I was pleased to read Jyotsna Thanki’s letter about The India Overseas Trust in Asian Voice (Asian Voice 20th June 2015). Clearly there is a concern. Those who play a part in public life, must expect that people are entitled to ask questions and have them answered properly. ....I wish to echo Jyotsna’s comments and praise your columnist Dhiren Katwa.
I hear that his pen is so powerful and sharp that even the so-called pillars of our community shy away from hearing the truth. After all there are our community leaders want to please everyone and maintain their financial interests. As the old Indian saying goes, they tell the policeman to keep watch, while telling the thief to steal. Such is the sorry and selfish society in which we live today.
I have been aware of the series of stories by Dhiren about the India Overseas Trust and in fact I did wonder if the matter had been settled. I applaud Mrs Thanki for prompting this debate and I’m rather shocked that the trustees of The India Overseas Trust have still, two years on, not made their accounts public. Surely, this must be a legal requisite of charity commission.
I would urge Asian Voice to provide an update on this story as I do believe it is of public interest, especially if the money has been raised in the name of charity. If the charity has already provided the accounts, then I do beg your pardon Sir, but even then a report to reflect this would be much appreciated.
Ranjit. S. Sohal
MD Magiled (UK) Ltd.)
Ex- Chair of BCABA
Board member of BCCC (Walsall)
