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NOVEMBER 2015 ISSUE No.204

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Adil Ray in Talks to Take Mr Khan Abroad

YOUR MONTHLY SHOWBIZ FIX!

NOVEMBER 2015 DESI XPRESS 27

C

omedian and writer Adil Ray has revealed that he is in talks to take his character, Mr Khan abroad to allow it to “explore wider issues.” Talking in an interview, the actor said, “If we did a film I’d like to concentrate on Mr Khan being this quite big physical character [so] that even if you didn’t know Mr Khan but you saw a big poster… and it was ‘Mr Khan Goes to America’, the Muslim that went to America to meet the President - I could see what that could be about.

“If we did a film I’d like to concentrate on Mr Khan being this quite big physical character [so] that even if you didn’t know Mr Khan but you saw a big poster… and it was ‘Mr Khan Goes to America’, the Muslim that went to America to meet the President - I could see what that could be about.”

The loud-mouthed, tight-fisted,

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

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

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

An all FEMALE DHOL group

READ THE INTERVIEW ON PAGE 30

M

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

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

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

but big-hearted self-appointed community leader Mr Khan (Adil Ray) and his long-suffering family recently returned to our screens, pulling in over 3.3million viewers.

Mr Khan is the loveable, larger than life character, with strong opinions and big dreams. The challenges he faces are those of many fathers: how to make ends meet, keep Mrs Khan (Shobu Kapoor) and his family happy and continue to be the pillar of the local community. Things would be so

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

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

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

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

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

Given to the reigning Queen of the time by the

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

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

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

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

Continued on Page 2

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DESIXPRESS

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FASHION & BEAUTY

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FOOD & TRAVEL

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THE TEAM EDITORS Ifraz Ahmed Anita Chumber

Continued from Page 1 Satish Jakhu, of Birmingham-based law firm Rubric Lois King, said they would make their claim under the common law doctrine of “trespass to goods”, arguing that the government had stolen the diamond. He added that they would be taking their case to the International Court of Justice.

Historian Andrew Roberts told the Mail on Sunday, “Those involved in this ludicrous case should recognise that the British Crown Jewels is precisely the right place for the Koh-i-Noor diamond to reside, in grateful recognition for over three centuries of British involvement in India, which led to the modernisation, development, protection, agrarian advance, linguistic unification and

EXHIBITION TO SHARE STORIES FROM BANGLADESH WOMEN

T

Zaima Khaliq Hifzha Shaheen

SALES Anita Chumber David Ley

CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Ley

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D. Patel Raz Zubdah

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Their stories demonstrate courage and resilience at a time when they faced many adversaries.

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GRAPHIC/WEB

• Imran Awan Mr Awan and Dr Irene Zempi, a criminology lecturer at Nottingham Trent University used the experiences of real life victims of Islamophobic attacks to study the impact of anti-Muslim hate crimes.

The report was commissioned by Tell MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks), a national project that provides support for those who have been victim to islamophobic or anti-

Old Wives’ Tales

JOURNALIST

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

ultimately the democratisation of the subcontinent.”

The disagreement of ownership draws parallels to the case of the Elgin Marbles.

The ancient sculpture is currently held at the British Museum, which Greece wants returned.

According to legend, the gem can only be worn by God or women, and whoever wears the jewel will become extremely powerful, but if a man wears it, he will meet an unfortunate end.

The jewel was also in the crowns of Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary. It remains in the Queen Mother's crown, which sat atop her coffin at her funeral in 2002.

The UK Government has so far rejected the claims.

For further information visit www.legacy-wm.org

he hidden stories of Birmingham’s Bangladeshi women will finally be told thanks to a heritage project awarded £42,600 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Legacy WM have spent the last year working on the ground breaking project.

The ‘Old Wives’ Tales’ will consist of 20 Bangladeshi women collecting their stories and documenting their journeys.

These journeys began as young girls from Bangladesh who married Bangladeshi men with UK citizenship.

They talk about their life back home, their first impressions of the UK and how they made Birmingham their home in the 1970s and 1980’s.

Through interview, Legacy WM has filmed the stories. They have unearthed some old black and white photos that show the women in their prime looking like movie stars. These photos and other memorable objects will be displayed at the exhibition which will provide a unique insight into the culture and heritage of the Bangladeshi community.

There will also be on display paintings of Bangladesh by Ena Wyatt.

During the evening, guests will enjoy live traditional Bangladeshi music as well as have an opportunity to hear from some of the women. The exhibition will be open to the public from the 13th Nov for a period of three months.

Material collected during this project will be archived at the Library

Muslim attacks.

Amongst the victims, was a woman who claimed to have been showered with alcohol in an anti Muslim hate crime, whilst innocently waiting for her train.

“People were watching but they ignored it. Noone wanted to help,” she explained.

Another victim stated: “A man shouted to me and my Muslim friends, ‘You are terrorists, I’m gonna come to the back of the bus and stab you’.

“I told the bus driver and asked him to stop and call the police but he refused.

Mr Awan said: “This research reveals worrying levels of fear and intimidation experienced by many Muslims, compounded by a lack of support from the wider public when facing physical threats in the real world and an absence of tough action from social media platforms at the abuse people are receiving online.

“Participants argued that anti-Muslim hate must be challenged from within Muslim communities – too often reluctant to report abuse or attacks – and that the public should intervene and assist victims of antiMuslim hate where possible.”

‘Old Wives’ Tales will be held at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery - 6pm Thursday 12th November

of Birmingham, providing a compelling and much-needed addition to the city’s record of its Bangladeshi heritage. Additionally, an illustrated book, funded by KPMG in Birmingham, will be created alongside the project sharing the stories of the women.

Aftab Rahman, Director of Legacy West Midlands, said: “The ‘Old Wives Tales’ builds on the work that Legacy WM has been carrying out to document the stories of minority groups and their contributions to society and to share this history with a wider audience.

The project has enabled us to document the extraordinary lives of these women, some of whom are in their 80s and 90s. Their stories demonstrate courage and resilience at a time when they faced many adversaries. We are fortunate to be able to collect their stories for people to enjoy now and for future generations.”

According to Andy Argyle, partner from KPMG, initiatives such as Legacy WM’s ‘Old Wives’ Tales’ are important in providing local communities, including their employees, with insight into their surrounding environment.

Mr Argyle, said: “Some of our employees are coming to work in the city for the first time, so to enable them to gain a better understanding of the city’s heritage, together with visiting areas outside of the city centre core, are an important factor in exploring

“

We are fortunate to be able to collect their stories for people to enjoy now and for future generations.

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and understanding where they work.”

Veryan Heal, Planning Director for Historic England in the West Midlands believes the exhibition will increase our understanding of how historic places had changed over time.

Miss Heal said: “Neighbourhoods like Handsworth, rich in listed buildings and steeped in history, have seen great cultural and social change since the middle of the twentieth century.

Historic England is delighted to be supporting Legacy West Midlands in helping the community understand and enjoy their local historic environment.”

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PUDSEY DELIGHTS EARLY YEARS CHILDREN

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Family Pay Tribute to Sameena Imam as Brothers Jailed for 30 Years A

father has paid tribute to his “special” daughter after her murderers were jailed for a total of 30 years. Sameena Imam was killed by her boss, Roger Cooper (41) and his brother, David Cooper (39) after Roger feared she would expose the affair they were having.

The pair were found guilty at Birmingham Crown Court following a 10-week trial, where the jury heard details of how the brothers

planned the killing weeks in advance, and on Christmas Eve lured 34-year-old to David’s house in Leicester, where they smothered her with chloroform purchased on the internet. Her body was then put in a pre-dug grave in the early hours of Christmas morning.

Sameena was a regional marketing manager for Costco covering four branches including Coventry of which Roger Cooper was the store manager.

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Roger and Sameena had been in a secret two year relationship and evidence heard during the trial suggested that by December 2014, Roger had told Sameena that he had left his long term partner to start a new life with her.

Talking after sentence was handed down, father Imam Din said the family were devastated at Sameena’s loss. "Sameena was very special to me and my wife.

I could talk for days about Sameena and what she meant to us and her sisters, brother, nieces, nephews, family and friends and it breaks our heart that we cannot have her back home where she should be.

"You almost have a feeling that she has died and begin to grieve but then you go back to holding onto any little shred of hope that she may come back to us alive. It is hard for us to even imagine that an innocent, kind, beautiful girl could be murdered, let

B

alone our daughter. We are still in shock and we are all missing Sameena in so many different ways.”

Younger brother, Imran Imam also paid tribute.

"Sameena was a mentor, a guide, a counsel during difficult times. I will no longer be able to seek her advice. I am forever reminded of her loss with constant triggers to memories from her life; worst still with triggers such as road signs for locations which I understand are linked to her death."

BC Children in Need’s star attraction Pudsey Bear caused huge excitement this week when he dropped into Birmingham’s Nansen Primary School to meet Early Years pupils.

During the visit, four and five-year-olds from the school in Alum Rock took part in Pudsey-themed art and reading activities, including colouring in pictures of the annual fundraising campaign’s much-loved mascot.

The tour kicked off a series of fundraising activities scheduled to take place at the school over the coming weeks in the lead-up to Children in Need 2015.

According to Maria Nicholaou, Head of Early Years at Nansen Primary School, Pudsey proved extremely popular with the children.

She said: “It’s not every day the children get to meet such a high profile TV

star, so you can imagine it caused huge excitement.

Pudsey went into a number of classes and watched the children decorating pictures of him. It was great fun. It was also interesting to see the teachers’ reaction to the visit – it’s clear that many of them were just as excited by meeting Pudsey too!”

Following the visit, pupils described meeting the iconic bear.

Holly, aged 4, said: “I really liked meeting Pudsey, he made the whole class smile. I think Children in Need is very important because it helps other children.”

Rais, aged 4, said: “Pudsey came into our class and we played in the sandpit but the bit I liked best was going into the playground with Pudsey and everyone shouting ‘Children in Need’.”

Pudsey’s visit to Nansen Primary School was sponsored by Lloyds Bank.

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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

SIKH LIVES MATTER NOVEMBER 2015

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Scotland Yard Apologises for Disrespect

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh Holy scriptures or the living Guru of the Sikhs.

Gurjeet Singh from Sikh Federation UK said the tactics used by the police were completely unnecessary.

“The Metropolitan Police contacted leading Sikh organisations to enquire about the peaceful sit in protest planned and they were told the date, time and location. They were also told that at least 500 protesters were expected.

“For some strange reason the police were ill-prepared.

The police should explain why they thought barriers were not necessary. The fact the Indian High Commission was closed for the Indian holiday of Dussehra is no excuse as

T

he Metropolitan Police have apologised for using heavy handed tactics used by some of its officers at a recent protest by the Sikh community. The force issued a statement after it was revealed that officers broke a Sikh flag in half and disrespected the religion by removing religious artefacts.

In the statement, Commander Mak Chishty said “This is deeply disrespectable to the Sikh community and is not acceptable. I understand the distress and hurt that has been caused and I sincerely apologise to our Sikh community for this.”

Over a thousand Sikhs took part in the peaceful sit down protest outside the Indian

High Commission protesting about the brutality which the Punjab Police used lethal force against the peaceful Sikh protesters whilst they were undertaking their morning prayers.

In appalling and horrific scenes hundreds of Sikhs exercising their democratic right to peacefully assemble and protest were beaten,

road closure was expected to be the main issue.

“Even after horses marched into crowds of women and children Sikhs remained largely peaceful, but young Sikh men pushed the police lines back. One officer then snatched a Sikh flag broke the stick holding it and threw them on the ground. This was hugely disrespectful and provocative and designed to get a reaction. Police officers then forced their way into protesters to make arrests and stamped on some of those sitting down further aggravating the situation.

Sikh turbans and Kirpans for forcibly removed without provocation.

This was a challenge to the honour of the Sikhs and hugely disrespectful.”

dragged away and arrested.

The police initially used batons to attack thousands of the peaceful protestors and then resorted to use of water cannons to try and disperse protesters. Later they opened fire with live ammunition killing two unarmed Sikh protesters and injuring dozens of others. Protests followed the desecration of

FUNDRAISING LUNCHEONS 25 Years!

SAMPAD CELEBRATES SILVER ANNIVERSARY

RAISE £16,000 towards the Birmingham Big Art Project

F

riday 23rd October was an exciting date for the Big Art Project, as Andy Street, Managing Director of the John Lewis Partnership and Chairman of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, attended a special fundraising lunch at the

Hotel du Vin & Bistro.

Addressing a room full of nearly 100 corporate guests, Glyn Pitchford, Chairman of the Big Art Project, kicked off the event with an introductory speech. Andy Street then captured his audience by discussing John Lewis' arrival

into Birmingham, how he has achieved great success at the John Lewis Partnership and the role Birmingham has to play in driving the UK's economy.

During Andy's insightful speech, guests enjoyed a two course lunch and glass of wine, all part of the fundraising effort to place Birmingham on the World map.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday 27th October, attendees at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham were treated to lunch and

a whole lot of laughter, as special guest Jasper Carrott entertained the crowd.

Both events raised around £3,000 towards The Birmingham Big Art Project, with John Lewis and Pertemps kindly donating a huge £5,000 each.

For further press information contact : Anita at Delicious PR on 07957 227 992 Email : anita@deliciouspr.co.uk

Dynamic arts agency Sampad Arts is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a thrilling line up of lively entertainment that features outstanding music, dance and spoken word artists from Birmingham and beyond.

Established in 1990 by Piali Ray OBE, Sampad has played a significant role in helping to establish South Asian arts and artists within mainstream culture in Birmingham and across the UK. Sampad’s 25th Anniversary Gala will take place at the state-of-theart Bramall Music Building within the University of Birmingham campus on Sunday 15 November. The family-friendly show will be

in the spirit of looking back to look ahead, and celebrates many of the achievements and highlights from Sampad’s 25 years, along with many of the artists and luminaries who have been part of its journey.

The fundraising gala also features spoken word poetry, leading tabla musicians, lively Bollywood dance and an uplifting finale which promises to have the audience singing along. Presenter Satnam Rana will compere the event.

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NOVEMBER 2015

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NOVEMBER 2015

CHRISTMAS

HOMECOMING FOR LUTON'S SWEETHEART

NEWS

WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM FORMER Luton student and baker extraordinaire Nadiya Hussain will be switching on Luton’s Christmas lights at the annual ‘Lighting up Luton’ event on Saturday 28 November.

Fresh from her Great British Bake Off victory – where she captured the nation’s hearts with her smile, humour and wonderfullywarm personality – Nadiya

has jumped at the chance to come back to her home town which she speaks so fondly of.

Nadiya said: “I love coming back to Luton so was honoured to be asked to switch on the town’s festive lights and be part of such a wonderful community event.

“Lutonians have been so supportive of me and it’s going to be great to see thousands of people come together and enjoy a very special occasion which celebrates Luton and its communities.”

The switch on event will take place in Luton Town Centre at 5.30pm; and will complement a range of Christmas activity which has been organised throughout the day.

Thousands of people will pack the streets and enjoy a day of activities before the exciting evening ceremony where the Christmas lights will be switched on.

Cllr Sian Timoney, Portfolio Holder for transformation and regeneration, said “We are absolutely thrilled that Nadiya has agreed to switch on Luton’s Christmas lights.

She is such a lovely girl who captured our hearts and is a wonderful role model for the town. Lighting up Luton has always been a hugely popular event in Luton, attracting thousands of people, and Nadiya’s involvement will only add to its popularity in 2015."

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For far too long the contribution of those from India to the war effort has been overlooked..

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Sikh Memorial Unveiled T

he UK’s first national Sikh memorial in honour of those who fought during the Great War has been unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum.

The “WW1 Sikh Memorial” is the first of its kind. A statue commemorating the 130,000 Sikh soldiers who fought in the Great War has been unveiled in a ceremony by Major General Patrick Sanders CBE DSO, business tycoon Peter Singh Virdee and the monuments chairman Jay Singh-Sohal. The Sikh contribution is remarkable, as despite being only 1% of the Indian population at the time, they constituted 20% of the British Indian Army and were represented in over a third of the regiments at the time.

The memorial has been uniquely funded through a grassroots campaign by the “WW1 Sikh Memorial Fund” on the Kickstarter website.

More than 200 people from across different faiths and backgrounds contributed from £1 to £1,000 to fund the memorial.

The charities founder and chairman Jay Singh-Sohal said, “It is a tremendous achievement for Sikhs to be able to finally have a national monument in honour of the bravery and

STATUE COMMEMORATES CONTRIBUTION TO GREAT WAR

sacrifice of our forebears.

“For far too long the contribution of those from India to the war effort has been overlooked but now young people have a symbol of remembrance which they can visit at the National Memorial Arboretum and which will inspire people from all backgrounds well into the future.”

The Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt MP said, “Sikh Service personnel have served with great distinction in the British Armed Forces. We recognise their outstanding contribution, and the strong link with the British Armed Forces which continues to this day. As Minister for the Armed Forces, I am grateful for all that they have accomplished; their incredible efforts have helped to build a better world for future generations.”

The memorials patron, Peter Singh Virdee from the Virdee Foundation, says: "The sacrifice of Sikhs who've served Great Britain will surely never be forgotten, now that this community initiative has led to the creation of a permanent national memorial at the centre of remembrance in our country.

The monument will undoubtedly inspire future generations to follow in the footsteps of their forebears and contribute great things to our society."

The memorial was sanctified with a traditional Sikh prayer and a minutes silence held to remember all who have fought for Great Britain.

NOVEMBER 2015

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YOUNG MUSLIM WRITERS AWARDS Winners to be Announced at 5th Annual Event After receiving hundreds of entries, winners of the Young Muslim Writers Awards 2015, presented in association with the Yusuf Islam Foundation, will be announced on the 5th of December at the Muslim Hands’ annual ceremony celebrating literary talent. Awardwinning authors Louis de Bernières and Tim Bowler will be presenting trophies to the winners alongside an exciting lineup of performers.

The Young Muslim Writers Awards was set up as a standalone competition for 5 – 16 year olds in 2010, following its success as part of Muslim Hands’ Muslim Writers Awards. Since then, it has encouraged and nurtured the writing talents of thousands of children through creative writing workshops and the annual competition.

Chairman of Muslim Hands, Syed Lakhte Hassanain, comments, “Time and again young writers impress us beyond measure with their creativity and writing talent. The selection process is always an incredibly enjoyable yet challenging stage of the competition as the quality of writing is continuously improving.”

For the third consecutive year, the ceremony is presented in association with Yusuf Islam Foundation, an umbrella organisation which has over thirty years of experience operating in education, community development and philanthropy.

The ceremony will be broadcast on Islam Channel, the official media partner of the competition since 2006.

2015 SHORTLIST Key Stage 1 Poetry (Ages 5-7) Safa Shahzad - The Moon Zakariya Robinson - Kenning Abdul Maatin Riaz - My Mum, and others Sanna Butt - My School Hawwa Salim - My Mother Key Stage 2 Poetry (Ages 7-11) Imani Ahmed - No Sign Aminah Rahman - Spring, Autumn and Winter Hafsa Chawdry - Fireworks Maryam Khan - Midnight Town Khadija Aryan - The Dragon Key Stage 3 Poetry (Ages 11-14) Naima Mohamed - Free Dubai Imaan Maryam Irfan - Writer's Block, and others Kashf Mughal - The Blindfold, and others Nusrat Razzaque - Elegy About the Earth Hannah Rehman - A New Day Begins Key Stage 4 Poetry (Ages 14-16) Safeerah Mughal - A Quilt of Stars Fathima Ra'ana Riyaz - Justice Maria Ahmed - Beware, Society Shebana Khan - The Circus of Lies Ammaarah Samuel - Slowly Drowning, Paralyzed with Fear Key Stage 1 Short Story (Ages 5-7) Munira Kone - The Mermaid and the Whale

Abdul Maatin Riaz - The Pen With 70,000 Heads Zaynab Hakim - My Transport to Egypt Maryam Sheikh - The Party and The Spider Saffa Amer - The Girl Who Slept on the Radiator Key Stage 2 Short Story (Ages 7-11) Rupa Shuweihdi - A Word to the Wise Sania Ali Khan Ghori - Inspiration Zeena Mohammed - Shrouded in Secrecy Myra Durrani - The Haunted House Strikes Again Madeeha Islam - What Shall I Do Key Stage 3 Short Story (Ages 11-14) Mahamed Ahmed Olad - The Power of Self-Discipline Alara Chaudhery - Falling is Dangerous Nuha Farhaan - The Milkshake That Mattered Imaan Maryam Irfan - Ivory Demons Shahid Ali Khan - No Name Key Stage 4 Short Story (Ages 14-16) Fathima Ra'ana Riyaz - Hidden Safeerah Mughal - Peaceful Sleep Adam Umair Anwar - The Reality of War Sonia Khan - The Toy Aisle Mariam Ahmad - The Will

NOVEMBER 2015

SHOPKEEPER SENTENCED Pritpal Singh Khurana of Birmingham guilty of selling illicit tobacco A Birmingham trader who was found to be selling illicit tobacco has been given an eight-month suspended jail sentence at Birmingham Crown Court.

Pritpal Singh Khurana, 36, of M&S News, 62-64 Herrick Road, Saltley, pleaded guilty to 10 offences under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, Tobacco Products (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale) (Safety) Regulations 2002 and Trade Marks Act 1994.

As well as the sentence, which was suspended for two years, he was also ordered to carry 250 hours of unpaid work within the community.

The court ordered the forfeiture of the items seized.

Birmingham City Council brought the case against Khurana following a raid of the premises in October 2014, as part of a national crackdown on the sale of illicit tobacco – products which have either been smuggled into the country, illegally produced or for which no duty has been paid.

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Trading Standards officers, working with local police teams, seized 6,328 packs of illegal cigarettes worth nearly £50,000 during an inspection of the premises on 8 October 2014. Most of these were found by sniffer dogs hidden behind a false wall and ceiling and underneath a false floor in a toilet.

Cllr Barbara Dring, Chair of the city council’s Licensing and Public Protection Committee, said: “The detection dogs can find tobacco and cigarettes even if hidden in the most unlikely places. Offenders need to know that they will face consequences if they choose to deal in these illegal products.

“Those involved in dealing in illegal tobacco may be encouraging people, including children to smoke by providing a cheap source.This activity also brings crime into our neighbourhoods, which is why it is important to clamp down on it. This also has an impact on those businesses that are trading legally.”

Do Not Yet

Inspiring Older Generation Dance

Fold Your Wings A

dancer and choreographer who was recently awarded an MBE for services to dance has teamed up with visual artist Ansuman Biswas to create a movement-inspired video installation.

Commissioned by Bluecoat, Liverpool’s centre for the contemporary arts, Do not yet fold your wings sees dance practitioner Bisakha Sarker explore her own ‘late style’, celebrating the unique possibilities and challenges offered by an ever-changing mind and body, through dance.

The collaborative multi-media project is funded by The Baring Foundation as part of its nationwide programme ‘Late Style’, which funds professional artists over the age of 70 to bring their artistic craft and insights to the theme of ‘Age’.

Reflecting on the notion of a meaningful life as presented in Dr Atul Gawande’s 2014 Reith Lecture series The Future of Medicine, the installation is also inspired by the words of Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore. Indeed, it was a shared love of Tagore’s poetry that provided the basis for Bisakha and Ansuman’s creative collaboration.

Ansuman has been Bisakha’s chief collaborator in turning her vision into the immersive video installation, which will be projected across the walls of the Vide, an impressive atrium space at Bluecoat.

In addition to the collaboration with Biswas, whose groundbreaking work has involved him being employed as an ornamental hermit in the English countryside and collaborating

with neuroscientists Arizona,

“As dance has a close connection with youth and energy, dancers feel more vulnerable to the thought of physical limitations imposed by the ageing process.

One of t h e ways t o

in

“ ..Both a dance and an installation.

It represents continuity and longevity, as well as novelty and experimentation..

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Bisakha also worked with North West composer Chris Davies on the installation soundtrack and choreographer Marc Brew to find an appropriate physical vocabulary. All three artists have supported and challenged the dancer as she explores the capabilities and possibilities of the ageing body.

Bisakha said: “The fear of ageing is harder to overcome than the actual process of ageing. Most of the time we tend to associate ageing with loss. We look back to contrast and compare what was lost and remain oblivious to what has been gained from the long journey through life.

f a c e this is to leave the deficit model behind and search for what can be done with the physicality as it is at the current stage of life. There goes the search for a ‘late’ style.”

Ansuman Biswas added: "Bisakha's work is rooted in community and in live performance. My challenge in working with her has been to find a way to communicate her passion without her physical presence.

We have arrived at an intervention into the extraordinary space of the Bluecoat building which is both a dance and an installation. It represents continuity and longevity, as well as novelty and experimentation - truly the beginning of a late style."

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• LOVELL: This stunning detached four-bedroom Fanceford house style is available to reserve now at Harvills Grange, West Bromwich.

New home for the New Year? Let Lovell Homes help you get 2016 off to an amazing start

W

hatever your goals for 2016, beginning the New Year in the stylish surroundings of a brand-new home is sure to get it off to a fantastic start.

With Lovell Homes currently offering a superb selection of properties in Walsall and West Bromwich

– all available to reserve now – it’s a great time to make the move.

“Speak to us now and you could be holding your New Year celebration in one of these exceptional homes,” says Lovell Homes field sales manager Michelle Barnsley.

“With two-, three- and four-

bedroom properties to choose from, we’ve got the home that’s right for you. All Lovell homes are stylish and functional with the emphasis on well-designed spaces for entertaining and socialising, so why not find out how we can help you make 2016 a year to remember?”

Eden Valley, Walsall Lovell’s Eden Valley development in Walsall is just a mile from the busy town centre and provides the opportunity to live in a smart modern development in this thriving, established community. First-time buyers can choose from some appealing starter homes, from £124,950 (or £99,960 after a Help to Buy Equity Loan*) – a price at which there is no stamp duty to pay as it’s under the £125,000 threshold! If you’re looking for a flexible family home, come and visit the threebedroom Linwood house style which is now

open as a view home. This spacious property is tremendous value at just £136,950 (£109,560 price after Help to Buy Equity Loan).

To find out more, visit the Eden Valley marketing suite in Holden Crescent, Walsall WS3 1QB, open on Mondays from 11am to 5pm and from Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Call 01922 460 313, visit lovellnewhomes.co.uk or download the Lovell Homes app – available for iPad and Android devices - by searching the App Store for ‘Lovell homes’.

Harvills Grange, West Bromwich At Harvills Grange in West Bromwich, Lovell has homes suitable for first-time buyers, couples, families and downsizers in a plum location less than a mile from the A41 Black Country New Road, making this an ideal choice for Midlands commuters.

The impressive four-bedroom Fanceford house style, with garage, is available at £235,995 (£188,796 price after a Help to Buy Equity Loan).There’s also a great selection of homes perfect for first-time purchasers,

including the popular two-bedroom Garston house style, with parking, from £130,000 (£104,000 price after Help to Buy Equity Loan).

To find out more, visit the sales and marketing suite on Dial Lane, West Bromwich B70 0EQ, open on Monday from 11am to 5pm and on Thursday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. Alternatively, call 0121 222 8044, visit lovellnewhomes.co.uk, or download the Lovell Homes app.

• LOVELL: The living room / dining room at Lovell’s Fenton show home at Eden Valley, Walsall

Make your money go further with Help to Buy Are you currently renting?

Don’t think you can afford a brand-new home? With the Government-backed Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme you can make your money go further. Lovell is a proud supporter of the scheme which is available

at both Eden Valley and Harvills Grange enabling purchasers to secure a 20 per cent equity loan (interestfree for the first five years) from the Government.

It means buyers can move into a brand-new home with a deposit of just five per cent

and a 75 per cent mortgage.

Remember, Help to Buy isn’t just available to first-time buyers, you can also access the scheme if you’re looking to move up the property ladder, step sideways or downsize.

Infant Refused Pioneering

Drug A Coventry mum has been left devastated after health bosses refused to approve a pioneering drug for her young son.

Time is ticking for sixyear-old Kirath Mann, who suffers from musclewasting condition Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a condition that leaves many sufferers wheelchair-bound before their 10th birthday.

Kirath’s mum, Jaspal Mann, 39, who handed a petition to Westminster earlier this year to get the breakthrough treatment Translarna introduced into the UK, has joined forces with other families to campaign to end delays to the drug.

The drug, which also goes

by Ataluren, tackles the causes of DMD and is the first of its kind. Available in a France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Denmark, having been approved in Europe last year, the drug is yet unavailable in

the UK. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has decided that the manufacturers of the drug – PCT Therapeutics – need to provide further information of the drug’s benefit to justify the cost, which can amount to up to £400,000 per patient per year.

Jaspal, 39, said: “We are devastated at having to face yet more disappointment after another hurdle has been put in our way.

Chief executive of Muscular Dystophy UK, Robert Meadowcroft, who has supported the families’ campaign for the drug, has described the latest decision as “extremely disappointing” and has said that it “really is a race against time” for many families affected.

A meeting between NICE and the manufacturers involved is expected to take place on November 17.

Coventry boy suffering from muscle-wasting disease faces race against time for treatment

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Help to Buy Equity Loan *Move in with just a 5% deposit and 75% mortgage. Those looking to buy with Help to Buy require a 5% deposit as the government will provide up to 20% of the value of the property in an equity loan, allowing buyers to access mortgages of up to the remaining 75%. The equity loan is interest free for the first five years, and can be repaid at any time or when you sell your home. Scheme available on selected properties in England, on homes up to £600,000. Lovell cannot advise you on a mortgage. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY DEBT SECURED ON IT. Subject to terms and conditions. Please ask for further details. Information correct at time of going to print, 26th October 2015.

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NOVEMBER 2015

Council Roadshows Announced

Birmingham residents are invited to have their say about the future of council services at a series of roadshow events across the city next month.

Councillors and officers will be on hand to answer public questions at 10 events to be held between November 4-12.

The plan is to discuss how the city council can work with communities across Birmingham to plan and shape services as budgets continue to shrink significantly.

Chief Executive, Mark Rogers, said: "The reality is that with less money to spend on services, we need to change. So the council of 2020 will look very different to the council today.

"To get this right councillors and officers need to work closely with partners, community groups and residents, so we need to have very honest, grown-up discussions with the people of Birmingham.

The roadshows get underway at Ladywood's Summerfield Community Centre on 4 November (1.30-3pm) and each of the city's 10 districts will host an event, concluding with Stirchley Baths, Selly Oak, on 12 November (6.30-8pm).

Tributes to Peer Labour Lord Noon Peer Loses

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the age of 17, when he took over the reins of the family confectionery business, Royal Sweets, in the late 1950’s. He was one of the youngest JPs in India in 1968.

His footprint surpassed the food industry and helped open the doors for many of the Asian businesses that now count as the fabric of British enterprise. He was the Founder and former Chairman of the Asian Business Association, which works directly under the umbrella of the London Chamber of Commerce and in 1998 he was appointed to the main board of the London Chamber of Commerce itself.

In January 2002 he was elected President of the LCCI for an 18 month term. Lord Noon was also appointed to the Board of Transport for London in 2004, a government body chaired by the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone.

Lord Noon was Chairman and Throughout his lifetime, Founder of Noon Products Lord Noon was rightfully Ltd, a family business founded recognised for his remarkable in 1989 that specialised in contributions to all aspects frozen and chilled ready-made of his life. In July 1994 he ethnic meals, supplying major was voted ‘The Asian of the supermarkets worldwide.

Year’ by the community; in Noon, as he is 1998 the Asian commonly called, Business Network Lord Noon is a unique awarded him an was also Founder, Chairman & figure in British history ‘ O u t s t a n d i n g M a n a g i n g and no amount of words L i f e t i m e Director of will do his lifetime of A c h i e v e m e n t Bombay Halwa Award’, which Ltd, a company service to this country was presented by based in West the Rt Hon Mr justice.

London that Jack Straw MP; specialises in Indian sweets, In 1996 he received an MBE in Indian snacks and finger the Queen’s Honours List and foods, plus aviation catering. this was followed in 2002 by a He has spent a lifetime in knighthood bestowed by Her the food business, having Majesty in her Jubilee Year started out in Mumbai at Birthday Honours List.

Battle with Cancer

•

T

ributes have been paid to former Mosaic Network Ambassador and one of Britain’s most influential businessmen, who had died at the age of 79. Lord Gulam Noon Kt. MBE had been battling lung cancer for the past year.

Mosaic Chairman Shabir Randeree CBE, who was very

TRIBUTE: Lord Noon meeting His Royal Highness Prince charles in 2008

closely associated to Lord Noon, commented, “Lord Noon is a unique figure in British history and no amount of words will do his lifetime of service to this country justice.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sensitive time, and I personally, and Mosaic are fortunate to have been associated with such a remarkable man. He

was the most distinguished of character, humility and business acumen – we shall miss our friend and mentor deeply.”

Mumbai-born Lord Noon was an immensely successful businessman who inspired a generation of entrepreneurs from all sections of British society. Affectionately known as the ‘Curry King’ of the UK,

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14

NOVEMBER 2015

RELIGIOUS HATE ON THE RISE The Home Office has released shocking new figures which reveal that religious hate crime has almost doubled in the West Midlands in the last year.

West Midlands Police reported 87 offences committed in 2013-2014, which jumped to 163 in the following year.

A higher number of religiously motivated crimes were recorded by only two other police forces within England and Wales, whilst the total number of hate crimes cemented the West Midlands in fourth place in the two countries.

Analysis of the Crime Survey for England and Wales which was published alongside the new statistics suggested that Muslims are significantly more likely to fall victim to hate crimes than individuals from other faith groups.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who has revealed that offences against Muslims will now be recorded as a separate category, declared the findings “unacceptable”.

Minister for Preventing Abuse and Exploitation, Karen Bradley, described hate crimes as “absolutely abhorrent”.

Mosaic WWW.THEASIANTODAY.COM

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The Power of Positive Thinking

Bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement in some of the UK’s most deprived areas.

F

ounded by HRH The Prince of Wales, Mosaic is a UK-based charity that inspires young people from deprived communities to realise their talents and potential. Mosaic works in both schools and prisons and its volunteers give their time freely to mentor those who need extra support in overcoming often challenging circumstances.

Mosaic’s work in UK schools is delivered via mentoring programmes in both the primary and secondary sectors.

The charity also runs an annual Enterprise Challenge competition in which teams of secondary school pupils are coached in entrepreneurship skills culminating in a Dragon’s Den style presentation in

front of a panel of judges.

In prisons, Mosaic’s mentors work with inmates before and after release to ensure their successful reintegration into society.

Mosaic has a particular specialism in working with Muslim prisoners who are significantly overrepresented in the UK prison population. In the four years that it’s been in operation, the prison mentoring programme has led to a 20% reduction in reoffending rates amongst mentees.

Mosaic also runs an award-winning International Leadership programme which aims to develop leadership skills, inspire thinking about global issues and equip young people to become involved in their local communities as well as an

International Enterprise Challenge that has successfully taken place in Qatar and Jordan and is soon to come to Pakistan.

Mosaic encourages mentors from all areas of the community to join its programmes but it has a notable record in working with volunteers from the business world. Mentors from some of the UK’s top companies have given their time to Mosaic and both their experience and stories of success have been hugely influential in convincing young people that truly anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.

If you would like to help inspire and guide young adults, become a Mosaic mentor. For more information please call 020 7566 8734 Visit www.mosaicnetwork.co.uk or email mosaic@bitc.org.uk

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HEALTH COLUMN LIVING WITH DIABETES World Diabetes Day is celebrated on 14 November every year and aims to raise awareness of the condition.

Did you know around 2.9 million people living in the UK have diabetes, with an additional 850,000 people estimated to be living undiagnosed with the condition?

Birmingham has the highest rate of diabetes in the country affecting nearly one in 10 people in some parts of the city (source: Health and Social Care Information Centre). British and South Asians in particular are more prone to having the disease.

So what is diabetes? It is a long term condition where blood sugar levels become too high.

Normally the amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin. In those that have diabetes, the body is unable to break down glucose into energy. This is because there is either not enough insulin to move the glucose or because the insulin that is there does not work properly.

Genetic factors, ethnicity, age as well as obesity influence how likely you are to develop diabetes, which can have serious health consequences including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and foot ulcers. With early diagnosis and treatment, the risk of developing these complications can be reduced.

There are two main types you need to know about – Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. In both cases the symptoms are similar and will include an increased desire to drink as a result of being frequently thirsty, feeling very tired, blurred vision, losing weight and needing to urinate a lot, especially at night. If you think you have symptoms

NOVEMBER 2015

Fake Fakir Turns Sexual Predator Syed Shah 'agreed to save woman's marriage if she slept with him'

of diabetes, it is important to get medical advice.

Type 1 diabetes can develop very quickly, in a matter of days or weeks.

Where Type 1 is present, the body is attacking and destroying insulin supplies.

Insulin producing cells are destroyed too, which results in there being no insulin produced. To keep your glucose levels normal, you will need regular insulin treatment. This mainly comes in the form of insulin injections which can either be given with a syringe or an injection pen.

Type 2 diabetes is much more common than Type 1. The body either does not produce the required amount of insulin or the body’s cells simply do not respond to the insulin, resulting in insulin resistance.

Treating Type 2 diabetes is usually achieved through lifestyle choices, such as regular monitoring of blood glucose as well as having a healthy and balanced diet. This is a progressive form of the disease and may eventually result in the need for medication – usually in tablet form.

Some people will also need injectable treatments.

To help reduce the risk of diabetes, try to avoid eating junk food as well as high sugar foods. High fat and sugar foods can lead to diabetes as well as obesity. Having fresh fruit and vegetables will make a difference. The second way you can prevent the disease is by exercising regularly.

Studies have shown the more outdoor activities you do; the more likely it is that the disease will decrease.

Reducing the amount of time you sit down can also minimise your risk of developing diabetes.

If you would like to find out about the diabetes services we provide at our Trust, please visit http:// w w w. h e a r t o f e n g l a n d . nhs.uk/diabetes-andendocrinology/.

Are you on Twitter? To find out what is going on around our hospitals, and for latest news and updates follow us @heartofengland. Join our conversation today!

Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust staff provides general and specialist hospital care across Heartlands Hospital, Solihull Hospitals, Good Hope Hospital and Birmingham Chest Clinic.

The Trust also provides community health services across the borough of Solihull.

The Trust employs more than 10,000 members of staff, making it one of the top five employers in the Midlands.

A

woman has claimed a warped holy man agreed to help save her marriage on the condition she had sex with him and handed over £5,400.

Faith-healing fraud Syed Shah, 29, allegedly duped the woman into sleeping with him twice while swindling her out of thousands of pounds in cash.

The victim says he asserted the sex was required to reinforce the spiritual bond between the two.

The mother-of-two has broken her silence after the degenerate holy man was sentenced to two-years behind bars, convicted of sexually assaulting another woman who sought help from him.

A senior police officer described the Strechford holy man as “a very dangerous sexual predator”

following the case in Birmingham Crown Court.

The 28-year-old, attractive and highly educated, is an odd addition to Syed’s client base, which mainly consists of vulnerable and browbeaten women.

The woman, who works as a lecturer, says she contacted Syed in a desperate bid to save her marriage from falling apart.

She acknowledged that she finds her actions inexplicable and still cannot explain how she allowed herself to be manipulated by Syed, admitting that she was like putty in the lecherous hands of the holy man.

“I go clubbing,” she said. “I have a good social life. I have never used a holy man before.

I have been gullible.

Syed was convicted of a sex attack on a woman he claimed to

Bev Bevan commemorates young girl who lost her life to lymphoma

ELO’s Bev Bevan is to star in a memorial concert commemorating 21-yearold Riya Dandekar from Solihull, who lost her battle with cancer last year.

The students of the Dorrige music school who were touched by their fellow students plight, held a one off event in Symphony Hall in her honour.

Riya’s mother Ursula said: “This year’s tribute is a beautiful way of remembering her whilst

continuing her legacy to raise awareness of how quick, easy and simple it is to register as a blood stem cell donor with Delete Blood Cancer UK.” School patron Bev Bevan and Angelo Starr lead the 300 musicians for the charity event, in hopes of raising awareness about Lymphoma and encourage more people to come forward and join the register.

Money raised from the charity was donated to Delete Blood Cancer UK, Birmingham Dogs’ Home and the healthcare charity Kissing it Better.

Miquel Leon, Head of Fundraising at Delete Blood Cancer UK, said: “It is a wonderful tribute to Riya who, despite being very ill, wanted to help others find lifesaving donor matches by raising awareness of registering as a potential blood stem cell donor.”

• FAKE: Syed Shah duped women into sleeping with him

15

DO YOU HAVE A NEWS STORY? GET IN TOUCH WITH US TODAY! be “healing”.

He had ordered his victim to undress before pouncing on her.

At first, he denied any involvement in the incident but admitted to his crimes once data from his mobile phone placed him near the crime scene.

Syed was charged and pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

During the sentencing, he was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for two years.

Saltley Bus Stabbing

Row Leaves Passenger Stabbed Five Times By Gang Detectives have issued images of suspects wanted in connection with a stabbing which took place on a Number 94 bus.

The incident, which took place at 9.30pm, left the victim, a fellow bus passenger, with a punctured lung after being stabbed repeatedly in a row over an open window on the bus.

The 36-year-old victim, who was knifed five times by the gang as he attempted to leave the Number 94 at Saltley Gate, in Washwood Heath Road, only survived the attack because he was wearing a thick coat.

CCTV images of the five capwearing suspects have been released

by West Midlands Police.

A relative of the victim, who wished to remain anonymous, has said that the victim was still recovering in hospital following stab wounds to his chest, leg and stomach.

He said: “The doctors have said that he is very lucky to be alive and probably only survived because he was wearing a thick coat.

“It’s unbelievable that all this happened because he opened a window.

“He opened it, they told him to close it, and then came over and closed it for him before they started hurling abuse at him.

“He decided to avoid confrontation and tried instead to leave the bus three stops early, but they followed him.

There was a small scuffle as he tried to

get off, but he didn’t even realise that he had been stabbed.

“They ran to the opposite side of the road and caught a Number 94 heading back towards the city centre.

“He only realised he had been stabbed because he was struggling to breathe and then he saw the blood pouring down his leg.

“His only concern has been to get home so that he could get to work on Monday morning. He has just started a new job with Jaguar Land Rover and he doesn’t want to lose his job” The family member said the victim, from Bordesley Green, only caught the bus because he did not want to wait for a taxi after visiting a friend.

He added: “He was planning to get a taxi, but he didn’t want to wait and he often caught that bus. It’s really important that people know this has happened.

“We also hope that anybody who saw it happen will come forward and speak to the police. He is obviously still in a lot of pain, but he is very lucky to be alive. The police have told us that they are getting CCTV from the buses.”

Detective Constable Paul Broome said: ”Initial inquiries suggest that there had been a dispute on the upper deck which then spilt downstairs.”

DC Broome said anyone who recognised the men in the images should call 101, or Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Midlanders Light up AMA’s NOVEMBER 2015

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DesiBlitz and Asian Network Among Winners

I

n an inspiring night for the Asian media industry, the Midlands celebrated its talent as it picked up four awards.

The star-studded ceremony hosted by Sky News presenter Jannat Jalil took place at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate.

Birmingham-based DesliBlitz.com picked-up their second AMA for Best Website in two years after it was named Best Website. Popular daytime radio-host, Noreen Khan was named Best Radio Show whilst the BBC Asian Network picked-up their third consecutive AMA in the Radio Station of the Year category.

Fellow Midlanders Leicester City Council were named Best Event Award with their annual Diwali Lights Switch-on event.

Ranvir Singh was named as the Media Personality of the Year 2015. In 2015 she has been seen on ITN News as well as Good Morning Britain and also fronted a number of investigation pieces tackling issues ranging from the refugee

DJ Noreen Khan Radio Station of the Year: BBC Asian Network

crisis to drink driving.

Celebrated actor Roshan Seth was honoured with the Sophiya Haque Services to British Television and Film Award.

The Asian Media Awards Best Investigation category in 2015 featured ground-breaking work tackling controversial

subject matters from across the globe. The recipient of the 2015 award was Leslee Udwin’s film ‘India’s Daughter.’

BBC Current Affairs Editor Kavita Puri was presented with the Journalist of the Year award.

The highly contested

University of Salford Outstanding Young Journalist of the Year award was won by Siraj Datoo, Political Reporter with the website Buzzfeed.

ITV Meridian’s Sangeeta Bhabra was named Regional Journalist of the Year.

‘Slave Wives’ a report by BBC Newsnight won the TV Report of the Year 2015 award.

Anita Anand was named Radio Presenter of the Year.

Media Moguls and Star Plus also picked-up their third AMA in their respective categories.

Sabras Radio who celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2015 was named Regional Radio Station of the Year. Natasha Mudhar beat-off strong competition to win the Media Professional of the Year accolade.

Asad Shan was named TV Presenter of the Year and Desi Rascals named Best TV Show. Rakhee Thakrar’s

portrayal of Shabnam Masood in Eastenders saw her presented with the Best TV Character Award.

Live stage productions featured as a new category in this year’s awards, with Bend It Like Beckham, The Musical, winning the new accolade.

Leeds based newspaper Asian Express won the Publication of the Year Award. In the Online section Amena Beauty, known more commonly as Pearl Daisy.

Parle Patel was presented with the Best Video Channel Award for Planet Parle.

Director Waris Hussein presented the Outstanding Contribution to Media Award to former BBC producer Tara Prem. It came on a night as the awards also celebrated 50 years of Asian programming on the BBC. The evening also saw an emotional tribute, read by Amrit Matharu, to Punjab2000 founder, Tony Singh Pabla, who died earlier this year.

Publication of the Year: Asian Express Best Blog: Amena Beauty Best Website: DesiBlitz.com Best Video Channel: Planet Parle Best Live Event: Diwali Lights-on Leicester Best Stage Production: Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical Media Professional of the Year: Natasha Mudhar Media Agency of the Year: Media Moguls TV Report of the Year: Slave Wives (BBC Newsnight) Best TV Show: Desi Rascals Best TV Character: Rakhee Thakrar TV Channel of the Year: Star Plus TV Presenter of the Year: Asad Shan Regional Radio Station of the Year: Sabras Radio Best Radio Show: Noreen Khan

Website of the Year: DESIblitz

Journalist of the Year: Kavita Puri

Radio Station of the Year: BBC Asian Network Radio Presenter of the Year: Anita Anand Outstanding Young Journalist: Siraj Datoo (Buzzfeed) Regional Journalist of the Year: Sangeeta Bhabra

Best Live Event: Diwali Lights-on Leicester

Best TV Show: Desi Rascals

Best Investigation: India’s Daughter Journalist of the Year: Kavita Puri Sophiya Haque Services to British Television & Film: Roshan Seth Media Personality of the Year 2015: Ranvir Singh

Best Blog: Amena Beauty

Best Investigation: India's Daughter

Outstanding Contribution to Media: Tara Prem

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NOVEMBER 2015

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SHOPKEEPER SENTENCED A Birmingham trader who was found to be selling illicit tobacco has been given an eight-month suspended jail sentence at Birmingham Crown Court.

Pritpal Singh Khurana, 36, of M&S News, 62-64 Herrick Road, Saltley, pleaded guilty to 10 offences under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, Tobacco Products (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale) (Safety) Regulations 2002 and Trade Marks Act 1994.

As well as the sentence, which

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Remembering The ‘Forgot Birmingham pupils to learn about the bravery of 400,000 Muslim soldiers who fought in British trenches in WW1

was suspended for two years, he was also ordered to carry 250 hours of unpaid work within the community. The court ordered the forfeiture of the items seized.

Birmingham City Council brought the case against Khurana following a raid of the premises in October 2014, as part of a national crackdown on the sale of illicit tobacco – products which have either been smuggled into the country, illegally produced or for which no duty has been paid.

Trading Standards officers, working with local police teams, seized 6,328 packs of illegal cigarettes worth nearly £50,000 during an inspection of the premises on 8 October 2014. Most of these were found by sniffer dogs hidden behind a false wall and ceiling and underneath a false floor in a toilet.

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FACTS • 100,000 Sikhs and 800,000 Hindu troops alongside the 400,000 Muslims • Battles like the Somme and Ypres had death toll of 62,060 • Over 1,000 soldiers fell at Gallipoli • 700,000 sepoys participated in battles in Mesopotamia.

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history books A recent survey by British Future has revealed that as little as 22 per cent of the general population are aware of the sacrifices these individuals made in defending the British Empire.

And only a meagre two per cent know of the scale of this sacrifice.

Now British Future project co-ordinator Avaes Mohammed will manage

19

Shokat Ali Loses His Fight Against Cancer

tten’ Army ritish Future, a thinktank dedicated to racial integration, has unveiled a new scheme to raise public awareness about the role Muslims from undivided India played in the Great War. Despite the fact that over 400,000 Muslim soldiers fought in World War One, these heroes of the trenches remain forgotten – their names erased from the

NOVEMBER 2015

a new project to educate Birmingham children about the role Muslims from India played in the Great War. Assisted by Birmingham historian Jahan Mahmood, Avaes will teach history lessons to a group of Muslims from Lozells and a group of non-Muslims from Kingstanding.

The pupils will then be given the opportunity to interview descendants of

Dressed in tropical uniforms, the Indian soldiers arrived coldridden in the muddy climes of Europe, completely ill prepared for the mechanised method of warfare into which they had been dropped.

“For many,” said Avaes, “it would be their first interaction with the British.

“The landscape and

Almost one-and-a-half million men from India took part in the war soldiers who fought in the war.

The project, run by British Future and New Horizons in British Islam, is one of four projects across the country forming “An Unknown And Untold Story – The Muslim Contribution To The First World War”.

Avaes said: “Almost oneand-a-half million men from India took part in the war.

“That is more than all the other Empire countries put together.”

climate were completely different. It was raining and they were in their tropical uniforms. They weren’t prepared for battle in Europe.

One letter from a sepoy to relatives back in India described vividly the haunting scenes of war.

He wrote: “The shells are pouring like rain in the monsoon.”

“The corpses cover the country like sheaves of harvested corn.”

A Sparkbrook teacher who lost his fight against cancer after a last ditch attempt to beat cancer via a cannabis oil treatment resulted in failure has had tributes paid to him via social media.

Shokat Ali flew to America in August to receive care currently unavailable in the UK after being told by doctors in June of this year that he had only a few months left to live.

The 36-year-old was diagnosed three years ago with a rare form of cancer called monophasic synovial sarcoma and underwent surgery and radiotherapy in Britain to tackle the cancer.

Despite the efforts of the medics, his illness proved terminal.

Approximately £30,000 was originally raised to help care for Shokat and fund his trip and treatment in America. Further financial support was required to fulfil Shokat’s last wish to return home to Birmingham in order to spend his final days with his loved ones.

He passed away with his mother, brother, two sisters and friends by his side at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

• CANCER: Shokat Ali lost his fight to cancer

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JAS SANSI The Thinking Man's Mouthpiece

Milestone Reached

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.

ISTANBUL - EXHILARATING, EXHAUSTING AND INSPIRING The panoramic balcony of the Galata Tower provides a breathtaking spot to take in the undulating vista of Istanbul. The midday call to prayer amplifies across the city, stirring the faithful, reminding visitors, home is a distant memory.

Istanbul, where Europe, the wealthiest continent, meets Asia, the largest continent is exhilarating, exhausting and inspiring.

This is not a destination for vanilla emotions. You will detest the aspects of Istanbul you dislike. You will love unconditionally the things you like. Nothing is just ‘okay.’

In September 2013 The Olympic Committee rejected Istanbul’s aspiration to be the first Islamic country to host The Games. The Committee cited infrastructure shortcomings as the reason for the decision. The city is a challenge to negotiate for visitors with a disability. Its unexpected kerb drops and paving hazards challenge a generation of international travelers distracted by social media. Istanbul demands your attention.

Islam in Arabic means Submission. No small demand for the Turks who count Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan as ancestors.

Submission to God makes followers of Islam equal.

Highlights of a visit to Istanbul include The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, The Istanbul Modern (Art Museum) and Galata Tower.

Tourist guides will direct you to The Grand Bazaar, good advice but don’t miss the Egyptian Bazaar where I recommend you purchase your holiday currency, Turkish Liras. The rates here are better than anywhere else. In 2015, the rates have been extraordinary.

My personal highlight was Basilica Cistern, seeing the head of Medusa placed sideways under

one of the many ancient columns that support this underground

structure. It is placed at ninety degrees to either negate the glare of Medusa’s eyes or because the space could only accommodate the Gorgan’s head on it’s side.

Mythical superstition or an Engineering solution, you decide.

Basilica Cistern was a location for the 1963 Bond film, From Russia with Love.

In Istanbul. a taxi is spelt Taksi.

The honesty of its spelling at odds with the fareconomics of its drivers.

A cinema is spelt Sinema, Police is spelt Polis. You recognise the trapdoors of the English language when you see these spellings. They make you smile.

The history of Istanbul is the history of the world. The city maps the uneasy relationship between Islam and Christianity. Both religions have a shared heritage but each want the throne. Both religions are brothers who accept they cannot live without the other, recognise one another but need their own space.

NEAR NEIGHBOURS AWARDS 1000TH INTER-FAITH GRANT

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ear Neighbours has awarded a landmark 1000th grant to Christians and Muslims who are creating a Peace Garden in Luton.

The recipients of this milestone grant are running a project that sees local people of diverse faiths and none come together to work on a Peace Garden as a shared community space, and testament to their commitment to one another.

The garden will be in the grounds of All Saint’s Church, a local Anglican parish and will act as a spiritual space for the diverse community to

share in contemplation.

Alongside this, they are also establishing a community allotment that will lead to fresh and healthy food being made available for the community This landmark award means that Near Neighbours has now given over £3.4 million to local projects across England, through which more than 800,000 people have benefitted.

Husna Rasul is responsible for organising this project and commented, “We are so proud to be the 1000th grantee! This money means a lot to this community as we show our dedication to

Jas Sansi's Scribbles It is indeed a complex relationship. It was complex then as it is today where both religions have over a billion souls to guard over. Visiting Istanbul gives you insight into the relationship between Christianity and Islam.

You can never fully comprehend nor define an evolving relationship.

Hagia Sophia was once a Greek Orthodox place of Worship. Temporarily a Roman Catholic Cathedral. It became a Muslim place of worship after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the father of modern day Turkey removed the veil of all religions in 1935 proclaiming it a secular institution.

It was an act worthy of the Noble Prize for Peace.

Proponents of conflict and defenders of faith are rarely one and the same.

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

each other and to creating a positive environment for our families. But we are also aware that we are now a part of a wider movement of other projects and it’s a real privilege to be able to stand as representatives of all they have achieved.”

Near Neighbours acts to bring people together who are near neighbours in communities that are religiously and ethnically diverse, so that they can get to know each other better, build relationships of trust and collaborate together on initiatives that improve the local community they live in.

This includes a small grants fund that supports initiatives, such as the Peace Garden, that are working to bring people together for the good of local neighbourhoods.

Funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government, Near Neighbours is a partnership between the charity Church

Twitter: @Jassansi

Urban Fund and the Archbishops Council of the Church of England, and has been running since 2011. Throughout that time Near Neighbours has been awarding grants to community based projects across England.

This 1000th project launched today in Luton is a great landmark, and I hope that the peace garden created here will become a community hub for many years to come.”

Liz Carnelley is the Near Neighbours Programme Director and commented that, “This project is emblematic of what we have seen through Near Neighbours in England in the last four years. It is a significant milestone in this neighbourhood that is now one amongst a thousand others that is transforming the face of local communities in our country.”

TAKEAWAY TAKES THE CROWN

Kebab Shop in Birmingham crowned best takeaway in the West Midlands Birmingham take-away was honoured in first British Takeaway Awards The Kebab Shop in Dudley Birmingham, has been awarded the title of ‘Best Take-away in the West Midlands’ at the first British Take-way Awards Mandip Dhillon, Owner of the acclaimed shop said: “Having had the privilege and opportunity to travel I was fortunate enough to explore a variety of different cuisines. This inspired me to create what I feel is now proving to be a popular and exciting menu.”

Pizza Delivery Driver Jailed NEWS

Rizwan Tasib, 27, raced through four red lights 'to impress bosses'

A

prospective Birmingham pizza delivery driver is facing jail after speeding through four red traffic lights in an attempt to impress bosses into offering him a job.

However, in an unexpected turn of events for 27-yearold Rizwan Tasib, not only did he lose his job through his reckless actions but also resigned his liberty.

The Stechford Lane, Ward End, resident faces a jail term of 15 months for his actions.

He has also been banned from driving for five years due to his previous admission of aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified and possessing drugs.

Tasiqb, who was branded a ‘menace on the road’ and a ‘death waiting to happen’ by the presiding judge, had been followed along Bromford Road by an off duty police officer.

Patrick Sullivan, prosecuting, said that at one particular junction two vehicles avoided an

“inevitable collision” with the defendant’s car by taking evasive action before the pizza delivery driver stopped at a pizza shop.

“He pulled up outside a pizza take away and got out.

He was a pizza delivery man, he had a pizza bag in his hand,’’ Mr Sullivan said.

“The officer approached him and the defendant seemed quite calm. He said he had to pass on some money to the owners, presumably the money for the pizza he had delivered before the officer saw him.”

Mr Sullivan said that the defendant informed officers that he had a cocaine problem, after cocaine was found hidden on his person, and he admitted to spending £100 a week on the drug.

Rashad Mohammed, defending, said: “It seems that the pizza shop had offered him a part time job. They had asked him to demonstrate his speediness.

It may have been a reason why he was acting in the way that he was on this particular day.”

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Kash "The Flash" Gill

IN THE

21

SPOTLIGHT WITH KASH GILL Who is He? Retired British professional kick boxer, Kash "The Flash" Gill is one of Birmingham’s most illustrious sportsmen. The first Asian to dominate in a contact sport, Kash Gill has won the World Kick Boxing champion a massive 4 times.

STATS Age: 49 DOB: 2 July 1966 Height: 6’ 3” (1.90m) Weight: 11st 5lb (72kg).

Town: Handsworth, Birmingham Total fights: 100 Wins: 84 Wins by KO: 43 Losses: 16 Career

What is he doing now?

Gill discovered kickboxing at the age of 14 when he saw a demo in a local park. Having earned his black belt, Gill at the age of 18, had entered and won his first competition in a three-round contest in full-contact karate. Gill became a world champion in kickboxing at the age of 21. In 1991, he won the World Kickboxing Association (WKA) light middleweight and super welterweight full contact titles. He formally retired from fighting in 2002 at the age of 36.

Since retiring from the ring, Kash has devoted his time to helping those less fortunate than himself.

He is currently working with local schools and youth to promote health and fitness and is heavily involved in fundraising and working with local charities that help disadvantaged youths in the area where he grew up.

Recently he achieved his lifelong dream and opened his own gym with the aim of uniting people from all communities in a love of fitness and sport.

Family & Background His parents originated from the Punjab region in India. Kash’s mother Surgit Kaur, died when he was just 9 years old. His father Gurmej Singh Gill worked 18 hours shifts in a factory to support Kash, and his siblings. Kash says the heartache of his mother’s death gave him the determination to succeed.

• • • •

4 X World Champion -BBC Hall of Fame 2013 Additional Honors & Awards British-European and 4 x World Kickboxing Champion produced 5 world champions to date and many Black belts within the association • Pride of Britain -regional Finalist-2011

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EDUCATION

THE ASIAN TODAY

NOVEMBER 2015

EDUCATION

Birmingham Academy Is The Most Improved In England

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Council for the students by the students

Who are we and what we offer: Young Enterprise is the UK’s leading charity that empowers young people to harness their personal and business skills. We give young people the opportunity to realise their full potential through a range of practical enterprise programmes, from one day masterclasses to year-long projects.

Our programmes

range from our Primary Programme and Company Programme to the university-level Startup initiative with many variations in between. We offer something for every year of education from the age of 4 to 25. We are the UK’s leading figure in enterprise and financial education delivering over 4 million learning hours each

year.

We make the connection between school and the world of work, enabling young people to develop the knowledge and attitudes they need to succeed, building on 6 key skills: • Communication • Teamwork • Problem-solving • Creativity • Resilience • Financial Literacy

What we need from you: We would need an hour of your time to volunteer at schools once a week. Getting involved with entrepreneurs and boosting your own CPD and getting that extra edge to build your personal profile.

You will get certification a and analysis report to show to your Senior Management.

Marie Tedstone Area Manager for North West Midlands: Marie.Tedstone@y-e.org.uk Kamran Hussain Young Enterprise Manager Black Country and Solihull: Kamran.Hussain@y-e.org.uk Jaspal Rohel Young Enterprise Manager Birmingham: Jaspal.Rohel@y-e.org.uk Jeba Ali Young Enterprise Manager Birmingham: Jeba.Ali@y-e.org.uk Paul Phillips Young Enterprise ManagerStaffordshire: Paul.Phillips@y-e.org.uk Frances Wright Young Enterprise Manager Staffordshire: Frances.Wright@y-e.org.uk

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A

Ark Kings Academy F

igures released by the Department our results continue to climb year on year. We for Education show that Ark Kings have also just started work on our new school building signalling a very bright future for Ark Academy in Birmingham is the most improved sponsored academy in the whole country over Kings Academy.”

In 2015, the number of students achieving two years. five A*- C grades, including English and maths, Since 2013, GCSE results at Ark Kings are up 27 percentage points, while the national reached 51% at Ark Kings Academy, up 5% on 2014. Student progress average for all schools is down by 6 points. is now significantly above the national average with Sister school Ark St We are making rapid Alban’s Academy in 87% of students making Highgate also made expected or better than progress but there is much progress and comes in expected progress in more to do and we are English, and 73% in maths the top 20 most improved working hard to ensure - 62% of students achieved sponsored academies in grades A* - C in these the country over two years. that our results continue In Birmingham, Ark Kings core subjects. There were to climb year on year. is the most improved with also notable successes in Art with 92% of students Ark St Alban’s coming in 7th out of the 72 sponsored achieving A* - C, 77% in Science and 70% in ICT. academies reporting GCSE results in both years.

Speaking to Schools Week, the Department Principal Roger Punton said, “We have for Education said sponsored academies were a rigorous focus on standards and high overturning years of poor performance. A spokesperson said, “Every pupil deserves an expectations for all pupils at Ark Kings Academy. As these results show, we are excellent education and hundreds of schools are being turned around thanks to the help of making rapid progress but there is much more to do and we are working hard to ensure that strong academy sponsors.”

bbey College in Birmingham has elected a new student council comprised of some of its brightest pupils.

The council made up of 10 students will be crucial in the future decision making process of the college and essential in managing the wellbeing of fellow students at the leading independent college.

The students underwent a process of elections and presentations to ensure a seat for the year which is chaired by sixth form student, Amandip Bhamra.

Council leader Amandip, who raised a over £350 for the national Wear it Pink Breast Cancer Campaign as well as other council members like Sarah Sayyed and Benjamin Pam will be imperative to future decisions of the college.

Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics student, Amandip: “I am honoured and overwhelmed that my classmates have trusted me with this enormous task and I will do everything in my power to ensure this council makes a difference.

“We all have great relationships with staff at Abbey College which is essential to the success of the Student Council and we will be on hand to lend an ear to our peers whenever they need us.”

Signing Story Book Launched Innovative book helps children understand language pre speech

A new children's story book has been published for babies and infants that includes signing, or sign language.

Designed for hearing children pre-speech, 'Alfie's Magic Hat: Fun at the zoo', the first in a series, recognises the increasing interest in using 'signing' to help babies and infants communicate, pre speech. The benefits of signing include enhanced communication and a reduction of frustration.

Learning key 'signs' when speech is not yet developed leads to understanding of

• ABBEY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM

language, and helps babies link words to meanings, ahead of speech; meanwhile, the process of listening and being attentive to the reader helps with the infant's communication and language skills.

Importantly, 'Alfie's Magic Hat: Fun at the zoo' is a beautifully-produced, engaging book that children and adults will treasure;

and with more books in the series planned, families will soon be able to build up their collection. It is written by Kathy Carter and illustrated

by Maureen Carter, both published book contributors before working together on this series.

Published by independent publisher Sirenia Books, itis available now via Amazon as a paperback.

Principal of Abbey College Birmingham, Stephen Robinson said: “The council this year is a group of highly intelligent and talented students. The opinions of our students are highly valued here at Abbey College Birmingham, and so it is imperative that they have a body to represent their viewpoints.”

Abbey College Birmingham is an independent college right in the heart of the city centre. The college maintains links with universities and employers within the city and is well-known and highlyregarded for its academic excellence.

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NOVEMBER 2015

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LEICESTER WELCOMES INDIAN EXHIBITION An exhibition exploring the relationship between India and Britain over four centuries has opened in Leicester.

Entitled ‘India's Gateway: Gujarat, Mumbai and Britain’, the exhibition will remain at the New Walk Museum for four months.

The exhibition, interlacing photographs and film with personal stories, explores the history of Gujarat and Mumbai as centres of trade and migration as well as the lives and experience of Gujarati communities today.

UK photographer Tim Smith, whose photographs are featured in the exhibition, said: "From food, film and fashion to trade and industry, interest in India is booming, and Gujarat and Mumbai are leading the way.

"The exhibition is inspired by the region's vibration

mix of cultures, and how that mix has been shaped by a rich history of trade, seafaring, migration and its close connections with Britain.

"It's been fantastic to work with many different communities, here and in India, and lots of people have contributed their ideas and stories."

Leicester City Council's museums service has put together an additional display to run alongside the visiting exhibition.

Lives Run For Their

Team takes on Bradford City Runs event to help those fleeing conflict

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UCH GET IN TO TODAY! WITH US

• PENNY APPEAL: Hazel Normandale and Gemma Rathbone Active fundraisers from Wakefield-based charity Penny Appeal will be getting a feel for what it’s like to be a refugee this month as they take on a special challenge.

They will be lacing up their shoes for the Bradford City Runs 10k on Sunday 25th October, carrying with them the essential and much-loved things they would grab if they had to flee their homes.

Among the 38 runners taking part from #TeamOrange, Penny Appeal’s fundraising family, are two members of the charity’s Marketing and Communications team – Copywriter Gemma Rathbone and Marketing Officer Hazel Normandale.

Gemma says, “We’re both fairly active, often running, cycling or rock climbing, but this race is more about the emotional challenge than the

physical one.

“Each of us will be carrying a backpack containing the essential and sentimental items we’d take if we had to leave home in a hurry.

We only have to cover six miles, but every step of the way we’ll be thinking of the thousands of refugees who are making their incredibly difficult journeys towards safer lives.”

Items that Gemma and Hazel will be carrying include: • Mobile phones and chargers • Tin opener • Hard drive containing family photos • Favourite books • Childhood teddy bear • Personal mementoes • Hygiene items Hazel adds, “Training has been very hit-and-miss, but that will only serve to give

The MarComms runners have JustGiving page for online donations at: justgiving. com/pennyappeal-marcomms.

People can also support Penny Appeal’s Refugee Emergency and other campaigns at www.pennyappeal.org or by calling 03000 11 11 11. us a greater appreciation of what it’s like to have to walk for miles with no supplies or preparation. We’ve been doing so much at our desks in the past few weeks to support our Syrian Refugee Emergency campaign, so now it’s time to do something more practical.”

FEATURE

DIWALI 2015 Leicester lights up!

Leicester's Belgrave road switched on its dazzling Diwali light display signifying the launch of the festival of light.

Cossington Recreation Ground was host to flaming fire sculptures, fire jugglers and a 100ft illuminated ferris wheel. An estimated 30,000 were set to attend the annual switch-on of the city's Diwali lights.

The glittering light display stretched more than 1,000 meters along the road and is made up of 6,000 light fixtures.

Chanel, of Oadby, said: "The lights are beautiful and they have improved them this year. They show off Leicester and make me proud to be from here and proud to be British."

Visitors enjoyed a jam packed evening of fun of festivities with audiences cheering and dancing when Indian dancers took to the stage to entertain the crowds. The highlight being the spectacular fireworks display that ended the night with a bang.

It was truly a magical moment as the street was lit up on at 7.40pm on the 1st of November the huge crowd cheered as confetti began to fall.

The festivities continued over the next 2 weeks, including an Indian Summer Diwali Parade, live Rangoli at the Clock Tower with international Rangoli artist Janak Chauhan, and a Diwali Mela Bazaar on Humberstone Gate West.

Leicester's Curve Theatre and Phoenix Cinema hosted a Diwali-themed event during the fortnight, and there was also an dian cookery demonstrations on Leicester Market. Also, an art exhibition at the Peepul Centre, and Indian dance at half-time at Leicester City's King Power Stadium.

The festivities concluded with the Diwali Day celebrations on Wednesday, November 11.

• • • • • • • • •

What's On in Birmingham!

SUNDAY 8TH NOVEMBER

Birmingham's Diwali Mela

Organised by the Hindu Council of Birmingham, the New Bingley Hall will be home to more than 50 exhibitions, food stalls and performances. The Mela will be a shining display of lights, decorations, sanding, music and colour.

The fireworks and festivities may soon cease but the fun is by no means over!

November brings with it a marvel of great entertainment all over Brum.

We have a look at what Desi events are taking place this month.

SUNDAY 14TH NOVEMBER

Hardeep Singh Kohli: Big Mouth Strickes Again

MEDIA ARTS CENTRE

When you’ve a mouth this big, is it any wonder you get into trouble?

Hardeep Singh Kohli descends on Birmingham for his brand new show Big Mouth Strikes Again.

TIME: 8PM £16 AGE 16+

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This comedian, broadcaster, journalist and chef brings it all to the MAC in Birmingham on the back of its premier at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. A night of satire and comedy not to be missed.

Sampad Arts 25 Years Gala

SUNDAY 15TH NOVEMBER BRAMALI MUSIC BUILDING

TIME: 5PM £10 ALL AGES

Sampad Arts celebrates its 25th anniversary with a variety of entertainment, including music, dance, spoken word and artists from Birmingham and beyond.

The uplifting, celebratory performances feature renowned performers: Nahid Siddiqui, Chitraleka Bolar, Aakash Odedra, Soweto Kinch, Shin Parwana, Harjinder Matharu, Mendi Singh Trio, Shan Bansil, and many others. The show will be compèred by BBC presenter Satnam Rana.

The show celebrates many of the achievements and highlights from Sampad’s 25 years, along with many of the artists who have been part of its journey in Birmingham.

The show celebrates many of the achievements and highlights from Sampad’s 25 years, along with many of the artists who have been part of its journey in Birmingham.

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DESI

NOVEMBER 2015 DESI XPRESS 27

Eternal

Taal XPRESS

Khan Kan Kut It Adil Ray in Talks to Take Mr Khan Abroad

C

omedian and writer Adil Ray has revealed that he is in talks to take his character, Mr Khan abroad to allow it to “explore wider issues.” Talking in an interview, the actor said, “If we did a film I’d like to concentrate on Mr Khan being this quite big physical character [so] that even if you didn’t know Mr Khan but you saw a big poster… and it was ‘Mr Khan Goes to America’, the Muslim that went to America to meet the President - I could see what that could be about.

“If we did a film I’d like to concentrate on Mr Khan being this quite big physical character [so] that even if you didn’t know Mr Khan but you saw a big poster… and it was ‘Mr Khan Goes to America’, the Muslim that went to America to meet the President - I could see what that could be about.”

The loud-mouthed, tight-fisted,

but big-hearted self-appointed community leader Mr Khan (Adil Ray) and his long-suffering family recently returned to our screens, pulling in over 3.3million viewers.

Mr Khan is the loveable, larger than life character, with strong opinions and big dreams. The challenges he faces are those of many fathers: how to make ends meet, keep Mrs Khan (Shobu Kapoor) and his family happy and continue to be the pillar of the local community. Things would be so

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

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

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

M

An all FEMALE DHOL group

READ THE INTERVIEW ON PAGE 30

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

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

28 DESI XPRESS NOVEMBER 2015

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Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mUSIC massala Desixpress movie massala Desixpress mU

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Mumbai Film Festival PRIYANKA

PEAKS ON EMA POLLS Priyanka Chopra has been announced winner of 2015 MTV EMA’s Best India Act category after beating the likes of fellow acts Monica Degra and Indus Creed.

The 33 years old starlet now faces Diamond Platinumz for the title of Best Worldwide Act: Africa/India Act category.

The ‘Quantico’ star released her first solo single back in 2012 selling more than 130,000 copies and topping the Hindi pop charts within its first week of release.

EMA winners will be announced Oct. 25, during the event in Milan.

SHOWBIZ

SHOWBIZ

The 17th edition of India’s biggest film festival, the 17th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival in association with the STAR India, introduced a stellar program line-up which includes new programming sections, special screenings and events.

Taking place from October 29th

The British Independent Comedy is Available to View on VOD from November 2 After an incredible 5 week run in UK cinemas, holding its own against blockbusters such as Avengers: Age of Ultron and Fast & Furious 7, both fans of the film and those that missed Britflick Amar Akbar & Tony now have the chance to catch it again! The independent British comedy receives its VOD release on 2nd November.

Described as an indie flick “…with both brains and heart" (Radio Times), this enjoyable coming of age tale is fun yet inspirational, with a meaningful message.

Watch Again:

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STANDS WITH SANDS

EastEnders Rakhee Thakrar becomes ambassador for the support organisation EASTENDERS star RAKHEE THAKRAR has become an ambassador for Sands, the infant bereavement support organisation, after her character shabnam experienced a still birth.

“I knew I wanted to be involved with Sands from my very first research meeting with bereavement support services manager Erica Stewart.

“Judith Abela, acting chief executive of Sands, adds: "Rakhee will be invaluable in raising awareness of the many issues that surround stillbirth and neonatal death.”

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to November 5th in Mumbai, the film festival celebrates the diversity of Indian and international cinema, showcasing the latest cutting-edge independent projects, avant-garde art house films, alongside genre offerings from Bollywood and Hollywood, with a focus on international cult movies.

Adil Ray Hosts Brum Post Business Awards!

Adil Ray will be this years host at the Birmingham Post Business Awards.

Born and bred brummie Adil Ray will be hosting the proceedings at the event at the ICC on the 12th of November.

The well renowned star of Citizen Khan adds “As a proud Brummie I feel it’s important that we shout loud about our great city, and the Birmingham Post is instrumental in that.

“Birmingham is turning a huge corner right now and it is down to the hard work and creativity of its hugely diverse community.

The awards are quickly shaping up to be the biggest yet after more than 100 applications have been submitted from businesses around the region.

Strictly Balti

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We thought dance class was good, we thought dance class was English. We were wrong. Now we see you are fully English, because you argue with your parents. In Bangladesh this wouldn’t happen.

Ballroom dancing is not the only humiliation heaped on Saikat by his ambitious parents.

There’s catechism and Latin too. And no one gets his name right, ever.

Join Saikat as he dances precariously through his dual-identity childhood, torn between the familiar sights of Birmingham and the mysteries of Bangladesh.

Y R H D W O H C L PAU Paul get's PC

The UK’s number one Asian comedian Paul Chowdhry is ready to tackle political correctness gone mad as he hits the stage with his brand new DVD, PC’s World Live 2015. Filmed at a sold out Hammersmith Apollo and released by UPHE Content Group on Digital Download on 16th November and DVD on 30th November, PC’s World Live 2015 is the second DVD release from the 2013 LAFTA funniest stand-up award winner and host of Channel 4’s Stand Up For The Week.

PC may be his initials, but the relentless world he lives in definitely isn't. Paul addresses a variety of diverse subjects including the art of attracting women, imperialism, non-existent customer services and the now unforgettable 1980’s in his own inimitable uncompromising style. PC’s World Live 2015 is a must-have DVD for fans of controversial, out-spoken and quick-witted comedy from one of the UK’s most notorious comics.

HE NAMED

MALA

ONE CHILD • ONE TEACHER • ONE BOOK

CAN CHANGE THE Malala Yousafzai and family attended a special screening of forthcoming film He Named Me Malala in London. The evening was hosted by Annie Lennox OBE who also introduced the film with Mabel van Oranje from The Malala Fund.

The movie is an intimate portrait of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who was targeted by the Taliban and severely wounded by a gunshot when returning home on her school bus in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. The then 15-year-old (she turned 18 this July) was singled out, along with her father, for advocating for girls’ education, and the attack on her sparked an outcry from supporters around the world. She miraculously survived and is now a leading campaigner for girls’ education globally as co-founder of the Malala Fund.

Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Davis Guggenheim shows us how Malala, her father Zia and her family are committed to fighting for education for all girls worldwide. The film gives us an inside glimpse into this extraordinary young girl’s life – from her close relationship with her father who inspired her love for education, to her impassioned speeches at the UN, to her everyday life with her parents and brothers.

He Named Me Malala arrives in UK cinemas November 6

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Axed!

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Gurinder Chada’s British Asian reality show to grace the small screen has been cancelled The future remained uncertain for Desi Rascals when the finale of season two aired in September. Though the second season of the reality drama was announced following close at the heels of season one, things were much quieter

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after the curtain closed on season two.

The official Desi Rascals Twitter account has now confirmed that the show will not be returning for a third outing.

The tweet read: “We’re sorry to say that #DesiRascals will not be returning for a new series. We shared so many memorable moments…”

TOP10 WITH KAMAL CHOPRA

KAM CHOPRA

BOLLYWOOD 1 Prem Leela 2 Matargashti 3 Prem Ratan Dhan Payo 4 Gulaabo 5 Heer Toh Badi Sad Hai

From the director of WAITING FOR SUPERMAN and Academy Award Winner AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH

ME

ALA

K • AND ONE PEN

WORLD

Desai’s new do!

Rock on!! Actress spices up her look for sequel

Prachi Desai has caused a stir with her new edgy image for up-and-coming sequel to 2008’s Rock on!!

“My stylist Shefali Shetty and I decided to chop off Sakshi's long tresses and give her a shorter hair cut in the hope that it would portray her strength on screen.”

It seems Prachi has shed her homemaker image as well as her locks for the sequel and is set to play an independent working woman. Her edgy new look signifies the new found strength of her character in Rock On 2!

Dr TWO

Sharukh presented with second honoury degree Sharukh was presented earlier this month with the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa at Edinburgh University, in honour of his Philanthropic efforts, humanitarianism and altruism.

He stated in his inspirational speech "It is a pleasure to be honoured by the University of Edinburgh and tread in the footsteps of so many of the world's illustrious thinkers, leaders

6 Deewani Mastani 7 Tumhe Apna Banane Ka 8 Main Hoon Hero Tera 9 Shaam Shaandaar 10 Agar Tum Saath Ho

BHANGRA 1 Runnin’ (Lose It All) 2 Bodyguard (feat. Sandy Sandhu & Jotti Dhillon) 3 Prem Ratan Dhan Payo 4 Freak 5 Chaska Duet 6 Deewani Mastani (Bajirao Mastani) 7 Dheere Dheere 8 Tumhe Apna Banane Ka (Hate Story 3) 9 Thori Thori 10 Sitarey (feat. Jaz Dhami)

UK 1 HELLO - Adele 2 Sorry - Justin Bieber 3 Writing's on the Wall - Sam Smith 4 The Hills - Weekend 5 Hotline - Drake 6 What do you Mean - Justin Bieber 7 Never Forget You - Mnek & Zara Larsson 8 Turn the Music Louder (Rumble) 9 Runnin' (Lose It All) 10 Focus - Ariana Grande

“Everyone asks me why I am not working in Hollywood. I want to take Hindi film production to the world.” and personalities.

"I hope that many more of India and South Asia's brightest minds get a chance to learn, think and grow at Edinburgh."

With Sharukh’s global recognition it’s hardly surprising that Hollywood wants a chunk of the Bollywood hunk.

A-listers like Kristin Stuart and Penelope Cruz have expressed interest in working alongside the Bollywood veteran. And even acclaimed duo Leonardo Dicaprio and Martin Scorsese are in want of Mr. Khan for their up and coming project ‘Xtreme City’ “Everyone asks me why I am not working in Hollywood. I want to take Hindi film production to the world.” The actor explains.

With over 15 million followers on Twitter alone, its no wonder the star is hesitant to make a move that might upset his loyal fan-base.

A fan tweets “Thank you SRK for not dying to be a part of Hollywood. We could use some talent here.”

But the question prevails, should Sharukh trade in the Bollywood Silver screens for the Hollywood walk of fame?

ETERNAL TAAL

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Eternal

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Today. Tell us a little about yourselves, how was the group formed?

Parv: We started in 1999, in west Bromwich Birmingham. Some of the girls have been in the group for about 4 years, and some of them are quite new so they’ve been in the group for less then a year. Students join and learn the routines and that’s how we formed Eternal Taal. It’s our 16th year this year!

Have you ever come across any prejudice being an all female group?

Sangeeta: I started learning Dhol in London, and my teacher was a male, most of the people in the group were male, and I never really saw myself taking it outside the classroom. I left it and I lost interest but a few years later when I moved to the West Midlands to study, I came across Eternal Taal and I thought oh my god, I can’t believe there are females doing this. But in terms of prejudice, it’s everyday where ever you go it’s going to be there, you can’t really stop that from happening, and not just in the dhol industry but everywhere you go. We just don’t let it affect us.

Read the full interview on our website: www.desixpress.co.uk You’ve recently featured in ‘Shaandaar’ with Shahid Kapoor, what was it like?

Parv: The first time we were on a Bollywood set was in 2012 on ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana 2.’ Being on the set then was such an experience; you know I can’t even put in into words. Sitting next to superstars that you watched in your childhood, like Bobby Deol and Sunny Deol and snapping pictures with these actors, having tea with them was a different experience.

Sangeeta: They were both very different from each other. With YPD2 it was an outdoor shoot and we were together as a team all the time, it was over 4 days and it was so new to us we didn’t know what to expect. With ‘Shaandaar’ it was slightly different because they were in-door shoots, you know It’s the Kapoor’s, shahid and Punkaj and you’ve got Alia Butt. They’re a whole different generation. Their atmosphere is quite young and energetic. We went to Poland for Shaandaar and that was another experience; travelling abroad for a Bollywood film is something else, another experience under our belt.

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Taal

Is it different being filmed compared to performing to a live crowed?

Parv: You wouldn’t believe that filming a 4 minute song took 4 days. The shots had to be precise, if one person leg was out of line, we would have to repeat the shot. The YPD2 shot we were outside and it was freezing and there were hundreds of people. For ‘Shaandaar’ we were indoors but the shots had to be more detailed because there were only about 20 people. For a 4 minute song we were taking like 8 hours to film a day. It was surreal.

Sangeeta: : I think when you’re performing live, you work off each other, and you can give each other looks so you know what you’re doing, where as on a set of a film you do as they say and that’s it.

Parv: We couldn’t see each other as we were all in different positions; we’re so used to being together all the time, suddenly we were split in two’s. It was just a different dynamic; we had to be on point. It’s a Bollywood film; its being shown worldwide and we were just on the sets doing our usual jobs never thinking ‘oh my god, we’re in a Bollywood film!’

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Leena, you’re not from an Asian background. What got you into dhol playing?

Ravinder what was your favourite performance?

We had an assembly at school, and Parv came and performed.

I watched from the back and I liked it. I spoke to my mom who then spoke to Parv, so I attended the fitness class. Parv said that I had the moves and that made me more confident with performing.

We did the opening for the ‘Bend it like Beckham’ musical in the West End, directed by Gurinda Chadha.

We played the dhol on the red carpet and it was an amazing experience.

Sangeeta

Ravinder

Lina

Parv

Ravdeet

Amrita

Nooran Sisters Head to UK International Sufi Duo Confirm Dates

The internationally renowned Sufi duo, Jyoti Nooran and Sultana Nooran are to play four confirmed dates as they embark on their first-ever tour of the UK. The sisters will open their tour at Leicester’s Ramgarhia Hall on 26th November before taking it on to the Bethnal Convention Centre in Birmingham a day later. They will then carry on at London’s Central Hall Westminster on 28th November before ending their tour at Leed’s Centenary Pavillion on 29th November.

Having originally only planned in Birmingham and London, the two dates of Leicester and Leeds were

added due to public demand.

The musical sisters have a long family history enriched with mystical Sufi music, and have gone on to perform backup songs for movies which include ‘Qissa Punjab’ and ‘Patakha Guddi’ from the hit Bollywood movie ‘Highway.’

Discovered at a young age by their father, whose grandmother was the late famous Bibi Nooran, the sisters were taken on by international music promoter, Iqbal Mahal and have recently returned from a tour of the United States.

Speaking about their forthcoming tour, the sisters said,

“We are very blessed to have toured the world but we never had the chance to perform in the UK. Now with God’s grace we will be able to bring our Sufi shows to the UK and these look like they will be amongst the biggest shows we have done in our careers so we are very grateful to all the UK fans and we look forward to seeing you.”

Whilst describing the excitement, Filmonix said, “We are very excited to be holding the first concerts of the Nooran Sisters these will be a brand new concept due to the venues. The shows will be very prestigious and its

We are very blessed to have toured the world but we never had the chance to perform in the UK

the first Punjabi shows to be held at the Central Hall Westminster and Bethel Conventions Centre in Birmingham. So far we have been overwhelmed with the response and we expect a great sell out event.

Tickets are selling fast and anyone wanting to buy them can do so through chillitickets.co.uk.

The tour is being supported by Airport Travel LTD, SKR Legal Solicitors, Royal Wedding Services London, Game Changerz, Snob Events, Punjabi Roots, BBC Asian Network, Brit Asia TV, The Asian Today Newspaper, Punjab2000. com and simplybhangra.com.

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AAMIR KHAN AND MEL GIBSON TO COLLABORATE ON ‘MAHABHARATA’

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As We Proceed... Sunny & Shay 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.

KARVA CHAUTH

BOLLYWOOD ACTOR: AMIR KHAN

SUNNY

HOLLYWOOD ACTOR: MEL GIBSON

R

umour has it that Bollywood star Aamir Khan may be teaming up with the likes of Mel Gibson as director for an adaptation of Indian narrative ‘Mahabharata’ Sources say "The team has started the pre-production and set designing long back.

The script is already locked and Aamir Khan will soon officially sign the dotted lines. Mel Gibson has plans to rope in a few more actors from India in the epic saga."

“It is expected that “Mahabharata” will be one of the biggest motion pictures made in India. A big Hollywood studio will back the movie, which will start filming in early 2017” Backed by a Hollywood studio, most of the “Mahabharata” scenes will be filmed at a studio in the USA. The American company VFX is set to on the visual effects of the movie to be directed by Gibson.

It is yet to be confirmed whether Gibson will only direct ‘Mahabharata’ or he will also cameo in the film.

I'll be honest I had never heard of Karva Chuath until I met Shay and had seen it in Bollywood films and thought you focus on the moon. I still don't fully know the full ins and outs of it and so I always say that I don't do Karva Chauth but instead I fast along side my wife. I am showing her solidarity during her fast and respect her choice for wanting to do this for me. Likewise, I want her to know that I feel the same way and will be there for her no matter what. As a husband it is my duty to sacrifice my needs ahead of my wife - I believe this because I will always be there for. So, the way I see it is if she has given up for me then I can for her. It's not Tit for Tat but more companionship which is the true meaning of a happily married life. To everyone celebrating Karva Chauth we both hope you had a beautiful day!

For millions of Hindhus across the world this is a period of time that women fast for their husbands and is a part of their religion.

Although I am not Hindhu I decided to take part in this beautiful tradition for the past 12 years and focus on the cultural aspect of it. It's a beautiful time to celebrate your relationship and what's nice for us is that both Sunny and I fast together.

The idea of not eating for for the whole day is daunting but it allows us to focus on my marriage and the aspects that are working and perhaps not.

Both Sunny and I believe whole heartledly in being honest with each other and this is a time of the year where we can speak honestly about how we feel. With most relationships there will be times when you feel neglected, overworked or perhaps ignored. But taking time out for each other allows you to address these issues openly.

I also, find it so romantic for us to eat together at the same time and it allows me to spend time with my mother-in-law who has always given us her blessings.

SHAY

This is a time of the year where we can speak honestly about how we feel.

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

A Butler Well Served

USIC

NEWS

B

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usiness Secretary, Sajid Javid MP, has been revealed as the UK’s most influential south Asian for the second year running, in the GG2 Power 101, the annual listing of the 101 most powerful Asians in the UK. Speaking of his top position in the list, Javid commented, “This year, I’d like to dedicate this award to the next generation, the younger generation. Young British Asians that have achieved so much in every walk of British life, whether that’s politics, business, culture, arts or sport.”

Now in its fifth year, the list honours some notable British Asians who hold power and influence not just in Britain, but also globally.

Sajid Javid MP, the Secretary of State for Business and Skills, is working his way up the political ladder to potentially become the country’s first Asian Prime Minister. The son of a bus driver, he was born in Rochdale and grew up in Bristol. A determined young man, Javid had a hugely

successful career in banking and only joined the political scene in 2010 – a meteoric rise in such a short space of time.

This year’s list also sees Priti Patel climb further up the list to the number 3 position – officially making her the most powerful Asian woman in the country and making this the first ever Cabinet attended by two second generation south Asians. Not one to be left behind, London Mayoral hopeful Sadiq Khan MP is waving the flag for the Labour Party in 6th position this year.

The top ten of the GG2 Power 101 alone sees some distinguished names across different sectors - including media and entertainment and business, as well as two Nobel Prize Winners. Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan (Sir Venky) who has received a Nobel Prize for Chemistry, jumps an incredible 47 places to number 5 on the list.

Earlier this year Sir Venky as he likes to be known, was elected president of the Royal Society, the first Indian to hold this post in 350 years.

A Birmingham man has been awarded the Inspiration Award at the GG2 Leadership Awards 2015.

Mohammed Zafran, a community activist from Small Heath, has been showered with

Jailed For

He's Got The

Power!

“Wandering Hands” The boss of a West Midland’s curry house has been banned from r u n n i n g restaurants and bars due to his “ wandering hands”.

Prashant Sengar, of Cornyx Lane, Solihull, who ran diner Spicy Affair in Leamington Spa, had already been put behind bars for groping young prospective employees.

Though the restaurant was forced to close its doors following his conviction, Prashant retained his personal license, which permitted him to run licensed premises despite his criminal record.

However, following a new hearing at Warwick Crown Court, his license has been revoked.

The 40-year-old, who was last month found guilty of seven charges of sexual assault on young female job hunters, is currently serving a 22-month jail term.

Sajid Javid, Most Influential Asian

I’d like to dedicate this award to the next generation, the younger generation. Young British Asians that have achieved so much in every walk of British life, whether that’s politics, business, culture, arts or sport.

Another Win For Zaf accolades recognising his remarkable dedication to promoting motivation and competitiveness in youngsters within Birmingham.

The story of Zaf is no secret. Having lost his sister and brother in-law

in the space of one year, he was moved to channel his grief and anger into transforming the lives of young people across the Midlands.

Through this, Zaf was able to make a positive impact on more than 10,000 young people across the region.

By involving youths, who would have otherwise been

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up to no good in the streets and parks of Birmingham, in sports and education, he kept them busy and out of trouble.

The father-of-two was motivated into reaching out to youngsters after his brother-in-law Sarfraz Khan, 23, was fatally stabbed in Larches Green Park, Sparkbrook, in March

2010.

A recipient of the British Empire Medal earlier this year, Zaf ’s ever-growing collection of high profile awards recognising his work include the National Diversity Award, Pride of Birmingham Award and Bobby Moore FA Award as well as the Pride of Sport Award.

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FASHION & BEAUTY

THE ASIAN TODAY

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

FASHIO THE RED CARPET PFW8 brought the latest trends and designers we usually see in fashion weeks in Karachi and Lahore to London for the weekend.

And the buzz didn’t stop there aside from we went behind the scenes for some backstage beauty.

The incredibly talented South Asian designer’s skills were visible for everyone to view first hand and purchase at the boutique lounge.

TOP TEN LOOKS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Riwayat pulled off another successful show highlighting some of the best current Pakistani designers.

Sara Rohail Asghar Lajwanti by Ana Ali Somal Halepota Bombay Stores Erum Khan Arshad Tareen Gogi Hassan Riaz Stushh Saira Shakira Sonya Batla

9 10

P F W 8 Photo Diary

The event saw celebrities, bloggers and media flocking from India and Pakistan to grab next season’s fashion statements.

BACKSTAGE

TOP 10 DESIGNER LOOKS

1

2

The 8th edition of Riwayat’s Pakistan Fashion Week London (PFW8) delivered Pakistani talent in abundance as the designers flew in from USA, Pakistan and all over the UK to showcase at the 17th century architectural gem, Central Hall in Westminster.

The designer-wear including contemporary, formal and bridal selections, showcased by renowned designers including Arshad Tareen, Sara Rohail Asghar and Lajwanti by Ana Ali.

6 7

4

Photography: Shahid Malik

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FASHION & BEAUTY

ON & BEAUTY Aab Announces New Store

Leading modest clothing brand set to open in Bradford

The UK’s leading modest clothing brand will become the first independent fashion label in its sector to open a store in a mainstream shopping centre.

Aab has announced that it is to open a new concept store next month in the £260 million Westfield Bradford development called The Broadway which will be the largest store of its kind in the UK. The news comes just six months after a successful launch of its flagship London store in the new East Shopping Centre.

The shop will open with a launch party featuring some of the biggest names and bloggers in modest fashion including Dina Tokio, Nabila Bee and Ruba Zai. The launch event will also feature a guest appearance

by Mariah Idrissi who became the first Muslim model in a hijab as the face of H&M’s recently launched adverts.

Aab places a strong emphasis on creating products using premium quality material and tailoring. Its full collection of products includes everything from modest clothing, abayas, hijabs and accessories.

INDIA FASHION WEEK LONDON The National Asian Wedding Show brought London’s first ever India Fashion Week this October 2015, a celebration of Asian fashion by national and international, renowned designers. The catwalk was lined with some of the best creative talents of the Indian fashion industry alongside shopping experience area.

India Fashion Week London brought together pioneers of the Indian fashion industry from both the UK and Asia to showcase a celebration of South Asian fashion. The conception of India Fashion Week London has been driven by the need for a platform to showcase the existing creativity of world-class designers alongside supporting upcoming new generation (NEWGEN) of designers.

Balmain X H&M

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everyone. If you are a novice with eyeshadows, start here, it has everything you would need for a gorgeous starter kit, including a lovely double ended eyeshadow

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Now, I love eyebrow enhancement and this palette

features two of Smashbox’s best selling Brow Tech powders and the Brow Tech Wax; an enviable brow kit by anybody’s standards.

A good contour collection for the face has the same effect as a perfectly fitting underwired bra:

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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.

What is overtraining and is there such a thing as too much exercise? Some of us are working out a lot more and are choosing to participate in quite intense, extreme forms of workouts. Many people train up to six or even seven days a week. Not only are they training more but often training harder than ever before.

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!

If you have a penchant for the gorgeous Audrey Hepburn, you’ll know what I mean when I say I really do not need an attack of the “mean reds” to head over to my own reachable versions of Tiffany’s. En vogue, but at the same time proper and classic, make up counters and their little treasures uplift even the dreariest days! Unfortunately this usually means double ups of many products. I couldn’t downsize and I refuse to try when it comes to cosmetics, because the epithet is precise, make up is fantastic as a feel good factor, albeit fleeting.

Despite accumulating collections, it is handy to have a go to palette to meet your requirements swiftly and the Smashbox Cosmetics #Shapematters Palette caters perfectly.

Here’s the hype!

Featuring 9 award winning eyeshadows in both mattes and metallic which are decadently pigmented, there is something for

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Are You Overtraining?

Balmation is upon us and takes over the UK on the 5th of November. The Balmain X H&M collaboration will be unleashed in 250 stores worldwide from the Parisian powerhouse, Balmain. You can find the fashion collection on the rich and famous, Kardashians and global models the runway but thanks to H&M on the 5th it will be available to everyone.

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NOVEMBER 2015

Contour for Brow | Face | Eye oomph! Sadly, if you wear either wrong, you won’t feel the benefits!

This palette contains some really versatile and effective contouring tools: a contour shade, bronzer, highlighter and glow powder.

Create the perfect shadows and highlights and use the aptly named glow powder for instant radiance.

I really love this palette, it’s handy, it’s comprehensive and it’s a great example from a cult brand. Its versatility is obliging, if there was a little pan of nude lipstick in it, I would arm myself with this compendium and my favourite mascara and be ready to rock!

I find the brand is educating mere mortals by introducing technicalities in a fun and friendly fashion. Throw into the mix their interactive Get The Look Cards which come with the palette, together with online tips, this palette will take you safely into 2016 and, dare I say, way beyond.

Check out my full article online!

Some of the causes of overtraining can be an increase in exercise frequency or duration, intensity of sessions and not allowing your body sufficient time for recovery and rest. It is very difficult to know if you are overtraining or when you have reached that point. Overtraining signs can include complete exhaustion, physical tiredness, fatigue - or you may have trouble sleeping and even reach a point where you feel you lack motivation with working out.

Symptoms of Overtraining include: - Lack of Motivation.

- Tiredness, Restlessness.

- Joint, Bone and Limb Soreness.

- Decrease in performance.

- Increase in injuries.

- Elevated blood pressure.

- Decreased strength.

- Decreased endurance.

- Decreased max heart rate.

- A change in menstrual patterns.

Lack of Motivation A lack of motivation and drive can be a sign that your body needs rest and recovery from physical activity. So if you suddenly go from training 6 to 7 times a week to not wanting anything to do with the gym then it’s time to listen to your body - and take time out to recover and rest.

Joint, bone and limb soreness This is the soreness that is different from the usual soreness after your workout. It will often last longer than a few days and possibly can be more painful too. This can be very common in beginners or those who are new to exercise and is often due to doing too much too fast and too soon.

You stop seeing results Studies show that working out too much can actually cause you to lose muscle and gain fat!

Hormones play a large role in this. Overtraining causes the body to produce inadequate amounts of testosterone – but will produce the hormone cortisol (the stress hormone) in higher levels

You are sick more often Continually training combined with a lack of sleep, poor diet, mental stress could lead to feeling ill – this can be a sign of overtraining and your body telling you that something maybe wrong with your immune system from the increased training volume.

If you notice the signs of overtraining it may take the body a few days, weeks or possibly months to completely recover. You may also have to take time off your training. Here are a few tips on how to avoid the effects of overtraining; • Sleep - Sleep is important to repair and rest your body and also to see results.

•Nutrition – Correct nutrition is also essential for recovery. Be sure to take in the proper nutrients.

• Manage your stress levels – Try yoga, meditation, massage to help you destress.

• Recovery and Rest - Take some time out of your workout schedule to rest, relax and recover.

Now you are aware of how to spot the signs of overtraining - train smarter not harder!

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

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NOVEMBER 2015

FOOD & TRAVEL

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THE ASIAN TODAY INTERNATIONAL DINING..

LOCALLY

Food & Travel

Tuk In

Tuk In has launched in the newly refurbished SPAR in Brockley, South London

to Curry-on-the-Go

C

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

MARCO PIERRE WHITE CHOPS TO IT ...as the celebrity chef has announced another ‘Marco’s’ restaurant in the city.

The MPW brand continues to expand into the West Midlands with the announcement of Mr White’s English Chophouse, which just opened at Hotel La Tour in November.

The celebrity chef has been closely involved with developing the restaurant for the hotel, bringing the traditional concept of a British chophouse for lovers of contemporary dining.

The menu as you would expect is meaty - including the Butcher’s Block featuring four cuts of steak, as well as traditional home-

grown classics including Welsh rarebit, grilled oysters, chicken and leek pie, smoked trout tartar, lamb chops and Windsor ham with fried duck eggs.

I am sure many of us are not familiar with what an English Chophouse is, but the elegance of the venue is worth the visit alone.

eat a curry is scooping it up in a bit of naan. Tuk In, curry-in-a-naan – enables you to enjoy the delicious taste of curry, whilst keeping your hands clean.

Tuk In has launched in the newly refurbished SPAR in Brockley, which has a real focus on food on the go. Sanjay grew up in the area, so chose South London to share the first taste his delicious and brand new treat Tuk In. S a n j a y d i d n ’ t win the Apprentice, but he prefers spice over sugar, so it’s probably just as well.

Zero-Tolerance Scheme FOR BEDFORDSHIRE MOTORWAYS

'THE CUBAN EMBASSY'

WWW.THECUBANEMBASSYMOSELEY.CO.UK Latin American food, rum cocktails, and live music will soon be coming to Moseley with the arrival of ‘The Cuban Embassy’.

Serving Latin American food alongside authentic Cuban cocktails like mojito, daiquiri and rum old-fashioned,this is one Cuban revolution I am sure Moseley dwellers will welcome with open arms.

urry is the perfect winter warmer and one of the UK’s most popular foods, but with the fast paced society we live in, we rarely have time to make it ourselves. Former Apprentice star Sanjay SoodSmith has created a solution that is not only ready in 90 seconds, it is perfect for those on the move.

Tuk In is made from the finest ingredients and is a curry-ina-naan, so now you can have your favourite curry any time of the day!

Imagine delicious curry mixed with succulent pilau rice and sealed in soft naan bread. This tasty lunchtime meal is made from healthy ingredients and with low sugar and saturated fat, a great alternative to the same old sandwiches!

Tuk In comes in three delicious flavours, Chicken Korma, Chicken Tikka and Chicken Jalfrezi. Everyone knows that the best way to

The venue on the site of the Bull’s Head was somewhat of Moseley institution, and rumour has it, the decor will evoke feelings of Colonial Cuba, rough and ready, just like Moseley itself!

Can’t wait until they drop the red, white and blue Cuban flags to reveal what Latin spirit will be unleashed beneath.

Bedfordshire police have put forward a radical new proposal calling for speed cameras along areas of the motorway to be switched on permanently.

The revenue raising zerotolerance scheme, planned to be up and running by April next year, calls for all motorists driving over 70mph to be fined, in the hopes of raising up to a million pounds.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Olly Martins has stated that the new scheme has been proposed to save his police force from cuts due to underfunding.

He said: “If it is a question of reducing the force by 25 officers or introducing this scheme, then I am going to go for this every time.”

At present, the cameras are used to supervise road activity

•

at specific times, such as during periods of congestion when drivers are limited to 50mph. Additionally, forces are able to be flexible with speed limits, such as the fact drivers in a 70mph zone are able to travel up to 79mph before being issued a fine.

However, under the new scheme, the cameras will be active all day, so drivers could face penalties regardless of the time of the day or driving conditions.

Claire Armstrong, cofounder of Safe Speed, said: “When the attitude of the police is to enforce on the

SANJAY SOOD-SMITH: Apprentice star launched Tuk In, tasty curry-in-anaan

basis of funding their force, then we have lost all sight of road safety.”

CHRISTMAS MARKET

WWW.BIRMINGHAM.GOV.UK/FRANKFURTMARKET For those of you who can’t wait to wrap up and enjoy gluhwein and bratwursts in the crisp chill of a winter’s day, the dates for the Birmingham German Christmas Market have been unveiled.

Kicking off on Thursday, November 12, it signals the home stretch to Christmas.

Open from 10am to 9pm

each day it has become a huge favourite with residents and visitors and a great excuse for your informal office Christmas parties.

With more than 180 stalls, Birmingham’s traditional attraction is the largest Christmas market in the UK, and the biggest outside Germany and Austria.

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

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LIFESTYLE

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THE ASIAN TODAY DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE

Mindful Eating – No diet, No fad By: Mita Mistry www.mitamistry.co.uk

MISTRY

@mitamistry

Mita Mistry is a qualified acupuncturist based in Warwickshire. Mita specialises in Five Element Acupuncture combined with Chinese medicine techniques. Her specialities include fertility, pregnancy & childbirth, mental & emotional health, pain & Injury management.

06:30-07:00

I’m not really a morning person so I set the alarm not too early that it still feels like night time but early enough to allow myself time to adjust to waking naturally rather than forcing it. I find having a mug of warm water with fresh lemon juice kick starts my energy. I follow this with at least 10 minutes of quiet time focussing on my breathing while I stretch or I listen to a guided meditation.

07:00-08:00

Shower, get myself and the kids ready and we have breakfast together which is always gluten free as I have coeliac disease. I try and make the morning as light hearted as possible to help get the children into a positive mind set for the day although its not always easy (we all get grumpy and I’m only human!).

08:00-09:00

09:00-13:00

School run is an hour long round trip through scenic country lanes. I use this time to think about the day ahead or to get rid of any negative thoughts if they arise by observing the weather and beautiful scenery to inspire me that life is bigger than my little negative thoughts. On the days I do not do the school run in the morning, I train on my road bike. I love cycling and staying fit and healthy.

My acupuncture clinic work requires preparation. Since patients health and wellbeing is the most important aspect of my work and because each one presents with unique and different ailments or conditions I like to ensure they receive the highest level of care by planning treatments to suit their needs. I usually see 4-6 patients during clinic hours. I run a clinic on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays including evenings.

13:00-14:00

Lunch. Cook evening meal ready for when the children come home from school. At age 12 and 8 they are usually starving after PE or games. Walk to get fresh air.

14:00-18:00

If clients are booked in I am treating which I totally love as it is so rewarding to help them feel better. If clinic is quieter I tend to use the time to do chores around the house with my favourite tunes on ranging from Bollywood to Funky grooves or acid jazz and spend time with the children.

18:00-19:00

Meal & family time. Its never a dull moment, this is the time when the kids are still quite animated and I love listening to their story about their day.

19:00-21:00

I make this time free for clients who can’t get time off work during the day.

21:00

Unwind time. I spend at least 10 – 30 minutes meditating before sleeping and often read a novel or book or just curl up with a blanket.

What’s an average day in your life like?

Monday, Wednesday & Fridays are clinic days. Tuesdays and Thursdays are “floating” days that are not so structured but still need planning and attention when I write for Eastern Eye, The Asian Today, guest blogs and blogs where I contribute and work on a book I am writing, catch up on admin, emails, social media, professional research in the fields of acupuncture and mindfulness, see friends or parents for lunch or coffee or have a day off if I need it or want it to have me time because I can :) (that’s a treat day) Tell us about the acupuncture business?

The business is growing from strength to strength. The number of clients booking in for treatment is increasing on a weekly basis mostly through recommendations. There is an increasing demand for me to provide talks and expertise on health and wellbeing in journalism. There is also a new exciting side to the business that is being launched – an online mindfulness course for people to learn on the go to bring more calm and happiness into their lives. This is a not-for-profit project so it is accessible to all.

Where did your passion for business come from?

The passion for healing came from my grandfather who was a healer himself. The passion for business was fired by my siblings, my husband and my mother and father who have all supported my dreams and embrace my passion.

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

I intend to use my columns, features on women’s blogs, social media and events to inspire women to follow their dreams.

The daily pressures of life like massive to do lists, worries and anxieties may have us running around like headless chickens pushing us to be eating on the run. If we are not conscious of the food we eat, if we are not actively thinking about that juicy mango, how can we taste it and get the pleasure of eating it? Eating a mango mindfully or any food for that matter is not only a nourishing experience, but it is good for our health as well.

Mindful eating is not a new fad diet but a healthy, healing way of eating. It is based on the ancient Buddhist art of mindfulness that brings our awareness to live in the moment. The theory is that we live on autopilot often holding onto past regrets or worrying about future ones that we are rarely focused on what we are doing in the present moment. The idea is to come off autopilot and develop a new mindset towards eating.

The good news is the NHS is now recommending this ancient technique as studies have proven it to be effective for reducing overeating and binge eating, lowering weight and body mass index, helping to cope with anxious thoughts about food and chronic eating problems such as anorexia and bulimia as well as helping to improve the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes.

Whether we are binge eating or following a highly restrictive diet, it is likely that we have lost track of when we are hungry or when we are full.

Mindful eating heals this disconnection between our body and mind.

Quick Fire Questions:

One drink that gets you through the day? Lemon and ginger tea One person that gets you through the day? My husband, my rock One song that gets you through the day? Get Lucky - Daft Punk Favourite time of the day? I love most of the day, love my work, family, friends, my routine so it's hard to choose!

Gadget that gets you through the day: iPhone - it means I can stay connected

37

LIFESTYLE

MITA What’s an average day in your life like?

NOVEMBER 2015

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

38

NOVEMBER 2015

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

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NATIONAL AND

THE ASIAN TODAY Simply Being Mental Health Initiative Launched

Football Coach, Manisha Tailor launched her Mental Health initiative, Simply Being project at Wingate & Finchley Football Club.

It was apt that the launch of such a project would fall on both non league day – where fans across the country were trundling through the gates of their local sides – but also, more aptly, Mental Health Awareness Day. The launch was attended by youths affected by Mental Health, who Manisha aims to support and encourage in playing sport through this project.

With a solid turnout for the first session, the hope fthat more young people in the Borough of Barnet are encouraged to attend the sessions.

TERM-TIME HOLIDAY CONTROVERSY A

growing number of families are accepting school fines in favour of cheaper holidays.

MPs will debate in Parliament the orders to fine parents for taking their children on holiday during term time.

The debate set to take place in Westminster is fuelled by the success of an e-petition, which saw almost 120,000 signatures in just over a month.

The petition called for the Government to permit parents to take

their children out of school during the school term for up to two weeks per academic year.

In Birmingham, the number of parents who received fines for taking their children out of the classroom to fly out to the sun amounted to 140, with numbers having more than doubled in the last 12 months.

Amongst those unwilling to sit back and accept fines for taking their children abroad whilst school is in

Would you like a job that… þ Feels like a hobby? þ Frees up your time to spend with loved ones?

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With a basic commission rate of 25% - 35% from the day you join you couldn’t be in a better place to start earning.

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You work when you want, where you want to and how you want to.

We love to recognise you for your achievements. You don’t just earn an income with Tropic, you take home a whole new way of life.

CONTACT ME JUS CHOHAN ON: 07963 512 665 www.tropicjus.co.uk info@tropicjus.co.uk fb.com/tropicjus

twitter: @tropicjus

session is one Midland dad.

Craig Langman, chairman of Parents Want A Say, is currently running a separate campaign, making a bid for the Government to change rules on absenteeism in term time.

The Nuneaton man said: “In the last week we have seen a recent surge in momentum on the issue of term-time holiday rules following the successful case of John Platt, who overturned a court fine after arguing

that his daughter’s unauthorised absence did not mean she failed to attend school regularly. Many think this case will open the floodgates and set a precedent for cases to come. All children who have a good attendance record should be allowed to enjoy and benefit from experiencing time abroad with their parents on an annual holiday of up to 10 days per year.”

A Government spokesman said: “This is about all pupils of compulsory

Hi, I’m Jus Chohan. I’m a married mother of 2. When my children were born, I gave up full time work to look after them. When my youngest went to school I really wanted to work, but it had to be around my children. With Tropic, I have the luxury of running my own business around my family commitments. It’s a fun way of earning an income, talking about and demonstrating skincare and make up.

Who would have thought that just 6 months after starting my own beauty business, I would be meeting Lord Alan Sugar and dining at the Ritz!

Tropic Skin Care is a natural, vegan and cruelty free skincare company who hand make their gorgeous products in their Surrey Beauty Kitchen, using the most nutritious natural ingredients. Tropic is a social selling company coowned by Susan Ma (The Apprentice candidate, 2010) and Lord Alan Sugar.

I bought my Tropic Starter Kit in April 2014, because I wanted an opportunity to work for myself and be flexible enough to look after my family. I also wanted to feel proud and excited about the products that I was representing, and with Tropic I’ve never looked back! Purchasing the Tropic Starter Kit provided me with a whole range of amazing products to demonstrate at Tropic Pamper Experiences, a personal website and a wide selection of business tools, to make sure my business grows with no limits!

My customers can be women who are looking for natural skincare and makeup, who want to avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals, and who feel confident using only the most nutritious natural ingredients on their skin. Others are women looking for an effective natural skincare alternative, to help alleviate skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. My final group of customers want natural products for their children, such as body washes and creams. Our nourishing oils and award-winning Tamanu Healing Balm are often purchased by mums for children suffering from eczema, and I have seen some incredible results.

My Tropic business has also enabled me to help raise money for various charities. I have done this by running events for them or donating my products for prizes.

I also recruit women who would like the opportunity to work for themselves in a more flexible way. They work when they want and how they want, and have the opportunity to become financially free. It is fantastic to watch them grow in confidence as they nurture their very own beauty business.

I am constantly rewarded for a job I love doing, and I am always amazed at the incentives offered to us. I recently enjoyed an all-expenses-paid 6* retreat at the base of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. This was a fantastic opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

NEWS

NOVEMBER 2015

TO ADVERTISE CALL NOW ON 0121 667 8719

INTERNATIONAL Bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement

The Power of Positive Thinking

SPICING

UP THE STAGE Talented dance students from the Sujata Banerjee Dance Company in Edgware are set to spice up the stage at the Royal Albert Hall, having won a coveted place to perform at Dance Proms at the Royal Albert Hall on November 15th.

The 13 students, aged between 10 and 19 are just one of 22 acts, and the only classical Indian act, selected from over 200 entries. They will perform in front of an audience of dance lovers, talent spotters and celebrity patrons including Darcey Bussell CBE, Matt Flint and Arlene Philips.

F

MPS TO DEBATE ISSUE AFTER 120,000 PARENTS SIGN PETITION school age being in school when they are required to be, and confining absence from school to unavoidable causes. There is clear evidence that absence from school is linked to lower levels of attainment.”

has a particular specialism in working with ounded by HRH The Prince of Wales, Mosaic is a UK-based charity that inspires Muslim prisoners who are significantly overrepresented in the UK prison population. In young people from deprived communities the four years that it’s been in operation, the to realise their talents and potential. Mosaic prison mentoring programme has led to a works in both schools and prisons and its 20% reduction in reoffending rates amongst volunteers give their time freely to mentor those who need extra mentees.

Mosaic also runs support in overcoming often challenging an award-winning If you would like to help circumstances.

International Leadership inspire and guide young programme which aims Mosaic’s work in UK adults, become a Mosaic to develop leadership schools is delivered via skills, inspire thinking mentoring programmes mentor. For more information about global issues and in both the primary please call 020 7566 8734, visit and secondary sectors. equip young people to www.mosaicnetwork.co.uk become involved in their The charity also runs local communities as an annual Enterprise or email mosaic@bitc.org.uk well as an International Challenge competition in Enterprise Challenge which teams of secondary that has successfully taken place in Qatar and school pupils are coached in entrepreneurship Jordan and is soon to come to Pakistan. skills culminating in a Dragon’s Den style If you would like to donate your time to help presentation in front of a panel of judges.

In prisons, Mosaic’s mentors work with Mosaic bridge the gap between aspiration inmates before and after release to ensure their and achievement in some of the UK’s most deprived areas then please get in touch. successful reintegration into society. Mosaic

The Sujata Banerjee Dance Company will be joined on the iconic stage by dancers from as far afield as Norway and Italy and other young dancers performing in a range of other genres such as Ballet, Street Dance and Latin American Dance.

ISIS

IS FAILING In the new edition of digital magazine Haqiqah (which means The Reality), UK Imams show that in not supporting Muslims ISIS is failing its mission.

Developed to reclaim the digital space from

ISIS (known in the region as Daesh) and to directly challenge their lies, the latest issue, available at www.haqiqah.org, reveals how the terrorist group is also failing socially and economically.

Shaykha Safia Shahid, contributing author of Haqiqah, said: “Through Haqiqah, British Imams and scholars, will make clear that Islam does not permit the killing of thousands of people, sexual abuse, and the destruction of mosques, churches and other religious monuments.

“Today, Imams from across Britain have come together to send a clear message. Daesh has no claim and legitimacy to the beautiful and compassionate teachings of Islam; we can see its web of lies unravelling.”

250 PEOPLE DEAD T

In the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, 179 individuals have been left dead with more than 1,800 injured, according to authorities.

Fatalities have also been reported in a number of Afghan provinces, including Nangarhar, Badakhshan and Kunar, with the total

POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE STRIKES AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN severely affected areas is restored.

The death toll in Pakistan has risen to over 214, with the majority of fatalities occurring in the mountainous areas of the country in the north.

death count amounting to more than 52.

In Takhar at least 12 schoolgirls were killed in a stampede as they attempted to exit their school building, with another 25 students left injured in the incident.

MERYL STREEP PUSHES

“

Multiple award winner Meryl Streep has begun campaigns to ensure director Leslee Udwin receives Oscar recognition for her BBC documentary ‘India’s Daughter’.

"When I first saw [the film] I couldn't speak afterwards. I'm on the campaign now to get her nominated for best documentary," Meryl speaks of the film's director.

The documentary, which was banned in India earlier this year, depicts the fatal attack of 23 year old medical student Jyoti Singh, who was brutally raped and beaten by several men on a moving bus in Delhi.

Multiple Oscar winner Streep, who introduced the documentary at its theatre release in New York City said that it is worthy of the movie industries highest honour.

he powerful earthquake, centred in the mountainous Hindu Kush region, was so powerful it caused tremors to be felt as far as northern India and Tajikistan.

The number of fatalities is set to increase once communication with some of the very remote and more

BANNED DOCUMENTARY

“

When I first saw [the film] I couldn't speak afterwards.

In the Indian capital city of Delhi, people ran into the streets as schools and officers were evacuated following tremors.

The Delhi metro was also halted for a time.

The magnitude of the earthquake was such that it could have caused a devastating amount of damage.

However, due to the depth at which it

39

originated – more than 200km – the damage caused was considerably less than that which a similarly powerful quake at a more shallow depth could have caused. In comparison, the Nepal earthquake in April this year was measured at magnitude-7.8 and occurred at only 8km deep, bringing widespread destruction across the country.

ABCC

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John Lewis’ New The best of Asian businesses Birmingham Store Raises on the shortlist for success Flag for Bipolar Artist Patrons top strip new theme.indd 1

22/07/2015 15:36:01

F

B

irmingham-based Mental Health charity BITA Pathways are delighted to announce they are supplying an exclusive range of cushions to the new flagship John Lewis store in Birmingham City Centre. The cushions are based on the artwork of BITA service user Jason Clarke, a well-respected artist who uses art to manage the symptoms of his Bipolar Disorder. The cushions, manufactured

by BITA’s very own softfurnishing Social Enterprise, Textiles by St Anne’s, will be on the shelves and available to the public at the new store in Grand Central, Birmingham, from 24th September.

This exciting opportunity came about after leader of Birmingham City Council, Sir Albert Bore, initially linked the two organisations at the official launch of the new home of Textiles by St Anne’s.

From there, BITA Pathways Business Development Manager, Pat Bend, and Textiles by St Anne’s manager, Helen Costa, were

invited to pitch the product to the buyers at John Lewis HQ in London.

Pat and Helen identified the potential of Jason’s artwork 2 years previous and worked collaboratively with Birmingham City University who supported prototype printing onto fabric. At the meeting, John Lewis recognised the potential both in terms of the uniqueness of design and how the strong social core would add Social Value to their business model.

As a result, John Lewis decided on the spot to take the brand on. This was fantastic news for both Jason and BITA Pathways and signalled the start of five months hard work to ensure the cushions were ready in time for the opening of the new store.

Jason Clarke and BITA Pathways are hoping this collaboration will empower other Bipolar artists and raise awareness of the positive impact he has experienced, both through his art and through his engagement with BITA Pathways.

Jason uses art therapy to help manage his symptoms of bipolar disorder. He draws every day, creating incredibly powerful and detailed images that offer an insight into his mind. His work has been widely exhibited and often receives very positive feedback.

He added, “art helps me to manage my illness, it is an absolute necessity. If I was offered life without bipolar I would turn it down. It is who I am and without it there would be no art work.

It allows me to focus and empty my head. Recently my artwork has become a more organized chaos. It has evolved, as I have, as my illness has.”

Formed in 1963, BITA Pathways have been successfully providing a range of services for adults experiencing mental ill health for over 50 years. Jason first engaged with BITA’s services in 2011 and the support he has received is helping him manage his condition and achieve his potential.

ifteen businesses and individuals have been shortlisted for the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) awards.

The winners will be revealed at the ABCC’s annual dinner at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham, on Saturday, November 21, which is already sold out. Overall sponsors are: Mazars LLP (Birmingham): an international, integrated and independent organisation, specialising in audit, accountancy, tax and advisory services.

The Schools of King Edward the Sixth in Birmingham (“Foundation”): a registered charity supporting eight successful secondary independent schools.

Birmingham Airport: with prospects for continued growth at Birmingham Airport, the Airport Company is committed to providing quality facilities and services to meet the future air transport needs of the West Midlands region.

Saqib Bhatti, president of the ABCC, said: “The judges were highly impressed by the standard of all entries. All of the businesses had showed remarkable tenacity in coming through some challenging times and some newly-started businesses have showed remarkable progress in a short time.”

Shortlist Outstanding Business: Cambridge Solicitors; PharmaNutricals; Vicarage Nurseries.

Sponsored by Irwin Mitchell, a top 20 law firm. Irwin Mitchell is a nationally acclaimed, unique provider of a diverse range of legal services both to businesses and private individuals.

Outstanding Young Entrepreneur: Arsh Ellahi (Rent Me Now); Harpreet Singh Matharu (Matharu’s UK Ltd); Khurum Choudhry (PharmaNutricals) Sponsored by Pera Consulting, who work

with regional, national and international agencies and government departments to deliver policy objectives and leverage public sector investment, creating business growth, jobs for the economy and better-served communities.

Outstanding Contribution to Society: Amirah Foundation; Birmingham Rathbone; GNG Nursery.

Sponsored by West Midland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, established by statute, it offers advice and support to the Defence Council on behalf of the Reserve Forces and Cadets movement Outstanding Customer Service: Hotel du Vin; Malmaison; Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining.

Sponsored by Pathway Group, a prime Skills Funding Agency (SFA) contractor delivering apprenticeship qualifications throughout West Midlands themselves and through a supply chain in other areas of the country mainly in the following sectors: Health and Social Care, Logistics, Teaching, Customer Services and Management.

Outstanding Business Woman: Davinder Rana (The Services Group); Kamila Rahman (Cambridge Solicitors); Parvy Rakar (Snob events) Sponsored by Intuit Quick Books, helping small businesses manage their money, pay their employees and get paid faster while allowing accounting professionals to save time and grow their practices.

An internationally acclaimed manufacturing leader will be the principal speaker at the awards dinner. Dr Hamid Mughal is director of manufacturing at RollsRoyce, a position he took up in 2001 after moving from BMW Group, where he was director of new product programmes.

The charity being supported on the evening is Edwards Trust, which offers help to children and families who are facing loss and suffering bereavement.

The road to PR success lies with good media relationships.

W

hat is PR? It’s not marketing, it’s not advertising and it’s not ‘having a go’ on Facebook and twitter, yet all these elements do make up the marketing mix

alongside PR. The definition of PR (Public relations) is all about reputation. It's the result of what you do, what you say, and what others say about you.

All companies need to understand the importance of good public relations. Especially customer facing and service based businesses.

Public Relations is essentially the way organisations, companies and individuals communicate with the public and media. A PR specialist communicates with the target audience directly or indirectly through media

with an aim to create and maintain a positive image and create a strong relationship with the audience.

After all, if your business has a bad reputation, that will most definitely affect your bottom line. And never believe that old adage that ‘all publicity is good publicity’ This is just not true! Remember Gerald Ratner, Chief Executive of Ratner’s the high street jewellers?

He achieved notoriety after making a speech in which he jokingly denigrated the company's products. The so-called "Ratner effect" caused the company to near collapse. He may have achieved widespread publicity but it was for all the wrong reasons.

So if you are hesitant about using PR, remember, we all need our best game face on to build our businesses.

Reputation is worth its weight in gold. How many

times have you asked a friend or relative to recommend a place or a service? Whether is a caterer, wedding venue or someone to tile your kitchen floor. Your reputation and how you interact with the public should be of paramount importance for your business.

At Delicious PR it’s all about making connections with right journalists at the right magazine and pitching the right story – because that can equate to some great editorial coverage.

So whether you want to make headlines in the consumer press, land the cover of a trade magazine, get on the radio, be on TV, or some social media marketing, then a PR professional can work in partnership with your company to make that happen.

Ultimately, great PR should be great for business.

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BUSINESS

THE ASIAN TODAY

NOVEMBER 2015

BUSINESS

Touchwood Expansions cause outrage

Established for over 20 years • • • • • • • •

Solihull’s bid to keep up with competitors leaves independent business owners with nowhere to go.

T

he expansions in Touchwood Shopping centre have sparked anger amongst the town’s small businesses owners over the uncertain futures of established independent shops.

Historic buildings in the High Street are set to be demolished as part of the major regenerations which will add a further 30 units to Touchwood shopping centre.

Borough councillors have approved the plans that have caused concerns for smaller companies who fear the expansion could force them out of the town centre.

Small businesses like Revital Health Shop, Letting Places, children's clothing shop Jurnie and Melvyn Danes estate agency may be left with no choice but to move from their established locations.

Frank Hill, who owns Letting Places on the High Street, said his livelihood might be in jeopardy.

"My unit will be completely demolished and there has never been an alternative offered within the new plans," said Mr Hill, who has run the business in the town centre for six years along with his wife.

“He described the changes made to the historic town centre as an “absolute disaster, my business may not be viable in the future," he added.

The expansion is set to create 900 new jobs to the town, including 500 jobs in the construction process and 400 for the new shops and restaurants.

Developer Lend Lease plans to demolish the two existing council buildings to make way

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for the 115,000 sq ft extension to the shopping centre.

The decision to approve the initial plans split Solihull council's planning committee, five votes to four.

Councillor Linda Brown described the move to demolish the existing businesses as "immoral" but Councillor Diana HollAllen said Solihull needed re-development.

“I can sympathise with many of the concerns raised but, at the end of the day, Solihull needs to keep up with the competitors.”

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THE ASIAN TODAY Low Mortgage Deals

Average fixed rates for two, three and five year mortgages in the UK are at their lowest level since 2012, new research shows, and the number of 10 year fixed deals is beginning to grow.

Home owners looking to get the best possible deal should consider fixing their mortgage now whilst providers are cutting rates, says the research report from comparison website MoneySuperMarket.

The research looked at average fixed term mortgage rates and found they have crept down to some of their lowest ever levels again, despite speculation of a base rate rise next year. The average rate for a five year fixed deal currently stands at 3.45% while last year it was 4.06% and in 2012 it was 4.67%.

Shorter term mortgage deals also follow the same pattern, with the average three year fixed rate coming in at 3.21% today, compared to a rate of 4.8% in 2012.

Similarly, the average two year fixed mortgage rate is now 2.9% whereas it was 4.48% in 2012.

Construction Skills Shortage

FMB Releases New Output Figures

The recent ONS figures, which show a 2.2% drop in construction output, expose the growing impact of the construction skills shortage, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said, “The latest figures from the ONS will shake away any complacency that the recovery in the construction industry can be taken for granted. The inadequate number of skilled workers remains one of the greatest barriers to construction firms of all sizes being able to grow and prosper – this contraction in construction output could, in part, stem from the increased cost pressures that businesses face as a result of labour scarcity.”

Berry continued: “However, the ONS figures should be approached with an element of caution. This is the first fall in output for more than two years and business sentiment remains positive. Indeed, the FMB’s latest State of Trade Survey for Q3 2015 marks the tenth consecutive quarter of growth in the SME sector. We look forward to hearing the Chancellors plans for the industry in November’s Spending Review.

Comprehensive measures on apprenticeships, housing and planning need to move forward for construction to continue to drive growth across the wider UK economy as it has in recent years.”

PROPERTY

PROPERTY

Young PEOPLE SUFFER

HOUSE BUYING

Government Plans "Not Much Help"

Property Prices

RISE Property Prices Up 17% Set To Rise End Of 2020

House price growth across the UK’s mainstream markets has exceeded expectations in 2015 but there is still room for further increases providing interest rates do not rise too steeply, according to new research.

The timing and pace of interest rate rises, coupled with patterns of economic growth at a regional level, will dictate the distribution and sustainability of any increases, says the report from international real estate adviser Savills.

The firm forecasts that

prices will rise by an average of 17% by the end of 2020, ranging from 21.6% in the South East to 12% in the North East, assuming that mortgage rates do not exceed 4.5%. Any combination of higher house price growth or high mortgage rates could leave affordability looking stretched.

Much depends on the speed at which interest rates rise. If rates rise too quickly mainstream house price growth will be quickly curtailed. On the flipside, if rates remain low for too long,

there is a risk that prices will rise too far, creating affordability issues further down the line when they do eventually rise,’ said Lucian Cook, head of Savills residential research.

‘That risk has been mitigated by recent mortgage regulation which, by stress testing affordability, caps the amount people can borrow relative to incomes. That is likely to cap price rises, particularly in London, where house price to household income ratios are highest, thanks to growth seen over the past 10 years,’ he added.

E

ven if the current plan to build 220,000 new homes in England each year until 2031 is fulfilled young people aged 25 to 34 will still be less able to live in their own home that they did in 2011, according to new research.

An analysis report from the Town and Country Planning Association says that currently only 54% of the number of homes needed are being built, putting pressure on prices and rents, and the housing crisis is worse in London and the wider south east where 55% of the homes required need to be located.

Even if the homes required are actually built the latest government household projections suggest that young people

across the country are struggling more than ever to live independently because of the cost of housing.

The research says that the housing requirement to meet projected household formation until 2031 is actually lower than previously anticipated but this is because younger people are already finding they cannot afford to form independent households.

Housing shortages and the resultant high prices and rents mean that young people are living with parents or in house shares for longer, rather than forming a household of their own. Rising student debt levels and potential future welfare reform are likely to make their position even more difficult.

Rise in Commercial Property

Investment in the UK commercial market this year will break the £70 billion barrier for the first time

S

trong investor confidence is set to propel the UK’s commercial property market into a record breaking years with deal volumes at the end of the third quarter already over £50 billion.

If, as anticipated, volumes in the fourth quarter of 2015

follow the patterns observed in the final quarters of 2013 and 2014, investment in the UK commercial market this year will break the £70 billion barrier for the first time.

According to international real estate advisor Savills it is the strong confidence in the market that is the driving force behind the growth in

activity. Its latest report says that despite ongoing uncertainty over Greece’s position in the Eurozone and a slowdown in the Chinese economy, UK property as an asset class continues to outperform investor expectations.

Average prime yields have remained at 4.65% for the second successive

month, however resurgent retail activity and strong UK institutional interest in south east offices could exert downward pressure on yields in these sectors, the report warns.

‘Last year 59% of investment activity in UK property took place outside London, a trend that is set to continue as investors seek

the value afforded by the rental growth prospects in supply constrained regional markets, alongside the opportunity to build scale by acquiring portfolios,’ said Kevin Mofid, research director at Savills .

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F

or more than half a century Aston Martin has been the sports car of choice for the world’s most famous spy, James Bond.

Now, the luxury British brand is celebrating the release of Spectre with the launch of the strictly limited DB9 GT Bond Edition.

Limited to 150 examples worldwide, the highly desirable model is based on the recently launched DB9 GT. Designed to offer the best of what DB9 can be, the DB9 GT delivers world-class grand touring and hand-built excellence.

Building on these exceptional foundations, the new Aston Martin DB9 GT Bond Edition adds even greater levels of exclusivity by virtue of its limited edition build run along with a host of carefully considered trim, equipment and accessory additions that celebrate the brand’s more than 50-year association with the famous film franchise.

The DB9 GT Bond Edition is distinguished by a subtle yet elegant selection of styling additions inside and out.

The 6.0-litre V12-engined grand tourer features unique Spectre Silver paint; sterling silver Aston Martin badges front and rear; and discreet ‘007 Bond Edition’ exterior badging.

These features build on the elegant styling of the DB9 GT which includes unique ten-spoke gloss black diamond turned 20-inch alloy wheels; bright aluminium bonnet vents, side strakes and grille; carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser, and grey brake calipers.

Inside, the DB9 GT Bond Edition continues its subtle homage to James Bond with unique numbered sill plaques featuring the familiar 007 logo; gun barrel embroidery on the 2+2’s rear seat divider and a special Bond Edition start-up screen on the new model’s AMi II touch-sensitive Aston Martin infotainment system.

These embellishments add to the car’s already luxurious interior environment which includes unique fluted leather; an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a satin carbon fibre centre console surround.

Welcoming the debut of the DB9 GT Bond Edition, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “Aston Martin and James Bond are intrinsically linked in the minds of many of our enthusiasts and, indeed, owners, worldwide.

“In the run-up to the launch of the new film, Spectre, which sees Bond behind the wheel of the DB10, we are very happy to be able to celebrate the partnership with this superb limited edition DB9 GT collector’s item.”

The Bond Edition

43

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ASIAN CRICKET AWARDS 2015 - FULL REPORT, PICTURES AND REACTION

Asian Cricket Award Winners BEHIND THE SCENES AWARD (sponsored by The Cricket Paper) Winner: Dr Harjinder Singh (Leicestershire CCC, Leicester City FC) GRASSROOTS AWARD (sponsored by BBC Asian Network) Winner: Azam Riyard (Crawley Eagles CC)

'A POSITIVE STATEMENT FOR BRITISH ASIANS'

ECB praises commitment of grassroot organisations • ACA 2015: Baroness Warsi with co-founders Jas Jassal BEM (left) and Baljit Rihal

PROFESSIONAL YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD (sponsored by Air India) Winner: Haseeb Hameed (Lancashire and England U19) WOMAN IN CRICKET AWARD (sponsored by This Girl Can) Winner: Sonia Odedra (Nottinghamshire CCC and England) FOUNDERS SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD (sponsored by Inventive Sports) Winner: Vikram Solanki COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD (sponsored by All Out Cricket)

Winner: Saba Nasim (ECB 2015 coach of the year) ECB DIVERSITY AWARD (sponsored by The ECB)

Winner: Glamorgan CCC & Cricket Wales INSPIRATION AWARD (sponsored by Human Appeal) Winner: Salma Bi (Worcestershire CCC)

FOUNDERS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (sponsored by BHAI) Winner: Mihir Bose

MEDIA AWARD (sponsored

by Zee TV) Winner: Nikesh Rughani (BBC Sport, Sky Sports, BBC Asian Network) ASIAN CRICKET CLUB OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Skyex.co.uk)

Joint Winners: Attock CC (Birmingham) & Batley CC (Yorkshire) PROFESSIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD (sponsored by Talk Home Mobile) Winner: Moeen Ali (Worcestershire CCC and England)

T

he English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have praised the level of commitment that grassroots organisations are dedicating to the community by nurturing Asian talent.

Speaking at the second annual Asian Cricket Awards, Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of the ECB, said their contribution should be celebrated. “The awards are a great way of recognising and rewarding the contribution the South Asian community makes to cricket at all levels and we are proud to be official partners for this prestigious event once again.”

The evening, which was held at Lord’s Cricket Ground, saw England and Worcestershire all-rounder Moeen Ali named Player of the Year for the second time The 28-year-old was featured on the cover of legendary cricket almanack Wisden this year and has made himself a regular for England in all three formats of the game as well as playing a key role in their Ashes victory this summer.

Ali, who is currently playing for England in their

Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, beat Adil Rashid and Varun Chopra to the award.

Speaking via a pre-recorded video link, he said “I’m very honoured and very happy to win this again and long may it continue,” Ali said.

Ali scored four halfcenturies in Test matches in 2015, including two in the Ashes, and picked up 23 wickets in the longer form of the game. The Worcestershire all-rounder also scored his second oneday international century in 2015, against Scotland in a World Cup clash in Christchurch in February. In the T20 format, he scored an unbeaten 72 in England’s win over Australia in Cardiff in August.

“The Asian Cricket Awards aim to increase the awareness of the positive impact made

by British Asians within the cricket industry,” Asian Cricket Awards co-founder Baljit

• ACA 2015: Special Recognition Munir Ali (left) and nephew Kabir Ali

R i h a l said.

“Our goal is to engage with individuals and organisations to help improve representation across all levels; including professional players and the hierarchies of English cricket.

“Our awards have become a momentous event in the awareness and development of British Asians in the game.

“It is a great opportunity to bring together decision makers and people who we expect to make a positive impact in cricket.”

• ACA 2015: Jas Jassal BEM (left), Special Recognition Award winner Vikram Solanki and Baljit Rihal

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SPORTS

NOVEMBER 2015

45

IN THEIR OWN WORDS Cricket Award for Leicester Doctor

Salma’s Inspiring the Next Generation • ACA 2015: Salma Bi Inspiration Award (Sponsored

by Human Appeal) - with Suzi Mann (BBC Asian Network)

• ACA 2015: Behind the Scenes winner Dr Harjinder Singh

• ACA 2015: Representatives of Glamorgan and Cricket Wales, winners of ECB Diversity Award

“We are grateful to Talk Home Mobile, our headline sponsor, who has shown great support and belief in championing these awards.

“The England and Wales Cricket Board and The Club Cricket Conference have also been pivotal in helping us put together this event. It is a positive statement of these

• ACA 2015 Grassroots winner Azam Riyard

• ACA 2015: Tanya Joseph (left, Sport England's This Girl Can campaign), Woman in Cricket winner Sonia Odedra and Baroness Warsi

• ACA 2015: Media Award Winner Mihir Bose

organisations’ intent and commitment to the British Asian community.”

Elsewhere, former England batsman Vikram Solanki was honoured with a Special Recognition Award.

Solanki played in 51 one-day internationals for England, where he scored two centuries, and also featured

"The Asian Cricket Awards aim to increase the awareness of the positive impact made by British Asians within the cricket industry."

The Asian Cricket Awards is a great initiative that recognises the entire cricket industry.

I’m proud to be an ambassador for the ACA 2015 RAVI BOPARA

• ACA 2015: Sonia Odedra Woman in Cricket Award

DISCLAIMER: ALL PICTURES (C) GETTY IMAGES

in three T20 internationals.

“I am very pleased to have received the award and to be recognised at an awards ceremony as prestigious as this is very flattering.”

England and Essex batsman, Ravi Bopara said, “The Asian Cricket Awards is a great initiative that recognises the entire cricket • ACA 2015: Ravi Bopara

industry. I’m proud to be an ambassador for the ACA 2015, during my benefit year with Essex. I believe in putting back into the community and hope that future generations can draw inspiration from this muchneeded initiative.”

Leicestershire CCC doctor Harjinder Singh picked up a prestigious national award last night. Dr Singh was honoured at the Talk Home Mobile Asian Cricket Awards, which were held at Lord’s to celebrate the contribution made to the sport by British Asians.

“It is an honour and a privilege to win this award,” said Dr Singh, who is a consultant in sport and exercise medicine at Leicester General Hospital and works extensively with Leicestershire County Cricket Club and Leicester City FC. “It is very special for me to win it at the home of cricket. This means a lot to me. I would like to thank everyone at the club, all the backroom staff. This wouldn’t be possible without them and their backing and support.”

Saba Recognised for Hard Work

As a previous winner of an Asian Cricket Award, Salma Bi said she was honoured to become an Ambassador for the event alongside Azhar Mahmood, Qasim Ali, Moeen Ali, Vikram Solanki and Ravi Bopara.

The 28-year-old picked up the Inspiration Award at the October event. The Northants County Cricketer made her first-team debut this year taking a wicket with her first ball, having previously been with Worcestershire.

Speaking on her ‘surprising’ win, she said, “It was special to be part of such an amazing event founded by Baljit Rihal and Jas Jassal, it was because of them Asian cricketers now have a platform which recognises such talent and creates role models who will then go on to inspire others in the same field.”

She paid tribute to the support her family have given her saying this year had been emotionally tough.

Later the evening Salma tweeted ' I won!!!I'm so surprised but such an Amazing Moment! My Husband with me this year, its been an emotional Year! Thank You!

Haseeb Picked as Future Talent • ACA 2015: Saba Nasim - Coach of The Year Award (Sponsored by All Out Cricket) - with Noreen Khan Saba Nasim says it was an honour to be crowned Coach of the Year at the second annual Asian Cricket Awards at Lord’s.

The 27-year-old, who coaches the Wanstead’s junior section on Fridays, said, “It was great recognition for all the hard work we do at Wanstead. And to win as the only female shortlisted and alongside such respected coaches is a great honour.

“I am a Level 2 coach at the moment but I know want to work towards my Level 3 qualification and hopefully coach in the professional game one day. It was also a terrific evening at Lord’s with some cricket superstars in attendance so it was a great experience overall.”

Saba has worked towards trying to increase participation in cricket by visiting schools and youth centres to put on taster sessions. She states that, “We need female coaches to go out there and try to increase participation in the sport for girls and women.”

• ACA 2015: Ravi Bopara (left), Young Player winner Haseeb Hameed and Air India's Tara Naidu Lancashire opener Haseeb Hameed was named as the Professional Young Player of the Year at the Asian Cricket Awards.

The Bolton-born teenager fought off competition from Aadil Ali of Leicestershire and Essex’s Kishen Velani for the prestigious accolade.

The batsman made his professional debut for Lancashire last season and caught the eye with some solid displays as the Red Rose won promotion back to Division One of the LV= County Championship.

He memorably batted for nearly six hours, top scoring with 91, to help Lancashire salvage a draw against title rivals Surrey at Emirates Old Trafford in September.

He also captained England under 19s in one-off four-day youth Test match against Australia at Emirates Durham ICG earlier this year and he has also been included in the international squad – alongside county colleague Saqib Mahmood – for the tri-series against Sri Lanka and India in Colombo in December.

46

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EXCLUSIVE

SPORTS

Daanyal Sporting Opportunies Spalding INCREASE ZAF'S COLUMN @All4YouthCIC

GET UP, GET MOVING!

Advice on exercise by Dr Zafar Iqbal, team doctor at Crystal Palace Football Club

Lack of physical activity is associated with obesity, breathing problems, infertility, psychological problems and even some cancers. Recent research, reported that adults of South Asian origin were three times more likely to die from heart disease and six times more likely to develop Type II diabetes than the White participants.

In the UK there are significant inequalities in levels of physical activity: compared with the general population in England, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Chinese men and women are less likely to meet physical activity recommendations. Over half of people in black and minority ethnic (BME) communities do no sport or physical activity.

Where BME communities are high achievers in terms of education and attainment, it’s sad to find out that we don’t fare so well when it comes to sports. On average BME populations have a lower sports participation rate than the national average of sports participation – which stands at 46% Bangladeshi (30%), Pakistani (31%), Indian (39%) and Black Caribbean (39%).

And if you’re a woman it’s even worse! Shockingly 92% of South Asian women do not take part in the recommended levels of activity, compared to 55% of all women. One of the main factors contributing to such low levels of participation is a lack of BME role models who have little involvement with organising sporting activities.

So what can we do about it?

The best way of maintaining a healthier lifestyle and weight is a combination of increasing physical activity and reducing calorie intake.

If you haven’t done any regular physical activity for a while then it is best to start slow and gradually increase duration. Stop if you are becoming severely short of breath or getting any pains and seek medical advice.

Before starting any change in physical activity, arrange a review with your GP to make sure you don’t have an underlying medical problem.

If, after reading these guidelines you have any questions concerning physical activity/exercise related health issues please forward them to info@ asiansportsfoundation.org and Dr Iqbal will try and answers them for you.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Dr Zafar Iqbal is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment.

T: @AsianSports_Fdn Instagram: @ASIANSUPPORTSFOUNDATION

E: info@asiansportsfoundation.org W: www.asiansportsfoundation.org

Sets High Standards

A

local rising sports star has signed to one of the most prestigious sports labels in the country.

Daanyal Spalding, who turned professional in 2013 at the age of 15, is now on the verge of becoming a household name after signing to Shehneela Ahmed’s Platinum FA. Born in Hall Green, Birmingham, the 18-yearold could be poised to share space in the upper tier of the game alongside his own hero, Tiger Woods.

Speaking to The Asian Today, Shehneela gave her thoughts, "I'm delighted to have signed Daanyal, after lengthy talks with his family and advisors. Daanyal is a future star for sure. He's talented and a unique role model for many Asian youngsters across Britain.

By the time Daanyal turned 4 years old, he was already taking junior lessons at the world famous Belfry Golf Club. It was here that he won his first tournament 6 years later – the 2005 Junior Club Championship. Daanyal is of a mixed heritage background.

His father Ronnie, hails from Edinburgh in Scotland while his mother Ruby, comes from much humbler surroundings

of Sialkot in Pakistan.

Passionate golfer Ronnie, who manages a golf store, has been the biggest influence for Daanyal since he could walk.

Daanyal made his professional début at the Jamega Professional Golf Tour at the Burnham and Berrow Golf Course.

Father Ronnie said he was proud of his son’s achievements.

“I am extremely proud of my son.

His dedication to his sport through all these years is awe inspiring and is an example to all. Daanyal has faced many setbacks along the way, including injury and surgery, but has stayed strong and focused on his goal. This shows strength of character and an inner belief. It takes a lot of hard work and practice, you have to dedicate your life to it and make a lot of sacrifices, but if that’s what you enjoy doing then its worthwhile doing.”

Britain's future golfing prowess will owe much to getting young people interested in the sport as early as possible - some of those young sportsmen and women could go on to become this country’s golf stars of the future – perhaps even turning out for the European Ryder Cup team.

AN UPDATE ON SCCB'S SPORTS MAKER, ADAM STOKES

This academic year has seen another increase in sporting opportunities for the students of South and City College.

The College Sports Maker Adam Stokes has secured further funding from Sport England and equipment from local sport Governing Bodies in order to deliver sports throughout the campuses, targeting every student but with an emphasis on those who are not currently physically active.

Adam helps those who have never had the chance or the funding to take part in sport before by writing project bids to Sportivate with a view to delivering activities on both the college grounds and the Birmingham area.

Success stories from last year saw former England cricketer Kabir Ali deliver a 6 week training programme, women only outdoor adventure opportunities and a newly formed successful football team who won a Birmingham County FA tournament.

In the first term of this year, Adam has been part of a huge water sports project where he's able to take 40 students per week to Edgbaston Reservoir (Bear Creek) for them to try their hand in sailing, kayaking and rowing! The project, which would cost in excess of £7,000 has been offered to Public Service students absolutely free, due to the work Adam did previously with Canoe England and British Rowing and the work he did setting up this local project.

There is a weekly boxing club underway at the Bordesley Campus, where Sam Eggington's (current British and Commonwealth Welterweight Champion) coaches from East Side Academy are providing students with excellent training, with a view to progressing them into their club should they want to. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience top-class tuition for free!

Similarly, at the Handsworth Campus, Adam has organised a project for the former British and World kickboxing Champion Waine Turner to deliver a 6 week self defence programme, which begins in a few weeks time. Alongside all of this, popular sports such as football, table tennis and dodgeball are still widely available, and there is now a badminton hub set up for each campus where students can play on a weekly basis using brand new superb equipment.

The college may see their first ever rugby team this year, as Adam has teamed up with the RFU in order to coach the students. Training is already underway each week at Yardley Rugby Club and it's going from strength to strength! There is a lot more to come this year from the CSM!

Pride of the Midlands Sporting Khalsa Loss Sees Record Crowd

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NOVEMBER 2015

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ON SOLID GROUND Community Group Strikes Gold at Awards

Y

oung people from Community Youth on Solid Ground (COSG) became the first ever winners of a new category within the Manchester Sports Awards. The ceremony celebrates some of the excellent and inspiring achievements of positive sporting role models and

the young people, the volunteers, the employees of COSG and people across the South of Manchester. It is good to know that people appreciate the impact of what we do at a grass roots level!”

One of the many young people who have benefited from working on the sports project expressed his delight at

couldn't have done it without the help of COSG.” According to COSG, their ethos is simple. To communicate with young people and inspire them so that they understand that they can bring value to their local communities. The organisation bridges the gap between

It is good to know that people appreciate the impact of what we do at a grass roots level!” community organisations from across Manchester’s thriving community sports scene.

The winners took home the Youth and Community Sport Project, Gold Award. Majid Dar, Operations Manager said: “We feel delighted at winning Gold even though it is a great shock! It is an awesome feeling of recognition for

being a part of the initiative. “Before COSG, I had no place to go in the evenings and used to hang out on the streets, but they bring us together and have even helped me to get a sports certificate and I feel that I am now doing something worthwhile! When I joined COSG it gave me the confidence to change the way I was and I know that I

A record crowd of over 2,200 saw Sporting Khalsa go toe-to-toe with FC United of Manchester, threes leagues above them in a pulsating FA Cup clash.

an adult and young person’s world by allowing them to discuss whatever issues are causing them concern and by celebrating their talents and achievements. By offering mentoring and leadership training, young people are provided with opportunities to gain the skills and confidence to negotiate the path into adulthood.

The match ended in a loss for the Midlands team, losing out by 3-1. However, manager Ian Rowe said he was overwhelmed with pride at his team’s performance.

"I'm over the moon with how the lads applied themselves," said Rowe. "Obviously I am gutted with the scoreline. It was always going to be a tall order.

We needed the fine margins to go with us.

Everybody, including the people who run the club, is proud with how everybody applied themselves and the effort they put in to make the day a success.

"Obviously there have been a few incidents that have been well documented where people have attempted to spoil that. I feel, apart from the result and a couple of idiots, the day was a success.

FC United were the stronger team in the first half by some margin, Tes Robinson had to be on his guard to deny Sam Madeley after just three minutes.

Marvin Nisbett forced David Carnell to dash out to clear before the predatory striker could latch onto a Mike Perks through ball on 11 minutes and five minutes later Robinson surged forward and shot, forcing an easy save from Carnell.

The visitors made the breakthrough on 27 minutes, Luke Ashworth – brilliant throughout the game – heading home from a corner.

A fine save by Pemberton kept Khalsa in the game, Greg Daniels lurching forward and forcing a good block.

Dave Meese produced a comfortable save on 35 minutes, his acrobatic effort after Carnell had punched his flick-on from Jackson’s corner held relatively easily.

Craig Bannister had a chance on 39 minutes, the ball falling to him 40 yards out but with an empty goalmouth after Carnell had rushed out and headed

Nisbett’s effort from Meese’s flick forward.

Minutes later, FCUM were two up, Greg Daniels tussling with and getting the better of Robinson before lobbing Pemberton.

Khalsa’s pressure finally told on 65 minutes when Bannister and Mensah Kinch combined from a corner and Robinson lashed home his seventh of the season.

In honesty, FCUM were on the ropes and four minutes later a Tim Jackson free kick was headed back by Robinson and Nisbett was just unable to get to it at the far post.

Khalsa began to turn the screw and, on 80 minutes the turning point of the game came when the referee waved away appeals for a penalty on what was, by anyone’s standards, a clear handball.

It was a decision that would cost Khalsa as they continued to push for an equaliser, Craig Lindfield finishing brilliantly on the break.

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NOVEMBER 2015

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