The BBC Asian Network was in both Leicester and Nottingham on Sunday, for a bumper day of Mela madness.

Breakfast host Tommy Sandhu hosted by the Main Stage in Leicester’s City Centre, which enjoyed acts such as Preeya Kalidas, Mumzy Stranger and H Dharmi.

The Network’s Station Wagon was also at the Mela, playing the latest beats and entertaining the crowds with its eclectic mix of music and Asian Network DJs.

As well as great artists, Leicester’s Main Stage also enjoyed a performance of Tommy Sandhu’s Mela Moves, joined on stage by members of the Grewal reality TV family!

On the prior Friday evening, BBC Asian Network evening presenter Gagan Grewal brought his show from the heart of the Leicester community, live from Bobby’s restaurant on Leicester’s Belgrave Road. As well as having Punjabi By Nature live in the studio, Gagan caught up with mela goers, found out what food is on offer in the heart of the Gujarati community, and of course, what the Leicester Mela had in store!

On Monday Breakfast presenter Tommy Sandhu brought his ‘Morning after the Mela before’ show live from BBC Leicester. Reflecting on the day’s activities, Tommy was joined live in the studio by guests Rishi Rich, H Dhami and Sona Rele. Tommy and his guests also tasted the city’s favourite Gujarati breakfast dishes.

Over in Nottingham’s Arboretum Park on Sunday, crowds watched artists including Raghav and The Raghu Dixit Project on the Main Stage, hosted by BBC Asian Network presenters Noreen Khan and Murtz.

From showcasing great acts, to broadcasting key highlights, to filming, photo galleries and much more, the BBC Asian Network brings its listeners the best coverage of all the Melas it is visiting this summer.

You can catch all the latest pictures, videos and action from the BBC Asian Network Melas at http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork

The BBC Asian Network’s ‘A Summer of Melas’ highlights programme will be available for seven days from August 16 on the BBC TV Red Button.

Is forex all it’s cracked up to be? For the more conservative amongst us, the growth of web sites promising overnight riches from forex trading make us remember that get rich quick schemes, notoriously do not work.

Most of us would run a mile if we were offered such a scheme. And it’s true, people do get their fingers burnt as they try to get rich quick. We’ve all heard the saying, ‘there’s no such thing as a free lunch’ – and generally speaking it’s true. Forex is not a free lunch and it definitely is not a get rich quick scheme. But for the steady, non-gambler who is prepared to be disciplined, patient and sensible, Forex can be a complete life changing, safe and profitable business.

It’s ALL about compounding a tiny amount regularly and with discipline.

Click Here to learn how to become a professional trader with Forex Training Works

Let’s compare ‘Return On Investment’ (ROI) from forex, with ROI from a bank. We’ll assume a bank deposit account with $5000 in it attracts interest at 4% per year. At the end of a year, the total ROI would be $200.

Now let’s compare that with a simple minimum target of just 5 pips a week at forex – trading only 5% of a capital of $5000. Using a simple equation to determine a pip value of $12 a pip. 5 pips a week would give us a ROI of 3.3% per MONTH.

Untouched for a year, the compounding of a growing capital sum would give an annual ROI of a staggering 88%. Compare $200 with $4,400 and it’s a no-brainer. No wonder more and more ordinary people are turning to Forex to change their financial circumstances.

5 pips a week really is low figure. It includes negative trades, holidays and off days and is a truly achievable target. Unlike any other markets, forex is 100% controllable by the individual. The ONLY prerequisite for safe trading is discipline and 100% application of some simple rules.

Most people do not understand the power of compounding in Forex. Here are actual figures for monthly ROI on the same $5000 – but instead of 5 pips a week, we’ll double the pips to 10 pips a week. Still an incredibly low target by anyone’s standards.

This is an example only to explain the power of compounding. The 10 pips a week projection does not take into account holidays and off days. It is an average, and includes negatives. It is not a guarantee of earnings. The column on the right is actual profit on your original investment(ROI) which remains intact.
Once Again Please Note: These figures are net, average, which means they include losses.

Month 1 . . . . . 11.08%
Month 2 . . . . . 22.32%
Month 3 . . . . . 36.00%
Month 4 . . . . . 51.36%
Month 5 . . . . . 67.64%
Month 6 . . . . . 86.64%
Month 7 . . . . . 108.8%
Month 8 . . . . . 131.44%
Month 9 . . . . . 157.80%
Month 10 . . . . 187.28%
Month 11 . . . . 218.56%
Month 12 . . . . 256.84%

Forex is definitely not a get rich quick scheme, but compounding small amounts regularly, surely can pay-off, big time.

Click Here to learn how to become a professional trader with Forex Training Works

Sikhs on board the Komogata Maru

Canada’s scandalous refusal of entry to a shipload of South Asians in 1914 is a story that is never far from the headlines as the Sikh community presses the Canadian government for adequate acknowledgment and reparation for the damage inflicted on the would-be immigrants.

Now the story is taking another significant twist with a report that the Punjab state government in India is thinking of asking Canada for close to $150 million for turning back the passengers, mostly Sikhs, from Vancouver, in British Columbia.

According to Cheryl Chan of the Canwest News Service, writing for the Montreal Gazette, a Punjab government committee is to look into initiating legal and diplomatic proceedings to recover a $15,000 “entry tax” that Sikh passengers aboard the Japanese steamship Komagata Maru reportedly paid out in 1914.

Why the figure has soared to  $143 million has not been explained, according to the English-language Hindustan Times. Whether the tax was $15,000 per passenger, or for the entire ship, is also undetermined.

The Komagata Maru carried 376 would-be immigrants  from Hong Kong to Vancouver. They included Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus from various Far East locations.

All but 24 were refused entry when Canada applied a regulation that said immigrants should come by continuous journey from their home country.  It has been regarded ever since by Sikhs as a racist blot on Canada’s record and may become the subject of a feature film by Indo-Canadian director Deepa Mehta.  Actors Seema Biswas, John Abrham and Terence Stamp have been mentioned in connection with the project.

The vessel lay at anchor for two months before being forced to steam back to India by Canadian warships. Twenty people were killed and many more jailed by British authorities when it docked in Calcutta.

The Hindustan Times reports that the Punjab government has decided to investigate the possibility of financial reparation after meeting families of passengers killed by British officers. The families maintain that the $15,000 deposited as entry tax is lying unused.

If the Punjab government decides there are grounds to act it will raise the issue with the Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

Money recovered could be used to fund memorials although it has also been suggested that it could be paid out to descendants of the affected passengers. Many had sold land and belongings for the voyage to Canada and their lives were in ruin where they were returned.

The Punjab government’s hopes of a massive financial settlement may be easier to aspire to than to achieve.  An academic in Canada has cast doubt on the size and source of the so-called entry tax.

Hugh Johnston, professor emeritus of history at Simon Fraser University, in BC, said passengers were required to pay for the chartered vessel in $15,000 instalments, one of which fell due when the ship arrived in Vancouver.

Members of Vancouver’s Khalsa Diwan Society are reported to have raised about $25,000 from local Sikhs to pay the ship owners.

The Descendants of the Komagata Maru Passengers Society say that what British Columbia’s South Asian community wants more than money is an official apology from the federal government in the Canadian House of Commons.

Last year Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered an apology to the Sikh community during a festival in Surrey, British Columbia — although this was criticised by some as insufficient — along with $2.5 million in federal funding for projects commemorating the tragedy.

The province of British Columbia issued an official apology for the discriminatory policy in the legislature in 2008.

It is our great pleasure to announce that Lucky Dhillon from Amrit Vella Radio came to visit the Ramgarhia Panjabi School on 23 January 2010. She was warmly welcomed by the School Management Committee, staff and children.

Lucky Dhillon attended the school at the start and witnessed the activities of the School assembly. She immensely enjoyed the Simran, Shabad Kirtan and Ardas performed by the children and wholeheartedly praised their effort. She also spent some time in discussing the Sikh way of life with the children. After the assembly, she visited a number of classes and conversed with children. She also checked the children’s work and remarked favourably on the work undertaken and tidy handwriting.

The main purpose her visit was to encourage other young children from the RPS to participate on Sunday mornings in translating the Hukamnama from Sri Harmander Sahib, Amritsar. Currently, Hardev Kaur, for the School participates regularly in reading the English translation and her efforts are well regarded by the listeners.  Lucky Dhillon urged staff and parents to encourage other children to take an interest in appearing on the religious Radio show.

Luck Dhillon commented very positively on the RPS learning environment. She specifically mentioned discipline, uniform, resources and children’s motivation and commitment towards learning Panjabi. Staff were praised for their enthusiasm and dedication to the School.

The visit was very motivational for the staff and children. Luck Dhillon has made considerable progress in promoting Sikhism and is well regarded by the Sikh community in UK and abroad. Ramgarhia Panjabi School was privileged for her appearance and pray to God that she is blessed with good health and wisdom to fly the flag of Sikhism even higher.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

.

Management Committee
Ramgarhia Panjabi School
231 Plashet Road, London, E13 OQU.
.

Photos of Luck Dhillon’s visit to Ramgarhia Panjabi School

Dabinderjit Singh

A nationwide protest organised by the Sikh Federation (UK) has brought a halt to Department of Transport (DfT) plans to implement hand searches of turban-wearing passengers at British airports.

Through a countrywide petition, the federation enlisted the aid of Sikh temples and organisations to head off  hand checks of turbans, or instructions for headwear to be removed.

Changes in checking procedures order by the EU are being introduced across Europe but a DfT spokeswoman told the BBC that UK airports had been advised to continue using existing methods of screening religious headwear.

This involves passengers who set off the walk-through metal detector alarms then being scanned with hand-held detectors.

The EU wants security staff to use their hands for second checks – not part of present procedure.

The Dft spokeswoman said the department would work with the airport industry and religious communities to find a long-term solution.

Journalist Dil Neiyyar of the BBC Asian Network revealed that one UK Sikh was asked to take his turban off at Barcelona airport but declined to do so and, refused a flight, had to make his way home with three Sikh colleagues to England by train.

Vinder Singh, a medical rep from Dudley in the West Midlands, was told to take off his turban in front of other travellers, even though he had not set off the metal detector alarm. He allowed a security guard to feel and check the turban but would make no further concessions.

Mr Singh said he and his colleagues felt they were treated as criminals and potential terrorists because they were wearing turbans.

The Sikh Federation’s Dabinderjit Singh called the touching of a turban by someone other than the wearer “disrespectful” and “almost a humiliation”.

Dil Neiyyar reminds Asian Network listeners that turban wearing in Britain became protected in a 1983 House of Lords ruling over a case in which a Birmingham teenager was refused entry to school because of his turban.

Denim skirts, dresses, waist coats and vest tops are THE biggest trend for summer 2010. The great thing about this fabric is it can be worn as part of a casual outfit, or you can dress it up with a pair of killer heels and funky earrings, and get the boho chick look.

The high street has some great designs for all body shapes.  Levi’s have some great pieces or why not try H&M who have a selection of denim vests and dresses at affordable prices.

Here to stay because we all love them, skinny jeans work with everything!  So make sure you have a few pairs in lighter colors, this season acid wash colours are a big hit.

Team your jeans, denim skirts and waist coats with a floral top. This pattern hit the catwalks and high street in spring 2010, but you will see more of this funky pattern in the high street this summer.  Tops, dresses, bags or scarves – you need to have at least one item in your wardrobe this summer.

If you don’t have the budget to buy yourself anything new, raid your cupboard (or your sisters closet), guaranteed you will find a denim dress lurking behind that floral skirt – the 80s are definitely back!

What started with bodysuits and leotards is now becoming a fully-fledged trend towards jumpsuits, playsuits, and rompers. As a unique style for spring 2010, they won’t be for everyone, but they will offer more options with different styles, prints and looks for both day and night.

Why not team up your jumpsuit with a boyfriend blazer?  Continuing to be another fashion favourite for summer 2010, the boyfriend blazer is a simple way to look chic. A slightly oversized jacket or blazer, sleeves rolled up, is every inch looking relaxed and cool.

Whether it is a casual, smart or evening look you are going for these hot tips will leave you looking effortlessly gorgeous.

That’s what the leaders of the Sikh community in Waltham Forest in London are telling their people anyway, according to the local newspaper.

The Waltham Forest Guardian reports that Board members of the Gurdwara Sikh Sanjat London East temple in Francis Road, Leyton, have taken the unprecedented step of staging political discussions and urging community members to vote.

L-R: Narinder Singh Matharoo, Gurbakash Singh Sethi, Gurdial Singh and Satpal Singh

Because there are no Sikh candidates this time, there is concern that people will not turn out for the polls.

Narinder Singh Matharoo, a former councillor and mayor, said: “We are very concerned that the Sikhs, who have traditionally supported Labour, are not being represented this year.”

The temple board has passed a resolution to try to encourage Sikhs to vote sensibly, considering each candidate on their merit and past. “We are not telling people how to vote, but creating awareness so they can decide how to vote,” Mr Matharoo told the Guardian.

He said past turnouts by Sikhs had been low because they were not sure of the importance of their vote.

This was misguided. The Sikh community did not want to be isolated and had to take an active part n the life of the borough. “Although we are in the minority, we still have a say,” he declared.

Laddi Aujala

Mundrah, first single for Canada-based Laddi Aujla, releasing in the UK on May 1, is already the most requested dance track in clubs across North America, says RDB publicist Nisha Sahdev. Mundrah is taken from the artist’s forthcoming album The Beginning.

The track provides a preview of Laddi’s ability and the power of his voice alongside a super slick video with the signature RDB touch.

The clip features RDB’s Manjeet Singh who says: “Laddi is a bundle of talent. He knows his music and is super talented. We have got big things planned for him.”

Traditional vocals and modern Punjabi beats have been amalgamated in the song. New fans will discover that Laddi has the ability to mimic voices and sing in different vocal ranges.

Find out more at http://www.Laddi.tv.com

For more on Three Records visit http://www.threerecords.com

Hear a sample of Laddi’s latest track Mundrha here!

A Sikh-owned dairy faces legal costs thought to run into hundreds of thousands of pounds after losing an attempt in the Court of Appeal to overthrow a High Court conviction in the so-called Black Country “milk wars” case.

A High Court judge heard last year how Johal Dairies of Wigston, Wolverhampton, paid a milkman sacked by a rival firm in the Midlands city – JN Dairies – to steal confidential documents from JND for use in poaching their customers.

Judge David Cooke heard that Johal paid illegal immigrant Gurbir Singh £40,000 to steal wallets full of delivery invoices from JND – taken on November 10, 2008, two days after he was sacked because he could not prove his legal status in the UK.

He sneaked into the firm’s Millfields Road distribution centre in the early hours and removed invoices which detailed customers’ addresses, volumes sold and prices charged by the dairy. The files were passed to Johal director Surbjit Johal and JND customers later testified they had been offered cheap or free milk by Johal Dairies.

Surbjit Johal and fellow director Gurnek Johal claimed the witnesses were lying, but the judge did not accept their evidence. Johal Dairies were found to have breached confidentiality laws.

Judge Cooke concluded the theft of the invoices was a pre-arranged plan, called Johal’s denials implausible and found against the company and Gurbir Singh, who had travelled back to India – fare paid by Johal – and took no part in the case.

The story of the “undercover spy” and the milk wars in the Black Country and Birmingham was revealed at the Birmingham Civil Justice Centre in an eight-day trial in March last year, with judgement reserved until June. Judge Cooke ordered the company to pay JN Dairies’ legal costs, starting with a payment of £200,000 prior to further decisions on costs and compensation.

Johal Dairies claimed in their appeal against conviction that the judge did not give enough weight to their evidence.

But three Appeal Court judges rejected the appeal and a request for a retrial. The judge’s reasoning had been “long and careful” and objective they said.

JN Dairies’ directors said they were delighted that justice had prevailed again. “Johal Dairies did not compete fairly and resorted to unlawful activity in an attempt to sabotage our hard-earned business.”

Surbjit Johal told the Birmingham Mail his firm were disappointed they had not been granted a retrial but would put the case behind them and concentrate on growing their business.

Playwright Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, who hit the headlines in December 2004 when Sikh protesters forced the cancellation of her play Behzti at the Birmingham Rep, is exploring the themes contributing to that decision in a new work.

Behud (Beyond Belief), which opened in Coventry, is a satirical response to a closure that sparked a vigorous national debate about tensions between religious sensitivities and freedom of speech. Behzti contains scenes depicting rape and murder in a Sikh temple.

The virulent reaction – including death threats – to what protesters perceived as a sacriligious attack on their faith forced Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti temporarily into hiding.

But six years later the issues headlined then have been woven into a dramatic narrative in which a playwright who wants her voice to be heard attempts to make sense of the past via the arguments of theatrical, political and religious characters – but is still seemingly confounded by the complexity of it all.

Behud received its world premiere at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre in March to respectful acknowledgements of Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti’s fortitude in revisiting a challenging episode, but less enthusiastic responses about the effectiveness of the play.

A joint production by Belgrade Theatre and London’s Soho Theatre, it will transfer to the Soho Theatre, for a run from April 15 to May 8.

Soho’s artistic director Lisa Goldman directs a cast that includes Lucy Briers, Priyanga Burford, Ravin J Ganatra, Shiv Grewal, John Hodgkinson, Chetna Pandya – pictured here – and Avin Shah. They conjure up a range of real-life types from both sides of the Behzti confrontation.

Behzti won Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize in 2005 for the best English language play by a woman. The play was translated into French as part of a project with the National Theatre in 2006 and achieved sell-out tours in France and Belgium.

The writer’s other theatre credits include Behsharam (Soho Theatre and Birmingham Rep), Londonee (Stratford East) and Airport 2000 – Asians in Transit (Leicester Haymarket/Riverside Studios). Television credits include Honour, Stitched Up, Eastenders, Lipstick and Nails and Dead Meat.

Behud characters can be seen in a brief preview of the play below.