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The Malayali Organisation of Qatar Volunteers (MOQV) recently organised a free medical consultation camp. The occasion also featured a blood donation drive attended by more than 100 donors. MOQV director Mohamed Yasir presided. Qatar's volleyball team setter Khalid Shamiyeh inaugurated. Mohamed Shanavas, Riyas Khan, Anwar Hussain, Noorjahan Faisal, Aprana Reneesh, Aboobacker Thiruthiyad and Rubinas Kottedath were present.

Ibn Ajayan Projects Real Estate Company organised, in partnership with the Indian Sports Centre (ISC), National Sport Day activities at Asian Town, under the supervision of the Indian embassy. Ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal, representatives of Ibn Ajayan Projects and ISC were present. Athletic events, including kabaddi, gatka, and silambam competitions, as well as cricket were part of the schedule. The winners received prizes and certificates of appreciation. The activities attracted participants of all ages, genders and nationalities. A blood donation drive was also held on the occasion in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation.

Sri Lankan community in Qatar celebrated the 75th Sri Lankan Independence Day recently with the support of many organisations. A Walking Football Tournament was led by Sri Lankan ambassador Mafaz Mohideen together with International Walking Football Federation president Farhan al-Sayed, and LuLu Group Qatar's regional operations manager Simon Alexander along with community activist and Clean Nation Movement leader Isham Marikar.

Poets and writers from various countries enthralled a Doha audience at a two-day Urdu literary festival and awards ceremony organised by Bazm-e-Sadaf International (BSI).The first day featured an international seminar and panel discussion on the topic "Urdu literature: A messenger across the global culture".The event started with a welcome speech by BSI president Dr Nadeem Jilani. In his inaugural speech, chairman Shahabuddin Ahmad announced the names of the awardees. He explained how BSI is bringing together Urdu writers from all over the world through such events and is also recognising writers who have made significant contributions.Ahmad appreciated the contributions of all members of the Doha chapter, especially Mohamed Sabahuddin, Mohamed Irfanullah, Rafat Jahan and Imran Asad. Chief patron Hassan Chougule presided over the award ceremony.BSI director Prof Safdar Imam Quadri, who travelled from India for the event, in his keynote address outlined how the Urdu language evolved through the amalgamation of cultures and its literature enriching the world's civilisation.All international guests were felicitated with shawls and mementos. The BSI award was presented to the renowned poet from Canada, Prof Shahida Hassan. The BSI new generation award was given to academic and poet from Pakistan, Dr Ambareen Salahuddin. A well-known poet from Abu Dhabi, Zahoorul Islam Javed was presented with the BSI Sabih Bukhari award for the Urdu Movement for 2022, for his service towards the promotion of the Urdu language and literature in the UAE. Dr Mohamed Gauhar (Chief Editor, Taasir Urdu daily), a guest of honour, was also felicitated by BSI.Panelists who took part in the interactive discussion included Dr Shakil Ur Rahman, Prof Shahida Hassan, Dr Amatul Mannan Tahir, Dr Ambareen Salahuddin, Masood Hassas, Hassan Kazmi, Khalid Irfan, Ahmad Ashfaq and Professor Safdar Imam Quadri.The international poetry symposium (Mushaera), featuring renowned poets from abroad and Doha, was presided over by Prof Shahida Hassan and conducted by Ahmad Ashfaque. The other participants included Raquim Azmi, Wasiul Haq Wasi, Maqsood Anwar Maqsood, Dr Nadeem Jilani Danish, Ateeq Anzar (Qatar), Shadab Azmi, Hassan Kazmi, Prof Safdar Imam Quadri, Azm Shakiri (India), Masood Hassas (Kuwait), Khalid Irfan (US), Ali Zariyoun, Ambareen Salahuddin (Pakistan) and Zahoorul Islam Javed (UAE).The programme was well attended. The audience included dignitaries and heads of many literary and social organisations. BSI patron Prof Sophia Bukhari, Azim Abbas, Abdul Haque and Prof Syed Jawaid Zaidi were among those present. Dr Jilani proposed a vote of thanks.

Bangiya Parishad Qatar (BPQ), a socio-cultural organisation associated with the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) under the aegis of the Indian embassy, representing the Bengali-speaking Indian diaspora residing in Qatar, celebrated the inaugural event of the new management committee (2023-24) at ICC's Ashoka Hall in Abu Hamour recently.Along with the members, the programme was attended by dignitaries such as the ICC president and past presidents of BPQ.The event, named 'Sheeter Haat' - or winter fair - was held on the dual occasions of Makar Sankranti and Basant Panchami and was celebrated with lots of fun and fervour.A number of events were organised for children, such as group song, a sit-and-draw competition, etc. Winners of the art competition were given attractive prizes. Members of the Bengali community came forward to put up stalls of delicious homemade sweets, attractive sarees and jewellery.The programe was conceptualised on the theme of 'Go Green'. Locally produced plants were gifted to members, conveying the message that it is important to protect plants.Special paintings known as 'Poto chitra', traditionally done by the indigenous tribal communities of West Bengal, and wonderfully crafted paintings made of organic colour were also displayed.Saumya Sikdar, president of the management committee of BPQ, expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to all the dignitaries and members for making the event successful.

Maharashtra Mandal Qatar (MMQ) elected its new management committee for 2023-24 at the 27th annual general meeting recently. The new office-bearers are Rakesh Panditrao Wagh (president), Rachana Ravikant Chaudhari (vice president), Parag Sureshrao Sonawane (general secretary), Manish Shantilal Shah (treasurer), Ajay Suryakant Dhole (joint secretary) and Siddhesh Shivshankar Zade, Nilesh Ulhas Vaidya, Amruta Sunit Patil, Vidya Vinod Mogare, Manasi (Gayatri) Harish Modak, Anilkumar Dadaso Kadam (committee members). The following consultants, auditors, and mentors were also appointed: Sachin Patwardhan (auditor), Sanjay Patil (chief advisor), Neelambari Savardekar, Sachin Kinhikar, Deepak Zagade, Nandkumar Khilari (advisors), Chirag Doshi, Rajesh Kale (mentors).

Under the aegis and initiative of the Indian embassy in Qatar, Birla Public School celebrated Vishwa Hindi Diwas over two days recently. Competitions such as slogan writing and recitation were held and various cultural programmes presented by students. Academic director - principal Harish Sanduja and vice-principal co-scholastics Rajesh Pillai thanked the audience and congratulated the participants. Pillai motivated the students on the importance of learning languages and the cultural benefits of knowing Hindi.

FENDI and Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro have partnered in the name of shared values, through the realisation of a major exhibition dedicated to Arnaldo Pomodoro entitled Arnaldo Pomodoro. Il Grande Teatro delle Civiltà (Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Great Theatre of Civilisations), to be hosted from May 12 to October 1 2023 within the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, the Maison's Rome headquarters.The collaboration between FENDI and the Foundation is an example of a strategic partnership in which the mission and vision of both parties find common expression in the celebration of art as a tool capable of uniting respect for historical heritage, attention to the diffusion and dissemination of artistic languages, and the search for new forms of collaboration in terms of sustainability and innovation.The paths of FENDI and the Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro crossed in 2013, when the house set up its headquarter in Milan in a space at 35 Via Solari, the Fondazione's former exhibition space. The space houses the environmental work Ingresso nel labirinto (Entrance to the Labyrinth), one of the most important and representative works of Arnaldo Pomodoro's artistic career, which the Fondazione has always been able to exhibit and make accessible to the public thanks to the collaboration with FENDI.Exhibition Info:FENDI - Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana - Quadrato della Concordia, 3 00144 Rome12th May to 1st October 2023From Monday to Sunday, 10am to 8 pm (closed 15 August)Free Admission

Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar (BUQ), described as the oldest Urdu literary organisation in Qatar (established in 1959), recently organised a mushaira and a launch ceremony for the Urdu prose book 'Dastaan dar Dastaan' by Mohamed Sulaiman Dehlvi.The author, a pioneer of grand international mushairas in Qatar, has been a resident since 1975, a statement said. He founded the Indo-Qatar Urdu Markaz in 1986, which initiated a series of international poetry symposiums in Qatar. He also organised six grand mushairas. The noted literary personalities of the sub-continent who were invited to Qatar by Dehlvi included Hafeez Meerthi, Kaleem Ajiz, Tabish Dehlvi, Majroh Sultanpuri, Ali Sardar Jafri, Shamsur Rehman Farooqi, Saeed Shuhaidi, Akhtar ul Eman, Jagannath Azad, Malikzada Manzoor, Raza Ali Abidi, Hilal Siharvi, Hemayat Ali Shayer, Waali Aasi, Munnwar Rana, Kaifi Azmi, Intizar Naeem, Ghulam Rabbani Taban, Kanwar Mahinder Singh Bedi Sahar, Gulzar Dehlvi, Tabish Mehdi, Waseem Barelvi and Sudarshan Fakhir among many others.The programme was presided over by Dr Faisal Hanif, chairman of BUQ and president of Ghazrgah-e-Khayal Forum. Visiting Indian writer and scholar Maulana Dr Sirajuddin Nadvi and Waseem Ahmed, a key member of Bazm were chief guests. Dehlvi was the guest of honour. The evening was hosted by the BUQ president Mohamed Rafique Shad Akolvi.The programme began with the recitation of verses from Holy Qur'an by Aslam Aziz Nadvi. BUQ general secretary Iftekhar Raghib welcomed the gathering. In the book launching segment, Waseem Ahmed and Akolvi presented their essays highlighting the various characteristics of Dehlvi's work and personality in addition to his literary services.Dr Hanif presented an elegant humorous character sketch which immensely delighted the audience. This sketch is also included in the book. Poets Muzaffar Nayab and Iftekhar Raghib presented their poems offering tributes to Dehlvi, who has also made significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of Urdu literature and culture in Qatar. He instituted the annual inter-school Urdu debates in 1988 among students studying Urdu. With his efforts, the examination centre of Jamia Urdu Aligarh in Qatar was also established in 1990. He established the first Urdu library in Qatar, "Indo Qatar Urdu Library" in 1993 and the books were donated to Qatar National Library in 2019. He issued the first international Urdu literary award "Hazrat Amir Khusro" from Qatar in 1994.'Dastaan dar Dastaan' is a compilation of various essays Dehlvi has written about the culture and traditions of old Delhi and its people. The book is a tribute to the city that he has called home for many years. In the second segment of the programme, the mushaira, local poets including Shad Akolvi, Iftekhar Raghib, Muzaffar Nayab, Qaiser Masood, Wasi Bastwi, Raza Hussain Raza, Inam Azmi, Bijnath Sharma Minto, and Mubasir Iman presented poems.In the end, Dehlvi narrated some interesting incidents from his book and thanked BUQ for organising the event. Akolvi proposed a vote of thanks. The event was attended by a diverse audience of literary enthusiasts.Besides the distinguished guests and poets on the stage, the other attendees included Urdu enthusiasts Feroz Khan, Shamsuddin Rahimi, Ashraf Siddiqui, Asif Hussain, Afroz Dawar, Hamid Ali, Mohamed Ghiyasuddin, Sajjad Alam, Mohamed Danish, Sohail Ahmed Wafa, Siraj Alam, Sultan Ahmed, Dr Ayaz Ahmed, Dr Rizwan, Dr Faisal Nazir, Hasan Badr, Irshad, Mukhtar Ahmed and Kazem Faisal Hanif.

As part of the Qatar National Sport Day (QNSD) celebrations, Indian expatriate organisation Malarwadi has formed an organising committee to host programmes for differently-abled children.The committee members are: Abdul Jaleel M M (general convener), Sajid M C, Usman, Shabana Shafi (conveners), Shahida M, Sherin Shabeer, Salil Mohan, Rahna Mohamed Rafi, Sabina Usman, Shabina Shajid, Sanila Sharafuddeen, Yunus Salim, Siddique Vengara, Mohamed Rafiq, Sartaj, Fahad E K, Sajir, Sajida Ajmal and Anwar (co-ordinators).Malarwadi’s Rayyan Zone is providing an opportunity for the differently-abled and their parents to come together, share happiness, and to showcase their talents and skills on QNSD, on February 14 at Loydence Academy, Aziziya.Officials of Malarwadi said the programme aims to give hope in life to differently-abled Qatar residents (from all nationalities) up to the age of 25 ,with appropriate exhibitions, games and competitions.There will be a special session for parents.Those interested to participate can register on the following link: https://forms.gle/tcTaP6jbaE8PKUDYA. More information can be had from 55442789 or 66470400.

Youth Forum Qatar has launched the Care Toastmasters Club. President Shabir Hameed, Toastmasters district leaders, Division G director Salman Hilmi, and Area 28 director Habeeb K were among those present.Sergeant-at-arms Safeer Akram started the meeting. In his opening address, Habeeb explained about Toastmasters as an organisation and shared his experience on how it helped to build and reinforce public speaking skills in scores of people.Manzoor Moideen, immediate past district director of District 116, Qatar, was the Toastmaster Of The Day. The first speaker, Ajmal Khalid, delivered his ice-breaker speech titled ‘My Journey to Toastmaster’ and shared his experience on how perseverance can find victory.The second speaker, Shabir Hameed, delivered a humorous speech titled ‘True Love’. The table topics master Alarmel Mangai conducted an impromptu speech session. Mou Bera conducted the general evaluation session and gave feedback. She was aided by Luthfi Kakkar and Sampath S.Hilmi conducted the induction ceremony of the newly appointed executive committee members: President - Shabir Hameed; vice presidents - Sanood Abdu (education), Ajmal Khalid (membership), Mohamed Ishaque (public relations); secretary - Najeeb Thari; treasurer - Shanavas; sergeant-at-arms - Safeer Akram.Aslam Eratupetta, vice president, Youth Forum Qatar and Adil CMA, Youth Forum Care director offered felicitations.

Indian expatriate organisation Telangana Welfare Association - Qatar, in association with Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Blood Unit, completed their third mega blood donation campaign successfully with 102 confirmed donors.Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) president Vinod V Nair was the chief guest and ICBF general secretary Sabith Sahir, Mohamed Kunhi (CFQ), Zakir (Fly Now Travels) and TWA Toastmasters Club president Mohamed Sharif were special guests.The donors were presented with appreciation certificates and lunch boxes (in addition to the snacks from HMC), with the help of sponsors Fly Now Travels and Konaseema Hyderabad Restaurant.TWA president Khaja Nizamuddin thanked official radio partner FM 106.3 Radio Olive. TWA officials including Gulam Rasool, Naveed Dastagir, Mohamed Abdul Rauf, Mohamed Shoeb, Nagaraju, Ramesh Pitla, Mohamed Salauddin, Mohamed Taha, Swaraj Kumar, Ramesh Netaji, Krishna P, Iqbal Ahmad, Talha, Jabbar, Amer, Nadeem, Waseem, Azmath, Azeem, Mustaq and Owaiz and TWA Toastmasters Club members Asif Dadwad, Firoz Pasha, Mir Yawar Ali, Gulam Ghouse and Prudhvi Karumuri were actively involved in supporting the campaign.

Qatar-based delegates had a successful participation in the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), held in the city of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, from January 8 to 10. In a statement, the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) said the journey of the 17th PBD began on October 13 with a live telecast of the website's inauguration and declaration of the timeline by India External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.The PBD was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an emphasis on the role of youth and Indians living abroad "in the inclusive growth of India and the Indian diaspora across the globe". The presentation of the PBD awards for 2023 and speech of Indian President Droupadi Murmu at the valedictory session was well-received, the statement noted.The ICC lauded the Madhya Pradesh chief minister for managing the arrangements, making each delegate feel special, as well as his speeches. The plenary sessions on various subjects were well-attended by delegates. The cultural shows and presentations across Indore highlighted Indian traditions and values.From the Qatar-based delegates' point of view, the "success story looks simple - involving three months of preparation, 300 registrations (including withdrawals) and three days of celebrations". The statement also stressed hard work put in by volunteers, advisers and supporters behind the scenes."On behalf of the ICC and all apex body presidents, the management and co-ordination committees, our sincere thanks to Dr Deepak Mittal, Indian ambassador, for the guidance and encouragement to the team. Special thanks to Xavier Dhanaraj, first secretary at the Indian embassy and co-ordinating officer, ICC, for the support extended on a daily basis to move forward in the planning," the statement said.The ICC thanked all PBD delegates from Qatar, comprising past PBD awardees, senior community leaders, heads of associated organisations and Indian community members, especially Indore residents based in Qatar, who came together to represent Qatar in large numbers. The Qatar delegation was the third largest among the 70-odd contingents of non-resident Indians participating in the event.

Cultural Forum's Kollam district committee organised a quiz competition based on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Teams from different districts of Kerala participated in juniors, seniors and family categories. The winners were: Mohamed Rashid and Mohamed Sarfeed team (senior), Adil Mansoor and Abdullah team (junior) and Abdul Aziz and family (family). Cultural Forum state president Muneesh A C inaugurated the programme. State vice presidents Chandramohan, Sajna Zaki, Kollam district general secretary Nijam, vice president Mansoor and other officials distributed the prizes. Lijin, Sunil Krishna, Nissar Anchal, Sajeer Kottaram, Najim Hafeez Karunagappally, Irshad and Sabir Anchal controlled the programme.

Indian expatriate organisation Cultural Forum (CF) organised Qatar National Day celebrations and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 CF Volunteer Meet at the Sustainability Zone of Kahramaa Awareness Park (KAP), Al Thumama. CF president A C Muneesh inaugurated the function. Vice presidents Mohamed Kunhi, Shanawaz Khalid, Sajna Zaki, general secretaries Majeed Ali, Tahzeen Amin and others spoke. More than 100 CF members served as volunteers in various categories during the World Cup. CF had organised a year-long Sports Carnival to connect expatriates with the World Cup excitement. The organisation also co-operated in the Sustainability Zone at KAP during the World Cup.

The Malaysian Association of Qatar (MAQ) has appreciated the efforts of the community members who served as volunteers during the World Cup. "We are sure they had a good time and experience during this significant event," MAQ president Maizatul Lina bt Mustapa said, while mentioning the children who were player escorts. "Our heartiest congratulations to Qatar for successfully organising the prestigious event," she added.

Central Indian Association Qatar group organised a seasonal celebration featuring entertainment, games, fun and frolic.Games for children, cultural programmes and performances by Doha Music Lovers group singers were among the highlights.Addressing the gathering, the association's vice president Syed Rafi elaborated on its uniqueness. "We have members not only from various parts of India but also from Philippines, Malaysia and Europe," he said.President Jai Prakash Singh welcomed the gathering and thanked the committee members for making the event a grand success. High-octane dance performances by Chudamani group and Visalakshi group and a song by Reena Danao from Philippines attracted a resounding applause.Goody bags were distributed to the children, who also enjoyed spot games. Mohinder Jalandhary and Visalakshi hosted the event. Vandana Raj introduced the new guests and participants. The other committee members present were Ashok Raj, Jogesh Dewan, Vipin, Aslam Khan and Junaid Shaikh. From Doha Music Lovers Group, singers Jaweed Bajwa, Mohinder Jalandhary, Sara Ali Khan, Madhu Vanteru and Basit Pathan performed.

Officers of Kulinarya Qatar, a Filipino movement promoting culture and trade in Doha in co-operation with SM Development Corporation (SMDC), Philippines, recently conducted an outreach programme at Migrant Workers and other Overseas Filipinos Resource Centre of the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO). Kulinarya chairperson Dahlia Agbanlog led the gift giving of winter clothes and childcare supplies. The programme concluded with a simple traditional dinner organised by Kulinarya’s exhibitions manager Annebelle Mudin. Assisting Kulinarya were SMDC volunteers Bobby Libor and Maria Cristina Rivera while POLO staff Merith Germo and Wheng Salumbre were also present. Kulinarya programmes director Joseph Timothy Rivera said they are looking forward to provide more assistance to the shelter from time to time.

The Indonesian embassy held an appreciation night at the ambassador's residence for community members who volunteered for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Ambassador Ridwan Hassan expressed his appreciation for the Indonesian volunteers at the World Cup. "They are actually the ambassadors of Indonesia who stood face- to-face with fans from all over the world,” he said.One of the volunteers, Ahmad Syarnubi Fatah, said he was proud to be part of the World Cup. "Even though I had to travel for about 2.5 hours everyday, I enjoyed the volunteering programme". At least 90 Indonesian citizens participated as volunteers in the mega sporting event. Most of them were Qatar residents, while others came directly from Indonesia or other countries.During the tournament, they played various role such as assisting media team and helping fans with disabilities. In addition to volunteers, there were also young Indonesian diaspora who participated in many World Cup activities. "There were dozens of Indonesian children who were involved as ball crews, flag bearers or escort players at the World Cup,” said Ali Murtado, head of Social and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian embassy. Apart from the volunteers, the embassy also honoured Indonesian Cultural groups and individuals who actively promoted Indonesian culture during the World Cup.

Bihar Social Forum (BSF), an organisation of Indian expatriates, held its annual meet and greet programme and introduced the new management committee for 2023.BSF is an associate organisation of the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) under the aegis of the Embassy of India. ICBF president Vinod Nair and general secretary Sabith Sahir were the chief guests.Speaking on occasion, BSF founder Irfan Ansari introduced Satyendra Pathak, a senior journalist with Qatar Tribune, as the president of the new management committee.Apart from Ansari and Pathak, the other members of the committee are Imam Hussain, Sadab Hussain, Aftab Alam Siddique, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Dilnawaz Ali, Parwez Ali Saifi, Saddam Ansari, Mohammad Musharraf Khan, Mohammad Azharuddin, Arvind Yadav, Mazrul Haque, Mohammad Azmayeen, Zulfikar Ali, Rizwan Ahmad, Dharmendra Kumar and Mohammad Jishan Ali.Addressing BSF members on the occasion, Pathak said, “Our prime and foremost priority will always remain to help and support Bihar community members, especially the large number of workers engaged with various development projects in Qatar. Besides, we will also aim to reach out to families from Bihar so that they have a platform to celebrate their art, culture, festivals, and traditional functions together.”A number of entertainment activities such as dance, drama, singing by kids, and games for ladies and gents were also organised on the occasion.