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BOLLYWOOD STAR PRIYANKA CHOPRA

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

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

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

ABC made a surprise blunder in a promo

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

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

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

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

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

Anita’s Strictly Dream

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Countryfile Presenter Struts Her Stuff

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

Mother and Daughter Commended By Police

A

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

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

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

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

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

bike's handlebars.

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

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

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

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

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Amar

NEWS

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Let's do it for

EXCLUSIVE: HOW WEST MID

Family of Fatal Schoolboy Take on New Challenge

T

he family of a schoolboy who died after a road accident are to take part in the Morrisons Great Birmingham Run in his memory.

Amar Atwal, aged 12, from Great Barr, was in collision with a car in Hollyhedge Road, West Bromwich in May 2015, whilst on his half term break from Queen Mary's Grammar School.

After the crash he was in a critical condition on a life support machine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital for two days

could for Amar and so they wanted to take part in the run to give something back.

"As Amar’s cousins, we wanted to take part in the half marathon not only in his memory but also to be able to say thank you to all the staff that did everything they could for him. Having never had to go to the hospital before the incident, we were all amazed at the care provided. We are literally in awe of everything they do and so we hope to raise as much money as we can."

The half marathon will

• GREAT BIRMINGHAM RUN: Relatives running for Amar

KARMA NIRVANA Karma Nirvana is a UK registered Charity that supports victims and survivors of Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse. Call Karma Nirvana's helpline on 0800 5999 247 if you've been affected by forced marriage.

The charity runs the UK’s first helpline that is dedicated to supporting victims who have experienced Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse. Their aim is to raise public awareness on the issues and in breaking the silence we provide education through accredited training, including seminars, conferences and workshops.

“I want to marry someone I want to be with…and when I’m ready”

THE TEAM EDITORS

Victory for Sikh Community

Ifraz Ahmed Anita Chumber

SENIOR JOURNALIST Hifzha Shaheen

SALES Anita Chumber David Ley

• GREAT BIRMINGHAM RUN:

Amar Atwal was killed by a car collision in May 2015.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Ley

DISTRIBUTION Door Drop Solutions

CONTRIBUTORS Anita Champaneri Manish Gujjar Sunny Malik Mita Mistry Sara Khan Sunny and Shay Dal Dhaliwal Manish Patel Kam Chopra Mohammed Zafran Manish Patel Jas Sansi Rav Deol Raaj Shamji South & City College Reena Combo-Kainth

GRAPHIC/WEB D. Patel Raz Zubdah

before his family made the heartbreaking decision to switch it off and donate his organs.

Five of his relatives will now pull on their trainers and take part in the half marathon on October 18 to raise money for the hospital.

Cousins Harpreet Sahota, aged 32, Nitasha Sahota, 27, Manisha Sandhu, 25 and Sharan Kullar, 28, together with his aunt, Neata Simpson, 37, will take part in the event.

Harpreet said hospital staff did everything they

be a massive challenge, as four of the women have never taken part in a race before.

Harprett said: "Neata is the only runner, so for the rest of us it’s going to be a massive challenge but that just makes raising the money even more important. We are all just hoping to finish in one piece, but Neata will be aiming to beat her time last year."

The family set up a Just Giving page shortly after Amar died, which to date has raised over £6,800 for the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

ANYONE WHO WANTS TO DONATE CAN DO SO VIA: JUSTGIVING.COM/AMAR-ATWAL

Turban Workplace Ban Overruled New rules mean Sikhs across the UK will no longer face the prospect of disciplinary action for wearing turbans in the workplace.

For more than 20 years, Sikhs working in the construction industry have been exempted from rules requiring head protection – but because of a legal loophole, those in less dangerous industries, such as those working in factories and warehouses, were not.

This meant that Sikhs in many jobs who chose to wear turbans rather than the required head protection could be at risk of disciplinary action or even dismissal.

Turban-wearing Sikhs will now have the right to choose not to wear head protection and will be exempt from legal requirements to wear a safety helmet in all workplaces.

Minister for Employment and Indian Diaspora Champion, Priti Patel, said:

This change demonstrates that, whoever you are, whatever your background, and whatever industry you choose – if you work hard and want to get on in life, this government will be on your side.

"As the Prime Minister’s Indian Diaspora Champion as well as Employment Minister, I’m delighted to be part of the government that has made this change. It makes me proud that the UK is the home of such a talented, ambitious and hardworking community.

Spokesperson for Sikh Council UK, Gurinder Singh Josan, said: We are pleased that Parliament listened to our campaign and enabled this vital change in the law.

It will make a real difference to Sikhs in the UK by increasing the number of workplaces that turban wearing Sikhs can work in whilst maintaining their religiously mandated identity."

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DLANDS POLICE ARE TAKING A TOUGH STANCE

The Fight Against

Forced

Marriages “I want to marry someone I want to be with…and when I’m ready” one victim told the force. However, unbelievably, it may not be that easy.

Tying the knot with a partner of your choice would appear a most basic civil right – but hopes of fairy tale weddings are a distant dream for many young men and women living in the West Midlands.

Last year, West Midlands Police investigated more than 300 reports of forced marriage and associated ‘honour’ based violence, including cases where it was suspected people – or even schoolchildren – were at risk of being pressured into marrying against their will.

West Midlands Police has officially recorded six forced marriage crimes since new legislation was introduced in June 2014 making the practice illegal.

“Some communities see this as perfectly acceptable,” said West Midlands Police’s forced marriage lead Sergeant Trudy Runham. “They see it as a trusted tradition, a way to bring girls into line, a way to ‘correct’ a gay son, or to secure a long-term carer for a child with learning disabilities. It’s far more than just two individuals coming together…it tends to be a

huge investment by two families and a marriage that, in their eyes, just has to happen.

“However, no religion advocates forced marriage – and when girls and men, sometimes still in school, are going on ‘holidays’ to be married off, never to return or to return to a life of misery, it cuts through cultural sensitivities. It’s not about targeting a particular group – forced marriage knows no boundaries in terms of geography, culture, religion, class or wealth – but it’s about tackling abhorrent offences.

West Midlands has the second highest level of forced marriage in the country, accounting for 12 per cent of all cases, according to the Forced Marriage Unit, a national agency set up by the Foreign & Common Wealth Office.

Forced marriage charity Karma Nirvana – which gives specialist training inputs to police officers – said it took 260 calls for help in the West Midlands in the first six months of this year.

Sgt Runham added: “It is absolutely right and fitting that in 21st Century Britain there is a law that makes forced marriage a criminal offence.

This law empowers victims and gives them choices: they can say to their families that what they are being asked to do is against the law, it’s wrong and that they can be arrested and prosecuted.

Issued 68 Protection Orders • Recorded 6 Forced Marriage Crimes • 300 Reports of Honour Based Violence

5

POLICE STOP & SEARCH

West Midlands Police has overhauled its use of the controversial “stop and search" power − leading to an increase in its effectiveness across the region.

As one of the launch forces for the Home Office’s “best use of stop and search" scheme last summer, WMP has introduced a raft of measures to improve its use of the power.

all stop and searches, rolled out across the force last year.

The electronic recording system (known as eSearch) gives accurate, up-to-date information about how, when, why and where stop and search powers are used − a vital tool in scrutinising just how the force uses this often controversial police power.

Every six months, representatives from each stop and search scrutiny panel come

Central to the changes has been the increased involvement from the public in monitoring how the force uses stop and search.

Scrutiny panels have been refreshed and given local communities a voice across all 10 local policing units covering the entire West Midlands.

The panels, set up jointly by West Midlands Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, are aimed at ensuring members of the public can challenge how stop and search is used in their local areas.

The panels meet up bi-monthly to look at recent records of stop and search and help influence its use.

Critical to those panels is the data gathered from a new electronic recording system for

together at a "Stop and Search Commission" to consider issues at a force level.

Sulemaain Samuel, from the Birmingham West and Central stop and search scrutiny panel, said: “These panels are really important as it a chance for local people, particularly our young people, to influence how the power is used and gives an opportunity to discuss issues facing local communities.

“It’s not just a finger pointing exercise: the panels can offer solutions to any possible contentious issues and vitally these groups offer a real link between the police and communities."

WMP has also introduced refresher training for all front line officers and supervisors which has contributed to the improvement in how officers use stop and search.

OCTOBER 2015

6

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RECRUITMENT

DRIVE BREAKS

RECORDS

"It’s been an amazing, inspiring and tiring month, but it’s so worth all the hard work."

• UNPRECEDENTED: 2068

young donors signed up in one month

OD CANCER CHARITY RIK BASRA SIGNS OVER 2000 TO BLO

B

lood cancer survivor Rik Basra has led a month long campaign to recruit donors to the Anthony Nolan register.

The blood cancer charity has now revealed that the campaign has been a huge success, with 2068 young donors signing up to the register in just one month.

The health drive saw 31 donor recruitment events across 30 days in September with organisations from every corner and Leicestershire backing the campaign, including Leicester City Football Club and Leicester Tigers. Each participant proudly displayed the #PassItOnLeicester flag at their donor recruitment

events, which the young donors signed and each host found a unique way to pass it on to the next supporting participant.

It’s been a big month for Rik Basra, who has also been rewarded with a Points of Light award from Prime Minister David Cameron and had a blood donor centre named after him.

Rik Basra said, "It’s been an amazing, inspiring and tiring month, but it’s so worth all the hard work.

For us, it wasn’t only about the number of sign ups but the awareness raised in the area, as we know that myths and misconceptions are a big barrier to Anthony Nolan’s lifesaving work.

However, to see so many young people inspired to sign up to the Anthony Nolan register to help people with blood cancer is nothing short of amazing."

Henny Braund, Chief Executive of Anthony Nolan, says, “We are in awe of all the hard work that Rik, Kas and their volunteers have put in for the Pass it On Leicester campaign."

"It’s amazing to see so many people sign up to the Anthony Nolan register.

Because every one of those people has the chance to be called upon to donate, I’m sure the Pass It On campaign will have a lifesaving legacy for years to come."

PUBLIC NOTICE Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence

Mathew Paul Coffin trading as Matts Grab Hire Limited of 1 Priest Bridge, Bradley Green, Redditch, B96 6TJ is applying to change an existing licence as follows to add an operating centre to keep 5 goods vehicles and 0 trailers at Sapcote Business Centre, Unit 1a, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 0HR. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

NEWS

NADIA MENAZ NEWS

MURDER INQUEST Model Took Out Forced Marriage Order

A

model that was found hanged in her home took out a forced marriage order against her family after she was found out they intended to force her into marriage.

Nadia Menaz was discovered at her home in May. The 24-year-old had gone through an Islamic wedding with her boyfriend; however it was not recognised under English law. However, her marriage was not approved by her

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family.

Friends claimed, in her final days, Ms Menaz had been suffering from depression, with self-inflicted wounds covering her. She eventually took out a court order to stop her mother and father and three siblings forcing her into another marriage. Five months later she was found dead at her home.

The inquest heard how she met 25-year-old Umar Rasool in 2010 and they began dating - initially keeping their

relationship hidden from her parents - until they married in an Islamic ceremony in April 2011.

Last December 5 Mrs Menaz took out a ‘forced marriage protection order’ at the Family Court in Manchester against her father Sabir Hussain, 60, and her mother Ruksana Kousar, 55, and three of her seven siblings.

At the hearing Mr Hussain and Mrs Kousar denied attempting to force Mrs

MOSQUE REOPENS AFTER MAJOR FIRE

• Nadia Menaz

• Rukhsana Kousar

Menaz into marriage and initially claimed they were unaware of the forced marriage protection order.

But under questioning they admitted they were aware of the order - and then claimed her daughter had been murdered by a ‘third party’.

Coroner Simon Nelson said Mr Hussain had made it clear in a statement to police he had issues over her relationship with Mr Rasool.

In the weeks before her

I was sacked for doing my job

• Sabir Hussain

death Mrs Menaz underwent psychiatric treatment at Royal Oldham Hospital but was later discharged.

On the day of her death on May 1, she had an argument with Mr Rasool who then went to see his family and go to their local mosque.

She sent him a text saying she was going to hang herself and when he returned home at around 6.30pm he found his wife’s body.

The inquest will be concluded at a later date.

Teaching Assistants Dismissed for Raising Concerns

A teaching assistant has expressed her horror at being sacked for objecting to a class of 11-year-olds being shown graphic footage of 9/11.

Suriyah Bi, 23, said she was helping the year seven class at Heartlands Academy in Birmingham, when the pupils were shown the horrifying video, of the terrorist attack. The video is said to be which has a rating for people aged 18 and over.

The YouTube clip shows people jumping from the Twin Towers and has graphic descriptions of people going 'splat' on the floor.

Ms Bi, who only started her teaching assistant job at the school last week, did not agree with the

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film clip being shown to the children and raised her concerns.

She was stunned when the headteacher immediately sent her home for the day and, following an email explaining herself, dismissed her.

The Oxford University graduate said: 'I was just doing my job, I am in utter shock and disbelief that I have been dismissed for trying to do my job and protecting the children.

'Before the video could even be viewed on YouTube, there was a block on the video, warning that you needed to sign in to view it, verifying we were 18.

• SACKED: Suriyah Bi

Thousands of people have attended a special service of thanksgiving at London's largest mosque, as it reopened a week on from a major fire which spread through much of the complex.

Half of the building's ground floor was damaged when the blaze broke out in an administrative area.

Scotland Yard have said they do not believe the incident was related to a hate crime. Two teenage boys were arrested, but then were later released.

The two boys, aged 14 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of arson following the blaze and held in custody. Scotland Yard said the 14-year-old had been bailed until early January while the other boy would face no further action.

The fire at the Baitul Futuh mosque in Morden, said to be the largest in Western Europe, was reported by a member of the public.

A man was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, and London Fire Brigade said the blaze had hit admin buildings though the ''mosque itself is thankfully unaffected''.

Get on the...

Electoral Register Registering to vote has changed.

Everyone is now responsible for registering themselves That includes: • 16-17 year-olds who will soon be able to vote • students away at university • anyone who has moved into your home lately – including elderly relatives • if you’ve moved home yourself • if someone is new to an area If you get a letter from Birmingham Elections Office – you need to take action or you won’t be able to vote in national and local elections or referendums.

If you need any help, call Birmingham Elections Office on 0121 303 2731.

birmingham.gov.uk/register-to-vote

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UNITY OF PURPOSE • SIKH NETWORK: The Sikh Network team with Jess Phillips MP

Parties Unite to Encourage Women Politicians People of all faiths and backgrounds attended an event which encouraged more women to choose a career into politics.

The Women in Politics event, which was held at Sandwell Council House was attended by key political individuals which included Birmingham MP for the Yardley area, Jess Phillips, ex-Solihull MP, Baroness Lorely Burt, Conservative MEP Neena Gill and Emily Matters campaigner, Kate Willoughby.

The event was organised by Sikh public forum group, The Sikh Network in a bid to get women, in particular Sikh women, to think about a career in politics. There is currently no Sikh MP in Parliament.

Jess Phillips MP reiterated the importance of having women in politics, saying that events such as Women in Politics were important and a great way to get together and make a change together.

"Whilst women issues still exist, we should not mourn, we should organise. Women have to stand up for women issues." The Yardley MP for Labour shared her journey with the audience, and said she would help any woman who want to get involved in politics, "as they offer

so much," The first Asian female parliamentarian in the whole of Europe, Neena Gill MEP, spoke proudly of her experience. "There is more to getting involved in the community than just politics, but it all starts from here. It did for me. I was really concerned about injustices. I want to see more female councillors, MPs and MEPs. We have to be able to allow women to find their own way."

The Sikh Network's Jas Singh concluded the speeches and spoke of the importance of putting on such events. "Sikhi is about activism. It's about wanting to better your community. Today is one of the reasons why The Sikh Network was set up - because there is clearly an interest in politics from Sikh women and we will keep pushing for that first Sikh woman MP."

NEWS

Friends Finish Cancer Victim's Fundraiser

50K for Kamal EXCLUSIVE

T

wo friends of a cancer victim • FUNDRAISER: Kamal Aftab poses on the summit of have taken up the challenge Scafell Pike of completing the fundraiser he left behind. Kamal Aftab died in August after losing his battle with acute myeloid leukaemia, with hundreds of people turning up to his funeral. Mr Aftab, an optometrist who worked in Honley, was dedicated to charity and volunteering, even raising thousands from his hospital bed after his diagnosis. The 33-year-old had • FUNDRAISER: Mani Biant and Usman Syed been on a mission to raise £50,000 for cancer charity, Bloodwise. The amount stood at £20,000 at his death.

Now, friends Mani Biant and Usman Syed plan to complete the fundraising challenge in honour of Kamal. The two friends have already completed a number of tests which include the Robin Hood Half Marathon. They have already reached over £29,000.

Mani works as an optician and said this is the perfect tribute to Kamal.

Usman Syed, is a company director and optometrist. The three had • FUNDRAISER: Kamal meeting The Queen studied optometry together at the University of Bradford and remained friends whilst pursuing individual volunteered as a regional youth of ways; some feel utter despair; careers. leader and mentor for Ahmadiyya others, a sudden sense of mortality Loved ones described him as an Muslim Youth Associations (AMYA) and most, a bit of everything... As “amazing human being, full of vibrancy – a charity that seeks to teach young for me, I’m an optimist by nature and charity who always placed others people life skills by engaging them in and while different people look for before himself.” community and charitable initiatives. strength in various places, it’s my Kamal, who was previously won the Acknowledging his condition, Mr belief in God and prayer that have Guardian National Volunteer Award Aftab said, “I suppose that people carried me through the challenges 14/15 for his services to the community, in my situation react in a whole host of cancer.”

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OCTOBER 2015

Businesswoman's Pressure Cooker Campaign

Missing Naheed Kausar

The family of a Manchester woman of a Manchester woman who went missing on the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has confirmed her body has been identified at a Mecca hospital.

Amanat Ali said he recognised his wife, Naheed Kausar Ali, 47, from her head scarf and jewellery in a photograph. Mr Ali said he had been visiting hospitals in the region "on a daily basis" to trace the mother-of-three since they became separated near the Islamic holy site. The Foreign

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Office has yet to comment.

The couple were in Mina, where at least 769 people were killed in a stampede, but were not directly caught up in the crush. Mr Ali explained that he and his wife were both suffering from sunstroke, and he somehow "lost track of where she was".

Mrs Ali, a teaching assistant at Afifah Academy, a Muslim girls' school in Old Trafford, was last seen making her way back to Mecca after completing a religious ritual in Mina.

BODY FOUND IN MECCA

KAVITA OBEROI BEFORE THE ACCIDENT

Apprentice Star Suffered Disfiguring Burns

KAVITA OBEROI AFTER THE ACCIDENT

ENGLISH WRITING SERVICE I am a Cambridge graduate, and an experienced writer of English. I undertake any work involving the composing of texts - letters of all types, student dissertations and theses, CVs, rewriting of automated online translations, and so on - in perfect, idiomatic English, working from your rough draft or data supplied. I offer a quick, personal service at reasonable cost.

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n Asian businesswoman has warned of the dangers of a pressure cookers after one exploded in her face whilst cooking. Kavita Oberoi, who starred in The Apprentice and The Secret Millionaire, said she is lucky to be alive after being left with disfiguring first degree burns after the home appliance burst in her face.

Mrs Oberoi had been preparing a meal for her family. She lifted the lid to the appliance and was splattered with boiling dhaal. She was taken to Royal Derby Hospital and transferred to Nottingham City Hospital. Now the 45-year-old is starting a

campaign showcasing the dangers of using pressure cookers.

She said: 'There is a safety mechanism in these machines which should make it impossible to open until all the pressure has been released. There shouldn't have been any left inside. I keep thinking I should have left it longer to cool down but there must have been a fault with it. I was home alone.

It was absolutely terrifying when it hit my face, the heat was so intense. I was really lucky it didn't touch my eyes.

I thought "oh, my God, my face. I'm going to be scarred for life".

Mrs Oberoi, who received an OBE for services to

entrepreneurship and start-up businesses last year, added: 'Pressure cookers are very much part of Asian cooking culture. One of my friends had an explosion only just last week from a pressure cooker she bought from a large department store.

Luckily, she was on the other side of the kitchen at the time."

Mrs Oberoi has also raised the issue with her local MP, Pauline Latham, who represents the Mid Derbyshire constituency.

Mrs Latham said: 'I was shocked to hear about this horrific accident affecting Kavita and wish her well in her recovery.

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OCTOBER 2015

MEMORIAL BENCH FOR AZIM AZAM

The family of a murdered schoolboy have unveiled a bench in his name. Azim Azam’s family spoke for the first time since the incident which cruelly took the life of the 16-year-old.

The tragic student’s older brother Fiasal, 26, spoke movingly about his younger sibling on the second anniversary of the tragedy, as a memorial bench was unveiled at the spot where he was killed.

He said: “It’s been devastating for the whole family. We still can’t come to terms with what happened that morning, we are still in shock.

Fiasal has replayed the whole murder over and over again in his own mind after it was captured on the bus CCTV system, harrowing footage he has since watched. He said: “My brother was purely innocent in the whole confrontation.

“It was 8am and the bus was full, but nobody intervened despite all of the verbal abuse that was aimed at him from the back of the bus.

“The bus got to about to the third stop and Azim used his own initiative to try and get off the bus.

But the attacker barged through people to get to him and stabbed him through the heart as he had one foot on the bus and one foot off it.

“They both ran in opposite directions and the camera captures the moment my brother collapses in the street. It was a cowardly attack and those images will stay with me for the rest of my life.

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ANZAC DAY TERRORIST PLOT A

15-year-old boy from Blackburn has been sentenced after encouraging a man in Australia to commit an act of terrorism at a national day of remembrance.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of inciting another person to commit an act of terrorism overseas at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square.

He was sentenced to life in a youth detention centre with a minimum of five years.

On 25 March 2015, the boy, who was then 14, was initially arrested

by Lancashire police at his home in Blackburn on suspicion of threats to kill his teachers at school.

His Samsung mobile phone was seized and examined by police. The phone contained extreme images, including a screen saver of ISIS militants and references to Jihad.

There was also evidence of internet searches for making explosives and how to create a detonator from scratch.

A message between the boy and someone called ‘Illyas’ was also discovered on a messaging service where they discussed a plan to ‘run a cop over’ at the Anzac Day parade in Melbourne on 25 April 2015.

Officers from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit (NWCTU) were contacted and the boy was arrested on 2 April 2015 on suspicion

Teenager Jailed for Life of preparing for an act of terrorism under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Further investigations revealed there had been continuous contact between the boy and ‘Illyas’ via a messaging service that used an encrypted code and could not be read. However, an officer from NWCTU developed a specialist computer program which was able to crack the code and enable the messages to be read.

Once examined, officers established the boy had been messaging a man in Australia between 16 March and 25 March 2015. During that nine day

period, in excess of 3000 messages had been sent.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Mole from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit said: “After the information was discovered on the boy’s phone, it was clear he was encouraging another person to commit an act of terrorism and innocent lives were going to be in danger. A swift investigation was launched and we, alongside the relevant authorities in the UK and Australia, acted quickly.

“From the early communication we could read, it was obvious the Anzac Day memorial service was

going to be a target. However, we did not know the specifics due to the messaging service he used contained an encryption code. If officers from the hi-tech unit of the NWCTU had not been able to develop a bespoke program to read the boy’s messages, it is likely someone would have been seriously injured or killed.

“The chains of events are clearly disturbing and residents will be shocked that such activity can take place behind closed doors. However, while these investigations took place, there was no suggestion the boy was looking to target his local community or those in the UK.

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13

RAJ KAUR COMMUNITY CHAMPION

• Raj Kaur with Ex-Villa star Ian Taylor

The Pride of Birmingham Awards 2015 were held at the Town Hall on Friday, October 2 for the second year.

Raj Kaur who is a gym owner won the only award that is not decided by the judges but the listeners of BBC WM. Raj Kaur has been instrumental in motivating and helping her local community to get fit, she has been a friend and supported her community with her positive ‘can do’ attitude.

The Awards was handed to Raj Kaur by the Commonwealth Games golden girl Jodie Stimpson and Aston Villa legend Ian Taylor.

Hosted by Gaby Roslin and organised by Birmingham Mail in association with Virgin Trains ten heroes were honoured and they are as follows: • Carer of the Year - Joanne Adams • Volunteer of the Year - James Preston • Outstanding Bravery Award Chloe Mcgann • Special Recognition Award Owen Richards • Vision Award - Veronica Kumeta • Young Achievers Award - Nat & Oliver Sweeney (Twins) • Stephen Sutton Award - Alison Cope • Fundraiser of the Year - Lee Woodward • Child of Courage Award Finlay Church

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Coventry Bus Crash

NEWS

Police Continue Investigation

W

est Midlands Police is continuing their investigation into the death of two people after a double decker bus collided with a Coventry

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night whilst enquiries were undertaken to establish the circumstances around the collision. These have all now re-opened.

Superintendent Paul Keasey, head of the Central Motorway Police Group, said: “Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event; we have specially trained officers with the families at this difficult time.

“We hope to carry out a swift investigation and I would like to thank people who have already come forward who witnessed the collision.

“This is a busy area of Coventry city centre and we hope to keep disruption to a minimum as our investigation continues; no-one has been arrested at this stage."

Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event; we have specially trained officers with the families at this difficult time.

supermarket.

An eight-year-old boy from Leamington, who was travelling on the top of the bus, died at the scene as a result of his injuries. A woman from Nuneaton, believed to be in her 70s who was a pedestrian in Trinity Street, also died at the scene. Specialist officers continue to support the families at this time.

The collision occurred at 6pm on Saturday evening after the bus travelled along Hale Street colliding with a number of stationary cars and a lamppost before crashing into Sainsbury’s supermarket.

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Six other people suffered injuries and received hospital treatment, two remain in hospital - one of whom is in a critical but stable condition. One

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Historic Caste Discrimination Case Victim Receives Record Payment

A

n Indian woman has been given thousands of pounds after a tribunal ruled her employers discriminated against her, based on her caste. In a ground-breaking judgment handed down by the Employment Tribunal upheld numerous claims, including those for unpaid wages and religious and race discrimination, brought by an Indian woman of low caste kept in domestic servitude by her employers for 4 ½ years.

The Tribunal found that Ms Tirkey was kept in domestic servitude and that the conditions and environment into which she was held was ‘a clear violation of her dignity’.

Ms Tirkey was born in Bihar, the poorest of the Indian states. Her family are Adivasi people who are dark skinned, poor and low caste. She is a Christian. The Tribunal found that Mr and Mrs Chandhok went to India to recruit Ms Tirkey, because ‘they wanted someone who would be not merely of service but servile’ and that they did not seek to recruit someone resident in the UK ‘because no such person would have accepted the intended conditions of work.’

The Tribunal found Mr and Mrs Chandhok subjected Ms Tirkey to unacceptable working conditions.

She worked 7 days per week 18 hours per day for 4.5 years.

Drug Raids

not allowed to contact her family. They set up a bank account in her name which they controlled and used for their own benefit.

Upon receiving judgment Ms Tirkey said, “I want the public to know what

happened to me as it must not happen to anyone else.

The stress and anxiety that this sort of thing creates for a person can destroy them.

I have not been able to smile because my life had been destroyed. Now I am able to smile again. Now I am free.”

The Legal Aid Agency refused to fund Ms Tirkey’s representation for 17 months.

They suggested that Ms Tirkey’s case was not of “sufficient importance or seriousness” and that it was “only a claim for money”.

They said that she could represent herself. This was a bar to Ms Tirkey pursuing her complaints as she would have faced the ordeal of cross examining the employers who had kept her in domestic servitude for years. It was only with relentless legal representation that funding was eventually secured.

"People need to realise the far-reaching consequences of their criminal actions," said Ch Insp

Agar.

"Law abiding people don’t want to be living next to drug dealers who are attracting addicts to their neighbourhood. They know, as we know, that those addicts are committing crimes to fund their habit wreaking more misery on local people.

"Mirroring the efforts in other areas, we will be working with Birmingham’s housing providers to evict those who are found guilty of drug crimes.

"Unfortunately in some cases

Ms Tirkey worked 7 days per week 18 hours per day for 4.5 years.

She was paid 11p an hour.

Slept on the floor and was not allowed to contact her family She was on call 24 hours a day. She was paid 11p an hour (the National Minimum Wage is currently £6.50 per hour).

She slept on the floor. She was prevented from bringing her Bible to the UK and from attending Church. She was

Six Men Charged with Offences Six men will face Birmingham Magistrates accused of drug dealing. All were arrested in a string of dawn raids yesterday by No Deal detectives targeting a city-wide network of suspected drug dealers. .

The initiative was sparked by the concerns of local people about drug dealing on their streets.

Speaking at the start of No Deal, Chief Inspector Rich Agar, who is leading the intelligence-led policing operation, said that those

found guilty of drug dealing faced the prospect of being evicted from their homes.

OCTOBER 2015

15

READ THE LATEST NEWS ON OUR WEBSITE VISIT: WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM this will mean entire families will be forced to move but this is right and proper if they knew what their loved one was up to and did nothing to stop the crimes taking place."

Charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine are uemployed Raja Hamayum Mushtaq , 39, of Alexander Road, Acocks Green, warehouseman Asim Mahmood, 19, of Millhouse Road, Yardley and student Aboubakr Salem, 19, of Mintern Road, Yardley.

Charged with conspiring to supply heroin and crack cocaine, and two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs: is unemployed Sulaimaan Khan, 20, of Sommerville Road, Small Heath.

Charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine; and possession with intent to supply class A drugs is a 17-year-old student from Sommerville Road, Small Heath who, because of his age, the law says cannot be named.

Charged with conspiring to supply crack cocaine is unemployed Kyle Gaye-Smith, 23, of Gayle Grove, Acocks Green

16

OCTOBER 2015

Qur’an Manuscript

Exhibition Tickets can be booked online at: www.birmingham. ac.uk/events/ quran-manuscript Tickets are now available for the Birmingham Qur’an manuscript exhibition, taking place at the University of Birmingham from 2–25 October 2015.

The Birmingham Qur’an manuscript, held at the University of Birmingham’s Cadbury Research Library, has been radiocarbon dated to the period 568–645 CE with 95.4% accuracy, placing it among the oldest Qur’an manuscripts in the world.

The exhibition will be held in the Bramall Music Building at the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus.

There is no charge for tickets. However, a £3.00 booking fee will apply to cover the administration costs associated with the ticketing process.

Time slots will be allocated to view the manuscript, and a limited number of tickets are available. Booking is essential.

The University of Birmingham announced

in July that radiocarbon analysis of the parchment had placed the four-page Qur’an manuscript close to the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad.

Researchers concluded that the manuscript was among the earliest written textual evidence of the Islamic holy book known to survive.

The manuscript is part of the University’s Mingana Collection of Middle Eastern manuscripts, held in the Cadbury Research Library.

Susan Worrall, Director of Special Collections at the University of Birmingham, said: ‘The announcement of our radiocarbon dating result generated huge excitement and an overwhelmingly positive response around the world.

‘The manuscript is a global treasure, and we hope people will enjoy being able to view such an important document here at the University of Birmingham.’

Responding to suggestions that the dating of the Birmingham Qur’an manuscript could have implications for traditional accounts of the early history of Islam, Professor David Thomas, Professor of Christianity and Islam at the University of Birmingham, said: ‘The result of the radiocarbon dating of the Birmingham Qur’an manuscript is tremendously exciting and has clearly stimulated wider academic debate. However, at this stage we cannot draw any conclusions beyond the fact that the manuscript appears to be among the oldest in the world.’

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IN THE

Ammo Talwar MBE, Founder of Punch Records

SPOTLIGHT WITH AMMO TALWAR MBE young people through a number of workshops and mentoring programme and moved them through employment or business.

We've been running this for three years. This has been one of my favourite projects. It gets to the roots about what we are about.

It is a very call to action initiative and about our city. We are about to launch a radio station to reach out to youth audience.

Why a career in the creative sector?

In the spotlight is a small section of the paper which shines a light on community activities which are being put into practice across neighbourhoods.

The aim of the segment is to raise awareness and promote these programmes or individuals for greater community cohesion. This issue we have founder of Punch Records, Ammo Talwar MBE.

Introduce yourself.

events and tour musicians, and we also provide services to schools and educational establishments. .

Ammo Talwar. Founder of a music and arts company based in Birmingham’s Custard Factory called Punch Records.

What has been your most lucrative project?

What kind of services does Punch offer?

We offer ‘cultural services’. We have been working around three areas, predominantly black music.

We run a festival, we put on

Socially, we just finished a three year programme working with Capital Xtra and Barclaycard working with people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). We took 60

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I actually graduated in engineering. I set up a record store on the promise that I wanted to do something different. I was all accidental. There has been no strategy behind this; it’s just something I got into and suddenly this business popped up. Things started going quite organically.

Looking back, what was your family's reaction and how did it influence your work ethic and attitude towards your overall career?

When I had my record store, my family were happy – because I had a shop. They didn’t understand that I was selling black music. They kind of got used to it. When I started working with schools, they thought I was a teacher!

After changing your career path to the creative industry, was there any doubt in your mind about how this was going to go?

I was really young and I was stupid. I didn’t really know what I was doing. When I set my business up, I was 24 – I made so many mistakes in the first three years. But I am so glad I set it up at that age. Most people set up businesses at 30 or 40, but I did it the opposite way and it has worked for me.

I think Birmingham is a really interesting place to be, primarily because property places are low and connecting to different sectors is easy.

You're based in Birmingham, but looking at the overall picture, how important is the creative industry to the UK? The creative industry is bigger than construction, in regards to GDP in Birmingham. It’s fast growth and interactive.

Nationally, it is really important but a relatively new area. But they are high-growth areas. It’s all about being innovative.

Should Birmingham be leading this campaign?

I think Birmingham is a really interesting place to be, primarily because property places are low and connecting to different sectors is easy. But I think you have to have that interaction with other cities because Birmingham can’t do it alone.

If there was one thing you could change about the creative industry, what would it be?

I think our arts and cultural offerings needs to be more diverse.

What was your motivation then and what’s the motivation now?

You’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of the BASS15 Festival, what do you have lined up this year?

At that time it was gaps in the market and the services that record labels were providing were based around old shops.

At the moment, Birmingham is the youngest city in Europe. It is the most culturally devise city.

We need our arts and culture reflective of those people within the city. It has to be the heartbeat of the city. There are lots of holes and its our job to be that cultural connection.

The festival came about when young African Caribbean’s coming to us, saying they didn’t feel reflective of the city – especially through arts and culture. We became that connection for them and spoke to different venues about creating a festival for the black arts. The first couple of years it was a bit of a mess and over the years it has become part of the city’s cultural offer.

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OCTOBER 2015

HEALTH COLUMN BENEFITS OF QUITTING SMOKING 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 diseasefree 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 non-smoker also improves the chances of giving birth to a healthy baby.

• More energy – Within two to 12 weeks of stopping smoking your circulation will improve and as a

PAKISTAN WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM

• SARAH STABLES, Solihull Stop Smoking Service

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 ( h t t p : / / w w w. n h s . u k / 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.

EARTHQUAKE Ten Years On

FEATURE

Children were left orphaned.

Collapsed buildings were littered everywhere and the infrastructure in disarray. I felt like I was caught up in a warzone.

FEATURE

Syra Munir Contributor

E: SyraMunir@yahoo.com

O

n the morning of Saturday 8h October 2005 a major earthquake shook Pakistan, and parts of India and Afghanistan.

Registering 7.6 on the Richter scale; it claimed over 80,000 lives and displaced over 2 million people. Now 10 years later, our reporter, Syra Munir, remembers the day that changed lives across the world.

It was one of the worst human tragedies of the century. A natural disaster in the form of an earthquake struck with a magnitude of 7.6 on the 8th October 2005.

Lasting for a few minutes it came with the cost of 80,000 lives and 2.8 million were displaced as a result.

on TV I decided that I wanted to help the people of Azad Kashmir. I was received in Islamabad by a local NGO. From there we set off by jeep and travelled to Muzaffarabad where I was stationed at a camp for three weeks. I busied myself with emergency relief work. I worked on the field collecting data on children; I worked with the World Food Programme and secured food packages for 1000 families. I connected with a school in Nottingham who got involved and wanted to help.

They started to fund raise and with the funds I built a shelter classroom for children who had lost their school in the

international city with people from all four corners from the world coming to give aid and rehabilitate the community that had suffered so much.

My days at the camp were long. I would start my day at the crack of dawn and continued working late in the night.

Not knowing when my next meal would come I was ever thankful for the family that were happy to share their UNHCR tent and their meals with me. In the morning, Aunty would cook me parathas and sat in front of me to make sure that I ate two before I set off. Conditions were tough which I experienced first hand. Not having electricity and access

FACTS • The 2005 earthquake occurred at 08:50 • It claimed over 80,000 lives

The epicentre of this earthquake was Muzzafarabad in Kashmir, Pakistan. The people of Kashmir had lost everything; their homes, their families and livelihoods.

Children were left orphaned. Collapsed buildings were littered everywhere and the infrastructure in disarray. I felt like I was caught up in a warzone. The international community descended on Kashmir in an effort to save lives and more importantly to stabilise the situation by mobilizing the people.

The British Forces were sent, as were the US Armed Forces, Danish Army and many international NGO’s from across the globe.

The relief efforts were coordinated by the United Nations who had set up a compound. Against the odds, I arrived a month later.

I travelled alone. Moved by the images

• Displaced over 2,000,000 people • Measured 7.6 on the Richter scale

earthquake.

As I moved around the camps and spoke to people they shared memories of a life they had before. People, who were living fairly comfortable had everything stripped from them, were now relying on aid on a day-to-day basis. Grown men were crying openly at their loss and mourned for their beautiful city.

When I first arrived at Muzzafarabad I was overwhelmed at the sight of destruction. Four weeks later and people were still trying to make sense of their new surroundings and were struggling to come to terms with what had happened.

A few of the NGO’s such as the Turkish Red Crescent bought in psychologists to treat those suffering from the trauma.

They also set up a make shift hospital which operated a pharmacy. At that point of time Muzaffarabad, felt like an

• 147 aftershocks were registered in the first day after the quake.

to hot water was not easy and hit hard.

Temperatures in the nights plummeted and were painfully cold. Sleeping in the tent I would huddle up in my sleeping bag. I was living on the epicentre so I felt the many after shocks and tremors from the earth throughout the night.

My contribution was very small but even so every passer by thanked me. They thanked me for just being there at their time of need.

Although short, those three weeks had a huge impact on my life. I was left feeling that I wanted to do more. I returned to London and six months later I resigned from my job.

I left for Pakistan again, where I spent the next year and a half working with a NGO. I gave up that time to serve the people who had been affected by the earthquake.

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EQUALITY IS SWEET

The event will take place on Sunday October 11 2015 at Birmingham Women’s Hospital between 10am and 12pm.

Pink Ladoo campaign encourages celebration of female birth

The long-standing South Asian tradition of celebrating the birth of boys by distributing sweets called "Ladoo" within the community is finally being updated, with the launch of the “Equality is Sweet (Pink Ladoo)” campaign, which will create a much needed tradition to mark the birth of a girl.

South Asian sweet shops across the UK have agreed to offer Pink Ladoo to their customers in support of the campaign.

The campaign launches on Sunday October 11 2015, International Day of the Girl Child, a day that has been demarcated by the UN to promote girls' human rights and highlight gender inequalities that remain between girls and boys.

A man who drove onto a Birmingham 10K course run, narrowly missing runners earlier this year, has been jailed for 14 months.

Unemployed Ibrar Shazad Boston, from Cooksey Road, Small Heath pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol at Birmingham Crown Court where he was also banned from driving for over four years.

The 35-year-old had ignored marshalls at the Morrisons Great Birmingham 10k Road Race on 3 May and drove his blue Renault Megane over a grassed area and a pavement.

Police were alerted and

The day will be marked at Birmingham Women's Hospital, where every baby, boy or girl, will be given a box of Pink Ladoo. The aim is to encourage families to take pride in the birth of all children irrespective of gender and to celebrate the births of boys and girls equally.

There are only two women's hospitals in the UK, in Birmingham and Liverpool. As Birmingham has one of the largest South Asian populations in the UK, it was a natural choice.

Raj Khaira, the London-based, Wolverhampton-born founder of the UK campaign said, “Currently, there are no traditions to mark the birth of a girl but many to celebrate the birth of a boy. This gender-biased practice sends a message from birth to South Asian girls that they are worth less than their male counterparts."

“I want to raise the status and value of baby girls and transform attitudes towards women by changing this tradition. They're not just a sweet, Pink Ladoo are the symbol of a protest against established South Asian genderbiased norms."

Jailed for Driving onto 10K Run Course Birmingham Man Gets 14 Months

• ARRESTED: Ibrar Shazad Boston, 35

spotted Boston gesticulating at a council worker in a road sweeper who was blocking his path on the Pershore Road.

As the officer approached on a motorbike Boston drove off at speed, narrowly missing runners who had to jump out of the road for safety and just missing the police bike.

Boston then drove through cones and tape along Sherlock Street, before colliding with railings and abandoning the vehicle. He was stopped and arrested a short distance away after making off on foot, and trying to hide under a car, by the police officer who was assisted by one of the runners.

OCTOBER 2015

19

LOCAL CHARITY AWARDED NATIONAL AWARD TV Star Brian Dowling and ITV News Presenter Charlene White gathered to host the UK's Largest Diversity Awards.

Role Models and charities were honoured nationwide at the breathtaking Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, rewarding Britain's most inspirational people for their fight against inequality.

Community heroes from across the UK gathered in the bustling city of Liverpool to celebrate the outstanding achievements of those who have demonstrated their outstanding devotion to diversity, equality and inclusion.

Wolverhampton based charity Include Me TOO, beat seven others in the running for the Community Organisation Award in the Age category. Acting sensation Philip Olivier presented the incredible organisation with the accolade. Include Me TOO was applauded at the ceremony for being the only national charity supporting disabled children, young people and their families from BAME and other marginalised community backgrounds.

A record 20,000 nominations and votes were received this year, paying tribute to grass root communities nationwide. Microsoft were just one of the brands supporting a skyfall of diversity talent – positive role models, community organisations and businesses from the LGBT, ethnic minority, age, gender, religion and disability communities. Other brands include PwC, Barclays, Kier Group, Liverpool City Council, Transport for London, Penna, Financial Ombudsman Service, MI5, The Army, Co-operative Funeralcare, The Open University and ThoughtWorks.

The National Diversity Awards was a real feel good ceremony, where each nominee had earned their right to be in attendance for their fantastic work in their specific community.

The Golden Globes of the diversity world was an event refreshingly celebrated in such swanky style, that it was evident who were the stars of this show, the well-deserving, humble and extraordinary nominees.

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National Sikh

Convention 2015 O

ver 10,000 Sikhs attended the Annual National Sikh Convention organised over the weekend by the Sikh Federation (UK) at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Sedgley Street, Wolverhampton.

Numbers were higher this year than the last few years.

Those attending heard the last 12 months had been a remarkable time with some huge events and achievements. By far the biggest success achieved by the Sikh community in the UK has been to not

views about different aspects of the Sikh Manifesto where progress is essential. Several speakers also spoke about the success of establishing the Sikh Network and getting it up and running. The network now has over 1,800 participants and a core group with specific responsibilities that is constantly in communication. The Network has achieved another first in that the core group of ten has an equal gender split. They meet face to face every two months, but talk every week regarding progress on priority

Over 10,000 Attend Annual Event only produce, but actively use the Sikh Manifesto to make a massive positive impression.

All politicians that spoke at the Convention - Rob Marris MP, Pat McFadden MP and Margaret Ferrier MP - emphasised the significant impact of the Sikh Manifesto. It has resulted in empowering the community and raising awareness of politicians and the public of the immense Sikh contribution and issues where Sikhs would like to see genuine progress.

Pat McFadden the MP for Wolverhampton South East and the Shadow Europe Minister alongside a number of Sikh speakers expressed

issues and keeping track of all ten Sikh Manifesto points.

Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) thanked all the volunteers of the Sikh Network and said it had a critical role in the next five years with respect to the Sikh Manifesto and full support would continue to be provided by the Sikh Federation (UK). Several speakers also reminded the Convention of the commitment by the Sikh Federation (UK) a year earlier to ensure Rob Marris was elected at the May 2015 General Election at the expense of Paul Uppal who had proved extremely disappointing.

A national blood donation campaign has been launched in a bid to raise awareness of growing religious injustices.

The campaign, called #SikhBlood and which runs from October 26th to November 1st, will see Sikhs across the UK donate blood.

Throughout the week people will donate blood at donation clinics at Gurdwaras (Sikh temples).

The purpose of the charitable effort has been inspired by Human Rights Campaigner Surat Singh Khalsa.

Affectionately called Bapu, the 82-year- old American citizen and Indian native has been on hunger strike since January in an attempt to raise awareness about Indian government treatment of Sikh political prisoners.

Many of these prisoners were convicted under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act (TADA) in 1985-95. This act was criticised, at the time, by human rights groups, and has since been withdrawn as it gave the state powers to detain suspects without charge. There were also widespread reports of the police extracting confessions under torture.

The week long campaign will involve Sikhs giving their blood for justice, something ingrained within the Sikh community. By bringing awareness to the situation, they hope

21

MAN FALSELY CLAIMED HE’D BEEN KIDNAPPED A Birmingham man has been jailed for 16 weeks just days after falsely claiming to his partner he had been kidnapped and asking her to pay a ransom demand, so he could buy drugs.

Police arrested Paresh Savji Devraj after they were contacted by his distressed partner who had been told that he would be beaten and killed if she didn’t pay £1,000.

Officers quickly established the threats and kidnap were not genuine and charged 35-year-old Devraj with wasting police time – he was sentenced at Birmingham Magistrates Court.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Wallis from Force CID said: "It is reasonable to assume if you tell a lie about a serious crime, a person is going to call the police, who will respond in a manner commensurate to that seriousness.

“In this case the lie was that Devraj had been kidnapped and unless his partner paid a sum of money straight away he would be killed. He further consolidated that lie with falsehoods of being injured, screams of ‘I’m bleeding.’ leading to concerns that this was a crime of great magnitude, a life literally hanging by a thread. Police worked extremely hard to try and find Devraj. When they did he was relaxing having been taking crack cocaine throughout the day.”

COVENTRY ROAD ATTACK

to get Indian authorities to look into the case of imprisoned political prisoners.

Chaz Singh from Plymouth, a Sikh who is a blood donar said, “I have been moved by the images of Bapu Surat Singh over the past months. Blood donation saves lives and we are sure that hundreds of Sikhs will participate. This is regarded as a small sacrifice compared with Bapu Surat Singh’s hunger-strike to highlight human rights issues in India. I would urge all Sikhs to donate blood and play their part in this campaign."

Event organiser, Dr Manjit Kaur Dhinsa, said the campaign is seen a concept of seva. "Many Sikhs regard Surat Singh’s hunger-strike as a service to humanity, a core principle of Sikhism.

This is echoed in the campaign, which hopes to increase blood donations from Asian blood donors who are more likely to have a rare blood group. Currently the chances of a patient of Asian heritage finding a matching blood donor can be as low as 40 per cent compared to a Caucasian patient where the chances are closer to 90 per cent. The drive will be supported through a social media campaign using the hashtag #SikhBlood."

The event falls in Sikh Genocide Week, a week which Sikhs from across the world remember those who died during the 1984 Delhi massacre.

#SikhBlood Donor Campaign Launched

OCTOBER 2015

Aims to Highlight Religious Injustices

Police are investigating after an elderly man was found lying with serious injuries in a Coventry road.

Officers believe he may have been hit by a vehicle, which then failed to stop.

The 75-year-old man, who lives locally, was discovered lying in Binley Road at the junction with Far Gosford Street in Stoke around 10.45pm Friday 25 September.

He was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition, with substantial injuries to his pelvis, legs and back.

PC Ian Hands from the force’s traffic department said: “We believe the man has injuries that are consistent with being hit by a vehicle but we need any witnesses who may have seen what happened to come forward. The man was discovered last night on what is a busy road in Coventry.

22

OCTOBER 2015

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EDUCATION

Thinking about going to COLLEGE next year? Interested in HIGHER EDUCATION? Want to find out what APPRENTICESHIPS are available to you?

Top of the List!

University of Warwick Number 1 in Midlands

I

Come along to South and City College Birmingham’s OPEN DAY event on Wednesday October 7th, 4pm – 7pm Running across all of our campuses, our Open Day is a chance for you to see the college’s exceptional facilities, meet the tutors who teach the courses and try have-a-go activities to give you a sample of life at South and City Birmingham.

South and City College Birmingham offers students and adult learners part-time, fulltime and apprenticeship courses from level 1 to higher education in a wide range of subjects.

We currently provide courses and training to

around 13,000 students and have multiple campuses and centres across Birmingham.

Committed to ensuring students have the relevant skills, qualifications and experience required for their future, whether that is to seek employment or continue their education at college or university, the college has excellent facilities which we continue to invest in. This includes a purpose built construction centre, hair and beauty salons which are open to the public, a fine dining restaurant run by students, music and sound recording rooms, an industry standard auditorium and much, much more.

INTERESTED? For further information about our Open Day and to check which campus you should visit, please visit www.southandcity.com/open Alternatively, get in touch with us at : hello@southandcity.com For any information about applying for or enrolling with the college please contact our admissions team on 0800 111 6311

www.sccb.ac.uk Tel: 0800 111 6311 @southandcitycol

/southandcitycollege

t is another stellar year for universities in the West Midlands, with the University of Warwick – winner of The Times and The Sunday Times University of the Year award last year – jumping up another two places in the league table to sixth place nationally.

It remains the top university in the West Midlands according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016. The supplement also names Coventry University the Modern University of the Year for the third consecutive year and the University of Birmingham is the University of the Year for Graduate Employment.

The Times and The Sunday Times Good

University Guide 2016 is published over the course of three days, beginning with a free 56-page supplement this weekend in The Sunday Times (September 20).

It provides the most comprehensive overview of higher education in Britain. A separate analysis of student satisfaction with the quality of the teaching at each institution is published for the first time this year.

A year on from winning The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide University of the Year award, the University of Warwick has climbed a further two places in the league table to sixth. It has only once finished higher, at fifth place in 2009.

The most successful of the universities of the 1960s, Warwick has never been out of the top 10 in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide league table and is third in the world in the QS rankings for universities created since 1963.

Almost 90% of the work submitted for the 2014 Research Excellence Framework was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, confirming its place among the top 10 UK universities for research. English and computer science produced the best results, but Warwick ranked in the UK’s top ten in 14 different subject areas.

The dropout rate is among the lowest in Britain, at little more than 3%.

Sport JOIN OUR BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND HELP TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH LEARNING Over 2,200 students choose to study A levels at Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth 1 College and your expertise can support the College achieve its ambition for excellence. We need a governor to join us who has significant experience of Human Resource management at a senior level. With us you can apply your professional insight, knowledge and ideas to broaden the perspective and skills of our Corporation (board of governors) in leading this very successful and well respected Sixth Form College.

KEEP UPTO DATE WITH THE LATEST SPORTS ON OUR WEBSITE

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The broader your vocational field and cultural experience the better in further encouraging the success of our students. This voluntary role brings many professional rewards such as boardroom experience in the further education sector – adding to your CV and offering a positive step in your long-term career development or retirement plans.

The Corporation has a strong commitment to equality and diversity within the College to staff and students and externally to the community we serve. We encourage applications from under-represented groups which may include women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

For further information on becoming a College governor please contact Peter Butcher on 0116 2472905 or email vacancies@wqeic.ac.uk. Application packs can be downloaded from our website: www.wqeic.ac.uk All appointments will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

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JAS SANSI 5 things You Didn't ce thpie Mou 's Man king Thin The 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.

BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET STATION – A METAPHOR FOR OUR TIME

How do you describe a structure like Birmingham New Street Station? Lets start with location. Its sits in the middle of a city at the heart of the country. A zero meridian time zone makes it arguably the centre of the planet It almost feels as if the world has been constructed around New Street Station. But I guess anyone with a sense of civic pride would say that.

Access points on all sides of the station signify its a hub for the whole city. The shopping district around New Street has lost its monopoly on the route into and out of the station. Bullring and St Martins have an entrance and exit. Birmingham Southside, home to the Chinese Quarter, the LGTB community and the theatres, has an entrance and exit.

Neighbouring businesses have spruced up ahead of the station’s opening. I attended the New Alexander Theatre’s £1 Million refurbishment event last night.

Maharajah, one of the first city centre Indian restaurants has been updated. The Dragon Inn pub have upgraded their beer garden. Even Mr Egg can boast a lick of paint.

The central floodlit atrium of New Street Station is a structure of cathedral proportions. As a photographer, my instinct is to reach for a camera and capture a shot. On the station’s opening day, I ignored my instinct, taking in my first view of New Street with the ultimate lens, the human eye.

The atrium is at the crossroads of the station’s wide but low ceilinged corridors. They have the effect of amplifying the wow factor when reaching the atrium.

To see the archways of the atrium, you must first step into that space. You cannot study the

interior from a passive distance.

Proximity makes it a challenging space to photograph at ground level. I used both a wide angle and an all encompassing fish eye lens. The inability to step back prevents the framing of the entire picture. If you step back, you find yourself again in the low ceilinged corridor space.

There are very few buildings like this and its a clever design detail. To understand the space, you have to be here. All the social media snaps and selfies in the world offer a glimpse but no more. You have to get up, come into the city centre and see this building in person to comprehend it. Scanning your finger across a smart phone or tablet to reveal images offer you little. And that’s difficult for a photographer to admit.

Walk, cycle, get the bus, drive or get the train to New Street.

Bring a camera but capture that first exposure with the eye. It’ll be the best shot you’ll take that day.

The stretched brilliant white fabric of the station’s interior reminds me of Dubai’s Burj Al Arab. The archways are reminiscent of Barcelona’s Familia Sagrada. I imagine Gaudi would smile at the comparison but the words ‘Cathedral like’ have been used. It feels like the airport of a city awarded the Olympics.

If there were plants, it could be Kuala Lumper. Unveil a Hindu Goddess and it could be New Delhi International.

It feels like all of this, but more than that, it feels like Greater Birmingham right now.

As Andy Street, Chair of Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, described it at the recent AGM ‘this is our time.’

New Street Station is a metaphor for our time. It will draw visitors from everywhere. It will offer them a journey. Whether you’re a Brummie, a UK citizen who has chosen Birmingham, an immigrant, a refugee from a war torn region, an overseas student, an economic migrant or an expat, we are all on a journey. In the end, we all share the ultimate destination. Its the stops where we disembark, establish relationships and leave a legacy on this planet.

It’s the stops that count.

Twitter: @jassansi Facebook: /jassansi Linkedin: /jasssansi

Know about Langar With Sikh Press Association

1

Langar has been happening for over 500 years

Langar was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, in the late 1400s to fight hunger, put equality into action and teach compassion. Although the exact date Langar started is unknown, it has been ongoing every day since.

2 People all over the world are going to be treated to free delicious food from October 5-11th, as for only the second time ever the Sikh community host Langar Week.

Work places, homeless shelters, schools and of course Gurdwaras will all be places where Sikhs will offer free vegetarian food to people, regardless of faith, gender, as Sikhs proactively take Langar to the wider community.

Designed to promote education and integration, the Sikh Press Association created Langar Week after finding many people do not know much – if anything – about Langar. More then just free roti and daal, here are five things that you may not know about Langar.

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Langar could feed Sierra Leone

Estimates suggest that the Gurdwaras all over the world combine to serve approximately six million free meals a day! This is enough to feed the entire population of Sierra Leone.

3

Langar is good for you

Specialist Public Health Dietician Ravneet Phalora states “Langar usually offers something from each food group to provide a healthy, balanced diet. Roti provides fibre, daal is an excellent source of protein and iron, sabjzis provide vitamins and minerals and dhey (yoghurt) is a source of calcium.”

4

Langar is not just in a Gurdwara

Many organisations regularly take Langar to the streets. In the UK groups such as SWAT, Midland Langar Seva Society, Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen, Southampton Sikh Seva Society and Guru Nanak’s Mission combine to serve approximately 10,000 free meals a week on the streets of Britain.

5

Langar is FREE

Every part of langar is free. Volunteers cook, clean and serve Langar as part of their seva (selfless service) and the food all comes from donations.

MIDLANDS LANGAR SEVA SOCIETY: FROM WALSALL TO THE WORLD

Every great journey begins with a few small steps and the story of Midlands Langar Seva Society (MLSS) is no different.

FIGHTING HUNGER I EQUALITY IN ACTION I TEACHING COMPASSION Stemming from a humble desire to help their local community, in less than two years MLSS went from a group of friends and family serving food in Walsall to an international humanitarian organisation now serving over GURUDWARAS I SLUMS I STREETS I RETIREMENT HOMES 3000 free meals a week.

ORPHANAGES I HOSPITALS I PRISONS I PLACES OF WORK One of the founding members Randhir Singh was actively looking for a way to help others when he decided to bring langar – the Sikh concept of a free kitchen that serves anyone – to the streets.

“I went on a trip to India which reinforced my connection with Sikhi and when I came back in Twitter: @Jassansi 2013 had a desire to do something that would help others. I got in contact with my friend Parma Singh and we got a team of lads together. From there more people got involved; men, women, children, old people, and it started to grow.”

With more people getting involved the team were spending every evening setting up feeds to the point where MLSS now have teams doing langar from London to Newcastle.

“We have volunteers in India that do feeds and we even reached Nepal after the recent earthquake. Now we are also regularly going to Calais to help the migrants and refugees living without access to regular food or water” said Parma Singh, another of the founding members.

“We just feel blessed to be given a chance to help others in any way we can.”

For more information on MLSS find them on www.Facebook.com/ midlandlangarsevasociety

Jas Sansi's Scribbles

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Boxer lends refugees a helpig hand

Police Concern for Missing Saresh

AMIR’S

"It’s heartbreaking to see images of children losing their lives as their families flee from devastating conflict."

Mercy Mission T

wo-time world champion boxer Amir Khan has lead a joint Penny Appeal and Amir Khan Foundation convoy to distribute vital aid to refugees stranded on the PHOTO: Irfan Bostan

island of Lesbos (Greece).

A UK-wide donation scheme was set up

by Penny Appeal and Amir Khan Foundation, allowing people to donate towards food, water, hygiene essentials and shelter.

People can also drop off other items like clothes, footwear, hygiene disposables and outdoor

equipment at designated collection sites across the UK. These items were driven to Greece by volunteers and then handed out by both teams, including Amir Khan.

“We’re seeing stories of people in countries like Germany doing so much for refugees and I know people in the UK are just as generous and thoughtful.

This convoy was a great way for everyone to do

• REFUGEES: Refugees arriving on the greek island Lesbos

Amir Khan said: “It’s heartbreaking to see images of children losing their lives as their families flee from devastating conflict.

“What’s even more disturbing is knowing that many more lives will be lost unless we provide urgent aid to these refugees who are stranded and in desperate need.

something to help.”

Adeem Younis, Chair of Trustees at Penny Appeal, added: “Everyday, refugees arrive on the shores of Europe after surviving a horrendous journey with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing.

“The items we can provide will make a real difference, giving people hope as they take the first

25

Boxer: Amir Khan

step on the path towards safer lives.

“We’re delighted to be working with Amir Khan and his Foundation on this life-saving project and call on people across the UK to get involved.”

The convoy left from Bolton and collection centres have been set up around the UK for people to donate their items before the convoy departs on a four-day journey across Europe.

Drop-off points for donations had been set

up in Bradford, Leeds, Manchester, Bolton and Luton, and volunteers were there to accept items like footwear, clothing, hygiene and outdoor equipment until the evening of Sunday 13th September.

“If people can’t get to any of the locations in time, then they can make financial donations online or over the phone, which will go on to provide food, hygiene and emergency shelter to those refugees stranded on the island of Lesbos”.

Balsall Heath Shooting Police Launch Investigation

DETECTIVES have launched an investigation after a man suffered a gunshot wound in the Balsall Heath area of Birmingham.

Police were called to

Copperbeech Drive just before 10.20pm following reports a man had been shot.

Emergency services attended the scene and a 32-year-old man was found with an injury to his back.

He was taken to hospital for treatment and later released.

Detective Inspector Jim Munro, from Force CID, said: "This appears to have been

Police are becoming increasingly concerned for a man who went missing from his Wolverhampton home.

Saresh Kumar, 32, was last seen on 20 September when he collapsed whilst visiting relatives on Howell Road, Blakenhall.

The family called for medical help and Saresh ran away before he could be treated.

Saresh also known as ‘Bunty’ does not have a fixed address but is believed to come from the Wolverhampton area.

He is described as Asian, around 5ft 7ins tall and of a slim build.

He was last seen wearing black trousers, black shirt and no shoes.

Mark Rushton, from Wolverhampton police, said: "We need to make sure that Saresh is safe and well and we are appealing to anyone who has seen him to call us with information.

"We have trawled CCTV and believe that he was last seen heading towards Goldthorn Park area at around 7pm on Sunday 20 September.

"His family are obviously concerned for his health and we really need to speak to him as soon as possible."

If anyone has any information as to his whereabouts then please call West Midlands Police on 101.

Alternatively people can leave information by calling the Missing People charity on 116 000.

a targeted attack and the man is fortunate to have only suffered a relatively minor injury.

"We've launched an investigation into what happened and an area around the scene remains cordoned off. We'll be making local enquiries today and also examining CCTV in and around the location."

26

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27

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

Priyanka Chopra’s set to Explode on British TV

BOLLYWOOD STAR PRIYANKA CHOPRA

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

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

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

ABC made a surprise blunder in a promo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Countryfile Presenter Struts Her Stuff

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NAUGHTY BOY & BEYONCE

NEXT [REFIX] THE PROPHEC RELEASES FREE DOWNLOAD Following the Worldwide success of "Chall Mere Naal", Both The PropheC & Fateh are back yet again to team up for the ReFix of The Weeknd`s "Next".

After being compared as the South Asian equivalent of The Weeknd by fans around the globe, it was only right that The PropheC brought his own trademark to one of The Weeknd`s hit songs.

Not forgetting Fateh DOE - Fresh off the release of his solo single "Naiyo Jaande", who outdid himself with his seamless flow and heartfelt lyrics.

This is just a taste of whats to come from The PropheC - With numerous Singles & Collaborations on the way in the lead up to his 3rd album "The Lifestyle" - Stay tuned for lots of new music to come this year.

Two of Canada`s finest Urban Desi artists coming together and putting out FREE music as a Thank You to their fans.

Queen Bey’s New Collaboration B

eyonce has launched his latest single, and much to audiences suprise, its a collaboration with Asian music producer, Naughty Boy. Runnin (Lose it All), which was released last month, was Beyonce’s first new piece in nearly a year.

The song begins slowly with Beyonce singing over a simple piano track. The beat picks up and becomes more urgent by the

chorus with Beyonce emotionally belting “Ain’t running from myself no more.”

Talking about the single, a source close to Beyonce said, “Beyonce played a major role in the talks with Naughty Boy and they have formed a close friendship. She shares Jay's belief in Naughty Boy's talents and has expressed an interest in working on a track together."

RUNNIN' AWAY WITH NAUGHTY BOY According to Naughty Boy, he met Beyonce in Los Angeles in January around the time of the Grammy Awards. Beyonce heard the track and during its early stages and then decided to add Arrow Benjamin to the vocals, to the end project.

RISHI RICK PROJECT RETURNS WITH A NEW HYPE

SONU SINGH

SHEESHA TIME Sonu born and raised in Rajasthan (Jaipur), began formal training from Ustaad Gurcharan Singh from Rajasthan where he learnt singing and harmonium for 2 years.

Sonu is now backing with a new fresh song Sheesha. Music produced by midlands based producer Dalvinder Singh and video directed by Gary Lam Gary. Sonu is now getting ready to really make a huge impact on the industry with a string of releases lined up over the next few months. His forthcoming tracks have been produced by Surinder Rattan who has a string of worldwide hits already to his name and also the music machine Popsy. Sonu’s love for the stage has got him performances across the country and performing alongside some Bhangra legends like Balwinder Safri.

Freakish Music!

Releasing simultaneously across the world on Friday 25th September, ‘FREAK’ has had social media networks buzzing in anticipation and the deal with India means that the massive fan base that Jay Sean, Juggy D and Rishi Rich have across the sub-continent will not be left disappointed.

Devraj Sanyal Managing Director and CEO, Universal Music Group South Asia, said: “The impact that these boys have had on the music scene ever since they dropped 'Dance With You' has been simply phenomenal!

They pretty much introduced the Bhangra / R&B sound to the world and in the course inspired tons of artistes from India and the sub-continent. Besides being successful as a trio, they have also been successful as 'solo’ artistes and that’s a rarity! So it’s about time that the magic of The Rishi Rich Project rolls out once more…and in 'Freak' they have delivered a brilliant track that’s bound to make their legion of fans happy as well as win over many new fans! We at Universal Music are proud to release this highly anticipated comeback single from The Rishi Rich Project which we will fully back and support!”

Most Wanted

The Crown Prince of Bhangra, Jazzy B “Most Wanted” is set to become the biggest track of 2015 and an unbelievable collaboration is about to hit the streets!

The Crown Prince of Bhangra, Jazzy B, has one of the most successful singing careers spanning over the past 24 years. He has delivered countless hits, with his latest making history as the first time he collaborated with a female artist, Kaur-B, on a duet called “Mitran De Boot”. The song was produced by Dr. Zeus and was complimented by an official video featuring Bollywood actress/ model Surveen Chawla, which has racked up almost 15 Million views on YouTube.

Snoop Dogg, World famous artist also seen as one of the Pioneers of rap music throughout the world has dipped his toe in the ocean of Asian music with his feature on the Bollywood film, Singh is

Kinng title track in 2008. He has never however, collaborated on a duet with any Punjabi Vocal artist.

That was until now!

The collaboration has been timed following the recent contribution by Snoop on Dr. Dre’s latest album “Compton”, which many see as Dre’s final album and has been created to compliment the release of the film “Straight Outta Compton”, a film that paints the picture of the origin of Rap in LA. Any song that Snoop Dogg featured on following this mammoth album could only be one of a superlative level, with eminence and magnitude.

“Most Wanted” seems decorously chosen as a title for this collaboration.

HOLLYWOOD LE

Rishi Rich’s

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Singing from the Heart Dil Da Tukra are the words of a father, on the day he gives his daughter away in marriage. Sung from the heart, it is a story of how he has done all that he can to help his daughter become the woman she is and his sadness at their parting.

Dil Da Tukra was written by Sodhi as a gift to his daughter for her wedding. At the reception he performed this heart-melting song, ensuring not a dry eye in the place!

Spurred on by those who had witnessed

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Mirroring Mughal-e-Azam Ranveer Singh to star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Epic Movie

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Dil Da Tukra was written by Sodhi as a gift to his daughter for her wedding this tender moment, friend and business partner Rowdy Farooqi took things a step further and brought together a group of musicians to create the original and emotive sound of “Dil Da Tukra”.

Musician, producer AND video director - Rowdy Farooqi began searching for actors to appear in the video. Dilpreet, Sodhi’s daughter, realising the significance of Dil Da Tukra volunteered herself and her new husband Dhaminder! Her in-laws also agreed to be part of the video!

The wedding day was re-created, attended by original guests, complete with wedding dress finery and venue hire at Horizons Bar & Banqueting in Hounslow - with just two actors playing the part of Sodhi and his wife.

With a new, unique sound, delivered straight from the heart, “Dil Da Tukra” has the potential to be THE wedding song for many years to come.

Shareek Upcoming multi-starrer Punjabi family drama ‘Shareek’ starring Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahi Gill, Guggu Gill, Mukul Dev, Oshin Sai, Kuljinder Sidhu, Prince KJ Singh and Hobby Dhaliwal. Navaniat Singh has directed the film and is produced by Vivek Ohri, Karan Parmar, R.S. Gill, P.P Saini and K.S. Saini.

This heavy weight multi starrer has already created a huge hype amongst cinemagoers as where the film hit over 1.2 lakh views on the trailer in less than 24 hours and is now over

hen Mughal-E-Azam released in 1957, it became an instant classic; a tragic love story set against a period in history renowned for its luxury and opulent settings.

Perhaps most memorable is the film’s creation of Lahore Fort’s Sheesh Mahal (the palace of mirrors), which gave the film legendary status in the records of high budget Bollywood films.

But now, nearly five decades later, the great Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whose reputation for creating visually stunning, emotive epics is unrivalled, has created a set which surpasses Mughal-E-Azam’s Sheesh Mahal.

Bajirao Mastani, to be released later this year, will feature a stunning, grandiose set for its dance number Deewani Mastani. Smashing Starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Bajirao Mastani tells the story of one of the least known parts of Indian history – that of the Maratha and Peshwa princes and the battles between the Mughals to create the princely states, and the love story of Bajirao, The Warrior. The film will be released globally on 18th December 2015.

life and illustrious career than has seen him go from being the world’s greatest body builders to one of the highest political offices in the USA, via becoming one of Hollywood’s greatest action stars.

Die-hard fans are also being given the opportunity to meet their idol with the platinum ticket package worth £1500, which includes an intimate ‘meet and greet’ with Schwarzenegger for just 20 people and take a picture with the star.

Ticket holders also have the opportunity to upgrade to a photo opportunity with the star for £545.

WITH KAMAL CHOPRA

KAM CHOPRA

BOLLYWOOD 1 Bathon Ko Teri - All is Well 2 Main Hoon Hero Tera - Hero 3 Dheere Dheere Se - Yo Yo Honey Singh 4 Mere Humsafar - All Is Well 5 Yadaan Teriyan - Hero 6 Afghan Galebi - Phantom 7 Tu Jo Mila - Bajrangi Bhaijaan 8 Oh Khuda - Hero 9 Sau Aasoon - Katti Batti 10 Hasi - Humari Adhuri Kahani

BHANGRA 1 Chamkila - Dr Zeus & Sharmilla 2 Freak - The Rishi Rich Project 3 Ki Banu - Gurdas Maan & Diljit Dosanjh 4 Paune Atth - Ranjit Bawa 5 Who Dat Girl - Roach Killa & Miss Pooja

Jimmy Shergill’s Next Punjabi Project

250k in just a few days. Film Producer and CEO Cinemadic Motion Pictures, Karan Parmar says this film will touch hearts of Punjabi's across the international markets. “Shareek is a story that will touch everyone’s hearts especially those based out of Punjab. The film has been shot in Punjab and London which gives it a very real feel to the audiences based out of Punjab. Jimmy Sheirgill has once again given an outstanding performance and the music is something very special by Jaidev Kumar. This will definitely bring a new dimension to Punjabi Cinema”.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER

The world’s greatest action star, political heavy weight and former Mr Universe, Arnold Schwarzenegger is heading to Birmingham for an exclusive black tie dinner event.

The event, An Experience with…Arnold Schwarzenegger, is taking place on Thursday 21ST January at the ICC in Birmingham with tickets going on sale this Friday 9th October priced from £95.

The event will see Schwarzenegger take part in a revealing on stage live interview with a yet to be announced celebrity host, where he will discuss his

TOP10

The dinner is being organised by leading events company, Olexy Productions who have hosted a similar sell-out dinner with Schwarzenegger in Leeds in 2014. The event, which was hosted by comedian and presenter, Jonathan Ross, received rave reviews and even saw one ‘Arnie-Super Fan’ join the Terminator star on stage to propose to his girlfriend.

Olexy Productions have also hosted sell-out events with Hollywood legend Al Paccino, Vinnie Jones and have a forthcoming event with Jean Claude Van Damme in Manchester in November.

6 Thori Thori - PBN & Raj Bains 7 Imaginary - Imran Khan 8 Billo Hai - Sahara ft. Manj Musik & Raftar 9 DJ Vajda - Kulwinder Billa 10 Queen - Zack Knight & Raxstar

UK 1 Writing's On The Wall - Sam Smith 2 What Do You Mean - Justin Bieber 3 Can't Feel My Face - The Weekend 4 Fight Song - Rachel Plattern 5 On My Mind - Ellie Goulding 6 How Deep is Your Love - Calvin Harris 7 Don't Be So Hard on Yourself - Jess

Glynne

8 Easy Love - Sigla 9 Cool for the Summer - Demi Lovato 10 Ain't Nobody - Felix Jaehn

EGEND, TO HOST EXCLUSIVE BLACK TIE DINNER IN BIRMINGHAM

Protégé Releases Second Single Roma is back with her second single Addicted.

Roma who launched her professional singing career with Tere Bin (I just Want) produced by Rishi Rich made a global impact with the song topping the charts worldwide. Roma began singing since a young age and took to the big stage at the age of 11. Roma took guidance from her father Surjit Singh Sagar who has a Sangeet Vishard in Tabla and classical singing. Born and raised in southeast London, Roma sings in Punjabi, Hindi and English.

Her versatility and style has already encaptured media attention across the world and now with her second single set to launch Roma is gearing up for an international press tour.

Roma’s second single ‘Addicted’ produced by Manoj is a fusion sound of English and Hindi mixed together with east meets west beats. This single showcases Roma’s versatile vocals and you’ll hear a hint of her classical tones. The music video directed

by Mad Manners will go live on TV on October 1st.

Slammin’ the Sultan

Salman Khan kicked off his daily 4 hour training for SULTAN with Action Director Larnell Stovall and team who have been flown in from Los Angeles to train the actor in wrestling and mixed martial arts for the next 2 months.

Tweet of the Month

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THE MAKING OF

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Dhami

Your new single, Sitarey, releases soon. How did you get involved with Tigerstyle?

HOW THE DREAM OF

TWO FRIENDS

I am really inspired by the way they work. They have been in this industry for so long and they are really persistent with their music and successful songs. I have been trying to work with them for the past few years. They sent me some beats that I was really keen on working on but it just didn’t work out. But when I went to India this year, they sent me over this song and I thought ‘yeah I could do something with this.’ On the back of that, we got involved in another song, which I will reveal soon. Sitarey is the first song we have worked together on and we just recently shot the video.

BECAME

A REALITY

A vision seen by two friends was quickly transformed into a reality by their passion. Based in the Midlands, Modus combines a collaboration of Western and Indian fused instruments.

Aimed at all occasions, the group can transform all events into memorable moments. Filling the air with energy and sound of music, the core of Modus is based around the Dhol. We use the natural energy of the instrument and adapt it with a western vibe providing individuals with an energetic and unique performance.

How did the idea come about?

Modus is a vision created by two friends Satnam Rooprai and Mitesh Joshi. Satnam and Mitesh have both been playing Dhol for many years and attended many weddings as guests.

We noticed there was a gap in the market for a high class entertainment experience for customers. Although there are many drum and Dhol groups in and around the UK, Modus is a professional and exclusive group which focuses on the entire performance around the guest’s experience. To ensure that the performance is of an upper class nature, Modus employed the highly recognised BBC Asian Network Radio Presenter Dipps Bhamrah to produce and create the backing music that Modus performs to.

How do you define what you guys actually do?

Modus offers a musical entertainment service. Modus offers all clients the entry level package, which consists of an entrance / escort service with Dhol drums into the venue of choice followed by an interactive Dhol performance with the DJ. The Dhol performance consists of fusing together Bhangra music, English dance music and also Hip Hop & RnB music. With the combination of energies from the carefully selected music and sound of the drums Modus ensures to keep all guests continually dancing!

Coming from a business background, what made you venture into the music industry?

Although we both come from business backgrounds, we both firmly believe that everyone should have a hobby, irrespective of what background you operate within. Hobbies are an important part of our lives and help us take our minds away from our daily working life in order to concentrate on some of the finer things in life, like music and family.

Fortunately, we both absolutely love music, we listen to it, we watch it, we play it and we breathe it, with special attention to live music. We both thought that with our passion for music

What kind of song is Sitarey?

QUICK FIRE Who keeps you grounded the most?

My dad

A singer you like to collaborate with?

I think it would be really interesting if I did a collaboration with Chris Brown or Ed Sheeran. But I would go for Sukwinder Singh Favourite dish?

English: Roast Punjabi: Meat and Rice What would you do if you woke up as the following?

Diljit Dosanjh: I’d be happy!

Kanye West: He’s a G! David Cameron: Err….I don’t know if I’d be happy with that.

It’s kind of a melodious and heart touching kind of song. It has the same feel as Zulfa and Beparwaiya, but obviously, lyrically it is completely different. It has an urban kind of vibe to it with a Punjabi melody.

You come across as shy, but when you get behind the mic, you’re devastating. You’ve studied music in Liverpool, tell me about that.

I studied at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. I was quite lucky to get in because they have over 12,000 applicants a year and only 30 get in. The experience of working with people from around the world and combining our skills together – that’s what it was about. Everyone was creative. It was a life changing time for me. I came back from India after studying there and I didn’t know where I was going but going to the university, my path was laid for me. I met Sir Paul McCartney at my graduation. It was a big moment for my dad because he is a Beatles fan.

Tell me about Teke Wali. Overnight you became a singing sensation, how did that feel?

Teke Wali was the song that gave me a platform. Before that, I had a track called Sadi Jind Jaan - which is a massive track in Punjab, but not many knew the song in England. Hearing the song on the radio though, it was surreal. A song is like a baby, it starts from a piece of paper and then you see it grow into a composition, it gets produced, and then mixed, mastered and then you shoot a music video. You can’t beat the feeling when people appreciate the music when placed on the market.

Aman Hayer has been instrumental in your career. Tell me about your relationship with him.

Our fathers used to work with each other! We then met at a wedding. We got together and started to record music. First off it was Sadi Jind Jaan.

and a gap in the market, we should try to portray the love we have for music to others so that they can enjoy music in the way we enjoy it and that was when Modus was born.

How did your first performance feel?

It was quite surreal as to what we had created. It was quite rewarding and fulfilling to see people enjoy our performance as much as we enjoyed performing for our guests. The vision that we have for Modus is to ensure at all times that the energies from our perfomances are reflected back into the energies of our guests and this was noticeably evident

in our first performance and true to our values.

What would the ideal musical dream for you be?

Modus would thrive to be performing consistently on a UK level as well as an international level whilst also collaborating with some of the best artists and musicians in the industry and being able to perform on the some of the biggest stages possible.

However, our biggest dream would be for the Modus brand to be well recognised and respected across the industry.

SHOW

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SHOWBIZ Manish Gajjar Hindi Film Adviser for Vue Cinemas

BOLLYWOOD MOVIE OF THE MONTH

SHAANDAAR Director: Vikas Bahl Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Pankaj Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor

A big fat Indian wedding forms the backdrop for this romance between Aliya and Jagjinder.

Whilst Aliya is a dreamer, Jagjinder is a doer considering strongly in making things happen.

Aliya’s father believes that there’s no guy good enough for his daughter.

So a love hate relationship exists between Aliya’s father and Jagjinder.

The journey of Aliya, Jagjinder and Aliya’s father amidst the chaotic and lavish wedding forms the story of Shaandaar which everyone had ever dreamt of.

National award winner Vikas Bahl whose last release Queen won critical

BritAsia TV World Music Awards 2015 SHOWBIZ

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The BritAsia TV World Music Awards 2015 takes Birmingham Barclay Card Arena by storm!

KULWINDER BILLA

The BritAsia TV World Music Awards took the Barclay Card Arena by storm, truly showcasing the annual music event of the year in style!

Ground-breaking performances by world re-known international stars such as Ranjit Bawa, Kulwinder Billa, Imran Khan, Jasmin Sandlas, Sukshinder Shinda, Dr Zeus and many others were witnessed by thousands of music loving fans who had

travelled from all corners of the world to attend this exhilarating awards evening in Birmingham!

Within the audience were numerous British Asian celebrities, and royalty.

The arena erupted with cheering and applause at the announcement of each winner – fans showed their full support as the World stage of Asian Music celebrated winning artists in 18 awards categories.

SUNNY & SHAY WITH SUKHI BART

RANJIT BAWA

IMRAN KHAN acclaim directs this romance.

The film stars Alia Bhatt of the Highway and 2 States fame. She pairs up with Shahid Kapoor for the first time.

The film sees the acting debut of Shahid’s sister Sanah whilst Pankaj Kapur will be sharing screen space with his son for the first time.

The director has used a novel idea for one of the songs titled “Nazdeekiyan”.

He has shot it entirely in black and white. What’s more Shahid and Alia will be seen doing a ballroom dance which will further enhance the song sequence.

The whole wedding is said to take place in Leeds.

So expect the audience to have a blast in this craziest and zaniest film with two of Bollywood’s upcoming actors.

DR ZEUS

SUKSHINDER SHINDA

JASMINE SANDLAS

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

WINNERS

Breakthrough Act - Zack Knight Best Deejay - DJ Dips Best North American Act - Mickey Singh Best Live Band - The Legends Band Best Songwriter - Abbi Fatehgaria Best Single World - Patiala Peg by Diljit Dosanjh Bollywood Record of the year - ‘Lovely’ by Dr Zeus and Kanika Kapoor Best Album World - Mitti Di Bawa by Ranjit Bawa Best Music Video - Imaginary – Imran Khan Best Dance Group - Gabru Punjab De Best Urban Asian Act - Imran Khan Best Album UK - Chapter V by DJ Vix Bollywood Act of the Year - Kanika Kapoor Best Female Act - Kanika Kapoor Best Male Act - Diljit Dosanjh Best Producer - Dr Zeus Best Single UK - Imaginary by Imran Khan

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TOUCHING

TRIBUTE UNCLE REMEMBERS CRASH VICTIM

THE family of a man killed in a crash in Birmingham have paid a touching tribute to their loved one.

As police renew their appeal for witnesses Assad Hamed, the uncle of Atal Nawaz, described the devastating impact the loss of their loved one has had on the family.

"It’s been a month since the loss of my precious nephew who was tragically killed as result of a road traffic accident," said Mr Hamed.

NEWS

As We Proceed... Sunny & Shay WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM

We're really happy to join the team at Asian Today. Sunny and I were a part of the Channel 4 series ‘The Family’ which aired in 2009 and documented our Indian wedding along with the events that led up to it. Something that we get asked regularly is, ‘What is it like living with an extended family?’

We’ve been together for over 11 years and had our registry wedding 10 years ago and in this column we will be sharing our experiences and will give you advice or tips that have worked for us. If you have a question email us on: editorial@theasiantoday.com with the subject line as Sunny & Shay Question.

RELATIONSHIP EXPERTS

CELEBRATING LANDMARKS Celebrating any landmark in your life can be exciting and perhaps daunting if you are alone. I recently turned 40 and feel very fortunate to say that I was surrounded by my wife and family to celebrate this milestone. To be honest, I don't feel any different today than when I was in my 30's but I find it's society that puts labels on you which you may not be able to identify with. I am not mentally any smarter than I was yesterday, I haven't suddenly woken up with all the wisdom of the world but I do look around me and smile at my accomplishments. The key important one is my marriage. Shay and I have been together for 12 years and it's heart-warming to know that I have spent the last decade and more with her by my side. When we look back on our personal goals in life and what we want to achieve I believe it's more fruitful to enjoy it with your partner - be that your wife, husband, sibling or friend. Companionship is what allows us to enjoy the milestones in our life but it doesn't necessarily have to be a birthday. We can choose to celebrate the important chapters in our lives whether that is getting a new job, perhaps learning to drive or simply cooking our first meal. Whatever brings you eternal happiness is the milestone in life you should cherish and celebrate. Landmarks are moments in life that one day we look back at and smile. Because even if they were negative they have made us who we are today. Lessons learned allow us to remain forever young, at least in heart!

SUNNY

• VICTIMS: Atal Nawaz and Mushtaq Hussain

"The Small Heath Highway accident took place at 11.30pm on 29 August, killing my nephew Atal Nawaz aged 24 at the scene of the accident and Mushtaq Hussain aged 21.

"The loss of two young lives moved the community to the extent that over 5,000 mourners attended the funeral prayers of the youngsters.

"In a society where news moves quickly, the death of these youngsters is now becoming old news, but for my family not a moment in the day goes past where we don’t think about Atal.

"When the door key turns in the evening his mother thinks it’s Atal coming home from work.

When his niece comes to visit she runs to his room looking for him.

"His cheeky simle was infectious and he had an uncanny ability to make friends everywhere he went.

"Atal had a bright future ahead of him which was sadly taken from us on the night of 29 August. The death has left a massive void in our family that can never be replaced.

"Whilst we are still coming to terms with our loss, we ask if anyone has any new information then please contact the police."

Two other men who were passengers in the Porsche Cayenne escaped serious injury.

The family’s liaison officer, PC Stuart Allen from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: "The families have been left devastated by the loss of their loved ones.

"We’re working hard to be able to provide them with the answers the many questions they understandably have about what happened that night.

"Four weeks after the crash, we continue to urge anyone who was in the area at the time to get in touch."

Although Sunny and I work together, live together and are married we are two very different people.

This has always been evident in the way that we celebrate our birthdays! Sunny likes to keep things simple and be at home whereas I love to get all my loved ones together to celebrate the year gone by. I remember turning 'Sweet 16' and my father said to me, 'Don't forget you're 16 for the year not just tonight to enjoy the whole year!' It's something that has resonated with me and I try to live by it. Now this doesn't mean I party everyday but it mean's that I choose to cherish the moments I enjoy with family and friends throughout the year. We live in a world where times are tuff and we can't always get out on a Friday night or perhaps by the brand new designer handbag that we want and it's at times like this that we should remember what is truly important to us. For me it's summed up by being around my loved ones, my family and friends which is priceless. No money can by the time spent with those we love to mark the landmarks in our lives. It's fair to say that in a world where we are all too busy to sit together as a family at night to eat dinner our time is the most precious thing. So why not use some of that time wisely and spend it with those you don't get to see all the often? It doesn't have to be a birthday to create a landmark moment in your life and believe me when I say it's those memories you'll end up cherishing for decades to come!

SHAY

Landmarks are moments in life that one day we look back at and smile.

Listen to Sunny and Shay every Monday to Thursday 2pm to 4pm on BBC WM 95.6FM and every Sunday on BBC London 94.9FM at 6pm.

Listen back on www.bbc.co.uk/sunnyandshaywm and www.bbc.co.uk/sunnyandshay Also, watch the antics of Sunny and Shay unfold in their online comedy series ‘As We Proceed’ on /TheSunnyandShay or follow them on @SunnyandShay LISTEN IN TO SUNNY & SHAY

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FASHION & BEAUTY

THE ASIAN TODAY

Author: Sara Khan Twitter: @sarakblog Facebook: /sarakblog website: www.sarakblog.com

meet

MANISH MALHOTRA

FASHIO As a fashion journalist, I've noticed September tends to be the busiest month of the year in DIWALI the fashion top party trends c a l e n d a r.

WINTER And here are WEDDINGS just some of the events trends for all the exclusives family you need to NOVEMBER know about, FEATURES exclusively for The Asian Today readers!

SPORTS

SAMIT PATEL Answers England's Call

TURN TO PAGE 44-45

Crème of South Asian Fashion & Lifestyle at

WINTER PREVIEW T

he British Asian Trust hosted an exclusive preview of the latest Festive collection by one of Indian fashion’s elite, Manish Malhotra. The event took place at the UK's leading, Indian high fashion multi-brand store, Aashni + Co where you can find the Indian designers collection.

Manish Malhotra’s creativity and genius span the broad spheres of Bollywood design, cultural fusion and

extraordinary bridal and couture collections.

Manish is a pioneer in the field of fashion in India today and renowned globally. His diffusion label MANISH MALHOTRA has become a success since its launch in 2004 and has proved once again why he is the country’s favourite when it comes to dressing India’s most beautiful and glamorous.

Manish, known for his bridal wear and immaculate colour

sense, has designed for some of the most striking personalities in the Indian film industry, highprofile politicians, industrialists, top global corporates and affluent families across the globe.

He has also been felicitated by National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi and the Indo-American Society for his contribution to fashion designing.

Speaking at the event, Manish Malhotra said, “I am

overwhelmed at the opportunity of coming on board as an ambassador for The British Asian Trust. I have been observing their great work for some time and am looking forward to contributing in my own way. Aashni + Co is one of the first stores in the UK to really showcase Indian fashion.

"It’s a serious store and a great showcase for the West to see what’s happening in India today."

A luxurious edit of the finest South Asian fashion and lifestyle collections was presented to the public at the Winter Preview, Which took place at the luxurious London location of Mayfair.

The event showcased the most talked about, new gen labels across the luxe fashion and lifestyle sectors, Winter Preview showcased seasonal collections by the leading names to watch in South Asian couture, craft and accessories, namely sumptuous prêt and couture collections. And as always l had to share some of the exclusive pictures with The Asian Today readers.

• CLOTHING: by Jyoti Chandhok

• JEWELLERY: by Love Opulence

• CLUTCHES: by Mahin Hussain Accessories

London Fashion Week BRITISH PAKISTANI DESIGNER CREATES PRACTICAL WESTERN FASHION WITH AN EASTERN TOUCH Photography Credits: Shahid Malik I was invited to attend Omar Mansoor's runway show at London Fashion Week. The British Pakistani designer not only inspires many British Asians in the fashion industry but also represents South Asians wonderfully in the prestige British fashion industry.

It was exciting as Omar Mansoor’s creates extraordinary practical western fashion with an eastern touch thus making

him innovative and a success globally. And his new Russian Revolution collection featuring evening wear promised to be ideal for fusion fashion inspiration!

And the show didn’t let us down the fabric was simplistic yet the combination of design, tailoring and gold detailing l observed pieces of art grace the runway. It's as if he takes you on his incredible design journey and we thank him for letting us into his world.

It was fashion with a touch of everyday elegance, a garment you can wear in the UK or Asia and that’s what l love about Omar Mansoor's versatile creations.

Only Omar Mansoor portrays fashion with a touch modern cultural fusion and British elegance marvelously.

There's only one Omar Mansoor and we look forward to seeing more from him next season at London Fashion Week.

• VERSATILE CREATIONS: Models Showcase Omar Mansoor's Designs

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

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

TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719

FASHION & BEAUTY

ON & BEAUTY

Sumptuous and elegant collection for 2016

Aashni + Co Wedding Show BRIDAL AND COUTURE COLLECTIONS IN THE UK Following the unprecedented success of its debut on the international fashion calendar in 2015, Aashni + Co Wedding Show is has announced the date of its second, annual South Asian, high fashion extravaganza on Sunday 10th January 2016.

•

• NEW JEWELLERY

COLLECTION: Red Dot Jewels

WHITE MUGHALS

FASHION DESIGNS: Anita Dongre

India’s most celebrated designers will once again descend on the Capital to present their latest bridal and couture collections on one high-end platform, from A-list fashion houses to rising star, new-gen talents. UK audiences will have the opportunity of meeting the attending fashion talents from across India’s fashion landscape and internationally.

L

2016 Jewellery Collection is On The Dot!

uxe jewellery label, Red Dot Jewels, presents its sumptuous and elegant White Mughals collection. Inspired by the 2002 history book by William Dalrymple, at the heart of White Mughals is the story of a love affair between a British dignitary and a Hyderabadi princess.

Exploring the collision of culture between

the British and Indians during the 18th and 19th centuries, the 2016 collection by Red Dot Jewels perfectly encapsulates the brand’s love for the Indian subcontinent’s ancient heritage and craftsmanship blended beautifully with the western aesthetics sought by the modern Asian woman.

Hi! Im Rav Deol and I would like to welcome you to my brand new beauty column! I am a busy full-time Mum of one, a professional beautician, hair and make-up artist, a professional mehndi artist for the last 18 years and…a solicitor to boot! I think that’s as diverse as it gets!

FB: /RavDeolMehndi Email: info@ravdeol.com IG: /ravdeolthequeenwithinyou Tel: 07506336877

TLC FOR HANDS AND NAILS Not so long ago I met up with a dear male friend for a luncheon date. Wearing my snazzy new cape and sporting a great bit of strobing, I felt great until he said, “Oh my God, girlfriend, look at the state of your hands, you could have at least made an effort and made sure your nails were done for our lunch date, a little bit of self respect wouldn’t go amiss…”

The new cape wasn’t enough, he was right, the closest these hands had come to cream lately was the éclair I had eaten the day before. I felt guilty, having always been an advocate of TLC for hands.

Neglected hands are as unforgiving as a neglected décolletage, both are huge perpetrators in betraying your age and unkempt hands can heavily compromise an appearance, no matter how titivated you otherwise may be.

Nail Care

Hand Care

Eliminate dry skin by exfoliating with a homemade mixture of white sugar with olive oil and massage onto your hands in a gentle, circular motion before washing off with warm water.

Every day wear and tear, age, weather, exposure to chemicals and hot water can damage hands but a good cream can provide some protection.

Apply after each hand wash, keep a tube handy so you won’t forget.

For a real treat, exfoliate and moisturise at night, place a small plastic bag over each hand, put on some mittens and go to sleep. Faffy, I know, but the results are luscious.

Well-shaped and even nails are a must.

Nail clipping is the lowest form of nail maintenance ever and clean, equally clipped and nicely shaped nails immediately perk up hands.

Before applying polish, use a good quality base coat to avoid nails becoming stained, try the traditional gel polish manicure or the hybrid apply-athome polishes with a gel formulation for a longer lasting polish.

Nail enhancements provide instant uniformity, length and pizzazz to nails and hands. Nail art, bling and the assortment of tip shapes (squoval, stiletto or coffin, anyone?), it’s a whole separate world!

Select a salon with trained,

experienced technicians exercising a meticulous hygiene routine.

Enhancements can sometimes cause long lasting damage to the nail plate which can take months to repair so be sure your technician and salon is the best you can find.

Where already damaged, let your nails re-grow and repair before further enhancements.

Weak or brittle nails?

Use acetone free polish remover and consider a Vitamin B supplement, as well as a nail strengthener.

You can’t beat OPI Nail Envy nail strengthener, it is absolutely brilliant. If nails have a significant change in appearance and cause pain, it may be a fungal infection requiring medical attention.

I’ll be sure to take my own advice before my next lunch date! Contact us with your favourite tips for hand and nail care and the name of someone you think deserves a little treat to be in with a chance of winning a selection of goodies!

OCTOBER 2015

35

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.

Stay Motivated During The Autumn & Winter Months Autumn is here and Winter is fast approaching. It can be difficult to stay motivated to keep active. The shorter days, dark evenings and drearier weather can setback months of healthy habits, such as exercise and correct nutrition. In the Summer the warm temperatures, fresh air, longer hours of sunlight can make it easier to keep consistent with exercise and activity - outdoor activities such as; walking, jogging are easier to stick too. You are also likely to stay more motivated to get yourself to the gym.

Here are some tips to keep you inspired to exercise during the change of season and stick to a healthy lifestyle.

Wake up early It may be difficult at first but starting you day earlier will keep you motivated. It gives you an opportunity to enjoy more daylight hours and also you can get more things done – leaving you feeling fresh, alert, energised and you can even feel less sleepy and tired. But remember it’s important to get to bed earlier if you plan to start your day earlier.

Set a goal Envision yourself fitting into those jeans you just bought or that bikini for your beach summer holiday.

Taking these small steps will help you to reach your ultimate goal.

Share your set goal with a selective group of family or friends. A simple: ‘how are you getting on?' ‘Wow you look amazing’ can help to keep you on track and motivated to reaching your goal.

Home workouts Working out at home / indoors can also be very effective – especially if you can’t bear the thought of going to the gym or exercising outdoors. Focus on activities that will help

you achieve your health and fitness goals or invest in a workout DVD. Have a workout buddy Having someone to train with can keep you motivated and you can actually motivate each other. When you know that someone else is depending on you to workout, you don't want to let them down and you are more likely to stick to the planned workout appointments.

Invest in a decent personal trainer To stay motivated you could hire a Personal Trainer. Winter is the perfect time to invest in a Personal Trainer. Hire a trainer with a proven history of delivering results.

Remind yourself of the benefits Focus on the benefits of exercise for your body and health. Think about the benefits that exercise brings to your life - write them down. Stick these to your fridge or somewhere you can view them to remind yourself when you are lacking motivation.

Also remind yourself exercise and activity releases endorphins that boost your energy and mood – this can really help to beat those winter blues!

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

36

AUGUST 2015

THE ASIAN TODAY AUTUMNAL DINING

PR supremo and food blogger Anita Champaneri brings her blog Ms Delicious PR and all things food to The Asian Today.

Bringing all the news from hot restaurants to cool bars and everything in between. blog: www.msdeliciouspr.blogspot.com

MICHELIN STAR FOR CARTERS The Michelin Guide has been busy rewarding another Birmingham restaurant with a coveted star. Carters of Moseley has just been given its first ever one!

It’s a significant coup for the Moseley restaurant run by chef Brad Carter and his partner and front of house manager Holly Jackson.

Making Carter’s the city’s 5th Michelin star restaurant!

HEAVENLY FINE DINING Going further afield, a new fine dining Indian restaurant has opened in Little Aston Sutton Coldfield against much fanfare. The new venture promises to offer a heavenly fine dining journey.

Set grandly on the corner of Thornhill Road and Burnett Road, Ganesha is set over two floors, with an outside garden terrace and seating upstairs and on the upstairs balcony.

This stylish haven is decorated in muted bronze tones, when you enter you are greeted by a stunning wine library beautifully

back lit with striking chandeliers overhead. The staff are very proud of their bar and it certainly would give Fumo a run for itsmoney!

Upstairs is a floor to ceiling gloss mural of the Hindu God "Ganesh" which certainly creates a striking centrepiece.

The launch was certainly a night for those who loved the luxury lifestyle with two Rolls Royce Wraiths pulling up outside and glamourous staff to greet the guests with flutes of champagne. www.ganesharestaurants. co.uk

GRAND CENTRAL Following months of build up, anticipation and excitement, Birmingham’s new premium shopping and dining destination Grand Central will finally open all its doors. More than 60 other shops and restaurants, including many which are new to Brum.

The restaurant scene continues to thrive with many new chains

FOOD & TRAVEL

TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719

coming to the city and more independents bringing their concepts to life.

One of the new arrivals is Pho, a Vietnamese street food diner at Grand Central station's restaurant complexwhich can seat more than 90 diners.

Another new comers are Tortilla, Frizzante (offering Prosecco on tap) and Yaki Nori.

Food & Travel

Chetna Makan’s Push for GOSH

BAKE IT BETTER F

ollowing the rise in enthusiasm for baking and following the success of BBC one hit show Great British Bake Off, 2014 contestant and professional baker Chetna Makan has encouraged people use their baking skills for a good cause and host a bake sale in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

“Appearing on last year’s Great British Bake Off changed my life. Baking is my passion and today I am challenging budding bakers across the country to get baking for a great cause, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH).

“The charity is encouraging bakers to hold a bake sale to raise vital dough for Bake it Better Week (19-25 October).

The money raised will make a huge difference to young patients and families from across the UK, helping to give some of the sickest children

the best chance for life.

“You can host your bake sale at work, school, or with family and friends - it couldn’t be easier. Don’t worry if you produce a soggy bottom or two, Mary and Paul won’t be there to judge!”

Get inspired at bakeitbetter. org, where you can find recipes from patients, hospital staff and celebrities (including my very own )You can even get your hands on bunting, cake toppers and posters as well as baking-themed games and top tips to give your bake sake a boost.

Best of all the money you raise through bake sales will enable Great Ormond Street Hospital to provide world-class care for young patients and their families by contributing to the rebuilding of the hospital, supporting groundbreaking research; funding the most up-to-date equipment and providing accommodation and other support services for children and their families.

Instructions Preheat the oven to 180 C. Grease and line a 23 cm cake tin.

In a bowl mix the butter, sugar, eggs, flour, cardamom, baking powder and coffee extract.

Whisk it for 2 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and creamy. Add the chocolate and pistachios to it and fold them in. Pour the mix into the prepared cake tin and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer

including a special ‘Songs of Bollywood’ show - in the Foodhall.

Street food created by Birmingham’s own Itihaas restaurant, such as chilli popcorn, lamb tikka burgers and Ghol Gappa will be served alongside the movies.

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

Specialists in

LOW COST FLIGHTS TO PAKISTAN!

NEXT [ReFix] TURN TO PAGE 28-29

• • • • • • • •

150 gms unsalted softened butter 150 gms caster sugar 3 large eggs 150 gms self raising flour 1 tsp cardamom powder ½ tsp baking powder 1 tsp coffee extract 100 gms dark chocolate, 70 % cocoa, chopped into small pieces • 100 gms pistachio, roughly chopped

For the icing: • • • • •

150 gms unsalted softened butter 300 gms icing sugar, sifted 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp milk Handful of chocolate coated coffee beans or chocolate curls to decorate

inserted comes out clean.

Remove it from the cake tin after 10 minutes and leave it to cool completely before icing it.

In a bowl whisk the butter to make it smooth and then add the icing sugar, vanilla and milk. Whisk for 2-4 minutes until the icing is light and smooth.

Once the cake is cooled spread the icing on top and decorate with chocolate coated coffee beans or chocolate curls.

BOLLYWOOD GLITZ COMES TO BRUM The glitz and glamour of Bollywood will take Selfridges Birmingham by storm with the arrival of a free pop up cinema andIndian street food for the Live + Loud festival.

Film-lovers can enjoy 20-minute screenings of movie highlights -

Chetna Makan’s Chocolate, coffee and pistachio cake

• 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

LIFESTYLE

TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719

THE ASIAN TODAY DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE

PUSHPA ALEXANDER 06:30-07:00

Wake up. Make strong coffee. Nothing else will do but Nescafe.

Prepare a fresh tikka, mayo/lettuce on brown sandwich for hubby to take to work. Check last night’s list and then either add or amend the list for the day ‘To do with Kids/House/Reminders.” Check weather take clothes out for my two girls aged 9yrs & 8ys. Always think of back up trousers for 8yr old as she can change her mind what she wants to wear. Iron and take into the bed rooms. Hubby leaves at 7am.

07:00-08:00

Wake Jasmine, Amber & Kyle. Often will leave girls to get dressed and go and help Kyle. Go downstairs to kitchen and then pour out 3 bowls of Frosties and take back into lounge table in front of TV. Leave kids to have breakfast whilst go back up for shower/dressed. Get bags/coats ready. Do a final check, kids have dressed, brushed teeth and ready to go. Walk to school with a neighbour & two of kids friends.

08:00-09:00

Drop kids off school, walk 10 min back. Get changed into suit/work dress and either go for meeting or networking event.

11:00-12:00

Make Calls and in between breaks tidy one room at a time & Hoover.

12.00 – 1pm: Wash dishes. Time for a sandwich/drink.

13:00-14:00

Go for 20 min walk. Text Hubby see how his day is. Check workload and time coming back in the evening and for him to be aware to get home early if parents evening or if I need to do a handover to attend networking events in the evening.

14:00-15:00

Check social media/follow up on calls/emails/marketing

15:00-16:00

Walk and fetch children. Certain days they have after school clubs and then arrange either myself or neighbour to fetch the children.

16:00-17:00

Cook dinner. Keema/Gobi and chapatis are the favourite.

17:00-18:00

Sit and have dinner as a family around the table/catch up on the day.

Check children’s school bags for letters with dates for attention.

This week I had to take in Kyles wellies/change of clothing for an autumn walk. And the girls had music lessons letters to be signed.

18:00-19:00

Iron and fetch dance wear. Get girls ready drop girls off to dance.

19:00-20:00 20:00-21:00

Back to work. Blogs. Kids go for showers/get ready for bed. Girls independent reading. I or hubby will go through school book with Kyle.

Catch up with Hubby, Put washing on.

Quick Fire Questions:

One drink that gets you through the day? Coffee One person that gets you through the day? Hubby One song that gets you through the day? Katie Perry Firework One food that gets you through the day? Cadbury's Milk Chocolate Favourite time of the day? Morning about 9:30am, it's just the start of the day.

Gadget that gets you through the day: iPhone

37

LIFESTYLE EXCITING • FAMILY • ORGANISED

Mindful Living

By: Mita Mistry

www.mitamistry.co.uk

@mitamistry

Pushpa Alexander is the owner of Headz Up Business, a networking organisation aimed at expanding organisations and their social media strategies. Her organisation is mostly aimed at Asian women. Pushpa saw a growth in attendance as more young females utilise technology. She spoke to The Asian Today about how she found a gap in the market.

What’s an average day in your life like?

SEPTEMBER 2015

Tell me about Headz Up Business?

Headz Up Business, delivers networking events, conferences and expo’s across the Midlands consisting of businesses, organisations and individuals interested in the following two niche areas: • Women in Business: We have the largest database for Women In Business/professionals and we are well known in the region for dedicated women only targeted events.

• Digital, Sales, Marketing & Technology: We hosted the first Social Media Marketing Conference in the Midlands 2012 and since added the Digital, Sales, Marketing & Technology Expo to the portfolio.

(Paul House, Trinity Mirror participated in the Q & A panel of digital experts at 2015 Expo.)

We have to date attracted hundreds of SME’s, manufacturer’s, educational institutions and start up entrepreneurs to our business events.

Where did the passion of business come from?

I’d worked in the events industry for over twenty years, with many of the roles throughout that time involved sales and marketing. It was when I was off on maternity leave with my 3rd baby I realised that the 9 to 5 was not going to fit in with my young family. So I sat down at the kitchen table and thought ‘what was I good at’. I loved putting on events and looking around realised that there was other women who needed family friendly business networking. So I started with monthly networking, one exclusively for women and alternated the other month of mixed networking. At the time of setting up, we saw the potential of social media platforms in marketing the events which later saw requests for myself speaking on ‘How to market your business with social media.” We decided that the topic was huge and there was enough demand to organise a separate conference and Digital related expo, which would appeal to ALL business owners.

What does the future hold for you?

We hope to continue to build on the 4 main events we currently host. We are launching a new website which will have a business support section for businesses seeking advice on all things in business. Giving lots of tips and techniques. We will also be publishing a series of business e-books ‘Giving you the Headz up’ on all areas of business.

How do you intend to utilise your platform to make sure we encourage more south-Asian women into business?

Our events are not membership lead which has helped with reaching out to Asian women interested in enterprise. Our women only events are great to meet other women who are in business and it motivates, encourages them to start a business. We welcome and encourage women from all backgrounds and all industries. Sometimes it can be daunting to make the first step and for many, and Headz Up Business events particularly the Women in Business Expo, is a great environment to learn from other successful women. It’s a useful place to network and find other ladies that can help them reach their goals.

Since setting up Headz Up Business we’ve already attracted a number of Asian women to our business networking events and connected with many across all our social media platforms. We have seen a growth in attendance as we are seeing more and more young females utilising technology and entrepreneurial activities. At our international women’s day conference we’ve had inspirational talks from successful Asian women in business and this has helped massively with raising the profile of Asian women in business and encouraging more Asian women to set up in business.

“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.”

- Thích Nhat Hanh, Being Peace Isn’t it amazing that mindfulness, an ancient Buddhist practice used by monks in temples set in luscious forests is taking the world by storm?

It’s true, Google has an entire dedicated area for employees to practice mindfulness, large city firms are recommending it to stressed executives to manage pressures of the modern urban jungle and even schools are adopting the practice to help children concentrate.

Mindfulness is buzzing and everywhere, used

by Hollywood stars like Goldie Hawn and Meg Ryan to elite athletes to improve performance. It is a form of meditation to bring your awareness to the present moment by paying attention to your thoughts or feelings without judgment.

It means you are right here, right now fully alert and present, you are not living in the past and not creating “what-if” scenarios that may never happen. In this precious moment, you will come off autopilot as you experience clarity of what is actually happening in your life. This is the key to happiness as it helps you to enjoy life and respond to events calmly bringing you personal growth and healing.

Other health benefits of mindfulness as proven by scientific research include reduced stress levels, improved sleeping patterns, better concentration from improved cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation as a direct result of practicing kindness to self and others.

To read the full article please log onto our website: www.theasiantoday.com

38

OCTOBER 2015

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

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THE ASIAN TODAY Barrier to Reporting Sexual Violence Cultural Norms in South Asian Communities

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

1950

Fewer than 100,000 people performed Hajj annually

Mina, a valley just outside of Mecca, is one of the stops on the hajj.

1970 Half a million pilgrims attended the annual pilgrimage

The disaster occurred when a "sudden increase and overlapping in the density of pilgrims" at an intersection in Mina triggered a stampede.

1983 Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia crossed the 1 million threshold

2010

HAJJ STAMPEDE PHOTO AP: Pilgrims and rescuers gather around people who dies in Mina

Roughly 2 million people perform the pilgrimage annually in recent years

Concepts such as honour, shame, modesty and stigma are strong barriers to reporting sexual abuse according to the research.

POWERFUL cultural norms in South Asian communities in England and Wales are preventing incidences of sexual violence being reported, according to preliminary findings being revealed at a University of Hull conference.

Concepts such as honour, shame, modesty and stigma are strong barriers to reporting sexual abuse according to the research.

Data suggests that incidences of sexual violence among South Asian women and children are low, but leading research by Dr Karen Harrison, University of Hull and Dr Aisha K. Gill, University of Roehampton, has found these crimes are happening but are not being reported due to particular cultural norms that exist within these communities.

Interviews with victims, practitioners and focus group discussions with women living in South Asian communities in England and Wales also revealed a lack of awareness of what constitute sexual abuse – particularly regarding marital rape.

One of the victims, aged 46, who was interviewed as part of the research, said: “It’s all conditional love in the Asian families and that’s what honour is all about – there is no unconditional love

in Asian families. Honour is more important to them than their own child’s happiness.

It’s down to the woman to keep her own dignity and self-respect. The concept of honour is about honouring the family and the community at the cost of the individual.”

Dr Karen Harrison, a senior lecturer in law at the University of Hull, says: “Not only may fears surrounding the consequences of disclosing incidences of sexual violence stop victims seeking help, our research has also found that practical issues such as language barriers and a lack of adequate police training can also prevent these crimes being reported.

“Our work has uncovered a number of initiatives operating in these communities that raise awareness of what constitutes sexual violence and encourages women and children to report crimes in a way they feel safe. We look forward to sharing these findings with attendees at the conference today.”

The research will be presented as part of a oneday conference hosted by the University of Hull –‘Preventing Sexual Violence in South Asian Communities’.

The research is funded by the British Academy.

T

he number of Indians killed in the fatal Hajj stampede that killed over 700 people during the annual pilgrimage has risen to 35, whilst the Pakistani death troll stands at 18. There have been reports of no British casualties.

According to the Council of British Hajjis, around 20,000 British nationals are taking the journey to Saudi Arabia. The country’s monarchy, Kind Salman has ordered a review in to the incident, saying there was a need "to improve the level of organisation and

management of movement" of pilgrims.

Foreign Secretary, Phillip Hammond, expressed his condolences to the families and said the government was urgently trying to gather information. “I was saddened to hear of the enormous loss of life in Mecca. My thoughts are with families and victims at this difficult time. Such a significant tragedy will affect Muslims across the world who take part in the Hajj pilgrimage.

"Our staff remain in close contact with the Saudi authorities and tour operators, and are

checking hospitals and other locations to urgently gather information about British nationals who may require assistance. We are also deploying further staff from the region to bolster our response.”

The crush occurred after two massive lines of pilgrims converged on each other from different direction at an intersection close to the five-storey Jamarat Bridge in Mina.

Just two weeks prior, a giant crane crashed down on the Grand Mosque in Mecca, killing 111 people and injuring more than 390.

FOREIGN OFFICE: NO BRITISH DEATHS •AWARD: Syeda Ghulam Fatima Collecting Her Award in New York

IN NUMBERS OVER 5000

CCTV TO MONITOR

CROWDS

18000 OFFICERS

TO DIRECT FLOW OF PILGRIMS, ASSURE THEIR SAFETY & ASSIST THOSE WHO ARE LOST OF IN NEED OF MEDICAL ASSITANCE

OVER 22000

DOCTORS, PARAMEDICS, NURSES AND OTHER ADMINISTATIVE PERSONNEL.

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FIRE RESISTANT TENTS FITTED WITH SPRINKLERS, A/C & CARPETED.

PAKISTAN’S PRIDE POSSESSION A Pakistani woman has been given an international award for leading a nationwide campaign about the plight of workers in her home country.

Syeda Ghulam Fatima was presented with the Leadership in Civil Society at the Clinton Global Citizen Awards, founded by the Clinton Foundation “for driving a proactive approach toward policy in Pakistan and advocating for core labour

standards in Pakistan.”

President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton opened the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting, bringing together more than 1,000 world leaders from the philanthropic, business, and government sectors, who have created Commitments to Action that tackle issues like education, poverty, the environment, health and girls and women’s empowerment.

ABCC

OCTOBER 2015

TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719

Patrons

Asian Business

Chamber www.aston.ac.uk

of Commerce

www.hsbc.co.uk

www.natwest.com

C o n n e c t i n g y o u t o o p p o r t u n i t y. . .

www.rbs.co.uk

tel: 0121 450 4203

Access to finance for local businesses Patrons top strip new theme.indd 1

Our sole purpose at BCRS Business Loans is to provide access to finance to enable businesses to grow and prosper by providing loans

T

BCRS. WE BELIEVE!

For any businesses that are interested to find out more about BCRS Business Loans, please visit www.bcrs.org.uk for more information.

he world of finance is constantly changing to meet the demands of the business community.

It is now clear that a structural shift has taken place in the way that businesses look for and access finance since the credit crunch.

Financing has become increasingly diversified and the market has subsequently seen the rise of non-bank lending.

BCRS Business Loans is a market leading non-bank lender and has paved the way for access to finance for local businesses. Established in 2002, BCRS Business Loans based in the West Midlands is a finance provider established to give local business talent the support it needs.

Our sole purpose at BCRS Business Loans is to provide access to finance to enable businesses to grow and prosper by providing loans from £10,000 to £150,000 to those that are unable to get finance from mainstream lenders. We are proud to serve our customers and respond to their needs. There is a lot we can do to help businesses and we are looking to connect

Picture Perfect Midshire joins Telegraphic Business Club I n d u s t r y l e a d i n g , Midlands based, office technology sales and service provider Midshire is proud to announce that it has been selected to feature in the Daily Telegraph’s online Business Club, as part of their video series.

Selected as one of only 15 businesses to take part in the series this year, alongside the likes of EON and Kurt Geiger; Midshire’s video will be featured

on the Telegraph website’s Business Club, one of the fastest growing online business platforms in the UK. The Daily Telegraph expressed an interest in creating a video with the company after learning about Midshire’s continued growth and expansion in 2014, commenting that “the £2m relocation of the Midlands office following sustained growth, was both current and relevant to the video series.”

Andrew Barnett, Midshire Account Manager comments on the video “The Business Club video shows how

with them as their friendly, local business loan fund.

Since 2002 we have lent over £25 million to businesses across the West Midlands and are proud to report that we have been able to help over 920 businesses to date. But it doesn’t stop there; BCRS has also helped to create, through the loan funds, over 1800 new jobs and keep nearly 3590 jobs safe.

The BCRS model is that of an approachable lender and we assess each individual case on its own merits. We operate very much with a traditional lending ethos rather than impersonal computerised credit scoring and our Business Development & Lending Managers go and see all our customers in their business premises to assess their needs.

Local businesses are at the heart of what we do and we believe in what they do.

We genuinely love to help businesses achieve their goals. Seeing them grow.

Supporting the people who work there and the communities they serve.

For us no viable business should go unsupported.

much the company has progressed and grown in its 25 years. A great deal of the video was filmed in our brand new office in West Bromwich, which is a fantastic environment for staff and customer meetings.”

Now with four offices across England and Wales, Midshire has rather uniquely grown organically, from a photocopier sales and service provider into a full service technology company.

More recently, Midshire has added telecommunication solutions, IT services and their own in-house designed cloud products to their offering. This expansion of services has seen Midshire develop from a relatively small company with 66 employees in 2005, to now having over 230 employees.

Watch the Telegraph Video here: http://www. midshire.co.uk/telegraph/ For any further information about the products and services Midshire supply, please contact Andrew Barnett andrew.barnett@ midshire.co.uk or call 07808 775 846.

BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE Hello everyone my name is Sue Bushell and I work as a community engagement officer for Guide Dogs I wanted to tell you my story as I feel that I am so lucky to work for an amazing charity and I don’t think everyone is aware of how much it does to help people who are blind or partially sighted.

My working life started in 1980 when I joined West Midlands Police at

39

the earliest possible age for a regular officer, I was exactly 18 and a halfLittle did I know that at the same time there was a young Pakistani lad by the name of Pervez Hussain growing up in the same area living with sight loss and our paths would cross 30 years later!

So why am I doing an article for The Asian Today? Well, it is because we have a lot of amazing Guide Dog Owners but out of the 280 that our

team work with only a handful are Asian, this is where my mention of Pervez comes in, he used to have a guide dog but due to health problems is now back to using a long cane for a while. Pervez now lives in Hereford with his wife and children but still regularly comes back to Birmingham where his family still live in Ward End. He is a DJ a motivational speaker and all round inspiring guy. He went

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In Pursuit of a WorldClass Education 22/07/2015 15:36:01

The King Edward’s School’s Vision WWW.KES.ORG.UK

• EDUCATION: King Edwards John Claughton

King Edward’s School is the oldest school in Birmingham, founded in 1552, and it has good reason to claim that for the last 150 years it has been one of the best schools in this country, the school of JRR Tolkien, Edward Burne-Jones, Field Marshall Slim, Enoch Powell, Bill Oddie, Lee Child, two Nobel prize-winners.

However, not even great schools can live in the past and King Edward’s aims these days to be a great school in global terms.

Such an ambition is based upon five fundamental principles. The first is accessibility, the chance for every boy of ability to come to King Edward’s. In a fee-paying school that can only be done through the provision of funds for Assisted Places. Each year the school invests £2m in such Assisted Places and in the last five years the former pupils have raised £8.5m for that purpose.

That means that 100 boys – out of 850 - are at the school for free, 200 with reduced fees. The aim is to raise £10m within a year to help even more bright boys to come here. The second principle is the pursuit of a global education. On the one hand, we proudly claim that we are the most ethnically and socially diverse independent school in this country: each year boys apply to us from 300 different junior schools, 60% of our pupils are from the Asian community, 130 of them are bilingual. On the

other, we are always developing our links with the wider world, through trips and exchanges, through collaboration with overseas schools. This global perspective is linked with the third principle, the provision of an outstanding academic education. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma instead of A Levels and, after five years, we are the best 100% IB school in this country and one of the best in the world. Last month, the Sunday Times named usas the best boys’ school in the Midlands; 20 boys a year get offers from Oxford and Cambridge, 20 more go to London universities; 17 boys this year got in to university to read Medicine. The final principle is that education is not just exams and our music and our drama and our sport, hockey, rugby, cricket, badminton, water polo and much more are all of the highest quality in exceptional facilities.

The purpose of King Edward’s School has always been to serve the children of Birmingham and it has never been more important than today that the school should do that. What could matter more to Birmingham, and the world beyond, than a world-class school which brings together bright boys from all the communities of Birmingham to give them the best possible chance in life?

From policing to guide dogs

to The Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford and got his first job as a switchboard operator for West Mercia Police at the local station (a standard job for the blind or partially sighted back then along with piano tuning!), he had to retire on ill health a few years ago but by then he was delivering diversity and management training for the force. You can find out more about him by reading his book

“Chasing the bean” We also have many volunteering opportunities for people no matter what time or skills they have and whether they like dogs or not – for example my guide our sighted guide service is growing rapidly for more information about our services, my guide and volunteering opportunities please have a look at our website www. guidedogs.org.uk

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OCTOBER 2015

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THE ASIAN TODAY

BUSINESS

A Helping Hand in Exports GREAT DESIGN: GREAT INNOVATION

A newly launched eCommerce platform, which is supported by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) West Midlands Regional Director, is aiming to add at least £3.6 billion of UK export turnover by 2020.

GreatBritishStore.com, will enable thousands of British-based and registered businesses to showcase their products and services to a global market.

The eCommerce platform aims to make selling overseas easier and more profitable for small to medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK, by providing an entry-level exporting solution for UK-registered businesses, regardless of previous international sales experience.

Nick Lewis, director and co-founder at GreatBritishStore.com, which is based in Staffordshire, said hundreds of British firms signed up at the Autumn Fair, which

took place earlier this month (September 2015) at the NEC Birmingham, after recognising the website’s potential to sell their goods and services to 106 countries.

He said, “We believe we can add at least £3.6 billion of export turnover by 2020 as a result of launching GreatBritishStore. com, simply by allowing qualifying SMEs to tap into the Government’s unrivalled global marketing machine for UK firms in UKTI. “Autumn Fair 2015 was a fantastic experience; we talked to hundreds of sellers who have thousands of quality products they're keen to sell in new markets. It was also a great opportunity to meet with UKTI teams from around the world, who will be promoting the initiative to buyers in their home regions.”

Paul Noon, West Midlands UKTI regional director, who has championed

GreatBritishStore.com, said, “GreatBritishStore.com, supported

by UKTI, provides a new and exciting opportunity to get British produced and designed products and services in front of global buyers. UK companies make great products and deliver world beating services, and GreatBritishStore.com will help them find new markets and sell more products and services overseas.”

There are thousands of quality British designs, innovations, products and services with no presence on the global stage, and many successful exporters who would like to attract additional buyers from new markets.

However, many SMEs find it prohibitively expensive and time consuming to expand into overseas markets, and lack access to the networks and contacts necessary to find global buyers.

Cycling Revolution

Scheme Boosted by New Funds Innovation Birmingham has been awarded £10,000 of funding from the Birmingham Cycle Revolution scheme, which is being delivered by the City Council.

The funding has been spent on infrastructure improvements

to encourage more of the 750 people who work at the Innovation Birmingham Campus to cycle to work.

The £10,000 investment has been spent on; a secure 17m long cage to house 36 bikes for tenants’ use; new bike lock

stands available outside of the locked cage for visitors; 20 large capacity lockers; improved signage; an extensive bicycle tool kit; and two pool bicycles with cycling safety accessories.

Stuart Bowles, Projects Officer for Innovation Birmingham led on the bid application to Birmingham City Council’s Cycle Revolution scheme. He said, “I cycle into work at the Innovation Birmingham Campus and have seen the number of tenants and colleagues who regularly commute here by bike increase quite a lot over the past few years. So, when I heard about the funding available from the Cycle Revolution scheme, I was really keen to apply.

“We conducted a survey to see what improvements the Campus’ community of commuter cyclists most wanted to see. Enhanced bike security and lockers were high on the list, so that’s where the majority of the available investment has gone. Pool bikes were another popular request, especially amongst colleagues who are keen on trialling a folding bike to travel to meetings across the city centre.

“As a result of the awareness campaign we conducted during

the summer, we have doubled the number of tenants who cycle to work at the Innovation Birmingham Campus to 25.

With the £10,000 Cycle Revolution scheme investment, the ‘bike breakfasts’ and cycle surgeries we now hold on a regular basis, and increased awareness about the shower facilities we already have on site, we are hoping to continue to build on the number of commuter cyclists, especially when our new iCentrum building opens next year.”

The City Council’s Birmingham Cycle Revolution Scheme has secured a total of £24.3 million to invest in making roads, canal towpaths and parks more friendly, as well as launching city-wide initiatives to get people on their bikes. The vision of the scheme is to make cycling an everyday way to travel into and across Birmingham over the next 20 years.

Most journeys made in Birmingham city centre are less than five kilometres, and yet only two per cent are made by bicycle.

The ambition is for five per cent of all trips in the city to be made by bicycle by 2023 and to double this again to 10 per cent by 2033.

BUSINESS

IMF

CUTS FORECAST FOR GLOBAL GROWTH

T

he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reduced its predictions for global economic growth for 2015 for the second time.

According the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) report growth for 2015 is predicted to be at 3.1%, which is down by 0.2% from the figure that was predicted in July earlier this year.

The report has also warned downgrade risks to the global economy appear “more pronounced” with developed economies and emerging markets facing diverging outlooks.

It said: “Relative to last year, the recovery in advanced economies is expected to pick up slightly, while activity in emerging market and developing economies

is projected to slow for the fifth year in a row, primarily reflecting weaker prospects for some large emerging market economies and oilexporting countries.”

The greatest downgrades are for emerging economies.

IMF cut its growth forecast to 4% in 2015, due to a sharp slide in commodity prices.

It said that “downside risks to growth for emerging market and developing economies have increased, given the risks to China’s growth transition, more protracted commodity market rebalancing, increased foreign exposure of corporate balance sheets and capital flow reversals with disruptive asset price shifts.”

However, the IMF’s leading forecast is for the growth to pick up next year globally and in emerging economies.

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PROPERTY

THE ASIAN TODAY

Buyers Struggle over Interest Rise

Some 52% of borrowers in the UK believe they will struggle or fall behind with mortgage repayments when interest rates rise, according to new research published by the Building Societies Association.

The survey has revealed that one tenth would experience real financial problems. A further 14% said they would be able keep up with repayments, but it would be a constant struggle, while almost a quarter, 23%, said that they would experience difficulty from time to time.

When questioned about the impact on their lifestyle, 18% of borrowers said they will have to cut back on essentials such as food or clothing in order to make their monthly repayments. A further 15% said they will have to work more hours in order to keep on top of their mortgage commitments.

‘Concern from borrowers is natural when it comes to interest rate rises. There are at least 1.85 million home owners that have never experienced a rate rise, we have a record low Bank Base Rate for so long, it is unsurprising that some people are concerned that a rise in rates will affect their lifestyles and ability to make mortgage repayments,’ said Paul Broadhead, head of mortgage policy at the BSA.

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PROPERTY

Rise

Rent Rise for Three-Bedroom Homes

UK rents are rising fastest for three bedroom homes with 4.6% year on year growth in August compared to a rise of 3.3% for all UK properties, according to a new index.

The new index from Landbay Rental is the first to track rental trends to the county and London borough level in combination with the number of bedrooms.

Areas where three bed rental growth is highest are mainly located within commutable distance of London, such as Windsor and Maidenhead up 22% to £1,936, Southend on Sea up 20% to £1,121 and Swindon up 13% to £813.

The data shows that across the UK as a whole, rents climbed by 3.3% in the last year to £1,281 and this is well ahead of inflation but while rents continue to climb year on year, the rate at which they are growing has eased from a high of 4.9% in February.

OCTOBER 2015

FLAT PRICES

Decade Sees 60% Increase

100K Property Sales Exceed

R

esidential property sales in the UK were at their highest for 18 months, according to the latest data published by HMRC. It means that more homes were sold in in August than in any month since February last year with the seasonally adjusted data showing 106,480 transaction during the month.

It is the third month in a row that sales of more than 100,000

transactions increased by 3.1% between July 2015 and August 2015 and that is 5.7% higher compared with the same month last year.

For August 2015 the number of non-adjusted residential transactions was 7.4% lower compared with July 2015.

The number of non-adjusted residential transactions was 1.9% lower than in August 2014.

Peter Rollings, chief

interest rates being kept at bay, buyer demand is in full swing and summer sales have continued to blossom in August. After slightly fewer home sales than we would expect in a typical July, buyers last month were showing a new enthusiasm and readiness to enter the market,’ he pointed out.

‘The changes to stamp duty are still washing over London and cooling activity

were recorded, however, sales are still well below the monthly sales of nearly 150,000 seen during the housing boom in 2006.

The seasonally adjusted estimate of the number of residential property

executive officer of Marsh & Parsons, said that taking into account seasonal adjustment, property sales are going from strength to strength, and showing great improvement from this time last year.

‘With the spectre of higher

at the topmost tiers of the housing market. But overall demand for property in the capital hasn’t waned, as young professionals and first time buyers continue to seek out up and coming areas to put down roots,’ he explained.

Residential Buying Continues to Grow

T

he average price of flats in the UK has risen by 60% since 2005, compared with an average of 38% for all properties, according to new research.

The report from the Halifax, one of the UK’s leading home lenders, also shows that detached homes have seen the smallest increase at 21% while bungalow prices rose by 28%.

The figures show that the increase for flats over the last decade is £87,550 or £730 per month from £145,874 in 2005 to £233,424 today, but a big proportion of this is due to the rapid increase in flat prices in London which are up by 67%.

A typical flat currently costs less than £120,000 in the North, East Midlands, Wales and Yorkshire and the Humber, and between £120,000 and £145,000 in the North West, West Midlands, Scotland and East Anglia.

At £370,281, a typical London flat is considerably

more expensive than flats anywhere else in the UK. While flats have been the best performing property type over the past decade in Greater London, Scotland and the South West, there are regional differences. Semi-detached properties have risen most in value in the South East, East Anglia and the East Midlands, whereas terraced homes have been the best performing property type in five of the 11 regions, the North, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands and Wales.

The average price of a terraced home is between £119,000 and £143,000 in all regions outside southern England, the data also shows.

Semi-detached and terraced homes have remained the most popular types of property purchased over the past 10 years.

Combined, these two types represent 59% of all home sales in 2015, up marginally from 58% in 2005.

Smoke Alarm Law Changed Landlords in the UK have criticised what they claim are unnecessary delays in the introduction of legislation which will make it compulsory to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in private rented homes.

Draft regulations were published earlier in the year to require private sector landlords to install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of their rental property from 01 October 2015, providing local authorities with the

power to fine landlords who fail to comply £5,000.

However, the UK’s upper house of parliament, the House of Lords, has rejected the draft legislation at is final stage on the basis that the proposed introduction is less than three weeks away, that the government has not done enough to inform landlords of the changes, and that the legislation is poorly worded.

The British Property Federation

(BPF), which represents residential landlords and has supported the draft legislation, has warned that by the time the legislation is approved, landlords will be left with mere days to comply with the legislation, risking the £5,000 fine.

The BPF has issued further concerns that information about the impending change in legislation has been poorly disseminated, and that many landlords may even be unaware of the changes and the potential fines.

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MOTORING OCTOBER 2015

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MOTORING

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!

BAN ON SMOKING IN CARS

Birmingham health chiefs hope the ban on smoking in cars carrying children will encourage more smokers to quit.

From 1 October 2015 it will be an offence for a person of any age to smoke in a private vehicle that is carrying someone who is under 18 and for a driver (including a provisional driver) not to stop someone smoking in these circumstances The new legislation aims to protect young people under-18 from second-hand smoke and Cabinet member for Health and Social Care, Cllr Paulette Hamilton, believes it will make a massive difference to the lives of thousands of Birmingham children.

She said: “I welcome this legislation. It’s staggering that 300,000 GP appointments are made every single year in England as a consequence of children suffering the effects of second-hand smoke.

Director of Public Health, Dr Adrian Phillips, added: “In addition to protecting the health of our children, I hope this legislation will encourage some smokers to quit and if that’s the case, our Stop Smoking Service in Birmingham is there to help.

“It’s important to stress that this is not about punishing smokers – it’s about protecting innocent victims of a habit that ruins far too many lives.”

Defining Luxury Bentayga Makes Full Public Debut

B

entley Motors is announced full details of its pinnacle, sectordefining new model, the Bentayga.

The Bentley Bentayga combines unparalleled luxury with effortless performance and everyday usability.

With an all-new W12 powertrain, the Bentayga is the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world. It offers a true Bentley driving experience and showcases innovative technology features.

Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe, the Bentayga’s styling is pure Bentley. Sculptural with an elegant, timeless execution, it perfectly balances athleticism with confidence. From the four round LED headlamps and large matrix grille, to the distinctive power line and muscular haunches, the Bentley DNA is apparent throughout.

The Bentley Bentayga boasts the world’s finest automotive cabin, with unrivalled levels of precision.

The detailing in metal, wood and leather – including meticulous tolerances between elements of trim – is the epitome of modern British luxury. This level of perfection is only achievable thanks to the exceptional craft and skill of Bentley’s colleagues in Crewe.

An all-new twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine is at the heart of the new Bentayga. The mighty 12-cylinder unit combines efficiency and refinement with ultra-luxurious levels of power and torque. With 608 PS (600 bhp / 447kW) and 900 Nm (663 lb. ft) delivering a 0-60 mph time of 4.0

seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds) and a top speed of 187 mph (301 km/h), the Bentayga is the world’s most powerful and fastest SUV. Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, comments: “The Bentayga

Volkswagen Scandal V olkswagen has admitted that up to 11 million vehicles may be involved in their scandal of rigging US emissions tests. The company has set aside £4.7 billion to cover the costs of the scandal.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said VW diesel cars had much higher emissions than tests had suggested and that software in several diesel cars could deceive

is truly the Bentley of SUVs. It redefines luxury in the SUV sector and offers a genuine Bentley experience in any environment, thanks to a combination of unparalleled attention to detail, goanywhere ability and cutting-edge

regulators.

"Volkswagen does not tolerate any kind of violation of laws whatsoever," the firm said in its latest statement.

It said provision for the scandal would be made "in the profit and loss statement in the third quarter of the current fiscal year".

It added: "Due to the ongoing investigations, the amounts estimated may be subject to revaluation."

technology. With this extraordinary car we are looking forward to an exciting period of strong growth and sales success for Bentley. The Bentayga is the next step in our brand’s bold future.”

Volkswagen was ordered to recall half a million cars in the US. In a statement, the firm said it was "working at full speed to clarify irregularities" concerning what it called "a particular s o f t w a r e used in diesel engines."

I n addition, the US Department of Justice could conduct a criminal investigation into Volkswagen.

Michael Horn, speaking at an event to launch a new version of the Passat sedan,

11 Million Vehicles Affected

which featured rock star Lenny Kravitz, said: “Our company was dishonest with the EPA, and the California air resources board and with all of you, and in my German words: we have totally screwed up.

“We must fix the cars to prevent this from ever happening again and we have to make this right.

This kind of behaviour is totally inconsistent with our qualities.

“We are committed to do what must be done and to begin to restore your trust.

We will pay what we have to pay.”

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SPORTS

OCTOBER 2015

THE SPORTING SPIRIT!

Have you ever bemoaned the fact that there are so very few Asians in Sport in the UK?

Big Names Agree for Inaugural Tournament

T

he Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be held from 4th Feb to 24th February 2016 in Dubai and Sharjah, UAE, during which a total of 24 matches will be played over a 21-day period.

"The PSL has already floated tenders for broadcasters and producers.

This will be followed by

a tendering process for sponsorships in the second week of October.

Franchise owners will be inducted between mid to end November after which the foreign and local players will be drafted and teams constituted", said Najam Sethi, Chairman of the Governing Council of the PSL. Some of the big names who have consented to play the

PSL include Kevin Pietersen, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Luke Wright, Shakib al Hassan, Lasith Malinga, Sunil Narine, and Angelo Mathews.

Five teams - Quetta, Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore, and Islamabad - will be vying for glory in the first edition of PSL. The teams will comprise the top T20 players from the world with the latest tally of foreign player signing

consents standing at an impressive 132. The players will be selected through a draft process in December.

"There is a pool of top coaches also from which franchise owners will be able to pick and chose", said Mr Sethi.

PSL will offer up to $1 million in prize money. Each franchise will be able to draft players and coaches for the team within a budget of $1 million.

to becoming a reality, with interest also coming from Las Vegas about the hosting of one of the legendary pair’s ‘All Star’ matches.

Warne and Tendulkar have targeted the US – which boasts a sizeable sub continental ex-pat population – as the first in a number of traditionally non-cricket regions they are looking to introduce their roadshow, with Hong Kong and Singapore also on the hit-list.

“At this stage we’ve booked three stadiums, (Chicago’s)

Wrigley Field, (New York’s) Yankee Stadium and (Los Angeles’) Dodger Stadium,” Warne told News Ltd. “We’re going to have Bollywood theme nights and it’s all shaping up pretty well.

“We’re looking at ourselves as a Formula One team.

The duo has already attained the signatures of a slew of greats, including Glenn McGrath, Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Adam Gilchrist, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Brian Lara and Wasim Akram.

T20 Globetrotting Sachin and Shane’s All Star Idea

“WE’RE LOOKING AT OURSELVES AS A FORMULA ONE TEAM.

THE Twenty20 All Star concept has gathered steam with famous US baseball grounds to be used for exhibition matches.

Shane Warne has confirmed the booking of three of the United States’ most famous baseball venues as part of his and Sachin Tendulkar’s proposed “Harlem Globetrotters” of cricket tour.

According to Warne, the ambitious concept is close

Champions!

Smethwick Crowned Asian Champions Birmingham’s AFC Smethwick were crowned the UK Asian football champions after a dramatic victory in Scotland.

The 2015 final was hosted by

ZAF'S COLUMN

Rangers FC and played at Ibrox.

The Championships featured eight teams from all over the UK, including a team representing the Scottish Ethnic Minority Sports

@All4YouthCIC

Sticking Together Mr Ali is the captain of JABS B8 FC which is a club that was formed over 30 years ago from local players in Alum Rock. Some of the

players are close to hanging up their boots after illustrious careers and wish to continue to remain involved by mentoring children by channelling their

Association (SEMSA).

Smethwick took the title in what can only be described as one of the most thrilling final ten minutes of any final.

Trailing 1-0 to Singh Sabha Hounslow they hit three during the closing stage to clinch the cup.

Smethwick had come through a group featuring Coppice United and Halifax Hammers.

energy in a positive way through football.

The importance of this increased when a friend of one of the team members who was

Keeping Kids on Track

Have you had those long discussions about how unfair it is why when people mention sports, they only mention Amir Khan?

Be honest… are you the first to point the finger and the last to actively do something about it?

Well, you have no excuse now! The Asian Sports Foundation (ASF) a UK based national governing organisation (NGO), is here – with a clear mission to campaign for equality and inclusion for Asian communities in sport. But that also means equality from within the community – to actively encourage people of all ages to take up sport – be it as a potential career or just to have fun and keep fit and healthy!

Run by a team of leading sportsmen and women (yes there are a few!) and businesspeople, all of whom passionately believe that the only colour you should worry about when it comes to sport is the team’s kit colours. They’ve all made a commitment to use their knowledge, know-how and contacts to deliver tangible projects which break down cultural and religious barriers and provide sporting benefits to a much under-represented minority ethnic community.

As well as the team working to create positive opportunities and projects at a grassroots level ASF has engaged a number of Ambassadors to support the Foundation’s work and raise its profile. Each Ambassador is committed to and supports the Foundation’s vision to change the lives of Asians through the power of sport and assist in the delivery of the Foundation’s objectives.

Current Ambassadors are not just Asian, but come from all walks of life

and sports, which is truly the first step towards inclusivity. They include former New Zealand Rugby League player, Robbie Hunter-Paul; England Junior International Hockey Player, Ash Bhogal; England Schools National Boxing Female Champion, Simran Kaur; CEO of Swaggarlicious Limited, Manisha Tailor; Founder of Body Perfect Personal Training Studio and Health & Fitness Expert, Dal Dhaliwal; Radio and TV Presenter, Noreen Khan; Team Doctor at Crystal Palace, and former Team Doctor at Liverpool FC, Tottenham Hotspur and England FA youth team, Dr Zaf Iqbal; Sky 1 reality show Desi Racals star, Manoj Shah and Professional Golfer, Sahra Hassan.

We’ll be hearing from the Ambassadors about their personal passion for sport and experiences that have made them pursue their chosen sport or career in the coming months – so make sure you check out the paper each issue.

We at Asian Today were so inspired by the principles of ASF that we wanted to show our support as media partners for the Foundation and help them to reach and engage at a grass-roots level with members of the community.

If you have any questions, have a project that you think would be perfect for ASF to work with and support, or just want to know more, then you can check out the website: www. asiansportsfoundation.org

T: @AsianSports_Fdn Instagram: @ASIANSUPPORTSFOUNDATION

E: info@asiansportsfoundation.org W: www.asiansportsfoundation.org

Contact Mr Ali: 07971 620611

19 years of age spent 10 days in intensive care after being involved in a fight and missed his sister’s wedding. As a result of hearing this JABS B8 FC Academy was formed 18 months ago by the senior’s players which have all been self-financed.

The aim of the youth football academy is to train, coach and develop children from the deprived inner city Washwood

Heath area every Sunday, at the newly named Rockwood School where children of all ages are welcome.

The demand has been overwhelming and we have over 50 children coming every week and our under 10’s have won various trophies. Our long term future and vision is to strengthen our links with the local clubs and uncover

and develop players that will go onto forge a full time professional career as a footballer and most importantly go onto become confident upstanding members of the community.

JABS B8 FC is looking for resources and funding that will help us to purchase equipment and enter team into Sunday league.

43

44

OCTOBER 2015

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SPORTS

Asian Cricket Awards 2015

Cash Boost for Sports Academy BYSA to Invest in Future Projects A local sports charity is celebrating after securing funding from a community fund. Birmingham-based, Birmingham Youth Sports Academy (BYSA) has been given a cheque of £3,000 to invest in its programme.

The BYSA is now in its 13th year as a registered charity working with children from inner-city Birmingham. The charity is aimed as children who come from areas classed as deprived; these include Bordesley Green, Small Heath, Sparkbrook and Sparkhill.

UNVEILED • CRICKET AWARDS: Moeen Ali won Professional Player of the year award at last years awards.

200 the charity has made a decision to offer recreational football and some training so that those attending enjoy themselves and are able to make a decision in whether they would want to progress futher.

BYSA has also entered 2 teams in the under 10’s and 12’s leagues in the Sandwell League headed by coached Shak Hussain and Riaz Khan who have given up their valuable time and resources to ensure the teams are present and ready to compete, every Sunday.

BYSA has successfully launched its girls-only football academy which runs every Sunday between 11am – 1pm at Saltley Leisure Centre and run by two FA qualified female coaches.

The charity uses football as a tool for community cohesion, personal development of young children and as an outlet for health and wellbeing.

BYSA efforts have been recognised by Barclays Bank PLC who has recently made a considerable donation of £3,000 from their Community Fund. The cheque was presented by Obaidullah Khan, Assistant Vice President. Mr Khan spoke about his life living in Small Heath to his journey to current role Barclays Bank PLC. He was then applauded by the 160 children of all ages, making his story relatable.

The charity has said it will be using this donation to further develop those children who have demonstrated exceptional talent and ability to further progress themselves within the sporting ranks.

Additional sessions have already been laid on for them at Saltley Leisure Centre, each Wednesday.

To keep with the ever growing number of children every Saturday’s at Small Heath Leisure Centre which can be as many as over

SHORTLIST

Speaking to The Asian Today, Chairman Majid Salim said the charity continues to benefit all sections of society.

“BYSA has successfully launched its girls-only football academy which runs every Sunday between 11am – 1pm at Saltley Leisure Centre and run by two FA qualified female coaches. This has only been made possible due to the hard work and dedication of two of BYSA’s very own coaches Niaz Khel and Bactia Khan.

Anwar Khattak, BYSA welfare officer indicated that BYSA’s project for 2016 involve taking a large of children from its charity to a fascinating all day outing which is full of surprises this year. This includes activities in conjunction with Liverpool football Club or Arsenal Football Club.

“The BYSA committee continues to work harder and opening up wider opportunities for those who attend its sessions on Saturdays and works tirelessly behind closed doors to ensure local children maximise their potential.” Mr Khattak added.

Continued from back page I last played international cricket and, playing over in the UAE, the conditions should give me some assistance.

“With the bat, everybody knows the Pakistan spinners are going to play a big part and batting against slow

Nominees

GRASSROOTS AWARD Sajid Patel (founder, National Cricket League), Azam Riyard (Crawley Eagles CC & Sussex Cricket in the Community), Munir Ali (Moseley Ashfield CC) INSPIRATION AWARD Sohail Rauf (chair, Welsh Asians CC), Shahidul Alan Ratan (Capital Kids Cricket), Salma Bi (Worcestershire CCC) PROFESSIONAL YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Haseeb Hameed (Lancashire and England U19), Kishen Velani (Essex CCC), Aadil Ali (Leicestershire CCC) WOMAN IN CRICKET AWARD Hannaa Zaman (Glamorgan CCC, Cricket Wales), Halima Khan (ICC coach), Sonia Odedra (Nottinghamshire CCC and England) COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD Saba Nasim (ECB 2015 coach of the year), Cookie Patel (ECB coach, England women), Qasim Ali (Lancashire South Asian Talent Search, England Physical Disability Squad)

Moeen Ali has again blazed a trail by: HIFZHA SHAHEEN hifzha@theasiantoday.com

I

t has been another remarkable season for British Asians in cricket.

Moeen Ali has again blazed a trail, appearing as the cover star and one of five ‘players of the year’ in the legendary cricket almanac Wisden, while Adil Rashid featured strongly in the England side in the one-day series against New Zealand and Australia.

The pair find themselves among no fewer than six players to have represented the national side who are in the running for recognition, as the shortlist is announced for the 2015 Talk Home Mobile Asian Cricket Awards (ACA).

The ACA, which are held in association with the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and supported by the Club Cricket Conference, are open to people with British Asian heritage as well as to those dedicated to increasing

bowling is something I’m confident in doing. It’s one of my strengths and something I’ll be focusing on doing well over there.”

Commenting on the decision, National Selector James Whitaker said: “The timing of this injury, on the day his selection was announced, was

Asian participation in British cricket.

Sponsored by Talk Home Mobile, the Awards aim to improve the awareness of the positive impact made

by Asians within the British cricket industry and to engage with organisations and individuals to help increase participation. They will be presented at a gala night at Lord’s on Tuesday 13 October.

Moeen and Rashid are joined by former England U19s captain Varun Chopra, who has enjoyed a hugely successful season with Warwickshire and the Birmingham Bears, on the shortlist for the prestigious player of the year award.

Another England U19 captain is Haseeb Hameed, a prolific batsman with Lancashire CCC, who is a candidate for the professional young player of the year trophy alongside Kishen Velani and Aadil Ali. In the women’s game, former England star bowler Isa Guha, now a high-profile

particularly cruel for Zafar and he is naturally extremely disappointed to have to pull out of the tour. The ECB and Surrey medical staff will supervise his rehabilitation closely and we all hope that he will be able to take up his place in the EPP and Lions squads for their trips to UAE later in the year.

writer and broadcaster on the game, is in contention for the media award, while Nottinghamshire all-rounder Sonia Odedra, who made her Test debut in August 2014, is in the hunt for the woman in cricket award.

“The quality of nominations was unprecedented,” said Asian Cricket Awards cofounder Jas Jassal BEM of Inventive Sports. “The judging panel had a hugely difficult task in determining the shortlist from so many inspiring candidates from the Asian community in Britain.”

Jane Hannah, national volunteer and participation manager for the ECB, added: “The ECB are delighted to once again be a partner for the awards. The nominees this year showed an amazing amount of dedication, commitment and success in the game from grass roots through to the professional level. It was a real challenge for the judging panel to select a shortlist from so many worthy nominees.”

“As a left-arm spinner and a middle-order batsman, Samit is a similar type of player to Zafar and his previous international experience, and in particular, experience of performing for England in sub-continental conditions will be an extremely useful asset to the squad in the UAE.”

•

CRICKET: Zafar Ansari

MEDIA AWARD Kalika Mehta (BBC Sport Online), Nikesh Rughani (BBC Sport, Sky Sports, BBC Asian Network), Isa Guha (Test Match Special, IPL TV presenter, former England bowler) BEHIND THE SCENES AWARD Kunwar Bansil (lead physiotherapist, Yorkshire CCC), Halima Khan (ICC coach), Dr Harjinder Singh (consultant in sport and exercise medicine, Leicestershire CCC, England Lions) ASIAN TEAM OF THE YEAR Batley CC (Yorkshire), Great Horton Church CC (Bradford), Attock CC (Birmingham) ECB DIVERSITY AWARD Sussex CCC, Lancashire CCC, Glamorgan CCC & Cricket Wales PROFESSIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Varun Chopra (Warwickshire CCC, Birmingham Bears), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire CCC and England), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire CCC and England)

FEATURE

PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE 10 YEARS ON TURN TO PAGE 19

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Disappointment for Injured Teenager Ansari

PATEL

ANSWERS

• CRICKET: Zafar Ansari dislocated his thumb during the LV County Championship

ENGLAND'S

CALL • CRICKET: Samit Patel gets a call up.

BIG JOHN'S DO THE DOUBLE

• CRICKET: Big John's CC It was another impressive season for the Big John’s cc, winning both the Birmingham 30 over league cup and prized the T20 cup. Having entered the Birmingham Local Leagues four years ago, they came in as the underdogs, however have won the T20 cup and the 30 over league cup two years in a row.

The team is made up of young people from the local community who have a passion for cricket. The

team is part of Big John's "Feeding Young Talent Program" which helps to engage young talent into active sports. Big John’s firmly believe in giving back to the community and put in their best efforts to support and nourish the youth.

This year's T20 Cup final was held at Warwickshire County Cricket Club's home ground Edgbaston. A stadium that has been a host to some of the finest cricketers in history from Brian Lara to Wasim Akram. A glorious sunny Sunday on the 20th September set the scene for what would be the most exciting game of the season. The final pitting two teams, Big Johns cc and Dadyal Dynamos cc, made it to the final after a gruelling schedule which started at the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Big John’s cc won the toss and opted to bowl first. It was not long till Big John’s skittled the Dynamos for a well below par score of 127 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs with the chief destroyer for Big John’s, Kadeer Ali claiming 5 wickets for 18 runs of his allotted 4 overs. His off spin variations proved too much for the Dynamos batsmen who

after a brisk start were well contained by the control provided by the vastly experienced ex first class player. However Kadeer didn't stop there as him and his younger brother Omar Ali opened the batting and within what seemed a matter of a few overs dismantled the helpless Dadyal Dynamos bowling attack with consummate ease and at times quite brutal attacking play.

The match was over in the 12th over with Big John’s losing just two wickets, however Omar Ali remained unbeaten on 57. There was little doubt as to who the man of the match award was given to as Kadeer Ali brother of England international Moen Ali impressed all with his talents.

We spoke with the captain of the Big John's cc Shaf after the spectacular show who said "I am very proud to be the captain of such a talented team that has come from nothing to being Champions every year. I would also like to thank the directors of Big John's for their support and for coming to every game to motivate and cheer on the team from the stands".

Continued on Page 44

N

ottinghamshire all-rounder Samit Patel has been called up to England’s Test squad for the forthcoming series against Pakistan in UAE as a replacement for the injured Zafar Ansari.

The uncapped Ansari was ruled out of the series on medical advice after dislocating his left thumb in his county’s recent LV=County Championship match.

Patel, who has won five Test caps, was a member of the England squad which won a Test series in India for the first time since 1984-5 in 2012 and also toured Sri Lanka with England earlier in the same year.

Plenty had been ready to write off Samit Patel’s international prospects

in the 31 months since he made the last of his 59 England appearances, in a T20 international against New Zealand in Hamilton in February 2013.

But Patel himself has always maintained faith, both in his own ability and in being given another chance, provided he kept working at his game. Now, that faith was vindicated.

“I have always been aiming to get another chance to play for England,” said the 30-year-old, who played all of his five Tests in 2012, all on the sub-continent.

“It’s something I never gave up on.

“It’s exciting to have been picked. It’s up to me to make an impression on the tour and hopefully earn a place in the team.

“I feel like my bowling has improved a lot since

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