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A year of achievement and hope
The highlights of this year comprise Asian goodies along with a pinch of salt! Powered by their constant will to excel in whichever field they are, this year too many Asians made the community proud and added to Britain's glory. While the debate on outsourcing, Iraq war, protest against the ban on hijab and racism remained the core issues of concern, Britain surged ahead with its effort to build harmony in and out of the country.
The highlights of this year comprise Asian goodies along with a pinch of salt! Powered by their constant will to excel in whichever field they are, this year too many Asians made the community proud and added to Britain's glory. While the debate on outsourcing, Iraq war, protest against the ban on hijab and racism remained the core issues of concern, Britain surged ahead with its effort to build harmony in and out of the country.
One of the most refreshing news this year was the great victory of the Gurkhas who had served the British Army and wished to settle in the UK. Their long campaign ended on a happy note when in September, Tony Blair announced that immigration rules would be changed to let them stay. Now, all Gurkhas who have served for at least four years and were discharged after July 1, 1997, would be eligible for "fast-track" citizenship.
Then came Britain's first Islamic bank. The Islamic law compliant High Street Bank opened in London in September. The bank's internet banking will be launched in April 2005.
Year 2004 was also celebrated as the 400th year of Guru Granth Sahib. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event for the Sikh community and they indeed celebrated the occasion with meetings, prayers, dinners and charity events.
The Feel-Good Factor
In the industry sector, steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal made India proud with his awe-inspiring success. A £10.5 billion merger between his steel conglomerate Ispat and International Steel Group made Mittal Britain's richest man. No doubt, the Asian Diaspora across the world was elated at Mittal's growing success. The year also witnessed the extravagant wedding of the steel magnate's daughter Vanisha with Delhi boy Amit Bhatia on June 22.
In August, teenager boxer Amir Khan came into limelight by winning the Silver at Athens Olympics 2004. The Bolton boy is the community's latest hero and many hopes are pinned on him to win more laurels in future. We wish him all the best!
Among child achievers, Indian-born Gayathri Pannikar, 13, was crowned the best young speller in Britain. She gave an immaculate performance on Hard Spell and won £10,000 scoring over 100,000 hopefuls.
In the care sector, Ramola Bachchan, socialite and sister-in-law of Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, swept the Asian of the Year Award for 2004. She was awarded for her outstanding achievements and her work towards charitable causes.
