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 Association of London Government and London Waste Action are distributing a total of £24.9 million to London boroughs specifically for recycling projects.

CHARITIES NEED TO TARGET ETHNIC MINORITIES

'Help The Aged ' strengthened ties with India with the appointment of Deepa Patel as the charity's International Development Director.

Charities are missing out on fundraising opportunities because they are not effectively targeting ethnic minority communities, according to a report entitled "Reaching Multi-cultural Britain" commissioned by the London Development Agency (LDA). The report, by Milestone Research, surveyed some of the UK's leading charities.

"TIME FOR CHANGE IN BURNLEY" INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

Time for Change initiative launched in Burnley.

The GMB Trade Union officially launched it's "Time For Change in Burnley" initiative at the Union's Burnley office today. Gary Jones, the Regional Secretary of GMB Lancashire, said "We call upon all those in Burnley who want to see improved opportunities for all our families to support our campaign. We need to be working together."

ASIAN JEWEL AWARDS 2003

More than a thousand guests - a veritable Who's Who of Asian "movers and shakers" from London and the South East - attended the Southern Region presentation of the Asian Jewel Awards 2003. The awards recognise and celebrate the endeavours and achievements of individuals from the UK Asian community in various walks of life. Winners included well-known personalities like Sir G K Noon, Sir Anwar Pervez, James Caan, Baroness Shreela Flather, and Parminder Vir OBE.

SARDAR PATEL UNIVERSITY APPEALS TO INDIANS

Sardar Patel, one of the founding fathers of modern India, is to be commemorated by the Sardar Patel University Golden Jubilee Endowment Fund in 2005. The University has today launched an appeal for donations to the fund.

Sardar Patel, one of the founding fathers of modern India, is to be commemorated by Gujarat's foremost University, the eponymous Sardar Patel University, which today launched its Golden Jubilee Endowment Fund appeal. To celebrate fifty years since its inception the University is hoping to raising a corpus fund of five million pounds as part of the celebrations of the forthcoming Golden Jubilee in year 2005.

ASIANS URGED TO NOMINATE FOR £20,000 BEACON AWARD

Emily Stonor, CEO and Ram Gidoomal of the South Asian Development Partnership urge Asians to nominate for the £20,000 Beacon Award 2003.

The South Asian Development Partnership (SADP) has lent its support to Beacon, a new national scheme that aims to raise the profile of giving and philanthropy in the UK. SADP is keen to ensure that ethnic minority communities take part in nominating worthy recipients for the Beacon Prize 2003 that awards the winner £20,000 to be given a charity/charities of their choice.

CRE REPORTS ON THE MURDER OF ASIAN, ZAHID MUBAREK

As drawn out for the police – Robert Stewart’s copy of what he scrawled on a cell wall after the murder.

The Commission for Racial Equality has published today a report of the findings of a formal investigation into the circumstances of the murder of Zahid Mubarek in Feltham Young Offenders Institute in March 2000. The issue of racism in prisons was tragically highlighted by the death of Zahid Mubarek at the hands of his racist cellmate, Robert Stewart. "I am convinced that had Zahid been white, he would not have died." sadi CRE chair, Trevor Phillips.

PETER MANDELSON SOLIDIFIES UK LINKS WITH INDIA

The Rt. Hon Peter Mandelson MP this week showed the Labour Party's firm and unwavering support for India and the continuation of strong economic links with the country in the annual Clement Attlee Lecture & Banquet, organised by the Labour Friends of India. Mr Mandelson, reiterated his party's committment to the secure and long standing future of Indo-British relations. read more

ONLY WHITES IN SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE JOBS

Five government departments have no senior ethnic minority staff according to the latest figures available from the Cabinet Office the CRE revealed today. "The good news is most departments are making progress in building up a representative workforce but the upper echelons of the civil service remain out of reach for most ethnic minority civil servants," CRE Chair Trevor Phillips said. read more

EU FAILS ETHNIC MINORTIES

Claude Moraes UK Labour MEP launched new research that shows that 12 of the 15 EU Member States have yet to implement the EU Race Equality Directive adequately.

Groundbreaking new Race laws are due to come into force across Europe on July 19th 2003. But as the deadline approaches, new research from European Network Against Racism - the Brussels based umbrella group for Europe's leading anti-racism groups - has revealed a systematic failure by Member States to implement the EU Race Equality Directive. At least 12 of the 15 EU Member States will fail to meet the deadline.

ASIAN PORTAL SCOOPS WINDRUSH INTERNET AWARD 2003

Lopa Patel, Editor of Redhotcurry.com receives the Windrush Achievement Award 2003 for being an Internet & Technology Innovator from Kofi Kusitor or Sponsor, Black Britain Online

Redhotcurry.com, a lifestyle portal for UK Asians developed by Mrs Lopa Patel, was voted the Outstanding Champion for the Internet & Technology section at this year's Windrush Achievement Awards 2003. Well-known campaigner Doreen Lawrence and broadcaster George Alagiah were voted popular Windrush Fellows, with Rageh Omaar voted Newsmaker of the Year.

UK'S FTSE COMPANIES FAIL ETHNIC MINORITIES

Ram Gidoomal, the only Asian candidate in the London Mayoral race, intends to haul-in the heads of top FTSE companies into City Hall to discuss their failure to promote ethnic minority business figures onto their boards.

The only Asian candidate in the race for London Mayor, Ram Gidoomal, says he will haul-in the heads of top FTSE companies into City Hall to discuss their failure to promote ethnic minority business figures onto their boards. According to Mr Gidoomal, business and commerce have failed to rise to the challenge of racial inclusion by self-regulation.

CRE SUPPORTS RURAL RACE EQUALITY SCHEMES

CRE Chair Trevor Phillips supports rural race equality schemes.

The Commission for Racial Equality today announced its decision to support race equality work in rural areas – such as North Wales and Scotland - and to build partnerships across Britain in places which have experienced heightened community disturbances such as Burnley, that is covered by the East Lancashire Together project.

CRE ASKS BRENT COUNCIL TO ACT ON RACIAL INEQUALITIES

Chair of Brent's Liberal Democrat party, Chunilal Chavda.

The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) is encouraging Brent Council - serving the second most diverse population in Britain, in an ethnic majority constituency- to review its race equality scheme, following a damning internal report which the Council itself comissioned. The Local Liberal Democrats claim the Labour-run Council suppressed the report to stop its findings coming to light.

GURINDER CHADHA WINS TOP PRIZE AT AWA AWARDS 2003

Asian Women of Achievement Awards 2003 winners.

Director of hit film 'Bend it Like Beckham', Gurinder Chadha, was honoured on Thursday 8th May 2003 when she was awarded the Chairman's Award at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards. In the presence of patrons Cherie Booth QC and Her Highness Begum Inaara Aga Khan, Ministers Patricia Hewitt and Tessa Jowell, MP Teresa May, and a veritable "Who's Who" of the Asian world, the Awards ceremony recognised eight winners.

EMMA AWARDS 2003 LAUNCH PARTY

If the launch party is anything to go by, then this year's EMMA Awards ceremony will have more stars than seats. Last Friday's launch brought together stars like Patti Boulaye, members of the band 'Blue', along with nominees Lennie James (Buried), Diane Parrish (Baby Father), the cast of Tanika Gupta's Fragile Land including Christopher Simpson who also performed the double role in the TV adaptation of Zadie Smith's 'White Teeth'.

GANGSTERS FOR LIFE?

It is now nearly two years since the outbreak of unrest that scarred the towns across the midlands and north of England throughout the spring and summer of 2001. Two years on, the protests seem to have achieved little. The young men at the heart of the storm remain now, as then, curiously elusive figures, their voices unheard and their needs unmet.

BNP VOTERS MISTAKEN SAYS TREVOR PHILLIPS CRE CHAIR

Following yesterday's local elections, in a statement to the press today, Trevor Phillips CRE Chair said that BNP voters were mistaken in their choice. He went on to state that the BNP have won more seats but this has largely been localised in places such as Burnley. In areas where they made the biggest push such as Sunderland and Oldham they did not make any headway showing that there is very little appetite amongst the electorate for racism and division.

'TOTALLY LONDON' SOHO STREET PARTY

Ken Livginstone (right) at the launch of the 'Totally London' campaign earlier this month.

This weekend sees the culmination of Ken Livingstone's hugely successful month-long 'Totally London' campaign with 'A Taste of Soho', a two day family street festival that takes place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th in some of Soho's most popular streets.

KEN LIVINGSTONE LOVES CURRY

London Mayor, Ken Livingstone helps himself to a double helping of curry at the launch of the 'Totally London - Totally Banglatown' campaign today. The promotion offering discounts at major Brick Lane curry houses runs from 17 May to 15 June 2003.

The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone was photographed tucking into a curry at the launch of 'Totally London - Totally Banglatown' today as part of the biggest restaurant promotion the capital has ever seen. Over thirty of Brick Lane's Banglatown restaurants have pledged their support for the £3.8 million campaign.

DYNAMIC ASIAN WOMEN'S NETWORK LAUNCHES IN THE UK

Parminder Vir, Cultural Diversity Director at Carlton Television helps to found the Dynamic Asian Women's Network (DAWN) in the UK.

Three dynamic Asian women, Manisha Dahad, Vimmi Singh and Parminder Vir, OBE, have co-founded a new Dynamic Asian Women's Network (DAWN). Passionate about freeing, connecting and transforming the potential of Asian women around the world, the first DAWN Evening is to take place on June 4th at The Cinnamon Club in London. The event is open to men and women supporting the forum.

WINDRUSH AWARDS 2003 - TEACHER NOMINATIONS SOUGHT.

Yasmin Valli, winner of the Windrush Education Award 2002.

The search for two inspirational figures who have increased the participation of minority ethnic people in education begins this week as nominations are sought for two 2003 Windrush Education Champion Awards. Pictured here is Yasmin Valli, Senior Lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University, who won one of the awards last year.

LAUNCH OF 'ASIANS IN MEDIA' NETWORKING GROUP

Sunny Hundal co-founder of 'Asians in Media'

A newly formed group called 'Asians in Media' hopes to redress the imbalance in representation of ethnic minorities in mainstream British media. The group founded by Sunny Hundal and Komal Trivedi, has enlisted the support of prominent media professionals including Yasmin Alibhai-Brown (The Telegraph), Alpesh Patel best-selling business author and columnist for Financial Times and Manisha Tank presenter at the BBC.

CURRY ENTREPRENEUR HELPS CANCER CHARITY

Nighat Awan, owner of Shere Khan, took at the helm at Cancerbacup today as part of a job swap with the cancer charity's Chief Executive Joanne Rule.

Nighat Awan, the legendary owner of Shere Khan, one of Manchester's most successful chain of Indian restaurants, got a taste of life at a cancer charity today when she took part in a job swap with CancerBACUP's Chief Executive Joanne Rule. While Rule headed up north to supervise Shere Khan's six chic Manchester restaurants, Awan came south to take the helm at CancerBacup.

MS DYNAMITE WINS TOP RIMA AWARD 2003

Ms Dynamite was named Media Personality of the Year at the Commission for Racial Equality's RIMA Awards 2003.

Ms Dynamite was named Media Personality of the Year at the Commission for Racial Equality’s 11th annual Race in the Media Awards today. Receiving her award, the outspoken urban artist, aka Niomi McLean-Daley said: “I'm really happy that I’ve won this award. It means a lot that people are noticing that I'm fighting for something positive through my music.”

ARDI KOLAH SCOOPS TOP SPONSORSHIP AWARD

London-based sponsorship, pr and marketing consultant Ardi Kolah was awarded the prestigious 2003 Hollis Sponsorship Award' for his work on the British Independent Film Awards which took place in October 2002. The BIFAs was founded by Raindance in 1998 to pay tribute to achievement and promote British talent and filmmaking. Last year the BIFAs were sponsored by Park Caledonia.

'HELP THE AGED' STRENGTHENS TIES WITH INDIA

'Help the Aged' is bringing impetus to its work with British Asians and its international development in India with the appointment of Deepa Patel as International Development Manager. Deepa's role includes working with older people in Indian communities in the UK to ensure greater take up of its services. read more

BRITAIN'S RICHEST ASIANS 2003

Sir Anwar Pervez, owner of Bestway Cash & Carry is listed at Number 7 in the Asian Xpress Rich List 2003.

The Asian Xpress Rich List, lists the top ten as steel baron Lakshmi Mittal, Mike Jatania, Vijay & Bhikhu Patel, Jasminder Singh, Tom Singh, Anil Chandaria, cash & carry wholesaler Sir Awar Pervez, electronics manufactuer Gulu Lalvani, pharmaceuticals importers Bharat & Ketan Mehta and pharmceuticals manufactuers Navin & Varsha Engineer.

NICKY GAVRON MEETS KARACHI DEPUTY MAYOR AT CITY HALL

London’s Deputy Mayor, Nicky Gavron met with Mr Muhammad Tariq Hassan, Deputy Mayor of Karachi, as part of his fact-finding tour of the capital. Nicky Gavron, said: ‘Britain has strong and close relations with Pakistan, so we are delighted Deputy Mayor Hassan has found the time to visit City Hall. read more

ETHNIC MARKETING: 'A DOUBE EDGED SWORD?'

A new report, published today by Mediaedge:cia, the media communications company, highlights the attitudes of minority ethnic groups to mass media and marketing communications, examining the implications of these for marketers.

ASIF KAPADIA WINS TWO BAFTA AWARDS 2002

Asif Kapadia, writer and director of 'The Warrior' wins two BAFTA Awards.

Asif Kapadia, writer and director of 'The Warrior' picked up two BAFTA Awards at this year's ceremony. The Warrior won in the BAFTA categories 'The Alexander Korda Award for the Outstanding British Film of the Year' and 'The Carl Foreman Award for Special Achievement' by a British Director, Screenwriter or Producer in their First Feature Film.

ASIANS MISSING OUT ON LOTTERY FUNDING

Asia Heritage Alive 2003 - an initiative by the Heritage Lottery Fund to boost grant applications from London-based Asian community groups.

The Heritage Lottery Fund today voiced concerns that Asian communities across London are missing out on lottery funding. At the Asia Heritage Alive 2003 event, held in London last night, Clara Arokiasamy, Heritage Lottery Fund's Deputy Director of Operations said 'we are concerned that we have not had sufficient applications from the Asian communities in London."

MAYOR FOCUSES ON ASIAN CREATIVE TALENT

Cover photo of 'Play it Right - Asian Creative Industries in London', a new report published by the Mayor of London.

The Asian contribution to London's creative industries is a huge potential asset that is ripe for future growth, according to a new report published by Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone entitled 'Play it Right - Asian Creative Industries in London'.

SENTENCES REDUCED FOR BRADFORD RIOTERS

Campaigners for 'Fair Justice For All' demand proprotionate sentencing for the Bradford Rioters

In what has effectively become a test case for the sentencing of hundreds of Asians charged with participating in the Bradford riot of July 2001, the Court of Appeal has ruled that four individuals were given excessive sentences but a further eleven did deserve terms of between four and six-and-a-half years.

BNP VICTORY DUE TO FRENZY OVER ASYLUM SAYS CRE

Beverley Barnard, Acting Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality.

Commenting on yesterday's council by-election in Calderdale, Halifax the CRE said Britain is facing the threat of a focused BNP, which is successfully trading on the current frenzied public debate around immigration, refugees and asylum seekers. "Political victory for the racists is a terrible price to pay," Beverley Bernard, Acting Chair of the Commission said.

BNP WIN FIFTH COUNCIL SEAT

The British National Party (BNP) won another council seat yesterday, gaining 679 votes in the Mixenden ward of Halifax, West Yorkshire. The far-Right party managed to gain 29 per cent of the votes cast. Their candidate, Adrian Marsden, 42, overturned the Labour majority in an election which had a turnout of 37 per cent - considered high for a district council election.

TREVOR PHILLIPS ANNOUNCED AS CRE CHAIR

Trevors Phillips announced as new Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality

Trevor Phillips is to be the new chair of the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, announced today. The CRE is the statutory body working to promote equality of opportunity and the elimination of race discrimination within Britain. Mr Phillips will lead the CRE for the next four years, as it continues to meet the challenge of race equality, while strengthening its internal organisation.

RECORD NUMBER OF ETHNIC STAFF AT HOME OFFICE

Record Number of Ethnic staf at Home Office says Home Office Minister, David Blunkett

Nearly one in three Home Office staff in London and Croydon is from an ethnic minority background, the Home Secretary David Blunkett announced today. In the keynote address, Mr Blunkett announced the publication of the performance figures for the Home Office and the prison, police and probation services against the Home Secretary's race employment targets.

KARAN BILIMORIA IS THE 'ASIAN OF THE YEAR 2002'

Karan Bilimoria, founder and Chief Executive of Cobra Beer, has been named Asian of The Year 2002.

Karan Bilimoria DL, founder and Chief executive of Cobra Beer has been named Asian of the Year 2002. The award coincides with the 15th edition of the Asian Who's Who. Home Secretary, David Blunkett, MP and Gurdip Singh Gurjal CBE, presented the award to Karan.

MEERA SYAL PICKS UP WOMEN IN FILM & TV AWARD

Meera Syal picks up the Deluxe London Award for creative originality at the Women in Film & TV Awards 2002.

Meera Syal picked up the Deluxe London Award for creative originality at the Women in Film & TV Awards (WFTV) 2002. Ms Syal is currently enjoying box office success with Anita & Me, the adaptation of her best selling novel of the same name. WFTV also revealed nine other winners of its coveted annual awards in a ceremony at London's Hilton Hotel.

ASIANS DO MIX, SAY INDEPENDENT RESEARCHERS

The idea that Asians 'self-segregate' has been challenged by researchers investigating housing in Leeds and Bradford. Since the riots in Oldham, Burnley, Leeds and Bradford, during the summer of 2001, a number of reports and commentators have promoted the notion of Asian 'self-segregation'. What began as a racial myth - 'Asians don't mix' - became established as the dominant explanation for the violence.

HINDUS UNITE IN THE METROPOLITAN POLICE

Commander Cressida Dick and Mahesh Nandha, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association

Hindus within London's Metropolitan Police Service have united to form the first Association of its kind for acting officers within the force. At the inaugural ceremony Commander Cressida Dick reiterated the group's importance in the force's recruitment drive among ethnic minorities.

PRIME MINISTER CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF MOTABILITY

Nigel Singh from Wood Green accepted the keys to his new Motability Scheme Ford Fiesta from the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, MP, at Downing Street today. The vehicle handover celebrated the start of Motability's Silver Jubilee. Since inception 1.5 million vehicles have been supplied to disabled people across the UK, providing personal independence and increased mobility. read more

GURBUX SINGH, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE CRE, REPENTS.

In his first interview since resigning as Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, Gurbux Singh, told the BBC Asian Network that his behaviour at Lords Cricket Ground, which led to his resignation in August this year, was "unacceptable". He told presenter Sonia Deol: "I'm not going to go into a debate that blames other people, the fact is that I behaved inappropriately. read more

BRITISH DIVERSITY AWARDS 2002

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service won the Gold Standard at the British Diversity Awards 2002, at a ceremony held in London on 22nd November 2002. The main aim of the British Diversity Awards is to publicly recognise and reward organisations and/or individuals for demonstrating a greater degree of commitment to realising the ideal of genuine equality, for everyone, as well as appreciating the benefits of diversity within their community.

FORCED MARRIAGES ACTION PLAN FORGES AHEAD

Baroness Amos launches report into the Community Perceptions of Forced Marriage.

Another step towards tackling the issue of forced marriage is taken today, 12 November, with the launch of a key research paper, commissioned by the Foreign Office, which investigates perceptions of forced marriage within the Bengali community in Tower Hamlets and the Pakistani community in Bradford. The research paper was undertaken by academics from the Universities of Roehampton and Bradford.

MULTICULTURAL BROADCASTING - CONCEPT OR REALITY?

Navin Chowdhry from hit Channel 4 series 'Teachers' and Bindiya Solanki from BBC soap 'EastEnders'.

Audiences from the minority ethnic communities are calling for more realistic representation on television and radio, to ensure that they are seen as part of mainstream society according to the new research published today. Programmes such as Goodness Gracious Me and Ali G were considered to be moving in the right direction, but participants also wanted to see more representation in news and documentaries.

HATE CRIME CAMPAIGN URGES PUBLIC TO SPEAK OUT

Hate Crime Campaign poster urges public to speak out

"Help us cut out hate crime" is the message being issued by the Metropolitan Police Service in a new advertising campaign. The campaign urges victims of hate crime or those who have information about it to come forward. Hate crime refers to abuse of people because of their race, faith, religion, or disability, or because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transsexual.

BBC ASIAN NETWORK CREATES A NEW DIGITAL DIVIDE

Sonia Deol presenter of the morning programme on the digital channel BBC Asian Network

Launched with much fanfare on October 28th was the BBC's latest digital channel - BBC Asian Network. The new digital channel boasts a morning a programme presented from London by the vivacious Sonia Deol. But does the new channel fulfil a growing requirement or does it create a new digital divide among British Asians?

CARLTON'S MULTICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The youth shaping modern Britain were recognised for their talents at CARLTON'S MULTICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS on Tuesday 22nd October. Asian winners included Asif Kapadia, Indhu Rubasingham, Dr Bela Arora and Mohammed Amran with special recognition for Sir Gulam Noon. June Sarpong hosted the awards, which saw established faces from entertainment to business join to celebrate the role models of the future.

PARTY'S OVER FOR INDIAN TECH WORKERS

Indian IT workerers came under pressure by Migrationwatch UK which wants to see a lowering in the number of work permits issued.

The issuing of work permits for Indian IT workers came under pressure when Migrationwatch UK published a report questioning the government's decision to raise the number of work permits issued to a record level of 175,000 next year compared to 30,000 per year in the early 90s. IT had also been delisted from a being "shortage occupation".

INNOVATORS IMMIGRATION SCHEME EXTENDED

A successful pilot scheme which has brought more than 100 high-tech business top flyers to the UK is to be extended, the Home Office announced today. The Innovators Scheme is to be extended indefinitely after a two-year pilot in which 112 of the most talented people in the world have come to Britain to set up high tech businesses in areas such as e-commerce, electronic share dealing and music industry technology.

EUROPE'S FIRST ASIAN FOOTBALL FESTIVAL

Liverpool hosts the first nationwide ethnic football tournament this weekend with a grand send off from local legends John Barnes and Howard Gayle. Sixty teams are taking part in the all day AsiaEurope Football Festival on Sunday and each team will have the opportunity to benefit from free coaching.

CARLTON AWARDS 2003 - CALL FOR ENTRIES

June Sarpong of T4 at London's Respect Festival launching the Carlton Multicultural Achievement Awards 2003.

June Sarpong was at London's Respect Festival this weekend to unveil CARLTON'S MULTICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS for 2003. The T4 presenter will once again host the star-studded annual event, to be held on 21 October 2003. Now in their third year, the awards were established by Carlton to celebrate diversity.

A R RAHMAN SAVOURS BRUMMIE CULTURE

Indian musical genius A R Rahman is to support Birmingham in its bid to be European Cultural Capital 2008.

A R Rahman, the biggest name in the Indian music industry visited Birmingham on Thursday 10 April to announce details of a collaboration with one of the city's world-famous arts companies. This major 'East meets West' programme will emphasise Birmingham's rich diversity, making it a favourite for the European cultural crown in 2008.

COMPETITION HEATS UP" FOR AWA AWARDS 2003

Competition for the 4th Asian Women of Achievement Awards heats up as leading Asian women like director Gurinder Chadha ('Bend it Like Beckham'), playwright Tanika Gupta and dance tutor Honey Kalaria "slug it out" with a range of female talent from the commercial, professional, artistic and humanitarian sectors. "Asian women in Britain are making profound and lasting contributions to our society", said Cherie Booth QC.

ASIANS MUST VOTE ON MAY 1st

Karamjit Singh, Electoral Commissioner today urged the UK's Asian Communities to vote in the local elections on May 1st 2003.

Karamjit Singh, Electoral Commissioner today urged the UK's Asian Communities to vote in the Local Elections to be held on May 1st 2003. 'We are working to encourage more people from black and ethnic communities to vote on 1 May. But, it is clear from our research that politicians also need to do more to address the issues affecting black and Asian people in Britain," he said.

EMMA AWARDS 2003 - CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Sanjeev Bhaskar was one of the few Asians to pick up an award for his show 'The Kumars at No 42'

Nominations are being invited for talented individuals worthy of a NATWEST EMMA Award. (Ethnic Multicultural Media Academy) This prestigious awards ceremony, which will take place this year on 30th May, celebrates outstanding contributions and achievement from diverse ethnic/multicultural talent in television, music, film, journalism, theatre, literature and comedy as well as public figure accomplishments.

AWA 2003 - LAST CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

The Asian Women of Achievement Awards 2003 have announced the last call for nominations as the 28th February closing date approaches. Now in their fourth year, the Awards are widely regarded as the most prestigious and high-profile of their kind. Last year's winners included Geetie Singh of Singh Boulton - a chain of organic gastro pubs (Entrepreneur Category).

SHABANA AZMI TO SPEAK AT CAPITALWOMAN - 8 MAR

Internationally renowned Asian film director, Actress and MP Shabana Azmi is to speak at capitalwoman 2003, Mayor Ken Livingstone announced today. Capitalwoman this year coincides with International Women's Day on Saturday 8 March.

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