Greetings Curry Lovers!

As this is yet another bumper addition of the latest news, reviews and events on the British Asian scene, I'll keep the "baat chit" down to a minimum and let you read on....

HONEY KALARIA AWARDED A DOCTORATE	CAB WELCOMES NEW EQUALITY COMISSION
The UK's Bollywood Ambassador, Honey Kalaria, was awarded a Doctorate of Arts from The University of East London on Wednesday 24 November. She was presented with her Honorary Doctorate of Arts by Chancellor of UEL, Lord Rix. read more	Citizens Advice has welcomed the establishment of the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR). The charity believes the new commission will provide a major opportunity to tackle discrimination in the UK. read more
A BETTER LIFE FOR THE DISADVANTAGED	ATTACKS ON BANGLADESHI HINDUS
A new project to improve the life chances of disadvantaged adults - including some ethnic minority groups - was launched today by Jeff Rooker, Social Exclusion Minister. read more	The Hindu Forum of Britain has asked British MPs to condemn the attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus during the recent holy festival of Durga Puja. The attacks took the form of demolition of Hindu temples, destruction of deities, arson & attacks worshippers. read more
VANISHING HERDS BALL RAISES £25K	WREATH LAYING FOR ARMY VOLUNTEERS
Virginia McKenna was the guest of honour at the Vanishing Herds Foundation (VHF) Charity Ball held on 13 November in London. The ball raised over £25,000 for Indian wildlife. read more	The Memorial Gates Committee held its second annual wreath laying ceremony on 12 November 2004 at the Memorial Gates. The ceremony paid tribute to the five million men and women from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh who volunteered to serve with the Armed Forces of Britain. read more
COUNCILLOR SHADOWING SCHEME	BARNARDO'S WINS DIVERSITY AWARD 2004
Operation Black Vote in partnership with Bristol City Council launched the country's first Councillor Shadowing Scheme. The aim is to ensure that Bristol has more minority ethnic councillors. read more	Children's Charity Barnardo's picked up the Fellowship Award at the British Diversity Awards on Friday 22 October 2004. Errol John and Bhaggie Patel received the award. read more

There are now only 5 places left at the London Chamber of Commerce's Trade Mission to India, so if you are interested in Banking and Financial Services industry then it is advisable to book now.

TRADE MISSION TO INDIA, 21 - 25 FEB	LONDON BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR
The London Chamber of Commerce and UK Trade and Investment is organising a Trade Mission to the prestigious Gartner BFSI Summit in Mumbai on 24 February 2005. read more	The London Business Awards has recognised Karan Bilimoria CBE, DL, Founder and Chief Executive of Cobra Beer, as Business Person of the Year 2004. Bilimoria was awarded “Business Person of the Year” with 60% of votes. read more

Last week saw the launch of a new School for Asian Performing Arts (SAPA) in Birmingham. Dedicated to providing skills for those wishing to enter the 'Bollywood' film industry, we hope to bring you more from SAPA in the coming months. Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company has also announced its Spring Tour of 'Flicker' featuring music by Michael Nyman.

SCHOOL OF ASIAN PERFORMING ARTS	'FLICKER' TOUR, 22 JAN - 26 MARCH 2005
The Rt. Hon. Estelle Morris MP, Minister for Culture launched the new Birmingham School of Asian Performing Arts (SAPA) on Friday 19 November 2004. read more	Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company's new work 'Flicker' features specially commissioned digital visuals and music by iconic British composer Michael Nyman. The Spring Tour runs from 22 January until 26 March 2005. read more

A round-up of current and future exhibitions includes the 'From Jawans to Generals' show in Coventry and Matthew Krishanu's 'Roots & Branches' showing until 8 Jan in the West Midlands. An illustrated talk by Asian Photographer Roy Mehta in Manchester and a totally new show celebrating Bhangra music - 'Soho Road to The Punjab' planned for February 2005. And....you've guessed it....it's in Birmingham. If you are a London-based Gallery owner or Curator, may I suggest trying to get some of these exhibitions down to your venue soon.

FROM JAWANS TO GENERALS	ROOTS & BRANCHES, 29 NOV - 8 JAN
'From Jawans to Generals' is a small touring exhibition exploring the vital role played by Sikh troops in the British Army, especially during the two World Wars. The exhibition runs from 30 October - 9 January 2005 in Coventry. read more	Roots & Branches, an exhibition of paintings by Matthew Krishanu, runs at the Wednesbury Museum & Art Gallery from 29 November - 8 January 2005. The work is inspired by the ancient cave paintings at Ajanta and Ellora. read more
TALK BY ROY MEHTA, 3 DECEMBER 2004	SOHO ROAD TO THE PUNJAB, FEBRUARY 2005
One of London's most sought-after photographers, Roy Mehta will be giving an illustrated talk at the Chinese Arts Centre in Manchester on 3 December 2004. read more	A new exhibition, 'From Soho Road to The Punjab' charts the rise and contribution of Bhangra music and culture in the West Midlands. The exhibition exposes Bhangra's cultural relevance and the unsung heroes. read more

One of the pioneers of the Bhangra music scene, Kuljit Bhamra, has released a chill-out, collaborative CD entitled 'Burning at Melting Pot'. 'Asian Beats Bazaar' compiled by Trickbaby should be on your Christmas gift list and it is worth listening out on the radio for 'Cheti Kar' by Ajay. Also currently taking place in Lambeth (London) is a unique festival celebrating the poet and baul singer from Sylhet, Durbin Shah.

'BURNING AT MELTING POINT'	ASIAN BEATS BAZAAR, OUT NOW
All nineteen tracks on "Burning At Melting Point" are collaborative performances with well-known Western Music artistes who have touched maestro Kuljit Bhamra's life. read more	Compiled by Trickbaby and DJ Parm Panesar, Asian Beats Bazaar is a select choice of tracks combining the glamour and "bling" of Urban and Hip-Hop beats with a unique Asian flavour. read more
'CHETI KAR' BY AJAY	FESTIVAL OF DURBIN SHAH, 21 NOV - 5 DEC
Scion Records proudly presents 'Cheti Kar' a hot new track written and produced by upcoming solo artist Ajay, whose music is an infectious melting pot of Bhangra & Urban. read more	A two-week programme of events will take place from the 21 November - 5 December with a focus on Durbin Shah, a poet & singer from Sylhet. read more

I hope that you all had a great Diwali. A quick reccy through Diwali events in the last couple of weeks has shown that at least 20,000 of you attended the free London Diwali event in Trafalgar Square. Green Street celebrated with a 'Runga Rung' procession and Big-Four firm, KPMG, hosted a private celebration of Diwali at the Cinnamon Club.

RUNGA RUNG'S A LIGHT FANTASTIC	PARLIAMENTARIANS CELEBRATE DIWALI
Green Street, Upton Park, was once again aglow with hundreds of candle-lit lanterns as Newham Council staged the 12th annual Runga Rung: 'Lighting the Way' procession on Friday (19 November). read more	The Home Secretary David Blunkett lit the Diwali lamp at the House of Commons on 10th November to thunderous applause at a reception co-hosted by the Hindu Forum of Britain. read more
20,000 LONDONERS ENJOY DIWALI	KPMG - CELEBRATION OF DIWALI, 18 NOV
London's annual Diwali on the Square event (Sunday 7 November 2004), was a lively, successful gathering attended by 20,000 visitors. The free celebration included stunning light displays. read more	Winner of Accountancy Age's ‘Big Four Firm of the Year’ Award 2004, KPMG hosted a celebration of Diwali on 18 November at The Cinnamon Club. read more

Alas, all that remains from all this celebrating are some glorious images. I am now off to gear up for the next festive season which should be along in....oh.. exactly 29 days!

Until next time,
Lopa Patel (Editor - redhotcurry.com)

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