Issue 195

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Join us at the award-winning The Glee Club for an unforgettable night: Hosted by the energetic Mickey Sharma (a Pakistani-born Indian), Mickey brings comedy with other forms of artistry.

Laugh out loud with the finest professional comedians on the UK comedy circuit: • Aatif Nawaz – award-winning film-maker, respected stand-up comedian and well-known TV presenter • Jay Sodagar – thought-provoking comedy teacher, who makes you think about his material after you have laughed • Axel Blake – young, confident, energetic character the rising star of UK comedy.

• Inder Manocha – winner of EMMA (Ethnic Multicultural Media Award) for best comedy/ comedian

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VARUN DHAWAN SPEAKS ABOUT HIS NEW FILM BADLAPUR

PG. 34

60TH FILMFARE AWARDS

“THE BIG AMBITIOUS DRAMA”

INDIAN SUMMERS

TH IS IS A SU MM ER WH ICH WI LL CHANGE EVERYTH ING

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Asian and minority ethnic groups make up just over 10% of the Army

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

Fewer than 1% of people in the UK armed forces are Muslim

YOU

YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS

R • TRI PL APE E SP A

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MUSLIMS BRINGING YOU NEWS SINCE 2002

AR W

CHANNEL 4 - SUNDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 9PM

•

Channel 4’s anticipating new drama, Indian Summers, will be premiering this month with a host of familiar and famous faces. Julie Walters, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Jemima West, Nikesh Patel, Roshan Seth, Olivia Grant and Aysha Kala all make up the star-studded cast.

It’s the summer of 1932. India dreams of independence, but the British are clinging to power.

In the foothills of the Himalayas stands Simla; a little England where the British power-brokers of this nation are posted to govern during the warmer months.

Set against the sweeping grandeur of the Himalayas and tea plantations of Northern India, Indian Summers tells the rich and explosive story of the decline of the British Empire and the birth of modern India. Revealing a tangled web of passions, rivalries and clashes that define the lives of those brought together in the shadow of the mountains, this is a summer which will change everything.

On why she chose the drama, Julie Walters commented, “I read the scripts and thought, this is seriously interesting. I loved Cynthia and I was intrigued by her relationship with this young man, Ralph [Whelan, played by Henry LloydHughes]. And they had Anand Tucker to direct…

The whole thing was very attractive.”

Whilst newcomer, Aysha Kala said she was excited about working in the production.

“I was more excited than daunted. It was great to

PG. 29

A SONG FOR PESHAWAR PAKISTAN UNITES WHAT WE WENT THROUGH ON DECEM BER 16TH CANNOT BE DESCRIBED IN WORDS

The Pakistani media industry has come together to pay their tribute to the victims of the Peshawar massacre. An idea that came from musician turned actor, Ali Zafar, sees 50 musicians, television stars and cricketers unite to contribute to a song, Urain Gey (We Will Fly) remembering those that lost their lives in the December 16 attack.

PG. 34

Muslims from the Armed Forces celebrate Armed Forces Day

"LOVING YOUR COUNTRY AND SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE MUSLIM FAITH."

T

he British Army is making a historical plea to British Muslims to enlist in the country’s armed forces saying more needs to be done to attract minority communities. According to the Head of the British Army, Sir Nicholas Carter, the military should be "drawing talent from all of the society we represent” enabling it to find the best recruits.

“Our recruitment from the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities has been improving over the years, but it is nowhere near where it needs to be. We have to do more."

"The values and standards we espouse resonate closely with these communities and there is much common ground that we can build on to broaden our recruitment base."

At present, soldiers from the black, Asian and minority ethnic groups make up just over 10% of the Army's 87,000 regular personnel, less than the proportion in the wider population, a haunting fact which Birmingham MP Khalid Mahmood pointed out when he stated “more than twice as many Muslims have gone to fight for Islamist groups in Syria than are serving in the Army.”

Additionally, not all of those who are Muslims in the Army are British - some joined from Commonwealth countries.

Islamic religious advisor to the Ministry of Defence, Imam Asim Hafiz said that the values of the Army rightly match those of Islam. “Loving your country and serving your community is an important part of the Muslim faith. Muslims have fought for this country since the First World War. “Some people have questioned whether you can be a good Muslim and serve in our armed forces because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But the young men I’ve served alongside in Afghanistan know that they’re trying to make the country safer for the people who live there.

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SPORTS

• PHOTO: Muslims from the Armed Forces celebrate Armed Forces Day

ABBEY’S GOT TALENT! STUDENTS MESMERISE AUDIENCE WITH ARTISTIC FLAIR • TALENT: Amandip Singh Bhamra and Kevin Vairavaraja break dancing Performance Earned Them 2nd Place

Continued from Front Page “Some of these soldiers are very devout but they don’t feel a contradiction between being a Muslim and serving their country. We need to get out there and make that argument much more clearly.”

Muslim’s have long fought in wars, supporting British troops. Over 400,000 made up the estimated 1.3 million which fought during the Great War, a fact many British-Muslims fail to know. A poll carried out last year by thinktank British Future, found that only 2% of the population knew about Muslim soldiers fighting and dying alongside British armed forces during the two World Wars.

Former British army officer, Afzal Amin, said the army

urgently required diverse "linguistic, cultural and social" capabilities.

"If we are going to deploy in the future into northern Iraq again, or in Syria, we need people that can speak not only to local civilian populations we wish to influence, but also to our partners and our allies. Having that proficiency in the language is very very important."

In a bid to encourage better dialogue and help highlight the crucial role British Muslims play in society, Defence secretary, Michael Fallon recently launched the Armed Forces Muslim Forum.

“I’m very proud to be able to launch the country’s first Armed Forces Muslim Forum.

This is a real milestone,

which underlines the strong relationship that exists between our armed forces and the Muslim community, and shows our commitment to strengthening it.”

President of the Islamic Society of Britain, Sughra Ahmed, acknowledged the pride and patriotism Muslims felt for their country. “British Muslims are proud to play an active part in our society and the recent centenary of the First World War was a chance to show how this shared history stretches back over a hundred years and continues today.”

The Ministry of Defence is also set to launch a Muslim Peace Garden in remembrance of Muslims killed in the armed forces.

ANGER AT FLOODED GARDENS Residents Demand Action

ICC WORLD CRICKET 2015 PREVIEW

TURN TO PAGE 52

ONCE A BRUMMIE, ALWAYS A BRUMMIE

TURN TO PAGE 53

Staff and students at Abbey College delighted audiences as they took centre stage to showcase their artistic talents in a Talent Show.

Members of the Student Council helped organise the highly anticipated event and students and teachers gathered in unison to support the performers.

There was a great variety of performances this year, including magic shows, break dancing, singing, poem recitals and other musical performances.

GET IN TOUCH:

The winner of the show was awarded to Lower Sixth Student Jamie Daghaim with his two stunning performances.

He firstly performed a fantastic solo on the piano and then followed with a beautiful recital of a poem he had written himself.

Other highlights of the show included Mai Duc Nguyen's incredible magic show, Amandip's and Kevin's break dancing and Luthfan Pradipto's fantastic performance on his electric guitar.

Residents in a Walsall street are demanding action be taken after being tormented with months of nuisance due to flooded gardens.

Homeowners have experienced flooding for over eight months– and have pointed the finger of blame directly at a pond in Palfrey Park, which is attached directly onto their gardens.

"Even in dry weather there is a constant stream of water in the gardens and when it rains they are completely flooded," said resident Ramchandra Patel.

"During the recent cold weather it freezes, making it like an ice rink and dangerous to walk on. It's always waterlogged, making it unusable and I fear that it

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• FLOOD: Ramchandra Patel,

Cllr Allah Ditta and Mamisha Patel stand inside the garden

West residents.

"The southern end of the park is affected by rain as the land naturally slopes down in that direction so it is prone to flooding. There are no drains in that area of the park so a blocked drain has been ruled out as the cause."

"As part of the winter works programme the pond will be dredged and a number of willow trees will be planted.

In addition, park staff are meeting with senior engineers to discuss possible ways of channelling the natural ground water away from the properties affected. Council officers are happy to speak to the owners of the affected properties in Broadway West to discuss this in more detail."

THE TEAM 18TH FEBRUARY 2007

EDITORIAL

is now causing damage to a large outhouse, which I built.

It's time this was fixed."

Mr Patel maintained that engineers from Severn Trent had admitted water coming from the pond in Palfrey Park was the problem.

Palfrey ward councillor Allah Ditta said he was determined to take the issue up with Walsall council. “It has taken too long to solve.”

But Kevin Clements, environmental resources manager at Walsall Council, said it is "unlikely" the pond is the cause of the problem.

He said: "The pond in the conservation area of Palfrey Park was put in around 1991 which is 24 years ago so it is unlikely that this is the cause of the excess ground water in the gardens of Broadway

Sixty-eight passengers are killed by bomb blasts and a blaze on a train travelling between the Indian capital New Delhi and the Pakistani city of Lahore.

28TH FEBRUARY 1994

NATO conducted its first combat action in its 45 year history as four Bosnian Serb jets were shot down

by American fighters in a no-fly zone.

27TH FEBRUARY, 1782 The British Parliament votes to abandon the American War of Independence.

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Anita Chumber

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Hifzha Shaheen

ASSISTANT JOURNALIST

Husna Anjum

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STUNNING PHOTOGRAPH WINS LOCAL AWARD

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• DANCE: Subharsh Viman.

A Leicester-based dancer is celebrating after winning a prestigious bursary from a national organisation.

British Asian dancer and choreographer Subhash Viman has won the Choreogata Choreographic Bursary, which is aimed to support advanced level artists to create and perform original Indian contemporary dance work.

Premiering in September 2015, the Choreogata Artist Development Programme focuses on contemporary choreographic principles with foundations in South Asian Dance. It is an annual open application competition established by Akademi supported by Southbank Centre and leading UK based arts organisations Gem Arts, Watermans Arts Centre and Kadam. Choreogata offers a £4000 commission to South Asian dance choreographers with additional support such as rehearsal and technical space, mentoring, marketing, production and fundraising advice.

•

PHOTO: Ian Cartlidge with Birmingham Lord Mayor

• PHOTO: Winning photograph of local competition.

MAYOR ACCUSED OF FRAUD The Mayor of Tower Hamlets has been accused of fraud and using • Lutfur Rahman i n t i m i d a t i n g actions in a bid to gain more votes. Retail analyst Debbie Simone, who is also a Labour activist, indicated that Lutfur

Rahman used "corrupt and illegal practices that led to him winning the 2014 mayoral election."

Standing at the Election Court, which is part of the High Court, Misss Simone said people were now frightened that joining the petitioners “could affect their job and housing prospects”.

Mr Rahman denies any wrongdoing.

Lawyers against Mr Rahman have made a string of series claims – which include "personation in postal voting” and “ballot paper tampering.”

In a written statement, Miss Simone said, "I have chosen to come forward as

magical morning caught on camera from a Handsworth house has scooped a top prize in a local photography competition.

Ian Cartlidge’s photo entitled ‘Multi-Faith Handsworth’ captures Lozells Central Mosque, New Testament Church of God, Hamstead Road Baptist Church and Villa Road Methodist Church.

The picture was selected from a wide range of entries submitted for the competition organised by the MyNeighbourhood (MyN) project – an initiative backed by Birmingham City Council to promote cohesive communities by giving them their own online space to share news, discuss issues and post events.

“I love the way it shows

a petitioner to support others who wanted to come forward but felt too frightened to do so as this could potentially affect their job and housing prospects, and that of their family members and affect

the diverse faith in the area and the many houses of worship,” said winning photographer Ian. “Just off the right-hand side of the picture is the Gurdwara Babe Ke, unfortunately I couldn’t squeeze it into frame.”

After the award ceremony, to recognise photo contributions from younger residents, the Lord Mayor treated children from St Clare’s school to a tour of the Council House.

MyNeighbourhood project manager, Fareeda Akbar, said: “It's early days in the roll-out and use of the MyNeighbourhood website, but it's inspiring to see community centres, coffee morning groups and charities, signing up and using this free resource.

their future political careers."

She added she had also "witnessed some irregularities", telling how she had spoken to a Turkish man whilst campaigning for Labour.

The hearing continues.

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COMMUNITY CHAMPION! Yaser Mir Honoured at Stoke City Game

RACE TO FIND 10-YR-OLD A DONOR

NEWS

'My son donated a bone marrow to his sister - now he needs a lifesaver of his own'

W

hen Dushyant Mehta was just two he gave his sister an extra five and a half years of life by donating his bone marrow.

Now aged 10, he needs to find a matching bone marrow donor to save his own life.

The heroic donation gave Devaanshi an extra five and a half years of life, but

• CHAMPION: Yaser Mir Being

Presented with the Stoke City FC Community Champion Award

A community leader whose organisation has helped thousands of youngsters kick-out anti-social behaviour problems has been honoured at half-time during a Premier League football match. Yaser Mir, who is the founder and director of Engage Communities, a not-forprofit organisation, was given the Stoke City FC Community Champion Award during the Stoke City v QPR match, which was witnessed by the huge crowd at the Britannia stadium.

she tragically died in June 2012 at the age of just 15.

Now, shockingly, Dushyant’s family have been told that he is also suffering from bone marrow failure and that he too will need a bone marrow transplant. There are no matches within the family and so, like two thirds of those in need of a transplant,

Commenting on the accolade, Yaser said, “It was an awesome day. We got the opportunity to watch Stoke City beat QPR. The tickets were free thanks to Stoke City Community Trust.

It is a huge honour to be presented with a Stoke City FC Community Champion Award on the pitch at half-time. We would also like to thank Stoke City Community Trust for providing us with 25 free tickets to the game today.

"Stoke won 3 – 1!”

he will rely on the blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan to find a selfless stranger with a matching tissue type.

Dushyant is of Indian origin which will make it more difficult to find him a donor so his family are appealing for more people to join the Anthony Nolan bone marrow donor register.

His mother, Kalyani Mehta, 47, from Harrow, said, “We desperately need a donor for Dushyant and we now know there is not currently anyone

years later, in October 2014, Dushyant developed a series of colds that he could not shake off. He also became increasingly breathless.

Recognising these symptoms as similar to those suffered by her daughter, Kalyani contacted specialists at Great Ormond Street who organised testing.

The results showed that Dushyant was suffering from a bone marrow failure syndrome similar to that which affected Devaanshi.

Signing up is about saving someone’s life. It is that important and it is particularly vital to encourage people from ethnic minority backgrounds to sign up. on any of the world’s registers who is a match for him."

Devaanshi was diagnosed with a rare form of bone marrow failure when she was nine and her devastated family were told that she would need a bone marrow transplant. All three of her siblings were tested and Dushyant was found to be a match.

He was only two at the time but in April 2007 Dushyant donated bone marrow to Devaanshi in a bid to cure her. Horrifyingly, just two

• DONOR: Dushyant Mehta

Kalyani was immediately told that he would also need a bone marrow transplant.

Sadly, this search failed to find any possible matches so another search is now being conducted and Dushyant’s parents are calling for more people to join the register in the hope of finding a match for their son, and for others like him.

Kalyani said: “Signing up is about saving someone’s life.

It is that important and it is particularly vital to encourage people from ethnic minority backgrounds to sign up.”

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Walsall’s own version of Usain Bolt will be taking on his next challenge in aid of a national cancer charity.

Dubbed 'Usingh Bolt', Barry Cheema will be taking part in the Coventry Half Marathon in March as he intends to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust.

He will be joining forces with Coventry’s star fundraiser Haroon Mota for the race, alongside other teammembers from #TeamMesmerEyez.

"I ran with Haroon at a few races last year and admired his dedication to raising money for good causes. So when he mentioned he was putting a team together for the Coventry event again, I was happy to join.

"Teenage Cancer Trust

is a fantastic cause and the work they did with Stephen Sutton was amazing. I saw a number of their team during last year's half marathon and was impressed with their camaraderie and the support they gave me.

"I really enjoyed Coventry's Half Marathon last year – it's an amazing course with great support and I always knew I would run it again.

The chance to be part of #TeamMesmerEyez is an added bonus."

Haroon added, "I first met Barry in October, after crossing paths at a number of half marathon events.

"He has done some amazing fundraising through

Aiming to Raise Money for Teenage Cancer Trust

• BOLT: Usingh Bolt will be taking on the Coventry

Half Marathon in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust

running over the years, so we connected naturally over a similar love for these kind of events. Having 'Usingh Bolt' is a great addition to the team, and we hope that with his involvement, we can grow our team even bigger than the 27 runners that took to the start line in 2014."

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MAKE A REDROW HOME YOUR OWN IN HAMILTON

THOSE looking to buy a home in the sought-after Leicester suburb of Hamilton should look no further than Redrow’s Hamilton Gardens.

Boasting a high specification as standard, and with opportunities for purchasers to customise their new home, properties at the development are proving popular.

Featuring designs from the sought-after Heritage Collection, the three and four-bedroom homes combine the elegance of traditional Arts & Crafts inspired architecture with modern interiors that offer comfort and convenience in equal measure.

Tonia Tyler, sales director for Redrow Homes (South Midlands), says: “Hamilton Gardens continues to attract keen interest from discerning buyers looking for a new home in this part of Leicester.

While the properties are very much aspirational, the over-riding feedback we receive from visitors to the showhomes is that we offer a surprisingly high specification. So much of what we include as standard would be extra elsewhere – we’re simply streets ahead of our competitors. Plus if you were to buy an older property it would cost time and money to bring it in line with our homes.

“The beauty of buying a brand new home, compared with an older property is that it offers a blank canvas. Instead of inheriting someone else’s décor and DIY disasters, our customers can customise their property choosing everything from the kitchen cupboards to the bathroom tiles. Compared to older, second-hand properties, our new homes are easy to maintain and efficient to run with the potential to save on fuel bills.”

Current availability at Hamilton Gardens includes three-bedroom designs from £212,950 and fourbedroom properties from £236,950.

“Some homebuyers have really embraced Help to Buy, but we’re still finding that some people don’t know much about the scheme or are unsure if With thanks to Help to Buy, the initial price of a four-bedroom home could be as little as £189,560. they’re eligible,” Tonia adds.

The Government-backed scheme is available on all new homes at Hamilton Gardens, offering “Those who have savings of around £12,000 could be pleasantly surprised to discover they already buyers the chance to reduce the initial cost of have enough for a deposit for a four-bedroom home homeownership by up to 20%. Crucially the loan with Help to Buy. It could make a real difference is interest free for five years and customers buying to how much they can borrow and in some cases in this way should typically only need a relatively buyers could miss out a rung on the housing ladder, small deposit of around 5%.

enabling them to purchase a larger home than if they were to buy on the open market. Our friendly, experienced sales consultants are happy to guide customers through the scheme and will put them in touch with new homes mortgage specialists”.

To find out more about Redrow homes and the help available at Hamilton Gardens, visit the showhomes on Maidenwell Avenue, open daily from 10am to 5.30pm. Alternatively, call 0116 319 7600 or see redrow.co.uk/hamilton.

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POLICE APPEAL AFTER WOMAN STABBED

FEBRUARY 2015

SHOCK FAMILY COLLISION Pregnant Mother Distressed as Police Car Crashes into Family Car

W

est Midlands Police have made a renewed plea after a mother was stabbed whilst her car was stolen in front of her terrified son.

Inspectors are searching CCTV footage and making house-to-house investigations to identify the masked robbers who attacked Noreen Khan, 38.

Releasing a statement, police urged people who had any information about the shocking incident to contact them.

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said, “Detectives are investigating after a Birmingham woman was stabbed in a car-jacking in Gray Street, Bordesley Green.

“Two men dragged the woman from her grey BMW 1 series just after 5pm and made off. The 38-year-old is in a serious but stable condition in hospital. Officers are trawling CCTV and conducting house to house enquiries.”

The violent attack was witnessed by her eight-yearold son from the doorway of their home in Gray Street, Bordesley Green.

The nursery manager’s screams were heard by her husband, Abdul Ghaffar, who ran to assist her. But he couldn’t stop the men absconding in her BMW. Engineer Mr Gaffer, 40, said: “They tried to murder my wife for nothing. She gave them the car and they still stabbed her.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A

pregnant mother and family were driving from hospital when their car was “rammed”.

Mother of two, Shiri Rahman, her husband, Abdur, sister Rujeena, and her five-year-old son Mohammed Eesaa were driving home early one morning before being bombarded by police cars.

They were confronted by three cars, one with officers which crashed into the back of their Lexus. They suffered from back and neck pain as a result. It was revealed that their car had the same registration plate as a vehicle with cloned plates that was used in an armed robbery.

Mrs Rahman, 34, a counter assistant in a chemist, said, “You think stuff like this happens in the movies. You don't expect it to happen in real life - even less be in the middle of it.”

Prior to the crash, the family had taken Mohammed Eesaa to the accident and emergency unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary after he developed a temperature. After being diagnosed with a virus he was given medication and discharged.

• Abdur-Rahman-Rumel (father) Mohammed Eesa Rumel (son)

The family stopped for a fast food takeaway and drove home along Ingleby Road when the crash happened at around 12.30am.

Mrs. Rahman spoke of her shock.

“It all happened in a flash. My husband slowed down to let the car behind us pass. It went in front of us and braked, forcing my husband to stop.

“Another car pulled up beside us and then a third one came up behind and hit us in the back. I was jerked forward and then back in my seat and our food went everywhere.”

Whilst Mr. Rahman was taken into a police car and checked, another officer entered the family’s car and took their details.

Mrs Rahman said, “The officer explained they had information the vehicle had been involved in an armed robbery and they had to take full precautions to make sure the robbers did not get away, which is why they had to do what they did.”

Detective Superintendent Jon Morgan, of Bradford District Police, revealed that the suspected vehicle was later recovered.

Changes to household recycling and rubbish collections

Wheelie bins are coming to the following wards from March 2015 ■ Erdington

■ Oscott

■ Sutton New Hall

■ Handsworth Wood

■ Perry Barr

■ Sutton Trinity

■ Kingstanding

■ Stockland Green

■ Sutton Vesey

■ Lozells and East Handsworth

■ Sutton Four Oaks

■ Tyburn

During February, residents living in the above wards (except for those in flats or in houses of multiple occupation), will receive information through the post explaining changes to their recycling and rubbish collection services. You will be given information on whether your property has been assessed as suitable or not for the new wheelie bin collection services.

This is important information, please read it.

To find out more about the service visit birmingham.gov.uk/wheeliebins

11

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FEBRUARY 2015

LEGAL COLUMN Understanding The Two Stage Divorce Process You may have read of the recent case of a Devon man prosecuted for bigamy; his divorce from his first wife was never completed and he therefore committed a crime when he married his second wife. The Judge in the case accepted that this was not a case of out and out deception but that the man had not fully understood the divorce process.

Cases of bigamy are rare; but the consequences can be serious.

It is important to have a clear understanding of the divorce process and its two stages.

The person who initiates a divorce is called the Petitioner. He or she must file the initial paperwork at court, setting out why they feel they are entitled to a divorce. They must be able to establish that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. They must do so on the basis of one of five potential grounds (adultery, unreasonable behaviour, two years separation with consent, five years separation without consent or desertion).

Unreasonable behaviour is the most commonly used ground, it only needs to be established from a subjective perspective (i.e. does the Petitioner believe the Respondent to have behaved unreasonably) and the threshold is relatively low.

After the initial paperwork is processed by the court, the “issued” petition is sent to the Respondent. He or she must then complete an Acknowledgement Form setting out whether they intend to defend the divorce or not.

Most divorces in this country proceed undefended and

MUSLIM WOMEN'S

NATIONAL HELPLINE SET UP

• LEGAL - Sarah Balfour

on that basis they can be considered by a Judge on paper without the need for either person to attend court.

In an undefended divorce the Petitioner can then apply for Decree Nisi.

This is the end of the first stage of the divorce. It is significant because it is the stage at which the court can make a financial order.

It is not however, the end of the divorce itself. For the marriage to come to an end a Judge must pronounce Decree Absolute.

Six weeks and one day from the date of Decree Nisi the Petitioner can apply for Decree Absolute; this is the second and final stage of the process. If the Petitioner does not apply, the Respondent must wait a further period before being able to apply themselves.

Until Decree Absolute has been granted, the couple will remain married. The timing of Decree Absolute can be crucial. In many cases it will be reasonable to hold off applying for Decree Absolute until financial matters have been dealt with, but in others it will not. Whatever the timing issues one of the parties involved must actively make the application at some stage.

If you are going through a separation and are concerned your spouse is taking steps to move your assets beyond your reach please feel free to contact me on an urgent basis at sarah.balfour@irwinmitchell.com or 0121 203 5309. You can also contact me via twitter @sabalfour.

Muslim Women Urged: "Don't suffer in silence, please ask for help"

T

he Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWNUK) has established and will operate a new national helpline aimed at Muslim women and girls who are suffering from or at risk of abuse or facing problems.

Culture often poses a barrier to seeking help because of dishonour, shame, stigma and being rejected by the community.

Some women do not feel comfortable contacting local groups because they are often based in the communities in which they live and fear breaches of confidentiality.

These

the wheel at the time.

Officers from West Midlands Police’s Camera Enforcement Unit looked into the case when forms sent to Mr Jawad Abassi − deported to Pakistan in July 2011 after having been jailed for drink driving − bounced back as “unknown at this address".

After initially claiming to have simply “made a mistake” when filling in the police documents, Abid eventually admitted to the three speeding offences and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

women remain isolated and unsupported. The specialist faith and culturally sensitive helpline will therefore provide a safe space for women and girls to talk about their problems.

Shaista Gohir MBE, Chair of MWNUK, said: “Muslim women and girls will be able to contact the helpline about a range of issues such as sexual violence, forced marriage, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, discrimination, mental health, self harm, marriage, divorce and polygamy.

More women and girls will get the help they need, make informed decisions about

their lives and be more prepared when problems escalate.

The helpline will be an important step towards seeing an increase in reporting of violence.”

Faeeza Vaid, Executive Director of MWNUK, who will be presenting at the event, said: “The launch of the helpline is timely because objectification of women is not the only problem. The largely negative portrayal of Muslim women in the media as ‘not integrated enough’ is resulting in rising Islamophobia and discrimination against them

and we are likely to see this reflected in the helpline calls. We are already being contacted for advice.”

ROBBER IN DISGUISE Man Attempted to Rob Bank Dressed in Burka A

man tried to rob a NatWest bank in The Parade, Oadby, whilst dressed in a Burka. He was also carrying a white handbag and wearing sunglasses.

He threatened staff and ordered them to hand over cash, witnesses revealed they believe the man was carrying a gun. He fled with nothing however after a security alarm was activated.

CCTV footage has been released as police search for the man, officers described the robe as a burka, although

LYING CABBIE CAUGHT OUT A cabbie has narrowly escaped prison for trying to palm off speeding points onto another driver − a man police discovered was not in the country at the time, having been deported three years earlier.

Abid Manzoor, from Essendon Grove in Alum Rock, triggered three speed cameras within the space of six weeks whilst working for a private hire firm.

But instead of taking the fine and points on his licence − which was clean − he completed paperwork suggesting a friend was behind

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At Birmingham Crown Court Abid was handed a six-month jail term and suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work in the community and had eight points added to his licence.

PC Steve Jevons, from West Midlands Police, said: “It never ceases to amaze me how people think they can lie and avoid punishment for driving offences.

"This was a particularly odd case as Manzoor’s licence was clean so even with the points he wouldn’t have been banned.”

it appeared to more closely resemble a niqab, which does not cover the whole face and leaves the eyes exposed.

The image was captured at a Barclays bank nearby although the man made no attempt to rob Barclays. Police revealed no one was injured in the attack.

A force spokesman said officers were confident the criminal was male and that the CCTV image was revealed in case someone saw the assailant take off or put the Burka on.

He said, “We are not necessarily expecting anyone to recognise the man from this CCTV image.

“However, they may have seen him a few streets away taking it off and getting into a car.”

Detective Sergeant Scott Cairns said, “Our inquiries into the incident are currently ongoing and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the man acting suspiciously near the bank before the incident, or as he ran away from the scene.

“Were you in The Parade yesterday morning? Did you see anyone matching his description or do you have information about the incident?

“If you do, call us immediately.”

The suspect is approximately 5ft 10ins, and of stocky build.

The Ravidassia Community of Northampton (RCN) Gurpurab Shri Guru Ravidass Ji Sadh Sangat Jai Gurdev, RCN is celebrating the 638th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji. You and your family are cordially invited to celebrate with the Ravidassia community in Northampton.

Date:

Sunday 1st March 2015

Venue:

The Hindu Community Centre 148 Highfield Road Wellingborough NN8 1PL

Programme: Tea and refreshments…………………10am – 11am Bhog of Shri Sukhmani Sahib………...12pm Kirtan and speeches…..……………….12pm – 3pm Guru ka langar……………………...…..12pm – 3pm Langar sewa has been arranged by Gurnam Mall and family and Kamla Devi and family.

All of the sangat are welcome to support with sewa during the day; the community centre will be open from 8am for preparations.

Yours sincerely, Bal Hellan, Sevadar, 07791 253513 Ram Parkash Chopra, Sevadar, 07466 808221 Karnail Singh Pawar, Sevadar, 077466 797112 Sohan Lal, Sevadar, 07883498717 E-mail: Rcn1377@hotmail.com Registered charity number: 1138134

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GENDERSELECTIVE ABORTION ALLEGATION Private Criminal Case Launched Against Doctor

I

n a rare move, a pro-life human rights campaigner has won a legal battle to prosecute a doctor of trying to offer a gender-selective abortion.

Aisling Hubert, 21, from Brighton, is being backed by the Christian Legal Centre, and was forced to launch the case against Birmingham-based Dr Palaniappan Rajmohan after the Crown Prosecution Service ruled a ‘prosecution was not in the public interest’.

Unaware that he was being filmed by a national newspaper, it is alleged that whilst working at the Calthorpe Clinic in Edgbaston, Dr Rajmohan offered a female patient a termination on the basis she was carrying a girl.

Accused of conspiracy to procure poison to be used with intent to procure abortion, contrary to section 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, Dr Rajmohan is being prosecuted after Birmingham Magistrates Court allowed the case to proceed.

According to the Christian Legal Centre, they exist to “defend Christians in the public sphere and protect the freedom of Christians to live their lives in accordance with their Christian beliefs”.

Chief executive, Andrea Minichiello Williams said, “There has been public outcry over revelations of gender-abortion in the UK but no official action has been taken against the doctors.

“We are proud to stand with Ms Hubert as she battles for justice for unborn children and shames those who should have done so.”

By BINA SITARAM A new campaign has been launched to raise awareness around Alzheimer's in the Asian community.

Bina Sitaram spoke to The Asian Today about her personal struggles with the condition We are going to talk mental illness. 10 years ago, I first started noticing changes in my beautiful mum – Savita.

I noticed she was becoming forgetful. She would forget what day it was, what month

it was, what year we were in.

I remember this starkly as I had just given birth to my second child, and I remember the first trip down to the GP along with mum. The GP agreed that there was some cause for concern as there appeared to be a definite element of forgetfulness. This was followed by a journey of around 4 years of going from one diagnosis to another, starting with depression, to vascular dementia and then finally to Alzheimer’s.

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Birmingham’s CSN International Exhibition & Conference Centre saw hundreds of people come together to celebrate Lohri of Hope, a charity ball in aid of Unique Home for Girls.

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supporters and guests for contributing to the success of the event!’

Parvy Rakar, founder and director Snob Events, said, ‘Our guests enjoyed an authentic Punjabi Lohri – the food, décor, favours and ambience we worked so hard to create took our guests back to Punjab where Lohri is celebrated with huge fan fare. We wanted to celebrate our daughters and show that there is equality for both sexes.’

If you would like to make a donation you can do so at, https://www.justgiving.com/ LohriOfHope/ To learn more about Unique Home, please go to http://www.uniquehomeforgirls.co.uk

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rganised by Snob Events and UK Friends of Unique Home and held on the 24th January, the event was a huge success with guests enjoying a sparkling drinks reception, four course meal and impressive entertainment from DJ Dipps Bhamrah from BBC Asian Network, DJ Nav, a live set by JK, Giddha Sansaar, Eternal Taal and Vasda Punjab.

The star of the evening was Sukshinder Shinda who performed his hits with a live band. The event was hosted by Unique Home supporter Harjap Bhangal. The auction was particularly entertaining with the highest bid going for a signed Pele top for £5,000!

One of the organisers and Trustee for UK Friends of Unique Home, Harinder Singh, said, ‘We are delighted with the amount we have raised this evening and the awareness we have raised for the work of Unique Home. We are grateful to all our sponsors,

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a priority for me to launch the support group – which I have named Shakti. Shakti means strength, as strength is what mum was to me, and strength – an abundance of, is what you need when you are dealing with Alzheimer’s.

I want Shakti to help as many people as possible who are effected by Alzheimer’s not only the patients but the carers and family members too. I can proudly say that through my mum’s pain and suffering a positive fruitful outcome has emerged.

A group which shall be life changing for its users. A group where patients and their caregivers can feel comfortable amongst themselves. .

Shakti will provide a central hub of resourceful information on Alzheimer’s and the different types of help that is available. My promise to my mum is to carry on the beautiful legacy of unconditional love and support which my mum stood for.

Let's start addressing mental illness in our society and stop the stigma which is attached to it because the brain gets poorly too, just like the heart does.

My humble plea to you is that if you know of any Asians who you may think are showing symptoms or who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, then please let them know about Shakti, so that they do not have to walk this journey by themselves. We are here to hold hands and face this together.

HI Q WINDOWS (UK) LTD

and the ability to eat on your own is also lost. Later stages the individual becomes extremely limited with what they can do, and are usually bed bound.

We had embarked on what would be a heart breaking 6 year journey with mum and her Alzheimer’s. Out of everything we had to deal with one of the hardest parts for me was seeing the sheer lack of awareness, understanding and ignorance of the illness from people we knew and the wider community - the Asian community.

The most common question my mum was asked was, ‘but why do you forget, try, try really hard and you will remember’. So mum would try, and try, and try, then cry.

Cry because she felt useless that she could not remember a name for instance, or what she ate for breakfast. “I don’t choose to forget, so why do they keep saying to me “why do you forget” I’m trying really hard but I just can’t remember.” This would normally follow with sobbing and waves of frustration and anger towards herself.

She started to feel very alienated, despite having her family and friends around her.

But mum wasn’t the only one who felt alienated, so did I. So around 3 years ago, I decided that I wanted to set up a support group where patients suffering from Alzheimer’s could go, along with their caregivers and talk to other members, who actually understood the journey.

Sadly, we lost mum In July 2014, exactly a month after she had turned 71.

Since then it has become

15

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Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease of the brain.

Basically it starts turning off parts of your brain. Early stages include symptoms like forgetfulness, slight changes in behaviour – especially around moods.

During the Middle stages the forgetfulness increases, they will forget names of friends and family, names of objects, personal hygiene is affected, simple tasks become difficult, then slowly the ability to care for yourself diminishes totally and the patient is unable to wash, dress themselves, toileting becomes a struggle,

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HEALTH COLUMN HEARTLANDS HOSPITAL’S SEXUAL HEALTH SPECIALIST NURSE, CATHY MCINNES, ADVISES ON HOW TO PREVENT STI’S. The most romantic day of the year is almost upon us. This Valentine's Day make sure the only things you share with your partner are romantic moments and not sexual transmitted infections or an unplanned pregnancy.

Sexual transmitted infections (STI’s) are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex or genital contact.

Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital warts are the most common STI’s.

Sexual activity amongst teenagers and young adults has increased and talking about sex issues can be difficult. Getting professional support can make a real difference and sexual health clinics will offer a confidential service.

If individuals do have STI’s, it is vital that infections are treated imminently. Long term health problems will occur if infections are left untreated. Some STI’s cause few or no symptoms but it is important to practise safe sex.

Men and women will have different symptoms.

Women: • Bleeding between periods or after sex.

• Lower abdominal pain.

• Pain or burning sensation during urination or sex.

• Yellow or green discharge from vagina.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Bumps, blisters or warts on vagina or anus.

Men: • Stinging/burning sensation on the tip of the penis.

• Sores, blisters or scratches on the penis, genital area or around the back passage.

• Have a burning feeling when passing

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urine.

Lump in testicles.

Pain in testicles.

Swelling or redness near the penis.

STI’s are preventable and using condoms can be effective in minimising your chances of getting an STI. Always avoid having sex with anyone who has discharge, genital sores or any other symptoms.

Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol or use drugs. Being under the influence of alcohol and drugs means you are more likely to take sexual risks.

E m e r g e n c y contraception is available from your local GP surgery and sexual health clinic, if you have had unprotected sex and do not want to get pregnant. The sooner you use emergency contraception after sex, the better chance it will have of preventing pregnancy.

There are two methods of emergency contraception.

The emergency pill called Levonelle can be taken up to 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex. It is 95 percent effective at 24 hours and up to 58 percent effective at 72 hours.

EllaOne, known as the ‘morning after pill’, can be taken up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex.

Secondly, a copper coil (IUD - intrauterine device) can be inserted up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex. It is almost one hundred percent effective.

• • •

A CHANCE TO SHINE M

osaic’s committed mentors, teachers and supporters gathered in Birmingham to celebrate their achievements across the West Midlands region.

Attendees spanned across Mosaic’s four mentoring programmes with people from communities across the region also attending the event, which was held at KPMG’s offices. Amongst the guests were key note speakers Shabir Nawab, the WM RLG Chairman, and Andy Argyle, partner at KPMG Birmingham.

The evening provided Mosaic’s supporters and mentors with an opportunity to network, meeting other like-minded individuals whilst sharing their experiences. It also recognised the hard work and commitment of the mentors and the positive contribution they have on the children they work with.

Becky Mitchell, Regional

Manager commented; “Mosaic is very thankful for their mentors; without whom none of our programmes would be able to get off the ground. These individuals have such a positive impact on so many children’s lives and this event gives us an opportunity to say thank you for their time, effort and great accomplishments.”

Several people who have been touched

by Mosaic spoke at the event, including Mani Chandrasehan, a year 11 Kingsbury School student who took part in the Enterprise Challenge for two years in a row and who is part of Mosaic’s Youth Panel. “The Mosaic experience is what sparked my entrepreneurial flair and passion towards accomplishing any task I undertake. I am now also

BIRMINGHAM RAIDS Four Birmingham men accused of handling guns and ammunition will appear before the city’s magistrates court.

Self-employed Sundish Nazran, 31, of Handsworth; unemployed Amar Ghalib, 32, of Sheldon; and unemployed Donavan Rowe, 33, also of Handsworth, are all charged with conspiring to acquire, use or possess criminal property - specifically guns and ammunition.

The trio - who were charged will stand

alongside manager Theodore Wiggan, 27, from West Bromwich who is charged with conspiracy to supply firearms.

All were arrested by detectives from West Midlands Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, probing the illegal sale of guns in Birmingham.

Eight guns and over 500 rounds of ammunition have been seized as part of a longrunning and intelligenceled policing operation. The investigation into the illegal sale of firearms continues.

A DAY OF MEMORY PAYING TRIBUTE TO VICTIMS OF HONOUR CRIMES

I

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.

n a joint campaign with Cosmopolitan Magazine, charity Karma Nirvana has announced that the 14th July is to become a "Day of Memory" for victims of honour-based violence.

The day shows special significance as it lands on Shafilea Ahmed's birthday, the 17-year-old who was murdered by her parents in 2003 after being accused of being too westernised.

• SHAFILEA AHMED

MOSAIC CELEBRATE AT MID-YEAR EVENT

• OASIS ACADEMY HOBMOOR PUPILS WITH THEIR MOTHERS

part of the Mosaic youth panel hoping to help young people across the UK to improve their organisational skills, strengthen their communication abilities and provide them with a stage to unveil coherence and articulacy.”

In addition, several Oasis Academy Hobmoor pupils and their mothers attended the event following their attendance at a graduation ceremony to mark their completion of the Primary school programme earlier this month.

FATHER-OF-THREE JAILED A Birmingham businessowner has been jailed for three years after being caught with 11.5g of cocaine.

Matloob Hussain, who had bowed to dealing drugs in a bid to finance his out-of-control cocaine habit, was arrested at The Birmingham Hotel in Sparkbrook after police received a tip-off.

The father-of-three, who owns and runs family restaurant, Indiano’s, located in Acocks Green, was also found with £520.

Statistics show that women in the UK are raped, abused and physically beaten by their own families, with charity Karma Nirvana supporting such victims of violence.

It has now been announced that the "Britain's Lost Women" campaign has successfully secured the firstever annual Memorial Day, which will take place each year on 14th July. The date holds special significance as it is the birthday of Shalfilea Ahmed, who died at aged 17 in 2003 after being suffocated by her parents in front of her siblings.

The campaign received an estimated 115,000 signatures in support of the day as well as support from the three major political parties. The campaign is in response to the 5,000 women across the world being killed each year for bringing “shame” upon their families, and at least 12 from the UK. Jasvinder Sanghera, Chief Executive of Karma Nirvana, explained she hoped this day will encourage more victims to speak out. “Girls and women can be murdered for the most basic freedoms – the right to education,

He was charged with possession of cannabis, with intent to supply Class A drugs and sentenced to 3 years and 7 months at Birmingham Crown Court.

Judge Richard Bond said, “I accept the submission that you are a user yourself.

That means the dangers of Class A drugs are well known to you, that it ruins people’s lives.

“You also had £520 in cash and that demonstrates to me the amount of drug dealing you had done that day.”

independence or wanting to choose their partner. A day of memory will honour these women and dishonour the crime. It will also raise awareness so anyone can spot this abuse and potentially save someone's life.”

Louise Court, Editor-inChief, Cosmopolitan added, “Convictions are shockingly rare, but every year tens or possibly even hundreds of British women are killed by their own relatives for betraying their so-called ‘honour’.

“A national day of memory is a vital step towards remembering the victims of honour killings and empowering women and girls suffering this type of abuse to speak out and seek help.”

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A Mother Accused of Killing Her Daughter Blames Lesbian Lover 35-year-old Polly Chowdhury and 43-year-old Kiki Muddar are accused of murdering eight-yearold Ayesha Ali in 2013. Both women are now on trial and have denied the charges.

Ms Chowdhury's daughter, Ayesha, was found dead in her bedroom with more than 50 injuries to her body including carpet burns and a bite mark on her shoulder.

The pair became friends when they lived near each other, and in 2012 Muddar moved into Chowdhury's home, leading to the breakdown of her marriage.

According to the court, Muddar controlled Chowdhury through a set of male alter egos, she would speak of her hatred for Ayesha through phone calls and text messages, even pretending to have cancer. She blamed Ayesha for making her condition worse.

On the morning Ayesha was found dead, Muddar dialled 999 and reported that Chowdhury tried to kill herself and that the child was dead.

The court heard that when the operator asked if she was worried about the child, Muddar responded, “Ayesha is always naughty. She never

makes her bed and she is a problem child”.

The jury heard that the cause of the child’s death was head injury.

Prosecutor Mr Whittam said, “At the core of this case is the relationship between Kiki Muddar and Polly Chowdhury.

“It was complex and involved fictional characters.”

The jury heard that there were thousands of Facebook entries, text messages and phone calls that revealed Muddar’s feelings towards Chowdhury and Ayesha.

Chowdhury had reportedly fallen in love with Muddar's fictional Facebook character, Jimmy Chowdhury and a sexual relationship developed between the women with the younger thinking she was having sex with her soul mate “through the medium of Kiki”.

Muddar would also send texts stating she hated Ayesha, writing: “You have no right to ever love or like your evil daughter”, she also threatened to drown Ayesha during a phone call.

Chowdhury blames Muddar for the death of her daughter, in a conversation with the prison officer, she also admitted she now realised characters called Dave and

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Jimmy, who would send her Facebook and text messages, were not real people.

Both women deny causing or allowing the death of a child, murder and manslaughter.

Walsall College has developed a series of free adult courses to help re-engage local parents with learning, build on their confidence and independence and empower them to better support their children’s education.

Dozens of mums and dads signed up to the initiative and recently had their first taste of the English and maths sessions being run at the Charles Coddy Walker Academy by the college’s Skills for Life Lecturer, Rebekah EvansWalker. The students will work towards gaining accredited qualifications of Functional Skills English and Maths, and Personal Social Development awards.

Parent Safia Gulam, said, “I wanted to build up my confidence. I haven’t been to school in 20 years so it was a bit daunting and this was a big step coming here today. But because I am surrounded by friends and at

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a school I know, it was just perfect and I am so glad I did this.”

Around 22 parents signed up for the current Adult Learning course and, if it proves successful, more courses will be added, including ESOL (English for speakers of other languages).

Acting Headteacher at Charles Coddy Walker Academy, Lisa Chambers, commented: “It is encouraging to see so many parents wanting to better themselves and learn at the same time as their own children.

“We welcome learners of all ages and are proud to be able to offer this to our parents and other adults within the community. We were really taken aback by the amount of parents who signed up for the course and thrilled they wanted to improve their own skills, as this will no-doubt also help their own children.”

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20

BRITISH MUSLIM AWARDS T

he third annual British Muslim Awards presented by Al Rayan Bank were held at the Chateau Impney Hotel in Worcestershire.

The evening was one of celebration, recognising a wide range of achievements which cover various aspects of society, including business, charity, sport, arts and culture and much more.

Commenting on the event, Sultan Choudhury Chief Executive Officer, Al Rayan Bank, said, “The British Muslim Awards provide a platform for Muslims throughout the United Kingdom to showcase their achievements; Al Rayan Bank is honoured to support the event once again this year. I congratulate the winners, and the nominees, for their impressive contribution to their sector.”

The ceremony was presented by award winning TV chef, Ajmal Mushtaq, and welcomed

around 400 attendees, who were treated to a special performance from UK’s funniest Asian comedian, Mani Laiqat and nasheed artist, Naseem Khan.

Irfan Younis, CEO for the event organisers, Oceanic Consulting, said, “There are some truly inspirational individuals, businesses and organisations in all of the categories, and we would like to congratulate all of the finalists and winners who continuously thrive to excel, making worthy contenders.”

As well as recognising the achievements of British Muslims at the forefront of their industries, the event raised £1500 for The Well Foundation. Set up in 2008, The Well Foundation aims to raise money to build wells, install hand pumps and establish health and sanitation programs to provide accessible clean water to the stricken regions of the world.

12. Services of Science & Engineering Farid Khan (Manchester)

2. Arts & Culture Awareness Shahida Rahman (Perfect Publishers, Cambridge)

13. Services to Law Bilkis Mahmood (Blackstone Law, Leeds)

3. Charity of the Year Orphans in Need (London)

14. Services to Creativity & Technology Muslim & Single (London)

4. Responsible Media of the Year British Muslim TV (Wakefield).

15. Religious Advocate of the Year Imam Asim Hafiz (UK Ministry of Defence, London)

7. Noor Inayat Khan Memorial Award for Muslim Woman of the Year Rimla Akhtar (London) 8. Services to Finance and Accounts Islamic Finance Council (London) 9. Dr. Abbas Khan Memorial Award for Services to Medicine Dr Nadia Khalid (London) 10. Services to Media Mishal Husain (BBC, London)

We would like to congratulate all of the finalists and winners who continuously thrive to excel, making worthy contenders.

Mohammed spent three years recovering in hospital before he was finally allowed to move back into the family’s home.

But all the years of hard work have finally paid off as Rakhsana is now enjoying success in her new career as a professional make-up artist.

The 40-year-old said, “Life changed for everyone after the accident. I was running a women’s centre at the time but had to give it all up.

• Rakhsana Koosar with model Nardia Hussain

1. Muslim in the Community Ali Khan (Roshni, Glasgow)

6. Best at Sports Samera Ashraf (Edinburgh)

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

ut of hardship and through a series of unfortunate mishaps, a mother has found the motivation to turn things around.

Rakhsana Koosar’s life was turned upside down after her husband, Mohammed Azeem, was paralysed from the neck down in a horrific car accident in 2007. Putting her own dreams on hold she took the task to care for her much-loved husband and their three young children.

THE WINNERS

5. Services to Civil/Third Sector Saleh Saeed (DEC, London)

HOW A MOTHER-OF-THREE TURNED HER LIFE AROUND

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“I want to show the world that I can do this and look after my husband and children as well. Mohammed stresses that I work too hard but he is really proud of me.”

“I spent three years going back and forth from the hospital and passing the kids from pillar to post.

“I’d been juggling so many things and a lot of things had to be put on hold. But now is my time to get back on it.”

Rakhsana, determined to turn her hobby into a full-time career, returned to college to complete her studies and successfully qualified as a make-up tutor.

She now runs a makeup academy from her home

“I’d been juggling so many things and a lot of things had to be put on hold. But now is my time to get back on it.”

11. Services to Education Sofina Aktar Motin Islam (Stanton Bridge, Coventry)

husband Mohammed Azeem

studio, a decision that gives her the best of both worlds as she is never away from Mohammed.

Her talents have also been spotted as the North West Asian Wedding Experience named her Make-up Artist of the Year.

A jubilant Rakhsana said, “It just goes to show that you can come back from whatever you face in life. You can’t just sit there and cry but pick yourself back up.

“I want to show the world that I can do this and look after my husband and children as well. Mohammed stresses that I work too hard but he is really proud of me.”

17. Politician of the Year Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) 18. Businesswoman of the Year Henna Riaz (360 Royalty Audit, Manchester) 19. Businessman of the Year Farouq Sheikh (CareTech Holdings Plc, Hertfordshire) 20. Entrepreneur of the Year Shazia Saleem (iEat Foods, London) 21. Business of the Year Euro Quality Lambs (Shropshire) 22. Spirit of Britain Anas Sarwar (MP, Glasgow)

APPEAL FOR CALM AFTER TESCO ATTACK

P

• Rakhsana Koosar with her

16. Young Achiever of the Year Enaam Ahmed (Enaam Motor Sport, London)

olice have appealed for calm after a 24-year-old man was attacked with a ‘huge knife’ at a Tesco store.

Zack Davies is said to have shouted ‘white power’ whilst attacking Sarandev Singh Bhambra, who had been on his lunch break.

Senior Investigating Officer DCI Alun Oldfield said "I would like to reassure the local community that this appears to be an isolated incident and from our enquiries to date we believe Davies was acting alone and we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this assault.

Crimes of this nature are extremely rare.

“The 24-year-old victim remains in hospital with serious life-changing injuries. He and his family are being supported by specialist Family Liaison Officers.

I am aware there is speculation on Social Media about the

assault and I can confirm we are treating it as a hate-related, racially and religiously motivated incident.”

Charandeep Singh from the Sikh Channel said that Sikh’s were now living in fear. “The police across the United Kingdom should be allocating resources towards the security of the Sikh community and religious establishments in addition to those for the general public.

“The media has openly and rightly reported the vulnerability of the Jewish community but by an large remain mute regarding the Sikhs.”

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21

FEBRUARY 2015

CHILLI Brothers ROBBERS Temporary is your shop Blinded Victims JAILED costing you money T rs yea 25

wo brothers, who used chilli powder to temporarily blind their victims, have been jailed for a series of Birmingham city centre phone robberies.

Kashif Ashraf, 34, and Khalid Ashraf, 28, both of Portland Road, Smethwick, were jailed at Birmingham Crown Court to six and seven years respectively after they were found guilty of four street robberies.

The robberies took place between 21 June and 6 July last year and in each occasion the pair preyed on lone women who were using their mobile phones at the time.

The first robbery involved a 23-year-old woman who was followed as she walked from Fiveways Island and into an underpass where the duo lay in wait. The woman’s phone was grabbed and as she screamed for help they knocked her glasses off and rubbed chilli powder into her eyes leaving her temporarily blinded and in a great deal of pain.

Nine days later, they robbed an 18-year-old woman, again seen on her phone outside the Marriot Hotel at Fiveways Island.

One of the brothers grabbed the phone while the other rubbed chilli powder in her eyes.

Their third robbery was

• JAILED: Kashif Ashraf (left), and Khalid Ashraf later the same day (30 June) at 5.30pm, where a 30-year-old woman sat on seating near to Morrison’s Supermarket on the Hagley Road. When the woman refused to let go of her phone, they scratched her hand to release her grip.

The brazen pair were eventually caught minutes after their last robbery on 6 July at 8.45pm in Upper Dean Street. They snatched the phone from a 39-year-old woman; as they ran off one of the brothers turned round and laughed at her. A passing member of the public, who had seen the robbery, chased the pair and also managed to flag down a passing police car who were then able to arrest the pair and recover the phone.

Investigating the robberies

was Detective Constable Jamie Simon, he said: "On each occasion, the brothers targeted women who were on their own.

"Three of the women were physically hurt during their ordeal, particularly when the substance believed to be chilli powder was used. We believe this was a deliberate attempt by the brothers to try and mask their identity."

At the time of the four robberies, Kashif Ashraf was already on bail in connection with an attempted robbery on a lone woman − he was found guilty of that offence in September last year. During a preliminary hearing, Kashif pleaded guilty to the 6 July robbery but maintained his innocence to the other three throughout the trial.

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mir Khan, w h o recently visited the victims of the Peshawar Attack in Pakistan, lent his support for a charity event in Slough.

K h a n ’ s charity, The Amir Khan Fo u n d a t i o n , joined hands with charity Poppy’s Path to raise awareness of cerebral palsy, a condition which affects children before or during birth due to an injury to the brain which restricts the movement of muscles.

Poppy is a young girl who caught pneumonia whilst still in the womb. As a result she was born with damage to the brain which controls and co-ordinates movement. Poppy's father, Dan Maclaren, set up the charity to raise awareness of cerebral palsy and to raise

funds for children who are suffering the same plight.

With the help of donations Poppy has received extensive treatment and therapy and has made some remarkable progress. She can now take a few steps at time without the aid of support – a breakthrough considering her parents were told she will never be able to walk. The journey is long and Poppy continues to receive treatment and therapy.

Azar Khan, one of the organisers of the event, commented: “It was a very big success and a big turnout. “ T h e highlight of the evening was definitely the question and answer with Amir, Ben Doughty, boxing coach, and Spencer F e a r o n , a boxing

promoter.”

The two-time world champion said, “I do a lot of charity work. Just recently I went over to Pakistan, with what happened over there, over 130 children killed in a school in Peshawar. I wanted to go there to build awareness and make a difference.

“I’m starting gyms up in Pakistan as well. It’s about giving kids a chance, giving them an opportunity.”

He said; “You can’t forget your roots as well. I’m "It’s about giving kids a chance, giving from the UK, them an opportunity. You can’t forget I’m from Bolton, your roots as well. I’m from the UK, and you have to I’m from Bolton, and you have to support your local support your local community.” community.”

SMALL HEATH BUSINESSES ATTACKED

Police in east Birmingham investigating attacks on businesses in Small Heath and Sparkbrook − where windows were smashed − have moved to stress the incidents are not racially or religiously motivated.

Statements have been taken and officers continue to trawl CCTV which may have caught the vandals in

action.

Chief Superintendent Richard Moore, from Stechford police station, said: "At this time there is nothing at all to suggest that the crimes were motivated by the shopkeepers' race or faith. In fact we believe that the damage caused was by individuals specifically targeting these three businesses.

"Our inquiries continue and we urge anyone with information about the broken windows to get in touch."

Anyone who may be able to help trace the vandals should call police on 101. People who do not want to speak with police officers directly can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

NEWS

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FEBRUARY 2015

THE MALE BRAIN

G – ROOM: THE RISE OF THE NEW AGE MAN 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. Share his world on Twitter, Instagram and FB @aboycalledsuri

T

he tumult of Paris Mens Fashion week has just come to a close, highlighting the optimum vintage against modern day attires of the finest swanky designers, exclusive collaborations and what some may describe as over the top inventive creations.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that men’s luxury stores are endlessly growing in numbers.

Availability of excess is no longer limited when it comes to options in fashion and looking the part. But it doesn’t stop there - Time magazine reported in 2012 that ‘men’s cosmetics and grooming products are among the fastest-growing segments in the beauty industry’.

Three years on the terms ‘guyliner’ and ‘mandation’ are less unknown and more common to most.

Sat in the barbers having my every other week ‘tidy up’ the discussion soon turned to business – and what was keeping it alive. My barber called it the ‘David Beckham effect’ and it made absolute sense.

The majority of us British guys have most probably continued the trend of hair styles and apparel that he had set a long time ago – and today these have given birth to a new generation and breed of man.

Most won’t admit it, talk about it or share their tips but male self grooming has certainly become a fixture in a lot of our daily routines.

It’s no longer the stereotypical

metro-sexual guy who is alone in his extended purchases of hair products, moisturisers, facial creams or even anti-aging products. Single fellas, married men, playing the field guys and fathers alike are all opting for the added factor of looking the part. For those who are familiar with the world famous GQ magazine you should also know that they hold

glowing coloured guy in your circle of Saturday night friends is not always the coolest way to set new trends. So where do we draw the line? I would say you decide.

Now let’s travel east in the world – where what we describe as ‘new age’ is in fact the norm in many places.

Guyliner in the west is otherwise known as ‘surma’ in many places east of the globe. Giving the same after-effect is this rich black coloured powder that is applied using a small pencil-like tool is made from rocks and minerals which are believed to improve vision – irrespective of gender. It has been used for centuries across many Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries with many men continuing to apply it throughout the adult years as well. Perhaps they are what inspired the likes of Johnny Depp and Russell Brand to encircle their eyes with this look. And whilst we’re travelling, if you go across the pond, we have a nation of American football players who have their very own guise. Black greased stripes have become less about reflecting the sun from their eyes and more about their presentation and what it says about their demeanour.

Has male grooming become our daily war paint? Keep an eye out

Becoming new age isn’t necessarily on every man's agenda an official Annual GQ Grooming Awards ceremony – where the panel consists of the connoisseurs of the male grooming world. Not to mention the rising number of online blogs and Instagram pages dedicated to this new age of man.

However there can be connotations to our new found routines which may be the reason why we treat them as ‘taboos’.

Spending more time than your partner getting ready is never a good sign. Getting your eyebrows pluck perfect can attract strange comments – and being the most

as Super Bowl season commences.

So we have products, adverts, award ceremonies, brand ambassadors and more, yet we are still struggling to vocalise our desire to embrace what helps us look the way we want.

Becoming new age isn’t necessarily on every man's agenda. After all, some women will of course prefer the lesser groomed, rough around the edges kind of guy – but on the flip side – there are a lot of women who I am confident will take much more preference in the improved oil-free faced man.

In my opinion it’s a sign of what I would describe as a refreshing nature of growth. Ultimately we are in a battle with the idea of ‘does society dictate us’ or ‘do we dictate our society’ – nature vs. nurture and so on. It’s not something us men need to shout about from the rooftops and make bold statements to back ourselves up with, however there is certainly no harm in embracing a product or a number of products which can not only maintain your look but also help define it.

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FEBRUARY 2015

‘VICIOUS’ AND ‘INEXCUSABLE’ Shocking Footage Emerges of Abuse at Halal Slaughterhouse

H

idden camera footage from Bowood Lamb abattoir showed distressing scenes of animals being kicked, pushed and even taunted by slaughter men. The workers from the abattoir in Thirsk, North Yorkshire have since had their operating licences removed.

Footage showed a man kick a sheep in the face and one stood on the neck of a conscious animal. One staff member allegedly laughed at a sheep bleeding to death and others taunted and frightened sheep by waving knives around.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) launched an investigation into the video and stated that there was “no excuse for treating animals in the way shown on the video”. They added that prosecutions could follow after the video was recorded by Animal Aid. Kate Fowler, head of campaigns at Animal Aid said, “The vicious attacks on defenceless, frightened animals at Bowood are inexcusable.

A Muslim Council of Britain spokesman said, “Animal cruelty is wrong and criminal wherever it may occur. That it is being carried out in halal slaughter makes it even more incredulous.

Animal welfare should be observed by all slaughterhouses.

“The findings certainly are abhorrent in Islamic practice, and the abattoir must be subject to the full force of the law. In the past, Animal Aid has reported on similar abuses taking place at non-religious UK

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UK laws state that animals must be stunned before slaughter to prevent unnecessary suffering, under halal code however animals must be killed quickly with a single sweep of a surgically-sharp knife.

They should not see the knife before they are slaughtered or witness the death of other animals.

The video revealed these rules were ignored for the 4000 sheep, knives were sharpened in front of sheep and they witnessed other sheep having their throats hacked.

Compulsory CCTV has been called for in UK slaughterhouses and a petition aimed at starting a parliamentary debate on the issue has already collected more than 80,000 of the 100,000 signatures needed.

The FSA revealed in a statement, “We are also continuing to investigate all the circumstances around the incident to ensure proper safeguards are introduced to stop this happening in the future.”

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A DESI VALENTINE'S DAY? The Real Truth

Recent studies reveal that the roots of Valentine's Day and the loving celebration of this festival, which happens to fall on February 14 each year, can in fact be traced back to ancient India. YES! It appears that the name ‘Valentine’ itself is derived from belan din (rolling pin day), a festive occasion when a young Harappan woman would put down her rolling pin and embraced her flowerbearing lover with flourcoated hands.

Over the centuries, this name inevitably underwent change. At some stage the word daine (meaning 'right') was added on, to emphasise the fact that the sensible young Harappan woman held on to her belan with her right hand just so that her man did not get any funny ideas about decamping with some shameless hussy from Sumeria or Samarkand.

The resulting belan daine din in due course became Valentine’s Day in the twisted tongue of the British

25

FEBRUARY 2015

WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FROM THE ENTIRE ASIAN TODAY TEAM

Tracing Valentines Day back to India

Bela becomes a wandering young men and women in colonialists. songstress renowned for that Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to However, as with all things immortal ditty to love, Bela jointly feed the community’s Desi, this central theme gave teeni Dey.... bullocks or belwith mounds rise to an amazing variety of Most relevant to our of that green and tasteless subsidiary myths elsewhere troubled times, however, is vegetable known as tinda. in our culture. For instance, the South Indian version. On How romantic bel tindaday in Maharashtra, India, there this day, amorous teenagers must have been to those are reasons to believe that of yore greeted others with young wooers as they stood the festival gets its name from sweets and joyous cries amidst the snorting beasts the ubiquitous and muchof “Vellum tayen!” which and watched them slurp loved bhelpuri. Wonderful in Tamil means, indeed are “Give us some the legends sugar!”

Naturally, It was the ultimate expression of that tell of ignorant Englishmen how, on this love. From bhel ani tumi to Valentine corrupted ‘tayen’ day many was but a short step for Western to ‘tine’ and the millennia whole thing became ago, an colonialists…

Valentine. But wait! a r d e n t A 'tine', as we know, y o u n g is one of those pointed things down their victuals by the Marathi lad gazed into a fork has; and a fork is but a pailful! his beloved’s eyes as she trident by another name. And Bengal typically puts a stirred the bhelpuri pot and who do we most commonly totally different spin to the whispered: "Bhel ani tumi associate tridents with story. Tradition here has it " which of course means nowadays? The Bajrang Dal, that a beautiful young lass “Bhel... and thou!” It was Sri Ram Sene and affiliated named Bela had to choose the ultimate expression of self-styled guardians of her mate on this day from love. From bhel ani tumi to Indian culture, of course. three equally suitable suitors Valentine was but a short step Here, then, lies the key to of the Dey clan. The tale ends for Western colonialists… ensuring happy and peaceful in typically tragic Bengali The cow belt has a different Valentine’s Day in the fashion; unable to choose version. In ancient times coming years. The Bajrang between the three Deys, this day was an occasion for

VALENTINE'S PLAYLIST

WHAT DOES VALENTINES DAY MEAN TO YOU? 1.

2.

Tum Hi Ho – Aashiqui 2 Zehnaseeb – Hasse Toh Passe

3.

4.

5.

DO YOU HAVE AN INTRESTING VALENTINE FACT? TWEET US #TATVALENTINE Dal and Sri Ram Sene et al, recognising the festival’s intimate connections with the ancient traditions of India, will hereafter join in the Valentine’s Day celebrations, greeting one and all with succulent sweets, serenades and secular hymns.

Dholna – Heyy Babyy Tere Naina Maar Hi Daalenge – Jai Ho Jiya – Gunday

6.

7.

8.

Love Main Thora Aur – 9.

Yaariyan Maahi Ve – Highway 10.

Raabta – Agent Vinod

presents

Ishq Bulaava – Hasee Toh Phasee Chauhun Main Ya Na – Aashiqui 2

with

THE MIDLANDS LARGEST WEDDING & FASHION SHOW

A worldwide day, which celebrates the emergence and blossoming of love in all forms, Valentine’s Day, is a day which some eagerly wait for whilst others really cannot stand the day. The idea that a whole day shouldn’t be dedicated and celebrated for that one special person in your life, is a bit pointless to some, but to others it’s an enthusiastically awaited day. We asked our readers what the day meant to them.

•

•

•

It does not mean anything to me. We are going to spend it in our pyjamas, watching our favourite shows and movies and eating our favourite food. – Anisa, 25 Loving my family and any other person around me, love is a daily bread because love I can live peaceful with people around me...so to me it does not mean anything because I love every day. – Jassi, 33 Stock up on cheap chocolate. – Haroon, 21

Desi Chat-up Lines do you have any? share them with us

• • • • • •

It’s like for couples day, so I have no plans at the moment I guess I’m hoping that there’s a good TV special on. – Nisha, 19 I generally send flowers to my mom. – Imran, 31 It’s just another day. – Adeel, 24 First dance, need to get a nice dress and shoes. – Daniel, 29 A zany night with the girls –Amina, 38 Valentines day should be everyday - Ali 22

When I look at you…Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Will you be the samosa to my chutney You make my hearts rickshaw go wild You make me blush like tamataar You’re gharam…like gharam masala The day I saw you, I cancelled my shaadi.com account Your ammi must have eaten a lot of curry while she was pregnant with you, because you're sizzling hot!

• You're more gharam than my chai • We go together like aloo and gobi • You're my favourite ladoo

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PENSIONER ROBBED

Police have released CCTV of two men who conned cash out of an elderly gentleman outside a local supermarket.

The 90-year-old had collected his weekly pension and was buying groceries at a local store when two men let him jump the queue. As he steadied himself outside the shop, the two men engaged him in conversation asking about a phone number on a piece of paper. After they had walked away, the elderly gent quickly realised that his wallet was missing.

CCTV shows the two men entering Sainsbury’s Local on Harborne High Street shortly before 3pm on Tuesday 16 December and detectives are now appealing for anyone who recognises them to get in touch.

Investigating officer DC Nannett Kite said: "These two men took advantage of an elderly man who was going about his weekly routine just before Christmas. It is despicable that someone should target him while he continues to retain his independence.

"I would urge anyone who recognises the men to get in touch with me on 101."

The victim described the men as white Eastern Europeans in their mid-thirties and around 5ft 7ins tall.

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FEBRUARY 2015

‘Mirpuri’ to a ‘ Mirpuri Brummie’ • ‘Mirpuri’ to a ‘ Mirpuri Brumm

FROM MIRPUR TO BIRMINGHAM • MIRPUR TO

BIRMINGHAM: Haji Hukam Dad presented with a Certificate

Experiencing First-Hand Accounts of Immigration

A

new exhibition which chronicles the journey of immigrants from Pakistan to the UK has been launched.

In conjunction with the Library of Birmingham the ‘From Mirpur to Birmingham’ Project is the culmination of a project which focuses on the experiences of those who have first-hand accounts of the amazing life-changing

journey, in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir to Birmingham, England.

Led by enthusiastic volunteers from the diverse Birmingham community, the project has enabled young people to work with professionals and first, second generation elders to explore the history surrounding the journey and find out in detail the firsthand accounts of those who were fortunate to experience

the transformation from being a ‘Mirpuri’ to a ‘ Mirpuri Brummie’.

This journey will educate all and give a greater understanding about the hardships and struggles endured and the families who departed from their homeland to make the journey in the 1950’s onwards, and the subsequent community which continues to grow in their achievements and

•

MIRPUR TO BIRMINGHAM: Lord Mayor and Basharat Dad (CEO of Our Community CIC)

•

MIRPUR TO BIRMINGHAM: Exhibition board

Asian Wedding EXHIBITIONS

LIVE PERFORMANCE

2015

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Sunday 8th February 2015 Leciester City Football Club King Power Stadium, Filbert Way Leicester LE2 7FL

BIRMINGHAM Sunday 1st March 2015 Aston Villa Football Club 1 Holte Suite Birmingham B6 6HE Live Performance by NAVIN KUNDRA at Birmingham Show MEDIA SUPPORT

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mie’ • ‘Mirpuri’ to a ‘ Mirpuri Brummie’ •

•

MIRPUR TO BIRMINGHAM: Copy of original passport in 1960. Courtesy of Ghulam Fatima

It is a very interesting exhibition about the journey the first generation made which also provides a good understanding for future generations. land.” Whilst Wadi Hussain added, “Our first identity is that we are Muslims. Our second identity is that we are Pakistani and yes we are British too and this is also important. However, it is very important that we keep our Pakistani identity and know our legacy.

People have worked extremely hard in this community. We have worked with enthusiasm and conscientiousness and we have helped to build this country.”

The exhibition was a hit with visitors. Roslyn Chrichlow from Coventry said, “It was very interesting. I could see

9th Annual Awards

Friday 20th February 2015 Hilton Birmingham Metrople, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham B40 1PP. 6:30pm

27

PATIENT TO POSTER BOY Man Becomes Face of NHS Campaign Promoting Clinical Trials

MIRPUR TO BIRMINGHAM: Exhibition board

contributions within and beyond 2014.

The exhibition looked at the thoughts and analysis from the older generation on topics such as the younger generation, achievements, identity, culture, settling in Birmingham, expectations, life in Mirpur, the journey over and education.

Stories which were captured came from a mixture of individuals, with all emphasising the importance of holding roots are for the next generations. Mr Hukam Dad commented, “The third generation are not happy to return to Pakistan. I think they will sell their ancestral

FEBRUARY 2015

parallels with my Italian father’s move to Australia and the people from Mirpur.”

Whilst Hammad Hussain from Birmingham said, “It is a very interesting exhibition about the journey the first generation made which also provides a good understanding for future generations.”

Tara Hussain added, “An amazing short exhibition to allow an insight into the largest cultural community in Birmingham.

It is a great way to build and acknowledge and understand around the diverse culture.”

Grandfather Vinod Malhotra went to the doctors with a sore throat in 2006 only to be diagnosed with Prostate cancer.

The then 60-year-old’s GP decided to carry out a number of routine blood tests, which revealed that his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) was ‘extremely high’.

A scan revealed Malhotra had prostate cancer and he was offered a clinical trial in London where patients could be treated with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU).

“It was an absolute shock,”

said Malhotra, a retired civil servant. “If my doctor hadn’t suggested a PSA test I might be dead right now.

“But the clinical trial I was on made all the difference. My ultrasound treatment was as easy as going to the dentist, and I was able to go back to work the next day.”

He then underwent further ultrasound treatment and radiotherapy at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, after his PSA level began to rise again.

Since then his results have come back as all clear.

Now the father-of-two is the face of a new month-

long Cancer Research UK campaign to raise awareness about the advantage of clinical trials to help save lives. Posters will be displayed at bus shelters and outside shopping centres, they will also be present in hospitals including City Hospital, Heartlands, Solihull, Good Hope, Sandwell and Birmingham Chest Clinic.

Malhotra said, “I know from personal experience that clinical trials are vital, both to people like me who have received treatment, and to future generations.”

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Jaspreet's Corner The 9-year-old Writer A Stormy dream …

I fell asleep with the noise of the rain hitting the window, it was cold and I snuggled under my duvet, I could see the shadow of the tree in the front garden on the wall opposite, looked like the pointy fingers of a witch moving slowly in the winds direction. I stared out the window and lights shone from houses afar...slowly I was drifting off…

Waves crashing, cargo shaking, we enter my worst nightmare-a storm. As the harsh waves slapped the side of the ship, I get shoved on to the floor and my crew members flee to the other side of the ship like rats on the Titanic. While I am helplessly lying on the floor, trying to get up is difficult, as waves don’t stop and wait for you to get up; they just crash down on you.

As the storm carries on, I get up and now, on the ship is water, up to my knees.

My shipmates pointlessly attempt to keep the cargo still, and I strongly cling onto the side of the ship.

The water is getting higher and higher,

panic sets in, I cannot move, I am frozen in fear and anxiety sets in, I cannot scream for help, I try but nothing is coming out of my mouth. I have no voice. I am stuck and the water is rising... how can this be? There are windows and a hallway but the water is just around me. It is up to my shoulders now and I am shivering and cold and struggling to breathe.

I cannot see anyone. Have they escaped?

I am all alone and now the water has come over my mouth and I am gasping and still unable to scream or move, why I do not know... there is nothing holding me and I know how to swim, nothing makes sense, I have tears rolling down my eyes – oh no I am going to drown.

Then I feel a thump, a hard thump on my shoulder, I look up and there is my sister, ‘hurry up, we are going to be late for school, if you do not get up!’ I look around and I am at home, in the warmth and the only wet thing I can feel are the drips falling off my sister’s curly hair onto my face! Thank goodness this was all a dream.

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4. Chill until set, about 15 minutes.

Jokes For 10 Year Old Boys and Girls

Birmingham will see the opening of a new free Christian school, King Solomon International Business School.

Birmingham-based charity Excell3 have backed the opening of the school which will feature a globally aware education with the esteemed International Baccalaureate programme. We sat down with Excell3 CEO Dr. Cheron Byfield who shared her vision for the new school and what it will offer pupils.

Why is it important to you that this is a free school?

It is important because education can be extremely expensive and only a few have the financial resources to access it. We wanted to provide something that was new, dynamic and fresh but without costing that parent.

Parents have invested a lot of money in this country so they should have access to a quality education.

How do you think the International Baccalaureate will benefit your pupils?

Our pupils will be accessing what is considered an elitist education programme, it was developed for children of international diplomats which is why it is such an elitist programme even today.

The benefit to our students is that they will be doing an

internationally recognised education programme which will also develop their mindset to live, work or trade in the global economy.

Will there be any placements or opportunities for experience at different companies?

Very much so, we have already formed partnerships with a number of international business companies including Jaguar Land rover and Royal Shakespeare Company as well as companies from abroad.

Each of these different partners have agreed to provide different types of services for the children; some will be coming in as speakers, some will come in as business mentors and others will provide work placements abroad.

Although a Christian

AN AMPLIFYING Create DESIGN Students Audio Device

King Solomon International Business School opens in September 2015 For more information visit their website at: kingsolomonibs.com school you are open to all faiths, do you think you will attract different faith groups in the community?

We would hope so, traditionally we are part of the Woodard family of Christian schools. They attract children from other faiths because people like the ethos and what they are developing in the children.

Finally, what is your vision for the school?

Ultimately our vision is to achieve academic excellence, but what makes us different is that we also want to develop the character of the children so they will be good citizens who will be honest and will do business in an ethical way.

SALMA YAQOOB HONOURED AT UNIVERSITY AWARDS

Q. What did the doctor say to the patient when he finished operating?

A. That's enough out of you.

Q. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, what does garlic do?

A. Keeps everyone away Q. What invention enables people to walk through walls?

A. A door Q. What's worse than being bitten by Dracula?

A. Shaking hands with Captain Hook Q. What's a crazy duck?

A. A wacky quacky Q. What did the duck say when he finished shopping?

A. Just put it on my bill please Q. What did one mountain say to the other mountain after the earthquake?

A. It's not my fault!

Q. What happens when two snails have a fight?

A. They slug it out Q. What noise do porcupines make when they kiss?

A. Ouch Q. How do fireflies start a race?

A. Ready, set, glow!

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Creative students have developed a bespoke amplifier design business as part of their Placement year.

Undergraduates Nitesh Sharma, Tobias Williams and Manjinder Singh have launched Sense Audio which brings their engineering knowledge to the business world.

The team’s business works by transforming every day and ordinary objects into audio amplifiers, ranging from retro multi-meters to drain pipes.

Sense Audio have launched their website

where their products will be available for purchase online and hope to continue the business as a placement opportunity in engineering for students in the future.

Nitesh, co-founder of Sense Audio, said, “One of the highlights so far for Sense Audio is gaining exposure and building our reputation which in itself is a fantastic achievement for us as young students starting a business in our placement year.

Sense Audio is not engineering specific, allowing us as a team to grow, learn and adapt new skills.”

A community has been demonised and the reputation of Birmingham damaged due to the Muslim-Western tensions that exist following the Trojan Horse investigations, said community activist Salma Yaqoob at a graduation ceremony at Birmingham City University.

Salma was presented with an Honorary Doctorate degree, where she spoke about some of the issues affecting her local community.

The qualified psychotherapist warned that if the conversation does not begin to shift from the 'war on terror' to the 'impact on individuals' then even more pressure will be placed on an already-strained public health system, which will be forced to step in to provide additional support for Muslim communities.

Salma has been a community activist for several years and has tirelessly campaigned on the themes of equality, justice and peace, particularly focussing on a number of important local issues including reducing the gaps in educational achievement of disadvantaged young people.

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INSIDE INSIDE

VARUN DHAWAN

XPRESS

NO.1 FOR ASIAN ENTERTAINMENT

SPEAKS ABOUT HIS NEW FILM BADLAPUR

PG. 34

60TH FILMFARE AWARDS

“THE BIG AMBITIOUS DRAMA”

TH IS IS A SU M M ER WH ICH WILL CHANGE

INDIAN SUMMERS

EVERYTH ING

CHANNEL 4 - SUNDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 9PM

Channel 4’s highly anticipated new drama, Indian Summers, will be premiering this month with a host of familiar and famous faces. Julie Walters, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Jemima West, Nikesh Patel, Roshan Seth, Olivia Grant and Aysha Kala all make up the star-studded cast.

It’s the summer of 1932. India dreams of independence, but the British are clinging to power.

In the foothills of the Himalayas stands Simla; a little England where the British power-brokers of this nation are posted to govern during the warmer months.

Set against the sweeping grandeur of the Himalayas and tea plantations of Northern India, Indian Summers tells the rich and explosive story of the decline of the British Empire and the birth of modern India. Revealing a tangled web of passions, rivalries and clashes that define the lives of those brought together in the shadow of the mountains, this is a summer which will change everything.

On why she chose the drama, Julie Walters commented, “I read the scripts and thought, this is seriously interesting. I loved Cynthia and I was intrigued by her relationship with this young man, Ralph [Whelan, played by Henry LloydHughes]. And they had Anand Tucker to direct…

The whole thing was very attractive.”

Whilst newcomer, Aysha Kala said she was excited about working in the production.

“I was more excited than daunted. It was great to

PG. 34

PG. 29

A SONG FOR PESHAWAR PAKISTAN UNITES ENT WHAT WE W N TH ROUGH O 6TH DECEM BER 1 CAN NOT BE IN DESCRIBED WORDS

The Pakistani media industry has come together to pay their tribute to the victims of the Peshawar massacre. An idea that came from musician-turned-actor, Ali Zafar, sees 50 musicians, television stars and cricketers unite to contribute to a song, Urain Gey (We Will Fly) remembering those that lost their lives in the December 16 attack.

PG. 34

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HOWZAT! MS DHONI MOVIE GETS RELEASE DATE The much anticipated movie of the Indian cricket captain has finally been given a release date. MS Dhoni – The Untold Story, is set to release on October 22nd, according to lead actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who will be playing the captain.

Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the movie is based on the rise of the World Cup-winning captain, but will also touch on the personal life and journey before he became a global sporting icon.

Remarking on the movie, Pandey said, “It’s a unique ACTOR SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT WILL BE PLAYING journey of a unique individual, THE INDIAN CAPTAIN leader and an international icon.”

Sushant Singh said, “I am immensely excited to play Dhoni on screen. He is an inspiration for millions and Neeraj Pandey is one of the most prolific directors, looking forward!”

SOHA’S WEDDING BLISS ACTRESS IS HITCHED TO BEAU Actress Soha Ali Khan recently married fiancé, Kunal Kemmu in a small ceremony in Mumbai.

Soha’s elder brother Saif Ali Khan, sister-in -law Kareena Kapoor, sister Saba and mother Sharmila Tagore were all present.

Festivities started on January 22 with Soha’s bachelorette party thrown by her friends from Bollywood, which included Neha Dhupia. The mehndi ceremony was held the next day with Saif and Kareena by her side.

The small wedding was a stark contrast to the elaborate celebrations that marked Saif's wedding to Kareena in 2012. 36-yearold Soha and 31-year-old Khemu were engaged in Actress Soha Ali Khan Paris last year. marries fiancé Kunal Kemmu

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On her visit to the Bigg Boss house, Mallika Sherawat was heard praising Farah Khan, commenting that she was one woman whom everyone should take inspiration from. She went on saying the way she carries herself, be it work or personal

life, was truly commendable.

After spending some time with the housemates, Mallika was asked by Farah which female contestant was using her sexy image as a charm in the house, as in who was playing dirty by her acts? Mallika casually answered 'All the girls in the house'. Hmmm, I didn't know that Mallika! So, as per her nobody was 'Doodh ka dhula' in the house.

Mallika was also asked

by Farah, which was the one contestant whom she liked and wanted to win? And yes you may have guessed it by now, Mallika named Gautam!

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60TH FILMFARE AWARDS

BOLLYWOOD TO BHANGRA: Asian Entertainment Lowdown

Queen Wins Big

Hosted by Karan Johar and Kapil Sharma, the 60th annual Filmfare Awards kicked off the first of this year’s Bollywood award season with Vikas Bahl’s Queen winning big.

Taking a total of six awards on the night, the movie won best film, best director and best actress for its lead star Kangana Ranaut. Best editing to Abhijit Kokate and Anurag Kashyap, best cinematography (Bobby Singh and Siddharth Diwan) and best background score for Amit Trivedi.

Haider followed by winning five awards which included Best actor for Shahid Kapoor in the best actor category and best supporting honours for Tabu and Kay Kay Menon. Haider triumphed in the technical categories as well, with Dolly Ahluwalia winning best costume designer and Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray topping the best production design list.

Legendary actress, Kamini Kaushal was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contribution to Indian

'Doodh ka dhula’ Mallika Sherawat Picks Gautam

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cinema.

Alia Bhatt took the Critics best actress trophy for Highway with Sanjay Mishra winning the Critics best actor for his outstanding performance in 'Ankhon Dekhi', which also earned director-writer Rajat Kapoor the best story gong.

Kriti Sanon won best debut female award for Heropanti, while Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan won the best debut male award for Khoobsurat.

Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi won for PK in the best screenplay and best dialogue categories, which were the only wins for the Aamir Khan-starrer film.

Kanika Kapoor was named best female playback singer for 'Baby Doll' from Ragini MMS 2.

The event saw performances from Salman Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and was attended by B-Town celebrities like Rekha, Kajol, Manisha Koirala, Neha Dhupia, Subhash Ghai, Vidya Balan among others.

Shahid Kapoor BEST ACTOR - FOR

KAUN NACHDI The music master Dj Dips returns with a banger of a track entitled 'Kaun Nachdi'. This time he teams up with the Canadian reggae star Roach Killa to deliver a punjabi dance-floor smash.

The video, more of a mini-film, was shot by the talented Jazz Virk and features Roach Killa like you've never seen him before. Looking more like Mr Bean than his normal cool self he plays the comical role of Professor Googly Akh. Set in an office environment, nerdy Roach is a massive fan of the real Roach Killa and dreams of being him! Meanwhile, his cool and suave friend Pintu, played

by DJ Dips, spends his days chatting up their beautiful co-workers. Professor Googly Akh is sick and tired of his job and the only thing that keeps him motivated is his stunning work colleague Chandar Mukhi!

Then of course Pintu messes up the office printer and things go from bad to worse, especially for the printer!

Catch the full video to get the whole story.

HAIDER

A DJ Dips & Roach Killa Collaboration

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FEBRUARY 2015 DESI XPRESS 31

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

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Best Actor (Male) Shahid Kapoor for Haider

Best Debutant (Male): Fawad Khan for Khoobsurat

Best Actor (Female)Kangana Ranaut for Queen

Best Music Director: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy for 2 States

Best Film Queen

Best Lyrics: Rashmi Singh for Muskurane Ki Wajah (CityLights)

Best Director Vikas Bahl for Queen Best Film (Critics) Ankhon Dekhi Best Actor (Critics) Sanjay Mishra for Ankhon Dekhi Best Actress (Critics) Alia Bhatt for Highway Best Supporting Actor Kay Kay Menon for Haider Best Supporting Actor Tabu for Haider Best Story: Rajat Kapoor for Ankhon Dekhi Best Dialogue: Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi for PK Best Screenplay: Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi for PK Best Debutant (Female): Kriti Sanon for Heropanti

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Best Playback Singer (Male): Ankit Tiwari for Galliyan (Ek Villain)

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Fawad Khan

Best Action: Sham Kaushal for Gunday Best Cinematography: Bobby Singh and Siddharth Diwan for Queen

Madhuri Dixit

Best Production Design: Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray for Haider Best Sound Design: Anilkumar Konakandla and Prabal Pradhan for Mardaani

The event saw performances from Salman Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt

Tiger Shroff

Varun Dhawan

WITH KAMAL CHOPRA

Siddharth Malhotra

BOLLYWOOD Gurinder Chadha’s hit film Bend It Like Beckham is being readied for the West End stage and following a host of auditions and workshops, the cast for the highly anticipated stage version Bend It Like Beckham the Musical has been formally announced.

Natalie Dew will play football crazy Jess with Lauren Samuels as Jules, a player with the Harriers, a local women’s football team, and Jamie Campbell Bower as their coach Joe. The three young leads will be supported by some familiar faces, including comedian Ronni Ancona who plays Paula, Jules’s Mum, with Jamal Andréas as Jess’ good friend Tony.

Preeya Kalidas who appeared in the original film as one of the cousins, will take on the role of Pinky, Jess’ sister and Tony Jayawardena and Natasha Jayetileke take on the all important roles of her parents, Mr and Mrs Bhamra.

A KISS GOODBYE Aalia Bhatt

TOP10 KAM CHOPRA

Best Choreography: Ahmed Khan for Jumme Ki Raat for Kick

Best Editing: Abhijit Kokate and Anurag Kashyap for Queen

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Bend it Like Beckham: THE MUSICAL

Best Playback Singer (Female): Kanika Kapoor for Baby Doll(Ragini MMS 2)

Best Background Score: Amit Trivedi for Queen

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Why I Had to Leave ‘The Good Wife’

Rekha

1

Khamoshiyan - Khamoshiyan

2

Shamitabh - Ishq-E-Fillum

3

Badlapur – Jee Karda

4

Roy - Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan

5

Tevar – Let’s Celebrate

6

Dolly Ki Doli - Phatte Tak Nachna

7

Khamoshiyan – Tu Har Lamha

8

Happy New Year – Lovely

9

Kill Dil - Sajde

10 Ungli – Dance Basanti

BHANGRA 1 Zora Randhawa & Dr Zeus ft Fateh Inch 2 Kanwar Grewal & MoneySpinner – Ticketan

3 Diljit Dosanjh – Ishq Haazir Hai 4 Diljit Dosanjh - Patila Peg 5 Garry Sandhu - Banda Ban Ja 6 Mitra De Boot – Jazzy B and Kaur B 7 Krown – Saddi Hiq 8 Jump to the Bhangra – Bupps Saggu 9 Intenso – Broken Star 10 Jaz Dhami – Pasina

UK 1

Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars – Uptown

2

Hozier – Take me to church

3

Fergie – L.A. Love (La La)

4

Meghan Trainor – Lips are movin

5

Kanye West, Rihanna & Paul McCartney – Four Five Seconds

6

Phillip George – Wish you were mine

7

Karen Harding – Say Something

8

Ed Sheeran – Thinking out loud

9

Olly Murs & Demi Lovato – Up

10

Avicii – The Nights

@desixpress Ticketan | Kanwar Grewal with Money Spinner After a string of hit tracks, UK based music producers MoneySpinner are now set to take their musical talent to a whole new level to collaborating with Punjab's most popular sufi singer Kanwar Grewal for his new single ‘Ticketan’. The single will be released on India based record label T-series. Kanwar Grewal has swiftly taken the world by storm and captivated audiences with his sufi style of singing and poetry. His distinct and gifted style and humble persona has quickly created

a platform for Kanwar, which has captured the hearts of all who have crossed his path.

In 2014, Kanwar Grewal performed live in UK concert for his first Tour where the shows were a big success and saw fans from all over Europe.

MoneySpinner experienced Kanwar Grewal’s live performance and that was where it all began.

Swann + Dingz = Money Spinner

British actress Archie Panjabi British actress Archie Panjabi has claimed her kiss with co-star Gillian Anderson in UK show, The Fall, led to her deciding to quit hit US series The Good Wife, claiming her bi-sexual character took over.

Panjabi, 42, plays investigator Kalinda in the CBS drama, which she will leave at the end of the sixth season. Her decision came after a kissing scene with her

female co-star in her role as pathologist Professor Reed Smith in BBC crime drama.

Archie said, “When I was kissing her, Allan Cubitt, the show's creator and director, had to say, ‘Archie, can you hold back?’, because Gillian was supposed to take me by complete surprise.

“I didn't think that I was very forward in (the scene), but obviously after a while a character starts to affect you.

“I thought, 'Okay, I think it's time to go now'.”

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A HALALYWOOD PRODUCTION

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ASHL G

MOHAMMED AND ABDUL BATTLE ISLAMOPHOBIA

AMERICAN SHARIA! Muslim comedian Omar Regan unveils his new film American Sharia, a buddy cop comedy that lifts the curtain on real Muslim lives. Set in the USA, the story follows bumbling cop Mohammed who is paired with a Middle Eastern partner Abdul as they battle Islamophobia. Omar chats with DesiXpress about his new film from the new ‘Halalywood’ productions.

Tell me about the film’s plot.

ASHLEY KUMAR

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLINE AT: WWW.DESIXPRESS.CO.UK

EH JANAM TUMHARE LEKHE The Movie that Promises to Inspire

The movie is really about Islamophobia, who is behind it and why they are promoting it. It is about a young officer who happens to be a Muslim but he is having a bit of an identity crisis. He stumbles upon a new partner who is also a Muslim, but who follows the true Sharia.

IN CINEMAS NOW!!

Was it difficult to raise funds for this movie?

It was difficult, in my mind I thought all Muslims would jump on the project because it was a film they could relate to where they are not always portrayed as terrorists. But it was a lot harder than expected because Muslims would say, ‘how can you make a Hollywood movie about Islam? It is impossible.’ People were very cautious which I do understand.

How did you get famous Muslims such as Baba Ali involved in the film?

I have met a lot of these people because as a Muslim comedian I am always on the road. There were issues, for example would we have enough money to finish the movie and would it fit into their schedules? So I am grateful that many of them supported the vision of what I was trying to do.

Was it nerve racking directing for the first time?

Yes, it was a little intimidating because I felt like I didn’t have all the knowledge but what motivated me was that I knew the story and visualised the movie. I was grateful to be blessed with a director of photography who saw my vision and worked with first time directors before and helped me get what I wanted.

Tell me about ‘Halalywood’ and its purpose.

Halalywood brings movies that don’t promote sex and profanity, the films will have PG or PG 13 ratings because we will have some violence in there! It is a production company that will bring good and wholesome entertainment for 1 ½ or 2 hours. And it is not just aimed at Muslims but people of all faiths who are interested in promoting positivity.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLINE: WWW.DESIXPRESS.CO.UK Visit Penny Appeal’s website to catch American Sharia showing in your area: www.pennyappeal.org/appeal/american-sharia-tour

@omarregan

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Setting a new benchmark in the biopic genre and marking the first Punjabi release of 2015, Eh Janam Tumhare Lekhe - This life is dedicated to You the Almighty, depicts an important chapter in the history of post-partition Punjab. The movie conveys the message of living a selfless life in a way that will be universally appealing to all age groups. Eh Janam Tumhare Lekhe released on 30th January 2015 with a promise to inspire all, presented by White Hill Production in association with Pingalwara, a Poonieland Studio production, distributed internationally by B4U and White Hill Productions.

Directed by Harjit Singh and featuring a seasoned cast including Pavan Raj Malhotra, Arjuna Bhalla,

Avrinder Kaur, Master Yuvraj and Sudhanshu Aggarwal, Eh Janam Tumhare Lekhe is sure to draw cinemagoers across the globe for its honesty, sincerity, engaging and power-pact performances and deeply touching story that everyone will relate to. It beautifully essays the awe-inspiring journey of a human being who commits a lifetime to serving humanity and preserving the environment. It recounts the story of Bhagat Puran Singh – a visionary and deeply spiritual and compassionate human being. This true account of his life is poised to set a new benchmark in biography cinema, complemented by a rich music score soaked in traditional Punjabi sounds, featuring Shabads, folk songs and the culturally rich rhythms of the region.

WHO IS….SHAMITABH? Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dhanush and Akshara Haasan, Shamitabh is set for worldwide release on 6th February 2015. A film about a crazy boy from a small village becomes a superstar with the help of an alcoholic’s deep baritone voice. The story is about this team of the face and the voice. Two different people, who become one for a cause and then allow their egos to get the better of them. The star is played by Dhanush, a national award winning superstar and the voice is played by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, the biggest star in India.

Shrouded in mystery, the film’s newly released trailer starts to reveal the storyline that makes the immense and immediately recognisable voice of Bachchan the star of the film.

Director R Balki created the story as a gift for the veteran actor on his 70th birthday, and has spent the past two years bringing his vision to life. “This film is a homage to a voice that over the past 40 years has become instantly recognisable the world over. The question is…who is the true star, the voice or the actor it belongs to.”

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LEY KUMAR GOES EAST! East is East has become a classic of British Asian cinema. The story of Pakistani George Khan struggling to raise his riotous children the traditional way provided a fresh, funny and moving tale of culture clashes and dysfunctional families. After its successful revival on stage we caught up with one of the stars of the play, Ashley Khan, who played the rebellious and carefree Tariq. Ashley had a long run on EastEnders before starring in acclaimed dramas such as Spooks, The Bill and Doctors.

How did it feel to find out you would star in the play?

I had not seen the play but grew up watching the film which I must have seen about 50 times! It is because I am from a similar background as my father is Asian and my mother is English so the film was the closest I had found to my own story. So to be in it is the most amazing feeling, as soon as the auditions were announced I thought I had to have it.

What was it like acting alongside the writer of the play, Ayub Khan Din? It was an amazing experience. As it was an autobiographical story having him there was great as he could give us the real truth the story and characters. As a result all of our characters were a little deeper as we had Ayub there to help us, but he never told us we had to play the characters in a certain way, he allowed us to find our own characters but was still there to help us if we needed it.

Why do you think the themes of East is East still resonate with audiences today?

One of the main themes of the play is family which is timeless, you can look at different cultural backgrounds but the Khans are a normal family like any other and anyone will be able to relate to that. The other theme is identity as the kids in the play are trying to find out where they fit in. Like them we are all trying to find our identity.

Following the success of East is East do you think we will see more British Asian playwrights and stage productions?

I certainly hope so. One thing I don’t want to see is a stereotypical character because we want to see real people played by good British Asian actors. There must be some writers out there who have a story to tell, Ayub sat down and wrote a play about his life and thank goodness he did otherwise we would not have had East is East or Rafta, Rafta. People just need to pick up the pen and write something because that is where the power lies.

@Ashley_Kumar

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ANNA HEER

Born in the city of Wolverhampton, in the Midlands; Anna Heer is introducing herself as the new voice of the UK and international Bhangra music scene. Anna who has been and still is undergoing classical vocal training by the world renowned music teacher, Ustaad Ajit Singh Mutlashi Ji, is bringing her passion to the forefront of everyone’s attention and showcasing her vocal talent.

Anna has inherited the gift and knowledge of music through generations within her family, particularly her father. Her dad, who is best known for being the lead singer of the UK Bhangra group ‘Geet the Mega Band’ which rose to fame in the 80’s which was known as the golden era of UK Bhangra, winning the Asian Song Contest in 1988. Atma along with Geet the Mega Band went on to releasing gold and platinum selling albums, touring; and receiving

Jinda Biant started getting into music at an early age. Playing tabla at the age of six he studied music with his teacher, Gurmeet Singh Virdee, someone who had a major influence on his musical approach. His kind approach got him addicted to the amazing rhythm that only Indian classical music can bring.

“Growing up my parents exposed me to all kinds of styles of music from Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to John Lee Hooker, Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry so my musical inspiration is non conventional for a Punjabi Sikh boy. It was actually my dad's best friend (Uncle Carl) who was the lead guitarist with a band called Dr and the Medics, and he was the reason I became obsessed with the guitar.

“My passion and love for playing music has taught me that when I hear something amazing like Oasis or Led Zeppelin which sounds so complex and impossible to recreate, I discovered that when I put my mind to it I could actually play it myself and I just found that the most exciting thing ever.”

Alongside being a vocalist, Jinda is currently play acoustic and electric guitar, tabla and has just started learning Piano.

“I feel that anyone that is deeply into music and starts looking back at the history of music will end up at the Blues. Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Jack White, The Black Keys and ACDC are just a few people that have had a massive influence on my style of music.

“I have been the lead guitarist and singer in a Blues/rock Band called Black Canvas and for a few years and we really enjoyed travelling round and playing a lot of gigs. I recently took a year out to do some travelling and tried to pick up as much as I could musically. My main style is rock & blues and on my travels. I have been working on an acoustic album, writing and performing songs at open-mic nights around Nottingham.

It's been cool to play to new crowds who have no idea what I'm going to sing or perform. They are all very honest, receptive and give me the inspiration I need to keep learning and pushing myself musically.”

JAYDEN Jayden first began his musical career at the age of 13, where he was playing the keyboard and supporting many artists up and down the country at Mela’s and Charity functions.

Over the years Jayden built up a passion for writing poetry and singing. It was in 2012 when Jayden released his first video entitled ‘Love Me Forever’. With the success of the release he was able to represent his hometown Coventry by

What inspired the idea behind Desi Rascals?

I saw how popular reality shows were becoming and thought we need our own version, since no one else was going to do I knew I should go out there and do it myself!

It follows the lives of 40 British Asians in West London of different generations and backgrounds.

@GurinderC

further accolades for their time in the industry.

With the influence of her father’s love for music and taking a vivid interest in music from a young age herself, Anna wanted to sing too. With few female vocalists whilst growing up, Anna listened to artists such as Sangeeta, Jayshree and one of her all-time favourites– Shazia Manzoor. Having said this, her musical taste also stretches to folk artists such as Sardool Sikander, Hans Raj Hans, as well as current artists being Jazzy B, Sukhshinder Shinda and Master Saleem just to name a few.

Having already performed in front of large audiences, at various events, Anna is now ready to take the centre stage and make her mark.

Anna is preparing to launch her debut single in collaboration with one of the top producers in the industry right now. More shall be revealed soon.

JINDA BIANT

Gurinder Chadha and her Desi Rascals!

Gurinder Chadha, the woman behind Bend it Like Beckham and Bride and Prejudice, returns to our screens with her latest real life drama series, Desi Rascals. Making its waves on Sky Living, the show is the brain child of Chadha who is eager to lift the curtain on the lives of British Asians. We sat down with the acclaimed director to ask her what inspired the show, how she found such a vibrant cast and what it means to be British Asian today.

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being the headline act welcoming the London Olympics.

Since then Jayden has been performing all over the country supporting mainstream artists such as Jeremih. After the success and warm welcome of his first single “Find Myself”, Jayden now brings you his latest offering “Breath Away” feat rapper Flyboy. It offers motivating lyrics and catchy melodies and reaches out to all ages.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLINE AT: WWW.DESIXPRESS.CO.UK someone who looked interesting and spoke to them about the show. We also had a telephone number and email address on our website and asked anyone who was interested to get in touch with us. But we are still looking for people so if anyone is still interested they can still get in touch.

Could you explain the social media aspect of the show?

Is it different being British Asian today than it was in the past?

We live in the age of social media and since we are shooting almost every day of the week, we will be able to receive various reactions to the show on social media.

These can feed into the shooting of the next episode so everything is live.

Yes, I think there are a lot of differences and Desi Rascals shows you that as we have people in their 20s and 30s whose approach to things are very different. I think we are much more integrated and more comfortable with who we are, people can express different sides to themselves.

How did you go about scouting such a diverse cast for this show?

What do you want to achieve with Desi Rascals?

We saw a lot of people out there going to clubs, music gigs, bars and dance classes, we would approach

I just want people to get to know British Asians, just like with Bend it Like Beckham I want people to see we have more in common with each other and are not so different.

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With Manish Gajjar Hindi Film Adviser for Vue Cinemas

BOLLYWOOD MOVIE OF THE MONTH

ROY Director: Vikramjit Singh Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arjun Rampal & Anupam Kher

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Read the full article online: www.theasiantoday.com

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REVENGE DRAMA: FEATURING HUMA QURESHI AND YAMI GAUTAM

VARUN DHAWAN "BADLAPUR IS NOT YOUR REGULAR HINDI FILM..."

Young and successful Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan returns to UK cinema screens this month with the dark noir-drama Badlapur, releasing on 20th February 2015.

DON'T MISS THE BEGINNING

The 27-year-old actor opened up to our Bollywood correspondent Sunny Malik and talked about the much-awaited film and much more…

BADLAPUR RELEASES IN UK CINEMAS ON 20TH FEBRUARY2015 THROUGH EROS INTERNATIONAL

A SRIRAM RAGHAVAN FILM PRODUCED BY: DINESH VIJAN & SUNIL LULLA

Mysterious slippery thief Roy (Ranbir Kapoor) is someone whom no one can get nab.

But the only person making a profit out of Roy’s heists is filmmaker/playboy Kabir Grewal ( Arjun Rampal).

Kabir’s films are based on Roy’s real life robberies which are a sell-out at the box office upon release.

Ayesha (Jacqueline Fernandez) is also a filmmaker and Kabir’s new girlfriend.

How these three characters' lives merge together forms the crux of this romantic and suspenseful thriller.

Vikramjit Singh makes his debut as a director with Roy seeing Arjun and Jacqueline playing leading roles.

Whilst Ranbir only has a small role in this movie Jacqueline will be seen in a dual role. She will be seen as Ayesha the filmmaker and Tia the glamorous catwalk model.

Playing two characters was definitely challenging for Jacqueline. She had to work on her Hindi dialogue delivery for her double role.

She plays an everyday girl Ayesha who everyone can relate to. She also plays Tia an ambitious career minded character trying to survive in a male dominated filmmaking environment.

The song ‘Tu Hai Ki Nahi’ which speaks about finding love and happiness is fast catching up in the popularity charts. The song sequence has been shot in the beautiful locales of Langkawi Malaysia portraying Ranbir riding a Harley Davidson.

Singing sensation Yo Yo Singh who sang for Amitabh Bachchan will also be lending his voice to Ranbir Kapoor. The song is clouded in secrecy and will only be revealed closer to the film’s release.

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You had two releases in 2014.

How do you look back on the year?

It was amazing. I just recently performed at the Screen Awards. I had my first solo performance there last year too. When I interacted with the crowd briefly, I was reminiscing that it has been such a wonderful year. I feel it has been a very long year too because it started with Main Tera Hero. It was my second film and I was really scared and nervous. Then going into a film like Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania was different. I just feel a better connection with the audience now. I just don’t want to let them down.

I am sure a lot of people told you not to do a dark film like Badlapur so early in your career…

BOLLYWOOD ACTOR: VARUN DHAWAN Kissing scenes get a good share of media and audience attention. Do you believe that is why producers or directors include them in their films even if they are not needed?

I guess so. I wouldn’t deny that this doesn’t happen. I don’t actually understand what the big deal is really.

Filmmakers give the audience what they want. I feel that it is better if one doesn’t make much noise about it whether it’s the media, the actors or the filmmakers. Everyone is responsible. I am not going to point out one person. If you are in love, then kissing is a natural thing.

INDIAN SUMMERS

A SONG FOR PESHAWAR PAKISTAN UNITES

"I have always believed that an artist should be more than just a tool for his art to resonate through"

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 have such a gutsy, ballsy female character to play, especially because I don’t think this story in history is told very often. It’s nice to have it seen through the eyes of a young female. A lot of characters are fiery, but Sooni has this need to fight for home rule without knowing what to do with it. She wants to do something, but isn’t sure what, which I think a lot of people can relate to.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 Personalities involved in the song include actress Mahira Khan, Director Bilal Lashari, actor Fawad Khan, singer Hadiqa Kiani and cricketer Shoaib Malik.

“I had been wanting to come back to music for a very long time,” said Ali Zafar, “but whenever I sat down to write, this incident is all I could think of. I’m a father as well. I have a son whom I send to school and we’d like to know that our children are safe there. We have to think about the kind of world we’re leaving behind for them.

“What we went through on December 16th cannot be described in words. If not for ourselves, let us rise together for those children who gave their lives for our awakening, and for the children of the nation.”

“I have always believed that an artist should be more than just a tool for his art to resonate through. He must resonate the voice of his surroundings by being socially aware and strive to contribute to his environment for the better in whatever little or large manner that he decides for himself.”

Many people did say that. At the end of the day, I try to hear the audiences’ voice. I signed Badlapur after my debut film Student of the Year.

After my first film released, there was a certain section of audiences that were saying that it was a children’s film and that these actors have baby faces. I was told that I sound like a child. In a way, I took that criticism and heard what the audience wants. Badlapur is not your regular Hindi film. I can guarantee you that we have filmed things that you would not have seen in Hindi cinema before.

We have been very true to the film and the genre.

Whether the film is good or bad, the audience has to decide that. We have not held our punches back. We’ve gone for it.

The video of Jee Karda shows you displaying a variety of emotions. How did you prepare for that?

My preparation for the song was the film. Luckily, I had filmed the entire movie before we shot Jee Karda. The film is very psychological, emotional and physical, all at the same time. I knew how to act in the song because I had gone through the journey of my character Raghu already.

There were reports that you were depressed while you were making the film…

Yes, I was to a certain degree. I was not clinically declared depressed but I was heading there. I was to a certain degree very sad. I don’t want to use the term ‘depression’ loosely because it is a serious illness. It definitely did affect my mental health. I was prescribed and did see a doctor for it as well. It took a toll on me. Maybe because I am young and I saw things I haven’t seen before.

Maybe that is why it hit me harder than it would someone of an older age.

Badlapur was earlier supposed to be produced by Saif Ali Khan’s production house, Illuminati Films…

It was completely irrelevant to me because when I signed on to do the film, I signed onto Sriram Raghavan. Dinesh Vijan is creatively a very intelligent producer. I have got to know him better during the making of the film. I was only concerned with the fact that I want to work with Sriram Raghavan, someone I respect. I didn’t care about the other aspects.

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UPCOMING

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DRAMA

FILMS

THRILLER

Starring: Mithun Chakraborty Ayushmann Khurrana Director: Vibhu Puri

Hawaizaada is the story of Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, an unsung hero, a vedic scholar and an expert on Sanskrit literature. He is regarded as the great Indian scholar who not only sketched out but Releasing also built the first Jan 30th ever airplane in 2015 1895, eight years before the Wright Brothers, the American duo who were originally credited for being pioneers in the field of aviation.

Shivkar Bapuji Talpade airplane was the first ever controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight. Though his effort failed, his work and research was never given its fair share of recognition or even mention. By way of this film, audiences will truly come to understand his genius.

Hawaizaada features an ensemble cast of emerging and established actors, who all showcase their considerable talents in this thought-provoking and inspiring story. Playing the lead role of Shivkar Bapuji Talpade is multi-talented actor, musician and presenter Ayushmann Khurrana (Vicky Donor), who is joined by rising star Pallavi Sharda (Besharam), who essays the role of Sitara. The star line-up is completed by veteran award-winning actor Mithun Chakraborthy.

HORROR

ROMANCE

JUPITER ASCENDING

SHAMITABH Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Danush, Akshara Director: R.Balki Releasin

g 6th Feb 2015

Starring: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne Director: Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski Unknown to Earth's residents, life on Earth and countless other planets has been seeded by families of alien royalty for the purpose of harvesting the evolved living creatures once they reach a "Darwinian state of perfection "to produce a type of youth serum that allows them to live forever. When the matriarch of the House of Abrasax, the most powerful of the alien dynasties, dies her children Balem (Eddie Redmayne), Kalique (Tuppence Middleton), and Titus (Douglas Booth) are at war over the inheritance. Eventually a new heir comes to their attention: Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis), an unsuspecting, Earth-living, unlucky caretaker of other people's homes. Jupiter encounters Caine Wise (Channing Tatum), a genetically engineered interplanetary warrior, who came to Earth to reveal that her genetic signature makes Jones royalty and heir to Earth. Meanwhile, he has to protect her from Balem, who put a bounty on her head and would rather harvest Earth than lose it to Jones.

Releasing 6th Feb 2015

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY “Shamitabh” is a film about the birth of a big star and the smoke screen that was created to fulfil a dream. An ode to the joy of being part of the cinema industry, this film is a myriad of every emotion we experience whilst watching great cinema.

Starring: Sudhanshu Aggarwal, Arjuna Bhalla, Avrinder Kaur | Director: Harjit Singh

Releasing 30th Jan 2015

Directed by Harjit Singh and featuring a seasoned cast including Pavan Raj Malhotra, Arjuna Bhalla, Avrinder Kaur, Master Yuvraj and Sudhanshu Aggarwal, Eh Janam Tumhare Lekhe is ilm is a journey of one man, ‘Bhagat Puran Singh’, who was greatly inspired by the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the Sikh Gurus. The film shows the journey of selfless service towards humanity and how Bhagat Puran Singh accepted all his patients as his family members and fought for their shelter so that they could live with dignity and die with dignity. It shows the path travelled was indeed a difficult and exhausting one yet he never gave up.

The journey was made possible by his infinite faith in his mission; the moral values he received from his mother; and the courage, vision and determination he received from Guru Granth Sahib.

Starring: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Luke Grimes Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson

Releasing 13th Feb 2015

When Anastasia "Ana" Steele, a literature student, goes to interview the wealthy Christian Grey, as a favour to her roommate Kate Kavanagh, she encounters a handsome, brilliant and intimidating man. The innocent and naive Ana, startled to realises she wants him, despite his enigmatic reserve and advice, finds herself desperate to get close to him. Not able to resist Ana's beauty and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her too, but in his own terms. Ana hesitates as she discovers the singular tastes of Grey – despite the embellishments of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family – Grey is consumed by the need to control everything. As they get close, Steele starts to discover Grey's secrets and explores her own desires.

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE Starring: Collin Firth, Michael Caine, Taron Egerton Director: Matthew Vaughn Releasing 13th Feb 2015

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER Directors: Stephen Hillenburg & Mark Osborne Stars: Jeffrey Tambor, Rodger Bumpass, Carolyn Lawrence

Starring: Nawazudding Siddiqui, Varun Dhawan, Huma Qureshi Director: Sriram Raghavan

Badlapur is a crime dark drama with an interesting game of taking action and responsibility, of being able to -- and not being able to -- forgive and make sacrifices.

The film delivers top-notch thriller, which gives a little imagination of how a happy man’s life changes into an unstable emotional state, and the twist becomes the part of formula.

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HOLLYWOOD MOVIES

EH JANAM TUMHARE LEKHE

BADLAPUR

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COMEDY

BOLLYWOOD MOVIES

HAWAIZAADA

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Releasing 20th Feb 2015

Burger-Beard is a pirate in search of the final page of a magical book that makes any evil plan he writes in it come true, which happens to be the Krabby Patty secret formula. When his search is completed and the formula is missing, the entire city of Bikini Bottom is in danger. SpongeBob, Patrick, and the gang need to go on a quest that takes them to the surface.

In order to get back the recipe and save their city, they must retrieve the book and transform themselves into superheroes to fight Burger-Beard and his super villain pirate crew.

ing Releas 6th Feb 2015

Based upon the acclaimed comic book and directed by Matthew Vaughn, Kingsman: The Secret Service tells the story of a super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency's ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.

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WHAT'S ON

THE SMILE BOILED BEANS ON TOAST OF DESPAIR

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THE BHANGRA SHOWDOWN

DATE: 8th March 2015 VENUE: The Drum (Birmingham) Boiled Beans on Toast, set in the backdrop of Bangalore, India, traces the interwoven lives of six people converging from widespread geographic and social separations.

DATE: 5th-6th Feb 2015 VENUE: Richard Attenborough Centre (Leicester) Presented by Phizzical, The Smile of Despair is a slice of life play by Shahid Iqbal Khan that unearths the hidden anxieties of a modern BritishMuslim family. This new writing is part of the Leicester Comedy Festival and tackles serious subjects surrounding marriage, sibling rivalry and religion with a strong measure of dark humour.

Naqid is hiding a secret from his wife Mubina that he has lost his employment. Mubina is hiding an even bigger secret surrounding their planned parenthood. Caught in between this family feud is Aida, Mubina’s hard of hearing younger sister, who longs for male attention. Tensions begin to fray as Aida gets on like a house on fire with Naqid, much to the disapproval of Mubina. The smiles soon turn to despair as their inner most thoughts have to be spoken. How do you deal with being lied to? or worse, being told the truth?

It is a close-to-life portrayal of ups and downs of life in a modern Indian city as we see the relentless pursuit of success and the multiple emotional entanglements along the journey.

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

DATE: 14th Feb 2015 VENUE: All Saints Centre, Kings Heath (Birmingham) TIME: 11am - 1pm

ASIAN FASHION HOUR LIVE Hosted by Yasmin Sidat (Pehrani Fashion Blog) and Chandeep Uppal (The Space Birmingham) Asian Fashion Hour Live is back for another evening of all things Asian Fashion. The event has a great line up of panel guests including Parvy Rakar from Snob Events, Sharn Kaira founder of bridal blog Desi Bride Dreams, Jitesh Patel from Maya Magazine as well as fashion power house Sharons Couture and designer Gurtej Matahru from Gurt_lamorous clothing.

Ticket are available to purchase from Eventbrite.

To mark the launch of its new international writing competition, Inspired by Gandhi, Sampad is offering a free creative writing workshop for budding writers this February.

The session is suitable for new or emerging writers, aged 16 and over, who would like to improve their creative writing skills.

Participants will also have an opportunity to connect with the legacy of Mohandas ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi – a towering figure in history, whose philosophy of non-violence, passion for equality and socio-political intelligence continues to be an inspiration for many people.

The workshop will be led by Parm Kaur. Born in the Black Country, Parm is an established poet, playwright, performer and live art producer. She has been running creative writing workshops around the country since 1997.

DATE: 7th March 2015 VENUE: The Space, Barr Street (Birmingham)

TIME: 6pm - 9pm

DATE: 7th Feb 2015 VENUE: The SSE Arena Wembley (London) IT’S BACK! This year will see BBC Asian Network presenters Tommy Sandhu and Noreen Khan host the annual show. In its 8th consecutive year it has officially become the biggest student show in the UK. The Bhangra Showdown is a charity organisation and this year the event is supporting Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), UK Friends of the Unique Home and Variety: The Children's Charity. Eight of the most talented university Bhangra

teams will take the stage at SSE Arena (formerly Wembley Arena) and battle it out to claim the ultimate prize in UK Bhangra.

This year’s universities are, Brunel University, Imperial College London, Kings College London, Nottingham Trent University, University of Nottingham, University of Birmingham, University College London, University of Leicester & De Montfort University (DMU) and finally University of Manchester.

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Bradford: Shearbridge Road, Bradford, BD7 1NP Manchester: 215 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 5AG Birmingham: 148 Ladypool Road, Birmingham, B12 8JA

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FEBRUARY 2015

THE ASIAN TODAY

AASHNI + CO WEDDING SHOW

India’s Finest Grace London

• AASHNI: Varun Bahl, Monisha Thahryamal, Rimple Narula (Rimple

and Harpreet Narula), Siddhartha Sacheti (Jaipur Gems), Sonali Gupta, Shehla Khan, Sabyasachi, Aashni Anshul Doshi (Shah) – event host, Manish Malhotra, Tarun Tahiliani, Leena (Ashima-Leena), Pallavi Jaikishan, Arpita Mehta, Nikasha, Anushree Reddy.

DRESSING TO IMPRESS Four Ways to Wear the Love on Valentine’s Day

Whether you’ve booked a spot at a Valentine’s Day event or you’re ready for a stroll through the park, you’ll most-likely have exhausted yourself in making the big decision: what will you be wearing?

There is no need panic! The simplest of attentions will assist you in choosing a look that brings out the best of you.

1

Plot a Romantic Design

Trends which are at present in the centre of the fashion industry are that of simplicity. It may be everything in the detail that matters most. If you want to play up a particular area, do it with princess seaming. A well-placed design aspect will improve your assets and create romance.

2

Get to Know Your Hottest Hues

Someone recently remarked how wearing red allows you to play the temptress, which may not necessarily be true. Knowing which colours make you stand out is very important. If you haven’t thought about it is, remember, “winters and summers have skin with pink

S

ome of India’s leading fashion designers were at London’s Dorchester Hotel to unveil their latest bridal and couture collections at the Aashni + Co Wedding Show.

Designers on hand to display their latest collections included, Anamika Khanna, Anushree Reddy, Arpita Mehta and Ashima Leena.

The Aashni + Co Wedding Show is seen as one of the leading luxury planning events in the UK and is presented by one of the UK's leading Indian fashion influencers, founder and creative director of Aashni + Co, Aashni Anshul Doshi (Shah).

Designer, Manish Malhotra, said, "My collection here today is basically bringing back the classic red. I like taking vintage and heritage culture and giving it a modernising nature, which is easy to wear and personality driven.

Whilst Sabyasachi Mukherjee said, "It's spectacular here today.

I have brought a lot of pieces here today that our Bollywood girls have worn, from Aishwarya to Deepika, and I have also brought my latest collection that was on the runway. Indian brides in the UK are hungrier for culture. They are used to the best things and London is truly the

FASHION & BEAUTY

FASHION Author: Sara Khan Twitter: @sarakblog Facebook: /sarakblog

most cosmopolitan city in the world."

Tarun Tahiliani added: "My first show at the Dorchester was in 1995. It was the first show I ever did and it was one of the most beautiful, magical nights. When I heard the venue for this event was the Dorchester, I had to do it just to do something a little different. It is wonderful being here. I had no idea it would be such an incredible turnout.

It has been wonderful speaking to brides and the audience here. " Aashni said: "I'm overwhelmed by the atmosphere, the energy and the response here today to a luxe exhibition concept and retail platform of this scale.

"It was important to feature the right mix of designers and fashion houses, from established A-listers and luxury designers to the most sought after and desirable new generation talent. It is time people stopped travelling all the way to India to find their wedding outfit - we wanted to bring the best of India's bridal to our doorstep and we've achieved that. The response has unanimously been amazing."

In attendance was singer Kanika Kapoor, Pratham UK brand ambassador and singer; Tamara Al Gabbani, Jaipur Gems Brand ambassador, UAE; and Asian Awards founder Paul Sagoo.

RIWAYAT’S PAKISTAN FASHION WEEK RETURNS TO THE UK R

iwayat’s Pakistan Fashion Week (PFW7) was back for another season and once again the show brought us magnificent embroidered garments; rich culture and multi-faith fashion to the runway and where better to showcase but one of the world’s best multicultural cities, London.

The Asian Today partners Pakistan Fashion Week every year for the latest bridal fashion, Pret and party wear and as always we love to share the best of each segment with all our readers.

undertones, while springs and autumns have skin with golden undertones; winters and autumns have high contrast between their skin and hair colours, while springs and summers have low contrast between their skin and hair colours.”

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comfortable with what you have to offer. It may be a cliché, but self-assurance is your most seductive quality. Showcase your confidence with methods that allow you to rejoice in your shape.

Don’t Lose Your ‘Specs’ Appeal

If your other-half sees you in frames, guess what?

He probably likes them! Keeping true to your outer self will not distract from the romantic ambience and may even improve it for your date.

4

Embrace the Embraceable You

Valentine’s Day is unquestionably not the time to be worried with how skinny you look and deliberately trying to place yourself so that your “problem areas” keep hidden. You must feel both comfortable in what you’re wearing and

Body Perfect Personal Training ensures you get the optimum workout experience and we are dedicated in helping you achieve your results.

Your individualised plan will include strategies to overcome obstacles and develop a positive mental attitude which will gear you towards achieving your health and fitness goals.

WEBSITE: WWW.BODYPERFECTPT.COM TWITTER: DALDHALIWALPT FACEBOOK: /DAL DHALIWAL

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

“Our mission is to help busy women to feel good, gain confidence, build on their self-esteem and to be the best possible version of themselves.” - Dal Dhaliwal

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

TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719

FASHION & BEAUTY

N & BEAUTY

FEBRUARY 2015

DAL

GET FIT WITH

D H A L I W A L

PFW7 Trends

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.

Bombay Stores Bombay Stores musts are velvet trousers paired with silk kameez’s and small detailing on parts of the kameez.

Cocktail If your looking for a lengha for a special occasion and want to make an entrance, you should try a longline velvet jacket and a contrasting lengha.

Honey Waqar To be the talk of the town during wedding season, big prom style bridal gowns and long velvet jackets with detailed embroidery are a must!

We couldn't pick a favourite as all the garments had something unique

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THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP Sleep for health and weight loss

Sonya Battla It’s not everyday you get to see the best of Pakistani fashion in the UK but once again Riwayat brought us exactly that right here in London. For example, the headlining designer Sonya Battla opened the show with her free flowing and draped fabrics; Pret you could wear casually in the UK. The grey and peach colour palette combinations were unique and prints were innovative to Pakistani fashion scene.

Sonya Battla’s layering of garments with plain luxurious fabrics combined with digitally printed chiffon garments added a touch of class to the runway.

One of my favourites had to be Sonya Battla’s long velvet dress with a silk scarf wrap, very sleek verging on western fashion but keeping to the sophisticated eastern velvet trends.

Rang Ja The next collection was a pleasant supriase to the runway, Rang Ja brought traditional vibrant colours to the forefront and a new age of Pakistan fashion.

Rang Ja’s collection featured western cuts yet combined eastern fabrics and embroidery techniques topped with a volume of attitude.

We couldn’t pick a favourite as all the garments had something unique about them. The outfits were ideal for an evening out with friends or attending a dinner party with family.

Now you can look like a fashionable, a new age Christmas tree and not compromise on the eastern flavour in your

wardrobe. And I must say Rang Ja really did bring a taste of modern Pakistan to London.

Naurang Naurang brought their South Asian velvets trend with them to London. It was fascinating to see how the Pakistani designer combined jacket suits, dupattas with embroidered detailing and dazzling lenghas.

No British Asian high street could substitute for the sheer beautiful longline velvet jackets and colour contrasted lengths, which worked marvelously throughout the show.

The fabrics used were glorious, Naurang selected suit jackets, glitzy dresses.

Even then men looked great in complimentary velvet blazers. I'm used to seeing men's velvet jackets on the high street but they always seem to be party jackets however, Naurang show the west how men can rock the winter trend not jet on special occasions but casually.

The fashion didn’t stop there, two additional shows featuring memorising bridal, Pret and casual suits from Honey Waqar, Bombay Stores and Aijazz Aslam to only mention a few. To read more and get all the exclusive PFW7 backstage beauty trends visit www.sarakblog.com.

We only have to look at the PFW7 runway to see the intricate detailing, hand woven embroidery and phenomenal work undertaken to understand what makes Pakistani fashion unique and like no other fashion show.

And Riwayat provides invaluable fashion, styles, looks with a touch of innovation for fashion here in the UK.

Research shows that sleep is very important for weight loss. Most people understand that you have to eat less and move more for weight loss – but not much is mentioned about the importance of sleep for weight loss and for good health in general.

Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and more. If you are struggling to lose weight maybe you should have a look at your sleeping habits too.

Lack of sleep can lead to cravings and can lead to stressful days. This in turn can lead to erratic eating patterns, emotional eating and an increase in appetite and binge eating.

Sleep deprivation can leave you feeling low of energy and in turn you may reach out for a bar of chocolate, a bag of crisps or other comfort foods. It’s a vicious cycle, and eventually this sleep deprivation can sabotage your waistline and your health.

Also if you are not getting good quality sleep your metabolism will not function properly.

A good night’s sleep helps to lift your mood and makes you feel better. Severe and reoccurring sleep deprivation can impair learning too, can also leave you feeling irritated, cause anxiety and can contribute to depression – it can affect your emotional wellbeing.

Research as shown that sleep may possibly help you live longer and also affects quality of life - If you sleep better, you can certainly live better. It can help improve performance, improve your memory and attention span.

Sleep can help to reduce stress and this can have many health benefits, such as better control of blood pressure.

So what can you do to get a better night’s sleep?

Try to keep a set sleep schedule and stick with it. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. A regular sleep routine keeps your biological clock steady so you rest better.

One hour before sleep give yourself time to wind down from your active day and routine.

This might include taking a warm bath or shower, relax in bed, reading with a small, low-wattage book light. You can also try practicing deep breathing or try meditation or soothing music. Try to avoid TV or other electronic devices as part of your bedtime ritual. Some research suggests that screen time or other media use before bedtime interferes with sleep.

Pay attention to what you eat and drink.

Don’t overeat before bedtime – this can affect your sleep. Also limit how much you

drink before bed, to prevent disruptive middle-of-the-night trips to the toilet.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine and Nicotine. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine take hours to wear off and can affect the quality sleep. Also avoid alcohol – it might make you feel sleepy at first but can disrupt sleep later in the night.

Try to create a comfortable sleeping environment. E.g. cool, dark and quiet.

Your mattress and pillow can contribute to better sleep so check these and your pillow position.

Sleep makes you feel better, but its importance goes way beyond just boosting your mood or banishing under-eye circles.

Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, wellbeing and more.

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

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FEBRUARY 2015

FOOD & TRAVEL

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Food & Travel

THE ASIAN TODAY BUON APPETITO!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT How You Can Save Your Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is around the corner; don’t be in the select few who make it the romantic day of the year who end up buying the same thing for their loved one year in year out. The same old flowers, chocolates or even a dodgy card can put you in the doghouse, resulting in

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SECRETS FROM MY INDIAN FAMILY KITCHEN The Magical

Ingredient of Doing Something Extraordinary

the infamous Cupid’s arrow being aimed at your head not your heart!

From fun, heart-themed breakfast ideas to tempting edible gifts, try these easy ideas to show your love this Valentine’s Day and enjoy a day of foodie fun and a delicious big night in.

Start the day with a hopelessly romantic breakfast

Cute and easy to make, start the day sunny side up with these heart-themed goodies – perfect for breakfast in bed.

2 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

THIS MONTH FOOD BLOGGER ANITA CHAMPANERI SCOURS THE CITY AND THE SUBURBS TO SAYS ‘CIAO’ TO A PLETHORA OF FAB ITALIAN RESTAURANTS This month, we thought we’d investigate the breadth of Italian offerings in the area. Italian food is great because you can do the full carb overload with heavy pizza or you can go light with a salad and small pasta.

We took a Christmas family trip to the new Prezzo in Parkgate Shirley a brand new development of shops just on the High Street. After visiting the new Pizza Express (which was much better than we thought) we decided to round up a host of Italian eateries.

Prezzo is a shiny new 200 seater restaurant on the corner. It’s big, shiny and gleaming with newness!

The interior is all deep greys and very Terence Conran in feel and style. We visited during its first week of trading and we had a very enjoyable time!

The staff are very friendly and we were seated in a booth that was very cosy but very dark!

The choices on the menu were plentiful but with so many great sounding dishes it was hard to make a definitive decision!

For starters we had the baked mushrooms, stuffed with grana padano and

mozzarella cheese, garlic, onions, mushrooms and breadcrumbs.

The pizzas looked amazing – ‘crafted from artisan ingredients, direct from the heart of Italy’ - but I fancied something less carb heavy. So I decided on the spaghetti with king prawns made with spinach, red onion and red chilli in a tomato and garlic sauce.

The sauce was quite light and could have done with an extra kick of chilli in it but the dish was plentiful.

Hubby had the calzone with chicken and meatballs which was mouthwateringly good. Do check if it's pork or beef. They changed it for us which was great.

So we had the seasoned chicken, meatballs, mushrooms and crushed chillies with bolognese sauce. I’m glad we tried something different as it was a fantastic dish.

The Kid's Menu is great value at £6.50 for 3 courses and a drink. Offering classic little dishes made for little people from 5 to 11 years.

Their pizza was massive for their little appetites but they certainly gave it a good go. As food chains go, this is one of the best ones I have been to.

Go for a romanitc meal...

We’re not talking about you usual runof-the-mill lunch or curry house that you might both stagger into after a night on the town. Pick somewhere different, classy, and preferably expensive. An establishment with Italian or French tones will be a safe bet to ensure a successful evening.

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Cook a meal...

If you don’t fancy a meal out, then why not cook one yourself? Even if you think you are the worst chef in the world, it is likely that your efforts will be appreciated. Get yourself a decent bottle of wine to compliment the meal — or wash away the nasty aftertaste!

Remember — don’t try to cook anything too ambitious and the key to it all is timing.

4

Make an edible gift

From cake pops and poached pears to chocolate truffles and jellies with a message, find a fun, personalised present idea perfect for your Valentine.

LOST RECIPES New Show Takes Viewers Back to Origins of Dishes

Top Italian places in the city : Fumo – great for cocktails and light bites. Join the IT crowd in a cool and buzzing atmosphere San Carlo – pricey but tantalising dishes. The salmon ravioli flambéed with vodka was heavenly La Strada – huge Italian restaurant by the canal of the ICC with all your favourites Del Villaggio great value lunches at the top of Broad Street.

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

Model, actor and Chef Aditya Bal launches a new show, ‘Lost Recipes’, that explores the beginnings of certain dishes.

Bal said of the show, “As a Chef, I constantly have to innovate on existing recipes.

But understanding the origins of the recipes of a world gone by, I cannot help but marvel at the variety, technique and purity of taste,” Bal said.

He explained that historically people could not afford to be callous with food preparations as this was their only source of health and strength. He adds that food lovers today are spoilt for choice and have little appreciation of where their food came from. “The lost recipes that I have encountered on this ongoing journey with the show are nothing short of wonders,” he said.

The chef will be travelling extensively around the country to places like Goa, Udvada, Lucknow and Mumbai in search of the story behind the dish.

The show will air on Epic channel this month.

Anjali Pathak’s first memories are of making chapatis with her grandmother, who founded the family business, doing her homework on the kitchen table as her mother presented her with dish upon dish to test and her father’s favourite phrase – ‘can we get that into a jar?’ Anjali grew up understanding that spices were magical ingredients and quickly learnt that just

roast family favourite Slowroast Spiced Lamb, to her dad’s Smokin’ Ribs, all the recipes hold a unique place in her heart. Indian food can sometimes feel complicated, with seemingly endless ingredient lists, so Anjali has carefully picked a selection of dishes for all occasions that are easy to create and don’t need a vast array of ingredients.

There are recipes for those rushed days when cooking needs to be especially quick, along with some for sun-filled barbecue get-togethers, showstopper dinner party mains or for the health conscious in need of nutritious, feelgood meals.

Scattered throughout are Anjali’s ‘My Secret’ stamps giving you tips on how to make the most of your ingredients, ways to tweak the recipes

Anjali believes a well-stocked store cupboard is all that stands between you and glorious Indian cooking. a few could transform a simple dish into something extraordinary.

Secrets from My Indian Family Kitchen takes its inspiration from the recipes that she learnt from her family in a beautiful collection of authentic Indian dishes and modern creations that are perfect for all cooks. Each recipe has a special memory on her journey of discovery into the wonderful flavours and ingredients of Indian cooking. From her Sunday

for slightly different yet still scrumptious results and her favourite serving suggestions.

Anjali believes a wellstocked store cupboard is all that stands between you and glorious Indian cooking. With advice on her family’s kitchen essentials and must-haves, along with dedicated sections on chillies, wine and shortcuts, you will have all the insiderknowledge to make your new favourite Indian restaurant your home.

RESTAURANT REVISION Mossley School holds Revision Sessions in Indian Restaurant

Students from Mossley Hollins High School have had a change of scenery by having revision classes held in an Indian restaurant. The teenagers begin working on their GCSE maths and English before digging into traditional Indian dishes at Lal Quilla restaurant, in Mossley.

The plan was to get the 25 students motivated to work hard on their maths and English revision with a change in environment and culinary rewards. After top results were achieved in English and Maths in 2014 the lessons will be held for a second year.

FOOD & TRAVEL

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THE EX-PAKISTANIS IN DUBAI

How the Global City is Home to a Growing Number of Pakistanis

THE PERFECT HOLIDAY W

Top 5 Valentine day destinations in the world

hether your idea of romance is an electrifying tango or cuddling in a gondola ride, discover the ideal place to take your Valentine. This guide to the top 10 Valentine's Day destinations in the world is full of conventional ideas for lovers.

LOVE IN LAS VEGAS Even if you are not planning a wedding at the Little White Chapel, a hotel break in swanky Las Vegas is sure to make your Valentine's Day one to remember.

Everything is achievable here: being sang by Elvis, proposing over a poker table and love that money can't buy.

ROMANTIC PARISIAN WALKWAYS Nothing says romance quite like Paris.

Find out why this is one of the world’s top 10 Valentine's Day destinations by seeing it for yourself. Steal a kiss on Pont Royal, climb Montmartre's steps at sundown or take a twilight BateauMouche cruise along the Seine.

FEBRUARY 2015

OVER 700,000+ PAKISTANIS ARE ESTIMATED TO BE LIVING IN DUBAI

W

ith an estimated 700,000+ Pakistanis living in Dubai, it is safe to say that the city has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for Pakistanis.

Making up second largest ethnic group in the United Arab Emirates they make up an estimated 21% of the country’s total population. With the bright sun, long beach and the blue sea, it is not difficult to ask why Pakistanis are moving to Dubai to start their new lives. Nevertheless, we did ask two ex-Pakistanis what drew them to the Global City.

Like many Pakistanis before her, Nighat Akhtar accompanied her husband and young family to Dubai in search of money, which could make for a more comfortable life. However, the salve, which soothed life away from family and friends, came to her not in the form of money, but in art and flowers. The sudden death of her beloved 24-yearold sister in the mid 1980s was the catalyst for a birth of a different kind. Seeking solace from the tormenting loss, Nighat answered a small advertisement in a local newspaper to join an art class.

"I originally joined for just one art class as a means of diverting my attention from my own grieving and crying over the loss of my sister," she confessed. "The feel of

WEATHER WOES

Severe cold weather could disrupt travel across Britian

TWO TO TANGO IN BUENOS AIRES Sultry Buenos Aires is the place to quite literally - sweep your Valentine off their feet doing the tango. Visitors to Argentina's passionate capital sway in dimly lit clubs where cocktails and daring dance moves take you back to the glamorous 1930s.

the flowers is so soothing and calming. I was hooked straight away."

Today, after 18 years of residence in the United Arab Emirates, the former Pakistani schoolgirl is now a respected teacher and studious pupil at the very establishment she first visited all those years ago.

Her love of porcelain has taken her on odysseys to the other side of the world to learn from the masters of the craft. Italian artist Nino Gallabo was, and remains, the most inspirational of talents to influence her work.

Sana Ali holds the same views.

Having lived in Dubai for five years now, the 35-year-old has not looked back. “You could be out late in the evenings with your friends without any safety issues while enjoying the comfort of living in a Muslim country, which includes hearing the sound of Azan and not having to work on Eid day! You will be closer to your home country while not having to give up the Western life style. You can wear the same clothes that you have been wearing in Britain.

Join a gym or be regular at a nearest beauty parlour and you could be able to find new friends. Going to a park in the evening will also help.

You can easily convert your driving license, which was so convenient for me.”

F

ollowing multiple flight delays and poor on time performance (OTP) from Air India (AI), the government have passed an order to cut payments for any worker who comes into work late and forces a delayed take off.

Issued by aviation secretary V Somasundaran, the order covers pilots, cabin crew, engineering staff, ground handlers and even in-flight catering suppliers. This is however Somasundaran’s second order within a week, he had earlier directed AI to hire 800 cabin crew to mitigate delays caused by a severe crew shortage.

“Secretary (aviation) has noted that flight delays are

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Air India workers who arrive late and delay flights will face pay cuts

IT PAYS TO BE ON TIME

causing monetary losses besides loss of reputation to AI. (He has directed that) accountability for delays has to be fixed. In case of delays on account of late reporting by cabin crew, pilots or delays on account of engineering/ground handling personnel or late catering by caterers, the loss would be recovered from them,” AI ED operations, Captain A K Govil, said in a circular issued last Friday.

Govil's circular adds, “Salaries shall be paid only after related deductions have been effected. Strict disciplinary action shall be taken against repeat offenders.”

AI has repeatedly appeared at the bottom of the list of punctual airlines issued every month by the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA). These are not the only issues however, AI has also faced engineering issues late last year and a severe shortage of both pilots and cabin crew.

A spokesperson for the airline said that AI will

shortly install biometric attendance systems at all airports starting with Delhi and Mumbai. All AI offices too shall have this system, as well as the headquarters in Delhi.

“The secretary had directed us to hire 800 cabin crew members and we have already got 320 recruits. His orders for improving OTP will be followed stringently,” the spokesperson said.

However some of AI’s senior members do not welcome these new guidelines, “The government has to understand that the airline must be run by aviation professionals and not IAS officers in the ministry or in AI board. Over 80% of flight delays are caused by a crippling shortage of cabin crew. We are also short of pilots. Should the minister, secretary or chairman's salary be cut if flight delays happen due to their failure to hire people in time?”

The pay cut guidelines have been implemented immediately.

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS IN GRASSE, PROVENCE Lavender, roses and jasmine bloom in the world's fragrance capital, Grasse, in Provence. This ochre-hued hilltop town is a romantic pick for Valentine's Day, when heady yellow mimosa is in flower.

Galimard runs two-hour workshops where you can create a signature perfume for your loved one.

AN IGLOO FOR TWO IN SWEDEN It may be cold outside, but it will be warm under the reindeer-skin blankets in your igloo at the Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel in the Swedish Arctic Circle. Spend a sub-zero Valentine's Day dog sledding and steaming in your private sauna.

There's even a licensed ice chapel for the ultimate white wedding.

WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM

The Met Office have issued a 90% chance of bitterly cold weather, icy conditions and possible heavy snow across the country. An Amber warning has been issued in northern parts of England and the West Midlands which translates to “be prepared”, whilst the rest of the country has a yellow warning of “be aware”.

The forecaster urged the public, particularly those who are vulnerable, to be extremely careful during the cold snap, as overnight frosts will create icy stretches on untreated surfaces, which could make driving very tricky.

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FEBRUARY 2015

LIFESTYLE

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THE ASIAN TODAY

LIFESTYLE

DAY IN THE LIFE OF

BBC WM Mon to Thurs 2pm-4pm

SUNNY &

SHAY

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.

view the latest videos: youtube.com /thesunnyandshay

What’s an average day in your life like?

07:00

From Monday to Thursday I wake up and make the breakfast, a quick cereal for me and probably Peppermint tea for Sunny. We also watch the news to keep up with current affairs and I will sometimes clean up the flat.

11:00:13:00

We arrive at the BBC Studio and I will go through emails, we then have our production meeting with our team and go through ideas.

13:00-14:00

Sunny is a technical guy and he will set up the studio by putting up the mics, earphones and laptops. Meanwhile I will put our scripts together after they have been typed up.

14:00-16:00

We have our radio show.

16:00-17:00

The show ends and we start to do pre-recorded interviews that we will play on the show the next day.

17:00-20:00

We normally leave the office and go to either BritAsia where we have our meetings or we will go to a location shoot to film for our YouTube channel.

20:00

After that we may go to an event, we might host or make an appearance.

23:00-00:00

We normally get home this time and get to bed, we might have eaten already at an event. If not I will have dinner in the fridge which I will warm up and eat.

“

Follow Sunny & Shay on Twitter: @SunnyandShay

Is it easy working as a husband and wife team?

When working together it is important to take time away as a couple where we don’t talk about work. We recently went away on holiday where we did what normal couples did and had fun. We promised ourselves that on the eighth of every month we will just spend time together as husband and wife, we might go out to dinner or go for a walk. Whether you work together as a couple or not it is important to have that common goal you both work towards, whether it is family or career related.

What has it been like since joining BBC WM 95.6 afternoon show last year?

Sunny: It has been amazing. We have received a lot of support at BBC WM, everything we have asked for we got and the BBC sees that we understand the audience and have done our research on topics. The first couple of months we were there we were spreading the news on social media and telling everyone we knew, and the BBC could see the viewership increasing. We also had first time callers and new members of the audience listening in. We encourage everyone to get involved and call in as we feel this station has something for everyone.

Name one memorable moment since your work as radio hosts.

Sunny: The day that we walked into BBC London and had prepared everything for our first ever show. We were moments away from pressing that button to take control of a one of the biggest BBC radio stations and as soon as we did, my hair stood on end! This was because I was doing something that was so far removed from what I was heading towards, which was TV and filmmaking. Now we have been here for four years!

Shay: One memorable moment for me was when we covered a piece on human trafficking and I met a victim of sex trafficking from Nepal who was in her late thirties. She was forced to work in Mumbai as a sex slave for eight years.

She had been through such horrendous moments yet she had such hope in her eyes, this woman, who was very young at that time, could still sit in front of me and smile and say life is ok.

Quick Fire Questions:

When working together it is important to take time away as a couple where we don’t talk about work.

“

Meet Sunny & Shay husband and wife team who are taking the radio world by storm!

Sunny and Shay Grewal have come a long way since their television debut on the Channel 4 reality show, The Family. One memorable wedding later the couple have enjoyed 11 years of marriage and now host radio shows BBC WM 95.6 and BBC 94.9 in London. With Valentine’s Day coming up we at The Asian Today wanted to do a special couple themed Day in the Life feature. Sunny and Shay talk busy lifestyles, identity issues and vegetarian cheese burgers!

-

One drink that gets you through the day?

Sunny: Coke!

Shay: cup of tea One person that gets you through the day?

Sunny: Shay Shay: Sunny’s mum! If I am feeling down I can always talk to my mother in law.

One gadget that gets you through the day?

Sunny: TV remote Shay: Phone One song that gets you through the day? ' Sunny: Mool Muntar daily recitation from Japji Sahib Shay: Uptown Funk or Tindy & Rixx’s Tera Hogeya One food that gets you through the day?

Shay: Cheese toastie with pure Cheddar cheese Sunny: Mr Singh’s chicken burger with cheese. (Vegetarian soya) Favourite time of the day?

Sunny: evening and afternoon because I am not a morning person.

Shay: Evening, I am a late person too.

TECHNOLOGY

FEBRUARY 2015

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THE ASIAN TODAY VALENTINE GADGETS The most romantic day of the year is here and what better way to spend it then with those you love.

Throw in a few creative ideas and gifts and you’ll get the perfect occasion. So, don’t think too hard and let The Asian Today help you with a mini guide.

CANON EOS REBEL T3 If your valentine loves to take photos, give them a huge upgrade in quality by giving them an introductory DSLR. The Canon EOS Rebel T3 lens kit is a solid choice with an 18-55mm lens and 12.2 megapixels as well as an HD movie mode.

SCHICK HYDRO 5 POWER SELECT Featuring five blades with skin guards that glide effortlessly close to your skin, the wet shave razor includes a water-activated gel reservoir that helps reduce friction and irritation. The razor conveniently converts to an easy-to-use trimmer, while a handy battery life indicator lets you know when you need to replace the battery.

RICKENBACKER 4004L LAREDO Like the model 4004C Cheyenne ii, this stylishly sleek bass incorporates a new low loss circuit which, coupled with Rickenbacker's latest high output humbucking pickups, delivers a distinctively loud and clear sound.

The 11-inch MacBook Air lasts up to 9 hours between charges and the 13-inch model lasts up to an incredible 12 hours. So from your morning coffee till your evening commute, you can work unplugged. When it’s time to kick back and relax, you can get up to 9 hours of iTunes film playback on the 11-inch model and up to 12 hours on the 13-inch model.

SONY XPERIA Z3 The Xperia Z3 is the premium smartphone that does more and goes further – whether further is a run in the rain or a dive into the pool on a sunny summer holiday. With the highest waterproof rating*, you can find your way in a downpour.

TECHNOLOGY

APPLE WATCH OPENS FLOOR TO DESIGNERS Developers Challenged to Create for Apples New Watch

A

pple has announced the availability of WatchKit, software that gives developers a set of tools to easily create experiences designed specifically for Apple Watch—Apple’s most personal device ever.

Developers can create innovative WatchKit apps, actionable notifications and Glances, for timely information accessible by an easy, quick look at Apple Watch.

“Apple Watch is our most personal device ever, and WatchKit provides the incredible iOS developer community with the tools they need to create exciting new experiences right on your wrist,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With the iOS 8.2 beta SDK, developers can

now start using WatchKit to create breakthrough new apps, Glances and actionable notifications designed for the innovative Apple Watch interface and work with new technologies such as Force Touch, Digital Crown and Taptic Engine.”

Developers can create notifications that allow users to take action or respond right from their wrist such as turning the lights off after they have left the house, quickly accessing flight details at the airport, and rerouting their transit when a train or bus is late.

Developers can incorporate Glances, which quickly show users information they care about most, such as the latest news and sports scores, alarm system status or the next step of a favourite recipe.

O2 SOLD

•

APPLE WATCH: Tech Giant Wants Developers to Create New Apps

MICROSOFT UNVEILS WINDOWS 10 “Innovative” and for the “New Generation”

Mobile Network Three Acquires Competitor

•

13-INCH MACBOOK AIR

43

SOLD: O2 Has Been Sold to the Owners of Three Mobile

Telefónica has entered into an exclusivity agreement with Hutchison Whampoa in relation to Hutchison’s potential acquisition of O2, Telefónica’s subsidiary in the United Kingdom, for £10.25bn in cash. The agreement includes an initial amount of £9.25bn which would be paid at closing of the transaction and an additional deferred payment of £1.0bn. The exclusivity period will last several weeks, allowing Telefónica and Hutchison Whampoa Group to negotiate definitive agreements, while the necessary due diligence process on O2 is completed.

A spokesperson for the company said, “This operation marks another step in Telefónica’s

transformation process, initiated by the Company to become a leading digital telecommunications company and accelerate sustainable long-term growth while maintaining an attractive remuneration policy. Additionally, this announcement occurs at a decisive moment for Telefónica, following a period during which the company has been proactively managing its portfolio of assets, significantly reinforcing its position in key markets and therefore increasing its potential for future growth.

Finally, today’s agreement shows that Telefónica continues to lead the European consolidation process and it will allow the company to strengthen its financial flexibility.”

Microsoft unveiled a “new generation” of Windows, with a wide range of experiences designed to usher in a new era of more personal computing, as well as two new devices designed to extend the

Windows experience from large screens to no screens.

Windows 10 will be delivered as a service to offer a safer, innovative and updated experience for the supported lifetime of the device. A free upgrade1 for Windows 10 will be made available to customers running Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1, who upgrade in the first year.

“Windows 10 marks the beginning of the more personal computing era in the mobile-first, cloud-first world,” said Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.

GOOGLE INTRODUCES THE WALLET Internet giant Google has launched its newest feature, the Wallet, to users in the UK. In stark competition with Apple Pay, the feature will allow users to able to, quickly and securely, send money to friends and family in the UK directly within desktop Gmail -- even if the recipient does not have a Gmail address.

A statement released by Google said, “Sending and receiving money in Gmail is free and easy. To send money in Gmail, hover over the attachment paperclip, click the £ icon to attach money to your message, enter the amount you wish to send, and press send. You can also

request money in Gmail by hovering over the attachment paperclip and clicking the £ icon to attach the request to a Gmail message. When you receive money for the first time, you’ll need to claim it by setting up a Google Wallet Balance and linking your debit card or bank account.

After that, your money can be kept in your Wallet Balance for later sending, for spending on Google Play, or you can quickly transfer it to your bank account.”

FEBRUARY 2015

44

THE ASIAN TODAY

NATIONAL

ALTRUISM ALL-AROUND I

n a humbling and inspiring move, Preston’s Muslim community have contributed their pocket money to help raise much needed capital for lifesaving lung cancer equipment at the Royal Preston Hospital.

The Muslim community in Preston came together to arrange a collection to help the Rosemere Cancer Foundation raise funds for the technology.

In a charity fundraiser that lasted six weeks and involved eight different mosques from the city, the group managed to raise a total of £38,340.

In a heart-touching meeting, the final amount was handed to the foundation which goes towards a final sum of £100,000.

NATIONAL

WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM

• PROUD: Preston Muslim Society pose with Dr Munavvar

The hospital is set to become the first hospital with technology that combines ultrasound and endoscopy technologies and allows doctors to spot the disease in its earliest stages - early enough to potentially cure it.

T h e equipment came to Preston due to the efforts • COUNTRY'S LEADING EXPERT: Dr Mohammed Munavvar of consultant

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO TERRORISM OFFENCES

As a community, we feel it is our duty to help the hospital and we extend our thanks to the trust and Rosemere for their ongoing care.

chest physician Dr Mohammed Munavvar who is regarded as one of the country’s leading experts in the technology.

He was invited to Japan last summer to work with the equipment’s manufacturers, Olympus to help fine tune its design.

As a thank you for his work, Dr Munavvar was given the kit first initially on loan and he asked Rosemere to fund it.

Preston Muslim Society appealed for families to make donations to help buy the equipment outright for Royal

Preston Hospital.

Iqbal Adam, Preston Muslim Society spokesman, said: “It is our great pleasure to play a part in keeping this important piece of life-saving equipment in Preston. As a community, we feel it is our duty to help the hospital and we extend our thanks to the trust and Rosemere for their ongoing care.”

A DUBIOUS REQUEST TO BRITISH MUSLIMS

A letter written by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to around 1000 Islamic leaders has courted controversy, the letter outlines how leading Islamic figures must integrate Islam into British identity and help battle extremism.

He wrote: “We believe together we have an opportunity to demonstrate the true nature of British Islam today. There is a need to lay out more clearly than ever before what being a British Muslim means today: proud of your faith and proud of your country. We know that acts of extremism are not representative of Islam, but we need to show what is.”

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) have criticised parts of the letter such as the “implication

that extremism takes place at mosques”.

MCB general secretary, Shuja Shafi, in reply to the letter, wrote, “We take the point that your letter was written in good faith, and we agree with your assertion that British values are indeed Islamic values.

“However, we do take issue with the implication that extremism takes place at mosques, and that Muslims have not done enough to challenge the terrorism that took place in our name.

“We also reject suggestions that Muslims must go out of their way to prove their loyalty to this country of ours.”

He said the MCB was working to, “bring communities together and defy extremists of all kinds… not out of apology, but because it was the right thing to do.”

David Cameron however has defended the message stating it was “reasonable, sensible and moderate” and that it was “absolutely right” to write this letter urging Islamic leaders to help fight extremism.

• COMMUNITIES SECRETARY: Eric Pickles

JUSTICE SERVED FOR DECAPITATION VICTIM

A

• ISIS FIGHTERS: Imran Khawaja poses on the left with fellow terrorists A man has admitted terrorism offences after returning from a terrorism training camp in Syria Imran Khawaja, 27, of Foxglove Close, Southall, pleaded guilty to preparing acts of terrorism, attending a terrorist training camp, weapons training and possession of an article for terrorist purposes.

Imran Khawaja travelled to a training camp in Syria where he joined 'Rayat al Tawheed' .

The group began posting violent propaganda online in an attempt to persuade others to come out and join them.

Khawaja features in one of the group's promotional videos, 'Five Star Jihad', where he is introduced as 'Abu Daigham'.

Khawaja appears in the footage with his face covered picking up one of the heads from the bag and showing it to the camera. In May 2014, the group put out a message on social media, designed to deliberately mislead authorities, claiming that Abu Daigham al-Britani had been killed.

However, Khawaja was not dead. He was in fact making his way back to the UK. On 3 June 2014, Khawaja and his cousin Tahir Bhatti were arrested

by SO15 officers as they entered the UK at Dover port in a hire car.

The British jihadist has been given a twelve year custodial sentence in what is arguably the most serious Syria-related terrorism conviction to date.

man who decapitated his wife of 16 years in a brutal attack has been jailed for life at the Old Bailey.

Naveed Ahmed, 41, admitted killing the mother of their two young children Tahira, 38.

Police were called to the family home in Merton

•

MURDEROUS HUSBAND: Naveed Ahmed

Avenue, Northolt at approximately 19:45hrs following reports of a disturbance. Mrs Ahmed was pronounced dead soon after.

Ahmed was caught fleeing the house and was stopped by officers in nearby Pilgrims Close. They noticed he had blood stains on his coat and was sweating heavily.

He was arrested immediately.

D e t e c t i v e Sergeant Nick Miller from the Homicide and Major Crime Command said: “This was a senseless and brutal attack of a defenceless wife and mother in the family home. The violent

manner of the killing has had a profound effect on her family, friends and the wider community.

“Domestic abuse should not be tolerated at any level.

The Met Police will support the victims of domestic violence and prosecute those responsible for this invidious crime.”

Family statement released by the family of Tahira Ahmed, said: “On this day, there is no celebration, for we have forever lost a dearly loved daughter, sister, mother and friend.

“Tahira was the kindest, most patient and gentle individual, who lived for her children and family, she devoted her life to the welfare of her children and their best possible upbringing.

“Her life was cut short in the most brutal manner, by a barbaric man, with out-dated and backward

Her life was cut short in the most brutal manner, by a barbaric man, with out-dated and backward ideals.

•

VICTIM WIFE: Tahira Ahmed

Tahira was the kindest, most patient and gentle individual, who lived for her children and family. ideals. He caused untold damage, which will forever haunt Tahira’s family and friends.

“He had no thought or consideration that he was depriving two young precious children from their mother."

“Tahira, we miss you every second of everyday.”

INTERNATIONAL

THE ASIAN TODAY

THE US PRESIDENT ATTENDS INDIA'S REPUBLIC DAY PARADE AS CHIEF GUEST

• LAVISH PERFORMANCES: Indian artists

perform at India's Republic Day parade

• Trumpeters from Indian Border Security Force's Camel Mounted Band play

• STRENGTHENING TIES: Prime Minister Modi and President Obama watch the parade together bama became the first serving U.S. President to attend India's Republic Day parade, his presence as chief guest at the grand event due to a personal invitation by the country's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

An indicator of the strengthening bond between the two countries, Obama's presence at the dazzling parade of India's military might and cultural diversity marks the latest upturn in a tumultuous relationship.

The forging of a strong strategic partnership between India and America is further supported by the White

House's suggestion that the South-Asian country could play a role in tackling Islamic State, indicating Washington's increasing confidence in India's participation in global security issues.

Involvement of India in battling the terrorist group in Syria and Iraq will concern intelligence on the flow of militants and money as opposed to deploying troops on the ground, according to U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes.

He said: "When you look at our broader counter-terrorism cooperation and how we're tracking the flow of fighters

Jas Sansi's Scribbles

45

INTERNATIONAL

OBAMA IN INDIA O

FEBRUARY 2015

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and terrorist financing, there I do think we want to find space for cooperation.”

Attendees at the parade mentioned to reporters how overjoyed they were at the American President's presence at the event.

“We are so proud it brings tears to our eyes just watching,” said Tarannum Reza, a Delhi resident who attended the parade. “We could see the prime minister and both of them together right across the way. It was wonderful.”

Retired Navy commander S.S. Reza mentioned how much he enjoyed seeing the

We are so proud it brings tears to our eyes just watching. We could see the prime minister and both of them together right across the way.

It was wonderful. two leaders converse in the garden over tea, a scene he described as being “a Kodak moment”.

“It’s India’s most important formal invitation to offer,” said Alyssa Ayres, a senior fellow for India, Pakistan and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations.

SECTARIAN VIOLENCE IN PAKISTAN CONTINUES Media organisations across Pakistan have urged the government to halt the spread of Jundallah following the Sindh attack.

The country mourned once again as Pakistan became victim to another suicide attack on a Shia mosque during Friday prayers which police said killed at least 60 people.

Many were injured in the attack in Sindh province's Shikarpur area, making it one of the worst sectarian assaults on Pakistan in its recent history.

Terrorists linked to the Taliban claimed they carried out the attack. Mobs burned tyres and stopped traffic during demonstration rallies in Shikarpur. Protests also took place in other cities.

Shias are demanding the arrest of those who orchestrated the attack and better protection for their places of worship.

Police say that the suicide bomber set off explosives strapped to his body whilst inside the mosque. Four children were reported to be

among the dead.

C o u n t e r - t e r r o r department official, Raja Umar Khitab, said, "The bomber selected a place in the mosque that would cause huge destruction."

Mr Khitab said the bomb contained steel pellets, ball bearings and shrapnel to maximise the damage.

Pakistan has, over the past decade, experienced a growing number of sectarian attacks against the minority Shia community, which makes up about 20% of the country's population.

The Jundallah militant group said it had carried out the attack. The group has been linked to Tehreeke-Taliban Pakistan and announced its loyalty to Islamic State last year.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack and said: “Those responsible would be tried by a military court, where their cases would be dealt with more quickly.

The attack came as Mr Sharif visited Sindh's capital city of Karachi

• BANDING TOGETHER: Locals aid a victim of the bomb blast to hospital

Twitter: @Jassansi

INDIAN INMATES ON THE RUN Over 90 young offenders are said to have escaped from a detention centre by

removing an iron grille from a window and allegedly tied bedsheets together to lower themselves to the ground.

They climbed out of the back of the building in the city of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, while police protected the front.

Leading the investigation, Senior Police, Om Prakash said that the escape was "done so professionally that no one got a whiff".

Mr Prakash said “those still on the run included inmates convicted of crimes such as murder, rape, theft and banditry.”

46

FEBRUARY 2015

AWMB

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#AsianWomenMeanBiz

on Twitter every Wednesday 7-8PM www.asianwomenmeanbusiness.com

AWMB TURNS ONE!

It’s the month of love but more importantly it’s the month we turn ONE! Wow, it’s been an incredible year since Panna and Rupinder first got together at an event Panna organised and invited Rupinder to speak. She shared my vision of a world where more Asian

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

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Tips:

So it’s February, which means it’s the month of love, love, love………

We’ve put together some of the signs that tell us that you are truly in love with your business.

women felt empowered to collaborate and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams which was shared by Panna. The rest is history!

We’ll be celebrating at the ‘Love Yourself’ event taking place at Ealing Golf Club – please do join us for cake!

Play not work

ASIAN FASHION HOUR LIVE. SATURDAY 7TH MARCH. THE SPACE. BIRMINGHAM. B19 3EH Delighted that two other ladies who met through our weekly #AsianWomenMeanBiz Twitter chat are hosting their second live event! Hosted by Yasmin Sidat (Pehrani Fashion Blog) and Chandeep Uppal (The Space Birmingham) join them

for another evening of all things Asian Fashion. There is a stellar list of speakers and exhibitors. Book your tickets here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/asian-fashion-hourlive-tickets-15395999850

ENTREPRENIAL SPARK EVENT WITH KANYA KING MBE

By Bina Sitaram

LOVE YOURSELF EVENT. SUNDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2015. EALING GOLF CLUB. UB6 8TS We are proud to support this event which has been organised by three of our ladies collaborating! Join us post Valentine’s Day to explore the practice of self love and how it can empower you to become stronger in your relationships, your career, your health and

so much more!

We have great speakers, stalls, light refreshment and even cake as we celebrate AWMB turning 1!!!! Book your tickets here: h t t p : / / w w w. e v e n t b r i t e . co.uk/e/valentines-day-loveyourself- event-for-ladies tickets-15176367925

AWMB SUPPORTING UNIQUE HOME. On Saturday 24th January we were proud sponsors for a charity ball raising funds and awareness for Unique Home.

A home in India for unwanted abandoned girls and our chosen charity. The event was a huge success and was

a real collaboration of many women in our community coming together to offer support and sponsorship. £25,000 was raised and will all be going to Unique Home!

Well done to all involved.

15th January saw Birmingham host Entrepreneurial Spark's “Be The Best You Can Be” event, with key guest speaker Kanya King MBE founder of the MOBO Awards.

Following networking outside the main hall, attendees took their seats eagerly awaiting the star speaker – Kannya King – and she did not disappoint.

Out strode a woman with such a wonderful air of confidence about her, with her gorgeous big hair and huge smile to match.

Kanya took the attendees on a journey of her humble

roots and how she got MOBO to where it is today, I sat in total admiration of this incredible individual who had against all odds strived for her passion and made it happen. She spoke of her childhood where she would go to the local park and sit and day dream about her future.

She developed an eye and hunger for making money at 18 when she sold whistles at the Notting Hill Carnival.

Becoming a single parent at an early age, she realised only she, herself could change her circumstances.

Her first venture was in property

RAY OF LIGHT T

he City of Knowledge Academy has held its annual awards ceremony where it awarded some of its outstanding students for their performance in their studies and for engaging in social projects of refurbishing two youth clubs around the city. This took place at South and City College in Bordesley Green. In attendance were the senior management of the college along with local councillors who celebrated the achievements of the

academy.

Since its founding in 2009 in Birmingham, UK, The City of Knowledge Academy has offered a broad range of high quality educational programs, conferences, recreational activities and lectures delivered and led by some of the most renowned and inspiring community leaders such as Zafran Mohammad, who was the recipient of the recent Pride Of Birmingham Award. By serving the community in various areas

Time Flies

First and foremost, one sure sign that you love your business is because you do not call it work. It’s just what you do and quite simply you love doing it. No escape route necessary.

Helping Hand

development but realised that her true passion lay with music.

So she set about on founding MOBO, starting off in her bedroom at times working in her PJ’s.

Little did she know that this was the germination of a seed which was to grow from strength to strength to bear beautiful fruits.

Kanya spoke about the importance of having passion, persistence, people, personal power, how to deal with procrastination and prioritising. It was a great event that I heard of on AWMB Facebook page!

Asian Women MEAN Business

First and foremost, one sure sign that you love your business is because you do not call it work. It’s just what you do and quite simply you love doing it. No escape route necessary.

You are always on the look out on how to help people.

Whenever you end up talking to anyone, you always ask to see how you can be of service to them. You’re the queen of collaboration not competition.

Opportunity Knocks

Our minds are constantly tuned in to new opportunities for our business. It’s crazy how our minds are full of great ideas. The challenge is we so want to do everything and we want to do it now! Jot it all down and prioritise.

Next Generation

Granted that your business is your creation, your baby.

However you are not in it only for the money but to create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

@A_W_M_B

info@awmb.co.uk

City of Knowledge Celebrate Students Success

of life and addressing some of the most challenging issues of our time, the Academy has established a reputation as a pioneering centre of excellence providing service to all members of

the community with a principal of 'No Barriers'.

The Academy takes pride in being able to support people who are blind, deaf and with various disabilities.

BUSINESS

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THE ASIAN TODAY AL RAYAN BANK

LAUNCHES NEW ISA

FEBRUARY 2015

47

BUSINESS

REGION IS STILL

PROPPING UP UK EXPORTS West Midlands Growing Faster Than Other Regions

• TAKING OVER THE WORLD: Sukhi Ghuman

GLOBAL DOMINATION Sukhi Ghuman and the Rise of Octavian

Following the success of its 120 Day Notice Cash Individual Saving Account (ISA) Al Rayan Bank PLC, has announced the launch of its Instant Access Cash ISA. The Notice Cash ISA has been either first or second on the best buy tables with an expected profit rate of 1.80%, since its launch one year ago.

Attracted by the product’s excellent expected profit rate and the Bank’s reputation for good customer service, as well as its ethical approach to banking, Al Rayan Bank believes that 47% of new customers who opened a 120 Day Notice Cash ISA between 1 January 2014 – 31

December 2014 were nonMuslim.

The newly launched Instant Access Cash ISA is offering an expected profit rate of 0.50%, free of tax.

The minimum deposit is £50, savers can make regular deposits up to the Annual Cash ISA Allowance and transfers in are allowed. Profit is calculated and accrued to the account monthly.

As an Islamic Bank, Al Rayan Bank does not pay interest to its savers; instead, it offers an 'expected profit rate', which is generated by investing depositors’ funds in Sharia compliant and ethical trading activities.

Exporters in the West Midlands continue to prop up the UK’s global market, figures released by the ONS reveal.

While the UK trade deficit on goods and services to £2.9bn in December compared with £1.8bn in November, West Midlands exports continued to grow faster than any other region over the past few years.

Greg Lowson, president of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce said, “The statistics show that there is still a strong need to boost export activity to ensure wider economic recovery.

“However, we must not forget how well the West Midlands is performing in

exporting its goods and products across the world.

“West Midlands exports have grown faster than any other region in recent years.

Ours is the only region in the UK with a positive trade balance into Asia and Oceania, meaning that the West Midlands exports more to China than it imports."

Rebecca Struthers, Struthers-London, said more needed to be done to help young entrepreneurs across the region and Joel Blake, founder of Cultiv8 solutions, advocated a closer engagement between businesses and schools to help develop the entrepreneurial spirit within young people.

THE

Dynamic, forward thinking and fast becoming the world’s leading security-led businesses, Octavian Security is an award-winning organisation led by astute and ambitious entrepreneur, Sukhi Ghuman. The company has recently opened facilities in the USA, Turkey and South Africa, with plans to spread further. Sitting down with The Asian Today, he spoke about his business, pride and future plans.

Tell us about Octavian Security In 2003, I recognised a niche in the UK security market and formed a specialist security company, Octavian, providing bespoke, high quality tailored services to major corporate and public sector clients. Octavian is ranked within the top 5% of Approved Contractors by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and has now expanded internationally into USA, South Africa, Middle East and Spain.

You have won a number of awards, which included Outstanding Business of the Year at the recent Institute of Asian Businesses Awards, in regards to your journey, what is the secret of success?

I believe that through hard work, forward-thinking, identifying gaps and being the ‘first’ to exploit something, is key to entrepreneurial success. Using the internet and using it well is significant. Also, researching and keeping up-to-date with what is happening in the world. Having a strong team behind you that follows your vision is essential. These all lead to the road of success.security such as pharmaceutical, software, telecoms and logistics.

The type of organisations you work with?

Since its creation in 2003, Octavian’s client base has continued to swell across multiple sectors. It includes businesses such as global carrier UPS, iQ Student Accommodation, ProLogis Developments, Goodman Logistics, the Greater London Authority, The National Trust, Laing O’Rourke, Lend Lease, Balfour Beatty, BNP Paribas, GVA, ProLogis Developments, the Ministry of Defense, the BBC and Sky Sports along with various local authorities and NHS Trusts.

AWARDS 2015 Connect, network and celebrate with the best of asian professionals

What has been your most lucrative project?

Date:

20th March 2015

Venue:

Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Road, Birmingham, West Midlands B5 7QU

We began providing security services for ProLogis Developments one of the world’s largest developers of distribution facilities. This was in 2005, 2 years after establishing Octavian. Following a re-write of their service scope for security, we were awarded 17 Logistics & Distribution Parks. This opened up other doors in the logistics and distribution industry and became a benchmark for Octavian.

Timings: 6.30pm for 7.30pm – Midnight For further information please contact: Ninder Johal CEO ninder.johal@nachural.co.uk

You were the first to use ex-members of the Gurkha regiment, where did the idea come from?

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

In 2006, an IKEA store was victim of regular thefts and car crimes. I recognised the opportunity to introduce a unique service that would impact the industry in a big way. I had met a couple of former Gurkha soldiers previously and was aware of their physical and mental attributes whilst in the British Army, so therefore they met my vision.

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48

PROPERTY

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FEBRUARY 2015

THE ASIAN TODAY

PROPERTY

DUBAI PROPERTY SHOW RESIDENTS MOVE IN TO FIRST COUNCIL HOMES COMES TO LONDON BUILT Taking place on 27th February - 1st March 2015 at Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UX, the Dubai Property Show is bringing a unique showcase of Dubai properties to London for the very first time.

The three-day show will bring the best and finest real estate developers and brokers, marketing agents, hospitality developers, government departments and banks from the city of superlatives.

The Dubai Property Show is set to be the ideal place for Britons to find incredible properties from budget to ultra – luxury apartments, villas, beach properties, commercial properties as well as to discuss future investment plans with leading experts and agents from Dubai. Free to attend, the show will bring over 50 leading developers and

real estate brokers; hundreds of projects and thousands of properties on display all under one roof. From 10:00 am to 7:00 pm forwardthinking investors in Britain will be able to meet and network with property investors on a global platform.

Sunil Jaiswal, President at Sumansa Exhibitions said: “From buyers to agents, to financing, every aspect of the Dubai real estate industry will come together under one roof and will make this a truly remarkable event. Access to accurate information is critical to successful investing, and with 50+ exhibitors and real estate brokers expected and free seminars scheduled on Property.

For more information on the Dubai Property Show log on to www.thedubaipropertyshow.com

IMPROVEMENTS MOVE INTO FINAL PHASE A £1.6million improvement scheme which will help to attract more visitors and boost investment in Wolverhampton city centre is moving in to its final phase.

Repaving and resurfacing will take place in Princess Street, Market Street and Garrick Street.

Traffic signals will be upgraded at the junction of

Market Street and Bilston Street and the junction of Garrick Street and Snow Hill.

Four new bus shelters will be installed in Bilston Street and the city council will be working with Centro to replace eight other city centre bus stops. Work will begin at the end of February and be completed by September.

P

eople have moved in to the first council homes built in Wolverhampton for 30 years following completion of the first part of a £13.2 million development.

The Birches development will have 120 new houses – 40 of which will be council homes.

Wolverhampton City Council has invested £3.7 million in the scheme off Thompson Avenue, Willcock Road and Dixon Street. The seven-acre site will contain a range of properties, from bungalows to four-bedroom homes. It is expected the whole project will be completed in 2017.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton’s cabinet member for economic regeneration and prosperity, said: “The completion of the first part of this development and new tenants moving in is a real milestone. It demonstrates how we’re continuing to regenerate the city – delivering new homes, business and retail sites.

“This is a top priority for the

SALES

KESTREL AvENuE, B25

OLDKNOW ROAD, B10

BRYANT STREET, B18

CHERRYWOOD ROAD, B9

First floor flat, One Bedroom, Lounge, Kitchen, Communal Garden

End terraced, two bedrooms, two reception rooms, upstairs bathroom, split rear garden.

Energy Performance Rating is 36/34

Mid Terraced, three bedrooms, two reception rooms, kitchen, downstairs bathroom.

Mid Terraced, Three Bedrooms, Two Reception Room, Downstairs Bathroom.

Price: £60,000

Price: £79,950

Price: £84,950

Price: £79,950

city council and it is important that decent and affordable housing is available. We look forward to welcoming more new residents in the coming weeks.

“Other sites across the city are now being primed for housing, from central areas like Tower and Fort Works and the former Sunbeam factory to surrounding communities like Bilston and Heath Town.”

The development is being carried out by the city council with Kier Partnership Homes and will be managed by

LETTINGS

Wolverhampton Homes.

Chris King, managing director at Kier Partnership Homes, said: “In working with Wolverhampton City Council we have been able to demonstrate how, in partnership, a motivated local authority and experienced developer can deliver against identified needs for housing in a region. The homes at Thompson Avenue will provide high specification, modern and efficient homes for residents that underpin the council’s desires to elevate provision in the city.”

MORTGAGES

ROSEDALE ROAD, B25

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

Price: £128,500 FIELDHOuSE ROAD, B25

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Mid Terraced, Three bedrooms, one reception room, downstairs bathroom, off road parking

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HEYBARNES ROAD, B10 Mid Terraced, Three bedrooms, One Reception Room, Downstairs Bathroom

Price: £119,950 PuBLIC NOTICE: Cityends are now in receipt of an offer for the sum of £89,950 for 115 Cotterills Lane, Birmingham, B8 3RZ.

HOB MOOR ROAD, B10

SOMMERvILLE RD, B10

End terraced, three bedrooms, two reception rooms, downstairs bathroom

Semi detached, three bedrooms, one reception room, downstairs bathroom, off road parking.

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Price: £127,950

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MEDLEY ROAD, B11

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Anyone wishing to place an offer on this property should contact Cityends, 546 Hob Moor Road, Birmingham, B25 8TN

546 Hob Moor Road • Yardley • Birmingham • B25 8TN | T: 0121 784 3060 • F: 0121 784 3080

Price: £159,950

PROPERTY

RIPPING UP THE MARKET

Campaign Aims to 'End Rope for Money' Fees

Find Me a Landlord, based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, want to rid the rental property market of unnecessary fees for what can be, in simple terms; an introduction.

Jag said: “The true winners

tenants to engage with each other directly through a portal without charges and fees.

The couple's vision is to revolutionise the property rental market for both landlords and tenants by offering a free service via a secure portal.

Landlords using the site are able to register details online and upload properties for rental within three categories: social, student and private properties. Landlords upload images of their properties, add descriptions, attach gas, electric and Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s).

The site also allows them to add, edit and amend their portfolio as often they like.

Once properties are rented, the landlord can manage this by removing the advert from the website, but still hold the property data via their online files.

Prospective tenants can browse the site and search via the three specific categories without any restrictions.

This service incurs no fee and allows the tenant to view as many properties they wish.

Once they find a property of interest they can contact the landlord directly.

Landlords using the site should see a reduction in charges and fees, benefit from simple processes and be able to advertise free of charge. They can receive direct tenant contact whilst retaining access to the full management of their property portfolio.

HELP TO BUY SCHEME CONTINUES SUCCESS

The number of individual’s using government support schemes to join the housing ladder has continued to grow as new data shows more than 77,000 homes have been bought under the flagship Help to Buy schemes.

Overall the figures show more people are getting a home of their own through the format and as a result house building levels continue to climb.

Some 41,533 households were helped into new build homes under the Help to Buy equity loan scheme up to December 2014 and of these 83% are first time buyers. Also, 94% of total sales were outside London.

The figures also show that 30,269 households were buying new and existing homes through the Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme and 5,588 households were supported into a new build home through the Help to Buy: NewBuy scheme.

It means that in total more than 77,000 households have been supported under Help to Buy up to December 2014.

Sales through the Help to Buy have been strong across the country, with Wiltshire at 748 seeing the highest number.

The top five other areas that have a strong number of Help to Buy sales include Leeds at 669, Central Bedfordshire at 650, Milton Keynes at 567, Peterborough at 564 and Birmingham at 527.

S G N • I M T T O E R L T •

EXCELLENCE

RIGHT PROPERTY

tel: 0121 248 0033 fax: 0121 684 1043

RIGHT PERSON

AT THE RIGHT TIME TO THE

www.greengatesproperties.co.uk info@greengatesproperties.co.uk

49

GES GA

FOCUSED TO DELIVER

ES

n entrepreneurial couple have launched a campaigning website to end the “money for old rope” fees charged for rental properties by letting agents.

Husband-and-wife business team Jag and Bal Hir, of

in this current property market are the letting agents who currently charge both landlords and tenants what can be extortionate fees for what is in fact a relatively simple service.”

Bal added that charges to landlords can comprise of finder’s fees, itinerary checks, and a percentage of the monthly rent once a tenant is secured. Charges to tenants can consist of the admin fees, referencing and credit check fees, deposit handling fees, fees for the transfer of council tax and fuels bills. She said the list can be endless.

She added: “Remarkably, on occasions, some of these fees can be charged to both the landlord and tenants!

Tenants are often seen as cash cows by an industry which takes advantage of their human desire to have a roof over their head.”

Jag concluded: “We're on a mission to break up this cosy but costly arrangement by providing a service which simply and safely meets the needs of both tenants and landlords.”

Find Me a Landlord's aim is to allow landlords and

SAL

HUSBAND & WIFE TEAM: Jag and Bal Hir

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A WORLD BEYOND SUPERLATIVES The All-New MercedesMaybach S600

F

rom the family of the S-Class, comes a new level of handcrafted refinement, personalisation and prestige: the all-new 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600.

Available from April 2015, the Mercedes-Maybach S600 takes the perfection of the S-Class and soars to new heights. The interior is eight inches longer than the standard S-Class, and rear passengers will especially enjoy the generous legroom.

Unparalleled comfort and sophistication awaits throughout, highlighted by hand-stitched Nappa leather throughout the interior— including the headliner, pillars and entire seats— with optional seat buttons, pillows and pillow stitching on the dashboard. Overall, the Mercedes-Maybach will offer seven unique design interior packages to choose from.

The broad spectrum of personalisation options does not end there, though. In addition to a palette of 14 standard design Manufaktur exterior paints developed using a special process, the Mercedes-Maybach S600

will feature eight additional exclusive paint colours.

Step into a world of unprecedented exclusivity and individuality—a world beyond superlatives.

"The history of prestige vehicles made by Daimler extends back to the earliest days of the motor car. We

have now commenced a new chapter with the MercedesMaybach S-Class," points out Ola Källenius, member of the Divisional Board of MercedesBenz Cars responsible for sales. "As an addition to the

portfolio of S-Class sedans, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sets new standards in the luxury segment. The vehicle satisfies the very

FUEL DUTY POTHOLE DAMAGE: 'MAY RISE' COUNCIL PAYS OUT Parliament is being advised not to increase taxes on fuel so drivers can continue to take advantage from a decrease in prices.

A decline in oil prices has seen the price of fuel slashed at forecourts across Britain, allowing motorists to save money on the cost of filling their tanks.

But energy minister Baroness Verma told a debate in the Lords that a fuel duty increase could not be ruled out, as due consideration needs to be given to green issues.

Chancellor George Osborne removed the fuel duty

escalator in 2011 but advised caution at the time that it could be re-introduced if oil fell below 75 US dollars a barrel. It is now around the 50 US dollars mark.

The system meant fuel taxes went up by 1p a litre above inflation.

Baroness Verma told Conservative peer Lord Howell of Guildford, who wants the Government to resist any move to raise taxes and green levies, that “ministers consider the impact of all polices, but warned that plans to move towards a cleaner environment might have a further impact”.

detail and a new dimension in seating and resting comfort highest requirements in terms for the rear passengers are of exclusivity appointments the hallmarks of the new Mercedes-Maybach", says and comfort."

"Perfection down to the last Professor Dr Thomas Weber.

has 1f UNIQUE REG NUMBER FOR SALE

• POTHOLES: Costing Councils Millions

According to the RAC Foundation, councils have compensated more than £3 million to motorists over dents caused to their cars by potholes.

Approximately, 48,664 claims were given to 200 councils in Britain in the 2013/14 financial year, up from 46,139 the previous year, data received under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed.

Most claims were discarded by authorities in England, Wales and Scotland with just under a quarter (23%) being approved, which resulted in payouts totalling £3.2 million.

This works out at a typical price range of £286 per applicant, lower than the previous average payout, which stood at £357.

Councils gained a normal administration cost of £147 per claim as they faced the equivalent of a claim every 11 minutes on every day of the year.

England accounted for the majority of the claims made, at 42,662, with payouts totalling £2.9 million for the 9,792 successful claims.

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FUTSAL DISCOVERED ‘Developing technically astute and creative players’

‘Developing technically astute and creative players’

FEBRUARY 2015

51

FUTSAL = EXCITING • FAST-PACED • FUN

F

ast-paced, exciting and fun are words commonly used to describe Futsal – a small sided game played across the globe.

In England however, it is still very much in its infancy but I do believe that The FA and relevant football governing bodies have recognised this and as a result have put a strategic plan in place to help support football development in England.

To support this and help raise awareness of Futsal, my colleague and I, Colin Brown, produced and launched a new TV show ‘Futsal Discovered’ which launched this month.

It is aired on Sports Tonight Live TV and Vision TV (Freeview 244) – fortnightly on Thursday’s from 8pm – 9pm. The idea behind the show is to provide a platform and voice for those involved in Futsal and have a passion and love for the game.

It is something that I am extremely excited about and hope it can be used to share best practice and be part of The FA’s ‘Grow the Game’ initiative.

Did you know that some of football’s finest players have emerged through playing Futsal? There is Pele, Messi, Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Fabregas to name but a few. But it is not merely the South American and Spanish players that have said Futsal has aided their technical development, as footballer for Brentford FC, Charlie Adams tells us: “Futsal has been massively influential in helping my journey towards signing a pro contract with Brentford FC. I started playing Futsal when I was 11 years old and I later was scouted by Luis Melville for the Brentford Community Sports Trust scheme. I played with them for just over 6 months and was then put forward for

a trial for the Centre of Excellence at the time. I have been able to implement my Futsal skills into 11-a-side and still use them to this day. It really does develop you technically, for example dealing with tight situations and when you come back and play 11-a-side you realise how much time you actually have on the pitch. Futsal increases speed, reaction and decision making”.

Other benefits of Futsal include the development of control and confidence as stated by Hayes and Yeading FC Youth coach, Anthony Obeng-Manu. “As a parent and a coach I have seen many technical benefits of Futsal.

My son’s close control of the ball has improved and with

football at the moment, I think it is clear from my involvement in Futsal and seeing those players who participate in Futsal and then play football, that the game is helping them.

The heavier ‘low-bounce’ ball makes it easier for players to control the ball and due to the nature of the game, decision making and speed of execution is an area that I believe Futsal can influence Footballer’s positively.

Futsal as a sport in its own right should be respected. However, as a Football Development Tool, particularly of Foundation Phase (5-11) age players, then it should be part of their overall football education, regardless of their level of football”.

My co-presenter Colin Brown reiterates the fundamental skills that Futsal can help build within a player.

“It's the same as being in primary school as it gives you the fundamentals which you will need later in your football career. As they say it's like riding a bike, once you learn you never forget. Currently there are many organisations and like ‘Coaches First’ and Professional Clubs that organise scholarship programs for young players from the ages of 16 to 18, which is all well and good, but I think we still need to hit the ‘now’ generation in our primary schools and run after-school clubs or breakfast clubs.

This is where the nurturing begins”.

Futsal is a sport that deserves its own identity; however we cannot completely separate it from football. It can be a vehicle in aiding the development of technical, imaginative and creative players. Is that not what we want our emerging generation of players to look like?

Futsal include the development of control and confidence

• FUTSAL: (Left to Right) Written By: Manisha Tailor

@ManishaTailor1

Charlie Adams, Manisha Tailor and Colin Brown

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that has come an improved confidence in his own ability to take people on. I think the most refreshing aspect is the creative element he displays, willingness to improvise and knowing when to apply this in a game situation”.

Football freestyler, Jameel Nawaz, mentions the link between freestyle technique and Futsal.

“Freestyle" incorporates all styles of football, so ground moves like panna-skills and tricks, leading into upper moves and lower moves in freestyle, it’s like an art! Freestyle moves can be used in futsal and helps those imaginative players as well as improving technique, co-ordination and speed.”

Head Coach at Brentford FC Futsal Club, Luis Melville talks about the role Futsal plays in Football Development.

“With a lot of talk about how Futsal can help English

Nominations for the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards are now open with ten award categories to vote from.

Many black and minority ethnic stars have now become household names thanks to events like the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Who can forget Nicola Adams winning a Gold medal at Glasgow Commonwealth Games or Adam Gemili coming second in the 100m final?

But the BEDSAs are not just about celebrating elite sporting achievement. They

are also about recognising participation at a grass roots level and the people who behind the scenes have made it possible for sports stars to compete at the highest level.

Nitin Ganatra, also known as, Masood from Eastenders will be hosting the first-ever black and ethnic minority sports awards.

"There are 10 categories in the awards from Young Sports Person of the Year to Lifetime Achievement and we would welcome votes in each of them.

I regret missing the Asian Games.

Playing for the country is an honour.

•

MAKING HISTORY: Gurpreet Sandhu

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is adamant that he was by no means as talented as others in the business. The 22-year-old goalkeeper from Mohali has made history after becoming the first Indian since independence to start for a European top tier club.

Sandhu took the field for Norway’s Stabaek Football Club in their 4-1 win over Follo Fotballklubb in a friendly tie. It also made him the second Indian ever to have played at that level, following in the footsteps of Mohammad Salim, who played

for Celtic FC in 1936.

“I am happy that my first appearance for the club came in a victory. It is a proud moment,” said the 6-foot5-inch star, who was signed

by Stabaek FC last year but had since been only playing matches with the reserve squad.

But Sandhu’s decision to join Stabaek was not an easy one. It meant he had to miss out on a berth in the Indian team for the 2014 Asian Games and even turned down offers to play in the first Indian Super League (ISL).

“I regret missing the

Asian Games. Playing for the country is an honour.

But I had to sort out the work permit issues. I was so close to realising my dream of playing for a top tier club abroad, so joining Stabaek was more important to me as I want to develop myself,” said Sandhu, who began playing at the age of eight after joining the academy at St Stephen’s School, Chandigarh, in 1999.

He was signed by East Bengal in 2010 and represented the club in the I-League, Federation Cup, the AFC Cup among other tourneys.

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SPORTS

ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015 • ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015 • ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015 • ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015

AFGHANISTAN

AUSTALIA

BANGLADESH

ENGLAND

NEW ZEALAND

SCOTLAND

Their first appearance in a World Cup t o u r n a m e n t , Afghanistan’s entry into international cricket has been one of inspirational and quite remarkable.

Having qualified through ICC’s wildcard competition, the team has a energetic burst of youth and underestimated wealth of talent on its side.

Australia is on a high after thumping both India and England in the recent tri-series competition. Home advantage is another factor that goes with the Aussies. Their 2011 World Cup campaign saw them losing to India in the knockout stages. They now have a strong squad and with experienced players on their side.

Since its first burst onto the international stage, Bangladesh have gone from to strength.

Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim will form the core of the side alongside Mortaza and Shakib, while among the younger lot, there were call-ups for Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, the 19-year-old fast bowler, and Taijul Islam.

England selectors have made three changes to the one-day squad that lost 5-2 to Sri Lanka in December. Led by Eoin Morgan, James Anderson and Stuart Broad return from injury with batsman Gary Ballance also included. Alastair Cook, Ben Stokes and Harry Gurney are the three players to miss out from the most recent one-day squad.

Brendon McCullum will lead a full-strength New Zealand squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

The batting line-up boasts of experience in the form of McCullum, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson, while Corey Anderson and Grant Elliott, who last played an ODI in November 2013, will serve as the allrounders.

Scotland start their campaign on February 17th against hosts New Zealand, in Dunedin.

Preston Mommsen will lead Scotland to their third World Cup campaign, and will be determined to help secure their first win on the global stage, while looking to boost their current One Day International ranking of 14th in the world.

KEY PLAYER: MOHAMMED NABI

KEY PLAYER: STEVE SMITH

There are no changes to the 15 players named last month for the training camp and tri-series in Dubai against Afghanistan and Scotland.

Captain William Porterfield is one of five players who will be participating in their third World Cup, along with the O’Brien brothers, Ed Joyce, and John Mooney.

KEY PLAYER: VIRAT KHOLI

KEY PLAYER: KANE WILLIAMSON

Held jointly by Australia and New Zealand, the 11th Cricket World Cup will be starting on February 14th till March 29th. The tournament will include a total of 14 international countries which are split into two groups.

Teams who make the final tournament are:

KEY PLAYER: WILLIAM PORTERFIELD

MS Dhoni will lead the 15-man Indian squad that will aim to defend its ICC Cricket World Cup title. Ravindra Jadeja and Stuart Binny have been included as all-rounders, whilst Axar Patel and Ravinchandran Ashwin offer spin options. The squad also features several fast bowlers with Ishant Sharma leading the line.

KEY PLAYER: MOEEN ALI

WHO WILL YOU BACK?

IRELAND

INDIA

KEY PLAYER: MASHRAFER MORTAZA

KEY PLAYER: MAJID HAQ

SRI LANKA Sachithra Senanayake and Lasith Malinga were named in Sri Lanka's squad, Malinga last figured in an international fixture four months ago and his participation is subject to fitness.

The Angelo Mathewsled squad also features the experience that was part of the team that finished runners-up at the previous world cup.

KEY PLAYER: KUMAR SANGAKKARA

PAKISTAN

UAE

WEST INDIES

ZIMBABWE

SOUTH AFRICA

The PCB announced a squad which contains two openers, four middle order batsmen, five pace bowlers, one spinner, two all-rounders and a wicket-keeper/batsman.

Pakistan fans will be delighted by the presence of Shahid Afridi who will play in a fifth ICC Cricket World Cup since his debut back in 1999.

UAE will be captained

by Mohammed Tauqir, with Khurram Khan as Vice Captain.

Considered a solid middle-order batsman and a right-arm offspinner, Tauqir has been an outstanding performer in the UAE’s World Cup preparations, showing positive development in both skill and fitness.

Jason Holder captains the 1975 & 1979 World Cup Winners who will be looking for a third Cricket World Cup title, seasoned batsman Marlon Samuels has been appointed Vice Captain.

The most experienced ODI player in the squad is opener Chris Gayle with 258 appearances.

Zimbabwe's 15-man squad for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup sees Elton Chigumbura lead his country as captain.

Hamilton Masakadza, who made his international debut 14 years ago, is set to play in his first World Cup. Masakadza will form the batting core alongside Sikander Raza, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine and Sean Williams.

AB De Villiers will lead a full strength South Africa squad to Australia and New Zealand. There are eight players with previous World Cup experience, De Villiers, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Wayne Parnell, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir. Whilst of the newcomers, will be hoping to shine for the first time at a world cup.

KEY PLAYER: YASIR SHAH

KEY PLAYER: MOHAMMED TAUQIR

KEY PLAYER: CHRIS GAYLE

KEY PLAYER: ELTON CHIGUMBURA

KEY PLAYER: AB DE VILLIERS

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ONCE A BRUMMIE, ALWAYS A

BRUMMIE

ZAF'S COLUMN @All4YouthCIC

ATTOCK CRICKET CLUB Continuing a Legacy

SULIMAN DITCHES EUROPE TO STAY IN THE MIDLANDS • VILLA: Easah Suliman.

• ATTOCK: Zaf, alongside Moeen Ali at Attock Cricket Club

A

ston Villa has confirmed that they have signed youth academy ace Easah Suliman on a two-year professional contract despite interest from both Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

16-year-old Suliman is a multitalented defender, who will be able to operate at centre-back and left back.

Having been with the Birmingham-based club since the age of eight, the Moseley born lad has captained England at U17 level and represented Villa in both the Barclays U18 Premier League and the FA Youth Cup. Commenting on the news, Academy director Sean Kimberley said he was thrilled to sign up Suliman. “We're delighted that Easah has signed his first professional contract with the club. Easah has been at the club through his foundation years at junior school and he's a

Birmingham lad who's come through the local recruitment process.

"We've been able to develop young, local players over the years and it's great that we can continue to do that with Easah.

"He's going away with England U17s next month and he's continuing to make good progress both with them and here at Villa.

"He's at the start of his career now and everything is in front of him.

"The key for him now is to continue to work hard, to maintain the same excellent attitude he has displayed so far and to continue to learn from his coaches.

"Having fought off competition from home and abroad for his signature, everyone here at Villa will help him get the most out of his abilities and we're excited to work with him in the coming years."

Photo Credit - Neville

Williams/ Aston Villa FC

My name is Mohammed Zafran (known as Zaf to many); I am a Community Liaison Officer at South and City College Birmingham.

Every month I will be writing a column on all the events taking place in the community, with a view to recognise unsung heroes amongst us.

The World Cup will be coming up in a couple of weeks then why not start on this note. On 30th January 2015, Attock Cricket Club, based in Moseley School in Birmingham, had their Annual Awards Dinner in which all the junior, senior, committee members, everyone down to the tea lady, all players and volunteers get honoured for their voluntary service to this amazing club.

On a personal note, it was an honour for me to go on stage and give out awards and I would also like to thank Chairman Naz Khan who has given half of his life to rejuvenate this Cricket Club and gave it a real direction to move forward.

So many kids from deprived areas have found a new challenge after engaging with this club and I have seen that difference with so many youngsters who I myself have sent to them.

In 1994, Attock had no youngsters and two senior sides – 20 years later I have heavily been involved in trying to get women involved in sport

as I think it is important to get women involved in sport and Attock Cricket Club provide that platform with some excellent professional female coaches.

It has six senior and five junior sides. It works with local schools from deprived areas and develops the untapped talent into young people progressing into county age groups. The work of the club has been recognised many times but, as it plans the next 20 years, the club is on a journey where it has a mission to generate the future cricketers for the nation. The work of all volunteers, from the groundsman to the chairman can only inspire people to carry on working with local young people, communities and, indeed, businesses.

The club is not selective and it is proud of its hard work to turn ordinary young cricketers into good players. The club’s success in the cricketing circles is due to its home grown talent. Attock are more than just a cricket club as they do a lot of work with charities to make sure they recognise the struggles others have to go through.

In my next month's column, you will read about The City Of Knowledge Academy and what amazing work is being done with the youths behind the scenes and about the VIY Project which I am involved in.

@attockcc

53

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“If you like Bollwood or ‘60’s Soul, you will LOVE Botown” THE TIMES

2015 TOUR BIRMINGHAM

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LEICESTER

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Desi Central

Chart topping Botown are a multi-cultural London based band that reboot Bollywood classics with a shot of late ’60 Soul and Funk.

Botown is a fusion band like no other. It’s an exciting culture-clash musical experience that takes you on a musical trip from Memphis to Mumbai. Imagine a legendary ‘60’s Soul band playing Bollywood music – that’s Botown!

Botown have developed a large and loyal following across the UK. Performing in venues across the UK, Botown are committed to unite and engage the wider communities of the UK with their multicultural sound that combines Soul power with Bollywood glamour.

“Botown have taken a bunch of Bollywood’s best-loved anthems and given them the ‘Shaft’ treatment” DAILY EXPRESS EXPRESS