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Newham Celebrates South Asian Heritage Month with ‘Free to be Me’ Theme

Posted on by SAT News Desk

London – Newham is delighted to announce a vibrant and diverse programme for South Asian Heritage Month, running from 18 July to 17 August, under the theme ‘Free to be Me’. This month-long celebration promises an array of events designed to educate and entertain residents of all ages. The events, ranging from spoken word performances and music to tea tales, art exhibitions, storytelling, and film screenings, are set to offer enriching experiences that honor South Asian heritage.

Residents can look forward to a variety of activities, starting with the Chai Chronicles: Exploring the History of South Asian Tea on Friday, 19 July, from 7-9pm at the Old Town Hall Stratford. This launch event features Shaheen Kasmani and Heiba Lemara, who will take attendees through the rich history of tea, coupled with a tea tasting experience. Artist Maryam Huq will present a collection of tea-inspired art pieces, blending art and taste in a unique cultural journey.

For the younger audience and adults alike, Momtaz-Begum Hossain will lead the Me on a Tee Workshop at East Ham Library on Saturday, 20 July. Kids aged 7-14 can participate from 11am-12.30pm, and adults from 3-5pm. This workshop will delve into the history of slogan t-shirts, allowing participants to customize their own, exploring identity and self-expression through art.

The History of Bharatanatyam will be explored on Tuesday, 23 July, from 3-5pm at Manor Park Library. Attendees will learn about this classical dance form’s origins in ancient Sanskrit texts, culminating in a performance that showcases its intricate beauty.

Continuing the celebration of tea, Chai Chronicles: A Talk with the Curators will take place on Saturday, 27 July, from 11am-12pm at Forest Gate Community Garden. Artist and curator Shaheen Kasmani will share her research and inspiration behind her work, accompanied by tea brewed from locally grown herbs.

For families with young children, Chai Chronicles: Design Your Own Teapot Workshop invites children aged 4+ to Forest Gate Library on Saturday, 27 July, from 3-4pm. Led by Maryam Huq, this workshop will inspire creativity through the design of vibrant and intricate teapots.

A highlight of the month is the film screening of “The Queen of My Dreams” on Sunday, 28 July at Roof East, in collaboration with the London Indian Film Festival. This film, directed by Fawzia Mirza, follows the coming-of-age stories of a Pakistani Muslim woman and her Canadian-born daughter, set against a backdrop of Bollywood fantasy.

Khayaal Theatre will present Stories from Central-South Asia on Monday, 29 July, from 10.30-11.30am at Forest Gate Community Garden, bringing to life tales from the region with vivid storytelling and props inspired by ancient Muslim theatre traditions.

On Friday, 2 August, from 10-12pm, the Wellbeing in the Garden event at Forest Gate Community Garden offers a relaxing summer walk, journaling, and discussions on holistic wellbeing, helping attendees to de-stress and connect with nature.

Sounds of South Asia in Green Street will bring a musical extravaganza to Queen’s Square on Saturday, 3 August, from 3-5pm, showcasing talented local musicians celebrating the subcontinent’s sounds.

The month concludes with various captivating events, including Stories of Freedom in Spoken Word & Music by Khiyo at Applecart Arts on Saturday, 10 August, from 6-8pm, a Walk Through the History of South Indian Clothing at Manor Park Library on Tuesday, 13 August, from 11-2pm, and a screening of Dev Patel’s “Monkey Man” followed by a Q&A at UCL East Campus on Thursday, 15 August, from 7-10pm.

The grand finale, Desi Daydream: A Throwback to the 80s South Asian Rave Scene, invites attendees to step back in time to the underground Bhangra raves of the 1980s. This event will be held at the Old Town Hall Stratford on Saturday, 17 August, from 7-10pm.

For more details and to book tickets, please visit the official website. Note that the programme is subject to change.

Location: Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, E16 2QU
Cost: Free

If you want change, vote for change : Primesh Patel

Posted on by SAT News Desk

PRIMESH PATEL has worked in health and social care for nearly two decades. He served as a local Harrow Councillor from 2014 till 2022. He also served as a local school governor at Bentley Wood High School for many years. After being selected as Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Harrow East last year, Primesh has been knocking doors of local residents along with his colleagues. He spoke to SOUTH ASIA TIME regarding his ongoing campaign. Excerpts of the interview.

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

We’ve been out on the doors week in, week out since I was selected 15 months ago and all through that time I’ve been struck by the warmth of the reception we’ve had and how consistent the message from voters has been. People are concerned at how hard it is to get a GP appointment, and they’re worries about crime and the rising cost of rents and mortgages. More than anything, there’s a sense that after years of chaos, it’s time for change.

 What is your main agenda for Harrow East?
My message to people here is that they have a choice at the General Election – more chaos and division with the Tories, or hope and unity with a changed Labour Party. In Harrow East that means more police on our streets, growth and economic stability for local businesses, and better, faster services at Belmont walk-in centre and Northwick Park Hospital.

Sir Keir Starmer is asking Britons to vote for change.  How different will the new government be if Labour wins the next election?
This General Election offers the chance for hope and stability in our country after years of chaos under the Tories. We’ve set out what this looks like in Keir Starmer’s First Steps for Change, including 6,500 new teachers to give our kids the best start in life, economic stability with tough spending rules and the creation of Great British Energy to cut bills and carbon emissions.

One of the main concerns of local residents has been long queues at the NHS, incidences of burglary and potholes on the road. How will the Labour party address these problems if people vote you to power?
Labour is committed to cutting NHS waiting times with 40,000 more appointments each week and cutting crime with 13,000 extra police officers and PCSOs – including 1,300 here in London. And when it comes to potholes – such a visible sign of the decline we’ve seen under the Tories – Labour will give local councils the stability and security they need with multi-year funding settlements.

Critics say Labour believes in tax and spend. Where will the money come from to spend in education, health and employment generation?
After 14 years of Conservative Government, working people are facing the highest tax burden in 70 years. That’s why Labour will not raise income tax, national insurance or VAT. Unlike the Tories, we have been clear about how we will pay for our first steps in government: by making the tax system fairer, for instance by closing loopholes for the mega-rich, and introducing a proper windfall tax on the energy giants. And all of our manifesto will be fully costed – no ifs, no buts.

Harrow East is known for ethnic diversity and cultural harmony.  How will you support and promote cultural harmony in your constituency if you get elected?
There’s perhaps no greater responsibility for a Member of Parliament than to promote harmony, co-operation and respect in our community and doing so will always be my first priority. I will do so by supporting all our diverse communities in Harrow East, addressing their concerns and attending community events. I will be an MP for everybody.

How do you see the contributions of the South Asian community in the UK?
The South Asian community contribute to the cultural, intellectual and economic life of this country in so many ways. Our community helped rebuild this country after the war, worked in factories and mills, staffed the NHS, created businesses large and small, transformed Britain’s food culture, created great works of art, and so much more. My own parents came to the UK with little and worked hard to give me the best start in life. I am so proud to be British, and so proud to be of Indian and South Asian descent.

On a personal note, what motivated you to become a full time politician?

Harrow East is my home and there is nowhere else I would want to represent. For me, politics is about service to country and local community. The Conservatives have let Harrow East and the country down. It’s time for change. I want to help people have as much pride in Harrow East as I do and will advocate fiercely for our home and community in Parliament. Labour will fix the NHS, tackle crime, improve our schools and help support local businesses. 

So, what would you like to tell your voters?

I would like to pay tribute to the Nepalese community for their immeasurable contributions to Harrow and the country. It fills me with pride to count so many amongst my friends. I will be an MP for everyone in Harrow East. So, if you want change, vote for change on Thursday, 4th July. Vote Labour.

Election 2024: migrants aren’t to blame for Britain’s housing crisis

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Migration has become “the most toxic issue” in British politics, driving intensely emotional debates that are often based on prejudice and misunderstanding. Similarly emotional is housing – a finite resource in high demand at a time of crisis. Throughout Europe, housing shortages have become political battlegrounds, easily exploitable by right-wing, populist parties.

Reform UK has blamed mass immigration for many of the country’s problems, including the housing crisis and NHS waiting lists. The Conservative party manifesto includes a promise to legislate new “new ‘Local Connection’ and ‘UK Connection’ tests for social housing in England, to ensure this valuable but limited resource is allocated fairly”. This echoes a consultation opened by the government earlier this year on a policy of “British Homes for British Workers”.

These arguments rely on misguided understandings about how migration and housing are intertwined, and scapegoat migrants for the government’s own failures in providing homes. While the two issues can overlap, there is no evidence of a causal connection between a lack of available accommodation and levels of migration.

There is some evidence that migration has increased house prices, but the scale of this effect, and the causal relationship, is difficult to assess. Particularly in social housing, there are other factors affecting supply and demand, such as the Right to Buy, other government policies and the construction of new homes.

There are already many barriers in place to stop migrants from accessing social housing. Foreign-born nationals make up a very small proportion of social renters. “British homes for British workers” is a policy looking for a problem.

Around 80% of migrants who have lived in the UK for less than five years live in the private sector compared to 20% of the UK born population. Research also shows that around 20% of migrants live in social rented accommodation (a similar figure to the UK population). And government statistics show that 90% of lead tenants in social housing are UK nationals.

The real cause of housing shortages
The supply of social housing in England and Wales has decreased by 300,000 units since 2010. This is a consequence of austerity cuts to social housing funding, the Right to Buy, demolitions and properties converting to “affordable” rents as per 2011 UK government directive to permit rents to be set at 80% of market rent. While below market levels, these are rarely affordable to low-income households in high demand areas.

Supply of new homes is falling well short of demand from the local population. According to the National Housing Federation, only 8,386 new social homes were built in England in 2022-23. In the same period, councils recognised 52,800 households as requiring help because they were homeless or threatened with homelessness.

As a group of social housing sector leaders pointed out in a letter to the prime minister, proposals that make it harder for people to get on the housing register are more likely to force people into homelessness. They certainly do not stop people from needing a place to live. Migrants represent nearly a fifth of all homeless households.

There is already plenty of existing legislation that already makes it difficult for migrants to access social housing. Homelessness legislation in England stipulates that applicants demonstrate a local connection to their area to receive priority for social housing. This means that many migrants are instead directed to the private rented sector.

Recent migrants are also likely to be low priority applicants as they will not have had sufficient time on waiting lists. Studies have shown very limited use of social housing by migrants, often in specific areas. And some groups – including refugees, asylum seekers and students – are unlikely to qualify at all, as they have no access to public funds.

The Right to Rent provisions of the 2014 Immigration Act, which were designed to make it more difficult for migrants without legal status to access all rented accommodation, contains strict limitations on eligibility. Landlords are already obliged to check their tenants’ immigration status, so many will refrain from renting to migrants anyway.

All in all, there is no evidence of widespread opportunism among migrants taking advantage of a lax housing allocation system. And blaming migration for housing shortages allows politicians to distract from the real causes.

As the above-cited letter from housing professionals comments: “Further rationing of an already scarce resource does not address the failures of the last 40 years.” Rather than excluding groups from accessing housing, whoever is next in Number 10 must prioritise making this resource more plentiful. Both main parties have promised to build homes, but without making them affordable and accessible, the housing crisis will continue.

UK election: how the parties differ on their approach to the NHS

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Peter Sivey, University of York

In the UK, the NHS is always one of the most discussed issues in an election campaign and rates high in polls of voters’ priorities. Health and the NHS have also dominated the political debate for the last parliament, with the COVID pandemic and subsequent crises in primary care, elective and emergency hospital care dominating the airwaves. What are the parties offering in their manifestos in this election and how do they stack up?

The Conservatives plans are largely a continuation of current policies, including a continued commitment to the new hospitals building programme and the long-term workforce plan.

The long-term workforce plan was widely welcomed when it was first announced; however, the associated financial commitments are not addressed in the Conservatives manifesto. The focus on delivering existing policies has benefits, as the NHS has a history of politically driven reorganisation and large policy changes.

However, the Conservatives are also promising nothing on real-term spending increases, implying a slower rate of growth of funding in the coming years.

Historically, the government usually gives in to short-term pressure from NHS organisations, and funds are usually “topped up” with extra increases year to year. In 2019, the NHS long-term plan gave more financial certainty with large spending increases for the following five years. Unfortunately, nothing like this is promised by the main parties in this election.

The Conservatives have one outright unhelpful proposal: cutting NHS management to save money. Evidence shows that, if anything, the NHS has too little management compared with other comparable countries.

Cutting management to direct funding to the front line is often regarded as a “myth” of NHS policy. With fewer managers, care is less well organised, and doctors and nurses have to do more management activities themselves, reducing their time for patient-facing activity.

Labour’s landmark proposal is to fund an increase of 40,000 appointments per week, by paying staff to work overtime at evenings and weekends. This is coupled with a re-commitment to the 18-week waiting time target.

The policy seems to be focused mainly on outpatient appointments, and this is politically smart. Some of the longest waits are for outpatient appointments. And certainly, in the short term, it is much less costly to increase outpatient appointments than rates of major surgery.

An increase of 40,000 per week is roughly 2 million per year. This sounds like a lot, but there were 145 million outpatient appointments in the English NHS last year so Labour are proposing an increase of less than 2%. Hardly gamechanging. In fact, the increase in appointments from 2021-22 to 2022-23 was equal to almost exactly this amount.

Labour’s other announcements are at least quite well matched to the needs of the NHS. They are promising a large increase in scanners and diagnostic equipment. This is an area where the UK lags way behind comparable countries, and hence is a well-targeted form of capital investment.

They are also promising an initial focus on recruiting more mental health staff. Mental health is one of the areas where demand for services is growing quickly.

The Liberal Democrats have some innovative proposals, including reforming the pay review system for the NHS to make it more independent from the government. They are also promising a large increase in the general practitioner workforce. And, similar to Labour, they are promising a fix to NHS emergency dental care.

Their costings document is also quite comprehensive and proposes some tax changes to fund the NHS and care proposals. However, their proposals are only slightly more ambitious than Labour or the Conservatives.

Overall, the main parties’ manifestos lack ambition on the NHS. While it may be welcome to avoid wholesale reforms (as seen in 2000 and 2012), the manifestos do not propose policies to tackle the NHS’s current challenges in primary, secondary and emergency care.

Compared with 2019 manifestos

One way to assess the 2024 manifestos is in comparison to the last election in 2019.

In 2019, the Conservatives unveiled the “40 new hospitals” policy, 6,000 new GPs and 50 million more GP appointments per year.

Labour had radical proposals to abolish the 2012 reforms and reduce private sector involvement in the NHS, as well as also expanding the GP workforce through increased training places. Both parties also had explicit promises on real-terms increases in funding, with a £26 billion increase promised by Labour and £20.5 billion by the Conservatives.

Of course, these policies – especially those of the election-winning Conservatives – have been much criticised. While real-term funding has increased in line with promises, the government has struggled to deliver on GP numbers and the new hospitals programme.

However, the nature of the debate and promises made in the 2019 election at least focused attention on these important issues. Without the promises, progress on improving the capital stock and expanding primary care may have been even slower.

The 2024 manifestos focus on a limited set of issues, including waiting lists and mental health. Other crucial elements of the NHS, such as the struggling emergency care system, are absent from the parties’ promises.

While the worst period for ambulance handover delays is hopefully behind us in 2022 and 2023, the emergency care system is still struggling to cope, and “corridor care” is becoming the norm.

There are limitations in how the political debate can interact with NHS policy. It is hard to communicate the driving factors behind NHS challenges, such as how technological improvements spur increases in demand, or how the medical workforce is affected by emigration as well as immigration.

Political manifestos gloss over these issues to make simple promises that the public can understand, like 6,000 more GPs, 40,000 more appointments or 40 new hospitals. But the lack of ambition in the 2024 manifestos is particularly concerning. It will be hard to hold the winning party to account for NHS performance when so little is being promised.

From : The Conversation

SAARC Secretary General Meets Sri Lankan President, Discusses Regional Cooperation

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KATHMANDU, June 13: The Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Golam Sarwar, paid a courtesy call on Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President Secretariat in Colombo on Wednesday. This visit is part of Sarwar’s introductory consultations with member states.

During the meeting, President Wickremesinghe congratulated Sarwar on his appointment as the 15th Secretary General of SAARC. Secretary General Sarwar, in turn, expressed gratitude for Sri Lanka’s unwavering support to the SAARC process since its inception in December 1985. He voiced his optimism about receiving continued backing from Sri Lanka to enhance regional cooperation under SAARC’s framework.

Sarwar briefed President Wickremesinghe on the current activities and challenges faced by SAARC, seeking Sri Lanka’s assistance in reinvigorating the organization. He highlighted the recent progress in holding Governing Board Meetings of all SAARC Regional Centers and Specialized Bodies and expressed his intention to organize higher-level meetings of the Chartered Bodies in consultation with SAARC Chair Nepal soon.

President Wickremesinghe commended the Secretary General’s initiatives and urged further steps to revitalize SAARC, stressing the association’s importance in fulfilling the aspirations of the region’s people for prosperity and development.

In a significant development, President Wickremesinghe agreed to provide a permanent venue for the SAARC Cultural Center in Colombo, in line with the Headquarters Agreement between the Center and Sri Lanka, as noted in a press release by the SAARC Secretariat.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to SAARC, President Wickremesinghe pledged comprehensive support to achieve the association’s goals of sustainable and integrated regional development.

‘I am encouraging voters to stick with Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives’-Ameeet Jogia

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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 4thJuly, 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 4th 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 4th July, please go out to vote and vote Conservative! I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible soon.

Call to end child labour in Nepal 

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Kathmandu: Experts and rights advocates on Tuesday underscored the need for measures to effectively eliminate and prevent child labour in Nepal.

Participants of Shramadhan Sambad, a discussion series organized by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, demanded that the government take concrete steps to abolish child labour and safeguard child rights.

Despite the government’s establishment of laws and regulations to eliminate and prevent child labour, the effectiveness of these legal measures remains in question.

Ram Prasad Gautam, a child protection officer at UNICEF, stated that effective implementation of legal provisions requires strong commitment from the state. Effective implementation is interlinked with many factors, including setting up structures, allocating sufficient resources, providing effective services, and introducing programs aligned with legal provisions.

Narayan Bhattarai, National Project Manager at the International Labor Organisation (ILO), shared information about major international instruments, including ILO Convention 138 on Minimum Age and Convention 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labor. Convention 138 was ratified by the government of Nepal in 1996, and Convention 182 in 2002. Additionally, Nepal became a signatory of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990.

“The commitments should be backed by efforts such as eradicating poverty, ensuring quality education, and implementing social security measures to translate international pledges into action,” he added.

“What we need to realize is that we have plans and strategies, but for these to work, we need both social and political will. This includes greater collaboration with like-minded government agencies, stakeholders, CSOs, media, academia, and most importantly, children,” said Ayush Joshi.

“At Save the Children, we constantly advocate that for policies and plans on children to be effective, we must consider their lived experiences and ensure their voices and opinions are heard and respected. Our policies, plans, and strategies need to be child-informed and ensure the meaningful participation of children directly and indirectly impacted by child labor. Furthermore, we need to reconsider and evaluate if our policies and strategies are viewed from an intersectional lens, as children from underrepresented groups are more vulnerable. Therefore, our approach to addressing child labor shouldn’t be siloed and should consider new trends, such as children’s and young people’s access to digital spaces, and how this has created an entry point to the labor market, and the far-reaching impact of climate change on child labor,” Joshi added.

Inter-governmental and departmental coordination is key. The National Child Rights Council, the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs must work in tandem to effectively monitor the labor situation and mobilize resources to support rescue and rehabilitation efforts, he said.

Despite the government’s commitment to ending the worst forms of child labor, children in Nepal are still subjected to severe exploitation, including commercial sexual exploitation, according to Pragya Lamsal, Knowledge Sharing Manager at Adara Development.

Presenting her insights on her engagement in a recent participatory action research project, she noted: “Children from families below the poverty line are particularly vulnerable to risks. When families face financial difficulties, children often seek work to support their parents.”

There are multiple causes of child labour, including its worst forms, she said, adding that responsible agencies should address these interlinked causes for effective intervention. She also highlighted the need to recognize the multidimensional nature of child labour issues and to put forth efforts accordingly.

Narendra Modi Sworn in for Third Term as Prime Minister Along with 72 Ministers

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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.

‘South Asian diaspora has made huge contributions to the British economy and society’

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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. 

Nepal Investment Summit 2024: High Hopes Amidst Political Uncertainty

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KATHMANDU – The third edition of the Nepal Investment Summit (NIS) last month saw Prime Minister Prachanda emphasize Nepal’s strategic position and investment-friendly policies. Despite efforts to attract foreign investment, the commitments fell short of the expectations set by the Investment Board Nepal.

The summit, held on April 28-29, gathered around 2,500 guests and 800 potential investors from 55 countries. The government presented 154 projects, generating expressions of interest for 19. However, the total commitments of 9.13 billion NPR were significantly below the anticipated levels, and no project agreements were finalized.

Notably, investments were pledged for four projects, including an investment company in Bhaktapur and a business complex in Kathmandu. However, the realization of these commitments remains uncertain.

India and China, the top sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nepal, showed substantial interest. China reiterated its commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative and signed MoUs for commercial flights at Nepal’s Pokhara and Lumbini airports. India, under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, signed an MoU to establish a data center in Kathmandu and released a handbook for Indian investors.

Despite these efforts, Nepal’s FDI inflows remain low. Historical data shows only 36.2% of approved FDI translated into actual investments between 1995-96 and 2021-22. The gap between pledges and actual inflows is attributed to pervasive corruption, bureaucratic red tape, and frequent policy changes.

Prime Minister Prachanda highlighted recent legislative efforts to attract FDI, including amendments to investment-related laws. However, the use of ordinances to expedite these changes has drawn criticism from the opposition.

Political instability further complicates the investment landscape. Shortly after the summit, the Janata Samajbadi Party-Nepal split, prompting the Prime Minister to seek another vote of confidence, his fourth since December 2022. Such instability threatens investor confidence and the potential for future investments.

Nepal continues to pitch itself as a favorable investment destination amidst growing geopolitical interest in South Asia. However, significant structural and political reforms are essential to converting investment pledges into tangible economic benefits.

As Nepal navigates these challenges, the outcome of the summit and the future of its investment landscape remain to be seen.

Presidents of Brazil and Nepal to Participate in Inaugural Forum of Global Coalition for Social Justice

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GENEVA – The Presidents of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Nepal, Ram Chandra Paudel, will participate in the Inaugural Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice on Thursday, June 13, during the International Labour Conference (ILC).

The Forum, taking place at the UN Palais des Nations, will feature a high-level segment, thematic working sessions, and an engagement zone. Participants will discuss a range of social justice issues, addressing challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions to advance the Coalition’s objectives. The event will also serve as a platform for Coalition partners to share knowledge, tools, and experiences, and to showcase activities and initiatives in support of social justice.

Launched in 2023, the Global Coalition for Social Justice has rapidly grown, now comprising over 250 members, including governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations, multilateral and national organizations, financial institutions, academic bodies, and international NGOs.

The ILC, the annual meeting of the 187 Member States of the International Labour Organization (ILO), is being held from June 3-14. The event brings together a wide array of stakeholders to discuss and formulate international labour standards and policies.

For UNOG-accredited correspondents, Palais-based journalists can cover the forum with their press credentials. Arrival details for high-level guests will be provided closer to the date. Due to limited space, access will be prioritized for broadcast journalists, while print journalists are invited to follow the forum from the ILC media center or via the ILO Live platform.

The forum’s agenda and live broadcast link can be accessed on ILO Live. This event promises to be a pivotal moment for the Coalition, highlighting the global commitment to social justice and providing a collaborative space for innovative solutions and initiatives.

Rishi Sunak Congratulates Narendra Modi on Election Victory, Highlights Strengthening UK-India Relations

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak congratulated India’s Narendra Modi on Wednesday (5) following his recent election victory, expressing optimism about the future of UK-India relations. In a social media post, Sunak emphasized that the bilateral relationship between the two countries will “thrive,” reflecting the deep friendship shared by the nations.

“Today I spoke to Narendra Modi to congratulate him on his election victory,” Sunak stated. “The UK and India share the closest of friendships, and together that friendship will continue to thrive,” he added, enhancing the message with a phrase in Hindi: “Britain aur Bharat ke beech kareebi mitrata hai, aur saath milkar yeh mitrata aage badhti rahegi (Britain and India share a close friendship, which will be enhanced moving forward in partnership).”

According to a Downing Street spokesperson, the two leaders will meet in person at the upcoming G7 Summit in Apulia, southern Italy. Modi has been invited to the Outreach Sessions by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The spokesperson noted that Sunak wished Modi every success for his third term and that both leaders agreed to stay in touch, looking forward to their meeting at the G7.

Notably absent from the conversation was the topic of the stalled India-UK free trade agreement (FTA), currently paused in its fourteenth round of negotiations. The general election cycles in both countries have delayed progress. The FTA discussions, which Sunak and Modi aimed to accelerate after their last meeting at the G20 Summit in New Delhi last September, are expected to resume post-election.

Sunak is currently on the campaign trail for the UK general election, set for July 4, with hopes of securing a record fourth term for his Tory-led government. Meanwhile, the opposition Labour Party has pledged to finalize the FTA if elected.

The continuation of UK-India relations remains a pivotal focus, as both nations look to enhance their partnership in the coming years.

London Fashion Week Embraces Diversity with a Fresh Lens

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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.

Narendra Modi Retains Power in Tight Election, BJP Loses Majority

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London — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has won a third consecutive term in office after a much tighter general election than anticipated. Despite retaining leadership, Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost its outright parliamentary majority for the first time in a decade.

The BJP fell short of the required 272 seats in the 543-seat parliament but remains the leading party. Its coalition partners have gained additional seats, ensuring that Modi’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) bloc can still form a government with a total of 293 seats.

This election result is a personal setback for Modi, who has previously secured clear majorities in both his terms as prime minister and during his tenure as chief minister of Gujarat. His dominance in Indian politics over the past decade faced an unexpected challenge from the Congress Party-led INDIA opposition alliance, which secured 232 seats. The opposition’s performance defied earlier predictions and sharply diverged from exit polls and pre-election surveys.

In his victory speech, Modi thanked voters for their mandate and pledged to “do everything” to eradicate corruption and poverty. Despite the results, the INDIA alliance has not conceded defeat and is set to meet today to decide their next steps.

The world’s largest democratic exercise saw over 640 million people cast their votes in a marathon seven-week election, described as a “world record” by election authorities. Nearly half of the voters were women, reflecting a significant participation in this historic electoral process.

Lord Buddha’s birth anniversary observed in London amid much fanfare

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

The Buddha Foundation UK organised the 2568th 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)

Exit Polls Predict Another Term for NDA in 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

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NEW DELHI: Exit polls following the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India signal a continued reign for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), projecting a potential third consecutive term. The NDA is expected to secure approximately 360 seats, with the opposition INDIA bloc forecasted to win around 150 seats.

The remaining seats are likely to be distributed among neutral parties, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). These projections will be confirmed once the official results are released on June 4.

Initial analyses indicate that the NDA is maintaining its dominance in the northern and western regions of India, while also gaining significant ground in the east and making notable inroads in the southern states. Noteworthy is the forecast that the NDA may surpass the TMC in West Bengal and outdo the BJD in Odisha.

In Bihar, the ruling coalition and its allies are predicted to exceed the 30-seat mark out of a total of 40 seats. Despite these gains, the NDA faces minor setbacks in Maharashtra compared to its 2019 performance. The split between the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has potentially strengthened the INDIA bloc’s presence in the state, though the extent varies among different pollsters.

As the country awaits the official election results, these exit poll projections suggest a continued period of stability and governance under the NDA, with their influence expanding across various regions of India.