Redhotcurry - Archived South Asian News Stories

With all the recent criticism of the Police Service, you'd be forgiven for thinking that nobody would want to be a Police Officer these days, but that is far from the reality. In the Metropolitan Service, thousands applied during their last campaign & it has frozen new recruitment until it can deal with all existing applications. The one exception is in ethnic minority recruitment.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IS A CORE BRITISH BELIEF

The Government's duty to all its citizens is to give them the freedom to practise their own faith, said Home Office Minister Fiona Mactaggart today. Speaking at an Eid celebration in London, Ms Mactaggart said that it is neither the Government's role, nor intention to dictate to British people how and when they should express their religious affiliation.

PRISON SERVICE GUILTY OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

Publishing the findings of its investigation, the CRE announced that it had found HM Prison Service guilty of racial discrimination. The report details the evidence leading to the finding of unlawful racial discrimination, and catalogues 14 areas of failure uncovered by the investigation.

MAYOR'S RECEPTION FOR ETHNIC MINORITY COUNCILLORS

Mayor Ken Livingstone (centre) hosted a reception for London's Ethnic Minority Councillors on Monday December 15 2003 at City Hall.

The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone hosted a reception at City Hall for London's Black and Minority Ethnic Councillors on December 15th 2003. The event follows the recent publication of 'Ethnic groups in London', the Mayor's report that highlights the changes in London's population and its increasingly diverse mix.

MUSLIM YOUTH HELPLINE WINS GOOD CITIZENSHIP AWARD

The Muslim Youth Helpline was honoured with a Philip Lawrence Award for achievement in good citizenship.

The Muslim Youth Helpline, based in Wembley, were honoured with a Philip Lawrence award for outstanding achievement in good citizenship on Tuesday 9 December 2003. The awards ceremony took place ain the presence of the Mayor of Brent, Councillor Peter Lemmon, Rt. Hon Paul Boateng, MP for Brent South and the Duchess of Kent.

CRACKING CRIME TOGETHER

The second annual Cracking Crime conference marked the official launch of the project. Organised by the London BME Cracking Crime Partnership Board, 250 representatives from organisations working within community safety fields and statutory agencies attended. Cracking Crime ll is unique in providing a London wide platform for local community groups.

ASIANS BOOST LONDON'S ECONOMY

London's economic success depends on its diverse ethnic mix. A report published by the Mayor of London highlights the changes in London's population and its increasingly diverse ethnic mix. It presents information from the 2001 Census and shows the increasingly important role that London's diverse communities will have on the life of the capital, as providers of public services and as entrepreneurs.

REUBEN SINGH PUTS HIS FAITH IN TIMEBANK INITIATIVE

Reuben Singh (right) with Gerry Yeung CBE and Guest.

TimeBank, the national volunteering charity together with The Prince's Trust launched the first of a series of interfaith meals to raise awareness of its 'respect' initiative. Entrepreneur Reuben Singh, held the inaugural dinner in Manchester.

CRACKDOWN ON TIME SHARE OPERATORS & HOLIDAY CLUBS

A new report published by Citizens Advice today calls on the government to crack down on rogue traders in the holiday club and timeshare market who find ways round the law to fleece unwary holiday makers. Paradise Lost, based on evidence from over 150 Citizens Advice Bureaux shows that the Timeshare Act 1992 is failing to prevent consumers from being ripped off by holiday clubs or timeshare resale scams.

ASIAN MAN WINS 'NATIONAL WARDEN OF THE YEAR' AWARD

Bashir Ahmed, Manager of Walsall Neighbourhood Wardens, was presented with the National Manager of the Year award by Yvette Cooper MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, on 14th November 2003. The awards recognise the 'outstanding work by Neighbourhood Wardens in enhancing the lives of local communities'.

SANJEEV BHASKAR AWARDED HONORARY DOCTORATE

Sanjeev Bhaskar receives his honorary doctorate.

Comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar, star of The Kumars at Number 42 and Goodness Gracious Me, returned to the University of Hertfordshire to accept a second degree. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Business School in recognition of his outstanding contribution to entertainment.

YOUNG ASIAN GIRL WINS CAB AWARD

Working to get people their rights has won a volunteer from Redbridge CAB a top national award. Kiranjit Kaur Sidhu, has won the Young Volunteer of the Year Award from Citizens Advice. The award was presented by the Princess Royal, Citizen Advice patron, in front of 12,000 delegates from Citizens Advice in England and Wales at its annual conference in York.

MAYOR INVITES ASIAN LONDONERS TO A DEBATE, 29 NOV

The Mayor's London Conference is an opportunity for Black and Asian Londoners to put their views to the Mayor and take part in informed discussion and debate about important issues affecting ethnic minorities in the capital with key policymakers, including politicians, public sector managers and trades unions. Last year's conference attracted over 1,600 Londoners.

BIG SHAKEOUT IN INDIAN OUTSOURCING MARKET PREDICTED

Newcomers to the Indian outsourcing market are utilising aggressive strategies, such as significantly discounting services, to grab a piece of the $400 million market. However, a new report by market analyst Datamonitor, says this is resulting in shrinking margins and questions as to who will survive the shakeout.

SOUTH YORKSHIRE FIRE SERVICE WIN DIVERSITY AWARDS

Members of the South Yorkshire Fire & rescue Services - winners of the 9th British Diversity Awards.

The 9th British Diversity Awards, saw South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Services (SYF&RS) win three awards: as Diversity Champion in the Public Service, Maria Tonks (its diversity manager) was Manager of the Year and finally the ultimate accolade as Diversity Practitioner of the Year.

DIVERSITY IN TOWNS & CITIES IS CRUCIAL

Kashmir Singh of the British Sikh Federation at The Respect Conference. Photograph copyright of Hayley Madden.

The first national 'Respect' conference, organised by Mayor Ken Livingstone at City Hall, brought together public authorities from across the UK to share best practice about celebrating diversity, and combating racism. One aim will be to work alongside community organisations, trade unions and the private and voluntary sectors.

NOMINATE A GEM FOR THE ASIAN JEWEL AWARDS 2004

Khalid Darr, Chairman of the Asian Jewel Awards.

Today sees the beginning of a nationwide search for the high achievers of the British Asian community, as Lloyds TSB and the Institute of Asian Professionals announce the launch of the Asian Jewel Awards 2004. The Awards recognise achievement by Asian people across the UK and will culminate in three awards ceremonies. The Awards are looking for inspirational examples of Asian excellence.

NEW FORUM TO STRENGTHEN ETHNIC VOICE IN THE NHS

Beverly Malone, General Secretayr for The Royal College of Nursing

The NHS Confederation and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) are to launch a new national forum to drive the development of black and minority ethnic (BME) leadership and to provide a stronger voice for BME leaders and managers in the NHS. 7.9% of the UK's population are black or from an ethnic minority, and 8.4% of the NHS's 1.3m staff. However, only 1% of chief executive posts are held by BME staff.

HEWITT ANNOUNCES NEW EQUALITY COMMISSION

A new Equality Commission to fight discrimination and challenge inequality wherever it occurs was announced today by Patricia Hewitt and Lord Falconer. Under the plans, the work of existing equality commissions (CRE, EOC & DRC) will come together to give greater support and more joined-up advice to individuals, businesses & communities to crackdown on discrimination.

CRE TO INVESTIGATE THE POLICE SERVICE

The CRE today announced its intention to launch in investigation into racism in the police service. Speaking at the Metropolitan Black Police Association's AGM, CRE Chair Trevor Phillips said: "Yesterday I went to see the Home Secretary and told him that, as I am empowered to do under the Race Relations Act of 1976, I intend to instigate a formal investigation into the police service across England and Wales."

POLICE FORCE PULLED DOWN BY OFFICERS

BBC1's documentary 'The Secret Policeman' investigated racism in the Police Service.

Five suspended police officers have resigned after a BBC1 documentary 'The Secret Policeman' exposed racism in the ranks. PC Rob Pulling, one of eight officers featured in documentary, who was seen wearing a home-made white Ku Klux Klan hood and threatening to harass an Asian recruit, resigned from North Wales Police yesterday.

CARLTON'S MULTICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2003

Rishi Rich (centre) won the Carlton Multicultural Achievement Award 2003 in the Music category.

Among the winners of this year's Carlton Multicultural Achievement Awards were Asian re-mix genius Rishi Rich and BBC Radio 4 presenter Zubeida Malik. The Awards give recognition and respect to the talented and inspirational young people, aged between 16 and 35, who are shaping modern Britain - the role models of the future.

SO YOU THINK YOU'RE MULTICULTURAL?

A new report 'So You Think You're Multicultural?' provides a unique picture of attitudes to, and experiences of, multiculturalism across Britain. It draws on three pieces of research commissioned by VSO, which reveals that the majority of the UK public are not connecting with other cultures and they don't see that this is a problem.

BRITISH ASIAN GIRL WINS BEACON FELLOWSHIP

Born to Britsh-Pakistani parents, 15-year-old Londoner Sarah Francis has been nominated for the 'Young Philanthropist' of the year award and a Beacon Fellowship for raising over £12,000 for Afghan Refugees. Lord Amir Bhatia has also been nominated in the 'Leadership' category for his role in countering social deprivation and exclusion in the UK.

NAZIA HASSAN FOUNDATION HONOURS ASIANS

Singer Reena Bhardwaj receives an Award from Dr Maleeha Lodhi, High Commissioner of Pakistan.

Muniza and Basir Hassan and Zoheb Hassan, the parents and brother of singing sensation the late Nazia Hassan, officially launched a foundation in memory of the singer who was the pioneer of Pop and Disco music on the Indian sub-continent. Nazia Hassan is best remembered for her hit song 'Aap Jaise Koi'.

'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH' SAY THE NATION'S ETHNIC POLICE

Despite several attempts by the National Black Police Association to put forward resolutions in order to put to an end the fiasco surrounding operation 'Helios' (an investigation into Superintendent Ali Dizaei), the discussions collapsed today. The NBPA are bitterly disappointed that the Metropolitan Police Service has failed to learn any lessons. read more

LABOUR PARTY GUILTY OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

The Labour Party has been found guilty of racial discrimination and victimisation against a former Birmingham City Councillor, the CRE announced today. Raghib Ahsan, a Pakistani Muslim, was Councillor for the Sparkhill ward of Birmingham during the 1990s. The Employment Tribunal in Birmingham has ruled that the Labour Party discriminated against him between 1997 and 2000.

MAYOR TO SUPPORT ETHNIC MINORITY COUNCILLORS

London Mayor Ken Livingstone support Ethnic Minority Councillors.

Mayor Ken Livingstone is to work in partnership with the National Association of Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Councillors (NABAEMC) to improve ethnic minority representation across London Boroughs. The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of race equality developments in service planning and delivery in the capital and encourage ethnic minority councillors to share best practice.

REDHOTCURRY.COM SHORTLISTED FOR BIMA AWARDS 2003

Redhotcurry.com has been shortlisted in the 'Arts & Culture' category for the BIMA (British Interactive Marketing Association) Awards 2003. The annual BIMA Awards received a record number of entries this year and after a full month of judging the Association has just announced the shortlist.

BEST 100 DIVERSITY PRACTITIONERS IDENTIFIED

Ralph Taberer, Chief Executive of the Teacher Training Agency with Elaine Sihera, Managing Director of AnserHouse of Marlow who have devised the Best 100 Diversity Practitioners List.

AnSer House of Marlow UK, a leading authority on HR diversity practice, has launched the UK's 100 BEST DIVERSITY PRACTITIONERS league table. South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service leads the way, with only ONE commercial organisation (BT plc) in the top 10. Currently based on entry and success in the annual BRITISH DIVERSITY AWARDS, the new list is designed to emphasise the importance of effective diversity management.

MAJOR NEW SCHEME TO HELP ETHNIC MINORITIES INTO LAW

Chief Executive of the Law Society, Janet Paraskeva.

Law firms are being asked to support the Law Society's Diversity Access Scheme aimed at benefiting students currently deterred from qualifying as a solicitor. The initiative will provide work placements for undergraduates, mentoring for legal practice course students and scholarships to pay the fees of people taking legal qualification courses.

ICAN FOUNDATION LAUNCHES ITS OWN 'FAME ACADEMY'

Deborah & Bertie Headley of The Ican Foundation.

Last night, Deborah and Bertie Headley's dream become a reality with the launch of the Ican Foundation. Recent Fame Academy stars Paris, Audley and Barry were on hand to offer their support to the new charity. The launch was attended by a host of industry figures who joined the stars to celebrate The Ican Foundation's vision.

"UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE" IN INDIA PROVES A WINNER!

University Challenge India. as hosted by Siddhartha Basu, proves to be a winner!

An Indian version of the BBC TV quiz University Challenge which launched on August 7th 2003 has proved a major winner with its online promotion receiving over 2 million responses. University Challenge India will run on BBC World for twenty-eight weeks from 7 August, during which time a new series of the UK version of the show - presented as usual by Jeremy Paxman - will be broadcast in the UK on BBC2.

OPERATION HINDU VOTE

Tony Mcnulty, Minister for Transport and MP for Harrow East.

Huddled together in a cold hall in Harrow, several hundred Hindus were last night celebrating the launch of 'Operation Hindu Vote'. The initiative is designed to unify and strengthen the political lobbying power of this hitherto passive religious group.

ASIAN YOUTH CONFERENCE DEBATES MONEY, DRUGS & SEX!

Rakesh Lakhani of AugustOne Communications at the Asian Youth Conference 2003.

Money, drugs & sex were the three topics hotly debated at the second Asian Youth Conference, organised by Asian Voice newspaper, that took place on Saturday 20th September 2003 at the House of Commons. More than a hundred representatives from Asian youth groups, business and the community gathered to debate issues like the funding of higher education, drugs in the Asian community and the issue of Asian female role models.

FOOTBALL FOR ALL?

The Football Association is supporting the 'Connecting Communities' conference to be held at Arsenal's Highbury Stadium on October 28th. It will focus on how black and ethnic minorities can break through football's glass ceiling. read more

"LIFE'S A PITCH!", IPA TELLS ASIAN STUDENTS

Ethnic minorities in the UK are under-represented in the advertising industry states a new IPA report. With only 4% of the industry workforce from ethnic minority backgrounds - and of those more than two thirds are in IT and Finance - the online report contains new research into issues of representation and perceived barriers to entry, as well as providing employment guidelines.

BRITISH AD AGENCIES WAKE UP TO ETHNIC MINORITIES

IPA launches online guide to ethnic diversity in the UK.

The Institute of Practitioners (IPA) has today launched an online guide to ethnic diversity in the UK. Its new report highlights the shortcomings of the British Advertising industry in which ethnic minorities make up only 4% of the workforce.

TUC LAUNCHES ANTI-RACISM STRATEGY

'Tackling Racism' report produced by the Trades Union Congress (TUC)

The Northern arm of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) today published a new guide that will equip trade unionists and local communities with information and advice on how to challenge racism in the workplace and within broader society. Launched to coincide with a TUC anti-racism training day on 20 September 2003, the toolkit tackles some of the myths that exist about immigration and asylum seekers.

POLITICIANS TO ADDRESS 'ABSOLUTELY EQUAL' QUESTION

Five leading equality organisations are to host 'Absolutely Equal' at this year's Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative party conferences. Supported by Barclays, the events are a collaboration between the CRE, the Disability Rights Commission, the Equal Opportunities Commission, Equal Rights on Age and Stonewall. read more

REDHOTCURRY.COM SHORTLISTED FOR AOP AWARDS 2003

Redhotcurry.com has been shortlisted for the AOP (Association of Online Publishers) Awards 2003. Considered by many as the "Oscars" of digital publishing, other shortlisted nominees in the same category include the BBC and FT, Thisismoney.co.uk and Emap sites Aloud.com & FHM.com.

BOLLYWOOD GOSSIP MAG 'CINEBLITZ' IS RELAUNCHED

Dr Vijay Mallya (left) has relaunched his Bollywood celebrity gossip magazine 'Cineblitz'.

India's leading Bollywood celebrity gossip magazine 'Cineblitz', owned by Indian brewing tycoon Vijay Mallya, was relaunched at a star-studded event on Tuesday 9th September. Stars of the silver screen from both the world's largest film industry, Bollywood and the Brit-Asian scene in the UK flocked to the venue to celebrate its comeback.

UK ASIAN RUGBY INITIATIVE: NEXT STOP INDIA!

Four members of the pioneering Bradford-based South Asian Bulls rugby team are off to India on 21st September to participate in the All-India Games rugby union event. Selectors there will have an eye on choosing the team to represent India in the All-Asia Games to be held in Hong Kong in November 2004. The South Asia Bulls, a unique rugby league squad comprising players from the different South Asian communities across the UK, was the brainchild of former England rugby league international Ikram Butt.

PAKISTAN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT FUND-RAISER

Salahuddin Choudhry, Pakistan Consul General in Manchester

Friday 5th September saw over 600 of the leading lights of the Pakistani communities in the North West of England attend a high-profile cultural dinner at Manchester's New Century Hall to raise funds for the Pakistan Human Development Fund. The fund aims to improve education, healthcare, income generation and resource mobilization in Pakistan.

LONDONERS URGED TO ADOPT ASIAN RECYCLING ATTITUDES

One of the Advertising Campaign images for the 'Recycle for London' campaign.

The Greater London Authority has launched 'Recycle for London', a new initiative to encourage Londoner's to take action and start recycling everything they possibly can. The London Recycling Fund, set up by the Mayor, the Asso