Eastern Eye

Golden Goof-Up

The 47-year-old Indian deputy high commissioner to South Africa told Eastern Eye: "I did feel a bit like that [left out]. Being the one who started it all, some level of detachment is important. But if they don't see me as part of the team, I'm not going to beg for an invite. If I am invited to the Oscars, fine." He added: "It has been madness since the Globes. My phone has been ringing off the hook. I don't think anyone could have predicted the impact the story has had. It is a tribute to In...

'We Desis Must Not Use the Word Paki'

He has been sent vile e-mails from racists since the footage was leaked, with one saying 'We'll always call you a [Paki], because you are a Paki'. "Some say it comes from the word 'Pak' which means pure. That is a complete and utter lie. It came from the National Front and the white racists, that's what they called us. For anyone in our community to say its acceptable is completely out of line. "What does [Harry] call his Afro-Caribbean friends if he feels 'Paki' is acceptable? The Ministry o...

Britain Demands Action

Britain asked Pakistan to take on Laskhar-e-Taiba (LeT), the suspected architects of the Mumbai carnage, "frontally and politically" even as India reminded Islamabad to bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice and honour its anti-terror pledge. "I do not believe the attacks were directed by the Pakistani state," Milliband replied when asked to comment on India's contention that state agencies in Pakistan were complicit in the Mumbai atrocity.

Force Still Not with Bme Staff

The report released this week says ethnic minority officers feel entry into top squads of the force - robbery, anti-terrorist and firearms units - are "closed shops" for them.

What Prayer of Parking Break?

Mansoor Khan, secretary of the Thamesdown Islamic Association, said: "People don't have time to go to a car park and walk, as they are on their lunch break from work."

No Cooks Spoil This Chinese Broth

SUPERSTAR Akshay Kumar has ruled out any controversial moments that could be perceived as being derogatory to Chinese culture in his latest film Chandni Chowk to China (CC2C), which is released worldwide today (16). The film centres around the adventures of Sidhu, a cook from Chandni Chowk in Delhi, who is mistaken as a reincarnation of an ancient Chinese warrior. The film follows the mega success of Kumar's previous blockbuster, Singh Is Kinng.

Bipasha: John Is the Sexiest Man

The Bollywood star, who turned 30 on Wednesday (14), said: "There has to be one person who's the sexiest every year. In 2007, Eastern Eye voted me the sexiest. In 2008, it's John. If they didn't vote him the sexiest, they would look really foolish. I mean, [John Abraham] is the hottest.

Tough Line On Tamils Queried

The majority Sinhalese government has captured the rebel groups' base in Kilinochchi. On Tuesday (13), fighting broke out in LTTE's last stronghold of north-east Mullaitivu. The Sri Lankan military has vowed to inflict a 'decisive blow' to wipe out the guerrilla army. It seems the impact of the credit crunch on Britain's economy and the pressure from the electorate to keep tabs on immigrant numbers will block attempts by Tamils to gain asylum in Britain in large numbers, and thus their right ...

Mental Health Centre Opens

The Zinnia Centre, in Birmingham, aims to make treatment more accessible to the city's multi-cultural community, and is part of National Centre for Mental...

Racist Attack On Teen

The victim and two female friends were in traditional Asian dress when the thugs hurled racist abuse at them The victim approached the pair and challenged them. She and her friends began to walk away, but were followed by the defendants. The juvenile went up and headbutted her on the forehead. [Lesley Wilson] then approached from behind and punched her a couple of times.

Businessman Dies at Gym

The Medina Dairy Group's human resources manager, Muhammed Khan, said: "Everyone at the dairy and whole milk industry is in shock. Mr Hussain was very well respected in the industry and the community. He was very giving and humble. He will be greatly missed by his employees, friends and family. He did a lot for the whole community."

Is It Dud and Buried?

UKIP put out posters during the last election, which said 'a vote for Labour is a vote for the mosque', while BNP sent out its own leaflets in [Dudley] warning of the 'Islamification of Britain'. Simon Darby, BNP's deputy chair, said: "This ought to be put to bed, it's a bit of a dog's breakfast. It's not been handled well on either side. Permission would have been granted without the BNP breathing down the council's necks. "You've got to wonder why DMA has taken so long, perhaps they misled ...

Nhs Reforms Face Problems

The Committee's report examined Lord [Darzi]'s NHS Next Stage Review (NSR) proposals.

'Inequality' a Fact in Uk Life

The Social Mobility Commission, set up by the Lib Dems, contains recommendations to end what is referred to as "a society of persistent inequality".

Das and the Temple of Controversy

An HFB spokesman told Eastern Eye: "The HFB is not privy to ISKCON's proceedings and... is unable to comment on ISKCON's appointment of Gauri Das. When the next incoming president is appointed, he/she will automatically be appointed as the spiritual commissioner to HFB." "[Michael Powell] has said that he believes Gauri Das should have no level of employment at Bhaktivedanta Manor at all. However, the temple does not agree with this, and sees no fair reason Gauri Das should be completely excl...

Massage Row Comes to a Head

Sussex Police have invited ten ders for a contract of up to £10,000 to provide Indian head rubs for its stressed-out call centre staff. The provision of onsite Indian head massage services to specific departments within Sussex Police would see the therapists based at call handling centres in Lewes, Brighton and Haywards Heath.

Rupee Estate

[Andrew Fassnidge] told Eastern Eye: "We have had a lot of inquiries recently from bargain hunters in India. With the recession and the rupee appreciating against the pound, it is a great opportunity for wealthy Indians. "There are also growing inquiries the other way, with Britons looking to buy property in India. A lot of them tend to be British Indians looking to maintain that family bond and having a place for their children to go and stay." Rajesh Goenka, chairman of Axiom Estates, said:...

Fostering and Adoption Drive

Jonathan Ewen, lead director for family placement, said: "While we welcome all applications to foster and/or adopt, we are appealing specifically for enquiries from BME communities and those...

Uddin Begins Councillor Push

BARONESS Uddin, chair of the cross-party Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) Women Councillors Taskforce, held a meeting at Islington Town Hall as part of a nationwide initiative...

Probe Ordered Into Satyam

"If the auditors are found guilty of misconduct, they will be punished," the minister said, referring to the inability of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Satyam's erstwhile auditors, in detecting the Rs 70 billion ($1.4 billion) fraud perpetrated by company's founders, including former chair B Ramalinga [B. Rama Raju]. Meanwhile, the police on Tuesday (13) conducted a raid on PwC's Hyderabad office, after Satyam's former chief financial officer Vadlamani Srinivas told investigators that the aud...