Issue 194

INSIDE: DESIXPRESS

JANUARY 2015 ISSUE No.194

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: SPECIAL FEATURE: DON'T TAME ME - PG 18 SURI SINGH FEATURE: NEW YEAR NEW WHO?- PG 22

DESIXPRESS: DESI RASCALS REALITY SERIES - PG 29 ANAND B INTERVIEW - PG 33 SPORTS: INDIA TEST CAPTAIN DHONI RETIRES- PG 55 BOXER KHAN ANNOUNCES NEW ACADEMY - PG 54

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GETS T.V DEBUT PG. 32 ISLAH ABDUR-RAHMAN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

FROM THE CREATOR OF 'BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM' COMES

STARTS 20TH JANUARY ON SKY LIVING 8PM

DESI RASCALS

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THE NEW BRIT-ASIAN REALITY SERIES The brainchild of Gurinder Chadha, known for Bend it Like Beckham and Bride & Prejudice, this fresh, new, nonscripted drama series will chronicle the lives of a multigenerational cast within the British-Asian community and will air on Sky Living.

Shot on location in West London and the suburbs which are home to a rich, diverse population, in places such as Southall, Harrow and Gerrards Cross, Desi Rascals will tell the stories of a modern, dynamic and aspirational group of characters across a range of ages as they navigate their social, professional and family lives in a fast changing community.

The series will be rooted in the social media landscape, shot in real time and using social networks so the cast can interact with Sky Living customers as their lives unfold on screen. It will be shown twice a week at 8pm, with each episode directly influenced by how the characters and audience react to what's just happened.

Antonia Hurford-Jones, Director, Sky Living said, "I am so excited to be bringing our customers a genuinely authentic and warm approach to the non-scripted drama genre with Desi Rascals. It has exactly the tone and sensibilities we look for in a Living show and I loved the idea from the minute I heard it. I am so excited to be working with the supremely talented Gurinder and

DX

Tony, telling the stories of a charming, smart, funny and previously untapped cast of characters."

Gurinder Chadha, CEO Bend It TV, commented, "I've been wanting for a long time to create a show which allowed me to show the British Asian community in a truly three-dimensional way, exploring the relationships between generations and what it means to be British and Asian as values become fluid. I am pumped that we'll get "...I've been wanting for a long time to create a show which allowed me to show the British Asian community in a truly threedimensional way, exploring the relationships between generations and what it means to be British and Asian as values become fluid..."

to see a show from where I grew up with people talking about their world and lives in their own words - I could never write dialogue as rich as this!"

Tony Wood, CEO, Buccaneer Media said, "Having been at the start of the British structured reality boom, it's great to be back. Desi Rascals moves the genre on and brings the massive tale of young British Asians to a whole new audience. I'm thrilled to be working with Sky Living and Gurinder; this is a brilliant opportunity."

AISHWARYA HONOURED READ THE FULL STORY INSIDE

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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015 FROM QUEEN AND COUNTRY

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“HE FEELS HIS LIFE HAS BEEN EXTENDED

BY ANOTHER COUPLE OF YEARS.“

ASIAN COMMUNITY RECOGNISED IN NEW YEARS HONOURS LIST

A

103-year-old marathon runner leads this year’s New Year Honours list. Fauja Singh, who is widely believed to be the oldest marathon runner in the world, has been honoured with a British Empire Medal (BME). An active member of the Redbridge-based running club Sikhs in the City, the Essex based athlete took up marathon challenges at the age of 89. A spokesperson from the club, on behalf of Fauja said, “He’s so chuffed, he feels his life has been extended by another couple of years. He really wants to thank Her Majesty for even thinking of him. He’s really

grateful, he feels so blessed.”

Bhai Sahib Dr. Mohinder Singh, Chairman of the Nishkam group of charitable organisations, based in Birmingham, has been appointed Officer of British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his unstinting and inexorable work over forty years to promote peace and coexistence by bringing people of different faiths together to contribute to the common good of humanity.

On the award in the Queen’s 2015 New Year Honours list, Bhai Sahib said, “It is a great personal honour to receive this prestigious award from Her Majesty the Queen, by the grace of God, the Defender of the Faith."

Continued on Page 2

“I WAS QUIETLY SMILING TO MYSELF ALL DAY WHEN I HEARD. TELLING MY DAD WAS THE BEST BIT. HONOURED AND DELIGHTED.“

For the empowerment of Desi Youth to celebrate talent, diversity and social inclusion.

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JANUARY 2015

NEW YEAR'S HONOURS LIST

CONTENT Local News

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REVIVING THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY

29 Fashion & Beauty 40 DesiXpress

Food & Travel 42 Lifestyle

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Technology National International Business Property Motoring Sports

45 46 47 49 51 52 53

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AMIR KHAN ANNOUNCES ACADEMY IN PAKISTAN

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• HONOURED: Bhai Sahib Dr. Mohinder Singh of Nishkam Centre awarded OBE

• REVIVING: Qari Imam Muhammad Asim

• HONOURED: James Caan received a CBE

• HONOURED: Adeeba Malik received a CBE

Continued from Front Education. (Wolverhampton, (Slough, Berkshire).

Page West Midlands).

Muhammad Zahur. For Adeeba Malik, Deputy Professor Venugopal services to the Pakistani Chief Executive of QED Karunakaran Nair.

Head community in Sheffield.

Foundation, was awarded of Avian Viral Diseases (Sheffield, South Yorkshire).

A Medallist of the Order a CBE. Meera Syal was Programme Pirbright honoured with a CBE for Institute.

For services of the British Empire her services to drama and to Science.

(Kidlington, (BEM) was awarded to: Dr Shazad Saleem Dentist, literature, whilst James Oxfordshire).

Caan received a CBE. Professor Iram Siraj. Manchester. For services to Other notable awards Professor of Early Childhood Dentistry.

Shahin Ashraf, national went to Gulfaraz Ahmed, Education Institute of Headteacher Parkinson Education, University of coordinator for the Muslim Lane Primary School, London. For services to Women's Network and the Halifax who recieved Education.

(Stapleford, Muslim Chaplin at the University of Birmingham an OBE for services to Cambridgeshire). was honoured with a MBE. Education. (Huddersfield, Mohammed Amal El-Hajji.

However, despite the West Yorkshire).

Front of House Security achievements of the Asian Ms Shabana Iltaf Abasi. manager Ministry of Justice community, the number of Head of Service Cafcass Headquarters. For services to ethnic minorities receiving Greater Manchester was the Ministry of Justice. accolades has not risen. awarded an MBE for services The following were made Sir Bob Kerslake, Head to Children in Greater MBE’s: Mizan Rahman Syed. of Civil Services, said that Manchester.

(Cheadle, For services to Government the system needs to be a Greater Manchester).

Digital Communication. representation of diversity The following were (London). of the country. “That's a w a r d e d one of the key CBE’s: Ms Uma things that we Mehta.

Chief "There are many others who will be part want to achieve.

Community Anybody can of this including my family, friends and S e r v i c e s n o m i n a t e colleagues who have supported me in my Lawyer London anybody for career. And the person who this will mean an honour and Borough of a lot to is my mother, this is why the award we see that Islington. is so special." as crucially For services important, to Children.

Abeeba Malik we want the ( B i l l e r i c a y, honours system Essex).

OBE’s were awarded to Waqar Afzal Ahmed. to represent this country. the following: Ms Sajda Prevent manager Birmingham We've done really well Mughal. For services to City Council. For services to increasing the proportion Community Cohesion challenging extremism and of women, in 2014 they communities. exceeded the number of and Interfaith Dialogue. empowering (London). Jatinder Kumar (Dudley, West Midlands). men, but we've still got Mrs Shahnaz Akhtar. Foster work to do in terms of the Sharma. Principal and chief executive Walsall College. Carer, Slough. For services other communities in this For services to Further to Children and Families. country.”

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

John F. Kennedy announced his intention to seek the Democratic presidential nomination

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Unity refers to agreement in beliefs; harmony in behaviour, and union in manners. Unity will only be achieved if there is creative cooperation.

2. Embracing Diversity Muslims must learn to manage differences and embrace diversity in religious and political ideology; co-existence between different communities and schools of thought is part of the Divine plan.

Muslim leadership must realise its responsibility to build castles of peace in people's hearts and minds, and not caves of hate and detestation.

3. Eliminating Injustice Muslim governments must address economic, political and social injustices and inequities that exist in their countries. This will also require re-thinking the extent of foreign influence in their internal policies.

Poverty, lack of job opportunities, corruption, nepotism, loss of dignity, liberty, justice and equality are all contributing to violence and revenge in the world.

Injustice occurs in this world but taking up arms for what is right, does not make right the wrongs committed. Without a conciliatory mindset our world will forever remain full of pain and suffering, full of heartache and sorrow, because as one enemy is defeated another will sprout back in its place.

THE TEAM JANUARY 2ND 1960

EDITORIAL

As the New Year starts, we remember all those magical moments when we achieved something; we cherish the memories of our accomplishments, or those of our loved ones.

End of a year also provides an opportunity to reflect upon the events of the past year. Unfortunately for Muslims, the year 2014 has been regularly punctuated by tragic deaths and brutal violence that has been committed in the name of a religion.

There is no magic wand that can be waived to solve all the problems of the Muslim community. What is desperately needed is a creative, inclusive and robust action plan to revive the Muslim community (Ummah).

Suggestions to revive the Muslim community Start of a new year is usually a time when people make a resolution(s) to improve themselves, to re-gain control of their health and wealth etc, to get things back on track.

We recommend that Muslims join in making a collective resolution in 2015 to revive the dignity, liberty and spirit of the Muslim community.

The following are some practical suggestions that can lead us towards the right direction in reviving and sustaining our communities: 1. Unity Only unity and solidarity can bring about sustainable peace in Muslim communities.

Twitter: @QariAsim Email: QMAsim@yahoo.co.uk

The U.S Vatican established full diplomatic relations after a break of 116 years

JANUARY 13TH, 1983

The British Independant Labour Party was founded with James Keir Hardie as its leader.

JANUARY 15TH, 1559

Elizabeth Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, crowned as Queen Elizabeth I in Westminister Abbey.

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MOSAIC CELEBRATES ACADEMIC SUCCESS Over 100 Mosaic mentors and supporters were joined by Dr Zafar Iqbal, the first team doctor at Liverpool Football Club and Imran Hakim, entrepreneur and founder of iTeddy

to celebrate the region’s mentoring achievements so far this academic year, an event held in partnership with Mosaic Patron Human Appeal International.

• MOSAIC: Dr Zafar Iqbal with Representatives of Mosaic and Human Appeal Dr. Zafar Iqbal spoke at the event held in Manchester and thanked mentors and supporters in the region for their support.

Attendees were given insight into Zafar’s personal and professional journey and how he was able to reach his potential through having the support of influential role models and mentors.

Commenting on the importance of mentoring, Zafar said, ‘Mosaic’s mentors

do a phenomenal job in helping young people from our most disadvantaged communities fulfil their potential. They are true superstars in every sense of the word. I am delighted to support this initiative and encourage people to sign up as mentors’.

The audience also heard from Imran Hakim, Dragons Den entrepreneur, CEO of Hakim Group and long standing supporter of

Mosaic. Imran emphasized the importance of confidence and self-belief in achieving his dreams and how through the support of his peers and mentors he was able to succeed. Imran stressed the importance of Mosaic programmes to create a new crop of entrepreneurs like him: ‘Mentoring is fundamental to developing our next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Charity Shows the Importance of Role Models

It was a privilege to be a part of Mosaic’s Enterprise Challenge competition last year which helped 5000 young people to better understand business through mentoring, and I look forward to continuing my support. It’s a real pleasure to be here this evening to celebrate the ongoing efforts of these inspirational individuals, who regularly invest their precious time into the future generations’.

Commenting on the success of the evening, Mosaic North West RLG Chairman Dr Wakkas Khan said ‘It’s been a brilliant start to the year for us here in the North West but we are still only half way through the year. We heard today from two very successful people about the role mentoring has played in their lives and why it’s so important. We still have room for brilliant mentors for programmes starting in the New Year and encourage people to make a difference by signing up today”.

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JANUARY 2015

SIKH OF THE YEAR! Ravi Singh Given International Honour Photo Credit: Khalsa Aid

• HONOUR: Ravi Singh has been

named 'Sikh of the Year' Award

A charity worker who has worked tirelessly around the world has been honoured at an international awards event.

Ravinder ‘Ravi’ Singh from Slough, and who is CEO of Khalsa Aid, was named Sikh of the Year at the Sikh Awards in Amritsar.

“It was a really grand event

and I was humbled to win Sikh of the Year,” said Ravi.

“There has been so much reaction on social media and my Twitter went into meltdown. Winning the award is also wonderful for Khalsa Aid and in particular it brings our whole India team into focus as well.”

“It was something I did not expect and 2014 has certainly been a phenomenal year. I was recognised for the work Khalsa Aid did during the floods which help put UK Sikhs on the map and also our work in Iraq.

“We were right there in the thick of it, helping out. “ The humanitarian also appeared alongside Jim Winkworth, who Ravi met during the floods in Somerset earlier this year, in which Khalsa Aid were prevalent.

Jim also appeared on television with Ravi earlier this month on ITV’s Surprise Surprise which has lead to the father-of-three becoming a small celebrity in the borough.

“Since my appearance on Surprise Surprise, I have had people coming up to me in Slough. Someone in Pets at Home told me they thought my work was amazing and to keep on going.”

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MAWLID IN THE CITY JANUARY 2015

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International Event Marks Birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him)

M

coordinated event initiative, uslims in born in the UK in 2012 has B i r m i n g h a m now spread across the joined over 1 billion fellow world and is now a global believers around the world phenomenon.

This year to celebrate the birth a vast number of British (Mawlid) of the Prophet cities joined locations and Muhammad, the founder of towns as far as Fiji in the the Islamic faith some 1400 pacific, down years ago. to Auckland in The event, New Zealand which is in celebrating celebrated the “Mawlid on the in the City”.

Islamic date Events were of 12 Rabiheld in Norway, al-Awal, Sweden, Italy, landing on Indonesia, Saturday G u y a n a , 3rd January Trinidad and 2015, was G e r m a n y part of the just to name celebrations some of the in which countries now B r i t i s h involved in this Muslims international coordinated effort for a unique spreading true worldwide Islamic values initiative of peace and becoming PICTURE OF THE MONTH understanding. known as H e l d ‘Mawlid in simultaneously and the City.’ coordinated via social The objective was media, Muslims all round to engage with local the world walked into cities communities in city centres centres, villages and towns by promoting dialogue giving roses, chocolates and and spreading peace and cards containing messages understanding. The very of peace and mercy. simple concept of offering Many photos and videos chocolates along with a were posted online with rose themed card as a social media abuzz with peaceful gesture to people activity throughout the has certainly gone from a weekend.

One of the very local idea to something messages on the cards which has become a was Michael Harts quote international event.

A

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in his book titled “The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History”, writes, “My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the most influential persons may surprise some leaders and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both religious and secular levels” The project has now achieved international acclaim with Capstone publishing in the United States inserting a section on "Mawlid in the City" in their latest edition of a children’s book which is due out in the spring of this year.

This then educates an entirely n e w generation of children on the shared h u m a n values of peace and mercy.

Demonstration Held for Political Prisoners in India

• JUSTICE: Sikhs Protest in Birmingham

Rabbi-ul-Awwal Mubarak to all

TRIBUTE TO FORMER CITY COUNCILLOR Tributes have poured in for a former Leicester City councillor who has lost his life after a suffering a stroke. 59-year-old Mohammed Nasim was described as a “wonderful man” and an “inspiration.” The father of three died in hospital from a stroke, who up- until six months ago lived in Evington for 30 years and previously lived in the Highfields.

His daughter Somia Nasim said, “He was a kind man, a generous man, and a very patient man. He did

SIKHS PROTEST FOR PRISONER

Hundreds of members of the Sikh community gathered outside the Indian Consulate in Birmingham for a peaceful protest about the treatment of political prisoners.

The demonstration was held in honour of Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa who has been on a hunger strike since November 14.

He has been drinking only water at the temple of Ambala in India in protest for basic human rights for Sikh prisoners. Bhai Khalsa is seeking the release of seven Sikh political prisoners who remain incarcerated despite serving their full sentences.

The protesters held banners titled, ‘Free Our Defenders, Free All Political Prisoners,’

not want the recognition, he was just passionate about helping people.”

He served as councillor of Wingston for 18 years from May 1991 firstly for Crown Hills for eight years then latter years as a Stoneygate councillor for the remainder. He also took time to form Leicester Asian Youth Association (LAYA) recreation centre, in Evington Valley Road.

Somia added, “He had always worked with youths. That was one thing he enjoyed, helping young people.”

Connected Histories: Muslims in the First World War - Vacancy

at the venue from 1pm-3pm.

Similar demonstrations were also held all around the world.

A prayer function was also held Sikh detainees was at Gurdwara Lakhnaur Sahib, Ambala.

Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale made the sangat aware about the prisoners and appealed all the community to join Bhai Khalsa’s campaign.

S h i r o m a n i Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Avtar Singh Makkar and Haryana Sikh Gurdwara M a n a g e m e n t Committee (HSGMC) chief Jagdish Singh Jhinda have urged Bhai Khalsa to end his fast upon meeting him, but the campaigner refused.

SPORTS

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Xtra Mile West Midlands CIC (XMWM-CIC) is pleased to announce that its application for funding to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the ‘Connected Histories : Muslims in the First World War’ project has been successful. The project would like to thank the HLF for their support and our key delivery partners, the Library of Birmingham and the Birmingham Museums Trust for their advice and guidance throughout the application process.

The project will explore, document and celebrate the contributions of Muslim soldiers in the First World War, particularly through the stories that remain amongst their descendants. The formal commencement of the project is expected to be in January 2015. XMWM-CIC is looking for an experienced, skilled and highly-motivated individual to contribute to this exciting and fast-growing project. The role is challenging but will prove to be a highly rewarding role for the right candidate.

Project Manager The Project Manager will work 2.5 days (pro-rata £25, 000).

Closing Date: 31/01/2015 Do you think you have got what it takes? Please e-mail your CV and a 500 word statement to express your suitability for the posts to: xtramilewestmidlands@hotmail.co.uk Please do not hesitate to drop us an email if you require further details prior to application.

AMIR KHAN ANNOUNCES NEW ACADEMY

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JANUARY 2015

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JANUARY 2015

A POINT OF LIGHT

ISLAMIC HELP CUTS

Dr Na'eem Given A Prestigious Award

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have achieved these positions and to be in a profession where I can lead change and improvement to communities that are in need."

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A London-based doctor has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award for a dedicated service in the medical industry. The Points of Light award recognises outstanding individuals people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Dr Na’eem Ahmed is a medical doctor who has long enjoyed using his medical training as a volunteer. As a student he set up a network of undergraduate doctors to act as ambassadors for public health education programmes across London, before creating opportunities for medical students to volunteer in Bangladesh. He also set up

• POINT OF LIGHT: Dr Na'eem Ahmed Volunteering with Selfless

the Selfless website which allows people to register their professional skills and be matched to volunteering opportunities – a concept he calls “skillanthropy”.

In a statement, Dr Na’eem said, “I feel incredibly fortunate to have achieved these positions and to be in a profession where I can lead change and improvement to communities that are in need. The driving force behind my work has been my father, who immigrated to England as a young boy from Bangladesh, he reminded us of our responsibilities to help others and to always remain grateful. My achievements are not unique, this award is dedicated to the many hard-working parents whose

•

Dr Na'eem Ahmed

efforts have given their children the opportunity to flourish and give back to society. It’s the Selfless cycle of change.”

Whilst Prime Minister David Cameron said, “Volunteering is a popular New Year’s resolution and using your professional skills is a great way to make a contribution. Dr Ahmed is a fantastic what a difference one person can make, and, by setting up a Selfless website, he’s making it really easy for other people to find opportunities to get involved too. I am delighted to make Na’eem a Point of Light.”

A Birmingham-based charity has blasted the government’s decision to scrap their grants over alleged links with extremists.

Islamic Help said it was “surprised, dismayed and angered” by the Department for Communities and Local Government’s decision.

The government said it would not be funding any group who were filled with “with hatred, division and violence.” In a written

statement, Secretary of State for the department, Eric Pickles claimed Islamic Help had invited, “an individual with extremist views to speak at an event, and that the Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) an umbrella organisation for Muslim charities - had failed to reassure us that they have robust measures in place to investigate and challenge their members."

LOTTERY WINNER SCAM Police have warned pensioners to be on alert after a 59-year-old man who suffers from dementia was approached by an Asian woman who claimed to have won the lottery but could not claim the prize as she was an illegal immigrant.

Whilst the con artist asked for directions to a solicitors they were joined by another man who said he overheard the conversation.

He suggested helping the victim by buying the woman’s ticket and claiming the prize money for themselves.

The confused man was taken to his home in Edgbaston to collect his bank details before driving to his nearest branch to withdraw £10,000, after this the pair drove off with it.

DC Michelle Hunt, from Birmingham Police Investigation Team, said, “This has left the victim and his family devastated. These two suspects have picked on the victim because of his vulnerability.

“We are keen to trace the pair and urge anyone who recognises the man captured on CCTV, as soon as possible."

• WANTED: Do You Know This Man?

The Birmingham Police Investigation Team can be contacted by dialling 101 or Crimestoppers can be anonymously contacted by 0800 555 111.

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JANUARY 2015

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‘SNOW ANGELS’ With OF DERBY Woman Sick Baby

FATHER BATTLES FOR LIFE A

loving father of five is fighting for his life in a coma after being attacked with a brick.

Mahmoud Hussein, 46, who is originally from warstricken Palestine, was viciously attacked near his home in Stechford, leaving him with serious head injuries. The family moved to the Midlands eight years ago.

His distressed wife, Eman Tahaineh, and children have held a bed-side vigil at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital since the attack , nearly two-weeks ago.

Commenting on the incident, brother-in-law, Nadel Arif said, “he had no enemies, yet he was brutally attacked by a thug outside shops in Stud Lane on December 20 after he had popped out to the local chemists. Most of the time Eman is crying, she is afraid for the future.”

No arrests have been made yet.

An emotional Eman said, “It’s very difficult, I’m counting the hours and

AFTER VICIOUS ATTACK

•

Mahmoud Hussein

minutes until he wakes up.”

They have four sons and a daughter, aged from nine months to 14-years-old.

When asked about his brother-in-law, Nadel said, “He spent most of his time teaching his children, teaching them mathematics, he’s got hundreds of notebooks. He told me his children are the most expensive thing he had and he was every day concerned about them.

Mahmoud suffered a

"I know my brother-in-law, he is a peaceful man. From his house to his work he has no enemies at all."

Praises Good Samaritans who Rescued Her From Snow

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. head injury, fractured jaw, a fracture above his right eye and a serious injury to his knee in the unprovoked attack.

Having undergone brain surgery four days ago Mahmoud is now in a critical care unit, where his condition is stable.

“The doctor said it’s different from man to man and they can’t determine what time he will wake up,’’ said Nadel. “They are trying every day but there is no result yet. I know my brotherin-law, he is a peaceful man.

From his house to his work he has no enemies at all,” he said.

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Detective Inspector Nick Dale said, “The level of violence shocked not only the family but officers dealing with it. We suspect that members of the community will know who committed this offence. If that’s the case then it’s likely people are keeping that information and keeping the individual away from police attention.

“This is an appeal that anybody with any information about who has done this and where they are, comes forward and speaks to police about it. We don’t know what the motivation for it is, it seems to be an assault that came out of the blue.”

“Then, miraculously, these young people appeared and spent ages pushing • ANGELS: Sami Anjum with Shahzaad everyone up the hill and on their way and A group of young people I am so grateful. One-bybranded “snow angels, have one, this group - led by a been hailed as heroes for young man dressed only in spending more than two a lightweight top - pushed hours helping stranded everyone to get them going drivers. After heavy snow again.” fell on Derby, drivers were Eventually Hazel reached unable to scale a steep hill the hospital where Luca was up to the traffic lights at the treated and then allowed junction of Warwick Avenue to go back home. The three and Burton Road.

Samaritans came forward One driver named Hazel and claimed that they Leivars was rushing to get just wanted to help, they her eight-month-old son, were identified as Sami Luca, to the hospital as he Anjum, Shahzaad Ahmed, was having a seizure, she Mohammed Khizer. said, “He had been ill for a They said, “Cars were couple of days with a high stuck and going nowhere so temperature and I was we decided to give them a increasingly worried about hand and started pushing, him. Part way up Warwick we just wanted to help.

Avenue, the car became “We are delighted to hear stuck in the snow and we that our efforts helped couldn't get any further people, especially the lady because of all the other cars with the sick baby.” which were also struggling.

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RIYA DANDEKAR LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL HONOURS DELHI RAPE VICTIM

IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE P

eople from all backgrounds came together in Birmingham's Victoria Square for a candlelit vigil to commemorate the second death anniversary of Damini, the woman who was brutally gang-raped on a Dehli bus.

Organised by awardwinning media professional Reena Combo-Kainth, who launched the campaign

Even here across the globe we are standing strong to support women who are being raped daily in India.

raising awareness on issues of rape and abuse in India, the vigil in Birmingham was in memory of the Delhi gangrape victim, Jyoti Singh Pandey, known as ‘Damini’, whose brutal attack saw an international outcry.

Speaking to The Asian Today, Reena said, “My life has taken on a new role.

I am truly dedicated to raising awareness on issues of rape and abuse in India, and setting up a support a network in the UK to help too.

The passenger, a 23-yearold medical student - who has been dubbed ‘Damini’, was set upon by a gang of six intoxicated men, including a joy riding bus driver. She

•CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: Organiser Reena Combo-Kainth

was then raped repeatedly for over an hour and received serious internal injuries after being sexually abused by a metal rod.

Following the attack on the passenger and her male friend, rallies were staged across the world calling for those in charge to take responsibility. Protests have highlighted gender attitudes in India, and called for changes to laws on rape and violence against women. In the Midlands, local activist Reena Combo-Kainth has taken it on herself to raise as much awareness as possible for many ‘Damini’s out there.

Having been inspired by the Delhi Gang Rape victim and realising the need for awareness and support she is now set up an organisation called ‘Damini’.

The event was attended by a number of interfaith leaders, media figures, local Asian celebrities and speakers.

Candles were lit followed by a minute’s silence in ‘Damini’s memory.

Hundreds of balloons were also released in honour of every Damini out there.

“Over 500 attended the two previous vigils to show solidarity and support. I am doing this to show India and the justice system there that

21-YEAR-OLD TOLD CANCER WAS ‘INCURABLE’

21-year-old Riya Dandekar

It doesn’t matter where we are in the world, if we keep raising the awareness we can make a big difference. even here across the globe we are standing strong to support women who are being raped daily in India.

Damini’s parents are still awaiting justice, and it’s important that we all keep that fight going. It doesn’t matter where we are in the world, if we keep raising the awareness we can make a big difference,” added Reena.

Reena Combo-Kainth’s fight for justice and raising awareness has been recognised nationally as she was awarded Media Professional of the Year in October 2013 at the national Asian Media Awards.

A courageous and fearless cancer patient, who campaigned for the Asian community for people to join the bone marrow register has lost her own battle with the condition.

Riya Dandekar, aged just 21, died after being told her blood cancer was incurable, despite a potential bone marrow donor being found as she was not well enough to have a transplant.

Mother, Dr Ursula Bahalkar paid an heart-touching tribute to her. “Her legacy, we hope, will have been to raise awareness of how simple, quick and painless it is to register online and potentially save a life.

“I want everyone out there to register in her memory – it is a New Year resolution that

everyone can keep.”

Earlier this year, the 21-year-old student inspired a huge increase in the numbers of Asian people joining the Anthony Nolan bone marrow register, when she was diagnosed with Anaplastic Lymphoma a few days before her 21st birthday in March.

Her family launched the ‘Save Riya Now’ campaign on social media. A potential match was found for Riya in the USA but unfortunately doctors were unable to move forward with the transplant because she was not well enough.

Just seven months after her diagnosis, Riya was told that now her cancer was now incurable and she was referred to hospice care to allow her to live her final weeks in comfort.

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• PESHAWAR: Birmingham Vigil

• PESHAWAR:

Parents mourn victims of the attack

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• PESHAWAR:

Schoolboy lays injured after the massacre

A DAY WE WILL NEVER FORGET 16.12.14, the day we learnt youth was not a bulletproof vest.

BY HIFZHA SHAHEEN

hifzha@theasiantoday.com

In a speech directed at the country’s youth, the founding father of Pakistan, Mohammed Jinnah, quite notably encouraged the citizens of the country to devote themselves to their nation.

“You will have to make up for the smallness of your size by your courage and selfless devotion to duty, for it is not life that matters, but the courage, fortitude and determination you bring to it.”

1947, a year in which optimism and hope hung in the air, from the beaches of Karachi to the admired Parliament in Islamabad, confidence in a new country was high. Come 2015 and the Pakistan that we have come to know is a far cry from Jinnah’s vision.

A country, which has a way of shattering your heart into pieces every single day, Pakistan has easily become stereotyped as a terrorist country. On the morning of December 16, seven Taliban terrorists wearing bomb vests cut through wire fences to break into a school, shooting dead 132 children and nine teachers at an Army Public School in Peshawar. The events in Peshawar in December are evident of the pain and grief the country has had to live with every single day. Barbarism hits a new low when the most defenceless are targeted.

Naturally, tributes and shock at the incident fled in from each corner of the

world. “The attacker and the attacked, we’ve both crossed the line. So tell me now, was it your death or was it mine more divine?” one poem, dedicated to the victims read.

In Birmingham, over 100 people gathered by the city’s iconic Bull to light candles and direct their anger towards those responsible for the heinous attacks.

Vigils were also held at Trafalgar Square, which was attended by thousands of individuals. Organiser Ahrar Abbasi, 21, said, “We know that Pakistan is in a very sad state of affairs at the moment but it's the first time that a bunch of people - monsters - walked into a school and without any second thought killed children. We share the same feelings of any other person who watched this. It makes every Pakistani angry."

Talking to The Asian Today, organiser of the Birmingham vigil, Zakir Gul, 18, an Oxford University student said enough was enough. “It is not about being Pakistani or about being Muslim.

It is about showing solidarity.

"We are mirroring the vigil of London and those that have taken place around the world. The Pakistani community in Birmingham is huge; we wanted to show our support. We wanted to show how angry we are, with the Pakistani authorities, with the police and with the Taliban. It is a war zone out there. It is disgusting.”

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LEGAL COLUMN THE FAMILY PRESSURES OF A FOOTBALLER Reading that Louis Van Gaal decided to break from Man Utd’s usual tradition of staying in a hotel by allowing the players to stay at home on Christmas night reminds me how difficult it is for football players over the festive break. Before you shoot me down in flames with the usual ‘well they get paid loads of money’ – true as that is (for a small proportion of players) – actually, having children myself, my view is that no money can replace being away from your children and family on Christmas.

Many people really do not appreciate the sacrifices a footballer makes. Of course, before I proceed, I am not minimising how difficult it is for those millions of families struggling to heat their homes and put food on the table and to those brilliant service men and woman who work tirelessly over the Christmas period for a fraction of the pay, but that in itself does not mean there should be a complete lack of appreciation for the life of a footballer. Take a footballer playing for a club in Europe – perhaps the Europa League. At certain parts of the season that player can expect a schedule of travelling to say Belgrade on a Wednesday and playing the game Thursday night. The team will not normally travel back until the Friday afternoon after an overseas training session in the morning.

Saturday will then be further training followed by a game on a Sunday.

Whether you are a footballer, a nurse, a police officer or whoever, that is a long time to be away from your children and family on a regular basis.

This can create its own pressures.

I know from experience that changing rooms can sometimes be extremely lonely places. That may sound odd in the context of being surrounded by loads of people but those are the mental dynamics a player has to grapple around. They are ruthless environments. In no other line of work would such social pressure exist. Ask any player and they will say one of the hardest parts of the job is the boredom. Filling hours on end of free time can sometimes make the mind wander.

Whether that be having too much time to ‘over use’ social media or, in some cases, developing a gambling addiction. In his autobiography ‘RED’ Gary Neville, one of the most decorated players in the game, said:

LOHRI:

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FESTIVAL OF HARVEST

• LEGAL - Mark Hands

"Gambling is a cancer in a dressing room...Gambling blows your mind. I can see why players fall into it.

You've got money and you're spending a lot of boring hours in hotel rooms..."

I think it is vitally important, as a divorce and family solicitor, to have the understanding of how arrangements for the children need to be managed around busy fixture lists so that the children can maintain a proper and full relationship with their Dad. Unfortunately there is a complete lack of understanding, not only around Christmas arrangements, but also how a season is structured – how the arrangements for the children cannot be conventional. How off season, close season and pre-season are all very different components in a player’s life. It is important, for the sake of the children, that for example time with a separated Father is maximised in the off season but bearing in mind a player needs a holiday just as much as you and I! The press intrusion and lack of privacy is a significant issue. Whether people like to hear this or not it is a very difficult life for a player.

Players then have to live with the extreme highs and lows of being a footballer, something which actually I do not believe anyone can understand unless you have experienced them.

Imagine one week scoring a last minute goal in front of 50,000 people and the next being injured. More needs to be done to raise awareness of depression in the game.

All these ingredients can create a recipe for family difficulties whether pre or post retirement.

It is not unusual, against this background, with all these external pressure, for players to separate from their partners or wives. In my opinion it is important for us to all realise the reasons why.

If you need any matrimonial advice please feel free to speak to me in confidence on 0121 203 5309.

WOMAN BAILED OVER SYRIA TERROR OPERATION A woman arrested at Luton Airport in connection with Syria-related terror offences has been bailed pending further police enquiries.

The 25-year-old – arrested as she got off an incoming flight from Istanbul – was interviewed by detectives from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit on suspicion of preparing for acts of terrorism.

She was released from police custody to an address outside the West Midlands region with strict bail conditions; detectives have

stressed there is no risk to the public.

As part of her bail conditions the woman, from Haringey in London, must live and sleep at a specific address, be subject to a curfew, must report twice a week to a police station, and has surrendered her passport.

The woman – arrested as part of an on-going intelligence-led operation – will return for more questioning on a date in March. Two children who were travelling with her are being looked after by social services.

MISSING SAMEENA IMAM: POLICE ARREST TWO MEN

By Rupinder Kaur

Lohri is a popular cultural festival celebrated by Punjabi’s all over the world. It was originally celebrated on the shortest day of the year to signify winter solstice, to denote the last of the coldest days of winter, it’s now celebrated on a fixed day 13th January. The day is celebrated with a huge bonfire and singing songs. People toss sesame seeds, sugar-candy and other treats on the bonfire, sit around it, sing and dance till the fire dies out.

The central theme of many Lohri songs is the legend of Dulla Bhatti, who lived in Punjab during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. He was regarded as a hero in Punjab. He robbed the rich, rescued poor Punjabi girls, being forcibly taken to be sold in slave markets and arranged their marriages to boys. He provided them with dowries. So some Lohri songs express gratitude to Dulla Bhatti.

Lohri is particularly celebrated if there has been a birth of a child or newly weds in a family. There are certain foods associated with Lohri – Spinach (saag) & rice pudding (kheer) also moofali (monkey nuts) and sesame candy (rewriya).

Enjoy your Lohri celebrations!

• MISSING: Sameena Imam Officers from West Midlands Police have arrested two men as part of the investigation into missing woman Sameena Imam. Sameena, aged 34, was last seen at her work address of Costco, Torrington Avenue, Coventry on Christmas Eve. The men, one aged 38 years and from Leicester and one man aged 40 years and from Coventry were both arrested from their home addresses on suspicion of murder.

Sameena’s family have been kept up to date with today’s developments.

Detective Superintendent Mark Payne is leading the investigation into Sameena’s

disappearance said, "Sameena has been missing for two weeks and we are extremely concerned for her. Enquiries are part of an extensive investigation into her disappearance.

"Sameena has many friends and colleagues, who have been incredibly supportive.

We continue to work closely with her family as this investigation progresses."

Police have cordoned off a property in Hughenden Drive, Leicester while a detailed search is conducted.

Anyone with information that could assist this investigation is urged to contact West Midlands Police on 101 and ask to speak to Force CID Operation Ceramic.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

• MISSING: Tent erected outside the house

SALIQ’S LASTING LEGACY TEENAGER’S DEATH SENDS MESSAGE TO JOYRIDERS When teenager Saliq Malik, aged 15, was tragically killed after travelling in a Volkswagen Golf in which he was a passenger, his family were left devastated at his loss.

His father, Amjad Malik, 38, resolved to travel to schools in the Bradford District to spread the message of road dangers and the impact these fatal accidents had on victim’s families.

With the help of Bradford Council representatives and in remembrance of his son, Amjad has formed a project called ‘Think Speed, Think Saliq’. Mr Malik said, “We want people to be aware of what could happen.

“It's straightforward, I would ask teenagers what they get out of going around joyriding. We need to get a

clear message out to kids and their families and friends. I don't think reckless driving is just a problem in Bradford, it's a problem across the UK. “I'm sure many of the kids I speak to have never had a parent of a victim talk to them before. I don't want other parents going through this. The last three months have been hard for us. He is still a part of the family even though he is not around. We go to visit his grave every day.

“There is a lot of pain for the parents and family here.

Saliq was jolly and always liked having a laugh and a joke.

“He was only 15 and had plenty of days ahead of him.”

Saliq was studying for his GCSEs at Hanson Academy at the time of the accident.

17-year-old boy has been held

on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The devoted father organised an event to highlight the risks of reckless driving in remembrance of Saliq in City Park, where over 200 people attended. Held at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court, the night was attended by Saliq's friends and family, Bradford Liberal Democrat East MP David Ward and Bradford Council Labour deputy leader Councillor Imran Hussain.

The event feature wellknown rappers, music and traditional road safety messages, an Imam spoke about issues of safety and responsibility. West Yorkshire Police were also present.

Mr Malik added, “It was the first event of its kind and I hope I can organise similar events during the school summer holidays next year. This event was to raise awareness of the consequences of reckless driving.”

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a huge difference. I am not going to place all my eggs in one basket.

“We want to bring to account those people who messed up our case, and because of them, the entire case fell apart. Our case fell apart when certain people were accused of lying in court.

I want to know who lied, what happened and what mistakes made in the trial. “ Writing on Facebook about the meeting, Abdullah Rehman, CEO of the Balsall Heath Forum said, “The • JUSTICE: Prince William meets with Tariq Jahan Prince has given his full about it. He had made some support and backing in calling n his recent visit to inquires himself and he had for a public inquiry into the Birmingham, the Duke spoken to certain people. case of the three murdered of Cambridge set aside some After the conversation had boys. Three years on we still time to meet with community concluded, he offered his need answers and ultimately leaders, which included support with this inquiry and justice.

Tariq Jahan. Expressing his he is 100% behind it. That support to the families of “It was wonderful to meet really shocked me. For us, the Prince William and he was Haroon Jahan, Abdul Masvir two families that are involved very down to earth and he and Shazad Ali, who died in this inquiry, it has an made us feel at ease with the during the 2011 Birmingham immense pride hearing that.” way he met us. He said to Riots whilst protecting their When asked if he takes Tariq, ‘Never underestimate local community, the Prince any hope from what Prince gave full support for a public yourself, the selfless act you inquiry into the incident. did at such a A trial, held in 2012, had difficult time collapsed with all defendants is worthy of being cleared by the jury, immense praise however it was later revealed and I am behind certain police officers you 100 per cent were internally accused of in your efforts to • JUSTICE: Haroon Jahan,20, Shahzad Ali, 30, and Abdul Musavir, 31 lying during the 12-weekget justice’.

William has offered him, he investigation.

“He made some really replied, “I do and I don’t. I Speaking to The Asian heart warming have very little faith in the amazing Today about the meeting, justice system from what I comments and gave words Tariq described how the have been through, but at the of encouragement to all of meeting went. “Prince William same time you try not to lose us. The Prince showed real came down and we were faith. When you get people compassion to the situation invited to go along. He asked like Prince William showing the families found themselves about the case and how far you support then something in, and is supporting a public we had gotten with the public inside tells you, it could make inquiry.” inquiry, because he had heard

Tariq Jahan Speaks to The Asian Today on Public Inquiry into Birmingham Riots Death

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Baljit Singh, a 50-year-old from Meadow Road in Harborne, was last seen on 23 December when he left his home to collect a birthday cake for his son.

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Midlands Police from an address in Kingswinford initially on suspicion of stealing the 50-year-old’s Range Rover.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said, “A 27-year-old woman arrested at the same time as Millership has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

“A 28-year-old man and 23-year-old woman from Kingswinford also remain on police bail.

“Anyone with information which may help detectives with the case should call lead investigator Detective Inspector Warren Hines, from Force CID, on 101.

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Police have charged a man with murder after father who went missing before Christmas was found dead at an address in Sandwell on New Year’s morning.

Baljit Singh, a 50-yearold from Meadow Road in Harborne, was last seen on 23 December when he left his home to collect a birthday cake for his son.

He failed to arrive and the alarm was raised later that day…but at around 9am this morning officers probing his disappearance uncovered his body in the basement of an address in Beeches Road, Rowley Regis.

Stuart Millership, 32, arrested on New Year’s Eve in connection with Mr Singh’s disappearance are was charged by detectives on suspicion of his murder.

He was arrested by West

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Warsi Visits Palestine First Official Visit Since Resigning

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n her first official trip to the occupied lands since resigning from her government role, Sayeeda Warsi visited the Trefaat community. Trefaat is one of the most remote communities in the Jordan Valley and is not easily accessible.

The head of the community expressed his grievances to the Baroness. “We do not live by choice in these dilapidated shelters.

Any initiative we take to improve our living conditions are being destroyed by the Israeli forces. Any cement foundation or iron structure we try to build, are followed almost immediately with a demolition order. The cement you see under your feet is illegal and there are drones flying over to take pictures of this.”

Baroness Warsi explained that, “it is so important that communities can remain self-sufficient in an economy that is completely disabled by the occupation.

The rights of the Bedouin of Palestine must be respected by all means. It is great to finally see with my own eyes the great work that MAP accomplishes. The moment we arrived with the mobile clinic, all the women of the community rushed to the clinic to have the monthly check up for their babies and toddlers. You can see that the services are valued.”

Afterwards, the delegation met with Dr.

FATHER OF 11 IN CRASH HORROR Tributes have been paid to a loving father of 11, who died when a driver jumped a red light.

Rafique Khan, who leaves behind 11 children died alongside Aurang Zeb Khan, who was a father of three, when their Vauxhall Vectra was hit by Dudley Reilly’s Mercedes.

The 24-year-old has now pleaded guilty to charges of causing death by dangerous driving on appearing via video link at Preston Crown Court. The defendant had reportedly jumped a red light moments before the crash at the junction of Hyndburn Road and Oxford Street, also leaving three others seriously injured.

A friend of both of the men’s families revealed they were still coming to terms with their grief.

Though he said, they found relief that Reilly admitted the charges and would be sentenced accordingly.

Reilly’s representatives in court stated, “He left a caravan site and went to a nearby public house and had a drink.

“He then became the driver of the vehicle. We know he went through a red light that had been on red for eight seconds.

“Whether or not this was a prolonged piece of dangerous driving is a relevant issue. The defendant describes the route he took, but it may be of interest to the sentencing judge how long he was on the road for.”

The defendant is due to appear in court again in January. The mayor of Hyndburn on behalf of the families stated, “The families are trying to cope as best they can. It is absolutely tragic.

Rafik Husseini, the first director of Medical Aid for Palestine and currently CEO of the Makassed hospital in East-Jerusalem and with Dr. Arafat Hidmi who is the president of Makassed Charitable Society. During the attack on Gaza during the summer, MAP helped coordinating transfers for patients from Gaza to the hospital for treatment.

“Patients were only allowed through Erez after a coordination and some died because of the horrific policy of back-toback. Israel does not allow patients to be transported across the checkpoint in an ambulance but they must be moved from one ambulance to the other. It leaves no doubt that you lose crucial minutes that could save lives through this procedure,” described Dr. Rafik when leading the team around the hospital.

Makassed hospital is the main referral hospital for patients from the West Bank and Gaza. Those patients need a person to be allowed to travel to the hospital for treatment and are allowed one person to accompany them. They never allow mothers to be with their children, only grandparents can travel with them. Those companions cannot travel back home each night so the hospital needs to provide accommodation and meals for them as well.

COP ADMITS FURTHER OFFENCES

A Birmingham-based ex-policeman who had been jailed for his participation in a sex and drugs trade worth over £1 million has admitted to a further three offences.

Osman Iqbal, 36, who was fired by West Midlands Police two months prior to being sent to prison, was sentenced in September to seven years and two months behind bars due to the “leading role” he played in an underworld cartel.

A judge said the ex-cop had also played a part in running two brothels where customers were also supplied with cocaine. These clandestine ventures, alongside controlling £300-an-hour call girls based in London's West End, made a sum exceeding £1 million, which he helped to launder.

Iqbal, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to assist in managing brothels in 2012, conspiring to supply cocaine as well as money laundering, has now admitted to three additional charges of misconduct in public office at Warwick Crown Court, offences linked to attempting without authorisation to access police intelligence systems.

Sentencing has been adjourned by Judge Sylvia de Bertodano until two other men who were said to have been involved in the offences have also stood trial.

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DON'T TAME ME JANUARY 2015

FEATURE

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EXCLUSIVE Hifzha Shaheen Senior Journalist

hifzha@theasiantoday.com

My Bark is Louder Than Yours

R

ecently, I was put in a situation where I was, in no simple terms, told to stay in at home and do what a "good Asian girl should do" because I have this apparent responsibility towards the concept of "log kya kahen geh" (what will people say.) Now, being from a Pakistani-Muslim family, I'm not oblivious to the plight of women within my community, a plight that has constantly broken my heart and stiffened my resolve to highlight the difficulties they go through. A resolve that started with acknowledging that issues facing Asian women are bigger than I'd ever thought. The code of honour has been thrown around many times. For too long my community has denied the social problems that it faces, whether these are issues concerning single mothers, divorced women, abused individuals, abused children, sexual molestation, forced marriages, incest, rape, homosexuality, teenage pregnancy, suicide, honour crimes, the subjugation of women, the infallibility of elders…the list is never ending. Living within the Asian community, I have experienced both the positives and negatives of such a communion, it has enabled me to objectively rationalise the right

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from the wrong.

Putting it bluntly, the reality of our society at the moment is that the Asian community has a massive problem and plays a major part in silencing women.

It always baffles me how a community that prides itself with family values can effectively demonise, discard and use extreme levels of intimidation and abuse against the women in their lives.

The torment and grief of living between two cultures has not helped. It can be a trauma which you carry throughout your life. Growing up, I remember the struggle of trying to connect with a culture I knew nothing about. This brought on a whole a new level of tension. We were always taught that women in Islam have a very important role to play. What confuses me is that, I don't understand how we are told to emulate these great Muslim women, and then at home, treated like secondclass citizens. Why the double standards? We are brought up with modern educated morals but then are conditioned from day one to protect family honour.

Politically correct, culturally sensitive and traditionally imperative, the Asian culture is deeply sexist and misogynist with a patriarchal attitude that exerts their influence over women in making them feel like a commodity, which is deeply disturbing. Are we not allowed to have an individual identity?

To make it clear, not all men are hard-hearted as others, but education is needed. Breaking out of these stereotypes and creating role models for women is important. Asian women role models matter. Encouraging them, allowing them to freely express themselves and giving them community responsibilities. I believe there is already a cultural shift taking place where women are breaking out of

When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope was, and always will be, to leave the world a little better for having been there. I don't want people to suffer for trying to be someone they want to be. I want to try and change society. Women should have the freedom to choose. entrapped relationships and giving back to society.

When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope was, and always will be, to leave the world a little better for having been there. I don't want people to suffer for trying to be someone they want to be. I want to try and change society. Women should have the freedom to choose. If anything, I want to become that person that encompasses all my aspirations so that I know how to dance all on my own.

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JANUARY 2015

HEALTH COLUMN

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT It is that time of year again where people will be making New Year’s resolutions.

One of the most common resolutions made is to lose weight. Did you know being overweight can lead to health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke?

Making sensible changes to your levels of physical activity as well as your diet will make a difference.

Losing weight will not happen overnight and it will take time.

Drastic fad diets and exercise regimes that result in rapid weight loss are unlikely to work for long since these types of lifestyle changes are difficult to maintain.

So what can be done to lose weight? The healthy body mass index (BMI) is a measure of whether you have a healthy weight for your height. If your BMI falls into the overweight range, aim to achieve a weight that puts your weight in the healthy range.

If your weight is in the obese division, set yourself a target of losing between 5%-10% of your starting weight.

Find ways of increasing your levels of physical activity. Try to get off the bus one stop early on the way home and walk the rest of the way. During your lunch break you could even take a walk to the shops.

You do not have to spend several hours at the gym and being regularly active can help you to maintain weight loss. The right amount of physical activity depends on your age. It is recommended that adults between 19 and 64 get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week.

Asians tend to add butter/ghee to improve the taste of Asian dishes. As an alternative, you could use rapeseed oil. Rather than having a heavy meal in the evening, it is better to have smaller meals throughout

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RISE OF THE MUMPRENEUR:

KIRAN SINGH T

• DR ABD TAHRANI

the day.

Alternating your Asian meals with other healthier meals will help you lose weight.

For example, have salads with plenty of spinach, tomatoes and cucumbers instead of eating samosas and pakoras. As a substitute for desi sweets, eat fresh fruit salads.

he Asian Professional Awards 2014 saw Interior Designer, Kiran Singh take home the prestigious Design and Creative Award.

This award not only solidified Kiran’s position as one of the top go-to interior designers in the UK, it also served as a token of the hard work and passion Kiran has put in to get to where she is today.

Speaking to The Asian Today, the single mother and businesswoman spoke of her reaction to the win, “I didn’t think I would win to be honest with you, it is such a prestigious award and on a national scale. I only came to London six years ago and it was only in the last two and a half years that things really kick started for me."

Surprisingly, Kiran almost went for a medical career in her native country before discovering her passion, “Like everyone else my dad wanted me to become a doctor and I did do a nursing degree for

nice for a while.” After telling her parents about her career change there was a less than warm reception, “They were not happy! I went from getting a corporate job to being selfemployed, they thought I would not have any security or safety.” But Kiran stuck to her guns and went on to get her qualifications including a Masters Diploma in Interior Design and Diploma in Graphic Design both from Norway, then a Teaching Vocation from England.

Slowly, she started blogging on social media to get her name out there again and soon the hard work paid off as Kiran established her Interior Design Business ‘Studio Kiran Singh’, specialising in personal, sophisticated, comfortable and practical spaces all revolving around the client’s needs. In addition to this Kiran, also runs websites including ‘Vivacious Mum’ a support website for mothers, ‘My Unique

months and the benefit of this was that I won the award!”

Motherhood, however, comes first for Kiran as her work and activities all revolve around her 10 year old daughter Khushi, “I don’t like to have other people look after my daughter so I am working around her, after my main working hours it’s all about picking her up from school, making dinner and so on."

Kiran is also flying the flag for Asian women and inspiring them to follow their dreams, she states, “I think it is important in our culture

Cut down on foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar such as cakes, biscuits, pastries and pies. Try to eat less salt as well. Cutting down on the amount of alcohol you drink will allow you to control your weight.

Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. A glass of 100 percent unsweetened fruit juice counts as one portion. Why not try chopping various fruits over your breakfast cereal? Go easy on the carbohydrates such as bread, pasta and rice and keep an eye on your portion sizes. Stay motivated, stick to healthy eating and think positively.

If you are worried about your weight, contact your local GP or talk to a dietician for advice. You can also visit the NHS Choices website (www.nhs. uk) for more advice on how to lose weight.

Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, runs Birmingham Heartlands, Solihull and Good Hope Hospitals, Birmingham Chest Clinic and Solihull Community Services and is one of the top five employers in the region.

ways they want, you just have to focus on what you want in life and how you see your future.”

Kiran has come a long way to become an award winning Mumpreneur in the UK inspiring many others to take charge of their lives and dreams. We asked Kiran what her coined word Mumpreneur means, “A working mum but just a more fancy word!

A Mumpreneur means you doing more than one job: you are a boss, mother and own your own empire.” In her final words Kiran explains her philosophy on life and

“Like everyone else my dad wanted me to become a doctor and I did do a nursing degree for two to three years, but then I realised it was not for me. I was a creative person.”

two to three years but then I realised it was not for me. I was a creative person.”

Every year Kiran’s family would redecorate their home and her father would bring wallpapers, fabric samples and paint samples for Kiran to see. “He would pick up Italian furniture, marble tables and crystal chandeliers and that is how I got interested as I would say what I thought

Home’ with information on the how-to of interior design and ‘Passion for Food’ a blog showcasing Kiran’s love for food. It is a wonder how she gets it all done, “While working full time I will work until 2:003:00am in the morning on my websites daily. I learnt that if you don’t push yourself out of your comfort zone you won’t excel, so I have been pushing myself for the last six or seven

to be independent, we cannot always rely on men to provide for us. In our culture, single mothers are not always seen as a good thing.”

Having been in the business for six-and-a-half years Kiran very rarely sees Asian designers which is one of the reasons she chose the career in the first place. She also expressed shock at the stories she has heard from female clients, “I look at them and think, wow, you are a housewife who has to do so much and ask your husband for everything. They were born and brought up in the UK and tell me they wish they had my life and wish they had not married a second time, had got their dream job or got an education. I say to them everyone can live their life the

why she does what she does, “It is very hard work but at the end of the day I have to be a role model as my daughter is learning from me, I think if I work hard and achieve my dreams then that will motivate her when she grows up, that her mum did everything all by herself and so can she.”

Check out her January design talks at southernhomeshow.co.uk Be sure to follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/studiokiransingh and twitter @kiransingh

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WRITERS PROFILE Suri Singh, born and raised Londoner and media head who once lived the dream in Bollywood. One time Associate Editor of a National lifestyle magazine, giving you his perspective on all things relevant.

New Year – New Who?

Share his world on Twitter, Instagram and FB @aboycalledsuri

A

remember to always F.L.Y – First Love Yourself. Now combine legacy of glass bottles, burnt out fireworks, cans, that with the upcoming ‘Spring’ collections already hitting party hats, bad memories, good memories, bucket our high streets. When did you last buy something out of the list wishes, hope and dreams and more have all ordinary – different but still in line with your personal style? had the door closed on them as 2014 drew to an end. Ask Go out and do it - a new shade or an alternative fit can change yourself this – and be honest - Is this year going to be another your look completely. new year’s resolution based 30 days followed by 335 days of Next it is time to give thought to the people or happenings what if’s, maybes and if onlys – or will it be your new year in your day to day life. Time is one of our most priceless ‘’REVOLUTION’ whereby you surprise yourself, step out of commodities. We are all given the exact same number of comfort zone parameters and define your life in a different minutes and seconds in each day but it is what we do with our way completely. time that truly separates us. A simple rule is this – If they are Today we live in a society where lets face it – we are all so not beneficial then they are not worthy – Cut them out. When distracted by what everyone else is doing that we lose focus on you change your perception what it is we really want to do. and become far more black Whether left handed or right, it and white about things is fair to say our forefingers or you will find there is no thumbs have certainly grown grey area to distort your an extra muscle when scrolling decisions - this is a great through our social media feeds.

Surprise yourself, step out of your state to be in.

Even when lying in bed – ‘just And now for a big one – one more scroll’, ‘double tap to comfort zone parameters and define your Purpose. We are all so quick like’ and alarm on and again… life in a different way completely to forget what purpose we ‘Just one more scroll’ – the cycle had in mind when waking becomes endless. up – and the day is so easily So – where are you now and swallowed into one big blur. Write it down – take a picture – where do you want to be? When did you last pick up a book? get it somewhere visible! Feel inspired by it and look to fulfil it Find a place you really wanted to visit? Or just simply be from the moment your day starts. We all have responsibilities spontaneous? that form the core of our day but between that and above it I have come to realise as I have grown older (slightly) that always remind yourself of that ultimate goal which is personal ‘experiences’ create the best memories – the place and the to you and do everything you possibly can to make it happen. company form your setting but its what happens in these places Learn to focus on what is important. Prioritise and constantly and with those people that really sticks. This is about you remind yourself of what matters to you. If you don’t remind your life, your world and creating your own REVOLUTION. yourself of the important things in life on a regular basis, you’ll Let’s start with idea of ‘Vanity’ – Love yourself – it’s an forget what you’re living for. Let go of the petty matters. ideology in itself which holds a lot of substance. In a generation Generally - New Year’s resolutions are a combination of where we are surrounded by images of guys and girls looking words and thoughts that you commit yourself to, to better ‘super fly’ think about the way you feel about you – and

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you, those around you and your life. When you break the promises of your resolutions, the only person let down is you. I’m not here to convince you to become the ultimate version of you – no one can.

What you can do is ask

yourself who is the new you that you want to become – commit yourself and prove that you can. It may take days, weeks, months or even the whole year – the time is yours to be taken – it’s what you do with it that counts.

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JANUARY 2015

A GENERATION’S WORTH OF JEWELLERY

•

GOLD ROBBERY : Police Appeal for Jewellery Return

A family spoke of their devastation after jewellery passed down through generations was stolen from their home. The robbers took a large quantity of necklaces, earrings and jewel-encrusted bangles from the home on Yewhurst Road, Solihull during the night. A large amount of money was also taken.

West Midlands detectives have released photos of the Asian gold haul which is often given to new brides, in an attempt to trace the items back.

One of the family members said, “I am devastated - several items have been passed through my family for generations.”

Asian gold is normally 18 to 24 carat and often decorated with semi-precious stones. Some of the empty boxes which held the jewellery were found dumped under a bridge by the canal off Old Warwick Road in Lapworth.

Detective Constable Jon Rankin claimed they were hoping to contact someone who was offered the jewellery, “The family are understandably shocked and upset by the break-in and are desperate to recover the jewellery.

“Some of the boxes were found under a bridge by the canal off Old Warwick Road in Lapworth, but obviously the jewellery was not found.

Anyone with information can contact West Midlands Police on 101 or alternatively anonymously give information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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EXCLUSIVE • THE ASIAN TODAY SPECIAL REPORT • EXCLUSIVE • THE ASIAN TOD

LIVING ON THE BREADLINE How Thousands are Turning to Food Banks EXCLUSIVE Hifzha Shaheen Senior Journalist

hifzha@theasiantoday.com

M

illions of people across the country are turning to food banks as a means to feed themselves and their families.

Being the sixth largest economy in the world, Britain has seen an unprecedented rise in the number of people using a food bank. According to The Trussell Trust, a leading food bank provider, there are two new food banks being launched every week to meet the growing demand.

In the last year, 913,138 people were given three days emergency food, with the biggest reason being benefit delays. The West Midlands alone

“I cooked a meal, sat down with my family and ate, but I kept thinking back to the woman who I'd met earlier.” Shabina (Lush Living)

• HELPING HAND: Shabin

Bano Helps Distribute Fo

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DAY SPECIAL REPORT • EXCLUSIVE • THE ASIAN TODAY SPECIAL REPORT • EXCLUSIVE

na ood

"I was overwhelmed how this project boosted the community spirit in Balsall Heath" Shabina (Lush Living)

• FOOD DISTRIBUTION: Food Hampers Being Distributed

•

FOOD DISTRIBUTION: Food Hampers Being Distributed

charity Islamic Help, local groups Balsall saw 58,036 adults given emergency food. The Heath Churches Together, Saheli Hub and Asian Today visited a Birmingham charity, the Near Neighbours cross-faith work project, which has been providing food hampers to the programme is aimed to get to the most the community for the past 12 years. vulnerable of society and give them extra Deep in the suburbs of Birmingham, the help. The food bank is Balsall Heath Forum opened every Thursday, are stacking up on between 11 am and 1pm. food. Included are CEO of the boiled rice packets, organisation, Abdullah biscuits, soup and Rehman, told us how other tinned food; he started the project. all neatly being “People from the organised into community started to over 50 individual ring in telling us how hampers. Hampers they knew of certain that will eventually individuals who were be distributed to the suffering from a crisis. community who so This had never happened thoroughly rely on before. Therefore, what provisions provided we did on the back of that by the organisation.

Abdullah Rehman was that we started a Donated by the

"One example I can give is a woman who was so ashamed about coming in. She said that she had spent her entire life helping people, so this is embarrassing for me."

food bank in Balsall Heath. In is taking place. For the first particular, during the festive time ever, the residents period of the year, where of Springfield arranged a people can pop-in and pick up hamper distribution for the a parcel of food. But what we elderly in the community. do in addition to this is that A fantastic opportunity for we try and help them with young children to learn about the situation that they are the importance of charity in. We have a help giving and point at the forum caring for their which include neighbourhood 58,036 housing officers and care for the adults given and someone residents that emergency that deals with are vulnerable,, debt. So basically, the project food the way it works came about is that, when after a local someone comes in for food, we businesswoman, Shabina say that if you want you can Bano was invited by Abdullah talk to someone from these Rehman to Balsall Heath to organisations that can maybe participate in their hamper get you out of the situation project. that you find yourself in.

Commenting on her “9 times out of 10 the people experiences, Shabina said, that come to us are people “I was overwhelmed how that have had a delay in their this project boosted the benefits. One example I can community spirit in Balsall give is a woman who was so Heath. At the same time it ashamed about coming in. opened my eyes to how many She said that she had spent vulnerable residents we have her entire life helping people, in our own neighbourhood so this is embarrassing for me. living on the poverty line. With There are people out there first hand experience of being that have lost a loved one involved with Balsall Heath and have spiralled into bad I was eager to do a similar situations, not of their own project in my neighbourhood fault.”

Springfield.”

Down the road, and Receiving support from another food distribution the Balsall Heath Forum, Councillor Habib Rehman and West Midlands Police Sgt Talib Hussian, the project took four weeks to put together but as word got about the project started to attract a lot more support.

“Tom Thomas from St Christopher’s Church in Springfield worked tirelessly with me in collecting the hampers arranging and in distribution.

Mr Thomas and I both believe involving children to spread joy and happiness can bring all • DISTRIBUTION: Hampers faiths communities together.

This was a great project

JANUARY 2015

STATISTICS • 913, 138 people in crisis across the UK were provided with three days’ emergency food • 30,000 people volunteered with a foodbank in 2014 • Primary reason people use foodbanks was benefit delay and we hope to continue working together with Balsall Heath Forum. The young are our future and the next generation. We need to show them the importance of joy happiness and respect to insure they grow to love and care for all regardless of race colour and religion.”

It was whilst working at her business, Lush Living, Shabina was approached by a potential customer requiring a kitchen.

However, due to personal circumstances they were not able to purchase the kitchen.

Whilst in conversation with this individual she describes her disbelief at their living conditions. “To be someone who is so enthusiastic I was shocked at their situation.

I asked if there was anyone helping them and she told me she had been appointed a community officer. I took the number of this officer and the customer left."

That evening she returned home with a heavy heart. “I cooked a meal, sat down with my family and ate, but I kept thinking back to the woman who I'd met earlier.” After calling the number she was given, Shabina was told the true extent of the woman’s situation. “The next morning, myself and my two boys, after dropping hampers off at Sparkhill Police Station, visited the woman. Taking along a hamper which included cakes, tins of beans, tuna and cereal, we offered her a kitchen at no cost.”

BALSALL HEATH FORUM: WWW.BALSALLHEATHFORUM.ORG.UK

PROPERTY GIANT JAILED FOR MONEY LAUNDERING • JAILED: Aqeel

Khan, 38 laundered millions of pounds.

Property developer Aqeel Khan, aged 38, laundered millions of pounds in cash and conned financial institutions to fund his property portfolio and luxury sport cars. The National Criminal Agency (NCA) claim criminals across Northern England were in contact with the Bradford born Khan. Khan admitted to money laundering and fraud, he was jailed at Leicester Crown Court.

In total Khan’s network consisted of £10 million pounds worth of property assets which were largely funded by money laundering from various bank accounts to prevent suspicion.

Khan and his employee Mohammed Zulqurnain used insurance brokers as a shield for their activities, getting finance from established financial institutions for non-existent or inflated insurance policies.

This money was then put into purchasing properties and financing Khan’s wealthy lifestyle.

Zulqurnain, aged 36, was jailed for two-and-a-half-years. Aqeel Khan's brother, Atique Anwar Khan, aged 34, who controlled the distribution of cash into third party bank accounts, was given a six month suspended prison sentence.

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JANUARY 2015

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION BE PART OF THE ACTION! THE ASIAN TODAY

Halesowen College’s Whittingham Road Campus will be open on Saturday 24 January 2015 10.00-2.00pm for young people to find out more about the extensive range of courses on offer and our modern, inclusive facilities.

Along with highlighting our exceptional range of 1619 courses and outstanding facilities, there will be a programme of exciting curriculum competitions across a variety of subjects, giving visitors a real taste of College life.

In addition to curriculum

competitions there will be live music, theatre and dance performances and interactive Sports and Catering events. A visit to Open Day is also the ideal opportunity for prospective students to find out about the College’s FREE Bus Service and all the other support available, including financial help.

Alex Griffin, Student Experience Director said, “The College is always striving to break down barriers for young people wishing to further their education. Open Day provides a fantastic opportunity for prospective students to explore

our excellent facilities, meet dedicated staff and talk to our talented students about their successes.”

The College has invested £20m upgrading facilities over the last few years, which has included three new state-ofthe art teaching blocks for Health & Social Care, Animal Care, Science, IT, Travel & Tourism and specialist teaching accommodation for students with learning difficulties.

There is also a new all-weather sports pitch, a fitness trail and an outdoor gym and plans are already underway to create

additional new and exciting facilities for our students to enjoy.

Our newly built University Centre also provides further outstanding learning resources for 19+ students undertaking High Education and Access programmes.

Halesowen College offers the widest range of courses in the area, ranging from Entry Level to Foundation Degrees and enjoys an excellent reputation, record breaking results and an outstanding campus….Come and see it for yourself!

HALESOWEN COLLEGE

OPEN DAY SATURDAY 24 JANUARY 2015 - 10.00 - 2.00PM

WHITTINGHAM ROAD HALESOWEN WEST MIDLANDS B63 3NA AsianToday-OD Advert Jan 15.indd 1

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JANUARY 2015

STUDENT MINGLES WITH A

celebration of the history and impact of the United Nations held at the Embassy of Morocco in London was attended by an Aston student on behalf of the University.

Hassnain Safdar was specially invited to the event, which marked the 69th anniversary of the United Nations, where he mixed with political dignitaries, including the French Ambassador to the UK and the Chairman of the United Nations Association UK, Sir Jeremy Greenstock.

Parliamentarians from across the UK and international statesman were also in attendance to reflect on the UN’s achievements and the challenges it faces in future. Baroness Anelay, Minister of State at the UK Foreign Office, was invited to deliver a keynote speech about the influence and continuing importance of the UN. The event was also chosen as the occasion to launch the UNA-UK’s ‘Global Force for Good’ campaign – a set of ten

TOP AMBASSADORS ideas to improve UK foreign policy in areas as diverse as climate change, nuclear disarmament and gender equality.

Hassnain, the Captain of Aston University’s Model United Nations (MUN) Society and Committee Member for the Central Region UNA-UK, said, “It was an honour to be invited to the reception and to learn more about the workings of the UN. It was a real thrill to have met such distinguished political figures and engage with them in discussions on topics such as healthcare and sustainable development.”

Following the Embassy event, the MUN Society elected to promote the ‘Global Force for Good’ initiative supporting international gender equality.

The plan, calling for the greater empowerment of women, encourages the UK Government to push for better international equality targets in developed and developing countries.

In November, Hassnain

27

HENA’S NAILED A GOLD! A student from South and City College Birmingham has been named the best in the country and awarded gold at the World Skills UK competitions.

Hena Mohammed was awarded the prestigious prize at the final of the World Skills Competitions which took place as part of the Skills Show at the NEC. Hena won first place in the Nail Art Intermediate competition after hundreds of competitors who had won their regional heats battled it out at the finals to win gold, silver

and bronze and ultimately be named the 'best of the best' in the UK at their chosen skill.

•

WINNER: Hena Mohammed

"DRAMATIC" FALL IN GRADES

• THRILLED: Sir Jeremy Greenstock and Hassnain Safdar

"It was a real thrill to have met such distinguished political figures and engage with them in discussions on topics such as healthcare and sustainable development." led Aston delegations to separate Model United Nations conferences at the University of Oxford and

Cambridge University, where the issue of equality was raised and a prominent part of discussions.

• COVENTRY: Dramatic Fall in Grades for Secondary Schools Council officials in Coventry have said that there has been a “dramatic” fall in secondary schools which are obtaining good or outstanding results.

A report commissioned to the council which states that two years ago 81 per cent of secondary schools in the city went on to achieve one of the

top two grades, the figure now stands at 57 per cent.

The report says: “Since September 2013, eight secondary schools have had a section five inspection. None have improved, two have remained at the same grade and six have declined by at least one grade.”

DESI

YOUTH AWARDS 2015

For the empowerment of Desi Youth to celebrate talent, diversity and social inclusion.

COMING SOON In the United Kingdom, the diversity of culture is becoming prominent day by day.

The fabric of society contains many colours united from different ethnic mixes.

The term ‘Desi’ is a collective term representing communities and cultures with ‘roots’ from the South Asian subcontinent especially from countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Achievements amongst youngsters within these diverse communities are often not highlighted effectively. Media award winners DESIblitz and The Asian Today have come together to formulate a brand new Desi Youth Awards. Both The Asian Today and DESIblitz have decided that it is a necessity and their duty to provide Desi youth with a platform to showcase their contribution to society.

0121 667 3092 www.desiyouthawards.co.uk info@desiyouthawards.co.uk

@DesiYouthAwards

Courses to Brighten up Your Life If you haven’t studied for a while and you are worried about taking the first step, we are here to help, with short courses in:

• Construction • Hair & Beauty • Gardening • Photography • Pattern Cutting • Nail Art • Bread Making

• Food Hygiene • Setting up your own business • Volunteering • Parenting Skills • Video Editing • Reflexology

Plus learn how to improve your English Skills Many courses are free for those on benefits and are offered at convenient locations.

t: 0121 362 1174 w: bmetc.ac.uk e: ask@bmetc.ac.uk

RIGHT FOR THE JOB AHEAD

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JANUARY 2015

28

Jaspreet's Corner The 9-year-old Writer The Boy in The Dress The boy in the dress, he changed in the toilet Looked quite a mess, he thought: How did I know only In the morning, when I eat?

He put it on while yawning!

He walked out, But wearing grandma’s bloomers!

He put it on before school, He did look quite the fool, His family didn’t tell him that is wasn’t cool, They only pointed and laughed!

The teachers giggled, With laughter, the students jiggled, He didn’t realise until lunch; While he went munch munch munch!

We can move mountains!

It is very important that I am a good role model for my sister and my cousins, I have so much to learn and then more to teach. I love reading quotes and sayings, these can inspire me and make me believe anything is possible ! here are some of my favourites: • • • • • • • • • • • •

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“Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can do.” – John Wooden “We all can dance when we find music we love.” – Giles Andreae “The more you give away the more happy you become.”

“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”

“Being kind is never wasted.”

“Make each day your masterpiece.”

“Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.”

“No one is perfect – that’s why pencils have erasers.”

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” – Dr. Suess “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” – Dr. Suess “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

“Anything is possible. Anything can be.”

Jaspreet’s October

GANDHI BEER UPSETS INDIANS Upset Indians have urged an American-based Brewing Company to immediately withdraw its "Gandhi" beer, calling it highly inappropriate.

Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement, said that peace icon Mahatma Gandhi abhorred drinking.

Selling beer named after him was highly damaging to his legacy and hurt the feelings of Indo-Americans and Indians.

Zed, who is Chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, pointed out the marketing beer for mercantile greed using Gandhi was trivialization of Gandhian principles and belittling of the IndoAmerican community and Indians.

Mahatma Gandhi was one of the few men in history to fight simultaneously on moral, religious, political, social, economic, and cultural

PENSIONER FINED FOR PLAYING BHANGRA MUSIC

• FINED: Satinder Kholi was fined for playing loud music

A

In October I celebrated my brother’s birthday, He turned 14 and I celebrated the fact that I have a week off school and the main highlight was Diwali. I have noticed that everything is a lovely orange colour and the garden is full of leaves. I have got out my boots and looking forward to the cold so I have an excuse to wear them. The weather is changing and there will be more sniffles and colds but I love being indoors snuggled on the sofa watching a film with a cup of hot chocolate.

This was a important month as we all celebrated Diwali. Diwali is the Festival of Light. It's a festival that Sikhs, Hindus and Jains Celebrate. The celebrations took part all over Birmingham, and various events took place for all to attend.

I celebrated Diwali by lighting my house with candles and doing fireworks we also went to the Gurdwara to Pray.

For Sikhs, Diwali is important because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other princes with him, in 1619. Sikhs celebrated the return of Guru Hargobind by lighting up the Golden Temple with candles and this tradition continues today. I have seen many images of the Golden Temple lit up during this Festive time.

Diwali is known as the 'festival of lights' because houses, shops and public places are decorated with small earthenware oil lamps called Divas, at my school some children had the chance to make some Divas and take them home. I made one with clay at my local Brownie Group.

I also watched my cousins perform in a Bollywood dance show this month, I never knew how talented they were and was very proud to be sat in the audience cheering them on.

They performed to some great music and had everyone’s feet tapping and hands clapping, and they looked amazing.

Finally I got to dress up and go to Halloween Parties, was able to wear makeup, not quite the glamorous way that I would have hoped! But I finally had a reason to have my hair dyed pink!

My half term holidays involved visiting family and meeting new members of the tribe! I am not enjoying the dark evenings but looking forward to November as it’s getting closer and closer to Christmas!

fronts, and he continues to be widely respected as one of the greatest moral and political leaders of the twentieth century, Rajan Zed noted.

New England Brewing Company, whose tagline is "Drink it. It's good.", is a craft brewery launched in 2003 which claims to be listed as one of the top 20 breweries in the country, only second craft brewery on the entire East Coast to have its beer for sale in cans, and “bring passion for flavor”. Rob Leonard is founder while Matt Westfall is the head brewer who created Gandhi-Bot beer.

Its brews are claimed to be “loaded into over 300 bars and restaurants”.

Company website states:

B i r m i n g h a m pensioner, who repeatedly breached noise abatement orders by playing her radio loudly at her Kings Heath home, was found guilty of three offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.

Satinder Kholi, 72, of Kings Terrace, Kings Heath – who did not attend today’s trial – was fined £400 and ordered to pay court costs of £1,757 and a £40 victim surcharge.

Birmingham City Council brought a second case against Ms Kholi, who had previously been found guilty and fined by magistrates in September 2014 for playing loud music in her house and garden in June 2014.

However, despite the court’s action, Ms Kholi continued to play bhangra music on her radio loudly and environmental health officers received more complaints about noise levels at her home.

An environmental health officer visited the complainant’s home in Kings Terrace on 30 July 2014 and heard loud music coming from Ms Kholi’s

home. A tape recorder was installed and recordings made on 6 and 7 August 2014 reached levels that constituted a statutory noise nuisance.

Officers executed a search warrant on 29 August 2014 seized Ms Kholi’s radio, television, laptop and other associated items, the third such seizure of audio equipment at her home since 17 September 2013.

Cllr Barbara Dring, who chairs the city council’s Licensing and Public Protection Committee, said: “Our officers have received numerous complaints about loud music coming from Ms Kholi’s home since April 2013 and she was served with a noise abatement notice in July 2013.

However, offiers continued to receive complaints and, as a result, seized audio equipment from her home on three occasions.

“Despite being asked to turn down the volume, she has repeatedly broken the terms of this notice and shown a lack of respect for her neighbours’ welfare and wellbeing – so I am pleased to hear she’s been found guilty of these offences.”

“Gandhi-Bot is an intensely hopped double India pale ale with a blend of three varieties of American Hops. Aromatic and fully vegetarian, GandhiBot is an ideal aid for selfpurification and the seeking of truth and love.” Beer can shows Gandhi’s sketch with one hand raised as in blessing.

DOCTORS URGE FLU VACCINATION

With the flu season well underway, people are being urged to make sure they have been vaccinated against the virus.

It comes after health chiefs revealed that hundreds of people attended the Accident & Emergency department at New Cross Hospital over the Christmas period with flu-like symptoms, meaning patients with more serious illnesses or injuries were waiting longer to be seen.

For most healthy people, flu is an unpleasant but usually limiting disease. However, older people, the very young, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system or health condition like asthma, diabetes or heart disease are at particular risk from the more serious effects of flu.

Experts say people with flu are more than 10 times more likely to die if they have an underlying health condition than if they do not. Despite this, barely half of people in the West Midlands with an underlying condition took up the offer of a free flu vaccination last winter.

Councillor Sandra Samuels, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Flu is a really unpleasant illness, particularly for people with certain longterm health conditions who are at much greater risk of becoming seriously unwell, and I'd urge people to get themselves protected as soon as possible.

Gwen Nuttall, Chief Operating Officer at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “We would ask people with flu to rest at home rather than going to A&E, and if they’re not sure what to do, to call NHS111 for advice.”

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DESI RASCALS

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THE NEW BRIT-ASIAN REALITY SERIES The brainchild of Gurinder Chadha, known for Bend it Like Beckham and Bride & Prejudice, this fresh, new, nonscripted drama series will chronicle the lives of a multigenerational cast within the British-Asian community and will air on Sky Living.

Shot on location in West London and the suburbs which are home to a rich, diverse population, in places such as Southall, Harrow and Gerrards Cross, Desi Rascals will tell the stories of a modern, dynamic and aspirational group of characters across a range of ages as they navigate their social, professional and family lives in a fast changing community.

The series will be rooted in the social media landscape, shot in real time and using social networks so the cast can interact with Sky Living customers as their lives unfold on screen. It will be shown twice a week at 8pm, with each episode directly influenced by how the characters and audience react to what's just happened.

Antonia Hurford-Jones, Director, Sky Living said, "I am so excited to be bringing our customers a genuinely authentic and warm approach to the non-scripted drama genre with Desi Rascals. It has exactly the tone and sensibilities we look for in a Living show and I loved the idea from the minute I heard it. I am so excited to be working with the supremely talented Gurinder and

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Tony, telling the stories of a charming, smart, funny and previously untapped cast of characters."

Gurinder Chadha, CEO Bend It TV, commented, "I've been wanting for a long time to create a show which allowed me to show the British Asian community in a truly three-dimensional way, exploring the relationships between generations and what it means to be British and Asian as values become fluid. I am pumped that we'll get "...I've been wanting for a long time to create a show which allowed me to show the British Asian community in a truly threedimensional way, exploring the relationships between generations and what it means to be British and Asian as values become fluid..."

to see a show from where I grew up with people talking about their world and lives in their own words - I could never write dialogue as rich as this!"

Tony Wood, CEO, Buccaneer Media said, "Having been at the start of the British structured reality boom, it's great to be back. Desi Rascals moves the genre on and brings the massive tale of young British Asians to a whole new audience. I'm thrilled to be working with Sky Living and Gurinder; this is a brilliant opportunity."

AISHWARYA HONOURED READ THE FULL STORY INSIDE

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Music Launch Hits Soar Note

Actress Rakhi Sawant found herself caught up in a very public spat between best friend, Manisha Kumari, and Director Sachindra Sharma.

Footage emerged from the scene which was set for what was supposed to be the music launch of film Mumbai Can Dance Saala. It shows Manisha getting onto stage and not only making allegations against the director, but also preceding to attack him.

Rakhi, who has a role in the movie, is seen standing on the side, away from the altercation.

An eyewitness told an Indian-based newspaper, that "Rakhi's friend also hit the director's wife, besides abusing them and alleging that the director cast girls only if they were ready to compromise for the roles."

Manisha defended her actions by stating, "Just before the event began, the director told me that if I had compromised with him, he would have cast me instead of Rakhi. I got angrier when I learnt that he had cut Rakhi's part and not even got her to dub for the film. So I had to give it back to him."

AN APPRENTICE JOINS CHELSEA?

Solomon Eyes New TV Role

MIRCHI MUSIC AWARDS 2014

THE BEST OF PUNJAB The youngest contestant to appear on The Apprentice, Solomon Akhtar, was booted off before the finals. But the whiz kid admits he was too fun for The Apprentice.

“I think I was too ambitious for Lord Sugar and too outgoing. He's not a fun person. He's very boring, he wears a suit, he's very money orientated. He just doesn't get life. I think that's probably why I got shouted out of the room because I actually have a personality and I'm not boring.”

Solomon claims to know members of the Made in Chelsea cast and hints an appearance on the show, “A lot of people have said I jumped off the wrong bus. I went on The Apprentice when I was meant to go on Made In Chelsea. I do hang out with a lot of the cast, we're really good friends, so I guess we'll see what happens there.”

On a glittering night Jalandar hosted the Mirchi Music Awards Punjabi at the PAP grounds, hosts Surveen Chawla and Jazzy B leading, the spectacular evening. A number of big names performed including Money Aujla, Unnati Davara, Oshin, Badshah, Wamiqa Gabbi, Mafia Mandeer’s Alfaz.

A highlight of the awards ceremony was a tribute to the legendary Gurdas Maan by Jassi Gill, Babbal Rai and Prabh Gill.

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THE NEW BIGG BOSS Bollywood heart-throb Salman Khan is set to be replaced as the official host for controversial show Bigg Boss, he is set to be replaced by none other than Happy New Year director Farah Khan. Salman has chosen to fly the coop as the show has been extended by a month and he will be busy shooting Bajranji Bhaijaan.

Other potential replacements included Anil Kapoor and Karan Johar, Farah a major BOLLYWOOD ACTOR fan of the show eventually took the reins.

SALMAN KHAN Salman has been a restless host recently, after season seven he said he would not return as the Bigg Boss host. The actor even got into a disagreement with contestant Karishma Tamma which led to him walking off stage.

Mahira Khan Set to Make Bollywood Debut Pakistani actress Mahira Khan is all set to make her Bollywood debut opposite veteran actor, Shah Rukh Khan in upcoming film Raees.

The movie is being created by Parzania Director Rahul Dholakia, and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under the helm of Excel Entertainment.

Ritesh Sidhwani posted a picture of Mahira on Twitter and wrote: Our leading lady in #Raees @themahirakhan @iamsrk @rahuldholakia @FarOutAkhtar.

The Karachi based actress' last big screen outing was in Shoaib Mansoor's highly acclaimed film Bol, is known for her sensitive portrayal of Khirad in Pakistani TV drama Humsafar on a leading channel. SRK, 49, is currently shooting for Yash Raj's Fan and is expected to start filming Raees in February next year. The shooting of the film will take place in Mumbai and the rural areas of Gujarat.

Directed By: Rahuk Dholakia Produced By: Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

ADDICTIVE! DHEERE (FEAT. KHIZA & KUMAR SANU) - ZACK KNIGHT

Listeners’ Choice Film Song of the Year Swaah Ban Ke (Punjab 1984) Listeners’ Choice Film Album of the Year Punjab 1984

Film Music Composer of the Year Jaidev Kumar (Hatthaan Vich – Mr & Mrs 420) Film Lyricist of the Year Abdul Sattar Niazi (Main Lajpalan De – Dil Vil Pyar Vyar)

THE MILLION DOL

Khan’t Wait

Film Album of the Year Punjab 1984

Film Female Vocalist of the Year Harshdeep Kaur (Lori – Punjab 1984)

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BOLLYWOOD TO BHANGRA: Asian Entertainment Lowdown

Film Song of the Year Main Lajpalan De (Dil Vil Pyar Vyar)

Film Male Vocalist of the Year Gurdas Maan (Main Lajpalan De – Dil Vil Pyar Vyar)

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CAST RETURNS FOR SEQUAL The stellar cast from the 2012 smash The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel return to the screen with the highly anticipated sequel – The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, directed again by John Madden.

The renowned cast

has reunited for the film including stars Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton, Ronald Pickup, Tina Desai, Diana Hardcastle, Lillete Dubey.

Additional cast making their debut include Tamsin Greig, with David Strathairn

and Richard Gere.

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is the expansionist dream of Sonny (Dev Patel), and it’s making more claims on his time than he has available, considering his imminent marriage to the love of his life, Sunaina (Tina Desai).

Fresh from working with Soni-J on Tere Naal, Birmingham-based Khiza returns to what is being seen as a major successful song. Working alongside T-series signed Zack Knight, the duo have released “Dheere.” Remixing the 1980’s classic song “Dheere Dheere Se” from the movie Aashiqui, they have gone on to produce one of the best remixes of recent times.

The fusion of Zack’s voice sits neatly with the music and the video is an exactly what the remix is about – exquisite and delicate. Definitely one that will strum the chords of your heart.

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

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AISHWARYA RAI HONOURED

Maestro A.R. Rahman may receive his third Oscar nomination for Best Original Score whilst his current film Jal is running for Best Picture Oscar. Rahman already has two golden statues under his belt for Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours, he is now being recognised for three films including The Hundred Foot Journey, Million Dollar Arm and Tamil film Kochadaiiyaan.

Rahman has said of this news, “It is a great honour to be on the list of two categories. We are keeping our fingers crossed. Let’s hope for the best”. When flooded with congratulations messages on Twitter Rahman simply said “All praise is for God.”

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Third Oscar A R Rahman

ACTRESS RECEIVES AWARD AT MISS WORLD FINALE Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was honoured with a special award at the Miss World 2014 ceremony in London.

The 41-year-old actress was recognised by The Miss World Organisation for her charity work and her commitment to 'beauty with a purpose' since winning the Miss World title two decades ago.

The actress looked gorgeous in a shimmery gown when she appeared on stage alongside her Bollywood actor husband Abhishek Bachchan, their daughter Aaradhya as well as her mother Vrinda Rai. The Indian beauty said in her acceptance speech, "I stand here overwhelmed by this honour. I thank Miss World Organization for such an incredible honour that I have received."

"To have the opportunity to hold the title, to wear the crown with pride... that was my one time to go out there and experience beauty with a purpose."

The finale of the 2014 event saw Rolene Strauss, the 22-year-old South African beauty, win the crown. India's Jaipu-born Koyal Rana, 21, failed to make it to the top five, finished in the top 10 in the international beauty pageant.

Aishwarya, who is seen as the most successful Miss World so far, won the crown at the international beauty pageant in 1994.

The last Indian winner of the coveted title was Bollywood actress and singer Priyanka Chopra, who won the crown in 2000.

Bollywood Veteran Actor Shah Rukh Khan

BREAKING MURICA PRIYANKA CHOPRA SIGNS US TV DEAL

SEXY LIST 2014 Actor Hrithik Roshan has been voted the world’s sexiest Asian man for the third time in four years. The dashing Bollywood actor reclaimed the crown he lost last year in the eleventh edition of the annual 50 Sexiest Asian Men In The World list produced by popular UK weekly newspaper Eastern Eye. Television star Kushal Tandon was the surprise runner up in second place and last year’s winner Ali Zafar came third. Actor Vivian DSena, who made it into the top 10 for the first time, was fourth in a record-breaking year that saw more than 10 million votes cast in all.

Priyanka Chopra won back the crown she lost to Katrina Kaif last year to be named the world’s sexiest Asian woman for the second time in three years. The A-list beauty Priyanka beat off very tough competition from some of the most stunning women from around the world.

The stunning win rounds off another dream year for Priyanka, which saw her deliver one of the best performances of 2014 in boxing drama Mary Kom, release international pop songs, do tireless work for charity and shoot for what will arguably be this year’s two biggest films Dil Dhadakne Do and Bajirao Mastani.

A NEW STEP... AN EVOLUTION OF MY CREATIVE SELF...

YIKES... HERE WE GO."

CRY BABY

Bollywood bombshell Priyanka Chopra is set to join the ranks of Indian actors making their way into American television with a show on the American network, American Broadcasting Company (ABC).

The 32-year-old actress has signed a one-year talent holding deal with ABC Studios and will either develop a show for the international superstar or cast her in an existing show.

The elated actress, who has already tasted success in the US by way of her pop music career, shared the news via the tweet: "A new step... An evolution of my creative self...yikes... Here we go."

The Jamshed-born beauty confirmed the development, saying: "I am honoured and excited to have inked this deal with ABC. To follow in the footsteps of game-changers like Sofia Vergara, Kerry Washington and Eva Longoria is a matter of pride for me. I am looking forward to this endeavour."

After ongoing rumours about the Kanika Attacks Dr Zeus production behind Baby Doll, Kanika

Kapoor has launched a scathing attack on Dr Zeus. During an interview with BBC Asian Network’s Suzi Mann to deny Zeus had any involvement in the track She later went on to Twitter to call him a “Cheat” a “Liar” and a “Black Mailer”

TOP10 WITH KAMAL CHOPRA

KAM CHOPRA

BOLLYWOOD 1

Lovely – Happy New Year

2

Sajde - Kill Dill

3

Galliyan - Ek Villian

4

Manwa Laage - Happy New Year

5

Sawan Aaya Hai - Creature 3D

6

Dance Basanti - Ungli

7

Yaar Naa Miley - Kick

8

Bang Bang - Bang Bang

9

Samjhawan - HSKD

10 Chaar Kadam - PK

BHANGRA 1

Patiala Peg - Diljit Dosanjh

2

Banda Banja - Garry Sandhu

3

Mitra De Boot - Jazzy B, Kaur B

4

Jump to the Bhangra - Bupps Saggu

5

Back to Bhangra - Roshan Prince

6

Broken Star - Intenso

7

Rani - Anand B

8

Pasina - Jaz Dhami

9

Att Goriye - Tigerstyle & Hard Kaur Dream Girl - Aman Sandhu, Roach

10 Killa and E=MC

HOLLYWOOD 1

These Days - Take That

2

Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid 30

3

Wrapped Up - OllyMurs

4

Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran

5

Real Love - Clean Bandit

6

Steal My Girl - One Direction

7 8

Jealous - Labrinth Blanck Space - Taylor Swift

9

Dangerous - David Guetta

10

All About The Bass - Meghan Trainor

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How did you get the idea of the Corner Shop?

It's based on a true story where my friend actually owns a corner shop and his dad leaves him in charge whilst he is abroad on business. As the show progressed I received many e-mails and messages from fans telling me how they can relate because they're in the same situation.

In your own words, what is the story behind the series?

Thing's haven't always gone well for my character, Malik, growing up, but he finally has the chance to redeem himself when his father leaves him in charge of their family business - the Corner Shop. With tons of strange customers and competition with the other shops on the high street, Malik tries his hardest to follow in his fathers legendary footsteps and finally make something of himself!

GOING

VIRAL CORNER SHOP GETS TV DEBUT

Islah Abdur-Rahman’s CV is nothing less than impressive. After discovering the world of media and film by accident, the 23-year-old Actor and Director decided to launch his own film production company and create a hugely popular YouTube series, Corner Shop. The series has now been picked up

by Brit Asia TV and gathered over 300,000 views. He has also created and directed ‘Mandem on the Wall’ known for its role in the E4 drama series ‘Youngers’, directed a documentary, a music video and starred in a feature film.

Corner Shop follows Islah’s character, Malik, and his team whose collective ideas form trouble and havoc on the shop floor and to their customers. His run-ins with diverse groups of individuals add their own touch to the show.

Islah spoke to DesiXpress about his journey since the start of the show and what the future holds

Who is it aimed at?

My target audience is predominantly the youth because they can relate to it the most. But I also target families, with the success of the show I get 'thank you' messages because Corner Shop Show brings a forgotten style of entertainment back into our homes.

You started out on YouTube which has now moved to television, how does it feel?

Unbelievable! I still don't think it's hit me yet. As an actor and filmmaker we probably hear the word 'no' more times than anyone else in our careers. Sometimes you've got to create your own path. If you audition and get rejected for roles, don't let it stop you just go and make your own. And that's exactly what I did. Opportunities like this only happen to very few people and to think that I'm one them makes me feel very blessed. My hard work feels like it's finally paying off :) What has the audience reaction been like?

They have been nothing but supportive, we feel a genuine love from them. It's as if they have been behind us every step of the way watching us grow. We can feel how proud they are when they send us heartfelt messages and e-mails. We wouldn't be anywhere without their support!

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NASA MUNIR

It was at the tender age of six that the dulcet tones of Mohammed Rafi Sahib rang in his ears that Nasa Munir began to sing around the house as if it was second nature. In the early years of school and college, he began to sing amongst friends and family which encouraged him to contemplate a singing career. At the same time he pursued his other passion of graphic design.

Nasa enrolled at one of the most renowned colleges of Graphic Design and later went on to University for two years to study for a BA in Graphic Design which unfortunately, he was unable to complete. He started his own Graphic Design business which he managed for four years but then fell victim to the economic downfall.

A few years later, Nasa worked for a company called Expression Print and Design where his boss, was also passionate about music and a former dholak player in the band, Pardesi.

Nasa was heard singing in the office and his boss put him in touch with Frantic Studio, with their experience in the music industry, they quickly signed him up with Creative Independent Management Team.

With the guidance of the Management Team, Nasa started to learn the principles of classical music with his Ustad, Ustad Ansar Khalid, disciple of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Nasa learned quickly given his zeal for classical music and continues to grow his musical talent.

Nasa’s first professional studio recording started as playback vocals in the Hindi section of and English track called Rishi “CLUB SCENE”. Since the worldwide release of Club Scene, Nasa is now working with various artists around the globe.

He has also worked alongside the likes of Mehboob Chohan, Shin DCS, Jaz Dhami, Silinder Pardesi, Sati Saqi and Bollywood Pandits to add to his accolade.

In terms of Corner Shop Show, we have got the official app on the way, an Episode 7 tour, the rest of the season coming out (Episodes 7,8,9 & 10) and so much more! As for myself, I have a few things in the pipeline which I'm not allowed to talk about yet but let's just say it involves my face on television a lot more! I'd also love to star in a super-hero movie...So Zak Snyder or Joss Wheden if you're reading this, get at me!

PUNJABI Former member of RDB (Rhythm Dhol Bass) Manj, recently releases his electrifying Punjabi anthem of the year ‘Party Like a Punjabi’. In collaboration with Punjabi actor and singer Gippy Grewal, Manj presents his latest hit ‘Party Like a Punjabi’, an adrenaline pumped dance anthem.

Speaking to DesiXpress he discussed his new single, life after RDB and why he believes it is important to reach out to a global audience. non-Indian people all singing along with the hook line.

How did Gippy Grewal get involved in collaborating on this track and how did you both meet?

Gippy is a close friend of mine and we have bumped into each other many times at different awards ceremonies, studio sessions and so on.

When I made the track as a sort of draft I said to

Gippy, ‘what do you think of this track called Party Like a Punjabi? If you’re feeling it I would love to have you on the track because you are doing so well in the Punjabi industry.’ After agreeing to listen to it he loved the track as soon as he heard it. He said we should sing it together and make it the Punjabi anthem of the year.

The video features Canadian YouTube star Jusreign who performs a funny skit, how did he become involved in the music video?

I am a big fan of Jusreign, as a comedian I think he is one of the funniest guys on YouTube, also my son is a massive fan of him. I just reached out to him as I live in Toronto and he is out in Toronto as well, so I asked him would you mind doing something in the video? He said he would be honoured to jump in a do a little skit so he came down for the video shoot on the day and honestly, nothing was really rehearsed! We made it up on the spot and it came out great.

Do you feel you have left the troubles of RDB behind with this new single? Is this a step in a new direction?

Yes, at the end of the day the MANJmusik brand is growing, it does take time and when

SHO

UPC

What does 2015 hold for you?

PARTY LIKE A

Tell us about the background to this single such as musical style and concept.

I wanted to create a party anthem, the whole idea was to make a track that not only Punjabi people can dance to but everybody can dance to.

I wanted it to have an international feel; the hook line is in English but is still orientated to those who are Punjabi so everybody can technically sing it.

Even when we were shooting the video we had

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"I wanted to create a party anthem, the whole idea was to make a track thatt everybody can dance to."

anybody starts a new brand it is very hard at first. I was just blessed to have had the team that was originally behind RDB still behind me today. The whole industry and other artists are still supporting me so I have been blessed to push on this brand to make it bigger. My main focus now is to release the best music I possibly can for the fans, I don’t want to let them down and I am going to do what I can with all my power to make cracking tracks and anthems.

Finally, what does the future hold for MANJmusik?

There is a lot more coming, I am still working with the Bollywood industry and big production houses so there are still some Bollywood songs coming through. I am also releasing independent music such as a song coming out after ‘Desi hip-hop’. We also have Nindy Kaur coming out with a new single and I have a clothing line called SOS (Swagged Out Sardars) clothing, which will be launching next year and we will be starting it off with ‘Party Like a Punjabi’ T-shirts. It is just non-stop, I want to continue to deliver and hopefully the fans and public will give me as much love as they did with RDB.

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COMING ARTISTS ANAND B MANI AULAKH

Hub Records recently presented their exciting new talented singer, Mani Aulakh, from Punjab. His track Tera Veham was penned by himself with the video garnered a total of 50,000.

RAMEET KAUR Since Rameet made her debut as a solo artist with ‘Kuriya’ the multi talented singer, writer and actor has been working away on her next single. Having already worked with Mumzy Stranger, Rameet has gone for a change of production by turning it up with DJ Surinder Rattan aka the hit maker.

A professional singer, dancer and having recently graduated with a degree in Acting and Performance, Rameet’s talent is limitless. As an actress she has starred in the BBC TV series ‘Half Moon Investigations’ as well as several short films and documentaries, the experience has given her the building blocks to a pathway into feature films in the future. Her award winning Bhangra dance group has been recognised by some of Scotland’s highest politicians and has performed at BBC Children In Need, the MOBO Awards press conference, Glasgow’s SECC amongst other high profile events and venues. A highly motivated individual she also uses her Bollywood and Bhangra dance training to great use for her local community, having taught dance classes for years.

FUSION Born in the heart of Bradford, belonging to a traditional Pakistani family originally from Islamabad, living in the area of Heaton.

He decided to take up music as a hobby in the first year of sixth form at school. It got very serious in the first year of university as Fusion was hiring studios to make songs. Bradford has never had a rapper, producer to take up music from the Pakistani community making it almost impossible to learn and get some form of help to develop his skills. Fusion caters his songs to be played in the most glorified areas to the ghettos of the world. From the field of music Fusion follows many artists he has grown listening to like Imran Khan, RDB, Metz N Trix, Surinder Rattan, Bonafide, Kam Frantic, Dr Zeus and many more.

A NEW STAR SET TO TAKE BHANGRA BY STORM Jeeti Productions have unveiled their latest new artist Anand B. 21-year-old Anand released his first hit single ‘Dil De De’ in June 2013 and now presents his new hit ‘Rani’. Under the mentorship of the renowned Ustad Ajit Singh Mutlashi, Anand has delved into the genres of Bhangra, Punjabi and classical music and he is ready to take the music world by storm.

We chat to Anand about his new single, his musical heroes, why it’s hard to balance life as a student and a singer!

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

Have you done any shows or gigs lately?

I have been interested in music since the age of 16 and this track is my second single with Jeeti Productions from Birmingham. I started learning from my Ustad Ajit Singh Mutlashi, he has taught a lot of artists such as Sukshinder Shinda and Jaz Dhami. That is where it all started.

Can you tell us a bit about the track Rani?

It’s my second song and we wanted to give the audience a Bhangra song to show I can do Bhangra music. We are going to go into something different afterwards, I want to do maybe a slow song and experiment.

You have entered the entertainment industry at a young age, what has the journey been like so far?

It has been good, obviously it is early days at the moment so I have not really been through that much. The people I have met, shows I have had and interviews I have done have been really good. But there is a long, long way to go yet.

What is it like working with Jeeti?

'INSPIRED BY MY MUSEUM'

I have had quite a few shows especially with the first single which was good experience.

It helped me build my confidence, make new contacts and meet new artists. I am still a fan of these artists and all of a sudden I am performing with them, for example I was at A.S Kang’s launch party which I got into through MOVIEBOXrecordLABEL. It was a shock to be around A.S Kang, Sukshinder Shinda and Jazzy B. I have a couple of shows coming up with my new song.

We are going to see you on the TV screens now, will you be going onto Brit Asia?

The video is running on Brit Asia TV and I also have an interview on there in the future.

Where will your new song Rani be available?

It is available on all the leading platforms including Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. You can see it everywhere really as the video is on Youtube and of course BritAsia TV. Thank you for being with us today, all the best with your new track and we look forward to hearing more from you.

There will be a lot more to come, thank you!

It is really great because he is a well respected figure in the Bhangra industry and has a lot of contacts who are also supporting me as a new artist. I have good backing behind me.

At what age did you realise you wanted to sing?

I started learning at 16 as I was always into Bhangra and Indian music, at that age I felt I was mature enough to make my own decisions. I wanted to learn properly and go to the basics so I started learning classical and Raags and it just began like that.

Who did you listen to?

Sonu Nigam who is one of my favourites, Jazzy B and Sukshinder Shinda. They are the main ones, if I could I would love to work with them!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Birmingham-based organisation Sampad South Asian Arts and British Council India are proud to announce the launch of a brand new collection of short stories, poems and reportage compiled from the winning entries to their major international writing competition, ‘Inspired by my Museum’.

The competition invited budding writers, aged 16 and over, from around the world to record and share their personal reactions, connections or experiences inspired by a visit to a museum.

Participants could respond to a museum space, architecture, design, a specific object or objects within a museum, or even a museum/exhibition curator.

Well I want to carry on doing more music and I don’t just want to stick to Bhangra, I want to do more slow songs and maybe even Hindi songs. I just want to experiment and do different things.

People have asked me before if I want to start singing in English but I don’t think I want to go that far.

You said you are studying as well, does your singing ever interfere with your studies? Is it hard to find a balance?

There is a balance but it is difficult, because you have to give your full attention to university but I also have shows and interviews for example. But I am enjoying it so it is all good.

RANI IS AVAILABLE ON ITUNES, SPOTIFY, AMAZON AND GOOGLE PLAY

BE SURE TO FOLLOW ANAND AT: @ANANDBMUSIC

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With Manish Gajjar Hindi Film Adviser for Vue Cinemas

BOLLYWOOD MOVIE OF THE MONTH

TEVAR ‘Baby’ sees Akshay reunited with director Neeraj Pandey, who teamed up on the critically-acclaimed film ‘Special 26’, Baby’s producer Bhushan Kumar has recently applauded their chemistry and has likened the pair to the award-winning Hollywood duo, Leonardo Di Caprio and Martin Scorcese. Akshay Kumar speaks to The Asian Today.

Baby’s a bit of a strange title name for such a serious and hard hitting film?

Read the full article online: www.theasiantoday.com

You play a Special Forces officer in ‘Baby’. Did you find your role similar to that of your role in ‘Holiday’?

It’s true that I am playing another Special Forces role, but the characters are very different. Holiday was a real mix of genres, crossing between thriller and rom –com but Baby doesn’t really have that light hearted side. My role in Baby, Ajay, is a grim brutal character, as if Virat from ‘Holiday’ had lost his sense of humour.

I did love that about Virat, he had two different sides to him, he was a really complex man. Yes, he had a social life and chased the girls, but he couldn’t ever switch off. I think that even my character in ‘Holiday’ had a line which he probably wouldn’t cross; Ajay is the sort of person who would do whatever was necessary to keep his country safe.

Would you be happy if your children became police officers?

If they did, I’d be worried non-stop about them but deep down, I’d be so proud. Serving your country and protecting it, there’s no better honour! The police and soldiers are the true heroes of India. Saying that, as long as they were happy in their job, I’d support them.

What sort of physical preparations did you do for the film?

Definitely! When I knew he was on board, I knew I had to get involved in the project! It’s been great working with Neeraj again, we’ve got this crazy chemistry and I’ve got such respect for him!

Neeraj Pandey is one of the most complex directors I've ever had the pleasure of working with, he’s calm but super intense! He demands the best from his team and he made it clear from day one, 'work hard or the door's that way.'

What I love most about this man, apart from his direct honest opinion and crystal clear vision, is how this man doesn't shoot to impress, he's not here to extravagantly blow your mind, he shoots to tell you a story, his only interest is to suck you into the trail he wants you to follow. I could follow this man till the end of the earth.

What was it like working with Anupam Kher?

An absolute honour – seriously, when I work with Anupamji, I am literally learning from the best. I have loved working with him – from ‘Special 26’ to ‘The Shaukeens’.

What were the shooting scenes in the desert like?

Quite crazy to be honest! It was 50 something degrees while we were out there so we just had to get it done as quickly as possible which wasn’t easy!

We needed rough desert terrain and an Arabian airport. Plus, we just couldn’t have shot it like that in Mumbai. They won’t close a part of the street for you – they’d rather close the shoot.”

Where do you find the time to star in 3 or 4 films a year?

A lot of it goes down to hard work and organisation. I only spent 32 days on the set of ‘Baby’ and the whole film was filmed in about 50 or so days. That's because Neeraj has his script in place. I know I'm doing four films a year while others are doing one per year, sometimes one in two years. But I do these films very easily with a lot of free time in hand. In fact, I'm the only actor who takes so many holidays. I take at least eight days off every three months and a long month-and-a-half's vacation every year. So if I have time, what else do I do?

What sort of themes does ‘Baby’ have?

There are a lot of messages that will be conveyed through Baby.

We can see in the trailer that the film also tackles the issue of terrorism but I want people to watch the film and realize the other messages that we want to convey.

Overall how have you found 2014? t’s been an absolutely fulfilling and busy 2014 and 2015 is gearing to be even busier. I’ve got an interesting mix of film genres coming up from a thriller, drama, to action, romance…I think it will be one of my most diverse years yet

Do you have any New Year Resolutions?

I don’t believe in making New Year resolutions. I believe in the simple philosophy of work hard, please my fans, do good work, & be a loving husband and father, and that’s it. I'm not displeased with anything that I do, I have no vices, no bad habits, there's nothing I need to cut back on. I just bring in the new year with a happy family, & I try very hard to keep them happy, that’s all that’s important to me…

AKSHAY KUMAR

Pintu Shukla an Agrabased kabaddi champion who never backs down from a challenge finds himself in the middle of a lethal unrequited love.

On one hand is Gajender Singh a merciless and brutal introvert from Mathura, who has a penchant for sharp knives and instant death.

On the other, is pretty but spunky starlet Radhika Mishra hailing from the same city wanting to escape from Gajender's lethal clutches.

As the cat and mouse game begins between these three characters no party is ready to compromise. A new definition of love is about to be written in this Boney Kapoor production.

Tevar is based on the Telugu film Okadu but the story has been changed to adapt to Bollywood sensibilities.

Last seen in Gunday, Arjun once again portrays the role of an ‘angry young man’, a character so aptly portrayed

by Amitabh Bachchan in the 70s and 80s Bollywood cinema.

This time round, Arjun plays a Kabaddi champion.

To prepare for his role Arjun had to undergo an intense 25 day training course taught by professional players.

He also dons a rugged look in Tevar reminding you of his character seen in his debut movie Ishaqzaade.

Sonakshi Sinha plays Arjun’s love interest and ‘damsel in distress’ in the film. Once again she sizzles in the song and dance sequence ‘Music bajega loud toh Radha nachegi’ choreographed by Remo D’Souza.

Meanwhile during the shooting of an item song with Shruti Hassan, Arjun injured his lower back due to a particular dance move. So the shoot was delayed until he got better.

I was very surprised when I first heard the script but slowly I got to know about the importance of the title ‘Baby’ and realized that it could never have been anything else!

Baby will be hitting screens worldwide on 23rd January 2015.

RAMUK YAHSKA

Director: Amit Ravindernath Sharma Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Manoj Bajpayee

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UPCOMING

FILMS

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DRAMA

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THRILLER

TEVAR

Tevar is a set during a college romance. Starring Arjun Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha, it revolves around Pintoo (Kapoor) who plays a regular college student from Agra and who happens to be the college kabaddi champion. Whilst practising kabaddi for the national side he meets Radhika (Sinha), whose parents want her to marry a man of Releasing their choice.

He ends up 9th Jan hiding her in 2015 his home.

BABY

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Danny Denzongpa, Taapsee Pannu, Sushant Singh, Madhurima Tuli, Rana Daggubati, Kay Kay Menon, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Rashid Naz Director: Neeraj Pandey

Prithvi Khuranna, a middle class working professional walks into an ATM booth and discovers that his bank balance jumped from Rs. Five Thousand to a Hundred Crores!

Obviously this windfall comes at a huge price. He receives a call from underworld’s most notorious don, Dawood, which rocks his world.

Sharaft Gayi Tel Lene is a comic caper set in the nation’s capital as the lives of three youngsters goes topsy turvy as they try and track down the origin of this mysterious money. Will the common man be crushed as usual or will he fight back when pushed against the corner?

Releasing 23rd Jan 2015

ing Releas n 16th Ja 2015

TAKEN 3

ROMANCE

Ajay Singh Rajput (played

by Akshay Kumar) an Indian Army officer who is part of an elite team chosen from amongst the best in the Forces to form a covert Counter Intelligence Unit.

In the course of foiling one terrorist attack bid, Ajay discovers a major threat to the nation – a plan to cause damage and strike fear at the heart of very existence of the people.

As days progress, the unit goes through escalating challenges with time ticking against them and risks escalating. At all points, the members of the unit give it all they've got and stand tall to guard us with all their strength so that the people may sleep safe in their homes. Covert and courageous operations are performed across Kathmandu, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Delhi and Mumbai as the protectors will not rest until evil is defeated.

Releasing 8th Jan 2015

Starring: Liam Neeson, Forest Whitaker, Maggie Grace Director: Olivier Megaton Starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Forest Whitaker, Taken 3 is the final instalment of the Taken film series, Liam Neeson returns as ex-covert operative Bryan Mills, whose reconciliation with his ex-wife is tragically cut short when she is brutally murdered. Consumed with rage, and framed for the crime, he goes on the run to evade the relentless pursuit of the CIA, FBI and the police. For one last time, Mills must use his “particular set of skills,” to track down the real killers, exact his unique brand of justice, and protect the only thing that matters to him now – his daughter.

Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Kristin Chenoweth, Ryan Guzman Director: Rob Cohen

6th Jan 2015

Starring: Zayed Khan, Tene Desae, Rannvijay Singh, Talia Benson, Anupam Kher Director: Gurmmeet Singh

HORROR

THE BOY NEXT DOOR

Starring: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, Daniel Kaleb, Fllora Saini, Jayshree Soni, Olexandra Semen, Gaurav Gera, Jay Singh Rajpoot Releasing Director: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh

SHARAFAT GAYI TEL LENE

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HOLLYWOOD MOVIES

MSG:The Messenger Of God

Starring Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, MSG - The Messenger of God is a revolutionary film with a gripping storyline. The film is packed with action, high drama, suspense and stunts performed by a reallife spiritual master - Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Insan.

In a nutshell, the film is a mindblowing total entertainer with a life transforming message Life Rocks, Just Live it right!

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COMEDY

BOLLYWOOD MOVIES

Starring: Arjun Kapoor Sonakshi Sinha Shruti K. Haasan Director: Amit Sharma

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Jennifer Lopez leads the cast in The Boy Next Door, a psychological thriller that explores a forbidden attraction Releasing that goes much too far. Directed

by Rob Cohen (The Fast and the 23rd Jan Furious) and written by Barbara 2015 Curry, the film also stars Ryan Guzman, John Corbett and Kristin Chenoweth.

The Boy Next Door is produced by Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions, Lopez and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas of Nuyorican Productions, Benny Medina of The Medina Company and John Jacobs of Smart Entertainment.

STRANGE MAGIC Starring: Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Sam Palladio, Meredeth Anne Bull, Alfred Molina Director: Gary Rydstrom

Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Sam Palladio, Meredeth Anne Bull, Alfred Molina, Elijah Kelley, Bob Einstein, and Peter Storm are all included in the incredible cast of Strange Magic. The movie is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night's Dream.” Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colourful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.

Releasing 23rd Jan 2015

MORTDECAI Starring: Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn, Jeff Goldblum and Paul Bettany Director: David Koepp

Releasing 23rd Jan 2015

Juggling some angry Russians, a British MI5 agent, accompanied by his impossibly leggy wife, an international terrorist, debonair art dealer and part time rogue must traverse the globe armed only with his good looks and special charm in a race to recover a stolen painting rumoured to contain the code to a lost bank account filled with Nazi gold. Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn, Jeff Goldblum, and Paul Bettany all star in this action comedy.

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EAST IS EAST

Direct from the West End, where it was part of the critically acclaimed Trafalgar Transformed Season, one of the best British plays comes to Birmingham's New Alexandra Theatre. Starring stage and screen icon Jane Horrocks as Ella, awardwinning playwright and actor Ayub Khan Din as George and a host of the finest British acting talent as the remainder of the Khan family, this long awaited revival of a modern comedy classic promises to be unmissable.

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IMRAN QURESHI EXHIBITION

DATE: 13th - 17th Jan 2015 VENUE: New Alexandra Theatre

TRUE BRITS

FROM MIRPUR TO

BIRMINGHAM

DATE: 4th - 22nd Feb 2015 VENUE: HighTide Festival Theatre

When a violent encounter leads to a whirlwind romance, young Rahul is more than willing to be caught up.

But in the aftermath of 7/7, his world changes in ways he cannot control, drawing him into ever-darker places as he struggles to remain part of a British society that now distrusts him on sight.

The exhibition is the culmination of a project focuses on the experiences of those who have firsthand accounts of the amazing life changing journey from Mirpur (and surrounding areas), in Azad Kashmir to Birmingham, England.

The project will give participants

a deeper understanding of the experiences of past generations on the journey and subsequent settlement of the people from Mirpur within Birmingham. The project has helped to equip the participants with valuable skills and experiences such as oral history, filming, cataloguing and

MANAKAMANA

This deeply immersive, transformative documentary observes pilgrims as they take a spectacular cable car ride – 1,302 metres above the Nepali jungle – on an ancient route to Manakamana, the famed site of the temple of the Hindu goddess

Bhagwati.

The filmmakers Stephanie Spray and Pacho Velezhave have employed a very simple format, with passengers speaking (or not) to camera whilst travelling to this intensely sacred and mystical place - floating high up, with the beautiful,

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Pakistani artist Imran Qureshi is Deutsche Bank’s “Artist of the Year”. Comprising miniature paintings and site-specific installations, including new works made for Ikon, this is his most comprehensive exhibition to date in the UK. The exhibition presents an array of Qureshi’s delicate

DATE: upto 25th Jan 2015 VENUE: IKON 50 Gallery paintings adorned with gold and blood-red paint, depicting people, flora and fauna. In Self-Portrait (2009) we see the artist himself enclosed in an oval medallion on a gold background holding a blossom surrounded by tiny dragonflies.

DARA DATE: 10th - 31st January 2015 VENUE: Library of Birmingham archiving skills, whilst exposing them to a past never documented before.

DATE: 6th - 8th January 2015 VENUE: MAC Birmingham

mysterious green jungle below them - but the cumulative effect is utterly spellbinding, with many of the pilgrims’ faces telling their own silent stories, and the lack of a voiceover providing a pure, refreshing and meditative viewing experience.

DATE: 20th Jan - 4th April 2015 VENUE: National Theatre Tanya Ronder’s adaptation of Shahid Nadeem’s Dara spans the princes’ lives from cradle to grave. An intense domestic drama of global consequence – for India then and for our world now.

1659. Mughal India. The imperial court, a place of opulence and excess; music, drugs, eunuchs and harems. Two brothers, whose mother’s death inspired the Taj Mahal, are heirs to this Muslim empire. Now they fight ferociously for succession. Dara, the crown prince, has the love of the people – and of his emperor father – but younger brother Aurangzeb holds a different vision for India’s future. Islam inspires poetry in Dara, puritanical rigour in Aurangzeb. Can Jahanara, their beloved sister, assuage Aurangzeb’s resolve to seize the Peacock Throne and purge the empire?

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FEBRUARY

JANUARY The New Year brought on new hope in the form of finding a stem cell donor for young Rhiane Francois. The 7-year-old THE ASIAN TODAY SHOWBIZ INTERVIEW for Coventry was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in September 2013 and had been SPORT: READ THE LATEST NEWS - WAQAR YOUNIS HONOURED IN THE ICC HALL OF FAME - TURN TO PG 44 INSIDE THIS undergoing MONTHS ISSUE HEARTBREAK MOTIVATED ZAF s e v e r a l TO HELP HIS COMMUNITY rounds of chemotherapy.

For many blood cancer patients a blood stem cell donation is their only chance of survival, anyone thinking about joining the stem cell donor can do so through charity, Anthony Nolan.

Miracles were widespread throughout the month as January also the first operation on an unborn baby whilst in the womb was performed. The operation was performed

by Leicester based surgeon Dr Javed Uddin.

During a routine antenatal scan, Sarah Harrup and Deryck Smith found out their baby had a swelling in the neck, potentially blocking the airway. After further testing and extensive planning, it was decided that performing the EXIT procedure was the only option to safely deliver the baby. If born naturally, there was a high chance the baby would not be able to breathe. Luckily, Javed was able to secure the airway by inserting a tube in through the baby’s mouth and into the top of the lungs. The baby was safely delivered.

JANUARY 2014 ISSUE No.182

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TRAGEDY. It makes the best of us crumble in sorrow’ showing the frailty of life and reminds us of how fragile it really is. Every individual reacts differently to tragedy. Some hide away to numb the pain; whilst others become contemplative; reflective on what has happened. However, every reaction is unpredictable; especially in the case of Mohammed Zafran; who used his heartbreak to do something positive.

Driven by tragedy, grief and pain; after the horrific and brutal murder of his brother in law in a Birmingham park, he overcame anger, frustration and hostility to reach out and mend society’s broken.

Mohammed Zafran’s, known as Zaf, journey started three years ago after his brother in law was stabbed to death by a screwdriver in the head; and a year before that his sister died.

“The whole family went through a lot but I decided this couldn’t happen again” he said.

The attack motivated Zaf to go out in to the community and start working with youngsters. Knocking on doors, approaching people who were in gangs and those staying in public parks until late; Zaf started to enquire about their plans and what they wanted to do for their long time future.

The reaction which Zaf received was predictable as the majority of them were purposeless.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

BIPOLAR - MENTAL ILLNESS & HOW ITS PERCEIVED IN THE ASIAN COMMUNITY PAGE 10

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MANRINA REKHI PAGE 34-35

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

MARCH Tariq Jahan spoke exclusively to The Asian Today about the dire WEDDING SUPPLIMENT PG 25-39 international crisis. Having been SPORT: READ THE LATEST NEWS - CRICKET ICC WORLD T20 CUP BUILD UP PG 76-77 invited by international charity Human Appeal, and accompanied by United LOCAL HERO TARIQ Birmingham’s Atif Iqbal they took a JAHAN SAYS: 'SYRIA trip to worn-torn HAS RUN OUT OF TEARS Syria. “We wanted to help. What we saw still affects us to this day. We are grown men and it still makes us cry.

To see children with their arms and legs blown off is horrible and it did bring back memories for me (about Haroon) it felt like these were my children. It is a 24 hour war zone over there and people tend to forget that over here. They have seen so many traumas.

Their families have died before their eyes and yet people are still positive, they have amazing strength considering the circumstances they are in, but a lot more needs to be done to help them.”

March also saw the shocking report published by the Muslim Women’s Network into how Asian girls are being sexually exploited.

The report, called Unheard Voices, states that “sexual exploitation and grooming of young Asian girls by men is happening in Birmingham."

It also blasts community leaders, schools and families for dismissing the attacks or covering them up. If you or anyone else has been affected by these issues, you can contact the Sharan Project on 0844 504 3231 for help.

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After travelling back from war torn Syria, a local hero has urged the public not to turn their backs on the country.

Having been invited by international charity Human Appeal, Tariq Jahan accompanied by United Birmingham’s Atif Iqbal, took the trip to the Middle Eastern country.

When asked on why they decided to go to the country, Tariq replied, “We were approached by Human Appeal. We wanted to help. What we saw still affects us to this day. We are grown men and it still makes us cry.

To see children with their arms and legs blown off is horrible and it did bring back memories for me (about Haroon) it felt like these were my children. It is a 24 hour war zone over there and people tend to forget that over here. They have seen so many traumas. Their families have died before their eyes and yet people are still positive, they have amazing strength considering the circumstances they are in, but a lot more needs to be done to help them.”

Atif Iqbal added, “We have the ability to highlight other people’s hardships and to alleviate that hardship; even in a small amount. The response that we have had from the UK people has been phenomenal.

It doesn’t really hit you until you go to “no man’s land” We entered in to places which have just been clustered bombed two hours ago. At that point it dawned on me that we are entering in to a war zone. You can smell burnt flesh.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Looking back to the February, the month saw the Football Association’s first Asian female THE ASIAN TODAY SHOWBIZ INTERVIEW agent.

Rochdale SIDHARTH NEW PROPERTY based Shehneela SECTION MALHOTRA PAGES 50 - 53 Ahmed, who works FEATURED SPORT: READ THE LATEST NEWS - KEVIN PIETERSEN'S ENGLAND CRICKETING CAREER ENDS - TURN TO PG 59 as a Duty Solicitor INSIDE THIS ISSUE Criminal Advocate in one of the largest criminal firms in the South West, hoped that her appointment would encourage other Asian females to follow her example. On her appointment, she said, “To me personally this is a big thing. It is a golden opportunity for me to promote females from other ethnic backgrounds to do the same. The sports world is no longer just a man’s sport more and more females are now involved in the sport industry.”

Debates and arguments were thrown about across the country as a small documentary, filmed in Birmingham, was aired.

Benefits Streets, which had more than five million viewers tune in to see six residents from James Turner Street, Birmingham and grow drugs in their spare rooms, called into question Britain’s ongoing social crisis.

FEBRUARY 2014 ISSUE No.183

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A MOTHER'S GRIEF

I’VE BEEN A MOTHER TO TWO CHILDREN AND YET HAVE NOT HEARD THEM SAY ‘MUM’

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A Coventry mother whose daughter died of a rare genetic disorder when she was three-years-old has described the pain she feels knowing her son will suffer the same fate.

In the last seven years, Kiran Nusrat and Irfan Akhtar have helplessly watched their two children, Adeeba and Abdullah, deteriorate with Mitochondrial Depletion Disorder – a condition which results in neurological symptoms that occur in infancy, characterised by generalised muscle weakness. As the disorder worsens, the muscles which control breathing are weakened and ventilator support is required.

The family are now raising funds for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, which provided end of life care for Adeeba, and is giving respite and palliative care to Abdullah.

When Adeeba was born in 2006, there were no signs of problems but at six months old, her parents noticed she was getting weaker.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

PAGES 26-27

IMMIGRATION: QUESTION OF ESCAPE

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Shocking revolutions were spread around the country as the so-called ‘Trojan Horse’ scandal surfaced.

SPORT: READ THE LATEST NEWS - ICC CRICKET WORLD T20 CUP WINNERS PG 76-77 BABY Allegations circulated after a report TROJAN HORSE INQUIRY revealed that Islamic extremists had been targeting Birmingham schools.

Amongst the schools that are being investigated and named in the leaked documents were Park View Academy in Alum Rock, Anderton Park School and Oldknow Primary.

PROPERTY A report by Ofsted described how the atmosphere as a "culture of fear and intimidation.” However, parents of children at some of the schools slammed the allegations and the report. "It feels like Britain's political agenda is aiming at marginalising British Muslims and that Mr Gove is planting the seeds for an 'us' and 'them' culture" one parent said.

The month also saw the celebrations of Vaisakhi. In Birmingham, the annual Vaisakhi procession makes it way around the Handsworth and ends up at Handsworth Park for the yearly Vaisakhi Mela, which is attended by thousands.

April also saw Sri Lanka crowned world T20 champions after they beat India. It was their first final win.

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'MUST BE TOUGH' A local Member of Parliament has urged that any inquiry into alleged allegations that Islamic extremists had been targeting Birmingham schools needs to be thorough and tough.

Khalid Mahmood, MP for Perry Barr made his comments after news emerged of Islamic extremists targeting Birmingham schools trying to oust head teachers and other members of staff, who were non Muslim, through a “dirty trick campaign” who would then be replaced by individuals placed by these extremists who were ‘sympathetic to the hard line view.’

It has also emerged that up to twelve schools are being investigated by the Department for Education and Ofsted along with Birmingham City Council.

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Khalid Mahmood said that he wanted a ‘thorough investigation.’ He has also stated that “people running some city schools were Salafis, hard line Muslims, who may be trying to import their views into classrooms and the day to day running of the school. But the majority of kids are Sunni mainstream Muslims. It is an attempt at indoctrination.”

Amongst the schools that are being investigated and named in the leaked documents include Park View Academy in Alum Rock, Anderton Park School and Oldknow Primary. It is also believed that Park View Academy had already been subjected to two Ofsted inspections this month.

The MP, who also chairs the Tackling Terrorism All Party Parliamentary Group said that he welcomed the investigation and intervention of Ofsted and that action should be taken. “These are state schools, not Islamic.

I am very concerned at the way non-Muslim staff have been dealt with and the effect on the children.”

• MP: Khalid Mehmood

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MAY MONTHLY

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MONTHLY

A month full of bravery and inspiration, May saw the courage of Flt. Lt Rakesh BABY Chauhan honoured. Birmingham born DILJIT Flight Lieutenant Rakesh Chauhan, an DESI DOSANJH XPRESS LIVE IN CONCERT intelligence officer, was named as one SARTAJ of the five British personnel that died when the Lynx helicopter they were Inspirations travelling in came down in Kandahar province. Known as Rak to his friends, the young pilot died alongside fellow Intelligence Corps non-commissioned officer Lance Corporal Oliver Thomas, Captain Thomas Clarke, Warrant Officer Class 2 Spencer Faulkner and Corporal James Walters from the Army Air Corps. His father,Kishor Chauhan, paid a very touching and emotional tribute. “He was very patriotic about Britain, for which he made the ultimate sacrifice. We are very proud of him. He was our son and until now we have had to keep everything very low key. He was an extremely fit man who took pride in fighting for his country - it was very important to him. He lived a life and a half, packing more into his almost 30 years than most people do in 60."

Every year, on April 24th Unique Home for Girls celebrate their birthday, and last year was no different. Bibi Parkash Kaur, who established the charity in 1993, organises an 'Annual Birthday' in dedication to all her daughters, and everyone is invited. Exceptionally, thousands of admirers of the home celebrate the festivities throughout the world. Organisers of the event asked followers to send in a photograph of themselves celebrating the girls' birthdays, and in true form, photographs were sent in from every corner of the world. www.theasiantoday.com PROMOTING EDUCATION, & INTEGRATION NEWSPAPER YOUR FREEDIVERSITY ASIAN COMMUNITY

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THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE "This latest incident brings home to us all once again how our armed forces continue to put their lives on the line to help the people of Afghanistan." David Cameron

Tributes have been paid to an RAF hero named in last week's helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

Birmingham born Flight Lieutenant Rakesh Chauhan, an intelligence officer, was named as one of the five British personnel that died when the Lynx helicopter they were travelling in came down in Kandahar province.

Known as Rak to his friends, the young pilot died alongside fellow Intelligence Corps non-commissioned officer Lance Corporal Oliver Thomas, Captain Thomas Clarke, Warrant Officer Class 2 Spencer Faulkner and Corporal James Walters from the Army Air Corps.

Lieutenant Chauhan's family described him as a dedicated and

• SACRIFICE: Rakesh Chauhan was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan

patriotic solider that died doing what he loved.

Based in Leicester and paying tribute, his father, Kishor Chauhan, 61, spoke proudly about his son.“The air force has been my son’s passion since he was 11. He was at King Edward High School in Birmingham and he was part of the RAF air cadets since his first year there. He excelled in the cadets and won the highest award - cadet of the year - in his final year."

“He even picked St Andrew’s University in Scotland, where he took a four year Scottish Masters degree in International Relations, partly because it was near RAF Leuchars.”

Continued on page 2

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USMAN REHMAN TALKS TO THE ASIAN TODAY TURN TO PAGE 22

No.178

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TALKS ABOUT 18 TURN TO PAGE

SPORT CRICKET

Prosecution have been TWO Crown employees over £1m Service after paying jailed taxi firm. to a bogus manager Lisa Finance from Titford and admin Burrows, Oldbury Road, Tahir Mahmood Avenue, officer senfrom Eastbourne were each in prison Birmingham, Court to six years Crown tenced to fraud at Birminghamguilty at an after pleading of position in March. by abuse hearing - B&M earlier company The taxi - never existed to the Taxi Services linked to and accounts fact belonged firm in money Mahmood. used the and The duo holidays lavish to fund clothes. the buy designerCalvert led we DC Mark said: “What He prolonged inquiry. was a two fraud by uncovered were and systematic who ironically organisation people by an who those employed prosecutes which the law." break

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BRITAIN'S MOSQUES ATTACKED, POST 9/11

A BIRMINGHAM man has

Zahid

How one woman risked everything for her murdered sister-in-law...even if it meant telling the truth about the murderous actions of her domineering mother-in-law

TALKS ABOUT HIS NEW BOLLYWOOD FILM 'BESHARAM'

BRAVE COP HELP SAVE MYHONOURED SON'S LIFE

TURN TO FUL GAME HALF- OF SPORT: ASIAN FOOTBALL AWARDS PROVE WE ARE FLOURISHING IN ALL AREAS OF THE BEAUTIREPORT:

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in IGCSE blackmailing for been jailed results an A* claiming Chemistry, he by his family - Physics, inspection. Haroon gained Education, was and kidnapped beenReligious hadBiology, In total Maths, English History, BTEC, men threatenby English, held Maths, A’s in Studies being and YOUSAF whilst kill him. to Studies.

Business Finance, ing 2

BY ZAKIA the results he really ap-– Religious Hussain Level Zubair and Business achieved zakia@theasiantoday.com has provedhe gained Haroon Language subjects Warwickshire peared before level subjects after teenager In both in his Remarkablyfor two AS Centre where he was to learningthree A’s Justice 3 Finance.it, two A’s!

A BIRMINGHAM comes studying Level and said he when it and sentenced months to eightHaroon a also guessed nine A*’s is a star Education – yes, you showing Today, police not after off. imprisonment, Asian results a phenomenal has cerhe achieved to The had paid GCSE Shah I could the of lies GCSE’s. this year’s Speaking hisunravelled hard work a web Haroon results; myorder extort Despite in top grades, a kind! with in be spun with his welltoconsidering was ecstatic AS level of fall thrilled done sorelatives andNew on record have he is one he was “thrilled” will spur money “I am have from both GCSE efforts proved said that I for learning tainly last year.

Eve that all my to juggle believe I hadYears’ his passiona doctor.

The 16-year-old he said.to in the that were waiting As people family took fact I am so relieved and hopesbecoming results,” of with his results city, Husfantastic work. in 2013, dreams suchsee 2 the family of who lives area of the Academy on his given me ON Rock received text messages sainPAGE The The youngster,Alum School was given an CONTINUED claiming that the 24-year-old deprived Park View which largely at OFSTED had been kidnapped. and Sciencemost recent his GCSE’s in its The series of messages of Mathematicsrating demanded money in order ‘Outstanding’

Haroon

THE ASIAN TODAY SPECIAL FEATURE

RAMADAN MUBARAK

ning Class after gai Shah Top of the Level A's!

City Teen Haroon 3 A's at GCSE and 2 AS mammoth 9 A*'s,

• A* EFFORT!

www.theasiantoday.com

THE ASIAN TODAY 18 TODAY WOULDTURN TO PAGE LIKE TO WIINTERVIEW THE ASIAN TODAY SHOWBIZ SH

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ensure he did not come toSPORT To make the claims to harm. MOMENT MAGICAL AS HE Hussain - a driver believable, FOR MOWORLD - even sent Sparkbrook from GRABS MOSCOW picture TITLES INmessages26of himself with a bag lying on a bed PAGE over his head and his wrists apparently bound.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

ALMOST half of Britain's Mosques have been subjected to attacks since 9/11, new research shows.

The figures come amidst an alarming rise in attacks since the murder of Lee Rigby in Woolwich Recent attacks in the Midlands include an explosive device left outside Aisha Mosque in Walsall, swastikas sprayed on Redditch Central Mosque (pictured above) and a Sandwell Mosque daubed in graffitti.

Outside of the Midlands was Kiran is not a match for Guarav an Islamic meanswas set really difficult news because itcentre alight in London. of survival that Guarav’s best chance Professor fromCopsey transplant Nigel will be a bone marrow of We knowhelped Teeside know.

University someone that we don’t for to find matches that it is difficult compile the report. a lack of Asian patients because Hethere said:is"There has bone marrow regisAsian donors on the undoubtedly been a spike in told that it will be ter. We have also been anti-Muslim before since a transplantincidents best if Guarav hasthe Woolwich to find Christmas, so we don’t have long murder."

Birmingham father in desperate plea for Bone Marrow donor for il son

BY ZAKIA YOUSAF zakia@theasiantoday.com

A BIRMINGHAM family are in a desperate search for a Bone Marrow donor to help save the life of their critically ill son.

Two-year-old Guarav Bains urgently needs a bone marrow transplant before

Christmas.

The youngster, from Tipton, was diagnosed with blood disorder Monosomy 7 in June and is likely to develop an

aggressive form of childhood leukaemia.

Doctors have told his family that his chances of survival will be increased if he has a bone marrow transplant before he develops leukaemia.

And in more heartbreaking news, doctors told the family neither his older sister, Kiran, 4, or parents Sunny and Gurprit were a bone marrow match.

It means the family are desperately searching the bone marrow register to try to find an unrelated match.

Dad Sunny said: “Finding out that

that match.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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THE RELUCTANT

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RIZ AHMED

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HIS IMMEDIATELY' one had found the 'THE ROLEMiraWAS Nair knew she for new How Director Riz Ahmed auditioned when Brit actor Reluctant Fundamentalist' lm 'The Hollywood fi TURN TO PAGE

SPORT: FORMER

23

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SPORTING DREAMS

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27

FOR MIRACLE STEPS BRAVE LABEEBAH SH KHINDA HELPS

FOOTBALLER ANI

MURDERED PENSIONER WAS 'WELL LOVED'

family of THE grievingpensioner as he a Birmingham to death evening stabbed home from are they returned have said prayers to understand to still trying would want why anybody hurt him. pensioner was Small Heath Saleem Mohammed times in the three stabbed walked home he just back as Mosque 29 in from a local on April before 10.30pm have described what police vicious attack”. as a “swift, back the tears, Fighting daughter Nazia as a Mr Saleem’s her father described man.” us “well loved difficult for “It is very brutality that the to accept to our dad she said. has happened 2 and grandfather,” ON PAGE CONTINUED

INDIAN YOUNGSTERS

battles ghter after she proves she's a fi h life-changing injuries her wit Birmingham Youngster crash which left back from horror

her she makes Syed as to her father smiling toddler looks up right, the Labeebah Trust, and • BRAVE: at The Children's brave walk accident before her

HADLEY

Surrey.

Trust in a half The Children’s a year and the is fully on Fast forward YOUSAF Labeebah

BY ZAKIA later and recovery. dad Syed zakia@theasiantoday.com road to Shaheela, by her youngster With mum sister Maahirahan emoshe’s Birmingham proved made BRAVE and older Trust Islam has youngster visiting side, the to The Children’s nursLabeebah after proudly her walk a fighter tional visit reunite with the to who helped walk again.famnurses in Surrey helped her the again. four-year-old es who revealed to take The bubbly injuries after Shaheela decision horrific made the to The Children’s suffered car in August the hit by a away from ily back she was Labeebah a visit because weeks talking The acci2011 – just Trust for “wouldn’t stop birthday. fighther third the youngsterdoctors youngster nurses.” to see dent left with about the really happy to see her life chance “She was was asking ing for her a slim a trauTrust and only giving everyone, weren’t at the The after suffering who tells of survival injury. at those day,” Shaheela that matic brain spent six months Labeebah Children’s Hospital Asian Today. ON PAGE 2 months CONTINUED Birminghamfurther seven at a and then rehabilitation going through

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AN OFF-DUTY police officer man who attacked has been commended him. tional courage and demonstrated for tackling Instinctively PC Ahmed went an a knifeman after stepping over act of bravery into a to the suspect in whilst off-duty with order fight whilst driving home through but became involved to arrest him, no personal protective equipment Birmingham. in a struggle. or knowledge of when officers would At the height of the incident, Sujjad Ahmed was on a third arrive to his assistance.

Old Snow man became involved; threatening Hill at around 4pm on 20 “He instinctively involved September both PC Ahmed and the suspect himself last year when he found in a violent disorder in order himself at whom he was to protrying to arrest. the centre of a disorder tect the life of the stab involving His colleagues were victim and six men. soon at innocent members the scene and arrested of the public.

The PC immediately stepped two peo- Sujjad ultimately in ple, whilst paramedics put his own safety after he saw a topless man treated the at risk to covered wounded stab ensure the safety of the victim. in blood having been stabbed community.” in the A pack of four knives chest. was later PC Ahmed was commended recovered from the for He shouted to members 31-year-old his bravery of at a special awards cerpublic to dial 999 immediately the offender who was subsequent- emony • HERO COP: Sujjad Ahmed in Birmingham. He received as he ly jailed for two tackled a knifeman whilst off-duty tended to the injured man, years and seven a Chief in Birmingham last year provid- months.

Constable’s Commendation; ing emergency first aid. the highest honour the But as PC Sergeant Noeleen Murrin, force can Ahmed applied pressure who bestow. innocent members of to the stab nominated the me in what was the officer wound, the victim pointed a very seripublic whilst also detainHe said: “I acted instinctively out the said: “PC Ahmed for his award, ous incident and I would to showed excep- protect ing the offender. My trainthe lives of the victim not hesitate to do the same and ing and experience helped again.”

BY ZAKIA YOUSAF zakia@theasiantoday.com

A BIRMINGHAM councillor helping a grieving family come to terms with the death of their young daughter in India has told The

Asian Today the family will fight to the end for answers.

Gurkiren Kaur Loyal died in an Indian hospital in April during an Easter trip to the country with her mother Amrit and father Santokh.

The 8-year-old had been

admitted suffering dehydration, but died shortly after she was injected with an unknown substance.

A post mortem was carried out in India but despite the family being told that pieces of tissues from Gurkiren’s

organs would be taken for analysis the family were devastated to discover on their return to the UK that all of the youngsters organs had been removed.

As a result coroners in Birmingham were unable to

Campaign for answers into death of Birmingham youngster Gurkiren Kaur

HA!

MICKEY SHARMA Comedian, Mickey Sharma visited The Asian Today hub to talk about his upcoming show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival alongside his sold out, Sharma Sharma Sharma Sharma Sharma Comedian, at the MAC in Birmingham.

Tell us about your show at the Edinburgh Fringe.

I am doing an Edinburgh preview called Sharma Sharma Sharma Sharma Sharma Comedian. It will be my first time at the fringe. The show is a preview of the sold out show I’m doing at the MAC. Who is your inspiration?

My routines are autobiographical. It will have

references to my life and my culture. I’m not British Asian. I’m not British. I’ve been in this country for 12 years. I still have an Indian passport. It’s all legal!

There is always internal conflict.

Check out our YouTube Channel for the full interview!

Kawan 2

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Last year a friend inboxed me on Facebook and asked me if I know any “potentials” (potential spouse) trying to create their for them because they were looking to get married. They were society at uni had own set up and this is far from an isolated case. Recently, a new said in jest but there an event and a friend joked ‘I am going to find a wife’. This was with a friend, was an element of truth to it too and when I discussed this comment the only one he agreed and said ‘it wasn’t a bad idea’. And he certainly wasn’t attending with this thought in mind!

at as a terrible I find it funny that whereas ‘arranged marriages’ are often looked How is asking your thing by my generation, we are now trying to do exactly that! when your parents friend if they know any “potentials” any different to 100 years ago for their child? would ask their friends and family if they knew anyone suitable we are essentially We all like to think that we have progressed and moved on but I have heard my doing the same thing as our parents. And from the times that may even be Asian friends complain about the “lack of potentials in Bristol”-we

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Some of you may be totally lost by this point so I’ll break it down for you.

At university, I am seeing people claim tradition and do it for themselves. And I don’t just mean people are having boyfriends or girlfriends. I mean people looking for set-ups for potential marriage partners themselves or even asking for them.

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But what about the ‘set-up’ arrange marriage? Is it really a terrible thing? Is ‘arranged marriage’ in this sense still such a dirty word? Or could this be the 21st century solution to our busy lives?

Two families who think that their children might be compatible for marriage meet up and the boy and girl can talk. There are of course lots of variations. For example, the boy and girl can talk on the phone first or arrange to meet separately but hopefully you get the idea of what I mean by a ‘set up’.

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Now replace the above situation with the name Jay and Kajol, add some tea into the mix (a must for Asian get together) swap the friend with parents and you have a typical ‘set up’ situation.

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ears ago, in my parents’ generation and their parents, arranged marriages were common place in the Asian community. What people mean by arranged marriage varies a lot. They range from those marriages that are ‘set-up’ to those that are forced marriages, be it force in the physical sense or force psychologically with emotional blackmail. Clearly no one (including me) would agree that is correct for someone to be forced into marrying someone against their own

Imagine your friends Poppy and Jack. They are both single and you have always thought that they would really hit it off, if only they met! You decided to invite them both out for drinks and plan to excuse yourself after the first 5 minutes because of a “family emergency”.

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In the escalating row over the Trojan Horse issue, the Education secretary has said that all schools will need to promote more “British Values.” Seizing on a report, published by Ofsted, in which it stated that a "culture of fear and intimidation existed in some Birmingham schools” Michael Gove said that “putting the promotion of British values at the heart” was a “robust but considered response.”

According to the government, “freedom, tolerance, respect for the rule of law, belief in personal and social responsibility and respect for British institutions” were the key principles that should have been in place.

In a letter to Michael Gove, head of Ofsted, Sir Michael Wilshaw said: "The evidence suggests three broad categories of school: in some schools, the inappropriate influence of governors is widespread and deep-rooted; in others, there are significant weaknesses in governance, but the level of undue influence exerted by

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individual governors is less established; in a few schools, leaders have successfully resisted the attempts of governors to change the nature and ethos of their school."

Ofsted were forced to take action on more than 21 schools, all based in Birmingham, after they were said to have had “a decisive shift away from moral relativism in the classroom.” The landmark report found an “atmosphere of intimidation, a narrow, faith-based ideology, manipulation of staff appointments and inappropriate use of school funds.” The schools inspectorate also found 10 of the schools needed improvement relating to the "Trojan horse" allegations, whilst five were placed in special measures and the rest were cleared. Several school governors face being barred from holding office.

The five schools are: Park View School, Golden Hillock School, Nansen Primary School, Saltley School and Specialist Science College and Oldknow Academy.

Continued on page 3

We at The Asian Today were celebrating after securing a nomination for the Black Country Asian Business Awards, in the category of Community Excellence. The award ceremony recognises the achievements of individuals and companies from across the Black Country.

Taking place on June 13, the main winners on the night were family owned Panesar Foods.

The 30th anniversary of the 1984 Amritsar massacre landed in 2014

and thousands of Sikhs from across the country gathered in Hyde Park to mark the occasion. The remembrance march was part of an international network of events organised to commemorate victims of the attack by the Indian government on the Golden Temple at Amritsar.

Creative media hub, Ulfah Arts suffered a brutal arson attack on its building. The centre had been the home to the country’s first female Muslim band which has been singing alongside a Christian gospel music choir and was once invited to sing at a 12,000 packed Wembley crowd with the late Bee Gee and Robin Gibb.

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July officially became the month of unexplainable and unpredictable happenings.

G a u r a v DESI XPRESS Bains, the ACOMEDIAN CITY DIVIDED VOICES FEAR OVER GHETTO CULTURE inspirational and brave little 3-yearold took his first steps, six months after his successful stem cell Royal Limos transplant. Describing the moment as “overwhelming” his mother, Gurprit, said, “It was just as precious as when he took his first ever steps.” Whilst, Dad, Sunny, said, “If his donor had not come forward, we wouldn’t have been talking about how Gaurav is now.

We are able to look forward to the future.”

B21 WHEN THE CROWD SAYS BOW SELECTAAA!!! Yep the Bhangra boy band from the streets of Handsworth, made a come back in July with their new album, 12B. Let’s admit it…the B21 story was never completed...just paused.

July saw the world left in shock after Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 was downed by a sophisticated surface-to-air missile. The plane crashed about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the border with Russia near the regional capital of Donetsk, an area that is a stronghold of rebels who have been fighting Ukrainian government forces. All 298 Onboard tragically died.

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Birmingham is rich in culture. Its vibrancy and vivaciousness has made it in to one of the most recognisable cities in the World.

However, this will not be the case if things carry on fears grow that the city is becoming more "ghettoised." The claims were made by one of Birmingham’s most prolific celebrities. Jasper Carrot has called on ethnic minorities to put the city and the country ahead of their community, before it is too late.

The comedian, who was born in Acocks Green and still lives on the outskirts of the city, explained how he could see a distinctive change in the city he grew up in.

"No longer is it a place where all minorities get on, but one where the Trojan Horse schools row is an example of how there has been a cultural shift."

The 69-year-old said, “Ten years ago we didn’t have racial problems in Birmingham because different communities have always got on."

"The racial harmony in Birmingham has always been remarkable. I am starting to see that change now, which is very sad."

“Communities are becoming more enclosed in themselves."

“Muslims are going into Muslim areas; Hindus into Hindu areas; Sikhs into Sikh areas and Somalians into Somali areas."

“If we are not careful, the city might start to get ghettoised. That’s the great danger.” " I believe that this is a thorny issue that must be nipped in the bud."

“We have to work so hard to prevent that, and have only good relationships in communities,” he said.

“Otherwise, you have the hesitancy of people worrying where they are going, and who they are."

“The Trojan Horse thing has been around, but has never come to the fore until recently."

Continued on page 2

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" I believe that this is a thorny issue that must be nipped in the bud."

Comedian Jasper Carrot

Birmingham is rich in culture. Its vibrancy and vivaciousness has made it in to one of the most recognisable cities in the World. However, this will not be the case if things carry on as fears grow that the city is becoming more "ghettoised."

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SEPTEMBER The Scottish Independence took top spot around the news world as everyone held their breath to see if we were better together or better apart.

A vote for the 307-year union was a relief for millions of Britons as well as allies across the world who were horrified at the prospect of the United Kingdom's separation. Unionists won 55 percent of the vote while separatists won 45 percent ETHNIC MINORITIES TO PLAY BIG PART IN INDEPENDENCE VOTE with 31 of 32 SNP TO RELY ON IMMIGRANT AND FOREIGN VOTE constituencies declared.

India's lowcost mission to Mars successfully entered the red planet's orbit in September crowning what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said was a "near impossible" push to become the only country to complete the trip on its maiden attempt. www.desixpress.co.uk

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Three per cent of individuals in Scotland describe themselves as Asian, ultimately compromising the country’s largest ethnic minority group. Statistically speaking, this may be the single most important group that sway the vote either way.

With polls suggesting a neck-and-neck race for the September 18 referendum on independence from Britain, the Asian vote could prove to be decisive – however opinion is divided.

Welsh-born British citizen of Pakistani decent, Mohammed Asif, 43, lives in Glasgow explains why he would be voting against independence. “I like to be Scottish but part of the U.K. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.”

Speaking about the consequences of independence would have on the Scottish people, Lisa De Bode wrote, “But ending the 300-year union with England would have profound economic and political consequences: It would alter the balance of Parliament in London, stripping the House Continued on page 4

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The summer was dominated by the ongoing Gazan war and the how the world become divided. Singers Zayn BRINGING YOU NEWS SINCE 2002 Malik, Rhianna, Selena Gomez, Cricketer A GLIMPSE BACK RAHAT FATEH INTO HISTORY ALI KHAN Moeen Ali and Footballer Joey Barton TO PERFORM LIVE AT THE HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY FROM were just some of the names that THE ASIAN TODAY TEAM tweeted their support for Palestine.

The conflict became the reason that Baroness Sayeeda Warsi tendered her resignation as Foreign Office Minister.

UN STATISTICS: MORE CHILDREN THAN PALESTINIAN FIGHTERS ARE BEING The Baroness, previously the Chairman KILLED IN THE OFFENSIVE ON GAZA “ of the Conservative Party, stated in her ” resignation letter that the Government’s stance is “morally indefensible, is not in DON'T MISS THE EID MELA Britain's national interest and will have a long term effect on our reputation internationally and domestically", adding that her decision to resign “has not been easy” and is done with “deep regret”.

The summer also saw Glasgow stage one of the biggest sporting events of the year, the Commonwealth Games. The world saw the city bring the best of young sporting talents from around the Commonwealth.

India topped the medals chart with a staggering 64, 15 of them were gold. www.desixpress.co.uk

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IS ANYONE LISTENING? ONE CHILD’S DEATH IS TOO E THAT MANY; 373 IS AN OUTRAG IS A STAIN ON THE WORLD’S CONSCIENCE.

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HUNTERZ ROACH KILLA MUMZY ASIF KHAN SHIDE BOSS SAMA BLAKE BONAFIDE KAN D MAN

Tens of thousands of people have turned out across the Midlands to protest about the ongoing atrocities inflicted upon the Palestinian people.

Towns and cities including Birmingham, Walsall, Leicester and Coventry were flooded with masses of protesters calling for an end to the massacre of Gaza at the hands of Israel, in which the death toll has passed well

over 1,500, with the majority of them being women and children.

Speaking at the Birmingham protest Birmingham councillor Waseem Zaffar (Lab, Lozells and East Handsworth) said “End the siege in Gaza, a clear message from the people of Birmingham. Hundreds standing in solidarity with Palestine.”

Continued on page 2

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OCTOBER The Asian Today was once again celebrating after getting its work ABHISHEK BACHCHAN recognised twice. We were nominated for both an Asian Media Award and the Woman of the Year Award at the Heart of Birmingham Oscar Awards for our Editor, Anita Chumber, which she won.

History was made in October ZAF CELEBRATES as 17-year-old AFTER SECURING TWO AWARDS Pakistani teenager IN ONE HOUR Malala Yousafzai was named joint winner of the Noble Peace Prize, alongside Indian children’s rights campaigner Kailash Satyarthi. Malala, the youngest recipient of the Novel Peace Prize, said, “This peace prize is very important for me and it has really given me more hope, more courage, and I feel stronger than before because I see many people are with me.

The brutal murder of Alan Henning by ISIL shook the world this month. Alan had gone to Syria to help get aid to people of all faiths in their hour of need. www.desixpress.co.uk

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he story of Mohammad Zafran is no secret. Having lost his sister and brother in-law in the space of one year, he managed to challenge his grief and anger in transforming the lives of young people across the Midlands. In a ‘surprising’ and ‘emotional’ day, he was named the Local Champion at the Pride of Birmingham Awards and within the hour was given the Positive Role Award for Age at the National

Winner of: • Best in legal services (2013) • Lawyer of the Year (2013) • Professional Solicitor of the Year (2014) • Award Winner at House of Parliment (2014)

Diversity Awards, a separate awards ceremony being held in London.

His remarkable dedication and courageous actions in promoting motivation and competitiveness in youngsters has led Zafran to make a positive impact on more than 7,500 young people across the region.

Continued on page 2

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12 MONTHS/52 WEEKS/365 DAYS/8765 HOURS 525948 MINUTES/31556926 SECONDS of The Asian Today NOVEMBER A month of celebration and incredible achievement started off with the NURUN KESH K news that Ayan Qureshi had become AHMED INSIDE THIS ISSUE: the youngest-ever certified Microsoft THE ASIAN TODAY’S Computer Specialist. Ayan Qureshi ANITA CHUMBER took the exam at the age of five and NAMED WOMAN OF overtook Pakistani Mehroz Yawar for THE YEAR LOCAL 5-YEAR-OLD BECOMES YOUNGEST CERTIFIED MICROSOFT COMPUTER SPECIALIST the coveted title. Ayan might not be LEADING fully aware of what he has achieved, LADY but his remarkable achievements is OF THE testament to the very fact that the next OSCARS generation of the Asian community are being brought up with their ancestors grit.

History was made in Parliament as MP’s passed a motion for a Palestinian State. British lawmakers voted to recognise Palestine as a state. The final motion, which passed by 274 votes to 12 stated, "That this House believes that the Government should recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel as a contribution to securing a negotiated two-state solution."

History was also made when Wasim Khan MBE became the firstever British Asian to be appointed as the CEO of a sporting club. On his appointment he said, “I want to be someone who was the best person for the job. I was the first British-born Pakistani to play professional cricket for England and now I have become very fortunate to become the first south-Asian chief executive across country cricket clubs.”

National Langar Week, which ran between 1 November and 7 November, was the first time in the UK that Sikhs held events nationwide sharing the Sikh way of life via the institution of langar.

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new rising star has emerged to take his place in the music industry. DesiXpress had the pleasure of speaking to up and coming singer, Kesh K. What makes Kesh stand out from the crowd is his passion for classical genres of music. This resulted in the release of his new single ‘Bhula Na Sakey’ , a beautiful song with a blend of classical genres such as Sufi and Bollywood Gayaki. A multi-talented performer who is passionate about his work, Kesh sat down to talk about his influences, musical journey and latest song.

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BOY GENIUS!

On an unforgettable Thursday evening, Birmingham’s unsung heroes gathered to celebrate achievements, accomplishments and recognition of selfless dedication. Amongst the winners of the 3rd annual Heart of Birmingham Oscar Awards was the Editor of The Asian Today, Anita Chumber.

Picking up the Woman

of the Year award, she described it as ‘surprising’ and ‘unexpected.’ “I am so overwhelmed and winning the award feels surreal.

This is the result of all the hard work of the team at The Asian Today. We have put a lot of effort in pushing The Asian Today at the forefront of issues affecting our community.”

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• LOCAL GENIUS: Ayan Qureshi

A

Birmingham based 5-year-old boy has become the youngest-ever certified Microsoft Computer Specialist. Ayan Qureshi took the exam at the age of five and overtook Pakistani Mehroz Yawar for the coveted title.

Speaking to The Asian Today he described how he felt.

"I developed an interest in computers at a very early age. I used to sit next to my dad, watching

him working on computers and hi-tech stuff.

That was the turning point. It was the time I started playing with computers. As the time passed my interest in computers grew and it became hobby for me to play around with computers, there was more and more interest and fun for me in the computing while I was learning and grasping the concepts.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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DECEMBER It was a month which shocked the world. The killing of 141 schoolchildren in the Pakistani city of Peshawar broke the hearts of everyone watching the tragedy unfolding with grim images of the site showing pools of blood and pockmarked walls left bullets.

WE WON by AGAIN! On the day, seven Taliban attackers wearing bomb vests cut through wire fences to break into the school, they then began the attack in an auditorium where children were taking an exam. They then travelled from room to room attacking pupils and teachers in a siege that lasted eight hours according to survivors. The military retaliated by killing 57 militants in major airstrikes in the Khyber tribal region where the suicide bombers are reportedly being trained Hope started to fade after reports of the disappearing of AirAsia Indonesia flight QZ8501, which left further pain. All 162 passengers onboard died. Shrien Dewani being acquitted of murder, the Sydney Siege and the CIA torture report left little to cheer about.

December saw Bolton’s Amir Khan return to the ring against Devon Alexande, a fight which he dominated. Using his superior speed and footwork to beat the American boxer, in the match in which the British fighter took a masterful points win with scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 120-108.

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10 MILLION + VIEWERS TUNED IN ON WEEK 10

Over 10 million people tuned in on Week 10 which the piece came together mirrored mutual on Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night. respect between the artists and the production Naz Choudhury and Bolly Flex made history of a spectacular act. Kevin Clifton and Aljaz by creating the very first Bollywood number stated ‘The Bolly Flex dancers are better than us, with the Strictly Professionals for the opening it’s actually a little embarrassing’. The World’s extravaganza. A vibrant, colourful and energetic best ballroom dancers were praised for their piece that had the audience at the studio and performance with Bolly Flex on Saturday night, at home joining in with rhythmic applause they broke through the barriers and delivered throughout the performance. an inspiring performance.

The collaboration was exceptional and a The Strictly team were ecstatic with the fi nal landmark in the history of Bollywood dance in the act and the live performance bedazzled the UK. Naz Choudhury pioneer and founder of Flex audience with its fast paced choreography, FX Productions was sourced to bring Bollywood vibrant costumes and spectacular lighting.

The to Strictly and he delivered in spectacular style. producer’s were in a unanimous agreement and The Strictly Pro’s were challenged to break stated ‘This is the best group act that we have their ballroom mould and embrace a new style of ever had on Strictly’. Craig Revel Horwood, SCD movement over 3 days of rehearsal prior to the judge, known to be very critical said; ‘I would live show. They worked impeccably hard during give the Bollywood performance a 10 out of 10’. the rehearsals to adopt the movement vocabulary Raving reviews all round, its clear and safe with precision and finesse, assisted by Bolly to Flex say that BollyFlex have done much justice to the dancers. Aljaz Skorjanec in particularly enjoyed name of Bollywood Dance and provided an open the whole process and in his own words ‘I would gateway for more mainstream opportunities for love to do more Bollywood dance’. The ease at the Bollywood industry in the UK.

• APPEAL: Inderpal Singh

A young father from Birmingham is calling out for support to everybody in the Asian community to help save his life. He is appealing for people to register as potential blood stem cell donors with the charity Delete Blood Cancer UK, to help him find the matching donor he desperately needs for his survival, and to be on standby for all others requiring a blood stem cell donation.

Twenty-five-year-old Inderpal Singh has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and has been told that he needs a blood stem cell donation for his survival.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Father in appeal to find blood stem cell donor THIS ISSUE... DESIXPRESS WORLD AIDS FEATURE

JAY SEAN INTERVIEW

SEE PAGE 28

SEE PAGE 43

SPORTS PHILLIP HUGHES 1988-2014

SEE PAGE 63

We were awarded at the recent National UK Bhangra Awards for the 'Best Publication of The Year'. This proceeded our previous wins of 'Best Local Newspaper' at The Asian Media Awards 2013 and 'Woman of The Year' which was won by The Asian Todays Editor Anita Chumber at The Heart of Birmingham Oscars 2014.

We would like to end this year by thanking all our readers for their continued support, and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 42

Helping you to sell and manage your property in India

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40

JANUARY 2015

MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPER

THE ASIAN TODAY Author: Sara Khan Twitter: @sarakblog Facebook: /sarakblog

Trends at Telenor Bridal Couture Week Telenor Bridal Couture Week (TBCW) is no ordinary fashion show but a fashion week that brings high-end Pakistani extravagance to the runway. You’re bound to spot dazzling bridal creations from some of the best Pakistani designers in the world who showcased their rare yet unique designs.

And the latest Bridal Couture Week took place in Lahore and it was like no other in the world.

Ali Xeeshan didn’t let us down with his flamboyant head gear which complimented the Couture looks beautifully. He used a variety of traditional colours including a mix of reds, yellow and orange but sticking to red as his primary platte.

The intricacy in his designs amazed us once agai. Ali Xeeshan really knows how to cast us under his spell.

Faraz Mannan’s showcases brides and grooms can wear black and gold and look stunning on your wedding day. The main feature was Faraz Mannan’s crop blouse with exquisite Pakistani detailing and a shimmery golden and hints of black lengha. The detailing on the dupatta added a touch of elegance and grace, a perfect bridal gown for your special day.

FASHION & BEAUTY

FASHION MEHZABEEN COLLECTION INFO

Ali Xeeshan The main bridal trend from Fozia Hammad is long kameez jackets with a heavy lengha. Well not everyone wants heavy traditional wedding dresses; if you’re looking for bridal wear or more of a subtle Fozia Hammad shared wrap over style suits with shades of whites, creams and beige. The focal point has to be round the neck and waist.

And it’s not only the ladies who need to look good but the grooms

Faraz Mannan

Fozia Hammad

who need to make an entrance and rock the velvet sherwani trend for autumn and winter. If you’re not a fan of velvet why not try a full detailed or netted sharwani as now even the grooms have to look fashionable.

The TBCW trends include; grooms you can’t go without a show stopping yet subtle sharwani. Bridesmaids and sisters you can’t go wrong with long wrap cream suits and remember less is more. For your bridal outfits you

can go with the classic red which well-known Pakistani fashion house Ali Xeeshan gave their collection yet with a hint of Malaysian or Egyptian.

And if you’re brave and want to be different TBCW runway has spoken and gold and blacks are in!

We are partnering Pakistan Fashion Week London (PFW7) next week; don’t miss next month’s fashion feature exclusively on The Asian Today.

Pune Fashion Week is Back!

The Biggest Fashion and Lifestyle Event Unveils its Fifth Season The extravagant event, PFW, hosted the best of the best in Indian designers and fashionistas in a star studded celebration that lasted three days. The first evening made a bang with ‘Rococo goes Tropical’

by Rajdeep Ranawat followed by Amy Billimoria who showcased her collection Earth 21 which paid tribute to Mother Earth. Ulka Bafna Vohra then presented her

collection Nirbheek which aimed to add an elegant softness to the strong woman of today.

Beauty queen Urvashi Routela strutted the catwalk for the couturiers Zanaaya Couture, the creation of designer Shouger Merchant Doshi. The beautiful Shriya Saran also trailed the ramp for the designer.

Geisha Designs, an India based luxury

The Telenor Bridal Couture Week will also witness the ocial launch of Ziggi Menswear’s sister brand, Mehzabeen, with its Gulnari collection.

Imbued with grace and elegance, the Gulnari collection embodies the essence of the traditional bride. This is tempered with the heritage and old world charm of the pre-colonial era, which graces the silhouette of each individual piece.

The collection is predominately in the traditional bridal red, with hints of the naurathan colours, including turquoise, purple, pink, green as well as pearl.

The embroidery is balanced with intricate detailing throughout the capsule collection, which consists of farshi ghararas, lehngas, long trail gowns, A-line owing dresses made from chions, organza, velvets, brocade and Indian jamavar silks.

lifestyle brand by the team Shalini Jaikaria and Paras Bairoliya, were next to go.

While speaking about the evolution of the event, Badal Saboo, managing director of PFW, said, “It has been our pleasure to host the fifth season of the event. As a property, we have evolved over the years in terms of our offerings to the creme de la creme of the city and we look forward to showcasing more talent and fashion for the city.”

The joyous occasion saw the presence of Shailesh Mehta with wife Parul Mehta, owner, and Ishanya, Govind Thakker.

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FASHION & BEAUTY

N & BEAUTY

ZIGGI MENSWEAR

COLLECTION As the rst ever UK brand to hit the Telenor Bridal Couture Week’s catwalk, Ziggi Menswear will showcase its 2015 collection entitled Musar.

Musar, meaning ‘traveler’, draws inspiration from journeys and the experience of dierent cultures, heritage and architecture. One of the main inuences, however, is the deep transcendence of mysticism, which has inspired many generations to produce the nest pieces of art and the most captivating poetry.

The colour palette used is maroon, dierent shades of gold, sands and a hint of blue styled

with Ziggi Menswear’s signature regal fabrics, including brocades, tanchoi silks, raw silks and velvet.

The collection is also embellished with traditional embroidery methods that use beads, zardosi, dabka, kora, arri work, pita work and velvet appliques.

Using the best of traditional English tailoring, Ziggi Menswear has fused together dierent cultural production and tailoring methods, giving the collection a better-tted and enhanced look to reect condence, grace and presence.

New Year Fashion The Latest South Asian Fashion Ventures for 2015 are Unveiled The Fabric of India From October 2015 to January 2016 London’s Victoria and Albert (V&A) museum will host an exhibition called The Fabric of India. It will showcase the history, culture and politics of India’s fabric industry including stories of Indian craftsmen and artisans.

JANUARY 2015

DAL

GET FIT WITH

D H A L I W A L

Dal Dhaliwal is UK’s first Indian Female Health and Fitness Coach to launch a private fitness gym. She is also a Health and Fitness TV Presenter. Dal has been working in the wellness Industry since 1998.

She will teach you strategies to overcome obstacles and develop a positive mental attitude, and will share with you methods on how you too can follow a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise, correct nutrition and wellbeing. www.bodyperfectpt.com Twitter: @daldhaliwalPT

MAKE 2015 THE YEAR YOU

ACHIEVE YOUR HEALTH & FITNESS GOAL! Every New Year many of us make a health or weightless resolution and often many of us will break it!

So this year let’s stop the cycle and try to stick to our resolution. If you have set a resolution which is to work out and get healthier then my top tips will help you stick to your new year’s resolution.

Set a goal - Set yourself a goal and plan on how you are going to achieve this goal.

Hire the service of a professional fitness trainer to set you an exercise and nutrition plan. Without a detailed plan you are more likely to be guessing and it’s more likely you will go back to previous exercise and eating habits. Focus on making small changes, this way you are more likely to stick to your goals.

Be realistic - Be realistic about your goals – if you set yourself unrealistic unattainable goals then you will be setting yourself up for failure. Make some basic changes and alterations to your lifestyle. E.g. Make changes with what you eat; if you usually skip breakfast then start eating a protein based breakfast or if you don’t drink enough water then start drinking water more often.

Unconventional Indian Hairystyle When actress Sonakshi Sinha was told by her hairdresser that Indian men were not fond of short hair she replied defiantly, “They will just have to get used to it.” Thus she unveiled her short bob to the world thus breaking away from the “conventional Indian girl image”. As female Indian celebrities rarely experiment with their hair Sinha breaks the mould with this new style of 2015. PK’s Anushka Sharma also follows suit with her cropped hair in the hit film.

H&M in the East H&M (Hennes & Moritz Ab), the Swedish multinational clothing company that heads one of the largest fashion sales in the world, is set to launch in India this year. The launch is planned for the latter half of 2015 with the company’s Fall/Winter collection. There is also talk of multiple entries in shopping centres across the country.

Edible Shoes Delicious new Melissa shoes are set to be released in India with their Spring/Summer 2015 collection called Eat my Melissa. The Brazilian brand will feature flats, wedges, chunky heels and jelly shoes that will feature models signed by designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Jason Wu and Vivienne Westwood.

A Decade of Decadance Varun Bahl celebrates 10 years as a designer in 2015, he is known for separating the artistic from the commercial in his work. His brand includes crisp silhouettes, expert use of lace, clever combinations of vintage and contemporary, use of black in bridal wear and fascinating use of apple and moss green making him the sought after designer this year.

41

Have a friend hold you accountable Having someone to train with can keep you motivated and you can actually motivate each other – this can be a friend, relative, or personal trainer—who will make sure you stick to the plan. This will motivate you to have an exercise schedule and stick to the planned workout appointments.

Your workout partner can be someone

who you can turn to when you need advice, a sympathetic ear when you feel guilty for eating a bucket of KFC or skipping a day of working out.

Be positive - It's very important to believe in yourself! Change your mind-set and think positively - you can achieve almost anything if you believe in yourself. Tell yourself you're an amazing person and you will achieve your goal no matter how hard it is.

Reward yourself - Once you reach your set goals reward yourself – this doesn’t mean eat junk food or a box of chocolates.

Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something you enjoy that doesn’t contradict your resolution e.g. you could reward yourself with new fitness clothing or a beauty / spa treatment.

Don’t beat yourself up and don’t overdo it! - Don’t set yourself totally unrealistic goals such as; to exercise every day, twice a day! Every so often give your body a rest.

Enjoy your 'rest days' by planning time with family, scheduling a movie or just curl up with a good book. Give your body and your brain a day to simply just 'be'. Obsessing over the occasional setback won’t help you achieve your goal - Do the best you can each day, and take one day at a time.

Be patient - You won't achieve your goals overnight. It takes about 21 days for a new activity or lifestyle change to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. Be patient with yourself and set realistic time scales to reach your goals.

Don't get discouraged with slow progress or setbacks. You will see results if you keep yourself focused. It won’t happen overnight, so be persistent and patient!

Good Luck!

Got a question?

Tweet @daldhaliwalPT YOU CAN TWEET DAL YOUR QUESTIONS TWITTER: @DALDHALIWALPT FIND HER ON FACEBOOK: DAL DHALIWAL

JANUARY 2015

42

THE ASIAN TODAY HAPPY NEW YEAR

FOOD & TRAVEL

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Food & Travel

OPTING FOR PACKED LUNCHES Experts fear less healthy options Universal free school meals should be offered to all children in their first years of secondary school, according to one of the leading nutrition experts in the UK.

•

2015 TREATS: Anita and Rai Singh

PR supremo and food blogger Anita Champaneri brings her blog Ms Delicious PR and all things food to The Asian Today.

Bringing all the news from hot restaurants to cool bars and everything in between. blog: www.msdeliciouspr.blogspot.com Happy New Year restaurant lovers! I am sure everyone has been eating and drinking to their hearts content over the festive season; "but what’s new for 2015?" I hear you ask.

The most imminent new opening is Praza by Pushkar in Edgbaston. The art deco building on Hagley Road which was formerly the Rose Murree restaurant, has been taken over

by Rai Singh from Pushkar and he has been hard at work creating an art deco inspired aesthetic with monochrome colourways, glass and chrome, creating a very chic and luxurious feel.

This new and exciting venture is set to open in February with a menu created by Executive Chef Bishal Rasaily, who will continue Pushkar’s celebration of North Indian Cuisine. The new menu will feature innovative dishes using different meats such as pigeon, rabbit and lobster!

The new venture has come as a result of the overwhelming success that Pushkar has experienced since Delicious PR launched it 5 years ago in 2009 (yes we will pat ourselves on the back on this one!)

Since then, Pushkar has firmly established itself on the Birmingham culinary scene consistently receiving great reviews, and if Rai’s passion for hospitality is anything to go by, its’ future looks even more golden.

Spring will also welcome The Master and Margarita, the latest stylish restaurant to set up home in The Cube development.

The name of the restaurant comes from the famous Russian novel by M. Bulgakov. The Master and Margarita, describing a fantastic world inhabited by a fast-talking cat, a diabolical magician, an outcast writer (The Master) and the spicy Margarita, a woman who falls madly in love with him.

Taking inspiration from the book, the 160 cover restaurant will be all about misleading and teasing, introducing guests to a whole new world of flavours and dishes.

The menu has been developed by Executive Chef Guneet Singh Bindra, the self-effacing chef responsible for turning Asha’s into one of Birmingham’s very best Indian restaurants. The Master’s menu will offer Indian dishes with the elements of the grill and seafood. The curries are prepared with homemade masalas, recipes of which have been passed on for generations in the family of the original founder of the Master and Margarita. Unusually for an Indian restaurant, top quality steaks bursting with flavour are also on the menu.

Another intriguing restaurant looking to open this summer is Pharra Wang on Broad Street. It’s a pan–Asian restaurant which I presume means it will include Indian, Thai and Cantonese food, but this will NOT be a buffet restaurant. The ambitious plans will include a wine library, 3 cocktails bars an indoor rain waterfall and a grand atrium to seat 400 diners, chauffeur service, valet parking and even a meditation room! Set over three floors, it promises to be a wonderful creation which sounds more like a spa/hotel/ nightclub than a restaurant! I can’t wait until the doors open.

N

ew research by experts at Newcastle University has shown that despite improvement in school lunches, fewer preteens are benefiting because less of them eat school lunches than children in primary schools.

Professor Ashley Adamson’s team found that both before and after the policy change 11-12 year olds eating school lunches were eating less saturated fat and less salt at lunchtime. In children’s overall diet, the findings show that before the

change in 1999-2000 children eating a school lunch had higher per cent energy from fat compared to children eating a home-packed lunch.

However, after the change in 2009, children eating a school lunch received less of their energy from fat than children eating a homepacked lunch and ate less salt. Regardless of whether children had packed or school lunch, 11-12 year olds did not eat enough iron and had too much sugar in their diet.

Eating fewer school lunches than younger schoolchildren

HCA SUPPORTS DR AHMED’S VIEWS

and food choice are some of the reasons why 11-12 year olds are not receiving the health benefits of school lunches.

P rofessor Adamson explains: “Unlike the p r i m a r y s c h o o l children c o m i n g t h r o u g h now, older children had got used to ‘chips with everything’, served in their schools and when this stopped m a n y switched to packed lunches.

“While parents have great influence over younger children, 11-12 year olds are fully exposed to the wider aspects of our obesogenic environment such as food marketing. This means that the food culture of pre-teens is more likely to include fast foods and unhealthy snacks.”

The researchers analysed

"Unlike the primary school children coming through now, older children had got used to ‘chips with everything..."

“Bad hospital food affects NHS staff too”

T

he Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) has defended the views an NHS doctor, claiming that what he wrote in the Guardian's Healthcare Professional Network by Dr Na'eem Ahmed about the NHS not doing well at promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle among its staff, is true.

"But we'd go further," says Andy Jones, National Chair of the HCA. "I can tell you that we constantly hear about healthy eating; it must be key, as the HCA are always driving it into the NHS culture. But our core stance is that patient feeding must be focused on ‘EATING FOR GOOD HEALTH’, and for Staff and Visitors' catering, on ‘HEALTHY EATING’, and that's what we are campaigning for."

In 2009, the Department of Health estimated that of the 1.2 million staff in the NHS, approximately 300,000 would be classified as obese and a further 400,000 as overweight.

As outlined in Dr Ahmed's feature, trying to redress this problem, which '...has

centred o n patients, with less attention given to improving provision for NHS staff, despite the looming burden of obesity among staff', the Royal College of Physicians' Action on Obesity report 'outlines recommendations for reducing obesity among staff including implementation of NICE recommendations for obesity in the workplace and better labelling of foods in hospitals. However

the dietary intake of 11-12 year olds from over 500 children in six Northumberland middle schools. Data from 1999-2000 were compared with the results from the same schools taken in 2009-10 to assess the effect of the policy.

The number of 11-12 year olds eating a packed lunch increased from 19% to 54% after the policy change.

By contrast, in areas of the North East England over 90% of primary school children are now eating a school lunch after the School Food Plan was launched in 2013 and from September this year all children in their first three years in school can have a free school meal.

Professor Adamson believes the next target for free school meal entitlement should be the first years of secondary school, starting with year 7s ( 11-12 year olds).

diktats from policymakers on hospital catering reform seem to have gained little or no traction.'

"This is why we have stated it's time for action now", notes Andy Jones. "We understand that patient and staff wellbeing are the most powerful drivers for change and that failure to tackle the issue of staff wellbeing may translate into poorer outcomes for patients. So the HCA is the Association who should deliver this, as we represent the professionals who have to provide the service each day and we know what is required.

A HEALTHY RESOLUTION People who make a healthy New Year’s resolution may find they actually get two for the price of one, according to new reports published. Conversely, people who persist in unhealthy habits may find themselves doing more damage to their health than they bargained for.

The reports, carried out by social research experts at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) for the Department of Health, exposed health trends and habits across the country. Six data collections were analysed and they show that when people made healthier decisions in one area, they made other positive changes too.

For example, the reports found that, non-smokers were less likely to eat visible fat on food than smokers were and people who quit smoking ate more fruit and veg.

Conversely, the reports showed that bad habits could occur together. For example, people who regularly ate fried food were more likely to add additional salt to their food; and people who drink above the recommended levels eat less fruit and veg.

FOOD & TRAVEL

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EBOLA SCREENING RAIL FARES GO UP TO BE REVIEWED Public Health England (PHE) is undertaking an airport review following the confirmed case of Ebola in a healthcare worker returning from Sierra Leone.

Pauline Cafferkey, a nurse from Glasgow, had been a passenger on flight AT596 from Freetown to Casablanca, when she picked up the virus.

Although the risk of infection to other passengers on the flights is considered extremely low, PHE is contacting 100 passengers, and the crew on the flight from Casablanca to Heathrow. An additional 32 international passengers are being contacted by international public health authorities.

Health Protection Scotland is carrying out a similar exercise for the 71 passengers on the Heathrow to Glasgow flight, speaking with 56 to date.

People contacted by Public Health England will be made aware that a person on their flight was confirmed with Ebola after they returned to the UK, although the person would have been in the very early stages of disease and extremely unlikely to be infectious.

Professor Paul Cosford, director for health protection and medical director at PHE, said, “For Ebola to be transmitted from one person to another contact with blood or other body fluids

JANUARY 2015

SPORT

43

Airports are “Inadequately Prepared”

DHONI STEPS DOWN AS TEST CAPTAIN

TURN TO PAGE 55

•

EBOLA: Passenger screening at Heathrow.

Photograph: Public Health England/PA

is needed. The individual involved did not experience any symptoms consistent with the transmission of Ebola, and as such, the risk that this infection will have been passed from the affected individual to others is extremely unlikely.

“Even though the risk is considered extremely low, as a precaution we inform people sitting directly of the vicinity of the passenger (2 rows adjacent, ahead and behind, comprising 21 passengers) to take their temperature twice daily until the 18 January 2015. If their temperature

is 37.5°C or higher, or they begin to feel unwell in any way, they are advised to call a dedicated Public Health England contact immediately for advice. Other passengers and crew on board will be advised to call NHS111 with their flight details, if they begin to feel unwell.”

The period between exposure and when symptoms might develop (the incubation period) for Ebola is currently considered to be up to 21 days. Any illness that passengers might experience beyond that point would not be considered to be related.

MISERY FOR RAIL Delays Expected PASSENGERS More With Train Service

Angry train passengers have reacted with fury after being stranded at train stations for hours, a on-going problem across the country.

Mark Carne, chief executive, has made the following statement:"While we have completed a huge amount of work across the country which will improve millions of journeys, the last few days for many passengers have been miserable and again I apologise for the disruption this caused. The track work outside King's Cross has now been completed and we now move our focus to completing the other important projects over the New Year without any further unplanned disruption to passengers.

“Following the problems experienced at King’s Cross and Paddington over Christmas, I have instructed Dr Francis Paonessa, who is the Network Rail infrastructure projects director, to provide a report into the sequence of events and associated decision making that led to

the problems experienced and to advise any immediate steps that we need to take to increase the robustness of our works delivery capability. I expect the report by the end of next week and I intend to publish the findings.

“The events over the Christmas period highlighted the unacceptable impact on the travelling public when plans go wrong.

I therefore propose that there should also be a broader, industry-wide review, into the timing of our major works programmes and the passenger contingency arrangements for such works.”

Over the next couple of weeks, an army of over 11,000 engineers are working across 2,000 worksites on 300 projects in the biggest Christmas and New Year investment programme ever carried out on Britain’s rail network.

Engineering work completed includes, West Coast Main Line, East Coast Main Line, Midland Main Line, Thameslink, Anglia, and Wales.

Passengers using National Rail will see a 2.5% in their fare. On a trip to Birmingham’s New Street Station, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin explained further rail improvements were the reason for the rise. “We are investing in the biggest rail modernisation since the Victorian era, and fares have a crucial role to play in funding these improvements.

This is because building

better infrastructure helps create jobs, building a stronger economy for us all.

“The work at Birmingham New Street is truly impressive and will make a real difference to passengers when it completes later this year. As we invest in projects like this, it is important that we recognise passengers’ concerns about the cost of rail fares. This is why we have frozen them for the second year in a row.”

BOXER KHAN TO OPEN ACADEMY IN PAKISTAN

TURN TO PAGE 54

RENOVATIONS DISRUPTIONS Travel chaos across Birmingham is set to continue as major renovations around Paradise Circus starts.

The project, which is estimated to be worth £500M and covering areas between Centenary Square and Chamberlain Square, will be known as ‘Paradise.’

Phase one of the project includes demolition of Birmingham Central Library, extensive highway works, construction of two new buildings and enhancement to the public space.

Chris Taylor, Chief Executive of Hermes Real Estate who is in partnership with Birmingham City Council to build the proposed building said, “This is the moment we have been working towards during the years of planning this transformational project. We are now in the position to move the development forward rapidly and with absolute certainty.”

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JANUARY 2015

LIFESTYLE

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THE ASIAN TODAY

LIFESTYLE

DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Holistic 8 Week Weight Loss Journey

MANISHA

By: Mita Mistry

TAILOR Every month we will be bringing you an exclusive insight of a day in the life of an influential personality. Looking at what inspires them, defining the passion they have for what they do and exploring a day of their life.

Meet Manisha Tailor: Teacher • Sports Personality • Football Coach From Primary school teacher to professional football coach, Manisha Tailor has successfully combined her love of teaching and the beautiful game to educate and inspire players of all ages. With an impressive background of qualifications and experience, the swaggarlicious sports enthusiast now works in all areas of fitness, football and education. Manisha takes us through her average day and discusses the joys of teaching, her background and her next big goal.

What’s an average day in your life like?

05:30-06:30

Working in football and running our own company means an ‘average’ day in non-existent! On a day that I am delivering a workshop for Show Racism the Red Card this would be the time I would wake up. Leave home to travel to the school or college that I am speaking at.

09:00

Deliver an assembly to the whole school with the rest of the Show Racism the Red Card team.

09:30-10:30

Deliver an anti-racism education workshop to the year group/class as specified by the school.

This may also involve football coaching with the students, after which we would have a short break and feedback/meeting with the rest of the team.

10:45-12:30

Continue with the delivering of an education workshop or coaching until lunch. The year groups/classes may change, this is dependent on the school schedule that we are given. During the lunch break we usually discuss the delivery from the morning and use this as evaluation to feed into the afternoon sessions.

13:30-15:30

Delivery of education workshops or coaching until the end of school day.

17:00-18:30

Football coaching session at Middlesex Girls Centre of Excellence (CoE).

Sessions are planned in advance and progressive. I would make evaluations at the end of each session through player observations as well as overall session evaluation.

19:45

Reach home from coaching. Make some dinner.

Record my session and player evaluations and use this to inform my planning for the following week. I usually eat whilst I am working!

20:45

I would go to the gym and train in the evenings on days I am delivering workshops. Otherwise I’d train in the morning.

22:00-23:00

Catch up on emails and other work. Go to sleep!

The time can vary though.

“

Follow Manisha on Twitter: @ManishaTailor1

You have vast experience in teaching both academically and sports related. What do you love most about teaching?

I love being in a position to positively impact and make a difference to the lives of young people. Being able to empower them to achieve their goals and desires is an amazing feeling. Nothing can beat seeing them develop and the smiles on their faces”.

Was it easy embarking on a career in football being an Asian woman?

Leaving financial stability and a field that you have been working in for more than 10 years is never easy, being Asian or not. My decision to work in football though came as I realised it could aid my twin brother’s recovery from depression. I have been brought up in a very diverse part of North London and feel this has influenced the way I think and perceive myself, as well as experiences of course and my skin colour or gender was never something I really thought about. Much passion, purpose, resilience and determination is needed when working within football, regardless of race or ethnicity.

What are your goals for the future?

I would like to continue to grow as a coach and FA tutor and learn as much as possible from those around me. My long term goal is to have a coaching role at a professional club and grow my company, ‘Swaggarlicious Ltd’ which is focused on football and education.

...I love being in a position to positively impact and make a difference to the lives of young people...

-

“

GIVING • DRIVEN • PASSIONATE

Quick Fire Questions: • • • • • •

One drink that gets you through the day? Lots and lots of water.

One person that gets you through the day? Corey Donoghue One gadget that gets you through the day? My car!

One song that gets you through the day? 'Tina' - by Fuse ODG One food that gets you through the day? Anything wheat, dairy and gluten free!

Favourite time of the day? When I am with my group of girls at Middlesex

This unique holistic weight loss journey will help you to lose weight and keep it off by bringing your body, mind and emotions together.

How Does it Work?

The 8 week journey will be tailored to your individual weight loss goals, health and lifestyle.

The focus of the journey is to help you lose unwanted weight by guiding and supporting you in three main areas; Food & Diet In Chinese Medicine food is viewed to be more than vitamins and minerals, it acts as medicine to help boost your wellbeing and prevent illness.

On this journey you will be given guidance on a healthy eating plan tailored to your individual health requirements, food preferences or allergies. The foundation of the eating plan is to limit refined sugar and processed foods and one that strengthens your health based on the energetic property of food that will heal you.

Acupuncture You will be given acupuncture once a week to help regulate hunger and boost your metabolism.

A recent study showed acupuncture to be very effective in weight loss and reducing waist circumference, this treatment will help your body to detox, rebalance and shed excess weight.

You may feel other health benefits of acupuncture such as improved immunity, more energy and better sleep.

Mindful Eating Mindful eating is not a new fad diet but a healthy, healing way of eating. It is based on the ancient Buddhist art of mindfulness that brings your awareness to live in the moment. Busy lives lead us to grab food on the go or binge eat.

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

TECHNOLOGY

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THE ASIAN TODAY NEW YEAR GADGETS The New Year is upon us and The Asian Today brings you a variety of different gadgets to get you up and running. Check our list of effective, inexpensive and very useful gadgets.

45

JANUARY 2015

TECHNOLOGY

US ACCUSES NORTH KOREA OF HACKING SONY

• HACKING:

North Korea Leader Kim Jong-un

DOXIE ONE The Doxie One is a scanner designed to scan without the need for a computer. Its compact form factor allows the scanner to be stowed away in a drawer, and setup is quick: You just plug it into a wall socket. Captured images are saved on an included SD memory card, much like in a digital camera.

GOOGLE CHROMECAST The Google Chromecast is a media streamer that plugs into any HDTV with an HDMI port.

The Chromecast is both easy to set up and inexpensive.

To be clear, support for the Chromecast must be specifically built into apps, though this shouldn’t be an issue as Google has already released the API for the device.

APPLE IPAD AIR 2 The iPad Air 2 is slimmer, lighter and, er, screenier, but as usual, the Air 2 is greater than the sum of its extremely lightweight parts. New screen tech means it’s less reflective and easier to eyeball, making it better for everything from reading to movie-watching and editing, plus the addition of TouchID.

• HACKING: US President Barack Obama

U.S. investigators believe that North Korea likely hired hackers from outside the country to help with last month's massive cyberattack against Sony Pictures, an official close to the investigation said.

As North Korea lacks the capability to conduct some elements of the sophisticated campaign by itself, the official said, U.S. investigators are looking at the possibility that Pyongyang "contracted out" some of the cyber work. The official was not authorized to speak on the record about the investigation.

The attack on Sony Pictures is regarded to be the most destructive

TALK TALK TO BUY BLINKBOX?

JAWBONE UP24 Without the willpower to use them, fitness gadgets are about as useful as those unworn running shoes hiding under the bed. The beauty of Jawbone’s Bluetooth-equipped UP24 is that you don’t really need any willpower to use it: you just put it on and it gradually makes you feel guilty about not doing enough exercise.

MOTOROLA MOTO 360 Ever since the Babylonians used the sundial to work out whether they were late for the afternoon battle with the Elamites, we’ve been using circles to tell the time. These days the only battles we face are against PPI calls and wasps...

Broadband provider TalkTalk is in negotiations to buy grocer Tesco's loss-making video-streaming service Blinkbox to bolster its TV business. Blinkbox, acquired by the supermarket chain in 2011 to provide Netflix-type movie, TV and music streaming, had been earmarked for sale or closure by Tesco Chief Executive Dave Lewis, a source familiar with the matter said in October. Analysts expect Lewis to announce the disposal of non-core assets on Jan. 8, when he is due to outline his strategy for reviving the fortunes of Britain's biggest grocer. Vodafone had also looked at Blinkbox, which analysts say could be worth about 14 million pounds, according to previous reports. TalkTalk and Tesco declined to comment.

against a company on U.S. soil because the hackers not only stole huge quantities of data, but also wiped hard drives and brought down much of the studio's network for more than a week.

While U.S. officials investigate whether North Korea enlisted help from outside contractors, the FBI stood by its previous statement that Pyongyang was the prime author of the attack against the Sony Corp unit.

"The FBI has concluded the Government of North Korea is responsible for the theft and destruction of data on the network of Sony Pictures Entertainment," the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in

BHARTI AIRTEL DROPS DECISION TO CHARGE MORE

Bharti Airtel Ltd has dropped plans to charge clients extra for Internet communication services such as Skype, amid a debate on allowing equal access to web content and a backlash from subscribers. India's largest telecommunications carrier by subscribers said that Internet or data plans that give customers discounted rates will be valid for Internet browsing but will exclude Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.

VoIP services include communications applications such as Skype, Line and Viber that typically let users make free calls through the Internet.

The proposal sparked widespread complaints from Indians on social media and the creation of a website to fight against the plan. Airtel said the company had decided not to implement the policy in the face of "news reports that a consultation paper will be issued shortly by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on issues relating to services offered by OTT players including VOIP."

a statement to Reuters.

North Korea has denied that it was behind the Sony attack and has vowed to hit back against any U.S. retaliation.

The people who claimed responsibility for the hack have said on Internet postings that they were incensed by the Sony Pictures film "The Interview," a comedy about a fictional assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Because of the hackers' threats, major U.S. cinema chains refused to show the film. Last week, Sony struck deals with some 320 independent theatres to distribute "The Interview" and also made the film available online.

UBER BANNED IN INDIA INTERNATIONAL TAXI SERVICE STOPPED AFTER RAPE ACCUSATION

U.S. online ride-hailing service Uber has been banned from operating in the Indian capital after a female passenger accused one of its drivers of rape, a case that has reignited a debate about the safety of women in the South Asian nation.

Uber, which had employed the driver even though he had been arrested on allegations of sexual assault three years ago, would be blacklisted from providing any future services

in the New Delhi area, the city's transport department said in a statement.

The attack is the latest to draw attention to the dangers faced by women in the world’s second-most populous nation. Even after the enactment of new laws imposing stricter penalties and establishing fast-track courts, India is struggling to tame attitudes that leave women vulnerable to harassment and rape.

"Keeping in view the violation and the horrific crime committed by the driver, the transport department has banned all activities relating to providing any transport service by the www.Uber. com," special commissioner Kuldeep Singh Gangar said.

A spokeswoman for Uber said she could not immediately comment.

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NATIONAL

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THE ASIAN TODAY

NATIONAL

MEDIA

DIVERSITY Culture Secretary Calls for BAME Participation

ISLAMAPHOBIA RATES INCREASE

Women Reportig Hate Crimes Rise Islamophobic hate crime offences have increased from 344 to 570 in the last year In April 2013, there were 22 anti-Muslim hate crimes in London, but in May (when Lee Rigby is murdered) that number soars to 109 crimes.

There is serious under-reporting of hate crimes – evidence from the British Crime Survey (2009/10; 2010/11) suggests that over 50 per cent of hate crime incidents go unreported and “therefore the majority of victims suffer in silence”

T

he number of women wearing the Niqab, reporting hate crimes has doubled in the past two years.

These statistics have been provided by TELL MAMA, a national project which measures antiMuslim incidents. They claim there has been a 5-10% increase in the past 18 months.

Director of TELL MAMA, Fiyaz Mughal, stated he is unsure whether hate crimes are becoming more prevalent or reporting has increased. “Over the last two years our data has shown that women suffer more incidents of hate and they also suffer more aggressive incidents of hate,” she said.

“The veil seems to delegitimise the sense of femininity of that person in the eyes of the perpetrator.

“It seems to become something they become

fixated upon rather than the individual, the female behind the veil.”

The research shows that women are mostly subject to verbal and physical attacks by men on the street. 21-yearold Yasmeen Khalid from Bromsgrove said that although she has always endured abuse, the problem has escalated recently.

She admits that out of 30 different incidents she has been through she has only reported two and that wearing the hijab has made her a target.

“By looking, they instantly know I'm Muslim... sometimes people call me a terrorist, sometimes they say 'Paki', sometimes someone has called me 'Taliban' or stuff like that,” she said.

“Sometimes I walk off humiliated - I shouldn't be humiliated but I am humiliated.

“Sometimes I speak

up, sometimes I just cry, go away somewhere, and cry because I don't know what to do.”

Another victim of abuse, Shalina Litt from Birmingham, shares her views, “Actually we are mothers, we are daughters, we are sisters,” she said.

“I really just hope that any mothers, any daughters etc., can speak to their sons and say actually it's not right and we do need to change how we approach this.”

Mughal says there’s, “been an enormous shift in the language of anti-Muslim hate.

International and national incidents create differences in the way narratives are set.”

However TELL MAMA state hate crimes are still under reported by Muslims, they aim to work with different agencies through community outreach and education.

Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks (MAMA) is a secure and reliable service that allows people from across England to report any form of Anti-Muslim abuse. Visit www.tellmamauk.org for more info.

T

he Culture Secretary has praised BBC director-general Tony Hall’s wishes to increase black, minority and ethnic individuals on television, however discouraged tokenism.

Sajid Javid went on to say, “I wish it was as easy as that, but I don't think something like that in itself would achieve the desired results.

The concern I would have is when you have an approach where it's about reaching a quota or a certain number and it becomes an official target or requirement then you always run this risk someone might try to fill that just for the sake of filling it.

“I think the problem is more profound. It's not just about having the black face or the brown face - it's about building a sustainable pipeline of talent and naming sure people from all backgrounds, and that background in particular, think of this as a career opportunity for them.”

The minister however could not comment on the next BBC charter as it was not due for consideration until the next general election.

He added, “I think it is sufficient to say, when the charter review happens, all these kinds of issues need to be looked at but it would be wrong for me to say this is the way to do it or that's what they should look at.”

Although amused at suggestions that he could be the UK’s equivalent of Barack Obama Javid did hope that the increase of MPs from ethnic backgrounds might inspire the next generation.

He said, “Every Monday morning we get lots of school groups visiting Parliament, I see lots of young kids, and sometimes you see a school where most of the kids, when you look at it visibly, they are either mostly Asian kids or other ethnic minority kids.

“I would like to think, when they look at Parliament, when they watch a debate, when they see me or they see Diane Abbott, they actually look and think 'You know what, putting politics aside, these people look like me so I could have that job one day'.

“I hope it in some way inspires them.”

NURSERY STAFF TO REPORT CHILDREN BECOMING TERRORISTS I

n keeping with their new anti-terrorism strategy the Home Office have instructed nursery staff to report toddlers harbouring terrorist views.

However many have criticised the plans as unnecessarily extreme and turning nursery staff who must be looking after children, into spies.

The consultation document on the strategy titled the Prevent Strategy, reads, “Senior management and governors are expected to assess the risk of pupils being drawn into terrorism, including support for the extremist ideas that are part of terrorist ideology.”

Staff are expected to,

“identify children at risk of being drawn into terrorism” and “challenge extremist ideas which can be used to legitimise terrorism”.

The department have pointed to situations such as Muslim children being taught that non Muslims are wicked or using anti-Semetic comments, which are cause for reporting.

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INTERNATIONAL UN WELCOME’S

SANIA MIRZA Tennis player Appointed Goodwill Ambassador

T

ennis star Sani Mirza has been appointed the United Nation’s Goodwill Ambassador for the South Asian region by the United

Nations Women Council.

Mirza is India’s most successful women’s tennis player and the first Indian to break into the World Tennis Association's top

50 rankings. Now a new record has been added to her resume as the first South Asian woman to be made a UN goodwill ambassador in the

INDIA’S TOUGH STANCE ON SEXUAL CRIMES

Drivers Given Courses on Female Passenger Safety

I

n response to India’s numerous sexual crimes against women the government have strove to introduce new laws and punishments for perpetrators. Now male rickshaw drivers are being educated with courses on how to respect women who travel in their rickshaws.

Smita Tewari, a trainer with the charity Manas in Delhi, tells the 140 auto-rickshaw drivers in the programme, “Don't stare, whistle, follow, stalk or touch a woman, it's against the law and you will be in big trouble.”

“As they provide the last mile connectivity

it's crucial they know how to behave and communicate with women. We also tell them if women wear short clothes and gets into their autos, she is not a 'bad woman'.”

One driver, 37-year-old Narotam Rathod, said the course change his view of women, “We must begin respecting women and provide them a safe and secure journey. We will get more work and earn more because 80% of our clients are women,” he said.

A women’s distress centre in Delhi is constantly busy with incoming calls, the centre was set up two weeks after the widely covered Delhi bus rape case of 2012.

Five female workers help victims deal with cases of rape, sexual and physical abuse, domestic violence, kidnapping or just advice on individual rights. The base has since received a total of 1.1million calls.

The project is headed by Kadhija Farouqi who has been an activist for 20 years, along with her 16 member team.

Jas Sansi's Scribbles

Twitter: @Jassansi

Organisation’s history.

“My role is a very important battle that I will fight off the tennis court for gender equality. Gender Equality is what I believe in,” the tennis star said.

Her intention is to educate women on gender equality and tackle a cultural problem where she believes women feel they are second class citizens.

Mirza also stresses the government’s duty to make sports more women inclusive, she also acknowledges the need for sport’s ministers to support women.

“To that effect, there is an urgent need to change this mindset.

Women must be made aware that they are equal to men.

“Equality depends

on each and all of us.

From the government that changes its laws, to the company that advances equal pay and equal opportunity, to the mother and father who teach their daughter and son that all human beings should be treated equally, to the athletes who demonstrate equality and excellence.

CIA TECHNIQUES "EXTREME"

Damning Report Reveals Brutal Use of Torture A

milestone report detailing the full extent of the CIA's interrogation techniques and detention programmes following the September 11 terror attacks has led to the UN, human rights activists and legal experts to call for the prosecution of US officials responsible for the CIA torture programme by the Obama administration.

The report, a 500-page document published by the Senate committee of its investigation into the detention and interrogation programmed conducted by the CIA during the Bush administration's “war on terror”, reveals the extent to which torture is used in CIArun secret prisons across the world. The report revealed that the agency had misled the White House, the Justice Department, Congress as well as the public about its torture programme, and the the senate intelligence committee found that the

CIA's use of torture was more brutal than had been previously exposed but was also ineffective, a matter concerning which the CIA had repeatedly lied.

The report details the use of “rectal rehydration” and “rectal feeding” of detainees, one incident in which an prisoner's “lunch tray” containing pasta with sauce, hummus as well as nuts and raisins, “was 'pureed; and rectally infused”.

One detainee, who had undergone a rectal examination conducted with “excessive force”, was later diagnosed with rectal prolapse, anal fissures and chronic haemorrhoids.

Sleep deprivation was also conducted on detainees for almost a week and investigators also documented death threats made to detainees as well as threats made to the families of the detainees. The committee charged that CIA interrogators had threatened

detainees that they would hurt detainees' children and “sexually assault” or cut their “mother's throat”.

The committee found that at least one prisoner had suffered hypothermia and died as a result after having been held for several hours in a stress position on cold concrete. It was also revealed that torture techniques were used on 17 individuals without approval from CIA headquarters and that, of the 119 estimated detainees imprisoned by the CIA, at least 26 were “wrongfully held”.

It was said that some CIA officers had been reduced “to the point of tears” having witnessed the treatment of one detainee.

In his response to the report, President Barack Obama said that though the US owed a “profound debt” to the CIA, he accepted that some techniques the agency had made use of were “contrary to our values”.

48

JANUARY 2015

AWMB

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#AsianWomenMeanBiz

on Twitter every Wednesday 7-8PM www.asianwomenmeanbusiness.com

REFLECTING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD.

NEXT EVENT:

Stay up to date with all of our events and news by following us on Social Media or visit us on: www.asianwomenmeanbusiness.c

om

Tips: To help spur you on with your business goals and dreams we are sharing some of our tips.

Pam Bains recieving her Businesswoman of the Year at BCABA

1) Keep a journal. Write down your goals and what specifically you are looking to achieve.

Break the big goal into smaller steps and plan your daily actions then diarise. This way you stay motivated and on track.

2) Work and network with like minded people. If you can’t find your crowd create it for yourself! This is how we started out with AWMB as there were no groups championing Asian Women into business.

Meeting NatWest's CEO Chris Sullivan 2014 will always be a special year for us as it’s when we launched AWMB! Looking back it has been phenomenal.

Here are some of our highlights: • AWMB Go Live at their first event in February in West London • Having BCABA create the Woman in Business Award crediting our organisation and work • Having our research into Asian Women and business published and called ‘pioneering and ground breaking’.

• Seeing collaborations happening with women in our community supporting

each other.

Meeting with some great people NatWest’s CEO Chris Sullivan and Diversity in Business Champion Anne McPherson, MP Lorely Burt and having a selfie with Dame Kelly Holmes!

• Being invited to participate in CRÈME’s seminars and conferences • Being featured on Women’s panel on BBC Asian Network and being interviewed on MATV. Thank you to everyone for supporting us and making 2014 INCREDIBLE! •

CROWD FUNDING!

TESTIMONIALS The event at Five Rivers was the first AWMB event I attended. What blew me away was the love in the room, all these amazing women brought together

by Rupinder & Panna. Not to mention their passion to empower & inspire others!

We laughed,

3) Stay true to yourself. There will always be people telling you what you should and shouldn’t be doing. It’s your dreams so live it for yourself!

Reena Ranger at a AWMB Event

cheered and supported each other. The talk by India Kang was amazing and definitely worth listening too. As guests we just turn up and have a good time, but the planning & organising that goes in to these events is thought of to the littlest detail, even having a host on each table. I met

AWMB & ME Rupinder and Panna's Selfie with Dame Kelly Holmes We have 2 amazing women in our community who have taken to crowd funding to fund their business!

Immy Kaur is behind Impact Hub in Birmingham, a world class collaborative workspace where organisations, businesses and wider community at large can join forces and thrive. They are looking to raise £50,000 through small investments from as little as £5.

Please support them and read more here: https://www. kickstarter.com/projects/immykaur/epicbrum-making-impact-hub-birmingham-areality Angela Malik is chef entrepreneur in London. She is looking for further investment to expand her cookery empire!

More information here: http://www. angelamalik.co.uk/info/become-part-ofthe-angela-malik-family/

Pam Malhi: www.hope-love-autism.com some amazing women and truly had a memorable night!!

These events are a must if you get the chance to attend, you won't be disappointed. I would like to say a huge thank you to you both from all of us for a spectacular evening.

Pam Malhi. http://hopelove-autism.com

Asian Women MEAN Business

@A_W_M_B

We have some great testimonials coming from our community – a selection is below but please do share yours too!

Preet Kalsi. Life Coach. www.preetkalsi.com “AWMB ROCK!! I first met Rupinder about a year ago and knew then that this woman is great at networking. Her vision for AWMB is clear – to get asian women collaborating. And I believe that’s an amazing feat, rather than fearing competition, AWMB provide a platform for women to share themselves and their entrepreneurial stories.

I’ve made a great connection through AWMB networking and am now planning to train at a retreat being run by a New York asian women’s networking group. That’s an amazing opportunity and I’m grateful to AWMB for getting me connected with it.”

Chandeep Uppal. Founder & Entrepreneur www.thespacebirmingham.co.uk “I take part in the Wednesday night Twitter chat which is where I first discovered Asian Women MEAN Business. Through taking part in this I made contact with a fashion blogger (Pehrani) who partnered with me to host ‘Asian Fashion Hour Live’ an event that included DJ Noreen Khan, Ravita Pannu MUA and Julien Trivedi as part of the line up for a q&a about the Asian fashion industry. This has also led to further business for The Space and it’s all thanks to one Twitter chat and one event. I would really encourage people to support and be proactive in Asian Women MEAN Business because for me it’s certainly been the most effective networking opportunity I’ve had!”

@A.W.M.B

info@awmb.co.uk

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BUSINESS

“A WORLD-CLASS CRICKET STADIUM”

BIRMINGHAM IS TOP DESTINATION

Major Cricketing Schedule Heads to Edgbaston Cricket Ground

E

dgbaston Stadium has been awarded some of the biggest fixtures in world cricket with a further 28 days of Major Matches allocated by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) between 2017 and 2019.

Highlights of the new ECB package includes the return of Test Match cricket at Edgbaston in all three years, with England set to take on West Indies in an Investec Test in 2017, India in 2018 and Australia in the Investec Ashes Series of 2019. Additionally, the ICC Champions Trophy (2017) and ICC Cricket World Cup (2019) will be played in Birmingham, with Edgbaston set to host five-match

packages in both tournaments, which include a prestigious Semi-Final in both tournaments.

Colin Povey, Chief Executive of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: “It’s fantastic news for us and for the city that some of the biggest fixtures will be played at Edgbaston over the next few years. Our thanks go to Birmingham City Council, our partners and all local stakeholders for their support with the bidding process.

“We have invested heavily in enhancing our customer experience, match day operations and local community engagement since the previous Major

Match allocation, in 2011, and the progress that we have made has been reflected in this round of marquee fixtures awarded by the ECB. “By hosting the final of ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and successive NatWest T20 Blast Finals Days, Edgbaston and Birmingham have proved that we can host the biggest events in world cricket and these days are set to bring huge economic benefit to the local economy.”

Following this latest boost for all at Edgbaston, in early 2015 the Club will bid for the ECB Major Match schedule in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons. An announcement about these years will follow in the Spring.

Emma Gray, Director of Marketing Services at Visit Birmingham, the city’s official leisure tourism programme, said: “Birmingham has played host to some memorable sporting occasions in recent years. The ECB’s decision to award Edgbaston Stadium with another 28 days of international cricket is a great coup for the venue and city, providing further invaluable exposure to a global audience.

Ahead of this latest Major Match allocation, Edgbaston is set to host seven days of Major Match cricket in both of the next two years. In 2015 the stadium will host England in an Investec Ashes Test match against Australia, a Royal London ODI versus New Zealand and NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day. In 2016, England will play at Edgbaston in an Investec Test Match versus Pakistan and a Royal London ODI against Sri Lanka, whilst it will again host NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day.

Birmingham has been named among the top 10 most exciting destinations to visit in 2015, in a list compiled annually by the travel guidebook series Rough Guides.

The city, which is the only UK location to have been selected by the publication’s travel editors, is joined by worldwide tourist destinations including Johannesburg, Malaga, New Orleans, Hamburg and Wellington.

Rough Guides selected Birmingham in its annual list for “embracing its industrial heritage”. The publication also notes that “with Birmingham New Street station reopening in 2015, this year is the ideal time to make a trip.”

DEAL ACTIVITY RISES FOR SECOND SUCCESSIVE YEAR

THE

AWARDS 2015 Connect, network and celebrate with the best of asian professionals Date:

20th March 2015

Venue:

Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Road, Birmingham, West Midlands B5 7QU

New deal activity in the West Midlands is higher than 2013 while value rises for the second successive year, according to the latest data published by the Center for Management Buyout Research (CMBOR), sponsored by EY and Equistone Partners Europe Limited.

Deal activity by volume is at the highest in the West Midlands since 2011, with 14 management buyouts in 2014, followed by 9 in 2013 and 10 in 2012.

Timings: 6.30pm for 7.30pm – Midnight For further information please contact: Ninder Johal CEO ninder.johal@nachural.co.uk tel: 0870 609 4401 (office) mobile: 07774 116545 www.thesignatureawards.co.uk twitter: @ninderjohal Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/ninder-johal/3/a87/9a2

e v e n t s

Celebrating asian professionals

Value of deals in the region has seen a rise for the second successive year and has more than doubled when compared to last year – the 14 deals completed in 2014 amounted to £899m, in contrast to £420m in 2013 and £349m in 2012.

The largest deals in the West Midlands were Voyage Care in August at £375m, Open International in December at £300m and the private sale of Kennet Equipment Leasing in July, with an estimated value of £100m.

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THE ASIAN TODAY IT’S BIGGER THAN YOU THINK.

PROPERTY

HOUSE PRICES FALL IN LAST QUARTER

of completed house sales in England and Wales increased by 5% to 73,552 compared with 70,020 in September 2013.

The number of properties sold in England and Wales for over £1 million in September 2014 increased by 8% to 1,172 from 1,088 in September 2013.

The region with the greatest fall in repossession sales in September 2014 was London and there were 674 repossessions in England and Wales during September 2014.

ONE UNIQUE INVESTMENT Zeeshaan Shah has had a truly globetrotting career as a property expert, from London to the sunny climates of Dubai Mr. Shah has climbed through the property market to emerge as the CEO of property firm One Investments. The businessman speaks to The Asian Today about his career, his experience on the reality show and key tips for anyone entering the property field.

What made you choose a career in property?

When I left University in 2006 the Dubai property market was booming. I had a lot of friends who were making good money for themselves and their investors were buying and selling properties, so I quickly got involved.

What made you apply for series 9 of The Apprentice?

It was a decision influenced by family and close friends who thought it was the perfect fit for me. I personally never really had any interest in the show and I actually don't even watch TV. As a businessman I don't think I did myself justice but I have come to accept that it is a television show made for entertainment and that

is just what it should be taken as.

Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to anyone purchasing a property what would it be?

Fundamentally focus on yield and don't bank on capital growth, look at what the property will give you immediately and in the near future as a residual income. There are opportunities across the UK now where you can realistically make 7%+ on property investments and these are the opportunities you should be looking at. Primarily focus on city centre properties and those properties located close to centres of transportation and education or major regeneration zones, but again the bottom line should be your yield.

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ES

average property value over the last 12 months is London with an increase of 17.4%.

The data also shows that the West Midlands experienced the greatest monthly rise with a rise of 1.7% while Wales saw the lowest annual price growth at 1.7% while the East of England saw the most significant monthly price fall of 1.4%.

The most up to date figures available show that during September 2014 the number

SAL

verage house prices in England and Wales have fallen by 0.1% since October, according to the November house price index from the Land Registry.

It means that the average house price is now £176,581 compared with the peak of £181,191 in November 2007 with an annual growth of 7.1%.

The region in England and Wales which experienced the greatest increase in its

51

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BMW 2 SERIES CONVERTIBLE

The Stretched Silhouette T

he BMW 2 Series Convertible is longer (by 72mm) and wider (by 26mm) than the model it replaces, and has a wheelbase which has been elongated by 30mm. These increases have been put to good use to enhance passenger access and space, increase driving enjoyment with the roof down and change the proportions so that BMW’s latest compact convertible looks even more stylish.

The electrically operated folding soft top lowers or raises in just 20 seconds at the touch of a button, and can be carried out at speeds of just over 30mph.

Additional insulation in the skin of the soft-top improves acoustic comfort, with a 4db noise reduction, and adds to the yearround usability of the car.

Improved aerodynamics, with a Cd of just 0.31, also helps to make the cabin quieter. An easier-to-use optional wind deflector provides greater protection

against turbulence when travelling top-down.

Once folded, the soft top disappears fully into the boot to give the BMW 2 Series Convertible a premium ‘boat deck’ appearance.

Luggage capacity increases by 30 litres to 335 litres, making it the largest boot in its class.

A through-loading system is optionally available to increase versatility.

The four-seat interior, with folding rear bench, provides greater space and a more intense open-top driving experience, placing the occupants in a typical BMW set-back position.

Rear access benefits from an 11mm wider aperture when the front seats are tilted forwards.

Large door pockets, a spacious glovebox, a central storage compartment and two cup holders provide improved in-cabin storage.

The stretched silhouette of the BMW 2 Series Convertible emphasises the tell-tale BMW design

characteristics of a long bonnet and wheelbase, short overhangs and a rearbiased cabin. The double kidney grille leans slightly forwards between twinround circular headlights that narrow towards the centre, replicating the outlines of the lower air intakes.

An LED accent light cuts across the top of the lighting unit on the optional Xenon headlights, while Adaptive Headlights featuring Selective Beam technology are also available. Air Curtains in the front apron channel air to outlets in the front side panels, reducing turbulence in the wheel arches to enhance fuel efficiency.

The track widths of the BMW 2 Series Convertible are larger than those of its predecessor, by 41mm at the front and 43mm at the rear, so that the widest part of the car is the rear wheel arch area. This emphasises the greater dynamism of the new model and its uniquein-class rear-drive layout.

Horizontal lines at the rear also hint at the car’s wider stance. The rear lights extend into the side panels and feature familiar BMW L-shaped LED light bars.

At the sides, a slightly rising shoulder line, swage lines running through the door handles and character lines from the doors and side skirts to the rear panels all point to the car’s sporty, rear-wheel-drive layout.

The interior has been deliberately kept as simple as possible, with layered surfaces, driver-focused controls, clear instruments and a Sport or M Sport leather-covered multifunction steering wheel.

Controls for the audio and climate control systems are set against High-gloss Black surfaces and the air vents have chrome surrounds.

Switchable ambient lighting is further confirmation of the car’s premium quality.

The BMW iDrive controller, linked to a 6.5-inch display screen, gives access to the car’s control systems with minimum distraction.

£6 Billion Set to Tackle Potholes

The Government has set aside a staggering £6 billion to repair potholes. The money will be spent on roads across England in the next six years.

Councils will be given the funding to tackle around 18 million potholes created by heavy flooding earlier this year and successive winter cold snaps.

A further £575 million will be given to authorities to fund upkeep of junctions, bridges and street lighting said Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

But RAC chief engineer David Bizley said the money was not enough. "We question whether this really goes far enough. Recent estimates by the Asphalt Industry Alliance suggest a one-off investment of £12bn is needed in England to deal with the backlog in road maintenance, the majority of which is associated with those roads for which local authorities are responsible.”

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THE CBD SYSTEM ‘YOUR ENVIRONMENT IS YOUR GYM AND THE PERSONAL TRAINER IS YOU’ Written By: Manisha Tailor

Corey B Donoghue is a former professional footballer and a highly sought after tutor and coach for The Football Association in addition to a QA and Safeguarding Children Regional Lead.

Currently Brazilian Jiu Jitsu European Champion, he has been seriously training, learning and teaching within the world of sport since the age of 12.

In this month’s column he shares with us his revolutionary Health, Wellness and Fitness System which will improve, “all of YOU (Mentally, Emotionally, Physically and Spiritually)”.

This evolution is the CREATIVE BODY DYNAMICS (CBD) System.

“I truthfully and humbly believe that the CBD System is both unique and special because it is a ‘Complete System’.

It is an extensive collection of real concrete knowledge and tips which came about through my years of lessons, mentorships and the experiences gained from my own personal training and journey of discovery”.

The CBD System will focus on the foods and physical training elements of 'Eradicating Excess Fat', as well as maintaining or putting on weight. More importantly however, it will create, develop and enhance your dominant inner feelings, emotions, self-belief and mental focus, in order for you to finally experience and own the super, sexy, healthy and fit you have always desired.

You will learn about the following 6 pillars and how to gain the best benefits from implementing them into your life: 1. Persistent SelfBelief

2.

Positive and Supportive Lifestyle 3. Aerobic and Anaerobic workouts 4. Strength Training 5. Flexibility 6. Rest and Recovery “You will be amazed at how simple it all is when you know how. You don’t know what you don’t know”. The truth is certainly in results as Corey states, “I have personally trained professional elite athletes, friends, family members, fitness coaches and personal trainers where they have all experienced amazing results and gained priceless information to help make them better at what they do and how they want to be”.

The CBD motto is simple, “Your environment is your gym and the personal trainer is you”. Each workout within the CBD system is designed for you to complete in the comfort of your own home or whatever environment you are in.

‘Creativity’ and the element of ‘Fun’ are fundamental to the CBD System as Corey mentions, “Being creative is the key to adventure, excitement, variety and growth.

It stops your workouts, meals, thought process, emotions, feelings and (ultimately) your journey from becoming boring and stale.

Your CBD System is based around YOUR creative nature being guided, enhanced, nurtured and then set free”.

Kym Elder is one of the hundreds of CBD users who began her journey 20 weeks ago, and is amazed with her results. “20 weeks ago I was fed up of being sick and tired of being overweight and said enough is enough! The CBD System has given me the right mind-set to do exercise everyday as well as eating more healthily. Cutting out wheat and dairy was not that difficult to do. I've always hated gyms as I get bored easily, but the variety of exercises in the CBD System keeps me going. I'm probably the fittest and slimmest I've been since my early twenties and I feel amazing because

@ManishaTailor1 of it. This in turn makes me feel really confident in other aspects of my life too.

I've eradicated a stone in weight and have dropped a few dress sizes too. I’d highly recommend the CBD System to anyone!”

I am also a CBD System user and have personally seen huge health benefits from taking out wheat and dairy from my diet. Corey is a vegetarian and so am I, which is why I have found the system brilliant in detailing a variety of foods that will provide me with the nutrition that I need to have a fit, healthy and sexy body, in addition to a change in mind-set. I am so much more positive and feel this positive energy has impacted my life hugely. If you want a system that focuses on your mind and soul as well as your body, The CBD System is for YOU. This system is very personal to Corey and once you embark upon your CBD journey, you will not be left alone. This will be your joint journey together.

“I will be behind you to catch you during the times when you may struggle, stumble or fall. I will be beside you to offer you a shoulder and arm to lean on during the times when you feel you want to give up. And I will be in front of you to lead the way and to be (what my great friend David calls) a shining ‘Beacon of light’ when you may have momentarily lost your way and your passion to continue may have waivered. I will help you to see that everything you desire is just around the corner”.

Not only has The CBD System proven to work over and over again, it comes with a 60 day money back guarantee and is currently on sale! Are YOU ready to CHANGE?

HOCKEY CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2014 Goals from Christopher Wesley and Florian Fuchs were enough to give Germany a superb and richly deserved 2-0 victory over Pakistan in the tournament final of the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, India. A sell-out crowd witnessed the Germans claim their 10th Champions Trophy Gold medal, their first since 2007.

Pakistan were forced to defend deep for long stages of the third quarter, but fought their way back into the game and began to

assert some serious pressure on the German circle. However, the Germany’s defensive line marshalled by imperious captain Moritz Fürste - held firm to take a slender advantage into the final 15 minutes of the match.

The Greenshirts had a fantastic opportunity to equalise when Shafqat Rasool showed fine skills to create an opening, but his cross somehow failed to be picked up by his two team-mates in front of goal before Rühr almost scored a magical solo goal for the Europeans ahead of full time.

JANUARY 2015

53

BLIND CRICKET WORLD CUP

INDIA CROWNED CHAMPIONS Beat Pakistan in World Cup Final

“I truthfully and humbly believe that the CBD System is both unique and special because it is a ‘Complete System’.

• CRICKET: Indian celebrate after beating arch-rivals Pakistan by 29 runs

• CBD:

Corey B Donoghue

"...The CBD motto is simple, “Your environment is your gym and the personal trainer is you..."

For further information please visit: www.cbdsystem.com CBD System Creative Body Dynamics @Cbd_System

India beat defending champions Pakistan, to be crowned as the Champions of Blind Cricket World Cup 2014. In the 4th edition of the tournament, set in Cape Town, it turned out to be a heart-stopping game; Pakistan amassed a monstrous score of 389 in their allotted 40 overs.

India managed to reach the target in 39.4 overs, losing 5 wickets in the process, with a mere two balls to spare and five wickets in hand.

Ketanbhai Babughai Patel was the star performer as he aggregated 76. Ajay Reddy played with calmness and composure to score 74 not out and steer India to a famous victory. For Pakistan, Mohammad

Jamil, notched up a brilliant innings of 102.

In the semi-finals, Pakistan beat England, while India overcame Sri Lanka.

However, the team are begging for recognition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Its pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

While the government has made a lot of promises, the BCCI has not bothered to even send them a congratulatory message. "When Dhoni won the World Cup in 2011, or if India wins any tournament, they waive the Tricolour. Even we have done the country proud. Cricket is cricket.

They play, so do we. The BCCI has done nothing for us," says Captain Shekar Naik.

Boxing Academy Celebrates Season of Success

• BOXING: Boxing Gold Medal Winner Mo Ali with Lord Mayor of Bradford Mike Gibbons Bradford Police and College Boxing Academy marked the end of term with a celebration lunch in honour of boxer Muhammad (Mo) Ali's achievements in 2014.

Mo's achievements this year include an England Boxing Youth Championship gold, GB Youth Three Nations gold, silver at the World Youth Championships in Bulgaria, bronze at the Youth Olympics in China and gold at the European Youth Championships in Croatia.

Paul Porter, Sports Academies

Coordinator Manager at Bradford College, which incorporates the Academy and is partnered by the Police Community Clubs of Great Britain, said: 'Mo has now progressed from our BTEC Level 3 Sport course to our Sports Coaching degree, so we'll have him for another couple of years at least. It's a pleasure to see him continue to succeed.

'The celebration also gave our team a chance to have a reunion. It's been a big year for all five of us, so we had plenty to chat about. It's been quite a year and we're all looking forward to 2015.'

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AMIR KHAN OPENS FIRST ACADEMY

Amir Khan has announced plans to open his first boxing in the Pakistani city of Lahore.

Whilst on a visit to the country the Bolton-born boxer advised the government to eradicate terrorism by promoting education and sports amongst Pakistani youths. The news comes after the horrific attack on a Pakistani school, killing more than 140 people the majority being children. He also announced that he will be donating his boxing shorts, worth £30,000, to the disaster relief in Peshawar.

The 28-year-old-Boxer had

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worn the shorts, which have a waistband made from 24-carat gold threading, in his points win against Devon Alexander.

“There is so much boxing talent in Pakistan,” he told reporters.

“I have a desire to build a boxing academy here to discover this talent and impart training of international standards. The plan is to build a boxing academy so that we can create a lasting impact for youngsters in the region.”

TEN UP FOR BRITISH ASIAN RUGBY ASSOCIATION Celebrations Commence With House of Commons Visit

•

SPORTS

BARA: Mobashar Mahmood, Ikram Butt and Jagmohan Johal

The British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) recently celebrated its tenth anniversary with a reception at the House of Commons.

Established in 2004 by dual code international Ikram Butt (England Rugby League and Pakistan Rugby Union), BARA has been a force for good in terms of promoting community cohesion across the UK through both codes of the oval ball game.

The House of Commons event, made possible through the sponsorship of Greg Mulholland MP, featured a host of keynote speakers including former professional footballer and Football Association anti-racism champion Paul Elliott CBE and Mark Pawsey MP, Chair of the Commons and Lords Rugby Club.

In addition Seema Malhotra MP, Shadow Minister for Preventing Violence against women and girls, was present to talk about the White Ribbon Campaign that was recently adopted as a cause by BARA. National Sport England board member Hanif Malik of the Leeds-based Hamara centre and

Qari Asim MBE, Imam at Leeds Makkah Mosque also delivered speeches.

Paul Elliott said: "It's important that young people have the opportunity to thrive by getting involved in sport. BARA is an organisation that makes sport fun and free of prejudice and that can only contribute towards bringing everyone together."

Qari Asim MBE added: "BARA is an association that works in communities and with communities and has played an instrumental role in bringing people together particularly after events such as the 7/7 bombing in London."

Ikram Butt commented: "We've come a very long way in the past decade with many effective initiatives and projects delivered within communities across the nation that seek to build bridges and cement community relations through sport.

The House of Commons event was supported by Stradbrokes Solicitors, My Lahore restaurant, Malik Halis student accommodation, the Hamara Centre in Leeds, the British Asian Trust and AIS accountants.

THE RANKS

Zubair Steps Closer to F1 Dream

Z

ubair Hoque is one lap closer to achieving his Formula One ambitions after finishing as the ‘top rookie’ in the standings of the 2014 BRDC Formula 4 Winter Series Championship.

The Hale, Cheshire, based teenager, who drove for team HHC Motorsport, crowned this year’s debut in single-seater racing by closing an impressive fifth overall in the current F4 standings, despite competing against vastly more experienced drivers.

He is the only British Asian in single-seat formula racing.

The BRDC (British Racing Drivers Club) F4 Winter Series was hotly contested, attracting drivers from as far away as Brazil and Mexico over the Snetterton and Brands Hatch circuits and it served as a ‘shakedown’ in preparation for the 2015 F4 Championship.

Zubair had his first outing in the one–make F4 category - and made an instant impression.

“He showed flashes of promise on his first car racing weekend at Snetterton,” says HHC’s Commercial Director Charlie Kemp,“ and put in an excellent performance despite treacherous track conditions.

“Zubair has since shown consistent and steady improvement over the remainder of the Series and I expect great things for him in the 2015 F4 Championship which launches at Oulton Park in April of next year.”

No stranger to track success, Zubair,18, has clocked up an impressive tally of finishing positions and lap records over a 10 year, progressive career in kart racing, before making his move into F4 in October. (following a one year break for academic study and exams) Starting at the age of 8 at the Daytona circuit in Manchester he was fast tracked to junior race

“

schools and then made a series of progressive team moves, ending with the Ricky Flynn Motorsport team – one of Europe’s top karting teams and the most successful in the KF2 category in Britain.

In KF2 he competed with some of the best drivers in the world, aged 14 and upwards.

He achieved three podium finishes in the KF2 MSA British Championship in 2012 and top 10 finishes in international events across 13 different countries.

After signing with HHC Motorsport and making the move into single seater racing a few months ago, Zubair was recently invited to attend the iZone Driver Performance facility at the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.

It’s the UK’s leading driver training facility, developed by triple World Touring Car champion, Andy Priaulx.

“The timing was perfect because I was able to go along in advance of my race at Brands Hatch and get to spend some time on their state of the art simulator, which proved to be extremely useful,” said Zubair.

“Although Brands Hatch Indy is a short circuit it features some tricky corners and this amazing piece of equipment helped me to familiarise myself with the layout of the track.”

Looking towards his first full season in F4, he adds:” It will be an exciting, but challenging year ahead and my key focus will be on getting to grips with the set- up of the car in readiness for the early stages.

“There is a lot to learn in terms of the finely tuned technology of the car – aerodynamics, gears and so on – and there will be additional physical demands too, so another emphasis will be on making sure I am race fit to compete at a whole new level in 2015.”

...He showed flashes of promise on his first car racing weekend at Snetterton...

“

54

ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND FROM 14TH FEBRUARY TO 29 MARCH 2015

With the stage set for the World Cup in February, qualification spots are available. The 10 sides taking part with top ranked United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Group A alongside 2005 winner Scotland, 2009 finalist Canada, Hong Kong and Nepal.

Group B includes 2001 champion

Netherlands, two-time finalist Kenya, 2001 finalist Namibia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Uganda. The finalists will join the 10 Full Members as well as Afghanistan and Ireland in the ICC CWC in Australia and New Zealand, which will be played from 14 February to 29 March 2015.

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I QUIT

MSD steps down after 7 years

Mahendra Singh Dhoni Retires from Test Cricket O

ne of India's greatest Test Captains under whose leadership India became the No. 1 team in the Test Rankings MS Dhoni, has decided to retire from Test Cricket citing the strain of playing all formats of Cricket. The decision comes after India drew the third Test in Melbourne. Out of the 90 Tests he played, Dhoni led India in 60 matches. Dhoni finished with most Test wins as India captain (27), beating the previous best of 21 wins held by Sourav Ganguly.

A BCCI statement said, “One of India's greatest Test captains under whose leadership India became the No.1 team in the Test rankings Dhoni, has decided to retire from Test cricket citing the strain of playing all formats of cricket. Dhoni has chosen to retire from Tests with immediate effect in order to concentrate on ODIs and T20 formats.

"BCCI, while respecting the decision of Dhoni to retire from Test cricket, wishes to thank him for his enormous contribution to Tests and the laurels that he has brought to India."

Virat Kohli will captain India in the fourth and final Test against Australia in Sydney from January 6. India have already lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy having lost the first two Tests in Adelaide and Brisbane. Kohli had led in the first Test when Dhoni preferred to rest his injured right hand.

"...One of India's greatest Test captains under whose leadership India became the No.1 team in the Test rankings..."

Dhoni bowed out of Test cricket in style. In his final series in Australia, Dhoni became the first Indian wicketkeeper to effect nine dismissals in a Test match in Melbourne.

Overall, he became the third wicketkeeper to achieve the feat versus Australia, the first two being David Murray (West Indies) at Melbourne in December 1981 and Ridley Jacobs (West Indies) at Melbourne in December 2000 being the other two.

With the bat, Dhoni also became the first Indian batsman to complete 10,000 runs or more as captain in international cricket, joining Ricky Ponting (15440), Graeme Smith (14878), Stephen Fleming (11561) and Allan Border (11062).

ATLÉTICO CLINCH TITLE with intent. Kolkata however looked comfortable in defence. The first chance of the match came fairly early on when Kerala’s Victor Forcada beat his defender in the box to fire a shot goalwards but it was blocked and the ball went out of play.

The moment of the match came deep into stoppage time when it looked like extra time loomed. A Jakub Podaný corner found its way into the box and substitute Rafique got on the end of it to head past David James into the near bottom corner and send the whole of Kolkata into a frenzy.

DHONI'S TEST RECORD • • • •

Tests 90 Runs 4876 Highest Score 224 Average 38.09 Hundreds 6 Fifties 33 Catches 256 Stumpings 38

INSIDE SPORTS:

Mohammed Rafique Hands Kolkata Win Atlético de Kolkata left it very late to clinch victory over Kerala Blasters FC and claim the inaugural Hero Indian Super League title. For large periods of the match, it was Kerala that dominated the proceedings but when it mattered the most, Kolkata struck, deep into stoppage time through substitute a Mohammed Rafique header from a corner to crown themselves champions.

It was a fast paced first period with both sides moving the ball around quickly. Kerala were the first ones off the block as they pushed forward

Sports Tweet of the Month:

• WIN: Kolkata win Hero Indian Super League

• Speeding through the ranks - pg 54 • ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers - pg 54 • The CBD System - pg 53 • Blind World Cup - pg 53

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