Community

Indian expatriate forum Qatar Parakkadavu Welfare Association (QPWA) recently hosted an Iftar and get-together. The programme began with a prayer by Rayees Faizi. The event was inaugurated by Faisal al-Hudawi, community outreach officer, Ministry of Interior. QPWA chief patron M P Abdulla Haji presided. General secretary Ismail V P welcomed the gathering. Patron K K Usman spoke. Motivational speaker Abdul Majeed Hudawi also addressed the gathering. QPWA treasurer Abbas Parakkadavu proposed a vote of thanks. Working president M P Mohamed conveyed felicitations on behalf of president K P Mohamed.    

The Next Generation (TNG) School hosted an awards night to celebrate teachers and support staff for their collective resilience and grit in the face of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Their hard work made it possible for students to succeed in their Cambridge Primary Checkpoint, Cambridge IGCSE examinations and excel in internal and external extra-curricular activities despite the difficult learning environment. Addressing the team members, principal Ailia Rizvi, said: “Every day, as I see teams across campuses who have experienced tremendous change, working with quiet determination; incorporating educational interventions; constantly measuring the impact of the processes we have introduced in the last two years to further improve teaching and learning practices, I am convinced that this pandemic did not just bring its set of challenges, but at TNG we used these challenges as opportunities to reflect and grow strong, very strong!” The TNG community has had a lot to celebrate in the last year from excellent IGCSE results and a highly productive and adaptive hybrid learning system, to numerous accolades collected by the student body — ranging from regional and national level awards to special recognitions for events such as MUN’s and international competitions.   Appreciating these wins, CEO Shagufta Bakali, CEO TNG said in her opening statement: “In March 2020, when Covid-19 first hit and the schools were shut down, I remember the uncertainty that was felt by teachers, students and parents. As we struggled to find our footing, I was in awe when I saw how our teachers helped the students navigate the challenging times. This ceremony is all about celebrating the hard work and commitment of our TNG team members. It is only because of them that even during the pandemic we witnessed great achievements.” For their support to the school, the headmistresses of each campus reflected on their team’s effort and team members were presented with the Excellence Award for Outstanding Support During Covid-19 and a Loyalty Award for their long service. For their support to the students, team members were presented with the Excellence Award for Outstanding Academic Results and Excellence Award for Outstanding Extracurricular Activities. Leadership and Campus Recognition Awards were presented to the seven campuses for their courage and commitment through the pandemic. Management Awards and Support Staff Awards were also presented to team members who played a crucial role in ensuring the adaptability and effectiveness of learning interventions during the pandemic. |TNG director Riyaz Ahmed Bakali, in his address discussed the school’s progress and the way forward. He shared: “At TNG, we empower our team to ensure that quality education is imparted in a structured way and conducting professional development sessions is one of the strategies to achieve that. At TNG, we ensure that our team members remain motivated to impart quality education in the classrooms by appreciating and awarding them and this evening is a step forward in that direction.” The school’s PTA members were also in attendance and spoke at the event of the strong partnerships that evolved between the school and parent body during the pandemic.    

Science India Forum - Qatar (SIFQ), held its annual science gala and award ceremony at Birla Public School auditorium recently. The event was the culmination of year-long activities conducted by SIF during 2021 and the winners of various competitions, guide teachers, trainers and evaluators were felicitated. Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal was the chief guest and Indian embassy first secretary (culture and education) Sachin Dinkar Shankpal the guest of honour. Texas A&M University at Qatar dean Dr Cesar O Malave, Qatar University Biochemistry professor and scientist Dr Lakshmaiah Sreerama, Qatar Academy of Science and Technology director Dr Gregory J Moncada, Indian Sports Centre president and Birla Public School director Dr Mohan Thomas were among the other dignitaries. During a workshop, Dr Sreerama interacted with teachers and students, encouraged them to stir up the passion for observation in order to develop innovative skills, making science learning more interesting and easily understandable. SIFQ president Dipak Dahake presented the activity report for 2020-21 and outlined new educational goals for 2022 and appealed to all schools, teachers and parents to encourage students to participate in the forum's activities for developing a scientific temperament. The dignitaries lauded SIFQ efforts in conducting various activities, including promoting India International Science Festival, participation in the Qatar team for International Chemistry Olympiad, conducting deliberations on Science Technology & Innovation Policy draft in co-ordination with the Department of Science & Technology (DST), government of India, and participation of scientists from Qatar in Vaishwik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit, a global virtual summit of overseas and resident Indian researchers and academicians. Awards were presented to winners, teachers, evaluators, trainers and speakers of past programmes. Around 500 students, teachers, parents, professionals attended the educational and award sessions. Box A group of students from DPS –Modern Indian School won prizes in the annual science gala organised by the Science India Forum-Qatar. The achievers: Shastra Pratibha - national level camp 2021- Theertha Arvind, Shastra Pratibha - state level camp - Anish Sambara, Arush Sharma, Ajay Sambara and Nirat Baneshwar Pai; Qatar Children's Science Congress 2021 winner - Prisha Kiran Dudhani and Aadya Das; Qatar Children's Science Congress 2021; first runner-up - Safiyyah Chinnur; Ebil Jacob Boshika Srinidhi Kannan, and Jaya Saraswathy Mohandoss; Qatar Children's Science Congress 2021; second runner-up - Gargee Kanade and Nikkil Dcruz. All the participants and the teachers- in- charge received participation certificates. They received prizes from Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal, Texas A&M University at Qatar dean Dr Cesar O Malave, and Qatar Academy of Science and Technology director Dr Gregory J Moncada.    

The Indonesian Social Community Association (ISWI) expressed its full support and readiness to make the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar a success. This was stated during the gathering event at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, recently, which was also attended by Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan. ISWI is one of the oldest Indonesian community groups in Qatar. It was founded on May 20, 1997, and currently has 250 members, mostly Indonesian expatriates working at Qatar Gas. ISWI chairperson Mohamed Ridwan said: “It has become ISWI's commitment to be a bridge for Indonesia and Qatar community. ISWI has been actively involved in promoting Indonesia in Qatar. “For example, many ISWI members are also members of Saman Al Khor Dancing Group, which has been very active, including during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021. ISWI is also ready to make the 2022 World Cup successful”. The ambassador expressed his appreciation for ISWI's contribution in maintaining good relations between the Indonesian community and other communities in Qatar. “To me, ISWI members are also our ‘ambassadors’. At the people-to-people level, the role of community groups such as ISWI is very important in building understanding between the community members,” he said. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is an eagerly anticipated event for the Indonesian community, both in Indonesia and Qatar. Some of the Indonesian community groups in Qatar have also been asked by the SC to participate in various fan zone activities during the prestigious tournament.    

The Nigeria Walking Football Club, under the patronage of Nigerian ambassador Yakuba Abdullahi Ahmed and affiliation of the International Walking Football Federation (IWFF) of Asia and Qatar president Farhan Al Sheikh al-Sayed, was launched recently at Al Jazeera Academy. A large number of Nigerian expatriates took part in the event and cheered for the teams. The event also witnessed the participation of Doha, Ghanaian, and Sri Lanka teams. Ahmed and al-Sayed joined an exhibition game as they welcomed a special guest – former Paris Saint Germain player Dianè Amara – who participated in another exhibition match, along with IWFF Qatar general secretary Farouq Abdullahi Wase and Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Qatar president Abdul Lateef Ajibade. Walking Football is one of the fastest-growing sports concepts in the world. Part of the rules include no running and no tackle, keeping the game fun and safe, and at the same time, it can be competitive too, according to al-Sayed. Recently, the Kenyan and Ghanaian Walking Football Clubs were launched under the patronage of their respective ambassadors. Al-Sayed noted that walking football concept is a “confidence booster” for people of all ages, allowing them to enjoy playing their favourite sport in a safe way and it also promotes health and wellness especially in a post-pandemic era.    

ISC Cricket Super Cup, organised by Indian Sports Centre, concluded with Doha Rockers lifting the trophy by beating Hannan CC by 15 runs. The accolades were: Man of the first semi finals – Shakeel Khan; man of the second semi finals – Najath Wahab; best batsman of the tournament - Husni Bin Kamer; best bowler - Shakeel Khan; player of the finals - Irfan Mouhammed; player of the tournament - Husni Bin Kamer.     

Birla Public School, in connection with its 18th Founders’ Day celebrations, showcased a giant portrait of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, crafted with white and maroon satin fabrics. A team of 23 students from grades VI – VIII participated in the preparation of the artwork with the guidance of teachers Regint Varghese, Baiju Joseph, and Sreejith C K. The 10m x 10m portrait was created on the school ground. It took five hours for the students to complete the task. This initiative named 'The Maroon Legacy' was made to inculcate a sense of patriotism among students and show respect to Qatar. “It’s a proud moment for our school to see our children engaged fruitfully in such a creative activity," said Rajesh Pillai, vice-principal (co-scholastic).    

Birla Public School virtually celebrated its 18th Founder’s Day - Abhyudaya 2021-22 - featuring various cultural events in the presence of prominent personalities. Dr Ravinder Mamtani, a specialist in preventive medicine, lifestyle medicine, integrative medicine, and public health, was the chief guest. School chairman Gope Sahani, directors Dr Mohan Thomas and Lukose K Chacko and management representatives Nevil Lukose and Chindu Antony Rappai were the other official attendees. Dr Mamtani urged the students to focus on effective communication and not to be scared of failures. Shahani appreciated the efforts of the BPS fraternity and conveyed his best wishes to all. Chacko said: “We are not only making our students learn facts but also teaching them to become sincere analysts of life, in short, successful human beings”. The academic director-principal, Harish Sanduja, addressed the gathering and presented data on the achievements of the 2021 batch that had joined various universities. Head boy, Rana Maihar Pratap Singh, and head girl, Neha Elsa Thomas welcomed the gathering. They also shared their experiences as students of the past 12 years, in Birla Public School. The school band presented the Gracias followed by a presentation of the BPS Scout & Guides team. Long Time Service Awards were given to teaching and non-teaching staff, who have completed 10 years of exemplary service. The students of the Middle Section presented the ‘Maroon legacy’ with a choice blend of artistic forms. The students of the secondary section showcased 'Kayo', an act that manifests teamwork and hard work. The next programme, 'The Twin Year' portrayed the struggles of the heroes in the medical field who sacrificed their lives for mankind, and was presented by the students of class XI. Cultural secretaries, Anushka and Kevin, proposed a vote of thanks.    

Division H of (District 116-Qatar) of Toastmasters International recently conducted its maiden annual conference ‘Harmony’. The event was held under the leadership of Division H director Krishna Saini and with the teamwork of Balkees Naser and Shoaib Asghar. Ace speakers from across the division comprising 14 clubs spread across the four areas attended the contests. Ram Mohan Nair (humorous and international speech categories), Balkrishna Karande (table topic) and Sahitya Reddy (evaluation speech) won the contests and moved into the district finals. The highlight of the event was a keynote speech on 'Leadership...It's not about the title,' by immediate past international president Richard E Peck. District 116 Toastmasters Annual Conference (themed Qatar Speaks) is to be held on May 13 and 14 at the Torch Doha Ballroom.    

The North Indians’ Association (NIA) organised an outdoor event at Al Safliya Island to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, after two years of muted festivities due to Covid-19. The festivities started with a boat cruise to the island where the participants celebrated with herbal colours, dancing to the tunes of Bollywood music and folk songs, riding banana boats and enjoying delicious food. The event titled 'Holi Ke Rang, Apno ke Sang' witnessed participation of around 350 persons. Added attractions were Dhol players, DJ and folk songs by NIA committee members.    

The Central Indian Association of Qatar celebrated Holi, the festival of colours. Praveen Buyyani was the chief guest. Punjabi singer Mohinder Jalandhary regaled the crowd. The other artistes who performed at the event were Shubhangi, Priya Johnson, Richa Goel, Reena Danao Singh, Sriyanshi Dwibedi, Subodhidhaara Raj, Juby Johny, Shubhangi Gothwal, Ranjana Mishra, Sonal Pareek, Aslam Cheniyery, Usha Chaudhary , Reyansh Pareek, Aarna Mishra, Nabhya and Ashlyn. All performers were felicitated with appreciation certificates. Vandana Raj hosted the show. The forum president Jaiprakash Singh and general secretary Syed Rafi spoke. The arrangements were done by management committee members Vandana Raj, Ashok Raj, Diamond Singh, Aslam, Richa Goel, Priya Johnson, Junaid, Rakesh Goel, Vipin, Reena Danao, Harish Choudary and Jogesh Dewan. Rakesh Goel proposed a vote of thanks.    

Indian expatriate Nehara Vinod Nair, grade III student of Birla Public School, has notched up six records at the age of nine. Nehara holds the 'youngest baker' national record from the India Book of Records and the 'youngest cake baker' world record by the International Book of Records. She also bagged the grandmaster award from Asia Book of Records for baking. She also received the title for 'Fastest Bharatanatyam Dancer' for performing all 'adavus' of the dance form, from India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records. She also bagged world record title for being the 'Youngest Bharatanatyam Dancer' who performed all the Bharatanatyam adavus in the shortest time from International Book of Records. The daughter of Vinod Nair and Jyothi Nair from the southern Indian state of Kerala was fond of dancing and baking from the age of three. Nehara gave her debut dance performance at age six. She is inspired by her mother, who is also passionate about baking and dancing.    

The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Doha recently marked the conclusion of its third annual 'Accountancy Week' with a gathering. The week-long event, which coincided with Presidential Proclamation No. 1333 declaring March 18, 2022, to March 17, 2023, as the Centenary Year of the Accountancy Profession in the Philippines, offered an exciting array of events such as the Online Quizzards and Quiz Bowl. The Online Quizzards (individual level) was a open-to-all virtual quiz, where bonafide PICPA Doha members answered a series of questions posted daily on PICPA Doha’s official Facebook page. Topics covered on the Online Quizzard were IFRS, business finance, general accounting, general facts, and trivia related to PICPA Doha. Winners of the said activity were Katherine De Los Santos (first), Rey E Dionela (second), and Nikkolai Whitney B Abella (third). Another event was the Quiz Bowl (group level) in which six groups of two to three members each from the Philippine School Doha (PSD) grade 12 senior high school department - Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) Strand Students participated. Group 6 consisting of Dave Javier, Leshamel Montayre, and Carina Ysabel Sardua emerged as the overall champion. Hannah Rose Avendano, Justin Jardin, and Lord Vaunne Drey Teruel from Group 1 secured the first runner-up spot while Group 3 comprising Yeisha Cortez, Ahmine Ilyass, and Miguel Alfonso Villamor were the second runner-up. The organising committee for the week-long celebration was headed by Carmie Joy D Bue (PICPA Doha’s secretary), Wilnessa P Dugang (PICPA Doha’s chairman for website management), and Carl Albrecht B Bautista (PICPA Doha’s associate volunteer for membership). PICPA Doha’s members and associates comprise a diverse mix of finance professionals with a myriad of work experiences from different industry groups.    

During his visit to Qatar, Nepal's Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Krishna Kumar Shrestha participated in an interactive programme with Nepali community representatives in Doha. The embassy of Nepal in Qatar and the Non-Residential Nepali Association (NRNA), Qatar, jointly hosted the programme on March 22 to welcome the minister to Qatar as well as for the community to interact with him on the issues and experiences of migrant workers from Nepal. Mohamed Hassan al-Obaidli, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour in Qatar, also briefly graced the programme. In his statement, al-Obaidli thanked the Nepali community in Qatar for their role in the country’s development activities. He noted that the visit of Shrestha to Qatar and the high-level engagements he had would contribute to further expand harmonious relations between the two countries in the labour sector. Shrestha had earlier held a meeting with HE the Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh al-Marri. Nepal and Qatar had held the fourth joint committee meeting on labour in Kathmandu in December 2021. Addressing the programme, Shrestha said his leadership is aiming to make necessary reforms in the management of Nepal’s outward labour migration. He noted that the ministry has already taken some concrete actions, including removal of the labour desk from the Kathmandu airport and the online issuance of labour permit, among others. He also shared his plans to reduce and eliminate irregularities in the sector back in Nepal. Shrestha added that Nepal is also in the process of safeguarding the interests and welfare of Nepali migrant workers abroad by constantly engaging with host countries for expanding job opportunities in various sectors for Nepalis as well as for ensuring their rights and welfare. His visit to Qatar is a testimony to Nepal’s eagerness to collaborate with partner countries for further exploring opportunities for the benefit of both the sides. He also urged the Nepali community to follow local rules, regulations, customs and traditions during their stay in Qatar. Speaking at the programme, secretary of Nepal's ministry of labour, employment and social security, Ek Narayan Aryal, informed the participants on the latest activities and programmes put forth by the ministry keeping in mind the interest and dignity of outgoing migrant workers. He said suggestions and inputs from migrant workers abroad will give a policy feedback for the ministry to harmonise policies, rules, regulations and work procedures to ensure that the outgoing labour migration is safe, orderly and dignified. Chairman of NRNA Qatar, Mohamed Muktada Musalman, welcomed the minister and his visiting delegation to Qatar on behalf of the entire Nepali community and expressed the community's happiness at the opportunity to interact with the delegation. He handed over a memorandum on behalf of the Nepali community listing out their feedback and suggestions for reforming Nepal’s outgoing migration management. Representatives of the Nepali community in Qatar present at the programme also put forth their queries and suggestions. Charge d’affaires of the Nepal embassy in Qatar, Lakshuman Khanal, expressed satisfaction that the community was motivated by the visit of the minister and his delegation to Qatar. He also requested the community to provide their feedback continuously for better service delivery and further policy reforms. He thanked the minister and his delegation for the visit and engagement at a high level with their Qatari counterparts. Shrestha and his delegation were in Qatar from March 21 to 23. During the visit, the minister and his delegation also took a tour of Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, one of the World Cup venues.    

The QVC team lifted the 31st CDC Cricket Trophy beating Hanan CC at the Losail QCA complex. Man of the Finals was Zahir Ahmad (QVC), Arafat Hunerkar (ACC) best batsman, Zahir Ahmad (ACC) best bowler and Rohit Singh (QVC) best all-rounder. At the prize distribution ceremony, Construction Development Company (CDC) accountant Abdul Kadir Bora and Millenium Travels accountant Rakesh Sharma handed over the trophies. There was also a lucky draw for spectators. CDC has the distinction of being the oldest and most supportive sponsor of the Qatar Veteran’s Cricket League since the start of the league in 1988.    

MES Indian School won the MESF Volleyball Championship held at Qatar Sports Club recently. They beat Spartans 25-18, 25-19, 18-25 and 25-24. The winning team members were captain Salim Nadaf, Haroon Mohamed, Anwer K, Akbar, Binoy, Praveesh, Rashid, Vinod, Byju, Abdul Gaffar, Ankush and Sreejith. Salim Nadaf was adjudged as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament and Hashir Faraz (Spartans) was named the Best Spiker. Nadir Mohamed (FC Bidda) won the Best Server of the tournament honour and Najid Mahamood (Spartans) was awarded as the Best Blocker. The chief guest, MES Indian School president Abdul Karim handed over the trophy to the winning team. Other school officials including Dr Najeeb K P, Khaleel A P, Hazmal Ismail, Ahamed Isham were present. Principal Hameeda Kadar congratulated the winners.    

Around 630 students from the kindergarten section of DPS-Modern Indian School took the audience on a musical journey through their thematic presentation ‘Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma” to pay a soulful tribute to legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on their annual graduation day recently. Her iconic songs , punctuated with beautiful dance performances by the little ones, resonated through the auditorium, and brought about a soothing sense of nostalgia.    

To equip the teaching faculty with the latest tools and techniques in education, Rajagiri Public School (RPS) hosted a two-day educational conference, Metanoia 2022 recently. The objective was to provide space and opportunity for teachers to demonstrate their professionalism and understanding and what is required of them as the 21st century teachers and to introspect on the pedagogy they follow in the classrooms. The conference was organised under the guidance of principal Sanjeev Kumar and vice-principal Radhakrishnan. Section head Ben Antony was the convener. Noted academic Dr Subash Nair inaugurated the conference. Twelve teachers presented sessions on various topics. Learning disabilities and disorders, Genius Hour in the Classroom, Curriculum Mapping, Robotics and the Future of Brain Learning, Effective use of technology in Education, Gamification - An Innovative Method in Learning were some of the topics presented. At the closing ceremony, Bhavan's Public School principal M P Philip gave away the certificates and letters of appreciation to the winners and presenters.    

The Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) Tirur constituency committee recently honoured the winners and participants in the fourth edition of its Malappuram Peruma programme. The function also marked the farewell to Kerala expatriate Alikutty Padikkapparambil, who completed 34 years in Qatar. KMCC Malappuram district committee president Rafeeq Kondotty inaugurated the function. P P Abdul Rasheed, Abdulla Tharammal and Musthafa Kolamban were also present.    

DPS Modern Indian School conducted its 8th alumni meet recently online, bringing together alumni from different parts of the globe. They eagerly interacted with their teachers, old friends and peers. The alumni gave cultural performances and speeches. Budding quiz masters Tejaswi Manoj and Kiara D’mello conducted the Kahoot Quiz. Vice president Yasir Nainar and principal Asna Nafees spoke on the occasion. The release of the annual ‘Alumni Newsletter’ by Daiwik Dhar, a student of grade X, added colour to the event. Head boy Aarav Bedi and head girl Soumya Murgai proposed a vote of thanks. The emcees were Grade XI students Gauri Gupta, Hritika Tom and Pranjali.