The Asian Today - Issue 222 by The Asian Today

INSIDE DESIXPRESS: MAY 2017 ISSUE No.222

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RAMADHAN MUBARAK

Vote WIN right up ANDY'S street Conservative candidate clinches stunning 1% lead over Sion Simon

The Conservative candidate Andy Street has secured his place as the Midland’s Metro Mayor by a shocking 1% edge. The former John Lewis boss who left his old position to run for Metro Mayor beat second runner up Sion Simon by just 6000 votes. The voting was structured so that voters were given two choices, a first choice and a second preferred choice. After none of the candidates- which included Lib Dem’s Beverley Nielson,

Green Party’s James Burn, UKIPs Pete Durnell and the Communist’s party Graham John Stevenson- managed to achieve a first round vote, the voter’s second preference votes were added to the count, resulting in a win for the Conservatives despite the Midland’s historic Labour preference. However Simon ran a rather underwhelming and low profile campaign race compared to his Conservative counterpart who spent Continued on page 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Vaisakhi Celebrations PG 16-17

Interview with Kulwinder Billa

PG 45

India V Pakistan PG 63

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Votes from ﬁrst count:

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James Burn Green party - 24,260 Pete Durnell UKIP - 29,051

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Beverley Anne Nielsen Lib Dem - 30,378 Sion Simon Labour - 210,259 Graham John Stevenson Communist - 5,696 Andy Street Conservative - 216,280 Votes from second count:

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Sion Simon Labour - 24,603

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Andy Street Conservative - 22,348

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continued from front page over a £1m on his campaign before a spending cap was put into place. Simon, a member of the European Parliament, admitted that Labour was out of touch. He previously said, "What we have heard coming from the doorsteps time and time again during this campaign is that traditional Labour supporters tell us that they're not feeling confident enough that we, in Labour, are strong enough with traditional Labour values." However he refused to blame party leader Jeremy Corbyn’s hard-left leaning. The Tory win in the Midlands region could spell success for the Tory’s come the general election, as many previously Labour supporting voters turn to other avenues. One such group is the ethnic

demographic who are quickly losing their Labour loyalty and may choose to vote Conservative. At the Barclaycard Arena, newly elected Street told the crowd, “This marks the rebirth of urban Conservatism. It’s about economic success but about shaping a region which works for everybody no matter how strong or weak you are.” He has pledged to prioritise the ever growing issue of rough sleeping in Birmingham and homelessness in the Black Country and Coventry. There has been a steep 50% increase in rough sleeping in Birmingham in the last year along with an estimated 300,000 new homes needed over the next fifteen years to meet increasing demand. Street said, “I learned on the campaign trail how intense the feelings are about homelessness and rough sleeping across and I personally commit to

tackling that issue. "I will put together the task force as soon as I can this week. We will also start thinking about some creative solutions. I said last year that rough sleeping shames us as a region and there has been consistent bad news since then. I am determined to tackle this." Street will now be in charge of a £1.1bn investment to be funnelled in over the next thirty years, or £36m a year. He will have control over the entire Midland’s region economic development, housing, education, environmental and more sectors. Some of his plans include campaigning to secure the 2026 Commonwealth Games for Birmingham and to use his highly successful business background to boost investment and job creation in the Midlands.

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Young Muslim Girl Dies at Drayton Manor An eleven year old has died after falling out of a ride

community has come together after the tragic death of an eleven year old girl. Evha Jannath, from Leicester, died after falling

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out of a boat on the Splash Canyon ride at Drayton Manor Park. Evha had gone to the theme park as part of a

school trip with her friends. Her family have said they are "devastated that we will not see our beautiful little girl again.” After falling into the water, Evha was recovered from the water and received advanced life support from ambulance crews. She was then flown to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where she later died. The family’s statement said, “Yesterday our world was torn apart by the news that our daughter and sister Evha had lost her life in tragic circumstances, following a school trip to Drayton Manor Park. Evha was a beautiful little girl who

was full of love and always smiling. "Words cannot describe the pain and loss we feel, we are devastated that we will not see our beautiful little girl again. We ask that you allow us to grieve in private and deal with our loss as a family." The staff at Evha’s school, Jameah Girls Academy, have also said they are in “deep shock.” Their statement, posted to their website, read: “As a school community, we are deeply shocked and our thoughts are with our pupil's family and friends. The school will ensure specially trained staff are in school to provide our pupils and staff support at this difficult time.”

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Filming begins for The Boy with the Topknot BBC Drama based on British Indian’s memoirs commences shooting Production for the upcoming movie The Boy with the Topknot has began in Birmingham. The BBC drama will be primarily shooting in the city centre on Bath Street. The Boy with the Topknot is based on the memoirs by Sathnam Sanghera, memoirs detailing the author’s life and trials as a second generation Indian born in Wolverhampton to Punjabi parents. The 90 minute one-off drama stars Sacha Dhawan, from the popular Netflix superhero show Iron Fist, plays Sathnam whilst Joanna Vanderham from Banished and The Paradise stars opposite him as his girlfriend, Laura. During the course of the memoirs, Sathnam comes to find out about his father and sister’s schizophrenia. Dhawan said, “Not only is it a beautiful story, but it’s also funny and immensely moving. I feel incredibly proud to be playing Sathnam, and look forward to telling a story, which has already touched so many people.”

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Thousands Rocked by Death of Birmingham Humanitarian "Shamim would be there on the ground doing everything...She was a gem.." F

ounder of charity helping children in poverty dies of Cancer on Good Friday Birmingham was recently rocked by news after the sudden passing of a charity founder Shamim Mahmood, the founder of Jannat ul Firdous, or Helping Little Angels, had been battling cancer for years whilst operating her charity, and passed away on Good Friday. Thousands came out to attend her funeral at Birmingham Central Mosque. Trustee Shamsa Miran-Bux said: “I’m heartbroken and devastated that we have lost Shamim. She was an angel who did so much. She threw herself into helping children and today we have seven schools in Pakistan as well as colleges and two orphanages. “Shamim would be there on the ground doing everything, and the schools are now running by themselves. If there was a problem in other countries, such as Syria, she would be there for any disaster and especially to help the children. She was a gem.” Shamim was a beacon of inspiration for those back in Pakistan and in her hometown of Hall Green, Birmingham. Shamim first set up Jannat ul Firdous, the non-political and nonprofit, back in 2004 to help children in Pakistan living in poverty by setting up an

orphanage and eventually schools, masjids, water plants and Pakistan’s first ever girls college. Helping Little Angels has worked worldwide in eighteen different cities, tackling everything from poverty to natural disasters. There has been an outpouring of grief and condolences on social media for the pioneering humanitarian. The mother of three had written, “The establishment of Jannat ul Firdous resulted in my realizing my true purpose on Earth. “My actions have provided me the opportunity to channel my energy by providing support to the most vulnerable and neglected children in Pakistan. I believe this act of kindness will nurture these orphaned children and help them to develop as independent individuals.”

Birmingham Raises The Roof with Holi Rave The Birmingham Holi Rave returned on April 15th as the highly anticipated festival of colours got underway in Digbeth on the night of the full moon, signalling Spring. The traditional festival saw hundreds upon hundreds of Hindus and those of other faiths gather together to throw coloured powder and indulge in face pace, street art, henna tattoos. In addition there was dhol drumming and dance competitions as well as 80s retro

film screenings and games such as Bhangra Bingo and Play Your Uncle Ji’s Cards Right. Traditional Indian flavours and street food was provided by Taste and Liquor. The event took place at No21 Digbeth between 3pm till 10pm. In the latter hours, the music was turned up and the party started. It is the third year Birmingham has put on a Holi festival, and was attended by large swathes of Brum’s diverse community.

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wo television stars who starred in the Channel 4 documentary Extremely British Muslims accosted Tommy Robinson, the outspoken and well known co-founder of the English Defence League, or EDL. Robinson, who was filming for a TV show on Stratford Road, was approached by the stars Waseem Iqbal, Naveed Ahmed and other friend. They asked Robinson to speak to them, whilst videoing him, and said: “We’ve just got back to Birmingham from Iraq, we’re humanitarians working in Mosul where we’ve been under attack by ISIS ourselves.” Tommy can be heard asking what they’re doing and at one point attempts to interview them back, asking ‘what were you doing in Iraq?’

Once Robinson realises the men are from the Channel 4 show, they jump into their van. The stars then suggested they follow them in their car to a place they can continue their discussion, but the van then drove off. Waseem Iqbal took to Facebook, posting: “This is what happens when the #EDL and #BritianFirst goons bump into an #ExtremelyBritishMuslim. “After totally destroying them on facts about terrorism one of them said ‘it’s the guy from Channel 4, get in the van’. Tommy Robinson promptly replied, “Did I look like I ran away? I was reporting for @ TheRebelTV you will see the video when it’s released.”

Viral Suffiyah Khan Reunites with Woman She Saved “They were saying ‘You’re not English’, ‘This is a Christian country, not your country,’ and ‘Go back to where you came from’. be doing nothing really. Even if it means calling the police and saying I witnessed this.” “There is no need for anything like this. I am sure we are more than capable of living together, united despite our differences. Suffiyah added, “You only have to walk into Birmingham city centre to see how diverse it is. People of different colours, different religions. It’s an absolutely amazing city and such a beautiful city, and it’s nothing like the sort of

British muslim girl went viral for countering the EDL, reunites with muslim woman she saved The British Muslim girl Saffiyah Khan, whose image of her coolly staring down a belligerent EDL member went viral, has met the girl who she was protecting during the incident. The EDL march in Birmingham was attended by hundreds upon hundreds of EDL members, counter protestors and more. At one point, young Saira Zafar- wearing a hijabwas harassed by a throng of EDL members, which was what prompted Khan to swiftly step in. She told the BBC, “I don’t like seeing people getting ganged up on in

my town.” Now the two girls have met again under calmer circumstances, sharing a hug and expressing their love for Birmingham. Saira told her saviour, “I just want to say thanks a lot for your help and for stepping forward and supporting me in that situation. It did really mean a lot. And together we defeated the EDL, I would say, at that rally.” Suffiyah replied, “I wasn’t going to let someone who was speaking the truth and being replied to aggressively be put in that position. You didn’t look like you wanted to be there and I have an intrinsic problem with that.” Saira said she had attended the rally

“to show that the EDL’s message is not acceptable and that it will be countered” and was then accosted by far-right protestors. One EDL member was even wearing a pig mask. Saira explains, “They were saying ‘You’re not English’, ‘This is a Christian country, not your country,’ and ‘Go back to where you came from’. I was alarmed and worried for my safety.” They held islamophobic placards, signs and flags around her head whilst hurling abuse. Despite the heavy police presence, no one came to her aid and Saira was boxed in by the protestors. Suffiyah says they were 360 degrees around Saira and closing in. “There’s no excuse to

message that the EDL came here to deliver.” Crossland called Suffiya “a dirty unwashed leftwing scrubber” on Facebook. He also called her a ‘disrespectful witch’ that’s ‘lucky she’s got any teeth left.’ Tommy Robinson, the former EDL leader, said the entire episode was embarrassing for them, “I don’t care how many people don’t like me saying that, the truth is the truth…the picture is embarrassing.”

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How much did the EDL rally “Quite frankly, the only cost Birmingham? thing they brought to our Fears mounted during the EDL demonstration held in Birmingham, with many worrying the far-right group’s islamophobic message and xenophobic rhetoric would prompt a fierce backlash from Birmingham’s diverse community. There was a heavy police presence at the rally, the cost of which was over £50,000. Many community officers were drafted in away from their usual areas, creating a knock on effect in the wider community. As expected, the rally brought with it counter-demonstrations, with two counterprotestors even being arrested. David Jamieson,

city was division – and demand to our already busy police force.”

the Labour police commissioner, said: “We expect the costs of the protests to be more than £50,000 to West Midlands Police. I would much rather see this money spent on local policing.” He added that the majority of EDL protestors had travelled into Birmingham from other areas of the UK who “have no idea of our communities or way of life. “Quite frankly, the only thing they brought to our city was division – and demand to our already busy police force.”

Brummy Sikh Honoured with Pride of Birmingham Award The founder of a Langar Seva Charity feeds 11,000 people per week. Randhir Singh Heer first began the The Midlands Langar Seva Society four years ago and has since seen it evolve and expand to seventeen cities across the UK. The Seva Society is well known throughout Birmingham for its open kitchen at Carrs Lane, which serves thousands of hot meals and cups of tea to anyone of any faith that attends, which can be up to two hundred people a night

all year long. Randhir says, “Although the open kitchens provided by the Midlands Langar Seva Society have their roots in Sikh tradition, we support all and everyone in need of food. Helping people is something which spans every culture and every tradition.” An estimated 11,000 meals are given out per week. The charity, which was first established in Walsall, even has a charity in India and is planning to open one in California. Instead of asking for cash donations, the charity asks people donate food, cooking equipment and their time to volunteer. For his work in feeding the homeless and street sleepers, Randhir is set to receive a Pride of Birmingham award, most notably the TSB Community Partner Award. But on top of helping the communities most in need, they also offer mental health services. Randhir recalls an encounter in October 2016, “There was a man at a bus stop who seemed a sad. I went to talk to him and asked him over for a cup of tea. Then he opened up – his marriage of 27 years had ended, he had lost his job, he was homeless, he had lost everything. “He said he had stood on a motorway bridge and contemplated ending it all. I put my arm around him and he cried. I told him we needed help with the kitchen and he became a regular volunteer with us. Mental health is as big an issue as homelessness and often people just need someone to talk to.”

What’s on at Wolverhampton Art Gallery

Brick Wonders Continues until 4 July

The exhibition showcases ancient, modern and natural wonders, all made from LEGO® bricks. Marvel at more than 70 awe-inspiring models and journey through history and around the globe.

Single visit ticket prices Adult - £4 Children (16 and under) - £2 Children (2 and under) - FREE Family (2 adults and 2 children) - £10 Family (1 adult and 2 children) - £6

Season tickets are also available. You can buy all types of tickets in advance at: http://bit.ly/brickwonderstickets

Nosy Neighbour, detail. ©Sam Hobson (United Kingdom)

Funny Girls with Noreen Khan Thursday 25 May - Doors - 7pm Wolverhampton Art Gallery

The world’s most prestigious international nature photography competition.

BBC DJ Noreen Khan is back in town hosting a night of comedy with her favourite stand up comics Sukh Ojla, Sindhu V and Shaista Aziz. This all female line up will share more than a few good jokes.

Opens on 22 July.

Tickets are £7, plus a booking fee, and can be bought online at: www.midlandboxoffice.com or by calling 0870 320 7000.

WOLVERHAMPTON ARTS & CULTURE

Wolverhampton Art Gallery Lichfield Street Wolverhampton WV1 1DU

T: 01902 552055 E: art.gallery@wolverhampton.gov.uk W: www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk

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The Royal Opera, London Philharmonic Orchestra and Curve present the world premiere of Ravi Shankar’s only opera Sukanya, which tours venues across the UK in May 2017. The legendary Shankar was composing his pioneering opera Sukanya at the time of his passing. Sukanya is an opera exploring the common ground between the music, dance and theatrical traditions of India and the West. This exciting and innovative piece of work is a unique collaboration of talent, with singers, dancers and creative production team from across the continents. With the text of the opera (libretto) by renowned author Amit Chaudhuri, the semi-staged opera is directed by Suba Das and conducted by David Murphy who worked closely with the legendary Ravi Shankar for much of his life, and completed the opera with the help of Anoushka Shankar. The opera features British soprano Susanna Hurrell in the title role, Indian born American tenor Alok Kumar, British bass-baritone Keel Watson, Brazilian baritone Michel de Souza, South African baritone Njabulo Madlala, the BBC Singers and the full force of a 60-strong London Philharmonic Orchestra. The Orchestra is supplemented with Indian classical instruments including the sitar, shennai, tabla, mridangam and ghatam. The innovative Aakash Odedra Company provide the choreography and dancers, and Tony Awardwinning 59 Productions and Matt Haskins are providing production and lighting design respectively. Amit Chaudhuri’s libretto, based on the legendary Sanskrit texts of the MahĐbhĐrata, also draws on texts as diverse as Tagore, Eliot and Shakespeare. The story follows the young princess Sukanya who must marry the much older Chyavana, a wise religious man, after a terrible accident. As love unexpectedly grows between the couple, twin demi-gods attempt to woo the beautiful Sukanya, leading to an ultimate test as Chyavana is transformed into a third twin. Faced with a choice of three now identical, handsome men, will Sukanya be able to identify her husband’s soul? Ravi Shankar was in a unique position to visualise the common ground between East and West. From Yehudi Menuhin, the legendary Western violinist, to George Harrison

of the Beatles, his influence across the arts is legendary. From a young age, he was steeped in the ancient musical and dramatic traditions of India through his guru Baba Allauddin Khan but also gained a deep knowledge of the music and drama of the west. Ravi Shankar’s daughter Anoushka, who has also been instrumental in the completion of the project alongside David Murphy says of the opera: “It thrills me that this final project of my father’s, about which he was so passionate, is finally coming to life. My father was, of course, the first Indian classical musician to work with Western classical musicians, the first to write concertos for orchestra, the first to bring the music of India to a global audience. Even in his final years, he was the first to think further, to want to push even more boundaries, and bring Indian classical music to the context of opera. David Murphy has been so dedicated and sincere bringing my father’s vision to completion. I’m very grateful to everyone involved.” For more information and for tickets please visit: www.sukanyaopera.com

Leicester 12 May at 7.30pm At Curve

Salford 14 May at 7.30pm At The Lowry

Birmingham 15 May at 7.30pm At Symphony Hall

London Credit: Carolyn Jones/courtesy of EMI Classics

Show Timings

Presenting Sukanya – An Opera By Ravi Shankar Multicultural Cast Gather for Ravi Shankar’s Final Work

19 May at 7.30pm At Royal Festival Hall

THE ROYAL OPERA, LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND CURVE PRESENT

THE OPERA

A mythical love story told through music & dance

MONDAY 15 MAY 2017 SYMPHONY HALL, BIRMINGHAM www.thsh.co.uk | 0121 780 3333

sukanyaopera.com #sukanyaopera Sukanya is a co-production between The Royal Opera, London Philharmonic Orchestra and Curve. Sukanya score completed by Ravi Shankar’s long-time collaborator David Murphy. Generous philanthropic support from Arts Council England and the Bagri Foundation.

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Hundreds join parades through Birmingham and Handsworth

he end of April saw a huge turnout in Birmingham and Handsworth for Vaisakhi, one of the biggest festive events for both Sikh and Hindu communities around the world. Birmingham, with one of the largest Asian populations in the UK, played host to two Vaisakhi celebrations, putting on parades and hosting fairs. One procession set off from the Gurdwara Ramgarhia Sikh Temple on Graham Street at 10am and paraded through the streets in praise and celebration before arriving at Handsworth Park at 1pm where yet more attended. The parade travelled through Vyse Street, Hockley Flyover, Soho Hill, Soho Road and Grove Lane and other areas, totallying 2.3miles in total. As it passed through the streets it called at various other Gurdwaras and temples to collect more celebrators.

A different procession started off from Gurdwara Baba Sang in St Paul's Road, Warley, at 9.30am and arrived at the park at 2pm, after going through a 3.4mile route that included St Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road, High Street, Holyhead Road and Rookery Road. At the park, hundreds of worshippers, revellers, families and friends came together to celebrate. It included a bandstand stage, music and entertainment, sports, cultural and festive Sikh activities, a place for worship (Darbar), arts and crafts, a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play area. A langar (community kitchen serving free food) was also held, with food provided by numerous Birmingham and Black Country Gurdwaras. Anyone was able to attend regardless of race or religion to learn more about Sikhism or just take part in the festival.

aisakhi is the start of the New Year and also the anniversary of the formation of the Khalsa, the order into which Sikh followers are baptised.

ach procession was headed by the Guru Granth Sahib (The Holy Book) and five Sikhs dressed in ceremonial garb to respresent the five Panj Pyare, the founders of the Khalsa who established Sikhism as a faith.

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The Birmingham Vaisakhi Mela (also spelt Baisakhi) is the second largest procession and celebrations of it's kind in the UK. Various processions meet from diﬀerent temples and meet in Handsworth Park.

Fun Fact! The 2010 Mela saw a staggering 90,000 visitors to the procession! 2009 saw 80,000! Photos courtesy of Jas Sansi Photography

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JAS SANSI Man's Mouthpiece king The Thin Photographer and LoveBrum trustee, Jas Sansi brings a dose of all things Birmingham. With an unprecedented love of the city and its unique diverseness, he brings his 6-foot passion to The Asian Today.

Come June 9th, posturing and positioning ends with the General Election results. I look forward to a period of action delivering the promises we have mulled over for months. Mayor Andy Street will be eating into his first 100 days like Pac Man swallowing those white pills; housing gulp, transport gulp, jobs gulp and skills gulp. Brexit negotiations are in danger of collapsing before they even begin. The most recent divorce bill tossed onto the gaming table is €100 Billion. I wonder if they’ll knock off the VAT if we pay in cash? And what happens if we walk away from the table without agreeing a trade deal? 45% of the UK’s exports go to the EU. It’s one thing to walk off a cliff, quite another to be stopped by a customs official on the way down and questioned if we have the right paper work to step out of the UK. Business does not like uncertainty, we can’t function on a pitch where the rules are changed during play and the goals moved whenever the referee blows their whistle. All we are certain off in the near future is change. I look forward to June 9th. The General Election result will be known and we can move forward as a country. Except that is, how the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland will look, whether Scotland insist on revisiting the Independence issue, and whether EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU retain their rights. Add to this the question of whether EU citizens in the UK remain subject to the European Court of Justice even though UK citizens won’t be. Oh and the German elections. And a possible nuclear stand off between the world’s most dangerous hair cuts. Good grief

£10k Stolen From Sparkhill Sikh Gurdwara The local community has been hit hard after a staggering £10k was stolen from the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Sparkhill. Thieves broke into the temple, whilst still wearing their shoes, and were caught on CCTV forcing open the charity boxes that temple goers had donated into. The three men were seen using a crowbar to prise it open before taking the money intended for the poor. £8000 was stolen from a safe. Other areas of the temple were raided as they searched the place for an estimated three hours.

seriousness of this matter.” The West Midlands Police released a statement, saying, “The offenders damaged property and took cash. Investigations are currently being carried out to identify the offenders.”

The robbers entered through a back window by removing it from its hinges at sometime between 9.30pm and 5am. Deepa Singh, a youth organiser from the Sikh Youth Birmingham group, said, “They have disrespected the community by entering the holiest part of the Gurdwara. The fact they are wearing shoes in the holiest part just puts more salt on the wounds. People need to realise the

Outdoor Cinema Coming to Birmingham Movie goers can rejoice this summer thanks to a new outdoor cinema hitting Birmingham. Set in the Custard Factory courtyard, the outdoor cinema will be running during the August bank holiday and will feature a huge cinema screen, popcorn, cinema snacks, street food, a bar and even post-watch after parties. Moviegoers are encouraged to attend in fancy dress, with prizes for the best costumes.

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The outdoor cinema is a joint venture between The Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen and the Factory Cinema Co. James Brown of The Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen said, “Film can transform any space it is projected onto. And with the plans we have for the courtyard we cannot wait to see hundreds of customers enjoy the screenings with us."

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Coventry graduate working against terror A Coventry University graduate devoted to tackling terrorism has spoken about how he stopped a young man joining ISIS with just hours to spare. Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, a graduate of Coventry’s International Terrorism masters course, has already helped at least 20 people turn away from extremism since he set up a counter-extremism centre in Ghana. The 34-year-old launched the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) after graduating from Coventry in 2013. Since then he and his team have helped 22 radicalised people to turn their back on terrorism – last year preventing a 21-year-old from joining ISIS in Syria. Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar said: “Last year I saved a young man’s life. He had been radicalised online and was on his way to join the terrorist group ISIS after he spent time online looking for meaning in his life. “Just a day before leaving to join the group he watched my TV outreach programme on counter-radicalization – that was what changed everything and he changed his mind. "There is a methodology that these vulnerable people are taken through by groups such as ISIS. My organisation engages with these people and takes them through a process which supports them, de-radicalises them and helps them back into society, school and work. “West Africa is one of the deadliest regions for terrorism. My plans are to expand my counter terrorism work to include the entire West Africa region, helping to dissuade vulnerable groups and individuals from engaging in violent extremism and falling into the void of terrorist recruitment.” Mutaru originally from Accra, works across West Africa to deepen understanding of violent extremism and radicalization to promote the support available to vulnerable people at risk. He spoke about his work and determination, as well as how postgraduate study helped him achieve his goals during the Coventry University Alumni Association Event in Ghana on April 29. The event was run in conjunction with the British Council at Coventry’s partner institution, Ghana Technology University College (GTUC) to promote the benefits of continuing in education to further careers and employability.

Mutaru hopes that engaging with other graduates about his work and how postgraduate study helped him develop the skills he needed to act, he can encourage more people to use education and make a difference. In recognition of his own work since graduating from Coventry in 2013, Mutaru was shortlisted for an international award at the UK Alumni Awards in Ghana. Selected from 60 nominees, Mutaru represented Coventry University in the social impact category. In 2016 he was also elected as a Mandela Washington Fellow for Young African Leaders, being invited to a summit in Washington D.C where he met former US President Obama. John Latham, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, said: “Our students and alumni make a significant contribution to their communities, be they in the UK or internationally. “Mutaru’s is among the most significant and important. His team’s work will shape many young lives and spread a message of peace and I am delighted that his journey began in Coventry. “The success of our alumni is in part down to the experiences they have here and the opportunities they take throughout their studies.”

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Belgrade Theatre is bringing back the Bollywood this May!

FEATURE

• Glittering musical Bring on the Bollywood returns to the B2 stage in May

• Belgrade Theatre to host Bollywood Dance Classes with performer and teacher Sneha Singh Following huge success in 2016, the Belgrade Theatre is welcoming back the smash-hit show Bring On The Bollywood to its B2 auditorium this May, in a new production with Phizzical and Vivacity Key Theatre. Created by Samir Bhamra, the master of authentic Bollywood inspired work, Bring On The Bollywood is a Bollywood dance-theatre extravaganza. Bringing a festival of colour and Bollywood magic in a major new production, Bring On The Bollywood brings audiences new and old together for this delightfully romantic riot of Anglo-Indian exuberance. Having lived in London for 14 years, Dr. Katrina Pawar is summoned to her ancestral home, the shabby and unchic Lakshman Villa, for her younger brother’s wedding. Sensing an opportunity to

finally make a match for their last unmarried child during the festivities, Katrina’s parents search for a potential suitor for their quick-witted and resolute daughter. As the good-looking Bollywood film director Amit arrives at Lakshman Villa, along with his newly eligible British personal assistant Ronny, Katrina must navigate the true course of love between East and West. Inspired by classic Indian cinema, Bring On The Bollywood also revels in the shared dramatic heritage between the UK and India, as well as contemporary British Asian influences. Samir Bhamra said, “‘Bollywood’ is widely perceived to be a low-brow art-form that requires no skill. Not only is it - in my experience - the hardest art form to crack, but it shares more than people realise with the classical Western arts. Bollywood would not exist if it were not for Shakespeare being presented in British India, and soon adapted into

local languages for the wider communities. Both traditions teach us valuable lessons about people and life, and that's why they continue to connect so well.” Bring On the Bollywood is directed by Artistic Director of Phizzical, Samir Bhamra, a multi-disciplinary artist and producer. In addition to his role as creative director of the London Asian Film Festival, Samir delivered three large scale performances during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He developed his skills at the National Theatre and was seconded to the Royal Shakespeare Company working the World Shakespeare Festival. He is also a controversial judge on Just Bollywood – the UKs leading inter-University dance competition since its inception three years ago.

Bring on the Bollywood runs in the B2 auditorium at the Belgrade Theatre from Sat 6 to Sat 13 May. Tickets are available now priced from £15 by calling the Belgrade Box Office team on 024 7655 3055 or online at www. belgrade.co.uk. Continuing the Bollywood theme at the Belgrade this spring, the theatre will also be running Bollywood Dance Classes starting on 29 April and running on Saturdays until 24 June. This will be an opportunity for people of with all levels of experience and ability to learn some Bollywood moves to impress on the dancefloor! The classes will be run by Sneha Singh, a dance performer and teacher. Sneha spent five years training in Bollywood Dance with Shiamak Davar's Dance Academy (SDIPA) in India and three years in England training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Contemporary Dance. She has choreographed shows for Chester and Warrington City Councils

and as well as performing in the Belgrade Mela, has run workshops with Wolverhampton University, Sanjhi Indian Association, City College Coventry and for Shoot Festival.

Sneha said, "What I love about, and what keeps bringing me back to Bollywood is, that it has an element of fun and storytelling to it. At the end of learning a routine, you don't just learn the moves and have a fantastic workout, but you've devised a piece a performance! The music always helps to brighten your mood, and encourages everyone, irrespective of abilities to join in!” A limited number of places are available at beginners level from 2pm to 3pm and advanced level from 4pm to 5.30pm on Saturdays. Book now by calling the Belgrade Box Office team on 024 7655 3055 or online at www. belgrade.co.uk.

Contact For further media information or images please contact Rosie Mackie on: T: 024 7684 6702 E: rmackie@belgrade.co.uk

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Britain First Fail to Disrupt Anti-Racism Event The 6th May saw an anti-racism event held in Birmingham attended by different faith groups of members of the public. One such attendee who wasn’t supposed to partake was Jayda Fransen, the leader of the highly controversial far-right group Britain First. In a video captured in the Custard Factory, Digbeth, Fransen can be seen carrying a large Christian cross and voicing on her views on Islam. The Custard Factory was meant to host a Stand Up To Racism and Trades Union Council event, but the venue was changed at the last minute. Unfortunately, despite being in the wrong place, Fransen decided it was a good an opportunity as ever to spout her views. Despite being surrounded by antiracist activists, she can be seen loudly talking about beating the Nazis and her grandfather’s involved. After accusations of racism, she exclaimed: “What race is Islam? It iss not racist to oppose an ideology that is blowing people up, cutting people’s heads off, raping children, because it is in their scriptures, and let me tell you, it is in their scriptures! That isn’t racism, that is common sense. “If you don’t oppose this ideology, you

must be in support of grooming gangs, and beheadings, because it’s all in the Qur’an. You can call me racist all you like, but I know the truth. Islam is not a race, it is a barbaric ideology, it has no place in the west!” Also in attendance of the event was Saffiyah Khan and Saira Zafar, two young muslim girls noted for their attendance at an EDL rally last April. Digbeth’s residents also weighed in on the matter, stating, “Digbeth does not tolerate intolerance of any kind – everyone is welcome here, except those wanting to spread messages of hate”, accompanied with the hashtag #brumisopen.” Fransen had previously led her Britain First supporters into an Islamic bookshop in Alum Rock which received similar backlash from the community.

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Assistant Ex-girlfriend Takes MP to Court

Birmingham MP is being dragged to court by his assistant and ex-girlfriend. MP Khalid Mahmood will be stand at an employment tribunal after his assistant, Elaina Cohen, put in a complaint about him. Cohen was suspended in February 2016 but returned to her job in October.

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The Birmingham Perry Barr MP and Cohen had come under fire back in 2004 for spending nine nights at the Bentley hotel in Kensington at taxpayers' expense. However it was found that the hotel cost would have been the same had Cohen not attended either way. Still, the Labour MP agreed to repay the cost.

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Mr Mango's Curry Sauces Innovating Indian Cooking

Authentic Tasting Curry Sauces, Now Available!

ooking up an Indian feast without having to worry about a pile of washing up later may have seemed impossible before; but with the official launch of Mr Mango’s ‘restaurant style’ curry

sauces- you may be onto a mouth-watering winner. In just 2 years, Mr Mango Delivery has transformed from a local halal meat delivery service, to a rapidly growing national organisation. Brimming with authenticity and aroma, his latest range of curry sauces are sure to take things up a notch; currently available online and soon to be found on the shelves of your local supermarkets. Far from ‘another jar of sauce’, here’s what makes Mr Mango’s Curry Sauces packa-punch above the rest: • There’s nothing worse than that ‘out of the packet’ taste, right? With no additives and no preservatives,

Mr Mango’s sauces are rich and authentic in flavour. What’s better is that they’re suitable for vegans, too. • The sauces are easy-touse, even if you’re a novice in the kitchen. Simply defrost or use straight from frozen, and bring the sauce to heat on a hob. Add your meat, fish, or vegetables as soon as the sauce is boiling, then simmer and serve. Simple! • Chopping up and frying a bag of onions is now a thing of the past; as well as peeling ginger, preparing spices, and faffing about with a garlic bulb. Mr Mango has it all

find a taste you’ll enjoy. Choose from Desi Style, Spicy Hyderabadi, and Makhani. So, if you fancy a restaurant-style curry without the restaurant price-tag, order your tubs of Mr Mango Curry Sauces now! Available for home delivery, please visit www.mrmangodelivery.co.uk and order your sauces at the comfort of your own home. And with even more authentic flavours coming soon, you won’t want to turn off the heat on that hob just yet. For Wholesale enquiries please contact Mr Mango on 0121 794 3381.

taken care of, saving you valuable time and energy. • With 3 delicious flavours available, you’re bound to

Popular Restaurant Donates £12,610 To Cancer Charity

popular award-winning Indian restaurant in the West Midlands has donated over £12,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support, the national cancer charity. Staff from Ellora, situated on the main High Street in the village of Knowle, handed over a cheque for £12,610 to Sam Greatrex, Macmillan’s fundraising manager for South Birmingham and Solihull. Ellora’s manager Mr Mash Hakim said: “It makes us enormously proud and gives us great satisfaction in giving back to the local community whose loyalty and sincerity continues to motivate us.” Mr Hakim extended his thanks to the four representatives – May, Meena Rani, Perdeep Chagger and Kiran Johal – from Barclays Bank PLC’s Citizenship Team who gave their support during Ellora’s Bollywoodthemed fundraiser which was held in September last year. Barclays Bank PLC also contributed towards this donation. Last September’s family-friendly fundraiser, which was organised to mark Ellora’s 47th anniversary, was attended by many, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull, Councillor Mike Robinson and Mrs Jenny Robinson, who shared their personal story of how they lost their 36-year-old daughter, Emma Walker, to cervical cancer in February 2010. “Emma fought it all the way,” said Mike, ﬁghting back tears. “The hardest thing for me was when she asked me ‘I’m not going to die, am I Dad’? Also present at this historic occasion

£25,000 Harry Potter Manuscript Stolen

was the founder and original owner of the Ellora, Devi Compton. She, along with her Late husband Sayeedur Rahman ran the Ellora from 1970 – 2001. “I feel honoured that the new owners since 2001 decided to keep the name Ellora going. It is not only a superb restaurant, but an institution,” said 64-year-old Mrs Compton. The evening featured a ﬁve-course meal, Bollywood dances, a rafﬂe draw and auction, a henna artist, a cake-cutting ceremony, speeches, a sitar player and more. In addition, to mark the Ellora’s 47th anniversary, a special souvenir was unveiled which featured goodwill messages from Her Majesty The Queen, actor Nitin Ganatra, MPs Julian Knight and Jess Phillips, popular comedian Shazia Mirza and Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer. Among well-wishers who sent a goodwill message was world-class celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay OBE. He said: “Congratulations to the team at Ellora on reaching 47 years. We are a nation of curry lovers and to impress upon your customers is a skill in itself. I’m delighted to hear of your news and send you my best wishes for the fundraiser dinner. Well done!” Knowle is a village situated 3 miles east southeast of the town of Solihull, West Midlands. It lies within the historic county boundaries of Warwickshire, and since 1974 it has been part of the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull within the west Midlands. It has a population of around 11,000 residents.

A £25,000 Harry Potter prequel manuscript that was handwritten by J.K Rowling on a postcard has been stolen from its home in Kings Heath, Birmingham. The manuscript, which was written nine years ago, is around 800 words long and is set three years before Harry Potter’s birth. The untitled piece was written on the back and front of an A5 charity auction card. It was stolen alongside a piece of jewellery. J.K. Rowling has tweeted in issue of the theft, saying: "PLEASE DON'T BUY THIS IF YOU'RE OFFERED IT. Originally auctioned for @englishpen, the owner supported writers' freedoms by bidding for it." The West Midlands Police force have issued a plea for any information on the manuscript, in the hope "the appeal goes far and wide among Harry Potter fans throughout the world".

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he evening kicked off with award winning illusionist and magician, Craig Petty. Who as well as sharing some tricks up his sleeve, provided attendees with sound business advice. Craig discussed how magic can be implemented into any business, to increase further revenue and sales. His insightful definition of 'show business' explained how focusing on business is just as paramount as focusing on 'the show'. Our host for the evening was 'Thanyia Moore' who kept guests entertained throughout, and introduced the founder of Pathway2Grow, Safaraz Ali, onto the stage. Following a heartfelt welcome to all the attendees, Safaraz thanked the community for their continued support in making the organisation a success. Special thanks were offered to his team and the directors of the networking groups, for volunteering their time to organise and manage consecutive events. We also had the pleasure of hearing from Kasim Choudhry, the recently appointed National Director of Pathway2Grow. Kasim shed light upon the newest members of the team this year including Edwin Ladd, who will be launching Coffee & Natter Wolverhampton on April 12th, and Ian Prestonselected to manage Coffee & Natter, Birmingham. As well as this, Kasim spoke about Pathway2Grow's exciting plans for the future. This includes the launch of a brand-new breakfast networking event, called 'Cereal Network' â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Breakfast, Business, and Banter. Cereal Network will be free to attend and will have a similar format to

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the existing P2G events, consisting of refreshments, open networking, and a guest speaker. Finally, Kasim announced the soon-toarrive launch of 'P2G Live'- a live streaming platform, embracing the current craze of social media, and digital technology. Paul Cadman former Chief Executive of the automotive design business The Futura Group delivered a fantastic Keynote presentation outlining some important factors that are currently affecting the Midlands economy and what we as SME's need to do to survive the current storm. We also had Andy Gwynn a leading Business Coach, Speaker & Author talk about his formula for success. Andy has coached 100's of Business Owners & corporate Directors to greater profitability, more free time and successful relationships across their business and personal lives using the same formula. The night was drawn to a celebratory close, as the winners of the P2G Awards were announced. As well as recognising the standouts from each pre-empted category, the Pathway2Grow team also presented Mr Nazir Awan with a highly-deserved 'Lifetime Achievement Award'. This was in light of his massive contribution towards the organisation, and for aiding businesses across the region for over the past three decades. The award was presented by Dipak Shelat and during his acceptance speech, Mr Awan stated that he would never retire, and stressed upon the importance of hard graft, and paying taxes. His final message to the attendees was to work hard, and play harder.

LOCAL

Inaugural Pathway2Grow Annual General Meetup Ticks all Boxes A huge congratulations to all our award winners: Best Elevator Pitch: Haider Mustafa Keynote Speaker of the Year: Justice Williams MBE Business of the Year: Leap Minibuses Networker of the Year: Aftab Muhammed Overall Contribution to Networking: Naeem Arif

Safaraz Ali - Founder of Pathway to Grow

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Birmingham MP Reported for Misusing Taxpayer’s Money One of Birmingham’s most well known and vocal MP’s, Jess Phillips has come under fire after allegations broke that she had used prepaid Commons envelopes to spread election propaganda. The MP for Yardley used the letters, and hence taxpayer’s money, to boast the work she had done for local people. Phillips has now been reported to Parliament authorities and will be investigated to find out whether she used stationary for political gains. In the days following the Prime Minister’s announcement of a snap general election, Phillips used a mailing service to boast of her accomplishments and deeds. One such example, written on a letter with the House of Commons portcullis atop the envelope, detailed how she had written to the Health Secretary almost a thousand times since her election back in 2015. It read: ‘Like you I care deeply about our NHS and I’m concerned about the pressures the system is under, which is why I have written to Jeremy Hunt almost 1,000 times raising local people’s concerns. ‘The financial pressures facing healthcare are particularly concerning and I agree that there needs to be more investment.’ Another letter written on Commons stationary said, ‘Like you I am deeply

MP under fire for using Parliamentary stationary for own election campaign

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British Band UB40 at Home in India Thanks to Brummy Roots multiculturalism of Birmingham and popularity of Bollywood and Bhangra

concerned about the crisis the social care sector is in, and I believe that we have a completely unfair funding system currently in place.’ In both letters, she reminds constituents that she will be running again as a candidate and included her email address and the caption ‘JessPhillipsForYardley.’ One constituent, Joanne Neilly, received two letters in two days from Phillips despite never having contacted her. One letter began, ‘thank you for contacting me.’ Neilly said, “‘It is a waste of public money. People work hard for their money, I think there are a lot of better things to be spending money on than sending out silly letter a few

weeks before an election. I think it’s really cheeky. I’m annoyed that I have not heard from her and then all of a sudden…Why should members of the public be paying for her campaign? They’re making cuts, and yet she is spending money willy nilly.’ Former Lib Dem MP John Hemming was the one to report her to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. Hemming, who is hoping to win back Phillip’s seat, said, ‘This use of Commons stationery is clearly unethical and against the spirit of the rules, if not the letter of the rules. ‘I will be taking this issue forward. It is a bad use of taxpayers’ money. If it isn’t criminal, it should be.’

Birmingham band UB40 have revealed they feel right at home in India thanks to their brummy background. The reggae pop band recently held a concert at Bengaluru’s Catholic Club, with bandmate Duncan Campbell saying: “Although it has been a long time since we came to India and it is our first time here in Bengaluru, we are always excited. We’d love to return and do 30 concerts in India in bigger and cheaper venues so everyone can come and hear us!” Robin Campbell, lead singer of the long running British band, said: “We feel right at home here since we live in the middle of an Asian community. There are a thousand Indian restaurants within a cou-

ple of square miles. Whether we pay much attention or not, we were immersed not only in Jamaican culture but also multiculturalism. Indian pop music and Bollywood was a major part of our lives. Bhangra is a massive hit there. “Asian weddings are a regular affair with us so we are not at all surprised at the horses and wedding bands here.” Duncan added, “And we’ve done our share of collaborations working with Indian dhol drummers and vocalists. Indian restaurants across the world temper their food for the local taste. But the second we tell them we are from Birmingham, the chefs tell us they’ll make us a proper curry with the spices.”

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Muslim Man Served Pork in Chilli Cheese Fries

Muslim man has received an apology after the Farmer John’s pub in Streetly served him pork. Naz Ali had gone to the pub with his family and friends and had decided to order a burger with a side of chilli cheese fries. There was meat in the fries, which he assumed was chicken. However after the 39-year-old had eaten a quarter of the meal, he realised something wasn’t right and checked with the waitress. Although first unsure, she checked the kitchen and returned, heavily apologetic, but confirming that it was pork. Ali said, “My friend is a Sikh and we had been joking about not having bacon on the burgers we ordered, but the waitress didn’t pick up on it at all. “I fancied a side to go with the burger, so I ordered the chill chips. It had what I thought was chicken stuck right in the middle. My friend said I should check what I was eating so I asked the waitress and at first she had no idea. Then she came back and said she was

really, really sorry because it was pork. “I had food in my mouth and I spat it out and went to the toilet, where I was sick. I felt degraded.” According to Ali, the pub responded by giving the group’s four children free chocolate cakes, though a spokesman for Marston’s said: ‘We are sorry for Mr Ali’s experience, we have apologised and all costs for his table were waived on the day.” Ali added, “I’ve eaten in all kinds of places in London and Birmingham and I’ve never had an experience like this. “For religious purposes I don’t eat pork and restaurants should be aware of what people of different religions can and can’t eat. It was a shambles.” On the Marston’s pub menu, it states that chilli cheese fries cost £3.95 as a side but doesn’t specify the meat used and the small print says “menu descriptions cannot include all ingredients”. A chilli cheese burger is listed as a separate meal and does state it contains pulled pork.

Vaping Industry Going Up in Smoke? New laws significantly reduce tank size and liquid strength

aping is particularly popular among Asians and the West Midlands but new vaping laws could threaten to snuff it out. From May 20th, the amount of e-liquid and more will be cut down and restricted. The new laws restrict e-cigarette tanks to a capacity of no more than 2ml as well as restricting the maximum volume of e-liquid for sale in one refill container to 10ml. Furthermore, e-liquids will now have a nicotine strength of no more than 20mg/ml and certain ingredients

such as colourings, caffeine and taurine will be banned outright. Nicotinecontaining products and packaging must be now be child resistant and tamper evident, whilst there will be new labelling and warning requirements. Additionally, all e-cigarettes and e-liquids must be notified to health regulators before being sold. The main points essentially mean that vapers will have smaller tanks of lower strength, however there will also be added

knock on negative effects as manufactures warn of a reduction in choice and increased prices as the cost of the new law is passed onto the customer. Worst yet, in order to get the same kick from a weaker vape, customers will most likely resort to buying more vapes, fuelling addiction and burning holes in pockets. Some on social media have even suggested handcrafting their own vapers- a dangerous practice- whilst others may have to buy online from abroad.

MAY 2017

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FEATURE

National Landlord Investment Show connected hundreds of Midlands investors with local and national suppliers at Aston Villa Football Club. T

About Landlord Investment Show National Landlord Investment Show is the UK’s leading property investment exhibition, providing solutions, networking and advice for new seasoned and investors in the buy-to-let market. Established in 2013 and operating in property hotspots throughout the country, it has now run 44 shows successfully, and has provided property investment solutions for over 21,000 landlords in the last 12 months alone, a growth of 31% since 2015.

Exhibitor enquiries for 2018 For any suppliers looking to connect with landlord and investors in the Midlands area, please visit landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk/ exhibiting for more information or call 020 8656 5075 to speak to a member of the LI Media Team.

Landlord Investor Magazine Is subscription-based and available in both print and digital formats with 11 issues each year. It offers advice, features, and news, and helps property professionals keep up to date with essential industry developments. Subscribe at:

www.landlordinvestormagazine.co.uk

he UK’s leading property investment exhibition returned to the Midlands for its second show of the year on Wednesday 19 April at Aston Villa Football Club and was hailed a great success. With an exhibition hall packed with local investors, the show offered a host of leading suppliers of property investment, tax, legal, insurance and mortgage services, it also features 10+ seminars from renowned property experts – all included in the complimentary admission. Proudly supported by Asian Today for the second year running, it gave advice and an in-depth understanding of the investment opportunities available – in both Birmingham and the Midlands. ‘It was a very productive day, with a crowded exhibition halls and full seminar sessions – it’s great to be able to facilitate so

many successful business connections in the local area’ explains Tracey Hanbury, Event Director from LI Media, who run these events throughout the UK. ‘Both our shows and monthly magazine offer advice to help seasoned landlords and investors, as well as those considering entering the buy-to-let market. We look forward to coming back to the Midlands next year with the latest advice, suppliers and expert seminars’. Visitors to the show were about to source property investment services from renowned brands such as Nethouseprices, Royal Bank of Scotland and Valuation Office Agency, as well companies such as Shawbrook Bank, Pennycuick Collins, Bedford Insurance Group and Fitzwilliam Capital Partners who offer local or niche buy-to-let services in areas from tax, to mortgages to legal.’ Tenancy Deposit Scheme, who exhibited

for the third year running, attest to the popularity of the show, ‘National Landlord Investment Show is a really well run event and has gained the popularity it deserves within the industry.’ The two seminar theatres hosted 10+ speakers throughout the day who have unparalleled experience in the UK and overseas buy-tolet markets. Ever popular, they offered visitors a chance to expand their knowledge, keep up-to-date with developments in the market including Brexit and will feature topics covering the entire spectrum of buy-to-let. Visitors were also able to grow business connections at the Morning Networking Event on the morning on the show. We are happy to have supported The National Landlord Show and to be part of the day in Birmingham. The event was very engaging and as a media partner we were pleased to be involved.

2017 SEMINAR SPEAKERS

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Simon Zutshi Property Investors Network

Richard Browser Editor of Property News

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MAY 2017

EDUCATION

Trinity College London is approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to provide Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) required for British Citizenship, Settlement and visa applications. SELTs are taken by people who need to show their English language ability for the purpose of obtaining a visa to work, study or settle in the UK. The SELTs Trinity offer are Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) - a 6-minute (A1), 7-minute (A2) or 10-minute (B1) face-to-face conversation with a Trinity examiner. Candidates receive

provisional results on the same day of their exam and their certificate is usually received within 7 days. Integrated Skills in English (ISE) - a contemporary fourskills qualification testing reading, writing, speaking and listening, widely recognised by UK universities. Candidates receive their results/ certificate usually within 15 working days.

/TrinitySELT

Trinity’s ISE I (B1) SELT is also approved by Transport for London (TfL) for all new applicants and existing private hire drivers applying to renew their licence.

Further information about the SELTs Trinity offer can be found at trinitycollege.com/ SELT or call us on 0333 358 3183.

@Trinity_SELT

Change to English language requirement for A2 Further Leave to Remain (visa extension) The Home Office has announced that, as from 1 May 2017, non-EEA nationals will need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in speaking and listening at A2 level after two-and-a-half years in the UK in order to qualify for further leave to remain on the five-year partner or parent route to settlement. Trinity’s Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) Grade 3 (A2) SELT has been approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for this purpose.

Book your Trinity SELT in Birmingham at trinitySELT.co.uk

0333 358 3183

trinitycollege.com/SELT

Joseph Chamberlain College’s second careers fair is a success! On Friday 7th April Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College hosted its second new style Careers Fair – a unique and personal event unlike any other throughout Birmingham. The College opened its doors to over 70 professionals, who spoke to the College’s students about their own careers and the day to day work involved in their particular role. The aim of the Careers Fair was to inform over 800 first year students of the array of career paths open to them and to help them consider their options post-College. Professionals from all sectors and industries kindly offered an afternoon from their busy schedules to discuss the ins and outs of their industries, qualification requirements and provide advice for students interested in entering their fields. There were visits from midwives, radiographers, lawyers, judges, engineers, science technicians and many more. In a change to the usual style of Fair, professionals had their own classroom where they would host in-depth talks to groups of students. Each student had the opportunity to visit four different speakers of their choice and gain valuable insights into a range of possible career paths for when they leave College. Last year, the College’s Careers Officer, Jasvinder Lall, received The Quality Award in Careers, Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) at Gold standard; the highest accreditation available. This event proved to be useful and exciting for students and many came out saying that they had discovered new careers that they hadn’t thought of before. There was fantastic feedback from both professionals and students who commented on the organisation and originality of the day. The College looks forward to hosting another Careers Fair on the 29th March next year. The College is located close to the centre of Birmingham and has a local and national reputation for excellence; it was recently one of only three colleges in the country to feature in the 2015 Further and Higher Education Parliamentary Review,

which is forwarded by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and highlights exceptional achievements in education. Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College is a state-funded, independently governed college. It is not a school sixth form; nor is it part of a large further education college as is the case with most sixth form centres. The latest Ofsted inspection report rates the effectiveness of leadership and management at the College as outstanding. Its significant investment (over 3000 hours in 2014/2015) in the highest quality continuing professional development (CPD), particularly for newly qualified teachers (NQTs), is cited in the inspection report and the exceptional quality of CPD received further confirmation when the College was awarded the CPD Mark in 2016. Accurate, robust, highly supportive quality assurance processes, have led the College to selfassess the quality of its teaching, learning and assessment as outstanding. The Ofsted inspection reports states, ‘Teachers harness the enthusiasm students bring to their studies well by quickly identifying gaps in students’ knowledge and providing challenging activities that allow students to fill these gaps.’ Students make very good progress in lessons and produce work of a very high standard. Outcomes for learners are outstanding and among the highest in the country for both 16-18 year olds and adult learners, with A Level results at 99% being higher than any college in Birmingham or Solihull for the past two years. The Ofsted inspection report notes that AS Level students ‘make exceptional progress’ achieving results relative to their starting points that put them in the top 8% of the country. In some subject areas students’ progress is better than any other students in the country when compared to available national data. The College is a very supportive organisation, friendly, respectful and highly professional. The teacher recruitment process is extremely rigorous involving applications that examine a teacher’s previous success in achieving high

student outcomes, a sample teaching session, written tasks, views of students and an in-depth interview. This ensures we appoint only the best quality teachers who have the highest expectations of students; teachers who contribute not only to the outstanding outcomes for learners but also to their personal development. The College has clear Core Values, developed by its staff, students, parents and governors that align with British Values. Whilst the College has strict entry criteria to ensure students have the best chance of achieving their qualifications, it retains its ethos of being an inclusive college and many of its students come from the local community. Multi-deprivation measures indicate that the College’s students are in the highest 1% of most deprived backgrounds in the country yet the College sees extremely high numbers progressing to university; 91% in 2015. The exemplary behaviour of its students and levels of respect and tolerance are recognised by Ofsted, the many guests who visit the College to see best practice and UK Investor in Equality and Diversity which awarded the College the UKIED Silver Charter Mark in 2015. Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College’s state of the art building has become an icon in the area. It is a peaceful, modern, safe environment for students and staff. It sits proudly on the top of a hill and is visible from many places in Birmingham. The building has won multiple awards including the Royal Institute of British Architects Award and the Prime Minister’s Award. The opening of a new building, ‘Orchard House’ with additional classrooms and laboratories has allowed the College to accommodate some of the ever-increasing numbers of students who wish to study there. Even with the capacity to offer 1900 16-18 year old student places and around 700 adult places in its outreach centres, the College finds itself oversubscribed each year.

MAY 2017

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EDUCATION

Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College to host Birmingham’s ﬁrst International Learning and Teaching Conference.

irmingham’s The 6th and 7th July will see Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College play host to very first International Learning and Teaching Conference. Co-hosted by Consilium Education, the two-day event has been branded a must for innovation and best practice at Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Post-16 level education. Delegates will gain exclusive access to a series of workshops, exhibitors, free teaching resources and networking opportunities. A selection of the UK’s most sought-after educational practitioners will deliver as keynote speakers, offering attendees the opportunity to explore fresh, pioneering pedagogical ideas. Key note speakers include: Sir Tim Brighouse – British educator & former chief commissioner for schools, Prof. Michael Waters – Former Director of Curriculum at the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority, Roman Krznaric – Roman has been named by The Observer as one of Britain’s leading popular philosophers, Ross McGill aka @ TeacherToolkit – A secondary school deputy head and the most followed teacher on Twitter in the UK The College is located close to the centre of Birmingham and has a local and national reputation for excellence; it was recently one of only three colleges in the country to feature in the 2015 Further and Higher Education Parliamentary Review, which is forwarded by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and highlights exceptional achievements in education. The College was shortlisted in the category of ‘Sixth Form College of the Year’ in the TES FE Awards 2017. Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College is a state-funded, independently governed college. It is not a school sixth form; nor is it part of a large further education college as is the case with most sixth form centres. The latest Ofsted inspection report rates the effectiveness of leadership and management at the College as outstanding. Its significant investment (over 3000 hours in 2014/2015) in the highest quality continuing professional development (CPD), particularly for newly qualified teachers (NQTs), is cited in the inspection report and the exceptional quality of CPD received further confirmation when the College was awarded the CPD Mark in 2016. Accurate, robust, highly supportive quality assurance processes, have led the College to self-assess the quality of its teaching, learning and assessment as outstanding. The Ofsted inspection reports states, ‘Teachers harness the enthusiasm students bring to their studies well by quickly identifying gaps

in students’ knowledge and providing challenging activities that allow students to fill these gaps.’ Students make very good progress in lessons and produce work of a very high standard. Outcomes for learners are outstanding and among the highest in the country for both 16-18 year olds and adult learners, with A -level results at 99% being higher than any college in Birmingham or Solihull for the past three years. The Ofsted inspection report notes that AS-level students ‘make exceptional progress’ achieving results relative to their starting points that put them in the top 8% of the country. In some subject areas students’ progress is better than any other students in the country when compared to available national data. The College is a very supportive organisation, friendly, respectful and highly professional. The teacher recruitment process is extremely rigorous involving applications that examine a teacher’s previous success in achieving high student outcomes, a sample teaching session, written tasks, views of students and an in-depth interview. This ensures we appoint only the best quality teachers who have the highest expectations of students; teachers who contribute not only to the outstanding outcomes for learners but also to their personal development. The College has clear Core Values, developed by its staff, students, parents and governors that align with British Values. The exemplary behaviour of its students and levels of respect and tolerance are recognised by Ofsted, the many guests who visit the College to see best practice and UK Investor in Equality and Diversity which awarded the College the UKIED Silver Charter Mark in 2015. Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College’s state of the art building has become an icon in the area. It is a peaceful, modern, safe environment for students and staff. It sits proudly on the top of a hill and is visible from many places in Birmingham. The building has won multiple awards including the Royal Institute of British Architects Award and the Prime Minister’s Award. The opening of a new building, ‘Orchard House’ with additional classrooms and laboratories has allowed the College to accommodate some of the ever-increasing numbers of students who wish to study there. Even with the capacity to offer 1900 16-18-yearold student places and around 700 adult places in its outreach centres, the College finds itself oversubscribed each year.

Key topics of focus at the Conference will be centered around: • Assessment that informs & supports progress • Improving writing skills • Active learning strategies • Raising achievement of the less able • Activities to inspire the gifted & talented • Stretch & challenge for the middle ability • Questioning for higher order thinking • Managing low level disruption • Personal, social & moral development • Innovative approaches to additional learning support • English as an Additional Language and English for Speakers of Other languages (EAL & ESOL) To find out more about the conference please visit: www.jcc. ac.uk/connectingteachers2017

Prime Minister Pledges Mental Health Services for Every School

May to remove mental health stigma and ensure teens get early mental health access

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN Join us on Friday 7th July 2017 @ 6pm - Edgbaston Stadium For tickets, sponsorship or for more information visit our website:

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According to new plans announced by Prime Minister Theresa May, all schools in the country will be being offered mental health support in order to tackle a worrying concern that issues such as depression, anxiety and stress are on the rise. May said that she plans to scrap the current Mental Health Act which is ‘no longer fit for purpose.’ She also plans to change the Equality Act so that those with mental health conditions cannot be discriminated against at work. She commented, “On my first day in Downing Street, I described shortfalls in mental health services as one of the burning injustices in our country. It is abundantly clear to me that the discriminatory use of a law passed more than three decades ago is a key part of the reason for this. “That’s why I think it’s important that we do deal with the Mental Health Act. It was drafted back in the early 1980s, we do need to have a new piece of legislation, we need to overhaul that. “But there are other things we needs to do too. We need to ensure that there are people trained in our schools for example, to identify mental health problems for youngsters and know how to deal with those.” The Prime Minister also pledged to add 10,000 more mental health professionals to the NHS over the course of the next three years. Many are praising the Tory’s for the plans which mark the biggest change to mental health law in the last thirty years. May added that the proposed plans will help to ‘remove the stigma’ and ensure that mental health was taken more seriously at the work place. May added that with the rise of social media and cyber bullying, it was even more important that mental health services are incorporated into schools.

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EDUCATION

While they do their GCSE revision, do some homework for them!

This Easter, while your son or daughter is revising for GCSEs, why not do some research on how they can get to university? They could study for a diploma or A Levels in the next two years, and they could go to college, sixth form college or stay at school. But what is right for them? We offer a choice of routes that can take your son or daughter to university:

At Central Sixth, in our futuristic Advanced & Higher Education Centre, they can choose from 24 A Level subjects.

n 100% PASS RATE IN 17 A LEVEL SUBJECTS n 91% OF STUDENTS GOT INTO UNIVERSITY n 89% OF STUDENTS GAINED 3 A LEVELS EACH THE HIGHEST FIGURE IN OUR AREA (2015 exams, Sandwell MBC).

New Street, West Bromwich B70 7PG

Young Professionals Academy

Not sure if a full set of A Levels is completely right for you?

This programme gives you the flexibility to prepare for university or an apprenticeship in law, accountancy, medicine, forensics or engineering. Study in our prestigious Central Sixth campus, gaining practical experience of your chosen career sector in high quality work placements with top companies.

Advanced & Higher Education Centre,

Single subject Level 3 Diplomas can be the equivalent of

three A Levels. Our diplomas in Business, Childcare, Computing, Fashion, Health & Social Care, Multimedia, Performing Arts, Photography, Public Services, and Sport send large numbers of successful students on to university. Almost all of the successful students on our Extended Diploma in Engineering progress to a specialist university course.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ACADEMY Central Campus, Level 3 Skills Courses

1 Spon Lane, West Bromwich B70 6AW

dents 16-18 full-time stu -up to both) for all (with option to top

0800 622 006 www.sandwell.ac.uk Right student

Right course

Right outcome

We never offer a place without an interview

Further Education and Skills inspection report published 19 June 2014, Inspection Number: 434083.

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EDUCATION

he world was left stunned last month after the death of Bollywood legend Vinod Khanna. The actor turned politician died at the age of 70 in the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai. A spokesperson for the hospital revealed that Khanna had been diagnosed with bladder cancer. His cancer had already reached the advance level by the time he died. The actor is most well known for having starred in acclaimed hits such as Amar Akbar Anthony, Mera Gaon Mera Desh and Mere Apne. It was in 1982 that the actor decided to quit the film

industry in order to explore his spirituality, something that stunned his fans across India. The actor joined the spiritual guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh for five years before returning to acting. Then, in 1997 he departed from the industry once again but this time in order to play politics. Khanna entered politics as a lawmaker under the Hindu nationalist party, the Bharatiya Janata, where he represented Gurdaspur constituency in northern Punjab. He was also the junior external affairs minister and culture and tourism minister. After the news of his surprise death was made

public, hundreds gathered in order to mourn the actor all over the world. There has been an outpouring of grief on social media as well as support for his family. The Indian President Pranab Mukherjee tweeted: "Heartfelt condolences on. the passing away of Shri Vinod Khanna, a highly talented and acclaimed actor & MP #PresidentMukherjee." Sports legend Sachin Tendulkar also tweeted in honor of Vinod Khanna, "Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of legendary actor #VinodKhanna ji. My condolences to the family. RIP" which was liked over 12,000 times.

MAY 2017

1946-2017

REHAM KARO THAKUR! T

he name Vinod Khanna no doubtly is one of the top five names that come to mind when you think about India film cinema from the 70’ and the 80’s. A charming and handsome actor who originally played the ‘baddie’ role but later went on to become a huge star in his own right. It has been said that Khanna was Amitabh Bachchan’s top most rival back in the 70’s and was even

paid more than Bachchan for films that starred them together. Vinod Khanna starred in more than 140 films during his active career between 1968-2013. His most memorable performances were in films like: Mere Apne, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Imitihaan, Inkar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Lahu Ke Do Rang, Qurbani, Dayavaan and Jurm to name but a few.

For a short period pf time Khanna decided to quit the film industry to pursue spirituality and follow his own guru Osho Rajneesh. Khanna did return to the Indian film industry after 5 years with two hit films ‘Insaaf” and ‘Satyamar Jayate’. Khanna two sons Rahul Khanna and Akshaye Khana from his first marriage are also actors and also has another two children from his second marriage.

MAY 2017

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Henry Wong Harborne held a fundraiser for Fisher House UK raising £8000.

FEATURE

Hotel du Vin host a Piemonte Wine Dinner at their Colmore BID venue.

Angela Lloyd, Liz Lloyd, Kerry Cuﬀe and Kim Looker

Louise Berktay and Sian Averill

Adam Andrew Hayes, Rosie Mayer and Peter Mayer

Gregg and Jane Sadler, James Wormleighton and Parm Rai

Tom Cuﬀe, John Looker, Dave Lloyd and Les Lloyd

Nigel Wilkinson, Nigel Cole, Clare Pilkington, Tony Elvin and Gary Newbon

Tony Elvin, Nico, Conrad Brunton and George Brunton

Jo Horton, Nicola Fleet-Milne and Tony Elvin

Alex Dervish and Parm Rai

Charlotte Yorke and Katie Yorke

Andrew Lockers, Eddie Hemming, Nicki Roy, Gary Newbon, Rachel Thompson and Simon Prosser Adam Andrew Hayes, Rebecca Williams, Dave Watson and Alev Dervish

Adventures Gurjote Nandra and Ahmed Abukar

SOCIAL SANSI

of Sansi

Sophie Field and Gurjote Nandra

Jason Wouhra, Major Sandy Hennis, Captain Lou Rudd and Brigadier Robin Anderton-Brown

057 Tina Batham, Liz Bailey and Emma Johnson

Sukh Lakhanpaul, Sam Turney, Max Canning and Leah Bargota Jason Wouhra and Lee Kemp

Nicole Evans, Emma Johnson and Zeshan Hussain

Chris, David Newton, Marilyn Knott and Stewart Knott

iHub Birmingham launch their new office at Colmore Gate. The business allows companies to secure very cost efficient office space in the city centre.

Paul and Lesley Kehoe and Captain Lou Rudd

Kate Curry and David Trevis-Smith

Calum Nisbet and Rob Bhol

Institute of Directors West Midlands organised a drinks reception and presentation on leadership. It was held at the Library of Birmingham.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Sonakshi Sinha on her insecurities Pg 44

MAHABHARATA

Bollywood Entertainment News

INDIA'S BIGGEST EVER MOTION PICTURE - THE MAHABHARATA Pg 47

Bharat Ke Veer Read more on Pg 44

BFI India On Film showcases ‘New Bollywood’ this April with Bollywood 2.0

To read the full story turn to Pg 46

Interview with Kulwinder Billa!

To read the full interview - Pg 44

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Sonakshi Sinha:

“I too have my own struggles, insecurities like Noor” Sonakshi Sinha hit the screens this April in Sunhil Sippy’s movie Noor. Based on Saba Imtiaz’s novel, Karachi, You’re Killing Me!, Noor tells the tale of a journalist-writer’s misadventures and love life as she navigates her way through Mumbai. Sonakshi, who’s read the book and was the first choice for the film, said: “The spirit of the book is the same, but because of the change in location from Karachi to Mumbai, there are a few necessary changes in plot points. “I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. It engrosses you; you are completely enamoured by the characters that are in the book. “When the film came to me, it was already ready; the makers had already adapted it to Mumbai. One page into the narration, I knew that I wanted to play this character. At its heart, the book is about a single woman living a complicated life in a cosmopolitan city.” Talking about Noor, Sonakshi says, “Noor is quite clumsy. She is stuck in a job. She wants to report for a certain beat but her boss doesn’t let her. He makes her do frivolous assignments, whereas she wants to do serious journalism. She wants to write about the city she loves,

something that makes a difference to the society.” She further added, “Like any young modern girl, I am also somebody who is trying to achieve everything in life. In real life, I am also a working girl; I also have my own struggles and insecurities, my own goals that I have set for myself. I am chasing them just like Noor. As modern-day girls, we want everything in life and that is one big similarity which every girl will relate to.” Noor also stars Shibani Dandekar, Kanan Gill and Purab Kohli.

Akshay Kumar & Indian Gvmt Launch ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ App For Martyred Soldiers App helps users donate to the widows and families of fallen soldiers Indian film megastar Akshay Kumar is known for his patriotism not only on screen but off, as he regularly lends his voice in support of martyred soldiers and their families, contributing towards their family’s financial aid. In a unique and pioneering step, Akshay Kumar along with Hon’ble Union Minister of India Rajnath Singh launched an app and website ‘Bharat Ke Veer’, which enables people to contribute financially towards the families of martyrs. After initially appealing to the public on the eve of Republic Day 2017 in India, the actor had proposed an app to enable people who wanted to support the families of martyred jawans (soldiers) financially. He had posted a video where he requested his fans to support the cause, with permissions from the Indian Army and support from the Government of India. He tweeted the video on 24th January 2017 with the message: “Here I am standing up AGAIN for something

I truly believe in coz THEIR well-being MATTERS to ME.I’d love to know if it does to YOU as well? pic.twitter.com/3Y5NPmTJhg.” Three months after launching the drive, the Government of India launched the app and the website Bharat Ke Veer. Speaking at the launch of the app and website, Akshay Kumar said, “This website has been made exactly in two and a half months. About three months, this idea came in my mind, while watching a documentar y film on terrorists, which showed how terror leaders financially support the families of the terrorist who carr y out terror acts. “Ever ybody wants to connect to people in uniform in their pain. It was a small dream and to fulfil this dream, our government really helped us. I want to thank ever ybody with my folded hands. My father was in Army and I am here as his son. Thank you ever yone,” he added.

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Interview with Kulwinder Billa!

With a zest of music in his heart from an early age Kulwinder Billa has made a massive mark in the Punjabi music industry.He has superb vocal qualities with smash hits that have graced dance floors worldwide and led him to storm music charts. Billa will be featuring as part of the line-up for the Vaisakhi Timetable UK & Europe Tour 2017 in Europe and the UK. As part of his tour, we caught up with him to pick the singers brains.

The last few years have been hugely successful for you. How do you look back on them?

Which of your hit songs are closest to your heart?

I see all the success as a blessing and accept it all with humility. I give full credit for the success to the immense support of fans who have been with me every step of the way and heartfelt gratitude to the almighty. I believe you can only move forward by looking ahead. Right now I am focused on delivering more songs in the future for listeners around the world.

Every true artist will put their heart and soul into every song they release. That is why it is impossible to choose just one song as a favourite. But if you are really pushing me, then Timetable 1 is a track I love and enjoy singing. (Laughs) Tomorrow if you ask me the same question I will probably choose a different one. I think what is more important is that the fans love my songs.

You have had a remarkable success rate in recent years. How do you select your songs?

Have any of your songs exceeded your expectations?

I do look deep into the songs before selecting them and will always choose ones with subjects that connect to the everyman. I personally feel songs are built from the ground up and ones with subjects every one can relate to in some way are the strongest ones. Listeners should be able to connect songs to their daily life or moments from the past. When people relate to a song they make a stronger connection to you as an artist.

You can feel good about a song while recording it, but can’t predict how it will do. That is up to the listener. They decide if a song will be a hit or not. One song that did surprise me was Angreji Waali Madam. I knew it was a great track, but it performed way beyond my expectations and became a hit all over the world in an outstanding way.

You have done some great music videos, how much do you get involved in the storylines of them? (Laughs) First of all thanks for the compliment! In terms of the music videos, their storylines and acting in them, they largely represent me as a Punjabi. I am genuinely that person who is connected to his roots. Punjabi traditions and way of life is my soul. So I always try to do music videos representing that traditional side of me. You are very good in the music videos. Is acting something you want to pursue seriously? Yes acting is something I have fallen in love with and feel I can do. I’m currently looking for a script, which suites both my personality and behaviour. It’s a great time for Punjabi cinema, so I am hoping to find something soon. Tell us about your most recent song? Roon Warggi is my latest track. It is currently running on TV channels and one I am immensely proud of. The lyrics have a strong message and the music is catchy. My well wishers have loved the song and am sure those who haven’t heard it will love it too. How much do you like performing live and what has been your most memorable? I have been performing live since I was a youngster at school. The joy of being on stage has been with me for as long as I can remember and has given me so many beautiful memories. Perhaps the one moment on stage that really stands on is performing live with the great Gurdas Maan saab, which is something I will never forget. Tell us about your forthcoming UK tour? I am really looking forward to performing my biggest hits live in front the UK audiences in April. There is a great line up of artists on the bill alongside me including the singer Rupali and the great Aman Hayer. UK audiences really appreciate live music and I am looking forward to giving them an authentic flavour of the Punjab. It is also really great to meet all those who are supporting me on this journey and events like make it happen. What is your most Punjabi quality? (Smiles) Every quality of mine is Punjabi. I am very proud of my identity. My behaviour and way of life reflects my roots, where I come from, my Punjabi culture and my true identity. What can we expect from you for the rest of the year? You can expect loads more songs and I really hope you love, just like the previous ones. You can also expect a movie. I am looking into various projects being offered to me.

BY: HUSNA BY: HUSNA

BOLLYWOOD BOLLYWOOD

01. 01. 02. 02. 03. 03. 04. 04. 05. 05. 06. 06. 07. 07. 08. 08. 09. 09. 10. 10.

MoveChashma Kala Your Lakk (Noor) KalaBaar Chashma Baar Badshah, Diljit Dekho Dosanjh, S . Sinha Baar Baar Dekho

Channa Tere Sang Mereya Yaare TereSingh Sang Yaare Rustom Arjit Rustom

Gani Gani Mani Sandhu & Akhil Mani Sandhu & Akhil

Jag Ghoomeya Jag Ghoomeya Sultan Sultan

Tu Rendhe Tu Rendhe Tindy & Rixx and Sudesh Kumari Tindy & Rixx and Sudesh Kumari

Woman Woman Shide Boss ft Zack Knight Shide Boss ft Zack Knight

Peat Pe Booty Peat PeJatt Booty A Flying A Flying Jatt

Suit Suit Randhawa Guru Guru Randhawa

Tu Hai Tu Hai Daro Mohenjo Mohenjo Daro

Dishoom Dishoom Sau Tarah Ke Sau Tarah Ke

BHANGRA BHANGRA

01. 01. 02. 02. 03. 03. 04. 04. 05. 05. 06. 06. 07. 07. 08. 08. 09. 09. 10. 10.

Bamb Jatt Gabbroo Gabbroo Jassie Amrit Gill Maan ft. feat Preetjasmine HundalSandlas Jassie Gill ft. Preet Hundal

Phone Akhil Akhil Teri Kami Mickey Singh Teri Kami

Ashok Prince, Tru-Skool Ashok Time 4 YaPrince, Mind Tru-Skool Time 4 Ya Mind

PBN & Raj Bains PBNAkh & Raj Bains Billi Billi Akh

Manni Sandhu Manni Sandhu Welcome To The Future Welcome To The Future

Tere Bina Tere Bina Monty & Waris, Ginni Kapoor Monty & Waris, Ginni Kapoor

Skoda SkodaBawa ft. Bhinda Aujla Ranjit Ranjit Bawa ft. Bhinda Aujla

Ikk Vaari Hor Soch Lae Ikk Vaari Hor Soch Lae Harish Verma Harish Verma

Kulwinder Billa Kulwinder Billa Kulwinder Billa Kulwinder Billa

Selﬁe Boliyan SelﬁeSingh Boliyan Malkit ft. Dj Vix Malkit Singh ft. Dj Vix

UK UK ARTISTS ARTISTS

01. 01. 02. 02. 03. 03. 04. 04. 05. 05. 06. 06. 07. 07. 08. 08. 09. 09. 10. 10.

One Dance One DrakeDance feat Wizkid and Kyla Drake feat Wizkid and Kyla

Cold Water Cold Water Major Lazer and Justin Beiber Major Lazer and Justin Beiber

Too Good Too Good Drake feat Rihanna Drake feat Rihanna

This is what you came for This isHarris what you came for Calvin feat Rihanna Calvin Harris feat Rihanna

Heathens Heathens Twenty One Pilots Twenty One Pilots

Closer Closer Chainsmokers feat Halsey Chainsmokers feat Halsey

Perfect Strangers Perfect Jonas BlueStrangers feat JP Cooper Jonas Blue feat JP Cooper

Tears Tears Clean Bandit feat Louisa Johnson Clean Bandit feat Louisa Johnson

This Girl This Girl Kungs Vs Cooking on 3 Burners Kungs Vs Cooking on 3 Burners

We Don't Talk Anymore We Don't Anymore Charlie PuthTalk feat Selena Gomez Charlie Puth feat Selena Gomez

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On Film showcases ‘New Bollywood’ this April with Bollywood 2.0

As part the UK India Year of Culture, the BFI is embarking on a celebration of Indian film throughout 2017. Co-curated by BFI Head Curator Robin Baker and writer and programmer Meenakshi Shedde, the BFI’s India on Film programme is running at BFI Southbank from April – December 2017. The programme kicked off in April at BFI Southbank with Bollywood 2.0, a focus on ‘New Bollywood’ films which have pushed the boundaries of conventional Bollywood filmmaking by combining song and dance numbers with more realistic stories that tackle issues such as caste, crime, homosexuality and feminism. The films in Bollywood 2.0 have been acclaimed at festivals worldwide as well as finding large audiences in India and overseas. Running alongside the India on Film programme at BFI Southbank from Friday 14 April through until December, The Art of Indian Cinema is a free exhibit of stunning posters and other promotional material drawn from the collections of the BFI National Archive, immersing visitors in the colour, spectacle and artistry taken from the golden age of

Indian cinema art. Crime thriller Raman Raghav 2.0 (Anurag Kashyap, 2016), was one of the first to be screened in April. The thriller, based on a real-life serial killer who confessed to killing

over 30 people in Mumbai in the 1960s, was made by cult filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, ‘king’ of Indian indie cinema, and was even selected at Cannes in 2016. Three stories intersect by the Ganges in Neeraj Ghaywan’s superb debut feature, Masaan (Neeraj Ghaywan, 2015), which

won two prizes at Cannes, while Shahid (Hansal Mehta, 2012) is a powerful thriller based on the life of Shahid Azmi, the Muslim human rights activist and lawyer who freed many poor people, including Muslims, languishing in Indian prisons without evidence of their crimes. The poignant Kapoor & Sons (Shakun Batra, 2016) redefines the traditionally saccharine Bollywood family with a story of a dysfunctional family grappling with homosexuality, parental infidelity and death; Chaitanya Tamhane’s debut feature Court (2014) is an art house film that redefines what a Bombay film in Hindi can be and it deservedly won top prizes at Venice in 2014. Completing the programme in April was Queen (Vikas Bahl, 2013), a delightful film about a traditional young Delhi woman who is stood up by her fiancé on the eve of her wedding. She decides to honeymoon in Europe alone, and finds that her adventures make her more confident, liberated and less judgmental. India on Film continues at BFI Southbank in May with Music in Indian Cinema: Song and Dance.

Dr Zeus Summer Anthem “Party Non Stop” Award winning Music Producer Baljit Singh Padam, known universally as Dr Zeus, has made a mark on the Bollywood & Punjabi music scene with a string of massive hits including “Baby Doll”, “Kangna”, “Lovely” and “Don’t Be Shy” to name a few. Dr. Zeus brand new song “Party Non Stop,” features his vocals for the first time along with the sensational singer Jasmine Sandlas and rapper Ikka. The song was released worldwide and showcases the infused rustic vocals of Jasmine Sandlas and the swag of rapper Ikka over a slick beat, tuning it into a contemporary club banger that’s set to become this summer’s party anthem. Directed by film maker Arif khan, the enthralling music video for the track features the gorgeous Bollywood actress Evelyn Sharma, who’s seen partying on a playful night of nonstop fun, dance and entertainment against the backdrop of the song’s infectious rhythm. From a warehouse

to a party by the pool, the video is a vibrant piece of work. Mohit Suri, of EMI Records in India, said, “It’s great to have Dr Zeus on board, he’s done some incredible work in the past and we instantly fell in love with this track when we heard it. Combining his influences from his Punjabi background with urban & pop music, the track will definitely appeal to a wider audience. Dr. Zeus added, “I’m so excited to finally reveal this amazing track we’ve been working on. Jasmine’s voice & Ikka’s rap adds a perfect edge and character to the track with the uplifting beats. We had a great time shooting the video with Evelyn Sharma and I’m hoping it becomes this generation’s dance party song.” Devraj Sanyal Managing Director and CEO, Universal Music Group, India & South Asia, says, “I’m super proud to release this phenomenal track with the uber talented UK based producer Dr Zeus. The collaborative effort between Zeus, Jasmine Sandlas &

Ikka is surely going to be a chart topper this summer. “Our partner Mohit Suri has been an instrumental part of this whole journey with us & we’re elated to finally reveal this summer’s party anthem.” Known as one of the most influential artist in the Punjabi Music scene, Dr. Zeus has achieved huge success in his long and illustrious career. He gained stardom in India in late 2003 with his hit song “Kangna,” following which he has become a popular name all over the world. Starting in 1999, Dr. Zeus produced the remix album “Pure Garage – Sue My Ass” before following up with “Death Jamm” series of mixes. Throughout his 18-year long recording career, Dr. Zeus has released more than thirty anthems including massive Bollywood hits ‘Baby Doll’ (Ragini MMS 2, ‘Lovely’ (Happy New Year), ‘Don’t be shy’, ‘Mitran De Boot’ ‘Jugni Ji’ and the smash hit ‘Kangna’. Each of his tracks offers a constantly evolving sound and are a regular feature across all media platforms.

Faryal Makhdoom to star in Celebrity Big Brother The worldwind drama continues. Far yal Makhdoom has been approached to star in the next season of Celebrity Big Brother. The American model and wife of British boxer, Amir Khan, has been in and out of the news over the past year due to her explosive feud with her in-laws, Khan’s family. The feud has seen both sides spew out venomous rumours and accusations towards each other, with Far yal attesting that she has been verbally and even physically abused by her in-laws and sister-inlaw. Meanwhile, Khan’s family have accused the model of being fame hungr y and for insulting their traditions and culture. Far yal stated that she “didn’t give a s**t” if her in-laws didn’t

want her going on Celebrity Big Brother, a reality show which puts celebrities in a house with no contact with the outside world. Far yal broke the news on Instagram, asking her fans if she should accept or not. There was an even split among her fandom, with many concerned that editors and producers would paint her in a bad light or as a show villain, with others saying it was the perfect chance to show the world who she really was. Regarding the feud, Khan recently said, “I think the best way for this to work is both parties sit down and hopefully settle things and speak things out. “My wife is happy to do that. It’s all just petty stuff really. It was small stuff that just got big.”

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INDIA'S BIGGEST EVER MOTION PICTURE - THE MAHABHARATA Setting a record in the Indian film industry, Dr. B.R. Shetty, UAE based billionaire businessman and philanthropist, is investing Rs. 1000 crores (USD 150 million) to produce India’s biggest ever motion picture, Mahabharata. V.A Shrikumar Menon will be directing the magnum opus, set for release in early 2020. Filmed in two parts, the latter will be released within 90 days of the first part. The film will be shot primarily in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu and will be dubbed into major Indian languages and leading foreign languages. The film will be a coming together of the crème de la crème of Indian and global cinema in terms cast and crew. The technical crew will include some of the great names in world cinema including Academy Award-winners whilst the cast will feature the best of talent from Indian cinema and Hollywood. This film will have an identity across

continents, with their representatives donning the myriad characters in Mahabharata. It remains almost impossible to narrate Mahabharata on the big screen except by way of adaptation of M.T. Vasudevan Nair’s awardwinning novel, Randamoozham (The Second Turn). This novel narrates Mahabharata through the eyes of Bhima, the second of the Pandavas. The screenplay is written by the writer himself, who holds the record for the maximum National Awards for screenwriting in the history of Indian cinema. The ancient Sanskrit epic has been a topic of creative adaptation for decades, but this project will be the first of its kind to take the epic to the silver screen at such a grand level. Producer Dr. B.R. Shetty, Founder and Chairman of UAE Exchange and NMC Healthcare says, “Mahabharata is an epic of all epics. I believe that this film will not only

set global benchmarks, but also reposition India and its prowess in mythological storytelling. I am confident that this film will be adapted in over 100 languages and reach over three billion people across the world. I am awestruck by the fantastic screenplay by Sri. MT and I have tremendous faith in the ability of V.A. Shrikumar to paint this narrative on celluloid. His passion and energy are boundless.” Director V. A. Shrikumar Menon, who has been living the script and researching this project for the past few years, said, “I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Shetty for having immense faith in this project and helping bring it to life with his financial commitment and his innate pride in Indian heritage. We are fully geared to attain the next level of production quality and visual magic, as well as narrative wizardry with this initiative.”

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BOLLYWOOD MOVIE OF THE MONTH

MERI PYAARI BINDU Director: - Akshay Roy Cast: - Ayushmann Khurrana, Parineeti Chopra Fed up with the lack of critical appreciation despite being a successful writer, Abhimanyu Roy returns to his roots in Kolkata to write more meaningful literature. So, he decides on completing an old-fashioned love story which he started three years ago! This writers block is the result of a girl called Bindu. But how can he contain this unpredictable, crazy, restless, larger than life, live wire in the pages of a book? Abhimanyu always believes that if a song comes on, you just start dancing. Bindu was that song. It’s that silly infectious joyful tune you can’t get out of your head even if you wanted to. So where should he begin? Where should he end? When Abhimanyu stumbles across an old audio cassette of their favourite playlist, it sends him down memory lane. As he waltzes in and out of his past and present through the songs in the mixed tape, he finally faces reality and reconnects with his roots, with his family. But most important of all his novel starts writing itself. Of course, life in its usual scheming manner surprises him yet again and changes the ending of his book. Akshay Roy makes his debut as a director in this love story with a significant difference headlining Parineeti Chopra and Ayushmann Khurrana. Parineeti is always ready for a challenge. She trained very hard for three months and surprised all by delivering a soulful number in just three hours. Her song ‘Maana Ke Hum Yaar Nahi’ has already received over 15million views which makes Parineeti a singing sensation for the new generation. Whilst Parineeti dons the role of a singer in the film, Ayushmann plays a geeky character who suffers from a writer’s block. It is the first time that these actors have been paired together. Meri Pyaari Bindu narrates a journey of two characters through incidents. Golden oldies from different eras gives a nostalgic feeling to the story. It’s a film which appeals to all ages and that makes it a very special watch!

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Two thirds of young people in the West Midlands are locked out of jobs Key statistics - 63% of young people in the West Midlands don’t apply for certain jobs because they don’t think they’ll be seen as the ‘right’ kind of person for the role - 32% say their ethnicity is a factor in securing a job - 91% say that they’re more likely to be offered a job if they fit the same ‘mould’ as the employer - 71% call on the Government to do more to ensure they are offered a level playing field when applying for jobs. New research from youth social action charity City Year UK reveals that 9/10 young people in the West

Midlands say they need to fit into the same ‘mould’ as the employer to be hired. Alongside this, 70% of young people believe that employers don’t have enough faith in their skills and abilities, further highlighting the widening gap between young people and employers, while over 35% have given up hope when applying for jobs as they keep getting rejected. Nearly 46% of young people in the region feel that social class plays a factor in securing a job, and the survey shows that factors such ethnicity, accent, appearance, education or perceived social class could impact their career chances. The polling showed that nearly 71% of young people say businesses need to do

more to ensure they are offered a level playing field when applying for jobs, and 17% also say government support is needed to bridge the gap between young people and employers. Mentoring, real world experience of work and activities such as fulltime volunteering are proven to support the transition between education and employment. Sophie Livingstone, Chief Executive at City Year UK, said: “It’s shocking to see the younger generation are writing themselves off before they’ve even started on the career ladder. There is an army of dedicated young people willing to succeed who have the right professional skills, they’re just not getting the chance.

New ‘Super Pollen’ To Hit England Warning of sticky mix of pollen and pollution in major cities Experts are warning that a new type of ‘super pollen’ is set to hit the UK this summer. The new brand of pollen is mix of pollen mixed with car diesel fumes and can trigger extreme hay fever and asthma. Allergy expert Dr Carson said that 2017 looks to be the worst year regarding pollen. The member of the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology said "Theories include vehicle fumes causing a photochemical smog that blocks pollen grains escaping into the upper atmosphere. It may even make the pollen 'stickier' so that it enters – and stubbornly stays stuck – to vulnerable body organs (eyes, nose, sinuses, lungs). “Big cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow are most likely to create this 'perfect-storm' of pollenpollution hay fever.” Luckily Dr Carson and his son also created an app to help people monitor the

monitor pollen levels in their area. In addition, the app also gives users tips and advice on how to manage

their symptoms. Hay fever symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, tight chests, itchiness, blocked noses, shortness of breath and wheezing. Last year, an estimated 3 million people were signed off

from work due to hay fever illnesses, resulting in a loss of £7.1bn to the economy. Although hay fever is seen as a non-issue or trivial illness, the rise of ‘super pollen’ may be enough to trigger new restrictions on pollution and emissions.

“Big cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow are most likely to create this 'perfect-storm' of pollenpollution hay fever.”

British Sikh Man Attacked for Defending Polish Boy Commended A British Sikh man is being hailed by the Polish community in the UK and in Poland for his heroic acts to save a young boy from a violent gang. Amo Singh, a shopkeeper from Stroud, Gloucestershire, was defending a young Polish teenager from a number of attacks but sustained serious injuries as a result. He was severely attacked and even run over. His wife, Sandy, told the media he was beaten by the gang. Police don’t believe the attack was racially motivated but have made charges. In honour of the heroic deed, two British people set up a fundraising page for Amo which has since raised over £13,000. Amo is currently recovering from his injuries and plans to donate the money to charity. Members of the Polish community have sent an outpouring of gratitude and respect to Amo, with many thanking him for his actions. Over in Poland, one man even asked the Mayor of Krakow to invite Amo and his family to the city for a weekend. Lukasz Wantuch said he wrote a letter to the mayor, suggesting Amo be invited over as a way

to give thanks, to which the mayor has accepted. Wantuch added he thought Amo ‘was very heroic. I think it’s touched the hearts of almost every Pole.’

In honour of the heroic deed, two British people set up a fundraising page for Amo which has since raised over £13,000. Amo is currently recovering from his injuries and plans to donate the money to charity.

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INTERNATIONAL

David Cameron visits Bangladesh to attend ‘Global Challenges in 2017’ F

ormer British Prime Minister, David Cameron, arrived in Dhaka on 26th April, on a two-day visit to Bangladesh. He met with Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, and termed Bangladesh a “shining example”. The event marked his first ever visit to Bangladesh since he stood down on the back of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union last year and kept seeking apology for not making it happen before. On 27th April, he attended the ‘Global Challenges in 2017’ event, organised by Enam Ali MBE – one of the most prominent British Asian personalities in the UK, known as the British Curry Awards (‘Curry Oscars’) Founder as well as being an unofficial ambassador for both Britain and Bangladesh, promoting trade and investment opportunities and cooperation between both countries, As President of the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Enam Ali MBE welcomed the former British Prime Minister

at the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton in Dhaka. The event was hosted by prominent TV broadcaster Zillur Rahman, while guests included Cabinet Ministers, MPs, Diplomats, High Commissioners, Senior Politicians, University Chancellors, BBCCI directors, bankers, senior academics, senior economists, media personalities, broadcasters and British Bangladesh expats. David Cameron delivered a speech on the quality of democracy from a global perspective, eradicating corruption and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism as global challenges. He expressed his views on governance, the rule of law, accountability and ensuring the rights of all, emphasising that democracy is not all about elections. Enam Ali MBE said, “It is my immense pleasure to welcome the Former British Prime Minister, David Cameron, in Bangladesh and it is my duty to develop further the ties

between the two countries and bilateral trade. David is very popular in Bangladesh. He is not only my friend, but is the true friend of 120 million people in Bangladesh.” Zillur Rahman said, “I have interviewed over 3,500 influential people during my career including top politicians, civil military bureaucrats, business leaders, showbiz and sports personalities. Today, hosting the Global Challenges in 2017 with Britain’s former Prime Minister David Cameron as keynote speaker, I feel hugely honoured and privileged.”

Pakistani Student Lynched by Mob for Blasphemy U

niversity administration posted official notice leading to hundreds to swarm student A Pakistani journalism student has been lynched after administrators accused him of blasphemy. The lynching has outraged and horrified civil society activists and once again brought into question the extreme and harsh blasphemy laws in the country. Mashal Khan, 25, was shot and beaten to death by a mob of his fellow students. Hundreds surrounded the student before subjecting him to extreme violence. They stripped him in the presence of police officers then beat him with planks. Even after he died, they continued to senselessly beat him. The killing came about after a false rumour surfaced that Mashal had been promoting the Ahmadi faith on Facebook” a witness to the murder told Dawn, a Pakistani newspaper. The Ahmadi’s are deemed non-Muslims by the Pakistani constitution and are considered heretics by some fundamentalists. Mashal, a Sufi Muslim, was known for posting Sufi dervishes to Facebook. However the assistant

registrar of the university posted an official notice stating that Mashal- a vocal critic of the university administrationhad been suspended along with two other students for “blasphemous activities.” There have been a series of blasphemy related killing in Pakistan, causing some to view the notice as “a death warrant.” A video of the killing shows a large mob, bordering on hundreds, chanting anti-Ahmadi slogans on the University campus. Brutal and explicit videos of the murder, carried out by a group of 10 but witnessed by hundreds, were posted online. One video on Facebook show a single police officer, hopelessly outnumbered, attempting to stop the swarm that unleash a barrage of kicks to Mashal’s already dead body. One of the student’s teachers told Reuters that Mashal was “brilliant and inquisitive — always complaining about the political system of the country — but I never heard him saying anything controversial against the religion.” Eight have since been arrested, with another twelve wanted.

Palestinian Social Media Campaign #SaltWaterChallenge N

ew social media challenge shows solidarity with Palestinians prisoner’s hunger strike Marwan Barghouti, a hunger striker and the son of an imprisoned political leader, has launched a new social media campaign bringing to light the suffering of Palestinian prisoners. The social media challenge and campaign, #saltwaterchallenge, is meant to show solidarity with the estimated 1600 Palestinian prisoners who went on a mass hunger strike in late April. In similar fashion to the

Ice Bucket Challenge, the challenge involves drinking a glass of salt water then nominating two others to do the same. In Marwan’s video where he does the challenge, he says, "Why salt water? Because the prisoners have been living only on salt water for seven days so far.” He nominated Palestinian singer and Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf to take on the challenge next, which Assaf did within hours. In Assaf’s video, he said, “I challenge everyone, and every honourable person,

wherever they may be, to take on this challenge in solidarity with our heroic detainees until they gain their freedom.” Hundreds more have since conducted the challenge and nominated others, uploading their challenge to social media sites including Facebook and Twitter. The most recent winner of Arab Idol, Palestinian singer Yacoub Shaheen, also completed the challenge. The prisoner’s hunger strike began on April 17th and saw prisoners consuming only salt and water in protest of grossly inadequate medical care and phone

access. There are approximately 6500 Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel for a range of different crimes, though all are considered political prisoners. 500 are held without charge.

MAY 2017

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TECHNOLOGY

Government Draft Requests ‘Live’ Communications Surveillance

DO YOU HAVE A NEWS STORY? GET IN TOUCH WITH US TODAY!

Leaked paper spells backdoor and mandates telecoms not inform public

DOES YOUR PERSONAL BRAND CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE? Over the past 12 months we’ve seen huge growth in the use and accessibility of video content. In a recent blog featured by Hub Spot video can increase conversion rates by up to 80% or 92% of mobile video consumers share them with others. One of the major social media platforms which has taken advantage of video content and the ability for its users to utilise video content has been Facebook. Uploading and creating content has never been easier using this particular social media platform. So, the question is how can businesses take advantage of this powerful marketing tool? Here’s my 3 tips on how to be successful in engaging with your existing and potential customers to generate better relationships, give more value and ultimately generate more profit. 1. Connection, Interaction, Personality, Core Values Facebook have made it very easy to create video content within a matter of seconds. If you’re content is appealing it can connect your brand with your target audience, therefore people can get to know you or your business on a more personal level. 2. Let’s increase views Video can be very targeted which means you can send specific messages to individuals. Businesses should be more open with their audience and let them in on what’s happening in the office. Is there a big event coming up? Instead of sending a birthday card to someone within your network you can send a video message. 3. One good video can lead to something big If you have a product or service, you can share a video on Facebook on how it was manufactured to build trust with your audience. What is it you want your audience to remember? A boring article is less impactful than watching a video, which lets you become a part of a community. Shall we conclude? Video allows you to be varied, create more sharable content and reach more people. We should take advantage of the social media platforms that promote video before the next big thing arrives!

he government has put together a draft technical paper which allegedly proposes ‘live’ surveillance of internet communications. If written into law, it would allow access thanks to the Investigatory Powers (IP) Act, which allows for the removal of encrypted content. One clause would see phone companies and internet service providers having to provide ‘data in near real time’ or within one working day, sanctioned by secretaries of state and a judge appointed only by the Prime Minister. It adds that tech companies would be required to remove or allow removal of encryption from users communications, giving access to Brit’s private conversations ‘in an intelligible form’ without ‘electronic protection.’ Further, due to the terms of the Investigatory Powers Act, telecoms would have to allow such access in secret, leaving the public unaware of the surveillance. The paper was leaked to the Open Rights Group, a civil liberties body, which received the draft on May 4th, however the Home Office have denied there was anything new added to the draft. The paper indicates that the draft has already

been viewed by the UK's Technical Advisory Board, and a spokesman for BT confirmed the company had received ‘a copy of draft regulations, to be made under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, in relation to technical capability notices.’ The paper is currently being consulted on and a decision will be reached May 19th. If carried forward, the draft would have to be passed by both Houses of Parliament in order to be written into law. The executive director of the Open Rights Group, Jim Killock, said, ‘The public has a right to know about government powers that could put their privacy and security at risk. It seems very clear that the Home Office intends to use these to remove end-toend encryption - or more accurately to require tech companies to remove it," said Dr Cian Murphy, a legal expert at the University of Bristol who has criticised the scope of the IP act. ‘I do read the regulations as the Home Office wanting to be able to have near real-time access to web chat and other forms of communication.’

UK Festival Websites Go Black over Sexual Assault Over 25 different UK music festivals are turned off their websites for a day in protest of sexual assault. The blackout occurred on May 8th as part of a zerotolerance campaign aiming to highlight sexual assault. The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) is highlighting the prevalent and insidious problem of sexual assault at music festivals, as well as informing festival goers of on-site support services and help available for victims. Renae Brown, campaign manager at the AIF, said, "It's raising awareness and letting audiences know that if something were to happen, they

Multiple festivals in online shutdown to highlight sexual assault and festival safety.

can report it on site. This is something we should be talking about at festivals. We want people to look out for each other." In addition to the blackout, 60 members of AIF have signed a charter of best practise that is designed to ensure that all staff and volunteers are trained to deal with incidents of sexual violence. The campaign is being supported by Rape Crisis England & Wales, Girls Against and Safe Gigs For Women. One of the festivals taking part is Bestival. Rob da Bank, the promoter of Bestival, says,

Apple Reveals $250bn Cash Reserves Theories including buying Netﬂix, Tesla, Walt Disney According to Apple’s latest financial results, they are currently sitting on a cool $250bn reserves. Analysts are abuzz with what they could potentially do with such a sum, with some even positing some lucrative purchases. According to Jim Suva, Citibank analyst, Apple could potentially use the money, or even just a portion, to buy other notable and wealthy companies, including Tesla, Netflix and Walt Disney. Tesla is of yet the cheapest and had a market of $52.84bn. Meanwhile, Netflix boasted $67.22bn and Walt Disney a mean $178bn. Whether they would actually be open to being acquired by the tech giant is a different matter entirely however. Some of the other companies theorised on social media include Hulu, Activision Blizzard (a games developer), Electronic Arts and Take Two Interactive Software. Thanks to a new tax proposal by US President Donald Trump, Apple may be seeking to spend its cash sooner rather than later. The proposal would allow US based multinational companies to repatriate their earnings outside the US at a 10% tax rate, a severe drop from the current 35%. Sounds like a good deal considering over 90% of Apple’s money is held outside the US.

"Festivals can be crazy spaces and we're proud that they're places to let off steam but there are limits and rules as there are in general society. "We just want everyone to be aware and it's great that some of the UK's biggest festivals have signed up to this. It's a positive message and not a scary one. Everyone should be able to go to festivals and enjoy them." Last year, two women were raped at the Reading Festival, one of if not the biggest UK music festival on the calendar.

And the fans go wild! Donkey Kong and Pokemon Inducted in Gaming Hall of Fame The World Video Game Hall of Fame has received two new star additions, Donkey Kong and Pokemon Red and Green. The hall of fame was first established back in 2015 and salutes the very best of games, taking into consideration their longevity, popularity and influence on the gaming industry, society, media and popular culture. Games can be submitted whether they be played via arcade, on a console, computer, handheld device or mobile phone. Anyone can nominate a game but the final decision rests in the hands of a panel of dedicated gaming experts, journalists and academics. Donkey Kong and Pokemon have been joined gamer’s favourites such as Sonic the Hedgehog, The Sims, Doom, Pong and World of Warcraft. They beat out Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, Microsoft's Solitaire, Final Fantasy VII and Wii Sports, which were all nominated but failed to clinch the coveted space. Donkey Kong, which was first released back in 1981 and sold an estimated 132,000 arcade game cabinets worldwide, is even credited for the creation of arguably the most recognised game character of all time, Mario. Meanwhile, Pokemen has spawned countless game titles, movies, spinoffs, a cartoon boasting twenty seasons and the mobile app Pokemon Go which achieved widespread and intense success after its release in 2016. The Strong's International Center for the History of Electronic Games associate curator, Shannon Symonds, said "Two decades after its inception and with the introduction of Pokemon Go, 'Poke-mania' shows little sign of fading.

HEALTH

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HEALTH

IBS: The Unopen Secret For those who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, which is an estimated 10-15% of the global population, it’s an uphill battle often marred by uncertainty, stress and pain. In the UK, approximately nine million people suffer from the syndrome, an illness that causes severe abominable pain, bloating, daily discomfort, constipation and more.

thought I was my diet. I had been travelling and it is not always easy to find healthy food abroad as I am a vegetarian. I thought the amount of highly processed food I was eating was causing my symptoms.

We talked to one young woman, Sanoobar Patel, who suffered IBS, received little to no help from doctors, and thankfully found help in Alflorex, a probiotic food supplement that targeting gut bacteria. When did you first become aware that something was wrong internally?

After almost a year of suffering the symptoms, I decided to seek medical help and see my GP. My GP did not seem to be bothered by it and said it could be down to stress making me overly tired. She initially suggested that I try taking probiotics over the counter. I tried these over six weeks and still did not see a big difference. I went back to my GP and she suggested that I go on a low FODMAP diet. When I saw what I couldn’t eat, I was shocked. I am vegetarian and it pretty much cut out most of what i could eat.

How was your experience with your GP when you approached him/her?

Were there any mental side effects of the symptoms, and not knowing the cause behind them? I kept feeling so tired and drained all the time. Some days I wouldn’t even want to get out of bed and out of my sweatpants because wearing anything constricting around my stomach made me feel more uncomfortable. I felt so stressed out because I honestly thought that I would have to stop eating everything I liked eating to cure the way I was feeling. When I first started experiencing early symptoms of IBS, I didn’t attribute it to being anything actually being wrong with me. After I got married three years ago, I first started to experience bloating and stomach cramps. They were painful and made my stomach rigid. As I had just got married, I put it down to stress and being overtired adjusting to my new life. What were the symptoms like and what did you initially think was wrong? Every time I ate too much dairy or carb loaded food, I started to experience stomach pains. These left me very drained as I was unable to sleep and it was very uncomfortable. Initially, I

Months later since using Aflorex, how are your symptoms now?

I have been on Alflorex since nine months and my symptoms are so so much better. I can’t begin to say how much of a difference it has made in my daily life. I honestly felt that I would be suffering the symptoms forever and there would no cure apart from cutting down my diet to the bare minimum. When I get flare ups of my symptoms, I do take Alflorex twice a day and it immediately gets to work and makes me feel so much better. What might people not understand about IBS? IBS is still something very embarrassing to talk about, who wants to talk about having issues going to the toilet and stomach cramps with their close friends and family? It does feel like your body is fighting you every step of the way and the tiredness really does make you feel like you should just stay in bed all day. People don’t understand the effect IBS can have on your life. It is not a vanity issue like I was told, that I thought I looked fat, it is so much more than that. More people, especially women, need to talk about IBS as it is can have a huge effect on daily life and everyday routines which can impact on the people you love.

How did you come across Aflorex? I met the Alflorex team at a blogging event who told me in great detail about how Alflorex was different. The probiotics would target the bacteria in my gut rather than in my stomach. I explained that probiotics were really not helping me and had in fact made me feel worse but the team insisted that this would make a real difference. Were you initially sceptical? I was very sceptical. I don’t even take supplements let alone taking probiotics on a regular basis. However I found the concept of targeting my gut bacteria interesting and thought that I have tried everything else so this can only help me.

May is...Global Employee Health & Fitness Month! Did you hear that May is Global Employee Health and Fitness Month!? The goal of Global Employee Health and Fitness Month is for employers to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to their employers engaging their employees thoughts on how they could do more. Employers have a incredible opportunity to help their employees with their health. We spend most of our time in the workplace. Studies constantly show the benefit of a healthy and happy workplace on our mental and physical health. So how does this relate to gynaecological and reproductive health? As most women are embarrassed to freely admit they have a gynaecological or reproductive health issue which effects them in the workplace, it is VERY relevant. The symptoms relating to any reproductive illness can be debilitating, causing time off work, loss productivity, and in some cases disciplinary meetings. Do you think that employers should take into account reproductive health when dealing with women in the workplace. Other health issues, such as mental health or a disability is catered for so why not reproductive health? Should menstrual leave be placed within the

same parameters of reproductive health when discussing women’s needs in the workplace. Interesting Italy could soon be offering women paid menstrual leave. It will allow women to take time off work, of up to 3 days per month for “painful periods.” I’m interested in how this would be regulated, also what about those women who have endrocinr disorders such as PCOS, Endometriosis, Fibroids or Adenomyosis. No doubt the decision will have a massive impact on these women who deal with debilitating cramps, allowing them to use this leave rather than the standard sick leave. My personal concerns are that women are already subject to a gender bias, unconsciously or not, when it comes to recruitment. The change in laws could encourage companies to hire more men. Also would the menstrual leave be effective, would it be used? There is such as negative connection surrounding reproductive health that some women may still be embarrassed to take this leave. Would it effect salaries for women or even career progression? If employers engaged more with their female staff, as well as with organisations such as ourselves we can work together to combat these issues in the workplace. A study on endometriosis

alone shows that the United Kingdom economy is hit by £8.2 billion pounds a year due to endometriosis in the workplace. The NICE Guidelines state that 1 in 2 people will suffer with a reproductive health issue during their life time, so this will all add up and cost the UK economy. We can help combat this and find better solutions to support women in the workplace. In order to effectively do so we are appealing for you to get in contact with us and let us know if you have ever suffered pain at work due to your reproductive health and if your employers did anything to help. Or do you have any tips on how you manage your condition in the workplace. Do let us know and send us a message. Facebook: Cysters – Support and Awareness Group Twitter: @cystersbham LinkedIn: Cysters – Support and Awareness Group Website: www.cysters.co.uk Or have your say during our Twitter chat, every Tuesday from 7 – 8pm #CystersChat. And don’t forget, you are beautiful no matter what illness you are suffering. Love Neelam x

MAY 2017

THE SPRING WITHIN www.mitamistry.co.uk

By: Mita Mistry

@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 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. Imagine that their life is so busy that they can’t see the wood for the trees or they have so many hopes and plans but no time to execute them or don’t even know how to get started. Imagine that battle of being stuck inside themselves and simply not being able to move forward. Can you feel the anger and frustration when energy is stuck in this way? When people are unable to move through states of anger and frustration, they will often feel hopeless or disappointed and experience physical symptoms such as foggy thinking or forgetfulness, tendon tightness, cramps, blurry, red, or dry eyes, lethargy, dry skin, rib-side pain (especially after eating while emotional), bloated abdomen, diarrhea, or constipation. You can help to keep your Wood Element balanced and in line with the energy of Spring by exercising, stretching and sweating more. Now is the time to start eating lighter meals. Instead of baking as in Winter, steam or stir fry seasonal local vegetables especially leafy greens like kale, spinach and mint. Acupuncture or any other energy medicine can help to unblock stuck energy. Acupuncturists will hand pick points unique to your energy to help nature do its healing work. “Gate of Hope” is a beautiful point, it helps Wood energy to flow smoothly instilling qualities of hope and optimism as well as opening up your eyes to see a brighter, clearer future. Hope you feel lighter this Spring and keep growing.

MAY 2017

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FASHION & BEAUTY

FASHI Fashion & Beauty Correspondent: Sara Khan Twitter: @sarakblog Facebook: /sarakblog website: www.sarakblog.com

re you fair skinned? There’s a fair chance that question either ignited a source of pride or anger in you, and for good reason. For centuries upon centuries now, Asian communities have largely considered those with fairer skin to be the more beautiful members of society. In the days of old, the poor worked manual labour out in the sun, whilst the richer members of society took shelter in the shade and retained a lighter skin tone. Naturally, the wealthy were more desirable and were sought after for marriage

and proposals, and fair skin became a physical clue or indicator of wealth. Over time, despite changes in professions, technology, sexuality, and virtually all other facets of society, this one notion has still held true: to be more desirable, you must be fair. The same can be seen in communities all across the East: India, Pakistan, China, Africa and more. But given that it’s now 2017, why have we not yet shed such beliefs on beauty? As with everything popular culture, one can often look to celebrities for answers. Despite

today’s Bollywood stars being vocal on nearly every topic: from politics to mental health, homosexuality to caste, there is still very, very little talk on fairness. In fact, there is still active promotion of the fair skin ideal. It’s no wonder the most highly praised actors are light skinned: Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor, John Abraham. Meanwhile, the darker skinned celebrities turn to skin lightening, skin bleaching and whitening creams, and in some cases, even advertise for them- an issue infinitely more problematic. One such example

is Priyanka Chopra who advertised for Garnier’s Fair Lightness Moisturiser and other creams. Additionally, despite being Miss World and now a globally recognised actress, Chopra still receives criticism for her naturally darker skin tone. In a recent interview with the Guardian, she revealed her regret for endorsing such lightening creams and the implicit idea behind it. “I got swayed into doing it, but then I realised it made me feel like I did as a kid – I used to try all those products until I became Miss India.” When asked if she wished she was naturally lighter, she nodded. “It really works on your psyche, man. We don’t realise it, but it does. I was the darkest, so in jest my family called me kaali, and I never really understood how much that affected me until I was a teenager.” Unfortunately, celebrity endorsement of lightening creams are not going to stop any time soon, perpetuating the idea that lightness is something to strive for. And darkness, no matter how natural and beautiful, is not. Most recently, Abhay Deol spoke out on skin whitening, when he posted to Facebook: “There’s a lot more of these campaigns that are blatantly, and sometimes subtly, selling you the idea that whiter skin is better than darker skin. No one at the top of their game in any field is going to tell you that it is demeaning, false, and racist. “You have to see that for yourself. You have to stop buying into the idea that a particular shade is better than others. Unfortunately if you look at matrimonial ads you will see how entrenched in our psyche this belief is. He continued: “We even use the word ‘dusk’ to describe the colour of someones skin! While an individual may not be able to change this attitude in his/her

community, he/she can at least start with the family.” Deol held back no punches, and pointed out numerous stars and their ads, from Arjun Rampal to Shah Rukh Khan to Deepika Padukone, with scathing and sarcastic comments driving home the hypocrisy and denial surrounding such celeb ads. Arjun Rampal, who received criticism for his endorsement of supposed whitening creams, voiced his opinion: “I agree with Abhay, I believe every colour is beautiful. I don’t understand why this misconception of me endorsing a fairness cream. I endorse Nivea products for men. “There is a face wash in that category that works very well on dark spots primarily pigmentation. Which occurs due to skin damage in the sun. In fact all my commercials underline the fact that we aren’t selling fairness face whitening cream or any product.” Sonam Kapoor also

tweeted a response to Deol, saying, “I appreciate and concur with your views and would like to know your thoughts on this as well!” and included an image of Esha Deol -Abhay’s sister- and her skin lightening advert for Garnier. She also brought to light her own past skin lightening adverts, saying: “I shot this campaign ten years ago and didn’t understand the ramifications. Thank you for bringing this to the forefront.” It’s far past the time Asian communities around the world dropped the skin tone stigma. No matter how much we shield ourselves from the sun, how much we slap on the latest Lightenex, there’s no changing that we are who we are and our skin is what it is. Instead, Asians everywhere should take up the mantle that all skin and all shades are beautiful, lest their own kids be subjected to the same stigma as those from the days of old.

“I shot this campaign ten years ago and didn’t understand the ramifications. Thank you for bringing this to the forefront.”

“Th of th that and s subtl the id skin dark

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ION & BEAUTY

MAY 2017

DAL

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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.

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re You Guilty of...

..Skin Toned Stigma?

here’s a lot more hese campaigns are blatantly, sometimes ly, selling you dea that whiter is better than ker skin.

Good Fats and Bad Fats. When it comes to diet, fats can be viewed as the enemy. Certain types of fat and the fat- like substance cholesterol may contribute to health issues such as; Obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. However, some fats are actually better for you than others and can help with good health. Therefore it is important to understand the difference between ‘good’ fats and ‘bad’ fats. Research is ongoing on dietary fat. Some facts are clear. Dietary fat which is also known as fatty acids can be found in animal and plant foods. Certain fats have been known to be bad and negative to our health. Studies show that the good fats have significant health benefits. Certain bodily functions rely on the presence of fat. For example, some vitamins require fat in order to dissolve into your bloodstream and provide nutrients. Fat has an essential role to play in our bodies similar to what carbohydrates and proteins - in fuelling your body with energy. A diet rich in saturated fats can contribute in an increase in cholesterol, and tip the balance toward more harmful LDL cholesterol. This encourages blockages to form in arteries in the heart and elsewhere in the body. Health problems occur when eating too much of the wrong fats and consuming excess calories. Bad Fats: The two types of fats that have been identified as harmful to our heart health are saturated and Trans fats. Most of the foods that contain saturated and Tran’s fat are solid at room temperature. Examples of foods they can be found in are; deep-fried fast foods, margarine, processed snack foods - doughnuts, cookies, cakes, pastries etc. Similar to saturated fat, Tran’s fat can raise LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol. Saturat-

ed fats are found primary in animal - based foods - high fat meat and dairy products – lamb , pork , dark chicken meat, poultry skin, fatty cuts of beef and high dairy foods such as whole fat milk, butter, cheese, ice cream , lard. Saturated fats and Trans fats should be avoided or eaten very sparingly. Good Fats: There are two broad categories of beneficial fats: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat are considered more “hearthealthy” fats. These fats should be included in moderation in your diet. Polyunsaturated Fats are found in Plant-based foods and oils such as olive oil, canola oil, vegetables, avocado, fish, nuts, seeds. Healthy fats are liquid at room temperature, not solid. Research has shown consuming these fats can lower your blood cholesterol level and decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for your heart. These fats can help reduce blood pressure levels and decrease the risk of coronary artery disease and strokes. These can be found in roasted soy beans, walnuts, tofu, flaxseed, canola oil, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and in fish such as; salmon, mackerel, herring and trout. Healthier fats are an important part of your diet, but it’s crucial to moderate your consumption of them, because all fats are high in calories. Learn to recognise the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats so you can make an informed choice. Dal Dhaliwal - Health & Fitness Expert - www.bodyperfectpt. com Twitter: @daldhaliwalPT | Facebook: Dal Dhaliwal | Instagram: daldhaliwalpt

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

Body Perfect Personal Training ensures you get the optimum workout experience and we are dedicated in helping you achieve your results. Your individualised plan will include strategies to overcome obstacles and develop a positive mental attitude which will gear you towards achieving your health and ﬁtness goals.

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Our Personal Training service is available at our prestigious studio situated in the heart of Warwickshire or alternatively try our excellent Online Training service.

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Body Perfect Personal Training delivers an experience that is unique, personalised and we are 100% committed in helping you reach your goals!

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MAY 2017

THE ASIAN TODAY 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. www.msdeliciouspr.blogspot.com

A bit of salsa comes to the city Having been a frequent visitor to Mexico I always wondered why Brum never had a Mexican restaurant. The food, culture and spirits from Central America are amazing. However, translated over to British shores, the cuisine has only enjoyed moderate popularity. We’ve had Chiquitos, that became known for its cocktails and average fast food interpretation of Mexican food, and then the vibrant Chimichangas in Touchwood. An improvement but still not the authentic taste of Mexico. Now, it looks like we have two more brands to add a bit of salsa to the city. Chilango is planning to bring its Mexican menu of burritos, tacos, nachos and salads to a basement spot in the city centre. The chosen site is an old bank building, one of several clustered around the now restaurant-rich Bennett's Hill area. Chilango hopes to replicate its success in London, where it already has 10 restaurants.

Wahaca, another popular chain, is planning to move in just round the corner on Temple Street. We have visited the Wimbledon branch and we though the quality and style of food was top notch.

Then we have a Mexican with a spicy Indian twist. Wrapchic is a healthy fast-food outlet, which combines delicious and authentic Indian food with the convenience of a Mexican wrap. Brummie businessman Mahesh Raikar started the concept in Birmingham in 2012 and now has 10 outlets in the Midlands, London, Southampton and the Middle East. The next one is opening this May on Solihull High Street – right on my doorstep. Arriba! Get more food news on twitter @deliciouspr and on the web : www.msdeliciouspr.blogspot.com

FOOD & TRAVEL

FOOD & T

Could Instagramming Food Be Detrimental to Appetite? W

e’ve all done it, don’t act like you haven’t. Whether you’re at a restaurant, a barbeque, or even your mom’s for Sunday dinner, we’ve all snapped a quick pic of our deliciously looking, perfectly arranged, visually tantalising meal. However a new study suggests that such behaviour, also known as foodgramming or foodporn, could be having a long term detrimental effect on our appetite. It goes beyond merely letting your food cool for ten seconds while you choose the perfect filter though. An investigation by BYU Marriott School of Management suggests that capturing and blogging your food will already leave you a little bit tired of it. Co-author Professor Joseph Redden told The Independent: “When we Instagram, we inherently must focus our attention on the item in the picture, even for that very brief moment. This can have a range of effects on later enjoyment. “For example, we can savour an upcoming indulgent treat if the Instagram post triggers quick thoughts about eating that food, or a dish can seem more special by the mere fact that we’ve decided it qualifies as an Instagram moment. “However, if we spend too much time repeatedly viewing such foods, our paper suggests this can lead to pre-satiation. That is, you’re already a bit tired of the food before you even start eating it.” But let’s say you do want to Gram that Grub… You’ll need a few tips before posting right? 1. Lighting Foodgramming is just like taking a selfie. Natural light works best! It’s best to shoot on an overcast day to avoid shadows ruining the shot, and avoid harsh and unnatural filters which can mess with the colours of the food and spoil presentation 2. Presentation No one wants to see a fork sticking out of the chips or a layer of chilli sauce masking half the food. Ensure everything is neatly presented and visible without any stray crumbs or

pieces flying about the plate. 3. Neutral Background Ensure the background of your coffee art cup or Nacho Mountain is as plain and neutral or possible to avoid distracting visual attention away from the food piece. Wooden or brown backgrounds look great with the majority of white whilst white backgrounds will highlight dark foods and black backgrounds will highlight fair foods. 4. Angle Magic Neatly arrange your dish or dishes together and shoot from overhead, or a bird’s eyes view. This will capture all areas of the food and minimise harsh shadows or

unflattering angles. It also ensures just the food is in shot- no waiters, people etc. If you’re subject is a drink,

shoot from the side against a neutral background with as little, preferably zero, distractions in shot.

30th June & 1st July, Victoria Square, Birmingham

Free entry · 11am to 7pm Dishes just £4 Live music, entertainment, cooking and cocktail demonstrations

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FOOD & TRAVEL

TRAVEL

Dozens of Brits Hit by Holiday Scams

Holiday-would-be-goers scammed out of average £1200 In 2016, the number of Brits taken advantage of by holiday booking scams rose by a shocking 19%. There were a reported 5826 cases whereby holiday goers were scammed out of hundreds upon hundreds of pounds. They lost £7.2million in total, with an average loss of £1200 a person. The majority of scams promised plane tickets, accommodation and time shares, with online books and some even promising first class flights to honeymoon and luxury destinations such as Mauritius. Some of the most common scams involved big name football matches, globally recognised festivals and holidays and religious events. The scammers offer fake accommodation via websites and adverts and in some cases, have even hacked official accounts in order to target people. According to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre, reports of holiday scams have been rising year upon year since 2012. A quarter of those who fell victim to such scams said their health, mental health and finances

MAY 2017

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were delivered a severe blow. 260 people required medical treatment or found themselves on the cusp of bankruptcy. Tom Neate of Get Safe Online, a fraud prevention organisation, said holidays are "the perfect opportunity for cyber criminals to swindle unsuspecting victims out of their hard-earned money.” He added people should research booking organisations thoroughly, "and ensure that they are a reputable travel operator that is a member of a recognised trade body like Abta". "By booking in haste, you could not only risk losing a huge amount of money, but also disappoint family and friends when it comes to that long-awaited escape.” Mark Tanzer, the chief executive of the travel association ABTA, said: "Holiday fraud is a particularly distressing form of fraud as the loss to the victim is not just financial but it can also have a high emotional impact. "Many victims are unable to get away on a long-awaited holiday or visit to loved ones and the financial loss is accompanied by a personal loss."

Fyre Festival Goes Down in Flames

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No food, water, accommodation: Luxury festival in the Bahamas descends into chaos

t was supposed to be the festival of a lifetime. Organised by hip hop artist Ja Rule, Fyre Festival was advertised as a music festival held on an island in the Bahamas and boasting luxury accommodation, food and entertainment. Tickets sold for as much as $12,000 for the ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ event which was hyped up and endorsed by big name models, Hailey Baldwin, Emily Ratajkowski, and Bella Hadid, musicians such as Blink 182 and celebrities like Kendall Jenner. However when partygoers reached the island they were shocked to find empty land, roaming dogs, and a concierge comprised of four sticks stuck into the ground and zero staff. Panic immediately erupted. Where was Ja Rule? Where were the artists, the hotels, the staff, the food, the festival? Social media exploded with #FyreFestival as images were shown and scared and shaken visitors hungry, cold and unsheltered. There was no running water, no catering, nothing. The festival made global headline news with many lambasting Ja Rule and entrepreneur Billy McFarland, who collabed to put on the festival, as scam artists. It turned out staff, aware of the horrendous accommodation, catering and other services, had informed all the performing artists not to travel to the event, whilst the actual ticket buyers and concert goers were left in the dark. Things first began to spiral out of control

before even landing on the island however. Travellers were promised a luxury VIP Boeing 737 flight from Miami to the Bahamas but ended up waiting hours at the airport. Upon arriving, they were made to get their luggage from the back of a shipping container in the middle of the night with no lights. The five star gourmet cuisine turned out to be cheese sandwiches doled out from a makeshift food tent. As for accommodation, Fyre Festival promised luxury, eco-friendly domes and villas but ended up staying in hastily flown in disaster relief tents. Worse yet was that instead of partying with their friends, travellers fought over food and space and when the plane arrived to take them back to Miami, witnesses spoke of a free for all stampede for the plane. One social media user posting live updates of the event said he heard a gunshot somewhere on the island. People were locked inside rooms without food and water, with one woman even passing out. The festival was compared to the Hunger Games, Lord of the Flies and more on social media. Organisers offered incensed punters recompense in the form of VIP tickets to next year’s festival as opposed to an actual refund. Now, Ja Rule and McFarland are being sued for $100m. Another court case aims to sue a hundred social media influencers for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and unfair trade practices.

Stay Sane on your Road Trip! Banks holidays School holiday Half terms

Banks holidays. School holiday. Half terms. Road trip provide the perfect opportunity to make use of the holiday and cheaply explore the United Kingdom together! However it’s no secret that hour long car rides, bickering kids, hungry stomachs and car sickness can make for a stressful ride, so we’ve put together some tips to help you stay sane on your road trip! 1. Know Where You’re Going There’s nothing worse than realising halfway through the trip that- no –wait- actually, that was the Junction back there. Or you took the wrong exit on the roundabout. Or Deepa actually meant turn at the large green Asda, not the large green Morrisons. Always double check your route before leaving. You can use the Directions feature on Google Maps or use a Satnav or TomTom to help you on your way and also inform you of speed cameras and speed limits. Try and keep a backup map or brochure in the car as well. 2. Keep Cash in the Car The kids are hungry but the McDonald’s drive thru in the service station only accepts cash. Keep some spare notes and coins in the car for times such as

these. They also come in useful for unexpected toll roads and emergency purchases e.g. plasters, water, ladies items, and maybe that bottle of wine and flowers that you forgot to pick up! 3. Pack Food Beat the kids ahead of the game. Next time they point out the big shiny KFC, point out the snack bag tucked under the seats! Bring a big bottle of water and snackable items such as crisps, apples, bananas, salad boxes and juice boxes. 4. Entertainment Farm yards and fields are beautiful for the first few seconds, but it gets old quickly. Keep yourself and the kids occupied with music, computer tablets, games, Gameboys and the like. You could even play fun games together such as 21 questions, trivia and more. 5. Clean your Car It’s something that a lot of people forget but a dirty, messy car leads to negative thoughts, irritation and annoyance. Before getting in, throw out all those old bottles and wrappers, give the dashboard a wipe, throw out the shoes piled up in the footwell and hoover up any crumbs and bits.

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BUSINESS

Cat Got Your Tongue, Clark? B usiness Secretary Greg Clark has come under fire for failing to say which foreign workers could be turned away from Britain without harming the economy, despite being asked four times. The Conservatives have publically claimed that they will cut net migration down “tens of thousands” a year, however multiple businesses have lambasted the plans,

E.On, one of the largest energy suppliers in the UK, has been hit by a sharp drop in customers. The German energy giant, one of the ‘big six,’ said overall revenues had fallen by 7%, hurting quarterly profits. E.On currently has around 4.6million customers in the UK but were quiet on how many had ditched them. They blamed Brexit and the fall of the pound which resulted in "currency-translation effects.” Adjusted profit from January-March, before interest and tax, was a little over 1bn euros (or £843m).

Back in January-March 2016, E.On’s profits were 34% higher. What makes matters worse is that due to the fall of the pound, UK sales are worth even less after being converted to euros. They suffered a full year loss of 16bn euros (£13.9bn), which some have theorised is down to their having moved from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Marc Spieker, E.On’s chief financial officer, said their first quarter 2017 performance was “in line with our expectations despite a difficult business environment"

BUSINESS

with CBI saying “people are our currency.” Additionally, numerous cabinet members have said there is a need for workers to continue arriving to prevent damage to industries. When Clarke was questioned on BBC Radio 4 Today programme, he was asked by Justin Webb, “who are you targeting?” to which Clarke responded, “The key difference is that we will have control over

Greg Clarke quizzed four times over controversial Conservative business and immigration plans that policy in a way that we haven’t in the past.” When Webb pressed him again, ““Where are you going to get your reduction – your very, very sizeable reduction – from?” Clarke responded, ““Well, it comes from being able to set our own policy.” Refusing to let him dodge the question, the conversation continued: Webb: “Yes, but where, once you set your policy,

where are you going to look?” Clarke: “To look at the circumstances of each of the individual sectors and types of business, to say what is the right policy for that.” Mr Webb: “Who’s coming at the moment who won’t be coming to make sure you hit your target?” Mr Clark: “Part of what we need to do, as a country, as an economy, is to make sure that we develop the

skills in this country, to be able to benefit from the opportunities that there are.” He insisted that skilled immigrants would not be barred, something highly unlikely given immigrant will fall from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands. It is estimated there will be thousands upon thousands of skilled migrants turned away from entering the UK.

Non-Essential Sales Tumble after Easter Disappears

E.On Suﬀers Signiﬁcant Losses

Barclaycard and the British Retail Consortium have both warned that the apparent uptake of high street shopping should not be trusted. Last month, spending at the high street increased, but the warning states that this was only due to Easter and the trend in and of itself was weak. Two surveys indicate that rising inflation has resulted in shoppers buying only the essentials. According to Barclaycard, spending was up but only in relation to supermarkets and petrol stations. It added that spending on essentials had risen by 11%, the fastest since they began collecting consumer data in 2012.

Managing director at Barclaycard, Paul Lockstone, said “A late Easter and rising prices provided a superficial boost to spending in April, but behind the headline figure it’s clear consumers are

recognising and responding to the inflationary pressures being placed on household budgets. Despite growth across a number of

categories, the spending picture in real terms is one of growing caution, as seen by declining confidence levels amongst the UK’s consumers.” Inflation has risen from 0.6% to 2.3% and is now running parallel to average earnings. Retail sales were 1.8% lower in March than February, new car sales were 20% in April 2017 than April 2016 and house prices have fallen 0.1%. BRC’s chief executive, Helen Dickinson, “The positive distortion from the timing of Easter was largely responsible for the month’s growth and looking to the longer-term signs of a slowdown, the outlook isn’t as rosy.

Birmingham Business Opens Hub in Taiwan A Birmingham technology company, Smart Antenna Technologies, has successfully expanded into Asia. Smart Antenna Technologies (SAT), which is based on the University of Birmingham's campus in Edgbaston, has opened up a research hub in Taiwan, in the capital city of Taipei. Chief Executive Sampson Hu first established the company back in 2013 whilst completing his PhD. SAT has developed a technology that allows for a devices multiple antennae to be merged into one, consolidating the space and power

needed for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 4G. Hu explained, "It is an exciting time for the company and our expansion to the Far East underlines our ambitions. Our technology has the potential to be placed in every device with an antenna."By establishing a presence in Taipei, we will be on the front foot to work with our customers in the region. The market for connected devices in China and the Far East is huge and growing every year. With our new office, we are well placed to meet that demand."

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PROPERTY

THE ASIAN TODAY UK Property Prices Dip For the first time since 2012, house prices in the UK have seen a decrease, giving first time buyers a spark of hope that it could soon get them on the property ladder. According to data, January-March saw prices fall by 0.2%, the first quarterly decline in four years. In April, house prices fell by 0.1% but there was an annual house price increase of 3.8%. The data, which was provided by Halifax, shows that the average property price is now £219,649. A 0.2% decline means an extra £440 saved. Martin Ellis, Halifax housing economist, said “Signs of a decline in the pace of job creation, and the beginnings of a squeeze on households’ finances as a result of increasing inflation, may also be constraining the demand for homes. “A continued low mortgage rate environment, combined with an ongoing acute shortage of properties for sale, should nonetheless help continue to underpin house prices over the coming months.” London & Country Mortgages broker David Hollingworth said “First time buyers have felt the brunt of rapidly rising high prices and the need for big deposits. A slowing in the growth in prices will give them a chance to build their deposit rather than watch prices rise at a faster rate than they could manage to save.”

PROPERTY

High House Price Growth In West Midlands W

est Midlands Has Highest Rates Of House Price Growth For First Time In Two Decades According to new data, the West Midlands currently has the highest rates of house price growth in England. Data from the Your Move house price index shows that annual house price growth is now at 4.8%, with Birmingham enjoying an annual increase of 7.8%. It is the first time the West Midlands has grabbed the top spot since Your Move began record keeping back in 1996. Greater London is now ranked 9th, with North East coming in last. The average home in the West Midlands now costs £212,706. In addition, the East Midlands, the East of England and the South West are also showing growth, with the South East and Greater London showing slowed rates compared to recent years.

Oliver Blake, managing director of Your Move and Reeds Rains estate agents, explained, “In England and Wales, house price inflation continues but at a relatively low, though still positive, level. From May 2016 onward, there has been a relatively gentle and almost straight line increase in house prices, despite the Brexit referendum in June 2016. “There is little in the short to medium term that will disrupt the market greatly, with interest rate increases seemingly on hold, mortgage supply and pricing remaining favourable and consumer confidence strong. In addition, first time buyer numbers are up, not least as a consequence of government

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Asian investors are sweeping up the UK property scene in higher numbers than ever before. It appears Brexit is not putting a damper on things, at least for wealthy Asians looking to invest. Research from JLL, a property investment firm, shows that Asian investors accounted for 28% of the transactions in the UK property

WALLPAPER & DECORATING CENTRE

market in 2016, an increase of 11% compared to 2015. Unsurprisingly London is a firm favourite for both wealthy investors and those with long and family links to the capital. India and China are the biggest investors, with many Chinese companies even buying and investing into football teams and

clubs as well as property. Juwai.com, China's selfprofessed leading international property portal, said growth in the enquiries into UK property in the last year has risen by a shocking 60%, with Chinese buyers more and more interested to the UK thanks to the devalued pound. Sue Jong, the chief operating

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schemes and the Bank of Mum and Dad. ‘However, with supply still tight, rising house prices remain a problem. We therefore cannot afford to overlook the ongoing housing shortage in the UK, which continues to dampen the hopes of many would be home owners.”

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New Speeding Laws Maximise N Fines and Penalties

ew laws coming into effect next week will see speeding penalties severely increased. According to the Sentencing Council, this is to ensure there is a “clear increase in penalty as the seriousness of offending increases”. Serious offenders may suffer a maximum penalty fine of £2500, an increase from the current £1,000. In addition, those caught going above the speed limit will be fined

175% of their weekly earnings as opposed to the current 100%. The new laws mean that those caught driving at over 101mph in a 70mph zone could be disqualified for up to 56 days and be fined between 125% or 175% of their weekly income. If caught driving between 3140mph in a 30mph zone, drivers will be hit with three penalty points and a fine of 25% or 75% of their weekly income. Pete

Williams, the spokesperson for the RAC, said, “Anyone who breaks the limit excessively is a danger to every other road user and is unnecessarily putting lives at risk. “Hopefully, hitting these offenders harder in the pocket will make them think twice before doing it again in the future. While greater sentences for excessive speeders are obviously a deterrent, the best deterrent of all is more effective enforcement.”

Government Pollution New Road Tax Laws Proposal ‘Spineless’ Majority of motorists to face steep tax rise due to car emissions

Environmentalists have lambasted new plans as ‘half-baked’

A new clean air draft from the Government has been blasted as “spineless” and “toothless” by critics. The draft proposes drivers of older cars to be paid to switch to electric cars as well as retrofitting buses, lorries and black cabs so as to be more environmentally friendly. In addition, it posits clean air zones be set up in multiple towns and cities. The draft has split the motoring and environmental industries down the middle, with the former welcoming the plans but the latter dismissing them and calling them “half-baked.” The UK, in particular cities such as Manchester, Birmingham but especially London, has been plagued by

pollution, car emissions and dirty air for decades now, a problem which only seems to be on the rise. According to information provided by the Royal College of Physicians, air pollution is linked to 40,000 premature deaths a year. One of the worst culprits is NO2, nitrogen dioxide, which is produced by diesel engines and is linked to numerous respiratory diseases. 37 out of 43 regions in the UK have higher levels of NO2 than allowed by the EU. Environmental lawyers ClientEarth legally challenged the government to act faster on addressing the issue, resulting in several judicial decisions in favour of ClientEarth. However now

that the government has finally published its draft response, environmentalists are anything but happy. However the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders are on board with the plans. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said "SMMT welcomes the publication of the government's proposals for improving air quality across the UK, which clearly states that the new Euro 6 diesels which have been on sale for the past two years will not face any penalty charges anywhere in the UK. "We're encouraged that plans to improve traffic flow and congestion, as well as increase uptake of electric and hybrid vehicles, will be prioritised in towns and cities. We look forward to working with government to encourage the uptake of the latest, low emission vehicles, regardless of fuel type."

As of April 1st, new laws have come into effect that will see motorists be required to change what they pay in order be allowed to drive on the road, with seven out of ten new car owners made to pay more. The revised Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) tax bands also mean that those driving some 'eco-friendly' technology car will be forced to pay an extra £900 over the next five years. Cars bought before April 1st that emit 99g/km of carbon dioxide will be road tax free for live, whereas those cars bought after April 1st will have to pay £120 the first year and £140 the next. Cars emitting 131g/km will be taxed £200 instead of the current £130, those emitting 151g/km will be charged a staggering £500 compared to £180 and those emitting 171g/km will be charged £800 instead of £295. The worst vehicles are those emitting 191g/km who will be charged £1,200 instead of the usual £490 and those emitting 255g/km, who could see their tax rise from £1,100 to £2,000. The founder of the car buying site carwow.co.uk, James Hind, says: "Some models will cost significantly

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more to tax each year, so there are long-term savings to be had by buying before the new system kicks in. Hybrid cars and small petrolpowered city cars will be cheaper to tax if you buy before April 1."

CO2/km and hence, many cars are paying no tax at all. The new system has three bands. Zero emission car will pay no tax, standard cars that produce emissions will pay £140 annually and cars costing over £40,000 will pay £310 for five years regardless

The current tax system regarding CO2 was first introduced back in 2001 when the average vehicle produced 178 gCO2/km. In 2003, the Band A threshold was implemented which meant cars emitting below 100g CO2/km paid no VED. As such, the average new car emission have fallen to 125g

of emissions. In the first year, cars will be rated on their emissions and will pay a one-off VED of up to £2000. Hybrid cars- currently not taxed- will pay £10 in the first year and £140 the next year. Luxury, high performance, or gas guzzling cars will actually save as their new annual rate is £140, less than the current systems. www.desixpress.co.uk

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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.”

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Bowler Sujon Mahmud Indian Athlete Overcomes Polio to Compete banned for 10 years

in Major UK Bodybuilding Competition

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease. It is caused by the poliovirus. The virus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis (can’t move parts of the body). He has overcome a serious disability to become one of the world’s most famous bodybuilders, and now Sham Singh Shera is coming to the UK to compete as a bodybuilder for the first time ever in his athletic career. Sham Singh Shera was diagnosed with Polio in his right leg when he was one, news which he found upsetting when growing up. But far from letting this condition limit his life, he embarked on a daily training regime to strengthen his weaker leg and walk without the use of supports. He has gone on to win several major national and international bodybuilding competitions including Mr India, Mr World (Wheel Chair) 2011 and the IFBB World Championship. This led to medals, awards, celebrity recognition from Bollywood actor Salman Khan and the ability to open his own fitness centre – Shera Health Club – in Faridkot, India. He is now set to compete at the BodyPower Fitness event at the Birmingham NEC on May 12-14 2017. Visitors to the show will be able to see him take part in the PCA (Physical Culture Association) Championship on Saturday May 13 and Guest Pose on Sunday May 14. Sham says: “When I was growing up and started to understand more about Polio affecting me I was so sad, but I decided to do something positive with my life so people couldn’t limit me by my condition. “I always looked up to my elder brother, who is an athlete. He used to train hard, working out at the local gym, going for morning walks. It made me want to do the same. At 15, I started following his regime, avoiding walking supports and gradually turned the odds in my favour.

“Along the way, I have experienced setbacks and difficulties. It is not easy to have funding or support as a bodybuilder. In 2011, I didn't have much money for my visa, tickets and accommodation for the Mr World competition in Spain. My parents sold many items and my father even sold his tractor and farming equipment to give money so I could enter the Mr World competition." “I won that competition but didn’t get any cash prize and the Indian government didn’t support me in any way either. I’m happy and grateful to BodyPower for supporting me to come to the UK for the first time – and to compete as an athlete. Thanks to them I can continue to pursue my career.” Nick Orton, CEO of BodyPower, says: “At BodyPower, we strive to include all successful athletes in our events and are proud to welcome all competitors, regardless of whether they are disabled or non-disabled. “All our athletes demonstrate the power of the human body to achieve spectacular levels of fitness – they are actively pushing the boundaries of the body’s power. Regardless of each individual’s starting point, all athletes have to overcome some sort of hurdle – be it personal, physical, social or emotional - to achieve their ambitions. “We at BodyPower were humbled to hear Sham Singh Shera’s story and are happy to help support him to showcase his impressive achievements here in the UK. I hope that his story reaches and helps to inspire athletes from all communities, all over the world.”

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Sujon Mahmud has been banned after bowling a series of wides and no-balls. The bowler, who was playing for Bangladesh side Lalmatia Club in a Dhaka Second Division League match, threw 13 wides which all went to the boundary and four no-balls which hit the ropes, all in protest of an umpire’s decision. The Lalmatia Club had been bowled out for 88 during their games against the Axiom Cricketers, causing Club Secretary Adnan Rahman to say they had been victim to a number of poor decisions. The Lalmatia Club were barred indefinitely from the sport, whilst the coach, captain and manager were each hit with five-year bans as a result of their bringing

cricket into disrepute. During the Lalmatia and Axion match, Axiom opener Mustafizur Rahman had smashed three fours off Sujon’s four legitimate balls, helping Axiom to win 92-0 in just 0.4 overs. Disciplinary Committee Chief Sheikh Sohel said, “We have found in our investigations that the bowlers bowled wides and no-balls deliberately to damage the image of our cricket. In neither case would a win or loss have mattered for the promotion or relegation of their respective clubs." Bowler Tasnim Hasan was also punished with a ten year ban, with his team Fear Fighters banned, after pulling a similar stunt.

Ibrahimovic Knee Surgery Successful Zlatan Ibrahimovic is feeling “fixed and stronger" after a successful knee operation in the United States. The Manchester United striker was injured during April’s Europa League quarter-final second-leg match against Anderlecht. Ibrahimovic, 35, suffered cruciate knee-ligament, sustaining serious damage to his leg. His agent stated the top scorer is set to make a full recovery and eased fans fears that it would affect his football career, adding that the injury is not career-threatening. Ibrahimovic thanked his fans for their support

and posted on Instagram: “Fixed, done and stronger. Once again thank you for the support. We will enjoy my game together soon.” The footballer will soon begin rehabilitation in Pittsburgh.

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WBA & Apna Albion Team Up for Asian Fan Engagement

For the first time ever, the Asian community has a collective voice with which to cheer on the West Bromwich Albion. ‘Apna Albion’ was organised by Gurdial Singh, 55, who runs the Albion Foundation charity and is an engagement officer for black and ethnic minority groups. Gurdial said that the Asian fans “felt a little side-lined” and added that “It’s not that they weren’t welcome or didn’t feel comfortable, they obviously do because they’re season ticket holders but they needed an identity. “They wanted to show they’re part of the community, and they want to give something back. We’re letting them do that under the Apna Albion banner.” Rival team the Wolverhampton Wanderers have already got a successful and boisterous Punjabi supporters club, something many have sought to emulate. Apna Albion is a beacon for Asian WBA supporters and will engage with the community, with long term goals of helping to fill seats at The Hawthorns. In recent years, the Hawthorns has seen a drop in the

number of people attending matches. Despite introducing an early-bird ticket with a 5% reduced price, numbers have still struggled to rise. It is hoped that by tapping into the Asian community and giving their Asian fans more recognition, it will help to bring more fans and match goers in. Gurdial adds it will bring more non-white faces to the stadium and help them feel that they belong. “They need to feel comfortable enough to bring their kids and grandkids and see it as a family day out, which I don’t think my community sees it as. I’ve been a season ticket holder for over 20 years now and I brought my two girls and my boy. It was the one thing that my son and my daughters all loved. “It was a way of coming together, the build-up, talking about it. It was something we did together. There’s not many things that bring whole families together nowadays. The alternative is on a Saturday you’ve got the son playing on his PlayStation, one daughter out shopping, the other on social media. There’s no coming together. This is a great way of coming together.”

Interview with Nagina, Martial Arts Extraordinaire Almas Martial Centre is a specialist fitness centre for women in Birmingham. Based in Hall Green and Moseley, the centre was set up by Nagina, a black belt with 30 years of experience who has represented England. We sat down to find out how Nagina Munawar got into martial arts, how she’s helping women in the community and the real life benefits of martial arts.

How did you first get into martial arts? My father got me into it when I was 12 and it was something he was very passionate about. At the time I was growing up in Asian community with kids hanging out on the streets and he didn’t want that for me so he got me involved in martial arts. It wasn’t just about having another interest outside of school but he was big on fitness and health and as well. You played for the England Team, what was that like? I used to represent the England squad for a few years, fighting nationally and internationally and training 4-5 times a week. When representing a country there’s a level of commitment required in order to qualify. You had to claim your place annually. I grew up hardly having a social life because my time was taken up with training. It was a huge commitment and at the time there was no funding or sponsorship. It was considered an art, not a sport, so everything I did was funded by my father or my part-time jobs. Was being a Brummy Muslim women ever an obstacle? It is a male dominated environment, but also when you spar you have to go for it, you don’t want to be known as the kid who loses every fight. As such, you end up building a mental resilience. I think that journey not only helped me in martial arts but my personal journey. I’ve grown as a woman in terms of how I deal with things and manage things. You’re always going to get a bit of a stigma when you go to tournaments and compete in front of thousands of people. I often got asked questions, ‘how do your parents feel about you training?’ When I told people it was my father who supported me, they were surprised. What made you feel the need to open up the Almas Martial Arts Centre? It was something I thought about a few years back and I took the plunge just over 18 months ago. It was to bring women together and help and identify their problems. Self-confidence issues are very common among the Asian community as a lot of women are so committed to being amazing mothers and wives that they can lose themselves.

You end up having very little time alone or for socialising. So many women end up sacrificing career and social lives for their home and family. Almas gives women the opportunity to raise their confidence, lose weight after childbirth, and give them a social network. We also get involved outside martial arts and are looking at hosting charity events. Every week the women meet up and push through their session and meet friends and fellow mothers. For mother and daughters, it lets them bond in a new environment. Why women only? I decided I wanted to do something not just for women but for the future generation too, because the women and girls I train are future leaders and we need to empower them. It also breaks stigmas about women training and doing martial arts. We do everything from grappling, to restraints to sparring, circuits, cardio and more, so it’s very dynamic. What kind of women attend? A wide mixture, there’s moms, young girls, teenagers, single parents, women wanting to get fit, women with weight problems. I’ve had women lose a lot of weight from

MAY 2017

Brummy Daniel Sturridge Snapped Smoking Shisha

Brummy-born Daniel Sturridge, who is currently a striker for Liverpool, has been snapped sucking a shisha pipe in Arabian Nites, one of Birmingam’s most famous clubs. The 25-year-old England international is currently out of play due to a hip injury. Many fans have voiced disappointed, especially given recent estimates which suggest one session of the Middle Eastern tobacco is roughly the same as smoking 200 cigarettes. Shisha pipes are used to smoke fruit-flavoured tobacco which has been burnt on hot coals. According to the British Heart Foundation, they “contain nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide and heavy metals such as arsenic and lead.” One witness said, “He was having a great time. He was in the VIP section where all the celebrities like boxer Floyd Mayweather visit when they head to Birmingham. “I don’t think the club or the fans would be happy to know a player was out doing this while the team was preparing for a massive game. “Sturridge was with three blokes and a girl. The club boss said they had requested no one take pictures, but everyone knew he was coming and they cleared out the VIP section. “He’s from Birmingham so it was like he was celebrating with old friends. But when people started taking pictures he didn’t want to be seen and left the VIP area.”

training and from my advice on what to eat even after they leave the centre. I keep in regular contact with them so I can offer any advice I can. I’ve actually had interest from men too. I’m looking into mixed classes and it would be nice to see women trainers teaching boys too. What are some of the mental benefits? I work out 5-6 times a week purely because I need that time for myself. I encourage everybody to pick up some sort of physical activity. Also as women, we are key foundations to households, so if you’re physically and mentally well, you can take care of your extended units, be it your parents, children, husband, whoever. One thing we don’t do enough of is take care of ourselves, we have a tendency to take on everybody else’s stress but need to be kinder to ourselves. The body is very resilient and strong, it will keep going, often what makes you stop is the mindset. And that’s not just in training, that’s in life. Many women say it mentally makes them feel better when they train. I think the benefits are endless.

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MAY 2017

Used Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko Tickets On Sale for £12k Would you buy used tickets for a game already done and dusted? Well that’s just what some fans are doing for the Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko match. The bout which took place the weekend of April saw millions tune in to watch the heavyweight fight which ended in a knockout and saw Joshua take home the prize money. Now, despite the match being over, tickets are still being sold, some for a staggering £1000 and more. And oddly enough, the tickets are being snatched up by those eager to bring home a piece of the glory and take part even after the fact. Many of the used stubs are being sold via eBay as memorabilia which could potentially be worth more in the future for historic and nostalgia purposes.

India Competing in Champions Trophy Fans are celebrating after India announced it would be competing in the upcoming Champions Trophy, held in England and Wales from the 1st to 18th June. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had initially missed the deadline in naming a squad for the Champions after the International Cricket Council (ICC) changed its revenuesharing model but have now confirmed in a statement that they "unanimously decided that the Indian cricket team will participate". Additionally, India will not be sanctioned or fined for having missed the deadline. A meeting was held 8th May to decide who would be selected for the team.

SPORTS

Midfielder Banned After Fans Scream Racist Abuse Garth Crooks calls for black players to boycott until ban lifted Politics and sport have collided after Ex-Tottenham striker Garth Crooks called for all black players in the Italian league to strike. The call comes after Pescara midfielder Muntari was banned for protesting against a torrent of racist abuse that he suffered from the crowd during the Italian Series A match against Cagliari. Muntari asked the referee to stop the match but was hit with a yellow card by the referee Daniele Minelli for dissent. He then walked off the field whilst shouting, “This is my colour.” However, due to his leaving the pitch without permission, Minelli then hit him with a second yellow card. Kick It Out, an anti-discrimination organisation, slammed the Italian football chiefs and branded them “gutless.” They tweeted, “Those with power in Italy need to take action to stop this happening again.” The incident sparked Garth Crooks, a Kick It Out trustee, to call for a boycott of the Series A games unless Muntari’s ban was lifted.

Tour de France Winner Purposefully hit by Motorist C

hris Froome, a three time Tour de France winner, has left fans shocked after revealing he was purposefully run down by a car whilst out training in the South of France. The Brit, who rides for Team Sky, said he was ‘rammed’ by a car whilst on his bike. He posted a picture of the damage to Twitter before getting in touch with the local police. He tweeted: "Just got rammed on purpose by an impatient driver who followed me onto the pavement!" the 31-year-old wrote. "Thankfully I'm okay. Bike totalled. Driver kept going!" The image was geotagged as Beausoleil, France, near his home in Monaco. Although he will not

participating in the Giro d'Italia, Froome may be taking in part in the upcoming traditional weeklong Tour de France warm-up event in June, the Criterium du Dauphine, which he has won an astounding three times. The incident mirrors a harrowing crime in which Italian cyclist Michele Scarponi was hit by a van whilst on a training ride last April.

In a statement, Kick It Out explained, “Garth Crooks, an independent Kick It Out trustee, is calling for every self-respecting black player in the Italian League to not play this weekend unless the Italian authorities withdraw the ban on Sulley Muntari. "It's unbelievable that Cagliari escaped punishment as 'only 10' fans were involved. This situation should never be allowed to happen again." The disciplinary committee for Series A said that only “approximately 10” fans had shouted racial abuse and that though it was “deplorable”, their guidelines prevented them from imposing sanctions. Kick It Out’s statement also mentioned, “Kick It Out has made representation to FifPro, the world players’ union, to share its frustrations about the treatment of Sulley Muntari by the FIGC [the Italian Football Federation. The gutless failure to not take action by the Italian authorities should not be allowed to pass.”

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SPORTS

MAY 2017

India and Pakistan PAKISTAN

INDIA

Gareth Roberts Commercial Director of Warwickshire Cricket Club With local fans Nahim Ulah Khan (L) & Sharath Jetty

to go head to head Pakistan Team Training in Birmingham

ndia has been placed in Group B for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, alongside Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa. The Champions will begin June 1st in the UK. Headed by Captain Virat Kohli, the arch rivals will go head to head on June 4th. Before that though, India will play New Zealand on May 28 and Bangladesh on May 30th at the Kennington Oval. After that, they battle fierce rival Pakistan in the hopes to advance to the semifinal where they will face off against the top

two teams of Group A: either Australia, England, New Zealand or Bangladesh. Brummies everywhere revelled after Pakistan revealed they would conduct a one-week long training camp in late May in Birmingham. The pressure is on to remain in the top eight if they want any chance of qualifying for the 2019 World Cup, also being hosted in the UK. The decision to train in Birmingham, UK, could be strategic, as a way to help the players acclimatise to England. Mohammad hafeez, Umar Akmal, Imad Waseem, Shoaib Malik, Junaid Khan,

Fakhar Zaman and Fahim Ashraf will report to the National Cricket Academy on May 15 before being joined by the rest of their team mates. Former captain Inzamamul-Huq said “The 10-day camp in Birmingham will be an opportunity for the team to regroup after a break. The boys will get the opportunity to adjust to the weather as well. “Playing in English conditions has always proven tough for us, but I am optimistic that we will be able to do well there. I am planning to visit the side during the

camp as well since I would be unable to go for the event due to Ramazan.” Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly has said he is confident India will win the highly anticipated face off. He said, “India will beat Pakistan again in Champions Trophy. In the last 8-10 years, there has been a massive difference in the quality between India and Pakistan and that has been one of the major reasons why India have continued to dominate. I believe India will do it again in the Champions Trophy in Birmingham on June 4th.”

10 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT INDIA VS PAKISTAN IN T20 CRICKET 1. India's first match against Pakistan in the T20 format came at the inaugural ICC World T20 in South Africa. The match ended in a tie and India won the bowl-out that ensued. 2. Gautam Gambhir is the highest scorer in India-Pak T20 internationals. Gambhir has scored 139 runs in 5 matches with his highest scre of 75 coming in the 2007 ICC World T20 final. Pakistan's Mohammed Hafeez has scored 132 runs and will have a chance to go past Gambhir on Friday. 3. Mohammed Asif's 4-18 in the tied game against India at Durban in 2007 remains the best bowling figures in an India-Pakistan T20 International. 4. Of bowlers to deliver at least 10 overs in T20Is between ICC Full member nations since the start of 2013, Zulfiqar Babar has induced the highest percentage of play and misses (25%). 5. Yuvraj Singh needs 59 runs to become the first player to score 500 runs and take 10 wickets in ICC World Twenty20 matches. 6. Kamran Akmal will become the second player after Kumar Sangakkara to keep wicket in 50 T20I innings if he takes the field in this match. 7. Mohammed Hafeez is the only batsman to have scored 2 fifties in India-Pakistan T20 Internationals. He made 61 and 55 at Bangalore and Ahmedabad respectively in 2012. 8. Virat Kohli's 78* at Colombo during the 2012 ICC World T20 remains the highest individual score in an India-Pakistan T20 International. 9. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has led India in all the 5 T20 Internationals against Pakistan. India have a 4-1 win-loss record with the only defeat coming at Bangalore in 2012. 10. Pakistan have a 24-5 win-loss record in ODI's against India that were played on Fridays. In T20 Internationals though, India have a 2-0 win-loss record against their neighbours.

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MAY 2017

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