Dr Savi's Peaceful Hemispheres

New Blog site

2007-01-04T23:26:00.000Z

Hi Everyone.
I've moved to a new Blog sites:

http://www.saviarora.com

In addition, my business video and audio at:

http://www.drsavi.com

All the best - C u There!

NB It contains all my posts since I started blogging, all posts since Nov '03 and to the present day!

The day I lost my mobile

2006-11-27T22:10:00.001Z

For international readers mobile=cell phone. It was last Friday that I had a bit of a nightmare day. Firstly, I couldn’t find my mobile phone and secondly by the late evening a client was experiencing difficulty in getting hold of me (they eventually did phone my office land line). Anyway, back to the phone episode.
My mood started to go off as attempted to re-trace my footsteps. I first went for a long bath or soak, thinking that clearing my mind and relaxing might enable or facilitate a ‘Eureka’ moment – Ah! I must have dropped it ………….. Bad news, that didn’t help.

I decided on a scientific approach: I called the phone company who confirmed that no calls had been made from the phone since Thursday at 18:50. The phone company’s call centre asked if I wanted to cancel the phone line at the same time suggesting that most stolen phones are used for both stealing call time and technology. I decided not to suspend the phone and instead consider that it may have fallen from my sports bag somewhere in the house.
I remembered that I was at the gym the night before and that it could have fallen from my sports bag while rushing from the car to the gym entrance. I then decided to drive to the gym. By the way in the morning I had already called them three times to look around - they could not finds it either. Upon arriving at the gym I searched the car park, reception, corridors and aerobics studio – Still no success in locating it.

I eventually decided to give up and head for the office. My mind was pre-occupied of the thought of having to call the phone company to cancel the phone line, get a new sim card and establish some new or old phone hardware for it to run on.
Later in the afternoon I went home to have a closer look but still no success in its possible location and retrieval. Frustrated and annoyed at myself for having not taking enough care to look after my phone, I thought I would try calling the gym one more time. This time, ‘success’- a cleaner had handed it in during their night shift! I was thankful for the person’s honesty and integrity.

Later once reunited (!) I wondered how this episode reflected in my attitude to life. For example, we are given our shell / body and there is a hope that it will be a strong vessel for our soul. We spend time working out physically but do we recognise spiritual strength. Do we cherish the soul enough? My mood had been affected by a materialistic item, yet I needed to understand that what I have spiritually should be recognised as more important and essential.

Enriching the soul is important as materialism will not follow us when we leave this world. In terms of the mobile phone, I will get my upgrade next year but in the meantime, I need to keep on maintaining my own direction from a spiritual developmental level.

Never forget 1984

2006-11-17T01:09:00.001Z

Have you ever been asked what the definition of irony is? Try to think of an example. You could always use the one about the first non-Hindu Prime Minister of India.

In 1984 the world viewed the media blackout and violence against the Sikhs in India. In June 1984 the Bluestar operation launched by the Congress (I) was extreme. A few months later for 3 immediate days after Indira Gandhi assignation thousands of innocent Sikhs were killed. The total number of Sikhs and non-Sikhs killed has never been officially recorded. What is known in many cases, is the names of the instigators of the violence that occurred. After 22 years and 5 national enquiries no one has been brought to justice over human right abuses and targeted slaughter of a community.

22 years on we have the first Prime Minister (Dr Manmohan Singh – An Ex Oxford University scholar), with Mrs Sonia Gandhi residing as president of the Congress party. Dr Manmohan Singh is a very capable individual. His honest approach and financial acumen will ensure the growth of India’s rapidly developing economy. It was indeed Dr Manmohan Singh’s economic reforms in the early 1990s that ensured the foundation of India’s economic revolution. Today India offers a manufacturing base that competes with the Far East. In terms of India’s strength in computer software development and support, again there is no doubt that India can offer immediate financial returns and committed employees. Indeed in April 2003 I visited Bangalore and was impressed by the scale of development. India now has digital telecommunications, high speed voice and data networks. Investments have also taken place in Hotels. In December 2005, as a tourist I witnessed the progress in infrastructure as impressive.

Investment also means investing in equality for all parts of the population and also assuring justice and honesty. Although Dr Manmohan Singh has acknowledged the wrong that was done at the time, we still need those that commited the crimes of communal violence to be brought to trial.

For Sikhs and everyone there is a need for a concerted effort to ensure that justice does prevail. After 22 years victims of the 1984 Delhi riots and families are still suffering.

When I visited the candlelight vigile (part of an internationally organised event) outside the Houses of Parliment in London on 2nd November, it was peaceful and surrounded by an 'air of hope'. Hope that communal violence cannot and will not be tolerated by any society. Also a rememberance for those innocent lives that were lost during those fateful days. We can only pray for peace for their souls and support for those that remain behind.

An amazing example of dedication was when I spoke to one of the sewadar's and attendees of the candlelight vigile - This gentleman continues to make, bring and serve langar every year. He has been attending the vigile for the last 22 years. This shows a man of commitment and belief in the hope for justice - We can all learn from him the importance of service and a solidarity for justice.

Why we must expose facists for what they really are

2006-11-14T11:12:00.000Z

I recently watched an excellent documentary presented by Bobby Friction where he attempted to seek identity issues associated with the current generation. An observation made was how there is a move away from people from different ethnic backgrounds for example: moving away from, calling themselves British Asians to for example British Moslems, Bristish Sikhs or British (…….) the Religion they belong to. Interestingly in the United States such labels appear to have a different emphasis and meaning, for example, an American Asian is someone not originally (family wise) from India but probably from China. The point being that calling oneself an American or British appears to be insufficient for most people. The question is does this kind of labelling help in any manner?

Last week’s unfortunate decision to clear Nick Griffin of any charges of inciting racial hatred is unfortunate as now the law courts appear to want to make a distinction between what one incites at home Vs a public persona and presentation of hate. Hate is hate, full stop and labels only add fuel to the fire that these individuals enjoy stoking. Take for example, the following awful statement made by him…’ "I'd rather die today with my pride intact, fighting for what I believe in, than live the rest of my life as a sniffling pathetic slave to a multicultural society,…" It is clear to see that it reeks of hate

Since becoming its leader of the BNP in 1999, Nick Griffin has attempted to rebrand the British National Party in an effort to make progress at the ballot box. With recent electoral gains this smartly-dressed, Cambridge-educated family man hidden agenda is subtly merging itself into today’s political issues and agenda. In the 2005 general election, the party raised its total number of votes to 192,850 - from 47,219 in 2001. Mr Griffin himself polled 4,240 votes in Keighley, West Yorkshire - 9.16% of the total cast.

The party contested 119 seats but failed to win any.

In May 2006, it doubled its number of council seats from 20 to 44, making gains in traditional Labour heartlands in the East End of London in particular.

By co-incidence, Bobby Friction also mentioned a similar nightmare to the one I had recently. He mentioned the subtle way that the German nation changed during the time of Hitler to hate and exterminate Jews. Is this happening today? Is there now a new the target community that people, press and personalities which to hate? I certainly hope not.

With regard to labels or race categorisations, they do not help either.
I don’t want a repeat of the nightmare that Bobby and I have had. I only hope that it is not a dark vision for tomorrow.

Why cannot we not live with respect? Maybe we need to become aware of the bigger hidden agenda and not be so blind of the value of peace rather than the possible momentum of hate around us.

Stern warning!

2006-10-31T12:02:00.000Z

OK, someone sooner or later would 'play' on the name. But the points raised by the recent economic report on global climate change commissioned in the UK is not a joke.

Ignoring global warming may & some say will result in an economic nightmare. The report scientists, politicians and economists have been giving their reactions to the report by Sir Nicholas Stern. For example, the former World Bank chief economist has warned that global warming could shrink the global economy by 20%.

An important statement and one that sends some spinal shudders has been made by Professor Bill McGuir from the Benfield UCL Hazard Research Centre, he says, 'The scariest thing about the Stern report is that it may not be scary enough. If we lose the Greenland ice sheet in the next few centuries, leading to a 7 metre rise in sea level - as well we might - then Stern's £3.68 trillion will be a drop in the ocean compared to the ultimate cost of climate change'.

Of deep concern is the lack of co-ordinated global effort. As many of us know the major contributors to pollution (especially industrial/commercial and domestic) have refused to sign-up to the Kyoto agreement.

Worrying still is the continue denial that they are contributors, stating that statistics may be wrong.

Although there are some that continue to state that regardless of the effects of pollution, the Earth is changing anyway, I would have thought that it would be better not to make things worse.

Renewalable energy sources and harnessing natural systems requires commitment and investment. It is awful to see wastage too, for example, office lights left on in empty lifeless buildings for hours on end.

Satellite evidence – What more do we need to change our ways?

Satellite Pictures show that Greenland is currently losing about 100 billion tonnes of ice a year and that much of the ice is being lost from southeast Greenland.

US space agency (NASA) scientists have undertaken a new assessment of the rate of melting occurring on the great ice sheet that covers the region.

Their data comes from satellites that detect changes in mass by monitoring tiny fluctuations in the pull of gravity as they fly over the Earth. The results indicate that Greenland lost about 100 billion metric tonnes (or gigatonnes, Gt) of ice per year from 2003 to 2005. Other estimates for the same period have been close to 240 Gt of ice.

Although some figures show stabilization over certain years and also centralized snow fall, the common denominator is that change is happening.

Interestingly, NASA – An institution is clearly showing evidence of change, yet the politicians of the day, refuse to keep their own house in order. I really hope that it is not to late for the world. Collectively we should be proactive in wanting to save lives and anything we can do as a world community to assure our current and future survival has to be worth investing in - rather than taxing us on past oversights!

Ironically, the world continues to import massive shipments from China, comprising of our love for consumer goods, yet it finds difficultly in understanding that associated industrial processes WILL add to a possible nightmare for all.

Cycling for health and Charity

2006-10-23T12:12:00.000Z

A couple of parallel thoughts this week.

1. A couple of week's back I attended the annual charity evening for those that have completed the annual Birmingham to London Cycle ride, held every July and organised by the Sikh Arts and Cultural Association. This year £15,000 was raised for Whizz Kids, a national charity that helps disabled children.

2. With this week being reduce wastage week. I also thought about how important it is to respect our environment - For example, often school runs and short trips are performed by car. Although one could argue that the road network makes it increasingly difficult to walk, run or cycle, the path to change has to come from us alone.

Apart from the environmental benefits, there is an enormous health benefit too. Getting on your bike regularly not only gets you where you want to go faster than a car, it is good for your heart and health.

Cycling everyday is an effective and enjoyable form of aerobic exercise. This is the type of exercise that is most effective at promoting good health. For example, cycling reduces the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and the most common form of diabetes.

One rough calculation suggests that new cyclists covering short distances can reduce their risk of death (mainly due to the reduction of heart disease) by as much as 22 per cent. Cycling can be part of a programme to lose weight because it burns the energy supplied by a chocolate bar in an hour (about 300 calories). A 15-minute bike ride to and from work five times a week burns off the equivalent of 11 pounds of fat in a year. That kind of cycling pattern also meets the Government's latest target on exercise: that we should take part in some mild to moderate physical activity ... five times a week*.

Cycling can have positive effects on how we feel too. Moderate exercise has been found to reduce levels of depression and stress, improve mood and raise self-esteem, and has also been found to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

*NB Always consult your Doctor, before you start any form of exercise regime, especially if you are not performed any exercise or physical activity for a while.

How cycling improves fitness
A study carried out for the Department of Transport found that 'even a small amount of cycling can lead to significant gains in fitness'. The study found that aerobic fitness was boosted by 11 per cent after just six weeks of cycling 'short distances' four times a week. According to the study people who do not exercise who start cycling move from the third of the population who are the least fit, to the fittest half of the population in just a few months.

Who can cycle?
There are no real age barriers to cycling, and people of most fitness levels can cycle, slowly and gently if necessary. Anyone with heart disease or other conditions affecting their activity should, of course, consult their doctor before starting any exercise programme. Those of all body shapes and all but the most extreme body weights can ride a bike.

Getting Started
Most cyclists are 'utility' cyclists where the bike is a way of getting from A to B, and getting some exercise is an added bonus. Nearly three-quarters of journeys people make are of five miles or less, and these could be achievedby most people.

Further information.

There are some great resources to read-up on cycling:

Cycle Touring Club www.ctc.org.uk
London Cycling Campaign www.lcc.org.uk

Now is also the right time to start thinking about the annual Birmingham to London cycle ride organised by the Sikh Art and Cultural Association. Run over 2 days during the 3rd weekend of July, you can work towards completing your centennial mile on the first day and finish the final 40 on the second. Every year over 240 riders take part and The Sikh Times also wonderfully sponsor the event too. Visit: www.charitybikeride.com

The Miniature Earth

2006-10-16T20:37:00.000Z

You must have recently heard of the merger between Google and YouTube.
Being interested in developing new media, I came accross the following video on You Tube, just by chance.

It is called The Miniature Earth and in my view both awesome and a reality check.

Based on a report entitled: The Village Earth, it adapts some of work by Donella H. Meadows, a professor of environmental studies at Dartmouth College. Her research looked at viewing the Earth in the context of consisting of just 1000 citizens.

Her research shows that if the world were a village of just 1000 people:

584 would be Asians,
123 would be Africans
95 would be East and West Europeans
84 Latin Americans
55 Soviets (still including for the moment Lithuanians, Latvians, Estonians, etc.)
52 North Americans
6 Australians and New Zealanders

The people of the village would have considerable difficulty communicating in :

165 Mandarin
86 English
83 Hindi/Urdu
64 Spanish
58 Russian
37 Arabic

This list accounts for the mother-tongues of only half the villagers!

In the village there would be:
300 Christians (183 Catholics, 84 Protestants, 33 Orthodox)
175 Moslems
128 Hindus
55 Buddhists
47 Animists
210 all other religons (including atheists)

Sixty of the thousand villagers would be over the age of 65.

Just under half of the married women would have access to and be using modern contraceptives.
Each year 28 babies would be born.

Each year 10 people would die, three of them for lack of food and one from cancer.

One person in the village would be infected with the HIV virus; that person would most likely not yet have developed a full-blown case of AIDS.

In this thousand-person community, 200 people would receive three-fourths of the income; another 200 would receive only 2% of the income.

Only 70 people would own an automobile (some of them more than one automobile).

About one-third would not have access to clean, safe drinking water.

Of the 670 adults in the village half would be illiterate.

The woodland would be declining rapidly; the wasteland increasing; the other land categories would be roughly stable.

There would be five soldiers, seven teachers, one doctor. Of the village's total annual expenditures of just over $3 million per year, $181,000 would go for weapons and warfare, $159,000 for education, $132,000 for health care.

An associated video has been developed that uses the ratio of 100 rather than 1000. It can be viewed at my blog site at: http://drsavi.blogspot.com. Alternatively, you can enter the following link into your computer to get direct access to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIUCTbi_XZs

Interestingly, since the Miniature Earth project was started / published in 2001, the video has been seen by over 2million people and linked to more than 20,000 websites. It shows that there is some heart in humanity. It is now up to us to make the change happen.

When you look at the world, it is really just a small blob in the universe - we really do need to give it and each other more respect.

The thought behind?

2006-10-09T22:33:00.000Z

This week the press went crazy over a statement made by John Straw (Leader of the House of Commons (UK)):

I was not tempted at all to call this article, 'behind the veil' as I considered that it would be inapproriate.
Over the last week the national press have become very close to the issue of the veil and muslim women.

The issues that came to mind were:

1. What is the history of the veil?
2. Do we really know enough about what muslim women that adhere to it actually feel/experience?
3. Does the whole issue not skim or link to feminist arguements about self expression ?
4. There appears to be little mention of the element of modesty deployed by other religions, for example items worm by Nuns or Monks?
5. Although there are different types of veils, do we really understand its adoption or applicability, especially in the context of Islam being followed in different cultures and regions?
6. What did Jack Straw actually mean by requesting? What about when he worked with the blind minister David Blunkett ?
7. Why has this come to ahead as an issue right now? Especially as there appears to be a press frenzy on yet another topic concerning muslims?
8. What is the impact on a multicultural society?
9. Is religious education extensive enough in todays schools?
10. Is there a risk of complicating this issue and potentially confusing it with other religions, i.e:
It appears that the veil is not essential whereas in other religions items are be spirtually essential, for example Turbans for Sikhs is a completely different issue.

With regard to the latter point I was disturbed by the attempted link to Turbans in simply the title / sub-headline of a Sunday Times (UK) article. This link is incorrect.

As a society we now collectively enter this debate with further confusion added by the implication by some of the potential impact that this issue can have on possibly contributing to the separation of society.
Suddenly we all seem to have forgotten diversity.

Disturbance continues to haunt me as I read over the weekend from a passing tabloid headline that '97% of those polled wish to ban the veil'. Who are these 97% ? What do they really think? Does it not make you wonder that if someone smiles at you, is the smile geniuine? If they (?) have issues with the veil what else do they have issues with?

Another justication point made has been the expression by some about the need of an open debate with the need to consider what is 'acceptable'. Again, I'm confused.

Take the British occupation of India. If we consider that in the early days of occupation, many British settlers, 'went native' - until it was deemed during the latter part of the Victorian era to be unacceptable.

Interestingly, India still suffers from some complexes..

* Childeren from rich households speak English as they deem it to be 'advanced'
* Some of the best schools are considered to be Catholic based

Regardless of the issue of 'to veil or not to veil', there is a danger that a lack of understanding about people and their cultures can lead to mischief by some to instigate agitation.

This lack of education is ripe. Take for example, the ignorant attack on a Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) just after the 7/7 attacks in London. Let us make it clear, any attack on any religious place of worship is a crime.
We certainly do not want the media to establish an environment of civil war!

This whole issue raises the point that due consideration should be given to the sensitivities of others. A private discussion or request is often better than complicating and concerning people with confusing statements. This is not to say that there is not a place to debate such issues. In the case of the veil, it appears to relate to personal choice rather than religious essentials. Those that represent muslims from a policy / religious guidance perspective should be consulted - instead of sensationalism there needs to be sensible dialogue.

The current situation reveals a possible hidden sentiment which could potentially create a dangerous aura of paranoia.

Why just for a day? Why not forever?

2006-10-01T23:36:00.000Z

I recently attend a wedding where the groom from a Sikh background, who incidentally had been growing a beard for the last few weeks put on a turban over his knot less head and went with his bride through a Sikh wedding ceremony. After the ceremony he headed for a hotel where at the reception he emerged clean shaven.

It has been said when you emerge and depart from this world it is with nothing. I believe that we have one item that does travel with us. It is called our soul, spirit or sense of presence. These elements or attributes enable and contribute strongly to our uniqueness and ability for independent thought. What we take with us is good deeds. We also have the potential to leave behind our integrity through honest living and treating everyone as equals. When we enter the world our religious path is in front of us. A sense of morals, mutual respect and love for each other are great personal goals – they are all ahead of us and something to strive for.

Last week I had a glimpse of the new satellite channel that features Punjabi culture. It aims to celebrate and illuminate cultural aspects of the Punjab for both an Indian and international audience. A few days back they had images of turbaned Sikhs walking through a village as part of a religious march. The segment was part / formed part of an insert congratulatory section by Dara Singh (clean shaven & the ex Champion wrestler/body builder/actor (?). He declared his support for the channel. During the freeview pre-launch days, programmes on astrology where being shown?! Combine this with Bollywood’s continual and damaging portrayal and emphasis of mixed Hindu and Sikh marriages being normal, everyday and common. Some people communicate in coarsely spoken Punjabi deemphasising the sweetness of this language. Is it not about time that we had a channel for Sikhs not what we have today, channels that are a mix, mesh and make-up of all things potentially from the northern part of India. Hey! We have so much talent in our community we have the potential to assemble some effective and educational media. We need more media to communicate the importance of all the elements of Sikhism which is not exclusive to Punjab. Sikhs are spread out all over the world and we have local links too that can help closer ties to all communities.

In the case of the ‘Just for a day’ person, everyone is different. The latter implies that he has created his own ‘pick-n’-mix’ situation. We need to remember that religion is not like a shopping trip to a super market. A road, path or given way of life (religion) is not thought controlled, it is clearly mapped out and the route presented when followed properly will lead to merging with God.

Inspi(red) or just another colour?

2006-09-25T23:05:00.000Z

One of the world’s most famous models is Gisele Bundchen from Brasil. Recently she has come out of retirement (At 26 !) to support the ‘Red Campaign’. The campaign is, according to Gisele, the only reason she came out of a season of retirement. “I had decided I wasn’t going to do anything,” she says. “But this was so great, the whole idea. I was like, ‘I have to do this.’”

Gisele will be the new face of the Red American Express card (you may have seen large posters showing her draped, laughing, over a Masai warrior). She says that of all the trends that have littered her career, this is the one she’s most proud of. ‘Making charity trendy?’

So what is Red all about? Back in January 2006 U2’s Bono launched this new global brand or associated product code called. The aim is for a share of profits from 'Red' branded products produced and sold by the likes of major brands, for example: American Express, Gap, Converse and Giorgio Armani. Monies to raise a percentage of purchases that will then be used to fight against Aids in Africa. Suggested / Proposed products will include: T-shirts, footwear, sunglasses and a credit card. The hope is that profits from the venture will generate a "sustainable" flow of money to support the Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria.

Back in January Bono warned the world was losing the fight against HIV/Aids, with 6,500 Africans dying of the disease every day. He emphasised that this was a commercial venture and not philanthropy. He suggested that, ‘Philanthropy is like hippy music, holding hands. Red is more like punk rock, hip hop, this should feel like hard commerce’. The theory is that one day hundreds of companies could offer 'red' branded products. Red partners, in turn, hope to broaden their customer base while doing something good at the same time. Since Red was first launched with Bono and Scarlett Johansson, the campaign has been gathering pace.

Hang on ! Doesn't this sound appear to sound like a mix of commercialism and a connection to the human spirit of giving? It is certainly not something new as many organisations in the past such as the Co-op group have tried similar initiatives like ethical energy investments on the stock exhange. I recently saw an excellent documentary on Anita Roddick of The Body Shop. Her approach is different. NB The first Body Shop

was basic and at first sold only 15 lines. The Body Shopp's full range now has over 300 products. The Biography channel (An excellent source of information) outlined how she has helped fair trade and support communities, again by linking the human spirit to everyday purchases.

Being positive, any initiative that raises money has to be commended. Although the concept of red could be described as a built-in mechanism for raising fund, for example according to the terms for the card, everytime an American Express RED card holder spends money, 1% of the eligible spend will go to the Global Fund - one could argue that something is better than nothing. However, when it comes to negotiating trade allowances many countries find it difficult to give away any trade allowances. Led by the United States and the European Union, the rich nations' campaign to force open Third World countries’ markets while protecting their own was frustrated again when the round of World Trade Organisation-sponsored negotiations initiated in 2001 at Doha, Qatar, were suspended on July 27. Under the Doha Round, the rich nations want to make further inroads into “liberalising” the “trade in services”, slash Third World countries’ attempts through import tariffs to protect their domestic markets from domination by First World-based transnational corporations, and scale-back economic concessions granted to Third World countries by the rich Western powers under previous trade deals.

I guess the message is that although commercial retail organisation have commenced the red programme, after years of governments talking, we cannot seem to get to the root of the issue - some concessions are needed to harmonise world economies. Models can help yet the true will for change must come from all of us urging those that have the power to make change happen for the benefits of all in this world.

When Actors become politicians or are our politicians actors??

2006-09-19T08:40:00.000Z

I read with interest about the recent appearance /presentation of George Clooney and his father at the United Nations, last week (15/9). It was reported that George Clooney and his television-anchor Father smuggled cameras into the Darfur (Sudanese) refugee camps to report on what's been described as the 21st century's first genocide.
George declared that, ‘the news is that two years after we've said ‘genocide’ that it's still going on and it's increasing — and that somewhere in there we can all talk about this and make speeches and say this is horrible and we have to do something. But every day we don't do something, and every day this goes on, thousands of people are dying and dying horrific deaths.

All I can say is well said but I believe we all need to say ‘well said’ for it is our apathy that stops change from happening. If people are concerned enough about Weapons of Mass Destructions (WMDs) then they will try everything in their ‘power’ to send in troops. Where are the troops that need to defend the innocents that die starving in refugee camps? Where are the news reports that show that something must be done now? Where are the politicians when we need them? As I have said before, how about a G8 (or Jee’s came and ate!) running their next conference in a sand-blown tent adjacent to a camp of starving people being hounded by their (Sudan) state trooper!

It does amaze me that we leave it to pop stars and actors to raise the stakes on the issues of today. Maybe we are so busy that we cannot march for justice? Or, maybe we are not presented with enough information on what is happening in the world. I thought that with the Internet / global communications the world could become a closer and more concerned/connected world from a conscience perspective. I was wrong, the so-called resurgence in much required spirituality has not happened. Yet, the lust after celebrity-hood, fame and materialism continue. Bidding wars for houses and pension contingency is what has become the name of the game for survival.

Our voices our sounded out by the songs that we sing. Songs of love in a tone of singularity rather than a hoping for peace, fairness and freedom for all.

The irony being that pop stars sing about love, yet the love we have for each other is lost in a quite hum. If we expect actors and pop stars to be our spokespersons, sure, it is great that they can present well but are they not pretending to be us and doing the job we all should be doing anyway?

Sept 11th 2001 remembered

2006-09-11T23:00:00.000Z

September 11 is one of those dates where everyone remembers where they were. I remember where I was when the twin towers were hit. At the time I was working for a US company as a global programme director and I was on a conference call involving New Jersey and Boston based clients. Suddenly, one of the Boston staff declared that, 'Some weird news footage is being transmitted, we need to close this call and comeback to you'. In the UK it was approximately 2pm and we quickly terminated the call and headed to a general office floor where everyone was fixed to their screens attempting to download images or video of the first plane hitting the first tower. The result was that most Personal compcomputers were hanging – Internet traffic must have been really peeking. NB At the time the company I was working for was a leading Internet hosting premises organisation – with giant network pipes. One can only assume that the world was in shock desperate to get information on what was happening.

The devastation and shockwaves shook the Earth horrifically. Since that fateful day, a whole stack of films, documentaries and political statements have been released. We relive the day in our minds. It is an event that we cannot forget. When you see the twin towers fall on recorded footage it still sends shivers down our spines.

For Sikhs the ripple effects resulted in mistaken identity. Unfortunately, many Sikhs were abused in the streets and also killed. Should people not be uniting to fight the terrorists.I agree with the need to route out cowards. We also need to ensure that any strategy does not victimise innocent communities.

We need to fight to preserve a safe, united and fair world. It is our responsibility - it is up to us to place it on the agenda of the politicans and to stop building and selling arms between nations.

We need to hope for good news on the horizon – it is called fighting for unity, mutual respect and the need for us to achieve harmony.

Harmony against poverty and achieving fair trading laws can ensure that we are all equal. Once we also achieve this attitude of unity it can certainly help to route out the agitators and those that hide in the shadows.

Five years on the mental and physical scars are still present. We must not forget the victims and the fact that an attack on the world trade centre was an attack against humanity, against people of many nations. I recently saw a picture of children of mothers who survived or survivors of their lost husbands. It is hard to imagine that these children will not see their fathers, feel their love and support. The hurt continues and all we can hope for is an end to violence and a realisation by the perpetrators violence is fruitless as they achieving nothing. For this to happen we need two major things: Firstly, effective leaders with a vision to unite and secondly lesser apathy from us!

Does success breed arrogance? More on the need for Corporate Responsibility

2006-09-01T15:06:00.000Z

I recently watched Dragon’s Den episode’s two and three. The programme format consists of would be entrepreneurs ‘pitching’ for funds to develop their business ideas and dreams – In return experienced business directors who are now multi-millionaires decide on the viability of the idea and whether or not they should invest their money and back it. I wondered if arrogance is a by-product of success. Maybe it is the way the programme is edited or maybe it’s the playing up to the camera? I just can’t get over the arrogance of the panel. Sure, they have made it – whatever that means – They may now be multi-millionaires but are they humble? You know, they maybe and we shouldn’t believe all that we view/see - especially as the programme is probably highly edited for viewing purposes! Then again, am I boosting rating by not only watching it but talking about it!

I run a small company and everyday it is about trying to find new opportunities, ensuring/ maintaining good relationships and deliver true value to clients. I would not be a nice person to do business with if I demonstrated any arrogance factor. Take for example, the other day when someone called-up asking a series of questions straight away. As we get many crank and junk calls from call centres (they must have got purchased our trading address from somewhere!) we tend to ask who is calling. Unfortunately I may have been too questioning and subsequently ‘turning off’ the person I was talking to. The conversation got to a point where the caller almost hung-up. I apologised if I was not clear in my communication and luckily the caller stayed on and we pursued a really good conversation. It was a demonstration of how one can unintentionally be misconstrued, especially in an era where reliance of audio rather than video communications is still strong. During my call I suggested that I did not want to be perceived with the same attitude of a ‘Dragon’ from the treaded Den.

So, does success breed arrogance? I remember when working for one company a story where someone said, ‘Look over there, that man is the president of the firm.’ Someone asked, ‘How come he is always smiling?’ A returning comment from a passer-by was, ‘Hey if you had that much money, maybe you’d be smiling all day

I have a friend of mine who has done very well in business. He is an example of humbleness and politeness. He also encourages those around him – providing inspiring thoughts. I do not see arrogance in his eyes. A sense of giving is good to receive, yet he also says (in a non-arrogant way) that he achieves pleasure in giving good business advice and seeing others succeed.

! I guess the lesson we can learn is the importance of humility. I’m certainly impressed with Bill and Melissa Gates, their foundation’s (see: http://www.gatesfoundation.org/default.htm) website states ‘the foundation's global health mission is to help ensure that lifesaving advances in health are created and shared with those who need them most. We focus on accelerating access to existing vaccines, drugs, and other tools to fight diseases that disproportionately affect developing countries, and we support research to discover new health solutions that are effective, affordable, and practical for use in poor countries.’

Maybe there is hope for us? Maybe there are some that lead the way in ensuring that a sickening desire for money does not cloud their judgement to be giving, to share and help others.

Brown is the colour

2006-08-27T13:50:00.000Z

Once the comedy throw away line, 'Is it cos' I is brown' was positioned as exposing simplistic views of racism. However, it looks like racial profiling could be the start of infringement of human rights or direct alienation.

Is such profiling viable? Interestingly, security experts are warning that such an approach would be very labour intensive, expensive and not guaranteed to succeed.

'I'm a white, 62-year-old, 6ft 4in suit-wearing ex-cop - do I really fit the profile of a suicide bomber?' former Metropolitan Police Commissioner John Stevens said.

I believe that any type of profiling is going to lead to an element of alienation!
I am appalled by the recent behaviour of over 140 passengers, flight crew and the Spanish police authorities - when last weekend two men of Asian appearance were forced off a charter flight because fellow passengers refused to fly with them. Has everyone forgotten that it was a white Richard Reid, who tried to blow up an airliner using explosives hidden in his shoe. What about Timothy James McVeigh? He was convicted of eleven federal offenses and ultimately executed as a result of his role in the April 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The bombing, which claimed 168 lives, is considered the deadliest incident of domestic terrorism in U.S. history to date. NB He was of white skin.

It has been suggested that a way to improve a profiling procedure is to have checks made closer to the departure gate rather than at a centralised system at the entrance to the concourse. Maybe the theory is that greater behavioural variance by potential suspectwill occur the closer he/she gets closer to board the plane?

A system of ‘positive profiling’ has been suggested, i.e.: based on behaviour not ethnicity.

British Home Secretary John Reid has said that profiling would vet passengers before they arrive at the airport and cross-reference their personal details with those on terror watch lists or who display unusual behaviour. The ‘positive’ side refers to the plan to use iris or fingerprint scans to quickly identify people whom intelligence officers have cleared for fast-track travel, such as frequent business travelers, sparing them the long lineups, searches and customs inquiries other passengers will still face. Critics have pounced on the notion of profiling passengers, saying it amounts to racial and religious segregation that will do more harm than good.

Maybe one approach is improved investment into technology to decipher the contents of luggage? A simple suggestion is to ask more pertinent questions at check-in – understanding the reason for visits and obtaining written declarations to support travel.

To me it looks like there is little difference between positive profiling and racial profiling - they are literally too close for comfort? For example, would profiling only 'judge' those with Asian based names?! Therefore, there is a danger of abuse and simply missing the true cowardly suspects.

We need to remember that there are so many cultural differences between the 6 Billion of us! What will profiling ‘scouts’ or ‘scanners’ be looking for considering that we all come to this Earth in all shapes and sizes. Victimisation based on colour/creed must be avoided else we are another step closer to polarisation of communities.

Perpetuating Rubbish

2006-08-20T16:47:00.000Z

I wasn’t sure if I should call this article / posting: ‘I’m so glad that Big Brother is over’ or perpetuating rubbish’

Big Brother was conceived by John de Mol - a Dutch media tycoon and billionaire. In 2005 Forbes magazine stated that he was one of the 500 richest people in the world. The Show’s name comes from George Orwell’s 1949 novel 1984. In the book Big Brother is positioned as the all-seeing leader of the dystopian (authoritarian or totalitarian form of government) Oceania.

I personally still have not fully understood the attraction of this programme. Maybe the following can help regarding why I believe people watch Big Brother.

1. Some people are bored and want to see a reflection of themselves on TV
2. Reality TV brings home an element of real-life
3. The public make the stars! (e.g; Dragons Den & The Apprentice)
4. Some people believe that their lives are sad and actively seek glamour
5. Escapism is what life is really what all about
6. Conditioning by the media
7. Forced subversive fascination based on topical life discussions
8. Fear of alienation
9. Conditioned to watch a grey box on return from watching a grey box at the office.
10. Today’s media has nothing better to do than to perpetuate endless stories of lust, image, distraction, false-fame and wasted energy.

Maybe I’m being unkind and serious psychologists probably view such programmes as part of some ‘great human experiment’. Maybe some people are fascinated by the interplay for example, positioning, greed, envy and alienation by the housemate. Does this mean if the world ended tomorrow, so would any form of descency ?

One could argue that today our behaviour as a society is not so different from the actions of the housemate – Our neighbours starve, yet we stare into our TV’s escaping the reality of what is around us.

We need to consider who are the people making real money on Reality TV programmes – at our expensive.I suggest that they are:

- TV Producers / Co’s – typically reality TV development & idea costs are low
- Communication companies – Mobile / telephone airtime operators
- The Press – Selling stories

Post show, many of the exhouse mates return to their previous lives – it almost appears that their limited exposure to possible fame and fortune is based on ‘sucking out’ their goodness and then leaving them on the wayside.

My biggest issue is with the impact that these programmes have on children and what they can potentially absorb as being acceptable socially.

Just as one reality TV programme came to an end, another won appeared - The X-Factor returned to screens the next day. NB The public amassed in their hundreds of thousands to seek a short-cut to stardom.

I’m now left to conclude that Reality TV is a bit like gardening or weeding - you pull out one weed and then more appear! It’s up to us to decide what is beautiful and not corrupt our society.

57 channels and there is nothing on

2006-08-15T10:46:00.000Z

Bruce Springsteen once wrote a song called : 57 channels and there is nothing on.
One of the most interesting verses is:

Well now home entertainment was my baby's wish
So I hopped into town for a satellite dish
I tied it to the top of my Japanese car
I came home and I pointed it out into the stars
A message came back from the great beyond
There's fifty-seven channels and nothin' on

I felt a similar emotion during the last 2 weeks when I was over in the USA.
Instead, where I was staying I had probably over 150 channels to choose from. Honestly, there was literally not much on.

When I opened the newspaper each morning I searched high and low for World news – Unfortunately, time and time again I was affronted with just two pages – and most of that was occupied by the awful situation in the Middle East. I felt that my channels of communication had been restricted – my only avenue of seeking more information was to resort to the Internet and its associated channels.

If we consider that the definition of ‘channel’ as being the medium used to convey information from a sender (or transmitter) to a receiver. Taking this definition one step further we have: Simplex – one definition suggests that this type of communication is one where all signals can flow in only one direction. Half Duplex allows communications in both directions, but only one direction at a time (not simultaneously). Duplex allows communication in both directions and unlike half-duplex allows this to happen simultaneously.

In the context of how humans communicate or are forced to conform with, the advent of the Internet has brought about an irony – selective communication – for example recently both Google and Microsoft have been accused of restricting selective content to Chinese users of their services. Blogging (individual web-logs or online journals) is now a new industry – consider that in 2002 only 200,000 Blogs existed, now over 30 Million Blogs are available (how many remain active is another topic/question). If the Internet has the power to give anyone (let us put the digital divide situation on the side for a second) to get online and express their opinion then a positive consensus on issues should emerge.

I believe that my reliance on the Internet is probably under threat. Already media corporations are commissioning ‘their’ own Blogger’s and associated resources – maybe to ensure opinions are consistent and advertisers are ‘eyeing’ up the potential for product positioning. The need for interactivity (2 way communication) is what the Internet has morphed into, yet this communication will be restricted as world paranoia continues.

The Internet is a place that has the potential to bring the world together, instead inappropriate content is rampant, vandals seek to damage websites, children are threatened and identities can be compromised.

The so called ‘Myspace’ generation maybe at ease with the social networking technology that is now available. However, an opportunity to debate on world issues appears a far of priority. I noticed the BBC’s recent subtle approach on engaging with the public on issues of the day – through emails etc. However, programming for ethnic / communities is still established at the midnight hour!?

In the advent of new satellite channels coming to the fore – I hope it will not be in the vain - as I saw recently on one channel that simply shows someone’s home wedding video in the hope that it is providing quality content and entertainment - maybe the joke is on us!!

We need more Peace Corps

2006-08-07T15:28:00.000Z

I'm currently in the US after a visiting gap of 5 years! We all know that the USA clean in an almost clinical nature. Supermarkets are overwelming in terms of the abundance of food and the choice in consumer goods and credit (!) is unbelievable.

The other evening I attended a dinner at a Dr's house. She has been pioneering in the field of public broadcasting, a successful doctor and someone who has developed over 18 years of exceptional content for the Sikh community.

I also met one of her nieces who had just returned from Kenya as part of a Peace Corps assignment. The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when the then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship. Since that time, more than 182,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have been invited by host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to information technology and environmental preservation. My understanding is that they also celebrate their 45th Anniversary year.

The Peace Corps' mission has three simple goals:

* Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
* Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
* Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

The girl that I met had spent a year in the outback. Intrigued I dived in with lots of questions (NB Q & A Paraphrased/summarised)

Q: What did you do there?
A: I worked on an Aids education programme

Q: How did you prepare for the assignment?
A: The Peace Corps trained me which included learning two languages as they could not converse in English at all there.

Q: How bad is the problem of Aids in Africa?
A: It is serious. Children are left to fend for themselves.

Q: What was it like?
A: The village folk have no shoes so when the see your shoes or a watch they are amazed.

Q: What do people live on? Do they rely on local produce alone?
A: Yes, they are far away from any commercial towns/cities so they survive on what they grow.

Q: What is the reason for the spread of Aids?
A: It is the way that women are treated and the casuality of relationships. Education is what is needed.

Q: How did you cope - say with basics like keeping in touch, cleaning and the Internet!
A: Once a week I would head to the city. Over the year that I was there I had to use a bucket bath system.

At the end of the discussion she said she wanted to go back to meet her friends in the village.

It was good to see this selfless act of service, something we can all learn from.

The world is full of inequalities yet the majority of us standby and watch. I really wish there was more funds available from our community to set-up such initiatives.

SACA Birmingham to London (Annual Cycle ride)

2006-07-28T00:32:00.000Z

Over the last 17 years SACA, Sikh Arts and Cultural Association (SACA) have
raised over Thousands of pounds for children's charities, for example:

Help a London Child (Capital Radio FM), Cash for Kids (BRMBFM), Wolverhampton
Children's ward, Ealing Hospital, 'Playground in the Sky',
Dr Barnado's, Contact a Family, Red Cross, dEBra (skin disorder charity)
Downs Syndrome Research Foundation, SCOPE and NSPCC.

This year's charity is the Whizz Kids – aiming to help disabled children to become more independent.

On route!

Over 250 cyclists started from Smethwick Gurdwara on Saturday morning. (22nd July at 8am). At 3pm the ride hit major storm conditions but the cyclist persevered.
Cyclists - rode all day taking only 5 breaks between steep and subtle hills, closing off the first leg of the weekend event in Luton.

Amazingly alongside the entire 2 days Team Fauja – a relay running team including Fauja started at 8.15am By Fauja Singh (the world marathon record holder (oldest male at 96).

On the second day on the cyclist's had reached the infamous hill in Elstree - happy to have tackled the final hill, lunch was served before the final leg home to West London!

A Fantastic Reception that encouraged everyone.After the finishing parade on the Southall Broadway at 3pm, the ride finished at Southall park - with a Thank you from the Mayoress from Ealing Council.

The following examples show how everyone that was involved in making this ride a success also made it an enjoyable event for all those that took part:

On Friday night, the overnight accommodation and hospitality at Smethwick Gurdwara was fantastic. On Saturday evening, the riders reception and overnight accommodation and hospitality at Luton. The Gurdwara was as normal outstanding.

During the event's finale, in Southall the ½ mile procession that included musicians, cyclists, official support vehicles and open air sound systems from Hypnotise sounds.

The SACA organisation are grateful to all the support teams, 250 cyclists and their receiving families. The langar and reception was excellent and enjoyed by all.

A team effort
In addition, the SACA organisation would like to Thank all that took part in this ride, the list of organisations below is not exhaustive.

* Of all that took part:The support of all the riders and their families, everyone that took the time to come to Southall to welcome the riders, Cyclist support team, Metropolitan Police, Gurdwara's in Smethwick (Birmingham), Luton, Park Avenue Southall, Rocky's, all the truckers and support teams (inc: SACA ride marshals), the ride medical doctors: Dr Rajdeep Khatter & Dr Rosy Arora, SACA Team members: Jas, Dave, Sandy, Raj, Harmi, Savinder, Dave, Bobby, Dobbs, Raps, Ranjod, Chas, Pala, Sati.., all sponsoring organisations (including The Sikh Times) and all that took part to make this ride a safe and fun event.

The annual Ride presentation evening

SACA's next event in support of collecting and presenting the consolidated funds raised by the bike ride to Whizz Kids, will be the Riders Presentation evening. It will be a chance to formally thank all those that have given for charity (inc sponsors) and to share in the joy of helping others. This event is planned to take place in October 2006, please look out for up & coming details.

Look up, what do you see? Dark Clouds

2006-07-24T10:12:00.000Z

The sky is dark, not with the richness of moisture. Instead, as a result of the constant pounding of missiles and mortar attacks. The question to ask is where are we? Whether it be South Lebanon or Northern Israel the situation is the same

In hospitals the casualties arrive with their individual stories of horror. These people are the innocent. Stuck between hell and fire with no place to go. When they look up at the sky their minds are in shock as they wait to see whether one of the rockets will land near or on them.

A mother in an open hospital ward sits in a chair crouched with her head in her hands. Moments earlier she had lost her husband. On her left side is a cot with her baby battered by a bomb, sedated, still and silent in shock with pain. To her right side lies her young son. He lies on his side with his left check exposed – red and bloody from the attack. Freckles of shrapnel cover his face. He too lies still. The mother continues to sob and all we can do is feel for their pain.

As I sit here blogging in front of my computer I feel inadequate, helpless and sorry for the innocent. What have they (the innocent) done? Amongst the propaganda the truth is the pain of the innocence.

Thousands of foreigners are being evacuated in anticipation of more attacks or a major ground move / offensive. There are no boats of safety for those that remain.

The pain of the innocent is unseen but a fact, a reality and the truth behind the new rain of attacks between the two countries. The situation is complicated by statements such as ‘right to defend’, the apparent support being given to the Hezbollah. and the current non involvement of the: Lebanonese army. In addition, further words are used by the media: ‘Excessive force’ and ‘Hidden bombs’. When two fists collide then a 3rd party has to step-in to ‘iron out’ some sense. Can Connie broker a deal?

What can we do? How long will it be before a ceasefire is realised? Can we assume or belief in the United Nations? Is blogging, reading newspaper updates or watching events being unravelled before us all we can do? Unfortunately the answer is yes? It appears that humanity is passive and self-centred. No one stops to help the innocent. No one wants to get involved. Maybe in the risk of becoming implicated – yet we are implicated by being passive.

We need to dig deeper into finding a solution. Where are the arms coming from? Who are their suppliers? Why is there not a greater sense of urgency to resolve the issue? I still believe that if we collectively campaign for peace with our respective governments the attitude of apathy can be removed.

The picture of an innocent family suffering the pain of destruction should be powerful enough for anyone to grasp the urgency of the need for a resolution. Those that press the buttons only have to look up to the sky and realise that we are one world with different cultures that can live together –

As the earth beneath us is only divided by ourselves.

11/7 a day of destruction

2006-07-12T13:41:00.000Z

Terrorists in my view can best be described as hidden or unseen predators that prey on the innocent in the form of a shadow of evil. You know that they are there but you cannot make them out because of their silhouette of deceit. They are deceitful to themselves as they cowardly hide behind an identity that they themselves cannot face. They are unable to 'come to the table' and discuss or address publicly their issues. They resort to coversion to generate fear, uncertainty and doubt. They do not hesitate to put across their sense of distortion.

On 11th July in Mumbai, India during the rush hour explosions occurred within 11 minutes during. More than 714 people were hurt and 185 people shockingly killed. Hospitals sent out urgent appeals for blood donations.

Early Wednesday, hundreds of people at a station 440 kilometres (275 miles) from Mumbai. Two rail lines were restored by dawn, and a third was expected to reopen in the morning. The city's suburban train system is one of the busiest in the world, carrying more than six million commuters a day.

On Wednesday morning the Red Cross said that bodies are still being found and hospitals in the West Indian seaport are scrambling to care for survivors. Heavy monsoon rains hampered rescue efforts, bystanders wrapped people in blankets and helped transport the injured to hospitals.

Maybe by no coincidence the attacks struck just before of the G8 (group of eight) summit of world leaders that begins on Saturday 15th July in St. Petersburg, Russia. Last year's July 7 terror bombings in London that killed 52 people came as UK Prime Minister Tony Blair was hosting the G8 summit in Scotland.

Maybe the terrorists are trying to show that they are still alive and a deadly force?

I hope that one of the Indian government's immediate areas of focus will be on stability rather than seeing the ignition of rumours or on apportioning blame. In the past Mumbai has seen violence quickly spark to counter-violence. I really hope that any right wing extremist groups does not use the current situation as a way of raising further fears in people.

The aftermath of such an act as we have seen in many other countries is one of shock and worry. Madridites’ after they suffered train bomb blasts the next day showed a sense of defiance against the terrorists by bringing together over one million peple to march united into the city of Madrid. Maybe Mumbai can do the same.

Improvements in security will help but they have the risk of impacting on human rights and will need regulatory procedures.

What we need today is unified approach. Progress on issues need to be faster but not under the duress of the terrorists.

In a country that is still defined as 'developing', especially from the perspective of a wide gap between those that have and those that have not, I worry deeply for those that have lost family members or friends. I hope that a fund (national and international) can be established to help them.

A year on 7/7

2006-07-07T13:40:00.000Z

Much has happened since last years disgusting London bombing. Unfortunately, we are no closer to understanding the mentality of those involved. It is also unfortunate that that few initiatives appear to be in place to identify the reasons why the bombers did what they did.

This could be due to a number of reasons:

1. The media continue to use misrepresent general public opinion and avoid talking about communities where people are living peacefully.
2. Muslim or even non-white accomplishments are down played in the press.
3. Commentators, interviewees and community representatives are from ‘the chosen few’.
4. There is less focus on educational needs.
5. There needs to be more focus on the value / contribution that each member of a community brings to the UK.

The latter is something I’ve mentioned before. The media has its favourite’s. They chat to each other like old chums. Is there something more sinister at work? For example a hidden old boys and girls network, a jet set. Or is it that because many of them went to Oxford/Cambridge/Ivy league type educational establishments where their ticket to a podium is automatically allocated? Quite simply it may also be that those that shout the loudest tend to get heard.

Even if we look for those in the public eye (our already accomplished teachers, scientists, authors, researchers, doctors…) – where are the role models – those that set a positive view for their communities. These issues bare true for all segments of society.

Ethnic Minorities represent 7.9% of the UK population. They are a growing population with the majority living in London. Multi-ethnic representation continues to be marginalised. This in stark contrast to a survey commissioned by the BBC and in Ipsos 2003. For example:

- The fastest growing ethnic minority groups are Mixed Race, Black African, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Chinese
- Apparently, young black and South Asian origin people are much more ambitious and optimistic than their white counterparts and feel as much a part of British culture as white people.
- Viewing habits in ethnic minority homes are different from white households - for one thing, digital penetration is higher - perhaps due to targeted channels such as Zee TV.
- BBC ONE has the largest share of any channel in ethnic minority homes, followed by ITV, Channel 4, Channel Five and then BBC TWO.
- In terms of radio, ethnic minority listeners find garage, rap/hip hop and children's programming more appealing than the population as a whole.
- Young ethnic minority listeners are using new technologies to tune in more than young white people. Though black people in general are less likely to use the internet.

I noticed that Sir Ian Blair stated on Breakfast TV this morning (7/7) that he (paraphrased) was not confident that another attack could be prevented. However, he confirmed that other potential attacks have been halted.

Are we missing something here? Has anyone thought of using / opening up the current channels rather than continuing to intellectualise about the issues.

Communicating Collaboration for good works - not isolation and abandonment!

Fun with Slide.com!

2006-07-07T00:28:00.000Z

Lots of pics and value statements that I made up...

Arrogance is unacceptable

2006-07-03T10:31:00.000Z

You cannot miss the hype of the soccer world-cup even if you tried. It’s in your face from the moment you step out of the front door of your house. What with flags and quiet streets and lets not forget almost every street based advertisement attempts to vainly link itself to the footie fest.

The World-cup also focuses or mind on one thing – Television! The worldwide audiences must be in the Billions. It is also a time when we hope that any images that we are exposed to show people in a good light. I’m afraid that even though the number of yellow cards, false dives and acting-up is in my view at an all time high I can’t help thinking how closely such behaviour reflects real life.

On 2nd July it was reported that Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) has been widely criticised for his antics during England's defeat to Portugal on Saturday. Ronaldo insists he did not try to get Wayne Rooney sent off in the World Cup quarter-final. It appeared to viewers that that he (Ronaldo) rushed up to the referee Horacio Elizondo and seemed to encourage him to punish Wayne Rooney for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho. Rooney then pushed Manchester United team-mate Ronaldo in the chest and was shown the red card by the Argentinean referee. The England striker left the pitch, 17 minutes into the second-half, and Ronaldo was caught on camera winking at the Portugal bench. Ronaldo, 21, said: ‘I tried to talk to the referee and say it was a foul but I didn't say he should give a red card. I felt very sorry for him (Rooney) because we are team-mates and very good friends.’ Based on them being team mates in Manchester United, maybe this is the truth?

Ronaldo then scored the winning penalty in a tense shoot-out in Gelsenkirchen to fire Portugal into their first World Cup semi-final since 1966.

Eriksson, who now leaves his job as England boss, said: "I'm sure Wayne Rooney does more good things than bad things. ‘He has a temperament; you have to live with that. I have spoken to him about it in the past but I always said you can't take the temperament away from Wayne Rooney because then he wouldn't be that kind of player.’

We need to ask the question that although adrenaline is running through all the players’ veins - can there not be more sportsmanship on the field. The desperation / desire to win are so high that careers, reputations and injuries can result. In addition, why is it that it sometimes appears that those with a sense of arrogance and a high temperament get away with it!?

Why do we have to put up with such behaviour?
The out-burst by Wayne is especially frustrating when you consider how much maturity Rooney displayed in other situations - he handled the transfer to Old Trafford very well, and was the definition of restraint on his difficult first return to Goodison in February 2005.

In summary, those who want to behave can. Those that are arrogant I believe will suffer under the same arrogance. We should not have to put up with a bad temperament. If footballers are earning millions they have a responsibility to set a good example - especially to those in their influential years.

There is more to life than football. We’ll all find out post 8th July!

Fashion is not life. Life is what you make of it

2006-06-13T12:11:00.000Z

I'm not saying I'm a model, honest, but I remember seeing an article on Sikh models on a BBC website back in 2003.

A number of points should be considered:

1. Sikhs believe in equality as a human right.

2. In the case of the BBC article, are we being singled out with our religion being used for something that is potentially exploitative?

3. Sikhs are fashionable too and there is nothing wrong with wanting to look good as long as you are not using it to your advantage !

4. Bollywood has a bad reputation on disrespecting non-Hindu religions.

Interestingly, I came across a site called www.ratemyturban.com. In once sense this site could be considered as being exploitative but from a postive perspective, it is fun and also celebrates the turban.

However, during the Lakme Fashion Week in Delhi (April 20-26, 2005) there was an unfortunate episode where Sikh symbols were inappropriately used. Even the title of the line of clothing was blasphemous.

Fashion does have a habit of getting itself into trouble. Think back to the questionable United Colurs of Benetton advertisments. In my view they were just there to shock and had no real value! At the end of the day, Fashion to one person could be considered unfashionable to somebody else. In a world full of glossy magazines that are obsessed with positioning and glorifying people as celebrities, is it any wonder that there appears to be a boost in the cosmetic surgery industry and a negative influence on children.

The idea of fashion got me wondering about some of the modern icons of Fashion, for example, the T-Shirt.

The idea of the T-shirt came to the USA during World War 1 when US soldiers noticed the light cotton undershirts European soldiers were using while the US soldiers sweated in their wool uniforms. Since they were so much more comfortable they quickly became popular among the Americans, and because of their design they got the name T-shirt.

In the 1960s, the Ringer T-shirt appeared and became a staple fashion for youth and rock-n-rollers. People also started to tie-dye and screen-print the basic T-shirt and variants such as the tank top, "wife beater", muscle shirt, scoop neck and V-neck became popular.

Since then T-shirts have become a medium for self-expression and advertising, with any imaginable combination of words, art and even photographs on display.

Somebody bought me a T-Shirt the other day with the word 'REDEMPTION'. I have to admit that I had to look-up its true meaning... Wikipedia describes Redemption as being a religious concept referring to forgiveness or absolution for past sins and protection from eternal damnation. Redemption is common in many religions. In short it can be considered as a religious concept synonymous with salvation; or delivery from sins. Anyway, here is a picture of it!

Unfortunately, many people will 'judge a book by its cover'. For example, during the deposing of the Shah of Iran I was a young lad standing on a street corner in San Francisco. Suddenly a dark windowed metallic violet colured van spun around the corner. The driver poked his head out of the window and yelled, 'Iran sucks'! I was in shock as I did not have a clue about why he had associated me with Iran!!?

The media do not help with placing sterotypical images of communities.
There is a need to understand that fashion is distinct from identity.
It is not about the cover, it is about what we make of our lives.
Posing is not needed!

Is RSS of value to Marketers?

2006-06-12T22:56:00.000Z

It was interesting to see a recent article in a national daily that announced a grouping of new political bloggers.Cynics may suggest that this is an attempt to capture a growing movement of new political commentators.In 2002 approximately 100,000 bloggers toiled away at their craft. During the US election campaign (2004) it was reported the blogging (short for web log) phenomena resulted in the development of 8 Million (source: Pew Internet & America) of the 120 million adult American Internet users creating blogs, a 58% increase from the previous year.During the 2005 UK election campaign it was reported that even Michael Howard’s (opposition contender) wife was blogging daily while she was escorted him on his election trail.The growth in blogging statistics is also true for the United Kingdom - with the current number of bloggers reaching 30Million. The Guardian noted that they had achieved 2Million page prints in their first 2-3 weeks. The technology of Web 2.0 offers the ability to control content deliver for standard newsreader systems.

Is there a place for Corporate Blogging?

With the current growth of those reliant on RSS technology running at 6Million per week, the question to ask is whether there is sufficient interest with corporations to pursue web-blogs / blogs. One of the constraints is the potential breach of confidentiality.There is some good news, http://www.backbonemedia.com/ suggests that there are many positives to be achieved by corporations adopting the ‘art of blogging’. Their report was written by Stephen Turcotte. They asked hundreds of companies to participate in an online survey and also conducted in-depth interviews with leading individuals from six corporate blogs - that were selected as representative of the diverse spectrum of the corporate blogging world. What they discovered was that for the majority of our survey sample, corporate blogs are living up to all the hype. They discovered that corporate blogs are giving established corporations and obscure brands the ability to connect with their audiences on a personal level, build trust, collect valuable feedback and foster strengthened relationships while and at the same time benefiting in ways that are tangible to the sales and marketing side of the business. Just like in other aspects of life, success breeds success. What we see with successful blogs is a chain reaction that starts with a sincere interest on the part of the bloggers to provide their audience with great value in terms of useful and engaging content in the form of information, help, discussion and ideas. If a company can harness their customers’ knowledge and ideas, a company will find better ways to satisfy their customer’s needs and wants.Listening to customers and acting on their suggestions is one of the best ways to build a group of customers who are committed to expressing their goodwill to their community. It is a common practice in blogging to provide a link back to a thought originator, which is valuable because backlinks are a way that search engines distinguish the order of the editorial rankings. When customers start commenting, posting or tracking back to their blogging community it can have a viral effect - spreading the word through other blogs. We discovered that it is a company’s blogging strategy that will produce the strongest community goodwill, and that goodwill brings the most marketing and sales returns.

Can Marketing companies even those already active with the Internet gain any advantages?

Forester Research, in its RSS 101 (One to One) Market report suggest that RSS is a powerful tool, albeit for the technologically advanced today. They also suggest that marketers should test and deploy to proactively maintain relationships with their customers. It currently appears that RSS is morphing into an individually targeted marketing channel capable of off-setting many of the downsides of other channels. This technology allows companies to target, segment and personalise communications, much as the way email does today. Individualised RSS recipients receive text, images and promotional offers uniquely matched to their interests and desires. The individualised feeds enable marketers to communicate with subscribers based on demographics, past behaviour or any other segmenting attributes. Recently it has been suggested that podcasting could be a useful tool, effectively contributing to an ‘attention economy’. Audio on the move that is subscriber based is a powerful ‘tuned’ medium.

What next ?
Forester’s research reveals that 57% of marketers are interested in adding RSS to their marketing mix. A related reason may be the demographics of those who are online today. Marketers are excited by the possibility of a 100% message deliverability to a desktop via an RSS feed rather than email. There are no email maintenance issues with RSS.
Maybe the potential of RSS is only restricted by our imagination to apply it to commercial contexts.

Stereotypes need to be challenged

2006-06-02T12:34:00.000Z

Whilst reading a few Blogs I came across a fascinating one regarding personal identity. It reminded me of the time a few years back when I attended a meeting in Poole (Dorset, England, UK) - Probably in the mid 90s.

Just some background, I was born in London and my father was one of the early migrants to the UK in 1958. I am a Sikh.

Back to the story - I had spent 2 hours in the car from London. I parked in the giant car park of a bank I was attending to talk to this potential client about an international project.

I proceeded to the main desk situated in the middle of a giant glass roofed atrium. The receptionist turned to me and asked me who I wished to see. I replied with her name. Her expression suddenly changed to a shock or alarm or wonder. She suddenly declared – ‘You're not supposed to talk like that!’ - She was implying that I should have spoken in a stereotypical accented manner – not that there is anything wrong with talking with an accent – the ability to communicate in any tongue is an accomplishment. My only reply was to explain that quite a few generations were now in the UK and that Peter Sellers, the comedian had not done anyone any favours by planting an unfortunate vocal stereotype.

The story shows that unfortunately in this day and age assumptions can be made about a person just on first glance. I have a Sikh friend who has an amazing broad Glaswegian (from Glasgow) accent - although since being in the South of the UK for a while he had lost some of it.

Since 9/11 much has been done to address the need to respect all communities. After 6 years we still face the challenges of ignorance. When you look at the unfortunate events of 9/11 there were so many international victims – I remember a picture of the wives of many of the victims. They were pregnant at the time of their partner’s death but had since given birth. They were of many different denominations. I just feel we need to remember that we are one world - we may all look different but our hearts beat to the same beat - to life - to live and to support each other.

Fighting Stereotypical attitudes:

Use of language is not just refined to audio, as the written word is something we must also be aware of. How many authors are there that can reflect the true sense of real-life? Often we have to put up with some cravers of sensationalist headlines. We need to be aware that language can also be institutionalised, for example use of adjectives and assumptions of society view-points. Visual stereotyping is something that I have also written about in the past (Bollywood betrays). In many cases TV and movies do not help.

There are some solutions but they need investment with commitment. We need TV, radio and newsprint channels that seek to bridge communication lines (Developed by Sikhs). They need to be distinct, accurate and politically free. We need to respect our heritage and communicate its lessons. We need good role models. We need clear and concise commentary – showing intellectual debate on issues. We need to show the essence of what Sikhs really are – Believing in our fundamental principles, for example: Human Rights, Equality, and Honest living…

Building such a communications environment is a strong contributor to destroying stereotypes and establishing truth.

We must become the light

2006-05-30T10:09:00.000Z

Snatam Kaur Khalsa and Party – 28th May 2006 – Park Avenue, Southall - We must become the light

On Sunday 28th May my phone diary chimed out my reminder that later today would be the time for me to head out to Park Avenue, Southall, West London (UK) to hear Snatam Kaur and GuruGanesha Singh Khalsa, currently on a world peace tour.

The race was on at home to get a few household chores complete, get ready and then get to Southall in West London.

The traffic was relatively clear but the picture was different in the Gurdwara car park. After zipping around the car park a few times we managed to jostle and find a place to park.

At 3.15pm the Dabar Hall (Darbar Sahib refers to the main hall within a Sikh Gurdwara. This hall is where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed in a prominent central position in the hall) was packed.

Then Snatam Kaur and party arrived and took their places just behind the Guru Granth Sahib.
The party consisted of Snatam Kaur Khalsa, GuruGanesha Singh Khalsa and a wonderful tabla player, Jagjit Singh.

After a quick introduction and in parallel audio set-up, the party started the one hour programme. There are a some words that came to my mind whilst listening to the Peace party:

Humbleness, Calm, Unity and Joy.

Humbleness and Calm came to mind as there was a sense of ‘grace’ in the air. The sound was unique, soothing and provided a meditative atmosphere. In parallel the Sikhi-to-the-Max power-point presentation provided one with a view to meanings of Gurbani. There was passion in the singing by all and an energy level that confirmed commitment to the belief in God and the Spirit of the Guru.

Unity came to mind as the Sangat sang in unison. It appeared to me that with every breath the harmony of Waheguru (wonderful Lord) simran was felt.

Joy came to mind as it was suggested that (paraphrased) that in order to become enlightened we must first become a light. I really loved this line as it was inspiring and captured an essence of being a Sikh.

The latter message is something that I have been thinking about since Sunday. We come to this Earth, perform our daily chores, try to keep fit in body but how much do we devote to our spiritual being? How much do we work with each other to help others?

It is up to us to develop peace but also we have the potential to sustain its atmosphere once created. We should not simply ‘treat’ our soul but bring our soul closer to the Guru everyday. We can do this by believing in God and treating everyone as equal.

In the Sangat hall we prayed and sang together as one world – a world that needs peace today and for always. Thank you Snatam Kaur and Party for an inspiring time.

For more information on Snatam Kaur’s Peace tour please visit:
http://www.spiritvoyage.com

Where is the true voice of the People?

2006-05-16T07:45:00.000Z

One of the great things about blogging (a regular online journal that anyone can post – in English a Weblog ) is that creativity and production is down to the individual. However, interestingly in last week’s Financial Times it was reported that China has released its own version of Wikipedia - (http://www.wikipedia.org the free online encyclopaedia that anyone can edit but is moderated by online volunteers).

This gave chase to a question that came to mind: How free is the media today? Recently a viewer suggested that TV talk shows, new shows, news programmes, political commenting and newspapers in general have their favourites. The implication was that the same guests and self declared political spokespersons are repeatedly relied on to perform endless ‘chit chat’ between themselves – enjoying jokes and satirical narrative. Suddenly, we find the same experts and view-points emerging. The viewer suggested that a member of the public should be representative at such sessions. He also went as far as to suggest that when a member of the public is involved in asking direct questions it results in the most engaging television – citing examples such as UK BBC1’s Question Time when a lady asked about Doctor’s appointments. Or, back in the 1980s when a member of the public asked Margaret Thatcher about the exact nature of the situation when a British vessel sank the Argentinean Belgrano during the Falklands war – with regard to the latter the debate about the exact situation at the time continues.

However, the media does need a wake-up call. Although the profession is demanding in terms of working to deadlines and the challenge of producing engaging quality content – In my view some aspects of the media are spoilt by favoritism, targeting, sensationalism and crudeness. Maybe media ownership, political siding or simply stereotyping has a lot to do with the problem. Take for example the January 2004 Kilroy-Silk incident.

We have to admit that it is difficult for journalists and editors to balance the complexity of the world and how people’s values vary. However, a breach of human rights is wrong no matter where it occurs and often not enough rallying takes place to condemn it to ‘drive’ change.Or, maybe the problem is much deeper. I note that in some articles political Bloggers are beginning to emerge – it’s almost as if the media needs to encircle this movement and call it ‘its own’.Press freedom is not the same as contributing effective / knowledgeable content. There is still a need to control blasphemous comments and insensitive commentary.

Interesting, Bono (the lead singer of U2) will be editing the Independent Newspaper on Tuesday 16th May. In addition, 50 percent of all sales on the day will be given to helping those in Africa that are suffering from HIV/AIDS. It will be fascinating to see the impact on emphasis and style on the overall paper.

Maybe there is an opportunity to innovate in a world where the media have a structured route to broadcast on their megaphones.

What do they mean by ‘on its way’?

2006-05-08T14:24:00.000Z

It appears to me that fascism is returning or am I just being the bearer of doom and gloom? OK, let us take a look at some evidence.

Firstly, the tide of the National Front in France may have lead to the questionable policy changes in mainstream French politics. For example, their apparent need to attract the extremist thoughts of the right wing – it was an easy convienance to confuse respect for diversity with a strange interpretation of secularism?

In the United Kingdom, last Thursday 4th May local council elections took place. The figures speak for themselves…The British National Party (BNP - formerly and alternatively known as - The National Front) doubled its number of councillors in England. Russell Green, who won a seat in Sandwell, said the BNP was ‘on its way’. Where to? Is my question. The underlying policies of this organisation are based on hate, scaremongering and feeding of fear. Does this mean that we are on our way back to no-respect, ethnic cleansing, living in fear of one’s neighbours, no mutual respect, disregarding the importance of respecting people as human or simply a simple case of white supremacy rules?

We seemed to have forgotten the importance of the fact that it is not about the difference between each other, but it is about the relationships we build, keep and cherish.

However, with the resurgence in right wing thinking, ‘miscommunication’ is the key word today. Are we at the tip of the iceberg in terms of what is yet to come? Will all the investment migrants have made over the years be lost? Should we start transferring some of our money abroad in case of a mass repatriation campaign? Am I in a panic for no reason?

I suggest that emphasising the importance of unity starts from today. We need to crush the thoughts of the right wing. We need to catch this virus early enough so that our antidote will be more effective. ‘Nipping it in the bud’!

Lets go back in time to Nazi Germany. When Hitler started his campaign of targeting the Jews did anyone realise that it would lead the nation into a holocaust? Today, we should be wiser to ‘head’ off such situations from occurring again.

One way to ensure that we all remain free to respect each other is to reach inside for the will to help each other. I am confident that a global approach to world issues will unite people and resources. For example, greater links between schools from different countries, between developmental projects and viewing the world from someone who has no water or shoes can help us see the world as a single community.

Empathy can be a powerful agent of change. We need to steer our politicians not be stirred by them to hate each other. Only then can we ward off the evil of complexities, insecurities and superiority.

To deliver peace we must exercise it first.

China Crisis

2006-05-01T22:24:00.000Z

China has long been criticised by environmentalists for ant-environmentalist policies. For example, when building the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world it caused supposedly environmental destruction and displacement of villagers. I has also been criticised for its water cleanliness. It is claimed that five of China's greatest rivers are too polluted to touch or drink. Several of the country's largest waterways, including the Yellow River, run dry before reaching the sea. The leak of toxic Benzene into the Songhua River in November 2005, and the disconnection of water supplies to the city of Harbin and its millions of inhabitants, has also increased concerns.

It was recently reported that China is now the world's second-largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions, soon to over take from the USA. It has plans to build 600 coal-fired power stations by 2030, with the expected rise in greenhouse emissions. Some environmentalists say that China is today already exposed to Acid rain.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently reported that two-thirds of China's cities have air quality below standard. Nine of its cities are in the top ten most polluted in the world, some having the highest rates of airborne carbon monoxide in the world. It has been widely reported, by the Chinese themselves, that 400,000 people die prematurely every year from diseases linked to air pollution, partly down to increased car use. The numbers of cars in Beijing has doubled in the past five years to 2.5m; it is expected to rise to over 3m by the time the Olympic flame reaches the capital city in 2008.

On April 14th 2006 the Taipei Times reported a state report outlining that China's rapid economic growth has prevented it from meeting nearly half of its goals for environmental protection, with the level of sulphur dioxide emissions rising by 27 percent over the past five years, the government says.

NB Although China had set a target of cutting discharges of sulphur dioxide, a health threatening gas, by 10 percent from 2000 to last year. It set the same target for reducing emissions of carbon monoxide, unfortunately it only managed a 2 percent cut.
The report, posted on the agency's Web site, cited surging energy consumption due to the economic boom, which has kept Gross Domestic Product growth above 9 percent. ‘Some regions set more value on pursuing rapid GDP growth, sacrificing the environment and public health,’ the report said. Of 20 environmental goals, eight were not achieved, including reducing discharges of carbon dioxide and industrial solid waste and expanding the proportion of waste water treatment, it said. The targets were based on the assumption that China's energy consumption last year would be 1.36 billion tonnes of standard coal -- a common measure for energy use. The actual consumption last year was 2.0 billion tonnes!

Coal-fired power plants are China's biggest source of sulphur-dioxide emissions. Installed capacity for such plants reached 500 megawatts last year, 25 percent above the original expected 400 megawatts of capacity.

The report also cited limited progress in projects aimed at boosting waste water treatment along the Huai River and other severely polluted bodies of water.

Of 256 projects, only 54 percent were on target. Poor maintenance and antiquated equipment at ageing factories were increasingly causing environmental accidents, it noted.

All these facts suggest that progress is being made in the areas of economic growth but there appears to be a disregard to the will to be responsible. Maybe part of the problem is that no one takes a leadership position in putting the Earth first. Instead, competitive forces push this issue into the back of people’s minds. Is there not an ethical way to develop economies? We are too reliant on unrealistic targets. The reality is that we need to urgently fund new sources of energy and also review the inefficient procedures/practices of today’s power generation standards.

Consumption drives production but product should also start by being efficient, encouraging recyclability (with incentives) and a massive reduction in wasteful packaging.

What is Corporate Social Responsibility – Doesn’t it start with you?

2006-04-25T10:50:00.000Z

Also known as CSR it comprises of 10 areas:
- Reputation and Trust
- Values
- The environment (climate change, pollution and resource use)
- Health and well being (decease, malnutrition and quality of life)
- Population and Demographics (affluence, education and consumer trends)
- Human rights and diversity (labour standards, working conditions)
- Transparency and accountability (reporting and engagement)
- Governance (leadership, function of board)
- Shareholder activism and pressure groups
- Regulation

This list of 10 unfortunately misses out on the need to address global issues such as hunger and disease. Once may argue that these standards could be applied to global organisations but the reality is that those multi-nationals that are strong are quite prominent in the West.

In the past I have spoken about the need to view spare capacity, establish secondments and also provide greater opportunities to give to charity. Again, none of these feature in the list.

Take for example, the last world soccer cup. It was revealed that a certain goods manufacturer was exploiting child labour to produce sporting merchandise!

In the past the anti-sweatshop movement succeeded the campaign to divest from Apartheid South Africa. The latter, also premised on Western corporate social responsibility, preoccupied the concerns of many grassroots protest activists of the developed world from the mid-seventies to the mid-eighties. The movement was global but was targeted at only one country – South Africa. In contrast, the new movement, dating back to the early nineties, is truly globalised. The concern is no longer just on one country but many—those that export labour-intensive goods to the developed world. This includes, in particular, several countries that are located in Asia, the fastest developing region in the world over the past decade.

The anti-sweatshop movement has introduced a new player into the traditional paradigm of industrial relations as a tripartite structure constituting the state, employers and labour. Grassroots non-government organizations (NGOs) such as student groups, religious groups, environmental groups, labour organisations, consumer groups and community groups have become players that can no longer be dismissed as fringe. The movement has taken the moral high ground, and today a large number of transnational corporations (TNCs) have openly accepted that they hold a responsibility to upgrade labour standards in the factories that produce merchandise bearing their names. Many TNCs have now hired a corps of staff to handle labour rights/human rights issues. In the mid-1990s a flurry of internal and external social monitoring, auditing and verification activities to ensure improvement of labour standards gave birth to a flourishing new monitoring and auditing business, but only limited improvements in labour conditions have ensued.

In summary, there is much to do - As individuals we need to be more aware / alert and ensure that as soon as we find out about people being exploited, we avoid their products.

Four years on and the world soccer cup looming, I wonder if there have been any improvements – Maybe the players need to be more involved with their sponsors in 'striking out' human exploitation!

The rotting man

2006-04-18T10:55:00.000Z

Easter weekend has in recent years now begun to also be associated with one of the business Do it yourself (DIY) times of the year. DIY centres can be seen buzzing with offers and punters galore.

I have to admit that I too was out and about. On the Sunday with a gardener to hack through the garden evergreens with my new chainsaw! On the Monday with screwdriver in hand trying to put up some lighting that had to be replaced.

However, I have to share with you some thoughts. Life has a purpose and often there are things that happen to you that remind you of how difficult it can be for some.
Rather morbidly I heard that someone had been found dead in her apartment after almost 2 years. Apparently, some inspectors called round to a house due to non-payment of Bills. As they entered the house they must have seen the decomposing corpse. Sadly, they also saw some Christmas presents that had not been opened.

As I ran around the town centre on Sunday trying to find some household cleaners I walked past the church. On a bench sat a man crouched over. His feet appeared curled and each foot nail was decomposing. I walked approx five feet in front of him. Unfortunately he reeked of the most awful smell. Maybe he had not bathed for a while.

These two examples show us that life can rot away unless we strive to ask ourselves the following questions.

In a world of so much health care why do people on our doorsteps go unnoticed?
Could it be that in some situations the issue of someone sleeping on a park bench maybe more than a homelessness issue. Maybe there are other factors such as mental stability or personal problems.

In a world of so much communication why do we not bother to with the concept of collaborative communities – i.e: looking out for each other or even contacting the council to ensure that their obligations to help are assured.

In a world of so much goodness why is it that an apathetic attitude prevails.
In some cases many may simply walk away considering that it is somebody else's problem. The truth is that our attitude should be one of responsibility. Maybe we are too programmed to simply turn our heads away and ignore the issue.

In a world of charity why is it that some are missed?
We need to tell / guide our councillors on the priorities in our local areas.

In a world where we strive to improve our cosmetics / houses the world besides us rots?
I suggest that next time we put some energy into a spring clean or any personal improvement initiative, should we not also consider allocating some of our household budget to helping those around us.

On the Beeb - The vid

2006-04-14T17:45:00.000Z

The following video features a discussion about all the different festivals taking place at this time of year: Passover, Buddist New Year, Easter and the Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi

On the Beeb

2006-04-11T10:49:00.000Z

Wow what a weekend. Mid week the editor of the Sikh Times, Gurjeet called me up and asked me if I was available to talk and possibly be on BBC1’s Heaven and Earth show.
I duly rang Manchester to discover that this week or should I say the programme transmitted on Sunday 9th April would feature a piece on Vaisakhi.

I wanted to ensure that the facts I had were correct so I researched some great websites like www.Sikhiwiki.org, called up some of my friends – Thanks Jaspreet from the V&A and also spoke to lots of people about this great event. The notes below are summaries of what I discovered – The wonder of being a Sikh.

Event: Vaisakhi on the Square : Date: Sunday 30th April 2006 Time: 11.30am – 5pm :
The Mayor of London is backing the fourth annual Vaisakhi festival celebrations in Trafalgar Square. The event begins at 11.30am with prayers and messages for peace, followed by an afternoon programme of traditional and modern Asian music.

The message of Vaisakhi has particular relevance to London, as the capital is the most ethnically diverse city in Europe, with 300 languages spoken and over 14 major faiths practised. Vaisakhi promotes friendship and mutual respect.

The Story of Vaisakhi
On Baisakhi Day, March 30, 1699, hundreds of thousands of people gathered around his divine temporal seat at Anandpur Sahib. The Guru addressed the congregants with a most stirring oration on his divine mission of restoring their faith and preserving the Sikh religion. After his inspirational discourse, he flashed his unsheathed sword and said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice: He demanded one head for oblation. After some trepidation one person offered himself. The Guru took him inside a tent. A little later he reappeared with his sword dripping with blood, and asked for another head. One by one four more earnest devotees offered their heads. Every time the Guru took a person inside the tent, he came out with a bloodied sword in his hand. Then the Guru emerged with all five men dressed piously in white. He baptized the five in a new and unique ceremony called pahul, what Sikhs today know as the baptism ceremony called Amrit. Then the Guru asked those five baptized Sikhs to baptize him as well. He then proclaimed that the Panj Pyare -- the Five Beloved Ones -- would be the embodiment of the Guru himself: "Where there are Panj Pyare, there am I. When the Five meet, they are the holiest of the holy."

PANJ PIARE are literally the five beloved ones – the name given to the five Sikhs, Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mukham Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh, who were so designated by Guru Gobind Singh at the historic divan at Anandpur Sahib they were the first batch to receive at his hands khanda di Pahul, i.e. rites of the two-edged sword.
At the same time the Guru gave his new Khalsa a unique, indisputable, and distinct identity. The Guru gave the gift of bana, the distinctive Sikh clothing and headwear. He also offered five emblems of purity and courage. These symbols, worn by all baptized Sikhs of both sexes, are popularly known today as Five Ks: Kesh, unshorn hair; Kangha, the wooden comb; Karra, the iron (or steel) bracelet; Kirpan, the sword; and Kachera, the underwear. By being identifiable, no Sikh could never hide behind cowardice again.
The birth of the Khalsa is celebrated by Sikhs every Vaisakhi Day on April 14.

The 5Ks
The 5 basic instincts drive that ‘drive’ humans are pride, lust,anger,greed and attachment
Kara – Is worn by Sikhs showing the enternity of God and a formal commitment to him.
Kanga – Relates to control of wordly greed – just as it passes through the hair untangling it but taking nothing, we pass through life influencing it but taking nothing
Kachera/Kacha: Undershorts. - One of the five Sikh articles of faith, remind his sikhs that they should control lust.
Kirpan: Sword - Guru Gobind Singh told his sikh to wear a sword in order to protect the weak from tyranny – and direct it to defend the defenceless
Kesh - Hair is a gift from God.

What happens in the Gurdwara ?
Thus Nishan Sahib in the Sikh tradition means the holy flag or exalted ensign – the Khanda
The Insignia of the Khalsa is In the centre of the insignia is the two-edged sword which symbolises the Creative Power of God which controls the destiny of the whole universe. It is the Sovereign Power over life and death. One edge of the Sword symbolises divine justice, which chastises and punishes the wicked oppressors; the other edge symbolises Freedom, and Authority governed by moral and spiritual values.

In addition, a Nagar (meaning town) Kirtan takes place so that all faiths and parts of the community can celebrate together as the Guru Granth Sahib lead respectably by the PANJ PIARE proceed through the streets.

Nanakshahi Calendar
Sikhs across the world now have their own universal calendar. The name of this new calendar is: Nanakshahi Calendar, and it takes its name from Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism.
Other religions, like Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism, have long had their own calendars. But for most of its history Sikhism has used the traditional Vikrami (or Bikrami) calendar, shared by Sikhs and Hindus in North India, to set the date of its festivals.
Sikhs see the adoption of the new calendar as a big step forward for Sikh identity, and one that will help dispel any suggestions that Sikhism is just a variety of Hinduism.

The new calendar will make life much easier for Sikhs as their holy days will no longer move about the calendar from year to year. Gurpurbs (celebrations devoted to particular Gurus) will now always happen on the same date, and occur once (and once only) in every year.
The calendar doesn't fix the date of all Sikh festivals. Those Sikh festivals, which are celebrated at the same time as similar Hindu religious events, such as Diwali and Hola Mohalla, will still have their dates set by the Vikrami calendar.
Calendar creator

The Nanakshahi Calendar was developed by a Canadian Sikh, Pal Singh Purewal, a retired computer engineer. He started work on the new calendar in the 1960s.
Purewal believes that having a unique calendar is vital for the integrity of the Sikh religion.

"All communities and faiths have their own calendar as a mark of their distinct cultural identity. Just as the Islamic world has the Hijri calendar and Hindus have Vikrami calendar, the Sikhs will have a Nanakshahi calendar along with the common era (CE) calendar which is in use throughout the world". Pal Singh Purewal

If you wish to see it again, simply click on the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqSJt_sxQnw

Does disillusionment leads to destruction ?

2006-04-03T15:40:00.000Z

Over the last few weeks I’ve suddenly woken-up to noticing more 4x4’s or CaRVans RV’s as their called in the USA. I wondered why the overnight emergence of such petrol guzzlers? Is it the power of their ego trip or is the need to own a giant car an essential must have . Or is owning an RV today’s necessary requirement for acquiring an extension to your house? In other words, what is, pardon the pun, ‘fuelling’ or ‘driving’ the need for such exuberance, in the context of uncaring about the future?

Many have suggested that the ‘live for now’ or ‘there is nothing we can do’ attitude is prevailing. Others suggest that non-conformance attitude by powers such as the USA and China to the Kyoto agreement influences peoples attitudes. In addition, the USA have recently been accused of distorting / misrepresenting or more likely misinterpreting key data regarding the green-house effect.

I wonder if the attitude of disillusionment has something to do with a post September 11th attitude – The ‘enjoy today as tomorrow may never come’ attitude. This short-termism will not only have an obvious impact on future generations but also on today’s financial climate. If we are to believe the metrological experts then any impact on the environment will create a ripple effect. Take for example last years unfortunate disaster in New Orleans and the damage caused to oil platforms in the Mexican gulf. Fuel prices soared and associated availability was also ‘hit’.

Is there a solution? Here are a few suggestions. Firstly, there is a need for greater education and corporate responsibility. Greater education from a young generation perspective and corporate responsibility from today’s oil companies. With regard to the latter, the amount of profit being achieved by the oil giants need to be reviewed from a possible monopolistic undercurrent. Car companies need to develop dual fuel engines (for example the Lexus – but without the public paying for a premium for this functionality). In addition, governments should encourage schemes for new types of fuel, offering the public incentives for alternative fuels (e.g: you can convert a conventional petrol engine to run on vegetable oil for approx $1000 in the US).

The 4x4 / RV is an important part of the entire energy drain situation. For example, in the USA Household expenditures for petroleum products – gasoline and heating fuels (natural gas or heating oil) have increased by 20 percent in the past two years. Over the past four years, household expenditures on petroleum products have increased by about $1,000 per year. For all but the wealthiest 20 percent of American families, rising petroleum prices have eaten up the entire Bush Administration tax cut.

I guess no one can see the damage that they are causing as their dash boards (showing life’s statistics) are beyond the priorities of today’s generation!

Looking forward to Delhi 2010

2006-03-27T11:15:00.000Z

I normally don’t watch ending ceremony’s of sports events as I get sentimental. However, I happened to be watching the Commonwealth Games ending ceremony on Sunday. Putting aside a possible cynical aspect of their existence (colonial linkage), they do at least bring people together to celebrate diversity.

Some of you may know that India (Delhi) will be hosting the next games in 2010. During one of the many open-air / stadium extravaganza acts, India had an opportunity to shine and present a welcome to 2010. And ‘shine’ they did with over 1000 dancers with an illuminating effect. The act was sensibly timed and tasteful. It was also great to see a Sikh receive an award on the main / master stage.

However, I was astounded by a comment made by one of the BBC presenter/ voiceover/ commentator/ narrators. He negatively claimed that the Indian segment was too long and that they should save it for the start of the 2010. In my view it certainly was not long. Instead it showed imagination and a sneak preview into what is to come. It is the new hosting country’s right to encourage a warm welcome and India did a great job in Melbourne.

I certainly question the Dame Edna dance routine afterwards – the same commentator suggesting that it (the Dame Edna routine) was ‘tongue in cheek’, in my view it was long, irrelevant and rude. At the start of the Dame Edna routine, she/he interrupted a presenting athelete.

This whole episode started me thinking about how such comments made in the context of general media/journalism. Stereotyping and preference unfortunately exist in this domain. In last weeks article I suggested that it was good to see Indian medal winners – What a result! Rather than welcoming and encouraging athletes from nations that are putting in a good effort, they are instead sidelined by a patriotic stance.

The evidence is clear. Next time you watch an international tournament, see if you notice how much ‘over play’ is exhibited by the sports production team for leading players or runners. Take for example, the Womens relay. I couldn’t see the performance of other nations in detail.

Maybe there is a hidden agenda? Some may argue that at least we get to see Monty perform in the England cricket team. My issue is not about who plays for England. I’m concerned about how other countries are viewed (or not as is the case maybe in many championships).

We need to realise that the media bites in selective and subtle ways. So subtle that the ‘knock on’ implication will affect what facilities are available. I remember a few years ago that it was only through the wonderful efforts of a few brave members of the ethnic community in West London who developed a kids soccer camp (in Southall (UK)/surrounding areas) with the leading football coaches from Brasil. After the event, they were approached by premiership clubs. These clubs should have been there and willing to offer such camps from the start.

Sports although competitive should not compromise their importance in bringing humanity together. The task of unity becomes difficult when the media are narrow-minded and living with shutters on their windows.

What a result...!

2006-03-21T00:19:00.000Z

Medals Table
Last Updated: Mon Mar 20 2006
Gold, Silver and Bronze:
Australia 42, 38, 32 : Total = 112
England 18, 21, 15: Total = 54
India 12, 8, 3: Total= 23
Scotland 8, 5, 6: Total = 19
Canada, 7,16,14: Total = 37

The table above shows for the first time (maybe I just started noticing!) India having an acclaimed total in the ranking of medals at this years Commonwealth Games.Every time the Olympics are on I’m always saddened by the contrast that the countries with the least populations have the most number of participants. I wonder if it is down to facilities or an approach to life.

Maybe it is more fundamental than that? It could be down to the fact that countries that find it difficult to survive cannot then turn to participative sports.

I’m also fed up with some racist propaganda that suggests that certain ethnic groups have selective advantages vs sports. Call me an idealist but I hold to the truth and belief that everyone has potential and can achieve, they just need a chance.

At this years Commonwealth games Indian Shooters Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang won the gold in men's 50 m rifle three positions pairs shooting event. They also won gold in the Men's 10 metres Air Rifle pairs' event. Sharpe shooter Tejaswini Sawant also won gold in the 10 meter Air Rifle women’s individual event, while Avneet Kaur Sidhu claimed silver in the same event. Continuing with shooting events, Sarmesh Jung and Jaspal Rana won gold in the Men’s 25 meter centre fire pistol event.

It was also interesting to see that residents of the Kiyamgei Mayai Leikai village in Manipur were jubilant as their home girl Renu Bala Yumnam Chanu clinched gold in the 58 kilograms weightlifting. The 20-year-old had won on Saturday but her home was unfortunately out of electricity and could not watch the games on television. Twelve hours later the villagers streamed into Renu Bala's house to congratulate her family. A tear-eyed Tampha, Renu Bala's mother, said she was proud of her daughter and said, ‘Due to power failure I could not watch the game. I feel that the gold medal that my daughter won came a little late to her. But I am very happy and proud of her. I was very restless during the last few days, worried about her performance during the game. I was so worried that I could not even watch the game.’ H. Sanajaoba, the village chief, said Bala’s achievement despite her humble background, was an inspiration for other youngsters. Bala’s family said though extremely impoverished, the young girl had for years trained on her own with stones and iron rods, till being spotted by a local athlete. ‘She got the gold and we are very proud of her. And I think her getting a medal will encourage our new generation in this sport,’ he said.

Her story represents both sadness and success. Sadness in the context that only her determination made her achieve for her country. Her success verifies the belief that ‘if you can dream it, you can do it’!Just imagine how many more sporting heros are out there. All we need is to push for their equal rights to participate.

Maybe commercial sports organizations are missing an opportunity to demonstrate a contribution. Commercial reality bites but quality will shine through.

Why do Sikhs celebrate Holla Moholla ?

2006-03-14T00:55:00.000Z

This Sikh festival is celebrated in the month of Phalguna , a day after Holi. Every year a festival is held at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, India. Hola Mohalla was started by Guru Gobind Singh – Sikhs would gather for military exercises and mock battles on the day following the festival of Holi. It reminds the people of valour and defense preparedness. A number of feats can also be seen, for example: Gatka (mock encounters), tent pegging, bareback horse-riding and standing up straight on two speeding horses. This three-day festival also includes music and poetry competitions.

There are also a number of durbars where Sri Guru Granth Sahib is present and kirtan and religious lectures take place. On the last day a long procession, led by the Panj Pyaras, it starts from Takth Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five Sikh religious seats, and passes through gurdwaras, for example at Qila Anandgarh, Lohgarh Sahib, Mata Jitoji, ending at the Takth.

For people visiting Anandpur Sahib, langars (voluntary community kitchens with sewa (community service) take place.

The tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh felt that Holi, had lost its original meaning over the years. It was no longer a celebration to reaffirm fraternity and brotherhood. In 1757 AD he decided to revive the spirit of Holi and weave its essence into a festival created in the Khalsa traditions.

Early morning prayers at the gurdwaras mark the beginning of the festival. The Guru Granth Sahib is brought out with ceremony and placed on the dais. Akhandapathas, Kar seva, Shabads and Kirtans are performed The Karah Prasad is distributed to the congregation, after it has been consecrated by the Guru. At noon, men and women from all castes and creed eat together at the guru ka langar.

Stories are narrated about the bravery of Guru Gobind Singh in prose and verse. Tribute is also accorded to Guru Hargobind, who led his army to free 52 captive kings from the Gwalior jail in 1612 AD. Colorful processions are also organized on Holla Mohalla.

Researching this Article
The Internet has so many useful resources, for example historic references. This article is an adaptation from items that I found while researching the original question. For example: http://www.sikhiwiki.org is an online encyclopedia that is edited in a collaborative manner around the world –It has so much history and appears well moderated.

Interestingly, whilst researching I came across an excellent new online video, called Sikh on The Street: please visit:
http://www.restoringthepride.com/sos.html

I was deeply moved by this video (also downloadable), it showed us that there is still much to do to communicate the wonders of Sikhism, who we are and what we believe in – Interfaith communication is essential to help avoid ignorance and disrespect from each other.

The Sikhs contribution to world history is amazing. The sacrifices for freedom should always be remembered in our hearts.

The Oscars – Full of Frills, Fans and Fantasy?

2006-03-06T17:34:00.000Z

It was interesting to find out that George Clooney, a winner from this year’s Oscars said, ‘We are the ones who talked about Aids when it was only being whispered... We talked about civil rights... I'm proud to be part of this Academy, proud to be part of this community.’If we decipher these words what do we discover? Yes, it is wonderful that movie ‘stars’ and makers can bring into our homes points of social cause but I have to admit that I feel a sense of cynicism and contradiction when I see the world media going crazy over who is wearing what. Who is dating who. Who’s in and who’s out. The endless parties and ego trips or the ego trips and the endless parties!

It is good to raise awareness and in an increasingly celebrity obsessed world maybe they (the actors) can help focus peoples minds, but the double standards that they portray do not help.
It is not a case of envy, as being a super star comes with its own pressures but there is an opportunity for some calming down. Living the dream should not be at the expense of the rest of the world living out their nightmares.Last Thursday night I was out at a team building event, it started off at The Comedy Store in Leicester Square, London, UK. The show was not for the light hearted but it was good that many of the jokes steered away from anti-religious connotations. Instead, one of the five lined-up comedians suggested that although he enjoyed last summer’s Live8 concert, what value did Bill Gates bring to the event. He may have been unaware of both Bill and his wife Melinda’s commitment to the global vaccination project. Here we can see someone putting some of their money to good use. Please visit: http://www.gatesfoundation.com/default.htm.
It is also true that many actors are goodwill and humanitarian ambassadors for the United Nations, for example: Angelina Jolie.

So, although there are people that are willing to help, the vast majority of corporations and sponsoring organisation sit silently amongst the glow of their product placements into both our movies and subsequent lives. Is there not time for us to ask for some corporate responsibility? Is it not time for us to stop the Oscar madness? Is it not time for us to realise that movies are stories and that actors are simply copying or emulating real lives. Their party going is another way to escape reality. The true reality is what we can achieve by the people for the people.

Frills, Fans and Fantasy cannot change the world. George is right that movies can create awareness and that his ‘little club’ helps. However, the true power lies in our personal ability to ‘push’ for change and not play to the fanfare of awards.

The contradiction of Progress

2006-02-28T08:46:00.000Z

With India predicting or talking about matching China's 10% growth rate in a few years time, India's main population has a long way to go! India’s challenge is to invest not only its service offerings but also to improve is core infrastructure for the general population.

Interestingly, I remember approximately five years ago observing a comment made by the then head of Disney Corporation USA. He suggested that India’s 250 million population was a great opportunity for future markets. Unfortunately, he was talking and expressing an interest in only 25% of the population – those that can still afford to buy such products and have any idea of what Disney is.

Having recently made trips to Delhi and Bombay the contradictions are clearly on display. Shanty towns continue to be positioned as the moats of the grand palaces of hotels, skyscrapers and residencies.

One of the problems is that India is still suffering from lack of investments in its farming infrastructure. Currently more than half of India's population work on farms yet they produce only 20% of the country's gross domestic product. They lack the resources to develop their farmland.

India’s Finance Minister, P Chidambaram this year has promised that he will produce a ‘common man's budget’. He adds that ‘… two out of three Indians still live on less than a dollar a day’. Mr Chidambaram says his budget will focus on agriculture, healthcare and education for the masses. The third leg of Mr Chidambaram's plans is to ‘fuel’ education, a possible route for encouraging economic development. In last year's budget, the Indian government set aside $1.6bn for education. More funds are expected this year. This is clearly a good direction and shows that there is some commitment to this challenge.

However, is the scale of the issue too large to resolve in a single budget? The answer is yes. India needs a sustained commitment to such initiatives. These commitments also need to ensurea common, fair and wide-spread application across all parts of the country but not as a one-off. It needs to be year-on-year.

No one said that addressing poverty is an easy task. I remember on my most recent trip that there were still power shortages – the thought of losing power during mid Summer with no back-up generator is too awful to imagine. For example, imagine also how hard it is for hospitals.

There are so many people in the world that have to walk for miles to attend school, who go hungry with many who cannot afford school fees. There are many children that also grow-up before their time. I remember walking the streets of Karol Bagh (a big shopping area of Delhi) back in December '05 and asking why a couple of children aged approximately 7 years old, each carrying a shoe cleaning kit (see picture of one of the boy's I took with my camera phone) were running from the police. My guide answered that they were supplementing the income of the family.

Although good progress is being made in and many argue that it everything takes time, is it not ironic that many countries in Africa and South Asia have in recent years have allowed investments in digital telephone and mobile networks. However and shamefully, their core infrastructure remains sparse. Clearly, there is a will but is the way focused on the right things?

Your personal radio is now here (or hear!)

2006-02-19T23:18:00.000Z

Over the last month I've been working on a new project, its called podcasting. A bit like Tivo - also known as TV on demand.

With the advent of the mp3 player, audio on the move has taken an even more dynamic path than the original Sony Walkman tape recorder. You can now shrink thousands of songs on to personal player.

Podcasting is a relatively new pass-time. Basically, the consumer can now move into production of audio or video content. The possibilities are truly amazing.

My team and I have now recorded the first episode of Sikhwithin. It is a regular podcast that aims to share knowledge about Sikhism through thoughts focused on honest living and equality for humanity. Join us by contributing and listening to our blog and weekly podcast by sending your Internet browser to the following link:

http://sikhwithin.blogspot.com

Establishing the Podcast 'out there'!
It is amazing that there are now many podcast directory sites. Consider them as the Yahoo/Google equivalent of a list of available podcasts. We have now started to register the one that we have just recorded. To actually get on a listing/site, the podcast directory owners have to authenticate our podcast. It is quite easy to get a podcast if you use i-Tunes. Once found you can quickly transfer it to your connected ipod (Apple Computer's device).

Listening online.
If you do not have a personal mp3 player, for example an i-pod, you can hear the episode/show online.

What is the format of the show and what is in it this week?
The format of the show has been structured into a number of parts:

Introduction - A summary of the show format
Shabad (Sikh Hymn) / Translation (In English)
An aspect of Sikh History
Featured CD of the week (Hopefully over time some interviews)
A Sikh Story
Related Interfaith Songs/Messages/

This week we feature a wonderful CD track/snippet from Dya Singh (Australia) with an built-in translation half-way through the Shabad. Featured on the CD: Naam. The track is called: Man mero gaj, jehba meri koati

We cover some aspects of what it was like at the time when Sikhism was just emerging from Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

We are very grateful to Indi Kaur for allowing us to feature a snippet from her recently released CD, Keep on Walking.

This week we also feature a snippet from Snatam Kaur's 'Long Time Sun' CD track. The CD is called Grace.

We close with some snippets from Stevie Wonder ('Have a talk with God' from the acclaimed, Songs in the Key of life double long player) and One Giant Leap ('Racing Away'), the latter bringing to humanity the wonders of world music.

Resources, Support and Thanks:
We are grateful to Mr Gurumustuk Singh:
http://www.sikhnet.com
http://mrsikhnetaudio.blogspot.com//

You can hear and get connected to buying some great CDs from:
http://www.snatamkaur.com
http://www.spiritvoyage.com

As previously mentioned our Thanks to Indi Kaur.
You can listen to further snippets of her CD and get an opportunity to buy it online at:
http://www.mus1k.com

The research for this podcast this week have been based on:

Biography of Guru Nanak - Hemkunt Press and
A Brief History to Sikhism by Mr G.S Sidhu - SMSociety

Please feel free to send us your feedback. Take Care and believe in Waheguru (The wonderful Lord God).

Is it a lack of respect? Of course it is!

2006-02-13T20:39:00.000Z

On Monday 13th February a leading Iranian newspaper launched a competition asking people to submit cartoons about the Holocaust. The Hamshahri Daily says the competition is to test the boundaries of free speech for Westerners. At its website, Hamshahri has invited artists to send up to three cartoons by 5 May and promised to announce the results. The move could be viewed as retaliation for the publication in a Danish paper- Jyllands-Posten that has caused angry protests across the Muslim world.

Many in the media have suggested that this whole area is a freedom of speech issue. In my view it is one of a lack of basic respect for each other. What right has anyone to be critical of someone’s beliefs and then justify their actions! The fact is that Blasphemy is Blasphemy regardless of international boundaries. Religious tolerance is achieved through dialogue – a dialogue that promotes understanding each others differences not through ridicule.

Although Denmark's Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Monday 13th February again tried to soothe the row, insisting his nation was ‘an open and tolerant society, a tolerant society which respects all faiths’. Unfortunately, the cartoons have caused so much outcry that people have died. There appeared to be no guidelines in any country that can proactively review possible risky material. Although this latter statement implies the need for state control of any publication, it is not meant to. Maybe instead or a compromise / or the closest we can get to is a published code of honour that provides a guide to respect in the community. This is where interfaith and representative of faiths can come together to provide sensible discussion on what is acceptable and the implication on society if incorrect information or inappropriate use of content is distributed. I would hope that the world is sensitive to reason and this is enough to motivate change.

Take for example, a couple of articles I wrote way back on the Hitman 2 video game, clearly this was a inappropriate portrayal of Sikhs.

In an era of available images on the Internet we have further challenges on our hands. For example, whilst scanning the Internet, I came across how the misuse of Google available content as part of a company logo. My understanding is that the image has now been removed from the home page of the particular site in question (date of writing this: 13th Feb). Whilst reading some of the posting protesting the adaptation of the item of content, one response suggested that Sikhs needed to open a dialogue with the company to ensure a peaceful resolution to this situation. The irony being that sometimes investigating abuse can give unnecessary publicity to the party responsible for the crime. In addition, we need to be aware that there are many that wish to defame religion as part of a hidden agenda. This is why respectable groups that talk sense need to communicate with the correct media outlets.

We need to work closely with the law to define and establish an international law to achieve a protocol of mutual respect.

Political compromising

2006-01-30T16:36:00.000Z

In a recent article I expressed concern regarding the digital divide. It is all very well British Telecommunications plc suggesting that the coverage for Broadband in the UK is well into the late ninety percent but few are considering that adult literacy and access to understand the basic aspect of computing is still lacking.

The need for access to information using the Internet as the so called ‘online library for all’ is now being challenged by another issue. The issue of freedom of information, i.e: who has access? It is a bit like being charged to walk on any part of the Earth. Similar to the issue regarding access to fresh water for all being a fundamental human right. Does every living person on this planet have a right to water for free? Yes, but millions die of food and water starvation every day. Unfortunately much depends on the political system that one lives with. In the West we consider ourselves as lucky. For example, the welfare state exists.

In terms of the Internet, unfortunately commercialism has taken over. On my laptop I’m asked for my credit card details if I’m visiting a coffee shop with wireless Internet access. Suddenly my access to the world is constrainted!

In this weeks Financial Times and a variety of media outlets we all sat back and absorbed the news that Google will be launching its highly successful set of service in China (.cn). Let us also consider the following statement that accompanied this announcement from Google: 'In order to operate from China, we have removed some content from the search results available on Google.cn in response to local law, regulation or policy'. Andrew McLaughlin, Google's senior policy counsel, said in a statement. ‘While removing search results is inconsistent with Google's mission, providing no information (or a heavily degraded user experience that amounts to no information) is more inconsistent with our mission.’ Maybe Google is attempting to strike a balance between the freedom of information it champions and the censorship demanded by Beijing, which controls access to China's 111 million Internet users (NB Compare that to China's total population!). Or, should we consider this compromise as bowing to a communist dictate!

The company added that at least for now, it will stay away from e-mail and blogging (weblogging or a personal journal is known as blogging) in China, which have been the source of recent controversies after Beijing demanded information on an e-mail user from Yahoo, and Microsoft pulled down a politically sensitive posting from its China-based blog service. Google also said it will also stay away from chat rooms, another popular form of expression over the Internet.

Reporters Without Borders… (Reporters Without Borders, or RWB (French: Reporters sans frontières, Spanish: Reporters Sin Fronteras, or RSF) is an international non-governmental organization interested in issues relating to freedom of the press. Although small in size, RWB has been recognized for the frequent issuing of reports and press releases on press freedoms. RWB draws its inspiration from Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that everyone has ‘the right to freedom of opinion and expression’ and also the right to ‘seek, receive and impar’ information and ideas. This has been restated by several charters and declarations around the world covering Africa and the Americas. In Europe this right is included in the 1950 European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. RWB published its highly acclaimed Handbook for Bloggers and Cyber-Dissidents in September 2005)…joined others in asking how Google could stand up for US users' freedoms while controlling what Chinese users can search for. Interestingly, some have questioned RSF/RWB's impartiality due to a significant amount of funding coming directly or indirectly from US and French government bodies.

Google’s decision represents another compromise by the West for China. It is unfortunate that the world sees that it is OK to trade and play (Olympics 2008) with China, whist they can continue with their policies. Unfortunately, I guess money talks.

We are all Diverse so why do some find it hard to accept?

2006-01-23T23:19:00.000Z

I read with some alarm a Sunday newspaper article suggesting that an attitude of opposing any form of liberalism could be deemed to be racist. The writer was referring to the changing shop front landscape of Woolwich. I personally don’t know Woolwich, having only visited a client there once. However, the issue at hand was not his (the writers) reference to Woolwich alone but the swift allegation that he could not accept that certain shops had disappeared, shops that he considered to be traditional and based on childhood memories.

As a starter, what the writer / reporter failed to take into account is the changing nature of business both globally and nationally. From a national perspective giant super market chains have robbed towns and cities of local shopping facilities.

His focus of concern also highlighted how traditional British shops were now limited, citing 4 out of the 40 he visually surveyed. His particular gripe suggested an ethnic influx could be responsible. His statements suggested that he could not appreciate the changing nature of the world. I wonder if people thought the same about the Irish or the Jews when they first entered the UK hundreds of years ago. People have to start or rebuild their lives somewhere or perform a migration. Interestingly he didn’t appear to say a word against MacDonald’s, Pizza Hut or Starbucks, i.e: Or, what many people describe as possible Amercianisation.

This brings me on to the topic of the need to accept diversity as an essential feature of life. Although many organisations suggest that there is strength to be gained from a diverse workforce, do they actually practice what they preach? For example, how many high profile roles are occupied that compare to the diverse community that exists around or within a firm. An interesting contraction is now evident: We should tell the writer of the original article that there are many that try to make good in their community by running their own little businesses. One only has to look at the power or should I say the fuel that a once immigrant work force brings to a nations economy – creating wealth, jobs and therefore contributing to financial stability of the country.

Ironically a recent article in The Economist suggested that Southall in West London now represented the next generation of landlords, effectively by becoming even bigger landlords than their predecesors. For example, many of today’s landlords are expanding their original shops by further subdividing them into units for rent – Therefore, implying that yesterdays shopkeepers / tenants are today’s landlords! The question to ask is whether their attitudes have changed in terms of money or fairplay?.

Although European and national policies appear to be rightly ‘hot’ on Health and Safety training and equality in the workplace, there appears to be a lack of sensitivity and priority given to diversity training. Diversity training is ‘up and coming’ but more innovative and non-patronising techniques need to be developed.

In summary, there is a need to recognise that if the world around us changes, so will our neighbourhoods, becoming more vibrant, dynamic and fun to be part of.

The need for a rallying cry for help : Barefoot in the snow

2006-01-17T00:01:00.000Z

Last week a news item showed an alarming view of barefoot children and people walking across freshly laid snow in the altitudes of disaster torn Kashmir. It was a reality check. The problems generated by the South East Asian Earthquake are now being compounded by originally predicted factors : bad weather and poor resources. Temporary housing, for example tents are collapsing, food shortages are occurring and illnesses have started. Another scene that was disturbing was a group of men sitting outside a doctor’s tent, all were coughing, heaving for breath. In a world that is full of so many resources and predictive approaches, why are we still unable to provide service to these people? I’ve asked this question so many times. It is great that teams do exist and that the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) provide a facility to collect supportive funds. However, I can’t help thinking that there is more that we can all do.

Take for example corporations. Say you wish to order some stationery or some Information Technology equipment. Is it not wonderful that procurement processes are so sophisticated that within 24 hours one can get a delivery. Another example is Amazon. Again, another example of great logistics. Placing an order within them can (dependant on availability) result in the delivery of your item the next day. The knowledge, systems and motivation of the employees of these operations has to be admired. Yet today we struggle to get the basic needs of a disaster struck zone fulfilled.

Would it not be great if secondments could be established in corporations for such expertise to consult and work with relief teams? Even if corporations did not allow staff to take time off, they could suggest various ways of helping. For example, freight organisations could provide free cargo capacity to allow the transportation of essential goods.

Ideas require motivation but in order to help generate such ideas people should be motivated in the context of self-less service. Unfortunately without the dimension of money/profit any momentum to help is often replaced by apathy.

I believe that there is an opportunity to develop a collaborative world community. If only companies could set-up their own Make Poverty History (MPH) teams to accelerate the momentum for radical world change and harmonisation. Just imagine if we could also have monthly MPH sessions to review company assets and opportunities to help – what a wonderful caring world we would be in.

Heavy rain and snowfall are badly hampering relief efforts in Kashmir. Roads have been closed and helicopters grounded by bad weather and landslides. Survivors' tents have been flooded. While many in the west sleep in centrally heated houses in another part of the world many face another night in the cold. Barefoot children and adults continue to seek a sense of warmth.

Start a corporate relief campaign today and head for www.dec.org.uk to raise further relief funds.
£15 will buy 7 blankets, £42 will buy a family survival kit helping for at least 20 days and £90 will buy a winterised tent for a family

Please see the photo evidence and let us release ourselves from world apathy…

Eulogy – Service held for my Mother

2006-01-09T00:57:00.000Z

WGJKK WGJKF. First of all I’d like to thank each and everyone of you for coming to this service today. There is a reason why I wanted to say something today. It is not because it is my duty to deliver a eulogy. It is because I wanted to share with you the extent of loss we all feel and to reiterate that she was truly a wonderful person. She would never say a bad word against anyone nor would she accept anything negative to be said about them.

Firstly, she was honest and hardworking. Having qualified & worked as a teacher in India she waited for a year in India after marriage before coming to the UK in 1958, a year after my father came to make a life here. Imagine what life would have been like then. Only a few brown faces, open racism, limited opportunities and few of the ethnic resources we enjoy today.

She was strong person and could challenge any wrong against her children. For example, on our road a number of children had decided to hoard stones into plastic bags and ride up and down our street throwing them at us. She did not hesitate to challenge their parents and demand justice. This is one attribute I will come back to : Bravery.

She gave up her career for a while to look after my sister and I in our early years. In addition she also was so caring that she brought up a number other children. When she returned to work I remember her being a popular person who made friends quickly and was loyal to them.

She was a person that loved family. She told me that one of the things she wanted the most was from a family was for us to all support each other.

It is this support network that she built upon that made her work with the Milan centre and set-up what is known as ‘The kitty’. She loved gardening often spending hours there. She also had a lovely singing voice.

Although in the last 2 years ill heath really took a grip, she remained determined to overcome it. This attribute of bravery is one of things we need to admire. Health complications entered her life but her ‘get up and go’ /determination is something we need to recognise as a fundamental driver for us all. It is easy to give-up in the face of health issues, she had an unrivalled inner strength.

She also knew that she had a family that cared for her. Dad provided full support and made it his mission to give her the best care. Our next door neighbours said that my father and mother could teach people what true love and support is all about.

She was close to her grandchildren and knew that we all loved her very much. In 2005 she attended both grandchildren’s 1st and 18th birthdays. She celebrated her birthday in Goa before she fell ill.
Even right up until the end of her life, when my sister and I saw her in Mumbai, she fought like a real hero. Although during our short stay we could only see her for less than 10 minutes in the morning and 10minutes in the evening, my sister and I both had a similar encounter… She was sedated so we were unsure if she was conscious or not. We asked her on separate occasions if she knew if we were there. On both occasions she nodded her head gently and then a single tear streamed slowly down then side of her temple.

She was fighting for survival like a true hero, a true Sikh.
She was a true Sikh, believing and exercising honesty and truthful living.

I was told that when a person is gone it is only then that you truly realise the loss. The whole family misses her terribly but we have to learn to live without her but we know that today she is with us in spirit - among us and watching over us.

WGJKK WGJKF

A year in review

2006-01-01T14:07:00.000Z

Twelve months on and I’ve now clocked another year of writing articles / blogs and reviews. But how much has the world really changed?Earlier in the year I attended the ‘Make Poverty History’ semi-launch in Trafalgar Square. It was great to see Nelson Mandela get up and give us inspiration to become the generation that will make the change happen.

Unfortunately, I have developed and even deeper cynicism since returning from India. It certainly not because today is New Years eve and I’m sitting in a transit lounge conforming to put up with a current four hour delay to return to London! The cynicism is based on hoping that desire for change comes from within…

My last two weeks (end December) in India (hence no articles / blog postings) consisted of going to Amirtsar, Delhi, Panji (Goa) and then finally back to Delhi. It has further opened my eyes to the appalling conditions that many people are in. The massive distinction between those that are extremely poor and those that live in their mansions is hard to come to terms with. People work, sleep and eat on the streets. Beggars often approach you by tapping you on your arm to request aid.

Even transportation is shock, not because it takes at least 2 days to become both acclimatised and confident to cross a road in Delhi! At one point in a certain part of Delhi I estimated probably twenty different types of vehicles in their hundreds competing for road space. There appears to be no discipline in a world where me first and the ‘horn’ is the only indication of one’s existence and your survival – God help those that are deaf!

Twelve months on and poverty still exists and human rights abuses are still occurring, even though we all know what countries are still maintaining their stance of denial.

Bottom-line – The world needs to change but the power from the people is not being exercised, instead our will has been exorcised/removed from our psyche, replaced by materialistic goals. Corporations are not interested in sharing or harmonising the world, yet the top US firms are keen to spread their market based culture – fast food rules in a world of mass consumerism and the introduction of the ‘no time’ culture.

Reduction of pollution is still not considered as a priority – Statistical arguments hide children that choke from the fumes.

The world is hungry and we standby with our declarations of the need for improvement.

Although the media in so many countries paints a picture of gloss, it covers the tracks of reality – the truth is out there and its strokes of pain are taken by barefoot and hungry souls.

We need change and it can come from a collaborative approach. We need to break free from the shackles / attitude of ‘we’re Ok and someone will sort it out’ and come to terms with demanding greater priority / accountability from the people we put in power. Can 2006 become a turning point for us all, only we can make it happen!

On the 9:19 I saw someone die in front of me.

2005-12-10T08:28:00.000Z

What a poor start to the day it was on Friday 9th December 2005. I boarded my train to head to the office. I moved towards my seat ready to take my coat off. Then suddenly behind me, I and the rest of the passengers heard a loud clunk. A man had fallen down and hit is head. He lay on the floor shaking with blood starting to ooz from his head. He looked like he was approximately sixty years old. The train guard emerged from his cabin in shock and quickly got onto the internal phone to ensure that the driver would not shut the doors and move on. He also called for an ambulance (that in the end took 15minutes to arrive). We saw the man’s face turn read and as blood continue to seep from his skull, a few of us, a girl and two plain cloths police men (they told us at the end of the unfortunate episode), a Doctor lay the gentleman into the recovery position.

Things got worse. The bravery of the girl was outstanding as she ran to the side of the fallen gentleman and tried to raise his head. Blood then smothered her hand. She was wearing a sky white woollen coat staining it was the last thing on her mind, her focus along with the others was to help. The police searched the man’s trousers for any sign identity, for example a wallet or medical card. An identity chain/ bracelet was also not located. There was a thought at one time that he maybe epileptic but no information was found to lead anyone to this conclusion. The gentleman continue to shake and would occasionally let out a burst of blood and air from his mouth. His head was kept by the girl and I raised slightly. For a moment I wondered how much people knew about first aid.

The guard then reappeared with a full size first aid kit that appeared to have never been opened before. The situation then worsened. Although the fallen man’s jumper, shirt and tie was loosened he was gurgling and his face turned purple. He occasionally made a groaning noise and gasped for air. After five minutes it appeared that his pulse stopped together with visible signs of not breathing.. Collectively he was pulled into the resuscitation position and given CPR. He didn’t make it…

As he lay there motionless, somebody placed a newspaper over his face, although one could argue there was nothing else available.

Passengers were asked to leave, the train was going no where for a while. The only thing that had gone anywhere was the dead man’s soul. I hope to a place of peace.

Imagine, he had got ready to go the office/wherever in the morning and knew nothing of his fate or as one of the policemen put it, ‘when your time is up, it is up’. During the day the event started to sink in. Life is precious and in our day to day interaction with its bustle we can forget that it can be over in an instance. We may occasionally remember the importance of life but this thought has the potential to be superseded / clouded by distractions of materialism and selfish actions.

When you get this close to seeing a death it makes you wonder that all you take with you is what you did in life. One of my favourite films is Phenomenon. The movie is atmospheric but more importantly at the end of the movie John Travolta suggests that after he has eaten an apple he will take the energy with him when he dies. What this implies to me is life experiences, knowledge gained and the good that you do enhances your soul - it is these items that will travel with you.

It is not too late to do good and be good.

Where are the Ethnics? Where is religious tolerance?

2005-12-06T09:59:00.000Z

Ever wondered when watching - Have I got news for you, Never mind the Buzzcocks, QI or lets face it any topical comical or quiz show there is an established set of guests. These guests often are described either as celebs or those that have come to fame through different routes to show business. Or, is there a more sinister aspect to this? Is there an secret agenda that allows only the select few to appear to comment – Why do the same faces appear on Newsnight (BBC) or World News (BBC)…!? Is it favouritism or is this another example of media management of telling us (the people) what they (the media) want us to hear and then repeat?

I thought we all paid our taxes not to watch reality TV but to be educated with commentary based on real life events. History tells us that during World War II and the bombing of selective cities in the UK by the Germans the UK media was extensively controlling (by the Government of the day) the release of information to ensure that sprits would be kept high, panic low and a spirit of defiance to the enemy (this was in a way a ‘spin’).

On another note, recently, the BBC were accused of disrespecting the importance of religion and although they produce a wide a varied set of programmes, it is the content of programmes that are not labelled as religious that need to be monitored. For example, who is checking what is being said about religious groups or mis-guided storylines in plays?

In recent years programmes such as ‘Heaven and Earth’ are shown to feature different religions and occasionally their customs. This is a move in the right direction but mainstream scheduling is not allowed to be interfered with. The BBC appears to slot religious programmes in the early Sunday morning or early Sunday evening broadcast slots. You are lucky if you get to see any religious programmes during the week, unless there is a late night daily broadcast to coincide with a religious period for example Ramadan for the Muslims.

In summary, although some ethnicity has entered the broadcasting world, for example you only have to look at the excellent presenters on CNN (from Atlanta USA) or both the BBC and ITV channels, the broadcasting agenda has not changed for either general entertainment or religious observance. A lot may also be connected to who is in power in terms of the ‘heads’ of media corporations, links to marketing and political positioning.

Unfortunately, I also fear for the Blogging world – Recent articles reveal to me that it is also about to become commercialised - with organisations establishing themselves as outlets of so called independence or independent thought!

One way to help get a ‘clearer picture’ (sorry about the pun) is to use the mechanisms that exist at media corporations. They need to know that many are not happy about the way some aspects of license fee are used. If we want value we need to ‘keep the faith’, work hard to write and fight for a greater presence of true reality not ratings.

Say NO to Nuclear

2005-11-29T10:08:00.000Z

There appears to be a sudden resurgence of thinking around Nuclear Power. The concept now being introduced is that it could help to resolve the energy crisis. Little do most people know that almost 78% of the power produced in the UK is lost through the energy production process, I wonder if the same is true all over the world! In addition, with so many household and commercial electrical units on standby, energy is being wasted every second of the day.

The new nuclear message is also being ‘sold’ on the basis of ‘next generation’ nuclear power stations. However, I fear that their risk is still imposing on society. Maybe I’m being too paranoid but could it be that a political agenda with big money is being hidden from the public eye. Nuclear power has too many risks to humanity and this includes future generations. With so many accidents (lets just not get started on 3 mile island or even Chernobyl) and their long term impact, it appears that humankind has not learned from its past mistakes. Has anyone released yet that we will have to fund these new stations through taxes and that they could take over 14 years to build – what do we do in the meantime?

The other argument against going nuclear again is the risks associated with disposal, security, volatility and health. With regard to the latter point, we have to all be honest with ourselves and admit that nuclear power stations leak. This leakage affects the air, water and life forms within its vicinity.

What is needed is a radical redesign of how we live and the houses that we build. I remember when I was younger the number of government sponsored advertisements that attempted to tell us to save energy for future generation. Did the world suddenly find a new energy source when these advertisements stopped?!An energy strategy needs to be built upon exploring greater opportunities for renewable sources. I’m not suggesting that wind power alone should be relied on. What could help is offering a multitude of sources (Wave, Wind, Solar and Hydrogen) and an investigation into why so much waste occurs in the energy development process. In addition, why can’t businesses/factories be encouraged / rewarded for being innovative in their use of diverse power sources? There is a great opportunity for innovation if only the incentive was there. Corporations have to have a social responsibility too.We need to ask ourselves where are yesterday’s heroes that fought for CND – The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Surely, the issues they struggled for are still the same. At the time they stood against the build-up of weapons, especially during the backdrop darkness of the cold war. The story is the same today. Nuclear power is a threat to everyone because the energy source is just too risky to work with.

There is an alternative to nuclear power; we cannot wait for the new stations as they are a long term liability both financially and to humanity. We have renewable sources around us, lets innovative to accumulate.

A Society of contradictions

2005-11-22T10:05:00.000Z

Yesterday the 77th Royal variety performance took place in Wales (UK), in the presence of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. This charity event takes place on a regular basis and can also be considered as a showcase of popular talent.

However, I have difficulty in coming to terms with the report that the general public (what does that mean?) stood outside the venue in the freezing cold for several hours to spot the stars or celebrities. This is a topic that I have written about before but it is something I feel very strongly about. Just because certain people have musical talent does this make them role models? The answer has to be no. It is almost as if society has moulded itself into a hierarchical existence. The 5% at the top appear to be chosen through inconsistent, contradictory and glamorous criteria.

Interestingly, the BBCTV (UK) has been broadcasting a terrific series on the developing city of Dubai called Dubai Dreams. Dubai is now a leading tourist resort and has had a major infrastructure and construction development for the last 20-30 years. Their shiny skyline shows years of investment and new settlement. When I visited Dubai a few years back the roads were clean with drivers seriously adhering to traffic disciplines. The sand was white, the people were friendly, the hotels and shopping centres were plush and the tours are extremely fun. With regard to the latter, if you ever visit do take the sand safari trip (NB only if you love 4 wheel drive jostling). Last nights episode featured an American lady originally from Seattle who had married an Arab and had spent the last 20 years in Dubai. She is also passionate about helping children and many women that may have been caught-up in the unfortunate net of trafficking humans and abuse.

The pace of the programme was fast as it attempted to keep-up with this lady’s support activities: rescuing children, setting-up a shelter and meeting-up with the Body Shop founder to collaborate to support its charity. In my mind this is an example of commerce coming together with Charity. It shows us that there is another way to help people. Clearly, government support is also essential but many selfless volunteers are not appreciated. One of the questions asked by the Body Shop founder to this lady was, ‘Do you have a web site’? The answer was no. Hey! Clearly a web site could help but the situation on the ground is the true reality.

It is the same with the Pakistan relief fund. Only $120M of the overall pledged amount has been received.

We are in a society of contractions. A night out at the theatre or rushing out to watch the latest Harry Potter is a sense of escapism from the reality of life. I’m certainly not suggesting guilt or the removal of personal pleasure. I would like a society where true heroes are acknowledged and the theme of equality rises high in our minds, motivating us to help others and support those that challenge evil.

Smoking really does kill

2005-11-15T12:18:00.000Z

Unfortunately, smokers are still in disbelief that that they are not immortal. I see it everyday, especially and increasingly amongst the less than 20 age range. A fresh face person will suddenly blot out their face with a cigarette. I have written about this subject before, especially in the context of the need for a ban on public smoking and by providing some statistics showing the predicted worrying burden on future health care.

Last week I was shocked to hear that one of the founders and producers of ‘Have I got news for you (UK BBC1 TV) died of passive smoking at the age of only 45. Statistics, facts and preventative approaches through numerous anti-smoking campaigns are continuing to fail.

Interesting, although commercial advertisements have now been banned for both smoking and alcohol, the use of these substances continue to be featured and glamorised in plays, movies, situation comedies and during chat show banter. For example American comedies often depict the smoking of cigars as a way of showing opulence or a decedent lifestyle. Clean and ethical living is positioned as boring and the domain of the weak. Could it be that the very same writers that depict such negativity themselves lack confidence and are insecure about their own addictions?

The statistics speak for themselves:

Non-lethal illness
Smokers face a higher risk than non-smokers for a wide variety of illnesses, many of which may be fatal (see “Deaths caused by smoking” below). However, many medical conditions associated with smoking, while they may not be fatal, may cause years of debilitating illness or other problems. These include:

Increased risk for smokers
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (gum disease)
Muscle injuries
Angina (20 x risk) Neck pain
Back pain Nystagmus (abnormal eye movements)
Buerger’s Disease (severe circulatory disease)
Ocular Histoplasmosis (fungal eye infection)
Duodenal ulcer Osteoporosis (in both sexes)
Cataract (2 x risk) Osteoarthritis
Crohn’s Disease (chronic inflamed bowel)
Pneumonia
Depression Psoriasis (2 x risk)
Diabetes (Type 2, non-insulin dependent)
Skin wrinkling (2 x risk)
Hearing loss Stomach ulcer
Influenza Rheumatoid arthritis (for heavy smokers)
Impotence (2 x risk) Tendon injuries
Optic Neuropathy (loss of vision, 16 x risk)
Tobacco Amblyopia (loss of vision)
Ligament injuries Tooth loss
Macular degeneration (eyes, 2 x risk)
Tuberculosis

Symptoms worse in smokers
Asthma Graves’ disease (over-active thyroid gland)
Chronic rhinitis (chronic inflammation of the nose)
Multiple Sclerosis
Diabetic retinopathy (eyes) Optic Neuritis (eyes)
Disease more severe or persistent in smokers
Common cold Pneumonia
Crohn’s Disease (chronic inflamed bowel)
Tuberculosis
Influenza

Deaths caused by smoking
One in two long-term smokers will die prematurely as a result of smoking – half of these in middle age. The most recent estimates show that around 114,000 people in the UK are killed by smoking every year, accounting for one fifth of all UK deaths. Most die from one of the three main diseases associated with cigarette smoking: lung cancer, chronic obstructive lung disease (bronchitis and emphysema) and coronary heart disease.

Maybe in a world of reality TV we need programmes to cover the life of a cancer victim. It certainly won’t be glamorous or form part of one’s drone like ‘entertain me’ attitude. However, it will publicise the seriousness of the issue.

Many countries have been serious enough to ban smoking in public places in a number of Capital cities. In the UK we need a stronger commitment instead of going for pleasing voters through fudge tactics.

Communicate to congregate for change

2005-11-09T12:06:00.000Z

The other day I stood at the entrance of a giant Supermarket. For some reason the whole store had been refitted to show ‘strength through stock’. What I mean by this made phrase is the following: Imagine rows and rows of square shaped buckets each piled high with fruit and vegetables. The obvious logistical nicety for the supermarket is that stocks are easy to replenish but what a great subconscious marketing message, i.e.: ‘Come and shop exclusively with us as we have plenty to satisfy your demand and desires’

As I gazed at the newly fashioned entrance I couldn’t help mutter under by breath ‘Is it not an outrageous that in our part of the world (London, UK for international readers) there is so much but in many parts of the world there is virtually nothing. Some readers may now be thinking that I’m back on my anti-poverty rant yet again. Maybe I am and what I would say in defence is that we should all be on a mission to make a global change for the sake of equality. We cannot just rely alone on issue awareness seeking programmes (essential as they are too) that ‘hit’ our screens. For example, on Thursday’s 3rd Nov’05 at MTV Europe music awards Sir Bob Geldof was presented with an award. He spoke of the need to carry on his mission to eradicate poverty. Some of you may have read my 2 part ‘I was there’ article on Live8 where I appreciated the nature and sentiment of the gig but was disappointed with issues such as special access areas, press and reporting arrangements. I’m certainly not belittling Bob’s mission but I just feel we should all ‘feel and contribute for the people’

I believe there is a missing element amongst us all – The power to be confident that we can make a change. I condemn the action of drug taking hippies in the 1960s. However, many of them in the US and internationally protested against the Vietnam War. Take another example; there are more Sikhs that sacrificed their lives for the freedom of India. It was Sikhs that gave India religious freedoms and smashed the Mogul campaign of ethnic cleansing.

What will it take for us to be confident of not just passively hoping for change but to demand action?

I always thought that the Internet was free but increasingly it is becoming commercialised. If we feel that not enough is being done for a particular cause we should use the power of email and the potential to communicate to congregate. Do it now before this medium changes!

This morning I heard that not enough money is available for the thousands that are stranded in the highlands of Pakistan due to insufficient short-term funds. The World Bank audit announced on Tuesday 8th Nov’05 that over 86,000 people have been killed due to this disaster. Unfortunately many of the victims died in the earthquake and within days of its wrath. Many victims have had parts of their bodies amputated due to infections / lack of treatment. Money is needed now to prevent further deaths due to the approaching winter.

In today’s world where some have so much and others so little, don’t we owe it to our fellow brothers and sisters to pay a tax, say call it a global relief fund to help fund potential disasters and the current world disaster of inequality.

If insufficient funds is an issue, why not use the power of email to demand change and suggest greater awareness to the media of such events - so that its presence does not continue to distract us all to ignore the suffering of those around us.

Why do Sikhs celebrate Diwali?

2005-11-01T16:15:00.000Z

What a wonderful time of year we have now embarked upon. In the UK and for many in the Northern Hemisphere we will obviously have to adapt to it getting darker earlier and a possible turn in the weather - a turn in the downwardly direction in terms of temperature! It won’t be long before the memory of chipping ice of your windscreen will come rushing back. Those winds will be cutting our faces in a reminder that winter is here. Let us all hope that it will be safe for us all.

2005 is quite interesting as so many festivities are co-inciding: Bon Fire night, Eid for Muslims, Festival of Lights for Hindus and also a time when Sikhs celebrate a special event.

There was a time when our sixth Guru, Guru Har Gobind and Emperor Jahangir (son of Akbar) were friends. Over time, Jahangir became dictatorial. These emotions were combined with opportunist ministers who wished to protect their own positions and interests. Amongst them was Chandu who gave false information and unfounded accusations against our Guru. The Emperor ordered the arrest and imprisonment of Guru Har Gobind at the fort of Gwalior.

The Sikhs in Delhi and Amritsar protested at the foul play. Chandu wrote to Har Das, the commander of the Gwalior fort, ordering him to poison or murder the Guru; he was promised a large reward. Har Das had become a devotee to the Guru and placed all Chandu's letters before the Guru.

There were many Rajahs and princes in the same prison. Queen Noor Jahan felt the unfair imprisonment of the Guru and convinced him to release the Guru. The Guru refused to leave the fort unless all the princes were released as well. The Emperor agreed and the Guru was hailed as 'Sandi Chhor'. The news spread all over India.

After the release, the Guru went straight to Amritsar. On the way people sprinkled water on dusty roads, started Langars (free kitchens) and placed earthen lamps on their housetops at night. When he reached Amritsar, thousands of Sikhs thronged to see the Guru, and on the night of his arrival, placed lamps in the streets and on housetops and distributed sweets. This day is still celebrated every year, which coincides with Diwali.

Another event took place in 1737 and is also known as Bandi Chhorh Diwas (Diwali) . Bhai Mani Singh transcribed the final version of Guru Granth Sahib upon dictation from Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1704 at Damdamma Sahib. After heavenly abode of Guru Sahib in 1708, he took charge of Harmandir Sahib's management. In 1737, invitations were sent to the Sikhs all over India to join Bandi Chhorh Diwas celebrations at Harmandir Sahib. A large tax of rupees had to be paid to the Mogul governor of Punjab, Zakariya Khan. Bhai Mani Singh Ji later discovered the secret plan of Zakariya Khan to kill the Sikhs during the gathering. Bhai Mani Singh Ji immediately sent message to all the Sikhs not to turn up for celebrations. Zakariya Khan was not happy about the situation and he ordered Bhai Mani Singh's assassination at Lahore by ruthlessly cutting him limb-by-limb to death. Ever since, the great sacrifice & devotion of Bhai Mani Singh Ji is remembered on the Bandi Chhorh Diwas (Diwali).

Sikh Awareness Exhibition: Bedford Museum

2005-10-25T09:25:00.000Z

On Wednesday 19th October I had the honour of being asked to present at the Bedford Museum on a topic entitled ‘Sikhism’ – the presentation being part of a special exhibition that will celebrate the traditions and principles of the Sikh Community in North Bedfordshire. Its aim is to bring communities together in an effort to raise awareness and understanding of the Sikh culture and ‘fill in’ the gaps in people’s knowledge of Sikhism.

I was asked to present by Mr Tirath Singh of Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Bedford. Mr Tirath Singh, Norman, Kamaljit and many volunteers (sorry for not remembering all the names) had worked hard the previous weekend to set-up a fantastic series of displays. Included amongst the exhibits one can find, musical instruments, original painting, artefacts and rare coins. The team have been successful in getting private collectors and other museums to lend their items for this exhibition.

During my preparation for the presentation I wondered what gave me any right to talk about the theme. After some thought I concluded that the best I could do was to offer a short insight into our religion, discuss openly the effects of 9/11 (I call it the ripple effect against those that are unaware of who we are. I mentioned the unfortunate and ignorant killing of Sodhi Singh in the USA) and some personal life episodes. The latter focused on how as a child I had faced issues – local neighbourhood kids throwing stones or institutionalised educational bias. Although much has changed I suggested that until the media and story writers could place realistic characters into the mainstream – greater awareness would be constrained. There is a need for us to be accepted as British Sikhs. I ended on a positive outlining how many Sikhs in the UK are involved in charity work.

When Mr Triath Singh kindly picked me up from Bedford Station, during our conversation he mentioned that he is also involved in chaplaincy work with some prisons – sitting, talking, praying and having langar with Sikhs that may have unfortunately committed crimes. There are so many unsung heroes that do perform such work; they in my view are the true givers of good to humanity. The same applies to many volunteers that give their time up to work in hospitals, giving confidence and hope to patients.

The audience I presented to were school teachers and this is a great place to start to promote greater understanding between communities. Children can enjoy a hands on experience with playing instruments and making badges.

The Sikh awareness exhibition is free admission event and is being held at the Bedford Museum, Castle Lane, Bedford, MK40 3XD www.bedfordmuseum.org, bmuseum@bedford.org – for more information contact: 01234 353323- The event will run until 12th January 2006 and is strongly recommended. If you have time you can do what I did – pop along to the Bedford Gurdwara and view the development of the new Gurdwara right next door. I’m sure you will be impressed with the dedication of everyone there.

The art of courtesy was never written down

2005-10-18T07:25:00.000Z

It was clearly my fault but I horned anyway. The situation was as follows: Having visited the local laundrette to attempt to handle the weekly mass of drying I was slowly protruding out of a side road as I hoped to turn left. I noticed one car to my right needing to turn left into the narrow road I was exiting from. Therefore, I decided that I could indeed try to take advantage of that situation – Not a good idea I hasten to add as it was both a bit provocative and dangerous. The vehicle behind the car that was turning left into the road I was attempting to exit was having none of it. Although the road was tight, he over took both the latter car and my protruding one. In frustration I horned the chappy. Again, I hasten to add, not a good idea. Having scored a double negative whammy, I thought nothing off it apart from considering that I should have been more patient.

It would have been great if the story ended there. However, to my amazement the van driver decided to halt his van in the middle of the proceeding roundabout resulting in a hold-up of at least 3-4 cars behind him, including mine, still stuck at the junction. Having parked, he decided to jump out of his van and walk aggressively toward mine. His manner was threatening and a countless number of explicatives did not hesitate to spawn from his mouth. After a few remarks, he retreated to his van. Maybe I should not have horned at him but I manage to suggest that he demonstrate something called courtesy – an unwritten rule of the road. In a defensive manner I shouted back at him, ‘there is something called courtesy of the road’. His explicatives and self-righteousness continued.

It was quite ironic that I noticed that this week Lynn Truss of ‘Eats shoots and leaves’ (the importance of essential punctuation) has published a new book called, ‘Talk to the hand’. The full phrase or saying is ‘Talk to the hand 'cause the face ain't listening’. She asks the question, when did the world get to be so rude? When did society become so inconsiderate? Talk to the Hand is a rallying cry for courtesy. Its context is slightly different to my episode. For example, what makes your builder think he can treat you like dirt in your own home? When you phone a utility with a complaint its amazing that the supervisor is never there! Why is it mostly impossible to ever speak to a person who is authorised to apologise?

As an afterthought I wondered how easy it is to get into a fight based on our own pride and unfortunate self-righteousness. No body likes to be criticised and if one is following the rules its only one’s temper that needs to be controlled. Maybe the world is too serious, defensive of its own space, impatient and unwilling to give way to others. In the same way those that emerge from a junction need to appreciate the rules but in life there is always an opportunity for understanding and give and take - I guess that is what I mean by simple courtesy!

Search for the hero inside yourself

2005-10-09T23:14:00.000Z

It’s interesting that making up phrases is quite easy but carrying them out can be hard. Take for example, the following I just made up, ‘Life is too short to not leave behind a contribution’. I quite like the one from Walt Disney stuck on the side of one of the entry areas of Disneyworld: ‘If you can dream it, you can do it’. Both statements I believe should inspire you with confidence and energy. The reality is that we are so tied up in our daily lives of working and family life that it is rare to find the time to be creative. One could argue that dreaming & creating are the jobs of others, those that exist in the realms of research and development or aspiring to develop a business idea. The concept of dreaming and delivering should not be restricted to delivering a new technological aid. On the other hand no one should be forced into a situation. However, I believe we all have an opportunity to put some effort into doing something for others. In this way collectively we’ve made a difference or delivered a change – and there is much to do in so little time. The followwing items reveal practical steps or direct actions that you can personally take, today:

• Global warming (Nearly all observers agree that the last century witnessed a surface-level warming of the earth by approximately one degree Fahrenheit. Current projections suggest a range of warming over the next century between 2.5 degrees and 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit. ) – start to recycle and consider conservation in all aspects of your daily life. It only takes a few seconds to not throw a cola can or flatten an empty cereal pack. Divert its path to your council provided recycling box.
• Fair trade – understand the difference it makes and change your buying habits / shopping lists to include these items.
• Free world debt (Every single day, 30,000 children are dying as a result of extreme poverty – Hey! Reader – you must consider this as unacceptable!) – lobby your MP for justice by emailing or writing a letter to them about how this issue really needs their (MPs) support. Follow the activities of campaigns such as ‘make poverty history’ www.makepovertyhistory.com - a white band can help (!) but demanding change is a stronger route.
• Be kind to each other (Its about strength through diversity not alienation!) – Seek out and learning about our differences and respect each other for who we are.
• Protecting human rights (A visit to http://www.amnesty.org will surely open your eyes)– Read and write to your MP about reported cases of human rights abuses.

To borrow a line from a song lyric, ‘I’m looking for the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to make a change… If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change’.

I believe that we have a chance to make a difference everyday of our lives.

Soul Sikher – A mast Sikh! A must see!

2005-10-02T22:34:00.000Z

I’d like to first thank Sody Singh Kahlon for kindly inviting us to the press night of his brand new one-man show – Soul Sikher. On a warm September evening I was behind schedule, having caught a late train. The result was that I only had seconds to go before the start of the show, but I’m glad I made it on time especially as one of Sody’s jokes during the performance related to the bad record, stereotypical I’d hasten to add, that a certain community has on arriving late. But that’s not what Sody’s distinctive humour is about. He is truly a genius in fusing together an insight into the psyche of living as an ethnic in the UK, a realisation of our potential to connect with ourselves and then making it accessible to a wide audience base using performance skills coupled with modern multi-media technology.

The show starts with the wonderful title track of Indi Kaur’s delightful CD: ‘Keep on Walking’ (released in 2005). Indeed all of the music throughout the show features such great artists including Grammy nominated Snatam Kaur. In parallel to the music we are presented with photographic progress of the fun times of a young Sikh boy. We sit and watch him playing with his sister, parents and relatives until he morphs into the Paul, a flat-capped faithless chap who has unfortunately lost the path to any sense of enlightenment. We see Paul interacting with his spiritual wife, his prejudiced boss and dealing with the public face of material success. Although the origins of his frustrations of a Sikh identity in a western society are less explored, it does mirror a situation that many British Sikhs find themselves in.

Paul works for Ingram Norten Information Technology (INIT), as a computer sales representative. He is ambitious but his glass ceiling is obvious and tiresome. It forms the framework for Sody to play a host of new characters all exploiting his ability to make us laugh through understanding their extreme patterns of behaviour. Many of us will associate them with people we have met or even seen in character traits of our own selves.

When Paul is presented with an assignment to fix an off-shore outsourcing problem, he reluctantly heads East. However his journey East is interceded by Divine Intervention which causes a car accident resulting in Paul’s eastern experiences all occurring in his head as he lies in a coma moments before he takes his last breath. Paul’s eastern voyage of self-discovery is further supported by more of Sody’s cheeky characters that guide Paul back to the Sikh path.

We are also treated to some essential Sikh history. I have to admit that a scene that sent the most tingles down my back was the way that Sody presented us images of how Sikhs sacrificed their lives for the liberty and freedoms of the people by fighting against ethnic cleansing. He also reminds us of a carnage episode from 1919 – another chilling holocaustic moment of history for us all.

Sody’s show is a great experience to realise through the medium of humour the importance of knowing one’s self and the need to not be deterred away from our religious heritage but most of all to keep it in tact as it is timeless.

At the end of the show, and just like Sody’s previous solo show, ‘Sikhs in the City’, he met the audience – an act that reveals him to be a warm and gracious person. I spoke to him and he admitted stretching the boundaries of the multi-media tool he was using. We have a great Sikh talent here and giving him more support will I’m certain result in him climbing to even greater international acclaim. I wish him all the best in this must see show of a mast Sikh! Make sure you catch it at Watermans, Brentford, Middlesex: (box office: 020 8232 1010) from 6th to 9th October 2005 or visit Sody’s cool site at www.sody.co.uk for further tour dates.

Are you an e-Citizen?

2005-09-26T23:38:00.000Z

This year Bill Gates, one of the founders of modern Information Technology applications celebrates 30th years in business Maybe this article should really read Microsoft celebrates 30 years in business.Here are some facts about the company, a company that started originally started out as a two-person set-up based in Albuquerque, New Mexico:

Mircosoft today….
Head Quarters: Redmond, Washington (I’ve actually had a chance to visit and the firm is a city within a city, employing thousands of employees). Sales: $36bn (2004), Profits: $8.2bn (2004). Worldwide Staff: 57,000, Founded: 1975, Chairman: Bill Gates with Chief executive: Steven Ballmer

There clearly is no doubt that this organisation, regardless of any views of: accused monopolies/ market dominance and personal views on the quality of their products – have delivered and continue to give us power to our fingertips! Although rivals are threatening the market with cheaper bundles of software and different operating systems, Microsoft’s products are still trusted and relied on. In 30 years they have changed the landscape of Information Technology.

The Internet has also ushered massive change in the way we deliver and receive information and the way we do business. Who would have thought back in the mid 80s and early 90s that route planners, buying books online, web-cams and music downloads to portable music devices would be second knowledge to many.

However, with all this power at our discretion, do we truly know how to use it to its full potential? Do we spend more time formatting a document rather than focusing on the quality of the content we have to produce. Does this lead to inefficiencies ? More importantly have we instead created a society of those that can connect and enjoy the Internet age and those that will never get any opportunities to reap its potential returns?

In September (05) the British Computer Society (BCS) launched a new campaign to encourage people who feel intimidated by computers to get online and start experiencing the numerous benefits the Internet offers: From booking flights and accommodation to finding cheaper mortgages and home insurance. The Society’s ‘Keep Up’ campaign aims to tackle the digital divide between those who can access the internet competently and a significant minority who simply do not know how and face being excluded from our internet dominated age.

To complement the campaign, the BCS’s e-Citizen qualification will be available in colleges and training centres throughout the country to teach Internet-novices how to surf the World Wide Web, to shop, bank, book a holiday, email friends and stay safe online. i.e: The essential elements to becoming a 21st century e-Citizen. Courseware is now available to help. The BCS is giving away a ‘Keep Up’ fact sheet outlining ten ways to explore the internet safely with top tips on shopping online, banking and emailing. The BCS (UK) can be contacted on 0845 300 4417 to obtain a free copy. The course is also part of and endorsed by the European Computer Driving License Foundation (ECDL)

You can also buy a copy of the step-by-step approved eCitizen course from Knowledge Hemispheres (020 8568 5757). This course is available either as a interactive, simulation based CD (£20) or in the form of a self-study guide / Manual. (£14). Education centres can also draw down government funding to support those that wish to take the course.

At least there is an understanding that the potential digital divide needs to be confronted, such initiatives can certainly help to close the gap between the haves and the have nots - both nationally and internationally.

Arms Unfair

2005-09-16T08:38:00.000Z

In today’s world of contradictions we do not need a steady reminder of such double standards. The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) last week revealed that it invited China, subject to an EU arms embargo, to shop for weapons at Europe's largest arms fair known as: Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEi). The fair opened at London’s Excel centre on Tuesday 13th September. Amazingly and with a sign that there is some hope, during weekending 9th September, Prime Minister Tony Blair told journalists in Beijing that the world ‘held a question mark’ over China's human rights record. It is important to note that UK arms export rules prohibit arms exports to countries where they could be used for human rights abuse or to fuel conflict.

The list of official invitations to the MOD-organised arms fair was finally published on Sunday 11th September The government has previously refused campaigners' requests for the list to be published, citing 'security reasons'.

The government also invited 7 countries from the UK Foreign Office's own list of the world's 20 top human rights abusers.

These include:
• Indonesia: not invited since 1999 due to the ongoing conflicts in Aceh and Papua, where Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch documented ongoing cases of ‘extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence and destruction of property’ by the Indonesian military in 2004-5, and the Foreign Office recently reported ‘army attacks on villagers in the Papuan highlands’

• Colombia: where the UK Foreign Office reported in July that ‘members of the Colombian security forces collude with the paramilitaries and are involved in drug trafficking’, and the ongoing conflict has forced an estimated 3 million people from their homes.

• Saudi Arabia: the third-largest recipient of UK arms exports, where Amnesty International last year reported an escalation of ‘killings by security forces and armed groups...’

Libya (subject to an EU arms embargo until last year) and Iraq have also received invitations for the first time. This apparently goes against the policy of the United States, who are unwilling to heavily arm Iraq's military for fear of the weapons being used against US forces.

What is the point of European and UK arms control rules if such trade fairs are allowed to take place. Is it not another case of trade and finance taking priority over human suffering? Ironically, Tony Blair will be pushing for weapons trade controls at the UN World Summit but unfortunately his defence ministers would have already welcomed the world's arms dealers and human rights abusers to do business!

DSEi organisers, Spearhead Spokesperson suggested the following: 'It is like any other trade exhibition. It is like the motor show in Birmingham or exhibitions at Earls Court. This happens to be for the defence industry.’

Hey! We all know that cars can kill and can damage the environment but I’m sure you will agree that Apache fighter jets, landmines and cluster bombs are lethal and more harmful to civilians. In a world of double standards we should expect a stronger commitment to human rights from our leaders. Not a backhand policy of supporting such abuse?

Are you looking to the left or the right? It really doesn’t matter!

2005-09-12T23:44:00.000Z

What is it about political agendas that suddenly appear confusing? For example, take a look at the proposed budget plans of the US Administration and the media reporting of their implications. Some Republicans (US) have suggested that Bush’s stance of tax cuts for the rich will enable entrepreneurs to help generate more jobs. Yet, opponents argue that this policy fails to provide help where it is needed. The following line is particularly ‘cutting’: Hurricane Katrina has blown away the veil of poverty that exists in the South today’.

Data from the US Census Bureau shows that more people are struggling just to make ends meet.
The nation’s poverty rate rose to 12.7 percent of the population last year, the fourth consecutive annual increase. Overall, there were 37 million people living in poverty [in 2004], up 1.1 million people from 2003…The last decline in overall poverty was in 2000, when 31.1 million people lived under the threshold — 11.3 percent of the population.

Another suggestion is that the Bush administration had been ineffective in its response to planning against the Katrina disaster. Alternative viewpoints suggest that know one considered that the New Orleans levees would be compromised. However, Democrats searching for a way to blame President Bush for Hurricane Katrina are circulating a report that claims the Bush tax cuts and the Iraq war drained funding from New Orleans flood-control projects. Currently Michael Moore, the renowned documentary maker is considering making a film about this whole awful episode.

Statistical results on Bush’s popularity reveals that he is dropping in popularity stakes. Although many suggest that this may recover in time for next years mid-term elections.

My other concern is the way that people are being treated. Reports suggest that the process of handcuffing and gun pointing are being used as a way of evacuating the city of New Orleans. Is this an implication that those that remaining are holding out in some kind of civil war of ownership? Or, are these tactics being used as a last resort? Whatever happened to treating people with humanity? Whatever your political persuasion we must agree that everyone is entitled to dignity. These people have lost everything and deserve better.

The aim of this article is not be critical. As I commented during my previous column (Katrina hits Hard w/e: 9th September), people need help now without the consideration of cost. It is good that the Bush administration have committed large funds running into the billions. But we need communities to be closer to how these funds will be channeled.

With many homeless now temporarily residing in surrounding US states, some reports show that communities are getting closer together, removing race and financial barriers. This is a lesson for what we could do worldwide for each other.

It really should not matter if you are looking to either the east or west, left or right, we have to agree with one fundamental thought – We are one world and there is a desperate need to recognize the human race as one.

Maybe we need a new kind of politics. Not one that blames each other or sits on chosen political bleachers / stands. Instead it aims to work on a concept of collaborative communities working towards common good. We need new innovative ways of organizing ourselves, to remove complex layers with priorities centred on the value of life not capitalist drivers.

Katrina hits hard

2005-09-04T22:07:00.000Z

One day in New Orleans the sweet sound of Jazz must have been in the air the next day unfortunate devastation took a hold all around. It appears that the rich had evacuated earlier but double-digit groups of thousands were left stranded in areas such as airports, the superbowl/arena, the streets, and outside public institutions

It was also concerning to see the desperate depths that people went to in attempts survive through a routes of aggressive actions against each other! It is unfortunate that it took so long for any form of relief logistics with associated supplies to reach the thousands that needed it.

.As the relief effort continues it is worth considering both what lead to this disaster and the possible aftermath unless investment is channelled correctly and in parallel.

Officials have said that 20% of the 500,000 residents of New Orleans live on or below the poverty line, or are elderly and sick. They have been described as the low mobility population. These issues have been raised in the past but the result has been silence. In both 2000 and 2005, disaster plans had been prepared but apparently know one thought that the leeves (city protective areas) would be holed. These levees were supposed to protect New Orleans but when compromised they sent millions of litres of water cascading through the streets, putting some 80 percent of the city under water. Its important to note that although know one expected this compromise, budget cuts to the city’s defenses by successive administrations in Washington appeared to have compounded the problem. In 2004 Army engineers sought $105m for hurricane and flood programmes in New Orleans – The Whitehouse slashed the request to $42.5m. The funding dry-up resulted in no investment for shelters and halted maintenance work to the city’s east bank leeves for the first time in 37 years.

Now New Orleans is overrun with dirty water but it is important to note that it is also probably contaminated by waste and chemicals. Fires continue to rage. The environmental impact of Katrina is likely to be severe. Hurricanes usually leave some imprint on the environment long after they dissipate, such as eroded beaches and flattened trees.

It also appears that the water will need to be pumped out but where to? If it is pumped back into the Gulf of Mexico, it may take with it higher concentrations of toxins, as it may not be treated first. The impact on wildlife should be considered.

From an economic perspective, Hurricane Katrina may hit the US economy much harder than past experience predicts, because of the damage it appears to have inflicted on the US oil production and refining industry in the Gulf of Mexico. Uncertainty about just how severe this damage is makes any assessment of the economic consequences of Katrina difficult, but there are certainly some disturbing statistics. The Gulf of Mexico is crucial to US energy supplies and accounts for nearly 30 per cent of US offshore crude oil production and nearly half of its refinery capacity.

At this time we need to think and deliver solutions both for the people in immediate dire need and for the aftermath. A multi-faceted approach is needed where disease must not take hold, rash decisions on environmental issues must not be made and no thought on money saving should be made, instead we need to bring life back to New Orleans. Let us pray for those that are no longer with us and give hope to those that need it now – for their present and our mutual future.

Me, We

2005-08-30T00:01:00.000Z

Known as one of the shortest speeches in the world (my view), these words were uttered by boxer Mohammad Ali. It was reported as one of his opening lines at a speech he gave at Harvard University. If you’re interested in aspects of his life, especially events surrounding the build-up and progress of the Ali Vs George Foreman match in Zaire (back in 1974), be sure to watch/buy the award winning (Oscar 1996, directed by Leon Gast) documentary (available on DVD) ‘When we were Kings’.

Some amazing Ali quotes can also be observed, for example: ‘I'm young, I'm handsome, I'm fast, I'm pretty and can't possibly be beat…’ And,
‘I done something new for this fight! I done rassled with a alligator! That's right, I have rassled with a alligator. I done tussled with a whale! I done handcuffed lightning, throwed thunder in jail! That's *bad*. Only last week, I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalized a brick. I'm so mean, I make medicine sick!’

The film/footage is inspiring in many ways. It shows how Ali fought Foreman on a number of levels: psychologically and physically. The latter may not go down well with anti-boxing campaigners but the important issue here is how strength can be achieved through unity. I truly believe that if enough people demand change the energy created will ‘drive change home’ and a positive outcome can result. Ali showed us that confidence can provide one with the will to see a mission through.

Back in July I wrote about the Make Poverty History campaign. A massive momentum was built-up as the G8 summit began to gear-up in parallel. Lets remember that on 2nd July over 225,000 people turned out in Edinburgh to demand a change from the G8 attendees. In addition, 1Million people attended global Live8 gigs and over 1Billion viewed the gigs from TVs, the Internet…

Here is a quick update on the campaign of events to support the make poverty history campaign over the coming months:

White Band Day 2 will take place on 10 September 2005. Its purpose has been positioned to remind world leaders, meeting at the UN Summit in New York, that the world is still watching and waiting for them to make poverty history.

On 24-25 September 2005 the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund will hold their Annual Meetings in Washington, attended for the UK by Gordon Brown and Hilary Benn. This meeting is important for two main reasons. Firstly, the need to ensure that the June’05 G7 Heads of Finance debt cancellation plan is reduced and what some report as the need for greater transparency / awareness of members and policies to be developed.

On Wednesday 2 November 2005 campaigners will stage a mass lobby of Parliament calling for trade justice not free trade. Thousands of people are expected to come to London to lobby their MP as part of the campaign. Again, its aim to build on the July G8 summit but through public mobilisation.

There you have it, more opportunities for us to unite for the people. If we dream that poverty can become history then it surely will. We just have to believe in our ability to change the status quo and certainly not in our continued apathy to let people down.

Are you from Arabia?

2005-08-23T09:02:00.000Z

It was in the hotel lobby that someone asked me this question. On our Spanish discovery coach tour the majority of fellow tourists were American. They were a great mix and they had travelled from all over the US to come together for 7 days. Interestingly there were many couples : Daughters and mothers that had decided to take a break together.
The question, ‘Are you from Arabia?’ didn’t take me too much by surprise as it was not the first time that I had been asked about my background. All through my life I have had some interesting questions. For example:

1. Do you wear your turban when you sleep?
2. Do you wear your turban when you swim?
3. Does the colour of your turban have any significance?
4. Can you read my palm?

The latter was the most amusing encounter. One year my parents decided to explore the US west coast. Two other families joined us and in a convoy of planes and cars we moved steadily from Seattle through to San Francisco, LA, passing through Santiago and finally to the Mexican border – to both the wonders and shock of Tijuana. I say shock not because the streets remind me of Robert Rodriguez’s movie Desperado – starring Antonio Bandeas but because of the sheer variance in lifestyle. I haven’t been back there but I wonder if things have changed? Anyway, I was at the immigration gateway / border between the USA and Mexico when a large immigration official approached me. He said, ‘I’m going to ask you two questions’:

1. Are you any relation to the Ayatollah Khomeini?
2. Can you read my palm?

I wasn’t sure if he was joking but the stern and serious look on his face begged me to take him seriously. My reply was of course, ‘NO’! ‘He replied, ‘OK you can pass’
I often wondered how much that episode could be made into a comedy sketch – At least it’s clean!

Another extraordinary encountered was a few years ago. I was scheduled to make a client visit to Poole, visiting a large commercial bank to discuss ironically an international project. After an exhaustive drive I found a place to park and headed for reception. The reception desk consisted of an island of desks’ centred amongst a marble floor. I approached and asked the following question, ;I’ve come to meet Cath Cottenham’, ‘Pardon’ she replied. I again repeated my request. She then said,’ Your not supposed to talk like that’, implying that there should have been a possible accent attached. I calmly explained to her that Peter Sellers has not done the ethnic community any favours and that she should understand that many like my father were pioneering migrants to the UK.

Back to Spain, when I was asked about whether I was from Arabia, I explained my background and the American lady withdrew with the following comment, ‘Not from Arabia, well I would never have known’. Quite simply this latest episode reveals to me that its not the ignorance of people who should be in the know but a missing opportunity between the media and our community to get closer to discover the richness of our heritage and who we really are.

My summer holidays of discovery

2005-08-15T16:23:00.000Z

Over the last week I’ve spent time in Spain on what was described in the holiday brochure as ‘Discover Spain’ and it certainly has been an eye-opener to realise and gain an insight into the history of Spain:

Around 1100 BC, Phoenician seafarers from present-day Lebanon set up trading colonies along the Spanish coast. Phocaean Greeks also traded along the northeastern coast. With the fall of Phoenicia, the Iberian Peninsula came under the rule of Carthage (present day Tunisia), but was occupied by Rome following the Punic Wars. The Romans held sway in Iberia for six centuries, laying the foundations for Spanish language and culture.

Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century AD, Spain was ruled by the Visigoths, a Germanic people who had migrated from central Europe. In 711, the Muslims of North Africa launched an invasion across the Straits of Gibraltar, occupying the majority of the peninsula within a few years. Their presence lasted more than seven centuries, though the Christian kingdoms in the north increased their power over each subsequent generation, gradually driving the Moors southwards. The last Moorish kingdom, Granada, was conquered in 1492.

The discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus and the expulsion of Jews and Moors from Spain marked Spanish history forever. Treasure from Spain's vast overseas empire pushed Spain into the forefront of European countries. However, constant warfare drained Spain’s resources. With the accession of the Bourbon dynasty to the Spanish throne at the beginning of the 18th century, Spain came within the French sphere of influence for the following 100 years, until the defeat of Napoleon's army during the Peninsular War.

In 1931 king Alfonso XIII abdicated and this lead to Spain becoming a Republic. Conservative reaction from certain groups sparked the Spanish Civil War (raging from 1936 to 1939 & precluding World War II). Franco’s War stance lead to its isolation. In the 1950s the first US bases opened. Tourism also flourished in later decades. It was only 1975 when Spain became a democracy. In the last thirty years Spain was described by one of our tour guides as having made the move from the ‘3rd to 1st world’.

A negative point is certainly being concerned about the shear power of extremists from both the Christian and Muslim religions (suggested as the main culprits of radical changes and ethnic isolation) to cause the mass movement and ejection of people. We need to analyse and become aware of what factors ‘tip the balance’ of sense in people. Generally what drives people to communal violence there are too many examples (Rwanda, Dafur, Yugoslavia, Nazi Germany…)? My fear is that sometimes it is not that obvious when radical evil takes place.

Ending on a positive it is important to note that at one point Spain had three different religions living together in peace and respect. More recently they have been able to rapidly establish a reliable technical and logistical infrastructure. In the month that India and Pakistan celebrate their independence/Republic days (60 years) is there more progress that can be made by working together? The potential is certainly there!

Hiroshima Remembered

2005-08-06T00:32:00.000Z

On Saturday morning (6th August 2005) it will be 60 years since Nuclear Bombs were dropped on Japan. It is estimated that approximately 140,000 people are believed to have died when the B-29 bomber named Enola Gay dropped its deadly payload, turning Hiroshima and its people into living flames. Another plane, Bock's Car, bombed Nagasaki, on the southern Japan island of Kyushu, killed at least 80,000 three days later. Hiroshima, situated 426 miles (686 kilometers) southwest of Tokyo, was charred and leveled beyond recognition. On Aug. 15, 1945, Japan surrendered.

Many died immediately and others died of cancers. Hiroshima officials now put the total number of the dead in this city alone at 237,062. In 2005, 5,000 more names are to be added to the list.Those that were evacuated in time returned to no homes, relatives and the struggle to rebuild.

The pain of such loss must is clearly unbearable. Yet, even after 60 years a superpower like the USA still plans to keep 5,000 warheads — each far more efficient than the one that devastated this city. This aim is upheld by Russia, China, Britain, France, India and Pakistan. These confirmed nuclear powers, current have no plans to give up their arsenals. Instead more countries are looking to join the nuclear nightmare club.

So what is the attraction of nuclear power? It appears that Images of these flattened cities, accounts from survivors and ongoing suffering do not have any impact on the development of these true and real weapons of mass destruction. Instead we see North Korea keen on developing their nuclear capability !?

On Saturday 6th August tens of thousands of people will be packed into Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park. Wreaths will be laid and 1,000 doves set free. Temple bells will ring. As many as 40,000 people are expected to attend the memorial, including Japanese dignitaries. It is said that a theme of peace permeates Hiroshima. Its broad, tree-lined road leading to the park is called the ‘Promenade of Peace.’ Hundreds of thousands visit Hiroshima's Peace Museum every year, and they are greeted at the entrance by a Peace Clock, which counts the days since the bomb was dropped. On Saturday it will reach 21,915. The bomb struck at 8:15 a.m.(11:15 p.m. Friday GMT).

I cannot believe that the world is still obsessed with Nuclear power, its harmful waste and the potential it has to unleash by such destructive weapons. It appears that humanity blindly ignores the mass devastation that it can cause to itself. We need to take heed and ensure that we understand the following inscription based at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Inscribed on a large stone are the words / a message from Pope John Paul's:

’War is the work of man.
War is destruction of human life.
War is death.
To remember the past is to
commit oneself to the future.
To remember Hiroshima is to
abhor nuclear war,
To remember Hiroshima is to
commit oneself to peace.’

An Innocent Man

2005-08-05T00:10:00.000Z

The recent shooting of an innocent man at Stockwell tube station by Police marksmen raises a number of issues in terms of how suspects are viewed and assessed. Although currently we await the findings of both the Public and Police enquiry, there are some basic areas that need to be considered. Clearly people are ‘on edge’, with an increased sense of suspicion by all. It is important to ask what was the premise behind the police assuming that the late discovered innocent man was being pursued as a suspect. Was it the colour / tone of his skin, the clothes he was wearing, his rug stack, behaviour or his reluctance to stop when requested? It is this issue that has raised some alarm. If there is a shot to kill policy then the public need to know when this came into being, together with understanding the way to respond to any interaction with the police.

I recently heard of a disturbing situation on a bus. Apparently, sitting in the front part of the bus two Muslim women dressed in full burka, were sitting on their own, while the rest of the passengers sat huddled together in discomfort at the back. The person telling me the story proudly declared that she had got up from the huddle and in defiance sat next to the 2 ladies. Not meaning to sound too cynical but did she tell me the story to show how liberal and open she, is i.e.: as a token or did she believe in the rightful message that we should treat all of humanity as one. I hope for the latter.

It is sad that society has now got to a stage where appearances are used to judge the potential to engage in dialogue or simple everyday interaction. I can understand the need for extra vigilance but it should not be at the expense of victimisation. Terror suspects come in all shapes, sizes and colours! There should never be an atmosphere of alienation otherwise we are in danger of reaching a point of communalism exploited by mis-guided and blinding leaders. Maybe an episode of this type say something more about how society tends to like categorising or classifying people. It also raises the question of respect. For example, looking at the way religions have been treated in recent years in France in the name of so called secularism is simple distortion. The last thing we want is for this disease of demented so-called part-time tolerance to reach the UK.

There has been much talk in recent years about religious schools and whether they create a sense of segregation. This is a non-issue as religious schools have been in existence for hundreds of years. In addition, there is nothing wrong with having an understanding of the importance of spirituality. No religion teaches violence.

Acceptance is the missing element in today’s society. There is a hidden pressure of conforming to somebody else’s agenda. Acceptance that we are all the same and religious belief only strengthen the bonds between us. By teaching each other about our differences we can derive a sense of understanding and respect. Not levelling one civilisation Vs another. The lack of teaching history on the basis of parallel world-developments and learning from past mistakes appears to be lacking. We are history in the making but it should not be at the expense of forgetting our decades of mistakes.

Have you ever considered that all life is innocent when born but it is the world that potentially corrupts the soul? Today’s education system has a part to play to teach the young and the old that religious values are good and a source for understanding each other better. Communication is better than the potential of any misguided loss.

Should we be paranoid?

2005-07-29T11:24:00.000Z

On 8th July, I was walking through Vauxhall station and without sounding paranoid, I got the most amazing ‘dirty look’ from a fellow traveller walking the opposite way. Was it something I said or is this now what some of us will have to expect as part of the aftermath of 7/7- London and its contribution to those in society that are ignorant.

The reason why I ask is because together with the havoc that terrorists create they also create an unbalanced society. A society where although the media and politicians may attempt to reinforce expressions of tolerance and strength through recognising diversity, I feel an underlying or unfortunate undercurrent of irrelevant suspicion could start to develop. I have a great fear that we will now see a growth in right wing sympathy. We have already seen senseless attacks on places of worship. What does this tell us about the state that we are in?

Ironically on Sunday 11th July the UK commemorated the 60th anniversary of VE day. It was described as a day of defiance as hundreds of thousands arrived in Central London to observe the day. Defiance in this context should not be constrained to being just defined as being bold to stand-up against those that wish to partake in tyranny and the create chaos. Instead, a wider aspect of its stance and meaning is more applicable. For example, to not bow to the pressures of segmenting society and victimisation based on lack of mutual understanding.

9/11 was described as a ‘walk-up call’ for many in religions in terms of improving what I describe as ‘the education of awareness and respect’. Interfaith groups definitely go a long way to unite people. In the past I have commented about how great they have been to concentrate all members to unite on a central charity – The power of many coming together to both focus and deliver common good. However, although schools now teach world religions as part of their religious education, we are living in a society where materialism is ceaseless and any form of continuous learning and respect for God seems to be intentionally missed in the main stream. Religious programming (TV) is typically broadcast off-peak and often spiritual activities such as Yoga or Tai-Chi are treated as commodities. What does this tell us about the state of our lifestyle and expectations of each other? Is an attraction to materialism based on supplementing goods for happiness? Or, are we happy to be conditioned in front of our flat screens, trapped in an approved subliminal (subversive unconscious suggestion) mode or universe? A world where we are immune to the perils of humanity and injustice! Unless we ask for change in such a stance we are not going to get it. There is no Matrix Nimo waiting around the corner. Instead, we only have to put ourselves into the hearts and minds of others, constantly demanding greater quality of life and equality for all. Being agnostic is not the answer. Reality TV is not the answer. Greater exposure to the wonders of spirituality can help us all.

A helicopter or motorcycle view of the race of life shows that commercialism appears to be the lead runner but we know that eventually those that respect God and treat each other as equals without ego or alternative agendas are the true winners.

D is for Defiance

2005-07-15T14:40:00.000Z

Since Thursday 7th July (the day that terrorists struck London), the only words that I can think of all begin with D.

N.B This article is not an attempt at apparent clever word-play, instead its how my mind processes and attempts to handle the state that we’re now in.D is for decline of our society and that unfortunately certain individuals have others manipulated to turn against society through resorting to cowardly acts of violence to kill innocent livesD is for destructive minds and the lack of conscience portrayed by the perpetrators of such terrorism.D is for despair of the people waiting to hear if their loved ones are missing or killed – innocently on their way to work or live their daily lives.

D is for death – the thoughts of terrorists that look for opportunities to destroy our society.

D is for disruption that is caused to our daily lives and the uncertainty that people will see in each other – the risk of becoming paranoid and victimized due to lack of knowledge.

D is for dismay and distress – The look and sense that people have about their future and safety of existence.

D is for deliberate acts of violence against innocent lives.

D is for disarm – the need to put pressure on those that support terrorist sites both virtual (computer) and physical.

D is for disillusionment that many may feel, as there is a need to find as soon as possible the guilty murderers.

D is for diversity and the strength that we can all get from the magic of respecting each other. Unfortunately we are already seeing certain press and ex high profile leaders readily accusing local (UK based / born kids) in involvement.

Finally,
D is for determination and for deliverance of those that survived the violence. By exploding bombs in near Edgware the terrorists were killing people from their own religion!?

D is for defiance against those that threaten our personal freedoms because they cannot sensibility talk about their troubles.

D is for dependable - the need to be extra cautious and to trust in each other. To say no to hate crimes and yes to unity against the enemy of hate.

D is also for the desperate need for politicians to state that we should respect each other, not to create a civil war or factions that attempt to destroy the unity that can be achieved through respecting our multiculturalism.

I was there! Part 2

2005-07-11T13:02:00.000Z

Last week I did not mean to sound too cynical about being squashed as part of the 200,000 strong Live8 audience in Hyde Park. Instead, I suggested the need for better crowd control, guidance and for people to enjoy themselves in a far more relaxed situation rather than standing in compressed (physically) manner from 2pm to Midnight. I must admit that I felt distressed that special viewing arrangements had been made available from an area called ‘The Golden circle’. In addition, press gazebos (that what they looked like from a distance) and Jonathan Ross’s special pod added further to my personal issues. On a positive note, it felt good to be connected to a global audience of over two Billion and that over 1 million of us were actually there rightfully stating the case for debt relief and removal of poverty.

Preceding this event and with subsequent thoughts about the situation I wondered if there is more that we can do.

Back in the days of the South African Apartied regime, the big economic words of the day were Boycotting & Sanctions. Some argued that such a strategy hurt both the people and the country’s’ finances. A different view came from the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. Unfortunately, I can never forget Mrs Thatcher giving a press conference and suggesting that only, ‘a little bit, a little bit’ of sanctions should be endorsed by the UK against South Africa. Did anyone undercover what multinationals were supporting and present throughout the regime?

So what can we do? 20 years on from Live Aid, we have an odd situation of pop stars becoming politicians. Although the event attempted to put pressure on the G8 leaders to resolve trade constraints and aid relief, I cannot help thinking that another area is missing.

In a recent article in The Times (UK), it was suggested that Aid can arrive into a country in many forms. For example, governments can allocate food, money and surprisingly as arms shipments! Pardon? Arms Shipments! Since when was a gun something that ever helped a dire situation of starvation and extreme poverty.The article also suggested that corrupt regimes were failing many such countries.

Much has been said about corruption and lost aid. Even worse is when a regime undermines its own people, just take a look the Sudan situation. In the meantime everyone looks past them, failing to acknowledge that they need urgent help.In terms of corruption, I wonder if the associated questionable leaders are under some miscomprehension that the money they receive or manage is actually theirs.

Surely there must be a way to expose them.Live8 has certainly raised awareness but the momentum for change must not slow down. Instead we should be asking financial institutions, the World Bank and Swiss Bank officials to allow the authorisation of opening up questionable or suspected accounts. If funds are being embezzled by corrupt leaders, they should not be given a chance to get away with daylight robbery.

We all have a part to play in thinking of different ways of helping people: for example, approved sabbaticals, connected communities, support and pressure from the media. Once the seeds of change have been planted, let us hope that it can sustain itself.

I was there! Part 1

2005-07-08T20:58:00.000Z

It was a bit of a wild rise and shine on Saturday morning (2nd July : Live8 around the world). I awoke to a cramp pain in my left calf - Maybe it was the pain of standing about on Thursday night at the Jazz Café at another gig! After a quick rubbing down I managed to stagger out of bed and get ready to attend the Live8 gig in Hyde Park, London. We left home by 11.35am and arrived at the park entrance by 12.15pm. We were then treated to being directed to walk around what seemed to be most of the perimeter of the park to the main entrance. During the closing stages of this walk it appeared as if we had looped back on ourselves!

Once we had found a place to sit down and had some sandwiches it approached the time for the concert to start (2.05pm). Then the crowd suddenly appear to be on the move. Collectively everyone grabbed their ground sheets and rug sacks and decided to get-up and surge forward. Eventually we were approximately a third of the way back from the stage but as the makeshift arena (200,000 capacity) was based on uneven land, we stopped short of a small incline. It appeared that everyone in front of us had just grown by another 12inches. We also found ourselves shoulder-to-shoulder with no real room to sit down. From where I was standing I could see Jonathan Ross’s capsule in the distance adjacent to the stage. On my right I could see numerous gazebos on a raised area especially set aside for what appeared to be the press, cameras and selective media interviews. Eventually we managed to get a place on the incline. In front me stood a flag bearer. Throughout the concert he held on to his St George’s cross flag with an imprint of ‘make poverty history’ blazoned across it. Ironically our view was blocked by another flag situated next to the central TV camera, right in the middle of our eye line.

We then stood and sometimes knelt down to refresh our knees in the same place until just after midnight. No one excused themselves (or should I say relieved themselves to go to the loo) as it would have been unlikely that they could return to the same location due to the squash. None of us were in any special VIP or even earmarked Golden Circle. At 11pm we managed to move slightly forward but the view was still the same: Slightly bigger dots on the horizon. Don’t get me wrong. I’m one of the first to congratulate the feat of putting together an audience that for the first time is getting politicians to stand-up and listen to the perils created by humankind. It would have been good to have some more crowd guidance staff to ensure that people treated the concert as a day where one could sit down and chill rather than be subjected to the stresses of standing for hours.

The line-up was great and the world appeared to jolt slightly. Although one could argue that the 8x concerts were some very rich people hoping to do something for a lot of very poor people, I hope that Live8’s achievement will form an arrow to pierce the conscience of the G8 leaders – all who really do have an opportunity to take seriously the deaths of men, women and children every second, minute, and hour of the day.

More next week…

Inspiring Youth

2005-07-01T10:44:00.000Z

Andy Murray's performance at this Wimbledon Tennis Championships said a lot about inspiration, perspiration and being on the edge - and that was just demonstrated by the audience. Andy himself comes from Dunblain and is keen to correct the worldview of what happened there.
He represents that light can come from a town’s darkest hour.

They (who are they!?) say that with age comes wisdom. If that is the case then why are many mature leaders immune and free to endorse pain and hate within their regimes? One dictator in particular is keen on getting people to destroy their own homes and then offer them no sanctuary or recover plan.

Sometimes we forget that the simplicity of and importance of life itself is something that we should value. Take for example children aged five playing in a school playground. Do they discriminate or form groups of preference? Their innocence is their strength in terms of the how they view the world. Over time, one could argue that initially they are just naive and as they older, they are exposed to more experiences, environmental influence and social conditioning.

It appears that this loss of innocence or love for each other is compromised in favour of ego and accepting a norm. The media then hope to trivialise life as a series of stages and essential achievement rungs or milestones. I personally feel depressed when watching adverts that show a child being shown to morph into a pensioner within 45 seconds - with the final scene offering a retirement paradise retreat to look forward to -again another insular view.

Today's youth appear to be exposed to the pressures of broken barriers of the 9.30pm watershed, an urgency to get old before their time and an atmosphere of getting on the earning loop as quick as poissible - In other words how fast can we make tomorrows consumers spend their worth today! It is almost a conspiracy against any attitude or inclination or desire for fundamental change they may have- are the youth being conditioned to lose their momentum for new ideas and new ways of thinking? I would say yes. Maybe some political players feel that too much change would potentially threaten the fabric of society itself.

I believe that there is an opportunity to bring together new ideas and a positive attitude for equality and peace. Some people feel that it is religion that causes people to fight each other. Could it be that because today’s youth are so distracted their appreciation for spirituality is lost. There is a potential that today’s youth will be misled by another dictator - remember Hitler’s youth!

It’s not too late to consider switching off the TV (I can talk!) and for us to open our eyes and view the missed opportunities around us.

With the darkness of despair around us, we each have the power to challenge and demand a new genesis.

With the up and coming SummerCamps up and down the country, a great opportunity is presented to come together to share ideals and gain from each others inspiration. On their return to life, post camp lets hope that they can interact with those that hold the keys to change.

Generations united can take us there.

Blinded by the light

2005-06-24T11:31:00.000Z

Alongside 80,000 fans on 19th June 2005 we waited for hours for U2 to present their amazing light and sound show at Twickenham Stadium, UK. Why so many hours? There are three main reasons: Parking (!), a desire to get into the mood and being a bit unclear on what time U2 would come on stage.

The atmosphere was electric with countless people of all colours and creeds united under one roof. Temperatures began soaring to 30 degC and the queues at each extortionate food, drink and merchandise stall were long and sticky. For many hours people scurried backwards and forwards onto the main pitch area. Our seats were on the west wing and we too had people edging between each other talking turns to buy food and drink.

One of the highlights of the 2.5-hour show was when the main giant video screen scrolled-up the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Each article appeared and was read out. Then U2 sang 'One' with its closing chorus extending to ‘One love, One blood, One life, You got to do what you should, One life, With each other, Sisters, Brothers, One life, But we're not the same, We get to, Carry each other. Carry each other, One...life…

The sentiments were strong and many held-up their lighters. N.B.I assume that these lighters were not all owned exclusively by smokers, especially in a non-smoking auditorium - but available near the stalls before the show started for a special price. The effect created by the swaying lights of hope created an awesome fore-drop against the clear darkening skies and dimmed stage lighting,
As June 19 marked the 60th birthday of Nobel Prize winner and Myanmar’s incarcerated democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, at one point Bono sang Happy Birthday to her. Suu Kyi's latest incarceration began in May 2003. Incidently, in October 2000 U2 released their 10th album All That You Can't Leave Behind, which contained a song titled "Walk On" dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi. It was banned by the military junta.

Songs and music fests have the power to unite us all but are we truly connected, especially as it appeared to me that many present did not acknowledge their fellow human being standing within inches of each other? Many may have swayed their arms in unison or sung songs demanding change, but what have we physically changed. Torture and inhumane treatment still exists and with power remaining in the hands of those that fear the loss of their stranglehold.

I’d like to end on a positive. Sure, the morning after a gig we feel tired and mentally exhausted but together we have learnt more about the plight of others. I suggest that we do not fall into the trap of staying blinded. Instead, we should take a greater interest in understanding organisations that are helping to put pressure on those perpetrators of human abuse. Some great suggestions can be found at Amensty International's website,

We’re on this Earth for a short while, the least we can do is offer equality and freedom to each other.

Will Live8 succeed this time?

2005-06-17T09:58:00.000Z

Following on from last weeks article, this question has been asked a number of times in the Media.
On Question Time (BBC1,UK : Thursday 9th June’05) a Mail on Sunday columnist suggested that corruption was rife in Africa and raising money would be questionable. Jane Fonda, also appearing as one of the panellists declared that any demonstrable public emotion in the form of mass demonstration could change the minds of politicians.

There are two related themes here with the common link being fixing the cause for hunger and ensuring that there is no apathy in the west. Live8 hopes to raise awareness but it is sad that the mobile phone companies appear to be profiteering from the call charges!

It is important to note that in the west governments in the past have never been questioned over arms sales to African nations. If aid is escaping from the needy into the hands of those with Swiss bank accounts why are commercial banking organisations allowing this to take place right under their noses. It is a bit similar to watching someone choke when very easily you could pat them on the back to relieve them.

Although Tony Blair has attempted to secure a debt relief agreement with GW Bush, there is a danger that Live8 could flop. For example, although the G7 finance ministers are currently meeting (w/e 11th June), in London in an attempt to agree a deal on African debt relief, these talks are just one month before of anti-poverty campaigners - converge at Gleneagles for a G8 summit. It is great that Britain has vowed to make poverty reduction a key theme of the summit but world mobilisation of support is needed. It is now time for people to stand-up and demand change.

Debt campaigners are concerned that only 27 poor countries have qualified for debt relief and would benefit from any such initiative. 62 countries, including large debtors like Nigeria and Indonesia, should be included. Some countries, for example : France, Germany and Japan are even more reluctant to fully write off debts. Instead, they propose that rich countries take on the debt- servicing costs, rather than write off the debts entirely.

Removing Debt is essential. Currently, approximately 80% of the debt is to rich country governments, but African countries also owe money to private sector lenders. If debt payments were removed these debt ridden countries could use invest their money on resources help reduce poverty. Among the most common priorities are basic health-care, education, and improving roads in rural areas - which is where poverty is often at its worst.

That said, countries that have already been through the current crop of debt relief initiatives are still paying about $2.5bn to service their remaining debts.

I have suggested in the past that multi-national commercial organisations also have a lot to answer for. Their ethos is self-centred and not community centric. Viewing many countries Gross Domestic Product (A common equation for GDP is consumption + investment + exports – imports). Vs. their recommended UN contribution to charity is embarrassingly small. Unfortunately, no rich politician is shamed into admitting this or doing anything to increase rich countries contribution to helping the poor. Now Live8 has a chance to remind them.

STOP PRESS : A debt relief agreement has been reached with over $50B being cleared. Let us also hope that even some of the developing African countries are not excluded in order for them to collectively reap the benefits of renewal. In addition, continued support through a suggested plan of consistency. There is still much to do to feed and help the world today.

G 8 2 Many

2005-06-10T23:21:00.000Z

Back in early February 2005 (‘No time for apathy’ article) I wrote about attending the ‘make poverty history’ rally in Trafalgar Square. I remember listening to Nelson Mandela saying: ‘In this new century, millions of people in the world's poorest countries remain imprisoned, enslaved and in chains. They are trapped in the prison of poverty. It is time to set them free.’

Back in November 2004 (‘Is band aid enough’ article) I wrote about the work of BandAid and how multi-national corporations are missing an opportunity to become more involved in offering aid and time off for staff to pursue volunteering.

Back in October 2004 (‘2005 will be 20 years since Band Aid’ article) I wrote about the need to contact your Member of Parliment, for us to work for charity events and to raise greater awareness locally about global issues.

Back in June 2004 (‘Does G8=Jee ate?’ article) I wrote about the last gathering of global leaders. Although key areas regarding for example the world HIV crisis was discussed and formed part of the agenda, I distressed over a newsreel showing a photo-call of the leaders in front of a beach with selective palm trees. Each leader dressed in their defined informal casual wear. Maybe that’s part of the problem? Maybe the world views such events as casual luxury hideaways? Maybe another way to run a G8 conference is to hold it at an HIV centre, amongst those that are in trouble today. How about in the middle of Sudan. I’m sure that security could be arranged.

You could argue that all these articles simply represent words but where are the actions? Well, words can lead to ideas and ideas towards personal actions & I hope a realisation to help.So a year later we are back to another G8 summit. Last week Sir Bob Geldof, one of the original founders of Band Aid finally agreed to a multi-national gig on 2nd July. The very same day that the G8 leaders will meet in Edinburgh. The event is to be called Live8.

Unfortunately, there are many that site scepticism about Live 8 in terms of what it can actually deliver for the poorest in Africa. Sir Bob Geldof and the team behind Live 8 suggest that is precisely why the objective this time is not fund-raising but awareness-raising. Tickets for the event will be available through an SMS lottery and I really hope that the airtime /telephone companies do not charge / profit with through the sms handling/service charges.

A massive rally is planned in Edinburgh on the 2nd July and many organisations have already started to mobilise the logistics for this event.

20 years after the original Live Aid event, there is still a struggle for life (food, sanitisation, education, health, corruption…) in many parts of the world. Recently it was reported that by 2020 an estimated 2Billion people in the world will be living in shanty and makeshift shelters.

I want to see a time when we write about the harmonisation that took place in the 21st century. When we all got together and demanded change rather than being patient pacifiers. If you get a chance to attend the Live8 event, enjoy it, but most of all yell for freedom from poverty, ‘NOW’!

Suffocating the lungs of the Earth

2005-06-03T13:27:00.000Z

In early May 2005, the Brazilian government announced that almost one-fifth of the Amazon has now been cleared by deforestation. If we look back at the unfortunate progressive destruction statistics, the future appears bleak for what some describe as ‘the lungs of the earth’. Why is Brazil losing so much forest? What can be done to slow deforestation?

Today deforestation in the Amazon is the result of several factors, including:

Clearing for cattle pasture - The devaluation of the Brazilian currency against the dollar has effectively doubled the price of beef in Brazilian currency and created an incentive for ranchers to expand their pasture areas at the expense of the rainforest. The eradication of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in much of Brazil has increased price and demand for Brazilian beef. In addition, Brazil’s recent road construction has gives developers and ranchers access to previously inaccessible forestlands in the Amazon.

Colonization - A large amount of deforestation is caused by the subsistence activities of poor farmers who are encouraged to settle on forestlands by government land policies. This issue is combined with Brazilian squatter rights. - After five years the squatter acquires ownership and hence the right to sell the land. Up until at least the mid-1990s this system was worsened by the government, policy that allowed each claimant to gain title for an amount of land up to three times the amount of forest cleared. It has also been observed that poor farmers are using fire for clearing land. Every year satellite images pick up thousands of fires burning across the Amazon.

Commercial agriculture - Recently soybeans have become one of the most important contributors to deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. Thanks to a new variety of soybean developed by Brazilian scientists to flourish rainforest climate, Brazil is on the verge of supplanting the United States as the world's leading exporter of soybeans. Logging - In theory, logging in the Amazon is controlled by strict licensing which only allows timber to be harvested in designated areas. However, there is significant evidence that illegal logging is quite widespread in Brazil

What can we do? We could reduce our paper and wood consumption. N.B Over seventy-eight percent of the Earth's original old growth forests have already been logged or degraded. You can help by using both sides of each piece of paper when taking notes, using cloth napkins / towels and avoid using disposable paper plates and cups. In addition, when purchasing paper products, choose products with the highest percentage of recycled content.

The burning of oil, gas, and coal is the primary cause of climate change, a trend that is threatening the stability of the global climate. Scientists have predicted that if we stay on our current path, global temperatures will rise between 2° and 9° Fahrenheit in the next century.You can help alleviate oil's impact on the environment by reducing your own oil and gas consumption. Whenever possible, leave your car at home and instead walk, ride your bike or use public transportation.

What is difficult to comprehend is the fact that a country like Brazil is trying its best to come out of poverty. The hope of the country maybe that economic recovery can lead to a better life for those that have suffered in the past. However, the price should not be the devastation of the Earth. Instead, economic leaders should collectively decide on each country’s strengths and balance their contribution. For example, we know that deforestation is bad so what industries can countries compromise between them to specialise in. Unfortunately, in a competitive world country’s will do what they can to gain revenues. There must be another world attitude that is not based on pure capitalism!

Injury Time

2005-05-27T09:00:00.000Z

It has been one of those months! About 3 weeks back I burnt my wrist by accidentally pouring piping (via the microwave) hot porridge over it. The result being a sight that appeared to resemble 1st degree burns. This was coupled two weeks ago with twisting my ankle while popping out for a quick supposedly timesaving run.. So much for trying to make good food and attempting to get fit! Saying that, none of us can predict what is going to happen next.

One of the things I have learnt since my most recent injury is the difficulty associated with getting back to the road of recovery. Most people are probably tired of my story of how I was about to launch into an accelerated pace and then unknowingly putting my foot into jeopardy between a pavement slab and a grass verge. However, in my view the most cutting part of the story is what happened when I fell…

Landing on my hands and onto a grass verge between the pavement area, I immediately tried to sit-up. I shrieked words to distract my brain from the pain from the ankle area. I also noticed two girls on the opposite side of the street. It appeared as if they were laughing at my fall, or maybe I was just being paranoid. They were standing in front of their house, inside their drive-in. After a few moments, or literally a few seconds they were joined by their mother, who appeared to have emerged from parking her car in the same drive-in. She too chuckled before they collectively marched and retreated to into their house, closing firmly the front door behind them. In the meantime, I rocked backwards and forwards and tried to stand-up.

The walk home took about 10minutes so the run I went on was disastrous. Firstly, because of the injury sustained and secondly because the total calorific cardio burn probably resulted in very low (single digit) number!

Recovering from an ankle sprain or any personal injury can be a drain on ones sources, not forgetting those around you that have to put up with, in my case, the fuss I make. What was even more disappointing was the attitude that I had to put-up with on the day of the fall. I wondered what I would do if someone had fallen down in front of my house. I would certainly rush out and see if they were OK.

If we magnify the varying attitude to each other from a worldwide perspective, we know that the road or house we live in is simply territorial. Eventually, each country is joined by the same soil. Possessiveness about national boundaries is irrelevant. The world is already injured by the rate of deforestation, affecting us all, for example, one country produces 25% of the world’s pollution but has a 4% recycling performance. There are also those that cannot receive enough aid or drugs to reduce their pain due to disease. Are we no better than those that laughed at my fall by ignoring the suffering on our doorstep?

Ending on a positive, its great that there are many that give selflessly and are an example to others. Instead of chasing celebrities that are only reflecting one dimension of life, i.e.: a reflection of our own, collectively we need to work on not standing for politicians that provide limited smiles of assurance. Today the world needs less time to be spent on deliberating pain and more on reducing injury time - with the potential of accepting our responsibility to each other. Write to your MP to put pressure on the UK government to consider that the G8 summit in GlenEagles in July could make a difference to reduce the world’s suffering.

Seeking an alternative cure

2005-05-20T13:03:00.000Z

While doctors are reluctant to give credence to cures that seem unexplained, some practitioners in alternative health techniques are happier to leave open this soft-focus door.
Symptoms of even serious conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis can vary from week to week and tumours can very occasionally, head into spontaneous remission. There are documented cases of all the symptoms of cancer disappearing, at least temporarily, when no treatment is being administered.

There is also something called the placebo (a substance containing no medication and prescribed or given to reinforce a patient's expectation to get well) effect. Many doctors say that people often credit an alternative treatment with producing a miraculous improvement when what is happening is, in fact, simply temporary relief resulting from the psychological effect of the treatment. That leaves swaths of alternative medicine open to the charge that they offer only unproven therapies. Some could suggest that this may mean that quacks of all sorts could be let loose on the public. More importantly, we need proper systems to control therapists. With the exception of chiropractic and osteopathy, which are regulated by law, alarmingly anyone can set up shop as an alternative practitioner and attempt to perform all manner of intimate activities on people, regardless of their skill!

However, writing off the placebo as no more than a trick of the mind may be a mistake. More and more research into complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) suggests that the placebo can produce powerful effects. In terms of making people feel better, one explanation is that the pleasant experience, and the expectation of cure, makes the body release pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins. Another suggested explanation is that immune system suddenly starts to work - possibly because of an improved psychological state in the patient. ‘It’s about the power of belief,’ says Professor David Peters, the editor of the book Understanding the Placebo Response in Complementary Medicine. ‘The more we know about the way the body and mind work together, the clearer it is that the mind affects every cell in the body.’

I believe that our bodies are so complex that different treatments work for different types people. Sometimes a combined treatment can work or type maybe suitable.

I certainly do not rule out the power of faith as there always a need to have faith and see this as a different point. An optimistic outlook helps but this is easy to say and difficult to accept if one is actually suffering.

There appears to be a missed opportunity here. For example, the need for a rigorous / solid study that seriously engages with researchers to develop new scientific ways to verify the possible or subtle effects of complementary care. Dialogue between clinical research and those that have a rich heritage of traditional cures or knowledge is essential.

There is much that we do not know about the power of cure’s that is within nature itself.

Bunged-up !?

2005-04-16T15:52:00.000Z

It’s a word that suddenly came to mind when I recently checked in for a flight. No, I’m not referring to the mid-air feeling of air being sucked out of my head through my ears, or the inability to use ones nose when a virus decides to lie resident in ones body system.

For a brief visualisation, consider the following: three children with IPOD style white headphones strands dangling from their ears, congregating near their parents - each probably plugged into their own mini-IPODs. There appears to be no communication between the individuals and each looks in different directions. Will babies be given or have white headphones fitted as standard as soon as they are born? Perhaps, each baby carrier could be fitted with a mini-stereo phono jack so that information on good child behaviour and tips for not annoying your parents could be fed through. Better still, a feed for different languages so that by the time the child is five it could speak 10 languages!

The IPOD and devices similar to it raise important issues. N.B. Don’t get me wrong, I too am an avid IPOD user and fan but have noticed the need to ease off on the volume control, only because over use can affect ones hearing!

The first issue that comes to mind is its contribution to the individualisation of society. The use of an IPOD or personal stereo will help you join in the ranks of zombie Ville. You only have to sit on any public transport system and notice that no one attempts conversation or eye contact! Now with an IPOD you too can tune yourself away from the big wide world completely.

Many argue that the IPOD and devices similar to it have introduced a new and novel way of listening to music or audio books, beyond the original aim of the Sony walkman concept. For example, with IPOD type devices the ability to create play lists allows the user to easily select tracks from thousands of album tracks, enabling you to quickly assemble your own favourite compilations. However, the anti-IPOD brigade suggests that by being too selective, the essence of listening to a complete album from beginning to end is lost. Consider: The Streets – A Grand don’t come for free album. Sure, the individual tracks sound great but there is an underlying message that can be gained from listening to the album from the first to the final track. My answer is consider both options. With some devices over 16000 tracks can be selectable!

You may also wish to consider that such devices are effectively enabling Tivo functionality. Tivo was developed a few years ago and appears to be the root technology for Sky-plus digital satellite TV reception and recording, i.e.: the ability to record what you want on a hard-disk player and play it back when you want to. It can be considered the same as a video recorder but easier to use in terms of programming, playback and management of recordings. Now personal IPOD mp3 files are available (the quality is very varied!) with a current appeal to niches through currently non-commercial broadcast channels.

So there you have it, a fashion icon has now changed the behaviour of the listening public. We can plug-in or tune in and tune-out or cop-out.

On a positive note, if we ensure some digital rights management it could open up an ironic way of communicating. Instead of conversing face-to-face, we’ll be fed from ear-to-ear, across boundaries but linked through virtual connections.

Staying away from the Darkside

2005-04-14T14:53:00.000Z

There are many situations that can take place during ones life that ‘stick’ in the mind.
Take for example a recent episode, during an morning train ride to London. Upon entering the 1st class cabin to take an approximate 11 stop journey to London two girls, one probably in her late 20s and the other in her early 30s were both situated standing, glaring and jeering at people as they entered the cabin. Jeering is probably a strong word but over excited and hyperactive are probably more appropriate descriptions of their behaviour. The reason for their mood became evident within the proceeding minutes. Apparently, they had both just been released from prison and had declared this fact to all within an earshot. Their story was that upon leaving the prison gates with pre-paid rail tickets in hand, they had headed for the nearest off-licence and purchased cans of very strong beer to celebrate their release.

I decided to stay in the cabin as I had overheard one of them proposing to leave the train in two stops time. The theory was that the fellow passengers and I could take the noise and loudness for just a few more stops. However, a friend of mine decided to head further down the carriage. I thought that he might have wished to make a call.

I was wrong as the younger of the two left after two stops. I was sitting in a seat behind the remaining releasee. She sat down stood up and then sat down again. After a few seconds, she turned around and started a conversation with me. She eventually moved to the seat next to me after five stops. The conversation appeared to calm her but at one point she threatened to break the glass enclosure containing a tiny red hammer, suggesting at the sametime that it would be ideal for a possible future mister mina.

She was now 35 and she outlined how her life had fared so far. She had spent the last 5 years in prison on charges of what she described as ‘42kgs of importation’; she had swallowed cocaine in a condom from Columbia but had been busted upon arrival to Gatwick. Her husband was expected to be released next month and was serving 7 years for being part of the drug bust. She described his occupation of being a ‘profession robber that gagged but didn’t hurt people during such activities’. She described how she had lead a life of prostitution to fuel her drug taking and how her mother was still fraught with worry and distress. At one point, she rolled up her arms to show that her arms were now clean of the dark spots of heroin incisions. She had freed herself from drugs while on the inside.

Every five minutes she would ask how many stops remained to get to Waterloo.
The couple had between them six children. She herself was one of 11 children and one of her brother's was a Doctor. She confessed that she had chosen the wrong path.

With a few stops remaining to the final destination she described how the prison shrinks had not helped her. She had completed some certificates in reading and writing but confessed later that she could not perform these tasks. Then she jumped to the need to buy a mobile phone and get her watch fixed. The watch had shown the same time of 10am for five years! I explained to her that she could source both a phone and battery from shops at Waterloo station.

The final stop arrived and I have to reluctantly admit that I casually and in an inconspicuously way checked if my wallet and phone were where I had placed them! I felt guilty for doubting someone but the reality of life forced me into this action.Upon exiting the train she urged me to stay with her to take her to the phone shop. Just behind my carriage my friend had got off. He stood alongside both of us. The girl grabbed onto my arm and looped herself to it. She declared, ‘don’t leave me I don’t know how to get to the shop or my next train’. I looked at my friend for some empathy and some moral support to help. He kindly accompanied us from the platform towards the shops on the main concourse.After a few minutes the girl said that she was dying for a visit to a toilet. We showed her where it was. She left her rather large black bag, can of beer and a newspaper to cover the latter outside while she did her business. My friend and I spoke about the need to point her in the right direction and move on.She returned within 2 minutes and appeared slightly sobered. We left her at the phone shop but clearly explained where to get her watch fixed and from where she could get her connecting train. She hugged and thanked us before we left. We both checked our wallets as we headed out of sight down the escalator.

The episode happened on in April 2005. I felt for her in many ways. Firstly, that there may be others like her that need more help when they leave prison or are expected to stay ‘clean’. Inside prison apparently they need more support. Once free and on the ‘outside’ they could potentially commit crimes again unless greater support is provided. Secondly, because although she had stated that she was from a respectable family something had gone wrong in her life at an early age and that there was no one to help. Alternately, she may have been influenced by bad elements. I felt strongly that there was nothing more that anyone could do. It would now be down to her to stay away from the darkside of life. I hoped it would not be a case of being like a moth, not helping her self to stay away from a burning lamp. A sense of the need for her to accept the joy of life was missing.

When we walk past dossers, beggars or drunks its easy to become immune to their needs. We need to ask ourselves if being isolated in our approach to life we consider these folk as someone else’s problem. There is a part of society that we fail to acknowledge as needing help.

There appears to be a missing part of our education curriculum that should encourage life skills and to deter negative influences and elements. Our politicians and those with money continue to lead with policies that ignore a chance to treat those in trouble rather than locking them away.

Hands across the water.

2005-04-11T13:39:00.000Z

With the Popes funeral a few days back, I was appalled at the manner of the close press coverage of the attendees. The issue of concern was the obsessiveness of who hugged whom, kissed whose hands and who shook whose hands?

Some say that the origin of the handshake or greeting is believed to be from Egyptian origins, having been delivered as a gift from God. Others suggest that during medieval times, strangers shook hands to assure each other that no weapons would be drawn. Regardless of its origins, there is little doubt about its significance as a greeting and an indicator of just whom you are dealing with.

On another level, do we expect other cultures to adopt our customs or are we willing to adopt theirs? This might translate to how business or even foreign relations are to be conducted. Do we compromise or force others peoples to deal only on our terms? We may not have time to hear a language, but taking time to learn the "signals" is a powerful communicator. Gestures and body language communicate as effectively as words - maybe even more effectively. We use gestures daily, almost instinctively, from beckoning to a waiter, or punctuating a business presentation, visual signals to airport ground attendants guiding an airline pilot into the jet way or a parent using a whole dictionary of gestures to teach a child. However, a personal greeting with an aim to share in grief or portray empathy may have been all that was meant. Sometimes years of hate between countries or cultures can lead to paranoia rather than considering any avenue for light and resolution.

The Ultimate Gesture
According to Roger G. Axtell, the ‘ultimate gesture’ carries certain welcome characteristic unlike any other single gestures.
* Firstly, this ‘ultimate gestures’ is known everywhere - and is absolutely universal.
* Secondly, it is rarely, if ever, misunderstood. Primitive tribes and world leaders alike know and use these gestures.
* Thirdly, scientists believe this particular gesture actually releases chemicals called endorphins in to the body system that create a feeling of mild euphoria.

What is this singular signal and giant of all gestures? It is quite simply, the smile.
Use it freely, use it often. ( Source: Axtell, Roger E. Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World. John Wiley & Sons, 1991.)

What would others say about you on your day of departure?
Regardless of the current politics in the world, the Popes’ funeral brought many leaders together. Those at conflict with each other should use this time to contemplate the reaction of their actions against each other. They needed to see that ultimately, we do not take anything with us when we leave this world. Interestingly, in Steven R Covey’s best selling management book entitled, Seven Habits for highly Effective people, he asks the reader to consider what people may say about them at their funeral, if they were looking in – suggesting that we need to consider our own contribution or reflect on our current behaviour to ourselves (self-discipline) or to others around us.

Let us not read too much into the public gestures but instead hope that there are private thoughts that could materialise into ideas and practical dialogues for peace.

A band of Gold

2005-04-01T14:29:00.000Z

Lyrics from Freda Payne’s - Song: Band of Gold Lyrics read as follows:
‘Now that you're gone, All that's left is a band of gold, All that's left of the dream I holdIs a band of gold, And the memories of what love could be, If you are still here with me’

The song became a UK number one hit single in 1970. What is really weird at the moment is that those lyrics or the first verse at least, suddenly appear in my mind every time someone mentions the need to get a wristband, representing a cause. Let me explain and provide a quick audit of the ones that are around at the moment:Yellow Nike rubber band – available I believe from Nike to represent The Lance Armstrong Foundation. See: http://www.nike.com/wearyellow/index_f.html & http://www.laf.org. Apparently, more than 40 million of these yellow ‘LIVESTRONG™’ wristbands have been sold

Black and white wrist bands – Available from Nike to represent anti-racism.
Make Poverty History. See www.makepovertyhistory.com . Interestingly, this initiative declares that by wearing one can become part of a unique worldwide effort in 2005 to end extreme poverty. Even Tony Blair has been spotted sporting one.

In one way or another, they are encouraging people to take a stand. Incidentally, I popped into Nike Town in Oxford Street, firstly to get some shoes but also because a friend of mine had asked me to get him a black and white Nike wristband. Unfortunately, for him they were sold out. At the check-out, while paying for my new shoes and socks I asked the teller if she knew how much and where the funds raised would be going. No brochure was available, I’m not even sure if there is one but I did get told that the cost would be approx £1.50 with 30% reserved for the manufacturer and 70% going to the charity. She could not tell me what charity, as she had no information about it or to hand.

On a different occasion, I overheard (I’m not prone to being nosy, honest) a girl in a sports shop spending at an hour talking about how hard it had been for her to get a yellow Nike rubber wrist band. I only know that it took her an hour as from the point I entered the shop, part of a local gym, to the point I left, she was still talking about it! She eventually sourced one from www.ebay.com of all places!

I am confident of the decency and willingness of the organisations that are developing these wrist products to help, although some organisations can be quite varied in the way they pay their overseas and far off workers / manufacturers – a different topic and debate!

Back to the song! Some of these bands (pardon the pun) are only here for a certain period of time to raise funds, awareness and create a sense of solidarity. However, there is a danger that they could become fashion accessories but let us hope that vanity does not take-over. Like the lyrics of the song, what happens when, the band has gone?

What would be better is if the themes that they represent could form part and be inherent within our personal values and be viewed as important to our politicians or multinationals that are driven on profit. There is no use in selling arms to developing countries if those countries cannot even feed their own people. There is no point in having extreme football transfer fees and earnings if no investment is made in effective PR to campaigns to actively fight against racism in football. There is no use in having money with shareholders if we do not contribute to research initiatives.

On the whole, a band could be considered as a symbol of hope.

If you decide to buy a band then consider that the real challenge is to change such a ‘band of gold’ into a lifetime of remembrance for change for the better for all.

Does Ethical Consumerism have Mass Appeal?

2005-03-25T15:03:00.000Z

According to Fair-trade figures, UK shoppers spent GBP140 million on goods bearing the Fair-trade logo last year. Coffee appears to be the best seller, with Fair-trade beans being used in many high street cafes, including Starbucks [SBUX], Costa Coffee and Pret a Manger. Does this mean that consumers indicating a willingness to pay for such goods. It certainly suggests evidence that ethical consumerism can generate mass-market appeal, something that the Consumer and Packaged Goods (CPG) industry can no longer ignore.

More than 800 Fair-trade retail and catering products are currently available in the UK, considerably more than approx 150 such products available in 2003. The fair-trade logo certainly helps to establish a brand that people can become familiar with. It is important to note that although Fair-trade sales have tended to appeal to more affluent consumers, there is a need to convince mass-market consumers to pay for its end goal benefits.

Interconnected ethical concerns affecting what we eat and our personal care continue to receive high profile press coverage.

There are also deeper issues, for example, are consumers willing to boycott products on ethical issues? Recent statistics show that 68% of consumers in the US and Europe have done so.

The mid 1980s Bhopal accident ranks as the world's worst industrial disaster, with over 3,400 fatalities and at least 50,000 permanently injured among its victims. There has been no meaningful relief or justice for the victims. In fact, the condition of the surviving victims remains grave. The corporation began selling off assets soon after the accident, presumably to limit its financial liability in case litigation ran against its interests. Chief among these sales were the consumer product and agricultural divisions, perhaps due to their possible use as boycott targets by victim support groups.

An interesting site to visit if you are interested in learning more about corporate 'affairs' is: http://www.ethicalconsumer.org This site contains links to companies that we should watch in terms of their ethical behaviour, track record and corporate responsibility. The range of issues is diverse and the points raised will touch the consensuses of many readers in different ways. Ultimately understanding who to support or side with is your choice, based on your own experiences and personal belief system. One thing is for sure, multi-nationals have a part to play in their responsibilities to basic health, safety and need to reduce the sin of greed.

Please follow the suggested tips for ethical shopping & activities:

* When out shopping opt for using local shops, thus avoiding generating unnecessary pollution.
* Find wholefood shops - Increasingly, they are stocking fair trade products
* Fair trade - Find books that advise you on fair trade goods and their associated High Street availability.
* Avoid beauty products tested on animals
* Try Organic produce, free of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, that benefit the workforce, the consumer and the environment.
* Use Non-genetically altered food
* Consider Ethical money – Find banks that offer a truly ethical stance, for example : the co-op.
* Understand the importance of recycling & redeploying second hand items - Recycled and second hand products save precious resources and reduce pressure on landfill sites.
* When using wood Products look for the FSC logo - Many timber products reach the UK having originated from unsustainably managed forests. The Forest Stewardship Council operates an independent verification of sustainable timber and paper products. Please look out for the FSC logo.

Remember, at the end of the day all responsible behaviour starts with us.

Planet Genocide

2005-03-18T13:26:00.000Z

Over the weekend, I went to see Hotel Rwanda. It educates us of a time of genocide in Africa, as recently as 1994. It is also unfortunate that if we look back over the last hundred years it is shocking to discover and recollect what evil humankind is capable of. For example:

Armenians in Turkey: 1915-1918 - 1,500,000 Deaths
2 million Armenians living in Turkey were eliminated from their historic homeland through forced deportations and massacres

Soviet’s forced famine 1932-1933 - 7,000,000 Deaths
A Soviet Union leader, facilitated famine in the Ukraine - to destroy the people there seeking independence. This resulted in an estimated 7,000,000 persons perishing in this farming area, known as the breadbasket of Europe.

Rape of Nanking: 1937-1938 - 300,000 Deaths
In December of 1937, the Japanese Imperial Army marched into China's capital city of Nanking and proceeded to murder 300,000 out of 600,000 civilians and soldiers in the city.

Nazi Holocaust: 1938-1945 - 6,000,000 Deaths
Starting with a boycott of Jewish shops, it ended in the creation of many horrific gas chambers. Auschwitz was just one of the many death camps.

Pol Pot in Cambodia: 1975-1979 - 2,000,000 Deaths
An attempt by Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot to form a Communist peasant farming society resulted in the deaths of 25 percent of the country's population from starvation, overwork and executions.

Anti-Sikh riots in India: 1984 – 20,000+ deaths + countless missing
Post the assignation of Indira Gandhi in 1984, a policy of no-rule for days resulted in what many describe as co-ordinated anti-communal violence against the Sikh population in New Delhi and many other Indian cities.

Bosnia-Herzegovina: 1992-1995 - 200,000 Deaths
In the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina, conflict between the three main ethnic groups, the Serbs, Croats, and Muslims, resulted in genocide committed by the Serbs against the Muslims in Bosnia.
Rwanda: 1994 - 800,000 DeathsBeginning on April 6, 1994, and for the next hundred days, up to 800,000 Tutsis were killed by Hutu militia using clubs and machetes, with as many as 10,000 killed each day.

Hotel Rwanda is certainly a moving story and recollects the efforts of Paul Rusesabagina, at the time. Beginning on April 7, hundreds of people-most of them Tutsi or Hutu threatened by Hutu Power supporters took shelter at the Mille Collines, a luxury hotel in central Kigali. Paul and his staff worked hard to protect those that took refuse at the hotel once the world had abandoned Rwanda.I wondered at the end of the film what we can do to help develop preventative strategies, especially in an era where misunderstanding regarding race, ethnicity and cultural diversity appears to be on the rise. It is almost as if paranoia is invading the roots of keeping our core civil liberties in place. Interestingly, a curriculum on genocide has begun to appear in school systems across Canada. Universally, there is a need to develop a sense of human rights consciousness to ensure that we never again bare witness to crimes against humanity. Perhaps there is room for including such themes in national curriculum syllabuses.

Education of past mistakes can certainly open our eyes. However, more needs to be done to ensure that we are one world and should never abandon each other. Scarily, the deaths in Rwanda only took place over the last decade. Darkness is around the corner, it is up to us to stay in the light of day and ensure that we are not manipulated towards any evil.

Let it Flow...

2005-03-01T22:55:00.000Z

I remember what someone once said to me, ‘There’s a book in all of us’. I wonder if that person should really have meant that each one of us is story in our own right’.I believe that train journey’s can be an inspiration, as long as one stays focused on steady thought. I remember one journey in particular. It was the middle of August 2003, and I was travelling on the 08:03 train from Weybridge to Waterloo. That summer was memorable too as I personally can’t remember a time in London when the sun shone everyday for almost 50 days. Temperatures regularly hit 80degree F with some days soaring to over 90 degreesF.

That year the trains were different too - For some reason for the last 6months older, crankier and slower trains known as slam-door trains were in circulation. Interestingly, some cabins had been marked as First Class but during peak hours all cabins were covered by the same rating and ticket cost. Half way on our journey to London Waterloo, a couple of elderly ladies, maybe in their Golden years, whatever that means, joined our cabin. The cabin’s configuration was set-up with six seats with a set of 3 seats facing each other. I sat facing the direction of travel whereas the ladies sat opposite. On route I tried to focus on the book I was reading, I’d recently been introduced to John Grisham so I was keen to get to the end of the chapter. Their chatter was self indulgent, and one could here the occasional words that may give away the associated topic area. Words such as ‘Vicar…Sunday…Cooking…Meeting’ allowed the unfocused and subconcious listener to follow their topic of discussion. Later during their discussion, their conversation moved to, ‘Publisher… Reviewer… Signing…’ and the phrase ‘My latest book’ emerged.

Eventually one of the ladies left the cabin at Vauxhall, one stop before London Waterloo. I then toyed with the idea of asking and finding out if the remaining lady was a famous writer or personality. My heart raced with my mind urging me to open my mouth and ask an introductory exploratory question. After a few seconds I plucked up enough courage to say, ‘I hope you don’t mind me asking, but are you an author?’ I was confident that she’d heard me but I received no acknowledgement. Now this may have had some thing to do with either the mirrored sunglasses I was wearing or her shock that someone had asked her something so personal. It may have been a simpler issue, i.e: that the sound of the rattling train was so loud that my question had been ‘sounded out’. My belief was the prior.

I decided to ask her the same question again, this time she responded with, ‘Oh! Are you talking to me. Sorry what did you say’, again, I repeated my question. She then sprung into life declaring, ‘Actually I do write books, some short stories but mainly non-fiction?’ I proudly declared, ‘Actually I’m a part-time writer, but I’m finding it hard to balance everyday work with productivity’. The aim of the statement was to gain an insight from her about how she managed. I followed up my point by saying, ‘I’ve read Creative writing by Diane Doubtfire and she appears to be insistent that one needs structure.’ The authoress then responded and said, ‘If you want to write, get some quiet time and just let if flow’.

A simple message emerged. If we have something to say, wish to make a change or communicate to each other, other than by voice, then writing is a form of expression that we must not forget. Whether it is a petition or an expression of hope for highlighting injustice or struggle, writing can be a way of raising debate. Change can be facilitated but not at the expense of ego. In the future ‘’Blogs’ will be a big influence. A blog is an online: personal diary, daily pulpit, collaborative space, political soapbox, breaking news outlet, collection of links, your own private thoughts or memos to the world. Over the last few years blogs have reshaped the web, impacted politics, shaken up journalism, and enabled millions of people to have a voice and connect with others. Watch-out for blogs coming soon to a website near you. You maybe convinced to author your own one day.

Oscar Fright!

2005-02-28T15:01:00.000Z

Another year passes and the catwalk of supposed style is paraded in front of the world. Oscar night is considered the world’s premier film award ceremony. If we count the dollars spent alone over the last few months on big show time events it is a personal fright: The cost of the US president’s inauguration in January 2005 amounted to $40M (US dollars). It consisted of nine official balls and nearly twice as many unofficial parties. Interestingly, the First Lady's inaugural gown is likely to be presented to the National Museum of American History in Washington DC. Although $40M will be paid for by private donations solicited from President George W. Bush's supporters, it is still a lot of money.

In terms of the cost of the Oscars in 2005 I’m still searching for an overall cost but a clue to its ‘make-up’ can be revealed by analysing the big winner’s goodie bag contents – for example, consisting of cashmere pyjama bottoms, mink eyelashes and a coffee maker. Presenters and performers at this year's Oscar ceremony will also receive a ‘gift basket’ - a bag of freebies - each expected to have a value of approximately $150,000 (£78,500). It will include the latest ultra-thin mobile phone, a selection of free holidays, exclusive olive oil, a $1,500 voucher for dinner, coffee maker, toaster and a kettle. There are even plans for an unofficial runners-up gift bag for all the nominees. Priced at around $38,000, it includes a voucher for a weekend in Las Vegas. All this for some of the most mollycoddled and wealthy people on the planet.

However, why should we worry about all this cost? Many may argue it is the price of having fun, in return for giving pleasure to the viewing public and celebrating achievement. Kind words but I am afraid in a world of indifference to strive and in-balance in terms of wealth, who exactly is having the fun? Is the fun only reserved the celebrities cat walking their diamonds, gowns and egos or are they simply serving the readers of glossies that further fuel and stroke an industry of the image conscience?

I am certainly not implying that some celebrities do not work hard to highlight world issues. Take for example, Angelina Jolie, an Oscar-winning actress for her role in Girl, Interrupted, and the iconic action adventure character Lara Croft of Tomb Raider fame. She has worked for many years as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), visiting UNHCR refugee operations in the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, Cambodia, Thailand, Pakistan and Ecuador. When asked: What surprised you most in your first months as ambassador? She replied, ‘The extreme imbalance of wealth and resources in the world.’

This is my point, when we collectively realise that there is such imbalance of wealth in the world a level of global perspective can rise within ourselves. For some reason headlines updating us on the problems in the Sudan, African’s Aids epidemic, child labour, the worrying statistics on child and associated adult mortality and the rising barriers of rich and poor under the same regime are surpassed or positioned as secondary stories?

We need to understand that the media delights in praising the achievements of gloss but the cost of developing and promoting this gloss overshadows the underlying problems and realities of the world. Next time you stay-up to watch the Oscars or read about the latest winners; consider if the cost is worth it and who we should really all be working to win for.

Keep on Walking - CD Review

2005-02-18T18:59:00.000Z

In early 2005, Indi Kaur released a unique CD. The CD is the result of Indi Kaur working closely with her producer, MaJiKer and powerful lyricist Harjit Singh. What we have today is the blend of soulful and spiritual sounds that touch that special place in everyone’s hearts. What is it about each track that affects anyone that listens to it?

The first and penultimate tracks of the CD are ideal mantras for meditation – the sound is tranquil and peaceful, meditative yet contemporary. An additional final track (seven) is also provided for longer mediation periods.

The second track of the CD outlines the story of Baba Deep Singh, a great Sikh hero. Initial wording such as, ‘Waheguru's light gives him his glow’ immediately provides vivid imagery. A fusion of traditional instruments, modern keyboards, extended synthesised vocals, Indi’s harmony’s and quick start and ending shuffles gives the track the quality of travel to parallel the associated story of the journey of courage for freedom.When I first heard the third and title track, ‘Keep on Walking’ I found that it was both uplifting and inspiring. It communicated the way Guru Nanak worked to bring peace, love and harmony to a world caught-up in superstition and inequality. The soulful nature of the track is climaxed again and again with the words, ‘he is shining, he is shining with the rising sun’. The chorus is made-up of echoed harmonies linked to the words Waheguru, meaning wonderful lord.
The forth track entitled, ‘A Khalsa Woman (Mai Bhago) comprises of a back beat based on a rhythmic smooth groove. The song gives credit to Mai Bhago who back in 1705 enthused and energised both Sikh men and women to return to battle the Mughal forces. As the Sikh forces made they made their way back, groups of Sikhs from various villages along the way joined them in support of the great Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

The track entitled Sacrifice communicates the greatness of the Sikhs tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. It commences with marching drums combined with what sounds like orchestral kettledrums. The track then settles into a steady pace of story telling – we learn about how the Guru’s entire family were sacrificed for the cause of freedom. The chorus flows with multiple harmonies peaking with an appreciation of Waheguru.

To summarise, this CD consists of seven tracks mainly in English and great meditative mantras, providing a bridge of accessibility for Sikhs and those from different faiths to understand the wonders of universal spiritual messages.

For further information please visit:http://www.mus1k.com

Where you can also purchase the CD – A great & recommended essential treat for the soul !

Immigration headlines return

2005-02-15T08:46:00.000Z

I remember in the late seventies when Margaret Thatcher first used the words ‘swamped’. Many accused her of using race issues as a way of attracting voters and raising unnecessarily fears in the general population.Recently Michael Howard, himself a descendent from the European mainland (Mr Howard was born in Llanelli, Wales, where his Romanian shopkeeper father had moved as an asylum seeker in order to escape Nazi persecution) announced the Conservative party’s proposed policy on immigration. The content of the proposed policy should be examined very closely. For example, issues raised include: annual limits in three areas: asylum seekers, people wanting work permits and those coming to Britain to be with their families. In addition, reviewing caps in these latter areas, stronger border controls, a points system for scoring applicant appropriateness and quotas.

Its interesting that no one ever talks about the positive aspects of immigration, for example: economic contribution and renewal, the vitality that immigrants bring and a sense of enriching of a nations culture. Immigration can also help to plug labour shortages.Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, has asked the Conservatives to clarify exactly what their proposals mean. If they are going to restrict immigration, he argues, they would have to start with those moving within the European Union. If the party does not mean EU migrants, he suggests, then the policy would leave open the way for racists to put the ‘worst construction’ on the party's message.From an international perspective, the United Nations Convention on Refugees, an international document that helps manage and protect those fleeing persecution could be bypassed by this policy.Although, immigration and asylum often prove highly contentious issues the Tories are confident they are tackling real public concerns. In reality it appears that many politicians are confused, with definitions often and fuzzed/altered to fuel fear, sound familiar?

On April 20, 1968, the British politician Enoch Powell made a controversial speech in Birmingham to the annual meeting of the West Midlands Conservative Political Centre, in which he warned his audience of what he believed would be the consequences of continued immigration from the Commonwealth to Britain. Because of its allusion to Virgil (Roman poet; author of the epic poem `Aeneid') saying that the Tiber would foam with blood, Powell's warning became known as the Rivers of Blood speech. Although the current language is different in both cases the prediction of ‘rivers of blood’ and the declaration that ‘Britain has reached a turning point’ could be construed by many as calculated to cause an affect of fear. The last thing we want is for another phrase to be added to minority right wing parties vocabulary.

It is important to also realise that such talk can create a backlash against communities that have settled here since the early 1950s, and earlier. Over the coming weeks Labour will be unveiling its own proposals. They also suggest that the Tory plans to cut the Home Office budget may mean they cannot police the proposed scheme.One thing is for sure, the return of immigration to the headlines of our daily’s has the potential to generate the wrong message just like Thatcher did.

No time for apathy

2005-02-04T23:18:00.000Z

This week I went to see Nelson Mandela at Trafalgar Square, London. The turnout transformed the square into a giant beehive. Mr Mandela was part of a number of launch events for the ‘MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY’ initiative (please visit http://www.makepovertyhistory.com . This group brings together a wide cross section of over 200 charities, campaigns, trade unions, faith groups and celebrities who are united by a common belief that 2005 offers a great opportunity for global change. I could not help thinking while I stood there, what more can we could do? How can we harness the empathy that everyone was exhibiting? Sure, 20,000 of us stood in Trafalgar Square in solidarity for the cause. We all cheered unanimously for the need for us to rid the world of the scar of poverty. We all loved it when Bob Geldof yelled, ‘I’m tired of politics being nice. I want politics to be responsible’. We collectively roared in agreement to Mr Mandela declaration that, "Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.

However, what does being responsible actually mean? Interestingly, earlier in the week in Switzerland, the Davos forum was concluded. Also known as the world economic forum, it was founded in 1971 by a Swiss economics professor. Its motto is ‘committed to improving the state of the world’. This year’s agenda included coverage of African poverty, climate change and Middle East change. During five days of forums and 200 sessions, it was good to see attendance from 96 countries, 23 heads of state, 72 cabinet ministers, 35 ambassadors and 500 business leaders. In summary, many people and ideas for action were raised. At one of the earlier sessions, Hollywood actress Sharon Stone, stood up and amazingly raised £1,000,000 in 5 minutes. Money can certainly help but I believe there is something within our own social fabric that needs to change. Consider for example, corporate responsibility. A leading computer company’s ceo recently suggested that it was now no longer enough for firms to develop profits for shareholders. It should not be a case of making good (money), we should also consider delivering good. Although many economists may argue that, it is either the shareholder or the customer/buyer that has to ‘pay’ for this good. NB A redundant but full bank account in the possession of an already rich organisation fails to deliver benefits to anyone.The potential to deliver good certainly exists, from both a monetary and programme perspective. Lets consider a recent oil company’s profit announcement of £9.3M, up 38% from the previous year. We will need to examine the ratio or proportion of profit made and compare this to how much this organisation has ploughed into charity funds or help initiatives.

The politics of being responsible starts with us. We need to unite to demand that our retail chains and suppliers understand the meaning of delivering good & social responsibility. The irony is that we make-up and ‘drive’ these firms! What appears to be obstacle? My view is that it could be the nature of our day-to-day dependencies and obsession with looking after ‘number 1’. Has there ever been a performance appraisal scheme that incorporates the welfare of others? In addition, corporations are not forthcoming in suggesting secondments and sabbaticals for voluntary schemes. Corporate global improvement programmes exist but is there linkage between any of them? For example, is there a fund available for African development focused on delivering clean water by a consortium or membership of firms? If so, good, lets all work towards supporting it and in contributing resources that can provide expertise, outside of our work dimension.

Its easy to be apathetic but unless we suggest to the organisations we work for and the governments we vote in to encourage a ‘joined-up’ world, we will become an even more divided world and poverty will remain a scar on our society, in our current generation. Our conscience must be committed to sharing our wealth and energies.

Free Parking

2005-01-30T18:19:00.000Z

One of the terms or adjectives that I’m personally uncomfortable with is the word ‘disabled’. Instead, maybe the term should be replaced with the phrase ‘differently abled’. The courage and determination of ‘differently abled’ athletes has to be admired – that latter statement alone could be deemed to be patronising but it is not meant to be. For example, in the field of road racing, adapting equipment such as wheelchairs, exhaustive training and getting used to a range of different terrains is where the challenge starts.

The other day I was visiting the Gurdwara. I’d parked my car and was proceeding to the entrance. I was impressed by the disabled parking zones that have been set-up close to the entrance. However, I noticed a car quickly ‘pull in’ and park in one of these spaces. For some reason I had a suspicion that the person who had just parked in the zone had ignored the disabled markings of the space, albeit faded. I walked past the space and checked for a disabled badge / timer card - for what do I know, maybe there were issues that I was unaware of with the family. I searched the dashboard but was unable to locate one. Then, in a manner that I considered friendly, I jogged up to the driver and his family as he approached the entrance of the Gurdwara and asked him if he was aware that he had just parked in a space that really was reserved for the disabled. His reply was swift and nonchalant, ‘don’t worry I’ll only be 5 minutes’. I then suggested that in this case time was irrelevant and that he should consider the needs of those that would find difficulty in walking or unloading their wheelchairs. He repeated his reasoning and then suggested that there were never/no spaces in the back.

At this point I felt a sense of frustration settling in. With careful restraint I repeated my point. As we walked in parallel and then turned to entered the Gurdwara he asked me what my problem was. He repeated these words but as he uttered them his hand proceeded to gentle push against my chest. I warned him not to touch me.

After five minutes had passed, the illegal parker walked past me. I rather daringly looked at my watch and then with a gaze and a smirk said, ‘your five minutes have past’!

Over the next few minutes I tried to find a member of the Gurdwara management and when I found someone who vaguely looked like he may be on duty I asked him about the official policy. Interestingly, the illegal parker was lurking in the background. I asked the apparent official about the whereabouts of any car patrol, the policy on parking on a disabled space and what I should do. Unfortunately the answer was not what I was expecting. Instead I was embarrassed on two counts. Firstly by the official’s declaration that the car park is on private land and that no official motor rules apply but mainly because of the illegal parker comments – he basically approached me and became rude and abusive suggesting that the Gurdwara had blackened my face.Isn’t hindsight great! I wondered if I should have bothered, not been such a ‘moaning-mini’ and really found a cause worth fighting for. After all, its not like there was anyone waiting for the space. I had nothing personally against the illegal parker but maybe he thought that I did.

Maybe I should have approached the right official or written a letter.Although the result was not what I expected, I believed it was important to take a stand. Writing a letter and take a suggestive approach could also help. My stand is against those who disrespect the need to help people and abuse facilities that have been set-up to help those that have different needs. In recent years too few laws have been passed to provide greater access for differently abled people. Instead what continues is the misuse of disabled parking badges and restricted access to buildings and shopping facilities.The day entered in some irony. In the evening I decided to ‘head’ for the gym to vent some anguish, a result of the situation. Upon leaving the gym I noticed a car in the gym car park that had parked in a disabled space. A single bright yellow wheel lock was firmly positioned on one of its rear wheels!

Throwing insults is different to ‘freedom of speech’

2005-01-14T23:21:00.000Z

The word ‘Blasphemy’ comes from a combination of the Greek words, blaptein meaning ‘to injure’ and pheme meaning ‘reputation’, The Catholic Encyclopaedia defines ‘blasphemy’ as ‘gross irreverence towards any person or thing worthy of exalted esteem.’ Thus, when anybody mocks the Catholic religion, he or she is blaspheming against God Himself. Any attempt to deface any world religion does not deem itself to be within the context of the right to ‘freedom of speech’. An insult is an insult, in any language. In late December 2004 the Catholic church succeeded in achieving the removal of advertisements for the morning after pill as the strap line used was clearly blasphemous. The writer of the play, Behzti, or Dishonor has clearly committed an irreverent act, i.e: By basing her play on questionable themes within an apparent backdrop of Sikh Temple, her actions should be considered inviolable or sacrosanct. The stubbornness of the Birmingham rep to defend the writer of the insightful play is based on a lack of understanding of key world themes of respect and understanding. ‘Behzti, or Dishonor is offensive to their religion’ - an opinion shared by a Roman Catholic archbishop who said the play ‘demeans the sacred place of every religion.
When I was 10 years old the child neighbours on my street rode around on bikes with plastic bags full of stones that they had collected from their gardens. As they rode past at speed throwing their stones at us, they coupled each aim with racist taunts. Were they defending their right to ride on their bikes? No, they were exercising their deliberate ignorance and lack of respect of their fellow human – born and bred in the same country but into a different religion.
How can we live together in a multi-cultural society where we learn the importance of interfaith understanding and peace when those that should be helping are counteracting the mutual respect that has been built-up over the years? We certainly do not wish to give racist based organisations such as the BNP any more arms. We certainly do not wish to return to the days of riots in Southall. Remember Blair Peach?

With regard to the violence that has occurred in Birmingham, the national press appeared to have forgotten that 5 preceding days of peace protest had already taken place outside of the Rep. The national press have also misappropriated the blame for the violence. Instead during week-commencing 20th December, the national press had resorted to providing unfair coverage for theatre critics and misrepresenting Sikh organisations.
There also appears to be confusion as to what level of dialogue has taken place to calm and reassure all sides. Instead we see rival theatre groups misunderstanding the situation and both provoking and confusing the issue.

Having viewed some of the script I believe that the scenes proposed to be depicted are in violation of any sense of decency. You cannot have a scene based on a religious hymn / shabad being recited in a Sikh Temple post an act of indecency. This is clearly offensive!The Sikh community for hundreds of years have lead anti-ethnic cleansing and the freedom of religion and people. Sikhs have always fought for the defenceless.

Recently the author has claimed that her play has been ‘taken out of context’. If we stop for a second and consider the context, there is no doubt that it is clearly disrespectful to a place of worship.

Let us work together with the writer to understand her issues and engage with her intellect to make her understand that an insult is not art. Respect for God should be in everyone’s eyes and is paramount.

Turning our current will into a sustained way

2005-01-14T23:04:00.000Z

The unimaginable has become a reality. People on holiday and everyday communities in South East Asia in one day have bore witness life-changing personal losses. The tsunami calamity has hit us all ‘hard’. The areas affected are vast and varied in terms of infrastructure, economies and development. What these communities all have in common from Sunday 26th December is the following:

- Death - Destruction
- Disorder - Distress
- Despair - Deprivation

The latter is now at stake. Communities are suffering a lack of clean water, medication, sanitation facilities and food. Access is constrained to many locations due to flooding and eradication of basic logistical infrastructure. The threat of disease is looming.

The number of deaths and missing people resultant from the tsunami calamity unfortunately continues to grow. The worldwide response has been unbelievable and its shows that such tragedies ‘touch’ our souls.

Unfortunately, on an odd occasion recent tongue in cheek comments made by the national press about countries competing for who has raised the most for the tsunami tragedy is inappropriate. Instead, we should be endorsing Bill Clinton’s suggestion of adopting countries. ‘It is really important that somebody take the lead in this’ he said. ‘I think one of the problems is when everybody takes responsibility it's almost like no-one's responsibility.’ A co-ordinated and consistent approach will ensure efficient use of funds to avoid effort duplication.
The bottom-line is what is needed today is a concerted effort that fuses money to immediate provision (corrective) and long-term recovery (re-generation programmes). We also need to develop programmes to manage conditions such as emotional after shocks, posttraumatic stress disorder, loss of personal confidence and loss of community spirit. Clearly, disparate countries spread across a vast ocean will require managed and sustained aid campaigns if death and disease is to be minimised.

I have a personal fear that media attention of this disaster will diminish over the coming weeks. At a time when there is an unfortunate distinction between the rich and poor nations, we should collectively keep-up the initiative and motivation to give. By the UK government committing £100M this could be translated into approximately £2 per person – as a suggestion, lets allocate the lottery tax (12% of lottery revenue), lottery funds together with an Inland Revenue tax allocation into a worldwide development fund.

To date worldwide $ ½ Billion has been raised, yet it is suggested that this amount needs to double to help the victims. In addition to this money is the need for physical support and effective leadership – channelling and assuring both corrective and preventative strategies. The United Nations have a part to play but effective approaches are needed – ones that require fast-track processes, operational expertise that is not too process dependant for today’s immediate priorities. In other words, business adjectives such as flexibility and agility need to be applied. There is always room for setting-up operational procedures later for long term (immediately after the instant needs are fulfilled) recovery programmes. More corporations need to become involved.

Leadership through a new regeneration committee could be one approach to co-ordinate and manage local schemes. As I have suggested before, we need to move on from the twin city/town concept that many councils have adopted. Rich countries can implement development / regeneration initiatives for poor countries on a local adoption basis - once immediate needs are managed and settled. A worldwide harmonisation/regeneration committee can bring together both commercial and charity expertise to mount a sustained global change for the better.

Tsunami generated losses in the Nicobar Islands...

2005-01-01T15:28:00.000Z

According to reports, Nicobar Island and Campbell Bay have suffered infrastructural damages with the water having entered the landing strip at Nicobar Island. An estimated 10000 people are dead, missing or seriously injured. The fate of approximately 2,000 families of Sikh ex-servicemen from Punjab and Haryana, living in Campbell Bay, or Mini Punjab as it is popularly known, on the southernmost island of Nicobar is uncertain even as Navy and Coast Guard personnel continue rescue and relief operations.

Spread over a 1,500 square kilometer area, Campbell Bay is home to ex-servicemen who were settled there in the 1970s by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to protect the island from illegal poachers and to ostensibly maintain an Indian presence on the island. Accordingly, the government gave 10 acres to every ex-serviceman who was settled in Campbell Bay and money to buy tractor and other equipment for agriculture. In a few years’ time, the farming folk had established a Gurdwara on the island.

In terms of the status of survival of tribes of these islands, The Times (UK) on 31st December reported that groups of rare aboriginal tribes already near the edge of extinction in the Andaman and Nicobar islands survived the massive tsunami (stated by the coast guard).

Five tribes numbering 989 people were safe after Sunday's onslaught, including the 100-member Onge, 250 of the fiercely independent Sentinelese, 39 of the almost extinct Andamanese, 350 of the Jarawa and 250 of the hunter-gatherer Shompen. The origins of the endangered Andaman tribes, today only about 12 per cent of the overall population of some 350,000, still mystify anthropologists. Genetic evidence suggests the pygmy-like people with dark skin and tightly curled hair have lived on the Andamans for at least 60,000 years.They were located by helicopter and some were reached by boat and provided with supplies and medical treatment, director-general of the Coast Guard, Arun Kumar Singh, said.

Interestingly, the first person to establish contact with the Jarwa tribe inhabiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was a Sikh; Bakhtawar Singh had great relations with the Jarwas and could speak their language. For many years he was the only contact between the administration and the Jarawa tribe. The contribution of the Sikh women to the island’s development was no less. An official has fond memories of a Sikh lady, an assistant engineer (electrical), who would climb electric poles and repair faults.

Let us all hope that many of the inhabitants of these islands made it to a higher elevation to avoid the turmoil the tsunami has brought.

Our Backs to the future

2005-01-01T03:28:00.000Z

As 2004 fades and a New Year starts we have an opportunity to reflect on what has happened over the last 12 months. A period where W has been returned to power, the Olympics have taken place and many a new song has arrived that we can hum to for an instance.
W’s election result suggested a 50:50 divide on opinion and approach to US and world stage policies and direction. The 2004 Olympics did yield a sense of worldly togetherness although their backdrop and departing legacies have become increasingly commercialised.

Let us also not forget those ‘unfortunates’ that have spent yet more time in places such as Guantanamo Bay and Belmarsh. They are ‘unfortunates’ because today laws are being interpreted and adapted to restrain public or formal hearings. We need an opportunity to reveal the truth behind these cases.

Survivors of human rights abuses in Darfur are being denied justice while perpetrators remain free. Unfair emergency laws, which oppress the victims, must end and a system of justice rebuilt to establish peace in Sudan. This requires trust and partnership between supporting agencies and the Sudanese government. The United Nations must demonstrate the power to facilitate a solution.

As the violence in Iraq continues, there is hope for elections in early Jan’05. However, child mortality is still an issue of concern. Even before the current conflict began, many children were malnourished and one in eight died before the age of five.

Twenty years on, the Bhopal plant continues to ruin the lives of the surrounding communities. The effects of the leak and the contaminated environment continue seriously to affect people's basic human rights.

Twenty years on, there is still no justice for the Sikhs that were murdered in Delhi and throughout India, due to instigated communal violence. Instead known suspects have been promoted!

Despite the near universal embrace of standards for protecting childhood, a new UNICEF report shows that more than half the world’s children are suffering extreme deprivations from poverty, war and HIV/AIDS, conditions that are effectively denying children a childhood and holding back the development of nations. Richer nations can help by reducing crucifying debt situations.

There are many negatives but every year we start with optimism. This optimism is usually self-centred around New Year’s resolutions. What we forget is that what we have left behind will still be with us in the future unless we unite and in choose a cause. A cause that allows each of us to make a difference. This can be done by selecting a charity or working with your own locally based voluntary organisation.

It starts from our own attitude to life, to give selflessly and in our own way.
Only then can we build a future that we can look back on and be proud of. Its not too late to make the 21st century a generation where we all work together to make a difference.

Best Wishes for 2005 and beyond!

Freedom to spend

2004-12-13T19:20:00.000Z

At this time of year, the streets are lined with Christmas decorations, coloured lights and illuminated fir trees. The atmosphere projected is one of a welcoming air of joy and warmth. People are rushing about from shop-to-shop, with a cluster of bags in one hand and the other with a folded sheet of paper representing indexed lists of presents. At the cashiers desk some shoppers may place a limited price tag on what they are prepared to spend on their presents, others may decide on suitability regardless of price. However, bargain hunting should not be ‘knocked’.

In the field of marketing management, the acronym AIDA is suggested to promote product sales. AIDA stands for: Awareness, Interest, Desire and then Action. This assumed human behaviour is also suggested as a driver for impulse buys. How many times has your mind signalled you to make a purchase on a product you do not really need or want? Retailers can also be too clever for their own good by placing product’s in particular shelf positions. For example, exploiting both reach and line of sight human traits.

I recently read about some purchases being made by a king of poverty and disease struck country. I wondered what criteria he was applying before buying presents or luxury items for himself. One of his purchases is the Maybach car – It includes an integrated television, DVD player, 21-speaker surround-sound system, fridge, cordless telephone and sterling silver champagne flutes. He is also reported to have 11 wives and 2 fiancees. In addition, his particular country has nearly 40% of adults diagnosed as HIV positive. In recent years, he has asked parliament for $15m to build a palace for each of his spouses and $45m to buy a jet. NB Street protests led to him abandoning the plans to buy a luxury jet. Given a rise in income or receiving a financial bonus, our selection criteria and capacity to spend will inevitably rises. The question is to what level and is it controllable? When spending becomes uncontrollable or without purpose, the person doing the spending can be branded as a Spendthrift - One who spends money profusely or improvidently; a prodigal; one who lavishes or wastes their estate. One argument suggests that if you are a rich successful businessperson, lottery winner or Oil tycoon, you have a ‘disposable’ amount to spend on yourself as your ‘Spending power’ has just leaped. This is not to imply that those with riches (£$) do not assist or contribute to charity organisations. Instead, maybe their (rich folks) reality of worth moves into a different dimension. Establishing a form of personal tax saving world funds could be one way of balancing our need to spend and delivering vital essential needs of the many. We have to also consider responsible spending by developing countries. Should we allow these (developing) countries a free reign on spending policy or strive for charities to work with governments to establish intra-country funds. What we do need is a sense of sincerity, empathy and recognition that although everyone wants to survive and enjoy life, unfortunately, basic needs in the form of clean water, education and health care are too far behind in many countries. We should all aim to help to ‘fix’ these issues through an acceptance that we are a world family. Giving the gift of survival should be at the top of all of our luxury item list.

Turning off hate?

2004-12-07T12:46:00.000Z

This week, it has now been a year since I started writing a weekly column for the Sikh Times. I’d like to thank the team for their continuing support and commitment to this publication. Over the last year I would like to think that the readers and I have explored & shared a range of subjects and ideas. For example, world affairs, globalisation, the need for debt reduction, ID-Cards, Bollywood’s gloss/hype, charity, peace/harmony and the potential trouble with patriotism. The aim of my commentary is simply to raise awareness and cover lifestyle issues. I believe that the very fundamental theme of journalism is the right to express ones view and aim to stand-up and defend the defenceless in society. Knowledge is power.

Take for example, the proposed Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill. On Tuesday 7th December at the House of Lords, the bill will have received its second reading. One of the bills aims is for the inciting of religious hatred to be made a criminal offence.

Back in July 2004 David Blunkett suggested that there was a need to stop people being abused or targeted just because they held a particular religious faith. ‘Extending anti-discrimination law is only worthwhile if we actually change the processes on the ground.’ In addition, previously he is quoted to have said that the legislation would not curb people's right to express their view of other people's religions. ‘The issue is not whether you have an argument or discussion or whether you are criticising someone's religion. It's whether you incite hatred on the basis of it.’ NB There is already an offence of inciting racial hatred but this does not offer protection if someone is being targeted because of their religion. It is proposed that any passed legislation will be supported by a 'British FBI’ - the Serious Organised Crime Agency, bringing together the National Crime Squad, National Criminal Intelligence Service and parts of HM Customs and the Immigration Service.

However, there are some that consider this whole area as questionable. Some commentators suggest that religious based jokes will be disallowed – leading possibly to imprisonment. There is also the need to stop negative influence. Remember last years trouble with an assignation based computer game. One game in particular, ‘hitman2’ was clearly both blasphemous and insulting to an implied community.

Does the bill prevent free speech commentary or anyone raising questions around a religious community or an associated group’s activities? A Home Office spokeswoman on defended the bill. ‘There is a clear difference between criticism of a religion and the act of inciting hatred against members of a religious group,’ she said. ‘The existing offence has not interfered with free speech and we are confident that an offensive incitement to religious hatred will not do so either.’ The home secretary believes the law change would help tackle religious extremists who preach against other religions. Another concern that is often raised by those opposed to legislation against incitement of religious hatred is the difficulty involved in defining religion. According to the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Bill 2001, ‘religious hatred’ means ‘hatred against a group of persons defined by reference to religious belief or lack of religious belief.’ This definition was seen to be too vague and open to abuse by extreme groups and fringe cults. In response to this criticism, any attempt to define religion was dropped from the Bill altogether.

Is there a need to make a distinction between religion and ‘religiosity’- the quality of being religious? - A matter of personal choice. NB Those that incite religious hatred rarely make this distinction. The BNP's campaigns, for example, are not only targeted at ‘religious’ members of a community, but a religious community across the board. The fundamental issue here has to be the need for facilitating respect. Boundaries do not grey when negativity towards religion is expressed in public. An insult against a religion is exactly that. If such tones are used to fuel violence then clearly this is wrong and its associated perpetrators must be brought to justice. A law that is flexible enough to interpret explicit anti-religious references to protect communities has to be a positive for all affected.

ID Cards : Need Vs Want

2004-11-24T13:59:00.000Z

I recently saw the ‘strap line’ (advertising phraseology for catchy marketing line / pitch) 'Need Vs Want'. The hoarding also boldly declared that there was a ‘thin line’ between each word. If we go back to basics, we can observe that:
A need is defined as a condition or situation in which something is required or a necessity / obligation. Whereas a want is defined as to greatly; wish for, seek with intent to capture or have an inclination toward.
In both cases, a ‘want’ or a ‘need’ is often driven by desire.

Take for example, the question of identity cards. Is there a need for one or does the government want to place an additional mechanism to track its population? I am sure we all agree that we wish to live in a safe and secure country. Maybe the reasoning or desire behind the identity card issue is the need to simply verify identities and stop possible terrorism. However, civil liberty groups consider the introduction of the identity card as a device to restrict personal freedom.

Some anti-id card protesters suggest that ID cards would contain selective biometric information, for example, iris scans or fingerprints. ID cards would probably be required to attain employment, use a banking system, use the national health service, vote, buy a house, receive benefits, drive or travel abroad – thereby preserving the status quo, Or some cynics may suggest a capitalist society. Therefore, any organisation or individual which threatens the status quo is a potential target of organisations on the side of large firms such as the ‘security services’ and police. ID cards could be used to increase the surveillance of certain activists that disagree with specific government policies – therefore constraining voices of concern or freedom of speech. Just imagine if the anti-poll tax protesters of the past during the 1980s had been gagged. In addition, ID cards would fail to significantly combat crime or ‘terrorism’ since criminals would easily be able to forge the cards or obtain ID cards for other people illegally. There appears to be a fear that the introduction of such cards would subtly facilitate an Orwell type ‘1984’ culture. Recently a firm that supplies loyalty cards to a large supermarket chain denied an accusation that it was monitoring and analysing consumer purchases patterns.

On a positive note, ID cards could in time replace carrying physical money or replace the multitude of cards that we carry, including other types of identification, for example: our passport and driving licence. The reality is that there is a cost for each of us to own the new id cards - New Labour have now announced that they want to make ID cards compulsory yet force people to buy them for possibly £35. Fines for failing to tell the state where you live have also been mooted. We need to be concerned about the possibility and dangers of generalising of personal profiling that could take place. Will the data that the government will hold on us ever be truly secure?At this stage, we should each analyse the pros and cons and alert your MP’s of your opinions. What we do not want is a forced agenda and we all need to be aware that there is a fine line between wanting and needing such an item. Finally, let us also not introduce a scheme that is only motivated with one agenda. The danger being that in the future it could be used as a device to make paranoia take-over the basic instinct of fear.

Is a Band-Aid enough ?

2004-11-15T10:13:00.000Z

Ethiopia 1984
In the spring of 1984, the ugly face of famine unveiled itself. Almost seven million people were threatened by severe food shortages. Stark photographs of undernourished children ripped through the consciousness of the civilized world. The whole world stood witness at the devastating force of famine. Michael Buerk's BBC documentary in October 1984 brought home the true horror of the situation to the UK.

November 25th 1984
Band Aid was the name of the group who recorded the original single ‘Do They Know It's Christmas? / Feed The World’. Written by Bob Geldof (ex Boom Town Rats) and Midge Ure (Ex Ultravox) , the song was recorded on November 25th 1984 by a group consisting of almost 40 of the UK and Ireland's best-known pop stars of the time. Originally Geldof hoped to raise £72,000 for charities from sales of the single, but that estimate was exceeded almost immediately the record went on sale; it went on to sell over three million copies in the UK, becoming the best-selling record ever, and to raise over £8 million worldwide. Several other countries and organisations followed suit, the best-known being USA for Africa with ‘We Are The World’. In July 1985, Live Aid, like Band Aid was held to continue to raise money. The concert eventually expanded into sixteen hours of music from around the world, featuring many of the biggest stars of the time. At the last estimate, it had raised over $100 million.

Ethiopia 2004
Twenty years on chronic poverty is still widespread in Ethiopia and will continue to rob children of their future unless donations help to commit to more long-term aid that invests in development. This is the vivid message from the charity, Save the Children. Ethiopia may have changed in the last 20 years. However, it still has a multitude of problems. Today Millions are worse off and even more vulnerable. Four million people every year remain dependent on food aid. Almost half the children in Ethiopia never go to school. Many die from illnesses related to malnutrition before their fifth birthday and those who survive have few opportunities for earning a living.

November 14th 2004 – A new Band Aid single was recorded.
Sudan – 2004. On Monday, 15 November 2004 Non-Government Organisation called on the United Nations (UN) to take strong action. Sudan’s six international humanitarian aid agencies working in Sudan today urged the UN Security Council to agree on a strong resolution setting out concrete measures to be taken against the Government of Sudan, the Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudan Liberation Movement if they continue to renege on their commitments to resolve the crisis in Darfur. The Security Council is preparing to specifically address the issue of Sudan in an historic session in Nairobi. Meanwhile, according to Care International, Christian Aid, International Rescue Committee, Oxfam International, Save the Children UK and Tearfund, violence and insecurity has escalated in the troubled region of Darfur. What the people of Darfur urgently need is an immediate improvement in security on the ground.
Despite two previous Security Council resolutions on Darfur, the agencies report that civilians continue to suffer attacks and abuse, causing them to flee to over-crowded and unsanitary camps. The Sudanese government’s efforts to force people to return home or relocate have resulted in increased harassment and violent coercion of displaced people. Humanitarian access is deteriorating as insecurity and the actions of the warring parties are stopping agencies reaching many populations urgently in need of assistance

Band-Ages!
It is great to see operating charities active and helping. However, it appears little is done by multi-nationals to encourage volunteer help schemes. Buying the DVD of the original Live-Aid concert and the proposed new single will definitely help. In addition, although treasury chief Gordon Brown has recently announced that Britain would increase development aid to $11.7 billion, or 0.47% of national income, by 2007 (Mr Brown is quoted to have said that by 2013 the country plans to meet a United Nations target of giving 0.7% of gross domestic product to aid poorer countries), there is something more we can do. We can collectively push this issue of the unequal distribution of world wealth to a higher agenda amongst our politically elected representatives (MPS and local government). We need to link this ‘push’ for fairness to key political goals – especially as the UK will hold the rotating presidency of both the European Union and the G8 group of wealthy countries in 2005. Politicians also need to be reminded that to tackle world poverty they need to understand that the issue is linked to the need for debt reduction and the set-up of renewal and regeneration funds. They can also ensure that developing countries that are at war do not spend their money on weapon sales.

We also need to change our attitude to personal wealth and not viewing the world from ‘afar’. As we head towards the first half decade of the new millennium the world appears to be no better off – In the words of that famous song,’ Man in the mirror’: ‘if you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change’.

Bollywood Always Betrays

2004-10-22T21:09:00.001Z

What kind of film can we make that will attract the masses, yield entertainment and generate cash? Shall we go for the fusion experience? You know the one with a catchy chant-along-a-tune with a cross-cultural racial theme. While we are on this subject lets consider the average portrayal of a Sikh in a Bollywood movie. Often their images are linked to storylines that involve, hotel door staff, construction, transportation, military/police, alcohol, highly short-tempered, the object of humour and coarsely spoken Punjabi.Personally I can only remember one movie where a Sikh took a lead role. Interestingly, the family consisted of mixed Sikh and Hindu faiths. This representation seems to have a habit of repeating itself. Is Bollywood suggesting that this integration of Sikhs and Hindu’s is a norm? For example, movies feature the lead girl’s father with a turban but the offspring is Hindu and by the end, the relationship is religiously sanctified at a Hindu ceremony.

Critics may say that when watching Bollywood movies the viewer has to ‘buy’ into the surreal/melodramatic fantasy. I believe we need a perspective that shows who Sikhs really are. We need to ensure that historic references and storylines images are not distorted.Gaddar was clearly offensive.I will admit on sheer entertainment value Bollywood provides a mix of melodrama, action and romance. However, I am confident that there are audiences that wish to see a reflection and perspective on social reality. It would be great is Bollywood movies could respect the language and religious conviction of any religion it features.Currently, Bollywood movies certainly contain outside (foreign to India) shoots (footage). One minute you will find yourself in Glasgow, the next minute the lead girl will be standing within trip distance of Indian Ocean on a cliff edge in the Maldives. Let us also not forget the proceeding wedding reception dance with Sikhs Dholling the night away behind the lead actor. For the final scene you will find the happy couple dancing on the snowcaps of a Swiss mountaintop. The scenery may have changed but the old formula seems to stay the same. We need a change but I am afraid too many people continue to endorse the industry. We need to stand-up and complain against the violence, poor treatment of servants, portrayal of caste, the image of subdued women, inter-Indian racism and very negative discriminatory humour against the disabled. What an embarrassing list!

How can we do this? Firstly, idolising actors must stop. Secondly, let us support short movies and social movies that show talents of great filmmakers. As Sikhs we also have a role to play to develop our own documentaries, short-films, animation and stories. We should also feature international communities (see Mistaken Identity). I am sure we have the money, just look at what we can build! I believe we need a greater presence and feature in the media to educate who we are. We have a great religion and we have the financial power to fund worthy movies. Remember if it was not for Sikhs we would have all be ethnically cleansed and the ‘free India’ movement just would not have happened.Next time you watch a Hindi movie and see the poor portrayal of a Sikh ask the question, ‘Why is this happening?’ then shout aloud ‘Get real’! Let us unite fuel and make movies with stories that show who we really are not what Bollywood wants us to be.

Finding Peace

2004-10-22T21:09:00.000Z

Recently on BBC (UK) Radio 4 I heard an Israeli spokesperson repeatedly justified his country’s claim to defend itself against Hamas. Hamas is not an abbreviation but a nickname. It comes from the Arabic word for 'zeal'. The full name, Harakatu l-Mujawamati Islamiya, translates into English as the Islamic Resistance Movement. Hamas grew out of the Muslim Brotherhood, from a branch that was active in Gaza with religious, social and educational work. Gaza is a city in Palestine with 600,000 inhabitants (2003 estimate), situated on the Mediterranean Sea. The economical base of Gaza are workers living in the city while working in Israel, though this has been made more difficult due to new Israeli regulations. Local sources of income are small industries, crafts, and food processing and fishing. Gaza is the main city on the Gaza Strip and at present hosts the headquarters of the Palestine National Authority. The Hamas can also be described as a radical Islamic organisation that became active in the early stages of the Intifada – i.e: the uprising in the Palestinian occupied territories from 1987 to 1993, in protest against the Israeli occupation and politics. The Intifada involved demonstrations, strikes, riots and violence, and was performed both in the Gaza Strip and on the West Bank. What made the Intifada stand out from earlier and later forms of protests was its broadness, the wide support, duration and the involvement and organisation by Islamist groups. There were three principal groups behind the Intifada: the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), Hamas (founded in 1988) and Jihadu l-Islamiyy. Hamas and Jihadu l-Islamiyy were both calling for a state in the entire former Palestine. The Hamas operate primarily in the Gaza Strip but also in the West Bank. They are described as playing a major role in violent fundamentalist subversion and radical terrorist operations against both Israelis and Arabs.

The news 50 another dead in the Gaza strip, with under half being civilians will continue to shock the world. The deaths were the result of Israeli forces admitting their attempts to flush out terrorists. The Israeli spokesperson on Radio 4 accused the terrorists of hiding behind civilians. He justified the Israeli attack by suggesting that it was in self-defence.

There is trouble and responsibility on both sides. Suicide bombings and rocket attacks continue to darken our news. We all appear to be watching from a rally sideline in a hope that a roadmap for peace can lead all sides to a brighter and peaceful co-existent horizon. However, who is holding the map and the essential torchlight? Where are the navigators? When will the race of self-destruction stop?

On my way to the office, I wondered how oblivious to the problems of our world we all are. We all want to get our bus or train on time and then return to our safe houses and controlled media. None of us appears to have the time or energy to push for solutions. It is as if we are cocooned in our goldfish bowls. If we are all living a so-called cushioned existence will there ever be a time when we can pull ourselves out? Unless both sides can see each other’s perspectives, it will be a long time before we can reach a nirvana of peace. Then I had an idea. What if we got the leaders of both sides together but this time change the context of their situation. For example: bring together victims and leaders (violent and peaceful ones). For example: fathers and mothers could ask for those present to realise the implication of their current strategies. Collectively they could achieve local peace zones. This concept would reply on compassion, forgiveness and the desire to accept that violence from vengeance is not resolving the issues at hand. Lets try to achieve common ground and solutions not through violence but through the communication of conscience.