BRITAIN will host health ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) countries in Oxford on Thursday (3) for a two-day summit, as pressure intensifies to do more to broaden access to Covid-19 vaccines across the world.
British foreign secretary Dominic Raab has said that equitable access to coronavirus vaccines will be at the top of the agenda when G7 leaders meet next week.
But as health ministers gather at the University of Oxford, where AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine was invented, charities stressed Britain could do more by supporting a temporary waiver on intellectual property rights of pharmaceutical firms.
US president Joe Biden has backed calls from many developing countries for the waiver, in the hope this would boost production and allow more equitable distribution, but Britain and some European countries have expressed reservations.
"G7 leaders must take this moment to stand on the right side of history by putting their full support behind the vaccine patent waiver," said Anna Marriott, Oxfam’s Health Policy Manager.
"The G7 may be getting the vaccines they need but too much of the world is not and people are paying for patent protection with their lives."
Britain has said technology transfers with not-for-profit pricing, a model AstraZeneca has used, can achieve many of the same aims as a patent waiver without disincentivising research.
A G7 report on progress in efforts to improve health in developing countries will be published on Thursday (3), and British health secreatary Matt Hancock said he would agree with G7 counterparts on a system to share data on any early warning signs of the next pandemic.
"Globally we are only as strong as the weakest link in the health security chain. No one is safe until everyone is safe," Hancock said in a statement ahead of the summit.
US global vaccine distribution plan
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Biden could announce as early as Thursday (3) details of Washington's plan for distributing 80 million doses of coronavirus vaccine globally.
"I want you to know as well that in a few short days ... possibly as early as tomorrow, the president is going to announce in more detail the plan that he's put together to push out 80 million vaccines around the world," said Blinken at a gathering at the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica.
Blinken reiterated that the US distribution plan would be coordinated with the COVAX vaccine sharing facility and based on need "without any political strings attached."
The Biden administration has been under pressure to share vaccines to help curb worsening outbreaks from India to Brazil, where health experts fear new, more contagious coronavirus variants could undermine the effectiveness of available shots.
Conservative Friends of India (CFoI) hosted its 2025 Summer Reception at St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, in an evening that celebrated enduring ties and a shared vision for the future. The event marked a significant moment for the organisation, with newly appointed co-chairs Koolesh Shah and The Rt Hon Sir Oliver Dowden CBE MP welcoming an esteemed gathering of political and community leaders.
The evening’s Special Guest of Honour was The Rt Hon Lord David Cameron, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who delivered a stirring and reflective keynote address. Also present was The Rt Hon Lord Dolar Popat, the esteemed Founder of CFoI, whose longstanding commitment to strengthening Indo-British relations was warmly recognised throughout the event.
Vikram Doraiswami
A legacy of vision and values
In his remarks, Lord Cameron emphasised the natural alignment between the Conservative Party and the British Indian community around core values such as enterprise, hard work, family, and a strong sense of community.
Reflecting on his enduring personal and political ties with India, Lord Cameron recalled that India was the first country outside Europe he visited both as Leader of the Opposition in 2005 and as Prime Minister in 2010.
He shared a defining memory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark address at Wembley Stadium, stating, “That night, I said the Conservative Party would be the one to give Britain its first Indian-origin Prime Minister. Little did I know that young Rishi Sunak was in the audience with his parents. Seven years later, that vision became reality.”
He added with both celebration and introspection, “We’re not a perfect country—discrimination and inequality still exist—but Britain remains a rare example of a true meritocracy where someone can arrive here in one generation and reach the highest office in the land in the next.”
Koolesh Shah
Honouring leadership and community contribution
Rt. Hon. Sir Oliver Dowden KCB CBE MP, Former Deputy Prime Minister and newly appointed Co-Chairman of Conservative Friends of India, praised the British Indian community’s significant contributions across the UK’s economic, political, and social landscape.
“The British Indian community is at the heart of our national life—whether in local campaigns or national leadership, including our own Prime Minister Rishi Sunak,” he said. Dowden also acknowledged the foundational leadership of Lord Popat and Lord Cameron, who helped launch CFoI in 2012, and paid tribute to outgoing co-chairs Rina and Amit for their impactful service.
Koolesh Shah, the newly appointed Co-Chairman, reflected on his British Indian heritage and pledged to continue fostering strong links between the UK and India. “Ours is a story of success, integration, and service. We must now focus on nurturing the next generation of Conservative British Indian leaders,” he said. Shah also expressed gratitude to High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami for his role in facilitating deeper political and cultural ties.
Sir Oliver Dowden
Strengthening UK-India relations
In his address, High Commissioner of India to the UK Vikram Doraiswami highlighted the robust nature of UK-India relations, grounded in shared democratic values and vibrant people-to-people connections. “This partnership must go beyond politics—built on trade, technology, education, and the drive of our people,” he stated.
An evening of unity and vision
The reception was expertly compered by Cllr Ameet Jogia MBE and Cllr Reena Ranger OBE, both former CFoI Chairs known for their instrumental roles in expanding the organisation’s grassroots outreach and national influence.
The audience comprised CFoI leaders, dedicated members, business figures, community representatives, and longstanding supporters—all united in their commitment to a stronger, more inclusive Conservative movement and a flourishing UK–India relationship.
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She has become a respected voice for Indian spirituality on global platforms
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, the International Director of Parmarth Niketan and President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, has marked 25 years since taking Sanyas Diksha—formal monastic initiation—on the banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh.
Silver jubilee event at Parmarth Niketan
The silver jubilee celebration took place on the Shri Rama Katha stage at Parmarth Niketan and was attended by prominent Indian saints and spiritual leaders. Among them were:
Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, her Guru and initiator into Sanyas
Pujya Swami Ramdevji
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Rajendra Dasji
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Ravindra Puriji
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Harichetnanandji
Pujya Sant Shri Murlidharji
Pujya Acharya Balkrishanji
Dr Chinmaya Pandya ji
Shri Ajay Bhai ji
Their presence underscored the national and spiritual importance of the occasion.
An American journey into Indian spirituality
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Sadhviji holds a PhD in psychology from Stanford University. She embraced Sanatana Dharma and the path of renunciation over two decades ago, and has since remained in India, dedicating her life to spiritual service and humanitarian work.
The camp provided care to hundreds of pilgrims, sadhus and residents of the Himalayan regionParmarth Niketan
Over the years, she has become a respected voice for Indian spirituality on global platforms, speaking at the United Nations and international forums across six continents.
Global roles and spiritual outreach
Sadhviji holds several leadership positions in both spiritual and interfaith organisations:
International Director, Parmarth Niketan
Secretary-General, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance
President, Divine Shakti Foundation
Co-Chair, Multifaith Advisory Council to the UN
Co-President, Religions for Peace
Board Member, World Council of Religious Leaders
Steering Committee Member, PaRD (Partnership for Religion and Sustainable Development)
Director, International Yoga Festival, Parmarth Niketan
Her teachings, rooted in the Vedic tradition, are shared widely through books, satsangs, global lectures, and digital platforms. Her titles include Hollywood to the Himalayas and Come Home to Yourself.
Service through health and healing
To mark the occasion in the spirit of seva, a free multi-specialty medical camp was held in collaboration with Medanta Hospital. The camp provided care to hundreds of pilgrims, sadhus and residents of the Himalayan region.
Tributes from spiritual leaders
Several spiritual leaders offered their blessings and reflections on Sadhviji’s journey.
Pujya Swami Ramdevji said, “My spiritual sister Sadhvi Bhagawati is an embodiment of the divine Mother. She is a true testament to absolute devotion and dedication.”
Pujya Swami Rajendra Dasji remarked on the auspicious timing of the eventParmarth Niketan
Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji praised her efforts on the Encyclopedia of Hinduism, which he noted will soon be available digitally. “She has become a lighthouse of this wisdom for so many seekers,” he added.
Pujya Swami Rajendra Dasji remarked on the auspicious timing of the event, coinciding with Jyeshtha Purnima, Kabir Jayanti and Saryu Jayanti. “Her every breath and every moment is in the seva of the nation,” he said.
Sadhviji, speaking at the event, said, “I truly don’t feel that I live in Bharat but that Bharat lives in me. It is not how much we have in life, but how much we are able to share, that makes us truly wealthy. It is not the external sadhan but the sadhana that truly matters.”
Sadhviji’s journey from America to India represents more than a personal transformationParmarth Niketan
Pujya Sant Murlidharji described the day as Sadhviji’s “spiritual birthday”, while Acharya Balkrishnaji offered wishes for her continued health and seva.
Dr Chinmaya Pandya, representing the All World Gayatri Parivar (AWGP), quoted Kabir Das and emphasised the significance of gurus in spiritual life. “Today we honour the light of her Guru in her life,” he said.
A bridge between East and West
Sadhviji’s journey from America to India represents more than a personal transformation. Her life stands as a bridge between East and West, science and spirituality, renunciation and service.
The event was livestreamed on the official YouTube channels of Parmarth Niketan and Sadhviji from 11:30 AM IST. Watch here.
GRASSROOTS sports education platform Sportzprix last Saturday (7) announced the launch of a digital sports marketing master’s degree for Indian talent in collaboration with UAX Rafa Nadal University School in Spain.
The nine-month course, developed by UAX Rafa Nadal University School, combines global expertise with local insight through an India module co-created by Sportzprix. The online programme will be open to graduates, working professionals and sports entrepreneurs.
“I’ve always believed in the transformative power of sport – and when paired with education, its impact becomes truly enduring,” said tennis legend and mentor Nadal.
“Sport shapes character, resilience and ambition, but academic grounding gives it direction and depth.
“The UAX Rafa Nadal School of Sport excites me because it reflects this powerful synergy – combining education, specialisation and realworld relevance. With the incredible team behind this initiative, I’m confident we’ll equip future professionals with the skills and mindset the global sports industry demands.”
Prasad Mangipudi, co-founder and CEO of Sportzprix, said, “With India bidding for global events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, and domestic leagues becoming bigger and more professional, the country is poised for a sports revolution.
“Shaping sports professionals in the field of marketing will play a central role in determining its future.
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William Dalrymple with his artist wife Olivia Fraser
EASTERN EYE is supporting this year’s Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) at the British Library next Friday (13) to Sunday (15) as its media partner.
“We are happy to do so as we aim to be ‘the voice of British Asians’, as we say on our masthead,” said Shailesh Solanki, executive editor of the newspaper.
JLF also seeks to attract all sections of the community in the UK.
Many of the speakers in this year’s event have featured in Eastern Eye in recent years.
For example, Sheela Banerjee won Eastern Eye’s Arts, Culture & Theatre Award (ACTA) in the non-fiction category last year for What’s in a Name: Friendship, Identity and History in Multicultural Britain.
Vaseem Khan, the first Asian chairman of the Crime Writers’ Association in 70 years, won an ACTA in the fiction category in 2018 for The Strange Disappearance of a Bollywood Star.
The BBC’s Reeta Chakrabarti was named best presenter in ACTA this year. She was also shortlisted in the fiction category for her debut novel featuring schizophrenia, Finding Belle.
In the newly introduced category for crime fiction, the winner was Ram Murali, author of Death in the Air, which has been described as “a love letter to Agatha Christie”.
Eastern Eye has also written about Sushma Jansari, who has curated the British Museum’s new exhibition, Ancient India: Living traditions.
Among the headline speakers this year is Banu Mushtaq, whose book Heart Lamp, translated from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi, is the first short-story collection to win the International Booker Prize.
Ram Murali
Hanif Kureishi will be discussing his book, Shattered: “After a devastating fall in Rome, Hanif Kureishi was left immobile. From his hospital bed, he began to dictate powerful reflections on illness, identity, love, and writing. Shattered is the result: an odyssey of survival.”
JLF 2025 is bringing together some established authors from India, such as the MP Shashi Tharoor. His latest book, Our Living Constitution, “offers a masterful analysis of India’s constitutional framework, highlighting how it transcends political rhetoric to reflect the nation’s core ideals”, according to the festival organisers.
Although Tharoor belongs to the opposition Congress party in the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of parliament, he expressed strong support for Narendra Modi’s Operation Sindoor military action against Pakistan. He was picked to lead one of seven Indian government delegations explaining New Delhi’s foreign policy in countries around the world, including Panama, Guyana, Colombia, Brazil and the US.
Other authors from India include William Dalrymple, whose Eastern Eye lecture on The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World at the Bhavan in London last October was attended by nearly 250 people.
His son, Sam Dalrymple, will be speaking at JLF on his book, Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia. This was shortlisted for an ACTA this year in the history category.
JLF describes his book as “a sweeping narrative of how the once-unified Indian empire splintered into 12 modern nations. Drawing on rare archives, untranslated memoirs, and interviews across multiple languages, Dalrymple excavates five key partitions that reshaped the political, cultural, and emotional geography of the region. From boardroom deals and battlefield lines to personal stories of loss, resistance, and reinvention, the session reflects on how borders are drawn and the human cost they carry.”
His father, William, one of the founding directors of the festival, said: ”At JLF London at the British Library, we bring together some of the finest minds from across the world to explore the great questions of our time – from the rise of AI to the legacies of empire, from the pleasures of food and art to the complexities of geopolitics.
“This year’s edition reflects the festival’s commitment to rich, nuanced discourse, bridging cultures and offering a truly global literary experience.”
Namita Gokhale, a festival co-director – she will be talking about the re-publication of her novel, Paro, which came out in 1984 – commented: “At this volatile moment of change and transformation, we seek to make sense of our fractured world, and to explore and understand it through our shared stories.”
The éminence grise behind JLF is Sanjoy K Roy, managing director of Teamwork Arts, which describes itself as “a highly versatile production company with roots in the performing arts, social action and the corporate world”.
Sanjoy K Roy
He said: “We celebrate the power of literary thought to foster meaningful conversations and build bridges between cultures through our sessions at JLF London. The 12th edition of JLF London hosts diverse themes ranging from history and artificial intelligence to culture and geopolitics, food and art.”
Incidentally, Roy will be speaking to Bafta-winning playwright David Hare, celebrated as “the finest living British dramatist”.
Hare will provide “a peek into his remarkable career that has redefined contemporary theatre. Renowned for iconic works such as Skylight, Plenty and Racing Demon, Hare’s plays explore the intricacies of politics, power, and human relationships with unflinching honesty and wit. His innovative storytelling, blending sharp dialogue with profound moral inquiry, has left an indelible mark on stage and screen.”
Support for the festival was expressed by Jamie Andrews, the British Library’s director of public engagement: “The British Library looks after one of the world’s most significant south Asian collections, and international collaboration is at the heart of our mission as a library.”
The British Library had a message for Asians in the UK and typically Eastern Eye readers:
“We are the national library of the UK and we are here for everyone. Our shelves hold over 170 million items – a living collection that gets bigger every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we aim to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow and far into the future.
“Our trusted experts care for this collection and open it up for everyone to spark new discoveries, ideas and to help people do incredible things.
Sheela Banerjee’s award-winning book
“We have millions of books, and much more besides. Our London and Yorkshire sites hold collections ranging from newspapers and maps to sound recordings, patents, academic journals, as well as a copy of every UK domain website and blog.
“Our public spaces provide a place to research, to meet friends, to start up a new business or simply to get inspired by visiting our galleries and events. We work with partners and libraries across the UK and the world to make sure that as many people as possible have the chance to use and explore our collections, events and expertise. And we’re always open online, along with more and more of our digitised collection.”
After this year’s London Book Fair, Eastern Eye reported that the British Library republishes crime novels, which first came out decades ago.
This year, Shobaa De is likely to prove a big draw at JLF, which says that the celebrity writer and columnist “is unapologetically bold, fiercely candid, and never afraid to stir the pot. Her popular column, Politically Incorrect, and her bestseller novels like Socialite Evenings and the more recent Insatiable, have won her global acclaim. She has spent decades challenging conventions with her sharp wit and candid observations. Her upcoming book, The Sensualist, is a provocative look at passion, power, and the private lives of modern Indians. In an unfiltered conversation with Yasser Usman, De talks about writing, relationships, and the art of being unapologetically herself.”
Dr Deborah Swallow, an expert on Indian art, will take part in a session on “libraries, museums and archives”, and Asma Khan, founder of the restaurant Darjeeling Express, will talk about food.
THE London mayor, Sadiq Khan (right), was knighted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace in the capital on Tuesday (10).
Sir Sadiq, who was re-elected for a historic third term in May 2024, went down on one knee during the traditional ceremony, as the King dubbed him with a sword. The mayor was recognised in the monarch’s New Year honours list for his political and public service.
He has become the first person to receive this honour while serving in the role.
Speaking after the ceremony, Sir Sadiq said: “I am immensely proud to receive a knighthood from His Majesty the King.
“Growing up on a council estate in Tooting, I never could have imagined that I would one day receive this great honour while serving as the mayor of London. It is a truly humbling moment for myself and my family, and one that I hope inspires others to believe in the incredible opportunities that our great capital offers. I will forever be honoured to serve the city that I love and will continue to do all I can to build a fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous London for everyone.”
He revealed that he joked with the King about which of them was a bigger workaholic, adding that the monarch “was very chuffed that he managed to personally give me this honour”.
Sir Sadiq described the ceremony as “a great day for the family”, with his mother in attendance and emotional since the honour was announced.
“Obviously, from my background, being the son of immigrants, my parents coming here from Pakistan, it’s a big deal for us,” he said.
Before becoming mayor, Sir Sadiq worked as a human rights lawyer and served as Labour MP for Tooting from 2005.
He held various ministerial positions, including minister of state for transport, becoming the first Muslim to attend cabinet.
Dame Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South and Finsbury, also received her damehood during the ceremony for political and public service.