeship and jobs. Apache's vision was to encourage the community to help each other without any money passing hands and without any funding. His vision has worked and is growing every week with more young people attending the

Academy and with more local businesses wanting to help. The Academy features in the forthcoming music video for 'Election Crisis' and will give an insight into Apache's vision and movement that's making a difference to the lives of people and to the community. Apache is also an Ambassador of a Charity called 'Include Me Too' which lends support to young disabled children and their families. Election Crisis' was written and recorded by Apache Indian. Produced by Charlie Hype for the Sunset Entertainment Group. Please show your support for the Movement that is making a real difference by downloading 'Election Crisis' with partial proceeds benefiting the Apache Indian Music Academy.

Grandson of the late classical singer Mendi Hassan, international singer Shahroz Iqbal is fast becoming a recognisable name. The R’n’B singer’s latest track, ‘Tonight’ has broken all sale records in South Africa and has been certiﬁed with a Diamond label by the Musicians Association of South Africa, making it the highest-certiﬁed single sold in African music history. The song has gone one to become triple platinum and has racked up an incredible 3.1 million downloads in South Africa and played up to 987,980 plays on myspace. “Music is my queen and aim in my life. I am thankful for my fans and the South African Music Association for giving me an opportunity. Everything I am is because of my late mother and father.”

“Love is never The fact that Tony would be my first comedic lead in film was of course exciting, not to mention that I am British Asian myself. I don't look it as I’m Caucasian but my mum is Burmese and my dad is Irish.

Having starred in both British dramas and Hollywood blockbusters, Martin Delaney has had a career as diverse as his new film! As well as popular shows such as Family Affairs and The Bill, Delaney has mingled with Hollywood heavyweights such as Clint Eastwood in the acclaimed hit Flags of our Fathers and Kathryn

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QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS: It feels surreal that people say, oh your fans really love what you do, because honestly I am just a normal dude

Avengers or X-Men? X-Men, but Thanos is a badman, and the Avengers is hype right now. Coffee or Tea? Lipton Ice Tea, specifically mango or peach. Morning person or Afternoon person? Afternoon mate.

How do ideas come to you?

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Apple or Samsung? Motorola, the flip ones, which you could have casual conversations about drug dealing on, and the police couldn't tap or trace them. They were the best man... Rain or Snow? Snow blud, my beard gets wavy when it’s wet.

What’s the oddest thing you’ve been asked?

I did a radio interview on the BBC recently, and I took in one of the lads, they asked the same question to us, and he said “It comes to him as a vision” lets stick to that, it sounds cool, even though its evidently a big fat lie. You talk about many controversial topics How important is this to you? In all honestly when I considered doing standup comedy in the past, it wasn't consciously going to be centred around specific topics. However comedy is a very powerful medium to address real issues. I was blessed to meet some excellent practitioners at the start of my journey who reminded me that I could be funny all day. But being funny with a purpose is where I need to be.

Do you have four wives? Because if you don’t I would like you to consider me to fill one of those places… I told my Mrs, and that woman has been missing since 11/02/15... And finally, future plans? To ensure that I look after and love the people I am responsible for, safeguard my faith, keep laughing, and show the EDL that we’re not what Sky News would have you believe. I have my performance on the BBC Big Comedy night on the red button in May, and other really exciting projects coming up. Go to the Guzzy Bear Facebook page and click like!

Read the full interview on www.desixpress.co.uk

SUKHI SIVIA

@sukhisivia

After the huge global impact of his debut single Sarkara produced by musical maestro Dr Zeus, Sukhi Sivia is back with his second instalment, this time a more mellow approach with Canada. Sarkara remained in the Asian Download Chart for over 25 weeks and ﬁrmly placed Sukhi on the musical map. Originally from Punjab but now living in the UK, he returned to India recently after 5 years and recorded 'Canada' with his father the famous lyricist Swarn Sivia. Sukhi explains, "It was a great honour to be back home with my family as I had promised them I wouldn't return without making a mark in our music industry. Recording Canada with my father was unplanned, it just happened and was deﬁnitely an added bonus to my trip home".

SAFRA PAUL @safrapaul_music

TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS

Saphera Martha Paul (pronounced and known as Safra Paul) is a British Asian, classically trained singer and songwriter. She loved to sing and her early musical inﬂuences included Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Bob Marley, as well as Katherine Jenkins and others more recently. Alongside formal training, Safra has performed choral works from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries with classical greats such as Aled Jones, Hayley Marsh and Faryl Smith.

easy, but it’s always worth it!” Martin Delaney Talks Movies, Hollywood and being a CaucAS

IAN

Tell me a bit about your character Tony. Tony is a Londoner with Irish heritage on his dad’s side, he’s lived in Southall all his life and been friends with Amar and Akbar since he was a kid. Tony’s a softie with a heart of gold, he tries but he’s not the brightest or most charming of the three. Living in a largely British-Asian community he’s become obsessed with Asian women. The question is will he find the Asian girl of his dreams? Or more to the point is the girl of his dreams looking for her “Caucasian prince”?

What drew you to this project?

The thing that drew me to the piece was the script and role, it read like a really fun script with room for light as well as moments of heart and weight. Of course the role was great fun. Tony being described as ‘the honorary Asian’ reminded me of moments in my life that were important. I worked in New Zealand some years ago and I was taken under the wing of the Maori boys, there were elements of the character that reminded me of this time. The fact that Tony would be my first comedic lead in film was of course exciting, not to mention Bigelow in Zero Dark Thirty. The young actor now plays that I am British Asian myself. I don't one third of the trio in his new comedy Amar, Akbar look it as I’m Caucasian but my mum and Tony. His character, Tony, is on the hunt for his is Burmese and my dad is Irish. I new love in the Asian community, the question is will identified with the strong family and he succeed? Delaney talks to us about diversity in film, friendship themes running through working with an amazing cast and how to find the one! the piece.

Do you feel this film is an accurate representation of London today? The piece represented London and in particular Southall very well. London is a melting pot of different cultures and

It was a delight to work opposite Meera Syal and Nina Wadia too communities and it’s used as a backdrop in a very positive light in Amar, Akbar and Tony. When I grew up in South East London/Kent border, culture didn’t keep me away from my friends of different race or faith and the movie echoes that.

Read the full interview on: www.desixpress.co.uk

Eros International & Color Yellow Productions launched the motion poster of their ambitious next project - Tanu Weds Manu Returns, the sequel of 2011's blockbuster Tanu Weds Manu, in a unique wedding celebration in Delhi. Producer of Eros International, Krishika Lulla, “Tanu Weds Manu Returns is a quirky take

on marriage and we thought of launching the first look of the film by having our guests and the media join in the celebrations in the true spirit of the film.” Intense, quirky and a more twisted, Tanu Weds Manu Returns starring Kangana Ranaut and R.Madhavan is scheduled to release in UK cinemas on 29th May.

RELEASING IN UK CINEMAS APRIL 17TH As well as comedy, are there serious moments the audiences can relate to? There are serious moments of course, every story needs drama and conflict and Amar Akbar and Tony doesn’t avoid this. There's a moment in the early part of the movie that puts strain on their relationship as friends. Not to mention the dramas involved with trying to find the girl of your dreams, I think everyone can identify with that. Love is never easy, but it’s always worth it! What was it like working with such an ensemble and multicultural cast?

AMAR

AKBAR &TONY

As I mentioned earlier, the cast were just incredible, every single member. We all had such fun together and were a really great team. It was a delight to work opposite Meera Syal and Nina Wadia too. Not only are they super talented ladies but really beautiful and generous people.You mentioned it being a multicultural cast, but it didn't stop there. Amar, Akbar and Tony had the biggest multicultural crew I’d ever worked with and that was inspiring. In a time where diversity in British film is a huge negative talking point, Amar Akbar and Tony really did prove that there are no reasons why film can’t be more diverse.

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With Manish Gajjar Hindi Film Adviser for Vue Cinemas

BOLLYWOOD MOVIE OF THE MONTH

MR X Director: Vikram Bhatt Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Amyra Dastur

Katrina Kaif SHOWBIZ

SHOWBIZ

BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS GETS WAXED

This sci-fi film revolves around a dedicated police officer who is left to die in a chemical factory whilst chasing a group of criminals. But when he regains consciousness his body makes contact with an unusual liquid creating a chemical reaction which gives him the ability to become invisible under his control. Using his newly found powers he decides to become a vigilante by going after the wrong- doers even if it means breaking the law. The film comes from director Vikram Bhatt who earlier made Creature in 3D format. Produced in collaboration with Foxlight Studios Mr X is releasing in 2D and 3D format in selected UK cinemas. The story has been inspired by the Hollywood flick Hollow Man. Director Anurag Basu who rose to fame after making Barfi is making a cameo appearance in Mr X. He plays the role of a journalist based in Cape Town. Amyra Dastur who starred in Issaq plays the love interest of Emraan Hashmi. Once again serial kisser Emraan Hashmi returns to the silver screen with another Bhatt production. Emraan plays a super hero character in this flick with a rather dark side to it. Some of his looks may not appeal to the light hearted. It took 4hrs in the make-up room for Emraan to achieve a creepy bald and bruised look. Like all Emraan Hashmi films expect this one to go down well with his loyal fans upon release.

ollywood fans around the world were sent into a frenzy last year when Madame Tussauds London announced that the next Bollywood star to have wax figure will be decided through a public poll. Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif were the three actresses that fans could vote for and the poll was only open for a few days. Despite the fact that it wasn't publicised hugely, around 250,000 votes were cast and soon thereafter, it was announced that Katrina Kaif won the poll by a huge margin. It doesn't come as a surprise considering the success she has had over the years. In the past, Kaif has often been named the most searched celebrity on Google in India and the sexiest woman in the world. She endorses brands like L’Oreal Paris and Etihad Airways, has a Barbie doll made to her likeness and also starred in one of the biggest blockbusters in the history of Indian cinema, Dhoom:3. Born in Hong Kong, Katrina lived in a few European countries before her family moved to London. She lived in the English capital for approximately threefour years before she moved to India to pursue a career in modelling and acting. On Friday, 27th March 2015 Katrina Kaif returned to London and finally came face-to-face with her wax figure at Madame Tussauds London. Inspired from her look in Farah Khan’s Tees Maar Khan, the wax figure in a dancing pose is dressed in a sequined silver and pink twopiece Manish Malhotra creation. The outfit along with jewellery and accessories have been donated to the world-famous tourist attraction by Kaif herself. While she collaborated closely with the Madame Tussauds artistic team for the last few months, the Bang Bang actress was rather overwhelmed on seeing her statue for the first time. “I can’t believe how detailed and accurate it is. It is just like looking in a mirror in 3D,” said Katrina. Overcome with joy, the actress was also quite surprised, “It really is quite life-like.”

Her brother, two sisters and her niece along with some of her friends who live in UK attended the launch too and were equally overwhelmed to see the wax figure. Speaking about Madame Tussauds, Katrina said, “I only lived in London for a few years and didn’t get a chance to visit the museum. I, of course, knew about it. It has become a part of British culture and everyone is familiar with it. I was very taken aback when I heard that I will get my own wax figure here.” “The Madame Tussauds team came to me with a few references for the pose and look. What we initially decided on wasn’t really working. This look is from Tees Maar Khan and the outfit is made by Manish Malhotra. I think it’s the right choice,” said the actress. The 31-year-old star also met lucky competition winners who were given an exclusive opportunity to meet the actress at the launch of her new wax figure. “I would like to thank all my fans and the audience who voted for me to be here. I owe a huge part of my career to them.” Speaking to The Asian Today’s Sunny Malik, Nicole Fenner, Madame Tussauds’ spokesperson said, “Fifteen years ago, we asked Bollywood fans who they wanted to see at Madame Tussauds and to celebrate the anniversary of the first Bollywood wax figure, we wanted to go back and ask the public again. We are delighted that Katrina is who the people want to see.” While the figures of Amitabh Bachchan and Katrina Kaif have been decided by the public, others such as Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Madhuri Dixit were also influenced by public opinion and not chosen by Madame Tussauds only. “We maintain a list from guest opinions and our other figures like Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor were influenced by those opinions. We continuously ask guests who they want to see. Their names were probably at the top of the list that we maintain for the whole attraction.” Wax figures of popular

Bollywood stars such as Aishwarya, Shah Rukh and Kareena have been temporarily placed at various Madame Tussauds museums around the world, there is a chance that Katrina’s figure will go touring as well. “Kareena Kapoor’s figure is still on tour at the moment. The figure was at the London attraction for a period of time last year. If guests want to see Katrina’s wax figure in our Madame Tussauds attractions around the world, she may appear there. For now, Katrina’s figure will remain in London for at least the next couple of months to a year.” Katrina’s figure was created by a team of 20 sculptors and artists over a four-month period, using hundreds of precise measurements taken at a sitting in Mumbai and cost £150,000 to create. Fans can now see and take selfies with wax figures of Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Madhuri Dixit and of course, Katrina Kaif at Madame Tussauds London.

ZAYN MALIK GOES SOLO Not long after quitting the band, ex-One Direction member, Zayn Malik, has released his first solo single with close friend and music producer, Naughty Boy. Producer Naughty Boy tweeted a link to the track along with the words "let the music do the talking". The track on SoundCloud includes the caption, "There is nothing but love for what was left behind. It's not that That's why we don't I've turned my back mind. ;) #zaughty on them [the fans] or #zinabad." The producer anything, it's just that tweeted the song I just can't do that hours after having anymore an argument because it's not with Zayn Malik's real to me former One Direction

Zayn Malik Releases First Track Post-1D

bandmate Louis Tomlinson. Louis accused the producer of "trying to wind the fans up" after he retweeted a video saying "Zaughty will rise", a reference to working with Zayn. As the band carries on as a four-piece, Zayn Malik has been removed from the video montage which plays at the beginning of One Direction's shows. Speaking to The Sun, the 22-year-old Zayn, he “couldn’t do this anymore” and admitted quitting the band was "crazy and wild and a bit mad.” "But I've never felt more in control in my life. I feel like I'm doing what's right, right by myself and right by the boys."

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APRIL 2015 DESI XPRESS 42

WINNERS OF THE 'BEST LOCAL NEWSPAPER' AT THE ASIAN MEDIA AWARDS 2013

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UPCOMING

FILMS BOLLYWOOD MOVIES

MR X

Starring: Emraan Hashmi Amyra Dastur and Arunoday Singh Releasing 17th April 2015

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DRAMA

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THRILLER

NH10

Meera (Anushka Sharma) and Arjun (Neil Bhoopalam) are professionals living in Gurgaon. When Meera walks out of a party late one night, she gets attacked by a group of unknown men. Although she escapes through the skin of her teeth, it leaves her traumatised. Arjun, partly blaming himself for UK not being there that RELEASE night, tries to make APRIL up for it by treating 2015 her to a luxurious desert holiday. As they stop on a Highway dhaba for dinner, they witness a young girl being picked up by a bunch of hoodlums. Arjun chooses to step in, unmindful of the danger ahead.

DETECTIVE BYOMKESH BAKSHI

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HORROR

ROMANCE

HOLLYWOOD MOVIES

WOMAN THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON IN GOLD Starring: Robert Downey, Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, & Scarlett Johansson

Starring: Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Brühl

Releasing 10th April 2015 Maria Altman sought to regain a world famous painting of her aunt plundered by the Nazis during World War II. She did so not just to regain what was rightfully hers, but also to obtain some measure of justice for the death, destruction, and massive art theft perpetrated by the Nazis.

KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN Starring: Sam Worthington, Anthony Hopkins, Jim Sturgess and Jemima West

Starring: - Sushant Singh Rajput, Anand Tiwari and Swastika Mukherjee

Releasing Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! is 3rd April based on the early exploits of India’s 2015 first true-blue detective, created by Bengali bestseller writer Saradindu Bandyopadhyay. Directed by Dibakar Banerjee, the film is set in the Second World War torn Calcutta during the 1940s and follows the first adventure of Byomkesh Bakshy, fresh out of college, as he pits himself against an evil genius who is out to destroy the world. Using his wits against the most villainous arch criminal the world has seen, in a world of murder, international political intrigue and seduction.

SHOWBIZ

COMEDY

An action-thriller about a mad scientist who goes to great lengths to complete his scientific trial. Raghuram Rathore (Emraan Hashmi) is a brilliant yet selfish scientist who remains intent on the success of his experiment even at the cost of killing, endlessly. He gains the power of invisibility, and becomes a vigilante to take revenge on those who have wronged him.

Starring: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam, Ravi Jhankal, Darshan Kumaar and Deepti Naval

SHOWBIZ

Releasing 3rd April 2015 The inside story of the planning, execution, rousing aftermath and ultimate downfall of the kidnappers of beer tycoon Alfred "Freddy" Heineken, which resulted in the largest ransom ever paid for an individual.

With S.H.I.E.L.D. destroyed and the Avengers needing a hiatus from stopping threats, Tony Stark jumpstarts a dormant peacekeeping program, Ultron: a self-aware, self-teaching, artificial intelligence. However, his plan backfires when Ultron decides that humans are the main enemy and sets out to eradicate them from Earth, leaving it up to Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, along with support Releasing from Nick Fury and Maria Hill, to stop him. Along the 24th April way the Avengers encounter the powerful twins Pietro 2015 and Wanda Maximoff, as well as the familiar Vision.

FURIOUS 7

A LITTLE CHAOS

Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Elsa Pataky, Lucas Black, Djimon Hounsou, Tony Jaa, Ronda Rousey, Nathalie Emmanuel, with Kurt Russell

Continuing the global exploits in the unstoppable franchise built on speed, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead the returning cast of Fast & Furious 7. James Wan directs this chapter of the hugely successful series that also welcomes back favourites Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Elsa Pataky and Lucas Black.

Starring: Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Helen McCrory

Releasing 3rd April 2015

BROKEN HORSES Starring: María Valverde, Anton Yelchin, Vincent D'Onofrio, Thomas Jane, Sean Patrick Flanery, Wes Chatham, Chris Marquette, Sadie Alexandru, Greg Serano and Jeremy Luke.

Set in the shadows of the US–Mexico border gang wars, Broken Horses is an epic thriller about the bonds of brotherhood, the laws of loyalty, and the futility of violence. About the relationship between two brothers - a concertlevel violinist and a hired mercenary - and is set against the drug war in the turbulent AmericanMexican border. About how wrong choices can destroy lives and everything one loves.

Releasing 17th April 2015

ing Releas l ri A 10th p 2015

In 1682 garden designer Sabine De Barra (Winslet) is the surprise choice of landscape architect André Le Notre (Schoenaerts) to create an outdoor ballroom at Louis XIV’s (Rickman) Versailles, a commission that lands her knee deep in mud, court intrigue and love.

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WHAT'S ON

DATE: 20th Feb - 19th April 2015 VENUE: Richard Attenborough (Leicester) TIME: 6pm - 9pm

MY RANGILA MERRY-GOROUND

The Mailbox’s luxury cinema, Everyman Cinemas, is now open! Everyman at The Mailbox will be the group’s first cinema in the Midlands, bringing the brand’s signature style and focus on hospitality to Birmingham with sofa seating, stylish bar and lounge areas and ‘rustle-free’ food. The cinema offers the very latest in digital projection with Sony Digital 4K projectors and 3D capabilities, to screen a carefully selected and varied programme of quality films and special events including live theatre and opera. Everyman at The Mailbox also features a fully licensed bar with fine wines, champagnes, beers and cocktails, as well as an enhanced food offering. To view a list of the latest movies playing at the cinema, visit the website above.

MAATI

DATE: 25th April 13th June 2015 ORGANISATION: Rifco Arts

DATE: 30th April 2015 VENUE: MAC Birmingham TIME: 7pm

VAISAKHI One of the world’s largest Vaisakhi celebrations will be returning to Handsworth Park to mark the Sikh nation’s collective birthday. Bringing a festive atmosphere to Handsworth Park, there will be live music, entertainment, Punjabi

SHOWBIZ

BLOOD ( A 21ST URBAN 27th March LOVE STORY) DATE: 11th April 2015 VENUE: The Belgrade Theatre Coventry

Love ain’t something you just say, just this word, it’s something you do. Caneze meets Sully in the college canteen. The heat rises over triple chilli sauce in Nando’s. She makes her move in the sweet smoke of a shisha bar. A touchpaper is lit… but neither of them bargained on the lengths to which her brother would go to keep them apart. Blood is a heartfelt new play

THE DERANGED

Rishi and Sona have agreed to get married in the traditional way and the whirlwind wedding circus is on the move with or without them. Their frenzied families go into overdrive to ensure this is the most elaborate wedding ever seen but hidden amongst the show off dance numbers and sparkling saris, a forbidden love story starts to unfold. As the ice sculpture melts and missing Ladoos continue to cause mayhem, the young couple's cold feet threaten to enter the wedding mandap. Does tradition have any value in our modern lives? Does love have anything to do with getting married?

SHOWBIZ

VENUE: The Mailbox (Birmingham) Time: 10am - Late

Using painting, sculpture, and collage, London based artist Chila Kumari Burman explores Asian femininity, gender and identity politics, and the relationship between pop culture and high art.

MARRIAGE

SHOWBIZ

food and craft stalls. The traditional Langar – free vegetarian feast – will also be on offer. There will be an area for worship (Darbar) which will be an important focal point, open to all communities to visit and understand the Sikh faith.

Acclaimed Kathak dancer and choreographer Nahid Siddiqui presents Maati (Earth), a new work in development based on the writings of 17th century Eastern philosopher and poet Hazrat Bulleh Shah, whose poetry highlights his spiritual voyage through Suﬁsm. Siddiqui uses the subtle nuances of Kathak to encapsulate the essence of the ‘Suﬁ’ folk spirit of the Punjab. The work seeks to unveil the phenomenon of the earth and how all life relates to it, while also posing questions about the fundamental truths of existence.

DATE: 26th April 2015 VENUE: Handsworth Park TIME: 11am - 6:30pm

As well as the celebrations in Handsworth Park there will be two processions, one starting at 10.30am from the Baba Sang Gurdwara in Sandwell, and the other starting at 10.30am from the Ramgarhia Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) in the Jewellery Quarter.

YOUR MONTHLY SHOWBIZ FIX! GOSSIP • INTERVIEWS • MUSIC • MOVIES - & MUCH MORE! TURN TO PAGES # - #

by the writer of Tamasha’s Sweet Cider. Set among a Midlands Pakistani community, Blood is sparkly, funny and heart-wrenchingly honest. A timely and contemporary story, this play cuts through political agendas and goes straight to the heart. It lets us in to a world governed by links to family and clan, as much as ﬁercely individual wants and desires.

DIFFERENT IS DANGEROUS Using a combination of performances derived from audio recordings and ﬁctional monologues Different is Dangerous gives a unique insight into the idiosyncratic life of the Asian community living in Leeds. This is a devised piece performed by its creators Nyla Levy and Fadia Qaraman. Two's Company were interested in exploring the melting pot of Leeds, which seemed on the outside to be incapable of mixing. Their mission was to ﬁnd out who this community was really made up of.

TWELVE

DATE: 16th April 2015 VENUE: The Drum

The audience will laugh out loud, ﬁght back tears, and clench their ﬁsts. Different is Dangerous takes you on a tour of the human condition; giving unrestricted access to humanity at its most revealing.

DATE: 16th-17th April 2015 VENUE: MAC Birmingham TIME: 8pm TICKET: £14

A production of Twelve moving and sometimes humorous monologues which tell the stories of friendship, first love, defiance, death and survival. Inspired by true stories of young women murdered by their families in the UK where on average twelve such killings

occur each year, twelve writers have created a unique theatre event to give voice to these lost lives. The stories are interwoven with modern dance, expressing the freedom of the women’s spirit and the conflict between cultural tradition and modernity.

As We Proceed... Sunny & Shay

NEWS

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for Leicester *************************************************************** ******** RELATIONSHIP EXPERTS Businessman SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ We'reSHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ really happy to join the team at Asian Today. Sunny and I were a part of the Channel 4 series ‘The Family’ which aired in 2009 and documented our Indian wedding along with the events that led up to it. Something that we get asked regularly is, ‘What is it like living with an extended family?’ We’ve been together for over 11 years and had our registry wedding 10 years ago and in this column we will be sharing our experiences and will give you advice or tips that have worked for us. If you have a question email us on: editorial@theasiantoday.com with the subject line as - Sunny & Shay Question.

SHOWBIZ

WHAT IS IT LIKE LIVING WITH AN EXTENDED FAMILY?

• AWARD: Faisal Bashir A Leicester-based food shop manager who helped a woman who was injured in a scaffolding collapse in the city centre has been nominated for an citizen award. Faisal Bashir, 29, manager of Love2Lunch, helped Heather Cook who was knocked inside the shop when planks from the scaffolding hit her on the head in the incident in January. He also dashed outside to offer help to a second woman trapped under the twisted metal structure. Now he has been nominated for one of the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor John Thomas's honoured citizen awards. Heather, 56, of Leicester, said, "I fell into the shop and was spread-eagled on the floor. He helped me get to my feet, stood me up and got me a stool to sit down on. "He then went outside to try and help the other lady. He told the paramedics, who didn't know about me, I had suffered head and neck injuries and they put me on a spine board." She added, "I was all over the place and not feeling with it but he kept a cool head. You need someone cool, calm and collected in a situation like that, it makes the injured person feel more comfortable, it certainly did for me."

I've always believed it’s easier for men living in an extended family because you're not going out of your comfort zone. By the time you get married you already know all the personalities in your home and what makes them tick. I see it as living at home with my mum, dad and siblings and then my wife came along. For me there's not been a big change. That said, it's hard to be critical about our own parents or family and sometimes we can be sensitive when there are issues. I've always maintained that emotion should be removed when we talk about family issues and you should look at the facts. When you're too emotional you will not see things clearly and can sometimes be perceived as taking ‘A Side’ of someone or you’ll get stuck in the middle. Living in an extended family you have many roles as a son, brother but also as a husband. You have to understand that standing by your wife is important but no matter who it is in the family if someone is wrong they need to be told in a calm manner perhaps not even on that day. Compromise is very important - don't expect your wife to change or your family to change instead find compromises as a Family and grow together.

SUNNY

For any woman when you get married it’s the biggest life change and no matter how much you think you can prepare you really can’t. (But that is not a negative thing) The beauty of living with an extended family is that there is never a dull moment and to be frank when Sunny is irritating me I can sit and have a laugh with his mum and dad over a cup of tea. (Yes we get through a lot of cups of tea in our house!) Everyone has a role to play in the family and equality is the most important aspect of living with an extended family. By respecting each other you realise when someone needs space and or perhaps just a hug. Stereotypically, the in-laws and the daughter-in-law never get on. Well the truth is not all families are the same. We all have ups and downs in life but as long as there is communication we can work through anything. Some feel that moving out is the way for their family to be happy and others are happy living together. Ultimately, you will know what works for you but whatever decision you make I would recommend to always ensure you decide as a family. The cars, the gold, the money, the houses, nothing compares to your loved ones.

SHAY

DO YOU NEED HELP GETTING ON THE PROPERTY LADDER? Are you a first time buyer? Are you struggling to save for a deposit?

Would £15,000 help you take your first step? A brand new TV series from Objective Productions is looking for fun and lively couples who could win up to £15,000 towards the cost of their first home. If you think you’re the couple we’re looking for then email: TheHomeShow@objectiveproductions.com

Compromise is very important - don't expect your wife to change or your family to change instead find compromises as a Family and grow together. Listen to Sunny and Shay every Monday to Thursday 2pm to 4pm on BBC WM 95.6FM and every Sunday on BBC London 94.9FM at 6pm. Listen back on www.bbc.co.uk/sunnyandshaywm and www.bbc.co.uk/sunnyandshay Also, watch the antics of Sunny and Shay unfold in their online comedy series ‘As We Proceed’ on /TheSunnyandShay or follow them on @SunnyandShay LISTEN IN TO SUNNY & SHAY

THE HOME SHOW Most of us dream of owning our own home but for a lot of first time-buyers it will stay a dream for a very long time as soaring property prices and needing a big chunk of money for a deposit makes getting onto the property ladder nearly impossible. But that could all be about to change for some very lucky couples … Imagine being offered the chance to get your hands on £15,000. That’s a massive £15,000 – roughly half the average UK deposit. The £15,000 could be yours to use to finally have your chance to get your very first home together. We are looking for couples all over the UK so if you’re interested in being part of this exciting new TV property series and you are a couple who wants to buy your first home … then please email thehomeshow@objectiveproductions.com with your names, mobile number and email address – we will be in touch very soon.

APRIL 2015

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THE ASIAN TODAY Author: Sara Khan Twitter: @sarakblog

The Golden Touch of Stich Three

aisana Fashion Weekend now rebranded, Stitch Three was back in Mayfair to check out a new array of Indian and Pakistani designers. Stitch Three seem to have a golden touch when it comes to selecting some of the best South Asian designers to sell under their brand established in London. This time the main designers included, Malini Ramani, Misha Lakhani and Maheen Karim who have all been featured in India or Pakistani fashion weeks. The event featured versatile

designs, every collection varied from luxurious everyday suits to kaftans by Misha Lakhani. I spotted a stunning Malini Ramani mendi pattern embroidered dress you could wear to a special occasion. And if that wasn’t enough Mahreen Kareem’s fashionable diamante detailed mint cape was effortlessly beautiful. Stitch Three is definitely a brand to watch and visit for all you women wanting more than just bridal fashion. It’s a golden touch we all want in our wardrobe.

FASHIO

Facebook: /sarakblog website: www.sarakblog.com

The Modern British Asian Bride

ASIAN BRIDE LIVE 2015 A

FASHION & BEAUTY

s the wedding season looms some of you will tie the knot with your prince charming and others will be planning the wedding logistics even before a date has been set with family. Either way, one of the very first things on your mind will be ‘wedding dress!!!’ and let me guess you won’t know where to start? Before you go rushing off to boutiques with Aunty Jee trending on tradition lenghas and Mum who wants you in a red number she spotted years ago and miraculously still seems to have in her shiny silver chest in the attic. The Asian Today and l are here as you’re personal wedding advisors to guide you to the best wedding dress for you. A dress even your family and trendy Aunty Jee abroad would be proud of. We aren’t here to sell you anything or promote what to buy, merely deliver trends and share fashion we love. More importantly, fashion that will set you apart to be a beautiful, strong and modern Asian Women! If you’re getting married in peak wedding season Bibi London have the perfect Indian summer wedding lengha for you. It’s a chic, girl next door and on trend lengha with floral prints, which give it that western edge oozing high fashion. The wonderful pink and mint palettes elevate a sweet yet womanly ora – it’s perfect as many believe the day you get married, is the day you become a woman. If you’re getting married in a marque or small private function in summery outdoors this is a bride’s chance to look different and show stopping. If your wanting cut specific trends, Silons brings back the classic hourglass bride and a new lengha long jacket trend we keep seeing in eastern fashion. Silons chose to paint all you brides in strong contrasting colours, powerful detailing and with a stroke of beauty like most of you women out there. And if you can see your personality reflected in Silons dazzling creations than it’s the gown/trend for you. If you’re looking for sheer elegance with a dash of Asian innovation served with hypnotic sparkle, Soltee by Sulakshanna Monga is the brand to fulfil your dreams. The collection featured traditional techniques we normally see in Pakistani outfits such as mirror work, which is back in fashion. This particular designer shows us there is more to bridal fashion than we all see in British yet she turns it into a work of art and proves you can be a 21st century Asian empress on your wedding day. The days are gone for the Asian women looked traditional and boring yet Asian Bride Live brought the new Asian bride to Birmingham.

BIBI LONDON

SILONS

SOLTEE

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ON & BEAUTY

Five-Year-Old Becomes First Pakistani Burberry Model

The Brown Rupunzel A

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

NAJMA DITTA

FACEBOOK: MAKEUP BY NAJMA DITTA INSTAGRAM: NAJMA DITTA WEBSITE: WWW.NAJMADITTA.CO.UK

Tell me about yourself. My name is Najma Ditta. I am a Professional Makeup

Artist based Midlands.

the

West

What services do you offer? We offer a variety of services which include Bridal Hair and Make-up, Party Hair

and Make-up, Prom, Special occasions and Airbrush Make-up.

five-year old girl has become the first Pakistani to model for international fashion house, Burberry. Londonbased Laila Naim has been described as a “biryaniloving brown Rapunzel. Having been spotted at a Burberry children’s audition, she went on to model the brand’s signature trench coat and a checkered-print scarf. “She is a natural. At her first shoot, the shoot’s creative director asked if she had been doing this for a long time,” her mother Sadia Siddiqui, herself a model. “She went for a Burberry audition where she wore their classic trench coat and confidently looked into the camera; that is when I knew Burberry would book her as she looked picture perfect,” Laila has always shown a fierce independence, and a very strong will. She has a natural grace about herself . She started singing at three and joined a theatre academy

where she acts, sings and dances.” “Laila loves her hair as she feels she is a brown Rupunzel. She has a special star quality and is a very happy child who is very firmly grounded, she is a loving daughter, a naughty sister and a good friend to her peers,” she added. “Laila is unaware of the fame she has gathered and her achievements in the fashion world. She is just happy to see her pictures in magazines,” her mother said. Doting with pride, Laila’s mother added, “We celebrate Lailas entry into the mainstream high fashion market as London is the fashion capital of the world and Asians are the largest ethnic minority in the UK. However, there are very few Asian faces representing mainstream fashion brands and to our knowledge no Pakistani models has cracked into the competitive world of high fashion modelling.”

Madiha Iqbal Chosen to Represent Country

ever changing requirements of our clients whether it’s a fun, party, special occasion or the biggest day of any ladies life, her wedding! This is about making your day special as we go well beyond making you look great after the make-up may last for a day but the photos will last a lifetime!

Top 3 beauty tips?

SKIN CARE ROUTINE

•

Exfoliation is an important and easy way to buff away the dead skin cells that cover up your skin's natural glow. To get maximum benefit from your regime have a skin care routine in place, cleanse,

•

tone, apply serum and finish off with a moisturising cream. Make sure you clean your makeup brushes regularly to avoid a build-up of makeup residue and bacteria.

A local beauty queen has been chosen to represent her country at an international beauty pageant. Madiha Iqbal will be flying the St Andrew’s flag at the Miss Progress International competition in May after the Aberdeenbased businesswoman, 26, was crowned Miss Progress Scotland at a glittering ceremony. She will now compete against women from all around the world at the glamorous event in Puglia, Italy. “I am very lucky that I have family and friends who

do support and give me encouragement, which helps give me the strength to beat the haters.” Madiha, who moved from Glasgow to the Granite City when she was seven, said: “I do sometimes get haters and jealous people on Instagram or Facebook, but I just ignore anyone who is negative. She also revealed she has a secret weapon up her sleeve being trained by the current Miss Universe Great Britain, Grace Levy, who owns her own pageant training school in London.

DAL

GET FIT WITH

D H A L I W A L

Dal Dhaliwal is UK’s first Indian Female Health and Fitness Coach to launch a private fitness gym. She is also a Health and Fitness TV Presenter. Dal has been working in the wellness Industry since 1998. She will teach you strategies to overcome obstacles and develop a positive mental attitude, and will share with you methods on how you too can follow a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise, correct nutrition and wellbeing.

Effects Of Eating Too Much Sugar On The Skin And Health If you are a sugar lover and have a sweet tooth then this may not be good news for you… We all know that sugar has many negative effects on the body and health in general. In today’s world Obesity is on the increase. Sugar is to be avoided, not only by the obese but by healthy individuals too. Sugar is a major culprit in the case against obesity and can also contribute to a host of other associated health issues.

These include: Diabetes, Increased cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and can contribute to Osteoporosis. Sugar is also linked to food allergies and tooth decay. In children it can cause Eczema and can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and restlessness. It can affect our blood sugar levels and this can affect the way we feel, for example depression and mood swings.

So How Does Too Much Sugar Affect The Skin? Experts believe sugar can cause premature aging. Cell-aging sugar can sap the skins youthful resilience and appearance. Sugar causes a decline in tissue elasticity and function. The more sugar you eat, the more elasticity and function you lose. This damage leads to wrinkles, sagging and other complexion skin complications i.e. Acne and

The Face of Scotland

How competitive is the industry? Being a makeup artist isn’t just about the profession it’s our passion which is why we always strive to make you feel safe and relaxed in the hands of an expert who can give you the best advice on style and colour for you. We continuously strive to achieve flawless and bespoke styles in order to meet the

APRIL 2015

inflammation.. The more sugar you consume in your diet the more likely you are accelerated the aging process of the skin. The effects of deterioration include the skin becoming less elastic which in turn can lead to deep wrinkles and the skin will look aged, dull lose in appearance It is recommended that we stay away from sugar enriched foods such as chocolates, sweets, greasy foods, processed foods and high-glycaemic carbohydrates, such as pasta, bread, potatoes, rice. These foods will rapidly convert to sugar and lead to a rise in blood sugar – which can lead to further sugar cravings. Therefore it is important

that our sugar cravings are controlled which in turn control blood sugar and insulin levels. It is crucial to limit or exclude bad carbohydrates and sugary foods. This can be done by increasing protein intake for a few days. This can help control the body’s blood sugar and insulin levels and lessen those sugar cravings. So for healthy skin cut out the sugar. Begin by cutting out things like sugary drinks, cakes and biscuits. It is not just the sugar you add to your tea, or the chocolates you eat. Sugar in its harmful forms may be listed on ingredient labels on everyday foods e.g dextrose, maltose, fructose, glucose, lactose, sucrose. Also be aware of hidden added sugars in foods such as soups, tomato ketchup etc. Avoid high glycaemic index foods, food which is quickly broken down into sugars by the body. Experts recommend that sugar should be avoided altogether and refined carbohydrates, things like cakes, biscuits and white bread, should be kept to a minimum. Instead chose the options such as brown rice, pasta and bread. The good news is if you change your ways and cut down on sugar, you should quickly see benefits. This coupled with a good skin care routine will help to improve the skin. So banish your sweet tooth and look after your skin and health.

YOU CAN TWEET DAL YOUR QUESTIONS TWITTER: @DALDHALIWALPT FIND HER ON FACEBOOK: /DAL DHALIWAL WWW.BODYPERFECTPT.COM

APRIL 2015

FOOD & TRAVEL

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THE ASIAN TODAY BUON APPETITO!

Food & Travel

OVERCOMING THE KITCHEN

NIGHTMARE

PR supremo and food blogger Anita Champaneri brings her blog Ms Delicious PR and all things food to The Asian Today. Bringing all the news from hot restaurants to cool bars and everything in between. blog: www.msdeliciouspr.blogspot.com Spring has finally sprung and its all about Easter and chocolate bunnies, enjoying the flowers and brighter hours. What you may not know is that April also marks the Thai New Year or Songkran as it is known. Taking place over three days from 1315th April, the festival is traditionally marked with fireworks, the washing of Buddha statues and the pouring of water to

symbolically wash away the old year. Modern day Thais mark this day with a mass water-fight in the streets all in good fun. I’d love to see that here but getting splashed in Birmingham might not be as welcome as it is in sunny Thailand! We paid a visit to Sabai Sabai in Moseley to get into the spirit of the occasion and let you know what’s the best thing about Thai food.

REVIEW Sabai Sabai is one of Birmingham’s best-loved Thai restaurants and it’s more casual compared to it sister restaurant - that glittering all-glass outpost in Harborne. Based in nearby Moseley, however, the original Sabai Sabai has been serving Thai food for 10 years. In keeping with Moseley’s bohemian vibe, the restaurant is a cosy dining room furnished with traditional silks and wood, making it a homely and comfortable place to eat. My companion and I went down to try out the food and, despite the fact it was a Monday night, there were a number of regulars out. After toying with the idea of Tom Yam Gai Soup and the Sweet Corn Cakes, I ordered the Crispy Duck Salad and my guest had the Vegetable Spring Rolls (Poh Pia Tord). The Spring Rolls were crispy and golden on the outside but moist on the inside. My duck was in fact very soft and moist and served on a bed of fresh spring onion and lettuce. For mains, my guest ordered the Thai Beef Holy Basil Classic (Pad Gra Prao) and Ped Makam Jarn Ron from the Sizzling Platters

section of the menu. This duck dish came in a sweet pam sugar and tamarind sauce that was mainly sweet but with some sour flavour, and came topped with crispy fried onions and with sliced onion in the sauce. The roast duck was juicy and succulent on this sticky sweet sauce bed. The Thai Beef was a generous portion of stir fry with plenty of large chunks of beef. Along with the green beans and onions was a hearty amount of fiery red chillis, so don’t forget that it won’t be spy enough for you! We both ordered the steamed Thai fragrant rice on the side. For dessert, we had the Coconut Panna Cotta and Pandan Pancakes. The Panna Cotta was a light, smooth, delicate dessert cut through with a tart berry juice. The Pandan pancakes were filled with coconut shavings in honey making it sweet and tropical. We received excellent service throughout the night and the ambiance was lovely. Overall, a Thai treat that offers good value, great service and fresh food in a friendly village location.

Get more food news on twitter @deliciouspr & on the web : www.msdeliciouspr.blogspot.com

• 'Gordon Ramsay' aka Martin Jordan helps raise £500 for St Giles Hospice

celebrity chef looka-like helped a Walsall restaurant defeat its kitchen nightmare by raising hundreds of pounds for charity. Gordon Ramsay impersonator, Martin Jordan, was called to the Little Bengal restaurant for the charity event whilst posing with customers and staff as the Indian diner raised money for St Giles

Walsall Hospice. The restaurant had to close temporarily last month after a mouse-infestation but has swiftly rectified the problem to Walsall environmental health officers' satisfaction and encouraged customers to return to the revamped facilities and enjoy its food in exchange for a donation. Little Bengal manager, Jamal Ahmed, said: "We had a good turn out. The locals

are very loyal to us. "They came to give us their support and had a look around the kitchen. 'Gordon' had a look and said it was immaculate. Business-wise, it is going to take a few weeks, maybe a month or two to put [the environmental health problems] out of our system. "We have just got to put it behind us now and it's about picking ourselves up and becoming stronger. We

We have just got to put it behind us now and it's about picking ourselves up and becoming stronger. are looking forward and are very careful now. We raised £120 from the public and the staff made that up to £500 for St Giles Hospice."

Voting for team restaurants for Curry Capital of Britain 2015 will open on 1st April on vote@fedrest.com. The public can vote direct or via their council or restaurant.

“COMMUNITY COHESION IS THE KEY” The 13th Curry Capital of Britain and 18th National Curry Week (12th - 18th October) was launched at the Indian Summer restaurant in Brighton & Hove. Curry Capital of Britain is not about curry restaurants alone. If so London would win each year based on shear numbers with Manchester, Birmingham and Bradford as regional contenders. Instead the event is about something

more. *It isn't just excellent, popular restaurants although they are important *It isn't just the number of restaurant nominated although that is important *It isn't just the amount of money raised for charity although that is important *It isn't just the enthusiasm of the council - although that is important "What we are looking for," commented Peter Grove, As Plutarch, the first President of The Federation century Greek historian, of Specialist once said, “A guest comes R e s t a u r a n t s organiser to share not only meat, and of the event, wine, and dessert, but "can be summed up in one conversation, fun, and the brief phrase amiability that leads to - 'community c o h e s i o n friendship. through curry'.”

As Plutarch, the first century Greek historian, once said, “A guest comes to share not only meat, wine, and dessert, but conversation, fun, and the amiability that leads to friendship.” "In these days of economic

restrictions, we do not expect councils to have to spend large sums of money on their bid. "A glitzy, professional bid is great but then again so is a basic but innovative and heartfelt one."

ASIAN STREET FOOD TAKES OVER BIRMINGHAM MARKET 13, in Kent Street near A new Asian food Chinatown, a stone’s throw market is set to launch in from the Bullring and Birmingham. Holi Rave and Selfridges food hall. Street Foot Feast-IVAL has The weekly Global Feastannounced that they intend Ival market is expected to to run a weekly event, which launch on April 10. would add to Birmingham’s schedule. Visitors can anticipate up to eight market traders offering food from around the world at the Saturday market in new pop- • STREET SNACKS : Gol gappay are found up space Amusement on roadside food carts all over India

FOOD & TRAVEL

APRIL 2015

TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719

ONE STEP CLOSER TO

GRAND

EAST SHOPPING CENTRE THE CHANGING FACE OF THE ASIAN HIGH STREET

CENTRAL

The new Birmingham New Street station and Grand Central shopping destination are a step closer to completion after demolition work to create the stunning new atrium came to an end More than 6,000 tonnes of concrete has been removed from under the new atrium allowing natural light to flood the new concourse for the first time. The impressive space was created using a bespoke JCB machine fondly known as the Mega Muncher - which was used by local demolition firm Coleman & Company to remove two floors of concrete from the old station structure. Now demolition is complete, new structures will be hung from the atrium steelwork so work can begin to attach the streamline cladding to the atrium’s interior ready for the station’s opening in September 2015. Chris Montgomery, Network Rail’s project director for Birmingham New Street, said: “The completion of this work marks a huge milestone for the project. Building the atrium roof and removing such a large amount of concrete from the centre of the building was a huge feat of engineering. I am proud of the way that Coleman’s has completed the demolition in such a short space of time which allows us to move on to the next challenge of cladding the atrium’s interior ready for the station opening later this year.” Councillor Tahir Ali, cabinet member for development, transport and the economy, said: “This is a really significant

project for Birmingham, not just in terms of the physical transformation, but also the on-going job opportunities. More than 1,300 city residents have been involved in the scheme so far, including 250 who were previously unemployed and the city council has also supported more than 100 young people into apprenticeships. "All this should act as a blueprint for the opportunities that will arise at Grand Central. In fact, we have already started a recruitment drive through the Birmingham Growth Alliance Partnership, which aims to showcase the skills of the city’s job-seekers, whilst reflecting Birmingham’s diverse community.” Richard Brown, Grand Central development director, said: ‘This is an exciting point in the Grand Central journey as we get closer to completing the major transformational change that the former Pallasades shopping centre has gone through. The work which has been going on behind the scenes and on site is truly incredible. “Grand Central will be the jewel in Birmingham’s retail crown, delivering a unique shopper experience which will look and feel distinctly different to other centres. We are pleased to be moving into the next stage of the project after which the retailers will begin to fit out the interiors of their new shops.” The completed Birmingham New Street station and Grand central centre will open in September 2015.

•

First glimpse at the modern fashion hub by Sarah Khan. www.sarakblog.com www.facebook.com/sarakblog

t's worth keeping an eye on our UK Asian high street, as it’s rapidly growing and perfect for multicultural fashion. From modest to party pret, it's all

in one hub this spring and I headed out to well-known Asian destination, Green Street, for the launch of East Shopping Centre. It wasn’t just me wanting to visit the new shopping MODEST TO PARTY PRET : A vast variety of • centre in East styles is available in the hub on Green Street London as over 7,500 visited on Saturday. I even noticed a growing queue for the opening at 12noon. All the

shoppers and myself knew East Shopping Centre was the fashion destination to be. Aab Boutique was one of our favourites with everyday casual fashion similar to trendy British high street fashion. Other boutiques included Asian Bride, a bridal boutique, Kaftan Kouture, especially for middle-eastern inspired kaftans, and Lubnas, for everyday fashion. Most of the boutiques are new to Green Street and it’s the place to explore fashion for all different occasions, accessories and jewellery in the Souk (a modern bazaar). Finally, we have brands that we can go to for casual fashion and not have to rely on the high streets selling revealing clothing that everyone’s • ONE OF A KIND : The sparkly wearing. modern building is unlike Other than the fashion, any market or bazaar

Specialists in

LOW COST FLIGHTS TO PAKISTAN!

•

6,000 TONNES OF CONCRETE REMOVED : Natural light floods the new concourse for the very first time

A SUCCESS: Over 7,500 visited the shopping centre on its launch day

the first o o r s don’t were

f l h a restaurants so you have to go far if you feeling peckish. I particularly loved that it's all indoors, and it was clean and incredible to be a part of it. With a cozy coffee shop and free wifi, I reminisced on my purchases, thinking what a modern hub East Shopping Centre is for Asian fashion in Britain. It is truly a breath of fresh air. After walking in, it genuinely reminded me of a western-style shopping centre and I was filled with delight. It’s definitely one of a kind; it's not a market or a bazaar but a sparkly modern building with various Asian boutiques. Finally, the UK has an Asian shopping centre to be proud of.

• We aim to bring you great flight prices, whatever your destination. • We use a variety of airlines to find you the best deal. • We can provide tailor made packages and visa facilities. • We also specialise in Hajj & Umrah Tour packages. Hotel Bookings & Umrah Visa Services also available LOW COST FARES TO: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ethiopia, Lagos, Dar-Es-Salaam, Dubai and many more destinations.

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APRIL 2015

LIFESTYLE

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THE ASIAN TODAY DAY IN THE LIFE OF

LIFESTYLE The Spring Within

KHIZRA DHINDSA

By: Mita Mistry

www.mitamistry.co.uk

@mitamistry “When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits." Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

What’s an average day in your life like? 05:45-06:30

I wake up and head straight out for a run. I mix up my running terrain to add interest, prevent injury and most importantly to build strength and speed. Although I am not in a front-line role now, it is important for all police officers to be fit and fast.

07:30-09:00

After a quick check/respond of my emails I’ll be driving to my first presentation. Because I am recruiting BME candidates for the role of police officer for the whole of the West Midlands, this could be in Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry or any part of the West Midlands area.

09:00-11:00

11:00-13:00

13:00-14:00

I will arrive at work and meet my partner Inspector Farooq Sheikh. We will speak to a group of BME candidates about the recruitment processes of West Midlands Police. During these ‘Discovery Day’ sessions we de-mystify the system and explain how best to approach each stage of the recruitment process. After the sessions, we take individual concerns and address the needs, concerns and fears of prospective candidates. I meet local colleagues in Birmingham, Wolverhampton or any other part of the force at a careers fair. We are consciously attending these in areas where there is a higher BME population as this is part of our Positive Action strategy. Over lunch, I might meet with HR, the diversity team, staff associations or other colleagues who are supporting the Positive Action work stream. There are many support groups within the force, such as the Black and Asian Police Association (BAPA), Muslim and Sikh associations and many others who are happy to support BME colleagues choosing to approach them on any issue.

14:00-14:30

Several times a week I speak on local or regional radio channels which have strong BME listenership, inviting applications from within those communities and answering questions during live phone-in sessions.

14:30-15:30

I spend an hour a day preparing reports. Continuous reflection and improvement is essential in my line of work. I will also contact my partner Farooq to de-brief our day.

15:30-16:30

I travel home and sing nursery rhymes with Layla for a bit before changing into a suitable outfit for my community engagement that evening. If it is a speech at a Gurdwara for example, I will show respect by wearing a Punjabi suit and a chunni on my head.

Visit West Midlands Police on: www.west-midlands.police.uk

16:30-18:30

If it’s Monday then its two hours of netball training, otherwise I will be on the Positive Action recruitment support group on Facebook, advising and talking to BME candidates who are currently going through the process. It’s such a privilege to be part of their journey, these guys are incredible.

21:00-22:00

I am studying for a further degree at the moment so I will spend some time every day on that. I don’t need to keep studying for progression at work or anything like that, I just really enjoy learning new stuff! Then it’s bedtime!

What made you want to work in the police profession? There are lots of good answers I could give to this which are also very true, such as the desire to serve the community and to help vulnerable people and ensure justice is done. However a key drive for me was that when I was growing up in Perry Barr in Birmingham, this wasn’t a career option for Asian girls. Every time I raised it at home or in the community the conversation was immediately closed down by an elder saying, “Our girls don't do this type of work” or even, “Baqwaas na kar kuriyeh!” Nobody gave me a decent reason why not though, and it seemed like a pretty fantastic career choice to me so I decided to dig my heels in. A sure-fire way to get my type of personality to go ahead and achieve something is to tell me that I can’t! Following your own personal experience, why should people join West Midlands Police? Because it's the world's best job! I have been able to save lives, change lives and make a difference every day. I have worked in uniform and plain clothes, see every county of the UK with my work and travelled to Europe to police there on several occasions. It is stable job and an exciting and challenging role and you will never, ever be bored! What was it like when you first applied for West Midlands Police as a British Asian woman? There was even less diversity in policing 14 years ago but I never let that cloud my decision to join, and I am so glad I did join! I have met so many fantastic people within and outside the organisation, got promoted to Sergeant early and had enormous support from the police for my career goals.

Quick Fire Questions:

“

Follow WM Police on Twitter: @WMPolice

It's the world's best job! I have been able to save lives, change lives and make a difference every day. I have worked in uniform and plain clothes, see every county of the UK with my work and travelled to Europe to police there on several occasions.

One drink that gets you through the day? It's coffee with sugar, lots of it. I’m bad! One person that gets you through the day? My Layla. One song that gets you through the day? I listen to Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar and Jagjit Singh a fair bit. One food that gets you through the day? Proper Desi khana Favourite time of the day? 6am before the world wakes up. it is very, very quiet at that time. Gadget that gets you through the day: iPhone!

“

Detective Inspector Khizra Dhindsa has had an impressive career with West Midlands Police. From reducing crime to tackling extremism in the community, Dhindsa is committed and driven in her career. Despite naysayers, telling her this was not an ideal career for an Asian woman; Dhindsa broke free of cultural barriers to become an award winning police officer. The detective inspector talks early morning runs, juggling motherhood and how she is recruiting the next rookie in the force.

According to Chinese Medicine, our sense of balance is intimately connected to living in harmony with the energy of the seasons. After the stillness of Winter, the surging expansive energy of Spring forces it’s way forward for new growth. Similarly, Spring which relates to the Wood Element within us inspires us to move forward on our path with hope and vision. If we followed mother nature’s wisdom and took time to rest during Winter, by Spring we should have replenished our energy reserves and be ready to take on this new burst of energy with clear vision and purpose. Spring is the time to plant seeds or make plans for the future and decisions that give direction for the coming year. It is the time to grow from insights about ourselves and from observing others. The energy of spring can challenge us to face truths that we may feel uncomfortable with because as we grow there may be aspects of ourselves that we were not aware of or even like. If our Wood element is balanced and healthy we can move smoothly through such challenges and experience growth and rebirth. But picture this, someone who has an imbalanced Wood element who cannot adapt or change or make decisions about their life. This person will naturally feel blocked, stuck and unable to grow. Imagine the anger and frustration that change is happening all around them but they are unable to experience it for themselves.

To read the full article please log onto our website: www.theasiantoday.com

TECHNOLOGY

APRIL 2015

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THE ASIAN TODAY GADGETS APRIL 2015 Here at The Asian Today, we like to give you a monthly dose of what technologies are working their way around the technology world and what you, as enthusiasts, should be looking out for. These can be seen as a gift for someone, a treat for yourself or just as an informative guide; either way, check it out.

BLUETOOTH MULTI-DEVICE KEYBOARD The Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard is a cross-device keyboard for your computer that also works with your tablet and smartphone. The Easy-Switch dial lets you switch typing between three connected Bluetooth wireless devices and the integrated cradle holds your phone or tablet at just the right angle for you to read while you type.

TECHNOLOGY

HALIFAX TRIALS NEW BANKING SECURITY

All in a Heartbeat H

NEW iWatch

LIVESCRIBE PEN It is somewhat handy when you have a pen that simply writes on paper and the captures all your notes. Pair it with your tablet or smartphone and your notes instantly appear in the Livescribe+ mobile app. Notes are converted to text, tagged and you are then able to share with others.

UNVEILED

unparalleled personalisation

iFUSION iFusion SmartStation, enables a smartphone to be used as a true business-class desktop phone. It enhances the user experience for business customers, by eliminating the desktop phone and providing them with a single device for all of their communications needs.

PEBBLEBEE BLUETOOTH TRACKER It's small, and thin, and the complete solution for helping you manage your personal items and much more. It's the most versatile and affordable electronic device at your disposal. You can easily place a PebbleBee on your belongings and you'll never lose them! You can command the PebbleBee to "buzz" or ring to assist in finding what you're looking for.

SMARTPHONE POWER BOOST PEN When you need a little more juice to make that last phone call, uncap the Smartphone Power Boost Pen. This handy device is more than just an elegant writing instrument — it’s a portable backup power source that charges your iPhone, Galaxy, Blackberry or any other Android smartphone.

Samsung S6 Pre-Order Date Revealed Samsung has announced that the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge smartphones will be available to pre-order in UK stores from 20th March 2015, ahead of the on-sale date of 10th April 2015. The Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge will be available to pre-order from all high street retailers and networks including Vodafone, Carphone Warehouse, Three, EE and O2. The Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge offer a new standard for design, craftsmanship and performance and seamlessly blend premium materials with the most advanced Samsung technology to offer consumers an unmatched mobile experience. Those customers who have pre-ordered devices from the Samsung Experience Store and Samsung.com will be able to pick up their device a day earlier on 9th April.

Available in Three Different Styles

Apple’s most anticipated watch is to be put on sale on Friday, April 24 to customers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US. Beginning April 10 in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US, Apple Watch will be available for preview, try-on by appointment at Apple’s retail stores. The watch is available in three collections, Apple Watch Sport, priced at £299 and £339; Apple Watch, available from £479 to £949; and Apple Watch Edition, crafted from custom rose or yellow 18-karat gold alloys, with prices starting at £8,000. “Apple Watch begins a new chapter in the way we relate to technology and we think our customers are going to love it,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We can’t wait for people to start wearing Apple Watch to easily access information that matters, to interact with the world, and to live a better day by being more aware of their daily activity than ever before.” “Conceived, designed and developed as a singular product, Apple Watch merges hardware and software like never before,” said Jony Ive, Apple’s senior vice president of Design. “In Apple Watch, we’ve created three beautifully curated collections with a software architecture that together enable unparalleled personalisation in a wearable device.”

alifax trials explore how wearable technology could be used to enhance customer security, streamline the digital banking experience, and enable customers to access, and benefit from, the products and services they need to make the most of their money. Halifax has undertaken a ‘proof of concept’ on how the Nymi Band could be used to reduce the need for customers to remember multiple passwords on a daily basis whilst ensuring it addresses the security issues of today. The band authenticates the wearer using electrocardiogram (ECG) when it’s first placed on the wrist. Another set of sensors then continuously detect that the authenticated person is still wearing the band. Unlike fingerprints or iris scans, ECG is a biometric

that is a vital signal of the body, and as such, naturally provides strong protection against intrusions and falsification. The Nymi Band further ensures user privacy by employing robust techniques which guarantee that only the devices the Nymi Band has been paired with can detect its presence. Director of Innovation and Digital Development, Marc Lien said, “Exploring innovative technology that will help deliver for our customers and enhance our overall capabilities is a real focus for us at the bank. We are in the very early stages of exploring potential uses for the Nymi Band and wearable technology more widely which will help us further understand how we can serve our customers in the way that best appeals to their needs.”

Twitter Being Sued Social network site, Twitter, is being sued over gender discrimination by one of its former employee. Engineer Tina Huang claims that the social network's 'tap-on-theshoulder' promotion practice favours men and puts women at a disadvantage. "These judgments are tainted with conscious or unconscious prejudices and gender-based stereotypes, which explains why so few women employees at Twitter advance to senior and leadership positions," reads the complaint, filed at San Francisco court. In a statement, Twitter said, “"Twitter is deeply committed to a diverse and supportive workplace, and we believe the facts will show Ms Huang was treated fairly."

Amazon Drones Amazon has been given the go-ahead by US authorities to test drones on some of its deliveries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it was granting a certificate for people’s licences to test the aircraft. According to the license, the drone must be flown at no more than 400 feet during daylight hours.

Known as Amazon Prime Air, the organisation, had asked the government for permission to begin testing last July. "Without approval of our testing in the United States, we will be forced to continue expanding our Prime Air R&D footprint abroad," wrote Paul Misener, Amazon's vice president of global public policy, in a letter to the FAA.

APRIL 2015

THE ASIAN TODAY £20 Million Fraud Four men were sentenced to a total of 21 years and two months after they all pleaded guilty for their involvement in laundering millions of pounds of criminal assets abroad. Abdullah Rahim 34, from Lewisham received six and a half years after pleading guilty to laundering nearly £20.7M of criminal money over an eight month period following an investigation by the City of London Police. Zaka Din 46, of Norbury;

Brian Mcinerney, 53, of Islington and Iftekhan Choudhary, 30, all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder criminal funds on or before 27 August 2014. The gang were sentenced as follows: Abdullah Rahim was sentenced to six and a half years. Zaka Din was sentenced to eight years. Brian Mcinerney was sentenced to fourteen months. Iftekhan Choudhary was sentenced to five and a half years.

Luton Man Rescues Vicar

NATIONAL

CREATING MIRACLES SURGEON'S MERCY MISSION TO HELP VICTIMS OF ACID ATTACKS

• RESCUE: Zufiqar Afsar ran to help Reverend Mike Jones A man from Luton who rushed to the aid of a vicar pinned beneath a car following a collision is set to be recognised for his bravery with an award at the Houses of Parliament this week. Zulfiqar Afsar was one of a handful of men who ran to help Reverend Mike Jones, who had been cycling when he was crushed by a car. The Reverend, whom doctors described as “the luckiest man in the country”, was able to avoid any serious injury due to the collision.

Since the incident, Zulfiqar says he has been the recipient of a number of awards as recognition of his involvement in the rescue. He said: “I did not think I would get them and I was not expecting them. I’m surprised about it. As a Muslim it’s something I would do regardless of faith. Our core teachings are for Muslims to help anybody and everybody. It’s something I would expect anybody else to have done.” He has already been given an award from the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire.

Junior Doctor Jailed A junior doctor from Greater Manchester has been sentenced to seven years behind bars after being found guilty of sexually abusing a child and grooming and abusing a number of other children over the internet. Dr Raza Laskar, a 32-yearold man who worked in paediatrics, was arrested as part of a police operation investigating men who accessed and circulated online images of abuse. The doctor, from Ashtonunder-Lyne, Greater Manchester, was caught with 1.2m images of abuse in his possession. Police searched his home following an incident in which 1,605 files believed to contain

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indecent images of children were posted online within a few weeks from an IP address at his home. Through the search, officers discovered hundreds of chat logs and videos of Raza participating in sexual acts with a child in a hotel room he had booked. Det Sgt Guy Laycock of Greater Manchester Police said: “Laskar was a paediatric doctor who spent his working day with children. He has an affinity with them and knows how to engage and communicate with them. “A significantly aggravating factor is that he used this knowledge to incite and groom his victims, all of whom were very young, vulnerable boys.”

surgeon is returning to Pakistan to help women scarred in acid attacks. Reconstruction expert Asim Shahmalak, from Cheadle, spent £50,000 of his own money to rebuild the lives of seven women who were disfigured - often for doing nothing more than spurning a man's advances. He took a team from Crown Clinic - the hair transplant clinic he runs near to Manchester Airport - for the mercy mission. He performed eyelash, eyebrow and hair transplants on the women free of charge. Dr Shahmalak, who also has consulting rooms in London's Harley Street, has now returned to Karachi to review the women's cases - and hear how the operations had transformed their lives. He has now identified five new cases and will be returning to Pakistan later this year with a team from Crown Clinic for a second mercy mission which he will also fund. Kanwal Ashar, 24, had acid thrown over her by a man who had been stalking her after she had turned down his proposal. She had been working in a beauty salon and the man became obsessed by her. As well as carrying out the transplants, he helped trained local doctors and technicians in his techniques so that his work could carry on at local hospitals on his return to Britain. He said: "It was wonderful to meet the women again and see how their lives had been improved by the surgery.” I wept when I first heard what had happened to them. Their stories were heartbreaking - scarred for life because you want to better yourself. Doused with acid because you turned down a

man's proposal - people were better treated in the Middle Ages. “It was incredibly moving to see the smiles on their faces after we performed the surgery. They had given up hope of ever getting help because the Government in Pakistan cannot afford to do anything for them. We were their last hope. They are not accepted by society because of their disfigurement. They cannot get jobs and, in some case, they have been disowned by their families and left to beg on the streets.

IN PAKISTAN 250-300 recorded attacks a year Since tightened legislation the figure has risen by 300

“

• SURGEON: Asim Shahmalak

I wept when I ﬁrst heard what had happened to them. Their stories were heartbreaking...

65% of victims were women and girls Prosecution rate is 35% 56% of acid attacks happens in Punjab

• ACID: Acid attack victim Kanwal Ashar had acid thrown on her by a man whom she rejected

TAKING HIS PLACE Philip Jackson (creator of the statue) was inspired by a 1931 photo of Gandhi at No10 Downing Street where he met the Prime Minister of the day, Ramsey McDonald

Mahatma Gandhi Statue Unveiled in Parliament Square

MORE NEWS ONLINE AT WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM

“

The new statue of Gandhi in Parliament Square has been unveiled by Prime Minister David Cameron and Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

The bronze statue will be the focal point for those commemorating, this summer, the 100th anniversary of Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa, to start the struggle for self-rule. The unveiling was also attended by Lord and Lady Desai of the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust, the charity that raised over £1million to fund the statue. The Prime Minister David Cameron said, “This statue is a magnificent tribute to one of the most towering figures in the history of world politics and by putting Mahatma Gandhi in this famous Square we are giving him an eternal home in our country. Many of his teachings remain as potent today as when he first made them.

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THE ASIAN TODAY FEATURE

INTERNATIONAL

COURT SUMMONING FOR MANMOHAN SINGH

BUILD UP TO THE GENERAL ELECTION 2015

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APRIL 2015

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•

EX-PM: Manmohan Singh

India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been summoned to court following his alleged involvement in a coal mining licenses scandal. Mr Singh is one of six men who face accusations of criminal conspiracy and have been ordered to appear in court next month concerning corruption charges.

Federal auditors found that rights to coalfields were sold off cheaply in 2012, resulting in the country losing out on £20bn. India’s Supreme Court has cancelled the majority of the coal mining licenses allocated by the government since 1999, stating that they were illegal. The court summoning of

Mr Singh is due to a coal mining license awarded in 2005 when he was prime minister and held the coal ministry portfolio, a matter which he has already been questioned regarding by the federal Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The ex-prime minister said concerning the allegations that he was

“open for legal scrutiny” and that the “truth will prevail”. “I will be able to establish my total innocence. Of course I am upset, but this is part of life,” Mr Singh said. Mr Singh faces a sentence to life in jail if found guilty of the charges, though this is said to be unlikely.

PICTURE OF THE MONTH BY: DEEPALI NANGIA

@deepalinangia

I AM INDIA’S DAUGHTER & TODAY I AM ASHAMED OF IT...

The parents of Shafqat Hussain hold a picture showing their son who has been on death row since the age of 14. He was brutally tortured and sentenced to death in Pakistan’s anti-terrorism courts in 2004. Shafqat was wrongfully convicted of murder and kidnap in 2004. The only evidence against him was a forced confession made after nine days of severe torture. 23-year-old Shafqat has spent the last 11 years on death row in Pakistan.

His mother, 65-year-old Makhani Begum, from Neelum district in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, pleaded to the Pakistani authorities to let her son go. “For God’s sake don’t deprive me of Shafqat, he is my last child. Shafqat, too scared and suffering from a learning disability, did not find it in himself to disagree with anything that the police had told him to say, for fear of being tortured again. Oh, my Allah, save my Shafqat from falling victim to injustice.”

Jas Sansi's Scribbles

Twitter: @Jassansi

I am also my father’s daughter. Always have been and always will be. I grew up under the influence of a strong man, a patriarch of the family but also a very progressive man. Calcutta knew me as Mr. Nangia’s daughter - but given who he was - they also knew my brother-in-laws as Mr. Nangia’s son-in-laws. We had a Muslim cook growing up and he had been there for fifteen years prior to my arrival. A Muslim cooking in a Hindu household - something not considered kosher back in the day. Was my father racist? Most definitely not. Was my father sexist? I’m not sure. As progressive as he was, was there implied sexism in the house? Possibly, I was the youngest of four girls - because he wanted a boy. Did he treat me like a girl? Absolutely Not. Did he treat me like a boy? Most Definitely Not. He treated me like a child making me believe in myself, and my ability to succeed in anything that I set my mind to. But maybe because I was his last shot at doing it right. I have a daughter and a son. Do I treat then differently? Possibly. My dear friend Krishan always tells me how harsh I am on my daughter compared to my son. He says she is a “mini you”, which is why you are tough on her. I tell him, “I am tough on her because I want her to be stronger than me, so strong that nothing

can ever hurt her.” In many countries, like India, the odds are against women even before they are born. I work with a domestic violence charity in London and I have heard awful stories from women here. I studied and played with our driver’s daughter - my dad paid her tuition, but she didn’t go to the same school as me. Why is that? The tuition was paid for, but the school wouldn’t have her. She didn’t belong to the same social strata. She finished school and her father got her married. I finished school and went to America. She got married. I went to work on Wall Street. She had three kids before she turned 25. I fell in love at 26. I know some Indians said why show the India’s Daughters documentary? It shows all Indian men in a bad light. Why should we have the parents of Jyoti Singh relive their suffering? I would tend to disagree. It is only by telling the truth again and again about what is happening that we begin to see change. Besides don’t her parents deserve to have their story heard? This is a mainstream problem - it affects 50 percent of the population (well slightly less due to female feticide) so why shouldn’t it be aired and discussed? A cultural change needs to happen in India. Do you think Bollywood will or should make a movie about it?

That brings me to the point of banning things. First in India came the ban on Uber following the rape of a woman by a driver, then the ban on beef (hmmm), then the ban on the documentary and then the ban on 50 Shades of Grey. Banning things creates scarcity value, leading to people trying to get around the ban anyway. Please don’t get me wrong. However, the problem here is more deep-rooted than that. It is one truly of education and economic empowerment. It is one of being responsible for our own actions. Not hiding behind our population or crying over the Kohinoor; it is one of standing up as individuals and taking responsibility and helping those who cannot afford to help themselves. I am my father’s daughter and always will be. This is a big part of my identity. But I am also my mother’s daughter, a daughter’s (and a son’s) mother, a wife, a runner, a fighter, a professional and a social activist. I want to be proud of the India that I grew up in, the India that I want to see, the India I can send my daughter (and son) to without me and not have to worry about their safety. It is an India to be proud of and we can only do it by making sure we personally take on the challenge to make change happen…this is the India that our forefathers dreamt of and fought so hard for.

APRIL 2015

BUDGET 2015

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BUSINESS

THE ASIAN TODAY

BUDGET 2015

SPECIAL BUSINESS REPORT

What it means for you

Jasvir Singh

Chair of City Sikhs Network

The Budget has been a bit of a mixed bag. The removal of Class 2 NI payments for the self-employed will help Asian businesses and sole traders save £143 each year. The Help to Buy ISA is a definite boon to first time buyers, with the Government giving £50 for every £200 saved for a deposit for a property up to a maximum of £3,000. The transferable tax allowance of £1,100 for married couples and other changes to tax brackets will further benefit Asian families. However, it is perhaps more important to look at what the Chancellor has failed to mention in the Budget. He has failed to quell concerns about the impact that cuts will have upon local services up and down the country, with the Office of Budget Responsibility reporting that public services will see “a much sharper squeeze on real spending in 2016-17 and 2017-18 than anything seen over the past five years”. Welfare cuts are continuing to bite whilst the level of state spending is, according the OBR, going back to the 1930s. The Budget could be viewed as a pre-election giveaway. We will find out if it has had the desired effect come 8th May.

Anjum Khan Director of the Institute of Asian Businesses

We now look forward to working with Birmingham city to create a combined authority that can speak for the wider region’s economy. Greater Manchester has already taken advantage of the government’s desire to deal with combined authorities and it’s time we caught up. Only then can we fully reap the benefits of being represented by a Midlands Powerhouse. Mr Osborne’s announcement that he will abolish annual tax returns and allow businesses to handle their affairs on line at any time during the year will be a massive time-saver for alreadystretched SMEs. We also welcome the £100m extra funding for research into driverless cars, in which the Midlands’s leads the way and the additional £60m of funding for research into projects that will develop new ways of storing and using energy.

KEY POINTS UK grew 2.6% in 2014, faster than any other advanced economy but lower than 3% predicted in December 2.5% growth forecast in 2015, up from 2.4% predicted in December, followed by 2.3%, 2.3%, 2.3% and 2.4% in the next four years Record employment in the UK, with jobless rate to fall to 5.3% this year Public spending squeeze to end a year earlier than planned in 2019-2020, with spending from then to grow in line with total economic growth New personal saving allowance: first £1,000 interest on savings income to be tax-free for basic rate taxpayers and £500 allowance for 40p tax ratepayers New tax credit for orchestras and consultation on tax relief for local newspapers Chancellor George Osborne delivered his sixth budget speech to Parliament and the last of the current government. Describing it as a Budget that “works for you”, he set out to describe, in detail, what the Conservatives would do if they were to be voted in with a majority at the next General Election. A budget of aspiration, take a look at what it all means for you.

Farnaz Khan CEO at Fit Britches

There was some good news for small businesses and the self employed in the recent budget. According to the Centre on Dynamics of Ethnicity, high self-employment rates for ethnic minorities have been a feature of the UK labour market, ethnic minority workers are pushed into self-employment as a result of limited opportunities. The govt announced a personal tax free allowance rise to £11k a year which means a tax saving for 27m people in the UK. This is good news for start-ups and anyone considering self-employment. Single tax accounts is a big step forward, as this should reduce complexity for small Asian businesses. As a small business person I would prefer putting the time into my business rather than getting my head round a complex tax system, it’s not easy for most people and more daunting for those whose first language is not English. People want their taxes to be low but we also want them to be simple to pay. The cut in corporation tax to 20% is also good news making the UK one of the lowest rates of any major economy in the world. Abolishing employer's NI contributions is welcoming news, it was a tax on jobs and unaffordable to many small businesses. Many small Asian businesses, especially the

corner shop and food/restaurant trade, will appreciate this move. Most taxi drivers in the UK are nominally self-employed. Continuing to freeze fuel duty is good for the haulage, taxi trade and many SMEs struggling with the cost of fuel at the pumps. I feel the budget is a good start but there could be further improvements: • Tax breaks for small businesses, particularly around VAT when trading internationally • More affordable local work hubs • Increased support for businesses that want to grow, not just start up support. Sixty percent start-ups launch their businesses from home with a small investment. The Asian community has huge potential for the boom of cottage industries e.g. cooking, sewing, craft but these people need direction and support. There needs to be more opportunities for kitchen table businesses to tap into young talent in a flexible way. I would extend this for most small businesses, as a lack of skills is a barrier to growth. Start up businesses and entrepreneurs are bringing billions of pounds into the UK economy, creating thousands of jobs and making a huge contribution to communities across the UK. The government needs to differentiate the difference between SMEs and large multi nationals, as the needs for both are different.

Consultation to offer loans of up to £25,000 for UK students studying for PhDs and research-based master's degrees Up to £600m to clear new spectrum bands for auction to improve mobile networks: commitment to deliver ultrafast broadband to all homes

A budget of aspiration to perspiration

Lord Karan Bilimoria (CBE)

Co-Founder of Cobra Beer and Chancellor of University of Birmingham

I was extremely pleased to hear the Chancellor say he wished to see the UK build stronger links with the world’s fastest growing economies. But, while it should be celebrated that he is increasing the funding of UKTI, our focus cannot be on China alone. The fastest growing economy in the world today is that of India — a country that the economically illiterate immigration rhetoric of the Home Secretary has only served to alienate. Our universities are one of the most powerful tools at Britain’s disposal for building generation long relationships with economies around the world. Removing overseas students from our

immigration figures is vital if we wish to halt the decline in the number of India’s brightest and best choosing to come to our shores and it is a measure this government has failed to take. One of the most important challenges facing the UK economy is the absurd complexity of our tax code. In less than 20 years it has more than doubled in length and now runs to more than 11,500 pages — making it the longest in the world. Businesses and sole traders across the country will welcome the abolition of selfassessed tax returns but in the coming years we need to see a far more radical programme of simplification.

HSBC Chooses Birmingham

HUMBLED & HONOURED

HSBC has confirmed that the head office of its UK ringfenced bank, serving HSBC UK’s personal and business customers, will be located in Birmingham. As a result, around 1,000 head office roles will move from London to Birmingham before the ring-fencing deadline of 1 January 2019. HSBC has consulted with the unions and is committed to supporting employees throughout this process. It

Cardiff based businessman Raj Aggarwal has been appointed President of the Consular Association of Wales. He was selected for the position at the association’s AGM held at the Cardiff & County club. In this role Mr Aggarwal will be responsible for running CAW which helps further the commercial, academic and cultural

SECOND-CITY CHOSEN TO LOCATE HEAD OFFICE

will work closely with the City of Birmingham to provide information to employees who are considering relocating. Birmingham was chosen following a review of a number of possible head office locations. The review considered whether London was necessarily the best place for the ring-fenced bank’s head office given the UK wide coverage of HSBC’s 16 million customers, its employees and branch network.

activities of Wales on an international stage. Mr Aggarwal said: “Quite simply my job is to bring Wales to the world, and the world to Wales. In my Presidency I hope to show all the amazing strengths and fantastic attributes of Wales and its people, its commerce, education, tourism and cultural endeavours. I am deeply honoured and privileged to serve such a

special Association.” One of the main duties of the President of the CAW is to convene the meetings of the Association, and deal with its relations with H.M. Government, the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government, the Local Authorities, and other public bodies. The CAW currently has honorary consuls for 29

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• BLACK COUNTRY: The Black Country's Regeneration Includes a New £300,00 Engineering Plant at Walsall Campus

ew official figures confirm that the Black Country heads the table for growth in the Midlands and is the second highest performer amongst national Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas for economic growth in 2013. The data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that for the Black Country LEP area as a whole, the economy grew by 4.5% in 2013, well above the national average of 3.3%. Black Country LEP Chair, Stewart Towe said, “These figures showing the Black Country is the second highest performing out of the 39 LEP areas for economic growth are evidence of the continuing strong transformation of our local economy. The Black Country LEP and its partners will continue to boost business

growth and build on our unique position as the UK’s manufacturing heart to ensure high quality products are made in the Black Country and sold around the world.” The figures show that economic output for the Black Country LEP area in 2013 was £19.5bn. Over the period 2008-13 from the start of the economic downturn, the Black Country was ranked 14th out of the 39 LEP areas with 2.4% growth. Gross Value Added (GVA) the official measure of economic output, per head currently stands at £16,958 in the Black Country which is £7,133 behind the national average. However, the Black Country was ranked 9th of 39 LEPs in terms of the increase in GVA per head in the period 2008-2013.

Black Country Achieves Second Highest Growth Rate

HIGHLIGHTING THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR West Midlands Growing in Strength The strength of the automotive sector in the West Midlands and how it can bring further investment to the region will be the topic of a major debate at an international conference. Coventry and Warwickshire has teamed up with Birmingham and the Black Country to showcase the region’s world class automotive and engineering capability at the MIPIM property development and investment show next week. Around 30 per cent of people in the UK who work in the automotive industry are based in the West Midlands, while, according

• WALES:

President to the Consular Association of Wales Raj Aggarwal

to UKTI, about 20 per cent of everything the UK exports to China is from Jaguar Land Rover. This session, held on the Thursday of the show, will look at how the region is the driving force in the renaissance of the UK automotive industry, combining cutting-edge research and development, leading academic excellence supported by an extensive skill base and supply chain. That combination of capabilities has helped the region perform strongly in attracting inward investment and offers exciting opportunities for international and UK companies.

Raj Aggarwal Appointed President of the Consular Association of Wales Quite simply my job is to bring Wales to the world, and the world to Wales countries around the world and the association meets regularly to go over progress and strategy.. Mr Aggarwal was

appointed as First Honorary Consul of India for Wales by the President of India in 2012 and he now takes over as the President of the Consular Association of Wales . He will continue with his duties as Honorary Consul to India which includes forging links between Welsh and Indian business, educational establishments

and cultural organizations, as well as looking after the needs of Indian nationals living and working in Wales. Aggarwal an eminent Community Pharmacist and a graduate of Welsh School of pharmacy, University of Cardiff, has been a staunch advocate for increasing business, cultural and academic links between Wales and other nations.

APRIL 2015

THE LUNAR SOCIETY GLOBAL TO DELIVER ANNUAL LECTURE IN BIRMINGHAM

• LUNAR SOCIETY: Mike Bell

ne of the world's leading experts on information technology in vehicles will be delivering the 2015 Lunar Society Annual Lecture - which is being hosted by Birmingham City University at its new Parkside building on Wednesday 15th April 2015. Mike Bell, Global Connected Car Director at Jaguar Land Rover, is expected to say that the technology is already in place to connect not only cars but people and places – but there are risks in doing so. His lecture – The connected car: how the motor industry is responding to the digital revolution – will provide an insight into how the automotive industry expects motoring to look for decades to come. Mr Bell will also discuss future innovations from Jaguar Land Rover – and what the future has in store its vehicles. Advanced technology will not only provide added convenience for drivers and passengers – but also deliver direct feedback to motor manufacturers with the potential for them to be aware of issues with a vehicle even before the driver. Mr Bell joined Jaguar Land Rover in 2010 and is responsible for managing the company's endto-end connected car

business service delivering an integrated strategy for telematics, mobile connectivity and connected services. Previously, he was JLR’s Chief Technology Officer having been Deputy Chief Technology Officer and head of Information Systems Strategy at United Utilities. The lecture is part of the Lunar Society’s role of highlighting future trends and development, particularly on how they will impact on global communities and city/ urban living. Waheed Saleem Chairman said: "I am delighted that Mike will be delivering our prestigious annual lecture following an eminent line of previous speakers. I'm sure this will be a fascinating lecture providing an insight of what the future car will look like. JLR is the leading car manufacture in the region, leading on innovation and advanced manufacturing and I'm pleased that Mike will also be setting out the future plans for JLR" There is no charge for the event but pre-registration is essential. The lecture will take place on Wednesday, 15th of April at 5:30pm for a 6pm start at Parkside building, Birmingham City University, B4 7BD. Light refreshments will be provided. http:// l u n a r s o c i e t y. o r g . u k / events/2015/04/the-lunarsociety-annual-lecture/

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APRIL 2015

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THE ASIAN TODAY PROPERTY VALUATIONS

RISE Industry Sees a 50% Surge

Valuations in the UK property market last month increased across all sectors with the total number 50% higher than in January, according to the latest research. There was a strong surge in activity across the housing market but home movers led the way with a 59% rise in activity on a monthly basis, the data from Connells Survey and Valuation shows. However, despite the strength of this upsurge, this leaves home mover valuations in February 8% lower than 12 months before. The data also shows that first time buyer activity reached an eight month high in February with the sector posting the second highest monthly growth after home movers. The number of valuations rose by 52% compared to the previous month, while on an annual basis it saw the smallest fall of just 3%.

PROPERTY

AUTHORITIES LOOKING FOR ‘SPECIFIC REASONS’ Government Could Prevent Selective Landlord Licensing

Those without a licence could be fined up to £5,000 and see their properties taken over by the council

Councils in the UK could be prevented from introducing selective licensing for private sector landlords unless there are specific reasons for doing so. The Department of Local Government and Communities believes that for an area to be designated

PROPERTY

as subject to selective licensing it must contain a high proportion of properties in the private rented sector, in relation to the total housing accommodation in that area. It has announced proposals that would mean that if an area has one or more of four specific conditions,

the authority may consider introducing licensing. These include hazards caused by poor housing conditions, an influx of migration and if the area is suffering from a high level of deprivation which affects a significant number of the occupiers of properties. The National Landlords Association (NLA) has welcomed the proposals at a time when there is unease about a number of councils introducing their own licensing schemes without providing evidence that they are needed. Landlords will also have to meet health and safety guidelines and be seen to be keeping the exterior in a good state of repair and dealing with complaints about antisocial behaviour caused by tenants. Those without a licence could be fined up to £5,000 and see their properties taken over by the council until an alternative licensed landlord is found.

SALES

SMOKE ALARMS BECOME LEGAL REQUIREMENT WILL BE REQUIRED IN Councils in the UK could be prevented from introducing selective licensing for private sector landlords unless there are specific reasons for doing so. The Department of Local Government and Communities believes that for an area to be designated

‘BACK ON TRACK’

Home lending rebounded in February for borrowers in the UK requiring smaller deposits and total home purchase approvals increased for the third month in a row, according to the latest figures. The mortgage monitor report from e.surv chartered surveyors suggests that the lending market is regaining its

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momentum. The report says that the rise was partly driven by rising property prices. The average purchase price for first time buyer homes climbed to a new record of £160,304 in January, 12% higher than January 2014, according to the latest First Time Buyer Tracker from Your Move and Reeds Rains.

Corner Plot, Three Bedrooms, One reception rooms, Bathroom downstairs

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PROPERTY

APRIL 2015

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Creating ‘Serviced Plots’

SECOND PHASE OF MUCH-AWAITED PROJECT BEGINS

he second phase of a multi-million pound fund to help aspiring custom and self builders in the UK get their projects off the ground more quickly has been announced. The second phase of the £150 million fund is now open to bidders and will create up to 10,000 so-called ‘serviced plots’ which is land prepared for house building and connected to utilities such as gas and water, so builders can go straight in and build. According to Housing Minister Brandon Lewis the average self build takes two years but those using serviced plots can cut this by up to a year and he believes it will help further unlock the massive potential the custom build industry has to expand. The custom and self build industry currently accounts for around 10,000 new homes every year but the government is backing industry led efforts to double that by 2020. The £150 million fund is open to small builders and community groups as short term loans to help get the land ready for housebuilding. The land can then be sold as individual plots to people looking to build their own home. Lewis said he was determined to ensure as many people as possible could fulfil their custom build ambitions so he has given the green light for the first three bids to proceed to the next stage of assessment. ‘Custom build should not be something that’s confined to a small and select group of people. Anyone who aspires to build their own home should have the opportunity to do so. We want to see the industry grow significantly and this £150 million fund will help further unlock the massive potential it has to help even more people achieve their ambitions,’ said Lewis. ‘This fund will help create shovel ready serviced plots so small developers and custom builders can get on and build, finishing their projects more quickly,’ he added.

Young Home Owners Looking at Equity Release Market Growth Forecasts Dip in Age Group

surge in equity release activity in the UK in the second half of 2014 saw younger borrowers turning to lifetime mortgages in the wake of the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) and the 2014 Budget pension announcement. The Spring 2015 edition of the Equity Release Market Report from the Equity Release Council shows that as the market has grown, the proportion of new equity release customers aged 55 to 64 dropped from 24% in 2011 to 21% in 2013, pushing up the average customer's age towards 71. This trend continued in the second half of 2014 when just 17% of new customers fell into the 55 to 64 age bracket. However, following

the March 2014 Budget and MMR implementation on 26 April, this age group made up 20% of new equity release customers during the second half of the year. Compared with the first half of 2014, the number of new equity release customers aged 55 to 64 was 32% higher in the second half of the year, which was also the busiest half year since 2008 for total new plans agreed. The average age of customers choosing drawdown products was unchanged at 71.6 from the first half of the year to the second half but the average age of those choosing lump sums fell from 68.8 in the first six months of 2014 to 67.6 in the second.

Demand Pushes Rental Price Up

There is an increase in demand for property in the private rental sector with new tenants seeing a rise in monthly rents from a third of lettings agents. Indeed some 31% of letting agents saw an increase in the cost of monthly rent for tenants from January to February, according to the Association of Residential

Letting Agents (ARLA) monthly Private Rented Sector Report. The South East of England saw the highest number of landlords increasing rent per calendar month with 41% of agents in the region reporting an increase whereas in contrast in Wales only 13% of agent’s reported uplift in rent prices.

DEMAND PUSHES RENTAL PRICE UP There is an increase in demand for property in the private rental sector with new tenants seeing a rise in monthly rents from a third of lettings agents. Indeed some 31% of letting agents saw an increase in the cost of monthly rent for tenants from January to February, according to the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) monthly Private Rented Sector Report. The South East of England saw the highest number of landlords increasing rent per calendar month with 41% of agents in the region reporting

an increase whereas in contrast in Wales only 13% of agent’s reported uplift in rent prices. An increase in rents may be down to the fierce competition for rental property. ARLA licensed agents reported an average of 40 prospective tenants per branch in February, up from 38 in January. The report points out that whilst only 13% of Welsh tenants saw an increase in rents, they are facing the most competition for housing, with 46 tenants registered per member branch. Tenants in the East of England are also

Tenants Look to Private Sector

facing fierce competition with an average of 45 house hunters registered at each branch. Overall the report says that supply in the rental market remains steady, with an average of 184 properties managed per member branch, which is the same as last month. The East Midlands boasts the highest level of supply, with an average of 269 properties per branch, whilst supply in London has dropped to an average of 122 per branch, down from 140 in January, increasing already intense competition in the capital.

MOTORING

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More than 400,000 units of Evoque have been produced since its introduction in 2011

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Specific pricing by market will be announced closer to launch. Indicative pricing for the 2016 model year Range Rover Evoque will be comparable with the current model.

The New Range Rover Evoke

and Rover has strengthened its fastest - selling model, the Range Rover Evoque. The luxury compact SUV features a comprehensive range of new design features and technologies to reinforce its status as the market leader. Range Rover Evoque's cutting-edge exterior design has been further enhanced with a selection of carefully chosen revisions. These updates include a new front bumper, two new grille designs, all-LED headlamps and three all-new alloy wheel designs. These changes

BATTERY-FUELLED SUV Audi Promises New Innovation Plans have bee announced for the first-ever battery battery-fuelled sports utility vehicle (SUV). Drivers will have to wait three years after buying a car from Audi before getting their hands on this new addition. The announcement was made after Audi unveiled its new all-electric R8 e-tron sports car at the Geneva Motor Show. Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi's chief engineer, outlined details. He said the "very attractive" new batterypowered SUV would hit the roads at the start of 2018 with a range of around 310 miles (500 kilometres-plus). Hackenberg did not say where the car would be launched or how much the new model would retail at. The firm's Q5 hybrid begins at roughly £34,682. Audi intends to position the new motor against the forthcoming much-delayed Model X from Tesla, due to arrive before the finish of 2015.

will enhance Evoque's unique design to a broad range of customers. Evoque's highly desirable design is a hallmark of this luxurious compact SUV. The introduction of the slimline LED foglamps and a noticeably wider tow-eye cover enhance the new front bumper design. The enlarged air intakes allude to its sporting character and create a more planted stance and further emphasise Evoque's assertive road presence. New seats and door casings combined with a redesigned instrument binnacle promote a

sophisticated ambiance to the overall interior. New premium softtouch materials create improved levels of quality with a broader specification range than ever before. A new tailgate spoiler includes a wider, slimmer high-level LED rear brake light that cleanly integrates within the spoiler and optional eye-catching new roof fins feature an integrated 3G antenna, for improved mobile phone signal. With three all-new alloy wheel designs with two finishes, a choice of Dynamic or

DISINTEREST DRIVES CLOSURE A Government motoring website is being shutdown after drivers “disinterest.” The website, which detailed road accidents, was supposed to help drivers and car insurance providers pinpoint areas of high risk. Information for the website was compiled by the Department for

Authorities Call for Cut to Drink-Drive Limit

Government Association (LGA) has said that the move should be mirrored in England, with approximately the chance to save 170 lives a year. RAC head of external affairs Pete Williams said, "It is clear that that there is an overwhelming tide of opinion among law-abiding motorists that England and Wales should follow suit with Scotland

been produced since its introduction in 2011 making the premium compact SUV the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time. Last year, 2014, marked the Evoque's most successful year to date, with 125,364 global sales. This sales success has been accompanied by critical acclaim, as Evoque has won more than 165 international awards since launch. The hugely successful model will also be the most efficient car in its class when deliveries begin in August 2015, in over 170 markets worldwide.

Road Accidents Map Shuts Down

Transport using police and local highway authority data. The website allowed users to access information which included time, location, the severity of any casualties, vehicle types and age groups involved. However the Department for Transport says its monthly hit rate

UNACCEPTABLE Cutting the drink-drive limit on roads across England would prevent dozens of deaths every year, according to the country's fire and rescue authorities. In 2014, Scotland cut its legal limit from 80mgs of alcohol per 100ml of blood to just 50mgs and as a result, there had been less pressure on emergency services. Backed by the RAC, the Local

standard body kit, and an extensive palette of exterior colours with available contrast roof designs, the possibilities for creating an Evoque to a customer's bespoke specification are now almost endless. The range of i m p r o v e m e n t s engineered into the 2016 model year Range Rover Evoque includes a series of new convenience features, with an all-new eight-inch InControlTM Touch touchscreen infotainment system providing a more intuitive experience. More than 400,000 units of Evoque have

of 1,200-plus does not merit keeping the site open, especially as the data is available elsewhere. Alternative providers have mushroomed since its March 2013 launch. The department's latest figures showed that only 1,232 users on average visit the site each month. and adopt the lower permitted alcohol limit which is widespread across Europe. "Scotland's decision to reduce its legal limit for driving to 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood seems to have struck a chord with motorists. In a recent RAC survey of 2,607 drivers more 38% wanted the Scottish lower limit to be the same across England and Wales while 23% wanted to go a step further and have a total ban on consuming alcohol before driving.

SPORTS

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Fighting Her Corner

I don’t feel like I’m going out there to break stereotypes, I’m just doing what I love doing

Be humble in life and strive for what you believe in.

RUQSANA BEGUM ON WHY SHE BECAME A ROLE MODEL Current British and European Kick-boxing champion, Ruqsana Begum isn’t stopping at anything to achieve her dream of world domination. Listed as the most inspirational person on the recent Bangladeshi Power List, the 31-yearold has had to overcome a number of challenges to climb to the top in Muay Thai (Thai boxing) sport. She sat down with The Asian Today to talk about the sport, her future and that controversial loss.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF My background as one of five siblings from a conservative Muslim Bangladeshi family has meant overcoming a unique combination of challenges to establish myself in the maledominated world of Muay Thai (Thai boxing). Having discovered the sport at 18 while studying Architecture at undergraduate level, I chose to train in secret for the first five years out

The sport is very challenging and it helps me express myself. It is my place of happiness

Boxing Celebration for Akram Brothers

• IN THE RING: Hamza Akram

eading boxing brothers Faraz and Hamza Akram made it a double family celebration in London, after both emerging victorious from their fights in the UK’s premier boxing league. Appearing for the first time together on the Queensbury Boxing League’s Thunder In London event staged at the famous Alexandra Palace, both brothers recorded impressive wins to make it a memorable evening for the family, who turned out in force to watch the action. Up first on the night 20 yearold Faraz produced an early contender for knockout of the season after brutally stopping Kent based rival Milton Monteiro in the opening round of the contest after detonating

and took me away from all my other life stresses. It’s an arena to test myself.

• TIGERS: The Tiger vetrans celebrating a win

WHO IS YOUR INSPIRATION? There are a few people that inspire me. These include, my trainer Bill Judd

inspires me and Mohammed Ali inspires me; along with Martin Luther king.

WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL AIMS IN THE SPORT? My main aim is to make myself proud. I want to reach my highest potential and only I will know that when I get there. In a way I think I think I am there. I look back at my journey and I am so

blessed with so many things. I have always pushed my boundaries and I will keep going because life is a journey, it’s not the destination that counts. There are always deeper levels to explore.

WHAT DO YOU TAKE AWAY FROM THE FIGHT? I’m starting to accept that not everything is in my control and that I can only

do my best. Be humble in life and strive for what you believe in.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU? I want to be a role model so I’m bringing out a sports hijab range. Along with

that I want to be able to help Muslim women access sports.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW ON OUR WEBSITE: WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM

a ferocious barrage of punches that left late replacement flattened on the canvas. The older of the Akram brothers has built a fearsome reputation in the competition as one of the most feared punchers in the Middleweight division with all five of his victories coming inside two rounds, and after Saturday’s performance he looks set for a major title shot this season with one of the shows biggest stars. Up next making his very first competitive appearance inside the ring, 19 year-old Hamza faced off against Farnborough based rival Patrick Nash in the Light Middleweight division. After watching his brother rise to prominence over the last 12 month’s, the pressure

Flying High! • IN THE RING: Faraz Akram

of concern that I would upset her traditionalminded parents. Being “small, Muslim, Asian, and female” also brought its own challenges and made me an unlikely competitor, but with the support of my trainer, former World Champion Bill Judd, and later my parents, I’ve has gone on to successfully compete and win at World Class level.

WHY MUAY THAI?

• TIGERS: Under 16 win

• TIGERS: Under 12 win

The football season has come to an end with the biggest winners of the season being London’s Tigers. London Tigers Under 12s finished the season coming runners up in the Camden & Regents Park League. The Under 16s completed their season as runners up in the Camden and Regents Park Youth Under 16 League Cup competition. The Tigers Veterans team reached the semifinals of the ILFL Super Cup and Legends Cup on Sunday 29th March, despite the windy, rainy weather and limited player availability. “Well done to all the players involved this season,” said Mesba Ahmed, CEO. “Well done and congratulations to the managers, Bilal, Aaron, Samir.” Abroad in Bangladesh, London Tigers Sylhet Under 16 team won their 5th and last match 5-1

was on to make a good start to his career, and Hamza duly obliged boxing beautifully over the three round contest to record a unanimous points win. Talking after the show coach David Johnson who trains both brothers out of the Camberley boxing gym in Surrey said: “ It was a great night for the club and it was 3 wins out of three including my other fighter Bryan Richardson. “Hamaza and Faraz both did really well on the night and I’m really pleased for both boys. “Faraz was back to his best with another stunning KO victory, and Hamza’s win on his debut against Nash was great considering Nash had a lot more experience than him so plenty to still work on but pleased with how it all went."

End of season success for Tigers teams in the group games in the Bangladesh Football Federation Dhaka Pioneer League. This means they qualify for the next round of the national Competition in Bangladesh. “Well done to the team and management Siraj Uddin and Shakeel bhai to go unbeaten so far,” said Mesba. “Great start to football competition with 64 teams organised by BFF. Thank you to our sponsors Sylhet Excelsior Hotel. Legendary Bangladesh national footballer Mohammed Kaisar Hamid also attended one of the matches, inspiring our young players to follow in his footstep. London Tigers is a charity working across London and beyond, using sports as tool to engage and support disadvantaged communities. Our work covers children and young people, women’s health, employment and training, community cohesion and sports development.

PRIDE OF PAKISTAN Amir Khan Awarded Presidents Award

British boxer Amir Khan has been awarded one of Pakistan’s highest awards for his services, as a BritishPakistani, to boxing. The 28-year-old was not in attendance and instead the civil award was picked up by his parents, Shah and Falak Khan. Amir received the Presidents Award for Pride of Performance on Pakistan Day, which also included 112 of the victims of the Peshawar attack receiving honours.

The teachers and students of the Army Public School in Peshawar were decorated with top civil awards for demonstrating bravery when terrorists attacked the institution on Dec 16 last year, killing 135 students and 10 staffers, including the principal. The school’s former principal Tahira Qazi and teacher Saima Zareen were awarded Sirtara-i- Shujaat while others were given Tamgha-i-Shujaat.

• AWARD: Amir's Parents, Shah and Falak, receiving his Presidents Award.

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star-studded charity evening which included a host of celebrities and football stars has been hailed a success after raising thousands of pounds. The Birmingham Youth Sports Academy Annual Charity Dinner, held last month, was attended by Liverpool legend John Aldrige and Mark Walters, Aly Cissokho who is currently at Aston Villa FC, Reda Johnson who is currently at Coventry City FC and Kashif Siddiqi who is currently at Northampton Town FC. Containing a threecourse meal, sports auction, entertainment, awards presentation and a question and answer session with the footballers, the event went on to raise money for the grassroots sports organisation. The evening consisted of individuals from all sectors, which included the Lord Lieutenant Paul Chandrasekharan Sabapathy CBE,

SPORTS

Celebrity Sports Event Raises Thousands

Birmingham Lord Mayor Shafique Shah, Superintendent, Queens Counsel, Judges, Accounts, D o c t o r s , S o l i c i t o r s , Barristers, media organisations and many other professional b u s i n e s s c o m p a n i e s that made the evening an unforgettable event. Started by Chairman, Mr Zaheer Afzal, the BYSA dinner awards children, aged 8 -18 years of age, for their hard contribution and work within the academy and then followed volunteers of the BYSA being awarded for their voluntary service every weekend providing sports and education. Mr Anwar Khattak the welfare officer of the BYSA was then presented a British Empire Medal (BEM)

by the Lord Lieutenant for his 15 years of voluntary services to sport. Mr Khattak will also be attending the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

on the 12th May to meet the Queen. In an emotional speech, Mr Khattak acknowledged his achievements and work over the years working with children

and dedicated the award to his late parents and promised to continue his hard work and take the BYSA to the next level. The auctioneer for

GETTING TO GRIPS LEADING ASIAN BUSINESSMAN TO HELP FORMER MECHANIC BECOME WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN

Fitness entrepreneur Mo Chaudry has turned his sights to making Eddie Hall a global celebrity after agreeing a deal to become his agent. The owner of the M Club gym chain will handle all commercial activities so the Newcastleunder-Lyme 27-year-old can concentrate on becoming the World’s Strongest Man, having won the UK title four times. An amateur power-lifter in his youth, Chaudry is determined to help the 6’3”, 27st strongman achieve his goals of breaking

into the top three this year – after finishing 6th in his debut competition last year – and winning the title in 2016. He said, “When I saw Eddie training at M Club it brought back some happy memories. “My father Iqbal was a strongman in Pakistan when I was younger and was a local hero, and I was a weight-lifter at university, winning a silver medal in the Student Olympics in 1982 and bronze in 1983. “So I can appreciate what Eddie has to go through to

prepare for competition and also how the winners are revered around the world. “Ultimately I’d like to create an Asia’s Strongest Man competition, as strongman contests in the sub-continent have huge potential, but first I want to help Eddie achieve his ambitions. “By taking commercial negotiations out of his hands I can leave him to concentrate on his training. “I am very passionate about promoting unique local talent

• STRONGEST MAN: Mo Chaudry

• STRONGEST MAN: Eddie Hall

"...The BYSA would like to thank everyone who took part and attended the night and most importantly the supporters and sponsors that have helped the BYSA on its journey..."

the evening was Mr Balbir Singh from Equity Chambers. Items were of all sporting memorabilia football and boxing such as Diego Maradona, Pele, Messi, Ronaldo, Gerrard and Suarez signed shirts. Along with this, there were Mike Tyson and Amir Khan signed gloves. The raffle items consisted of an Apple iPad, restaurant vouchers, TV, mobile phones and the star prize which was a holiday for two to Istanbul. Organisers gave a special thank you to K Legal solicitors, Kingsland Business Recovery, Awan International, Barclays, Turkish Airlines, Venture Capital, Lone & Co Solicitors, Institute of Asian Businesses, Equity Chambers, St Philips Chambers, Carmelite Chambers,

Rowchester Chambers, Baynon & Co Solicitors, ER Mason Foundation, West Midlands Police, XL Services, Pathway Group, City Express Travel Agents, Darlaston Tax Shop, Murria Solicitors, Younis Bhatti & Co Accountants, Aidem Digital, Delicious PR, Bond Wolfe, South & City College, Latifs, Awan Marketing PLC, Digital Office, Pak Travels, The Asian Today newspaper, Khattak Solicitors, NEBA Leicester, Media organisations, Dr Mirza Ahmad, Dr Rab Khan, Prestige Suite and many more. After the event, Anwar Khattak said, “The night was all fun and entertainment and it definitely will be popular for next year. The BYSA would like to thank everyone who took part and attended the night and most importantly the supporters and sponsors that have helped the BYSA on its journey. We would like to encourage more people to get involved.”

and helping it to reach its full potential, and this partnership enables me to do that and hopefully put the area on the map.” Eddie requires commercial backing to help him compete for international titles. Competitions take place around the world, and while he currently covers the cost of travel and accommodation himself, he still needs to pay for additional expenses like food and equipment. This year he will compete in the world championships in Malaysia, and two competitions organised by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Australia and the USA. Eddie said: “My food bill is large as I need to consume 7,000-10,000 calories a day, and more than 10,000 a day during competitions.

LIFE IN THE ENGLAND SPORTS

APRIL 2015

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FUTSAL CAMP

SAEED AJMAL SPEAKS ABOUT HIS COMEBACK:

KAYUR KOTETCHA:HARD WORKING – HONEST - CONFIDENT

Futsal in England is gaining more and more popularity and the fast-paced sport is being recognised as one that gives sheer enjoyment by those that are involved both on and off the pitch. I caught up with the England Futsal Team physiotherapist, Kayur Kotecha who shares with us ‘Life as a Physiotherapist for England Futsal’. On how he became involved with the England team he said: “I was recommended to the FA for the Physiotherapist role for the National Team and have been working with them since April 2011. I have represented the Squad in the preliminary qualifying rounds of the FIFA World Cup and main round of the UEFA Futsal Euro's. I have had the opportunity to travel to various countries such

as Norway, Latvia, France, Turkey and Qatar which has been absolutely amazing. I have been a Physiotherapist for 4 years now and compliment working with the England Team with my day work as a Rehabilitation Consultant”. On who inspired him to become a physiotherapist he speaks highly of his mum and her influence on him becoming involved in sport: “My mum always wanted to be a Physiotherapist but was encouraged not to go down this career bath by her uncles. However, she always encouraged me to play sport. She played state level basketball and hockey in India. My love for sport and keep fit stems from her. I guess I was nurtured into becoming a Physiotherapist!”

So what does a typical day look like when working for the England National Futsal Team? 6.00am: Wake up! Being on International duty means that I have virtually very little time for myself downtime that I would normally have than say in a normal 9am 5pm role. So this is usually the time I wake up to do the things I want to do for myself such as going to the gym (if the team hotel were staying in has one), or go for a run with our Strength and Conditioning Coach. Anything that will ‘rev’ me up for a busy day ahead! 8.00am: Player testing: urine/ hydration testing, muscle length and strength testing to determine recovery levels. Also this gives players the opportunity to understand what is happening with their bodies. 8.30am: Breakfast with the team and coaching staff and an opportunity to have a few

jokes and a laugh with the players to boost morale! 9.15am: Leave Hotel for training. 10:00am: Attend training session. 12.30pm: Lunch at the hotel we are staying at. 1.00pm – 4:00pm: This is the ‘Physiotherapy Clinic. It is an opportunity for player's to discuss injuries or niggles they have, and get them treated and best prepared for the games. 4:00pm: Leave hotel for training / match. 5.30pm - 8.30pm - Attend training / prepare players for the match. 9.30pm: Dinner at the hotel. 10.00pm: Another ‘Physiotherapy Clinic’ held for the players. 11.00pm - 6.00am: On-call with team Doctor.

It is apparent that working for the England team requires much dedication, commitment and passion. This 12-hour day certainly

illustrates that Kayur Kotecha holds all of these traits and more. His determination and willingness has allowed him to find a way of juggling both

SPORTS

Contact Kayur Kotecha via twitter: @PhysioLabLeics

Manisha Tailor Sports Writer

www.swaggarlicious.com

@ManishaTailor1

• FUTSAL: Manisha Tailor with Futsal Player Kayur Kotetcha

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS: What is the most listened to track? Depends who is hogging the iPod dock! The Psychologist has got them into a routine by ensuring each player has one favourite song on a playlist to be played in the changing room before a match. Who is the best singer in the squad? Haha I have never heard any one of them sing, but if you asked me who the best dancer is then it would have to be our captain - Ben Mortlock! Great feet! Who would you consider as the funniest/joker within the group? That would have to be Luke Ballinger. He believes he created the infamous pants party which has now been banned! Sorry, I can't give you any more info than that ;) Name a Physio gadget that you cannot live without….. The game ready device.

Pakistan Cricket Board, Dr. Paul Hurrion and also my manager Moghees Sheikh from International Cricketer’s Association. They have all really supported me through this tough time and I am very grateful to all of them. I look forward to playing cricket again for my country. I will continue to work hard with the experts in the coming weeks and months to ensure that together we are looking at the technical side of my bowling. My aim is to carry on bowling without any fear of being reported for an illegal action and to focus on being the number one bowler in the world and helping my team."

To find out more about International Cricketer's Association you can check out their website: www. internationalcricketersassociation.co.uk and follow them on Twitter: @icassociation.

Let’s Do It

Khan Accepts Kell Brook’s Fight • BOXING: Amir Khan Ready to fight Kell Brook at Wembley

• FUTSAL: England Futsal team group meeting his full-time role with this as the England Physio. Kayur Kotecha is a role model for those within the community aspiring to work in the game

and is certainly challenging the stereotype of the underrepresentation of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Community in football.

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After a difficult period for Pakistan cricket there was finally some good news on Saturday 7th February 2015 as the International Cricket Council confirmed that Saeed Ajmal's bowling action was legal and he is allowed to play for his country once again. Ajmal was reported after the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle in August 2014 and failed the initial test on his bowling action, which was performed on 25th August 2014 at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. "We have put in alot of work in rectifying my bowling action since I have been banned. I am debted to Saqlain Mushtaq, the

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Amir Khan has accepted Kell Brook’s challenge to fight him at Wembley within the next 12 months, however has told the Sheffield fighter he has other opponents to fight first. Brook's team had called on Khan with a vision to set a date for a fight this summer after defending his IBF welterweight title with a stoppage win over Jo Jo Dan in Sheffield. But Khan said that Brook is not on his radar for his next fight. “Kell Brook, if you want to take the fight, winner takes all, I'm up for it because I know I'll take everything because I'll beat you. So let's do it, man," Khan said. “I’d love to go in the ring and fight Kell Brook, it could be his last fight against me because the thing is, I'll give him that much of a beating

it could end up being his last fight. “And maybe that’s why he wants it, because he knows that last fight against me will financially secure him for the rest of his life. So maybe he just wants that. “It’s all about timing: if I’ve got a different route and I want to face the likes of the Mayweathers and Pacquiaos out there, then Kell Brook will have to wait. “We don’t want to rush this fight because it is going to be a big fight. It’s going to be a huge fight but it’s all about the timing. “Kell Brook was saying he was going to forget about Amir Khan, he wants to fight Pacquiao and Mayweather. These guys don’t know who Kell Brook is. Regardless of if he is a world champion, he’s just a name.”

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Running Out of Luck Pakistan lived up to its billing with a topsy-turvy ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 campaign. After a poor start, Pakistan raised hopes of a 1992-like turnaround. But, the team was let down by its batting and fielding, to be knocked out by Australia in the quarterfinal. Yet, throughout the tournament, it proved itself to have one of the best bowling units. This was despite losing out on the services of Saeed Ajmal, while Umar Gul, Junaid Khan and Mohammad Hafeez missed out owing to injury. Pakistan began its tournament on an inauspicious note, going down to India for the sixth time in World Cup history. A 150-run loss to an equally unpredictable West Indies side, which had earlier been defeated by Ireland, compounded Pakistan’s woes. The loss set Misbah-ulHaq’s men back in a big way, and the team was deflated. “We just lost in all three departments. Couldn't bowl well, a lot of dropped catches, and batting, totally flopped,”

India Hold Head High After World Cup

said Misbah after the loss to the West Indies. And so it did. The side managed to just stay afloat with a 20-run victory over Zimbabwe. Then a massive 129-run victory over the UAE gave it some sense of confidence, but it was the brilliant come-from-behind win against South Africa that resurrected Pakistan’s World Cup campaign. The Pakistan team management had tried a few different combinations at the top of the order, but nothing seemed to work. It finally hit upon a functioning opening pair of Ahmed Shehzad and Sarfraz Ahmed, who got his chance when the out-of-form Nasir Jamshed’s luck ran out. This was to be the last ODI tournament for Shahid Afridi as well as Misbah. Afridi will be disappointed that he failed to fire, getting to just 116 runs and two wickets from seven matches. Misbah, on the other hand, led from the front, steadying the innings when Pakistan most needed it, to become its leading run-getter with 350 runs at an average of 50.

No Repeat of 1992 Glory for Misbah’s Side

SPORTS

"We played this World Cup with 16 players and tonight is certainly dedicated to our little brother and teammate Phillip Hughes" - Micheal Clarke

WINNING MOMENT - Steve Smith hits the winning runs

• CAPTAIN: Misbah's Anguish

CRUCIAL MOMENT - Steve Smith 56* partnered with Michael clarke holds stand of 130 runs

• SARFRAZ: Star Batsman

Time to Give it Back KODAK MOMENT: Australia win the World Cup infront of home crowed

Continued from Page 63 With only 183 to defend, New Zealand’s only option was to bowl Australia out. However, when McCullum took second slip out as early as the fifth over and saw David Warner edge Tim Southee exactly through where that fielder had been, the moment had passed. Australia would have been 23 for 2 at that stage; instead, Warner celebrated the let-off with a succession of boundaries to negate the Trent BoultSouthee threat before ceding centre stage to Clarke. Clarke’s farewell fifty, a free-flowing innings full of sumptuous strokes, was the icing on the cake as Australia clattered to 186 for 3 and a seven-wicket romp with 101 deliveries to spare. Steven Smith, imperceptibly, brought up a half-century of his own in perhaps his most important but least celebrated knock to date, their 112-run stand a wonderful amalgam of the present and the future. Clarke fell with victory imminent, walking off to his second standing ovation of the night. The honour of hitting the winning runs was left to Smith when the skipper chopped on with just nine runs required for victory, but if not Clarke, there can be few more deserved figures than the man destined to succeed him as this country’s captain. Clarke was emotional as he left the field, touching the black armband on his sleeve and raising his bat to the sky. It is just over four months since Hughes tragically died after being struck by a cricket ball while batting for South Australia, rocking Clarke and Australian cricket to the core. "We played this World Cup with 16 players and tonight is certainly dedicated to our little brother and teammate Phillip Hughes," Clarke said at the post-match presentation, adding that he would continue to wear a black armband with the initials PH on it for the remainder of his career.

Looking to the Future •

INDIA: India Didn't Get the Double They Were Looking For

India wasn't able to defend its title at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, but fans can be proud of the team's sevenmatch winning streak in the tournament, especially after having endured a tough four months in Australia. That India’s dream run was brought to a halt by Australia in the semi-final wasn't too surprising. Prior to the tournament, Australia had defeated India in the Test series, in the One-Day International tri-series and even in the ICC Cricket World Cup warm-up match. As it turned out, India losing out to England in the tri-series proved to be a blessing. It gave the team time to recharge its batteries 8719 NOW ON 0121 667 TO ADVERTISE CALL

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know Only 2% of population fight about Muslim soldiers British Army and die alongside 400,000 made-up estimated 1.3 millionthe which fought during Great War safer Make your country

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feels so blessed.” grateful, he Dr. Mohinder marathon Bhai Sahib 103-year-old of the this leads runner Singh, Chairman Year of charitable New year’s in Nishkam group based Fauja Singh, organisations, been Honours list. believed to be has Birmingham, British in who is widely Officer of marathon runner of appointed the oldest in recognition has been honoured Empire (OBE) and inexorable the world, Empire Medal his unstinting of with a British years to promote active member by work over forty (BME). An running coexistence and peace the the Redbridge-based of different faiths in the City, bringing people to the up club Sikhs contribute athlete took together to Essex based at the of humanity. common good marathon challenges in the Queen’s A spokesperson On the award Bhai age of 89. Honours list, on behalf of 2015 New Year a great personal from the club, is “He’s so chuffed, Sahib said, “It Fauja said, this prestigious life has been honour to receive Majesty the he feels his another couple from Her by the award extended to grace of God, really wants Queen, by the of years. He even the Faith." Majesty for Defender of on Page 2 thank Her him. He’s really Continued thinking of

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funny and of a charming, smart, Tony, telling the stories Bend it cast of characters." Chadha, known for "I've previously untapped The brainchild of Gurinder new, nonCEO Bend It TV, commented,which & Prejudice, this fresh, Gurinder Chadha, a show Like Beckham and Bride chronicle the lives of a multia long time to create in a will been wanting for and scripted drama series the British Asian community the British-Asian community allowed me to show relationships generational cast within way, exploring the truly three-dimensional to be British and will air on Sky Living. suburbs which and what it means West London and the between generations that we'll get Shot on location in fluid. I am pumped in places such as diverse population, Asian as values become are home to a rich, Rascals will tell to Gerrards Cross, Desi group for a long time Southall, Harrow and dynamic and aspirational their "...I've been wanting allowed me to show the stories of a modern, navigate which create a show a range of ages as they truly threeof characters across community in a a fast changing the British Asian and family lives in exploring the relationships social, professional to be dimensional way, and what it means landscape, community. in the social media between generations fluid..." The series will be rooted as values become so the cast can British and Asian using social networks shot in real time and lives unfold on customers as their people talking with each interact with Sky Living where I grew up with twice a week at 8pm, - I could to see a show from screen. It will be shown characters and lives in their own words uenced by how the about their world and episode directly infl as rich as this!" just happened. been never write dialogue said, "I Media said, "Having audience react to what's Director, Sky Living it's great Tony Wood, CEO, Buccaneer Antonia Hurford-Jones, a genuinely structured reality boom, brings bringing our customers and at the start of the British drama am so excited to be moves the genre on approach to the non-scripted to be back. Desi Rascals British Asians to a whole new tone and authentic and warm young It has exactly the the massive tale of Sky Living and genre with Desi Rascals. in a Living show and I loved to be working with for audience. I'm thrilled sensibilities we look opportunity." I am so excited to minute I heard it. Gurinder; this is a brilliant the idea from the Gurinder and supremely talented be working with the

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and play the ICC Cricket World Cup with a renewed sense of purpose. And the India v Pakistan game to kick off the campaign proved to be the perfect tonic for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men. It was a carnival atmosphere at the Adelaide Oval, and the special setting demanded a special performance. On cue, Virat Kohli, the fan favourite, set the platform with a sparkling century, the first by an Indian against Pakistan in ICC Cricket World Cups. But the law of averages eventually caught up with Dhoni and Co in the semifinal. Though the crowd was firmly behind India, history

award, she of the Year it as ‘surprising’ On an unforgettable “I am so evening, described ‘unexpected.’ Thursday unsung and and winning Birmingham’s to overwhelmed gathered feels surreal. heroes the award achievements, result of all celebrate and This is the the team accomplishments selfless the hard work of of Today. We recognition at The Asian Amongst the of effort in dedication. have put a lot 3rd annual Asian Today winners of the pushing The Oscar of issues Heart of Birmingham at the forefront the Editor of community.” Awards was affecting our Today, Anita The Asian ON PAGE 2 CONTINUED Chumber. the Woman Picking up

stuff. and hi-tech I working on computers It was the time boy has him turning point. the time based 5-year-old certified That was the computers. As Birmingham playing with grew and youngest-ever Qureshi started my interest in computers become the around with Specialist. Ayan passed for me to play Microsoft Computer five and overtook it became hobby was more and more interat the age of coveted title. there while took the exam Yawar for the how computers, for me in the computing Pakistani Mehroz he described concepts. est and fun Asian Today grasping the Speaking to The learning and ON PAGE 2 very I was CONTINUED he felt. computers in an interest in "I developed my dad, watching to sit next to early age. I used

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and statistics favoured Australia. Steve Smith had been hugely successful against India in the Test series and the promotion to No. 3 proved to be a clever ploy. Despite the loss, Dhoni didn't look too beaten and accepted that the better team won on the day. “Even before the start of the tournament, when we played the tri-series, we had a lot of problems to deal with, the cricketing problems, the form of the players, to manage the team," he explained. "We were here for over two months, and we had another two months to go. All in all, it was a tough one for us.

• TIGERS: Bangladesh Head Home as Heroes

"OBVIOUSLY THE BOYS ARE REALLY HAPPY AND HOPE THAT IS ONE OF THE BEST TURNS FOR US AND THE BANGLADESH CRICKET WILL MOVE FROM HERE"

The lasting images of Bangladesh’s ICC Cricket World Cup campaign will be the jubilant celebrations after its win over England. With a spirited effort, Bangladesh earned qualification to the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time. Prior to the match against England, Bangladesh had picked up a 105-run win against Afghanistan before sharing points with Australia on account of a washed out match. It conceded a 92run win to Sri Lanka before pulling off the second-highest

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Bangladesh Team Return Home as Heroes

chase in World Cup history against Scotland. Addressing the media after the win against England, Mashrafe Mortaza, the captain, acknowledged the importance of the win in the context of the growth of Bangladesh cricket. "Yeah, it was a good win. I would say it's a great turn for us," he had said. "If I go back, I think our problem was a lack of consistency, but in this World Cup, two out of these five matches we have been very consistent, and hopefully it will keep going for the next few matches. Obviously the boys are really happy and hope that is one of the best turns for us and the Bangladesh cricket will move from here." Bangladesh's players hadn’t had too much exposure to playing in Australia and New Zealand, but they showed that they were up for the challenge of unfamiliar conditions. Reflecting on the performance of his team, Mortaza expressed pride at leading a promising bunch of players and looked ahead to the future with the bright hope that his team could convert the experience gained into even better results.

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NAPIT AND S&CC Giving Students the Right Training

• SPORTS: City College Staff John Collins and Norman Black

WORLD Australia Claim Fifth World Cup Title

here is nothing Australia loves more than to strut its stuff in front of its fans. There was no shortage of support as the MCG, bursting at the seams with a record 93,013 fans in attendance, buzzed with electricity well before the toss. Decked up in their yellow tees and wearing their yellow caps with pride, Australia’s supporters prepared for a capital show from their heroes. They were not to be disappointed. In Michael Clarke’s final appearance as a One-Day International player, Australia showed its class by romping to a big win. New Zealand arrived in Australia hopeful of becoming the newest first-time champion. However, in the space of seven hours, it was emphatically denied. Clarke led with the astuteness and assurance of a general who knows his troops are used to overwhelming success. Brendon McCullum, inspirational and enterprising thus far, had a bad day with the bat and, momentarily, perhaps decisively, was defensive as captain.

The New Zealand innings lost momentum after the early loss of the

Michael Clarke Bows Out as World Cup Champion tone-setting McCullum. All tournament, the skipper has got the side off to

blistering starts, but in the final, he didn’t even lay bat to ball. Starc produced an outstanding first over. After Martin Guptill escaped with a single, Starc gave McCullum a terrific working over. The battle lasted only three deliveries, but it was gripping and intense. It was also to be the first defining phase of the final. Only when Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott, the only batsman that showed fluency, were involved in a 111-run stand for the fourth wicket did the famed New Zealand resolve make its appearance. New Zealand, however, had little to show either side of that 97-minute, 137ball alliance as its last seven wickets tumbled for 33 in 60 deliveries to a combination of skill and intelligence from the home side. Australia used the short delivery liberally, but the follow-up balls were the one that did the damage. Eight of the ten wickets fell to full balls, testimony to Australia’s game plan that took emotion completely out of the equation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 62

he first National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) approved electrical training centre in the West Midlands has opened in a partnership with South & City College Birmingham. Opened by Labour MP, Liam Byrne and Principal Mike Hopkins, the training centre will sit alongside South and City College. The college will be able to offer Blue Flame Certificated Full Scope electrical Training. This allows a stepping stone for installers to demonstrate competence in one of the key areas needed to join the electrical Competent Person Scheme. NAPIT has been providing industry recognised training across the UK for many years and assuring high standards in the electrical industry since 1992. NAPIT have been thoroughly impressed by the college’s outstanding commitment to education, training and sustainability. It’s investment in practical and vocational skills are central to growth in the local community and both South & City College and NAPIT look forward to working in partnership for many years to come. There are only a handful of NAPIT-approved centres across the country, so the partnership is a real achievement for South & City College. There will be a real benefit to electricians and people wanting to become electricians in the West Midlands as they will no longer need to travel long

distances for the required courses. The college has excellent facilities and the tutors are some of the best in their field and they look forward to welcoming new students. Zaf is seen here with South and City College Staff, John Collins and Norman Black, at the new Electrical Full Cost Recovery Centre at the Bordesley Green Campus. The centre was set up to help electricians and gas fitters to complete short courses lasting around 1 - 5 days, increasing their knowledge and skills. The centre was awarded NAPIT approval. The college boosts a high percentage pass rate at competitive prices so if you’re an electrician or gas fitter looking to upgrade your skills why not try one of their courses. Another organisation which I need to mention because of their exceptional work in the community and who I feel honoured to be part is VIY group, who are based in London. They are a company who renovate leisure centres, community halls and various other projects around the country, all of which is voluntary. With guys like Ed, Line, Imran and Raj Kumar, the work is always done to a standard that always puts a smile on people’s faces. Recently, I have worked with VIY on projects in Small Heath, Alum Rock, Pershore Road and Banbury. More than 200 youths have been involved in these projects from the age of 14-24 and have had a NVQ Qualification from City and Guilds for their participation.

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