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Mahabharata: A spectacular retelling of the ancient Sanskrit epic, by Canada’s Why Not Theatre at Barbican London

Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata is the first major international adaptation led by a company from the South Asian diaspora, UK premiere at the Barbican from 1-7 October 2023; preview by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

Mahabharata (Mah-hah-BAH-ruh-tah) is a contemporary adaptation of the Sanskrit epic poem, that follows a devastating family feud and explores profound philosophical and spiritual ideas. Its stories are more than four thousand years old and foundational to Indian culture. The new, large-scale retelling by Toronto-based company Why Not Theatre is the first major international adaptation to be led by a company from the South Asian diaspora and makes its UK premiere at the Barbican Theatre this autumn (1 – 7 October). The world premiere was hailed by critics as “triumphant” (Toronto Star), “stunning” (Globe and Mail) and “Epic in every sense of the word.” (Intermission magazine) at The Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada in March 2023.

The stories collected in ‘The Mahabharata’ span thousands of years and over 100,000 verses –     almost four times as long as Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’ & ‘The Iliad’ combined, and eight times as long as the Bible. To this day, favourite moments, characters and lessons are remembered and retold in the kitchens and temples of more than 1 billion people of India and its diaspora. These ancient stories continue to resonate powerfully today against a backdrop of territorial war, human rights violations, and climate change.

Almost 40 years since Peter Brook’s legendary production, Why Not Theatre’s adaptation takes audiences on a journey through the past in order to write a thrilling new future. Exploring the act of storytelling itself, the staging evolves from ancient and intimate – a storyteller around a fire and classical Kathakali dance – to a modern spectacle with projection, dynamic soundscapes, poetic stage design and a new opera for the most revered portion of ‘The Mahabharata’, the Bhagavad Gita. A live onstage band creates the atmospheric music score, featuring traditional instruments from the Bansuri (bamboo flute, often depicted as a favourite of the Hindu god Krishna) to the Tabla (percussion, an essential element in music and dance performance across the Indian subcontinent).

The production is presented in two parts and narrated by a storyteller (Miriam Fernandes), a charismatic guide who weaves a path through the forest of stories. Karma (Part 1), is the origin story of the rival Pandava and Kaurava clans, illuminating the choices we inherit and how those choices impact generations to come. In Dharma (Part 2), a great battle destroys the planet and the survivors are left behind to rebuild. 

Mahabharata is performed by a company from across four continents, all from the South Asian diaspora. Balancing East and West, traditional and contemporary, the production and ensemble     highlight the complex hybrid nature of cultures in today’s globalised world and interconnected lives. The cast includes UK based performers Ajay Chhabra (Rough Diamonds, Netflix), Neil D’Souza (How To Hold Your Breath, Royal Court), Darren Kuppan (Let The Right One In, Manchester Royal Exchange), Goldy Notay (Life of Pi, UK Tour) and Sakuntala Ramanee (Life of Pi, West End), who are joined by Canadian and other international performers Shawn Ahmed, Jay Emmanuel, Miriam Fernandes, Navtej Sandhu, Anaka Maharaj-Sandhu, Ellora Patnaik, Meher Pavri, Munish Sharmaand Sukania Venugopal, and understudies Varun Guru, Karthik Kadam, Suma Nair, Ronica Sajnani and Ishan Sandhu. Performing in the live band are John Gzowski (Conductor/Co-Composer/Co-Sound Designer/Guitar), Suba Sankaran (Band Leader/Co-Composer/Co-Sounder Designer/Vocals), Dylan Bell (Bass/Keyboard), Gurtej Singh Hunjan (Percussion), Hasheel Lodhia (Bansuri/Vocals) and Zaheer-Abbas Janmohamed (Tabla).

The cast of Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata (Shaw Festival, 2023). Photo by David Cooper.

Associate Director, Co-Writer, Storyteller and Why Not Theatre Co-Artistic Director, Miriam Fernandes, said:

“We are a small strand among a great lineage of storytellers who have weaved this epic of ‘The Mahabharata’ over the ages. These stories have been passed from storyteller to audience for thousands of years and span the earth, traveling in the memories and imaginations of the South Asian diaspora. Though first composed in an ancient time, the themes of greed, revenge, ecocide and privilege feel acutely relevant in our globalized world.”

Director, Co-Writer and Why Not Theatre Founder and Co-Artistic Director, Ravi Jain, said:

“As a student in London, I watched the world masters dazzle audiences on the Barbican stage. 20 years later it’s a dream come true to share this complex work we’re so proud of at this truly special venue.”

Toni Racklin, Head of Theatre & Dance at the Barbican, said:

“We are thrilled to present this groundbreaking new production to our audiences, a masterclass in exhilarating stagecraft inspired by ancient oral traditions and poetry. We are honoured to welcome Why Not Theatre to our main stage for the first time, following their studio residency in 2019, and we hope that, for many of our audience members, Mahabharata will resonate with the stories that have been passed down for generations. Exploring the power of storytelling to understand where we’ve come from and to help us navigate our future, Mahabharata invites us to connect with perspectives from across the world and inspire us to reimagine what we can achieve together.”

The first sparks for the project started in 2015. Ravi Jain (Founding Artistic Director of Why Not Theatre) chose to adapt just one story (the Bhagavad Gita) within the sprawling Mahabharata for a commission by the intercontinental Pan Am Games. Backed by funding from Canada Council of the Arts, Ontario’s prestigious Shaw Festival Theatre then invited Ravi to ‘Dream Big’ and stage the entire epic poem. Having grown up with the Indian stories transplanted to a Canadian context, Ravi was inspired to dive deep into his past, taking inspiration from many South Asian sources as well as Peter Brook’s 1985 production. Ravi wanted to find a way to share this story with a modern audience by highlighting the myriad ways we tell stories. As part of Why Not Theatre’s deeply ingrained collaborative approach, Ravi teamed up with Miriam Fernandes (now Co-Artistic Director of Why Not Theatre). Together they built the script, drawing primarily from Carole Satyamurti’s ‘Mahabharata, A Modern Retelling’, Devdutt Patnaik’s ‘JAYA’, and the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore, but also pulling from wildly diverse perspectives and combining influences,     including folk tales, street theatre, western European physical theatre (from their training at LAMDA and the Lecoq School and contemporary companies such as Simon McBurney’s Complicité and Ariane Mnouchkine’s Théâtre du Soleil), oral storytelling traditions, and the popular Indian staples they grew up with, such as Amar Chitra Katha’s Mahabharata comics and B. R. Chopra’s Mahabharata TV series.

Mahabharata is adapted by Why Not Theatre’s Founding Artistic Director Ravi Jain and Co-Artistic Director Miriam Fernandes, using poetry from Carole Satyamurti’s ‘Mahabharata: A Modern Retelling’. The original concept was developed with Jenny Koons. Set design is by Lorenzo Savoini, costume design is by Gillian Gallow, lighting design is by Kevin Lamotte, projections are by Hana S. Kim, sound design is by John Gzowski and Suba Sankaran, original music is by John Gzowski andSuba Sankaran, with contributions from Dylan Bell, Gurtej Singh Hunjan, Zaheer-Abbas Janmohamed and Hasheel Lodhia (who also serves as traditional music consultant), and choreography is by Brandy Leary with contributions by Jay Emmanuel and Ellora Patnaik.     Lead Producers are Michelle Yagi and Kevin Matthew Wong, with Production Manager Crystal Lee. The production is directed by Ravi Jain and made its world premiere at the Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.

Miriam Fernandes as the Storyteller, with Anaka Maharaj-Sandhu as Arjuna and Neil D’souza as Krishna, in Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata (Shas Festival, 2023). Photo by David Cooper.

Why Not Theatre is an international theatre company based in Toronto, Canada, operating at the intersection of art, innovation and social change. Rooted in values of community and collaboration, Why Not challenges the status quo, rethinking how stories are told and who gets to tell them. Since its inception, the company has developed and produced 50+ new plays to critical and public acclaim. These works have toured to over 50 cities and garnered over 40 awards and nominations. Why Not is led by Founder and Co-Artistic Director, Ravi Jain, Executive Director, Karen Tisch, and Co-Artistic Director, Miriam Fernandes.   

Neil D’souza as Krishna and Anaka Maharaj-Sandhu as Arjuna in Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata (Shaw Festival, 2023). Photo by David Cooper.

Supporters credits

A Why Not Theatre Production. Originally presented and commissioned by the Shaw Festival in association with the Barbican.

The Barbican presentation is generously supported by the Bagri Foundation.

Anaka Maharaj-Sandhu as Arjuna, Munish Sharma as Bhima, Shawn Ahmed as Yudhishthira and Sukania Venugopal as Bhishma with the cast of Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata (Shaw Festival, 2023). Photo by David Cooper.

Why Not Theatre acknowledges the support of its Major Production Supporters: Shaw Festival, Canada Council for the Arts, National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund, The Slaight Family Foundation, Kingfisher Foundation, Deb Barrett & Jim Leech, Lindy Green Family Foundation and Wuchien Michael Than Foundation.

L to R: Darren Kuppan as Duryodhana, Navtej Sandhu as Karna, Sakuntala Ramanee as Shakuni, Harmage Singh Kalirai as Dhritarashtra, Sukania Venugopal as Bhishma and Shawn Ahmed as Yudhishthira in Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata (Shaw Festival, 2023). Photo by David Cooper.

About the Barbican

The Barbican is a catalyst for creativity, sparking possibilities for artists, audiences, and communities. We showcase the most exciting art from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries to entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.

We are an international arts and events centre rooted firmly in our own neighbourhood, collaborating with local communities and putting the City of London on the map as a destination for everybody. Central to our purpose is supporting emerging talent and shaping opportunities that will accelerate the next generation of creatives.

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Events Lite Blogs London News

SRMD London Youth Festival celebrates unity, collective community energy

Youth with Mr Dean Russell MP for Watford

The event brought together young minds from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of togetherness and empowering them to be catalysts for positive change.

The much-anticipated SRMD London Youth Festival, the first of its kind in the UK, left a lasting impression on each of the 350 Youth who travelled from all over the UK to attend. Organised by Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur UK (SRMD UK), this extraordinary event brought together young minds from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of togetherness and empowering them to be catalysts for positive change.

Cultural Dance to commence the SRMD London Youth Festival

Through an action packed schedule of 25 curated events, across Wisdom, Wellness, Service, Culture and Sport, the SRMD London Youth Festival brought about a transformative experience that ignited creativity, instilled empathy, and motivated the youth to embrace their potential as changemakers. Moreover, the organisers took steps to minimise the environmental impact by decorating the entire venue and creating feature walls using upcycled materials such as wooden crates and milk cartons.

Youth interacting

Embodying the tagline ‘Meet the Real You’, the Festival commenced with a session led by Global Youth Speaker and Head of SRMD Yoga, Atmarpit Shraddhaji on the topic ‘Unmasking Yourself’. The session inspired participants to take a moment to truly reflect on their authentic selves and reminded all present that they do not need to fit in by changing who they are, but instead instilled a sense of belonging by being exactly who they are!

Manthan Taswala, Trustee of SRMD UK and organiser of the SRMD London Youth Festival shared, ‘Drawing from the guidance we have received from Pujya Gurudevshi Rakeshji, the Founder of SRMD and His powerful vision for the youth, our aim was to create a dynamic and safe space where the youth could connect, collaborate, and draw inspiration from one another. Through this Festival and future events, we aspire to nurture a community of compassionate and empathetic leaders who actively contribute to a better world.’

Atmarpit Shraddhaji, Global Youth Speaker and Head of SRMD Yoga, leading a session on _Unmasking Yourself_

A highlight of the Festival was the Changemakers Panel, composed of powerful women who have challenged the status quo. The panel included Philanthropist and Trustee of the Serendipity Foundation, Varsha Sehgal, Assistant Head of Coaching at QPR F.C. Manisha Tailor MBE and Head of ESG Strategy, Wholesale Lending at Barclays, Heeral Shah. The interactive discussion captivated the audience and opened their eyes to the various ways they could contribute to making a change in society, ranging from helping those whose voices are not heard, using sports as a medium to connect, and by encouraging conversations about diversity to empower people from all walks of life.

Changemakers Panel – L to R, Trishal Ghelani (host), Varsha Sehgal, Manisha Tailor MBE, Heeral Shah

To foster the notion of team spirit and promote physical and mental well-being, the Festival included a lively sports tournament consisting of over 40 teams playing football, cricket, badminton and netball. Moreover, the youth were energised and found their zen with a specially curated ‘Techno Yoga’ session and ‘Glowstick Meditation’. Who said Yoga and Mindfulness was boring?

The wet weather also did not dampen the energy of the youth that flowed through the weekend with over 200 participants overcoming their fears and focusing on mind over matter, by walking on fire!

Firewalk

One such participant from Leicester, found out about the Festival through social media and travelled 90 miles each day to attend, ‘I didn’t know anybody prior to the start of the Festival and was greeted with a bunch of warm, friendly, vibrant and welcoming people. It was so refreshing to meet not only like-minded people but also people from different backgrounds. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and glad I put myself out there now. The events were incredibly well planned with so much thought and organisation that went behind this to make this such a magical experience for us all.’

Mr Dean Russell MP addressing the audience at the SRMD London Youth Festival

Participants were also mesmerised by the exciting ‘ImmerseVerse’ – an immersive collection of unique experiences and stalls including blind drawing and doodling, an affirmation wall, ‘jamming’ corner, board game bazaar, ‘readers’ retreat and opportunity to engage in experience booths such as ‘The Art of Smart Living – Life Hacks to Take Home’, and ‘Flex Your Mental Muscle, Unlock Your Brain’s Potential’.

Power Networking Session at the SRMD London Youth Festival

The two day event culminated with the Social Impact Hackathon, a unique concept to turn challenges into opportunities, opportunities into ideas and ideas into innovation. The Social Impact Hackathon included 45 participants, divided into 8 teams who worked together to create solutions to 3 key challenges the youth face today;

1)      Breaking Down Barriers – improving access to mental health services within the South Asian community.

2)      Opening Doors – bridging the housing accessibility gap for young professionals

3)      Less Waste, More Taste – minimizing food waste and combat the impact of climate change

Sanjay Kumarji – HCI with Mr Dean Russell MP for Watford, Mayur Mehta President of SRMD UK and Ashwin Mehta, Trustee SRMD UK

With a combination of brainstorming, problem-solving and mentor guidance, participants managed to define their challenge, refine their ideas and design a comprehensive solution; all in 36 hours! Of the teams, 3 were selected to pitch their solutions in front of a panel of 6 esteemed judges including Executive Coach and Host of globally renowned podcast ‘A Millenial Mind’, Shivani Pau, highly distinguished Psychiatrist and former Chairman of BAPIO, Professor JS Bamrah CBE, Lead social worker at Kent and Medway Perinatal Mental Health Service, Priti Joshi, self-made Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Founder of Redsky Homes Group, Tejinder Sekhon, Co-founder of RefillAbell!, Sameer Kassam and Chief of Staff at Olio, Rohan Sheth. Sharing her thoughts on the event Shivani Pau shared, ‘I was really blown away, there is a really wonderful energy here and I don’t think I’ve been to an event like this. If this was every year or regular, I am sure loads of people would love to meet like-minded individuals as this provides a space for people, regardless of background, religion, or culture.’

Social Impact Hackathon – Winning Team

The winning team of the Social Impact Hackathon pitched their solution to improving access to mental health services and were invited by Mr Dean Russell, MP for Watford and Co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Mental Health, to discuss their idea further at Parliament. Leaving the youth with a motivational message, Mr Russell shared ‘Failures are stumbling blocks to learn from and opportunities to pick yourselves up, look back and understand what can be done differently. If we all look that way, we can make a difference. It is only when we work together and weave ourselves together and when we’re a community, that we can make the impossible happen. Continue planting the seed of your ideas in the ground; water it, nurture it and let it grow and you will make the world a different place.’

Social Impact Hackathon Judges – L to R – Aadit Virani (Host) Priti Joshi, Shivani Pau, Sameer Kassam, Dr JS Bamrah, Tejinder Sekhon _ Rohan Sheth

In today’s interconnected world, cultivating a sense of community and understanding among the youth has become paramount. The SRMD London Youth Festival recognises this imperative and has provided a platform for young individuals to share their unique perspectives, experiences, and talents. By doing so, the Festival has successfully nurtured a generation of empathetic leaders who value diversity can harness positive community energy and spirit.

For more information and how to be a part of future youth events organised by SRMD UK, please visit london.srmd.org.

Social Impact Hackathon Judges with the Social Hackathon Winners for their innovative idea_
SRMD London Youth Festival Football Tournament
Techno Yoga at the SRMD London Youth Festival
The Affirmation Station – Fueling Positivity
Wisdom Masterclasses
Youth at the Meet the Real You upcycled feature wall
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London spikes Labour dreams

Rishi Sunak has avoided a clean sweep of by-election defeats after holding onto Uxbridge and South Ruislip in a night of three votes…reports Asian Lite News

There had been pessimism in the Conservative Party that they would lose the west London seat, alongside Selby and Ainsty in North Yorkshire and Somerton and Frome in Somerset.

But the vote in west London was dominated by the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone – ULEZ – into the area by Labour’s mayor of London Sadiq Khan. It means Sunak avoids becoming the first prime minister since Harold Wilson in 1968 to lose three by-elections in one go.

Sir Keir Starmer will be disappointed to not have gained the west London seat. The majority before the vote was around 7,000 – and at one point in the campaign, Labour candidate Danny Beales had an eight-point lead over the Tories’ Steve Tuckwell.

Tuckwell walked away with a majority of 495 votes – and claimed Mr Khan had “lost Labour this election” after bagging 13,965 to Labour’s 13,470.

At the other end of the country, in North Yorkshire, Labour sealed their largest ever by-election win – overturning a Conservative lead of roughly 20,000 – by taking 16,456 compared to 12,295.

The party threw a substantial amount of resources at the Selby and Ainsty seat, which was not on their target list before the snap vote was called when former MP Nigel Adams stepped aside.

But Conservative voters appeared to stay at home, letting Labour take home the seat with a swing of 23.7 points.

There was further grim reading for the Tories in Somerset’s Somerton and Frome as the Liberal Democrats overturned a majority of 19,213, reclaiming a seat they had held until 2015. Now the Tories trail by 11,008 behind the Liberal Democrats’ 21,187 votes with 10,179.

Asked what went wrong, Tory chairman Greg Hands said it is “no secret” his party has had a difficult year and the backdrop to the by-elections “were not particularly favourable to the Conservatives”.

He added: “Clearly we’re disappointed by the results in Selby and Ainsty and Somerton and Frome. We’ll listen carefully to the electorate in both of those constituencies.”

But Hands claimed there’s also “important lessons for Labour” and the result in Uxbridge showed “people were voting against a Labour London mayor who’d not run things properly in London”.

Labour are now claiming the ULEZ issue that dominated Uxbridge and South Ruislip does not represent the feeling across the UK.

A Labour spokesman said: “This was always going to be a difficult battle in a seat that has never had a Labour MP, and we didn’t even win in 1997.

“We know that the Conservatives crashing the economy has hit working people hard, so it’s unsurprising that the ULEZ expansion was a concern for voters here in a by-election.”

Labour MP Steve Reed was a bit more blunt in his conclusions.

He said: “I think the winning Conservative candidate just said it, didn’t he? He said that if it wasn’t for ULEZ, he believes Labour would have won this by-election.

“Clearly, it did resonate with a lot of people. They didn’t like the fact that ULEZ was going to cost people more to drive around at a time when there’s a cost-of-living crisis going on. That’s exactly what Danny Beales was saying all the way through the campaign.

“But I think when the voters speak, any party that seeks to govern has to listen. So that’s what Labour will be doing after this.”

The by-elections came about after Johnson, Adam and David Warburton stood aside from their seats amid scandal and shunned honours.

There was a 6.7-percentage point swing in the share of the vote from Conservative to Labour in Uxbridge and South Ruislip. Labour needed a 7.6-point swing to take the seat.

The byelection was triggered by Johnson’s shock resignation after the Commons privileges committee recommended a lengthy suspension from parliament for knowingly misleading parliament about lockdown parties in Downing Street.

In Selby, the Conservatives blamed the outgoing MP, Nigel Adams, for their defeat. People were “really disappointed” that Adams quit in a huff because he didn’t get a seat in the Lords, said Andrew Jones, the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, who has been overseeing much of the Tory campaigning in Selby. It was “the main talking point” on the doorstep, he claimed.

The Liberal Democrats have gained four seats from the Conservatives at byelections this parliament, after winning Chesham and Amersham and North Shropshire in 2021, and Tiverton and Honiton last year.

In her victory speech in Somerset, Dyke thanked lifelong Conservative voters for switching to the Lib Dems for the first time.

The Lib Dems won 21,187 votes with a 28-point swing, while the Tories achieved their worst result in the history of the seat with 10,179 votes and 26% of the vote. The Greens came third, with Reform UK fourth and Labour fifth.

ALSO READ-FM Jaishankar virtually attends BRICS summit

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Meet and Greet with Union Minister Kishan Reddy organised in London

Union Minister KIshan Reddy lighting the lamp at the prayers

Minister Kishan Reddy outlined the progress India has made in the last nine years, what has been done, and what more can be done for the future, reports Asian Lite News

A Meet and Greet event for the diaspora members was organised by OFBJP-UK chapter in London with the Union Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Development of Northeast G. Kishan Reddy.

Traditional welcome to Minister G Kishan Reddy

After receiving the minister at Heathrow Airport, a grand traditional welcome was given at the venue (Heston Hyde) with Dhol beats, Vedic chants, and Arti. The program began with the lighting of the lamp by dignitaries, followed by an impressive invocation to Gurus by young children and a brief classical dance presentation by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, London.

Minister G Kishan Reddy addressing the gathering

A short video outlining the work of the organisation has been shown on the occasion. President and General Secretary of OFBJP-UK Kuldeep Shekhawat and Suresh Mangalagiri have both spoken on the occasion briefly.

Minister Kishan Reddy addressed the enthusiastic attendees and outlined the progress India has made in the last nine years, what has been done, and what more can be done for the future. He highlighted the global respect India is commanding and spoke of the initiatives such as the 5 kg rice per person scheme benefitting 85 crore people.

Meet and Greet with Minister G Kishan Reddy

Q&A followed his speech where audience members interacted with him and asked questions on Tourism Development, management of temples, how NRIs can help strengthen the government measures, his vision for strengthening the party presence in Telugu land etc. The event concluded with the Vote of Thanks. About 30 volunteers came together to organise this program at short notice.

General Secretary of OFBJP-UK speaking
Attendees at Meet and Greet event
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Ding Dong, Lola’s calling! The Sweetest Delivery Direct to Your Door with New Nationwide Cakes

Home delivery just got an extra layer of deliciousness with the recent launch of the nationwide cake delivery service from everyone’s favourite London bakery, Lola’s Cupcakes; writes columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

From Port Isaac to Peebles, the beloved brand’s fresh, delicious, handmade cakes can now sweeten up someone’s special day, no matter where they call home.

Choose from Lola’s classic Chocolate or Vanilla, iconic Red Velvet, indulgent Cookies & Cream, resplendent Rainbow, or Vegan Caramel Biscuit, then give it that perfectly personal touch with a free hand-piped message, beautifully written in milk chocolate or icing. Candles, cards, sparkles and more can also be added, making Lola’s your one-stop party shop!

We know what you’re thinking…a cake? In the post? Recipe for cake-tastrophe! Luckily, Lola’s don’t do things half-baked. They’ve put time and effort into developing innovative packaging and testing the delivery process over and over again to ensure your special treat arrives without a crumb out of place.

Handled with the love and care each cake deserves, Lola’s master bakers carefully pack each creation into a snug-fitting cardboard belt, designed to stop any sliding about in transit. Dry ice is added to the box to keep everything at optimal temperature, even in the midst of summer heatwaves, and those lovely people at DPD let you know via text on the day what time to expect its arrival.

It doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve unboxed your perfectly baked cake, help Lola’s to help the planet by sending the packaging back, using the free returns label, or arranging a free collection following the in-box instructions.

The packaging is exceptionally done, their communication for delivery is also extremely professional. This deliver sure is a treat to unbox! The flavours and taste is amazing and so is the presentation. The quality is high and freshness is on point. Birthday, baby shower, anniversary or an excuse to indulge, Lola’s has made nationwide delivery a piece of cake!

ALSO READ: Regional Indian cuisine at its best in London: Kachori

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Health London News UK News

Measles Cases Soar in London, UKHSA Raises Alarm

Measles is on the rise in London – two thirds of cases in England over the last six months have been in the capital, the UK Health Security Agency has warned, reports Asian Lite News

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced an increase in cases of measles across London, with two thirds of cases in England over the last six months having been in the capital.

Measles spreads very easily, and while there is no specific treatment for it, vaccination gives the best protection against becoming seriously unwell. NHS England is therefore calling on all parents and guardians – especially in London – to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against the disease.

One in ten children in England are not fully protected with both doses of the MMR vaccine and, in some areas of London, up to two in five children are left unprotected – well below the World Health Organisation’s recommended level of 95%. 

Measles is highly infectious and can cause serious complications such as meningitis and sepsis – one in every five children who gets measles requires a hospital visit.  It can start with cold-like symptoms and a high temperature up to several days before a rash appears and progresses through the rest of the body.

The MMR vaccine is part of the routine programme of immunisations offered to babies and children in England, so your child may already be protected. To be absolutely sure, parents are strongly encouraged to check their child’s medical record, found in their red book, (their Personal Child Health Record, which is given to parents/carers at a child’s birth) or contact their GP practice. You can then make an appointment to catch up with any missed MMR doses or if you have any questions.

Dr Kiran Rahim said “I’ve seen two cases of measles in my clinical practice in the last two months alone. It’s important that parents ensure their child is up to date with vaccinations. Measles can have life changing consequences for babies and children. 

Dr Kiran Rahim

As a parent, you want to know that you’re protecting your child against whatever you can. Making sure they are fully vaccinated against measles will give you peace of mind, particularly when you may be out and about in London during the holidays. Please check your child’s red book to make sure they are up to date with their MMR doses. If they’re not, I urge you to contact their GP as soon as possible and make an appointment for a vaccination.”

It’s safe for your child to be vaccinated. The National Autistic Society has said that there is ‘no link between autism and vaccines’. The MMR vaccine has protected 20 million people since the 1960s and saved over 4500 lives. Moreover, the vaccine also offers protection against mumps and rubella (German measles), so you’re keeping your child safe from several diseases at once.

Daisy Amin parent to Ayra 2 said,

“It’s really simple to find out if your child has had their two doses of the MMR vaccine – which is all it takes to give the best protection against measles and prevent it spreading. As well as living in London, we’re traveling abroad to see family this summer, so checking that my daughter was fully vaccinated stopped me worrying about it before we go.”

Daisy Amin

Don’t forget to contact your GP practice to check your own vaccination record and make an appointment to catch up on any missed doses, too.  

ALSO READ: Labour Party’s Indian Mother- Son duo become councillors in London

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Labour Party’s Indian Mother- Son duo become councillors in London

Councillors Parveen Rani and her son Tushar Kumar are in the political limelight since they won, reports Rahul Laud

Indian-origin parents are inspired and London’s mother-son duo carved a niche in history when they both won in their debut contest at recent Council elections. Mother Parveen Rani and 20-year-old son Tushar Kumar bagged seats as Labour Party members breaking traditional Conservatives strongholds from Hertsmere Borough Council, in Hertfordshire and Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council, (in Hertfordshire) respectively. Tushar made history at the election by helping the Labour group take overall control of the town council for the first time this century. Both Tushar and Parveen were standing in elections for the first time.

 With her win, Parveen Rani Marks new chapter as Kenilworth, Borehamwood Borough Councillor and Cabinet Member. Borehamwood, UK local elections have marked an exciting turn of events for the residents of Kenilworth, Borehamwood. Rani is known for her versatile roles as an entrepreneur, educationist, and social activist, and is all set to bring “a fresh perspective to the Hertsmere borough council,” she said.

Alongside her new role as a councillor, Rani has been appointed as a cabinet member responsible for the portfolio of ‘Street Scene, Parks, Leisure, and Culture.’ She is poised to leverage her diverse skills and experience to enhance the local community’s quality of life in this area.

Rani has previously held the role of governor at several UK schools, guiding them with her educational acumen and keen insight. Further establishing her dedication to education and culture, Rani founded the charity organisation ‘Hindi Shiksha Parishad UK’ where her son Tushar teaches pro bono. This organisation champions the cause of Indian culture by celebrating Indian festivals and offering free Hindi classes to children. Through this initiative, she has played a pivotal role in promoting and preserving the Hindi language in the UK.

Recognising her extraordinary contributions to social activities and her tireless efforts to promote Hindi globally, the Governor and Chief Minister of Haryana, India, have previously honoured Rani. High Commission of India, London has also acknowledged her work, recently bestowing upon her an award for her outstanding role in promoting Hindi across the UK.

Tushar Kumar, Rani’s son has become the youngest Indian-origin councillor in the United Kingdom. As a town councillor, Tushar will be expected to attend regular council meetings, vote on local planning issues and help residents with constituency enquiries.

He moved to London at the age of 10. Passionate about politics and community work from a young age, Tushar is a student of politics at the prestigious King’s College London. He is engaged in an internship at a charitable organisation dedicated to the well-being of senior citizens. Additionally, he volunteers his time to teach Hindi at Hindi Shiksha Parishad UK.

Tushar has been selected for a prestigious summer internship with the Civil Service Fast Stream programme. He actively participates in various extracurricular activities, including fundraising initiatives for the homeless and involvement with charitable organisations. Tushar’s victory in the local elections marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the United Kingdom. It reflects the nation’s changing demographic and highlights the importance of younger voices in politics.

Tushar was also determined to stand in the election to help inspire young people to engage more with politics.

He said: “I have been involved in politics since a young age and I see that young people like me aren’t involved, there’s not a lot of trust, so I wanted to represent the younger generation and show them that things can be different.

“I wanted to bring about some change and show that young people can do so too. I want to deliver on the promises that I have made and change some perceptions.”

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-Top News India News London News

Goyal holds talks with European FTA in London

The primary objective of these negotiations is to establish a “fair, mutually beneficial, and comprehensive” trade deal between India and EFTA…reports Asian Lite News

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal concluded a “highly successful” meeting with a delegation from the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), led by the Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda.

The meeting took place in London from July 11 to July 12, a press release from the Ministry of Commerce said Wednesday. Helene Budliger Artieda was also accompanied by the industry stakeholders from the Pharmaceutical, Machinery and Electronics of EFTA states. The deliberations between Minister Piyush Goyal and State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda “were fruitful and detailed discussions on crucial issues, with the shared goal of swiftly concluding” the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) negotiations, the release said.

The primary objective of these negotiations is to establish a “fair, mutually beneficial, and comprehensive” trade deal between India and EFTA.

Over the past few months, India and EFTA have significantly intensified their engagement, highlighting the commitment of both parties to achieving an early conclusion to the TEPA negotiations.

The commerce ministry release added the meeting in London further bolstered this commitment, with both sides demonstrating a strong willingness to progress towards a final agreement.

Minister Piyush Goyal expressed his satisfaction with the progress made during the meeting, highlighting the constructive and collaborative nature of the discussions. He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive trade deal that addresses the needs and aspirations of both India and EFTA.

State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda echoed Minister Goyal’s sentiments and commended the Indian government’s proactive approach and expressed confidence in the positive outcomes that can be realized through a comprehensive TEPA.

“The successful meeting in London added further momentum to the ongoing negotiations between India and EFTA. Both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to expedite the conclusion of the TEPA, recognizing the potential for enhanced economic cooperation and trade between the two regions. The successful conclusion of the TEPA will set the stage for a new deeper economic collaboration, driving growth and prosperity for both India and EFTA.” (ANI)

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Events London News

Asees Kaur in Debut UK Concert at Indigo O2

Fresh off the success of being enlisted by The Recording Academy as top five artists to watch out from India, breakout music star and playback singer, Asees Kaur performs for the very first time in the United Kingdom; reports columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

Scheduled for the 9th of July 2023 at Indigo At The O2, the Panipat-bred vocalist is geared up to entertain her London fans with a power-packed three hour performance with a setlist comprising of some her radio hits including ‘Akh Lad Jaave’, ‘Raatan Lambiyaan’, ‘Makhna’, ‘Pachtaoge’ ‘Ve Maahi’ and ‘Hui Malang’ 

Kaur also created and presented unique renditions of other compositions such late Sidhu Moosewala’s ‘295’, Abida Parveen’s ‘Tu Jhoom’ and Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Ikk Kudi’ for her first ever live act in UK.

Speaking about the same, a very excited Asees Kaur  stated, “This is my first ever UK concert and I’m super excited.  I have created a bespoke performance that comprises some well-choreographed desi dance renditions, coupled with some peppy Punjabi numbers and for the very first time I performed a Sufi set as well. I was getting so many requests from my UK fans for the songs that they wanted me to perform live and Raatan Lambiyan sat on top of the list.” All my fans in London you guys are in for a real treat and I can’t wait to meet you all up close and personal.”

All her fans in London were in for a treat and they met her Upclose and personal. Presented and produced by Rock On Music, the intimate showcase was a sell-out with an estimated footfall of 3,000 fans.

Asees Kaur is the feisty queen of chart-topping hits and soaring vocals. Boasting of a robust fan base and unparalleled stage presence, this rising star has solidified her position as the third most streamed female artist in India on Spotify in a considerable short span of time. 

Growing up in New Delhi, Asees Kaur sang Shabads in Gurudwaras after her father encouraged her to learn Gurbani. While it set the tone for her to find the value in her voice, her urge to get into music professionally first stemmed in the sixth grade as she watched Madhuri Dixit dance to the tunes of songs in ‘Hum Aapke Hain Kaun..!’

Asees’ music is an electrifying blend of soulful melodies and uptempo beats, drawing inspiration from various genres, including pop, R&B and Indian classical music. 

Her impressive discography such as ‘Bolna’ from ‘Kapoor & Sons’, ‘Ve Maahi’ from ‘Kesari’, ‘Chogada’ from ‘Love Yatri’, ‘Makhna’ from ‘Drive’, ‘Dildara’ from ‘Tamanchey’ and ‘Raataan Lambiyan’ from ‘Shershaah’, catapulted her to unparalleled success leading her to work with some of the biggest record labels of the likes of T-Series, Sony, Times Music and Universal Music Group. 

Over the years, her contribution to music has earned her notable awards including a Mirchi Music Award, IIFA Award, Rolling Stone Award and two Filmfare Awards. 

Apart from her commendable work as a playback singer in Bollywood, Asees has also released several independent singles such as ‘Mashooka’, ‘Kesariyo Rang’ and the Bebaakee web-series song ‘Galliyaan’ which have become radio mainstays.

Having performed at the Dubai Expo 2020 as well as being featured twice on the Times Square Billboard in New York City, she is a total livewire on stage who brings unmatched energy and charisma to each of her live shows.

With her unstoppable drive and passion for music, Asees Kaur is a force to reckon with with her soulful rendition being an authentic reflection of her unique perspective on life and love. As she continues to dominate the charts and captivate audiences worldwide, it’s clear that Asees Kaur is destined for musical greatness! 

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Business India News UK News

FICCI Wins Business Promotion Award at India Global Forum

FICCI received the award for its work in the India-UK corridor, reports Asian Lite News

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has emerged triumphant as the Business Promotion Organisation of the Year at the prestigious 5th UK-India Awards 2023.

FICCI received the award for its work in the India-UK corridor. The event, held in London, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and renowned personalities to recognize and honour exceptional contributions to the India-UK business landscape.

The UK-India Awards, organised by India Inc., celebrates the outstanding contributions of those who drive the UK-India partnership, including leaders in business, professional services, government, culture, and social impact. FICCI’s recognition as the Business Promotion Organisation of the Year highlights its instrumental role in promoting India’s business interests globally and fostering a favourable ecosystem for economic development.

Baroness Usha Prashar, Chairperson, FICCI UK Council and Dr Param Shah, Director – UK & Ireland, FICCI received the award. The award was presented by Sir Ron Kalifa, Chairman, Network International and Jury Member for the Awards.

Mr Subhrakant Panda, President, FICCI said, “We are truly honoured to be recognised as the Business Promotion Organisation of the Year at the 5th India Global Forum Awards. This award is a testament to the collective efforts of our members, partners, and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to enhance India’s global competitiveness. FICCI remains committed to empowering Indian businesses and driving sustainable economic growth.”

Baroness Prashar, Chairperson, FICCI UK Council said, “I am delighted that FICCI’s work in the United Kingdom has been recognised. This will further motivate us to work with greater enthusiasm to facilitate bilateral trade, investment, and research & innovation partnerships.”

Mr Shailesh Pathak, Secretary General, FICCI expressed gratitude and pride on behalf of FICCI for receiving this award. “The Business Promotion Organisation of the Year award is a significant milestone for FICCI for its work in the United Kingdom. It is a testament to its unwavering commitment to promoting India’s business interests and fostering international partnerships. This recognition further reinforces FICCI’s position as a leading voice for Indian businesses and its instrumental role in shaping the country’s economic growth.”

Professor Manoj Ladwa, Founder & CEO, India Inc. Group while congratulating FICCI said, “This evening, we celebrate the enterprise, the grit, the innovation and the success of British and Indian businesses and organisations, big and small, who represent what is now the super-highway of UK India Relations. I congratulate FICCI UK for the award and compliment them for the work that has enriched every aspect of the winning partnership between our two great nations.”

FICCI UK Council has consistently spearheaded initiatives that have propelled India’s relationship with the United Kingdom. It has played a crucial role in connecting Indian businesses with their counterparts, fostering partnerships, and promoting trade and investment opportunities across sectors. FICCI has also been instrumental in advocating for policy reforms for enhancing the bilateral trade and investments.

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