Blog Style - Asian Sunday & Style

Pakistan Thrash New Zealand to Win First Test

Sports

Aalia Khan

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November 19, 2014

Pakistan Thrash New Zealand to Win First Test

By Ayyaz Malik

The ‘steam train’ that is Pakistan, stream rolled another opponent, this time it was New Zealand on the receiving end. The 1992 world champions were again very impressive as the Asian side’s bowlers and batsmen contributed in what turned out to be a big win in the end.

On the back of a first series win over the Australian’s in the last series, Pakistan played New Zealand with confidence evidently high after the series win of a few weeks ago. The Kiwis who boast of a batting line up of Brendan McCullum, Tom Latham, Ross Taylor and wicket keeper BJ Watling, would put a better performance than what Australia did.

Pakistan batted first, as is the way with the Pakistani’s these days. Pakistan couldn’t have got to a better start, Pakistan’s openers really putting New Zealand’s bowlers to the sword. The opening pair of Mohammed Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzhad, potentially took the game from New Zealand with an impressive opening stand 178.

New Zealand didn’t look like they were going to take a wicket any time soon as the Kiwis toiled, even former wicket keeper Brendan McCullum bowled a few overs. It was over real surprise almost when the first wicket stand was broken with the score on 178. Mohammed Hafeez was the first wicket to fall, the veteran all-rounder falling just on what would have been a very well deserved 100, Hafeez was caught and bowled for 96.

The Kiwis must have thought this would ‘open up the flood gates’ sadly though for New Zealand a second wicket stand of 169, only strengthened Pakistan’s position. A third wicket fell soon after the second wicket fell- but for New Zealand it was becoming a case of damaged limitation. If two century partnerships weren’t enough, Pakistan put on another century stand- this time it was for 187. Veterans Misbah Ul-Haq and Younus Khan both hit unbeaten centuries. Ahmed Shehzhad’s quite brilliant 176 also deserve a mention.

Pakistan spared New Zealand more misery, declared on 566-3. New Zealand got their innings off to a bad start. Three wickets were down before the 50 was up. Despite a century for Tom Latham, only Corey Anderson and Ish Sodhi scored any kind of runs.

With a batting line up of the quality of New Zealand’s, to be all out for 262 is very disappointing. Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Jimmy Neesham – between them scored some 14 runs between them. For players of that quality those stats make depressing reading.

Pakistan with a 304 lead after the first innings looked to press their advantage home- and they duly did. The Pakistani’s somewhat spared New Zealand’s bowlers this time, Pakistan declared on 175-2- looking to force a victory. Mohammed Hafeez did manage to score a 100 in that time which came off only 130 balls.

Chasing a mammoth 479 to win, New Zealand would have been no doubt first and foremost looking to save the game. To compound a disappointing game for Brendan McCullum’s high standards, the skipper was out for 39 in the second innings, Yasir Shah having the New Zealand skipper trapped lbw.

McCullum’s opening partner Latham was first out with the score on 57, falling 4 runs before the fall of the second wicket. In comparison to the first innings, New Zealand was doing comparatively worse it could be argued- as seven wickets had fallen before 150 were on the board for New Zealand.

Jimmy Neesham, Corey Anderson, BJ Watling and kane Williamson , to name some New Zealand batsmen – were all back in the pavilion. If New Zealand were to have any chance of saving this game, ideally they needed someone with the ‘technical ability’ of Kane Williamson.

With the score at 138-8, the Pakistani’s must have sensed that a victory was almost imminent- but ironically New Zealand’s low order showed the top- order how it’s done. A battling 9 wicket stand of 39, halted what many could argue was ‘the inevitable’ . When Mark Craig was bowled by Yasir Shah for 28, Pakistan must have thought finally the victory was theirs.

What was panning out to be a ‘great escape’ seemed more possible as Ish Sodhi who scored a reputable 25 in the first innings, scored a fifty in this innings. Accompanied by number 11 Trent Boult who scored 19, the last wicket pair put on a stubborn last wicket stand of 50 . This Kiwi pair looked to do the near impossible and save a match that they have been for long periods out played in.

Sadly though for New Zealand fans, a fairytale ending to this match wasn’t on the cards. Imran khan finally ending the match by trapping Ish Sodhi for a battling 63. New Zealand will be hoping to bounce back in the next test which starts on Monday 17th November.

Record breaker Rohit stars in Sri Lanka demolition

Sports

Aalia Khan

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November 19, 2014

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Record breaker Rohit stars in Sri Lanka demolition

By Ayyaz Malik

India inspired Rohit Sharma, demolished Sri Lanka-yet again. This short tour has been nothing short of a disaster for the Sri Lankan’s, slumped to a fourth heavy defeat in a row. India changed their opening batting line up for this game and Robbin Utthappa also came in to the side.

Sri Lanka must have been glad to see the back of Shikar Dawan, Dawan has had a brilliant series, scoring a hundred and two fifties. As impressive of a feat that is (Dawan’s run scoring) his replacement at the top of the order Rohit Sharma scored nearly the same amount of runs in one match than what Shikar Dawan did in three.

Sharma who is captain of the Mumbai Indians, scored a quite astonishing 264. The Mumbai Indian’s skipper also broke the highest score in one day internationals in the process. The 27 year old Sharma eclipsed the previous record of 219, scored by former team mate Virender Sehwag by some distance.

Rohit Sharma hit 33 fours and 9 sixes in this mammoth knock, as Sri Lanka’s bowlers were put to the sword-yet again. India scored a massive 404-4, with Sharma almost single handedly taking his side to that total. To just give you an example of the ‘brutality’ Sri Lanka’s bowlers faced, it took Sharma just 15 balls to get to his fifth fifty. Amazingly India’s fifth wicket partnership was 128 with Robin Utthappa who was at the non-strikers end witnessing some of this carnage, only scoring 16 of those runs.

Sri Lanka knowing they have to produce a much improved batting performance to stand any chance of victory in this ‘dead rubber’ contest, got their innings off to a poor start. The Sri Lankan’s were 48-4, and on the verge of yet another embarrassment.

To be fair to Angelo Matthews’ men, they did put up a fight some form of fight from that point on wards. Captain Matthews lead from the front with a battling 75, the Sri Lankan skipper was supported well by Lahiru Thirimanne who scored 59. The pair put up some resistance for the fifth wicket, and the fifth wicket partnership was worth 118.

That partnership was eventually broken. Akshar Patel broke this stand by having Matthews stumped by Robin Utthappa, sadly for Sri Lanka the game seemed up for them. Thisara Perrera and Thrimane though didn’t want to give this game up without a fight

The sixth wicket pair put on a ‘battling’ 52 for the sixth – but when Kulkharni had Thirimanne caught at slip by Virat Kohli for 59, Sri Lanka’s resistance had finally wilted. The last four Sri Lankan wickets fell for 33 runs. Sadly for Sri Lanka the top order of their batting failed and so did the bottom. The story of their tour is they have lost wickets in clumps- and that hasn’t changed on the evidence of this performance either.

India must be enthused they way their side is playing right before the world cup, where as Sri Lanka’s coaching staff have cause for concern with the way the side is playing. Hopefully for the sake of cricket fans, Sri Lanka suffered a ‘blip’ on this tour and should be fine for the world cup. The world cup will start on the 14th February with Australia and New Zealand set to host cricket’s showpiece.

After a scary start Bantams victorious over Halifax in first round of FA Cup

Sports

Aalia Khan

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November 19, 2014

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After a scary start Bantams victorious over Halifax in first round of FA Cup

By Ayyaz Malik

Bradford survived a scare in the first round of the FA cup, to progress to the next round at the expense of Yorkshire rivals Halifax. The Bantams made the short trip to their local rivals who are flying high on the cards. The game was televised, maybe because the media were expecting a shock, which seemed to be on the cards as well.

The upset was on the cards when Lois Maynard stabbed home his effort past Bantams keeper Ben Williams. Credit to Bradford they battled back and scored 2 goals in three frantic second half minutes through on-loan Jonathan Stead and Filipe Morais . Both goals were set up by half time sub Billy Clarke, first Clarke set up Stead with a threaded ball, who rounded the Halifax goal keeper Matt Glennon- before slotting home.

A few minutes later – it was Clarke again the provider for the second goal and what ultimately proved to be the winner. Billy Clarke this time fed Morais, who thumped the ball across goal and score what ultimately proved to be the winner. This result also ended a five game winless run for the Bantams.

As for Halifax, they can take spirit for producing such a performance against opposition that are two leagues above theirs. Halifax did have their chances and Maynard could have added his and what would have been Halifax’s second, the Halifax man was denied on 34 minutes with a superb point blank stop from Bradford keeper Ben Williams.

Six minutes later it was Scott Boden who missed a chance to make it 2-0 to the home side, Boden who was unmarked from Richard Peniket’s shot over on 40 minutes. In football they say ‘you need to take your chances or you will get punished’ sadly for Halifax they did – and were ruthlessly punished by Bradford.

The result will be hard on Halifax – but football can be cruel sometimes, as for Bradford they will be hoping for another cup run. Amazingly Jonathan Stead (one of Bradford’s goal scorers) needed special permission from his parent club Huddersfield to play in this game, Bradford must be very grateful that Stead did play, otherwise this could have been a different game with a different result.

Khan combo comes back

Showbiz

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November 19, 2014

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By Aalia Khan

Arpita Khan, Salman Khan’s sister managed to conquer something that most of the Bollywood film industry were unable to do so; she brought the Baadhsah and hunk of Hollywood back together, and cuddling. Yes that’s right Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan were reunited over the weekend to celebrate Salman’s sisters sangeet.

Arpita Khan married her fiancé Ayush Sharma this week, but her sangeet night, which brought the Khans’ together, is still the hot gossip of the wedding bonanza.

Arpita had secretly invited SRK to her sangeet on Sunday and Salman was extremely overjoyed when he heard of his arrival that he attended to him immediately, embraced him in a tight hug and also made sure he was well taken care of.

The two were also seen hugging and kissing Arpita, a picture that was shared by Arpita on her social media sites. SRK had said that even if he was not invited he would have still gone as Arpita “Is like a sister” to him.

Not only were Karan-Arjun back together, but when Aamir Khan heard of this news he was also ecstatic and says it gave him a sleepless night “I got to know about the patch-up. In fact they didn’t let me sleep the entire night. Around 1:30 am they first called me and informed about it, then around 2:30 am we did a face-time call. So this went around till early morning and they kept me awake” The Times of India quoted him as saying.

Now that the Khans have reunited let’s hope this friendship remains and is perhaps even seen onscreen sometime in the future.

People given chance to hand in any weapons or guns

News

Aalia Khan

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November 19, 2014

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People given chance to hand in any weapons or guns

The weapons surrender, starting on November 20 and lasting ten days, follows a recent change in the law which now makes it illegal for certain people to hold antique weapons and is one of a number organised this year by police forces across the country.

Police believe many people may be affected by the change in legislation and have firearms in the home which have been overlooked or forgotten, or someone could have come into possession of one through family members, or have deactivated weapons or trophies of war.

At the same time police are urging members of the public to hand in any other weapons they hold including knives and offensive weapons.

The initiative aims to avoid weapons getting into the wrong hands and provide members of the community with a safe place to dispose of firearms, ammunition, knives and other weapons they have.

During this period those surrendering firearms, ammunition knives and other offensive weapons will not face prosecution for simply possessing these weapons and they may wish to remain anonymous.

The initiative is being supported by the Save a Life, Surrender Your Knife campaign which aims to bring together anti-knife campaigners across the country to reduce the number of weapons on the streets and make communities safer.

West Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Andy Battle said:

“We have worked hard to reduce gun and knife crime and it remains low in West Yorkshire. We take firearms offences very seriously and don’t want people to fall foul of the law by keeping hold of these weapons.

“This is not in response to any particular incidents in West Yorkshire but reflects the change in the law and gives people the opportunity to safely bring them into police. It is about preventing injury and harm to members of the public and making them safe and feel safer.

“We would urge members of the public to hand in any weapons at their local police station. Failure to do so would be a serious matter and could lead to some very serious charges.”

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said:

“I fully support this weapons surrender. It is reassuring to know that gun and knife crime remains low across the county, but I would urge people to take advantage of this surrender to hand in weapons they have that may be illegal.

“Because of the changes they could now unknowingly be breaking the law by possessing such weapons and the surrender gives them a perfect opportunity to ensure the weapons are disposed of safely and ensures we are doing all we can to keep our communities safe and preventing potential crimes of the future.”

Throughout the surrender, West Yorkshire Police will work with Royal Armouries, home to the national collection of arms and armour, to help save any important and rare weapons from destruction.

Deputy Master of the Royal Armouries, Dr Thom Richardson, said, “We have worked with the Police for the past 20 years and we are delighted to be able to offer our expertise in this way. As a result, many important weapons, which would otherwise have been destroyed in the past, have been saved for the national collections at the Royal Armouries, Imperial War Museum and National Army Museum, or distributed to local and regimental museums across the UK.”

Topping out ceremony marks the steady finish line to the completion of the Westfield centre

News

Aalia Khan

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November 19, 2014

0

Topping out ceremony marks the steady finish line to the completion of the Westfield centre

By Aalia Khan

The Lord Mayor and Mayoress of Bradford council, along with council members and the press were all invited to the Westfield Construction site on 13 November to witness the tightening of the final bolt at the highest point of the building site.

This historic moment marked the proximity to the finishing line of the building work being completed at the Westfield site, and the inside decor to begin before shops and retailers can start occupying their spots.

Duncan Bower, Westfield Director of Development spoke to his watchful audience and said “It is a great day and the topping out of the building is another milestone in the progress of the shopping centre development.” He went on to add that the Bradford Westfield site is the largest retail development on site in the UK.

Bower acknowledged that a year ago public members were asking when the building work would begin on the site, and he could now proudly say “I think you will all agree that the construction progress has been truly outstanding.” He congratulated the Westfield construction team on their hard work and dedication and informed everybody that construction is virtually complete; “Cladding, roofing, mechanical and electrical services are well under way or soon to commence.”

Councillor Mike Gibbons, Lord Mayor of Bradford Council then took his position to tighten the final bolt as Mrs Elizabeth Sharp, Lady Mayoress of Bradford Council stood by his side. The moment was captured with pictures and a round of applause.

At the beginning of next year Debenhams and M&S will take position of their stores in the shopping centre. Other stores that will later join them are; Next, River Island, Top Shop, New Look, Sainsbury’s and Samuels. Many stores are waiting in the pipeline to grab a space at the Westfield centre.

Keith Whitmore, Westfield Head of Design and Construction said the design of the inside is well and truly underway, once the envelope is watertight they will begin the interior finishes. He said that there will be a mixture of stores from high end to low end as “It is good to have a retail mix to service all levels of the community.” Keith also acknowledged the level of support they have received from the council and the Bradford community, “I can’t remember another town where I’ve done a project like this and the support has been at the level that it has been from Bradford.”

Councillor David Green was also present to witness the historic moment and says he is really pleased with the development. He boldly stated that “There is now no scepticism about whether it’s going to happen, people are just really eager for it to open.”

The Lord Mayor and Mayoress both said they will definitely be shopping at the Westfield shopping centre once it is complete and they were “Honoured” to be a part of the fantastic topping out ceremony.

This was the last chance for press and council members to visit the site before Christmas and it was a fantastic opportunity to see the excellent progress that has been made since construction commenced in January this year. Bower informed that “The target remains for Christmas next year, but we will keep everybody appraised on the opening date.”

Ed Miliband Under Fire

Aalia Khan

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November 19, 2014

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Labour leader Ed Milliband has been making headlines amid reports that some Labour figures want him to step down.

A poll published on 12 November a day before Ed Miliband’s speech at the University of London by Ipsos MORI suggested that just 13% of Britons thought that Mr Miliband was ready to be prime minister; the lowest figure for a leader of the opposition since the polling firm started asking voters that question in 1994.

In his most recent, and probably most crucial speech Mr Miliband promised voters he will “put up with whatever is thrown at me in order to fight for you”

The Labour leader has pledged to take on “vested interests” and “powerful forces” in his bid to win the next general election.

However, it is believed by some that Mr Miliband has failed to persuade voters of his competence, particularly on the economy.

The Labour leader was also under fire recently for supposedly donating 2p to a homeless Romanian, however it has been confirmed that he threw in loose change which although camera’s caught 2p, the lady who he donated to confirmed it was actually a total of around 70p, that Milliband donated.

We did our own economics lesson at Asian Sunday to see what 70p could get us today and what it could have bought you in 1969 (the year Ed Miliband was born)

What can be bought for 70p?

2014

A pint of milk

Sweets

Packet of crisps

Chocolate

Jobseekers Allowance claimants saw

their incomes increase by just 70p last year.

Small cereal boxes

1969:

The 7-sided 50p coin came into circulation in Britain, replacing the 10-shilling note (£4.89).

A pint of Milk was 5p,

Cigarettes were 20p for 20

A large loaf of bread cost 9p

A trip for two to the cinema cost under 90p

So you could just about survive on 70p in 1969, but today you may not even be able to purchase a loaf of bread.

We took to the streets of Bradford to see what the public had to say. We asked:

Ed Milland was seen giving 70p to a homeless woman recently, what do you make of this?

The woman actually said he was the only man in a suit to stop and give her money and she would vote for him, now what do you make of this?

Jasmine Akhtar, nurse – “I think that is very generous. Although there will be people who would say that’s only 70p but that 70p can buy you a loaf of bread of bottle of milk or whatever that person needs.”

Anni smith, housewife – “I think that is okay, there is nothing wrong with that. If someone can give whatever they can give to someone who is homeless then they have a really good heart. What can you buy for 70p? Goodness me. You can’t buy much for 70p- a few sweets, you can’t even get a cup of tea. There is not much is there. Very little.”

Sarah Digbeth, Pensioner– “I think it’s good that he actually stopped and gave something to a homeless person. He could have easily walked past the homeless woman like the hundreds and thousands of other people that would have gone by her that day, but he actually stopped. The fact that he was caught on camera donating money shows that he is setting a good example to the public. ”

Jonathan Biggs, Pensioner– “I think that is pretty tight of him to only give 70p. He is a representative for our country he could have given more so that she could actually buy a meal or something.”

Mrs. Dawson care worker – “I think it’s disgusting that he gave money to a homeless person. There are people like us who have to go to work and work ridiculous hours- some of us have 3 jobs as well. They should stop begging and get a job because we all know that they end up spending it on booze and drugs. There are plenty of jobs out there so homeless people can’t use that an excuse. The fact that he has managed to get a lot of recognition for giving 70p shows that begging is deemed acceptable in this country. He should be encouraging people to get a job and get off the streets.”

Premier Shop owner- Mr Budwal – “It’s good that he gave some money to a homeless person. It shows he has a heart. In our shop you can buy 3 cans of beans, a samosa, a chocolate bar, a drink, a packet of crisps and they all cost 70p each or less.”

Tackling Extremism

Aalia Khan

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November 18, 2014

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By Aalia Khan

“Extremism” as understood by most people today can take a myriad of forms. It is a concept that has produced white fascists and so called “Islamic Terrorists” alike as well as any number of other extreme groups. Commonly it has as its core a set of beliefs and views held by its exponents that they believe are the only ones that are valid.

In this way it has become an ideology which is abhorred by the remainder of society. Extremists will hold views and sometimes carry out actions for a supposed greater aim or cause. Extremism is not a new concept and has been around for many years with many different groups. It takes on many forms such as political, religious and economic.

Since 2001 and the bombing of the World Trade Centre in New York, Islamic extremism has risen and become a major topic within mainstream media. One of the early protagonists of Islamic extremism was the group known as the Khawarij, believed by many to have been assassinated by Hazrath Ali (RA). It was against the evil of the Khawarij that the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) waged war. Indeed it is believed in some quarters that ISIS is the modern day Khawarajites. Of course there are innumerable other extremists groups that have sprung up.

Although there may be a minority of people who will hold extremist views or go down the path of extremism the majority of people across the world, especially Muslims, do not feed into the absurd viewpoints and ideas. The issue of tackling extremism has become a matter of major concern for Muslims across the world. The moderate Muslim majority have embarked on a journey, in some instances with the non-Muslims, to eradicate extremism and bring about world peace.

Attempts are taking many and varied forms. For example, The Muslim Women’s Council held a Bradford circle event in Bradford recently in which they welcomed speaker Ahtsham Ali. Ahtsham is the Muslim Advisor for Her Majesty’s Prison Service. He spoke of the history of Islamic extremism as well as the ways of eradicating it.

He went on “Extremism is everywhere and you can’t avoid it unfortunately in this day and age. Although thankfully the majority of Muslims have common sense and they see what it is and they stay away from it. However unfortunately it is in every aspect of society.”

He also explained how many people are working towards tackling it and do not believe in the “Twisted” ideology of the extremists. In this regard he said “Everybody’s helping to prevent extremism; they’ve jumped on the band wagon and realised how dangerous these groups are across the spectrum in different denominations. Everybody is doing their little bit to counter this nasty virus within our communities.”

The signs of an extremist group can be clear cut says Ahtsham “if people look out for the obvious signs then it can be easier to tackle the issues”. The main signs he spoke of were “Calling for the killing of innocent people, intolerance, another sign is when they tell you who to listen to and who not to listen to.” Ahtsham explained that killing is the ultimate form of extremism, but there are earlier signs to be looked out for such as extremist’s declaring that Muslims cannot be friends with non-Muslims.

The main footing that Islamic extremists stand on are the verses of the Holy Quran that are misinterpreted and misused. In this way horrors such as terrorism, kidnapping, murder and even genocide are committed.

Bana Gora CEO of the Muslim Women’s Council says “Extremism is being justified in the name of Islam through the misinterpretation of the verses of the Holy Quran.” Ahtsham took this view one step further by explaining that extremists will use a twisted idea of the verses, “They’ll take one verse and not look at the ones coming before and after, or not look at any other verses or hadiths on that issue”. He believes that the way this issue can be challenged and tackled is through “Knowledge”; if people read and understand what is being said in the Holy Quran then the portrayal that extremists use of the verses can be intellectually challenged.

Some people also hold the viewpoint that imams are helping extremism to grow. Imams are effectively clergy men who lead prayers at a mosque and are sometimes used as points of reference for Islamic knowledge and insight. Some may believe that this position, that an imam holds, gives him the opportunity to feed extremism into youthful minds.

Mehmood Naqshbandi, a writer who has written extensively on the subject of extremism, believes that the weakness in parents and imams of children seeking answers in their faith leads them down the path of extremism. He also blames “The failure of mainstream Muslim mosques and organisations to meet the needs of converts and young Muslims returning to the faith” on the youth seeking alternatives, potentially leading to extremism.

However Ahtsham Ali disagrees with this view, and argues that “I don’t believe for one minute that they are the cause of it. They are tackling extremism but in different degrees and depending on the capability of the imam.”

Ahtsham believes that communication is key, especially between imams and the youth. He says that “Not every imam has the language capability or the cultural resonance with the youth. So depending on the imams; the younger they are, if they’ve graduated from this country that’s extremely tremendous and it helps a lot. But if they come from overseas and they don’t understand the culture or the language the youth will be turned off from it.”

Therefore in his view being able to speak and understand English is vital in an imam’s role. He also says that different imams are doing different things to tackle extremism and they are certainly not the cause of it.

The Ramadan Foundation, a leading Muslim organisation which was established to bring the educational and welfare needs of the Muslim community to the forefront, has also worked on tackling extremism. Mohammed Shafiq, Chairman of the Foundation says “I think we live in a time where the threat from terrorism is real, there are people within our communities, a very small minority, who think using violence is acceptable and we’ve got to confront them. We’ve got to expose them and bring them to justice.” Shafiq says that the main point is that “Islam completely forbids the killing of innocent people and terrorism; anybody who thinks that they are acting in the name of Islam are seriously misguided.”

Members of the Foundation themselves were subjected to death threats from a terrorist group for fighting to eradicate extremism. Shafiq says he not only has a personal interest in the matter but has also been subjected to it.

Other organisations helping to tackle extremism are; Inspire, Gen Next Foundation, West London Initiative and many more that are helping in the fight to exterminate extremism.

DSC PRIZE FOR SOUTH ASIAN LITERATURE TO ANNOUNCE SHORTLIST FOR 2015 AWARD IN LONDON

Life & style

Aalia Khan

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November 18, 2014

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DSC PRIZE FOR SOUTH ASIAN LITERATURE TO ANNOUNCE SHORTLIST FOR 2015 AWARD IN LONDON

Since its inception in 2010, the DSC Prize has significantly impacted and drawn the focus of the world towards South Asian literature and the authors writing about this region. A coveted prize of US $50,000 is presented to one author from any ethnicity or nationality provided they write about South Asia and its people. Writing in regional languages is also encouraged and the prize money is equally shared between the author and the translator in case a translated entry wins. The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2015 will be awarded at the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival on 22nd January 2015, from the shortlist unveiled in London. Notable guests from previous festivals include Oprah Winfrey, Deepak Chopra and the Queen of Bhutan.

On 27th November 2014 the shortlist for the fifth annual DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2015 will be announced by co-founders and also mother and son, Mrs. Surina Narula MBE & Mr. Manhad Narula at the Shaw Library of the London School of Economics and Political Science. The ceremony will be attended by authors, publishers, London’s literati and an array of public figures associated with the South Asian diaspora.

The jury for the DSC Prize this year comprise Keki Daruwalla, Indian writer and poet (Chair of the Jury); John Freeman, author, literary critic and former editor of Granta; Maithree Wickramasinghe, a professor of English at the University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka and the University of Sussex and an expert on gender studies; Michael Worton, Emeritus Professor at University College London, who has written extensively on modern literature and art; and Razi Ahmed, founding director of the annual, not-for-profit Lahore Literary Festival.

After intense reflection over the long-list comprising 10 books, out of a total pool of 75 initial entries, the eminent jury will select the shortlist for this esteemed international award.

This year’s entries include:

* And the Mountain Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
* The Mirror of Beauty by Shamsur Rahman Faruqi
* The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri
* The Prisoner by Omar Shahid Hamid
* Scatter Here is Too Great by Bilal Tanweer
* Helium by Jaspreet Singh
* A God in Every Stone by Kamila Shamsie
* The Gypsy To Dress by Meena Kandasamy
* Noontide Toll by Komesh Gunesekera
* Mad Girl’s Love Song by Rukmini Bhaya Nair

The last four years have seen winners from three different countries in South Asia – HM Naqvi from Pakistan (Homeboy, Harper Collins, India), Shehan Karunatilaka from Sri Lanka (Chinaman, Random House, India), Jeet Thayil from India (Narcopolis, Faber & Faber, London) and Cyrus Mistry from India (Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer, Aleph India). Each of these winners has gone on to be published internationally and their work has reached a larger global audience, which is one of the central visions of the DSC Prize.

With an innate passion for literature and the creative arts, Mrs. Surina Narula MBE co-founded the DSC Prize in 2010. A highly-renowned charity patron, with over twenty years’ experience in creating and spearheading the strategic development of some of the world’s largest charities. She is also an accomplished entrepreneur, working in the family business, Darshan Singh Construction (DSC) Ltd.

Manhad Narula is the Managing Director of DSC Ltd and is responsible for the company’s India operations. Surina Narula MBE and Manhad Narula commenting on the announcement said: “The overwhelming support we continue to receive from the literary community has been fantastic. The amazing richness and diversity of South Asian literature makes our mission to promote this genre so crucial.”

Opinion Poll – Labour select Deputy Leader of Bradford Council Imran Hussain as PPC for Bradford East

Opinion

Aalia Khan

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November 18, 2014

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Opinion Poll – Labour select Deputy Leader of Bradford Council Imran Hussain as PPC for Bradford East

News was abuzz in Bradford as Labour announced Coun Imran Hussain as their PPC candidate for Bradford East. Coun Imran Hussain previously lost in a By-election against George Galloway to take the MP seat for Bradford West.

Many say it was a protest vote against Labour, however returned their support for the Deputy Leader in the local elections with a majority win for the Toller Ward.

We spoke to residents in East on what their views were of Imran Hussain, whether they would vote for him and whether they thought he had a chance of winning:

Manjit Kaur,Revenue Protection Officer – “I have not really heard much about Imran Hussain but if he is going to stand for the labour party then I am certain that he will win. I always vote labour but I am not sure what he is standing for. I have no idea what he is going to do in the area and that is something that I would like to know and that he can inform us on.

Imran Hussain needs to tell the public what he has achieved as an elected candidate like David Ward does. David sends us letters and keeps us informed. He needs to ask the public what he can do for them and that way he can stand as the Labour MP for Bradford East.”

Abtar Singh, Sales Assistant– “Well, the elections are not until May next year so we haven’t really heard much about him in the area. As he is standing for labour, I will definitely be voting for him. I hope that he stands as a good representative and that he can get on the public’s side, which I am sure he will.”

Jas Dhesi, Pathway Co-ordinator– “I hope that Imran Hussain does win so that he can start making improvements in the area especially with the development of Westfield which will be a good boost for the city and hopefully Alhambra as well. Labour has a strong hold in Bradford because it’s a working class city. I have always voted Labour and always will.”

Ralph Priestley, pensioner– “Last time I voted I voted for the Asian MEP for Labour. It’s more about the party that they are representing rather than the person they are.

I would vote for Imran and his chances of winning are very good because Bradford is so multicultural. We don’t look at Asian people and think we are not going to vote for them because of their background or birth place or the colour of their skin. We accept people as they are here in Bradford.”

Jubbair Khan, Taxi Driver– “I would vote for him. Everyone in this area will vote for him because they know him. His chances of winning in the Bradford East area are very high. He will definitely win around here.”