Community

Ideal Indian School organised Merit Day 2022 recently to honour students for their outstanding performance in the CBSE examinations. A total of 180 students of classes X and XII of the 2019-2022 batches were honoured on the occasion. Gold and silver medals were awarded to the school rank holders and individual subject toppers in classes 10 and 12 examinations. School president Dr Hassan Kunhi M P was the chief guest and Qatar Red Crescent Society's family physician Dr Sirish Suddhodhan the guest of honour. Principal Shaik Shamim Saheb presented the annual report. The school staff completing 10, 15 and 20 years of service were felicitated. A large number of students and parents turned out to witness the programme which also featured a cultural extravaganza by children from all sections. Head boy Ibrahim Ahmed welcomed the gathering and head girl Hanin Shamsheer proposed a vote of thanks. Junior Section assistant headmistress Shyla Jose compered the formal function and cultural secretaries Ebenezer and Anjali anchored the cultural show. Girls' Section assistant headmistress Khatija T C co-ordinated the programme.    

Area 20 Toastmasters of District 116, Qatar conducted a confluence meeting recently, featuring CAAK, Doha Malayalam and Phoenix International clubs. Area director Shoba Raj chaired. Club presidents Mohamed Hashir, Shamsudeen and Tariro presented their speeches. Sajeev Krishnan was Toastmaster of the day. Mohamed Fausi delivered a prepared speech, which was evaluated by Najla Azad. Sampath Samarasekara conducted a table topic session, wherein many members delivered impromptu speeches. Alarmel Mangai presented an education module. The meeting was supported by role players Deepak, Lutfi Kakar and Rakesh. General evaluation session was conducted by Willam Antony.    

MES Indian School, Abu Hamour Branch (MESIS) organised an orientation programme for its French language students from Grade III to VIII recently. Diana Maciu-Pierret and Hind Hedouchi from Institut Français Qatar briefed students about DELF (Diplome d’études en langue francais), the only French as a foreign language diploma issued by the French Ministry of Education. Vice principal Pramila Kannan and French teacher Dr Syed Irshad Ali thanked the guests.    

Telangana Welfare Association (TWA) - Qatar in association with Aster Medical Centre concluded their first free medical camp by serving 200 low income workers. Indian embassy first secretary (consular & community affairs) S Xavier Dhanaraj was the chief guest. Community leaders including Dr Mohan Thomas, Prasad Rao, Rajani Murthy, Kuldeep Kaur, Venkappa Bhagavathula and Dr Nadeem Jilani were present. TWA president Khaja Nizamuddin and officials Gulam Rasool, Naveed Dastagir, Nagaraju, Ramesh Pitla, Mohammed Salauddin, Mohammed Taha, Lutfi Khan, Mohammed Waseem, Mohammed Yakub, Iqbal Ahmad, Mohammed Sajeed, Talha Shabath, Yawar Khan, Ateeq ur Rahman and Asmath co-ordinated the activities.    

The Centre for Indian Community (CIC) Madinat Khalifa Zone held a campaign from October 15 to 31. Shantiniketan Indian School vice principal Dr Salil Hassan delivered the keynote address in the concluding session. The audience was introduced to the book 'Rabi-Ul-Awwal - The Prophet's Life: A Political - Strategic Reading' of Waddah Khanfar translated into Malayalam by Hussain Kadannamanna. The translator addressed the gathering. CIC Medina Khalifa zonal president Rahim Omassery presided over the meeting. The programme started with Jayan Madikkai reciting from 'Amritavani', the Malayalam poetic version of the Holy Qur'an. Ashok Kumar, Jayaprakash and Rafath Kappattarakath sang Prophetic mad’h (hymns) songs. The winners of the Prophetic Mad'h song competition, as part of the campaign, were announced. Ashok Kumar, Jayaprakash and Aparna Manish bagged the first, second and third positions, respectively. Johnson Brahmakulam, Binesh Vasu and Jayan Madikkai also won consolation prizes.    

A new Malayalam music video by an Indian expatriates’ collective has enthralled football fans, eagerly awaiting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kick-off. Titled ‘Nenjum Konde’, which literally translates ‘with your heart’, the song supports the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/A7t6zCp__nY, the music video features iconic locations across Qatar including Souq Waqif, Katara and the Clock Tower. Driven by passion to support Qatar 2022 in an artistic and creative way, the initial idea was coined by project director Niyas Yusuf who shared the concept with director Rameez Azeez, who has to his credit a 45-minute Malayalam crime thriller, Thakkam. The initial works started in August and the song was released last week. Noted social media influencers are featured in the video. “The album is an attempt to do our part while preparations are on to host the World Cup. The track is composed in typical Malayalam style and the lines very much reflect the dedication, enthusiasm, cheer and excitement of the fans,” said production controller Faisel Arikkattayil. The song starts with the visualisation of Qatar winning the World Cup bid and showcases the emotions of fans through the eyes of a young football fan. Famous Indian film music composer and playback singer Jassie Gift is the lead vocalist. The album track has popular sports commentator Shaiju Damodaran commenting on Qatar’s preparations to welcome the mega event. 'Nenjum Konde’ is produced by Hadia MK under the banner of Soraparachill. Vysakh is the director of photography. Jayasankar and Jinshad Guruvayoor are the chief associate directors and Arjun Achuth, the associate director. Jayashankar is also the editor of the music video. The animation and VFX are done by Arif Backer who is also the creative director. The music is composed by Junaid Muhammed and the lyrics are by Harry Prasad. Labeeb Tanalur is production co-ordinator.    

Doha resident Priyanka Bajaj Sibal has been crowned the winner of Mrs Queen of the World India 2022 by popular Indian actress Karishma Kapoor recently at a Mumbai event. She will now represent India on the international pageant platform, to be held in the US in March 2023. This is the second national level pageant title for Priyanka, a chartered accountant, after winning Mrs India 2021 last year. Through initial screening from thousands of applicants, 60 contestants from many countries as well as different states of India were selected to be in the finale for the pageant. Priyanka also won ‘Social Media Queen 2022’ besides the main title. Priyanka moved to Doha after her marriage with Siddharth Sibal, a director with Accenture Qatar.    

The Indonesian embassy in Doha, in collaboration with the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, the Islamic University of Indonesia, Yogyakarta, Indonesian Student Association in Qatar (PPIQ), AnakQatar and the Indonesian Community Association in Qatar (Permiqa) held the first short course on civic education for Indonesian youth. The theme was 'Nurturing nationalism in the international world'. "We chose this theme to create awareness that the nationalism we want is nationalism that respects other nations. Our nationalism must nurture and nourish in the 'garden' of internationalism," said Ali Murtado, head of Social and Cultural Affairs, Indonesian embassy. The course took place from October 10 to 13 (online) and on October 28 offline. The programme concluded on October 28, coinciding with the commemoration of the 94th Youth Pledge Day. Around 40 Indonesian youths in Qatar participated in the programme. Ambassador Ridwan Hassan emphasised the importance of nationalism among the young Indonesian diaspora in Qatar, saying: "This activity aims to foster a sense of love and belonging for the homeland among these children. “Nowadays Indonesian young diaspora in Qatar has grown up as a 'half' foreigner. Most of them can only speak Indonesian passively. That is also the reason why this year's course is in English." Putri Handayani, one of the speakers and a mountaineer who currently lives in Qatar, said: "This event is incredible because it reveals Indonesia from various perspectives. Loving Indonesia does not need to be limited by who we are and where we are." The event also presented Izza Alyssa, an Indonesian youth who had won a prestigious scholarship, as well as Dr Anto Mohsin, a lecturer at Northwestern University in Qatar. "I am very happy to attend this programme. It gave me a more comprehensive description about my country" said Keira, a 15-years old participant.    

Qatar’s first Forest School at International School of London (ISL) celebrated its first anniversary with the popular community outreach initiative #bigbmeetup. ISL Qatar played host to yet another episode of #bigbmeetup with a panel discussion themed on the Forest School and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “At ISL Qatar, we are adapting the Forest School programme that started in Europe in response to the needs of the community and the biodiversity we enjoy in Qatar. We have created this outdoor space as a tool for experiential learning, where students and staff are invited to enjoy learning in collaboration, developing their creative and thinking skills,” ISL Qatar’s Sustainability Research Institute co-ordinator Cristina Pawel said in a press statement. The event began with an opening speech by Bosco Menezes, #bigbmeetup founder and moderator of the panel discussion, followed by Dr Sean Areias, head of School at ISL Qatar. Renowned Qatari wildlife photographer, Azzam al-Mannai, in his keynote address spoke on the importance of preserving Qatar’s flora and fauna. He also introduced his photography exhibition at Eiwan Al Gassar Art Gallery which runs until November 9. The shots included a breathtaking array of images from the forests of Rwanda to underwater photos of Qatar’s whale sharks. Three Eco-club students from the school presented the year’s sustainable projects elaborating on the Forest School progress since October 2021. “We have now implemented phase 1 of this project which is the construction of a community garden where students can benefit from what they learn in their subjects to create projects related to nature. The space can also be used for reading, musical performances, science projects, reflection, and relaxation as well as learning more about Qatar’s native trees and desert environment,” Pawel said. A panel discussion was the main event of the day that hosted Dr Mohammed Evren Tok, associate professor, Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar; Aisha al-Maadeed, founder of Greener Future; Bader al-Amari, ambassador SD Generation Network; and Pawel. Prior to the event, panelists and the audience were treated to a walk around the Forest School. “Absolutely pleased to celebrate our Estedama episode with ISL Qatar and champion sustainability along with them and other green thumbs of Qatar. The Forest School is a wonderful project and is in line with Qatar's 2030 vision along with Unesco’s SDGs. We need more forests and we can all start simply by planting a tree and nurturing nature,” Menezes said.    

Ideal Indian School held its alumni meet - Reunite 2022 - with the participation of nearly 250 former students. They were welcomed by the students of the Girls’ Section with a dance presentation. Principal Shaik Shamim Saheb said: “It is our utmost pleasure and pride to meet our alumni who represent and embody our legacy.” The alumni shared their experiences and interesting moments from their school life to an audience that included heads of sections and departments and teachers. Girls' Section headmistress Dr Nazima Bi presented the alumni policy, organisational outline and goals the of association. Assistant headmistress Khatija T C welcomed the gathering and Junior Section's assistant headmistress Shyla Jose proposed vote of thanks. Anwar Sadath carried out the procedures for the election of the new executive committee. The event was anchored by Ronnie Elizabeth. The office-bearers were also inducted on the occasion. They are Jishad Hyderali (president), Dr Deep Mathen (vice president), Khalid al-Amri (secretary), Yasmeen Gul Khan (joint secretary), Zaheeruddeen Ibrahim (treasurer) and Umair Ahmed Ansari (overseas co-ordinator).    

The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) celebrated the National Unity Week recently as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. Qatar Design Consortium executive manager Subrato Mukherjee gave a keynote speech on the topic 'Shared Prosperity for National Unity.” Several week-long events by various organisations followed until October 31. The theme of the National Unity week is ‘Paanch Pran' (Five Important Principles) to make India a developed country by 2047 while celebrating 100 years of independence. Indian embassy first secretary and ICC co-ordinating officer Xavier Dhanraj expressed the importance of Rashtirya Ekta Divas and the contribution by freedom fighters, especially the first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a prominent role in forming states and bringing them together under the Union of India after independence. ICC president P N Baburajan, Indian Community Benevolent Forum president Vinod Nair, senior community leader Hassan Chougule, and ICC advisory chair K S P Prasad were among those present. The ICC student forum also celebrated the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by taking a unity pledge. Indian embassy counsellor (political & commerce) T Angeline Premalatha was the chief guest. ICC's activity co-ordinator and education head Kamla Thakur made the opening remarks. Daiwik Dhar was the anchor. Meena Makesh welcomed the gathering. Shivansh Sharma proposed a vote of thanks.    

A group 12 debaters from DPS-Modern Indian School topped the Qatar Preparatory Schools Debate League (QPSDL I) recently held via the Zoom platform. A total of 36 schools participated. Among 70 debate teams, Team Nandini Pathak, Gargee Kanade and Ziya Rasik was placed first followed by Team Saara Bhardwaj, Vidhi Jadav and Sharvi Patwardhan in the second place and Team Aarohi Sharma, Arishta Singh and Aliza Sajjad in the fourth place. Team Aditi, Leen and Keren debated as a non-competitive to support the tournament and was placed in the 24th position. In the individual category among 210 speakers, Sharvi Patwardhan bagged the first place, followed by Gargee Kanade in the second place, Saara Bhardwaj sixth, Leen Sameer eighth, Keren John, Nandini Pathak, Ziya Fathima, Aarohi Sharma and Aliza Sajjad 13th, Vidhi Jadav 40th and Arishta Singh and Aditi Gaigole in the 54th position. Jaya Majumder and Sandhya Gopalakrishnan were the coaches.    

The Indian community in Qatar celebrated the Diwali festival, with Deepotsav-2022 event recently. Over 400 invitees from the North Indians' Association (NIA) member families and guests attended. A performance by noted Spanish musician, illusionist and mentalist Javier Saba, live band by Funkaar Beats and dance music by DJ Shameem were among the highlights. NIA president Rajneesh Shastri thanked the sponsors and the management committee. Founder chairman and patron Harish Kanjani lauded all stakeholders.    

Women Community Leaders’ Forum (WCLF) in Qatar, in collaboration with Qatar Women’s Sport Committee, hosted a celebration tagged ‘Pink October’ recently to highlight the Breast Cancer Awareness Month and shine a spotlight on breast cancer prevention. The fun-filled event was attended by 105 community participants from across 15 countries namely Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and the Philippines. The lead speaker was Dr Navitha Aziz, an obstetrics & gynaecology specialist from Wellkins Medical Centre. She advised participants to protect themselves against cancer by going for regular screening and mammogram for early detection and treatment. Volunteer nurses from United Nurses of India-Qatar also made a demonstration about self-breast examination in addition to offering free vital sign checks to participants. Staff from East Optics were also present to offer free eye checkups, in addition to a seminar from Dr Marie Trinidad Kilani. The event included fun a Zumba class by Pipit Nufianti and a Pound workout by Lena Liew, a professional fitness instructor and personal trainer assisted by Charlotte Hallam an instructor for the Qatar Pound Community.    

The Club Ladies Captain and Thursday Golf Ladies from Doha Golf Club in collaboration with expat support group TLG put on a day of events to support breast cancer awareness, which is shared during October across the world. A total of 75 women participated in the activities either playing golf in a Texas Scramble, joining in for a beginner’s lesson and putting competition or playing the tile game mahjong.    

Expatriate organisation Saree Speak Doha hosted a breast cancer awareness event in association with Naseem Medical Centre recently. In recognition of breast cancer warriors 75 ladies wore pink sarees with the ribbons and real life experiences were shared.    

The 48th annual day celebrations of MES Indian School, Mesmerise-2022, was celebrated in a glittering and spectacular manner recently. The venue was thematically designed after Al Bayt Stadium, which is hosting the inaugural match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. A galaxy of distinguished personalities besides hundreds of spectators witnessed the two-day cultural extravaganza. Dr engineer Abdulla Mohsin al-Wahedi, director, Shared Service, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) was the chief guest. Azmy Ameer, president and trustee, Oryx Universal College and B M Sidhique, president, IES Education City, were the guests of honour on the first day while Abdulla Mohamed al-Baker, vice president -administration, Lean Construction Institute was the chief guest and Rasha El Karout, special advisor on Human Rights, Qatar, the guest of honour on the second day. The event commenced with a video presentation of the school athletic team's involvement in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The video depicted them carrying the trophy ceremoniously to all the eight stadiums. Dr al-Wahedi commended the efforts of the school in fostering the best of talents among its students. Ameer announced partial scholarships for the five best aspiring candidates of MES to pursue higher education at Liverpool John Moores University, Qatar. MES president K Abdul Karim remarked that the school is committed to achieving its learning objectives and goals through empathy and respect. Al-Baker in his address said: "MES is acclaimed for producing topnotch students who are specialised and exceptional in various fields of study." Principal Hameeda Kadar presented the annual report for academic year 2020-21. The school toppers and meritorious students of classes X & XII CBSE examinations 2021 & 22 received awards, gold medals and mementos from the dignitaries. The school honoured its members of staff, who put in 30, 25, 20, 15 and 10 years of service in the institution. School officials Dr Najeeb K P, Khaleel A P, Hazmal Ismail, Ahamed Isham, M C Muhamed, Kashif Jaleel, other members from the school governing board, special invitees, school officials and parents were among those who attended the celebrations. Head girl Sehla Kabeer welcomed the gathering while Junior Section head girl Safa Fathima and Girls' Section cultural secretary Hanna Ann Reji proposed a vote of thanks for the official and cultural segments of the first day, respectively. On the second day, head boy Abdul Rahman Hazem welcomed the gathering while head prefect John Paul and head girl Sehla Kabeer proposed a vote of thanks for the official and cultural segments of the function, respectively. Cultural convener Harshan along with his team of officials that included Anver K, Sumitha Nassar, Shayeestha Abdullah Sait and Neema Ummukulsu co-ordinated Mesmerise-2022.    

The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Picpa) Doha organised the annual social gathering for its associates recently. A total of 36 participants from different business sectors of Qatar attended. Mary-Ann Salubo, head of associate affairs, spoke about the missions and visions of the institution. A seminar on how to open a business in Qatar was addressed by Hazel Guevara, a Doha-based start-up consultant.    

Area 26, Division G of District 116 held its first in-person confluence meeting in three years recently. Director Abdulla Poyil presided along with the presidents of Goodwill, Aurora, and Mindtunes Waves Toastmasters clubs. The confluence convener was Muna Moiz with a team of role players from all three clubs. Region 11 adviser Sundaresan Rajeswar, district director Rajesh V C and Division G director Salman Hilmi were present. An educational module on table topics was given by Abhishek Chattophadyay DTAC 2021 Table Topics Champion.

The Nepal embassy, in collaboration with Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Qatar, recently organised an awareness programme for community members. Titled ‘Remittance Flow through Legal Channels’, the programme was attended by NRNA Qatar chairman Mohammad Muktda Musalman and nearly 60 representatives of various Nepali community organisations in Qatar. The programme was intended to impart basic information on the role of remittance and the benefits of using official and formal banking channels. Welcoming the participants, deputy chief of mission Lakshuman Khanal, shed light on the objectives. Ujjal Rajbhandari, general manager of Himalayan Bank Ltd in Nepal delivered key remarks while highlighting the need for remittances to maintain foreign currency reserves to boost investment in infrastructure development and economic activities in Nepal. Youma Shrestha, head of Himal Remit, made a detailed presentation explaining how remittances are transmitted and why it is in the interest of all stakeholders to use only legal channels. Addressing the programme, Nepal ambassador Dr Naresh Bikram thanked the speakers as well as the participants. He also reiterated the use of legal channels of remittance.