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ACHANAK

GAME SET AND NACH

The album reflects the live element of the band and takes into account the response to live gigs from Madrid to Barcelona to Munich.

Bhangra Band set to release eclectic album

T

he year 2016 sees the launch of the 13th studio album from the 6 piece bhangra band – Achanak.

Having taken 5 years to produce the band readily admits that it is relieved that they have finally managed to complete it.

‘The process has been very intensive – trying to fit in recording the album whilst touring. We have also had to endure the highs and lows of the creative process as we have refined and in some instances dropped completed tracks because we were not happy with the final product’ admits Vijay the lead singer of the band.

The 14 track album includes a couple of revamps from the back catalogue ‘ largely because the non Asian audience that we typically perform in front of us demanded these tracks on a record. Having witnessed the power of a live bhangra performance, the audience were simply adamant that we duplicate the track on to a record ‘ explains Ninder Johal who not only is the table player for the band but also operates as a manager and its record company – the long established Nachural Records.

What make this album different from the market place ?

‘The album reflects the live element of the band and takes

into account the response to live gigs from Madrid to Barcelona to Munich. The album also allowed me the opportunity to produce 6 tracks on the album for me, it was a fantastic experience’ details Amar Johal the 21year old Dhol player who is multi talented having fine tuned his production skills over the duration of the album. Incidentally he is also the son of Ninder Johal. ‘ Hopefully I was able to inject some modernity to the production because of my age and builds on the experience I have gained since I started performing with the band from the age of 10’.

‘Of course it was a risk not going to an established producer for the entire album but we were confident of our production skills and more importantly only we had the experience of what the crowds enjoyed about the Achanak performance’ beams Ninder.

‘The album as a result has elements of most genres from dance, hip hop, rock and electronic dance music…it is certainly an electic feel to it…. we certainly hope the fans enjoy what we have to offer’ promises Ninder ‘ and of course since it is an album rather than a single we believe that in itself is a key differentaitor’.

HONOURED GOSSIP • INTERVIEWS • MUSIC • MOVIES - & MUCH MORE! TURN TO PAGES 23 - 27

BIRMINGHAM BOYS BRING IT HOME! A

5.7% from ethnic minority backgrounds recognised 1,196 individuals honoured with a title

48% of those awarded are female

76% recognised for services to their communities

s 2015 drew to a close, with remnants of Christmas cheer still lingering in the air for some, there remained some surprises still under wraps for a fated few.

On the penultimate day of December, the New Year’s Honours List for 2016 was revealed and selected from the ranks of over one thousand altruistic and entrepreneurial men and women were not one, not two, no, nor even three, but FOUR individuals flying the flag for Britain’s second city.

Powerhouses in business and community work in their own right, Nasir Awan, Aftab Chughtai, Abdullah Rehman and Habib Rehman, all from Birmingham, were recognised in the prestigious list.

Nasir Awan, chief executive of Awan Marketing International plc, was bestowed with the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) title for Services to Business and International Trade. Joining him in receiving an MBE was Aftab Chughtai, a Chair of the West Midlands Police Independent Advisory Group, who also runs a department store based in East Birmingham specialising in baby products, having been awarded the title for Services to Business and Community Relations in Birmingham. Abdullah Rehman, a founding member of the Balsall Heath Forum, also received an MBE honours in recognition of his Services to the Community in Balsall Heath. Local business owner Habib Rehman was also honoured in the list, receiving a British Empire Medal (BEM) for Services to Business and Community relations in Birmingham.

Humbled and privileged to be amongst those who Continued on Page 7

2015 A YEAR IN REVIEW LOOKING BACK AT THE BIGGEST STORIES OF LAST YEAR

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Reforms to law should be made to force all restaurants, takeaways, pubs and cafes to display their food hygiene ratings, Birmingham’s licensing chief has said.

The appeal follows the revelation by the Food Standard Agency of a list of 127 venue names comprising of restaurants, takeaways and shops in Birmingham which have scored a zero food hygiene rating.

At present, the decision to display the rating from Food Standard Agency lies with the food outlets themselves, with it being common for only those businesses scoring four or five stars to show their ratings to customers.

However, Barbara Dring, chairman of the council’s licensing and public protection committee,

believing that the minority of unsafe establishments will improve their standards should venues be forced to highlight their ratings, is now requesting the Government to make displaying the rating a requirement for food sellers.

Businesses scoring zero are usually closed and only permitted to re-open following an all-clear by council inspectors, with an update to the zero rating only being available in the next routine inspection, several months later. Repeat offenders commonly face prosecution.

Councillor Barbara Dring said: “There are more than 7,500 food businesses in Birmingham and we want to them not only to be compliant with food law, but we want to encourage them to be better.

Anita Bhalla

Anita Bhalla has cultivated a thriving 26 -year career at the BBC

Honoure

Lohri

The winter festival marks a good harvest, bringing good luck to new beginnings

Fine food, fires and Festivities

January sees people of the Punjabi caste celebrate one of their favourite festivals.

Originating from the Indian state of Punjab, the winter festival of Lohri falls in mid-January according to the Hindu calendar and marks the end of the month of Paush, the coldest month of the year.

Traditionally celebrated on the shortest day of the year, the occasion is now held annually on January 13th.

In India, the long-awaited harvest festival is traditionally celebrated to thank the sun god for a prosperous harvest of the winter crops. For people in northern state of Punjab, where wheat is the main crop produced from the winter season, the fields coming up with the promise of a golden harvest in January is an occasion in which to rejoice for the farmers in the

region due to which Lohri is celebrated.

Across the world, the popular cultural event is more associated with bonfires than harvests, and families gather to rejoice in new beginnings as well as to bring in good luck, and events such as the birth of a child or the union of newly weds is particularly celebrated.

To mark the Lohri festival, Punjabis come together with their loved ones and enjoy participating in traditional folk songs and dances. It’s also customary for people to gather around a huge bonfire, with some tossing peanuts, popcorn and other treats into the flames. A variety of food is also associated with the celebration, with spinach and rice pudding traditionally being served as mains and desserts on the day, with peanuts and sesame candy being enjoyed as snacks.

To mark the Lohri festival, Punjabis come together with their loved ones

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ounder of the BBC Asian Network and award-winning Birmingham Broadcaster Anita Bhalla will be honoured for her contribution to the city.

Anita Bhalla is set to receive and honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University (BCU) and will join hundreds of students graduating from the university’s faculty of health, education and life sciences in the ceremony held at Symphony Hall.

Bhalla’s outstanding contribution includes setting up up one of Birmingham’s first hostels for Asian women in Handsworth, chairwoman of Birmingham Town Hall and Previously chair of the Midlands Art Centre in Edgbaston. She is also the chair of the Creative City Partnership, an organisation which supports the creation of jobs and wealth in Greater Birmingham.

Anita Bhalla has cultivated a thriving 26 -year career at the BBC. She saw her efforts pay off when in 2009, she was awarded an OBE for her

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services to broadcasting and communities.

As well as playing an active role in the education sector, being current governor at BCU and previous chair of governors at Grestone Junior and Infant School in Handsworth Wood, Ms. Bhalla also she also hosted Channel 4’s Eastern Eye as well as other national TV programmes.

She adds: “I am absolutely delighted to be receiving this honour from Birmingham City University. I have had the privilege to experience the university both as a student and as a governor.”

"It is a university that is at the heart of a great city and plays its part in our city, combining this successfully with a national and an international academic reputation. I am proud to be associated with it."

“I am absolutely delighted to be receiving this honour from Birmingham City University

JANUARY 2016

3

Teen Fined For Fake Islamophobic Attack A Muslim teenager has been handed a fine after reporting a fake Islamophobic attack she claimed had occurred in the days following the Paris terror attacks.

Miss Choudhury, 18, lied about being punched in the face on New Street, a hate crime purported to have been inspired by the fact she wore a hijab.

The student informed police she had been thrown to the floor in the made-up attack, an incident she said was in-line with an increase in violence against Muslims following the recent French massacre by ISIS. When sharing her experience in the alleged attack, the Birmingham local had said the attack left her too fearful to walk around the city on her own, saying: “I feel shocked and really scared that someone could attack you for no reason. I don't feel safe at all now.

“I've lived in Birmingham all my life and I've never experienced something like this before.

“It's made life harder for innocent Muslims. We don't want people to be killed, that's not our religion. Our religion is all about peace.

“My parents are so scared that they're telling me to take my hijab off. My mum's telling me to wear a hat instead.”

However, despite her assertions, West Midlands Police have revealed that the attack was entirely made up.

Investigating officers searched through CCTV footage in and around New Street in an attempt

to identify the offender but were unable to find any evidence of the alleged attack, despite going as far as to accompany the supposed victim to assist her in pinpointing the exact location of the incident.

The teenager has now been fined £90 by West Midlands Police for wasting police time.

Superintendent Andy Parsons, from West Midlands Police, said: “Birmingham is a multicultural city and everyone should be free to go about their lives without fear of being verbally or physically abused simply because of who they are.

“But lying to the police is a serious offence.

“It can divert crucial police resources away from investigating real crimes and helping true victims and will lead to a fine, caution or potentially a jail term for perverting the course of justice.”

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Women’s Retirement Expectations

“Smashed” T

he government’s “ b u n g l e d ” efforts to reform the state pension have shattered retirement hopes for women.

Critical changes must be made by the government to the information it provides regarding the new state pension, a number of prominent MPs have warned.

The new pension system, being rolled out this April to replace basic and additional pensions for individuals reaching retirement age, is the most recent change in a number of “bungled” efforts to reform the state pension.

The reforms have been to the detriment of a number of devastated women left with their retirement expectations shattered, the work and pensions select committee said.

A number of women expecting to receive their pension at 60 have recently discovered that their retirements will be pushed back by up to six year sonce reforms come into play. The amendments form part of the planned equalisation of the state pension age for men and women to 65 by November, with an expected rise to 66 in October 2020.

Although plans to simplify the pensions system have been welcomed, the committee has voiced concerns that inadequate communication has only led to further confusion regarding pensions, with alarms being sounded only three months before the new state pension is

set to be introduced.

Frank Field MP, chair of the committee, said: “Successive governments have bungled the fundamental duty to tell women of these major changes to when they can expect their state pension.

Retirement expectations have been smashed, as some women have only been told a couple of years before the date they expected to retire that no such retirement pension is now available.”

Tom McPhail, head of pensions research at financial services group Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Successive governments have given inadequate consideration to the impact of these changes on individuals and how they should be communicated.

“Even now, just a few months before its launch, the present government is scrambling to get its new state pension statements fit for purpose. They have had years to prepare, in some cases decades. This poor decision-making and complacency regarding the importance of good communication have undermined what were fundamentally good policies.”

A review was launched into the new state pension in October with the inquiry currently on-going. However, the committee has said it is “so concerned about misinterpretation attributable to confusing state pension statements that we are issuing this urgent interim report”.

Asylum Seeker Paramjeet Singh Saini

DETAINED

Road Marking Mistake Causes Motorist Mayhem "Mistakes happen, obviously and I don’t know what caused the error but I’m surprised it wasn’t noticed before"

Motorists have been left in uproar after council contractors in Birmingham painted incorrect road markings on a major route into the city.

The far left lane at Five Ways roundabout leads into Broad Street but was incorrectly identified as ‘Ring Road South’ by road markings, leading to perplexed drivers cutting each other off in a desperate bid to get into the correct lane.

The blunder has led to motorist mayhem for the thousands of drivers who use the threelane roundabout every day.

Birmingham City Council, who admitted the mistake, said it would be rectifying the markings soon.

One driver who uses the route on a daily basis to get to the city centre from south Birmingham, said: “I think the lanes were

Birmingham’s Flood Defences Bolstered Environment Agency takes preventative measures to avert flooding catastrophe in the city

Birmingham has been reinforcing its flood defences to prevent floodwater from devastating parts of the city.

Substantial work is underway to install flood defences in areas within the city, following the wettest December on record, with the Environment Agency striving to construct a 175m long structure in Witton’s Brookvale Road to prevent the river bursting its banks in the future.

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Approximately 1,500 properties, including 950 homes, face a risk of flooding in Witton and Perry Bar, where hundreds of residents and business owners were forced to flee when floods hit the area less than ten years ago.

Over 200 people fled their properties when the nearby river, swollen from repeated storms, burst its banks in June of 2007, leaving behind properties badly damaged by

remarked when the traffic signals were added in May. “I did notice a high number of incidents of being cut up on that exit since the traffic signals were put in, but didn’t put two and two together until recently.

“I don’t think the confusion helped with the new road layout, especially with all of the diversions around Paradise Circus, but I think regular users have caught on now, so they don’t find people are cutting across them so often.

“Mistakes happen, obviously and I don’t know what caused the error but I’m surprised it wasn’t noticed before.”

A spokeswoman said: “We have looked at the road markings on Five Ways island and asked our contractor to rectify this at the earliest opportunity.”

muddy floodwaters.

A similar calamity befell families in Sparkhill, where residents were evacuated after the River Cole overflowed its banks.

The crisis recurred a few weeks later when city streets were submerged under water for a second time.

The Environment Agency is set to spend approximately £300,000 on a flood defence plan, with construction work intended to be completed by

July of this year.

Torrential downpours have battered England for a number of weeks now, with most of the beleaguered country being advised to prepare for potential flooding. 22 flood warnings are currently active, following days of heavy rain.

The effectiveness of the improvements will face their first real test in the forecast torrential rain bound for Birmingham.

W

est Midland l o c a l Paramjeet Singh Saini has been detained by Immigration and Border Services (SEF) officers at a hotel in Algarve while he and his family were holidaying in Portugal.

Indian authorities have claimed Mr Saini was implicated in the murder of Sikh politician Rulda Singh in 2009, as well as

released without charge after an 11-month investigation.

MP John Spellar said his constituent was an Indian national but has indefinite leave to stay in the UK until 2023 after successfully claiming political asylum two years ago.

He said: “I am very concerned about Mr Saini’s detention and I have made strong and

"Our campaign is still ongoing and we are looking at the ways forward now.” a series of high-velocity bomb attacks the following year, in 2010.

42-year-old Saini is a suspected prominent member of outlawed Sikh separatist terror group Babbar Khalsa International.

The organisation, which had its international base in the West Midlands, was banned in the UK under the Anti-Terror Act 2000.

Mr Saini was arrested

by West Midlands Police Counter Terror officers in 2010 after his alleged involvement with the controversial shooting of politician Rulda Singh. He was eventually

Incorrect road markings on Five Ways roundabout exasperates drivers’ misery during city centre roadworks been “close to dangerous driving but not quite reached that state”.

27-year-old Tahira Parveen, was expecting her third child when she was struck by the driver's BWM on the way back from her daughter's first day at nursery.

Other pedestrians were also injured in the collision, including a four-yearold boy who sustained abdominal injuries and suspected fractures to his pelvis and leg.

Sentence has been adjourned until February 16.

'Worst air passenger' Strikes Again

• Jasbir Bharaj

urgent representations on his behalf to the Foreign Office at a ministerial level.”

The West Midlands local appeared before a court in Portugal after his arrest, just hours after landing in the southern town of Evora.

Sandwell Councillor Preet Gill said the battle to bring Mr Saini back to the UK will go on.

She stated: "Our campaign is still ongoing and we are looking at the ways forward now.”

He will remain in custody until the Indian government can provide evidence against him.

Previously labelled the 'worst air passenger', Jasbir Bharaj has made headlines again with yet another drunk-fuelled episode at a Birmingham hotel.

While still on bail for an air incident earlier this month, Bharaj visited the Hotel in Highgate where his behaviour “more than likely through drink” caused alarm amongst staff, forcing them to call reinforcements.

When officers arrived at the premises, they were directed to the hotel’s public toilets where he was loitering and, as a result of offensive and racial slurs spoken, Bharaj was arrested yet again.

Prosecuting, at Birmingham Crown Court, Kevin Grego,

thinking of adoption?

CARELESS DRIVER PLEADS GUILTY Small Heath local, Shammas Rehman has admitted that careless driving was the cause of a pregnant pedestrian’s death.

Rehman, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to causing the death of Tahira Parveen by careless driving on September 6, 2013.

The 23-year-old had originally been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, but Deborah Gould, prosecuting, announced that his plea to the alternative charge had been accepted as the court ruled it had

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every child brings something new to a family

explained that police prompting was not enough for the inebriated Mr Bharaj. The 46-year-old then threatened to kill one of the officers, calling them “white b******s.”

Bharaj was sentenced to 11 months for an earlier public disruption, on a flight from Dubai to Birmingham Airport in September last year.

The court heard that while on the Emirates flight, Bharaj had threatened to assault an air hostess and left more than £2,500 worth of damage to an in flight entertainment console.

The judge’s verdict resulted in Bharaj’s original prison release-date being pushed back further to accommodate the public nuisance's most recent transgression.

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JANUARY 2016

Leicester’s Leading Lady Honoured

The director of a women’s centre in Leciester has been recognised in the New Year Honours List.

Awarded with an MBE for her services to the empowerment of women in the city, Yasmin Mohammed Farooq Nathani is the chair of Shama Women’s Centre, founded in 1985.

The centre aims to empower local women from a number of ethnic minority backgrounds to become more active socially, as well as in education and finances too, through a variety of activities held in a women’s-only environment.

A vast majority of women who use the centre are at risk of becoming isolated due to low incomes as well as cultural and languages barriers. Over the 27 years, the centre has transformed into a hub for thousands of women from across Leicester.

Through the centre, which liaises with a network of local groups to ensure services are tailored to meet each individual’s needs, women have been supported in building their confidence, gaining qualifications, providing opportunities as well as finding employment.

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MAKING THEIR

MARK T

he Queen’s New Year Honours List for 2016 has seen numerous British Asian men and women recognised for their outstanding contribution to society.

Selected from across a number of different sectors, including local government,

enterprise and charity, a considerable number of British Asians have been chosen to receive the prestigious titles of Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), and Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM), to name a few.

Communities Secretary, Greg Clark, congratulated those individuals honoured, saying: “These individuals have made an extraordinary contribution to society and I am delighted that they have been honoured in this way.”

Knighthood for Harpal Kumar

Do Know Someone Who Deserves a National Honour?

A cancer research expert of Indianorigin has been recognised for his influential work in promoting research into the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

The only Asian to receive a Knight Bachelor from Queen Elizabeth II in the New Year Honours List 2016, Harpal Singh Kumar’s leadership as Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK (CRUK) saw the charity play an instrumental role in pressurising the Government to take further actions in reducing smoking and to ban under-18s’ use of sun-beds.

A former McKinsey consultant and medical entrepreneur, the researcher has played a fundamental role in setting up the Francis Crick Institute as a world leader in biomedical research and innovation.

Previously having chaired the Independent Cancer Taskforce, Harpal Singh Kumar has also authored the NHS Cancer Strategy for England for 20152020, entitled ‘Achieving World Class Cancer Outcomes’.

Leading the New Year Honours List 2016 in South Asian names, the head of the CRUK has seen the organisation’s income and research spending reach an all-time high.

Anyone is able to put someone forward for an honour, though it is not possible for an individual to nominate themselves.

It doesn’t matter what section of society or walk of life a nominee is from. So long as they are a UK citizen and have made a difference to their community, they can be considered for an title.

The process is very simple; all that is required is that you fill in a nomination form and provide two letters of support by people with first-hand knowledge of the nominee.

In your nomination form, you need to put forward a strong case as to why the nominee deserves to receive an honour by explaining what the impact of their efforts has been on their

community.

Though there are no deadlines for the nomination forms to be submitted, you need to make sure that the nomination is put forward at least 12 months before the individual is expected to stand down or retire.

To nominate someone please visit: www.gov.uk/honours/nominatesomeone-in-the-uk

“These individuals have made an extraordinary contribution to society and I am delighted that they have been honoured in this way.”

QUEEN'S NEW YEARS HONOURS LIST Knight Bachelor (Kt) n

Mr Harpal Singh Kumar Chief Executive, Cancer Research UK. For services to Cancer Research

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) n n n n

Mr Zameer Mohammed Choudrey - For services to the UK Wholesale Industry and charity in the UK and Abroad.

Mr Samir Desai Peer to Peer and Financial Inclusion Innovator. For services to Financial Services.

Dr Raminder Singh Ranger MBE Chairman, Sun Mark Ltd. For services to Business and Community Cohesion.

Ms Yasmin Sheikh MBE Co-founder, British Community Honours Awards.

For services to Women and Social Integration.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) n

Mr Gurmukh Singh Patron - Khalsa Aid. For services to Community

n n n n

Cohesion and charity.

Mrs Kala Patel Managing Director - Kiddycare Limited (Nurseries). For services to the Childcare Business.

Professor Meena Upadhyaya For services to Medical Genetics and the Welsh Asian community.

Mrs Daljit Lally Deputy Chief Executive, Northumberland County Council and Joint Executive Director, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. For services to Integrated Care.

Mr Raj Nayyar Policy Adviser, London, HM Revenue and Customs. For services to Tax Policy.

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) n n n

Mr Aftab Ahmed Chughtai For services to Business and Community Relations in Birmingham.

Mr Abdullah Rehman Chief Executive, Balsall Heath Forum. For services to the community in Balsall Heath, Birmingham.

Mr Nasir Awan Chief Executive Officer, Awan Marketing International.

For services to Business and International Trade.

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British Asians Recognised in New Year Honours List 2016 Birmingham Boys Bring It Continued from Front Page received an accolade, the band of four Birmingham boys helped to make up the 5.7 per cent of individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds to be honoured in the list comprising of 1,196.

It was an honour for The Asian Today to host all four of the esteemed men in our offices for an exclusive interview following the revelation of the Honours list.

The selection of such a substantial number of South Asians in the New Year’s Honours List in recognition of the contribution they have made to both their communities and British society as a whole is a strong indicator to the extent to which British Asians have made their mark on mainstream society, something which Abdullah Rehman agrees with.

Abdullah, a community leader in Balsall Heath, said: “We Asians are making a very positive change and it is very important to keep going forward.

“The last couple of decades have seen Asians in Birmingham contribute greatly in all aspects of the city life, in policing, business or politics.“ Nasir Awan, who is also the chairman of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, reflected on how far the business community of South Asians had come in the past few decades: “If you walk down the high streets of the Asian community, the shops are much improved.

[They] project the corporate image, which used to be lacking previously.”

Aftab Chughtai, also a vice-chair of the Saltley Business Association, remarked on how much people’s attitudes had changed, saying: “[There are] many, many more people who stand up, volunteer and help to change the services that they receive and the environment that they live in.

“Gone are the days that they might have expected it all done for them or that somebody else will do it.”

The fact that 76 per cent of the individuals to be presented with

n n n n n n n n

NASIR AWAN (MBE)

AFTAB CHUGHTAI (MBE)

ABDULLAH REHMAN (MBE)

HABIB REHMAN (BEM)

CEO Awan Marketing International, Chair of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, Director Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Chair WM POLICE Independent Advisory Group, Vice Chair of The Saltley Business Association, Director Washwood Heath Academy

Founding Member of Balsall Heath Forum, CEO of Balsall Heath Forum, Local Legend, Organiser of 'Heart of Gold Awards'

Governor Washwood Heath School, Board Member Saltley Business Association, Member WM Police Independent Advisory Group

Inspiration: The community of Birmingham, which, in its rich diversity, has so many characters who are always willing to help.

Inspiration: My father, who always showed kindness, compassion and generosity to others around him in the city of Birmingham.

Inspiration: My late father who himself did so much for charity and people who were less fortunate then himself.

Motivation: The satisfaction of seeing the change for the better when you realise the hard work has been worthwhile.

Greatest Achievement: The awards ceremony we hold every year in Balsall Heath, both for the young, 'The Dynamic Youth awards', and old, 'The Heart of Gold golds' .

Motivation: As all immigrants, we want to better our lives and make tomorrow a better day than today, so you work hard with dedication to succeed in business, not just for yourself, but for your family and for the community.

Reflections on Birmingham: Today, more South Asians can be seen in top management positions as well as in the media.

Looking Back: The previous generations saw very tough and lonely times, but they supported each other by hard work and working together.

Reflections on Birmingham: Today's generation know what they want and how to get up and achieve it. Gone are the days that they might have expected it all done for them or somebody else to do it.

Looking Back: All our successes are … down to the foundations set by our forefathers who struggled so much for so many of us to enjoy success and prosperity today.

Milestones: I helped in making Alum Rock Road the hub of Asian shopping in the UK, where people from as far afield as Newcastle and Blackburn come to shop.

Reflections on Birmingham: We as Asians are making a very positive change and it is very important to keep going forward and the key to that is both academic education and social education.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEWS ON OUR WEBSITE: WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM accolades have “undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary of paid capacity”, according to The Cabinet Office, bodes well for the South Asian community at large, with their race-related and community-centric projects.

Looking to continue their fathers’ legacies through their efforts in business and community work, all four of the men paid homage to their hardworking, generous and compassionate parents. Aftab, who dedicated this award to all the people who have worked alongside him in the

Mrs Yasmin Mohammed Farooq Nathani Director, Shama Women’s Centre. For services to the Empowerment of Women in Leicester.

Dr Suresh Chandra Vasishtha For services to the community in the London Borough of Redbridge.

Ms Afsheen Kabir Rashid Founding Director and Chief Operating Officer, Repowering London. For services to Renewable Energy Projects in Deprived London Communities. London Mr Karnail Singh Pannu For services to the community in Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Dr Jayshree Mehta President, Bharat Hindu Samaj, the Hindu Temple and Chair, Sangam Indian Women’s Association. For services to the community and Community Cohesion in Peterborough.

Mr Asad Razzaq Leader, Community Action to Change Harehills. For services to Young People and the community in Harehills, Leeds.

Mr Satpal Singh Nahl Officer, Bradford Group, HM Revenue and Customs. For services to Taxpayers and Public Administration.

Dr Nisreen Hanna Booya Lately Medical Director, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. For services to Healthcare particularly Mental Health.

n n n n n n n n n

last 15 years, acknowledged that his faith had also been a driving force for much of his community work, saying it had inspired within him the fortitude to keep “going even when times seemed dark”.

As sons of parents who immigrated to the UK for a better life for their future generations, being recognised for the national award has impacted these four men deeply. Habib, who grew up in a deprived inner-city area, having come to the UK as a young boy who couldn’t speak a word of English, said that being the recipient of the award proved that

“you can achieve anything in life, if you’re willing to put the time [and] effort in and focus on what you want”.

The sentiment was echoed by Nasir, who migrated to England at the age of seven, adding that this showed: “Whatever your background and ethnicity, your achievements are recognised and duly awarded in this country.”

Abdullah, who paid tribute to his late parents Sufi Abdul Rehman and Sofia Rehman, said: “It is all down to the foundations set by our forefathers who struggled so much for so many of us to enjoy

Ms Zlakha Ahmed Chief Executive, Apna Haq. For services to Women’s Rights and Community Cohesion in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Mr Gurmeet Kalsi Building Services Engineer, Palace of Westminster.

For parliamentary services and voluntary services to the Sikh Community in Surrey.

Mr Fayyaz Ahmed For services to Interfaith and Community Cohesion in Preston.

Miss Ayesha Hazarika Chief of Staff to the Deputy Leader, Labour Party. For political service.

Miss Rula Al-Adasani For charitable services.

Miss Rekha Mehr For services to Entrepreneurship and Enterprise.

Ms Asha Odedra Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy Manager, Operations Directorate, Crown Prosecution Service. For services to Law and Order.

Ms Jaz Rabadia Senior Manager of Energy and Initiatives, Starbucks and STEM Ambassador. For services to Sustainability in the Energy Management Sector and Diversity in the STEM Sectors.

Mr Saravanamuttu Mylvaganam Lately Strategic Unit Network

n

success and prosperity today. I humbly thank and pay homage to them.”

With 2016 fast rolling in, the insightful perspectives and wise words from these hometown heroes are sure to serve as food for thought for those individuals yet to set upon a resolution for this year.

To all of those British Asian men and women who have been recognised for accomplishing great things within their respective sectors, a hearty congratulations from The Asian Today team!

Manager, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. For public service and services to the Tamil community in the UK and Sri Lanka.

Mr Mukesh Sharma, DL Managing Director, Selective Travel Management. For services to the Travel Trade in Northern Ireland.

Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) n n n n n

Mr Habib Rehman For services to Business and Community Relations in Birmingham.

Mr Aatin Ashok Anadkat For services to Entrepreneurship in Leicestershire.

Mr Sajid Rashid For services to the community and charitable fundraising in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

Mr Gurdev Singh Rayat For services to the community in Greenwich, London.

Mr Sarfraz Alam Mian Chief Executive Officer, Neue Schule Limited.

For services to UK Trade.

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JANUARY 2016

Ranveer Casting Couch Confessions TURN TO PAGE 24

MAKE-UP MIX UP

Onwards and Upwards Failing Birmingham School Makes Headway In Shedding Its Former Trojan Horse-Linked Identity

A

•Zahra Sadiq

15 year-old Zahra Sadiq was thrown off a National express bus in Birmingham because she was wearing too much makeup.

The teenage girl was asked to fork up a £35 fine after a conductor deemed her to look too mature to hold a child ticket.

The young girl was travelling to the city centre to meet her friends when the conductor told her to exit the bus, leaving her feeling 'completely victimised'.

I'm only 15 and I was all alone in the middle of nowhere, it was quite scary "Sometimes I do wear make-up, and might look older than I am - but even if I was that's irrelevant,” she explain.

At the time of the incident, Zahra was unable to prove her age as she wasn’t carrying any identification. She desperately tried to show the conductor pictures she had taken at school just days earlier, but the conductor would not have any of it.

The teenager was forced to walk four miles after the National Express conductor refused to believe she qualified as a child.

"The conductor just refused to believe I'm only 15. She said, 'look at the state of you, with all that make-up and contour - you're not 15'. She never told me first why I had to get off the bus, she just frogmarched me off," she said.

"I'm only 15 and I was all alone in the middle of nowhere, it was quite scary. I was too scared to get another bus in case it happened again, so I had to walk for four miles to get to the city centre.”

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• INSPIRATION: An Inspirational Head - Mrs Channa is the principal of the former Golden Hillock School, renamed Ark Boulton Academy

failing Sparkhill school embroiled in the Trojan Horse scandal has introduced some radical new initiatives in a bid to turn its future around.

Golden Hillock School, one of five schools facing allegations of introducing fundamental Islam to mainstream schools, faced a snap Ofsted inspection in April 2014 in which it was branded ‘inadequate’ by inspectors.

Criticised two years ago for not doing enough to “keep students safe from the risks associated with extremist views”, the school is beyond recognition today after having been taken under the wing of the reputable Ark academy chain in September.

Now known as Ark Boulton Academy, the school has launched a number of new strategies in order to support the students, including reducing class sizes to no more than 16 pupils.

The school’s principal Herminder Channa said, "We have ten form classes to each year group and each child will keep the same form tutor throughout their whole time at the school.

"It's not just about academic

achievement, it means form tutors can develop strong relationships with pupils and will be able to spot if there are any issues."

Mrs Channa said the allegations had been to the detriment of the school, with standards falling drastically since the scandal broke almost two years ago.

Last summer saw only 41 per cent of the school’s pupils meet the government benchmark of five GCSEs passes at A* to C, having dropped from 43 per cent in 2014. This was significantly lower than the 52 per cent pass rate in 2013, the summer before the Trojan Horse plot emerged.

Though “a million miles away” from the school she walked into when she first took up her role, Mrs Channa has said that there still remains much to be done.

The school continues to be under special measures from Ofsted, having been graded ‘inadequate’ in its most recent inspection in June of last year.

The head said, "Trojan Horse is something that is in the past, it is an event that happened.

"People can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's about looking to the future."

Rodents Wreak Havoc New figures reveal Birmingham rat infestation continues to besmirch the city

Pest control teams were tackling rats twice a day in some areas in Birmingham, despite call outs in the city being down by thousands since 2014.

Overall, the number of call outs amounted to 11,980 in 2015, a significant drop from 16,500 the year before.

However, much remains to be done to deal with infestations of rodents that plague our inner-city areas.

Birmingham was labeled the rat capital of the UK following the announcement of shocking statistics from pest control experts in April of last year, with figured revealing that Brum had seen more cases of rodent infestations than anywhere else in the country.

Residents in the B31 postcode

made more calls to Pest Control last year than any other area within the city, with Erdington and Sparkhill following in close suit, according to the latest figures revealed through a Freedom of Information request.

A spokesman for Birmingham City Council said: “There has been a reduction in call outs and we provide a pest control service for both commercial and domestic properties in Birmingham.

“For domestic customers who live in Birmingham our pest control service is free for the pests we treat.

If you have a rat in your house we will be with you on the next working day.

“Although B31 was the highest, call-outs were down almost 20 per cent for this postcode on the previous 12 months.”

FIRST WORST - NORTHFIELD: 707 SECOND WORST - ERDINGTON: 593 THIRD WORST - SPARKHILL: 591 FEWEST CALLS – KING’S HEATH: 435

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Birmingham-based Guru Nanak Nam Ladies Jatha raises vital funds for British Heart Foundation

NEWS

Local Ladies Help Fight A Heart Disease local group of Sikh ladies have donated £1,500 to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to help the charity in its fight against heart disease.

Guru Nanak Nam Ladies Jatha, a Birmingham-based group, comprises of 15 friends who visit homes across the city to perform the ‘Sukhmani Sahib’.

Meaning ‘Jewel of Happiness’, this is a set of hymns that appear in The Guru Granth Sahib which are believed to bring peace of mind. The ladies group hopes to bring peace to the world through their charity work.

Following the recitation, which lasts approximately 90 minutes, it is traditional to give money to charity, with all monies raised by the ladies being donated to charities across England. The group have raised substantial funds for various charities over the years and, in the last two years alone, the group have supported charities on a local, national and even international level with funds exceeding £26,000.

• GURU NANK NAM LADIES :The group of 15 friends donate a cheque of £1500 to Donna Stokes, BHF Fundraising Manager

Only last September, the Guru Nanak Nam Ladies Jatha group, supported Acorns Children’s Hospice through a donation of £2,100, a decision inspired by a moving visit to the organisation’s Birmingham hospice in Selly Oak, where they had seen the children’s charity’s work firsthand.

Leader of the Ladies Group, Harbans Kaur Lalli said “We are very proud to have raised £1500 for the BHF and chose the charity as we know that coronary heart disease is still so prevalent in the Asian community.

“We are committed to supporting worthy causes such as the British Heart Foundation who devote their resources to helping to prevent and treat heart disease”.

Donna Stokes, BHF Fundraising Manager, said “This is the second time the Guru Nanak Nam Ladies Group have made a donation to the charity and I would like to thank them for their awe-inspiring fundraising efforts.”

If you would like to find out more about organising your own fundraising event for the BHF, or are interested in joining a local Fundraising Group, please call Donna Stokes on 0121 353 2087 or 0121 353 2087 or email stokesd@bhf.org.uk

Lack of Ethnic Officers in West Midlands Police Force

The West Midlands Police force has been criticised for lack of ethnic minority officers, making it unrepresentative of the public it serves.

Figures released to The Guardian under the Freedom of Information Act revealed that the force was one of the least representatives of black, Asian and ethnic minorities in the country.

Less than nine percent of the West Midlands Police force is comprised of ethnic minorities, despite the fact that eighteen percent of applications received between 2006 and 2014 were from this group.

Only thirteen percent of

overall recruits taken on in 2014 to 2015 were from minority backgrounds, compared to almost 30 per cent of the population.

This isn’t the first time the force has come under fire for unrepresentative figures.

Last April, the police force was criticised for recruiting just one black officer out of 162 new recruits.

The figures revealed to the Guardian also revealed that individuals from BAME background are less inclined to apply to the force Janet Hills, president of the National Black Police Association, said there was

a lack of trust in the police among ethnic minority groups in Britain.

"We find that, where there is no accountability, nothing gets done. It is unfortunate because everyone will talk the talk but, when it comes to the action, that is not so visible."

Chief Constable Giles York defends the National Police Chiefs’ Council: “Police chiefs have been vocal about the operational need for a workforce that reflects the make-up of our communities because we understand the benefits of a diverse workforce in creating better cohesion with the public that we serve.

ALUM ROCK IN GUN SHOCK

Gun shots were heard on Sladefield Road just before 3pm on Monday the 4th of January.

The gun attack yielded no victims, but a C-Max car and bullet castings were recovered from the scene for forensic examination.

Detectives are searching for a blue Honda Jazz, a silver Ford Mondeo and a grey Volkswagen Polo or Golf, all of which are believed to be involved in the attack.

Police have confirmed the shooting is being classified as a targeted incident.

The alleged attack occurred just 24 hours before the head of the West Midlands Police force expressed fears that shooting were occurring with “concerning irregularity.”

“We have had some very serious incidents and there has been a concerning regularity of shootings that I have not seen in the five years that I have been here,” said the chief constable.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics emerged last year that showed the West Midlands had now overtaken London in gun crime.

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JANUARY 2016

Heart of Gold Awards 2015 NEWS

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Top Muslim Award for Terrorism Expert

Rhonda Samuels receives recognition

• AWARDED: Dr Imran Awan A Birmingham criminologist is celebrating after news of his nomination in the 2016 British Muslim Awards was revealed.

Nominated in the category of ‘Services to Education’, Dr Imran Awan has been selected for the honour in recognition of his dedication to children and young people, as well as for showcasing valuable work and innovation in UK classrooms.

Deputy Director at Birmingham City University’s Centre for Applied Criminology, Dr Imran has hit national news in recent months for his research into anti-Muslim hate crime. His study into Islamophobia revealed racist attacks of a shocking nature in which the public refused to aid the victims, also brought to light a horrific incident in which a woman travelling on a train was

doused in petrol.

In recent years, the researcher has also seen his work into raising awareness around Islamophobia addressed in Parliament.

Speaking of his award nomination, Dr Imran said: “I'm extremely honoured and humbled to be shortlisted for this award.

“My research on Islamophobia aims to raise awareness of the issue and also to give a voice to victims of anti-Muslim hate crime.”

Now in its fourth year, British Muslim Awards 2016 are set to take place in Birmingham on 28 January. Also featured in this year’s awards are the categories ‘Charity of the Year’, ‘Muslim Woman of the Year’ and ‘Best at Sport’.

R

honda Samuels receives well d e s e r v e d recognition for a person whose faith in humanity has committed her to help all those most vulnerable in our society whilst also volunteering at the Balsall Heath Forum.

The vibrancy and inspiration of Birmingham’s multi-faith identity was highlighted at the Balsall Heath Forum’s 5th annual Heart of Gold awards.

The ceremony, held at the Balsall Heath Church Centre marked the amazing contribution

made by people of all faiths, including those whose belief in humanity inspired them to go beyond the call of duty in helping improve the lives of fellow residents in the Balsall Heath neighbourhood, nationally and internationally.

The evening's entertainment included a stunning solo vocal performance by budding singer Intesham Sajid from Heath Mount School, as well as a beautifully choreographed dance routine by Laith Qasam Yr5 and Samy Saif Yr5 from the school.

Zaf’s Got It In The Bag

Local hero Mohammed Zafran set to receive the British Citizen Award •

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Community Champion - Mohammed Zafran joined by Lord Mayor and

• Cllr Shafique Shah in litter picks in Birmingham's Small Heath

B

irmingham’s local hero, who channelled his grief and anger at his brother-in-law’s murder into improving the lives of thousands of youngsters on the city’s streets, is set to receive the British Citizen Award in the upcoming weeks.

Mohammed Zafran, a community activist from Small Heath, is one of a small number of people who have been invited to the Palace of West Minister to be awarded the medal.

The father-of-two was motivated into reaching out to youngsters after his brother-in-law Sarfraz

Khan, 23, was fatally stabbed in Larches Green Park, Sparkbrook, in March 2010.

Having founded the All 4 Youth and Community organisation, which provides youth the opportunity to get back into education via sporting initiatives, Zaf’s tireless and inspirational work has allowed him to make a positive impact on more than 13,000 young people across the Midlands region.

Set to receive his award at the Presentation Ceremony on January 28, this is not the first time Zaf has been recognised on a national level.

Gmilla Loveridge & Mohammed Zafran at South City College

The Asian community is full of talented and inspirational people. The Asian Today community awards celebrates and acknowledges the remarkable contribution and achievements of these individuals. The Asian Today met up with Mohammed Zafran to present him with his award.

Recognised in the Queen’s Honours list in 2015, Zaf was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) after being nominated for setting up All 4 Youth And Community and other initiatives in Birmingham by Prime Minister David Cameron.

The People’s Honours recognises individuals from all over the country who have done extraordinary things in their local communities, each one of whom have committed generous, uplifting and selfless acts of kindness in order to improve the lives of others in their communities.

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STABBING IN SPARKBROOK

It was performed to a packed audience of 300 local residents from all ages and backgrounds, with guests including West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Michele Larmour, local councillors and members of the major faith communities.

The winners were a diverse mix of people, from many faiths and many backgrounds.

Balsall Heath Forum Chief

Executive Abdullah Rehman said: “These celebrations are about recognising the valuable contributions individuals from the faith establishments make on a regular basis for their communities. Their selfless acts help to improve lives and these awards are just a small thank you.”

ACC Larmour tweeted “tremendous example of empowerment in the community, encouragement of women and youth” #active citizens.” She added she was delighted to honour the great work of the recipients as

she presented the community awards with Councillor Shafique Shah.

The Heart Of Gold event was followed by the Balsall Heath Forum’s AGM, and ended with a balti which was thoroughly enjoyed.

Summing up the evening, Councillor Shafique Shah, the city council cabinet member for cohesion, said: “We're all part of a community somewhere and how it looks is determined by the people in it.

“Let's be inspired and encouraged to all get involved, to give our time, to help our neighbours, to make a difference and build better communities” Balsall Heath Forum sends out a special thanks to Balsall Heath Church Centre, Police, Moseley and District, St Pauls, Hazrat Sultan Bahu Trust, Central Mosque and Islamic Help for their continued support.

“Let's be inspired & encouraged to all get involved, to give our time, to help our neighbours, to make a difference & build better communities”

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Birmingham Police are on the hunt for three men thought to be involved with a brutal stabbing in Sparkbrook.

The victim, said to be in his late 20’s, was stabbed in the upper arm outside pizza and fast-food restaurant, Ditta’s.

The victim struggled on the street, leaving a visible 7ft trail of blood on the pavement.

An employee at Ditta’s stated: “Four men had been in a flat nearby and came out and started rowing in the street.

“He was in a bad way so my colleagues rushed out and gave him a chair to sit on while they waited for the ambulance to come.

Police arrived at the crime scene at 11.20 pm following reports of the injury.

Det Segt Simon Hanlon has said: “Initial inquiries suggest that man was attacked by three associates following a disturbance inside a property on nearby Walford Road.”

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment and is in a stable condition.

Any information on the incident can be reported anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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THE ASIAN TODAY Heads up!

Royal mint is marking the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare by releasing three special edition £2 coins as part of their 2016 coin designs.

The coins will feature an iconic symbol representing his tragedies and comedies and histories.

The coins will appear in circulation from spring.

NATIONAL

Islamic Relief told that the charities activities in "highrisk jurisdictions" posed a challenge to the bank

HSBC Cuts Ties With Islamic Relief

Banking Giant HSBC has announced it is cutting ties with the UK’s largest government-funded Muslim charity, Islamic Relief, over fears of terror funding.

A

ccording to a statement published on the charity’s website on Monday, Islamic Relief UK was told that the charity’s activities in “high-risk jurisdictions” posed a challenge to the bank.

"We were in discussions with HSBC during 2014 through which we learned that the bank felt it would be difficult to continue its banking relationship with us due to the nature of our work.

At this point they invited us to end the relationship - which they did themselves at the end of the year when we declined." said Imran Madden, Islamic Relief's UK director, in the statement.

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The bank has halted services in the past, for other Muslim groups, but the charity concerned is one of the largest, high-profile ones with operations in over 40 countries and involved in relief efforts across the world.

Islamic Relief UK said the payments it made to vendors, who used HSBC's services, were held up by the bank for months, causing delays in attempts to buy tents and other provisions for victims of last year's earthquake in Nepal.

An HSBC spokesperson said the bank did not make comments on individual accounts for privacy reasons but it never took decisions based on a customer's

race or religion.

"Whenever we review a customer relationship, we gather information from a wide range of sources and take a number of factors into consideration," the spokesperson said.

"Although we can't always be specific about why we decide to close an account, a decision of this kind is never taken lightly and is never due to the customer's race or religion."

Islamic Relief responded by saying it would not be taking legal action to force the bank to reverse its decision.

Martin Cottingham, head of communications has said, "HSBC was not our main bank and handled a relatively small amount of business for us."

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The Arts Council have awarded almost £500,000 to the Bradford Literature Festival in its Ambition for Excellence Scheme.

Literature aficionados Syima Aslam and Irna Qureshi joined forces to create Culture Squared. Their latest venture, Bradford’s Literature Festival has attracted nearly 9,500 people to more than 150 events.

The event was first held in May last year, and since then anticipation has grown.

This year's festival has been expanded to

encompass 200 events, taking place from Friday, May 20, to Sunday, May 29.

Book enthusiast Irna Qureshi expresses her passion: "The festival has successfully reached audiences that traditional literature festivals simply do not, by creating a programme that cuts across communities, cultures and contemporary Britain’s multiple identities.”

This year’s festival promises to bring together leading writers, thinkers, and artists to create thought provoking and uplifting events.

"As well as incorporating sufi programmes featuring artists from Pakistan and Turkey.

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ASIAN COMMUNITY RECOGNISED IN NEW YEARS HONOURS LIST

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

grateful, he feels so blessed.”

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

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

Continued on Page 2

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

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

A SONG FOR PESHAWAR PAKISTAN UNITES WHAT WE WENT THROUGH ON DECEMBER 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.

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Muslims from the Armed Forces celebrate Armed Forces Day

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

Only 2% of population know that Muslim soldiers fight and die alongside British Army

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.

Continued Page 4

400,000 made up estimated 1.3 million which fought during the Great War Make your country safer

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

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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

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2015 set off with a bang with the Asian community being honoured in the New Year's Honours List in the form of 103 year old ‘miracle’ marathon runner Fauja Singh.

Singh ran his last race and retired at the tender age of 101, a worthy recipient indeed. January also saw the attack on French satirical weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo, in which 12 journalists were killed. 1.6 million people, including world leaders gathered in Paris for a solidarity march in honour of those killed in the attack, including President François Hollande of France, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and British Prime Minister, David Cameron. News hash tag #JeSuisCharlie quickly became one of the most popular in Twitter history.

February was the month that brought us the dress that broke the internet.

Was it blue and black or white and gold? The dress went viral in a twitter storm, baffling the world, including celebrities like Taylor Swift and Kanye West who both took a stab at guessing.

February was also a sobering month for most as the world became aware of the ‘Chapel Hill Shootings.’ Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha were killed in their home in Finley Forest in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The three prosperous individuals were murdered by their neighbour, Craig Stephen Hicks, who shot and killed the three in a single attack.

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Asian Today, Sufi Sahib's grandson, Abdul Hafeez, said his work was never finished; there was always more to do.

“Working nightshifts six days a week in the foundry, he would teach the Quran and serve his community by offering advice on religious and spiritual matters during the day. The doors were open to everyone, not just to Muslims. People would come and ask for guidance, and Sufi Sahib would always help, he made time for everyone”.

Born in 1923 in Behkri, in the district of Chakwal, Punjab, he was educated

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lavish set of marigold Dubey who stars as Mrs Kapoor looked property now that his first venture, flowers and a bright orange equally striking in a white sari.

‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the carpet greeted guests as The Second Best Exotic Marigold Elderly and Beautiful’, has only a single they arrived to the world premiere Hotel, which went on general release on remaining vacancy – posing a rooming of The Second Best Exotic Marigold 26th February is a sequel to the smash predicament for fresh arrivals Guy Hotel, directed by John Madden. hit first film The Best Exotic Marigold (Richard Gere) and Lavinia (Tamsin The Royal guests of honour were joined by Greig). members of the cast Evelyn and Douglas and crew including (Judi Dench and Bill stars Dame Judi Nighy) have now joined Dench, the Jaipur workforce, Dame Maggie and are Smith, wondering Celia Imrie, Ronald where their regular Pickup, Tina Desai, dates for Chilla "It was like those places you go to in Lillete Dubey, Diana pancakes will Hotel. your childhood and think won’t be the while Norman lead, Hardcastle, Shazad and Latif, T h e same, but it was, only better.” director John Madden, writer Carol (Ronald Pickup Second and Diana Hardcastle) Ol Parker and producer B e s t are Graham Broadbent. negotiating Exotic Marigold Hotel is the the tricky waters of an exclusive Tina Desai, who arrived expansionist dream of Sonny (Dev relationship, as Madge (Celia Imrie) in style in a glammed-up Patel), and it’s making more claims juggles two eligible and very wealthy rickshaw, looked stunning on his time than he has available, suitors. As the demands of a traditional in a designer lehnga outfit considering his imminent marriage to Indian wedding threaten to engulf them with shimmering mirror the love of his life, Sunaina (Tina Desai). all, an unexpected way forward presents work. Co-star Lillete Sonny has his eye on a promising itself.

Tina Desai ARRIVES

SUFI MOHAMMED ABDULLAH KHAN 1923 - 2015

edicating SPECIAL REPORT his life to Hifzha Shaheen the service of Senior Journalist hifzha@theasiantoday.com his religion and the community, Sufi Abdullah Khan Sahib’s legacy, commitment and loyalty was clear to see. The 15,000 people that came to pay tribute to him at his funeral was evidence of how much of an esteemed individual he was. His numerous charity projects, educational establishments and religious beliefs propelled him to continue the work that he set out to do. Speaking to The

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AWARD WINNING-BRINGING YOU NEWS SINCE 2002

Served in the British Army at the age of 16

in Pakistan and went on to enlist into the British Indian army at the age of 16.

Whilst serving in the army during World War 2, he was captured in Libya by the German forces and taken to Germany, where he was kept as a prisoner of war for about two years.

He was a part of a small group that managed to escape and they ended up in a jungle in France. With the help of a French woman, were able to find a British army camp where they reported and asked to be returned to their own country. Heading back, Sufi Sahib served in the army up until 1962.

Kept as a prisoner of war for two years Founded one of the biggest mosques in Europe in the early 90's

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eading South Asian entertainment audiences across the UK. As a network, we channel, COLORS TV have launched a offer broadcast channels such as Rishtey new and unique locally produced show. that offers a wide variety of Named ‘Desi Beat’, the show started late last entertainment month with a view to showcase the best of local for the entire Asian culture. f a m i l y, Desi Beat will showcase UK’s most exotic a n d and preferred trends in food and lifestyle.

News18 India, Celebrity host Raj Ghai will embark upon a the world’s window fascinating journey of the finest destinations to India. It gives me known for their cuisine, apparel and accessories great pleasure to and impeccable travel experiences across announce the launch of the United Kingdom in his truly ‘Desi’ and our new local production, unmatched style. From the most authentic Desi Beat on our flagship 'lehenga' to the spiciest 'Indian Curry', every channel, COLORS. Extensive research Sunday, Raj will unravel a new mystery that a was carried out to deduce our viewers’ areas of new destination presents – its wide array of local interests. Desi Beat has been conceptualised & international Desi trends – in his inimitable and developed to suit preferences of Desi style. In Raj’s own words, “If it’s made it to my television audiences in the UK. The list, it’s a MUST visit!” promos of the show have already gained remarkable On the launch of the show, Govind Shahi, traction on social media, crossing the 5000 Business Head, IndiaCast Media, Europe, views mark in just two days. We hope says “COLORS TV has been a frontrunner that in our audiences will embrace this fresh differentiated content, admired by South and Asian innovative format with open arms.”

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BIRADARI POLITICS STRIKES ASIAN COMMUNITY I

44% of Asians are currently registered to vote

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

VAISAKHI MONTHLY

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

community leaders in what is now seen as the birardari network. In its origin, they were a democratic system where Asians were heard.

Now it is a fight for power, ego and political gain.

It is important to note that women at that time played little or no role in any of the decision-making; many of them were new to the UK and were expected to care for the extended family and the children.

In addition, it was seen to be a man's job to make the decisions and a woman's voice was neither appreciated nor welcome.

Politicians soon recognised the influence of the community leaders; they realised that these appointed men could effectively grant them a block vote of the same kind to that of trade unions. The block vote is secured by the heads of clans telling their families who to vote for.

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n many areas across the UK, that have a high population of Asians, unemployment, poor education and poverty are major issues. However, fears have now been raised of how biradari voting, or clan voting, is starting to get in the way.

By definition, the word ‘biradari’ is a Persian term, which means a brotherhood or an allegiance to a particular clan.

When Migrants first arrived to work in the UK, they had no intention of staying. They were here to make money to improve living conditions back home. They quickly realised the benefits of living here and decided to settle.

They then soon realised that they needed planning permission for mosques and other buildings, so they sought out, from amongst them, the most educated who could help them to do this. These people were then referred to as

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The world was plunged into mystery when Malaysian flight MH 370 vanished from the skies on March 8th while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The aircraft, carrying 239 people, disappeared from air traffic controller’s radar screens less then an hour after takeoff, with no distress signal or message sent by the air-craft. March also saw the loss of a prominent Birmingham figure in the Muslim community. Sufi Abdullah Khan Sahib dedicated his life to the service of his religion and his community. A crowd of 15,000 strong gathered to pay tribute at his funeral, highlighting just how esteemed he was within the area.

FEATURE

April 2015 saw Nepal hit with a catastrophic Earthquake reaching a death toll of over 8000 and leaving over 23,000 injured. The earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, wreaked havoc as it spread throughout the country, causing mass devastation in its wake. Worst affected areas included east of the district of Lamjung where many were left homeless and in search of adequate food and shelter. Some good news came closer to home as Birmingham was made proud by St. Albans Academy student Malik SheryarKaramat when he took home the Millennium Point Young Innovator Prize and secured himself a sponsored undergraduate degree at Birmingham City University.

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I'd like to thank my mum and dad, and I'd also like to take this moment to thank four of the best guys I've ever met - everything I've done with them will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

the musical

SHOWING NOW @ PHOENIX THEATRE at phoenix

aking ntheatre his solo Hotel. went to experimental particle appearance at the Shah Rukh Khan was awarded physicist, Sir Tejinder Singh Virdee annual Asian Awards, Outstanding Contribution to Cinema and the Outstanding Achievement in former One Direction member, award and dedicated his award to Television award went to comedian, Zayn Malik, paid tribute to his ex overseas Asians. “I am extremely actor and broadcaster, Sanjeev band-members. Donning a new humbled and honoured to receive Bhaskar. shaved haircut, the 22-year-old was this award. I say this very often that Launched in 2010 by entrepreneur awarded the award for Outstanding my stardom belongs to most South Paul Sagoo, The Asian Awards, Contribution to Music, presented East Asians who reside abroad have become the world’s biggest by good friend Naughty Boy. who have made the Indian cinema celebrations of Asian excellence.

Accepting the award, Zayn said, and me known around the world. I “We are absolutely thrilled with the “I'd like to thank my mum and congratulate all the winners at the staggering success of The Asian dad, and I'd also like to take this Asian Awards as well. There is so Awards this year and the remarkable moment to thank four of the best much talent around Asia and so many level of support we’ve received. guys I've ever met - everything achievers, whether it is Dr Amar Bose, From Prime Minister David Cameron I've done with them will stay with the Hinduja Brothers or Zayn Malik. I to global superstars like Zayn Malik me for the rest of my life.” am glad to have been a part of such a and Shah Rukh Khan, joining us for He ended his speech with, wonderful celebration of hard work by this superb gathering of some of “Here’s to the future.” people in difference field but similar the world’s most inspirational and Also in presence was passion.” powerful people.

Bollywood superstar, Shah Guests were presented with an “I’m so proud of the way The Rukh Khan, renowned exclusive performance from the cast Asian Awards are evolving. They have fashion designer John of Gurinder Chadha’s upcoming truly grown into a voice for the Pan Rocha, Gary Lineker and West End extravaganza, Bend It Like Asian community to celebrate its own cricket legend Kumar Beckham – The Musical. success – as well as become a way to Sangakkara. The awards are Batsman Kumar Sangakkara was share the stories and achievements a global celebration of Pan awarded Outstanding Contribution and lives of these great people with Asian excellence and were held to Sport whilst Outstanding the world, to inspire the millions of us at London’s Grosvenor House Achievement in Science & Technology who strive to be the best we can.”

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Crisis in Nepal as Earthquake Claims Over 7,000 Lives

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massive earthquake which hit Nepal has left at least 7,000 people dead. The 7.8-magnitude quake, the worst to strike the country in over 80 years, led to 6,500 people being injured as well as leading to the death of dozens of people in neighbouring China and India.

Nepal's capital city of Kathmandu saw vast tent cities springing up to accommodate for displaced civilians or those too fearful to return home due to the strong aftershocks ravaging the country.

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Udav Prashad Timalsin, a senior official in the district of Gorkha, where the earthquake's epicentre was based, had heard of reports that 70% of houses had been destroyed.

"Things are really bad in the district, especially in remote mountain villages," Udav Prashad Timalsin said. "There are people who are not getting food and shelter."

A warning issued by officials stated that the number of casualties could increase as remote mountainous regions of western Nepal are reached by rescue

teams, with initial reports suggesting that many communities close to the mountains have suffered substantial damage due to the quake.

The spokesman for aid agency World Vision Matt Darvas said: "Villages like this are routinely affected by landslides, and it's not uncommon for entire villages of 200, 300, up to 1,000 people to be completely buried by rock falls."

He added that a man who had been evacuated via helicopter from Pokhara, 200km from Kathmandu, had said that his village of over 1,000 houses had seen

almost every home destroyed.

The UN has said that the quake left the country running short on water and food, with hospitals overflowing with patients, shops being closed as well as suffering frequent power cuts.

Fifteen international search-andrescue teams and 14 international medical teams arrived in Nepal to assist the country in coping with the earthquake's aftermath, according to the UN.

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WOMEN ONLY MOSQUES

Divided Opinion on Proposals for Female Mosque

P

lans for Britain’s first femaleonly mosque have been revealed. The mosque, which will be run and attended by women, only, will see them try to break away from traditional cultural practices, establishing their own principles and responsibilities.

Announcing the news at the annual Daughters of Eve Conference, the Muslim Women’s Council has put forward proposals to create the mosque where they seek to play a larger role in their religion. The idea also includes women leading prayers and introducing female imams.

Chief Executive of the Bradfordbased Muslim Women’s Council, Bana Gora, explained that their Continued on page 3

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Britain welcomed their brand new princess when the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to a royal baby girl.

Princess Charlotte was born at 8.34am on 2nd May 2015 at St Mary's Hospital in London, weighing a healthy 8lb 3oz. The little princess has big shoes to fill being fourth in line to the throne. Princess Charlotte, along with her brother George, stole the heart of the nation as Britain went gooey eyed for the beautiful baby girl.

June saw Donald Trump announce his candidacy for President of the United States from his headquarters in Trump Tower, and in true Trump style, he’s ruffled plenty of feathers. Some of his bright ideas include deporting the 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, erecting a substantial wall on the Mexico–United States border and the constant surveillance on mosques. June also saw America plunged into media frenzy as gunman, Dylann Roof, open fired at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, during a prayer service. Nine people were killed by the 21-yearold in the vicious hate attack. At the funeral proceedings, President Obama sang ‘Amazing Grace’ in solidarity with those who had lost loved ones in the shooting, reinforcing that #Blacklivesmatter.

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Dentist Walter Palmer made news in July when he shot Zimbabwe’s national treasure, Cecil the lion, in an illegal hunt. Zimbabwean authorities said that Cecil was lured out of the park with an animal carcass before he was shot by the American dentist, sparking worldwide condemnation. Authorities later concluded that Palmer had not broken the southern African country's hunting laws, but his guide faces charges for allowing an illegal hunt. July also saw the loss of a local record breaker. naza of Walsall was known to be the oldest man in Europe, reaching the ripe old age of 111.

The sad news of Mr Singh’s death came just after a week after he celebrated his birthday. Mr Singh’s son revealed that the secret to his father’s long life was a healthy lifestyle and the odd glass of whiskey!

JULY MULTI AWARD WINNING

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As many begun celebration of the festival of light, October saw the opening of the very first national Sikh memorial in honour of those who fought valiantly during the Great War. A statue was erected in honour of the 130,000 Sikh soldiers and was unveiled in a ceremony held by General Patrick Sanders CBE DSO, Business tycoon Peter Singh Virdee and monuments chairman Jay Singh-Sohal. At the time of the war, Indian soldiers constituted 20% of the British Indian Army and were represented in over a third of the regiments at the time. The memorial was sanctified with a traditional Sikh prayer and a minutes silence to remember all the Sikh lives that were lost.

October also bought with it the nominations for the 5th Young Muslim Writers Awards, an annual event celebrating the Muslim literary talent in the UK. It has encouraged and nurtured the writing talents of thousands of young Muslims through creative writing workshops.

The world was taken aback when Paris was targeted in a coordinated terrorist attack. Three suicide bombers struck near the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, followed by suicide bombings and mass shootings at cafés, restaurants, and a concert hall in Paris. The attack left 130 dead and including 89 at the Bataclan theatre, where assailants took hostages before engaging in a stand-off with police. Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) took responsibility for the attacks, saying it was in response to French airstrikes on ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq. The attacks were the deadliest on France since World War II. Birmingham was alight with their inaugural Birmingham Awards celebrating big winners like Grand Central and Selfridges, while The Duke of Cambridge visited Birmingham to witness the role out of a unique pilot project, FOOTBALL FOR PEACE.

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n the morning of July 7, 2005, London was attacked and repercussions were felt throughout the world. Within days, the four young men behind the worst terror attack in British history had been identified and all four were UK citizens. British-born Muslims who were, according to an official 7/7 report, “well integrated into British society” and had “unexceptional backgrounds.”

The 10th anniversary of the 7/7 attacks in London comes at a particularly gloomy time when Britain is still mourning the loss of innocent British lives in Tunisia. Families travelling to Syria to join Islamic State to the attack in Tunisia – the threat from terrorism has become a politically priority. The attacks in London made the whole issue of terrorism real to British citizens.

Over the next ten years, the entire Muslim community would be scrutinised and subjected to Continued on page 4

STRONGER TOGETHER COMMUNITIES NEED TO HAVE FAITH IN EACH OTHER

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our years after the 2011 riots, a Birmingham father has expressed his frustration over the lack of movement in his son’s murder case.

Talking exclusively to The Asian Today, who has created a petition to examine the police investigation of his son’s murder, has said he has lost faith in the justice system.

The 2011 Pride of Britain winner has now called on the Home Secretary, Theresa May, to look into the flawed court case of Haroon Jahan (19) and brothers Shahzad Ali (31) and Abdul Musavir (30) – who died during the 2011 Birmingham Riots.

Eight men were charged with the murder, however were acquitted after the case collapsed due to police incompetence.

BIRMINGHAM RIOTS: FOUR YEARS ON

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September began on a sombre note, as the holy pilgrimage of Hajj was riddled with tragedy. A freak accident saw a construction crane collapse into Mecca’s grand mosque leaving 178 people dead and over 250 people injured. The head of Saudi’s civil defence authority, Suleiman al-Amr, said high winds during a storm were to blame for the disaster. Days later, the pilgrimage made headlines again when over 2,000 pilgrims were crushed in a stampede, making it the deadliest Hajj disaster in history. The Queen become the longest ever reigning monarch in British history On September 9th. She successfully surpassed the record reign set by her great-greatgrandmother Queen Victoria.

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The world was silenced when haunting images emerged of Syrian Toddler Aylan Kurdi washed ashore a Turkish beach. Despite the efforts of his father, Aylan, along with his mother and brother, drowned when their dinghy sank off the coast of Turkey, after they had fled from their war-torn land in hopes of a more prosperous future.

The evocative image put a face to the on-going migrant crisis and sparked an ongoing movement by world leaders to temporarily waive immigration laws and accommodate the refugees crossing the border.

17

TARIQ JAHAN: “WHEN MY SON DIED, I SAID TO THE PRESS, ‘A DAY FROM NOW, MAYBE TWO DAYS FROM NOW, THE WHOLE WORLD WILL FORGET AND NOBODY WILL CARE.”

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PABLA

FROM THE ASIAN TODAY TEAM

Mandeep Dhillon on taking Anita & Me to Stage

1

5

How does it feel to be chosen for the role for such a prestigious production?

I was really happy with it. I enjoyed the movie.

So, to be honest, I was really happy and I’m really excited about starting rehearsals.

3

CITY OF GOSSIP • INTERVIEWS • MUSIC • MOVIES & MUCH MORE! TURN TO PAGE 35

Meera Syal’s much loved novel bursts onto the stage for the first time. The poignant comingof-age tale follows Meena, the irreverent teenager daughter of the only Punjabi family in the mining village of Tollington. When she becomes friends with the impossibly feisty Anita, she thinks she’s found her soul mate but her world is turned upside down and she finds herself caught between two cultures. The stage show will be debuting at Birmingham’s REP theatre on October 9th and starts Mandeep Dhillon and Ameet Chana among others. Mandeep sat down with DesiXpress to talk about the upcoming play.

How did you get the role?

I went to the audition, which my agent sent me to, after that I was sent to another audition. I then received a call which confirmed my part.

2

4

5

Anita & Me is a very well known production.

Have you read the book and what is your favourite part?

No, I haven’t read the book, but I have watched the movie. My favourite part is when she is dancing in front of her family and she swears!

That bit always sticks out for me so when it comes to theatre production we will have to be careful!

What do you think about the script and when do rehearsals start?

I think the script is funny. I loved it and I love the character! Meena is ‘out there’ so it is going to be really fun to play. We start rehearsals on 8th September. out for me so when it comes to theatre production we will have to be careful!

How is your chemistry with the rest of the cast?

It’s brilliant! We had a workshop and we’ve had two days of learning songs.

That was where we met the cast and they were so lovely!

Have you met Meera Syal yet?

No! I haven’t. But I do meet her soon.

When I was y o u n g e r used to watch her on Goodness Gracious Me. I have also been a fan of her work and a fan of her just as a woman. Just to have a conversation with her is going to be lovely. To have her at the show is going to be amazing.

I am actually playing her because the book is actually based on her which is going to be really interesting.

I

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

The Asian Today Newspaper wins another award @ The Pakistani Music & Media Awards 2015 for: Best Newspaper Online / Magazine page. 35 REST IN PEACE

ASIAN MEDIA INDUSTRY PAYS TRIBUTE TO ONE OF ITS OWN

Showing From 9th October 2015

YOUR MONTHLY SHOWBIZ FIX!

T

his month, we sadly said goodbye to a pillar of the music and entertainment industry, Tony Singh Pabla.

Tony suffered a severe headache and collapsed at his residence in Leicester.

He was admitted to hospital in critical condition. Doctors advised that a blood vessel burst in his brain during the fall resulting in a coma.

Tony, peacefully, passed away two days later at the Royal Infirmary Hospital in Leicester, with his family and close friends by his side.

Tony was known worldwide for his commitment to the Asian entertainment industry. In just one day, over 2.5 million interactions were created on social media sending Tony prayers and support.

As the co-founder and face of popular site Punjab2000.com, Tony had helped launch and support the careers of many artists over the years. Punjab2000 will soon be celebrating their fifteenth anniversary, thanks to Tony’s commitment and passion behind the scenes working day and night to run the site.

Close friend and colleague Valraj ‘Baja’ Banning shares, "Tony was the true perfectionist to work with. Any deviation from his plans would cause mayhem, be it the way a photo was taken or the way an interview was conducted, or simply taking note of his advice to achieve a goal. As far as Punjab2000/Friends Electric/the Asian music industry, friends and family

are concerned - there will never ever be another Tony Singh Pabla.”

Many know Tony from the years of running his electrical shop in Leicester, Friends Electric. He will forever be remembered as one of the industry’s influential pioneers from Bhangra daytimers, to concerts and behind the scenes of huge named artists. He was always at the end of the phone day or night, no matter how big or small the artist or problem, Tony Singh Pabla would have the time for you.

Tony continues to help people as his wish was to donate his organs. Tony was extremely passionate about being an organ donor and helped to spread awareness about this cause.

The entire team at Punjab2000 send our love and condolences to the family. Tony was a family man, and brought us all together as one. The industry mourns a tragic loss. His passion and genuine nature was like no other.

The Asian Today would like to pay their respects to Tony Singh Pabla. Anita and Ifraz have met Tony on a number of occasions who was always approachable and amiable. Tony will be well remembered as a leading figure within the Asian media industry and his legacy will live on through his contribution to the world of Punjabi music and we were fortunate to have known him.

TONY SINGH PABLA ASIAN MEDIA INDUSTRY PAYS TRIBUTE TO ONE OF ITS OWN

SANCTUARY TIPU TAKES

TWO

Photography: Adam Yosef

A

vigil has been held in Birmingham in memory of a Syrian toddler, washed ashore on a Turkish beach. Hundreds of people gathered outside Birmingham City

Council to mourn the death of Aylan Kurdi and bring awareness to the plight of refugees trying to flee warzone areas.

The message was clear, refugees are welcome to the city.

A

local restaurant has picked up two awards at a prestigious awards ceremony celebrating the food industry.

The annual English Curry Awards took place in central Manchester and saw Birmingham based Tipu Sultan being awarded Best Restaurant Design and Best of Birmingham.

Continued on Page 14

Abdul Hade Darkachli, 18, organised the event along with fellow Syrians Maya Ghazal, 16, and 22-year-old Ammar Janat.

Continued Page 3

BIRMINGHAM VIGIL REMEMBERS AYLAN KURDI

“Tipu Sultan has picked the best from around the world and put it together in one place." Waqas Babar & Mauheed Johngir Brand ambassadors of Tipu Sultan

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Priyanka Chopra’s set to Explode on British TV

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Priyanka Chopra’s Twitter account has been flooded with applause for her role in Quantico, ABC’s new show on American television which started at the beginning of the October. She plays Alex Parrish, a young FBI recruit who is implicated in a terror attack.

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advertising ‘Nightline’ when it confused Chopra for another beauty queen from India, Yukta Mookhey, who was Miss World in 1999 and passed her off as Chopra. Social media users went crazy at the faux pas, and ‘Nightline’ issued an immediate apology.

Chopra, in the early part of her acting career was written off as she was classed as being too dark for bollywood. She had gumption and was persistent and that has obviously paid off for her.

She doesn't take herself too seriously, which makes taking risks easier for her.

Her chance meeting with ABC’s vice president of casting, Keli Lee, at a party in Los Angeles lead to discussion on Chopra collaborating on a show.

Chopra read 26 show pilots. “I was hesitant at first, because I was all settled here,” she says over the phone from Montreal, "but it worked out well for everyone.”

Anita’s Strictly Dream

The Strictly Come Dancing 2015 professional dancer line up has been revelled and includes Countryfile presenter, Anita Rani.

Anita Rani hasn’t been off our screens lately. From Strictly Come Dancing to Countryfile, the broadcaster and presenter has been doing a great job of brightening up our weekends of late.

She also recently appeared in Who Do You Think You Are?, where she traced the history of her grandfather in India where she uncovers an extraordinary story.

“It’s so surreal at the moment. I had a vision of myself

GOSSIP • INTERVIEWS • MUSIC • MOVIES - & MUCH MORE! TURN TO PAGES 27 - 32

QURAN

Priyanka Chopra won miss India in 2000 which led her to acting roles in bollywood movies, she is one of Hindi cinema’s most promising and well paid actresses. She is experience what it means to be newly famous all over again in India and America.

The Show may have received varying reviews but Chopra’s performance is the talk of the town. The New York Times said she was "the strongest human asset on the show”. Chopra’s Hindi cinema acting has made her into a very compelling on screen actress.

ABC made a surprise blunder in a promo

BOLLYWOOD STAR PRIYANKA CHOPRA

YOUR MONTHLY SHOWBIZ FIX!

throwing up and then someone else slipping up. A bit of my ass is on display. It’s never seen daylight before!

“I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance. Someone has said, ‘Anita do you want to learn how to dance for the next 4 months and that be your job?’ I’ve gone, ‘OK!’ It’s amazing!

“Also, I love the programme. As much as it terrifies me, the idea of actually being glamorous – Countryfile, One Show – you just don’t. I’m not in my wellies. It’s something completely different and I’m going to embrace it.

Countryfile Presenter Struts Her Stuff

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Honoured " Offender was much bigger than them, & struggled while threatening them with a knife"

Mother and Daughter Commended By Police

A

• BRAVE: Rozyene-Shamma-Fatima commended by West Midlands police

mother and her two daughters have been commended by West Midlands Police for confronting a robber who tried snatching handbags from their car - and helping police officers catch the crook as he tried escaping.

Mrs Fatima Baig and her daughters Rozyena and Shamma were in Dudley Road, Wolverhampton, in June last year when they spotted a cyclist breaking into their car.

Thief Americo Gambone, from Parkfields, tried riding off with the handbags but 28-year-old pharmacist Shamma - who was carrying her baby son at the time - and 25-year-old medical student Rozyena bravely blocked his path.

Mum Fatima, aged 55, also stepped in to tackle the 44-year-old and, despite him being armed with a knife, managed to recover both bags from the

bike's handlebars.

During the struggle Rozyena made a swift 999 call for police support - and minutes later Gambone was in handcuffs after a motorist who'd witnessed the struggle flagged down a passing patrol car and pointed out the crook to officers.

Sergeant Matt Cooper, said: "Even though the offender was much bigger than them, and struggled while threatening them with a knife, the women fought to get back their property. All three sustained minor injuries, along with the baby boy, and all should be commended for their bravery."

Gambone was subsequently convicted of attempted robbery and sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

The family, all from Dudley, received their awards from Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thompson at a special ceremony at Tally Ho!

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DESI Eternal Taal

NOVEMBER 2015 ISSUE No.204

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Khan

An all FEMALE DHOL group

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Adil Ray in Talks to Take Mr Khan Abroad

YOUR MONTHLY SHOWBIZ FIX!

C

omedian and writer Adil Ray has revealed that he is in talks to take his character, Mr Khan abroad to allow it to “explore wider issues.” Talking in an interview, the actor said, “If we did a film I’d like to concentrate on Mr Khan being this quite big physical character [so] that even if you didn’t know Mr Khan but you saw a big poster… and it was ‘Mr Khan Goes to America’, the Muslim but big-hearted self-appointed that went to America to meet the community leader Mr Khan (Adil President - I could see what that Ray) and his long-suffering family could be about. recently returned to our screens, “If we did a film I’d like to pulling in over 3.3million viewers. concentrate on Mr Khan being this Mr Khan is the loveable, larger quite big physical character [so] than life character, with strong that even if you didn’t know Mr opinions and big dreams. The Khan but you saw a big poster… and challenges he faces are those of it was ‘Mr Khan Goes to America’, many fathers: how to make ends the Muslim that went to America meet, keep Mrs Khan (Shobu to meet the President - I could see Kapoor) and his family happy and what that could be about.” continue to be the pillar of the local The loud-mouthed, tight-fisted, community.

Things would be so

much easier if everyone just listened to him and followed his lead, but his obsessively house-proud wife and two feisty daughters, Alia, (Bhavna Limbachia) and Shazia (Krupa Pattani) usually have other ideas.

This series sees Mr Khan enjoying his new role as a grandfather to newly born ‘Baby Mohammad’. Mr Khan goes to extraordinary lengths to prove that the ‘genius’ baby is more genetically Khan than Malik.

He tries to land an unlikely job at the local academy to boost Mohammad’s chances of getting a place. Mr and Mrs Khan are forced to face up to the fact that Alia might have found herself a boyfriend; Mr Khan uses son-in-law, Amjad (Abdullah Afzal), mother-in-law Naani (Adlyn Ross), and his 13 yearold nephew to help him with his next new business idea - a chicken shop; and Mr Khan attempts to be Birmingham’s new local hero in order to bag a Pride of Birmingham Award.

M

idland based all-female entertainment team Eternal Taal have wowed audiences with their diverse and dynamic performances. From Bhangra to Bollywood, these powerhouse ladies have shown that anything the guys can do, they can do better!

Their latest venture has seen them take Bollywood for a second time in Shahid Kapoors new hit movie Shaandaar The dhol and dance group who have previously appeared in Bollywood hit Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 have gone from strength to strength, appearing on the Glastonbury stage, House of Commons 2010 and Dermot o’ Leary’s 24 hour Dance-A-Thon for BBC’s Comic Relief.

WE WANT IT BACK GOSSIP • INTERVIEWS • MUSIC • MOVIES - & MUCH MORE! TURN TO PAGES 27 - 32

India Sues Queen for 'Stolen' Koh-I-Noor I

t was once the world's largest-known diamond, is worth a reported £100m and is currently part of British crown jewels. But now, India wants it back.

Combining in their efforts, Bollywood stars and businessmen have united to instruct lawyers to begin legal proceedings in London’s High Court to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

The diamond which was in the crown worn by the Queen Mother at the coronation of her husband King George VI in 1937 was worn again at Queen Elizabeth's coronation in 1953.

Now, a group, which has called itself the “Mountain of Light” after the translation of the stone’s name, say that the 105-carat diamond was stolen from its true home in India and are demanding that the UK Government returns it.

Given to the reigning Queen of the time by the

last ruler of the Sikhs, Duleep Singh, after the British annexe of the Punjab, the stone is “one of the many artefacts taken from India under dubious circumstances”, according to David de Souza from the Indian leisure group Tito’s.

Souza claims the British colonisation of India had stolen wealth and “destroyed the country’s psyche”.

Bollywood star Bhumicka Singh, also part of the group, said, “The Koh-i-noor is not just a 105-carat stone, but part of our history and culture and should undoubtedly be returned.”

British Lawyers instructed by the “Mountain of Light” group to return the stone, said they would base their case on the Holocaust (Return of Cultural Objects) Act, which gives national institutions in the UK the power to return stolen art.

Continued on Page 2

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As the year drew to a close, Britain carried out the first of its Syrian airstrikes after MPs approved action against Isis in a parliamentary debate. Donald Trump made head lines after he made lewd comments about banning all Muslims from the USA, sparking a national petition to ban the billionaire Business Tycoon from the UK. The petition reached more than 560,000 signatures, more than any other petition facing the Government.

As a grand December finale, Brit Tim Peaks become the first British spaceman for European Space Agency's.

The three-man crew to the International Space Station included NASA astronaut Tim Kopra and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko.

DESI

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Starring: Priyanka Chopra | Jake McLaughlin | Aunjanue Ellis | Yasmin Al Massri | Johanna Braddy | Tate Elligton

TURN TO PAGES 28 & 29

THIS YEAR'S

DILWALE BIGGEST

DECEMBER BLOCKBUSTER

SHAHRUKH KHAN • KAJOL • KRITI SANAN • VARUN DHAWAN

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Set to be the biggest Bollywood hit of the year, it’s no surprise that Dilwale has audiences waiting in eager anticipation for its world-wide release. Packed with action and a star studded cast, it’s easy to see why Dilwale is the movie everyone’s talking about!

The up-and-coming hit sees Bollywood’s beloved duo Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol rekindle their renowned chemistry five years after My Name is Khan and an unbelievable twenty-two years after their first hit together, the1993 film Baazigar.

According to Khan, he says it’s down to their enduring friendship and the love of the audience.

"We started off together and that has a huge place in our hearts. We can joke, we can laugh about each other and we can also be very serious about the work we do.

EXCLUSIVE CAST INTERVIEWS INSIDE

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FAREWELL Deewaan is Da One! Sufi Meets EDM on the Dancefloor!

The hit film introduces newcomers Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon, who jumped at the chance to star alongside the silver screen veterans.

Dhawan adds: "The cast of this film comprises some absolute legends. There’s obviously Shah Rukh and Kajol, there's Johnny Lever, there's Boman Irani, Kabir Bedi.”

Rohit shetty’s new production sees a couple in love try to overcome the violent conflict between their families, and typical to Shetty’s style, Dilwale has an interesting mix of action, drama and comedy. While Shah rukh and Varun will be leading the action sequences, Johnny Lever and Fukrey star Varun Sharma will be adding humorous touches to the rich and original plot.

King Khan and his team have been busy promoting their new Bollywood hit, teasing audiences with exclusive song releases and clips, causing fan-frenzy world-wide and reaching over 5 million views on YouTube alone.

TURN TO PAGE 27 FOR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH LEADING BOLLYWOOD ACTORS KAJOL AND VARUN DHAWAN

TURN TO PAGE 29

Londoner Becomes First British Muslim To Go To Space

F

ollowing in the footsteps of some of history’s boldest adventurers, a YouTuber has won a competition to fly to space. Hussain Manawar said he dedicated his win to people suffering from mental health problems, after bagging the international prize.

At a summit, One Young World, that was hosted in Bangkok and in front of influential figures such as Sir Bob Geldof, Gina NelthorpeCowne, David Jones, Fatima Bhutto and acclaimed astronaut Ron Garan, Manawar

was announced winner. In his winners speech, the Britishborn Muslim said, “This spaceship, I want to dedicate this to every single person who has suffered from mental health, every young boy, girl, man, woman who sits in their bedroom crying and you don’t know why, everyone who avoids mirrors because you don’t like what you look like.

I want to tell you, if you are suffering from mental health it is absolutely fine.

Continued on Page 2

TO INFINITY

AND BEYOND THE ASIAN TODAY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Recognising the contribution of our community pg 16-17

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR

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18

JANUARY 2016

THE ASIAN TODAY TIME’S RUNNING OUT FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL APPLICATIONS Deadline for primary school applications are looming, with parents who wish to apply for a place for their child having under a week to submit applications.

Applications should have been completed last month for children starting reception in September, however, Birmingham City Council have set the ultimate deadline for parents at January 15th.

This deadline also affects infant school pupils in Year 2 who are going to attend a separate junior school.

The council website announced: “This is the final date for acceptance of applications."

Parents have been urged by parents to apply online through its website at www. birmingham.gov.uk/cs/ Satellite/schooladmissions The website also says: “Applying for a school place online means you will receive an email confirming your child’s offer by 3.30pm on the offer date, one day ahead of postal notification.”

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION 11-Year-Old Tops Mensa Test 11-year-old Kashmea Wahi has impressed by achieving the top possible score of 162 in an IQ test for Mensa.

The west London based school girl joined the top one per cent of the countries brightest, putting her on par with scientists, Albert Einstein and Steven Hawking.

"It's overwhelming to be compared with the likes of Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein, the comparison is implausible and I believe it would take loads of achievements for anyone like myself to be able to get into the league of such legends." Kashmea has said.

Mensa is believed to be the largest and oldest high IQ society in the world, and membership is open to anyone who can demonstrate an IQ in the top 2 per cent of the population, measured by a recognised or approved IQ testing process.

Mensa spokesperson confirmed "I can confirm that Kashmea is one of

the youngest to achieve 162 in the supervised test as it can only be taken by people over the age of 10 and a half."

The Cattell III B Mensa test is a wellknown international IQ evaluation process which Kashmea found whilst browsing her iPad. Mumbai-born Kashmea explained how she took the test to prove to her natural smarts to parents Vikas and Pooja Wahi.

“We are ecstatic at Kashmea’s Mensa achievement. Although we always believed she had the intellectual prowess, the acknowledgement is reassuring that she does possess the ability, the energy, which if well channelized, can lead to something wonderful,” her parents said.

The Ealing Junior School student has made a huge academic contribution to her school, making it to third place in the oxford Maths Challenge last year, as well as competing in national level chess tournaments.

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Terrifying training footage reveals militant group’s weapons stockpile Islamic State is running a sophisticated top-secret training academy in Raqqa, the terrorists’ de facto capital in Syria, recently uncovered footage has revealed.

Footage recorded inside the training centre shows the shocking advances the terror group has made in their technological competence, having developed a variety of innovative weapons and highly-sophisticated bombs capable of causing carnage in major cities

in the West.

The eight-hour-long video from the advanced university of terror featured Islamist professors training jihadis to bring down passenger airlines with rockets and execute complex and deadly bombing missions on European cities.

Trainers boasted of extensive stockpiles of explosives and advanced weaponry ISIS had acquired in the films which included two jihadi fighters trialling a

driverless car.

Designed to be laden with explosives in remote bombing missions on high value targets in the West, the video shows the car independently accelerating, steering and braking.

According to security analysts, the content of the footage suggests that the films were intended to be shared with ISIS supporters in the West, with the intention viewers would be inspired to replicate the

technology in order to cause carnage.

Major Chris Hunter, a former special forces bomb disposal expert, has expressed his shock at the level of technological competence ISIS has exhibited in the footage.

"This training footage … gives us a very good insight into where they are now, what they're aspiring to do and crucially the diversity of the types of threats we might face.”

Disneyland Dream Destroyed A

We had been planning the trip for four to five months and my kids had countdowns on their phones.”

• Mohammad Tariq Mahmood

British Muslim father’s trip to Disneyland ended in tears when he and his family were stopped from boarding a flight to America.

Mohammad Tariq Mahmood, 41, was stopped at Gatwick airport’s departure gate when they were informed their visas to the US had been revoked.

The Londoner, who had been accompanied on the trip with his brother and their children, aged between eight and 19, claimed that his family had been stopped from flying ‘because they are Muslim’.

The family, whose refusal of entry to America comes hot on the heels of a call by Republican White House hopeful Donald Trump to ban all Muslims from entering the US, have since been forced to distance themselves from a Facebook page which associates the family with radical Islamist groups.

The family have maintained that the social media account, claiming links to Al Qaeda and Taliban, was activated by someone who resided at the family’s postal address for a time, despite sharing a first name with Tariq’s 18-year-old son, having been set up in the name of Hamza Hussain.

The account, containing personal information indicating

Alton Tower Goes Virtual Enough is Enough for Junior Doctors Alton Towers have announced plans for their new rollercoaster ride in April, following a plummet in visitors to the park.

The new attraction, Galactica, will require passengers to wear virtualreality head-sets, to enhance the thrill- seeking experience.

Galactica boasts a drop of 20m and a speed of 75km/h.

It’s the resorts first new

ride since the incident in June last year, that left two women requiring leg amputations and others seriously injured after the rollercoaster carriage they were in collided with an empty carriage.

Alton Towers' owner, Merlin Entertainments, later stated the accident had been caused by “human error” as apposed to mechanical fault.

"A ride shutdown message

was misunderstood by staff at the ride," it said in November, adding workers had overridden the control system to manually restart Smiler ride.

"We have enhanced our training and also included an extra level of authorisation when we have to stop and reset and restart a ride, which involves senior management."

The Smiler is set to reopen in 2016.

that it was published in jest, reportedly lists job titles including 'supervisor at Taliban’ and ‘leader at al-Qaeda'.

Tariq lays blame for the Facebook account on hackers, saying of the account: “That could be anything, maybe a mistake.”

He explained: “It is not my son's Facebook page. It has a similar name, but not the same as my son's.

“The page is also linked to our home address and that could be coincidence. I don't know why it is linked there. The name is not even the same. The authorities must have linked it simply because of the name Hamza.”

No explanation has been provided to the family for why they were barred entry to the US at the very last minute, as part of a holiday arranged six weeks prior to the flight which has seen the family lose out on the £11,000 they had saved to fund their trip.

Tariq Mahmood, a gym owner, said that the trip had been arranged as part of a reunion with family members in California after 15 years in which he hoped to visit Disneyland alongside a number of other tourist sites.

He said: “We had been planning the trip for four to five months and my kids had countdowns on their phones.”

38,000 Junior Doctors take part in 24 hour strike Thirty-eight thousand junior doctors in the UK are striking for 24 hours all over the UK. The strikes are held in response to government plans to impose a new contract, making changes to the way they are paid and compensation for evening and weekend work.

Despite concerns, the Government insists that the changes will help hospitals provide more seven-day services for patients.

The walk-out of medics has already resulted in the cancellation of four thousand operations and procedures.

Both junior doctors and government officials

have stressed that the urgent healthcare will not be affected by the strikes; however patients have been advised to only attend A&E wards in cases of emergency.

Prime Minister, David Cameron deemed the walkout "not necessary and damaging. You can't have a strike on this scale in our NHS without there being some real difficulties for patients and potentially worse."

But junior doctor, Nadia Masood maintains that is necessary. She explains: "I, and all the doctors that are striking, genuinely believe that this contract is more unsafe than this strike could ever have the potential to be."

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JANUARY 2016

THE ASIAN TODAY War Victims Pledged Land

Up to 100,000 people continuing to reside in camps despite the brutal ethnic war in Sri Lanka coming to an end six years ago have been pledged land by the country’s leader.

President Maithripala Sirisena, who has been facing international pressure to further reconcile the ethnically divided nation, announced his six month target in which to complete the rehousing project in plans he shared in a recent interview.

The Sri Lankan leader, who took up office last January, has already been

lauded for initiating the handing back of land following the end of one of the longest and bloodiest ethnic wars in the history of any South Asian nation.

The president said during his interview: "It is an ambitious target, but I will see that all the internally displaced people are given land to build homes.”

Whilst on visit last month to the northern city of Jaffna, which saw some of the war’s bloodiest battles, the Sri Lankan president said he had visited a refugee camp that had served as home to approximately 1,300 families for the past 25 years.

"This is an unacceptable situation.

I want to end this problem once and for all," he said.

Free Healthcare for Pakistan’s Poor

7 life-threatening diseases to be treated 15 districts to participate in the programme 300 centres to offer health cards in Islamabad & Lahore

INTERNATIONAL

INTERNATIONAL

Landmark Visit T

he Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise stopover in Pakistan on his way back to India from a visit to Russia. His landmark visit to the rival nation since he took up office 19 months, this rendezvous marks the first time an Indian PM has visited their hostile neighbours in over a decade, following the 2008 attacks in Mumbai which left 166 people dead by militants trained in Pakistan.

Spontaneous Yet Inspired – The stopover was welcomed but a complete surprise In an air of spontaneity, and inspired by the fact it was Nawaz Sharif’s birthday, the Indian Prime Minister made a phone call to his Pakistani counter-part to share his best wishes.

During this phone call, the Indian leader also put forward a request to stop in Pakistan on his flight home to Delhi, to which Nawaz Sharif, who was celebrating his 66th birthday, responded positively.

Pakistan’s top diplomat, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry, told reporters: “The PM said to him, 'Please come, you are our guest, please come and have tea with me'”.

Hours later, Modi landed at Lahore’s airport where he was welcomed with open arms. The pair hugged before the two flew to Sharif’s nearby family estate via helicopter.

On The Agenda – Contentious but bilateral issues were discussed Narendra Modi’s visit to Lahore comes after the two countries resumed high-level contacts at climate change talks held in Paris late last year.

A spokesman for the Pakistani

leader said that the two prime ministers discussed a number of issues affecting both countries, the most contentious of which involved disputed territory of Kashmir.

63,000 health cards to be issued Rs1 billion budgeted for the health care implementation The Pakistani prime minister has launched a new initiative to aid the country’s underprivileged in meeting their health care costs.

Nawaz Sharif launched the Prime Minister’s National Health Programme to ensure Pakistani families living below the poverty line would receive adequate medical treatment if required.

Addressing the assembly at the inaugural launch ceremony, the PM shared his vision for the programme, stating that the provision of the health insurance was merely a step towards executing the responsibility Pakistan’s leaders had towards the country’s poor.

He said, “It is our duty to provide the best medical care to poor people”.

He added: “We have no other option but to make this programme a success”, before going on to say the programme’s implementation should not be embroiled in politics, but rather, that health-related initiatives should rise above political differences.

The Prime Minister also announced: “We will provide latest technical equipment not only to public but also to private hospitals to aid this programme.”

He invited all provincial governments to take full advantage of the nationallevel scheme, which aims to provide free medical treatment for seven lifethreatening diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, hepatitis, diabetes, dialysis and cancer treatment.

A Look To The Future – “Ties between the two countries would be strengthened,” – Pakistan Foreign Secretary, Aizaz Chaudhry Though mistrust between the neighbouring nations runs deep, Nalin Kohli, a spokesman for Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, said that, should Pakistan take one step towards improving ties with India, India was ready to reciprocate with two.

Pakistan’s top diplomat, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said: "Among the decisions taken [in the meeting] was that ties between the two countries would be strengthened … so that the atmosphere can be created in which the peace process can move forward."

A Mixed Response – “An utterly ridiculous and irresponsible visit,” – Leader of India’s opposition Congress Party, Manish Tewari A close assistant to the Indian leader maintained that the meeting had been a spontaneous decision on the part of Narendra Modi and the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and that the visit should not be interpreted as an unexpected shift in India’s position.

However, the opposition Congress

Party has labelled the Prime Minsiter’s visit irresponsible, with Manish Tewari, the party’s leader, saying: "If the decision is not preposterous then it is utterly ridiculous.”

He said that the warming of ties between the rivals was completed unwarranted.

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JANUARY 2016

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Juggy D Back on Track - pg 24

Releasing in February 2016

Ranveer Singh Casting Couch Confessions - pg 25

ACHANAK

GAME SET AND NACH

The album reflects the live element of the band and takes into account the response to live gigs from Madrid to Barcelona to Munich.

Bhangra Band set to release eclectic album

T

he year 2016 sees the launch of the 13th studio album from the 6 piece bhangra band – Achanak.

Having taken 5 years to produce the band readily admits that it is relieved that they have finally managed to complete it.

‘The process has been very intensive – trying to fit in recording the album whilst touring. We have also had to endure the highs and lows of the creative process as we have refined and in some instances dropped completed tracks because we were not happy with the final product’ admits Vijay the lead singer of the band.

The 14 track album includes a couple of revamps from the back catalogue ‘ largely because the non Asian audience that we typically perform in front of us demanded these tracks on a record. Having witnessed the power of a live bhangra performance, the audience were simply adamant that we duplicate the track on to a record ‘ explains Ninder Johal who not only is the table player for the band but also operates as a manager and its record company – the long established Nachural Records.

What make this album different from the market place ?

‘The album reflects the live element of the band and takes

into account the response to live gigs from Madrid to Barcelona to Munich. The album also allowed me the opportunity to produce 6 tracks on the album for me, it was a fantastic experience’ details Amar Johal the 21year old Dhol player who is multi talented having fine tuned his production skills over the duration of the album. Incidentally he is also the son of Ninder Johal. ‘ Hopefully I was able to inject some modernity to the production because of my age and builds on the experience I have gained since I started performing with the band from the age of 10’.

‘Of course it was a risk not going to an established producer for the entire album but we were confident of our production skills and more importantly only we had the experience of what the crowds enjoyed about the Achanak performance’ beams Ninder.

‘The album as a result has elements of most genres from dance, hip hop, rock and electronic dance music…it is certainly an electic feel to it…. we certainly hope the fans enjoy what we have to offer’ promises Ninder ‘ and of course since it is an album rather than a single we believe that in itself is a key differentaitor’.

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Salman Khan Set

RANI MUKERJI WELCOMES BABY GIRL Hollywood golden-girl Rani Mukerji and husband Aditya Chopra welcome their new bundle of joy.

Family, friends and fans had eagerly been anticipating the news which finally arrived early December 9th. Mukerji, 37, gave birth to baby Adira at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital.

The beloved Bollywood actress released a statement on the bundle of joy saying: “I would like to thank all my well wishers and fans,” she said.

“Today, life has given us god’s greatest gift with Adira. We thank fans our friends and wellwishers for their unconditional support and blessings. With joy we begin this new chapter in our lives.”

The couple, who wed in a low key ceremony in Italy in April 2014, decided on ‘Adira’ which means strong, noble and powerful, but cleverly is also a combination of both their names.

Mukerjis’ sister had confirmed to the press that her sister was pregnant and expecting a baby and news spread like wild-fire via social media from friends and well-wishers.

After being born baby Adira was described as being ‘healthy and feisty,’ a winning combination! No doubt we’ll soon see her gracing the silver– screen.

Indian Drama Coming to

FREE

Salman Khan has received the news that he has been eagerly anticipating, as the final verdicts was revealed for his infamous 2002 hit-and-run case.

The Bollywood veteran was said to have broken down when he heard that all charges in connection with case had been dropped by the Bombay High Court.

Khan was found not guilty, the Bombay High Court ruled, overturning his conviction by a lower court in May and dropping all charges against him.

The Bollywood veteran had been sentenced to five years in jail by the trial court, which found him guilty of killing a man with his SUV. After a night out drinking, the actor's Toyota Land Cruiser crashed into five men sleeping outside the American Bakery in Bandra. One man died and four were injured. . “On the basis of evidences produced by the prosecution, Salman cannot be convicted, no matter how differently the common man thinks,” the judge stated.

UGONGYTRACDK! JBACK JUGGY D IS BACK ON THE MUSIC SCENE WITH HIS BRAND-NEW SINGLE ‘RUJ RUJ’ Critically acclaimed film, “Gangs of Wasseypur” is set to be released as an eight-part series with streaming service Netflix. The announcement came at National Film Development Corporation’s annual Film Bazaar.

Produced and directed by Anurag Kashyap, "Gangs of Wasseypur" tells the story of a feud between three coal mafia families in Jharkhand.

The movie, originally set to be released as 5 hours single film, had trouble finding theatres willing to screen the movie. Producers then divided the film into two parts, and

With an impressive music career spanning 13 years, it’s great to see Juggy D back with full force.

He’s recently been enjoying success with the much-anticipated urban track ‘FREAK’ with Rishi Rich and Jay Sean, which saw the infamous Punjabi trio reunited.

The new collaboration of the Desi urban group, formerly known as the Rishi Rich Project, was chimed a success, taking over the desi dance-floors and paving the way for Juggy’s new grooves.

The Punjabi music maestro has united with his old collaborator, DJ dips for the new hit-single which is set to storm the charts.

The original track, composed by none other than music producer Rishi Rich, was originally used in the British Asian film, Amar Akbar & Tony, but with the help of DJ Dips, Juggy D has revamped the song for a fresh and vibrant feel ready for audiences everywhere.

released Parts 1 and 2 in June and August 2012 The movie received critical acclaim for its gripping portrayal of the coal mafia, but was privy to excessive violence and sexual innuendos, not quite family viewing.

According to a Hollywood insider, the series is expected to be released on Netflix with subtitles available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Chinese.

“Gangs of Wasseypur” received numerous film festival awards, It was first screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012 where it was well received.

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My friends are my enemies

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Later I got to know what he was interested in. When I said ‘no’, he was heartbroken like a jilted lover,”

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Castin

RivaSoul Does His Part With a top ten single in the ITunes World Music charts already under his belt, RivaSoul hasn’t wasted anytime before getting back in the studio.

The music maestro is set to release his new song Yaar Mere Vaary”, which translates as “my friends are my enemies” easly in the new year, and as his first independent track, we’re eager to hear it.

Produced on Tigerstyle’s boutique music label Soldier Sound Recordings,

The song features an up and coming young rap group Dazzlers, from Delhi.

“I found it pretty hard breaking into the music scene so now I have, I feel like it’s my duty to help other young artists”… Dazzlers are a prime example of this. A group of great young guys who I believe have what it takes for the big time.”

The up-and-coming artist promises many more releases in the near future so be sure to keep an ear out.

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Anita misses out!

After wowing the judges week-in-week-out, Anita’s strictly journey came to abrupt end, falling just a week short of the shows final.

The 37-year-old competed against BBC Proms presenter Katie Derham in an epic dance off for a slot in the final and a chance at the coveted Glitterball Trophy, but it was Derham who received Len’s deciding vote, sending Anita packing.

The verdict shocked viewers, sparking rumours of an alleged fix. Members of the public took to twitter to express their outrage at what appeared to be the

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TOP10

wrong decision.

Even Derham herself was shocked by the judge’s decision, speaking to press about the dance-off, Katie said: "We both danced our socks off but she (Anita) had better socks than me that night.”

The series ended with a bang as Jay McGuiness and partner Aliona took home the prize in a spectacular final, Regardless of the outcome, from the Paso Doble to the American Smooth, Anita and her handsome partner Gleb kept us glued this series!

WITH KAMAL CHOPRA

KAM CHOPRA

BOLLYWOOD 1 Deewani Mastani 2 Gerua 3 Pinga

37-YEAR-OLD COMPETED AGAINST BBC PROMS PRESENTER KATIE DERHAM IN AN EPIC DANCE OFF

Ranveer speaks about a gruesome encounter

Ranveer Sigh’s not one to hold back, and In a candid interview with NDTV, Ranveer spoke about a gruesome encounter he had in his early days as a fledgling actor.

The Bajiroa Mastani megastar told of his first hand experience of casting couch when he was invited by a casting director to his home in Andheri.

The man, who he described the man as “a highly sleazy gentleman.” He went on to tell him that he has to be “smart and sexy” to get far in showbiz,

and advised Ranveer to be open to “take and touch”.

“Later I got to know what he was interested in. When I said ‘no’, he was heartbroken like a jilted lover,” the actor stated.

Ranveer explained in the tell-all interview that casting couch is a reality in the industry and a commonplace situation for struggling actors. “I later spoke with other strugglers who said the man had made similar propositions to them.” He added.

ANVEER’S

S N IO S S E F N O C h c u o C ng Nargis Fakhri Strikes a Nerve Nargis Fakhri has been making front-pages, but for all the wrong reasons. The starlet caused nation-wide controversy last week by appearing in a rather provocative front page ad in the popular Pakistani news paper Jang.

The attention-grabbing ad for mobile giant Mobilink, showed Fakhri strewn across the front page in a red figure-hugging number whilst clutching a mobile phone.

It’s fair to say the ad was ill-received, with

Critics accusing it of "dirtying the newspaper.”

Audiences too felt it was “tacky, tasteless and unsophisticated” and called it out for objectifying the actress.

Fakhri herself seemed to agree. In a statement the actress said:"As a model or celebrity, I have always believed in using my persona to help further a brand's communication but never to have it used where I end up being objectified for my looks.”

Deepika and Diesel

Team Up

4 Manma 5 Malhari 6 Prem Ratan 7 Janam Janam 8 Tum Hai Apna Banane 9 Aayat 10 Matargashti

BHANGRA 1

Women

2

Taara

3

Deewani Mastani

4

Gerua

5

Munda Like Me

6

Janam Janam

7

Time Table 2

8

Patt Lainge

9

Manma Emotion Jaage

10 Tankha

UK 1 Love Yourself 2 Sorry 3 What Do You Mean?

Bollywood babe Deepika Padukone seems to be following in the footsteps of Priyanka Chopra’s Quantico success after confirming her role opposite Vin Diesel in the upcoming sequel to ‘XXX’.

Padukone, 29, sparked rumours about a possible Hollywood debut after she shared a photo of herself and the Hollywood hunk on Instagram with the backdrop of the logo of the movie franchise ‘XXX’. Diesel too, teased fans with a selfie with the Bollywood mega-star.

Though Diesel, 48, fuelled

the alleged rumours by keeping the picture captionless, Deepika’s “Piku” co-star Irrfan Khan confirmed the news by congratulating the actress via Twitter.

“A big congratulations to our favourite #Piku for her smashing #Hollywooddebut with #Vindiesel @DeepikaPadukone,” he posted on Facebook.

There were earlier reports that Deepika had turned down Diesel’s ‘Fast and Furious 7’ offer to accommodate dates for her 2014 release “Happy New Year”, but now the star is all set for her first Hollywood release.

Bloom’in Heck!

British poster-boy Orlando Bloom was denied entry to India at Delhi airport and was forced to return to the UK immediately after he landed in the southern subcontinent without a visa, despite being invited by Indian government officials.

The Pirates of the Caribbean actor had been invited to India by Chief Minister of the Uttar Pradesh region, Akhilesh Yadav, as part of a drive to generate more tourism, but things turned sour when Bloom was reportedly turned away upon arrival at Delhi's Gandhi International

Airport because of “deficiencies in his electronic tourist visa" Once the Indian authorities learned of the mix-up, Bloom was at last able to enter India, after the external affairs ministry intervened and gave him a special visa causing him to make his second long haul trip to Delhi in two days.

A senior airport official said: “The arrogant behaviour of Immigration officials has dented India's image globally as they deliberately deported him even when they had other options to allow him to stay here.”

4 Stitches 5 Hello 6 You Don't Own Me 7 History 8 Sweet Lovin' 9 Adventure of a Lifetime 10 The Girl is Mine

DesiXpress Tweet of the Month

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DJ HARV TO COLLABORATE WITH PUNJABS HIT SINGER GEETA ZAILDAR IN

‘DARSHAN’.

International and respected UK based DJ Harv is set to make his debut as Music Director this January with his debut release ‘Darshan’ collaborating with one of Punjab's finest singers Geeta Zaildar out 21 January 2016 via E3UK Records.

Harv born and raised in UK, Hertfordshire began his DJ career whilst studying at Southampton University where he was one of the most popular DJ’s on the south coast. Harv then went on to teaming up with DJ H and under the guidance of one of the best DJs on the circuit, he quickly established his name across the country. With music evidently such a huge part of his life, Harv’s desire to leave a mark on the Bhangra industry has become one step closer to reality with the forthcoming release of ‘Darshan'.

Harv has a rapidly growing fanbase on Soundcloud, with over 350,000 plays of his live mixtape series in 2015 alone and is one of the most revered DJs in the Kudos Music camp.

Having been brought up in a traditional Punjabi household, Harv’s musical influences date back to his childhood, listening in to his late father’s favourites Mohd Sadiq, Ranjit Kaur and Kuldeep Manak and his own modern day favourites such as Diljit Dosanjh, Malkit Singh, Jazzy B and Tru Skool.

The story of Darshan began in 2014. Discovering just one verse and chorus written by the legendary S. Babu Singh Maan, Harv teamed up with his good friend Geeta Zaildar to complete the track which was subsequently recorded at the famous ‘Late Nite Studios’ in Birmingham by renowned Bhangra producer ‘Jeeti’. As you will come to learn from this and his future releases, poetic lyrics and melodic desi beats will prove to be the winning formula behind DJ Harv’s music. Video shot on location in Punjab by renowned directors Amaninder Singh & Varinderpal Bains.

‘Darshan’, an upbeat love song which promises to be a fun filled track for all generations.

Darshan out Thursday 21st January 2016 worldwide on all leading digital platforms via E3UK Records.

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OMAR MALIK

CULTURE MIX WORLD SIGNS NEW ARTIST OMAR MALIK & RELEASE ADHURI KAHANI BOLLYWOOD MEDLEY Omar Malik, Culture Mix World’s brand new signing, is an exceptionally talented young singer, songwriter, composer and producer from Lahore, Pakistan.

He talented singer, who has been performing from a

young age, was recognised and appreciated by the whole Nation when he reached the Semi Finals of the talent show “Pakistan Idol” but due to unforeseen circumstances Omar was forced to leave the show.

Since then Omar has worked

with various big artists from around the world and has released songs with some of the biggest record labels in the world.

Culture Mix World have been working closely with Omar for the last few months,

working on his debut single which will release worldwide at the beginning of 2016. The Pakistani singing sensation has already received a lot of recognition from Bollywood for his outstanding vocal ability.

Omar Malik is definitely one

to look out for in 2016, he will surely be the next big thing and will steal the hearts of many with his melodious vocals and songs.

For Now, enjoy the new track Adhuri Kahani Bollywood Medley by OMAR MALIK

Shide Boss Making a Splash

It's the first thing I've done in two years so everyone's been waiting for it.

ft, Zack Knight

S

hide Boss is making a splash with his brand new single – Women Ft Zack Knight.

The Nottingham born Singersongwriter is releasing his much anticipated third track after his break through in 2011.

Shide was instantly recognised for his talents when he was named Best Newcomer at the Asian Music Awards and went on to win Most Popular Artist by public demand at the Pakistani Music Awards.

Since then things have slowed for the star, but that’s set to change with his vibrant new single.

Things year could be the one for Boss, as the he showcases his more mature sound.

"It's the first thing I've done in two years so everyone's been waiting for it.”

"There's another song coming out in April and there might

even be an album out this year so 2016 could be really big for me" says the popular singing sensation.

Shide’s pulled out all the stops for his new single. The video maxed out a huge £10,000 in his high- production video, shot in London over two days and featuring sizzling supermodels from across the world like Sahara Santos.

It seems his efforts have paid off, on the day of its release Women reached number 1 in the iTunes World Music chart.

"It definitely has a new sound to before – you can just hear the maturity in my vocals and my writing, which are much better than they were two years ago."

Boss begins his five city tour this month, with four more dates added in Feb as the demand for the star grows. Shide began his lucrative career after winning Channel 4's Hollyoaks Unsigned Music Show – a spin-off of the teen soap, after he impressed with his original fusion RnB with an Asian twist.

The past two years have seen him take a new artistic challenge as he ventured into acting in last year's rom-com Amar Akbar & Tony. The songwriter- turned actor will follow it up with Requiem, due to be released this year with Alex Reid and Calum Best.

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SHOWBIZ Manish Gajjar Hindi Film Adviser for Vue Cinemas

BOLLYWOOD MOVIE OF THE MONTH

AIRLIFT Director: Raja Krishna Menon Cast: Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur

This feel good thriller is based on real life incident which happened when Suddam Hussain invaded Kuwait in 1990.

Whilst the Royal family managed to flee to Saudi Arabia living behind a country without a ruler, a total of 170,000 Indians based in Kuwait lost all that they had - their home, money and much more.

It is during these trying times that a wealthy businessman Ranjit Katyal decides to help evacuate thousands of Indians to the neighboring country Jordan.

Over 59 days, the Indian government systematically flew over 488 Air India commercial flights into a war zone to evacuate and safely bring them back home.

Airlift is an uplifting and entertaining edge-of-theseat thriller yet patriotic and deeply moving depicting the biggest evacuation ever witness by mankind.

The film stars Akshay Kumar in the lead role who is already riding high from his box office success of Baby.

Actress Nimrat Kaur who appeared in the acclaimed film Lunchbox plays Akshay’s wife in the film. According to the director he needed someone with a strong persona and Nimrat fitted the bill perfectly.

The film has been shot on a lavish scale on various locations including Gujarat, United Arab Emirates and Rajasthan to depict 1990’s Kuwait and Baghdad.

Every minute detail was recreated to add realism to the film. For example a mansion, complete with Arabic carpets and interiors resembling a wealthy MiddleEastern house was created for the shoot where the character Ranjit Katyal resided.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON OUR WEBSITE

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UPCOMING

DRAMA

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THRILLER

FILMS WAZIR

Starring: Sugandha Garg, Siddhant Behl, Sadhana Singh, Anuritta K Jha, Samir Sharma, Chandan Gill Vibhavari is a music director, working on her first big break in the Hindi film industry. When things become difficult with her live-in boyfriend, Vibhavari hits the road with a glint of hope on a journey to find music.

The journey takes her to a village in Punjab in the

Releasing 22nd January 2016

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Aditi Rao Hydari, Neil Nitin Mukesh, John Abraham

AIRLIFT

Releasing 7th January 2016

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, Feryna Wazheir, Inaamulhaq, Purab Kohli

Airlift is based on the largest human evacuation in history, where over 170,000 Indians were airlifted using 488 Air India flights in just 59 days during the Gulf War in 1990 when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. Akshay Kumar essays the challenging role of Kuwait-based Indian businessman, Ranjit Katyal, who against all odds masterminded the entire rescue operation to save the lives of Indians in war torn Kuwait. Airlift is an episode which has almost been lost in the sands of history, but is an event that needs to be remembered.

LOLLYWOOD MOVIES Releasing 1st January 2016

HO MANN JAHAAN

Set to be the next big thing in Pakistani cinema, Ho Mann Jahaan is a coming of age urban story set in present day Karachi. The film centers on the three main characters, played by Mahira Khan, Shehryar Munawar and Adeel Hussain. The story depicts their friendship, born out of shared experiences, passion for music and aspiration for fame, as three college friends from distinct social backgrounds all aspire towards one goal.

Releasing 15th January 2016

HORROR

ROMANCE

HOLLYWOOD MOVIES

Wazir tells the story of two unusual friends; a wheelchair-bound chess grandmaster and a brave ATS officer, brought together by a twist of fate that has cast a dark shadow over their lives. The plot centers around a game of chess as the two men decide to help each other win the biggest games of their lives, unbeknownst that there is a dangerous opponent lurking who is set to checkmate them.

Releasing 22nd January 2016

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COMEDY

BOLLYWOOD MOVIES

JUGNI

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Starring: : Mahira Khan, Adeel Hussain, Sheheryar Munawar, Sonya Jehan, Bushra Ansari, Arshad Mahmud, Nimra Bucha, Jamal Shah, Ahmed Ali Akbar

REVENGE OF THE WORTHLESS Starring: Qambar Ali, Firdous Jamal, Emil Karakose, Asfandyar Khan

Based on the events that swept Swat Valley nearly four decades ago, the story focuses on the impact of the insurgency in 2009 and highlighting the heroic struggle of a few unsung heroes. The film depicts the effect of an ‘unreasonable’ power on the lives of those afflicted, changing the cultural narrative and values creating a sense of fear and insecurity. A story of struggle and resilience.

THE HATEFUL EIGHT Starring: Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Bruce Dern, Demian Bichir, Michael Madsen, Tim Roth

Set after the civil war, As a bitter blizzard rages through the snowy mountains of Wyoming, a bounty hunter transporting a dangerous female fugitive Daisy Domergue, must stop and seek refuge in a stagecoach stopover, shared wih six other suspected wanted characters.

As the eight strangers become aquainted, tension begins to rise and tempers flare, as sordid stories from their pasts are exchanged.

Releasing 8th January 2016

THE REVENANT

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter, Domhnall Gleeson, Lukas Haas

Set in the 1820’s, Fur Trapper Hugh Glass played by DiCaprio is leading a hunting party in South Dakota when he is viciously attacked by a wild bear. Rather than aiding him and tending to his wounds, the frontiersman's traitorous companions decide to abandon him and leave him for dead. The wounded hunter must brave warring tribes, a savage environment and a ferociously harsh winter on a 120mile trek to take his revenge.

g Releasin uary 15th Jan 2016

THE DANISH GIRL Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander, Matthias Schoenaerts, Ben Whishaw, and Amber Heard

Releasing 1st January 2016

Based on an extraordinary and moving true-life love story, The Danish Girl tells the story of 1920’s Bohemian artist Gerda Wegener, who asks her husband Einar, to stand in for an absent female model. The experience of putting on women's clothes fulfils something deep within him, and with the support and encouragement of his wife, Einar creates a female persona called Lili Elbe and begins his new life as a woman.

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WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM

JANUARY 2016

THE ASIAN TODAY

Fashion & Beauty Correspondent: Sara Khan Twitter: @sarakblog

FASHION & BEAUTY

FASHIO

Facebook: /sarakblog website: www.sarakblog.com

Fashion Trends

Forecast 2016 A

s you know l like to deliver you all the fashion exclusives at your fingers tips. This month isn’t any different; we’ve got the rare photos of Pakistan Fashion Week and Telenor Bridal Couture Week photos, which took place in the end

• FPW15: Elan (floral)

• FPW15: Maria B (floral)

of December. And I share my fashion predictions for 2016 trends you need to be creating, purchasing and preparing to wear this year.

Let’s begin with everyday fashion; Elan’s vision of nature and floral draped against black, the contrast in the outfits

My predictions for party wear are cigarette trousers with tailored blouse and bordered jacket with slits on the sides.

Umar Sayeed used shades of pastels for his FPW15 collection; each piece had an individual touch of elegance to wear to a wedding.

Where as, TBCW15 showcased Zarmisha Dar who broke the mould to combine a rare crochet embroidered blazer-trouser suit you could wear separately as statement pieces with plain pastel pink fabric for parties with family or friends.

• FPW15: Umar Sayeed (jacket)

• FPW15: Ziggi Studio

certainly brings the wow factor to FPW15, whilst Maria B’s cuts encapsulate the best of eastern and western fashion at TBCW15. The natural blossoming illustrations and floral fusions can brighten up a party frock or your everyday outfit.

AN EXCLUSIVE

Meet & Greet with Makeup Master, Ather Shahzad

• FPW15: Zarmisha Dar

And last but certainly not least for all you brides searching for bridal trends, velvet blouse and intricate gold detailing lengha is the way forward in 2015. Plus with British weather you could get away with wearing a velvet blouse anytime of the year. Shehla Chatoor’s fur dupattas with velvet lenghas were showstoppers at FPW15 whilst, British Asian design house, Ziggi Studio showcased a unique menswear range with contemporary cuts and a hint of traditional South Asian colours for the grooms at TBCW15.

• FPW15: Ather Shahzad

Mayfair in London was the place to be on Sunday with the celebrity Ather Shahzad. The event was presented by Bano Ali of The Makeup Room, where bloggers, fashionistas and press gathered for coffee and cake to be enthralled by the stunning makeup and styling tips from Shahzad Raza on stunning model Siarah Khan.

It was the perfect introduction to Shahzad Raza’s upcoming UK Makeup Masterclass tour in 2016. Don’t miss an exclusive opportunity to see the Makeup Master share his top-secret beauty tips in London, Birmingham and Manchester. More information or book tickets, you can visit www. sarakblog.com/events.

Read more Fashion & Beauty articles on our website: www.theasiantoday.com

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

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

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.

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

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

ON & BEAUTY To Beard or 1

Not To Beard?

2

015 saw the uprise of the infamous Hipster beard, a beard so bold and bushy, it intimidated the locals. This New Year brings with it a barrel full of brand new Beardspiration, so take a look at the top trends for our bearded friends!

1. The Tight Beard The Tight Beard requires plenty of nurturing while growing. Hair should be kept shorter and lines should be shaped tighter. This style is ideal for concealing a smaller chin, a double chin, or for elongating a rounder face. The result is a glorious beard that gives your face some definition and character.

2 3 I

ndia’s most iconic; luxury-fashion brand Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur will open its doors to the international market with the launch of a debut collection in the United Kingdom in January 2016.

A pioneer in the menswear luxury segment, Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur is the brainchild of design doyen Raghavendra Rathore, who is credited for reinterpreting the concept of Indian Royalty through design and luxury innovations, blending global sophistication and

DAL

TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719

FASHION & BEAUTY

LUXURY MENSWEAR BRAND “RAGHAVENDRA RATHORE JODHPUR” TO MAKE UK DEBUT

2. The Heavy Stubble According to a 2013 study, the most appealing beard length for women is heavy stubble. So, maintaining the perfect stubble is essential. 3 to 5 mm works best in most cases, but it’s about knowing what the best length stubble for your face. Because the stubble is so close to your skin, be sure to take care of it and use an exfoliator. This will work to lift the hair out and prevent ingrowns that are more visible with stubble.

• RR with Saif Ali Khan

impeccable quality the Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur brand is driven by a holistic vision of luxury, inspired by the "old world charm" of Rajasthan in India, with a clean and modern sensibility. Renowned for cutting-edge designs and pushing the boundaries of fashion familiarity, the Raghavendra Rathore label is synonymous with the revival of the iconic Bandhgala jacket and Jodhpur Pants (Jodhpur breeches), where 1400 years of regal Jodhpur heritage has been interspersed with

contemporary design. Its coterie boasts of industry stalwarts, socialites, aristocrats, celebrities and public figures across India and international markets.

For its international launch, Raghavendra Rathore has curated a bespoke collection combining opulent luxury and renowned heritage to bring a traditional twist to the wardrobe of the modern man.

Speaking about the launch of the brand in the UK, Raghavendra Rathore says: “I’m excited the UK will get to experience,

D H A L I W A L

Dal Dhaliwal is UK’s first Indian Female Health and Fitness Coach to launch a private fitness gym. She is also a Health and Fitness TV Presenter. Dal has been working in the wellness Industry since 1998.

She will teach you strategies to overcome obstacles and develop a positive mental attitude, and will share with you methods on how you too can follow a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise, correct nutrition and wellbeing.

New Year: New You! Every New Year many of us make resolutions to lose weight or to embark on a health and fitness journey.

However, often many of us will break these resolutions.

So this year let’s stop the cycle and try to stick to our resolution. Here are my top tips to help you stick to your New Year resolutions: Set a clear goal Set yourself a goal whether you want to build muscle lose, weight, or just feel better, you must have a general idea of what you want to achieve. Once you have set a goal, plan on how you are going to achieve this goal. One option is to hire the service of a professional fitness trainer to set you an exercise and nutrition plan. Without a detailed plan you are more likely to be guessing and it’s more likely you will go back to previous exercise and eating habits.

Be realistic about your goals. If you set yourself unrealistic unattainable goals then you will be setting yourself up for failure. Make some basic changes and alterations to your lifestyle - this way you are more likely to stick to your goals. E.g. Make changes with what you eat; if you usually skip breakfast then start eating a protein based breakfast or if you don’t drink enough water then start drinking water more often.

Have a Timeframe

• RR Ad

firsthand, the flamboyancy of the Maharaja’s of Jodhpur, transposed in time by my meticulous craftsman and presented with a dash of British elegance. The collection highlights will be Classic Bandhgala Nehru jackets, Jawar waistcoats, Jodhpur breeches and Achkans, all of which will beautifully complement the soul of London. I’m also honoured that the designs and the cuts of my rural craftsman have found a place in a global hotspot like the UK, and this means a lot to my team.”

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GET FIT WITH

Set goals that are realistic and achievable

3. The Van Dyke The recently popular Van Dyke beard style gets its name from the 17th Century painter Anthony Van Dyke. When sporting the distinctive signature look, the rest of the cheeks are completely smooth and free of facial hair. It consists of a short, pointy beard and a pointy moustache, with no hair on the side of the face. This distinctive look requires plenty of upkeep, the more defined the better!

JANUARY 2016

With every goal you set have a time frame and limit. Set short and long term goals. For example if your goal is to lose weight then set a date and how much weight you want to lose by that date. Keep it realistic - it’s better to take your time to lose weight and keep it off and manage it - rather than lose it fast by going on a ‘faddy / crash diet’ and then put it all back on. Remember to track your progress - note down how much weight / inches you have lost weekly

or monthly.

Have a friend hold you accountable Having someone to train with can keep you motivated and you can actually motivate each other – this can be a friend, relative, or personal trainer—who will make sure you stick to the plan.

This will motivate you to have an exercise schedule and stick to the planned workout appointments.

Your workout partner can be someone who you can turn to when you need advice a sympathetic ear when you feel guilty for eating a bucket of KFC or skipping a day of working out.

Reward Yourself Once you reach your set goals reward yourself.

This doesn’t mean eat junk food or a box of chocolates.

Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something you enjoy that doesn’t contradict your resolution e.g. you could reward yourself with new fitness clothing or a beauty / spa treatment.

Be patient - You won’t achieve your goals overnight. Be patient with yourself and don’t set yourself unrealistic goals i.e. to exercise every day, twice a day! Every so often give your body a rest. Don’t get discouraged with slow progress or setbacks. You will see results if you keep yourself focused. It won’t happen overnight, so be persistent and patient plan and prepare and be consistent!

Good Luck!

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

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THE ASIAN TODAY PR supremo and food blogger Anita Champaneri brings her blog Ms Delicious PR and all things food to The Asian Today, bringing all the news from hot restaurants to cool bars and everything in between. www.msdeliciouspr.blogspot.com If you like gin, then 40 St Paul’s should be on your list to visit. Cocktail maestro Amanjot Singh Johal has opened his new cocktail bar in the Jewellery Quarter.

Amanjot is the former bar manager of Great Hampton Street’s late-night venue The Church Inn. He has now joined forces with Rob Wood (formerly of The Edgbaston) to launch his own business.

The duo aim to create one of the city’s smallest and most exclusive bars, with just 24 seats in a former corner shop in Cox Street, overlooking St Paul’s Square. There are 58 types in stock at the moment, although there are plans to expand that to 120.

The most expensive label behind the bar is the Anty Gin, made from red ants – yes, really! Apparently they add a citrus taste. A double gin and tonic costs £20.

www.indicostreetfood.co.uk Birmingham’s Michelinstarred Adam’s Restaurant will be moving to stylish new premises on Waterloo Street from January 26th.

The restaurant - which has operated as a ‘pop-up’ for two-and-a-half years in Bennett’s Hill in the city centre - is moving just round the corner overlooking Victoria Square.

During their time in Birmingham, chef-patron Adam Stokes and his team have won a string of accolades. Honours have included a Michelin star, three AA Rosettes and a placing in the list of the UK’s top 30 restaurants.

The new Adam’s will be a 35-seater - but will also boast a 16-seater private dining room and a chef’s table will be added in the kitchen soon after.

Adam said: “There will be a change to the menu formats, too.

We will offer a great value lunch menu and a tasting menu, with the addition of an a la carte option.

“There will also be a bespoke tasting menu for the chefs table.” www.adamsrestaurant.co.uk

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

Food & T

Food For Thought

T

he New Year is upon us and there is no better time to make an intention to eat better and feel better.

With a renewed sense of self and a few minor changes, you can finally tackle those few pesky lbs!

Vegan cuisine has been on the up rise with people opting for the healthier option. Café and restaurants jumping on the raw and organic bandwagon have made it more accessible.

Try substituting one of your evening meals for a meat free, quick, easy and delicious recipe!

Also Need (serving Suggestion) •

Recipe taken from manjulaskitchen. com

www.40stpauls.co.uk Streetfood was all the rage in Birmingham in 2015 and its looks like it’s not going to stop anytime soon; so it was no surprise to see that a new Indian street food restaurant will be opening up very soon.

Indico will be opening at the Parkgate shopping complex in Shirley. Owner Farheem Madhur has been exploring the best street food from all over India, provided by the best and most well known street vendors to put on the Indico menu.

The Indian inspired cocktail menu looks pretty innovative too. With exciting creations such as Masala Martini - an Indian twist to James Bond’s favourite tipple; Sharabi Nariayal - a coconut filled with vodka then mixed with a dash of lemon juice for a tangy flavour; and one that really intrigues me, the Tom Yum Mohito. A mojito teamed with Thai Tom Yum mix, which is first frozen then mixed with Demerara before being added to the Mojito?! I love Tom Yam soup and Mojito, so I can’t wait to see if this sour cocktail infused with spices and ginger will work.

FOOD & TRAVEL

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JANUARY 2016

• • • • • • • • • •

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Serves: 4.

Falafel 1.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • •

1 cup dried chick peas (garbanzo, kabli chana) 2 tablespoon chopped parsley 2 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1 green chilli About 1/4 inch piece of ginger 1 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon red chili flakes 1/4 cup all purpose flour (plain flour, maida) Also need oil to fry About 1/4 cup water use as needed

SHOCKING SUGAR FACTS • A can of cola - nine cubes of sugar • A chocolate bar - six cubes of sugar • One third of the country’s five-year-olds have tooth decay • Almost 50% of eightyear-olds have tooth decay • Obesity costs the NHS £5.1 billion each year • Children aged five should have no more than 19 grams of sugar per day

1 cup dried chick peas (garbanzo, kabli chana) 2 tablespoon chopped parsley 2 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1 green chilli About 1/4 inch piece of ginger 1 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon red chili flakes 1/4 cup all purpose flour (plain flour, maida) Also need oil to fry About 1/4 cup water use as needed

2.

3.

4.

Soak the chickpeas in 4 cups of water over night. After soaking chickpeas will be about 2 and half time in volume.

In pressure cooker add chickpeas with the 3 cups of water. Close the cooker and put the pressure on. Cook on medium high heat.

As pressure cooker starts steaming turn the heat down to medium and cook for about 4 minutes.

Switch off the heat and wait until steam has stopped before opening the pressure cooker.

Chickpeas should be just

5.

6.

7.

8.

tender not very soft.

Drain the water and let it cool and combine all the ingredients for the falafel and grind using a food processor. The mixture should be grainy. If needed, add a few spoons of water.

Divide the mixture in 24 equal parts or make them as desired size patties.

Heat oil in a frying pan on medium high heat.

Slowly drop the falafel patties in the oil and shallow fry until they are brown in colour on both sides. It should take about 5-6 minutes to cook each batch.

The Shocking Truth About Sugar

P

ublic Health England says its time to crack down on the sweet stuff as young children are eating three times more than the suggested sugar limit.

The health organisation is urging parents to download their free app, which shows how much sugar is present in our everyday food.

The new Change4Life advertising campaign suggests that on average, children aged 4 – 10 are guzzling a phenomenal 22kg of added sugar a year. The new app has more than 75,000 products to help parents get clued up on potential purchases that may be harmful to health.

Officials hope to combat tooth decay, obesity and type two diabetes, as well as encouraging families to choose the healthy alternative.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist from Public Health England, said "If there's one thing I'd strongly encourage parents to do, and that's to swap sugary drinks out of their kids' diets for either a lowsugar drink or water or low-fat milk, which would be a really excellent choice."

She also said people might be surprised to discover the sugar contents, for example, of some yogurts and fruit drinks.

DAILY RECOMMENDED SUGAR LIMITS

• Four to six year olds - five sugar cubes or 19g • Seven to ten year olds - six sugar cubes or 24g • 11 year olds and above - seven sugar cubes or 30g

FOOD & TRAVEL

Trams JANUARY 2016

TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719

Travel

Emirates Flies from Birmingham

Return to Brum

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Last month saw the first tram entering Birmingham’s City Centre since 1953

The world largest passenger airliner A380, will operate from Birmingham Airport for the first time from March 27th just as Emirates celebrates its 15th anniversary at Birmingham Airport.

The double-decker jet will be deployed on the EK39/40 service between Dubai and Birmingham and will be replacing the Boeing 777 that currently operates this service. With 615 seats, the highcapacity A380 will add 188 more seats to the service and will mark the first time Birmingham Airport has received an A380 flight.

The upgrade in the service will increase Emirates’ daily capacity to and from Birmingham by 15%, meaning that the airline will now offer a total of 77 A380 flights into the UK each week, totalling more than any other country on the Emirates network.

Paul Kehoe, chief executive of Birmingham Airport states: “The A380 will not only give an additional 188 seats a day from Birmingham but will also offer customers that want to experience the magnificent A380 aircraft an opportunity to now do so from the Midlands region.”

Emirates first launched its service at Birmingham Airport as

Airline giant Emirates, is set to fly its new impressive two-class Airbus A380 aircraft to Birmingham this year. a daily flight to Dubai, with a 238- seat plane in December 2000. As demand for the service has risen, Emirates have added more aircrafts to the route; including a third daily service added only this year. In the last 15 years alone, Emirates have carried over 5 million eager passengers between Dubai and Birmingham, with over 500,000 travelling in 2015 so far.

Rising Travel Costs for 2016

The cost of travel across the West Midlands is set to increase with frozen bus-fares thawing out for the new-year.

National Express West Midlands has revealed that in 2016, the standard cost of an adult single ticket will be increasing by a further 10p, from £2.20 to £2.30, the

popular adult daysaver is rising by 20p to £4.40 next year, while the monthly travel-card will now cost a staggering £54.50.

Peter Coates, National Express West Midlands’s managing director, defended the price rises by highlighting other cost reductions: “Overall

T

he tram service is the first stage of a £128m extension project, which will see Midland Metro run through the city centre to Bull Street and New Street Station, an initiative which was part-funded by the Department for Transport after giving a backing of £75.4m in 2012.

Despite unveiling the service, work on the entire 0.7 mile extension was scaled back in hopes of minimising the disruption to Christmas shoppers.

The project was set to be completed during 2015, but was delayed due to issues surrounding the construction of John Lewis and Birmingham’s new Grand Central shopping centre.

a quarter of passengers will benefit from reduced or frozen fares.

“We have cut the price of the off-peak daysaver to just £4 to make it even cheaper and easier to go shopping or have a night out and it will always be best value to pay with the new Swift smartcard.”

Late last year Birmingham commuters were shocked by Virgin Trains announcement that it was scrapping its ‘double discount’ scheme, where customers could use discounted, off-peak tickets on peak time trains, leading to a price increase of up to 300 per cent, causing trying times for travellers.

Once completed, trams will be connected to services from Wolverhampton and will terminate at New Street station. Plans are already in place to extend the tram network to Brindley Place, Five Ways and Edgbaston by 2021.

Chair of the ITA's Transport Delivery Committee, John McNicholas which oversees Centro stated ‘It's good news for Birmingham but also the wider West Midlands as this extension is expected to create more than 1,300 sustainable new jobs and boost the regional economy by more than £50 million a year’.

McNicholas added, ‘We will see £1.2 billion invested in public transport

Specialists in

LOW COST FLIGHTS TO PAKISTAN!

over the next 10 years’.

Despite the initial buzz, the trams service has got off to a subdued start, as trams encountered problems during rush hour periods. Midland Metro drivers were forced to brake hard to avoid pedestrians walking in front.

A spokesman for Midland Metro stated: ‘Some people are obviously not used to the trams being there and drivers are having to slow down or brake. We are calling on pedestrians to be extra vigilant’.

Last month, the trams were given the royal seal of approval by the Her Majesty the Queen as she was shown the new Midland Metro extension in a visit to the city.

• We aim to bring you great flight prices, whatever your destination.

• We use a variety of airlines to find you the best deal.

• We can provide tailor made packages and visa facilities.

• We also specialise in Hajj & Umrah Tour packages.

Hotel Bookings & Umrah Visa Services also available LOW COST FARES TO: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ethiopia, Lagos, Dar-Es-Salaam, Dubai and many more destinations.

Easyway Travel: 151 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B12 8LH Tel: 0121 440 2121 Mobile: 07931 794 645 E-mail: easywayjawad@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.easywaytravel.biz

32

THE ASIAN TODAY HEALTH COLUMN HOW TO KICK START A FIT AND HEALTHY 2016 January marks the start of a new year and getting fit and healthy is one of the most common resolutions made.

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

Getting into shape will not happen overnight and it will take time.

Making small changes to your diet and lifestyle can make a big difference to your health and how you feel. The important thing is to make the changes realistic and maintainable, don’t change everything at once. My advice is to make one or two simple changes that you know you can stick to and see how you progress.

If you manage to sustain them, then make a couple more.

So what can you do to transform yourself into a fit and healthy wellbeing? Physical activity is far easier than you might think, especially when it is something you enjoy.

Just 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise is enough to get the ball rolling and it doesn’t necessarily mean joining the gym. Dancing, walking, hoovering, jogging, gardening, cycling and sports are all great ways to get your body moving.

Simple things such as parking further away from the supermarket door, taking the stairs or getting off a bus stop early can make a big difference.

Getting your heart rate up is important. Your heart is a muscle and needs a workout

LIFESTYLE

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JANUARY 2016

if it is to stay strong and healthy. Sprint training is ideal but any short bursts of energy are only ever a good thing.

Having the right diet is essential as well. A variety of colour is usually a good sign of a healthy plate of food – especially plenty of green. A plate full of yellow and brown is most likely to be unhealthy. Protein is essential for your body to heal. White meat, fish, eggs, beans and pulses are all tasty and healthy sources of protein.

Try to avoid refined sugar wherever possible. If you feel as though you need a sweet hit then go for some fruit or honey. Dried fruit and nuts make an ideal tasty healthy snack. Remember to drink plenty of water. Many of us

go through life dehydrated and wonder why we feel lethargic and groggy. We also often mistake thirst for hunger. So sip a glass of water before reaching for the snack cupboard.

The way we cook our food also affects its nutritional value. Frying is the least healthy way to cook anything, unless it is pan-fried dry or with little oil (preferably olive or rapeseed). Grilling is a far healthier way to cook meat as the fat drips off it. Poaching is ideal for eggs and you can also poach white meats and fish. Steaming vegetables not only minimises their loss of goodness but also locks in the flavour. In fact you can pretty much steam anything and the same applies.

For more information and advice on how to get fit and healthy, please visit www.nhs.uk.

Are you on Twitter? To find out what is going on around our hospitals, and for latest news and updates follow us @heartofengland. Join our conversation today!

Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust staff provides general and specialist hospital care across Heartlands Hospital, Solihull Hospitals, Good Hope Hospital and Birmingham Chest Clinic. The Trust also provides community health services across the borough of Solihull.

The Trust employs more than 10,000 members of staff, making it one of the top five employers in the Midlands.

LIFESTYLE

2016 Resolutions

In One Year, Out the Other W

e’ve reached that time again; the fun and festivities are over and everybody’s looking to the New Year. The trials and tribulations of the past year are shed and intentions are renewed for the brighter better year ahead. Whether it be slimming down, quitting smoking or even clearing the clutter in the spare room, New Years is the time for new starts...and at the risk of sounding cheesy, a new you!

Why is it important to make New Year Resolutions?

So how many of us actually stick to our New Year resolutions?

Making resolutions, as temporary as they may seem, is an important process. The end of the year forces us to look retrospectively at the past 12 months and decipher what we enjoyed and where we might need to make a few little adjustments. Through this selfreflection, you are able to find key areas that you may need to improve in order to be the most productive you!

A study by Richard Wiseman from the University of Bristol showed that 88% of those who set New Year resolutions end up failing. Out of all the people who make a resolution, only 8% will actually accomplish them. So why are they so difficult to keep?

Focus on the Positive!

The problems with most new-year’s resolutions now, is that we tend to accentuate the negative rather than focusing on the positive. No one ever says 'I'm going to get healthy" the focus almost always lies on shedding the weight. If phrased differently and made more positive, resolutions may be a lot easier to keep and stick to.

“If not now, then when?

If not you, then who?”

5 Tips for Making Your Resolutions Stick If you’ve set your news years resolutions, but you’re not sure how to make them last, worry not! We’ve got some helpful tips and tricks for making them stick.

Start small - Don’t set unrealistic goals, make resolutions that you can keep. That makes them more achievable and much more positive Create SMART goals - Use the SMART acronym when you are setting goals: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timespecific. If your goal is to lose weight, create small monthly manageable weight goals, like 2lbs a month.

Track your Progress - Selfmonitoring is an important concept in keeping your resolutions. You can look back and see the progress you have made and the changes you have noticed.

Reward small achievements - it is so important to recognize the small accomplishments you’ve made. Do something nice and treat yourself!

Last but not least, you’re Human – it’s ok to slip up. Just make sure you get back on track and renew your intention.

TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719

DAY IN THE LIFE

THE ASIAN TODAY

How did you get to where you are?

What motivates & inspires you?

The secret to my success was not only blogging but in life is five top tips - hard work, patience, determination, be innovative whilst always helping others.

What many people don’t see is behind the scenes, most days’ l work 12 hours a day with limited time with friends or family, and working extremely hard was critical.

Even though there was other blogs launching, people would say fashion was a congested industry l was always determined to make it a reality. I believed in my blog and myself l just didn’t give up easily or let people bring me down.

I always think outside of the box and love to do things differently to other bloggers.

By being innovative with a modern, professional and mobile friendly website, l know it would make me stand out from the crowd.

I knew blogging wouldn’t make me rich, l just wanted to put my marketing and business knowledge to use and build a brand that would empower women through fashion. And success didn’t happen overnight; it took time and a lot of patience.

It may sound strange but my family has been a big influence in my life. We didn’t always have the finer things in life and my Dad taught me if l ever wanted anything in life, don't rely on others, work hard and get it yourself. His words are instilled in my mind and always motivate me to be a better person, whilst l work towards to goals in life.

Furthermore, thanks to blogging I’ve been lucky enough to meet some

Meet Sara Khan

Sara K giving a Radio Interview

Branding, PR & Digital Consultant by day and a British Asian fashion blogger, Sara Khan specialises in writing and marketing elegant Pakistani and Indian clothing and lifestyle in London for her fabulous online fashion magazine. When not in the office helping British and South Asian brands you can find her at fashion events or social lifestyle gatherings connecting with inspiring advocates.

Today the blog has evolved into Britain's 1st & only South Asian fashion & lifestyle blog magazine. Readers get the latest fashion news first, he low-down on secret fashion events, backstage exclusives, designer interviews and fashion trends live straight off the runway.

Sara K Blog has been an official Partner for events such as Pakistan Fashion Week, The Urban Muslim Woman Show to British Asian Fashion Week, and even featured in Hello Magazine, BBC and Vogue.

Helping others is the key to success! I was brought up to be selfless, care about others, be honest and l found these traits got me very far in life. Plus little did l know it was the best way to build longterm friendships that would change my life for the better. I’ve made true friends who make me happy and no amount of money do the same.

For me it’s never been about making money, gaining thousands of followers or being Insta famous. I honestly believe being honest, building friendships and caring for my fans who want to see the British Asian fashion industry improve has pushed me. In addition, my friends and family who supported me, mixed with my sheer determination has got me where l am today.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE

About Sara Khan Everyone wants to know about the blogger lifestyle but we rarely get a true insight into the secret life of a blogger, until now.

Most may wonder how do you even become a blogger; well anyone can be a blogger yet the only difference between bloggers and people who aren’t bloggers is we find ways to make our dreams a reality.

In my case in the end, of 2013 l realised l wanted more to life than a job after l graduating in Advertising and Marketing. Don’t get me wrong I loved my marketing job but like most l couldn’t stay away from my dream of starting a fashion and lifestyle magazine.

What makes my blog different is that l offer Indian and Pakistani fashion with a touch of British lifestyle of the modern Asian women in Britain. And l gave small fashion business with little marketing budget a platform to advertise their products to a wider audience.

Today it’s evolved into the UK's first South Asian fashion and lifestyle's blog magazine with exclusive fashion events, fashion designer interviews and the first to offer India and Pakistan Fashion Week and beauty trends straight off the runway as they happen.

JANUARY 2016

amazing people hearing their inspirational stories inspires me. Not forgetting to mention connecting with my followers, blog readers and businesses that connect with me genuinely motivates me

to make a change in business, fashion, and marketing world.

Whilst most people may complain, l want to actually do something to make life better for others, even if it’s brightening someone’s day. I also want to show the next generation it doesn’t matter about your background, education or bank balance you can do anything you put your mind to.

Most Exciting experiences?

The highlights of my two years of blogging has to be partnering fashion weeks, attending exclusive press events, interviewing wellknown designers, writing for global fashion publications, reporting for the BBC, attending London Fashion Week and covering backstage exclusives for all my fans (and meeting Zack Knight of course).

What’s your blogging routine?

The life of an entrepreneurial blogger involves long hours - no one-day is the same and l love it. I usually wake up early depending on my schedule for the day, respond to emails and social media messages.

After having breakfast and getting ready (after 30 minutes of deciding what to wear) l grab my laptop and get ready to go with my ‘big business bag’ (fits everything). If it’s a long day, which most are, l don’t bother driving and take the

train (gives me time to think and work on the train). At the station l grab a coffee to stop me from feeling tired (l do love a warm hug in a mug).

Usually, I’m attending a fashion event, radio interview, organising blogger meets, client meeting, mentoring students or meeting up with business friends for dinner. Any free time l get you’ll find me in a coffee shop working away to get my to-do list up to date with blog and client work.

SARA

KHAN

Sara K with Zack Knight

Top 5 tips for a Healthier 2016 By: Mita Mistry www.mitamistry.co.uk

@mitamistry What does it meant to have an amazing life? Is it the dream job, the perfect partner or the beautiful dream home? Surely it is a combination of some of this but ultimately it is down to good health.

Health really is wealth, without it we will fail to experience the special moments that touch our souls and make life the amazing journey that it can be. You can have this in 2015 by following these healthy habits to heal your life and be the best healthiest version of you.

MIND/EMOTIONS 1.

Mindfulness. Try and practice mindfulness daily, just 5-10 minutes a day can have a huge impact on your wellbeing giving you a positive outlook. Life is much brighter when we are smiling and at peace and living from moment to moment rather than being stuck in fear or anger.

Getting stuck in such negative emotions is the biggest stumbling block to experiencing good health and vitality.

2.

Practice acts of kindness, they are a super power for your brain and mood. Research shows that your brain releases endorphins, your own natural feel good, happy pills.

These chemicals relax your nervous system helping you to feel less anxious, stressed or low.

The warmth you experience when being kind is the release of the “emotional bonding” hormone called oxytocin, this dilates your blood vessels lowering your blood pressure. Kindness doesn’t have to be massive gestures; the smallest acts can energise you and bring happiness to others. If you are blessed to have parents or grandparents, make it a priority to see them life is never that busy to show gratitude to them.

To read the full article please log onto our website:

Sara K at work

www.theasiantoday.com

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Tackle The Anxieties of Life with STRESS-BUSTING TIPS

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event catering, design & management

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S

recently been helping people through one of the most stressful times of the calendar, Christmas and New Year.

She said: “Everyone faces challenges, dilemmas, fears and issues in their lives.

Sometimes we can manage to cope.

Sometimes our usual

coping methods don't seem to work.

“We find ourselves struggling and we need someone to talk to confidentially, someone who will encourage and listen to us so we can explore feelings and thoughts in order to seek opportunities for possible changes to get our lives back on track

Doaba Catering’s New Counter Proves A BIG SUCCESS

• New look: Kulvinder Singh (left) and Rakesh Korotana

First impressions are lasting impressions – and that’s certainly the case at long established sweet and savoury shop Doaba Catering.

The firm has been trading for 40 years from its Soho Road premises and is well-known for its Indian sweets and savouries, and also as a restaurant.

In recent years it has faced added competition in the surrounding area, and according to Rakesh Korotana, the son of owner Kulvinder Singh, this was hitting business.

He said: “The main problem was due to the presentation and the first impression...The main issue being the serving counter not being able to

display the varieties of sweets and savouries in the right way.”

Rakesh’s solution was to refurbish the front of the shop, and this would include a new counter and layout. However, the refurbishment would have cost around £15,000-20,000, a lot more than initially expected, and the project stalled.

However, Rakesh persisted with his plan and a new counter was specially manufactured in Portugal and delivered and installed in time for Diwali.

Rakesh said: “The counter was a big success during the busy Diwali period as loads of customers old and new passed through the shop and saw the variety the business had to offer."

again.”

Cynthia has a busy private practice and has been counselling for 25 years. She began her counselling journey by training at Birmingham Relate.

The one hour counselling sessions offered are usually weekly either face-toface or via Skype.

A

BESPOKE SERVICES OFFERED TO SMES December the 8th 2015 saw the launch of Kingsland Receivables Limited, the sister Company of Kingsland Business Recovery Limited.

Established to support SMEs from the smallest upwards, Kingsland Receivables Limited offer full service Credit Control facilities, credit control support, insolvency awareness training in addition to credit control training, assistance with terms and conditions and debt recovery assistance.

The team, driving the idea of supporting

SMEs by helping them get through the four year barrier, (25% still fail before the end of year four due to lack of cash flow), has over 25 years experience across B2B Commerce, including Sales Ledger, Purchase Ledger, debt recovery, litigation, Insolvency and Invoice Finance. The team also provides SMEs with bespoke services driven by Client

22/07/2015 15:36:01

In Search of Small Business Success Stories • Cynthia Fogoe: everyone faces challenges

Healthy Dining At The Hub n independent college in Birmingham has enhanced its offering for students by introducing a modern, healthy, state-ofthe-art dining facility.

On-site food has not previously been available to students at Abbey College, and the Hub, as it has been named, is part of an impressive new

Service with clear affordable fees worked around your business.

With offices in Bradford, Nottingham and Birmingham, Kingsland Receivables Limited are well placed to cover a large catchment area.

They can be contacted on 0333 444 3633 or enquiries@ kingslandreceivables.co.uk asking for the Recoveries Manager Anita Pickersgill.

www.edgbaston.com

web: www.asianbusiness-chamber.com

Patrons top strip new theme.indd 1

tress-busting tips are available to help people through the anxieties of life – on the seventh floor of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.

Cynthia Fogoe is a qualified counsellor who offers private advice sessions to individuals and couples, and has

www.mazars.co.uk

extension which opened last September, in time for the new intake of students.

The Hub offers student support services, communal areas and a catering service, provided by The Brookwood Partnership.

Food is cooked fresh from the best locally sourced ingredients and served by a committed and qualified team. The menu choice

provides the right balance of current eating trends, good nutritionally balanced, and tasty home-cooked food, whilst appealing to different cultures.

The Hub will also be a place for events and celebrations to take place, particularly those with food as part of the concept such as Christmas dinner.

For the second year in a row, Intuit QuickBooks is on the hunt for the best success stories among small business in the West Midlands.

From butchers and builders, to hairdressers and IT consultancies, the firm’s ‘Small Business Big Success’ competition aims to uncover local business heroes who are working hard to achieve success in whatever form matters to them.

Businesses have until 29 February to enter. The winner will be selected by a panel of judges and announced at a gala dinner at Villa Park on 22 March.

As well as £10,000 in prize money, winners will receive a full page article in the Birmingham Post; LED advertising and hospitality at the Aston Villa v Southampton fixture, an exhibition opportunity at a future Birmingham Chamber of Commerce event, a free QuickBooks Online subscription for 12 months and expert clinic sessions with accountant, marketing and social media specialists.

Enter today at www. quickbooks.co.uk/success

APPRENTICESHIPS: HOW CAN BUSINESSES PROFIT?

Apprenticeships are quickly becoming a popular route for young people to follow.

Not only beneficial for the apprentices themselves, apprentices can benefit businesses both large and small by being provided with talented and dedicated young people keen to gain industry experience.

Through apprenticeships, companies could gain a hard working and valuable team member, bringing new ideas and enthusiasm to the work place, and with apprentices completing their programme in the hope of gaining employment, this can only bode well for businesses!

As apprentices are given relevant training whilst studying

at College, businesses do not have to sacrifice time or personnel to train the young person. They simply have to be able to offer hard working and enthusiastic apprentices £3.30 per hour and 30 hours a week.

For more information on the opportunities available call 0121 678 7181 or email sales@ solihull.ac.uk

BUSINESS / PROPERTY

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THE ASIAN TODAY BUSINESS / PROPERTY

House Prices in 2016 H

IN A SNAPSHOT: What You Need To Know 8% increase in UK house prices in some regions, down from 10% in 2015.

Higher price growth predicted outside London than its centre.

Interest rates to increase, though timing is unknown.

Cost of credit to increase, though borrowing and monthly repayments remain low.

Construction of new homes to increase, though still failing to meet demand.

Number of homes sold to increase.

ouse prices are set to increase by up to 8% in some British regions in 2016, with property experts also forecasting a rise in the number of homes sold.

Already a drop from the 10% increase in house price growth seen last year, a number of factors could further impact the housing market as the year progresses.

A rise in interest rates in the UK is planned with the main forecasters taking into consideration small increases in their predictions of house price growth. The first rate rise in the country since the financial crash, the timing of the increase is yet unknown, with some property websites not factoring in rate rises at all into their forecasts.

One such property website, Rightmove, predicts a rise of 6% in asking prices, an addition of £17,000 to the average of £269,477 in 2015.

Housing analyst Sam Mitchell doesn’t expect the rate rise to come into play until the very end of this year, or possibly even the beginning of the next. When the rate rise

does come, it is expected to limit price growth of houses in both the Midlands and the north of England, according to Lucian Cook, the head of UK residential research at Savills.

The cost of credit is expected to go up once interest rates do rise, putting a squeeze on some property buyers.

Though house prices have reached record levels in areas within the country, with many set at multiples of the average income, borrowing has remained at a low cost leading to monthly repayments also being low. However, banks are now required to stress-rest applicants at a higher rate than previously, with some home buyers already being declined loans.

Construction of new homes has also seen an increase in 2015, though the supply of properties is as yet failing to match the need of new households in Britain, with Nationwide’s chief economist, Robert Gardner, predicting that this will be a cause of concern for would-be buyers.

Don t be missed at the glitzy red carpet event of the year Meet the movers and shakers and the who's who of the business community from all over the UK as we celebrate the best of the best.

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‘Solid’ Growth for UK Service Sector

The UK’s dominant service sector remained “solid” as 2015 drew to a close, despite seeing a slight fall in December, a survey revealed Latest statistics from the Markit/CIPS service sector purchasing managers' index (PMI), showed growth fall from 59.9 in November to 55.5.

With figures above 50 suggesting growth in the sector, the sector continued to exceed average growth.

Despite warnings against the UK economy facing “significant” risks this year, growth in the UK has "stabilised at a solid pace" according to the firm, aided by "a further strong

increase in new business".

Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit, said: "The services sector remained the key driver of the UK's economic upturn in December, helping to offset the recent weakness seen in manufacturing and putting the economy on the starting block for another year of 2 to 2.5% growth in 2016."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

• President of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce

BY: NINDER JOHAL Happy new year! But looking at the first working day on the 4th – you would have thought that the global market was still reeling from indigestion from eating all the festive food. The Chinese market plunged by 7% forcing the suspension of its stock market with the rest of the world falling in line.

So what we do make of the 2016? The economy Is still fragile with ever increasing concerns over the global economy. Why does this matter? In an ever connected world, we are all affected by world events. The crisis in the Middle East affects us all because any sign of a conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran will send the price of oil in a spin as we all worry about whether the supplies of oil will be affected. If the supply of oil is affected (that is reduced ) then the oil price will go up and we will all be paying more at the pump. This will also lead to an increase in energy prices and suddenly our energy costs will go up.

Any serious escalation in worries over a conflict

will affect confidence and global trade will diminish even more. Happy new year indeed!!

On a local front – there is concern amongst businesses surrounding the EU referendum where all the uncertainty is no doing anybody any good.

Whilst the West Midlands economy is doing well with record inward investment – all this good work may be unhinged by the uncertainty over the EU. With inflation down and an interest rate increase unlikely till the end of the year it will be interesting to see how the UK economy fares for the rest of 2016.

Whilst the UK is expected to grow quicker than its competitive nations, as nation, however, we are now getting close to a level of indebtness which got us into so much trouble back in 2008 and we may find the Chancellor and the Bank of England taking further steps to dampen demand without recourse to pushing up interest rates in case it sends consumer demand into a tailspin.

In the West Midlands, local politics will change forever with the formation of the Combined authority which will have a Metro Mayor in charge from 2017 onwards. How it functions till then will be interesting.

What is also interesting is what it means for skills, investment and for the appalling infrastructure we currently have…???

The year 2016 will be very interesting and hard to predict because of the foregoing….keep a hold of your hat, sit tight and lets see the ride takes us…

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MOTORING JANUARY 2016

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MOTORING

IN THE FAST LANE WITH THE ASIAN TODAY

Dawn

LOOKING TO SELL YOUR NUMBER PLATE? LOOK NO FURTHER! CALL 0121 314 2892 FOR GREAT AD RATES!

UNINSURED MOTORISTS WARNED The number of uninsured vehicles seized is on the up, with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MBI) warning that those uninsured motorists still driving on British roads will be caught.

The warning from the MBI, an organisation working alongside local police forces to tackle uninsured driving, follows its most recent estimates which indicate that approximately 118,500 vehicles without cover had been impounded by the end of 2015.

The figure sees a 2% rise on the 116,000 vehicles confiscated in 2014, exceeding its 116,500-seized vehicle goal by 2,000, a target it reached with a fortnight to spare.

Motorists driving without cover not only face a £300 fine and six points on their driving license, but will also be required to pay a daily charge of £20 towards storage for their motor in addition to £150 charge in order to reclaim vehicle.

MOTORWAY DRIVING LESSONS ANNOUNCED

Learner drivers could be heading down the slip road with their instructors if a new government proposal is given the go ahead.

At present, only motorists who have passed their practical exam are permitted to drive on the motorway. However, soon learners could be provided the opportunity to take driving lessons on the motorway, so long as they are accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a dualcontrolled car. Should the plans get the green light, motorway driving lessons would be made compulsory for all learner drivers, with motorway driving forming a significant part of the driving test.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said, “While motorways generally are the UK's safest roads it is a completely different discipline requiring very different skills from other roads and it should not be down to learner drivers to discover this for themselves without formal training.”

STATS ENGINE: TWIN-TURBO 6.6-LITRE V12 [563 BHP] SPEED: 0-62MPH IN 4.9SEC COMBINED FUEL ECONOMY: 19.9MPG CO2 EMISSIONS: 330G/KM. LENGTH: 5285MM WIDTH: 1947MM HEIGHT: 1502MM WEIGHT: 2560KG PRICED: £250,000

Rise of The

T

The ultra-refined Wraithbased convertible is set to hit the market early this year

SAFER ROADS FOR A SAFER BRTAIN...

The government delivers “common sense proposals” to counter-balance “tougher penalties for dangerous drivers” The Department for Transport (DfT) has unveiled a series of proposals put forward in an attempt to make Britain’s roads safer.

A series of consultations on each individual proposal is planned to take place later on this year, with the plans potentially being rolled out over the next few years.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Britain has some of the safest roads

in the world but we are always looking to improve that record.

“Today we are delivering common sense proposals that balance tougher penalties for dangerous drivers with practical steps to help youngsters and other more vulnerable groups stay safe on our roads.”

The proposals, which follow the introduction of a number of new laws in 2015 tackling road safety issues, specify six ways in which the government hopes to improve safety for British road users.

he expansion of the Rolls-Royce range is set to continue early this year with the arrival of the Dawn, inspired by the last coach-built Rolls, the 1952 Silver Dawn Drophead.

A modern car with contemporary values and a tangible sexiness, the seminal model is the Rolls to drive in 2016. Shedding the stiffness and formality customary of a Rolls design, the Dawn brings with it the more relaxed look expected of the Wraith range.

Setting out to create a “two car in one” experience with the Dawn, the latest addition to the Wraith line-up is as smooth and quiet as other hard-top models despite the absence of a fixed roof. Equipped with a new suspension system, with new air springs and revised anti-roll bars, the Dawn is described as the most agile rigid-bodied four-seat soft-top on the market. With superior noise isolation accompanied with a roof that retracts in 22 seconds, the Dawn is also the

quietest convertible on the market.

The exceptional interior is crafted from wood and leather with the deck and rear finished with handcrafted veneers.

Tailored for the most indulgent passenger experience, the spacious cabin contains individual seats for four adults to sit in comfort.

An ultra-refined Wraithbased convertible, with dimensions broadly in line with the Wraith’s and weighing some 200kg more than the motor, the soft-top’s bodywork is 80% new in comparison to its predecessor. The only similarities in the exterior body reside in the doors and the iconic grille surround.

The same twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12 used by the Ghost powers the Dawn. Producing 563bhp at 5250rpm and 575lb ft at 1500rpm, the powerful engine allows the motor to reach 0-62mph in 4.9sec.

Set to release in the coming months, the Rolls-Royce Dawn is priced at £250k.

WHAT HAS THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED? £750,000 police grant to fund more police officers with drug recognition expertise and impairment testing training.

Tougher mobile phone penalties including £150 fines, with car drivers risking four penalty points and larger vehicle drivers facing six. £50 million cycle training grant to support the Bikability cycle training scheme in schools over the next four years.

Cycle safety consultation on how to further increase safety for cyclists. £2 million driver education project, an in-depth research programme into how both training and testing for learner drivers could be improved.

Motorway training being a necessary requirement for all learner drivers to have undertaken before they can sit their practical exam.

Dhanda: Done SPORTS

JANUARY 2016

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Deal Liverpool midfielder Yan Dhanda has made history, having signed his professional contract with the club.

The England youth international signed his contract alongside Liverpool academy director Alex Inglethorpe, becoming only the second British Asian to have joined a professional club, after Swansea’s Neil Taylor.

Born in Birmingham, the recently turned 17-year-old agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Anfield club.

A highly promising talent, the attacking midfielder has consistently featured in the youth

ranks following his transfer to the club from West Bromwich in 2013, impressing the Reds enough to be given a new contract.

The teenager has flourished at the club, raising staff hopes he can make an impact, having permitted him to train alongside the first team on a number of occasions in the past year.

Sharing his delight, Yan tweeted: "So happy to have signed my first professional contract with Liverpool.

"Thank you everyone for the kind messages.

The hard work never stops!!”

Youngster becomes first player of Indian heritage to sign professional terms with Liverpool

ZAF'S COLUMN

@All4YouthCIC

COMMUNITY

CLEAN UP DAY

MAKING HISTORY In speaking about signing British Asian player, Ian Ayre, Liverpool’s Managing Director, said: “It’s about finding the best talent regardless of where they come from.

You are only going to choose someone and put them in your squad if they can genuinely compete for a place in your first team."

O

A TURN IN THE TIDE With a three-million-strong South Asian community residing in the UK, it may be surprising to some that the same ethnic minority which makes up a sizeable chunk of British citizens – standing at 4.9 per cent of the country’s entire populace – suffers such underrepresentation in the Premier League, with fewer than ten professionals playing in the top four divisions of English football.

Though there may be no genuine

• Neil Taylor

• Adil Nabi

contenders from the South Asian community to rival Swansea City left-back Neil Taylor at present, the future is much brighter than it seems.

The South Asian youngsters playing in both Premier League academies and England’s age group teams have been making their mark, and there are encouraging signs for a positive professional future in football for the latest crop of young players.

• Michael Chopra

• Samir Nabi

• Easah Suliman

• Rahis Nabi

Amongst these youngsters brimming with abundant potential are: • • •

• • •

Neil Taylor, of Indian origin. A Swansea City left-back, he has played internationally for Wales Michael Chopra, currently playing in the Scottish second tier for Alloa Athletic Easah Suliman, the Aston Villa defender, became the first British Asian to captain any England side. The youngster, who is now plays for Villa’s under-21 despite not yet being 18, led the under-17s out for a match against the Faroe Islands in 2013.

Adil Nabi, a West Bromwich forward, is 21-years-old and recently participated in the Indian Super League, on loan to Delhi Dynamos with whom he scored three goals in the tournament.

Samir Nabi, the 19-year-old brother of Adil Nabi, is a midfielder for West Bromwich and plays for the under-21s.

Rahis Nabi, youngest of the Nabi trio, plays for West Bromwich’s under18s side as a defensive play at the age of 16.

HIS JOURNEY TO PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL Aged 7: Before finding his place amongst the Reds, Yan spent time with a number of West Midlands clubs, including Walsall, Aston Villa and Birmingham.

Aged 9: The youngster signed up for West Bromwich Academy on his 9th birthday. However, his time with the club was to be short-lived. Yan, having shown huge potential over the years, was snapped up by Liverpool. Much to the annoyance and frustration of Albion chairman Jeremy Peace, the rival club paid only £200,000 compensation for the young player’s transfer.

Aged 14: He joined the Liverpool FC Academy in July 2013 and has since played for England’s under-17s. Playing as an attacking midfielder under the management of Neil Critchley, the promising player has a keen eye for netting the ball and has scored goals at the majority of matches in 2015.

Aged 17: Since joining the Liverpool Academy, Yan has never failed to impress them. The youngster concluded an exceptional 2015 by signing his first professional contract with Liverpool in December, making history as the first player of Indian heritage to sign professionally for the club.

A MUCH LAUDED YOUNGSTER Won in the U11 category in Chelsea’s ‘Search for an Asian Star’ competition Received the fitness award entitled ‘Player of the Tournament’ Awarded Up and Coming Player at the British Asian Football Awards 2013 Shortlisted for the Young Player Award at the Asian Football Awards 2015

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n Friday 11th December 2015, Mohammed Zafran (Zaf), organised a Community Clean Up Day in the Stechford area.

Zaf teamed up with Audley Primary School, Birmingham City Council, Labour Councillor Basharat Dad and Labour MP Jess Phillips. Audley Primary School Deputy Head Teacher Mark Harris, "It was a great opportunity for our pupils from Audley Primary School to take part in this Clean Up event. It really made our pupils appreciate the importance of taking care of their local environment and the damage that dropping litter can cause.

Before the exercise, many of the children did not appreciate the damage that litter can cause to their own local environment. It was also a brilliant way of engaging with our local community, who obviously appreciated the work that our pupils were doing. The children really enjoyed this new

activity and really want to do it again, we hope this can now become a regular event."

MP Jess Phillips," I really enjoy working with kids and this was so much fun and so refreshing and I would like to thank Zaf for organising this Clean Up and thank Audley School."

Councillor Basharat Dad," My aim is to be pro active in my ward and help the community as much as I can.

I love doing projects with schools and especially seeing kids enjoying what they are doing and it inspires other people to look after their own areas.

I will be working with Zaf in a few projects in 2016."

Councillor Basharat Dad is also doing some amazing work at the Skate Park in Bordesley Green where youths from deprived areas come and spend some valuable time with Basharat and his team to stay out of trouble.

This was the 7th Clean Up organised by Zaf in 2015.

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JANUARY 2016

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No Change of Pace

SPORTS

Top Seed Suffers Shock

Briton hopeful James Wilson knocked out in the opening round at the hands of Swedish qualifier

A

• Rahul Lakhera - Bradford Bulls and Leeds United Club Doctor Asian Today have been so so inspired by the principles of Asian Sports Foundation that we wanted to show our support as media partners for the Foundation and help them to reach and engage at a grass-roots level with members of the community.

Each month we get the lowdown from people from within the Asian community who are working in different areas of the sports industry to get their views on what inspires them.

This month, meet Rahul Lakhera, Bradford Bulls and Leeds United Club Doctor and find out what motivated him to pursue a career in sports medicine.

The winter period brings a flurry of activity for a team doctor as games come thick and fast. You would hope it slows down in January and February but cup competitions put paid to that. For those involved in healthcare in sport, annual leave is non-negotiable as your fixture list dictates your year and plans, turning your timetable upside down. Hmm… I am not selling this well. Any job requires sacrifice and a role in professional sport is no different. We are fuelled by the

impressive athletic discipline we see making us up our game. The restrictions these young people put on their lives is amazing in their pursuit of success. I am certain I would not be able to do the same and can see why so few make the elite level. You need the whole package of discipline, industry, confidence and determination.

So what do I get out of it?

A free game to watch… well it helps. Even though I am not the athlete, the sporting environment is dynamic and team orientated. The drive and camaraderie can be infectious making it a place to work like no other. It is not always a bed of roses but the problems faced add to its rich tapestry. I can keep learning and work with my peers at the cutting edge, tailoring my treatment to the individual and hopefully gain the satisfaction of their success.

Sports medicine also provides a philosophy that can help anyone. Life does not have to be complicated. Eating healthily, keeping active in a way that you enjoy and having a balance between mental stimulation and relaxation is not just for athletes. Focusing on these simple areas can help keep us all happy in 2016.

If you have any questions, have a project that you think would be perfect for ASF to work with and support, or just want to know more, then you can check out the website: www.asiansportsfoundation. org and follow them on twitter: @ AsianSports_Fdn.

T: @AsianSports_Fdn Instagram: @asiansportsfoundation

E: info@asiansportsfoundation.org W: www.asiansportsfoundation.org

s u p e r m a r k e t manager proved to be the undoing of top seed James Wilson in the first round of the BDO World Darts Championships.

Swedish qualifier Peter Sajwani, despite being a set down, came through a preliminary round to deal the unexpected blow to the British dart player, leaving the “Jammie Dodger” stunned.

Wilson, who successfully reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 tournament only to lose out to Alan Norris (2-5), was knocked clean out of the 2015 championships despite clinching the first set of the round with an 11-darter.

The 42-year-old Briton had begun the initial three legs of the match with a 180, but found his finishing deserted him soon after, leading into a series of

missed doubles against the 37-year-old who, despite suffering from an illness, improved to pull off the shock victory in a 3-1 win.

"I think I'm dreaming," said Sajwani, nicknamed “The Chatterbox”.

"He's the number one seed, a brilliant dart player and the best gentleman ever.”

Wilson is the first top seed to make an early exit in the championships since Raymond van Barneveld failed to make it past the opening round in 2000.

Sajwani shared his darts philosophy after the match, saying: “It doesn't matter what you do with the average and it doesn't matter what you score.

What does matter is hitting the double. A gorilla can punch a golf ball 600 yards, but he can't putt it."

India’s Ramanathan

Topples Top-50

Pakistan Tennis Federation Announces Team for South Asian Games • Sara Mehboob - Tennis player set to represent Pakistan in South Asian Games

• ON A ROLL - A confident Ramanathan seals surprise win over Spain's Gimeno-Traver — PHOTO K.V. SRINIVASAN

Ramkumar Ramanathan served up a night to remember against Spain’s Daniel Gimeno-Traver in The Chennai Open.

A surprising match for players and audiences alike, the 21-year-old went toe-totoe with Gimeno-Traver to clinch a 6-2, 6-0 victory over the former top-50 player.

Despite Gimeno-Traver repeatedly switching play to Ramkumar’s backhand to counter the advantage his opponent was enjoying in forehand exchanges, the

once world no.48 was unable to execute this strategy consistently.

Delivering one of the most confident closings in any match the SDAT Stadium had ever seen, the Indian player secured a meeting with second-seeded Kevin Anderson in the secondround.

Ramkumar said: “I just wanted to give attitude [sic], stay positive, and stay professional. I just wanted to fight for every point and give my 100 per cent.”

The national tennis team to represent Pakistan in the South Asian Games to be held in India next month have been revealed by the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF).

The national team includes four male and four female players to be coached by Rasheed Malik and Muhammad Khalid Sideeque respectively. The male players to represent the country in the event include Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, Aqeel Khan, Yasir

Khan and Muhammad Abid Mushtaq, while the female side consists of Sara Mansoor, Sara Mehboob, Roshna Sohail and Eman Qureshi.

Selection Committee Chairman Saeed Hai said the players were selected following five-day trials, held last month. Conducted by coach Inam ul Haq, the trials saw top ten female and seven male players participate.

The Games are scheduled to held between February 7 to 11.

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1,009 – and it’s not even a typo

When I started I never thought about breaking the record.

The focus was never that. I just played my natural game, which is to attack from the word go.

Dhanawade Innings

59 Sixes 129 fours 1009 runs 312.38 strike-rate

Highest Scores in Professional Cricket TESTS: 400* - RECORD HELD BY BRIAN CHARLES LARA

The former Trinidadian international cricket player featured at the top of Test batting rankings on several of occasions during his cricketing career.

ODIS: 264 - RECORD HELD

BY ROHIT SHARMA

A

n Indian youngster has become the first batsman to make 1,000 runs in an innings in an officially recorded match.

The 15-year-old son of a rickshaw driver, Pranav Dhanawade finished his innings on 1,009, not out, in an inter-school tournament recognised by the Mumbai Cricket Association.

By lunch on the second day of the match, the schoolboy had already scored 921, not out, for his side, KC Gandhi School.

Soon after play resumed, Pranav had traversed the breadth of the nervous 990s to reach quadruple figures against rivals Arya Gurukul School.

Finishing his innings on 1,009 not out, the teenager’s side, KC Gandhi School, declared on 1,465 for three in a match which saw the youngster hit 59 sixes, 129 fours, with a strike-rate of 312.38.

By end of play on day one, Pranav had already shattered a seemingly unsurmountable record, one which had stood for 117 years and over the century become more a spectacle to be marvelled at than to be broken or beaten.

not out

The youngster’s 652 runs in 199 on the first day broke the existing record for the highest score made by any individual, standing at 626, not out, made in a house match at Clifton College in June 1899 by the 13-year-old AEJ Collins.

Pranav’s coach, Mobin Sheikh, said that people would now be forced to take notice of the schoolboy, saying: “It’s very tough for any player from the suburbs to make it to the Mumbai Under-16 side. Fifties, 60s or even a hundred or two will not make a big impact. He needed a very big score and now that he has achieved it, hopefully he will carry on from here.”

Following his recordbreaking innings, Pranav told the Hindustan Times: "I have always been a bighitter.

"When I started I never thought about breaking the record. The focus was never that. I just played my natural game, which is to attack from the word go.

"After reaching 300, my coach Harish Sharma told me to play on. I did not know of the world record, but we had the Indian record [Prithvi Shaw's 546] in mind."

The Indian batsman became the first cricketer to reach 250 runs in a one-day international, having beaten the previous record of 219 scored by India’s own Virender Sehwag in 2011 against the West Indies.

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