Who are we?

South Asian Development Partnership (SADP) is a group of Asian and UK business professionals based in South England.

SADP exists to facilitate and catalyse entrepreneurial initiatives in the UK and South Asia. We work to stimulate awareness and creative responses to social issues in the Asian community.

SHAMEFUL AWARD TO NARENDRA MODI
Update 3rd September 2009: "We welcome the decision by FDI Magazine, in response to feedback, to present the award to Gujarat state, rather than Mr Modi himself (as advised in an email from Courtney Fingar, Editor). This is a step in the right direction, but it is important that we continue to voice our concern for truth and justice in this matter. Please make your views known to the appropriate people."

We are deeply concerned at the decision of the Financial Times Group to confer the "FDI Asian Personality of the Year 2009" on Narendra Modi. Given his human rights record and the unresolved issues of communal violence in Gujarat, this is a shameful decision, based on perceptions of commercial gain, with no regard for justice.

The suffering in Gujarat was the focus of the 2002 conference convened in London at the request of Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and other faith community leaders. ‘Healing the Wounds: Human Rights and Minorities in India’ sought to build bridges of reconciliation through honest examination and open acknowledgement of what had happened in Gujarat (see http://www.southasian.org.uk/intro_conference.html).

This was followed by a similar conference in New Delhi in January 2004, in partnership with India Development Trust: ‘Building Bridges - an NRI / Civil Society Partnership’, funded by a grant from the Department for International Development.

The issues raised in both conferences remain unresolved.

Our letters to Marjorie Scardino, CEO FT Group, and the British High Commissioner in Delhi are available in full to read here.

SUFFERING CONTINUES IN SRI LANKA
Although the war in Sri Lanka may be over, the suffering of those caught up in the fighting continues. Up to 300,000 Tamil civilians are living in camps, many of which have inadequate food, health and sanitation facilities. One camp, Menik Farm, has been described by the UN as the world’s largest displacement camp, with 220,000 people.

As well as the lack of resources and over-crowding, people are having to cope with sweltering temperatures. Many have been separated from their families and have sustained injuries in the war. People are not permitted to leave the camps, as the government continues its process of identifying suspected members of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).

At least 8,000 people died in the recent intensification of the war. Some put this figure at 20,000, which is in addition to the 70,000 who had already died in the 26 year civil war.

Ram Gidoomal, Chair of SADP, said: "The current situation is desperate. The only encouragement is that God's people in Sri Lanka and here in the UK are working together to respond, across all the ethnic and religious barriers."

SADP has donated £1,000 to Tearfund who are providing food, water, clothing, hygiene packs, shelters, kitchens and environmentally-friendly toilets and cookers for displaced people who have been forced to flee their homes with little or no possessions. Local church volunteers are also working in camps for the displaced, providing emotional and spiritual support to people who have been through so much.

Tearfund’s Clare Crawford said, `The level of suffering in Sri Lanka is truly heart-breaking. Our partners are operating in extremely difficult circumstances and they urgently need our support in prayer as well as financially.’

For details on how to donate to Tearfund, please see their website: http://www.tearfund.org/News/Sri+Lanka+conflict/.

7/7 AND BEYOND - PEACE FOR OUR COMMUNITIES
November 2007 / January 2008
SADP holds conferences in Leeds, Birmingham and Westminster. More

FRIENDS, STRANGERS, CITIZENS? LIFE IN BRITAIN POST 7/7
DVD resource opens discussion and challenges misconceptions

"A superb collection of discussion starters that asks the kinds of questions that we're often too afraid to address."

More including sample clip

DOING BUSINESS WITH INDIA - NOW ON SPECIAL OFFER WITH 50% OFF
Buy the definitive guide to commercial laws, banking, accounting, and the rules of business engagement in India. Special Offer – now only £45, $85, €65. Click here for more information and an order form.

India’s phenomenal economic growth has been built on its substantial market potential, a rapidly developing middle class, dynamic local companies with global scope, progressive and continuous economic liberalization since 1991, a skilled workforce and competitive advantages in many sectors including computers, outsourcing, steel, pharmaceuticals and textiles.

Our Director, Deepak Mahtani, has contributed 3 chapters to this book:

• Language & Communication
• Management & Leadership Style
• Business Interactio

For more information and to order the book at 50% discount ... click here.

We aim to be N.I.C.E. - Networking, Initiating, Catalysing & Encouraging


To find out more about us have a look at:
Our Aims
What do we mean by South Asian?
The South Asian Diaspora

South Asian Development Partnership
P.O. Box 43
Sutton
Surrey SM2 5WL
Registered Charity No. 1005384
Registered Address: 6 Tudor Court, Brighton Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AE, UK
Tel: 020 8770 9717
Fax: 020 8770 9747
Email: info@southasian.org.uk