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AMEET JOGIA is the new Conservative Parliamentary candidate for the traditionally Conservative held seat Hendon, which covers Edgware, Mill Hill, Colindale, Burnt Oak and Hendon.  Ameet was born in Hendon and has lived around the area all his life. He is the Political Adviser to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, focussing on faith, race and communities. Previously to this he was Councillor for Harrow for over 10 years and an aide to Lord Dollar Popat. He is currently co-chair of Conservative friends of India.. Ameet holds Masters in Geography fromKing’s College, London. He spoke to SOUTH ASIA TIME on his ongoing canvassing and major agenda in this election. Excerpts of the interview:

Now that elections are taking place on 4^thJuly, how is your canvassing going on? What type of response are you getting on the doorsteps?

I am very excited that there is going to be an election on 4^th July. We have been working hard on the campaign for many months, so I am looking forward to seeing everything come together and speak to as many residents as possible whilst campaigning. We are seeing a positive response on the doorstep at the moment; however, it is important that everyone is registered to vote and indeed goes out to vote on the day.

What is your main message to the voters? What is your main agenda for Hendon?

My message to voters is that I am committed to working hard for Hendon and I will continue to do this if I am elected to Parliament as your MP. I was born in Edgware and grew up around the constituency, so Hendon holds a special place in my heart. I would love to be able to give back to the area that gave so much to me.

In terms of my plans for the area I am against Labour’s plans to introduce a 20% tax on private schools. This would disproportionately impact the British Indian and Jewish community which is incredibly unfair. Parents will not be able to absorb the costs and this will in turn increase strain on state schools. I believe we should be encouraging aspiration. I’m also committed to reducing crime, especially after the horrific news of a mother in Burnt Oak. Finally, I’m in favour of supporting developments that are in keeping with the area, and opposing those which are not, such as the plans to build tower blocks over the Broadwalk centre in Edgware.                    

Labour party is far ahead than your party in the opinion polls and they are calling on Britons to vote for change.  How different will the new government be if Labour wins the next election?

If the Labour Party are elected as the new government, we risk going  back to square one. Labour do not have the conviction, courage or the plan needed to navigate an increasingly uncertain world and secure a brighter future for this country. This is why I am encouraging voters to stick with Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives. We are working through a clear plan and are not afraid to take the bold action needed to deliver a secure future for you and your family.

One of the main concerns of local residents has been long queues at the NHS, incidences of burglary and potholes on the road. Critics say the Conservatives have failed to address these issues. Then, why vote again?

By sticking with the current plan, Rishi Sunak is making progress. The ship is steadier than it was before, and this is why you should vote Conservative. Inflation rates have gone down from 11.1% to 2.3% and has returned to its normal level, the lowest since 2021. The economy has grown, and we have the joint fastest growth in the G7 this quarter. Rishi Sunak’s track record shows he will deliver even when difficult decisions are needed. This makes him, and the Conservative Party the best choice for you at the upcoming election.

Hendon is known for ethnic diversity and cultural harmony.  How will you support and promote cultural harmony in your constituency if you get elected?

I will continue to work with community leaders to ensure that minority voices are protected and amplified. Over the last few months, I have visited a number of community institutions in Hendon that do remarkable and selfless work, caring for the most vulnerable members of minority communities. I hope to continue to support these organisations in the future in Parliament as the work they do is vital. There are large Indian and Jewish communities in Hendon who I hope to continue to support.

How do you see the contributions of the South Asian community in the UK?

The South Asian community is a huge part of the UK and of Hendon, I was born in Edgware but am of Indian origin. I have worked hard but have only got to where I am today because of the help of the broader South Asian community around me. If elected, I am committed to upholding and supporting the South Asian community if elected.

What motivated you to become an MP?

I have worked in politics for over 15 years and I have loved every moment. I have had the opportunity to work in a range of environments but the one thing that has been consistent has been my connection to Hendon. I was born in Edgware and grew up around the constituency. My experience in Westminster and my love for my home town means that I have the skills to be able to represent local people and give back to the area that has given so much to me over the years.  

Your message for voters.

I encourage you to register to vote and on the 4^th July, please go out to vote and vote Conservative! I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible soon.

London — In a historic event today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath of office for his third consecutive term, heading a new coalition government. The oath-taking ceremony, held on the expansive lawns of Rashtrapati Bhavan, saw Modi, aged 73, along with 72 ministers being sworn in. This marks Modi’s first term as the leader of a coalition government since his initial appointment in 2014, following a significant victory that ended a decade of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) rule.

The new government comprises 30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers with independent charge, and 36 Ministers of State. The distribution of portfolios will be disclosed in the coming days.

President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Prime Minister Modi. Following him, senior leaders Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah took their oaths, with Nitin Gadkari being the fourth to be sworn in. Other prominent figures such as JP Nadda, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Nirmala Sitharaman, S. Jaishankar, and Manohar Lal Khattar also took their oaths.

From the BJP’s allies, HD Kumaraswamy of the Janata Dal (Secular) and Lalan Singh of Janata Dal (United) were among the first to be sworn in. The ceremony also saw representation from the northeastern states, with Sarbananda Sonowal and Kiren Rijiju taking their oaths.

Significant figures in the new council of ministers include Virendra Kumar, an eight-time MP from Madhya Pradesh, and Jyotiraditya Scindia, whose induction solidifies his role in the BJP after his departure from Congress four years ago. Hardeep Singh Puri, recognized for his diplomatic efforts during oil crises, and Chirag Paswan, the leader of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), were also sworn in, highlighting the diverse representation in Modi’s new government.

The ceremony witnessed enthusiastic support from the followers of the ministers, who cheered as each leader took the stage. Notable international guests included Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, underscoring the significance of the event on the global stage.

With the weather office predicting a high of 42 degrees Celsius in the national capital, the ceremony proceeded smoothly, marking a significant moment in India’s political landscape as Modi embarks on his third term, following in the footsteps of Jawaharlal Nehru as the only other Prime Minister to achieve this milestone.

London – Prof Surya P Subedi, a leading UK-based academic and Barrister- has said that South Asian diaspora has made huge contributions to the British economy and society.

Delivering a keynote address on the theme “South Asian Diaspora in the UK: Partners in Progress,” Prof. Subedi, who teaches international law at the University of Leeds, said that British citizens of South Asian descent were excelling in almost every sector in the British society except football.

Saluting the ingenuity of Bangladeshi and Indian restaurateurs in the UK, Prof Subedi said South Asian people have made their space in the British society through hard work, discipline and by promoting family values. “From Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to three-time Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to Lord Karan Bilimoria, people from South Asian descent are leading the UK in various sectors. Now the challenge is to pass this ingenuity and discipline to the young generation,” he added.

Addressing the interaction organised by www.southasiatime.com, a UK-based online news portal, on Saturday, Prof Subedi said British society is the most liberal society in whole of Europe. “While far right parties are making gains in France, Italy, The Netherlands and other European countries, far right in the UK are not as hard line as in other European countries. It is because of the multicultural British society that they had to reconcile their hard line with the reality.”

Prof Subedi said that despite being new immigrants in the UK, Nepali diaspora were excelling in academia, business and service sectors. “With over two century long relations, Nepal and the UK enjoy unique relationship which is now flourishing at the people-to-people level,” said Prof Subedi, “You should encourage your children and young people to engage in local politics. Let us  hope we will have Nepali origin MP in the House of Commons within the next 10 years or so.”

Deputy Chief of Mission at the Nepali embassy in London, Mrs Roshan Khanal, said South Asia is known for its rich culture, heritage and strong family values. “South Asians take these values with them wherever they go and also pass these values to their children,” said Mrs Khanal and advised immigrant communities to integrate with the host population while protecting their own identity, language and culture. “We are so proud to see South Asian community registering progress in every sector,” she added.

Former Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Suresh Krishna, said there were no barriers left for the South Asian community in the UK anymore. He urged people from South Asian descent to protect their culture and heritage.

Former VP of Non Resident Nepali Association ICC and chairman of Holy Cow Group, Kul Acharya, said Britain offered a lot to law-abiding citizens. “South Asian community are hardworking, disciplined and help each other. We are grateful to Britain for the opportunities it is offering to us as well as to our children.”

Deputy Chief of Mission at the Nepali embassy in London, Mrs Roshan Khanal, unveiled the biography of Prof Surya P Subedi written by London-based Nepali journalists, Bhagirath Yogi and Nabin Pokharel. Commenting on the book, research fellow at the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology at the Oxford University, Dr Krishna Adhikari, said extraordinary achievements made by Prof Subedi during his career are a source of inspiration for all including people from the South Asian community. “In his role as UN special rapporteur on Human Rights for Cambodia, as an advisor to the Foreign Secretary of the UK and as a writer and academic, he has contributed a lot which needs to be studied and discussed further.”

Mrs Khanal and Prof Subedi also felicitated community heroes and community leaders of South Asian descent in the UK.  Head Priest of the London Buddhist Vihara, Ven Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, former MP for Ealing Southall, Virendra Sharma, Former Corporal Hari Budha Magar, a double above-knee amputee from the Gurkha regiment who summited Mount Everest, Bangladesh-born British entrepreneur founder chairman and managing director of Euro Foods, Shelim Hussain MBE, leading British Indian entrepreneurs Dinesh Gandhi and Steve Mody, Gurkha Justice Campaigner Gyan Raj Rai, President of Britain Nepal Chamber Dr Kapil Rijal,  Consultant Nurse in Critical Care at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Suman Shrestha MBE, and founder of Yumi and Utam Boutique Uttam Nepal were felicitated at the event.

Similarly, former deputy Mayor of London Borough of Barnet Councillor Lachhya Gurung, NRNA leader and entrepreneur Dayanedhi Sapkota, UK-based Nepali singer Situ Kharel, former Mayor of London Boroughof Harrow Councillor Krishna Suresh, Councillor Sasikala Suresh, philanthropist Rabindra Jung Lamichhane, fashion designer Sanyukta Shrestha, founder of The Makesworth Foundation Sanjay Sah, artiste Govinda Sah Azad, celebrity chef Vivek Singh and entrepreneur Manoj Mehta were also felicitated at the event.

Chief editor of www.southasiatime.com, Bhagirath Yogi, welcomed the participants while editor, Dr Jagan Karki, extended vote of thanks. Dr Sangita Shrestha ‘Swechha’ hosted the event. 

For this year’s June edition of London Fashion Week, the British Fashion Council is taking an innovative approach by broadening its traditionally menswear-centric focus. The event will spotlight the contributions of three influential communities in London’s fashion scene: the Black community, the queer community, and the South Asian community.

Simran Randhawa, a renowned brand consultant and online influencer since the Tumblr era, has been entrusted with co-curating the event from a South Asian perspective. Her aim is to showcase the contemporary ingenuity and craftsmanship of British South Asian designers, reflecting the current fashion landscape.

“South Asians working in fashion [in the UK] isn’t a new concept,” Randhawa told Vogue India. “We’ve had trailblazers like Ashish and many others working behind the scenes. Now, there’s a new generation of young British South Asians—designers, photographers, curators—making significant strides. I feel passionate about increasing visibility for us across the entire industry, not just within our own circles.”

The highlight of Randhawa’s contribution is an exhibition at London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts, running from June 7 to 9. The exhibition will feature key garments selected by Randhawa for their artistic and innovative use of fabric. Among them is an all-denim look by British and Indian-Nigerian designer Priya Ahluwalia, known for her creative use of sustainable fabrics, and a piece by Kerala-born designer Harri, celebrated for his innovative work with latex.

The exhibition will also showcase emerging talents. Hadiyah Hussain’s screen-printed designs and LahoS, a brand by Suk Sohal, will be featured. Pakistani British photographer Tami Aftab will present ‘Threads,’ a photography collection exploring themes of fabric and heritage.

While South Asia has a rich history of textile work, Randhawa’s focus is decidedly contemporary. She emphasizes that the featured designers are not confined to traditional techniques like intricate beadwork or handwoven materials. “You can just be a South Asian designer showcasing and telling your story,” Randhawa asserts.

Reflecting on her own experiences, Randhawa recalls instances of stereotypical styling in fashion campaigns. She believes the industry has progressed past such representations to a point where South Asian designers can simply be themselves.

Randhawa’s focus on textiles draws from personal heritage. “We all have those memories of going to the fabric shop and getting a suit or a sari fitted,” she says. Her goal is to modernize these memories, aligning them with current conversations in fashion.

As part of London Fashion Week, Randhawa will participate in a panel discussion on diversity in the UK fashion industry. Joining her will be journalist Maliha Shoaib, multi-disciplinary artist Darkwah, and presenter Lea Ogunlami. The panel aims to challenge the industry’s understanding of diversity and push for actionable change.

Randhawa admits to experiencing ‘diversity fatigue’ but stresses the importance of moving beyond discussions to tangible actions. “This exhibition is a great manifestation of what I believe in: action and visibility,” she concludes.

This year’s London Fashion Week promises to be a celebration of diverse voices and talents, reflecting the dynamic and inclusive spirit of the city’s fashion scene.

London – The birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha was observed in London amid much fanfare.

The Buddha Foundation UK organised the 2568^th birthday of Lord Buddha at General Gordon Square  at Woolwich, South East London, on Sunday.

Hundreds of members of Nepali diaspora, many of them in their ethnic costumes, took part in the programme organised by the Foundation in cooperation with the Nepali Embassy, London, Nepal Tourism Board and other local organisations.

Cultural programme and children’s activities were organised as part of the festival.

Addressing the event, Nepal’s envoy to the UK, Gyan Chandra Acharya, said Gautam Buddha’s message was still relevant amid conflict and environmental destruction in the world. He called upon all to preserve and protect Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. He thanked the organisers for their tireless efforts to protect and promote Nepali culture in the UK.

Newly elected Mayor of London Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Jit Ranabhat, said Greenwich was proud to host diverse communities living in harmony with each other. He thanked the Nepali community in the Borough for their active participation and contribution to local community. He assured full cooperation from the Borough to support local community activities.

During the event, Buddhist monk Khenpo Karma Thultrim and 11-year-old girl, Arya Shrestha, spoke about the message of Lord Buddha.  A three-and-half-feet tall Buddha statue brought from Nepal and a canvas prepared by former Vice Chancellor of Lumbini University Hriday Ratna Bajrachayra and Prof Karna Maharjan depicting Gautam Buddha’s life were main attractions of the event. 

The venue was decorated with Buddhist prayer flags. 

President of the Buddha Foundation UK, Deepak Shrestha, said the Foundation was organising the event, in cooperation with other organisations, to spread the message that Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal. He thanked all for their participation and support to make the event a grand success.

Programme coordinator and Vice President of the Foundation, Ms Prasuna Kadel, conducted the event.


Members of Pasa Puchah UK performed Lakhe dance and Dhime music while artistes including Suresh Lama, Anu Chaudhary, Sharmila Bardewa and Deepak Thapa also performed at the ceremony.

All guests as well as participants at the event lit lamps at the end of the programme praying for world peace and harmony.  

(All pics: Shiba Bhandari/London)

Professor Surya P. Subedi, OBE, KC, of the School of Law has been elected a Council Member of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland for a term of four years by the Anniversary General Meeting of the Royal Society held in London recently.

Professor Subedi is the author of several books on international legal aspects of Asian affairs and has served as the Chief Editor of the Asian Journal of International Law which is published by Cambridge University Press. One of his books ‘Human Rights in Eastern Civilizations’ was published by Edward Elgar Publishing in 2021. He has been a Fellow of the Royal Society since 2022.

The Royal Society was founded in 1923 and received its Royal Charter from King George IV in 1924 for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia.  King Charles III is the Patron of the Society.

Professor Subedi said that he was honoured by his election to the Council of the Royal Society and looked forward to contributing to its important work in the years to come.