Community

Keralite youth forums Focus Qatar and Focus Ladies jointly organised Qatar National Day (QND) programmes. Focus Qatar COO Amir Shaji inaugurated the event. Moideen Shah, event manager, led a session on Qatar's historical and archaeological centres.

Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Qatar organised a programme to mark the 19th year of its establishment. Leaders and representatives of Nepali community in Qatar attended. Addressing the event, Ali Salih al-Khalaf, head of Awareness and Labour Organisation at the Ministry of Labour, appreciated NRNA Qatar for collaborating with the ministry to organise various community awareness activities. Stating that the Nepali community is an integral component of Qatar’s development and progress, al-Khalaf assured that the ministry would continue to collaborate and support community awareness and welfare activities. Nepal embassy Charge d’Affaires Lakshuman Khanal commended the community welfare activities of NRNA with the support from various sections of the Nepali community in Qatar. He also urged the community members to work for enhanced people-to-people relations while also exploring better economic engagements. They could promote Nepali culture at appropriate platforms, highlight tourism potential of Nepal and explore investment and business opportunities in Nepal in collaboration with businesses in Qatar. Mohamed Muktda Musalman, president of NRNA Qatar, thanked the founders and predecessors of the organisation for passing on the legacy of community identity and welfare activities. He expressed his commitment to move ahead with activities and engagements for promoting community welfare and awareness activities with support from and in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. The event was graced by NRNA International Co-ordination Council (ICC) secretary R K Sharma, adviser T B Karki, founding member Sagar Nepal, honorary council members Sani Kumar Oli and Bimal Subedi, ICC members, National Co-ordination Council (NCC) advisers and Doha-based Head of Nepali Association. The programme was conducted by NCC secretary Padam Giri.

Visiting Sri Lankan Parliament member S M M Muszhaaraff and leaders of Sri Lankan community associations in Qatar met recently. A wide variety of topics were discussed. The legislator lauded the key role played by the community members in strengthening Sri Lanka's economy. Event organiser and social activist Isham Marikar thanked the dignitary and the community representatives.

ACS International School Doha celebrated the power of poetry with its first event held at their recently opened campus and state-of-the-art theatre. Over 30 students from all grade levels prepared for their first live reading in front of teachers and families, in what has become an annual event over the years. Led by Hani AlRefo, head of Arabic and Islamic Studies, these poetry nights encourage students to familiarise themselves with not only poems in their own language, but also poems in different languages that are recited without translation to emphasise how poetry itself is melodic and can be enjoyed much like music. During the evening, there were several discussions about international poetry and its characteristics in different languages, cultures, and how it evolved over time. This included readings from several students in their mother tongues, showcasing the diversity of ACS’ student body of 70 different nationalities. Students were encouraged to either write and recite their own poems, or to share readings by famous poets such as Emily Dickinson, Max Ehrmann, Nizar Qabbani and Mohamed Darwish. In addition to the poetry reading, students were asked to draw a picture that uniquely summarises the meaning of Emily Dickinson’s poem, Hope. “The study of poetry and language provides students with an excellent opportunity to further develop and perfect their skills in reading, comprehension, and public speaking. It forms the essential pillars of the IB Learner profiles to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective, which is what ACS Doha strives to develop in each of our students” stated AlRefo.

China honoured the embassy of Qatar for its activities and efforts in the field of charity, in the attendance of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Ambassador of Qatar to China Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Duhaimi received a souvenir to mark the occasion, in appreciation of Qatar's contribution to the annual charity bazaar 2021, that was held under the supervision of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The charity market was first launched in 2009, supervised by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The proceeds from the event go towards charity in China. The program also help extend cultural bridges between different peoples and countries. The initiatives made by Qatar over the past few years and this year have left a positive impression on the Chinese people and government.

A knock-out cricket tournament organised by the Nasser Al Ali Company, featuring four teams, at Industrial area on the occasion of Qatar National day. Sanaiya camp 23 team won the match receiving cash prize, trophy, gift for each player and certificate of appreciation. Other teams were Camp 43, Abu Nakhla team and office staff of Nasser Al Ali company. Enamul was the man of the match, Mikail the Best Bowler and MD Ripon the best batsman. A knock-out cricket tournament, featuring four teams, was organised by the Nasser Al Ali Company at Industrial Area on the occasion of Qatar National day. Sanaiya camp 23 team won the match and received a cash prize, trophy, gift for each player and certificate of appreciation. Other teams were Camp 43, Abu Nakhla team and office staff of Nasser Al Ali company. Enamul was the man of the match, Mikail the Best Bowler and M D Ripon the best batsman.    

To celebrate the Qatar National Day (QND), a Brighto Paints Cricket Festival was organized with a match involving Unique Trading Company and the Redco Group.    The two teams arrived at the ground with the aim of celebrating QND with a well-attended cricket match.    Redco Group scored 127 runs in their allotted 15 overs. The winning target was achieved by Unique Trading Company in the 14th over at the Industrial Area Cricket Ground.    A large number of Pakistani community members turned up to watch the match.    Imran Rafique, General Manager of Unique Trading Company, welcomed Chief Guest of the ceremony Mohammad Rasheed Khan, Genral Manager of REDCO Group, Abdul Ahad Khan Senior Sales Manager, and Mazhar Awan Sales Manager.   Abdul Rahman Muhammad M A AL Muftah the honorable Chairman of Unique Trading Company lauded the efforts of his management for the arrangements and appreciated the participation of the Redco Group and same time promised his continues support for such celebrations for the state of  Qatar.   The cricket festival was hosted by Unique Trading Company.     During the prize distribution ceremony, Rasheed Khan said: "We feel proud to be part of the Qatar National Day celebrations. We thank Brighto Paints for their assistance in hosting this match. We will continue this activity on the Qatar National Sports Day in February. Both the teams are already looking forward to playing the match in two months' time."    A lavish spread was arranged for players, officials and the attendees of the match.      

Indian community organised a condolence meeting recently to pay tributes to the chief of defence staff of India, General Bipin Rawat, his wife, Madhulika Rawat and 11 other armed forces personnel who lost their lives in a helicopter crash at Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. The meeting was held at Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) with the participation of several Indian community leaders, officials of apex bodies under the Indian embassy as well as several community members. A view of the attendees at the event Indian Army Col D Purushothaman Pillay (Retd) of Army Ordnance Corps briefed about the career and family details of General Rawat, and his contribution to the armed forces at the event. All who gathered observed silence to pray for the departed souls and in support of their families. Indian ambassador, Dr Deepak Mittal shared about his association and interactions with General Rawat. On behalf of the Indian community, Indian Sports Centre president, Dr Mohan Thomas, ICC president P N Baburajan, and Indian Community Benevolent Forum vice-president Vinod Nair spoke on the occasion. ICC cultural secretary Shweta Kosthy anchored the event.

Mastering the art of Arabic calligraphy can be a challenge even for native speakers, who venerate the art form for its ability to convey meaning while avoiding figurative imagery. Sargis Simonyan, a non-Arabic speaker and first year student at QF partner Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) took on that challenge, and won second place at the 2nd Annual Education City Arabic Calligraphy Competition. Hosted by Student Housing and Residence Life, the QF Alumni Office, and the Minaretein Center in celebration of Qatar National Day and World Arabic Language Day, this year’s competition invited all Education City students and alumni to showcase their creative talents in Arabic calligraphy. “It was such a surprise and honour for me to have my work appreciated that much alongside the other amazing pieces,” said Sargis, an emerging artist who has worked with a variety of mediums and artforms. But his winning entry was the first work of calligraphic art he had ever created, in any language. The challenge was to submit an original work of calligraphy in any Arabic font displaying the Qur'anic verse which translates to: “And whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity.” Six finalists were selected from the submitted entries, who were then asked to recreate their submissions in a live-streamed event held in the Minaretein Building in Education City before the winners were announced. Sargis was introduced to the Arabic language with his enrollment in GU-Q’s First Year Intensive Modern Standard Arabic class taught by Dr. Hana Zabarah, where students begin with learning and pronouncing the alphabet. “A month into the semester, and we were already reading and writing in Arabic,” said Sargis. “Professor Zabarah is not only a terrific professional but she also absolutely loves teaching Arabic, which unintentionally awakens the hidden language enthusiast in each and every student she works with; and I am not an exception.” Dr. Zabarah praised his win, saying: “Students at this stage do not usually compete in calligraphy contests, so this is a really significant achievement.” His professor also shared that Sargis showed an early aptitude for the Arabic alphabet, submitting his first assignments with calligraphic flourish. When he learned about the competition, he was able to build on the foundation of those early efforts, turning the curved lettering he had practiced in the classroom into the beautiful symmetrical shape that defines Islamic calligraphic art. “I was happy to see that he found a creative outlet for his talent and that he continued his calligraphy elsewhere,” said his professor. His innovative and winning design combines a universal message of peace with a classic design motif from his own cultural heritage. “The calligraphy contest allowed me to unwind, innovate, and to satisfy my artistic interests after a long creative break.” It also allowed him to discover a completely new branch of visual arts. “I am definitely more ambitious about calligraphy, and looking forward to learning about it and creating more in this field.

The embassy of Nepal, in collaboration with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Qatar, recently organised an awareness programme on the grace period announced by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) for correcting the legal status of expatriates who have violated Law No 21 of 2015 of Qatar. The main purpose of the programme was to spread awareness among the Nepali community members about the opportunity of correcting the legal status within the grace period announced by the MoI. The programme was hosted at the embassy in a virtual format while around 30 representatives of the Nepali community in Qatar were physically present, in line with the Covid-19 preventive protocols. The programme was broadcast live on the Facebook pages of the embassy and NRNA, so that the message could reach a larger section of the community. Chairman of NRNA Qatar Mohamed Muktda Musalman made a detailed presentation on the targeted beneficiaries and the procedure for utilising the grace period to correct the legal status, both for repatriation as well as for continued residence in Qatar. Krishna Prasad Khanal, labour counsellor at the embassy, highlighted the importance of utilising the grace period for correcting the legal status within the grace period. Addressing the programme, Charge d’Affaires of the embassy Lakshuman Khanal requested all participants, both virtual and in-person, to transmit the information about the grace period to all relevant members of the Nepali community so that they could utilise this opportunity. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session. During the session, the NRNA chair as well as relevant officials of the embassy responded to queries from participants attending the programme in virtual mode as well as those present in-person regarding the presentation and various matters related to passport and consular service delivery from the embassy.

First term of the school year at Swiss International School Qatar (SISQ) closed with a very special celebration of Qatar National Day (QND), with all Covid-19 protocols in place. The Arabic Department organised activities for the entire school showcasing the most important facts in Qatari life, in the past and present days. The Art Department spearheaded an art competition for the entire school. The Secondary School had a writing and door decorating competitions. The Primary School, through the initiative of PYP librarian Iuliana Ionita, held a Qatar Landmark and Symbol Expo 2021 - a unique way to show love and respect for Qatar. Parents were asked to bring in recycled materials and all classes from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5 used them to build important landmarks or symbols of Qatar. Team work, collaboration, creativity, commitment and independence were demonstrated by all students throughout the process. Al Fanar Tower, The Blue Mosque, Torch Tower, Al Bayt Stadium, Al Zubarah Fort, the Grand Mosque, Souq Waqif and Katara Beach are some of the landmarks that the students and the teachers built. Symbols of Qatar like the camel, the falcon, the date palm, Qatar flag, Qatar Airways aircraft and even an underwater pearl diving scene were also created artistically. All the landmarks and symbols are displayed in the school ground and parents are able to come and check and even bid. The highest bidder will be asked to donate the amount to QAWS.    

On the occasion of International Volunteers' Day, youth forum Focus Qatar honoured leading voluntary organisations in the social, cultural, health, education and sports sectors. Indian Community Benevolent Forum president Ziyad Usman inaugurated the event titled 'Inspiring Heroes'. Dr Mohamed Nour, a consultant at the Ministry of Public Health and also the Community Engagement Team Lead, was the chief guest. He said the service work being done by the Indian community for expatriates is highly commendable. It is also noteworthy that during the Covid-19 period, Indian expatriates were more likely to be involved in outstanding charitable activities and service activities for the entire expat community. He added that the service mindset of overcoming the grievances of those in distress was more prevalent among Indians. The ceremony honoured organisations that have led outstanding service activities in Qatar over the past year. Warda Mamukoya (Wa’hab Foundation) for its well-planned activities to save surplus food. Lutfi and Sabith from United Nurses of India, T P Akbar and Mohamed Riyaz (Kerala Pharmacists Forum), Binoy (Indian Physiotherapy Forum), Dr Maktoum Aziz (Indian Doctors' Club), and Sijo Jose and Ijaz (Federation of Indian Nurses Qatar), were honoured on behalf of their respective organisations. Others who were honoured: Suhail, Nishad and Aashiq (Qatar Mallu Volunteers), for their outstanding sports and community service activities, bringing together many volunteers; Mehboob and Khalid (KMCC Al Ehsan Committee for Deceased) for their efforts to repatriate the bodies of those who died in Qatar; RJ Appunni (Radio Suno 91.7) for providing accurate guidance about the Covid-19 pandemic; Muneesh and Mohamed Kunhi (Cultural Forum Qatar) for excellence in organising sports competitions and Zameel Abdul Wahid and C T Siddique Vazhakkad (Chaliyar Doha) for spearheading a number of environmental activities and community services. Focus International Qatar Region CEO Haris P T, COO Amir Shaji, CFO Safirussalam and Focus Ladies deputy director Dr Farija Hussain presented the certificates. Abdul Latif Nallalam, president of Qatar Indian Islahi Center and Focus Qatar founder member Mashhood Thiruthiyad addressed the gathering. The event was chaired by HR manager Faiz Elayotan.    

MES Indian School commemorated the Qatar National Day with a cultural programme and an exhibition titled, ‘My Values Define My Identity’ and featuring Arabic artifacts, models of historical monuments, traditional Qatari ornaments, and weapons among others. Students of Classes of 5 to 8 performed a formation, ‘We Love Qatar’ at the school quadrangle. In the cultural fiesta, students performed traditional dances and presented thematic programmes portraying their love for the host country. All the classrooms were decorated with Qatar flags and balloons.    

Birla Public School celebrated Qatar National Day with a week-long programme highlighting the theme “My Values Determine My Identity.” Islamic elocution for Grades 5 to 8 marked the beginning of the celebration. This was followed by the finals of Qatar history quiz competition of Grade 5. Art activity with the title ‘Tolerance,’ special assemblies showcasing Qatari values, traditions and the upcoming FIFA World Cup and an exhibition of miniature models of the different landmarks by students across the Grades 5 to 9 were among the activities. Dr Al Khayareen Mohamed, director of Zoo Section at Al Khor Park was the chief guest of the closing ceremony. The programme was organised by the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies assisted by the Department of Social Science.    

Birla Public School celebrated its 18th Founders' Day, titled ‘Abhyudhaya’, on a virtual platform recently. The programme was live streamed on YouTube. The first day showcased the talents of Primary school students. School chairman Gope Shahani, directors Dr Mohan Thomas, C V Rappai and Lukose Chacko, management representatives Chindu Rappai Antony, Neville Lukose and school officials, parents, teachers and students participated. Primary II headmistress Anu Thomas welcomed. Academic director-principal Harish Sanduja presented excerpts from the annual report, survey report and the TIMSS result. Shahani expressed his joy in witnessing the constructive progress of the school and appreciated the efforts of the teachers, students and parents. Dr Thomas said “Founders' Day is a remembrance of the past glory and what is in store for future”. He also appreciated the steadfast support received from the patron, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani. Vice-principal academics Edna Fernandes felicitated the toppers of Grade XII from the Science, Commerce and Humanities stream. Vice-principal co-scholastics Rajesh Pillai congratulated and felicitated the teaching and non-teaching staff who completed 15 years of service. Primary I and II students presented a cultural programme. Primary I headmistress Shruti proposed a vote of thanks.  

The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants Doha (PICPA Doha) recently held its 14th anniversary with a gala night under the theme ‘Overcoming the Odds’. PICPA Doha council officers, members, and associates, together with its board of directors, advisers, and guests of honour gathered to celebrate the organisation’s milestone in overcoming odds in its 14-year history. PICPA Doha president Abdul Rahim G Gandamra said PICPA Doha remains committed in strengthening professional development among its members “amidst all the uncertainties.” Philippine Embassy Third Secretary and Vice Consul Monica Remsy S Calangian and Philippine Labour Attaché to Qatar Adam A Musa delivered inspirational messages. Among the highlights of the programme was the recognition and awarding of tokens and certificates for Professional Advancement to PICPA Doha members and associates who recently earned local and international certificates, such as Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Audit (CIA), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), among others. The organisation also recognised the vital contribution of its facilitators to the success of its CMA Coaching Programme. PICPA Doha also featured video greetings from all the successful PICPA Doha Review Scholars who passed the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE) held recently in the Philippines, including a video greeting from PICPA Doha founder and BOD chairman Lyndon M Magsino. The board of judges for the ‘PICPASiklab 2021’ included PICPA Doha BOD adviser Greg D Loayon, Philippine Embassy’s Cultural attaché Jill C Del Rosario-Gardose, Philippine Professional Organisation-Qatar (PPO-Q) chairman Adonis Q Talabo, and Verdecom International Corporation CEO Chester C Mendoza. ‘Group 2’ was declared overall champion bagging the most awards, such as ‘Tiktok Battle Champion’, ‘Best in Attendance’, and ‘Tawag ng Tangahalan Champion’. Clint Daniel S Fadera and Catherine M Deligero were crowned ‘Mr & Ms Q&A’. Other special awards like ‘Male and Female Star of the Night’ went to John Zyriel B Reyes and Katerine Javier, while Alvin R Polido was declared ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan Champion’. The closing remarks by Christian Dave M Barrameda, senior vice president for the current federation year, concluded this year’s anniversary celebrations.      

The Philippine Professional Organisation-Qatar (PPO-Q) has celebrated its first ‘Thanksgiving Night’ to express its appreciation and gratitude to Filipino professional organisations in Qatar for taking part and showing their support to all of its programmes and activities. PPO-Q is the umbrella organisation of various Filipino professional organisations, such as architects, certified public accountants, civil engineers, dentists, electrical engineers, electronics engineers, environmental planners, geodetic engineers, master plumbers, mechanical engineers, nurses, nutritionist/dieticians, optometrists, radiologists, respiratory practitioners, and teachers. Alvin R Polido from the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants Doha (PICPA Doha) and Vesa Lara M Raga from the Philippine Nurses Association in Qatar (PNA-Q) hosted the celebrations. Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners – Qatar (PIEP-Q) president Mary Grace Hermosa-Pineda led the invocation, while PPO-Q secretary Carmelito V Bernadez, Jr from the Institute of Electronics Communications Engineer of the Philippines – Qatar (IECEP-Q) delivered the opening remarks. PPO-Q chairman, engineer Adonis Q Talabo, and Philippine Labour Attaché to Qatar, Adam A Musa, delivered thanksgiving and inspirational messages. Highlights of the event were the recognition of all the committees for their “untiring and invaluable services” offered to the organisation and the recognition of the various Filipino organisations for their unwavering support to all of PPO-Q’s programmes. Additionally, former PPO-Q chairpersons were also honoured with certificates and plaques on the occasion. Dr Noemi Formaran, Association of Filipino Educators Qatar (AFE-Q) president, delivered the closing remarks and congratulated PPO-Q for the success of its programmes and activities, and thanked everyone for their participation. Ends    

Bangiya Parishad Qatar, an Indian socio-cultural organisation, has held a patriotic cultural event titled 'Unsung Heroes of Bengal' as a tribute to all those heroes who have sacrificed their life for the Motherland, in line with 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' in order to celebrate the 75th year of Indian Independence. BPQ also felicitated its ex-presidents to celebrate the organisation's 25th year at the Ashoka Hall, Indian Cultural Centre (ICC). Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal graced the occasion, and the event was also attended by Sachin Dinkar, first secretary, Culture & Education, Indian embassy; Xavier Dhanraj, first secretary, Consular & Community; P N Baburajan, ICC president; Ziad Usman, Indian Community Benevolent Forum president; and other dignitaries. Biswajit Banerji, BPQ president, started the event by felicitating the ambassador. All other dignitaries were also felicitated. Dr Mittal lauded the efforts of BPQ in remembering the great sons of Bengal and India who sacrificed their life for the Motherland.    

Prominent Indian businessman and community leader Bekal Mohamed Salih Haji, of Lexus Tailoring and Stores and Bombay Silk Centre, was feted at a large gathering of top businesspersons at a function recently. The function was attended by Khalifa Sultan Khalifa al-Suwaidi, the patron of Lexus Tailoring and Stores, Ali Misnad al-Mohannadi, patron of Bombay Silk Centre, Nabeel Abdullah al-Khalaf, patron of Dana Centre, and many well-known businesspersons from the Qatari and Indian communities. Salih has completed 50 years of expatriate life in Qatar and his is a real-life story of rags to riches. He landed in Qatar 50 years ago, in December 1971, and strived hard by trying many businesses and finally settled in the fashion industry. More than 1,500 employees are currently working under him. As a successful businessman, Salih has fulfilled his dreams and his business network extends from Japan to the UK and from India to Qatar. The speakers at the function lauded his achievements and noted that his hard work, sincerity and self-confidence made him successful. His successful journey from a small village called Bekal (in India) to Qatar is an inspirational and motivational story for the younger generation, the speakers added. Mohamed Farzad Akkara, director of Lexus Tailoring and Stores, welcomed the gathering. Jafnath Beevi, daughter of Salih Bekal, gave the vote of thanks. The programme was titled 'Full Moon'.    

MES Indian School students Anugrah Krishnaa Sreejith and Sarang Uppamoochikkal won the second position in the Young Innovator Award competition organised recently by the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (Qeeri) under the theme ‘Old Problems, New Solutions: The Next Big Thing for the Energy-Water Environment Nexus’. The Young Innovator Award competition was announced as a part of the International Conference on Sustainable Energy Water and Environment Nexus in Desert Climate. The MES duo won in the senior category (14-17 Years). They were among the top five finalists out of 800 participants from over 300 entries, and significantly, MES is the only Indian school to have won a position in the senior category-II of the competition. Habeeb S Rahman, teacher, Department of Chemistry was the team guide. Principal Hameeda Kadar congratulated the students for their achievement.