MONTHLY
OCTOBER 2016 ISSUE No.215
PROMOTING EDUCATION, DIVERSITY & INTEGRATION
www.theasiantoday.com
YOUR MONTHLY SHOWBIZ FIX!
GOSSIP • INTERVIEWS • MUSIC • MOVIES - & MUCH MORE! TURN TO PAGES 39-45
A Weapon of Peace T
he anniversary of September 11th is a sad and thoughtful day for people to reflect on the horrific terror attacks on the World Trade Centre. It was 15 years ago in 2001 that life changed drastically for the world and not just
the United States; security heightened, freedom was compromised and there was a general feeling of anxiety and uneasiness. This particularly affected South Asian and Arab communities who were lumped into the same basket as the World Trade Centre
hijackers. As the hijackers were of Arab and Islamic descent, any minorities seen to share their characteristics in terms of appearance, faith and demeanour were subject to discrimination, hate crimes and alienation. The Sikh community in particular felt the brunt
of bigotry simply for being mistaken as Muslims due to their Turbans, beards and sometimes South Asian heritage. The first revenge killing in the United States after 9/11 happened to a Sikh, Balbir Singh Sodhi was shot dead at a petrol station by a man who wanted to Continued on Page 2
HAPPY DIWALI
FROM THE ASIAN TODAY TEAM
READ OUR DIWALI FEATURE TURN TO PAGE 26
We won at The PAKMMA Awards TURN TO PAGE 12
OCTOBER 2016
2
GET IN TOUCH:
of alleged racial abuse and offensive comments aimed at the protestors which was reported to the police at the time. Although many questions remain unanswered, should the traditional Kirpan still be considered a dangerous weapon even today? Sikhs have long spoken for peace and the importance of the Kirpan as a symbol, “Kirpan” means sword and is one of the five kakaars - external symbols that begin with the letter ‘K’. It was outlined by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 to be worn as an article of faith. However in a world where terror attacks are reported frequently and paranoia against Muslims is at an all-time high, is it possible that Sikhs will never fail to be targeted especially when carrying a knife? The anniversary of September 11th is a sad and thoughtful day for people to reflect on the horrific terror attacks on the World Trade Centre. It was 15 years ago in 2001 that life changed drastically for the world and not just the United States; security heightened, freedom was compromised and there was a general feeling of anxiety and uneasiness. This particularly affected South Asian and Arab communities who were lumped into the same basket as the World Trade Centre hijackers. As the hijackers were of Arab and Islamic descent, any minorities seen to share their characteristics in terms of appearance, faith and demeanour were subject to discrimination, hate crimes and alienation. The Sikh community in
EDITORIAL Got a story? E-mail it to us at: editorial@theasiantoday.com
ADVERTISING Maximise your business potential. Specialist advertising sections include: education, business, property, and motoring. e-mail us: sales@theasiantoday.com or call: 0121 667 8719
WEBSITES www.theasiantoday.com www.desixpress.co.uk
CONNECT WITH US
INSIDE THIS MONTH LOCAL NEWS
02
NATIONAL
28
EDUCATION
36
DESIXPRESS
39
INTERNATIONAL
48
HEALTH
49
FASHION & BEAUTY
50
FOOD & TRAVEL
52
TECHNOLOGY
54
BUSINESS
56
PROPERTY
58
MOTORING
59
SPORTS
63
THE TEAM EDITORS Ifraz Ahmed Anita Chumber
JOURNALISTS Sheena Ramchurn Husna Anjum
SALES Anita Chumber Nadia Rasul (BDM)
CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Ley
DISTRIBUTION Door Drop Solutions
CONTRIBUTORS Anita Champaneri Manish Gujjar Sunny Malik Mita Mistry Sara Khan Manish Patel Kam Chopra Mohammed Zafran Manish Patel Jas Sansi Dal Dhaliwal Vic Younis South & City College
GRAPHIC/WEB Harjit Dogra Raz
NEWS
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
Sikhs have long spoken for peace and the importance of the Kirpan as a symbol, religious education in schools ensures the youth should understand the meaning of the ceremonial knife.
Continued from front page it is illegal to carry a sharp or bladed instrument in a public space, however exceptions can be made if the blade is non-offensive. Examples include work or religious purposes. (It must be noted that police received reports of other knives that were not classed religious items at the protest, investigations are still ongoing). Although the Kirpans were returned immediately the Sikh community, in particular Sikh Federation UK, lambasted the police for their response to a “peaceful protest”. On social media, some protestors objected to the media describing the group as “armed” due to their carrying of Kirpans. The Sikh Federation also complained
particular felt the brunt of bigotry simply for being mistaken as Muslims due to their Turbans, beards and sometimes South Asian heritage. The first revenge killing in the United States after 9/11 happened to a Sikh, Balbir Singh Sodhi was shot dead at a petrol station by a man who wanted to kill all “towel heads”. The situation for Sikhs in the UK has not fared well either, in 2010 Parmjit Dhanda who had just been elected MP for Gloucester had a decapitated pigs head placed on his door step. After the Charlie Hebdo shootings a Sikh man was attacked with a machete in a UK Tesco store while the attacker reportedly shouted “white power”. After the 7/7 bombings the first place to be attacked was a Gurdwara in Kent by petrol bombing. So to answer the previous question, is it possible that Sikhs will still be targeted? Possibly, however it must not be an inevitable product of the post 9/11 world. Where mistakes are made in the police handling of such incidents and media coverage, we must speak up and ensure the public are aware of the truth. The Sikh Federation spoke up and voiced their unhappiness with the unfair depiction of the Kirpans, they also spoke up to Lord Bourne, the Minister for Integration about the handling of the peaceful protest. Discrimination and misunderstanding will always occur, however we must not forget to use our voice when speaking up for the minorities who are targeted.
Sabras Radio Celebrates Navratri 2016! Hundreds of devoted listeners headed to Sabras Radio, the Midlands biggest Asian radio station, for the annual Navratri celebrations. The Hindu festival is devoted to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga which involves nine nights of worship. The event was held at Sabras Radio studios between 2:00 and 5:00pm with over 500 guests attending. The jubilant day included a mix of Ras Garba and Dandia, there were also live performances from Vikram Nizama’s Khelaiyya Group and Music Arts’ Rajendra Pala and Madhavi Thakkar. Singers included local singer Sajan Odedra and Maher Dance Group, the host was Gujarati Breakfast presenter, Shobha Joshi who kept party goers entertained. Delicious snacks were provided courtesy of Kabhi Kabhi Sweet Mart and Santosh Day Centre. Operations Manager at Sabras
Radio, Raj Baddhan said, “This once again proves that Sabras Radio likes doing things differently to others. Who else does a free Navratri event at its radio studios for the community? This year’s Navratri event was the biggest yet and would like to thank our listeners and sponsors for their support. We’re now getting ready for our Diwali celebrations.” Navratri 2016 at Sabras Radio was sponsored by Sony SAB TV and MK Roadshow.
The auspicious Hindu festival celebrated at Sabras Radio Station
B LA C K C O U NT RY A S IA N BUSINESS ASSOCIATION SHORTLISTED FOR COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE
EDITOR ANITA CHUMBER AWARDED WOMAN OF THE YEAR
WINNERS OF THE BEST PUBLICATION
WINNERS OF THE BEST PUBLICATION 2014
SHORTLISTED FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY
WINNERS OF THE BEST PUBLICATION
NEWS
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
OCTOBER 2016
3
OCTOBER 2016
4
NEWS
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
Good
MORE NEWS ONLINE AT
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
Commonwealth Games coming to Brum? Brum business leaders back the city’s bid for 2026 Games.
B
irmingham may play host to the 2026 Commonwealth Games as the city council lodges a formal submission in order to compete for the bid. Senior figures in the city as well as top Brummie business leaders, are in full support of
the bid which would see sport stardom and global media attention lavished upon the second city. The chief executive of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Paul Faulkner, said, "It would present a huge
range of opportunities for all businesses and the bid itself will bring a focus on Birmingham at a time when it is driving its importance on the global stage. "We already have a great track record in delivering huge sporting events,
including the World Indoor Athletics Championships, ICC Champions Trophy and Davis Cup tennis. "We greatly look forward to actively supporting the bid." Birmingham City Council will commission an investigative study on the
Runaway Killer Akhtar Javeed murderer who fled to Pakistan, feared unreachable This makes things extremely difficult for the police, even if they do know of the suspect’s whereabouts
• Tahir Zarif (left) Akhtar Javeed (right)
the feasibility of hosting the international sporting event as well as form part of the Commonwealth Games 2026 Bid Organising Committee. John Clancy, the council’s leader, said: “Birmingham is a fantastic sporting city and we have proven ourselves
Police are worried about the lack of legal powers to extradite a murder suspect from Pakistan. The criminal Tahir Zarif is wanted for the murder of businessman Akhtar Javeed who was shot and killed during a robbery in February 2016. Zarif is reported to have escaped to Pakistan after the murder and has not returned since to the UK. Police have since launched a large scale investigation to locate Zarif, his three accomplices have been arrested and sentenced for their participation in the robbery. They have been jailed for over 40 years, one for Javeed’s manslaughter and the remaining two for conspiracy to commit robbery. Zarif was the one who reportedly fired the shots killing Javeed.
The UK does not have an extradition treaty with Pakistan, but there is a chance for UK to make an extradition request. “This makes things extremely difficult for the police, even if they do know of the suspect’s whereabouts,” Neil Swift, a partner in business crime for Peters and Peters Solicitors, said. “The absence of an official treaty may be the killer blow for the police. “Even if the police do know where he is, it is not a case of being able to detain him because there has to be an official extradition warrant in place. “But, while still relatively rare, requests have been granted. “Police also have the option of releasing his identity to neighbouring countries which do have treaties in place, so if he
to be warm, welcoming and friendly hosts to a number of international events in recent years. "In addition to the huge economic impact, these events showcase the very best of our city and wider region to the world."
Treaties are made between countries where there is mutual respect for the legal system were to travel, he could be extradited from there. “Treaties are made between countries where there is mutual respect for the legal system. “I don’t expect for there to be a law to be in place any time soon and as long as this remains a political process, I suspect this is not highest on the agenda for Pakistan, given the current issues surrounding Brexit.”
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @THEASIANTODAY
NEWS
OCTOBER 2016
dbye my Love
5
Notorious Birmingham Street Preacher Gets the Gag
One half of longest married couple, Karam Chand, dies at 110 years old
K
aram and Katari Chand made headlines after celebrating their 90th wedding anniversary together. The Indian couple married in 1925 during the British Raj era before moving to England 40 years later. They have eight children and 27 grandchildren. Sadly Karam died in September at age 110. Previously talking about their 90th wedding anniversary, Karam had said the secret to a lasting marriage was getting on with each other, “We just get along with each other and we are family focused, it’s simple really”. Karam previously spoke about his health choices in life, “Eat and drink what you want but in moderation. I have never held back from enjoying my life.”
“We have always eaten good wholesome food, there's nothing artificial in our diet but things like butter, milk and fresh yoghurt are what we like,” he had said. “We know that being married for so long is a blessing - but equally we will be ready to go when it’s time. It’s all up to the will of God, but we really have lived a good life,” Karam had said. Karam was born to a farming family in a small Punjab village in 1905. Katari, who is 103-years-old, was born in the same district. Her husband would have celebrated his 111th birthday in October. Mr Chand's son Paul, said, “I’m proud of my dad and all the family is proud. With the grace of God he went peacefully. “It’s one of those things nobody can stop, everybody has
Weddings
to go.” He described his mother as a “bit shocked” and finding it “very difficult to cope” after living with her partner for such a long period of time, but she would be alright.
"I’m proud of my dad and all the family is proud. With the grace of God he went peacefully..."
A city centre regular, street preacher Krissoni Henderson, has been charged after branding a random passer-by a "s***" and "prostitute" for wearing skinny jeans. The incident was recorded by a crowd of spectators as the preacher lambasted the victim, Ms Alneiaimi, who he called "Satan." Alneiami hit back, prompting Krissoni to threaten to "blow her up." Krissoni has denied charges, saying: “I do not judge anyone based on what they are wearing or what religion they follow. “I am a peaceful man and I live a peaceful life. I had to stop being a preacher because I was always being convicted. “I am muscular and handsome, (the victim) could have been trying to seduce me.”
We offer a wide range of services from simply room hire to complete Wedding & Event packages,
& Events that people talk about...
where we will take care of your function and make you feel like a guest at your event.
Weddings | Seminars | Corporate Events Fashion Shows | Social Dining Balls & Proms | Exhibitions
ONE
Mile from the City Centre
Special Offer* Wedding packages from
£15.00
700 200 Maximum Guests
Vehicle Car Park
EDGBASTON
formerly the Centennial Centre 100 Icknield Port Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B16 0AA
per guest
*Offer Code AW16: Codes must be mentioned on initial enquiries. Subject to Terms & Conditions. Full T&C’s are available on our website. Only applied on new bookings. Offer closes 31/12/16
Wedding hotline: 0121 452 4823 General enquiries: 0121 456 4545
info@thehsuite.co.uk | www.thehsuite.co.uk
OCTOBER 2016
6
YOUR MONTHLY SHOWBIZ FIX!
GOSSIP • INTERVIEWS • MUSIC • MOVIES AND MUCH MORE! TURN TO PAGE #39
ITSY-BITSY NEWS Let the mangrove regrow! Conservationists are calling for mangroves to be allowed to recover, a move that will also help protect wildlife habitats in Indonesia. Many coastal communities were spared from the Boxing Day tsunami by mangroves which acted as a tidal defence. They are integral for land as they act as buffers against tidal waves, reducing erosion and allowing nutrient rich materials to build up, promoting plant growth and giving way to more diverse flora. The roots and leaves also provide shelter and breeding sites for fish and other small organisms. The Wetlands International project is using dams to keep sediment intact, allowing the mangroves to grow safely in place.
NEWS
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
HS2 In Hot Water, Deemed ‘Unrealistic’ T
he Public Accounts Committee, which looks into public spending, has released a report that throws the usefulness of HS2 into question. HS2 refers to the proposed rail line linking London to the North, including Birmingham. When Theresa May came into power, her cabinet and the Department of Transport insisted it would go ahead with HS2 plans, but the Chair of the Committee, Meg Hillier MP, has said “the Government has promised significant benefits to taxpayers in return for their investment in HS2, expected to run to more than £55
billion. “Despite this, Parliament and the public are still in the dark about crucial details – not least when the railway will open, how much it is expected to cost and precisely where it will go. In the Committee’s report, MP’s said “We are not convinced that the timetable for delivering High Speed 2 is realistic." Currently, HS2 is predicted to be complete by 2026. They added they were “concerned that the Department’s timetable for High Speed 2 is overly ambitious, which is exemplified by the fact that the Department and HS2 Ltd are now looking at
delaying the planned opening date for phase 1 by up to 12 months from December 2026 to December 2027.” The second phase of development will link Birmingham to Manchester and is predicted to go £7bn over budget, which the Committee deems “volatile.”
Jail for Leicester Mastermind Behind £60m Virgin Media Scam • Mahesh Tailor jailed for 6 years for a scam which allowed viewers to watch Virgin TV for free
Project Manager: Knights of the Raj
Mahesh Tailor, a Leicester man, has been jailed for six years for engineering a scam which let thousands of viewers watch Virgin for free, costing Virgin an estimated £60m. Tailor, with the help of five others, bypassed the encryption system that protects Virgin’s cable TV channels. He
imported thousands of Virgin boxes from China and Korea then sold them for £180 all around England. Leicestershire Police found £250,000 in cash in Mahesh’s home as well as 5000 set-top boxes. According to prosecutor Martin Hurt, Mahesh’s scam was a national service as he
organised people from all around the UK to create a server network. The network used overseas servers to provide the illegal set-top boxes with Virgin Media channels, thereby bypassing subscription and pay. Tailor plead guilty to conspiracy to defraud.
HOUSE FOR SALE
Job Advert Project Manager Vacancy Following its recent application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Soul City Arts is proud to present Knights of the Raj – a project about the significant but under-explored heritage and history of Bangladeshi-owned Indian restaurants in Birmingham. Further to the delivery of the project, Soul City Arts is pleased to announce a vacancy for the position of Project Manager. The post is designed to enable the successful high quality delivery project. The post: Project Manager (2.5 days per week) Key skills, competencies and responsibilities: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Significant experience of work in the cultural sector, heritage and arts (5+ years) Qualified to Masters Level in Museum or Heritage field Significant research and writing experience Oral History experience Interpretation expertise Ability to speak Sylheti, Access to network of Restaurants and associated industries, Ability to engage Bangladeshi community, Ability to work unsociable hours, Access to wide media and promotional networks, Ability to manage project, including administration, report writing, evaluation, & finances Develop volunteer programme
In the first instance, email Info@soulcityarts.com for a job description and person specification, sending also a CV and 300word explanation of your interests and suitability.
Closing Date: 14th October 2016
DETACHED HOUSE: Five bedrooms; master bedroom with en-suite shower/WC, Three further double bedrooms, one single bedroom. Large family bathroom with separate walk in shower, two reception rooms; large modern fitted Kitchen, downstairs cloak room and large garage with internal access. Double glazed: central heating: fire sprinkler system
Dudley DY5: £219,950 View full property details at www.trinityproperty.net Ref: 17975_473_s Or call Trinity Property 01384 213395
advertORiAL
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
OCTOBER 2016
Property vs pensions The debate around property versus pensions was reignited last month after Andy Haldane, the chief economist for the Bank of England, claimed that property was a safer investment than a pension, with the UK housing shortage pushing prices up. Although Haldane received some criticism for his comment, due to his reported wealth and the rumoured size of his own pension pot, rising house prices, and a buoyant property and rental market, have led many to agree with him. Despite the fact that average house prices dipped in July as a response to Brexit, the UK housing market has proven resilient, with the Nationwide House Price Index showing growth of 0.6 per cent in August. Expectations are even better for those looking longterm, with RICS (The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) members anticipating that house prices will increase by 3.3 per cent a year for the next five years. Low interest rates since 2009, coupled with the recent 0.25 per cent cut, taking the base rate to an historic low, have led to pensions decreasing
significantly. Several companies have reported spiraling pension deficits which have caused people to seriously contemplate where their money is safest. Together’s regional development director for the Midlands, Mark Finucane, commented: “More people are turning towards the property market in the hope of gaining good returns from rental yields as income in retirement. With UK pension deficits at a record high, and with house prices on the increase, some people, like Haldane, view investing in property as the more attractive option.” In fact, a recent study found that almost half of homeowners over the age of 45 now consider property wealth a vital part of their plans for retirement. Although the buy-to-let sector has experienced obstacles due to the Government’s tax and stamp duty changes, these don’t appear to have deterred investors, with property professionals adapting to the changes. Furthermore, there could be a flurry of newcomers to this market, as those who have become disillusioned with their pension pots turn to
Mark Finucane, regional development director for the Midlands at Together property. Mark added: “This confidence in property is something that is definitely visible in the Midlands. According to recent figures, asking prices in the East Midlands saw the second biggest increase in September, behind London, with a 1.3 per cent rise. We work with accountants, solicitors, banks and financial advisors across the region, who will refer clients to us to deliver funding, and with this positive market outlook, I’m confident that we’ll see continuing demand.” For further information contact Mark Finucane on 0121 396 1453, email mark.finucane@togethermoney.com or visit www.togethermoney.com/midlands
7
8
OCTOBER 2016
Pub Bombing Breakthrough
Families and campaigners of victims of the Birmingham pub bombings are astounded by reports of new DNA evidence discovered by police. The £1.6 million probe codenamed Operation Castors was released in an important memo. The report was contributed by 16 officers and forensic experts, analysed more than 18,000 items including exhibits, reports and statements. Families and lawyers however were unaware. “All of a sudden they've found DNA.” said Julie Hambleton from campaign group Justice4the21. “The police also said that they'd keep us up to date if they found any new information that they'd tell us if they find anything new.” Inquests into the bombing deaths are set to be reopened as announced in June by Louise Hunt, senior coroner for Birmingham and Solihull.
NEWS
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
MORE NEWS ONLINE AT
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
The Curry King of Birmingham C
oming to Birmingham is ‘a black tie event with a twist.’ Love Brum, one of Birmingham’s most well-known charities, is presenting a unique day of fundraising and food… particularly Birmingham’s most beloved food, curry. The inaugural Curry King of Birmingham will take place on the 14th October 2016 at the ICC. Guests at the event will work together with those on their table to contribute to ‘a curry fit for a King (or Queen).’ Together, they will create a recipe using a variety of meats, vegetables, herbs and spices and get to name the dish. The recipe will then be cooked
up by a chef right then and there to be judged. Judges include local chefs, including award-winning Lasan chef, Aktar Islam, as well as food bloggers and writers. They will judge the dish on everything from taste to appearance, creativity to name. The tables will even be quizzed on curry which also contributes towards the overall score. Whoever wins will be named the Curry King (or Queen) of Birmingham and receive prizes. The dish will then feature on a local curry house menu for a full year. The competition isn’t the only fun though. The event will also feature a luxurious champagne reception, a 3 course banquet professionally
LoveBrum’s latest sees top curry lovers duke it out for curry crown
cooked by the ICC (which won Birmingham’s Venue of the Year), a silent auction for charity, photography, an after party and even more. Speaking at the launch of Curry King, Aktar Islam commented: “I am so excited to be part of Curry King of Birmingham; the concept is something new and exciting for the city. It’s great that LoveBrum has thought outside of the box and rather than holding your typical black tie do, they’ve embraced some local culture to bring together food lovers to raise money for great causes. I’m absolutely delighted to have been asked to be a judge, and can’t wait to see what the competition has to offer on 14 October.”
PINE FACTORY
ShOwROOm whOlESAlE & RETAIl
mANY mORE vARIETY OF ITEmS AvAIlAblE IN All RANgES
opening timeS: mon - Sat: 10am-6pm SUn: 11am-4 pm & bANk hOlIdAYS
OPEN TO ThE PublIC
quAlITY FuRNITuRE
hand made by skilled craftsmen in our own factory
All OuR FuRNITuRE CONSISTS OF dEEP dRAwS ANd AN d SO SOlId d bASES bASES
mASSIvE SAvINgS IN FACTORY ShOwROOm
wE dO mAkE TO mEASuRE
mASSIvE SAvINgS IN FACTORY ShOwROOm
uNbElIEvAblE quAlITY ANd PRICES
Quality Furniture
0121 772 4740
lIkE YOu hAvE NOT SEEN bEFORE
Call and get a QUote:
Unit 3, 113 Sydenham Road | SpaRkbRook ook | b11 1dg • tel: 0121 772 4740 • mob: 07811 018 526
SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE
SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE
SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE
SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE
SUBSCRIBE TO THEASIANTODAY ON YOUTUBE TO GET THE LATEST VIDEO CONTENT
advert
OCTOBER 2016
THE LARGEST SELECTION OF WALL & FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE MIDLANDS
upto
50
% off all tiles
NEW STORE
NOW OPEN IN COVENTRY
If you are looking for an up to the minute design for your kitchen, bathroom or en-suite, traditional style or a modern and contemporary design for your lounge, hallway or conservatory. Tile Choice can meet your every requirement at exceptional prices. BILSTON
WOLVERHAMPTON
01902 405526
01902 715482
WEST BROMWICH
PERRY BARR
7 Millfields Road Bilston Wolverhampton WV14 0QJ
Units 3/4 Queens Court Trad. Est. Greets Green Rd. B70 9EG
0121 520 0600
Carvers Littles Lane Wolverhampton WV1 1JY
Unit D 75-97 Walsall Rd. Perry Barr B42 1TX
0121 344 3959
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
CANNOCK
WALSALL
LICHFIELD
14-20 BELL GREEN ROAD BELL GREEN COVENTRY • CV6 7GP
02476 662301 BURTON
DERBY
SHREWSBURY
01332 784556
01743 464565
01543 469400
Birchills House Birchills Ind. Est Green Lane WS2 8LE
01922 746666
13 Titan Way Britannia Ent.Park Lichfield WS14 9TT
Derby Road Burton Upon Trent Staffordshire DE14 1RY
Unit 2/3 Ascot Drive Osmaston Park Industrial Estate DE24 8ST
BIRMINGHAM
BROMSGROVE
KIDDERMINSTER
NORTHAMPTON
KETTERING
0121 328 8938
01527 882333
01562 825720
01604 582112
Units 25-26 Longford Ind.Est. Longford Road WS11 0DG
267 Bromford Lane Ward End Heartlands B8 2SG
Unit 8a Aston Fields Ind. Est. Sherwood Road B60 3DR
01543 264795
Unit 6 Easter Park Worcester Road Kidderminster DY11 7AR
01283 567574 Unit 20 Saddleback Road Westgate Ind.Est NN5 5HL
freephone 0800 1 560 560
4 Linnell Way Telford Way Ind.Est Kettering NN16 8PS
01536 511881
Unit B&C Arrow Point Retail Park Brixton Way SY1 3GB
CORBY
Unit 3 Cronin Rd Weldon South Industrial Estate NN18 8AQ
01536 403337
www.tilechoice.co.uk
9
10
OCTOBER 2016
ITSY-BITSY NEWS France bans all Plastic cups, plates, utensils In a world first, France has passed a law that calls for all plastic cups, plates and utensils to be banned by 2020. The French will be eating off of organically made materials than can be composted and hence recycled Ministers hope that by 2019, 50% of material to make such items will be recyclable and organic. France is already pushing the envelope on environmentalism, having banned plastic bags and ensuring all wasted food goes straight to the homeless instead of being thrown out.
Half Indian Woman Wins Miss Japan This year’s newly crowned Miss Japan is 22year old Priyanka Yoshikawa. Priyanka has an Indian father and Japanese mother and is the second biracial person in a row to win the coveted crown. Priyanka says: "Yes, my dad is Indian and I'm proud of it, I'm proud that I have Indian in me. But that doesn't mean I'm not Japanese." An estimated 2% of babies born in Japan are biracial or "haafu” and sadly, many of them become targets of racial abuse. "I know a lot of people who are haafu and suffer," Priyanka said. "When I came back to Japan, everyone thought I was a germ."
B'ham Sikhs and Nirmal Sindhu Tackle Drugs WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
Amid a bleak Punjabi landscape riddled with drug abuse, Sikh Youth Birmingham and Nirmal team up to tackle addiction
N
irmal Sindu’s latest musical venture in conjunction with Sikh Youth Birmingham centres around one of the biggest issues that modern India is facing: drugs. Punjab has been blighted by large scale drug abuse, with a study back in 2010 revealing that a staggering 70% of males were addicted to drugs or alcohol. Six years later, it's only grown. To tackle the addiction, Sikh Youth Birmingham collaborated with numerous artists to create Nashe, a midtempo song with powerful lyrics and vocals that show the struggles of addiction on drug abusers, their families and society. It crosses continents portraying
drug scenarios in India and the UK, even broaching how the epidemic has helped contribute to the sexual grooming industry. Punjab's drug problem doesn't only affect the poor. Drugs, mostly illegally imported from Pakistan, have entered all sectors of the Punjab, most notably in schools and colleges. It has also crept in through Rajasthan whilst synthetic opioids flow in from the east. The video portrays the wealthier injecting heroin, the poorer burning a low-grade form of the drug on tinfoil then inhaling it. Singer Nirmal Sidhu sings these stories whilst standing in a lush, green field, the fields being the root of the problem.
• Video stills from Nirmal Sindu's music video
NEWS
Punjab initially grew its wealth via agriculture, a sector that helped previous generations amass hordes of capital. But modern day Punjabis have no such avenues to money. Due to declining water availability and reduction in farming, the current generation has no such opportunity for prosperity. This is one of the theories as to why the youth have become latched onto drugs. As with many impoverished areas with little chance for opportunity, it simply provides something to do. More sinisterly it can be used to create money. In one harrowing moment of the music video, a young British girl is tricked into getting into a friend’s car before being drugged. She ends up at the mercy of groomers and rapists, her kidnapper selling her to fuel his addiction. Sikh Youth Birmingham is putting all profits from the song into The Alcohol and Drugs Project. SYB has helped numerous addicts ditch the drug, aiding them through recovery and supporting them back into employment.
Dinosaurs after dark! *open ‘til 9pm on Selected Dates
SPECTACULAR!
1st - 31st October wmsp.co.uk/spooky
*
OCTOBER 2016
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
advert
NEW East Asian Noodle House
Refined chinese cuisine in a contemporary setting.
LUNCH TIME SPECIAL
The chef invites you to a unique gastronomic trip through authentic flavours.
Create your own NOODLE BOX for £5.95 with a drink + prawn crackers Mon - Fri: 1pm - 3pm
332 Ladypool Road • Birmingham • B12 8JY | 0121 449 3859 | www.myyoshi.co.uk
11
PAKMMA Awards OCTOBER 2016
12
L
ast month was the prestigious Pakistani and Music and Media Awards, a national event that brought in industry giants from all across the world. Om Puri, Zack Knight, renowned Pakistani female singer Naseebo Lal and Jasmin Walia were among some of the celebrity guests and winners, with Om Puri being graced with the Honorary Award for his contributions to media as a Pakistani artist.
LOCAL
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
PAKMAA celebrates the successes of both grassroots start-ups and established figures in the music and media industry. Other winners included Big John’s Mela who won Best Event, Bilal Saeed who won Best International Act and Moeen Ali who bagged Best Sport Personality. As part of the awards, The Asian Today was named Best Newspaper/Online Magazine, for the second year running, marking our sixth award over the last few years.
HOW TO ESCAPE THE DRUG & ALCOHOL ADDICTION TRAP The life of a person suffering from drug or alcohol addiction can be one of misery, anxiety and frustration, not just for themselves but for those closest to them. There is a way someone can be helped to regain sanity, normality and control of one’s life through the Narconon Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Programme. The Narconon detox programme does not use drugs to get a person off drugs but instead uses nutritional supplements and sauna to help cleanse the body of toxic substances. The life skills courses seek to get to the root cause of addiction. Narconon is a secular program and accommodates people from all different countries, nationalities, cultures and backgrounds. The aim of Narconon is drug free lives. For good.
WHEN IS IT OVER? Contact Narconon in confidence on 0800 246 5671 or 01435 512 460
BE DRUG FREE. FOR GOOD. www.narcononuk.org
Winners 2016 Best Hair stylist 2016 Sofia Qayyum
Best Charted Single Nafees
Best Makeup 2016 Zaiba Khan
Best Qawwali Act Imran Aziz Mian
Best Female model 2016 Aneesa Shairf
Best DJ 2016 Badboy Jackal & Kan D Man
Best YouTube/Comedian Guz Khan
By public demand Zack Knight
Best TV Program 2016 Bina Khan
Best Urban Act Zack Knight
Best Newspaper The Asian Today
Best Song Writer ImranKhan
Best Sport Personality Moeen Ali
Best International Act Bilal Saeed
Best Website Desi Mag
Best Video Imran khan
Best Entertainment Journalist of the Year Haroon Rashid (BBC)
Best Event Big John’s Mela
Best Upcoming Radio Presenter Haasmai (Star fm)
Best Song Zack Knight Enemy
Best Radio show Saima Ajram
Best Producer Zack Knight
Best Radio Presenter Imran radio Xl
Best Female Naseebo La
Best Radio Presenter Female Noreen khan
Best Male Zack Knight
Best Rap Act Tazzz
Committed to the Scene Abid Iqbal (Sayarts)
Best Breaking Act Sarmad Qadeer
Honorary Award Om Puri
Help an addict send them to Narconon. A
ddiction knows no barriers. It can permeate through class, gender, religion, age, nationality, it specialises in separating families. Our unique programme addresses and supports individuals who choose to abstain or who are considering abstinence from addictive substances. It teaches them how to obtain sobriety, to develop essential abilities (repair relationships become honest identify and solve problems) and work towards long term satisfaction and quality of life in recovery. Narconon is secular and we can accommodate the needs of most people, gender, cultures, religions, and nationalities. Worldwide we have successfully helped thousands of people end their addiction to alcohol and street and prescription drugs. “You don’t have to ‘always’ be a drug addict. You don’t have to ‘always’ be an alcoholic. Our program works. And you can have a new life”. Kelly Preston.
ADVERT
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
OCTOBER 2016
13
14
OCTOBER 2016
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
Grand Station Wedding Fayre Free Admission EAST MEETS WEST
Date: Sunday 9th October 2016 Time: 11am-4pm Grand Station
Sun Street, Wolverhampton, WV10 0BF Over 40 stunning Asian, English and Vintage wedding suppliers. Complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival, luxury goody bag, live music, The empire Tea Room and much much more!
Tickets are available on email us: info@grandweddingfayres.com or call us on: 07941 337 973 @ GrandFayreGWF
fb.com/GrandWeddingFayres
ADVERT
ADVERT
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/THEASIANTODAY
OCTOBER 2016
15
16
HEALTH COLUMN QUIT SMOKING THIS OCTOBER
Stoptober is back this October encouraging people to take up the 28-day stop smoking challenge. If you are a smoker, this may be the perfect time to think about giving up. Around 100,000 people die from smoking every year in the United Kingdom and is one of the nation’s biggest causes of death. Did you know each cigarette has approximately 4,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic? Ammonia, tar, carbon monoxide and arsenic are some of the chemicals you would breathe in when smoking. Smoking can damage your heart and blood circulation. It can also cause diseases such as cervical and lung cancer as well as stroke. Chewing smokeless tobacco such as paan or gutkha is popular amongst people from British /south Asian communities. All forms of tobacco can damage your health and using smokeless tobacco raises the risk of mouth cancer. Smoking bidi and shisha can increase your risk of cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease. It is difficult to quit but the benefits of not smoking are huge. Here are some of the benefits of giving up: • Longer life – Stopping smoking can not only add years to your life, it can also improve your chances of living a disease-free and mobile life. • Younger looking skin – The skin of a non-smoker gets more nutrients and without these nutrients skin can start looking sallow. • Improved fertility – Non smokers will find it easier to get pregnant and have a reduced chance of having a miscarriage. Being a nonsmoker also improves the chances of giving birth to a
John Lewis Boss Running for West Midlands Mayor NEWS
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
OCTOBER 2016
healthy baby. • More energy – Within two to 12 weeks of stopping smoking your circulation will improve and as a result, you will be able to walk and run much easier. Giving up smoking can also boost your immune system. Making small changes to your lifestyle can also make a big difference in helping you quit. Create a list of reasons as to why you want to stop smoking. Keep the list in a place where you can see it. Talk to your friends and family for support. Why not suggest to other smokers you know that you give up together? The more support and encouragement you can get the better. It might be helpful to avoid situations where you usually smoke. Don’t give in to the temptation to have just one cigarette. Try to distract yourself by doing something else instead. Your local Stop Smoking Service will be able to provide expert advice and support to help you stop smoking. Free ‘Quit Kits’ can be picked up at local pharmacies. The kits will include practical tools and advice to help you quit. You can get nicotine replacement therapy for free or on prescription from your local NHS Stop Smoking Service or GP. Using nicotine patches will help reduce everyday cravings and you can also use nasal spray, gum, lozenges, inhalator or mouth spray for sudden cravings. For more advice on how to stop smoking, visit the NHS Smokefree website (http://www.nhs. uk/smokefree).
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.
A
ndy Street, the managing director of John Lewis, is confirmed to be “interested in running” for the office of Mayor of the West Midlands. Street, Birmingham born, currently chairs a body that handles economic growth in the West Midlands and has been in charge of the department store for almost ten years after having graduated from Oxford University. Under Street, there has been a 67% increase in sales, raking in £3.7bn in 2015.
Should Street go ahead with his plans, he would apply to be the Conservative mayoral candidate. A spokesperson for John Lewis said "Should Andy be successful in his application, he has agreed with the chairman that he should step down from his role and a further announcement will be made to confirm the succession plan for the future leadership of the John Lewis brand.” The candidate for West Midlands Mayor is Sion Simon, MEP for the West Midlands a former MP.
Certified: Birmingham is the Most Enterprising Place in Britain Birmingham has already proved itself as one of the Britain’s most prosperous cities, but now it has also been recognised for its highly successful entrepreneurial spirit. The second city was named the ‘Most Enterprising Place in Britain’ beating out rivals London and Manchester. The praise is in part due to the Business Support Package, a project between Birmingham City Council and six Local Enterprise Partnerships that encouraged investment and attracted business talent to the city. It supported 1000 businesses, generating £87 million for the private sector and 4300 jobs. John Clancy, Birmingham City Council leader said:
Making Van Hire SiMple & HaSSle Free!
FLORA MOTOR HIRE
• Straightforward and Efficient Low Cost Van Hire • Over 100 High Spec Vehicles •Short & Long Term Hire No Hidden Costs! The Price We Quote is the Price You Pay
337 Lichfield Road, Aston, Birmingham, B6 7ST Tel: 0121 328 3888 Fax: 0121 328 2290 Web: www.florahire.co.uk E-mail: floramotorhire@aol.com
“Birmingham is fantastic place to do business and this award shows that when we work together and invest in people, the city really can thrive. In partnership with the LEPs, the Business Support Package has been a huge success and it's so rewarding to see businesses playing their part in boosting the city economy and that of the wider region. “We're supporting Birmingham's natural creativity and entrepreneurial drive to create jobs, improve skills and give people across the city the opportunities they need and deserve.” Birmingham City Council will now be put forward as a UK entry for the European Enterprise Promotion Awards.
All Birmingham Nurseries Facing Closure According to Jack Dromey, Erdington MP, all 61 children centres and 27 nursery schools “will cease to exist as we have known them and many will close” due to funding problems. The government have planned to provide 30 hours a week of free childcare to children aged 3-4 if both parents work. However as funding has not been
provided, nurseries may be forced to fund the costs themselves by either increasing rates or reducing places. Dromey said local head teachers warned this could lead to many nurseries and schools closing down. “The Government [is] pushing a chronically underfunded system to breaking point with the new proposals…If we don’t protect our nursery schools now, the price paid by our children in the long term will be enormous.”
OCTOBER 2016
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
NEWS
The Bottom Up Approach: Balsall Heath's Story B
alsall Heath, once known as Little A m s t e r d a m , was the biggest open air brothel in all of Europe. In the 70s, it was one of the most impoverished places in the UK and suffered an explosion of criminality. Drugs, prostitution and violence ran rampant. Abdullah Rehman, who grew up in Balsall Heath, recalls seeing a pregnant woman being battered on the street by her pimpand ashamedly, everybody turned a blind eye. Even the police were overwhelmed. Things only went from bad to worse when crack cocaine swept in. Abdullah recalls how violent the customers became in his father’s shop. Cocaine was openly for sale on the streets, muggings increased. Things came to a head when two girls were killed, one murdered in a car, her nonchalant killer sat not too far away. The residents had had enough and over 400 people began picketing, demanding their streets back. They formed the Street Watch Movement, keeping their ears on the ground for any crimes and the movement had an astounding impact on the crime rate. Abdullah says: “Within 6 months, crime dropped by 25%. Within a year, the whole problem was eradicated.” It blew up with media attention, with the police and council suddenly eager to get involved. Abdullah, now CEO of Balsall Heath Forum, says: “There was a realisation after the street watch campaign that if you have one unified voice coming from the community, you can influence change. You can influence the way services are delivered.” He helped support the Balsall Heath Forum, acting as Neighbourhood Warden. The local wardens targeted local resident’s concerns, resolving litter and antisocial behaviour issues. They gave residents the tools to solve their own problems and informed them of their local councillors, police officers and more. The bottom up approach, the Forum’s strategy, brings people into the local problem solving process. It makes them feel part of a community and develop a sense of social responsibility. The recent Tindal Street Project was a great example
The story of one neighbourhood’s dramatic transformation
of partnership between the Forum and service providers, with the Brighter Balsall Heath project bringing them and residents together. It’s no secret that Balsall Heath still remains troubled- it has a high poverty index- but you wouldn’t think that by visiting. With the locals no longer atomised, the dreadful malaise that told them not to speak up, to venture out, is gone. Balsall Heath is the first inner city area to develop a neighbourhood plan, via the forum, which was voted on by local residents. It’s a legal document that aims to improve the area the way the community wants. The Forum also chairs the local Police Tasking meetings, a joint action team which works alongside strategic level directors and commissioners to help service the community. The forum also ensures the youth get involved, proven by the young Chair
of the forum, Subah Rasab. Subah initially volunteered to help admin, then progressed to Chair. Subah says: “The current needs that are affecting young people cannot be addressed completely without the young people being present at the table where decisions are made”. David Cameron is one of many visitors to Balsall Heath and was a guest of Abdulla’s back in 2007, observing the neighbourhood and even pitching in himself. He helped litter pick and clean up car parks and the local football ground. Despite the work, Cameron too saw the potential of the bottom up approach, sparking the ‘Big Society’ which was central to his campaign policies. Those who remember the old Balsall Heath will find the new one hardly recognisable. They're a shining example of how great changes can be made from grass-roots levels, using just the local people, hard work and dedication.
MORE NEWS ONLINE AT
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
17
ITSY-BITSY NEWS Double Olympic Medallist Louis Smith MBE Officially Launches BCU Sports and Life Sciences Course Louis Smith MBE, who won silver at the Rio Olympics, was at the Rotunda, Birmingham over the weekend to officially launch the new BCU sports and life sciences courses. Smith, along with a cohort of beaming cheerleaders, was at the Bull Ring to help showcase the education and skills the new courses provide. He took part in a range of sports and health activities, including cycling and testing a prosthetic mechanical arm using thought and muscle twitch technology, even getting the public involved by challenging them to beat his reactions times. Visitors were also graced with cheerleading routines and a flash mob style Bhangra performance. The Strictly Come Dancing star was also given an exclusive tour of BCU’s new Edgbaston campus. It is the first time BCU is offering degrees and post-grad degrees in Sports Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nutrition Science and Biomedical Engineering. The £4.1million campus also features simulation rooms that allow students to practise on lifelike manikins in mock wards and operating theatres.
MF
Designers
WE PROVIDE A WHOLESALE SERVICE Casual Ladieswear Smart Ladieswear Designer Ladieswear Ready made Clothes t: 0121 773 0501 e: mf.designers@yahoo.co.uk 146 Ladypool Road Sparkbrook Birmingham B12 8JS
18
OCTOBER 2016
Sparkhill Pool and Fitness Centre Set to Open 2017
NEWS
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
Funeral for Muslim Wheelchair-bound boy who fell down school stairs F
amily, friends, classmates and staff from the Mayfield School were in attendance for the funeral of Muahmmed Ghafoor, a blind and wheelchair bound boy fell down a flight of stairs at his school and died four days later. The funeral was held at Lozells Central Mosque, where mourners gathered to pray and sing before the burial. A carer who worked with Muhammed said “He was a lovely boy, always so cheerful. His smile lit up the whole school.” Colin Diamond, Birmingham A new £7.5 million centre is due to open in the summer of 2017. The centre is speculated to include a six lane 25m pool, a learner pool, a state of the art 80 station fitness suite, dance studios, sauna and steam facilities and a café and community room. Counciller Ian Ward, Deputy Leader for Birmingham City Council, said, “I would like to thank both council staff and our contractors for their continued commitment to making Sparkhill Pool and Fitness Centre a success.. we will ensure that we deliver good value, cost effective leisure facilities despite the considerable budgetary restraints that we face.”
City Council’s executive director for education, said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of a student at Mayfield School following a tragic incident at the school on Friday. “We send our condolences to his family and will do all we can to support them at this extremely difficult time. “We are working closely with staff to support the school and its community and are also working with all agencies, including the police, while the circumstances of this tragic event are fully investigated.”
B’ham Council Worker Posed as Neighbour for Benefits M
o h a m m e d Chowdary, a former council worker, posed as his neighbour, Ifzal Hussain, for over two years to claim over £6000 in benefits. He even went to the doctors using the stolen name in order to obtain employment support allowance. He was caught when the DWP found two benefit claims in different names going to one bank
account. Chowdary initially tried to pin the blame on Hussain, who he accused of being a drug addict, but eventually pleaded guilty. Hussain had tried to claim benefits but no money had reached his bank due to the fraud. Chowdary was sentenced to 30 days activity requirement, 120 hours unpaid work and was placed under curfew for six weeks.
6
ADVERTORIAL
OCTOBER 2016
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
Breast Cancer Awareness – How We Can Beat it. Sukhy Nijjar
Owner of Sipsey Lingerie
E
very year around 60,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK alone, that’s the equivalent of one person every 10 minutes. At Sipsey, being specialists in mastectomy fittings, we have been working hard to raise awareness about looking out for the symptoms of breast cancer. Sipsey believes it’s important to raise awareness all year round and this is why Sukhy always encourages ladies to come in and get fitted regularly as this will encourage them to keep checking their breasts, especially as, over the years, breast cancer has fast become the most prominent form of cancer, however ladies are unable or unwilling to talk about it. A recent article in Bloomberg suggests that cultural taboos only exacerbate the problem. Not only are Asian women generally reluctant to discuss their bodies, but they also often delay visits to see the doctor when they find something wrong. Discomfort with the process of diagnosis and treatment is an additional concern. Research conducted in other countries suggests women perceive mammography exams as uncomfortable, unnerving, and intimidating; these feelings are undoubtedly shared by women in the Asian community. (Source: Medical Daily) Breast cancer carries a stigma with it which needs
to be removed in order to save more lives, often this stigma is due to the taboos which still encase women’s breasts within the Asian community, if we are to remove the stigma of breast cancer, we must first break the taboos which so prominently surround women’s bodies. Sipsey is trying to do just that, Sukhy has been working closely with two local breast cancer charities to not only give talks about the issue and what common symptoms to look out for (swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, breast or nipple pain, nipple discharge) but also by giving support to their ladies through Sipsey Lingerie’s mastectomy fitting service. Throughout the course of October, Sipsey will be raising Breast Cancer Awareness through displays, a mastectomy evening and blog posts which are to go out weekly, tackling the issues surrounding the illness. We are also part of the bra bank scheme, ‘Your Smalls Appeal’ in which you can drop off your old bras to us anytime throughout the year, these bras will then be sent to Africa in aid of a great cause, supplying bras to those who don’t have access to them, so far, the appeal has sent over 1,000 bras to medical centers and schools in Gambia. October is not just about Breast Cancer Awareness at Sipsey, this year, we are proud to announce that we have been selected as one of the 101 small
businesses to feature on the Small Biz 100, our day is set as 21st October, with the main Small Business Saturday event taking place on 4th December. We are thrilled to be taking part in Small Business Saturday this year as it’s a brilliant way of supporting independent boutiques and businesses. At Sipsey, we believe strongly in encouraging people to start shopping local and helping independent companies to flourish. Not only does this have a positive impact on the economy but it also dents the fast fashion industry and supports fair and ethical trading. We will have more updates on both breast cancer awareness and Small Business Saturday on our social media and blog pages so keep an eye out!
You can find us on: @SipseyLingerie fb.com/SipseyLingerie @SipseyLingerie @SipseyLingerie
Lingerie | Nightwear / Hoisery | Swimwear | Shapeware Specialists in Bra Fitting Services Walk in for a free fitting no appointment necassary
Opening Times Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm Sizes 30A-HH available 39 Dury Lane • Solihull • B91 3BP 0121 704 3314 w w w. s i p s e y l i n g e r i e . c o m
19
20
OCTOBER 2016
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
ADVERT
HAIR RE-ENGINEERING
THE INTELLIGENT APPROACH TO HAIRLOSS Diagnosis • Scalp Treatments Laser Therapy • Hair Integration and much more
Call or click now to book your FREE consultati
T/ 0121 454 8180 E/ info@optimahair.co.uk www.opti
ADVERT
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
OCTOBER 2016
Prices start from just
£199.00
ion
imahair.co.uk
#hairloss #wecanhelp
21
22
OCTOBER 2016
JAS SANSI The Thinking Man's Mouthpiece Photographer and LoveBrum trustee, Jas Sansi brings a dose of all things Birmingham. With an unprecedented love of the city and its unique diverseness, he brings his 6-foot passion to The Asian Today.
REGIONAL AIRPORTS AND THE SCOTCH INDUSTRY.
IN THE
SPOTLIGHT
WITH JASON HADDEN
F
or this month’s In The Spotlight, we sat down with one of Birmingham’s leading family lawyers. Author of ‘How to Represent Yourself in the Family Court,’ Jason shares his insights on marriage and divorce within the Asian community. What inspired you to do Family Law? I decided to undertake family law because it is something that I am fortunately good at. I met a number of people who were unable to have relationships with their children and they needed help. I thought that I could help those people.
I’m writing this from the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. One of the conclusions cemented in my mind is the immeasurable benefit of having Government here in Brum for four days. With the political decision makers come national and international media. More importantly, conference attracts the CEOs and Business Leaders of the biggest corporations. We get to showcase our city region. I attended an event organised by the Scotch Whisky Association and Open Europe. Discussion inevitably waded into Brexit and post referendum trade talks with Europe but also with the wider world. One of the comments made was the need for the UK to introduce ‘creative options’ when juggling access to the EU and free movement of people. A key sticking point in pre Article 50 talks. Here’s a creative thought; India is the world’s most enthusiastic consumers of whiskey. I understand that where the USA spend more on defence than the rest of the world combined, India spends
NEWS
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
more on whiskey than the rest of the world combined. There are 14 weekly direct flights to India per week from Birmingham Airport. The Airport earns revenue from car parking and retail. The benefit of direct flights from BHX to India is two bottles of whiskey per passenger. It’s a blunt but relevant statistic. The Scotch Industry represents 25% of the UK’s food and drink exports. Regional Airports such as Birmingham allow UK products such as whiskey to be purchased and exported. These create exposure in overseas markets and subsequent demand. This is just one reason why the focus on Heathrow Airport is unhealthy for the UK economy. If we need to think creatively to increase our exports and trade deficit, the regional airports are central to that ambition. If Parliament embraces the opportunities regional airports represent, the economic uncertainty that hangs over us dissolves like ice in a Single Malt. I’ll drink to that.
JAS SANSI TWITTER: @jassansi FACEBOOK: fb.com/jassansi
What is the most challenging aspect of dealing with Asian family cases? Asian families are very protective and loving towards their children. Family is everything. Some Asian families unfortunately do not know or understand the law and as such they need help. That is where I come in: I try and simply things and make the system easy to understand and to work for them.
What is the most common case amongst Asians? The most common case for Asian families is usually where the parents split up and very often the mother refuses (for whatever reason) to allow the father to have contact or spend time with the child. What is the inspiration behind your book? The book was written to help people who can’t afford a solicitor have some understanding of this very complicated area of law. The book is very easy to understand and simplifies things. That said I would always recommend getting a barrister to represent you in final hearings before the court. One of the changes to the rules is that individuals can now go directly to a barrister and instruct them on direct access to do hearings for them. What tips or advice would you give to the Asian community? Always try if possible to agree matters without going
HIP HOP 360 Black Music From
Every Angle BASS FESTIVAL RETURNS to BIRMINGHAM this November with a theme based around HIP HOP 360. Featuring legendary artists who shaped the sound of a generation, HIP HOP 360 celebrates every aspect of street level
Black music culture. Running from 10th to 28th NOVEMBER 2016 at venues across BIRMINGHAM. Confirmed artists include: DJ Jazzy Jeff, Slick Rick, Robert Glasper, Diamond D, Large Professor, DJ Bobbito, Stretch
WINNERS OF MULTIPLE AWARDS WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Call TODAY for Fantastic Rates in The Asian Today Newspaper & www.theasiantoday.com
to court. Record everything, because sometimes people will tell lies afterwards. Photos or diaries are great for evidence. Get legal advice early, oh yes and buy my book.
CALL: 0121 314 2892
OR E-MAIL: sales@theasiantoday.com
Armstrong with many more still to be announced. Watch out for very unexpected events in surprising spaces across the city. Massive Concerts | Intimate Q&A's | BBoy Stories | Celebration of UK Hip Hop | Film Weekend | Debates | Return of a
UK Legend | Specially Commissioned Work BASS 16 HIP HOP 360 will be PUNCH’s eleventh annual BASS festival. Last year’s events and performances were attended by over 30k people. PUNCH’s CEO AMMO TALWAR
said; “HIP HOP is a beautifully complex culture of music and language, art and fashion which is in every way the voice of the youth & accessible to ordinary people. HIP HOP 360 will allow people to explore this culture from every angle.”
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
ADVERT
OCTOBER 2016
CONVENIENCE WITH LOW PRICES
GREAT OFFERS IN STORE • • • •
Fresh Fruit & Veg 100% Halal Meat Herbs & Spices Frozen Foods
• • • •
Bakery Products Dairy Products Confectionery And much more...
1 The Retail Park, Capehill, Smethwick Birmingham, B66 4PH Tel: 0121 558 6786
N E P O
K E E W 7 DAYS A
23
24
Miss India Dave UK
OCTOBER 2016
NEWS
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
The thoughts of:
Desi
Medal Medal Medal
So the Rio Olympics have come to an end and the general feeling is that it was a success on many levels. There were some negatives including whether or not it would be safe to dive into a pool which seemed to be the same color as the Toxic Avengers face mask, though no one seemed overly concerned. It has to be said that most countries with a similar economic downturn would have faced the same problems leading up to and during games. It’s only right we should be proud of Team GB as our wonderful competitors over achieved in nearly all of their disciplines. If the legacy of the Rio Olympics is that more people take up sport then that would be a success, and that should be the overall aim should it not? The Olympics is founded on simple ideals, that nations can come together to compete on a level playing field under the banners of fair play, and I for one am all for that. Most people have fond memories of fallen warriors being helped to reach the finish line by a fellow competitor whilst the winner is already celebrating. It should be about taking part to the best of your potential. Over the last few months, a dark cloud of suspicion has hung over the Russian Federation concerning state sponsored doping. Let’s be fully aware what that means: The people responsible for the Russian athlete’s conduct and making sure that guidelines and procedures are adhered to are instigating or being coerced into a regime of doping and deception. We may never know who started this regime but I
assume it went fairly high up the food chain- in that’s how things work in Russia. We can all feel cheated by the historical abuse of banned substances and feel anger for unfair results. We can also feel a real sadness for the clean athletes who want to compete fairly and may have been put into an impossible situation when approached by corrupt officials. Although you cannot tar everybody with the same brush, I believe it would have been right to blanket ban the entire Russian team. I say this simply because it was state sponsored and you have to ask why. Was it because they like hearing their own national anthem? I think not. I think the real reasons are more sinister: Just over 20 years ago, Russia flirted with democracy, letting the cat out the bag. Former Russian territories gained their independence and it’s safe to say some of the old guard were left longing for the old days. Step up to the plate Mr. Putin and there’s the end of any real democracy- this has now become a political and ideological battleground. Certain parts of the Russian hierarchy strive to succeed in the Olympics to extol the virtues of their system, their way, their ethos. Team GB did a great job in Rio, we can all applaud and recognize the systems put in place by our sporting bodies and the personal effort from the athletes. However these achievements do not make us a superior nation or a superior people. I lost count of how many GB athletes personally thanked the National Lottery.
23-year-old Jamini Patel has been crowned Miss India UK 2016. She is now eligible to compete in Miss India Worldwide as the UK’s official candidate. Miss India UK is a national pageant open to women of Indian origin and diaspora from countries around the world. The qualified Dentist and keen dancer Jamini, set her sights on the crown but what it is like to be a real beauty queen? And more importantly, what does the crown mean? Jamini, a University of Birmingham graduate, describes the first moment she decided to enter, “It was spontaneous. I saw the ad and thought winning the title could help with a lot of things I’ve wanted to do for a long time. This includes charity work and getting involved with communities and also modelling." The pageant has no doubt opened doors for her to explore, but they came with their own struggles. Jamini explains the difficulties in trying to balance being a Dentist and beauty queen. “I have a full time job so rehearsing after work was tiring but worth it. It was
my first time entering a wellknown pageant, so I had to carry out research to find out exactly what it involved.” Jamini is well aware of the stigma attached to beauty pageants, as well as the criticisms, such as the focus on physical beauty objectifying women to nothing more
than a pretty face. Jamini however notes the change in the ethos of beauty pageants as shown in the Miss India UK competition, “The focus of beauty pageants has now changed. In the past it was based on height, weight and skin colour. Now pageants are less superficial. Miss India
UK had awards for a talent round- which I won! And also personality awards, it’s nice to know they look at a whole person.” Jamini shuns the superficial reasons for wanting to win and focuses on the humanitarian benefits, “Throughout the process, as I was getting closer to the title I wanted it more and more to make my family and friends proud of me. I want to work with charities involving children because I’ve always had a soft spot for them! Seeing children suffer is horrible and I want to work with kids to help make a difference to their lives." So what does the future hold for the young dentist? Jamini is hopeful for the next chapter of her life, “I am fortunate enough to have a secure job as a dentist, and I'll never forget the amount of effort and hard work I’ve put in to get this far. Any opportunities that arise from the pageant will be taken on as a hobby and interest. The beauty of dentistry is the fixed hours and zero night shifts, so I do have spare time. I will dedicate as much time as possible to this new phase of my life and make the most out of it!” And what of her next stage at Miss India Worldwide? "I haven’t had time to prepare as much as I like, but I believe it’s all about showing your personality and charmwhich you can’t prepare for! However, I will be starting my dance rehearsals soon for the talent round!” Best of luck!
ADVERT
OCTOBER 2016
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
AR Solicitors
WE ALSO DEAL WITH:
Expert Personal Injury Solicitors Accidents At Work
ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS We can claim compensation on your behalf after an accident for the following: WHIPLASH VEHICLE DAMAGE VEHICLE HIRE STORAGE & RECOVERY CHARGES LOSS OF EARNING WHILE OFF WORK
NO WIN NO FEE FREE INITIAL ADVICE Call us today on 0161 955 4206 to find out how much you might be entitled to or visit our
Slips And Trips On Public Roads Uninsured And Untraced Drivers
Adamson House Tower Business Park 856 Wilmslow Road Didsbury, Manchester M202YY
website: www.arsolicitors.com
www.arsolicitors.com
AR Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulations Authority Under SRA NO. 472714
25
26
OCTOBER 2016
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
FEATURE
The Many Festive Flavours of Diwali! As the festival of lights nears, Asda spoke to three women from different generations to find out how they recreate celebrations in the UK.
T
hough known as the festival of lights, Diwali is all about family bonding, welcoming in the New Year with your loved ones and feasting on homemade traditional delights. Being the most important festival in the Hindu calendar, families in the UK go all out and celebrate the day with as much chutzpah and reverence as they would in India for example. When Uma came to London in 1974 as a teenager she missed the excitement of Diwali, “It was my first Diwali here in the UK and I had to go to school, which in India is unheard of because it’s a holiday and we spend it with the family!” But as time went by and after getting married, she ensured that she celebrated every Diwali in a grand manner with her in-laws, “Diwali is a special occasion and my family of 35 and I ensure every year we all come together to cook, eat, dance, celebrate and make the most of Diwali.” Initially, she was worried about whether her children would also follow the Diwali traditions as she did as a child, but not anymore, “the youngest in our family is 10 years old and the oldest is 84, it’s amazing to see the same enthusiasm for Diwali across the generations. What has made it easier for us in teaching these traditions to our children is that unlike the 1970’s, supermarkets today such as Asda have a wide Diwali range, which makes us feel accepted as a community easier for our children to follow the same traditions. I feel Asda recognises the importance of the four days of Diwali and what the festival means to us as a community.” Last year she hosted her entire family of 35 at home, “It was brilliant,” she exclaimed. “I started the day with a Puja, then all the sister-in-laws came together to paint rangoli while the children burst crackers, then we all sat down for one big feast. It was a celebration of the true spirit of Diwali!” While Asda helped Uma with the perfect Diwali package for her family, especially her kids – for Manavi Maharshi the supermarket gave her a sense of belonging. Reminiscing about her time in India, Manavi said, “The entire city used to light up and I remember my mother making farsans and mithai’s at home from scratch.
When I came here ten years ago, it was the family bonding, the spirit of the community and my mother’s food that was missing. It felt like no one celebrated Diwali here! “One day I walked into Asda and was pleasantly surprised to see their Diwali range. From fireworks to kala jamun to the masalas, everything was available there and I could recreate my mother’s magic here in the UK.” With her brother and sister-in-law recently moving to London, Maharshi now ensures that she follows her mother’s traditions whether it comes to making mathris or besan ka laddoos, so she can make them feel at home. She does this by popping into her nearest Asda and picking up the ingredients. While some try to recreate the festive feel here in the UK, for others, Diwali is a whole new experience. When Manisha came here five years ago, she was surprised to see her mother-in-law cooking everything from scratch during Diwali, “In India we used to buy sweets and snacks from the nearest shop. But over here my mother-in-law cooks everything at home. Under her guidance I started cooking as well and for the first time I made besan barfi. It was such a memorable experience, and when the family praises your cooking it’s just another feeling altogether. “Last year we had a big Diwali dinner at home, and guess what was on the menu? My favourite Besan Barfi and everyone loved it! When people praise your cooking, it makes you feel proud of yourself. “Being Punjabi, we also had chole bathure on the menu. From the chickpeas to the gram flour, Asda had all the ingredients on offer, which made it so simple for me to cook. This year, we have relatives coming over again. What’s on the menu? Well, that’s a secret but I can tell you one thing, I have found all my ingredients at Asda!” Although we have spanned many generations and many different stories, these families share one thing in common; the desire to celebrate Diwali the way they did in their home born countries. This is achieved with home cooked traditional food, family bonding, and lots of fireworks – with Asda being there every step of the way!
MORE DIWALI NEWS ONLINE AT WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
OCTOBER 2016
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
ADVERT
PARTNERS
#MAWA2016
MIDLANDS ASIAN WEDDING AWARDS
MAWA 2016 In association with
CELEBRATING THE EXCELLENCE IN THE ASIAN WEDDING INDUSTRY VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE - LOG ONTO OUR WEBSITE VOTING CLOSES ON THE MONDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2016
FRIDAY 28TH OCT 2016 @ THE VOX CONFERENCE CENTRE RESORTS WORLD • BIRMINGHAM • B40 1PU
To get involved or sponsorship opportunities please contact us on:
Book Your Tickets NOW!
t: 0121 392 7449 w: www.mawawards.co.uk e: info@mawawards.co.uk
27
28
OCTOBER 2016
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
THE ASIAN TODAY Apache Indian named Charity Ambassador amid BAME Awards Include Me TOO, a national disability charity, is launching its own award ceremony aimed at celebrating BAME (black, asian and minority ethnic) communities. The awards, known as the National Community Inspiration Awards is for BAME children and young people with disabilities as well as their families. Include Me TOO works with young disabled people, providing fun workshops and support. Apache Indian, one of Britain’s most well-known singer-songwriters and reggae DJ’s, has been named as Charity Ambassador. Apache said: "Music brings people together. I work with many other charities especially in India. I will always support Include Me TOO. We have so much stuff planned for the future and I am honoured to be part of this team. It's about supporting young people and making a change to their lives." Parmi Dheensa, the founder and Executive Director of Include Me TOO said: “We are delighted to have Apache Indian as our Charity’s Ambassador as his music and personality embraces diversity celebrating the rich cultures in this country... Let us support this to be a reality together and celebrate inspiring journeys and achievement at the first Include Me TOO National Community Inspiration Awards 2014."
NATIONAL
Coronation Tweet! Soap Actor Marc Anwar sacked for offensive tweets about India
OUR PRICES ARE GOOD BUT OUR WORK IS BETTER
Diy CALL NOW FOR YOUR
FREE
QUOTATION
NATIONAL
• • • • • • • • •
Full home maintenance or repairs) Kitchen fitting (complete fits Bathroom fitting (complete fits or repairs) Doors and Skirting All woodwork Electrical work All plumbing or repairs Tiling Wallpaper hanging & Painting • Plastering City & Guilds qualified plumber , Part P Qualified electrician, Skilled & Experienced in installations
Call or Text for ringback: 07851 924 634 * Quotes can vary if the cost of material changes, duration on site adjusts, or if further work is required.
C
oronation Street actor Marc Anwar has been fired for a twitter rant in which he insulted India over the Kashmir attacks. Police have launched an investigation into the incident involving the Pakistani born actor. Greater Manchester Police stated that on the September 25th they received reports of a hate crime and inquiries are since ongoing. The tweets were following the Kasmir attacks in which he was seen to blame India: “Why the F***k do #pakistaniartists want work in #f*** face #india, do you love money so much” “Ban #india movies in
#PakistanisLeaveIndia. B*****ds p**s drinking #c**ts” “F***ing #indians killing our #Kashmir brothers and sisters #NawazSharif still sucking #modi Lul!” Anwar has since apologised profusely, stating his words were said in a “moment of madness”. The actor released a video apologising for the tweets and explaining his motivation behind them. “I would like to offer my sincerest apologies to anyone that I may have offended with my tweets on Friday evening and especially people from India,” he said. “This was never my intention and the language was unacceptable. I feel that I have let a lot of
people down, my family, my friends and my former colleagues.” “On Friday evening I saw, on the news, children being pulled out of rubble, people being pelted with pellets, women mourning their dead in Kashmir. “This upset me very deeply and in a moment of madness I ranted out. I vented my anger. “Again, the language that I used, I sincerely apologise for. But my feelings were very sincere for the people of Kashmir. And I hope that everyone that I have offended can find it in their hearts to forgive me.” A spokesperson for ITV said the actor would not be returning to the show with immediate effect after tense discussions.
Launch of the Plastic £5 Note
The new plastic £5 has now entered circulation though only a reported 7% of cash machines will be stocking them. Most banks and branches are to have the polymer note within a week’s time.
The plastic note, which is more durable than the paper note, features Winston Churchill and is 15% smaller than the previous note, can “better withstand being repeatedly folded into wallets or scrunched up inside pockets, and
can also survive a spin in the washing machine” – according to the Bank of England governor, Mark Carney. The new £5 is also harder to counterfeit due to new security features such as a transport window. Plastic notes have already been in circulation in Scotland since March 2015. Northern Ireland got their hands on some back as early as 1999. Next year will see a new plastic £10 that features renowned British author, Jane Austen. By 2020, it is expected a £20 featuring the artist J.M.W Turner will be in circulation.
South Asian Arts Charity Teams up with University of V Leeds Credit 'Vasanthakumarep at en.wikipedia'
“In response to a beautiful sculpture of a woman levitating, we have created a contemporary expression of music, dance and light."
Find Sikh, Hindu & Muslim singles and experience a journey to real love!
S
ince Being Single is a brand new community of British Asian professionals looking for their life partner. The Asian dating platform is free to join, search, and message, and is run by a real couple! Since Being Single focuses on high quality member profiles for online dating, and also provides support and dating advice for Sikh, Hindu and Muslim singles committed to finding a real relationship. Events range from Speed Dating and networking
OCTOBER 2016
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
NATIONAL
Join now and start messaging for FREE. Visit sincebeingsingle.com to start your journey today! evenings, to psychologybased Power Dating events, and confidence boosting and personal development workshops. SBS is a friendly place to finally meet the right people, go on amazing dates, and get support when you need it most. The founder, Kamey met his girlfriend Sabeen through SBS. Kamey and Sabeen now run the company together and their dream is to change the way British Asians date. They’re pushing for a cultural shift that has been needed in
British Asian society for decades. As a couple, they both provide their members with support, guidance, tips and advice in all areas of love and life. “We’ve been through all the ups and downs of dating, so we get it! We believe with the right mindset and knowledge, anyone can find the relationship they want. Become the best version of yourself and meet inspiring British Asians who are excited to grow together.” Kamey and Sabeen It’s time to find the one that’s right for you.
iolins, bansuri, cello, Kathak dancingthis is a fusion to remember. The SAA-uk, a south asian arts charity, have teamed up with University of Leeds to combine music and art together in an effort to promote awareness of public art. The University has kicked off its Yorkshire Year of the Textile, a year-long initiative to reflect the University’s history, and have brought in the SAA-uk to collaborate with. They are to create a musical response to an art piece known as the ‘Dreamer.’ The historic sculpture first unveiled 34 years ago, by Quentin Bell, is the focal point of the musical composition which will be showcased on
October 7th. The show is free to attend and will be themed around the work mill where both eastern and western woman and children are driven to make an uncomfortable living. SAA-uk’s artistic director, Keranjeet Kaur, says: “In response to a beautiful sculpture of a woman levitating, we have created a contemporary expression of music, dance and light. “Working closely with our sound expert, we have recorded the rhythmic patterns in one of the last working Mills, A.W Hainsworth & Sons in New Pudsey and evolved this sound by adding melody and creating a moving performance. “Five talented artists; Vijay Venkat, Keertan Rehal, Liz Hanks, Jyoti Uniyal and Alex Delittle will perform on the evening and have combined, music, song and dance to highlight the delicacy, fluidity, strength and texture which explores our innate relationship with textiles.”
Arts charity and university team up to raise awareness of public art
29
Alton Towers Operator Fined £5m
Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, the operator at Alton Towers, has been fined £5 million for the Smiler crash which left two teenage girls needing leg amputations. Merlin admitted a breach in the Health and Safety Act. Engineers had failed to spot a stationary carriage sitting midway on the tracks, assuming it was a technical glitch instead. They overrode the stop mechanism, allowing the secondary carriage with passengers to crash into the first. In addition, there were winds of 45mph that day when the ride is supposed to stop for wind speeds of 34mph. Judge Michael Chambers QC called the crash a “catastrophic failure,” and disagreed that it was down to simple human error. He added, "This was a needless and avoidable accident in which those who were injured were lucky not to be killed.”
Curry On! 30
OCTOBER 2016
NATIONAL
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
BASS Festival Written by: Ammo Talwar @punchrecords
The World Curry Fest, taking place between 15th - 29th September, was an absolute mouth waterer! With master classes from world famous chefs to street vendors conjuring an array of delectable dishes, this year’s Curry Fest was one to break the naan out for! The seventh food festival kicked off with a gala dinner fit for a King and toured around England, firing up cookers from Leeds to Bradford. Everyone got involved, locals, Hindus, Muslims, Punjabi and Guajaratis and even Israelis. Honourable Dato' Haji Abdul Malik Kassim, the Malaysian State Minister for Religious Affairs and Domestic
Trade and Consumer Affairs, was also there to whet his appetite and thanked “gastro-diplomacy” for the event being even more diversified than before. The founder of the event, Zulfi Karim, said: “We’ve had a fantastic first weekend. From Indian fine dining to street food, from master classes to cooking classes, we’ve experienced it all. Our chefs have come from far and wide – Pearly Kee from Malaysia, Amir Iqbal from Pakistan and Chef Oberoi from India. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported us including our main event partner for the weekend – Kala
Sangam Arts Centre.” The final day of the festival saw a tribute dedicated to Ken Hom OBE, a legendary ChineseAmerican chef most known for his BBC show Ken Hom's Chinese Cookery. The Honourable Dato’ Haji Abdul Malik Kassim, the Malaysian State Minister for Religious Affairs and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs from the State Government of Penang, was at the Curry Festival last Thursday. He said: “It’s even more diversified this year because of the idea of gastro-diplomacy and we’re highlighting this even more this year.”
My name is Ammo Talwar, I run BASS Festival, Birmingham's 2 week-long festival of black music and arts. We're 11 years old this year, and we're celebrating with our bestever public programme, led by a theme of Hip Hop 360 – celebrating and exploring the art form of Hip Hop. I started BASS in 2005; this was a year marred by a double night of rioting in the heart of Birmingham. It felt like young people in the city could no longer find any common ground and instead were fighting to take ground away from each other. BASS was one thing we could do in the creative industries to address that in an authentic way. BASS had it’s roots in my first business start-up, which was a record store selling vinyl direct to old skool DJs. Soon Punch Records was at the centre of a network of young DJs and artists, operating as a kind of street-level clearinghouse for daily updates on gigs, mixtapes and afterparties. BASS was the natural next step: a platform to join up the city’s mostly independent venues into one broad programme for black, urban and underground music and performance. BASS could be simultaneously a launch-pad for local artists and a landing strip
for major national and international acts who would otherwise just bypass the city. Through BASS we were able to bring street art stalwarts Goldie and Temper face to face with their hero Henry Chalfant, who photographed the birth of modern graffiti in 1980s New York. We brought in an unsigned Professor Green to deliver an MC hip hop workshop in City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Venue for less than 100 quid. We curated the UK’s first exhibition of artwork by Fela Kuti’s sleeve designer and lifelong friend, Lemi Ghariokwu, and another by Faith 47, South Africa's leading female graffiti artist. We brought soul legend Bilal over for a night of pure hip hop jazz vibes in front of an intimate audience of one hundred super fans. BASS has allowed us to experiment, distilling new genres - like grime theatre. Placing forty young grime artists into the historic Birmingham Rep to make new work. We finished with a unique piece of theatre that we toured nationally two years later, and helped bond the careers of a new generation of artists including Decypher, Roxanne, Lady Leshurr, RTKAL and Evoke. Each year BASS has a new theme, offering audiences a different mix of the soundtrack of big city culture - DNA, REVOLUTION, SOUL, JAMAICA, BRITAIN - this year it’s Hip Hop 360. To keep each festival fresh, commissioning new work is vital, and BASS has given birth to a “Hip-hopera” on MLK’s “I have a dream” speech, and this year, a mash-up between poetry and visual arts and just dam good music with the Likes of Slick Rick, Jazzy Jeff, Robert Glasper, Rodney P and much more. BASS has lasted because it’s a way for everyone to
reaffirm their rootedness in a shared urban culture. This is a culture that has a playlist full of Ghetts, Angie Stone, KRS ONE, Fela Kuti, George the Poet, Pauline Black, Ghostpoet, Channel One Sound System and Apache Indian. Maybe it's your culture too - if you’re someone who puts release dates into the calendar like birthdays, and pics of landmark gigs and classic club nights into the family album. Across these 11 years we’ve put over 400 artists in front of a collective audience of 50,000, we’ve built up the capacity and reputation of the city’s niche, boutique and unconventional venues - and found partners in Leicester, London and Liverpool. In a city like Birmingham, which is arguably - the youngest and most culturally diverse in Europe, topdown pronouncements on culture no longer work. One size fits almost nobody, these days. BASS is part of a busy calendar of independent festivals which features Flatpack, Fierce, Supersonic, Mostly Jazz and more. Every festival team understands its own artists and audiences, and grassroots dialogue and bottom-up innovation is bringing the city’s fallow spaces - warehouses, parks, halls, cafes - into life. BASS will be bigger and better this year in Novemeber, but if you can’t catch us, we plan to catch you. Over the next decade we want to embed 150 small scale commissions across the UK, with artists and musicians working to a nationwide programme that holds onto our BASS core values; risktaking, audience-focused work with depth, quality and heart. See you soon. Ammo Talwar MBE is Director of BASS (punchbass.com) and the CEO of Punch Records (punch-records.co.uk).
I just had a pizza from Pizza Haq w: www.pizzahaq.co.uk t: 0121 4 400 400
a: 87 - 89 Court Road, Balsall Heath Birmingham, B12 9LQ
ADVERT
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
HAPPY DIWALI TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS
Do your spices pass the East End test?
Our buyers search the world for the finest spices, these spices are then re-cleaned and ground in our own UK spice mill, creating spices of exceptional quality, purity, aroma and flavour that our customers adore.
Purity, Quality and Value are our standard. www.eastendfoods.co.uk
Available at all Good Independent Supermarkets.
OCTOBER 2016
31
32
OCTOBER 2016
Written by: Neelam Heera @cystersbham
Cysters Birmingham
Cervical Smear
Screening DID YOU KNOW? – CERVICAL SMEARS
So you’ve hit the age of 25, you’re about to receive the most important letter of your life. No you’re not going to be joining Harry and the Gang at Hogwarts – but you will be invited to your first smear test. So here are couple of facts and points to bear in mind: • A smear test is also known as a cervical screening. • Each year approximately five million women in the UK are invited for cervical screening. • Cervical screening is free. • If you are feeling anxious beforehand, you can ask a member of your family or friend to go with you. Your nurse or GP will be happy to talk through any issues that you have prior to your appointment • Cervical screening is NOT a test to find cancer. It’s a precaution to detect any changes to the cells in the cervix • Between 90 and 94% of all screening results come back normal – YEY! • For those who have an abnormal screening result, it is important to remember this doesn’t always mean its cancer. But is important that you speak to th GP straight away. • Don’t think of the screening as a one of, going regularly offers the best protection against developing cervical cancer in the future. • Please take up your invitation to attend your cervical screening test; regular screening saves lives.
Abir Mukherjee A Rising Author EXCLUSIVE Sheena Ramchurn Senior Journalist
sheena@theasiantoday.com
A few points to remember before going for your screening: 1. Do not have sexual intercourse 24 hours before your screening. Sorry! But sperm, spermicidal gel and lubricants may make it difficult to get a good sample of cells from the cervix and you may be asked to attend again. 2. If you have any antibiotics to treat any vaginal infection then postpone your screening for at least a week after the treatment has finished 3. Going through your menopause? If you use oestrogen creams, do not apply it on the day of your screening or the two days beforehand 4. Do not douche or use a tampon for at least two days before your screening – again it will make it difficult to get a good sample of the cells. 5. Speculums come in different sizes so you can ask for a smaller size if you are uncomfortable – HALLELUJAH! 6. The more relaxed you are, the less discomfort you will feel – the muscles will natural relax making the insertion more bearable. 7. You don’t have to go to the GP to have your smear test done – you can always go to the sexual health clinic.
Iconic UoB Clock Tower Turns Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
I
had the rare opportunity to interview one of the UK’s most promising authors. Writer of the highly acclaimed A Rising Man, Abir is on board to help promote Write Now, an innovative project by Penguin publishers (the largest publishing company in the uk) that encourages writers from minority backgrounds to get into writing.
1. Coming from a finance background, how did you get into writing? Mine’s quite an unusual story. I always wanted to write, but coming from an Asian background, it’s often difficult to convince your parents that’s the thing you should be doing. I worked in corporate finance for about 20 years then decided I wanted something different so I started writing a crime novel. I got about 10,000 words in when I saw a competition being run by Harvill Secker, looking for new crime writers. They just wanted the first 5000 words and a two page synopsis for the rest of the book. I thought ‘I’ve already done 10,000 words’ so I just tidied up the first 5000 and sent it away with two pages on the rest of the book. I didn’t hear anything for three months then out the blue I got an email telling me I’d won. They’d had about 430 entries and they’d chosen mine. But I didn’t really have a book at that point. I had around 30,000 words and they weren’t particularly good words, but with the help of Penguin Random House, over the next two years I worked very closely with one of their editors and their team and we turned that into a book which came out four months ago. 2. You mentioned coming from an Asian background being an obstacle, what do you think the reason is for the lack of diversity in today’s literary industry?
The landmark clock tower, ‘Old Joe,’ at the prestigious University of Birmingham turned a stunning shade of pink last week in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Uob has partnered with Birmingham NHS Trust and the QEHB Charity in order to help raise awareness and donations for the disease. Dr Jo Morris, a senior lecturer at UoB’s School of Cancer Sciences, said: “Progress over the last 30
NEWS
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
years has significantly improved survival for breast cancer patients, a combination of breast screening, improved diagnosis and therapies that target sub-types of breast cancer have made a difference, but it’s not beaten yet. I’m delighted ‘Old Joe’ is highlighting breast cancer awareness month, to remind us all what we can do to consign fear of this dreadful cancer to the past.”
I think there’s two main reasons for it. One is cultural, being second generation or third generation British Asians, our parents came from certain walks of life that didn’t look upon a career of writing as something that was first and foremost even possible. The community I’m from, Hindu Bengali, we’re very much into writing and appreciative of literary endeavours but even in my community, it was nothing that was thought of as a career in the UK. Firstly because there was no history of it. Secondly, it was all about establishing yourself first and that’s still the case today. There’s not enough role models and not enough people know how to get into writing and publishing.
The other side of the problem is the industry itself. It’s a very white middle class industry. Most of those working at the publishing house, most of the agents, are white middle class. When they look at what’s interesting and what they think there’s a market for, they’re coming at it from a very narrow dimension. They’re looking at it in terms of what they’re comfortable with and what they like. Something that might be outside of that narrow field, they may not feel there’s a market for. There’s also the way they recruit people. The industry has been structured for too long where it’s white middle class people coming in via unpaid internships then going up the career ladder. It’s the same sort of people generation after generation who are choosing what gets published. Write Now is hopefully part of the change on both of those things. 3. That’s my next question. What is write now and how does it tackle the problem? I was really excited when Penguin approached me because this is something that’s quite dear to my heart. Penguin, the largest publisher in the UK, understands that there’s a problem and that they’re not publishing works that reflect British society. They’re not telling the stories of Asian people, black people, gay people and these stories needs to be told and there’s a market for these people. What they’re aiming to do is find unpublished writers from underrepresented backgrounds, so ethnic minorities, LGBTQ, writers with disability and help them into publishing spheres. So finding the right talent and helping them get published. 4. What are you hoping the outcome will be? I’d like to see a lot more stories from different backgrounds being told. I want to see more British Asian writers and more ethnic minority writers, I want to see more writers coming at things from different perspectives. I want to see writers with disability, I want to hear those stories and see those
stories published from all these different voices. The vast majority of what’s published today is very similar and people are crying out to hear new voices. They want new stories and hopefully that’s what will come out of this process. 5. What are your tips for those looking to enter? That’s a good question. My process was quite similar. I entered a competition just like this, I handed in a piece of writing that was assessed and was lucky enough to be given a publishing contract. I’d say tell the story you want to tell, tell the story you feel compelled to tell, the story that’s burning inside you. Don’t try and write something for the audience that you think you want to talk to or you think the audience is out there for. Write the story you want to tell because that will be the most genuine. 6. Lastly, tell me a bit about your own book, A Rising Man. My book is about a British detective who goes to India after WW1. He teams up with an Indian Sargent and the first case they’re thrown into is the murder of a high ranking British civil servant in Calcutta. They find out all isn’t quite what it seems. It’s the first of a series that looks at that period of history between 1920 and Indian independence. I think that’s a period that we as the UK tend to brush under the carpet or look at through rose tinted specs. I think a good way of looking at that period is through the medium of a crime novel, a policeman solving crimes in that period and seeing all that background and seeing the real India.
Sandwell Council Little Low Light Up
In a new environmental move, Sandwell Council is updating 5000 of its street lights from regular light bulbs to low energy LED bulbs. The new bulbs, which use 74% less energy than their predecessors, will help reduce carbon emissions while also saving the council an estimated £120,000 a year on electricity bills. The new lights will be glowing up in Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Tipton, Wednesbury and West Bromwich.
OCTOBER 2016
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @THEASIANTODAY
FEATURE
33
A Modern Hindu Woman’s Response to Karva Chauth T
he 18th of October marks the upcoming festival of Karva Chauth, a traditional ceremony originating from North India that sees Hindu and Sikh women fasting for their husbands from sunrise to sunset, praying for his health and longevity. If you’re about to ask when the reciprocal festival involving men fasting and praying for the health of their wives is…there isn’t one. Just like there’s isn’t a reverse component to Raksha-Bandhan, which sees sisters praying, feeding and pledging to protect their brothers. Karva Chauth is particularly problematic for modern day Asians, especially those living in the west. They’re being influenced by a whole host of conflicting ideals and values. Traditional Asian values tell women to devote herself to her father, her husband, her children. Modern values tell her to devote herself to herself and to demand equality
in treatment from all parties. Should they not then demand that same equality from religion too? Today’s culture of individualism sees selfprogression and happiness as a priority, meaning women will often feel conflicted between their traditional or modern values. It’s only natural to want to honour and respect heritage, and the morals that our parents lived by. When you bring religion into it, as Karva Chauth is first and foremost a religious festival, things get even more complicated. What of the devotee who wants to observe her religion but is still fully aware of the sexism implicit? Should she bring herself to partake in the culture of patriarchy, or does she stand aside and forego religious duties? Regardless of which value system is ‘correct,’ the modern Asian woman’s morality is a heated battle ground of friction, discord and contention. I spoke with a number of
young UK born Hindus in order to get their side of the story. One woman, 28, called Karva Chauth ‘out dated’ and added: “I wish my partner to have a full life but he should also wish that for me. If I have to play out an age old tradition for it, so should he. This age old Hindu tradition tells girls that her man is her priority, but she’s not necessarily his.” Another girl, 17, said: “If the love is real and a couple want to adhere to Karva Chauth, it should work both ways. A husband should pray for his wife too. Not for long life, but for her to have a good quality of life.” There are only two options left for Karva Chauth. Either things continue as they are, women continue to observe the traditions fully aware of the implicit sexism, or it dies out. Hopefully, women can at least be aware of the implications of such festivities and be able to critique them whilst still carrying out the religious ceremonies they wish to.
www.keralaayurvedaspaclinic.com info@keralaayurvedaspaclinic.com info@ keralaayurvedaspaclinic.com
719 Stratford Road, Sparkhill Birmingham, B11 4DN
Tel: 0121 777 7007
ayurvedaspabirmingham
Open 7 Days a Week 10am - 8pm
AyurvedaBrum
KERALA AYURVEDA SPA CLINIC
SAMPURNA KERALA AYURVEDA SPA CLINIC
Authentic Ayurveda Treatments for: Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Depression, Diabetes, Digestive problems, Eczema, Eye Diseases, Frozen Shoulder, Headaches, High blood pressure, High cholesterol levels, Inflammations, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Menopause problems, Migraines, Memory problems, Obesity, Parkinson, Paralysis, Pregnancy difficulties, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sciatica, Skin Diseases, Stress, Pain Control Treatment for Body Aches & Pains.
FREE CONSULTATION
KICK-START CLINIC
MANIPULATION CLINIC
REHABILIATION CLINIC
RELAXATION CENTRE
NATURAL BEAUTY
Doshas/Pulse/BP D oshas/Pulse/BP Checks
Diabetes D iabetes
Physiotherapy P hysiotherapy Clinic
C hildhood Ailments Childhood
Aromatherapy Aromatherapy
F acials Facials
Dietary Advice
Arthritis
Detox Clinic
Stroke Patients
Hot Stone Massage
Facial Marma
PANCHAKARMA CLINIC
Weight Loss
Sports Massage and
Mental Issues / Depression
Massage & Reflexology
Manicure & Massage
Eating Disorders
Massage & Steam
Deep Clean Pedicure
Skin Issues
Swedish Massage
Body Exfoliation / Scrub
THERAPEUTIC YOGA AND MEDITATION
Chiropractic Clinic BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Separate section for ladies with female staff only & males with male staff only
OCTOBER 2016
34
NEWS
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Steven Knight and Nick Owen among the guests honoured at awards celebrating Birmingham
C
ontinued from the success of the inaugural awards, Birmingham Awards does it again. Sponsored by Birmingham City University, the second of Birmingham's prestigious awards was held on Saturday 10th September at the Vox Conference Arena, with a double reception kick starting the night at the Highline Bar before moving up to the Vox for the main event. It was alit with corporate colors, snazzy reds and blues decorating the ceilings and exuberant brand colours splashing the venue. The glitzy audience only added to the vibrancy of the room. The turn out was astounding, with everyone celebrating Birmingham, its passionate people and its inspirational organisations. The exuberant hosts Raaj Shamji and Harold Davies kept the room energized and full of excitement with their sizzling chemistry a n d hilarious wit. In anticipation for the winners to be announced, an authentic brummie live band gave the audience real flavour of Brum by showcasing the best in Birmingham made music. Entertainment also included a thrilling set by Nemesis and to top it off
were feather girls greeting the guests and nailing that splendor factor. Birmingham Awards aims to bring the pride of Birmingham together under one roof to recognise the excellence and passion for our beautiful city, acknowledging and awarding those who strive to make our city home. The awards commemorated everything from small businesses to the best restaurants as well as adding categories such as Excellence in Media. Steven Knight, writer and producer of hit show Peaky Blinders, was crowned Brummie of the Year for his passion and commitment to Birmingham, along with
Midlands Today’s very own Nick Owen who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. £600 was raised for our charity partner LoveBrum, with the vote on the night going to Baby Ava’s Support Foundation to receive the money raised. A huge thank you to all our sponsors, South and City College, Pathway, Vision Print, High Line Bar, Birmingham Updates as well as all our judges and ambassadors. Thanks to all our photographers for capturing the night for us! Looking forward to seeing you all again next year!
Winner of the lifetime achievement award ,Nick Owen with Anita Chumber and Ifraz Ahmed
amji Host: Raaj Sh a
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
NEWS
OCTOBER 2016
The sponsors
Jackie Cummins
James Wong
LIST OF WINNERS Restaurant of the Year – El Borracho de Oro Bar/Pub of the Year – The Farm (Solihull) National Retailer of the Year – John Lewis
JE consulting ltd
Isaac Charles Bridal House
Independent Retailer of the Year – Isaac Charles Bridal House Arts & Culture Award – Ikon Gallery Business of the Year – Trowers & Hamlins Businesswoman of the Year – Jackie Cummins (J21 Coaching) Leigh Perry (DMS) Community Initiative / Charity / Volunteer of the Year – Mosaic (West Midlands) Sporting Initiative of the Year – Aspire Sports
John Lewis
El Borracho de Oro
Excellence in Media Award – Sameena Ali-Khan Young Achiever of the Year – Neelam Heera Small Business of the Year – JE Consulting LTD Venue of the Year – The Rep Social Enterprise of the Year – The School for Social Entrepreneurs Blogger of the Year – Brum Hour
Dr. Melanie Brown
Leigh Perry
Contribution to Education Award – Dr. Melanie Brown Excellence in Technology Award – LHM Media Brummie of the Year – Steven Knight Lifetime Achievement Award – Nick Owen
35
36
OCTOBER 2016
THE ASIAN TODAY The Wonder of Learning
Why do children misbehave?
EDUCATION
Theresa May's Largest 'School Reform' in Recent History A
Written By: Ambreen Khan Before attempting to answer the question “Why do Children Misbehave”, we must aim to understand the brain of a young child. In the simplest terms a young child’s brain is just a sponge that takes in everything without any checks, balances or right or wrong values. Through their experiences they experiment to test reactions to see whether their behaviour is favourable or not, and if it appears ‘okay’, then they will try again and again varying their input to find out the limits. If parents are able to understand this, then an understanding of why their children misbehave can be achieved and they can be more successful at reducing behaviour problems. Here are some of the reasons why children misbehave: 1. They want to test whether you will enforce rules. 2. They experience different sets of expectations between school and home. 3. They do not understand the rules, or are held to expectations that are beyond their developmental levels. 4. They want to assert themselves and their independence. 5. They feel ill, bored,
EDUCATION
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
hungry or sleepy. 6. They lack accurate information and prior experience. 7. They have been previously "rewarded" for their misbehaviour with adult attention. 8. They copy the actions of their parents. Let’s take a look at reason number 5 for example. When children feel ill, bored, hungry or sleepy they feel, but they don’t understand why and let’s face it there are many adults who have great difficulty in recognising and understanding their own feelings too, here there is only one action and that is to have patience and lots of it. Your child is feeling unwell, they just know they feel different, and they get lots of attention from you, be careful this is where they learn to fain minor illness to get more attention, so make sure your attention is appropriate to meet the need, in other words give them all the care and love in the world to nurse them back to health, but don’t shower them with goodies for example. There is no one correct strategy to manage misbehaviour, just like there is no manual to Parenting, however today, parents can take away one key concept, to develop ‘patience’ through consistency and love.
For further support email info@ wonderoflearning.co.uk
s part of an education shake up, Theresa May has delivered a major speech on grammar schools and schools in the UK. As part of the reforms, May is to bring forth a new wave of grammar schools, allow faith school pupil selection and announce more Catholic schools. May has repealed a ban on introducing new grammar schools to the UK, a ban first implemented back in 1998 by then PM Tony Blair, saying "Frankly, it is completely illogical to make it illegal to open good new schools." It’s an especially controversial move given the nature of grammar schools
whereby children must pass a test to be accepted, something many argue divides children into winners and losers. Furthermore, grammar schools have a reputation for taking in more middle class children due to richer families being able to buy homes in the area, leaving poorer children at a disadvantage. May appears aware of this and says "I want Britain to be the world’s great meritocracy - a country where everyone has a fair chance to go as far as their talent and their hard work will allow.” To tackle the inequality, May is make grammar schools either
•
Join our Board of Governors and help Transform lives ThrouGh learninG
Take a proportion of lower-income households pupils • Establish a "high quality, non-selective free school" • sponsor an underperforming school Worryingly, Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw, says “We've got to… get many more children to achieve well in our schools. "My fear is that by dividing children at 11 and by creating grammars and secondary moderns …won't be able to
WQe is a successful and well respected sixth form College and we are looking to recruit new governors. The Board of Governors makes sure the College meets its learners’ needs and continues to develop by providing the best possible education for its students. The insight and experience of governors is essential in ensuring that the College remains on track and continues to improve. We are looking to appoint decision takers who can demonstrate sound judgement and strategic leadership. The role is voluntary and your experience could help lead the College through a challenging period for further education. The broader your vocational field and cultural experience the better in further encouraging the success of our students. WQe has a strong commitment to equality and diversity. We encourage applications from under-represented groups which may include women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
WQE COLLEGE
@WQE COLLEGE
www.wqe.ac.uk
For further information on becoming a governor please contact Peter Butcher on 0116 247 2905 or email vacancies@wqe.ac.uk. Application packs can be downloaded from our website: www.wqe.ac.uk Closing date for applications: 24th October 2016
achieve that ambition." In addition, May is promoting more faith schools and Catholic schools in a bid for a more ‘diverse school system.’ She is also extending their powers to select pupils. Most shockingly, May said she wants to “relax the restrictions…that stop existing non-selective schools to become selective in the right circumstances and where there is demand." Angela Rayner, Labour's shadow education secretary, said: "The Tory government are bringing back selection to the UK education system…wilfully ignoring the overwhelming evidence that selection at 11 leads to a more unequal country."
School Scholar Saviours OCTOBER 2016
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
EDUCATION
37
Scholars School System striving to assist lesser advantaged in education through specialized education opportunities
S
cholars School System striving to assist lesser advantaged in education through specialized education opportunities. Scholars School System is an independent and private coeducational school initiated under the canopy of UK Curriculum and Accreditation Body (UKCAB), a charity founded in 2006 with the aim of focusing on the 3 most needed areas all over the world; education (Scholars School System), clean water and renal care and awareness (Global Kidney Foundation). Continuing with the same viewpoint, Scholars School System caters to those who were unable to complete their education and wish to fulfil that goal that now. We believe that Vocational/ Further education is the most important milestone in building a strong foundation when transitioning from primary to higher academia, thus making participants
productive members of society. Scholars School System offers full time, part time, higher education and a variety of courses ranging from vocational courses to foundation-level programmes like NVQ level 3 in Business, ICT, Health & Social Care and Hair and beauty. The courses offered are funded by the relevant authorities and accredited by the renowned awarding bodies. These courses not only allow learners to gain entry into partner British universities, but also enable them to find work in their area of interest. Additionally part-time and community courses are also offered by Scholars School System to facilitate those working full-time and/or are trying to change career prospects. It has trimester systems where classes begin three times a year, allowing students to make an admission application any
Student Testimonials Dumitru Onea This course will open up doors to a career in a huge range of industries and will also give me the knowledge needed to start up on my own. I am really happy to study at Scholars School System because they provide excellent support to all students and the staff of the whole college are experienced, trained and most of all, there to help.
time during the year. Scholars School System has 3 fully equipped campuses in Birmingham, Manchester and London. The location and facilities provided facilitate and elevate the learning process of students in all possible ways. The locations for these campuses are where public transport and other amenities are close. Similarly,
the staff members, including teachers, are handpicked to offer par excellence experience to students. The students are assisted and guided through the entire process of learning, starting from admission to finishing their course. Student affairs are trained to offer all the support these learners need in order to achieve their goals and aims.
Turcanu Carmen My course is ideal for me because I am looking to pursue
a career in the health and social care sector. From this course, I gained an in depth understanding of how to support and care for vulnerable members of society, for example people with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, mental health problems, the elderly or those who are frail. This college gave me a chance to re-enter education. I really enjoy studying this course at this college because of the environment and the staff are friendly and supportive.
38
OCTOBER 2016
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
ADVERT
www.desixpress.co.uk
DESI
39 OCTOBER 2016 DESI XPRESS 41
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
XPRESS R
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ Tale of Friendship, Heartbreak & Love
ALOT MORE GOSSIP, NEWS & INTERVIEWS INSIDE
omantics across the world, rejoice! After breaking the internet with an enticing teaser, smashing charts with the title track ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, and the super hit ‘Bulleya’ making it to everyone’s playlist, we now have another reason to do it all over again. The trailer of Karan Johar’s much awaited love story – AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL - is finally out and has already raked in nearly 100,000 hits on YouTube within an hour of release! Bollywood’s much awaited Diwali film of the year ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, with the exciting ensemble cast of Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anushka Sharma and Fawad Khan, promises a journey of friendship, heartbreak and love. The film, written and directed by Karan Johar, follows the story of Ayan (Ranbir Kapoor), Alizeh (Anushka Sharma) and the entangled romance with the characters of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Saba) and Fawad Khan. The keen eye of the director has made sure that
every frame of the film — from beginning to the end —comes across as the perfect ode to music, mesmerizing audiences with picturesque locations in the UK and Europe and engulfing audiences through a whirlwind of emotions, with trademark Karan Johar panache. If Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’s title track introduced us to unrequited love the way only Karan Johar can, its trailer dropped us in a vat of passion and coated us in love. The film’s title track by Arjit Singh has become the heartbreak song of the year while the sufi-rock number Bulleya has particularly caught attention for highlighting the crackling chemistry between Ranbir and Aishwarya. With all the usual hit elements ticked, the refreshingly eclectic pairing is an added bonus and is expected to steal the show yet again with this film. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil personifies a new age relationship, the sort of contemporary romantic relationship never seen before on Indian celluloid.
The ultimate Diwali film of the year, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil releases nationwide in cinemas through Fox Star Studios on 28th October. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is sure to light up your Diwali with love!
40 DESI XPRESS OCTOBER 2016
www.desixpress.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mUSIC massala Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mU
******************************************************************** **** SHOWBIZ
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Ranbir Kapoor Shine in Sensational 'Bulleya'
SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOW
Michelle Yeoh to appear in Bollywood Film 54-year-old Michelle Yeoh, most well-known for foreign classics Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Memoirs of a Geisha, is all set to star in an upcoming Bollywood project. The Chinese-Malaysian actress, who has previously spoken of her love of Hindi films
After captivating everyone's heart with its mesmerizing title track of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil which has received over 35 million views, Dharma Productions and Fox Star Studios has released the film's second track ‘Bulleya’, a rock infused, rustic Sufi love song picturised on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ranbir
(and Aamir Khan in particular) said: “I’m planning to work in Bollywood and it’s going to be an action film with obviously some dance because it is Bollywood. “It will be about a Chinese and Indian family. In reality, we are such close
Kapoor and Anushka Sharma. It is sung by Amit Mishra, composed by Pritam, with lyrics penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The romantic track opens with Aishwarya saying, “Main kisiki zaroorat nahi khwaish banna chahti hoon” setting the tone for the song. Beautifully shot in picturesque locations
across Vienna and London, the music video of Bulleya’ captures the crackling chemistry between Ranbir Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on one hand, and showcasing the warm relationship between Anushka and Ranbir on the other. Karan Johar who is a maestro at delivering some of the best romantic music tracks in the last two decades yet again delivers a song which binds us emotionally. Celebrating the different colors of love and passion and with a strong Sufi influence that permeates throughout, Bulleya is definitely going to be the song on all playlists this festive season. With an enviable ensemble star cast, a strong musical score, an emotional yet entertaining love story and mounted on a massive scale - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is poised to become the Hindi movie event one cant afford to miss this Diwali. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil will be a Diwali release and will be out 28th October 2016.
neighbours but we are culturally so different and through this film we want to show how we can get along.” Yeoh, who played a Bond girl in Tomorrow Never Dies, will next star alongside Jason Statham in Mechanic 2.
Marion Cotillard Denounces Accusations she Cheated with Brad Pitt
Amid the turmoil of Brangelina, one unsuspecting actress has been dragged into the fight- and it’s not Jennifer Anniston. Marion Cotillard has been accused of playing a role in the 12-year marriage split, with rumours abounding that Brad Pitt cheated with her after meeting on the set of their movie Allied. It has been alleged that Angelina Jolie even hired a private investigator to find out just whether Brad was having an affair. Sources close to Marion say the Oscar-winning actress is ‘devastated’ by the allegations, especially given she’s in a long term relationship and pregnant.
‘BeingSalman’ Game Salman Khan Introduces ‘BeingSalman’ Game, Digitally Fulfilling Dreams Bollywood superstar unveils official game populated by his most famous character In the trailer for the action packed mobile app, Salman said: “Legend has it that on this planet, all have seven lookalikes. We are not too sure about seven, but we found three. “Their lives are very different, but their life’s objective is exactly the same.” The three he refers to are the 3
avatars in the game, aka the 3 most popular characters from Salman’s films; Chulbul Pandey (Dabangg), Prem (Prem Ratan Dhan Payo) and Tiger (Ek Tha Tiger). The mobile app costs £0.59 and features 3d graphics and smart touch controls. It promises to be a ‘visual blast’ with ‘unique maps and gorgeous locations,’ ‘bollywood style action sequences’ and ‘endless gripping gameplay.’ There have been a mix of reviews, with one user, Kapil Tanwani saying “It's average game, don't find interesting or thrill anywhere” but
others such as Odais commenting “One of the best game i can't explain by words you have to download this.” BeingSalman Game is available on 9Apps, iOS and Android.
www.desixpress.co.uk
OCTOBER 2016 DESI XPRESS 41
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
TOP TEN
USIC Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mUSIC massala Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mU-
***********************************************************************
WBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ
Daniel Radcliffe Admits Hollywood’s ‘Undeniable Racism’ Quantico Season 2 In an interview with BBC Victoria Derbyshire, Harry Potter icon Daniel Radcliffe said the world of Hollywood "We like to think of ourselves as being a very, very progressive industry, but we have been lagging behind in all kinds of areas."
According to the child turned adult star, minorities such as gay people are afraid to come out in fear of being type casted into solely gay roles. He then affirmed Hollywood’s “undeniable racism.”
Fawad Khan cast opposite Katrina Kaif
The respective fandoms are buzzing. Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan is confirmed to appear with Bollywood beauty Katrina Kaif in Karan Johar’s upcoming Raat Baaki. Fawad has amassed hordes of female fans for his charismatic good looks, starring in big name romances
Radcliffe isn’t the only one to speak out against the lack of diversity. This year’s Oscars, which trended as #OscarsSoWhite, was boycotted by a number of celebrities including Dustin Hoffman and even Spike Lee.
BOLLYWOOD
Roaring Success for 01. Dev Patel’s Lion 02.
Adele Dedicates Still reeling from the horrific news of Brad and Angelina’s break up, Adele dedicated her New York concert to the now split power couple. She told her audience: "I don't like gossiping and private lives should be private but I feel like it's the end of an era. I don't know them at all but I was shocked when I woke up this morning." We all were, Adele. We all were.
AR Rahman UK Tour Rescheduled Plans to bring AR Rahman’s hugely successful 2015 US ‘Intimate Tour’ to the UK this September, have faced some serious and ultimately insurmountable technical challenges, leading to the postponement of the tour. Rahman, well known for his love of the latest technology, and wanting to push the creative boundaries of his performances, said, ‘Unfortunately, we realised that we were not going to be able to fix the technical glitches and prepare everything to the level I wish to present to my fans in time for the UK shows. With great sadness I accepted the need to reschedule the dates to ensure fans are treated to what will be a truly spectacular night’
Everyone’s favourite curly haired Asian is back, this time in a heartstrings tugging true tale of a boy adopted by an Australian couple who after growing up, uses google maps to fight and find his way back home. The film was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival where it left audiences stunned by breathtaking scenery and reaching for the tissue box as the film rolled out emotional and inspiring scenes one after the
other. It’s been eight years since the ground-breaking Slumdog Millionaire which shot Patel to fame. Patel said: "I spent most of my existence in school trying to shun my heritage to avoid getting beaten up or bullied or just to fit in. And then I discovered Bombay with Danny Boyle for Slumdog. It struck like lightning. It's so enthralling for me to go back. Working in India is beautifully chaotic."
Priyanka and Hiddleston Flirt up a Storm! Bollywood turned Hollywood star Priyanka Chopra wowed at the 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, shocking the red carpet in her own bold red dress and presenting an award alongside Hollywood British heartthrob Tom Hiddleston. Whilst the two were professional and cordial on stage, rumours are abounding about their friendship off stage! An eyewitness told E! Online: “Tom had his arm around her and held her close. Afterwards, Tom and Priyanka talked closely and were holding hands at one point for a few moments. “Priyanka fixed Tom’s bow-
tie and then the two kissed on both cheeks.” They then exchanged numbers and left the show. Priyanka has been single and on the market for quite a while now as she prepares for her Hollywood movie debut and gears up for the second season of critically acclaimed American show Quantico. Hiddleston, who plays Loki in the superhero blockbuster Thor franchise, is fresh from a nasty split with Taylor Swift and will be returning to the silver screen soon for Thor: Ragnarok. Priyanka wowed on the red carpet with her own red Jason Wu dress, rocking a red lip, and is already topping best dressed lists.
Kala Chashma Baar Baar Dekho
Ai Dil Hai Mushkil Ai Dil Hai Mushkil
03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09. 10.
Khoobsurat, Kapoor & Sons and most recently Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Now the actor is set to romance one of the biggest names in Bollywood, a move that could see him catapulted to fame. It is also rumoured that Fawad is signed to a Salman Khan film scheduled for shooting next year.
Concert to Brangelina
BY: HUSNA
Whilst the two were professional and cordial on stage, rumours are abounding about their friendship off stage!
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO STAY UPTO DATE WITH THE LATEST NEWS!
Bulleya
Ai Dil Hai Mushkil
Janaan Janaan
Let's Nacho
Kapoor and Sons
Baby Ko Bass Pasand Sultan
Matargashti Tamasha
Peet Pe Booty A Flying Jatt
Tere Sang Yaaraa Rustom
Tu Hai
Mohenio Daro
BHANGRA
01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09. 10.
Chandigarth Rehn Waaliye -
Gani
Manni Sandhu & Akhil
Tere Naam Zack Knight
Naina
The PropheC ft Mickey Singh
Meri Sardarnive Ranjit Bawa
Billi Akh
PBN & Raj Bains
Picha Ni Chad De Punjabi MC & Sahib
Hattrick
Imran Khan
Dil Jaaniye Nafees
One Touch
Garry Sandhu and Roach Killa
UK ARTISTS
01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09. 10.
Closer
Chainsmokers ft Halsey
Say You Won't Let Me Go James Authur
Let Me Love You
DJ Snake ft Justin Beiber
Cold Water
Major Lazer, Justin Beiber & Mo
My Way
Calvin Harris
Perfect Strangers
Jonas Blue ft JP Cooper
The Greatest
Sia ft Kendrick Lamar
Dancing on My Own Calum Scott
Heathens
Twenty One Pilots
In the Name of Love
Martin Garrix & Bebe Rexha
42 DESI XPRESS OCTOBER 2016
www.desixpress.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mUSIC massala Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mU
************* SHOWBIZ Manish Gajjar Hindi Film Adviser for Vue Cinemas
BOLLYWOOD MOVIE OF THE MONTH
AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL Director: Karan Johar Cast: Rabir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Anushka Sharma This is a romantic drama focusing on love between a couple and how their feelings change as time goes by. It is a journey of two people Alizeh and Ayaan as they go through life experiencing emotions of friendship, heartbreak and love. Fiercely independent girl Alizeh still reels from the effects of a broken relationship with a former lover. Meanwhile Ayaan is a straight forward preppy kind of a guy who has never experienced being in love as he is too busy concentrating on creating music which seems to be his passion. They meet one night in New York and a mutually life changing bond forms between them that is ridden with humour, anguish and a shared love of everything that is Bollywood. As they wrestle through life, their encounters and experiences shape their understanding of the meaning of life, passion and love. This film marks Karan Johar’s directorial comeback after 3 years. His last film being ‘Student of the Year‘ starred Varun, Sidharth and Alia. Meanwhile Ranbir Kapoor plays a Hindu boy who falls in love with Anushka’s character Alizeh - a Muslim girl whilst Anushka and Aishwarya are reported to be playing siblings in the film. The movie also marks the entry of Pakistani actor Imran Abbas Naqvi to Bollywood. He is reported to play a cameo role of Anushka Sharma’s boyfriend whilst Fawad Khan of Khoobsurat fame will be seen in the role of a very cool DJ.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON OUR WEBSITE
*****************************************************
5
SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SH
KARAN JOHAR FILMS WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE Karan Johar is known for some of Bollywood’s biggest hits since his very first feature film, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” released in 1998. After his father, Yash Johar, passed away, Karan Johar quickly took the reins of the family production house—Dharma Productions—and has been at the helm of countless blockbuster hits. Most us love Karan Johar for the films that he has written and directed and we can hardly wait for his next feature film, “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.” Bollywood’s much awaited Diwali film, ADHM, features an exciting ensemble cast of Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anushka Sharma and Fawad Khan, and promises a journey of friendship, heartbreak and love. So whilst we eagerly wait for the release of the films in cinemas on 28th October through Fox Star Studios, here is a list of Karan Johar films that you can catch up on!
The GQ Awards Winners Are Out! The GQ Awards are one of the most high profile events on any celebrity’s calendar. They highlight the most prestigious of men in the entertainment, fitness, fashion, sports and food spheres and this year’s GQ Awards for the Men of the Year 2016 was full of new names, old names and surprise names. Ranveer Singh, who is currently taking Bollywood by storm with back to back success like Dil Dhadakne Do and Bajirao Mastani, won Actor of the Year, the most coveted prize of the event. Woman of the Year went to rising star Kangana Ranaut, last seen in Tanu Weds Manu Returns, who wowed the red carpet with her long pink dress number. Amitabh Bachchan certified his legened status with The Legend award, Tiger Shroff bagged Youth Icon and Saif Ali Khan took some time away from looking after pregnant Bebo to come and collect his Most Stylish award.
3. Kal Ho Naa Ho Unlike all the other films that are featured on this list, “Kal Ho Naa Ho” was written and produced, but not directed, by Karan Johar. There is no doubt
The Legend: Amitabh Bachchan Youth Icon: Tiger Shroff Breakthrough Talent: Vicky Kaushal Excellence in Acting: Radhika Apte Most Stylish: Saif Ali Khan Director: Abhishek Chaubey
Inspiration: Raghu Rai Global Indian: Ruchir Sharma
This 1998 romantic dramedy featured Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, and Shahrukh Khan in a love triangle. Kajol’s Anjali and SRK’s Rahul have gone down in Bollywood history as best-friendswho-missed-the-love-boat, thanks to Rani Mukherjee’s glamorous avatar as Tina. But with a little bit of Karan Johar Magic, anything is possible—especially jab kuch kuch hota hai. If you have not seen this very first piece of Karan Johar’s cinematic handiwork, then download this timeless classic.
“Kabhi Khushi Khabi Gham”—better known as K3G— was a 2001 family drama carrying the tagline, “It’s all about loving your parents.” A story around the wealthy Raichand family, K3G made it a little hard to love the Raichand family patriarch, played by Amitabh Bachchan, thanks to his stubborn and egotistical ways. If you are looking for some old-fashioned Bollywood family drama, then look no further and watch this blockbuster film which also features Jaya Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor-Khan, SRK, and Kajol in lead roles.
Woman of the Year: Kangana Ranaut
Designers: Shantanu & Nikhil Mehra
1. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
2. Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham
Actor of the Year: Ranveer Singh
Businessman: Vijay Shekhar Sharma Digital Dons: Arunabh Kumar & Biswapati Sarkar Artist: Sudharshan Shetty Philanthropist: Adar Poonawalla Sportsman: Devendra Jhajharia
that Karan Johar’s story helped newbie director Nikhil Advani helm a huge box office hit. SRK’s Aman Mathur, Preity Zinta’s Naina Kapur,
and Saif Ali Khan’s Rohit Patel end up in a love triangle of sorts—which is made a bit more complicated thanks to Aman’s mysterious past.
4. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna This 2006 drama took a bit of a diversion from Karan Johar’s previous family-friendly topics and looked at the blossoming love, and a subsequent extramarital affair, between Dev Saran (Shah Rukh Khan) and Maya Talwar (Rani Mukherjee). “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” also
delved into both Dev and Maya’s personal histories to help the viewer understand why these two were drawn to each other and away from their unhappy marriages. Priety Zinta as Rhea Saran and Abhishek Bachchan as Rishi Talwar co-star as Dev and Maya’s spouses, respectively. Ultimately, this film will leaving thinking about love and marriage —but the film features some amazing music and gorgeous cinematography.
5. My Name is Khan Moving away from his usual reliance on movies that start with the letter “K,” Karan Johar wrote and directed “My Name is Khan” in 2010—a drama featuring Shah Rukh Khan and
Kajol in leading roles. From the lead character’s Asperger’s syndrome to anti-Muslim sentiment in the U.S. in the aftermath of 9/11 to a cross-country escapade that lands Rizwan Khan (played by SRK) in New Orleans in the middle of Hurricane Katrina—“My Name is Khan” was journey of discovery.
www.desixpress.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
OCTOBER 2016
DESI 43 XPRESS
USIC Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mUSIC massala Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mU-
*** *********************************************************************
HOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOW
PRIYESH
DHOOLAB When it comes to the world of music we often hear from the singer who is normally the face of the song, but what about the creators behind the curtain? DesiXpress had the pleasure of sitting down with music composer and producer Priyesh Dhoolab, a man who delves into the heart of the song through his spiritual beliefs and hard work ethic. Composing everything from Bollywood songs to religious chants, Dhoolab is truly a multi-faceted composer who is able to straddle the line between mainstream and traditional. Dhoolab reveals the hidden world of music production and why he chose it over a promising cricket career. Tell me about your life story, how did you come to be a music composer? I wasn’t always involved in music, during my childhood I was interested in sports playing local county cricket and even playing for Warwickshire. I also played cricket in Pakistan. As the years went on my spiritual journey unfolded, around 2010 and 2011 I actually hit rock bottom in many ways so there was a lot of soul searching involved and the only thing that saved me was prayer. I needed some sort of inner peace to help me, that is when I started to follow a spiritual path and my journey began in a Buddhist sanctuary. I then sacrificed what I had been doing all my life which was cricket and turned to music. I want to help other people and transfer that positivity to others through my music.
What was the inspiration behind your latest track ‘Manwa Re’? It was initially a straightforward love song and I wanted to give it a classical edge. The melody came to me at work and I recorded a 12 second voice clip, I was working with my children at the time and had to leave the building to record it as we are not allowed to use phones in the building! I rarely sit at my piano and search for a composition, I wait until I feel inspired. Those are the spontaneous triggers where if you miss that sign that is given to you by the universe you lose it forever. So I didn’t see Manwa Re as just a song about a guy and a girl. Do you have a favourite track of yours?
What kind of music do you like to produce, do you create mainstream music as well as spiritual music? Is there a favourite?
‘Kali Durge’, I made a promise to myself that through devotion and prayer I would complete this track within 21 days. I did not expect to like that track as much as I did, it has that spiritual energy of that internal journey I surrendered myself to.
I definitely prefer the spiritual and devotional kind of music, especially like my role models who are big names who also play devotional music such as AR Rahman for example. When I compose any kind of music I have to reach into the unknown.
Can you briefly take us through a typical work day of a music composer?
Why did you choose to explore your beliefs through the medium of music? I am a bit of an introvert, although I can be the life of the party sometimes I don’t really go out much and actually work with special needs children. This was something that came about through my spiritual transformation, this natural desire to work with young people. I work with children with ADHD, severe learning difficulties and various other complex needs. I am also a piano player and as I played in front of the children I saw results. My style of playing is unique as I am self-taught, and one particular autistic child who is quite disruptive listened to the piano and over a period of time has learned to be patient and can actually sit and listen. The power of music can help not just children but even the average man.
Win Tickets • Win Tickets • Win Tickets
With music, all roles have a different meaning such as director and producer for instance. In my role I am an all-rounder where I follow through from the start right to the end. From recording an audio clip that I hummed to myself, to creating a structure around it, to working with the lyricist to create a concept for the song that works with a melody. All of this has to render what I am trying to say. There is also the programming and digital side of composing. So I don’t really class myself solely as a music producer or composer as I am doing a lot. The common listener will be touched by something in the music that might not even be the lyrics or singer but something else in the song. As I am also an independent composer I have to make sure I craft my own identity. I can’t just sit behind people, I have to step forward and say “this is what I am doing”.
Read the full interview on our website
Win a pair of tickets to Vue Cinema, Star City! Asian Today has teamed up with VUE cinemas to offer ONE lucky reader the chance to get their hands on a pair of tickets to watch Ae Dil Hai Mushkil at VUE Star City! All you have to do is e-mail your ANSWER, name, FULL address details and contact number to competitions@theasiantoday.com before the closing date to be in with a chance of winning!
Which MALE actor plays the lead in AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL? a. Shashi Kapoor b. Ranbir Kapoor c. Rishi Kapoor Before you send your details, be sure to read the terms and conditions below. Closing date 31st October 2016
TERMS & CONDITIONS All entrants must put their FULL NAME, ADDRESS,CONTACT NUMBER and EMAIL ADDRESS when entering the competition. Any winner selected without a FULL address will be disqualified • Winner will only be allowed to watch any screening of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil with their tickets • Winner will be notified by e-mail by Asian Today.
44 DESI XPRESS OCTOBER 2016
www.desixpress.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mUSIC massala Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mU
******************************************************************** **** SHOWBIZ
SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOW
Malala Loves
Janaan
Coldplay to perform in Mumbai with
Nobel Peace Prize winner praises the Pakistani hit film for positive message
The world’s youngest Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Malala Yousafzai, was full of praise for Pakistani film, Janaan, after seeing it at a special screening in Birmingham attended by the film’s lead actors, Bilal Ashraf and Ali Rehman Khan. Speaking after the screening, Malala said, “I’m really excited that I saw this beautiful film, Janaan, and I ask all of you to see this film; it has a huge message about girls’ education, about women’s rights, about our Pashtun culture and I’m really proud of it, and it is amazing.” Honouring Pakistan’s rich heritage in film, the arts and storytelling, Janaan (‘Beloved’ in Pashto) presents a colourful and emotional observation of contemporary Pakistan. Filmed in the breathtaking Swat region among other locations, the film is helmed by a team of young creatives, directed by Azfar Jafri and written by Osman Khalid Butt. Rising stars of Pakistani cinema, Bilal Ashraf, Armeena Rana Khan
and Ali Rehman Khan, feature in the lead roles in a film that is emblematic of a burgeoning Pakistani film industry, consistently making waves internationally. The soundtrack by Ahmed Ali, Taha Malik and Bollywood composers, Salim Sulaiman has been dominating the airwaves since release, most notably the title track rendered by Bollywood singing sensation, Armaan Malik, with an unplugged version performed by popular female vocalist, Shreya Ghosal. Janaan has also set a new precedent for Pakistani cinema in the UK and overseas, breaking previous Box Office records. The film reached number 8 in the UK Box Office Top 10 after its opening weekend – the first time ever that a Pakistani film has reached the UK Box Office Top 10. In cinemas now, Janaan is presented by IRK Films, Munir Hussain Films - UK (Pepe's Piri Group) and ARY Films Distributed by B4U Motion Pictures.
SRK Fandom to hold own Awards It’s official. Fandoms are holding their own awards now. The SRK Fandom awards, conducted by the fandom of Shah Rukh Khan, will be holding a real physical awards event- a far cry from the usual twitter polls. On October 31st, fans of the King of Bollywood from all over the world will be invited to India to take part. There will be live performances by singers, dancers and comedy acts and the entire event is expected to be livestreamed on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. The awards include: Best Fan Club, Best Fan Girl, Best Fan boy,
Atmospheric Aamir! Bollywood sci-fi? Those two words paired together aren’t something you hear too often, but it’s true. And who better to fly past the clouds than the public’s most adored Aamir Khan. According to sources, Aamir’s next film is rumoured to be a biopic on Rakesh Sharma, India’s very first astronaut. Sharma first reached for the stars back in 1984, on board the Soyuz-11. Now Sharma, 67, is to
help inform the writing of the script using his experiences of the training process and eventual journey to outer space. Mahesh Mathai is to direct the film with Ronnie Screwvala’s new production company RSVP producing. As of now, only Aamir is thought to be on the cast. The film, though untitled at the moment, is slated for release 2018 with shooting starting next year.
Superstar heads for space in latest role
Fastest News Breaker, Best Phot Editor, Number Cruncher SRKian, Funniest SRKian, Best Writer SRKian, Upcoming SRKian, NonSRKian SRK Admirer, Most Peaceful SRKian (because fan wars can get brutal) and more. The founder of fanclub SRKUniverse, Muhammad Ashraf, said: “SRKUniverse has always followed the motto of uniting fans all over the world. So we have decided to conduct SRK Fandom Awards in Mumbai every year from now onwards. “They idea of having SRK Fandom Awards is to make the
fans happy, to spread joy in the fandom, to proliferate the spirit of SRK-ism’ to make everyone forget their differences and bring them closer.”
Usher Features Desi Gue Usher’s latest album, Hard II Love, is out on Tidal. It’s a long album with 15 tracks, some of which are 4 minutes long, one particularly stands out at 8 minutes long, however it’s the very first track on the album which has fans quizzed, shocked and pleasantly surprised. The first song is titled Need U (Conversation with Priyanka Chopra), a slow sonorous track with a buzzing baseline and light vocals. The best (or at least most curious) part is at the end where Priyanka offers a husky voiceover:
“Everybody wants somebody that’s got…confidence. He should make me feel safe, make me laugh, everything about him should feel sexy. His walk. His talk. He’s gotta be effortless, you know? Not trying too hard. What do you want in someone?” A month ago, Priyanka posted a picture of her and the r’n’b star on Instagram, something that peaked fans interest. Was it a possible collaboration? A TV appearance? We seem to have the answer, and it’s not Hard II Love.
www.desixpress.co.uk
OCTOBER 2016
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
DESI 45 XPRESS
USIC Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mUSIC massala Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mU-
***********************************************************************
WBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ SHOWBIZ
A-list American and Indian Celebs This November will see world class act Coldplay hit the Global Citizen stage in Mumbai, and whilst all of India was buzzing for the event, it has now been reported that a whole array of A-listers will be joining the rock band on stage to perform as well. At a launch event held at Taj Lands End, chairman Shiv Khemka revealed the full star-studded line up. It includes Jay-Z, Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Dia Mirza, Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Kapoor
and Shraddha Kapoor. Renowned composers AR Rahman and ShankarEhsaan-Loy will also be in attendance as will singers Arijit Singh and Monali Thakur. Bringing in artist at the top of their game from all over the world, it looks to be a roaring night worth remembering. However, the concerts are not solely for entertainment. Global Citizen is first and foremost a charity which will be raising awareness for education, sanitation and water, and gender equality, hot topics among the Indian public.
Disney Quits India
Global world power Walt Disney has packed up and left Bollywood after the disastrous unfolding’s of Mohenjo Daro. Before release, Mohenjo Daro was slated to be one of the biggest films of 2016. Hrithik Roshan, beautiful upcomer Pooja Hedge, a historical storyline unique to the usual melodrama of Hindi cinema, Mohenjo Daro looked like it was
going to blow up. But then the film came out, getting nearly everything about the ancient city wrong. It was slated for it's historical inaccuracies and wooden acting and proved an embarrassing flop for everyone involved, collecting only 550 million rupees by the second week. Disney India, who previously flopped with Fitnoor, were hoping Mohenjo Daro would set them back on track. Unfortunately these back to back disappointments have prompted Disney to quit Bollywood altogether. Instead, they will focus on promoting Disney films to Indian audiences. Warner Bros suffered a similar fate back in 2009. The only big US production companies remaining in India are Fox Star Studios India, Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Sony, who have all carved a profitable chunk out of the TV industry. Before wrapping up, Disney has one last Bollywood movie to get through, that being Dancal starring Aamir Khan. Whilst Aamir is enough to fill seats, it might not be enough to get Disney to stay put.
est on New Album
Forbes Names Priyanka Chopra in Highest Paid TV Actress List Priyanka Chopra has been named in the Top 10 of the world’s highest paid TV actresses. Priyanka, who is currently filming for the second season of the American hit show Quantico, earned $11 million last year and as such landed at eighth place in the list, the first Indian celeb to ever land a spot. Priyanka is also gearing up for the release of her Hollywood debut, Baywatch, where she stars alongside mega superstars Dwayne Johnson (Hollywood’s highest paid actor) and Zac Efron. However, the majority of her millions haven’t come from movie roles, but like most actresses, from advertisements. Forbes says: “Chopra is one of India’s top picks for advertisers, recently winning a seven-figure deal with sparkling juice brand Appy Fizz.” Priyanka is set to present at the
coveted Emmy’s this month and later, to perform alongside Rihanna and Selena Gomez at the 2016 Global Citizen Festival. Another desi placing on the list is comedy icon Mindy Kaling from The Mindy Show, who placed third. Here’s the full list: 1. Sofia Vergara 2. Kaley Cuoco 3. Mindy Kaling 4. Ellen Pompeo (tied with Mariska Hargitay) 5. Mariska Hargitay 6. Kerry Washington 7. Stana Katic 8. Priyanka Chopra 9. Julianna Margulies 10. Julie Bowen 11. Pauley Perrette 12. Patricia Heaton 13. Emily Deschanel (tied with Julia Louis-Dreyfus) 14. Julia Louis-Dreyfus 15. Zooey Deschanel
Journalist Demands Fawad Khan Leave Bollywood After Uri Attack It’s not the first time Fawad has been caught up in political affairs. During the shooting for his previous blockbuster, Kapoor and Sons, Fawad was threatened by an extremist group, the Shiv Sena A journalist by the name of Soumyadipta Banerjee has written an open letter to rising Pakistani star Fawad Khan after the Uri attack, which took place early September and saw four heavily armed terrorists and security forces clash in the town of Uri. 18 of the Indian military were killed. The letter demands Fawad
pack up and leave Bollywood, pointing the finger at the Khoobsurat actor. Banerjee says: "By addressing you (Fawad), I want to talk to every Pakistani import to Bollywood. This letter could have well been addressed to Adnan Sami, Raahat Fateh Ali Khan, Mahira Khan…
the list is endless and keeps increasing every year.” He laments over India pouring money into projects with Fawad, such as the upcoming Ai Dil Hai Mushkil, “We give you so much love and money, but your country continues to ban our cinema and our artistes. We drool over you and give you some
of our best projects...We are thinking of collaboration while your country talks of division and isolation.” In a sensational statement, he says: “Fawad, you lack courage. You lack conviction. You lack the guts to stand up against the terrorists of your country who think they are serving God by killing us." In its closing statements, Banerjee snidely adds: “Take care and let us know when you are getting your air tickets to Karachi done.” The letter, which seems to be written in emotional haste, has circulated on social media since it was posted on the 20th. Banerjee has since taken to Twitter to air his grievances, lamenting the cultural exchange between Pakistan and India and even calling Pakistan a terror state. It’s not the first time Fawad has been caught up in political affairs. During the shooting for his previous blockbuster, Kapoor and Sons, Fawad was threatened by an extremist group, the Shiv Sena, posing as a political party.
46
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
OCTOBER 2016
ITSY-BITSY NEWS 80 Year Old Climbs Mount Everest PHOTO CREDIT: Miura Dolphins
An 80 year old man from Japan has become the oldest person in the world to successfully climb Mount Everest. Yuichiro Miura completed the gruelling climb, which kills scores of mountaineers a year, along with his nine person team and son. After reaching the summit, he did what everyone would do, and called his mum, saying “This is the best feeling in the world...but I've never felt this tired either."
BackGammon Backs Peace Palestians and Israelis have clashed once again- over the board of backgammon. Hundreds of people from all areas of Jerusalem gathered in the Train Station Restaurant, an ottoman-era establishment, for an age-old game of backgammon. There were no borders, just boards, and no guns but games. The event was organised by Kulna Yerushalayim, a peace group, whose name means ‘We are all Jerusalem.’
NEWS
A whopping £180,000 raised for charity at 16th Asian Achievers Awards W inners of the prestigious 16th annual Asian Achievers Awards were announced at another glamorous event on Friday 16th September at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, on Park Lane. They include, Selva Pankaj, CEO Regent Group, a London-based education skills and training development group; Manjit Gill, CEO Binti, who runs a social enterprise that works tirelessly for women’s causes in India and Africa; Paralympian, Ryan Raghoo, a long jumper who suffers from cerebral palsy; and Lord Naren Patel KT who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The success of the night was underlined with the incredible £180,000 raised for charity partner Indian Ocean Disaster Relief, which was founded in early 2005
following the devastating tsunami on Boxing Day 2004. In its 16 years, the Asian Achievers Awards has helped to raise millions of pounds for various charities it has supported. Mr CB Patel, Publisher/ Editor, ABPL Group says: “I would like to send a wholehearted congratulations to all the winners of the Asian Achievers Awards, now in our 16th year. As in years gone by, the winners are exemplary individuals who not only have excelled in their chosen professions, but also are incredible role models who work for social justice, equality and those less fortunate. “It makes me very proud to give these people a platform to be recognised for their hard work and remarkable contributions to society
and the community. I am also very overwhelmed with the generosity of our guests who helped to raise £180,000 for our charity partner and I want to thank everyone who donated and bid at the auction.” Farrah Storr, Editor, Cosmopolitan UK magazine and co-host for the evening said: “I’m delighted to be here this evening at The Asian Achievers Awards, because I think awards like this are so crucial, particularly for setting role models for young people and some of the shortlisted candidates and winners are exceptional. I think without awards like this people wouldn’t really have anything to look or aspire to, so I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of it this evening.” The evening was once again hosted by Eastenders
star Nitin Ganatra, who was joined by glamorous Editor of Cosmopolitan UK, Farrah Storr. Over 650 guests, including business tycoons, entrepreneurs and members of parliament and the uniformed services, attended the 16th Asian Achievers Awards. Celebrity guests included cricketing legend and former England Captain Mike Gatting, Pakistani film star Armeena Khan, former X-Factor contestant Monica Michael and MOBO Awards Founder, Kanya King MBE. Leading ethnic media outlets Sunrise Radio and Colors TV were media partners. The Asian Achievers Awards were launched in 2000 by London-based newsweeklies Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, which are now in their 45th year and have a significant readership within the UK’s Asian community.
NEWS
Binti OCTOBER 2016
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/THEASIANTODAY
Bangladesh Set to Bear Brunt of Brexit
International A
ccording to research published by the Commonwealth S e c r e t a r i a t , Bangladesh has topped the list of Commonwealth countries that that would face the most impact from Brexit. This is due to the increased import duty they would have to pay under the possible new tax bill. The report states: “Bangladesh faces overwhelmingly the largest absolute hit, but proportional to current exports
the worst affected state would be Seychelles, followed by Mauritius.” However as the report focuses on large exporters to the UK, these significant impacts on small states such as the Seychelles are obscured. Trade deals, long established, are now at the mercy of Brexit as the government scrambles to set up new plans with the EU, Commonwealth and wider world. This uncertainty has left all of the UK’s trade partners in turmoil. For Bangladesh, the issue is
particularly threatening as the UK is their third largest export destination. Until now, traders had enjoyed duty-free access to UK markets under the EU. With Brexit under way, it may only be a matter of time before Bangladesh loses its duty-free privilege and will have to start paying a tax. Other Commonwealth countries expected to suffer include India, Pakistan, South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Papua New Guinea.
A Safer Sri Lanka
What made you decide to set up your charity?
young age where they are told not to discuss it. Education and our social media platform designed specifically to #smashshame will help to get that conversation started.
My career has been dominated in a male environment where I have competed with men in many sales leagues and I know that if I did not have access to a sanitary pad that my life would have been very different. When I found out that some women in the world do not have access to them, I felt compelled to do something about it.
What can be done to help educate boys and girls on the topic?
What does Binti International do? Binti has a vision to create a world where all women have menstrual dignity. We set up projects where women can produce their own sanitary products. We educate girls so that they understand the biology of menstruation, the emotional upheaval that it can create. We explore the cultural stigma in society by sharing stories. Finally we discuss the spiritual aspect because we want the girls to believe that they are as important as the boys, that they can be anything that they want to be and that they are in charge of their bodies.
S
cientific experts and authorities credit Sri Lanka’s success in eradicating Malaria from their island to numerous programmes and healthcare reforms. Deputy Director of Sri Lanka’s anti malaria campaign, Hemantha Herath, states the country focussed solely on battling Malaria for a quarter century. In 1999 they saw 264,549 cases reported, now the last reported case was in October 2012. A key factor to the reduction of cases was long term surveillance, Herath explains, “The campaign actively tracked citizens travelling from countries with a history of malaria transmission. In addition, we focused on
the security forces personnel, immigrants and tourists.” “Through a hotline, we added a 24x7 component to tracking and treatment. Patients were treated in isolation to contain spreading of the infection.” “Early detection and continuous treatment were key to success. For years, mobile clinics have been used reach people in all corners, a scheme intensified in former malaria affected regions.” The campaign to fight the disease was helped by over 3,000 health workers while public health workers such as midwives manned the frontlines by educating the public about Malaria. World Health Organisation (WHO) officially declared Sri
Lanka Malaria free on September 6th 2016 and commended the country’s strategies in healthcare control, “Mobile malaria clinics in high transmission areas meant that prompt and effective treatment could reduce the parasite reservoir and the possibility of further transmission.” Regional Director of WHO, Poonam Khetrapal Singh, said the country’s success contrasted with the middle of the 20th Century when Malaria was a ‘crisis’ and they were one of the worst affected by the disease. Malaria is a disease caused by a plasmodium parasite which is carried into the body by the bite of infected female anopheles mosquitoes.
Why do you think the stigma surrounding menstruation still persists? Until we openly discuss menstruation the stigmas will persist. We have to normalise the conversation around periods. It is something that happens to approx. half of the population but young girls are sworn to secrecy from a
We have developed an education programme and we believe that girls should be educated at the age of 9 with a standalone topic covering all aspects of menstruation to help create empowered young ladies. Boys should be taught to understand so that they can be empathetic of the girls that grow up around them. After winning Woman of the Year at the Asian Achievers Award, what’s the next step for Binti International? This award is recognition of the fact that every girl deserves dignity, period. 88% of the women in India use a rag. 27% of the world’s cervical cancer rate is in India due to poor menstrual hygiene. I hope that this helps us get closer to making the impact on the ground where it is needed more. If it inspires people to join us, volunteer or donate then that is the icing on the cake.
Please do check us out at binti.co.uk
WINNERS OF MULTIPLE AWARDS WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Call TODAY for Fantastic Rates in The Asian Today Newspaper & www.theasiantoday.com
CALL: 0121 314 2892
OR E-MAIL: sales@theasiantoday.com
47
48
OCTOBER 2016
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
INTERNATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL 180 Million People Strike Over Minimum Wage in India
THE ASIAN TODAY Russian Aid Convoy Attack
In what the White House calls an “enormous humanitarian tragedy” Russian war planes are said to have launched an air strike on an aid convoy. 18 out of 31 lorries were destroyed and about 20 civilians were killed including a senior official of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. Russia strongly denies any involvement stating that their planes were not responsible and the attack was caused by fire on the ground. Russia’s defence ministry stated, “There are no craters and the exterior of the vehicles do not have the kind of damage consistent with blasts caused by bombs dropped from the air.” Meanwhile the foreign ministry spokeswoman announced that the US had “no facts” to support their claim adding “We have nothing to do with this situation.” US officials continued further on the convoy attack saying that two Russian SU-24 attack aircraft were in the air over the convoy at the exact moment it was hit in Urum al-Kubra. They claim the attack was too precise to be carried out by the Syrian army. White House spokesman Ben Rhodes later said, “There only could have been two entities responsible, either the Syrian regime or the Russian government. “In any event, we hold the Russian government responsible for airstrikes in this space.”
New York Bombings
It is believed the New York bomber who injured 29 people with three bomb blasts became radicalised whilst studying in Pakistan. Ahmad Khan Rahami, who engineered his bombs using pressure cookers, flip phones, Christmas lights, ball bearings and explosive material, spent three weeks in Kuchlak, an area with a heavy Taliban presence where it is believed he was exposed to extremist ideas. Two years ago, upon his return, his father Mohammad Raham, called the FBI with concerns that his son was a terrorist though this was never followed up. Ahmed’s older brother, Mohammed, is also feared to have been radicalised in Pakistan after he was arrested for posting pro-ISIS propaganda.
• Central Trade Unions called the strike and saw thousands upon thousands of people protest against poor minimum wage
A
lmost 180 million people have called for a day long strike in protest of poor minimum wage and governmental antiworker ethics, which include Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s future plans to increase privatisation. The strike was called by the central trade unions and saw thousands upon thousands of banks, factories, offices and public transport close. The general secretary of the Centre of
the Indian Trade Unions said "The unprecedented response to the strike, despite the misinformation campaign unleashed by the BJP government aided by BMS, reflects the anger and resentment of the workers against the attacks on their working and living conditions by the neoliberal agenda of the BJP led government.” However, a senior labour ministry official said “The impact of the nation-wide strike has been minimal in most of the states.” They
claim the strike had little effect, with only minimal impact on day to day business. The strike was most effective in Kerala and Karnataka, two states run by the Left Democratic Front and Indian National Congress, oppositions to the ruling party. New Delhi and Mumbai, where India’s population and business is densest, was not affected that much. Transport, power, water, schools and banks all remained open.
Belgium brewery Apologises to Hindus for using Lord Ganesha as Beer Icon Belgium brewery, The Musketeers, has apologized for using Lord Ganesha as icon representing its Jack’s Precious IPA beer. Google translation of brewery’s (headquartered in Ursel, East Flanders) statement in Dutch, responding to criticism by Hindu community, published on their website, said: “The brewery wants to apologize when they unwittingly hurts a community” and added that the beer label “in no way intended to hurt anyone.”
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who spearheaded the protest against the Lord Ganesha’s image on Jack’s Precious IPA beer label, in a statement in Nevada today, welcomed the brewery’s apology, calling it a step in the positive direction. Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that in the same spirit, the brewery should immediately withdraw image of Lord Ganesha from the beer label, which was highly inappropriate. If the Musketeers
brewery continued to use Lord Ganesha icon on their beer, they were thinking of approaching the Commission on Marketing and Advertising of Belgium chapter of International Chamber of Commerce, Rajan Zed pointed out. Lord Ganesha’s image carrying chef knife in one hand and sausage like object on the other and brewery’s trade mark symbol on his head continued to be shown on Jack’s Precious IPA beer label on brewery’s website
today. Zed had said that inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees. Rajan Zed had stated that Lord Ganesha was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used in selling beer for mercantile greed. Moreover, linking Lord Ganesha with an alcoholic beverage was very
disrespectful. Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion in the world, with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled, Zed had noted. In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as a God of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking.
Jailed British Soldier Pleads for UK Government to bring him home • Nick Dunn one of six soliders detained in India
Nick Dunn, one of six former British soldiers, has appealed to the UK government to arrange for his release. Dunn and the other soldiers were arrested back in 2013 in India and jailed on weapons charges. The soldiers were on board an anti-piracy ship when they were caught with illegal weapons and detained. According to the coastguard, the ship had entered territorial waters and the soldiers were
accused of bringing weapons to jihadists. All six soldiers have denied any wrongdoing. Dunn, 30, spoke to The Sun at the Puzhal Cental Prison in Madras, saying: “It is mental torture to be thrown in jail for a crime you didn’t commit. If it wasn’t for our military training we would have fallen apart. “The Government needs to stand by us now like we stood by Queen and Country when we served.”
Describing the jail, Dunn says “The food is awful. We would starve if it wasn’t for emergency food packages sent from home.” Some of the soldiers have even suffered dysentery due to the poor conditions and lack of basic sanitation. A petition with over 372,000 signatures was given to Parliament, calling for their release. A foreign spokesperson said: “Our staff in India and the
UK remain in regular contact with all six men and are continuing to support them and their families, working to make sure their welfare is protected in prison. “We recognise what a difficult time this is for those involved. We cannot interfere with India’s independent legal system, just as other countries cannot interfere with ours, but we will continue efforts to make sure this case is resolved swiftly.”
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/THEASIANTODAY
HEALTH
THE ASIAN TODAY 1 in 10 will have diabetes by 2035 According to an analysis of current trends by Public Health England, one person in every ten will have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes by 2035, or 10.4% of the population. In 2015, they found that a shocking 9.4% of people aged 16 or over had diabetes, that’s 433,000 people, and that was just in the West Midlands alone. Currently there are a startling 3.8 million people across the UK that suffer from the disease, and the number is only set to increase. Figures showed that cases of diabetes have soared by 120,000 since last year. This correlates with an increase in obesity unsurprising given Type 2 Diabetes is linked to unhealthy lifestyles. Chris Askew, chief executive of Diabetes UK said earlier this year, “The need to tackle this serious health condition has never been so stark or so urgent.” He called for a “concerted effort led by the Government to take active steps to address the fact that almost two in every three people in the UK are overweight or obese and are therefore at increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.” PHE also suggest that 1 in 4 people who have diabetes do not know it yet
HEALTH
A
who is? Do you know where to go and get help and support to maintain independence, freedom of movement and just get out and about? In Birmingham, there are 90 guide dog owners with only 5% of these from BME communities, yet there are almost 30,000 people living with sight loss in the city. We are sure that there are many people who would benefit from contacting us but don’t because they don’t want a dog and are unaware of the other services we provide. We support people of all ages. We are not a dog charity, some of our services do not involve dogs at all. Our volunteer sighted guide scheme trains volunteers in how to guide someone, and carefully matches them to someone who needs to gain confidence to get out of the house, go to the shops, the gym, a social club or just a
49
Who is Up for the Cup? www.mitamistry.co.uk
Australian Drug Breaks Down Stage 4 Cancer
By: Mita Mistry
@mitamistry
and as such, are delayed in treating themselves or not getting treatment at all. This is extremely worrying for the NHS as if left unchecked, diabetes can lead to kidney disease, stroke, heart attacks and even foot amputation. Askew says, “Basic measures such as making healthy food cheaper and more accessible, introducing clearer food labelling and making it easier for people to build physical activity into their daily lives would have a profound influence.” Birmingham, Dudley, Herefordshire and Worcestershire have taken steps to deal with the rise by offering a service launched by PHE, the NHS and Diabetes UK. It aims to help those at risk of the disease and work to lower their risk.
An Australian drug that treats stage 4 cancer has been fast-tracked for approval in the US. The drug, called Venetoclax, is described as being ‘like taking panadol’ and attacks specific biological factors such as cell-structure mutations. Professor John Seymour who helped oversee the drug trials said “Cells, when they are born, are destined to die and cancer cells and particularly leukaemia cells delay that death by using a protein called BCL2 that stops the normal time of death. “Venetoclax works by specifically blocking the action of that BCL2 and
allows the cells to die in the way that they were destined to.” In the trials, four out of five patients had a positive results. One of those chosen to undertake a trial was Robert Olak who suffered chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Within a year, he was in remission. He told 7.30 It was amazing…It causes no side-effects. Nothing, absolutely nothing.” According to Cancer Research UK, one person dies from cancer every four minutes in the UK. If the drug is approved in the UK, it could increase cancer survival from 50% to higher.
People live with sight loss in all communities re you blind or partially sighted, do you know someone
OCTOBER 2016
walk. This often results in people going on to be able to go out on their own or sometimes applying for a guide dog in the future. Are you involved in a community support group, church or faith group? Is your service fully accessible for people with sight loss – are your staff and volunteers confident in supporting a visually impaired person to access your service? If not, why not contact us as we also provide training for organisations. Are you aware that assistance dogs are allowed access with their owners under the Equality Act 2010? If not, we can provide information for you to share with your employees and volunteers.
If you want to know more, please look on our website www.guidedogs.org.uk or contact the Birmingham Mobility Team email: birmingham@guidedogs.org.uk Tel: 01189 838784 (local rate)
If you have been wondering why Olympians are sporting round bruises that look like “love bites” don’t be alarmed. It’s called Cupping, a form of traditional Chinese medicine. But why have Olympians at the Rio Games embraced it widely? US swimmer Michael Phelps and many other elite athletes have been undergoing the traditional Chinese medicine of cupping to aid muscle recovery from tension, stiffness, pain and to improve the flow of energy boosting it for optimum performance which is a must for anyone wishing to compete at their peak. So what is cupping? Cupping is an ancient treatment dating over thousands of years from China and with early Egyptian sightings as far back as 1500 BC. Its therapeutic nature focuses on moving “congestion” such as stagnant blood, energy and body fluids, like lymphatic fluid. In Chinese Medicine stagnation or “stuck-ness” causes energy blockages usually manifesting as pain or poor wellbeing. Stagnation can be triggered by injury or stress because these stop energy flowing freely. Sadly, the nature of life is such that most people are faced with daily stresses but for one moment imagine the immense mental and physical stress Olympians are faced with, there is no surprise they turn to cupping to help reduce that. So what happens during a cupping session? Glass or plastic cups are placed on the area of the body that is affected by pain or stiffness to create a vacuum that draws toxins to the surface of the skin either by heat or air suction. This “suction effect” naturally stimulates the movement of blood to the external capillaries of the body. This promotes circulation, enhances metabolism, and drains toxins through activating the lymphatic and immune systems. Minor bruises like the ones many Olympians have been sporting may be left after a treatment. The bruises are either bright red or dark purple and actually give the practitioner diagnostic information about the persons health and overall wellbeing. Dark purple bruises usually indicate that blood flow is stagnated; the presence of muscle tightness and cold invasion, which ultimately means that energy, is depleted and needs replenishing in conjunction with acupuncture. Bright red marks indicate mild inflammation and there is less depletion in the body.
To read the full article please log onto our website:
www.theasiantoday.com
50
OCTOBER 2016
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
Fashion & Beauty Correspondent: Sara Khan Twitter: @sarakblog
FASHION & BEAUTY
Facebook: /sarakblog website: www.sarakblog.com
The London Fashion Week Photo Diary FOR MORE FASHION EXCLUSIVES, STAY TUNED TO WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
Unique Beauty Life Hacks to Save Your Life FRIZZY BABY HAIR?
SPLAT THE SPOT!
Spray some hairspray onto a stiff, clean toothbrush and brush those babies back into place!
Running low on Clearasil?
BRUISING BLUES? Dab some mouthwash over the bruise to help minimize any purple tinges.
Dab any of the following on the spot to reduce redness and inflammation: toothpaste, sudocreme, full fat yoghurt (yum!) EYELASH CURLER GONE A’CRUSING?
You’re a spoon in! Curl your lashes against the curve of a spoon. Bonus: use the spoon curve to trace the wing of your eyeliner! HEAT UP YOUR MAKE UP! If you don’t use your fingers to apply your make up, there are other ways to get those heat benefits. Simply blast your make up brush with a hair dryer for a few seconds before putting your make up on it.
A
t this time of the year, you will hear about the surge of fashion events taking place inspired by London Fashion Week (LFW), which takes place in September showcasing future trends and designer collections. Although one reason we all really love London Fashion Week is the secret fashion shows we don’t hear about and multicultural labels that grace the runway. At The Asian Today, we like to make sure you get the exclusives and we wanted to share the upcoming multicultural labels and celebrate British fashion. And the only way to do it justice is in pictures and in my very own LFW photo diary.
FASHION & BEAUTY
OCTOBER 2016
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
51
DAL
GET FIT WITH
D H A L I W A L Dal Dhaliwal is UK’s first Indian Female Health and Fitness Coach to launch a private fitness gym. She is also a Health and Fitness TV Presenter. Dal has been working in the wellness Industry since 1998. She will teach you strategies to overcome obstacles and develop a positive mental attitude, and will share with you methods on how you too can follow a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise, correct nutrition and wellbeing.
HIJABS STORM THE SHOW AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
Are Abs Made In the Kitchen?
Indonesian designer receives standing ovation for hijab clad models
W
ith islamophobia running rampart and burkinis banned left, right and centre, there has never been a better time to showcase the true beauty of Islamic culture. And how better to showcase that beauty than with a fashion show? A collection at New York Fashion Week, the most prestigious fashion event of the year, featured a series of hijab clad models in stunning greens, glittering golds and dazzling whites. Designer Anniesa Hasibuan, Indonesian, has been praised for her designs and her bold decision. Her collection was hailed as a success, not just for colours, textures and styles, but their historic statement that yes, hijabs can be part of the mainstream. Hasibuan was inspired by Jakarta, describing her designs as reflecting the ‘rich cultural diversity’ of Indonesia. She received a standing ovation at the end of her show, Islamic fashion is slowly creeping into the mainstream, with D&G releasing a line of
luxurious hijabs and abayas and H&M featuring muslim models donning hijabs too. Fierce debate has sparked over whether traditional Islamic dressburkas, hijabs and niqabs- work to oppress women or liberate them, allowing them to pursue their religion as they wish. Hasibuan's new line comes as part of an informal movement in Islamic culture: modern and modest. This new movement, featuring bright colours and eyecatching detailing woven into traditional dress allows women to remain modest whilst still expressing themselves. Indonesia especially is seen as an innovator for women's fashion, which comes as no surprise given its vast multiculturalism and interwoven blend of western and eastern values. Putri Soediono, an Indonesian Singapore-based designer, said: "Indonesian fashion has become more diverse and we've become more confident in taking our own culture and what we've grown up with into our influences."
Designer: Anniesa Hasibuan
Pores and Exfoliators….how do they work? Pores, which appear as small holes in our skin, are the opening of hair follicles. Think of them like a small tube and at the bottom of that tube, is a sebaceous gland. The age old myth is that pores can open and close, which is why sometimes they look huge other times barely visible. But in order to open and close, pores would need muscles which they don’t have. So what’s going on? The problem lies deep down the hair follicle, at the sebaceous gland. This gland produces oil which naturally fills up the pore. However when exposed to excess material, such as grease, dirt, make up and air pollutants,
ours pores can end up getting extra clogged. The pore is forced to widen due to the extra material, creating the appearance of a large pore. Over time, the pore will begin to blacken, forming a blackhead. This is where exfoliators come in. Exfoliators use harsh particles to dig into our pores, clearing them out, and allowing the pore to retake its natural shape. Exfoliating is harsh on the skin, so only exfoliate a max three times a week. Too often, and it’ll strip the natural oils in the face, leading to dryness, redness and temporary wrinkles.
You often hear people say abs are made in the kitchen? Or you may have come across this in a publication. So is this a fact? Are Abs really made in the kitchen? It is important to understand that there are four components to whether you are able to have flat abs. These are; genetics, your body fat percentage, muscularity and your diet. Doing sit-ups and crunches alone isn’t really going to achieve a flat stomach or six-pack quickly. If you have a layer of fat covering up your stomach then you are wasting your time in the long run doing all those sit ups. You need to lose the layer of body fat in the stomach region to expose your abdominal wall. The shape of your abs and insertions of your abdominal muscles are to a large extent determined by genetics, your body fat percentage and your diet. What you eat has a direct effect on how much—and where you store fat. Eating foods that are less likely to contribute to fat gain are essential if you want visible abs. The foods you consume and your diet will be the deciding factor when it comes to a flat, defined stomach or an abdominal wall that’s hiding behind belly fat. Another factor to consider is to controlling insulin when you’re attempting to build your abs. Therefore correct food choices are very important. No amount of exercise will get you a flatter stomach if your diet is bad. Focus on eating healthy foods and cut down on junk food and sugar. Avoid foods which also have added sugar in them. Sugar causes insulin to spike which slows down your metabolism. This combined with those added calories encourages fat storage – in particular around your mid-section. A diet rich in protein will help reduce overall belly fat. Cut out refined carbs i.e. white bread, pastas, potatoes, and white rice. Switch to whole grain breads and grains. Eat
raw foods, such as vegetables these take longer to digest and will keep you fuller longer. Similar to the fact that some food can make you gain weight and increase body fat some will promote fat loss. When you consume protein rich foods they produce a thermic effect. This plays an essential role in stimulating your metabolism - the thermic role of food encourages the body to burn more calories to digest and absorb it. It’s recommended to avoid sugar because it has a very low Thermic effect. Protein has much higher thermic effects. Water Intake is very important for health in general and to lose weight. Replace all regular soda and sugared drinks with water. Try drinking fresh lemon water - this naturally speeds up your metabolism and makes a very refreshing, healthy drink. Reduce Sodium Intake. Salt can lead to bloating in the belly. If you are worried your food will taste bland then garnish your food with herbs, spices. Try flavouring food with a little fresh tomato salsa or cayenne pepper - which boosts metabolism. Lack of sleep can lead to stressful days. This in turn can lead to erratic eating patterns, emotional eating, and increase in appetite and binge eating. So ensure you get enough sleep. Therefore, to conclude it’s definitely true that one of the deciding factors in achieving those flat abs is largely to do with your diet.
YOU CAN TWEET DAL YOUR QUESTIONS TWITTER: @DALDHALIWALPT FIND HER ON FACEBOOK: /DAL DHALIWAL WWW.BODYPERFECTPT.COM
52
OCTOBER 2016
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
Edmunds Restaurant, Brindleyplace set to relaunch with new offering as Edmunds Bistro de Luxe
The team behind Edmunds have announced that following extensive research from their diners and loyal customers, they are set to make Edmunds more accessible to more customers at more times, offering a wider choice, with more flexible diverse menus. 'Edmunds Bistro de Luxe' will launch next week, focusing on classic French country cuisine, cooked in a modern style, whilst showcasing the 'Best of British' ingredients. Celebrating the individual regions of France, the new dishes will be priced individually and guests will be able to enjoy the new menus lunch and dinner. However each dish will now be individually priced. "Our focus will remain on quality" commented Gilles Larroque, Restaurant Manager "However our customers tell us that they want to dine out more often and not just for a treat or special occasions." Gilles says, "Our regular Edmunds customers who still wish to indulge can embark on a gastronomic journey that is our "Menu De Luxe' tasting style menu which will present dishes from each of the regions of France, matched with the regional wines. It is all very exciting for the team." Head Chef Didier Philpot commented, "My passions are seasonality, sourcing and flavours. In my home country of France the regions showcase the food of their land, the "Terroir" which influences the ingredients
FOOD
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
and flavours of every dish, sourcing the perfect ingredients from wherever they are best, and recreating those dishes for the modern palate is what I do best." The new offering from Edmunds Bistro de Luxe, comes straight off the back of the restaurant receiving two AA rosettes. The AA rosette scheme is a long established nationwide way of recognising varying levels of cooking. The rosettes are based off one visit to the restaurant and the entire meal, including the overall experience, is assessed. The team were delighted that the consistent quality of their food and service were recognised by the AA. http://www. edmundsrestaurant.co.uk Two more fabulous new venues by Living Ventures have just opened in the city. Gusto and The Alchemist in the Grand Hotel building along Colmore Row. Inspired by the traditional grand cafes of Europe, Gusto is all about making the everyday exquisite. The ambience of the restaurant is a glow with good vibes. The bar area is banked by high tables and there are two further dining rooms with comfortable furniture packed in under lowlighting. Their motto is “If you’re going to do anything, do it with taste. And do it with style. After all, life is a gift; live it with Gusto every day.” It’s a great addition to the city and opening week has been packed out already.
Get more food news on twitter @deliciouspr & on the web : www.msdeliciouspr.blogspot.com
FOOD & TRA
Mr Singh’s Fabulous T Fiery Cookbook!
o celebrate the release of Mr Singh’s Fabulous Fiery Cookbook, we sat down with Kuldip Singh, just one component of the saucy Singhs, to find out about the family, the new recipe book and most importantly the food!
PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN CAREY
Tell us about the family and how you all got into cooking. Like many in the UK, my family is originally from East Africa and came to the UK in the 60's. The food we have grown up enjoying has been a mix of English, Kenyan and Punjabi flavours. Growing up, our family gatherings were always huge, busy affairs with food being cooked in the house and also on the BBQ. We were exposed to market shopping, spices, raw ingredients, food preparation, tasting and eating together at a young age. This became our way of life and as we grew older, we learnt to make our own food and developed our own tastes with food being at the heart of our family.
What’s the story behind Mr Singh’s Hot Punjabi Chilli Sauce? In 1985, my father created his chilli sauce to go with his famed Kenyan style kebabs. The sauces on the market at the time did not suit my father's tastes and after some experimenting,
he had a "eureka!" moment - Mr Singh's Original Chilli Sauce was born. A few weeks later, I saw an advert for the BBC Good Food Show and decided to book a stand. I asked my family to help as I needed to make 1000 bottles of sauce to sell. Thankfully everyone said yes and for the next 9 days, we made chilli sauce in our shed. At the event, we sold out and this was when Mr Singh's was born. Today, the brand is stocked by Selfridges, Ocado, Booths, Asda, Sainsbury's and over 450 local shops. We even export to Hungary and Kenya. We have been on TV, radio, newspapers and magazines including Vogue! All from a garden shed. What are you hoping people will get out of this recipe book? A sense of connection and happiness when they read our book and cook our recipes. Many Asian families in the UK share our East African heritage and will be able to connect to our story. We have been open about our lives, with personal pictures (including my "puppy fat" years!) I hope these images and stories will give people happiness when they think of their own special moments. I also hope people will get a sense of excitement when getting into the kitchen and making delicious food for their loved ones- can we get
an invite? Which of the recipes is a particular favourite of yours? Personally, my mum’s recipes are my favourite. They have a lot of meaning and are often simple to make. There is a "Boga Sandwich" recipe which tells the story of how it reminds my mum of her time smelling the wet earth after it rained in Kenya. I used the book to learn how to make paranthas! I had never made them until I read how easy they were - of course, mum's are always better! What do you think makes Indian food so distinct from everything else? I think Indian food is distinctive because it is so diverse. We overlook how large a country India is. If you look at Europe, we have Italian, English, Spanish, German and Swedish food. In India we have Gujarti, Keralan, Goan and Punjabi food (to name a few). Because we share our food, ingredients, spices and cultures, it creates a diverse range of foods which are unlike any other on earth. How does cooking help bond the family? Eating is one of the few opportunities to stop, breathe and enjoy. Food has
the power to bring people together. How many times have you dropped what you are doing because mum made your favourite meal? Once you start cooking together, creating together, it develops meaning because everyone understands what it has taken to create the meal. And when it tastes great, nothing compares! What’s the next step for the family/business? The next step for us is to do our best and get our book to No. 1 on the best sellers list! Our next goal is to get Mr. Singh's to become a £10m brand within 3-5 years. We recently held a successful crowdfunding campaign which will help us really grow the business. We will be going to America in 2017 and our social media videos are becoming increasingly popular, with our last one "The Spice Boys" reaching 1m views. We will be producing more videos to reach more people.
TRAVEL
SUBSCRIBE TO THEASIANTODAY ON YOUTUBE TO GET THE LATEST VIDEO CONTENT
AVEL Birmingham Airport’s
£100m overhaul
Birmingham Airport intends to invest £100 million into their transport hub to improve customer experience. Focus will be held on the baggage screening system in particular which will be replaced with advanced x-ray technology. Spokespeople for the airport stated this would double the hourly baggage processing capacity. The car park will also be improved with a new drop off car park that will be free for 30 minutes and connected to the terminal entrance with a covered walkway. The current car parks will also be upgraded and a new surface car park will be introduced. We will also see double the self-service bag drop kiosks as well as the installation of digital check-in intended to ramp up efficiency. Chief executive Paul Kehoe stated, “We have seen enormous growth at Birmingham Airport over the last few years and we are currently welcoming 11 million passengers a year through our terminal.
“We’re therefore making this investment to enhance operational efficiency and improve the passenger journey in time for the summer 17 season, when we’ll welcome 15 new routes with Jet2 and anticipate in excess of 12 million passengers over the next year. “Looking more long-term, Birmingham Airport is in a unique position as, in ten years’ time, it will become the UK’s only HS2-connected airport, growing the catchment into London with high-speed trains and serving Birmingham from the capital in circa 30 minutes. “We’re therefore working on our master plan to look at options which maximise the benefits of HS2 for Birmingham, the wider region, airlines and passengers. “This will allow us to scope out how we can create a truly integrated transport network that can take the pressure off the overheated London system and transform our facility from a 25 million potential passenger site to 60 million-plus in the future.”
53
American Airlines Halting Birmingham to New York Flights
A
merican Airlines set up direct daily flights from Birmingham to JFK airport in New York last May but has now decide to stop all flights from January 6th. A spokesperson for the airlines explained: “American constantly evaluates our network to ensure we are maximizing our fleet and profitability while matching customer demand.
Many factors influence network planning decisions – route performance is monitored over time to ensure that American is better positioning itself for long-term success against global competition. It is for this reason the difficult decision has been made to cease American’s Birmingham service to New York. We are working directly with our Birmingham-based colleagues….to
determine employment preference and employees will be given full consideration if qualified and eligible for open positions.” Birmingham Airport has said it is ‘disappointed’ by the decision but added they were “optimistic that another carrier will fill this gap shortly. "There remains a strong demand from both the Midlands and North American market wanting to access these important regions and cities."
Museum of Musical history
The latest tourist destination is the Isfahan Music Museum which is a homage to the history of Iran’s love of music. Founded and financed by local musicians Mehrdad Jeihooni and Shahriar Shokrani in 2015, it is home to over 300 instruments from Iran. Many still retain their original form. Instruments include the kamancheh, a late ancestor of the contemporary violin and the tar, reportedly the instrument that
came before the guitar. You can also view animal-skin drums, reed flutes (ney), camel bells and a beautiful harp. All instruments are laid elegantly in displays with English and Farsi descriptions. After a guided tour you are also free to try some instruments for yourself. The museum has since received two awards, one from the International Council of Museums (Icom) for the best private museum in Iran.
Specialists in
LOW COST FLIGHTS TO PAKISTAN!
I just had a pizza from Pizza Haq w: www.pizzahaq.co.uk t: 0121 707 1122
OCTOBER 2016
a: 1729 Coventry Road Yardley, Birmingham, B26 1DT
• 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
OCTOBER 2016
54
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
THE ASIAN TODAY
TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY
Student Invention to Save Millions of Lives Student’s mobile mini fridge estimated to save 1.5 million lives
W
ill Broadway, an industrial design and technology graduate from Loughborough University has come up with an invention that could save millions of lives. His ‘Isobar’ is designed to keep vaccines at their ideal temperature, allowing for the transport of such vaccines in conflict, disaster or developing countries. The Isobar won the annual James Dyson Award which tasks students with designing anything that solves a problem.
For Will, that problem was the safe transportation of temperature dependant vaccines. Many vaccines today don’t reach those intended due to perishing along the way, whether due to freezing or boiling temperatures. The Isobar works by heating ammonia and water to create ammonia vapours which are then released into the main chamber of the isobar. This keep the vaccine cool and works as a mobile mini fridge. It is estimated to save 1.5 million lives.
The 22-year old told Newsbeat, "I make things every day for people who have everything. I wanted to make something for people who have next to nothing. It should be a basic human right, in my opinion, to have a vaccination. He has no plans to patent his remarkable invention, adding, “Medical products have such a big mark-up that it's unreasonable for people around the world to purchase these items…If it is the best thing available, then it should be out there saving lives."
Replacements of the Galaxy Note 7 have been shipped out after major battery flaw Samsung have announced that 500,000 replacement Galaxy Note 7 handsets will be sent to US stores. This was following the controversial recall of the devices after reports in the US and South Korea of phones exploding or catching fire during or after charging. The devices were immediately recalled and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission carried out its own official recall for all Note 7 phones sold prior September 15th 2016. The replacement devices will cover half of the recalled 1 million devices. New phones will feature a green battery icon in the top right hand corner indicating it is a safe and new model. However not all of the defected
• 22 year old invention to save millions of lives
Note 7 phones have been returned, so Samsung will release another software update to recalled devices encouraging their owners to exchange them. When installed, users will receive a notice to shut down their device and exchange it. The notice will appear frequently when the user turns on or charges their phone. • Samsung recalled devices immediately
India’s Smartphone Slump Google has stated they are not worried about slow sales growth in India for smartphones, as pace was bound to die down because “the phase of fast, urban adoption was over.” The challenge now however is to attract the money-tight, less aware users who wish to be addressed by quality devices that are cheaper. Vice President of Product Management at Google Caesar Sengupta made the announcement and is responsible for taking their services to the masses. “I don’t know why people are surprised by it,” Sengupta said of the sales forecast. “The reality is, in every market you have a curve of users who can afford products and services, and in India that curve drops out pretty fast and then becomes a long tail.” But he is optimistic sales growth will happen, “But the rate at which it will happen will slow down because we’re done with the easy users now.” Three research hubs, International Data Corporation, CyberMedia Research and Counterpoint Technology Market Research, lessened their smartphone sales figures for 2016 by 17%, lowering hopes for smartphone sales in India.
Knowledge of these figures may have spurred Google’s projects such as Internet Saathi, the Internet literacy drive and YouTube Go.
BUSINESS
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
THE ASIAN TODAY
OCTOBER 2016
BUSINESS
Miss Macaroon Expansion Supported By BCRS Business Loans To discover more about BCRS Business Loans or to submit an enquiry form simply visit www.bcrs.org.uk or call 0345 313 8410.
A secret key ingredient for the growth of a Birmingham based producer of bespoke macaroons has been revealed as leading non-bank business lender, BCRS Business Loans. Miss Macaroon, which was set up by social entrepreneur and trained pastry chef Rosie Ginday, has been able to expand after securing a loan from BCRS Business Loans. The high-end patisserie specialises in producing distinctive macaroons for both private and corporate clients. “I required additional funding to establish a retail arm of Miss Macaroon which we saw as an important step in building a strong brand presence, said Ms Ginday. “These plans almost didn’t materialise when I was unable to secure the necessary funding from a number of traditional and social lenders. Thankfully BCRS Business Loans understood our needs and stepped in to support us with a business loan.” BCRS Business Loans is a not-for-profit business lender that supports the growth of viable Midlands-based SMEs with loans from £10,000 to £150,000. With dedicated Business Loan Funds that have been especially designed to meet the needs of local businesses, BCRS’ aim is
to ‘leave no viable business unsupported.’ “The service we received by BCRS and our loans officer Lakhbir Singh was second to none. The process was fast and efficient, which was essential in meeting the deadline for our match funding bid. “At the time of approaching BCRS I was worried, so it was great to work with someone who was willing to meet us halfway and wanted to help make a difference. Our plan is to use the funding to open three new retail outlets this financial year – both in Birmingham and further afield. Each retail store will require additional employees and will create new training opportunities. “Miss Macaroon has come a long way. We have grown from producing 500 macaroons per day to over 7,000 per day at present. We are also the only patisserie in the world that is able to pantone match the colours of our macaroons, which has proved incredibly popular with corporate customers, attracting the likes of John Lewis, PWC and Karl Lagerfeld”, concluded Ms Ginday. There is so much more to Miss Macaroon than meets the eye. The social enterprise business was born from Ms Ginday’s passion for both premium
quality food and providing vital employment and training opportunities for young offenders and care-leavers, resulting in their aim to ‘change the world, one macaroon at a time.’ Lakhbir Singh, Regional Manager at BCRS Business Loans, said: “Miss Macaroon is having an impressive impact in the local community and has bright plans for the future, so we were delighted to support Rosie’s expansion plans. Paul Kalinauckas, Chief Executive of BCRS Business Loans, added: “Similar to Miss Macaroon’s social aim of providing employment opportunities for young people, BCRS are motivated by the social impacts our business loans have on the local economy. As it stands we have lent over £30 million and have helped create or safeguard 7,400 jobs. “We understand the struggle local SMEs have securing funding. We believe in local businesses so, with a relationship-based approach to lending, our Loans Officer will come out to meet loan applicants to discuss individual needs,” concluded Paul. To discover more about BCRS Business Loans or to submit an enquiry form simply visit www. bcrs.org.uk or call 0345 313 8410.
55
56
OCTOBER 2016
ABCC Shortlist Unveiled The shortlist has been unveiled for the prestigious Asian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) annual dinner and awards in Birmingham, which takes place next month. The sell-out event features government minister and Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid as guest speaker and takes place on 19 November at the International Convention Centre. The awards has six categories, including ‘Outstanding Business Woman of the Year’, which is being sponsored by Rational FX.
Shortlisted are: Kavita Bachada, of PEL Solicitors, Kavita Parmer, of Word 360 Language Services, and Shaz Manir, of Amirah Foundation. Other categories include ‘Outstanding Large Business of the Year’, sponsored by Birmingham Airport. Shortlisted are Al Rayan Bank, Glide Utilities and Marks Sattin. The ‘Outstanding Contribution of Society’ category, sponsored by West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association, is being contested by Accord Group, Chase
Terrace Technology College and Penny Appeal. ‘Outstanding Start-Up of the Year’ has a shortlist of Big Events Co, Mango Delivery Ltd and Snapify Ltd, and ‘Outstanding Small Business of the Year’ will see a winner emerge from Deepalis Vegetarian Restaurant, I Will Solicitors Ltd and Word 360 Language Services. The final category is ‘Customer Service of the Year.’ Shortlisted for this are Al Rayan Bank, PEL Solicitors and Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining.
ABCC president Saqib Bhatti (pictured) said: “Once again we have been inundated with an exceptional array of talent from across the region. “It really goes to show how strong business is in the region and what we have to offer and I congratulate all those who were shortlisted and I wish all those who applied all the best.” The dinner sold out months in advance, testimony to its prestigious place in Birmingham’s business calendar. The appearance of high-profile government minister Mr Javid is another coup for the event. Mr Javid was elected MP for Bromsgrove six years ago, and prior to that, worked in business and finance, where he became a vice-president at Chase Manhattan Bank at just 25. He later moved to Deutsche Bank in London, where he became senior managing director. In government, Mr Javid became a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee before being appointed Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in 2014, and Business Secretary a year later. In his current role, he is responsible for the overall leadership and strategic direction of the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Connect, Support, Grow’ theme for Expo speakers The event, which takes place on 14 October, includes a major programme of speakers who will address each element of the main theme. Qasim Majid, founder and CEO of Jewellery Quarter web firm WowZone, will speak about ‘connect’, HS2 supply chain manager Robert Slater will cover ‘grow’, and author, speaker and strategist Moe Nawaz will discuss ‘support’. Mr Majid’s address is titled ‘Connect your business to new opportunities through social media’. WowZone is a specialist digital agency that helps businesses leverage and maximise their online presence, using a variety of communication strategies. Following from a successful appearance on Channel 4’s ‘The Job Interview’ (see last month’s ‘Chamberlink’), Mr Majid will speak on the theme of using the media to raise an individual’s personal profile and also the profile of their business, through traditional methods and social media. The sessions will offer tangible tips and advice on how businesses small and large
ABCC
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
should plan and implement their social media activity as part of an overall marketing/business plan. Robert Slater will address the audience on ‘Growing your business through HS2’. HS2 Ltd have hosted various roadshow events across the UK, meeting companies interested in exploring the thousands of supply chain opportunities created by HS2, the planned high-speed railway which will connect Birmingham to London in 49 minutes. Mr Slater who will be talking about all the opportunities available through the project, and will also address the scale and timing of contracts and what a business needs to do to bid for anything that it is interested in. Opportunities will be created across many business sectors, as the project will require a wide range of capabilities and suppliers of all sizes. These will include a full range of works, goods and services to deliver major packages and support, including design services, professional services, enabling works contracts, main works, civil engineering contracts
(tunnels, portals, shafts, surface route), stations, railway systems, rolling stock. Those who should attend this seminar should include suppliers from a range of industries that can be part of Europe's biggest mega project, infrastructure subcontractors, and engineering and manufacturing companies, who are keen to join the HS2 supply chain. Finally, Moe Nawaz, will speak on the theme of ‘Why some leaders are more successful than others?’ Mr Nawaz is a mentor and strategic advisor to FTSE 100 companies and is the founder of various non-profit trusts, ‘Feeding Millions’ and ‘The Penny Meal’. The speaker provides support and encouragement to businesses in the hope of accelerating progress and sustainability, and in addition he delivers real value that always gives back to the community. Mr Nawaz works with entrepreneurs, CEOs and others to develop their strengths and to help them thrive and dominate their markets. Using rigorous competitive analytics, tactical advice and
intelligent financial strategies, he instigates transformational change and delivers tangible results. Having already increased revenues in excess of £760m for existing clients, Mr Nawaz ensures that as these individuals grow, in turn they endorse the progress of others. The Autumn Expo, sponsored by Qatar Airways, follows on from previous successful events. This event is being held at Amplify at the Barclaycard Arena, beginning at 10am on 14 October. It is free to all businesses. Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “We are thrilled to be taking our popular Expo event to Amplify, at the Barclaycard Arena. The event follows on from the last Expo, at Vox at the National Exhibition Centre, which was an amazing success. “We have another fantastic event planned this time, giving delegates an opportunity to network and also take advantage of a seminar programme focused around business growth." To book your place call the Chamber events team on 0121 607 177
Chamber launches International Hub
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has launched a new hub, bringing together its extensive range of international trade support services. The International Business Hub is a one-stop-shop for all importers and exporters, from established businesses to those who are considering trading internationally for the first time. As well as being able to tap into the expertise of international trade advisers, businesses can seek assistance with export documentation, market information and contacts, language and translation services and foreign currency exchange. The International Business Hub also provides international trade training through a series of events and seminars, as well as organising marketing visits and exhibitions overseas. Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “We are excited to be launching the Greater Birmingham International Business Hub at the Chamber. “We currently offer a wide range of international related services, from export support and guidance via our Department of International Trade and EEN teams, an export documentation service, a translations team offering services in 170 languages, as well as a great foreign exchange service for Chamber members, in addition to running the regional British American Business Council.
“The new International Hub allows us to link our services more seamlessly for local businesses and provide additional value and benefits. “Post-Brexit, doing business internationally has never been so important, so this is the perfect time for us to refine our existing international offerings and create a hub that will allow us to do more for businesses in the region.” Businesses of all sizes can contact the Hub’s international trade advisers for free advice and support, no matter which country they are looking to export to. Our advisers have developed particular expertise in South Asia, North America, and Europe. In addition, the Hub is able to offer advice, certify, legalise and issue the documents required for exporting. Any business looking to export needs up to date market information and contacts – and the Hub can use its global network to facilitate introductions to overseas buyers, suppliers and trade partners. The Hub’s expertise in language services allows businesses to communicate effectively nationally and internationally. It can handle 120 different language combinations, covering all industries and subject areas. And thanks to a new partnership between the Chamber and Rational FX, the International Business Hub can now offer foreign exchange services to local businesses. For more information, call 0121 450 4205.
OCTOBER 2016
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @THEASIANTODAY
ADVERT
MIDLANDS SHOW IS A HUGE SUCCESS! On the 21st September, The National Landlord Investment Show held their 41st show since May 2013 at West Bromwich Albion Football Club. The event saw over 40 companies exhibiting and had over 500 landlords, investors & property professionals through the door. Steven Hanbury Director of the show comments “The show was a massive success and we are delighted to announce that we will be returning to the Midlands in 2017. Thank you to Asian Today Newspaper who were a Media Partner of the Show and we look forward to working with you next year.
OUR SHOWS GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
MEET KEY SUPPLIERS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS
GET EXPERT ADVICE ON INVESTMENT, TAX, FINANCE & MORE
GET ADVICE AT FREE SEMINARS FROM PROPERTY EXPERTS
MEET KEY CONTACTS AT THE NETWORKING EVENT
GET UP TO 5 CPD POINTS TOWARDS YOUR ACCREDITATION
OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
MANCHESTER
MANCHESTER UNITED FC - THURSDAY 13TH OCTOBER
LONDON
LONDON OLYMPIA - TUESDAY 8TH NOVEMBER
For more information about our shows please visit the website or call a member of their team today on 0208 656 5075
WWW.LANDLORDINVESTMENTSHOW.CO.UK
57
58
OCTOBER 2016
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
THE ASIAN TODAY Footballers’ Social Housing Project
PROPERTY
PROPERTY
£2bn Birmingham-Chinese Housing Agreement
Star footballers who grew up on council estates now want to give back to the community, by persuading housing investors to build housing centred around sporting facilities and communities. The players plan to reveal a £400 million housing development scheme, with 1,300 homes on a 22-hectare site in Houghton Regis, near Luton, partnered with Central Bedfordshire council and funded by Aviva Investors. Facilities will include a leisure centre, swimming pool and a sports academy where one will be training children once a month. A crèche will also be included. The three players teamed up to create the Legacy Foundation to encourage private investors to contribute to the housing project.
C
ESTAbLISHED for over 20 yeaRs
ity council leader John Clancy has agreed a deal with Country Garden, a Chinese housing developer, to invest and build in Birmingham in a move that could be worth £2bn to Birmingham’s economy. Country Garden, based in Guangdong, is to look into large-scale investment opportunities in Greater Birmingham, focus on developing in the surrounding areas of HS2 and work on developing housing. Some of the areas of interest are Curzon Street Eastside and Icknield Port
Loop (Ladywood). Clansy said: “The landscape has inevitably changed post-Brexit and Birmingham is already out of the starting blocks. "That's why I'm here selling our city to many of China's leading investors. This agreement is about bringing good jobs and quality homes to Birmingham… "Bringing this level of investment and experience to Birmingham would be a massive economic boost to the region's businesses, skills base and families. It's about bringing new, big capital spend to the city, quickly.”
The Property Generation Gap
ConveyanCing speCialists We have experienced and expertise to ensure that your property transaction goes smoothly as possible. We will help you in: Residential Sale & Purchase Commercial Sale & Purchase Re-Mortgage Leases & Tenancy Agreements
Contact Rukhsana directly on: 0121 777 7864 or email: rukhsana@jrjones.biz OFFER: Mention THEASIANTODAY and receive a 10% Discount on your fees.
We also assist in the following: • Immigration Law • Family Law • Criminal Law • Housing • Welfare Benefits • Notary Public Services • Apostille Services
www.jrjonessolicitors.com mail@jrjones.biz 614 Stratford Road • Sparkhill Birmingham •B11 4AP
High property prices and rents are forcing family generations apart The Intergenerational Foundation revealed research claiming that the UKs reported housing crisis is affecting people at various ages where young people move into cities and older home owners are left alone in the suburbs. The neighbourhoods where more than half the population is 50-years-old and over has risen substantially since 1991.
While IF co-founder Angus Hanton said just five percent of people living in the same area as someone under 18 are over 65-years-old. “This is hugely damaging to intergenerational relations. It weakens the bonds between the generations and leads to a lack of understanding of, and empathy for, other generations,” he added. “We believe that the
housing crisis is driving this trend, with older generations enjoying either rural or leafier suburban living, while young people are concentrated in rental properties in the centre of towns and cities.” Additionally, pressure has been mounting on young, aspirational home owners even after the Brexit vote which many thought would lessen house price inflation.
MOTORING
MOTORING
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
OCTOBER 2016
59
IN THE FAST LANE WITH THE ASIAN TODAY
LOOKING TO SELL YOUR NUMBER PLATE? LOOK NO FURTHER! CALL 0121 314 2892 FOR GREAT AD RATES!
Jaguar XE Brings £100m Investment to Castle Bromwich
Insurance Forces Teenagers to Veer Off Road for Good
Booming insurance prices and exorbitant driving lesson fees are forcing teenagers and young drivers to forego driving, learning to drive and buying cars. Drivers typically get their provisional license at sixteen and take their lessons between the ages of seventeen to twenty, however in the last few years there has been a sharp decline in the number of young people signing up for driving lessons. Young men are
J
aguar XE is to slowly transfer production from its current base in Solihull to its Castle Bromwich site. The move will see Castle Bromwich take over manufacturing of the luxury XE car. Currently, the XF, F-TYPE and XJ are already manufactured at the Castle Bromwich plant. The latest investment means Jaguar has now put in more than £500 million to
Castle Bromwich in the past two years. According to Jaguar Land Rover, the company has seen a 72% increase in sales since 2015. Jaguar Land Rover's executive director of manufacturing, Wolfgang Stadler, said: "Jaguar Land Rover has invested £3.5 billion in its UK plants since 2010 - more than any other manufacturer. "The investment to create two
centres of excellence in aluminium vehicle manufacturing, utilising shared technologies was deliberate, giving us the flexibility to quickly respond to consumer demand for our growing range of products. "With global sales rising year on year and a number of exciting product actions in the pipeline, our UK manufacturing teams have much to be optimistic about."
reportedly less likely to pick up lessons than any time since the 1960s. The number of women likely to drive has also fallen, though less dramatically than men. Financially, young people are currently in the worst spot of any generation. University fees are at an all-time high, employment and fair wage are severely lagging, and young people have strikingly less spending income than their parents would have had at their age.
Company car drivers are the mortorway's worst speeders
Drivers Caught on Mobiles Twice to Lose License The law has been tightened on reckless drivers using their phones whilst driving. The new law means that those caught using their mobiles twice whilst at the wheel will lose their license. Getting caught once will results in 6 points on your license. Twice and it’s gone. On the spot fines are also being doubled from £100 to £200. For new drivers, who need only 6 points within 2 years, it means getting caught just once means waving away their license. The tough sanctions have
been brought in to tackle the public perception that driving whilst using a mobile device is no cause for concern. According to research by the RAC, using a phone whilst driving has increased from 8% to a staggering 33% since 2014. Chris Grayling, the minister for transport, said using mobiles whilst driving is as dangerous as drink-driving. “We all have a part to play in ensuring our family and friends do not use their phones while driving,” he said.
An RAC Report on Motoring has revealed that the company car drivers are the most notorious when it comes to speed, with a whopping 9 in 10 of those speeding on the motorway being company car drivers. Last year, 81% of them admitted to speeding. This year’s, it’s shot up to 88%. In comparison, only 26% of
private motorists speed on motorways. Debate has sparked over whether to increase the speed limit to 80mph. According to the RAC, company speeders are 71% in favour of the increase. Understandable given over 50% of speeders drive at 80mph, while 7% of company speeders driving at 90mph.
60
OCTOBER 2016
Sharapova Drugs Bans Reduced to 15 Months
Maria Sharapova, five time Grand Slammer winner, was hit with a two year sporting ban by the International Tennis Federation after testing positive for meldonium, a performance enhancing drug, at the 2016 Australian Open. The 29-year-old claimed she’d been using the drugs to combat a magnesium deficiency and a hereditary risk of diabetes. The standard ban for unlawful sporting medonium use is four years but Sharapova was only hit with two, claiming she’d been unaware it was banned and that she’d not used it for performance enhancing means. Now, that ban has been decreased yet again to just one year, three months. The Russian tennis star said, "I am counting the days until I can return…Tennis is my passion and I have missed it." The Cas panel, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, said Sharapova was at fault for failing to properly check the list of banned substances. Sharapova has a number of modelling contracts and endorsements, all of which have been affected by the ban. Nike and Tag Heuer have both dropped relationships with her whilst Head Tennis have commended her, saying they are proud to have stood with Sharapova during the crisis.
Bangladesh Bring Back AlAmin for Series
Fast bowler Al-Amin Hossain has been recalled by Bangladesh for the first two of the three one-day international matches against England. Am-Amin was originally dropped by Bangladesh for the 2-1 ODI series, where the Tigers went on to win against Afghanistan. However the 26-year-old is now back to prove his worth for the Bangladesh-England series. The first ODI is on October 4th. Al-Amin has already played fourteen ODI’s previously, and will now go on to join Taskin Ahmed. Ahmed had also been temporarily stopped from playing but was allowed to rejoin the cricket scene in September after his bowling action was cleared.
JABS Football Tournament TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
O
n Sunday, 2nd October, Juniors Academy Of Birmingham Sports (JABS) organised their annual under 11s tournament in aid of Medical Relief International's projects for the disabled in Gaza Palestine. The event brought together children from all backgrounds in Birmingham, all united in the name of football for charity. Tas Hussain, Medical Relief International's CEO said: "Huge credit goes to Mohammed Ali and his team, a group of professional British Asians who take time out to voluntarily support, nurture and inspire our children from inner city backgrounds to get involved with football and other sports. "Not only does this provide a vehicle through which they can channel their energy but as the CEO of a medical charity I am delighted to see the promotion of health and fitness among our youth at a time when obesity levels in our city are dangerously high." Mr Ali and his team at JABS have been working tirelessly in the community to support children and young people in Alum Rock and it's surrounding areas at a time when facilities for the youth are few and far between. They do not receive any external funding for their work and all of the costs for the events, activities and initiatives they implement are all forms of expenditure they personally address. Mohammed Ali, Founder of JABS said: "we do this work for the children. "We know under the right direction, leadership and with the right skills not only will some of them go on to be inspirational professional footballers like our chief guest Easah Suliman Captain of Aston Villa and England under-19's who came down to support the event, but whatever they do their life will be further enriched by having a love for football with in it." The event, one of the largest community football tournaments in the city was supported by West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service and many Birmingham City Councillors, all of whom commended JABS B8 for their hard work and consideration. Dr Wleed Haq, Chairman of Medical Relief International said: "Funds received by Medical Relief International
SPORTS
To find out more information about and to support Medical Relief International's life-changing projects please follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/medicalrelief.org or call: 0300 80 80 800
from this event will go to help purchase sports equipment for the Shams Al Ammal School in Gaza which supports 120 children and young people with multiple physical disabilities. From the bottom of our hearts, we are immensely greatful to JABS for choosing us as their charity of choice and our immense gratitude also goes to the attendees for giving so generously to this worthy cause."
In his concluding address, Mr Ali stated: "An absolute amazing day and tournament for the Under 11's teams that keenly contested for the JABS B8 FC Trophy. "Congratulations to BYSA who were the eventual winners in sudden death penalties. "I would like to thank the teams, their coaches for the way their players conducted themselves both on and off the pitch. "The England U19's captain Easah Suliman took time out before flying out to encourage and share his experience.
"I also wish to thank the sponsors (Pathway Group, Big John's, Pak Supermarkets, City Express and Sam&Harry's). "A huge shout out also to West Midlands Police, Fire Service, Medical Relief International, and all the parents, spectators, friends, families and Councillors for their support."
British Muslim Pro Footballer & Campaigner to meet the Pope at The Vatican for ‘Sport & Humanity’ ‘Football for Peace’ Co Founder, and philanthropist Kashif Siddiqi has been invited to launch the historical first ‘Sport at the Service of Humanity’ conference in Rome on Tuesday the 4th of October. Pope Francis, religious leaders, Sporting greats, UN representatives and IOC members will also attend to explore ways of uniting the world through the power of sport. Kashif, of Pakistani origin co-founded ‘Football for Peace‘ alongside FIFA and Chilean legend Elias Figueroa in 2013 to help ease religious tensions, both at home in the UK and abroad. The Movement arranges ‘Peace Matches’ in globally iconic locations through a unique Peace process which then create Cities for Peace and Young Peace Ambassadors.
Football for Peace make a big point of putting, traditionally opposing sides on the same team and then playing against a team of ambassadors known as Footballers for Peace. Kashif’s vision is supported by Prince Albert of Monaco, HRH Prince William, Prince Ali Bin al Hussein and sporting legends such as Ronaldinho and Pele. Working with the government, the plans are to roll-out the initiative to 10 Cities, 100 Schools across Britain over the next three years. London, Birmingham and Liverpool are first off the block. Kashif will propose a Muslims/Catholics Peace Match to be held in the Vatican in the coming months at St Peters Square outside the Vatican. “Peace is our goal and Football is our tool, we want to use iconic locations for peace matches
SPORTS
GIVE US A LIKE ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEASIANTODAY
OCTOBER 2016
Exclusive Interview with Delhi Dynamos owner, Prashant Agarwal
61
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW ON OUR WEBSITE: WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
T
his September saw history in the making as the Indian Super League club Delhi Dynamos faced off against Premier League club West Bromwich Albion. Despite the Baggies win, 1-0 scored in the 65th minute, it was a sensational moment for Indians everywhere. Tons upon tons of the Asian
community turned out to support the two teams as well as major Asian artists such as Dr Zeus, H Dhami and more showing up to perform. The Asian Today’s Sheena Ramchurn sat down with Dynamos club owner Prashant Agerwal before the match to get his thoughts on the proud moment.
You already have quite a strong link with West Bromwich Albion. How did the idea for the charity match come about between you? It’s not just about charity. We’re doing some great work in India, we’re going ahead and doing a lot on the grassroots. Our ambition is to make India a footballing nation again. India was once very big in football, between the 40s and 60s. When I was a kid, the mentality of Indian families were ‘go play cricket’ or ‘go become an engineer or doctor. Football is not going to give you a living.’ With the inception of the ISL- the Indian Super League and the Delhi Dynamos, we have proved the opposite. Even though we are a growing economy with 1.3bn people in India, we have a lot of poverty too. There are kids who want to
become the future Ronaldo or Drogba but don’t have the basic necessities to go out and buy football supplies. One of the key elements of our partnership with West Bromwich Albion was that we would do something for the underprivileged and poor kids who want to go out and learn football. We are investing a lot in the grassroots development and the idea was that if we play together in the future, the money we make will be reinvested into these charities so that we grow football more and we give every child who has the dream to become a professional footballer a smile.
Birmingham has a very large Asian population. They’re all looking forward to the match, the entire Asian music industry is buzzing about it. You have a lot of people backing you, are you feeling confident?
India is known for cricket, do you think it will be quite difficult pitting football against cricket? We have a big saying in India. My great-grandfather played football, my grandfather played hockey, my father played cricket and I will step back into my greatgrandfather’s shoes to play football. We are not scared, we are already giving cricket a run for its money. In just 3 years, we have become the
world’s biggest league in terms of average stadium attendance. We have an average attendance of over 28,000. The Premier League has a average attendance of 29,700. Our TV numbers, because of the quality and the way we play, have a TV attendance of over 600 million.
Are you looking forward to the match? Do you think you’ll win considering it’s the Albion and they’ve got a lot of top players? It is the first time ever in the history that an Indian club is playing a Premier League club. The Premier League is rated as the best in the world, but we are nicknamed ‘the lions.’ The lion is known for its aggressive nature, and no matter how big the target is, we will still go for it. We
Absolutely. Look at the likes of Leicester City, they did wonders last year. They thrashed the giants. We want to take the same example. We have quality as well, both in terms of ours Indian players and foreign players. We have some great signings including Florent Malouda, our coach and assistant coach are both
Do any of your players have future world cup hopes?
just want to say that it would be a very historic and prestigious match and that every Asian should feel proud of it no matter what the score is. It will still be our win irrespective of the score. Having said that, we will make sure we make every Indian and Asian proud by putting on a great fight.
We have signed a few youngsters who have a big future ahead of them. Last year we had a player called Richard Gadze, he played for Ghana u-23. We loaned him out to JK Helsinki in Finland and played in the Europa League this year. He can definitely play for the Ghana international team. We’re making one more signing today, a 26 year old, and he’s been playing for the
Riding on the wave of the Olympics, there’s been a lot of passion for sport. Are you doing anything to keep that fire up? Football is a language we speak, for us there is no other language. We are doing a lot on the grassroots and India is hosting next year’s FIFA
world cup u-17. We want our academy lads to go and play for India in the u-17 and maybe win the u-17 cup for us.
world cup winners. We have players who played for the Ghana national team in the world cup, we have players coming from Real Madrid and also our own Indian players. It’s going to be a great combination when we present on the pitch on 3rd September. Don’t be surprised if we put on a great show against them.
Ghana national team. We have one more player coming from Senegal. These are some of the youngsters who have a future in terms of the world cup. We have two world cup winners in our squad in the form of Gianluca Zambrotta and Simone Barone. Both won in the world cup for Italy in 2006 and we have world cup finalist Florent Malouda who played for France.
This is Delhi Dynamos first time in Birmingham, are they enjoying the city? We love the city. We feel at home here, even though its’
a little different, but we still feel at home.
Upset as Andy Murray Booted Out of US Open Quarter-finals
that accentuate the need for peaceful processes to cultural and religious difference. There is always a better way than war or terrorism. What better way than the globally accepted mode of football. It’s something that unites and irons through conflict,” says Kash. The conference has been organized with the special support of the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee. The opening ceremony of the event, on the afternoon of
Wednesday October 5, 2016 at the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall, will be led by His Holiness Pope Francis, with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and IOC President Thomas Bach in attendance. The goal of the conference is to create a forum where thought leaders from different religious faiths, sports, business, academia and media can discuss how faith and sport can work together to better serve humanity.
Andy Murray lost to sixth seed Kei Nishikori in the earliest grand slam defeat of the season. The Japanese won 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-1 7-5, beating out the world no. 2 Andy was seen losing the ball when the rain was pulled over the stadium due to rain and then seen causing a racket with the umpire and referee after the sound system emitted a loud ‘gong’ like sound during break point. Murray commented, “They stopped the point and I was just curious why that was and that was it…Did it affect me? Definitely I would say to 4-1.” On top of all that, a butterfly flitting around the net only added to Murray’s quickly riled frustration. The Olympic champion ended up losing seven games in the four hour long match, with Nishikori nailing the 17th decisive
break for Japan. "I tried my best,” the 29year Scot said, “I fought as hard as I could with what I had today. I pushed myself as hard as I could over the last few months and I'm very proud of how I've done." The triumphant Nishikori said "It was too exciting on
the court, but I tried to stay calm. “I didn't start well - he has a great return - but I finished well. "The rain delay helped me to change tactics. I tried to hit a few more drop-shots than usual today and it worked really well."
62
OCTOBER 2016
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719 www.desixpress.co.uk
DESI TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
XPRESS R
YOUR MONTHLY Ae Dil Hai SHOWBIZ FIX! Mushkil’
GOSSIP • INTERVIEWS • MUSIC • MOVIES & MUCH MORE! TURN TO PAGE 37
Tale of Friendship, Heartbreak & Love
omantics across the world, rejoice! After breaking the internet with an enticing teaser, smashing charts with the title track ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, and the super hit ‘Bulleya’ making it to everyone’s playlist, we now have another reason to do it all over again. The trailer of Karan Johar’s much awaited love story – AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL - is finally out and has already raked in nearly 100,000 hits on YouTube within an hour of release! Bollywood’s much awaited Diwali film of the year ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, with the exciting ensemble cast of Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anushka Sharma and Fawad Khan, promises a journey of friendship, heartbreak and love. The film, written and directed by Karan Johar, follows the story of Ayan (Ranbir Kapoor), Alizeh (Anushka Sharma) and the entangled romance with the characters of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Saba) and Fawad Khan. The keen eye of the director has made sure that
ALOT MORE GOSSIP, NEWS & INTERVIEWS INSIDE
every frame of the film — from beginning to the end —comes across as the perfect ode to music, mesmerizing audiences with picturesque locations in the UK and Europe and engulfing audiences through a whirlwind of emotions, with trademark Karan Johar panache. If Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’s title track introduced us to unrequited love the way only Karan Johar can, its trailer dropped us in a vat of passion and coated us in love. The film’s title track by Arjit Singh has become the heartbreak song of the year while the sufi-rock number Bulleya has particularly caught attention for highlighting the crackling chemistry between Ranbir and Aishwarya. With all the usual hit elements ticked, the refreshingly eclectic pairing is an added bonus and is expected to steal the show yet again with this film. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil personifies a new age relationship, the sort of contemporary romantic relationship never seen before on Indian celluloid.
The ultimate Diwali film of the year, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil releases nationwide in cinemas through Fox Star Studios on 28th October. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is sure to light up your Diwali with love!
BEHIND THE SCENES AWARD
(sponsored by Greenleaf) Winner: Amna Rafiq (Leicestershire CCC) Also nominated: Kunwar Bansil (lead physiotherapist, Yorkshire CCC), Sanjay Patel (commercial director, England & Wales Cricket Board)
GRASSROOTS AWARD
Subhankar Pramanick scored gold in the 50 meter rifle prone event at ISSF
I
ndia won big at the shooting events of ISSF Junior World Cup for pistol, rifle and shotgun. Indian shooters took home seven medals including three gold. Subhankar Pramanik was the man of the hour who gave India its first gold in the year’s second and final international Shooting Sport Federation’s Junior World Cup. It was considered a masterful performance on part of Pramanik at international level with a shooting score of 613.8, marking him in sixth place for the eight-man finals in 50-metre rifle prone event. In the finals Pramanik shot 205.5 over 20 shots beating out Filip Nepejchal of the Czech Republic who only scored 205.2
SPORTS
OCTOBER 2016 DESI 39 XPRESS 41
landing him silver. Dragomir Iordache of Roumania won the bronze medal. Pramanik was also helped by team mates Fateh Singh Dhillon and Ajaey Nithish who won the India team a silver in the event. Sambhaji Patil won a second gold at junior men’s 25-metre standard pistol event by shooting 562 beating Australians Sergei Evglevski and James Ashmore. Patil also landed a team gold with companions Gurmeet and Rituraj Singh taking them to the top of the medals table, this added to the silver and two bronze medals. In 2016’s first Junior World Cup in May in Germany the Indians finished fourth with three gold, four silver and three bronze medals.
(sponsored by England & Wales Cricket Board) Winner: Shahidul Alam Ratan (Director of Cricket at Capital Kids, London Tigers CC) Also nominated: Mantrulaady Thusharaah (British Tamil Cricket League), Nasa Hussain (Community Groundsman, Yorkshire)
AMATEUR COACH AWARD
(sponsored by Chance to Shine) Winner: Shaz Khan (Oxfordshire CCC, Shrivenham CC) Also nominated: Minesh Patel (Eastcote CC, Hillingdon Borough CC, Middlesex North), Khalid Zafar (Berkshire CCC, Reading CC, Chance to Shine)
CLUB CRICKET CONFERENCE INSPIRATION AWARD
Winner: Maryam Ali (community cricket coach in Yorkshire)
MEDIA AWARD
(sponsored by BBC Asian Network) Winner: Vithushan Ehantharajah (freelance cricket writer) Also nominated: Kalika Mehta (BBC Sport Online), Sahil Dutta (freelance cricket writer)
POSTHUMOUS AWARD
Winner: Hamza Shabbir (Hampshire CCC, Downend CC)
PROFESSIONAL YOUNG PLAYER AWARD
(sponsored by Zee TV) Winner: Haseeb Hameed (Lanchashire CCC) Also nominated: Aadil Ali (Leicestershire CCC), Kishen Velani (Essex CCC)
WOMAN IN CRICKET AWARD (sponsored by Premia Wines) Joint winners: Nalisha Patel (Lancashire Thunder) and Shabnim Ismail (Yorkshire Diamonds) Also nominated: Raveena Lakhtaria (Surrey Stars)
PROFESSIONAL COACH AWARD
(sponsored by The Cricketer) Winner: Cookie Patel (Regional Training Manager, ECB) Also nominated: Min Patel (Kent CCC), Kadeer Ali (Performance Coach, Warwickshire CCC)
ASIAN CRICKET CLUB AWARD
(sponsored by Surrey CCC and The Kia Oval) Winner: Indian Gymkhana CC (West London) Also nominated: Mount CC (Batley, West Yorkshire), British Tamil Cricket League
PROFESSIONAL PLAYER AWARD
(sponsored by Talk Home Mobile) Winner: Adil Rashid (Yorkshire CCC and England) Also nominated: Moeen Ali (Worcestershire CCC and England)
FOUNDERS SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
(sponsored by Inventive Sports) Winner: Kumar Sangakkara (former Sri Lanka captain)
Paralympic History for India at Rio D eepa Malik has become the first woman in Indian history to win a Paralympics medal. Malik, a shot putter, gave a throw of 4.61m in the F-53 final event in Rio, taking home a silver medal. India now has three medals in the Paralympics, a stunning achievement given they only won 2 during the Olympics.
Malik said it feels “incredible to fulfil a lifelong ambition.” Back in 1999, Malik suffered a spinal tumour that left her paralysed below the waist. Six years later, she got involved in para sports and competed in swimming and javelin throws. In 2011, Malik won silver for shot put at the World Championships. "This is our third medal
now in Rio and I sincerely hope people back home wake up and acknowledge the potential of para sports in India.” “It is an extremely satisfying feeling and a big thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years” she added. Thousands congratulated and praised the athlete, including Narendra Modi and Amitabh Bachchan.
SPORTS
OCTOBER 2016
TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719
Sport
63
DO YOU HAVE A SPORTS STORY? Call us on 0121 667 8719
ASIAN CRICKET AWARDS
Haseeb Hameed named best young player at asian cricket awards, Adil Rashid wins player of the year
T
eenage Lancashire batsman Haseeb Hameed capped a memorable month by picking up the Young Player award at the 2016 Asian Cricket Awards (ACA) at The Kia Oval on Friday evening (September 23). Hameed, 19, was last week called up to the England Test squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh. If he plays, he will become the youngest player to represent the country since Brian Close turned out against New Zealand at Old Trafford in 1949. “It’s great to be picked for England. It’s surreal, it moved really quickly,” Hameed said after picking up his award. “I’d never have dreamed about being picked 12 months ago. Alistair Cook has been in touch to say congratulations, but I’m really looking forward to meeting and working with the team. I have to make sure I don’t change my game, and I have to make sure I do it my way. “This is the second time I’ve
won the [ACA young player] award. I got confidence from winning last year and it’s a very nice feeling. I have to take everything in my stride and stay balanced. At this age it can only be about upbringing, so it’s a credit to my parents. “With the recognition comes responsibility; I have to act as a role model, make sure I don’t change as a person and be my own man.”
England a n d Yo r k s h i r e
leg spinner Adil Rashid was named Player of the Year at the awards, which are sponsored by Talk Home Mobile and supported by the Club Cricket Conference and the ECB. They aim to improve awareness of the positive impact made by Asians in the British cricket industry. Rashid’s success prevented his international team-mate Moeen Ali from making it a hat-trick of ACA wins. The Worcestershire all-rounder had picked up the prestigious award in 2014 and 2015. A regular in England’s ODI team – helping the country to the final of the T20 World Cup in India earlier this year – Rashid earned a recall to the Test side and played his part in this summer’s series triumph over Pakistan. Asian Cricket Awards co-founder Baljit Rihal, of Inventive Sports, said: “It was with overwhelming joy that I recently witnessed four British Asians named in the Test squad to tour
Bangladesh. Congratulations to Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali, Zafar Ansari and Haseeb Hameed – who stands to potentially join a select list of England’s youngest Test debutants. “2016 has been a tremendous year for Asians in cricket, and one I believe marks a significant chapter in the progression towards greater inclusion and diversity in this country. “We are grateful to Talk Home Mobile, our headline sponsor, who have shown great support and belief in championing these awards for the third consecutive year.” Awards co-founder Jas Jassal BEM said: “The Asian Cricket Awards have provided a platform to recognise South Asian achievement in British cricket. We are proud to see this year’s young player award winner, Haseeb
MORE NEWS ONLINE
AT WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
Hameed, has been selected to represent England in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. He is truly an inspirational role model to many young Asians wanting to follow in his footsteps.” Elsewhere, former Sri Lanka captain Kumar
Sangakkara was honoured with a Special Recognition Award by ACA founders Inventive Sports.
Sangakarra scored more than 28,000 Test runs during his long and successful career and is regarded as one of the sport’s greatest batsmen. “It’s a great privilege and pleasure to be presented with this award,” he said. “The Asian community in England and at large have been wonderful icons and a great inspiration.”
64
OCTOBER 2016
WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM
STRESSED ABOUT THINNING HAIR AND HAIR LOSS?
Ultra Hair Clinic Has the solution FREE Microscopic analysis limited time only
£249
prices starting from:
£149 BOOK NOW
"
SPECIALISTS IN MALE AND FEMALE HAIR LOSS
t: 0121 244 2326 e: info@ultrahairclinic.co.uk w: www.ultrahairclinic.co.uk 12A Legge Lane • Jewellery Quarter • Birmingham • B1 3LD
ADVERT