Community

Qatari comedian Hamad al-Amari and Doha-based environmentalist Neeshad Shafi were included in this year’s list of ‘Most Creative People in Business’ by Fast Company Middle East. The list recognises and celebrates the accomplishments of business leaders, artists, athletes, scientists, inventors and social impact makers, all of whom have made significant contributions to their respective fields, through their commitment to creativity and innovation. Al-Amari and Shafi were recognised in the ‘For Delighting Us’ and ‘For Saving the Planet’ categories, respectively.

Qatar Indian Islahi Centre (QIIC), established in 1980, released Legacy, a pictorial memoir of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Representing the winner Argentina, ambassador Guillermo Nicolas, unwrapped a replica of the magazine at a ceremony in Doha. In his address, the envoy spoke about football as a game uniting nations and lauded Indians for their love for the sport and also for their support for the Argentine team. Abdulla Yusuf al-Mulla, director of 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports Museum released the web version of the book which showcases in 160 pages the golden moments of the tournament.Legacy executive editor Fyzal Karattiyattil welcomed the gathering. Chairman Hussain Mohammed U presided. Chief editor Raees Ahammed gave a briefing about the magazine. Presidents of Indian Sports Centre, Indian Cultural Centre, and Indian Community Benevolent Forum - E P Abdulrahman, A P Manikantan and Shanavas Bava lauded the QIIC initiative.The guests were presented with QIIC mementos by president Akbar Qasim, general secretary Muneer Salafi, vice presidents G P Kunhalikutty Ismail Vilyapally, Zubair Wakra, secretaries Salam Cheekunnu, Misbah and engineer Sherif, and Mohamed Ali Ottappalam.The guests were received by QIIC advisory board member Ahmed Pathirippatta, executive member Abdulla Hussain, vice-president Jassim Kunnoth and secretary Mahroof Mattool. The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Fahmy Ahmed, and concluded with a vote of thanks by convener Mohamed Layis. The programme was anchored by Abdullah Hussain U.

The Visual Arts Forum India (Vafi) held their first Art Talks series recently. Environmental artist Swapna Namboothiri shared her journey, as well as her experience and expertise. Vafi president Patric Rozario had invited GiftoGraphics to attend the event and present their creations. The Art Talks series is designed to provide a platform for artists to share their journeys, insights and experiences with other members of the visual arts community. More information on Vafi is available from https://www.facebook.com/vafiqatar, https://instagram.com/visual_arts_forum_india

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, Bazm-Urdu-Qatar (BUQ) organised a launch ceremony of Doha-based poetess Samreen Nadeem Samar's collection of ghazals, 'Khusboo-e-Khayal' and a poetry symposium at Bait Al-Sulaiti auditorium.The event was attended by a large number of poetry and art enthusiasts. BUQ president Mohamed Rafiq Shad Akolvi presided. Noted poet and writer Dr Aftab Muztar, who came from Pakistan, was the chief guest. The author and BUQ's patron Abdul Rahman Nadeem were the guests of honour. BUQ general secretary Iftekhar Raghib and chairman Dr Faisal Hanif, represented the literary organisation on the stage.The programme started with a Holy Qur'an recitation by Mohamed Rafiq Shad Akolvi. BUQ patron and the event's chief organiser Dr Khalil Ullah Shibli, conducted the book-launching segment. Anwar Ali Rana, Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, Iftekhar Raghib, Dr Hanif, Dr Aftab Mutzar, and Akolvi spoke about Samreen's poems. Dr Shibli conducted an interview with Samreen, who subsequently rendered a few ghazals from the book.BUQ and Pakistan Cultural Forum Qatar (PCFQ) presented shields to guests Dr Muztar, Ministry of Culture's Cultural Affairs Section head Maryam al-Ali, cultural affairs specialist Nezha Slaoui, Pakistan embassy first secretary Amna Javed, community welfare attache Waheedullah Wazir, and Samreen.Dr Hanif, also president of Ghazrgah-e-Khayal Forum, conducted the poetry symposium (mushaira). Besides Mohamed Rafiq Shad Akolvi, Dr Aftab Muztar and Samreen Nadeem Samar, Ateeq Anzar, Aslam Sani, Iftekhar Raghib, Muzaffar Nayab, Dr Wasi Bastavi, Jamshed Ansari, Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, Anwar Ali Rana, Inam Azmi, Shahzeb Shahab, Shabbar Ali and Mohamed Talal Fazil presented their poems.The poets and other participants were presented with certificates of recognition. This segment was conducted by Riyaz Bakali, a prominent Pakistani businessman and community representative, along with Dr Shibli.Finally, the PCFQ curated a music session, composed and led by Tanweer Awan with ghazals of Samreen and Dr Muztar rendered by local singers.The BUQ and PCFQ acknowledged the continued support of culture adviser Jamal Fayez al-Saeed and the Department of Culture and Arts director Maryam Yassin al-Hammadi, in facilitating literary, arts, and cultural events in Qatar, by awarding them the shields of appreciation. Maryam al-Ali received their mementos.

Around 117 individuals donated blood at a drive organised by Indian socio-cultural organisation Qatar Tamizhar Sangam (QTS), in association with Hamad Medical Corporation's Blood Donor Center. All donors were presented with a certificate of appreciation. QTS thanked the doctors, nurses and support staff of the Blood Donor Center.

Internationally acclaimed motivational speaker and Kannada litterateur Prof Shri Krishna Byre Gowda was recently felicitated by the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) in Doha.He was in Qatar to attend the annual event 'Vasantotsava – 2023' organised by Karnataka Sangha Qatar. The felicitation was attended by ICC president A P Manikantan and other officials Subramanya Hebbagelu, Mohan, Jaffar Khan, Suma Mahesh, Arshad Ali and Gargzben Vaidhya.

Cabinet members, forum conveners and executive council members of the World Malayalee Council Qatar for the 2023-2025 period were elected at its general council meeting based on the directions of the regional nomination and election commissioner, Middle East.The cabinet members are V S Narayanan (chairman), Suresh Kariyad (president), Kajal Moosa (general secretary), John Gilbert (treasurer), Jeby K John (vice-chairman, Sports), Sidheek Purayil (vice-chairman, Arts & Culture), D P Pillay (vice-chairman, Projects), Vidya Ranjith (vice-president, Organisation), Sam Kuruvula (vice-president, Membership), Varghese Varghese (vice-president, Admin), Binu Pillai (joint treasurer), Liji (joint secretary) and Senith Keloth (joint secretary).The forum conveners are Abdul Rouf Kondotty (NRE), Cherishma (Media), Ranjith (Youth Excellence & Empowerment), Mini Rajeev (Education), Vinod (Art, Culture & Literature) and Riyazbabu (Sports).The executive council members are Abraham Joseph, Joseph Varghese, T P Abidu, Suresh Kumar Nandini, Anvar Babu, T V Sakheer, Abdul Gafoor, Abdul Ghafoor Chirakkuzhi, Mansoor Ali Ahammed, Shamsudheen Ismail, Harikumar, Fayazul Rehman and Joy Paul.The swearing-in ceremony will take place during the 13th Biennial Global Conference of the World Malayalee Council from July 7-9 in New Delhi, India.

Kerala Women’s Initiative Qatar (KWIQ) together with Lechus Beauty and Spa, hosted KWIQ Henna Night - Season 5 on April 20, the eve of Eid al-Fitr, to mark the beginning of Eid festivities in Qatar. The event was held inside the majlis of Lechus Beauty and Spa. The theme for the event was 'Arabian Nights,' with the whole majlis decorated and highlighting the essence of Arabic culture by Parampara Art Studio. Live Arabic music and songs added to the ambience. The highlight of the event was that most of the hostesses and some guests turned up dressed in a variety of Arabian attires. A photo booth was set up for the visitors to take selfies and capture the moment. Around 12 henna artists applied beautiful back-to-back henna designs to the numerous women who came to the celebration, including some Arab nationals. Face painting for kids and complimentary offers from Lechus Beauty and Spa for women, to keep them entertained while waiting were also arranged. “As event hosts, we are happy to have had an overwhelming crowd who came in to apply henna and enjoy the vibe of a pre-Eid set-up, by dancing and singing to live music and songs at the venue. The event was scheduled to end at 10pm. However, due to the unprecedented crowd, we extended the timings further into the night with the support of Lakshmi, the owner of Lechus Beauty and Spa," said Zareena Ahad, KWIQ president.

Telangana Gulf Samithi's (TGS) Telangana Premier League Season 8 cricket tournament concluded at the APL grounds during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.In the grand finale, team Veera Telangana beat QNTO to win the title.The prize distribution ceremony was held at Al Thumama. Saigiri Vamsi, general secretary of TGS, said the tournament was supported by APL; Mahender, TGS sport in-charge; Sanju Thomas, TGS PRO; TGS MC team members and others.The presentation ceremony was graced by chief guest Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) president Shanavas Bava, community Leader K Prasad, ICBF vice-president Deepak Shetty, Indian Sports Centre committee member C Deepak, Telugu Kala Samithi elected president D Harish Reddy, ICBF committee member Shankar Goud and Telugu Sports Association vice-president Syed Rafiq.TGS is an ICBF-affiliated organisation under the aegis of the Indian embassy in Qatar. TGS works mainly for the welfare of blue-collar workers.The annual cricket event is conducted with the specific objective of providing blue-collar workers with some quality and refreshing time away from their routine hard work. In a statement, TGS has thanked all sponsors, volunteers and community leaders for their support in making the Telangana Premier League Season 8 a success.

To spread the message of kindness, peace and harmony, Bihar Social Forum-Qatar (BSF) celebrated Eid al-Fitr with fervour in Doha on April 23.Attended by a number of BSF members, their families and friends, the event was filled with entertainment activities, games for children, men and women, along with a buffet dinner.Speaking on the occasion, BSF Qatar founder Irfan Ansari said: “Eid is a great occasion to spread the message of love, peace and harmony among our community members. We organised a number of recreational activities for kids, women and men to celebrate the occasion.”Eid gifts were distributed among the children.On the occasion, the BSF management committee members also felicitated Al Jazeera documentary filmmaker Gautam Singh, who is a distinguished member of the BSF family, for winning the coveted gold award at the prestigious New York Festivals TV & Film Awards for his film, ‘Chasing Bollywood Dreams’.Hailing Singh as one of the most creative filmmakers from Bihar and Jharkhand, BSF-Qatar president Satyendra Pathak said: “It is a matter of great pride that a BSF member has won such a prestigious award. He has made the entire Bihar and Jharkhand community proud with his achievements. We wish him all the best for winning many more laurels in the times to come.”“We thank you all for joining us to celebrate the occasion,” he added.

Indonesian Embassy in collaboration with the Indonesian Muslim Society in Qatar held an Eid prayer and family gathering at the Tareq Bin Ziyad Secondary School for Boys Friday. The activity was attended by thousands of Indonesian citizens from various areas.

Indian Women’s Association under the aegis of Indian Cultural Centre organised an Iftaar meet. This was the first event of 2023 by the newly-elected committee with Priya Bhedi as president. The guests of honour were Dr Nazima bi Shaikh, Padma Oruganti and RJ Priyanka Sharma. Dr Nazima spoke on the essence of the holy month of Ramadan. There was a lantern making and decorating competition.

During the holy month of Ramadan, the Bosnian community in Qatar came together to provide Iftar meals to over 1,200 workers in Abū Nakhlah area, as a demonstration of brotherhood and humanity. The event was made possible through a generous contribution from Bosnian residents in Qatar and in collaboration with Wa’hab, a local company that aims to reduce food wastage. Vahid Suljic, the project manager of the Bosnian community, highlighted the significance of volunteering and communal good: “There are a million reasons why we should help one another. It’s beyond amazing when people from all different walks of life come together for a noble cause.” The Bosnian community takes pride in its efforts to deliver the greater good to society, and the holy month of Ramadan is a unique opportunity to demonstrate the importance of charity work and its benefits to the community. Seid Halilcevic, a member of the Bosnian community, emphasised the importance of involving children in such activities to teach them the value of communal good and the belief in things larger than themselves, an essential trait in today’s world. "Ramadan is a month of blessings from Allah. We want to share the blessings we have received from our Lord with our brothers who are in need," said Halilcevic. Suljic stressed the importance of serving not only during Ramadan but throughout the year. "If we all pitch in, we’d be able to help more deserving families. Hopefully, we will remember those people in our prayers and do our best to assist them not only during Ramadan but all year."

Indian Club Toastmasters celebrated its 450th milestone meeting with Iftar and dinner. District 116 director Rajesh V C, programme quality director Ravishankar J, club growth director Sabeena M K, past director Thayalan Kailayapillai, Division B director Chandrasekar Dudhe and founder president H P S Bhullar were present. The meeting was kick-started by sergeant at arms Syed Javeed. President Rajmohan Karthikeyan opened the meeting with his address. Toastmaster of the day Alar Mel Mangai conducted the meeting with the theme 'Style'. General evaluation session was conducted by Anita Samanta.

Qatar Ministry of Interior's Community Policing Department officials Lt Col Rashid Mubarak al-Khayarin (head, Awareness Section) and Dr K M Bahauddeen (community co-ordinator) visited the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and met with the newly elected president and executive committee members.Lt Col al-Khayarin extended Ramadan greetings and appreciated the constant support and co-operation from the Indian community. He also assured the Police Department's support for the community events.

The Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), with support from Desert Line Group organised a mass Iftar meet at the Labour Camp in Industrial Area Street 48 for around 2,000 individuals. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Indian embassy first secretary and ICBF co-ordinating officer Suman Sonkar. ICBF president Shanavas Bava presided. Desert Line Group managing director and ICBF advisory council member Arunkumar spoke. ICBF vice president Deepak Shetty welcomed the gathering and general secretary Varkey Boban proposed a vote of thanks.

Qatar Ministry of Interior's Community Policing Department officials Lt. Col Rashid Mubarak al-Khayarin (head, Awareness Section) and Dr K M Bahauddeen (community co-ordinator) visited the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and met with the newly elected president and executive committee members. Lt Col al-Khayarin extended Ramadan greetings and appreciated the constant support and co-operation from the Indian community. He also assured the Police Department's support for the community events.

A 11-year-old Indian child prodigy, Sayed Abdul Khader, topped the Filipino Chess Players League (FCPL) Qatar Ramadan Rapid Chess tournament held at Uno Café on April 15.Khader bested 55 participants with a perfect score of 7/7. Other winners are: 2nd placer Aldrin Troy Tenorio (Philippines), 3rd placer Ryan Mendoza (Philippines), 4th placer Balanandan Ayappan (India), and 5th placer Florian De Joya (Philippines) with each receiving trophies and cash prizes respectively.Special trophies were awarded to top performers in each category: Best U8 – Srujan Reddy (India), Best U10 – Sri Ram Karthik (India), Best U12- Albin Sajan (India), Best U14- Taksh Sharma (India).A certificate was given to the youngest participant, five-year-old Nithyasri Sakthivel (India).The event was spearheaded by FCPL Qatar adviser John Orven Tia, president Elmer Espiritu, and tournament director Rolenson Loyola, who plan to hold more events.

The Qatar KMCC Nadapuram Mandal Committee organised a mega Iftar meet that was attended by thousands of Kerala expatriates from Nadapuram and surrounding areas as well as prominent personalities from various walks of life.As part of the event, a free medical checkup was organised in partnership with Reyada Medical Centre.The Iftar meet, chaired by C K Ubaid, was inaugurated by KMCC state president S A M Basheer.Kozhikode District Muslim League treasurer Soupy Narikatteri was the chief guest.The event also featured a felicitation ceremony for individuals selected to serve on the Indian embassy's apex body and KMCC Al Ihsan Mayyith Paripalana Committee, which supports with paperwork clearance, repatriation of bodies, and performing final rites for burials in Qatar.Prizes were awarded to the winner of the Sneha Suraksha Yojana project, Ajmal P P, as well as to the best-performing panchayat committee.P V Muhammad Maulavi led the prayer. Latheef V P welcomed the gathering and Saifuddin Kavilumpara proposed a vote of thanks.

More than 500 Sri Lankan families attended the first Garangao cultural event hosted by the Sri Lankan Women’s Association of Qatar (SLWAQ) in collaboration with Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha.The festival featured a number of entertainment activities, including arts and crafts, storytelling, games, folk songs and puppet shows for children along with the traditional Garangao gifts and sweets distribution Association president Ishani Sandanayake stated that one of the objectives of the occasion was to introduce Qatari culture to the expats.